Felt great yesterday. Got up went to Pat's session. It was supposed to be just an easy run - after the Gold Coast marathon. Though I forgot it was only an easy run for those who are used to doing 60mins of speed work on a Tuesday morning.
Started out with a steady paced warm up with Langy. Was good to run and talk to someone (whenever I try to talk to the person on the tready next to me at the gym I get THE LOOK) with a love of running and an understanding of why we were all willing to give up our warm beds.
At the turn around those who hadn't done any races on the weekend (excuses everyone now please...) did 8 x 1min and the rest of us just kept on running at a steady pace. At just after 4km we turned around and headed home.
Pat joined up with me with 2km to go. He started chatting and before I knew it he was increasing the pace and I was struggling to keep up with him. But I did.
Got to the top of the bridge and he sprinted off....dammit how does he do that? I was left to finish the run puffing and panting like I had just run a 10km race. So sad.
Today I took it easy and ran for 20mins with an incline of 2 on the tready - nothing serious but I felt a bit of niggle.
Then tonight at the physio I was told I had lost 20% of movement capacity in my left leg. When I did the two stretches on video and he played it back I could see how I could not get anywhere near the stretch I could do in my right leg. Also the left leg (one with ITB for those who live on another planet) could not bend when I layed on my stomach on the bed very well. So strange. So back to more stretches and strategic exercises. Good thing is I can keep on with ramping up my running. I guess I just need to be more aware of my body without becoming a hypochondriac!!
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Friday, July 01, 2005
Getting Close Now....
It is so very exciting seeing everyone getting nervous for the GC events. I am almost glad (not really) that I am not running so I can enjoy the atmosphere without my shocking nerves getting to me.
Great to hear Marty has caught the boat to come on down (or plane to be precise).
Hope you all say hello when you see me. I'll be at the Pacing stand at the expo handing out balloons or screaming at runners on the side of the road :)
SEE YOU ALL IN TWO SLEEPS.
Great to hear Marty has caught the boat to come on down (or plane to be precise).
Hope you all say hello when you see me. I'll be at the Pacing stand at the expo handing out balloons or screaming at runners on the side of the road :)
SEE YOU ALL IN TWO SLEEPS.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Walking Again
After my run on Sunday, Pats session yesterday and taking the intraining running group out tonight with Tesso I thought this morning should be just a walk.
Got on the treadmill and to compensate for not running put the pace to 7km/hr with the elevation up as high as it would go. Almost like walking vertically!
Did 15mins then headed over to the weights for 60mins and then spent extra long on the stretches and cooldown.
Feel very good now. mmm maybe I could do the full marathon on Sunday?
Got on the treadmill and to compensate for not running put the pace to 7km/hr with the elevation up as high as it would go. Almost like walking vertically!
Did 15mins then headed over to the weights for 60mins and then spent extra long on the stretches and cooldown.
Feel very good now. mmm maybe I could do the full marathon on Sunday?
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Sucker!
What a great morning.
Turned up to Pat's group and it was so fab to just see everyone and be with my running friends again.
Saw Wayne - who has been off with ITB as well so I took off after him and we did the warm up together discussing the best stretches, techniques and cures for our injuries. Both of us are coming back - slowly - still a few niggles but nothing to write home about.
After the warm up it was a 3 or 4km at race pace in preparation for most of the group who are doing one run or another at Gold Coast. Tesso was running at 4:50/km so I thought this would be easy to run with her. By the third km I was glad of the chance to stop. I didn't mind the rain or the cold, but for some reason that pace felt faster than it did a few months ago - a sure sign I have lost a lot of speed.
Naturally Tesso went on to do the 4th km whilst I cheered everyone on to their finish. She is going to do well this weekend I am sure but better not jinx her again!
The best news was when I finished Pat asked if I would work for him on Sunday. I get a pass into the finishing area etc and am now his Official Photographer for all the pacing groups. As well as that I need to hand out all the balloons etc at the stand on the day so I am chuffed - I am sure to meet up with all my fellow CRs along the way and it will make me feel more productive than just standing on the sidelines and yelling - though I am sure I will still be doing a fair bit of that!
GO TESSO GO
GO TESSO GO
GO TESSO GO
Turned up to Pat's group and it was so fab to just see everyone and be with my running friends again.
Saw Wayne - who has been off with ITB as well so I took off after him and we did the warm up together discussing the best stretches, techniques and cures for our injuries. Both of us are coming back - slowly - still a few niggles but nothing to write home about.
After the warm up it was a 3 or 4km at race pace in preparation for most of the group who are doing one run or another at Gold Coast. Tesso was running at 4:50/km so I thought this would be easy to run with her. By the third km I was glad of the chance to stop. I didn't mind the rain or the cold, but for some reason that pace felt faster than it did a few months ago - a sure sign I have lost a lot of speed.
Naturally Tesso went on to do the 4th km whilst I cheered everyone on to their finish. She is going to do well this weekend I am sure but better not jinx her again!
The best news was when I finished Pat asked if I would work for him on Sunday. I get a pass into the finishing area etc and am now his Official Photographer for all the pacing groups. As well as that I need to hand out all the balloons etc at the stand on the day so I am chuffed - I am sure to meet up with all my fellow CRs along the way and it will make me feel more productive than just standing on the sidelines and yelling - though I am sure I will still be doing a fair bit of that!
GO TESSO GO
GO TESSO GO
GO TESSO GO
Sunday, June 26, 2005
She's A Runner
Braved the cold this morning and turned up to BRRC 5Km run this morning.
Did a few laps on the grassy oval with Karisma and Skizzik to warm up then Tesso (who had been running a much longer warm up) joined us and we all headed off together.
It was a great run, felt really comfortable to be able to just turn the legs over and talk with the girls.
Skizzik was amazing when we came near the finish and she just bolted off. Went over the finish line about 5 seconds in front of us - fantastic effort!
Hopefully the leg will rest and heal for the rest of the day and will still be in good nick for running on Tuesday with Pat's session.
Did a few laps on the grassy oval with Karisma and Skizzik to warm up then Tesso (who had been running a much longer warm up) joined us and we all headed off together.
It was a great run, felt really comfortable to be able to just turn the legs over and talk with the girls.
Skizzik was amazing when we came near the finish and she just bolted off. Went over the finish line about 5 seconds in front of us - fantastic effort!
Hopefully the leg will rest and heal for the rest of the day and will still be in good nick for running on Tuesday with Pat's session.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
I feel bloody fantastic!
Got up this morning, went to the Gym and was very ho hum about it all. Then after running 4km and feeling F*$&ing fabulous I spent the next 90mins working on the weights and finally doing some stretches.
My body is really responding to the low impact weight session - though I wish I had muscles...but I certainly do feel stronger.
To top it all off for breakfast I got one of the Gym Junkie smoothies from Boost. Yummo.
Now off to relax (that means housework) and spend some time with the kids (that means vocal exercises or yelling).
Don't you just love being healthy?
My body is really responding to the low impact weight session - though I wish I had muscles...but I certainly do feel stronger.
To top it all off for breakfast I got one of the Gym Junkie smoothies from Boost. Yummo.
Now off to relax (that means housework) and spend some time with the kids (that means vocal exercises or yelling).
Don't you just love being healthy?
Friday, June 24, 2005
KNEE DIAGNOSIS
In response to RunDaves comments I thought I should post what went on with the non-ITB knee that was blown up.
It was put down to being a Popliteal Cyst (commonly referred to as a Bakers Cyst).
Nasty accumulation of fluid behind the knee which then results in swelling and limited range of movement in the knee - oh and pain!
Causes can be overuse, sudden knock or twist, knee cartiliage damage etc. Doc has assumed that it was so sudden that my recent long driving history (up and down the coast) with cruise control was a contributor and then to hop into bed and perhaps sleep with that leg bent - assisting with the build up of fluid.
So lots of ice, anti-inflammatories, rest and a compression bandage all led to it disappearing within 48-72hrs of first coming up.
It was put down to being a Popliteal Cyst (commonly referred to as a Bakers Cyst).
Nasty accumulation of fluid behind the knee which then results in swelling and limited range of movement in the knee - oh and pain!
Causes can be overuse, sudden knock or twist, knee cartiliage damage etc. Doc has assumed that it was so sudden that my recent long driving history (up and down the coast) with cruise control was a contributor and then to hop into bed and perhaps sleep with that leg bent - assisting with the build up of fluid.
So lots of ice, anti-inflammatories, rest and a compression bandage all led to it disappearing within 48-72hrs of first coming up.
Annual Update
Okay so it hasn't quite been a year since last posting - but it feels like it.
Lately I have been doing daily sessions at the gym (amazing how comfortable you can get stripping off in a room full of women and strolling to the showers...). It has been so much fun but all the while I have been really missing my running and my running buddies.
Did an hour on Wednesday night when Tesso and I looked after the Intraining group. We haven't had any men turn up for a few weeks so think we have totally scared them off. Don't think they liked seeing women run faster than them!
I finished up Wednesday feeling great and no pain or niggles. I went home smiling away.
Yesterday I followed that up with just a fast walk on the tready before doing a 90min session on the weights - can someone tell me - when do I get stronger??? I thought muscles would come overnight. Maybe it is a good thing that I am able to run again.
Will be doing the 5km race at Brisbane Road Runners this Sunday. Should be fun, though I won't be breaking any records!
Lately I have been doing daily sessions at the gym (amazing how comfortable you can get stripping off in a room full of women and strolling to the showers...). It has been so much fun but all the while I have been really missing my running and my running buddies.
Did an hour on Wednesday night when Tesso and I looked after the Intraining group. We haven't had any men turn up for a few weeks so think we have totally scared them off. Don't think they liked seeing women run faster than them!
I finished up Wednesday feeling great and no pain or niggles. I went home smiling away.
Yesterday I followed that up with just a fast walk on the tready before doing a 90min session on the weights - can someone tell me - when do I get stronger??? I thought muscles would come overnight. Maybe it is a good thing that I am able to run again.
Will be doing the 5km race at Brisbane Road Runners this Sunday. Should be fun, though I won't be breaking any records!
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
SLAP IN THE FACE
Had a crap day. Started out with a still swollen leg. Not so scary but for some reason more painful today.
Doctor advised my knee had pinched something and in my sleep or over time (driving long periods etc) the pinch had caused a great deal of inflammation - hence the swelling. He gave me some more medication, put a compression bandage on the leg and said to keep it elevated and ice it regularly.
If it doesn't go down or flares back up I will need further testing for an internal bleed or infection. But that is unlikely as it has started to recede already with the compression bandage. But man it is hurting.
Then I raced home to pick up Allan and found my Gold Coast Half Marathon Race Number in the mail. What a slap! I looked at my sorry legs and cracked a wobbly.
Al then put me in the car and we went out to the movies - oooh Gold Class. Saw Star Wars. Alot of other runners were there (it was a running movie night courtesy of intraining) and it was a good night out. We ordered so much food and I felt sick from all the maltesers I struggled to eat (yeah right).
The day ended well so I am hoping tomorrow will start well.
heh - maybe the Gold Coast 10km might still be feasible?
Doctor advised my knee had pinched something and in my sleep or over time (driving long periods etc) the pinch had caused a great deal of inflammation - hence the swelling. He gave me some more medication, put a compression bandage on the leg and said to keep it elevated and ice it regularly.
If it doesn't go down or flares back up I will need further testing for an internal bleed or infection. But that is unlikely as it has started to recede already with the compression bandage. But man it is hurting.
Then I raced home to pick up Allan and found my Gold Coast Half Marathon Race Number in the mail. What a slap! I looked at my sorry legs and cracked a wobbly.
Al then put me in the car and we went out to the movies - oooh Gold Class. Saw Star Wars. Alot of other runners were there (it was a running movie night courtesy of intraining) and it was a good night out. We ordered so much food and I felt sick from all the maltesers I struggled to eat (yeah right).
The day ended well so I am hoping tomorrow will start well.
heh - maybe the Gold Coast 10km might still be feasible?
ELEPHANITIS LEG
Oh what on earth has happened to me?
I woke up yesterday morning with a fat leg!
I was laying in bed and hubby said the kids were waiting for me to get up (I had been out to the Rugby Presentation dinner and got home about 1am so had slept in till 8am) then he looked at me and said "what are you doing?" I told him I was trying to straighten my leg and I couldn't. He took the covers off and looked at my leg and was shocked. It was like a tree trunk. You could not even tell where the knee was. I jumped up (um proberly the wrong thing to do) and ran to mirror. I'm talking ugly leg here.....
I am on my way now to Dr. Paul McConnell (sports dr) to see what it is. It went down a bit yesterday with icing and NSAID's but I can't drive properly and can't bend or straighten it without pain. The swelling just looks like someone has pumped the kneecap with 2litres of water. The rest of the leg seems okay now.
Anyone got any ideas what happened? BTW - this is not my sore leg with ITB.....
I woke up yesterday morning with a fat leg!
I was laying in bed and hubby said the kids were waiting for me to get up (I had been out to the Rugby Presentation dinner and got home about 1am so had slept in till 8am) then he looked at me and said "what are you doing?" I told him I was trying to straighten my leg and I couldn't. He took the covers off and looked at my leg and was shocked. It was like a tree trunk. You could not even tell where the knee was. I jumped up (um proberly the wrong thing to do) and ran to mirror. I'm talking ugly leg here.....
I am on my way now to Dr. Paul McConnell (sports dr) to see what it is. It went down a bit yesterday with icing and NSAID's but I can't drive properly and can't bend or straighten it without pain. The swelling just looks like someone has pumped the kneecap with 2litres of water. The rest of the leg seems okay now.
Anyone got any ideas what happened? BTW - this is not my sore leg with ITB.....
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Prep for Endurance Session
Got dropped off at the local gym this morning by my hubby who was on his way to do a round trip up to Mooloolaba. So I had about three/four hours I had to fill in.
I planned to run for 12km but got really shitty that my leg started flaring up at 5km so I pulled up then and called it a day.
Headed over to the weights area and made up for my lack of running by pumping iron for 2 hrs. Man I was so exhausted afterwards. Could hardly lift the soap in the shower to wash myself my arms were that sore.
I walked out of the gym (in Indooropilly Shops) and got a coffee from Gloria Jeans. It was like magic syrup. I felt so good after drinking it. Hit a few shops before hubby phoned to say he was in the carpark.
After a few hours more at the shops and home we headed off to Punter Matts birthday. Now that was one training event I was not going to miss. If there is one thing my broken body still knows how to do - it's party.
I planned to run for 12km but got really shitty that my leg started flaring up at 5km so I pulled up then and called it a day.
Headed over to the weights area and made up for my lack of running by pumping iron for 2 hrs. Man I was so exhausted afterwards. Could hardly lift the soap in the shower to wash myself my arms were that sore.
I walked out of the gym (in Indooropilly Shops) and got a coffee from Gloria Jeans. It was like magic syrup. I felt so good after drinking it. Hit a few shops before hubby phoned to say he was in the carpark.
After a few hours more at the shops and home we headed off to Punter Matts birthday. Now that was one training event I was not going to miss. If there is one thing my broken body still knows how to do - it's party.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Racing Session
To try and make things a little different at the Gym (its not like running on the treadmill you can just change the route...) my friend (male) and I decided to race each other side by side. First one to 4km. Had to do 5min warm up, then 5 min at whatever pace (I choose 5min/km pace to be safe) then we had to run hard for 3mins (choose 4min/km pace) then easy for 5 mins (5min/km) then hard for 3 mins (4km/hr again). Then whatever speed was required to get to the 4km mark.
I won. Thats all you really need to read here..... :)
Following that session - total 25mins including the cooldown I did an hour on the weights. Went really hard today and am feeling tired all over. My arms don't want to type, my legs don't want to walk but my brain is alive and kicking and is thinking of how poppy seeds are extracted from poppy flowers and cleaned so we can eat them....and weird things like that.
All in all it was one of those magical mornings that last with you through the day with the feeling that you put in some honest efforts. I feel good, the leg is a bit achy but will get some loving treatment at home tonight to make up for it.
Have a great weekend everyone. Not sure if I will be legible to type here again til Tuesday as Puntermatt has his big 30th tomorrow and I am planning an endurance session!!!
I won. Thats all you really need to read here..... :)
Following that session - total 25mins including the cooldown I did an hour on the weights. Went really hard today and am feeling tired all over. My arms don't want to type, my legs don't want to walk but my brain is alive and kicking and is thinking of how poppy seeds are extracted from poppy flowers and cleaned so we can eat them....and weird things like that.
All in all it was one of those magical mornings that last with you through the day with the feeling that you put in some honest efforts. I feel good, the leg is a bit achy but will get some loving treatment at home tonight to make up for it.
Have a great weekend everyone. Not sure if I will be legible to type here again til Tuesday as Puntermatt has his big 30th tomorrow and I am planning an endurance session!!!
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
A Run....a Proper Run
Woo Hoo...
Turned up today for Pat's speed session very apprehensive. After not doing any run for more than 30mins for the past few weeks and certainly not doing any speedwork - it was nerveracking to see how the leg would hold up.
At the beginning I felt a few clicks but after stretching and doing some strides I didn't feel it again until now - sitting at my desk.
A great session that really showed how much speed I have lost. 1min fast, 1min slow, 30sec fast, 30sec slow, 15sec sprint, 15 sec slow then repeat four times.
The 15min fartlek session ended with a 300m sprint to the end. I was feeling alive again. I didn't care that Tesso and all my buddies were like way in front and doing so well. I was running - painfree.
Tesso you are truly beyond definition. A long 3hr+ run on Saturday, a 10km PB on Sunday, followed by a week of heavy speed sessions (in which you blitz and put us all to shame). I nominate you Most Inspiring Runner of 2005 (after you go for that drug test). :)
Got back to the Ship Inn and shared the love with everyone before hitting the showers. My leg is noticeable now but I am sitting here with ice on it so tonight will be the decider. I expected some aching today - not just from the run but because I rolled it so much yesterday at the gym and again last night. It hardly hurts when I do it anymore but I know it is doing good so I will keep rolling, stretching and icing. Might put a touch of voltaren on it tonight after the ice....
Injuries aside, damn it was good to run today in the outdoors. I am feeling so much alive right now, still grinning!
Turned up today for Pat's speed session very apprehensive. After not doing any run for more than 30mins for the past few weeks and certainly not doing any speedwork - it was nerveracking to see how the leg would hold up.
At the beginning I felt a few clicks but after stretching and doing some strides I didn't feel it again until now - sitting at my desk.
A great session that really showed how much speed I have lost. 1min fast, 1min slow, 30sec fast, 30sec slow, 15sec sprint, 15 sec slow then repeat four times.
The 15min fartlek session ended with a 300m sprint to the end. I was feeling alive again. I didn't care that Tesso and all my buddies were like way in front and doing so well. I was running - painfree.
Tesso you are truly beyond definition. A long 3hr+ run on Saturday, a 10km PB on Sunday, followed by a week of heavy speed sessions (in which you blitz and put us all to shame). I nominate you Most Inspiring Runner of 2005 (after you go for that drug test). :)
Got back to the Ship Inn and shared the love with everyone before hitting the showers. My leg is noticeable now but I am sitting here with ice on it so tonight will be the decider. I expected some aching today - not just from the run but because I rolled it so much yesterday at the gym and again last night. It hardly hurts when I do it anymore but I know it is doing good so I will keep rolling, stretching and icing. Might put a touch of voltaren on it tonight after the ice....
Injuries aside, damn it was good to run today in the outdoors. I am feeling so much alive right now, still grinning!
Monday, June 06, 2005
Gym Girl
Up at the gym this morning. Was very tired and hard to wake up.
Did 20mins of running at 4:45pace. Up'd the rate to 4min/km just as the guy next to me got on. I only did it for a few mins to burst the heart rate but he was pretty impressed so maybe he assumed I had just done all 20mins at that pace ha ha
Was pretty boring today. Best exercise today was the calves. I managed to press 40kg on the calf machine so they are certainly benefitting from the strengthing gym equipment.
Did 20mins of running at 4:45pace. Up'd the rate to 4min/km just as the guy next to me got on. I only did it for a few mins to burst the heart rate but he was pretty impressed so maybe he assumed I had just done all 20mins at that pace ha ha
Was pretty boring today. Best exercise today was the calves. I managed to press 40kg on the calf machine so they are certainly benefitting from the strengthing gym equipment.
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Saturday Long Session
I got to the Gym just at Tesso would have been finishing up her 3hr long run this morning.
Did a 30min warm up on the treadmill. It was great to be running and sweating again. Did 10mins at 4:45 pace then did a 10min session with 1min on 4min pace, then 1min on 5min pace and kept repeating this cycle. Got the heart rate up without being too strenuous to make me need a break.
The last 10mins I played around a bit with the hills but reduced the pace. I'm told this is really good for the ITB.
Went into the weights area. I was the only girl there (but before I was finished some more turned up). There were loads of girls in the spinning class though - very popular. Note to self: Will have to do one with Tesso next week.
Did 90min session starting with lighter weights and moving up to doing the same exercises but with heavier weights. It felt so good and I didn't want to go home but after being away for more than 2hours thought I had better get home to the kids.
There was an obese man at the gym who had obviously lost a great deal of weight but had a bit more to go. I was proud of him working out there. I can't believe he was doing ab's on 80kg and chest pressing 60kg!!! I felt so weak taking over the equipment after him and having to move all the pins to much much less weight.
But I am happy to say I can press 40kg now with the adbuctors so my legs are getting stronger in just a few short weeks. My arms are still like cooked spaghetti - all wobbly and skinny but hopefully they will gain some strength in the coming months.
Never has a hot shower felt so damn good and deserving!
Did a 30min warm up on the treadmill. It was great to be running and sweating again. Did 10mins at 4:45 pace then did a 10min session with 1min on 4min pace, then 1min on 5min pace and kept repeating this cycle. Got the heart rate up without being too strenuous to make me need a break.
The last 10mins I played around a bit with the hills but reduced the pace. I'm told this is really good for the ITB.
Went into the weights area. I was the only girl there (but before I was finished some more turned up). There were loads of girls in the spinning class though - very popular. Note to self: Will have to do one with Tesso next week.
Did 90min session starting with lighter weights and moving up to doing the same exercises but with heavier weights. It felt so good and I didn't want to go home but after being away for more than 2hours thought I had better get home to the kids.
There was an obese man at the gym who had obviously lost a great deal of weight but had a bit more to go. I was proud of him working out there. I can't believe he was doing ab's on 80kg and chest pressing 60kg!!! I felt so weak taking over the equipment after him and having to move all the pins to much much less weight.
But I am happy to say I can press 40kg now with the adbuctors so my legs are getting stronger in just a few short weeks. My arms are still like cooked spaghetti - all wobbly and skinny but hopefully they will gain some strength in the coming months.
Never has a hot shower felt so damn good and deserving!
Friday, June 03, 2005
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Gym Junkie
It is official. I am addicted to the Gym...now that didn't take long did it?
Been there everyday this week for about 90-120mins so will be having tomorrow off before a big session on Saturday. At least then I can say I don't go everyday!!
I hear that tell you to go away anyhow if you keep going all the time.
Best thing is I strut around that bathroom better than any of them now. Though I hereby promise to never stand in front of the mirrors blowdrying my hair (okay so my hair doesn't even know what a blowdryer is....) whilst wearing just a g string. Can't believe the exhibitionists that do that - everyday!
Did lots of reps this morning and even went back to the Chest press to do a second round. *gasp* They make me feel strong. (Think Zena Princess Warrior!!) The abductor machines are my favourite. It is just sitting in the chair and moving your legs...open/shut open/shut. I can do more than a lot of the blokes on that machine. Maybe I'll end up like that woman on James Bond with her iron thighs!!!
Seriously it helps with the ITB heaps too as it is building up the TFL and other linking abductor muscles.
Off to celebrate painfreeness with some red wine......ciao
Been there everyday this week for about 90-120mins so will be having tomorrow off before a big session on Saturday. At least then I can say I don't go everyday!!
I hear that tell you to go away anyhow if you keep going all the time.
Best thing is I strut around that bathroom better than any of them now. Though I hereby promise to never stand in front of the mirrors blowdrying my hair (okay so my hair doesn't even know what a blowdryer is....) whilst wearing just a g string. Can't believe the exhibitionists that do that - everyday!
Did lots of reps this morning and even went back to the Chest press to do a second round. *gasp* They make me feel strong. (Think Zena Princess Warrior!!) The abductor machines are my favourite. It is just sitting in the chair and moving your legs...open/shut open/shut. I can do more than a lot of the blokes on that machine. Maybe I'll end up like that woman on James Bond with her iron thighs!!!
Seriously it helps with the ITB heaps too as it is building up the TFL and other linking abductor muscles.
Off to celebrate painfreeness with some red wine......ciao
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
A VIP Run
This morning started like so many other mornings lately -with me at the Gym doing a 15-20min run on the treadmill (did 3km this morning) followed by an hour of work on the strength training.
Straight after that I whizzed over to Southbank to catch up on all the goss from the latest Time Trial at Pat's session that was on this am too.
After much chatting and hearing about everyone's PB's or good efforts Tess and I stood around waiting for the official opening of the Brisbane River Run. A measured run with km markings starting at the Ship Inn at Southbank and going around the river.
After a breaky of yoghurt, fruit kebabs, juice and muffins it was a 3km run with Pat Carroll (while all the dignatories watched...) and the Brisbane State School Cross Country Team. It was heaps of fun. Pat cut the 3km run short (as no-one could see us) and we all turned around just after the first 1km marker. I felt good - it meant today I had run 5km with no pain or injuries. Cool.
Bit of a pity that running with all the food in my gut made me sick as afterwards...but ya get that.
Great photo op with all the pollies afterwards - good promotion for Pat and the team from the Gold Coast Marathon who were also there.
See below - Tesso and I with Anna Bligh.
Straight after that I whizzed over to Southbank to catch up on all the goss from the latest Time Trial at Pat's session that was on this am too.
After much chatting and hearing about everyone's PB's or good efforts Tess and I stood around waiting for the official opening of the Brisbane River Run. A measured run with km markings starting at the Ship Inn at Southbank and going around the river.
After a breaky of yoghurt, fruit kebabs, juice and muffins it was a 3km run with Pat Carroll (while all the dignatories watched...) and the Brisbane State School Cross Country Team. It was heaps of fun. Pat cut the 3km run short (as no-one could see us) and we all turned around just after the first 1km marker. I felt good - it meant today I had run 5km with no pain or injuries. Cool.
Bit of a pity that running with all the food in my gut made me sick as afterwards...but ya get that.
Great photo op with all the pollies afterwards - good promotion for Pat and the team from the Gold Coast Marathon who were also there.
See below - Tesso and I with Anna Bligh.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Sucker for Punishment
Back to the Gym this morning.
Felt great to do a 20min warmup - 5mins walking and 15mins running. Even turned the treadmill to 4min pace for the last 5 mins as I was running against my friend. My lungs were busting but the legs felt great to be striding.
I noticed that unlike road running, I had to keep my arms close to me to avoid banging on the machine, so I was really concious of my form the whole time.
Did an hour of weights - both resistance machine and free weights without making an ass of myself. Did that in the locker room when trying to fit all my gear in. Reminder to self - need not bring the kitchen sink to the Gym each time!
I feel really good now and am very happy I have got back into the strength training. Even when I am back running at 100% I hope to keep up a few visits each week.
Had to giggle to myself when I broadmindedly walked naked into the showers and saw the majority of women sneaking their towels and underwear in with them and throwing them over the shower wall to keep dry so they could quickly dress in the basics after showering. I felt like an absolute exhibitionist so the rule is - do whatever you are comfortable with and don't just be a black sheep.....Big thick towel tomorrow is my guess :)
Felt great to do a 20min warmup - 5mins walking and 15mins running. Even turned the treadmill to 4min pace for the last 5 mins as I was running against my friend. My lungs were busting but the legs felt great to be striding.
I noticed that unlike road running, I had to keep my arms close to me to avoid banging on the machine, so I was really concious of my form the whole time.
Did an hour of weights - both resistance machine and free weights without making an ass of myself. Did that in the locker room when trying to fit all my gear in. Reminder to self - need not bring the kitchen sink to the Gym each time!
I feel really good now and am very happy I have got back into the strength training. Even when I am back running at 100% I hope to keep up a few visits each week.
Had to giggle to myself when I broadmindedly walked naked into the showers and saw the majority of women sneaking their towels and underwear in with them and throwing them over the shower wall to keep dry so they could quickly dress in the basics after showering. I felt like an absolute exhibitionist so the rule is - do whatever you are comfortable with and don't just be a black sheep.....Big thick towel tomorrow is my guess :)
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Strength Training
Got to the Gym this morning at 6am. A good friend met with me and we did a warm up on the treadmill.
I walked for 5 mins and then ran for about 6 mins (bliss). I didn't want to push it too much. Then I headed into the gym area where I proceeded to spend the next 60 minutes completely embarressing the female gender.
I was trying to do chest presses on the machine. You put your foot on the pedal at the bottom to bring the side bits forward (to avoid injury) then grab the bars that came forward with your hands and close your hands together - whilst lifting the weights. Well on the first one I realised the weight was on 45kg and there was no way I was going to be able to press that!!! So I put my foot on the bottom pedal to hold the weight whilst I bent down and pulled the pin out to put it onto a lower weight.
Can you picture it now....as soon as the pin came out the weights flew up, my legs (on the pedal) went flying and I fell forward onto the floor. Amusing for everyone I am sure. *groan*
I proceeded to get back into my seat and do 3 x 15 reps before being game enough to move onto another equally challenging task.
After a while I got into the swing of things and just starting to commiserate that I didn't look like all the other gym junkies with their brown oiled buff bodies. Though nowhere did I imagine the pain of the shower room.
Went to my locker and got my gear out and walked to the shower...then had to walk back and put my gear away. All the girls were walking into the showers with nothing. Some didn't even take their towels. So they were going naked into the shower, then coming out and walking through to the lockers with nothing on. Heavens above. Oh well when in rome......
I walked for 5 mins and then ran for about 6 mins (bliss). I didn't want to push it too much. Then I headed into the gym area where I proceeded to spend the next 60 minutes completely embarressing the female gender.
I was trying to do chest presses on the machine. You put your foot on the pedal at the bottom to bring the side bits forward (to avoid injury) then grab the bars that came forward with your hands and close your hands together - whilst lifting the weights. Well on the first one I realised the weight was on 45kg and there was no way I was going to be able to press that!!! So I put my foot on the bottom pedal to hold the weight whilst I bent down and pulled the pin out to put it onto a lower weight.
Can you picture it now....as soon as the pin came out the weights flew up, my legs (on the pedal) went flying and I fell forward onto the floor. Amusing for everyone I am sure. *groan*
I proceeded to get back into my seat and do 3 x 15 reps before being game enough to move onto another equally challenging task.
After a while I got into the swing of things and just starting to commiserate that I didn't look like all the other gym junkies with their brown oiled buff bodies. Though nowhere did I imagine the pain of the shower room.
Went to my locker and got my gear out and walked to the shower...then had to walk back and put my gear away. All the girls were walking into the showers with nothing. Some didn't even take their towels. So they were going naked into the shower, then coming out and walking through to the lockers with nothing on. Heavens above. Oh well when in rome......
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Walk / Run / Walk
Got sick of walking around home and then defying the traffic to get to work. Thought I would go to Southbank and just do my workout there, shower and go to work nearby.
At 6:15 I was powerwalking along the river and lo and behond there is Pat's group stretching after doing their warm up run...well now what a coincidence (NOT!). Got to see all my mates and give Tess a hug before marching off to do another 1km before doing 10x 100m strides increasing in intensity.
The walking is to warm up the body for the strides and also to keep active whilst maintaining the leg (with ITB) in as straight a pose as possible.
After doing the strides I was hot and tired but still had to get back to the car. Turned around and watched the runners in Pat's group come in for their last two efforts of 500m repeats (the last one being a 1km repeat).
Caught up with Tesso again and she jogged slowly alongside whilst I powerwalked back to the start. Got my new winter Pat Carroll shirt from Pat and stretched a bit before hitting the showers.
I did the same exercise/exertion level etc as yesterday but for some reason it seemed that today I finally did something. I think it must be because I saw the group instead of just powering around home.
Did my induction at the Gym today at lunch. Scary stuff that. Got a 60min session tomorrow at 6am for weights/strength training.
At 6:15 I was powerwalking along the river and lo and behond there is Pat's group stretching after doing their warm up run...well now what a coincidence (NOT!). Got to see all my mates and give Tess a hug before marching off to do another 1km before doing 10x 100m strides increasing in intensity.
The walking is to warm up the body for the strides and also to keep active whilst maintaining the leg (with ITB) in as straight a pose as possible.
After doing the strides I was hot and tired but still had to get back to the car. Turned around and watched the runners in Pat's group come in for their last two efforts of 500m repeats (the last one being a 1km repeat).
Caught up with Tesso again and she jogged slowly alongside whilst I powerwalked back to the start. Got my new winter Pat Carroll shirt from Pat and stretched a bit before hitting the showers.
I did the same exercise/exertion level etc as yesterday but for some reason it seemed that today I finally did something. I think it must be because I saw the group instead of just powering around home.
Did my induction at the Gym today at lunch. Scary stuff that. Got a 60min session tomorrow at 6am for weights/strength training.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Tesso's Terrific Triumph
Well done to Tesso and many other fellow CR's/Banjo Players who competed in the Warwick Pentath this weekend.
This is a report of Tesso's weekend:
Well, started off well with the half marathon. Ran alongside Liz N till about the 11k mark or so then sped up just a bit. Its such a magnificent half marathon course, definitely my all time favourite. I just luv the point to point races, and out in the middle of nowhere but you get to run on bitumen!
Anyway, I felt great so just kept on cruisin.
About 20k I caught up to Ciaran who had caught up to Geoff. Geoff went out way fast, Nick only got him at 14k. Ciaran took off and I passed Geoff who was clearly dying, couldn't even run fast down hill by that stage! I was very happy to cross in 1:37.50.
Was feeling okay for the x-country after that (go those coffee beans). It wasn't as hard as last year, I was actually (almost) bounding over the obstacles. With about 300m to go I caught up to Glenno and Georgie! Of course Georgie took off so I passed Glenno to stir him up. It worked and he passed me and then flew past Georgie about 50m from the finish. Tee hee. Did 20.11 for the 4.6k.
The "I don't feel like running again" hit me before the 5k. Just got sick of eating protein bars and white English muffins. I was craving meat! Anyway, the 5k is pretty easy, a double loop with just one hill.
Liz N passed me in this one, I tried to give chase but the legs told me where to go. Though I did get some joy from passing someone with about 300m to go. Found out later he was in the 10 to 12 age group. Did this one in 21.58.
By this stage I was about 8 mins or so up on last year. I worked out that if I didn't die too much on the mountain I'd still come in under 3:30 and was rapt. Also thought that sub 3:25 was a possiblity, if I could just hang in there. We rang Cameron who had threatened to come out and nobble me if I was getting close to his 3:21 record. Figured if I had a really really good day Sunday I might get 3:23.
Felt so sick after dinner Sat night, the only reason I didn't chuck was I was too lazy to get out of bed to go to the bathroom. Only had about 2 hours sleep. I was shot Sunday morning. Oh well, I still thought I'd go sub 3:30, but only just. So the gun goes for the mountain run and I felt like I was running really really hard, but was only doing 4:45s. And this was on the flattish bit leading up to the rise. Also there was a lady in front who I thought might be in my cat, turned out she was in Lizzles. I got her anyway at 4k. The real climb starts about 5k and I kept looking at my watch and calculating my time if I did 7 min kms. Not good. Cameron turned up and was at the start of the hill climb. Anyway, pushed on and on. Caught Ciaran at about 7k I think, then Glenno about 500m later. Then caught Nick at about 8k. Ran beside him for maybe a km but once it flattened out just a bit he got away from me. I forgotten totally about feeling ill and in fact felt great. Just kept visualising Pat's hill sessions. That kept me going. Kept on glancing at the watch and I figured I might do 55mins (did 56.30 last time) but that number got smaller and smaller. Hmmm, 54 maybe. Woooo, 53 ...... perhaps. The last km seemed to go sooooo fast, as its flatter and there's a big downhill to finish. Crossed the line in 52.36!!!!!! Ha, Schultzy was marshalling at the finish, shoulda seen the look on his face when I came in. Tee hee!
So now I was up 12 minutes. I could walk the 1500 and still break 3:30! If I ran okay I'd break 3:20. Cameron wasn't impressed. His 3:21 had gone!!!! I wasn't at all nervous now lining up for this one. Lizzle and I had showered and changed (yet again) and that makes such a difference. Took off and MJ and Chelle were both off like scalded cats. It took me until 1k to get MJ. Got Glenno at the same time. Then with just 200m to go finally reeled Chelle in. Finished in 6.05! Woooooohooooooo!!!!!!!
By my calcs (could be dodgey) I ran 3:18.35. I am sooooooo happy, just feel so good. Why didn't I run that well in Canberra? Who cares! Ended up winning my category in all five and was 4th overall.
So many laughs on the weekend. Missed Clairie but we know she'll be there next year for sure, okay!
This is a report of Tesso's weekend:
Well, started off well with the half marathon. Ran alongside Liz N till about the 11k mark or so then sped up just a bit. Its such a magnificent half marathon course, definitely my all time favourite. I just luv the point to point races, and out in the middle of nowhere but you get to run on bitumen!
Anyway, I felt great so just kept on cruisin.
About 20k I caught up to Ciaran who had caught up to Geoff. Geoff went out way fast, Nick only got him at 14k. Ciaran took off and I passed Geoff who was clearly dying, couldn't even run fast down hill by that stage! I was very happy to cross in 1:37.50.
Was feeling okay for the x-country after that (go those coffee beans). It wasn't as hard as last year, I was actually (almost) bounding over the obstacles. With about 300m to go I caught up to Glenno and Georgie! Of course Georgie took off so I passed Glenno to stir him up. It worked and he passed me and then flew past Georgie about 50m from the finish. Tee hee. Did 20.11 for the 4.6k.
The "I don't feel like running again" hit me before the 5k. Just got sick of eating protein bars and white English muffins. I was craving meat! Anyway, the 5k is pretty easy, a double loop with just one hill.
Liz N passed me in this one, I tried to give chase but the legs told me where to go. Though I did get some joy from passing someone with about 300m to go. Found out later he was in the 10 to 12 age group. Did this one in 21.58.
By this stage I was about 8 mins or so up on last year. I worked out that if I didn't die too much on the mountain I'd still come in under 3:30 and was rapt. Also thought that sub 3:25 was a possiblity, if I could just hang in there. We rang Cameron who had threatened to come out and nobble me if I was getting close to his 3:21 record. Figured if I had a really really good day Sunday I might get 3:23.
Felt so sick after dinner Sat night, the only reason I didn't chuck was I was too lazy to get out of bed to go to the bathroom. Only had about 2 hours sleep. I was shot Sunday morning. Oh well, I still thought I'd go sub 3:30, but only just. So the gun goes for the mountain run and I felt like I was running really really hard, but was only doing 4:45s. And this was on the flattish bit leading up to the rise. Also there was a lady in front who I thought might be in my cat, turned out she was in Lizzles. I got her anyway at 4k. The real climb starts about 5k and I kept looking at my watch and calculating my time if I did 7 min kms. Not good. Cameron turned up and was at the start of the hill climb. Anyway, pushed on and on. Caught Ciaran at about 7k I think, then Glenno about 500m later. Then caught Nick at about 8k. Ran beside him for maybe a km but once it flattened out just a bit he got away from me. I forgotten totally about feeling ill and in fact felt great. Just kept visualising Pat's hill sessions. That kept me going. Kept on glancing at the watch and I figured I might do 55mins (did 56.30 last time) but that number got smaller and smaller. Hmmm, 54 maybe. Woooo, 53 ...... perhaps. The last km seemed to go sooooo fast, as its flatter and there's a big downhill to finish. Crossed the line in 52.36!!!!!! Ha, Schultzy was marshalling at the finish, shoulda seen the look on his face when I came in. Tee hee!
So now I was up 12 minutes. I could walk the 1500 and still break 3:30! If I ran okay I'd break 3:20. Cameron wasn't impressed. His 3:21 had gone!!!! I wasn't at all nervous now lining up for this one. Lizzle and I had showered and changed (yet again) and that makes such a difference. Took off and MJ and Chelle were both off like scalded cats. It took me until 1k to get MJ. Got Glenno at the same time. Then with just 200m to go finally reeled Chelle in. Finished in 6.05! Woooooohooooooo!!!!!!!
By my calcs (could be dodgey) I ran 3:18.35. I am sooooooo happy, just feel so good. Why didn't I run that well in Canberra? Who cares! Ended up winning my category in all five and was 4th overall.
So many laughs on the weekend. Missed Clairie but we know she'll be there next year for sure, okay!
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
MMMM MASSAGE
Thought I hadn't shelled out enough cash this week so booked in for a 90min sports massage - focusing on the ITB. Can you believe the non-inflammed leg is sorer than the inflammed leg???? Am I meant to ice both of them now?
Heading out for my first cycle tonight - after a 10min stride session. Will be good to get out on the road for any amount of time.
I am really missing my running buddies. :(
Heading out for my first cycle tonight - after a 10min stride session. Will be good to get out on the road for any amount of time.
I am really missing my running buddies. :(
Monday, May 16, 2005
Monday Madness
Gosh another day of doing nothing. I am sure to go insane. This is worse than any pain....
Can't wait until Wednesday when I will be permitted to do some light jogging, gym work, swimming or biking - or all of them. As long as I don't do more than 10mins of running for the first 4 days of activity.
At the moment I just would like to see my heart rate go up for something other than getting out of the loungechair.... :)
Can't wait until Wednesday when I will be permitted to do some light jogging, gym work, swimming or biking - or all of them. As long as I don't do more than 10mins of running for the first 4 days of activity.
At the moment I just would like to see my heart rate go up for something other than getting out of the loungechair.... :)
Friday, May 13, 2005
Needles are Nice
Well after much anguish and discussion with various sports professionals and longtime runners I made the decision to go to a Sports Doctor for a full diagnosis and treatment.
Within 10mins I was on the table and had a long needle being inserted into the muscle in my right leg. I only felt a pin prick and for most of today have just got a dull 'heavy leg' sensation. No real pain. However I have been warned that if anyone gets pain - it comes on the first night when in bed after having the injection. Might have a few red wines tonight then...
I didn't make this decision lightly, and I didn't do it under pressure to get out to the Warwick Pentath, but I was a frustrated person. I have a well aligned body and the incorrect orthotics that were prescribed to me really have done their nasty work on me. However they are all fixed and now I am working on the inflammation and will continue working on stretching and icing the muscle/tendon itself. I don't think I will be out for much longer. It wasn't overuse or a change in intensity as can often be the case - and lead to much more severe and chronic ITB problems.
It was simple - I got orthotics and within a few weeks was not running. I removed them immediately and have had new ones made - with the assessment from Podiatrist and 2 physios.
So watch out cyclist and gym junkies...I'm out there with you next week. Another few weeks and I'll be carving up the road with Tesso again discussing what our next race will be...... looking forward to it.
loves you all
Within 10mins I was on the table and had a long needle being inserted into the muscle in my right leg. I only felt a pin prick and for most of today have just got a dull 'heavy leg' sensation. No real pain. However I have been warned that if anyone gets pain - it comes on the first night when in bed after having the injection. Might have a few red wines tonight then...
I didn't make this decision lightly, and I didn't do it under pressure to get out to the Warwick Pentath, but I was a frustrated person. I have a well aligned body and the incorrect orthotics that were prescribed to me really have done their nasty work on me. However they are all fixed and now I am working on the inflammation and will continue working on stretching and icing the muscle/tendon itself. I don't think I will be out for much longer. It wasn't overuse or a change in intensity as can often be the case - and lead to much more severe and chronic ITB problems.
It was simple - I got orthotics and within a few weeks was not running. I removed them immediately and have had new ones made - with the assessment from Podiatrist and 2 physios.
So watch out cyclist and gym junkies...I'm out there with you next week. Another few weeks and I'll be carving up the road with Tesso again discussing what our next race will be...... looking forward to it.
loves you all
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Tesso's Running Class
Well it's offical. Tesso is now a running teacher....such a perfect role for her.
She takes the Intraining Wednesday night running group. They are mostly beginner runners who have started to do speed training and are working towards 10km race goals.
After I spent the afternoon at UQ with the Physio I headed over to Intraining. Tesso got there and soon after all the runners turned up. Despite my warning to not run for a few weeks from the Physio (I'll start that tomorrow...) I went out with Tesso's Group. It was fun.
We warmed up for about 1.5km then after about 6 strides headed out for some 60/60's. Ran fast for 60sec then slow recovery jog for 60sec. Did 6 fast before stopping, stretching a bit then doing the warmdown. Got back to where we started and Tess took the group up the ramp for 3x 70m hill reps.
It worked out really well. I went at the front and was supporting the faster runners, Tesso stayed at the rear and made sure everyone was coping with the session. We all got back around the same time with the exception of one really slow woman. I thought she really hated us for the session (we changed it from what they normally do to give some variety) but she came up to me afterwards and asked some questions and said it was a good session.
The fastest girl in the group was on her virgin run so she was excited to be doing so well. I think she might hurt a bit today though as she has never done speed work before and was pushing it a bit.
Now onto those weeks of pure rest....
She takes the Intraining Wednesday night running group. They are mostly beginner runners who have started to do speed training and are working towards 10km race goals.
After I spent the afternoon at UQ with the Physio I headed over to Intraining. Tesso got there and soon after all the runners turned up. Despite my warning to not run for a few weeks from the Physio (I'll start that tomorrow...) I went out with Tesso's Group. It was fun.
We warmed up for about 1.5km then after about 6 strides headed out for some 60/60's. Ran fast for 60sec then slow recovery jog for 60sec. Did 6 fast before stopping, stretching a bit then doing the warmdown. Got back to where we started and Tess took the group up the ramp for 3x 70m hill reps.
It worked out really well. I went at the front and was supporting the faster runners, Tesso stayed at the rear and made sure everyone was coping with the session. We all got back around the same time with the exception of one really slow woman. I thought she really hated us for the session (we changed it from what they normally do to give some variety) but she came up to me afterwards and asked some questions and said it was a good session.
The fastest girl in the group was on her virgin run so she was excited to be doing so well. I think she might hurt a bit today though as she has never done speed work before and was pushing it a bit.
Now onto those weeks of pure rest....
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
First Speed Session
Today was the hardest run I have ever done. Seriously.
Started with a fast paced warm up for 15mins, some stretching and strides, then the speed session.
Everyone else was running around a loop in the gardens that Pat had set out followed by a sprint up the hill, then easy down and back around the loop (300m) - starting to sprint at the turnaround of the loop. As I am not encouraged to do hills just yet Pat had me doing just the loop.
I started out with a slow jog, then sprinted at the turnaround up to the bottom of the hill, then slow back to the turnaround. Basically 30/30s. It was so hard. I was hurting all over and really noticed a lack of fitness. I am totally devastated.
I had a red face for about an hour afterwards. I have taken a beating today and it really brought me back to earth. There is some hard work ahead to get me back to where I was before Canberra......
On a chirpier note, Tesso ran like a demon up those hills. It was fun to race with her then turn around and giggle while she had to sprint up the hill. It really takes it out of you but you can almost see her get stronger with each hill. It is our favourite session with Pat and I look forward to when I am in good condition and my leg is 100% so we can tackle the hills again. My goal this year is to keep with her for 6 hill reps. Then I will be happy to lay down and die... :)
Started with a fast paced warm up for 15mins, some stretching and strides, then the speed session.
Everyone else was running around a loop in the gardens that Pat had set out followed by a sprint up the hill, then easy down and back around the loop (300m) - starting to sprint at the turnaround of the loop. As I am not encouraged to do hills just yet Pat had me doing just the loop.
I started out with a slow jog, then sprinted at the turnaround up to the bottom of the hill, then slow back to the turnaround. Basically 30/30s. It was so hard. I was hurting all over and really noticed a lack of fitness. I am totally devastated.
I had a red face for about an hour afterwards. I have taken a beating today and it really brought me back to earth. There is some hard work ahead to get me back to where I was before Canberra......
On a chirpier note, Tesso ran like a demon up those hills. It was fun to race with her then turn around and giggle while she had to sprint up the hill. It really takes it out of you but you can almost see her get stronger with each hill. It is our favourite session with Pat and I look forward to when I am in good condition and my leg is 100% so we can tackle the hills again. My goal this year is to keep with her for 6 hill reps. Then I will be happy to lay down and die... :)
Monday, May 09, 2005
Thursday, May 05, 2005
I AM A RUNNER!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay maybe I should wait until tomorrow to post this...but I can't I am so excited. I am truly pain free - even when squatting and kicking my leg. First run tomorrow am.
I went to see that wonderful brute - Bruno. He massaged and pummeled and found all my problems and fixed them....JUST LIKE THAT!
News is I have the best ITB and glutes in the world (strange to hear that from someone you are paying...but then again I was paying him to tell me the worst news not the best). Apparently I had a tear in my left calf (from pressure from incorrect orthotics as confirmed by visit to Dean of Physio at UQ tonight) and the whole calf had become so tight and mangled it was pulling on my hammies and affecting the ITB. All that damn bloody rolling on that stupid foam thing was doing good but it would never have disappeared without looking at the calf. Now that is on the mend I don't have any ITB pain at all.
But you should see the photos. I came home and got undressed and my husband went beserk. My back and my legs are all bruised and look like I have been hit by a car! He was really concerned. I don't give a toss. I can run again :)
Will post photos tonight. Gotta go find the best red in the house and crack it open....*********BIG BIG BIG BIG SILLY GRIN*********
I went to see that wonderful brute - Bruno. He massaged and pummeled and found all my problems and fixed them....JUST LIKE THAT!
News is I have the best ITB and glutes in the world (strange to hear that from someone you are paying...but then again I was paying him to tell me the worst news not the best). Apparently I had a tear in my left calf (from pressure from incorrect orthotics as confirmed by visit to Dean of Physio at UQ tonight) and the whole calf had become so tight and mangled it was pulling on my hammies and affecting the ITB. All that damn bloody rolling on that stupid foam thing was doing good but it would never have disappeared without looking at the calf. Now that is on the mend I don't have any ITB pain at all.
But you should see the photos. I came home and got undressed and my husband went beserk. My back and my legs are all bruised and look like I have been hit by a car! He was really concerned. I don't give a toss. I can run again :)
Will post photos tonight. Gotta go find the best red in the house and crack it open....*********BIG BIG BIG BIG SILLY GRIN*********
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
New Cure for ITB
For all ITB Sufferers, I have found a cure!!! Well a treatment at least.
After my massage with Jodi yesterday afternoon I came away with a new technique to attempt that she swore by as providing relief.
Last night just before I was about to go to bed I took my clothes off and put a big handful of Voltaren gel on my flared ITB. THEN WRAPPED MY WHOLE LEG IN GLADWRAP.
Got into bed feeling a bit like a cross between a desperate housewife wanting attention and a peanut butter sandwich getting squished in the lunchbox. Anyway I eventually fell asleep amid my husbands sniggers.
I awoke just after midnight to a crazy itching on my leg. It was driving me insane, like ants crawling all over it. I kept scratching and eventually it dawned on me that my leg was sweating in the gladwrap and this was causing the itchiness.
I tore the gladwrap off and went back to bed.
Got up this morning - NO PAIN. Okay so I haven't run but for the past few days the leg has been aching even without running so I am happy to have come this far. Will see how it goes with my run tomorrow.
Off to the shops to get Caterer's pack of Gladwrap now. :)
After my massage with Jodi yesterday afternoon I came away with a new technique to attempt that she swore by as providing relief.
Last night just before I was about to go to bed I took my clothes off and put a big handful of Voltaren gel on my flared ITB. THEN WRAPPED MY WHOLE LEG IN GLADWRAP.
Got into bed feeling a bit like a cross between a desperate housewife wanting attention and a peanut butter sandwich getting squished in the lunchbox. Anyway I eventually fell asleep amid my husbands sniggers.
I awoke just after midnight to a crazy itching on my leg. It was driving me insane, like ants crawling all over it. I kept scratching and eventually it dawned on me that my leg was sweating in the gladwrap and this was causing the itchiness.
I tore the gladwrap off and went back to bed.
Got up this morning - NO PAIN. Okay so I haven't run but for the past few days the leg has been aching even without running so I am happy to have come this far. Will see how it goes with my run tomorrow.
Off to the shops to get Caterer's pack of Gladwrap now. :)
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Living on the Edge
Turned up to the 3km Time Trial this morning.
Was great to be with the group and then watch them all run fast (damnit!) whilst I stretched and cheered from the sidelines.
My leg has gone through more than 200 laps in a freezing cold pool, many ice glasses, constant massage and endless stretches.
Still aching today after this mornings 30min run (I did the warm up and cool down) but the pain at least has subsided to an ache as opposed to the sharp pain of last week.
Is there anything in life more depressing to a runner than an injury?
Was great to be with the group and then watch them all run fast (damnit!) whilst I stretched and cheered from the sidelines.
My leg has gone through more than 200 laps in a freezing cold pool, many ice glasses, constant massage and endless stretches.
Still aching today after this mornings 30min run (I did the warm up and cool down) but the pain at least has subsided to an ache as opposed to the sharp pain of last week.
Is there anything in life more depressing to a runner than an injury?
Sunday, May 01, 2005
TESS COMES THIRD
I slept in - due to big night last night (and misery as I couldnt' run) but Tesso turned up for the BRRC 7km Club Championships.
Good thing she did - managed to take away third prize. Well Done Tesso!
After a few weeks of consistent running I know she has been feeling sore and has tired legs. Still after Saturdays long run up Mount Cootha, she still pulled out a good effort.
What a champion. I definitely need to see what batteries she is using..mine have run out of charge!
Good thing she did - managed to take away third prize. Well Done Tesso!
After a few weeks of consistent running I know she has been feeling sore and has tired legs. Still after Saturdays long run up Mount Cootha, she still pulled out a good effort.
What a champion. I definitely need to see what batteries she is using..mine have run out of charge!
Friday, April 29, 2005
ACRONYM ACHE
Sick of the word ITB.
Ready to chop off leg.
Did laps in the pool last night. Had a hot bath run and went from bath to pool to bath to pool. The temp of the pool was 20oC which doesn't sound very cold but it was bloody freezing trust me. Cold enough to turn a bloke into a woman!
Got up this morning and did another 30mins in the pool before heading out to Regatta to meet up with Tesso. Damn she decided to not run and skip breaky in order to get to work on time.
Had breaky with the other runners and headed off to work. Robson from Intraining is off to Tuscany for 4 weeks but when he returns he has promised to do some PT with me to get a proper schedule for some strength training in my legs.
I used to be a gym junkie (anyone that knows me will not believe that but trust me it is true!! I was one of the muscley chicks!!. So am not too keen to start doing it again - I find it very addictive.
After Breaky and talking to Robson I got up the courage to call Bruno. Got him booked for massage. He was brillant already and that was just his phone manner. Insisted on hearing my running history, what shoes I have, weekly mileage, pbs, colour of my eyes (nah just kidding on that one!) etc. He did scare me a bit when he said to go to his neighbours house and walk through to his house as his front is being renovated....must be very friendly with the neighbours indeed!
Ready to chop off leg.
Did laps in the pool last night. Had a hot bath run and went from bath to pool to bath to pool. The temp of the pool was 20oC which doesn't sound very cold but it was bloody freezing trust me. Cold enough to turn a bloke into a woman!
Got up this morning and did another 30mins in the pool before heading out to Regatta to meet up with Tesso. Damn she decided to not run and skip breaky in order to get to work on time.
Had breaky with the other runners and headed off to work. Robson from Intraining is off to Tuscany for 4 weeks but when he returns he has promised to do some PT with me to get a proper schedule for some strength training in my legs.
I used to be a gym junkie (anyone that knows me will not believe that but trust me it is true!! I was one of the muscley chicks!!. So am not too keen to start doing it again - I find it very addictive.
After Breaky and talking to Robson I got up the courage to call Bruno. Got him booked for massage. He was brillant already and that was just his phone manner. Insisted on hearing my running history, what shoes I have, weekly mileage, pbs, colour of my eyes (nah just kidding on that one!) etc. He did scare me a bit when he said to go to his neighbours house and walk through to his house as his front is being renovated....must be very friendly with the neighbours indeed!
Thursday, April 28, 2005
RUN AT LAST
Met up with Tesso at Pats group this morning. Damn it felt so good to be surrounded by runners at last. Pity I was in pain and not really enjoying it.
Did a 3km warm up then stretched and watched everyone else do 5 x 1km reps (except for my buddy Tesso who did 2x1km reps then hotfooted it off to work).
Then ran back to the Ship Inn. Walked the Goodwill Bridge in an attempt to lessen the damage I was doing to my leg by running.
I can honestly say that as of this afternoon I have seen the following specialists in the past fortnight
2 x Physiotherapists (total 5 visits)
1 x Sports Doctor
1 x Podiatrist
1 x Sports Massage
and it is driving me insane. I have spent nearly $1000 in bills and in buying new shoes (2 new pairs) and equipment to assist with the ITB and stretches.
Visa officially rang to ask if I would like to take shares in the company I was improving their business so much!
....but do you think it has helped?
I am now taking out the orthotics. I have a meeting with the Head of Physiotherapy at UQ next week. He is assessing if my orthotics were correct in their initial fitting after I advised them of my new injury. Hopefully if the orthotics is the cause and this is now eliminated I will be soon on the road to recovery.
Fingers crossed. xx
Did a 3km warm up then stretched and watched everyone else do 5 x 1km reps (except for my buddy Tesso who did 2x1km reps then hotfooted it off to work).
Then ran back to the Ship Inn. Walked the Goodwill Bridge in an attempt to lessen the damage I was doing to my leg by running.
I can honestly say that as of this afternoon I have seen the following specialists in the past fortnight
2 x Physiotherapists (total 5 visits)
1 x Sports Doctor
1 x Podiatrist
1 x Sports Massage
and it is driving me insane. I have spent nearly $1000 in bills and in buying new shoes (2 new pairs) and equipment to assist with the ITB and stretches.
Visa officially rang to ask if I would like to take shares in the company I was improving their business so much!
....but do you think it has helped?
I am now taking out the orthotics. I have a meeting with the Head of Physiotherapy at UQ next week. He is assessing if my orthotics were correct in their initial fitting after I advised them of my new injury. Hopefully if the orthotics is the cause and this is now eliminated I will be soon on the road to recovery.
Fingers crossed. xx
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Tesso The Teacher
Well, talk about baaaaaad timing for poor Tess. She wandered in to Intraining store to buy some Bodyglide and sign up for x-country (=running tart!!).
Chris from Regatta Runners works there and when he saw her asked if she was working tonight and/or doing anything. Thinking maybe drinkies were on the cards she replied "nothing". Stupid think to say Tess!
Now she is taking the Intraining Beginner's Group tonight, their regular person isn't showing up on a regular enough basis. Eeeek!
Chris has given her the full instructions on what I have to do. But word from the gal herself is that she has added "pray for torential rain so that nobody turns up" to the top of the list.
I laughed too soon and then was advised she had put my name forward to help her out...think I was getting too fond of this inactivity with my injury :)
Chris from Regatta Runners works there and when he saw her asked if she was working tonight and/or doing anything. Thinking maybe drinkies were on the cards she replied "nothing". Stupid think to say Tess!
Now she is taking the Intraining Beginner's Group tonight, their regular person isn't showing up on a regular enough basis. Eeeek!
Chris has given her the full instructions on what I have to do. But word from the gal herself is that she has added "pray for torential rain so that nobody turns up" to the top of the list.
I laughed too soon and then was advised she had put my name forward to help her out...think I was getting too fond of this inactivity with my injury :)
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
MASSAGE
I thought Massage was meant to be a relaxing, sensual art that unwound tight muscles and relieved stress.
Today I actually bit through my toungue, okay well not through it - but I did bite it. Trying to stop from sounding like a girl. It was very painful. Had the ITB done by a runner massuese. It feels great now. But I think I am going to have to go there blindfolded next time so the body doesn't tense up the minute it sees the massage table.
Pat sent me an email to try out BRUNO.
He was the official Massuese for the past two Aussie Olympic teams and used to do all Pat's massages. *Bruno*....I can't see that name matching a small gentle guy with tiny delicate (=non hurting) hands..... So no I think I will stick with my current one thanks very much!
Today I actually bit through my toungue, okay well not through it - but I did bite it. Trying to stop from sounding like a girl. It was very painful. Had the ITB done by a runner massuese. It feels great now. But I think I am going to have to go there blindfolded next time so the body doesn't tense up the minute it sees the massage table.
Pat sent me an email to try out BRUNO.
He was the official Massuese for the past two Aussie Olympic teams and used to do all Pat's massages. *Bruno*....I can't see that name matching a small gentle guy with tiny delicate (=non hurting) hands..... So no I think I will stick with my current one thanks very much!
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Lest We Forget......BIG DAY OUT
What a great day today.
After a big night out last night (well I certainly wasn't driving home..) with fellow CRs I was worried I would sleep past the alarm. I didn't. But waking up was hard.
Headed out early to set up the Baggage area. Got there just in time to bring the nursing skills into play. A fellow runner and friend had managed to slice open his whole lower leg by climbing over a sharp roadworks sign on his way into the marathon.
We had to stop the blood flow (it was pretty extreme) and call an ambulance. He ended up with 18 stitches and a DNF on his record!!
The rest of the day seemed to go just the same way, but it was all fun.
Just after the marathon had started we realised the bus had left to take the special drinks to the aid stations. Unfortunately they had left one behind - for the 12km mark. As hubby had taken the car out to the turnaround point (he was the marshal there) I had to run the drinks over to Tess and her crew.
Got there just in time for the 2nd marathoner to come through. Stayed and cheered a bit then ran back to the baggage area in time for the 8km runners to be coming in thick and strong.
So great to see all the really good efforts put in by people I knew.
How great was it to see everyone cross the finish line and be able to cheer them on for the last few hundred metres.
Highlights of the day:
*Feeling useful to all the competitors
*running over the bridge behind Spot for 1km....felt like I was coming third for a while :)
*Asking the drunk to move so the runners on the finish line could have a clear run. He sat up, moved and clapped the runners in for the next hour.
*seeing an old guy's wife get him a chair and light a big cuban cigar after he crossed the finish line.
*witnessing all the PB's and the big grins
*Screaming out to Pat (200m from finish line) telling him to run faster, dig deep and all the other crap he tells me all the time. Felt very refreshing. Can't believe he was laughing and still running so damn fast!! The Nerve!
After a big night out last night (well I certainly wasn't driving home..) with fellow CRs I was worried I would sleep past the alarm. I didn't. But waking up was hard.
Headed out early to set up the Baggage area. Got there just in time to bring the nursing skills into play. A fellow runner and friend had managed to slice open his whole lower leg by climbing over a sharp roadworks sign on his way into the marathon.
We had to stop the blood flow (it was pretty extreme) and call an ambulance. He ended up with 18 stitches and a DNF on his record!!
The rest of the day seemed to go just the same way, but it was all fun.
Just after the marathon had started we realised the bus had left to take the special drinks to the aid stations. Unfortunately they had left one behind - for the 12km mark. As hubby had taken the car out to the turnaround point (he was the marshal there) I had to run the drinks over to Tess and her crew.
Got there just in time for the 2nd marathoner to come through. Stayed and cheered a bit then ran back to the baggage area in time for the 8km runners to be coming in thick and strong.
So great to see all the really good efforts put in by people I knew.
How great was it to see everyone cross the finish line and be able to cheer them on for the last few hundred metres.
Highlights of the day:
*Feeling useful to all the competitors
*running over the bridge behind Spot for 1km....felt like I was coming third for a while :)
*Asking the drunk to move so the runners on the finish line could have a clear run. He sat up, moved and clapped the runners in for the next hour.
*seeing an old guy's wife get him a chair and light a big cuban cigar after he crossed the finish line.
*witnessing all the PB's and the big grins
*Screaming out to Pat (200m from finish line) telling him to run faster, dig deep and all the other crap he tells me all the time. Felt very refreshing. Can't believe he was laughing and still running so damn fast!! The Nerve!
Thursday, April 21, 2005
PSYCHO PHSYIO
Wow last few days have been very um.. painful.
Got an ITB roller from Intraining. Thanks very much to the sadistic bastard who invented this. It hurts like hell. I thought it must hurt anyone that uses it, but when I tried it on my right side (not injured) it was very mild. So brought home the fact that my left side is very tightly wound.
Spent yesterday afternoon at the Physio and they hooked me up to this device that gives you pins and needles. I think it was wound up real high - my leg kept spasming. But the heat pack on top at the same time held it down and I actually enjoyed laying there seeing as I had spent the previous 30mins on some torture machine designed to stretch the calves.
I have always had a very relaxed attitude to stretching. Yes I do it - after my run or warming up. But not religiously and not specifically. I will now. I never knew a person could grow rocks on the back of their legs or look like they have been horseriding non stop for a week when really they have just got 'tightness'.
Really I thought tightness and tone was something to aim for - now it will be loose and relaxed all the way baby.... anyone got a joint?
Got an ITB roller from Intraining. Thanks very much to the sadistic bastard who invented this. It hurts like hell. I thought it must hurt anyone that uses it, but when I tried it on my right side (not injured) it was very mild. So brought home the fact that my left side is very tightly wound.
Spent yesterday afternoon at the Physio and they hooked me up to this device that gives you pins and needles. I think it was wound up real high - my leg kept spasming. But the heat pack on top at the same time held it down and I actually enjoyed laying there seeing as I had spent the previous 30mins on some torture machine designed to stretch the calves.
I have always had a very relaxed attitude to stretching. Yes I do it - after my run or warming up. But not religiously and not specifically. I will now. I never knew a person could grow rocks on the back of their legs or look like they have been horseriding non stop for a week when really they have just got 'tightness'.
Really I thought tightness and tone was something to aim for - now it will be loose and relaxed all the way baby.... anyone got a joint?
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Blog Idiot
okay so for those who wondered why I wasn't blogging...I was.
They were just being saved in another month...so sorry. I will try to fix it up over the next few days. Guess you all needed a break from reading my crap anyhow.
Wondering why I kept getting comments on my Canberra entry :)
I am officially a blog idiot!
They were just being saved in another month...so sorry. I will try to fix it up over the next few days. Guess you all needed a break from reading my crap anyhow.
Wondering why I kept getting comments on my Canberra entry :)
I am officially a blog idiot!
Lest We Forget......
So excited. Long weekend coming up. As I am not running I am really looking forward to catching up with everyone for dinner on Sat night beforehand. Tesso has got us all booked in for some pasta in the Valley. Should be fun.
As Official BagLady I am keen to see how it all goes on Sunday. I am hoping I will get the chance to 'shut up shop' and steal off for a quick peak at the race, then get back in time to see the finishers. One thing about being a runner (a slow one that is) you rarely get to see the winners cross the line. Should be fun.
As Official BagLady I am keen to see how it all goes on Sunday. I am hoping I will get the chance to 'shut up shop' and steal off for a quick peak at the race, then get back in time to see the finishers. One thing about being a runner (a slow one that is) you rarely get to see the winners cross the line. Should be fun.
Monday, April 18, 2005
10km BRRC - first DNF
Went down to BRRC to do the 10km today. Felt good. Not the slighest bit nervous. It turned out to be a handicap run so I had an extra 28 minutes before I started.
Went out and yelled out to Tess for her to try and catch me - I was going to be going slowish. However I got to 1km and felt my knee/leg really bad. It was hurting on the outside from my knee right up into my butt....
I kept going trying to work the strain out but it got worse. Just at the 2km mark I stopped and the pain shot right through me. I sat down and almost cried. I couldn't feel anything - did I imagine it? Should I start going again?
As soon as I got up and walked it came back. I got my stuff and drove off in disgust at myself.
Am booked in now to see the sports doctors at Woollongabba that Pat recommends. I am thinking it will be an ITB diagnosis after reading about it last night.
Went out and yelled out to Tess for her to try and catch me - I was going to be going slowish. However I got to 1km and felt my knee/leg really bad. It was hurting on the outside from my knee right up into my butt....
I kept going trying to work the strain out but it got worse. Just at the 2km mark I stopped and the pain shot right through me. I sat down and almost cried. I couldn't feel anything - did I imagine it? Should I start going again?
As soon as I got up and walked it came back. I got my stuff and drove off in disgust at myself.
Am booked in now to see the sports doctors at Woollongabba that Pat recommends. I am thinking it will be an ITB diagnosis after reading about it last night.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Saturday, April 09, 2005
CANBERRA 10KM PACE RACE
Well Saturday finally came. I actually got a good night sleep the night before so was well rested. Unfortunately my nerves still had me on end right from the moment I jumped out of bed.
I was able to eat a bowl of porridge - dad's special - and some OJ. That was it until after the race at 4pm. I should have forced myself to eat at lunch but I honestly don't think it would have done me any good.
Turned up to the Telopea Hall at 1pm. Meet up with Mister G and then just hung around at Pygmy Palace - where Tesso and other CRs were all staying. At 2pm the hall opened and we were able to go over and get Allan and G signed up. I also picked up my Canberra Marathon shirt. Some nasty bugger saw it and told me I wasn't allowed to wear it if I hadn't actually done the Marathon, but unfortunately they don't have shirts for the 10km!!
All too soon it was time to toe the line. Spud was with Mister G and I and was going to run with us around the 5 loop course in approx 45min. Just before the gun went off the cheers and calls from the crowd were really going off. I felt huge support. I also saw Mum and Dad had made it down. Had no idea where Allan was but I knew he would do well. He always does.
The race began and I felt shocking from the first 50m. It wasn't supposed to be like this!!! In my dreams I was hurtling around the road with ease, smiling and sweating but keeping pace. In reality I was hurting around the roads, trying to keep my stomach from heaving and all the while breathing really heavily. I couldn't get comfortable. The first km we did in 4:05. Too fast but it was still my best. After that I was ready to quit. G and Spud were really good, kept the spirits up and were dragging me along as best they could. I think I felt so bad at halfway when G said we weren't going to make the 45min. They were much faster runners than I and were only doing this to help me. I was letting the team down. It was a real bad moment.
Evertime we passed the finish line there was a big crowd of supporters. Some I knew most I didnt (until after the race!!). The support was mainly for coolrunners and it was really encouraging to have them cheer you on and I could feel the pressure to perform. Just after passing the crowd was the water station. I didn't get anything on the first lap and on the second G said "what do you want more, water or a PB?" so went without again. Big mistake. On the last loop when I did actually get water I couldnt drink it and didn't want to loose more pace - I had slowed so much already. Damn it was hot!
I threw the water at my face and opened my mouth and hoped some would go in. It did - along with air. Within 50m I was pulling over to throw up. It was here that G said "if you can keep it in until the end I'd be proud". So off I went again. This was the worst part. Knowing the end was near but you had nothing left in the tank to crank it up. G kept saying " just pass that one in front" and eventually we would, but then they would catch us and so on. I was now praying for the race to end so I could take my hat off. It was boiling. Never felt this bad in sunny Brisbane...
I turned the corner and could not manage another step. Then I looked up and saw the finish line. This was it. I couldn't let all those supporters down. My folks were watching and I wanted them to feel proud. So I did a Lance Armstrong, pushed all my breathe out and ran for it. It felt good to be running fast. I wish I had burst sooner. Yet as soon as I crossed the line I had to stop. I remember sitting in the medical tent but not how I got there. I looked up and saw my dad watching me be sick. He looked really worried so I stood up and went over and hugged him. The race was over.The pressure in my stomach was gone.
The next few hours past in a blur. I caught up with Tesso who was so happy for me. I had finished in 46:59 - a PB. Not by much but still a PB. She was so very infectious and here I was feeling terrible about it all. Made me cry. so I had a weep and then was overwhelmed with all the CR's coming up to say hello. Ray James gave me a big hug. A few minutes later Allan crossed the line and was over to see how I had ran.
After a shower and change of clothes it was off to dinner and a great evening with a nice bottle of wine and some friends. Ended all too soon as everyone was getting up early to work (me) or run the marathon (everyone else).
What a relief that today was finally over.
I was able to eat a bowl of porridge - dad's special - and some OJ. That was it until after the race at 4pm. I should have forced myself to eat at lunch but I honestly don't think it would have done me any good.
Turned up to the Telopea Hall at 1pm. Meet up with Mister G and then just hung around at Pygmy Palace - where Tesso and other CRs were all staying. At 2pm the hall opened and we were able to go over and get Allan and G signed up. I also picked up my Canberra Marathon shirt. Some nasty bugger saw it and told me I wasn't allowed to wear it if I hadn't actually done the Marathon, but unfortunately they don't have shirts for the 10km!!
All too soon it was time to toe the line. Spud was with Mister G and I and was going to run with us around the 5 loop course in approx 45min. Just before the gun went off the cheers and calls from the crowd were really going off. I felt huge support. I also saw Mum and Dad had made it down. Had no idea where Allan was but I knew he would do well. He always does.
The race began and I felt shocking from the first 50m. It wasn't supposed to be like this!!! In my dreams I was hurtling around the road with ease, smiling and sweating but keeping pace. In reality I was hurting around the roads, trying to keep my stomach from heaving and all the while breathing really heavily. I couldn't get comfortable. The first km we did in 4:05. Too fast but it was still my best. After that I was ready to quit. G and Spud were really good, kept the spirits up and were dragging me along as best they could. I think I felt so bad at halfway when G said we weren't going to make the 45min. They were much faster runners than I and were only doing this to help me. I was letting the team down. It was a real bad moment.
Evertime we passed the finish line there was a big crowd of supporters. Some I knew most I didnt (until after the race!!). The support was mainly for coolrunners and it was really encouraging to have them cheer you on and I could feel the pressure to perform. Just after passing the crowd was the water station. I didn't get anything on the first lap and on the second G said "what do you want more, water or a PB?" so went without again. Big mistake. On the last loop when I did actually get water I couldnt drink it and didn't want to loose more pace - I had slowed so much already. Damn it was hot!
I threw the water at my face and opened my mouth and hoped some would go in. It did - along with air. Within 50m I was pulling over to throw up. It was here that G said "if you can keep it in until the end I'd be proud". So off I went again. This was the worst part. Knowing the end was near but you had nothing left in the tank to crank it up. G kept saying " just pass that one in front" and eventually we would, but then they would catch us and so on. I was now praying for the race to end so I could take my hat off. It was boiling. Never felt this bad in sunny Brisbane...
I turned the corner and could not manage another step. Then I looked up and saw the finish line. This was it. I couldn't let all those supporters down. My folks were watching and I wanted them to feel proud. So I did a Lance Armstrong, pushed all my breathe out and ran for it. It felt good to be running fast. I wish I had burst sooner. Yet as soon as I crossed the line I had to stop. I remember sitting in the medical tent but not how I got there. I looked up and saw my dad watching me be sick. He looked really worried so I stood up and went over and hugged him. The race was over.The pressure in my stomach was gone.
The next few hours past in a blur. I caught up with Tesso who was so happy for me. I had finished in 46:59 - a PB. Not by much but still a PB. She was so very infectious and here I was feeling terrible about it all. Made me cry. so I had a weep and then was overwhelmed with all the CR's coming up to say hello. Ray James gave me a big hug. A few minutes later Allan crossed the line and was over to see how I had ran.
After a shower and change of clothes it was off to dinner and a great evening with a nice bottle of wine and some friends. Ended all too soon as everyone was getting up early to work (me) or run the marathon (everyone else).
What a relief that today was finally over.
Friday, April 08, 2005
One more sleep....
The nerves have started. Even with a few wines last night I did not manage to go to sleep very well.
I read the Race Program before I went to bed which said the 10km was not a fast course and looking at the winning times for the past 18 years I have to agree.
What a lot of fuss over a 10km run.
F - Frazzled
U - Undertrained
N - Nerve racking
R - Race
U - unprepared
N - Never again....
About to drive down to the marathon course and have a little walk. I wish Sunday could come without there being a Saturday.. :)
I read the Race Program before I went to bed which said the 10km was not a fast course and looking at the winning times for the past 18 years I have to agree.
What a lot of fuss over a 10km run.
F - Frazzled
U - Undertrained
N - Nerve racking
R - Race
U - unprepared
N - Never again....
About to drive down to the marathon course and have a little walk. I wish Sunday could come without there being a Saturday.. :)
10KM
The nerves have started. Even with a few wines last night I did not manage to go to sleep very well.
I read the Race Program before I went to bed which said the 10km was not a fast course and looking at the winning times for the past 18 years I have to agree.
What a lot of fuss over a 10km run.
F - Frazzled
U - Undertrained
N - Nerve racking
R - Race
U - unprepared
N - Never again....
About to drive down to the marathon course and have a little walk. I wish Sunday could come without there being a Saturday.. :)
I read the Race Program before I went to bed which said the 10km was not a fast course and looking at the winning times for the past 18 years I have to agree.
What a lot of fuss over a 10km run.
F - Frazzled
U - Undertrained
N - Nerve racking
R - Race
U - unprepared
N - Never again....
About to drive down to the marathon course and have a little walk. I wish Sunday could come without there being a Saturday.. :)
Thursday, April 07, 2005
CANBERRA - ITS' COLD
Here I sit in Canberra in about twenty layers of clothing!!
The sun is shining and it is very nice to have the sun on your face whilst sipping on a latte....mmmm I think it is just nice to not have to go to work!!!
Got up early this morning and took my mother to a nearby park. There are so many trails and paths and tracks around Canberra it is amazing. Plenty of people out and about as well - so no chance to get lonely.
Did a quick warm up just walking fast with mum then did 10 x 30sec efforts with 30 sec recovery. It was really funny to have mum cheering me on "ooh that's fast" "you look like a runner" "keep your shoulders back". Most amusing.
Missed not being at Pat's group this morning doing the session with them and I am sure I wasn't as hard on myself as I would have been had I had to run next to Tesso. But I am glad for the chance to adapt to the weather - and always glad to spend time with mum.
So now for a day of unpacking boxes and painting walls *groan*.
Oh went to the Canberra Marathon meeting last night. Great to meet all the organisers. Marshal shirts this year are in slime green colour. yuk!
At least we will be very visual. I have been allocated to the early start and setting up the aid stations. Following that I will be marshalling at the Plus Five. That means I will be overseeing all the runners who are out there running the marathon in MORE than Five hours. So basically I will be situated at the 28km mark. Anyone that does not reach me before 10:20am will be asked to move onto a new course (that is on pathways and not the road). This will be a good job but I am sad I won't be near the finish line when Tess and so many other Coolrunners finish their ordeal.
However it gives me the chance to be there when they all start and take lots of photos.
See you out there guys :)
The sun is shining and it is very nice to have the sun on your face whilst sipping on a latte....mmmm I think it is just nice to not have to go to work!!!
Got up early this morning and took my mother to a nearby park. There are so many trails and paths and tracks around Canberra it is amazing. Plenty of people out and about as well - so no chance to get lonely.
Did a quick warm up just walking fast with mum then did 10 x 30sec efforts with 30 sec recovery. It was really funny to have mum cheering me on "ooh that's fast" "you look like a runner" "keep your shoulders back". Most amusing.
Missed not being at Pat's group this morning doing the session with them and I am sure I wasn't as hard on myself as I would have been had I had to run next to Tesso. But I am glad for the chance to adapt to the weather - and always glad to spend time with mum.
So now for a day of unpacking boxes and painting walls *groan*.
Oh went to the Canberra Marathon meeting last night. Great to meet all the organisers. Marshal shirts this year are in slime green colour. yuk!
At least we will be very visual. I have been allocated to the early start and setting up the aid stations. Following that I will be marshalling at the Plus Five. That means I will be overseeing all the runners who are out there running the marathon in MORE than Five hours. So basically I will be situated at the 28km mark. Anyone that does not reach me before 10:20am will be asked to move onto a new course (that is on pathways and not the road). This will be a good job but I am sad I won't be near the finish line when Tess and so many other Coolrunners finish their ordeal.
However it gives me the chance to be there when they all start and take lots of photos.
See you out there guys :)
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Medal Winning Performance
Ha! Always wanted to write that! MWP....
After a very restless sleep I got up at 4:30am. Could not stay in bed any more. Had a sandwich, water and got dressed. Woke my hubby up and said to him "I'm going to bring home a medal today". He was very supportive but also encouraging that I had nothing to prove to anyone.
Arrived at Southbank SSOOOO early and just walked around trying to calm myself. I was so nervous. I had convinced myself that if I did not do well today it would reflect on Saturdays race. So basically I was nervous for BOTH races today.
My stomach was churning and I just wanted to get going. Kept saying to Tess "lets go" but she was following the rules and waiting for everyone to arrive before we headed off. Jess (Lil Kirloo) turned up and that was great. First time he has come down to one of Pat's sessions. In the excitement I almost forgot I was about to do a timetrial.
Just after 6am we headed out for our warm up. I was so nervous I had to get Tess to detour with me so I could use the ladies (not safe to go alone). That done the guys were just catching up with us. I was trying to see how I felt and I kept thinking Man I feel like crap. My legs were not turning over and it was taking forever to warmup. Dammit I was going to have a bad run.
Tess was great as usual. Chatty and taking my mind off things. Got to the start and tried to relax but I just felt like being sick. This was a BAD case of nerves. Kept pacing and breathing to relax and wanted to be anywhere but there. Even my arms were shaking...
After a few strides and a really great pep talk from Verity I was ready to go. We weren't even at the start line and Pat said "GO".
Out I went and started to chase Pat. Hang on noone else in between us...mmm. Then I heard Langy say "Ease off Clairie" so I did. That was the start of my big day.
For the next 3km I proceeded to do exactly as Langy said. "breathe easy, relax" "lean forward into the road" "turn quick, make up a few sec". It was okay going (inside I was dying) until the 2km mark. Then that is when I started to feel it. I wasn't using my watch but when I looked at it after that turn it said 8:16 damn, I wasn't going to beat my PB of 12:22. I was still going to try my hardest. Then the 500m mark loomed and Langy said to "kick in" so I did. Then every 20m he proceeded to tell me how much further "300m to go, 200m to go, 100m to go" as well as "give me 20 really good steps" wow that sounded easy. So I did. Before I knew it we had finished and Pat yelled out 11:59. What The ... sub 12... Oh My Gosh. Too much. I was very overwhelmed and after 10sec to get my breath walked up to Pat and tapped him on the shoulder and said
"I believe you owe me a medal" He just grinned. Then I saw Tess coming in - she was doing her 4km at Marathon race pace today, and I went up to her and screamed SUB 12!!! and just grabbed her and we were cheering and getting all happy.
Poor Langy, he got lots of hugs and kisses from me. I was so thankful for what he helped me achieve today. It was very special for me and helped give me some confidence for Saturdays run. Seeing Tess so happy for me was a big boost as well. I feel on a high this morning and don't want to come down. Guess I had better do some work seeing as I am off to CANBERRA tomorrow morning.......
After a very restless sleep I got up at 4:30am. Could not stay in bed any more. Had a sandwich, water and got dressed. Woke my hubby up and said to him "I'm going to bring home a medal today". He was very supportive but also encouraging that I had nothing to prove to anyone.
Arrived at Southbank SSOOOO early and just walked around trying to calm myself. I was so nervous. I had convinced myself that if I did not do well today it would reflect on Saturdays race. So basically I was nervous for BOTH races today.
My stomach was churning and I just wanted to get going. Kept saying to Tess "lets go" but she was following the rules and waiting for everyone to arrive before we headed off. Jess (Lil Kirloo) turned up and that was great. First time he has come down to one of Pat's sessions. In the excitement I almost forgot I was about to do a timetrial.
Just after 6am we headed out for our warm up. I was so nervous I had to get Tess to detour with me so I could use the ladies (not safe to go alone). That done the guys were just catching up with us. I was trying to see how I felt and I kept thinking Man I feel like crap. My legs were not turning over and it was taking forever to warmup. Dammit I was going to have a bad run.
Tess was great as usual. Chatty and taking my mind off things. Got to the start and tried to relax but I just felt like being sick. This was a BAD case of nerves. Kept pacing and breathing to relax and wanted to be anywhere but there. Even my arms were shaking...
After a few strides and a really great pep talk from Verity I was ready to go. We weren't even at the start line and Pat said "GO".
Out I went and started to chase Pat. Hang on noone else in between us...mmm. Then I heard Langy say "Ease off Clairie" so I did. That was the start of my big day.
For the next 3km I proceeded to do exactly as Langy said. "breathe easy, relax" "lean forward into the road" "turn quick, make up a few sec". It was okay going (inside I was dying) until the 2km mark. Then that is when I started to feel it. I wasn't using my watch but when I looked at it after that turn it said 8:16 damn, I wasn't going to beat my PB of 12:22. I was still going to try my hardest. Then the 500m mark loomed and Langy said to "kick in" so I did. Then every 20m he proceeded to tell me how much further "300m to go, 200m to go, 100m to go" as well as "give me 20 really good steps" wow that sounded easy. So I did. Before I knew it we had finished and Pat yelled out 11:59. What The ... sub 12... Oh My Gosh. Too much. I was very overwhelmed and after 10sec to get my breath walked up to Pat and tapped him on the shoulder and said
"I believe you owe me a medal" He just grinned. Then I saw Tess coming in - she was doing her 4km at Marathon race pace today, and I went up to her and screamed SUB 12!!! and just grabbed her and we were cheering and getting all happy.
Poor Langy, he got lots of hugs and kisses from me. I was so thankful for what he helped me achieve today. It was very special for me and helped give me some confidence for Saturdays run. Seeing Tess so happy for me was a big boost as well. I feel on a high this morning and don't want to come down. Guess I had better do some work seeing as I am off to CANBERRA tomorrow morning.......
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Saturday Long Run - Regattas
Met up at the Regatta with a large number of runners - both the Regatta Runners and the Brisbane Running Buddies were running together.
Just after 6am we headed out towards the Gardens. I was running with Ciaran and Nick and they were making me laugh too much - what with testing out the different colour jellybabies and playing "I spy"... so at the Goodwill Bridge I stopped and waited for Tess who was running with MJ and Sharon.
We hooked up a group of about 6 of us at the same pace and distance (on the long run you can do anywhere from 11km - 35 depending on where you turn). We headed out over the Story Bridge and I was really glad we did. The view was amazing and we all had "A moment" when we looked at the sun glistening on the water and the warm sun on our face with a cool breeze at our back. It was just perfect. Oh yeah and we were running downhill!!! Hence the Euphoria!
Almost got run over by a car so I tried to stick close to the other runners after that. We stopped for a water break and Tess tried to drench me with water (just in case I wasn't sweating enough) but ended up almost choking from laughing.
We made it around Southbank and back over to the Regatta in 1:30 so I said I wanted to keep running. I had 1hr 40min in my progam - and I knew Pat was kyaking up and down the river as he had called out to us as we ran past. So I was encouraged to follow the program. Also I was feeling really good. MJ, Tim and I kept going and went to a local park and did some long laps then headed back. 1:41:00 yippee I can stop now.
Had a quick breakfast then rushed home to hubby - to wish him a very very happy happy Birthday.....
Just after 6am we headed out towards the Gardens. I was running with Ciaran and Nick and they were making me laugh too much - what with testing out the different colour jellybabies and playing "I spy"... so at the Goodwill Bridge I stopped and waited for Tess who was running with MJ and Sharon.
We hooked up a group of about 6 of us at the same pace and distance (on the long run you can do anywhere from 11km - 35 depending on where you turn). We headed out over the Story Bridge and I was really glad we did. The view was amazing and we all had "A moment" when we looked at the sun glistening on the water and the warm sun on our face with a cool breeze at our back. It was just perfect. Oh yeah and we were running downhill!!! Hence the Euphoria!
Almost got run over by a car so I tried to stick close to the other runners after that. We stopped for a water break and Tess tried to drench me with water (just in case I wasn't sweating enough) but ended up almost choking from laughing.
We made it around Southbank and back over to the Regatta in 1:30 so I said I wanted to keep running. I had 1hr 40min in my progam - and I knew Pat was kyaking up and down the river as he had called out to us as we ran past. So I was encouraged to follow the program. Also I was feeling really good. MJ, Tim and I kept going and went to a local park and did some long laps then headed back. 1:41:00 yippee I can stop now.
Had a quick breakfast then rushed home to hubby - to wish him a very very happy happy Birthday.....
Friday, April 01, 2005
APRIL 1ST REGATTA RUN
Geez what a laugh they mush have had when Tess, Sharon and I turned up in Boxer shorts this morning.
We got an invite to a Boxer Short run last week and didnt' really give much thought to the date...*SHAME*
Oh well we had a great laugh and got some piccies to remind us how gullible we are.
Glenda also were in boxer shorts so it wasn't JUST US.
Did the 8km loop in 4:50 per km. Kept going at the end to make it a 40min run (as per Pat's plan). Doing everything exact this week.
If you have never run in boxer shorts you should give it a go. Very comfy and cool with a nice breeze :)
We got an invite to a Boxer Short run last week and didnt' really give much thought to the date...*SHAME*
Oh well we had a great laugh and got some piccies to remind us how gullible we are.
Glenda also were in boxer shorts so it wasn't JUST US.
Did the 8km loop in 4:50 per km. Kept going at the end to make it a 40min run (as per Pat's plan). Doing everything exact this week.
If you have never run in boxer shorts you should give it a go. Very comfy and cool with a nice breeze :)
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Tough Session
Turned up feeling sooo tired. Had about 4 hours sleep. I need 8 minimum!!!
Session was going to be 3km warm up then 2 x 2km and 1x 1km with 3km warm down.
Had a goal to do the first 2km rep in 8mins but failed miserably. Did 8:16, then 8:37 and then a 4:16. Was so miserable. Tess was worked really hard and tried her best to pull me through (thanks for that rope you threw Tess) but I just gave up and told her to plough on. Not like me but my legs were like lead and my brain was fuzzy.
After the session I had a shower and raced to work. Then still felt like crap so I called it quits and went home for a nap. A few hours later I was back at my desk and feeling much much better.
Tess is right on target for a sub 3:25 but I have higher aspirations for her. Then again I think I am going to do 46:30 and she has higher aspirations for me...so it must be a running buddy thing.
Can't wait for Canberra....then I can start looking forward to the next race :)
Session was going to be 3km warm up then 2 x 2km and 1x 1km with 3km warm down.
Had a goal to do the first 2km rep in 8mins but failed miserably. Did 8:16, then 8:37 and then a 4:16. Was so miserable. Tess was worked really hard and tried her best to pull me through (thanks for that rope you threw Tess) but I just gave up and told her to plough on. Not like me but my legs were like lead and my brain was fuzzy.
After the session I had a shower and raced to work. Then still felt like crap so I called it quits and went home for a nap. A few hours later I was back at my desk and feeling much much better.
Tess is right on target for a sub 3:25 but I have higher aspirations for her. Then again I think I am going to do 46:30 and she has higher aspirations for me...so it must be a running buddy thing.
Can't wait for Canberra....then I can start looking forward to the next race :)
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
CANBERRA
Wooo Hooo
Got my race bib in the mail yesterday along with map of the course.
Very excited. Hubby devastated to not get his. Told him you need to enter to get one.
Officially nauseated at the thought of the race so near now.... :)
Got my race bib in the mail yesterday along with map of the course.
Very excited. Hubby devastated to not get his. Told him you need to enter to get one.
Officially nauseated at the thought of the race so near now.... :)
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Tessos 3km Time Trial - 11:55
Nice cool morning but with a lovely day ahead. Perfect weather. Really wish I did not have a job as I would have loved to just have a day off (so sad after 4 days off...)
Set out with the whole group for a slowish warm up to the start of the 3km TT line. Everyone was taking it easy for the 3kms warm up which was great. I really worked at the strides and was running them progressively harder until the last one was an all out effort. I was pumped. (LOL so glad we rested for a bit whilst Pat was talking before we headed off....)
Pat got Tess, RITH, Spot, Nick and Ciaran to line up with him at the start line. Off they shot for a 3km time trial. The rest of us were just doing 1km efforts with ample rest. I waited about 8 sec until Tess was like 100m ahead then someone yelled go. Off I set to catch her and give her some encouragement. It was easy to go fast but as soon as I got to the 500m line I was dead. I kept it up knowing that Tess needed me behind her to push along. We were all going so fast as we knew we could stop at the 1km mark. It must have been so hard for Tess and the others to have people going past that normally wouldn't and then to see them stop and know you had to keep going. I got to the 1km mark and stopped. Watch said 3:48. Tess kept going. One down 2 to go.
I rested for 90sec and then took off after Jonesy. We saw Tess close to the 500m line coming towards us - she was almost finished YAH! She looked so comfortable I thought she might have stopped and had a rest as well.
That one took me 3:55 - it was the hardest one. I then had a 2min rest in order to be able to do the last one. I knew there was no way I would be doing any 500m runs afterwards as Pat suggested if we finished early....
I was struggling but got to the 500m mark and knew I would get home. I never looked at my watch until I crossed the line. 3:50. I was wrapped with that.
Tess had done her TT in 11:55 - 2 secs off her PB. A great run from her and looking good for Canberra. The race calculator is now saying 3:22.
I was pretty happy with my times. Average of 3:50 and it felt good (not at the time) to run that fast. Really need to have my rest day tomorrow though....
Set out with the whole group for a slowish warm up to the start of the 3km TT line. Everyone was taking it easy for the 3kms warm up which was great. I really worked at the strides and was running them progressively harder until the last one was an all out effort. I was pumped. (LOL so glad we rested for a bit whilst Pat was talking before we headed off....)
Pat got Tess, RITH, Spot, Nick and Ciaran to line up with him at the start line. Off they shot for a 3km time trial. The rest of us were just doing 1km efforts with ample rest. I waited about 8 sec until Tess was like 100m ahead then someone yelled go. Off I set to catch her and give her some encouragement. It was easy to go fast but as soon as I got to the 500m line I was dead. I kept it up knowing that Tess needed me behind her to push along. We were all going so fast as we knew we could stop at the 1km mark. It must have been so hard for Tess and the others to have people going past that normally wouldn't and then to see them stop and know you had to keep going. I got to the 1km mark and stopped. Watch said 3:48. Tess kept going. One down 2 to go.
I rested for 90sec and then took off after Jonesy. We saw Tess close to the 500m line coming towards us - she was almost finished YAH! She looked so comfortable I thought she might have stopped and had a rest as well.
That one took me 3:55 - it was the hardest one. I then had a 2min rest in order to be able to do the last one. I knew there was no way I would be doing any 500m runs afterwards as Pat suggested if we finished early....
I was struggling but got to the 500m mark and knew I would get home. I never looked at my watch until I crossed the line. 3:50. I was wrapped with that.
Tess had done her TT in 11:55 - 2 secs off her PB. A great run from her and looking good for Canberra. The race calculator is now saying 3:22.
I was pretty happy with my times. Average of 3:50 and it felt good (not at the time) to run that fast. Really need to have my rest day tomorrow though....
Friday, March 25, 2005
EASTER EGG RUN
Sore Legs. Lots of fun. Crappy MP3 player. Would have preferred to have watched the finishers come in instead of running.
Time: 48:35
Time: 48:35
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Tough Bugger of a Speed Session
How funny is Pat. Headed out to New Farm for a 'mystery session'. Not sure how mystery something is supposed to be when it is written in your program LOL.
Did 1km, 500m, 1km, 500, 1km 500m. It was a killer. Pat had us all psyched up so out I went with the jet burner on. Tess was with me and we ran that first one together. Both of us were trying to keep pace with each other and I am sure we were both shaking out heads saying WTF....did that one in 3:50.
Oh Man so gonna spew today was my first thought. I slowed down dramatically then. The 500m was 2:02 and the rest of the stats sucked as well.
4:15, 2:00, 4:20, 1:50.
The only reason the last one was any good was everyone had finished and were standing waiting to do the cool down so they all cheered me on.
Tess was reasonably consistent with around 4:05min 1kms. I noticed at one time she did not do the full rest. Man I need that full 1min, my legs just refuse to budge before my watch beeps at 60sec....How does she do it?
Did the cool down back to the ship inn and had Pat's now famous ice cold pineapple and watermelon. Got a hat from Pat - must post a photo of the new uniform.
Great to note that David Lang or Langy (CR - RITH) got voted Most Ugly from his fellow teammates. Won a $50 voucher for the ship inn. Well done mate.
After today I couldn't get my crap together so I slowly made it to the showers and was already late for work. Had a coughing fit in the shower and when I rinsed my mouth got quite alarmed.....there was blood.
Must have done a real hard push at todays session or something.
Well that was what I thought until I realised it was watermelon...hee hee I was choking on watermelon!
So after realising I wasn't dying I decided to be even later for work and celebrate being alive with a coffee. Picked one up at Gloria J's in West End and sauntered into work.
Did 1km, 500m, 1km, 500, 1km 500m. It was a killer. Pat had us all psyched up so out I went with the jet burner on. Tess was with me and we ran that first one together. Both of us were trying to keep pace with each other and I am sure we were both shaking out heads saying WTF....did that one in 3:50.
Oh Man so gonna spew today was my first thought. I slowed down dramatically then. The 500m was 2:02 and the rest of the stats sucked as well.
4:15, 2:00, 4:20, 1:50.
The only reason the last one was any good was everyone had finished and were standing waiting to do the cool down so they all cheered me on.
Tess was reasonably consistent with around 4:05min 1kms. I noticed at one time she did not do the full rest. Man I need that full 1min, my legs just refuse to budge before my watch beeps at 60sec....How does she do it?
Did the cool down back to the ship inn and had Pat's now famous ice cold pineapple and watermelon. Got a hat from Pat - must post a photo of the new uniform.
Great to note that David Lang or Langy (CR - RITH) got voted Most Ugly from his fellow teammates. Won a $50 voucher for the ship inn. Well done mate.
After today I couldn't get my crap together so I slowly made it to the showers and was already late for work. Had a coughing fit in the shower and when I rinsed my mouth got quite alarmed.....there was blood.
Must have done a real hard push at todays session or something.
Well that was what I thought until I realised it was watermelon...hee hee I was choking on watermelon!
So after realising I wasn't dying I decided to be even later for work and celebrate being alive with a coffee. Picked one up at Gloria J's in West End and sauntered into work.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Wednesday Run
Woohoo you go girl. I am superwoman. Flying on the track...Give me back my Olympic Time Trial application form...I am on fire. Hot hot hot.
Okay well not quite - but much better day than yesterday.
Met up with Tess and the boys at 5:30am and headed out for a mid week run. They were all running 17km but I was only doing 10km (as per Pat's Instructions Langy!!!).
Started running at a decent pace. I thought Tess intended to run at 4:40-4:45 pace so I aimed for that. Did 4:50, 4:40, 4:35: 4:32 before the guys really started to complain. Tess had dropped back to pick up some of the other runners (I'm sure that's a tactic to get more milage *BIGGRIN*) and the guys were scared of me and started to drop off (sure sure we all believe the shoelace came undone story). But then the great DON caught up just at the 4km mark and pulled them all on ahead. You should have seen their faces when I turned around at the 5km mark to head back. hee hee.
Past Tess who then decided to take a different route. She then came back with one of the guys and from the 4km mark did consistent 4:30kms with the last one being 4:23. Wow! All that at the end of a 17km run. One tough bird.
I finished my 10km in good time (seriously a really good time so I think I did less than 10km or I have a jetburner where there shouldn't be one!!!!) Must remember to use Tess garmin thingy to measure next time.
Finished up with a great breakfast with friends before zooming off to work.
Keen to get tomorrows session over and done with now before easing into the long weekend.
Okay well not quite - but much better day than yesterday.
Met up with Tess and the boys at 5:30am and headed out for a mid week run. They were all running 17km but I was only doing 10km (as per Pat's Instructions Langy!!!).
Started running at a decent pace. I thought Tess intended to run at 4:40-4:45 pace so I aimed for that. Did 4:50, 4:40, 4:35: 4:32 before the guys really started to complain. Tess had dropped back to pick up some of the other runners (I'm sure that's a tactic to get more milage *BIGGRIN*) and the guys were scared of me and started to drop off (sure sure we all believe the shoelace came undone story). But then the great DON caught up just at the 4km mark and pulled them all on ahead. You should have seen their faces when I turned around at the 5km mark to head back. hee hee.
Past Tess who then decided to take a different route. She then came back with one of the guys and from the 4km mark did consistent 4:30kms with the last one being 4:23. Wow! All that at the end of a 17km run. One tough bird.
I finished my 10km in good time (seriously a really good time so I think I did less than 10km or I have a jetburner where there shouldn't be one!!!!) Must remember to use Tess garmin thingy to measure next time.
Finished up with a great breakfast with friends before zooming off to work.
Keen to get tomorrows session over and done with now before easing into the long weekend.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
18 sleeps and lots of hills.
Crap!
Sums up my morning.
Great to see all the runners out there today. Officially 15 weeks to Gold Coast. Tess brought along my magic drink as well as a disc of MP3s to run with - thanks mate for going out of your way to do that. Cheered me up on the way to the car after my run this morning.
Did a speed session with Pat. Hills today, my favourite. Well it was before today.
Did a nice warmup with the 'First Wave' and got out to the Gardens to find Pat had signs up "RUNNERS AHEAD", a radio going with music and his wife Sue taking photos. With the size of the crowd it really felt like we were about to do a race.
Did the first few hills and was amazed at the difference of making us run a further 200m in the loop. Normally we run around a big tree and then sprint up the hill with a jog back down. Today we kept running, turning at some markers Pat had laid down, then sprinted up the hill from the marker (3 diff markers for 3 diff times to start a sprint depending on capability). I did less hills - about 10/11 where normally I do up to 16 I think - so the longer course was less hilly but I found it tough.
Kept up with Tess for the first 4. On the 4th one I felt her start to kick in and pull away. I stayed with her but couldn't keep it up for too many laps. Maintained a distance of 5m, then 10m, then 20m and finally closed it to 10m on the last lap.
Running up the hill with Pat was really good and so was lapping some of the runners towards the end of the session. But I still felt it was a tough day at the office and really diminished my hopes of what I could acheive at Canberra.
I appreciate that to expect to take 2min of my PB that I got only a few weeks ago is asking a lot. I will still do my best, but after today I won't have any time predictions. I can't afford to get too distressed during the next few speed sessions if I don't feel 100%. I need to focus on each session and give everything I have and then see where it gets me.
Sums up my morning.
Great to see all the runners out there today. Officially 15 weeks to Gold Coast. Tess brought along my magic drink as well as a disc of MP3s to run with - thanks mate for going out of your way to do that. Cheered me up on the way to the car after my run this morning.
Did a speed session with Pat. Hills today, my favourite. Well it was before today.
Did a nice warmup with the 'First Wave' and got out to the Gardens to find Pat had signs up "RUNNERS AHEAD", a radio going with music and his wife Sue taking photos. With the size of the crowd it really felt like we were about to do a race.
Did the first few hills and was amazed at the difference of making us run a further 200m in the loop. Normally we run around a big tree and then sprint up the hill with a jog back down. Today we kept running, turning at some markers Pat had laid down, then sprinted up the hill from the marker (3 diff markers for 3 diff times to start a sprint depending on capability). I did less hills - about 10/11 where normally I do up to 16 I think - so the longer course was less hilly but I found it tough.
Kept up with Tess for the first 4. On the 4th one I felt her start to kick in and pull away. I stayed with her but couldn't keep it up for too many laps. Maintained a distance of 5m, then 10m, then 20m and finally closed it to 10m on the last lap.
Running up the hill with Pat was really good and so was lapping some of the runners towards the end of the session. But I still felt it was a tough day at the office and really diminished my hopes of what I could acheive at Canberra.
I appreciate that to expect to take 2min of my PB that I got only a few weeks ago is asking a lot. I will still do my best, but after today I won't have any time predictions. I can't afford to get too distressed during the next few speed sessions if I don't feel 100%. I need to focus on each session and give everything I have and then see where it gets me.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Saturday Long Run
Decided to meet up with Tess and the other running buddies at 6am after they had been running for an hour.
With the Canberra Marathon looming it was the weekend to get that last long long run in the training diary.
Got down to St Lucia Golf Club and saw a mob of runners coming in just a few minutes before 6. Wow the group is really starting to grow!
I was all geared up with Tess to do our run and then to follow in the footsteps of RayJames.... do the last 12km at race pace.
We ran for just over an hour along the river, passing lots of friends and generally having a great time chatting to everyone. Sargent Claire was out in full force to make sure we didn't linger at any water stops or stop talking for too long... Got to the gardens and was busting to go to the loo. As I didn't want to run with my fuel belt I had drank about 3litres of water since waking up. Found one eventually in the garden cafe and when I came out decided to have my gu thingy. First time I have had one of those. I didnt enjoy it overly much and quickly found a tap to drink enough water to wash it all down. Tess and the others were just running laps in the garden whilst waiting for me - how great were they. I was happy I didn't have to throw it up a gear to catch up to them.
After the first hour (TEss's second hour) we stopped for some water and for everyone else to have their gu/fuel. Lizzle discussed how she had made her special drink and that had us laughing. Being the chef she was keen to tell us exactly when to add 'a pinch of sea salt' etc. Guess you had to be there.
So it was here at the turn around I saw Tess head out and I thought this is where we are going to go faster. I caught up and we then ran together a fast 8km and left the other runners far behind. My gu thingy was really kicking in and I felt great.
Got to the marker on the track that said 4km (from the Regatta) and I threw a gear and did that km in 4:35, then we slowed to 4:45 for the next one then I did another 4:45 then a final 4:33. Got to the regatta tired and thirsty. We stopped for water and greeted the Regatta Runners who were just finishing their long run for the day.
Then Tess was keen to keep moving so we jogged on along back to our starting point at St Lucia. At this stage I had done 20km - with final 8km being fast - and I was exhausted. Tess had done an hour before me and had done 29km by now but had another 6 to do. So whilst I coached her and cheered she did a few large laps of a nearby sporting field as we waited for the rest of the group to catch up.
Soon enough they started to show and we hopped back on the bitumen and joined in.
Arrived back at the Golf Club in total two hours (of running) and finished with the others. Tess and Liz kept going so I spent a few minutes calling out words of wisdom as they took off to do another two kilometres (to get the 35+km for the final long run).
By the time I went into the cafe and ordered breakfast and sat down there was Tess arriving looking like she was on her way OUT for a run....not someone who had just finished 35km - with a racepace 8km thrown in there!!! Watch this space for some great runs from that little lady later this year.
ME - I feel tired and exhausted. I am going to sleep for seven days and then see what the week brings. Nonetheless I felt todays run was exactly what I needed and felt really good when I finished. Yesterdays' blisters from the orthotics didn't bother me so I was really pleased about that.
Gosh only three weeks to go.......
With the Canberra Marathon looming it was the weekend to get that last long long run in the training diary.
Got down to St Lucia Golf Club and saw a mob of runners coming in just a few minutes before 6. Wow the group is really starting to grow!
I was all geared up with Tess to do our run and then to follow in the footsteps of RayJames.... do the last 12km at race pace.
We ran for just over an hour along the river, passing lots of friends and generally having a great time chatting to everyone. Sargent Claire was out in full force to make sure we didn't linger at any water stops or stop talking for too long... Got to the gardens and was busting to go to the loo. As I didn't want to run with my fuel belt I had drank about 3litres of water since waking up. Found one eventually in the garden cafe and when I came out decided to have my gu thingy. First time I have had one of those. I didnt enjoy it overly much and quickly found a tap to drink enough water to wash it all down. Tess and the others were just running laps in the garden whilst waiting for me - how great were they. I was happy I didn't have to throw it up a gear to catch up to them.
After the first hour (TEss's second hour) we stopped for some water and for everyone else to have their gu/fuel. Lizzle discussed how she had made her special drink and that had us laughing. Being the chef she was keen to tell us exactly when to add 'a pinch of sea salt' etc. Guess you had to be there.
So it was here at the turn around I saw Tess head out and I thought this is where we are going to go faster. I caught up and we then ran together a fast 8km and left the other runners far behind. My gu thingy was really kicking in and I felt great.
Got to the marker on the track that said 4km (from the Regatta) and I threw a gear and did that km in 4:35, then we slowed to 4:45 for the next one then I did another 4:45 then a final 4:33. Got to the regatta tired and thirsty. We stopped for water and greeted the Regatta Runners who were just finishing their long run for the day.
Then Tess was keen to keep moving so we jogged on along back to our starting point at St Lucia. At this stage I had done 20km - with final 8km being fast - and I was exhausted. Tess had done an hour before me and had done 29km by now but had another 6 to do. So whilst I coached her and cheered she did a few large laps of a nearby sporting field as we waited for the rest of the group to catch up.
Soon enough they started to show and we hopped back on the bitumen and joined in.
Arrived back at the Golf Club in total two hours (of running) and finished with the others. Tess and Liz kept going so I spent a few minutes calling out words of wisdom as they took off to do another two kilometres (to get the 35+km for the final long run).
By the time I went into the cafe and ordered breakfast and sat down there was Tess arriving looking like she was on her way OUT for a run....not someone who had just finished 35km - with a racepace 8km thrown in there!!! Watch this space for some great runs from that little lady later this year.
ME - I feel tired and exhausted. I am going to sleep for seven days and then see what the week brings. Nonetheless I felt todays run was exactly what I needed and felt really good when I finished. Yesterdays' blisters from the orthotics didn't bother me so I was really pleased about that.
Gosh only three weeks to go.......
Friday, March 18, 2005
Friday .....11km and only 22 sleeps
Did the usual "lets be idiots and meet up early to fit in more running and have less sleep" with Tesso this morning.
Headed out at 5:30am for some grassy oval laps for 30mins before starting the 8km with the Regatta Runners. Tess had to leave for work so we decided to cut it short and only do 6km.
That would have been fine with me but something in the brain tells you - if you are going to cut the distance then up the speed. Hence we ticked over the first km in 4:58 then did the remaining ones in 4:50 with the final km in 4:40. I was hurting all over and I remember feeling like walking but having Tess there made me plod on to the end. The last km I was able to smell the finish and kick in but the one before was pure torture and I have no idea why.
You have to appreciate today's run is meant to be a steady 8km, to calm our legs after the two weekly speed sessions with Pat and before a 2hr50run (for Tess) or a 1hr 50 run (me) tomorrow morning.
Looking forward to a rest on Sunday and even the long (slow) run tomorrow should be good to work the legs and ease out those nasty speed session.
Tess and I have a plan and we are keen to see if it works...but you'll just have to keep reading to find out.
Headed out at 5:30am for some grassy oval laps for 30mins before starting the 8km with the Regatta Runners. Tess had to leave for work so we decided to cut it short and only do 6km.
That would have been fine with me but something in the brain tells you - if you are going to cut the distance then up the speed. Hence we ticked over the first km in 4:58 then did the remaining ones in 4:50 with the final km in 4:40. I was hurting all over and I remember feeling like walking but having Tess there made me plod on to the end. The last km I was able to smell the finish and kick in but the one before was pure torture and I have no idea why.
You have to appreciate today's run is meant to be a steady 8km, to calm our legs after the two weekly speed sessions with Pat and before a 2hr50run (for Tess) or a 1hr 50 run (me) tomorrow morning.
Looking forward to a rest on Sunday and even the long (slow) run tomorrow should be good to work the legs and ease out those nasty speed session.
Tess and I have a plan and we are keen to see if it works...but you'll just have to keep reading to find out.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
23 SLEEPS TO GO TILL CANBERRA
Tess was absolutely dynamite this morning.
Someone lit the cracker and she wasn't to be seen again.
We jogged out to New Farm and then did 3 x 4mins and 1 x 2min with 1min recovery in between.
Eddie looked like he was in pain so we told him to take it slow. Bit sad when someone taking it 'slow' cruises past you with ease.
Anyhow onto more interesting people - me - today was quite good. I went out conservatively in the aim to do all 3x4min efforts at the same pace. I managed to do this and got to the same coloured brick in the road each effort. But I just felt terrible going out on the third one with the rest cut short.
The last 2min was hard also but felt good because you knew it was going to be over. I did however experience a massive cramp at the end of this. I am starting to no worry about them anymore as I tend to get them so often I can run with them. Not sure what causes them but maybe this morning I was a bit dehydrated?
Certainly Pat's Pineapple was a good lift and great way to finish the session.
After the efforts we jogged back to the Ship Inn. Tess left me in the city to go to work. Damn she is going great guns. Pat called out to her on the last effort "Sub 3:20 in Canberra Tess" and she had enough breath to yell back....though it isn't the sort of language you want to put into print here on this g rated web site....
Have no idea what we are doing for the speed sessions next week... but bring it on.
Tess is going to have a time trial with Eddie, Langy and the others going to Canberra on the 29th March. I am doing mine the following week so I asked Langy to pace me to a sub 12:22 - to which he agreed.
Pat said I would get a special medal for breaking my PB 3 months in a row.....I'm thinking Langy might need some rope to pull me though though. I feel better lately but my speed is not improving. I just look and feel more comfortable when I run.
Someone lit the cracker and she wasn't to be seen again.
We jogged out to New Farm and then did 3 x 4mins and 1 x 2min with 1min recovery in between.
Eddie looked like he was in pain so we told him to take it slow. Bit sad when someone taking it 'slow' cruises past you with ease.
Anyhow onto more interesting people - me - today was quite good. I went out conservatively in the aim to do all 3x4min efforts at the same pace. I managed to do this and got to the same coloured brick in the road each effort. But I just felt terrible going out on the third one with the rest cut short.
The last 2min was hard also but felt good because you knew it was going to be over. I did however experience a massive cramp at the end of this. I am starting to no worry about them anymore as I tend to get them so often I can run with them. Not sure what causes them but maybe this morning I was a bit dehydrated?
Certainly Pat's Pineapple was a good lift and great way to finish the session.
After the efforts we jogged back to the Ship Inn. Tess left me in the city to go to work. Damn she is going great guns. Pat called out to her on the last effort "Sub 3:20 in Canberra Tess" and she had enough breath to yell back....though it isn't the sort of language you want to put into print here on this g rated web site....
Have no idea what we are doing for the speed sessions next week... but bring it on.
Tess is going to have a time trial with Eddie, Langy and the others going to Canberra on the 29th March. I am doing mine the following week so I asked Langy to pace me to a sub 12:22 - to which he agreed.
Pat said I would get a special medal for breaking my PB 3 months in a row.....I'm thinking Langy might need some rope to pull me though though. I feel better lately but my speed is not improving. I just look and feel more comfortable when I run.
23 SLEEPS TO GO TILL CANBERRA
Tess was absolutely dynamite this morning.
Someone lit the cracker and she wasn't to be seen again.
We jogged out to New Farm and then did 3 x 4mins and 1 x 2min with 1min recovery in between.
Eddie looked like he was in pain so we told him to take it slow. Bit sad when someone taking it 'slow' cruises past you with ease.
Anyhow onto more interesting people - me - today was quite good. I went out conservatively in the aim to do all 3x4min efforts at the same pace. I managed to do this and got to the same coloured brick in the road each effort. But I just felt terrible going out on the third one with the rest cut short.
The last 2min was hard also but felt good because you knew it was going to be over. I did however experience a massive cramp at the end of this. I am starting to no worry about them anymore as I tend to get them so often I can run with them. Not sure what causes them but maybe this morning I was a bit dehydrated?
Certainly Pat's Pineapple was a good lift and great way to finish the session.
After the efforts we jogged back to the Ship Inn. Tess left me in the city to go to work. Damn she is going great guns. Pat called out to her on the last effort "Sub 3:20 in Canberra Tess" and she had enough breath to yell back....though it isn't the sort of language you want to put into print here on this g rated web site....
Have no idea what we are doing for the speed sessions next week... but bring it on.
Tess is going to have a time trial with Eddie, Langy and the others going to Canberra on the 29th March. I am doing mine the following week so I asked Langy to pace me to a sub 12:22 - to which he agreed.
Pat said I would get a special medal for breaking my PB 3 months in a row.....I'm thinking Langy might need some rope to pull me though though. I feel better lately but my speed is not improving. I just look and feel more comfortable when I run.
Someone lit the cracker and she wasn't to be seen again.
We jogged out to New Farm and then did 3 x 4mins and 1 x 2min with 1min recovery in between.
Eddie looked like he was in pain so we told him to take it slow. Bit sad when someone taking it 'slow' cruises past you with ease.
Anyhow onto more interesting people - me - today was quite good. I went out conservatively in the aim to do all 3x4min efforts at the same pace. I managed to do this and got to the same coloured brick in the road each effort. But I just felt terrible going out on the third one with the rest cut short.
The last 2min was hard also but felt good because you knew it was going to be over. I did however experience a massive cramp at the end of this. I am starting to no worry about them anymore as I tend to get them so often I can run with them. Not sure what causes them but maybe this morning I was a bit dehydrated?
Certainly Pat's Pineapple was a good lift and great way to finish the session.
After the efforts we jogged back to the Ship Inn. Tess left me in the city to go to work. Damn she is going great guns. Pat called out to her on the last effort "Sub 3:20 in Canberra Tess" and she had enough breath to yell back....though it isn't the sort of language you want to put into print here on this g rated web site....
Have no idea what we are doing for the speed sessions next week... but bring it on.
Tess is going to have a time trial with Eddie, Langy and the others going to Canberra on the 29th March. I am doing mine the following week so I asked Langy to pace me to a sub 12:22 - to which he agreed.
Pat said I would get a special medal for breaking my PB 3 months in a row.....I'm thinking Langy might need some rope to pull me though though. I feel better lately but my speed is not improving. I just look and feel more comfortable when I run.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
SPEED SESSION - 25 MORE SLEEPS
Pretty sad that I am now counting down sleeps as opposed to weeks for my Canberra run. I get sick in the gut just thinking about it.
Pat had us do a warm up out to the 500m mark at West End & then turn around and go back to the 1km mark - approx 3km warmup I think.
At the turn around Drill Sargent Tess got everyone (with my help) into two long lines (about 18 women) and we then proceeded back to the 1km mark chanting "I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'VE BEEN TOLD...THE CARROLLETTES ARE MADE OF GOLD" The boys passed us (we'd had a head start) and were all highly amused at our antics. Certainly made us giggle.
After a few strides to get the legs pumping the fun was over and it was time to work. I felt great and had been psyching myself up for a hard session since last week.
We had 6 x 500m (with one min recovery) followed by 1 x 1km. The A team had 8 reps to do.
My aim was to stick with Tess but that proved a bit hard when she headed off with a few others to do a 50min recovery run instead of the speed session.
That left eddie!
Hard to miss in his fluro Brisbane Road Runners outfit (need to get me one of those). I took off and waited for the inevitable - for him to catch and pass me. I was happy that it was after 400m before he did this on the first lap. The remaining laps he caught me much earlier but I managed to stay 2 second behind him and we both headed off together after our rests so I was happy. I felt strong the whole way with the third rep the hardest.
I averaged around 1:58 for the reps. I only recorded one at 1:55 so the others must have been slower. The one km was slowish at 4:18 but I was happy with it nonetheless. I certainly am feeling fitter regardless of the times.
Just after we finished Tess, Ciaran and Dingo showed up and we ran back for the cool down. I'm thinking I need a cooldown from the cooldown.... it's certainly run at a good steady pace, but feels great for the legs.
Got my new running top from Pat. Will be wearing it at Canberra for the first time - well maybe the second as I'd better give it a go beforehand, you know make sure it fits :)
Pat had us do a warm up out to the 500m mark at West End & then turn around and go back to the 1km mark - approx 3km warmup I think.
At the turn around Drill Sargent Tess got everyone (with my help) into two long lines (about 18 women) and we then proceeded back to the 1km mark chanting "I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'VE BEEN TOLD...THE CARROLLETTES ARE MADE OF GOLD" The boys passed us (we'd had a head start) and were all highly amused at our antics. Certainly made us giggle.
After a few strides to get the legs pumping the fun was over and it was time to work. I felt great and had been psyching myself up for a hard session since last week.
We had 6 x 500m (with one min recovery) followed by 1 x 1km. The A team had 8 reps to do.
My aim was to stick with Tess but that proved a bit hard when she headed off with a few others to do a 50min recovery run instead of the speed session.
That left eddie!
Hard to miss in his fluro Brisbane Road Runners outfit (need to get me one of those). I took off and waited for the inevitable - for him to catch and pass me. I was happy that it was after 400m before he did this on the first lap. The remaining laps he caught me much earlier but I managed to stay 2 second behind him and we both headed off together after our rests so I was happy. I felt strong the whole way with the third rep the hardest.
I averaged around 1:58 for the reps. I only recorded one at 1:55 so the others must have been slower. The one km was slowish at 4:18 but I was happy with it nonetheless. I certainly am feeling fitter regardless of the times.
Just after we finished Tess, Ciaran and Dingo showed up and we ran back for the cool down. I'm thinking I need a cooldown from the cooldown.... it's certainly run at a good steady pace, but feels great for the legs.
Got my new running top from Pat. Will be wearing it at Canberra for the first time - well maybe the second as I'd better give it a go beforehand, you know make sure it fits :)
Monday, March 14, 2005
Injured!
First speed session since Canberra.
Was fun to catch up with everyone. But really weird to see so many people still missing from the group. Tess is still in Canberra but will be back on deck Friday in time to run with the Regatta Group.
She did a run this morning in Canberra to turn the legs over. Interesting to hear how she is feeling. Just about to hop on the plane to come back to sunny brissy.
Already she is talking about Next Year!
My legs feel really really bad and I have been calling the physio all day today. Going to jump up on his table at 7pm tonight. :(
Was fun to catch up with everyone. But really weird to see so many people still missing from the group. Tess is still in Canberra but will be back on deck Friday in time to run with the Regatta Group.
She did a run this morning in Canberra to turn the legs over. Interesting to hear how she is feeling. Just about to hop on the plane to come back to sunny brissy.
Already she is talking about Next Year!
My legs feel really really bad and I have been calling the physio all day today. Going to jump up on his table at 7pm tonight. :(
Sunday, March 13, 2005
BRRC Half Marathon Championships
What a day and what a way to end the weekend.
After some discussion with Pat I was advised strongly to take it easy today and just do a training run. With my goal until Canberra being to just focus on my speed sessions and see how I can improve I was happy to listen to him for a change :)
Arrived early all alone. Didn't need the family cheering for me to take 2hrs to do a half marathon....lol
Got there in the dark just after 5am and they had nothing set up. Not long after things started moving and all of a sudden I was in the line to register and getting that buzz in my stomach (the good one not the one sending me off to the loo!!!).
I was keen to do this and have some fun. Tess turned up around 5:30am and was all geared up for a great race. We discussed the previous days 6 Foot results and the feedback we had received from various runners already. It was making us chomping at the bit to get out there.
I had planned to do 1:50, running easy but steady for the duration of the 21.1km. It was so relaxing knowing that I had no pressures on me - especially the pressure I exert on myself to put my training to work!
There were so many runners out there today it was very exciting. A blind runner with runner in tow, the pack of fit looking men from the Gold Coast (who took out first and second in the mens race)and a good sprinkle of coolrunners.
The gun went off and Tess was flying. I checked as she went past for rollerblades but didn't see anything (couldn't with all the smoke coming off her shoes...).
I had on the full contingent of packed fuel belt but it was really giving me the shits and after the first loop I threw it on the ground and put my bottles on one of the water tables. The race was a 1.1 followed by 4 loops of 5km. So each time I past the tables I grabbed one and took it with me then put it on the next table. It worked great.
My shins and legs felt terrible for the first loop so I got to 6.1km thinking I was facing a DNF. Not seriously but enough to make me think about why I felt so crap. I put it down to lack of sufficient warm up. After the first loop was out of the way I kept a record of my km splits. I was alternating (purposely) between 4:40 and 5:15 with each km. It was fun but I don't like being passed by other runners and was very sad indeed to have some go by me. I picked up the pace...just a little...to make sure a woman who went past me was reassured by my ability and hence, I overtook her.
Tess was really crusing and I can honestly say looked very comfortable. I was more jealous!
The 5km race started and I saw the pack of racing males go by. RITH was up there among the first three and I was willing him on to a good race. He told me later he did 17:44 (WOW!!!) and I was very proud even though I got the feeling he was slightly disappointed.
The last 10km were great and just whizzed by as I was in the zone and had lots of encouragement from everyone. Tess didn't let up the whole race and finished in a blistering 1:34 - a brillant PB smasher.
On the last loop I saw her go and knew it was in the bag.. shortly afterwards I saw Lizzle who was running with her music. Knowing she had the earphones on and hadn't heard me on the last lap I yelled out to her as we past each other in opposite directions "LOOKING GOOD LIZ, LAST LAP". Anyone that knows me knows I can be loud. Well this time I was screaming to ensure she would hear me across the street through her earphones. She told me later her batteries had died just before I yelled out and hence got such a fright when I yelled at her....she couldn't stop laughing for the next km.
I eventually came in to landing in 1:47:10. A 6min PB for me so I know I can easily do a sub 1:45 as I was not racing today. Though I admit the last km I really kicked in. I couldnt' help it - training run or not there was a finish line and I could not just walk across it. I feel so great now. The legs are liking what they did today and I am happy I still feel fresh enough for some big efforts in this weeks speed sessions.
Wonder if Tess is still on cloud nine with todays extreme performance. Fingers crossed this is going to be magnified at Canberra....so fess up Tess what does the calculator say now for your marathon time??????
After some discussion with Pat I was advised strongly to take it easy today and just do a training run. With my goal until Canberra being to just focus on my speed sessions and see how I can improve I was happy to listen to him for a change :)
Arrived early all alone. Didn't need the family cheering for me to take 2hrs to do a half marathon....lol
Got there in the dark just after 5am and they had nothing set up. Not long after things started moving and all of a sudden I was in the line to register and getting that buzz in my stomach (the good one not the one sending me off to the loo!!!).
I was keen to do this and have some fun. Tess turned up around 5:30am and was all geared up for a great race. We discussed the previous days 6 Foot results and the feedback we had received from various runners already. It was making us chomping at the bit to get out there.
I had planned to do 1:50, running easy but steady for the duration of the 21.1km. It was so relaxing knowing that I had no pressures on me - especially the pressure I exert on myself to put my training to work!
There were so many runners out there today it was very exciting. A blind runner with runner in tow, the pack of fit looking men from the Gold Coast (who took out first and second in the mens race)and a good sprinkle of coolrunners.
The gun went off and Tess was flying. I checked as she went past for rollerblades but didn't see anything (couldn't with all the smoke coming off her shoes...).
I had on the full contingent of packed fuel belt but it was really giving me the shits and after the first loop I threw it on the ground and put my bottles on one of the water tables. The race was a 1.1 followed by 4 loops of 5km. So each time I past the tables I grabbed one and took it with me then put it on the next table. It worked great.
My shins and legs felt terrible for the first loop so I got to 6.1km thinking I was facing a DNF. Not seriously but enough to make me think about why I felt so crap. I put it down to lack of sufficient warm up. After the first loop was out of the way I kept a record of my km splits. I was alternating (purposely) between 4:40 and 5:15 with each km. It was fun but I don't like being passed by other runners and was very sad indeed to have some go by me. I picked up the pace...just a little...to make sure a woman who went past me was reassured by my ability and hence, I overtook her.
Tess was really crusing and I can honestly say looked very comfortable. I was more jealous!
The 5km race started and I saw the pack of racing males go by. RITH was up there among the first three and I was willing him on to a good race. He told me later he did 17:44 (WOW!!!) and I was very proud even though I got the feeling he was slightly disappointed.
The last 10km were great and just whizzed by as I was in the zone and had lots of encouragement from everyone. Tess didn't let up the whole race and finished in a blistering 1:34 - a brillant PB smasher.
On the last loop I saw her go and knew it was in the bag.. shortly afterwards I saw Lizzle who was running with her music. Knowing she had the earphones on and hadn't heard me on the last lap I yelled out to her as we past each other in opposite directions "LOOKING GOOD LIZ, LAST LAP". Anyone that knows me knows I can be loud. Well this time I was screaming to ensure she would hear me across the street through her earphones. She told me later her batteries had died just before I yelled out and hence got such a fright when I yelled at her....she couldn't stop laughing for the next km.
I eventually came in to landing in 1:47:10. A 6min PB for me so I know I can easily do a sub 1:45 as I was not racing today. Though I admit the last km I really kicked in. I couldnt' help it - training run or not there was a finish line and I could not just walk across it. I feel so great now. The legs are liking what they did today and I am happy I still feel fresh enough for some big efforts in this weeks speed sessions.
Wonder if Tess is still on cloud nine with todays extreme performance. Fingers crossed this is going to be magnified at Canberra....so fess up Tess what does the calculator say now for your marathon time??????
Friday, March 11, 2005
REGATTA RUNNERS - 30 SLEEPS
One night down and 30 more to go....
Met up early with Tess and we headed for some grass to do a few laps for 30mins before the 6am start with the Regatta Runners.
Moved out in steady pace and headed for the turnaround. Stopped for some water on the way out and just coasted along with Tess. At the turnaround I moved ahead to talk to Geoff and we ran for a bit and after a few kms realised that we were both pulling each other faster along. With 1.5km to the finish Geoff eased back and told me to go ahead. I thought I would stay with him but then saw another body ahead of me so thought I would try to go past them.
Before I knew it the 1km mark was coming up. I made a snap decision to go hard and finish strong. I hurt along the way but it was that good hurt feel when you race hard. I was mentally preparing myself for Canberra and any other race telling myself "this is how you will feel (exhausted) at the end of a race with 1km to go, finish hard and strong in training and you will finish hard and strong in the race". I really needed this after my 10km at BRRC where if it were not for Krishna I don't think I would have finished hard.
I clocked the watch bang on 1km mark and turned the legs over. My shoulders I kept relaxed and I watched my breathing. My lungs were burning and my split personality was laughing at my vain attempts to improve...but I got to the end and hit the watch. 4.18. I was happy with that time after an hours run and yesterdays manic speed session. I was more happier with the way I felt - strong and fast. I really hope I can keep replicating that feeling and speed in my races.
Met up early with Tess and we headed for some grass to do a few laps for 30mins before the 6am start with the Regatta Runners.
Moved out in steady pace and headed for the turnaround. Stopped for some water on the way out and just coasted along with Tess. At the turnaround I moved ahead to talk to Geoff and we ran for a bit and after a few kms realised that we were both pulling each other faster along. With 1.5km to the finish Geoff eased back and told me to go ahead. I thought I would stay with him but then saw another body ahead of me so thought I would try to go past them.
Before I knew it the 1km mark was coming up. I made a snap decision to go hard and finish strong. I hurt along the way but it was that good hurt feel when you race hard. I was mentally preparing myself for Canberra and any other race telling myself "this is how you will feel (exhausted) at the end of a race with 1km to go, finish hard and strong in training and you will finish hard and strong in the race". I really needed this after my 10km at BRRC where if it were not for Krishna I don't think I would have finished hard.
I clocked the watch bang on 1km mark and turned the legs over. My shoulders I kept relaxed and I watched my breathing. My lungs were burning and my split personality was laughing at my vain attempts to improve...but I got to the end and hit the watch. 4.18. I was happy with that time after an hours run and yesterdays manic speed session. I was more happier with the way I felt - strong and fast. I really hope I can keep replicating that feeling and speed in my races.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
31 SLEEPS TO GO....
31 sleeps to Canberra.
I should have remembered that this morning when I was running.
Did an easy warm up with Pat's group. The B team have been leaving a few mins early so we don't have to warm up at 3min/km pace with Pat and the A Team.
Today's session was 2 x 5min efforts and then 10mins on hills. The 5mins were 2.5 out then turn around and come home. Pat said this is the best speed session you can do to help you learn how to pace. The idea for pacing is to get back where you started bang on 5min. I was very happy with today, I did the first 5min hard, went out after Tess and kept her within a few metres, then turned around and just held on so she did not overtake me...phew made it. Felt good but with only 50sec rest I could not do that again. Nonetheless I made the goal to be consistent with going out and then back at the same effort. Before I used to go out easy and come home hard, then have time left on the watch or go further than the starting point.
Was really happy with today's session - even if Eddie did fly past me on the second one. Thought he was supposed to be recuperating????
The hills I felt really good on. Actually felt I could have kept going. The last one is always tough - all the way over the bridge to the starting point.
The worst bit about today was the warm down. Tess and I headed off and I was knackered already so the last thing I felt like was a few km run around Southbank. But I know it did the legs good to work out those muscles (YES they are there hiding somewhere :BIGGRIN: )
Tess is officially WATER STATION SARGENT for the Lest We Forget Marathon. How exciting. That water is going to taste damn good too!
I volunteered to pace the 1hr 30min group in the half marathon but got refused by the snooty race director. Apparently he thinks I wouldn't be the right person for the job. WTF? Okay so maybe having a half PB of 1:53 is not going to cut it. Maybe next year.
Gonna have to bribe him now to get a job on the finish line.....
I should have remembered that this morning when I was running.
Did an easy warm up with Pat's group. The B team have been leaving a few mins early so we don't have to warm up at 3min/km pace with Pat and the A Team.
Today's session was 2 x 5min efforts and then 10mins on hills. The 5mins were 2.5 out then turn around and come home. Pat said this is the best speed session you can do to help you learn how to pace. The idea for pacing is to get back where you started bang on 5min. I was very happy with today, I did the first 5min hard, went out after Tess and kept her within a few metres, then turned around and just held on so she did not overtake me...phew made it. Felt good but with only 50sec rest I could not do that again. Nonetheless I made the goal to be consistent with going out and then back at the same effort. Before I used to go out easy and come home hard, then have time left on the watch or go further than the starting point.
Was really happy with today's session - even if Eddie did fly past me on the second one. Thought he was supposed to be recuperating????
The hills I felt really good on. Actually felt I could have kept going. The last one is always tough - all the way over the bridge to the starting point.
The worst bit about today was the warm down. Tess and I headed off and I was knackered already so the last thing I felt like was a few km run around Southbank. But I know it did the legs good to work out those muscles (YES they are there hiding somewhere :BIGGRIN: )
Tess is officially WATER STATION SARGENT for the Lest We Forget Marathon. How exciting. That water is going to taste damn good too!
I volunteered to pace the 1hr 30min group in the half marathon but got refused by the snooty race director. Apparently he thinks I wouldn't be the right person for the job. WTF? Okay so maybe having a half PB of 1:53 is not going to cut it. Maybe next year.
Gonna have to bribe him now to get a job on the finish line.....
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Knobby Knees Run
Pat had us down for a long warm up, 15min of Fartlek and then the cool down. All up about 11km.
Headed over to New Farm area to do the Fartlek. The warmup with the group is getting quite fast. I was not feeling comfortable with the pace - thought I was using up all my precious speed energy in the warm up.
After a few mins of stretching and then some stride outs I felt a lot better.
The group is getting really big now and the start can be a bit congested. Luckily it is not a race!!!
Went out for 1min fast then 1min jog, then 30sec fast then 30sec then 15sec sprint. 15ec rest then repeat all over x4.
I stayed as close as possible to Tess but I notice that my recovery jogs are always a lot slower than hers so she gets in front and then it is a mad race to try to close the gap when we are both running hard. I really need the slow recovery pace - especially after the 1min effort.
Tess had a big weekend - did 32km at 5:08pace on Saturday then followed it up with a 5km hard race. The first few km of the race was good pace just trying to get past everyone then with the last few km to go she took off and got home in 21:04. Just shy of her PB and a great effort.
So after all that I thought for sure she would be slack today, but no not our Tess. She still gave it everything she had with sore calves and all!!
My knee was so painful today but when the speedwork started it went away. Now it is back again. Can't wait to see what UQ tell me tomorrow when I go there for an assessment..
Headed over to New Farm area to do the Fartlek. The warmup with the group is getting quite fast. I was not feeling comfortable with the pace - thought I was using up all my precious speed energy in the warm up.
After a few mins of stretching and then some stride outs I felt a lot better.
The group is getting really big now and the start can be a bit congested. Luckily it is not a race!!!
Went out for 1min fast then 1min jog, then 30sec fast then 30sec then 15sec sprint. 15ec rest then repeat all over x4.
I stayed as close as possible to Tess but I notice that my recovery jogs are always a lot slower than hers so she gets in front and then it is a mad race to try to close the gap when we are both running hard. I really need the slow recovery pace - especially after the 1min effort.
Tess had a big weekend - did 32km at 5:08pace on Saturday then followed it up with a 5km hard race. The first few km of the race was good pace just trying to get past everyone then with the last few km to go she took off and got home in 21:04. Just shy of her PB and a great effort.
So after all that I thought for sure she would be slack today, but no not our Tess. She still gave it everything she had with sore calves and all!!
My knee was so painful today but when the speedwork started it went away. Now it is back again. Can't wait to see what UQ tell me tomorrow when I go there for an assessment..
Monday, March 07, 2005
CLAIRIES WEEKEND IN MEXICO MELBOURNE
Arrived in Melbourne at 8am Friday and started to get excited about a weekend in Mexico. Woohoo long weekend.
My clients did not want to wait around in the taxi line so we grabbed a limo and headed for our hotel. After dropping our bags off we walked the streets of Melbourne and spent most of the afternoon at the Motor Show.
My legs were killing me by now. Had high heeled boots on since 6am flight - not the best to walk for 6 hours in!!
We headed out to Lygon St that night for a great feed. After dinner I got a cab back to the hotel to get an early night. Little did I know there was a Bucks night in the room above so all I heard until 1am –when they were kicked out of the hotel, was screaming and laughing and swearing.
I was so tired by now that I just wanted to go home to my own bed. My legs ached and I wasn’t looking forward to another two days of this.
Got up super early ready for my run around the TAN. Walked through the city and just got to Flinders Station before the rain bucketed down. Think I should have taken ObiWan up on his offer of a lift!!!!
I kept going after a few minutes and proceeded to head up to the top of the TAN. Got there and did not see any crowds so I asked some people who were running around. They said the VRRC was around the other side for this mornings run. I wasn’t even sure where I was and if I was already on the Tan so I just tucked in with some runners who said they would show me the way....well this guy was fast. He was warming up and I think doing 4.30/km. I was trying to keep up but this was my racing pace…NOT FAIR! Then they told me how they were training for Comrades and I began to think I made a big mistake coming along for this run.
Arrived at the start and realised I had done more than 5km just to get there! After stretching and registering for the run I went in search of some coolrunners. I met up with PaulC, OBiWan, SlowSue and Superflake. Great bunch of runners.
Not long after that the race started and the early runners headed out. It was a handicapped race so we were all going off in the aim of finishing at the same time of 55mins.
PaulC and I went out at 15mins (=40min 8km) whilst Obi and Superflake hung around for about 22/23mins (=32min 8km).
The first lap was an eye opener. The hill I had run down in my warm up was now the one I was puffing up (Anderson St). It wasn’t too steep though and as it was the beginning of the run I actually liked the change in gradient. The first lap was done in 30sec better than our target which was pretty good considering Paul and I were chatting the whole way.
The rain started coming down then so now I was cold AND wet and thinking about the long walk home already! That was when I got to the Anderson St hill for the second lap. I knew I was either going to speed up and race this or just call it quits and walk. I wasn’t a quitter so off I took. My lungs were burning and my legs went into shock. Got to the top and kept going but at a slower pace for a few minutes to get by breath back. Enjoyed the last 2km of the run but didn’t really feel like doing much of a kick. I think the past few weeks of hard running was finally catching up with me.
Finished in 54mins 10sec which means a 39.10 8km. I didn’t feel hot and sweaty like I normally do and had to put a jacket on straight after the run (how novel!!).
I hung around and got some piccies and had breakfast courtesy of the VRRC. Superflake dropped me off in the city and I started walking back to the hotel. It was a lovely walk but I just wanted to get warm and dry and was in need of a hot cup of coffee.
I turned up a wrong street and ended up in Chinatown. A girl was surrounded by a group of 15-20 men, one of whom just hit her. I was terrified. I was in my running gear with just my camera and mobile phone. I phoned hubby so I could talk to someone as I walked past.
The girl was crying and screaming and I was about to stop and go to her when she kicked and slapped one of the guys and then came running in my direction. I had not stopped walking. The language coming out of her mouth was quite choice! The guys were laughing at her and she was still yelling. Makeup was all over her face. One of the guys went up to her and grabbed her, my hubby told me to just keep walking fast, I glanced back and they were kissing. Another fight between two of the guys was now getting all the attention of the group and I was almost out of range. It was terrifying.
The thing I was most angry about was my inability to stop in the first instance to ask if she needed any help. I should have called the police, not my husband. Ok so some people live like that but maybe it is because people like me just keep walking and don’t do anything about it?
I spent an hour in the bath at the hotel before walking back into the city. I shopped and shopped then went back to Chinatown. It was all hustle and bustle of a Saturday afternoon with no sign of gangs or any trouble. I went in and had Peking Duck for lunch as a treat YUMMMM!
Later that night I got in touch with wobbly man and called off the run for the following morning. My feet were so sore from all the walking and running. Also I knew I was in for another late night with my clients.
Sunday I spent at the Queen Victoria Markets and got a call from hubby to say the bank had rung. Apparently they thought someone had stolen my credit card and was running around Melbourne chalking up a list of expenses…..mmmm I knew then I should stop shopping so I got a jam doughnut (how good are they!!!) and waited around the city for my clients to finish at the Grand Prix. We limo’d back to the airport and flew out for the warmer weather.
Now that I am back safe and sound I feel a bit slack for not running Sunday. My legs might feel like they did a marathon this weekend but most of it was walking. I covered 16km on Saturday running - 10km at close to race pace and then 6km of jogging. I think I did at least twice that in walking.
Still having Friday AND Sunday off makes me feel like a slacker. It’s a mental thing. My legs welcome the break but my head is telling me I am loosing form with every rest day. I won’t have any excuse come Tuesday to do well at this weeks speedwork.
My clients did not want to wait around in the taxi line so we grabbed a limo and headed for our hotel. After dropping our bags off we walked the streets of Melbourne and spent most of the afternoon at the Motor Show.
My legs were killing me by now. Had high heeled boots on since 6am flight - not the best to walk for 6 hours in!!
We headed out to Lygon St that night for a great feed. After dinner I got a cab back to the hotel to get an early night. Little did I know there was a Bucks night in the room above so all I heard until 1am –when they were kicked out of the hotel, was screaming and laughing and swearing.
I was so tired by now that I just wanted to go home to my own bed. My legs ached and I wasn’t looking forward to another two days of this.
Got up super early ready for my run around the TAN. Walked through the city and just got to Flinders Station before the rain bucketed down. Think I should have taken ObiWan up on his offer of a lift!!!!
I kept going after a few minutes and proceeded to head up to the top of the TAN. Got there and did not see any crowds so I asked some people who were running around. They said the VRRC was around the other side for this mornings run. I wasn’t even sure where I was and if I was already on the Tan so I just tucked in with some runners who said they would show me the way....well this guy was fast. He was warming up and I think doing 4.30/km. I was trying to keep up but this was my racing pace…NOT FAIR! Then they told me how they were training for Comrades and I began to think I made a big mistake coming along for this run.
Arrived at the start and realised I had done more than 5km just to get there! After stretching and registering for the run I went in search of some coolrunners. I met up with PaulC, OBiWan, SlowSue and Superflake. Great bunch of runners.
Not long after that the race started and the early runners headed out. It was a handicapped race so we were all going off in the aim of finishing at the same time of 55mins.
PaulC and I went out at 15mins (=40min 8km) whilst Obi and Superflake hung around for about 22/23mins (=32min 8km).
The first lap was an eye opener. The hill I had run down in my warm up was now the one I was puffing up (Anderson St). It wasn’t too steep though and as it was the beginning of the run I actually liked the change in gradient. The first lap was done in 30sec better than our target which was pretty good considering Paul and I were chatting the whole way.
The rain started coming down then so now I was cold AND wet and thinking about the long walk home already! That was when I got to the Anderson St hill for the second lap. I knew I was either going to speed up and race this or just call it quits and walk. I wasn’t a quitter so off I took. My lungs were burning and my legs went into shock. Got to the top and kept going but at a slower pace for a few minutes to get by breath back. Enjoyed the last 2km of the run but didn’t really feel like doing much of a kick. I think the past few weeks of hard running was finally catching up with me.
Finished in 54mins 10sec which means a 39.10 8km. I didn’t feel hot and sweaty like I normally do and had to put a jacket on straight after the run (how novel!!).
I hung around and got some piccies and had breakfast courtesy of the VRRC. Superflake dropped me off in the city and I started walking back to the hotel. It was a lovely walk but I just wanted to get warm and dry and was in need of a hot cup of coffee.
I turned up a wrong street and ended up in Chinatown. A girl was surrounded by a group of 15-20 men, one of whom just hit her. I was terrified. I was in my running gear with just my camera and mobile phone. I phoned hubby so I could talk to someone as I walked past.
The girl was crying and screaming and I was about to stop and go to her when she kicked and slapped one of the guys and then came running in my direction. I had not stopped walking. The language coming out of her mouth was quite choice! The guys were laughing at her and she was still yelling. Makeup was all over her face. One of the guys went up to her and grabbed her, my hubby told me to just keep walking fast, I glanced back and they were kissing. Another fight between two of the guys was now getting all the attention of the group and I was almost out of range. It was terrifying.
The thing I was most angry about was my inability to stop in the first instance to ask if she needed any help. I should have called the police, not my husband. Ok so some people live like that but maybe it is because people like me just keep walking and don’t do anything about it?
I spent an hour in the bath at the hotel before walking back into the city. I shopped and shopped then went back to Chinatown. It was all hustle and bustle of a Saturday afternoon with no sign of gangs or any trouble. I went in and had Peking Duck for lunch as a treat YUMMMM!
Later that night I got in touch with wobbly man and called off the run for the following morning. My feet were so sore from all the walking and running. Also I knew I was in for another late night with my clients.
Sunday I spent at the Queen Victoria Markets and got a call from hubby to say the bank had rung. Apparently they thought someone had stolen my credit card and was running around Melbourne chalking up a list of expenses…..mmmm I knew then I should stop shopping so I got a jam doughnut (how good are they!!!) and waited around the city for my clients to finish at the Grand Prix. We limo’d back to the airport and flew out for the warmer weather.
Now that I am back safe and sound I feel a bit slack for not running Sunday. My legs might feel like they did a marathon this weekend but most of it was walking. I covered 16km on Saturday running - 10km at close to race pace and then 6km of jogging. I think I did at least twice that in walking.
Still having Friday AND Sunday off makes me feel like a slacker. It’s a mental thing. My legs welcome the break but my head is telling me I am loosing form with every rest day. I won’t have any excuse come Tuesday to do well at this weeks speedwork.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Speed Session + 1km No Watch Run
Did not sleep well at all last night. Tossed and turned and heard every noise. Also tried waiting for hubby to come to bed so I kept the light on but turns out he came to bed just before midnight. No wonder I was so restless all night.
Got up at 5.15am and felt ok but it didn't improve from there. Legs were not sore but just real tired and heavy.
Started out early for the warm up - one of our longer ones past the boat shed and did heaps of stretching. Felt better but thought I would still take it easy today.
Pat said 6 x 2min with 1min recovery but after the first 2min we had 50sec recovery and it got smaller from there.
We ended up doing 4 x 2min and then a final 2min effort to the start of the 1km mark.
From there we all had to pay a gold coin donation and guess our time to do 1km. What a joke. I wanted to go slow so put the time of 5:13 down. Went slow but still did 4:37. Not many of us were even close to our guesses. We were so used to doing that marked out km so fast (for our time trials) that we all ran faster than we guessed.
The money was all donated to Camp Quality and the winner (closest person to their guess) got the receipt for the donation for their tax return.
Hopefully by the end of the year we raise enough money to send 2 children away to Camp Quality.
After our cool down some merchandisers were giving away free Up and Go cereal bars. So appropriate for us fit looking people. We had a little fun and thanked them for the lovely (ukky sweet!!!) bars.
A great way to end the week. I won't be running tomorrow - have a plane to catch.
So look out Melbournites here I come!
Got up at 5.15am and felt ok but it didn't improve from there. Legs were not sore but just real tired and heavy.
Started out early for the warm up - one of our longer ones past the boat shed and did heaps of stretching. Felt better but thought I would still take it easy today.
Pat said 6 x 2min with 1min recovery but after the first 2min we had 50sec recovery and it got smaller from there.
We ended up doing 4 x 2min and then a final 2min effort to the start of the 1km mark.
From there we all had to pay a gold coin donation and guess our time to do 1km. What a joke. I wanted to go slow so put the time of 5:13 down. Went slow but still did 4:37. Not many of us were even close to our guesses. We were so used to doing that marked out km so fast (for our time trials) that we all ran faster than we guessed.
The money was all donated to Camp Quality and the winner (closest person to their guess) got the receipt for the donation for their tax return.
Hopefully by the end of the year we raise enough money to send 2 children away to Camp Quality.
After our cool down some merchandisers were giving away free Up and Go cereal bars. So appropriate for us fit looking people. We had a little fun and thanked them for the lovely (ukky sweet!!!) bars.
A great way to end the week. I won't be running tomorrow - have a plane to catch.
So look out Melbournites here I come!
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Magical Midweek Run
Alarm went off at 4.30am and I was ready and raring to go (note to self - see Dr!)
Met up with Tess at 5.15am and we started out at a nice pace over to St Lucia from the Regatta. Legs were aching and telling me to hop back into my car and go home to bed.
It was hard going up the hills but then we did a few laps on a grassy oval and I felt heaps better.
Got back to the Regatta a few mins before 6am to start out with that group. Liz joined up with us and the three of us went out for a 10km loop into the Gardens. Liz and I ended up taking a cut and resting a the 9km mark whilst Superwoman Tess went and did the remaining km before re-joining us.
Ended up doing 16km (17 for Tess) before heading for the showers and going to work.
Met up with Tess at 5.15am and we started out at a nice pace over to St Lucia from the Regatta. Legs were aching and telling me to hop back into my car and go home to bed.
It was hard going up the hills but then we did a few laps on a grassy oval and I felt heaps better.
Got back to the Regatta a few mins before 6am to start out with that group. Liz joined up with us and the three of us went out for a 10km loop into the Gardens. Liz and I ended up taking a cut and resting a the 9km mark whilst Superwoman Tess went and did the remaining km before re-joining us.
Ended up doing 16km (17 for Tess) before heading for the showers and going to work.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Superwoman Does it Again...!!!
I'm talking about Superwoman Tesso - not me!!
Had a 3km Time Trial on the schedule today. Not the exact type of thing I was feeling like. Decided to see how I felt after the warm up.
Some newcomers again to Pat's group. Most significant - Hannah! Finally fronted up (oh gee Tess we forgot to tell her about the time trial hee hee).
Headed out early on the warm up so we could really warm the legs at a reasonable pace - not fast like the group has been starting to do.
Did some strides and felt great. Still not sure what I was going to run but then the gun (imaginary) went off and so did everyone. I got caught up in it and saw Matt. He said he was planning on 4:10 even splits so I decided to run alongside him to see if I could do that as well. At least I could learn what it was like to run evenly.
Tesso was going to be doing a soft run so I hoped to keep her in sight but she was out like a cannon. After a big weekend and a major effort on Sunday I really thought today she would be just jogging, but no Superwoman had to get within 14sec of her outstanding PB. And that's when she's tired!!!! Still wooped my butt with a 12:07 finish. How on earth does she do it? I've been running so long with her now and still don't know her secret. :(
Blew my plan to run evenly out of the water at 1km with a 4:00 split. Then headed back on a slight incline. This is always the hardest one. I did 4:17 but wasn't looking at the watch - I was just running alongside Matty. The last km he started shouting at me and I thought the sooner I finish the sooner I get this nut off my shoulder, so I dug deeper and got home with a 4:05 to finish in 12:22. Woo Hoo another PB. Set my sights on the Commonwealth Games next.
Matt I love you right now but I coulda killed you at the 2km mark. Thanks heaps.
Eddie was running well today - for someone who was just jogging with a hip injury. All these injured tired runners out there today IN FRONT OF ME whats that all about. Great Effort Eddie and really nice to see you waited for Tess at the turn around to go home with her.
My legs are still thumping but damn I feel good!
Had a 3km Time Trial on the schedule today. Not the exact type of thing I was feeling like. Decided to see how I felt after the warm up.
Some newcomers again to Pat's group. Most significant - Hannah! Finally fronted up (oh gee Tess we forgot to tell her about the time trial hee hee).
Headed out early on the warm up so we could really warm the legs at a reasonable pace - not fast like the group has been starting to do.
Did some strides and felt great. Still not sure what I was going to run but then the gun (imaginary) went off and so did everyone. I got caught up in it and saw Matt. He said he was planning on 4:10 even splits so I decided to run alongside him to see if I could do that as well. At least I could learn what it was like to run evenly.
Tesso was going to be doing a soft run so I hoped to keep her in sight but she was out like a cannon. After a big weekend and a major effort on Sunday I really thought today she would be just jogging, but no Superwoman had to get within 14sec of her outstanding PB. And that's when she's tired!!!! Still wooped my butt with a 12:07 finish. How on earth does she do it? I've been running so long with her now and still don't know her secret. :(
Blew my plan to run evenly out of the water at 1km with a 4:00 split. Then headed back on a slight incline. This is always the hardest one. I did 4:17 but wasn't looking at the watch - I was just running alongside Matty. The last km he started shouting at me and I thought the sooner I finish the sooner I get this nut off my shoulder, so I dug deeper and got home with a 4:05 to finish in 12:22. Woo Hoo another PB. Set my sights on the Commonwealth Games next.
Matt I love you right now but I coulda killed you at the 2km mark. Thanks heaps.
Eddie was running well today - for someone who was just jogging with a hip injury. All these injured tired runners out there today IN FRONT OF ME whats that all about. Great Effort Eddie and really nice to see you waited for Tess at the turn around to go home with her.
My legs are still thumping but damn I feel good!
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