What a lot of fun today. Tess and I were marshalls at the finish line for the Park2Park run in Ipswich.
Great to see everyone out there running and helping out.
Best laugh of the day was when a bloke with his camera kept filming Tesso and I to the point where we were questioning his sanity. Instead of getting worried Tess just turned around and started to dance a little jig - had me in tears and still smiling thinking about it.
Also the bloke was not a weirdo - just trying to film the finish line - where we were standing - to catch his child coming home first!
Another funny moment was when we were packing up and Tess and I were trying to pull one of the banners down. I had climbed one tree and undid it but the other side was higher and harder. Tess tried to lift me up - but I am a heffalump and was also worried about breaking her arms! Then Run67 (Adrian) came bounding out of nowhere and like superman yelled 'out of the way' he ran up the hill towards the tree in the hope of getting up it. All he managed was a matrix like bend backwards as soon as he planted his feet on the tree. It was hilarious. I gave him a lift up then, and he got down the banner. But what a laugh :)
Michael - one of the guys Tess talked into doing the long run with her yesterday then fronted up for the half marathon today! Talk about Crazy. Still ran it in 1:44 with all his commando gear on so I was very impressed.
Great day out but after Saturday's run and working all day at the Park, I was exhausted. I went home and ate a big bowl of pasta, had a shower and spent some time with the kids. Allan then took them out shopping but I stayed home and he came back 2hrs later and I was still asleep. Love those nanny naps!!
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Saturday, July 30, 2005
SATURDAY LSD
Was just that sort of morning where you felt like greeting everyone you met along the path. The sun was shining (when it finally rose) the birds were chirping, the runners were all talking and puffing along. Very poetic.
Had a good group of us head out to do a 22.5km run around the river and back in along Fairfield Road. It is a undulating course with a few testers but mostly very pleasant. This was the first time I had run this course and I loved it.
We stopped about 4 times to allow the group to merge back together and for water breaks but never for more than a minute.
My legs were fine and I felt really strong on the hills (though Tesso still was flying past me). There was one constant hill where Tesso and I were running alongside and I was enjoying it and feeling good but Tesso - she was chatting away as if we were running downhill! I just nodded and typical wog kept gesticulating with my arms as a response.
When we finished back at the Ship Inn I was exhausted but a very happy girl. Damn if I didn't look in shock when Tesso said 'I'm heading out for another hour - anyone coming?' and off they went. The came back just as I was finishing my breaky and had done 32km!! Can't wait to do those long runs.
Had a good group of us head out to do a 22.5km run around the river and back in along Fairfield Road. It is a undulating course with a few testers but mostly very pleasant. This was the first time I had run this course and I loved it.
We stopped about 4 times to allow the group to merge back together and for water breaks but never for more than a minute.
My legs were fine and I felt really strong on the hills (though Tesso still was flying past me). There was one constant hill where Tesso and I were running alongside and I was enjoying it and feeling good but Tesso - she was chatting away as if we were running downhill! I just nodded and typical wog kept gesticulating with my arms as a response.
When we finished back at the Ship Inn I was exhausted but a very happy girl. Damn if I didn't look in shock when Tesso said 'I'm heading out for another hour - anyone coming?' and off they went. The came back just as I was finishing my breaky and had done 32km!! Can't wait to do those long runs.
Friday, July 29, 2005
Pump it Up!
What a laugh at the gym this morning!
Thought I would avoid the treadmill - so I dont end up doing too much running this week. Got onto one of the arm and leg thingys (what ARE they called?) but the music wouldn't work so I moved. Then moved then moved again. Finally a gal was nice enough to tell me the music won't turn on until you start it up ha ha ha. What a goose.
Anyhow I wish she had hung around to tell me HOW to start it up. I ended up having to put in my weight, DOB, eye colour etc just to get the damn thing moving! Crazy....
So after 10mins of that I was bored shitless and jumped off (yep you guessed it - didn't know how to stop stupid machine!).
Then the very greatest thing in the world happened to me. I did my chest press's, calves, hammy's and quads and headed over to the free weights to do my arms.
A big heavy guy with muscles was lifting two 10kg doing some tricep movements and then he was finished and went to put them down. He was breathing hard (keep reading this is not pornographic...) when I walked up and just as he put the weights down I picked them up. Okay so it was just a dumb thing to do but he just stared at me as I did 30x reps before walking away (grinning) to work my abductors.
When he left the gym I raced back over there and picked them up again to make sure it really happened and did 2x10 reps with them. Ha! I am getting stronger.
I am certainly getting more muscle somewhere - the scales have jumped up more than 2kg and I don't think I am getting fatter but geez I wish the damn flab would hurry up and disappear!!!
Thought I would avoid the treadmill - so I dont end up doing too much running this week. Got onto one of the arm and leg thingys (what ARE they called?) but the music wouldn't work so I moved. Then moved then moved again. Finally a gal was nice enough to tell me the music won't turn on until you start it up ha ha ha. What a goose.
Anyhow I wish she had hung around to tell me HOW to start it up. I ended up having to put in my weight, DOB, eye colour etc just to get the damn thing moving! Crazy....
So after 10mins of that I was bored shitless and jumped off (yep you guessed it - didn't know how to stop stupid machine!).
Then the very greatest thing in the world happened to me. I did my chest press's, calves, hammy's and quads and headed over to the free weights to do my arms.
A big heavy guy with muscles was lifting two 10kg doing some tricep movements and then he was finished and went to put them down. He was breathing hard (keep reading this is not pornographic...) when I walked up and just as he put the weights down I picked them up. Okay so it was just a dumb thing to do but he just stared at me as I did 30x reps before walking away (grinning) to work my abductors.
When he left the gym I raced back over there and picked them up again to make sure it really happened and did 2x10 reps with them. Ha! I am getting stronger.
I am certainly getting more muscle somewhere - the scales have jumped up more than 2kg and I don't think I am getting fatter but geez I wish the damn flab would hurry up and disappear!!!
Thursday, July 28, 2005
DEPRESSION; PAIN; DISMAY
After taking School of Pain last night on my own I was feeling a bit weary this morning. I didn't go hard or fast last night but still it was time spend on my legs and going up and down the ramp (hill) with the other runners.
When I finished the session I met up with Skizzik, Hannah, Tesso (who had been working late) and Karisma for drinks and pizza. I was the only smelly one there yuk! After my glass of 'red coffee' I decided that Tess and I would be more than capable of running 3:50 for each of our 4 x 1km repeats this morning....
As soon as the alarm went off I knew I was in for a hard session. I was not tired but my body felt tired. My legs felt like thick bags of cement yet I assumed they would sort themselves out during the warm up.
Lizzle turned up so it really felt like old times. Yaaa!!! The warm up was good. Didn't really feel bad but my stomach was a bit gurgling at the end and I wasn't sure if I needed to go for a pee or not but decided I didn't.
Felt great after the strides and really was looking forward to getting this session over with to see what would develop....I really shouldn't have bothered.
Tesso said we had to chase Tori - who is really fast. So off we went and I pushed ahead to get Tori. Kept her real close but busted a gut doing it. Went through the first km in 3:48 (500m in 1:50). Rested for 90sec but never got into a decent rythem again. Tried to keep with Tesso and Liz on the second but just after 500m they surged ahead and I found my own personal quicksand. Pulled in at 4:18. The remaining two were slow as well, both 4:12 but I was starting to feel better so I settled with that as a compromise. Tess and Liz were on fire with 4:00's and 4:04s.
Tess was right when she said this morning that my endurance is what I have lost. The gym work kept my fitness up and I don't think the short sharp speed is a problem, but maintaining pace and form over a period of time is really hard for me right now - I'm devastated but I guess I really shouldn't be, after all I am RUNNING AGAIN *bigclaps for clairie*
Looking forward to my long run on Saturday. 21kms woo hoo. Will be a good training run around the river with friends. After that I will nominate a time for Noosa Half.
Gym tomorrow to work the arms and take the load off my legs for a day.
When I finished the session I met up with Skizzik, Hannah, Tesso (who had been working late) and Karisma for drinks and pizza. I was the only smelly one there yuk! After my glass of 'red coffee' I decided that Tess and I would be more than capable of running 3:50 for each of our 4 x 1km repeats this morning....
As soon as the alarm went off I knew I was in for a hard session. I was not tired but my body felt tired. My legs felt like thick bags of cement yet I assumed they would sort themselves out during the warm up.
Lizzle turned up so it really felt like old times. Yaaa!!! The warm up was good. Didn't really feel bad but my stomach was a bit gurgling at the end and I wasn't sure if I needed to go for a pee or not but decided I didn't.
Felt great after the strides and really was looking forward to getting this session over with to see what would develop....I really shouldn't have bothered.
Tesso said we had to chase Tori - who is really fast. So off we went and I pushed ahead to get Tori. Kept her real close but busted a gut doing it. Went through the first km in 3:48 (500m in 1:50). Rested for 90sec but never got into a decent rythem again. Tried to keep with Tesso and Liz on the second but just after 500m they surged ahead and I found my own personal quicksand. Pulled in at 4:18. The remaining two were slow as well, both 4:12 but I was starting to feel better so I settled with that as a compromise. Tess and Liz were on fire with 4:00's and 4:04s.
Tess was right when she said this morning that my endurance is what I have lost. The gym work kept my fitness up and I don't think the short sharp speed is a problem, but maintaining pace and form over a period of time is really hard for me right now - I'm devastated but I guess I really shouldn't be, after all I am RUNNING AGAIN *bigclaps for clairie*
Looking forward to my long run on Saturday. 21kms woo hoo. Will be a good training run around the river with friends. After that I will nominate a time for Noosa Half.
Gym tomorrow to work the arms and take the load off my legs for a day.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Ready for Speedwork...
Well I thought I was ready for speed work, that was until we headed out this morning and had a 1min/1min, 30sec/30sec and 15sec/15sec workout to do.
Was feeling good on the first two sets, didn't push the envelope and I physically felt I was holding back but I thought I best do this to enable me to perform more consistently. However the third one was hard. Then Anna Bligh - our local member - was running with us and pulled up so I went to make sure she was okay (it was her first time at Pat's). She was okay just recovering from flu and not used to speedwork. So I missed a 1min/1min rep and then fell way back.
Tried to catch up and had almost done this when we got back to the start. Then just Pat yelled out 'last one'. I pushed myself really hard because
a. that's what I was there for and
b. stopping to check on Anna had given me a not wanted but much needed rest
c. I wanted to close the gap between Tesso and I after falling so far behind!!!!
Then I heard Pat say 'all the way to the end after we turned around and I groaned (loudly I think).
Sure enough as fate would have it - I was running pretty fast and picking of the people I had just managed to pass on the way out - when Pat was behind me yelling "don't let me catch you clairie!" So I went harder and he yelled "thats great keep it going" which made me feel good and push a bit more. Man I went harder than I ever had and got to the end in very good time.
Damn it though I was almost vomiting and my legs were wobbly and throbbing - I kid you not.
I almost collapsed when Pat said 'grab your gear lets do one more on the way home'.... I had nothing in the tank. I was so dejected. I had tried so so hard and done well but had no inclination or energy to do one more.
Then Jan came up. She smiled at me and said 'lets do this'. So I took off with her. She is fast and along the way dropped her jumper so I got in front a slight edge and told myself - 'just keep in front and finish it off'.
Well I did and I am really happy with myself but I never want to feel so dejected again like I did after that last effort. I know Pat throws in these things all the time so I normally keep SOMETHING in reserve.... but not today with him chasing me. I guess it's runs like this that will see me improve. Damn not looking forward to the next one then :)
Was feeling good on the first two sets, didn't push the envelope and I physically felt I was holding back but I thought I best do this to enable me to perform more consistently. However the third one was hard. Then Anna Bligh - our local member - was running with us and pulled up so I went to make sure she was okay (it was her first time at Pat's). She was okay just recovering from flu and not used to speedwork. So I missed a 1min/1min rep and then fell way back.
Tried to catch up and had almost done this when we got back to the start. Then just Pat yelled out 'last one'. I pushed myself really hard because
a. that's what I was there for and
b. stopping to check on Anna had given me a not wanted but much needed rest
c. I wanted to close the gap between Tesso and I after falling so far behind!!!!
Then I heard Pat say 'all the way to the end after we turned around and I groaned (loudly I think).
Sure enough as fate would have it - I was running pretty fast and picking of the people I had just managed to pass on the way out - when Pat was behind me yelling "don't let me catch you clairie!" So I went harder and he yelled "thats great keep it going" which made me feel good and push a bit more. Man I went harder than I ever had and got to the end in very good time.
Damn it though I was almost vomiting and my legs were wobbly and throbbing - I kid you not.
I almost collapsed when Pat said 'grab your gear lets do one more on the way home'.... I had nothing in the tank. I was so dejected. I had tried so so hard and done well but had no inclination or energy to do one more.
Then Jan came up. She smiled at me and said 'lets do this'. So I took off with her. She is fast and along the way dropped her jumper so I got in front a slight edge and told myself - 'just keep in front and finish it off'.
Well I did and I am really happy with myself but I never want to feel so dejected again like I did after that last effort. I know Pat throws in these things all the time so I normally keep SOMETHING in reserve.... but not today with him chasing me. I guess it's runs like this that will see me improve. Damn not looking forward to the next one then :)
Monday, July 25, 2005
Punishment
*groan* it was hard to leave my nice warm bed this morning but after the excesses of the weekend I was determined to put things right by a good hard workout at the gym.
With two speed sessions planned for this week I knew I had to take it easy on the treadmill, so I told myself I would just warm up for 10mins before hitting the weights. However after 5mins I felt like a wuss that it was almost over so upped the pace to 4min/km and finished off with 5mins of hard effort.
Then hit the weights and whilst in between reps on the calf machine I think I actually fell asleep! This morning was so hard but I kept at it and feel I gave everything I had in me. My arms are throbbing and certainly not feeling strong like they did last week.
Might need to get to sleep tonight earlier than usual or start taking some vitamins, I have a big week ahead of me and don't want to drag myself through until the weekend.
Tess please....promise me no more parties until after Noosa!!! *wickedlaugh* but it was fun :)
With two speed sessions planned for this week I knew I had to take it easy on the treadmill, so I told myself I would just warm up for 10mins before hitting the weights. However after 5mins I felt like a wuss that it was almost over so upped the pace to 4min/km and finished off with 5mins of hard effort.
Then hit the weights and whilst in between reps on the calf machine I think I actually fell asleep! This morning was so hard but I kept at it and feel I gave everything I had in me. My arms are throbbing and certainly not feeling strong like they did last week.
Might need to get to sleep tonight earlier than usual or start taking some vitamins, I have a big week ahead of me and don't want to drag myself through until the weekend.
Tess please....promise me no more parties until after Noosa!!! *wickedlaugh* but it was fun :)
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Saturday Long Run
ABOVE: Nick, Clairie, Ciaran, Tesso and Tara
I forgot how draining the long run can be. Went out and did around 17km this morning. Did one km in 4:34 - that was about 4km from finish but knew I couldn't sustain it so we slowed down to 5:20. I smelt the end though and did the last one in 4:50 - I was soooo exhausted by then I would have gone faster if it meant finishing sooner!
Should have kept going as I left my protein drink at home on the bench but decided to stay and have coffee and toast with everyone else and wait for Tesso & Co to return - they had been doing a 24k loop and I didn't think I was up to that long just yet.
Cleaned the house like a frenzied mamma followed by a nice granny nap and am now on my way over to Tesso's for a big night out. Glennos 40th Birthday. Should be fun. Hope we dont get persuaded by Nick again to wear napkins on our heads like the above shot at last weeks Pat Carrol Dinner!!!!!! Talk about embarressing!
Friday, July 22, 2005
Hard Efforts
This morning I went to the Gym and for the first time in weeks actually noticed that the weights are having an effect.
You know how I can tell? The flabby bits on my arms don't flap as much! How cool is that.
To remain fresh for tomorrows long run (the only one that actually feels like I am running it seems) I opted to do a walk on a very high incline for my warmup instead of a run. 15mins of walking is really quite boring!
Without the sweat-pouring effects of a run I decided to go hard on the weights and increased them all by 5kg. Well except for the bicep curls. Afterall I don't want to go home and have hubby say "are you here to fix the washing machine because my wife should be home any minute now....." so I will continue with increasing my reps but maintaining the weights so I don't get butch or anything. (note - for all you gay {can i use that word????} girls out there I don't think there is anything wrong personally with appearing to be butch, I just choose to keep my feminity!)
So back to me.....
Realised it was 8am so I had been at it for 2 hours. Headed for the showers and didn't give a damn, I don't think I would have been able to hold the towel up let alone carry it into the shower with me anyhow.
So now it is the end of the day and I can really vouch for a tough morning session. Great way to end the week and you won't feel as bad when you OD on the vino at the work lunch :)
You know how I can tell? The flabby bits on my arms don't flap as much! How cool is that.
To remain fresh for tomorrows long run (the only one that actually feels like I am running it seems) I opted to do a walk on a very high incline for my warmup instead of a run. 15mins of walking is really quite boring!
Without the sweat-pouring effects of a run I decided to go hard on the weights and increased them all by 5kg. Well except for the bicep curls. Afterall I don't want to go home and have hubby say "are you here to fix the washing machine because my wife should be home any minute now....." so I will continue with increasing my reps but maintaining the weights so I don't get butch or anything. (note - for all you gay {can i use that word????} girls out there I don't think there is anything wrong personally with appearing to be butch, I just choose to keep my feminity!)
So back to me.....
Realised it was 8am so I had been at it for 2 hours. Headed for the showers and didn't give a damn, I don't think I would have been able to hold the towel up let alone carry it into the shower with me anyhow.
So now it is the end of the day and I can really vouch for a tough morning session. Great way to end the week and you won't feel as bad when you OD on the vino at the work lunch :)
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Lazy Bones
Absolutely nothing this morning. Can't remember the last time I slept in on a week day and woke up with my hubby.
Stayed up most of last night working on a tender document - and a damn fine job I did too! So I decided to skip the gym and get some extra shut eye.
Feeling abit "blah" at the moment but hopefully things will improve.
Have 'SCHOOL OF PAIN' tonight as Tess and I have come to describe our beginners speed session that we take each Wednesday night for Intraining (thanks for the apt description Melski!). Should be fun tonight as we are going to go very hard, then finish 15mins early to have a glass of wine/coffee/beer and socialise with the group a bit afterwards.
Stayed up most of last night working on a tender document - and a damn fine job I did too! So I decided to skip the gym and get some extra shut eye.
Feeling abit "blah" at the moment but hopefully things will improve.
Have 'SCHOOL OF PAIN' tonight as Tess and I have come to describe our beginners speed session that we take each Wednesday night for Intraining (thanks for the apt description Melski!). Should be fun tonight as we are going to go very hard, then finish 15mins early to have a glass of wine/coffee/beer and socialise with the group a bit afterwards.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Exhaustion Sets In
Okay so I am fully recovered from the weekend - now I just need to recover from this mornings speed session with Pat. Man I forgot the pain and the hurt! I thought I had just been missing out on fun and catching up with friends twice a weeek!!!
This morning we headed out towards New Farm, took a detour and did a hill rep with Tesso (well actually I needed to go to the toilet and it was at the top of a hill in the gardens and Tess was my bodyguard....) then we had to up the pace somewhat to catch up to the rest of the group. Talk about a warm up!
Pat said a few words about Saturday night - the big formal dinner. It was loads of fun and can't wait till we do it again. Anyhow then it was straight into it.
I found the strides quite hard to do as there was so many runners and I got stuck at the back. So on the second one I bolted to the front just so i could get out of the crowd. I went hard on the strides - I wanted to make sure my legs were prepared for the speedwork.
Before long it was on - 30sec fast, 30sec slow - though Pat said to not go too slow, make sure the heart rate was kept up and it would end up being a solid 20min session but not be as taxing on the body as a 20min steady session. It was a great morning but I just had to go slow on the slower ones. I needed to get my breath back.
Pat threw in a few 1mins which really sorted the wheat from the chaff and yes....I was the chaff. Not to worry at least I realised I had not lost as MUCH fitness as I thought. A few weeks and I should be back to square one and up there trying to chase Tesso again.
My goal for the year is renewed. Tesso I am out to get you. *biggrin*
Seriously though, Tess is the official 1:50 pacer for the Noosa Half. So I would like to think that I will have some speed back to be able to finish in front of her. Might even run with her and then just take off in the last kilometre. Guess I had better get a few solid weeks of training in before I make too many rash gestures of competition :)
This morning we headed out towards New Farm, took a detour and did a hill rep with Tesso (well actually I needed to go to the toilet and it was at the top of a hill in the gardens and Tess was my bodyguard....) then we had to up the pace somewhat to catch up to the rest of the group. Talk about a warm up!
Pat said a few words about Saturday night - the big formal dinner. It was loads of fun and can't wait till we do it again. Anyhow then it was straight into it.
I found the strides quite hard to do as there was so many runners and I got stuck at the back. So on the second one I bolted to the front just so i could get out of the crowd. I went hard on the strides - I wanted to make sure my legs were prepared for the speedwork.
Before long it was on - 30sec fast, 30sec slow - though Pat said to not go too slow, make sure the heart rate was kept up and it would end up being a solid 20min session but not be as taxing on the body as a 20min steady session. It was a great morning but I just had to go slow on the slower ones. I needed to get my breath back.
Pat threw in a few 1mins which really sorted the wheat from the chaff and yes....I was the chaff. Not to worry at least I realised I had not lost as MUCH fitness as I thought. A few weeks and I should be back to square one and up there trying to chase Tesso again.
My goal for the year is renewed. Tesso I am out to get you. *biggrin*
Seriously though, Tess is the official 1:50 pacer for the Noosa Half. So I would like to think that I will have some speed back to be able to finish in front of her. Might even run with her and then just take off in the last kilometre. Guess I had better get a few solid weeks of training in before I make too many rash gestures of competition :)
Monday, July 18, 2005
Mondayitis
Don't know how I pulled myself out of bed - I am STILL suffering from lack of sleep from Saturday night. AND my house is a pigsty *groan*
Arrived at the gym just before 6am. As soon as I got running I was okay. Did 3km warm up at 5 min pace on a gradient. Then headed over to do some weights.
I put my compression bandaged on my knee this morning after my shower - it is feeling tingly and I hope the Bakers Cyst is not going to be a recurring thing.
At work now and all I really want to do is go back to bed. 90mins at the gym only made me more tired and achy all over :(
Will try to go to bed by 8am tonight and WON'T stay up late reading Paula Radcliffes book!
Arrived at the gym just before 6am. As soon as I got running I was okay. Did 3km warm up at 5 min pace on a gradient. Then headed over to do some weights.
I put my compression bandaged on my knee this morning after my shower - it is feeling tingly and I hope the Bakers Cyst is not going to be a recurring thing.
At work now and all I really want to do is go back to bed. 90mins at the gym only made me more tired and achy all over :(
Will try to go to bed by 8am tonight and WON'T stay up late reading Paula Radcliffes book!
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Met up with the Running Buddies at the Ship Inn at 6:30am for a long run. My very first long run with the group for many months. It was a good feeling.
Just headed out at a steady pace over Story Bridge and into New Farm park. We stopped a few places along the way for water, took a detour past Geoffs new house to have a look and then turned around and went back via the Botannical Gardens. A very pleasant run.
It felt like 17km but Tess assures me it was only 14km - damn!
Now off to get ready for the party tonight!
Just headed out at a steady pace over Story Bridge and into New Farm park. We stopped a few places along the way for water, took a detour past Geoffs new house to have a look and then turned around and went back via the Botannical Gardens. A very pleasant run.
It felt like 17km but Tess assures me it was only 14km - damn!
Now off to get ready for the party tonight!
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
It's a Wonderful Life....
Jumped out of bed today with joy in my heart. The day got crappy from there....
Decided to make my husbands lunch at the last minute so i was late leaving home, got to the gym and lost my carpark - so went to nearby parking. My coins didn't work so I had to reverse out (oh the shame) and wait for the attendant (who was late) to arrive.
He got in and then let me in - my coins were still showing so he let it slide.
Raced over to the gym and decided to just do a walk to warm up as I have a speed session tonight with Intraining. Everyone around me was running - and hard. So I was surrounded by runners (this is unusual in my gym) and feeling sad about it. As I was walking I wanted to scream out "I can run too". I turned off and left the treadmill and went into the weights.
The muscliest woman in the gym came up to me and starting to chat 'you've been coming here a while now, hows it all going'. As I was trying to grunt through some chest presses. Did she really expect me to talk back. So i stopped and chatted and lost more time.
Went to do my steches and realised my shorts were not designed for gym work - the ones with teh slits down the side. By then I didn't give a shit so the whole world got to see my lovely undies and I persistenly and stubbornly stretched and stretched.
Headed up to the showers where they were all taken - this has NEVER happened before. Waited and ironed my top - burnt it aaaarrrggh. Got into the shower and heard someone drop their stuff. Got out of the shower and stepped on a piece of glass.
Getting my car out of the carpark was a nightmare - the attendant had been changed and he wouldn't believe I had paid already. I drove off and am waiting for the police to arrive any minute *biggrin*
But you know what - I am sitting at my desk with my cup of coffee (the tea just wasn't going to cut it today) and feeling bloody fantastic. I ache from my efforts but it is a good ache. I feel strong and nothing can dampen my mood. I am really looking forward to running tonight followed by a long hot shower at home!
Decided to make my husbands lunch at the last minute so i was late leaving home, got to the gym and lost my carpark - so went to nearby parking. My coins didn't work so I had to reverse out (oh the shame) and wait for the attendant (who was late) to arrive.
He got in and then let me in - my coins were still showing so he let it slide.
Raced over to the gym and decided to just do a walk to warm up as I have a speed session tonight with Intraining. Everyone around me was running - and hard. So I was surrounded by runners (this is unusual in my gym) and feeling sad about it. As I was walking I wanted to scream out "I can run too". I turned off and left the treadmill and went into the weights.
The muscliest woman in the gym came up to me and starting to chat 'you've been coming here a while now, hows it all going'. As I was trying to grunt through some chest presses. Did she really expect me to talk back. So i stopped and chatted and lost more time.
Went to do my steches and realised my shorts were not designed for gym work - the ones with teh slits down the side. By then I didn't give a shit so the whole world got to see my lovely undies and I persistenly and stubbornly stretched and stretched.
Headed up to the showers where they were all taken - this has NEVER happened before. Waited and ironed my top - burnt it aaaarrrggh. Got into the shower and heard someone drop their stuff. Got out of the shower and stepped on a piece of glass.
Getting my car out of the carpark was a nightmare - the attendant had been changed and he wouldn't believe I had paid already. I drove off and am waiting for the police to arrive any minute *biggrin*
But you know what - I am sitting at my desk with my cup of coffee (the tea just wasn't going to cut it today) and feeling bloody fantastic. I ache from my efforts but it is a good ache. I feel strong and nothing can dampen my mood. I am really looking forward to running tonight followed by a long hot shower at home!
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Speed Kills
First speed session in 12 weeks - though you wouldn't know it. It looked like I was still jogging but the whole of my insides knew I was running hard.
Jogged the 3km warm up - felt great and wanted to keep going. Then after a few strides did 6 x 500m with 1min rest. I did them all under 2min with the first being the easiest and the second last the hardest. The last one was good and I felt strong but fading - managed to do 1:53.
I knew I would have a lot of work ahead of me but after this morning now I realise just how HARD that work is going to be. *groan* I might have a stronger body but the legs just aren't ticking over fast enough and I forgot what it was like to have your chest burning inside during an effort. Don't you just love that feeling when you finish a hard run and someone comes up to talk and you can only just look at them and pant.... that was me this morning! Doing the panting I might add! :)
So good to be running with Tesso again. Though I only just managed to keep with her this morning - and she did a marathon just over a week ago and it 'taking it easy' - personally I think she got faster whilst I was away *more groans*
Jogged the 3km warm up - felt great and wanted to keep going. Then after a few strides did 6 x 500m with 1min rest. I did them all under 2min with the first being the easiest and the second last the hardest. The last one was good and I felt strong but fading - managed to do 1:53.
I knew I would have a lot of work ahead of me but after this morning now I realise just how HARD that work is going to be. *groan* I might have a stronger body but the legs just aren't ticking over fast enough and I forgot what it was like to have your chest burning inside during an effort. Don't you just love that feeling when you finish a hard run and someone comes up to talk and you can only just look at them and pant.... that was me this morning! Doing the panting I might add! :)
So good to be running with Tesso again. Though I only just managed to keep with her this morning - and she did a marathon just over a week ago and it 'taking it easy' - personally I think she got faster whilst I was away *more groans*
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Winners are Grinners!
I won I won I won I won I won I Won I Won
How exciting a day can you get?
Turned up at BRRC and met with the most disgusting weather imaginable for Brisbane. It was cold and extremely windy. Most runners sat in their cars until the last minute to escape the biting wind and prevent themselves from being blown over. Seriously you had to lean forward just to walk anywhere.
My husband had come for his very first run with the BRRC (normally he just watches) and was giving me killer looks as we sat in the car hoping the wind would die down.
Eventually race excitment got the better of us and we got out to go and register. I signed up for the Novice 14km and Allanf or the open 7km.
A quick two laps of the grassy oval to warm up (and I mean WARM up - my hands were numb). Al didn't start until 15mins after me so he stole my warm jacket and I lined up with Tesso and Karisma in my tracksuit jacket (no way was it coming off).
The gun went off and so did Tess and I. The first km was really good. Felt like a warm up and we got into a rythmn fairly quickly. Out to the turn around and back past the finish - that meant 3km done. We were doing just under 5min/km even splits so I was happy to maintain that. After the turnaround we realised we were the first women and the competition was about 200m behind. Around the 4km mark my leg felt fantastic - totally lost it's tightness and started to want to run. It was here that I first realised I was going to finish this 14km run today if it killed me.
My longest run since Canberra and certainly not one that I had trained for but with Tesso chatting to me as I panted along it was a great deal of fun and I was just ecstatic to be running.
At the 10km mark I was both very very excited and very very tired. The really strong headwind was making us lean into the wind and if it stopped suddenly I would have fallen on my face! It was very discouraging. However the finish line was around the corner and Tess kept her mantra up "you can win this clairie you can win this".
As soon as the finish line was in sight my brain said 'lets do this' and my legs kicked into gear for a sprint finish. The funny thing was with the wind and my tiredness it felt like I was going fast but not getting anywhere.
I crossed the finish line one very happy chicky - thanks mostly to my bestest runnin pal Tesso.
It was great to see Skizzik come down to see us all finish and hubby had done well with his 7km race too. It was fun to cheer Hannah into a sprint finish as she crossed the line with a Shultzy - a male runner. So great day all round.
Did I mention I got a trophy? Well it is a ceramic cup. The tea just tastes soooooo good out of it. But of course now it will be washed and polished and put behind protective glass..... so this is what it feels like to win :)
How exciting a day can you get?
Turned up at BRRC and met with the most disgusting weather imaginable for Brisbane. It was cold and extremely windy. Most runners sat in their cars until the last minute to escape the biting wind and prevent themselves from being blown over. Seriously you had to lean forward just to walk anywhere.
My husband had come for his very first run with the BRRC (normally he just watches) and was giving me killer looks as we sat in the car hoping the wind would die down.
Eventually race excitment got the better of us and we got out to go and register. I signed up for the Novice 14km and Allanf or the open 7km.
A quick two laps of the grassy oval to warm up (and I mean WARM up - my hands were numb). Al didn't start until 15mins after me so he stole my warm jacket and I lined up with Tesso and Karisma in my tracksuit jacket (no way was it coming off).
The gun went off and so did Tess and I. The first km was really good. Felt like a warm up and we got into a rythmn fairly quickly. Out to the turn around and back past the finish - that meant 3km done. We were doing just under 5min/km even splits so I was happy to maintain that. After the turnaround we realised we were the first women and the competition was about 200m behind. Around the 4km mark my leg felt fantastic - totally lost it's tightness and started to want to run. It was here that I first realised I was going to finish this 14km run today if it killed me.
My longest run since Canberra and certainly not one that I had trained for but with Tesso chatting to me as I panted along it was a great deal of fun and I was just ecstatic to be running.
At the 10km mark I was both very very excited and very very tired. The really strong headwind was making us lean into the wind and if it stopped suddenly I would have fallen on my face! It was very discouraging. However the finish line was around the corner and Tess kept her mantra up "you can win this clairie you can win this".
As soon as the finish line was in sight my brain said 'lets do this' and my legs kicked into gear for a sprint finish. The funny thing was with the wind and my tiredness it felt like I was going fast but not getting anywhere.
I crossed the finish line one very happy chicky - thanks mostly to my bestest runnin pal Tesso.
It was great to see Skizzik come down to see us all finish and hubby had done well with his 7km race too. It was fun to cheer Hannah into a sprint finish as she crossed the line with a Shultzy - a male runner. So great day all round.
Did I mention I got a trophy? Well it is a ceramic cup. The tea just tastes soooooo good out of it. But of course now it will be washed and polished and put behind protective glass..... so this is what it feels like to win :)
Saturday, July 09, 2005
BRRC
Totally missed this feeling for the past three months - nerves!
Tomorrow morning I am going to attempt the 14km. I will be happy to do half without stopping and then see how the next 7km feel on the leg.
Tonight I am thinking about getting a good sleep, getting my racing gear ready, cleanig my shoes and setting the alarm. IT is a good feeling knowing I will be up early for a running event. Okay so it is not a serious race, but it is still exciting and I have missed this feeling of anticipation and aprehension for many weeks now.
Will let you know how I go :)
Tomorrow morning I am going to attempt the 14km. I will be happy to do half without stopping and then see how the next 7km feel on the leg.
Tonight I am thinking about getting a good sleep, getting my racing gear ready, cleanig my shoes and setting the alarm. IT is a good feeling knowing I will be up early for a running event. Okay so it is not a serious race, but it is still exciting and I have missed this feeling of anticipation and aprehension for many weeks now.
Will let you know how I go :)
Friday, July 08, 2005
Worst Sister in the World
Feeling really good about the leg. I just have to accept some form of ache for the next few months but that doesn't mean I can't run. Even going to attempt the BRRC 14km this Sunday for a lark.
Last night I got a call from my sister (Darwin bound) who does triathalons. She said she now has ITB. I didn't grin (MUCH!) but was very (OVERLY) sympathetic. hee hee hee
After 3 weeks she is already been told to have a cortison injection and no one has even suggested the rolling to her. Just stretches, rest, ice, voltaren etc. so first thing - I sent her out to buy a rolling thingy and some plastic cups to make ice (great for massaging the leg with and it ices at the same time).
Maybe this means it has left me and moved on to greener pastures (wishful thinking).
Went to Gym this morning and walked on the tready at a ridiculous incline. (I can honestly say I did rockclimb training this morning thats how vertical I was) followed by 60mins of intense weights.
I am getting more confident about lifting my little weights surrounded by beefcakes lifting their 1Tonne. The fact that I don't appear to be gaining any muscle is a bit perturbing but perhaps that is for the best.
Today is the very first day I have done sit ups in 5 years!!!
Shocking I know but I haven't really bothered with them before. I didn't understand how they could assist with my running. Now I am into the core-training and strengthening I feel the pressure to have the 6 pack like others around me. *groan*
Does anyone know of a red wine that gives 'instant tummy'?
Last night I got a call from my sister (Darwin bound) who does triathalons. She said she now has ITB. I didn't grin (MUCH!) but was very (OVERLY) sympathetic. hee hee hee
After 3 weeks she is already been told to have a cortison injection and no one has even suggested the rolling to her. Just stretches, rest, ice, voltaren etc. so first thing - I sent her out to buy a rolling thingy and some plastic cups to make ice (great for massaging the leg with and it ices at the same time).
Maybe this means it has left me and moved on to greener pastures (wishful thinking).
Went to Gym this morning and walked on the tready at a ridiculous incline. (I can honestly say I did rockclimb training this morning thats how vertical I was) followed by 60mins of intense weights.
I am getting more confident about lifting my little weights surrounded by beefcakes lifting their 1Tonne. The fact that I don't appear to be gaining any muscle is a bit perturbing but perhaps that is for the best.
Today is the very first day I have done sit ups in 5 years!!!
Shocking I know but I haven't really bothered with them before. I didn't understand how they could assist with my running. Now I am into the core-training and strengthening I feel the pressure to have the 6 pack like others around me. *groan*
Does anyone know of a red wine that gives 'instant tummy'?
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Felt great yesterday. Got up went to Pat's session. It was supposed to be just an easy run - after the Gold Coast marathon. Though I forgot it was only an easy run for those who are used to doing 60mins of speed work on a Tuesday morning.
Started out with a steady paced warm up with Langy. Was good to run and talk to someone (whenever I try to talk to the person on the tready next to me at the gym I get THE LOOK) with a love of running and an understanding of why we were all willing to give up our warm beds.
At the turn around those who hadn't done any races on the weekend (excuses everyone now please...) did 8 x 1min and the rest of us just kept on running at a steady pace. At just after 4km we turned around and headed home.
Pat joined up with me with 2km to go. He started chatting and before I knew it he was increasing the pace and I was struggling to keep up with him. But I did.
Got to the top of the bridge and he sprinted off....dammit how does he do that? I was left to finish the run puffing and panting like I had just run a 10km race. So sad.
Today I took it easy and ran for 20mins with an incline of 2 on the tready - nothing serious but I felt a bit of niggle.
Then tonight at the physio I was told I had lost 20% of movement capacity in my left leg. When I did the two stretches on video and he played it back I could see how I could not get anywhere near the stretch I could do in my right leg. Also the left leg (one with ITB for those who live on another planet) could not bend when I layed on my stomach on the bed very well. So strange. So back to more stretches and strategic exercises. Good thing is I can keep on with ramping up my running. I guess I just need to be more aware of my body without becoming a hypochondriac!!
Started out with a steady paced warm up with Langy. Was good to run and talk to someone (whenever I try to talk to the person on the tready next to me at the gym I get THE LOOK) with a love of running and an understanding of why we were all willing to give up our warm beds.
At the turn around those who hadn't done any races on the weekend (excuses everyone now please...) did 8 x 1min and the rest of us just kept on running at a steady pace. At just after 4km we turned around and headed home.
Pat joined up with me with 2km to go. He started chatting and before I knew it he was increasing the pace and I was struggling to keep up with him. But I did.
Got to the top of the bridge and he sprinted off....dammit how does he do that? I was left to finish the run puffing and panting like I had just run a 10km race. So sad.
Today I took it easy and ran for 20mins with an incline of 2 on the tready - nothing serious but I felt a bit of niggle.
Then tonight at the physio I was told I had lost 20% of movement capacity in my left leg. When I did the two stretches on video and he played it back I could see how I could not get anywhere near the stretch I could do in my right leg. Also the left leg (one with ITB for those who live on another planet) could not bend when I layed on my stomach on the bed very well. So strange. So back to more stretches and strategic exercises. Good thing is I can keep on with ramping up my running. I guess I just need to be more aware of my body without becoming a hypochondriac!!
Friday, July 01, 2005
Getting Close Now....
It is so very exciting seeing everyone getting nervous for the GC events. I am almost glad (not really) that I am not running so I can enjoy the atmosphere without my shocking nerves getting to me.
Great to hear Marty has caught the boat to come on down (or plane to be precise).
Hope you all say hello when you see me. I'll be at the Pacing stand at the expo handing out balloons or screaming at runners on the side of the road :)
SEE YOU ALL IN TWO SLEEPS.
Great to hear Marty has caught the boat to come on down (or plane to be precise).
Hope you all say hello when you see me. I'll be at the Pacing stand at the expo handing out balloons or screaming at runners on the side of the road :)
SEE YOU ALL IN TWO SLEEPS.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Walking Again
After my run on Sunday, Pats session yesterday and taking the intraining running group out tonight with Tesso I thought this morning should be just a walk.
Got on the treadmill and to compensate for not running put the pace to 7km/hr with the elevation up as high as it would go. Almost like walking vertically!
Did 15mins then headed over to the weights for 60mins and then spent extra long on the stretches and cooldown.
Feel very good now. mmm maybe I could do the full marathon on Sunday?
Got on the treadmill and to compensate for not running put the pace to 7km/hr with the elevation up as high as it would go. Almost like walking vertically!
Did 15mins then headed over to the weights for 60mins and then spent extra long on the stretches and cooldown.
Feel very good now. mmm maybe I could do the full marathon on Sunday?
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