I’m Sorry. I’m Having an Affair

Last Updated on Monday, 5 July 2010 09:14 Written by The Virtual Runner Tuesday, 22 June 2010 08:43

I couldn’t help myself.  I kept looking at him every chance I got.  I “googled” him many times to see what I could find out and was always admiring his clean smooth exterior.  It was bordering on stalking!

His name?  Mac!

Yeah baby, I’m currently writing this post on my new MacBook Pro 13 and it is the most amazing computer I’ve ever owned.  Seriously, why did I ever own windows based pcs?

I’ve only had this since yesterday and I’ve already put all the software I “used to” use on my windows laptop on here.  My other laptop is now obsolete I think!

Seriously though, if you haven’t used a Mac before, give it a go.  Once you get used to the different operating system you’ll realise how much better it is!

As for running, my training program is building and it will be easy and interval runs this week with an 8 mile run on Sunday.  This should be okay as long as I don’t push it too much.

I must say that I’m having some motivation problems at the moment and I’d love to hear from any of you on how you stay motivated to keep going.

Who you calling chicken?

Last Updated on Monday, 7 June 2010 11:10 Written by The Virtual Runner Monday, 7 June 2010 11:10

Again, I haven’t been running very much; which means I am really becoming a “virtual” runner because there hasn’t been much real running going on!  I’m completely lacking in motivation and I’ve let everything slip.  I think that the trip to Canada and not being able to do the marathon was a big part of it.

I haven’t really done any running this last week at all since the Bupa 10000 in London and I would’ve thought the great feeling from that run would’ve kept me going.  Nope.  I think it comes down to mind-over-matter and I just need to get on with it!  So, starting from today I’ll be putting in a big “push” and trying to get my running sorted out.

1)  I’ll need to update my running log with total mileage to date.  I’ll also need to keep a pad or something in the kitchen (easily accessible) where I can write down my mileage and duration each time I train.

2)  I’ll need to do more quality workouts.  They can’t all be easy or long runs!  I need some intervals and even hill-work thrown in there or nothing is going to happen and I won’t develop any further.

3)  I need to watch what I’m eating.  I don’t necessarily eat loads of “bad” foods but I tend to eat too much.  I love food!  mmmmm…. food.  So, calorie intake to decrease somewhat.  I’m not going to set myself any particular weight loss goals but I’d be overcome with joy if I was 20lbs lighter than I am now.  Ooops… just inadvertently set myself some sort of mental goal.  Great, pressure.  I’d like to get down to 199 lbs (90.26kg) and maintain that weight or less.  I’d be very happy if I could do that!

4)  Need to start doing some weight training a couple times a week.  I’m not sure when I’ll squeeze this in but I’ll do my best.  I think I’ll have to re-start the whole “100 push ups” challenge as part of this to make up for the days when I can’t get to the gym and use any weights. 

Sound like a plan?  I’m not sure how it is for others out there but for us average 103kg guys this whole running thing takes a lot of motivation at times.  Wish me luck!

As for non-running related matters, we’re getting chickens!  We’ve thought about it in the past and discussed it a bit and now we’ve decided to go for it.  We’re going to get 3 hens and a nice little coop for them to live in.  Hopefully, before you know it we’ll have our own eggs!  Chicken names have already been confirmed as Claudia (Schiffer), Elle (MacPherson) & Rachel (Hunter); all good chicken names.  We just haven’t decided what breed of chicken to get yet as there are so many.  My wife is inclined to get some ISA Browns as they would normally go to a battery, however this may all change when we go to the farm to choose some.  We’ll also take the advice of the lady who runs the place we are getting the hens because we want them to be docile.

It won’t be straight away, it’ll probably happen over the next month or so because we still need to discuss a few things and make sure the funds are available to do what we need to do.  Initial outlay is the biggest thing but I think it’ll be worth it.  It’s also good for our son (he’s 3 1/2 now) as we don’t currently have any pets at all and he will learn to take care of them too.

This means that the “non running” posts of my blog will now include information on keeping hens and what’s happening with them.  I apologise in advance if you find this boring or if there are too many “non running” posts.  I mean, I don’t just run do I?