A few days late writing this blog as I was too busy on the weekend trying to finish reading Iron Flame. Wow, what a brilliant book and a great sequel to Fourth Wing. Anyway, on to my exercise for week 5.

Starting to struggle a little with this already and finding that I am not doing much more than a walk on most days. But none the less, a walk is more than I would be doing if not for this challenge. My legs are really feeling the benefits and definitely getting stronger.

Monday January 27th – It had been a wet day and when I got home from work I wanted to get warm and dry before going for a run. When the rain eventually stopped I set off for my usual route on a Monday, up the road and back. I started off and felt amazing, but I must have set off too fast cos about 30 seconds later I was breathing so heavy I had to slow down! Then after about 5 minutes I had a stitch from eating too much for dinner. This lasted the whole run which was annoying as I couldn’t run as fast as my legs wanted to. Overall a good run and I did enjoy it despite the stitch.

Tuesday January 28th – I needed to take a dog home at about 7pm so decided to do my walk whilst out. I parked up at the back of Tesco and walked along the footpath, around the school, through Glanrhyd and back to Tesco. It was a really nice relaxing evening walk.

Wednesday January 29th – Combining work with exercise today and I was walking Ralph. Decided to walk down Rhiwfawr hill and back up again, twice!! I must be glutton for punishment but the hill is good cardio training for me.

Thursday January 30th – Another walk with Ralph today and this time we did the loop down the hill, around and up again. I swear it isn’t getting any easier, my legs really don’t like this hill!

Friday January 31st – I needed to go to Abercrave tonight so decided whilst there to do my walk somewhere different for a change. I walked all the way through Abercrave from one end to the other and back again. It was a pretty cold evening so I tried walking as fast as I could to keep warm. I would say it was a nice change to walk somewhere different but it was so dark it was just like walking anywhere else in the dark. Also, I did not realise there was a hill in Abercrave! I drive along it nearly every day but when driving it feels flat 🤣

Saturday February 1st – A new month which means I have successfully completed exercising every day in January. And today is parkrun day! Encouraged by Judith, we went to try out a new parkrun (for me not her). Llyn Llech Owain Parkrun which is located in the country park just outside Cross Hands. When we arrived it was about -2° , in the shade and very icy. I didn’t know what to expect as this was a new course for me to run, all I knew was it was on trails. This gave me the perfect opportunity to try out my new trail running trainers that I bought a few months ago and hadn’t had opportunity to wear them. So we set off on the parkrun and soon into the 5kms there was a huge hill that was never ending. I actually thought I was going to die, it was so tough. I swear 90% of this course was uphill. And I had to do 2 laps!! Despite the hills and my breathing struggling, I refused to walk. Just kept on working those legs and catching my breath on the brief downhill section. To my shock surprise I finished in a time of 40:30, which is my 2nd fastest 5km run ever! And had I not got a parkrun PB last weekend, this would have been a PB (personal best). Considering all the hills I’m really really pleased with the time.

After parkrun I got home and the fire was lit. It was so toasty and warm I didn’t want to leave the house again. However, I had arranged to meet Judith and some other bluetits at Spring Valley Lakes for an afternoon swim. I really didn’t want to do it. I even stood on the edge of the lake and told Judith I didn’t want to do  it today, I was cold and just not feeling it. But I got in anyway. It was awesome getting to swim in a larger group. There were 13 of us altogether. The water was cold but warmer than the air I reckon, maybe around 8°. It was absolutely exhilarating and we swam for 25 minutes. I loved it!

Sunday February 2nd – Another swim at Spring Valley Lakes. Judith jibbed out on me but Jo my sister came. This was a nicer swim than yesterday because the sun was shining and it was so tranquil. There were about 30 canoeists on the lake too, unusual for a Sunday morning. The kids must have thought we were nuts. Unfortunately my GPS wasn’t accurate, we started and ended at the same place on the lake but for someone reason it shows starting in the middle of the lake.

So that concludes the end of week 5. A total of 3hrs 56 minutes exercise for the week..