Week 3 – Getting harder now!Posted by Zyle on June 4, 2010
Last nights run was a bit more tough going – now we’re on two repeats of: (run 90 secs, walk 90 secs, run 3 minutes, walk 3 minutes). 3 minutes is the longest I’ve run non stop in one go in quite some years so I’m pleased with the progress. There’s absolutely no way in hell I’d have managed this 3 weeks ago! It was a glorious evening too, 23 degrees sunny. 
Week 2 BeginsPosted by Zyle on May 27, 2010
The swim at the weekend absolutely killed me for my third run – I took an extra rest day after the swim and my legs felt fine when pottering around, but when I went to run my calf muscles were already aching by the second interval. I was a bit gutted as I didn’t manage to run as fast as the previous time, but I kept it slow and steady and managed to get through it somehow without walking any of the run sections. By the warm down though my calves were really hurting so I’ve decided to stick strictly to the running program until my leg muscles are much stronger, then maybe I can throw some swims in to the mix again.
Two days later and I start week 2 – this time it’s 6 repeats of (90 secs run / 2 mins walk) with 5 mins walk at each end again. I was a bit concerned before I started given the aches last time, and was considering repeating week 1, but eventually I decided to plow on to week 2. I went a good 200m further than I’ve been before with that extra minute of running which felt like something of an accomplishment. I know for a fact I wouldn’t have been able to complete this run when I started so it’s clearly working. I was absolutely knackered by the end but recovered fairly quickly.
I weighed myself this morning and my plateau has been dented; I’m down to 129lbs (9 stone 3). Progress! 10 to go… now it REALLY gets hard.
Run 2 and a splish spashPosted by Zyle on May 23, 2010
This post is more of a journal to myself, to keep track of where I’m at!
Well I went for the second Week 1 run yesterday and must say I found it easier than the first time. This time I went in a straight line down Water End after a warmup round the block and got as far as the hedge at the weird little junction on interval 4. Took just more than the 5 cooldown mins to get back to the house – maybe 5.30. Let’s see if I can beat that next time.
It’s a ridiculous 30 degrees here today soI was far too hot to run – plus it’s meant to be an off-day – but I felt like some exercise so I went for a swim. 50 lengths in 35 mins; 1.25 km. Probably would have been faster had there not been hoardes of youths in the fitness lanes. And if my goggles would stop leaking…
In search of health and fitnessPosted by Zyle on May 20, 2010
A few weeks ago I decided to do something about my weight and fitness levels, instead of just whinging about it whilst I shoved more pizza and Dr Pepper down my throat. My starting weight was 142lbs and my goal was 119lbs. Since I started reading and learning, I’ve adjusted my goal to 17% bodyfat, or, very scientifically, “slim and muscular enough to be able to see my abs”.
Attic24 Style Crocheted Cushion CoverPosted by Zyle on March 5, 2010
Our sofa has been lacking cushions for over 3 years now, and I thought instead of buying some, I could take the Attic24 approach and crochet some bright covers! I read Lucy’s tutorial a while ago about backing cushions with a jumper and as I rather unfortunately semi-felted an old pink cardigan in the wash recently, I decided to give it a go with that.
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Sorbet Bag Completed!Posted by Zyle on February 8, 2010
I was introduced to the fabulous blog of Lucy at Attic24 when one of the ladies on the Phoenix Knitting Forum made Lucy’s gorgeous bag last year. I immediately fell in love, and had to have one of my own. Problem was, I couldn’t crochet. Not a single stitch. But after weeks of failed attempts and extreme persistence, Lucy’s wonderfully clear instructions finally meant I had my own version! I was in love, it was the Best Bag Ever. (more…)
Thai Red Chicken CurryPosted by Zyle on January 30, 2010
This is one of my favourite easy recipes because it’s also really quick and mess free which, on weeknights is an absolute blessing! It’s also a great way to use up any left over vegetables; pretty much anything works in place of the frozen vegetable mix. I just like to keep a bag in the freezer for the sheer convenience, plus it is significantly cheaper than fresh vegetables! It keeps brilliantly for lunch the next day, and warms up nicely in the microwave.
Ingredients (Serves two to three)
Quick and Easy Chocolate Chip CookiesPosted by Zyle on
Here is my favourite recipe for chocolate chip cookies. It only takes a few minutes from start to finish, and the use of a cup as a measuring device instead of weighing makes it incredibly simple.
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1 large egg,beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
You can substitute the all purpose flour for self raising flour and omit the baking soda, it works just as well. I really enjoy this recipe with half white chocotale and half milk chocolate. You can also throw some nuts or dried fruit in, whatever takes your fancy. Just keep it to one cup full and it should work out great!
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