Fitness Diaries #1

I have recently, from no where, had a massive urge to get fit and healthy. I admit, I'm not overweight or in need of getting in shape as I have the figure of a stick, which some people would die for, however I'm super jealous of all those women out their with curves, but I am extremely unhealthy, my diet is crap and before now I've never exercised in my life. I've decided to make the change, from couch potato to exercise queen! Yet it might be sometime before I can class myself as any kind of pro. 

Many people look to the gym to improve their health and fitness, however the gym is just not for me. I hate how people can watch me exercise and how I could be stuck in a room sweating and looking absolutely minging with people who I could potentially bump into again. On that note actually, why is it every other girl looks hot when working out except me? I get tangled greasie hair with a droopy ponytail a bright red face, and probably a fair few unwanted sweat patches in places where sweat patches just shouldn't belong. So yeah, the gym just isn't my cup of tea. Instead I've turned to running. 

I've been running for about 3 weeks now, and trying to run around 3-4 times a week, which is quite easy at the moment as I'm on holiday from university and I've not yet started back on placement. When I am back on placement I'm not quite sure yet how I'm going to fit running into my life, maybe when I find a way I'll write a blog post on it! So watch this space!

Although I have only been running a few weeks I am already starting to see an improvement. At first I couldn't quite grasp the technique of breathing, I know that sounds daft because breathing is usually something we do without thinking but whilst running your body requires so much more oxygen it's important to have control over your breathing. Concentrating on breathing properly also helps me to continue running when all I want to do is give up, maybe I'll write a future blog post soon on my tips and tricks and what I find helpful! 

I'm also finding I can run a lot longer without becoming as out of breath, and my legs are begining to feel a lot less weak than what they used to feel after a run. I've not as yet set myself any goals as in races to take part in or distances to aim for, however I do have small running goals including sticking with it, I'm hopeless at committing to a hobby, but running is one I really enjoy so hopefully this one will be different. A second mini goal includes being able to run around the whole of the park I have been going to in one go without stopping. So far I can get half way round before needing a break, so I'll definitely keep you updated on how that goal is going. 

I'm quite pleased at how my fitness has already begun to improve and how much I'm enjoying getting out in the early morning sun for a run! I am also happy I have found a form of exercise that I enjoy and how proud I feel after completing a distance further than last time. I believe there's a form of exercise out their for everyone, and would love to hear from other new runners, or even those who have been running a long time. Leave me a comment on what you find helpful whilst running and what you find most difficult. 

Much love, El x