Out with Tesso!!!

I have a new best friend now. We are even having babies together.......

Had a great night out with the crew from PCRG last night and got to relive Kerryn McCann's gold medal win. It was awesome. She is such an unassuming person.

We are both due in October but I was devastated to be standing near her because she is such a petite pregnant woman and I am a heffalump. Nonetheless we both have the big smiles pregnant women have and both are enjoying the time off serious training before starting again in the new year with some big goals.

I am only kidding you know....Tesso is still my bestest friend.

Just another day at PCRG....

Yes we all just attend the training group to watch Tesso undress.
Thats Pat in the middle, me on the left and Tesso in 'Transformation'.

Pat told everyone to get their gear off for the famous naked photograph.....only Tess got sucked in....nah just kidding she wanted her PCRG singlet to show so had to take her jumper off. But it made for a good story heh :)

Doomben 10000m Race

Yippee my first race in ages. I hate to admit it but I was actually nervous. Fancy being nervous before a 10km race!!!! I felt I didn't deserve to be especially with so many lining up to do the 1/2 Marathon!

I had a busy Saturday morning so laid down for a nap and woke up 3 hrs later.....unfortunately this mean I was not able to go to sleep that night until after midnight. So on only a few hours sleep Allan and I dragged ourselves out to Doomben to watch the half marathoners get underway. Due to the traffic we got there 5mins before they took off. I was screaming out to Tesso but she had her earphones on so didn't even hear me.

The 10k started 20mins later so I thought I would duck off quickly to the loo. Figures - the line up was so long I got out of there just as the 10k was about to start. I had enough time to take my jumper off and get in line. phew!

The gun went off and away we went. It was gut wrenching. The first km I was uncomfortable and was totally depressed when everyone just kept going past me. I had started at the back of the pack so where these people were from that kept going past?????? I think they were doing it just to make me feel bad - and I did. It was terrible and anyone that has been injured or come back after a long time off will know what I am talking about - where you have runners constantly going past you.
I settled down by the 2km mark and was getting excited as we started to see all the half marathoners on their way back so I was able to cheer up and high five everyone. The race just got better from there. I was calling out to everyone I saw and they were all being very supportive back. Bub settled down and stopped jumping around so I was able to enjoy the running at last. By 3km I had a lot of pressure on the bladder but looking at the toilet they had on offer I convinced myself I didn't really need to go it was just the bub pressing on my empty bladder making me feel I needed to.

The turnaround point was exciting because I thought yah halfway there. It all happened so quickly. Marianna and Kerryn from PCRG were running around the same pace I was so it gave me the opportunity to support them and encourage them to a good run - which they did.

I had several walking breaks during the run - at each water table (except first one) and then at about 6km for a minute to ensure I was not overheating.

The last km was great and I was looking forward to the finish but not because I was exhausted - because I wanted to get there quickly so I would see all the half finishers come in!!!

My final time was 0:55:28.1 according to official results this morning.

I hung around for a while after the race catching up with everyone but as soon as Allan put me in the car to go home I fell asleep. He couldn't carry me indoors but gently woke me when we got home. I was a bit dazed so he put me to bed (guest bed because I um needed a shower). He woke me up 2 hours later for a shower and some hot lunch. I felt much better after all of that. I can't believe I was that exhausted I slept in my skins & running gear! Gross.

All in all a great day!

8km

Another good run today.

Same session as yesterday but I felt much better doing it. I think yesterday I was suffering from having had several days off in a row - so it was harder to get back into the swing of running than usual.

I did the warmup, strides and then 2x 1km efforts. Not sure what time I did but happy to not know.

It was much colder today than yesterday.....not to mention my compression tights were like SOOOOOO TIGHT I was at risk of cutting of my circulation. Might need to put them in the 'wait till next year' basket and get some 'fat pants' for this winter ha ha ha

8km - woo hoo

Ran at Pats this morning and as he had 1km efforts on the menu I thought I could run them but just very slowly and not as many as the others were doing. A Team did 5 x 1km, B Team did 4 x 1km with a bit tacked on if they got back too early. Z Team (that consists of just me) did 2 x 1km at 5.30min/km pace.
I did the first km and came in last then stretched and decided to wait for the A Team to get back there. I timed them and asked the front runner how quick he was running - 3:22 / 3:24's was the response. THAT'S FAST. Especially as most of them were meant to be in recovery this week or are doing long mileage leading up to Gold Coast.

I then turned around just before they did and headed back to the start, they got me just at the 500m mark and it was good to be running amongst fast people (if only for 2 seconds or so).

I was uncomfortable on the cool down and had a stitch on my right side that I could not get rid of so I ended up walking at least 1km before starting to jog again.

All up it was a good day and I'm glad I got out of bed for some exercise. 19 weeks now- so halfway through pregnancy next week - Thanks Goodness!!!!!!

BRRC 10km Race

Sunday I was determined to run down at Brisbane Road Runners - it has been such a long time since I have been there FOR A RUN!!

Sunday seemed to be nice and cool and I was keen to run in those conditions. With the sun coming up later the start was not until 6.30am so again that was good news!

6:30am everyone had done their warm up (except me) and were toeing the line. Tesso was champion cheerer for the day - just watching us on the sidelines. Though I noticed she had her running kit on so I suspect that was just in case the addiction took over....and she 'had' to run LOL.

It took 3km for me to ease into a pace. I went out a bit hard (for me) but was quickly stopped with one and then the other shoelace coming undone. Warming up has its benefits in ensuring you are prepared for a race in more ways than one!

I didn't run with a watch so just kept plodding along and trying to remain in control of my breathing.
It got hot very quickly and though the last thing I wanted was to have to run in just a crop top it soon became evident that I would cook with my singlet on as well.

I did the first 5km loop in 26mins but on the second loop I stopped a few times to get my breath and take on board lots of water. I enjoyed the second lap better, I think this was because I was warmed up and in the rythym of running.

Finish time on the clock was 56mins. How depressing. I don't think I'll even look next time.
I went home and was completely exhausted for 90mins but after some breaky, a power nap and hot cup of tea I was raring to get to the footy and get a good park.

A great weekend.

Update from the Fat Chick

I wish my belly would hurry up and pop out - I feel so frumpy. This week is 15weeks but I don't have a 'baby belly' yet so I just look like someone who is carbo loading and not running ha ha ha

I have been running 3-4 times a week. My plan was to keep it at 5 times a week but with being so busy at work and home I honestly have not found the time. Sleeping in is a rare thing - but instead of being on the road pounding the pavement I am at work typing away at 6am.

At Pat's I am still running twice a week. Only 6-7km each time doing the warmup and cooldown but it is fun and keeps me social with everyone.

I am now in training for the Gold Coast Half Marathon. I am going against my ob's wishes but he doesn't realise that a 4hr shopping trip with my daughters is more exhausting than a gentle run on the weekend!!! I'll talk him around when he realises a half marathon to me is not a big deal. It is not something I am doing for the first time or taking too seriously! Appointment on Thursday to discuss with him and hubby is insisting on coming along to ensure he says yes. *groan*

I plan to run with my Aunty. She did the half two years ago in 2:20hrs so we are hoping to run between 2:30 - 2:40hrs. Yes for the Half!!!!!! Our strategy is to run 6km, walk a km etc. always ensuring that I am not breathless or getting too hot. Might have to take a backpack with me in case I get hungry along the way lol!!

I can't imagine what it will be like to run an HOUR slower than my usual pace. It will be weird but no doubt by then I will be willing to go at that pace or even slower :)

Now........to do the training. Need to get my long run back up to 14km instead of the 10-12 I have been doing most weekends.

Hope you are all well and running strong - sorry for the absence and lack of blog entries/comments on your blog. I have not even read anyones blog for weeks so will have a few big days catching up. Still love you all though :)

Easter Egg Run - 10km

Good Friday was fantastic - I got up early in the morning and could not rouse any of my family so headed out to the Family Easter Egg run on my own. That was the only bad bit of the day :)

The race didn't start until 7.00am so it was great to be able to just hang around and chat to everyone and soak up the fun race atmosphere.

Liz and I decided we were not in good enough form to race (well I won't be for another few months yet...) so we make a decision to pace Greg to his sub 50min 10km. He had been trying for more than 12months to do it and always failing for one reason or another. We both knew he was capable, he just needed to know it himself. We didn't tell him about 'our decision' as we knew he would just get really nervous.

At the gun we headed out reasonably slowly keeping just behind Greg. He had shot out and was racing ahead but we hoped he would pull it up soon. He was bang on 4:50 for the first km so we agreed he would just have to run that pace the whole way now. :) Just before the second km Liz and I caught him and told him to not talk and just follow us. We ran in front like bodyguards and kept telling him to stop looking at his watch. He was actually slowing down pulling paper from the back pocket of his shorts where he had his pacing table...and then putting it back. He did this every km for the first 4km then I wouldn't let him do it again. Did I mention I was the BAD COP. Liz was the GOOD COP. We had so much fun.

The second loop we could see that he was doubting himself so we just talked him through it and before you knew it we were coming up to the turn in the road - about 300m from the finish. I yelled out to his daughter who was official timer "Jen Jen we're coming" and she just looked up in disbelief. Then we told Greg to give it everything he had. Man did he ever. I was struggling to keep up - as was Liz - he really sprinted it in! Crossed the line in 48:31 with Liz and I pulling back to let him cross on his own. Jen and Greg (her dad) were crying and laughing and just so emotional. Liz and I were too - it was a great moment and I hope I have many more of them.

We got an email from Jen later that day:

>Dear Liz and Claire,
Thanks so much for pacing Dad this morning - you made his and my day. I was so overwhelmed to see that you both stuck with him all race, encouraging him all the way. When Dad started running about 18 months ago now he was overweight, over worked and unfit. Our first run together in Noosa was under 6km's, it took him ages and he threw up at the half way mark. After we finished the run, Mum told me I would give him a heart attack if we keep it up! Now he is running half marathons and sub 50 minute 10kms and has such a passion for running, he inspires me! We are so lucky to be a part of this community. I really appreciate what you did for Dad today. Anyway sorry to sound so gushy - I just really miss running at the moment, and today is what I love best about it!
Hope to be back soon,Love Jen.

A wonderful Life...

Something glorious happened to me today. For just a brief moment.....I was a runner again.

Todays session at PCRG was a 50min run followed by a 1km race - where you can't look at your watch and have to guess your time. I love this session because you can use both runs to go as hard or as easy as you like - either way you still feel like you are out there doing something.

After warming up I think we were running around 5:15 pace. We headed out along the river and over the floating bridge. We got to the end of the floating bridge where the water tap is and I was very breathless so I stopped for water whilst everyone else went on.

There were a number of runners still coming and some were turning around where I stopped so I jumped up when I saw Liz and we headed off back to the start together. She is coming back from 'overtraining' and also was testing out some new orthotics (they were giving her blisters) so she was running over 6min kms. It was ok and I was just enjoying the morning.

At the end of the run we were in the botanical gardens. When Pat said the run was about to start I told myself I wanted to run a 5min/km. I knew it would be hard but it was only for 1km.
We took off and I was quickly overtaken by the usual crowd of those wanting to run much faster. I settled into a pace that felt fast but comfortable. Towards the end I was able to really let fly and sprint around a few people to cross the line in 4:05. I was so way off target....but I was secretly really thrilled. Yah I can still run!
I knew I was running fast but certainly would not have thought that fast. It was good to be able to break out into a sprint and really feel like you are doing something.
I'm over the moon now with my run and celebrated by eating all the pancakes in sight at breakfast.

3km Time Trial

A good crowd at Pats this morning. Not sure of numbers but it was good to see everyone lining up to run instead of being injured or pacing because of upcoming races.

Even Jodi turned up - which was great to see her run again!

After the warm up I was a bit delayed in getting out to the marshalling spot 600m into the race - so I had to sprint up the road before the first runners caught me. I ended up getting there with plenty of time - obviously Pat had given one of his loooonnggg pep talks before starting.

It was just awesome to watch a swarm of runners coming straight for me. I was in awe of them all - fast and slow it was just great to see them all coming towards me - and 99% of them had a smile on their face when they saw me...aaawwww

Some great results out there and I enjoyed hearing them all on the cool down.

I must have worked a bit harder this morning because despite having a banana at 5am, then a piece of watermelon and pineapple at Pats at 7am I was starving when I got to work. I felt very sick and I had to eat cereal before I went for a shower (sorry to all my colleagues!!). It took me 30mins to feel normal again. I think I need to carry food around with me in the car so I don't get so low again.

Coolum Classic

For Allan's birthday he wanted to do something to get outside in the fresh air so we ended up doing something he has wanted to do for ages - climb Mt Coolum.

The sign said "Experienced Climbers take 2hrs return trip" we ran to the top in 20mins (that includes where you have to climb on hands and feet so it isn't a fast slope!!!). The kids were keeping up with us and we had a fantastic time at the top looking at the views and discussing life. We had loaded Allan up with a backpack full of yummy food and water so he had to grab a stick out of the bush on the way up to ensure he looked like the bushwalking signs on the way up. (the blue man with a stick and backpack)
He really did - it was hilarious!!

I challenged Matty to a race on the way down but slowed down as soon as he was out of view. He won the race but I was very happy with my run and totally enjoyed the experience.

Next up we hit the beach for two hours. It was now 3pm and the wind was quite strong so I sat on a towel and watched them brave the water. It was soooo cold.

All up it was a good day out - topped off a great morning where we had watched the Australian 1500mx4 relay record being smashed in the morning by the most talented Pete, Mark, Andy and Dave. An exciting race resulting in a further 22 sec off the Australian Record for the U50 age group. I was glad to be there to witness it.

Monday
Only 4km on the treadmill this morning. I could not get in to the carpark so had to be in and out by 7am or my car (in the street) would have been towed. I looked like a manic running from the treadmill to the weights, furiously lifting and then racing upstairs to shower before running out the door.
Totally exhausted now. Can't wait for Pats time trial tomorrow - so I can rest!!!! :)

Update

I have been so busy at work lately I haven't blogged - when you are pregnant you really try to work harder so that people don't label you with the usual stigma of pregnant women.

Anyhow two major tenders in two days. If they pay off, I'll be able to afford twins after all :) Just kidding.

Still running at Pats and am getting out on my bike more as well which is good for overall fitness. My weekly mileage is below 50km which is pretty miserable but then again - every run I am really enjoying and nothing is taken for granted anymore.

My knee still gives me grief every now and then but nothing I am worried about. In fact since being pregnant my hip has not been a bother at all - which is totally amazing. So I think the hormones have fixed that issue that has been plaguing me for over a year.

I'm sure I will be much better once Canberra is over with. It has been hard to watch all my friends continue to train for that event whilst I just plod around and have no (running) goals. Heh who knows once Canberra is over - that first week afterwards I might even be able to keep up with Tesso :)

I am starting to look forward to Canberra - because for me now it will be a holiday. Chance to catch up with the family and with friends. Watch some great running and eat copious amounts of pasta.......aaaah the life of a non-running marathoner :)

Update

Okay so now you all know I am pregnant and not just overeating...... :)

The road has been tough on me with Canberra so close away but really at the end of the day as my buddy Tess says - "there's always another one". Marathon that is!

Went along to Pats this morning and did 8km. Did the warm up and cooldown with a bit thrown in the middle. No actual speed work, just a faster jog than the warm up. It was fun because there was a crowd in the group who were going only 80% as they are racing on the weekend at Mooloolaba Triathlon so I was able to stick with them - better than running on your own.

I am really missing not running long distances (funny I am not missing speedwork too much hee hee) but after receiving an email from CR Queen (Dawn Tiller) I have a better idea of what I can accomplish during the next 30 weeks. A simple 10km a day is 70km a week - which is where I usually like to be at. After the last few low weeks I'd even be happy to be running 50km a week for the next few months.

Oh and btw if anyone has a cure for 'lunchtime sickness' please let me know. It seems to be between 12-2 when I feel most unwell. Aside from that - all is well.

Two Days Training

WEDNESDAY
Tutor Tesso said it would be good to go to the gym...so I did. Ran on the treadmill (=airconditioning) and it felt fantastic. The heat really has been rocking me around lately.
I ran for 8km and could have done a marathon (and more importantly WANTED to) but I had to go to work. Felt really positive after this session as it is something I can see myself doing for a long while.

THURSDAY
A nice cool morning so speed session at Pats was looking enticing. The warm up was good - I got the chance to catch up with Tesso (we hadn't spoken for amost 48hrs, excluding emails of course) and before you knew it the session was started.
5mins, 4mins, 5mins, 4mins.
I was running quite slowly and still found myself in the middle of the pack which really shocked me. There is a fine fine line between running fast and hurting and running slow in regards to the distance you cover in 5mins. I am so amazed that when I've run really hard I only gain another 300m or so to when I am running comfortable. Just like that person who is so far ahead of you and you just can't catch them in a race but you find out your times were only seconds apart!!
Amazing stuff and running slowly - you get more time to think about it all.

The head was pounding a bit on the return efforts from the exertion (ha ha) so I walked a bit here and there but overall was happy to just be out there running with no knee pain.
On the last effort Pat knew I was not at 100% so he asked me to take the music box (in a pram) up to the last hill where we would all be finishing. Yah...so I didn't have to do the last effort after all and just pushed the pram for 600m and sung and danced like a lunatic who'd just won the lottery.
.....anyhow I had fun and that's what it's all about.

Month to Date

I have only run 55km so far this month. That's just about what Tesso ran on the weekend *gulp*

Thurs 8/3 - 8km
Friday 9/3 - gym
Sat 10/3 - 15km 5:48 pace

Anyhow....I am really missing my running. Well I am still running - but I am missing the long long runs and the speedwork that I have been opting out of.
I was all geared up to go to Pat's this morning with my new fancy hat (courtesy of Tess) but after doing hours of vacuming and scrubbing last night I wasn't very well so decided to not run.

The Six Foot Track results have been amazing and I have been reading them over the past two days in awe. If anyone wants any motivation to run -you only have to look there. Some fantastic results and awesome performances. But when you realise how hard the run is - anyone that finishes is a champion in my eyes.

Now is the exciting time because the focus around Australia shifts to the next big race - CANBERRA!!!!

Easy Run

Started at the Regatta this morning at 5.30am - got there just in time. Staying in bed with the sun coming up later is already looking more welcome!

Tess was there - Toasty, Ciaran and Tara had already left to go and do more km's than what we were planning.
We ran out to the gardens and just kept a good 5:00 - 5:30 pace going the whole way stopping for the odd drink and to wring out the clothes from all the rain. Certainly got very cold and wet towards the end of the run - but neither Tess nor I were complaining, it was wonderful to run in.

12km all up and I am starting to feel that I will be at the start line of Canberra but will be taking it very very slowly. Maybe 4:30 pace. 4hrs 30mins that is!!!

CANBERRA ALL BOOKED

I was going to be driving down to Canberra for Easter with my family and then staying on for the following week for the Marathon.

Now I will be just flying in on the Thursday and coming home Monday afternoon.

I am really looking forward to the Marathon. I am having alot of problems running at the moment and have many niggles so it is unlikely that I will be running it on Doctors Advice - but I am still keen to go down there and watch JD, Toastie, Celeste, Blue Dog, Eagle, CJ and many others running it again. I am very excited.

My running partner iliketoast is not going to have the torture of running alongside me helping me achieve a pb of sub 3:20, so I hope that he works extra hard and runs a PB for both of us doing closer to 3:10. mmm no pressure!

I also hope Tess makes it to the start line. But if not it would also be fun to be together on the sidelines cheering everyone one.

Thanks for all your support.

8km Fish Run

8km Regatta Run - coach said to run 4km at 5min then turn around and run 4km back in 4:30min pace.

The first km was dismal at 5:12min - but I always warm up slowly so wasn't too worried.
Each km after that got faster so I decided to keep it going that way and I would be happy.

I knew I would have never been able to run 4km at 4:30min/km pace. I had 300ml of blood taken over the past two days which fatigued me a bit but moreso the weather was absolutely humid this morning. I thought I was hallucinating when another runner mentioned the breeze was really nice - obviously she was walking a lot - but thankfully Tesso backed me up and said it was one of our most humid days so far this year. Thank goodness - I was starting to feel like it was just me!!!

Anyhow, at the turnaround I was doing 4:50 and then got it down to 4:45, 4:40, 4:32 and final km was 4:31. I was very tired when I was running. My legs were really hurting and I thought I was going to spend the day in bed. My HR was also high for an 8km effort - around 165bpm.

But within a minute of finishing I felt great and wondered what all the fuss was about. Didn't eat for about 2hrs after my run - second time this week - which really annoys me as it doesn't help the diet or the recovery!!!!!

Now just one big bloomin long run to get through tomorrow and it will be a new week.......

PCRG - Final Countdown

Pat was talking about a countdown to Gold Coast and all I could think of was how many training days I had left until Canberra.
There are 33 more days of training. Following by 13 days of taper before RACE DAY.
Of those 33 days I am likely to need a rest day each week. So that is less than 30 days available to me. Holy Moly.

Today we had 3km warm up; 1km; 500m ; 1k; 500m; 1km and 3km cooldown.

I worked hard on the efforts but it was easy to tell that I was exhausted from the running and travel of the weekend gone by - even with a rest day yesterday. I heard Pat say 1st km was 3:58 but I started in the group after and I don't know when he started his watch. It was very confusing. I didn't wear my own watch because I didn't want the pressure of running to a time. The rest of the efforts I just tried to keep up with Tess and Celeste.

It was really good because on the last 1k Glenda ran beside me and told jokes whilst i was trying to breath, then she went onto somenoe else and I was struggling and about to die when Celeste went past me and said my name - which made me stick with her. It was a good feeling to be able to find something left.
When I finished I was very red faced and breathing really hard. I am sure my HR was way up. I decided to run down easy but when I started running I realised that my breathing got under control and I was able to keep an even pace all the way back until just at the top of the goodwill bridge, where I again faltered and slowed a bit.

I am happy with the session today and can't wait to do another Canberra Training Session. I just don't know how I will be able to manage holding it all together.

A hectic life:

Friday 16th - 3km race - crap run, 12:36
Saturday 17th - 12km - ha ha so much for long run
Sunday 18th - 10Miler - 1:19, felt great.
Monday /Tuesday - Sydney for work - no running
Wednesday - 20.5km Average 5:10
Thursday - Speed, PCRG. Mix of good and bad bits, slow and fast bits.
Friday - 12.5km throughout city of Sydney courtesy of Tour Guide Tesso.
Saturday - 5km race (21:06) 2km warm up and 3km cooldown - including Lilyfield hill rep
Sunday - 34.5km with JD, Eagle and Tesso. Average pace 5:03. Was a bit faster than that as I left garmin on when walking up some stairs very slowly (it was the last km!!!).

Feeling great now and ready for a kick ass week of running! Rest day tomorrow and then straight back into it again.

Canberra = 6 weeks to go~!!!!!!!!!!