So this blogpost is completely different from my normal blathering on about food! A couple of weeks ago I got an idea into my head to stop being a slave to the weighing scales and instead to concentrate on living a healthier lifestyle. I have always loved my grub and enjoyed exercise but am the first to admit I liked one a bit too much and the other one not enough!! My husband loves to run and he is like a sleek greyhound whereas I would compare myself to a cuddly Labrador pup but all that is set to change with my new found love of treading the roads of Offaly.
I heard Eamonn Coughlan on Today FM recently and he recommended that when starting to jog to "run as slow as you could for as long as you could" and with this in mind I set off into a new territory for me. The first morning I went out I must admit that I have never been so pleased to see my own front door, I was exhausted and within hours my legs were aching. However after a day of rest I set out again and since then I have never looked back. My alarm goes off at 6:00am and I am out running by 6:15am at least three times per week. It's a great time to think, listen to the birdsong and make plans for the coming day. I have been getting faster each morning and in the space of 4 weeks have knocked an incredible 11 minutes of my initial time. Life is so short and I want to live life to the full for as many years as I can and if this helps I am going to give it my all. For the first time in years I have no idea what I weigh and I don't care. I feel absolutely fantastic and despite being a busy working mum I am rarely tired. I had a few hours to myself on Saturday afternoon and I decided to go for a cycle on my bicycle, the old Paula would most certainly have been sitting in front of the telly chillaxing but I seem to have found a new zest for life! Long may it continue!
If you are considering taking up a new sport or activity I would urge you to just go for it, if you don't enjoy it there is always a different option. I am a scaredy cat when it comes to water but I am determined that 2012 is going to be the year I change that! Maybe I should sign up for a triathlon and then I will have to feel the fear and do it anyway!
Normal business resumes now! Thanks for reading! :-)
I love my family, food and entertaining and want to share some lovely recipes with you and a snippet of my life!
Go Paula go.
ReplyDeleteThanks Colette!!!
DeleteWow, congratulations Paula. I always have a problem with being regular to my sport activities, it goes well for 3 weeks and then I manage only to do it once a week. But I know what you are talking about, moving regularly gives you so much energy. But getting up at 6am it is really something.
ReplyDeleteBut I think that labradors are much cuter than greyhounds! So if you need to be a dog, be a husky ;)
Husky it is so Magda!! Thanks for taking the time to always leave lovely comments on my blog!! xx
DeleteOh Paula, u really are inspirational. Amazing. I would do it if I could. Need to get back to zumba but I've bad feet. Need to get sorted there. Well done x
ReplyDeleteThanks Helena!! Hope I can keep it up now!!! :-)
DeleteCongrats Paula. Very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ellen!! Still can't quite believe I doing it, never pictured myself as a runner!!! xx
DeleteWell done Paula!!! It's great to see someone get a renewed vigour for life!! Also it's better for all of us that you've increased your exercise instead of decreasing your love of food as I LOVE hearing about your cooking!!
ReplyDelete@mgtscott
Aw thanks Margaret that is a lovely comment!!! Love food too much to cut back on the cooking!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteYou have inspired me to start walking again. It's been at the back of my mind for the past few weeks but now myself and Kate (doing her Leaving Cert) have agreed to start walking first thing in the mornings. It leaves you so energised for the day. Thanks Paula!
ReplyDeleteAw Fiona am delighted!! So nice to get out first thing and have exercise done for the day!! Love your relationship with your children, hope my children like me as much when they older!! xx
DeleteGreat going entirely. This fab weather is inspiring. I have toyed with taking up running even Downloaded the couch to 5k app but might try your approach for the summer and see how I go. Love the posts Rosemarie
ReplyDeleteWeather makes it so much easier Rosemarie! You should try it and see how you get on, gets easier each time you go out!
DeleteGood woman, Paula! I meant to tell you, that I went for a 'run' early one morning last week, after reading your tweets. I almost collapsed..no kidding! After reading this I'm going to try again tomorrow :)
ReplyDeleteYay!!! Well done Nessa!!! It's not easy to get going but honestly you will be flying it soon!!! Am delighted to be encouraging ye all!! ;-)
DeletePaula, you're doing a great job! You inspired me to go out for a run last week, I go to the gym all the time but never actually do any running so wanted to see what I could achieve out in the open air. From reading these comments, it seems like you are inspiring a few others too! Well done and keep it up!
ReplyDeleteThanks a mill Adrienne! I bought a new fancy jogging top today so there is no going back at this stage, lol!! :-)
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