27:30 TT and New Hair ;)

I went to do the 5km TT this morning, after wussing out on a run yesterday... I just couldn't drag myself out of bed and then when I got up, I spent the whole day cleaning and doing eight million loads of washing. It was disgustingly humid at the Time trial and I almost threw up mid run from the effort. Did 27:30 though, which was about 25 seconds quicker than last month.

Today, I also got my hair cut a lot shorter (it was past my shoulders and a bit like a giant hairy blanket!) My head now feels all light and floppy. But I like it :) Not sure what it'll look like after copious amounts of exercise, but only one way to find out! It definitely looks healthier, which is good.

I did Track on tuesday and ran my fastest 400m in a while at track... 1:40 and that was with sore, sore glutes from Binna Burra. Yay me.

Wednesday was a medium long run, although a new lady came so Ronnie and I had to take her out - we did a 6km loop then dropped her back and took off for a few more kms. I hope we didn't kill her - both of us were chomping at the bit but we kept the pace down I think. Have to see if she comes back next week!

Thursday I did Personal Training - Tony thinks I should go onto the CSIRO diet for a while, but it involves lots of cooking and I am, for want of a better word, a shitful cook - and even if I wasn't, I don't have much time to do so. I'm going to ask him to write me a week's diet instead. With easy stuff that doesn't involve effort ;) You wouldn't think food could be such a major thing, would you? But it is for me, as we all know!

I watched Blue Crush last night and am feeling all inspired - I want to look like that surfer girl ;) at least, I want to be that toned, anyway!

Binna Burra Babes Go Bush: 35km of trails

Back from a weekend up at Binna Burra. For those not in the know, Binna Burra is up in the mountains and rainforest about an hour and a half outside Brisbane. It’s one of those gorgeous, forgotten places that you know about but seldom visit.

Left work early on friday to head up to Binna Burra with running buddy Suzannah. River City Runners (RCR) had planned a weekend up there and thrown the invite open to whoever wanted to come. Both S and I love trails, so was a great excuse for a weekend away!

We arrived at about 4.30 or so and checked in. I'd never stayed there before, but it was great. They have safari tents with little verandahs and their own campfire. Plus, a gorgeous gorgeous view out over the rainforest to the coast. Vegegirl arrived as we were about to start cooking dinner and we all sat around the barbeque and gossiped. Well, okay, Vege and I sat - S cooked - I bought her dinner the next night instead. Not wanting to inflict my culinary crapness on possibly the best cook I've ever met! She cooked risotto with champagne and pine nuts on a BBQ hot plate. Unreal.

The next morning, we got up at 5am and went to meet the other runners. They were very speedy and left us in the dust! We ended up with Linda, Andrew, Harvey, Lisa, me and Susannah. Hadn't met Harvey before - he was from RCR but set out with us just wanting to do 10km and turn back.

We did the Coomera falls circuit which was about 18km. Looked fairly simple on the map, quite a scenic route. We didn’t actually read the sign about it near the track though, which told us all about what was to follow and that we shouldn’t do it after rain! It had rained the night before!

We started off at a nice gentle pace into the bush. You really have to watch where you put your feet because of all the tree roots and loose rocks. You also have to be covered in mossie repellent and wear decent socks, because as we discovered, the leeches were shocking!

Being a bit of a pommie still, I still have a slight issue with leeches. Bugs, snakes, insects, general wildlife is fine. Leeches, nah. They only really got a hold when you stopped moving though which was a good incentive to keep running. I just kept telling myself they use them in medical situations, so they're not evil really. Honest.

The first stop was a gorgeous lookout, about 5km in. It was the highest lookout I've ever been on - it made me a bit dizzy! We took loads of photos (will post them when I get them from Vege and Suze) Then, we headed off down the trail. Harvey decided he felt good, didn't want to turn around there so he came with us. Shortly thereafter, we were forced to slow to a walk which we were to maintain for the next 10km or so.

The rain had made all the rocks slippery and there was a massive, sheer drop on one side, so it was fairly vital to be careful. It was then that Susannah practically gave herself a concussion, headbutting an overhanging branch. It made quite an impressive crack and I grabbed her round the waist as she teetered sideways towards the edge! LOL!

We spiralled down into the valley below. Then started the first of what became 19, yes, 19 river crossings. Not just little river crossings either, but giant stepping stones and waterfalls. It was gorgeous. It was so quiet, I felt completely enveloped by the energy of the place. As I said, I love trails and I love the bush. Perfect combo – would’ve loved to stay by the water (minus the leeches of course!)

Crossing the river so many times became highly amusing. Lucky for us, the water didn't get very high and was crystal clear without being freezing. Harvey filled his bottle up at one of them. We came across a brilliant blue crayfish that hissed at us and snapped it’s pincers before running away. Pity they're protected - they're beautiful *and* I imagine, delicious, with some salt and lemon!

Harvey and Andrew being gentleman decided to help us girls across the river. I think it was at the second or third river crossing that Harvey took a massive tumble – he must’ve stepped on a slippery bit and landed on his chest on a rock which must've really REALLY hurt. He was okay though, except for some bruises and a chipped tooth and hopped up. At the next river crossing, he did the same, this time landing flat on his back. Once we knew he was alright, it was just all too much for Vege and I, who dissolved into hysterical fits of laughter.... not good when you're trying to balance on a slimey rock at the time ;) I got my feet wet ;)

Andrew came across after us and then promptly dropped his water bottle in the river – fuel belts and clambering over rocks don’t mix! There was a tiny waterfall where we were and every time he tried to drag the bottle across the river with a stick, it got flipped back down the rapids. Eventually, after about 89 attempts he managed to flip it out, across the river to dry land and we all applauded.

The leeches started to get really bad - they're amazing little things - they seem to sense body heat and when you looked at the ground, they were crawling towards you. Every half an hour or so we stopped to flick them off. If you aren't quick enough, they latch onto your fingers! I felt one bite my toe and hopped up and down on one foot and pulled my sock and shoe off, with Andrew holding onto my wrist while I tried not to fall back into the drink! It didn’t get me though, hooray!

Eventually, the trail widened out and started to climb up again to where we could run. Put in more of an effort and Andrew and I ran ahead to the finish, dodging the tourists on the way. Lisa came out 30 seconds or so later and the two of us sat down to wait for the other girls. Andrew went off for a shower and while we were waiting, we had a muesli bar and caught some sun on a bench.

All of a sudden, Lisa was standing on the top of the picnic table pulling me up after her, shouting "SNAKE!" - a brown snake (we weren't sure if it was a green tree snake that was brown or an actual brown snake) had slithered across under our legs to the bush on the other side. I hadn’t even seen it – I’ve decided it’s definitely time to get my eyes retested! Certainly got the adrenalin going!

That night, we all had a massive dinner together in the cafe and then sat round the campfire gossiping. It was so nice just to relax and chill out. I should've done similar during the xmas holidays. Alas, for crap finances. Adrian and Karen (Karisma) had arrived earlier and so we all sat and chatted. Headed to bed at about 10pm.

On arriving back at the tent, it became apparent that we had new neighbours in the safari tent next to us and that the husband snored like all hell. Evil as I am, I’ve found that if you impersonate someone who snores, they’ll often wake up enough to shut up. So I had a crack at it, but to no avail. Made the girls giggle though! Eventually I managed to drop off to sleep.

This morning (Sunday) we all got up at 5am again and headed out for another run. This time, only Lisa, S and I were in the slower group. We headed out on a different trail, over the other side of the mountain. Amazing how different the terrain and eco system was, just so close together.

This trail was 22km and took us six hours! Though the bush was heaps drier - more eucalypts and *bonus!* no leeches! Though apparently the boys still found them! It was just stunning scenery.... again, very dense and rugged... about 12 river crossings this time. We walked the whole way, just chatting. There were beautiful crystal clear creeks, waterfalls and brilliant green mossy boulders... massive, massive ancient trees and clearings - just amazing. I wanted to stop and have a swim but we were running a bit short on time. We clambered through lantana and long grass, over tree trunks practically taller than me and wiggled underneath them. At times the trail was so narrow, you had to rock climb across to where it widened out.

Loved it. It's amazing how close to Brisbane it all is, yet I've hardly been up there... the peace of the place, the overall sense of tranquility.... just gorgeous. I don't think I can rave enough about it! So good to get some time away from work. Even though we didn’t actually do tons of running, I still broke a sweat and have slightly sore hips from the hills. Vege is going great guns and I think she’ll be back running longer distances again before we all know it!

Must thank the lovely Vege and Susannah for a fabulous weekend. It was so nice to share it with great people. Makes so much difference. I think Binna burra would be the perfect place for a big CR weekend away!

Rah!

Gorgeous Pink Dirty Harriettes for your viewing pleasure :)

Have eaten substantially more carbs this week and feel muuuuccch better for it. My weight has gone up a kg again as a result, but my body fat is still dropping (love those new scales!) The hardcore training has also been having an effect I think and my body is finally getting used to working harder again! Hopefully I won't look quite so chunky as I do in this picture! *cringe* I feel like an amazon in comparison to the other girls, but at the end of the day, realistically I know that even if I was 60kgs, I'd still be really broad and tall. No tiny waist or curvy hips for me anytime soon!

Just gotta make the best of what you've got, no doubt!

On monday, I fronted up for circuit training and we did strength training, then stair running. As is the way currently, I felt awful to start, but the more I did the faster I went! Did an extra set of stairs on my own at the end, then felt very saintly ;)

I am absolutely brimming with enthusiasm for races this year.... such a turn around from the end of last year where I felt completely uninspired. The Dirty Harriettes are considering an assault on Kokoda on the GC in July, 100 miles (yes, miles!) is looking mighty tempting (if I survive the preceeding training!)

My enthusiasm may be getting the best of me again ;) But it's sooo much fun!

Track tonight!

Hares and Hounds

Last night, Lisa (aka Vegie) came round to crash before the H&H run up at Glasshouse today. We got up at 2am and headed out... I don't think I'll ever get used to getting up at 2am for a run! Makes 5am feel almost luxurious!

Arrived up at Glasshouse at 3.35am, just after the hares had set off. Bumped into a few familar faces and met up with my fellow team mates, "The Dirty Harriettes" and beautified ourselves with glittery tattoos, pink lipstick, tiaras and bling.

I ended up doing the first leg in the dark. Going on past experience, I was a bit nervous about it, since I have a tendency to get lost fairly easily, but the markings on the course were absolutely fab - best I've ever seen up there and I managed to make it through my first leg in tact.

The weather was really humid and by the time I'd finished my first leg, I was sweating buckets. Tanky and I alternated the first few legs and then I ran Lisa's legs with her too. Made my total run 24km, which was nice. The more I ran, the better I felt. Do really want to buy some proper trail shoes though!

Somewhere along the way, out on the course, my car battery decided to die. Talk about timing. Thankfully, the boys were driving my car and I was riding in Karen's car. They had to push start it at every checkpoint. No mean feat given the hilly area!

I think my favourite part of the run was Henessys Hill... all the Mount Cootha running and squats have been doing wonders for my legs and I felt really good. Infact, the more I ran, the better I felt so I'm feeling more optimistic about my prospects for actually being able to cover 100km in September.

I do love the Glasshouse area - gorgeous, natural backdrop for running, fresh air and peace and quiet. Just fabulous.

At the end of the run, we met back at the pool for a shower and barbeque. Then I tried to ring RACQ to get them to bring me a battery, but unfortunately, they only accept a credit card and I cut mine up last year - they'd only come out to jump start me, but we could do that by clutch starting it anyway. Schultzy and Davo push started the three of us down the hill, bless them! Thanks Guys!

So, Adrian volunteered to drive my car to a car place for me so I could buy one. Davo lent me some tools so we could change it over when we got there.

We were literally the last customer the battery world place served! So lucky we got there in time! The the boys swapped it over for me and all was well.

How great are our Brisbane running boys? They all went completely out of their way to help me out today... makes me really proud to be part of the running community. Lovely, lovely people we have!

burst of activity!

I am buggered! I think I've rather overdone things in the last week or so.

Lets see: Cootha on saturday, circuit training monday, track on tuesday, running last night, personal training today, circuit training tomorrow morning, rock climbing tomorrow night then Hares and Hounds at the GH on sunday!

Well, the sudden burst of lets-get-fit-again has meant I've dropped 3kgs since monday *LOL* Hear me roar! I actually bought some scary scales on the weekend too - they measure hydration and fat aa well as kgs. Fascinating stuff!

The no caffiene, chocolate or alchohol thing continues well. I'm drinking about 4L of water a day though and it's not a struggle by any means. I think my innards must've been shrivelled up like prunes before!

At running last night I had a total shocker... I think I got a bit cocky after doing mount cootha and I tried to move up a group again... BIG MISTAKE! I knew I was in trouble after about 3km... didn't know whether to faint, vomit, fall over or cry. I settled on almost crying before two others volunteered to drop off the back with me. Still, learnt my lesson... I shall stay with the other group a while longer.

Next weekend I'm going to Binna Burra with GH running buddy Susannah - I'm really looking forward to getting away for a while!

MOUNT COOTHA IS MY BIATCH! FINALLY!

Got up this morning feeling like poo, bloated, achy yuck. Met the gals and guys (*waves at Owen*) for the monthly mount cootha run and what do you know?

MOUNT COOTHA IS NOW MY BIATCH!


Funny really, after two years of mostly being a lot fitter than I am now, I have a go post-xmas-gluttony, feeling awful and had the best run I've had in ages.

I started off with Ronnie and we headed out to the botanical gardens which are on the way. I decided to fall in behind her and we chugged up the first hill. Then Ronnie asked me to go infront of her so off I went. I went really, really slowly just taking my time. Before you know it, I'm up at the yellow gates of doom where I usually conk out.

The yellow gates passed me by and I got to the TV towers. By that point, I realised that if I kept at it I might just make it the entire way, so I buckled down and set to. Didn't stop for water, didn't stop for a chat with the others who were getting water, just kept on.

Passed a beautiful white cockatoo, who was grazing on the grass on the side of the road. He eyed me up and down and it reminded me of one of the first times I tried to run it and came accross a flock of them.

Once I got up the major incline, I found I could speed up a bit which was great and settled into my normal pace. The sun was shining, all was very quiet and the smell of warmed eucalyptus wafted on the breeze. Found myself grinning and feeling fabulous.

Hit the cafe at the top and sailed past the gals again who were on a toilet stop (or would've been, if they hadn't been locked!) and carried on down the hill. I can't believe how good I felt the whole time... my legs were working but not wobbly and I could breath reasonably well. I kept misting up my sunnies, but that's bound to happen.

Got back to the regatta in 1:47, which is a PB of at least three minutes :) I think the secret to cracking it was just to go out MUCH slower on the first two hills. Once I did that, I could cope with the rest easily. Hurrah!

I'm still bouncing up and down - now I've finally managed to crack it, I'm wondering if I can do it quicker!

HURRAH!

Happy New Year!

Wow, can you believe it's 2007? I feel like I should be somewhere in the middle of last year, still ;)

So, what have I been doing in the last week or so? On saturday I went to the 5km time trial at Shorncliffe - 27:50ish. Not fabulous, but not as bad as the last few have been! An average time for me, which I'm quite happy with really, given xmas and everything! My running amigo, Ronnie did a ripper PB, taking three minutes off her last time - all I could do is jump up and down and yell as she came towards the line - she's lost loads of weight and been working really hard. Uncle Phil was all proud of her, too - grinning from ear to ear and slapped her on the back and everything, bless him.

I've been swimming a couple of times, nothing major but it reminds me how out of practice at it I am - my arms were so sore the next day!

Last night was a killer track session - deceptively so... we did our three warm up laps, stride throughs, then drills (fun but hard on the legs!) then Phil beckoned us over to a set of concrete stairs by the edge of the track - we had to bolt up and down them as fast as we could. Coming down was actually heaps harder than going up but it was interesting to have it pointed out to me that I favour landing on one leg. Who knows why! Must be to do with being left or right handed.

Tonight is medium long run. Hoping tonight won't be as painful as last week! Although, I have kept to my new years resolutions so far (no alchohol, caffiene or chocolate!) and have been eating well, so I feel slightly less disgusting in myself!

The hardest thing was always going to be no caffiene - being a diet coke addict, I virtually live on the stuff, particularly whilst I've been working three jobs - it's the only way to cope with the hours! Still, so far, so good - the biggest side affect has been the headaches. Massive, massive, horrible headaches. Nothing a few panadol and a lie down can't fix, but it's a good job I'm not back at work until next week!

Feeling all fired up and ready to go for this year - the rest of the month is focussed on getting my fitness back and then back into building up for the gold coast marathon. Last year, I did 4:42 (after being reeaaalllyyy sick with a chest infection for several weeks before) so this year, my 'Plan A Goal' will be 4:00, my 'Plan B Goal' will be 4:10 and 'Plan C', 4:15. Of course, it's always nice just to cross the line, too ;) *LOL*

Uncle Phil is taking a slightly different tack with my training for the GC, too - last year, I think I was just stunned and amazed I could actually cover the distance without dying and ran very conservatively in training and in the race. I know I did the first half too slowly. This year, I'll be doing my long runs on saturday mornings as usual, but I'll also be doing the short BRRC runs, too. 5km runs for training, now there's a novelty! The idea being, I think, to keep my endurance up and keep me running little bursts at a faster speed so I don't decimate my fast twitch muscle fibres in the same way as last year.

Me. Fast twitch muscle fibres. *L* they're in there somewhere, honest!

Oh, and seems I have a new reader, Ness. *waves* Hi Ness!

Hope you all had a fabulous New Years Eve! Hope 2007 brings you lots of great things :)