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PERFORMANCE
but I quite like running” Jo Waters, 47, from Beckenham, Kent, is eight weeks into her training for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 5K in Battersea Park. This moth she updates us on her progress…
“I’m loathe to admit it
Last month Fiona Bugler got Jo started on her training schedule, and next month Jo will let us know how the race went. Fiona says: “I’m really impressed with the way Jo’s stuck at it”. Find out more at
www.sherunsshewrites.com
“ I’m not going to lie and say I’m
super-fit and ready for the race yet, but I’m definitely getting there – admittedly from a very low starting point. “I’ve always said I’m not a natural born
runner (no technique, a bit wheezy and carrying too much weight) and claimed I couldn’t fit running into my busy lifestyle. I’ve never enjoyed it either. Running Free editor Fiona Bugler convinced me this was due to lack of fitness and that once I started getting fitter I’d enjoy it more – and she’s right. I’m loathe to admit it but I actually quite like running now, even though I’m convinced I still look like a lemon when I’m pounding the streets.
Making time in the morning “Since I started training this year I’ve been genuinely surprised how easily I could fit in an early morning run – no faffing with gym kit, just put on your trainers and go. Previously, I’d always said I was too busy waiting for important work calls to venture out of my home office during the day, but I’ve realised 10 to 15 minutes are neither here nor there and all help boost fitness and concentration too. The endorphin-rush I get afterwards helps me clear my emails and get stuck into my tasks for the day. “My training coincided with spring
and warmer weather which has definitely helped; I’m not sure I would have been so enthusiastic if it had been pouring with rain every day. When the tree pollen count hit the high notes in early April I was wheezy with hayfever,
24 ■ RUNNING FREE but anti-histamines soon sorted that out.
Running for longer “My runs have gradually got further and I can keep going for longer now – 15 minutes without stopping, whereas a few weeks ago I could barely make it to the end of the road without puffing. My breathing has improved, too. “Although I’m the personality type
who likes instant-results I can see that gradually, day by day – albeit slowly – my fitness is improving. I’m already visualisng myself running the race with ease, although not actually doing it yet. “I’ve downloaded The Workout Mix 5k & 10 Playlist (£5.99, Universal Music on itunes) running CD to my iPod and that has definitely helped spur me on.
Treadmill triumph “My biggest breakthrough this month came with treadmill training at the gym. Although I’d previously achieved reasonable fitness levels on a cross trainer and a rowing machine, I’ve realised that the treadmill is key to boosting cardio fitness for running. Now I’ve got the hang of it, I’m gradually building up my speed and now spend 20 minutes to half an hour on one at least twice a week. “I have to walk my Wheaten Terrier
Poppy daily, usually for 45 minutes to an hour, so now I’m trying to jog-and-walk for part of it – she loves it as she’s an incredibly fast runner, but she usually leaves me some way behind. “I’m aware that this isn’t enough –
Easter/Royal Wedding/Bank Holidays and the chocolate eggs, BBQs and parties that have accompanied them have put me slightly off track this week, but I’m aiming to get back out there tomorrow (honest Fiona!). “I’m a journalist and always put on a last minute spurt to meet a deadline and now the clock is ticking for my fitness, so with just four weeks left before the race I know I’ve got to commit and knuckle down to some hard training. “The annoying thing is my three daughters Holly, 14, Annie, 11 and Phoebe, 10, who’ll be running the race with me, have done absolutely no training and will probably still beat me. But then, you never know – this year I might just surprise them.
” h
Multi sport events for women
A new series of women only duathlons, aquathons and trail
runs is being launched in 2011, the Sheactive Every Woman’s Series. Developed to encourage women of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels to experience participating in fitness events, the Sheactive Every Woman’s Series presents the perfect motivation to get fit and have fun in a supportive, non- intimidating, all-female environment. Vist www. everywomansseries.
co.uk for more.
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