Fitter than I have been for years

I am stronger than I have been for years because I follow advice my coaches should have given me 20 years ago. 

In 90 minutes I will sprint in my school with a colleague. On Sunday I casually ran 24k. I am admittedly heavy but my fitness levels are high. 

Health scares inspired my fitness push. My gut was in such pain only a few years ago that I attend A&E. I gave up all unnecessary sugar, and alcohol. I walked 4k a day for maybe 10 months. I have run park runs, finding myself almost hit 21 minutes, down from 27-28 minutes. 

All of this is humbling. I used to run 65 seconds for 400m easily, and clocked 56 seconds. Now? 90 seconds was my time, albeit on grass and running corners. 

I used to run 19 minute 5ks. Now? I am running what feels like my fastest, and staying at 22 minutes. That is humbling. 

Yet my mind might be stronger in some ways than before. Stay with yourself, and run slowly. You want to stay alive for a while longer yet. 

Running makes the day real, giving it shape and purpose. 

A Thousand Voices

Last night I slept until 8am, dreaming of a missed flight to somewhere, and the anger at being 'held back' by my family. 

I was born into a remarkably poor family state, with almost no network and very little money. One parent fled, leaving debts and ire behind, killing himself socially rather than physically. 

I struggle to strive for an 'improvement' of life in the way I once did. 

I... 

Pomodoros on Free Days...

 Today I have been to the gym, finishing a pomodoro and a book. 

The main ambition today is to tackle the concept booklets. 

For some reason I do not really want to. 

But the pomodoro will help. 

Down to 68(.8)kg

Weight is an easy indicator of fitness. 

I have dropped from... to 12.9 stone 10.8 stone. 

My interview, presentation and task went well for the assistant head of T&L. I feel blessed to be in this position, of being respected by my superiors. 

I am too busy to disdain the old guard of Dubai. We can do something better here. 

I want to be. 

Easy Weeks... what lifestyle?

Yesterday I ran for twenty minutes. Following Ransom's advice, I walk/ran 80/20. Today I feel tired but not as dead I might do normally. Going for a run each day or similar is needed because brawn has been neglected. 

Today I have three lessons. I feel they are interesting and doable. My diary reveals that nine years ago I was preparing for an observation lesson. These lessons would not pass my observation standards. 

I am in no way working as hard as I once did. That is a good thing because I am able to do a 'bit' each day. of what I need to do. 

I used to think I was lazy, especially in university. I made some dramatic choices about travelling and deprioritised my crappy psychology studies. As a reader I struggled, especially lacking pomodoro culture. I did try somewhat, falling asleep in the library at times. 

For some reason I wanted to work multiple jobs after university. I had such intensity. I worked hard on leaving, but really suffered a breakdown in the position I found myself, with no father and no network. 

I could easily switch out this life into a different one, to have less money or an unhappy marriage or more arduous demands. Instead, I wake up into an easy morning, a warm room and more money saved. 

This lifestyle is good for now. 

Down to 71kg

 By eating below 1500 a day - easily achievable with portion control and good food - I have hit 71.2kg from 80.5kg in seven weeks. 

This is admirable, but requires a change in lifestyle to sustain. I believe I can do this. 

Determined to be fit

I did not write in this blog because I knew my determination was not strong enough. 

In five weeks I have dropped 5kg, from 80.5 to 75.5, through good diet and moderate movement. 

In all my posts I speak of pain and impatience. I am much better now with my time. I am a man of habits: 

a) Musical

b) Reading

c) Movement

d) Diet

e) Sleep

f) Socialising 

I intend to eat my 1500 calories, cutting out too much sugar or salt. I intend to do so until February 20201. I am 5 weeks ahead. That is fine. 

Unlike the times before when I cut, I have an image of myself when I move. I also want to move for a length of time, with a heart rate above a number. 

We will return with this experience in due course.