Doesn't sound too scary but my challenge for this month - to run a minimum of 10km EVERY DAY.
That's no rest days/days off.
Each day can be more than 10km but no less. I still hope to run long on the weekends and mid week with some speed work sessions so nothing too out of the plan. Just that I want to see how the body and mind holds up with running every day no matter what the challenge of family, work or racing holds.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
BRRC - 5km
Just another lazy Sunday.
After a big week there was no way I was signing up for the 15km that most others were doing. Tesso was doing the 10km and if I didn't hate that distance I would have contemplated running with her but decided I needed to run hard and not long.
Felt great to be out there today. My heart wasn't in it initially but once I was half way through I started to feel great.
My heart rate was no doubt through the roof and my legs had a weariness to them that comes from high mileage (high for me) but they were still turning over. I was glad that in just a short 5km I was able to run each km faster than the one before.
Finish time was 22:05 certainly not a PB but I'm wrapped with the result regardless. Average 4:22min/km. Now for a rest day before getting into the half mara program for Canberra.
Oh and stay tuned to hear about my February Challenge. It's going to be fun!! (NOT!)
After a big week there was no way I was signing up for the 15km that most others were doing. Tesso was doing the 10km and if I didn't hate that distance I would have contemplated running with her but decided I needed to run hard and not long.
Felt great to be out there today. My heart wasn't in it initially but once I was half way through I started to feel great.
My heart rate was no doubt through the roof and my legs had a weariness to them that comes from high mileage (high for me) but they were still turning over. I was glad that in just a short 5km I was able to run each km faster than the one before.
Finish time was 22:05 certainly not a PB but I'm wrapped with the result regardless. Average 4:22min/km. Now for a rest day before getting into the half mara program for Canberra.
Oh and stay tuned to hear about my February Challenge. It's going to be fun!! (NOT!)
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Saturday Night - the week in review
I did it. I stuck to the plan. Today I ran 30km in the horrid humidity. I was sick, I had not slept all night but I did it. I am happy I did so now and extra happy Tesso my buddy made me venture out of my bed.
My legs are very tired. I had a nanna nap.
The timing was slow. We ran flat but averaged 5:18min/km. Some were faster than others. Some were torture and others felt easy. I was all over the shop but my mind was elsewhere so it was just good to finish and be done with it.
Total for the week even with three days off - 97.5km!! woo hoo. Sounds like I might be training for a marathon.
My legs are very tired. I had a nanna nap.
The timing was slow. We ran flat but averaged 5:18min/km. Some were faster than others. Some were torture and others felt easy. I was all over the shop but my mind was elsewhere so it was just good to finish and be done with it.
Total for the week even with three days off - 97.5km!! woo hoo. Sounds like I might be training for a marathon.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Maybe I'm Chinese...the New Year starts NOW.
I’m starting to think I should never kick off training programs. It always seems to derail me from my focus and goal. As soon as I announced to the world I was starting on my half marathon campaign I fell into a heap. Work ramped up (which was great) and I found myself at home alone – ie with no babysitters as everyone was on holidays interstate or away working (which wasn’t great).
So there I was all raring to go and not able to get out of the house. The torrential rain each day meant I could not take Billy in the pram no matter how much I tried to convince myself he would only get marginally wet if I glad wrapped him up. Ho hum the week was shot.
By Saturday I had gone 4 days of no running. I was literally feeling depressed and very emotional. Wow running does good in so many areas we just take for granted. It’s not just physical fitness!
So Saturday was pleasant enough day – a bit hot but at least there was no rain. I got Billy out for 10km very easy (you try pushing 40kilos!) around Southbank and we then spent the next two hours wading around in the beach and water facilities – so it was lots of fun!
Sunday the husband had come home. YAHHHH! I was able to run solo. (I do love my baby, I do!). All my friends had run long the previous day so I choose to run with a group much slower than myself but focus rather on spending time on my feet. It was slow! I managed 30km and the garmin tells me we averaged 5:47/km. That really suprised me as it was very hilly around Mt Cootha so we must have put in some solid km when running flat. I guess the difference is we stopped (or I went ahead and then looped back) quite a bit more than I am used to. All in all – I was out there for 3 and a half hours. It was totally awesome. I didn't feel tired at all that day and no soreness the days that followed. Running slow is really good!
Monday – Wed I then had off (same as previous week). Then the big kids (aka babysitters) came home so I have been running ever since.
Thursday – 23.5km St Lucia – Lone Pines. A very very hilly run and extremely humid. I stripped off at the halfway point and ran in my bra just to wring out my singlet. It was horrid. I was very sick at the end and collapsed on the ground in the carpark. Someone put a towel under my head and after a few minutes I was fine. Very nauseated though and I didn’t (couldn’t) eat until about 11am but kept drinking plenty all day.
Friday – 14km in the rain. Was very pleasant and didn't feel like we had run far at all. Just felt like a warm up. 5:08min/km pace so not too fast but again, a few hills (bridges) and lots of chatting. A great run and one to copy again one day. Tomorrow…if I can the plan is 30km and then 10km on Sunday. I’ll rest up again on Monday and get back into the schedule of training and doing some speed work. I see you Canberra. I’m getting excited now.
So there I was all raring to go and not able to get out of the house. The torrential rain each day meant I could not take Billy in the pram no matter how much I tried to convince myself he would only get marginally wet if I glad wrapped him up. Ho hum the week was shot.
By Saturday I had gone 4 days of no running. I was literally feeling depressed and very emotional. Wow running does good in so many areas we just take for granted. It’s not just physical fitness!
So Saturday was pleasant enough day – a bit hot but at least there was no rain. I got Billy out for 10km very easy (you try pushing 40kilos!) around Southbank and we then spent the next two hours wading around in the beach and water facilities – so it was lots of fun!
Sunday the husband had come home. YAHHHH! I was able to run solo. (I do love my baby, I do!). All my friends had run long the previous day so I choose to run with a group much slower than myself but focus rather on spending time on my feet. It was slow! I managed 30km and the garmin tells me we averaged 5:47/km. That really suprised me as it was very hilly around Mt Cootha so we must have put in some solid km when running flat. I guess the difference is we stopped (or I went ahead and then looped back) quite a bit more than I am used to. All in all – I was out there for 3 and a half hours. It was totally awesome. I didn't feel tired at all that day and no soreness the days that followed. Running slow is really good!
Monday – Wed I then had off (same as previous week). Then the big kids (aka babysitters) came home so I have been running ever since.
Thursday – 23.5km St Lucia – Lone Pines. A very very hilly run and extremely humid. I stripped off at the halfway point and ran in my bra just to wring out my singlet. It was horrid. I was very sick at the end and collapsed on the ground in the carpark. Someone put a towel under my head and after a few minutes I was fine. Very nauseated though and I didn’t (couldn’t) eat until about 11am but kept drinking plenty all day.
Friday – 14km in the rain. Was very pleasant and didn't feel like we had run far at all. Just felt like a warm up. 5:08min/km pace so not too fast but again, a few hills (bridges) and lots of chatting. A great run and one to copy again one day. Tomorrow…if I can the plan is 30km and then 10km on Sunday. I’ll rest up again on Monday and get back into the schedule of training and doing some speed work. I see you Canberra. I’m getting excited now.
Monday, January 16, 2012
New Training Scheme
Talk about not raining....it's POURING! (Literally too which is really weird!)
I was at the airport this morning with my little man being all sad and sobby. When I arrived at work I logged on to do some banking and noticed a few hundred dollars gone out of my account...wooohooo New York Marathon now paid for and I'm accepted and officially in the run.
Crap. That means training!
Before that exciting news I had already been talking to Gooner about our training programs via SMART COACH. Not the most personal of touches, but a program individually prepped for each user once you have inputted your data.
I am aiming for 1:32 at Canberra Half in April. That gives me 13 weeks starting today to train. We'll see how I go and then revert to a full marathon program once the Gold Coast half pacing job is out of the way in July.
This weeks program is:
Monday -10k easy (good I need a run to get my head sorted)
Tueday - PCRG 10km
Wednesday - 10km tempo
Thursday - 10km easy run
Friday - 8km easy (Cootha)
Saturday - 19km 5:15 pace
Sunday - cross training
The program ramps up to 90km weekly mileage (for a half!!) so it suits me pretty well.Most of the time it sits around 70-80 and I'm comfortable with that.
The only thing about me and programs that I have to be aware of...I have to fit it in around Billy and finding carers. So I am fortunate that a program like this helps motivate me even if I can't get out to run with my buddies and I have to do the damn hard work on my own...at lunch or late at night. Heh it's still running right??!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
BRRC - 14KM Club Champions
Today really sucked.
I felt sick when I went to bed last night but woke up and felt fine. Thinking I was just doing an easy run I didnt think anything of it.
After warming up for 3km with Tesso we found the start line and started telling each other how slow we were going to be running - I'm pretty sure we do this before every race regardless of how hard we actually run ha ha! - The start went off without a hitch and Tess and I were running together at the back of the crowd, just cruising and chatting away.
Being 14km the course was 4km then two laps of 5km course. The first 4km we just took it easy running around 5min/km pace. I then realised I had my ipod with my Kurrawa Race playlist so I turned it up high and started to chase down the girls in my age category. Stuff the plan to run slow. I felt good. The next 5km was great, I was able to keep a steady pace and wasn't tiring like I thought I would. I got water from the table each loop but as it was quite cool/overcast I didn't need anything more than that.
The last loop I started to lag. I felt funny. Not sure if I was going to be sick or need to go to the toilet. Tesso cruised past me and I was excited at first - yah we can race each other to the finish (which we love to do as it pushes us both to do better than just running solo). However With 3km to go and having skipped the last two water stations I thought I'd best duck to the loo. There went my race.
I got back on track and ran the last few km very solidly. It was actually quite exciting to be able to just run hard and pass heaps of people. Though I got asked by a lot of people at the finish - 'didn't you pass me twice'. Bit embarressing to have to constantly tell people you needed to go to the loo.
But for me the worst thing was hopping in the shower when I got home. Clearly I need to lose some weight. For the first time in ages I got chafing on my legs WTF??!!! Stung like crazy. Time now to ramp up the training and focus on a diet to match.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Just keep moving Clairie
Since Tuesday I have been in a constant state of aching.
Tuesday night saw the introduction of a Core Fitness program (thanks for organising Tesso!!) for the next six weeks. We did heaps of squats, stretches, sit ups and skipping. Wow skipping - I haven't done that for years and have forgotten how good it is and how much I loved it. Almost fell flat on my face after tangling my feet up in the rope...but I was one of the more co-ordinated ones!
Wednesday morning was surprisingly easy to get out of bed. I felt it in my legs (my quads) but thought a run would be best anyhow to move the lactic build up. Sure was. Only problem I was running with a group of runners who all felt fresh and competitive and eager to ramp up the speed. I just hung at the back of the group and struggled my way out to the Tennyson Tennis Centre (where Serena Williams had played the day before) and back to SouthBank. 13km all up with a bit added on each way (officially the run is exactly 12km).
Wednesday night was house moving furniture night. Three hours of up and down the stairs, box after box. Chairs here...no there. Strip all the beds. Wash wash and wash. Needless to say Thursday morning I woke up and smiled. It was a rest day.
Then I went to get out of bed and realised I couldn't. Ha! Good thing it was a rest day..I wasn't going anywhere. It took me hours to get around and get moving. Not to mention a few coffees!
Thursday night was a late night. Got to bed around 11:30pm and was up again at the mercy of a promise to a friend to meet him at 5am at Mt Coot-Tha. So much for the friend - he stood me up.
Lucky I had old faithful (Toasty) and Matty O who let me follow them around the hill for the next 9.6km. We finished in a reasonable time considering and I felt much much better having finished. Later in the day though I was extremely tired and the late nights and early mornings, all the moving, all the stress at work and many other things were just all catching up.
A big day today (Friday) and I am trying to consider my options for the weekend. I have family commitments now for Saturday but am aiming for Sunday race day to still complete my 14km at BRRC. I won't be going for a PB at this race (thanks for your encouraging comments though...) I am not back to speed work yet. Just trying to practice maintaining a decent /consistent pace.
Now...I'm off to scrub another wall.
Tuesday night saw the introduction of a Core Fitness program (thanks for organising Tesso!!) for the next six weeks. We did heaps of squats, stretches, sit ups and skipping. Wow skipping - I haven't done that for years and have forgotten how good it is and how much I loved it. Almost fell flat on my face after tangling my feet up in the rope...but I was one of the more co-ordinated ones!
Wednesday morning was surprisingly easy to get out of bed. I felt it in my legs (my quads) but thought a run would be best anyhow to move the lactic build up. Sure was. Only problem I was running with a group of runners who all felt fresh and competitive and eager to ramp up the speed. I just hung at the back of the group and struggled my way out to the Tennyson Tennis Centre (where Serena Williams had played the day before) and back to SouthBank. 13km all up with a bit added on each way (officially the run is exactly 12km).
Wednesday night was house moving furniture night. Three hours of up and down the stairs, box after box. Chairs here...no there. Strip all the beds. Wash wash and wash. Needless to say Thursday morning I woke up and smiled. It was a rest day.
Then I went to get out of bed and realised I couldn't. Ha! Good thing it was a rest day..I wasn't going anywhere. It took me hours to get around and get moving. Not to mention a few coffees!
Thursday night was a late night. Got to bed around 11:30pm and was up again at the mercy of a promise to a friend to meet him at 5am at Mt Coot-Tha. So much for the friend - he stood me up.
Lucky I had old faithful (Toasty) and Matty O who let me follow them around the hill for the next 9.6km. We finished in a reasonable time considering and I felt much much better having finished. Later in the day though I was extremely tired and the late nights and early mornings, all the moving, all the stress at work and many other things were just all catching up.
A big day today (Friday) and I am trying to consider my options for the weekend. I have family commitments now for Saturday but am aiming for Sunday race day to still complete my 14km at BRRC. I won't be going for a PB at this race (thanks for your encouraging comments though...) I am not back to speed work yet. Just trying to practice maintaining a decent /consistent pace.
Now...I'm off to scrub another wall.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Mike Hansen is Slow
Ha! Well I did warn him that I would blog about it. :)
PCRG Session today - with heat, humidity and no motivation. Seemed to work out okay though. After initially being a tad late I did the 3km warm up only to find out today's session was the one I hate the most...1min/30sec efforts. I find these quite easy as they are short hence I don't feel I get the full value of a speed session as a 'marathoner' but I'm guessing any speedwork for me at the moment has to be good.
We did a few strides and got stuck into it. 5 x 1min efforts with 30sec job inbetween. Felt really good though we were doing it on hills and I was constantly getting stuck with the 30sec recovery whilst going UP the hill...which meant it wasn't much of a recovery for the lungs.
After standing still for a minute we then turned around and did 30sec fast/30sec slow till we got back to where we started from. I lost count how many it took but it was fun. The fast efforts never seemed to last long. Maybe I wasn't really working hard enough??
Finally to finish it all off we had to do some hill repeats (WTF...didn't we just do that in the session??) so up the hill we went. Up hard, down easy. 5 x times. I'm guessing the hill is between 100-200m in length with a steep incline depending on where you start from. I like this hill but today I was burnt out. In a nice "I've worked hard at speedwork" kind of way.
On the last hill I saw the fast guys at the bottom. Just what I needed - incentive to get up. HARD. I called out to Mike to move it and off he went. I tried to keep with him and just hung on his shoulder and he raced up. Just near the top I managed to accelerate and get past him and push it to the very top. I'm not going to mention once at the top I had to stop or I was going to be sick...and he just cruised past and said 'nicely done'. I walked for a few metres before forcing myself to jog down the hill and get ready for the 3km warm down.
All up a nice effort that I'm happy with.
And now I've made up my mind. I need to PB at every distance this year (excluding marathon). Thats my goal. Seeing as I haven't kept track of my PB's that could be quite difficult to work out. I'm going to take a stab in the dark and put these as rough estimates that I want to improve on:
5k - 20:20
10k - 42:30
14k - 1:01:01
10Mile - 1:09 - mmm I think this one will be tough to beat!
21.1k - 1:34:19
PCRG Session today - with heat, humidity and no motivation. Seemed to work out okay though. After initially being a tad late I did the 3km warm up only to find out today's session was the one I hate the most...1min/30sec efforts. I find these quite easy as they are short hence I don't feel I get the full value of a speed session as a 'marathoner' but I'm guessing any speedwork for me at the moment has to be good.
We did a few strides and got stuck into it. 5 x 1min efforts with 30sec job inbetween. Felt really good though we were doing it on hills and I was constantly getting stuck with the 30sec recovery whilst going UP the hill...which meant it wasn't much of a recovery for the lungs.
After standing still for a minute we then turned around and did 30sec fast/30sec slow till we got back to where we started from. I lost count how many it took but it was fun. The fast efforts never seemed to last long. Maybe I wasn't really working hard enough??
Finally to finish it all off we had to do some hill repeats (WTF...didn't we just do that in the session??) so up the hill we went. Up hard, down easy. 5 x times. I'm guessing the hill is between 100-200m in length with a steep incline depending on where you start from. I like this hill but today I was burnt out. In a nice "I've worked hard at speedwork" kind of way.
On the last hill I saw the fast guys at the bottom. Just what I needed - incentive to get up. HARD. I called out to Mike to move it and off he went. I tried to keep with him and just hung on his shoulder and he raced up. Just near the top I managed to accelerate and get past him and push it to the very top. I'm not going to mention once at the top I had to stop or I was going to be sick...and he just cruised past and said 'nicely done'. I walked for a few metres before forcing myself to jog down the hill and get ready for the 3km warm down.
All up a nice effort that I'm happy with.
And now I've made up my mind. I need to PB at every distance this year (excluding marathon). Thats my goal. Seeing as I haven't kept track of my PB's that could be quite difficult to work out. I'm going to take a stab in the dark and put these as rough estimates that I want to improve on:
5k - 20:20
10k - 42:30
14k - 1:01:01
10Mile - 1:09 - mmm I think this one will be tough to beat!
21.1k - 1:34:19
Monday, January 09, 2012
2012: A New Year
It's a new year.
New goals.
I'm just still trying to work out exactly what they are going to be.
In the meantime I think I'll just run and enjoy that I can.
New goals.
I'm just still trying to work out exactly what they are going to be.
In the meantime I think I'll just run and enjoy that I can.
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Update, update update.....
grrrr. So angry at myself for not blogging. I can't even recall what I have done since my last post but I do know I have been inconsistent. Mostly due to two things: pain and motherhood. Wow they go hand in hand don't they?!!
Pain - my left hip has been a constant ache for most of this year. I recall being concerned about it before Warwick but was embarking on a round of IVF for a friend so assumed it was all related to tests/injections/old shoes/training. So just kept up the usual minimal stretching and bought some new shoes.
Pain was bearable as it wasn't felt during a run - only in the car afterwards or when sitting for long periods at home/work/movies etc.
Motherhood - well that is one constant I wouldn't give up or try to work out. Some days I can run, others I have a sick or dependant child whom I need to work around to fit in any running. It is frustrating but only on the bad days when I don't get out for a run a few days in a row.
Putting the two of those together the last few weeks have been hit and miss...mostly miss. I am now on my way out the door to get a scan done on the hip - after having a sports doctor and running podiatrist both diagnose TFL pain (ITB that is presenting at the hip). Not sure about cortisone or may just stick to conventional treatment...for now I need to rule out Bursitis.
A bit of update that I can recall:
I managed a 20km run this past weekend, a 28km run the weekend before. So the long runs have been ok. Averaging just under 5min/km but mostly I can sit comfortably on a flat road around 4:40min/km. The hills, sand, stopping and not adjusting my watch, talking or socially running alongside someone/having the pram etc all contribute to a slower pace. I'm happy with my long runs.
The speed is what is missing. I haven't been doing hills in past few weeks and don't little in the way of speed aside from 1km repeats and races. I feel it has still been acceptable but now with a race only 10days away that I wanted to do well in...I am very under prepared. Always the way. I just wish I had blogged it daily so I could actually recall what I have /haven't done!!!
So todays blog - 1 x Scan (results to come) and no run. Next update - stand by!
Pain - my left hip has been a constant ache for most of this year. I recall being concerned about it before Warwick but was embarking on a round of IVF for a friend so assumed it was all related to tests/injections/old shoes/training. So just kept up the usual minimal stretching and bought some new shoes.
Pain was bearable as it wasn't felt during a run - only in the car afterwards or when sitting for long periods at home/work/movies etc.
Motherhood - well that is one constant I wouldn't give up or try to work out. Some days I can run, others I have a sick or dependant child whom I need to work around to fit in any running. It is frustrating but only on the bad days when I don't get out for a run a few days in a row.
Putting the two of those together the last few weeks have been hit and miss...mostly miss. I am now on my way out the door to get a scan done on the hip - after having a sports doctor and running podiatrist both diagnose TFL pain (ITB that is presenting at the hip). Not sure about cortisone or may just stick to conventional treatment...for now I need to rule out Bursitis.
A bit of update that I can recall:
I managed a 20km run this past weekend, a 28km run the weekend before. So the long runs have been ok. Averaging just under 5min/km but mostly I can sit comfortably on a flat road around 4:40min/km. The hills, sand, stopping and not adjusting my watch, talking or socially running alongside someone/having the pram etc all contribute to a slower pace. I'm happy with my long runs.
The speed is what is missing. I haven't been doing hills in past few weeks and don't little in the way of speed aside from 1km repeats and races. I feel it has still been acceptable but now with a race only 10days away that I wanted to do well in...I am very under prepared. Always the way. I just wish I had blogged it daily so I could actually recall what I have /haven't done!!!
So todays blog - 1 x Scan (results to come) and no run. Next update - stand by!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
BRRC - 14km Club Championships: GREAT
It was always going to be an amazing day. Being Toasty's birthday he was planning a big night Saturday with his wife and was not to keen to back up in the morning with a hard full core run. So he did what all good partners do...he choose to run with me as a pacer for my planned 4:40min/km pace 14km run.
It started out early for me. I got a reasonable nights sleep and was fresh, albeit hungry, in the morning. After two days of no running due to extreme weather and work conditions, I was GOING to run today no matter what. A can of V got me going and I rocked up early to BRRC.
Toasty and I headed out for a warm up and did about 2.5km of very easy running with maybe one or two pulses to update the heartrate.
We headed back to the start line with about 5mins to spare and caught up with Tesso and had a few good laughs with various fellow runners. I felt good and ready to rumble though a bit nervous - as I always am when trying to head for a specific pace.
We headed off in the starting pack and it was just a crazy but great feeling to be running with the really fast runners for the first 100m. In fact the first km was 4:15...mmm Toasty was not going to be much help today. GRRRRRRRR
It didn't get any better. I felt amazing for the first 4km and I really wished it was a 5km race. I could have nailed a sub 20 today I honestly believe. I was feeling that good!
Ahh was not to be. It was 14km and I had another two laps of 2x5km to do. We kept a good pace of approx 4:23 for the next 5km. Then we blew out a couple of 4:27 amongst some 4:15km. It felt even paced, the slower km were at the water stations or when my ipod drove me crazy. The fast km were when I had a good song or the water was kicking in.
I glanced over at Toasty from time to time and he was just cruising (bastard) but it was good to have him there even though I was not listening to him and hating every muscle in his body. We had time to call out to a few people and try to pose for photos so it wasn't all hard work!
At the end we crossed the line in good shape with a 1:01:01 awesome! I crossed the line feeling amazing and knew straight away I was going to recover well (ie not spew). 14km wasn't too long that we had pushed the limit beyond my capabilities.
The average pace worked out to be 4:18min/km so Toasty totally failed in his role as 4:40min/km pacer but I think we both knew outright he was never going for that anyhow. I just hoped his hangover was stronger than his desire to push me hard and see me get a great result from the run. For some crazy reason I ended up with a gold medal - first in my age group. 4th Female overall. Happiest female on the day!!!!
I spent 20mins releasing my hip when I got home so I'm hoping I can walk properly tomorrow.
I'm sitting here after a great run, then a great morning with my family, then a great afternoon with my running friends and now a great glass of wine!
How can I say life is anything other than GREAT.
It started out early for me. I got a reasonable nights sleep and was fresh, albeit hungry, in the morning. After two days of no running due to extreme weather and work conditions, I was GOING to run today no matter what. A can of V got me going and I rocked up early to BRRC.
Toasty and I headed out for a warm up and did about 2.5km of very easy running with maybe one or two pulses to update the heartrate.
We headed back to the start line with about 5mins to spare and caught up with Tesso and had a few good laughs with various fellow runners. I felt good and ready to rumble though a bit nervous - as I always am when trying to head for a specific pace.
We headed off in the starting pack and it was just a crazy but great feeling to be running with the really fast runners for the first 100m. In fact the first km was 4:15...mmm Toasty was not going to be much help today. GRRRRRRRR
It didn't get any better. I felt amazing for the first 4km and I really wished it was a 5km race. I could have nailed a sub 20 today I honestly believe. I was feeling that good!
Ahh was not to be. It was 14km and I had another two laps of 2x5km to do. We kept a good pace of approx 4:23 for the next 5km. Then we blew out a couple of 4:27 amongst some 4:15km. It felt even paced, the slower km were at the water stations or when my ipod drove me crazy. The fast km were when I had a good song or the water was kicking in.
I glanced over at Toasty from time to time and he was just cruising (bastard) but it was good to have him there even though I was not listening to him and hating every muscle in his body. We had time to call out to a few people and try to pose for photos so it wasn't all hard work!
At the end we crossed the line in good shape with a 1:01:01 awesome! I crossed the line feeling amazing and knew straight away I was going to recover well (ie not spew). 14km wasn't too long that we had pushed the limit beyond my capabilities.
The average pace worked out to be 4:18min/km so Toasty totally failed in his role as 4:40min/km pacer but I think we both knew outright he was never going for that anyhow. I just hoped his hangover was stronger than his desire to push me hard and see me get a great result from the run. For some crazy reason I ended up with a gold medal - first in my age group. 4th Female overall. Happiest female on the day!!!!
I spent 20mins releasing my hip when I got home so I'm hoping I can walk properly tomorrow.
I'm sitting here after a great run, then a great morning with my family, then a great afternoon with my running friends and now a great glass of wine!
How can I say life is anything other than GREAT.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Time to do something completely different...
Last night I had a good laugh with myself going through the blog and looking back over the years. 2006 was a good year for running for me. I had time. That seems to be the key thing!!
I can't believe some of the training weeks I did. Not so much that I was doing more mileage but I was doing Spin classes and going to the gym at least 4 times a week. Man I wish I was back there!
I have a full time job and a busy household with a husband who is frequently away so my opportunities to run (or do anything else) are quite limited. That said I am determined to use the blog (this blog) for some good. I intend to go back through some training sessions and repeat ones that I like. From now on I need to detail more the training and how I felt through it and also what else impacted on it - sleep/diet/stress so I can learn from it. I am frustrated from some of the lack of detail that is in some of my older posts..so I will learn from that.
Today I ran 21km. Toasty ran 20...so I had to do more.
It wasn't easy but after getting out for a run yesterday and turning that into a walk I was keen to run long today. I ended up dropping my baby off at childcare and then heading out. The skys were full of clouds but it was sunny. So hot and humid was the tone of the run. At the 6km mark there was a tap and it was only when I stopped to get some water I realized how much I was sweating. Geez Louise Summer had arrived.
I was enjoying my run but I was working more than I should have been. I need to make a conscious effort nowadays to eat some red meat...Im hoping it is just that. I am getting good sleep and the stress at work seems to be no more or less than usual.
I got to the local park and the garmin had 10.37km. Wow was going to be a 20+km run. I rounded it out at the end to include an additional street go take me to 10.7 for the return journey - had to be able to add a km!!
The first half was average 4:50min/km pace. The second half was average bang on 5:00min/km pace. Yep the second half was ugly. It was hotter until the last few km when a cool breeze came through, but it was hillier (as in uphill) and my legs were stuffed. This running caper sux.
Though medically impossible I was starting to think I was pregnant. Had all the same symptoms and straight after the run my breakfast consisted of a bowl of chilli mussells...WOW hope they add some iron back into me. Don't want to be a crazy runner who does crazy things like that again!
I am looking forward to some long runs and some shorter shaper races to keep me on my toes. I just hope the legs can come to the party and start to feel less used....
I can't believe some of the training weeks I did. Not so much that I was doing more mileage but I was doing Spin classes and going to the gym at least 4 times a week. Man I wish I was back there!
I have a full time job and a busy household with a husband who is frequently away so my opportunities to run (or do anything else) are quite limited. That said I am determined to use the blog (this blog) for some good. I intend to go back through some training sessions and repeat ones that I like. From now on I need to detail more the training and how I felt through it and also what else impacted on it - sleep/diet/stress so I can learn from it. I am frustrated from some of the lack of detail that is in some of my older posts..so I will learn from that.
Today I ran 21km. Toasty ran 20...so I had to do more.
It wasn't easy but after getting out for a run yesterday and turning that into a walk I was keen to run long today. I ended up dropping my baby off at childcare and then heading out. The skys were full of clouds but it was sunny. So hot and humid was the tone of the run. At the 6km mark there was a tap and it was only when I stopped to get some water I realized how much I was sweating. Geez Louise Summer had arrived.
I was enjoying my run but I was working more than I should have been. I need to make a conscious effort nowadays to eat some red meat...Im hoping it is just that. I am getting good sleep and the stress at work seems to be no more or less than usual.
I got to the local park and the garmin had 10.37km. Wow was going to be a 20+km run. I rounded it out at the end to include an additional street go take me to 10.7 for the return journey - had to be able to add a km!!
The first half was average 4:50min/km pace. The second half was average bang on 5:00min/km pace. Yep the second half was ugly. It was hotter until the last few km when a cool breeze came through, but it was hillier (as in uphill) and my legs were stuffed. This running caper sux.
Though medically impossible I was starting to think I was pregnant. Had all the same symptoms and straight after the run my breakfast consisted of a bowl of chilli mussells...WOW hope they add some iron back into me. Don't want to be a crazy runner who does crazy things like that again!
I am looking forward to some long runs and some shorter shaper races to keep me on my toes. I just hope the legs can come to the party and start to feel less used....
Monday, October 03, 2011
Mondayitis
I had Mondayitis this morning. THEN I RAN. It disappeared.
Toasty and I went for a light jog in the cool morning - it was wonderful to have no pressure and just be coasting along the river and taking in the sights. Was a bit chilly but nothing unbearable. I was tired still - I am going to keep noting that to see how it affects my performance and training so excuse the repeatedness - though again I was glad to be on my feet running. I have to run when I can with Billy and Allan's shifts.
I had intended to run a 2km warm up...we got to 3.5k before I even looked at the Garmin!!!
Down to business Toasty was mean and made sure we stuck to the plan and did some tough love 1KM efforts. Not the sort of thing I felt like after Sunday's run and I think Toasty was as tired as I was.
The first effort was torture. I was following Toasty all the way (no big suprise) and after 500m was ready to fling myself in the river. Or in front of a car. Or bike. Or just lay down and cry. I would have taken any option by my feet were doing their thing and turning over. Before I knew it we stopped and I gasped for air...THAT WAS HORRID. The thought of doing that all over again (x3) was hurting my head. But I was in a partnership and having dragged Toasty out I wasn't going to give up now.
The next effort was cruisy. I was in the zone and completely suprised to realise I was a second faster than the first one. Wow. I thought for sure it was way slower with a bit of wind, being uphill slightly and well simply...not being the first one.
The next two just got better and better. Though I really did not want to do anymore. The last one was not even running..it was CHASING. I was desperately trying to close the gap between the two of us. I knew it was impossible but it was something to aim for and a fun game.
Timing was split like this:
3:53min/km
3:52min/km
3:53min/km
3:46min/km
The coffee, then hot shower afterwards were all the reward I needed. A truly awesome way to get rid of the Monday morning blues.
Toasty and I went for a light jog in the cool morning - it was wonderful to have no pressure and just be coasting along the river and taking in the sights. Was a bit chilly but nothing unbearable. I was tired still - I am going to keep noting that to see how it affects my performance and training so excuse the repeatedness - though again I was glad to be on my feet running. I have to run when I can with Billy and Allan's shifts.
I had intended to run a 2km warm up...we got to 3.5k before I even looked at the Garmin!!!
Down to business Toasty was mean and made sure we stuck to the plan and did some tough love 1KM efforts. Not the sort of thing I felt like after Sunday's run and I think Toasty was as tired as I was.
The first effort was torture. I was following Toasty all the way (no big suprise) and after 500m was ready to fling myself in the river. Or in front of a car. Or bike. Or just lay down and cry. I would have taken any option by my feet were doing their thing and turning over. Before I knew it we stopped and I gasped for air...THAT WAS HORRID. The thought of doing that all over again (x3) was hurting my head. But I was in a partnership and having dragged Toasty out I wasn't going to give up now.
The next effort was cruisy. I was in the zone and completely suprised to realise I was a second faster than the first one. Wow. I thought for sure it was way slower with a bit of wind, being uphill slightly and well simply...not being the first one.
The next two just got better and better. Though I really did not want to do anymore. The last one was not even running..it was CHASING. I was desperately trying to close the gap between the two of us. I knew it was impossible but it was something to aim for and a fun game.
Timing was split like this:
3:53min/km
3:52min/km
3:53min/km
3:46min/km
The coffee, then hot shower afterwards were all the reward I needed. A truly awesome way to get rid of the Monday morning blues.
BRRC - 5km Time Trial and Tesso's Birthday Run
After a few days running (ha ha no pun intended) with the bare minimum of sleep I was exhausted. Life is a juggling act and at the moment my balls are all up in the air and one of them is going to crash. Hopefully soon work, home, health, friends and sports will sort themselves out and get back into some manageable form of chaos.
I honestly had no expectations of the run on Sunday. In fact being Theresa Fabians birthday I had promised her I would come and run 10km and then head to breaky together. I knew I couldn't do it (10km race) the day before when I started drinking a few beers and the hubby wanted to whisk me away somewhere we we had been before and had a great night. Time to re-create the scene he thought..mmm sick kid, long day..not quite the best lead up. Anyhow it was a great night but very long (driving out bush and then home again just after midnight).
I was up at 4am (THANKS TELSTRA and bloody daylight savings) instead of 5am so I went back to sleep and then slept in. Thanks to a can of V I revived myself sufficiently to drive the car into West End and caught up with the crowd.
The 10km was a Handicap race so Tesso ended up being scheduled to start just 1min before the 5km race at 6:30am. Sweet. We warmed up together and I was glad then to not be running the 10km.
Long story short I ran well. Finished in 21mins exactly though Garmin had a bit longer distance on the watch (?) and said average pace was 4:09min/km. I know the first one was 3:55 and the second I slowed down into a more comfortable 4:14min/km. I haven't looked at what the others were but you can work it out I am sure. The headwind coming home on the out and back loop made it a tough day out there but it was good to work hard and finish.
I'm happy I started.
I'm happy I finished.
I'm happy I made it to breakfast.
Happy Birthday to my best friend Tesso xxxxxx
I honestly had no expectations of the run on Sunday. In fact being Theresa Fabians birthday I had promised her I would come and run 10km and then head to breaky together. I knew I couldn't do it (10km race) the day before when I started drinking a few beers and the hubby wanted to whisk me away somewhere we we had been before and had a great night. Time to re-create the scene he thought..mmm sick kid, long day..not quite the best lead up. Anyhow it was a great night but very long (driving out bush and then home again just after midnight).
I was up at 4am (THANKS TELSTRA and bloody daylight savings) instead of 5am so I went back to sleep and then slept in. Thanks to a can of V I revived myself sufficiently to drive the car into West End and caught up with the crowd.
The 10km was a Handicap race so Tesso ended up being scheduled to start just 1min before the 5km race at 6:30am. Sweet. We warmed up together and I was glad then to not be running the 10km.
Long story short I ran well. Finished in 21mins exactly though Garmin had a bit longer distance on the watch (?) and said average pace was 4:09min/km. I know the first one was 3:55 and the second I slowed down into a more comfortable 4:14min/km. I haven't looked at what the others were but you can work it out I am sure. The headwind coming home on the out and back loop made it a tough day out there but it was good to work hard and finish.
I'm happy I started.
I'm happy I finished.
I'm happy I made it to breakfast.
Happy Birthday to my best friend Tesso xxxxxx
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
BRRC - Way to Go
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.
(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.
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!
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