I’m writing this while I wait outside the pool for my session to start. It’s a Sunday and I’m back for another swim, second week in a row. And I had another perfect Freeletics week. So I’m feeling pretty smug right now.
Week 2 of my Freeletics Journey was pretty similar to week 1. Two short-ish runs (an interval and a 2.5km run), and a HIIT Bodyweight workout. For both of the runs I gave Coach feedback that it could be working me harder. The runs are fine, but I reckon I could be running for longer.
My HIIT was Metis. I’ve done it many times before, but am seriously out of practice so I added nearly 3mins onto my PB. I’m not used to doing burpees (forgotten how much I hate them). I took it slowly — I wanted to focus on technique rather than speed. Even though it’s only 8mins or so I still felt exhausted and sweaty at the end.
This consistent approach seems to be working for me too. Not trying to do too many workouts a week. Just Monday, Wednesday and Friday and a bonus weekend freestyle, hence today’s swim.
I’ve also stuck with the intermittent fasting this week, which is getting easier.
So far, so good then for 2022. Going to do my best to keep going.
I’m one week into a new Freeletics Journey. It’s the start of the year and I have a renewed motivation to stick to my fitness plan this year.
And the first week went well. I’ve decided to do Freeletics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with a bonus weekend workout that could be a swim, a run or a Freeletics workout. Last week I had two runs – a 3km interval run and a 2.5km run. Both pretty straightforward. It was good to be out in the morning before work and to get them out of the way.
Friday’s workout was 2x Athena, which is lots of climbers, sit-ups and squats. My PB is 14mins, but last week it took me almost 20 minutes. I felt pretty out of practice. And I had sore quads for a couple of days.
I’m liking the mix of bodyweight and running. My weekend workout was a swim – first time doing lane-swimming since well before the pandemic. It was more tiring than I remember, but I liked the feeling of stretching my arms and chest.
And then this morning was another interval run which took longer than I thought it would (was a bit laete for work – oops).
It’s been over a year since I last wrote on this blog. In all honesty, I’d forgotten about it. And then someone commented on a post and it made me think that I ought to update it.
Because, um, rather a lot has changed in the world since last April.
I’m still doing Freeletics. It’s still an (almost) weekly part of my fitness routine. And I am still swimming, although that took an enforced pause during lockdown for obvious reasons. Over the summer I’ve taken every chance I can to swim outdoors, even if just for a short time. There’s something about being in the water that just makes everything okay.
I started running in January. It was kind of a new year’s resolution. I set myself the goal of running 5k by the end of the year. Turns out I easily beat that by about April.
I started running because I chose the hybrid Freeletics journey, combining bodyweight with running. It was great. The coach really eased you into the running and before long I was doing distances that I wouldn’t have been expecting to do so early.
I’m so thankful I started running back in the cold, dark days of January. When lockdown began, being able to leave the house once a day for a run kept me sane. It was bizarre running around the empty streets. Hardly anyone around. As lockdown began to ease I became frustrated with people getting in my way when I went out to run.
Running exacerbated a long-time ankle injury I have. I’ve no idea how it happened, but I used to notice it when I was doing breaststroke. I didn’t really think much of it, but then when I started running it began to hurt a lot more. I also noticed that as my distances increased that I would get pretty sharp and debilitating pain in my calves, and sometimes shin splints.
A few weeks ago when I was on holiday, I was feeling smug by getting up at 7am on a Sunday to go for a run. It was a boating holiday so I thought I’d run along the tow path. Just a quick 3k. But half way through I could hardly run at all, the pain in my legs was so bad. I limped home and decided to do something about it.
When I got home I called my doctor about my ankle. He gave some pretty generic, not particularly helpful advice (take ibuprofen – despite me having told him I’d had the pain for more than two years). But he did advice me to get one of those physio rubber bands to do some exercises, which I’ve done.
I booked an appointment with my local running shop for a shoe fitting. And oh my, that has changed everything. I spent maybe 30 minutes there. They watched me run and scanned my feet to see where on the foot there was the most pressure as I walked/ran. And then I tried on around eight different pairs of trainers. I knew that the Nikes I’d bought in the sale a few years back were bad, but I didn’t realise quite how bad. These shoes felt so comfortable. The pair I bought (Asics Evoride) were perfect. They kind of propel you forward when you’re running. The first run I did after buying them was a warm-up 3k to get back in the stride after a week or so off. I easily beat my PB. Revelation. And worth every penny of the slightly eye-watering price tag.
The final thing I did to recover was a seven-day yoga course. I’ve done yoga off and on for years, but never really bought into it properly. I turn 40 next year and I’ve noticed that I’m just not as flexible as I used to be. Things ache. There are more twinges and pain. So I thought I’d give it another go. I did the Breathe and Flow Beginners Course and really enjoyed it. Clear, non-bullshitty instructions and it includes some meditation and breath work which helps ease that day’s pandemic-related anxiety. I was also surprised how many yoga poses are part of the Freeletics cool-down, with different names. I’m going to try their 28-day Impact Course next and try to build it into my routine.
Between running, Freeletics and yoga I feel like I’m managing to keep active. I’m moving less than I used to as part of my job. I’m working from home and not cycling around town every day to and from the office and to meetings. So I need to keep active.
I’ve also put on some weight. Most of it is definitely due to comfort-eating and drinking during possibly some of the weirdest times for half a century, so I’m not going to beat myself up too much. I think some of it is muscle building, which I’m fine with. But the NHS website tells me I’m at the top end of being normal weight for my height, so I want to keep an eye on that. I’ve been trying to eat healthily again – tracking calories (ish) with the aim of being a) in a calorie deficit b) active and c) drinking enough water every day.
Actually, writing this blog has made me want to revive it properly. As some kind of accountability. Even if those of you who were reading it at the beginning have understandably moved on with your life.
A quick post today as I haven’t posted for a while. Last week I didn’t train at all. No real excuses – I had the time, I just didn’t prioritise it. And I didn’t swim either.
So today I cleaned the flat, went and bought lots of fruit and veg, did all my washing and planned when I’d train and when I’d swim this week and I’m going to try and stick to it. So here I am trying to be accountable by posting it here.
Interesting email today from Freeletics too. They’re about to launch a completely rebuilt app based around five key values. Look forward to seeing how it works.
*Insert inspirational quote about roads and autumn here* Photo by Chad Madden on Unsplash
It’s been a while. I haven’t been slacking, I promise. Just busy.
Although I have taken a couple of weeks off my Coach programme to swim more regularly and to do the pull-up e-book that Freeletics published recently.
Now summer is over, it’s tempting to slack off training a bit though. You know, our bodies are covered up by more clothes, it’s colder, you want to eat more, it’s harder to train outside. But I’m trying to stay motivated and to remember that exercising helps my mental health during the winter.
I did do one of my Coach training sessions last week. This was:
10 Strict Pullups
10 Hanging Knee Raises
Interval: 3 rounds of 10 x squat jumps, 10x elevated split squats (both sides), 5x stands, 30secs rest
2/5 Achilles
50 High Knees (replaced a 100m sprint cos it was raining)
I quite enjoyed all of that. Varied. Seemed to work out most of my body. Was pleasantly exhausted at the end. Although the pullups and burpees in Achilles were punishing. I’m still not quite there with pullups, so did them as Assisted pullups.
Then I’ve been doing the programme of pullups that the Freeletics e-book suggests. It builds up intensity and frequency and there are lots of shoulder pullups and passive hangs, plus pullups. I can feel it getting easier and I’m on week 2. Week 3 next week, which I’m going to combine with my normal coach workouts and a swim at the weekend.
I’ve also been increasing the length of my swims by 50m each time. I’m now up to 46 lengths of a 25m pool. Considering when I started a few years ago 20 lengths was my absolute max, I’m pretty pleased with that. Have been trying to work on my technique too.
I’ve written about this before, but the weekly email from Freeletics today reminded me that my focus, determination and ability to work through something until it’s finished has massively improved since I started doing Freeletics. I really do believe that physical exercise has a big impact on your ability to concentrate. I find myself really pushing through difficult tasks at work, at home. I’m much more likely to just do something than to put it off. And I think the way that Freeletics is designed has helped me with that. The thought of not finishing a workout on the app and not being able to earn points or tick off the day means I always push through. Having a community of other people following me keeps me accountable somehow too.
I also use a habit-building app called Momentum where I can track my streaks with certain activities. That old Jerry Seinfeld thing about not breaking the chain inspires me to keep going and pull on that workout gear. I also track other stuff like eating well, reading, getting to bed on time, waking up early etc. Wanting to get a perfect streak compels me to train every week.
So people, what keeps you going? How do you motivate yourself?
Yesterday I watched a documentary on BBC iPlayer that Adrian Chiles made about his drinking. More specifically about how if you’re a regular social drinker, it’s not really seen to be a problem. You know, a few pints here, a couple of glasses of wine with dinner, big nights out at the weekend.
I’ve massively cut back on my drinking over the past few years. I’m much more moderate and don’t often drink to get drunk, which I used to do when I was in my twenties. But I definitely identified with Chiles, particularly around how drinking is such a social lubricant (“alcohol is the only drug you apologise for not taking”).
It made me download the Drink Aware app, and to start logging my drinking, in a bid to cut down. I have to say I think the 14 units recommendation is a little draconian. That really isn’t very much alcohol in a week. But I’m going to see what it’s like to try and stick to it. Because I know I don’t want to give up drinking. I enjoy it. I like wine. I enjoy trying unusual cocktails or tasting whisky. And I’m able to stop. So perhaps massively reducing the amount I drink will help me enjoy it more.
I had to work last night (a Saturday), so I after watching the documentary I was thinking that I wouldn’t drink after I finished work. But true to form I caved immediately. And ended up going out until about 2am. Strong work. Although I didn’t drink a huge amount and I stayed clear of beer.
But this morning I wasn’t about to let myself off the hook, so I went to the park and trained. It was the final workout of my Coach week – Ares. A quick workout so it wasn’t too painful. I replaced the pull-ups with jumping pull-ups though. Not quite there yet.
There was a little kid with his grandma in the park. About five years old. He came over and wanted to chat. Asking me what I was doing. Peering at my screen as Coach counted down from 5. Was a bit distracting, but kind of cute. He asked if he could join in!
Later today, after training, I cycled to the swimming pool and managed 42 lengths (I do two more every time I go). I hadn’t really eaten much so was pretty tired by the end. Rewarded myself with a massive bowl of salads and quiche from my favourite cafe near the pool.
It’s also nice to have my bike back. It’s been broken for a while, so I’ve been getting the bus and walking everywhere. Today I cycled for over half an hour just getting from A to B.
So actually I’m pretty pleased with my slightly hungover Sunday. Lots of physical stuff. And I went to someone’s birthday drinks just now and didn’t drink, and it was FINE. Didn’t even feel like I needed to.
Always feels nice when you have a good start to the new week/month. Hoping I can keep up the good work.
I’ve got the day off today. As it’s Friday it was tempting to lounge around, drink coffee, maybe go to the pub late afternoon. BUT NOT ME. Now I can do pullups I feel INVINCIBLE. I’m like a new man. There’s no stopping me.
After my pullup breakthrough on Wednesday I also worked out yesterday.
5 Strict Pullups
6 Straight Bar Dips
2/3 Dione
I’m pleased to say that it wasn’t a fluke. I did the 5 strict pullups pretty easily. Well, not easily, but easily enough.
The straight bar dips though. Erm, I simply couldn’t do them. I rigged up my Freeletics bar in a door way and between worrying that it would collapse and worrying that I’d bang my head on the door frame, once I actually got onto the bar I couldn’t really do the dip – just didn’t have a strength. So maybe these need a bit of work…
And then 2/3 Dione, which was absolutely disgusting. I don’t know why I once wrote on this blog that it was FUN. It’s really not. It doesn’t help that it was pretty humid here yesterday. I don’t think I’ve sweated so much. I hate burpees. Absolutely hate them. I didn’t beat my PB and I was delighted when it was over.
Yesterday I worked out early evening, so I wasn’t sure whether I’d do my third and final workout of the week this morning or later in the day. But when I woke up this morning I actually wanted to, so I did. Today was:
5 pullups
8 Jackknives
Interval – Legs, Lower Back 4 sets of:
8 x Cossack Squats
10 x Single Leg Hip Raises Right
10 x Single Leg Hip Raises Left
10 xSquat Jumps
60 secs rest
2/5 Aphrodite (Endurance)
Sheesh. This felt like quite a lot. The whole thing took me nearly an hour. I wasn’t particularly in a rush though and was trying to concentrate on form.
But I got through it, and then after a bowl of porridge and dried fruit and a coffee, I went for a swim and did 30 lengths.
I think that’s quite enough exercise for one day. I’m now having a little afternoon lie down…
I’ve cut myself some slack after that last post. I’m so busy with work that training is taking a back seat.
Last week I trained once. This was my work out:
10 x Side Lunges
8 x HH Standups
Interval (Legs, Lower Back), 3 sets of:
— 8 Cossack Squats
— 10 Single Leg Hip Raises Right and Left
— 10 Squat Jumps
— Rest (60 Secs)
2/3 Persephone
Wasn’t too bad. Although I’m out of practice on Burpees, so Persephone took a little longer than I wanted it too.
Also this week, I’ve been trying to do 10 Assisted Pull-ups a day to try and build strength in my arms and shoulders. Still hoping to be able to do Strict Pull-ups one day.
Today I went for a swim; a Sunday tradition these days. I’m not a particularly strong swimmer – always in the medium lane – but it’s a great head-clearer for me and it makes me feel good if I’ve been out drinking on Saturday night; it’s a kind of low intensity exercise that gets the blood flowing again.
My Coach week next week is Hell Days (if they’re still called that). I’ve chosen three work out days instead of the usual four, with the hope of being able to easily do that by Saturday. My week looks like this:
I quite like Venus (no burpees!), but always feel it in my legs after all those squats. And then there’s Aphrodite, which I really hate. And Coach has given it to me TWICE this week. How kind.
I completely forgot to write about the final day of Hell Week.
Day 7 was a gentle end to the week. Nyx. Just sit-ups, leg raises and stand-ups. Did it in 08:10, which was 1:30 better than my PB.
And then I gave myself a break for a couple of weeks. I had a bit of a cold during Hell Week and then had a mad week at work. And then last week I was away from home and working crazy long hours so didn’t have time to exercise. I know, I know, #noexcuses, but it was either get less than five hours and exercise or sleep an extra hour, and I’m not really any good on less than seven and eight.
Felt nice to have a bit of a break. I left it so long that Freeletics sent me one of those ‘what’s happened?’ emails.
So yesterday I got back into it. Conditioning. Was tough.
3 sets of
10 Assisted Pullups
15 Press-ups
30 sec Superman hold
15 Hanging Leg Raises
I’m getting better at the Assisted Pull-ups, and Press-Ups and Superman hold are no bother, but I find the hanging leg-raises really hard. Partly because my pull-up bar is in a door frame, so it’s hard to really hang and be able to get a good swing. But mainly because I’m not strong enough! Will keep practicing.
Went for a swim today. Also felt a bit tough cos I didn’t go last week.
Going to get back into the swing properly tomorrow.
Might even try to tick off some of those advanced skills…
First day of Hell Week today. Haven’t done one for a while. I always have that mixture of dread and excitement when I click that colour scheme changes from blue to red and I see that the following week’s training is Hell Week.
I was going to start yesterday (Sunday), but I went for a swim instead. 30, 32 or 34 lengths (lost count!) in half an hour. Not bad.
So when I woke up this morning (early because of the clock’s going back), I knew that if I didn’t start Hell Week today I wouldn’t do it at all. I always find that if you don’t start out well on a Monday morning, it’s really hard to get the momentum going for the rest of the week.
Day 1 was fairly straightforward – Persephone (Endurance).
30 HH Squats
30 Sprawls
30 HH Leg Raises
20 HH Squats
20 Sprawls
20 HH Leg Raises
10 HH Squats
10 Sprawls
10 HH Leg Raises
I find these days that squats are much easier. I can feel that my legs are much stronger. I used to think that because I cycle everywhere I didn’t need to work on my legs as much. But now I do, I can cycle faster and feel stronger.
I like Persephone. It’s quick, relatively easy, but you still feel like you’ve had a full body workout. I even beat my PB by about 3 minutes. Good start to the week.
It’s Artemis tomorrow, which I’m really not looking forward to.
A Freeletics Journey 