Frustrated!!!

I'm so sick of not getting anywhere, especially since the only one to blame is myself!!! Gaaah!!!

I've finally gotten the right shoes in the right size and today I got a runner's set from Craft:

Very nice, and even nicer: the Large was too big so I got to buy a Medium! =)

Very strange, feels like I'm not wearing anything, but nice to run in!

Then we got home and I had decided I was done with the stupid intervals and ready for the entire kilometer... I was wrong... After 700 meters I got side stitch, that passed quickly, but still... Not a good feeling. Ended with good, strong legs and the timer stopped at 7:03 mins. It's a decent time for me, not the best I've done, but considering how poor my training has been of late, it's okay. 

I'm very happy about the shoes!!! My Nike Lunarglide +3 really did their job, for the first time my tibias didn't hurt on impact! A lovely feeling! But I know that I need to get better at warming up, stretching and taking care after training as well--today I just go out, walk 5 mins and start, then when I'm done I go inside and hit the shower... 

But now I realize that Anders has been right all along, I can't hurry this or force results. I need to give myself a better chance! I need to put my heart into planning AND following through, building a good habit and lifestyle with the help of people around me who know this better than I do. Making a perfect schedule for a horse or a dog -- no problems! But when it comes to myself, I'm totally clueless! And I need to let go of the pride in this case and benefit from their knowledge. I'm so glad that I have my colleague and friend Thomas to turn to! He runs like a madman, all the time, everywhere, for hours on end! A true inspiration and such a great mentor, never making me feel stupid or ignorant. Thanx!!!

I'm working on a plan and I'll give it to you tomorrow.

We went shopping for a calendar for our wedding, had to settle for a blank one and note dates myself, it's very beautiful though! I also got a training calendar and I hope it's gonna help me follow through better...

Today we planned a good long walk with the dogs, but the pouring rain stopped us and we ended up training instead. So much fun! I forget that sometimes and I coached Anders with both Yoggi & Harry. That is really my place in life, I was born to teach. I feel at ease and sometimes I'm worried about not finding the words when I stand in front of my pupils, but they never fail me! I wish it was easier making it a living, as I did with the horses. I long back to that, what an amazing job! I'm fortunate to have had it.

This evening we've enjoyed lobster, crab and a bottle of white wine in front of Sweden-Italy in hockey, lovely evening!

Trying New Things...

Well, I know since long ago that I hate training if it takes too much time and/or effort to get there. Once there, I love it, but if I have to take the car or tube or whatever to get there--I'm likely to invent whatever reason not to go...
So, the best training is the one that gets done, right? Therefor jogging/running would be perfect for me! Just one teeny tiny problem: I hate it. Well, I used to hate it and then I loved it and now I kind of hate it again... But that's just because I've gotten really comfortable here in my comfort-zone since I met Anders. Sorry love, but you really messed up my training... =) Time to change all that now and I've been through many ideas over the past few weeks as to HOW to get me back in to it. Last year, I decided to start running and since I need to compete and never do anything without a tough goal, I set the goal to run The New York Mini 10 K for women... The plan was to run 1 K three times a week the first month and then add 1 K each month. That went really well, until November and 3 K--when I met Anders. Lost focus, lost the will to try and lost track of everything not related to Anders... It's sweet to be in love, but my, it makes you stupid! =)
Since then I haven't really even tried running. But, now's the time to change that and first I thought about doing it the same way again, but I changed my mind. See, where I used to live, we had great tracks on soft ground that felt good under my feet. Where I live now I don't. I can only run on asphalt here and that is not at all as nice... Since I'm so heavy I'm also a little worried about my knees and legs on this hard surface. So, I plan to invest in some really good shoes and also: take it slowly. I know myself--I push too hard and then give up when it get's too tough. Not this time. For 2 weeks (starting Monday) I will do intervals (jog 1 mins/walk 2 mins) at least 3 K's 3-4 times/week and then do 1*1 for 2 weeks and see the results on that.
I tried it today on my regular 6,5 K walk with the dogs, the last 3 K's I jogged 1 minute and walked 2 minutes all the way. Felt really good--but I need to constantly think about my posture, opening up and straightening up to breathe easier and better and to help my body as much as possible.
I'll get back to you on the progress... =)

My goals are these: manage 2 K's in 10 minutes by week 25 and I've also decided to sign up for ToppLoppet here in Stockholm on September 22:nd! It's a 5 or 10 K run in Hagaparken and it'll be my first competion ever...

If you haven't read ToppHälsa, give it a try, best ever in my opinion!

Spin Me Around!

If someone had told me a few years ago that I should try spinning, I would have laughed and told them it would never happen. But my sister-in-law Kela dragged me along one evening some years ago and since then I'm hooked! I absolutely love it, the music, the intensity, the exhaustion, everything! I go in to some sort of trance and it's just me and the bike, the other 30 something people don't exist. I love spinn pulse most of all, the competition with my own body, visible on the screen, but still anonymous. Pushing myself to 95% of maximum is fantastic!
Since I've moved here I've sadly had to realize that they don't have much spinning here, like once a day and only late in the afternoon... I'd love to go around lunch for one hour and have the rest of the day free for dogs and Anders when he comes home.  But no such luck... =(

I do miss it and buying a bike of my own would probably not be the same...

Good Work!

Today I had the enormous luxury of just half a day at work, but this morning I was so tired I just threw things into my bag and had no clue if it even could be made into some sort of breakfast... But it went very well:

Yummy!

When I got home I did something (in my own opinion) truly amazing: I took the dogs and went out for a 8,5 K PW in the spring sun! My legs were pretty tired after a while but it still felt good to keep going! Nice!!!

We made dinner and it was FABULOUS! We made a sort of stew out of reindeer meat, with onions and mushrooms, served with lingonberries mixed with creme-fraiche and cauliflower. 

Click the pic for the recipe 

Then we went swimming 750 meters, lost 250 meters due to bad discipline but that's all right... =) 

Tomorrow I'm supposed to go running 1 K, hopefully my body will regenerate some energy until then... 

Bring It On Day Three!

On my way to work , Katey Sagal's "Ruby Tuesday" making it even more beautiful! I've no idea what I'll have for breakfast, threw in a bit of everything in my bag! I just wish the evenings could be as light as the mornings soon...

Today I've only got work until 1:00, then I gotta hurry home to the dogs, since dad is ill I don't want him to have to tend to them.
So today I'll get my one hour PW, hopefully in the sun, since I fell asleep yesterday... =\
We tried one of Paolo's programs yesterday, it was difficult in such a small space and some of the exercises didn't really work out for us... So before bed I looked through all the exercises and put together a set that I believe will work for us, we'll just have to try it to see if I'm right... And as soon as it is possible, bring our training outside so we get enough space.
Tonight we're going swimming, aiming at 1 K in 30 minutes...

Swim My Troubles Away...

So, yesterday we got unto our first real fight and I'll be the first to admit--it was all my fault! I'm VERY headstrong and a wee bit focused on my own wants and needs sometimes and I'm fully aware that this makes me extremely difficult to live with, but I'm working on it. Until I get it right, I can only hope that Anders finds me worth all the trouble...
We turned it around before we went to bed and that's good, I think it's very risky to fall asleep or part on bad terms with one another!

This morning I went up with Anders, since I had an interview at 9:00, same company--different position...
I stopped by one of our favourite stores on my way to the swimming centre and got him a present I think and hope he'll like very much, a way of saying "sorry"...
Swam 1 kilometer in about 35 mins, felt sooo good! My feet were very sore after some running around in high heels and my body was tense after last nights emotional breakdown.

Now I'm heading home for an hours walk in the sun with two very happy, very wonderful dogs!!!

So I Say Thank You For the Music...

There is one thing that can put me in a certain mood no matter what and that is music! I listen to many different types of music, but there are songs that make my playlist over and over through the years and I will give you some of my absolute favorites! These songs get my spirit high no matter how I feel and they make me push myself harder, walking or running...

Sandi Thom:
-What if I'm Right?
-Mirrors
-Success's Ladder

Alanis Morrissette:
-So Pure

Amy Studt:
-Misfit
-Ladder in my Tights

Beyoncé:
-Irreplaceable
-Upgrade U

Britney Spears:
-Until the World Ends
-Outrageous

Christina Aguilera:
-Fighter
-Can't Hold Us Back
-Dirty

Eminem:
-Like Toy Soldiers
-Not Afraid
-Lose Yourself
-Sing for the Moment

J. Lo:
-All I Have

Jewel:
-Deep Water
-Hands
-Stronger Woman
-I Do

Johnny Logan:
-The Irish Rover

Nelly:
-My Place
-N' Dey Say
-Heart of a Champion
-U Ain't Him
-Warrior
-One & Only
-Shake Ya Tailfeather

Paul Simon:
-Graceland
-You Can Call Me Al

Pink:
-F**king Perfect
-Raise Your Glass
-Heartbreak Down

Robbie Williams:
-Hot Fudge
-Shame

Tina Turner:
-Private Dancer
-What You Get is What You See
-We Don't Need Another Hero

Taylor Swift:
-Speak Now
-Mean
-Better Than Revenge
-Long Live

So there you go--please give them a listen and see if you agree! Please tell me what's in your ears when you're working out!

Pushing it with Paolo!

As I have already told you, I plan to put together some sort of home work-out and do at least three times per week. Because, let's face it: when you're extremely unfit--the gym is no fun! Which means I won't go, which means I don't get enough training! So, home it is. Yesterday when we were shopping I came across this book:

For those of you who don't know him, Paolo is a famous Swedish boxer and athlete and after he stopped competing and got kids, he realized he needed a new kind of training that he could do at home. So this is what we'll try for these four weeks of my challenge, meaning that poor Anders must get involved as well! There are ready-made programs and you can also put your own together with your favorite exercises. I hope it'll work out good!

Some good news yesterday afternoon seems to have helped chase the cold away, I sure hope it stays away this time!

Enough Already!!!

Sick -- again!!! Am I making stuff up or wasn't I just sick? Now I'm out in another nasty cold and I absolutely HATE it! I'm not made for being sick. And especially not when I had worked up such a good feeling about changing things, which is necessary when you're me...

So, body--you brought this on yourself! Payback is a'coming and it won't be the least bit fun, but the blame is all on you.

In April we're going to London and doing some really great things and I need to work for it, to deserve it. So, I made a schedule for my work-out and if I don't follow it through, I won't get my reward. Since I am both lazy and competitive, this should work... =)
My own little challenge, that I hope to really turn up as time goes, is this to start with: a minimum of carbs (no potatoes, bread, rice, pasta) and no sweets, cookies, sodas or snacks. There are great alternatives and I need to learn to pick them instead!

Then there's the part with exercise, my weeks will look as follows to start with (this is the minimum amount!):
Mondays: Swimming, 1 kilometer + home work-out
Tuesdays: Running, 1 kilometer
Wednesdays: Swimming, 1 kilometer + home work-out
Thursdays: Running, 1 kilometer
Fridays: Swimming, 1 kilometer + home work-out
Saturdays: Running, 1 kilometer
Sundays: free

I must throw out a huge THANK YOU to two very special people: Johanna --thanx for the inspiration, you're awesome! And Johan: I may think you're a pain sometimes, but somehow you know that's exactly what I need... =)

The goal is to loose at least 1 kilo every week, but most of all: follow through! The results will come, if not now, then later on. But only if I follow through!!! I must be harder on myself and I will give it these 4/5 weeks and my reward will make it all worth it, so will the results. I will take pictures of how I look today and then after these 4 weeks and throw them up here... Maybe, if I dare, I should say... =)

I really want to make this happen, I want to be able to walk tall and proud next to Anders and let me tell you: I made a fantastic catch there!!! He's soooo out of my league, luckily for me: he doesn't know how great he looks! Hopefully I'll level with him before he notices... =) All jokes aside, I need to feel a lot better about myself and soon.

The reward will be revealed AFTER London--so stay tuned!

One Foot in Front of the Other...

That's how it feels right now! I can't believe that only a few months ago I ran 3 kilometers without much difficulty, now I have to really strain myself to make 1 kilometer!!! Feels like my legs are made of jelly, my throat is burning and there's just no energy in my body!!! I don't know why! I've quit smoking since I ran those 3 kilometers, I thought that would do me good--but obviously not! =(
I know I have to give it a few weeks, but still...
I need to buy new pants to run in and I'd really need new shoes as well... It'll have to wait until next payday though... =)

Nike Wmns Free 3.0 perhaps?

Or maybe Nike Wmns Lunarglide + ?

I'll definitely run better in these PP W Johtu Tights!

This week-end we're going down to Norrköping for a few days with friends and family! Can't wait until Anders gets off work and we can go south! I love it here in Stockholm, I really do, but Norrköping still feels a little more like home... Most of my loved ones are there, that might help...

Splash!

It's done! First public bath yesterday and I really liked it! Not the exposing part, but first the sitting and talking in the jacuzzi and then the swimming. Now I know I can do it and start planning for it, so we decided that our goal should be 1 kilometer each time. The boys took a sauna afterwards, but since I'm no big fan of extreme heat, I just went and got ready instead.
We were in Mexico last winter and the pool at the hotel was icy cold, it was awful! No matter how long one stayed in, it was still freezing! So we preferred the ocean, much warmer, and very salty! =) I dreaded the walks to the water there as well, but somehow it's not as bad when I'm abroad... Very strange...

These wonderful creatures also made it easier to get in the water!