Another very interested reader here, really impressed with how you're trying to turn your life around. You've done incredibly well, keep up the good work. Posted by splashies
+1 defo under repping your progress i think,
-improved/improving diet/health/fitness
-being productive with volunteer work
Setting achievable goals is a good idea i think as it gives you a sense of purpose + achievement when you get there, problem most people have is is slumping if they fail/struggle, they convince themselves it was an awful idea/aimed too high/ feel even worse about themselves, whereas it's really just part of the reason it feels so good when you actually complete something however long it takes.
If your looking for a decent book check out the sickening mind by paul martin it's a book i had to read during my degree, i'm not much of a reader but that had me hooked straight away and it really opened my eyes to a different way of viewing physical and mental illness.
In Response to Re: "Sit & DOHHHHHHH Diary" : It can definitely be done, but you'll need to get in at least three runs per week through that time to make it. I started with a base of fitness in my legs due to walking roughly 8 miles per day in my job, plus the coast walking on top. The toughest part is going from being a non-runner to being able to run 3 miles non-stop. Just focus on that for now. If you make it that far you'll definitely be able to run a half-marathon as long as you don't get bad-beat by injury or illness. Increasing from 3 to 13 is less difficult than going from 0 to 3. Treadmills are a useful tool, great in bad weather for example, but notorious for being the most boring way to run. It's a different, slightly easier type of running too. Before participating in a road race you should do most of your training on the road. If possible enter a small local event before the big one, rather than dive straight in the deep end. It'll give you a good feel for how it all works. Park runs (Google is your friend, 'parkrun') are an excellent introduction, highly recommended, very popular with people new to running. Hopefully there'll be one every Saturday morning somewhere near you. If not a local 10K (6 miles) race is a good stepping stone. Good luck. Posted by GaryQQQ
This is my focus at the moment Gary.
I heard about an NHS initiative that tries to guide people through the process of going from 0 to being able to run 5km within 8 weeks.
It reccommends (as you say) running under their intstuction 3 times a week at gradually increasing intensities and in the end we can run 5km (just over 3 miles) without stopping.
It's hard to explain to people just how little I did during my 5/6 year life downswing.
I literally never moved more than going up and down the stairs.
The most intense exercise I did during that period was unloading 8 crates of strongbow out of the baskets into my shed when the tesco man delivered them. It'd often take me an hour of lying down afterwards for my heart rate to return to normal.
I was starting from absolute zero in terms of exercise.
I remember my first walk outside around 9.5 months ago, I tried to walk 100 yards alongside a quiet river bank and had to sit down on a bench half way through it as I was sweating, my heart was thumping and I felt sick.
Probably alot to do with anxiety but also exposes my horrific fitness levels.
It's taken 9 months for me to basically learn to walk again.
Now walking, especially late at night is one of my favourite hobbies
I often read your diary jj, I skim through the poker stuff and focus on the real life bits, I read it this morning as I am going through a hard time at present and it helped me so thank you. Posted by tomgoodun
A mate of mine read this thread once when someone said similar, and pointed out that it's a really big deal when something as simple as my online forum thread can help someone in whatever way in their own life. With advice or morale or whatever it may be.
It really hit home, and makes me feel v good when I read these sorts of comments now.
Thanks for posting, I hope you can keep battling away and in turn continue to inspire many others around you
In Response to Re: : Fish fingers are amazing (particularly with mash & peas) but in this case I was joking - please see the link I provided Anyway. Just order a Dominos Meat Feast. DOHHHHHHM won't wanna read this. Soz mate. Posted by NoseyBonk
You know I read somewhere there is 'only' 2,000 calories in a dominoes pizza.
If I just eat 1 of those a day and nothing else, I'll still lose 2 lbs a week.
If I fail wi the peas and carrots diet it's good to know I have a plan B.
I watched a programme on ch 4 or 5 a while back where nutritionists put a load of fatties on different diets to see which one was most effective.
1 chap was told to not change the type of food he ate at all, he could eat as much fast food and takeaway as he liked as long as he didnt go over 1.8k calories per day.
He lost more weight than all the other 'guinea pigs'.
#samplesize
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Thanks to everyone else who has commented, I don't have time to reply to all, it's Saturday, the bookies are expecting me anytime to make my weekly donations. I'm late.
And apologies for not replying sooner, I went for a game of snooker on Thursday and may have had a few alcoholic beverages for the first time this year.
I guess if I want to avoid turning into 1 of those diaries that only reports the wins and ignores the bricks I have to mention that.
6 pints of carling extra cold!
189 calories in each!
Takes my alcohol consumption over the last 10.5 months to...
11 pints & 2 bottles of bud at snooker.
1 pint randomly in a pub.
3 cans of lager at home on Xmas day.
meh.
Laying in bed yesterday slightly hungover and extremely tired was enough to make me not want to do it again.
Total waste of a day, it's just not worth it.
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Ty Geldy for the (maybe much needed) injection of realism.
If I had a printer I'd make a copy of that quote and stick it on my treadmill!
I don't so I'll just try and remember it next time I'm feeling lazy
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Betting, poker, and sport on TV for me today. Look a good boxing card on sky tonight.
Then a BIG fitness week starts tomorrow, reaching the middle of the challenge weeks 4 5 and 6 are where I really planned to up the intensity and go hard.
Fwiw I disagree with Geldy. I think aiming to run a half marathon is more than realistic, as long as you are prepared to put the training in. You're not probably not going to finish with a decent time, but there is no reason why you can't complete the run. It will give you a great sense of achievement, so I say go for it!
Been out for a Sunday morning stroll with the pooch earlier.
It took us 2h 15 mins to complete 7.12 miles as of course we have to stop and sniff every 3rd tree trunk and every other puddle so it was a very leisurely pace.
At the end I was very very tired!!!
When I think I have to get to a stage where I can run almost 2x that distance it's very daunting.
I will get there, I'm very confident about that.
But will I get there by September? I'm gonna tryyyyyy
Fwiw I disagree with Geldy. I think aiming to run a half marathon is more than realistic, as long as you are prepared to put the training in. You're not probably not going to finish with a decent time, but there is no reason why you can't complete the run. It will give you a great sense of achievement, so I say go for it! Posted by waller02
You giving out exercise advice is like me giving out nutritional advice.
Once a party poop.r always a party poop.r I'm afraid. (which as you've just been walking the pooch I thought was an apt segway in, although apparently I'm not allowed to say it on the forum).
To try to go from one extreme (never exercised) to another (half marathon) isn't just ambitious it's totally stupid. (GELDY sitting on the fence as usual).
I went from an occasional game of tennis via 3k runs to 5k runs several times a week. Next stop crutches as both my achilles rebelled against it. (And I've run a half marathon before! )
You are doing great. If somehow a half marathon happens then amazing. But to ruin all that great improvement through hairbrained objectives would be so upsetting. So regardless of how much well meaning support you get for it hit that nail on its head. A 10k city run would be an awesome objective in itself, something I've had to give up the idea of ever doing anytime soon, but if you want a stretch objective then go for that, nothing more.
Once a party poop.r always a party poop.r I'm afraid. (which as you've just been walking the pooch I thought was an apt segway in, although apparently I'm not allowed to say it on the forum). To try to go from one extreme (never exercised) to another (half marathon) isn't just ambitious it's totally stupid. (GELDY sitting on the fence as usual). I went from an occasional game of tennis via 3k runs to 5k runs several times a week. Next stop crutches as both my achilles rebelled against it. (And I've run a half marathon before! ) You are doing great. If somehow a half marathon happens then amazing. But to ruin all that great improvement through hairbrained objectives would be so upsetting. So regardless of how much well meaning support you get for it hit that nail on its head. A 10k city run would be an awesome objective in itself, something I've had to give up the idea of ever doing anytime soon, but if you want a stretch objective then go for that, nothing more. Posted by GELDY
But he has 6mnths to train. That is plenty of time. It will be tough but I think to call it "totally stupid" is far from the truth.
A half-marathon in 6 months is definitely a challenging target, but certainly not an 'extreme'. A full marathon for example is a much bigger ask, at least 4x tougher than a half marathon. Using a run-walk strategy is not against the rules, in fact it's recommended for beginners who might struggle to run the whole way. Thousands do it in the Great North Run, many even pretty much walk the whole 13.1 miles. Last year 3,808 finishers took longer than 3 hours, that's 13m 45s per mile pace or slower. It's a fun run, not a serious race. The goal is the make it to the finish and have fun on the way, not break a world record.
Actually getting in the race might be the hardest thing. These big city events are massively over-subscribed, getting a place on the start line can be very difficult. If you don't get in at least you'll have an extra year to prepare, or there are many other similar events to consider.
Once a party poop.r always a party poop.r I'm afraid. (which as you've just been walking the pooch I thought was an apt segway in, although apparently I'm not allowed to say it on the forum). To try to go from one extreme (never exercised) to another (half marathon) isn't just ambitious it's totally stupid. (GELDY sitting on the fence as usual). I went from an occasional game of tennis via 3k runs to 5k runs several times a week. Next stop crutches as both my achilles rebelled against it. (And I've run a half marathon before! ) You are doing great. If somehow a half marathon happens then amazing. But to ruin all that great improvement through hairbrained objectives would be so upsetting. So regardless of how much well meaning support you get for it hit that nail on its head. A 10k city run would be an awesome objective in itself, something I've had to give up the idea of ever doing anytime soon, but if you want a stretch objective then go for that, nothing more. Posted by GELDY
Geldy it's taken almost 11 months to get from the "never exercised" stage to where I am now, from the chest pains, prefuse sweating, heart thumping panic attack after walking 50 yards to being able to walk />7/8 miles and just feel tired the way most normal fat people do.
So going from absolute zero to my goal would be a 16 month process overall.
Fwiw my Dad agrees with you, he says I wont be able to get there within 6 months.
He isn't being nasty or intentionally dissuasive when he says that, just honest. Same as you.
I like the encouragement, informative and supportive posts, they make me believe I can do it.
I also need and appreciate your honesty and sceptacism as it fuels the fire of motivation that i'll need to keep burning bright if I'm to get there
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Gary, I've given up on trying to get into the Great North Run specifically.
I say given up, I haven't even tried.
I'm just going to use that date as my target/deadline to get a half marathon completed somewhere.
As far as I know, there isn't much difference in difficulty of different half marathons? The GNR isn't any more or less difficult than say the hypothetical Great Donny Run? So it really doesn't matter to me which one it is, the important thing is the date, 9/11.
well done with your progress to get here. incredible if you can get to wherever you are going. one thing that you might overlook is your own strength and motivation. this will be your success.
a parallel is giving up smoking. so many are supportive and give great encouragement. however after a few weeks this external support lessens. your habits have changed and the addiction is now controlled yet if you want to continue to become a non-smoker you rely more on your own strengths. this is where i think you are.
i read you as someone with the ability to achieve your goal. good luck man.
They're all exactly the same distance; 13.1 miles. Some courses are hillier than others, obviously the flatter the easier. If you decide to do the New Forest Half I'll happily come along and jog round with you if you think that'll help. I'd be there purely to give you moral support and encouragement, both of us going at your pace 100% of the way, no matter what that may be.
The Cardiff Half is a great event. Second biggest in the UK after the GNR, good crowd support, flat/easy course. It's not until November 2nd though.
Edit; I've just looked at the New Forest Half website. It looks like a fantastic event, multi-terrain through forests and stuff. The time limit is 6 hours, so no pressure there. We could literally crawl around it in 6 hours. It's near where my parents live. I'm thinking of entering it now anyway, whether you do or not.
If you don't "cheat" on the training, you can certainly do a leisurely half-marathon JJ.
Gill, my young lady, had never run or jogged anywhere, ever, until last July. She gradually built up her stamina, did her first ParkRun (5k) in November, another 2 weeks later, then completed "organised" 10k runs in December, January & February. She is now at the stage of tapering off in preparation for her first Half Marathon later this month. In training, she has managed a 13 miles run once a week for a while now. I don't know your age, but I would imagine Gill is a little older than you.
It's NOT about speed. She generally finishes in the last 5% of the field, but in that sense, it's NOT a race.
I have attended every one of those runs as "corner man", & you'd be amazed at the variety of ages, shapes & sizes (& degrees of disability) of those who take part.
Ladies in the 60's or 70's, obese people, non-sighted people, even Mums or Dad pushing a buggy with their child in it.
If you want to do it badly enough, you can.
I have to add, for balance & truthfulness, that she has pulled, strained or torn an abductor muscle in the last week, so the Half Marathon is off. You may encounter a soft tissue pull or strain, too, which messes up the plan, but it won't kill you.
When I was fitter I used to be a member of a local running club and they had a section of the club specifically for staging new overweight members through from the very basics (some couldn't even cover a 100m fast walk when they first joined) through initially to completing one of the local 5k races, then working up to the 5 mile and beyond.
As long as you can commit to a challenging training regime and don't over-reach with the time you hope to complete the course in then the 1/2 marathon is totally doable in the timeline you are working to.
It's not even the case you HAVE to have bashed out a 13 mile training run before hand (although at least 10 would probably be the minimum), the adrenaline rush from being in a big organised event will always help you go a little bit further or a little bit faster than you ordinarily would.
If you are less like me and can do 9am starts on a Saturday, google Parkrun and have a bash at one of the regular 5k fun runs they hold all over the country. As well as a good thing to add towards training for a 1/2, it'll invariably also put your mind at rest to see people of all shapes, sizes and ages from the whippets through to the plodders.
And re: different grade of 1/2s - there are 'easier' 1/2s out there. Do a bit of research before you sign-up. Avoid any with excessive hills. Local to us the runners all hit their PBs on the flat Bath 1/2 and moan about the pain of the more hilly Swindon 1/2.
"GNR would be ideal if I could get in."
I totally read that and was about to get jealous that you were on the verge of blagging tickets to the semi-reformed Guns n Roses shows this year
".....If you are less like me and can do 9am starts on a Saturday, google Parkrun and have a bash at one of the regular 5k fun runs they hold all over the country. As well as a good thing to add towards training for a 1/2, it'll invariably also put your mind at rest to see people of all shapes, sizes and ages from the whippets through to the plodders....."
I cannot recommend these ParkRun's highly enough, they are perfect to get you started, & the atmo at them is just wonderful.
They take place all over the UK (all over the World, in fact), are managed by volunteers, & they give results for everyone.
They're all exactly the same distance; 13.1 miles. Some courses are hillier than others, obviously the flatter the easier. If you decide to do the New Forest Half I'll happily come along and jog round with you if you think that'll help. I'd be there purely to give you moral support and encouragement, both of us going at your pace 100% of the way, no matter what that may be. The Cardiff Half is a great event. Second biggest in the UK after the GNR, good crowd support, flat/easy course. It's not until November 2nd though. Edit; I've just looked at the New Forest Half website. It looks like a fantastic event, multi-terrain through forests and stuff. The time limit is 6 hours, so no pressure there. We could literally crawl around it in 6 hours. It's near where my parents live. I'm thinking of entering it now anyway, whether you do or not. Posted by GaryQQQ
If you decide to do the New Forest Half I'll happily come along and cheer you on :-)
Its on my doorstep so if you need anywhere to crash let me know.
If you don't "cheat" on the training, you can certainly do a leisurely half-marathon JJ. Gill, my young lady, had never run or jogged anywhere, ever, until last July. She gradually built up her stamina, did her first ParkRun (5k) in November, another 2 weeks later, then completed "organised" 10k runs in December, January & February. She is now at the stage of tapering off in preparation for her first Half Marathon later this month. In training, she has managed a 13 miles run once a week for a while now. I don't know your age, but I would imagine Gill is a little older than you. It's NOT about speed. She generally finishes in the last 5% of the field, but in that sense, it's NOT a race. I have attended every one of those runs as "corner man", & you'd be amazed at the variety of ages, shapes & sizes (& degrees of disability) of those who take part. Ladies in the 60's or 70's, obese people, non-sighted people, even Mums or Dad pushing a buggy with their child in it. If you want to do it badly enough, you can. I have to add, for balance & truthfulness, that she has pulled, strained or torn an abductor muscle in the last week, so the Half Marathon is off. You may encounter a soft tissue pull or strain, too, which messes up the plan, but it won't kill you. Posted by Tikay10
If she isn't you are doing superbly well
Although I am getting on abit now haha. 29.
I've never really suffered with strains, tears and niggles etc.
I was very active as a kid from 10 to 19/20, playing cricket, football, rugby and latterly getting into keep fit and weights etc, and the only injury I ever had was a broken bone in my foot which was caused on impact playing football.
Also made the mistake of not wearing a box once and copped an unfortunate blow from a back of a length in ducking seamer.
Not wearing a box and being punished for it is like taking £1.2k to play style after 12 cans and half a bottle of vodka.
The type of mistake you only ever make once!!!!
I am of course older now and nowhere near as fit as I used to be so the niggles are certain to creep in.
They'll have to be really bad to stop me!
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8.5 miles walked today to go with 7 yesterday, and a 30 minute higher intensity treadmill workout inbetween.
I wish I could say I've felt great throughout, but it's been a real struggle, especially this morning. Constantly fighting tiredness before, during and after the exercise.
I wish it would go away.
But alas I'm resigned to it being here to stay.
spierjioerwjvgopj
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Thanks for the continued support and advice.
The Park Run seems a perfect stepping stone once I finish the couch to 5k training.
I'll make it part of my schedule for sure, my uni campus was on Eccy Road, I know that area v well. Sheffield.
Exciting times ahead
Nothing more exciting as the short term tea and hot bath though!
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Oh I doubt anyone cares, but I played some poker today too.
Comments
1 pint randomly in a pub.
3 cans of lager at home on Xmas day.
I don't so I'll just try and remember it next time I'm feeling lazy
Just don't put money on yourself to win the gold medal!
Seriously though, you have made such great progress so far, I'm sure you'll do it
Actually getting in the race might be the hardest thing. These big city events are massively over-subscribed, getting a place on the start line can be very difficult. If you don't get in at least you'll have an extra year to prepare, or there are many other similar events to consider.
Hampshire couldn't be further away though
Gonna be starvingggg for 'lunch' @ Midday.
hey dohhhhhh,
well done with your progress to get here. incredible if you can get to wherever you are going. one thing that you might overlook is your own strength and motivation. this will be your success.
a parallel is giving up smoking. so many are supportive and give great encouragement. however after a few weeks this external support lessens. your habits have changed and the addiction is now controlled yet if you want to continue to become a non-smoker you rely more on your own strengths. this is where i think you are.
i read you as someone with the ability to achieve your goal. good luck man.
The Cardiff Half is a great event. Second biggest in the UK after the GNR, good crowd support, flat/easy course. It's not until November 2nd though.
Edit; I've just looked at the New Forest Half website. It looks like a fantastic event, multi-terrain through forests and stuff. The time limit is 6 hours, so no pressure there. We could literally crawl around it in 6 hours. It's near where my parents live. I'm thinking of entering it now anyway, whether you do or not.
If you don't "cheat" on the training, you can certainly do a leisurely half-marathon JJ.
Gill, my young lady, had never run or jogged anywhere, ever, until last July. She gradually built up her stamina, did her first ParkRun (5k) in November, another 2 weeks later, then completed "organised" 10k runs in December, January & February. She is now at the stage of tapering off in preparation for her first Half Marathon later this month. In training, she has managed a 13 miles run once a week for a while now. I don't know your age, but I would imagine Gill is a little older than you.
It's NOT about speed. She generally finishes in the last 5% of the field, but in that sense, it's NOT a race.
I have attended every one of those runs as "corner man", & you'd be amazed at the variety of ages, shapes & sizes (& degrees of disability) of those who take part.
Ladies in the 60's or 70's, obese people, non-sighted people, even Mums or Dad pushing a buggy with their child in it.
If you want to do it badly enough, you can.
I have to add, for balance & truthfulness, that she has pulled, strained or torn an abductor muscle in the last week, so the Half Marathon is off. You may encounter a soft tissue pull or strain, too, which messes up the plan, but it won't kill you.
I'd echo the text above from Tikay.
When I was fitter I used to be a member of a local running club and they had a section of the club specifically for staging new overweight members through from the very basics (some couldn't even cover a 100m fast walk when they first joined) through initially to completing one of the local 5k races, then working up to the 5 mile and beyond.
As long as you can commit to a challenging training regime and don't over-reach with the time you hope to complete the course in then the 1/2 marathon is totally doable in the timeline you are working to.
It's not even the case you HAVE to have bashed out a 13 mile training run before hand (although at least 10 would probably be the minimum), the adrenaline rush from being in a big organised event will always help you go a little bit further or a little bit faster than you ordinarily would.
If you are less like me and can do 9am starts on a Saturday, google Parkrun and have a bash at one of the regular 5k fun runs they hold all over the country. As well as a good thing to add towards training for a 1/2, it'll invariably also put your mind at rest to see people of all shapes, sizes and ages from the whippets through to the plodders.
And re: different grade of 1/2s - there are 'easier' 1/2s out there. Do a bit of research before you sign-up. Avoid any with excessive hills. Local to us the runners all hit their PBs on the flat Bath 1/2 and moan about the pain of the more hilly Swindon 1/2.
"GNR would be ideal if I could get in."
I totally read that and was about to get jealous that you were on the verge of blagging tickets to the semi-reformed Guns n Roses shows this year
".....If you are less like me and can do 9am starts on a Saturday, google Parkrun and have a bash at one of the regular 5k fun runs they hold all over the country. As well as a good thing to add towards training for a 1/2, it'll invariably also put your mind at rest to see people of all shapes, sizes and ages from the whippets through to the plodders....."
I cannot recommend these ParkRun's highly enough, they are perfect to get you started, & the atmo at them is just wonderful.
They take place all over the UK (all over the World, in fact), are managed by volunteers, & they give results for everyone.
Here you go.....
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/
ParkRun's Yorkshire & Humberside.....
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/events/events/
ParkRun Sheffield Castle
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/sheffieldcastle/
ParkRun Sheffield Hallam
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/sheffieldhallam/
ParkRun Donny
http://www.parkrun.org.uk/doncaster/