Sick of the word ITB.
Ready to chop off leg.
Did laps in the pool last night. Had a hot bath run and went from bath to pool to bath to pool. The temp of the pool was 20oC which doesn't sound very cold but it was bloody freezing trust me. Cold enough to turn a bloke into a woman!
Got up this morning and did another 30mins in the pool before heading out to Regatta to meet up with Tesso. Damn she decided to not run and skip breaky in order to get to work on time.
Had breaky with the other runners and headed off to work. Robson from Intraining is off to Tuscany for 4 weeks but when he returns he has promised to do some PT with me to get a proper schedule for some strength training in my legs.
I used to be a gym junkie (anyone that knows me will not believe that but trust me it is true!! I was one of the muscley chicks!!. So am not too keen to start doing it again - I find it very addictive.
After Breaky and talking to Robson I got up the courage to call Bruno. Got him booked for massage. He was brillant already and that was just his phone manner. Insisted on hearing my running history, what shoes I have, weekly mileage, pbs, colour of my eyes (nah just kidding on that one!) etc. He did scare me a bit when he said to go to his neighbours house and walk through to his house as his front is being renovated....must be very friendly with the neighbours indeed!
Friday, April 29, 2005
Thursday, April 28, 2005
RUN AT LAST
Met up with Tesso at Pats group this morning. Damn it felt so good to be surrounded by runners at last. Pity I was in pain and not really enjoying it.
Did a 3km warm up then stretched and watched everyone else do 5 x 1km reps (except for my buddy Tesso who did 2x1km reps then hotfooted it off to work).
Then ran back to the Ship Inn. Walked the Goodwill Bridge in an attempt to lessen the damage I was doing to my leg by running.
I can honestly say that as of this afternoon I have seen the following specialists in the past fortnight
2 x Physiotherapists (total 5 visits)
1 x Sports Doctor
1 x Podiatrist
1 x Sports Massage
and it is driving me insane. I have spent nearly $1000 in bills and in buying new shoes (2 new pairs) and equipment to assist with the ITB and stretches.
Visa officially rang to ask if I would like to take shares in the company I was improving their business so much!
....but do you think it has helped?
I am now taking out the orthotics. I have a meeting with the Head of Physiotherapy at UQ next week. He is assessing if my orthotics were correct in their initial fitting after I advised them of my new injury. Hopefully if the orthotics is the cause and this is now eliminated I will be soon on the road to recovery.
Fingers crossed. xx
Did a 3km warm up then stretched and watched everyone else do 5 x 1km reps (except for my buddy Tesso who did 2x1km reps then hotfooted it off to work).
Then ran back to the Ship Inn. Walked the Goodwill Bridge in an attempt to lessen the damage I was doing to my leg by running.
I can honestly say that as of this afternoon I have seen the following specialists in the past fortnight
2 x Physiotherapists (total 5 visits)
1 x Sports Doctor
1 x Podiatrist
1 x Sports Massage
and it is driving me insane. I have spent nearly $1000 in bills and in buying new shoes (2 new pairs) and equipment to assist with the ITB and stretches.
Visa officially rang to ask if I would like to take shares in the company I was improving their business so much!
....but do you think it has helped?
I am now taking out the orthotics. I have a meeting with the Head of Physiotherapy at UQ next week. He is assessing if my orthotics were correct in their initial fitting after I advised them of my new injury. Hopefully if the orthotics is the cause and this is now eliminated I will be soon on the road to recovery.
Fingers crossed. xx
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Tesso The Teacher
Well, talk about baaaaaad timing for poor Tess. She wandered in to Intraining store to buy some Bodyglide and sign up for x-country (=running tart!!).
Chris from Regatta Runners works there and when he saw her asked if she was working tonight and/or doing anything. Thinking maybe drinkies were on the cards she replied "nothing". Stupid think to say Tess!
Now she is taking the Intraining Beginner's Group tonight, their regular person isn't showing up on a regular enough basis. Eeeek!
Chris has given her the full instructions on what I have to do. But word from the gal herself is that she has added "pray for torential rain so that nobody turns up" to the top of the list.
I laughed too soon and then was advised she had put my name forward to help her out...think I was getting too fond of this inactivity with my injury :)
Chris from Regatta Runners works there and when he saw her asked if she was working tonight and/or doing anything. Thinking maybe drinkies were on the cards she replied "nothing". Stupid think to say Tess!
Now she is taking the Intraining Beginner's Group tonight, their regular person isn't showing up on a regular enough basis. Eeeek!
Chris has given her the full instructions on what I have to do. But word from the gal herself is that she has added "pray for torential rain so that nobody turns up" to the top of the list.
I laughed too soon and then was advised she had put my name forward to help her out...think I was getting too fond of this inactivity with my injury :)
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
MASSAGE
I thought Massage was meant to be a relaxing, sensual art that unwound tight muscles and relieved stress.
Today I actually bit through my toungue, okay well not through it - but I did bite it. Trying to stop from sounding like a girl. It was very painful. Had the ITB done by a runner massuese. It feels great now. But I think I am going to have to go there blindfolded next time so the body doesn't tense up the minute it sees the massage table.
Pat sent me an email to try out BRUNO.
He was the official Massuese for the past two Aussie Olympic teams and used to do all Pat's massages. *Bruno*....I can't see that name matching a small gentle guy with tiny delicate (=non hurting) hands..... So no I think I will stick with my current one thanks very much!
Today I actually bit through my toungue, okay well not through it - but I did bite it. Trying to stop from sounding like a girl. It was very painful. Had the ITB done by a runner massuese. It feels great now. But I think I am going to have to go there blindfolded next time so the body doesn't tense up the minute it sees the massage table.
Pat sent me an email to try out BRUNO.
He was the official Massuese for the past two Aussie Olympic teams and used to do all Pat's massages. *Bruno*....I can't see that name matching a small gentle guy with tiny delicate (=non hurting) hands..... So no I think I will stick with my current one thanks very much!
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Lest We Forget......BIG DAY OUT
What a great day today.
After a big night out last night (well I certainly wasn't driving home..) with fellow CRs I was worried I would sleep past the alarm. I didn't. But waking up was hard.
Headed out early to set up the Baggage area. Got there just in time to bring the nursing skills into play. A fellow runner and friend had managed to slice open his whole lower leg by climbing over a sharp roadworks sign on his way into the marathon.
We had to stop the blood flow (it was pretty extreme) and call an ambulance. He ended up with 18 stitches and a DNF on his record!!
The rest of the day seemed to go just the same way, but it was all fun.
Just after the marathon had started we realised the bus had left to take the special drinks to the aid stations. Unfortunately they had left one behind - for the 12km mark. As hubby had taken the car out to the turnaround point (he was the marshal there) I had to run the drinks over to Tess and her crew.
Got there just in time for the 2nd marathoner to come through. Stayed and cheered a bit then ran back to the baggage area in time for the 8km runners to be coming in thick and strong.
So great to see all the really good efforts put in by people I knew.
How great was it to see everyone cross the finish line and be able to cheer them on for the last few hundred metres.
Highlights of the day:
*Feeling useful to all the competitors
*running over the bridge behind Spot for 1km....felt like I was coming third for a while :)
*Asking the drunk to move so the runners on the finish line could have a clear run. He sat up, moved and clapped the runners in for the next hour.
*seeing an old guy's wife get him a chair and light a big cuban cigar after he crossed the finish line.
*witnessing all the PB's and the big grins
*Screaming out to Pat (200m from finish line) telling him to run faster, dig deep and all the other crap he tells me all the time. Felt very refreshing. Can't believe he was laughing and still running so damn fast!! The Nerve!
After a big night out last night (well I certainly wasn't driving home..) with fellow CRs I was worried I would sleep past the alarm. I didn't. But waking up was hard.
Headed out early to set up the Baggage area. Got there just in time to bring the nursing skills into play. A fellow runner and friend had managed to slice open his whole lower leg by climbing over a sharp roadworks sign on his way into the marathon.
We had to stop the blood flow (it was pretty extreme) and call an ambulance. He ended up with 18 stitches and a DNF on his record!!
The rest of the day seemed to go just the same way, but it was all fun.
Just after the marathon had started we realised the bus had left to take the special drinks to the aid stations. Unfortunately they had left one behind - for the 12km mark. As hubby had taken the car out to the turnaround point (he was the marshal there) I had to run the drinks over to Tess and her crew.
Got there just in time for the 2nd marathoner to come through. Stayed and cheered a bit then ran back to the baggage area in time for the 8km runners to be coming in thick and strong.
So great to see all the really good efforts put in by people I knew.
How great was it to see everyone cross the finish line and be able to cheer them on for the last few hundred metres.
Highlights of the day:
*Feeling useful to all the competitors
*running over the bridge behind Spot for 1km....felt like I was coming third for a while :)
*Asking the drunk to move so the runners on the finish line could have a clear run. He sat up, moved and clapped the runners in for the next hour.
*seeing an old guy's wife get him a chair and light a big cuban cigar after he crossed the finish line.
*witnessing all the PB's and the big grins
*Screaming out to Pat (200m from finish line) telling him to run faster, dig deep and all the other crap he tells me all the time. Felt very refreshing. Can't believe he was laughing and still running so damn fast!! The Nerve!
Thursday, April 21, 2005
PSYCHO PHSYIO
Wow last few days have been very um.. painful.
Got an ITB roller from Intraining. Thanks very much to the sadistic bastard who invented this. It hurts like hell. I thought it must hurt anyone that uses it, but when I tried it on my right side (not injured) it was very mild. So brought home the fact that my left side is very tightly wound.
Spent yesterday afternoon at the Physio and they hooked me up to this device that gives you pins and needles. I think it was wound up real high - my leg kept spasming. But the heat pack on top at the same time held it down and I actually enjoyed laying there seeing as I had spent the previous 30mins on some torture machine designed to stretch the calves.
I have always had a very relaxed attitude to stretching. Yes I do it - after my run or warming up. But not religiously and not specifically. I will now. I never knew a person could grow rocks on the back of their legs or look like they have been horseriding non stop for a week when really they have just got 'tightness'.
Really I thought tightness and tone was something to aim for - now it will be loose and relaxed all the way baby.... anyone got a joint?
Got an ITB roller from Intraining. Thanks very much to the sadistic bastard who invented this. It hurts like hell. I thought it must hurt anyone that uses it, but when I tried it on my right side (not injured) it was very mild. So brought home the fact that my left side is very tightly wound.
Spent yesterday afternoon at the Physio and they hooked me up to this device that gives you pins and needles. I think it was wound up real high - my leg kept spasming. But the heat pack on top at the same time held it down and I actually enjoyed laying there seeing as I had spent the previous 30mins on some torture machine designed to stretch the calves.
I have always had a very relaxed attitude to stretching. Yes I do it - after my run or warming up. But not religiously and not specifically. I will now. I never knew a person could grow rocks on the back of their legs or look like they have been horseriding non stop for a week when really they have just got 'tightness'.
Really I thought tightness and tone was something to aim for - now it will be loose and relaxed all the way baby.... anyone got a joint?
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Blog Idiot
okay so for those who wondered why I wasn't blogging...I was.
They were just being saved in another month...so sorry. I will try to fix it up over the next few days. Guess you all needed a break from reading my crap anyhow.
Wondering why I kept getting comments on my Canberra entry :)
I am officially a blog idiot!
They were just being saved in another month...so sorry. I will try to fix it up over the next few days. Guess you all needed a break from reading my crap anyhow.
Wondering why I kept getting comments on my Canberra entry :)
I am officially a blog idiot!
Lest We Forget......
So excited. Long weekend coming up. As I am not running I am really looking forward to catching up with everyone for dinner on Sat night beforehand. Tesso has got us all booked in for some pasta in the Valley. Should be fun.
As Official BagLady I am keen to see how it all goes on Sunday. I am hoping I will get the chance to 'shut up shop' and steal off for a quick peak at the race, then get back in time to see the finishers. One thing about being a runner (a slow one that is) you rarely get to see the winners cross the line. Should be fun.
As Official BagLady I am keen to see how it all goes on Sunday. I am hoping I will get the chance to 'shut up shop' and steal off for a quick peak at the race, then get back in time to see the finishers. One thing about being a runner (a slow one that is) you rarely get to see the winners cross the line. Should be fun.
Monday, April 18, 2005
10km BRRC - first DNF
Went down to BRRC to do the 10km today. Felt good. Not the slighest bit nervous. It turned out to be a handicap run so I had an extra 28 minutes before I started.
Went out and yelled out to Tess for her to try and catch me - I was going to be going slowish. However I got to 1km and felt my knee/leg really bad. It was hurting on the outside from my knee right up into my butt....
I kept going trying to work the strain out but it got worse. Just at the 2km mark I stopped and the pain shot right through me. I sat down and almost cried. I couldn't feel anything - did I imagine it? Should I start going again?
As soon as I got up and walked it came back. I got my stuff and drove off in disgust at myself.
Am booked in now to see the sports doctors at Woollongabba that Pat recommends. I am thinking it will be an ITB diagnosis after reading about it last night.
Went out and yelled out to Tess for her to try and catch me - I was going to be going slowish. However I got to 1km and felt my knee/leg really bad. It was hurting on the outside from my knee right up into my butt....
I kept going trying to work the strain out but it got worse. Just at the 2km mark I stopped and the pain shot right through me. I sat down and almost cried. I couldn't feel anything - did I imagine it? Should I start going again?
As soon as I got up and walked it came back. I got my stuff and drove off in disgust at myself.
Am booked in now to see the sports doctors at Woollongabba that Pat recommends. I am thinking it will be an ITB diagnosis after reading about it last night.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Saturday, April 09, 2005
CANBERRA 10KM PACE RACE
Well Saturday finally came. I actually got a good night sleep the night before so was well rested. Unfortunately my nerves still had me on end right from the moment I jumped out of bed.
I was able to eat a bowl of porridge - dad's special - and some OJ. That was it until after the race at 4pm. I should have forced myself to eat at lunch but I honestly don't think it would have done me any good.
Turned up to the Telopea Hall at 1pm. Meet up with Mister G and then just hung around at Pygmy Palace - where Tesso and other CRs were all staying. At 2pm the hall opened and we were able to go over and get Allan and G signed up. I also picked up my Canberra Marathon shirt. Some nasty bugger saw it and told me I wasn't allowed to wear it if I hadn't actually done the Marathon, but unfortunately they don't have shirts for the 10km!!
All too soon it was time to toe the line. Spud was with Mister G and I and was going to run with us around the 5 loop course in approx 45min. Just before the gun went off the cheers and calls from the crowd were really going off. I felt huge support. I also saw Mum and Dad had made it down. Had no idea where Allan was but I knew he would do well. He always does.
The race began and I felt shocking from the first 50m. It wasn't supposed to be like this!!! In my dreams I was hurtling around the road with ease, smiling and sweating but keeping pace. In reality I was hurting around the roads, trying to keep my stomach from heaving and all the while breathing really heavily. I couldn't get comfortable. The first km we did in 4:05. Too fast but it was still my best. After that I was ready to quit. G and Spud were really good, kept the spirits up and were dragging me along as best they could. I think I felt so bad at halfway when G said we weren't going to make the 45min. They were much faster runners than I and were only doing this to help me. I was letting the team down. It was a real bad moment.
Evertime we passed the finish line there was a big crowd of supporters. Some I knew most I didnt (until after the race!!). The support was mainly for coolrunners and it was really encouraging to have them cheer you on and I could feel the pressure to perform. Just after passing the crowd was the water station. I didn't get anything on the first lap and on the second G said "what do you want more, water or a PB?" so went without again. Big mistake. On the last loop when I did actually get water I couldnt drink it and didn't want to loose more pace - I had slowed so much already. Damn it was hot!
I threw the water at my face and opened my mouth and hoped some would go in. It did - along with air. Within 50m I was pulling over to throw up. It was here that G said "if you can keep it in until the end I'd be proud". So off I went again. This was the worst part. Knowing the end was near but you had nothing left in the tank to crank it up. G kept saying " just pass that one in front" and eventually we would, but then they would catch us and so on. I was now praying for the race to end so I could take my hat off. It was boiling. Never felt this bad in sunny Brisbane...
I turned the corner and could not manage another step. Then I looked up and saw the finish line. This was it. I couldn't let all those supporters down. My folks were watching and I wanted them to feel proud. So I did a Lance Armstrong, pushed all my breathe out and ran for it. It felt good to be running fast. I wish I had burst sooner. Yet as soon as I crossed the line I had to stop. I remember sitting in the medical tent but not how I got there. I looked up and saw my dad watching me be sick. He looked really worried so I stood up and went over and hugged him. The race was over.The pressure in my stomach was gone.
The next few hours past in a blur. I caught up with Tesso who was so happy for me. I had finished in 46:59 - a PB. Not by much but still a PB. She was so very infectious and here I was feeling terrible about it all. Made me cry. so I had a weep and then was overwhelmed with all the CR's coming up to say hello. Ray James gave me a big hug. A few minutes later Allan crossed the line and was over to see how I had ran.
After a shower and change of clothes it was off to dinner and a great evening with a nice bottle of wine and some friends. Ended all too soon as everyone was getting up early to work (me) or run the marathon (everyone else).
What a relief that today was finally over.
I was able to eat a bowl of porridge - dad's special - and some OJ. That was it until after the race at 4pm. I should have forced myself to eat at lunch but I honestly don't think it would have done me any good.
Turned up to the Telopea Hall at 1pm. Meet up with Mister G and then just hung around at Pygmy Palace - where Tesso and other CRs were all staying. At 2pm the hall opened and we were able to go over and get Allan and G signed up. I also picked up my Canberra Marathon shirt. Some nasty bugger saw it and told me I wasn't allowed to wear it if I hadn't actually done the Marathon, but unfortunately they don't have shirts for the 10km!!
All too soon it was time to toe the line. Spud was with Mister G and I and was going to run with us around the 5 loop course in approx 45min. Just before the gun went off the cheers and calls from the crowd were really going off. I felt huge support. I also saw Mum and Dad had made it down. Had no idea where Allan was but I knew he would do well. He always does.
The race began and I felt shocking from the first 50m. It wasn't supposed to be like this!!! In my dreams I was hurtling around the road with ease, smiling and sweating but keeping pace. In reality I was hurting around the roads, trying to keep my stomach from heaving and all the while breathing really heavily. I couldn't get comfortable. The first km we did in 4:05. Too fast but it was still my best. After that I was ready to quit. G and Spud were really good, kept the spirits up and were dragging me along as best they could. I think I felt so bad at halfway when G said we weren't going to make the 45min. They were much faster runners than I and were only doing this to help me. I was letting the team down. It was a real bad moment.
Evertime we passed the finish line there was a big crowd of supporters. Some I knew most I didnt (until after the race!!). The support was mainly for coolrunners and it was really encouraging to have them cheer you on and I could feel the pressure to perform. Just after passing the crowd was the water station. I didn't get anything on the first lap and on the second G said "what do you want more, water or a PB?" so went without again. Big mistake. On the last loop when I did actually get water I couldnt drink it and didn't want to loose more pace - I had slowed so much already. Damn it was hot!
I threw the water at my face and opened my mouth and hoped some would go in. It did - along with air. Within 50m I was pulling over to throw up. It was here that G said "if you can keep it in until the end I'd be proud". So off I went again. This was the worst part. Knowing the end was near but you had nothing left in the tank to crank it up. G kept saying " just pass that one in front" and eventually we would, but then they would catch us and so on. I was now praying for the race to end so I could take my hat off. It was boiling. Never felt this bad in sunny Brisbane...
I turned the corner and could not manage another step. Then I looked up and saw the finish line. This was it. I couldn't let all those supporters down. My folks were watching and I wanted them to feel proud. So I did a Lance Armstrong, pushed all my breathe out and ran for it. It felt good to be running fast. I wish I had burst sooner. Yet as soon as I crossed the line I had to stop. I remember sitting in the medical tent but not how I got there. I looked up and saw my dad watching me be sick. He looked really worried so I stood up and went over and hugged him. The race was over.The pressure in my stomach was gone.
The next few hours past in a blur. I caught up with Tesso who was so happy for me. I had finished in 46:59 - a PB. Not by much but still a PB. She was so very infectious and here I was feeling terrible about it all. Made me cry. so I had a weep and then was overwhelmed with all the CR's coming up to say hello. Ray James gave me a big hug. A few minutes later Allan crossed the line and was over to see how I had ran.
After a shower and change of clothes it was off to dinner and a great evening with a nice bottle of wine and some friends. Ended all too soon as everyone was getting up early to work (me) or run the marathon (everyone else).
What a relief that today was finally over.
Friday, April 08, 2005
One more sleep....
The nerves have started. Even with a few wines last night I did not manage to go to sleep very well.
I read the Race Program before I went to bed which said the 10km was not a fast course and looking at the winning times for the past 18 years I have to agree.
What a lot of fuss over a 10km run.
F - Frazzled
U - Undertrained
N - Nerve racking
R - Race
U - unprepared
N - Never again....
About to drive down to the marathon course and have a little walk. I wish Sunday could come without there being a Saturday.. :)
I read the Race Program before I went to bed which said the 10km was not a fast course and looking at the winning times for the past 18 years I have to agree.
What a lot of fuss over a 10km run.
F - Frazzled
U - Undertrained
N - Nerve racking
R - Race
U - unprepared
N - Never again....
About to drive down to the marathon course and have a little walk. I wish Sunday could come without there being a Saturday.. :)
10KM
The nerves have started. Even with a few wines last night I did not manage to go to sleep very well.
I read the Race Program before I went to bed which said the 10km was not a fast course and looking at the winning times for the past 18 years I have to agree.
What a lot of fuss over a 10km run.
F - Frazzled
U - Undertrained
N - Nerve racking
R - Race
U - unprepared
N - Never again....
About to drive down to the marathon course and have a little walk. I wish Sunday could come without there being a Saturday.. :)
I read the Race Program before I went to bed which said the 10km was not a fast course and looking at the winning times for the past 18 years I have to agree.
What a lot of fuss over a 10km run.
F - Frazzled
U - Undertrained
N - Nerve racking
R - Race
U - unprepared
N - Never again....
About to drive down to the marathon course and have a little walk. I wish Sunday could come without there being a Saturday.. :)
Thursday, April 07, 2005
CANBERRA - ITS' COLD
Here I sit in Canberra in about twenty layers of clothing!!
The sun is shining and it is very nice to have the sun on your face whilst sipping on a latte....mmmm I think it is just nice to not have to go to work!!!
Got up early this morning and took my mother to a nearby park. There are so many trails and paths and tracks around Canberra it is amazing. Plenty of people out and about as well - so no chance to get lonely.
Did a quick warm up just walking fast with mum then did 10 x 30sec efforts with 30 sec recovery. It was really funny to have mum cheering me on "ooh that's fast" "you look like a runner" "keep your shoulders back". Most amusing.
Missed not being at Pat's group this morning doing the session with them and I am sure I wasn't as hard on myself as I would have been had I had to run next to Tesso. But I am glad for the chance to adapt to the weather - and always glad to spend time with mum.
So now for a day of unpacking boxes and painting walls *groan*.
Oh went to the Canberra Marathon meeting last night. Great to meet all the organisers. Marshal shirts this year are in slime green colour. yuk!
At least we will be very visual. I have been allocated to the early start and setting up the aid stations. Following that I will be marshalling at the Plus Five. That means I will be overseeing all the runners who are out there running the marathon in MORE than Five hours. So basically I will be situated at the 28km mark. Anyone that does not reach me before 10:20am will be asked to move onto a new course (that is on pathways and not the road). This will be a good job but I am sad I won't be near the finish line when Tess and so many other Coolrunners finish their ordeal.
However it gives me the chance to be there when they all start and take lots of photos.
See you out there guys :)
The sun is shining and it is very nice to have the sun on your face whilst sipping on a latte....mmmm I think it is just nice to not have to go to work!!!
Got up early this morning and took my mother to a nearby park. There are so many trails and paths and tracks around Canberra it is amazing. Plenty of people out and about as well - so no chance to get lonely.
Did a quick warm up just walking fast with mum then did 10 x 30sec efforts with 30 sec recovery. It was really funny to have mum cheering me on "ooh that's fast" "you look like a runner" "keep your shoulders back". Most amusing.
Missed not being at Pat's group this morning doing the session with them and I am sure I wasn't as hard on myself as I would have been had I had to run next to Tesso. But I am glad for the chance to adapt to the weather - and always glad to spend time with mum.
So now for a day of unpacking boxes and painting walls *groan*.
Oh went to the Canberra Marathon meeting last night. Great to meet all the organisers. Marshal shirts this year are in slime green colour. yuk!
At least we will be very visual. I have been allocated to the early start and setting up the aid stations. Following that I will be marshalling at the Plus Five. That means I will be overseeing all the runners who are out there running the marathon in MORE than Five hours. So basically I will be situated at the 28km mark. Anyone that does not reach me before 10:20am will be asked to move onto a new course (that is on pathways and not the road). This will be a good job but I am sad I won't be near the finish line when Tess and so many other Coolrunners finish their ordeal.
However it gives me the chance to be there when they all start and take lots of photos.
See you out there guys :)
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Medal Winning Performance
Ha! Always wanted to write that! MWP....
After a very restless sleep I got up at 4:30am. Could not stay in bed any more. Had a sandwich, water and got dressed. Woke my hubby up and said to him "I'm going to bring home a medal today". He was very supportive but also encouraging that I had nothing to prove to anyone.
Arrived at Southbank SSOOOO early and just walked around trying to calm myself. I was so nervous. I had convinced myself that if I did not do well today it would reflect on Saturdays race. So basically I was nervous for BOTH races today.
My stomach was churning and I just wanted to get going. Kept saying to Tess "lets go" but she was following the rules and waiting for everyone to arrive before we headed off. Jess (Lil Kirloo) turned up and that was great. First time he has come down to one of Pat's sessions. In the excitement I almost forgot I was about to do a timetrial.
Just after 6am we headed out for our warm up. I was so nervous I had to get Tess to detour with me so I could use the ladies (not safe to go alone). That done the guys were just catching up with us. I was trying to see how I felt and I kept thinking Man I feel like crap. My legs were not turning over and it was taking forever to warmup. Dammit I was going to have a bad run.
Tess was great as usual. Chatty and taking my mind off things. Got to the start and tried to relax but I just felt like being sick. This was a BAD case of nerves. Kept pacing and breathing to relax and wanted to be anywhere but there. Even my arms were shaking...
After a few strides and a really great pep talk from Verity I was ready to go. We weren't even at the start line and Pat said "GO".
Out I went and started to chase Pat. Hang on noone else in between us...mmm. Then I heard Langy say "Ease off Clairie" so I did. That was the start of my big day.
For the next 3km I proceeded to do exactly as Langy said. "breathe easy, relax" "lean forward into the road" "turn quick, make up a few sec". It was okay going (inside I was dying) until the 2km mark. Then that is when I started to feel it. I wasn't using my watch but when I looked at it after that turn it said 8:16 damn, I wasn't going to beat my PB of 12:22. I was still going to try my hardest. Then the 500m mark loomed and Langy said to "kick in" so I did. Then every 20m he proceeded to tell me how much further "300m to go, 200m to go, 100m to go" as well as "give me 20 really good steps" wow that sounded easy. So I did. Before I knew it we had finished and Pat yelled out 11:59. What The ... sub 12... Oh My Gosh. Too much. I was very overwhelmed and after 10sec to get my breath walked up to Pat and tapped him on the shoulder and said
"I believe you owe me a medal" He just grinned. Then I saw Tess coming in - she was doing her 4km at Marathon race pace today, and I went up to her and screamed SUB 12!!! and just grabbed her and we were cheering and getting all happy.
Poor Langy, he got lots of hugs and kisses from me. I was so thankful for what he helped me achieve today. It was very special for me and helped give me some confidence for Saturdays run. Seeing Tess so happy for me was a big boost as well. I feel on a high this morning and don't want to come down. Guess I had better do some work seeing as I am off to CANBERRA tomorrow morning.......
After a very restless sleep I got up at 4:30am. Could not stay in bed any more. Had a sandwich, water and got dressed. Woke my hubby up and said to him "I'm going to bring home a medal today". He was very supportive but also encouraging that I had nothing to prove to anyone.
Arrived at Southbank SSOOOO early and just walked around trying to calm myself. I was so nervous. I had convinced myself that if I did not do well today it would reflect on Saturdays race. So basically I was nervous for BOTH races today.
My stomach was churning and I just wanted to get going. Kept saying to Tess "lets go" but she was following the rules and waiting for everyone to arrive before we headed off. Jess (Lil Kirloo) turned up and that was great. First time he has come down to one of Pat's sessions. In the excitement I almost forgot I was about to do a timetrial.
Just after 6am we headed out for our warm up. I was so nervous I had to get Tess to detour with me so I could use the ladies (not safe to go alone). That done the guys were just catching up with us. I was trying to see how I felt and I kept thinking Man I feel like crap. My legs were not turning over and it was taking forever to warmup. Dammit I was going to have a bad run.
Tess was great as usual. Chatty and taking my mind off things. Got to the start and tried to relax but I just felt like being sick. This was a BAD case of nerves. Kept pacing and breathing to relax and wanted to be anywhere but there. Even my arms were shaking...
After a few strides and a really great pep talk from Verity I was ready to go. We weren't even at the start line and Pat said "GO".
Out I went and started to chase Pat. Hang on noone else in between us...mmm. Then I heard Langy say "Ease off Clairie" so I did. That was the start of my big day.
For the next 3km I proceeded to do exactly as Langy said. "breathe easy, relax" "lean forward into the road" "turn quick, make up a few sec". It was okay going (inside I was dying) until the 2km mark. Then that is when I started to feel it. I wasn't using my watch but when I looked at it after that turn it said 8:16 damn, I wasn't going to beat my PB of 12:22. I was still going to try my hardest. Then the 500m mark loomed and Langy said to "kick in" so I did. Then every 20m he proceeded to tell me how much further "300m to go, 200m to go, 100m to go" as well as "give me 20 really good steps" wow that sounded easy. So I did. Before I knew it we had finished and Pat yelled out 11:59. What The ... sub 12... Oh My Gosh. Too much. I was very overwhelmed and after 10sec to get my breath walked up to Pat and tapped him on the shoulder and said
"I believe you owe me a medal" He just grinned. Then I saw Tess coming in - she was doing her 4km at Marathon race pace today, and I went up to her and screamed SUB 12!!! and just grabbed her and we were cheering and getting all happy.
Poor Langy, he got lots of hugs and kisses from me. I was so thankful for what he helped me achieve today. It was very special for me and helped give me some confidence for Saturdays run. Seeing Tess so happy for me was a big boost as well. I feel on a high this morning and don't want to come down. Guess I had better do some work seeing as I am off to CANBERRA tomorrow morning.......
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Saturday Long Run - Regattas
Met up at the Regatta with a large number of runners - both the Regatta Runners and the Brisbane Running Buddies were running together.
Just after 6am we headed out towards the Gardens. I was running with Ciaran and Nick and they were making me laugh too much - what with testing out the different colour jellybabies and playing "I spy"... so at the Goodwill Bridge I stopped and waited for Tess who was running with MJ and Sharon.
We hooked up a group of about 6 of us at the same pace and distance (on the long run you can do anywhere from 11km - 35 depending on where you turn). We headed out over the Story Bridge and I was really glad we did. The view was amazing and we all had "A moment" when we looked at the sun glistening on the water and the warm sun on our face with a cool breeze at our back. It was just perfect. Oh yeah and we were running downhill!!! Hence the Euphoria!
Almost got run over by a car so I tried to stick close to the other runners after that. We stopped for a water break and Tess tried to drench me with water (just in case I wasn't sweating enough) but ended up almost choking from laughing.
We made it around Southbank and back over to the Regatta in 1:30 so I said I wanted to keep running. I had 1hr 40min in my progam - and I knew Pat was kyaking up and down the river as he had called out to us as we ran past. So I was encouraged to follow the program. Also I was feeling really good. MJ, Tim and I kept going and went to a local park and did some long laps then headed back. 1:41:00 yippee I can stop now.
Had a quick breakfast then rushed home to hubby - to wish him a very very happy happy Birthday.....
Just after 6am we headed out towards the Gardens. I was running with Ciaran and Nick and they were making me laugh too much - what with testing out the different colour jellybabies and playing "I spy"... so at the Goodwill Bridge I stopped and waited for Tess who was running with MJ and Sharon.
We hooked up a group of about 6 of us at the same pace and distance (on the long run you can do anywhere from 11km - 35 depending on where you turn). We headed out over the Story Bridge and I was really glad we did. The view was amazing and we all had "A moment" when we looked at the sun glistening on the water and the warm sun on our face with a cool breeze at our back. It was just perfect. Oh yeah and we were running downhill!!! Hence the Euphoria!
Almost got run over by a car so I tried to stick close to the other runners after that. We stopped for a water break and Tess tried to drench me with water (just in case I wasn't sweating enough) but ended up almost choking from laughing.
We made it around Southbank and back over to the Regatta in 1:30 so I said I wanted to keep running. I had 1hr 40min in my progam - and I knew Pat was kyaking up and down the river as he had called out to us as we ran past. So I was encouraged to follow the program. Also I was feeling really good. MJ, Tim and I kept going and went to a local park and did some long laps then headed back. 1:41:00 yippee I can stop now.
Had a quick breakfast then rushed home to hubby - to wish him a very very happy happy Birthday.....
Friday, April 01, 2005
APRIL 1ST REGATTA RUN
Geez what a laugh they mush have had when Tess, Sharon and I turned up in Boxer shorts this morning.
We got an invite to a Boxer Short run last week and didnt' really give much thought to the date...*SHAME*
Oh well we had a great laugh and got some piccies to remind us how gullible we are.
Glenda also were in boxer shorts so it wasn't JUST US.
Did the 8km loop in 4:50 per km. Kept going at the end to make it a 40min run (as per Pat's plan). Doing everything exact this week.
If you have never run in boxer shorts you should give it a go. Very comfy and cool with a nice breeze :)
We got an invite to a Boxer Short run last week and didnt' really give much thought to the date...*SHAME*
Oh well we had a great laugh and got some piccies to remind us how gullible we are.
Glenda also were in boxer shorts so it wasn't JUST US.
Did the 8km loop in 4:50 per km. Kept going at the end to make it a 40min run (as per Pat's plan). Doing everything exact this week.
If you have never run in boxer shorts you should give it a go. Very comfy and cool with a nice breeze :)
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