10k complete!

Tag: #sportsummerchallenge

25
Sep
2017

10k complete!

Categories: Fitness, Phil & Teds Sport Running Buggy, Reviews

This weekend I ran 10k and it’s the best i’ve felt running in a very long time. I completed the hilly route in 59 minutes and 49 seconds! I never thought I would be able to run 10k after having my little one, let alone do it in under an hour; and I still can’t believe I was able to train for it with my toddler thanks to my running buggy. Today, I am very very happy!

Close friends of mine will know that I struggled (like many mums) to jog for quite some time after having my daughter – I needed to regain my strength and it wasn’t always possible to go running due to a childcare. So completing the 10k this weekend is a huge achievement for me.

As you know I trained for the 10k with my running buggy and I honestly can’t recommend running buggies enough, for the sense of freedom and to simply have a reliable buggy that you can do so much with. From strolls, to errands, to 10k runs. I love my phil&teds Sport running buggy and wish I had invested in one from when my daughter was tiny. I’ve had several buggies since being a parent, but there’s no way i’m rehoming this one!

Thank you to everyone who gave me a cheer on the way round the 10k route – it really made all the difference!

Chloe x

18
Sep
2017

4 things I’ve learnt from training with my running buggy

Categories: Fitness, Phil & Teds Sport Running Buggy

At the start of Summer I decided to sign up to a 10k run, after many successful jogs with my phil&teds Sport running buggy. Although I was confident that i’d be able to get out and jog with my little one, I hadn’t been on many long distance runs, and I would need to if I wanted to feel my best in time for my 10k event. As that 10k approaches i’m delighted to share that we’ve done it! Training has gone so well and here’s a little of what i’ve learnt from the last few months buggy running with the aim to clock up those miles.

1. Make the most of nap times
Some of my best runs have been while my daughter sleeps or just after she’s had a good run around herself. It feels so satisfying to be able to use those times to train and to see my little one look comfy and content while I run; and not feel trapped by the nap!

2. Buggy running makes for a great day out
I feel lucky to have a running buggy that is easy to pop in the car and travel with, it also makes for a great everyday buggy too. The front wheel can be unlocked from running mode, making it super easy to push while walking and exploring. All of this means i’ve been able to incorporate visits to new parks and destinations, with a long run too. We’ll the pack the car with everything we need, have a good play and scout out a new running route before embarking on it. By the time we’ve explored a new area and had some lunch, my daughter is usually ready to climb into the buggy and rest her little legs; and that’s when I can start my run. It’s perfect!

3. Having a running buggy takes the guilt out of doing something for yourself
I’ve enjoyed running for a long time but after my daughter was born I suddenly felt guilty for wanting to get out and exercise; plus childcare isn’t always an option for me so I would feel incredible guilty for being so frustrated that I couldn’t exercise in the way that I wanted to. Having a running buggy has completely changed that. I no longer have to worry about when I can exercise, as I can simply do it with my daughter. I also feel like it’s had a really positive effect on her – she loves running, gets excited when she sees me in my running kit and heading towards the buggy and often says to me “run, run, run?”.

4. In hindsight, I wish I had invested in a running buggy sooner
I would highly recommend buggy running and the phil&teds Sport to anyone interested in being active with your little one, and if you want a sturdy, easy-to-use buggy with a big basket (great for shopping!). I’ve had my fair share of buggies and if I knew what I do know, I would 100% invest in a running buggy from the get go. I always thought running buggies were clunky, hard to push and only suitable for older children, but I was wrong on all of that.

Wish me luck for Saturday!
Chloe x

04
Sep
2017

September Goals

Categories: Baby & Me, Fitness, Phil & Teds Sport Running Buggy

Hello September! How did you get here so fast? Although I’m clearly not at school and my little one is too young to be affected by term times, I still view September as a great month to embark on new challenges or to finally conquer ones set earlier in the year – and for me, that means focusing on the 10k fun run I have coming up in just a week’s time!

With the big run just around the corner, I feel the need to create a little checklist for myself so that I’m full prepared for the event. So, here are a few things I’ve realised during training that are pretty essential for me to have a successful run, alongside some goals I’d like to achieve this month.

1. New music
On days when I’ve been flagging in energy my playlist has kept me going. I love Spotify (or anything similar) for creating a playlist and the suggested songs that are often thrown up based on what I’ve listened too previously are usually pretty good. So, this month I must create my final event day playlist! Any recommendations?

2. Food for fuel
More than ever before, I’ve really noticed that eating properly before a run can make a huge difference to how well I jog. I’ve mainly been running in the morning, after porridge and banana or a protein shake with lots of fruit and veg in – plus, giving myself a hour or so after eating before heading out. It’s also helped to eat protein and carbs fairly soon after a run, so that I don’t feel completely fatigued. Eggs, rye bread, chicken and some veggies has been a good post-run lunch for me. On days when my inner piggy has dictated the menu (chocolate), I’ve not only felt rubbish in myself but I’ve not run as well either. So, this month I’d like to (again) focus on food as fuel and to enjoy treats here and there – not to finish the day having eaten just sugar!

3. Posture perfect
Running with a buggy is super easy and fun to do, however I’ve learnt through training that is worth spending a bit of time to look at your posture. Since I’ve upped how often I run with my buggy, I noticed my shoulders aching a little more than usual. I was recommended this video to watch and it’s got some great tips, so here is a little link to it. www.runningbuggies.com.

4. Run 10k with my running buggy
The above goals aside, my ultimate achievement for the month will be to run 10k. I’ve been training with my Phil&Teds Sport running buggy all summer and I absolutely love it. Before having a baby, I had no idea that running buggies existed, and thank goodness they do. Without mine, I wouldn’t be able to run as nearly as much, due to childcare not being that easy of an option for me. My daughter genuinely loves going in the buggy too and she gets so excited when I say lets go for a run. The sense of freedom I get from it all is simply amazing, plus its helped me regain my fitness and confidence (for several reasons, I really thought I wouldn’t be able to run again again having my little one).

So, here’s to September goals!

Side notes – I was asked recently If I recommend the Phil&Teds Sport buggy and I definitely would. It’s really lightweight, easy to fold down if you want to take it in the car to explore new routes, has a quick and reliable brake system (which you can use in two ways) and great wheels that make it easy to go between pavements and off-road terrains.

Photo is a little pic from a recent buggy run, I spotted one of those outdoor gyms!

24
Jul
2017

My 10k training plan

Categories: Fitness, Phil & Teds Sport Running Buggy

When I signed up to my recent run I vowed to follow one of the many 10k training plans you see online. However, I was foolish not to take a proper look at a plan before committing to the 10k run I signed up to! Having viewed a range of these plans, I’ve had a bit of a wake up call and training is going to be more full on than I realised. Good thing I like a challenge!

A lot of the plans I’ve checked out recommend running 3 times a week, if you have around 8 weeks until your 10k event, and to have rest days in between each run. Several 10k training plans also suggested working in some ‘cross training’ days (where you do another form of exercise) and, or strength training (i.e weights or resistance exercises). It looks as though each run will need to be around 45 minutes each, too.

With all of this in mind, my weekly training plan currently looks a little bit like this…

Monday – Strength training
Tuesday – Run
Wednesday – Rest day
Thursday – Run
Friday – Rest day
Saturday – Cross training
Sunday – Run

It’s only been a few weeks but I’m really enjoying my training and having a reason to run for an extra mile or two. It’s also made me appreciate my Sport buggy even more than I did before and how it’s built for purpose. Compared to other running buggies I’ve used, it’s so light to manoeuvre and the auto brake stop is second to none – a great comfort when your running route involves crossing busy roads or getting out the way of speedy dogs!

Plus, another mummy friend of mine has also signed up to the same 10k run, so now I have two pals to train with! I’ll keep you posted on how we get on and please do share your buggy running or training tips in the comment box below.

Chloe x

If you’re interested, below are a few links to 10k plans I’ve liked the look of and I surprisingly came across loads on Pinterest too.

This link may only work if you’re signed up to the Windsor 10k run like me
www.windsorwomens10k.com/10k-Intermediate.pdf
Race for Life training plan
myrunningtips.com/couchto10k
10k training plans on Pinterest

10
Jul
2017

I’m running 10k and training with my baby!

Categories: Fitness, Phil & Teds Sport Running Buggy

I’ve signed up to the Windsor 10k and I actually can’t wait! The last time I attempted a 10k run, I was not prepared at all and felt so unfit running the 6 miles needed. I didn’t even have water with me, so that may give you an indicator of just how unready I really was. This time round I want to train properly and feel my strongest for the event.

#sportsummerchallenge
I’m so in love with my Sport running buggy that I’m confident I’ll be able to do all the necesary training with my daughter in tow. Well, that’s the goal anyway! The run takes place towards the end of September and as a way to make sure I do prepare for the run correctly, I promise to share my training experience and any tips I may pick up.

Buggy running
Plus, if any one is interested in what running with a buggy is really like, I hope to shed some light on that too – while learning all I need to know about running well with a buggy – and a baby (toddler)!

Wish me luck!
Chloe x