I'll be weighing an extra 10kilos this week due to the heavy metal in my body. The amount of iron I have had in the past two days - I'm hoping some of it gets absorbed!!
Went to the gym yesterday as I thought it would be best to give the hills a miss this week. Did 30mins on the bike followed by 90mins on the weights. It was tough but I enjoyed it for a change.
Today is rest day. Yah. Haven't had one of those for a while.
I am really noticing my health plan benefits this week. I have been having coffee maybe 3 times a week. I no longer crave it and don't need a hot drink in the mornings either.
As for alcohol, I have had the odd glass of wine when out with friends but in the past 3 weeks have maybe had a total of 5 glasses. Thats a massive cut down for me.
But aside from the actual products themselves, what I really notice is that I am out of the habit.I love my coffee and wine and bad foods. But I no longer have them just because.
I no longer have a coffee when I arrive at work or go out with a client. I have grown inventive with other options.
I no longer have a glass of wine when cooking a special meal or eating out with my hubby. If I feel like one, I'll have one. But it is no longer habit.That is what I call eating healthy.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
13km Hard Easy run
I just can't trust my garmin at all anymore. Ran for 30mins then into the gardens and back and it said 8.97km in total...aarrggh. I know I ran at least 13km today.
The first bit on my own at 5.30am was a struggle. I had some great music and was keen to run but the body just wasn't willing. I had to push myself up the hills and then prevent the body from walking down. I actually stopped after 2km (10mins) and stretched then turned around and ran back.
Back at the Regatta I picked up Liz and Chris. Saw Mark - who was off racing the world (what he calls taking it slow is 4.30min/km).
I ambled about with Liz and Chris and we talked about our running and iron levels. It was really good to chat to her - a nutritionist. She is doing a study at the moment (paper due at Uni after the break) about iron levels in women - with some focus on long distance runners. Very interesting.
Anyhow I finished the run feeling like I had done a marathon. Certainly won't be doing hills tomorrow.
Maybe I make this week a low mileage week before upping it again next week....
The first bit on my own at 5.30am was a struggle. I had some great music and was keen to run but the body just wasn't willing. I had to push myself up the hills and then prevent the body from walking down. I actually stopped after 2km (10mins) and stretched then turned around and ran back.
Back at the Regatta I picked up Liz and Chris. Saw Mark - who was off racing the world (what he calls taking it slow is 4.30min/km).
I ambled about with Liz and Chris and we talked about our running and iron levels. It was really good to chat to her - a nutritionist. She is doing a study at the moment (paper due at Uni after the break) about iron levels in women - with some focus on long distance runners. Very interesting.
Anyhow I finished the run feeling like I had done a marathon. Certainly won't be doing hills tomorrow.
Maybe I make this week a low mileage week before upping it again next week....
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
LITTLE SISTER
My little sister is a triathlete and is coming to Brisbane to do Noosa in 30 more sleeps. Look how fit she is.....I am so excited!
I will be cheering her on and then celebrating with the Moet in the spa afterwards (stuff the diet when she's here - I need her to get fat!!)
Go Rosie Go!
3 more weeks of tough training, 1 week of taper and YAHHOOOOO.
Speed Session and the Light goes on!
Was a great session. I worked hard to get to top gear. My HR was 172 during the recoveries - I never got to see what is was when I was hurtling along. But my average was 192 - which is higher than my max??
We had 5 x 1min efforts with 30sec recovery jog, then turn around and do 30/30 all the way back. For once Pat actually followed the times correctly. It was amusing because everyone was prepared for him to say "all the way home now" in the last minute but we got a rest just before the last 30sec effort. It was great and made us all go harder to get home.
I was just behind Robbie (15m) on the way out and gaining on him - I was doing well but as soon as we turned...well another story. My legs felt lactic and I was breathless. Pat stopped twice and asked me if I was okay. The first time I thought he was being nice. The second time I wiped my nose in case it was bleeding...I mean I was working hard here....of course I am not ok. But I didn't think I was attracting attention for any reason.
He spoke to me afterwards and suggested that I maybe low in iron. BINGO. That may be correct. With the new diet and the weights program I may be neglecting the iron food. I eat red meat once a week (ie a steak or stirfry) but I eat mince once a fortnight also, which I thought was plenty. I have been eating loads of fish and chicken. Spinach with every evening meal as well but Pat mentioned that even if you are taking sufficient Iron in your diet your body may not be absorbing it well due to training or other body issues. Hence you may need more than usual just to get the right amount absorbed.
I hope to get on top of it very quickly. Pat said the two main symptoms are:
* breathlessness when running (more so than usual)
* fatigue (at any time in the day - you may feel great when you run but tire easy later)
I have no upcoming races so I wont' suffer too much even if I was very low in iron but I don't want it to worsen and I have a 30km beach run on Sunday that I don't really want to feel dreadful all the way like I did on Sunday. So off to the chemist for some fluriovax or whatever it is called.
We had 5 x 1min efforts with 30sec recovery jog, then turn around and do 30/30 all the way back. For once Pat actually followed the times correctly. It was amusing because everyone was prepared for him to say "all the way home now" in the last minute but we got a rest just before the last 30sec effort. It was great and made us all go harder to get home.
I was just behind Robbie (15m) on the way out and gaining on him - I was doing well but as soon as we turned...well another story. My legs felt lactic and I was breathless. Pat stopped twice and asked me if I was okay. The first time I thought he was being nice. The second time I wiped my nose in case it was bleeding...I mean I was working hard here....of course I am not ok. But I didn't think I was attracting attention for any reason.
He spoke to me afterwards and suggested that I maybe low in iron. BINGO. That may be correct. With the new diet and the weights program I may be neglecting the iron food. I eat red meat once a week (ie a steak or stirfry) but I eat mince once a fortnight also, which I thought was plenty. I have been eating loads of fish and chicken. Spinach with every evening meal as well but Pat mentioned that even if you are taking sufficient Iron in your diet your body may not be absorbing it well due to training or other body issues. Hence you may need more than usual just to get the right amount absorbed.
I hope to get on top of it very quickly. Pat said the two main symptoms are:
* breathlessness when running (more so than usual)
* fatigue (at any time in the day - you may feel great when you run but tire easy later)
I have no upcoming races so I wont' suffer too much even if I was very low in iron but I don't want it to worsen and I have a 30km beach run on Sunday that I don't really want to feel dreadful all the way like I did on Sunday. So off to the chemist for some fluriovax or whatever it is called.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
10KM WALK - BRRC
Was all fired up this morning for a good run. Went to bed early, ate well, hydrated well.
Woke up in the morning tired (Hubby was sick during the night) but still felt good. I left everyone at home to recuperate and sleep in and headed off to BRRC.
Arrived early and then remembered it was a handicap so I had more than an hour before the start. It was good to have a chat to everyone and see what their plans were for this morning.
There was a group of guys from Pat's that were pacing Gerard to run sub 40min/10km. He was very very nervous so I tried to make him laugh and loosen up a bit before he started.
Shane was also going for the magical sub 40. Owen was aiming for the 40min goal as well but I knew it would be hard for both of them as they would have no competition going off 30+mins for their handicapp. Not quite the same as a race start where everyone bolts out and chases each other.
Gerard & Pat's fellows were not in the Handicap race so had special dispensation to start at 0:00. It was great to see them do the first 5km right on target before I headed out for my warm up.
Christian (who runs sub 33min 10km) saw me and joined me for the warm up. I didn't have the heart to tell him that after the first 200m we were running at my race pace and he was just blabbing away talking whilst I was breathing hard!
A quick toilet break and chat with Parmy and I was ready to go. Did some run throughs (boy did everyone laugh at me for that!!) and was all fired up on the start line. BANG I was off. flying start....the heart was pumping, the legs were turning - it was all good. Close to the 1km I thought oh no I have gone out too fast and will regret it. At 1km I looked at my watch - it said 4:24 *groan* I wasn't even doing race pace. I knew then that today was really going to hurt. And that it was unlikely I was going to get close to my race goal dream of 42:30.
As it turned out I have no idea what went wrong. I felt strong and good, no issues with the stomach or fluids. I had great music on and just kept in ryhthym. The clock shows some drastic tales though with the following splits: 4:24, 4:20, 4:14, 4:46 and so it went - up and down.
Thanks to Matty Phillips and Langy who joined me as they were doing a warm down. It made me stop thinking and just run. Matty stuck with me to the very end and I was happy to finish strong. The last few km was decreasing and the last km was a 4:00min/km so I was wrapped with that. Yes I was very heady afterwards and needed fluid - which Cass kindly provided me with. Really angry with myself though because within an hour I felt I could run another 30km - obviously I didn't work hard enough.
Overall a crap race with a crap result. 45:00 (officially). I had 44:59 on my watch but whos' going to argue over a second? I am very very sad about this. No actually I am furious with myself. I felt great the whole way and despite knowing I wasn't running fast have absolutely no excuse. I think I will stick to longer runs from now on. Whilst I don't expect a PB everytime I honestly believed I would be better than that. I mean I run faster in a half marathon for crying out loud! Anyhow, the run is done and the experience is in the bag. Now onto the heavy training for Kurrawa!!!! Have finally decided to stick with the 25km but would like to aim for 1:55 this year. Thats a big ask for the second leg as it will be a zillion degrees then.
Well done to Owen for his great run at 40mins (yah a PB) and for Shane's extraordinary effort for sub 40.
Gerard didn't quite make his goal but he'll be back and more determined than ever. It was a big reminder to me about relaxing before a race. I saw firsthand what I must be like when I am stressed about a run. I will try to remember that....
The BRRC course was officially announced as being 100m short (50m per lap) at the committee meeting after the race (this didn't affect me whatsoever but I thought of those trying to go for sub 40 and just missing out by a few seconds - it would have made a difference to them!).
The course is going to be remeasured and re-routed to be an accurate certified course on the 8th October. We have a 20km run on the same day in which I will try to run consecutively faster loops. (4 x 5km).
Woke up in the morning tired (Hubby was sick during the night) but still felt good. I left everyone at home to recuperate and sleep in and headed off to BRRC.
Arrived early and then remembered it was a handicap so I had more than an hour before the start. It was good to have a chat to everyone and see what their plans were for this morning.
There was a group of guys from Pat's that were pacing Gerard to run sub 40min/10km. He was very very nervous so I tried to make him laugh and loosen up a bit before he started.
Shane was also going for the magical sub 40. Owen was aiming for the 40min goal as well but I knew it would be hard for both of them as they would have no competition going off 30+mins for their handicapp. Not quite the same as a race start where everyone bolts out and chases each other.
Gerard & Pat's fellows were not in the Handicap race so had special dispensation to start at 0:00. It was great to see them do the first 5km right on target before I headed out for my warm up.
Christian (who runs sub 33min 10km) saw me and joined me for the warm up. I didn't have the heart to tell him that after the first 200m we were running at my race pace and he was just blabbing away talking whilst I was breathing hard!
A quick toilet break and chat with Parmy and I was ready to go. Did some run throughs (boy did everyone laugh at me for that!!) and was all fired up on the start line. BANG I was off. flying start....the heart was pumping, the legs were turning - it was all good. Close to the 1km I thought oh no I have gone out too fast and will regret it. At 1km I looked at my watch - it said 4:24 *groan* I wasn't even doing race pace. I knew then that today was really going to hurt. And that it was unlikely I was going to get close to my race goal dream of 42:30.
As it turned out I have no idea what went wrong. I felt strong and good, no issues with the stomach or fluids. I had great music on and just kept in ryhthym. The clock shows some drastic tales though with the following splits: 4:24, 4:20, 4:14, 4:46 and so it went - up and down.
Thanks to Matty Phillips and Langy who joined me as they were doing a warm down. It made me stop thinking and just run. Matty stuck with me to the very end and I was happy to finish strong. The last few km was decreasing and the last km was a 4:00min/km so I was wrapped with that. Yes I was very heady afterwards and needed fluid - which Cass kindly provided me with. Really angry with myself though because within an hour I felt I could run another 30km - obviously I didn't work hard enough.
Overall a crap race with a crap result. 45:00 (officially). I had 44:59 on my watch but whos' going to argue over a second? I am very very sad about this. No actually I am furious with myself. I felt great the whole way and despite knowing I wasn't running fast have absolutely no excuse. I think I will stick to longer runs from now on. Whilst I don't expect a PB everytime I honestly believed I would be better than that. I mean I run faster in a half marathon for crying out loud! Anyhow, the run is done and the experience is in the bag. Now onto the heavy training for Kurrawa!!!! Have finally decided to stick with the 25km but would like to aim for 1:55 this year. Thats a big ask for the second leg as it will be a zillion degrees then.
Well done to Owen for his great run at 40mins (yah a PB) and for Shane's extraordinary effort for sub 40.
Gerard didn't quite make his goal but he'll be back and more determined than ever. It was a big reminder to me about relaxing before a race. I saw firsthand what I must be like when I am stressed about a run. I will try to remember that....
The BRRC course was officially announced as being 100m short (50m per lap) at the committee meeting after the race (this didn't affect me whatsoever but I thought of those trying to go for sub 40 and just missing out by a few seconds - it would have made a difference to them!).
The course is going to be remeasured and re-routed to be an accurate certified course on the 8th October. We have a 20km run on the same day in which I will try to run consecutively faster loops. (4 x 5km).
Saturday, September 23, 2006
It's a Busy Week
THURSDAY - Did Mount Cootha this morning. It was brilliant. I felt so strong. Did it three times with the elite runners (Jen Epps and John etc) and I was not too far behind them. They rested at the top for 10secs for me to get there and then I turned around and went straight down.
We did it three times. I walked the steep section on the last one - my legs were burning and my lungs were choking. But I started running again and finished the summit in good time. I was very very happy with this session. Stayed in my skins all day but didn't rest up too much - had a to play 18 holes of Golf. It's a hard life.
FRIDAY - Shane was at the regatta this morning so he, the Bee and I ran off in one little group whilst the others went at their pace. We did the first 4km in 5min/km pace and then sped up a bit. Shane went wild on the return journey and within seconds we couldn't see him anymore - he's fast! The Bee and I ran together going from 4:45 to 4:35 to 4:30 and then 4:20. I finished off strongly - thanks to Shane who came back out and ran in the last bit with me to make sure I didn't slack off. It was a good session and I was glad I got out of bed again. As usual we stayed and had breakfast - which was super as Cass and baby Sam stayed too and we all had a good ole chat and I drooled over their pancakes and icecream.
Saturday - Mostly due to my husbands illness I stayed in bed this morning. Coach Chris had said to anyhow but I was intending on still running 15km or so. However I got no sleep last night and at 3am finally got to sleep. I didn't wake up until 7am and realised the reason I had finally got to sleep was that Allan had moved to the couch to let me get some sleep. Fingers crossed his cough is not so bad tonight.
The last 10km race for the year is on this Sunday. Coach says I can run 42:30 but I will be happy to run strong and get a PB that I can work on in early 2007.
Wish me luck!!
Go Tesso - have fun in your half run on Sunday morning.
*********BRONCOS RULE*******************
We did it three times. I walked the steep section on the last one - my legs were burning and my lungs were choking. But I started running again and finished the summit in good time. I was very very happy with this session. Stayed in my skins all day but didn't rest up too much - had a to play 18 holes of Golf. It's a hard life.
FRIDAY - Shane was at the regatta this morning so he, the Bee and I ran off in one little group whilst the others went at their pace. We did the first 4km in 5min/km pace and then sped up a bit. Shane went wild on the return journey and within seconds we couldn't see him anymore - he's fast! The Bee and I ran together going from 4:45 to 4:35 to 4:30 and then 4:20. I finished off strongly - thanks to Shane who came back out and ran in the last bit with me to make sure I didn't slack off. It was a good session and I was glad I got out of bed again. As usual we stayed and had breakfast - which was super as Cass and baby Sam stayed too and we all had a good ole chat and I drooled over their pancakes and icecream.
Saturday - Mostly due to my husbands illness I stayed in bed this morning. Coach Chris had said to anyhow but I was intending on still running 15km or so. However I got no sleep last night and at 3am finally got to sleep. I didn't wake up until 7am and realised the reason I had finally got to sleep was that Allan had moved to the couch to let me get some sleep. Fingers crossed his cough is not so bad tonight.
The last 10km race for the year is on this Sunday. Coach says I can run 42:30 but I will be happy to run strong and get a PB that I can work on in early 2007.
Wish me luck!!
Go Tesso - have fun in your half run on Sunday morning.
*********BRONCOS RULE*******************
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
14.5km or was it 15.5km - perhaps it was 35km?
Met Shane and Mark at the Regatta at 5.30am for an easy 5km before starting with the rest of the group at 6am.
Well if you know Mark - EASY just isn't in his vocabulary. We headed out to the St Lucia Uni and did 5km of hills! Which were actually quite enjoyable. I love hills.
Back at the Regatta Mark was chomping at the bit to keep going but I was happy to stop to for a minute or two.
We picked up Tesso and the rest of the Regatta crew before heading out again.
Amazing how the time passes when you are having fun. Shane, Tess and I just chatted and ran the 10km loop into the Gardens and back. Very pleasant but I still felt like I was running steady and not taking it easy. We increased the pace on the way home slightly and then I settled in for a solid last few kms.
With 500m to go - the pace had been getting faster but not overly much. Then Tesso pointed to Shane who was in front and said "Run Rabbit Run" I thought she meant we should get in front of him or chase him down. Anyhow her legs were getting faster and faster so I thought she was just about to burst into a sprint.
To counteract I moved up ahead and worked hard for the last little bit. Shane pulled up alongside me and it was good to have someone push you to the end.
Finished feeling great - just a bit grumpy that my X201 was more than a km out. I kept telling Tess it needed calibrating and she kept telling me it ran on the satellites....doh! Anyhow it doesn't work and has been slipping kms in the past month and getting worse...any suggestions anyone? Shane checked it and it has version 3.50 firmware on it. Though I may try to load it up again.
All up we ran just over 15km this morning - by Shane's GPS.
Well if you know Mark - EASY just isn't in his vocabulary. We headed out to the St Lucia Uni and did 5km of hills! Which were actually quite enjoyable. I love hills.
Back at the Regatta Mark was chomping at the bit to keep going but I was happy to stop to for a minute or two.
We picked up Tesso and the rest of the Regatta crew before heading out again.
Amazing how the time passes when you are having fun. Shane, Tess and I just chatted and ran the 10km loop into the Gardens and back. Very pleasant but I still felt like I was running steady and not taking it easy. We increased the pace on the way home slightly and then I settled in for a solid last few kms.
With 500m to go - the pace had been getting faster but not overly much. Then Tesso pointed to Shane who was in front and said "Run Rabbit Run" I thought she meant we should get in front of him or chase him down. Anyhow her legs were getting faster and faster so I thought she was just about to burst into a sprint.
To counteract I moved up ahead and worked hard for the last little bit. Shane pulled up alongside me and it was good to have someone push you to the end.
Finished feeling great - just a bit grumpy that my X201 was more than a km out. I kept telling Tess it needed calibrating and she kept telling me it ran on the satellites....doh! Anyhow it doesn't work and has been slipping kms in the past month and getting worse...any suggestions anyone? Shane checked it and it has version 3.50 firmware on it. Though I may try to load it up again.
All up we ran just over 15km this morning - by Shane's GPS.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
I'm a Wannabe Triathlete.....
Worked hard this morning! Feel alive and hot to trot. If anyone out there is eating dinner late please please please you owe it to yourself to eat healthy and eat early. If you train in the morning your body will thank you for it.
Was good to turn up at Pats and see some old faces as well as our good buddy Shane. A real catch up session. Anyone know where MJ is?? Is she okay??
Pat had us running out to the Floating Bridge near New Farm for our warm up and then a few strides before doing 8 x 1min efforts with 30sec standing recovery.
As we all know Pat's 30 seconds is just a standard 10sec. I tried complaining but he just told me to dig deep and well basically...shut up. Only he can get away with that.
I got to a certain place on the first effort and told Tess that was where we had to get to each time. We almost made it, with the exception of the last two where I was about 5m from the place I had mentally marked. I was happy with that as the recoveries were getting less as we progressed.
On the 6th effort I was really feeling it in my legs and struggling to run with form. I told Tesso this was were I needed her and she told me to keep running in front of her because I stunk of Garlic (it was a joke) and it actually made me laugh and run harder. Yah I made it!
After the session Pat had us do a 500m effort followed by the HILL CLIMB from Hell. I went up strongly but was struggling at the top and felt faint. My blood must have all been in my legs..I normally go back down and do it twice but not today.
We ran a good steady pace back to the Ship Inn and then had some psycho yelling at me to run up the hill at Ship Inn to finish off the session. *groan* When I blinked through the sweat I realised the Psycho was actually Tesso so I turned around and followed her up there. Were were the only two crazy enough to do it.
Pat had a competition that I entered - NOOSA TRIATHLON ENTRY. It's worth $145 I boasted to everyone that I would do it if my name came out and lo and behold....he calls out my name. *shame*
When everyone left I felt really bad and went up to him and discussed it. I felt like a fraud because a lot of the people in our group train really hard for this race and were hoping to win (the comp not the race). I was just going to do it for fun and a bit of a lark (on my mountain bike and with floaties..). Pat said it was my prize and I could give it to anyone I wanted. Jan and Tori had already entered so I gave it to Liz who really wanted it and was very very happy. I felt like Father Christmas!
Was good to turn up at Pats and see some old faces as well as our good buddy Shane. A real catch up session. Anyone know where MJ is?? Is she okay??
Pat had us running out to the Floating Bridge near New Farm for our warm up and then a few strides before doing 8 x 1min efforts with 30sec standing recovery.
As we all know Pat's 30 seconds is just a standard 10sec. I tried complaining but he just told me to dig deep and well basically...shut up. Only he can get away with that.
I got to a certain place on the first effort and told Tess that was where we had to get to each time. We almost made it, with the exception of the last two where I was about 5m from the place I had mentally marked. I was happy with that as the recoveries were getting less as we progressed.
On the 6th effort I was really feeling it in my legs and struggling to run with form. I told Tesso this was were I needed her and she told me to keep running in front of her because I stunk of Garlic (it was a joke) and it actually made me laugh and run harder. Yah I made it!
After the session Pat had us do a 500m effort followed by the HILL CLIMB from Hell. I went up strongly but was struggling at the top and felt faint. My blood must have all been in my legs..I normally go back down and do it twice but not today.
We ran a good steady pace back to the Ship Inn and then had some psycho yelling at me to run up the hill at Ship Inn to finish off the session. *groan* When I blinked through the sweat I realised the Psycho was actually Tesso so I turned around and followed her up there. Were were the only two crazy enough to do it.
Pat had a competition that I entered - NOOSA TRIATHLON ENTRY. It's worth $145 I boasted to everyone that I would do it if my name came out and lo and behold....he calls out my name. *shame*
When everyone left I felt really bad and went up to him and discussed it. I felt like a fraud because a lot of the people in our group train really hard for this race and were hoping to win (the comp not the race). I was just going to do it for fun and a bit of a lark (on my mountain bike and with floaties..). Pat said it was my prize and I could give it to anyone I wanted. Jan and Tori had already entered so I gave it to Liz who really wanted it and was very very happy. I felt like Father Christmas!
Monday, September 18, 2006
Going is Tough...
Life is sweet....and then you get injured.
My injury is running related I say but my husband said it is not really. I got it when I hopped on the scales this morning after my first week of hard effort at training and following my regime of healthy eating. I put on weight. WTF. I am devastated.
So naturally my swollen toe seems to come from kicking the wall as opposed to running too many kms....
Headed to the gym in a foul mood that passed as soon as I went through the front door. Did a hard 30mins on the bike followed by 60mins of weights and stretching.
Going to stick it out still and see what comes of it. I'm not a quitter.
On the positive side I feel fantastic and full of energy so that is a better benefit than any body changes I was hoping for.
My injury is running related I say but my husband said it is not really. I got it when I hopped on the scales this morning after my first week of hard effort at training and following my regime of healthy eating. I put on weight. WTF. I am devastated.
So naturally my swollen toe seems to come from kicking the wall as opposed to running too many kms....
Headed to the gym in a foul mood that passed as soon as I went through the front door. Did a hard 30mins on the bike followed by 60mins of weights and stretching.
Going to stick it out still and see what comes of it. I'm not a quitter.
On the positive side I feel fantastic and full of energy so that is a better benefit than any body changes I was hoping for.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Run run run...
Feels great to be a runner doesn't it!
Friday:
Went to Gym and did bike work and weights. Nothing overly exciting.
Saturday
Was all geared up to run the Riverloop today but circumstances had us running out to New Farm park. Given the drizzly rain and overcast day it was probably just as well.
We ran 10.5km and I stopped to have a Gu - just as I was washing it down Tesso said we were going to turn around and run back! Noooo I felt terrible as I would not have had the gu to run just 20km but thought we were going further today. To compensate I decided to run harder on the way home and increased the pace.
Tess,Owen and Charlotte were all up for it and kept with me - pushing me even to go harder, which was great. In the last 2km Tess jumped in front and just as we hit the 1km mark (to home) I yelled out for us to all finish this off. Tess ran hard and we were all just chasing her. Owen flew past as if he had just been doing a walk and got to the finish first. Tess was running very strong and it was good to see the increased distance has only been positive for her. I came in last but very happy with a 4:20min/km last km. 1:43 for 21km - once upon a time I would have been happy with that for my half marathon time!!! Very strange thinking of it like that.
After the run Tess and I went to the gym for 90mins and did a good overall workout and stretch session - followed up by a sumptious lunch in the city with (Tess) Lulu, Vegie and Cirque. We had a ball and it was great to catch up over a relaxed lunch when you have worked so hard beforehand - it somehow feels more deserving by then!
Friday:
Went to Gym and did bike work and weights. Nothing overly exciting.
Saturday
Was all geared up to run the Riverloop today but circumstances had us running out to New Farm park. Given the drizzly rain and overcast day it was probably just as well.
We ran 10.5km and I stopped to have a Gu - just as I was washing it down Tesso said we were going to turn around and run back! Noooo I felt terrible as I would not have had the gu to run just 20km but thought we were going further today. To compensate I decided to run harder on the way home and increased the pace.
Tess,Owen and Charlotte were all up for it and kept with me - pushing me even to go harder, which was great. In the last 2km Tess jumped in front and just as we hit the 1km mark (to home) I yelled out for us to all finish this off. Tess ran hard and we were all just chasing her. Owen flew past as if he had just been doing a walk and got to the finish first. Tess was running very strong and it was good to see the increased distance has only been positive for her. I came in last but very happy with a 4:20min/km last km. 1:43 for 21km - once upon a time I would have been happy with that for my half marathon time!!! Very strange thinking of it like that.
After the run Tess and I went to the gym for 90mins and did a good overall workout and stretch session - followed up by a sumptious lunch in the city with (Tess) Lulu, Vegie and Cirque. We had a ball and it was great to catch up over a relaxed lunch when you have worked so hard beforehand - it somehow feels more deserving by then!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Hill Assault
Met at the bottom of Mt Cootha this morning with a group of about 20 of us. Due to the sun rising earlier now we are able to go back to the trail run from Slaughter Falls up to Channel 9.
It was very nice out there this morning - chilly but good once you were warmed up.
Did 3 reps which I was really really really happy with - everyone else did 2!
I was keen to run and do the hills but the legs complained. No real pain just general slowness. Gosh I hope it is not permanent! :)
Got the skins on at work today (can you tell?) so hopefully the legs recover fully in time to be thrashed again tomorrow.
Thinking seriously about running on the treadmill at the gym instead just to give my legs a bit of rest from the concrete & bitumen before Saturdays long run.
It was very nice out there this morning - chilly but good once you were warmed up.
Did 3 reps which I was really really really happy with - everyone else did 2!
I was keen to run and do the hills but the legs complained. No real pain just general slowness. Gosh I hope it is not permanent! :)
Got the skins on at work today (can you tell?) so hopefully the legs recover fully in time to be thrashed again tomorrow.
Thinking seriously about running on the treadmill at the gym instead just to give my legs a bit of rest from the concrete & bitumen before Saturdays long run.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
The training begins.....
I am starting to feel really good - bodywise. Still have tired legs and sore muscles from the gym workouts but overall I feel the new plan is working.
The main thing is I am more aware of what I eat and....most importantly WHEN. I have been eating before 7.30pm which really helps.
This morning I met Tess and Toastie at Regatta at 5.30am. It was light and despite it being cool you could sense that we are on the end of winter.
We ran out towards the city and then over the Goodwill Bridge, along Kangaroo point over the Story bridge and back to the Regatta. All up 16.5km. Garmin had 16.3km in 1:21 - just under 5min pace. I was very happy with that. The Garmin always loses 200-300m on this run as we run under the bridges/riverside expressway for some time. When you come out the other end it corrects itself but doesn't match up to the markings on the footpath exactly.
Did 5mins of stretching and felt great after a hot shower.
An interesting discussion came up at Pat's yesterday - he is going to put a team in for the NY Marathon 2007.
Tess and I are both keen and this has just fuelled my desire to train hard. I am glad I am motivated as over the summer months I will look back on this posts/words to ensure I don't loose track or get discouraged as the heat affects my times and energy levels.
The main thing is I am more aware of what I eat and....most importantly WHEN. I have been eating before 7.30pm which really helps.
This morning I met Tess and Toastie at Regatta at 5.30am. It was light and despite it being cool you could sense that we are on the end of winter.
We ran out towards the city and then over the Goodwill Bridge, along Kangaroo point over the Story bridge and back to the Regatta. All up 16.5km. Garmin had 16.3km in 1:21 - just under 5min pace. I was very happy with that. The Garmin always loses 200-300m on this run as we run under the bridges/riverside expressway for some time. When you come out the other end it corrects itself but doesn't match up to the markings on the footpath exactly.
Did 5mins of stretching and felt great after a hot shower.
An interesting discussion came up at Pat's yesterday - he is going to put a team in for the NY Marathon 2007.
Tess and I are both keen and this has just fuelled my desire to train hard. I am glad I am motivated as over the summer months I will look back on this posts/words to ensure I don't loose track or get discouraged as the heat affects my times and energy levels.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Running Buddie at Pats!
How exciting - this morning I was asked to be a Running Buddy. That means buddying up with a newbie to the group and taking them through the ropes. It was lots of fun and I think it will certainly help me learn everyones names - I am hopeless at names!
Daughter was her name this morning. I don't think I will ever forget that one! Strange but lovely. I can see all the puns now..hee hee. Anyhow she is a marathoner but had taken a long break since Gold Coast and today was her first run and first speed session. Poor girl...
We ran into the gardens and did a few strides. It felt great to run fast but I knew I wasn't able to do 100% still today. Nonetheless I did 100% enthusiasm instead!
We ran 30sec on 30sec jog for 15mins or so. I was running hard but never hurt - a sign that I am taking it easier than usual. I started behind everyone but the plan was to keep Tesso in sight. Umm well that worked until the last few laps. I think she got faster and faster with each lap...she certainly got further and further away. The only thing motivating me was the fear of being lapped.....
I feel very stiff now - my bum and lower back are all tight as. Thanks to the gym workout (part of the new me) I did yesterday. Hopefully I will go back in there on Thursday and be not as sore so I can get a good workout again which should free up some muscles.
Tomorrow 5:30am - the start of the midweek long runs with Tesso and Toastie.
Daughter was her name this morning. I don't think I will ever forget that one! Strange but lovely. I can see all the puns now..hee hee. Anyhow she is a marathoner but had taken a long break since Gold Coast and today was her first run and first speed session. Poor girl...
We ran into the gardens and did a few strides. It felt great to run fast but I knew I wasn't able to do 100% still today. Nonetheless I did 100% enthusiasm instead!
We ran 30sec on 30sec jog for 15mins or so. I was running hard but never hurt - a sign that I am taking it easier than usual. I started behind everyone but the plan was to keep Tesso in sight. Umm well that worked until the last few laps. I think she got faster and faster with each lap...she certainly got further and further away. The only thing motivating me was the fear of being lapped.....
I feel very stiff now - my bum and lower back are all tight as. Thanks to the gym workout (part of the new me) I did yesterday. Hopefully I will go back in there on Thursday and be not as sore so I can get a good workout again which should free up some muscles.
Tomorrow 5:30am - the start of the midweek long runs with Tesso and Toastie.
Monday, September 11, 2006
DAY ONE
This is the first day of the rest of my life......
Well not really but I did start a Healthy life plan today.
It covers my running - I now have all my training till the end of October planned out. Including some double up days..yah!
It also includes weekly pilates and gym sessions *groan* and the worst thing....a weekly weigh in.
My meals - whilst not planned - are outlined with guidelines. So no alcohol or coffee, no bread, 5 fruits a day, 3 x fish meals a week etc etc.
I am looking forward to the 9 week challenge. Will keep you posted if it has any positive benefit on my training. I will log major things here so I can review it down the track but mostly it is boring stuff. I think my biggest challenge is to ensure my evening meal is before 7:30pm each night....have no idea how to cope with that one!!
Oh BTW I got Byron Bay bananas for $3 a kilo - lady finger ones. yummo! Got a whole box so will likely be eating just Bananas all week now...
Well not really but I did start a Healthy life plan today.
It covers my running - I now have all my training till the end of October planned out. Including some double up days..yah!
It also includes weekly pilates and gym sessions *groan* and the worst thing....a weekly weigh in.
My meals - whilst not planned - are outlined with guidelines. So no alcohol or coffee, no bread, 5 fruits a day, 3 x fish meals a week etc etc.
I am looking forward to the 9 week challenge. Will keep you posted if it has any positive benefit on my training. I will log major things here so I can review it down the track but mostly it is boring stuff. I think my biggest challenge is to ensure my evening meal is before 7:30pm each night....have no idea how to cope with that one!!
Oh BTW I got Byron Bay bananas for $3 a kilo - lady finger ones. yummo! Got a whole box so will likely be eating just Bananas all week now...
Sunday plod
After a night out with my Husband (in a posh hotel on the Gold Coast) including a seafood buffet and bottle(s) of wine I decided to sleep in on Saturday. We voted and I then drove down to Ballina with my mum.
We had a lovely time and on Sunday morning I managed to get out early for a 15km run. The whole time I was thinking of Tess and Eddie running in the 25Km Championship at BRRC. I really wanted to be there but was glad I wasn't...does that make sense. I enjoyed my run but had no time restrictions and stopped for plenty of breaks along the way to enjoy the breaking ocean views - Ballina is beautiful.
Covered the 15km in 1:16 but as I said - had plenty of walking breaks and stretches to ensure the whole run was very leisurely. Camelbak worked very well again and I am in love with it and can't wait for the summer months to get some real good use out of it.
We had a lovely time and on Sunday morning I managed to get out early for a 15km run. The whole time I was thinking of Tess and Eddie running in the 25Km Championship at BRRC. I really wanted to be there but was glad I wasn't...does that make sense. I enjoyed my run but had no time restrictions and stopped for plenty of breaks along the way to enjoy the breaking ocean views - Ballina is beautiful.
Covered the 15km in 1:16 but as I said - had plenty of walking breaks and stretches to ensure the whole run was very leisurely. Camelbak worked very well again and I am in love with it and can't wait for the summer months to get some real good use out of it.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Struggle some..then struggle some more
I am fully motivated but the body hasn't seem to caught up yet. I was itching last night to go for a run but as soon as I started this morning I knew it was going to be a slow and painful jaunt.
Managed to do 8km in spot on 40mins but the final km was 5:30min/km pace - I was really hurting.
Still - I'll be back out there tomorrow and then rest up for a couple of days.
I'm reading books every night and planning my running for the next few months - not to mention talking to lots of running buddies about there running. It is all helping me work out what I want to do and what sort of training I need to get there.
Comrades.....interesting.....
Managed to do 8km in spot on 40mins but the final km was 5:30min/km pace - I was really hurting.
Still - I'll be back out there tomorrow and then rest up for a couple of days.
I'm reading books every night and planning my running for the next few months - not to mention talking to lots of running buddies about there running. It is all helping me work out what I want to do and what sort of training I need to get there.
Comrades.....interesting.....
Thursday, September 07, 2006
OUT - but not down.
I should be devastated but in actual fact I feel only relief and some disappointment.
Due to family committments (they do come first - despite what many think!) and also my incapacity to run this week - I could barely walk until last night due to the Glasshouse Run. I have decided to not do the last remaining BRRC Championship race.
This Sunday is the 25km run - of which I had hoped to do well in and get a 99 or 98 score (second or third female member) but now I will not be competing. There is the true final - a 5km Run but I am not very competitive over the smaller distances so am never keen on this race. In fact I don't recall ever doing a 5km race before.
I am glad the pressure is off me now but I am sad to miss a great run with my running buddies. Will have my fingers crossed that Tess does her sub 2hr run with lots of time to spare.....GOOOO TESSSOOO
In the meantime my legs have been healing and today I can finally walk up the stairs at work without support.
I am looking forward to a long leisurely run on Saturday morning now to really free up the legs.
Next big focus is KURRAWA - 25KM in December.....then again I'm keen to run the full 50km if rumours are true and others are doing the full monty..(Tess you out there???)
Due to family committments (they do come first - despite what many think!) and also my incapacity to run this week - I could barely walk until last night due to the Glasshouse Run. I have decided to not do the last remaining BRRC Championship race.
This Sunday is the 25km run - of which I had hoped to do well in and get a 99 or 98 score (second or third female member) but now I will not be competing. There is the true final - a 5km Run but I am not very competitive over the smaller distances so am never keen on this race. In fact I don't recall ever doing a 5km race before.
I am glad the pressure is off me now but I am sad to miss a great run with my running buddies. Will have my fingers crossed that Tess does her sub 2hr run with lots of time to spare.....GOOOO TESSSOOO
In the meantime my legs have been healing and today I can finally walk up the stairs at work without support.
I am looking forward to a long leisurely run on Saturday morning now to really free up the legs.
Next big focus is KURRAWA - 25KM in December.....then again I'm keen to run the full 50km if rumours are true and others are doing the full monty..(Tess you out there???)
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Glasshouse 30Km
Aptly named that - Glasshouse. My legs feel totally shattered like broken glass. At least I escaped with no major blisters this time around.
My run was truly magnificent and has given me the confidence and enthusiasm that I desperately needed in my running. I felt strong the whole way and though I hurt a bit on some of the uphills I managed to overtake quite a few guys.
And guess what - NO ONE OVERTOOK ME well with the exception of three guys who got lost. I kept with them for about 20sec but two of them were running very hard and got way ahead. I stayed within 100m of the third guy - who is way faster than me normally but he was struggling on the hills so I was able to keep up for once! It was very rewarding to be so challeneged and come through feeling positive.
The 24hrs before my race I was totally focussed on the ultra runners and crewing for them. I even thought I may end up pacing during the night. That would have been interesting but I was terrified of what could happen out there and everyone was coming in looking terrible....not my idea of fun!
In the end Blue Dog was way ahead of schedule and I doubt I would have been able to keep up, Brendan was taking his time and still close to his plan and Horrie had a much better offer from Shultzy to pace him for the full 60km (which I could NEVER have done) so I was relieved that it was not necessary for me to run.
Nonetheless I was tired from being up all day and on my feet not the best lead up to a long race. I certainly thought I would struggle through the run and despite Tess absolutely knowing for sure that "I was going to have a great run"...I truly thought I would be coming in with the sweepers.... I would have been glad just to have done the distance for a training run anyhow!
I couldn't have done it without all the crew and coolrunners. Just knowing Tess was going to be at the finish line made me come in strong (and hollering....just in case she had fallen asleep waiting for me :)
During the run I was motivated by BlueDog who had finished his run by then and Tugger who did an awesome run as well...not to mention Spud, whippet and Tim who had all run sub24hr and of Tam and Tam who were out there doing it for the girls!
So I ran and thought of them all.
I thought of Horrie still being out there, I thought of Brendan's anguish at his DNF and how I had to keep going because of all of them. I had to do the best I could to be part of the whole amazing weekend. It worked and I am totally over the moon about my run. I don't even recall the exact time - it doesn't matter. I didn't think of time or splits the whole way, I just ran with the flow and ebb that is a trail run. It was great.
I ended up in second spot (female) in 2:44:xx which was rewarding but then again there were no more than 15 females in the race so can't get too excited about that!! Nonetheless...I did the best I could and felt great so nothing to complain about whatsoever!!!!!!!!!
Thankyou GBH.
My run was truly magnificent and has given me the confidence and enthusiasm that I desperately needed in my running. I felt strong the whole way and though I hurt a bit on some of the uphills I managed to overtake quite a few guys.
And guess what - NO ONE OVERTOOK ME well with the exception of three guys who got lost. I kept with them for about 20sec but two of them were running very hard and got way ahead. I stayed within 100m of the third guy - who is way faster than me normally but he was struggling on the hills so I was able to keep up for once! It was very rewarding to be so challeneged and come through feeling positive.
The 24hrs before my race I was totally focussed on the ultra runners and crewing for them. I even thought I may end up pacing during the night. That would have been interesting but I was terrified of what could happen out there and everyone was coming in looking terrible....not my idea of fun!
In the end Blue Dog was way ahead of schedule and I doubt I would have been able to keep up, Brendan was taking his time and still close to his plan and Horrie had a much better offer from Shultzy to pace him for the full 60km (which I could NEVER have done) so I was relieved that it was not necessary for me to run.
Nonetheless I was tired from being up all day and on my feet not the best lead up to a long race. I certainly thought I would struggle through the run and despite Tess absolutely knowing for sure that "I was going to have a great run"...I truly thought I would be coming in with the sweepers.... I would have been glad just to have done the distance for a training run anyhow!
I couldn't have done it without all the crew and coolrunners. Just knowing Tess was going to be at the finish line made me come in strong (and hollering....just in case she had fallen asleep waiting for me :)
During the run I was motivated by BlueDog who had finished his run by then and Tugger who did an awesome run as well...not to mention Spud, whippet and Tim who had all run sub24hr and of Tam and Tam who were out there doing it for the girls!
So I ran and thought of them all.
I thought of Horrie still being out there, I thought of Brendan's anguish at his DNF and how I had to keep going because of all of them. I had to do the best I could to be part of the whole amazing weekend. It worked and I am totally over the moon about my run. I don't even recall the exact time - it doesn't matter. I didn't think of time or splits the whole way, I just ran with the flow and ebb that is a trail run. It was great.
I ended up in second spot (female) in 2:44:xx which was rewarding but then again there were no more than 15 females in the race so can't get too excited about that!! Nonetheless...I did the best I could and felt great so nothing to complain about whatsoever!!!!!!!!!
Thankyou GBH.
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