W4R2 - Cool Runnings

So from the beginning of this journey, I knew I was going to need to combine exercise with a change in diet as lockdown had gotten me into bad habits, late night snacks and all the usual malarkey.

I've gone back to doing keto (lazy not strict) as I'm a bit of a carb addict and for me, carbs just make me feel sick, sluggish and bloated. I just cant stand the highs and crashes that I ultimately get from that way of eating. I wouldn't be surprised if I have some sort of intolerance aswell because I generally don't feel well after a carb heavy meal. The last 3/4 weeks I've cut right back on them.

However, in complete contradiction to the above, I then met up with some long standing friends last night who had travelled from Plymouth to Cheltenham and of course we had dinner - which was carb loaded. I did go for a 'healthier' option but ultimately, some chips and ice-cream were involved.

When I got home all I could think about was my run this morning and wondering how I was going to feel. I did make sure I was properly hydrated...

This morning arrives and it's nice and fresh outside, my sort of day. Francis has done a runner haha!

Had a black coffee half hour before and some water, prepped the usual, headphones, phone etc and mentally planned my route whilst stretching.

Opted for a mash up today, mix of trail and road. Didn't fancy facing the village people as after last nights dinner I wasn't sure how this run was going to go..

Anyway Sanjeev was yapping away in my ear so off I go..

I live on the outskirts of Prestbury village so I'm lucky to have fields and country lanes all around.

Well you could knock me down with a feather!

This was without a doubt my best run yet and the most comfortable I have felt. What I noticed (and totally loved) was that the first 3 and 5 min intervals were again comfortable and I was wondering if I was going to suffer in the last 5 like I did on Monday. But nope! I felt like Pamela Anderson doing a slow motion Baywatch run down the beach but with my hair stuck to my face with sweat rather than blowing in the cool breeze and the girls were strapped in so no bobbing about.

Honestly, for anyone out there having any doubts about this programme or thinking of chucking in the towel, just don't!!

I have lost 3.5kg since starting this programme but regardless, I am still 3 stone overweight so if I can do it, you can too! All I can think about now is that when I've shed the fat suit I'm wearing, I will literally be flying down the lanes!!!

Overall, this run was slightly slower and slightly less in distance as part of my trail run was on an incline, but ultimately a far better run in terms of how I felt. My breathing was steady and controlled and I could manage that sentence I keep seeing in posts. Totally buzzing right now! :))))

[nowster Graduate]

Struggling to give up the John Candy? 🤣

[Hidden in reply to nowster]

I'm more savoury actually, bread and spuds are my downfall. :))) Chips, mash, roast, rosti, you name it, give me a spud and i'm happy....chip shop chips with salt and vinegar...and then bread, sour dough, French stick, lavash (flat bread) a nice crusty roll with cheese!

[nowster Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Do you have Irish ancestry? 😁

Also:

youtube.com/watch?v=Q9CjDCo...(Not working as expected?)

[Hidden in reply to nowster]

Of course, with a surname like Burke how could I not? I grew up there, hence my fondness for the potato in all its lovely forms!

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Maybe you need to eat more carbs then. Long distance runners do carb load after all. Just don’t eat rubbish.

[carolinestanford Graduate]

Wow! You are aceing this! Well done you 👍

[Hidden in reply to carolinestanford]

Right behind you :))) and thank you x

[Maxi80]

I was very nearly ready to chuck it in this morning, but now I might not. Well done you 👍

[JulesL69 Graduate]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 well done. I’m trying to get rid of some “ lockdown “ rolls of fat... why do they hang around longer than they appear 😂. Sounds like you were well hydrated and mentally prepared which is crucial in completing. I have my final week 4 run tomorrow and am hoping the wind goes !

[Moomin63 Graduate in reply to JulesL69]

I’m also trying to get rid of the dreaded lockdown rolls. They’ve accumulated around my middle and are sooo difficult to shift! I’m trying not to weigh myself anymore after a disappointing episode a few weeks back. I’ve bought the Michael Mosley recipe 800 fast book which is great. Although not strictly following at the mo as I’m away but Am trying to reduce my portion sizes. I found a smaller plate really helps!! Sounds obvious but its revelation for me!!😁

[Blondefox Graduate]

Fantastic to hear it went well. I'm so looking forward to getting started again when the old knees have recovered.

[LottieMW Graduate]

Well done!

I’m eating a lazy LCHF, with an 14-16 hour intermittent fasting window.

I’m on W3 and go out before I eat in the morning. I’m certainly ready to eat when I get home 😂 😂😂

[Hidden in reply to LottieMW]

Hey, I'm doing the same thing. My boss does IF and swears by it. So I'm giving that a go too 😁

I can't eat before a run, I just don't like eating in the mornings but like you, when i get home I have a wicked appetite 😋😋😋

[Moomin63 Graduate]

That’s fabulous well done to you!! You’re flying babe! Well the meal didn’t seem to make the slightest difference 😀👏👏👏

[Hidden in reply to Moomin63]

Right behind you Moomin and the support is appreciated like you can't begin to imagine xx

[chunkypie Graduate]

Crisps are my downfall along with Pork Pies, I thought id chuck that in your pot of foodie abuse 😊 I cant really have a carbs and if i do i look like im carrying triplets so i tend to keep away from them. Although i do always have Porridge (i can tolerate large rolled oats) the day b4 a run and im sure it helps. If you have trouble with carbs have a look at the MODMAP Diet 😊

[CazzaW Graduate]

You’re absolutely nailing this, really well done 👏

I always try and read your posts before I go out, they’re my motivation and inspiration 🏃‍♀️💪

[Sussex13 Graduate]

Sounds like an amazing run you had, I love it when a plan comes together ☺️ Well done and also for weight loss. I’m also trying to lose weight but being on holiday this week has been difficult to keep my will power going!

I hope my run tomorrow feels like yours did!

[VPOLLIE67 Graduate]

Oh my goodness you really are smashing this!!! I’m so happy for you that this run was amazing. Well done.

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

It’s nice when you have a comfortable run, sounds an ideal location where you are. The Pamela Anderson comparison made me laugh, as I could picture you running along in that style with your hair stuck to your face 😂. Weight wise I was 16 stone 8, when I began C25k and I’m 14 stone 12 now so it’s helped me lose weight and tone up. I second your advice to people thinking of giving up....don’t ! The rewards are definitely worth the effort 👍