Getting Fit (and keeping fit)

[JenniC]

Having booked the Fjords and decided to get back into photography (something I have always loved), I now need to get fitter so I can walk in Norway, take lots of pictures and enjoy a healthier lifestyle (although will still enjoy a glass or two of my favourite red wine!).

Steve has decided to join me, so despite absolutley not wanting to, we donned trainers and warm clothing and went for our first walk this morning and walked to the village and back - approx 3 miles, but better than nothing and actually once we got going we enjoyed it Once the clocks go forward will be able to get the bikes out as well.

We are determined to walk to the Briksdal Glacier and not get on the Troll Car!!

By posting on here, you now all know our intentions and this will keep me (at least) motivated as I hate admitting defeat!

I will update our progress on here weekly - wish us luck

[Romig1]

Good on you both Jenni, and good luck.

The key to exercise (and sticking with it) is finding something you enjoy doing. Walking can be a very good way of exercising without really knowing it - particularly if you do it as a social activity with someone else. Just remember to walk at a decent pace - one which gets you breathing heavier than normal and raises your pulse somewhat and you'll soon find that you can maintain a good pace with less difficulty. Just a quick tip....don't walk to the pub, as you will find that the drinks there will undo any good that the initial walk did!

BTW, the Briksdaal walk isn't really too taxing anyway. Yes, it is uphill most of the way, but there aren't any calf-sapping steep bits if you stick to the main route (the track which the troll-cars follow).

I look forward to reading of your progress.

[JenniC]

Thank you so much Romig, some great tips and no we won't walk to ther pub Now you know, I cannot back down - which is what I wanted to happen - so thanks again!!!

[Boris+]

When we were in Olden last year we did the organised trip to the Briksdal Glacier and opted not to use the troll car. For a couple of months before the trip we went for nice hilly walks daily - and so we went up to the glacier at a really good pace without any problems. We worked out where we wanted to get our photos on the way up, and had plenty of time at the top for photos and then in the pre-selected places on the way down.

I don't know if you have done this walk before - but do take a jacket because the billowing mist where you cross the bridge at the waterfall halfway up can get quite wet!

We may just do it again this year - simply because it was so lovely. I hope you get to see the sweet little herd of goats halfway up, and also those fantastic cakes in the tea rooms at the bottom.

Em

[JenniC]

, and also those fantastic cakes in the tea rooms at the bottom.
Em

If the cakes are that good will have to run up and back

[Romig1]

We missed out on the cakes... Wina badly gashed her finger on her way down from the glacier (we came down the old scary dangerous route) and needed medical treatment on our return to civilization.

I've never forgiven her for my cake-less day.

[Wina G]

Wina badly gashed her finger on her way down from the glacier (we came down the old scary dangerous route) and needed medical treatment on our return to civilization.

I've never forgiven her for my cake-less day.

Jenni, if R tells you about a shortcut coming back down don't listen to him
It was his idea to go that way & that's where I gashed my finger, £180 in medical costs on the ship that fortunately were able to claim back through the insurance

[Boris+]

Yip - it's worth following the safer path. When we went up to the glacier we all started out and soon there was another coach of people from an MSC ship. Anyway, when we got back down we headed for the tea rooms as per our instructions, and the MSC passengers were put in one part of the tea rooms with just a coffee and a biscuit - but we were shown into a bigger room, where there was a table laden with about 2 dozen different gateaux etc!!!

We made it back onboard just in time for a late lunch (as if we had any room left!).

Seriously though, we found the facilities at the shop and tea rooms really good before the walk up to the glacier, and we enjoyed the shop (after the cakeys) which we found wasn't crowded, was well laid out, and everything was clearly marked - and the staff were very helpful.

Don't forget to get the special receipt thing (look for the sticker on the shop window) so that you can claim your tax back when you are leaving the last port. It's a really quick and easy thing to do - the authorities come on board, and all you need are the 'special' receipts (with the form inside them duly completed), your passport and either a purse for the money or a credit/debit card to hand if you want it repaid onto a card.

Em

[Romig1]

Em, we never spend enough to claim back the tax!

[Silver_Shiney]

Yes, it is uphill most of the way, ...

But only on the way to the glacier, it's downhill on the way back

Seriously, though, as Romig says, it's not too strenuous (I avoid exercise like the plague and I managed it no problem at all) and the scenery is spectacular.

[Kendhni]

Long story, but over the weekend it appears I have acquired the services of a personal trainer who is just starting out ... I am to be his 'guinea pig' *he wants to be seen training someone at the gym to try to help build more business). I will pass on any tips he gives me.

[david63]

What do you mean Ken "him"?? Should that not be "her" in order to get the best out of you!!!

[JenniC]

Long story, but over the weekend it appears I have acquired the services of a personal trainer who is just starting out ... I am to be his 'guinea pig' *he wants to be seen training someone at the gym to try to help build more business). I will pass on any tips he gives me.

Cheers Ken, need all the help I can get!

[david63]

If it's any help we walked about six miles today with the temperature in the 30's C - did however stop off for lunch half way round

[Silver_Shiney]

If it's any help .... with the temperature in the 30's C - ....

With temperatures suddenly plummeting here to sub-zero, no David, that doesn't help

[JenniC]

If it's any help .... with the temperature in the 30's C - ....

With temperatures suddenly plummeting here to sub-zero, no David, that doesn't help

Absolutely right - it doesn't - not that I am envious

[david63]

If it's any help .... with the temperature in the 30's C - ....

With temperatures suddenly plummeting here to sub-zero, no David, that doesn't help

Sorry

[Silver_Shiney]

If it's any help .... with the temperature in the 30's C - ....

With temperatures suddenly plummeting here to sub-zero, no David, that doesn't help

Sorry

Never mind, sir. Are you having a good time - that's the important thing!

[Bobbie]

Jenni, for exercise have you ever tried dancing? Never, ever thought I'd get my husband to dance (he played footie until he was 53) , but he agreed to give it a try and five years later we both really love it. He finds it really challenging mentally trying to remember the steps, and it's great exercise. I've always hated exercise classes, but I really love our dance classes twice a week.

[JenniC]

Jenni, for exercise have you ever tried dancing? Never, ever thought I'd get my husband to dance (he played footie until he was 53) , but he agreed to give it a try and five years later we both really love it. He finds it really challenging mentally trying to remember the steps, and it's great exercise. I've always hated exercise classes, but I really love our dance classes twice a week.

I wish I have tried, but I may try again... In the meantime I am afraid it is walking and bikes....

[Boris+]

Had a really nice but slightly bracing walk this morning.

At this rate I think I might just get back into golf when the weather improves a bit.

Em

[The Invigilator]

Jenni - walking is a fabulous and also can be a very sociable activity. Check out your local adult education/community centre/library and also google local group walks for your area and you should find groups available that offer a variety of different length of walks. My Mum used to run walks in her local area which she did 4 times a week they were so popular that she built up a 250+ base. Firstly they started out in her area and then it developed so much she started organising weekends and weeks away all over the country even completing the coast to coast and Lands End to John O Groats. she did this for 40 years and stopped 3 years ago. (She is 81 now)

Enjoy

[Boris+]

Also, doing different walks in different seasons helps me get some good practice in with my camera - so that I am 'up to speed' ready for the next cruise with the new camera.

Em

[melsea]

Jenni

Well done. Continue to do the walking on the ship as well, whenever I am on I walk in the mornings and late afternoons using the outside stairs to get the heart rate up, not only does it keep you fit but keeps the weight off as well. Another benefit to getting fit is that it is maintenance for your inner body too, it allows you to recover better & quicker if you become unwell.

One two three four up, one two three up..... Keep going you can do ittttttttt!!!!!

Mel

[Silver_Shiney]

As our PTIs (Physical Training Instructors) used to say... "It's only pain, enjoy the pain!"


Plonkers....