Week 1 - 4 pounds down & feeling fine!

Well, I did it. I made a start!

My colleague Aaron Scott runs for England, and has created a  training programme for me from zero to 10k in 14 weeks.

So, last Tuesday and Thursday I did the first 2 sessions:

Tuesday: Walk 5 minutes easy, run 5 minutes easy, walk 5 minutes easy
Thursday: Walk 5 minutes easy, run 8 minutes easy, walk 5 minutes easy

Really pleased that I was able to do both runs, in the freezing cold, without my asthma being a huge problem.

I took my inhaler before I left and made sure I was hydrated.

It sounds ridiculous to be concerned about running such a short distance, but I know from experience the cold weather can easily set off asthma so was quite anxious about it.

I have been really strict with myself to make sure I don't go beyond the schedule early, I'm going to stick to it so it's very much slowly but surely to start with.

I also did several 10 minute exercise DVD sessions in between running days, which have definitely had an impact.

Combined with keeping track of my calories on an iphone app has meant I've also lost 4 pounds, which I'm hugely encouraged by!

Only 10 more to go...!

I discovered a great website called www.wiggle.co.uk and ordered a water bottle and face scarf. I can use both for skiing as well, so good value. I think the scarf will work really well in terms of keeping the cold air at bay.

So this week I'm determined to be even more enthusiastic than last, more confident, and more focused.

This is it.

Lizzy x

Starting from Scratch...

I am going skiing in April for the first time in 7 years - so as the months to prepare suddenly become weeks, this is it.

This is it. This is the day when I decide to manage my asthma and slowly but surely get fit again!

Current health

I feel like I am constantly recovering from a cold or chest infection, and am out of breath walking up the stairs! At 32 this is not the level of health I aspire to!

My peak flow is just over 400.

Before I was diagnosed with asthma I had joined a running club and completed my first 10k. I had the same year walked & climbed Snowdon with friends.

I had several asthma attacks running having to walk back to the club on one occassion, and had fainted whilst out cycling and at a fitness class.

Despite managing my asthma and trying to get back into running I have never been able to do it for long enough - a chest infection or virus usually stops me in my tracks. The cold weather sets of an attack so during the winter it is almost impossible. I have tried gyms & swimming pools, but find exercising indoors expensive & dull! As soon as my asthma is under control and I try again, my health deteriorates.

To be honest, asthma can becomes a reason not to start or continue with a new plan.

So...This is it. This is the day when I decide to manage my asthma and slowly but surely get fit again!

The Plan

I am going to start running a small amount each day, running for 3 minutes, walking for 1 minute, and then use Pilates & aerobic fitness DVD indoors to try and increase my fitness and strength.

I am going to use a thin scarf to cover my mouth and nose so that the air I breath in is warmer.

I am also going to use a running bottle so I can keep my oxygen levels and hydration up (which believe me even a short run I need!)

I will be taking my Symbicort inhaler 6 times throughout the day, and take Ventolin just before I run, and with me on the run.

I'm also going to have a hot eucolyptus shower after each run - I've read that this helps avoid EIA (Exercise Induced Asthma).

I'm also going to be focussed on more healthy meals – combined with the exercise – I aim to lose a stone.

I'm going to get over feeling pathetic at my lack of health and do something positive!

This is it :)