Hola todo...it's been a month since I last wrote, and I seem to have taken on a new challenge each month!! Am definitely managing to fit some fun in along the way as well- Barcelona's take on Oktoberfest (complete with litre tankards and a continual conga line from 8pm onwards) and Poble Espanyol (an exhibition that allows you to travel around Spain in a day, with life-sized streets from each of Spain's main cities).
In September, I started my job as a teaching assistant for a class of 4 year-olds in the American School of Barcelona. I've felt a little overwhelmed at times, as I have never worked with 4 year-olds before, but as time goes on, I'm feeling more comfortable both with the kids and in my own abilities. It's so interesting seeing the little (or should I say, in some cases, very BIG) personalities that are already developing at this young age...and I am in continual wonder every day of how these children can come to our classroom with next-to-no English, and pick so much up so quickly.
Now, onto a very different sort of challenge. I've decided this is a year when I am going to be a YES girl (within reason, obviously!). I want to not be afraid to take on new challenges. I want to embrace everything this city has to offer, and leave no stone unturned. One of the crazy things that I have said yes to is actually running a race...starting with a 10km run in November, then a half marathon (21km) in February. Those reading this blog probably know me quite well- running has neither been enjoyable or easy for me. However- I'm not just saying this- but always have had this niggling feeling everytime I've watched the London Marathon on TV..."you should try this one day." This was the same feeling I had before the skydive in Australia, and the bungy jump. Basically, a lot of doubt that I could actually go through with it, but still with that little voice of curiosity urging me on. Well, I loved the other two, so I guess it's time to try the running thing!!
This blog is therefore going to turn into a bit of a running diary until that date, to see how I'm getting towards this goal (and to shame myself into actually going every week!). This week, I've reached a running PB twice, which I'm thrilled about! I really love my running route- through the Gothic Quarter, then onto the beachfront- which will hopefully help with my motivation, even as the winter months approach.
Monday 6th October- 6.1km in 44 minutes.
Wednesday 8th October- 6.5km in 46 minutes.
You can see that I am still quite slow- at the moment, my goal is to just make the distances. Once I am able to reach 10km comfortably, which will hopefully be in around a month's time, I can start working on my speed. At the moment, at the current rate I'm running, my goal is to finish the half marathon in 2 hours 30 minutes. It'll be interesting to see how this changes as I start to run more and more!
OK, that's enough from me for now. I'll be updating every few weeks with the distances and times that I have run, just to keep myself in check more than anything! Hasta luego xx
Now, onto a very different sort of challenge. I've decided this is a year when I am going to be a YES girl (within reason, obviously!). I want to not be afraid to take on new challenges. I want to embrace everything this city has to offer, and leave no stone unturned. One of the crazy things that I have said yes to is actually running a race...starting with a 10km run in November, then a half marathon (21km) in February. Those reading this blog probably know me quite well- running has neither been enjoyable or easy for me. However- I'm not just saying this- but always have had this niggling feeling everytime I've watched the London Marathon on TV..."you should try this one day." This was the same feeling I had before the skydive in Australia, and the bungy jump. Basically, a lot of doubt that I could actually go through with it, but still with that little voice of curiosity urging me on. Well, I loved the other two, so I guess it's time to try the running thing!!
This blog is therefore going to turn into a bit of a running diary until that date, to see how I'm getting towards this goal (and to shame myself into actually going every week!). This week, I've reached a running PB twice, which I'm thrilled about! I really love my running route- through the Gothic Quarter, then onto the beachfront- which will hopefully help with my motivation, even as the winter months approach.
Monday 6th October- 6.1km in 44 minutes.
Wednesday 8th October- 6.5km in 46 minutes.
You can see that I am still quite slow- at the moment, my goal is to just make the distances. Once I am able to reach 10km comfortably, which will hopefully be in around a month's time, I can start working on my speed. At the moment, at the current rate I'm running, my goal is to finish the half marathon in 2 hours 30 minutes. It'll be interesting to see how this changes as I start to run more and more!
OK, that's enough from me for now. I'll be updating every few weeks with the distances and times that I have run, just to keep myself in check more than anything! Hasta luego xx
