Running into trouble

Me again :)

As I was checking Facebook during my lunch half hour, I came across an event that could prove to be vital for me - no no, not a singles night - you cheeky lot!

So I've said in a previous post Gonna Run Till I Don't Jiggle I'm currently 'training' for this 12k mucky challenge on 6th October. Got my gym kit with me today ready to hit the treadmill for an attempt at 7k this evening - eek!

Consistently awarded one of Timeout London’s best gyms, Integra brings you a new workshop all about injury prevention for runners.

I've mentioned Integra before in my post Are Your Muscles Healthy, they are the clever lot spearheading the Muscle Activation Technique (MAT) to focus on muscle inhibition and find which areas may not be operating properly.

If you're a runner, perhaps have an injury from running or you're a running enthusiast, click here to find out more and book - hell, if you just want to find out more about Integra and all the amazing things they have to offer click here.

Let's be more proactive about looking after ourselves, shall we?

Summer weekend - there's nothing like it

So, Saturday night saw me celebrating 2 years of being in love! Awwwww, I know. But it's totally something I should celebrate because my beautiful boyf is someone who is strong enough to pull me up on all my bullsh*t behaviour/excuses/outlook; is supportive enough to let me cry on his shoulder or chest (whichever is readily available) just because I need to cry and for no other reason; as well as being kind, and silly, enough to play-fight with me late at night when he has to get up at the crack of dawn because I am restless.

Blimey this boy needs a medal for putting up with me :)

Anyway that's not the point of this post, the point is that I booked us tickets to see Thriller - LIVE and it was totally awesome!!!!!

At first I wasn't entirely sure what I was supposed to be watching because I didn't read anything about the show leading up to the date we had tickets for it, after all I was going because of my love for MJ hits not the shows ratings. Within minutes I was singing away to some early J5 hit songs, initially quietly because I'd already partly embarrassed myself by accusing the girl sitting next to me of being my one of my booked seats before I realised that I had in fact read the seat numbers wrong in my excitement to get in there. Then they had us up dancing, part-taking in the show and I loved every second of it.

The performance to Dirty Diana, one of my favourite tunes, was just as erotic and 'dirty' as the tone of the song. When it was over I had a sore throat from screaming, hollering, hollering and whooping and a sudden urge to dance the night away.Unfortunately the boyf was pooped, so we walked through the busy streets of Soho until we got to our bus stop, singing an array of Michael's songs to each other in the cool Summer breeze.

Sunday brought with it an energetic start, for me anyway as I am lazy remember, and I hit the boyf's studio for a run through of a new circuit session. As I type this a day later I can confirm that my pecs and shoulder burn a little but it's that good pain. That kind of pain that tells me I did something my muscles are not used too. Don't get me wrong I still need all the motivation help I can get when it comes to not eating crap and hitting the gym but as long as I can get myself there 2-3 times a week I'm happy.

After a cold shower, because the heat makes me a freaking hot mess, the boyf and I packed up an impromptu picnic and headed to Hyde Park for some summer sunning with a couple of friends. 

All in all, it was a great weekend full of sunshine, friends and laughter. Such a shame everyday can't be as perfect :)

Are your muscles healthy?

Should you ever find yourself with a muscle pain that is not just general soreness from a workout, before you head to a doctor or chiropractor take a look into Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT).

The boyfriend is a qualified specialist in this technique and he really helped me yesterday with my Body FAIL. Today I feel as though my body is working much better and we've made plans for a follow-up at the end of the week, giving my muscles time to recuperate because it is essentially a work out.

Before I met him, I'd never heard of MAT. I dislocated my left knee when I was 20 and never received any physio for it. Since then I've suffered from lower back pain.

Last Easter I was in so much pain from my back pain that I could barely walk. I had to take time off work and I was popping Ibuprofen like they were Nestle Smarties. The boyfriend was still studying so he convinced me to visit his friend for MAT. Even though after the session I could move easier, I wasn't truly convinced until months later I realised that I'd not had any problems with my back since.  

It works by providing a system of checks and balances using resistance, allowing trainers to evaluate and determine any muscle inhibition. It is a specific technique designed to improve muscle function, which in turn can reduce the risk of injury while also speeding up the body’s ability to recover from injury - By the way guys, I totally got that from the website. There's no way I could explain it myself that succinct. 

You should do it regularly though. Like most things with me, I remember to go back when I really need it - niggling pain in my hip or knee, or like yesterday a total body shut down - instead of going on a regular basis to prevent injuries. What can I say, I'm an idiot.

Anyway, if you're interested in learning more, please click here. If you're in pain, interested and want to find your nearest MAT practitioner, please click here.

And um, not because I'm biased but if you're in the Liverpool Street (London) area and need it, want to try it or just talk to someone about it, contact these guys - Integra

Go me!