Since getting back off holiday, I've had bucketloads of motivation for getting fit and losing weight. I've been eating healthily, walking absolutely loads (40-50 miles per week) and I've been really pleased to see that the scales are playing nicely. (See how I'm getting on and link up your own weightloss/fitness posts on my Sunday weigh-in linky if you like.) I've been seeing more and more people - bloggers and friends, both online and in real life - talking about getting into running in a big way, saying that's it great for destressing, releasing all those feel-good endorphins and getting into the happy zone. I've always thought that you'd never get me running in a million years - apart from running around playing tag with the kids outside, the last running (and I use the word loosely !) I did was very half-hearted cross-country running at school ! But I've seen loads of people who would define themselves as definite non-runners talking about the NHS Couch To 5k programme which is designed for beginner runners and promises to get you running 5km in 9 weeks.
I had a tentative look and week 1 actually looks totally achievable : "For the runs in Week 1, you will begin with a brisk 5-minute warm-up walk, then you will alternate 60 seconds of running, with 90 seconds of walking, for a total of 20 minutes." I totally surprised myself for going out for a run on my Wednesday morning off a couple of weeks ago and, even if it was more of a lolloping jog and I only lasted 5 minutes before it turned into a walk, it still really woke me up, gave me loads of energy for the rest of the day and blew the cobwebs away. I haven't managed to have another go because I've needed to stay in for deliveries and phone calls, but I did dust off the WiiFit and did a 10 minute endurance run and actually thought it was quite easy. I may try for 20 minutes next time and I definitely need to make it a regular thing again. I only covered 2km in those 10 minutes on the Wii Fit but it's given me a bit more confidence about tackling the C25K programme.
As often happens, with perfect timing, Aldi got in touch to ask if I'd be interested in trying out some of their running gear. The new Winter Running range from Aldi Specialbuys goes into store next week on 9th October and it has some fantastic value, good quality gear that is ideal for beginners or even the more serious runner who is looking to stock up for less. They sent me through some running trainer socks (£3.99), some Coolmax insoles (£2.49), a headband (£2.99) and a running neckwarmer (£2.99) which looks grear fun because it can be worn in numerous ways, from hairband and headband to balaclava and beanie.
They will also have running shoes (£14.99) and premium running shoes (£19.99), fluorescent running jackets (£19.99) and half zip running sweatshirts (£9.99), winter running trousers (£9.99) and long-sleeved shirts (£9.99). Get your skates (or your running shoes?!) on though because, as with all Specialbuys, they're only available while stocks last.
So, anyone fancy getting kitted out and embarking on the Couch to 5K challenge with me ?! Or maybe you've tackled it yourself and want to give me some encouragement !
Disclosure : I received the products in order to write an honest review.
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sounds great! think i'll give it a miss though hehe. Best of luck :)
ReplyDeleteI love Aldi and will be looking out for these when I go shopping next week, what a bargain! Best of luck with the 5k, I look forward to reading all about it. xx
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