I managed a double up day yesterday - so motivating.
Today I had work committments. But when a lunch date cancelled on me I went for a run...WTF my mojo is coming back in big supply!!! I also spent 40mins at the gym doing some format of weights. It was laughable, though I was happy to just wander around and explore all the equipment and watch everyone else.
There are no women at my gym. Very strange and sometimes it makes me feel big and strong. Othertimes it makes me feel like I walked into the wrong changeroom!
So my 5km a day starts today for the whole of this month. No rest days. If I am injured - we will reevaluate. Though the idea is to build my base and focus - this month at least - on consistency.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Warwick 2012
If there was one thing that Warwick did for me this year - INSPIRATION.
Inspiration to lose weight - again all the photos of me are FAT photos. Ugh
Inspiration for me to train - seriously how can I expect to race well if I don't train well?
Inspiration for me to cross train - being on the sidelines gave me time to think how much I want to be out there. For me right now and I suspect for some time, I need to do things other than running to get my race strength, weight and mental capacity where it needs to be. I'm suffering a low runners confidence with my running. Nothing boosts that better than feeling strong and having a good run.
All in all I need to do a plan. Working on that now and really looking forward to the months ahead!!!
Warwick was the worst preparation I have ever had for a race. Hilarious and if it wasn't Warwick I don't think I would have even turned up! I love this event and I love this weekend away - its fun, friends and frantic all rolled into one.
The week leading up to Warwick Weekend I had started at the gym through a work get fit program. I did a weights session on Wednesday and strained my Gluteus Maximus muscle. It would have been quite funny - having a pain in the ass...except it was hurting. I'll try not to let the guys egg me on to 100kg leg press's next time!
I had a few days off (wow thats new to me..NOT) and hoped for the best. Friday came and I realised I hadn't packed. PANIC! Okay I just went into work an hour late but was all sorted. When the afternoon came I was not feeling like I had much energy. I picked up Billy and headed home to get my suitcase I had left at home. I think that was the third trip home I made between 3-4.3pm! I went back when I realised I left my phone, then back after being 20km down the track when I recalled my race kit on the line...arrggggh not looking good.
Finally got to Warwick for 6pm. I was homing in with Gooner but had a call that afternoon to advise me my regular family room was waiting for me. GREAT. I had not booked ahead as I wasn't sure what my plans were so assumed I didn't have a room. Things were starting to look up!
We got there and headed across to the pub to say hello to everyone. Billy got hyped up so we then went back to the room and had some dinner there. Pikelets for me. Red Rooster for Billy.
Had lots of visitors and got to catch up with everyone from the comfort of my bed - in my PJ's awesome!
4am came and I was up. Yes I was racing today - I must be as I was feeling ill and nervous. Endless trips to the toilet made me think I was never going to be able to leave the hotel room. Unfortunately Billy had already decided to go see 'his friends' so I had to leave to go find him.
It was cold but no where near as cold as I anticipated. I was ready. I could do this. Just relax and enjoy the run. Having not trained meant I had no expectations of a time - so the pressure was of me in that regard.
My garmin died about 5 mins from the start. I gave it to Gooner but he could not get working. Toeing the start line and doing all the obligatory photos I realised I did not have my shoe tag (making me ineligible). Doing awesome so far! Gooner raced to the hotel and went into my bag (noooooo) to find it.
The race started with me not knowing where my son was, no official shoe tag/timer and a corrupt garmin watch. Did I mention I had no gu or other race supplement due to lack of forethought. Race from hell!!
I got my shoe tag at the 3km mark from Gooner. He also handed my gamin back - had manged to do a hard reset and get it working for me. My ipod was not working - despite me fully charging the night before. So at 4km I threw it in disgust on the road and hit the garmin to start the race from there.
About one mile along I realised I was going to be running in miles today. FML. I think I actually started enjoying the run here. It was going up the first big hill and I was laughing silly as I had to pull over and tie up my shoelace - that I had left loose to put on the shoe tag. My shoe tag was now firmly stuck in my bra getting sweaty.
The run itself was awesome. I was having fun and laughing. Most thought I was just crazy. The km markers flew by - I could not believe how quickly they were coming/going. I had found a friend to play leap frog with and just persisted with that.
I saw Gooner with Billy (my son) a few times. The last time Billy did not look well and was not interested in me at all. He was pale and I asked after him when I ran past but Gooner was waving me on. Earlier on in the race Billy had been blowing a trumpet and cheering loudly as he drove past at several points. The pressure was on now to finish and get to my boy. I started running - hard. It may have only been a 10-sec per km improvement but I actually felt like I was truly racing now. I was trying to beat the clock to get home. In no particular time but to finish the last 4 km in as fast as I could. I know they were my fastest km without looking at a watch.
When I finished I puzzled everyone by holding my shoe tag in my hand and bending over as I crossed to make sure it timed correctly so I would be 'qualified' as having run. Then I rushed straight over to my son. He was not well at all. Sweating badly. As soon as we got him in the car he projectile vomited all over Tesso and Gooner and myself.
Seriously the funniest thing ever!!!
Once he got that out of his system he was fine. Was back to himself that afternoon and running around cheering on the next few races.
I never felt bad - my gut and legs held up remarkably for the whole race. No toilet stops, no pain. Even the next day I felt great.
Now I just want to go back and do it all again!!!!! 2013 watch out. You are on my target list for a PB next year!!!!!
Inspiration to lose weight - again all the photos of me are FAT photos. Ugh
Inspiration for me to train - seriously how can I expect to race well if I don't train well?
Inspiration for me to cross train - being on the sidelines gave me time to think how much I want to be out there. For me right now and I suspect for some time, I need to do things other than running to get my race strength, weight and mental capacity where it needs to be. I'm suffering a low runners confidence with my running. Nothing boosts that better than feeling strong and having a good run.
All in all I need to do a plan. Working on that now and really looking forward to the months ahead!!!
Warwick was the worst preparation I have ever had for a race. Hilarious and if it wasn't Warwick I don't think I would have even turned up! I love this event and I love this weekend away - its fun, friends and frantic all rolled into one.
The week leading up to Warwick Weekend I had started at the gym through a work get fit program. I did a weights session on Wednesday and strained my Gluteus Maximus muscle. It would have been quite funny - having a pain in the ass...except it was hurting. I'll try not to let the guys egg me on to 100kg leg press's next time!
I had a few days off (wow thats new to me..NOT) and hoped for the best. Friday came and I realised I hadn't packed. PANIC! Okay I just went into work an hour late but was all sorted. When the afternoon came I was not feeling like I had much energy. I picked up Billy and headed home to get my suitcase I had left at home. I think that was the third trip home I made between 3-4.3pm! I went back when I realised I left my phone, then back after being 20km down the track when I recalled my race kit on the line...arrggggh not looking good.
Finally got to Warwick for 6pm. I was homing in with Gooner but had a call that afternoon to advise me my regular family room was waiting for me. GREAT. I had not booked ahead as I wasn't sure what my plans were so assumed I didn't have a room. Things were starting to look up!
We got there and headed across to the pub to say hello to everyone. Billy got hyped up so we then went back to the room and had some dinner there. Pikelets for me. Red Rooster for Billy.
Had lots of visitors and got to catch up with everyone from the comfort of my bed - in my PJ's awesome!
4am came and I was up. Yes I was racing today - I must be as I was feeling ill and nervous. Endless trips to the toilet made me think I was never going to be able to leave the hotel room. Unfortunately Billy had already decided to go see 'his friends' so I had to leave to go find him.
It was cold but no where near as cold as I anticipated. I was ready. I could do this. Just relax and enjoy the run. Having not trained meant I had no expectations of a time - so the pressure was of me in that regard.
My garmin died about 5 mins from the start. I gave it to Gooner but he could not get working. Toeing the start line and doing all the obligatory photos I realised I did not have my shoe tag (making me ineligible). Doing awesome so far! Gooner raced to the hotel and went into my bag (noooooo) to find it.
The race started with me not knowing where my son was, no official shoe tag/timer and a corrupt garmin watch. Did I mention I had no gu or other race supplement due to lack of forethought. Race from hell!!
I got my shoe tag at the 3km mark from Gooner. He also handed my gamin back - had manged to do a hard reset and get it working for me. My ipod was not working - despite me fully charging the night before. So at 4km I threw it in disgust on the road and hit the garmin to start the race from there.
About one mile along I realised I was going to be running in miles today. FML. I think I actually started enjoying the run here. It was going up the first big hill and I was laughing silly as I had to pull over and tie up my shoelace - that I had left loose to put on the shoe tag. My shoe tag was now firmly stuck in my bra getting sweaty.
The run itself was awesome. I was having fun and laughing. Most thought I was just crazy. The km markers flew by - I could not believe how quickly they were coming/going. I had found a friend to play leap frog with and just persisted with that.
I saw Gooner with Billy (my son) a few times. The last time Billy did not look well and was not interested in me at all. He was pale and I asked after him when I ran past but Gooner was waving me on. Earlier on in the race Billy had been blowing a trumpet and cheering loudly as he drove past at several points. The pressure was on now to finish and get to my boy. I started running - hard. It may have only been a 10-sec per km improvement but I actually felt like I was truly racing now. I was trying to beat the clock to get home. In no particular time but to finish the last 4 km in as fast as I could. I know they were my fastest km without looking at a watch.
When I finished I puzzled everyone by holding my shoe tag in my hand and bending over as I crossed to make sure it timed correctly so I would be 'qualified' as having run. Then I rushed straight over to my son. He was not well at all. Sweating badly. As soon as we got him in the car he projectile vomited all over Tesso and Gooner and myself.
Seriously the funniest thing ever!!!
Once he got that out of his system he was fine. Was back to himself that afternoon and running around cheering on the next few races.
I never felt bad - my gut and legs held up remarkably for the whole race. No toilet stops, no pain. Even the next day I felt great.
Now I just want to go back and do it all again!!!!! 2013 watch out. You are on my target list for a PB next year!!!!!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
I'm Not Complaining..honestly I'm Not!
I just wish I didn't have to 'come back' everytime I ease off the speed work. As I get older, fatter and slower the comebacks to include speed in my training just gets harder.
Today was just painful. Actually it wasn't, I refused to run fast. But that mental battle hurt. I don't like telling myself to take it easy.
It was only a 12km mid week run. I have a race on Saturday so knew I wasnt going to bust a gut. Still everyone was out running 4:50 pace and I decided 'no fuck you very much'. I ran around 5min pace and then after the halfway point decided to run alongside Robbie and dropped the pace even further. The last three km though I picked up and was running anywhere from 4:45 - 4:30. It was quick and I was feeling great but it wasn't easy like it should have been.
I noticed my breathing was all over the place so I'm guessing I am run down in general with the whole house being sick lately.
I had someone very unexpectedly remind me this morning that when we push through this feeling of crap running/energy levels...thats when we make the best progress and see results. It was good to hear it again.
Today was just painful. Actually it wasn't, I refused to run fast. But that mental battle hurt. I don't like telling myself to take it easy.
It was only a 12km mid week run. I have a race on Saturday so knew I wasnt going to bust a gut. Still everyone was out running 4:50 pace and I decided 'no fuck you very much'. I ran around 5min pace and then after the halfway point decided to run alongside Robbie and dropped the pace even further. The last three km though I picked up and was running anywhere from 4:45 - 4:30. It was quick and I was feeling great but it wasn't easy like it should have been.
I noticed my breathing was all over the place so I'm guessing I am run down in general with the whole house being sick lately.
I had someone very unexpectedly remind me this morning that when we push through this feeling of crap running/energy levels...thats when we make the best progress and see results. It was good to hear it again.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Just like living in Paradise...
....and I don't want to go home.
Thats how I feel every time I run Cootha. Doesn't matter if I am on my own or with a buddy. It's just a good feeling to challenge the body and make it up that hill. The quick stop for water lets you catch your breath and prepare yourself for the onslaught of the undulations! Love it.
I wish hills were kind to your body and I could do them everyday!
Thats how I feel every time I run Cootha. Doesn't matter if I am on my own or with a buddy. It's just a good feeling to challenge the body and make it up that hill. The quick stop for water lets you catch your breath and prepare yourself for the onslaught of the undulations! Love it.
I wish hills were kind to your body and I could do them everyday!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Monday Morning
We needed a rest day. We wanted a run day.
We ran!
I laugh now because in the carpark at Cootha in the dark cold morning we moaned about how slow we were going to be - both of us vying for an award for the slowest lap. Tess was talking about walking the hill. I was talking about driving in the car!!!! In the end we got going and before you knew it we were back at the car after finishing the 9.6km hilly loop in just on 50mins. It was a great run - especially considering we were dawdling up the hill for the first 3km.
Once we had a bit of water at the top we just took off and it is the fastest (not in time perhaps) we have gone from the water stop to the Summit. It just felt like we did one undulation and we were there. I guess we were busy talking about our next run.....
After the run we were on a high and had that epiphany (as you do) about how glad we were that we managed to get out of bed (and then our cars) to do the run.
Its not always what you feel like doing...but that feeling when you get it done....SENSATIONAL!
Watching the amazing sunrise it is so easy to believe this is the perfect life. Friends. Running and a beautiful city.
GOOD MORNING BRISBANE!!!
We ran!
I laugh now because in the carpark at Cootha in the dark cold morning we moaned about how slow we were going to be - both of us vying for an award for the slowest lap. Tess was talking about walking the hill. I was talking about driving in the car!!!! In the end we got going and before you knew it we were back at the car after finishing the 9.6km hilly loop in just on 50mins. It was a great run - especially considering we were dawdling up the hill for the first 3km.
Once we had a bit of water at the top we just took off and it is the fastest (not in time perhaps) we have gone from the water stop to the Summit. It just felt like we did one undulation and we were there. I guess we were busy talking about our next run.....
After the run we were on a high and had that epiphany (as you do) about how glad we were that we managed to get out of bed (and then our cars) to do the run.
Its not always what you feel like doing...but that feeling when you get it done....SENSATIONAL!
Watching the amazing sunrise it is so easy to believe this is the perfect life. Friends. Running and a beautiful city.
GOOD MORNING BRISBANE!!!
Friday, May 11, 2012
One Day at a Time
I'm still here.
Just cruising along and trying to maintain 5 days a week of running for the rest of the month.
I have plans for June which I will detail later here.
July - Commence Marathon Training. Long runs this month will start at 25km and progressively get longer.
July - Long Runs every weekend of 27-30km
August - Long runs every weekend of 35km alternating with 30km - practicing all fueling and clothing
Sept - Long runs every weekend of 35km+ no fuel except last long run will be trial marathon
Oct - Taper after first week and focus on speed. Align my life to the time zone as best I can.
As you can see my training will focus around the long runs. The other key things I aim to do are:
Strengthening - three times a week
Mid Week long run - 20km without fail and regardless of long run length
One speed session and one hill session each week from July onwards.
Apart from that it will be about trying to hold it all together and get through my full time job, home life and the travelling.
I think the travel over to USA will be what hits me the most. I get so excited about these things and my energy will just overload. Fortunately I am building myself up to not expect any great time, just a great race!!!!
Right now, I'm still here....just plodding on through May because I don't want to waste my life wishingt for the next big event to hurry along and I'm quite enjoying no pressure on any weekly mileage or times. That will come soon enough.
Just cruising along and trying to maintain 5 days a week of running for the rest of the month.
I have plans for June which I will detail later here.
July - Commence Marathon Training. Long runs this month will start at 25km and progressively get longer.
July - Long Runs every weekend of 27-30km
August - Long runs every weekend of 35km alternating with 30km - practicing all fueling and clothing
Sept - Long runs every weekend of 35km+ no fuel except last long run will be trial marathon
Oct - Taper after first week and focus on speed. Align my life to the time zone as best I can.
As you can see my training will focus around the long runs. The other key things I aim to do are:
Strengthening - three times a week
Mid Week long run - 20km without fail and regardless of long run length
One speed session and one hill session each week from July onwards.
Apart from that it will be about trying to hold it all together and get through my full time job, home life and the travelling.
I think the travel over to USA will be what hits me the most. I get so excited about these things and my energy will just overload. Fortunately I am building myself up to not expect any great time, just a great race!!!!
Right now, I'm still here....just plodding on through May because I don't want to waste my life wishingt for the next big event to hurry along and I'm quite enjoying no pressure on any weekly mileage or times. That will come soon enough.
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
Some Light in the tunnel
It's amazing how a decent run can really help you put things into perspective.
I didn't get out at all on the weekend and actually went a bit stir crazy, it didn't help that it peltered down with miserable rain the WHOLE DAY!! Its understandable when you are injured or in taper/ recovery mode. When it's just because you don't have a babysitter it is REALLY FRUSTRATING. So after taking it out on myself and drowning in a bottle of wine Saturday night I decided Sunday morning my life is not going to be like this. Mentally....I turned a corner. I just have to be happy to run when I can and enjoy life in other ways when I can't.
I was not able to get to Pats for his 3Km time trial this morning, which was devastating but you know what - its NOT the end of the world. I got out of bed at 4.30am and went for a run. I came home 18.5km later and happy that I had made the effort and was still able to get Billy to daycare on time. I'm sure my boss will not appreciate me falling asleep at my desk at 3pm this arvo but...I'll be happy :) Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk.
I'm enjoying running on my own around my neighbourhood and doing the Mt Coothas though it will be great when the buddy contingent are back and in training for the next big race. At least it gives me someone to chase.
Some new shoes I picked up in Perth seem to be doing the trick and I even got Toasty to get me another pair from USA when he was there. So now it's just a matter of settling down and doing some base building for New York.
WOOOOHOOOOO only 26 weeks and 5 sleeps. Technically 6 months this week till the NYM on 4th November.
I didn't get out at all on the weekend and actually went a bit stir crazy, it didn't help that it peltered down with miserable rain the WHOLE DAY!! Its understandable when you are injured or in taper/ recovery mode. When it's just because you don't have a babysitter it is REALLY FRUSTRATING. So after taking it out on myself and drowning in a bottle of wine Saturday night I decided Sunday morning my life is not going to be like this. Mentally....I turned a corner. I just have to be happy to run when I can and enjoy life in other ways when I can't.
I was not able to get to Pats for his 3Km time trial this morning, which was devastating but you know what - its NOT the end of the world. I got out of bed at 4.30am and went for a run. I came home 18.5km later and happy that I had made the effort and was still able to get Billy to daycare on time. I'm sure my boss will not appreciate me falling asleep at my desk at 3pm this arvo but...I'll be happy :) Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk.
I'm enjoying running on my own around my neighbourhood and doing the Mt Coothas though it will be great when the buddy contingent are back and in training for the next big race. At least it gives me someone to chase.
Some new shoes I picked up in Perth seem to be doing the trick and I even got Toasty to get me another pair from USA when he was there. So now it's just a matter of settling down and doing some base building for New York.
WOOOOHOOOOO only 26 weeks and 5 sleeps. Technically 6 months this week till the NYM on 4th November.
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