Look me in the eyes under expanding winter skies...

Wow, what a glorious few days! Sunny bank holidays?! Whatever next? I am sitting writing this post wearing something I haven't worn for at least six years - TROUSERS! Yes, I ventured into the world of cropped trousers last week and haven't looked back since. I've only bought one pair (so far) but have several bookmarked for when I have some money... These are the ones I've got:

Trousers: River Island, Tee: H&M, Studded pumps: Topshop, Fish necklace: Accessorize, Squirrel necklace: H&M, Flower bracelet: Accessorize.

I also tried on these two pairs, but didn't buy them. The first pair are actually supposed to be full length trousers, but since I have very long legs they actually look cropped. I think they could do with being rolled up a little more though.

Trousers: Dorothy Perkins, Top: Dorothy Perkins, Brogues: Topshop

Trousers: River Island, Top: Cath Kidston for Uniqlo, Brogues: Topshop, Necklace: Tatty Devine via eBay, Rings: eBay

Another thing I've got into recently is crackle nail polish. I bought the Barry M black crackle polish AGES ago but it just sat in my make up bag unused until I decided to use it in the week. I've worn it over Models Own Feeling Blue and Collection 2000 Hip Hop, each time adding a coat of Seche Vite as I prefer a glossy crackle effect rather than the matte effect that the polish alone gives. 

Barry M Black Crackle over Collection 2000 Hip Hop

Barry M Black Crackle over Models Own Feeling Blue

Penultimate photo for today is a terrible changing room picture of my new River Island dress, which my mum bought for me in Birmingham on Thursday. The picture washes out the colour somewhat - it's actually a vibrant bright orange shade:

Dress: River Island, Brogues: Topshop, Necklace: Tatty Devine via eBay, Rings: eBay 

Final photo for today (I promise!) shows my running triumph from Thursday - I ran just over 5km! I am at the end of week six of my nine week programme, so I think I am doing pretty well and am therefore entitled to feel a little smug!

Well, that's all from me today folks! I hope you are all well and enjoying the weekend.

xxx

Getting fit: Couch to 5K.

So. I've been meaning to do a "couch to 5km" plan since January 1st, but have only just got round to starting. I would say that life got in the way, but really it was laziness and nothing else. But, on Saturday afternoon I took the plunge and downloaded an iPhone app from here. I added a selection of "motivational music*" from my iTunes, put on my running gear and headed out. I really enjoyed it, and so did the drivers of Worcester if my "beeped horn count" is anything to go by (four, if you're interested). I did the second workout on Sunday (two beeps), and the third one today (three beeps). That's right, three days in a row. It's almost a trend...

The plan is designed to last nine weeks, with three workouts per week. Week one workouts last just over half an hour and are made up of a five minute brisk walk for a warm up, a walking/running interval section (60 seconds running, 90 seconds walking) for 21 minutes, and a five minute cool down walk. Each week, the amount of time you spend running increases and the amount of time you spend walking decreases. At the end of the plan, you should be able to run for 30 minutes, which should equate to 5km. I plan to try and squeeze four workouts in each week, which will mean I complete the plan in about six weeks. I'll do the week two, day one workout on Thursday this week I think. Parents' Evening tomorrow and Wednesday, so I'll want to veg out when I get home...

Here are my stats:

Saturday: Covered 3.86km in 31 minutes at a pace of 10:53/mile for the running section and 13:54/mile overall.

Sunday: Covered 4.02km in 31 minutes at a pace of 10:23/mile for the running section and 13:00/mile overall.

Monday: Covered 4.02km in 31 minutes at a pace of 10:30/mile for the running section and 12:57/mile overall.

Not bad. Wonder how long I can keep it up for? I think I'll blog about it once a week to keep a record. The fab thing about the app (which costs 59p) is that it tracks and keeps a record of progress so I'll (hopefully) be able to see an improvement over the course of the next few weeks, as well as feeling an improvement when out on the road. The sad mathematician in me likes the little graph you get too...

Has anyone else tried one of these plans before? How did you get on? Did you keep running afterwards?

* A fantabulous mix including System of a Down, Muse, Girls Aloud, Glee, PJ & Duncan, ELO, Pixies, Backstreet Boys, Chemical Brothers, The Strokes and MANY MORE amazing tunes. AMAZING.