Well that is one event I have now started...and finished! Whoooot! What a ride. I just wished I had been able to do some more training!
The hills I was mentally prepared for and I had told myself I was going to hurt the whole way. Unfortunately I was not prepared for them to start immediately into the run. I lined up at the start with Tesso and others (hi Flake!) and we raced off as soon as the gun went. I got through 2km in just over 8min so ummm yeah way faster than my current level of fitness required. I hit the wall then and felt like walking the rest of the way. Coming out of the tunnel I started to feel a bit more like I was getting a rhythm going and continued to run albeit a bit slower.
Heartbreak hill was a non event. I didn't really notice it being overly steep or for very long. I guess it was really good that everyone had talked it up so I was expecting it to be vertical and to last for 4km !!! The break of going up then down was really good for the body so I was able to go easy up hill then race downhill.
I hi-fived a few of the shocked kids on the side of the road and enjoyed seeing all the cheerers and entertainers along the way. Mostly I just enjoyed being there and doing the event amongst 80000 other runners!
Waved to Wayne at the 13km mark and then it was all over with. The last km was most frustrating...just couldn't get faster because of all the bodies and legs. I was happy to finish though and happy with my first attempt. Really happy to go sub 75.
Waiting for official time but my watch said 1:07:25
Hopefully will get a few key sessions in before Bridge to Brisbane in a few weeks!!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Groundhog Day
It all starts again. Time to get serious. This blog is my record for my training and now I'm finding I need it to keep me honest!
I'm running City to Surf in Sydney which is only 2.5 weeks away so not much chance to get some quality training in but I will at least try to get out of bed 4 times a week!!
Two years of fartassing around with no goals and no triumphs (or pains!) along the way. Two years of getting fatter and not fitter. Over it.
Off to pack my shoes for my weekend getaway that will definitely include a run somewhere!!!
I'm running City to Surf in Sydney which is only 2.5 weeks away so not much chance to get some quality training in but I will at least try to get out of bed 4 times a week!!
Two years of fartassing around with no goals and no triumphs (or pains!) along the way. Two years of getting fatter and not fitter. Over it.
Off to pack my shoes for my weekend getaway that will definitely include a run somewhere!!!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Wednesday - Mount Cootha
Distance: 9.5km
Time: 1hr ish.
Effort: Gutsy
Detail: Hills!! Run from JC Slaughter Falls around Mt Cootha. Was very dark and very cold. Security is a big concern and next time I will take a light. Not too many cars but the ones that did zoom past obviously didn't see us until the last minute or just didn't care.
Worked hard the whole way. I really felt the hill session in my legs still from yesterday but was determined to work hard all the way to the top. From there it was just a matter of keeping going. I was really happy with this run and could have done another lap quite easily...well started one at least!
Great to be on the hills again, can't wait until I am doing them easier.
Time: 1hr ish.
Effort: Gutsy
Detail: Hills!! Run from JC Slaughter Falls around Mt Cootha. Was very dark and very cold. Security is a big concern and next time I will take a light. Not too many cars but the ones that did zoom past obviously didn't see us until the last minute or just didn't care.
Worked hard the whole way. I really felt the hill session in my legs still from yesterday but was determined to work hard all the way to the top. From there it was just a matter of keeping going. I was really happy with this run and could have done another lap quite easily...well started one at least!
Great to be on the hills again, can't wait until I am doing them easier.
Tuesday PCRG Session
Distance: 10km
Time: 90min session from arriving to departing.
Effort: Gutsy
Detail: Hills!! After a 3km warm up at easy pace we did the Hill Session in the gardens. I was chasing on the uphills but being overtaken by other runners on the downhills when I was getting my breath back! I never took it easy and worked the whole session really well. I was feeling great (albeit slow) and happy to be working hard. Cool down was very easy pace for 1km then picked it up a bit just due to who I was running with and maintaining their pace. No other reason.
Was very happy to come away from this session feeling good.
Time: 90min session from arriving to departing.
Effort: Gutsy
Detail: Hills!! After a 3km warm up at easy pace we did the Hill Session in the gardens. I was chasing on the uphills but being overtaken by other runners on the downhills when I was getting my breath back! I never took it easy and worked the whole session really well. I was feeling great (albeit slow) and happy to be working hard. Cool down was very easy pace for 1km then picked it up a bit just due to who I was running with and maintaining their pace. No other reason.
Was very happy to come away from this session feeling good.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Saturday Long Run
Distance: 18.5km
Time: No idea but roughly I would have though 5:30min/km pace.
Effort: Easy
Detail: Seems strange to call it a long run! Only did 18km. But it felt long enough thank you very much. Ran out on the Green Bridge loop and included West End. I really like this run but for some reason it felt a bit harder towards the end than what I would have liked. I just felt tired and was running out of gas. I had a really bad stitch in the first half which disappeared as soon as I had a big drink of water and a 30sec breather. All in all I really had a good run. The long run is my favourite of the week.
Time: No idea but roughly I would have though 5:30min/km pace.
Effort: Easy
Detail: Seems strange to call it a long run! Only did 18km. But it felt long enough thank you very much. Ran out on the Green Bridge loop and included West End. I really like this run but for some reason it felt a bit harder towards the end than what I would have liked. I just felt tired and was running out of gas. I had a really bad stitch in the first half which disappeared as soon as I had a big drink of water and a 30sec breather. All in all I really had a good run. The long run is my favourite of the week.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
3km Time Trial - May
Distance: 9km
Time: 1hr including strides and stretching.
Effort: tempo run
Detail: 3km warm up at easy pace. 3km time trial that felt easy enough. Was able to talk and really enjoy the run but the pace was faster than a long run pace so breathing was noticeable. Hung back in the last 500m to get a couple of runners over the line. Finished in 13:08. Felt really good and enjoyed easy warmdown back to the Ship Inn. Am totally loving this lack of speed and distance in my training as I recover the legs from the Marathon, but I know it won't last and after one more week the effort is going to be required.
Time: 1hr including strides and stretching.
Effort: tempo run
Detail: 3km warm up at easy pace. 3km time trial that felt easy enough. Was able to talk and really enjoy the run but the pace was faster than a long run pace so breathing was noticeable. Hung back in the last 500m to get a couple of runners over the line. Finished in 13:08. Felt really good and enjoyed easy warmdown back to the Ship Inn. Am totally loving this lack of speed and distance in my training as I recover the legs from the Marathon, but I know it won't last and after one more week the effort is going to be required.
Sherwood Forest - May Day Monday Public Holiday
What a lovely run. It was perfect weather conditions and the late 6am start was much appreciated!~
Distance: 10km
Time: 1hr ish
Effort: easy
Detail: Crusing through Sherwood Forest around Indooropilly and back to the start point. Very scenic and a great day out with friends!
Distance: 10km
Time: 1hr ish
Effort: easy
Detail: Crusing through Sherwood Forest around Indooropilly and back to the start point. Very scenic and a great day out with friends!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
First Run Back post Canberra Marathon
Distance: 11km
Time: 1hr
Effort: easy
Detail: Midweek run around the city/river. Good crowd turned out this morning and it was great to see everyone again. Not running is such a damper to my social life!!! I think 80% of my friends are runners!!!!!
Pats doing me a program for Sydney Marathon and I have a time goal to aim for...more on that later.
In the meantime I have another two weeks of recovery runs in both speed and distance before getting stuck into the training for Gold Coast (though I won't be racing there).
Time: 1hr
Effort: easy
Detail: Midweek run around the city/river. Good crowd turned out this morning and it was great to see everyone again. Not running is such a damper to my social life!!! I think 80% of my friends are runners!!!!!
Pats doing me a program for Sydney Marathon and I have a time goal to aim for...more on that later.
In the meantime I have another two weeks of recovery runs in both speed and distance before getting stuck into the training for Gold Coast (though I won't be racing there).
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
New Goal
My training is going to be summarised here for reflective and productive purposes.
If anyone has any suggestions on style of what I should be keeping track of let me know. Does anyone think HR is a good indicator? How is this best utilised if so???
21weeks to my next marathon. So Training officially starts in 3 weeks!
Format:
Distance: xxkm
Time: xx:xx
Effort: hard/easy/tempo
Detail: PCRG speed / Long run / Midweek long / Hills
If anyone has any suggestions on style of what I should be keeping track of let me know. Does anyone think HR is a good indicator? How is this best utilised if so???
21weeks to my next marathon. So Training officially starts in 3 weeks!
Format:
Distance: xxkm
Time: xx:xx
Effort: hard/easy/tempo
Detail: PCRG speed / Long run / Midweek long / Hills
CANBERRA MARATHON 2009
Its over for another year and I can't believe it.
During the race I thought I would be lucky to finish...lucky to not hobble over the line or collapse at the 40km mark. As it turns out...a few days later i am wondering why I did not run harder or look at my time so I could go faster??
I am determined to run hard in my next marathon and give it some guts.
Canberra was always going to be a training event, not necessarily just a training run because I was keen to do as best as i could...but I knew I did not have the legs or fitness to run a hard sub 3:30 as I wish to do this year.
The 42.2km didn't get me. I finished in 3:37:19 and with a strong finish. But I hurt...I hurt alot and for a long time from 20km onwards. I have been thinking of why and how and what for...so here are some thoughts I have come up with as well as a quick summary of my training in the week prior.
On my last 30km training run I developed a sore foot. A very very sore foot. I ended up going to a podiatrist and then for an MRI. I had my shoes altered and after 10 days of no running and lots of mental stress about what to do I was happy to come away with a diagnosis of blunt force trauma (from shoe).
Hence the taper was really that - a no running taper. I didn't get to race my half marathon or my 3k time trial so mentally I had no good indication of what I could achieve in speed under pressure. Though I was happy to not have the stress of racing on me!!!
The week before Canberra I did a speed session at Pats and some light runs over the Easter weekend with no more than 12km each time and at an easy pace finishing at race pace.
THE MARATHON
The night before was a shocker - I had 2 hours sleep thanks to screaming babies and a head cold that came out of nowhere. Flu tablets had zonked me out but my heart rate was going so fast I could not relax even when the babies were quiet.
Race day dawned however and I was feeling relaxed enough. None of the expectations of performing were on me and I had slept well the night before (Friday) so I was in good spirits.
bang the guns went off and Tesso and I were giggling and on our way again!
Okay I admit - I went out too fast. The 3:30 pacer was way ahead of me and I just wanted to keep him in sight. The balloon was out of sight by 6km and I had just ran in under 29mins...so he OBVIOUSLY was way ahead of his 5min/km pace!!!!
Everyone around me was telling me to forget him but I couldn't. My goal hadn't been to watch the clock..I was not prepared to calculate splits or pace..I had just wanted to run with the pacer in sight and see what I could do. So mentally I was at a loss and just kept running as best I could. Unfortunately going out to fast I hurt when I finally caught up to the pacer at 16km as he had started to ease up by now. I got in front but was hurting so just sat with him. At halfway mark we were at 1:43:00. I sat with him till perhaps the 30km mark and then sagged behind. My foot was really hurting and I had to stop and adjust my shoe. I think it was an excuse to stop running.
I loved my gus at 12k and 25k and the V i had at the 35km mark. Not sure if I should have taken anything else but my stomach was great and no upsets at all which suprised me! The V was a bit hard to swallow but it switched on the strong finish I badly needed.
Somewhere in the last 7km I did a 6min km - Not sure if this is where I adjusted my shoe or not but the garmin tells a shocking story. The last few km after I saw my family and then Katie I got really revved up and ran home in reasonable form. I even managed a strong run in the last 1km to finish strongly.
I was very dizzy afterwards and really sleepy...finally the flu tablets were closing my eyes and I excused myself from the celebrations and went home to sleep the sleep of the dead.
Thankfully I was back a few hours later to get some drinks into me and see everyone else and hear their stories.
Canberra is such a wonderful event and it is more about your own personal race...it is the race of so many others out there that affect you too. I recall two other runners on the course that made my day - a girl who was in front of me the whole way and stopped with just 4km to go (sore leg). I made her run again and she took off which gave me something to follow..also a guy who was really struggling and I held his arm and pulled him along. I am sure he was swearing at me..but he continued on to and I have some hope that I was able to get them through their thoughts of their own pain to continue on to finish.
Then there are all the wonderful, exciting stories....Luckylegs looking so strong...Uncle Dave finishing FIRST in a time of 2:26..Tesso trying to sneak up on me....Eddie trying to sneak up on Glenno (and succeeding!!!) Bad Andys first marathon, Wattos fastest marathon, Glennos PB for ages, Robbies support and 10km race, Katie...well what can I say about her - BEST DAMN SUPPORTER YOU EVER DID SEE. (trust me - if you saw her on the day you will know what I am talking about!!!!!)
During the race I thought I would be lucky to finish...lucky to not hobble over the line or collapse at the 40km mark. As it turns out...a few days later i am wondering why I did not run harder or look at my time so I could go faster??
I am determined to run hard in my next marathon and give it some guts.
Canberra was always going to be a training event, not necessarily just a training run because I was keen to do as best as i could...but I knew I did not have the legs or fitness to run a hard sub 3:30 as I wish to do this year.
The 42.2km didn't get me. I finished in 3:37:19 and with a strong finish. But I hurt...I hurt alot and for a long time from 20km onwards. I have been thinking of why and how and what for...so here are some thoughts I have come up with as well as a quick summary of my training in the week prior.
On my last 30km training run I developed a sore foot. A very very sore foot. I ended up going to a podiatrist and then for an MRI. I had my shoes altered and after 10 days of no running and lots of mental stress about what to do I was happy to come away with a diagnosis of blunt force trauma (from shoe).
Hence the taper was really that - a no running taper. I didn't get to race my half marathon or my 3k time trial so mentally I had no good indication of what I could achieve in speed under pressure. Though I was happy to not have the stress of racing on me!!!
The week before Canberra I did a speed session at Pats and some light runs over the Easter weekend with no more than 12km each time and at an easy pace finishing at race pace.
THE MARATHON
The night before was a shocker - I had 2 hours sleep thanks to screaming babies and a head cold that came out of nowhere. Flu tablets had zonked me out but my heart rate was going so fast I could not relax even when the babies were quiet.
Race day dawned however and I was feeling relaxed enough. None of the expectations of performing were on me and I had slept well the night before (Friday) so I was in good spirits.
bang the guns went off and Tesso and I were giggling and on our way again!
Okay I admit - I went out too fast. The 3:30 pacer was way ahead of me and I just wanted to keep him in sight. The balloon was out of sight by 6km and I had just ran in under 29mins...so he OBVIOUSLY was way ahead of his 5min/km pace!!!!
Everyone around me was telling me to forget him but I couldn't. My goal hadn't been to watch the clock..I was not prepared to calculate splits or pace..I had just wanted to run with the pacer in sight and see what I could do. So mentally I was at a loss and just kept running as best I could. Unfortunately going out to fast I hurt when I finally caught up to the pacer at 16km as he had started to ease up by now. I got in front but was hurting so just sat with him. At halfway mark we were at 1:43:00. I sat with him till perhaps the 30km mark and then sagged behind. My foot was really hurting and I had to stop and adjust my shoe. I think it was an excuse to stop running.
I loved my gus at 12k and 25k and the V i had at the 35km mark. Not sure if I should have taken anything else but my stomach was great and no upsets at all which suprised me! The V was a bit hard to swallow but it switched on the strong finish I badly needed.
Somewhere in the last 7km I did a 6min km - Not sure if this is where I adjusted my shoe or not but the garmin tells a shocking story. The last few km after I saw my family and then Katie I got really revved up and ran home in reasonable form. I even managed a strong run in the last 1km to finish strongly.
I was very dizzy afterwards and really sleepy...finally the flu tablets were closing my eyes and I excused myself from the celebrations and went home to sleep the sleep of the dead.
Thankfully I was back a few hours later to get some drinks into me and see everyone else and hear their stories.
Canberra is such a wonderful event and it is more about your own personal race...it is the race of so many others out there that affect you too. I recall two other runners on the course that made my day - a girl who was in front of me the whole way and stopped with just 4km to go (sore leg). I made her run again and she took off which gave me something to follow..also a guy who was really struggling and I held his arm and pulled him along. I am sure he was swearing at me..but he continued on to and I have some hope that I was able to get them through their thoughts of their own pain to continue on to finish.
Then there are all the wonderful, exciting stories....Luckylegs looking so strong...Uncle Dave finishing FIRST in a time of 2:26..Tesso trying to sneak up on me....Eddie trying to sneak up on Glenno (and succeeding!!!) Bad Andys first marathon, Wattos fastest marathon, Glennos PB for ages, Robbies support and 10km race, Katie...well what can I say about her - BEST DAMN SUPPORTER YOU EVER DID SEE. (trust me - if you saw her on the day you will know what I am talking about!!!!!)
Friday, March 27, 2009
Over the hump I think...
Ran every day this week.
Thanks for all the comments and emails. I must have seriously misinformed you all.
This CANBERRA Marathon is not going to be fast. I am doing reasonable mileage and hopefully will finish in good form but the goal is just SUB 3:45. Not really in shape for anywhere close to my last run there. I just don't have any speed at the moment but am working on it and that will be my focus once this mara is done.
Monday - 5km QLD Masters 5000m Track Event - this was hard after a big week and the 38km on Saturday. I went out hard for the first 500m and then slammed on the brakes. Ran 22:00 exact. Happy I was able to finish though the legs were really really tired. Best of all - a GOLD Medal YAH!
Tuesday - 15km PCRG. Wore the garmin today to see how far I was running. Tess and I did a run of 4km before the session and then did some efforts in the gardens.
2min, 1min 2min 30sec rest then repeat. Then final 4min effort. The 4 min effort was tough. I was exhausted from the race the previous night but also it was at the end of the session. I went out a bit slow but was happy that I was able to bring it home strong.
Wednesday - 17km. Was meant to do a double up day today and run another 8-10km at night but never got the opportunity. I was very tired and my work was suffering. I just went home and slept.
Thursday - 15km. A great session. I was feeling tired but starting to get really used to it. Did the pre-warm up with Tess and this felt better than early in the week. Following that we did the PCRG warmup, some strides and then 3 x 1km and 2 x 500m followed by a cool down.
Friday - 8km. Was a good run. I love running this route. It is over so quick and doesn't take too much out of you but you can work it hard still. Today I didn't push hard as I was pushing the pram instead and that took all my concentration. I felt good but still felt like I was not taking it too easy. Including back to the car distance was 9km but we ran a solid 8km.
Tomorrow morning a final big one before I can settle into an easy week.
Thanks for all the comments and emails. I must have seriously misinformed you all.
This CANBERRA Marathon is not going to be fast. I am doing reasonable mileage and hopefully will finish in good form but the goal is just SUB 3:45. Not really in shape for anywhere close to my last run there. I just don't have any speed at the moment but am working on it and that will be my focus once this mara is done.
Monday - 5km QLD Masters 5000m Track Event - this was hard after a big week and the 38km on Saturday. I went out hard for the first 500m and then slammed on the brakes. Ran 22:00 exact. Happy I was able to finish though the legs were really really tired. Best of all - a GOLD Medal YAH!
Tuesday - 15km PCRG. Wore the garmin today to see how far I was running. Tess and I did a run of 4km before the session and then did some efforts in the gardens.
2min, 1min 2min 30sec rest then repeat. Then final 4min effort. The 4 min effort was tough. I was exhausted from the race the previous night but also it was at the end of the session. I went out a bit slow but was happy that I was able to bring it home strong.
Wednesday - 17km. Was meant to do a double up day today and run another 8-10km at night but never got the opportunity. I was very tired and my work was suffering. I just went home and slept.
Thursday - 15km. A great session. I was feeling tired but starting to get really used to it. Did the pre-warm up with Tess and this felt better than early in the week. Following that we did the PCRG warmup, some strides and then 3 x 1km and 2 x 500m followed by a cool down.
Friday - 8km. Was a good run. I love running this route. It is over so quick and doesn't take too much out of you but you can work it hard still. Today I didn't push hard as I was pushing the pram instead and that took all my concentration. I felt good but still felt like I was not taking it too easy. Including back to the car distance was 9km but we ran a solid 8km.
Tomorrow morning a final big one before I can settle into an easy week.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Toughest Week All Year!
Canberra is looming and the doubts are surfacing. I am not very worried as i just want to finish and am confident of a sub 3:45 goal. Hopefully on the day I will be in a better position to get as close to a 3:30 goal as I can. Here is my training 5 weeks out.
Friday - 8km easy
Saturday - 35km riverloop at 5:14 pace. Was very humid to start and turned out to be a long day at the office..I was just glad to finish this one and still be able to walk. The Riverloop is quite hilly in places which can be good and work all parts of your legs..it can also be hell and throw a hill at you just when you feel like walking.
Sunday - rest Was meant to run today but just could not be motivated.
Monday - 8km hilly
Tuesday - 14km PCRG speed session after 5km pre-run with Tesso
Wednesday - AM 20km - Ship Inn to Tennyson Tennis Centre and back
PM 8km easy run with Pram
Thursday - 7.5km hills Didn't look at the time but worked hard going up the hills and took it easy coming down. Ran easy the rest of the kms.
Friday - Rest
Saturday - 38km Avg 5:20 pace. From Ship Inn out via dockside to New Farm Park then beyond to Port of Brisbane and back. A few stops for water and a gu at 25km. Felt unreasonably good the whole way. Bit of a highlight for me this month. I actually really enjoyed this run!
Sunday - REST!!!!!!!!!!
95km Week from Monday to Saturday. I had the goal of getting to 100km but with sore legs on Saturday decided to rest on Sunday. Friday was also meant to run but I was a bit worried about the 38km run the next day - turns out it was the best run of the week! Looking forward to doing that again this weekend.
4 weeks to go~~~!
Friday - 8km easy
Saturday - 35km riverloop at 5:14 pace. Was very humid to start and turned out to be a long day at the office..I was just glad to finish this one and still be able to walk. The Riverloop is quite hilly in places which can be good and work all parts of your legs..it can also be hell and throw a hill at you just when you feel like walking.
Sunday - rest Was meant to run today but just could not be motivated.
Monday - 8km hilly
Tuesday - 14km PCRG speed session after 5km pre-run with Tesso
Wednesday - AM 20km - Ship Inn to Tennyson Tennis Centre and back
PM 8km easy run with Pram
Thursday - 7.5km hills Didn't look at the time but worked hard going up the hills and took it easy coming down. Ran easy the rest of the kms.
Friday - Rest
Saturday - 38km Avg 5:20 pace. From Ship Inn out via dockside to New Farm Park then beyond to Port of Brisbane and back. A few stops for water and a gu at 25km. Felt unreasonably good the whole way. Bit of a highlight for me this month. I actually really enjoyed this run!
Sunday - REST!!!!!!!!!!
95km Week from Monday to Saturday. I had the goal of getting to 100km but with sore legs on Saturday decided to rest on Sunday. Friday was also meant to run but I was a bit worried about the 38km run the next day - turns out it was the best run of the week! Looking forward to doing that again this weekend.
4 weeks to go~~~!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tuesday and Wednesday
About 5 weeks to go to Canberra Marathon now.
12km Hill session at PCRG Tuesday morning after a 3km warm up with Tesso. It was great to do hills and I was pleasantly suprised to have this session so soon after the last one. I felt good running but was a bit confused about where to go-admittedly I just followed the person in front of me but my body kept wanting to go another direction! The last few hills were really painful trying to push a stitch out but I was getting my breath back on the downhills and pushing as hard as I could on the uphills. Legs felt great, just lung capacity was holding me back.
Wednesday - 20km Running Buddies headed out at 4:45am in the dark, cold rain. It was yucky. Normally I think i would have just stopped noticing it - I actually like the rain - however my skirt was getting heavy and nearly falling down with the weight of being soaking wet which made my run a bit awkward. Thankfully it made the full 20km with a few water breaks giving me the opportunity to yank it back up to my ears :)
12km Hill session at PCRG Tuesday morning after a 3km warm up with Tesso. It was great to do hills and I was pleasantly suprised to have this session so soon after the last one. I felt good running but was a bit confused about where to go-admittedly I just followed the person in front of me but my body kept wanting to go another direction! The last few hills were really painful trying to push a stitch out but I was getting my breath back on the downhills and pushing as hard as I could on the uphills. Legs felt great, just lung capacity was holding me back.
Wednesday - 20km Running Buddies headed out at 4:45am in the dark, cold rain. It was yucky. Normally I think i would have just stopped noticing it - I actually like the rain - however my skirt was getting heavy and nearly falling down with the weight of being soaking wet which made my run a bit awkward. Thankfully it made the full 20km with a few water breaks giving me the opportunity to yank it back up to my ears :)
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Yah! I did it!!!
Tuesday 3rd March
Time Trial this morning. I was going to push myself but when it turned out to be so hot and humid I decided to just run how I felt. As it turned out I ran the 12:30 (exact) that I wanted. Yah. Big thanks to Tesso who was in front of me the whole way and gave me something to chase. Also, big thanks to the fella who was pushing me all the way - clap on the back to Mat OBrien for his efforts and supportive words.
okay..so now what have I been up to since I last posted...mmmm
16/2 - Rest
17/2 - PCRG Hill Session
18/2 - 18km Hilly Run with Running Buddies
19/2 - 8km
20/2 - rest
21/2 - 23km..was meant to be 34km but totally died. Leg felt like ITB was coming on so I took the option to finish early.
22/2 - rest
23/2 - 10,000m Track QLD Masters Champs. Felt great, tough run but no leg pain.
24/2 - rest - BRUNO Massage oooohhhh boyyy
25/2 - 28/2 rest Not becuase of my leg but Billy was very ill and I just could not get out of the house.
1/3 - BRRC Half Marathon. I wasn't feeling too good for this but determined to do the distance because I had had so much time off. It was good to be running but I just felt crap for most of it. 1:46:44 including a toilet break.
2/3 - rest
3/3 - PCRG Time Trial (see first paragraph)
4/3 - 20km. Oh my gosh this felt good to be running but afterwards I was totally exhausted. Most of my runs lately have been races and it is really started to wear me down. The 5:15 pace we were running at seemed like sub 5min. It was very hot and humid so I expected it to be tough but I was tired for the rest of the day!!
5-7/3 rest days
7/3 - 7km warm up. Oxfam Half Marathon. I felt great running this so was happier than the race last weekend. 1:43:30
8/3 - 8km easy - gosh when was the last time I did an easy run????????????
9/3 - rest day
Time Trial this morning. I was going to push myself but when it turned out to be so hot and humid I decided to just run how I felt. As it turned out I ran the 12:30 (exact) that I wanted. Yah. Big thanks to Tesso who was in front of me the whole way and gave me something to chase. Also, big thanks to the fella who was pushing me all the way - clap on the back to Mat OBrien for his efforts and supportive words.
okay..so now what have I been up to since I last posted...mmmm
16/2 - Rest
17/2 - PCRG Hill Session
18/2 - 18km Hilly Run with Running Buddies
19/2 - 8km
20/2 - rest
21/2 - 23km..was meant to be 34km but totally died. Leg felt like ITB was coming on so I took the option to finish early.
22/2 - rest
23/2 - 10,000m Track QLD Masters Champs. Felt great, tough run but no leg pain.
24/2 - rest - BRUNO Massage oooohhhh boyyy
25/2 - 28/2 rest Not becuase of my leg but Billy was very ill and I just could not get out of the house.
1/3 - BRRC Half Marathon. I wasn't feeling too good for this but determined to do the distance because I had had so much time off. It was good to be running but I just felt crap for most of it. 1:46:44 including a toilet break.
2/3 - rest
3/3 - PCRG Time Trial (see first paragraph)
4/3 - 20km. Oh my gosh this felt good to be running but afterwards I was totally exhausted. Most of my runs lately have been races and it is really started to wear me down. The 5:15 pace we were running at seemed like sub 5min. It was very hot and humid so I expected it to be tough but I was tired for the rest of the day!!
5-7/3 rest days
7/3 - 7km warm up. Oxfam Half Marathon. I felt great running this so was happier than the race last weekend. 1:43:30
8/3 - 8km easy - gosh when was the last time I did an easy run????????????
9/3 - rest day
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Friday was a rest day...then...WHAM!!!
No it wasn't disco 80s music I was hit by...it was the high mileage weekend.
Saturday we planned on doing a riverloop as per previously, though once we had gone past the Regatta (from Ship Inn) someone (aka MARK HEWITT) decided we should run into St Lucia Uni and then go out to Lone Pine Sanctuary...he gracefully acknowledged we would have to run the short way home.
When we got to Lone Pine it was approx 22km..that meant it was going to be a very long day indeed.
Back to the Regatta via the shortest route we all agreed on and then back to the Ship Inn. All up 37km. It was tough - raining all the way but saying that - it was cool and very enjoyable.
Sunday - BRRC had a 10Miler (16.1km). Tesso and I ran it just to get the long run out of our legs. It was, again, quite enjoyable. Tiring but good to be able to run and I certainly didn't feel like I should have with all that mileage in two days.
Now I just feel wasted. :)
Garmin = 53.5km
Saturday we planned on doing a riverloop as per previously, though once we had gone past the Regatta (from Ship Inn) someone (aka MARK HEWITT) decided we should run into St Lucia Uni and then go out to Lone Pine Sanctuary...he gracefully acknowledged we would have to run the short way home.
When we got to Lone Pine it was approx 22km..that meant it was going to be a very long day indeed.
Back to the Regatta via the shortest route we all agreed on and then back to the Ship Inn. All up 37km. It was tough - raining all the way but saying that - it was cool and very enjoyable.
Sunday - BRRC had a 10Miler (16.1km). Tesso and I ran it just to get the long run out of our legs. It was, again, quite enjoyable. Tiring but good to be able to run and I certainly didn't feel like I should have with all that mileage in two days.
Now I just feel wasted. :)
Garmin = 53.5km
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Thursday
Tested out the new tyre on the pram this morning - Man I am good!
Ran with Billy for 8km. It was slow but I was out for an easy run to get the hills out of my legs. Going to rest up now in preparation for a big one on Saturday.
Time to look at my food and how I am preparing for my big sessions in the way of diet and sleep and other issues.
As a wonderful nice point for me..I jumped on the scales this morning and am finally within a kg of my pre baby weight. I don't have the same shape.....and never will again...but my weight can now no longer be blamed on Billy :)
Lent is nearly here so time enough for cutting out all the foods I love which will aid me in my Canberra goal.
Heh guys - I won't be running GC Marathon. Am hoping to run a fast half. Goal for Canberra is still 3:30 which may change pending form closer to the race.
Ran with Billy for 8km. It was slow but I was out for an easy run to get the hills out of my legs. Going to rest up now in preparation for a big one on Saturday.
Time to look at my food and how I am preparing for my big sessions in the way of diet and sleep and other issues.
As a wonderful nice point for me..I jumped on the scales this morning and am finally within a kg of my pre baby weight. I don't have the same shape.....and never will again...but my weight can now no longer be blamed on Billy :)
Lent is nearly here so time enough for cutting out all the foods I love which will aid me in my Canberra goal.
Heh guys - I won't be running GC Marathon. Am hoping to run a fast half. Goal for Canberra is still 3:30 which may change pending form closer to the race.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
10 Weeks to Canberra
Gosh...not yet in single digit weeks...but getting there!
Last week as most of you know I was poisoned at work...okay so really I had some food poisoning or a 24hr virus and it had nothing to do with the guys at work :) Either way at lunch after the TT i was at my desk being violently ill. It took me all week to recover.
Saturday I went out for a run not feeling particularly good when I started but did the first 13km in good spirits and form. I turned around on my own thinking I would not make much further and sure enough soon after I felt terrible. I went home soooooo slowly I turned the garmin off in disgust. I even (ssshhhh) walked a bit!!!! NEVER!!! All up it was 26km (obviously) but a shocking run.
Strangely enough it seemed to be the corner I was waiting to turn.
Tuesday at speedwork was great. I felt really good throughout it all. My focus was on breathing and pushing my legs as fast as they could go as there was no way my breathing could get any worse yet my legs were quite comfortable and not 'burning'. All too soon the session was over so I was a bit disappointed but looking back - I had a lot of rest days and was incredibly pumped to run strong. Must remember to be sick more often (NOT!)
Wednesday - Today. Due to family reasons (aka BABY) I had to run around home this morning. Set out with Billy in the pram and laugh laugh laugh we had a flat tyre. I didn't even know that was possible. I somehow managed to shear off the the valve which totally deflated the wheel. I was veering to the left continuously and after 4km I got home quite annoyed but grateful I didn't go any longer as it was hard on the body to get a 16kg baby in a 7kg pram home that wanted to go in only one direction.
Tonight I have done a hilly 10km and feel really good for it. (1km warm up 3 x 2.5km hill loops, 2km warm down) I worked hard and though didn't push myself as I would if others were with me I was ecstatic at the chance to get out for a run so took advantage of it and didn't waste the opportunity.
Now off to bed! Need lots of sleep for the big 90+km weeks coming.
Last week as most of you know I was poisoned at work...okay so really I had some food poisoning or a 24hr virus and it had nothing to do with the guys at work :) Either way at lunch after the TT i was at my desk being violently ill. It took me all week to recover.
Saturday I went out for a run not feeling particularly good when I started but did the first 13km in good spirits and form. I turned around on my own thinking I would not make much further and sure enough soon after I felt terrible. I went home soooooo slowly I turned the garmin off in disgust. I even (ssshhhh) walked a bit!!!! NEVER!!! All up it was 26km (obviously) but a shocking run.
Strangely enough it seemed to be the corner I was waiting to turn.
Tuesday at speedwork was great. I felt really good throughout it all. My focus was on breathing and pushing my legs as fast as they could go as there was no way my breathing could get any worse yet my legs were quite comfortable and not 'burning'. All too soon the session was over so I was a bit disappointed but looking back - I had a lot of rest days and was incredibly pumped to run strong. Must remember to be sick more often (NOT!)
Wednesday - Today. Due to family reasons (aka BABY) I had to run around home this morning. Set out with Billy in the pram and laugh laugh laugh we had a flat tyre. I didn't even know that was possible. I somehow managed to shear off the the valve which totally deflated the wheel. I was veering to the left continuously and after 4km I got home quite annoyed but grateful I didn't go any longer as it was hard on the body to get a 16kg baby in a 7kg pram home that wanted to go in only one direction.
Tonight I have done a hilly 10km and feel really good for it. (1km warm up 3 x 2.5km hill loops, 2km warm down) I worked hard and though didn't push myself as I would if others were with me I was ecstatic at the chance to get out for a run so took advantage of it and didn't waste the opportunity.
Now off to bed! Need lots of sleep for the big 90+km weeks coming.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
3k Time Trial
13:08 today.
Pushed hard but wasn't flat out. I ran consistently and was happy with my run after the mileage on the weekend. Hopefully...the goal...for next time....is SUB12:30. I am fairly confident I can do that.
All up 9kms. Legs are feeling quite worn out thank you very much.
Pushed hard but wasn't flat out. I ran consistently and was happy with my run after the mileage on the weekend. Hopefully...the goal...for next time....is SUB12:30. I am fairly confident I can do that.
All up 9kms. Legs are feeling quite worn out thank you very much.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Forrest Clairie
Ha Ha someome made that comment on facebook and it certainly felt like it. After two rest days on Thurs/Fri I was prepared to do the hard yards on Saturday.
Started out at Ship Inn at 5am with the crew, we moved out at a leisurely pace and it felt great to be running with the crew instead of sprinting!!
We were chatting and laughing and making fun of everyone so before you knew it the km's were fast ticking over. The weather was hot but overcast so just perfect in my opinion.
I asked if we could run via the uni and do the Riverloop. That way we didn't have to tack on the West End component at the end of the run. It was lovely to do a different run for a change. It was all very hilly and I was running by myself for most of it. Glenn was ahead with Andrew and I had two Andrews behind me. I was piggy in the middle....yes I was missing Tesso!
At St Lucia Golf Club the guys didn't believe me we were only at 11.5km - it felt like we had been running all day.
Much later at 21km mark we arrived at the BP in Yeronga and stopped for a quickie. Glenn and Andrew went in and got a cold gatorade...it was heavenly. After that we trotted off through Yeronga and along the river and up to the end of the Green Bridge. That hill up was a killer!
Going up Highgate Hill was ok, I was in the zone and just focussing on how last week I had to walk up it..this week I was just determined to get through it. So there I was in the zone when someone from behind grabbed me and yelled (really loud) "DON'T EVEN THINK OF WALKING" I thought I was being mugged or killed and just screamed. Andy Clowes won't be doing that again! I think I scared him more! Anyhow....interesting to see the boys up ahead didn't even blink an eyelid....
At the top of the hill was decision time. Straight home for a 28.5km run or West End for a 34km? I went to West End. I had promised myself it I could get through Yeronga in once peice I should keep going - so I did.
It was great running to Orleigh Park and then along Riverside Drive..but as soon as we got to the rowing shed I started feeling real bad. I stopped for water (even though I had some on me) and started going again. My legs were really heavy.
Along riverside drive and then all of a sudden I was at the walkway going around the milk factory. At the top of the temp path I just stopped. My calves were on fire..I stretched them out but thought there was no way I could run any further. At 31.5km I had reached my end. I walked for about 3mins and then could see the river again and the wooden walkway..it was a sign of nearing home. I started running and felt much better. What on earth was I thinking before...this felt good! I had some music on and was happy to be almost finished. Up ahead the launch of the dragon boat festival was happening. I was about to detour but a marshall told me to go through and they would give way to pedestrians. Well he should have mentioned it was in the middle of the blessing ceremony and the monks were all chanting. I felt bad running through so slowed to a walk and courteously went to the side...I smelt so bad I am sure and was red faced and sweaty..I wish I had detoured.
anyhow another km down the road and I had finished. 33.9km on the Garmin but I'm rounding it to 34km. The average km said 5:27min/km but with the walking and the hills I know we ran most of it closer to 5:15min/km. Along riverside I am sure I was running 6min/km for that last km. It certainly felt slow!
My longest run in two years! I was exhausted all afteroon with tired legs but as Tesso said it was a "good tired" that I was feeling!
Sunday was a rest day. The legs felt great and for that I was thankful.
Started out at Ship Inn at 5am with the crew, we moved out at a leisurely pace and it felt great to be running with the crew instead of sprinting!!
We were chatting and laughing and making fun of everyone so before you knew it the km's were fast ticking over. The weather was hot but overcast so just perfect in my opinion.
I asked if we could run via the uni and do the Riverloop. That way we didn't have to tack on the West End component at the end of the run. It was lovely to do a different run for a change. It was all very hilly and I was running by myself for most of it. Glenn was ahead with Andrew and I had two Andrews behind me. I was piggy in the middle....yes I was missing Tesso!
At St Lucia Golf Club the guys didn't believe me we were only at 11.5km - it felt like we had been running all day.
Much later at 21km mark we arrived at the BP in Yeronga and stopped for a quickie. Glenn and Andrew went in and got a cold gatorade...it was heavenly. After that we trotted off through Yeronga and along the river and up to the end of the Green Bridge. That hill up was a killer!
Going up Highgate Hill was ok, I was in the zone and just focussing on how last week I had to walk up it..this week I was just determined to get through it. So there I was in the zone when someone from behind grabbed me and yelled (really loud) "DON'T EVEN THINK OF WALKING" I thought I was being mugged or killed and just screamed. Andy Clowes won't be doing that again! I think I scared him more! Anyhow....interesting to see the boys up ahead didn't even blink an eyelid....
At the top of the hill was decision time. Straight home for a 28.5km run or West End for a 34km? I went to West End. I had promised myself it I could get through Yeronga in once peice I should keep going - so I did.
It was great running to Orleigh Park and then along Riverside Drive..but as soon as we got to the rowing shed I started feeling real bad. I stopped for water (even though I had some on me) and started going again. My legs were really heavy.
Along riverside drive and then all of a sudden I was at the walkway going around the milk factory. At the top of the temp path I just stopped. My calves were on fire..I stretched them out but thought there was no way I could run any further. At 31.5km I had reached my end. I walked for about 3mins and then could see the river again and the wooden walkway..it was a sign of nearing home. I started running and felt much better. What on earth was I thinking before...this felt good! I had some music on and was happy to be almost finished. Up ahead the launch of the dragon boat festival was happening. I was about to detour but a marshall told me to go through and they would give way to pedestrians. Well he should have mentioned it was in the middle of the blessing ceremony and the monks were all chanting. I felt bad running through so slowed to a walk and courteously went to the side...I smelt so bad I am sure and was red faced and sweaty..I wish I had detoured.
anyhow another km down the road and I had finished. 33.9km on the Garmin but I'm rounding it to 34km. The average km said 5:27min/km but with the walking and the hills I know we ran most of it closer to 5:15min/km. Along riverside I am sure I was running 6min/km for that last km. It certainly felt slow!
My longest run in two years! I was exhausted all afteroon with tired legs but as Tesso said it was a "good tired" that I was feeling!
Sunday was a rest day. The legs felt great and for that I was thankful.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Running Catchup
Wednesday: Hard run. 8km around home but it was hot and hilly and I was all over place. Not happy with this one at all. Only good thing was another few km to put in the bank.
Thursday: 8km easy run around home with pram. Much better feeling.
Friday: off
Saturday: 27km (thanks Tesso!) we got a bit lost on the short river loop so ended up doing another few km. It was all good and hours after the run I was glad we had done the extra distance. Though it was the hottest day I have ever run on in according to heat & humidity. Even though we started at 5am it seemed to be high on both counts. 3/4 of the way into the run I wrung out my socks and they were dripping with water. So squelching around the roads was not a fun experience but I got through it.
All up we did a decent pace for the conditions and I was really happy with this run.
Sunday / Monday: Rest days - not planned but due to travelling and drinking in Ballina it was necessary :)
Tuesday: Back at Pats. Session was 1min (30sec) x 4 then standing recovery. REPEAT. at the finish we did another 1min fast. I ran well and was happy with my pacing - which is what I was focusing on. I ran the cool down with Glenda and Matty so it seemed like a really long speed session. A great PCRG session and made me feel great all day.
Wednesday: OMG why do I do this??? Up early and out running. Did 19km in 5:05min/km pace. It was the Green Bridge loop home via West End (18.5km) plus a bit at the end. It was hard going and we were running fast. The course has some hills and inclines that make it interesting but also tax you when the weather is so hot and humid. I was really looking forward to finishing this run.
Thursday: 8km easy run around home with pram. Much better feeling.
Friday: off
Saturday: 27km (thanks Tesso!) we got a bit lost on the short river loop so ended up doing another few km. It was all good and hours after the run I was glad we had done the extra distance. Though it was the hottest day I have ever run on in according to heat & humidity. Even though we started at 5am it seemed to be high on both counts. 3/4 of the way into the run I wrung out my socks and they were dripping with water. So squelching around the roads was not a fun experience but I got through it.
All up we did a decent pace for the conditions and I was really happy with this run.
Sunday / Monday: Rest days - not planned but due to travelling and drinking in Ballina it was necessary :)
Tuesday: Back at Pats. Session was 1min (30sec) x 4 then standing recovery. REPEAT. at the finish we did another 1min fast. I ran well and was happy with my pacing - which is what I was focusing on. I ran the cool down with Glenda and Matty so it seemed like a really long speed session. A great PCRG session and made me feel great all day.
Wednesday: OMG why do I do this??? Up early and out running. Did 19km in 5:05min/km pace. It was the Green Bridge loop home via West End (18.5km) plus a bit at the end. It was hard going and we were running fast. The course has some hills and inclines that make it interesting but also tax you when the weather is so hot and humid. I was really looking forward to finishing this run.
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