Met up at the Regatta at 6am with the group. Normal stuff. Was hoping for a nice lesuirely 8km run but Coach Chris had other ideas.
There was a journalist there to interview both Chris and myself (and Tess) on Marathon running. As she is also a photographer she headed off before we started with her equipment in the hope of catching us as we ran past.
Sucked in the gut and held the head high but alas....could not do anything to hide the legs. :(
We ran the first 4km in 5min pace out to the turnaround and then Chris came up behind me and told me to keep with him. I had not worn my watch so had no idea of pace at all until after the run. I just kept with him and he said 'plan is to get faster each km - not by much though'. After the first km I was scared. This was fast and I had to get progressively faster??
Hit the hill just before the 2km mark (2km to the finish) and got a dry throat. It was very humid out there and I was sweating heaps and very thirsty. Still am (thirsty that is - not sweaty!!).
He upped the ante again and we got faster. He kept talking to me and telling me how good I was doing but I just responded with 'I can't' and started to slow a bit. Then he told me only 700 more meters to go and that inspired me. I went a bit faster so he kept on me to get faster and faster. We stopped at the 1km (to the finish) mark for the jog home.
Results.... *drum roll please*
4km out @ 5min/km
1km 4:33min/km
1km 4:20min/km
1km 3:56min/km
1km 5:15min/km - pulled up 10m short at the water bubbler.
Oh it was good to finish and I feel very confident now that I am going to cope with Canberra. Yeah clairie is going to kick butt!!!! (watch out Eddie...)
That's it now, no more runs of anything faster than 5min/km pace. No more long runs. Less than 20km all up to be run in the next 8days till Canberra. This is getting very very exciting.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Thursday, March 30, 2006
What the hell is going on???
someone is poisoning me...I am sure of it.
I had a good solid meal last night - and ate early as well. Long time coming!
Then had the best sleep (without need of laundry bucket) and woke up feeling very refreshed.
Went to Pats speed session. I was devastated. He was all geared up to do a 3km TT with me. He was actually going to run alongside and pace me to a good time. I had to decline and he was very disappointed. I just didn't feel up to it.
Instead I opted for the session everyone else was doing - which was 2km, 1km, 500m and 1km.
It was hard work the whole time and I was way way off what I normally do on this session. My HR was also through the roof sitting on around 182 most of the time.
So you can laugh, my times were: 8:21, 4:32, 1:56 and 4:27.
Normally I aim for running sub 8min, 3:55, 1:50 and 3:55.
What a joke.
Everyone was flying past me and I was getting more and more frustrated.
My only consolation is the nausea has abated. I just need to get my energy levels back up.
I had a good solid meal last night - and ate early as well. Long time coming!
Then had the best sleep (without need of laundry bucket) and woke up feeling very refreshed.
Went to Pats speed session. I was devastated. He was all geared up to do a 3km TT with me. He was actually going to run alongside and pace me to a good time. I had to decline and he was very disappointed. I just didn't feel up to it.
Instead I opted for the session everyone else was doing - which was 2km, 1km, 500m and 1km.
It was hard work the whole time and I was way way off what I normally do on this session. My HR was also through the roof sitting on around 182 most of the time.
So you can laugh, my times were: 8:21, 4:32, 1:56 and 4:27.
Normally I aim for running sub 8min, 3:55, 1:50 and 3:55.
What a joke.
Everyone was flying past me and I was getting more and more frustrated.
My only consolation is the nausea has abated. I just need to get my energy levels back up.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Early morning run
12 easy km this morning. Felt like crap and finished in a heap.
Thats what not running for 3 days does to you.
Thats what not running for 3 days does to you.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Crisis Averted
Thanks guys for your great suggestions and offers!!!
Will have to remember the Premier's jet for next time. :)
Hubby gave me a valium when I got home then calmly went through our Visa statements (we had 8 flights booked in Jan) and called Qantas and Virgin until between them we isolated a charge and flight booking.
I am booked. I am just stupid.
Depart on Friday at 3pm from Bris-Vegas.
As a Qantas frequent flyer I usually always travel Qantas but for some reason the prices must have been great on Virgin (return flight for $203) so I booked then.
I think I need a run now......
Will have to remember the Premier's jet for next time. :)
Hubby gave me a valium when I got home then calmly went through our Visa statements (we had 8 flights booked in Jan) and called Qantas and Virgin until between them we isolated a charge and flight booking.
I am booked. I am just stupid.
Depart on Friday at 3pm from Bris-Vegas.
As a Qantas frequent flyer I usually always travel Qantas but for some reason the prices must have been great on Virgin (return flight for $203) so I booked then.
I think I need a run now......
And you thought the news yesterday was bad......
today is even worse!!!
Great news from the Doctor. Not pregnant. Yippee. Can run again.
Am lactose intolerant so he thinks it is giving me symptoms that mimic the nausea and tiredness. Am on a strict bread and water diet for 3-4 days.
But fuck it my day got worse when my mother rang and asked for my itinery. I sent it to her and it was the one for my sisters wedding (the fortnight after). She said 'no the one for the marathon'.
I have forgotten to book my airfare.
Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.
Great news from the Doctor. Not pregnant. Yippee. Can run again.
Am lactose intolerant so he thinks it is giving me symptoms that mimic the nausea and tiredness. Am on a strict bread and water diet for 3-4 days.
But fuck it my day got worse when my mother rang and asked for my itinery. I sent it to her and it was the one for my sisters wedding (the fortnight after). She said 'no the one for the marathon'.
I have forgotten to book my airfare.
Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Worst possible news......
Took today off work after coming down ill Sunday morning. Not flu or cold but tummy ache and nausea.
Went into Doctor this afternoon and after some tests he has banned running.
He has also banned NSAID's - not that I had any for two days. I took 2 after my long run to help with the hip bursitis. Aside from them I have not had any since last week.
Test results back tomorrow as he stamped it with priority. Likely to be a big hula over nothing and I can guarantee you come hail or shine I will be out running Wednesday morning......regardless.
Went into Doctor this afternoon and after some tests he has banned running.
He has also banned NSAID's - not that I had any for two days. I took 2 after my long run to help with the hip bursitis. Aside from them I have not had any since last week.
Test results back tomorrow as he stamped it with priority. Likely to be a big hula over nothing and I can guarantee you come hail or shine I will be out running Wednesday morning......regardless.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Done like a Dinner
21km this morning. Have no idea of pace. Course could be out by 800m so not entirely accurate either - really just going by what everyone tells me we ran (those with Garmins).
From Regatta out to New Farm for a lap before coming home again.
Aside from 5:05 min/km pace for the warm up 2kms, Phil and I had a good solid pace going the rest of the way. We stopped at halfway and waited for the group to catch up. Then we moved out again - with me taking all my fluids and gu on the go, it was a good run.
Moved the pace up a notch and when we got back onto km markers we were doing 4:34 pace. Kept that up for the last 4km home then finished with a 4:21. No one was around me so hard to push it much past that. Would have liked Chilli Pants or Phil to egg me on to a faster finish.
So that's me. Done. Not quite burnt toast but nice and golden. Just have to sit back and ride out the next two weeks and wait anxiously to see what Tessos moves are.
Thinking of you girlfriend :) *waves madly*
Marshalling at BRRC tomorrow morning for the 7-35km self select.
From Regatta out to New Farm for a lap before coming home again.
Aside from 5:05 min/km pace for the warm up 2kms, Phil and I had a good solid pace going the rest of the way. We stopped at halfway and waited for the group to catch up. Then we moved out again - with me taking all my fluids and gu on the go, it was a good run.
Moved the pace up a notch and when we got back onto km markers we were doing 4:34 pace. Kept that up for the last 4km home then finished with a 4:21. No one was around me so hard to push it much past that. Would have liked Chilli Pants or Phil to egg me on to a faster finish.
So that's me. Done. Not quite burnt toast but nice and golden. Just have to sit back and ride out the next two weeks and wait anxiously to see what Tessos moves are.
Thinking of you girlfriend :) *waves madly*
Marshalling at BRRC tomorrow morning for the 7-35km self select.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Not that fast after all....
I went to bed all fired up that I would get up this morning and run damn hard.
I was hoping to do an 8km time trial so I could tell Eagle and he could then tell me what that meant in regards to a time at Canberra.
Unfortunately I got there and instead of sneaking off for a warmup Coach Chris wanted to talk to me and question me on every food I had been eating and what I was cooking for dinner tonight...(I'll know about 20mins beforehand!!!)
So no warm up. No taper of course either. I set off and told myself to be sensible and did 5min for 1st km. Then 4:50 for next one. Warmup complete. The next 5km I did at 4:30 pace but never got any faster until the last one which I then did at 4:20. It was hard work and I never felt anywhere near as comfortable as I did in the half marathon. It honestly felt like a 3km time trial the whole way!!! I just never got in the groove. :( I hope that doesn't happen at Canberra.
I had a smelly old man come up beside me and he had really bad BO. He said hello then went in front for a bit. I had to overtake just to breathe again but unfortunately that didn't sit well with him so he re-took the lead. I then slowed down to get some fresh air but he did too - was obviously wanting to stay with me but just in front. Dammit. Stupid smelly men why can't they wear deoderant like the rest of us???
Trust me when I finish a race all smelly and sweaty I am very conscious of it - but I never run without deoderant and will throw away old clothes once they become ingrained with the sweaty 'smell'. So by all means someone please tell me if I am one of those really bad smelly people won't you????
I was hoping to do an 8km time trial so I could tell Eagle and he could then tell me what that meant in regards to a time at Canberra.
Unfortunately I got there and instead of sneaking off for a warmup Coach Chris wanted to talk to me and question me on every food I had been eating and what I was cooking for dinner tonight...(I'll know about 20mins beforehand!!!)
So no warm up. No taper of course either. I set off and told myself to be sensible and did 5min for 1st km. Then 4:50 for next one. Warmup complete. The next 5km I did at 4:30 pace but never got any faster until the last one which I then did at 4:20. It was hard work and I never felt anywhere near as comfortable as I did in the half marathon. It honestly felt like a 3km time trial the whole way!!! I just never got in the groove. :( I hope that doesn't happen at Canberra.
I had a smelly old man come up beside me and he had really bad BO. He said hello then went in front for a bit. I had to overtake just to breathe again but unfortunately that didn't sit well with him so he re-took the lead. I then slowed down to get some fresh air but he did too - was obviously wanting to stay with me but just in front. Dammit. Stupid smelly men why can't they wear deoderant like the rest of us???
Trust me when I finish a race all smelly and sweaty I am very conscious of it - but I never run without deoderant and will throw away old clothes once they become ingrained with the sweaty 'smell'. So by all means someone please tell me if I am one of those really bad smelly people won't you????
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Leopard Skin G -String story....
I um do hope Pat Carroll never reads my blog.....
Last year Pat had a box for us to all put our jumpers, car keys etc in to be minded when we went on our runs. However he made an announcement at the end of one month that the box had some items in it that had been there a while and he got all grumpy about not being a "lost property" man. Now Pat doesn't really get grumpy so we all thought this was hilarious and I proposed with some other scoundrels (oh Tess that's you) to put items in the box each week. We had some old clothes we didn't need anymore, Tess threw in a chocolate Kit Kat (I almost went back and got it out!!!) and I snuck in a leopard skin G-string a few weeks later. So by now he had a box of weird items.
The G-string caught his eye and to stop his lovely partner Susan thinking someone had given it to him he pinned it to his postboard and asked the group to please collect their G string at the end of the session. There was no way we could tell him what we had done. We hardly ran well that day we were laughing so hard!!!
I laughed even harder when Pat came up to whisper that he thought it was one of the girls and who did I think it was?
So there you have it. Needless to say months later Pat actually made me run in the G-string just before my Kurrawa race. Not being the quiet introverted sort I put it on (steady Eddie - over my shorts mate!) and ran as fast as I could.
TODAYS SESSION
Just did 50mins of tempo running. Felt good after the initial 5mins. Have no idea whatsoever of pace or distance, I was running with the Pat Carroll group after doing a warmup by myself and they were doing fast 2min, slow 30sec and I just kept running at the same pace for the whole time alongside them. I followed up with a run on my own through Southbank and then did the warmdown with some of the Pat Carrollers.
Last year Pat had a box for us to all put our jumpers, car keys etc in to be minded when we went on our runs. However he made an announcement at the end of one month that the box had some items in it that had been there a while and he got all grumpy about not being a "lost property" man. Now Pat doesn't really get grumpy so we all thought this was hilarious and I proposed with some other scoundrels (oh Tess that's you) to put items in the box each week. We had some old clothes we didn't need anymore, Tess threw in a chocolate Kit Kat (I almost went back and got it out!!!) and I snuck in a leopard skin G-string a few weeks later. So by now he had a box of weird items.
The G-string caught his eye and to stop his lovely partner Susan thinking someone had given it to him he pinned it to his postboard and asked the group to please collect their G string at the end of the session. There was no way we could tell him what we had done. We hardly ran well that day we were laughing so hard!!!
I laughed even harder when Pat came up to whisper that he thought it was one of the girls and who did I think it was?
So there you have it. Needless to say months later Pat actually made me run in the G-string just before my Kurrawa race. Not being the quiet introverted sort I put it on (steady Eddie - over my shorts mate!) and ran as fast as I could.
TODAYS SESSION
Just did 50mins of tempo running. Felt good after the initial 5mins. Have no idea whatsoever of pace or distance, I was running with the Pat Carroll group after doing a warmup by myself and they were doing fast 2min, slow 30sec and I just kept running at the same pace for the whole time alongside them. I followed up with a run on my own through Southbank and then did the warmdown with some of the Pat Carrollers.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
So slow it killed me.....
Got to the Regatta at 5:22am but people had left already!!! So I had no-one I knew to run with. At 5:30am (was only waiting in vain hope for someone I knew to turn up...) I took off. A guy called Gary came up to me and asked where the 12km course was. He was wearing boardshorts (so obviously NOT a serious runner) and was pretty cute. I told him the course and mentioned I was going that way. So off we trotted. Started out at 5:15min/km pace but it soon became evident that what was a warmup for me was his gut busting pace.
Clap on the back to this fellow for I made him run with me for 9km at that pace - slighly increasing to 5:05. He then proceeded to really wind it down but by then we were back on the coro track heading for the Regatta so I told him I would see him back there. Was happy to do 4:40's for the last three km.
I realised on today's run that the slower I run the worse I feel. The 4:40's felt bloody great and I could have gone forever. The slower stuff I was all niggly and felt tight calf and sore hip and sore back and and and and and
Definitely hanging out for a massage again - my butt is like stone and I don't mean in a nice toned way (unfortunately for anyone's who's seen me in a gstring) but the muscles are all tight and I feel it when I walk up and down the stairs at work.
Clap on the back to this fellow for I made him run with me for 9km at that pace - slighly increasing to 5:05. He then proceeded to really wind it down but by then we were back on the coro track heading for the Regatta so I told him I would see him back there. Was happy to do 4:40's for the last three km.
I realised on today's run that the slower I run the worse I feel. The 4:40's felt bloody great and I could have gone forever. The slower stuff I was all niggly and felt tight calf and sore hip and sore back and and and and and
Definitely hanging out for a massage again - my butt is like stone and I don't mean in a nice toned way (unfortunately for anyone's who's seen me in a gstring) but the muscles are all tight and I feel it when I walk up and down the stairs at work.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
SPEED SPEED AND HILLS
Was moaning when doing the warm up this morning at Pats. I was achy and tired all over. Mostly from the gym. My arms were just so heavy!!
By the end of the warm up I was starting to pick up mentally and felt a lot better.
The group was large (again!) and it was good to see some elite athletes as well as some new runners to the group.
We ran out to New Farm and then had 15min of fartlek. 1min fast, 30sec slow, 30sec fast, 15sec slow, 15sec sprint, 15sec slow REPEAT X4.
At the end of the four reps we had to run the length of the road and then there was a very steep hill to go up near the Story Bridge. All up a decent 500m effort. I was running strongly and then Pat said "top 10 runners have to do two reps of the hill"
I wasn't paying much attention as some guys were going past me and giving me good pep talks as well. Me, I couldn't breathe, let alone talk to anyone.
Then the hill came and I just shot up it. Went past 4 fast blokes!!! I should have paid more attention to Pat...I got to the top and was sent straight back down. I was number 10 runner. Ecstatic to be so in front. But hurting to have to do that again. A few guys who were after me decided to keep me company on the rep and they pushed me up which was very welcome.
Certainly feel like I ran well and hard today. I will only be going to Pat's sessions now if he has speedwork that is suitable for marathon (ie 500m or 1k reps). Otherwise I will just go to Chris's sessions at the track for the next two weeks. Don't want to do hills or twist my ankle running on the bark in the gardens etc.
As Tess said - it's cotton wool time now!!!
By the end of the warm up I was starting to pick up mentally and felt a lot better.
The group was large (again!) and it was good to see some elite athletes as well as some new runners to the group.
We ran out to New Farm and then had 15min of fartlek. 1min fast, 30sec slow, 30sec fast, 15sec slow, 15sec sprint, 15sec slow REPEAT X4.
At the end of the four reps we had to run the length of the road and then there was a very steep hill to go up near the Story Bridge. All up a decent 500m effort. I was running strongly and then Pat said "top 10 runners have to do two reps of the hill"
I wasn't paying much attention as some guys were going past me and giving me good pep talks as well. Me, I couldn't breathe, let alone talk to anyone.
Then the hill came and I just shot up it. Went past 4 fast blokes!!! I should have paid more attention to Pat...I got to the top and was sent straight back down. I was number 10 runner. Ecstatic to be so in front. But hurting to have to do that again. A few guys who were after me decided to keep me company on the rep and they pushed me up which was very welcome.
Certainly feel like I ran well and hard today. I will only be going to Pat's sessions now if he has speedwork that is suitable for marathon (ie 500m or 1k reps). Otherwise I will just go to Chris's sessions at the track for the next two weeks. Don't want to do hills or twist my ankle running on the bark in the gardens etc.
As Tess said - it's cotton wool time now!!!
Monday, March 20, 2006
PROGRAM BLUNDER!!
Dammit. I checked the program this morning to see what I had to run this week.
Oops was meant to run 16km on Sunday (after 36km on Sat) to build up the legs. Crap. I rested instead. Oh well I think I needed it more. Will get out and run tonight if I have time.
Went to the gym this morning to thrash myself and managed to do that quite well. My whole body is now one big ache.
Went hard on the weight repetitions, pushups, pullups, etc etc etc. Then hit the showers and refused to leave. God Bless hot water!
My burns are starting to fade (note to runners: do not apply ice directly to leg and leave for 30mins) and hopefully I will be able to ice again (with a teatowel this time) after a hot bath and stretching session tonight.
Oops was meant to run 16km on Sunday (after 36km on Sat) to build up the legs. Crap. I rested instead. Oh well I think I needed it more. Will get out and run tonight if I have time.
Went to the gym this morning to thrash myself and managed to do that quite well. My whole body is now one big ache.
Went hard on the weight repetitions, pushups, pullups, etc etc etc. Then hit the showers and refused to leave. God Bless hot water!
My burns are starting to fade (note to runners: do not apply ice directly to leg and leave for 30mins) and hopefully I will be able to ice again (with a teatowel this time) after a hot bath and stretching session tonight.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Last long long run.....
Well until the 9th of April that is!!!
Some weirdo (good friend Liz) decided a 5am start would be in good order this morning so I found myself running in the dark for 30mins with a group of eager people this morning.
Once the sun came up and I realised who everyone was..ha ha...I started to relax and enjoy myself. The sun came out and it was extremely humid. I had a lot of water and a glass of powerade before I started so I wasn't too concerned about dehydrating but certainly the bladder needed a pit stop again. I do so hope that getting up a few hours before the start (instead of 40mins like I do for my long runs) will give me plenty of time to settle the nerves and have the 50 toilet breaks I seem to require before a race.
We were running strong today and the average pace for 35km was 5:10min/km so I was chuffed with this. I know I ran quite a few km faster than this - a) because I was trying to get a good lead on everyone in the group so I could stop at the loo without holding them up and b) Glenn shot past us at the 12km mark when we stopped for a drink so it was absolutely necessary to round him up later on even though that meant we had to run 4:40min/km pace for a few km.
So yes by 30km I was bone weary and was looking forward to the end. I also had chaffing under my arm from a singlet I had on (usually wear crop tops only) and my feet were all blistered still from last weekend. I dont think I got any more today but one lost toenail did not make for a fun ending to the run.
I was very disappointed this morning. Not because of the distance or the time -both I am very happy about. But more because as Chilli Pants said "bit of an anticlimax really". That's exactly what today was. No Tesso to whip my enthusiam up a few notches and nothing but 'right that one's done' when we finished. Where was the bottle of bollinger and big crowd to say "FABULOUS RUN CLAIRIE, looking good for Canberra now" like in my dreams??
To top it all off I ordered pancakes with bananas and again the bananas didn't come. Most upset. Apparently it is just me. Chilli pants wife got her bananas last week. I complained and they went off in search of a bananna and we never saw any of the staff again. The Brissy Running Buddies have now blackballed that establishment for breakfast. We needed a change anyhow...
So in the words of my favourite runner.....ho hum
Some weirdo (good friend Liz) decided a 5am start would be in good order this morning so I found myself running in the dark for 30mins with a group of eager people this morning.
Once the sun came up and I realised who everyone was..ha ha...I started to relax and enjoy myself. The sun came out and it was extremely humid. I had a lot of water and a glass of powerade before I started so I wasn't too concerned about dehydrating but certainly the bladder needed a pit stop again. I do so hope that getting up a few hours before the start (instead of 40mins like I do for my long runs) will give me plenty of time to settle the nerves and have the 50 toilet breaks I seem to require before a race.
We were running strong today and the average pace for 35km was 5:10min/km so I was chuffed with this. I know I ran quite a few km faster than this - a) because I was trying to get a good lead on everyone in the group so I could stop at the loo without holding them up and b) Glenn shot past us at the 12km mark when we stopped for a drink so it was absolutely necessary to round him up later on even though that meant we had to run 4:40min/km pace for a few km.
So yes by 30km I was bone weary and was looking forward to the end. I also had chaffing under my arm from a singlet I had on (usually wear crop tops only) and my feet were all blistered still from last weekend. I dont think I got any more today but one lost toenail did not make for a fun ending to the run.
I was very disappointed this morning. Not because of the distance or the time -both I am very happy about. But more because as Chilli Pants said "bit of an anticlimax really". That's exactly what today was. No Tesso to whip my enthusiam up a few notches and nothing but 'right that one's done' when we finished. Where was the bottle of bollinger and big crowd to say "FABULOUS RUN CLAIRIE, looking good for Canberra now" like in my dreams??
To top it all off I ordered pancakes with bananas and again the bananas didn't come. Most upset. Apparently it is just me. Chilli pants wife got her bananas last week. I complained and they went off in search of a bananna and we never saw any of the staff again. The Brissy Running Buddies have now blackballed that establishment for breakfast. We needed a change anyhow...
So in the words of my favourite runner.....ho hum
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Mid Week Run
It is staying dark until late now so getting harder to leave my cosy bed.
Met up with Liz at 5:20am and we started out before waiting for the others coming at 5:30, mainly because we wanted to run sllllloooooowwww and also because we knew they would all be late starting as usual!
Despite saying we would run slow and not go far we ended up running fairly steady out for just over 7km before turning and heading home. All up somewhere between 14-15km.
The afternoon was very painful.
Firstly with Jodi my massuse who pummeled and elbowed her way through my tight butt, itb and hammies all the while I fought off the tears and swearing. Then onto a physio appt (bad planning on my behalf) who then proceeded to continue to elbow his way whilst rotating my leg to see how far it would go before it broke off (wtf?) and then ask for me to demonstrate how I have been doing the exercises he set me last week (that incidently I couldn't remember as I was so focussed on the half marathon and nothing else mattered then.....). So all in all I was glad to crawl home and sulk into bed.
The worst bit is still to come.....I was so exhausted that I told Allan to have leftovers for dinner. (=bad wife)
He brought me apple pie and custard (=marathon worth of calories in there)....yep I wolfed that down after my shower and then climbed into bed and slept like a baby.
Met up with Liz at 5:20am and we started out before waiting for the others coming at 5:30, mainly because we wanted to run sllllloooooowwww and also because we knew they would all be late starting as usual!
Despite saying we would run slow and not go far we ended up running fairly steady out for just over 7km before turning and heading home. All up somewhere between 14-15km.
The afternoon was very painful.
Firstly with Jodi my massuse who pummeled and elbowed her way through my tight butt, itb and hammies all the while I fought off the tears and swearing. Then onto a physio appt (bad planning on my behalf) who then proceeded to continue to elbow his way whilst rotating my leg to see how far it would go before it broke off (wtf?) and then ask for me to demonstrate how I have been doing the exercises he set me last week (that incidently I couldn't remember as I was so focussed on the half marathon and nothing else mattered then.....). So all in all I was glad to crawl home and sulk into bed.
The worst bit is still to come.....I was so exhausted that I told Allan to have leftovers for dinner. (=bad wife)
He brought me apple pie and custard (=marathon worth of calories in there)....yep I wolfed that down after my shower and then climbed into bed and slept like a baby.
Monday, March 13, 2006
It's still a PB
Okay so official results are 1:34:54 so I have to add 4 sec to my record (lucky didnt'engrave my bling heh!!).
To be honest. I don't care but I do worry that playing with my watch cost me time as I don't want this to happen again. I started right on the gun and smacked it when I crossed...but then again I certainly may have pressed it early. Quite easily done.
No tears here I am very ecstatic still from yesterday.
Not looking forward to physio tomorrow though......how does one relax before a torture session?
To be honest. I don't care but I do worry that playing with my watch cost me time as I don't want this to happen again. I started right on the gun and smacked it when I crossed...but then again I certainly may have pressed it early. Quite easily done.
No tears here I am very ecstatic still from yesterday.
Not looking forward to physio tomorrow though......how does one relax before a torture session?
Sunday, March 12, 2006
BRRC Half Marathon Championships - 2006
I was a bit worried about blogging Friday as I didn't want anyone to talk me out of the Half Marathon which I am so glad I did today.
A much needed PB of 1:34:50 was achieved to give me the confidence that I can get through the marathon at Canberra in one piece.
Friday saw me at the physio's getting assessed and being told I had Bursitis of the hip. It is basically ITB but the friction/inflammation is at the hip not the knee (it travels down there when the ITB Gets tighter). So I had a very sore massage and dig from the physio as well as some exercises and rolling to do Friday night. Saturday saw me icing and taking voltaren - though I didn't want to get my bowels upset for the race so I had none after the morning dose.
I will be back at the Physio this Tueday for some poking and prodding and to ensure I am doing the exercises. Will also need an ITB massage to sort out my legs and ensure I don't get more inflammation. So basically will take it easy this week with a build up to my last 35km run on Saturday. Fingers crossed it is something I can manage.
This morning was just fabulous. I didn't think I was actually going to break my goal time of 95mins when I was warming up but it ended up going to plan. My km splits were:
4:40 (1.1km
4:28
4:30
4:31
4:22
4:38
4:37
4:37
4:26
4:19
4:34
4:31
4:35
4:24
4:26
4:35
4:36
4:33
4:31
4:28
4:19
It was soooo good to finish. I am not the best pacer and don't really know how to run to the second but I was close enough and just watched the 5km loop times mostly.
I did a 2km warm up beforehand that did me good and got my body ready to run, though I felt all niggly and doubtful. A few strides then I just made it to the start line for some jostling. We started and were out running when all of a sudden a gun went off.....obviously didn't work the first time but hearing it 100m down the road gives you a bit of a fright.
My wonderful husband was watching and smiling at me each time I passed. He was on babysitting duties much to his delight - way better than marshalling!
The first 1.1km was funny, I raced out and Gavin Bell called out "clairie what are you doing??" so it pays to tell people your goal time. I slowed down and smiled as he (goal of sub 90min) then went past. Others who were doing same goal as me were so far in front and on the first 5km loop must have been at least a km in front. It was scary and I started doubting I could do it and telling myself I should have gone out harder to make up for any time I may loose later.
On the last lap when I had overtaken all those others who had inevitably slowed down I had just one lady left in front (The female winner had finished by now with a time of 1:18). I didn't realise at the time we were coming second/third. I don't know what I would (could) have done if I did but we finished 100m apart (her second me third) and I think I could have pushed it to finish harder and run the second last km a bit faster, but who knows. I had actually started slowing down in the 2nd last km for some reason. Almost as if I was trying to catch my breath before the sprint finish...weird.
So there you have it - goal achieved and a Gold Medal for winning my category as well as a very exciting Third overall placing.
Tesso did amazingly well and I am so proud of her. She just seems to pull up and recover so well after her races. Yesterday she raced two at the Masters on the track and still came out this morning and did a great run - have to read her blog for the full story.
So yes I think I can honestly say...I am now ready for Canberra. YEAH!
A much needed PB of 1:34:50 was achieved to give me the confidence that I can get through the marathon at Canberra in one piece.
Friday saw me at the physio's getting assessed and being told I had Bursitis of the hip. It is basically ITB but the friction/inflammation is at the hip not the knee (it travels down there when the ITB Gets tighter). So I had a very sore massage and dig from the physio as well as some exercises and rolling to do Friday night. Saturday saw me icing and taking voltaren - though I didn't want to get my bowels upset for the race so I had none after the morning dose.
I will be back at the Physio this Tueday for some poking and prodding and to ensure I am doing the exercises. Will also need an ITB massage to sort out my legs and ensure I don't get more inflammation. So basically will take it easy this week with a build up to my last 35km run on Saturday. Fingers crossed it is something I can manage.
This morning was just fabulous. I didn't think I was actually going to break my goal time of 95mins when I was warming up but it ended up going to plan. My km splits were:
4:40 (1.1km
4:28
4:30
4:31
4:22
4:38
4:37
4:37
4:26
4:19
4:34
4:31
4:35
4:24
4:26
4:35
4:36
4:33
4:31
4:28
4:19
It was soooo good to finish. I am not the best pacer and don't really know how to run to the second but I was close enough and just watched the 5km loop times mostly.
I did a 2km warm up beforehand that did me good and got my body ready to run, though I felt all niggly and doubtful. A few strides then I just made it to the start line for some jostling. We started and were out running when all of a sudden a gun went off.....obviously didn't work the first time but hearing it 100m down the road gives you a bit of a fright.
My wonderful husband was watching and smiling at me each time I passed. He was on babysitting duties much to his delight - way better than marshalling!
The first 1.1km was funny, I raced out and Gavin Bell called out "clairie what are you doing??" so it pays to tell people your goal time. I slowed down and smiled as he (goal of sub 90min) then went past. Others who were doing same goal as me were so far in front and on the first 5km loop must have been at least a km in front. It was scary and I started doubting I could do it and telling myself I should have gone out harder to make up for any time I may loose later.
On the last lap when I had overtaken all those others who had inevitably slowed down I had just one lady left in front (The female winner had finished by now with a time of 1:18). I didn't realise at the time we were coming second/third. I don't know what I would (could) have done if I did but we finished 100m apart (her second me third) and I think I could have pushed it to finish harder and run the second last km a bit faster, but who knows. I had actually started slowing down in the 2nd last km for some reason. Almost as if I was trying to catch my breath before the sprint finish...weird.
So there you have it - goal achieved and a Gold Medal for winning my category as well as a very exciting Third overall placing.
Tesso did amazingly well and I am so proud of her. She just seems to pull up and recover so well after her races. Yesterday she raced two at the Masters on the track and still came out this morning and did a great run - have to read her blog for the full story.
So yes I think I can honestly say...I am now ready for Canberra. YEAH!
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Off....in a bad way
Okay well looks like my body has decided for me anyhow.
Thanks to all your comments and words of wisdom. It is much appreciated and I have taken it all on board.
However after this mornings 11km I can hardly walk. My right hip is very sore and I am sitting down trying to think how on earth this happened and what to do about it.
I am not sure if the Tennis Ball I have been using is aiding or hindering to loosen up my glutes/hip/itb area.
Oh well it's nothing serious as I can run. But I will take those two days of rest - thank you very much!!
So next time you stop by my site you will be reading all about my Race Experience from the Half Marathon.
Best of luck to all you Six Footers *luvs you all*
Thanks to all your comments and words of wisdom. It is much appreciated and I have taken it all on board.
However after this mornings 11km I can hardly walk. My right hip is very sore and I am sitting down trying to think how on earth this happened and what to do about it.
I am not sure if the Tennis Ball I have been using is aiding or hindering to loosen up my glutes/hip/itb area.
Oh well it's nothing serious as I can run. But I will take those two days of rest - thank you very much!!
So next time you stop by my site you will be reading all about my Race Experience from the Half Marathon.
Best of luck to all you Six Footers *luvs you all*
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Flat, Slow and Ugly
Ha Ha Ha well I was trying to describe my run...not me - though it probably all fits. *grins*
This morning was a battle. I had a massage after the run yesterday (thanks Jodi!!) which was great and eased me all up but overnight I went tight and sore and grumpy. Ok so can't blame the grumpy on my massage can I??
Met up with Tesso and Robbie at Regatta and we headed out to do a medium run at easy pace. The first few km were tough and it was also extremely hot out there. Does anyone have any idea why the humidity has jumped back up to 99% just when I thought winter was on its way?????
I ran the whole way this morning and drank on the go - running up and down when Robbie or Tesso needed to stop briefly for a sip of water. The legs certainly eased up after 5km mark and I was feeling more comfortable but was keen to turn around at any time.
Tess pushed us on to the end of the floating walkway and we turned around there to head home. A total of 16km for the morning at very slow pace.
I'm happy with the run but can tell my body is making signs and pleading for a rest day.
I am thinking Friday and Saturday will be complete rest before Sunday's Half. Is this a good plan? Or should I keep the mileage up for my main goal the Marathon and run Friday (Sat rest is a must) ???
This morning was a battle. I had a massage after the run yesterday (thanks Jodi!!) which was great and eased me all up but overnight I went tight and sore and grumpy. Ok so can't blame the grumpy on my massage can I??
Met up with Tesso and Robbie at Regatta and we headed out to do a medium run at easy pace. The first few km were tough and it was also extremely hot out there. Does anyone have any idea why the humidity has jumped back up to 99% just when I thought winter was on its way?????
I ran the whole way this morning and drank on the go - running up and down when Robbie or Tesso needed to stop briefly for a sip of water. The legs certainly eased up after 5km mark and I was feeling more comfortable but was keen to turn around at any time.
Tess pushed us on to the end of the floating walkway and we turned around there to head home. A total of 16km for the morning at very slow pace.
I'm happy with the run but can tell my body is making signs and pleading for a rest day.
I am thinking Friday and Saturday will be complete rest before Sunday's Half. Is this a good plan? Or should I keep the mileage up for my main goal the Marathon and run Friday (Sat rest is a must) ???
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
3Km Time Trial - March
I tried to view this Time Trial with lots of positive thinking. I even emailed Pat to tell him I was going to do a PB and run 'hell fast'. I think I needed the pressure to perform on me so I didn't use my long runs and high mileage as an excuse for not being able to run fast. (I did have a rest day on Sunday).
So it all started at 3.30am when I woke up wired and ready to go. I forced myself back into sleep and got up when my phone went off at 4.30am.
Got dressed and was ready to go and decided to go early. On the way I pulled into a servo and got a can of V to give me some extra energy. No way I could have eaten anything.
Time trials always see the crowds come out and today was no exception. We headed off on time and I was starting to feel less confident. My left knee was a dull ache but I was determined to run through the pain no matter what.
For someone who got up so early and was all ready to run I was very disorganised. Had left my sunnies at home, was still wearing my long sleeve top when we headed off for the warm up and left my water bottle on the table at the start. Not looking good.
Did a few strides to warm up and felt even worse. The knee didn't hurt at all during the strides but my legs were sore and I was starting to feel the effects of all the runs lately. This was a hard time to put bad thoughts out of my head. When you feel your legs as tight and heavy it is so easy to think "just do what you can" instead of "push it to the limits".
There were a few pacing groups out this morning and as I wanted to do a PB (anything sub 11:56) I decided to keep in front of the 11:50 group for as long as I could.
When we started out I also decided to use my watch to get the km splits but would not look at it the whole way. Not too hard to do when you are running so fast!!
Unfortunately I had the pacing group just behind me yelling out what time they were on and this was disheartening as the first km was 3:52 - so I though I was going too fast and would blow up.
The second km (always the worst) was just under 7:57 so the split was 4:05, the final km I really worked hard to keep in front of Peter Hallahan. The odds were against me but aside from a pressing urge to go to the toilet I was actually running quite comfortable.
The third km split was 3:52.
Jodi Willet was beside me just before the turn around to the 2nd km and said "this is when you feel like crap Clairie" and she was spot on!! I did feel like crap so I thought...if she knows that and believes I can still do this I have to trust her...so I dug a bit deeper.
It was great to hear her say I had a good strong finish so lets see it. Made me work hard for that finish line and I crossed in 11:49 so yes a bloody great big PB for me this morning and I am feeling absolutely fantastic. I think I sms everyone in the world (all those that didn't hear me cheering when I finally caught my breath).
It was a damn good start to the day. Thanks to everyone for all your encouragement and good wishes - it worked :)
EDIT: TYPO corrected - I ran 11:49 this morning!!!! (had 11:59 there before)
So it all started at 3.30am when I woke up wired and ready to go. I forced myself back into sleep and got up when my phone went off at 4.30am.
Got dressed and was ready to go and decided to go early. On the way I pulled into a servo and got a can of V to give me some extra energy. No way I could have eaten anything.
Time trials always see the crowds come out and today was no exception. We headed off on time and I was starting to feel less confident. My left knee was a dull ache but I was determined to run through the pain no matter what.
For someone who got up so early and was all ready to run I was very disorganised. Had left my sunnies at home, was still wearing my long sleeve top when we headed off for the warm up and left my water bottle on the table at the start. Not looking good.
Did a few strides to warm up and felt even worse. The knee didn't hurt at all during the strides but my legs were sore and I was starting to feel the effects of all the runs lately. This was a hard time to put bad thoughts out of my head. When you feel your legs as tight and heavy it is so easy to think "just do what you can" instead of "push it to the limits".
There were a few pacing groups out this morning and as I wanted to do a PB (anything sub 11:56) I decided to keep in front of the 11:50 group for as long as I could.
When we started out I also decided to use my watch to get the km splits but would not look at it the whole way. Not too hard to do when you are running so fast!!
Unfortunately I had the pacing group just behind me yelling out what time they were on and this was disheartening as the first km was 3:52 - so I though I was going too fast and would blow up.
The second km (always the worst) was just under 7:57 so the split was 4:05, the final km I really worked hard to keep in front of Peter Hallahan. The odds were against me but aside from a pressing urge to go to the toilet I was actually running quite comfortable.
The third km split was 3:52.
Jodi Willet was beside me just before the turn around to the 2nd km and said "this is when you feel like crap Clairie" and she was spot on!! I did feel like crap so I thought...if she knows that and believes I can still do this I have to trust her...so I dug a bit deeper.
It was great to hear her say I had a good strong finish so lets see it. Made me work hard for that finish line and I crossed in 11:49 so yes a bloody great big PB for me this morning and I am feeling absolutely fantastic. I think I sms everyone in the world (all those that didn't hear me cheering when I finally caught my breath).
It was a damn good start to the day. Thanks to everyone for all your encouragement and good wishes - it worked :)
EDIT: TYPO corrected - I ran 11:49 this morning!!!! (had 11:59 there before)
Monday, March 06, 2006
Running with Royalty
Yep President of the Sydney Striders: O Runner was in town today so we had pre-arranged to meet up at 6am outside the gym to go for a gentle stroll - just the three of us.....Yep Queen Tesso was there too :)
It was good to get out for a run and it was such a lovely day, very enjoyable. I picked Dave's brain as best I could about tapering, nutrition, training etc so we had a good chat out there and back whilst basking in the sunshine.
I got the most excruciating pain in the knee after 3km and thought nooooooooooooooo so told Tess and Dave to keep going whilst I pulled over to stretch. However they stopped too and we all had a minute of stretching before getting back into it. The pain was very intense - sharp and located behind the kneecap so nothing at all like I have experienced before.
However after considering stopping so many times it actually went away and I felt great. Slowly increased the effort on the way back and was more aware of my form now that I didn't have to actually try to block pain from the mind.
With about 1.5km to go Tess told Dave and I to go ahead and do a fast finish. Now why the hell would someone encourage me to do that? I didn't need it but damn it felt great and I kept my form. Needless to say all talking finished and Dave and I just clicked the legs over till the final water fountain. We weren't sprinting but after a much slower pace it felt fast. I didn't even have a watch on so have no idea what we were doing but it felt quick. Anyhow I was just glad to finish strong and painfree. Bit freaked out about it actually. Hope I don't get the same pain in tomorrows TT or in the half later this week. Might have to stretch madly tonight to loosen up my calves. They are the only thing that feels tight. Any other ideas????
It was good to get out for a run and it was such a lovely day, very enjoyable. I picked Dave's brain as best I could about tapering, nutrition, training etc so we had a good chat out there and back whilst basking in the sunshine.
I got the most excruciating pain in the knee after 3km and thought nooooooooooooooo so told Tess and Dave to keep going whilst I pulled over to stretch. However they stopped too and we all had a minute of stretching before getting back into it. The pain was very intense - sharp and located behind the kneecap so nothing at all like I have experienced before.
However after considering stopping so many times it actually went away and I felt great. Slowly increased the effort on the way back and was more aware of my form now that I didn't have to actually try to block pain from the mind.
With about 1.5km to go Tess told Dave and I to go ahead and do a fast finish. Now why the hell would someone encourage me to do that? I didn't need it but damn it felt great and I kept my form. Needless to say all talking finished and Dave and I just clicked the legs over till the final water fountain. We weren't sprinting but after a much slower pace it felt fast. I didn't even have a watch on so have no idea what we were doing but it felt quick. Anyhow I was just glad to finish strong and painfree. Bit freaked out about it actually. Hope I don't get the same pain in tomorrows TT or in the half later this week. Might have to stretch madly tonight to loosen up my calves. They are the only thing that feels tight. Any other ideas????
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