bigfoodiemama

GARY, COME BACK ! This was uttered from a few mouths this evening as Little Big Horn started waving his arms in the air and bending forwards again. I'll give it a go I thought ,reckoning I could cope with a heftier warm up as I knew what was coming...but I did NOT because ( as I thought) LBH had gone off schedule. "So ladies, it's 8 minutes twice with a five minute walk in between" ,he said and like sheep we nodded and off we went. I was gravely concerned at my ability to do 8 full minutes "running" but I managed. I was helped along though by the sight of a male runner, still pink from his Tour D'Italia, the Golfing Rumpsteak ( who likes to be known as Grrr!) . He strode out like an Italian Stallion and his running prowess inspired me to keep up and carry on. I owe him a debt of gratitude, but would prefer to show my thanks to Gentle Gary given a choice ! Little Big Horn got all masculine, dominant and sweary for the warm down. The ladies secretly loved

One of my mantras is " There's no such thing as bad weather, just a bad choice in clothes". I repeated this to myself at regular intervals last night, as I folded myself and the extremely large Elvery's Sports Poncho into my car for the Monday night run. Based on my recent bout of chestiness, the fact there was torrential rain at our house and out of a sense of love, protection and devotion ( I hope!) GASP advised me that, under no circumstances was I going running, unless suitably attired. Over my full length running leggings, tight bra, even tighter sports support bra and pink lycra top I donned a MASSIVE pale grey poncho, previously purchased in Croke Park, in similar inclement circumstances. I am a big girl but this poncho could happily house a small family with pets without anyone getting wet, but I had to agree, kiss his cheek lovingly and set off, in the hope that this was what people wore running in the rain....not so ! I arrived onto the Fair Green,just as a

Direct quote " Rapid Ronan my arse...more like Roadkill Ronan. I am dead and my feet will never function again !" . Direct quote number 2 " My poor legs !!!" It appears my enforced absence due to a chest infection could not have been timed better . Having felt a bit dodgy Wednesday evening I decided to return to the couch on my C25K journey. It was a good idea and as a member of the medical profession, I would recommend any runner taking this advice. By Thursday evening I felt fine again, so decided the Thursday night GAA training session for my sons was a perfect opportunity to continue my quest. It was a quiet evening thankfully, as it is a little daunting demonstrating your running prowess ( or lack thereof) in front of your local parish....especially the fit Dad's ( the term Fit only applies to actual physical fitness !!!) . Off I took, while GASP watched the boys ( ie. chatted up the Mum's)and happily did run 1, 2 and 3 while Marlene ( pronounced Marla

I LOVE Gentle Gary ! Ah yes, a man who warms you up slowly, lets you take it at your own pace, advises you to slow down, so you can make it to the finish, encourages you as you reach the finish and congratulates you when you do !! What's not to love ? Last night he had 150 women like putty in his hands. The first night of week 4 had come and boy was I nervous. The 3 minute run ...I knew I could handle, but the 5 minute run was a completely new venture for me and I could not convince myself that I would make it....BUT I DID ! I could not believe the pride within me as I managed it, redfaced... yes, puffing... yes, aching... yes but I did it. And so did everyone else. All around me were smiling faces of achievement, alot less expletives than usual and a general feeling of well being. Born a B*****S was there but I have renamed him the Dusky Digger due to his natural tan and I no longer hold him in contempt, as he ran every inch of the way with us. The Dancing Butcher offered to give

So I bought a Strap On. We were off on holidays you see and I was conscious that I did not want to lose my stride, so I bought a black cheap strap on. I didn't want to spend too much initially as I wanted to make sure it would fit, would not slip out and would keep me entertained while vigorously at it. What can I say.. it did ! My €4 telephone arm band fitted like a glove, my S6 slipped into it beautifully and once plugged in , my headphones provided me with all the inspiring tracks required to ensure I stuck to my C25K schedule while in Rosslare on me holiers. Of course, strapping it on is one thing, actually running is another. Monday evening after a day at the beach, I suggested that GASP take the boys to the playground and I would run around the ideally placed football pitch next door. There was an actual running track you could pay a fiver to hire for a hour, but I decided this would draw attention, as if I was meant to be some kind of a professional, I would not be able to r

Week 2. I was ready. I had the schedule learned off by heart so was looking forward (?) to running for 1.5 minutes followed by a 2 minute walk and repeating that 6 times….do-able ! The Mad One had not re appeared since AC/DC citing a football blitz or the like, so off I went tout seul to continue my journey towards the 5 k. I entered the Fair Green via the ramp behind 3 ladies who were coming for the first time. They were warmly greeted by a friend of theirs who said “ It’s F*****g TORTURE…your first night could be your last !” So much for encouragement. I was expecting to see Gentle Gary, but instead the Silver Fox and Little Big Horn took charge. The Silver Fox warmed us up….bit too much jogging for my like… I was saving my energy for God’s sake….. before Little Big Horn took charge sounding the air horn to mark the change from run to walk. I was doing alright, but noticed the 2 minute walk felt more like 1 minute….because it was only 1 minute….had no one read the schedule ??? I m

So tonight I spent the evening with Rapid Ronan......and it was very interesting ! You see, after Wednesday nights trauma with Mr. Boot Camp....the bastard....I was somewhat nervous that he would re appear to torture me, but no,up comes Rapid Ronan. I thought things were taking a funny turn when I saw all the ladies throwing their keys in a bucket....I do not jest. Rapid Ronan came over and asked us all to take our places in a circle around him for a "gentle warm up" .....mmmm! Now, like any woman,I like to start gently, and the ladies on the section of the circle watching Rapid from behind seemed particularly pleased this evening, the grins frozen on their faces as he " gently" bent over. Then things took a horrible turn. You see, no one had given Rapid the schedule, so instead of the pace we were all used to, he became very demanding and "gently" changed to gung ho...he went at us hammer and tongs. How one man could get so many women breathless, panting,

Having recently recovered from a bout of illness, I had decided that Health and Fitness were my new priority ( mentally and physically....and hormonally !). I was scouting around for something to suit me, my ability ( minimal) and an activity which would fit around the family schedule . The 5 year old had performed brilliantly on stage in his end of year " show" which was just fabulous, we were well through the football blitzes and the summer holidays had started...bigfoodiemama time. Facebook alerted me to the fact that one of the local football clubs were starting a Couch to 5k. Perfect ! They said Monday nights....check, €2 per night....check, for people of all age and ability...check and in 10 weeks I would be able to run a 5 k and then get plastered at the after party...CHECK !.Taking this very seriously I contacted the Mad One who jumped at the chance of getting out of the house, even if she had to run . Off I went last week to register myself and forge the signature of