Motley Health's Fitness and Weight Loss Community

Last night I continued my exercises. Having done 5 press ups and 25 sits up two nights previous, I aimed to double that this time. To start, I managed my 5 press ups, and then only did 20 sit ups. After a 15 minute break, I attempted the 5 press ups again but fell one short, but reached my target of 20 further sit up. I would have gone for a third set, but it was time to cook and eat!

Watch out Mr Motley, once I introduce squats and/or star jumps into my routine, I'll be beating your 300!

Or another false start? Only time will tell.....

Inspired by Mr Motley himself, Jon, and his new circuit training routines, the competitive edge came out in myself. That edge has been laying dormant for a number of years, and only recently been awaken (see below). And with no more party food scheduled until Christmas, now is the ideal time to get into some form of shape.

So, what have I been doing in the year since my last blog entry? Not an awful lot, it has to be said. I am playing five-a-side football a lot more reguarly now, approximately once every two to three weeks. That's where the edge was rediscovered. Generally, the games I play are kick-arounds with work colleagues. There is running involved, obviously, but the game is played at a nice slow pace.

We entered into the company tournament in May. Seven teams, six games, top four through to semi-finals. After four games, we had won one and lost three. We were dead and buried. But two wins in our last two games gave us fourth place. We were tired, but had to play a semi final. We won that 1-0 against a team that really should have beaten us. They were getting really serious and started turning on each other. That's when I found the edge. That desire to win and be the best. And win we did. Somehow we managed to find the extra energy for the final, and came away 2-1 winners. To say I was shattered was an understatement. I finished that last game on will-power alone.

So, back to the present day. I've got three games of football lined up over the next month. No need to do any more there. But this circuit training looks a doddle, I'll give that a go....

On Tuesday, in six days time, I shall be doing something I haven't done for a while - playing a game of football. It's a 40 minute 5-a-side kickaround, with no hiding. Luckily others playing will have a similar level of fitness, but I'm determined to try and run around all game.

Fifteen years ago it wouldn't have been a problem, but the years of either no or irregular exercise really take their toll. I really know I'm unfit, not by how long I can run for, but how long it takes me to recover. I played football in January, and it was almost a week before I could walk without my leg muscles protesting. Now this probably seems quite shocking to anyone who is fit.

Left home a minute early today, so no need to exert myself as much as the previous two days (I left three minutes late on Tuesday so had a real work out). I arrived at the station in good time, the walk took under 25 minutes, yet I took it easy.

How is this possible? Am I turning into a superfit individual?

Left the house a couple of mins late this morning, so had to put on a brisk walk to the station. No easy thing when you've got a hill to walk up before the legs are given a chance to wake up.

I was surprised though. I had a spring in my step which is normally reserved for the walk home on a Friday. Someone must have replaced the rubber treads on my trainers, that's all I can say. I made the walk in just under 25 minutes, quicker than normal, without breaking sweat or getting out of breath.

I must be getting fitter.