Lesson #2 Embarrass Yourself

How did I do this when it came to running? I decided to announce to the world (i.e. my social network), that I was running.  I knew that to some of them my distances and times were an embarassment, but to be honest it really helped thinking that people were watching my progress via my RunKeeper profile.

I think that announcing to the world that you are running or on a diet is a great idea. It means that you now have people watching your progress ( or lack of), and it gives folk an opportunity to post comments and offer a little bit of support.  I noticed how empty my RunKeeper profile looked at times and that pushed me to get out and run. I like the idea of having a network of running buddies, but due to my current location, I feel a little loney on the old running front.  Still though – putting your successes and failings on a site like RunKeeper or Facebook can be embarrassing but at the end of it all – it has been one of the factors keeping me running.

I am now one of you – yes, I am a runner.  I can hardly believe it myself, but sure that’s where I am and let that be that.   I am currently working on my speed and stamina over 5km.  This may not seem much to some of you, but you didn’t see where I started from – dead people could run faster and for longer than I could when I first started.

I’ve not really much grace when running, but I hope that will come with time and practice. As you can see from the video below, the Phoebe running style is one which many of us are familiar with… I lack Phoebe’s speed, but make up for it by ensuring that my face is redder than the sunburnt Brits abroad.

Everyone needs a bit of encouragement from time to time – and I was a great example. When running was the last thing on my mind, I had a lovely “encouraging” boyfriend who would nudge me until I got out the door to run. It’s also nice to have a shared hobby, even if he is that bit faster and has a lot more stamina.

I definitely would not be running now, without the support of David Coxon - a man with endless energy, and Sarah Ross – the woman who inspires me to keep going and even managed to get me into pink running gear – you can imagine how much that clashes with my ruby red, sweaty face!

When running, you need support, even if it is just over the phone.  David and Sarah have offered all sorts of advice and encouragement over the past few months and I’d be lost without a lot of it.

The next stage of the “people” part of running, is to find a partner to run with. I think that the dark nights and lack of a friend to pace myself against, may eventually work against me. There is the security aspect too – safety in numbers etc.  I’m currently on the market for a running buddy, or running club and would love to hear from either one as soon as possible.

So remember folks – people – they help and encourage and give you that little push / kick you need, when it matters most.

Australian Organics have a number of sales distributors in England, so don’t bother rushing off to buy them online. The soaps are made from plant oil and not the usual icky animal fats that some of the cheaper brands contain. The site leaves a lot to be desired, but I am so happy that they got their products right!

I do have one reservation though, but it won’t stop me buying their products. Essentially there is nothing online about their company….it’s as if their website is the only list of content and the rest of the details online consist of stockists selling the products. A little bit strange in this day and age I would have thought?  Either way- a great clean feel and definitely relaxed after that run.

It got me thinking – what do people do after a run – do you down a pint of water, sit and relax for a bit or head straight to the shower? I like a mix of all three. Sitting down while sipping a pint of something….generally water, before heading for the shower.

My favourite thing about a post run shower? My mini collection of Lush shower products. They are fab for running over tired muscles – especially my shins, which seem to suffer a lot. I am currently enjoying their minty Ice Blue soap, and Lemslip (which is great for that super all over clean feeling).

I love the customer service experience in their various branches (a big shout out to their Boro store staff).  The happy little Lush helpers are always on had to advise on products, presents, and sometimes a nice natter when the store is quiet!  The Lush site is full of information on their ingredients (via their Lushopedia), their mission statement, their latest “Lush Times” publication and lots more.

All in all, the site is full of lovely content, but they could work on access a little more…..the site isn’t the easiest to navigate at times when looking for something specific.

You can follow @Lush on Twitter or check them out on Facebook.

I recently bought a running magazine – and it’s not half bad. Women’s Running is aimed at a growing number of women who are seeing the benefits of  ditching the big gym membership costs, in favour of the outdoors.   I picked it up randomly, half expecting it to be full of adverts and nay sayers who were pushing various costly products on you, but I have been pleasantly surprised.  There is quite a bit of advertising (which is to be expected of magazines these days), but the publication is actually packed full of interesting articles and it has definitely spurred me to take up running again. It made me consider the rut I had been in with my route – the same distance and environment, which just added up to route fatigue! This evening I changed me route and it actually really made a real difference – I ran faster and further without realising how far I was going.

I have also just signed up to Runner’s World magazine and I’ll be interested in seeing how it compares to the Women’s Running magazine.

RunKeeper has been keeping me motivated – one major benefit of the 3GS with the upgraded OS4 – RunKeeper and iPod going at the same time. I have just taken a look at the site for the first time, and decided that I would make my profile public.It is a lovely site  – nice, clean, easy to use and navigate.  I hope it will spur me to do more excercise. Time will tell I guess.

I did struggle with and iPhone holder, but I’ve finally settled on one. I’ve learned that none of the iPhone holders are built to last and they expect you to squeeze your iPhone into the holder, which will eventually tear the rubber holding the iPhone secure. Anyway, the one I picked is fine  – if you have skinny arms, then this is the one for you. It does come with an extension piece for those of you with muscles or fat arms ( like me!).   I’m worried that transfering it from my usual iPhone holder to the sports holder will eventually snap the iPhone though….best of a bad lot though.

I am in the process of learning how to love iTunes……I have hated it for the last seven months, but feel it’s time to put my bitter hatred aside, and learn to love it. This in mind, I’ve been looking for some “running” music. Thanks to the Women’s Running magazine, I found AudioFuel – worth a look if you have the cash! I’m looking forward to my first purchase.

If I didn’t have AudioFuel, I would most likely have to spend a good but of time creating my own list (AC/DC featuring heavily).

So, please do drop me a line if you have advice or music suggestions and if you fancy teaming up with a tubby runner  – give me a call, as I need the encouragement!

Twitter for Socialedge.org have listed some individuals / organisations who are using Twitter in the fight for all that is good/charitable. You can read the post here.  Happy reading!