josh in the game

So... the journey for me really starts now. I'm genuinely worried that this is beyond me so will need all of your help to get in shape. I'm starting from further back. I run out of puff at 6k, strength at 20 press ups and pain tolerance at 30 sit-ups. I played football last night. Playing badmington tonight and possibly swimming on Wednesday. I'm trying to do press ups and sit ups once a day. Any other ideas?

28.04.13 - Paul's week

Last week: 1 hour footie on Monday, two cycle rides (probably over 30 miles in total), 30 minute run and 40 minutes of hard work at football tonight.

This week: Got to start doing some press ups. Going to try 4 sets of 15 daily. Plan for is for another 20 mile cycle ride, a hill run with Si, and of course football on Mon and Sunday again.

My diet is going pretty well. Still haven't had a biscuit, choc bar or crisps. Think it is over three weeks now. Not seeming to miss them and can really feel a difference so going to continue.

Good luck this week everyone!

Simon's week (22 April)

Another good week exercise wise - 4 runs over 6k, 2 gym sessions, 200 press-ups and 40 mins of football. 

Diet was going ok until Friday, when I had a massive burrito with josh for lunch, tapas with holly for dinner and a footlong sub with Buzz at 2am.  Saturday evening (movie night) included lots of unhealthy snacks and I have literally just had a magnum ice-cream!  So my aim next week is to only eat junk food on Saturday night (which is the ATP festival so will definitely be having some crappy junk food).

Next week will be looking to do more leg work in the gym and do at least 4 unassisted chin-ups.  As well as the normal weekly routine, I am looking to introduce a weekly hill running session with Paul.  We have realised that Saturday mornings does not work as one of us is normally hungover, so we will try one evening after work. 

Mid week cycle

Yo, I massively kicked ass tonight so thought I would share. Went on a 2 hour cycle ride across London, no idea how many miles as I got fairly lost but the hard work is paying off.

Keep it up fellas!

Simon's week (15-21 April)

Pretty good week exercise-wise.  3 runs to work (3.7 miles each), 3 gym sessions after the runs (upper body and core), 40mins of football afterwards followed by a 20 minute run with paul.

Diet still pretty bad.  Had beers 2 evenings.  Breakfast and lunch are good (some kind of protein + salad) and snack on almonds all day.  Evening meals normally pretty bad, and always snack on junk before I go to bed.  My personal target this week is to cut this out (Monday to Friday) and only snack on weekends. 

My exercise targets for this week is to match exercise from last week, and perhaps add some hill running on Saturday morning.  Anyone else fancy joining me?  There is a perfect hill in Hampstead Heath. 

My week ahead - Paul

Good evening guys,

I managed to achieve everything that I set for myself last week and didn't eat a single biscuit, chocolate bar or packet of crisps, so major result there.

My week ahead:

Mon: Football and 20 minute run
Tue: 30 minute run and 50 press ups
Weds: rest
Thurs: 40 minute run
Fri: 40 minute run and 50 press ups
Sat: rest
Sun: Football, 20 minute run and 50 press ups

My week so far (also)

Gym - 3 times this week (same as Simon: upper body and abs)
Jogging with Gemma - 1 time this week (although going to be a more regular occurrence)

Food is same as last two years (regimental):
Breakfast - Banana and Almonds
Lunch - Chicken/Tuna salad (cheap as you like buying a couple of Tesco chickens on a Sunday and cooking for the week ahead)
Dinner - varies but me and Gemma seem to be in a pasta bake stage (Friday's is Chinese or KFC night)

Football 5 a side twice a month

The above will not change week to week.

I have had a look at the videos and other commentary on Tough Mudder, it sounds absolutely fantastic and I am really excited. From a fitness point of view, I reckon we will be fine from what you have posted as it seems all about the fun of it and helping a 'fellow mudder' to complete as a team.

What do you want to do for T'Shirts?

My week so far...

Cheers Si, I think you are correct that the FB group just isn't working...I will try and find the time to post on here once a week. Are you going to post a weekly challenge for us?

So my week so far:

30 minute run on Sat
Sunday night football
Monday night football plus 30 minute cycle

Plan for the rest of the week:

Run Tues, Gym Weds eve, Run Thurs, Rest Fri

I would like to go for a longer run after football next week. Please let me know if you would like to join.

As for diet, it is still shocking but I am trying to take a lead from Chris and cutting out all crisps, chocolate and biscuits...hopefully this will help!

A review of my exercise week (1-7 April):

3 x runs to work (6.5km each)

3 x gym sessions (mostly upper body and core)

200 press-ups (40 at night just before I go to bed, for 5 nights last week)

Football for 40 mins on Sunday, followed by a 25 minute run home afterwards

Diet:

Not good.  Beers at least 3 nights last week, an all you can eat carvery on Saturday daytime, all you can eat buffet on Saturday evening.

Venue has been announced - it is Cholmondeley Estate in Cheshire.

Here is a video from last year's event, at the same location:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/video/2012/nov/20/tough-muddy-endurance-race-uk-video