So with just over 3 weeks to go, I've been mostly busy with my training plan. My training has mainly focused on running and skating for cardiovascular fitness, as well as stretching and strength excercises using bodyweight. I have learned a few lessons and have invested in some equipment to assist in my quest (more in a moment on that). Let's just review the smoking cessation effects for those of you that are interested.
For as long as I can remember my resting pulse rate has been in the high 70's and 80's. I have gone through periods of excercise in the past, but always being a smoker holding me back. I was amazed that after stopping smoking and with only a few weeks training under my belt, that my resting pulse rate had already decreased to being mainly in the late 60's. In the last few weeks I have even recorded it in the late 50's. This has to be a good thing, and I am looking forward to reporting it moving lower still!
As I write today I have now not smoked 1135 cigarettes since stopping 66 days, 18 hours and 25 minutes ago :-) So it's just over 2 months and I feel amazing (and I've saved about £430). I have very few cravings now, and much more energy. I may do another post specifically on the techniques that I have used to stop smoking. I think I'll post that to my other blog
daviskites. However, whilst on the subject, one of the things I have found useful is the "My Last Cigarette" App for iPhone. Every time the nicotine monster tried to attack, I just took a quick look at the app, and reminded myself that the feeling would pass in a moment. It really has helped, and I'd recommend it.
So here is a screen shot of my training activity for May. I started training late April, but this gives you an idea of a full month. I've found this website really motivational, it's called
Mapmyrun. It works very well with your iPhone (and Android, although I haven't tested it with an Android Phone). When you start the app, it uses your iPhone's GPS (and other technical stuff) to map your route. It measures things like distance and speed as well, so it's really useful to work out your minute mile pace. I also got myself a Wahoo Heart Rate monitor, which works natively with the iPhone 4S and allows heart rate capture as well. I'm finding that getting back from my runs, and logging my times is really helping me motivate myself and go for new personal best times etc. It's early days, but I'm starting to enjoy it more and more.
Here's a screen shot of the type of data you can get from using the heart rate functionality.
I've always been a fan of body weight training. With this in mind and remembering that I used to be able to do 3 sets of 10 wide arm pull-ups, I invested in a pull-up station. It allows you to do wide and close arm pull-ups as well as dips. I went for the Adidas Pull and Dip Station. It was really easy to put together, and very sturdy and well built for a home gym. I'll make a video of how to train yourself to do pull-ups in the next few weeks, as it is an often avoided exercise and should be one of the primary strength vehicles for men and women. With the right training plan and technique, you can achieve amazing results - more on this in future blogs. So here's a picture of the new kit.
So there you go, the training is going well. No major injuries (apart from my possibly broken wrist from ice skating), and feeling fit. I'll be working on the list again in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.
If you want to invest in any of the kit here's a quick reminder of the items I'm currently using:
Wahoo Heart Rate monitor - Links with your iPhone 4S for HR data when using with mapmyrun
Adidas Pull up and Dip Station
Rich
