On Your Marks: I'm spinning around, move outta my way!
I have never been someone who is superfit and over the years I have had my share of injuries.
And in my initial runs I have felt some pains in my ankle and knee. There is a lot of pressure on the body and joints when doing road running.
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Hide AdSo as part of my schedule with Owen Callaghan, fitness manager at K2 Crawley, I am doing a spin class.
This a cardiovascular workout which strengthens the legs without putting any pressure on the joints.
And last Wednesday I had my first one. Joining six other people in the hi-tech spin room at K2 Crawley, I was not sure what to expect - I have never done a class like this before.
After a slow warm-up Owen cranked up the music and put all of our RPMS up on a big screen so we could all see how fast we were going and how much wattage we were generating.
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Hide AdI am competitive by nature and seeing how the other spinners (I assume that’s what they are called) were doing against me spurred me on.
As the class went on, a mic’d up Owen gave us instructions and each mini session was the length of a music track.
One session would be starting slowly against a lot of resistance before reducing the resistance and going faster.
Another one would see us go the other way, start fast then increase the resistance as the track went on.
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Hide AdI found sitting much easier. I did try standing and really pushing against the resistance but I don’t feel my legs are up to it at the moment.
But as I grow into the sessions I am sure I will improve. The spin class lasted 45 minutes, I lasted about 35 after getting cramp in my left calf!
Owen says this is just my body getting used to a new exercise.
One thing Owen is introducing into my schedule is a recovery session - and he said swimming would be perfect for this. And this is great because I can do it with my son Noah.
So last week my schedule was:
Monday - 6k run
Tuesday - rest
Wednesday - spin class
Thursday - recovery session (swimming)
Friday - full body work in K2 Crawley gym
Saturday - rest day
Sunday - at least a 6k run
This is full on but I am really enjoying it and if I keep it up I expect to be able to reach my target of 2hrs 40mins for the Run Gatwick Half Marathon in May. Have you entered yet?