1st week back at work and I do not feel I have done too badly!

Started on Monday with a 6k run home from work with Kay.. it felt fine and steady and we were both very pleased with ourselves!

I then went to my first ever spin class on Thursday evening - that was the most daunting thing ever!  I turned up 10 mins before the class started but it was already full of far too many 'fit' looking people who were already cycling to warm up... I hovered outside the door and had really decided to just go to the gym by myself.. when a voice behind me said brightly (!) " Are you coming in?"  - My fate was sealed!  It was the lady who ran the class and who immediately sensed my anxiousness - took me in - sorted out the bike and explained what was going to happen.  As I sat on the bike before it started I felt a little calmer - firstly it was dark - very dark! so in my head no-one could see me anyway!  Secondly the music was so loud no one would ever hear my moaning (and you know how I moan!).  So with feet strapped (yes strapped!)in, water bottle in front of me.. off we went!

Well... Mmmm... what can I say!  Proudly I managed to stay for the whole 45 mins (she said I may feel like leaving after 20 which would be fine for a beginner!).. however.. I could not do the hill climbs in the last 10 mins.. OH MY LORD!!!!! my legs felt like jelly,, I was sweating like a pig, and gasping for air.. not to mention my backside felt like it was on fire!  We got to the end.. (even had a shout out of "well done Sam for staying in for the whole session!") and I tentatively got off the bike. My legs felt like jelly... I ached all over.. and rather than go for a shower.. I got in the car, came home, and lay in a hot bath for a long time!

But I did it! and I have already booked into next weeks class - so hoping that it is a little easier.

Surprisingly I could walk on Friday - but certain parts of my body (which really shouldn't hurt) did hurt.. a lot.

But Saturday morning came - as it does. and Park Run loomed ahead.  A change of park, 2 big hills and it was a bit chilly.  First good thing is that Sarah said she would run with me - and Kay started with me too (but I have to remember she is 10 years younger than me and is just getting better quicker - Go Kay!).  This course has 2 big hills the first one being immediately after starting.. it is long and slow and horrid for the start of the 5k.. But once past that it is a nice course with a gently downhill at the end of the lap... HOWEVER.. there is then another shorter but much steeper hill to get up - but I was pleased that I managed to run half way up today.  Off we went on the 2nd lap with Sarah jogging (yes.. jogging.. she is a very good runner and is very gracious to run with me!) and I gave it my all at the end.  Time - 35.30... 15 seconds away from a PB!!!!!

In my head it has been a good week. I have maintained my planned sessions and eaten relatively well. But I am an impatient soul and I want to progress!  It would be nice for something to feel a little easier.. so I can see that I am getting better..  but as Matt said this morning - this is the end of the first proper week - give it some time!

Photo is myself and Sarah in the middle of the 1st lap - matching tops today!