33 mins run

Wow...today was an intense run. 33 mins of pure running. It was really intense and I was really traveling. Actually ran with a friend who was running quite fast. Although he managed to keep it up for 33 mins, I doubt he could have maintained the pace for about an hour. I'm guess we ran about 5 to 6km. Anyway the guy was an inexperienced runner and I let him control the pace. I think that I should take over next time. He was really finding it difficult towards the end mostly because he didn't pace himself well. Anyway he was a good running buddy and I'll try to convince him to join me on a another run in the near future.

40 min workout

Today I did a 40 min workout with pushups, squats, supermans, leg-raises, side-planks, crunches and lunges. I tried lunges and don't see much benefit. I don't know why it's recommended by fitness experts, but I barely sweat when I do a lunge. It seems like a waste of time. I highly doubt it, maybe I'm doing it wrong.

Anyway, I had to miss my workout yesterday because I had an appointment in the night. It really sucked and I couldn't wait until I got home today to do my workout. This is a very good sign and I am glad that I am in the frame of mind where I really look forward to a workout rather than treat a workout as a chore.

For those starting out with getting fit, let me tell you that the first few days are always the hardest. The key is to think about what you would you do with half an hour of your life if you were not working out. If the answer is browsing the internet or just watching TV, then working out stands out a clear better use of your time. Until you consciously think and do the comparison, you will not do your workout. It's as simple as that. For me anyway. I really struggled with my weight and was severely obese not too long ago. Now I am very close to actually being lean. It's been a long ride, but I've made it....in a sense. Just a little more to go.

42 mins workout

Today I managed to do a 42 min workout which was longer than my previous best of 40 mins. The workout consisted of stretches, pushups, crunches, planks, leg-lifts, squats and supermans. I usually take a rest day after unusually long runs which was the 10k run that I did they day before yesterday. However, I didn't feel too tired yesterday and could have worked out, but decided not to risk injury. I think it's a sign that I am really getting stronger. It felt good to work out fully today and I didn't feel any problems when working out.

I found this great article on gymjunkies.com written by Vic Magary about fitness myths. The article is hilarious as he breaks down the myths that surround exercises, muscle building, supplements and fitness. Have a read of it when you've got some time.

5.4km in 31min 53s

Yesterday I ran 5.4km in 31 mins 53 sec. This is at least 1.5mins faster than my previous timing which means that I am improving very fast. Now that I have less work, I am able to concentrate on my fitness better. I also managed to do 10 mins of pushups, plank, and situps. I will try to increase that to 15 or 20 mins next time. One of the good site for learning new bodyweight training exercises is bodyrock.tv's youtube site - Charliejames1975. It is a great channel for learning new exercises and I highly recommend it for beginners.