Last Thursday I headed out with Cat and the SUPERchicks again. Some of whom are here after completing bootcamp all week. Impressive stuff.
We started off with a brisk warm up jog around the trees which was a great opportunity to whinge to my new buddyCHICK Laura, about last weeks aches from the session. Interestingly, hers were in completely different places to mine (bingo wings and bottom mainly).
Assembled in front of the ever-enthusiastic Cat, we embarked on a different circuit of exercises this week including squats, press-up/side planks and an interesting medicine ball one (or evil pea as its affectionately known).
This weeks entertainment was provided by a massive group of schoolgirls who congregated about 30 meters away to celebrate their end of year with much rose wine and manic screaming. Not at all off-putting but certainly a more unusual background track to work out to than the usual too quiet, too rubbish music I get in my local gym.
More runs, more circuits such as planks, lunges, sit ups with the Evil Pea (a ball used in workouts) and some stepping up onto the bandstand and we were done. Quite surreal this week with the screams, but Cat had no problem making herself clear and the class was just as enjoyable. Im definitely enjoying it more than the gym.
The next evening, the girls were hosting a Cardio and Cocktails evening. Unfortunately I couldnt attend as I was off to Germany for a boozy break. I was directed to their massively helpful Alcohol Calculator as a result. 2,000 calories in 4 days; how I wish Id opted for more G&Ts and less german beer. Thats a lot more superCHICK sessions that I need to be heading to.
Click here to try out the alcohol calculator
See how to do the 'Evil Pea' exercise here
Amy Lawrenson, Web Beauty Assistant, British Military Fitness Running Club
I havent posted for a while as I was off on a mini-break with the boyfriend to his familys house. So, as I wasnt able to join the running club on Thursday, I decided to run while away. Simple. So me and my boyfriends sister took to the road and ran 1.5 miles on Wednesday and again on Friday. Ive done this run before - last summer when I was attempting an ill-fated get-fit regime and this time it seemed marginally easier. Well, easier in comparison to last Mondays gruelling running club session.
This Monday I was buoyed by the fact I have improved as a runner. The first furlong, jogging from the serpentine to Hyde Park Corner was actually easy, leg swings were a doddle but then came the sprinting. I physically could not run, my thighs felt like a small animal had attacked them with big claws, how was this possible? Agony ensued and a lot of running at the back of the class (which Im used to). The running club gang were sweet, advising me to eat bananas after the session and checking I was OK. Chris, the instructor, thought I might have Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, otherwise known as DONS. According to Wikipedia DONS is -
the pain and stiffness felt in muscles about 24 to 72 hours after unaccustomed and/or strenuous exercise. It is a symptom of muscle damage caused by eccentric exercise.
I wouldnt call my running eccentric, but yes it is unaccustomed. Who knew this running lark came with so many hidden dangers? I hobbled through the hour, putting in effort where I could. It was all a bit disappointing, I wanted to give it 100%, thanks to DON I wasnt even out of breath by the end. Instead, I headed home and indulged in some RICE, (not the food, but another running related acronym) recommended by Chris.
R-Rest (my favourite past time, I chose to watch Glee fyi)
I-Ice (a bag of frozen onions later my legs felt better but were a bit whiffy, next time Ill make sure the freezer is stocked with peas)
C-Compression (I didnt have bandages seemed a bit much anyway)
E-Elevation (I kept my legs lifted on the back of the sofa)
This morning my thighs dont feel quite so bad. But will I make it to my next class on Thursday?
