Well, a truly disgusting run today, but, mea culpa – I suspect the following may have had something to do with it:
1. I have eaten rubbish in the last fortnight. Thus, I am heavier again and feeling every bit of it.
2. For whatever reason, I am not running as well as I was before GCM.
I’m not quite sure why I’m still flat as a tack after the GC. I mean, eventually you have to reach a point where you stop blaming the marathon. I’ve definitely not been running as fast since then – more focussed on distance and endurance for the GH and I guess with speed it’s a case of use it or lose it.
I used my plod today as time to reflect on where I want to go and what I want to do with my running next. My last big event for the season is the GH 50km – anything else after that will just be for fun.
As you guys all know, I had gotten all fired up for getting into ultras (and still am) but I think I need to spend some time going back to basics, cementing all the groundwork I’ve done in the last year before I try to ramp things up any further. I think I’d be nuts to ignore everything and just keep on pushing when my body (in numerous ways) appears to be telling me it’s not happy. Quite ironic really, to feel most comfortable in long slow runs but to struggle physically to recover in an average timeframe! LOL!
Between September – March, I’d really like to have a bit of a break, then get a bit quicker on shorter distances, work on my technique and overall fitness. I’m also going to go and visit the podiatrist because I think the time has come to admit (much as my wallet would like to deny it) that I need an orthotic or something. Whenever I get injured or something twinges, it’s on the left side. My left foot hurts during runs and my left hamstring is constantly really tight. All of which gives me the sneaky suspicion that it’s not quite right. It doesn’t feel the same as the other leg during a run.
Anyways, on to the Race Report:
Sam and I drove down to Noosa yesterday afternoon, just in time to pick up our race kits (aka race number, chip and pins) and the biggest race tshirts in the history of the known universe. Last years shirt was so small, I ordered a large this year and (of course!) this year they’re different and massive. So, have consigned this one to the gym/nightie pile.
I do love Noosa as a place – the atmosphere is great and it’s really relaxed. We had an icecream, sat on the beach to watch the sun go down and then checked in. Followed by dinner at the RSL (where I kept expecting to see loads of Crs – felt like GC all over again!) and then had a reasonably early night.
Got up at 5am, headed to the startline and chatted with some familiar faces. Noosa is nice like that – small enough to see loads of people you know, big enough to be fun but not chaotic like the B2B.
Before I knew it, we were off and heading out on the road. Forgotten just how flat the whole course was. Two loops meant I got to see everyone a few times which was great for waving and high fiving people. Which was a great distraction for me, since by 3km I knew I was going to have a shocker, let the 2 hour pacer go and slowed right down.
It was soooooo hot. Me and heat don’t seem to mix well at all whilst running and I could hardly see where I was going during most of the run (note to self: buy new sunnies!) I tuned into my music, tried to zone out and decided at the very least, I was not going to walk ANY of the course (since last year I did 2:13?) and walked quite a few chunks.
When I got to about 9km, my body decided that it had had enough. Despite having breakfast, all of a sudden, I was absolutely STARVING. It was like I suddenly felt my blood sugar drop and I ran out of juice in a big way. Luckily, I had packed a couple of gels in my fuel belt and downed one that more or less instantly picked me up again. I have no doubt that if I’d run that distance without gels (which I’ve often done!) I would have DNF’d. Anyway, kept on keeping on and started feeling slightly better. Had another gel at about 15km just to be on the safeside.
The rest of the kms chugged by, and I amused myself by waving at everyone and experimenting with my running stride, loosening my shoulders up and trying desparately to stop sticking my thumbs up when I run. It’s so subconscious but I must look ridiculous doing it… I’ve got no idea why I do it, either - it just feels comfy. Something to work on when I get cracking on technique, no doubt!
Finished in 2:06 by my watch, which is ten minutes slower than Doomben but a fair bit quicker than last year on that course (so it bloody should be, mind! LOL!) so all up, I’m being philosophical about it all. Quite a few people seem to have bad runs, so at least I’m in good company!
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
busy!
Everything is so busy lately - I haven't read blogs in ages :( Sorry guys... hopefully things will calm down soon.
On monday I did Yoga and managed to reach my toes in one of the stretches for the first time ever! As someone who is terminally unflexible it was a great moment - I almost crowed in jubilation, but I don't think the rest of the class would've appreciated it!
Tuesday (yesterday) was track and a bit better than last week. I'm still slow as all hell but I felt much better than I have been. Last week was just disgusting. I have reallllyyyyyy sore inner thighs today from it so I must've worked hard.
This morning I went for a run with the group up at Redcliffe along the water. Reminds me of GC training as there are kms of bikepaths to run on along the front. Fabbo!
Sunday brings Noosa - 1.55? Think I'll be heaps slower, but we shall see...
On monday I did Yoga and managed to reach my toes in one of the stretches for the first time ever! As someone who is terminally unflexible it was a great moment - I almost crowed in jubilation, but I don't think the rest of the class would've appreciated it!
Tuesday (yesterday) was track and a bit better than last week. I'm still slow as all hell but I felt much better than I have been. Last week was just disgusting. I have reallllyyyyyy sore inner thighs today from it so I must've worked hard.
This morning I went for a run with the group up at Redcliffe along the water. Reminds me of GC training as there are kms of bikepaths to run on along the front. Fabbo!
Sunday brings Noosa - 1.55? Think I'll be heaps slower, but we shall see...
Saturday, August 12, 2006
3 Hour Trail run + Yoga
Well, mount cootha may not be my biatch, but Mount Gravatt now is ;) It's a lot easier (and smaller) than Mount Coot-tha, but yay me. I clearly remember not so many years ago being dumbfounded at the thought of even walking to it, let alone up it!
This morning my lovely GH 50km partner in crime, Suzannah, took me for a run around our local area. She lives just around the corner from me which is handy and I was amazed at the trails within running distance of my house! We went all through Toohey Forest which I've been itching to do for ages.
My long, long runs are the only time at the moment where I feel good about my running. I love it... love the fresh air, the scenery. Suzannah and I seemed to both have a bad case of the break-yourself-bug, because we continuously managed to trip over stuff, slip and almost turn ankles on the way. Honestly, I'm clumsy at the best of times, but this was a new level for me! I stopped counting after eight near misses.
The run was lovely and very civilised. The most amusing point was about five minutes from the end of the run where we got back into suburbia, only to come face to face with three, extrodinarily loud Geese, honking their heads off. Both of us stopped dead because geese have a bit of a reputation, but we got by without being chased! We also came across an enormous grey dog in the bush that put it's hackles up at us too. The owner didn't seemed to care!
We also bumped into half of the river city runners on the back of mount gravatt, a ton of people doing bootcamp and a guy walking a dog that looked more like a powderpuff on legs than a canine!
Contemplating doing west end tomorrow - depends on how my legs and feet are. Did yoga after this mornings run and my yoga teacher told me I should do a shoulder stand after training to drain the crap out of my legs. Makes sense in theory and I did it today, so we'll see if it (and skins) make a difference.
This morning my lovely GH 50km partner in crime, Suzannah, took me for a run around our local area. She lives just around the corner from me which is handy and I was amazed at the trails within running distance of my house! We went all through Toohey Forest which I've been itching to do for ages.
My long, long runs are the only time at the moment where I feel good about my running. I love it... love the fresh air, the scenery. Suzannah and I seemed to both have a bad case of the break-yourself-bug, because we continuously managed to trip over stuff, slip and almost turn ankles on the way. Honestly, I'm clumsy at the best of times, but this was a new level for me! I stopped counting after eight near misses.
The run was lovely and very civilised. The most amusing point was about five minutes from the end of the run where we got back into suburbia, only to come face to face with three, extrodinarily loud Geese, honking their heads off. Both of us stopped dead because geese have a bit of a reputation, but we got by without being chased! We also came across an enormous grey dog in the bush that put it's hackles up at us too. The owner didn't seemed to care!
We also bumped into half of the river city runners on the back of mount gravatt, a ton of people doing bootcamp and a guy walking a dog that looked more like a powderpuff on legs than a canine!
Contemplating doing west end tomorrow - depends on how my legs and feet are. Did yoga after this mornings run and my yoga teacher told me I should do a shoulder stand after training to drain the crap out of my legs. Makes sense in theory and I did it today, so we'll see if it (and skins) make a difference.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Oops!
I got the wrong date for my party - it's actually going to be on SATURDAY 26th August... got to have sunday for recovery!
Thursday, August 10, 2006
birthday party
We interrupt this whinge-cast to bring you a special announcement. On 27th August, I'm having a bit of a birthday bash, to which you all invited. Two of my friends have taken it upon themselves to throw a party for me (awww!) so I've sent out a big email.
However, I don't have some people's email addresses, so if you're reading this and I know you and you would like to come, please let me know what your email address is and I shall forward you an invite!
However, I don't have some people's email addresses, so if you're reading this and I know you and you would like to come, please let me know what your email address is and I shall forward you an invite!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Broken record alert!
Yes, welcome to another whingy post ;) I'll try and keep it short until such times as my mood and/or running improves!
On the positive, my heel feels okay today. On the negative, crap track last night was followed by an even worse medium long run. I'm never doing weights the morning of a run again! That aside, 10km felt like 100km. I'm hanging out for my long runs because at the moment, it's the only time I feel like I'm not running backwards coming forwards.
On another positive, I'm looking at a unit in Ashgrove tomorrow, so I might be living back on my beloved northside soon! Yay!
Also, cirque asked the reason for my very late night on saturday. Nothing exciting I'm afraid (still single!) I went up to woodford to visit friends.
Hope you are all feeling better than me! Must read some blogs!
On the positive, my heel feels okay today. On the negative, crap track last night was followed by an even worse medium long run. I'm never doing weights the morning of a run again! That aside, 10km felt like 100km. I'm hanging out for my long runs because at the moment, it's the only time I feel like I'm not running backwards coming forwards.
On another positive, I'm looking at a unit in Ashgrove tomorrow, so I might be living back on my beloved northside soon! Yay!
Also, cirque asked the reason for my very late night on saturday. Nothing exciting I'm afraid (still single!) I went up to woodford to visit friends.
Hope you are all feeling better than me! Must read some blogs!
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
crap track session :(
Track tonight sucked... only made it half way through the session - my right achilles is twingy (feels tight) and I didn't want to push it. I think I stretched it too much in Yoga last night.
I'm doing my best to suck up the feeling crap at running thing, but it's sooo frustrating. A lot of the people around me who I used to run the same speed as are now doing incredibly well and zooming off ahead - great for them, lonely for me!
I must be hormonal or something - up and down like a yoyo at the moment!
I'm doing my best to suck up the feeling crap at running thing, but it's sooo frustrating. A lot of the people around me who I used to run the same speed as are now doing incredibly well and zooming off ahead - great for them, lonely for me!
I must be hormonal or something - up and down like a yoyo at the moment!
Sunday, August 06, 2006
25km hilly long run + 12km B2B = big weekend!
Huge running weekend! It's so nice to start to feel some enthusiasm for running again!
Saturday: 25km including a lap of Mount Cootha: 3 hours
Woke up at 4.30am and met Sam at the Regatta at 5.30am. Lucky for me, Sam wanted to run long too and now I'm not doing ridiculous 35km distances every week I'm getting more company!
We set off down to the Botanical Gardens and back, which gave us a flat initial 10km. Was expecting to feel quite disgusting after wednesday's horror, but it was fine. Did a nice, slow plod which surprised me when we hit 5km in about 28:00 minutes (close to my PB, not so very long ago!) Was having a lovely time chatting as we ambled along.
Quick toilet stop at the Regatta on the way back, then we headed off out through toowong to Mount Cootha. Was curious to see how much (if) I had improved since last running it, which must have been at least six months earlier.
For those that have never run Mount Cootha, it has a 2km hill after a 2.5km flat run to it. Last time I did it, I was walking by about 500m up the initial slope. I know exactly where I could run to because there's a chevron sign at the exact spot and I hated never being able to get past it. This time however, I ran all the way up that initial bit without feeling like I was going to die, took on the next bit, and the next and the next without having to walk - and finally got to about 500m (?) before the television towers when I caved in to a slight walk.
I have to say, I'm not feeling too bad about that, considering I thrashed all previous attempts at the run and had already done 10km before trying. I have a sneaky suspicion that if I had a go with fresh legs and took my time, I might actually now make the entire run without walking.
So, Mount Cootha is not yet my biatch, but watch this space! *LOL*
After the run, stopped for fruit toast with Tesso and co, then headed off to Yoga. I'm still as unflexible as buggery, but am hoping I will start to get some benefit soon!
Sunday: B2B 12km: 1:13
Had a very late night last night, coming home at 12.30am then getting up at 4am. Three and a half hours sleep does not a good running hannah make! Still, at least I had the motivation to get out of bed which is a step in the right direction after the last month or so!
Drove to Sam's and carpooled with her and Jill to the bus and then on to the race. Last year, I had a shocker of a race at B2B so it was a bit of a mission for me to run the whole thing this year.
The race started early (wonder if any elite athletes complained about that to the race director for this event? LOL!) and I was immediately reminded how insane massive events over shorter distances are. I had promised myself not to sprint up the bridge but to take things steady and consequently got just about flattened by a ton of people from the yellow zone doing the glory dash. I got elbowed and pushed and shoved around and one guy cracked me so hard that I think I'm going to have bruises. He just ignored me when I bellowed (aka swore) at him and didn't even acknowledge me.
2km in, was highly satisfied as I started passing all the rude, yellow glory dash people but had to stop and use the loo which took me about five minutes because there was a queue! Felt much better afterwards and then settled into a steady pace. Felt surprisingly okay considering the long run yesterday and spent the rest of the time being fascinated and horrified by the various people (can we call them Ruggles? like Muggles - but non-running folk?) doing all manner of rude, obnoxious and disgusting things.
I couldn't believe the number of people cheating - some going down side streets, others chopping massive corners off the course. I just don't understand where the sense of achievement is in selling yourself short like that. I also had the misfortune to run next to a guy who spat at my shoes and coughed like a metronome (hacked up crap every six strides - I know because I counted!) Just disgusting...
Crossed the line in 1:13 or so. Was a bit miffed to miss out on the 70 minute line by so little, but considering the long run yesterday and the toilet stop enroute, I think I would've scraped under so I'm happy enough. Safe to say I think I now got the monkey off my back for this race and won't be doing it next year!
Give me trails and smaller proper running events any day. The one thing I will say for the B2B is that it was very well organised and the marshalls were great.
Saturday: 25km including a lap of Mount Cootha: 3 hours
Woke up at 4.30am and met Sam at the Regatta at 5.30am. Lucky for me, Sam wanted to run long too and now I'm not doing ridiculous 35km distances every week I'm getting more company!
We set off down to the Botanical Gardens and back, which gave us a flat initial 10km. Was expecting to feel quite disgusting after wednesday's horror, but it was fine. Did a nice, slow plod which surprised me when we hit 5km in about 28:00 minutes (close to my PB, not so very long ago!) Was having a lovely time chatting as we ambled along.
Quick toilet stop at the Regatta on the way back, then we headed off out through toowong to Mount Cootha. Was curious to see how much (if) I had improved since last running it, which must have been at least six months earlier.
For those that have never run Mount Cootha, it has a 2km hill after a 2.5km flat run to it. Last time I did it, I was walking by about 500m up the initial slope. I know exactly where I could run to because there's a chevron sign at the exact spot and I hated never being able to get past it. This time however, I ran all the way up that initial bit without feeling like I was going to die, took on the next bit, and the next and the next without having to walk - and finally got to about 500m (?) before the television towers when I caved in to a slight walk.
I have to say, I'm not feeling too bad about that, considering I thrashed all previous attempts at the run and had already done 10km before trying. I have a sneaky suspicion that if I had a go with fresh legs and took my time, I might actually now make the entire run without walking.
So, Mount Cootha is not yet my biatch, but watch this space! *LOL*
After the run, stopped for fruit toast with Tesso and co, then headed off to Yoga. I'm still as unflexible as buggery, but am hoping I will start to get some benefit soon!
Sunday: B2B 12km: 1:13
Had a very late night last night, coming home at 12.30am then getting up at 4am. Three and a half hours sleep does not a good running hannah make! Still, at least I had the motivation to get out of bed which is a step in the right direction after the last month or so!
Drove to Sam's and carpooled with her and Jill to the bus and then on to the race. Last year, I had a shocker of a race at B2B so it was a bit of a mission for me to run the whole thing this year.
The race started early (wonder if any elite athletes complained about that to the race director for this event? LOL!) and I was immediately reminded how insane massive events over shorter distances are. I had promised myself not to sprint up the bridge but to take things steady and consequently got just about flattened by a ton of people from the yellow zone doing the glory dash. I got elbowed and pushed and shoved around and one guy cracked me so hard that I think I'm going to have bruises. He just ignored me when I bellowed (aka swore) at him and didn't even acknowledge me.
2km in, was highly satisfied as I started passing all the rude, yellow glory dash people but had to stop and use the loo which took me about five minutes because there was a queue! Felt much better afterwards and then settled into a steady pace. Felt surprisingly okay considering the long run yesterday and spent the rest of the time being fascinated and horrified by the various people (can we call them Ruggles? like Muggles - but non-running folk?) doing all manner of rude, obnoxious and disgusting things.
I couldn't believe the number of people cheating - some going down side streets, others chopping massive corners off the course. I just don't understand where the sense of achievement is in selling yourself short like that. I also had the misfortune to run next to a guy who spat at my shoes and coughed like a metronome (hacked up crap every six strides - I know because I counted!) Just disgusting...
Crossed the line in 1:13 or so. Was a bit miffed to miss out on the 70 minute line by so little, but considering the long run yesterday and the toilet stop enroute, I think I would've scraped under so I'm happy enough. Safe to say I think I now got the monkey off my back for this race and won't be doing it next year!
Give me trails and smaller proper running events any day. The one thing I will say for the B2B is that it was very well organised and the marshalls were great.
Friday, August 04, 2006
meh
Argh, I hate crazy busy weeks! The good news is that my most recent cold seems almost gone. About time! Other good non-running news includes the recent purchase of shiny red shoes. Just call me Dorothy ;)
Anyway...
Track on tuesday was pretty hard. Nasty session, with no drills and a combo of 400m and 800m sets. Yucccckkkk. I still feel really, terminally slow and got my butt whipped by everyone. Only started to feel halfway human towards the end. How does that happen?
Despite my crap running, I enjoyed the last thing we did - we got staggered into 2 second intervals (slowest to fastest, with me being about fourth from the front) and did an all-out, give-it-everything-you've-got-then-fall-over-dead 400m sprint. I went for it and crossed the line joint first with someone from behind. Not really sure what that means exactly, other than that I am perhaps able to do better earlier on in a session than my running suggests. Blah.
Wednesday night saw my first medium long run with the group for a few weeks. Again, utterly, utterly shite session. Angie's garmin said we were running 5:50 pace (though that was what it said at the top of a hill!) and to me, it felt like 5:00 - I struggled like hell and ended up running in with a first timer who had had time off running.
I want to make excuses for myself and say wednesday night was crap because I was tired and had done a weights session at PT that morning, but the truth is that I'm also just shit at running at the moment. I need to suck it up and just keep on keeping on.
Seems I have also managed to miss the cut off date for the Lamington classic accommodation - Schultzy put the wind right up me on tuesday about everyone twisting their ankles up there and now I'm feeling slightly nervous about entering.
I'm sure I'll feel better about everything after this weekend - doing a long run tomorrow 25km-ish which will include another attempt on Mt Cootha with Sam and then the 12km B2B on sunday.
Onwards and up (and up, and upwards)!
Anyway...
Track on tuesday was pretty hard. Nasty session, with no drills and a combo of 400m and 800m sets. Yucccckkkk. I still feel really, terminally slow and got my butt whipped by everyone. Only started to feel halfway human towards the end. How does that happen?
Despite my crap running, I enjoyed the last thing we did - we got staggered into 2 second intervals (slowest to fastest, with me being about fourth from the front) and did an all-out, give-it-everything-you've-got-then-fall-over-dead 400m sprint. I went for it and crossed the line joint first with someone from behind. Not really sure what that means exactly, other than that I am perhaps able to do better earlier on in a session than my running suggests. Blah.
Wednesday night saw my first medium long run with the group for a few weeks. Again, utterly, utterly shite session. Angie's garmin said we were running 5:50 pace (though that was what it said at the top of a hill!) and to me, it felt like 5:00 - I struggled like hell and ended up running in with a first timer who had had time off running.
I want to make excuses for myself and say wednesday night was crap because I was tired and had done a weights session at PT that morning, but the truth is that I'm also just shit at running at the moment. I need to suck it up and just keep on keeping on.
Seems I have also managed to miss the cut off date for the Lamington classic accommodation - Schultzy put the wind right up me on tuesday about everyone twisting their ankles up there and now I'm feeling slightly nervous about entering.
I'm sure I'll feel better about everything after this weekend - doing a long run tomorrow 25km-ish which will include another attempt on Mt Cootha with Sam and then the 12km B2B on sunday.
Onwards and up (and up, and upwards)!
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