What a silly idea having a 10k Club Champs race on the week before Gold Coast marathon.
At least it meant the field was small and competition wasn't as fierce as it usually is - or so I thought.
Tess and I had pre-arranged to do 4:25min/km pace and I had set the garmin up as a training partner to do this and keep me honest.
They called us to the start but I was in the toilet and made a mad dash for the line just before the gun went off. I was still pulling off my clothes and was running the first 500m whilst trying to plug in and turn on my ipod. Finally I got into ryhthym and Tesso was just behind me. I didn't want to force her to run at my pace as she is coming back from injury so I kept just in front. I think I spent the whole race very focused on my Garmin - watching to see what it was telling me. Reminder - don't wear it next weekend..
Looking at the garmin I was 10-20m in front of the training partner for the first 5km then at the turnaround I saw Tess and she yelled out "1" I didn't realise but quickly registered that I was first female. Oooh how exciting.
BLowing out my pre-planned race preparations I put the foot down and kept the pace slightly increasing. I was feeling good and determined to finish in one piece so I held back only slightly, knowing I was in the lead.
At 600-700m to go CR Karisma came up beside me and started talking. With my ipod on and me concentrating on finishing I didn't hear her but instead was thinking "she's caught me and has breath to be talking so obviously she is doing this comfortably...." Damn!! I put my foot down. I had come this far and I was now prepared to give up my Gold Coast ambitions to do well today (yeah okay so talk about final hour/km decision!!!). Karen came with me and we were literally racing elbow to elbow for 500m. I have not experienced this before when the first medal is on the line. Coming up to the final hill I pumped my arms and shot up in front. I didn't ease up thinking she was just on my shoulder and ready to sprint past at any time.
I was feeling sick and working harder than I have ever worked in a race finish EVER BEFORE (that is saying something!!). I finished first yahhh and turned around. Karen was about 10 secs behind so I was quite safe but just never knew.
The end result - a 10km PB (it's still soft but I hate 10km races).
44:15 or there abouts - waiting on official time today on the website. Garmin said I ran 4:22 pace.
Hoping now that I will pull up okay for the Gold Coast half with recovery tomorrow and only easy runs the rest of the week. If not, well I had fun today.
My aim for Gold Coast is to run 4:28 pace (sub 94mins) even after today I think I might be able to do that but I am not sure how I will pull up. I certainly won't be finishing like that next week.....totally draining - physically and mentally. aaaahhh but the bling was worth it. Now the proud owner of the "First" BRRC cup and a gold medal for my age group.
Byline - Mr. Clairie and Little Clairie both ran today as well (53min) as their dress rehersal for Gold Coast. They have never run more than 12km but will be attempting the half. I am very proud of them (and nervous for them). They aim to run with Ironbee in the 2hr pacing group.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Tessos Talkative Training Trot
A good size crowd at Pat's today.
Headed out with Tesso and quickly got in front of the bulk of runners and set our minds to staying there!
We had pre-planned to go out steady and try to aim for getting from the Ship Inn out to the New Farm Bowls club in under 27mins.
We made it in just over 26mins, though I was pushing it all the way and would have dropped off the pace if Tesso wasn't trotting alongside me telling me all about her runs and concerts and music and and and....where did she have the breath to talk??? We finished up the run with 9.65km and an average pace of 4:34/km...and she was chatting??? Obviously back to fitness very quick!
After the 50min run we had to nominate our 1km times. I chose to do 4min but after the run with Tesso I was a bit worn out. Still I determined to do the best I could.
It was a shock to hear Pat say "4mins" when I crossed the line. That means I was bang on my ETA. Woo hoo! Might be getting the hang of this pacing stuff. Actually no I think it was pure luck. I thought I was going faster than 4min/km but was just eager to finish.
Then after that we did a 2km cooldown over the bridge and around Southbank back to the Ship Inn where we scoffed down pancakes with fruit mmmmmmm my favourite run!!
Tesso won the award for Best Member today. I was most overjoyed with that!!
Headed out with Tesso and quickly got in front of the bulk of runners and set our minds to staying there!
We had pre-planned to go out steady and try to aim for getting from the Ship Inn out to the New Farm Bowls club in under 27mins.
We made it in just over 26mins, though I was pushing it all the way and would have dropped off the pace if Tesso wasn't trotting alongside me telling me all about her runs and concerts and music and and and....where did she have the breath to talk??? We finished up the run with 9.65km and an average pace of 4:34/km...and she was chatting??? Obviously back to fitness very quick!
After the 50min run we had to nominate our 1km times. I chose to do 4min but after the run with Tesso I was a bit worn out. Still I determined to do the best I could.
It was a shock to hear Pat say "4mins" when I crossed the line. That means I was bang on my ETA. Woo hoo! Might be getting the hang of this pacing stuff. Actually no I think it was pure luck. I thought I was going faster than 4min/km but was just eager to finish.
Then after that we did a 2km cooldown over the bridge and around Southbank back to the Ship Inn where we scoffed down pancakes with fruit mmmmmmm my favourite run!!
Tesso won the award for Best Member today. I was most overjoyed with that!!
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Pat Carroll 3km Time Trial for Swans
I got an email from a good friend who told me to "stop whinging" so today it was puffed chest and full of beans with no mention of the injury or the flu I felt I was coming down with or the....etc etc
Wow it was exciting down there this morning. Pat had a film crew (okay one man with a camera....) along for the ride. He was filming all of us for a DVD that Pat wants to make on the PCRG. We all get a copy when we attend his dinner after Gold Coast.
After Tesso and I put on our lipstick we headed off on the warmup and I actually felt pretty good. Not nervous or sore or tired. Just right.
At the start it was wonderful to see everyone there and most especially Mark Jones. He has been off for six months so it was unreal to see him there in good form and able to run (albeit way slower than his best).
A few run throughs were enough to get the nerves pumping. I was trying to work out what splits I needed but couldn't think straight and before you knew it we were on the start line and Pat was shouting for us to GOOOOO. I had been close to the front so was out in good time unlike last month.
Only hitch being a Bloody car refused to stop or slow down as we were crossing the bridge and everyone had to go on the side where it was muddy and rocky. Pat was screaming at the driver and for all of us to move aside but with such a large group it was hard. Some runners even went down near the river - extending their run by about 10sec.
Pat came up behind me just before the 500m mark and was working hard at urging everyone on. A lady was running alongside me and then we came to the hill and she started to lag, I called her to come with me but wasn't stopping to take passengers.
I wasn't really fussed with my watch but had a look at it after I finished. I pressed the lap at the turnaround and then the finish. Even split. First time I have done that ever!
At the turnaround I was closing in on Tara and iliketoast was getting in front of her as well so it was clear she was tiring. However she kept ahead of me the whole way and did a great run.
I was starting to tire but then Mark Jones (aka Jonesy) came up and asked me if I was doing ok. I said 'yeah' so he kept with me. Bless his cotton sox.
He talked me the whole way home. Told me I was a 'swan' and just had to glide along. Now I had to pump my arms to get up the hill. Then I had to lift my legs a cm (was tiring) higher. Then I had to rest and control my breathing for 30m to get my breath before sprinting the final 500m. Then the last 100m he told me to go for gold. I did.
Crossed the line in 11:39 and was very very happy with that. A 10sec PB for me... and I did what I wanted to do - keep iliketoast in sight.
Best bit was getting a piggyback ride by iliketoast. Tess and Tara were on Nick's and Ciaran's backs also. We were doing it to ham it up for the film camera on the cool down. Poor toastie I think limped it home after that effort!!!!
Wow it was exciting down there this morning. Pat had a film crew (okay one man with a camera....) along for the ride. He was filming all of us for a DVD that Pat wants to make on the PCRG. We all get a copy when we attend his dinner after Gold Coast.
After Tesso and I put on our lipstick we headed off on the warmup and I actually felt pretty good. Not nervous or sore or tired. Just right.
At the start it was wonderful to see everyone there and most especially Mark Jones. He has been off for six months so it was unreal to see him there in good form and able to run (albeit way slower than his best).
A few run throughs were enough to get the nerves pumping. I was trying to work out what splits I needed but couldn't think straight and before you knew it we were on the start line and Pat was shouting for us to GOOOOO. I had been close to the front so was out in good time unlike last month.
Only hitch being a Bloody car refused to stop or slow down as we were crossing the bridge and everyone had to go on the side where it was muddy and rocky. Pat was screaming at the driver and for all of us to move aside but with such a large group it was hard. Some runners even went down near the river - extending their run by about 10sec.
Pat came up behind me just before the 500m mark and was working hard at urging everyone on. A lady was running alongside me and then we came to the hill and she started to lag, I called her to come with me but wasn't stopping to take passengers.
I wasn't really fussed with my watch but had a look at it after I finished. I pressed the lap at the turnaround and then the finish. Even split. First time I have done that ever!
At the turnaround I was closing in on Tara and iliketoast was getting in front of her as well so it was clear she was tiring. However she kept ahead of me the whole way and did a great run.
I was starting to tire but then Mark Jones (aka Jonesy) came up and asked me if I was doing ok. I said 'yeah' so he kept with me. Bless his cotton sox.
He talked me the whole way home. Told me I was a 'swan' and just had to glide along. Now I had to pump my arms to get up the hill. Then I had to lift my legs a cm (was tiring) higher. Then I had to rest and control my breathing for 30m to get my breath before sprinting the final 500m. Then the last 100m he told me to go for gold. I did.
Crossed the line in 11:39 and was very very happy with that. A 10sec PB for me... and I did what I wanted to do - keep iliketoast in sight.
Best bit was getting a piggyback ride by iliketoast. Tess and Tara were on Nick's and Ciaran's backs also. We were doing it to ham it up for the film camera on the cool down. Poor toastie I think limped it home after that effort!!!!
Monday, June 19, 2006
Typical!
After spending the morning cheering and helping out at the River Run on Sunday I raced across town to the BRRC Committee Meeting. The meeting went for over 2hrs and when I stood up to go home I fell back down again. My knee has swollen up again with the sypmtoms of what I can ELEPHANITIS but what is actually bursitis.
The bursar at the back of my knee is trapping fluid again and it was very painful last night.
It has gone down a bit this morning but still noticeably swollen so I elected for a second rest day in order for it to be okay to run on tomorrow for Pat's 3km Time Trial that I am just dying (NOT!!!) to do.
I will wear a compression bandage tonight and take a few anti-inflamms...... ho hum.
The bursar at the back of my knee is trapping fluid again and it was very painful last night.
It has gone down a bit this morning but still noticeably swollen so I elected for a second rest day in order for it to be okay to run on tomorrow for Pat's 3km Time Trial that I am just dying (NOT!!!) to do.
I will wear a compression bandage tonight and take a few anti-inflamms...... ho hum.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Fridays F*#$# Freerun
Decided against going to Pat's this morning as I felt like avoiding the hills and just doing a sprint fast session along Coro Drive.
Liz said she would meet me at the Regatta at 6am with the other group members but she wasn't there this morning and that was my first disappointment. We push each other harder than if we run by ourselves so I knew I would have to work hard to get moving out there today.
I started out well and did the first km in 4:55, planning to get progressively faster and finish the 8km with a sub 4:20km. However I went from rap to crap in the second km and never recovered. My legs were either frozen or still asleep.
I think I felt so good after my session yesterday and how well I had ran all week that I jinxed myself because today was pure pain and dismay.
I was in the lead for the whole first km and finished LAST. Behind the 6min/km runners even!!! (remember this was supposed to be a speed session for me not a long run - I am not making fun of people who run at that pace..)
It was a shocker. I just got slower and slower and slower and finished doing a 5:23km at the end. My lower back was aching, my hip was sore and my legs were just useless to me. I felt like taking them off and walking away from them....but frustratedly realised I couldn't do that!
I didn't bother stretching or cooling down. The way I see it I spent the whole 8km cooling down. The muscles didn't deserve a stretch either....so suffer in your jocks calves and quads!
Anyhow so here I am moping away. To top it off the showers only had cold water AGAIN and I almost bolted across the road to Tesso's house in just my towel to jump into her shower. hee hee now that might have made me run a bit faster!!!
Liz said she would meet me at the Regatta at 6am with the other group members but she wasn't there this morning and that was my first disappointment. We push each other harder than if we run by ourselves so I knew I would have to work hard to get moving out there today.
I started out well and did the first km in 4:55, planning to get progressively faster and finish the 8km with a sub 4:20km. However I went from rap to crap in the second km and never recovered. My legs were either frozen or still asleep.
I think I felt so good after my session yesterday and how well I had ran all week that I jinxed myself because today was pure pain and dismay.
I was in the lead for the whole first km and finished LAST. Behind the 6min/km runners even!!! (remember this was supposed to be a speed session for me not a long run - I am not making fun of people who run at that pace..)
It was a shocker. I just got slower and slower and slower and finished doing a 5:23km at the end. My lower back was aching, my hip was sore and my legs were just useless to me. I felt like taking them off and walking away from them....but frustratedly realised I couldn't do that!
I didn't bother stretching or cooling down. The way I see it I spent the whole 8km cooling down. The muscles didn't deserve a stretch either....so suffer in your jocks calves and quads!
Anyhow so here I am moping away. To top it off the showers only had cold water AGAIN and I almost bolted across the road to Tesso's house in just my towel to jump into her shower. hee hee now that might have made me run a bit faster!!!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
I was on fire this morning. Something about waking up and knowing I had to face the coach at 5:30am (avid NSW supporter he is!!). Go QUEENSLAND!!!!
Got there and Coach Chris was all grumpy and quiet (funny that..) and told us we had to do fartlek up the mountain this morning. Said we were doing 30sec efforts up Mount Cootha and he would indicate when we could stop. At the bell we all raced off and at 3mins he eventually tooted for us to stop. He did this 5 or 6 times by which we were at the ABC studios and no longer trusting him anyway.
I worked really hard and even though I knew he would not toot before 3mins (after the first one) I pushed hard as if we were going to stop any second now.
Liz and I were using each other again and we were both putting in for our last hill session before Gold Coast.
Yes I have tired legs now but I feel great and am proud of my efforts. Wish so hard though that I had put in the same effort weeks ago. No good to me now with the half marathon only two weeks away.....but the feeling of working hard is great nontheless.
Got there and Coach Chris was all grumpy and quiet (funny that..) and told us we had to do fartlek up the mountain this morning. Said we were doing 30sec efforts up Mount Cootha and he would indicate when we could stop. At the bell we all raced off and at 3mins he eventually tooted for us to stop. He did this 5 or 6 times by which we were at the ABC studios and no longer trusting him anyway.
I worked really hard and even though I knew he would not toot before 3mins (after the first one) I pushed hard as if we were going to stop any second now.
Liz and I were using each other again and we were both putting in for our last hill session before Gold Coast.
Yes I have tired legs now but I feel great and am proud of my efforts. Wish so hard though that I had put in the same effort weeks ago. No good to me now with the half marathon only two weeks away.....but the feeling of working hard is great nontheless.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Tara's Sprints
I was fully loaded up with ipod (new music) and garmin this morning before setting out for my mid-week long run. Planned to do around 16km and was suprised to see Tara at the Regatta at 5:30am. Oh goody some company.
Little did I know that she is on drugs at present (ok so not true) and was flying along. Luke the AFL ump could not keep up and turned around!! I was trying to go faster but legs were swearing at me. We stopped for water a few times and I really needed the rest.
Just as we hit the 3km mark to home we both somehow took off and upped the pace to 4:20's. We were hooting. Then the last km we did in 4:05 or thereabouts.
Garmin was very unfriendly this morning - I think it was all the concrete and having it on autostop/start. So the total mileage said 14.5km in 1:12 but Tara's watch had 1:19:58 running time which was more likely. So we lost almost 8mins of running data for some reason. I think it just didn't like going sooo fast. Might have to sleep in to avoid running with Tara in future hee hee.
Was a great run to do (now that I am finished) in the lead up to the Gold Coast Half Marathon. One for the bank.
Little did I know that she is on drugs at present (ok so not true) and was flying along. Luke the AFL ump could not keep up and turned around!! I was trying to go faster but legs were swearing at me. We stopped for water a few times and I really needed the rest.
Just as we hit the 3km mark to home we both somehow took off and upped the pace to 4:20's. We were hooting. Then the last km we did in 4:05 or thereabouts.
Garmin was very unfriendly this morning - I think it was all the concrete and having it on autostop/start. So the total mileage said 14.5km in 1:12 but Tara's watch had 1:19:58 running time which was more likely. So we lost almost 8mins of running data for some reason. I think it just didn't like going sooo fast. Might have to sleep in to avoid running with Tara in future hee hee.
Was a great run to do (now that I am finished) in the lead up to the Gold Coast Half Marathon. One for the bank.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
CONGO SPEED SESSION
I feel so alive!!!
Got out of bed this morning and arrived at Pats to find another big group assembling.
It was cold but as Tesso and I discussed - not too bad. We are getting ready to whinge about the cold wet windy month of August......but in the meantime June is a lovely time to be out there running. I just wish it was 7am or something!! Way too dark at 5:30am!
This mornings session was a warmup followed by strides in the gardens to the tune of two men beating their congo drums loud. Pat had arranged for them to be there and it was great. Really set the tempo going!
We then got stuck into it. Instead of doing a square (going fast, slow, fast, slow on each side) we had the square running track broken into halves and did hardcore fast followed by recovery. The congo drummers were on the fast bit and really lifted your rhythym.
I think we managed 6 complete rounds might have been more. I had a blast. It was a tough session and I worked hard. I pulled up with a massive stitch in the third round but the recovery section seemed to reduce this, only for it to get tight again in the sprint on the next round. It didn't stop me running but made me more aware of my breathing and gut. Even on the cooldown I felt sharp cramps from the stitch. Definitely seem to be just beneath my ribs/lung area. I don't feel anything now an hour later....weird.
My goal was to stay with Mark (iliketoast) and Tara for as long as I could. Tara wore down pretty fast, I think she was tired from her long fast run with Pat on Sunday still and Mark had run a 16km tempo run yesterday (thankfully....) so I managed my goal staying just in front of Tara and about 10m behind Mark (he whipped me on the last one though).
The last rep I ran hard but it wasn't my fastest. I was more aware of the crowd and was trying to sidestep some slower runners who were finishing and the faster ones who were panting down my neck. Tara went past me but I was happy to cruise to the finish line 30m away.
I felt great afterwards and have to admit - that was one of the best sessions I have been to in ages. Thumbs up Pat!!!
Got out of bed this morning and arrived at Pats to find another big group assembling.
It was cold but as Tesso and I discussed - not too bad. We are getting ready to whinge about the cold wet windy month of August......but in the meantime June is a lovely time to be out there running. I just wish it was 7am or something!! Way too dark at 5:30am!
This mornings session was a warmup followed by strides in the gardens to the tune of two men beating their congo drums loud. Pat had arranged for them to be there and it was great. Really set the tempo going!
We then got stuck into it. Instead of doing a square (going fast, slow, fast, slow on each side) we had the square running track broken into halves and did hardcore fast followed by recovery. The congo drummers were on the fast bit and really lifted your rhythym.
I think we managed 6 complete rounds might have been more. I had a blast. It was a tough session and I worked hard. I pulled up with a massive stitch in the third round but the recovery section seemed to reduce this, only for it to get tight again in the sprint on the next round. It didn't stop me running but made me more aware of my breathing and gut. Even on the cooldown I felt sharp cramps from the stitch. Definitely seem to be just beneath my ribs/lung area. I don't feel anything now an hour later....weird.
My goal was to stay with Mark (iliketoast) and Tara for as long as I could. Tara wore down pretty fast, I think she was tired from her long fast run with Pat on Sunday still and Mark had run a 16km tempo run yesterday (thankfully....) so I managed my goal staying just in front of Tara and about 10m behind Mark (he whipped me on the last one though).
The last rep I ran hard but it wasn't my fastest. I was more aware of the crowd and was trying to sidestep some slower runners who were finishing and the faster ones who were panting down my neck. Tara went past me but I was happy to cruise to the finish line 30m away.
I felt great afterwards and have to admit - that was one of the best sessions I have been to in ages. Thumbs up Pat!!!
Monday, June 12, 2006
New Toy...new toy....new toy....new toy....
Yes can you guess how excited I am???????????????????????
I popped into Amart Allsports yesterday for a look at their stocktake sale and found some great bargins to be had on tracksuits and juniors running gear. Okay so I ended up spending a fortune (so much for the budget) on Matty to ensure he is fully kitted out for his winter running. 50% tracksuits!!! He loved it so much he slept in it.
I went past all the tempting womens gear and made it to the counter (yes it was a shock to dear hubby) but there I saw the GARMIN SALE woo hoo. 50% off! Yep I got a 201 for $130 how cool is that! They ended up not having one in stock so hubby - bless his cotton sox - drove to another store and got one for me.
Today was supposed to be a rest day but after getting my new toy I couldn't wait to get out there. Charged it up last night and then at 4pm this afternoon did a run around the block at my house. It is a hilly course around Mt Ommaney but very cool (summer it is shaded) and pretty.
Average pace: 5:00
Distance: 7.7km
The funny thing was Hubby took a shortcut of 2km (he ran 5.7km) and I told him I would catch up to him. Then I bolted up the hill and ran hard to try to get him. Never did.....months ago I would have got him. He even fessed up to walking the last 200m uphill to our house (it is VERY steep) because he couldn't even see me! How depressing! Or should I be happy that he is improving???
My legs are tired now but after the long run on Saturday I am glad I turned them over today before speedwork tomorrow morning.
Big day tomorrow. New Boss....must remember to be on best behaviour.... ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
I popped into Amart Allsports yesterday for a look at their stocktake sale and found some great bargins to be had on tracksuits and juniors running gear. Okay so I ended up spending a fortune (so much for the budget) on Matty to ensure he is fully kitted out for his winter running. 50% tracksuits!!! He loved it so much he slept in it.
I went past all the tempting womens gear and made it to the counter (yes it was a shock to dear hubby) but there I saw the GARMIN SALE woo hoo. 50% off! Yep I got a 201 for $130 how cool is that! They ended up not having one in stock so hubby - bless his cotton sox - drove to another store and got one for me.
Today was supposed to be a rest day but after getting my new toy I couldn't wait to get out there. Charged it up last night and then at 4pm this afternoon did a run around the block at my house. It is a hilly course around Mt Ommaney but very cool (summer it is shaded) and pretty.
Average pace: 5:00
Distance: 7.7km
The funny thing was Hubby took a shortcut of 2km (he ran 5.7km) and I told him I would catch up to him. Then I bolted up the hill and ran hard to try to get him. Never did.....months ago I would have got him. He even fessed up to walking the last 200m uphill to our house (it is VERY steep) because he couldn't even see me! How depressing! Or should I be happy that he is improving???
My legs are tired now but after the long run on Saturday I am glad I turned them over today before speedwork tomorrow morning.
Big day tomorrow. New Boss....must remember to be on best behaviour.... ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Running looong - 33km (well 32.8 to be precise)
Met up with ilike toast , Lizzle and Scotty at 5:30am for a long run. We decided we all wanted to do the riverloop (approx 35km) but they were keen to round it up to 36km and I was keen to round it down to 16km!!!
Off we set around St Lucia and Liz was very tired and sore from a big week. Nothing unusual about that only this time everytime she mentioned one of her sore muscles the rest of us agreed that our calves, glutes, hammies etc were also very tight. It was hilarious. She had contagious moaning disease and within the first 10km we were all seriously ill from it and moaned the whole way home.
Actually it was a lovely run - overcast with drizzling rain that kept us cool and allowed us to work hard. We maintained a pace of 5:12 min/km for the run despite it feeling much faster. I am so out of whack with my pacing. Not that I was ever an expert but at least I had a rough idea. I could have sworn we were running at 4:40 pace today at least! We did have a bit of a push in the middle and did a 4min km - just one. Raced to get to BP for the drink break and we all took off!!!
I feel great now, after my mountain of pancakes and coffee and a hot shower. Now I just need a half hour snooze and I will be on top of the world.
Running is just bloody marvellous. Even throughout my whinging I was having a good time today and now feel all the better for having done the run. Thanks to all my running buddies for taking turns in running with me and keeping up the chatter :)
Off we set around St Lucia and Liz was very tired and sore from a big week. Nothing unusual about that only this time everytime she mentioned one of her sore muscles the rest of us agreed that our calves, glutes, hammies etc were also very tight. It was hilarious. She had contagious moaning disease and within the first 10km we were all seriously ill from it and moaned the whole way home.
Actually it was a lovely run - overcast with drizzling rain that kept us cool and allowed us to work hard. We maintained a pace of 5:12 min/km for the run despite it feeling much faster. I am so out of whack with my pacing. Not that I was ever an expert but at least I had a rough idea. I could have sworn we were running at 4:40 pace today at least! We did have a bit of a push in the middle and did a 4min km - just one. Raced to get to BP for the drink break and we all took off!!!
I feel great now, after my mountain of pancakes and coffee and a hot shower. Now I just need a half hour snooze and I will be on top of the world.
Running is just bloody marvellous. Even throughout my whinging I was having a good time today and now feel all the better for having done the run. Thanks to all my running buddies for taking turns in running with me and keeping up the chatter :)
Friday, June 09, 2006
Regatta 8km
Speed demon out there this morning I was!!! Well it felt like it anyhow so don't laugh!!
After doing the Mount Cootha reps yesterday (an hour of hills is no fun) and then a massage last night I thought I would wake up feeling sore. But no, just tired. Dammit, no excuse today to take it easy.
I have come to the conclusion recently that I am a wuss and have been too soft in my training. Hence I am now going to push hard, work hard and sweat heaps!! Even during my massage last night I noticed that it didn't hurt like it used to when I had used my muscles....so obviously I have been doing too many easy runs lately.
Turned up at the Regatta this morning and finding Tesso had decided to go to work instead of running with me (obviously NOT a committed runner is she???) I decided no time like the present to work hard.
Went out steady and for the 8km course I did consistently faster kms each one. Started out at 4:47min/km to warm up and the last one was 4:20. Incidentally that last one hurt! So I think that means I have lost speed if it hurts to run at that pace. I used to be able to do a 4:15 at the end of the session by working hard and pushing my limits but it still never hurt the legs.
Big long run planned for Sat morning which will be interesting to see how I do.
After doing the Mount Cootha reps yesterday (an hour of hills is no fun) and then a massage last night I thought I would wake up feeling sore. But no, just tired. Dammit, no excuse today to take it easy.
I have come to the conclusion recently that I am a wuss and have been too soft in my training. Hence I am now going to push hard, work hard and sweat heaps!! Even during my massage last night I noticed that it didn't hurt like it used to when I had used my muscles....so obviously I have been doing too many easy runs lately.
Turned up at the Regatta this morning and finding Tesso had decided to go to work instead of running with me (obviously NOT a committed runner is she???) I decided no time like the present to work hard.
Went out steady and for the 8km course I did consistently faster kms each one. Started out at 4:47min/km to warm up and the last one was 4:20. Incidentally that last one hurt! So I think that means I have lost speed if it hurts to run at that pace. I used to be able to do a 4:15 at the end of the session by working hard and pushing my limits but it still never hurt the legs.
Big long run planned for Sat morning which will be interesting to see how I do.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Training
Bit all over the place with training lately and certainly have felt the ups and downs of running in the past week.
Friday am - Darwin, ran with local triathlon group (in sisters runners). They had to do 3x3km loops after a warm up. It was a strength and endurance session they called it. First loop was easy - it was dark and I just sat behind the first few people to follow them. Towards the end we came to a massive hill (Darwins only one) and ran up it. I ran ahead and after that it was a good run with the last loop being the fastest. I was not doing a 3km TT nor was I doing long run pace...so I was happy with the run. However the coach at the end said to everyone 'remember to run easy and slow or you won't burn up the fat' Why did he look at me when he said that. Worse he even said "claire not sure what you were doing but you are training for something else...." and went on to his other team members. Great group and I am glad I went along. Good hill to do hill repeats on.
Silly me then asked my sister to drop me off at the corner and I would run home...I didn't realise it was just over 3km to where I was staying. All up 13km for the day.
Saturday am - 24km. Went on a long run with my new shoes. No orthotics or sports shield so i ended up with beautiful blisters and a beheaded toenail. The run was lovely, cruised around to my elder sisters house but couldn't remember where she lived so went to visit my younger sister whose household was just all waking up. My neices definitely thought I was a loony turning up at 7am at their front gate sweaty and in need of a drink. After downing a powerade I headed home for the remaining 11km. The last few km were tough. I was tired and hot.
Sunday - rest day
Monday - 6km speed session. 3km steady - 14mins then raced home. Got back in 13mins but I had to stop and wait for an army truck so not sure exactly what I was running. I didn't feel like I was going all out and my blisters were still sore but I was happy to be turning over the legs.
Tuesday - rest/travel home.
Wedensday - 16km Story Bridge run - Back in Brisbane and thought I would catch up with some familiar faces at the Regatta. Ended up running by myself for most of the run. Saw Tara on the bridge and ran with Glenda/Langy for a km at the end but mostly just me and the ipod. Had no watch on so no idea of pace.
Tara had a good idea....get someone to pace us to 43min 10km at the River Run in two weeks time.
ANY VOLUNTEERS?
Friday am - Darwin, ran with local triathlon group (in sisters runners). They had to do 3x3km loops after a warm up. It was a strength and endurance session they called it. First loop was easy - it was dark and I just sat behind the first few people to follow them. Towards the end we came to a massive hill (Darwins only one) and ran up it. I ran ahead and after that it was a good run with the last loop being the fastest. I was not doing a 3km TT nor was I doing long run pace...so I was happy with the run. However the coach at the end said to everyone 'remember to run easy and slow or you won't burn up the fat' Why did he look at me when he said that. Worse he even said "claire not sure what you were doing but you are training for something else...." and went on to his other team members. Great group and I am glad I went along. Good hill to do hill repeats on.
Silly me then asked my sister to drop me off at the corner and I would run home...I didn't realise it was just over 3km to where I was staying. All up 13km for the day.
Saturday am - 24km. Went on a long run with my new shoes. No orthotics or sports shield so i ended up with beautiful blisters and a beheaded toenail. The run was lovely, cruised around to my elder sisters house but couldn't remember where she lived so went to visit my younger sister whose household was just all waking up. My neices definitely thought I was a loony turning up at 7am at their front gate sweaty and in need of a drink. After downing a powerade I headed home for the remaining 11km. The last few km were tough. I was tired and hot.
Sunday - rest day
Monday - 6km speed session. 3km steady - 14mins then raced home. Got back in 13mins but I had to stop and wait for an army truck so not sure exactly what I was running. I didn't feel like I was going all out and my blisters were still sore but I was happy to be turning over the legs.
Tuesday - rest/travel home.
Wedensday - 16km Story Bridge run - Back in Brisbane and thought I would catch up with some familiar faces at the Regatta. Ended up running by myself for most of the run. Saw Tara on the bridge and ran with Glenda/Langy for a km at the end but mostly just me and the ipod. Had no watch on so no idea of pace.
Tara had a good idea....get someone to pace us to 43min 10km at the River Run in two weeks time.
ANY VOLUNTEERS?
An Elite Runner at Last......
The last thing I had on my mind when travelling to Darwin last week was that I would soon be called an Elite Runner. Wow. That's a massive step up from where I was in my training/capabilities but I was happy to be there....for a few seconds.
Allan and I travelled via VirginBlue to Darwin on the midnight flight. We had great seats - a whole row to ourselves and at the very front of the plane. We had a bottle of red each (they are very little!!!) and then I laid across the seats and had a snooze. When we got there it was great to get off first and see our friends/family.
The worst nightmare was yet to come. Of the three bags we took - my sports bag was lost. It has not been recovered and I was devastated. I normally take it on board with me whenever I travel but being tired I let Hubby put it with the other luggage so I didnt have anything in the cabin with me. Big Mistake.
Inside the bag were all my runners, protein bars & powerders, fuel belt, bottles, voltaren etc etc. Yep all my running stuff.
So when everyone else had left and we were still standing at the baggage watching the empty conveyor go around Allan said "I think it is time to go and ask someone Clairie"...we had been there for an hour!!!
I walked up to the desk and you can imagine was quite distraught at this time. When they asked me how they could help I told them I had a lost bag. They rushed off and got on the walkie talkie to chat to the baggage handlers but to no avail...it was not there. They were still hopeful though that it was in Brisbane or someone and would be found so they asked for descriptions and details to assist in the search.
Thinking they wouldn't care about a sports bag with some smelly runners in it I thought I would raise the bar a bit. My response to the Virgin staff member was something like this "It is a black sports bag. The main thing of value is my two pair of runners" Sure enough her face screwed up and she stopped writing. "oh" So I elaborated...."Look I really need this bag found ASAP, I am an elite runner and have just flown into Darwin for a race - I need those shoes or I won't be able to run"
That got her moving. She called someone who called someone who called someone...but nothing was found so a man walked out from the back - supposedly the duty manager or similar and asked when my race was on. I told him Saturday and he assurred me I would have the bag before then. This was 1am Thursday morning so I told him that was not good enough....my coach had me down to train in preparation for Friday session (at this stage my husband had to walk off as he was laughing tooo hard).
VirginBlue made every effort to chase my bag and I left very angry but laughing hard at my ridiculous attempt to get them to find my shoes.....I eneded up buying a pair on Friday for $200!!! Don't worry I will send Virgin the bill!
Allan and I travelled via VirginBlue to Darwin on the midnight flight. We had great seats - a whole row to ourselves and at the very front of the plane. We had a bottle of red each (they are very little!!!) and then I laid across the seats and had a snooze. When we got there it was great to get off first and see our friends/family.
The worst nightmare was yet to come. Of the three bags we took - my sports bag was lost. It has not been recovered and I was devastated. I normally take it on board with me whenever I travel but being tired I let Hubby put it with the other luggage so I didnt have anything in the cabin with me. Big Mistake.
Inside the bag were all my runners, protein bars & powerders, fuel belt, bottles, voltaren etc etc. Yep all my running stuff.
So when everyone else had left and we were still standing at the baggage watching the empty conveyor go around Allan said "I think it is time to go and ask someone Clairie"...we had been there for an hour!!!
I walked up to the desk and you can imagine was quite distraught at this time. When they asked me how they could help I told them I had a lost bag. They rushed off and got on the walkie talkie to chat to the baggage handlers but to no avail...it was not there. They were still hopeful though that it was in Brisbane or someone and would be found so they asked for descriptions and details to assist in the search.
Thinking they wouldn't care about a sports bag with some smelly runners in it I thought I would raise the bar a bit. My response to the Virgin staff member was something like this "It is a black sports bag. The main thing of value is my two pair of runners" Sure enough her face screwed up and she stopped writing. "oh" So I elaborated...."Look I really need this bag found ASAP, I am an elite runner and have just flown into Darwin for a race - I need those shoes or I won't be able to run"
That got her moving. She called someone who called someone who called someone...but nothing was found so a man walked out from the back - supposedly the duty manager or similar and asked when my race was on. I told him Saturday and he assurred me I would have the bag before then. This was 1am Thursday morning so I told him that was not good enough....my coach had me down to train in preparation for Friday session (at this stage my husband had to walk off as he was laughing tooo hard).
VirginBlue made every effort to chase my bag and I left very angry but laughing hard at my ridiculous attempt to get them to find my shoes.....I eneded up buying a pair on Friday for $200!!! Don't worry I will send Virgin the bill!
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
3km Time Trial
Woke up feeling fabulous. Amazing what some sleep next to a warm hubby can do for you!
Arrived at my carpark at 5:39 and Matt Phillips yelled out I was late so I panicked and got my spare key - tied it to my shoe and took off like a leaper after a cure.
I was just outside the art gallery when I realised there was no-one in front of me....and no-one behind me. I didnt' want to go through the tunnel by myself (lots of gangs and homeless people so not really safe in the dark for a single girl).
Sure enough along comes Anna Bligh. She too had detoured (loo stop) and thought she would catch up. A few more mins of slow running together and the rest of the group was soon behind us all.
When I got to the start it was a few minutes before everyone arrived. How exciting though to see Tesso and ChilliPants in the crowd.
We did a few run throughs and it was so surreal to see everyone that I hadn't seen in ages running alongside me.
Soon enough the big start was called for and we all lined up. With around 60 runners it was pretty crowded but I was happy to settle in the middle of the crowd. We raced off and I felt great for the first 500m before I realised that I was coasting along. Running fast but not out of breath. Still people were in front of me that aren't normally and I think I suffered from lack of confidence halfway through the race. Crazy heh!
Anyhow I hurt the whole last 1.5km. I was running as fast as I could go without falling over or spewing. I had two people overtake me since the 500m mark so I worked on getting back at least that spot and managed to get in front of one of the women (by 1 second).
All up finished result was 12:14.
I am disappointed but when I think about it I should be happy with that average of 4:05 min/km. From now on each TT I will be actively seeking to reduce it a bit further with more attention to my speedwork. Tesso and I both made a vow to work at getting back to where we were both at pre-Canberra. I know she will do it - and quickly so I guess I had better pull my finger out and get cracking.
Worst thing to happen to me today - I found out I was allergic to Chillipants. He was standing next to me and I just kept sneezing and now I have runny nose, watery eyes and am sneezing every few minutes.....hope this goes away soon!!!!!
Arrived at my carpark at 5:39 and Matt Phillips yelled out I was late so I panicked and got my spare key - tied it to my shoe and took off like a leaper after a cure.
I was just outside the art gallery when I realised there was no-one in front of me....and no-one behind me. I didnt' want to go through the tunnel by myself (lots of gangs and homeless people so not really safe in the dark for a single girl).
Sure enough along comes Anna Bligh. She too had detoured (loo stop) and thought she would catch up. A few more mins of slow running together and the rest of the group was soon behind us all.
When I got to the start it was a few minutes before everyone arrived. How exciting though to see Tesso and ChilliPants in the crowd.
We did a few run throughs and it was so surreal to see everyone that I hadn't seen in ages running alongside me.
Soon enough the big start was called for and we all lined up. With around 60 runners it was pretty crowded but I was happy to settle in the middle of the crowd. We raced off and I felt great for the first 500m before I realised that I was coasting along. Running fast but not out of breath. Still people were in front of me that aren't normally and I think I suffered from lack of confidence halfway through the race. Crazy heh!
Anyhow I hurt the whole last 1.5km. I was running as fast as I could go without falling over or spewing. I had two people overtake me since the 500m mark so I worked on getting back at least that spot and managed to get in front of one of the women (by 1 second).
All up finished result was 12:14.
I am disappointed but when I think about it I should be happy with that average of 4:05 min/km. From now on each TT I will be actively seeking to reduce it a bit further with more attention to my speedwork. Tesso and I both made a vow to work at getting back to where we were both at pre-Canberra. I know she will do it - and quickly so I guess I had better pull my finger out and get cracking.
Worst thing to happen to me today - I found out I was allergic to Chillipants. He was standing next to me and I just kept sneezing and now I have runny nose, watery eyes and am sneezing every few minutes.....hope this goes away soon!!!!!
Monday, May 29, 2006
Monday Morning
Yes it really is Monday and I am a very tired person today. Could not even make it to the gym.
Did a 2hr training run around Ballina on Sunday which was very slow in places - having to climb rocks and run on soft sand/water. It made it interesting and I loved running around in teeny clothes whilst everyone was walking on the beach in sumo wrestling outfits to keep warm. They all thought I was crazy. Don't worry so did I when I sat down after running on the beach to put my shoes back on before hitting the road....I sat on a lovely rock with a bit of water around it so I could rinse my feet before putting them in my sox. I then took off my singlet (had a crop top on as well) to dry my feet. Got one shoe on then heard a scream. I looked around and a sumo wrestler with just a nose poking through was pointed to me. I didn't understand until I turned back and got hit by a giant wave. Fuck! Stupid comfy rock was right in the middle of the ocean for a second there. I got totally soaked and my singlet was now returning to the ocean. Putting both feet (they were soaked through anyhow) into the beach I ran after it and retrieved it.
So yes I was the tool running home soaking wet. I wasn't too cold and my ipod still worked...but I made sure it was the fastest negative split long run on record.
Followed the morning with a day at Dreamworld. Allan suffers from severe vertigo and doesn't like the rides....so I was dragged onto everyone with the kids. First I was very enthusiastic. The Claw wasn't too bad when you shut your eyes and screamed loudly...onto the wipeout which Matty ensured me only went side to side and up/down. He forgot to mention AROUND AND AROUND and that it leaves you hanging upside down.
I was screaming so loudly that the attendant offered me another ride because he hadn't had a screamer on his ride all day :) very funny mate!!
Then came the eviction show and I was running out of steam. Had a great night and got very excited when Mike Goldburn and Gretel came out. It was very surreal after seeing them on TV so many times. I even won a prize for dancing like an idiot on my chair...so I obviously had a second wind during the night.
Got to bed at 1am and decided to not go to the gym or running Monday morning.....
Did a 2hr training run around Ballina on Sunday which was very slow in places - having to climb rocks and run on soft sand/water. It made it interesting and I loved running around in teeny clothes whilst everyone was walking on the beach in sumo wrestling outfits to keep warm. They all thought I was crazy. Don't worry so did I when I sat down after running on the beach to put my shoes back on before hitting the road....I sat on a lovely rock with a bit of water around it so I could rinse my feet before putting them in my sox. I then took off my singlet (had a crop top on as well) to dry my feet. Got one shoe on then heard a scream. I looked around and a sumo wrestler with just a nose poking through was pointed to me. I didn't understand until I turned back and got hit by a giant wave. Fuck! Stupid comfy rock was right in the middle of the ocean for a second there. I got totally soaked and my singlet was now returning to the ocean. Putting both feet (they were soaked through anyhow) into the beach I ran after it and retrieved it.
So yes I was the tool running home soaking wet. I wasn't too cold and my ipod still worked...but I made sure it was the fastest negative split long run on record.
Followed the morning with a day at Dreamworld. Allan suffers from severe vertigo and doesn't like the rides....so I was dragged onto everyone with the kids. First I was very enthusiastic. The Claw wasn't too bad when you shut your eyes and screamed loudly...onto the wipeout which Matty ensured me only went side to side and up/down. He forgot to mention AROUND AND AROUND and that it leaves you hanging upside down.
I was screaming so loudly that the attendant offered me another ride because he hadn't had a screamer on his ride all day :) very funny mate!!
Then came the eviction show and I was running out of steam. Had a great night and got very excited when Mike Goldburn and Gretel came out. It was very surreal after seeing them on TV so many times. I even won a prize for dancing like an idiot on my chair...so I obviously had a second wind during the night.
Got to bed at 1am and decided to not go to the gym or running Monday morning.....
Friday, May 26, 2006
Friday - Bike Substitute
Of all the days to arrive in NSW - I have to get here the morning after the State of Origin, man the ribbing I have had to endure!!!! What a pain.
As usual the travel has interferred with my running and this morning I was in no condition to go for a run. I made it to the gym in the hotel - just in time to see a 100 size circuit class start. Obviously those in Newcastle are keen on staying fit. I slumped onto a bike (groaning about how I am sure I had a bad oyster and it wasn't alcohol induced...) and did a 40min speed session. Mind you if I had been on the road I would have fallen sideways during the recoveries as I was barely turning my legs over. The speed I was only getting up to 32km/hr but at least it was something. I don't know much about biking so have to just assume that was reasonable.
My legs and butt feel it now.....so all in all a good substitute for not running.
Will be flying back to Brissy tonight then driving down to Ballina at 4am with the family so my long run will need to be Sunday morning around the coast which will be nice but lonely. Haven't had to do a long run on my own since being in Perth at Chrissy. Spoilt aren't I?
As usual the travel has interferred with my running and this morning I was in no condition to go for a run. I made it to the gym in the hotel - just in time to see a 100 size circuit class start. Obviously those in Newcastle are keen on staying fit. I slumped onto a bike (groaning about how I am sure I had a bad oyster and it wasn't alcohol induced...) and did a 40min speed session. Mind you if I had been on the road I would have fallen sideways during the recoveries as I was barely turning my legs over. The speed I was only getting up to 32km/hr but at least it was something. I don't know much about biking so have to just assume that was reasonable.
My legs and butt feel it now.....so all in all a good substitute for not running.
Will be flying back to Brissy tonight then driving down to Ballina at 4am with the family so my long run will need to be Sunday morning around the coast which will be nice but lonely. Haven't had to do a long run on my own since being in Perth at Chrissy. Spoilt aren't I?
Thursday - Mount Cootha
Thursday - freezing and dark!
Got out of bed and meet everyone at the bottom of the hill of Mt Cootha. Was prepared to suffer today but would still give it my best.
We headed out on a 10min warm up and then Chris told us we were going up to the top -racing. OMG. We ran hard for 3min then recovered for 3min then ran hard for 3min etc.
But get this - for the recovery we were made to walk DOWN the hill. That meant we were covering ground we had already made in the sprinting. So we were going up, down, up, down until we at last got to the Channel 10 Tower.
Following a 20sec rest I had to be at the airport so I raced all the way to the bottom. Man it seemed like a long long time to get there. I dont recall it taking me so long to get up but then again when it was split into 3min segments that makes it all seem different.
Finished the session with a hot shower at home before flying out to Newcastle.
Again - another session with no stretching afterwards so bit grumpy that I am not doing this. Will make an effort over the weekend.
Got out of bed and meet everyone at the bottom of the hill of Mt Cootha. Was prepared to suffer today but would still give it my best.
We headed out on a 10min warm up and then Chris told us we were going up to the top -racing. OMG. We ran hard for 3min then recovered for 3min then ran hard for 3min etc.
But get this - for the recovery we were made to walk DOWN the hill. That meant we were covering ground we had already made in the sprinting. So we were going up, down, up, down until we at last got to the Channel 10 Tower.
Following a 20sec rest I had to be at the airport so I raced all the way to the bottom. Man it seemed like a long long time to get there. I dont recall it taking me so long to get up but then again when it was split into 3min segments that makes it all seem different.
Finished the session with a hot shower at home before flying out to Newcastle.
Again - another session with no stretching afterwards so bit grumpy that I am not doing this. Will make an effort over the weekend.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Wednesday the new Monday - 10km
I was sure it was a case of Mondayitis this morning. Nothing was going right for me.
Turned up to a run at 5:15 but no-one else showed so I waited (freezing) until the 5:30 runners came. then they were all doing a fast session so took off and left me behind to run on my own aaarrgh. I ran for 5km then my calf ached and I felt crappy and knew today was not going to be a good day. I just took it as it came and didn't worry too much but decided to turn around then after a loop of the gardens.
Headed back to the Regatta and looked at my splits because I was sure I was getting faster and faster. I was too. Here are my splits:
5:03
5:01
4:59
4:57
ha ha ha ha. Oh rest assured it felt like I was flying along. I guess that's what a big weekend of running does to your legs.
After that I had to rush off to a meeting so I didnt get time to stretch. Instead I went to the showers at the Regatta. I was freezing and after standing in the shower realisation dawned on me - no hot water. *groan* I had a quick wash and then went to get dressed.
Skirt and jacket - but no blouse, just an empty coat hanger. I called Tesso who lives nearby but she had gone to work. I HAD to be at this meeting so I just pinned my jacket and went in my bra - looked real sexy too! *embarressment* Not the best look to be meeting a client at 7:30am in their hotel for breakfast......
After the meeting I didn't have time to go home and get dressed (find my blouse) but I did check the boot and found my new Pat Carroll racing singlet. So I threw that on under my jacket - at least I felt better. Though everyone at work is ribbing me about it.
My lunchtime massage appointment came and went with me forgetting AGAIN so I think I have to get back into the routine or I might get booted of the VIP list with Jodi. :)
So working late before heading out for a late night massage. Gotta love the runners lifestyle and priorities heh!
Turned up to a run at 5:15 but no-one else showed so I waited (freezing) until the 5:30 runners came. then they were all doing a fast session so took off and left me behind to run on my own aaarrgh. I ran for 5km then my calf ached and I felt crappy and knew today was not going to be a good day. I just took it as it came and didn't worry too much but decided to turn around then after a loop of the gardens.
Headed back to the Regatta and looked at my splits because I was sure I was getting faster and faster. I was too. Here are my splits:
5:03
5:01
4:59
4:57
ha ha ha ha. Oh rest assured it felt like I was flying along. I guess that's what a big weekend of running does to your legs.
After that I had to rush off to a meeting so I didnt get time to stretch. Instead I went to the showers at the Regatta. I was freezing and after standing in the shower realisation dawned on me - no hot water. *groan* I had a quick wash and then went to get dressed.
Skirt and jacket - but no blouse, just an empty coat hanger. I called Tesso who lives nearby but she had gone to work. I HAD to be at this meeting so I just pinned my jacket and went in my bra - looked real sexy too! *embarressment* Not the best look to be meeting a client at 7:30am in their hotel for breakfast......
After the meeting I didn't have time to go home and get dressed (find my blouse) but I did check the boot and found my new Pat Carroll racing singlet. So I threw that on under my jacket - at least I felt better. Though everyone at work is ribbing me about it.
My lunchtime massage appointment came and went with me forgetting AGAIN so I think I have to get back into the routine or I might get booted of the VIP list with Jodi. :)
So working late before heading out for a late night massage. Gotta love the runners lifestyle and priorities heh!
Monday, May 22, 2006
Wipeout at Warwick
I am just getting my head around that hectic weekend now on Monday night!!
5pm saw me fly out of work into the waiting car and hit the highway for home.
Showered, bags in car and strap in for a 90min flight along the highway to Warwick. Allan, Matt (14yo) and I had decided to do the weekend trip together so we were all running around last minute forgetting/remembering things....
90mins later we were greeted by big roadwork flashing neon sign saying 'Welcome Pentath Runners' which warmed me up to realise we had made it.
Friday night is a blur...we basically had some nibbles to fill the tummy and a few glasses of wine to help us sleep then headed to our little room at Jackie Howe.
Had the creamed rice at the ready for my breakfast and a single caffeine pill (100mg) of no-doz - I can't drink coffee before a race. Ended up taking the pill halfway through the first race so have no idea if it was effective or not. Jury still out on that one.
8am HALF MARATHON 1:39:59
Just scrapped in for a sub 1:40. I really enjoyed this run, along the way got to run with a few different people but mainly because I was doing a run of some substance - which has been lacking from my training of late. I walked through every drink station and flew down the hills. Had C1 on my tail for some time and I knew he could keep with me if he watched his form. His arms (they are longer than his legs) were flying everywhere and I tried to tell him to not swing and relax his shoulders - to conserve some energy. But he had guts and got in front of me when I had no energy to go with him. I got him towards the end but only because I flew down the big hill like a girl and he was too embarressed to copy me :)
11:30am 4.6km CROSS COUNTRY 21:25
Totally dumbfounded by this one. I had it picked as my favourite and personally thought I would do really well. Not to be. I had a stitch (but seemed to have this all weekend so no excuses there) had dust in my mouth the whole way. Walked the drink station - in a 4.6km event!!! And to be honest...I was sad there wasn't another drink station earlier on. I just did not enjoy this one at all. Loved hurdling over everything and gained a few people - but they came back to haunt me towards the finish when I had nothing left to give. Thankfully beat hubby home. Matty pulled in front of me with 20m to go - he's grounded for a month!
3pm 5km ROAD RACE 22:57
A great race to finish the day with. Could be quite a good one and I hope to give it a go next year but this year I just couldn't manage to pull out much of a finish. With 2km to go I had pressure on the bladder and iliketoast was urging me to get faster. I couldn't tell him I was about to wee myself!!!! It was the most uncomfortable sensation in the world and I just could not believe I was experiencing this. When I finished Hubby was there to wipe my tears and I just moped around for a bit. I didn't actually lose control but did have some leakage. However when Julie came over the line - an obese woman who lost 30kilos just so she could do the race - I forgot all about myself and thanked God I was not in her shoes. I admired her courage, committment and determination to get out there and change her life and do it so publicly. Good on you Julie!!!!
DRINKING AND SLEEPING
Had the Race Dinner with presentations and great company. Man for sports people we are hopeless at sports trivia aren't we?? Best thing of the night - seeing Matty get two ribbons for his age group. He was just so excited.
Seeing Tesso being called the Warwick Pentath PR chick was hilarious. That is just what she is and I am glad they have recognised her for it.
What an exciting night seeing all my running buddies get crowned in Gold Silvers and Bronzes. Not to mention winning plastic raincoats (WTF??) and boxes of lollies.
8am 10km KILLARNEY ASCENT 54:57
Got lost on the way following Boonarga!! What a scream.
At the start line I felt quite good in the legs and was mentally prepared for a tough tough run. My gut still groaned and I was severly dehydrated as I had not drank anything due to fear of incontinence LOL!!
Got to the 3km and thought...what a lovely run. Waved to the sheep and sang along to my ipod. 4km I walked the aid station and took on board two cups of water. No point being silly - had to have some fluid.
Just after 5km the hills began. It was an incline all right. Not as steep as I had pictured but steady and my legs were screaming from yesterday. Mentally I got to the 7km mark and didnt think I could do this so I walked for 100m whilst my son and hubby drove alongside screaming at me. I told myself - get to 8km and don't stop. As soon as I got to the 8km mark I felt bloody fantastic. The race started here for me and I could have climbed Everest!
Caught up to Liz whom I had been 10-50m behind the whole way (even walking pace I maintained my distance with everyone). She was tiring and I knew we could do this if we both pushed each other. She had her ipod on too so i yelled at her (not sure if she could hear me) to lasso on and come with me. She did and we ran the last two km together and had a ball taking turns pushing each other. It was the highlight of the weekend for me because I knew I could go faster but had no pressure on me and I was really just enjoying the run, the view and the company. What a feeling!!
Best finish ever was Tesso and Tara holding hands crossing the finish line - backwards!!
12Midday 1500M STROLL 6:16
How embarressingly slow for me. I had hoped to go 6min but just wasn't up to form on the day. Matty flew past me (another month of heavy duty chores for him) and I never got close to him, Allan went past also just before halfway and I decided to not push for it. However at the end he was just in front so I made a dash and when he realised it was me he also made a dash for the finish. Gentleman that he is he knocked me out of the way before stopping and letting me stagger in front across the finish line. I am sure the knocking me sideways was not intentional but I will be watching the video for evidence before I give him his chrissy present this year!
Will have to post more during the week. I am still remembering things that made me emotional - smiles, laughter, tears, anger, pain and friends....lots and lots of friends. So glad to see everyone out there running. It really was the War of the Wounded with us all on our feet again - JenRuns, Miners, Cirque, Tesso, Me, Hannah, Chelle, Matt P (not racing - still a hypochondriac with had a minor ailment *grins*), the Owl, and many other stories of great personal triumph.
Not to mention being good to just see everyone after so long of me not training with them - Tara, Robbie, Liz, Geoff, RentBoy, GPS/Chilli Pants/ILIKETOAST, Ciaran, Shultzy (did he really beat me in the 1500m?????) and all the rest. Too many to name but I challenge you to it.
5pm saw me fly out of work into the waiting car and hit the highway for home.
Showered, bags in car and strap in for a 90min flight along the highway to Warwick. Allan, Matt (14yo) and I had decided to do the weekend trip together so we were all running around last minute forgetting/remembering things....
90mins later we were greeted by big roadwork flashing neon sign saying 'Welcome Pentath Runners' which warmed me up to realise we had made it.
Friday night is a blur...we basically had some nibbles to fill the tummy and a few glasses of wine to help us sleep then headed to our little room at Jackie Howe.
Had the creamed rice at the ready for my breakfast and a single caffeine pill (100mg) of no-doz - I can't drink coffee before a race. Ended up taking the pill halfway through the first race so have no idea if it was effective or not. Jury still out on that one.
8am HALF MARATHON 1:39:59
Just scrapped in for a sub 1:40. I really enjoyed this run, along the way got to run with a few different people but mainly because I was doing a run of some substance - which has been lacking from my training of late. I walked through every drink station and flew down the hills. Had C1 on my tail for some time and I knew he could keep with me if he watched his form. His arms (they are longer than his legs) were flying everywhere and I tried to tell him to not swing and relax his shoulders - to conserve some energy. But he had guts and got in front of me when I had no energy to go with him. I got him towards the end but only because I flew down the big hill like a girl and he was too embarressed to copy me :)
11:30am 4.6km CROSS COUNTRY 21:25
Totally dumbfounded by this one. I had it picked as my favourite and personally thought I would do really well. Not to be. I had a stitch (but seemed to have this all weekend so no excuses there) had dust in my mouth the whole way. Walked the drink station - in a 4.6km event!!! And to be honest...I was sad there wasn't another drink station earlier on. I just did not enjoy this one at all. Loved hurdling over everything and gained a few people - but they came back to haunt me towards the finish when I had nothing left to give. Thankfully beat hubby home. Matty pulled in front of me with 20m to go - he's grounded for a month!
3pm 5km ROAD RACE 22:57
A great race to finish the day with. Could be quite a good one and I hope to give it a go next year but this year I just couldn't manage to pull out much of a finish. With 2km to go I had pressure on the bladder and iliketoast was urging me to get faster. I couldn't tell him I was about to wee myself!!!! It was the most uncomfortable sensation in the world and I just could not believe I was experiencing this. When I finished Hubby was there to wipe my tears and I just moped around for a bit. I didn't actually lose control but did have some leakage. However when Julie came over the line - an obese woman who lost 30kilos just so she could do the race - I forgot all about myself and thanked God I was not in her shoes. I admired her courage, committment and determination to get out there and change her life and do it so publicly. Good on you Julie!!!!
DRINKING AND SLEEPING
Had the Race Dinner with presentations and great company. Man for sports people we are hopeless at sports trivia aren't we?? Best thing of the night - seeing Matty get two ribbons for his age group. He was just so excited.
Seeing Tesso being called the Warwick Pentath PR chick was hilarious. That is just what she is and I am glad they have recognised her for it.
What an exciting night seeing all my running buddies get crowned in Gold Silvers and Bronzes. Not to mention winning plastic raincoats (WTF??) and boxes of lollies.
8am 10km KILLARNEY ASCENT 54:57
Got lost on the way following Boonarga!! What a scream.
At the start line I felt quite good in the legs and was mentally prepared for a tough tough run. My gut still groaned and I was severly dehydrated as I had not drank anything due to fear of incontinence LOL!!
Got to the 3km and thought...what a lovely run. Waved to the sheep and sang along to my ipod. 4km I walked the aid station and took on board two cups of water. No point being silly - had to have some fluid.
Just after 5km the hills began. It was an incline all right. Not as steep as I had pictured but steady and my legs were screaming from yesterday. Mentally I got to the 7km mark and didnt think I could do this so I walked for 100m whilst my son and hubby drove alongside screaming at me. I told myself - get to 8km and don't stop. As soon as I got to the 8km mark I felt bloody fantastic. The race started here for me and I could have climbed Everest!
Caught up to Liz whom I had been 10-50m behind the whole way (even walking pace I maintained my distance with everyone). She was tiring and I knew we could do this if we both pushed each other. She had her ipod on too so i yelled at her (not sure if she could hear me) to lasso on and come with me. She did and we ran the last two km together and had a ball taking turns pushing each other. It was the highlight of the weekend for me because I knew I could go faster but had no pressure on me and I was really just enjoying the run, the view and the company. What a feeling!!
Best finish ever was Tesso and Tara holding hands crossing the finish line - backwards!!
12Midday 1500M STROLL 6:16
How embarressingly slow for me. I had hoped to go 6min but just wasn't up to form on the day. Matty flew past me (another month of heavy duty chores for him) and I never got close to him, Allan went past also just before halfway and I decided to not push for it. However at the end he was just in front so I made a dash and when he realised it was me he also made a dash for the finish. Gentleman that he is he knocked me out of the way before stopping and letting me stagger in front across the finish line. I am sure the knocking me sideways was not intentional but I will be watching the video for evidence before I give him his chrissy present this year!
Will have to post more during the week. I am still remembering things that made me emotional - smiles, laughter, tears, anger, pain and friends....lots and lots of friends. So glad to see everyone out there running. It really was the War of the Wounded with us all on our feet again - JenRuns, Miners, Cirque, Tesso, Me, Hannah, Chelle, Matt P (not racing - still a hypochondriac with had a minor ailment *grins*), the Owl, and many other stories of great personal triumph.
Not to mention being good to just see everyone after so long of me not training with them - Tara, Robbie, Liz, Geoff, RentBoy, GPS/Chilli Pants/ILIKETOAST, Ciaran, Shultzy (did he really beat me in the 1500m?????) and all the rest. Too many to name but I challenge you to it.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Comprehendo!
I get it now...ha ha very funny.
The Dr's passing words to me that I would be in "extreme discomfort" was obviously referring to my inability to be able to run. And yes he is right. For the first time in months (I truly did not realise how painful my hip was I had gotten so used to it being sore) I am pain free and dying to get out on the road...and can't!!!
Not to worry it is enforced tapering for Warwick and I can let loose about 7am tomorrow morning amid the snow and ice.
I am feeling great, legs are great **I luv Cortisone**, ipod all loaded (thanks for the reminder Tesso) and I am good to go. Only thing now is that as I can't classify myself as an 'injured runner' does that mean I have to actually run hard?
Deary me...nerves and butterflies already!!!!
The Dr's passing words to me that I would be in "extreme discomfort" was obviously referring to my inability to be able to run. And yes he is right. For the first time in months (I truly did not realise how painful my hip was I had gotten so used to it being sore) I am pain free and dying to get out on the road...and can't!!!
Not to worry it is enforced tapering for Warwick and I can let loose about 7am tomorrow morning amid the snow and ice.
I am feeling great, legs are great **I luv Cortisone**, ipod all loaded (thanks for the reminder Tesso) and I am good to go. Only thing now is that as I can't classify myself as an 'injured runner' does that mean I have to actually run hard?
Deary me...nerves and butterflies already!!!!
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
LATEST UPDATE
Life is looking on the up......
Went to the Doc and NO surgery is required. Broken hip is only a sliver - barely visable and you wouldn't notice it in a non-runner/exercise person.
Gave me a funny shot of cortisone and was told to go away and be prepared for some immense pain (his words = extreme discomfort) in my hip and glutes over next 48hrs.
In turn I thanked him for his injection and promptly confirmed (after the shot) that is was ok to run on Saturday for the Warwick Pentath (=42.2km). He dropped his jaw and shook his head and muttered under his breath...but then said ok, providing I don't do ANYTHING for two days. (don't you just love enforced rest!!)
However if pain is still there on Tuesday to go straight back. Gee doctors know just what to say to ease your concerns don't they?
I am so ecstatic that all my pain will be gone and I can concentrate on running again without thinking 'WTF' everytime I get a twinge.
See you all out there on the road
BTW over the next two days please don't post your 'Run of the Year stories'...I don't think I could bare it to hear you enjoy a brilliant run whilst I was in bum agony. *grins*
Went to the Doc and NO surgery is required. Broken hip is only a sliver - barely visable and you wouldn't notice it in a non-runner/exercise person.
Gave me a funny shot of cortisone and was told to go away and be prepared for some immense pain (his words = extreme discomfort) in my hip and glutes over next 48hrs.
In turn I thanked him for his injection and promptly confirmed (after the shot) that is was ok to run on Saturday for the Warwick Pentath (=42.2km). He dropped his jaw and shook his head and muttered under his breath...but then said ok, providing I don't do ANYTHING for two days. (don't you just love enforced rest!!)
However if pain is still there on Tuesday to go straight back. Gee doctors know just what to say to ease your concerns don't they?
I am so ecstatic that all my pain will be gone and I can concentrate on running again without thinking 'WTF' everytime I get a twinge.
See you all out there on the road
BTW over the next two days please don't post your 'Run of the Year stories'...I don't think I could bare it to hear you enjoy a brilliant run whilst I was in bum agony. *grins*
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
and then it was three....
So it happened. Monday afternoon my grandma had a heart attack. Before you all start being sad...dont' worry. She is doing well and strong as an ox, demanding to be let out of hospital so the priest doesn't have to see her in her pj's - bless her soul. Anyhow she has to finish knitting my winter woolly sox!! I get a pair every year!
Distance: 10km
Time: 1hr
Pace: 15mins of speed after warm up, followed by cooldown.
Location: Botannical Gardens - Pat Carroll Session
BIg group again this morning. Was good to see everyone but missing tessos face still.
15mins of speed interspersed with jog recovery every 60sec. A tough session but I think I felt it was tougher than others. Not too keen on this speed stuff at the moment. Much preferring the longer slower runs. My shoulders are aching and no doubt this is stress as well so the runs are welcome if that makes sense?
Really looking forward to getting away to Warwick with the family well half of us anyhow.
My son Sam's birthday tomorrow. He will be twelve. I love him immensely. Here he is twirling his grand ole mum around the dancefloor in Canberra.
Distance: 10km
Time: 1hr
Pace: 15mins of speed after warm up, followed by cooldown.
Location: Botannical Gardens - Pat Carroll Session
BIg group again this morning. Was good to see everyone but missing tessos face still.
15mins of speed interspersed with jog recovery every 60sec. A tough session but I think I felt it was tougher than others. Not too keen on this speed stuff at the moment. Much preferring the longer slower runs. My shoulders are aching and no doubt this is stress as well so the runs are welcome if that makes sense?
Really looking forward to getting away to Warwick with the family well half of us anyhow.
My son Sam's birthday tomorrow. He will be twelve. I love him immensely. Here he is twirling his grand ole mum around the dancefloor in Canberra.
Monday, May 15, 2006
It happens in threes.....
My life is a typical Monday morning mess. It CAN only get better.
I started at 5:30am on a run from the gym to warm up. As I was crossing the road I saw a motorbike go down and I ran across the traffic and followed the bike (was skidding for 150m) but when I got there the rider was not on it.
He had been pushed into the concrete wall and shortly after died. It was terrible. The cops and coroners were taking care of everything so I left.
I just ran thinking of my husband on his motorbike on his way to work. Don't remember much except that whatever pain I was in - I was glad to be alive.
When I got to work my best employee advised me had filed for Bankruptcy and would be leaving us to go and live in WA (to live with family members). It is a big hole for us and he will be hard to replace. The timing is awful and he is extremely embarressed by the situation as well.
So now I am just waiting for the third thing to happen.....I think I might cancel my Dr. appt for this afternoon.
I started at 5:30am on a run from the gym to warm up. As I was crossing the road I saw a motorbike go down and I ran across the traffic and followed the bike (was skidding for 150m) but when I got there the rider was not on it.
He had been pushed into the concrete wall and shortly after died. It was terrible. The cops and coroners were taking care of everything so I left.
I just ran thinking of my husband on his motorbike on his way to work. Don't remember much except that whatever pain I was in - I was glad to be alive.
When I got to work my best employee advised me had filed for Bankruptcy and would be leaving us to go and live in WA (to live with family members). It is a big hole for us and he will be hard to replace. The timing is awful and he is extremely embarressed by the situation as well.
So now I am just waiting for the third thing to happen.....I think I might cancel my Dr. appt for this afternoon.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Saturday Long Run
Distance: 16km
Time: 1hr 17mins
Pace: Steady with increasingly faster finish over last 4km.
Location: Regatta
Same run as Wednesday (confirmed it is only 16km...bummer) but different company. Run felt uncomfortable the whole way. Just never got into it. I didn't tire during it but we stopped for water twice which may have helped. The faster finish brought the time down otherwise I would have been way slower than Wednesdays....go figure.
Last 4km was : 4:45, 4:42, 4:37, 4:23. Mark was trying to get me to do 4min finish but there was no way I had anything like that in me.
In fact tonight I am feeling really unwell so maybe that is the key? or possibly just another excuse to cover the fact that I am a lazy bum with little training under the belt.
I have immense cramps and a headache and am putting them down to the round of pummelling and xrays I had on the hip late yesterday.
Time: 1hr 17mins
Pace: Steady with increasingly faster finish over last 4km.
Location: Regatta
Same run as Wednesday (confirmed it is only 16km...bummer) but different company. Run felt uncomfortable the whole way. Just never got into it. I didn't tire during it but we stopped for water twice which may have helped. The faster finish brought the time down otherwise I would have been way slower than Wednesdays....go figure.
Last 4km was : 4:45, 4:42, 4:37, 4:23. Mark was trying to get me to do 4min finish but there was no way I had anything like that in me.
In fact tonight I am feeling really unwell so maybe that is the key? or possibly just another excuse to cover the fact that I am a lazy bum with little training under the belt.
I have immense cramps and a headache and am putting them down to the round of pummelling and xrays I had on the hip late yesterday.
Where is Michael?
With only 7 weeks to go until Gold Coast I am eagerly awaiting an email from our friend Michael to confirm if he is running in this years Gold Coast Marathon.
Michael went back to Japan to live after being in Brissy running with us all for two years. Will be good to see him again. But of course only if he hasn't gotten faster than me!!!!! LOL
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Thursday Run
Distance: Ran for 40mins then did 1km.
Time: 44mins
Pace: Gentle, steady then really hard then gentle.
Location: Pat Carrolls
From Ship Inn ran over to floating bridge chatting the whole way to Tesso and turned around at the end of that. Got back to the gardens and stretched a bit. Then we had a no watch 1km run. I tried to go 4min/km but was pushed by all the guys around me. Finished in 3:48 was really happy I could do that but all the way I kept thinking "4min/km should not hurt like this, I have been away for too long" so I was also happy to see it was faster than that.
Time: 44mins
Pace: Gentle, steady then really hard then gentle.
Location: Pat Carrolls
From Ship Inn ran over to floating bridge chatting the whole way to Tesso and turned around at the end of that. Got back to the gardens and stretched a bit. Then we had a no watch 1km run. I tried to go 4min/km but was pushed by all the guys around me. Finished in 3:48 was really happy I could do that but all the way I kept thinking "4min/km should not hurt like this, I have been away for too long" so I was also happy to see it was faster than that.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Wednesday Run
Distance: 17km
Time: 1hr 20mins
Pace: Steady
Location: Regatta, over Story Bridge, along cliffs and southbank back to Regatta.
Exertion: Didn't plan on doing this today!! Was chatting to some other runners and before you knew it I was on the bridge. They laughed when I wanted them to come and pick me up in the car......so I just ran home with them.
Totally wiped out. Felt more exhausting and tiring than a marathon. One word to sum up: BUGGERED.
Time: 1hr 20mins
Pace: Steady
Location: Regatta, over Story Bridge, along cliffs and southbank back to Regatta.
Exertion: Didn't plan on doing this today!! Was chatting to some other runners and before you knew it I was on the bridge. They laughed when I wanted them to come and pick me up in the car......so I just ran home with them.
Totally wiped out. Felt more exhausting and tiring than a marathon. One word to sum up: BUGGERED.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Tuesdays Run
Distance: 9km
Time: 12:30 (3km time trial)
Pace: Steady
Location: Pat Carroll Speed Session.
Exertion: Okay this hurt!!
3km Time Trial after a warm up and then followed by cool down.
Was great to be back with a group but how painful to be so slow! I was suprised to run as fast as I did though. Certainly wouldn't have thought 4:10 min/km pace was achievable. Shoelace came undone with 800m to go but I wasn't going fast enough for it to worry me. It just demonstrates I have forgotten all my rules of running already (ie double knots).
I'm guessing tonight I'll be asleep before 8pm.......
Time: 12:30 (3km time trial)
Pace: Steady
Location: Pat Carroll Speed Session.
Exertion: Okay this hurt!!
3km Time Trial after a warm up and then followed by cool down.
Was great to be back with a group but how painful to be so slow! I was suprised to run as fast as I did though. Certainly wouldn't have thought 4:10 min/km pace was achievable. Shoelace came undone with 800m to go but I wasn't going fast enough for it to worry me. It just demonstrates I have forgotten all my rules of running already (ie double knots).
I'm guessing tonight I'll be asleep before 8pm.......
Monday, May 08, 2006
Mondays Run
Distance: 5km
Time: 24:30
Pace: slowish
Location: on my own from Gym to Regatta and back at 5am.
Exertion: Learning to run again after so much time off!!
Followed this up with 60mins at the gym. My body is sore and tired this afternoon but I feel good that I have made the decision to get moving again.
With Warwick only 10 days away I am fairly confident I will be walking alongside Tesso but at least I will compete and be able to catch up with everyone again :)
Time: 24:30
Pace: slowish
Location: on my own from Gym to Regatta and back at 5am.
Exertion: Learning to run again after so much time off!!
Followed this up with 60mins at the gym. My body is sore and tired this afternoon but I feel good that I have made the decision to get moving again.
With Warwick only 10 days away I am fairly confident I will be walking alongside Tesso but at least I will compete and be able to catch up with everyone again :)
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Wednesday Run
Distance: 12km
Time: 1:01:25
Pace: slow
Location: on my own from Regatta, through gardens, then back to Regatta via Southbank.
Exertion: legs felt tired and dead - but they are still there!!
Time: 1:01:25
Pace: slow
Location: on my own from Regatta, through gardens, then back to Regatta via Southbank.
Exertion: legs felt tired and dead - but they are still there!!
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Anzaz Day Run
Went out for a run tonight after a full day of Anzac celebrations.
Have no idea of distance, just ran for 59mins and felt great but slow.
Very emotional run as I was in full kit from the marathon and even when I turned on my ipod it was paused on the song that was playing when I got to the 42km mark in Canberra. (I paused it then so I could hear the crowd for the last 200m).
Have no idea of distance, just ran for 59mins and felt great but slow.
Very emotional run as I was in full kit from the marathon and even when I turned on my ipod it was paused on the song that was playing when I got to the 42km mark in Canberra. (I paused it then so I could hear the crowd for the last 200m).
Monday, April 24, 2006
I'm Back
Totally inspired over the weekend. Spent the day with the kids and the nights with hubby. Ate and drank all weekend but had a ball and mentally am ready for an enslaught of training.
Headed to the gym this morning and did 20min hills on the bike followed by some weights.
Will be at the Dawn Service tomorrow (4:28am) but will do a run immediately afterwards.
Officially....today marks my comeback.
Headed to the gym this morning and did 20min hills on the bike followed by some weights.
Will be at the Dawn Service tomorrow (4:28am) but will do a run immediately afterwards.
Officially....today marks my comeback.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Going Back to Canberra
Fly out next week to head back to Canberra for 4 days. Will be good to make the trip to pick up my running Mojo that I seem to have left behind. (forget the fact that my sister is actually getting married.....)
Coming home after the Marathon I had fully anticipated a lot of things - little running for the first week, immmuno suppressed body, and depression. This was all catered for as my pre-race strategy had included preparation for this.
POST MARATHON RUNNING:
I took 5 days off with no running at all. Then hubby took me out for a 4km run. It was good to get moving again. Two days later I went out for another run - 8km easy with Chris's training group. Again, the legs felt great but I just didn't get into it. I haven't run since Tuesday and am starting to feel fat, tired, grumpy and useless.
IMMUNE SYSTEM - POST RACE:
I ate healthily the week after the marathon up to Easter. No alcohol, low fat, lots of veges etc. This was good for the body and I managed to not feel tired or get any colds or flus or even much muscle soreness after day two.
DEPRESSION:
Not often talked about but certainly in all the marathon books etc to watch out for. I am just not the type to suffer from depression however my lack of motivations is a form of depression I am starting to think.
I purposely set myself some goal races for after Canberra so I would not feel this way and would be keen to get back into training. But it doesn't seem to be working. Tess isn't out there running with me and it seems everyone else is training for Brisbane Marathon so doing long long runs. I am not ready to kill myself at speed training just yet so have not been back to Pat Carrolls session with all my mates either.
I just keep thinking....I had the perfect race - what else is there?
I know I need to pull my finger out and kickstart my running but the kit kats and alcohol that I have been avoiding for three months now are my best friends.
On top of all that my hip is giving me grief - not when I run but certainly when I have been sitting for a period of time. Maybe Tess is right - all this inactivity is just not good for us!
Off to the Sports Doctor to get a professional opinion and will keep you updated.
Coming home after the Marathon I had fully anticipated a lot of things - little running for the first week, immmuno suppressed body, and depression. This was all catered for as my pre-race strategy had included preparation for this.
POST MARATHON RUNNING:
I took 5 days off with no running at all. Then hubby took me out for a 4km run. It was good to get moving again. Two days later I went out for another run - 8km easy with Chris's training group. Again, the legs felt great but I just didn't get into it. I haven't run since Tuesday and am starting to feel fat, tired, grumpy and useless.
IMMUNE SYSTEM - POST RACE:
I ate healthily the week after the marathon up to Easter. No alcohol, low fat, lots of veges etc. This was good for the body and I managed to not feel tired or get any colds or flus or even much muscle soreness after day two.
DEPRESSION:
Not often talked about but certainly in all the marathon books etc to watch out for. I am just not the type to suffer from depression however my lack of motivations is a form of depression I am starting to think.
I purposely set myself some goal races for after Canberra so I would not feel this way and would be keen to get back into training. But it doesn't seem to be working. Tess isn't out there running with me and it seems everyone else is training for Brisbane Marathon so doing long long runs. I am not ready to kill myself at speed training just yet so have not been back to Pat Carrolls session with all my mates either.
I just keep thinking....I had the perfect race - what else is there?
I know I need to pull my finger out and kickstart my running but the kit kats and alcohol that I have been avoiding for three months now are my best friends.
On top of all that my hip is giving me grief - not when I run but certainly when I have been sitting for a period of time. Maybe Tess is right - all this inactivity is just not good for us!
Off to the Sports Doctor to get a professional opinion and will keep you updated.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
2006 CANBERRA MARATHON
Oh My goodness, I am now a marathoner!
Even on the morning of the race I was extremely nervous. Some things you just can't control. JD and Tess were absolute legends in talking me through it and calming me down. I also replayed all the great things everyone has been telling me over the past few weeks in my head and that helped as well.
I think I was more nervous about letting everyone down and making a fool of myself than anything else.
I did a 400m warmup - was going to do longer but when I ran from the start line down 200m I say the sign saying 42km and I felt like vomiting so I then turned around and went back to the start.
Found Tesso and we lined up like giggly girls all ready for the big suprise.
For the first 2km I was grinning from ear to ear. I couldn't believe I was running a marathon. It was wonderful and to have Tesso there beside me was just like in my dreams.
At around the 3km mark I saw Tara and Ciaran ditch their clothes so I took my jacket off too and threw it on the pile beside the road. My gloves I kept with me the whole race!
I got to the 5km drink table and looked at my watch - WTF it said 29mins. I then pushed on and tried to get in front of the 3:30 group that I was running behind. I felt better when I got to the 10km mark as I was in front of schedule. I couldn't work it out. Later Tess told me the 5km Drink Station was not at 5km it was closer to 6km mark. Now I understand!
So at 11km I caught up with RobertSong and we ran together for quite some time taking turns in front. At 12km I pulled back a bit after some lovely woman told me I was running too fast and would burn up and hit the wall shortly. By 16km I threw her nasty words out of my head and got back on track to my plan.
At 17km I saw my dad on the side of the road and slowed enough to tell him I loved him. I then continued up the rise and then the downhill that follows to the turnaround. I saw Dad again on the way back and he had crossed the road to slap my hand as I ran past. I felt very happy and stong here.
Soon after I went through the half marathon point and looked at my watch for the last time. It said 1:41:50. I was stocked. When I got back to Cow Bell corner and there was the CR cheer squad in full regalia I got all excited again. But it totally blew me away when I saw Pat standing waiting for me to come around. He ran up to me and slapped my hand and told me to keep it strong I was doing well. Nothing like a pep talk to make you run hard :)
The guys around me said "you have lots of support here today" and I told them it was my first one and they all nodded and smiled secretly. I then vowed to beat every one of them and not hit the wall as they expected me too.
Coach Chris was a big support out there and kept me going with good vibes and waves and cheers. It is just undescribable to say how that sort of support just lifts you up.
The 30km mark soon approached on the way out to Black Mountain and I told the guys I was with...this is where the race starts and I upped the pace a bit to break away. Silly childish girl :)
Around 32km I saw my Dad again and went up then down the rise to the turnaround for the final time. After he saw me so ill from the 10km run last year I had to be strong for him so just before the 34km when I saw him again I puffed up my chest and put on a big smile and slapped his hand and told him I would see him later. He had to be a church at 10am so I knew he wouldn't see me finish. But just having him out there for several hours was so good for me.
Coming in to the finish all the coolrunners i was passing on the other side were calling out to me and I can barely recall the final few km's as it is a blur of support and good wishes.
Sue (Pat Carroll's) Missus came up to me around 41km I think and she was screaming at me and so so happy for me that I got all emotional and started crying. I calmed myself down but it was hard - I was so emotional. I realised then I could finish the race as long as I got to the next corner in one piece.
I had also just gone past Luckylegs and Horrie and this was also emotional. Both of them are inspirational to me and I felt a swell of pride that I knew who they were and what they were doing out there. I am proud to be a coolrunner and to know all this wonderful people and see them doing amazing things. It is a feeling only other coolrunners will know. A community spirit like no other I have seen.
Near here, I saw a girl a pink hat in front of me and just focussed on reeling her in. Damn it, at the same time she pulled away and was reeling in others in front of her! We were both getting faster but even though I gained on her slightly I was never going to catch her. At the 42km mark I didn't care, I knew then I was going to finish this marathon without hitting the wall, 42.2km without walking or stopping or feeling any major pain. 42.2km of hard work that was the most rewarding of all my runs I have done.
I looked up and saw both sides full of people screaming at me. I saw Truckie (bright green suit helps distinguish him!!) and heard the blur of others. I then looked up at the clock and say 3:22 and almost burst out crying then. I crossed in an official time of 3:23:14.
I saw Mark at the finish (iliketoast) and just clung to him whilst I sobbed on his shoulder. Little did he know that he was also holding me up! My legs had turned to jelly as soon as the tears started. I calmed down and just grinned and grinned. I looked around for someone and there she was....good Ole Tesso at the finish line with a gigantic grin on her face!!! We hugged and cried together and I will remember it for the rest of my life. I got some water and had a tap on my shoulder.....it was my dad. He had given up church to see me finish and that was a big thing. I was ecstatic and hugged him and he told me how proud I had made him. He knows nothing about running but he knew I had achieved/bettered my goal of 3:30. I found out later he had texted my whole family 8 times during the race about how I was in front of the 3:30 train. No-one knew exactly what my dad meant but thought it was exciting ha ha. My beloved Allan knew and he held his breath the whole way until he got Dad's final text.
I had done it. I had run my first marathon and my mind is still boggling with the result. Thanks to absolutely everyone one of you out there for your support and your calming efforts pre-race and for the big cheers afterwards. It made my experience greater to share it with you all. xxxxxx
Lots of love,
Clairie - the Marathoner.
Even on the morning of the race I was extremely nervous. Some things you just can't control. JD and Tess were absolute legends in talking me through it and calming me down. I also replayed all the great things everyone has been telling me over the past few weeks in my head and that helped as well.
I think I was more nervous about letting everyone down and making a fool of myself than anything else.
I did a 400m warmup - was going to do longer but when I ran from the start line down 200m I say the sign saying 42km and I felt like vomiting so I then turned around and went back to the start.
Found Tesso and we lined up like giggly girls all ready for the big suprise.
For the first 2km I was grinning from ear to ear. I couldn't believe I was running a marathon. It was wonderful and to have Tesso there beside me was just like in my dreams.
At around the 3km mark I saw Tara and Ciaran ditch their clothes so I took my jacket off too and threw it on the pile beside the road. My gloves I kept with me the whole race!
I got to the 5km drink table and looked at my watch - WTF it said 29mins. I then pushed on and tried to get in front of the 3:30 group that I was running behind. I felt better when I got to the 10km mark as I was in front of schedule. I couldn't work it out. Later Tess told me the 5km Drink Station was not at 5km it was closer to 6km mark. Now I understand!
So at 11km I caught up with RobertSong and we ran together for quite some time taking turns in front. At 12km I pulled back a bit after some lovely woman told me I was running too fast and would burn up and hit the wall shortly. By 16km I threw her nasty words out of my head and got back on track to my plan.
At 17km I saw my dad on the side of the road and slowed enough to tell him I loved him. I then continued up the rise and then the downhill that follows to the turnaround. I saw Dad again on the way back and he had crossed the road to slap my hand as I ran past. I felt very happy and stong here.
Soon after I went through the half marathon point and looked at my watch for the last time. It said 1:41:50. I was stocked. When I got back to Cow Bell corner and there was the CR cheer squad in full regalia I got all excited again. But it totally blew me away when I saw Pat standing waiting for me to come around. He ran up to me and slapped my hand and told me to keep it strong I was doing well. Nothing like a pep talk to make you run hard :)
The guys around me said "you have lots of support here today" and I told them it was my first one and they all nodded and smiled secretly. I then vowed to beat every one of them and not hit the wall as they expected me too.
Coach Chris was a big support out there and kept me going with good vibes and waves and cheers. It is just undescribable to say how that sort of support just lifts you up.
The 30km mark soon approached on the way out to Black Mountain and I told the guys I was with...this is where the race starts and I upped the pace a bit to break away. Silly childish girl :)
Around 32km I saw my Dad again and went up then down the rise to the turnaround for the final time. After he saw me so ill from the 10km run last year I had to be strong for him so just before the 34km when I saw him again I puffed up my chest and put on a big smile and slapped his hand and told him I would see him later. He had to be a church at 10am so I knew he wouldn't see me finish. But just having him out there for several hours was so good for me.
Coming in to the finish all the coolrunners i was passing on the other side were calling out to me and I can barely recall the final few km's as it is a blur of support and good wishes.
Sue (Pat Carroll's) Missus came up to me around 41km I think and she was screaming at me and so so happy for me that I got all emotional and started crying. I calmed myself down but it was hard - I was so emotional. I realised then I could finish the race as long as I got to the next corner in one piece.
I had also just gone past Luckylegs and Horrie and this was also emotional. Both of them are inspirational to me and I felt a swell of pride that I knew who they were and what they were doing out there. I am proud to be a coolrunner and to know all this wonderful people and see them doing amazing things. It is a feeling only other coolrunners will know. A community spirit like no other I have seen.
Near here, I saw a girl a pink hat in front of me and just focussed on reeling her in. Damn it, at the same time she pulled away and was reeling in others in front of her! We were both getting faster but even though I gained on her slightly I was never going to catch her. At the 42km mark I didn't care, I knew then I was going to finish this marathon without hitting the wall, 42.2km without walking or stopping or feeling any major pain. 42.2km of hard work that was the most rewarding of all my runs I have done.
I looked up and saw both sides full of people screaming at me. I saw Truckie (bright green suit helps distinguish him!!) and heard the blur of others. I then looked up at the clock and say 3:22 and almost burst out crying then. I crossed in an official time of 3:23:14.
I saw Mark at the finish (iliketoast) and just clung to him whilst I sobbed on his shoulder. Little did he know that he was also holding me up! My legs had turned to jelly as soon as the tears started. I calmed down and just grinned and grinned. I looked around for someone and there she was....good Ole Tesso at the finish line with a gigantic grin on her face!!! We hugged and cried together and I will remember it for the rest of my life. I got some water and had a tap on my shoulder.....it was my dad. He had given up church to see me finish and that was a big thing. I was ecstatic and hugged him and he told me how proud I had made him. He knows nothing about running but he knew I had achieved/bettered my goal of 3:30. I found out later he had texted my whole family 8 times during the race about how I was in front of the 3:30 train. No-one knew exactly what my dad meant but thought it was exciting ha ha. My beloved Allan knew and he held his breath the whole way until he got Dad's final text.
I had done it. I had run my first marathon and my mind is still boggling with the result. Thanks to absolutely everyone one of you out there for your support and your calming efforts pre-race and for the big cheers afterwards. It made my experience greater to share it with you all. xxxxxx
Lots of love,
Clairie - the Marathoner.
Friday, April 07, 2006
It's Time
It is 5am. I am tired. Not sleeping well at all this week.
Will try to be in bed nice and early tonight if I can.
I have to leave in an hours time and I have not packed. My ipod that had all my carefully picked songs on it decided to delete them all when I reconnected after loading some mp3's last night so I was up till 11pm trying to recall the order I had them in. Gave up and whacked the library on it so now counting on a suprise to great me every 4mins out there on Sunday :)
I have not actually been NERVOUS until now. The cold weather has really put doubts into my head but I think I am using that as an excuse, surely cold weather will only make me run faster. But do I wear short skins or long......???
This week has gone so fast. A few short runs in absolute extreme humidity and heat - each of them leaving me feeling very hot, sweaty and exhausted. And none of them have been at faster than race pace or for long periods. It has just been that humid - our Tuesday run was 23 degrees and 95% humidity at 6am.
I haven't really been carboloading much. Just eating extra helpings, though I have been drinking way more than usual - with powerade mostly. Yesterday afternoon I had a big handful of chico babes (lollies) does that count? Today I will ensure I eat well and not let my nerves dictate my diet. much.
So here we are. I have 60mins to pack. Not to fear my race kit is in my rucksack already. It is just everything else. I have a list so I FEEL organised.
My race plan is imbedded in my head and I keep reminding myself to go out slow. The first 5km I plan to do in 26mins. Then build it up from there.
I have had so much support over the lead into Canberra and it has been great and until this week I was floating and gloating on all that support. It truly has been wonderful that so many people can provide me with advice, reassurance, warm hugs, positive vibes and all the rest that you all do for me. Then I came crashing down when someone phoned to say "you still have to run the race, and only you can do that".
I think somewhere along the line I got so caught up in the hub of training for a marathon I forgot I was actually going to have to run this marathon.
Again, reading Superflakes blog I was reminded - It will be hard. It is a challenge. That is why I wanted to do this in the first place. IT WILL NOT BE EASY. I have to keep telling myself so at 10km or 35km when the going gets tough I don't think 'man no one told me about this' and believe my race is over.
I have a very tough day to get through at work and I can't even think straight. Yesterday I was in a meeting and was noting my splits on a notepad and was very distracted. This marathon has been my life for so long now that I am desperate to prove myself to me and to all of you.
It is funny, I don't have doubts.....just nerves of the unknown.
Thank you for your support along the way. I know also that you will all be supporting me on the day too. That's when I need you and that's also when I can repay you for all your support by showing you that I can do this. I can run a marathon and enjoy it and work hard and achieve my goals.
I'll log on before I fly out at 3pm. See you all there Canberra or here in cyberworld next week. *waves, tears and hugs to you all*
Cirque, Hannah, Shane - wish you were coming. :(
Will try to be in bed nice and early tonight if I can.
I have to leave in an hours time and I have not packed. My ipod that had all my carefully picked songs on it decided to delete them all when I reconnected after loading some mp3's last night so I was up till 11pm trying to recall the order I had them in. Gave up and whacked the library on it so now counting on a suprise to great me every 4mins out there on Sunday :)
I have not actually been NERVOUS until now. The cold weather has really put doubts into my head but I think I am using that as an excuse, surely cold weather will only make me run faster. But do I wear short skins or long......???
This week has gone so fast. A few short runs in absolute extreme humidity and heat - each of them leaving me feeling very hot, sweaty and exhausted. And none of them have been at faster than race pace or for long periods. It has just been that humid - our Tuesday run was 23 degrees and 95% humidity at 6am.
I haven't really been carboloading much. Just eating extra helpings, though I have been drinking way more than usual - with powerade mostly. Yesterday afternoon I had a big handful of chico babes (lollies) does that count? Today I will ensure I eat well and not let my nerves dictate my diet. much.
So here we are. I have 60mins to pack. Not to fear my race kit is in my rucksack already. It is just everything else. I have a list so I FEEL organised.
My race plan is imbedded in my head and I keep reminding myself to go out slow. The first 5km I plan to do in 26mins. Then build it up from there.
I have had so much support over the lead into Canberra and it has been great and until this week I was floating and gloating on all that support. It truly has been wonderful that so many people can provide me with advice, reassurance, warm hugs, positive vibes and all the rest that you all do for me. Then I came crashing down when someone phoned to say "you still have to run the race, and only you can do that".
I think somewhere along the line I got so caught up in the hub of training for a marathon I forgot I was actually going to have to run this marathon.
Again, reading Superflakes blog I was reminded - It will be hard. It is a challenge. That is why I wanted to do this in the first place. IT WILL NOT BE EASY. I have to keep telling myself so at 10km or 35km when the going gets tough I don't think 'man no one told me about this' and believe my race is over.
I have a very tough day to get through at work and I can't even think straight. Yesterday I was in a meeting and was noting my splits on a notepad and was very distracted. This marathon has been my life for so long now that I am desperate to prove myself to me and to all of you.
It is funny, I don't have doubts.....just nerves of the unknown.
Thank you for your support along the way. I know also that you will all be supporting me on the day too. That's when I need you and that's also when I can repay you for all your support by showing you that I can do this. I can run a marathon and enjoy it and work hard and achieve my goals.
I'll log on before I fly out at 3pm. See you all there Canberra or here in cyberworld next week. *waves, tears and hugs to you all*
Cirque, Hannah, Shane - wish you were coming. :(
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Taper Time
Well and truly felt the taper this morning.
Went out and ran 10km. Tried to run at race pace but could not slow down that much. I felt great and just ran at average of 4:40 pace with some faster and some slower kms.
When it was finished I wanted to keep going and run for much longer. But I didn't.
It was hard to see all my other fellow Canberran's doing 16km this morning but I stuck to my program and just did my 10km.
Now this week I will be sorting out my music and packing my bag and cleaning the house...not much running so gotta fill the gaps somehow.
Won't blog this week as I found reading everyone's posts this weekend very exciting and it made me feel a bit nervous. That and I won't have much to blog!!!!
Have I bitten off more than I can chew? Course not, I am confident but will have to work hard to keep the nerves away now....this time next week I will be a marathoner. Wow!
Went out and ran 10km. Tried to run at race pace but could not slow down that much. I felt great and just ran at average of 4:40 pace with some faster and some slower kms.
When it was finished I wanted to keep going and run for much longer. But I didn't.
It was hard to see all my other fellow Canberran's doing 16km this morning but I stuck to my program and just did my 10km.
Now this week I will be sorting out my music and packing my bag and cleaning the house...not much running so gotta fill the gaps somehow.
Won't blog this week as I found reading everyone's posts this weekend very exciting and it made me feel a bit nervous. That and I won't have much to blog!!!!
Have I bitten off more than I can chew? Course not, I am confident but will have to work hard to keep the nerves away now....this time next week I will be a marathoner. Wow!
Friday, March 31, 2006
so much for a taper....
Met up at the Regatta at 6am with the group. Normal stuff. Was hoping for a nice lesuirely 8km run but Coach Chris had other ideas.
There was a journalist there to interview both Chris and myself (and Tess) on Marathon running. As she is also a photographer she headed off before we started with her equipment in the hope of catching us as we ran past.
Sucked in the gut and held the head high but alas....could not do anything to hide the legs. :(
We ran the first 4km in 5min pace out to the turnaround and then Chris came up behind me and told me to keep with him. I had not worn my watch so had no idea of pace at all until after the run. I just kept with him and he said 'plan is to get faster each km - not by much though'. After the first km I was scared. This was fast and I had to get progressively faster??
Hit the hill just before the 2km mark (2km to the finish) and got a dry throat. It was very humid out there and I was sweating heaps and very thirsty. Still am (thirsty that is - not sweaty!!).
He upped the ante again and we got faster. He kept talking to me and telling me how good I was doing but I just responded with 'I can't' and started to slow a bit. Then he told me only 700 more meters to go and that inspired me. I went a bit faster so he kept on me to get faster and faster. We stopped at the 1km (to the finish) mark for the jog home.
Results.... *drum roll please*
4km out @ 5min/km
1km 4:33min/km
1km 4:20min/km
1km 3:56min/km
1km 5:15min/km - pulled up 10m short at the water bubbler.
Oh it was good to finish and I feel very confident now that I am going to cope with Canberra. Yeah clairie is going to kick butt!!!! (watch out Eddie...)
That's it now, no more runs of anything faster than 5min/km pace. No more long runs. Less than 20km all up to be run in the next 8days till Canberra. This is getting very very exciting.
There was a journalist there to interview both Chris and myself (and Tess) on Marathon running. As she is also a photographer she headed off before we started with her equipment in the hope of catching us as we ran past.
Sucked in the gut and held the head high but alas....could not do anything to hide the legs. :(
We ran the first 4km in 5min pace out to the turnaround and then Chris came up behind me and told me to keep with him. I had not worn my watch so had no idea of pace at all until after the run. I just kept with him and he said 'plan is to get faster each km - not by much though'. After the first km I was scared. This was fast and I had to get progressively faster??
Hit the hill just before the 2km mark (2km to the finish) and got a dry throat. It was very humid out there and I was sweating heaps and very thirsty. Still am (thirsty that is - not sweaty!!).
He upped the ante again and we got faster. He kept talking to me and telling me how good I was doing but I just responded with 'I can't' and started to slow a bit. Then he told me only 700 more meters to go and that inspired me. I went a bit faster so he kept on me to get faster and faster. We stopped at the 1km (to the finish) mark for the jog home.
Results.... *drum roll please*
4km out @ 5min/km
1km 4:33min/km
1km 4:20min/km
1km 3:56min/km
1km 5:15min/km - pulled up 10m short at the water bubbler.
Oh it was good to finish and I feel very confident now that I am going to cope with Canberra. Yeah clairie is going to kick butt!!!! (watch out Eddie...)
That's it now, no more runs of anything faster than 5min/km pace. No more long runs. Less than 20km all up to be run in the next 8days till Canberra. This is getting very very exciting.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
What the hell is going on???
someone is poisoning me...I am sure of it.
I had a good solid meal last night - and ate early as well. Long time coming!
Then had the best sleep (without need of laundry bucket) and woke up feeling very refreshed.
Went to Pats speed session. I was devastated. He was all geared up to do a 3km TT with me. He was actually going to run alongside and pace me to a good time. I had to decline and he was very disappointed. I just didn't feel up to it.
Instead I opted for the session everyone else was doing - which was 2km, 1km, 500m and 1km.
It was hard work the whole time and I was way way off what I normally do on this session. My HR was also through the roof sitting on around 182 most of the time.
So you can laugh, my times were: 8:21, 4:32, 1:56 and 4:27.
Normally I aim for running sub 8min, 3:55, 1:50 and 3:55.
What a joke.
Everyone was flying past me and I was getting more and more frustrated.
My only consolation is the nausea has abated. I just need to get my energy levels back up.
I had a good solid meal last night - and ate early as well. Long time coming!
Then had the best sleep (without need of laundry bucket) and woke up feeling very refreshed.
Went to Pats speed session. I was devastated. He was all geared up to do a 3km TT with me. He was actually going to run alongside and pace me to a good time. I had to decline and he was very disappointed. I just didn't feel up to it.
Instead I opted for the session everyone else was doing - which was 2km, 1km, 500m and 1km.
It was hard work the whole time and I was way way off what I normally do on this session. My HR was also through the roof sitting on around 182 most of the time.
So you can laugh, my times were: 8:21, 4:32, 1:56 and 4:27.
Normally I aim for running sub 8min, 3:55, 1:50 and 3:55.
What a joke.
Everyone was flying past me and I was getting more and more frustrated.
My only consolation is the nausea has abated. I just need to get my energy levels back up.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Early morning run
12 easy km this morning. Felt like crap and finished in a heap.
Thats what not running for 3 days does to you.
Thats what not running for 3 days does to you.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Crisis Averted
Thanks guys for your great suggestions and offers!!!
Will have to remember the Premier's jet for next time. :)
Hubby gave me a valium when I got home then calmly went through our Visa statements (we had 8 flights booked in Jan) and called Qantas and Virgin until between them we isolated a charge and flight booking.
I am booked. I am just stupid.
Depart on Friday at 3pm from Bris-Vegas.
As a Qantas frequent flyer I usually always travel Qantas but for some reason the prices must have been great on Virgin (return flight for $203) so I booked then.
I think I need a run now......
Will have to remember the Premier's jet for next time. :)
Hubby gave me a valium when I got home then calmly went through our Visa statements (we had 8 flights booked in Jan) and called Qantas and Virgin until between them we isolated a charge and flight booking.
I am booked. I am just stupid.
Depart on Friday at 3pm from Bris-Vegas.
As a Qantas frequent flyer I usually always travel Qantas but for some reason the prices must have been great on Virgin (return flight for $203) so I booked then.
I think I need a run now......
And you thought the news yesterday was bad......
today is even worse!!!
Great news from the Doctor. Not pregnant. Yippee. Can run again.
Am lactose intolerant so he thinks it is giving me symptoms that mimic the nausea and tiredness. Am on a strict bread and water diet for 3-4 days.
But fuck it my day got worse when my mother rang and asked for my itinery. I sent it to her and it was the one for my sisters wedding (the fortnight after). She said 'no the one for the marathon'.
I have forgotten to book my airfare.
Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.
Great news from the Doctor. Not pregnant. Yippee. Can run again.
Am lactose intolerant so he thinks it is giving me symptoms that mimic the nausea and tiredness. Am on a strict bread and water diet for 3-4 days.
But fuck it my day got worse when my mother rang and asked for my itinery. I sent it to her and it was the one for my sisters wedding (the fortnight after). She said 'no the one for the marathon'.
I have forgotten to book my airfare.
Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Worst possible news......
Took today off work after coming down ill Sunday morning. Not flu or cold but tummy ache and nausea.
Went into Doctor this afternoon and after some tests he has banned running.
He has also banned NSAID's - not that I had any for two days. I took 2 after my long run to help with the hip bursitis. Aside from them I have not had any since last week.
Test results back tomorrow as he stamped it with priority. Likely to be a big hula over nothing and I can guarantee you come hail or shine I will be out running Wednesday morning......regardless.
Went into Doctor this afternoon and after some tests he has banned running.
He has also banned NSAID's - not that I had any for two days. I took 2 after my long run to help with the hip bursitis. Aside from them I have not had any since last week.
Test results back tomorrow as he stamped it with priority. Likely to be a big hula over nothing and I can guarantee you come hail or shine I will be out running Wednesday morning......regardless.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Done like a Dinner
21km this morning. Have no idea of pace. Course could be out by 800m so not entirely accurate either - really just going by what everyone tells me we ran (those with Garmins).
From Regatta out to New Farm for a lap before coming home again.
Aside from 5:05 min/km pace for the warm up 2kms, Phil and I had a good solid pace going the rest of the way. We stopped at halfway and waited for the group to catch up. Then we moved out again - with me taking all my fluids and gu on the go, it was a good run.
Moved the pace up a notch and when we got back onto km markers we were doing 4:34 pace. Kept that up for the last 4km home then finished with a 4:21. No one was around me so hard to push it much past that. Would have liked Chilli Pants or Phil to egg me on to a faster finish.
So that's me. Done. Not quite burnt toast but nice and golden. Just have to sit back and ride out the next two weeks and wait anxiously to see what Tessos moves are.
Thinking of you girlfriend :) *waves madly*
Marshalling at BRRC tomorrow morning for the 7-35km self select.
From Regatta out to New Farm for a lap before coming home again.
Aside from 5:05 min/km pace for the warm up 2kms, Phil and I had a good solid pace going the rest of the way. We stopped at halfway and waited for the group to catch up. Then we moved out again - with me taking all my fluids and gu on the go, it was a good run.
Moved the pace up a notch and when we got back onto km markers we were doing 4:34 pace. Kept that up for the last 4km home then finished with a 4:21. No one was around me so hard to push it much past that. Would have liked Chilli Pants or Phil to egg me on to a faster finish.
So that's me. Done. Not quite burnt toast but nice and golden. Just have to sit back and ride out the next two weeks and wait anxiously to see what Tessos moves are.
Thinking of you girlfriend :) *waves madly*
Marshalling at BRRC tomorrow morning for the 7-35km self select.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Not that fast after all....
I went to bed all fired up that I would get up this morning and run damn hard.
I was hoping to do an 8km time trial so I could tell Eagle and he could then tell me what that meant in regards to a time at Canberra.
Unfortunately I got there and instead of sneaking off for a warmup Coach Chris wanted to talk to me and question me on every food I had been eating and what I was cooking for dinner tonight...(I'll know about 20mins beforehand!!!)
So no warm up. No taper of course either. I set off and told myself to be sensible and did 5min for 1st km. Then 4:50 for next one. Warmup complete. The next 5km I did at 4:30 pace but never got any faster until the last one which I then did at 4:20. It was hard work and I never felt anywhere near as comfortable as I did in the half marathon. It honestly felt like a 3km time trial the whole way!!! I just never got in the groove. :( I hope that doesn't happen at Canberra.
I had a smelly old man come up beside me and he had really bad BO. He said hello then went in front for a bit. I had to overtake just to breathe again but unfortunately that didn't sit well with him so he re-took the lead. I then slowed down to get some fresh air but he did too - was obviously wanting to stay with me but just in front. Dammit. Stupid smelly men why can't they wear deoderant like the rest of us???
Trust me when I finish a race all smelly and sweaty I am very conscious of it - but I never run without deoderant and will throw away old clothes once they become ingrained with the sweaty 'smell'. So by all means someone please tell me if I am one of those really bad smelly people won't you????
I was hoping to do an 8km time trial so I could tell Eagle and he could then tell me what that meant in regards to a time at Canberra.
Unfortunately I got there and instead of sneaking off for a warmup Coach Chris wanted to talk to me and question me on every food I had been eating and what I was cooking for dinner tonight...(I'll know about 20mins beforehand!!!)
So no warm up. No taper of course either. I set off and told myself to be sensible and did 5min for 1st km. Then 4:50 for next one. Warmup complete. The next 5km I did at 4:30 pace but never got any faster until the last one which I then did at 4:20. It was hard work and I never felt anywhere near as comfortable as I did in the half marathon. It honestly felt like a 3km time trial the whole way!!! I just never got in the groove. :( I hope that doesn't happen at Canberra.
I had a smelly old man come up beside me and he had really bad BO. He said hello then went in front for a bit. I had to overtake just to breathe again but unfortunately that didn't sit well with him so he re-took the lead. I then slowed down to get some fresh air but he did too - was obviously wanting to stay with me but just in front. Dammit. Stupid smelly men why can't they wear deoderant like the rest of us???
Trust me when I finish a race all smelly and sweaty I am very conscious of it - but I never run without deoderant and will throw away old clothes once they become ingrained with the sweaty 'smell'. So by all means someone please tell me if I am one of those really bad smelly people won't you????
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Leopard Skin G -String story....
I um do hope Pat Carroll never reads my blog.....
Last year Pat had a box for us to all put our jumpers, car keys etc in to be minded when we went on our runs. However he made an announcement at the end of one month that the box had some items in it that had been there a while and he got all grumpy about not being a "lost property" man. Now Pat doesn't really get grumpy so we all thought this was hilarious and I proposed with some other scoundrels (oh Tess that's you) to put items in the box each week. We had some old clothes we didn't need anymore, Tess threw in a chocolate Kit Kat (I almost went back and got it out!!!) and I snuck in a leopard skin G-string a few weeks later. So by now he had a box of weird items.
The G-string caught his eye and to stop his lovely partner Susan thinking someone had given it to him he pinned it to his postboard and asked the group to please collect their G string at the end of the session. There was no way we could tell him what we had done. We hardly ran well that day we were laughing so hard!!!
I laughed even harder when Pat came up to whisper that he thought it was one of the girls and who did I think it was?
So there you have it. Needless to say months later Pat actually made me run in the G-string just before my Kurrawa race. Not being the quiet introverted sort I put it on (steady Eddie - over my shorts mate!) and ran as fast as I could.
TODAYS SESSION
Just did 50mins of tempo running. Felt good after the initial 5mins. Have no idea whatsoever of pace or distance, I was running with the Pat Carroll group after doing a warmup by myself and they were doing fast 2min, slow 30sec and I just kept running at the same pace for the whole time alongside them. I followed up with a run on my own through Southbank and then did the warmdown with some of the Pat Carrollers.
Last year Pat had a box for us to all put our jumpers, car keys etc in to be minded when we went on our runs. However he made an announcement at the end of one month that the box had some items in it that had been there a while and he got all grumpy about not being a "lost property" man. Now Pat doesn't really get grumpy so we all thought this was hilarious and I proposed with some other scoundrels (oh Tess that's you) to put items in the box each week. We had some old clothes we didn't need anymore, Tess threw in a chocolate Kit Kat (I almost went back and got it out!!!) and I snuck in a leopard skin G-string a few weeks later. So by now he had a box of weird items.
The G-string caught his eye and to stop his lovely partner Susan thinking someone had given it to him he pinned it to his postboard and asked the group to please collect their G string at the end of the session. There was no way we could tell him what we had done. We hardly ran well that day we were laughing so hard!!!
I laughed even harder when Pat came up to whisper that he thought it was one of the girls and who did I think it was?
So there you have it. Needless to say months later Pat actually made me run in the G-string just before my Kurrawa race. Not being the quiet introverted sort I put it on (steady Eddie - over my shorts mate!) and ran as fast as I could.
TODAYS SESSION
Just did 50mins of tempo running. Felt good after the initial 5mins. Have no idea whatsoever of pace or distance, I was running with the Pat Carroll group after doing a warmup by myself and they were doing fast 2min, slow 30sec and I just kept running at the same pace for the whole time alongside them. I followed up with a run on my own through Southbank and then did the warmdown with some of the Pat Carrollers.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
So slow it killed me.....
Got to the Regatta at 5:22am but people had left already!!! So I had no-one I knew to run with. At 5:30am (was only waiting in vain hope for someone I knew to turn up...) I took off. A guy called Gary came up to me and asked where the 12km course was. He was wearing boardshorts (so obviously NOT a serious runner) and was pretty cute. I told him the course and mentioned I was going that way. So off we trotted. Started out at 5:15min/km pace but it soon became evident that what was a warmup for me was his gut busting pace.
Clap on the back to this fellow for I made him run with me for 9km at that pace - slighly increasing to 5:05. He then proceeded to really wind it down but by then we were back on the coro track heading for the Regatta so I told him I would see him back there. Was happy to do 4:40's for the last three km.
I realised on today's run that the slower I run the worse I feel. The 4:40's felt bloody great and I could have gone forever. The slower stuff I was all niggly and felt tight calf and sore hip and sore back and and and and and
Definitely hanging out for a massage again - my butt is like stone and I don't mean in a nice toned way (unfortunately for anyone's who's seen me in a gstring) but the muscles are all tight and I feel it when I walk up and down the stairs at work.
Clap on the back to this fellow for I made him run with me for 9km at that pace - slighly increasing to 5:05. He then proceeded to really wind it down but by then we were back on the coro track heading for the Regatta so I told him I would see him back there. Was happy to do 4:40's for the last three km.
I realised on today's run that the slower I run the worse I feel. The 4:40's felt bloody great and I could have gone forever. The slower stuff I was all niggly and felt tight calf and sore hip and sore back and and and and and
Definitely hanging out for a massage again - my butt is like stone and I don't mean in a nice toned way (unfortunately for anyone's who's seen me in a gstring) but the muscles are all tight and I feel it when I walk up and down the stairs at work.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
SPEED SPEED AND HILLS
Was moaning when doing the warm up this morning at Pats. I was achy and tired all over. Mostly from the gym. My arms were just so heavy!!
By the end of the warm up I was starting to pick up mentally and felt a lot better.
The group was large (again!) and it was good to see some elite athletes as well as some new runners to the group.
We ran out to New Farm and then had 15min of fartlek. 1min fast, 30sec slow, 30sec fast, 15sec slow, 15sec sprint, 15sec slow REPEAT X4.
At the end of the four reps we had to run the length of the road and then there was a very steep hill to go up near the Story Bridge. All up a decent 500m effort. I was running strongly and then Pat said "top 10 runners have to do two reps of the hill"
I wasn't paying much attention as some guys were going past me and giving me good pep talks as well. Me, I couldn't breathe, let alone talk to anyone.
Then the hill came and I just shot up it. Went past 4 fast blokes!!! I should have paid more attention to Pat...I got to the top and was sent straight back down. I was number 10 runner. Ecstatic to be so in front. But hurting to have to do that again. A few guys who were after me decided to keep me company on the rep and they pushed me up which was very welcome.
Certainly feel like I ran well and hard today. I will only be going to Pat's sessions now if he has speedwork that is suitable for marathon (ie 500m or 1k reps). Otherwise I will just go to Chris's sessions at the track for the next two weeks. Don't want to do hills or twist my ankle running on the bark in the gardens etc.
As Tess said - it's cotton wool time now!!!
By the end of the warm up I was starting to pick up mentally and felt a lot better.
The group was large (again!) and it was good to see some elite athletes as well as some new runners to the group.
We ran out to New Farm and then had 15min of fartlek. 1min fast, 30sec slow, 30sec fast, 15sec slow, 15sec sprint, 15sec slow REPEAT X4.
At the end of the four reps we had to run the length of the road and then there was a very steep hill to go up near the Story Bridge. All up a decent 500m effort. I was running strongly and then Pat said "top 10 runners have to do two reps of the hill"
I wasn't paying much attention as some guys were going past me and giving me good pep talks as well. Me, I couldn't breathe, let alone talk to anyone.
Then the hill came and I just shot up it. Went past 4 fast blokes!!! I should have paid more attention to Pat...I got to the top and was sent straight back down. I was number 10 runner. Ecstatic to be so in front. But hurting to have to do that again. A few guys who were after me decided to keep me company on the rep and they pushed me up which was very welcome.
Certainly feel like I ran well and hard today. I will only be going to Pat's sessions now if he has speedwork that is suitable for marathon (ie 500m or 1k reps). Otherwise I will just go to Chris's sessions at the track for the next two weeks. Don't want to do hills or twist my ankle running on the bark in the gardens etc.
As Tess said - it's cotton wool time now!!!
Monday, March 20, 2006
PROGRAM BLUNDER!!
Dammit. I checked the program this morning to see what I had to run this week.
Oops was meant to run 16km on Sunday (after 36km on Sat) to build up the legs. Crap. I rested instead. Oh well I think I needed it more. Will get out and run tonight if I have time.
Went to the gym this morning to thrash myself and managed to do that quite well. My whole body is now one big ache.
Went hard on the weight repetitions, pushups, pullups, etc etc etc. Then hit the showers and refused to leave. God Bless hot water!
My burns are starting to fade (note to runners: do not apply ice directly to leg and leave for 30mins) and hopefully I will be able to ice again (with a teatowel this time) after a hot bath and stretching session tonight.
Oops was meant to run 16km on Sunday (after 36km on Sat) to build up the legs. Crap. I rested instead. Oh well I think I needed it more. Will get out and run tonight if I have time.
Went to the gym this morning to thrash myself and managed to do that quite well. My whole body is now one big ache.
Went hard on the weight repetitions, pushups, pullups, etc etc etc. Then hit the showers and refused to leave. God Bless hot water!
My burns are starting to fade (note to runners: do not apply ice directly to leg and leave for 30mins) and hopefully I will be able to ice again (with a teatowel this time) after a hot bath and stretching session tonight.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Last long long run.....
Well until the 9th of April that is!!!
Some weirdo (good friend Liz) decided a 5am start would be in good order this morning so I found myself running in the dark for 30mins with a group of eager people this morning.
Once the sun came up and I realised who everyone was..ha ha...I started to relax and enjoy myself. The sun came out and it was extremely humid. I had a lot of water and a glass of powerade before I started so I wasn't too concerned about dehydrating but certainly the bladder needed a pit stop again. I do so hope that getting up a few hours before the start (instead of 40mins like I do for my long runs) will give me plenty of time to settle the nerves and have the 50 toilet breaks I seem to require before a race.
We were running strong today and the average pace for 35km was 5:10min/km so I was chuffed with this. I know I ran quite a few km faster than this - a) because I was trying to get a good lead on everyone in the group so I could stop at the loo without holding them up and b) Glenn shot past us at the 12km mark when we stopped for a drink so it was absolutely necessary to round him up later on even though that meant we had to run 4:40min/km pace for a few km.
So yes by 30km I was bone weary and was looking forward to the end. I also had chaffing under my arm from a singlet I had on (usually wear crop tops only) and my feet were all blistered still from last weekend. I dont think I got any more today but one lost toenail did not make for a fun ending to the run.
I was very disappointed this morning. Not because of the distance or the time -both I am very happy about. But more because as Chilli Pants said "bit of an anticlimax really". That's exactly what today was. No Tesso to whip my enthusiam up a few notches and nothing but 'right that one's done' when we finished. Where was the bottle of bollinger and big crowd to say "FABULOUS RUN CLAIRIE, looking good for Canberra now" like in my dreams??
To top it all off I ordered pancakes with bananas and again the bananas didn't come. Most upset. Apparently it is just me. Chilli pants wife got her bananas last week. I complained and they went off in search of a bananna and we never saw any of the staff again. The Brissy Running Buddies have now blackballed that establishment for breakfast. We needed a change anyhow...
So in the words of my favourite runner.....ho hum
Some weirdo (good friend Liz) decided a 5am start would be in good order this morning so I found myself running in the dark for 30mins with a group of eager people this morning.
Once the sun came up and I realised who everyone was..ha ha...I started to relax and enjoy myself. The sun came out and it was extremely humid. I had a lot of water and a glass of powerade before I started so I wasn't too concerned about dehydrating but certainly the bladder needed a pit stop again. I do so hope that getting up a few hours before the start (instead of 40mins like I do for my long runs) will give me plenty of time to settle the nerves and have the 50 toilet breaks I seem to require before a race.
We were running strong today and the average pace for 35km was 5:10min/km so I was chuffed with this. I know I ran quite a few km faster than this - a) because I was trying to get a good lead on everyone in the group so I could stop at the loo without holding them up and b) Glenn shot past us at the 12km mark when we stopped for a drink so it was absolutely necessary to round him up later on even though that meant we had to run 4:40min/km pace for a few km.
So yes by 30km I was bone weary and was looking forward to the end. I also had chaffing under my arm from a singlet I had on (usually wear crop tops only) and my feet were all blistered still from last weekend. I dont think I got any more today but one lost toenail did not make for a fun ending to the run.
I was very disappointed this morning. Not because of the distance or the time -both I am very happy about. But more because as Chilli Pants said "bit of an anticlimax really". That's exactly what today was. No Tesso to whip my enthusiam up a few notches and nothing but 'right that one's done' when we finished. Where was the bottle of bollinger and big crowd to say "FABULOUS RUN CLAIRIE, looking good for Canberra now" like in my dreams??
To top it all off I ordered pancakes with bananas and again the bananas didn't come. Most upset. Apparently it is just me. Chilli pants wife got her bananas last week. I complained and they went off in search of a bananna and we never saw any of the staff again. The Brissy Running Buddies have now blackballed that establishment for breakfast. We needed a change anyhow...
So in the words of my favourite runner.....ho hum
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Mid Week Run
It is staying dark until late now so getting harder to leave my cosy bed.
Met up with Liz at 5:20am and we started out before waiting for the others coming at 5:30, mainly because we wanted to run sllllloooooowwww and also because we knew they would all be late starting as usual!
Despite saying we would run slow and not go far we ended up running fairly steady out for just over 7km before turning and heading home. All up somewhere between 14-15km.
The afternoon was very painful.
Firstly with Jodi my massuse who pummeled and elbowed her way through my tight butt, itb and hammies all the while I fought off the tears and swearing. Then onto a physio appt (bad planning on my behalf) who then proceeded to continue to elbow his way whilst rotating my leg to see how far it would go before it broke off (wtf?) and then ask for me to demonstrate how I have been doing the exercises he set me last week (that incidently I couldn't remember as I was so focussed on the half marathon and nothing else mattered then.....). So all in all I was glad to crawl home and sulk into bed.
The worst bit is still to come.....I was so exhausted that I told Allan to have leftovers for dinner. (=bad wife)
He brought me apple pie and custard (=marathon worth of calories in there)....yep I wolfed that down after my shower and then climbed into bed and slept like a baby.
Met up with Liz at 5:20am and we started out before waiting for the others coming at 5:30, mainly because we wanted to run sllllloooooowwww and also because we knew they would all be late starting as usual!
Despite saying we would run slow and not go far we ended up running fairly steady out for just over 7km before turning and heading home. All up somewhere between 14-15km.
The afternoon was very painful.
Firstly with Jodi my massuse who pummeled and elbowed her way through my tight butt, itb and hammies all the while I fought off the tears and swearing. Then onto a physio appt (bad planning on my behalf) who then proceeded to continue to elbow his way whilst rotating my leg to see how far it would go before it broke off (wtf?) and then ask for me to demonstrate how I have been doing the exercises he set me last week (that incidently I couldn't remember as I was so focussed on the half marathon and nothing else mattered then.....). So all in all I was glad to crawl home and sulk into bed.
The worst bit is still to come.....I was so exhausted that I told Allan to have leftovers for dinner. (=bad wife)
He brought me apple pie and custard (=marathon worth of calories in there)....yep I wolfed that down after my shower and then climbed into bed and slept like a baby.
Monday, March 13, 2006
It's still a PB
Okay so official results are 1:34:54 so I have to add 4 sec to my record (lucky didnt'engrave my bling heh!!).
To be honest. I don't care but I do worry that playing with my watch cost me time as I don't want this to happen again. I started right on the gun and smacked it when I crossed...but then again I certainly may have pressed it early. Quite easily done.
No tears here I am very ecstatic still from yesterday.
Not looking forward to physio tomorrow though......how does one relax before a torture session?
To be honest. I don't care but I do worry that playing with my watch cost me time as I don't want this to happen again. I started right on the gun and smacked it when I crossed...but then again I certainly may have pressed it early. Quite easily done.
No tears here I am very ecstatic still from yesterday.
Not looking forward to physio tomorrow though......how does one relax before a torture session?
Sunday, March 12, 2006
BRRC Half Marathon Championships - 2006
I was a bit worried about blogging Friday as I didn't want anyone to talk me out of the Half Marathon which I am so glad I did today.
A much needed PB of 1:34:50 was achieved to give me the confidence that I can get through the marathon at Canberra in one piece.
Friday saw me at the physio's getting assessed and being told I had Bursitis of the hip. It is basically ITB but the friction/inflammation is at the hip not the knee (it travels down there when the ITB Gets tighter). So I had a very sore massage and dig from the physio as well as some exercises and rolling to do Friday night. Saturday saw me icing and taking voltaren - though I didn't want to get my bowels upset for the race so I had none after the morning dose.
I will be back at the Physio this Tueday for some poking and prodding and to ensure I am doing the exercises. Will also need an ITB massage to sort out my legs and ensure I don't get more inflammation. So basically will take it easy this week with a build up to my last 35km run on Saturday. Fingers crossed it is something I can manage.
This morning was just fabulous. I didn't think I was actually going to break my goal time of 95mins when I was warming up but it ended up going to plan. My km splits were:
4:40 (1.1km
4:28
4:30
4:31
4:22
4:38
4:37
4:37
4:26
4:19
4:34
4:31
4:35
4:24
4:26
4:35
4:36
4:33
4:31
4:28
4:19
It was soooo good to finish. I am not the best pacer and don't really know how to run to the second but I was close enough and just watched the 5km loop times mostly.
I did a 2km warm up beforehand that did me good and got my body ready to run, though I felt all niggly and doubtful. A few strides then I just made it to the start line for some jostling. We started and were out running when all of a sudden a gun went off.....obviously didn't work the first time but hearing it 100m down the road gives you a bit of a fright.
My wonderful husband was watching and smiling at me each time I passed. He was on babysitting duties much to his delight - way better than marshalling!
The first 1.1km was funny, I raced out and Gavin Bell called out "clairie what are you doing??" so it pays to tell people your goal time. I slowed down and smiled as he (goal of sub 90min) then went past. Others who were doing same goal as me were so far in front and on the first 5km loop must have been at least a km in front. It was scary and I started doubting I could do it and telling myself I should have gone out harder to make up for any time I may loose later.
On the last lap when I had overtaken all those others who had inevitably slowed down I had just one lady left in front (The female winner had finished by now with a time of 1:18). I didn't realise at the time we were coming second/third. I don't know what I would (could) have done if I did but we finished 100m apart (her second me third) and I think I could have pushed it to finish harder and run the second last km a bit faster, but who knows. I had actually started slowing down in the 2nd last km for some reason. Almost as if I was trying to catch my breath before the sprint finish...weird.
So there you have it - goal achieved and a Gold Medal for winning my category as well as a very exciting Third overall placing.
Tesso did amazingly well and I am so proud of her. She just seems to pull up and recover so well after her races. Yesterday she raced two at the Masters on the track and still came out this morning and did a great run - have to read her blog for the full story.
So yes I think I can honestly say...I am now ready for Canberra. YEAH!
A much needed PB of 1:34:50 was achieved to give me the confidence that I can get through the marathon at Canberra in one piece.
Friday saw me at the physio's getting assessed and being told I had Bursitis of the hip. It is basically ITB but the friction/inflammation is at the hip not the knee (it travels down there when the ITB Gets tighter). So I had a very sore massage and dig from the physio as well as some exercises and rolling to do Friday night. Saturday saw me icing and taking voltaren - though I didn't want to get my bowels upset for the race so I had none after the morning dose.
I will be back at the Physio this Tueday for some poking and prodding and to ensure I am doing the exercises. Will also need an ITB massage to sort out my legs and ensure I don't get more inflammation. So basically will take it easy this week with a build up to my last 35km run on Saturday. Fingers crossed it is something I can manage.
This morning was just fabulous. I didn't think I was actually going to break my goal time of 95mins when I was warming up but it ended up going to plan. My km splits were:
4:40 (1.1km
4:28
4:30
4:31
4:22
4:38
4:37
4:37
4:26
4:19
4:34
4:31
4:35
4:24
4:26
4:35
4:36
4:33
4:31
4:28
4:19
It was soooo good to finish. I am not the best pacer and don't really know how to run to the second but I was close enough and just watched the 5km loop times mostly.
I did a 2km warm up beforehand that did me good and got my body ready to run, though I felt all niggly and doubtful. A few strides then I just made it to the start line for some jostling. We started and were out running when all of a sudden a gun went off.....obviously didn't work the first time but hearing it 100m down the road gives you a bit of a fright.
My wonderful husband was watching and smiling at me each time I passed. He was on babysitting duties much to his delight - way better than marshalling!
The first 1.1km was funny, I raced out and Gavin Bell called out "clairie what are you doing??" so it pays to tell people your goal time. I slowed down and smiled as he (goal of sub 90min) then went past. Others who were doing same goal as me were so far in front and on the first 5km loop must have been at least a km in front. It was scary and I started doubting I could do it and telling myself I should have gone out harder to make up for any time I may loose later.
On the last lap when I had overtaken all those others who had inevitably slowed down I had just one lady left in front (The female winner had finished by now with a time of 1:18). I didn't realise at the time we were coming second/third. I don't know what I would (could) have done if I did but we finished 100m apart (her second me third) and I think I could have pushed it to finish harder and run the second last km a bit faster, but who knows. I had actually started slowing down in the 2nd last km for some reason. Almost as if I was trying to catch my breath before the sprint finish...weird.
So there you have it - goal achieved and a Gold Medal for winning my category as well as a very exciting Third overall placing.
Tesso did amazingly well and I am so proud of her. She just seems to pull up and recover so well after her races. Yesterday she raced two at the Masters on the track and still came out this morning and did a great run - have to read her blog for the full story.
So yes I think I can honestly say...I am now ready for Canberra. YEAH!
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Off....in a bad way
Okay well looks like my body has decided for me anyhow.
Thanks to all your comments and words of wisdom. It is much appreciated and I have taken it all on board.
However after this mornings 11km I can hardly walk. My right hip is very sore and I am sitting down trying to think how on earth this happened and what to do about it.
I am not sure if the Tennis Ball I have been using is aiding or hindering to loosen up my glutes/hip/itb area.
Oh well it's nothing serious as I can run. But I will take those two days of rest - thank you very much!!
So next time you stop by my site you will be reading all about my Race Experience from the Half Marathon.
Best of luck to all you Six Footers *luvs you all*
Thanks to all your comments and words of wisdom. It is much appreciated and I have taken it all on board.
However after this mornings 11km I can hardly walk. My right hip is very sore and I am sitting down trying to think how on earth this happened and what to do about it.
I am not sure if the Tennis Ball I have been using is aiding or hindering to loosen up my glutes/hip/itb area.
Oh well it's nothing serious as I can run. But I will take those two days of rest - thank you very much!!
So next time you stop by my site you will be reading all about my Race Experience from the Half Marathon.
Best of luck to all you Six Footers *luvs you all*
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Flat, Slow and Ugly
Ha Ha Ha well I was trying to describe my run...not me - though it probably all fits. *grins*
This morning was a battle. I had a massage after the run yesterday (thanks Jodi!!) which was great and eased me all up but overnight I went tight and sore and grumpy. Ok so can't blame the grumpy on my massage can I??
Met up with Tesso and Robbie at Regatta and we headed out to do a medium run at easy pace. The first few km were tough and it was also extremely hot out there. Does anyone have any idea why the humidity has jumped back up to 99% just when I thought winter was on its way?????
I ran the whole way this morning and drank on the go - running up and down when Robbie or Tesso needed to stop briefly for a sip of water. The legs certainly eased up after 5km mark and I was feeling more comfortable but was keen to turn around at any time.
Tess pushed us on to the end of the floating walkway and we turned around there to head home. A total of 16km for the morning at very slow pace.
I'm happy with the run but can tell my body is making signs and pleading for a rest day.
I am thinking Friday and Saturday will be complete rest before Sunday's Half. Is this a good plan? Or should I keep the mileage up for my main goal the Marathon and run Friday (Sat rest is a must) ???
This morning was a battle. I had a massage after the run yesterday (thanks Jodi!!) which was great and eased me all up but overnight I went tight and sore and grumpy. Ok so can't blame the grumpy on my massage can I??
Met up with Tesso and Robbie at Regatta and we headed out to do a medium run at easy pace. The first few km were tough and it was also extremely hot out there. Does anyone have any idea why the humidity has jumped back up to 99% just when I thought winter was on its way?????
I ran the whole way this morning and drank on the go - running up and down when Robbie or Tesso needed to stop briefly for a sip of water. The legs certainly eased up after 5km mark and I was feeling more comfortable but was keen to turn around at any time.
Tess pushed us on to the end of the floating walkway and we turned around there to head home. A total of 16km for the morning at very slow pace.
I'm happy with the run but can tell my body is making signs and pleading for a rest day.
I am thinking Friday and Saturday will be complete rest before Sunday's Half. Is this a good plan? Or should I keep the mileage up for my main goal the Marathon and run Friday (Sat rest is a must) ???
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
3Km Time Trial - March
I tried to view this Time Trial with lots of positive thinking. I even emailed Pat to tell him I was going to do a PB and run 'hell fast'. I think I needed the pressure to perform on me so I didn't use my long runs and high mileage as an excuse for not being able to run fast. (I did have a rest day on Sunday).
So it all started at 3.30am when I woke up wired and ready to go. I forced myself back into sleep and got up when my phone went off at 4.30am.
Got dressed and was ready to go and decided to go early. On the way I pulled into a servo and got a can of V to give me some extra energy. No way I could have eaten anything.
Time trials always see the crowds come out and today was no exception. We headed off on time and I was starting to feel less confident. My left knee was a dull ache but I was determined to run through the pain no matter what.
For someone who got up so early and was all ready to run I was very disorganised. Had left my sunnies at home, was still wearing my long sleeve top when we headed off for the warm up and left my water bottle on the table at the start. Not looking good.
Did a few strides to warm up and felt even worse. The knee didn't hurt at all during the strides but my legs were sore and I was starting to feel the effects of all the runs lately. This was a hard time to put bad thoughts out of my head. When you feel your legs as tight and heavy it is so easy to think "just do what you can" instead of "push it to the limits".
There were a few pacing groups out this morning and as I wanted to do a PB (anything sub 11:56) I decided to keep in front of the 11:50 group for as long as I could.
When we started out I also decided to use my watch to get the km splits but would not look at it the whole way. Not too hard to do when you are running so fast!!
Unfortunately I had the pacing group just behind me yelling out what time they were on and this was disheartening as the first km was 3:52 - so I though I was going too fast and would blow up.
The second km (always the worst) was just under 7:57 so the split was 4:05, the final km I really worked hard to keep in front of Peter Hallahan. The odds were against me but aside from a pressing urge to go to the toilet I was actually running quite comfortable.
The third km split was 3:52.
Jodi Willet was beside me just before the turn around to the 2nd km and said "this is when you feel like crap Clairie" and she was spot on!! I did feel like crap so I thought...if she knows that and believes I can still do this I have to trust her...so I dug a bit deeper.
It was great to hear her say I had a good strong finish so lets see it. Made me work hard for that finish line and I crossed in 11:49 so yes a bloody great big PB for me this morning and I am feeling absolutely fantastic. I think I sms everyone in the world (all those that didn't hear me cheering when I finally caught my breath).
It was a damn good start to the day. Thanks to everyone for all your encouragement and good wishes - it worked :)
EDIT: TYPO corrected - I ran 11:49 this morning!!!! (had 11:59 there before)
So it all started at 3.30am when I woke up wired and ready to go. I forced myself back into sleep and got up when my phone went off at 4.30am.
Got dressed and was ready to go and decided to go early. On the way I pulled into a servo and got a can of V to give me some extra energy. No way I could have eaten anything.
Time trials always see the crowds come out and today was no exception. We headed off on time and I was starting to feel less confident. My left knee was a dull ache but I was determined to run through the pain no matter what.
For someone who got up so early and was all ready to run I was very disorganised. Had left my sunnies at home, was still wearing my long sleeve top when we headed off for the warm up and left my water bottle on the table at the start. Not looking good.
Did a few strides to warm up and felt even worse. The knee didn't hurt at all during the strides but my legs were sore and I was starting to feel the effects of all the runs lately. This was a hard time to put bad thoughts out of my head. When you feel your legs as tight and heavy it is so easy to think "just do what you can" instead of "push it to the limits".
There were a few pacing groups out this morning and as I wanted to do a PB (anything sub 11:56) I decided to keep in front of the 11:50 group for as long as I could.
When we started out I also decided to use my watch to get the km splits but would not look at it the whole way. Not too hard to do when you are running so fast!!
Unfortunately I had the pacing group just behind me yelling out what time they were on and this was disheartening as the first km was 3:52 - so I though I was going too fast and would blow up.
The second km (always the worst) was just under 7:57 so the split was 4:05, the final km I really worked hard to keep in front of Peter Hallahan. The odds were against me but aside from a pressing urge to go to the toilet I was actually running quite comfortable.
The third km split was 3:52.
Jodi Willet was beside me just before the turn around to the 2nd km and said "this is when you feel like crap Clairie" and she was spot on!! I did feel like crap so I thought...if she knows that and believes I can still do this I have to trust her...so I dug a bit deeper.
It was great to hear her say I had a good strong finish so lets see it. Made me work hard for that finish line and I crossed in 11:49 so yes a bloody great big PB for me this morning and I am feeling absolutely fantastic. I think I sms everyone in the world (all those that didn't hear me cheering when I finally caught my breath).
It was a damn good start to the day. Thanks to everyone for all your encouragement and good wishes - it worked :)
EDIT: TYPO corrected - I ran 11:49 this morning!!!! (had 11:59 there before)
Monday, March 06, 2006
Running with Royalty
Yep President of the Sydney Striders: O Runner was in town today so we had pre-arranged to meet up at 6am outside the gym to go for a gentle stroll - just the three of us.....Yep Queen Tesso was there too :)
It was good to get out for a run and it was such a lovely day, very enjoyable. I picked Dave's brain as best I could about tapering, nutrition, training etc so we had a good chat out there and back whilst basking in the sunshine.
I got the most excruciating pain in the knee after 3km and thought nooooooooooooooo so told Tess and Dave to keep going whilst I pulled over to stretch. However they stopped too and we all had a minute of stretching before getting back into it. The pain was very intense - sharp and located behind the kneecap so nothing at all like I have experienced before.
However after considering stopping so many times it actually went away and I felt great. Slowly increased the effort on the way back and was more aware of my form now that I didn't have to actually try to block pain from the mind.
With about 1.5km to go Tess told Dave and I to go ahead and do a fast finish. Now why the hell would someone encourage me to do that? I didn't need it but damn it felt great and I kept my form. Needless to say all talking finished and Dave and I just clicked the legs over till the final water fountain. We weren't sprinting but after a much slower pace it felt fast. I didn't even have a watch on so have no idea what we were doing but it felt quick. Anyhow I was just glad to finish strong and painfree. Bit freaked out about it actually. Hope I don't get the same pain in tomorrows TT or in the half later this week. Might have to stretch madly tonight to loosen up my calves. They are the only thing that feels tight. Any other ideas????
It was good to get out for a run and it was such a lovely day, very enjoyable. I picked Dave's brain as best I could about tapering, nutrition, training etc so we had a good chat out there and back whilst basking in the sunshine.
I got the most excruciating pain in the knee after 3km and thought nooooooooooooooo so told Tess and Dave to keep going whilst I pulled over to stretch. However they stopped too and we all had a minute of stretching before getting back into it. The pain was very intense - sharp and located behind the kneecap so nothing at all like I have experienced before.
However after considering stopping so many times it actually went away and I felt great. Slowly increased the effort on the way back and was more aware of my form now that I didn't have to actually try to block pain from the mind.
With about 1.5km to go Tess told Dave and I to go ahead and do a fast finish. Now why the hell would someone encourage me to do that? I didn't need it but damn it felt great and I kept my form. Needless to say all talking finished and Dave and I just clicked the legs over till the final water fountain. We weren't sprinting but after a much slower pace it felt fast. I didn't even have a watch on so have no idea what we were doing but it felt quick. Anyhow I was just glad to finish strong and painfree. Bit freaked out about it actually. Hope I don't get the same pain in tomorrows TT or in the half later this week. Might have to stretch madly tonight to loosen up my calves. They are the only thing that feels tight. Any other ideas????
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Whose Idea was this anyway????
It all sounded great during the week - meet up at 5am and head off for a 38km long run before it all got too hot. Then along came the wet (cool) weather and we forgot to alter our plans.
So at 4am this morning I was huddled in my kitchen with socks on my feet chomping down some creamed rice and filling the camelbak. I had my running gear AND A jumper on.
Got to Southbank at 4:55am in time to have a chat to Mark and do some stretches before Glenno and Johnny arrived. Tara and Ciaran were a no show and Tess was off sick - everyone else wanted to do less km so started later - so it was a small group today.
Just as we were about to leave a car was honking and flashing along the main road and we guessed it was Tara and Ciaran - late AGAIN!! At least I would have another female in the group now.
Eventually we got going. The pace felt fast (but wasnt) and despite the cold morning it got hot very quickly. The blokes were all taking their shirts off by 6km mark and I dreaded the next 32km. However as we turned the bend and ran along Coro drive the wind picked up and the cool weather was back. Yah! It stayed gorgeous for the rest of the run.
We plodded along today at a good pace - starting out the first few at 5:30 pace and finishing up with sub 5km pace. Overall average of 5:00-5:05 pace for the run which I was very happy with. It didn't feel hard at all running up the hills today or even keeping the pace with Mark. I would have like to have pushed a bit in the middle of the run, though as the only other girl I did feel obligated to hold back and run with Tara when she wasn't feeling the best or wanted to stop and have a gu. She struggled until the 25km mark and then came good which was a relief. I was glad I did in hindsight as it meant I finished feeling really strong and not wasted like usual.
Definitely the fast pace (for a long long run) was doable due to the regular water breaks we had along the way - giving everyone a few sec's to catch their breath and recharge. (and stop their watches!!)
Coming up to 30km I felt bloody fantastic, just could have put my arms out and flew. It was a great feeling and I tried to visualise it so I could recall it at random when I needed to. It was just all happening for me and yet I didn't even look at my watch to see what we were doing or how we were travelling - I just was having fun and enjoying the run. Thanks largely to Mark (CR iliketoast) who ran with me and was very encouraging for me as well as being so positive about the run himself.
Mark and I both finished the 35km run strongly - he was 100m ahead of me at the finish though we were way in front of the others so I managed to drag him out with me to do the next 3km I was determined to get to (to make a 38km run).
It was a big struggle to get going again. I didn't like the thoughts in my head or the feeling in my legs but I guess that is just what it is going to be like in a marathon. Despite the internal struggle we did a further 3km running over the Goodwill bridge, through the city and around the gardens then back over the bridge. A solid pace of sub 5min. The 3km (according to Garmin) was reached halfway up the bridge on the way back and iliketoast was adamant that that was as far as his legs were carrying him so he just stopped and stretched them out walking. I kept going (but was really really looking forward to finishing. At the end I felt great. Endorphin rush was mad!! I was on a high and very excited about my longest every run. More importantly - no injuries and I felt great.
Big thanks to Mark who supported me - by encouraging me up Highgate Hill and running with me at the end. It really turned a great run into a fabulous achievement. Thanks Matey...you can run with me anyday (until you drop dead with a heart attack - really you have to stop pouring the butter on your toast!!!).
So at 4am this morning I was huddled in my kitchen with socks on my feet chomping down some creamed rice and filling the camelbak. I had my running gear AND A jumper on.
Got to Southbank at 4:55am in time to have a chat to Mark and do some stretches before Glenno and Johnny arrived. Tara and Ciaran were a no show and Tess was off sick - everyone else wanted to do less km so started later - so it was a small group today.
Just as we were about to leave a car was honking and flashing along the main road and we guessed it was Tara and Ciaran - late AGAIN!! At least I would have another female in the group now.
Eventually we got going. The pace felt fast (but wasnt) and despite the cold morning it got hot very quickly. The blokes were all taking their shirts off by 6km mark and I dreaded the next 32km. However as we turned the bend and ran along Coro drive the wind picked up and the cool weather was back. Yah! It stayed gorgeous for the rest of the run.
We plodded along today at a good pace - starting out the first few at 5:30 pace and finishing up with sub 5km pace. Overall average of 5:00-5:05 pace for the run which I was very happy with. It didn't feel hard at all running up the hills today or even keeping the pace with Mark. I would have like to have pushed a bit in the middle of the run, though as the only other girl I did feel obligated to hold back and run with Tara when she wasn't feeling the best or wanted to stop and have a gu. She struggled until the 25km mark and then came good which was a relief. I was glad I did in hindsight as it meant I finished feeling really strong and not wasted like usual.
Definitely the fast pace (for a long long run) was doable due to the regular water breaks we had along the way - giving everyone a few sec's to catch their breath and recharge. (and stop their watches!!)
Coming up to 30km I felt bloody fantastic, just could have put my arms out and flew. It was a great feeling and I tried to visualise it so I could recall it at random when I needed to. It was just all happening for me and yet I didn't even look at my watch to see what we were doing or how we were travelling - I just was having fun and enjoying the run. Thanks largely to Mark (CR iliketoast) who ran with me and was very encouraging for me as well as being so positive about the run himself.
Mark and I both finished the 35km run strongly - he was 100m ahead of me at the finish though we were way in front of the others so I managed to drag him out with me to do the next 3km I was determined to get to (to make a 38km run).
It was a big struggle to get going again. I didn't like the thoughts in my head or the feeling in my legs but I guess that is just what it is going to be like in a marathon. Despite the internal struggle we did a further 3km running over the Goodwill bridge, through the city and around the gardens then back over the bridge. A solid pace of sub 5min. The 3km (according to Garmin) was reached halfway up the bridge on the way back and iliketoast was adamant that that was as far as his legs were carrying him so he just stopped and stretched them out walking. I kept going (but was really really looking forward to finishing. At the end I felt great. Endorphin rush was mad!! I was on a high and very excited about my longest every run. More importantly - no injuries and I felt great.
Big thanks to Mark who supported me - by encouraging me up Highgate Hill and running with me at the end. It really turned a great run into a fabulous achievement. Thanks Matey...you can run with me anyday (until you drop dead with a heart attack - really you have to stop pouring the butter on your toast!!!).
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Hills.....for the wimp
It was still dark this morning at 5.30am when we all grouped at the base of the falls. No one was very cheerful about being out and about - least of all motivated to race up a dark wet STEEP hill. The things we do....
Anyhow off we set for a 10min warm up then it was two hill repeats - all the way to the top (yes I have been promoted to run with the top group).
First one was okay. I just have to face facts that this is NEVER going to be easy.
On the way down I gagged and had a bitter taste in my mouth. I stopped and washed my mouth out...and had a drink of course!
All around me people were moaning and groaning. Liz L refused to go up again and sat down (shock!!) she was very tired and it made me feel very tired.
So you can imagine my suprise when I went up the hill and got to the very top and thought...now what. I was pumped I just got up there without thinking about it.
Unfortunately, whilst the run was great and I felt good and strong I now have a niggle....aaaarrrgggghhh. I am sure it is nothing but the underneath of my left foot is a bit sore. I have new shoes so will get them out of the box. Also I will rest up tonight with some ice and maybe pop a voltaren and report back in the morning. I realise I am just being paranoid but....runners are like that :)
Anyhow off we set for a 10min warm up then it was two hill repeats - all the way to the top (yes I have been promoted to run with the top group).
First one was okay. I just have to face facts that this is NEVER going to be easy.
On the way down I gagged and had a bitter taste in my mouth. I stopped and washed my mouth out...and had a drink of course!
All around me people were moaning and groaning. Liz L refused to go up again and sat down (shock!!) she was very tired and it made me feel very tired.
So you can imagine my suprise when I went up the hill and got to the very top and thought...now what. I was pumped I just got up there without thinking about it.
Unfortunately, whilst the run was great and I felt good and strong I now have a niggle....aaaarrrgggghhh. I am sure it is nothing but the underneath of my left foot is a bit sore. I have new shoes so will get them out of the box. Also I will rest up tonight with some ice and maybe pop a voltaren and report back in the morning. I realise I am just being paranoid but....runners are like that :)
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
FEBRUARY REPORT
Average: 6 days a week running
Injury: nothing major, some lower back pain
Prevention: Massage (Pro & with Stick)
Cross Training: 1 x weekly gym session
Mileage: 309.5km total
Nutrition: Good. Having protein in abundance after long/hard runs.
Drinking Endura before long/hard run. Practicing more with Gu.
Attitude: Very tired all the time but mentally I am feeling like this is
all coming together. Very positive and excited. Not nervous yet!
Injury: nothing major, some lower back pain
Prevention: Massage (Pro & with Stick)
Cross Training: 1 x weekly gym session
Mileage: 309.5km total
Nutrition: Good. Having protein in abundance after long/hard runs.
Drinking Endura before long/hard run. Practicing more with Gu.
Attitude: Very tired all the time but mentally I am feeling like this is
all coming together. Very positive and excited. Not nervous yet!
You know its a hilly run when you can't stop n talk.....
....or scream out for the snake on the ground as you trundle past it.
I was glad to see on the way down that it looked dead. On the way up I had no energy to move sideways and was already thinking of how I could cut out the poison at the next drink stop.
So as you guessed yes today was another Mt Cootha run days. Tess was working so four of us met up at the Regatta at 5:30am and headed out. We were racing until I asked if everyone could slow down to at least 5min pace....it was ridiculous.
Anyhow we got to the first drink stop before the big haul up to the top of Channel 10. At this stage we all agreed to take the run as it comes and do it for ourselves. On that note Robbie (=good runner) took off. I tried to catch him but he stayed away within 70m from me. Good to have his fluroescent shorts in sight the whole way.
We passed a cyclist but then got passed by a few ourselves (as you would expect!)
The last 400m was a big struggle but I focused and found some inner stregth (it's called dinner) to get me over the line. Ran strong all the way to the tap where Robbie had stopped. All up he got to 100m in front so during the climb he only gained 30m on me which I was really happy with.
When the other two runners Tara and Ciaran caught up we headed off for the undulating hills and ran strongly to the Summit Restaurant. It was here that Tara and Ciaran left us (they had their car at the top of the hill) so Robbie and I decided to race it all the way back to the Regatta.
Aside from slamming into the pavement to avoid a car (who did have right of way) we would have done a solid non-stop run down the hill and along the road into the Regatta. Just at the end Robbie pushed ahead so I went with him and then ran him down. It was a great finish to a great run and I was really happy with my effort.
Even happier to see Tess at the end with some new shoes and a camelpak in preparation for our long run on Saturday!!!
I was glad to see on the way down that it looked dead. On the way up I had no energy to move sideways and was already thinking of how I could cut out the poison at the next drink stop.
So as you guessed yes today was another Mt Cootha run days. Tess was working so four of us met up at the Regatta at 5:30am and headed out. We were racing until I asked if everyone could slow down to at least 5min pace....it was ridiculous.
Anyhow we got to the first drink stop before the big haul up to the top of Channel 10. At this stage we all agreed to take the run as it comes and do it for ourselves. On that note Robbie (=good runner) took off. I tried to catch him but he stayed away within 70m from me. Good to have his fluroescent shorts in sight the whole way.
We passed a cyclist but then got passed by a few ourselves (as you would expect!)
The last 400m was a big struggle but I focused and found some inner stregth (it's called dinner) to get me over the line. Ran strong all the way to the tap where Robbie had stopped. All up he got to 100m in front so during the climb he only gained 30m on me which I was really happy with.
When the other two runners Tara and Ciaran caught up we headed off for the undulating hills and ran strongly to the Summit Restaurant. It was here that Tara and Ciaran left us (they had their car at the top of the hill) so Robbie and I decided to race it all the way back to the Regatta.
Aside from slamming into the pavement to avoid a car (who did have right of way) we would have done a solid non-stop run down the hill and along the road into the Regatta. Just at the end Robbie pushed ahead so I went with him and then ran him down. It was a great finish to a great run and I was really happy with my effort.
Even happier to see Tess at the end with some new shoes and a camelpak in preparation for our long run on Saturday!!!
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