Well, I really should've known today's race wasn't going to go to plan when I (once again!) managed to turn my alarm clock off in my sleep - despite the fact that I put it on the other side of the room for that exact reason!
Luckily, my brain decided to wake me up at 5.30am, at which point I leapt ten foot skyward, dressed extrodinarily quickly and was at the race with 15 minutes to spare before the gun went off. Plenty of time *L* I actually hate it when things like that happen - I like to have a little bit of time to make sure I've got everything and get in the right head space, so it threw me a little bit.
Started bumping into familiar faces pretty quickly, and felt incredibly nervous. Found MJ and Chelle who were both pacing - 2:00 and 2:10. Everyone was so lovely and about eight million people wished me luck for sub 2. We started all of a sudden, no gun (at least, I didn't hear it if there was!). The first couple of km's were immensely overcrowded - tried to hang with the 1:55 pacers but kept getting stuck behind slower runners and had to sprint clear stretches to stay in the same ballpark.
Strangely, I felt very good in the first 3km, whereas usually I feel awful. Bit of an omen no doubt, since everything basically went downhill from there. We went over the Goodwill Bridge, down to the regatta, back up, around the gardens once, before coming back over the bridge, down to the West End, to home. By the time I hit 9km I felt absolutely shocking. It was really humid and I walked through several drink stops.
Worse than that though, was the mind games I had going on with myself. Feeling that bad, that early really, really messed with my head and I found myself wondering how on earth I ever thought I would be able to run the GCM if I felt that bad on a half, which I've been running (and then some!) practically every weekend for the last three months. I even found myself thinking, well, maybe I'm just not built to be able to run quicker than this... *shudders* it's such a defeatist way to think about it, I can't bear it - but on the run it all seems so logical!
I watched the 1:55 pacers disappear into the distance, then despite giving me loads of encouragement, lovely Chelle also slid by. That was the point at which I realised I'd really, really buggered it. I guess part of the mara training has been about maintaining a slow pace for a long time, so once I'd dropped back to that, I felt somewhat reasonable again and had no worries with keeping running - it's just not a fast enough pace for sub 2.
Saw the CR cheersquad, who were doing a fab job out at the West End! It helps soooo much to have that sort of encouragement and even though I felt so awful, hearing everyone barracking for me put a massive smile on my face.
Came through the line and saw the clock, which read something like 2:34 (not entirely sure on this - will have to check my time once they're up) and had a complete meltdown, forgetting that 30 minutes of that was the marathon timing. So for about five minutes I thought I'd run my slowest half ever *L* Sooooo not a good feeling.
At which point, Miners came over to say hello and found me absolutely bawling my eyes out. *L* The lovely man gave me a giant hug, despite me being all sweaty, snotty and disgusting (he hadn't done his 10km yet so was all clean and fresh!) and I got control of my drama queen self. I just get so emotionally invested in my running - I'm not sure it's an entirely healthy approach really, but if you're training hard, there's just no way around it, as far as I can see!
Chelle came over and enlightened me about the extra 30 minutes and I felt slightly better and then I started finding out heaps of people had had bad runs. The humidity perhaps, or maybe even just the course being so familiar to a lot of us. I'm not sure. Saw Phil after the run and he gave me a hug too, bless him. He's such a star - I feel really lucky to have someone like that coaching me. He always knows just what to say.
After the random draws, I headed up to the Ship Inn and grabbed some food with Mark (IlikeToast) Katy (Ihatetoast) Tess, Cato and Julia Thorn. Gossiped about Warwick and the run and everything inbetween. Then I came home and am contemplating a snooze.
I'm not feeling as upset about missing sub 2 as I was - I'm still incredibly, incredibly frustrated because I know I'm capable of it. I know I can do it - I'm training my arse off and it just seems soooo unfair that I couldn't pull it off today. It means I'll be trying for sub 2 at Doomben/Warwick Half instead. Hopefully the weather will be kinder and I'll have a better day at the office! I suppose in the long term, the goal is the GCM not a half, so I have to bear that in mind, but it would be soooo nice to be able to crack this goal, this sub 2 thing that I've been trying to do for a year!
Although Phil reckons I just had a bad day, today really did spur me on to try to step up my training a bit - so I'm going to vamp up my weekly plan a bit and try and fit in another run, some more cardio and another weights session each week. It means I'll be training twice a day most days, but I think that as long as I make sure I take my rest day I should cope. However slow I may be, I think my endurance has improved enough to cope with it! I'm also going to try and boost my efforts to drop some more weight (not that I'm not ever not trying, really!)
So listen here, Running Gods - shove me and I'll shove back harder!
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Thursday, April 27, 2006
track + lazy 8km
Thanks for all your supportive comments - I think Six Foot is now definitely on the cards! Shane, you're a genius - Kurruwa 50km would be a perfect qualifying race for it - thinking back on how horrific I found the 25km last year and how I swore I'd never do it again - if I can manage the 50km in those temperatures, I think I should be qualified to enter the biggie by the time march rolls around!
It sounds weird, but I think plotting my next adventure post GCM is exactly what I need for a bit of a boost in motivation. I'm over half way through my program for GC and am starting to feel slightly flat from it. Not tired exactly, but not driven as strongly. So this will be a great pick me up.
On tuesday night at track, one of the boys was getting married and so we had a celebratory beer mile for him. I feel like throwing up at the best of times at track, so I watched and ran, rather than drinking beer, eating chips and pizza and then running. It was quite hilarious listening to the results - the burps were so loud I half thought I was running with Tanky ;) After that we watched one of those 30 second marathon videos of one of the Six Foot Survivors - which made me feel even more like throwing up *grins* from omg-what-am-I-thinking nerves.
On wednesday morning I went and ran a very lazy 8km or so. Tonight I think I'll head to the gym and try and do the same on the tready - purely so I can watch 'The Biggest Loser' Finale at the same time!
The weekend is getting closer and the nerves are starting to set in...
It sounds weird, but I think plotting my next adventure post GCM is exactly what I need for a bit of a boost in motivation. I'm over half way through my program for GC and am starting to feel slightly flat from it. Not tired exactly, but not driven as strongly. So this will be a great pick me up.
On tuesday night at track, one of the boys was getting married and so we had a celebratory beer mile for him. I feel like throwing up at the best of times at track, so I watched and ran, rather than drinking beer, eating chips and pizza and then running. It was quite hilarious listening to the results - the burps were so loud I half thought I was running with Tanky ;) After that we watched one of those 30 second marathon videos of one of the Six Foot Survivors - which made me feel even more like throwing up *grins* from omg-what-am-I-thinking nerves.
On wednesday morning I went and ran a very lazy 8km or so. Tonight I think I'll head to the gym and try and do the same on the tready - purely so I can watch 'The Biggest Loser' Finale at the same time!
The weekend is getting closer and the nerves are starting to set in...
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Six Foot/Feet under?
PT session yesterday, which has decimated my abs. I think my stomach may never recover! *winces*
Got talking to Tony (trainer) who is a really bad influence on me at the best of times *L* and now I already find myself contemplating what to do after the GCM. I plan to have a few weeks easy to recover, but as I said in one of my last posts, I don't really want to let my long runs slide too much. (Not that I want to run 3 hours every weekend by any stretch, but I'd like to stick with 2 at least)
So now I'm thinking I want another giant, impossible goal to aim for.... the hardest thing I can possibly think of... the thing I doubt I'd ever be able to do (so I can prove to myself I can) *deep breath*.....
I want to do Six Foot.
This leaves me with several things to contemplate. One, being whether it would be good for me to sustain/ramp up training so soon after a marathon.... another being whether they'd let me in, not having run a sub 4 marathon (although, there was the six hour event at caboolture) - The next six foot is in march 07, and I might have to find a marathon to run before then - there's one at Toowoomba I could do. Hills would be advantageous too.
Mnnn. I must be absolutely nuts. Do you think I'm insane? I haven't mentioned the idea to Phil as yet, because I know exactly what he'll say ;) (may have to leave that til after GCM at least!)
Track session, tonight!
Got talking to Tony (trainer) who is a really bad influence on me at the best of times *L* and now I already find myself contemplating what to do after the GCM. I plan to have a few weeks easy to recover, but as I said in one of my last posts, I don't really want to let my long runs slide too much. (Not that I want to run 3 hours every weekend by any stretch, but I'd like to stick with 2 at least)
So now I'm thinking I want another giant, impossible goal to aim for.... the hardest thing I can possibly think of... the thing I doubt I'd ever be able to do (so I can prove to myself I can) *deep breath*.....
I want to do Six Foot.
This leaves me with several things to contemplate. One, being whether it would be good for me to sustain/ramp up training so soon after a marathon.... another being whether they'd let me in, not having run a sub 4 marathon (although, there was the six hour event at caboolture) - The next six foot is in march 07, and I might have to find a marathon to run before then - there's one at Toowoomba I could do. Hills would be advantageous too.
Mnnn. I must be absolutely nuts. Do you think I'm insane? I haven't mentioned the idea to Phil as yet, because I know exactly what he'll say ;) (may have to leave that til after GCM at least!)
Track session, tonight!
Sunday, April 23, 2006
3:40 Long Run (oops!) and a Trophy!
Yesterday I went out to do my longest run yet, 3:00 hours. I woke up at 5am, then somehow managed to reset my alarm clock to 6am in my sleep! I woke up an hour later and realised what I'd done. I almost stayed in bed and resolved to run today instead, but last night was The Run Inn Xmas Party, so I knew there'd be no chance of me getting up any earlier this morning!
Consequently, by the time I arrived at the Regatta and started running it was 7am and I wasn't looking forward to the hotter weather. Plus, as I ran down the first 5km stretch of the bike path, I kept seeing everyone else on their return leg! Lots and lots of people out there in preparation for the Brisbane Marathon next weekend. It made for a nice, pumped up pre-race atmosphere, anyway!
Last week, MJ showed me the way to get down to Breakfast Creek, so I headed out there. This time, even though I knew it would take me over my 3 hours a little, I ran the extra bit to the hotel because I could see the clock tower and I felt sooooo much better than last week at the 15km mark! I was probably a little too cocky for my own good though, since by 20km, I was starting to feel it.
On the way back, I realised that everything looks a whole lot different and consequently somehow managed to take a wrong turn through Hamilton and got lost. First time that's happened to me on a run and not a very nice feeling!!! The markets were also on at the Powerhouse (en-route) so by the time I had found my way back to where I should have been and fought my way through the markets again, I was about twenty minutes later than I should've been. After the 3 hour mark came and went and I was still 5km or so away, there were also a few more walk breaks!
I rolled back into the Regatta with a 3:40 total run.
Oops!
On the one hand it was interesting because I compared it to how I felt at Caboolture at the 3:30 mark, where I was walking a lot more and realised I felt a lot better. But I have to say I'm a bit worried about how I'm going to pull up for track on tuesday and whether I'll be recovered for the half on sunday! I told Phil about my adventure and he said not to worry, so I suppose I'll just take things as they come. There's always the Queensland Half for breaking 2 if it doesn't happen this time.
Last night was the Run Inn Xmas party and was heaps of fun with over 100 people attending. Even more of a surprise was that I won the club 'Encouragement' Award! My first trophy! *grins* It was so lovely of them, and such a surprise! It's going to have pride of place somewhere prominent!!!
Consequently, by the time I arrived at the Regatta and started running it was 7am and I wasn't looking forward to the hotter weather. Plus, as I ran down the first 5km stretch of the bike path, I kept seeing everyone else on their return leg! Lots and lots of people out there in preparation for the Brisbane Marathon next weekend. It made for a nice, pumped up pre-race atmosphere, anyway!
Last week, MJ showed me the way to get down to Breakfast Creek, so I headed out there. This time, even though I knew it would take me over my 3 hours a little, I ran the extra bit to the hotel because I could see the clock tower and I felt sooooo much better than last week at the 15km mark! I was probably a little too cocky for my own good though, since by 20km, I was starting to feel it.
On the way back, I realised that everything looks a whole lot different and consequently somehow managed to take a wrong turn through Hamilton and got lost. First time that's happened to me on a run and not a very nice feeling!!! The markets were also on at the Powerhouse (en-route) so by the time I had found my way back to where I should have been and fought my way through the markets again, I was about twenty minutes later than I should've been. After the 3 hour mark came and went and I was still 5km or so away, there were also a few more walk breaks!
I rolled back into the Regatta with a 3:40 total run.
Oops!
On the one hand it was interesting because I compared it to how I felt at Caboolture at the 3:30 mark, where I was walking a lot more and realised I felt a lot better. But I have to say I'm a bit worried about how I'm going to pull up for track on tuesday and whether I'll be recovered for the half on sunday! I told Phil about my adventure and he said not to worry, so I suppose I'll just take things as they come. There's always the Queensland Half for breaking 2 if it doesn't happen this time.
Last night was the Run Inn Xmas party and was heaps of fun with over 100 people attending. Even more of a surprise was that I won the club 'Encouragement' Award! My first trophy! *grins* It was so lovely of them, and such a surprise! It's going to have pride of place somewhere prominent!!!
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
$65 a month shoe habit? argh!0.
Track last night - drills, which was fun - sets of three loop repeats which was not - I'm feeling the effects of my longer runs at the moment and felt like I had concrete boots.
Went to the group run tonight - 14km out to Albany Creek and back *moans* hills and more hills with very few drink stops and very little light. Struggled with the first 5km but gradually warmed up and then on some insistance from coach phil got shoved up the front and managed to keep up with the quicker people for a few kms. Didn't finish at the front, but wasn't at the back, either :)
The benefits of all these looonnggg runs seems to be that at that point where most people are starting to slow down to a reasonable pace, I'm finally starting to feel half decent and hitting my stride. It's quite comforting really, although the first part of a run never fails to feel nasty, the first 3km particularly. I'm thinking, after the marathon is over and I've had a rest, I might try to keep my normal long run at 2 hours or so.
I also think I need new shoes again. My left foot and shin started to hurt a little and I've learnt that's usually a sign that I need new ones. I bought my last pair in early february, before Caboolture - it's now the end of april, so three months worth of running (600kms or so?) and they're stuffed. If this keeps up, that works out to be a $65 a month shoe habit. *rolls eyes* I know, I know - can't do without proper shoes, but at this rate, I'm never going to pay my mastercard off!
Did my entry for GCM tonight too. Got my first real dose of butterflies as I ticked "marathon", too! It's all locked in now ;) I've been catching up on my race entries as well - paid for the brisbane half too - I've decided I might try and stick with the 1:55 pacers, see what happens... bit scared of running with pacers because it's a bit more pressure, but I figure I may even know them, so might as well take my shot. I'm going to combust if I don't break 2 hours, anyway!
Went to the group run tonight - 14km out to Albany Creek and back *moans* hills and more hills with very few drink stops and very little light. Struggled with the first 5km but gradually warmed up and then on some insistance from coach phil got shoved up the front and managed to keep up with the quicker people for a few kms. Didn't finish at the front, but wasn't at the back, either :)
The benefits of all these looonnggg runs seems to be that at that point where most people are starting to slow down to a reasonable pace, I'm finally starting to feel half decent and hitting my stride. It's quite comforting really, although the first part of a run never fails to feel nasty, the first 3km particularly. I'm thinking, after the marathon is over and I've had a rest, I might try to keep my normal long run at 2 hours or so.
I also think I need new shoes again. My left foot and shin started to hurt a little and I've learnt that's usually a sign that I need new ones. I bought my last pair in early february, before Caboolture - it's now the end of april, so three months worth of running (600kms or so?) and they're stuffed. If this keeps up, that works out to be a $65 a month shoe habit. *rolls eyes* I know, I know - can't do without proper shoes, but at this rate, I'm never going to pay my mastercard off!
Did my entry for GCM tonight too. Got my first real dose of butterflies as I ticked "marathon", too! It's all locked in now ;) I've been catching up on my race entries as well - paid for the brisbane half too - I've decided I might try and stick with the 1:55 pacers, see what happens... bit scared of running with pacers because it's a bit more pressure, but I figure I may even know them, so might as well take my shot. I'm going to combust if I don't break 2 hours, anyway!
Saturday, April 15, 2006
2:50 Long Run
On thursday I compensated for missing my usual group run and went out for a 15km run alone. Ran near my house and it made me realise I run a bloody lot further in 1:30 these days! LOL! Got all the way down past the QE2 athletics stadium and half way to McGregor. Quite bizarre! *L*
Did a verrrryyyy hard very long 2:50 this morning. All I can say is THANKYOU MJ!!!!! She caught up with me and decided to run the whole way with me. Not only that, but she showed me how to join onto the next section of bikepath that runs from new farm out to the gateway bridge. By 2:30 I was starting to struggle and there were a few walk breaks. But I made it!
I have to say I am absolutely stuffed though - was away with the fairies when we finally got back to the regatta. But brekkie and a full fat coke with Tess, Clairie, Nick, Liz et al. soon fixed that. My legs are incredibly sore. I think we ran the distance a bit faster than I would run on my own (which happens when you have company no doubt!) so that's prolly why I'm feeling it!
Tess, I must've been hallucinating when I told you my iPod Nano was $100 - I was thinking of the shuffle I nearly bought - it was actually $219 for a 1GB nano. I think I'm in denial (or rather, my credit card is!) LOL! Lovely to see you gals for brekkie and hear canberra stories, too :)
Did a verrrryyyy hard very long 2:50 this morning. All I can say is THANKYOU MJ!!!!! She caught up with me and decided to run the whole way with me. Not only that, but she showed me how to join onto the next section of bikepath that runs from new farm out to the gateway bridge. By 2:30 I was starting to struggle and there were a few walk breaks. But I made it!
I have to say I am absolutely stuffed though - was away with the fairies when we finally got back to the regatta. But brekkie and a full fat coke with Tess, Clairie, Nick, Liz et al. soon fixed that. My legs are incredibly sore. I think we ran the distance a bit faster than I would run on my own (which happens when you have company no doubt!) so that's prolly why I'm feeling it!
Tess, I must've been hallucinating when I told you my iPod Nano was $100 - I was thinking of the shuffle I nearly bought - it was actually $219 for a 1GB nano. I think I'm in denial (or rather, my credit card is!) LOL! Lovely to see you gals for brekkie and hear canberra stories, too :)
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
track
Did track last night. Even though I grunt and groan and complain about it a fair bit, I'm really enjoying it. It makes me wish I'd stopped arsing about months ago and done it regularly. It's come as a bit of a surprise to me that I can actually sprint!
I have this theory that I'm built for comfort not speed in my running... but I'm starting to think I may need to build a little clause into there that says, built for comfort, not for speed - except where competitive spirit kicks in! I really just can't help myself when I see someone between me and within a reasonable distance of the finish line ;)
Anyway, my new job is going really well and I'm enjoying it - unfortunately I had to work tonight and then next wednesday (for the other job!) instead of running with the group, so I'll have to make up for it tomorrow morning (and next week) on my own - but at least I have my music to keep me company now ;) Bring on the iPod nano flavoured goodness ;)
I will be working through all the bank holidays unfortunately, catching up on marking but am intent on doing my best to squish in lots of running and catching up on all your blogs!
I have this theory that I'm built for comfort not speed in my running... but I'm starting to think I may need to build a little clause into there that says, built for comfort, not for speed - except where competitive spirit kicks in! I really just can't help myself when I see someone between me and within a reasonable distance of the finish line ;)
Anyway, my new job is going really well and I'm enjoying it - unfortunately I had to work tonight and then next wednesday (for the other job!) instead of running with the group, so I'll have to make up for it tomorrow morning (and next week) on my own - but at least I have my music to keep me company now ;) Bring on the iPod nano flavoured goodness ;)
I will be working through all the bank holidays unfortunately, catching up on marking but am intent on doing my best to squish in lots of running and catching up on all your blogs!
Sunday, April 09, 2006
The Runners Blessing
The Runners Blessing
May you have cool, still nights
and the promise of clear, endless morning.
May the sun rise to greet you with open arms;
and the horizon bow deep beneath your feet.
May you always have water to quench your thirst,
Air to fill your lungs and joy to lift your heart.
May your feet carry you wisely
Swift or slow, towards home.
May you always have heart for your fellow travellers,
and the rhythm of the road to guide you;
May you know the sweetness of victory,
The sorrow of loss and the surrender of both.
--Hannah Broom
(I'm feeling all poetic after seeing the dolphins and reading all the canberra victory posts! Can you tell?)
May you have cool, still nights
and the promise of clear, endless morning.
May the sun rise to greet you with open arms;
and the horizon bow deep beneath your feet.
May you always have water to quench your thirst,
Air to fill your lungs and joy to lift your heart.
May your feet carry you wisely
Swift or slow, towards home.
May you always have heart for your fellow travellers,
and the rhythm of the road to guide you;
May you know the sweetness of victory,
The sorrow of loss and the surrender of both.
--Hannah Broom
(I'm feeling all poetic after seeing the dolphins and reading all the canberra victory posts! Can you tell?)
LSR 2:40 + Sonomas Fun Run
You know how I said I wasn't going to buy music til next pay? Well, I lied ;) I bought an ipod nano yesterday and it rocks :)
I'm forseeing 5k, 10k, 21.1k and 42.2k playlists, all set with the right tempo music for the runs :) My credit card isn't too happy, but I really don't care!
Long run today of 2:40, which I cobbled together from various bits of running. Got up at 4am and went out to Sandgate for the Sonomas Fun Run. Was good to get a bit of a change of scenery, and meant that by joining that 8km race in, I got to run with people some of the way. I must admit, I struggled to get up this morning - now it's getting cooler, it's getting more of a challenge to separate body from nice warm doona! But I did, thinking of everyone down at Canberra, where it's much colder!
Set off at 5am alone and did a 1:30 stretch alone, out along the bay and over the old bridge (no cars! bliss!) Just as I was going over the bridge, the sun came up and the entire sky was absolute scarlet. It's moments like that that the photographer in me comes out and I wish for a camera... but at the same time, it's sort of nice to keep moments like that just for me. It was stunning, anyway - one of the best sunrises I've ever seen.
Arrived back at the race to register and then Tracey and I headed out for another 20 minutes or so while we waited for the 7.30 start. Then off we went for the 8km race. I had planned to do my 2 hours before the race, so I wouldn't have to run extra, but I just couldn't bring myself to get up earlier than 4am, in order to fit it in! We went slowly for the first few kms - got to admit, stopping for anything longer than a minute in the middle of a long run makes it murder to start off again! Like warming up all over again.
As we rounded the bay, we were running right next to the water and we looked down beside us to see a gorgeous dolphin swimming along... another magic moment - how lucky were we?
By half way, we'd speeded up somewhat and then that we weren't that far behind Angie, who'd also joined on her long run, running from home to the race. In the last few kms, we could see her not to far ahead, fading. So even though I had sworn I wasn't going to race, I took off after her. As I went past she said she had a stitch. Then I sped up even more towards the line. Stuff like this irritates me because the fact that I could sprint obviously means I can go at a faster general pace, but I never know I have it in me til I see the finish line LOL (It's all psychological, I'm sure!)
Crossed the line and as I was getting my breath back, Tracey comes up and grabs me - turns out she sped up once she saw me going ahead and passed Angie as well! I was so happy for her - she's been working really hard at her running lately and it's all starting to pay off! *go tracey, go tracey, go tracey!* (does jerry springer dance) Poor old Ange wasn't having a good day.
Crossed the line and went for another warm down run, to make my time up to 2:40, et voila. Feeling good, feeling like I'm making progress. A nice morning was made even better when I got home, I hopped on the internet to find Clairie had done 2.23 at Canberra! Ya Little Ripper! Awesome stuff... Can't wait to hear/read all about it :)
I'm forseeing 5k, 10k, 21.1k and 42.2k playlists, all set with the right tempo music for the runs :) My credit card isn't too happy, but I really don't care!
Long run today of 2:40, which I cobbled together from various bits of running. Got up at 4am and went out to Sandgate for the Sonomas Fun Run. Was good to get a bit of a change of scenery, and meant that by joining that 8km race in, I got to run with people some of the way. I must admit, I struggled to get up this morning - now it's getting cooler, it's getting more of a challenge to separate body from nice warm doona! But I did, thinking of everyone down at Canberra, where it's much colder!
Set off at 5am alone and did a 1:30 stretch alone, out along the bay and over the old bridge (no cars! bliss!) Just as I was going over the bridge, the sun came up and the entire sky was absolute scarlet. It's moments like that that the photographer in me comes out and I wish for a camera... but at the same time, it's sort of nice to keep moments like that just for me. It was stunning, anyway - one of the best sunrises I've ever seen.
Arrived back at the race to register and then Tracey and I headed out for another 20 minutes or so while we waited for the 7.30 start. Then off we went for the 8km race. I had planned to do my 2 hours before the race, so I wouldn't have to run extra, but I just couldn't bring myself to get up earlier than 4am, in order to fit it in! We went slowly for the first few kms - got to admit, stopping for anything longer than a minute in the middle of a long run makes it murder to start off again! Like warming up all over again.
As we rounded the bay, we were running right next to the water and we looked down beside us to see a gorgeous dolphin swimming along... another magic moment - how lucky were we?
By half way, we'd speeded up somewhat and then that we weren't that far behind Angie, who'd also joined on her long run, running from home to the race. In the last few kms, we could see her not to far ahead, fading. So even though I had sworn I wasn't going to race, I took off after her. As I went past she said she had a stitch. Then I sped up even more towards the line. Stuff like this irritates me because the fact that I could sprint obviously means I can go at a faster general pace, but I never know I have it in me til I see the finish line LOL (It's all psychological, I'm sure!)
Crossed the line and as I was getting my breath back, Tracey comes up and grabs me - turns out she sped up once she saw me going ahead and passed Angie as well! I was so happy for her - she's been working really hard at her running lately and it's all starting to pay off! *go tracey, go tracey, go tracey!* (does jerry springer dance) Poor old Ange wasn't having a good day.
Crossed the line and went for another warm down run, to make my time up to 2:40, et voila. Feeling good, feeling like I'm making progress. A nice morning was made even better when I got home, I hopped on the internet to find Clairie had done 2.23 at Canberra! Ya Little Ripper! Awesome stuff... Can't wait to hear/read all about it :)
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
14km Medium Run
Oh dear, I've been a very bad slack blogger lately - I'm struggling to keep up with everyone's blogs at the moment! Apologies and hope to read all my lovely commenters entries over the weekend! I will have an excuse for that as of next week - I start a new part time job next week, so will be going between that and teaching - will hopefully equate to full time income finally and then I can really put my business to bed :)
Shane asked if I had my retail therapy and bought an ipod/ishuffle for my long runs, but unfortunately, I decided to wait til my next pay since I rather emptied the coffers on running clothes this fortnight ;) But, there will be music coming my way soon. If there isn't I sincerely may go mad!
Oh, and I'm thinking the theory about one calf chafing from running loops at track was spot on! Thanks!
After my long run on saturday and a very late, somewhat drunken night out, I took sunday off. Monday I felt unwell (thought perhaps I was coming down with a bug) so I didn't run. By yesterday I was absolutely chewing the doorframe I was that keen to get out there! LOL! So I drove to track, all ready to kick my own butt and then some terribly inconsiderate thunderstorm started and so there was no speedwork for me. Rain I can handle - lightning no one seems to be game enough for. If I'd bumped into any of the others (who apparently showed, but I missed them) I may have done it anyway ;)
So, tonight I was all set for a big run with the run inn crowd and thankfully no thunder and lightning this time. Bit of rain though. Was interesting running without track actually - good for comparison. Kept up with the middle of the pack much more easily, though I spent the entire run with a stitch in one side, then on the other (too much lunch!) I'm still feeling a bit more speedy which is nice - trying not to get too complacent because as I've said, I'm sure the minute I start hiking my long runs up some more, I'll slow back down!
Everyone keeps commenting to me lately that I'm looking really fit and skinnier ;) Which is lovely of them, but I just can't work out why! My scales say I've lost maybe a kg or two, but nothing noticable. Maybe it's the new gear ;) Having said that, I certainly feel fitter so who knows! It gives me motivation to really work at the weight loss though - if I can't shift it during hardcore trianing, I'm never going to! I wish this whole losing weight thing came more easily to me - I lost 50kgs, why can't I make myself shift another 8kg? It's insane!
Anyways, thinking of doing my long run out at Sandgate on the weekend for a bit of a change of scenery - there's the Sonoma's fun run on too (8km) so if I time myself right, I can join it on as part of the long run.... actually supposed to do 2:40 this week (finally! yay!) so I'll have to run at least 2 hours before that.
Hope you're all doing well! Shall catch up on blogs soon, promise!
Shane asked if I had my retail therapy and bought an ipod/ishuffle for my long runs, but unfortunately, I decided to wait til my next pay since I rather emptied the coffers on running clothes this fortnight ;) But, there will be music coming my way soon. If there isn't I sincerely may go mad!
Oh, and I'm thinking the theory about one calf chafing from running loops at track was spot on! Thanks!
After my long run on saturday and a very late, somewhat drunken night out, I took sunday off. Monday I felt unwell (thought perhaps I was coming down with a bug) so I didn't run. By yesterday I was absolutely chewing the doorframe I was that keen to get out there! LOL! So I drove to track, all ready to kick my own butt and then some terribly inconsiderate thunderstorm started and so there was no speedwork for me. Rain I can handle - lightning no one seems to be game enough for. If I'd bumped into any of the others (who apparently showed, but I missed them) I may have done it anyway ;)
So, tonight I was all set for a big run with the run inn crowd and thankfully no thunder and lightning this time. Bit of rain though. Was interesting running without track actually - good for comparison. Kept up with the middle of the pack much more easily, though I spent the entire run with a stitch in one side, then on the other (too much lunch!) I'm still feeling a bit more speedy which is nice - trying not to get too complacent because as I've said, I'm sure the minute I start hiking my long runs up some more, I'll slow back down!
Everyone keeps commenting to me lately that I'm looking really fit and skinnier ;) Which is lovely of them, but I just can't work out why! My scales say I've lost maybe a kg or two, but nothing noticable. Maybe it's the new gear ;) Having said that, I certainly feel fitter so who knows! It gives me motivation to really work at the weight loss though - if I can't shift it during hardcore trianing, I'm never going to! I wish this whole losing weight thing came more easily to me - I lost 50kgs, why can't I make myself shift another 8kg? It's insane!
Anyways, thinking of doing my long run out at Sandgate on the weekend for a bit of a change of scenery - there's the Sonoma's fun run on too (8km) so if I time myself right, I can join it on as part of the long run.... actually supposed to do 2:40 this week (finally! yay!) so I'll have to run at least 2 hours before that.
Hope you're all doing well! Shall catch up on blogs soon, promise!
Sunday, April 02, 2006
2:30 Long Run
I think I'm starting to settle in to having to do my long runs alone. I've set them up so that at least I finish at about the same time as the other running buddies and can have brekkie with them, so I guess it's not really like I'm all alone! LOL!
Ran down to New Farm again and did a loop around the powerhouse. Tried to find my way further down (towards the gateway) but couldn't work out how the roads joined up. I'll have to look at a map for next time. Got to my last turn around in record time (like, 15 minutes quicker than last time?) which was quite bizarre! Slightly annoying because it means I end up joining time on to the end of the route, but I'm not complaining! Faster running = very good.
I feel a little bit like I've finally shifted out of second gear and into third. Hopefully I can continue feeling this good, though I suspect that as I progress through my program, there'll be times where my body has to catch up to itself again. That's what the plateaus are for no doubt! This was week 8 of 20 - approaching half way point! Scary, exciting stuff ;) Next week I finally start upping the times until I hit 3:10 and my next plateau.
Bumped into Tess at Brekkie and wished her luck for Canberra - she was just off to the physio to get the prognosis on running the big M. I hope everyone who is running it does fabulously... I can't wait to see how you all go!
Ran down to New Farm again and did a loop around the powerhouse. Tried to find my way further down (towards the gateway) but couldn't work out how the roads joined up. I'll have to look at a map for next time. Got to my last turn around in record time (like, 15 minutes quicker than last time?) which was quite bizarre! Slightly annoying because it means I end up joining time on to the end of the route, but I'm not complaining! Faster running = very good.
I feel a little bit like I've finally shifted out of second gear and into third. Hopefully I can continue feeling this good, though I suspect that as I progress through my program, there'll be times where my body has to catch up to itself again. That's what the plateaus are for no doubt! This was week 8 of 20 - approaching half way point! Scary, exciting stuff ;) Next week I finally start upping the times until I hit 3:10 and my next plateau.
Bumped into Tess at Brekkie and wished her luck for Canberra - she was just off to the physio to get the prognosis on running the big M. I hope everyone who is running it does fabulously... I can't wait to see how you all go!
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