Over the past six months I have been trying to improve my
fitness by going to the gym, going cycling and going hill walking as previous
posts have shown. However two weeks ago I decided I had to up the ante and
focus more on the training aspect of my Challenge. It is vital to prepare and
to build the strength, cardiovascular stamina and muscle endurance necessary to
complete the challenge and get the most out of it! I had recently won a voucher
for an hour’s Personal Training session at my Gym and arranged to meet with one
of the PTs at Virgin Active Omni on Saturday 7th September.
Immediately Sharon put me at ease and talked me through specific types of
exercises most appropriate to my training needs and gave me nutrition and diet
hints and tips. We then went on the gym floor and I showed her the various
machines I have been working on and she made great suggestions to increase the
intensity and reduce the duration of each programme. In particular I am trying
to work at levels of between 75% and 85% of my maximum heart rate for extended
periods three times a week. Since meeting her I have implemented her
suggestions and really feeling the benefits, although my legs were aching the
first four days or so! I have also increased my gym visits and started swimming
and Spin class more regularly. Where possible I have also started to
incorporate wee gym visit on my lunch break as it’s just round the corner from
my office and it feels great to have done something productive on my break and
wakens me up for the afternoon ahead!
Granted it can at times be an effort to go to the gym but
when working out the endorphins kick in and I begin to enjoy it! I even get a
sense of satisfaction from the pain in my muscles the next day as it proves to
me I have worked hard! J
Last weekend was supposed to be my last SBC hill walk before my Challenge
but due to the high winds and torrential wind the plan for Ben Lawers and Beinn
Ghlas was postponed until next month. Unfortunately this means I will miss it as
I will actually be in Peru then! I am heading out of town tomorrow though to
see my parents and as they live in the Ochil Hills I plan to get a hike in
before our meal ;-) I will also exploit Arthur’s Seat and Blackford Hill as
much as possible before I go. My only concern is I don’t have enough time due
to work commitments to fit in two hill walks back to back but otherwise I feel
confident that I have a good chance of completing my challenge. I certainly
will do my best to make all my sponsors proud, just £95 to go to reach my £4000
target!
Sx
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