After taking School of Pain last night on my own I was feeling a bit weary this morning. I didn't go hard or fast last night but still it was time spend on my legs and going up and down the ramp (hill) with the other runners.
When I finished the session I met up with Skizzik, Hannah, Tesso (who had been working late) and Karisma for drinks and pizza. I was the only smelly one there yuk! After my glass of 'red coffee' I decided that Tess and I would be more than capable of running 3:50 for each of our 4 x 1km repeats this morning....
As soon as the alarm went off I knew I was in for a hard session. I was not tired but my body felt tired. My legs felt like thick bags of cement yet I assumed they would sort themselves out during the warm up.
Lizzle turned up so it really felt like old times. Yaaa!!! The warm up was good. Didn't really feel bad but my stomach was a bit gurgling at the end and I wasn't sure if I needed to go for a pee or not but decided I didn't.
Felt great after the strides and really was looking forward to getting this session over with to see what would develop....I really shouldn't have bothered.
Tesso said we had to chase Tori - who is really fast. So off we went and I pushed ahead to get Tori. Kept her real close but busted a gut doing it. Went through the first km in 3:48 (500m in 1:50). Rested for 90sec but never got into a decent rythem again. Tried to keep with Tesso and Liz on the second but just after 500m they surged ahead and I found my own personal quicksand. Pulled in at 4:18. The remaining two were slow as well, both 4:12 but I was starting to feel better so I settled with that as a compromise. Tess and Liz were on fire with 4:00's and 4:04s.
Tess was right when she said this morning that my endurance is what I have lost. The gym work kept my fitness up and I don't think the short sharp speed is a problem, but maintaining pace and form over a period of time is really hard for me right now - I'm devastated but I guess I really shouldn't be, after all I am RUNNING AGAIN *bigclaps for clairie*
Looking forward to my long run on Saturday. 21kms woo hoo. Will be a good training run around the river with friends. After that I will nominate a time for Noosa Half.
Gym tomorrow to work the arms and take the load off my legs for a day.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Ready for Speedwork...
Well I thought I was ready for speed work, that was until we headed out this morning and had a 1min/1min, 30sec/30sec and 15sec/15sec workout to do.
Was feeling good on the first two sets, didn't push the envelope and I physically felt I was holding back but I thought I best do this to enable me to perform more consistently. However the third one was hard. Then Anna Bligh - our local member - was running with us and pulled up so I went to make sure she was okay (it was her first time at Pat's). She was okay just recovering from flu and not used to speedwork. So I missed a 1min/1min rep and then fell way back.
Tried to catch up and had almost done this when we got back to the start. Then just Pat yelled out 'last one'. I pushed myself really hard because
a. that's what I was there for and
b. stopping to check on Anna had given me a not wanted but much needed rest
c. I wanted to close the gap between Tesso and I after falling so far behind!!!!
Then I heard Pat say 'all the way to the end after we turned around and I groaned (loudly I think).
Sure enough as fate would have it - I was running pretty fast and picking of the people I had just managed to pass on the way out - when Pat was behind me yelling "don't let me catch you clairie!" So I went harder and he yelled "thats great keep it going" which made me feel good and push a bit more. Man I went harder than I ever had and got to the end in very good time.
Damn it though I was almost vomiting and my legs were wobbly and throbbing - I kid you not.
I almost collapsed when Pat said 'grab your gear lets do one more on the way home'.... I had nothing in the tank. I was so dejected. I had tried so so hard and done well but had no inclination or energy to do one more.
Then Jan came up. She smiled at me and said 'lets do this'. So I took off with her. She is fast and along the way dropped her jumper so I got in front a slight edge and told myself - 'just keep in front and finish it off'.
Well I did and I am really happy with myself but I never want to feel so dejected again like I did after that last effort. I know Pat throws in these things all the time so I normally keep SOMETHING in reserve.... but not today with him chasing me. I guess it's runs like this that will see me improve. Damn not looking forward to the next one then :)
Was feeling good on the first two sets, didn't push the envelope and I physically felt I was holding back but I thought I best do this to enable me to perform more consistently. However the third one was hard. Then Anna Bligh - our local member - was running with us and pulled up so I went to make sure she was okay (it was her first time at Pat's). She was okay just recovering from flu and not used to speedwork. So I missed a 1min/1min rep and then fell way back.
Tried to catch up and had almost done this when we got back to the start. Then just Pat yelled out 'last one'. I pushed myself really hard because
a. that's what I was there for and
b. stopping to check on Anna had given me a not wanted but much needed rest
c. I wanted to close the gap between Tesso and I after falling so far behind!!!!
Then I heard Pat say 'all the way to the end after we turned around and I groaned (loudly I think).
Sure enough as fate would have it - I was running pretty fast and picking of the people I had just managed to pass on the way out - when Pat was behind me yelling "don't let me catch you clairie!" So I went harder and he yelled "thats great keep it going" which made me feel good and push a bit more. Man I went harder than I ever had and got to the end in very good time.
Damn it though I was almost vomiting and my legs were wobbly and throbbing - I kid you not.
I almost collapsed when Pat said 'grab your gear lets do one more on the way home'.... I had nothing in the tank. I was so dejected. I had tried so so hard and done well but had no inclination or energy to do one more.
Then Jan came up. She smiled at me and said 'lets do this'. So I took off with her. She is fast and along the way dropped her jumper so I got in front a slight edge and told myself - 'just keep in front and finish it off'.
Well I did and I am really happy with myself but I never want to feel so dejected again like I did after that last effort. I know Pat throws in these things all the time so I normally keep SOMETHING in reserve.... but not today with him chasing me. I guess it's runs like this that will see me improve. Damn not looking forward to the next one then :)
Monday, July 25, 2005
Punishment
*groan* it was hard to leave my nice warm bed this morning but after the excesses of the weekend I was determined to put things right by a good hard workout at the gym.
With two speed sessions planned for this week I knew I had to take it easy on the treadmill, so I told myself I would just warm up for 10mins before hitting the weights. However after 5mins I felt like a wuss that it was almost over so upped the pace to 4min/km and finished off with 5mins of hard effort.
Then hit the weights and whilst in between reps on the calf machine I think I actually fell asleep! This morning was so hard but I kept at it and feel I gave everything I had in me. My arms are throbbing and certainly not feeling strong like they did last week.
Might need to get to sleep tonight earlier than usual or start taking some vitamins, I have a big week ahead of me and don't want to drag myself through until the weekend.
Tess please....promise me no more parties until after Noosa!!! *wickedlaugh* but it was fun :)
With two speed sessions planned for this week I knew I had to take it easy on the treadmill, so I told myself I would just warm up for 10mins before hitting the weights. However after 5mins I felt like a wuss that it was almost over so upped the pace to 4min/km and finished off with 5mins of hard effort.
Then hit the weights and whilst in between reps on the calf machine I think I actually fell asleep! This morning was so hard but I kept at it and feel I gave everything I had in me. My arms are throbbing and certainly not feeling strong like they did last week.
Might need to get to sleep tonight earlier than usual or start taking some vitamins, I have a big week ahead of me and don't want to drag myself through until the weekend.
Tess please....promise me no more parties until after Noosa!!! *wickedlaugh* but it was fun :)
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Saturday Long Run
ABOVE: Nick, Clairie, Ciaran, Tesso and Tara
I forgot how draining the long run can be. Went out and did around 17km this morning. Did one km in 4:34 - that was about 4km from finish but knew I couldn't sustain it so we slowed down to 5:20. I smelt the end though and did the last one in 4:50 - I was soooo exhausted by then I would have gone faster if it meant finishing sooner!
Should have kept going as I left my protein drink at home on the bench but decided to stay and have coffee and toast with everyone else and wait for Tesso & Co to return - they had been doing a 24k loop and I didn't think I was up to that long just yet.
Cleaned the house like a frenzied mamma followed by a nice granny nap and am now on my way over to Tesso's for a big night out. Glennos 40th Birthday. Should be fun. Hope we dont get persuaded by Nick again to wear napkins on our heads like the above shot at last weeks Pat Carrol Dinner!!!!!! Talk about embarressing!
Friday, July 22, 2005
Hard Efforts
This morning I went to the Gym and for the first time in weeks actually noticed that the weights are having an effect.
You know how I can tell? The flabby bits on my arms don't flap as much! How cool is that.
To remain fresh for tomorrows long run (the only one that actually feels like I am running it seems) I opted to do a walk on a very high incline for my warmup instead of a run. 15mins of walking is really quite boring!
Without the sweat-pouring effects of a run I decided to go hard on the weights and increased them all by 5kg. Well except for the bicep curls. Afterall I don't want to go home and have hubby say "are you here to fix the washing machine because my wife should be home any minute now....." so I will continue with increasing my reps but maintaining the weights so I don't get butch or anything. (note - for all you gay {can i use that word????} girls out there I don't think there is anything wrong personally with appearing to be butch, I just choose to keep my feminity!)
So back to me.....
Realised it was 8am so I had been at it for 2 hours. Headed for the showers and didn't give a damn, I don't think I would have been able to hold the towel up let alone carry it into the shower with me anyhow.
So now it is the end of the day and I can really vouch for a tough morning session. Great way to end the week and you won't feel as bad when you OD on the vino at the work lunch :)
You know how I can tell? The flabby bits on my arms don't flap as much! How cool is that.
To remain fresh for tomorrows long run (the only one that actually feels like I am running it seems) I opted to do a walk on a very high incline for my warmup instead of a run. 15mins of walking is really quite boring!
Without the sweat-pouring effects of a run I decided to go hard on the weights and increased them all by 5kg. Well except for the bicep curls. Afterall I don't want to go home and have hubby say "are you here to fix the washing machine because my wife should be home any minute now....." so I will continue with increasing my reps but maintaining the weights so I don't get butch or anything. (note - for all you gay {can i use that word????} girls out there I don't think there is anything wrong personally with appearing to be butch, I just choose to keep my feminity!)
So back to me.....
Realised it was 8am so I had been at it for 2 hours. Headed for the showers and didn't give a damn, I don't think I would have been able to hold the towel up let alone carry it into the shower with me anyhow.
So now it is the end of the day and I can really vouch for a tough morning session. Great way to end the week and you won't feel as bad when you OD on the vino at the work lunch :)
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Lazy Bones
Absolutely nothing this morning. Can't remember the last time I slept in on a week day and woke up with my hubby.
Stayed up most of last night working on a tender document - and a damn fine job I did too! So I decided to skip the gym and get some extra shut eye.
Feeling abit "blah" at the moment but hopefully things will improve.
Have 'SCHOOL OF PAIN' tonight as Tess and I have come to describe our beginners speed session that we take each Wednesday night for Intraining (thanks for the apt description Melski!). Should be fun tonight as we are going to go very hard, then finish 15mins early to have a glass of wine/coffee/beer and socialise with the group a bit afterwards.
Stayed up most of last night working on a tender document - and a damn fine job I did too! So I decided to skip the gym and get some extra shut eye.
Feeling abit "blah" at the moment but hopefully things will improve.
Have 'SCHOOL OF PAIN' tonight as Tess and I have come to describe our beginners speed session that we take each Wednesday night for Intraining (thanks for the apt description Melski!). Should be fun tonight as we are going to go very hard, then finish 15mins early to have a glass of wine/coffee/beer and socialise with the group a bit afterwards.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Exhaustion Sets In
Okay so I am fully recovered from the weekend - now I just need to recover from this mornings speed session with Pat. Man I forgot the pain and the hurt! I thought I had just been missing out on fun and catching up with friends twice a weeek!!!
This morning we headed out towards New Farm, took a detour and did a hill rep with Tesso (well actually I needed to go to the toilet and it was at the top of a hill in the gardens and Tess was my bodyguard....) then we had to up the pace somewhat to catch up to the rest of the group. Talk about a warm up!
Pat said a few words about Saturday night - the big formal dinner. It was loads of fun and can't wait till we do it again. Anyhow then it was straight into it.
I found the strides quite hard to do as there was so many runners and I got stuck at the back. So on the second one I bolted to the front just so i could get out of the crowd. I went hard on the strides - I wanted to make sure my legs were prepared for the speedwork.
Before long it was on - 30sec fast, 30sec slow - though Pat said to not go too slow, make sure the heart rate was kept up and it would end up being a solid 20min session but not be as taxing on the body as a 20min steady session. It was a great morning but I just had to go slow on the slower ones. I needed to get my breath back.
Pat threw in a few 1mins which really sorted the wheat from the chaff and yes....I was the chaff. Not to worry at least I realised I had not lost as MUCH fitness as I thought. A few weeks and I should be back to square one and up there trying to chase Tesso again.
My goal for the year is renewed. Tesso I am out to get you. *biggrin*
Seriously though, Tess is the official 1:50 pacer for the Noosa Half. So I would like to think that I will have some speed back to be able to finish in front of her. Might even run with her and then just take off in the last kilometre. Guess I had better get a few solid weeks of training in before I make too many rash gestures of competition :)
This morning we headed out towards New Farm, took a detour and did a hill rep with Tesso (well actually I needed to go to the toilet and it was at the top of a hill in the gardens and Tess was my bodyguard....) then we had to up the pace somewhat to catch up to the rest of the group. Talk about a warm up!
Pat said a few words about Saturday night - the big formal dinner. It was loads of fun and can't wait till we do it again. Anyhow then it was straight into it.
I found the strides quite hard to do as there was so many runners and I got stuck at the back. So on the second one I bolted to the front just so i could get out of the crowd. I went hard on the strides - I wanted to make sure my legs were prepared for the speedwork.
Before long it was on - 30sec fast, 30sec slow - though Pat said to not go too slow, make sure the heart rate was kept up and it would end up being a solid 20min session but not be as taxing on the body as a 20min steady session. It was a great morning but I just had to go slow on the slower ones. I needed to get my breath back.
Pat threw in a few 1mins which really sorted the wheat from the chaff and yes....I was the chaff. Not to worry at least I realised I had not lost as MUCH fitness as I thought. A few weeks and I should be back to square one and up there trying to chase Tesso again.
My goal for the year is renewed. Tesso I am out to get you. *biggrin*
Seriously though, Tess is the official 1:50 pacer for the Noosa Half. So I would like to think that I will have some speed back to be able to finish in front of her. Might even run with her and then just take off in the last kilometre. Guess I had better get a few solid weeks of training in before I make too many rash gestures of competition :)
Monday, July 18, 2005
Mondayitis
Don't know how I pulled myself out of bed - I am STILL suffering from lack of sleep from Saturday night. AND my house is a pigsty *groan*
Arrived at the gym just before 6am. As soon as I got running I was okay. Did 3km warm up at 5 min pace on a gradient. Then headed over to do some weights.
I put my compression bandaged on my knee this morning after my shower - it is feeling tingly and I hope the Bakers Cyst is not going to be a recurring thing.
At work now and all I really want to do is go back to bed. 90mins at the gym only made me more tired and achy all over :(
Will try to go to bed by 8am tonight and WON'T stay up late reading Paula Radcliffes book!
Arrived at the gym just before 6am. As soon as I got running I was okay. Did 3km warm up at 5 min pace on a gradient. Then headed over to do some weights.
I put my compression bandaged on my knee this morning after my shower - it is feeling tingly and I hope the Bakers Cyst is not going to be a recurring thing.
At work now and all I really want to do is go back to bed. 90mins at the gym only made me more tired and achy all over :(
Will try to go to bed by 8am tonight and WON'T stay up late reading Paula Radcliffes book!
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Met up with the Running Buddies at the Ship Inn at 6:30am for a long run. My very first long run with the group for many months. It was a good feeling.
Just headed out at a steady pace over Story Bridge and into New Farm park. We stopped a few places along the way for water, took a detour past Geoffs new house to have a look and then turned around and went back via the Botannical Gardens. A very pleasant run.
It felt like 17km but Tess assures me it was only 14km - damn!
Now off to get ready for the party tonight!
Just headed out at a steady pace over Story Bridge and into New Farm park. We stopped a few places along the way for water, took a detour past Geoffs new house to have a look and then turned around and went back via the Botannical Gardens. A very pleasant run.
It felt like 17km but Tess assures me it was only 14km - damn!
Now off to get ready for the party tonight!
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
It's a Wonderful Life....
Jumped out of bed today with joy in my heart. The day got crappy from there....
Decided to make my husbands lunch at the last minute so i was late leaving home, got to the gym and lost my carpark - so went to nearby parking. My coins didn't work so I had to reverse out (oh the shame) and wait for the attendant (who was late) to arrive.
He got in and then let me in - my coins were still showing so he let it slide.
Raced over to the gym and decided to just do a walk to warm up as I have a speed session tonight with Intraining. Everyone around me was running - and hard. So I was surrounded by runners (this is unusual in my gym) and feeling sad about it. As I was walking I wanted to scream out "I can run too". I turned off and left the treadmill and went into the weights.
The muscliest woman in the gym came up to me and starting to chat 'you've been coming here a while now, hows it all going'. As I was trying to grunt through some chest presses. Did she really expect me to talk back. So i stopped and chatted and lost more time.
Went to do my steches and realised my shorts were not designed for gym work - the ones with teh slits down the side. By then I didn't give a shit so the whole world got to see my lovely undies and I persistenly and stubbornly stretched and stretched.
Headed up to the showers where they were all taken - this has NEVER happened before. Waited and ironed my top - burnt it aaaarrrggh. Got into the shower and heard someone drop their stuff. Got out of the shower and stepped on a piece of glass.
Getting my car out of the carpark was a nightmare - the attendant had been changed and he wouldn't believe I had paid already. I drove off and am waiting for the police to arrive any minute *biggrin*
But you know what - I am sitting at my desk with my cup of coffee (the tea just wasn't going to cut it today) and feeling bloody fantastic. I ache from my efforts but it is a good ache. I feel strong and nothing can dampen my mood. I am really looking forward to running tonight followed by a long hot shower at home!
Decided to make my husbands lunch at the last minute so i was late leaving home, got to the gym and lost my carpark - so went to nearby parking. My coins didn't work so I had to reverse out (oh the shame) and wait for the attendant (who was late) to arrive.
He got in and then let me in - my coins were still showing so he let it slide.
Raced over to the gym and decided to just do a walk to warm up as I have a speed session tonight with Intraining. Everyone around me was running - and hard. So I was surrounded by runners (this is unusual in my gym) and feeling sad about it. As I was walking I wanted to scream out "I can run too". I turned off and left the treadmill and went into the weights.
The muscliest woman in the gym came up to me and starting to chat 'you've been coming here a while now, hows it all going'. As I was trying to grunt through some chest presses. Did she really expect me to talk back. So i stopped and chatted and lost more time.
Went to do my steches and realised my shorts were not designed for gym work - the ones with teh slits down the side. By then I didn't give a shit so the whole world got to see my lovely undies and I persistenly and stubbornly stretched and stretched.
Headed up to the showers where they were all taken - this has NEVER happened before. Waited and ironed my top - burnt it aaaarrrggh. Got into the shower and heard someone drop their stuff. Got out of the shower and stepped on a piece of glass.
Getting my car out of the carpark was a nightmare - the attendant had been changed and he wouldn't believe I had paid already. I drove off and am waiting for the police to arrive any minute *biggrin*
But you know what - I am sitting at my desk with my cup of coffee (the tea just wasn't going to cut it today) and feeling bloody fantastic. I ache from my efforts but it is a good ache. I feel strong and nothing can dampen my mood. I am really looking forward to running tonight followed by a long hot shower at home!
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Speed Kills
First speed session in 12 weeks - though you wouldn't know it. It looked like I was still jogging but the whole of my insides knew I was running hard.
Jogged the 3km warm up - felt great and wanted to keep going. Then after a few strides did 6 x 500m with 1min rest. I did them all under 2min with the first being the easiest and the second last the hardest. The last one was good and I felt strong but fading - managed to do 1:53.
I knew I would have a lot of work ahead of me but after this morning now I realise just how HARD that work is going to be. *groan* I might have a stronger body but the legs just aren't ticking over fast enough and I forgot what it was like to have your chest burning inside during an effort. Don't you just love that feeling when you finish a hard run and someone comes up to talk and you can only just look at them and pant.... that was me this morning! Doing the panting I might add! :)
So good to be running with Tesso again. Though I only just managed to keep with her this morning - and she did a marathon just over a week ago and it 'taking it easy' - personally I think she got faster whilst I was away *more groans*
Jogged the 3km warm up - felt great and wanted to keep going. Then after a few strides did 6 x 500m with 1min rest. I did them all under 2min with the first being the easiest and the second last the hardest. The last one was good and I felt strong but fading - managed to do 1:53.
I knew I would have a lot of work ahead of me but after this morning now I realise just how HARD that work is going to be. *groan* I might have a stronger body but the legs just aren't ticking over fast enough and I forgot what it was like to have your chest burning inside during an effort. Don't you just love that feeling when you finish a hard run and someone comes up to talk and you can only just look at them and pant.... that was me this morning! Doing the panting I might add! :)
So good to be running with Tesso again. Though I only just managed to keep with her this morning - and she did a marathon just over a week ago and it 'taking it easy' - personally I think she got faster whilst I was away *more groans*
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Winners are Grinners!
I won I won I won I won I won I Won I Won
How exciting a day can you get?
Turned up at BRRC and met with the most disgusting weather imaginable for Brisbane. It was cold and extremely windy. Most runners sat in their cars until the last minute to escape the biting wind and prevent themselves from being blown over. Seriously you had to lean forward just to walk anywhere.
My husband had come for his very first run with the BRRC (normally he just watches) and was giving me killer looks as we sat in the car hoping the wind would die down.
Eventually race excitment got the better of us and we got out to go and register. I signed up for the Novice 14km and Allanf or the open 7km.
A quick two laps of the grassy oval to warm up (and I mean WARM up - my hands were numb). Al didn't start until 15mins after me so he stole my warm jacket and I lined up with Tesso and Karisma in my tracksuit jacket (no way was it coming off).
The gun went off and so did Tess and I. The first km was really good. Felt like a warm up and we got into a rythmn fairly quickly. Out to the turn around and back past the finish - that meant 3km done. We were doing just under 5min/km even splits so I was happy to maintain that. After the turnaround we realised we were the first women and the competition was about 200m behind. Around the 4km mark my leg felt fantastic - totally lost it's tightness and started to want to run. It was here that I first realised I was going to finish this 14km run today if it killed me.
My longest run since Canberra and certainly not one that I had trained for but with Tesso chatting to me as I panted along it was a great deal of fun and I was just ecstatic to be running.
At the 10km mark I was both very very excited and very very tired. The really strong headwind was making us lean into the wind and if it stopped suddenly I would have fallen on my face! It was very discouraging. However the finish line was around the corner and Tess kept her mantra up "you can win this clairie you can win this".
As soon as the finish line was in sight my brain said 'lets do this' and my legs kicked into gear for a sprint finish. The funny thing was with the wind and my tiredness it felt like I was going fast but not getting anywhere.
I crossed the finish line one very happy chicky - thanks mostly to my bestest runnin pal Tesso.
It was great to see Skizzik come down to see us all finish and hubby had done well with his 7km race too. It was fun to cheer Hannah into a sprint finish as she crossed the line with a Shultzy - a male runner. So great day all round.
Did I mention I got a trophy? Well it is a ceramic cup. The tea just tastes soooooo good out of it. But of course now it will be washed and polished and put behind protective glass..... so this is what it feels like to win :)
How exciting a day can you get?
Turned up at BRRC and met with the most disgusting weather imaginable for Brisbane. It was cold and extremely windy. Most runners sat in their cars until the last minute to escape the biting wind and prevent themselves from being blown over. Seriously you had to lean forward just to walk anywhere.
My husband had come for his very first run with the BRRC (normally he just watches) and was giving me killer looks as we sat in the car hoping the wind would die down.
Eventually race excitment got the better of us and we got out to go and register. I signed up for the Novice 14km and Allanf or the open 7km.
A quick two laps of the grassy oval to warm up (and I mean WARM up - my hands were numb). Al didn't start until 15mins after me so he stole my warm jacket and I lined up with Tesso and Karisma in my tracksuit jacket (no way was it coming off).
The gun went off and so did Tess and I. The first km was really good. Felt like a warm up and we got into a rythmn fairly quickly. Out to the turn around and back past the finish - that meant 3km done. We were doing just under 5min/km even splits so I was happy to maintain that. After the turnaround we realised we were the first women and the competition was about 200m behind. Around the 4km mark my leg felt fantastic - totally lost it's tightness and started to want to run. It was here that I first realised I was going to finish this 14km run today if it killed me.
My longest run since Canberra and certainly not one that I had trained for but with Tesso chatting to me as I panted along it was a great deal of fun and I was just ecstatic to be running.
At the 10km mark I was both very very excited and very very tired. The really strong headwind was making us lean into the wind and if it stopped suddenly I would have fallen on my face! It was very discouraging. However the finish line was around the corner and Tess kept her mantra up "you can win this clairie you can win this".
As soon as the finish line was in sight my brain said 'lets do this' and my legs kicked into gear for a sprint finish. The funny thing was with the wind and my tiredness it felt like I was going fast but not getting anywhere.
I crossed the finish line one very happy chicky - thanks mostly to my bestest runnin pal Tesso.
It was great to see Skizzik come down to see us all finish and hubby had done well with his 7km race too. It was fun to cheer Hannah into a sprint finish as she crossed the line with a Shultzy - a male runner. So great day all round.
Did I mention I got a trophy? Well it is a ceramic cup. The tea just tastes soooooo good out of it. But of course now it will be washed and polished and put behind protective glass..... so this is what it feels like to win :)
Saturday, July 09, 2005
BRRC
Totally missed this feeling for the past three months - nerves!
Tomorrow morning I am going to attempt the 14km. I will be happy to do half without stopping and then see how the next 7km feel on the leg.
Tonight I am thinking about getting a good sleep, getting my racing gear ready, cleanig my shoes and setting the alarm. IT is a good feeling knowing I will be up early for a running event. Okay so it is not a serious race, but it is still exciting and I have missed this feeling of anticipation and aprehension for many weeks now.
Will let you know how I go :)
Tomorrow morning I am going to attempt the 14km. I will be happy to do half without stopping and then see how the next 7km feel on the leg.
Tonight I am thinking about getting a good sleep, getting my racing gear ready, cleanig my shoes and setting the alarm. IT is a good feeling knowing I will be up early for a running event. Okay so it is not a serious race, but it is still exciting and I have missed this feeling of anticipation and aprehension for many weeks now.
Will let you know how I go :)
Friday, July 08, 2005
Worst Sister in the World
Feeling really good about the leg. I just have to accept some form of ache for the next few months but that doesn't mean I can't run. Even going to attempt the BRRC 14km this Sunday for a lark.
Last night I got a call from my sister (Darwin bound) who does triathalons. She said she now has ITB. I didn't grin (MUCH!) but was very (OVERLY) sympathetic. hee hee hee
After 3 weeks she is already been told to have a cortison injection and no one has even suggested the rolling to her. Just stretches, rest, ice, voltaren etc. so first thing - I sent her out to buy a rolling thingy and some plastic cups to make ice (great for massaging the leg with and it ices at the same time).
Maybe this means it has left me and moved on to greener pastures (wishful thinking).
Went to Gym this morning and walked on the tready at a ridiculous incline. (I can honestly say I did rockclimb training this morning thats how vertical I was) followed by 60mins of intense weights.
I am getting more confident about lifting my little weights surrounded by beefcakes lifting their 1Tonne. The fact that I don't appear to be gaining any muscle is a bit perturbing but perhaps that is for the best.
Today is the very first day I have done sit ups in 5 years!!!
Shocking I know but I haven't really bothered with them before. I didn't understand how they could assist with my running. Now I am into the core-training and strengthening I feel the pressure to have the 6 pack like others around me. *groan*
Does anyone know of a red wine that gives 'instant tummy'?
Last night I got a call from my sister (Darwin bound) who does triathalons. She said she now has ITB. I didn't grin (MUCH!) but was very (OVERLY) sympathetic. hee hee hee
After 3 weeks she is already been told to have a cortison injection and no one has even suggested the rolling to her. Just stretches, rest, ice, voltaren etc. so first thing - I sent her out to buy a rolling thingy and some plastic cups to make ice (great for massaging the leg with and it ices at the same time).
Maybe this means it has left me and moved on to greener pastures (wishful thinking).
Went to Gym this morning and walked on the tready at a ridiculous incline. (I can honestly say I did rockclimb training this morning thats how vertical I was) followed by 60mins of intense weights.
I am getting more confident about lifting my little weights surrounded by beefcakes lifting their 1Tonne. The fact that I don't appear to be gaining any muscle is a bit perturbing but perhaps that is for the best.
Today is the very first day I have done sit ups in 5 years!!!
Shocking I know but I haven't really bothered with them before. I didn't understand how they could assist with my running. Now I am into the core-training and strengthening I feel the pressure to have the 6 pack like others around me. *groan*
Does anyone know of a red wine that gives 'instant tummy'?
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
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!!
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!!
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. :(
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