Was just on my way out to dinner with Rob when I emailed Tesso to see if I should pick her up on the way. Oops wrong night.
It think the psychological affect of not being tagged in the lastest round has left me noncomprehendus. It doesn't matter. I have real friends....somewhere.
On a bright note - Miners is officially slotted in as the 'unofficial' 95min pacer for the Gold Coast Marathon half. So guess who will be trying to keep his bright blouse in sight the whole way?????
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Monday, June 26, 2006
Sunday, June 25, 2006
BRRC 10k Club Championships 2006
What a silly idea having a 10k Club Champs race on the week before Gold Coast marathon.
At least it meant the field was small and competition wasn't as fierce as it usually is - or so I thought.
Tess and I had pre-arranged to do 4:25min/km pace and I had set the garmin up as a training partner to do this and keep me honest.
They called us to the start but I was in the toilet and made a mad dash for the line just before the gun went off. I was still pulling off my clothes and was running the first 500m whilst trying to plug in and turn on my ipod. Finally I got into ryhthym and Tesso was just behind me. I didn't want to force her to run at my pace as she is coming back from injury so I kept just in front. I think I spent the whole race very focused on my Garmin - watching to see what it was telling me. Reminder - don't wear it next weekend..
Looking at the garmin I was 10-20m in front of the training partner for the first 5km then at the turnaround I saw Tess and she yelled out "1" I didn't realise but quickly registered that I was first female. Oooh how exciting.
BLowing out my pre-planned race preparations I put the foot down and kept the pace slightly increasing. I was feeling good and determined to finish in one piece so I held back only slightly, knowing I was in the lead.
At 600-700m to go CR Karisma came up beside me and started talking. With my ipod on and me concentrating on finishing I didn't hear her but instead was thinking "she's caught me and has breath to be talking so obviously she is doing this comfortably...." Damn!! I put my foot down. I had come this far and I was now prepared to give up my Gold Coast ambitions to do well today (yeah okay so talk about final hour/km decision!!!). Karen came with me and we were literally racing elbow to elbow for 500m. I have not experienced this before when the first medal is on the line. Coming up to the final hill I pumped my arms and shot up in front. I didn't ease up thinking she was just on my shoulder and ready to sprint past at any time.
I was feeling sick and working harder than I have ever worked in a race finish EVER BEFORE (that is saying something!!). I finished first yahhh and turned around. Karen was about 10 secs behind so I was quite safe but just never knew.
The end result - a 10km PB (it's still soft but I hate 10km races).
44:15 or there abouts - waiting on official time today on the website. Garmin said I ran 4:22 pace.
Hoping now that I will pull up okay for the Gold Coast half with recovery tomorrow and only easy runs the rest of the week. If not, well I had fun today.
My aim for Gold Coast is to run 4:28 pace (sub 94mins) even after today I think I might be able to do that but I am not sure how I will pull up. I certainly won't be finishing like that next week.....totally draining - physically and mentally. aaaahhh but the bling was worth it. Now the proud owner of the "First" BRRC cup and a gold medal for my age group.
Byline - Mr. Clairie and Little Clairie both ran today as well (53min) as their dress rehersal for Gold Coast. They have never run more than 12km but will be attempting the half. I am very proud of them (and nervous for them). They aim to run with Ironbee in the 2hr pacing group.
At least it meant the field was small and competition wasn't as fierce as it usually is - or so I thought.
Tess and I had pre-arranged to do 4:25min/km pace and I had set the garmin up as a training partner to do this and keep me honest.
They called us to the start but I was in the toilet and made a mad dash for the line just before the gun went off. I was still pulling off my clothes and was running the first 500m whilst trying to plug in and turn on my ipod. Finally I got into ryhthym and Tesso was just behind me. I didn't want to force her to run at my pace as she is coming back from injury so I kept just in front. I think I spent the whole race very focused on my Garmin - watching to see what it was telling me. Reminder - don't wear it next weekend..
Looking at the garmin I was 10-20m in front of the training partner for the first 5km then at the turnaround I saw Tess and she yelled out "1" I didn't realise but quickly registered that I was first female. Oooh how exciting.
BLowing out my pre-planned race preparations I put the foot down and kept the pace slightly increasing. I was feeling good and determined to finish in one piece so I held back only slightly, knowing I was in the lead.
At 600-700m to go CR Karisma came up beside me and started talking. With my ipod on and me concentrating on finishing I didn't hear her but instead was thinking "she's caught me and has breath to be talking so obviously she is doing this comfortably...." Damn!! I put my foot down. I had come this far and I was now prepared to give up my Gold Coast ambitions to do well today (yeah okay so talk about final hour/km decision!!!). Karen came with me and we were literally racing elbow to elbow for 500m. I have not experienced this before when the first medal is on the line. Coming up to the final hill I pumped my arms and shot up in front. I didn't ease up thinking she was just on my shoulder and ready to sprint past at any time.
I was feeling sick and working harder than I have ever worked in a race finish EVER BEFORE (that is saying something!!). I finished first yahhh and turned around. Karen was about 10 secs behind so I was quite safe but just never knew.
The end result - a 10km PB (it's still soft but I hate 10km races).
44:15 or there abouts - waiting on official time today on the website. Garmin said I ran 4:22 pace.
Hoping now that I will pull up okay for the Gold Coast half with recovery tomorrow and only easy runs the rest of the week. If not, well I had fun today.
My aim for Gold Coast is to run 4:28 pace (sub 94mins) even after today I think I might be able to do that but I am not sure how I will pull up. I certainly won't be finishing like that next week.....totally draining - physically and mentally. aaaahhh but the bling was worth it. Now the proud owner of the "First" BRRC cup and a gold medal for my age group.
Byline - Mr. Clairie and Little Clairie both ran today as well (53min) as their dress rehersal for Gold Coast. They have never run more than 12km but will be attempting the half. I am very proud of them (and nervous for them). They aim to run with Ironbee in the 2hr pacing group.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Tessos Talkative Training Trot
A good size crowd at Pat's today.
Headed out with Tesso and quickly got in front of the bulk of runners and set our minds to staying there!
We had pre-planned to go out steady and try to aim for getting from the Ship Inn out to the New Farm Bowls club in under 27mins.
We made it in just over 26mins, though I was pushing it all the way and would have dropped off the pace if Tesso wasn't trotting alongside me telling me all about her runs and concerts and music and and and....where did she have the breath to talk??? We finished up the run with 9.65km and an average pace of 4:34/km...and she was chatting??? Obviously back to fitness very quick!
After the 50min run we had to nominate our 1km times. I chose to do 4min but after the run with Tesso I was a bit worn out. Still I determined to do the best I could.
It was a shock to hear Pat say "4mins" when I crossed the line. That means I was bang on my ETA. Woo hoo! Might be getting the hang of this pacing stuff. Actually no I think it was pure luck. I thought I was going faster than 4min/km but was just eager to finish.
Then after that we did a 2km cooldown over the bridge and around Southbank back to the Ship Inn where we scoffed down pancakes with fruit mmmmmmm my favourite run!!
Tesso won the award for Best Member today. I was most overjoyed with that!!
Headed out with Tesso and quickly got in front of the bulk of runners and set our minds to staying there!
We had pre-planned to go out steady and try to aim for getting from the Ship Inn out to the New Farm Bowls club in under 27mins.
We made it in just over 26mins, though I was pushing it all the way and would have dropped off the pace if Tesso wasn't trotting alongside me telling me all about her runs and concerts and music and and and....where did she have the breath to talk??? We finished up the run with 9.65km and an average pace of 4:34/km...and she was chatting??? Obviously back to fitness very quick!
After the 50min run we had to nominate our 1km times. I chose to do 4min but after the run with Tesso I was a bit worn out. Still I determined to do the best I could.
It was a shock to hear Pat say "4mins" when I crossed the line. That means I was bang on my ETA. Woo hoo! Might be getting the hang of this pacing stuff. Actually no I think it was pure luck. I thought I was going faster than 4min/km but was just eager to finish.
Then after that we did a 2km cooldown over the bridge and around Southbank back to the Ship Inn where we scoffed down pancakes with fruit mmmmmmm my favourite run!!
Tesso won the award for Best Member today. I was most overjoyed with that!!
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Pat Carroll 3km Time Trial for Swans
I got an email from a good friend who told me to "stop whinging" so today it was puffed chest and full of beans with no mention of the injury or the flu I felt I was coming down with or the....etc etc
Wow it was exciting down there this morning. Pat had a film crew (okay one man with a camera....) along for the ride. He was filming all of us for a DVD that Pat wants to make on the PCRG. We all get a copy when we attend his dinner after Gold Coast.
After Tesso and I put on our lipstick we headed off on the warmup and I actually felt pretty good. Not nervous or sore or tired. Just right.
At the start it was wonderful to see everyone there and most especially Mark Jones. He has been off for six months so it was unreal to see him there in good form and able to run (albeit way slower than his best).
A few run throughs were enough to get the nerves pumping. I was trying to work out what splits I needed but couldn't think straight and before you knew it we were on the start line and Pat was shouting for us to GOOOOO. I had been close to the front so was out in good time unlike last month.
Only hitch being a Bloody car refused to stop or slow down as we were crossing the bridge and everyone had to go on the side where it was muddy and rocky. Pat was screaming at the driver and for all of us to move aside but with such a large group it was hard. Some runners even went down near the river - extending their run by about 10sec.
Pat came up behind me just before the 500m mark and was working hard at urging everyone on. A lady was running alongside me and then we came to the hill and she started to lag, I called her to come with me but wasn't stopping to take passengers.
I wasn't really fussed with my watch but had a look at it after I finished. I pressed the lap at the turnaround and then the finish. Even split. First time I have done that ever!
At the turnaround I was closing in on Tara and iliketoast was getting in front of her as well so it was clear she was tiring. However she kept ahead of me the whole way and did a great run.
I was starting to tire but then Mark Jones (aka Jonesy) came up and asked me if I was doing ok. I said 'yeah' so he kept with me. Bless his cotton sox.
He talked me the whole way home. Told me I was a 'swan' and just had to glide along. Now I had to pump my arms to get up the hill. Then I had to lift my legs a cm (was tiring) higher. Then I had to rest and control my breathing for 30m to get my breath before sprinting the final 500m. Then the last 100m he told me to go for gold. I did.
Crossed the line in 11:39 and was very very happy with that. A 10sec PB for me... and I did what I wanted to do - keep iliketoast in sight.
Best bit was getting a piggyback ride by iliketoast. Tess and Tara were on Nick's and Ciaran's backs also. We were doing it to ham it up for the film camera on the cool down. Poor toastie I think limped it home after that effort!!!!
Wow it was exciting down there this morning. Pat had a film crew (okay one man with a camera....) along for the ride. He was filming all of us for a DVD that Pat wants to make on the PCRG. We all get a copy when we attend his dinner after Gold Coast.
After Tesso and I put on our lipstick we headed off on the warmup and I actually felt pretty good. Not nervous or sore or tired. Just right.
At the start it was wonderful to see everyone there and most especially Mark Jones. He has been off for six months so it was unreal to see him there in good form and able to run (albeit way slower than his best).
A few run throughs were enough to get the nerves pumping. I was trying to work out what splits I needed but couldn't think straight and before you knew it we were on the start line and Pat was shouting for us to GOOOOO. I had been close to the front so was out in good time unlike last month.
Only hitch being a Bloody car refused to stop or slow down as we were crossing the bridge and everyone had to go on the side where it was muddy and rocky. Pat was screaming at the driver and for all of us to move aside but with such a large group it was hard. Some runners even went down near the river - extending their run by about 10sec.
Pat came up behind me just before the 500m mark and was working hard at urging everyone on. A lady was running alongside me and then we came to the hill and she started to lag, I called her to come with me but wasn't stopping to take passengers.
I wasn't really fussed with my watch but had a look at it after I finished. I pressed the lap at the turnaround and then the finish. Even split. First time I have done that ever!
At the turnaround I was closing in on Tara and iliketoast was getting in front of her as well so it was clear she was tiring. However she kept ahead of me the whole way and did a great run.
I was starting to tire but then Mark Jones (aka Jonesy) came up and asked me if I was doing ok. I said 'yeah' so he kept with me. Bless his cotton sox.
He talked me the whole way home. Told me I was a 'swan' and just had to glide along. Now I had to pump my arms to get up the hill. Then I had to lift my legs a cm (was tiring) higher. Then I had to rest and control my breathing for 30m to get my breath before sprinting the final 500m. Then the last 100m he told me to go for gold. I did.
Crossed the line in 11:39 and was very very happy with that. A 10sec PB for me... and I did what I wanted to do - keep iliketoast in sight.
Best bit was getting a piggyback ride by iliketoast. Tess and Tara were on Nick's and Ciaran's backs also. We were doing it to ham it up for the film camera on the cool down. Poor toastie I think limped it home after that effort!!!!
Monday, June 19, 2006
Typical!
After spending the morning cheering and helping out at the River Run on Sunday I raced across town to the BRRC Committee Meeting. The meeting went for over 2hrs and when I stood up to go home I fell back down again. My knee has swollen up again with the sypmtoms of what I can ELEPHANITIS but what is actually bursitis.
The bursar at the back of my knee is trapping fluid again and it was very painful last night.
It has gone down a bit this morning but still noticeably swollen so I elected for a second rest day in order for it to be okay to run on tomorrow for Pat's 3km Time Trial that I am just dying (NOT!!!) to do.
I will wear a compression bandage tonight and take a few anti-inflamms...... ho hum.
The bursar at the back of my knee is trapping fluid again and it was very painful last night.
It has gone down a bit this morning but still noticeably swollen so I elected for a second rest day in order for it to be okay to run on tomorrow for Pat's 3km Time Trial that I am just dying (NOT!!!) to do.
I will wear a compression bandage tonight and take a few anti-inflamms...... ho hum.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Fridays F*#$# Freerun
Decided against going to Pat's this morning as I felt like avoiding the hills and just doing a sprint fast session along Coro Drive.
Liz said she would meet me at the Regatta at 6am with the other group members but she wasn't there this morning and that was my first disappointment. We push each other harder than if we run by ourselves so I knew I would have to work hard to get moving out there today.
I started out well and did the first km in 4:55, planning to get progressively faster and finish the 8km with a sub 4:20km. However I went from rap to crap in the second km and never recovered. My legs were either frozen or still asleep.
I think I felt so good after my session yesterday and how well I had ran all week that I jinxed myself because today was pure pain and dismay.
I was in the lead for the whole first km and finished LAST. Behind the 6min/km runners even!!! (remember this was supposed to be a speed session for me not a long run - I am not making fun of people who run at that pace..)
It was a shocker. I just got slower and slower and slower and finished doing a 5:23km at the end. My lower back was aching, my hip was sore and my legs were just useless to me. I felt like taking them off and walking away from them....but frustratedly realised I couldn't do that!
I didn't bother stretching or cooling down. The way I see it I spent the whole 8km cooling down. The muscles didn't deserve a stretch either....so suffer in your jocks calves and quads!
Anyhow so here I am moping away. To top it off the showers only had cold water AGAIN and I almost bolted across the road to Tesso's house in just my towel to jump into her shower. hee hee now that might have made me run a bit faster!!!
Liz said she would meet me at the Regatta at 6am with the other group members but she wasn't there this morning and that was my first disappointment. We push each other harder than if we run by ourselves so I knew I would have to work hard to get moving out there today.
I started out well and did the first km in 4:55, planning to get progressively faster and finish the 8km with a sub 4:20km. However I went from rap to crap in the second km and never recovered. My legs were either frozen or still asleep.
I think I felt so good after my session yesterday and how well I had ran all week that I jinxed myself because today was pure pain and dismay.
I was in the lead for the whole first km and finished LAST. Behind the 6min/km runners even!!! (remember this was supposed to be a speed session for me not a long run - I am not making fun of people who run at that pace..)
It was a shocker. I just got slower and slower and slower and finished doing a 5:23km at the end. My lower back was aching, my hip was sore and my legs were just useless to me. I felt like taking them off and walking away from them....but frustratedly realised I couldn't do that!
I didn't bother stretching or cooling down. The way I see it I spent the whole 8km cooling down. The muscles didn't deserve a stretch either....so suffer in your jocks calves and quads!
Anyhow so here I am moping away. To top it off the showers only had cold water AGAIN and I almost bolted across the road to Tesso's house in just my towel to jump into her shower. hee hee now that might have made me run a bit faster!!!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
I was on fire this morning. Something about waking up and knowing I had to face the coach at 5:30am (avid NSW supporter he is!!). Go QUEENSLAND!!!!
Got there and Coach Chris was all grumpy and quiet (funny that..) and told us we had to do fartlek up the mountain this morning. Said we were doing 30sec efforts up Mount Cootha and he would indicate when we could stop. At the bell we all raced off and at 3mins he eventually tooted for us to stop. He did this 5 or 6 times by which we were at the ABC studios and no longer trusting him anyway.
I worked really hard and even though I knew he would not toot before 3mins (after the first one) I pushed hard as if we were going to stop any second now.
Liz and I were using each other again and we were both putting in for our last hill session before Gold Coast.
Yes I have tired legs now but I feel great and am proud of my efforts. Wish so hard though that I had put in the same effort weeks ago. No good to me now with the half marathon only two weeks away.....but the feeling of working hard is great nontheless.
Got there and Coach Chris was all grumpy and quiet (funny that..) and told us we had to do fartlek up the mountain this morning. Said we were doing 30sec efforts up Mount Cootha and he would indicate when we could stop. At the bell we all raced off and at 3mins he eventually tooted for us to stop. He did this 5 or 6 times by which we were at the ABC studios and no longer trusting him anyway.
I worked really hard and even though I knew he would not toot before 3mins (after the first one) I pushed hard as if we were going to stop any second now.
Liz and I were using each other again and we were both putting in for our last hill session before Gold Coast.
Yes I have tired legs now but I feel great and am proud of my efforts. Wish so hard though that I had put in the same effort weeks ago. No good to me now with the half marathon only two weeks away.....but the feeling of working hard is great nontheless.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Tara's Sprints
I was fully loaded up with ipod (new music) and garmin this morning before setting out for my mid-week long run. Planned to do around 16km and was suprised to see Tara at the Regatta at 5:30am. Oh goody some company.
Little did I know that she is on drugs at present (ok so not true) and was flying along. Luke the AFL ump could not keep up and turned around!! I was trying to go faster but legs were swearing at me. We stopped for water a few times and I really needed the rest.
Just as we hit the 3km mark to home we both somehow took off and upped the pace to 4:20's. We were hooting. Then the last km we did in 4:05 or thereabouts.
Garmin was very unfriendly this morning - I think it was all the concrete and having it on autostop/start. So the total mileage said 14.5km in 1:12 but Tara's watch had 1:19:58 running time which was more likely. So we lost almost 8mins of running data for some reason. I think it just didn't like going sooo fast. Might have to sleep in to avoid running with Tara in future hee hee.
Was a great run to do (now that I am finished) in the lead up to the Gold Coast Half Marathon. One for the bank.
Little did I know that she is on drugs at present (ok so not true) and was flying along. Luke the AFL ump could not keep up and turned around!! I was trying to go faster but legs were swearing at me. We stopped for water a few times and I really needed the rest.
Just as we hit the 3km mark to home we both somehow took off and upped the pace to 4:20's. We were hooting. Then the last km we did in 4:05 or thereabouts.
Garmin was very unfriendly this morning - I think it was all the concrete and having it on autostop/start. So the total mileage said 14.5km in 1:12 but Tara's watch had 1:19:58 running time which was more likely. So we lost almost 8mins of running data for some reason. I think it just didn't like going sooo fast. Might have to sleep in to avoid running with Tara in future hee hee.
Was a great run to do (now that I am finished) in the lead up to the Gold Coast Half Marathon. One for the bank.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
CONGO SPEED SESSION
I feel so alive!!!
Got out of bed this morning and arrived at Pats to find another big group assembling.
It was cold but as Tesso and I discussed - not too bad. We are getting ready to whinge about the cold wet windy month of August......but in the meantime June is a lovely time to be out there running. I just wish it was 7am or something!! Way too dark at 5:30am!
This mornings session was a warmup followed by strides in the gardens to the tune of two men beating their congo drums loud. Pat had arranged for them to be there and it was great. Really set the tempo going!
We then got stuck into it. Instead of doing a square (going fast, slow, fast, slow on each side) we had the square running track broken into halves and did hardcore fast followed by recovery. The congo drummers were on the fast bit and really lifted your rhythym.
I think we managed 6 complete rounds might have been more. I had a blast. It was a tough session and I worked hard. I pulled up with a massive stitch in the third round but the recovery section seemed to reduce this, only for it to get tight again in the sprint on the next round. It didn't stop me running but made me more aware of my breathing and gut. Even on the cooldown I felt sharp cramps from the stitch. Definitely seem to be just beneath my ribs/lung area. I don't feel anything now an hour later....weird.
My goal was to stay with Mark (iliketoast) and Tara for as long as I could. Tara wore down pretty fast, I think she was tired from her long fast run with Pat on Sunday still and Mark had run a 16km tempo run yesterday (thankfully....) so I managed my goal staying just in front of Tara and about 10m behind Mark (he whipped me on the last one though).
The last rep I ran hard but it wasn't my fastest. I was more aware of the crowd and was trying to sidestep some slower runners who were finishing and the faster ones who were panting down my neck. Tara went past me but I was happy to cruise to the finish line 30m away.
I felt great afterwards and have to admit - that was one of the best sessions I have been to in ages. Thumbs up Pat!!!
Got out of bed this morning and arrived at Pats to find another big group assembling.
It was cold but as Tesso and I discussed - not too bad. We are getting ready to whinge about the cold wet windy month of August......but in the meantime June is a lovely time to be out there running. I just wish it was 7am or something!! Way too dark at 5:30am!
This mornings session was a warmup followed by strides in the gardens to the tune of two men beating their congo drums loud. Pat had arranged for them to be there and it was great. Really set the tempo going!
We then got stuck into it. Instead of doing a square (going fast, slow, fast, slow on each side) we had the square running track broken into halves and did hardcore fast followed by recovery. The congo drummers were on the fast bit and really lifted your rhythym.
I think we managed 6 complete rounds might have been more. I had a blast. It was a tough session and I worked hard. I pulled up with a massive stitch in the third round but the recovery section seemed to reduce this, only for it to get tight again in the sprint on the next round. It didn't stop me running but made me more aware of my breathing and gut. Even on the cooldown I felt sharp cramps from the stitch. Definitely seem to be just beneath my ribs/lung area. I don't feel anything now an hour later....weird.
My goal was to stay with Mark (iliketoast) and Tara for as long as I could. Tara wore down pretty fast, I think she was tired from her long fast run with Pat on Sunday still and Mark had run a 16km tempo run yesterday (thankfully....) so I managed my goal staying just in front of Tara and about 10m behind Mark (he whipped me on the last one though).
The last rep I ran hard but it wasn't my fastest. I was more aware of the crowd and was trying to sidestep some slower runners who were finishing and the faster ones who were panting down my neck. Tara went past me but I was happy to cruise to the finish line 30m away.
I felt great afterwards and have to admit - that was one of the best sessions I have been to in ages. Thumbs up Pat!!!
Monday, June 12, 2006
New Toy...new toy....new toy....new toy....
Yes can you guess how excited I am???????????????????????
I popped into Amart Allsports yesterday for a look at their stocktake sale and found some great bargins to be had on tracksuits and juniors running gear. Okay so I ended up spending a fortune (so much for the budget) on Matty to ensure he is fully kitted out for his winter running. 50% tracksuits!!! He loved it so much he slept in it.
I went past all the tempting womens gear and made it to the counter (yes it was a shock to dear hubby) but there I saw the GARMIN SALE woo hoo. 50% off! Yep I got a 201 for $130 how cool is that! They ended up not having one in stock so hubby - bless his cotton sox - drove to another store and got one for me.
Today was supposed to be a rest day but after getting my new toy I couldn't wait to get out there. Charged it up last night and then at 4pm this afternoon did a run around the block at my house. It is a hilly course around Mt Ommaney but very cool (summer it is shaded) and pretty.
Average pace: 5:00
Distance: 7.7km
The funny thing was Hubby took a shortcut of 2km (he ran 5.7km) and I told him I would catch up to him. Then I bolted up the hill and ran hard to try to get him. Never did.....months ago I would have got him. He even fessed up to walking the last 200m uphill to our house (it is VERY steep) because he couldn't even see me! How depressing! Or should I be happy that he is improving???
My legs are tired now but after the long run on Saturday I am glad I turned them over today before speedwork tomorrow morning.
Big day tomorrow. New Boss....must remember to be on best behaviour.... ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
I popped into Amart Allsports yesterday for a look at their stocktake sale and found some great bargins to be had on tracksuits and juniors running gear. Okay so I ended up spending a fortune (so much for the budget) on Matty to ensure he is fully kitted out for his winter running. 50% tracksuits!!! He loved it so much he slept in it.
I went past all the tempting womens gear and made it to the counter (yes it was a shock to dear hubby) but there I saw the GARMIN SALE woo hoo. 50% off! Yep I got a 201 for $130 how cool is that! They ended up not having one in stock so hubby - bless his cotton sox - drove to another store and got one for me.
Today was supposed to be a rest day but after getting my new toy I couldn't wait to get out there. Charged it up last night and then at 4pm this afternoon did a run around the block at my house. It is a hilly course around Mt Ommaney but very cool (summer it is shaded) and pretty.
Average pace: 5:00
Distance: 7.7km
The funny thing was Hubby took a shortcut of 2km (he ran 5.7km) and I told him I would catch up to him. Then I bolted up the hill and ran hard to try to get him. Never did.....months ago I would have got him. He even fessed up to walking the last 200m uphill to our house (it is VERY steep) because he couldn't even see me! How depressing! Or should I be happy that he is improving???
My legs are tired now but after the long run on Saturday I am glad I turned them over today before speedwork tomorrow morning.
Big day tomorrow. New Boss....must remember to be on best behaviour.... ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Running looong - 33km (well 32.8 to be precise)
Met up with ilike toast , Lizzle and Scotty at 5:30am for a long run. We decided we all wanted to do the riverloop (approx 35km) but they were keen to round it up to 36km and I was keen to round it down to 16km!!!
Off we set around St Lucia and Liz was very tired and sore from a big week. Nothing unusual about that only this time everytime she mentioned one of her sore muscles the rest of us agreed that our calves, glutes, hammies etc were also very tight. It was hilarious. She had contagious moaning disease and within the first 10km we were all seriously ill from it and moaned the whole way home.
Actually it was a lovely run - overcast with drizzling rain that kept us cool and allowed us to work hard. We maintained a pace of 5:12 min/km for the run despite it feeling much faster. I am so out of whack with my pacing. Not that I was ever an expert but at least I had a rough idea. I could have sworn we were running at 4:40 pace today at least! We did have a bit of a push in the middle and did a 4min km - just one. Raced to get to BP for the drink break and we all took off!!!
I feel great now, after my mountain of pancakes and coffee and a hot shower. Now I just need a half hour snooze and I will be on top of the world.
Running is just bloody marvellous. Even throughout my whinging I was having a good time today and now feel all the better for having done the run. Thanks to all my running buddies for taking turns in running with me and keeping up the chatter :)
Off we set around St Lucia and Liz was very tired and sore from a big week. Nothing unusual about that only this time everytime she mentioned one of her sore muscles the rest of us agreed that our calves, glutes, hammies etc were also very tight. It was hilarious. She had contagious moaning disease and within the first 10km we were all seriously ill from it and moaned the whole way home.
Actually it was a lovely run - overcast with drizzling rain that kept us cool and allowed us to work hard. We maintained a pace of 5:12 min/km for the run despite it feeling much faster. I am so out of whack with my pacing. Not that I was ever an expert but at least I had a rough idea. I could have sworn we were running at 4:40 pace today at least! We did have a bit of a push in the middle and did a 4min km - just one. Raced to get to BP for the drink break and we all took off!!!
I feel great now, after my mountain of pancakes and coffee and a hot shower. Now I just need a half hour snooze and I will be on top of the world.
Running is just bloody marvellous. Even throughout my whinging I was having a good time today and now feel all the better for having done the run. Thanks to all my running buddies for taking turns in running with me and keeping up the chatter :)
Friday, June 09, 2006
Regatta 8km
Speed demon out there this morning I was!!! Well it felt like it anyhow so don't laugh!!
After doing the Mount Cootha reps yesterday (an hour of hills is no fun) and then a massage last night I thought I would wake up feeling sore. But no, just tired. Dammit, no excuse today to take it easy.
I have come to the conclusion recently that I am a wuss and have been too soft in my training. Hence I am now going to push hard, work hard and sweat heaps!! Even during my massage last night I noticed that it didn't hurt like it used to when I had used my muscles....so obviously I have been doing too many easy runs lately.
Turned up at the Regatta this morning and finding Tesso had decided to go to work instead of running with me (obviously NOT a committed runner is she???) I decided no time like the present to work hard.
Went out steady and for the 8km course I did consistently faster kms each one. Started out at 4:47min/km to warm up and the last one was 4:20. Incidentally that last one hurt! So I think that means I have lost speed if it hurts to run at that pace. I used to be able to do a 4:15 at the end of the session by working hard and pushing my limits but it still never hurt the legs.
Big long run planned for Sat morning which will be interesting to see how I do.
After doing the Mount Cootha reps yesterday (an hour of hills is no fun) and then a massage last night I thought I would wake up feeling sore. But no, just tired. Dammit, no excuse today to take it easy.
I have come to the conclusion recently that I am a wuss and have been too soft in my training. Hence I am now going to push hard, work hard and sweat heaps!! Even during my massage last night I noticed that it didn't hurt like it used to when I had used my muscles....so obviously I have been doing too many easy runs lately.
Turned up at the Regatta this morning and finding Tesso had decided to go to work instead of running with me (obviously NOT a committed runner is she???) I decided no time like the present to work hard.
Went out steady and for the 8km course I did consistently faster kms each one. Started out at 4:47min/km to warm up and the last one was 4:20. Incidentally that last one hurt! So I think that means I have lost speed if it hurts to run at that pace. I used to be able to do a 4:15 at the end of the session by working hard and pushing my limits but it still never hurt the legs.
Big long run planned for Sat morning which will be interesting to see how I do.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Training
Bit all over the place with training lately and certainly have felt the ups and downs of running in the past week.
Friday am - Darwin, ran with local triathlon group (in sisters runners). They had to do 3x3km loops after a warm up. It was a strength and endurance session they called it. First loop was easy - it was dark and I just sat behind the first few people to follow them. Towards the end we came to a massive hill (Darwins only one) and ran up it. I ran ahead and after that it was a good run with the last loop being the fastest. I was not doing a 3km TT nor was I doing long run pace...so I was happy with the run. However the coach at the end said to everyone 'remember to run easy and slow or you won't burn up the fat' Why did he look at me when he said that. Worse he even said "claire not sure what you were doing but you are training for something else...." and went on to his other team members. Great group and I am glad I went along. Good hill to do hill repeats on.
Silly me then asked my sister to drop me off at the corner and I would run home...I didn't realise it was just over 3km to where I was staying. All up 13km for the day.
Saturday am - 24km. Went on a long run with my new shoes. No orthotics or sports shield so i ended up with beautiful blisters and a beheaded toenail. The run was lovely, cruised around to my elder sisters house but couldn't remember where she lived so went to visit my younger sister whose household was just all waking up. My neices definitely thought I was a loony turning up at 7am at their front gate sweaty and in need of a drink. After downing a powerade I headed home for the remaining 11km. The last few km were tough. I was tired and hot.
Sunday - rest day
Monday - 6km speed session. 3km steady - 14mins then raced home. Got back in 13mins but I had to stop and wait for an army truck so not sure exactly what I was running. I didn't feel like I was going all out and my blisters were still sore but I was happy to be turning over the legs.
Tuesday - rest/travel home.
Wedensday - 16km Story Bridge run - Back in Brisbane and thought I would catch up with some familiar faces at the Regatta. Ended up running by myself for most of the run. Saw Tara on the bridge and ran with Glenda/Langy for a km at the end but mostly just me and the ipod. Had no watch on so no idea of pace.
Tara had a good idea....get someone to pace us to 43min 10km at the River Run in two weeks time.
ANY VOLUNTEERS?
Friday am - Darwin, ran with local triathlon group (in sisters runners). They had to do 3x3km loops after a warm up. It was a strength and endurance session they called it. First loop was easy - it was dark and I just sat behind the first few people to follow them. Towards the end we came to a massive hill (Darwins only one) and ran up it. I ran ahead and after that it was a good run with the last loop being the fastest. I was not doing a 3km TT nor was I doing long run pace...so I was happy with the run. However the coach at the end said to everyone 'remember to run easy and slow or you won't burn up the fat' Why did he look at me when he said that. Worse he even said "claire not sure what you were doing but you are training for something else...." and went on to his other team members. Great group and I am glad I went along. Good hill to do hill repeats on.
Silly me then asked my sister to drop me off at the corner and I would run home...I didn't realise it was just over 3km to where I was staying. All up 13km for the day.
Saturday am - 24km. Went on a long run with my new shoes. No orthotics or sports shield so i ended up with beautiful blisters and a beheaded toenail. The run was lovely, cruised around to my elder sisters house but couldn't remember where she lived so went to visit my younger sister whose household was just all waking up. My neices definitely thought I was a loony turning up at 7am at their front gate sweaty and in need of a drink. After downing a powerade I headed home for the remaining 11km. The last few km were tough. I was tired and hot.
Sunday - rest day
Monday - 6km speed session. 3km steady - 14mins then raced home. Got back in 13mins but I had to stop and wait for an army truck so not sure exactly what I was running. I didn't feel like I was going all out and my blisters were still sore but I was happy to be turning over the legs.
Tuesday - rest/travel home.
Wedensday - 16km Story Bridge run - Back in Brisbane and thought I would catch up with some familiar faces at the Regatta. Ended up running by myself for most of the run. Saw Tara on the bridge and ran with Glenda/Langy for a km at the end but mostly just me and the ipod. Had no watch on so no idea of pace.
Tara had a good idea....get someone to pace us to 43min 10km at the River Run in two weeks time.
ANY VOLUNTEERS?
An Elite Runner at Last......
The last thing I had on my mind when travelling to Darwin last week was that I would soon be called an Elite Runner. Wow. That's a massive step up from where I was in my training/capabilities but I was happy to be there....for a few seconds.
Allan and I travelled via VirginBlue to Darwin on the midnight flight. We had great seats - a whole row to ourselves and at the very front of the plane. We had a bottle of red each (they are very little!!!) and then I laid across the seats and had a snooze. When we got there it was great to get off first and see our friends/family.
The worst nightmare was yet to come. Of the three bags we took - my sports bag was lost. It has not been recovered and I was devastated. I normally take it on board with me whenever I travel but being tired I let Hubby put it with the other luggage so I didnt have anything in the cabin with me. Big Mistake.
Inside the bag were all my runners, protein bars & powerders, fuel belt, bottles, voltaren etc etc. Yep all my running stuff.
So when everyone else had left and we were still standing at the baggage watching the empty conveyor go around Allan said "I think it is time to go and ask someone Clairie"...we had been there for an hour!!!
I walked up to the desk and you can imagine was quite distraught at this time. When they asked me how they could help I told them I had a lost bag. They rushed off and got on the walkie talkie to chat to the baggage handlers but to no avail...it was not there. They were still hopeful though that it was in Brisbane or someone and would be found so they asked for descriptions and details to assist in the search.
Thinking they wouldn't care about a sports bag with some smelly runners in it I thought I would raise the bar a bit. My response to the Virgin staff member was something like this "It is a black sports bag. The main thing of value is my two pair of runners" Sure enough her face screwed up and she stopped writing. "oh" So I elaborated...."Look I really need this bag found ASAP, I am an elite runner and have just flown into Darwin for a race - I need those shoes or I won't be able to run"
That got her moving. She called someone who called someone who called someone...but nothing was found so a man walked out from the back - supposedly the duty manager or similar and asked when my race was on. I told him Saturday and he assurred me I would have the bag before then. This was 1am Thursday morning so I told him that was not good enough....my coach had me down to train in preparation for Friday session (at this stage my husband had to walk off as he was laughing tooo hard).
VirginBlue made every effort to chase my bag and I left very angry but laughing hard at my ridiculous attempt to get them to find my shoes.....I eneded up buying a pair on Friday for $200!!! Don't worry I will send Virgin the bill!
Allan and I travelled via VirginBlue to Darwin on the midnight flight. We had great seats - a whole row to ourselves and at the very front of the plane. We had a bottle of red each (they are very little!!!) and then I laid across the seats and had a snooze. When we got there it was great to get off first and see our friends/family.
The worst nightmare was yet to come. Of the three bags we took - my sports bag was lost. It has not been recovered and I was devastated. I normally take it on board with me whenever I travel but being tired I let Hubby put it with the other luggage so I didnt have anything in the cabin with me. Big Mistake.
Inside the bag were all my runners, protein bars & powerders, fuel belt, bottles, voltaren etc etc. Yep all my running stuff.
So when everyone else had left and we were still standing at the baggage watching the empty conveyor go around Allan said "I think it is time to go and ask someone Clairie"...we had been there for an hour!!!
I walked up to the desk and you can imagine was quite distraught at this time. When they asked me how they could help I told them I had a lost bag. They rushed off and got on the walkie talkie to chat to the baggage handlers but to no avail...it was not there. They were still hopeful though that it was in Brisbane or someone and would be found so they asked for descriptions and details to assist in the search.
Thinking they wouldn't care about a sports bag with some smelly runners in it I thought I would raise the bar a bit. My response to the Virgin staff member was something like this "It is a black sports bag. The main thing of value is my two pair of runners" Sure enough her face screwed up and she stopped writing. "oh" So I elaborated...."Look I really need this bag found ASAP, I am an elite runner and have just flown into Darwin for a race - I need those shoes or I won't be able to run"
That got her moving. She called someone who called someone who called someone...but nothing was found so a man walked out from the back - supposedly the duty manager or similar and asked when my race was on. I told him Saturday and he assurred me I would have the bag before then. This was 1am Thursday morning so I told him that was not good enough....my coach had me down to train in preparation for Friday session (at this stage my husband had to walk off as he was laughing tooo hard).
VirginBlue made every effort to chase my bag and I left very angry but laughing hard at my ridiculous attempt to get them to find my shoes.....I eneded up buying a pair on Friday for $200!!! Don't worry I will send Virgin the bill!
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