o2 Max Test & the trainer's getting tougher

Last week I did the o2 Max Test. It's kind of a weird device to measure your oxygen consumption and output. They attach a mask over your nose and mouth which you breathe oxygen through and a heart rate reader just under your chest. Here's a rather scientific site that explains it in detail. http://home.hia.no/~stephens/vo2max.htm

The good news was that although I didn't quite make it till the end of the session (as I felt that I would fall off the treadmill at 13.5 kph), I reached a rating of excellent and Mark the trainer stated that 'I had a talent for endurance'. That was really reassuring. I just need to push through my comfort zone.

Today, I was pushed through my comfort zone with interval training, leg, arm, core strength and reaction. Reaction was trying to stay steady on a wee trampoline whilst trying to catch a basketball being thrown from various directions. I hadn't been pushed so hard since Spinning class....which I hated.

It's amazing though. Once you find a rhythm you can push yourself through it.

Training hath commenced

Oh my. So my training has commenced.

This is my first week. Starting on Tuesday I met with my trainer Mark Ruifrok from Pure Performance. His task is to build my strength, stamina both physically & mentally to take on the challenges that I will be faced with climbing Kilimanjaro.

Mark has started me lightly with building on arm and core strength with a series of weight exercises top and tailed by cardio. I thought that I would have strength as I do Pilates 2 times a week, mixed with cardio but I started managing only 10 press-ups. Lots to build on!

So I've started with:
Monday: Run
Tuesday: Training
Wednesday: Pilates
Thursday: Training
Friday: Pilates & Training

Weekend: relax in the sunshine.

This week I have also been keeping a diary of my food and drink intake. Quite an eye opener when you add those odd glasses if fine wine up!

Pure Performance: http://www.pure-performance.nl/

Happy Easter

Easter was spent in Stockholm. It was my first visit to Sweden the land of Bjorn Borg, Stefan Edberg,Greta Garbo, Abba and IKEA. Joakim and I spent a couple of days at his parents in the centre near the town hall and a couple of days a 30 minute drive near the sea with Mika, Johan and their 3 daughters.

It was so good to be near the sea. We spent our time fishing. I'll upload photos when I can. It was actually a good work out, we walked on quite rugged ground along the coast line to fine our spots to fish.

Joakim caught 2

Johan caught 2

Cat just got a bite....but (excuse the pun) I'm hooked.

Oh and we nearly stood on an adder!