My New Beginning

And so my next round of goals begins again, but this time with a different focus. I am passionate about my running and have competed in athletics for 14 years since i was 7. I have moved from sprints and hurdles to 800 and 1500m runs and have gradually started longer distances. Being winter and not the athletics track season most of us move to cross country and longer distances. After a hectic semester of university and college duties i would say i was forced to withdraw from my running (but never exercise in general!) only realise that it is my running and my goals which keep me going. Exercise and fitness is my second life with medicine, the two go hand in hand with determining health. I can channel any and every emotion into exercise, it is my release, my meditation, my support, my passion and my freedom. So no matter how busy i become, i will always incorporate my training as my fitness is a large determinant of my health and well being both physically and mentally which cannot be replaced.

Now i have a new incentive and added focus to increase my fitness and potential - strength! I will strive to build my muscle mass especially in my upper body with my small frame -155cm tall and 53kg in weight.

Today was my first day back from a family holiday in Kalbarri and marks the beginning of working towards my next set of goals - to break 50 minutes in the 12km Perth city to surf fun run in August, and to increase my upper bodt muscle mass and tone up my lower body. I must be careful as i still have a bruised and swollen ankle which i rolled 2 weeks ago and having not run for the 2 weeks need to build both my running and weights up slowly.

I am keeping myself going with inspirational sayings, quotes or songs i find for inspiration when needed. But to start off with my song/theme will be 'Release me' - a song by Agnes Carlsson

So today i trialled:

Am:

* 25 minutes on the cross trainer - average 30km/hr on level 13 (550 calories and 12km) there were 8 sets of 10-15sec sprints per minute in there at the end.

* 40kg weights machine - 3x15 chest presses, 3x15 back pulls and 4x10 knee extensions

* 10 minutes on a rower machine - level 2 at 28 rows per minute

* 5 minutes cross trainer cool down

Pm:

* 1 hour 15min flat walk

Meals:

Breakfast - museli and honey with english tea

Morning - chai latte and shared chocolate cake (my '20' for the day)

lunch - small quinoa, tuna and salad mix

Afternoon - apple + orange

Dinner - Spaghetti bolognaise and natural yoghurt with 1/3 scoop 'define' protein powder

Supper - green tea and 1 piece dark chocolate

The meals were quite standard for me, although i do not go out for morning tea every day. I'll see how i am feeling tomorrow, if there is no soreness or stiffness..... i will 'release myself' more and up the sessions until i feel it enough to need a rest day!! No pain no gain :)