seemysweat

48% of girls saying getting sweaty is not feminine. Be proud of your sweat. Be in the 52%

Tag Archives: Goals


by Leave a comment

Goals for 2013

Six months ago my fitness goals for this year would have been different than they are now. I would have listed possible achievements that centred around speed – a sub 21 min 5k, a 1:45 half marathon and a 3:40 marathon. I had reached a level of fitness and confidence that meant these were within reach. However, with the current state of my ankle these will not happen this year.

Short term goals:

  • Run 5k distances regularly without pain.
  • Deadlift more than my body weight – 70kg seems like a good number to aim for.
  • Add a weekly session of yoga or Pilates or at the very least an hour of stretching at home.
  • 5 strict press ups.

Long term goals:

  • Unassisted pull ups! Still my fitness holy grail.
  • Pistol squats – darn near impossible but all the more reason to practice.
  • Take part in an ultra in 2014.
  • Run a 6 minute mile.
  • Do a Colour Run and a Tough Mudder.
  • Add more sports to my routine. I’d love to spend more time rock climbing, playing squash and swimming front crawl at a decent pace.


by 3 Comments

The first things about getting fit

1) Stop worrying about what other people are thinking. Right now. No, stop. Don’t ever think you can’t run outside because people will stare at you. I promise you if anyone is looking and they aren’t also running they are marvelling at just how badass you are or a thinking about when they can do their thing and be badass too. Give no more thought to other people in the gym, unless it’s to be nice to courteous to them. No one is laughing, you’re getting fit and that’s something that is never to be laughed at. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, who is exercising automatically belongs to the club, congratulations you’ve joined, smile on your way past.

2) Record what you do. If you just go and half heartedly press a few dumbbells or jog on the treadmill for a few minutes you’ll never get anywhere. Trust me, I’ve tried that. Fitness is about progress and progress needs to be tracked. Use your iphone, a notebook or if you have the capacity, your memory, and make sure you’re pushing yourself onwards.

3) Which brings me neatly to – goals! Have them. Try not to make it “I want to feel good in a bikini”, because that isn’t a goal, it’s a state of mind. It might happen after reaching your goals, but it’s not a goal in itself. Perhaps you want to run for 10 minutes without stopping or do a pull up.  It might seem small but it gives you something tangible to work towards. By all means add bigger goals like a marathon or a crazy time  for ‘Fran’ but make sure you keep sight of the small stuff – it really is where the sweat reaps the rewards.

4) Eat well. That Pret sandwich? It’s not healthy, put it down. Say hi to your kitchen and start using it. Cooking my meals from scratch MADE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE. It takes time, sure, but it’s time well spent. Try and make it a habit – when you’re cooking one meal why not add more veggies so you’ve got them cold for tomorrow? Or also pop those chicken breasts in the oven as you’re making your pasta? You’re already cooking, so cook more and eat it for lunch or dinner when you know you’ll be late home and thinking a pizza would be quick and easy right now.

5) Stick at it. It took me years to get in the habit of exercising daily but now it’s something I just do. Eating was easier, after about 6 months I changed the way I eat permanently and although I have the odd slip or fortnight off when on holiday I more or less stick to it. Don’t give up after a month, keep going, it’s worth it, it really is.