It's amazing what you can do if you're motivated

[Flyingred]

I haven't posted for a few weeks because I haven't done anything particularly remarkable. I've just kept to my cold weather routine of three 5k runs per week, through wind, rain and snow.

I did muse while out running through the snow on Wednesday on how when at school I celebrated games and PE being cancelled due to the snow yet there I was in my running kit cheerily doing my 5k as usual. A good pair of Aldi cycling gloves keeping my hands warm. In my teens, I really wasn't motivated by the thought of running at all yet here I am in my 60s venturing out in all weathers, doing my three runs per week and no excuses.

It's been too cold recently for me to stay out more than 30 minutes, so I've dropped my weekly 10k runs although I plan to resume when the weather warms up, which should be just weeks away now, with any luck.

It's 7 months since I started out with C25k. I've lost 13.5kg and suits I bought in the late 90s fit again. It's a just pity they're way out of fashion! My weight loss is due to a radical change in what I eat. I'm pretty much plant-based now and once I found some recipes that tasted good I really haven't missed meat at all. The game changer has been herbs, spices and sauces – miso in particular. I'm also eating as much beetroot and rocket as I can because they are high in nitric oxide which is proven to increase V02max. And my resting blood pressure is down to 'normal' – yay!

The big inspiration was 'Born to Run' by Christopher McDougall and my curiosity just led me on from there. I strongly recommend 'Statin Nation' by Dr Malcolm Kendrick if you want to read some common sense about health and well-being backed up with sound science.

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Great you are sticking to 3 runs a week.

Well done.

Interesting re rocket and beetroot, I didn't know that.

Weight loss is fabulous too.

Happy running

[Flyingred Graduate10 in reply to Deals1]

Thank you. I've found the running has given me a structure and direction for my 'get fitter' project. By sticking to the three runs each week it actually helps stick to my healthy eating regime too.

[Deals1 Graduate10 in reply to Flyingred]

Yeah I think that too... If I've exerised then I think I don't want to spoil it by eating rubbish! But then sometimes I think...mmmm... I've deserved this ! And eat naughty stuff

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

I really enjoyed Born to Run - currently reading another by Macdougall - Natural Born Heroes. Not so focussed on running, but a fascinating read about the resistance fighters on Crete during the Nazi occupation.

Running in winter is pretty challenging, so massive well done on getting out there come rain or snow! Sounds like running has been a real game changer for you - well done on your weight loss too! I eat a mostly plant based diet too, with a bit of fish thrown in now and then. Anything I can do to support my running, I give it a whirl. 😁

Sadie-runs x

[Flyingred Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thank you Sadie. For me, running is symbolic of my commitment to myself to take responsibility for my health and wellbeing. Work commitments permitting, I go out every other morning and do my 5k. I couldn't do Friday so I slipped to Saturday but that's still three runs this week. I feel better for running and that helps me to be disciplined about what I eat. Part of my thinking is to push on to run long distances so the diet part fits naturally. Yes, Born to Run was a game-changer for me!

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Well done on keeping up

Your 3 runs a week Flyingred. Getting 30 minutes is better than nothing.

Well done on your weight loss too. My niece’s boyfriend is a vegan runner and wins parkrun most weeks and does duathlon at GB standard so it hasn’t done him any harm.

[Flyingred Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thank you, Dexy. One of the runners featured in Born to Run is Scott Jurek, who is vegan. I read his autobiography, 'Eat and Run', which inspired me further. Sometimes life presents these apparently chance and random signposts which are too powerful to ignore!