Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

I did a 5k run yesterday for the first time ever - on the treadmill - managed 31 minutes - my aim is to spend the next 5 or 6 months getting that down to 25 minutes.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

We bought it because it was £359 with our discount. We'll get a 10% reduction on the bins as well. There's only the Wife and myself watching usually so it seems good value for money :)
Not really that interested in 3D at all, just seemed to be a decent 40" TV for the money.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

That's a good start. You'll get down to 5 min Kilometres in less than 5 or 6 months. If it's possible try running outside, it's a lot easier than on a treadmill.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

I'm in training for my first 5k which I'll then extend to 10k and so on. There are some great apps out there which help. There's a good one on the NHS website called 'Couch to 5k' which uses interval training along with a motivational voice-over coach. It tells you how long to run for then how long to walk etc and gradually adjusts until it's a full out 5k run. I've lost almost a stone since the end of April using mine and I'm aiming for the Swansea Bay 10k in September :)

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Go Russ, I'm 5' 4" and having given up smoking (after 25 years) I am now 8 and a half stone and can run for the bus without feeling like I'm going to suffer a heart attack.

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Good for you Russ.

There are also handy sport trackers for smartphones that monitor your speed, distance and altitude... good for tracking your workouts and monitoring your improvement.

The one I use can be downloaded to your phone here:
http://www.endomondo.com

I use the free option, it does everything I need.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

I've got endomondo as well but what I need is something that tells me when it's time to run or walk. I get distracted very easily and can't rely on checking the time etc. The ones I use have a voice that tells you when to do it, when you're at the halfway point and it has been scientifically produced so the speed and distance increments are optimal and appropriate for the pace.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

I see what you mean. I prefer getting distracted - the runs go in quicker.

I just used lamposts when I was walking / running. Depending on the spacing between the lamposts, I'd run for a couple then walk for one and increased the runs as I got fitter. That plan falls apart if you're using country roads and the next town/ lampost is 5 miles away;)

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Because of my ADHD the distraction would mean I'd focus on the fatigue etc so I need something like that - I usually listen to Radio 2 podcasts instead of music so I can zone in on the conversation. The running app works on top of it so it's all good. I tend to run through local villages and towns, fields etc and can't rely on lamp-posts.

It's certainly working, On each session I'm running for a total of between 16-18 minutes which is pretty good when you consider at the end of april I'd struggle to make 7 minutes. Funnily enough the month I turn 38 sees me in the fittest and healthiest shape I've been in for about 10-15 years. I moved to Leicester over 2 years ago and my weight crept up and couldn't shift it. A radical change of domestic situation and lifestyle sees me making gains I couldn't imagine achieving even a few months ago :)

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Just booked Middlethorpe Hall for Christmas again. Can't wait... :)

http://www.middlethorpe.com/

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l hope you have a wonderful time there Cobby as it looks very nice there.

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Another shortish dose of vitamin D with a novel and a breeze as soft as a chiffon scarf. It was so nice that I fell asleep.

(And now: the washing to do :D )

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Just got back from holiday.

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l hope you had a lovely holiday Gary.

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Yes thanks denphone. the weather was really nice. and I come back to rain :)