Fitness Friday| A new fitness favourite Cani-X

Well I don’t now about you, but I have well and truly been swept away by the Olympic spirit. I love seeing the country come together to share moments of joy; the athletes pushing themselves far and beyond their limits for glory; and learning more about sports I’d never paid any interest to previously. I really do hope that these games inspire a generation. If not a generation, at least they have inspired me.

My little fitness or health kick has came from finally finishing university, so having no excuse of a crap diet and late nights spent in the library for my unfitness, and from the fact I went for my bridesmaid dress fitting and my dress did not fit! Argh! Well the zip reached, but we didn’t force it as did not want to pull the chiffon. So I need to get fit and thinner, and what better time than when the nation is enthralled in sport.

So my mother decided that she would introduce me to her new favourite hobby Cani-X, which is basically running with your favourite furry friend. You have a special lead which you strap around your waist, the lead then has your dog attached on a sort of bungee rope. It’s great really as both you and your dog get an extra hard work out, as you both work together and at times end up pulling each other along. I know my dog Archie, pulls me up the hills.

I used to run quite often when I was younger and loved it, there is no better feeling than a runners high. However after not running for a long time, and being un-fit my first run was pretty hard! It was extra hard for me as I’m a road runner, so fell running was a completely different experience. Yes it is easier on your joints as you are on grass most of the time, but your joints are the only thing its easier on! You work what seems like every other muscle while you try and keep yourself level when running across uneven ground in fields, and running up hills! Oh the hills! I don’t bare well on them at the moment.

However I am loving it! It makes running so much more fun because you are with your dog, and also the views from the top of the fell are amazing, as you can see above. The pictures above show my mum and I with our running partners George and Archie; the hill I aim to run too and from in a couple of weeks (it doesn’t look too steep in the picture, but it is); and me feeling great after my run. I also added a few pictures from Google showing you how its done properly.

I’ve added a link to a Cani-X website if anyone wanted extra information- Cani-Cross.co.uk

Has anyone else been inspired to try a new sport after watching the Olympics? Or have you ever tried Cani-X?

Easter Week Through the Eyes of my Blackberry

*All packed and ready to go* *Me and new dog George* *Archie Relaxing* *Bargain sofa in Next* *Breakfast in bed courtesy of my friend*

*My Friend's mad dog Lola* *Signed my boy up to Graze box also* *Dominos rubbish attempt at a half and half* *Back on my smoothies*

*A gifted Laduree bag, if only it was filled with macaroons* *New books to read* *Reached 10,000 views*

I’ve had quite a busy few weeks, despite them not being productive, I have clocked up a few miles of travelling. I decided to treat myself to some quality time with friends and family before I start back on my university assignments.

Firstly I visited my home in the Lake District with my boy. We haven’t actually spent much quality time there together since Christmas, so it was great to catch up with my Mum, her partner and my Grandparents, along with all the animals, all six of them. The weather was not great, but we still managed to take a nice walk with the dogs one day…its these simple pleasures that make me happy.

When I arrived back in Newcastle from Cumbria I then took my first visit to Sunderland to spend some time with my friend whom I lived and studied in France with. We had a night of beautifying and cooking, then spent the next day leisurely shopping. It was great to finally see where she grew up and to meet more of her family. I have only worked since returning form Sunderland, so no excitement there, especially since I will be moving back into the library for the next two weeks again.

It was also a big week for my blog this week. I finally hit 10,000 views, so many thanks to each and everyone of you who dropped by to read my ramblings. I hope you continue to read, and maybe even follow to ensure you don’t miss any posts.

I hope you all had a lovely few weeks. How did you spend your Easter weekend?