Sunday Session

Had an amazing run this morning. I turned up to the Intraining Marathon School debut run for the year - together with 100 other runners. It was an electrifying atmosphere. The anticipation of what was to come but as a training run there were no nerves you get at a race environment.

Within secs Tess and I had head out and were amongst the leading group. By the 1km mark the fasties flew past and kept going out of sight and we sat comfortably at the front for the remainder of the run.

It was 10km out then turn and come home but people decided to turn at any place - 5km mark (10km run) the 7.5km mark (15km) like we did or the whole kahuna.

My garmin didn't start working until the three kilometre mark exactly so I got an average of 4:55min/km over the hilly terrain. It I know we ran the first few slower and the overall average would have been around 5min km. it felt great and there were a few flat ones that Tess and I were doing 4:35 pace and we weren't talking. IT JUST FELT GREAT!!

Can't wait to do that again. Just love running with my buddy.

Sizzling Saturday

Wow Geez it's hot today as I write this. Might go and put the aircon on and watch a movie with Hubby. I didn't feel hot at all whilst I was running though - weird.

It was just a casual run with the buddies this morning - glad to not be on my own again! We all started at 5:30am and headed out towards Portside - though people turned whenever they had gone as far as they determined the halfway point was for them.

We arrived at New Farm Park at 8.5km and I decided to turn back. We had been running quite slow and it was dragging on forever. I felt I could have walked faster!
Also I had arranged to meet Tesso at 7:30am so we could have breaky together at our favourite place hence I was keen to turn back. The trip home was faster but only slightly. Liz and I just ran without too much discussion and as we went around Kangaroo Cliffs it was necessary to arrange single file just to get by all the peoples. That's cool only 1km to get home so we put our heads down and shot off. Finished the run with average 5:25min/km pace - told you it was slow!

all up today 17km and I am feeling great. It was good to run longer than 10km but not too far that I was tired or needing a nap later in the day.
I actually feel replenished now which is a strange thing - normally my Saturday runs tire me to some degree. Breakfast at Poppy's was a treat though - I don't normally eat eggs if I am at The Point so maybe the protein really helps!!

Day Two and Three - It's not getting any easier.

Thursday was really hard. I woke up to rain and a headache and decided to go back to bed for half an hour. I got up at 5.30am but still lacking the motivation to head out for a run. Thursday is usually my rest day for the week after a hard Tue/Wed and before a hard Fri/Sat/Sun. To have to run on this day really hit me - no more rest days for a month!!

I managed to convince my boss to give me a half day from work so I went home at lunch, did a lot of things I have been meaning to do and then realised.... Now I can run.

It was around 3.30pm when I headed out - hot and steamy but overcast so no real burning heat on the skin scenario.
The time passed pleasantly enough but I was conscious that I was literally just counting km's. This isn't running. This is mileage. Could very very easily get bored of this. I raced home and was happy to do the same course a few minutes faster than the previous day. The most unfortunate thing was I took my ipod out to alleviate the boredom. But it still had the 5km music from BRRC race on Sunday. Hence I had about 30mins of playtime on it. So not only was it what I had listened to on Sunday...it was what I listened to on the first 5km and then again on the second 5km arrggghhhh. Seriously there should be a law against replays!!!

Friday Morning - Yah today's Friday!
I was pretty happy to not be running around home again. Three days in a row would have mentally killed me!
Gooner and I met up at Slaughter Hills to wind our way up Mt Coot-Tha. It was extremely pleasant. I loved talking to him but mostly because the time just flew. We went through work, friends, home, travel, girlfriends and diets. It was amazing that for a bloke he didn't seem to take a breath!! Both being competitive we pushed each other up the hills and cruised down them for fun. The misty clouds and hidden views made it seem magical and not quite the Coot-Tha we usually experience. Something different. For that I was glad. Another 10km....done and dusted.

Rolling into February

Today was day 1 of my challenge. I think this is going to be one of the toughest things I have ever done. Not the distance but getting out every day and not letting other areas in my life take control.

I ran exactly 10km. Not a km further! After having some pain last night in my right ITB I went out cautiously fully expecting to be turning around for home within a few minutes. Nope. No pain. Yah. And double yah for nurofen doing the trick last night.

That said it wasn't a pretty run. My legs were like concrete from the core fitness class I do on Tuesday nights and I live at the bottom of the hill so the first km was straight up. Uggghhh. I need to move house. The rest were slow with a couple of tempos but overall the run was "trudging" not running. I'm still happy I did it.

Driving to work I felt chuffed *endorphin rush* and really strong and happy with myself. I can do this! I will really try to make this work. Come on February.

February Challenge

Doesn't sound too scary but my challenge for this month - to run a minimum of 10km EVERY DAY.

That's no rest days/days off.

Each day can be more than 10km but no less. I still hope to run long on the weekends and mid week with some speed work sessions so nothing too out of the plan. Just that I want to see how the body and mind holds up with running every day no matter what the challenge of family, work or racing holds.

BRRC - 5km

Just another lazy Sunday.

After a big week there was no way I was signing up for the 15km that most others were doing. Tesso was doing the 10km and if I didn't hate that distance I would have contemplated running with her but decided I needed to run hard and not long.

Felt great to be out there today. My heart wasn't in it initially but once I was half way through I started to feel great.
My heart rate was no doubt through the roof and my legs had a weariness to them that comes from high mileage (high for me) but they were still turning over. I was glad that in just a short 5km I was able to run each km faster than the one before.

Finish time was 22:05 certainly not a PB but I'm wrapped with the result regardless. Average 4:22min/km. Now for a rest day before getting into the half mara program for Canberra.

Oh and stay tuned to hear about my February Challenge. It's going to be fun!! (NOT!)

Saturday Night - the week in review

I did it. I stuck to the plan. Today I ran 30km in the horrid humidity. I was sick, I had not slept all night but I did it. I am happy I did so now and extra happy Tesso my buddy made me venture out of my bed.

My legs are very tired. I had a nanna nap.

The timing was slow. We ran flat but averaged 5:18min/km. Some were faster than others. Some were torture and others felt easy. I was all over the shop but my mind was elsewhere so it was just good to finish and be done with it.

Total for the week even with three days off - 97.5km!! woo hoo. Sounds like I might be training for a marathon.

Maybe I'm Chinese...the New Year starts NOW.

I’m starting to think I should never kick off training programs. It always seems to derail me from my focus and goal. As soon as I announced to the world I was starting on my half marathon campaign I fell into a heap. Work ramped up (which was great) and I found myself at home alone – ie with no babysitters as everyone was on holidays interstate or away working (which wasn’t great).

So there I was all raring to go and not able to get out of the house. The torrential rain each day meant I could not take Billy in the pram no matter how much I tried to convince myself he would only get marginally wet if I glad wrapped him up. Ho hum the week was shot.
 By Saturday I had gone 4 days of no running. I was literally feeling depressed and very emotional. Wow running does good in so many areas we just take for granted. It’s not just physical fitness!
So Saturday was pleasant enough day – a bit hot but at least there was no rain. I got Billy out for 10km very easy (you try pushing 40kilos!) around Southbank and we then spent the next two hours wading around in the beach and water facilities – so it was lots of fun!

Sunday the husband had come home. YAHHHH! I was able to run solo. (I do love my baby, I do!). All my friends had run long the previous day so I choose to run with a group much slower than myself but focus rather on spending time on my feet. It was slow! I managed 30km and the garmin tells me we averaged 5:47/km. That really suprised me as it was very hilly around Mt Cootha so we must have put in some solid km when running flat. I guess the difference is we stopped (or I went ahead and then looped back) quite a bit more than I am used to. All in all – I was out there for 3 and a half hours. It was totally awesome. I didn't feel tired at all that day and no soreness the days that followed. Running slow is really good!

Monday – Wed I then had off (same as previous week). Then the big kids (aka babysitters) came home so I have been running ever since.

Thursday – 23.5km St Lucia – Lone Pines. A very very hilly run and extremely humid. I stripped off at the halfway point and ran in my bra just to wring out my singlet. It was horrid. I was very sick at the end and collapsed on the ground in the carpark. Someone put a towel under my head and after a few minutes I was fine. Very nauseated though and I didn’t (couldn’t) eat until about 11am but kept drinking plenty all day.

Friday – 14km in the rain. Was very pleasant and didn't feel like we had run far at all. Just felt like a warm up. 5:08min/km pace so not too fast but again, a few hills (bridges) and lots of chatting. A great run and one to copy again one day. Tomorrow…if I can the plan is 30km and then 10km on Sunday. I’ll rest up again on Monday and get back into the schedule of training and doing some speed work. I see you Canberra. I’m getting excited now.

New Training Scheme

Talk about not raining....it's POURING! (Literally too which is really weird!) I was at the airport this morning with my little man being all sad and sobby. When I arrived at work I logged on to do some banking and noticed a few hundred dollars gone out of my account...wooohooo New York Marathon now paid for and I'm accepted and officially in the run. Crap. That means training! Before that exciting news I had already been talking to Gooner about our training programs via SMART COACH. Not the most personal of touches, but a program individually prepped for each user once you have inputted your data. I am aiming for 1:32 at Canberra Half in April. That gives me 13 weeks starting today to train. We'll see how I go and then revert to a full marathon program once the Gold Coast half pacing job is out of the way in July. This weeks program is: Monday -10k easy (good I need a run to get my head sorted) Tueday - PCRG 10km Wednesday - 10km tempo Thursday - 10km easy run Friday - 8km easy (Cootha) Saturday - 19km 5:15 pace Sunday - cross training The program ramps up to 90km weekly mileage (for a half!!) so it suits me pretty well.Most of the time it sits around 70-80 and I'm comfortable with that. The only thing about me and programs that I have to be aware of...I have to fit it in around Billy and finding carers. So I am fortunate that a program like this helps motivate me even if I can't get out to run with my buddies and I have to do the damn hard work on my own...at lunch or late at night. Heh it's still running right??!

BRRC - 14KM Club Champions

Today really sucked. I felt sick when I went to bed last night but woke up and felt fine. Thinking I was just doing an easy run I didnt think anything of it. After warming up for 3km with Tesso we found the start line and started telling each other how slow we were going to be running - I'm pretty sure we do this before every race regardless of how hard we actually run ha ha! - The start went off without a hitch and Tess and I were running together at the back of the crowd, just cruising and chatting away. Being 14km the course was 4km then two laps of 5km course. The first 4km we just took it easy running around 5min/km pace. I then realised I had my ipod with my Kurrawa Race playlist so I turned it up high and started to chase down the girls in my age category. Stuff the plan to run slow. I felt good. The next 5km was great, I was able to keep a steady pace and wasn't tiring like I thought I would. I got water from the table each loop but as it was quite cool/overcast I didn't need anything more than that. The last loop I started to lag. I felt funny. Not sure if I was going to be sick or need to go to the toilet. Tesso cruised past me and I was excited at first - yah we can race each other to the finish (which we love to do as it pushes us both to do better than just running solo). However With 3km to go and having skipped the last two water stations I thought I'd best duck to the loo. There went my race. I got back on track and ran the last few km very solidly. It was actually quite exciting to be able to just run hard and pass heaps of people. Though I got asked by a lot of people at the finish - 'didn't you pass me twice'. Bit embarressing to have to constantly tell people you needed to go to the loo. But for me the worst thing was hopping in the shower when I got home. Clearly I need to lose some weight. For the first time in ages I got chafing on my legs WTF??!!! Stung like crazy. Time now to ramp up the training and focus on a diet to match.

Just keep moving Clairie

Since Tuesday I have been in a constant state of aching.
Tuesday night saw the introduction of a Core Fitness program (thanks for organising Tesso!!) for the next six weeks. We did heaps of squats, stretches, sit ups and skipping. Wow skipping - I haven't done that for years and have forgotten how good it is and how much I loved it. Almost fell flat on my face after tangling my feet up in the rope...but I was one of the more co-ordinated ones!
Wednesday morning was surprisingly easy to get out of bed. I felt it in my legs (my quads) but thought a run would be best anyhow to move the lactic build up. Sure was. Only problem I was running with a group of runners who all felt fresh and competitive and eager to ramp up the speed. I just hung at the back of the group and struggled my way out to the Tennyson Tennis Centre (where Serena Williams had played the day before) and back to SouthBank. 13km all up with a bit added on each way (officially the run is exactly 12km).

Wednesday night was house moving furniture night. Three hours of up and down the stairs, box after box. Chairs here...no there. Strip all the beds. Wash wash and wash. Needless to say Thursday morning I woke up and smiled. It was a rest day.
Then I went to get out of bed and realised I couldn't. Ha! Good thing it was a rest day..I wasn't going anywhere. It took me hours to get around and get moving. Not to mention a few coffees!
Thursday night was a late night. Got to bed around 11:30pm and was up again at the mercy of a promise to a friend to meet him at 5am at Mt Coot-Tha. So much for the friend - he stood me up.
Lucky I had old faithful (Toasty) and Matty O who let me follow them around the hill for the next 9.6km. We finished in a reasonable time considering and I felt much much better having finished. Later in the day though I was extremely tired and the late nights and early mornings, all the moving, all the stress at work and many other things were just all catching up.

A big day today (Friday) and I am trying to consider my options for the weekend. I have family commitments now for Saturday but am aiming for Sunday race day to still complete my 14km at BRRC. I won't be going for a PB at this race (thanks for your encouraging comments though...) I am not back to speed work yet. Just  trying to practice maintaining a decent /consistent pace.

Now...I'm off to scrub another wall.

Mike Hansen is Slow

Ha! Well I did warn him that I would blog about it. :)

PCRG Session today - with heat, humidity and no motivation. Seemed to work out okay though. After initially being a tad late I did the 3km warm up only to find out today's session was the one I hate the most...1min/30sec efforts. I find these quite easy as they are short hence I don't feel I get the full value of a speed session as a 'marathoner' but I'm guessing any speedwork for me at the moment has to be good.

We did a few strides and got stuck into it. 5 x 1min efforts with 30sec job inbetween. Felt really good though we were doing it on hills and I was constantly getting stuck with the 30sec recovery whilst going UP the hill...which meant it wasn't much of a recovery for the lungs.
After standing still for a minute we then turned around and did 30sec fast/30sec slow till we got back to where we started from. I lost count how many it took but it was fun. The fast efforts never seemed to last long. Maybe I wasn't really working hard enough??

Finally to finish it all off we had to do some hill repeats (WTF...didn't we just do that in the session??) so up the hill we went. Up hard, down easy. 5 x times. I'm guessing the hill is between 100-200m in length with a steep incline depending on where you start from. I like this hill but today I was burnt out. In a nice "I've worked hard at speedwork" kind of way.

On the last hill I saw the fast guys at the bottom. Just what I needed - incentive to get up. HARD. I called out to Mike to move it and off he went. I tried to keep with him and just hung on his shoulder and he raced up. Just near the top I managed to accelerate and get past him and push it to the very top. I'm not going to mention once at the top I had to stop or I was going to be sick...and he just cruised past and said 'nicely done'. I walked for a few metres before forcing myself to jog down the hill and get ready for the 3km warm down.

All up a nice effort that I'm happy with.

And now I've made up my mind. I need to PB at every distance this year (excluding marathon). Thats my goal. Seeing as I haven't kept track of my PB's that could be quite difficult to work out. I'm going to take a stab in the dark and put these as rough estimates that I want to improve on:

5k - 20:20
10k - 42:30
14k - 1:01:01
10Mile - 1:09 - mmm I think this one will be tough to beat!
21.1k - 1:34:19

2012: A New Year

It's a new year.
New goals.
I'm just still trying to work out exactly what they are going to be.

In the meantime I think I'll just run and enjoy that I can.

Update, update update.....

grrrr. So angry at myself for not blogging. I can't even recall what I have done since my last post but I do know I have been inconsistent. Mostly due to two things: pain and motherhood. Wow they go hand in hand don't they?!!

Pain - my left hip has been a constant ache for most of this year. I recall being concerned about it before Warwick but was embarking on a round of IVF for a friend so assumed it was all related to tests/injections/old shoes/training. So just kept up the usual minimal stretching and bought some new shoes.

Pain was bearable as it wasn't felt during a run - only in the car afterwards or when sitting for long periods at home/work/movies etc.

Motherhood - well that is one constant I wouldn't give up or try to work out. Some days I can run, others I have a sick or dependant child whom I need to work around to fit in any running. It is frustrating but only on the bad days when I don't get out for a run a few days in a row.

Putting the two of those together the last few weeks have been hit and miss...mostly miss. I am now on my way out the door to get a scan done on the hip - after having a sports doctor and running podiatrist both diagnose TFL pain (ITB that is presenting at the hip). Not sure about cortisone or may just stick to conventional treatment...for now I need to rule out Bursitis.

A bit of update that I can recall:
I managed a 20km run this past weekend, a 28km run the weekend before. So the long runs have been ok. Averaging just under 5min/km but mostly I can sit comfortably on a flat road around 4:40min/km. The hills, sand, stopping and not adjusting my watch, talking or socially running alongside someone/having the pram etc all contribute to a slower pace. I'm happy with my long runs.

The speed is what is missing. I haven't been doing hills in past few weeks and don't little in the way of speed aside from 1km repeats and races. I feel it has still been acceptable but now with a race only 10days away that I wanted to do well in...I am very under prepared. Always the way. I just wish I had blogged it daily so I could actually recall what I have /haven't done!!!

So todays blog - 1 x Scan (results to come) and no run. Next update - stand by!

BRRC - 14km Club Championships: GREAT

It was always going to be an amazing day. Being Toasty's birthday he was planning a big night Saturday with his wife and was not to keen to back up in the morning with a hard full core run. So he did what all good partners do...he choose to run with me as a pacer for my planned 4:40min/km pace 14km run.

It started out early for me. I got a reasonable nights sleep and was fresh, albeit hungry, in the morning. After two days of no running due to extreme weather and work conditions, I was GOING to run today no matter what. A can of V got me going and I rocked up early to BRRC.

Toasty and I headed out for a warm up and did about 2.5km of very easy running with maybe one or two pulses to update the heartrate.

We headed back to the start line with about 5mins to spare and caught up with Tesso and had a few good laughs with various fellow runners. I felt good and ready to rumble though a bit nervous - as I always am when trying to head for a specific pace.

We headed off in the starting pack and it was just a crazy but great feeling to be running with the really fast runners for the first 100m. In fact the first km was 4:15...mmm Toasty was not going to be much help today. GRRRRRRRR

It didn't get any better. I felt amazing for the first 4km and I really wished it was a 5km race. I could have nailed a sub 20 today I honestly believe. I was feeling that good!
Ahh was not to be. It was 14km and I had another two laps of 2x5km to do. We kept a good pace of approx 4:23 for the next 5km. Then we blew out a couple of 4:27 amongst some 4:15km. It felt even paced, the slower km were at the water stations or when my ipod drove me crazy. The fast km were when I had a good song or the water was kicking in.

I glanced over at Toasty from time to time and he was just cruising (bastard) but it was good to have him there even though I was not listening to him and hating every muscle in his body. We had time to call out to a few people and try to pose for photos so it wasn't all hard work!

At the end we crossed the line in good shape with a 1:01:01 awesome! I crossed the line feeling amazing and knew straight away I was going to recover well (ie not spew). 14km wasn't too long that we had pushed the limit beyond my capabilities.

The average pace worked out to be 4:18min/km so Toasty totally failed in his role as 4:40min/km pacer but I think we both knew outright he was never going for that anyhow. I just hoped his hangover was stronger than his desire to push me hard and see me get a great result from the run. For some crazy reason I ended up with a gold medal - first in my age group. 4th Female overall. Happiest female on the day!!!!

I spent 20mins releasing my hip when I got home so I'm hoping I can walk properly tomorrow.

I'm sitting here after a great run, then a great morning with my family, then a great afternoon with my running friends and now a great glass of wine!

How can I say life is anything other than GREAT.

Time to do something completely different...

Last night I had a good laugh with myself going through the blog and looking back over the years. 2006 was a good year for running for me. I had time. That seems to be the key thing!!

I can't believe some of the training weeks I did. Not so much that I was doing more mileage but I was doing Spin classes and going to the gym at least 4 times a week. Man I wish I was back there!
I have a full time job and a busy household with a husband who is frequently away so my opportunities to run (or do anything else) are quite limited. That said I am determined to use the blog (this blog) for some good. I intend to go back through some training sessions and repeat ones that I like. From now on I need to detail more the training and how I felt through it and also what else impacted on it - sleep/diet/stress so I can learn from it. I am frustrated from some of the lack of detail that is in some of my older posts..so I will learn from that.

Today I ran 21km. Toasty ran 20...so I had to do more.
It wasn't easy but after getting out for a run yesterday and turning that into a walk I was keen to run long today. I ended up dropping my baby off at childcare and then heading out. The skys were full of clouds but it was sunny. So hot and humid was the tone of the run. At the 6km mark there was a tap and it was only when I stopped to get some water I realized how much I was sweating. Geez Louise Summer had arrived.

I was enjoying my run but I was working more than I should have been. I need to make a conscious effort nowadays to eat some red meat...Im hoping it is just that. I am getting good sleep and the stress at work seems to be no more or less than usual.
I got to the local park and the garmin had 10.37km. Wow was going to be a 20+km run. I rounded it out at the end to include an additional street go take me to 10.7 for the return journey - had to be able to add a km!!
The first half was average 4:50min/km pace. The second half was average bang on 5:00min/km pace. Yep the second half was ugly. It was hotter until the last few km when a cool breeze came through, but it was hillier (as in uphill) and my legs were stuffed. This running caper sux.
Though medically impossible I was starting to think I was pregnant. Had all the same symptoms and straight after the run my breakfast consisted of a bowl of chilli mussells...WOW hope they add some iron back into me. Don't want to be a crazy runner who does crazy things like that again!

I am looking forward to some long runs and some shorter shaper races to keep me on my toes. I just hope the legs can come to the party and start to feel less used....

Mondayitis

I had Mondayitis this morning. THEN I RAN. It disappeared.

Toasty and I went for a light jog in the cool morning - it was wonderful to have no pressure and just be coasting along the river and taking in the sights. Was a bit chilly but nothing unbearable. I was tired still - I am going to keep noting that to see how it affects my performance and training so excuse the repeatedness - though again I was glad to be on my feet running. I have to run when I can with Billy and Allan's shifts.

I had intended to run a 2km warm up...we got to 3.5k before I even looked at the Garmin!!!

Down to business Toasty was mean and made sure we stuck to the plan and did some tough love 1KM efforts. Not the sort of thing I felt like after Sunday's run and I think Toasty was as tired as I was.
The first effort was torture. I was following Toasty all the way (no big suprise) and after 500m was ready to fling myself in the river. Or in front of a car. Or bike. Or just lay down and cry. I would have taken any option by my feet were doing their thing and turning over. Before I knew it we stopped and I gasped for air...THAT WAS HORRID. The thought of doing that all over again (x3) was hurting my head. But I was in a partnership and having dragged Toasty out I wasn't going to give up now.

The next effort was cruisy. I was in the zone and completely suprised to realise I was a second faster than the first one. Wow. I thought for sure it was way slower with a bit of wind, being uphill slightly and well simply...not being the first one.

The next two just got better and better. Though I really did not want to do anymore. The last one was not even running..it was CHASING. I was desperately trying to close the gap between the two of us. I knew it was impossible but it was something to aim for and a fun game.

Timing was split like this:
3:53min/km
3:52min/km
3:53min/km
3:46min/km

The coffee, then hot shower afterwards were all the reward I needed. A truly awesome way to get rid of the Monday morning blues.

BRRC - 5km Time Trial and Tesso's Birthday Run

After a few days running (ha ha no pun intended) with the bare minimum of sleep I was exhausted. Life is a juggling act and at the moment my balls are all up in the air and one of them is going to crash. Hopefully soon work, home, health, friends and sports will sort themselves out and get back into some manageable form of chaos.

I honestly had no expectations of the run on Sunday. In fact being Theresa Fabians birthday I had promised her I would come and run 10km and then head to breaky together. I knew I couldn't do it (10km race) the day before when I started drinking a few beers and the hubby wanted to whisk me away somewhere we we had been before and had a great night. Time to re-create the scene he thought..mmm sick kid, long day..not quite the best lead up. Anyhow it was a great night but very long (driving out bush and then home again just after midnight).

I was up at 4am (THANKS TELSTRA and bloody daylight savings) instead of 5am so I went back to sleep and then slept in. Thanks to a can of V I revived myself sufficiently to drive the car into West End and caught up with the crowd.

The 10km was a Handicap race so Tesso ended up being scheduled to start just 1min before the 5km race at 6:30am. Sweet. We warmed up together and I was glad then to not be running the 10km.

Long story short I ran well. Finished in 21mins exactly though Garmin had a bit longer distance on the watch (?) and said average pace was 4:09min/km. I know the first one was 3:55 and the second I slowed down into a more comfortable 4:14min/km. I haven't looked at what the others were but you can work it out I am sure. The headwind coming home on the out and back loop made it a tough day out there but it was good to work hard and finish.

I'm happy I started.
I'm happy I finished.
I'm happy I made it to breakfast.

Happy Birthday to my best friend Tesso xxxxxx

BRRC - Way to Go

The written word is never as exciting as hearing it personally. WAY TO GO is me jumping up and down with a huge grin and being incapable of stopping the giggles...its just an awesome feeling.
(just in case you misinterpreted it for 'way to go...in getting better or improving or something).

anyhow back to me...

Ran the BRRC 15km on Sunday after having the WHOLE WEEK off..did I mention I didn't run all last week. Nearly went crazy and got divorced, quit my job and moved to Vietnam to take up house building...but decided I didn't want to miss the weekend running squad!

The foot seemed no more improved for the break. It didn't hurt at all to be walking in high heels but as soon as I put the runners on I could feel pain. GRRRRRrrrrr

Funny enough I went out for a warm up and thought..gee I'm not likely to finish today's run. I'll start though and attempt to complete the 15km but as it was 5km loops I could pull out at any time.
Once the race started I was distracted into trying to chase Adrian Pearce (no hope - he was off!!) and listening to my ipod. WHO LOADED THAT SHIT ON MY IPOD?? I had to keep FF the songs to something with a heartbeat otherwise I was going to be doing Karaoke and singing along to Kenny Rogers!

I finished first female - yah I guess but having no real competitors takes the buzz off. I was wrapped that Jo Sherman was there to watch and cheer for me and give encouragement as well as tips on my form (i was looking good1!!) Aside from that no real females I knew were running/racing with me.

I got through the first loop and was happy with the clock time, went through the second loop at the same time - even happier. However I hurt bad on the last loop. I think it was my fastest but I was also over it. I wasn't enjoying the run and my foot had started to hurt. I am so proud of myself and I had all the reasons in the world (in my head) to just stop...but I kept it going. I had no idea of my placing as there were two ladies in front of me by about 400m. I closed the gap on the last loop to 100m but they were still in front. Imagine my suprise when they didn't cross the finish line and kept going - woohoo they were in the 20km race that had started at the same time. *shallow victory*

Looking at the Garmin I averaged 4:26min/km. Gotta be happy with that after a week off. Even happy to note the km were roughly all around 4:27/4:28 with the first km being 4:23 and the last being 4:16. For me that's even pacing!!

Now to work on this foot and get back to the serious business that is training.

A lonely sport

Life is so damn bloody typical! Right when I should be about to launch into a program of running, running and more running; right when I should be able to see some results and get some speed; right when the weather is turning and the daylight hours are increasing....I get bloody injured.

My right foot is currently experiencing what I call "Plantar Fascitis"symptoms. I call it that because I won't get help. Won't get an official diagnosis. So damn cranky. Just going to sit it out and hope for the best. Today is worse than yesterday which was bad because I didn't run and wanted to. Today I just want to sit and whinge and cry. Who cares about running anyhow??

Why is running so addictive? Why does it fulfil something in our lives that no-one and nothing else can fulfil? I've heard others say it is better than sex...well that is just plain silly. Sex is what you do with someone else. Running is all you. You train for it, you either work hard at it or you don't...you have good days and you have bad days and you have these HUUGGGEEE endorphins running through your body to reward you. No one else can run for you. Support you, train with you, help to push you through a barrier - yes but in the end IT IS ALL YOU.

You never feel the isolation as harshly as when you are injured and everyone around you is running EXCEPT YOU.

Running is like Sex....

...I'm just saying.

You head out and do something you are familiar with and BAM it takes your breath away. You just have that awesome run where the legs turn over and take you where you want to go, the breathing is settled and you feel very capable of achieving anything.
Today was one of those days. One of those runs.
Mark was doing a trial to see how his legs were working after his physio and rest days - big GC goal coming up. I was just along for the ride. I certainly didn't expect to even enjoy today after completely exhausting myself yesterday (and this week). Suprise Suprise.

We headed out to Orleigh Park from the Ship Inn just as the light was coming up, which meant a sleep in for me as I have been starting early for most runs this past month. (Can't wait for summer!!)
If I was honest, I was a bit apprehensive about how I was going to go with this run. I didn't want to hold Mark back - and certainly I wanted to see if I could run with him the whole way - but I just assumed my tiredness and sore legs were going to get the better of me. I just never felt a bad spot the whole way.
I'm guessing we ran about 12km under 5min/km. We saw lots of fellow friends out there on the way who were all happy to see Mark running. Tesso and I had a hug mid-run (she was doing a marathon pace run with the Intraining crew). It was just perfect all round.
Heading back to the Ship Inn I was tempted to just keep running. You know its a good thing when you don't want to stop. Maybe I wasn't running hard enough?? I was concious of Mark though and we pulled in at the beach and got our breath back.
That post run glow will keep me happy for many days. I just wish I could adjust to the cold showers like I can to the increase in km!!!
SOUTHBANK BRING BACK THE HOT WATER!!!!

oh did I mention the breakfast? Its been so long since I have eaten at Poppys and it was just perfect to finish the run there with Katy and Mark. Off now to face the non-running tasks of the world...sigh.

The Saturday Slog

I'm starting to feel tired. My legs are great, doing all the right things...maybe twinging here and there but in a good way - I can feel them!!

Today was going to be a drag - literally! With no babysitters I had to take Billy in the pram for our planned 21.1km practice run at race pace. This was going to be interesting.

In actual fact it was totally fun. Tesso and I talked and ran and KEPT TRYING TO SLOW DOWN. I hardly noticed the pram - well except on the small rise out to Orleigh Park. Billy was wonderful - just sat there the whole time.
After about 80mins though I was feeling the pull of my muscles that you use when you run with a pram (arms/stomach) as opposed to the legs and I was not all that comfortable.

I wrapped the run up at about 17.5km - we were close to averaging our race pace and that was good enough for me. I know with the delays to the start, the water tables and just running back and forth, we will nail this and ensure those around us have a ball as well.

I was completely exhausted a few hours later - totally incapable of even watching TV (Cairns Ironman was on!!) and just crashed and burned. Nothing a good steak and a restful sleep didn't fix though!

The Joy of Running

Friday morning - another work day and the weekend is within reach but not quite here yet.
I woke up and began to worry already - what have I committed to? Running Mt Coot-Tha after two big hill sessions already this week???? Idiot.
Still there I was sitting in the carpark way too early - didn't want my fellow companion to turn up and not find me there!

Graham arrived and we took a few minutes to ensure we had the right equipment on (he had two pairs of gloves!!) and then we headed off. An easy pace, it was very dark and we adjusted our eyes as we headed off down the road.
I do recall mentioning to my friend that we usually re-group up the top at the flat bit just after the first TV station. He said 'but we're running this together, we won't need to re-group" ha ha ha that was just before his hot little heels became two glow worms in the distance.
It was great to have a little fox to chase, we both worked hard going up and still looked out around us to see the lights of Brisbane coming on. Such a magical hour.
Graham totally missed the top and kept going, but I had enough breath left to call out to him and get him back.
After that we just ran, mostly in companionable silence and totally enjoyed the breaking in of the new day.
We had a decent pace going on (I was just trying to madly keep up with him!!) and I felt the joy of running the undulations across the top.
We made it around the corner and put on the pace to get to the Summit.
Just Bloody Beautiful!!!
We stopped for a few minutes to give the view the respect it deserved and watch Brisbane rise from its sleep. You could just tell it was going to be a great day.

Off we trotted to finish off the run and made it back to the carpark in good time - not withstanding a quick jibe at two walkers who were taking up the whole road (well not really but it was fun watching Graham tease his sister who was out walking).
It was Graham's first time. But I am sure he'll be back...and I hope I'm there to try to keep up with him!!!

Wicked Wednesday

It was another glorious day running along the Brisbane River with the buddies.
I met Brett in the carpark early and we headed out for a quick stint at a warmup. 5:30am the group then took off for a steady 10km. Tesso and I had other ideas, we decided to practice our pace (5:37min/km) for our upcoming 2Hr Pacing gig at the Gold Coast Marathon. We were chatting and laughing and just having a good old time out there. But we couldn't run slow enough. It felt like we were walking pace at some places..but we still averaged 5:17min/km.

Whilst I had a great run, totally enjoyed the morning - and followed it up with a hot coffee on the bridge with my buddies...I am nervous about the upcoming gig and carrying through on my promises!

Torture Tuesday

It wasn't hard to get up this morning - I was already awake. Lots going on at work. EOFY etc etc

I was looking forward to running but didn't think I would have much in me. Suprisingly my butt was a bit sore from the mountain climb. It was going to be one of those days where I PLAN to do 80%.
Imagine my suprise when I got to Pats and saw he had a HILL SESSION planned *groan*

It was a long warmup with Tesso - we had lots to catch up on as we hadn't seen each other in two days!!! We made our way to the gardens just in time for Pat to call out for the strides to begin. A few of those and off we took for a 20min session of hills.

Go hard on the up and coast the downhills.

Damn I love this session. It is by far my favourite at PCRG.

My heart wasn't in it today but I worked hard nonetheless - more than the planned 80% and banked another worthwhile session. It was interesting to see who I could go past on the uphill - a lot of the fast guys/gals, but they totally kept going and blew away from me on the downhill where I had to drop back 99 gears to get my breathing under control.

One day, I vow, I am just going to hang on.

A note to self - just get out of bed and get there, the run will work itself out no matter how fatigued I feel!

Wow wow Wow! - Mt Coot-Tha

You take a few days off to face the stresses of life that are not related to running...and just assume its going to take its toll when you next lace up those shoes.

Then magic happens. You load the ipod up with some meaningful beats and hit the familiar road to test the legs. Zoom you're off. Yep that happened to me tonight. I had to laugh when I saw two cyclists in the distance and worked my way up to gain on them. Done. As I went past they said óh the shame overtaken by a jogger'. I had to retort "I'm a RUNNER!!!" They were too far back to hear me I am sure :)
I got to the top and the family went past in the car to check on me (it was getting quite dark). I tried to run as hard as I could to get around the Mountain so they didn't worry so much. Allan knew how much I needed this run so he told me to go around TWICE and they'd meet me at the top.
The first loop was amazing. I still now, a couple of hours later, can't put into words the emotion and feeling I had when I turned the corner and saw the Summit. Running up to the top was just sublime and I took a few seconds to watch the last of the sun go down.

I won't bother discussing the next loop up again. It was hard and I hurt and I was very stupidly running in the dark - even the police stopped to check after some idiots hooted and were driving crazy.

But the run was all about that first loop. Just need to get faster and life would be perfect!

2 Steps Forward...1 Back: 18km Mid Week run

Today was a beautiful morning for a run, I just couldn't get my mojo to run in sync with my legs. A few sleepless nights and not eating right totally made me feel like finishing the run early. It started out great though so was a bit of a shock to hit the wall.

I did a few km warm up with MattyO and made it back to the Ship Inn in time to depart with the 5:00am Buddies. We headed out to New Farm via Kangaroo Point over the Story Bridge. I was chatting and running with Tesso and after a few km we were running 4:50's quite easily. She dropped me on the bridge though and whilst I managed to keep running around 4:45-4:50pace they all got faster.
Ran with Brett and Graham for a bit then eventually after hitting the river again on the way home I let them go and just hung back. The calf and hip were killing me today. I think I'm on the verge of experiencing some intense pain that is very much NOT welcome. Might rest up tomorrow or maybe just book a massage. Got to be in top condition for my run on Friday.

PCRG - a long one!

Was not too cold a morning but a bit lonely. Ran by myself most of the warmup over the Vic bridge and around into the gardens. It was good to ease into the run.
The strides are my favourite bit of the session at PCRG, they just seem to warm me up ready to run fast (doh! thats why we do them). But today it was terrible. I did a few and felt great, slowly increasing each one. All of a sudden chaos, runner down, blood, ripped clothes and a gut feeling that today maybe I should have stayed in bed. Wasn't my blood thank goodness (sorry Fi!!) but I felt bad as I was trying to get her to run fast with me.

The session commenced a bit late with 4min, 45sec rest, 4min 45sec rest and 8min all the way back. It was great and everyone seemed to be giving it oh 70%. For some reason people tend to go a bit slower on the longer repeats. I was flying past everyone. Maybe they were just scared I was going to trip them??

As usual Pat reserved a few 1min efforts at the end to finish it off with, so all up about 19mins of speedwork and roughly 10km.

I did the cool down with the A Team - Pretty Matt, Jason Hall, Clowes etc and felt like a fraud as they talked of their sub 3 marathon approaching all too soon. But it was good to keep the heart rate up a fraction.

All in all, I feel a comeback on the horizon.

11km Recovery Run - Monday

Had just about the best possible run ever - the Recovery Run!
I'm still trying to work out what I was recovering from...ha!
Ran around 5:30 pace give or take for 11km but threw in about 6 x 100m sprints that got the heart rate up and racing.
Which brings to mind - I have no idea what my heart rate is sitting at these days. I tried to measure this afternoon but everytime Billy came to sit on my stomach it shot up to 80bpm. It was sitting around 62bpm lying on the floor but I think I need to actually do a test and see what I can record for my maximum as well as do the garmin test to measure the minimum first thing in the morning.
i will endeavour to find out my max and min this week. CHORE # 1.

Its time to move!

This week I commence training.
I have no idea what I am training for, hopefully that will come. But I want the pain and joy and excitement that training gives when you achieve the little goals along the way and I want to see the benefits of training in both gains in speed (times) and fitness.

I am unlikely now to be doing City to Surf 2011, though I have entered it doesn't coincide well with other events in my life. We'll wait to see. Airfares are not yet booked.

I'm running Gold Coast Half Marathon as the 2hr official pacer with Tesso - that should be a lark. It will be good to finish and still have plenty of time and energy to cheer on all my friends to the finish of their big event.

Then there are months of training and small races of various kinds before December arrives and the K U R R A W A event is on once again. A rest of two weeks and then the real build up to Canberra. My goal would be to go sub 3:20, my A Goal being 3:15...but that all depends on the ability for me to focus and stick to my training over the next 9 months.

So hopefully this blog will be resurrected again for no other reason but to keep me honest and start a record of my training. Its Time.

Sydney City to Surf - August 8th 2010

Well that is one event I have now started...and finished! Whoooot! What a ride. I just wished I had been able to do some more training!

The hills I was mentally prepared for and I had told myself I was going to hurt the whole way. Unfortunately I was not prepared for them to start immediately into the run. I lined up at the start with Tesso and others (hi Flake!) and we raced off as soon as the gun went. I got through 2km in just over 8min so ummm yeah way faster than my current level of fitness required. I hit the wall then and felt like walking the rest of the way. Coming out of the tunnel I started to feel a bit more like I was getting a rhythm going and continued to run albeit a bit slower.

Heartbreak hill was a non event. I didn't really notice it being overly steep or for very long. I guess it was really good that everyone had talked it up so I was expecting it to be vertical and to last for 4km !!! The break of going up then down was really good for the body so I was able to go easy up hill then race downhill.

I hi-fived a few of the shocked kids on the side of the road and enjoyed seeing all the cheerers and entertainers along the way. Mostly I just enjoyed being there and doing the event amongst 80000 other runners!

Waved to Wayne at the 13km mark and then it was all over with. The last km was most frustrating...just couldn't get faster because of all the bodies and legs. I was happy to finish though and happy with my first attempt. Really happy to go sub 75.

Waiting for official time but my watch said 1:07:25

Hopefully will get a few key sessions in before Bridge to Brisbane in a few weeks!!

Groundhog Day

It all starts again. Time to get serious. This blog is my record for my training and now I'm finding I need it to keep me honest!

I'm running City to Surf in Sydney which is only 2.5 weeks away so not much chance to get some quality training in but I will at least try to get out of bed 4 times a week!!

Two years of fartassing around with no goals and no triumphs (or pains!) along the way. Two years of getting fatter and not fitter. Over it.

Off to pack my shoes for my weekend getaway that will definitely include a run somewhere!!!

Wednesday - Mount Cootha

Distance: 9.5km
Time: 1hr ish.
Effort: Gutsy
Detail: Hills!! Run from JC Slaughter Falls around Mt Cootha. Was very dark and very cold. Security is a big concern and next time I will take a light. Not too many cars but the ones that did zoom past obviously didn't see us until the last minute or just didn't care.
Worked hard the whole way. I really felt the hill session in my legs still from yesterday but was determined to work hard all the way to the top. From there it was just a matter of keeping going. I was really happy with this run and could have done another lap quite easily...well started one at least!

Great to be on the hills again, can't wait until I am doing them easier.

Tuesday PCRG Session

Distance: 10km
Time: 90min session from arriving to departing.
Effort: Gutsy
Detail: Hills!! After a 3km warm up at easy pace we did the Hill Session in the gardens. I was chasing on the uphills but being overtaken by other runners on the downhills when I was getting my breath back! I never took it easy and worked the whole session really well. I was feeling great (albeit slow) and happy to be working hard. Cool down was very easy pace for 1km then picked it up a bit just due to who I was running with and maintaining their pace. No other reason.

Was very happy to come away from this session feeling good.

Saturday Long Run

Distance: 18.5km
Time: No idea but roughly I would have though 5:30min/km pace.
Effort: Easy
Detail: Seems strange to call it a long run! Only did 18km. But it felt long enough thank you very much. Ran out on the Green Bridge loop and included West End. I really like this run but for some reason it felt a bit harder towards the end than what I would have liked. I just felt tired and was running out of gas. I had a really bad stitch in the first half which disappeared as soon as I had a big drink of water and a 30sec breather. All in all I really had a good run. The long run is my favourite of the week.

3km Time Trial - May

Distance: 9km
Time: 1hr including strides and stretching.
Effort: tempo run
Detail: 3km warm up at easy pace. 3km time trial that felt easy enough. Was able to talk and really enjoy the run but the pace was faster than a long run pace so breathing was noticeable. Hung back in the last 500m to get a couple of runners over the line. Finished in 13:08. Felt really good and enjoyed easy warmdown back to the Ship Inn. Am totally loving this lack of speed and distance in my training as I recover the legs from the Marathon, but I know it won't last and after one more week the effort is going to be required.

Sherwood Forest - May Day Monday Public Holiday

What a lovely run. It was perfect weather conditions and the late 6am start was much appreciated!~

Distance: 10km
Time: 1hr ish
Effort: easy
Detail: Crusing through Sherwood Forest around Indooropilly and back to the start point. Very scenic and a great day out with friends!

First Run Back post Canberra Marathon

Distance: 11km
Time: 1hr
Effort: easy
Detail: Midweek run around the city/river. Good crowd turned out this morning and it was great to see everyone again. Not running is such a damper to my social life!!! I think 80% of my friends are runners!!!!!

Pats doing me a program for Sydney Marathon and I have a time goal to aim for...more on that later.
In the meantime I have another two weeks of recovery runs in both speed and distance before getting stuck into the training for Gold Coast (though I won't be racing there).

New Goal

My training is going to be summarised here for reflective and productive purposes.

If anyone has any suggestions on style of what I should be keeping track of let me know. Does anyone think HR is a good indicator? How is this best utilised if so???

21weeks to my next marathon. So Training officially starts in 3 weeks!

Format:

Distance: xxkm
Time: xx:xx
Effort: hard/easy/tempo
Detail: PCRG speed / Long run / Midweek long / Hills

CANBERRA MARATHON 2009

Its over for another year and I can't believe it.

During the race I thought I would be lucky to finish...lucky to not hobble over the line or collapse at the 40km mark. As it turns out...a few days later i am wondering why I did not run harder or look at my time so I could go faster??

I am determined to run hard in my next marathon and give it some guts.

Canberra was always going to be a training event, not necessarily just a training run because I was keen to do as best as i could...but I knew I did not have the legs or fitness to run a hard sub 3:30 as I wish to do this year.

The 42.2km didn't get me. I finished in 3:37:19 and with a strong finish. But I hurt...I hurt alot and for a long time from 20km onwards. I have been thinking of why and how and what for...so here are some thoughts I have come up with as well as a quick summary of my training in the week prior.


On my last 30km training run I developed a sore foot. A very very sore foot. I ended up going to a podiatrist and then for an MRI. I had my shoes altered and after 10 days of no running and lots of mental stress about what to do I was happy to come away with a diagnosis of blunt force trauma (from shoe).

Hence the taper was really that - a no running taper. I didn't get to race my half marathon or my 3k time trial so mentally I had no good indication of what I could achieve in speed under pressure. Though I was happy to not have the stress of racing on me!!!

The week before Canberra I did a speed session at Pats and some light runs over the Easter weekend with no more than 12km each time and at an easy pace finishing at race pace.


THE MARATHON

The night before was a shocker - I had 2 hours sleep thanks to screaming babies and a head cold that came out of nowhere. Flu tablets had zonked me out but my heart rate was going so fast I could not relax even when the babies were quiet.

Race day dawned however and I was feeling relaxed enough. None of the expectations of performing were on me and I had slept well the night before (Friday) so I was in good spirits.

bang the guns went off and Tesso and I were giggling and on our way again!

Okay I admit - I went out too fast. The 3:30 pacer was way ahead of me and I just wanted to keep him in sight. The balloon was out of sight by 6km and I had just ran in under 29mins...so he OBVIOUSLY was way ahead of his 5min/km pace!!!!

Everyone around me was telling me to forget him but I couldn't. My goal hadn't been to watch the clock..I was not prepared to calculate splits or pace..I had just wanted to run with the pacer in sight and see what I could do. So mentally I was at a loss and just kept running as best I could. Unfortunately going out to fast I hurt when I finally caught up to the pacer at 16km as he had started to ease up by now. I got in front but was hurting so just sat with him. At halfway mark we were at 1:43:00. I sat with him till perhaps the 30km mark and then sagged behind. My foot was really hurting and I had to stop and adjust my shoe. I think it was an excuse to stop running.

I loved my gus at 12k and 25k and the V i had at the 35km mark. Not sure if I should have taken anything else but my stomach was great and no upsets at all which suprised me! The V was a bit hard to swallow but it switched on the strong finish I badly needed.

Somewhere in the last 7km I did a 6min km - Not sure if this is where I adjusted my shoe or not but the garmin tells a shocking story. The last few km after I saw my family and then Katie I got really revved up and ran home in reasonable form. I even managed a strong run in the last 1km to finish strongly.

I was very dizzy afterwards and really sleepy...finally the flu tablets were closing my eyes and I excused myself from the celebrations and went home to sleep the sleep of the dead.
Thankfully I was back a few hours later to get some drinks into me and see everyone else and hear their stories.

Canberra is such a wonderful event and it is more about your own personal race...it is the race of so many others out there that affect you too. I recall two other runners on the course that made my day - a girl who was in front of me the whole way and stopped with just 4km to go (sore leg). I made her run again and she took off which gave me something to follow..also a guy who was really struggling and I held his arm and pulled him along. I am sure he was swearing at me..but he continued on to and I have some hope that I was able to get them through their thoughts of their own pain to continue on to finish.

Then there are all the wonderful, exciting stories....Luckylegs looking so strong...Uncle Dave finishing FIRST in a time of 2:26..Tesso trying to sneak up on me....Eddie trying to sneak up on Glenno (and succeeding!!!) Bad Andys first marathon, Wattos fastest marathon, Glennos PB for ages, Robbies support and 10km race, Katie...well what can I say about her - BEST DAMN SUPPORTER YOU EVER DID SEE. (trust me - if you saw her on the day you will know what I am talking about!!!!!)

Over the hump I think...

Ran every day this week.

Thanks for all the comments and emails. I must have seriously misinformed you all.

This CANBERRA Marathon is not going to be fast. I am doing reasonable mileage and hopefully will finish in good form but the goal is just SUB 3:45. Not really in shape for anywhere close to my last run there. I just don't have any speed at the moment but am working on it and that will be my focus once this mara is done.

Monday - 5km QLD Masters 5000m Track Event - this was hard after a big week and the 38km on Saturday. I went out hard for the first 500m and then slammed on the brakes. Ran 22:00 exact. Happy I was able to finish though the legs were really really tired. Best of all - a GOLD Medal YAH!

Tuesday - 15km PCRG. Wore the garmin today to see how far I was running. Tess and I did a run of 4km before the session and then did some efforts in the gardens.
2min, 1min 2min 30sec rest then repeat. Then final 4min effort. The 4 min effort was tough. I was exhausted from the race the previous night but also it was at the end of the session. I went out a bit slow but was happy that I was able to bring it home strong.

Wednesday - 17km. Was meant to do a double up day today and run another 8-10km at night but never got the opportunity. I was very tired and my work was suffering. I just went home and slept.

Thursday - 15km. A great session. I was feeling tired but starting to get really used to it. Did the pre-warm up with Tess and this felt better than early in the week. Following that we did the PCRG warmup, some strides and then 3 x 1km and 2 x 500m followed by a cool down.

Friday - 8km. Was a good run. I love running this route. It is over so quick and doesn't take too much out of you but you can work it hard still. Today I didn't push hard as I was pushing the pram instead and that took all my concentration. I felt good but still felt like I was not taking it too easy. Including back to the car distance was 9km but we ran a solid 8km.

Tomorrow morning a final big one before I can settle into an easy week.

Toughest Week All Year!

Canberra is looming and the doubts are surfacing. I am not very worried as i just want to finish and am confident of a sub 3:45 goal. Hopefully on the day I will be in a better position to get as close to a 3:30 goal as I can. Here is my training 5 weeks out.


Friday - 8km easy

Saturday - 35km riverloop at 5:14 pace. Was very humid to start and turned out to be a long day at the office..I was just glad to finish this one and still be able to walk. The Riverloop is quite hilly in places which can be good and work all parts of your legs..it can also be hell and throw a hill at you just when you feel like walking.

Sunday - rest Was meant to run today but just could not be motivated.

Monday - 8km hilly

Tuesday - 14km PCRG speed session after 5km pre-run with Tesso


Wednesday - AM 20km - Ship Inn to Tennyson Tennis Centre and back
PM 8km easy run with Pram

Thursday - 7.5km hills Didn't look at the time but worked hard going up the hills and took it easy coming down. Ran easy the rest of the kms.

Friday - Rest

Saturday - 38km Avg 5:20 pace. From Ship Inn out via dockside to New Farm Park then beyond to Port of Brisbane and back. A few stops for water and a gu at 25km. Felt unreasonably good the whole way. Bit of a highlight for me this month. I actually really enjoyed this run!

Sunday - REST!!!!!!!!!!

95km Week from Monday to Saturday. I had the goal of getting to 100km but with sore legs on Saturday decided to rest on Sunday. Friday was also meant to run but I was a bit worried about the 38km run the next day - turns out it was the best run of the week! Looking forward to doing that again this weekend.

4 weeks to go~~~!

Tuesday and Wednesday

About 5 weeks to go to Canberra Marathon now.

12km Hill session at PCRG Tuesday morning after a 3km warm up with Tesso. It was great to do hills and I was pleasantly suprised to have this session so soon after the last one. I felt good running but was a bit confused about where to go-admittedly I just followed the person in front of me but my body kept wanting to go another direction! The last few hills were really painful trying to push a stitch out but I was getting my breath back on the downhills and pushing as hard as I could on the uphills. Legs felt great, just lung capacity was holding me back.

Wednesday - 20km Running Buddies headed out at 4:45am in the dark, cold rain. It was yucky. Normally I think i would have just stopped noticing it - I actually like the rain - however my skirt was getting heavy and nearly falling down with the weight of being soaking wet which made my run a bit awkward. Thankfully it made the full 20km with a few water breaks giving me the opportunity to yank it back up to my ears :)

Yah! I did it!!!

Tuesday 3rd March
Time Trial this morning. I was going to push myself but when it turned out to be so hot and humid I decided to just run how I felt. As it turned out I ran the 12:30 (exact) that I wanted. Yah. Big thanks to Tesso who was in front of me the whole way and gave me something to chase. Also, big thanks to the fella who was pushing me all the way - clap on the back to Mat OBrien for his efforts and supportive words.

okay..so now what have I been up to since I last posted...mmmm

16/2 - Rest
17/2 - PCRG Hill Session
18/2 - 18km Hilly Run with Running Buddies
19/2 - 8km
20/2 - rest
21/2 - 23km..was meant to be 34km but totally died. Leg felt like ITB was coming on so I took the option to finish early.
22/2 - rest
23/2 - 10,000m Track QLD Masters Champs. Felt great, tough run but no leg pain.
24/2 - rest - BRUNO Massage oooohhhh boyyy
25/2 - 28/2 rest Not becuase of my leg but Billy was very ill and I just could not get out of the house.
1/3 - BRRC Half Marathon. I wasn't feeling too good for this but determined to do the distance because I had had so much time off. It was good to be running but I just felt crap for most of it. 1:46:44 including a toilet break.
2/3 - rest
3/3 - PCRG Time Trial (see first paragraph)
4/3 - 20km. Oh my gosh this felt good to be running but afterwards I was totally exhausted. Most of my runs lately have been races and it is really started to wear me down. The 5:15 pace we were running at seemed like sub 5min. It was very hot and humid so I expected it to be tough but I was tired for the rest of the day!!
5-7/3 rest days
7/3 - 7km warm up. Oxfam Half Marathon. I felt great running this so was happier than the race last weekend. 1:43:30
8/3 - 8km easy - gosh when was the last time I did an easy run????????????
9/3 - rest day

Friday was a rest day...then...WHAM!!!

No it wasn't disco 80s music I was hit by...it was the high mileage weekend.

Saturday we planned on doing a riverloop as per previously, though once we had gone past the Regatta (from Ship Inn) someone (aka MARK HEWITT) decided we should run into St Lucia Uni and then go out to Lone Pine Sanctuary...he gracefully acknowledged we would have to run the short way home.

When we got to Lone Pine it was approx 22km..that meant it was going to be a very long day indeed.

Back to the Regatta via the shortest route we all agreed on and then back to the Ship Inn. All up 37km. It was tough - raining all the way but saying that - it was cool and very enjoyable.

Sunday - BRRC had a 10Miler (16.1km). Tesso and I ran it just to get the long run out of our legs. It was, again, quite enjoyable. Tiring but good to be able to run and I certainly didn't feel like I should have with all that mileage in two days.

Now I just feel wasted. :)

Garmin = 53.5km

Thursday

Tested out the new tyre on the pram this morning - Man I am good!

Ran with Billy for 8km. It was slow but I was out for an easy run to get the hills out of my legs. Going to rest up now in preparation for a big one on Saturday.

Time to look at my food and how I am preparing for my big sessions in the way of diet and sleep and other issues.

As a wonderful nice point for me..I jumped on the scales this morning and am finally within a kg of my pre baby weight. I don't have the same shape.....and never will again...but my weight can now no longer be blamed on Billy :)
Lent is nearly here so time enough for cutting out all the foods I love which will aid me in my Canberra goal.

Heh guys - I won't be running GC Marathon. Am hoping to run a fast half. Goal for Canberra is still 3:30 which may change pending form closer to the race.

10 Weeks to Canberra

Gosh...not yet in single digit weeks...but getting there!

Last week as most of you know I was poisoned at work...okay so really I had some food poisoning or a 24hr virus and it had nothing to do with the guys at work :) Either way at lunch after the TT i was at my desk being violently ill. It took me all week to recover.

Saturday I went out for a run not feeling particularly good when I started but did the first 13km in good spirits and form. I turned around on my own thinking I would not make much further and sure enough soon after I felt terrible. I went home soooooo slowly I turned the garmin off in disgust. I even (ssshhhh) walked a bit!!!! NEVER!!! All up it was 26km (obviously) but a shocking run.

Strangely enough it seemed to be the corner I was waiting to turn.

Tuesday at speedwork was great. I felt really good throughout it all. My focus was on breathing and pushing my legs as fast as they could go as there was no way my breathing could get any worse yet my legs were quite comfortable and not 'burning'. All too soon the session was over so I was a bit disappointed but looking back - I had a lot of rest days and was incredibly pumped to run strong. Must remember to be sick more often (NOT!)

Wednesday - Today. Due to family reasons (aka BABY) I had to run around home this morning. Set out with Billy in the pram and laugh laugh laugh we had a flat tyre. I didn't even know that was possible. I somehow managed to shear off the the valve which totally deflated the wheel. I was veering to the left continuously and after 4km I got home quite annoyed but grateful I didn't go any longer as it was hard on the body to get a 16kg baby in a 7kg pram home that wanted to go in only one direction.
Tonight I have done a hilly 10km and feel really good for it. (1km warm up 3 x 2.5km hill loops, 2km warm down) I worked hard and though didn't push myself as I would if others were with me I was ecstatic at the chance to get out for a run so took advantage of it and didn't waste the opportunity.

Now off to bed! Need lots of sleep for the big 90+km weeks coming.

3k Time Trial

13:08 today.

Pushed hard but wasn't flat out. I ran consistently and was happy with my run after the mileage on the weekend. Hopefully...the goal...for next time....is SUB12:30. I am fairly confident I can do that.

All up 9kms. Legs are feeling quite worn out thank you very much.

Forrest Clairie

Ha Ha someome made that comment on facebook and it certainly felt like it. After two rest days on Thurs/Fri I was prepared to do the hard yards on Saturday.

Started out at Ship Inn at 5am with the crew, we moved out at a leisurely pace and it felt great to be running with the crew instead of sprinting!!
We were chatting and laughing and making fun of everyone so before you knew it the km's were fast ticking over. The weather was hot but overcast so just perfect in my opinion.

I asked if we could run via the uni and do the Riverloop. That way we didn't have to tack on the West End component at the end of the run. It was lovely to do a different run for a change. It was all very hilly and I was running by myself for most of it. Glenn was ahead with Andrew and I had two Andrews behind me. I was piggy in the middle....yes I was missing Tesso!

At St Lucia Golf Club the guys didn't believe me we were only at 11.5km - it felt like we had been running all day.

Much later at 21km mark we arrived at the BP in Yeronga and stopped for a quickie. Glenn and Andrew went in and got a cold gatorade...it was heavenly. After that we trotted off through Yeronga and along the river and up to the end of the Green Bridge. That hill up was a killer!

Going up Highgate Hill was ok, I was in the zone and just focussing on how last week I had to walk up it..this week I was just determined to get through it. So there I was in the zone when someone from behind grabbed me and yelled (really loud) "DON'T EVEN THINK OF WALKING" I thought I was being mugged or killed and just screamed. Andy Clowes won't be doing that again! I think I scared him more! Anyhow....interesting to see the boys up ahead didn't even blink an eyelid....

At the top of the hill was decision time. Straight home for a 28.5km run or West End for a 34km? I went to West End. I had promised myself it I could get through Yeronga in once peice I should keep going - so I did.

It was great running to Orleigh Park and then along Riverside Drive..but as soon as we got to the rowing shed I started feeling real bad. I stopped for water (even though I had some on me) and started going again. My legs were really heavy.

Along riverside drive and then all of a sudden I was at the walkway going around the milk factory. At the top of the temp path I just stopped. My calves were on fire..I stretched them out but thought there was no way I could run any further. At 31.5km I had reached my end. I walked for about 3mins and then could see the river again and the wooden walkway..it was a sign of nearing home. I started running and felt much better. What on earth was I thinking before...this felt good! I had some music on and was happy to be almost finished. Up ahead the launch of the dragon boat festival was happening. I was about to detour but a marshall told me to go through and they would give way to pedestrians. Well he should have mentioned it was in the middle of the blessing ceremony and the monks were all chanting. I felt bad running through so slowed to a walk and courteously went to the side...I smelt so bad I am sure and was red faced and sweaty..I wish I had detoured.

anyhow another km down the road and I had finished. 33.9km on the Garmin but I'm rounding it to 34km. The average km said 5:27min/km but with the walking and the hills I know we ran most of it closer to 5:15min/km. Along riverside I am sure I was running 6min/km for that last km. It certainly felt slow!
My longest run in two years! I was exhausted all afteroon with tired legs but as Tesso said it was a "good tired" that I was feeling!

Sunday was a rest day. The legs felt great and for that I was thankful.

Running Catchup

Wednesday: Hard run. 8km around home but it was hot and hilly and I was all over place. Not happy with this one at all. Only good thing was another few km to put in the bank.

Thursday: 8km easy run around home with pram. Much better feeling.

Friday: off

Saturday: 27km (thanks Tesso!) we got a bit lost on the short river loop so ended up doing another few km. It was all good and hours after the run I was glad we had done the extra distance. Though it was the hottest day I have ever run on in according to heat & humidity. Even though we started at 5am it seemed to be high on both counts. 3/4 of the way into the run I wrung out my socks and they were dripping with water. So squelching around the roads was not a fun experience but I got through it.
All up we did a decent pace for the conditions and I was really happy with this run.

Sunday / Monday: Rest days - not planned but due to travelling and drinking in Ballina it was necessary :)

Tuesday: Back at Pats. Session was 1min (30sec) x 4 then standing recovery. REPEAT. at the finish we did another 1min fast. I ran well and was happy with my pacing - which is what I was focusing on. I ran the cool down with Glenda and Matty so it seemed like a really long speed session. A great PCRG session and made me feel great all day.

Wednesday: OMG why do I do this??? Up early and out running. Did 19km in 5:05min/km pace. It was the Green Bridge loop home via West End (18.5km) plus a bit at the end. It was hard going and we were running fast. The course has some hills and inclines that make it interesting but also tax you when the weather is so hot and humid. I was really looking forward to finishing this run.

PCRG - a struggle

Was busting to get out there and do some hard work today... Didn't quite work out that way.
I was running with the pram and due to the large number of people I ran at the back..however these people tend to be slower than what I am capable of so I was stuck with 2 choices:
Run past them and get amongst those running at my pace (possibly dodging legs with the pram)
Hang back and run conservatively

I did the second option but got shitty about it so turned around and did some hill work on my own. Tried to do 10 reps but I was only halfway through when Pat finished the session. He had a final 90sec out and 90sec back, not everyone was doing it so I was able to get someone (thanks Sara) to watch Billy whilst I did that leg. It was great and I wish it could have gone on longer (ha ha no I don't what am I saying!!!)

After the cooldown I was feeling good but a bit unsatisfied.

Next time I will just take the first option. If anyone complains I will reassess. Mostly the group is very understanding/accommodating with Billy and I but I am hearing more and more regulars complaining about the crowds at the Tuesday sessions. I guess that includes prams too heh!

Weekend Running

Saturday was a great run, we managed to get out early and do just over 4km before meeting back up with everyone at the Ship Inn.
All in all we finished after a couple of hours and completed 23km. It was extremely humid at the beginning of the run but I drank heaps and maintained my hydration which made me feel great for a change.

Sunday - BRRC 14k Club Champs.
I wasn't too keen to get out there again after the heat and distance yesterday but once I was running it all eased into place. We had to do 3 loops, 1 x 4km and 2 x 5km. I was feeling the pain of it all on the second loop but funny enough came good again in the final loop. Nothing like the smell of the finish line to motivate you!
After the run I felt really good and was glad I had got out there. I didn't do the time I wanted (was planning to go 5min/km) but I was still happy to finish without walking and feeling relatively good.

Monday - rest day. I feel great and am looking forward to speed work tomorrow. mmmm maybe I could have run faster yesterday..!!??

Mid Week Murder

After skipping out on the PCRG run yesterday I felt guilty enough to motivate me to get out for a run in the arvo heat.
Managed 7.5km in 5:30min/km pace. I was happy because it was a very hilly run and I felt comfortable the whole way. No pressure and really enjoyed it. The body was still very sore from the massage though.

This morning I met up with the buddies at 5:15am for a 15km run. Good thing I had the garmin...we got to the turn around to find it was only 6.2km so we heading out further until it said 7.5km and then came home. All up 15km at 5:02min/km pace. I was pushing it the whole way, mostly because I was stiff and sore but also because I have not done much speed work so the run felt like I was in a 10km race most of the way!! I hung back and put the ipod on for 3 or 4 songs to get me motivated to finish strong (ie mute my heavy breathing from my ears).

Despite the hard run I am sitting at my desk feeling bloody wonderful and wondering why I even stopped running. I love this high and wish I could bottle it so I can remind myself in the middle of a long run.

NOTE: It was way cool in a 'runner' type of way to say to my work buddies this morning..."since you saw me yesterday I have run a half marathon..." Well I had to say something to explain why I am moving so slowly around the office!!!!!!

Weekend Running

Got my new Garmin 305 and took it out for a test drive on Saturday.

We did 18km in 5:17min/km pace. It was a good run. I kept feeling like needing to go to the toilet the whole way but I think it was the lack of good food the day before. Will try to fix that this week.

Sunday I raced at BRRC. It was a 10k - No Watch Run...arrgh. I had programmed the Garmin to do a 48:30 training run with me but with no watch allowed I decided to run at what was comfortable but faster than long run pace. I ended up with a time of 49:21 which I was disappointed with. I certainly am dreading how I am going to do a whole marathon at 4:55 pace..which is what I would love to do. But that was a secret so keep it to yourselves please :))))

After a rest day Monday this morning was supposed to be a PCRG speed session. However with Billy having food poisoning and being up all night..the rest of us have a mild case of it but nothing serious...I was not able to leave him with the kids. I will get out tonight to go for a run but it is never as motivating as Pats Group.

Been for a massage today with Bruno...geez Lousie that was tough. Feel like I have been hit by a train so running over the next two days will be just getting through the km with no focus on speed.

9km PCRG Session

Second speed session in a week woohoo.

It felt great to be out there again. Just like I was a real runner :)

After the longer warmup we ran out along the floating boardwalk 2min (30sec walk) 2min (30sec walk) 2min stop.
Race back to the beginning but with only 6min on the clock and try to get to where you started from. It was a tough session, I guess you could go as hard as you wanted depending what you wanted to get out of it. I figured I was there for a reason and that was to get faster so fast I went. It was hard and I was no-where near where I would have been a couple of years ago....but I was working it. I know I won't be able to get to two PCRG speed sessions every week!

On the warm down coming home I ran with Tesso but I was struggling. The session started to really hit me and I just held on to the pace she was running.I couldn't talk so just kept nodding as we went along.

Right now....I feel great and very much alive.

8km - PCRG

Speed session in the gardens. Worked my butt off. It was hills hills and more hills...but I loved it. I really like hill work.

The recovery on the downhills were VERY welcome but still I loved being able to do something that was pushing me to my limits. Even better was having others to run with to chase and motivate me when the going got tough.

Happy New Year: 2009

Time to get serious and that means blogging. I always train better when I have to record what it is I actually do!

Lets just so the past few months have been erratic in my training. Whilst I have continued to run weekly, it has been hit and miss. Some weeks I trained 6 days. Other weeks just once. Not really the best for someone trying to get back into a habit and get focussed.

This year the goals are:

Canberra Marathon - complete it in one piece
Brisbane Marathon - sub 3:20
Gold Coast Half - sub 1:35

I would honestly be happy if I just got through this year with no injuries and being able to run regularly with at least one PCRG session each week, and a decent long run.

Currently here is a summary of where I am at now for the record:

Long run - 2hrs comfortably but suffering with heat a bit. Enjoy the long runs but love stopping for water every 20mins for a few sec!!
Can't handle Gu or anything in the stomach so must do some runs with that in mind.
No speed whatsoever. Can't really run fast anymore. Working on this by getting to more speed sessions and slowly building it up. Don't have time to build mileage and speed seperately if I want to run a sub 3:20 later this year....so throwing both into the mix...in a reasonable manner.

Love running with my buddies on the weekend so that will be my main run each week.

Have goals for the time trials on the first Tuesday of each month but I'll keep them secret for now.

Have done training program for Canberra to get me across the line. Will note down here what I manage to achieve each week.

Hope everyone has a great year of running and training and meets their goals and expectations...see you out there on the road.

240km - 7km - 16km - 9km - 8km = 200km

Couple of boring runs around the local neighbourhood because I could not get to Pats for any speedwork. Billy turned 1 (can you believe it has been a year!!) and rada rada rada...

Long run last weekend was quite short at 16km but fast! Was under 5min/km and I hurt the whole way and the whole week after!!

Tuesday was 9km - including 3km Time Trial. I am so pleased to report I ran a PB PB (thats a Post Baby Personal Best). Thankfully I was paced by Matt and Scotty who were still healing after Melbourne Marathon and they kept me honest the whole way even though I sounded (and most likely looked) like I was having an asthma attach. Ended up crossing the line in 12:43. Incidentally Pat called out 11:43 by error and I was transported into another space and gaped and Matt and almost hit him for making me run so fast...until Pat laughed and corrected himself. Not having a watch on I had no idea how fast we had gone.
First km was 4:03min, second was 4:29!! then brought it home in 4:11..still think we went out too hard but who cares - I was happy with the result!!!

273km - 18km - 15km = 240km

A big weekend and I am feeling fantastic...because I just love that exhausted feeling! It has been sooo long since I have felt like this.

Saturday - 18km Green Bridge loop - first 5km was a bit fast and I was just clinging on for dear life...but after a water stop and a slackening off in the pace I was pretty happy with the run. Best thing? Finishing!!

Sunday - BRRC 15km. Was crap to be running with Tesso on the sidelines cheering me. Apart from that it was fun to be out there again. Having no expectations and just wanting to back up from yesterday I was very happy with a 1:16:20 give or take a few sec. I didn't wear a watch and just ran how I felt..I wasn't go as fast as I could but I lasted feeling good and maybe if I had gone faster earlier on I would have crashed and burned on concrete legs? Who cares - I finished and was very happy! Thanks to Fi for putting up with all the whinging about the music on my ipod :)

299.5km - 9km - 8km - 9.5km =273km

Tuesday - 9km speed session. Totally forgot what it was like to turn up to a speed session on tired legs from a race on the weekend. Even though I didn't run fast on Sunday...it was hard and long for me. The legs feel it now.
The long warm up made me wish I had stayed in bed but once the faster stuff started I felt better. A short cool down and I was done!

Thursday - My hip has started to ache so I gave up the idea of running this morning and rang Bruno for a massage instead.

Monday - 8km running with the pram. Tough stuff. Why does this running caper seem so hard all of a sudden?

Tuesday - 10km. West End 3 x 4m with a 3k warm up/down. I started to get a headache at the last rep and was very red in the face but apart from that I was enjoying the session. I think maybe dehydrated??

329.5km - 10km - 20km = 299.5km

Thursday - back at Pats. It really hurt today. I busted my gut and I know that is what speedwork is all about but honestly....tell me it gets easier!!!!
2min, 3min, 2min, 3min 4min, with 30sec rest in between (yeah right!). It was good but the long warm up/cool down was killing me by the end and I was ready to sit.

Sunday - BRRC 20km. Not quite the middle of summer but you could have fooled me this morning. I was hot out there! Didn't drink nearly enough water and felt unwell for the majority of the race. Due to the lack of female competition I ended up coming in second place which was amusing. 1:48 dragged the feet in the first and last lap and ran around 5:15/5:25 pace for the middle two laps.

Have been at the RAAF Open Day at Amberley watching the last of the F1-11 scare the crap out of Billy. We had a great day out but my legs are burnt and I am so tired and sore from the run this morning and all the walking around. I am scared if I lay down I will never get up again.....

Time for a days rest!

357km - 10 - 17.5= 329.5km

Tuesday - 10km Man a hard speed session this one! Honestly felt like I was going to throw up. Tesso was walking around the gardens with Billy so I was able to focus and put in some effort. I was really happy with how I was going...it was just how I was FEELING that made me realise how further I have to go to get back to good fitness.

Saturday - 17.5km Slowly inching my way up to some decent mileage for the Saturday run. I will be happy when I can run 25km and finish without collapsing for the weekend.

Had Sun/Mon off to ease the legs before the time trial this morning but due to home circumstances (aka teething baby...departing husband...school holidays...end of quarter) it all got too much and 5mins from leaving home I broke down and stayed wiht my sooky bub. I was wrought at the time but dealing with it all now.
Having a tea break at work (busiest day of the year), Billy's temp is down and he seems happy when I check in on him and (very importantly) I have promised myself I will get out for a run tonight.

I have to stop feeling like I have to achieve everything and select a few things that are important to me and focus on them and not put so much onto the day to day training/racing....in other words the focus should be on things like KURRAWA and CANBERRA!!!

390km - 7 - 10 - 16 = 357km

Tuesday - 7km. A Hill session with the pram at PCRG. OM! You have not lived until you attempt this one...I had to cut short the cool down due to dead legs and lack of energy.
Thursday - 10km Toughest Speed Session Ever. 3.5km warm up. 3min x 4 sprints (Pat stood there and yelled at us so there was no slacking off) A final 500m effort before the 3.5km trek back. I was rooted. It was so exhausting and did no talking on the way back. Tesso was great - she came along to the session just so she could walk Billy in the pram. They both went off and did their thing (she was teaching him how to say TESS and PAT...) and I went off on the speed session. We joined up at the finish and had a chat...and yes she did give Billy back to me :)
Saturday - 16.3km - 5:45min/km. A tough run around the Green Bridge loop in the 94% humidity. It was a hard day out there but I was sooo happy to be able to have company on the long run I didn't care. i enjoyed this one and the feeling of exhaustion afterwards was a pleasant one. i just still miss Tess :(

411km - 12 - 9 = 390km

12km Sunday - 9am very hot!!! Felt like a riverloop so kept it shorter than what I had intended. Slow Run.


Tuesday - 3km Time Trial 13:15 woo hooo 45sec faster than last month. mmm will enjoy the big improvements as they come because they will be slowing down reaaalll soooon!!!

A bit of a slack week after the TT...was resting up for B2B but a neck injury (incurred on the dance floor Friday night) saw me crippled for the weekend.

Really looking forward to speed training this week - my first week I was hoping to make a big effort in the long road back to serious training.

424km - 13km=411km

A great way to start the day...running with the Running Buddies around Brisbane watching the sunrise on yet another beautiful day in paradise! 13km around the city...only thing missing was Tesso :(

440.5km-16.5km = 424km

Robin Flower Memorial 10Mile Club Championships + a bit to warm up.

Ffffreeezing first lap eventually got warm...then eventually got worn out ha ha

Not used to the long distance and feel like a train wreck - but incredibly happy to make this race and finish with some satisfaction in 1:20 exact.

448km - 7.5km = 440.5km

so bloomin cold!!!

456km - 8 = 448km

Toughest run yet. Had to walk/run the uphill...but it was SO GREAT to be out running. GPS went a bit haywire but I know the last 2.5km took me 19mins!!

464km - 8km = 456km

Man if only I had said 500minutes not 500km....!!! I'd be there already I am sure!!

469.5km - 4.5km = 464km

..slow but steady. Hilly...very enjoyable.

478km - 8.5km = 469.5km

8.5km around Ballina

486 - 8km = 478km

3km Time Trial...Woohoo. Made myself sick with worry about this. Was soo hoping to get under 15mins and suprised myself with a 14:01. Very happy about that....and very thankful to the fantastic trio - Tesso, Matt and Andrew for getting me across the line and encouraging me the whole way. Thanks Guys - you rock!

490km - 4km = 486km

around the block....yes its a BIG block :)

496km - 6km = 490km

Just a jog around the neighbourhood.

500Km - 4Km=496km

I won't even begin to talk about the pace I ran at :)

500km Challenge

In order to give me a focus and some motivation to get out of the house on these cold chilly days I have decided I want to run 500km. Before you all fall out of your chairs with laughter....read on.

I intend to record my running each day/week and will consider me back in training once I tally the runs to be 500km. This will be a way for me to ease back into running but still encouraging myself to get out the door at least every second day.

It should be interesting as I have avoided blogging about any of my boring run-around-the-blocks and then some days I have just stayed in bed because no one but me cares if I don't run...so hopefully my virtual friends out there will pay me out if I appear to be slacking off too much.

*Waves to you all*

YABBADABBADOOOOOO......

I'm Back...aaaarrrrr FLASH....AAARRRRRR Clairie....(sung to the Flash Gordon music of course...)

mmm okay so it wasn't really that much of an achievement...but it was Fantastic.
I got a stitch, couldn't breathe, my legs were aching and I was smiling the whole time. Weird what we put ourselves through in order to have some fun heh?

Alarm went off at 4.10am this morning and I thought I was nuts. However with Tesso waiting on me I decided I had better get moving. My fat arse hasn't done anything for exactly six weeks since the op so today was MOVEMENT DAY. I got Billy up, fed him, changed him and threw him (= placed gently) in the car. Off we went to PCRG for our first session post op.

Ran with Tesso for the 3km warm up and felt great. Okay we were at the back of the pack and she was almost walking to stay with me but it was wonderful to just be out there with everyone. I did a few minutes whilst everyone went off and did their speed session but I didn't want to push it too much. I mean really if I follow the rules of getting back into it I should'nt be doing more than 10% each week....though how do you start if 10% of nothing always = zero :))))

The cool down was better for me because I was used to the action of running now and I felt I could go forever...until about 500m out from the end and a slight rise (remember I WAS pushing the pram) caused me to groan and ease to a walk for a bit. I didn't have the energy to do any pushups (my arms would have hated me) so I stretched, had a coffee and raced Billy off to care and me to work.

I feel fantastic, exhausted, tired, sore. But this is what I have been missing.

WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO

Alls Well...

No it wasn't an April Fools Joke :)

All good in my household. Well apart from being hit with a revolting virus that had the whole household floored. literally I spent Sunday laying in a daze on various beds/floors around the house in between running to the bathroom to be violently ill. This morning I woke up and it was all over THANK GOODNESS I can't bear to be sick.

So now is the good side of recovery. Getting my energy back up today from the Virus and hopefully by the end of this week I will be out for some longer walks to try to regain some fitness. The operation meant I had to have 6 weeks off from any strenuous exercise. For the first two weeks I couldn't even lift my baby - which drove me crazy. Having to wake hubby or my sister up in the night to bring my baby to me was hilarious. I felt like a queen but in reality it was not fun and I wasn't relaxed at all.

Now I am trying to work out how quickly I will be able to build up to a good 2 hour walk and from there onto a run. At least this time I will be able to run from middle of May - which I am sooooo excited about. I can't explain how it has made me feel to be fit but not able to run. I am already starting to dream about the exhaustion and endorphin rush of doing a long run. Man it has been a long time coming but I am going to thoroughly enjoy all the pain of training and slogging it out in the weeks to come. Not taking a single thing for granted any more :) well not for a week at least!!!!

Out of Action

Well tomorrow Wednesday 2nd April is the big day for my operation.

I know enough from my time in nursing to not be a big sook but perhaps too much to know that things can go wrong.

Tomorrow is my first time under a general and I am literally terrified. I have not been able to accomplish much this week and have been teary and/or manic in an effort to avoid thinking of it.
I know it is just one hour of my life and afterwards I will be well looked after with pain relief and hopefully a quick recovery...but nonetheless the thought of something going wrong and me not being here to see my kids grow up, to hear Glenda do a PB at Canberra or even share that bottle of wine with my best buddy Tesso is just gut wrenching.
I have had to consider where I want to be buried, what my husband should do with the kids, what to do with the money (aka debt) and so many other things. Yeah you could be hit by a bus tomorrow and not have all this planned out but knowing in advance something may need you to have this things detailed makes you think about all these things and prepare for the worst scenario.

Anyhow so this post is simply.....a big thanks to all my running mates out there (I am not sure if anyone still reads this blog or not...) and thanks for being there for me and for letting me read all your blogs even if I don't comment much heh heh.

I love you all and please please please....someone make sure Tesso runs her guts out in Canberra and puts all her hard efforts to work.

xxxxx
Clairie