I just feel so tired!
Looking back over my blog I used to feel great on a Wednesday after a mid-week long run. So I know my tiredness is not from mileage. Rather I think it is from over-racing.
This morning Toastie, Tesso and I ran for 16.5km (well they both ran for 18km).
I stopped halfway whilst they did a 1km rep to measure one of Pat's courses and then had a quick detour to a loo on the way home. So I should have been comfortable the whole way but instead went in crazy waves of good/bad/ugly/good/great/bad etc etc
The pace was 5:07 average, which I think is pretty good for a longish run. Doesn't give me any confidence though when it hurts so much and I was hoping to be running that pace on the Glasshouse 30km Hilly run this Sunday!!!
The only bright point about the run this morning was the company. It is bloody marvellous to see Tesso out there shining again. She was on fire this morning and was holding herself back. Not to mention running circles around the city when I went to the loo and zipping up ahead when she was bursting of energy. It was good to see and certainly helped drag me through the worst of it.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Speed Work - 500M Efforts
Great day for a run. I milked my birthday for as long as I could - Pat gives everyone a free session for their birthday. I even got an email from him this morning calling me sneaky hee hee!
Back to business - we had 500m reps this morning. I chose to do 6 but as hard as I could. We had done a 3km warmup which got the blood pumping.
The rep distance is not accurate. I am not sure but after talking to other people it would be around 40m short. Might take Garmin out to measure one day.
I did a few strides and felt good but was not really looking forward to it. In the end it was a lot better than I expected after Sunday.
1:52's were the average - faster on the downhills and slightly slower on the uphill. I had one uphill rep at 2:00min where I really felt I was dying. In fact I thought my time would be much slower than this. Pat tried to pace me for one rep but I was going as fast as I could and he ended up dropping me - that was my third rep and I ran 1:50 up the hill - I was flying.
Afterwards I jogged slowly along the course to where the bottom of the Story Bridge hill is. Pat then sent us all up this one - it is very steep. I felt good with my breathing and stomach and legs but just wasn't going very fast. I was happy nontheless as I was overtaking everyone on the way up. Didn't quite manage to catch Tess but got close. I felt very solid after doing that hill rep.
Unfortunately putting 100% into training means you have nothing left - I found the warmdown a struggle and could not wait until the session finished. Finally got back to the Ship Inn and ate a bowl of pineapple.
I was horrified to be informed that during the session as Sue was setting out all the refreshments some guys came along and stole what was on the table. Poor Sue and Pat. I think the guarddog is coming to the next session!!!!
Back to business - we had 500m reps this morning. I chose to do 6 but as hard as I could. We had done a 3km warmup which got the blood pumping.
The rep distance is not accurate. I am not sure but after talking to other people it would be around 40m short. Might take Garmin out to measure one day.
I did a few strides and felt good but was not really looking forward to it. In the end it was a lot better than I expected after Sunday.
1:52's were the average - faster on the downhills and slightly slower on the uphill. I had one uphill rep at 2:00min where I really felt I was dying. In fact I thought my time would be much slower than this. Pat tried to pace me for one rep but I was going as fast as I could and he ended up dropping me - that was my third rep and I ran 1:50 up the hill - I was flying.
Afterwards I jogged slowly along the course to where the bottom of the Story Bridge hill is. Pat then sent us all up this one - it is very steep. I felt good with my breathing and stomach and legs but just wasn't going very fast. I was happy nontheless as I was overtaking everyone on the way up. Didn't quite manage to catch Tess but got close. I felt very solid after doing that hill rep.
Unfortunately putting 100% into training means you have nothing left - I found the warmdown a struggle and could not wait until the session finished. Finally got back to the Ship Inn and ate a bowl of pineapple.
I was horrified to be informed that during the session as Sue was setting out all the refreshments some guys came along and stole what was on the table. Poor Sue and Pat. I think the guarddog is coming to the next session!!!!
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Best Birthday Ever!!
Still grinning and it is a wonderful wonderful day!
First up the kids didn't need to be shaken awake - they just got up by themselves *relief* at 5am so we could all go to Brisbane Road Runners for the 14km Club Champs race.
Matt thinks I'm getting fat so he gave me a cool pair of bathroom scales (no only kidding they were a requested item!) and Jordie made me a painting and all the kids signed it. Then hubby spoiled me with a beautiful gold bracelet. Very lucky indeed.
Off we set for BRRC and got there just as Tess was pulling up. So were 100 others so I raced down to sign on quickly - only to find no queue. The cars must have been for the hot air ballooning not the race!
Tess met me at the sign up table and checked if I had to change age categories - nope still a H. Fabulous seeing her there and we had a chuckle when we realised we had worn identical outfits (have no idea how that happened hee hee). Yep the Noosa Team were out there racing today.
Was lucky enough to get a birthday hug from Eddie so I knew today was going to be good!
We did a 2km warm up then a trip to the loo. We both had sworn of creamed rice after last weekend and I had had a very small honey sandwich. I say small because I cut the crusts off and there was pretty much nothing left!! That and a can of V would see me through.
I set the Garmin on Virtual partner for 4:25min/km and headed off to line up. Not sure how but the race starter knew it was my birthday and called me up to the line. I turned and faced everyone as they sang Happy Birthday. I did a little jig and laughed through it. It was a great feeling. No nerves anymore, I was going to enjoy today no matter what.
The first km was fast. Ran about 4:15 but soon settled into what I thought was an even pace. I only checked the garmin every now and then. Sometimes it said 23m in front others it said 200m in front. The km markings were incorrect (I never trust the 7km setup but the 5km set up is dead accurate). The loop turned out to be 120m long and as we had to run it twice we ran an extra 240m. Garmin said I ran an extra 400m but I think the 240 is more accurate.
I felt so good running today. Thankfully the tide must be turning on that account.
I even tried a new GU in the 8th km and it went down so well. I had no stiches, no stomach ache. I just hurt running - but it was a good hurt!
At around 10km Shane and Tesso pulled up alongside me (both fresh as a Daisy). Shane is like way fast so I knew he was just crusing and not racing. He must be unwell or have an injury? I looked at Tesso - tried to smile but think I grimaced and scared her. She told me to keep a hold of Shane and he would drag us through. Cool.
I did just that.
I didn't worry about pace or running. I just fell in with Shane's rythym and drafted behind him for the last 4km. It was great. I felt strong but knew I was working as my breathing was getting heavy. I just turned up my ipod - but must have been scary for Shane. He kept looking around to see if I had died yet or not :)
One km to go he held up the 1 finger. I didn't have enough juice left in me to push hard. Then Tess pulled back up beside me - she had been drafting behind me! and got in front. As we are both in diff age categories and some other sheila had by now already won the race I was cool to let her go past (anyone else I would have cried) we were both a sure thing to win gold for our age groups at this stage, but then I got a great song on and saw the finish chute - well the hill we run down anyway - and got a burst. I ran ahead and tried to get faster. I don't think I did but I was very very happy with my run. Tess and I finished 3sec apart which was fab as well. Running in identical outfits I think we made Team Noosa look good!
Thanks so much to Shane for dragging us home and giving up his own race. It was the best birthday present ever! Official time - 1:03:50 for 14km. Though Garmin said I did 1:03:00 for 14km and then did a bit extra. Either way - it's a great result for me.
The champagne breakfast afterwards was a roaring success and I am so grateful to have wonderful running buddies to run and eat with. Thanks to Tesso for organising and making the whole day memorable.
The kids are still talking about their icecream iced chocolates!
First up the kids didn't need to be shaken awake - they just got up by themselves *relief* at 5am so we could all go to Brisbane Road Runners for the 14km Club Champs race.
Matt thinks I'm getting fat so he gave me a cool pair of bathroom scales (no only kidding they were a requested item!) and Jordie made me a painting and all the kids signed it. Then hubby spoiled me with a beautiful gold bracelet. Very lucky indeed.
Off we set for BRRC and got there just as Tess was pulling up. So were 100 others so I raced down to sign on quickly - only to find no queue. The cars must have been for the hot air ballooning not the race!
Tess met me at the sign up table and checked if I had to change age categories - nope still a H. Fabulous seeing her there and we had a chuckle when we realised we had worn identical outfits (have no idea how that happened hee hee). Yep the Noosa Team were out there racing today.
Was lucky enough to get a birthday hug from Eddie so I knew today was going to be good!
We did a 2km warm up then a trip to the loo. We both had sworn of creamed rice after last weekend and I had had a very small honey sandwich. I say small because I cut the crusts off and there was pretty much nothing left!! That and a can of V would see me through.
I set the Garmin on Virtual partner for 4:25min/km and headed off to line up. Not sure how but the race starter knew it was my birthday and called me up to the line. I turned and faced everyone as they sang Happy Birthday. I did a little jig and laughed through it. It was a great feeling. No nerves anymore, I was going to enjoy today no matter what.
The first km was fast. Ran about 4:15 but soon settled into what I thought was an even pace. I only checked the garmin every now and then. Sometimes it said 23m in front others it said 200m in front. The km markings were incorrect (I never trust the 7km setup but the 5km set up is dead accurate). The loop turned out to be 120m long and as we had to run it twice we ran an extra 240m. Garmin said I ran an extra 400m but I think the 240 is more accurate.
I felt so good running today. Thankfully the tide must be turning on that account.
I even tried a new GU in the 8th km and it went down so well. I had no stiches, no stomach ache. I just hurt running - but it was a good hurt!
At around 10km Shane and Tesso pulled up alongside me (both fresh as a Daisy). Shane is like way fast so I knew he was just crusing and not racing. He must be unwell or have an injury? I looked at Tesso - tried to smile but think I grimaced and scared her. She told me to keep a hold of Shane and he would drag us through. Cool.
I did just that.
I didn't worry about pace or running. I just fell in with Shane's rythym and drafted behind him for the last 4km. It was great. I felt strong but knew I was working as my breathing was getting heavy. I just turned up my ipod - but must have been scary for Shane. He kept looking around to see if I had died yet or not :)
One km to go he held up the 1 finger. I didn't have enough juice left in me to push hard. Then Tess pulled back up beside me - she had been drafting behind me! and got in front. As we are both in diff age categories and some other sheila had by now already won the race I was cool to let her go past (anyone else I would have cried) we were both a sure thing to win gold for our age groups at this stage, but then I got a great song on and saw the finish chute - well the hill we run down anyway - and got a burst. I ran ahead and tried to get faster. I don't think I did but I was very very happy with my run. Tess and I finished 3sec apart which was fab as well. Running in identical outfits I think we made Team Noosa look good!
Thanks so much to Shane for dragging us home and giving up his own race. It was the best birthday present ever! Official time - 1:03:50 for 14km. Though Garmin said I did 1:03:00 for 14km and then did a bit extra. Either way - it's a great result for me.
The champagne breakfast afterwards was a roaring success and I am so grateful to have wonderful running buddies to run and eat with. Thanks to Tesso for organising and making the whole day memorable.
The kids are still talking about their icecream iced chocolates!
Friday, August 25, 2006
Struggling
Monday - I rested.
Tuesday - drove to work and ran for just under 5km. At 6min pace. Wow! The legs were really hurting from Sunday. I don't know what it was but they had DOMS bad!
Wednesday - Tess and I ran from the Regatta for 11km. Garmin went lost on us in the gardens so no accurate reading but by the time and the km it did click, we were running around 5:10's. The last few were faster - 4:45s and yes they felt it too!
Thursday - stuffed. Nothing
Friday - thats today! Met my favourite runner and ran with her for 4km. Then Tess went to work (she had ran in to meet me so that was her big run for the day!) and I turned around and ran back to the Regatta. We ran exactly 20mins for the 4km - but had done the first few at just over 5min pace so the last one was a fair bit quicker.
My 4km on the way back felt so slow. I could hear Tess still yelling at me as she ran into the city "SUB 4min" and just laughed. Yeah right. That wasn't happening today!
Finished the 8km in 39:27 so only 30sec faster on the way back. I faded alot and felt fatigued so not sure what is going on. Oh yes I do - had a bottle of red last night....mmmm almost forgot about that! OK so then today was a fairly good run all things considered :)
Tuesday - drove to work and ran for just under 5km. At 6min pace. Wow! The legs were really hurting from Sunday. I don't know what it was but they had DOMS bad!
Wednesday - Tess and I ran from the Regatta for 11km. Garmin went lost on us in the gardens so no accurate reading but by the time and the km it did click, we were running around 5:10's. The last few were faster - 4:45s and yes they felt it too!
Thursday - stuffed. Nothing
Friday - thats today! Met my favourite runner and ran with her for 4km. Then Tess went to work (she had ran in to meet me so that was her big run for the day!) and I turned around and ran back to the Regatta. We ran exactly 20mins for the 4km - but had done the first few at just over 5min pace so the last one was a fair bit quicker.
My 4km on the way back felt so slow. I could hear Tess still yelling at me as she ran into the city "SUB 4min" and just laughed. Yeah right. That wasn't happening today!
Finished the 8km in 39:27 so only 30sec faster on the way back. I faded alot and felt fatigued so not sure what is going on. Oh yes I do - had a bottle of red last night....mmmm almost forgot about that! OK so then today was a fairly good run all things considered :)
Thursday, August 24, 2006
NOOSA HALF
Well it has taken me ages to get around to this! I think the DOM's affected leg also stretch to the brain....
I had a fantastic weekend with all my running buddies - as usual. The race itself was a big disappointment for me but all the other aspects of the weekend overshone so I was a happy girl when I went home.
We had a relaxing day on Saturday and I ate and drank well in preparation for the race. Early Sunday I arose and ate my creamed rice and had some gatorade. I felt much better than I had on Satruday and not very nervous at all. I was excited. I said goodbye to the family - who were all running as well but were still in bed!!! They don't understand my desire to get there "early".
Met up with Tess and we hung out at the loo line forever and misssed our chance for a warmup. We had to make do with doing 3/4 strides at the front of the race line. Wow for a minute there we looked like elite runners!
The gun went off and so did we. Owen, Tess, Liz and myself were all running 4:30's till the 5km mark and then doing whatever we could after that. Owen was a bit faster and we pushed each other for the first 4km. 4:18, 4:19, 4:23, 4:20 before I wound it back to closer to 4:30's in case I blew up. Actually it wasn't the plan - I think I just started getting slower that early on! Eddie had been so close to me and the tears welled up when I saw him getting further and further away. Damn wouldn't be the day for catching him!
It was not long after that Tesso caught up and we ran together for a while before she pushed on ahead. I chased her and got in front and we placed cat and mouse for the rest of the race. At the halfway mark we went around with Tesso in front but she stopped and grabbed my hand and we waved to everyone and ran for 100m grinning and yahhoooing like little girls. That was so cool. Pat Carroll called our names over and made fun of us and we lapped it all up...
100m down the line we got back to business. This is where I hurt. I was drinking lots and not feeling the heat very much so that was good. However I had a stomach ache that was not great and kept coming and going. Hence my running kept coming and going. I would get faster, then slower, then faster then slower etc. Looked like a rubber band I think!
I got a burst of wind 10mins after I had a gu at the 15km mark and we only had about 4km left so I put the legs into action and went out chasing everyone in front of me. I kept telling myself (and everyone around me) that it was just a 3km time trial from here. It didn't work for me. I don't think I actually got any faster - just stronger.
I finished in 1:37:25 on my watch. Just in front of Tess and about 90sec behind Owen. It was a bad run for me and I was devastated. Tess was too so we consoled each other. It wasn't long before we realised a lot of our buddies were having a bad day out there. For some reason - that cheered us up!
Hubby and Matt came springing over the line a few minutes better than Gold Coast and they were thrilled with that - even with a toilet break.
Can't wait for next year to do this one. The carnival atmosphere and partying afterwards was just the best.
On to the next race now..
I had a fantastic weekend with all my running buddies - as usual. The race itself was a big disappointment for me but all the other aspects of the weekend overshone so I was a happy girl when I went home.
We had a relaxing day on Saturday and I ate and drank well in preparation for the race. Early Sunday I arose and ate my creamed rice and had some gatorade. I felt much better than I had on Satruday and not very nervous at all. I was excited. I said goodbye to the family - who were all running as well but were still in bed!!! They don't understand my desire to get there "early".
Met up with Tess and we hung out at the loo line forever and misssed our chance for a warmup. We had to make do with doing 3/4 strides at the front of the race line. Wow for a minute there we looked like elite runners!
The gun went off and so did we. Owen, Tess, Liz and myself were all running 4:30's till the 5km mark and then doing whatever we could after that. Owen was a bit faster and we pushed each other for the first 4km. 4:18, 4:19, 4:23, 4:20 before I wound it back to closer to 4:30's in case I blew up. Actually it wasn't the plan - I think I just started getting slower that early on! Eddie had been so close to me and the tears welled up when I saw him getting further and further away. Damn wouldn't be the day for catching him!
It was not long after that Tesso caught up and we ran together for a while before she pushed on ahead. I chased her and got in front and we placed cat and mouse for the rest of the race. At the halfway mark we went around with Tesso in front but she stopped and grabbed my hand and we waved to everyone and ran for 100m grinning and yahhoooing like little girls. That was so cool. Pat Carroll called our names over and made fun of us and we lapped it all up...
100m down the line we got back to business. This is where I hurt. I was drinking lots and not feeling the heat very much so that was good. However I had a stomach ache that was not great and kept coming and going. Hence my running kept coming and going. I would get faster, then slower, then faster then slower etc. Looked like a rubber band I think!
I got a burst of wind 10mins after I had a gu at the 15km mark and we only had about 4km left so I put the legs into action and went out chasing everyone in front of me. I kept telling myself (and everyone around me) that it was just a 3km time trial from here. It didn't work for me. I don't think I actually got any faster - just stronger.
I finished in 1:37:25 on my watch. Just in front of Tess and about 90sec behind Owen. It was a bad run for me and I was devastated. Tess was too so we consoled each other. It wasn't long before we realised a lot of our buddies were having a bad day out there. For some reason - that cheered us up!
Hubby and Matt came springing over the line a few minutes better than Gold Coast and they were thrilled with that - even with a toilet break.
Can't wait for next year to do this one. The carnival atmosphere and partying afterwards was just the best.
On to the next race now..
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
PUNCH UP AT PATS!!
I think Tess had better come home now because she must be getting sick in Sydney. I got all sorts of weird messages from her last night on the phone...one of which was "punch Jonesy in the arm"....
Poor guy walked up to me this morning to give me a hug and I punched him. He just looked at me and then (thankfully) started laughing so hard he had to walk away. I still have no idea what the joke was.......I'm just glad he got it!!
This morning we had to do 2 x 2km at faster than 3km TT pace. That meant for me I had to run 7:45min for the 2km. Yeah well you try doing that with no shoelace. Unbelieveably at the first 500m my shoe came undone and I had to change my gait to ensure the shoe did not fall off. I managed to do 8:11 and blamed it on the shoe.
Then I took off and did a much faster 2km finishing in 8:15 ha ha ha ha. So what has really taken a beating today was my crap sense of perception. Obviously I was working harder but going slower. I honestly thought I would easily be under 8mins. (Same thing happened in the race on Sunday - whilst I was running 4:40's it felt like 4:20's going by my exertion faction).
Oh well not to be today and I have no idea why.
I have booked in for an appointment with Peter Stanton to get my body sorted out. Both hips are extremely tight and sore and I feel them when I run. I can't pinpoint pain by pressing on them and it is not the same pain as before so I believe this is not related to my broken hip but rather my running form and some tight muscles somewhere that need work.
Anyone know what muscles cause bad hip/lower back pain?? Jodi should be able to help out tomorrow when I visit for my regular massage too.
Poor guy walked up to me this morning to give me a hug and I punched him. He just looked at me and then (thankfully) started laughing so hard he had to walk away. I still have no idea what the joke was.......I'm just glad he got it!!
This morning we had to do 2 x 2km at faster than 3km TT pace. That meant for me I had to run 7:45min for the 2km. Yeah well you try doing that with no shoelace. Unbelieveably at the first 500m my shoe came undone and I had to change my gait to ensure the shoe did not fall off. I managed to do 8:11 and blamed it on the shoe.
Then I took off and did a much faster 2km finishing in 8:15 ha ha ha ha. So what has really taken a beating today was my crap sense of perception. Obviously I was working harder but going slower. I honestly thought I would easily be under 8mins. (Same thing happened in the race on Sunday - whilst I was running 4:40's it felt like 4:20's going by my exertion faction).
Oh well not to be today and I have no idea why.
I have booked in for an appointment with Peter Stanton to get my body sorted out. Both hips are extremely tight and sore and I feel them when I run. I can't pinpoint pain by pressing on them and it is not the same pain as before so I believe this is not related to my broken hip but rather my running form and some tight muscles somewhere that need work.
Anyone know what muscles cause bad hip/lower back pain?? Jodi should be able to help out tomorrow when I visit for my regular massage too.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Sunday Robin Flower Memorial 10Miler - BRRC
Sunday morning and I was up and raring to go. Amazing what a day of no running can do for you.
Allan and I were both racing so I told him I would jog along and run with him. I think I was seriously looking for an excuse to run slower than I should have.
As it turned out I needn't have bothered - my little legs just couldn't cope with the recent workload.
I did a 2km warm up and one or two quick strides but still didn't feel ready. Allan was asleep in the car until 5mins before the race but sauntered down to the start line like the champion he is.
I ran out when the gun went off but despite me feeling like I was going too fast the clock only said 5min for the first 1.1km....ooh was going to be a long day in the office.
Jo Sherman and Parmy were running behind me and at 2.5km mark went past. I was trying to tell myself to let them go but the spirit inside made me chase them down. Within 100m I was back in front of Parmy and Jo and I ran together for another 2km together before she really kicked away and got a good 200m between us.
That's how it ended - her first and me 200m later in second position. How excited was I though when they announced Jo was ineligible for the prize as she was a non-member. They gave her a mug but I got a mug and a photo together with my name on the perennial trophy. It was awesome.
Worst thing of the day was seeing Allan come in behind me - only 5mins later!! He is certainly taking the micky out of those of us who actually train for these races!
After running hard today at constant 4:40 pace and feeling exhausted I am going to have to re-think my Noosa plan to be more conservative. Stay tuned....
Allan and I were both racing so I told him I would jog along and run with him. I think I was seriously looking for an excuse to run slower than I should have.
As it turned out I needn't have bothered - my little legs just couldn't cope with the recent workload.
I did a 2km warm up and one or two quick strides but still didn't feel ready. Allan was asleep in the car until 5mins before the race but sauntered down to the start line like the champion he is.
I ran out when the gun went off but despite me feeling like I was going too fast the clock only said 5min for the first 1.1km....ooh was going to be a long day in the office.
Jo Sherman and Parmy were running behind me and at 2.5km mark went past. I was trying to tell myself to let them go but the spirit inside made me chase them down. Within 100m I was back in front of Parmy and Jo and I ran together for another 2km together before she really kicked away and got a good 200m between us.
That's how it ended - her first and me 200m later in second position. How excited was I though when they announced Jo was ineligible for the prize as she was a non-member. They gave her a mug but I got a mug and a photo together with my name on the perennial trophy. It was awesome.
Worst thing of the day was seeing Allan come in behind me - only 5mins later!! He is certainly taking the micky out of those of us who actually train for these races!
After running hard today at constant 4:40 pace and feeling exhausted I am going to have to re-think my Noosa plan to be more conservative. Stay tuned....
Friday, August 11, 2006
Freaky Friday
Running at the Regatta this morning but as Tesso was in Sydney and Liz was resting I decided on an early start at 5.30am.
I did a warm up jog for the first 2km at around 5.10pace then got faster for the next 2km. I stopped just past the 4km mark at a bench and stretched for a bit. Then I ran 100m up the path and got the garmin ready. I really wanted to see if I could run 4:23min/km pace for the 4km back to the start. It was an accurate course and not very crowded this morning so I just had to focus on my legs and breathing.
I set the Garmin to virtual trainer and started running. As I crossed the green line I hit start (to ensure I lost no time warming up).
At 1km I looked at the Garmin and it said 50m..damn I had to get faster - so I sped up. At 2km it said 80m..I was getting slower so I put the foot down. I was really starting to struggle in the head thinking I was only halfway - it was tough.
At 3km it said 152m so I gave it all I had and crossed the line too disgusted with myself to look. I pressed stop but was so dizzy and hard of breathing that I walked around a bit before resetting the garmin.
Then I had a look....
Holy shit - I had ran 4:08's. Apparently the 50m, 80m etc was IN FRONT of the virtual runner - not the distance behind. Doh! I am glad though as it made me push myself harder than I would have done otherwise.
Totally exhausted and totally happy with that. Amazed at myself because I did not think I had that in me this morning! Woo hoo!
I did a warm up jog for the first 2km at around 5.10pace then got faster for the next 2km. I stopped just past the 4km mark at a bench and stretched for a bit. Then I ran 100m up the path and got the garmin ready. I really wanted to see if I could run 4:23min/km pace for the 4km back to the start. It was an accurate course and not very crowded this morning so I just had to focus on my legs and breathing.
I set the Garmin to virtual trainer and started running. As I crossed the green line I hit start (to ensure I lost no time warming up).
At 1km I looked at the Garmin and it said 50m..damn I had to get faster - so I sped up. At 2km it said 80m..I was getting slower so I put the foot down. I was really starting to struggle in the head thinking I was only halfway - it was tough.
At 3km it said 152m so I gave it all I had and crossed the line too disgusted with myself to look. I pressed stop but was so dizzy and hard of breathing that I walked around a bit before resetting the garmin.
Then I had a look....
Holy shit - I had ran 4:08's. Apparently the 50m, 80m etc was IN FRONT of the virtual runner - not the distance behind. Doh! I am glad though as it made me push myself harder than I would have done otherwise.
Totally exhausted and totally happy with that. Amazed at myself because I did not think I had that in me this morning! Woo hoo!
Thursday, August 10, 2006
HILLS again!
Got out of bed and jumped into the car - was running late before I even woke up!
Got there just in time to the base of Mount Cootha where everyone was waiting.
We headed out for our warm up and I commented about how mild this winter has been. Then - I kid you not - as soon as I had finished saying that we turned the corner at Slaughter Hill falls and the cold air coming from there was like the ice wind in Antartica - it was freezing. We all groaned and moaned about leaving our gloves behind and not being prepared for this type of cold weather rant rant rant.
Before long we were warmed up and ready to head up the mountain. I was not very motivated but I was happy to be there and to have gotten out of bed. I was keen to run as well as I could - I just had no expectations for doing very well.
Which was just as well - Liz and I got overtaken by everyone and were the last of the runners. I called out to everyone that we were 'the sweepers' so they would think it was purposeful us staying behind. Then Liz starting calling out 'frozen snake' (which in a hill run means a twig - but it makes us laugh). So there were were laughing and carrying on. All the while Liz is carrying her Aussie Flag - she became an Australian officially last night and Tess and I were there at the ceremony. It was bloody fantastic! I can really call her my cobber mate now!
On one of the last reps we do we were on our recovery - which is a walk down hill, waiting for the horn to beep for us to turn and then race uphill. The horn never beeped and we were getting further and further from the top. I suggested we just turn and run but they all said Coach was giving us more recovery because C2S and Noosa were coming up. Yeah right.....after 8mins he came looking for us in the car and laughed at us walking still. We just hadn't heard him.
So I turned and ran and said to liz "I am just going to keep on going and not stop" I was pretty pissed at the long recovery so instead of 2-3 more runs to get to the top with recoveries in between I did one - no stopping all the way. I was slower but I think it gave me more strength as I was maintaining form even though I was very weary.
Liz came up beside me eventually and said she had to get to the top - her first run as an Aussie. So off we went and surged on ahead.
We made it.
The run down was lonely - eveyone else had gone ahead already as they had turned before the top - but we didn't mind.
I wish I had my skins on today - I am really feeling the effects of running now.....
Got there just in time to the base of Mount Cootha where everyone was waiting.
We headed out for our warm up and I commented about how mild this winter has been. Then - I kid you not - as soon as I had finished saying that we turned the corner at Slaughter Hill falls and the cold air coming from there was like the ice wind in Antartica - it was freezing. We all groaned and moaned about leaving our gloves behind and not being prepared for this type of cold weather rant rant rant.
Before long we were warmed up and ready to head up the mountain. I was not very motivated but I was happy to be there and to have gotten out of bed. I was keen to run as well as I could - I just had no expectations for doing very well.
Which was just as well - Liz and I got overtaken by everyone and were the last of the runners. I called out to everyone that we were 'the sweepers' so they would think it was purposeful us staying behind. Then Liz starting calling out 'frozen snake' (which in a hill run means a twig - but it makes us laugh). So there were were laughing and carrying on. All the while Liz is carrying her Aussie Flag - she became an Australian officially last night and Tess and I were there at the ceremony. It was bloody fantastic! I can really call her my cobber mate now!
On one of the last reps we do we were on our recovery - which is a walk down hill, waiting for the horn to beep for us to turn and then race uphill. The horn never beeped and we were getting further and further from the top. I suggested we just turn and run but they all said Coach was giving us more recovery because C2S and Noosa were coming up. Yeah right.....after 8mins he came looking for us in the car and laughed at us walking still. We just hadn't heard him.
So I turned and ran and said to liz "I am just going to keep on going and not stop" I was pretty pissed at the long recovery so instead of 2-3 more runs to get to the top with recoveries in between I did one - no stopping all the way. I was slower but I think it gave me more strength as I was maintaining form even though I was very weary.
Liz came up beside me eventually and said she had to get to the top - her first run as an Aussie. So off we went and surged on ahead.
We made it.
The run down was lonely - eveyone else had gone ahead already as they had turned before the top - but we didn't mind.
I wish I had my skins on today - I am really feeling the effects of running now.....
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Mid Week Long Run
It was a race between the garmins this morning. Every few km Toastie and I would ask each other what our garmins said and compare. Obviously Toastie cuts some corners as I was mostly a few metres ahead of him on the GPS.
Tess, Toastie and I met up at 5:30am and headed out for an easy longish run. We aimed to do 17km but knew the course was short. We all gambled on what the gps would tell us at the end.
I said 16.1km
Toastie said 16.25km
Tess said 16.4km - all the way to her house.
Garmin finished up with 16.31km with the distance to Tess making it 16.4km!! Isn't she amazing!
The run itself was really nice and passed quickly. Though going up the hill before Storey Bridge was a bit of a challenge after the session yesterday. I lost my breath and it took me a while to get it back.
With 2km to go I got a bad cramp/stitch and slowed down to breath it out. We then sped up again and I had a very sudden urge to go to the toilet ha ha okay so now I know what the cramp was about!! I did the last km very slowly but as soon as I finished I felt great! Typical.
Right now sitting at my desk I am totally exhausted. My legs are very tired and my whole body feels like it needs a rest. Oh well next week sometime it might get a break :)
Tess, Toastie and I met up at 5:30am and headed out for an easy longish run. We aimed to do 17km but knew the course was short. We all gambled on what the gps would tell us at the end.
I said 16.1km
Toastie said 16.25km
Tess said 16.4km - all the way to her house.
Garmin finished up with 16.31km with the distance to Tess making it 16.4km!! Isn't she amazing!
The run itself was really nice and passed quickly. Though going up the hill before Storey Bridge was a bit of a challenge after the session yesterday. I lost my breath and it took me a while to get it back.
With 2km to go I got a bad cramp/stitch and slowed down to breath it out. We then sped up again and I had a very sudden urge to go to the toilet ha ha okay so now I know what the cramp was about!! I did the last km very slowly but as soon as I finished I felt great! Typical.
Right now sitting at my desk I am totally exhausted. My legs are very tired and my whole body feels like it needs a rest. Oh well next week sometime it might get a break :)
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Speed Session
Was very cold this morning.
After doing a warm up I felt much better and thought maybe I was over the cold I had.
The strides made me feel fast so I got excited that today would be the day....I go past Toastie.
Ok so it wasn't the day for that but I still worked hard and will get the benefits from that.
We had to do 1min (30sec) 30sec (15sec) 15 sec (15sec). So it was go go go out there.
I went out strong but died on the last one. Then I heard Pat say "last one" and I was able to push it out a bit more and finish off strong. But boy was I glad to stop.
I then realised we had to run to the end and then go up the hill. The first 10 people up the hill had to do it twice. Tess and I were already determined to run it twice but nonetheless I wanted to be in the top group to get up the hill. I think I was about 12th at the bottom of the hill but overtook three guys (yahhhhh) and made it up there in good shape. I turned around and realised my gut was on fire and my legs were jelly I could not even run down. I walked a bit and got my breath back then headed down. Tess was with me and we ran up again. 40m into the hill I heard Tess say "F@#@K" not really but she was in a lot of pain. However by this stage everyone was cheering for us and there was no stopping. So up we climbed.
On the run home my goal is always to keep a steady pace going. I said to Tess - who's running Sydney City to Surf this weekend - we have to race up Goodwill Bridge when we get there. Now I can say that due to the hill work I have been doing with Chris I am quite strong on hills but boy did Tess turn her little legs and shoot up there - I was running in her dust!!!
We then finished it all off with another hill near the Ship Inn and by that stage it was 80mins of running - including speed and hills and my body was shot.
Right now I not sure if my legs are with me or not - I can't feel them. Is that good or bad???
After doing a warm up I felt much better and thought maybe I was over the cold I had.
The strides made me feel fast so I got excited that today would be the day....I go past Toastie.
Ok so it wasn't the day for that but I still worked hard and will get the benefits from that.
We had to do 1min (30sec) 30sec (15sec) 15 sec (15sec). So it was go go go out there.
I went out strong but died on the last one. Then I heard Pat say "last one" and I was able to push it out a bit more and finish off strong. But boy was I glad to stop.
I then realised we had to run to the end and then go up the hill. The first 10 people up the hill had to do it twice. Tess and I were already determined to run it twice but nonetheless I wanted to be in the top group to get up the hill. I think I was about 12th at the bottom of the hill but overtook three guys (yahhhhh) and made it up there in good shape. I turned around and realised my gut was on fire and my legs were jelly I could not even run down. I walked a bit and got my breath back then headed down. Tess was with me and we ran up again. 40m into the hill I heard Tess say "F@#@K" not really but she was in a lot of pain. However by this stage everyone was cheering for us and there was no stopping. So up we climbed.
On the run home my goal is always to keep a steady pace going. I said to Tess - who's running Sydney City to Surf this weekend - we have to race up Goodwill Bridge when we get there. Now I can say that due to the hill work I have been doing with Chris I am quite strong on hills but boy did Tess turn her little legs and shoot up there - I was running in her dust!!!
We then finished it all off with another hill near the Ship Inn and by that stage it was 80mins of running - including speed and hills and my body was shot.
Right now I not sure if my legs are with me or not - I can't feel them. Is that good or bad???
Bridge to Brisbane
What a treat. I got to spend the whole day with Tesso!!
We arrived just before 5.30am to catch the bus from New Farm to the Bridge. It was a great ride out there and seemed to take no time at all. Before we knew it we were up the front of the line surrounded by so many of our running pals. It was great to be amongst the fast people because you could just feel their energy.
Just before the gun went off we had a game of throwing our clothes into the trees to see who could get the highest. Tess didn't want to swing her bag in case we hit someone so we just handed it to a man, who handed it to a man, who handed it to a man.....in fact it probably made it's way all the way to the back of the line!!
Soon enough we were off and it was a struggle for me to get to the top of the bridge. I knew then that it was going to be a hard day at the office - normally I don't even notice the climb up.
At 2km I approached Tesso who was just up in front and mentioned for her to push on as I was going to stop at the loo. I figured I wasn't capable of going very fast so I may as well be comfortable. She said she wanted to stop too so we both had a quick detour and got back on track laughing about it.
At the 5km mark I saw the 60min pacer way up in front. In fact he was running towards me!! Obviously he had gone out way too fast and had to run back to get his team! Shocking job of pacing if you ask me.
I was breathing hard at the 6km mark and from them on was finding it hard going. My legs were going around by habit and my nose was running like a tap but I was still enjoying myself.
Tess was talking to me and everyone around us - running up then back, doing circles and running some more - just to keep me company. I couldn't even talk so she had to ask me a question and then answer it for me!! hee hee
At 9km I knew I was going to finish and I think (if I had bothered with splits) that I got a bit faster here. Tess had gone on ahead and I was trying to close the gap between us so she would not have to wait for me at the finish.
I got faster and she slowed down for me so we caught up and ran the last 1.5km to the finish. I was so glad to finish - my breathing sounded like RITH's and my heart was racing like a heart attack. Tess was on her knees and untying my chip for me before I knew what was happening. She said "I don't want you fainting again". That girl is just a true friend and I am so glad she ran with me.
The rest of the day was quite boring really - we hung around waiting to win the car. Tess knew the band playing so we got up the front and made ourselves comfortable. It was great being groupies for a Jazz band - they got a giggle out of us two being silly :)
We arrived just before 5.30am to catch the bus from New Farm to the Bridge. It was a great ride out there and seemed to take no time at all. Before we knew it we were up the front of the line surrounded by so many of our running pals. It was great to be amongst the fast people because you could just feel their energy.
Just before the gun went off we had a game of throwing our clothes into the trees to see who could get the highest. Tess didn't want to swing her bag in case we hit someone so we just handed it to a man, who handed it to a man, who handed it to a man.....in fact it probably made it's way all the way to the back of the line!!
Soon enough we were off and it was a struggle for me to get to the top of the bridge. I knew then that it was going to be a hard day at the office - normally I don't even notice the climb up.
At 2km I approached Tesso who was just up in front and mentioned for her to push on as I was going to stop at the loo. I figured I wasn't capable of going very fast so I may as well be comfortable. She said she wanted to stop too so we both had a quick detour and got back on track laughing about it.
At the 5km mark I saw the 60min pacer way up in front. In fact he was running towards me!! Obviously he had gone out way too fast and had to run back to get his team! Shocking job of pacing if you ask me.
I was breathing hard at the 6km mark and from them on was finding it hard going. My legs were going around by habit and my nose was running like a tap but I was still enjoying myself.
Tess was talking to me and everyone around us - running up then back, doing circles and running some more - just to keep me company. I couldn't even talk so she had to ask me a question and then answer it for me!! hee hee
At 9km I knew I was going to finish and I think (if I had bothered with splits) that I got a bit faster here. Tess had gone on ahead and I was trying to close the gap between us so she would not have to wait for me at the finish.
I got faster and she slowed down for me so we caught up and ran the last 1.5km to the finish. I was so glad to finish - my breathing sounded like RITH's and my heart was racing like a heart attack. Tess was on her knees and untying my chip for me before I knew what was happening. She said "I don't want you fainting again". That girl is just a true friend and I am so glad she ran with me.
The rest of the day was quite boring really - we hung around waiting to win the car. Tess knew the band playing so we got up the front and made ourselves comfortable. It was great being groupies for a Jazz band - they got a giggle out of us two being silly :)
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
3km Time Trial
I have no idea what went wrong this morning but I called on the excuse fairy and she gave me lots of good ideas....
In the end though I think I just have to say - I HAD A CRAP RUN.
I was running hard and feeling like I was exerting effort. My legs were going as fast as they could on the day. I was breathing okay and not as exerted as I have in the past but with not being able to move the legs any further there was no need to focus on other areas!
I did the first km in 4min - which is where I thought I was at to running today - approx 12min or 12:10. However when I crossed the line Pat called out his watch 12:54 I glanced at my watch and we were matching SNAP!!
Dammit I can walk faster than that!! okay well maybe not really...but you get the drift.
The most embarressing thing about it is everyone coming up to me afterwards "so how did you do" and when I told them my time - they were making excuses for me!! So Sad.
Then the next most embarressing thing happened. Pat asked me on the sly if I wanted him to record my time - officially. *shame* My response was "I did the time and I wasn't just pacing someone or having a jog - I was going as hard as I could on the day.
I even thought twice about blogging it but then the purpose of my blog would be deficit. I need a true and accurate record of my running - including the good and the ugly.
Perhaps the next race I do on a weekend I won't try to backup to a time trial on the Tuesday with great expectations - that's the benefit of a blog. Historical data! (ha! and you thought I was just here for the entertainment..)
In the end though I think I just have to say - I HAD A CRAP RUN.
I was running hard and feeling like I was exerting effort. My legs were going as fast as they could on the day. I was breathing okay and not as exerted as I have in the past but with not being able to move the legs any further there was no need to focus on other areas!
I did the first km in 4min - which is where I thought I was at to running today - approx 12min or 12:10. However when I crossed the line Pat called out his watch 12:54 I glanced at my watch and we were matching SNAP!!
Dammit I can walk faster than that!! okay well maybe not really...but you get the drift.
The most embarressing thing about it is everyone coming up to me afterwards "so how did you do" and when I told them my time - they were making excuses for me!! So Sad.
Then the next most embarressing thing happened. Pat asked me on the sly if I wanted him to record my time - officially. *shame* My response was "I did the time and I wasn't just pacing someone or having a jog - I was going as hard as I could on the day.
I even thought twice about blogging it but then the purpose of my blog would be deficit. I need a true and accurate record of my running - including the good and the ugly.
Perhaps the next race I do on a weekend I won't try to backup to a time trial on the Tuesday with great expectations - that's the benefit of a blog. Historical data! (ha! and you thought I was just here for the entertainment..)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)