A walk in the park can do wonders for your guilt-free Hobnob intake
Although I wasn't horribly unfit before the training began, I did struggle to squeeze exercise into a weekly routine, like many busy women. After a long day at the office, I just want to collapse on the sofa with a nice stew and watch something rubbish on telly the thought of putting my trainers on and going out for a jog is about as repellent as it gets.
Id really started to feel it, too: I would wake up achy and lacking in energy, I constantly felt like I was sickening for something, and with this cold weather I felt hungry and exhausted all the time.
But now Ive started to walk the hour and a quarter to work as part of my training for Walk the Walk's MoonWalk, and I feel better than I have in years. The first time I stepped out in my newly-purchased bright pink wind-breaker and alarming orange trainers, I did wonder if Id made a horrible mistake. I wasnt exactly oozing glamour, and I had to stop for a coffee after 45 minutes as it was raining so hard my umbrella threatened to give up on me.
But now I've got into the swing of things, and the endorphins mean I couldn't care less about how odd I look or how grim the weather gets. Instead of spending a small fortune on crawling in on the bus and grabbing a quick coffee for breakfast, now I enjoy a brisk stroll through Regents Park, and a warming bowl of porridge at my desk, which means a weekly saving of £12.50.
Here are some photographs that I've taken along the way...
I still dont know what power-walking is, and Id say my pace is more a leisurely amble than a powerful stride, but I have dropped a belt hole! Its not quite a dress size, I grant you, but nothing will make me give up my chocolate Hobnobs at least now I feel like Ive earned them.
See you soon for another update - and if you'd like to sponsor us, here is the link again: http://www.walkthewalkfundraising.org/good_housekeeping_team_
Alice Jones is intern on All About You; she has an obsession for all things fashion and beauty related.
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