Went and did the West End 5k this morning. Almost opted for 10, but decided that may have been a little optimistic and stayed with 5. Wanted to see if I'd improved since last time I ran it. Despite the fact that I forgot to look up at the finish clock as I crossed the line, I know that I have gotten better, because I didn't have to walk any of it... I ran the whole thing! Yipee!
The anticipation of waiting for times to be posted on the website is going to drive me nuts. I feel like I went quite a bit faster than the tready, but you never can tell! I even passed a few people (although, they were doing 10km I think, so were going at a steady pace). Saw quite a few people from running group which was nice - great to have people to chat with afterwards!
There were stacks of CR's there this morning too - I finally met Clairie who did an awesome time, saw Tesso again, met Eddie and Karisma. There was also a very beautiful looking man in a CR singlet I grinned and waved at (having finally had the courage to start running in my CR gear!) I can't remember his name, but he was down from up the coast. I'm sure if I was running behind him, I could do a marathon without even blinking. Talk about carrot on a stick!
*Ahem* Sorry. I shall stop perving, now.
Anyway, it was a lovely morning. It made me look forward to starting with the Carrollers next week... I'm not naturally a morning person, but I do like that time of day... the morning light and sunshine, the cleaness of a new day. Very refreshing and peaceful.
After the run, I went for a swim. My distances are just pathetic in the pool after running, so I'm going to have to work on that if I've got any hope of getting any better for the Tri at the end of the year!
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Saturday, February 26, 2005
5kms, 30:16 , incline 1%
I got on the treadmill yesterday at the gym, did 5kms and bugger me if I didnt manage to almost do it in under 30 minutes! I'm looking forward to the run at the west end tomorrow to see if I can shave some more time off it ;) That said, the tready has always been easier for me than the road but perhaps that'll change now I've added an incline to the tready runs.
*bounces* I'm getting better and it's just sooo exciting to me!
*bounces* I'm getting better and it's just sooo exciting to me!
Thursday, February 24, 2005
She Who Dares (climbs big hills!)
It's amazing what you find when you're out running - I think I may have found one of the biggest hills in the southern hemisphere just around the corner from my place. It's so big it almost deserves a nickname!
I found it on my way back from a run cut short by the fact that:
a. my left sock (which was a proper coolmax trainer liner) kept slipping down my heel and making my shoe rub
b. I made the mistake of eating a peach just before running because I was starving. Big mistake. (it decided to stick around!) ow.
c. I'm exhausted from a huge week and only had four hours sleep last night
So, these three factors taken into account, I'm guessing I did around 3km, if that - so to make up for it, I decided to scale the heady heights of the gynormous hill on the way home. I may even take a photo of it next time so you can all share in it's bigness *grins* I started running up it thinking I'd get perhaps a third of the way up before dying. In fact, I almost made it the entire way - stopped about 20m from the top because my heart was about to jump through my mouth. Really, really annoying because I was just soooooo close! My mind was willing, my legs were not!
I think this hill may become a new obsession of mine til I can run the entire thing ;) I'm pathologically unable to let it beat me! (Incidentally, this is why I love blogging - anyone else but other endorphin junkies would think I was insane for arguing with a hill!)
Have started doing some serious stretching in an effort to lengthen my hammies out. Hopefully it should help, but when things quieten down a little, I will chase up the yoga, swim squad etc. I hand my thesis in at the end of next weekish, so things should become a little calmer quite soon.
Spoke to my PT today about triathlon. They're organising a Triathlon club which I'll get involved with... I think the secret for me is to train with other people - I push myself harder. I just need a bike of some description. I was thinking about the Tri on my run tonight, wondering if I really have lost the plot. But you know what they say... She Who Dares, Wins - so I'm going to give it my best shot!
I found it on my way back from a run cut short by the fact that:
a. my left sock (which was a proper coolmax trainer liner) kept slipping down my heel and making my shoe rub
b. I made the mistake of eating a peach just before running because I was starving. Big mistake. (it decided to stick around!) ow.
c. I'm exhausted from a huge week and only had four hours sleep last night
So, these three factors taken into account, I'm guessing I did around 3km, if that - so to make up for it, I decided to scale the heady heights of the gynormous hill on the way home. I may even take a photo of it next time so you can all share in it's bigness *grins* I started running up it thinking I'd get perhaps a third of the way up before dying. In fact, I almost made it the entire way - stopped about 20m from the top because my heart was about to jump through my mouth. Really, really annoying because I was just soooooo close! My mind was willing, my legs were not!
I think this hill may become a new obsession of mine til I can run the entire thing ;) I'm pathologically unable to let it beat me! (Incidentally, this is why I love blogging - anyone else but other endorphin junkies would think I was insane for arguing with a hill!)
Have started doing some serious stretching in an effort to lengthen my hammies out. Hopefully it should help, but when things quieten down a little, I will chase up the yoga, swim squad etc. I hand my thesis in at the end of next weekish, so things should become a little calmer quite soon.
Spoke to my PT today about triathlon. They're organising a Triathlon club which I'll get involved with... I think the secret for me is to train with other people - I push myself harder. I just need a bike of some description. I was thinking about the Tri on my run tonight, wondering if I really have lost the plot. But you know what they say... She Who Dares, Wins - so I'm going to give it my best shot!
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
5km 33:44 incline 1%
Wow, long time without a blog entry. What is happening to me?
Well, mostly it's life - (am currently finishing an MA at uni - so have been trying to finish my thesis, hang an exhibition and be assessed, work full time and sneak in training) consequently, my training has suffered a little bit... just havent had time - less sleep is just not an option, I'm tired anyway!
I took a couple of days off because of my foot, which is still not quite right, although better than it was. Yesterday I tested it out on the tready at the gym, did 5km on an incline of 1% in 0:33:44 - not my best time by any means, but definitely felt much, much easier than the last time I used the treadmill (and that was without an incline!) the thing that strikes me most is that my breathing is soooo much better. Once I get into that rhythym, I sweat heaps but I'm not fighting for air like I was.
After the run and some weights, I went home and did more work, then went to a stretch class (bit like yoga). I've come to the conclusion that I really need to work on my flexibility...bigtime. Everything is wound so tight that it's embarrassing! My gluts, my hammies, my shoulders, hips and back. Pondering if bikrams yoga (where they heat the room up) might be the way to go.
My trainer misheard me chatting to one of the other stretchees and thought I said that I *was* going to do the Noosa Triathlon in August... before I'd realised, she'd told my trainer, who congratulated me and was all excited and happy... and by then I didn't really have the heart to say, err, well actually...
So looks like I'm up for some serious training! And on that note, I've made the resolution that next week, I'm going to try my luck at the Pat Carroll group. I'm even going to track down a suitable beginners swim squad! No idea what to do about the bike side of things as yet! argh!
Well, mostly it's life - (am currently finishing an MA at uni - so have been trying to finish my thesis, hang an exhibition and be assessed, work full time and sneak in training) consequently, my training has suffered a little bit... just havent had time - less sleep is just not an option, I'm tired anyway!
I took a couple of days off because of my foot, which is still not quite right, although better than it was. Yesterday I tested it out on the tready at the gym, did 5km on an incline of 1% in 0:33:44 - not my best time by any means, but definitely felt much, much easier than the last time I used the treadmill (and that was without an incline!) the thing that strikes me most is that my breathing is soooo much better. Once I get into that rhythym, I sweat heaps but I'm not fighting for air like I was.
After the run and some weights, I went home and did more work, then went to a stretch class (bit like yoga). I've come to the conclusion that I really need to work on my flexibility...bigtime. Everything is wound so tight that it's embarrassing! My gluts, my hammies, my shoulders, hips and back. Pondering if bikrams yoga (where they heat the room up) might be the way to go.
My trainer misheard me chatting to one of the other stretchees and thought I said that I *was* going to do the Noosa Triathlon in August... before I'd realised, she'd told my trainer, who congratulated me and was all excited and happy... and by then I didn't really have the heart to say, err, well actually...
So looks like I'm up for some serious training! And on that note, I've made the resolution that next week, I'm going to try my luck at the Pat Carroll group. I'm even going to track down a suitable beginners swim squad! No idea what to do about the bike side of things as yet! argh!
Friday, February 18, 2005
Triathlons and sore foot
Definitely feeling the effects of the run last night! My stomach and thighs definitely know they're alive. More than that though, the outside of my right foot is really sore and hurts when I walk. I didnt do anything to it during the run, so maybe I just stepped awkwardly or something at some point. I'm sure it'll be fine tomorrow.
Tonight I had a personal training session - my first after my recovery week. We reassessed my fitness goals and have now switched into the evil realms of 'endurance training' which is about twice as hard as normal weights training. The weights are much lighter, so you'd think it'd be easier, but you do more repetitions for a longer time. Tonight was the closest I've been to not being able to stand up, let alone walk, after a session in a really long time. My legs, arms and stomach were just pure jelly! I can already tell that in 24 hours time, I'm going to be really really sore. But it'll be worth it.
All the personal trainers are now completely egging me on to do a whole triathlon - probably Noosa. (Steady on chaps, I've not even managed an entire 10km without a couple of walk breaks as yet!) But on reflection, I would like to do it, even if it takes me forever, just to prove to myself that I can. It does however mean some serious training between now and then! argh!
Tony (my trainer) stretched my hip flexors out (ooooowwwwww - they certainly needed it!) and showed me a really good stretch for my hammys. It's an ambition of mine to one day be able to touch my toes. Havent managed it yet, so this is the year for everything! Toes, included!
Tonight I had a personal training session - my first after my recovery week. We reassessed my fitness goals and have now switched into the evil realms of 'endurance training' which is about twice as hard as normal weights training. The weights are much lighter, so you'd think it'd be easier, but you do more repetitions for a longer time. Tonight was the closest I've been to not being able to stand up, let alone walk, after a session in a really long time. My legs, arms and stomach were just pure jelly! I can already tell that in 24 hours time, I'm going to be really really sore. But it'll be worth it.
All the personal trainers are now completely egging me on to do a whole triathlon - probably Noosa. (Steady on chaps, I've not even managed an entire 10km without a couple of walk breaks as yet!) But on reflection, I would like to do it, even if it takes me forever, just to prove to myself that I can. It does however mean some serious training between now and then! argh!
Tony (my trainer) stretched my hip flexors out (ooooowwwwww - they certainly needed it!) and showed me a really good stretch for my hammys. It's an ambition of mine to one day be able to touch my toes. Havent managed it yet, so this is the year for everything! Toes, included!
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Up a Running Group (11km!!!)
So, this week I officially 'graduated' at running group, into the next one up (now in the slowest non-beginners group instead). Oh, god it was hard and I had to slow to a walk about four times for between 30 seconds to 2 minutes each. They had a few water stops too along the way. We did about 11km all up - despite all the breaks, it was still the furthest I've ever run. Ever. I wanted to stop after the first 3.5km and basically spent the rest of the hour wanting it to be over!
I felt like apologising all the time to the poor girls who had to run with me, because I felt like I was slowing them down all the time, but they were really good about it. They started egging me on and think that I should aim for a half rather than my 10km goal in May! I had toyed with the idea of doing the Noosa half in August, so maybe that might be a good plan. I'd like just to get to the point of being able to run 10km without stopping first, though! *laughs*
I keep telling myself that it can only get easier. Tonight was definitely a challenge and I really had to push myself. They all made me promise not to get disheartened and not come back next week. I won't give up (I'm stubborn like that) but I've just realised I made other commitments next wednesday, so I might see if I can get hold of their email addresses, just so they know I havent piked out when I don't show next week. I hate it when life gets in the way of running :(
The other thing I learn from tonight's run, is that a decent sports bra is really REALLY important. I chafed my nipples and they're sooooo sore!!!! Shall have to go shopping for a few this week.
I've been a bit quiet the last few days because I had a week off (under trainers orders!) just to recover from the intense month or so I've had. Definitely feel better for it - had been starting to feel the strain in my joints from bootcamp, what with the dodgy hip episode and all. Tonight's run was my first day back into it all and tomorrow night I've got a weights session.
Still havent decided quite what to do about the gym as yet. I think I will probably keep a gym membership, if only for the social aspect of it (I like working out with friends) but I'll probably switch to Fitness First instead (currently with Zest).
I felt like apologising all the time to the poor girls who had to run with me, because I felt like I was slowing them down all the time, but they were really good about it. They started egging me on and think that I should aim for a half rather than my 10km goal in May! I had toyed with the idea of doing the Noosa half in August, so maybe that might be a good plan. I'd like just to get to the point of being able to run 10km without stopping first, though! *laughs*
I keep telling myself that it can only get easier. Tonight was definitely a challenge and I really had to push myself. They all made me promise not to get disheartened and not come back next week. I won't give up (I'm stubborn like that) but I've just realised I made other commitments next wednesday, so I might see if I can get hold of their email addresses, just so they know I havent piked out when I don't show next week. I hate it when life gets in the way of running :(
The other thing I learn from tonight's run, is that a decent sports bra is really REALLY important. I chafed my nipples and they're sooooo sore!!!! Shall have to go shopping for a few this week.
I've been a bit quiet the last few days because I had a week off (under trainers orders!) just to recover from the intense month or so I've had. Definitely feel better for it - had been starting to feel the strain in my joints from bootcamp, what with the dodgy hip episode and all. Tonight's run was my first day back into it all and tomorrow night I've got a weights session.
Still havent decided quite what to do about the gym as yet. I think I will probably keep a gym membership, if only for the social aspect of it (I like working out with friends) but I'll probably switch to Fitness First instead (currently with Zest).
Friday, February 11, 2005
It's worse than that, it's Dead Gym!
I've just heard on the grapevine that my gym is closing at the end of March... I'm so upset! I've been going there for two years and it's become a part of me, in a lot of ways. Stupid to feel so attached to what really amounts to a pile of bricks and mortar, but I am.
The thought of being without a gym membership sends me into a slight spin. It's like a security blanket or something - knowing it's always there when I need it and I can reach for a routine to stop myself slipping back into old habits.
But truthfully, I've not actually been to the gym in a while, what with all the running and bootcamp I've been doing. Soooo, *takes a deep breath* that makes me ask the question - Do I really need a gym membership anymore? Have I changed enough in myself not to need that commitment to a healthier life? It's a bit of a scary question really, though I know the answer.
If I do end up running three to four times a week and carry on with personal training each fortnight, is it worth me paying for something extra I'm not really using that much? I don't know. Then there's the fact that I'll be moving in a few months and there's no point picking a gym that doesnt have a club near me if I do take out another membership. Mnnn.
Oh Well, not a huge problem in the scheme of things. Worse things happen at sea, as they say!
My trainer rang me today to check up on me and make sure I was having a rest day bless him. He used to have to ring me to check I was exercising, now he does it to check that I'm not *Laughs* How times change. To be honest, I'm quite happily having a few days off at that - I've been flat out this week with only four hours sleep a night for the last three nights and I'm absolutely, truly exhausted. I was supposed to go hiking with my boy (we were going to do the Binna Burra to O'Reillys 20km track) but that'll have to wait.... I think I'd pass out if I tried that tomorrow!!!
Right... my bed is calling me....
The thought of being without a gym membership sends me into a slight spin. It's like a security blanket or something - knowing it's always there when I need it and I can reach for a routine to stop myself slipping back into old habits.
But truthfully, I've not actually been to the gym in a while, what with all the running and bootcamp I've been doing. Soooo, *takes a deep breath* that makes me ask the question - Do I really need a gym membership anymore? Have I changed enough in myself not to need that commitment to a healthier life? It's a bit of a scary question really, though I know the answer.
If I do end up running three to four times a week and carry on with personal training each fortnight, is it worth me paying for something extra I'm not really using that much? I don't know. Then there's the fact that I'll be moving in a few months and there's no point picking a gym that doesnt have a club near me if I do take out another membership. Mnnn.
Oh Well, not a huge problem in the scheme of things. Worse things happen at sea, as they say!
My trainer rang me today to check up on me and make sure I was having a rest day bless him. He used to have to ring me to check I was exercising, now he does it to check that I'm not *Laughs* How times change. To be honest, I'm quite happily having a few days off at that - I've been flat out this week with only four hours sleep a night for the last three nights and I'm absolutely, truly exhausted. I was supposed to go hiking with my boy (we were going to do the Binna Burra to O'Reillys 20km track) but that'll have to wait.... I think I'd pass out if I tried that tomorrow!!!
Right... my bed is calling me....
Thursday, February 10, 2005
BOOTCAMP RESULTS :)
First Day |
Last Day |
Improvement |
|
Chin Ups |
1 |
2 |
1 |
Push Ups |
20 |
35 |
15 |
Squat Holds |
2.10min |
4.45min |
2.35min |
Abs |
25 |
40 |
15 |
Cardio Test |
18.6 |
19.3 |
3 markers |
Waist (inches) |
36 |
34 |
2 inches |
Hips (inches) |
41 |
40 |
1 inch |
Bum (inches) |
42 |
41 |
1 inch |
Chest (inches) |
41 |
40 (nooo!) |
1 inch |
Neck |
14 |
13 |
1 inch |
Upper Arm |
13 |
12.5 |
0.5 inch |
Thigh |
23 |
23 |
0 |
Assault Course |
6.41 |
6.24 |
17secs |
I'm pleased with my results overall. Didn't quite make it to 20 on the cardio test, but almost - and that's probably because I couldnt resist going to running group last night - we did 7.5km or so and I met another CR person, Kyra, who was lovely. I did go in the beginners group again, but promptly got told that next week I'm 'graduating' into the next group up LOL.
Am so happy to have finished bootcamp - it was definitely an education.... was a bit miffed to find that my boobs had shrunk (there's not much there to begin with!) but was please to lose from my waist. Blitzed my Squat holds well and truly - I put down my new found thigh strength to running!
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Assault Course: 6.24! Yeeessss!
I have to concede, my trainer was right - rest days do make for faster times! Took seven seconds off my assault course time this morning and hit my goal of getting under 6.30 by the end! I can feel that I'm faster, because I was sitting on the tails of the fastest boys for most of the way, whereas before they left me in the dust. They all seem to have gotten over their testosterone fuelled competitiveness and developed a newfound respect for me since they discovered I was doing five days a week of bootcamp *L* Typical males.
After the assault course, we did another long slow run. It was so absolutely, horrifically, repulsively humid... disgusting. Couldnt sleep last night either, because of it. I think I broke new records in sweatiness.
Last night I did an easy run - not very far, probably about 3km. I'm absolutely amazed at how much harder I find it to run alone. Maybe that's because it's a little more hilly where I live, as opposed to where I run with the group. But even so, there's nothing huge or anything. I think perhaps I go a bit faster too which makes me tire sooner. I stopped and bought a bottle of water on the way, drank it too fast then, feeling my insides swishing around inside me, promptly got a really bad stitch. Tried breathing on the other foot, which surprisingly, worked!
More and more, I'm think group runs are the go for me to push times and distances.
Final fit test on thursday and shall post all of my results then :)
After the assault course, we did another long slow run. It was so absolutely, horrifically, repulsively humid... disgusting. Couldnt sleep last night either, because of it. I think I broke new records in sweatiness.
Last night I did an easy run - not very far, probably about 3km. I'm absolutely amazed at how much harder I find it to run alone. Maybe that's because it's a little more hilly where I live, as opposed to where I run with the group. But even so, there's nothing huge or anything. I think perhaps I go a bit faster too which makes me tire sooner. I stopped and bought a bottle of water on the way, drank it too fast then, feeling my insides swishing around inside me, promptly got a really bad stitch. Tried breathing on the other foot, which surprisingly, worked!
More and more, I'm think group runs are the go for me to push times and distances.
Final fit test on thursday and shall post all of my results then :)
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Late night, Early Start!
Went out for drinks with people from Bootcamp last night, which was fun. Got in at 1am and then got up and was at my Personal Training session for 8.30am. Ow. Did a really intense weights session and I know tomorrow is going to be reallyyy painful!
My trainer and I decided that after thursday (the last bootcamp day for me) I'm going to have a few days off, possibly a week. Mentally, I feel sluggish when I don't do exercise of some sort at least every other day but I think it's definitely time to give myself the opportunity to recover!
In answer to the lovely LL's questions about bootcamp, It goes for an hour every morning with a fit test at beginning and end. Each morning starts with stretching and warm up. Then, you do an assault course which is timed. The assault course goes something like:
10 pushups
50m sprint
10 step ups each leg
50m uphill sprint
small set of wooden steps
5 pushups
30m uphill sprint
10 crunches
15m flat sprint
balance beam
20m flat sprint
5 chin ups/5 sec chin up hold
20m flat sprint
10 ab tucks
0.6km(ish) sprint over uneven ground
10 pull ups
30m all out flat sprint to finish
*L* It sounds huge when I write it out like that, but it isnt quite that bad (though you certainly know you're alive by the end of the circuit!) My best time so far has been 6.32 - hoping to do better next week. My goal was to get down to 6.30, so I'm almost there.
After the assault course, we split up into groups and you do a team activity for about 45mins - usually either hill sprints, long continuous run, obstacle course, weights session, cardio session or kickboxing. After that, you regroup and then they do a group stretch session (and oh, how you need that!) Bootcamp is based on that army approach to exercise, where they really, really push you to your limits and then past them. The trainers include ex navy fitness instructors and triathletes, so they're all really full on! I really like being pushed like that (because I have a tendency to be a bit slack with myself) and so bootcamp really works for me!
My trainer also thinks I should skip running on wednesday night to be in top form on thursday morning... still debating that one with myself. I love my running group sessions :( but we shall see!
My trainer and I decided that after thursday (the last bootcamp day for me) I'm going to have a few days off, possibly a week. Mentally, I feel sluggish when I don't do exercise of some sort at least every other day but I think it's definitely time to give myself the opportunity to recover!
In answer to the lovely LL's questions about bootcamp, It goes for an hour every morning with a fit test at beginning and end. Each morning starts with stretching and warm up. Then, you do an assault course which is timed. The assault course goes something like:
10 pushups
50m sprint
10 step ups each leg
50m uphill sprint
small set of wooden steps
5 pushups
30m uphill sprint
10 crunches
15m flat sprint
balance beam
20m flat sprint
5 chin ups/5 sec chin up hold
20m flat sprint
10 ab tucks
0.6km(ish) sprint over uneven ground
10 pull ups
30m all out flat sprint to finish
*L* It sounds huge when I write it out like that, but it isnt quite that bad (though you certainly know you're alive by the end of the circuit!) My best time so far has been 6.32 - hoping to do better next week. My goal was to get down to 6.30, so I'm almost there.
After the assault course, we split up into groups and you do a team activity for about 45mins - usually either hill sprints, long continuous run, obstacle course, weights session, cardio session or kickboxing. After that, you regroup and then they do a group stretch session (and oh, how you need that!) Bootcamp is based on that army approach to exercise, where they really, really push you to your limits and then past them. The trainers include ex navy fitness instructors and triathletes, so they're all really full on! I really like being pushed like that (because I have a tendency to be a bit slack with myself) and so bootcamp really works for me!
My trainer also thinks I should skip running on wednesday night to be in top form on thursday morning... still debating that one with myself. I love my running group sessions :( but we shall see!
Friday, February 04, 2005
(un)fit tests
Well, had the first of my final fitness tests today (I'm doing five days a week of bootcamp, but it's actually two separate courses joined together, one of three days, one of two days - which means I got two initial fit tests and two final fit tests) and did worse accross the board on everything except chin ups, for which I did one more.
It's hard not to get annoyed at working so incredibly hard and then getting worse results, but my trainer gave me a pep talk and reminded me that because I'm working at such a high intensity with little or no recovery time, it's really no wonder I'm going slower. The real results will probably show next week when I have just two bootcamp days, one on tuesday and one on thursday. So I'll have more time to recover and be fresh for the tests. Everyone else who did the fit tests today had a rest day yesterday so they all improved. I think I may also be reaching a plateau of sorts with the fit test too... we shall see.
This is probably the first time it's really dawned on me just how important rest days are and how much of a role they play in training - it's really a mental thing too, I think - if you can feel yourself lagging (because you havent had enough of a rest) it's easy to get disheartened. Either way, I'm reserving judgement on my bootcamp results until next thursday and then I'll post them all here.
Hope you all had a nice run this morning - the weather here in Bris is beautiful!
It's hard not to get annoyed at working so incredibly hard and then getting worse results, but my trainer gave me a pep talk and reminded me that because I'm working at such a high intensity with little or no recovery time, it's really no wonder I'm going slower. The real results will probably show next week when I have just two bootcamp days, one on tuesday and one on thursday. So I'll have more time to recover and be fresh for the tests. Everyone else who did the fit tests today had a rest day yesterday so they all improved. I think I may also be reaching a plateau of sorts with the fit test too... we shall see.
This is probably the first time it's really dawned on me just how important rest days are and how much of a role they play in training - it's really a mental thing too, I think - if you can feel yourself lagging (because you havent had enough of a rest) it's easy to get disheartened. Either way, I'm reserving judgement on my bootcamp results until next thursday and then I'll post them all here.
Hope you all had a nice run this morning - the weather here in Bris is beautiful!
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Moving on Up?
I went to running group last night, despite my gammy hip and it turned out to be a lovely run. It was just before a huge thunder storm, so it was really, really humid, but the wind picked up and cooled us all down. Apparently we did about 5km of running. I met another newbie, who is sort of at the same level as me, so I think we may end up training together at various things. She's going to come and do the 5km at the west end with me whenever it's on next and we're both doing the International Womens Day Run :) We're both also more or less ready to try moving up to the next group I think. The beginners is really good and definitely makes me work up a sweat, but I feel that I could keep going when we do walking intervals. I may conk out half way through with the next group or something, but the only way to find out is to try, I guess!
My hip feels better this morning. Not sure if that's because of the anti-inflammatories or not. Definitely an improvement on yesterday which was not a fun experience. Did yet another disgusting time on the assault course this morning - 7.05 - thirty seconds slower than my best.... perhaps I'm going backwards and getting less fit as I go along! Having said that, I know I didnt eat properly last night (got in late, so I just grabbed fruit) and I probably didnt get enough sleep either.... plus, I took it easier because I've got a fit test tomorrow and I want to give my hip the maximum opportunity to recover before that.
Took the plunge and emailed Pat Carroll yesterday about time trials and running group. All the CR's will probably think I'm stalking them! But from reading all these blogs and message boards, he seems to be the man for helping people improve! As soon as these bootcamps are done and dusted at the end of next week, I think I may come to one of the running groups on a tuesday or thursday morning.
My hip feels better this morning. Not sure if that's because of the anti-inflammatories or not. Definitely an improvement on yesterday which was not a fun experience. Did yet another disgusting time on the assault course this morning - 7.05 - thirty seconds slower than my best.... perhaps I'm going backwards and getting less fit as I go along! Having said that, I know I didnt eat properly last night (got in late, so I just grabbed fruit) and I probably didnt get enough sleep either.... plus, I took it easier because I've got a fit test tomorrow and I want to give my hip the maximum opportunity to recover before that.
Took the plunge and emailed Pat Carroll yesterday about time trials and running group. All the CR's will probably think I'm stalking them! But from reading all these blogs and message boards, he seems to be the man for helping people improve! As soon as these bootcamps are done and dusted at the end of next week, I think I may come to one of the running groups on a tuesday or thursday morning.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Plan of Attack :)
I just went through and planned the next six months out, to get me to where I want to be with my running. The events that I want to do this year are:
March 6 2005 International Womens Day Fun Run 5km
April 8 2005 UQ Fun Run 5km
April 24 2005 Lest We Forget Fun Run 5km
May 1 2005 Mooloolaba Triathlon Run 10km
August 7 2005 Bridge to Brisbane 12km
And then, if I get really really enthusiastic, may entertain the possibility of doing the Noosa Half Marathon on August 21. But one step at a time!
March 6 2005 International Womens Day Fun Run 5km
April 8 2005 UQ Fun Run 5km
April 24 2005 Lest We Forget Fun Run 5km
May 1 2005 Mooloolaba Triathlon Run 10km
August 7 2005 Bridge to Brisbane 12km
And then, if I get really really enthusiastic, may entertain the possibility of doing the Noosa Half Marathon on August 21. But one step at a time!
Ow, Still. Dammit!
Well, I made it to Bootcamp this morning. Just. My hip is still really, really sore. Nearly brought tears to my eyes once or twice.
Consequently, I took it fairly easy and my assault course time was 6.57. I refuse to extend my stride to sprint when it hurts to do so. With a short stride, it's pretty much fine. Because I'm so stubborn, I find it really hard to contemplate missing a day or two of training and even though I know I'm taking a bit of a risk running on an injury, I'm still doing it. I've got another fitness test on friday and I want to be okay for that but time will tell, I guess. I've taken antiinflammatories, so hopefully things should improve shortly.
Still musing over running group tonight. It's the beginners so a long slow distance with walks. Should be okay. I hope.
Consequently, I took it fairly easy and my assault course time was 6.57. I refuse to extend my stride to sprint when it hurts to do so. With a short stride, it's pretty much fine. Because I'm so stubborn, I find it really hard to contemplate missing a day or two of training and even though I know I'm taking a bit of a risk running on an injury, I'm still doing it. I've got another fitness test on friday and I want to be okay for that but time will tell, I guess. I've taken antiinflammatories, so hopefully things should improve shortly.
Still musing over running group tonight. It's the beginners so a long slow distance with walks. Should be okay. I hope.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
6.32 Finally! Yayyy... Owwwwww :(
So the good news is that I went flat out on the assault course, got 6.32 and I think I might be able to get under my goal of 6.30 by the end. The bad news is that despite warming up, stretching etc etc etc, I pulled my right hip flexor in the process :( I think I set my stride too large or something.... do excuse my french, but it hurts like a bastard :( Currently sitting here with a bag of frozen peas on it, contemplating whether to take an ibuprofen or not.
I'm thinking it'll be fine tomorrow. Positive thoughts. I'm supposed to do kickboxing tonight, which I may still do, I'll just stick to upper body work. If it's not better, I'll have to miss running group *wails*
If it's not better, I'm not going to be able to break the fit test record and three weeks of hard core training goes down the gurgler. *sighs*
Positive Thoughts. It'll be FINE!
I'm thinking it'll be fine tomorrow. Positive thoughts. I'm supposed to do kickboxing tonight, which I may still do, I'll just stick to upper body work. If it's not better, I'll have to miss running group *wails*
If it's not better, I'm not going to be able to break the fit test record and three weeks of hard core training goes down the gurgler. *sighs*
Positive Thoughts. It'll be FINE!
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