An Alphabetical Challenge...

Today we've decided to start a reading challenge, as soon as I'm done with the third part of The Hunger Games trilogy: The Mockingjay. So far, I'm not as delighted as I was with the first two books, but there's still hope it might catch up...

So, what brought this on? Well, I do have a literary blog, though I haven't published anything in a long time, but that can change. And in today's DN there was a review of Monica Ali's new book: Untold Story, the book about Lady Diana, should she not have died. What if the crash in the tunnel all those years ago whas nothing but a smokescreen, created to let her live in peace and lead a far more normal and happy life?
That's what got me started on the idea of a challenge, reading our way through the alphabet and hopefully reading some new authors--something I am lousy at otherwise! There is just one rule: you're not allowed to re-read a book. The thought is to read two different books by the same author and talking about it, compare thoughts and ideas. I'm really looking forward to it!
So I will start with Untold Story and Anders with another Ali book: In the Kitchen.

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!

The Bookworm is BACK!

I LOVE BOOKS, I proudly name myself bibliophile number one--but lately there's been somewhat of a draught in my reading. I read this amazing book, The Last Good Man by Danish writer A J Kazinski, pseudonym for Anders Rønnow Klarlund & Jacob Weinreich, and ever since I've found it difficult to get into anything new. But then I saw The Hunger Games a while back and I decided to buy the books, which I did in London and I'm HOOKED!!! I love Katniss, Peeta & Haymitch and yesterday I dove into the third part. Dreading the end of an amazing suite, but so glad I've read it. If you haven't--run to your nearest bookstore and get it!

I'm not short of new books to sink my teeth into, and yesterday my beloved Anders added to the list: No Angel by Jay Dobyns. It's the real story of federal agent Jay Dobyns, who sort of sold his soul to the devil and decided to infiltrate Hell's Angels. He lived with them for two years and this is his story. Exciting!

Are you Hungry?...

I just can't decide if I'm going to see The Hunger Games! I've read so many book-blogs that weren't that very flattering, but as I read a brief guide to the movie in todays DN, I felt a little curious... Maybe watch it, decide if I like it or not, and then read the books if I do?...

Will you watch it or what did you think of the books?

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!