Hi Claire
We've received your entry for the 2007 Canberra Marathon ~ thank you for your ongoing support & we look forward to seeing you in Canberra again.
All the very best to you and your family for a very merry Christmas, a happy new year and a wonderful 2007.
Regards
Fran
Canberra Marathon
www.canberramarathon.com.au
Ph: +61 (0)2 4342 7611
Mob: 0417 285 609
Friday, December 22, 2006
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Santas little gift
What to get for a 24yo unfit male for a work christmas party???
Budget - $30
HELP!!!
Budget - $30
HELP!!!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Weekend Runs - its all good!!
After Kurrawa I did nothing. Zip Zaddo Naddo! Just ate, drank and watched movies late every night with the kids, went to Robbie Williams with Tesso and just spent the ENTIRE week thinking of anything but running. It was a good break.
Saturday I was keen to run again but knew I should only do an easy 12km. Easy it wasn't. It was bloody hot and I was tired after the first few km. My legs were fine but I could hardly get air into my lungs. It had nothing to do with fitness, it was all about weather. The day was slighly overcast which I thought would be good but it was dreadful and humid and days later I am still complaining. To top it all off Tess rang to tell me she was running in her jeans because it was so FREEZING in Canberra.
Sunday I was keen to run again and a group of us met on the Gold Coast beach and ran a very hard session for 50mins.
5min hard sand
5min soft sand
5min water running (just below knees)
Repeat 3 times and finish off with a run back to the start. Man it was tough and at the end we all just floated around in the tumble that was the surf. It was raining and there was no sun. It was actually cold - can you believe it! But the water was really nice and warm. My family - whom I had promised a great day at the beach (they played cricket whilst I ran) if they would just get up with me at 4.30am - were trying to work out which one would kill me first. We showered and went for a hot breakfast. It was all good.
Today I have calves that are like rocks and very tight. My feet won't fit into shoes at work because I have blisters covering the botttom of my feet. In fact everyone is asking if I went to see HAPPY FEET because I am walking like a waddling penguin today. But....it is still all good.
Can't wait for the next run.
Saturday I was keen to run again but knew I should only do an easy 12km. Easy it wasn't. It was bloody hot and I was tired after the first few km. My legs were fine but I could hardly get air into my lungs. It had nothing to do with fitness, it was all about weather. The day was slighly overcast which I thought would be good but it was dreadful and humid and days later I am still complaining. To top it all off Tess rang to tell me she was running in her jeans because it was so FREEZING in Canberra.
Sunday I was keen to run again and a group of us met on the Gold Coast beach and ran a very hard session for 50mins.
5min hard sand
5min soft sand
5min water running (just below knees)
Repeat 3 times and finish off with a run back to the start. Man it was tough and at the end we all just floated around in the tumble that was the surf. It was raining and there was no sun. It was actually cold - can you believe it! But the water was really nice and warm. My family - whom I had promised a great day at the beach (they played cricket whilst I ran) if they would just get up with me at 4.30am - were trying to work out which one would kill me first. We showered and went for a hot breakfast. It was all good.
Today I have calves that are like rocks and very tight. My feet won't fit into shoes at work because I have blisters covering the botttom of my feet. In fact everyone is asking if I went to see HAPPY FEET because I am walking like a waddling penguin today. But....it is still all good.
Can't wait for the next run.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
KURRAWA 25KM
I put off writing my post because I needed to think a bit more about how I felt and what it all meant to me.
I love this race, it is honestly one of the most challenging runs I have done and it calls me back year after year.
The race is small - with approx 187 runners doing 25km. Of them 33 runners did the whole 50km this year. It is an out and back race - so 25km out (hand over to relay partner) and 25km back. A flat, hot course with hills. Sounds terrible doesn't it?
Views of the ocean, cars streaming past with runners cheering you on, friends driving 5km jumping out handing you drinks, jumping back in and driving further up the road. Family on the motorbike doing loops yelling encouragement and telling me how it was cooler a few km up the road if I can just get there......(liars!)
It was all good.
My relay partner Robbie had trained for months for this race after having a shocker last year. He worked very hard and was wired to put in a good run. He started out well but just towards the end his legs got very tired and he just couldn't go as fast as he wanted. Still - he did the 25km in under 2hrs so even though he was upset I was very impressed.
It was hot before I even started at 7.45am and I felt for Tess as I had not even seen her all morning since the start - her runner was injured and just taking it easy. Goodness knows when she would be starting!
THE RUN
After the initial 500m which is up a steep hill, I ran very hard for the next 6km. It was hot and I was not really warmed up. I was on 4.30min/km pace and feeling good but slightly breathless. I reached Liz by 7km and there was a group of runners there all keeping the same pace. I decided to go past and then ease up and get my breath back. Shortly after Hubby announced Tara was 200m behind me and just sitting there.
I was feeling unwell and in need of fluid but my camelbak only had weak powerade in it which I had been sipping. I took a gel and washed it down with the powerade. Everyone kept trying to offer me electrolyte drinks (must have thought I had water in the camel) so I kept refusing. I grabbed a cup of water at an aid station and it was cold and heavenly. I didn't realise until then how hot I was - this was 10km into the race!!
Shortly after I stopped and had to empty my stomach but it was brief and I felt better so it was the best thing to do. I had more powerade but cramped up shortly after. Looking back I know now I had no where near enough water. The powerade in the camelbak was a stupid idea.
My legs were happy little buggers and kept me going despite the rest of me telling myself I would never ever do this again. They kept going up the new hill and then raced down the other side to gain some momentum. Not long to go now.
With 6km to the finish Tara went past. It was good to see someone I knew and have a chat. I had been so lonely the whole race - I think that makes a difference. In the fist leg you have a lot of people around you pushing you to keep pace.
Tara was running well so off she went. She looked comfortable and I knew she was having a great day so I let her go.
3km on I had caught up and was only 2m behind Tara. We just played cat and mouse from there.
The First prize of the Running Buddy Trophy was on offer and we both wanted it.
I was getting uncomfortable again, Tara's partner Ciaran was offering water but I refused it thinking I just wanted to run and get it over with (only a few km now). Tara took some and put some ice in her ha - smart chick. I raced off and got in front and did some strides to put some distance between us. Not a good idea....1km on and I was hot and tiring very quickly. The effect of fartleking the last 7km had taken it's toll.
Tara went past again and kindly offered me her camelpak straw to take a sip, I smiled and said 'nothing could help me now'. She went off and I felt like I was going backwards.
Kurrawa SLC loomed up and she went left and I went right. Bloody got nipped by damn magpies, which was probably a good thing as it made me squeal and run fast. 200m to go.
Tara crossed and there I was just 30m behind her. I was devastated with my placing.
After I had cooled down I felt much better. I did a good time that I was happy with in those conditions and ran the best I could on the day. Tara had an absolute blinder and was always going to beat me in time (she started 1min AFTER I did) and was really suprised and happy with her efforts....but now I have to run next year to get that Trophy or I will be the only Running Buddy who has never won it. :(
At the end of the day I ran well and did 25km in those conditions in 2:03:00, gotta be happy with that.
My legs feel really good today so the recovery is going well and I should be back into form in a few days. I'm taking it easy until January when I will launch into my Sub 3:20 Training for Canberra.
Thanks for all the well wishes friends, it certainly worked and I felt you all with me out there on Sunday.
I love this race, it is honestly one of the most challenging runs I have done and it calls me back year after year.
The race is small - with approx 187 runners doing 25km. Of them 33 runners did the whole 50km this year. It is an out and back race - so 25km out (hand over to relay partner) and 25km back. A flat, hot course with hills. Sounds terrible doesn't it?
Views of the ocean, cars streaming past with runners cheering you on, friends driving 5km jumping out handing you drinks, jumping back in and driving further up the road. Family on the motorbike doing loops yelling encouragement and telling me how it was cooler a few km up the road if I can just get there......(liars!)
It was all good.
My relay partner Robbie had trained for months for this race after having a shocker last year. He worked very hard and was wired to put in a good run. He started out well but just towards the end his legs got very tired and he just couldn't go as fast as he wanted. Still - he did the 25km in under 2hrs so even though he was upset I was very impressed.
It was hot before I even started at 7.45am and I felt for Tess as I had not even seen her all morning since the start - her runner was injured and just taking it easy. Goodness knows when she would be starting!
THE RUN
After the initial 500m which is up a steep hill, I ran very hard for the next 6km. It was hot and I was not really warmed up. I was on 4.30min/km pace and feeling good but slightly breathless. I reached Liz by 7km and there was a group of runners there all keeping the same pace. I decided to go past and then ease up and get my breath back. Shortly after Hubby announced Tara was 200m behind me and just sitting there.
I was feeling unwell and in need of fluid but my camelbak only had weak powerade in it which I had been sipping. I took a gel and washed it down with the powerade. Everyone kept trying to offer me electrolyte drinks (must have thought I had water in the camel) so I kept refusing. I grabbed a cup of water at an aid station and it was cold and heavenly. I didn't realise until then how hot I was - this was 10km into the race!!
Shortly after I stopped and had to empty my stomach but it was brief and I felt better so it was the best thing to do. I had more powerade but cramped up shortly after. Looking back I know now I had no where near enough water. The powerade in the camelbak was a stupid idea.
My legs were happy little buggers and kept me going despite the rest of me telling myself I would never ever do this again. They kept going up the new hill and then raced down the other side to gain some momentum. Not long to go now.
With 6km to the finish Tara went past. It was good to see someone I knew and have a chat. I had been so lonely the whole race - I think that makes a difference. In the fist leg you have a lot of people around you pushing you to keep pace.
Tara was running well so off she went. She looked comfortable and I knew she was having a great day so I let her go.
3km on I had caught up and was only 2m behind Tara. We just played cat and mouse from there.
The First prize of the Running Buddy Trophy was on offer and we both wanted it.
I was getting uncomfortable again, Tara's partner Ciaran was offering water but I refused it thinking I just wanted to run and get it over with (only a few km now). Tara took some and put some ice in her ha - smart chick. I raced off and got in front and did some strides to put some distance between us. Not a good idea....1km on and I was hot and tiring very quickly. The effect of fartleking the last 7km had taken it's toll.
Tara went past again and kindly offered me her camelpak straw to take a sip, I smiled and said 'nothing could help me now'. She went off and I felt like I was going backwards.
Kurrawa SLC loomed up and she went left and I went right. Bloody got nipped by damn magpies, which was probably a good thing as it made me squeal and run fast. 200m to go.
Tara crossed and there I was just 30m behind her. I was devastated with my placing.
After I had cooled down I felt much better. I did a good time that I was happy with in those conditions and ran the best I could on the day. Tara had an absolute blinder and was always going to beat me in time (she started 1min AFTER I did) and was really suprised and happy with her efforts....but now I have to run next year to get that Trophy or I will be the only Running Buddy who has never won it. :(
At the end of the day I ran well and did 25km in those conditions in 2:03:00, gotta be happy with that.
My legs feel really good today so the recovery is going well and I should be back into form in a few days. I'm taking it easy until January when I will launch into my Sub 3:20 Training for Canberra.
Thanks for all the well wishes friends, it certainly worked and I felt you all with me out there on Sunday.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Day 1 of recovery....
Some photos................. just to show how hard we were working out there.....
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Its just soooooo close now.....3 sleeps!!!!
Am still a bit under the weather but I can't work out if that is due to general malaise or the 18 pancakes I had at Pat's this morning.
Not long now till the race and too late to worry about general fitness. So just concentrate on keeping relaxed and in high spirits.
This is it...been working towards this and it is just about here.
Will post again after the race. Thanks to everyone for your witty, wonderful, encouraging comments. They all mean a lot and forgive me for not always responding.
Being in such an elated, weird mood, I am going to be psychic and predict that Tomorrow at Pat's speed session Tesso will win a pair of sunglasses........
Not long now till the race and too late to worry about general fitness. So just concentrate on keeping relaxed and in high spirits.
This is it...been working towards this and it is just about here.
Will post again after the race. Thanks to everyone for your witty, wonderful, encouraging comments. They all mean a lot and forgive me for not always responding.
Being in such an elated, weird mood, I am going to be psychic and predict that Tomorrow at Pat's speed session Tesso will win a pair of sunglasses........
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
5 More Sleeps.....
Allan (hubby) said last night as we were drifting off to sleep..."Kurrawa is going to be so good this year for you, you must be well prepared because you aren't even nervous yet"
I didn't sleep after that. Bastard! He went out like a light.
Time trial - 3km at Pats this morning. I didn't run hard as I choose to pace Sarah to a PB. She got an 8 second PB....gotta be happy with that.
I just love going to Pats group runs and this morning was no different - there must have been 100 runners!!!!!
I didn't sleep after that. Bastard! He went out like a light.
Time trial - 3km at Pats this morning. I didn't run hard as I choose to pace Sarah to a PB. She got an 8 second PB....gotta be happy with that.
I just love going to Pats group runs and this morning was no different - there must have been 100 runners!!!!!
Monday, December 04, 2006
6 More Sleeps......
Wow getting REAL close now.
I had a massive blowout on the weekend. Totally ate everything in sight. The kids are still alive, thankfully.
We ran 16km (or 14.5km according to Tesso) on Saturday. I had no watch or garmin so have no idea. The turnaround was 7.9km and then we headed back a slightly different route. I ran hard on the way out but took it easy coming home.
Sunday I was really unwell. Not sure if I am coming down with something but I struggled to get out with the kids to Southbank. We spent the day there watching the bike race and swimming in the beach. It was fun but I was very lethargic. Early to bed.
This morning - again lacking energy. Did RPM class but only stretching afterwards.
From here on - it's taper all the way. Gotta look after this sexy bod and get it to the start line in one piece.
I had a massive blowout on the weekend. Totally ate everything in sight. The kids are still alive, thankfully.
We ran 16km (or 14.5km according to Tesso) on Saturday. I had no watch or garmin so have no idea. The turnaround was 7.9km and then we headed back a slightly different route. I ran hard on the way out but took it easy coming home.
Sunday I was really unwell. Not sure if I am coming down with something but I struggled to get out with the kids to Southbank. We spent the day there watching the bike race and swimming in the beach. It was fun but I was very lethargic. Early to bed.
This morning - again lacking energy. Did RPM class but only stretching afterwards.
From here on - it's taper all the way. Gotta look after this sexy bod and get it to the start line in one piece.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
10 Days.....Getting close now
Did the usual run up Mount Cootha - 9km. Hungover and tired (office Xmas party last night).
Feeling the brunt of it now.
No more hill work now for two weeks......so there is something good about today.
Feeling the brunt of it now.
No more hill work now for two weeks......so there is something good about today.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
11 Days to go....Not quite hysterical YET!
Meet up with Toast and Tess at 5.30am. Despite the early hour it was certainly not a pleasant cool run along the river today. I ran behind the other two most of the way (single file over the bridge etc) and was just watcing the sweat pour off them. I could feel myself melting but it was amazing to watch it on others as well.
We stopped about a zillion times to drink water and then Tess turned into a politician and decided to stop all the men with prams to look over their merchandise and ask their names and ages. As we kept running we kept running into people. A very social morning out there today!
16km all up at 5min/km pace. It was a tough run and hard work in those conditions. I was very tired and cranky when I finished....and still am. But I feel good and glad that I got out there.
We stopped about a zillion times to drink water and then Tess turned into a politician and decided to stop all the men with prams to look over their merchandise and ask their names and ages. As we kept running we kept running into people. A very social morning out there today!
16km all up at 5min/km pace. It was a tough run and hard work in those conditions. I was very tired and cranky when I finished....and still am. But I feel good and glad that I got out there.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
The Incredible Hulk on the Gold Coast Hill!!!!!!
One word....just one word..... from any of you and I'll get Tesso to sort you out.
12 Days......Yikes!!!!
Getting ever so close now. I am starting to suffocate and feel claustrophobic from the pressure I put on myself to train. I feel I haven't done enough but I know I have. aaaaarrrrgggghhhh.
This morning I decided no matter how much the in-laws (I love em)and babies at home were tiring me out I would run as hard as I could this morning. AND I DID.
Session was 6 x 500m with 30sec recovery. I rushed out to start but found myself amongst the leaders (fast group) at halfway so I pulled in a bit to reserve some energy. Sure enough Tara then flew past me so I stepped up a gear and finished off just behind her.
The next lot of reps I made sure to keep in front, but what was really working me was only have a 30sec rest. Normally I take a full 45sec recovery so it was hard to back up so soon after busting a gut. I was chasing Mark and managed to run with him for most of the sets and not be too far behind Robbie - though he was starting 5sec before me each time.
We wrapped it up with two hill reps up Gold Coast Hill. That was tough but I actually didn't mind it today.
I just love running with the PCRG guys. It is so motivating and puts me on a high every time. Pat doesn't need to advertise - any newcomer gets a full welcome and gets to see first hand all the success stories and hear how people are improving and also see how motivated and encouraging we all are. It is one big family - where everyone is welcome. I don't even know the names of them all....but I love em just the same. Running is the best and running at Pat's is the icing on the cake. Where else in the world can Tess and I get up to mischief and get fit at the same time?
Seriously, I can honestly say I worked damn hard this morning and I deserve my luxury coffee today!
This morning I decided no matter how much the in-laws (I love em)and babies at home were tiring me out I would run as hard as I could this morning. AND I DID.
Session was 6 x 500m with 30sec recovery. I rushed out to start but found myself amongst the leaders (fast group) at halfway so I pulled in a bit to reserve some energy. Sure enough Tara then flew past me so I stepped up a gear and finished off just behind her.
The next lot of reps I made sure to keep in front, but what was really working me was only have a 30sec rest. Normally I take a full 45sec recovery so it was hard to back up so soon after busting a gut. I was chasing Mark and managed to run with him for most of the sets and not be too far behind Robbie - though he was starting 5sec before me each time.
We wrapped it up with two hill reps up Gold Coast Hill. That was tough but I actually didn't mind it today.
I just love running with the PCRG guys. It is so motivating and puts me on a high every time. Pat doesn't need to advertise - any newcomer gets a full welcome and gets to see first hand all the success stories and hear how people are improving and also see how motivated and encouraging we all are. It is one big family - where everyone is welcome. I don't even know the names of them all....but I love em just the same. Running is the best and running at Pat's is the icing on the cake. Where else in the world can Tess and I get up to mischief and get fit at the same time?
Seriously, I can honestly say I worked damn hard this morning and I deserve my luxury coffee today!
Monday, November 27, 2006
Two Weeks Today...........
Well two weeks Sunday (yesterday).
I got out of bed early (can't say I woke up till halfway during the run) and headed out to the BRRC 15km race at 6am. I got there early but sat on my bum feeling like not running. Tess was doing a half marathon and there was no-one else that would be running beside me. I managed to talk myself into it so after a last minute water and then loo stop I lined up at the start.
It was 3 x 5km loops.
First loop I did 5min/km pace; the second loop I ran at 4:50 pace and the last loop I ran at 4:30min/km pace. All up I ran in 1hr 11mins. It was a good run and I was glad that I was able to get faster - especially as my legs were dead tired from yesterday.
I spent the rest of the day swimming and surfing up at Mooloolaba. I got burnt, dumped and totally exhausted myself. When I finally went to bed I was totally bonked.
This morning - Monday - I went to the Gym but did not have much energy. It is not iron as I have been eating well but I am fairly sure it is just all the training at such high intensity (high for little ole me). Nonetheless....training tomorrow and I hope to put in a solid effort.
I got out of bed early (can't say I woke up till halfway during the run) and headed out to the BRRC 15km race at 6am. I got there early but sat on my bum feeling like not running. Tess was doing a half marathon and there was no-one else that would be running beside me. I managed to talk myself into it so after a last minute water and then loo stop I lined up at the start.
It was 3 x 5km loops.
First loop I did 5min/km pace; the second loop I ran at 4:50 pace and the last loop I ran at 4:30min/km pace. All up I ran in 1hr 11mins. It was a good run and I was glad that I was able to get faster - especially as my legs were dead tired from yesterday.
I spent the rest of the day swimming and surfing up at Mooloolaba. I got burnt, dumped and totally exhausted myself. When I finally went to bed I was totally bonked.
This morning - Monday - I went to the Gym but did not have much energy. It is not iron as I have been eating well but I am fairly sure it is just all the training at such high intensity (high for little ole me). Nonetheless....training tomorrow and I hope to put in a solid effort.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
15 days.....and time to speed up
Okay I got the hint.
Turned up at the track at 7.30am to do a warm up with Tesso (who had been on night shift all night, ran with our normal group at 5.30am and then come out to run with me). I signed on but could not find the 3000m sheets until someone told me there was no 3km today - it was 5000m. *groan* I remembered Tess said that may be the case during the week. Oh well.
Tess was very tired and racing tomorrow so was not doing the run itself - just the warmup.
I was not really in the mood for a full on effort but decided that I had to start working on my speed. 12.5 laps of hot running doesn't really help the speed but I was determined to run my best on the day.
The first few laps up until 3km was quite good and I was in a rythym. Only problem was it was a fast rhythym so it was inevitable that I slowed down on the 4th km. The final lap was my fastest by 10sec so I was happy with that but determined that next time I will have to do TWO fast laps and not just one.
Final time 21:05. My first 5km on the track. Yah.
Turned up at the track at 7.30am to do a warm up with Tesso (who had been on night shift all night, ran with our normal group at 5.30am and then come out to run with me). I signed on but could not find the 3000m sheets until someone told me there was no 3km today - it was 5000m. *groan* I remembered Tess said that may be the case during the week. Oh well.
Tess was very tired and racing tomorrow so was not doing the run itself - just the warmup.
I was not really in the mood for a full on effort but decided that I had to start working on my speed. 12.5 laps of hot running doesn't really help the speed but I was determined to run my best on the day.
The first few laps up until 3km was quite good and I was in a rythym. Only problem was it was a fast rhythym so it was inevitable that I slowed down on the 4th km. The final lap was my fastest by 10sec so I was happy with that but determined that next time I will have to do TWO fast laps and not just one.
Final time 21:05. My first 5km on the track. Yah.
Friday, November 24, 2006
16 Days.....GULP!
After Wednesday's hangover I decided to sleep well Wed night and work hard at my Thursday run.
It didn't exactly look like that is what I was doing though. We were doing a loop of Mount Cootha via the trails and it was so bloody steep and rubbly that I could not get a good grip on my 'old' shoes. So there I was going backwards trying my hardest.
As soon as I got to the top I was in about 5th position. Miles behind the others.
I told myself...dammit you should be running with them so MOVE it. I did and was absolutely flying along. I suprised myself I was that damn fast. The smoke was coming of the back of my shoes and I was totally loving it. I could not breathe - because at that speed air is not of high quality.
Anyhow I was very happy to find that I came in first - totally not expecting that. Well to be really honest there was three runners that came in and went back out again but they are elite and were not in the group that I was chasing. I think they were running at 3:50min/km pace going UP the hill so I was never going to catch them!!! All up it was a great feeling and gave me a good start to the day.
FRIDAY
Down to 16 days until Kurrawa and the doubts are still niggling there. I am not training today - had to pick the in-laws up at 5am at the airport. But am considering my options for running on the weekend. Will let you know what I come up with. Choices are:
Sat - Riverloop (25-30km) or 17km flat or 18km Hilly or 3km Masters Track race
Sun - 15km BRRC race or 5km BRRC race or Half Marathon race with Tesso.
ooohh the choices....
It didn't exactly look like that is what I was doing though. We were doing a loop of Mount Cootha via the trails and it was so bloody steep and rubbly that I could not get a good grip on my 'old' shoes. So there I was going backwards trying my hardest.
As soon as I got to the top I was in about 5th position. Miles behind the others.
I told myself...dammit you should be running with them so MOVE it. I did and was absolutely flying along. I suprised myself I was that damn fast. The smoke was coming of the back of my shoes and I was totally loving it. I could not breathe - because at that speed air is not of high quality.
Anyhow I was very happy to find that I came in first - totally not expecting that. Well to be really honest there was three runners that came in and went back out again but they are elite and were not in the group that I was chasing. I think they were running at 3:50min/km pace going UP the hill so I was never going to catch them!!! All up it was a great feeling and gave me a good start to the day.
FRIDAY
Down to 16 days until Kurrawa and the doubts are still niggling there. I am not training today - had to pick the in-laws up at 5am at the airport. But am considering my options for running on the weekend. Will let you know what I come up with. Choices are:
Sat - Riverloop (25-30km) or 17km flat or 18km Hilly or 3km Masters Track race
Sun - 15km BRRC race or 5km BRRC race or Half Marathon race with Tesso.
ooohh the choices....
18 days......and lots of beer to get through
I am never drinking again...till tonight.
The great Adventure Race was amazing. Lots of fun and many many hilarious moments. I was extremely competitive, suprise suprise, and had my team of six out in the lead for most of the race.
As the teams Navigator, I had them all blindfolded and running through the streets of Caloundra to find some red markers, we then (unblindfolded) had to ski - all six on one set of ski's - across 1km of grass, carrying some wooden poles. Do you know how hard that was!?? Next we had to go through a massive (man made) spiderweb without breaking/touching it - with the poles. We searched for the next clue at the end of each task and found ourselves directing the driver to a beach where we had to build a pontoon and float someone out to sea (that would be me). Yes I got soaking and came to shore firmly grasping two poles and four rubber rings so no-one could see the ropes had come undone. My undoing was the jellyfish in absolute swarms going past me and brushing up against me - lucky I had my jeans on, but I was still screaming the house down.
Next clue saw us tearing down the highway to the go-karts, we rocked up jumped in and sped away for 15mins of lapping. All the schoolies were watching and wondering what on earth are they doing.
We were forced to take a break as the next thing we had to do was eat a whole mars bar and bottle of water (it was a fun size mars bar and I don't know why they call that a task......). The filling up of a giant bin was very difficult - it was covered in tiny holes so the water kept coming out. We lost a lot of time on this task but still were in the lead.
Along the way we had to do riddles and puzzles. I felt like I was back at school driving along in a van screaming answers at everyone (okay so maybe I was screaming FOR the answers....).
The bowling alley was lots of fun - but take a hint and dont' try to save time by running into one with just socks on. I slipped A over T much to the amusement of everyone. I blame that on me not being able to get a strike. Anyhow we raced out of there and were now neck and neck with the other team.
The next few tasks don't get much of a mention because I was completely hopeless and let my team down big time. We all got handcuffed together and had to Houdini our way out. They all assumed it was something I do all the time......???...but I had absolutely no idea. The other team got undone in 3 mins!!
The pool task of making some letters with bits of rubber float was also a joke and I ended up paying $50 to the facilitator to let us out of that one (bribes were permitted). So at the end of the day we didn't win.....but we won the loudest and most enthusiastic award. Dare I say we also won the best drinkers at the after-party!! Everyone even commented on how I ran so well between the tasks and was the first one there everytime - yah does that count as training?
Wednesday morning was a struggle with getting out of bed and doing a run. I managed 6km without being ill and even had a wonderful I LOVE LIFE SO MUCH moment after throwing myself in the surf for a cold refreshing swim during the run. Pity it didn't last long and I felt shocking for the rest of the day.
The great Adventure Race was amazing. Lots of fun and many many hilarious moments. I was extremely competitive, suprise suprise, and had my team of six out in the lead for most of the race.
As the teams Navigator, I had them all blindfolded and running through the streets of Caloundra to find some red markers, we then (unblindfolded) had to ski - all six on one set of ski's - across 1km of grass, carrying some wooden poles. Do you know how hard that was!?? Next we had to go through a massive (man made) spiderweb without breaking/touching it - with the poles. We searched for the next clue at the end of each task and found ourselves directing the driver to a beach where we had to build a pontoon and float someone out to sea (that would be me). Yes I got soaking and came to shore firmly grasping two poles and four rubber rings so no-one could see the ropes had come undone. My undoing was the jellyfish in absolute swarms going past me and brushing up against me - lucky I had my jeans on, but I was still screaming the house down.
Next clue saw us tearing down the highway to the go-karts, we rocked up jumped in and sped away for 15mins of lapping. All the schoolies were watching and wondering what on earth are they doing.
We were forced to take a break as the next thing we had to do was eat a whole mars bar and bottle of water (it was a fun size mars bar and I don't know why they call that a task......). The filling up of a giant bin was very difficult - it was covered in tiny holes so the water kept coming out. We lost a lot of time on this task but still were in the lead.
Along the way we had to do riddles and puzzles. I felt like I was back at school driving along in a van screaming answers at everyone (okay so maybe I was screaming FOR the answers....).
The bowling alley was lots of fun - but take a hint and dont' try to save time by running into one with just socks on. I slipped A over T much to the amusement of everyone. I blame that on me not being able to get a strike. Anyhow we raced out of there and were now neck and neck with the other team.
The next few tasks don't get much of a mention because I was completely hopeless and let my team down big time. We all got handcuffed together and had to Houdini our way out. They all assumed it was something I do all the time......???...but I had absolutely no idea. The other team got undone in 3 mins!!
The pool task of making some letters with bits of rubber float was also a joke and I ended up paying $50 to the facilitator to let us out of that one (bribes were permitted). So at the end of the day we didn't win.....but we won the loudest and most enthusiastic award. Dare I say we also won the best drinkers at the after-party!! Everyone even commented on how I ran so well between the tasks and was the first one there everytime - yah does that count as training?
Wednesday morning was a struggle with getting out of bed and doing a run. I managed 6km without being ill and even had a wonderful I LOVE LIFE SO MUCH moment after throwing myself in the surf for a cold refreshing swim during the run. Pity it didn't last long and I felt shocking for the rest of the day.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
19 days now....
Getting closer to the day and I am starting to feel like I have not done sufficient training. Certainly I have not done any heat training so that will be the focus from Wednesday to Wednesday this week. MIDDAY RUNS. Well one or two anyhow.
This morning we had 5 x 1min efforts with 30 sec jog recovery then turn around and come back with all 30sec effort and 30sec job recovery until we got back to where we started. Tess and I were running hard but still able to keep up a brief conversation. The plan for both of us today was not to run 100% - Tess had a big week last week and I am off for A GREAT ADVENTURE RACE in a few minutes. So I was conserving energy.
Have no idea what we are going to do but it sounds like fun.
This morning we had 5 x 1min efforts with 30 sec jog recovery then turn around and come back with all 30sec effort and 30sec job recovery until we got back to where we started. Tess and I were running hard but still able to keep up a brief conversation. The plan for both of us today was not to run 100% - Tess had a big week last week and I am off for A GREAT ADVENTURE RACE in a few minutes. So I was conserving energy.
Have no idea what we are going to do but it sounds like fun.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
21 Days left......recovery time
7.5km of hills. I ran this very slowly but was in good spirits and condition (ie. no sore muscles) so was holding myself back most of the way. A lot hotter this morning than Saturday's run.
22 Days to go....long run time
Today was 30km on the menu but when I arrived at the Ship Inn everyone was talking about only running 25km....very disappointed. I knew Toasty was running 30km so I was happy to see him there.
After the first few km a group of us let the lead pack go - we were running 4:45's and that was just too fast for a long run. The weather was really quite cool so it was perfect weather and we were all in good moods.
Toasty shot off with Phil after 5km and we never saw them again so there went my plan of running with him.
We did a long tempo run to compensate running 4:30's then 5:30's for the duration of the run. There are a few hills included so it was a solid workout and I was really quite exhausted afterwards with very tight muscles. A good stretch was in order before I got in the car and raced home to get ready for more house guests - November is a busy month!!!
After the first few km a group of us let the lead pack go - we were running 4:45's and that was just too fast for a long run. The weather was really quite cool so it was perfect weather and we were all in good moods.
Toasty shot off with Phil after 5km and we never saw them again so there went my plan of running with him.
We did a long tempo run to compensate running 4:30's then 5:30's for the duration of the run. There are a few hills included so it was a solid workout and I was really quite exhausted afterwards with very tight muscles. A good stretch was in order before I got in the car and raced home to get ready for more house guests - November is a busy month!!!
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