The written word is never as exciting as hearing it personally. WAY TO GO is me jumping up and down with a huge grin and being incapable of stopping the giggles...its just an awesome feeling.
(just in case you misinterpreted it for 'way to go...in getting better or improving or something).
anyhow back to me...
Ran the BRRC 15km on Sunday after having the WHOLE WEEK off..did I mention I didn't run all last week. Nearly went crazy and got divorced, quit my job and moved to Vietnam to take up house building...but decided I didn't want to miss the weekend running squad!
The foot seemed no more improved for the break. It didn't hurt at all to be walking in high heels but as soon as I put the runners on I could feel pain. GRRRRRrrrrr
Funny enough I went out for a warm up and thought..gee I'm not likely to finish today's run. I'll start though and attempt to complete the 15km but as it was 5km loops I could pull out at any time.
Once the race started I was distracted into trying to chase Adrian Pearce (no hope - he was off!!) and listening to my ipod. WHO LOADED THAT SHIT ON MY IPOD?? I had to keep FF the songs to something with a heartbeat otherwise I was going to be doing Karaoke and singing along to Kenny Rogers!
I finished first female - yah I guess but having no real competitors takes the buzz off. I was wrapped that Jo Sherman was there to watch and cheer for me and give encouragement as well as tips on my form (i was looking good1!!) Aside from that no real females I knew were running/racing with me.
I got through the first loop and was happy with the clock time, went through the second loop at the same time - even happier. However I hurt bad on the last loop. I think it was my fastest but I was also over it. I wasn't enjoying the run and my foot had started to hurt. I am so proud of myself and I had all the reasons in the world (in my head) to just stop...but I kept it going. I had no idea of my placing as there were two ladies in front of me by about 400m. I closed the gap on the last loop to 100m but they were still in front. Imagine my suprise when they didn't cross the finish line and kept going - woohoo they were in the 20km race that had started at the same time. *shallow victory*
Looking at the Garmin I averaged 4:26min/km. Gotta be happy with that after a week off. Even happy to note the km were roughly all around 4:27/4:28 with the first km being 4:23 and the last being 4:16. For me that's even pacing!!
Now to work on this foot and get back to the serious business that is training.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
A lonely sport
Life is so damn bloody typical! Right when I should be about to launch into a program of running, running and more running; right when I should be able to see some results and get some speed; right when the weather is turning and the daylight hours are increasing....I get bloody injured.
My right foot is currently experiencing what I call "Plantar Fascitis"symptoms. I call it that because I won't get help. Won't get an official diagnosis. So damn cranky. Just going to sit it out and hope for the best. Today is worse than yesterday which was bad because I didn't run and wanted to. Today I just want to sit and whinge and cry. Who cares about running anyhow??
Why is running so addictive? Why does it fulfil something in our lives that no-one and nothing else can fulfil? I've heard others say it is better than sex...well that is just plain silly. Sex is what you do with someone else. Running is all you. You train for it, you either work hard at it or you don't...you have good days and you have bad days and you have these HUUGGGEEE endorphins running through your body to reward you. No one else can run for you. Support you, train with you, help to push you through a barrier - yes but in the end IT IS ALL YOU.
You never feel the isolation as harshly as when you are injured and everyone around you is running EXCEPT YOU.
My right foot is currently experiencing what I call "Plantar Fascitis"symptoms. I call it that because I won't get help. Won't get an official diagnosis. So damn cranky. Just going to sit it out and hope for the best. Today is worse than yesterday which was bad because I didn't run and wanted to. Today I just want to sit and whinge and cry. Who cares about running anyhow??
Why is running so addictive? Why does it fulfil something in our lives that no-one and nothing else can fulfil? I've heard others say it is better than sex...well that is just plain silly. Sex is what you do with someone else. Running is all you. You train for it, you either work hard at it or you don't...you have good days and you have bad days and you have these HUUGGGEEE endorphins running through your body to reward you. No one else can run for you. Support you, train with you, help to push you through a barrier - yes but in the end IT IS ALL YOU.
You never feel the isolation as harshly as when you are injured and everyone around you is running EXCEPT YOU.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Running is like Sex....
...I'm just saying.
You head out and do something you are familiar with and BAM it takes your breath away. You just have that awesome run where the legs turn over and take you where you want to go, the breathing is settled and you feel very capable of achieving anything.
Today was one of those days. One of those runs.
Mark was doing a trial to see how his legs were working after his physio and rest days - big GC goal coming up. I was just along for the ride. I certainly didn't expect to even enjoy today after completely exhausting myself yesterday (and this week). Suprise Suprise.
We headed out to Orleigh Park from the Ship Inn just as the light was coming up, which meant a sleep in for me as I have been starting early for most runs this past month. (Can't wait for summer!!)
If I was honest, I was a bit apprehensive about how I was going to go with this run. I didn't want to hold Mark back - and certainly I wanted to see if I could run with him the whole way - but I just assumed my tiredness and sore legs were going to get the better of me. I just never felt a bad spot the whole way.
I'm guessing we ran about 12km under 5min/km. We saw lots of fellow friends out there on the way who were all happy to see Mark running. Tesso and I had a hug mid-run (she was doing a marathon pace run with the Intraining crew). It was just perfect all round.
Heading back to the Ship Inn I was tempted to just keep running. You know its a good thing when you don't want to stop. Maybe I wasn't running hard enough?? I was concious of Mark though and we pulled in at the beach and got our breath back.
That post run glow will keep me happy for many days. I just wish I could adjust to the cold showers like I can to the increase in km!!!
SOUTHBANK BRING BACK THE HOT WATER!!!!
oh did I mention the breakfast? Its been so long since I have eaten at Poppys and it was just perfect to finish the run there with Katy and Mark. Off now to face the non-running tasks of the world...sigh.
You head out and do something you are familiar with and BAM it takes your breath away. You just have that awesome run where the legs turn over and take you where you want to go, the breathing is settled and you feel very capable of achieving anything.
Today was one of those days. One of those runs.
Mark was doing a trial to see how his legs were working after his physio and rest days - big GC goal coming up. I was just along for the ride. I certainly didn't expect to even enjoy today after completely exhausting myself yesterday (and this week). Suprise Suprise.
We headed out to Orleigh Park from the Ship Inn just as the light was coming up, which meant a sleep in for me as I have been starting early for most runs this past month. (Can't wait for summer!!)
If I was honest, I was a bit apprehensive about how I was going to go with this run. I didn't want to hold Mark back - and certainly I wanted to see if I could run with him the whole way - but I just assumed my tiredness and sore legs were going to get the better of me. I just never felt a bad spot the whole way.
I'm guessing we ran about 12km under 5min/km. We saw lots of fellow friends out there on the way who were all happy to see Mark running. Tesso and I had a hug mid-run (she was doing a marathon pace run with the Intraining crew). It was just perfect all round.
Heading back to the Ship Inn I was tempted to just keep running. You know its a good thing when you don't want to stop. Maybe I wasn't running hard enough?? I was concious of Mark though and we pulled in at the beach and got our breath back.
That post run glow will keep me happy for many days. I just wish I could adjust to the cold showers like I can to the increase in km!!!
SOUTHBANK BRING BACK THE HOT WATER!!!!
oh did I mention the breakfast? Its been so long since I have eaten at Poppys and it was just perfect to finish the run there with Katy and Mark. Off now to face the non-running tasks of the world...sigh.
The Saturday Slog
I'm starting to feel tired. My legs are great, doing all the right things...maybe twinging here and there but in a good way - I can feel them!!
Today was going to be a drag - literally! With no babysitters I had to take Billy in the pram for our planned 21.1km practice run at race pace. This was going to be interesting.
In actual fact it was totally fun. Tesso and I talked and ran and KEPT TRYING TO SLOW DOWN. I hardly noticed the pram - well except on the small rise out to Orleigh Park. Billy was wonderful - just sat there the whole time.
After about 80mins though I was feeling the pull of my muscles that you use when you run with a pram (arms/stomach) as opposed to the legs and I was not all that comfortable.
I wrapped the run up at about 17.5km - we were close to averaging our race pace and that was good enough for me. I know with the delays to the start, the water tables and just running back and forth, we will nail this and ensure those around us have a ball as well.
I was completely exhausted a few hours later - totally incapable of even watching TV (Cairns Ironman was on!!) and just crashed and burned. Nothing a good steak and a restful sleep didn't fix though!
Today was going to be a drag - literally! With no babysitters I had to take Billy in the pram for our planned 21.1km practice run at race pace. This was going to be interesting.
In actual fact it was totally fun. Tesso and I talked and ran and KEPT TRYING TO SLOW DOWN. I hardly noticed the pram - well except on the small rise out to Orleigh Park. Billy was wonderful - just sat there the whole time.
After about 80mins though I was feeling the pull of my muscles that you use when you run with a pram (arms/stomach) as opposed to the legs and I was not all that comfortable.
I wrapped the run up at about 17.5km - we were close to averaging our race pace and that was good enough for me. I know with the delays to the start, the water tables and just running back and forth, we will nail this and ensure those around us have a ball as well.
I was completely exhausted a few hours later - totally incapable of even watching TV (Cairns Ironman was on!!) and just crashed and burned. Nothing a good steak and a restful sleep didn't fix though!
The Joy of Running
Friday morning - another work day and the weekend is within reach but not quite here yet.
I woke up and began to worry already - what have I committed to? Running Mt Coot-Tha after two big hill sessions already this week???? Idiot.
Still there I was sitting in the carpark way too early - didn't want my fellow companion to turn up and not find me there!
Graham arrived and we took a few minutes to ensure we had the right equipment on (he had two pairs of gloves!!) and then we headed off. An easy pace, it was very dark and we adjusted our eyes as we headed off down the road.
I do recall mentioning to my friend that we usually re-group up the top at the flat bit just after the first TV station. He said 'but we're running this together, we won't need to re-group" ha ha ha that was just before his hot little heels became two glow worms in the distance.
It was great to have a little fox to chase, we both worked hard going up and still looked out around us to see the lights of Brisbane coming on. Such a magical hour.
Graham totally missed the top and kept going, but I had enough breath left to call out to him and get him back.
After that we just ran, mostly in companionable silence and totally enjoyed the breaking in of the new day.
We had a decent pace going on (I was just trying to madly keep up with him!!) and I felt the joy of running the undulations across the top.
We made it around the corner and put on the pace to get to the Summit.
Just Bloody Beautiful!!!
We stopped for a few minutes to give the view the respect it deserved and watch Brisbane rise from its sleep. You could just tell it was going to be a great day.
Off we trotted to finish off the run and made it back to the carpark in good time - not withstanding a quick jibe at two walkers who were taking up the whole road (well not really but it was fun watching Graham tease his sister who was out walking).
It was Graham's first time. But I am sure he'll be back...and I hope I'm there to try to keep up with him!!!
I woke up and began to worry already - what have I committed to? Running Mt Coot-Tha after two big hill sessions already this week???? Idiot.
Still there I was sitting in the carpark way too early - didn't want my fellow companion to turn up and not find me there!
Graham arrived and we took a few minutes to ensure we had the right equipment on (he had two pairs of gloves!!) and then we headed off. An easy pace, it was very dark and we adjusted our eyes as we headed off down the road.
I do recall mentioning to my friend that we usually re-group up the top at the flat bit just after the first TV station. He said 'but we're running this together, we won't need to re-group" ha ha ha that was just before his hot little heels became two glow worms in the distance.
It was great to have a little fox to chase, we both worked hard going up and still looked out around us to see the lights of Brisbane coming on. Such a magical hour.
Graham totally missed the top and kept going, but I had enough breath left to call out to him and get him back.
After that we just ran, mostly in companionable silence and totally enjoyed the breaking in of the new day.
We had a decent pace going on (I was just trying to madly keep up with him!!) and I felt the joy of running the undulations across the top.
We made it around the corner and put on the pace to get to the Summit.
Just Bloody Beautiful!!!
We stopped for a few minutes to give the view the respect it deserved and watch Brisbane rise from its sleep. You could just tell it was going to be a great day.
Off we trotted to finish off the run and made it back to the carpark in good time - not withstanding a quick jibe at two walkers who were taking up the whole road (well not really but it was fun watching Graham tease his sister who was out walking).
It was Graham's first time. But I am sure he'll be back...and I hope I'm there to try to keep up with him!!!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wicked Wednesday
It was another glorious day running along the Brisbane River with the buddies.
I met Brett in the carpark early and we headed out for a quick stint at a warmup. 5:30am the group then took off for a steady 10km. Tesso and I had other ideas, we decided to practice our pace (5:37min/km) for our upcoming 2Hr Pacing gig at the Gold Coast Marathon. We were chatting and laughing and just having a good old time out there. But we couldn't run slow enough. It felt like we were walking pace at some places..but we still averaged 5:17min/km.
Whilst I had a great run, totally enjoyed the morning - and followed it up with a hot coffee on the bridge with my buddies...I am nervous about the upcoming gig and carrying through on my promises!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Torture Tuesday
It wasn't hard to get up this morning - I was already awake. Lots going on at work. EOFY etc etc
I was looking forward to running but didn't think I would have much in me. Suprisingly my butt was a bit sore from the mountain climb. It was going to be one of those days where I PLAN to do 80%.
Imagine my suprise when I got to Pats and saw he had a HILL SESSION planned *groan*
It was a long warmup with Tesso - we had lots to catch up on as we hadn't seen each other in two days!!! We made our way to the gardens just in time for Pat to call out for the strides to begin. A few of those and off we took for a 20min session of hills.
Go hard on the up and coast the downhills.
Damn I love this session. It is by far my favourite at PCRG.
My heart wasn't in it today but I worked hard nonetheless - more than the planned 80% and banked another worthwhile session. It was interesting to see who I could go past on the uphill - a lot of the fast guys/gals, but they totally kept going and blew away from me on the downhill where I had to drop back 99 gears to get my breathing under control.
One day, I vow, I am just going to hang on.
A note to self - just get out of bed and get there, the run will work itself out no matter how fatigued I feel!
I was looking forward to running but didn't think I would have much in me. Suprisingly my butt was a bit sore from the mountain climb. It was going to be one of those days where I PLAN to do 80%.
Imagine my suprise when I got to Pats and saw he had a HILL SESSION planned *groan*
It was a long warmup with Tesso - we had lots to catch up on as we hadn't seen each other in two days!!! We made our way to the gardens just in time for Pat to call out for the strides to begin. A few of those and off we took for a 20min session of hills.
Go hard on the up and coast the downhills.
Damn I love this session. It is by far my favourite at PCRG.
My heart wasn't in it today but I worked hard nonetheless - more than the planned 80% and banked another worthwhile session. It was interesting to see who I could go past on the uphill - a lot of the fast guys/gals, but they totally kept going and blew away from me on the downhill where I had to drop back 99 gears to get my breathing under control.
One day, I vow, I am just going to hang on.
A note to self - just get out of bed and get there, the run will work itself out no matter how fatigued I feel!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Wow wow Wow! - Mt Coot-Tha
You take a few days off to face the stresses of life that are not related to running...and just assume its going to take its toll when you next lace up those shoes.
Then magic happens. You load the ipod up with some meaningful beats and hit the familiar road to test the legs. Zoom you're off. Yep that happened to me tonight. I had to laugh when I saw two cyclists in the distance and worked my way up to gain on them. Done. As I went past they said óh the shame overtaken by a jogger'. I had to retort "I'm a RUNNER!!!" They were too far back to hear me I am sure :)
I got to the top and the family went past in the car to check on me (it was getting quite dark). I tried to run as hard as I could to get around the Mountain so they didn't worry so much. Allan knew how much I needed this run so he told me to go around TWICE and they'd meet me at the top.
The first loop was amazing. I still now, a couple of hours later, can't put into words the emotion and feeling I had when I turned the corner and saw the Summit. Running up to the top was just sublime and I took a few seconds to watch the last of the sun go down.
I won't bother discussing the next loop up again. It was hard and I hurt and I was very stupidly running in the dark - even the police stopped to check after some idiots hooted and were driving crazy.
But the run was all about that first loop. Just need to get faster and life would be perfect!
Then magic happens. You load the ipod up with some meaningful beats and hit the familiar road to test the legs. Zoom you're off. Yep that happened to me tonight. I had to laugh when I saw two cyclists in the distance and worked my way up to gain on them. Done. As I went past they said óh the shame overtaken by a jogger'. I had to retort "I'm a RUNNER!!!" They were too far back to hear me I am sure :)
I got to the top and the family went past in the car to check on me (it was getting quite dark). I tried to run as hard as I could to get around the Mountain so they didn't worry so much. Allan knew how much I needed this run so he told me to go around TWICE and they'd meet me at the top.
The first loop was amazing. I still now, a couple of hours later, can't put into words the emotion and feeling I had when I turned the corner and saw the Summit. Running up to the top was just sublime and I took a few seconds to watch the last of the sun go down.
I won't bother discussing the next loop up again. It was hard and I hurt and I was very stupidly running in the dark - even the police stopped to check after some idiots hooted and were driving crazy.
But the run was all about that first loop. Just need to get faster and life would be perfect!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
2 Steps Forward...1 Back: 18km Mid Week run
Today was a beautiful morning for a run, I just couldn't get my mojo to run in sync with my legs. A few sleepless nights and not eating right totally made me feel like finishing the run early. It started out great though so was a bit of a shock to hit the wall.
I did a few km warm up with MattyO and made it back to the Ship Inn in time to depart with the 5:00am Buddies. We headed out to New Farm via Kangaroo Point over the Story Bridge. I was chatting and running with Tesso and after a few km we were running 4:50's quite easily. She dropped me on the bridge though and whilst I managed to keep running around 4:45-4:50pace they all got faster.
Ran with Brett and Graham for a bit then eventually after hitting the river again on the way home I let them go and just hung back. The calf and hip were killing me today. I think I'm on the verge of experiencing some intense pain that is very much NOT welcome. Might rest up tomorrow or maybe just book a massage. Got to be in top condition for my run on Friday.
I did a few km warm up with MattyO and made it back to the Ship Inn in time to depart with the 5:00am Buddies. We headed out to New Farm via Kangaroo Point over the Story Bridge. I was chatting and running with Tesso and after a few km we were running 4:50's quite easily. She dropped me on the bridge though and whilst I managed to keep running around 4:45-4:50pace they all got faster.
Ran with Brett and Graham for a bit then eventually after hitting the river again on the way home I let them go and just hung back. The calf and hip were killing me today. I think I'm on the verge of experiencing some intense pain that is very much NOT welcome. Might rest up tomorrow or maybe just book a massage. Got to be in top condition for my run on Friday.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
PCRG - a long one!
Was not too cold a morning but a bit lonely. Ran by myself most of the warmup over the Vic bridge and around into the gardens. It was good to ease into the run.
The strides are my favourite bit of the session at PCRG, they just seem to warm me up ready to run fast (doh! thats why we do them). But today it was terrible. I did a few and felt great, slowly increasing each one. All of a sudden chaos, runner down, blood, ripped clothes and a gut feeling that today maybe I should have stayed in bed. Wasn't my blood thank goodness (sorry Fi!!) but I felt bad as I was trying to get her to run fast with me.
The session commenced a bit late with 4min, 45sec rest, 4min 45sec rest and 8min all the way back. It was great and everyone seemed to be giving it oh 70%. For some reason people tend to go a bit slower on the longer repeats. I was flying past everyone. Maybe they were just scared I was going to trip them??
As usual Pat reserved a few 1min efforts at the end to finish it off with, so all up about 19mins of speedwork and roughly 10km.
I did the cool down with the A Team - Pretty Matt, Jason Hall, Clowes etc and felt like a fraud as they talked of their sub 3 marathon approaching all too soon. But it was good to keep the heart rate up a fraction.
All in all, I feel a comeback on the horizon.
The strides are my favourite bit of the session at PCRG, they just seem to warm me up ready to run fast (doh! thats why we do them). But today it was terrible. I did a few and felt great, slowly increasing each one. All of a sudden chaos, runner down, blood, ripped clothes and a gut feeling that today maybe I should have stayed in bed. Wasn't my blood thank goodness (sorry Fi!!) but I felt bad as I was trying to get her to run fast with me.
The session commenced a bit late with 4min, 45sec rest, 4min 45sec rest and 8min all the way back. It was great and everyone seemed to be giving it oh 70%. For some reason people tend to go a bit slower on the longer repeats. I was flying past everyone. Maybe they were just scared I was going to trip them??
As usual Pat reserved a few 1min efforts at the end to finish it off with, so all up about 19mins of speedwork and roughly 10km.
I did the cool down with the A Team - Pretty Matt, Jason Hall, Clowes etc and felt like a fraud as they talked of their sub 3 marathon approaching all too soon. But it was good to keep the heart rate up a fraction.
All in all, I feel a comeback on the horizon.
Monday, June 13, 2011
11km Recovery Run - Monday
Had just about the best possible run ever - the Recovery Run!
I'm still trying to work out what I was recovering from...ha!
Ran around 5:30 pace give or take for 11km but threw in about 6 x 100m sprints that got the heart rate up and racing.
Which brings to mind - I have no idea what my heart rate is sitting at these days. I tried to measure this afternoon but everytime Billy came to sit on my stomach it shot up to 80bpm. It was sitting around 62bpm lying on the floor but I think I need to actually do a test and see what I can record for my maximum as well as do the garmin test to measure the minimum first thing in the morning.
i will endeavour to find out my max and min this week. CHORE # 1.
I'm still trying to work out what I was recovering from...ha!
Ran around 5:30 pace give or take for 11km but threw in about 6 x 100m sprints that got the heart rate up and racing.
Which brings to mind - I have no idea what my heart rate is sitting at these days. I tried to measure this afternoon but everytime Billy came to sit on my stomach it shot up to 80bpm. It was sitting around 62bpm lying on the floor but I think I need to actually do a test and see what I can record for my maximum as well as do the garmin test to measure the minimum first thing in the morning.
i will endeavour to find out my max and min this week. CHORE # 1.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Its time to move!
This week I commence training.
I have no idea what I am training for, hopefully that will come. But I want the pain and joy and excitement that training gives when you achieve the little goals along the way and I want to see the benefits of training in both gains in speed (times) and fitness.
I am unlikely now to be doing City to Surf 2011, though I have entered it doesn't coincide well with other events in my life. We'll wait to see. Airfares are not yet booked.
I'm running Gold Coast Half Marathon as the 2hr official pacer with Tesso - that should be a lark. It will be good to finish and still have plenty of time and energy to cheer on all my friends to the finish of their big event.
Then there are months of training and small races of various kinds before December arrives and the K U R R A W A event is on once again. A rest of two weeks and then the real build up to Canberra. My goal would be to go sub 3:20, my A Goal being 3:15...but that all depends on the ability for me to focus and stick to my training over the next 9 months.
So hopefully this blog will be resurrected again for no other reason but to keep me honest and start a record of my training. Its Time.
I have no idea what I am training for, hopefully that will come. But I want the pain and joy and excitement that training gives when you achieve the little goals along the way and I want to see the benefits of training in both gains in speed (times) and fitness.
I am unlikely now to be doing City to Surf 2011, though I have entered it doesn't coincide well with other events in my life. We'll wait to see. Airfares are not yet booked.
I'm running Gold Coast Half Marathon as the 2hr official pacer with Tesso - that should be a lark. It will be good to finish and still have plenty of time and energy to cheer on all my friends to the finish of their big event.
Then there are months of training and small races of various kinds before December arrives and the K U R R A W A event is on once again. A rest of two weeks and then the real build up to Canberra. My goal would be to go sub 3:20, my A Goal being 3:15...but that all depends on the ability for me to focus and stick to my training over the next 9 months.
So hopefully this blog will be resurrected again for no other reason but to keep me honest and start a record of my training. Its Time.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Sydney City to Surf - August 8th 2010
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!!
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!!
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).
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