Turned up feeling sooo tired. Had about 4 hours sleep. I need 8 minimum!!!
Session was going to be 3km warm up then 2 x 2km and 1x 1km with 3km warm down.
Had a goal to do the first 2km rep in 8mins but failed miserably. Did 8:16, then 8:37 and then a 4:16. Was so miserable. Tess was worked really hard and tried her best to pull me through (thanks for that rope you threw Tess) but I just gave up and told her to plough on. Not like me but my legs were like lead and my brain was fuzzy.
After the session I had a shower and raced to work. Then still felt like crap so I called it quits and went home for a nap. A few hours later I was back at my desk and feeling much much better.
Tess is right on target for a sub 3:25 but I have higher aspirations for her. Then again I think I am going to do 46:30 and she has higher aspirations for me...so it must be a running buddy thing.
Can't wait for Canberra....then I can start looking forward to the next race :)
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
CANBERRA
Wooo Hooo
Got my race bib in the mail yesterday along with map of the course.
Very excited. Hubby devastated to not get his. Told him you need to enter to get one.
Officially nauseated at the thought of the race so near now.... :)
Got my race bib in the mail yesterday along with map of the course.
Very excited. Hubby devastated to not get his. Told him you need to enter to get one.
Officially nauseated at the thought of the race so near now.... :)
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Tessos 3km Time Trial - 11:55
Nice cool morning but with a lovely day ahead. Perfect weather. Really wish I did not have a job as I would have loved to just have a day off (so sad after 4 days off...)
Set out with the whole group for a slowish warm up to the start of the 3km TT line. Everyone was taking it easy for the 3kms warm up which was great. I really worked at the strides and was running them progressively harder until the last one was an all out effort. I was pumped. (LOL so glad we rested for a bit whilst Pat was talking before we headed off....)
Pat got Tess, RITH, Spot, Nick and Ciaran to line up with him at the start line. Off they shot for a 3km time trial. The rest of us were just doing 1km efforts with ample rest. I waited about 8 sec until Tess was like 100m ahead then someone yelled go. Off I set to catch her and give her some encouragement. It was easy to go fast but as soon as I got to the 500m line I was dead. I kept it up knowing that Tess needed me behind her to push along. We were all going so fast as we knew we could stop at the 1km mark. It must have been so hard for Tess and the others to have people going past that normally wouldn't and then to see them stop and know you had to keep going. I got to the 1km mark and stopped. Watch said 3:48. Tess kept going. One down 2 to go.
I rested for 90sec and then took off after Jonesy. We saw Tess close to the 500m line coming towards us - she was almost finished YAH! She looked so comfortable I thought she might have stopped and had a rest as well.
That one took me 3:55 - it was the hardest one. I then had a 2min rest in order to be able to do the last one. I knew there was no way I would be doing any 500m runs afterwards as Pat suggested if we finished early....
I was struggling but got to the 500m mark and knew I would get home. I never looked at my watch until I crossed the line. 3:50. I was wrapped with that.
Tess had done her TT in 11:55 - 2 secs off her PB. A great run from her and looking good for Canberra. The race calculator is now saying 3:22.
I was pretty happy with my times. Average of 3:50 and it felt good (not at the time) to run that fast. Really need to have my rest day tomorrow though....
Set out with the whole group for a slowish warm up to the start of the 3km TT line. Everyone was taking it easy for the 3kms warm up which was great. I really worked at the strides and was running them progressively harder until the last one was an all out effort. I was pumped. (LOL so glad we rested for a bit whilst Pat was talking before we headed off....)
Pat got Tess, RITH, Spot, Nick and Ciaran to line up with him at the start line. Off they shot for a 3km time trial. The rest of us were just doing 1km efforts with ample rest. I waited about 8 sec until Tess was like 100m ahead then someone yelled go. Off I set to catch her and give her some encouragement. It was easy to go fast but as soon as I got to the 500m line I was dead. I kept it up knowing that Tess needed me behind her to push along. We were all going so fast as we knew we could stop at the 1km mark. It must have been so hard for Tess and the others to have people going past that normally wouldn't and then to see them stop and know you had to keep going. I got to the 1km mark and stopped. Watch said 3:48. Tess kept going. One down 2 to go.
I rested for 90sec and then took off after Jonesy. We saw Tess close to the 500m line coming towards us - she was almost finished YAH! She looked so comfortable I thought she might have stopped and had a rest as well.
That one took me 3:55 - it was the hardest one. I then had a 2min rest in order to be able to do the last one. I knew there was no way I would be doing any 500m runs afterwards as Pat suggested if we finished early....
I was struggling but got to the 500m mark and knew I would get home. I never looked at my watch until I crossed the line. 3:50. I was wrapped with that.
Tess had done her TT in 11:55 - 2 secs off her PB. A great run from her and looking good for Canberra. The race calculator is now saying 3:22.
I was pretty happy with my times. Average of 3:50 and it felt good (not at the time) to run that fast. Really need to have my rest day tomorrow though....
Friday, March 25, 2005
EASTER EGG RUN
Sore Legs. Lots of fun. Crappy MP3 player. Would have preferred to have watched the finishers come in instead of running.
Time: 48:35
Time: 48:35
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Tough Bugger of a Speed Session
How funny is Pat. Headed out to New Farm for a 'mystery session'. Not sure how mystery something is supposed to be when it is written in your program LOL.
Did 1km, 500m, 1km, 500, 1km 500m. It was a killer. Pat had us all psyched up so out I went with the jet burner on. Tess was with me and we ran that first one together. Both of us were trying to keep pace with each other and I am sure we were both shaking out heads saying WTF....did that one in 3:50.
Oh Man so gonna spew today was my first thought. I slowed down dramatically then. The 500m was 2:02 and the rest of the stats sucked as well.
4:15, 2:00, 4:20, 1:50.
The only reason the last one was any good was everyone had finished and were standing waiting to do the cool down so they all cheered me on.
Tess was reasonably consistent with around 4:05min 1kms. I noticed at one time she did not do the full rest. Man I need that full 1min, my legs just refuse to budge before my watch beeps at 60sec....How does she do it?
Did the cool down back to the ship inn and had Pat's now famous ice cold pineapple and watermelon. Got a hat from Pat - must post a photo of the new uniform.
Great to note that David Lang or Langy (CR - RITH) got voted Most Ugly from his fellow teammates. Won a $50 voucher for the ship inn. Well done mate.
After today I couldn't get my crap together so I slowly made it to the showers and was already late for work. Had a coughing fit in the shower and when I rinsed my mouth got quite alarmed.....there was blood.
Must have done a real hard push at todays session or something.
Well that was what I thought until I realised it was watermelon...hee hee I was choking on watermelon!
So after realising I wasn't dying I decided to be even later for work and celebrate being alive with a coffee. Picked one up at Gloria J's in West End and sauntered into work.
Did 1km, 500m, 1km, 500, 1km 500m. It was a killer. Pat had us all psyched up so out I went with the jet burner on. Tess was with me and we ran that first one together. Both of us were trying to keep pace with each other and I am sure we were both shaking out heads saying WTF....did that one in 3:50.
Oh Man so gonna spew today was my first thought. I slowed down dramatically then. The 500m was 2:02 and the rest of the stats sucked as well.
4:15, 2:00, 4:20, 1:50.
The only reason the last one was any good was everyone had finished and were standing waiting to do the cool down so they all cheered me on.
Tess was reasonably consistent with around 4:05min 1kms. I noticed at one time she did not do the full rest. Man I need that full 1min, my legs just refuse to budge before my watch beeps at 60sec....How does she do it?
Did the cool down back to the ship inn and had Pat's now famous ice cold pineapple and watermelon. Got a hat from Pat - must post a photo of the new uniform.
Great to note that David Lang or Langy (CR - RITH) got voted Most Ugly from his fellow teammates. Won a $50 voucher for the ship inn. Well done mate.
After today I couldn't get my crap together so I slowly made it to the showers and was already late for work. Had a coughing fit in the shower and when I rinsed my mouth got quite alarmed.....there was blood.
Must have done a real hard push at todays session or something.
Well that was what I thought until I realised it was watermelon...hee hee I was choking on watermelon!
So after realising I wasn't dying I decided to be even later for work and celebrate being alive with a coffee. Picked one up at Gloria J's in West End and sauntered into work.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Wednesday Run
Woohoo you go girl. I am superwoman. Flying on the track...Give me back my Olympic Time Trial application form...I am on fire. Hot hot hot.
Okay well not quite - but much better day than yesterday.
Met up with Tess and the boys at 5:30am and headed out for a mid week run. They were all running 17km but I was only doing 10km (as per Pat's Instructions Langy!!!).
Started running at a decent pace. I thought Tess intended to run at 4:40-4:45 pace so I aimed for that. Did 4:50, 4:40, 4:35: 4:32 before the guys really started to complain. Tess had dropped back to pick up some of the other runners (I'm sure that's a tactic to get more milage *BIGGRIN*) and the guys were scared of me and started to drop off (sure sure we all believe the shoelace came undone story). But then the great DON caught up just at the 4km mark and pulled them all on ahead. You should have seen their faces when I turned around at the 5km mark to head back. hee hee.
Past Tess who then decided to take a different route. She then came back with one of the guys and from the 4km mark did consistent 4:30kms with the last one being 4:23. Wow! All that at the end of a 17km run. One tough bird.
I finished my 10km in good time (seriously a really good time so I think I did less than 10km or I have a jetburner where there shouldn't be one!!!!) Must remember to use Tess garmin thingy to measure next time.
Finished up with a great breakfast with friends before zooming off to work.
Keen to get tomorrows session over and done with now before easing into the long weekend.
Okay well not quite - but much better day than yesterday.
Met up with Tess and the boys at 5:30am and headed out for a mid week run. They were all running 17km but I was only doing 10km (as per Pat's Instructions Langy!!!).
Started running at a decent pace. I thought Tess intended to run at 4:40-4:45 pace so I aimed for that. Did 4:50, 4:40, 4:35: 4:32 before the guys really started to complain. Tess had dropped back to pick up some of the other runners (I'm sure that's a tactic to get more milage *BIGGRIN*) and the guys were scared of me and started to drop off (sure sure we all believe the shoelace came undone story). But then the great DON caught up just at the 4km mark and pulled them all on ahead. You should have seen their faces when I turned around at the 5km mark to head back. hee hee.
Past Tess who then decided to take a different route. She then came back with one of the guys and from the 4km mark did consistent 4:30kms with the last one being 4:23. Wow! All that at the end of a 17km run. One tough bird.
I finished my 10km in good time (seriously a really good time so I think I did less than 10km or I have a jetburner where there shouldn't be one!!!!) Must remember to use Tess garmin thingy to measure next time.
Finished up with a great breakfast with friends before zooming off to work.
Keen to get tomorrows session over and done with now before easing into the long weekend.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
18 sleeps and lots of hills.
Crap!
Sums up my morning.
Great to see all the runners out there today. Officially 15 weeks to Gold Coast. Tess brought along my magic drink as well as a disc of MP3s to run with - thanks mate for going out of your way to do that. Cheered me up on the way to the car after my run this morning.
Did a speed session with Pat. Hills today, my favourite. Well it was before today.
Did a nice warmup with the 'First Wave' and got out to the Gardens to find Pat had signs up "RUNNERS AHEAD", a radio going with music and his wife Sue taking photos. With the size of the crowd it really felt like we were about to do a race.
Did the first few hills and was amazed at the difference of making us run a further 200m in the loop. Normally we run around a big tree and then sprint up the hill with a jog back down. Today we kept running, turning at some markers Pat had laid down, then sprinted up the hill from the marker (3 diff markers for 3 diff times to start a sprint depending on capability). I did less hills - about 10/11 where normally I do up to 16 I think - so the longer course was less hilly but I found it tough.
Kept up with Tess for the first 4. On the 4th one I felt her start to kick in and pull away. I stayed with her but couldn't keep it up for too many laps. Maintained a distance of 5m, then 10m, then 20m and finally closed it to 10m on the last lap.
Running up the hill with Pat was really good and so was lapping some of the runners towards the end of the session. But I still felt it was a tough day at the office and really diminished my hopes of what I could acheive at Canberra.
I appreciate that to expect to take 2min of my PB that I got only a few weeks ago is asking a lot. I will still do my best, but after today I won't have any time predictions. I can't afford to get too distressed during the next few speed sessions if I don't feel 100%. I need to focus on each session and give everything I have and then see where it gets me.
Sums up my morning.
Great to see all the runners out there today. Officially 15 weeks to Gold Coast. Tess brought along my magic drink as well as a disc of MP3s to run with - thanks mate for going out of your way to do that. Cheered me up on the way to the car after my run this morning.
Did a speed session with Pat. Hills today, my favourite. Well it was before today.
Did a nice warmup with the 'First Wave' and got out to the Gardens to find Pat had signs up "RUNNERS AHEAD", a radio going with music and his wife Sue taking photos. With the size of the crowd it really felt like we were about to do a race.
Did the first few hills and was amazed at the difference of making us run a further 200m in the loop. Normally we run around a big tree and then sprint up the hill with a jog back down. Today we kept running, turning at some markers Pat had laid down, then sprinted up the hill from the marker (3 diff markers for 3 diff times to start a sprint depending on capability). I did less hills - about 10/11 where normally I do up to 16 I think - so the longer course was less hilly but I found it tough.
Kept up with Tess for the first 4. On the 4th one I felt her start to kick in and pull away. I stayed with her but couldn't keep it up for too many laps. Maintained a distance of 5m, then 10m, then 20m and finally closed it to 10m on the last lap.
Running up the hill with Pat was really good and so was lapping some of the runners towards the end of the session. But I still felt it was a tough day at the office and really diminished my hopes of what I could acheive at Canberra.
I appreciate that to expect to take 2min of my PB that I got only a few weeks ago is asking a lot. I will still do my best, but after today I won't have any time predictions. I can't afford to get too distressed during the next few speed sessions if I don't feel 100%. I need to focus on each session and give everything I have and then see where it gets me.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Saturday Long Run
Decided to meet up with Tess and the other running buddies at 6am after they had been running for an hour.
With the Canberra Marathon looming it was the weekend to get that last long long run in the training diary.
Got down to St Lucia Golf Club and saw a mob of runners coming in just a few minutes before 6. Wow the group is really starting to grow!
I was all geared up with Tess to do our run and then to follow in the footsteps of RayJames.... do the last 12km at race pace.
We ran for just over an hour along the river, passing lots of friends and generally having a great time chatting to everyone. Sargent Claire was out in full force to make sure we didn't linger at any water stops or stop talking for too long... Got to the gardens and was busting to go to the loo. As I didn't want to run with my fuel belt I had drank about 3litres of water since waking up. Found one eventually in the garden cafe and when I came out decided to have my gu thingy. First time I have had one of those. I didnt enjoy it overly much and quickly found a tap to drink enough water to wash it all down. Tess and the others were just running laps in the garden whilst waiting for me - how great were they. I was happy I didn't have to throw it up a gear to catch up to them.
After the first hour (TEss's second hour) we stopped for some water and for everyone else to have their gu/fuel. Lizzle discussed how she had made her special drink and that had us laughing. Being the chef she was keen to tell us exactly when to add 'a pinch of sea salt' etc. Guess you had to be there.
So it was here at the turn around I saw Tess head out and I thought this is where we are going to go faster. I caught up and we then ran together a fast 8km and left the other runners far behind. My gu thingy was really kicking in and I felt great.
Got to the marker on the track that said 4km (from the Regatta) and I threw a gear and did that km in 4:35, then we slowed to 4:45 for the next one then I did another 4:45 then a final 4:33. Got to the regatta tired and thirsty. We stopped for water and greeted the Regatta Runners who were just finishing their long run for the day.
Then Tess was keen to keep moving so we jogged on along back to our starting point at St Lucia. At this stage I had done 20km - with final 8km being fast - and I was exhausted. Tess had done an hour before me and had done 29km by now but had another 6 to do. So whilst I coached her and cheered she did a few large laps of a nearby sporting field as we waited for the rest of the group to catch up.
Soon enough they started to show and we hopped back on the bitumen and joined in.
Arrived back at the Golf Club in total two hours (of running) and finished with the others. Tess and Liz kept going so I spent a few minutes calling out words of wisdom as they took off to do another two kilometres (to get the 35+km for the final long run).
By the time I went into the cafe and ordered breakfast and sat down there was Tess arriving looking like she was on her way OUT for a run....not someone who had just finished 35km - with a racepace 8km thrown in there!!! Watch this space for some great runs from that little lady later this year.
ME - I feel tired and exhausted. I am going to sleep for seven days and then see what the week brings. Nonetheless I felt todays run was exactly what I needed and felt really good when I finished. Yesterdays' blisters from the orthotics didn't bother me so I was really pleased about that.
Gosh only three weeks to go.......
With the Canberra Marathon looming it was the weekend to get that last long long run in the training diary.
Got down to St Lucia Golf Club and saw a mob of runners coming in just a few minutes before 6. Wow the group is really starting to grow!
I was all geared up with Tess to do our run and then to follow in the footsteps of RayJames.... do the last 12km at race pace.
We ran for just over an hour along the river, passing lots of friends and generally having a great time chatting to everyone. Sargent Claire was out in full force to make sure we didn't linger at any water stops or stop talking for too long... Got to the gardens and was busting to go to the loo. As I didn't want to run with my fuel belt I had drank about 3litres of water since waking up. Found one eventually in the garden cafe and when I came out decided to have my gu thingy. First time I have had one of those. I didnt enjoy it overly much and quickly found a tap to drink enough water to wash it all down. Tess and the others were just running laps in the garden whilst waiting for me - how great were they. I was happy I didn't have to throw it up a gear to catch up to them.
After the first hour (TEss's second hour) we stopped for some water and for everyone else to have their gu/fuel. Lizzle discussed how she had made her special drink and that had us laughing. Being the chef she was keen to tell us exactly when to add 'a pinch of sea salt' etc. Guess you had to be there.
So it was here at the turn around I saw Tess head out and I thought this is where we are going to go faster. I caught up and we then ran together a fast 8km and left the other runners far behind. My gu thingy was really kicking in and I felt great.
Got to the marker on the track that said 4km (from the Regatta) and I threw a gear and did that km in 4:35, then we slowed to 4:45 for the next one then I did another 4:45 then a final 4:33. Got to the regatta tired and thirsty. We stopped for water and greeted the Regatta Runners who were just finishing their long run for the day.
Then Tess was keen to keep moving so we jogged on along back to our starting point at St Lucia. At this stage I had done 20km - with final 8km being fast - and I was exhausted. Tess had done an hour before me and had done 29km by now but had another 6 to do. So whilst I coached her and cheered she did a few large laps of a nearby sporting field as we waited for the rest of the group to catch up.
Soon enough they started to show and we hopped back on the bitumen and joined in.
Arrived back at the Golf Club in total two hours (of running) and finished with the others. Tess and Liz kept going so I spent a few minutes calling out words of wisdom as they took off to do another two kilometres (to get the 35+km for the final long run).
By the time I went into the cafe and ordered breakfast and sat down there was Tess arriving looking like she was on her way OUT for a run....not someone who had just finished 35km - with a racepace 8km thrown in there!!! Watch this space for some great runs from that little lady later this year.
ME - I feel tired and exhausted. I am going to sleep for seven days and then see what the week brings. Nonetheless I felt todays run was exactly what I needed and felt really good when I finished. Yesterdays' blisters from the orthotics didn't bother me so I was really pleased about that.
Gosh only three weeks to go.......
Friday, March 18, 2005
Friday .....11km and only 22 sleeps
Did the usual "lets be idiots and meet up early to fit in more running and have less sleep" with Tesso this morning.
Headed out at 5:30am for some grassy oval laps for 30mins before starting the 8km with the Regatta Runners. Tess had to leave for work so we decided to cut it short and only do 6km.
That would have been fine with me but something in the brain tells you - if you are going to cut the distance then up the speed. Hence we ticked over the first km in 4:58 then did the remaining ones in 4:50 with the final km in 4:40. I was hurting all over and I remember feeling like walking but having Tess there made me plod on to the end. The last km I was able to smell the finish and kick in but the one before was pure torture and I have no idea why.
You have to appreciate today's run is meant to be a steady 8km, to calm our legs after the two weekly speed sessions with Pat and before a 2hr50run (for Tess) or a 1hr 50 run (me) tomorrow morning.
Looking forward to a rest on Sunday and even the long (slow) run tomorrow should be good to work the legs and ease out those nasty speed session.
Tess and I have a plan and we are keen to see if it works...but you'll just have to keep reading to find out.
Headed out at 5:30am for some grassy oval laps for 30mins before starting the 8km with the Regatta Runners. Tess had to leave for work so we decided to cut it short and only do 6km.
That would have been fine with me but something in the brain tells you - if you are going to cut the distance then up the speed. Hence we ticked over the first km in 4:58 then did the remaining ones in 4:50 with the final km in 4:40. I was hurting all over and I remember feeling like walking but having Tess there made me plod on to the end. The last km I was able to smell the finish and kick in but the one before was pure torture and I have no idea why.
You have to appreciate today's run is meant to be a steady 8km, to calm our legs after the two weekly speed sessions with Pat and before a 2hr50run (for Tess) or a 1hr 50 run (me) tomorrow morning.
Looking forward to a rest on Sunday and even the long (slow) run tomorrow should be good to work the legs and ease out those nasty speed session.
Tess and I have a plan and we are keen to see if it works...but you'll just have to keep reading to find out.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
23 SLEEPS TO GO TILL CANBERRA
Tess was absolutely dynamite this morning.
Someone lit the cracker and she wasn't to be seen again.
We jogged out to New Farm and then did 3 x 4mins and 1 x 2min with 1min recovery in between.
Eddie looked like he was in pain so we told him to take it slow. Bit sad when someone taking it 'slow' cruises past you with ease.
Anyhow onto more interesting people - me - today was quite good. I went out conservatively in the aim to do all 3x4min efforts at the same pace. I managed to do this and got to the same coloured brick in the road each effort. But I just felt terrible going out on the third one with the rest cut short.
The last 2min was hard also but felt good because you knew it was going to be over. I did however experience a massive cramp at the end of this. I am starting to no worry about them anymore as I tend to get them so often I can run with them. Not sure what causes them but maybe this morning I was a bit dehydrated?
Certainly Pat's Pineapple was a good lift and great way to finish the session.
After the efforts we jogged back to the Ship Inn. Tess left me in the city to go to work. Damn she is going great guns. Pat called out to her on the last effort "Sub 3:20 in Canberra Tess" and she had enough breath to yell back....though it isn't the sort of language you want to put into print here on this g rated web site....
Have no idea what we are doing for the speed sessions next week... but bring it on.
Tess is going to have a time trial with Eddie, Langy and the others going to Canberra on the 29th March. I am doing mine the following week so I asked Langy to pace me to a sub 12:22 - to which he agreed.
Pat said I would get a special medal for breaking my PB 3 months in a row.....I'm thinking Langy might need some rope to pull me though though. I feel better lately but my speed is not improving. I just look and feel more comfortable when I run.
Someone lit the cracker and she wasn't to be seen again.
We jogged out to New Farm and then did 3 x 4mins and 1 x 2min with 1min recovery in between.
Eddie looked like he was in pain so we told him to take it slow. Bit sad when someone taking it 'slow' cruises past you with ease.
Anyhow onto more interesting people - me - today was quite good. I went out conservatively in the aim to do all 3x4min efforts at the same pace. I managed to do this and got to the same coloured brick in the road each effort. But I just felt terrible going out on the third one with the rest cut short.
The last 2min was hard also but felt good because you knew it was going to be over. I did however experience a massive cramp at the end of this. I am starting to no worry about them anymore as I tend to get them so often I can run with them. Not sure what causes them but maybe this morning I was a bit dehydrated?
Certainly Pat's Pineapple was a good lift and great way to finish the session.
After the efforts we jogged back to the Ship Inn. Tess left me in the city to go to work. Damn she is going great guns. Pat called out to her on the last effort "Sub 3:20 in Canberra Tess" and she had enough breath to yell back....though it isn't the sort of language you want to put into print here on this g rated web site....
Have no idea what we are doing for the speed sessions next week... but bring it on.
Tess is going to have a time trial with Eddie, Langy and the others going to Canberra on the 29th March. I am doing mine the following week so I asked Langy to pace me to a sub 12:22 - to which he agreed.
Pat said I would get a special medal for breaking my PB 3 months in a row.....I'm thinking Langy might need some rope to pull me though though. I feel better lately but my speed is not improving. I just look and feel more comfortable when I run.
23 SLEEPS TO GO TILL CANBERRA
Tess was absolutely dynamite this morning.
Someone lit the cracker and she wasn't to be seen again.
We jogged out to New Farm and then did 3 x 4mins and 1 x 2min with 1min recovery in between.
Eddie looked like he was in pain so we told him to take it slow. Bit sad when someone taking it 'slow' cruises past you with ease.
Anyhow onto more interesting people - me - today was quite good. I went out conservatively in the aim to do all 3x4min efforts at the same pace. I managed to do this and got to the same coloured brick in the road each effort. But I just felt terrible going out on the third one with the rest cut short.
The last 2min was hard also but felt good because you knew it was going to be over. I did however experience a massive cramp at the end of this. I am starting to no worry about them anymore as I tend to get them so often I can run with them. Not sure what causes them but maybe this morning I was a bit dehydrated?
Certainly Pat's Pineapple was a good lift and great way to finish the session.
After the efforts we jogged back to the Ship Inn. Tess left me in the city to go to work. Damn she is going great guns. Pat called out to her on the last effort "Sub 3:20 in Canberra Tess" and she had enough breath to yell back....though it isn't the sort of language you want to put into print here on this g rated web site....
Have no idea what we are doing for the speed sessions next week... but bring it on.
Tess is going to have a time trial with Eddie, Langy and the others going to Canberra on the 29th March. I am doing mine the following week so I asked Langy to pace me to a sub 12:22 - to which he agreed.
Pat said I would get a special medal for breaking my PB 3 months in a row.....I'm thinking Langy might need some rope to pull me though though. I feel better lately but my speed is not improving. I just look and feel more comfortable when I run.
Someone lit the cracker and she wasn't to be seen again.
We jogged out to New Farm and then did 3 x 4mins and 1 x 2min with 1min recovery in between.
Eddie looked like he was in pain so we told him to take it slow. Bit sad when someone taking it 'slow' cruises past you with ease.
Anyhow onto more interesting people - me - today was quite good. I went out conservatively in the aim to do all 3x4min efforts at the same pace. I managed to do this and got to the same coloured brick in the road each effort. But I just felt terrible going out on the third one with the rest cut short.
The last 2min was hard also but felt good because you knew it was going to be over. I did however experience a massive cramp at the end of this. I am starting to no worry about them anymore as I tend to get them so often I can run with them. Not sure what causes them but maybe this morning I was a bit dehydrated?
Certainly Pat's Pineapple was a good lift and great way to finish the session.
After the efforts we jogged back to the Ship Inn. Tess left me in the city to go to work. Damn she is going great guns. Pat called out to her on the last effort "Sub 3:20 in Canberra Tess" and she had enough breath to yell back....though it isn't the sort of language you want to put into print here on this g rated web site....
Have no idea what we are doing for the speed sessions next week... but bring it on.
Tess is going to have a time trial with Eddie, Langy and the others going to Canberra on the 29th March. I am doing mine the following week so I asked Langy to pace me to a sub 12:22 - to which he agreed.
Pat said I would get a special medal for breaking my PB 3 months in a row.....I'm thinking Langy might need some rope to pull me though though. I feel better lately but my speed is not improving. I just look and feel more comfortable when I run.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
SPEED SESSION - 25 MORE SLEEPS
Pretty sad that I am now counting down sleeps as opposed to weeks for my Canberra run. I get sick in the gut just thinking about it.
Pat had us do a warm up out to the 500m mark at West End & then turn around and go back to the 1km mark - approx 3km warmup I think.
At the turn around Drill Sargent Tess got everyone (with my help) into two long lines (about 18 women) and we then proceeded back to the 1km mark chanting "I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'VE BEEN TOLD...THE CARROLLETTES ARE MADE OF GOLD" The boys passed us (we'd had a head start) and were all highly amused at our antics. Certainly made us giggle.
After a few strides to get the legs pumping the fun was over and it was time to work. I felt great and had been psyching myself up for a hard session since last week.
We had 6 x 500m (with one min recovery) followed by 1 x 1km. The A team had 8 reps to do.
My aim was to stick with Tess but that proved a bit hard when she headed off with a few others to do a 50min recovery run instead of the speed session.
That left eddie!
Hard to miss in his fluro Brisbane Road Runners outfit (need to get me one of those). I took off and waited for the inevitable - for him to catch and pass me. I was happy that it was after 400m before he did this on the first lap. The remaining laps he caught me much earlier but I managed to stay 2 second behind him and we both headed off together after our rests so I was happy. I felt strong the whole way with the third rep the hardest.
I averaged around 1:58 for the reps. I only recorded one at 1:55 so the others must have been slower. The one km was slowish at 4:18 but I was happy with it nonetheless. I certainly am feeling fitter regardless of the times.
Just after we finished Tess, Ciaran and Dingo showed up and we ran back for the cool down. I'm thinking I need a cooldown from the cooldown.... it's certainly run at a good steady pace, but feels great for the legs.
Got my new running top from Pat. Will be wearing it at Canberra for the first time - well maybe the second as I'd better give it a go beforehand, you know make sure it fits :)
Pat had us do a warm up out to the 500m mark at West End & then turn around and go back to the 1km mark - approx 3km warmup I think.
At the turn around Drill Sargent Tess got everyone (with my help) into two long lines (about 18 women) and we then proceeded back to the 1km mark chanting "I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'VE BEEN TOLD...THE CARROLLETTES ARE MADE OF GOLD" The boys passed us (we'd had a head start) and were all highly amused at our antics. Certainly made us giggle.
After a few strides to get the legs pumping the fun was over and it was time to work. I felt great and had been psyching myself up for a hard session since last week.
We had 6 x 500m (with one min recovery) followed by 1 x 1km. The A team had 8 reps to do.
My aim was to stick with Tess but that proved a bit hard when she headed off with a few others to do a 50min recovery run instead of the speed session.
That left eddie!
Hard to miss in his fluro Brisbane Road Runners outfit (need to get me one of those). I took off and waited for the inevitable - for him to catch and pass me. I was happy that it was after 400m before he did this on the first lap. The remaining laps he caught me much earlier but I managed to stay 2 second behind him and we both headed off together after our rests so I was happy. I felt strong the whole way with the third rep the hardest.
I averaged around 1:58 for the reps. I only recorded one at 1:55 so the others must have been slower. The one km was slowish at 4:18 but I was happy with it nonetheless. I certainly am feeling fitter regardless of the times.
Just after we finished Tess, Ciaran and Dingo showed up and we ran back for the cool down. I'm thinking I need a cooldown from the cooldown.... it's certainly run at a good steady pace, but feels great for the legs.
Got my new running top from Pat. Will be wearing it at Canberra for the first time - well maybe the second as I'd better give it a go beforehand, you know make sure it fits :)
Monday, March 14, 2005
Injured!
First speed session since Canberra.
Was fun to catch up with everyone. But really weird to see so many people still missing from the group. Tess is still in Canberra but will be back on deck Friday in time to run with the Regatta Group.
She did a run this morning in Canberra to turn the legs over. Interesting to hear how she is feeling. Just about to hop on the plane to come back to sunny brissy.
Already she is talking about Next Year!
My legs feel really really bad and I have been calling the physio all day today. Going to jump up on his table at 7pm tonight. :(
Was fun to catch up with everyone. But really weird to see so many people still missing from the group. Tess is still in Canberra but will be back on deck Friday in time to run with the Regatta Group.
She did a run this morning in Canberra to turn the legs over. Interesting to hear how she is feeling. Just about to hop on the plane to come back to sunny brissy.
Already she is talking about Next Year!
My legs feel really really bad and I have been calling the physio all day today. Going to jump up on his table at 7pm tonight. :(
Sunday, March 13, 2005
BRRC Half Marathon Championships
What a day and what a way to end the weekend.
After some discussion with Pat I was advised strongly to take it easy today and just do a training run. With my goal until Canberra being to just focus on my speed sessions and see how I can improve I was happy to listen to him for a change :)
Arrived early all alone. Didn't need the family cheering for me to take 2hrs to do a half marathon....lol
Got there in the dark just after 5am and they had nothing set up. Not long after things started moving and all of a sudden I was in the line to register and getting that buzz in my stomach (the good one not the one sending me off to the loo!!!).
I was keen to do this and have some fun. Tess turned up around 5:30am and was all geared up for a great race. We discussed the previous days 6 Foot results and the feedback we had received from various runners already. It was making us chomping at the bit to get out there.
I had planned to do 1:50, running easy but steady for the duration of the 21.1km. It was so relaxing knowing that I had no pressures on me - especially the pressure I exert on myself to put my training to work!
There were so many runners out there today it was very exciting. A blind runner with runner in tow, the pack of fit looking men from the Gold Coast (who took out first and second in the mens race)and a good sprinkle of coolrunners.
The gun went off and Tess was flying. I checked as she went past for rollerblades but didn't see anything (couldn't with all the smoke coming off her shoes...).
I had on the full contingent of packed fuel belt but it was really giving me the shits and after the first loop I threw it on the ground and put my bottles on one of the water tables. The race was a 1.1 followed by 4 loops of 5km. So each time I past the tables I grabbed one and took it with me then put it on the next table. It worked great.
My shins and legs felt terrible for the first loop so I got to 6.1km thinking I was facing a DNF. Not seriously but enough to make me think about why I felt so crap. I put it down to lack of sufficient warm up. After the first loop was out of the way I kept a record of my km splits. I was alternating (purposely) between 4:40 and 5:15 with each km. It was fun but I don't like being passed by other runners and was very sad indeed to have some go by me. I picked up the pace...just a little...to make sure a woman who went past me was reassured by my ability and hence, I overtook her.
Tess was really crusing and I can honestly say looked very comfortable. I was more jealous!
The 5km race started and I saw the pack of racing males go by. RITH was up there among the first three and I was willing him on to a good race. He told me later he did 17:44 (WOW!!!) and I was very proud even though I got the feeling he was slightly disappointed.
The last 10km were great and just whizzed by as I was in the zone and had lots of encouragement from everyone. Tess didn't let up the whole race and finished in a blistering 1:34 - a brillant PB smasher.
On the last loop I saw her go and knew it was in the bag.. shortly afterwards I saw Lizzle who was running with her music. Knowing she had the earphones on and hadn't heard me on the last lap I yelled out to her as we past each other in opposite directions "LOOKING GOOD LIZ, LAST LAP". Anyone that knows me knows I can be loud. Well this time I was screaming to ensure she would hear me across the street through her earphones. She told me later her batteries had died just before I yelled out and hence got such a fright when I yelled at her....she couldn't stop laughing for the next km.
I eventually came in to landing in 1:47:10. A 6min PB for me so I know I can easily do a sub 1:45 as I was not racing today. Though I admit the last km I really kicked in. I couldnt' help it - training run or not there was a finish line and I could not just walk across it. I feel so great now. The legs are liking what they did today and I am happy I still feel fresh enough for some big efforts in this weeks speed sessions.
Wonder if Tess is still on cloud nine with todays extreme performance. Fingers crossed this is going to be magnified at Canberra....so fess up Tess what does the calculator say now for your marathon time??????
After some discussion with Pat I was advised strongly to take it easy today and just do a training run. With my goal until Canberra being to just focus on my speed sessions and see how I can improve I was happy to listen to him for a change :)
Arrived early all alone. Didn't need the family cheering for me to take 2hrs to do a half marathon....lol
Got there in the dark just after 5am and they had nothing set up. Not long after things started moving and all of a sudden I was in the line to register and getting that buzz in my stomach (the good one not the one sending me off to the loo!!!).
I was keen to do this and have some fun. Tess turned up around 5:30am and was all geared up for a great race. We discussed the previous days 6 Foot results and the feedback we had received from various runners already. It was making us chomping at the bit to get out there.
I had planned to do 1:50, running easy but steady for the duration of the 21.1km. It was so relaxing knowing that I had no pressures on me - especially the pressure I exert on myself to put my training to work!
There were so many runners out there today it was very exciting. A blind runner with runner in tow, the pack of fit looking men from the Gold Coast (who took out first and second in the mens race)and a good sprinkle of coolrunners.
The gun went off and Tess was flying. I checked as she went past for rollerblades but didn't see anything (couldn't with all the smoke coming off her shoes...).
I had on the full contingent of packed fuel belt but it was really giving me the shits and after the first loop I threw it on the ground and put my bottles on one of the water tables. The race was a 1.1 followed by 4 loops of 5km. So each time I past the tables I grabbed one and took it with me then put it on the next table. It worked great.
My shins and legs felt terrible for the first loop so I got to 6.1km thinking I was facing a DNF. Not seriously but enough to make me think about why I felt so crap. I put it down to lack of sufficient warm up. After the first loop was out of the way I kept a record of my km splits. I was alternating (purposely) between 4:40 and 5:15 with each km. It was fun but I don't like being passed by other runners and was very sad indeed to have some go by me. I picked up the pace...just a little...to make sure a woman who went past me was reassured by my ability and hence, I overtook her.
Tess was really crusing and I can honestly say looked very comfortable. I was more jealous!
The 5km race started and I saw the pack of racing males go by. RITH was up there among the first three and I was willing him on to a good race. He told me later he did 17:44 (WOW!!!) and I was very proud even though I got the feeling he was slightly disappointed.
The last 10km were great and just whizzed by as I was in the zone and had lots of encouragement from everyone. Tess didn't let up the whole race and finished in a blistering 1:34 - a brillant PB smasher.
On the last loop I saw her go and knew it was in the bag.. shortly afterwards I saw Lizzle who was running with her music. Knowing she had the earphones on and hadn't heard me on the last lap I yelled out to her as we past each other in opposite directions "LOOKING GOOD LIZ, LAST LAP". Anyone that knows me knows I can be loud. Well this time I was screaming to ensure she would hear me across the street through her earphones. She told me later her batteries had died just before I yelled out and hence got such a fright when I yelled at her....she couldn't stop laughing for the next km.
I eventually came in to landing in 1:47:10. A 6min PB for me so I know I can easily do a sub 1:45 as I was not racing today. Though I admit the last km I really kicked in. I couldnt' help it - training run or not there was a finish line and I could not just walk across it. I feel so great now. The legs are liking what they did today and I am happy I still feel fresh enough for some big efforts in this weeks speed sessions.
Wonder if Tess is still on cloud nine with todays extreme performance. Fingers crossed this is going to be magnified at Canberra....so fess up Tess what does the calculator say now for your marathon time??????
Friday, March 11, 2005
REGATTA RUNNERS - 30 SLEEPS
One night down and 30 more to go....
Met up early with Tess and we headed for some grass to do a few laps for 30mins before the 6am start with the Regatta Runners.
Moved out in steady pace and headed for the turnaround. Stopped for some water on the way out and just coasted along with Tess. At the turnaround I moved ahead to talk to Geoff and we ran for a bit and after a few kms realised that we were both pulling each other faster along. With 1.5km to the finish Geoff eased back and told me to go ahead. I thought I would stay with him but then saw another body ahead of me so thought I would try to go past them.
Before I knew it the 1km mark was coming up. I made a snap decision to go hard and finish strong. I hurt along the way but it was that good hurt feel when you race hard. I was mentally preparing myself for Canberra and any other race telling myself "this is how you will feel (exhausted) at the end of a race with 1km to go, finish hard and strong in training and you will finish hard and strong in the race". I really needed this after my 10km at BRRC where if it were not for Krishna I don't think I would have finished hard.
I clocked the watch bang on 1km mark and turned the legs over. My shoulders I kept relaxed and I watched my breathing. My lungs were burning and my split personality was laughing at my vain attempts to improve...but I got to the end and hit the watch. 4.18. I was happy with that time after an hours run and yesterdays manic speed session. I was more happier with the way I felt - strong and fast. I really hope I can keep replicating that feeling and speed in my races.
Met up early with Tess and we headed for some grass to do a few laps for 30mins before the 6am start with the Regatta Runners.
Moved out in steady pace and headed for the turnaround. Stopped for some water on the way out and just coasted along with Tess. At the turnaround I moved ahead to talk to Geoff and we ran for a bit and after a few kms realised that we were both pulling each other faster along. With 1.5km to the finish Geoff eased back and told me to go ahead. I thought I would stay with him but then saw another body ahead of me so thought I would try to go past them.
Before I knew it the 1km mark was coming up. I made a snap decision to go hard and finish strong. I hurt along the way but it was that good hurt feel when you race hard. I was mentally preparing myself for Canberra and any other race telling myself "this is how you will feel (exhausted) at the end of a race with 1km to go, finish hard and strong in training and you will finish hard and strong in the race". I really needed this after my 10km at BRRC where if it were not for Krishna I don't think I would have finished hard.
I clocked the watch bang on 1km mark and turned the legs over. My shoulders I kept relaxed and I watched my breathing. My lungs were burning and my split personality was laughing at my vain attempts to improve...but I got to the end and hit the watch. 4.18. I was happy with that time after an hours run and yesterdays manic speed session. I was more happier with the way I felt - strong and fast. I really hope I can keep replicating that feeling and speed in my races.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
31 SLEEPS TO GO....
31 sleeps to Canberra.
I should have remembered that this morning when I was running.
Did an easy warm up with Pat's group. The B team have been leaving a few mins early so we don't have to warm up at 3min/km pace with Pat and the A Team.
Today's session was 2 x 5min efforts and then 10mins on hills. The 5mins were 2.5 out then turn around and come home. Pat said this is the best speed session you can do to help you learn how to pace. The idea for pacing is to get back where you started bang on 5min. I was very happy with today, I did the first 5min hard, went out after Tess and kept her within a few metres, then turned around and just held on so she did not overtake me...phew made it. Felt good but with only 50sec rest I could not do that again. Nonetheless I made the goal to be consistent with going out and then back at the same effort. Before I used to go out easy and come home hard, then have time left on the watch or go further than the starting point.
Was really happy with today's session - even if Eddie did fly past me on the second one. Thought he was supposed to be recuperating????
The hills I felt really good on. Actually felt I could have kept going. The last one is always tough - all the way over the bridge to the starting point.
The worst bit about today was the warm down. Tess and I headed off and I was knackered already so the last thing I felt like was a few km run around Southbank. But I know it did the legs good to work out those muscles (YES they are there hiding somewhere :BIGGRIN: )
Tess is officially WATER STATION SARGENT for the Lest We Forget Marathon. How exciting. That water is going to taste damn good too!
I volunteered to pace the 1hr 30min group in the half marathon but got refused by the snooty race director. Apparently he thinks I wouldn't be the right person for the job. WTF? Okay so maybe having a half PB of 1:53 is not going to cut it. Maybe next year.
Gonna have to bribe him now to get a job on the finish line.....
I should have remembered that this morning when I was running.
Did an easy warm up with Pat's group. The B team have been leaving a few mins early so we don't have to warm up at 3min/km pace with Pat and the A Team.
Today's session was 2 x 5min efforts and then 10mins on hills. The 5mins were 2.5 out then turn around and come home. Pat said this is the best speed session you can do to help you learn how to pace. The idea for pacing is to get back where you started bang on 5min. I was very happy with today, I did the first 5min hard, went out after Tess and kept her within a few metres, then turned around and just held on so she did not overtake me...phew made it. Felt good but with only 50sec rest I could not do that again. Nonetheless I made the goal to be consistent with going out and then back at the same effort. Before I used to go out easy and come home hard, then have time left on the watch or go further than the starting point.
Was really happy with today's session - even if Eddie did fly past me on the second one. Thought he was supposed to be recuperating????
The hills I felt really good on. Actually felt I could have kept going. The last one is always tough - all the way over the bridge to the starting point.
The worst bit about today was the warm down. Tess and I headed off and I was knackered already so the last thing I felt like was a few km run around Southbank. But I know it did the legs good to work out those muscles (YES they are there hiding somewhere :BIGGRIN: )
Tess is officially WATER STATION SARGENT for the Lest We Forget Marathon. How exciting. That water is going to taste damn good too!
I volunteered to pace the 1hr 30min group in the half marathon but got refused by the snooty race director. Apparently he thinks I wouldn't be the right person for the job. WTF? Okay so maybe having a half PB of 1:53 is not going to cut it. Maybe next year.
Gonna have to bribe him now to get a job on the finish line.....
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Knobby Knees Run
Pat had us down for a long warm up, 15min of Fartlek and then the cool down. All up about 11km.
Headed over to New Farm area to do the Fartlek. The warmup with the group is getting quite fast. I was not feeling comfortable with the pace - thought I was using up all my precious speed energy in the warm up.
After a few mins of stretching and then some stride outs I felt a lot better.
The group is getting really big now and the start can be a bit congested. Luckily it is not a race!!!
Went out for 1min fast then 1min jog, then 30sec fast then 30sec then 15sec sprint. 15ec rest then repeat all over x4.
I stayed as close as possible to Tess but I notice that my recovery jogs are always a lot slower than hers so she gets in front and then it is a mad race to try to close the gap when we are both running hard. I really need the slow recovery pace - especially after the 1min effort.
Tess had a big weekend - did 32km at 5:08pace on Saturday then followed it up with a 5km hard race. The first few km of the race was good pace just trying to get past everyone then with the last few km to go she took off and got home in 21:04. Just shy of her PB and a great effort.
So after all that I thought for sure she would be slack today, but no not our Tess. She still gave it everything she had with sore calves and all!!
My knee was so painful today but when the speedwork started it went away. Now it is back again. Can't wait to see what UQ tell me tomorrow when I go there for an assessment..
Headed over to New Farm area to do the Fartlek. The warmup with the group is getting quite fast. I was not feeling comfortable with the pace - thought I was using up all my precious speed energy in the warm up.
After a few mins of stretching and then some stride outs I felt a lot better.
The group is getting really big now and the start can be a bit congested. Luckily it is not a race!!!
Went out for 1min fast then 1min jog, then 30sec fast then 30sec then 15sec sprint. 15ec rest then repeat all over x4.
I stayed as close as possible to Tess but I notice that my recovery jogs are always a lot slower than hers so she gets in front and then it is a mad race to try to close the gap when we are both running hard. I really need the slow recovery pace - especially after the 1min effort.
Tess had a big weekend - did 32km at 5:08pace on Saturday then followed it up with a 5km hard race. The first few km of the race was good pace just trying to get past everyone then with the last few km to go she took off and got home in 21:04. Just shy of her PB and a great effort.
So after all that I thought for sure she would be slack today, but no not our Tess. She still gave it everything she had with sore calves and all!!
My knee was so painful today but when the speedwork started it went away. Now it is back again. Can't wait to see what UQ tell me tomorrow when I go there for an assessment..
Monday, March 07, 2005
CLAIRIES WEEKEND IN MEXICO MELBOURNE
Arrived in Melbourne at 8am Friday and started to get excited about a weekend in Mexico. Woohoo long weekend.
My clients did not want to wait around in the taxi line so we grabbed a limo and headed for our hotel. After dropping our bags off we walked the streets of Melbourne and spent most of the afternoon at the Motor Show.
My legs were killing me by now. Had high heeled boots on since 6am flight - not the best to walk for 6 hours in!!
We headed out to Lygon St that night for a great feed. After dinner I got a cab back to the hotel to get an early night. Little did I know there was a Bucks night in the room above so all I heard until 1am –when they were kicked out of the hotel, was screaming and laughing and swearing.
I was so tired by now that I just wanted to go home to my own bed. My legs ached and I wasn’t looking forward to another two days of this.
Got up super early ready for my run around the TAN. Walked through the city and just got to Flinders Station before the rain bucketed down. Think I should have taken ObiWan up on his offer of a lift!!!!
I kept going after a few minutes and proceeded to head up to the top of the TAN. Got there and did not see any crowds so I asked some people who were running around. They said the VRRC was around the other side for this mornings run. I wasn’t even sure where I was and if I was already on the Tan so I just tucked in with some runners who said they would show me the way....well this guy was fast. He was warming up and I think doing 4.30/km. I was trying to keep up but this was my racing pace…NOT FAIR! Then they told me how they were training for Comrades and I began to think I made a big mistake coming along for this run.
Arrived at the start and realised I had done more than 5km just to get there! After stretching and registering for the run I went in search of some coolrunners. I met up with PaulC, OBiWan, SlowSue and Superflake. Great bunch of runners.
Not long after that the race started and the early runners headed out. It was a handicapped race so we were all going off in the aim of finishing at the same time of 55mins.
PaulC and I went out at 15mins (=40min 8km) whilst Obi and Superflake hung around for about 22/23mins (=32min 8km).
The first lap was an eye opener. The hill I had run down in my warm up was now the one I was puffing up (Anderson St). It wasn’t too steep though and as it was the beginning of the run I actually liked the change in gradient. The first lap was done in 30sec better than our target which was pretty good considering Paul and I were chatting the whole way.
The rain started coming down then so now I was cold AND wet and thinking about the long walk home already! That was when I got to the Anderson St hill for the second lap. I knew I was either going to speed up and race this or just call it quits and walk. I wasn’t a quitter so off I took. My lungs were burning and my legs went into shock. Got to the top and kept going but at a slower pace for a few minutes to get by breath back. Enjoyed the last 2km of the run but didn’t really feel like doing much of a kick. I think the past few weeks of hard running was finally catching up with me.
Finished in 54mins 10sec which means a 39.10 8km. I didn’t feel hot and sweaty like I normally do and had to put a jacket on straight after the run (how novel!!).
I hung around and got some piccies and had breakfast courtesy of the VRRC. Superflake dropped me off in the city and I started walking back to the hotel. It was a lovely walk but I just wanted to get warm and dry and was in need of a hot cup of coffee.
I turned up a wrong street and ended up in Chinatown. A girl was surrounded by a group of 15-20 men, one of whom just hit her. I was terrified. I was in my running gear with just my camera and mobile phone. I phoned hubby so I could talk to someone as I walked past.
The girl was crying and screaming and I was about to stop and go to her when she kicked and slapped one of the guys and then came running in my direction. I had not stopped walking. The language coming out of her mouth was quite choice! The guys were laughing at her and she was still yelling. Makeup was all over her face. One of the guys went up to her and grabbed her, my hubby told me to just keep walking fast, I glanced back and they were kissing. Another fight between two of the guys was now getting all the attention of the group and I was almost out of range. It was terrifying.
The thing I was most angry about was my inability to stop in the first instance to ask if she needed any help. I should have called the police, not my husband. Ok so some people live like that but maybe it is because people like me just keep walking and don’t do anything about it?
I spent an hour in the bath at the hotel before walking back into the city. I shopped and shopped then went back to Chinatown. It was all hustle and bustle of a Saturday afternoon with no sign of gangs or any trouble. I went in and had Peking Duck for lunch as a treat YUMMMM!
Later that night I got in touch with wobbly man and called off the run for the following morning. My feet were so sore from all the walking and running. Also I knew I was in for another late night with my clients.
Sunday I spent at the Queen Victoria Markets and got a call from hubby to say the bank had rung. Apparently they thought someone had stolen my credit card and was running around Melbourne chalking up a list of expenses…..mmmm I knew then I should stop shopping so I got a jam doughnut (how good are they!!!) and waited around the city for my clients to finish at the Grand Prix. We limo’d back to the airport and flew out for the warmer weather.
Now that I am back safe and sound I feel a bit slack for not running Sunday. My legs might feel like they did a marathon this weekend but most of it was walking. I covered 16km on Saturday running - 10km at close to race pace and then 6km of jogging. I think I did at least twice that in walking.
Still having Friday AND Sunday off makes me feel like a slacker. It’s a mental thing. My legs welcome the break but my head is telling me I am loosing form with every rest day. I won’t have any excuse come Tuesday to do well at this weeks speedwork.
My clients did not want to wait around in the taxi line so we grabbed a limo and headed for our hotel. After dropping our bags off we walked the streets of Melbourne and spent most of the afternoon at the Motor Show.
My legs were killing me by now. Had high heeled boots on since 6am flight - not the best to walk for 6 hours in!!
We headed out to Lygon St that night for a great feed. After dinner I got a cab back to the hotel to get an early night. Little did I know there was a Bucks night in the room above so all I heard until 1am –when they were kicked out of the hotel, was screaming and laughing and swearing.
I was so tired by now that I just wanted to go home to my own bed. My legs ached and I wasn’t looking forward to another two days of this.
Got up super early ready for my run around the TAN. Walked through the city and just got to Flinders Station before the rain bucketed down. Think I should have taken ObiWan up on his offer of a lift!!!!
I kept going after a few minutes and proceeded to head up to the top of the TAN. Got there and did not see any crowds so I asked some people who were running around. They said the VRRC was around the other side for this mornings run. I wasn’t even sure where I was and if I was already on the Tan so I just tucked in with some runners who said they would show me the way....well this guy was fast. He was warming up and I think doing 4.30/km. I was trying to keep up but this was my racing pace…NOT FAIR! Then they told me how they were training for Comrades and I began to think I made a big mistake coming along for this run.
Arrived at the start and realised I had done more than 5km just to get there! After stretching and registering for the run I went in search of some coolrunners. I met up with PaulC, OBiWan, SlowSue and Superflake. Great bunch of runners.
Not long after that the race started and the early runners headed out. It was a handicapped race so we were all going off in the aim of finishing at the same time of 55mins.
PaulC and I went out at 15mins (=40min 8km) whilst Obi and Superflake hung around for about 22/23mins (=32min 8km).
The first lap was an eye opener. The hill I had run down in my warm up was now the one I was puffing up (Anderson St). It wasn’t too steep though and as it was the beginning of the run I actually liked the change in gradient. The first lap was done in 30sec better than our target which was pretty good considering Paul and I were chatting the whole way.
The rain started coming down then so now I was cold AND wet and thinking about the long walk home already! That was when I got to the Anderson St hill for the second lap. I knew I was either going to speed up and race this or just call it quits and walk. I wasn’t a quitter so off I took. My lungs were burning and my legs went into shock. Got to the top and kept going but at a slower pace for a few minutes to get by breath back. Enjoyed the last 2km of the run but didn’t really feel like doing much of a kick. I think the past few weeks of hard running was finally catching up with me.
Finished in 54mins 10sec which means a 39.10 8km. I didn’t feel hot and sweaty like I normally do and had to put a jacket on straight after the run (how novel!!).
I hung around and got some piccies and had breakfast courtesy of the VRRC. Superflake dropped me off in the city and I started walking back to the hotel. It was a lovely walk but I just wanted to get warm and dry and was in need of a hot cup of coffee.
I turned up a wrong street and ended up in Chinatown. A girl was surrounded by a group of 15-20 men, one of whom just hit her. I was terrified. I was in my running gear with just my camera and mobile phone. I phoned hubby so I could talk to someone as I walked past.
The girl was crying and screaming and I was about to stop and go to her when she kicked and slapped one of the guys and then came running in my direction. I had not stopped walking. The language coming out of her mouth was quite choice! The guys were laughing at her and she was still yelling. Makeup was all over her face. One of the guys went up to her and grabbed her, my hubby told me to just keep walking fast, I glanced back and they were kissing. Another fight between two of the guys was now getting all the attention of the group and I was almost out of range. It was terrifying.
The thing I was most angry about was my inability to stop in the first instance to ask if she needed any help. I should have called the police, not my husband. Ok so some people live like that but maybe it is because people like me just keep walking and don’t do anything about it?
I spent an hour in the bath at the hotel before walking back into the city. I shopped and shopped then went back to Chinatown. It was all hustle and bustle of a Saturday afternoon with no sign of gangs or any trouble. I went in and had Peking Duck for lunch as a treat YUMMMM!
Later that night I got in touch with wobbly man and called off the run for the following morning. My feet were so sore from all the walking and running. Also I knew I was in for another late night with my clients.
Sunday I spent at the Queen Victoria Markets and got a call from hubby to say the bank had rung. Apparently they thought someone had stolen my credit card and was running around Melbourne chalking up a list of expenses…..mmmm I knew then I should stop shopping so I got a jam doughnut (how good are they!!!) and waited around the city for my clients to finish at the Grand Prix. We limo’d back to the airport and flew out for the warmer weather.
Now that I am back safe and sound I feel a bit slack for not running Sunday. My legs might feel like they did a marathon this weekend but most of it was walking. I covered 16km on Saturday running - 10km at close to race pace and then 6km of jogging. I think I did at least twice that in walking.
Still having Friday AND Sunday off makes me feel like a slacker. It’s a mental thing. My legs welcome the break but my head is telling me I am loosing form with every rest day. I won’t have any excuse come Tuesday to do well at this weeks speedwork.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Speed Session + 1km No Watch Run
Did not sleep well at all last night. Tossed and turned and heard every noise. Also tried waiting for hubby to come to bed so I kept the light on but turns out he came to bed just before midnight. No wonder I was so restless all night.
Got up at 5.15am and felt ok but it didn't improve from there. Legs were not sore but just real tired and heavy.
Started out early for the warm up - one of our longer ones past the boat shed and did heaps of stretching. Felt better but thought I would still take it easy today.
Pat said 6 x 2min with 1min recovery but after the first 2min we had 50sec recovery and it got smaller from there.
We ended up doing 4 x 2min and then a final 2min effort to the start of the 1km mark.
From there we all had to pay a gold coin donation and guess our time to do 1km. What a joke. I wanted to go slow so put the time of 5:13 down. Went slow but still did 4:37. Not many of us were even close to our guesses. We were so used to doing that marked out km so fast (for our time trials) that we all ran faster than we guessed.
The money was all donated to Camp Quality and the winner (closest person to their guess) got the receipt for the donation for their tax return.
Hopefully by the end of the year we raise enough money to send 2 children away to Camp Quality.
After our cool down some merchandisers were giving away free Up and Go cereal bars. So appropriate for us fit looking people. We had a little fun and thanked them for the lovely (ukky sweet!!!) bars.
A great way to end the week. I won't be running tomorrow - have a plane to catch.
So look out Melbournites here I come!
Got up at 5.15am and felt ok but it didn't improve from there. Legs were not sore but just real tired and heavy.
Started out early for the warm up - one of our longer ones past the boat shed and did heaps of stretching. Felt better but thought I would still take it easy today.
Pat said 6 x 2min with 1min recovery but after the first 2min we had 50sec recovery and it got smaller from there.
We ended up doing 4 x 2min and then a final 2min effort to the start of the 1km mark.
From there we all had to pay a gold coin donation and guess our time to do 1km. What a joke. I wanted to go slow so put the time of 5:13 down. Went slow but still did 4:37. Not many of us were even close to our guesses. We were so used to doing that marked out km so fast (for our time trials) that we all ran faster than we guessed.
The money was all donated to Camp Quality and the winner (closest person to their guess) got the receipt for the donation for their tax return.
Hopefully by the end of the year we raise enough money to send 2 children away to Camp Quality.
After our cool down some merchandisers were giving away free Up and Go cereal bars. So appropriate for us fit looking people. We had a little fun and thanked them for the lovely (ukky sweet!!!) bars.
A great way to end the week. I won't be running tomorrow - have a plane to catch.
So look out Melbournites here I come!
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