You probably know how this is going to go. Week 2 was another week that didn’t happen. However, before you tut and roll your eyes at me let me explain my reasons. I have legitimate reasons for not exercising and these reasons are only going to get worse before they get better.
The Cold That Kept On Giving
I have had a cold for over a month now. This is no ordinary cold though, it is a cold that keeps on giving. Just as I think I have shifted it, the cold comes back with a vengeance. It has been on the throat, chest and head. My sinuses are still blocked up and as a result my teeth feel so sensitive. I can’t eat anything without wincing at the moment. Last night I had to go to bed early because of chest pains. After googling chest pains (never google chest pains) I convinced myself that my time of demise was near. However, it was obviously the delightful mucus sitting on my chest because (touch wood) I am still here.
Moving House
At the time of writing this we have less than three weeks until we move house. This has caused panic stations as I try to work, keep the children alive and start packing the house up. Training for a half-marathon is very far from my mind right now.
Going On Holiday
We are a glutton for punishment it seems. Over a year and a half ago we booked our holiday because we got it for a very good price booking it so far in advance. A year and a half ago it didn’t occur to us that we would be moving house a couple of days beforehand. So far my packing involves me just throwing random bits into the girls’ suitcases as I try to pack the house up. There was a panic yesterday when I realised that Oldest didn’t have enough clothes for her holiday. Do you know how hard it is to find nice dresses for an 8 year-old who is the height of a 9/10 year-old? It’s impossible. So many inappropriate dresses or perhaps I am just getting old.
What I Did Achieve This Week?
The Fat Girls’ Guide To Marathon Training By Julie Creffield
I might not be able to physically exercise right now but I am getting into the right space mentally by reading The Fat Girls’ Guide To Marathon Training by Julie Creffield. I have long been a fan of Julie. When I was training for the Moonwalk Marathon and the States Island Walk last year, I scoured Julie’s website - The Fat Girls’ Guide To Running. Now I might not be a plus size runner but I still found the website incredibly useful. The same can be said for her book. You don’t have to be a plus size runner to read this. If you are a woman who wants to run a marathon but you aren’t sure where to start then this is for you. I devoured this book over two days. It had me punching the air and shouting “yaaaaas”. Julie has an uncanny way of getting into your head. She knows the excuses we make and she knows how hard we find it. However, she also gives us all of the ingredients to change that mind set. Not only inspiring but the book also offers lots of practical advice. I have tried to read marathon training books before and the complex language just went over my head. Julie takes the time to explain what the technical terms are. She breaks it down for us. There is also a section on how to fuel yourself properly, which is brilliant as I really struggle with this side of training.
Thanks to Julie’s chatty and humorous book I feel ready and confident to take on a marathon. Actually, thanks to her I now feel it is my duty to take on a marathon. I am ready to start pounding those streets and to stop making those excuses. I am excited to start training again thanks to Julie. January had better watch out as it doesn’t know what’s coming.
New Plans For Training
Due to the house move mayhem, never-ending cold and upcoming holiday, I have to be realistic and accept that I won’t be able to start training again until January. However, I am now excited to start and thanks to Julie I realise that come January I need to book that race or I will just keep making excuses. Watch this space.
Disclaimer - Please be aware that I was sent a copy of The Fat Girls’ Guide To Marathon Training’ for review purposes. However, as always, all words are my own.
