Why Women Won’t Make It Into English Football And There Are Still Loads Who Still See It as A Mans Game

When I became a football fan, I knew exactly what I wanted to do, and that was to be a Football Coach not a player, but I did play football at school to gain experience and to help me towards that ambition.

I did later in my life, at Adult age, do my first coaching badge and started to do level 2, but because of my self doubt pulled out, as I felt like I had jumped too far forward, and was out of my depth.

Even my mum said “You’ll never make it as a football coaching, because there is too much competition, and would be overshadowed by men who are coaches”.

Did I want to prove her wrong?

Yes! and I did. No I never made it to professional level, but ran a kids football team, first of all girls and then boys and all the boys I have coached are now all in First Team Football. I know I will once again not be believed by some people, but yes it is true.

I am so proud of that, because that is exactly what I wanted to get out of the game, and I have and am so proud of those little lads I call them, and have set an example to other youngsters who want to get in the game too.

Talking about Sexism

To be honest the jabs that I have received as a female coach, isn’t anything that I hadn’t heard before, and would just take it, not taking it seriously and I bet those women who are in the game still, would say the same.

Never allow it to stop you, and the Women’s World Cup Last year was brilliant and has put it on the map, like never before, because in all the years I have followed Chelsea, they held a few of the Chelsea Ladies matches at Stamford Bridge (Chelsea Football Club).

I was given the opportunity to train with the Fulham Ladies, as my brother at the time was going out with a girl named Karen, who’s sister played for England, and was seeing the head coach and asked if I could go along.

I did, but because of my lack of confidence I didn’t continue. However when I left school back in 1996, after staying on to 6th form, at my Secondary school, I still wanted to be involved in the game, and wrote to all the clubs in London, and there was no internet then, so got the addresses via the telephone book (Yellow pages) and got a job as a Steward at Fulham Football club, and I loved it.

Did I experience Sexism then?

No! None at all.

However, from when I was a coach, I soon realised that it is still there, and often one of the parents including some mums, would make a sexist comment towards me.

So it is most definitely is still there and there is still a stigma attached to women in football, and I think the men’s game will struggle too, because of the Lockdown, and will effect Women still getting involved in the game, and I fear that it will always be the same.

Has it changed in some way?

Yes! However, it will never kick it completely out, Sexism, and lots of the men in men’s football is still dominated by men, and I don’t see any change in that.

I did dream of running a team at professional level, but to honest, going on the change in the sport, I don’t see it happening, but I do love Youth Football and once fans can go back in to the grounds I will definitely get a ticket to see some of my little lads, and cheer them on.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X

Building Confidence Through Fitness

Please check out site this image is from as it is information on how to get fit for free https://www.symplytoogood.com.au/blog/how-to-get-fit-for-free/

When I was going to the gym 3 to 4 times a week, I was buzzing with endorphins and for once began to feel confidence that I had never felt before.

I was going to David Lloyd’s gym in Kingston and would workout on the treadmill, the step machine and then do weights, to finish off doing floor work.

I would often walk from my work in Kingston to Epsom, and that is no lie.

I did the same when I lived in Wimbledon, walk from work in Kingston to Wimbledon, especially during the summer.

Since then though, my confidence now in 2020 , has taken a knock, but I am back walking again and is one of the best forms of exercise and I know I keep saying this, but it is true, and I want to get back to the girl that was full of adrenaline when working out regularly as written above and be disciplined about it too. To have my self confidence back.

Building Confidence through fitness is anything that makes you, jump out of bed each morning, and be something you look forward to, and not feel like a chore.

It can help you to look at yourself in the mirror, which I can find hard to do at times, and does help you not feel guilty, like I used to do a lot, when eating food.

I never want t be the girl who had an eaten disorder at one time, ever again. I just want to be healthy and full of life again.

I have set myself a goal for next year, and that is to keep getting fit by walking and using my weights indoors.

I don’t make resolutions anymore, but life changes instead and by seeing it that way, has helped me carry on, even if some time through the year I take a break to then begin again.

I find doing it gradually keeping a log and a journal helps you, as often we may not see a progress at first, until we can look back to see, how far you have come.

So lets get together and help each other on the way, for never ending confidence coming our way.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X

P.S: I am raising money for the charity Tommy’s who support and raise awareness of Stillbirths and Premature births, and have created this on my JustGiving page and so if you would like to make a contribution, then please follow this link below:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/theparentingadventuresprematurebirths

Here is a video showing what other topics I blog about on my other sites, so check out my Youtube video, below and all posts can be found at Carries Blog Network:

The other thing I am doing this year, I have teamed up with Amazon, showing their Christmas Goods for 2020, and so, here is one showing some of their Top of the range, Advent Calendars:

Why Getting Fit Should be at the top of your list

Image from https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/14954728.get-fit-with-these-11-exercise-classes-to-try-out-across-south-london-this-winter-for-free/

So to make it easy for myself, as soon as I see getting fit as a chore I instantly change my mindset on the one item that keeps me in shape that I don’t see as a chore.

One of my goals this year was to keep walking so I could do running again, but because my metabolism has been up and down, it has not always been possible, but just doing a little bit each day is still something and when I have a full amount of energy again, I will then continue and do more.

The reason why getting fit should be at the top of your list, is because there are so many benefits, but find what you enjoy first and how you can work it around your lifestyle and make it fun.

Even dancing in your living room is still exercise whilst doing chores and errands, like hoovering, mopping, wiping down surfaces and putting out the rubbish. It still adds up and now I have health app that measures my steps I do each week, has really made a difference to my wellbeing and gives me momentum to keep doing exercise.

Will I be setting myself Fitness goals in 2021?

Yes, it is going to be in my goals under the heading Play, as when you see fitness as a positive habit or a ritual, the likelier you will do it, and keep tabs on your progress, which adds to your adrenaline to keep going.

Getting fit was a Life change and that is how I set goals. I ask myself, What life change can I add this year, that will benefit me and allow me to, to continue to grow?

A resolution is something you wish to change just for the new year, but a life change helps you keep with it forever.

Don’t add too much, as quality is better than quantity and you can add other workouts as you gradually progress.

Fitness isn’t always a competition, but a challenge that you can continue to grow as you begin to get fitter and can spear on others around you, to do the same.

When I was taking part in fundraising events, many people at my work wanted to join me, and it was great.

So adding fitness to your lifestyle is easier than it often appears to be. It doesn’t have to be hard work, but makes you look forward to getting up each day, and once you begin it can become addictive.

So lets get fit and ready for another year, so we can continue to set our yearly fitness goals and ready for action.

Whilst I just finished writing this blog I have set my new goals for 2021 ready and I love them, and yes do the same honestly, it just gives you a buzz that continues to grow as you carry on setting goals.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X

Continuing My Fitness Regime for 2020 to take me into 2021

Image from the NHS

The Best Source of medicine is allowing the fresh air go through you and not having a care, whilst doing so.

Quote by Author of blog.

So today I was very angry, it started of as a good day, as I did a bit of work, writing my Newsletter blog (see link below):

https://newsletterthoughtsandadvicefortheweek.blogspot.com/2020/11/total-lockdown-confusion.html

But then I tried to buy some items in Marks and Spencers and what happened I checked to see if I had enough on my bank card and was trying to pay for items purchased by the change I had and then the rest by card. It wouldn’t work for me.

So I gave up got my money back that I had already paid in and went into Tescos, but I was fuming as my bank accounts keep getting hacked into and yes, there comes a point in which you want to hit someone or yell.

When I am angry I walk it off, and it does me wonders and that is exactly what I did today. I walked up Wimbledon Hill, which is steep but because I was so revved up that I just needed to walk and without realising I was near the top, but then as luck would have it, I began to bleed. Yes my menstrual cycle so I stopped, sat down to help stop this and then wrote in my personal journal, which I also like to do when out and something is bothering me and then continued on to walk passed Wimbledon Tennis Court, through Wimbledon park.

I did just that. Walking has always been a form of exercise I have loved as it just good to walk the pavements and park ways, letting the fresh air go through my lungs, and afterwards, as I completed 14,000 steps felt so much better.

So if you aren’t into running but want a form of cardio then get walking and before you know it, as it can become addictive you would have already walked about 5km or miles, without thinking about it.

Continuing on my fitness regime for 2020 to carry onto 2021 was to do more walking again and long distances aswell as short walks each week, and I have been losing weight, as I have continued on and I don’t have lunch which has helped me, and have a full hearty breakfast, which today was Porridge with Golden Syrup, a snack when sitting in South Park Gardens, of some Toblerone and my dinner. So I will post again next week. Please tell me what form of exercise do you like doing that helps clear anger out of system, I would love to hear from you, and please no violent ways, but what fitness exercise helps you. You can leave a comment below.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X

Getting fit and looking after yourself in the winter

I love writing these types of blogs and as I write that sentence I realised I have just wrote the same for my other two posts I did today. If you wanna check these out then follow the links below:

https://organize4thebetter.blogspot.com/2020/11/organising-my-life-to-end-this-year-in.html

https://carrieseverydayliving.wordpress.com/2020/11/10/meal-idea-using-leftovers/

However it is true. I love keeping active even if it is a walk around the shops, which many people don’t see it as exercise, but it is and still a form of cardio.

As a child who has had a hole in my heart since I was born, the doctor who I saw at Brompton hospital, said that is up to me now to look after my heart, and having been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes two years ago, really was my worse news that I could have received. It was bought on by a psychosis medication, as I was in a very bad way, and so was taken off that medication and was suicidal at the time too, which I don’t mind talking about as I know I am not on my own in feeling this way.

I was put on a different medication, and in my opinion these medications do not work, because when I was moved onto aripiprazole, it made me more anxious then I already was, had terrible anxiety and felt lethargic just like I did on Olanzapine which was my psychosis medication I was moved off from.

Keeping fit during the winter, do wear layers and a good investment is a running vest, which can be worn for walking aswell as running, and then you don’t have to put on too many layers, as once you begin walking or running you’ll be surprised of how much you still sweat.

You can also get specialised bottoms too, and underwear.

Winter Running bottoms from Amazon, and there are many in different styles, colours and sizes.

If you go out when it is dark, make sure you put on visual clothing so you are seen when running across roads and to cyclists too. The amount of times I have seen someone cycling wearing all black clothes when it is dark, and this is so dangerous, when cycling in parks, where also pedestrians will be walking and on roads.

I know some don’t because they think it makes them look silly, but honestly they are made to keep your safe and if you get knocked off, then who’s silly?

I recently purchased some new walking footwear, which are these and I am going to do a Amazon haul soon to feature these, and will be on my blog site Carries Everyday Living.

You want footwear that is well fitted, and if you are willing to have running trainers or walking shoes made to measure and personalised to you, then you can, but you can often tell instantly when you put on a trainer or shoe if they are going to hurt, and do the thumb method to check if they are going to let your feet breath, by putting a thumb between your foot in the trainer at the top where the tongue of the shoes is Then do the same at the back of your foot with your foot in the trainer, and if your thumb fits in both areas, then it is a well fitted walking and running shoe for you.

I always like to wear a fleece but check at the back on the colour as some can rub at the back of your neck. I also like to invest in a good bright coloured jacket too, and woolly that.

Running Waterproof jacket with zips rom amazon.

When buying a running jacket the one thing I like it to have is zipped up pockets, to keep my mobile phone in, a small bit of change and house keys. I do like to have a bumbag, but only when I travel into London to do a walk or run.

So lets get fit, stay safe by making ourselves seen when training out doors and enjoy.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X

Why sports will be effected by another lockdown.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

This year has been very different to our usual years. No Olympics, no Wimbledon tennis, no crowds at football and I see the lockdown is gonna hit sports team in a way that it hasn’t before.

WHY?

There are no spectators and that is money that sports clubs rely on a lot, because they don’t just buy a ticket, they will buy food aswell along with merchandise. Plus yes what I like to do is purchase a programme as to me that is memorabilia and alcohol.

Will it Get better?

I am not sure but I do see rugby, football, hockey, tennis, athletics and more, going under as there is no advertising of sponsors either and that will have a massive impact.

Okay on their shirts but if football for example stops again, then what? Who is gonna bale clubs out?

I am worried being a sports fan and hope things do get better but I have also discovered that there are other things going on in sports too. Yes bullying, sexual harrasement and child abuse.

IT NEEDS TO STOP!

A kid looks up at professional sportsmen and women so why destroy that ?

You should be proud of the role you play within sport. Not just those that take part, but the whole thing.

I do see sports clubs needing extra money from somewhere, and be doing catch up trying get back the money they have lost.

This also means youth teams being effected and being stopped altogether sadly because of money and yes other issues. Supporters live and die for their clubs they support and I was one of those too.

So let’s see what happens and what changes will occur. I do pray that it will go back to normal but who knows. Life is unpredictable at times including the sporting world too.

Have a great day.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X

How to deal with setbacks in your exercise routine

So this week I have had a set back, because of my Menstrual cycle, as it does effect me a lot when keeping up with my exercise, check a post I did in relation to this:

Training through your Menstrual Cycle

So how to deal with setbacks in your in your exercise routine?

1. Take a break if you need to for that week, and then make a plan to get back into it again the week after once you have more energy.
2. Do short spurts of exercise rather than long periods of time, and just up the intensity so you still break out into a sweat.
3. Try pilates or yoga, that involves training laying down on an exercise mat. You will be surprised of how these two forms of exercise can still help to tone your body.
4. Be flexible with your exercise. So don’t set your routine in stone, as there will be events that can throw the plan out of the window, but schedule your training as the weeks again arrives, as like myself who has a son, things can crop up that effect my training, so being flexible so you plan your exercise on other days, where initially you hadn’t planned to do any training.
5. Create a playlist that can give you a boost of energy to do some exercise. I always create playlists using Youtube and it is great as you can add to them as you wish to, without spending a dime in doing so.
6. Try meditation, as this can really help get in touch with your body and your breathing, if you don’t feel like exercising.
7. Always reward yourself when you have completed an exercise session, as this can really build up your energy to continue.
8. Try setting yourself a 30 day challenge, check out this video which has details of how to do that.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwGpLXmAls4
9. Check out Pinterest on workout ideas that you can do quickly rather than a long training session: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/3448137203951754/?nic_v2=1a204riDs
10. Remember exercise is about enjoyment and can be done at a slow path rather than quick one, so just do what your body feels like doing and pick it up once you have more energy.

So if you have any tips on what to do when you have setbacks when exercising, then please leave a comment below.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X

Looking after your health

Since the Pandemic struck I think we have all been thinking about our health a lot more and kept ourselves safe from the Coronovirus and done self isolation.

Getting fit in these times can be tricky as there still aren’t many gyms open and you may feel a little self conscious about training outdoors or at home if you have flatmates.

This is why I like walking because it is effortless and can do as much as you like, when you like and has really helped me build my fitness once again. Looking after your health is the key. Nevermind losing weight, think about your health.

Never try to do too much too soon and build your fitness gradually. This honestly is the best way to go, and keep note of what exercise you are doing, as it helps monitor your progress and helps give you energy to keep going.

This week I have struggled because of my menstrual cycle and I wrote a blog about Training during your Menstrual Cycle and so I have had to do short amount of walking this week because as soon as I do any movement, sorry if this is TMI, but I know I am not the only one, I bleed quite heavily.

Yesterday I did a quick 10 minute workout on Youtube that I have often used, check it out:

10:21 / 10:30

Victoria’s Secret Model Workout: 10-Minute Fat-Blasting Circuit

I really love these sorts of workouts.

Every bit counts so just do your best and write your fitness goals, including how you wish you health would improve. My enemy at the moment is sugar and so I don’t take sugar in hot drinks anymore, I have been drinking more water and have tried foods which are gluten and dairy free, to see if this helps.

Anyway, lets just keep going and trying to do our best to stay fit and look after our health.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X

Walking or running in different weathers

Walking has become my favourite thing again and really helps me keep fit. As far as I am concerned walking is the easiest thing to do, but if you want to crack it up a notch then start adding some running.

I don’t want to think about my running days to be over, because I still would like to get back to that level of fitness. There was a time where I would run endlessly for ages without needing to stop and up until last year I was starting to get back to that, but then I hit a knock in the road, so to speak and stopped again.

Walking or running in different weathers can have an effect on your training, because when training when it is super hot, you can fatigue a lot quicker and dehydrate. When running in cold weathers it can be a lot harder to get going, because when it super cold you can feel like staying in bed and indoors, rather than pounding the pavements.

So to overcome the different weathers I would when it super hot, train when it is cooler, so in the mornings or the evenings. and when it super cold, get yourself warmed indoors first before going outdoors, and try training in the day time where it will tend to be warmer.

I remember a couple of summers a go when I was really getting into my running going out of the house to do a run at about 4am in the morning, and I loved it, because it was nice a cool and no one was around, and I felt I had the pavements and park to myself, of course this was when it would be light early.

I do see runners running when it is super hot and that is ok if your body is used to it, but if it isn’t then my advice is to work towards doing this slowly if you are new to running, when walking it can still be hard work too when it is super hot, but not over bearing and I like walking when the sun it shining. I just make sure that I walk some of the time if I can in the shade so it doesn’t get to hard.

In the winter the best time to run or walk is during the day as it is often the warmest time and you do have to be careful when the pavements and parks get frosty, because of slipping. Take extra care when running in snow and get grips put on your trainers, that can help, and don’t over do it with the layering as you can still warm up very quickly and make sure you are wearing running and walking thermal vests to help keep you warm enough.

In the winter take a jacket or even tin foil with you, because when your body starts to cool down you can start to feel the cold, and make sure you stretch and cool down properly afterwards, because from experience your body can stiffen.

The temperature yesterday when walking through one of my favourite parks Battersea Park, it was just the right temperature, as it was still warm but not too much so I could walk with light clothing on and still be warm, but cooler.

Anyway, I wish you all a good Sunday and I will be back with another blog as of Thursday.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X

Training during your Menstrual cycle

Sometimes being on my period, and I don’t mind talking about this because let’s face it, as women we all get it at some point, so why not talk about it because if you are like me, I can on some days be heavy (I mean losing a lot of blood) it can really have an effect on my weekly exercise.

To work around your period always mark it down so you can sort your exercise in your schedule around your most heavier days. If you find your bleeding a lot when running or walking, then perhaps do some light weight training, such as floor work. This is because from experience when I am laying down it controls the bleeding a lot more rather than standing, so I will do some leg raises, crunches that really help take your mind off the stomach cramps you can get during your period, and weight training, so you are toning the upper body.

Once you go back to have a lighter days then you can continue to do more cardio work, such as running or walking.

When doing a half or a full marathon, take some tampons, menstrual cup or sanitary towels with you, because in the passed when I have done these  types of events I have bled afterwards. I know by reading about this, there are some people who say that exercise can’t effect your period, and some say it does, well in my case it did.

I have never used Tampons or a menstrual cup, and have always used towels, but do what works for you and make sure you have them on you should you start to bleed, as you can get spotting.

Spotting is basically little specs of blood, but not a full period.

I have also found that when I am on my period my energy levels can be effected so when I feel like this, I will do some light or short walking, or rest until my energy levels increase again.

The other symptom I get when I am on my period is, even though I have showered, I can get really bad B.O armpits, and there is nothing worse, so what I will do is get some freshening wipes, take some travel size body spray and a roll on, so I can use these through out the day too prevent this.

Always listen to your body and never over do it, and do the best you can.

Many thanks for reading,

 

Carrie X