C25k 3:2

I feel I should warn you all... I'm injured!

(not my knee)

Run two of week three went really well for the first mile and a half (even that hill wasn't so bad this time) but then disaster struck. My left knee began to ache. Not wanting to give in I carried on and managed a good six minute run at the end again, followed by an extra couple of minutes after that because Mr Bunn needed to go out and I was on kid duty.

It seems this extra running was a mistake. My run was on Friday, now it's Monday and I can barely walk. I've dosed up on paracetamol (I'm allergic to everything else) and strapped up the offending appendage. I feel no better and what's more, I'm desperate to go out running!

Everything's starting to hurt now as other parts of my leg are trying to compensate for my knee. Particularly my left ankle and my right knee. The worst thing is I don't even know what caused it. Well, obviously it's the sudden exercise after 10 years of being a sloth, but what I mean is there was no sudden jolt, no falling over. I have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday but he'll probably just tell me to keep rested until it's better. 

Has anyone else had anything similar? Any advice?!

C25k 3:1

Week three really steps up the running. You do two repetitions of - 90s run, 90s walk, 3m run, 3m walk. Doesn't sound like much but three minutes? That's quite a lot!

I set off at 9.30 this morning in my new trainers and my new (matching) Karrimor jacket. It was raining, windy and cold. The first half, as always, was hard. I couldn't even finish the first of the three minute runs falling 15seconds short of the target. I recovered easily in the three minute walk though, and by the time I got to the second long run I felt like Batgirl.

I didn't stop. The podcast told me to slow down, told me how well I'd done and I thought "Yeah, I did really well. I'm going to run to that tree." I got to the tree and decided to run to the next road, then to the red car, then to the shop. Before I knew it the podcast was over, I was nearly home and I'd run a solid six minutes.

Today was a good run. A really good run. I hope every run is that good. Power to me!

C25k 2:3

The third run of week two was after work before a week off. Unfortunately this meant I had to have all my 'stuff' with me in a backpack.

Now, I'm not sure if you've ever jogged with a backpack before, but it is not easy. It kept jumping about which meant I had to hold the straps the whole way. This really affected my running and I felt like a daddy long-legs rather than the graceful leopard I normally resemble.

Despite the backpack issues and managing to faff up my iPod I managed to finish the 2.3 miles in 25 minutes and still felt pretty good afterward. Apart from the continuing footwear issues of course. Luckily I have managed to leave the house and buy a lovely shiny pair of New Balance running shoes today so all should be good for week three.

I can see things being difficult for week three. It's half term and we've got not just our regular 4 year old but also her 9 year old big sister with us. There's always more fun stuff to do than running! I want to make cakes and shoe-box guitars and go rollerskating! My plan is to run on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday so we'll see how that goes.

I am quite nervous about week three as it involves stints of three minutes running and I just don't feel ready. I'll let you know what happens on Tuesday evening...

Targets

Obviously in doing c25k I aim to be able to run 5k. But I don't want that to be the end, I want to push further not just flop back onto the couch for Christmas.

I have decided to do the Norwich Parkrun on December 10th as my final c25k run. Go me! All being well my next target will be to run the Trowse 10k road race in April 2012, followed by the City of Norwich half marathon later in 2012 OR join in with Team Bangs on the Run.

Now I know this sounds a bit drastic. At the moment I can only run for about 2 minutes at a time. But without something to work towards I think I'd be less likely to persevere in the face of adversity. I know that, if I train and focus, I can do all of this. It is possible. I will make it happen.

Aga Classes

You might remember some time ago I spoke to you about my love of all things Aga. I was incredibly excited when the new Aga Total Control cooker was released but also acutely aware that my council flat existence was a far cry from ownership of said excellence.

Time for a Run

One of the excuses I always used for not exercising was that I didn't have enough time. Since I started running I have realised that actually, I can fit exercise into my life quite easily.

When you're planning your runs for the week you need to think about how much time you need to set aside in total. Sure there's the half hour run but there's 5 minutes getting ready, another 5 getting water and music, when you get back you need at least 10 minutes stretching and another 10 in the shower... I set aside an hour minimum.


Anyone who knows me will tell you that getting up an hour earlier in the morning just won't happen. I like sleeping. I like it more than anything, even more than Marmite. There's no point setting time aside in the morning if you know you just won't do it then. So, for me, runs have to be during the day or after work.

Other things get in the way though. Tonight is a run night but I've got to go to Ashleigh's school for her first disco. I won't get up early tomorrow and do it (see above) and it's my friend's birthday party after work. I have to fit it in though or I'll be off schedule and Mr Bunn will beat me. That is not acceptable. I am very competitive.

My final option? Take my running kit to work tomorrow and run the long way home. I was going to have a shower before going out so it should only add 20 minutes or so onto my getting ready time. Easy. Crisis averted, c25k remains on course.

If I can find time to do it, anyone can. If you think you can't then it's probably just that you don't want to. Lazy you.

Recipe: Spicy carrot & parsnip soup

A beautifully velvety soup to warm you through the winter.

C25k 2:2

Today, being my only day off during the week, was my turn to take Ashleigh to school. In my great wisdom I decided to wear my running kit to school then do a 2.4 mile route back home. Needless to say I was freezing. Walking at 4 year old pace wearing a t-shirt and capri pants in October is not a good idea. Ashleigh was good though and we skipped for quite a lot of it.

I really didn't enjoy the music on week 2's podcast so decided to go with my own music (Red Snapper again) and try out another Android app. This was a mistake. The app froze after a couple of minutes, then had to start from the beginning, and the notification to change from walking to jogging was just a slight lowering of the music. This meant I spent a good portion of the run checking my phone to see how much time I had left.

Added to this annoyance was that I had to wait at pretty much every road to cross. Where I normally run at 7pm with very little traffic it seems 9am is quite a lot busier.

Aside from these little problems I had quite a good run and did extra running and less walking to make up for all the time left standing at roads. I found my other trainer at last so wasn't in Converse, but my left shoe was rubbing against the back of my ankle, I'll have to watch that.

I think I'll go back to the podcasts and give up on the phone for good. Too bulky and unreliable. I'm really looking forward to my last run of week 2 which should be on Friday evening.

Review: Karrimor Running Kit

As you can see, I look pretty awesome in my Karrimor running kit. The outfit was available in the black/pink which I chose, but also comes in black/yellow and plain black if you're not such a girly girl.



The capri pants fit really well which I'm surprised about - these are a 10 and I'm usually a 12! They've got a handy little pocket at the back which zips up and is the perfect size for a key, so no more running with it in my shoe. They didn't fall down at all like my regular leggings did and kept me warm and dry throughout the run without overheating.

The quarter zip top is absolutely fantastic. It's a size 12 and fits really well without being too snug. I started off with it zipped up but quickly changed my mind as I settled into the run. I felt warm enough not to need a jacket which, if you ask anyone who knows me, is remarkable.

The outfit was really well priced too. At Sports Direct the kit is currently on sale. The top is currently £6 and the capri pants are £8. Now I've experienced the quality of Karrimor I think they're well worth their original full prices and I look forward to trying more from their range of running gear.

C25k 2:1

Tonight's run was pretty great! For week two you do 90 seconds of running followed by 120 seconds walking. After the first running interval I felt OK but was breathing pretty heavily.

Then came a bit of a breakthrough. Laura (the voice-over on the NHS podcasts) suggested breathing in for four strides and then out for four strides. At first I thought she was being ridiculous, no way could I breathe that slowly. I forced myself to control my breath through the runs and the walks.

It had the fabulous effect of slowing my breathing and quickening my pace. I felt fantastic through to the end of each running interval and was recovered half way through each two minute break! I needed a good run after last time. Can't wait until Wednesday now.

Review: Converse

I'm not going to pretend that running in Converse is ever a good idea but, for those of you who are considering it I want you to be prepared.



When I first started on my running journey (a whole week ago!) I looked everywhere for my trainers. I found one. Not wanting to hop for nearly 2.5miles I grabbed the next best thing - my Converse high tops. Whilst running in them wasn't too bad in itself (if you can ignore the slapping noise as the flat soles hit the pavement) the pain afterwards was just awful. Today is the first day in a week that my legs haven't hurt.

So, let's get down to why they are so bad for sports. Converse shoes typically have very little cushioning in the sole. This means feet aren't supported properly which can cause problems with the natural side to side motion of your feet ('pronation'). If you have problems with pronation you'll almost certainly suffer from injuries and stubborn aches and pains. For me this has come in the form of serious calf pain, for others it could be shin splints or joint problems.

Ask any runner and they'll tell you the most important piece of kit they have is their shoes. Having learnt the hard way during this past week I'll be getting myself a proper pair of running shoes ASAP whilst the Converse will be reserved for looking awesome with my skinny jeans. I suggest any other novice runners do the same.

C25k 1:3

That. Was. Horrendous.

From the very start my long forgotten asthma kicked in and my chest felt tight and painful, my leggings kept falling down, someone stopped me to ask directions to the pub, chavs wouldn't move out of my way, I hurt my ankle in a pot-hole, I almost got run over crossing a road, I got scared by an ambulance and my right ear-phone kept falling out.

I guess there's always good runs and bad runs.

C25k 1:2

For my second run I chose to use the NHS Podcasts to guide me through the run. This had the benefit of not having to carry my phone with me for the interval training app and instead clipping my little ipod nano to my t-shirt. 

The podcast was a lot better than I expected. The music does really well at helping to keep an even pace and also makes you feel like you're in a film. By the end I was smiling and punching the air 'Rocky' style.

The run itself was great. By the end of the second jogging interval I was feeling a bit tired, but then the endorphins kicked in and subsequent jogging intervals began to feel shorter. I also felt myself recovering much quicker during the walking intervals.

I made sure to do loads of stretching once I got home so I hope my calves won't be too tight. More yoga tomorrow night I think just to be on the safe side.

C25k Rest Day

Yesterday was my day off from running and, although I felt fine at the beginning, I didn't feel great at the end. My calves are really tight and walking can be a bit painful.

Luckily I've decided to do yoga on these in-between-y days so I had a chance to stretch my legs a bit. Nothing too advanced, just the sun salutation and a couple of warrior poses - they really help me to feel confident and focused.

This morning my legs are even worse! Oh how I long for a deep, hot bath full of Radox, but living in a flat means just showers for me. I have therefore decided that I shall do more yoga tonight and run on Wednesday instead.

In other news my lunch is a roast beef and Stilton sandwich - very odd.

C25k 1:1

I'm not overweight, I'm just really, really unhealthy. I used to go to the gym with my Dad a few years ago when I was staying at his, I think I went twice or so. My four year old daughter puts me to shame when we race home from school.

So after some inspiration from Bangs and a Bun and encouragement from Jess over atFeeling Stylish I decided to get off my fat arse and have a go at the C25K (Couch To 5 Kilometres) program. It's supposed to get anyone from couch potato to being able to jog 5k within 9 weeks. Supposed to.

Last night I went for my first run. I had to do a 5 minute warm up walk, then 8 rounds of 60 seconds jogging, 90 seconds walking. The route I chose was 2.4 miles which was just long enough to give me another 4 minutes cool down walk at the end.

The first half was really tough. After the second round of jogging my chest was tight and hot, and I'm pretty sure I was going to die. But then Red Snapper kicked it up a gear and I got into a really good rhythm. I had an app on my phone which beeped every time I had to switch from jogging to walking and vice versa. By the time my 8th round was over I felt like I could run forever. I couldn't, obviously. I tried jogging a bit more but my legs turned to jelly so I stumbled home.

Thanks to a bit of stretching when I got home I don't feel so bad today. I'm actually looking forward to going again tomorrow! I rang my little brother (he's nearly 18, not that little!) and told him I went running. He said "You? Running? Why?!" and my good friend Embo said "Why? Was someone chasing you?". I'll show them....

Fit Bunn

Bunn was 27, just married and lazy. In October 2011 she decided that enough was enough and got her arse out on the streets of Norwich for some running action.

Running Bunn follows the progress of a novice runner as she learns what it means to keep fit, how to juggle work, family & exercise and offer a guide to some of the products and gadgets available to runners.

If you have a product you'd like Bunn to review see the Contact page. To find out more about her non-running life hop over to Bunn The Baker