Coming Back Run # 1

Not quite 6 weeks postnatal but I thought I would go out in my running gear and see what it all felt like.

BIG MISTAKE

After a 10min warm up I decided to try to jog a bit with the pram up the hill...a few things to remember next time:

1: Wear a better sports bra
2: Wear a tight bra OVER the sports bra...just in case
3: Don't try to run until the bra thing is worked out

I expected to feel all loose and flabby but feeling bouncy is a new one for me as I have not had the pleasure of having to cope with running with boobs before.

Apart from that it hurt all over as well and my hips and tummy felt like they were pulling - a weird sensation and not one I would like to repeat. I just am not ready for a run quite yet. I turned the run into a walk and covered 45 mins at a very fast pace. This worked well and my legs felt great and without the bouncing I could have been out there for ages.

I decided I would track my progress for my first 10 attempts at running and watch how I improve.

I'll wait a week before I attempt another run but in the meantime I will look at the bra situation and also continue to do a 45min walk each morning. Fitness first they say :)

Looking forward to meeting up with the Running Buddies this Saturday for a run (walk for me and Billy) and breaky.

oooh progress is going to be oh so slow........ :(((((((

I need help!

Anyone got any great links or tips for me?

I want to start easing back into it next week (4 weeks post baby) and am only allowed to start with walking 1-2hrs a day. That's okay by me, but I was wondering if following two weeks of that, should I just start on a couch to 5km program? Or do I just run easy for as long as I can a few times a week?
I won't be adding in any speedwork until January but am desperate to get out and run and NOT injure myself.

Any advice would be appreciated to assist me to come back, I feel like I have been away forever but when I walk I am really holding myself back from breaking into a run...so I feel ready.

WELCOME TO BILLY BELLENGER

The big event finally happened on Tuesday. Thanks for all your messages on my blog, email and through Tesso. They were all received, it not acknowledged, and got me through the last few days and then the labour itself.

Born at 2:13pm 23rd October weighing in at 8"9oz or just under 4kg. Billy came quickly into the world but not without some pain to his mother. Trust me...being fit does not help you in labour....it actually causes difficulties because all your stomach and pelvic floor muslces work against the contractions and not with them - or so the Obstetrician decided to inform me halfway through.

Billy is beautiful - yes I am very biased and his father and I are proud as punch of our new addition.

Photo below of Mum, Dad and Billy's first night out...Carbo loading at Arrividerci's.

Now...thats it folks....back to a running blog and for me to start my training for Canberra.

BRING IT ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

40 Weeks and Counting.....

If you are wondering why I am looking so harrassed it might be because I sort of thought I would have had this baby by now!!!!

My beautiful little baby has decided to not come out and greet the family so anxious to have a cuddle so doc has scheduled me in for an índucement' on Wednesday 24th October at 6am.

So whilst you are all out there doing a speed session or a mid week run....just think of me huffing and puffing just as much but not really moving far.

Hopefully the next post will have some exciting news to announce to the world :) Aside from Tesso being back in town................ :))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Latest Update

Now 34weeks but femur testing through the ultrasound shows 35weeks.....mmmm it's all abit hit and miss I think. At least I am reassured bub will be okay if it does come early.

Anyhow all is good. Diabetes test came back negative yesterday and the baby has not grown in last two weeks so that means I won't have a giant....just a big big baby.

In regards to running - the 14k Club Champs are on at BRRC this weekend and as everyone will be running - I put my hand up to be Race Director. I totally forgot GlassHouse run was also on so now I am going to have a hectic weekend racing from Brissy to the North and back.

CR BlueDog and wife Bernie as well as Eagle are all up to run. Bluedog is not doing the 100Miler (thankfully) due to his injury but will instead be running 30km alongside Eagle to pace him and keep company in the last of his 100Mile effort.
Bernie is doing the 30km race that starts Sunday morning. I spoke to them this morning and it is wet and extremely muddy up there so not sure how well the racing will go. Still, it should be fun to watch.

On another note I bought the worlds most expensive pram...not because I am into labels or anything (quite the opposite) but because I am a RUNNER and I had to invest in the best running pram. At the very least I should get a lot of use out of it. I am pretty keen to get fit again as soon as possible. I won't push it (ha ha ha) to get back to running fast or anything but I'd love to be able to go 4km around the block again. I can't believe even walking at the moment is just tiring me!!!!

PS. Kerryn McCann had her baby delivered on Wednesday and is due to start chemo on Monday. I' got an update from Pat but haven't heard anything further about how she is doing. God Bless her and her family.

Big wave to Tesso whom I am missing terribly.......................................

Update - 33 weeks

I'm struggling to waddle at the moment let alone walk or run. I got off the phone from Tesso yesterday and walked in the front door to be confronted with the scary reality of my waters breaking.

With 7 weeks to go not exactly what you want to happen.

I spent last night trying to find someone who would talk to me on the phone whilst I twiddle my thumbs waiting for something more to happen. Hubby was at work and in an interview for some new staff so I coudn't reach him. My backup - ihatetoast/iliketoast were not answering their phone either. mmmmm found out today Tesso was on the line to them. I think she needs shares in Telstra! :)

The hospital staff were not very keen to talk to me despite the big bucks I am paying them. They had 7 women in labour last night alone and didn't want me in there unless I started having contractions or other symptoms.

As it turned out nothing progressed and a checkup today has given me the warning to TAKE IT EASY. ha ha ha ha do they know what deadlines I have at work????
I am having regular checkups now to ensure there is no infection but at least it scared me enough to get my hospital bag packed.

The upside of all this is I missed another chance to catch up with everyone at Pat's. Hopefully I will get through the weekend in one piece (literally) and make it to the 3km time trial on Tuesday. Just to watch and cheer of course.

Kerryn McCann

Tesso rang me yesterday with the devastating news that Kerryn has breast cancer.

It really amazes me the number of people surrounding me that struggle with cancer of one sort or another. It is never good news and I pray hard that Kerryn has successful treatment that can remove the cancer and quickly.

She is 32 weeks pregnant - same as me and due to give birth on 22nd October. However reading the bits of news it would appear they are going to put her into labour early so she can then focus on the cancer treatment.
After 34weeks the baby can be born with no ill side effects as their suckling relexes, breathing etc are all formed by this stage. Any earlier and there are risks the baby may have some difficulties but I am sure she will have the best support and team on hand to assist her through this. Another 10 days and she will be 34 weeks and at a good stage to give birth.

It makes me pause and consider how her family will get through the hard times of a new infant, two other young children and a mum with invasive cancer treatment. I wish the whole family a quick recovery for Kerryn and the strength and joy to all that a new addition to the family can bring.

Best of luck Kerryn. My thoughts are with you.

Bridge to Brisbane 12km

This is what happens when Tesso leaves me all alone....

Photo is in the last 500m of Bridge to Brisbane with Jordan doing her first fun run with me. We took it VERY slowly and walked most of the way. It got warm towards the end so thankfully the race numbers were stickers - which meant I could still get a photo when I took my top off. Also saved me some dignity by covering up the stomach that looks like I ate the runner in front of me.

Farewell Tessooooo

....and the winner is......S Y D N E Y...





The prize is......TESSOOOO





For some strange reason Tess has decided to abandon me and go where the weather is colder, the running is harder and the boyfriend is closer :)





It's okay she's coming back....well she had better come back. This little baby wants to know who Aunty Tess is that I keep talking about!





Was great to get out with the group this morning for a 50min run. Of course I only managed a few km before I had to walk - but I was pumped to find I was overtaking many other walkers out there so pretty happy with that. Tess seemed to think that overtaking people sitting down doesn't count but I'll take all the overtaking I can get these days.





After the jog we had a 1km dash. I got a head start of 1min so I wouldn't get trampled - or left behind. It was great fun to have the really fast people take a while to catch me but when they did it seemed like the whole group went by.





I finished around 5:40 but the last 100m I honestly sprinted hard. It was nice to know that we were finishing with a pancake breakfast in Tess's honour. Made the sprint worthwhile.

Went and picked up my race pack for the Bridge to Brisbane this weekend. If anyone sees a fat chick out there carrying a wide load....say hello because I love seeing you even if it is just as you go past!!!

Gold Coast Half Marathon

I just have to start with saying a big thankyou to Cato!!!!

I started the race very sad because I lost my Aunty in the carpark and could not find her again. We were meant to be running together and so I had not bought my ipod or considered what I would do running by myself for two and a half hours!!! My longest run since February!!!!

I saw a few coolrunners and said hello to them. Cato and I worked out in that first km we were running similar paces - what with LL not able to get her flights up. So he kindly suggested we run together. Obviously he was running much slower than he was able to run with me.

It was fairly easy going. I was not pushing it at all and actually really enjoyed running with no pressure and no desire to look at the clock. When everyone else started coming back it got very excited and I am sure I used up a lot of energy cheering everyone on....but I wouldn't have it any other way!!!

One of the hardest things to witness was seeing Allan going past as the second last wheelie. At PCRG we all see him every morning training near the river. He trains just for this race and I was sure he was out for a good time. To see him struggling and having a bad day bought home to me that no matter what you do in training.....it really does come down to the day!

Cato was great and made sure I walked the uphills. The amount of times I have run this race and never realised there were hills!!!!! He also made sure we walked every drink station and took two cups of water at each one. I was ok until the baby woke up at halfway and really jumped around. The pressure on my bladder and on my right side was terrible.

A quick stop at the loo (well there was a line so we actually had to wait for 2mins!!!) and we were on our way to the finish and i was feeling much better. I ran the last 2km holding my belly - which has given me the most painful glute and lower back muscles - but I am glad I did it as the weight was starting to really pull.

When I got home I found I my sports bra had cut into my stomach where the belly starts sticking out and I have a deep cut going across my belly which was weeping all Sunday and I woke up with it bleeding fresh this morning. Thankfully now with a day of rest and good ointment it is drying up and after a quick checkup booked with the doc tomorrow I am sure I will be back to running - albeit no more than 10km.

Cato and I were searching for the CR Squad for the last 5km...it really kept us going to think they would be there soon and we knew we would get a good cheer from them to get us across the line.

So many highlights of the day for me - aside from my wonderful run with Cato. I witnessed so many friends have either good days or bad days but no one regretted lining up to start.
Tesso made my day by stopping her race to give me a big hug just 500m out from her finish, she is really a wonderful person. It was good to see her have a great run.

Well done to everyone - it was great to see you all. Sorry we had to leave so abruptly....my husband became incredibly ill when he finished the half (with no training).....but that is another story.

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.