I had a fabulous day with all my friends yesterday.
Very bad start to the day - my daughter Ashleigh got her "L's" yesterday and her and a friend were booked to climb the story bridge Saturday morning. They had to be there at 5am and Ash decided she wanted to drive us all there.
I got a fright when she woke ME up (how many years since she has done that!!!) at 3:45am....obviously she thought I needed hours to get ready!
So at 4:55am we waved good bye to the girls and wished them luck. By that time I was sick with nerves and was glad the trip was over. I could not believe she had driven us down the Ipswich Hwy amongst all the trucks. It was terrifying and I don't ever want to get in a car with her again. For a beginner though - she did extremely well. I just don't want to be a passenger until she has had her license for at least 5 years!!!
So after collecting my stomach Allan drove over to Tessos' where I had a good cup of coffee and a tin of creamed rice. Yuk I am really going off the creamed rice and will have to find another food to each before long runs.
It wasn't too long before Tess and I were picked up by Glenno and Liz and on our way up to the Beerburrum mountains for an adventourous day out (Allan had to go to work). None of us were planning to run hard so we were all very relaxed and jovial about it all. Must learn to be like that more often - it certainly made it all more fun!
We were there in plenty of time and registered and got ready. Before long we were lining up amongst about 60 other runners to head up into the mountains. Tess, Chelle, Liz and I had seen three other girls we called "competitors". They had new outfits, looked very fit and had matching camelbaks. Yikes - they looked fast. So we all agreed that as soon as the gun went off we would sprint for 500m to get a head start and give them something to worry about. Of course we were all laughing about it and only doing it to inject some fun into the race...however when the gun went off and I raced off like a scared rabbit my friends (it is with great reluctance I still call them that) were laughing at me and trotting along way way way behind.
Ahhh but I got the pleasure of being the race leader for 100m. It was a power rush and I wanted more. I'll guess that will come at night when I go to sleep and dream :)
So after totally embarressing myself I maintained running with the boys - Glenno, Johnny and Geoff for some time until they disappeared into the distance. For the rest of the 22km I was on my own! Yikes that has never happened to me in a race before.
The next 20km were absolutely fabulous. I loved it. Totally totally loved it. I had no idea what to expect but it was all so much fun. There was fire trails to begin with - fairly open to the sun and boring I thought. Then after the first water station we turned into bushland and literally I was running on grass and getting slapped in the face by trees. It was terrifying really because I had no idea except for the odd bit of white ribbon that I was going in the right direction. There were various tracks all over the place and only if you were paying attention would you see the arrow and/or ribbon directing you down that path. I had the odd glimpse of blue t-shirt in the distance and that kept me going at a reasonable pace so I would not loose sight of the runner in front.
At the first long uphill (not too steep but about 800m long) I overtook Mr. Blue Shirt and then was left with no-one near me for the next 15km.
There were water puddles and mud and tracks with treads in them that were either rock hard and punishing on the feet - crap did I mention I had blisters??? - or wet and difficult to keep traction as you jumped from side to side avoiding the obvious water puddles. It really challenged you and as soon as you started getting tired the terrain changed and you had to adjust to grass, or a hill, or another trail or a windy circuit requiring attention or you'd be lost.
From 6km on, I knew I had issues with my feet. I had selected old shoes to avoid damaging my good ones. Yeah well now I recall why these ones were banished to the 'old' bin. They hurt! I perservered and put the pain totally out of my mind. Unfortunately about 2km from the finish there was a wall of rock and stones. Each step my foot found a sharp or round stone that just seemed to penetrate my feet. Any blister I had was ripped and popped and the pain was unbearable. I had tears and was only running now to get to the finish and rip my shoes off.
2km back a woman had run up to me (and then gone past and eventually took 3rd place). She was so lovely and after seeing me run funny had stopped and offered me some bandaids etc. I told her to keep running (as I was) as the damage was done and I just had to get home now. Experience has taught me that stopping just makes the pain of re-starting all the worse. I wish I had known about the rocks coming up ahead that may have changed my mind to get those bandaids off her.
I really slowed there and walked on the rocks to lessen the impact. Still it was hard and the exhaustion of the run was starting to take effect. I started running again sensing the end and was overtaking the walkers in the 8km event so for the first time I had some company along the way to catch and overtake and say hello to.
At the finish I just sat down where I stopped and took off my shoes. My feet were totally tenderised. Blistered, ripped and only the heels seemed to escape punishment.
I think I was 4th female with a total time of 2:04:07 but haven't seen official results yet. It was a great day out and I really had a ball and enjoyed myself. The laughing and story swapping was just fantastic. It was only at the finish when 7mins later Glenno and the boys rocked up that I realised they had gotten lost - even Tesso, Chelle and Liz had done an extra km after losing their way.
I can't wait for the next one!!!!!
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Friday, July 28, 2006
Glasshouse
Decided finally last night that I would run the Glasshouse 24km....um ok. Now what.
Quick decision but I don't think the run will be all that quick!! :0
Quick decision but I don't think the run will be all that quick!! :0
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Wednesday Run - Regatta
6am start at the Regatta as usual - only I was late. Seemed like every man and his dog was filling up at the fuel station (including me) and at 5.50am I was 11th in line!!!! crazy. Anyhow I just got to the run as everyone was crossing the road so I was 30sec behind them the whole way.
Ciaran was at the back and it was good to run with him for a short while. My quads were very very sore. How do they get sore? Is that from yesterdays' speed session??? I have rarely had sore quads so it was a new one for me.
So today was just a recovery run but when I heard Tara was doing 12km at 4:10 pace I decided to at least do the last 3km fast. I ran 4:25min/km and then the final one at 4:12. It killed me and was stupid to do for a recovery run but....that's me.
Hill session tomorrow at Mt Cootha - just can't wait. "insert sarcastic snigger"
ok I got my knuckles rapped over this one. Tara did not run 4:10min/km she went out at 4:30's and Ciaran told me she was running 4:10's on the way back BUT SHE DIDN'T AND SHE WANTS ME TO CORRECT THIS.....sorry Tara. But regardless - we all think you can do it :)
Ciaran was at the back and it was good to run with him for a short while. My quads were very very sore. How do they get sore? Is that from yesterdays' speed session??? I have rarely had sore quads so it was a new one for me.
So today was just a recovery run but when I heard Tara was doing 12km at 4:10 pace I decided to at least do the last 3km fast. I ran 4:25min/km and then the final one at 4:12. It killed me and was stupid to do for a recovery run but....that's me.
Hill session tomorrow at Mt Cootha - just can't wait. "insert sarcastic snigger"
ok I got my knuckles rapped over this one. Tara did not run 4:10min/km she went out at 4:30's and Ciaran told me she was running 4:10's on the way back BUT SHE DIDN'T AND SHE WANTS ME TO CORRECT THIS.....sorry Tara. But regardless - we all think you can do it :)
TUESDAYS PAIN...
Had a great session this morning at Pats.
I had a plan to work hard and mostly kept to the plan.
We did a warm up and then had 7x500m efforts with the finish being a run up a very steep hill!!
In between efforts was a 60sec resting recovery but when has that ever stopped Pat saying "go" after only 20sec.....
I thought I would cark it on the 4th on but was actually feeling good right up until the sixth one. I pulled in behind Toastie but then realised he was actually going 'slow' for him and was about to pull out but he surged and took off. Being in my comfort zone I just kept plodding till the end of the rep. I ran the next one hard, picked up my jumper and then did the final rep and shot up the hill. I felt strong but was definitely tiring and eager to stop.
An honest session and I felt good about my efforts. A little bit of aching legs later in the day but haven't led to anything further....
I had a plan to work hard and mostly kept to the plan.
We did a warm up and then had 7x500m efforts with the finish being a run up a very steep hill!!
In between efforts was a 60sec resting recovery but when has that ever stopped Pat saying "go" after only 20sec.....
I thought I would cark it on the 4th on but was actually feeling good right up until the sixth one. I pulled in behind Toastie but then realised he was actually going 'slow' for him and was about to pull out but he surged and took off. Being in my comfort zone I just kept plodding till the end of the rep. I ran the next one hard, picked up my jumper and then did the final rep and shot up the hill. I felt strong but was definitely tiring and eager to stop.
An honest session and I felt good about my efforts. A little bit of aching legs later in the day but haven't led to anything further....
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Brisbane Road Runners - 15Km Race
It seemed the whole of Queensland had decided to give this race a miss - bar a handful of diehards.
Todays race clashed with the Jetty 2 Jetty 10km run which is the 2nd in the series of USM Events (1st being River Run 10km and 3rd being Noosa Half) so most runners were out there no doubt contesting their placings.
That left Tesso, Shane, Jo, Adrian and Karisma to battle out this one for ourselves.
Tesso and I had a plan *groan* to go out at 4:45 min/km and then in the final 5km drop it down to 4:40 min/km to mimic trying to get faster on tired legs like you want to do in a 'real' race.
So out we shot with about 30 other runners and hit the first km in 4:28...hee hee hee did I mention that Tesso and I very rarely run to plan. Not sure what that is about.
We settled down and did 4:42 for the next km. Then Tess screamed at me (yes we both had Ipods on) that her leg was doing something weird (apart from running) and she was pulling back. Well I won't fall for that the next time round!! :) Needless to say Tesso overtook me 5km later looking like she had just started running!!!
So believing Tesso was running a slower than planned race I pulled in front and focussed on a steady pace. The next 3km were 4:39's followed by a 4:52 (WTF??) where I was overtaken by a number of runners - I hadn't even realised I had slowed so much.
At the 8km mark I moved back in front of Jo Sherman and tried to maintain that position running 4:27 before slipping out to finish 14km with some 4:30's. Just before the last km mark I stopped and watched as Tesso and some guys I had worked to overtake just flew past. I was waiting to run Jo in who is making a comeback to running. She is very fast and it must have been tough mentally for her that I went past her earlier.
I know I felt shocking when that happened to me so I assume she was working very hard and not feeling like she was getting any benefit. The other issue was in the second lap of the race I had taken my shirt off and accidently ripped my garmin off my arm and had to find my pin that holds it together. So before long Jo came cruising up and I asked if I could run in with her. We did and it was very rewarding for me knowing that she had done the same for me 12months ago.
Then Tess and I finished with a 2km cooldown the same as our 2km warm up. So all up 19km for the day and I felt great. It was only a training run for Tess and I who wanted to be fit for speed work on Tuesday. But nonetheless we both worked hard and Tess got Third prize for her fabulous efforts.
Unfortunately we had a BRRC committee meeting straight afterwards and I frooze and went stiff sitting around in my wet running gear. But now that I have showered, eaten and coffe'd myself up I feel much better......perhaps time for a nanny nap?
Todays race clashed with the Jetty 2 Jetty 10km run which is the 2nd in the series of USM Events (1st being River Run 10km and 3rd being Noosa Half) so most runners were out there no doubt contesting their placings.
That left Tesso, Shane, Jo, Adrian and Karisma to battle out this one for ourselves.
Tesso and I had a plan *groan* to go out at 4:45 min/km and then in the final 5km drop it down to 4:40 min/km to mimic trying to get faster on tired legs like you want to do in a 'real' race.
So out we shot with about 30 other runners and hit the first km in 4:28...hee hee hee did I mention that Tesso and I very rarely run to plan. Not sure what that is about.
We settled down and did 4:42 for the next km. Then Tess screamed at me (yes we both had Ipods on) that her leg was doing something weird (apart from running) and she was pulling back. Well I won't fall for that the next time round!! :) Needless to say Tesso overtook me 5km later looking like she had just started running!!!
So believing Tesso was running a slower than planned race I pulled in front and focussed on a steady pace. The next 3km were 4:39's followed by a 4:52 (WTF??) where I was overtaken by a number of runners - I hadn't even realised I had slowed so much.
At the 8km mark I moved back in front of Jo Sherman and tried to maintain that position running 4:27 before slipping out to finish 14km with some 4:30's. Just before the last km mark I stopped and watched as Tesso and some guys I had worked to overtake just flew past. I was waiting to run Jo in who is making a comeback to running. She is very fast and it must have been tough mentally for her that I went past her earlier.
I know I felt shocking when that happened to me so I assume she was working very hard and not feeling like she was getting any benefit. The other issue was in the second lap of the race I had taken my shirt off and accidently ripped my garmin off my arm and had to find my pin that holds it together. So before long Jo came cruising up and I asked if I could run in with her. We did and it was very rewarding for me knowing that she had done the same for me 12months ago.
Then Tess and I finished with a 2km cooldown the same as our 2km warm up. So all up 19km for the day and I felt great. It was only a training run for Tess and I who wanted to be fit for speed work on Tuesday. But nonetheless we both worked hard and Tess got Third prize for her fabulous efforts.
Unfortunately we had a BRRC committee meeting straight afterwards and I frooze and went stiff sitting around in my wet running gear. But now that I have showered, eaten and coffe'd myself up I feel much better......perhaps time for a nanny nap?
Friday, July 21, 2006
An amazing experience
What can I say? I had the run of my life.
It wasn't a race.
It wasn't the fastest I have gone.
It was just amazing because I was enjoying it, I felt pain (good pain) so knew I was working hard, the view was gorgeous running along the river, the weather was perfect to be running hard in and I was told my running form looked great. I was also amongst some very good runner and able to keep up - which was a big suprise. Then again they were likely doing a recover run :)
All up a top morning and welcome back into the spring of things.
8km Differential - ran out for 4km then turned and ran home. Here are the splits:
1km - 5:00
2km - 5:00
3km - 4:45
4km - 4:43
5km - 4:35
6km - 4:30
7km - 4:20 ....and tiring badly
8km - 4:15
Yah I made it.
And you will be pleased to know I then spent 15mins doing stretches and cooldown.
Can't wait to run again.
It wasn't a race.
It wasn't the fastest I have gone.
It was just amazing because I was enjoying it, I felt pain (good pain) so knew I was working hard, the view was gorgeous running along the river, the weather was perfect to be running hard in and I was told my running form looked great. I was also amongst some very good runner and able to keep up - which was a big suprise. Then again they were likely doing a recover run :)
All up a top morning and welcome back into the spring of things.
8km Differential - ran out for 4km then turned and ran home. Here are the splits:
1km - 5:00
2km - 5:00
3km - 4:45
4km - 4:43
5km - 4:35
6km - 4:30
7km - 4:20 ....and tiring badly
8km - 4:15
Yah I made it.
And you will be pleased to know I then spent 15mins doing stretches and cooldown.
Can't wait to run again.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
A Jealous Woman......
I am very unapproachable today so just stay away!!!
Talk about being the grumpiest in the world. I just can't seem to even manage a warm smile at people. Just a lift of the corner of my mouth to appear like a snubby smirk.
I hate not being able to run. It just messes with your brain.
I am at work thinking of all my wonderful friends out there running - at Pat's, at the Regatta, in freezing Canberra (yah CJ), Melbourne and Sydney and they are all doing the one thing I want to be doing.
I hereby swear that I will spend my running life (when I get one back) dedicating myself to avoiding injury.
I will stretch
I will warm up
I will cool down
I will wear good shoes
I will eat protein
I will race hard and enjoy the pain.
I will never take for granted the ability to run again.
Three more days before I venture out (LL if you are reading this -it's a misprint!!)
In the meantime my butt has grown, I cut my hair (my daughter swore the mullet would suit me!!!) and even the gym is no fun when you can't do a great warm up workout.
Ho hum......I'll be back in three days!
Talk about being the grumpiest in the world. I just can't seem to even manage a warm smile at people. Just a lift of the corner of my mouth to appear like a snubby smirk.
I hate not being able to run. It just messes with your brain.
I am at work thinking of all my wonderful friends out there running - at Pat's, at the Regatta, in freezing Canberra (yah CJ), Melbourne and Sydney and they are all doing the one thing I want to be doing.
I hereby swear that I will spend my running life (when I get one back) dedicating myself to avoiding injury.
I will stretch
I will warm up
I will cool down
I will wear good shoes
I will eat protein
I will race hard and enjoy the pain.
I will never take for granted the ability to run again.
Three more days before I venture out (LL if you are reading this -it's a misprint!!)
In the meantime my butt has grown, I cut my hair (my daughter swore the mullet would suit me!!!) and even the gym is no fun when you can't do a great warm up workout.
Ho hum......I'll be back in three days!
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Back to the small group....
Turned up at Pats this morning to be met with a very tiny crowd of only 15 or so runners.
We just did a 50min run out to New Farm and back.
I felt very unco-ordinated on the way out and was struggling somewhat with motivation and pain but really got into it on the way back.
Finished strong and was really happy I had made myself do it. I felt great, invincible and ready to take on the world.
Alas after going straight to a meeting at 7:30am and then sitting for 90mins I stood up to immense pain. I called the doctor and he got me straight in.
So yep all cortisoned up now and feeling looooveeely. Bugger of it is that I am now sidelined for a bit.
This was the conversation after he injected me:
"so clairie, no running for 14 days now ok?"
"really 14 days? that's a bit extreme isn't it?"
"do you want a hip replacement in 10 years time?"
"mmm good point" "so can I bike?"
"no"
"swim?"
"no"
"walk fast?"
"get out of my office"
So being the medical expert that I am I have decided on the following plan of action - after all, I really know best and know my body the most. *evil laugh*
Today - injection
Fri - nothing
Sat - nothing
Sun - nothing
Mon - gym (upper)
Tue - gym (upper)
Wed - gym (upper) (are we bored yet???)
Thur - easy 6km
Fri - easy 8km
Sat - easy 15km run
If I get to this point injury free I will then do the Noosa attack but I do need to minimise distance for another week so have no excuse to not focus on speed training.
We just did a 50min run out to New Farm and back.
I felt very unco-ordinated on the way out and was struggling somewhat with motivation and pain but really got into it on the way back.
Finished strong and was really happy I had made myself do it. I felt great, invincible and ready to take on the world.
Alas after going straight to a meeting at 7:30am and then sitting for 90mins I stood up to immense pain. I called the doctor and he got me straight in.
So yep all cortisoned up now and feeling looooveeely. Bugger of it is that I am now sidelined for a bit.
This was the conversation after he injected me:
"so clairie, no running for 14 days now ok?"
"really 14 days? that's a bit extreme isn't it?"
"do you want a hip replacement in 10 years time?"
"mmm good point" "so can I bike?"
"no"
"swim?"
"no"
"walk fast?"
"get out of my office"
So being the medical expert that I am I have decided on the following plan of action - after all, I really know best and know my body the most. *evil laugh*
Today - injection
Fri - nothing
Sat - nothing
Sun - nothing
Mon - gym (upper)
Tue - gym (upper)
Wed - gym (upper) (are we bored yet???)
Thur - easy 6km
Fri - easy 8km
Sat - easy 15km run
If I get to this point injury free I will then do the Noosa attack but I do need to minimise distance for another week so have no excuse to not focus on speed training.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Dismal Effort Clairie.....
Pretty disappointed with my weekend on the Gold Coast.
My run was fairly ordinary but I am happy that I was able to run the best I could on the day - can't really ask for more than that. And I figure with all my good runs this year I was destined to do a not-so-good one anyhow!
I am mostly disappointed because I let everyone down this weekend.
Jen_runs was counting on me to bring my bike down so she could be more involved in the run and cycle along supporting everyone. A great idea but guess who forgot the bike when I decided to get a lift down with Tesso instead of going with the family in the 4wd??
Then in the race itself Miners was running along at a great pace - exactly as prescribed - but I just couldn't keep up. He gave up his run and getting others across to come back and get me and push me to the end. I will never forget that. But I also feel I don't ever want to run with a pacer again. I can't handle that feeling of not performing as expected. It is bad enough having a bad run but even worse when everyone knows it and they feel responsible for you.
Finally my choice to not rehydrate on the run - aside from two sips in the early stages was based around me thinking I would only be running for 95mins and that didnt' require much additional fluid. I forgot I'd had a runny nose all night and did not drink anything from when I woke up - so I started behind the eight ball.
We learn from these experiences but I will never get back the moment of seeing my boys (Mr Clairie and Master Clairie) crossing the finish line together in their first big race. It was momentous for Matty and I am still cursing that I missed it all.
The best thing to come out of the weekend was actually seeing everyone finish and realise their goals. Tara was outstanding, Glenda was amazing, Lizzle a tower of strength, JD making his comeback sneaking past Tess, Eddie - not for his run this weekend but because now I get to race him at Canberra once more and take him on. Robertsong for making the startline, all the PCRG runners who either achieved their goal or "finished the damn race" and celebrated anyhow - thats spirit. Then there are the coolrunners - Blue Dog (dammit ok so he is much faster than me, I admit it), Aunty - for giving me someone to chase when I needed it, VAT - Holy Shit Vat!
I think I will have to do a separate post on the CR Cheersquad. They just really lifted everyone and selflessly gave something back to the running community that reminded us all out there why we love to run.
I guess that's why I'll be lining up at Noosa - so I can get a cheer or two when I go past attempting to break another Clairie World Record :)
My run was fairly ordinary but I am happy that I was able to run the best I could on the day - can't really ask for more than that. And I figure with all my good runs this year I was destined to do a not-so-good one anyhow!
I am mostly disappointed because I let everyone down this weekend.
Jen_runs was counting on me to bring my bike down so she could be more involved in the run and cycle along supporting everyone. A great idea but guess who forgot the bike when I decided to get a lift down with Tesso instead of going with the family in the 4wd??
Then in the race itself Miners was running along at a great pace - exactly as prescribed - but I just couldn't keep up. He gave up his run and getting others across to come back and get me and push me to the end. I will never forget that. But I also feel I don't ever want to run with a pacer again. I can't handle that feeling of not performing as expected. It is bad enough having a bad run but even worse when everyone knows it and they feel responsible for you.
Finally my choice to not rehydrate on the run - aside from two sips in the early stages was based around me thinking I would only be running for 95mins and that didnt' require much additional fluid. I forgot I'd had a runny nose all night and did not drink anything from when I woke up - so I started behind the eight ball.
We learn from these experiences but I will never get back the moment of seeing my boys (Mr Clairie and Master Clairie) crossing the finish line together in their first big race. It was momentous for Matty and I am still cursing that I missed it all.
The best thing to come out of the weekend was actually seeing everyone finish and realise their goals. Tara was outstanding, Glenda was amazing, Lizzle a tower of strength, JD making his comeback sneaking past Tess, Eddie - not for his run this weekend but because now I get to race him at Canberra once more and take him on. Robertsong for making the startline, all the PCRG runners who either achieved their goal or "finished the damn race" and celebrated anyhow - thats spirit. Then there are the coolrunners - Blue Dog (dammit ok so he is much faster than me, I admit it), Aunty - for giving me someone to chase when I needed it, VAT - Holy Shit Vat!
I think I will have to do a separate post on the CR Cheersquad. They just really lifted everyone and selflessly gave something back to the running community that reminded us all out there why we love to run.
I guess that's why I'll be lining up at Noosa - so I can get a cheer or two when I go past attempting to break another Clairie World Record :)
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Off to Rob De CaStella
Was just on my way out to dinner with Rob when I emailed Tesso to see if I should pick her up on the way. Oops wrong night.
It think the psychological affect of not being tagged in the lastest round has left me noncomprehendus. It doesn't matter. I have real friends....somewhere.
On a bright note - Miners is officially slotted in as the 'unofficial' 95min pacer for the Gold Coast Marathon half. So guess who will be trying to keep his bright blouse in sight the whole way?????
It think the psychological affect of not being tagged in the lastest round has left me noncomprehendus. It doesn't matter. I have real friends....somewhere.
On a bright note - Miners is officially slotted in as the 'unofficial' 95min pacer for the Gold Coast Marathon half. So guess who will be trying to keep his bright blouse in sight the whole way?????
Monday, June 26, 2006
Sunday, June 25, 2006
BRRC 10k Club Championships 2006
What a silly idea having a 10k Club Champs race on the week before Gold Coast marathon.
At least it meant the field was small and competition wasn't as fierce as it usually is - or so I thought.
Tess and I had pre-arranged to do 4:25min/km pace and I had set the garmin up as a training partner to do this and keep me honest.
They called us to the start but I was in the toilet and made a mad dash for the line just before the gun went off. I was still pulling off my clothes and was running the first 500m whilst trying to plug in and turn on my ipod. Finally I got into ryhthym and Tesso was just behind me. I didn't want to force her to run at my pace as she is coming back from injury so I kept just in front. I think I spent the whole race very focused on my Garmin - watching to see what it was telling me. Reminder - don't wear it next weekend..
Looking at the garmin I was 10-20m in front of the training partner for the first 5km then at the turnaround I saw Tess and she yelled out "1" I didn't realise but quickly registered that I was first female. Oooh how exciting.
BLowing out my pre-planned race preparations I put the foot down and kept the pace slightly increasing. I was feeling good and determined to finish in one piece so I held back only slightly, knowing I was in the lead.
At 600-700m to go CR Karisma came up beside me and started talking. With my ipod on and me concentrating on finishing I didn't hear her but instead was thinking "she's caught me and has breath to be talking so obviously she is doing this comfortably...." Damn!! I put my foot down. I had come this far and I was now prepared to give up my Gold Coast ambitions to do well today (yeah okay so talk about final hour/km decision!!!). Karen came with me and we were literally racing elbow to elbow for 500m. I have not experienced this before when the first medal is on the line. Coming up to the final hill I pumped my arms and shot up in front. I didn't ease up thinking she was just on my shoulder and ready to sprint past at any time.
I was feeling sick and working harder than I have ever worked in a race finish EVER BEFORE (that is saying something!!). I finished first yahhh and turned around. Karen was about 10 secs behind so I was quite safe but just never knew.
The end result - a 10km PB (it's still soft but I hate 10km races).
44:15 or there abouts - waiting on official time today on the website. Garmin said I ran 4:22 pace.
Hoping now that I will pull up okay for the Gold Coast half with recovery tomorrow and only easy runs the rest of the week. If not, well I had fun today.
My aim for Gold Coast is to run 4:28 pace (sub 94mins) even after today I think I might be able to do that but I am not sure how I will pull up. I certainly won't be finishing like that next week.....totally draining - physically and mentally. aaaahhh but the bling was worth it. Now the proud owner of the "First" BRRC cup and a gold medal for my age group.
Byline - Mr. Clairie and Little Clairie both ran today as well (53min) as their dress rehersal for Gold Coast. They have never run more than 12km but will be attempting the half. I am very proud of them (and nervous for them). They aim to run with Ironbee in the 2hr pacing group.
At least it meant the field was small and competition wasn't as fierce as it usually is - or so I thought.
Tess and I had pre-arranged to do 4:25min/km pace and I had set the garmin up as a training partner to do this and keep me honest.
They called us to the start but I was in the toilet and made a mad dash for the line just before the gun went off. I was still pulling off my clothes and was running the first 500m whilst trying to plug in and turn on my ipod. Finally I got into ryhthym and Tesso was just behind me. I didn't want to force her to run at my pace as she is coming back from injury so I kept just in front. I think I spent the whole race very focused on my Garmin - watching to see what it was telling me. Reminder - don't wear it next weekend..
Looking at the garmin I was 10-20m in front of the training partner for the first 5km then at the turnaround I saw Tess and she yelled out "1" I didn't realise but quickly registered that I was first female. Oooh how exciting.
BLowing out my pre-planned race preparations I put the foot down and kept the pace slightly increasing. I was feeling good and determined to finish in one piece so I held back only slightly, knowing I was in the lead.
At 600-700m to go CR Karisma came up beside me and started talking. With my ipod on and me concentrating on finishing I didn't hear her but instead was thinking "she's caught me and has breath to be talking so obviously she is doing this comfortably...." Damn!! I put my foot down. I had come this far and I was now prepared to give up my Gold Coast ambitions to do well today (yeah okay so talk about final hour/km decision!!!). Karen came with me and we were literally racing elbow to elbow for 500m. I have not experienced this before when the first medal is on the line. Coming up to the final hill I pumped my arms and shot up in front. I didn't ease up thinking she was just on my shoulder and ready to sprint past at any time.
I was feeling sick and working harder than I have ever worked in a race finish EVER BEFORE (that is saying something!!). I finished first yahhh and turned around. Karen was about 10 secs behind so I was quite safe but just never knew.
The end result - a 10km PB (it's still soft but I hate 10km races).
44:15 or there abouts - waiting on official time today on the website. Garmin said I ran 4:22 pace.
Hoping now that I will pull up okay for the Gold Coast half with recovery tomorrow and only easy runs the rest of the week. If not, well I had fun today.
My aim for Gold Coast is to run 4:28 pace (sub 94mins) even after today I think I might be able to do that but I am not sure how I will pull up. I certainly won't be finishing like that next week.....totally draining - physically and mentally. aaaahhh but the bling was worth it. Now the proud owner of the "First" BRRC cup and a gold medal for my age group.
Byline - Mr. Clairie and Little Clairie both ran today as well (53min) as their dress rehersal for Gold Coast. They have never run more than 12km but will be attempting the half. I am very proud of them (and nervous for them). They aim to run with Ironbee in the 2hr pacing group.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Tessos Talkative Training Trot
A good size crowd at Pat's today.
Headed out with Tesso and quickly got in front of the bulk of runners and set our minds to staying there!
We had pre-planned to go out steady and try to aim for getting from the Ship Inn out to the New Farm Bowls club in under 27mins.
We made it in just over 26mins, though I was pushing it all the way and would have dropped off the pace if Tesso wasn't trotting alongside me telling me all about her runs and concerts and music and and and....where did she have the breath to talk??? We finished up the run with 9.65km and an average pace of 4:34/km...and she was chatting??? Obviously back to fitness very quick!
After the 50min run we had to nominate our 1km times. I chose to do 4min but after the run with Tesso I was a bit worn out. Still I determined to do the best I could.
It was a shock to hear Pat say "4mins" when I crossed the line. That means I was bang on my ETA. Woo hoo! Might be getting the hang of this pacing stuff. Actually no I think it was pure luck. I thought I was going faster than 4min/km but was just eager to finish.
Then after that we did a 2km cooldown over the bridge and around Southbank back to the Ship Inn where we scoffed down pancakes with fruit mmmmmmm my favourite run!!
Tesso won the award for Best Member today. I was most overjoyed with that!!
Headed out with Tesso and quickly got in front of the bulk of runners and set our minds to staying there!
We had pre-planned to go out steady and try to aim for getting from the Ship Inn out to the New Farm Bowls club in under 27mins.
We made it in just over 26mins, though I was pushing it all the way and would have dropped off the pace if Tesso wasn't trotting alongside me telling me all about her runs and concerts and music and and and....where did she have the breath to talk??? We finished up the run with 9.65km and an average pace of 4:34/km...and she was chatting??? Obviously back to fitness very quick!
After the 50min run we had to nominate our 1km times. I chose to do 4min but after the run with Tesso I was a bit worn out. Still I determined to do the best I could.
It was a shock to hear Pat say "4mins" when I crossed the line. That means I was bang on my ETA. Woo hoo! Might be getting the hang of this pacing stuff. Actually no I think it was pure luck. I thought I was going faster than 4min/km but was just eager to finish.
Then after that we did a 2km cooldown over the bridge and around Southbank back to the Ship Inn where we scoffed down pancakes with fruit mmmmmmm my favourite run!!
Tesso won the award for Best Member today. I was most overjoyed with that!!
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Pat Carroll 3km Time Trial for Swans
I got an email from a good friend who told me to "stop whinging" so today it was puffed chest and full of beans with no mention of the injury or the flu I felt I was coming down with or the....etc etc
Wow it was exciting down there this morning. Pat had a film crew (okay one man with a camera....) along for the ride. He was filming all of us for a DVD that Pat wants to make on the PCRG. We all get a copy when we attend his dinner after Gold Coast.
After Tesso and I put on our lipstick we headed off on the warmup and I actually felt pretty good. Not nervous or sore or tired. Just right.
At the start it was wonderful to see everyone there and most especially Mark Jones. He has been off for six months so it was unreal to see him there in good form and able to run (albeit way slower than his best).
A few run throughs were enough to get the nerves pumping. I was trying to work out what splits I needed but couldn't think straight and before you knew it we were on the start line and Pat was shouting for us to GOOOOO. I had been close to the front so was out in good time unlike last month.
Only hitch being a Bloody car refused to stop or slow down as we were crossing the bridge and everyone had to go on the side where it was muddy and rocky. Pat was screaming at the driver and for all of us to move aside but with such a large group it was hard. Some runners even went down near the river - extending their run by about 10sec.
Pat came up behind me just before the 500m mark and was working hard at urging everyone on. A lady was running alongside me and then we came to the hill and she started to lag, I called her to come with me but wasn't stopping to take passengers.
I wasn't really fussed with my watch but had a look at it after I finished. I pressed the lap at the turnaround and then the finish. Even split. First time I have done that ever!
At the turnaround I was closing in on Tara and iliketoast was getting in front of her as well so it was clear she was tiring. However she kept ahead of me the whole way and did a great run.
I was starting to tire but then Mark Jones (aka Jonesy) came up and asked me if I was doing ok. I said 'yeah' so he kept with me. Bless his cotton sox.
He talked me the whole way home. Told me I was a 'swan' and just had to glide along. Now I had to pump my arms to get up the hill. Then I had to lift my legs a cm (was tiring) higher. Then I had to rest and control my breathing for 30m to get my breath before sprinting the final 500m. Then the last 100m he told me to go for gold. I did.
Crossed the line in 11:39 and was very very happy with that. A 10sec PB for me... and I did what I wanted to do - keep iliketoast in sight.
Best bit was getting a piggyback ride by iliketoast. Tess and Tara were on Nick's and Ciaran's backs also. We were doing it to ham it up for the film camera on the cool down. Poor toastie I think limped it home after that effort!!!!
Wow it was exciting down there this morning. Pat had a film crew (okay one man with a camera....) along for the ride. He was filming all of us for a DVD that Pat wants to make on the PCRG. We all get a copy when we attend his dinner after Gold Coast.
After Tesso and I put on our lipstick we headed off on the warmup and I actually felt pretty good. Not nervous or sore or tired. Just right.
At the start it was wonderful to see everyone there and most especially Mark Jones. He has been off for six months so it was unreal to see him there in good form and able to run (albeit way slower than his best).
A few run throughs were enough to get the nerves pumping. I was trying to work out what splits I needed but couldn't think straight and before you knew it we were on the start line and Pat was shouting for us to GOOOOO. I had been close to the front so was out in good time unlike last month.
Only hitch being a Bloody car refused to stop or slow down as we were crossing the bridge and everyone had to go on the side where it was muddy and rocky. Pat was screaming at the driver and for all of us to move aside but with such a large group it was hard. Some runners even went down near the river - extending their run by about 10sec.
Pat came up behind me just before the 500m mark and was working hard at urging everyone on. A lady was running alongside me and then we came to the hill and she started to lag, I called her to come with me but wasn't stopping to take passengers.
I wasn't really fussed with my watch but had a look at it after I finished. I pressed the lap at the turnaround and then the finish. Even split. First time I have done that ever!
At the turnaround I was closing in on Tara and iliketoast was getting in front of her as well so it was clear she was tiring. However she kept ahead of me the whole way and did a great run.
I was starting to tire but then Mark Jones (aka Jonesy) came up and asked me if I was doing ok. I said 'yeah' so he kept with me. Bless his cotton sox.
He talked me the whole way home. Told me I was a 'swan' and just had to glide along. Now I had to pump my arms to get up the hill. Then I had to lift my legs a cm (was tiring) higher. Then I had to rest and control my breathing for 30m to get my breath before sprinting the final 500m. Then the last 100m he told me to go for gold. I did.
Crossed the line in 11:39 and was very very happy with that. A 10sec PB for me... and I did what I wanted to do - keep iliketoast in sight.
Best bit was getting a piggyback ride by iliketoast. Tess and Tara were on Nick's and Ciaran's backs also. We were doing it to ham it up for the film camera on the cool down. Poor toastie I think limped it home after that effort!!!!
Monday, June 19, 2006
Typical!
After spending the morning cheering and helping out at the River Run on Sunday I raced across town to the BRRC Committee Meeting. The meeting went for over 2hrs and when I stood up to go home I fell back down again. My knee has swollen up again with the sypmtoms of what I can ELEPHANITIS but what is actually bursitis.
The bursar at the back of my knee is trapping fluid again and it was very painful last night.
It has gone down a bit this morning but still noticeably swollen so I elected for a second rest day in order for it to be okay to run on tomorrow for Pat's 3km Time Trial that I am just dying (NOT!!!) to do.
I will wear a compression bandage tonight and take a few anti-inflamms...... ho hum.
The bursar at the back of my knee is trapping fluid again and it was very painful last night.
It has gone down a bit this morning but still noticeably swollen so I elected for a second rest day in order for it to be okay to run on tomorrow for Pat's 3km Time Trial that I am just dying (NOT!!!) to do.
I will wear a compression bandage tonight and take a few anti-inflamms...... ho hum.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Fridays F*#$# Freerun
Decided against going to Pat's this morning as I felt like avoiding the hills and just doing a sprint fast session along Coro Drive.
Liz said she would meet me at the Regatta at 6am with the other group members but she wasn't there this morning and that was my first disappointment. We push each other harder than if we run by ourselves so I knew I would have to work hard to get moving out there today.
I started out well and did the first km in 4:55, planning to get progressively faster and finish the 8km with a sub 4:20km. However I went from rap to crap in the second km and never recovered. My legs were either frozen or still asleep.
I think I felt so good after my session yesterday and how well I had ran all week that I jinxed myself because today was pure pain and dismay.
I was in the lead for the whole first km and finished LAST. Behind the 6min/km runners even!!! (remember this was supposed to be a speed session for me not a long run - I am not making fun of people who run at that pace..)
It was a shocker. I just got slower and slower and slower and finished doing a 5:23km at the end. My lower back was aching, my hip was sore and my legs were just useless to me. I felt like taking them off and walking away from them....but frustratedly realised I couldn't do that!
I didn't bother stretching or cooling down. The way I see it I spent the whole 8km cooling down. The muscles didn't deserve a stretch either....so suffer in your jocks calves and quads!
Anyhow so here I am moping away. To top it off the showers only had cold water AGAIN and I almost bolted across the road to Tesso's house in just my towel to jump into her shower. hee hee now that might have made me run a bit faster!!!
Liz said she would meet me at the Regatta at 6am with the other group members but she wasn't there this morning and that was my first disappointment. We push each other harder than if we run by ourselves so I knew I would have to work hard to get moving out there today.
I started out well and did the first km in 4:55, planning to get progressively faster and finish the 8km with a sub 4:20km. However I went from rap to crap in the second km and never recovered. My legs were either frozen or still asleep.
I think I felt so good after my session yesterday and how well I had ran all week that I jinxed myself because today was pure pain and dismay.
I was in the lead for the whole first km and finished LAST. Behind the 6min/km runners even!!! (remember this was supposed to be a speed session for me not a long run - I am not making fun of people who run at that pace..)
It was a shocker. I just got slower and slower and slower and finished doing a 5:23km at the end. My lower back was aching, my hip was sore and my legs were just useless to me. I felt like taking them off and walking away from them....but frustratedly realised I couldn't do that!
I didn't bother stretching or cooling down. The way I see it I spent the whole 8km cooling down. The muscles didn't deserve a stretch either....so suffer in your jocks calves and quads!
Anyhow so here I am moping away. To top it off the showers only had cold water AGAIN and I almost bolted across the road to Tesso's house in just my towel to jump into her shower. hee hee now that might have made me run a bit faster!!!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
I was on fire this morning. Something about waking up and knowing I had to face the coach at 5:30am (avid NSW supporter he is!!). Go QUEENSLAND!!!!
Got there and Coach Chris was all grumpy and quiet (funny that..) and told us we had to do fartlek up the mountain this morning. Said we were doing 30sec efforts up Mount Cootha and he would indicate when we could stop. At the bell we all raced off and at 3mins he eventually tooted for us to stop. He did this 5 or 6 times by which we were at the ABC studios and no longer trusting him anyway.
I worked really hard and even though I knew he would not toot before 3mins (after the first one) I pushed hard as if we were going to stop any second now.
Liz and I were using each other again and we were both putting in for our last hill session before Gold Coast.
Yes I have tired legs now but I feel great and am proud of my efforts. Wish so hard though that I had put in the same effort weeks ago. No good to me now with the half marathon only two weeks away.....but the feeling of working hard is great nontheless.
Got there and Coach Chris was all grumpy and quiet (funny that..) and told us we had to do fartlek up the mountain this morning. Said we were doing 30sec efforts up Mount Cootha and he would indicate when we could stop. At the bell we all raced off and at 3mins he eventually tooted for us to stop. He did this 5 or 6 times by which we were at the ABC studios and no longer trusting him anyway.
I worked really hard and even though I knew he would not toot before 3mins (after the first one) I pushed hard as if we were going to stop any second now.
Liz and I were using each other again and we were both putting in for our last hill session before Gold Coast.
Yes I have tired legs now but I feel great and am proud of my efforts. Wish so hard though that I had put in the same effort weeks ago. No good to me now with the half marathon only two weeks away.....but the feeling of working hard is great nontheless.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Tara's Sprints
I was fully loaded up with ipod (new music) and garmin this morning before setting out for my mid-week long run. Planned to do around 16km and was suprised to see Tara at the Regatta at 5:30am. Oh goody some company.
Little did I know that she is on drugs at present (ok so not true) and was flying along. Luke the AFL ump could not keep up and turned around!! I was trying to go faster but legs were swearing at me. We stopped for water a few times and I really needed the rest.
Just as we hit the 3km mark to home we both somehow took off and upped the pace to 4:20's. We were hooting. Then the last km we did in 4:05 or thereabouts.
Garmin was very unfriendly this morning - I think it was all the concrete and having it on autostop/start. So the total mileage said 14.5km in 1:12 but Tara's watch had 1:19:58 running time which was more likely. So we lost almost 8mins of running data for some reason. I think it just didn't like going sooo fast. Might have to sleep in to avoid running with Tara in future hee hee.
Was a great run to do (now that I am finished) in the lead up to the Gold Coast Half Marathon. One for the bank.
Little did I know that she is on drugs at present (ok so not true) and was flying along. Luke the AFL ump could not keep up and turned around!! I was trying to go faster but legs were swearing at me. We stopped for water a few times and I really needed the rest.
Just as we hit the 3km mark to home we both somehow took off and upped the pace to 4:20's. We were hooting. Then the last km we did in 4:05 or thereabouts.
Garmin was very unfriendly this morning - I think it was all the concrete and having it on autostop/start. So the total mileage said 14.5km in 1:12 but Tara's watch had 1:19:58 running time which was more likely. So we lost almost 8mins of running data for some reason. I think it just didn't like going sooo fast. Might have to sleep in to avoid running with Tara in future hee hee.
Was a great run to do (now that I am finished) in the lead up to the Gold Coast Half Marathon. One for the bank.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
CONGO SPEED SESSION
I feel so alive!!!
Got out of bed this morning and arrived at Pats to find another big group assembling.
It was cold but as Tesso and I discussed - not too bad. We are getting ready to whinge about the cold wet windy month of August......but in the meantime June is a lovely time to be out there running. I just wish it was 7am or something!! Way too dark at 5:30am!
This mornings session was a warmup followed by strides in the gardens to the tune of two men beating their congo drums loud. Pat had arranged for them to be there and it was great. Really set the tempo going!
We then got stuck into it. Instead of doing a square (going fast, slow, fast, slow on each side) we had the square running track broken into halves and did hardcore fast followed by recovery. The congo drummers were on the fast bit and really lifted your rhythym.
I think we managed 6 complete rounds might have been more. I had a blast. It was a tough session and I worked hard. I pulled up with a massive stitch in the third round but the recovery section seemed to reduce this, only for it to get tight again in the sprint on the next round. It didn't stop me running but made me more aware of my breathing and gut. Even on the cooldown I felt sharp cramps from the stitch. Definitely seem to be just beneath my ribs/lung area. I don't feel anything now an hour later....weird.
My goal was to stay with Mark (iliketoast) and Tara for as long as I could. Tara wore down pretty fast, I think she was tired from her long fast run with Pat on Sunday still and Mark had run a 16km tempo run yesterday (thankfully....) so I managed my goal staying just in front of Tara and about 10m behind Mark (he whipped me on the last one though).
The last rep I ran hard but it wasn't my fastest. I was more aware of the crowd and was trying to sidestep some slower runners who were finishing and the faster ones who were panting down my neck. Tara went past me but I was happy to cruise to the finish line 30m away.
I felt great afterwards and have to admit - that was one of the best sessions I have been to in ages. Thumbs up Pat!!!
Got out of bed this morning and arrived at Pats to find another big group assembling.
It was cold but as Tesso and I discussed - not too bad. We are getting ready to whinge about the cold wet windy month of August......but in the meantime June is a lovely time to be out there running. I just wish it was 7am or something!! Way too dark at 5:30am!
This mornings session was a warmup followed by strides in the gardens to the tune of two men beating their congo drums loud. Pat had arranged for them to be there and it was great. Really set the tempo going!
We then got stuck into it. Instead of doing a square (going fast, slow, fast, slow on each side) we had the square running track broken into halves and did hardcore fast followed by recovery. The congo drummers were on the fast bit and really lifted your rhythym.
I think we managed 6 complete rounds might have been more. I had a blast. It was a tough session and I worked hard. I pulled up with a massive stitch in the third round but the recovery section seemed to reduce this, only for it to get tight again in the sprint on the next round. It didn't stop me running but made me more aware of my breathing and gut. Even on the cooldown I felt sharp cramps from the stitch. Definitely seem to be just beneath my ribs/lung area. I don't feel anything now an hour later....weird.
My goal was to stay with Mark (iliketoast) and Tara for as long as I could. Tara wore down pretty fast, I think she was tired from her long fast run with Pat on Sunday still and Mark had run a 16km tempo run yesterday (thankfully....) so I managed my goal staying just in front of Tara and about 10m behind Mark (he whipped me on the last one though).
The last rep I ran hard but it wasn't my fastest. I was more aware of the crowd and was trying to sidestep some slower runners who were finishing and the faster ones who were panting down my neck. Tara went past me but I was happy to cruise to the finish line 30m away.
I felt great afterwards and have to admit - that was one of the best sessions I have been to in ages. Thumbs up Pat!!!
Monday, June 12, 2006
New Toy...new toy....new toy....new toy....
Yes can you guess how excited I am???????????????????????
I popped into Amart Allsports yesterday for a look at their stocktake sale and found some great bargins to be had on tracksuits and juniors running gear. Okay so I ended up spending a fortune (so much for the budget) on Matty to ensure he is fully kitted out for his winter running. 50% tracksuits!!! He loved it so much he slept in it.
I went past all the tempting womens gear and made it to the counter (yes it was a shock to dear hubby) but there I saw the GARMIN SALE woo hoo. 50% off! Yep I got a 201 for $130 how cool is that! They ended up not having one in stock so hubby - bless his cotton sox - drove to another store and got one for me.
Today was supposed to be a rest day but after getting my new toy I couldn't wait to get out there. Charged it up last night and then at 4pm this afternoon did a run around the block at my house. It is a hilly course around Mt Ommaney but very cool (summer it is shaded) and pretty.
Average pace: 5:00
Distance: 7.7km
The funny thing was Hubby took a shortcut of 2km (he ran 5.7km) and I told him I would catch up to him. Then I bolted up the hill and ran hard to try to get him. Never did.....months ago I would have got him. He even fessed up to walking the last 200m uphill to our house (it is VERY steep) because he couldn't even see me! How depressing! Or should I be happy that he is improving???
My legs are tired now but after the long run on Saturday I am glad I turned them over today before speedwork tomorrow morning.
Big day tomorrow. New Boss....must remember to be on best behaviour.... ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
I popped into Amart Allsports yesterday for a look at their stocktake sale and found some great bargins to be had on tracksuits and juniors running gear. Okay so I ended up spending a fortune (so much for the budget) on Matty to ensure he is fully kitted out for his winter running. 50% tracksuits!!! He loved it so much he slept in it.
I went past all the tempting womens gear and made it to the counter (yes it was a shock to dear hubby) but there I saw the GARMIN SALE woo hoo. 50% off! Yep I got a 201 for $130 how cool is that! They ended up not having one in stock so hubby - bless his cotton sox - drove to another store and got one for me.
Today was supposed to be a rest day but after getting my new toy I couldn't wait to get out there. Charged it up last night and then at 4pm this afternoon did a run around the block at my house. It is a hilly course around Mt Ommaney but very cool (summer it is shaded) and pretty.
Average pace: 5:00
Distance: 7.7km
The funny thing was Hubby took a shortcut of 2km (he ran 5.7km) and I told him I would catch up to him. Then I bolted up the hill and ran hard to try to get him. Never did.....months ago I would have got him. He even fessed up to walking the last 200m uphill to our house (it is VERY steep) because he couldn't even see me! How depressing! Or should I be happy that he is improving???
My legs are tired now but after the long run on Saturday I am glad I turned them over today before speedwork tomorrow morning.
Big day tomorrow. New Boss....must remember to be on best behaviour.... ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
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