… to my first post in a new blog aimed at total novices by a total novice. Allow me to introduce myself and explain what this blog will be about.
My name is Jamie Lovelock and I’m a Senior Developer at Sportsshoes.com. I work on the computer systems that power the ins and outs of everything we do here. If you’ve ever ordered anything then that order will have passed though my work, and together with the rest of the tech team, we work tirelessly to ensure you have the best experience possible at sportsshoes.com. I’m a geek, loud and proud. My sporting credentials are meek to say the least. I’ve always felt sport should be watched on tv, not partaken in, but I did use to play rugby for my local team. I’m embarrassed to say that was ten years ago and as I fast approach the big three O, I’ve decided to get myself in shape.
As you’ll soon notice from the coming blogs, I love tech in all its forms and I aim to use it in every way possible to aid me on this new adventure. I won’t be doing product reviews as such, but I will be passing on my experiences with the kit that I come into contact with.
So, where am I right now? Well, I started 5 runs ago. I’m not sure what kick started it all, maybe the sporting atmosphere in the office, maybe the fear of hitting 30 and not being able to run for further than 20 yards, who knows but what ever started me off, I’m hooked now.
I found an app for the iPhone called Couch to 5K. It aims to do just that. Get you from your couch to being able to run 5k in 9 weeks! Daunting to say the least. The way it sets out achieving this impossible feat is simple enough. 3 runs a week, with the difficulty increasing every week as your body gets use to moving again. I’m about the complete week 2 and it really is working.
Week 1
The first run starts off with a 5 minute warm up. It recommends stretching and then walking / jogging. I’ve found just a good brisk walk to be ample. After the 5 minutes are up, the friendly voice instructs you to start running for 60 seconds. There is no pace at which to run so you just choose whatever feels comfortable. For me, its a steady jog. Then, after the 60 seconds have passed you are instructed to walk for 90 seconds. The first time I did it, the 90 seconds couldn’t have come soon enough! You repeat this run, walk, run walk for 20 minutes and then have a 5 minute cool down. Now, it sounds really easy and I’m sure if you’ve ever run for more than 50 yards then it is, but if like me (and if you’re still reading this then I hope you’re like me) you haven’t run before its hard work! Just getting the courage to go outside and pit yourself against dog walks, sinister teens and the elements is a challenge in its own right so completing the first run is a great achievement. Stretching out after the run is a must. I was really sore the first few times as my muscles rebelled, rudely awoken from their 10 year slumber. Stretching will really help ease those aches and allow you to continue a few days later.
My second and third runs were a couple of days apart and were the same as the first one.
Now for more tech.
As I’ve said, I’m using my iPhone with Couch to 5K but one of the great things about the new iPhone 4 is the multitasking. In the background, I use a program called ‘Jogger‘ to record my run via GPS and calculate distance, calories burnt etc. It runs at the same time as Couch to 5K and doesn’t get in the way at all. Its great to see the route I’ve taken and I’m really happy when I see that I’m covering 2 miles per run. To me, that’s a long way! I’ll talk about some of the other items of tech that I have, and some of the other programs available for smartphones and ipods in the coming blogs.
As I start to wrap this up for today, I can’t fail to mention the most important item of tech that I have used so far. Unsurprisingly, they are my running shoes.
I’ve tried running in the past and I’ve gotten nowhere. I finally know why! The last time I tried, I just had on a bog standard pair of trainers. Nothing special. Tennis shoes I think they were. What I do know is that there weren’t made for running. I had to stop after no time at all because my joints were killing. I’m a big man, heavy, so I shouldn’t have been surprised when I heard that running puts 3 times your weight through your joints. Working in sportsshoes HQ, I have advice on tap so I was recommended a pair of Saucony Triumph 6 and they are great! So comfortable, and I can honestly say I’ve had no joint pain what so ever since I started. They make the world of difference and I urge you to try a pair of proper running shoes for yourself. There is every bit as much tech in them as is in the software used on the iPhone.
Right, I think that’ll do for now. I hope you’ve found this interesting. I want to try out some new apps including miCoach from Adidas so check back soon to see how your normal joe bloggs gets on with it all.
Jamie.
Follow my progress on twitter @runwalkrunwalk.
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