get fit for 2017

chucknorris

parking_question_chap wrote: »

If the grass is long enough it will have sufficient dampening properties to negate the frozen sub surface. Of course short grass should be avoided in such conditions.

You can't be serious, lol, the grass would have to be so long it would impede the running action :rotfl: It isn't so much the grass, it is soft nature of the ground under the grass.

This is what Marcus O'Sullivan has to say about running on grass (notice he is very much favouring short grass like football pitches and golf courses (not to mention the Summer):

“In the summer, when I run mainly on grass, my whole body seems to relax,” said two-time world indoor champion Marcus O’Sullivan after winning a mile race.

1. Grass
At its best, the grassland of parks, golf courses and football pitches provides the purest, most natural surface for running. Areas where sheep graze are often home to fine, close-cropped turf, too.
Pros: While grass is soft and easy on the legs in terms of impact, it actually makes your muscles work hard. This builds strength and means you’ll notice the difference when you return to the road. When it’s flat, it provides an excellent speedwork surface (spikes may be necessary in wetter conditions) and, unlike a track, can give you space to run whole repetitions without having to make tight turns.
Cons: Most grassland is uneven and can be dangerous for runners with unstable ankles. It can also be slippery when wet (like being frosty?), runners with allergies may suffer more symptoms when running on it, and its softness can tire legs surprisingly quickly. Finally, of course, while the very best grass for running is often found on bowling greens and golf courses, the owners are not always happy to discover runners on their hallowed turf.
Conclusion: If you can find a flat, even stretch of it, grass is the best training surface for most runners, especially as you get older.
Rating: 9.5

Mr.Generous

Ill keep off the grass.

Walked the daughters dog for just over an hour this morning, no plans for the gym today. bored later so hit the gym anyway.

20 mins treadmill @ 6.8 km/h = 260 cals
rowing 2 kms 10 mins 40 secs (slower than yesterday) 105 cals
bike briefly 75 cals
various weights for remainder of the hour.

3 days in feeling fitter already! must be all in the mind!!

parking_question_chap

Nice to see you are still at it.

Just remember to listen to your body and have rest days.

Not sure what weights you are doing, but if you have had any historic shoulder issues dont be doing any behind the neck press or pec dec work. I would be inclined to say dont do any even if your shoulders are perfectly fine, as they could soon chage that. Can you get any free intro sessions with an instructor. Free weights are brilliant and imo safer than machines if done correctly, but good technique is so important.

Fireflyaway

Seems a great goal to have. I am also hoping to get fitter and have started the couch to 5k program. For me I love that its free and can fit around other commitments. I'm finding it hard. Even the 60 seconds of jogging is hard. I can't ever see how I could jog 5k but I plan to persevere and repeat levels if necessary.
As far a weight loss goes I'm not anticipating the jogging will help so I am going to eat more healthy.
Seen so many other fat joggers the last few days. Let's see how many are still doing it in 6 months! Good luck.

trailingspouse

*waves*
Count me in - I'm 56, don't need to lose weight, but would definitely like to get fitter and stronger. No running allowed, due to a hip problem (caused by attempting couch to 5k two years ago). Am already a member of a gym - but I don't go as often as I should. Also do Pilates weekly, which helps with overall suppleness.

My plan at the moment is - keep the weight stable (have never had a weight problem, but the general trend is slowly upward due to middle age), and increase the stamina, strength, and overall fitness by going to the gym at least 3 times a week, walking when the weather is fine (ie not actually raining - I don't mind the cold), and doing Pilates at home between classes.

The hardest of these will be going to the gym regularly - it's within walking distance, but when the weather is bad I just don't go. Must just be brave.

Mr.Generous

I'm still at it, don't want to bore with every bit of exercise.... but ...

Jan 1st, gym session, all the stuff I've done each time - same as last 2 visits.

Jan 2nd, walked with wife somewhere I've never been and always wanted to go. Up Rivington Pike (AKA Winter Hill). If you live in the North West you have probably seen the mast that transmits TV. You park up about 2 miles below the summit and get walking. 2 Miles each way, but I'd guess a 30 deg gradient. Feel it on the calf's a touch.



Today 3rd Jan, Gym
20 mins treadmill 270 cals
20 mins bike 130 cals (not how I remember it!!)
2km rowing made it under 10 mins by a few seconds. 126 cals.

A few weights, never had any shoulder problems and I dont try to impress anyone with heavy weights, too old for that lark.

Feeling good right now!!

trailingspouse

Spent today on a sail training vessel. Given the chance to climb the rigging, provided I could hang from my hands for 15 seconds. Wasn't at all sure I could do it (I have ridiculously skinny wrists and no upper body strength) - but I did it!! Well chuffed.

Back to the gym etc next week (on holiday at the moment, but that's involved a lot of outdoorsy stuff and lots of healthy eating).

HBFS

Back in the gym when I shake this cold. I'm not unfit, but with April's Tough Mudder looming, I need to kick on.

fireblade28

This is not me telling you what to do at all but I defo think it would be wise to also focus on weights along with the cardio.

You seem to be quite cardio heavy in all your sessions which is great for the heart etc but at the age of 51 you should be working to stave of sarcopenia as much as possible. Resistance training is extremely important.


Just a thought keep up the good work

Mr.Generous

fireblade28 wrote: »

This is not me telling you what to do at all but I defo think it would be wise to also focus on weights along with the cardio.

You seem to be quite cardio heavy in all your sessions which is great for the heart etc but at the age of 51 you should be working to stave of sarcopenia as much as possible. Resistance training is extremely important.


Just a thought keep up the good work

Blinking heck something else to worry about, what on earth is sarcopnia? I do some weights, just cant really list every machine. I spend an hour and fifteen at the gym and the cardio stuff is all timed - remaining time is spent on weights and admiring the women.:D At my age!