SophisticRumble

It sure is! I did it twice last night,and improved by a whole level on the second try, so maybe I hadn't warmed up enough for the first. It was killer though! I definitely won't be doing them that often, otherwise I think I'd probably regret it to the point of never running again

So yesterday I actually ended up doing more weightlifting, stretches and running. After a day of doing stuff I wasn't aching any more and wanted to do something active. I tried out a bleep test a couple of times at the park and then did some sprints for a few lengths, because it seems I really need to improve on my speed! I really think I should rest today, and then I'll try the bleep test again tomorrow and see how the rest helps out.

Thanks, apollo! I have heard stories about the physical training once you get in, and apparently the test during recruitment isn't even a patch on what you need to be able to do during the training. So the goal I'm setting for myself is being able to easily do what's needed during the recruitment physical, but it's gonna take me a little while to get there as my functional strength leaves a lot to be desired! I'm sure crossfit every morning really gets you up to standard in no time! Yeah, I'm hoping that when I go for a few runs with my dad (he lives in one of the flattest parts of the country), I'll be able to go faster and farther than ever. That would be a pretty great reward. And I love the nike running app for recording all my runs, it's such a great tool. I might have to look into setting it up to let me know about split times if it really helps to keep pace steady! I've seen news reports over here of your wildfires and you'd be forgiven for thinking that planes were the only things involved in tackling them! It's not that common for us to have wildfires over here, as it's never really that hot I think today might end up being a rest day for me, as I've still got aching arms and my legs aren't feeling too strong. I will undoubtedly change my mind about going for a run later in the day though. For now though, I've got to get myself ready to help encourage the Freshers to study Russian They won't know what they've let themselves in for!

So today I managed a run (just over 5k), but it's still unseasonably warm compared to the last few weeks and it's just exhausting me not that long into the run. But still, I got that done, with another hefty hill climb in to boot. Also managed some more weights work, but it was not as intensive and more of a recovery sesh. Have just ended the day with a stretching routine. It's really noticeable just how tight your muscles get after developing a regular running habit. Gonna have to reverse that! Anyway, now it's time for me to stop procrastinating and start doing a bit of language revision before bed.

Well that's encouraging and really good to hear That sounds like a really rewarding and interesting job. I'm not entirely sure how much Firefighters in the UK get to play the "Ranger" role, but the basic job description alone sounds like my perfect job anyway! It's a shame you'd rather be back out of the office, but I'm sure becoming a Captain has its perks too Not going to lie, there is now a chance that I will pester you for tips and info on the regular now that you've told me about your job. I'll try not to be too annoying

Thanks! I'm hoping the fact that it's a goal relating to a desired future career will keep me on track and provide more motivation than just a general health one. Good luck with reaching half marathon length! Do you have any advice for improving average speed? It's proving pretty tough to speed up round here, as we've got some mammoth hills!

Hahaha. Oh man, should I know what you're talking about there? ( I do hope I wouldn't be expected to know firefighting strategies before I go for it ) I do have one question, actually. Do you love your job? Oh, and cheers for stopping by!

So far today I've managed to get in my weight training and a run. It was a shorter run than usual, at 3.8km, but it's a good ten degrees (celcius) warmer today than it was when I ran two days ago, and my body just didn't adapt very well. But I did have a faster average speed, at 6 minutes 22/km, so that's an improvement.

So I started my challenge quite late in the day yesterday, and only managed to get in a stretching session. But it was my first dedicated session for stretching (ever!), so I'm pretty happy I was able to tick that off. It didn't take very long either, so I might try to fit it in daily. I'm sure it couldn't hurt!

That link is perfect! Just what I've been looking for, actually. I think a love for playing football is something that never really goes away, no matter how long it's been. I'd like to get into playing and training as part of a team again, but I wouldn't be anywhere near good enough for my university's team, and there don't seem to be any other clubs nearby :C

Good luck with your challenge! Your goals are pretty similar to mine (in so far as I want to improve my running and start including stretching sessions into my week). I used to play soccer too, back in school, but haven't played for many years now. It would be nice to get back into it, but one step at a time. Do you have a specific set of stretches you're going for? Are they more for helping out with the running or just general flexibility?

First of all, thanks for taking the time to read my post Secondly, thanks for the good luck. Don't suppose you can remember any specific training your flatmate used at the time? There aren't enough linguists in the world! What language(s) do you work with? Will you be taking part in this six week challenge yourself?

So, a little bit about me and my current situation first: Just going into my final year of university study (Russian, to answer your question!) and I've managed to build up quite the running habit since I got back from my year abroad in Russia at the end of June. So with several months' of regular running under my belt, and having managed to increase my average distance from 2km to 6.3km, I'm ready to start upping the ante. The MAIN QUEST: To improve all areas of my stamina, strength, flexibility, and mental integrity so that I could pass the physical fitness tests for entry into the Fire and Rescue service (UK). Goals: 1. Run 10km in under 1 hour. 2. Weight/bodyweight train at least 3 times a week, for 1 hour per session. 3. Either attend at least one martial arts class or one stretching session each week, to improve flexibility. 4. Run intervals at least twice a week, to bring average pace down to 6:10/km. LIFE SIDE QUEST: Complete my university Russian presentations far enough in advance that I can practise, practise, practise until I can talk freely about the subjects and answer any questions I might be asked about them. MOTIVATION The aim is that I could easily pass the physical fitness test for entry into the Fire and Rescue service (should any vacancies arise). Whilst they rarely recruit now, I can still make sure I'd be ready to take the test at a moment's notice, and I'll keep my eyes peeled for openings.

I'd also like to say "thank you!!!" to the Druids. It was my first mini-challenge and I had a big load of fun Thank you for inviting us to come play with you!

Good tasting food is even more of a temptation This reads like the story of my life! I think I will try out a smaller plate + smaller portion and no seconds. It was one of those things I'd read about but never really knew whether to take it as genuine or a bit of a fad!

I've been struggling with this too. Living back at my mum's for the time being and her portion sizes are ridiculous. PLUS, she brings out pudding every day after dinner. As much as it kills me to have to turn down lemon meringue pie multiple times a week, I've been managing (mostly). Unfortunately, until I can really get this under control, there's only so much running for 20 minutes every day can do! Has anybody got any experience with using that 'smaller plate' trick? Does it actually work? Edit: Realised I forgot to introduce myself (how rude!). I'm relatively new round here, but have been creepily stalking this thread since I joined, waiting for my moment. So, Hi everybody! I'm very pleased to be here

Thank you I'm looking forward to giving you all a run for your money!

I think anything I have to say on this is probably going to be repeating what a lot of other people have said already, but every little helps! I'm fairly tall (5ft 9ins) and am fairly top-heavy with wiiiiide hips. I've found for myself that V-necks really do work wonders in making my shoulders appear less wide and have stayed well away from tops with a high neckline. I personally prefer v-necks that don't show off my cleavage, but of course if you'd ever feel comfortable doing that, then go for it I rarely wear dresses (although have taken to switching between the only two dresses I own when I go out to parties/bars etc.) and wear jeans for every event that isn't special and I've found the style that suits me most (long legs and very wide hips) is a slightly-flared (boot-cut) and relatively low on the hips pair. Every time I go jeans shopping it can take me a whole afternoon (which is very daunting and I hate it) because finding the pair that fits just right is all about hunting for them. I've found a bootcut pair in one store can be completely different when I put them on compared to another pair. It is all worth it, though, when eventually I put on a pair that fit just right and make me feel happy with the shape of my body! The only make-up I wear is mascara and eyeliner and personally, that's all I need to feel comfortable. That suits me just fine as it's not too expensive to keep up And as for hair, I favour a side-swept fringe (or bangs as I believe people over the pond call them ), layers and framing around my face, though I think that's easier to get with longer hair. Hope all this helps, and I just want to say how much I admire you for asking for advice about this. I've never been brave enough to ask for tips about appearance and I don't think I could handle what people would have to say, so bravo to you

Thank you! As we speak I'm formulating some more solid goals in my head, soon to be proudly declared on my profile!

Hello! Bit of a nervous newbie here. I was a bit late to the party, but I'm hoping it's not too late to join still Ranger, by the way