Monday:
Went out to Sandgate for the social run. Hammys were a tad achey from the 21km the day before. Did 8km at five something pace which surprised me because it felt wayyyy slower. Nice to run right next to waves crashing against the walkway, very dramatic (if slightly damp on occasion!) After 5km, soreness and tiredness started to fade slightly and was able to pick it up and even ended in a sprint finish (where on earth did that come from?) Ha! *grins*
Tuesday:
Track session - felt like poo, but ignored my legs and carried on. Think I was a bit slower than usual, but tiredness probably to blame! We did drills again - I love those, and the strides at the start too... zooming along is so satisfying :) It's the continuous laps with jog recovery that I dislike!
Mysteriously, also managed to chafe the inside of my right calf muscle... I must run with my feet closer together when I'm tired or something - never managed it before! If I'm hitting one leg with the other, makes me wonder why my left one wasn't chafed too! Either that, or perhaps my calves are getting fatter? LOL!
Today and Tonight
Went into the city today and to my delight, found rebel sports was having a massive sale - loads of running gear reduced and then an extra 50% off the reduced price! Hence, running tops, shorts and bra-tops (brooks, addidas, nike, aasics etc) for $20-30! Mens stuff too, so well worth a trip for brissiefolk, I reckon! (hear my bank manager scream - but at least I look funky and for a fraction of the normal price!)
Was feeling really apprehensive about tonight, considering I've been running five days in a row without a break. That said, I think I'm finally starting to feel the results of all the extra effort I've been putting in - tonight's run was soooo much easier. Had a sense of things starting to just click into place. Phil said we weren't really going any slower than previous weeks - but there were less hills. Anyway, woohoo, definitely a breakthrough night. Finished feeling like I could've carried on and almost did a small victory dance because yes, get this - I finally managed to stay with the pack!! Without crying or hyperventilating, either ;)
So all in all, I'm feeling quite pleased with myself tonight - I didn't realise just how much I needed to have a 'good' run and even though sunday didn't work out quite the way I wanted, I felt good then too, so really that makes two good runs this week :)
Absolutely blissful not to feel like I had concrete feet :) We sorted our gold coast accommodation tonight as well and it's all feeling a bit more real and getting exciting :) Can't wait!
Happy Me :) (endorphin'd up)
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Monday, March 27, 2006
Sunday, March 26, 2006
5km TT 27:07 + 21km 2:05 PB
Huge Post, I'm afraid! Sorry :)
Saturday: 5km TT @ 27:07
Yesterday I went and did the 5km TT at Shorncliffe again. Sort of knew I wasn't going to do a PB again. Personal Training seems to be playing havoc with my running at the moment - doesn't matter when I schedule it, I end up being sore during one run or another which makes me slower! I had PT on *thursday* and by *saturday* I was still feeling the effects of the weights session - and he didn't even work my legs hard because I asked him not to! *cough* LOL!
Tracey made it to the TT despite having accidentally slept in due to too much champagne the night before (the benefits of catching a lift with other runners I guess - there's no escape and they will come and beat on your door until you get up *weg*) Usual suspects were there... Schultzy, John, Angie, Joan, Phil and Di of course! Saw Shane and his partner too, who seemed really nice, though I didn't get a chance to say hi to her. Next time! Non-running partners who come to watch their other halves at ridiculous hours of the morning on a weekend must really be special people to my mind! Mr Clairie has always blown me away too, in that regard ;)
Angie arrived with an evil glint in her eye and sure enough, took off as soon as we were over the line. Trace and I ran together for the first half and we weren't too far behind for most of the first half, but just as we approached the turn around, she started to feel the effects of the night before and despite me trying to gee her on between wheezes, couldn't pull her with me. Started to speed up, though I knew I wasn't going to do a very good time. Crossed the line in 27:07 which I wasn't very impressed with really, but such is life! Aside from that, I knew I'd be running long the next day so figured perhaps saving the juice was a wise move.
Sunday: 21km @ BRRC 7-35km Self Select: 2:05
Got up at 4:30am and realised winter is definately on it's way - it was quite cold! Got dressed, threw on a jumper and headed to the West End. Clairie was marshalling, but felt like people were missing too - Tesso being a notable absence, poor thing. The Moo Tri is on this weekend, so a few people were up the coast for that, too. Leg muscles felt slightly less sore, although I've got a niggle in my right calf muscle - feels exactly like the intial twinge you get before a big cramp. Am not very impressed with it and holding my breath that it sorts itself out. I'm not sure if it's the start of something that I should rest early or if I should just carry on running and hope it resolves itself, as most niggles do.
I made the mistake this morning of starting the race whilst undecided on quite how far/long I was going to run. Big mistake, huge - meant I couldn't settle into a pace for a while and caused havoc with my 'gameplan'. Technically, I was supposed to do 2:20 for an easy week. I hate finishing mid lap though, so I knew I'd either be doing 21k or 28k (loops of 7k)
We all set off together and I let the pack zoom off ahead, even the people I knew would be running at a similar pace to me. That's the thing about the self select - you can't be sure how far everyone is going, so you can't use them as pacers for the distance. It took me the first 2km or so to warm up and get into my groove, then I started to feel really good. Which came as quite a surprise really - I was going at a faster pace than normal. Even more of a surprise though, was that I started reeling people in and passing them and turns out they were the 14km runners so by all rights should've been leaving me in the dust!
I knew I'd be in trouble if I went too quickly, particularly if I did the 28km at that pace, but I felt so comfortable, I decided to see how long I could hold the faster pace. Zoomed through the 7km mark and didn't need to stop for water - drank as I went. That in itself is an indication to me that I was going well - last month I ran the 10 mile there after a TT the previous day in 1:46 and I **had** to stop for water twice I think.
Passed a few more people on the next loop - had a bit of fun with a girl in green, where we went back and forth for a while, before she finally got me 500m from the end of the loop because she was finishing! (another 14km runner). Even more of a surprise was then passing one of the girls who does tuesday track sessions with me and usually whips my butt ;) When I hit the next turn and could see I was widening the gap between her and me, I committed to just putting everything I had into the next loop and finishing hard at 21km. I must admit, I had aspirations of finally cracking that sub 2 half and I'd been running five-something kms the whole way.
It wasn't until I hit about 17kms that I started to realise I'd gone out too hard... my breathing was fine, it was more a case of tired legs. I started that horrible process where you watch your splits slowly go down the pan with each subsequent km marker. The sun had come out and it was heating up and I basically blew up and started to slllooowwww down quite spectacularly.
Crossed the line in almost exactly 2:05. Which is actually a PB of 5 minutes, since the last half I did was Noosa last year in 2:10. Have to admit to being annoyed at myself though - if I'd paced myself better, I think I could've cracked 2:00 today, but because I didn't decide to go for it until the second loop, my very early kms were slower than they should've been and the majority were too fast. If I'd stuck to bang on 6:00 pace, I might've squeaked in.
Anyway. instead of moaning about it, I'm really just going to try to learn from it:
Things I learnt
- decide on game plan before the race, not during!
- tapering makes me faster, PT and running a 5k TT the day before trying to race, does not.
- gels work for me (thanks clairie!)
- My first half took me 2:30, the second 2:15 and the third 2:10. I've just done 2:05, so next up surely is 2:00? *L*
Up to now, my long slow runs have been exactly that - long and slow. I'd say around 7:00 pace (comfy and feel like I can run that forever) I'm now wondering though, if I should try to amp up the pace in those to 6:00 if that's what I want to do in the marathon. Or should I stay with the same reliable plod for time and carry on doing fast for midweek run and speedwork?
Saturday: 5km TT @ 27:07
Yesterday I went and did the 5km TT at Shorncliffe again. Sort of knew I wasn't going to do a PB again. Personal Training seems to be playing havoc with my running at the moment - doesn't matter when I schedule it, I end up being sore during one run or another which makes me slower! I had PT on *thursday* and by *saturday* I was still feeling the effects of the weights session - and he didn't even work my legs hard because I asked him not to! *cough* LOL!
Tracey made it to the TT despite having accidentally slept in due to too much champagne the night before (the benefits of catching a lift with other runners I guess - there's no escape and they will come and beat on your door until you get up *weg*) Usual suspects were there... Schultzy, John, Angie, Joan, Phil and Di of course! Saw Shane and his partner too, who seemed really nice, though I didn't get a chance to say hi to her. Next time! Non-running partners who come to watch their other halves at ridiculous hours of the morning on a weekend must really be special people to my mind! Mr Clairie has always blown me away too, in that regard ;)
Angie arrived with an evil glint in her eye and sure enough, took off as soon as we were over the line. Trace and I ran together for the first half and we weren't too far behind for most of the first half, but just as we approached the turn around, she started to feel the effects of the night before and despite me trying to gee her on between wheezes, couldn't pull her with me. Started to speed up, though I knew I wasn't going to do a very good time. Crossed the line in 27:07 which I wasn't very impressed with really, but such is life! Aside from that, I knew I'd be running long the next day so figured perhaps saving the juice was a wise move.
Sunday: 21km @ BRRC 7-35km Self Select: 2:05
Got up at 4:30am and realised winter is definately on it's way - it was quite cold! Got dressed, threw on a jumper and headed to the West End. Clairie was marshalling, but felt like people were missing too - Tesso being a notable absence, poor thing. The Moo Tri is on this weekend, so a few people were up the coast for that, too. Leg muscles felt slightly less sore, although I've got a niggle in my right calf muscle - feels exactly like the intial twinge you get before a big cramp. Am not very impressed with it and holding my breath that it sorts itself out. I'm not sure if it's the start of something that I should rest early or if I should just carry on running and hope it resolves itself, as most niggles do.
I made the mistake this morning of starting the race whilst undecided on quite how far/long I was going to run. Big mistake, huge - meant I couldn't settle into a pace for a while and caused havoc with my 'gameplan'. Technically, I was supposed to do 2:20 for an easy week. I hate finishing mid lap though, so I knew I'd either be doing 21k or 28k (loops of 7k)
We all set off together and I let the pack zoom off ahead, even the people I knew would be running at a similar pace to me. That's the thing about the self select - you can't be sure how far everyone is going, so you can't use them as pacers for the distance. It took me the first 2km or so to warm up and get into my groove, then I started to feel really good. Which came as quite a surprise really - I was going at a faster pace than normal. Even more of a surprise though, was that I started reeling people in and passing them and turns out they were the 14km runners so by all rights should've been leaving me in the dust!
I knew I'd be in trouble if I went too quickly, particularly if I did the 28km at that pace, but I felt so comfortable, I decided to see how long I could hold the faster pace. Zoomed through the 7km mark and didn't need to stop for water - drank as I went. That in itself is an indication to me that I was going well - last month I ran the 10 mile there after a TT the previous day in 1:46 and I **had** to stop for water twice I think.
Passed a few more people on the next loop - had a bit of fun with a girl in green, where we went back and forth for a while, before she finally got me 500m from the end of the loop because she was finishing! (another 14km runner). Even more of a surprise was then passing one of the girls who does tuesday track sessions with me and usually whips my butt ;) When I hit the next turn and could see I was widening the gap between her and me, I committed to just putting everything I had into the next loop and finishing hard at 21km. I must admit, I had aspirations of finally cracking that sub 2 half and I'd been running five-something kms the whole way.
It wasn't until I hit about 17kms that I started to realise I'd gone out too hard... my breathing was fine, it was more a case of tired legs. I started that horrible process where you watch your splits slowly go down the pan with each subsequent km marker. The sun had come out and it was heating up and I basically blew up and started to slllooowwww down quite spectacularly.
Crossed the line in almost exactly 2:05. Which is actually a PB of 5 minutes, since the last half I did was Noosa last year in 2:10. Have to admit to being annoyed at myself though - if I'd paced myself better, I think I could've cracked 2:00 today, but because I didn't decide to go for it until the second loop, my very early kms were slower than they should've been and the majority were too fast. If I'd stuck to bang on 6:00 pace, I might've squeaked in.
Anyway. instead of moaning about it, I'm really just going to try to learn from it:
Things I learnt
- decide on game plan before the race, not during!
- tapering makes me faster, PT and running a 5k TT the day before trying to race, does not.
- gels work for me (thanks clairie!)
- My first half took me 2:30, the second 2:15 and the third 2:10. I've just done 2:05, so next up surely is 2:00? *L*
Up to now, my long slow runs have been exactly that - long and slow. I'd say around 7:00 pace (comfy and feel like I can run that forever) I'm now wondering though, if I should try to amp up the pace in those to 6:00 if that's what I want to do in the marathon. Or should I stay with the same reliable plod for time and carry on doing fast for midweek run and speedwork?
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Track and 14km Medium Run
Thankfully, this weeks track session and medium run were a bit kinder to me ;) Seems Phil actually reads my blog from time to time *LOL*
Track involved more drills which I really like - short sharp sprints and various strides and pick ups. Hard work but fun. Then tonight we had slightly less fast run than last week (thank the gods!) but it did include some nasty nasty hills. Anyway, I feel like I coped slightly better. Didn't get too far behind the others (though I think the hanging-with-the-pack theory will take some more work yet!
Operation Anti-Wobble has fallen by the way side in the last couple of weeks but is now firmly back in place. Only trouble is that I'm right back where I started before plus two kgs but better to get back on the wagon now, than not at all or in another 2kgs time. So, watch this space ;) I'll get to 70kgs before I run the GCM if I have to gaffa tape my mouth shut, dammit! LOL!
Actually, that just means I set myself another goal, doesn't it? I've never actually set myself an exact 'ideal weight' before! Ooooo no ;) Another challenge ;)
Also had my four (actually fifth though) week 'check up' with Phil tonight too - apparently, in my eagerness to run longer, not only had I forgotten to put in plateaus at the end of each five week block of increased long runs, but I hadn't put in shorter run too (ie - in this block each week I did 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30 then the plateau with another two 2:30s) I thought this week I was due to do 2:40 but apparently, I'm supposed to drop to 2:20 to give my body an easy week before increasing again. I had thought that was what the plateau was for, but nope! I have to admit, I'm a bit miffed cos this weekend is the 7- 35km self select at the West End and I really want to do a looonnnggg run (just to see if I can!) but I'll be good, follow my program and not disobey my master ;)
Aside from that, everything is going okay.. am thinking of slowly adding in a few more crosstraining sessions to the weekly program so some days I'll train twice a day (no running twice a day though! bugger that! LOL!)
So, plans for the next fortnight now look like this:
Monday - Weights (done!)
Tuesday - Track (done!)
Wednesday - Medium Run 14km 120mins
Thurs - PT and swim
Friday - REST DAY
Sat - 5km TT (fingers crossed for PB!)
Sun - 2:20 at BRRC + Swim
Monday - Swim + Social Run 10km
Tuesday - Bike + Track
Wednesday - Swim + Medium Run
Thurs - Bike + Weights
Fri - REST DAY
Sat - 2:40 (I think!)
Sun - Surfing maybe... swim/weights
I'm starting to think I might actually break 200kms for the month! Woo!
Track involved more drills which I really like - short sharp sprints and various strides and pick ups. Hard work but fun. Then tonight we had slightly less fast run than last week (thank the gods!) but it did include some nasty nasty hills. Anyway, I feel like I coped slightly better. Didn't get too far behind the others (though I think the hanging-with-the-pack theory will take some more work yet!
Operation Anti-Wobble has fallen by the way side in the last couple of weeks but is now firmly back in place. Only trouble is that I'm right back where I started before plus two kgs but better to get back on the wagon now, than not at all or in another 2kgs time. So, watch this space ;) I'll get to 70kgs before I run the GCM if I have to gaffa tape my mouth shut, dammit! LOL!
Actually, that just means I set myself another goal, doesn't it? I've never actually set myself an exact 'ideal weight' before! Ooooo no ;) Another challenge ;)
Also had my four (actually fifth though) week 'check up' with Phil tonight too - apparently, in my eagerness to run longer, not only had I forgotten to put in plateaus at the end of each five week block of increased long runs, but I hadn't put in shorter run too (ie - in this block each week I did 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30 then the plateau with another two 2:30s) I thought this week I was due to do 2:40 but apparently, I'm supposed to drop to 2:20 to give my body an easy week before increasing again. I had thought that was what the plateau was for, but nope! I have to admit, I'm a bit miffed cos this weekend is the 7- 35km self select at the West End and I really want to do a looonnnggg run (just to see if I can!) but I'll be good, follow my program and not disobey my master ;)
Aside from that, everything is going okay.. am thinking of slowly adding in a few more crosstraining sessions to the weekly program so some days I'll train twice a day (no running twice a day though! bugger that! LOL!)
So, plans for the next fortnight now look like this:
Monday - Weights (done!)
Tuesday - Track (done!)
Wednesday - Medium Run 14km 120mins
Thurs - PT and swim
Friday - REST DAY
Sat - 5km TT (fingers crossed for PB!)
Sun - 2:20 at BRRC + Swim
Monday - Swim + Social Run 10km
Tuesday - Bike + Track
Wednesday - Swim + Medium Run
Thurs - Bike + Weights
Fri - REST DAY
Sat - 2:40 (I think!)
Sun - Surfing maybe... swim/weights
I'm starting to think I might actually break 200kms for the month! Woo!
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Whingeless 2:30 Long Run Again :)
Well, you'll all be relieved to know I've taken off my whinging pommy pants ;)
Decided to take Robert Song's advice just to go out and run and enjoy it. Which is what I did. It was also my longest run on my own (2:30 again this week) I didn't cheat too much, although I did stop for water a few times.
Got up at 4am and drove to the regatta, arrived at 5am and started plodding down towards the gardens, where I bumped into Clairie, Glenno, Lizzle and others coming the other way! It was still quite dark at that point so we waved madly and kept on keeping on. The first fifteen minutes of any run I do always seems to feel bad - my legs feel tired. Once I get past about 3kms, I feel loads better.
Ran through the gardens, down past the riverside centre and out to New Farm Park. Did a quick loop and a water stop. I could feel my fuel belt chafing my back (it's quite impressive actually - almost good enough to warrant a photo, except for the fact you'd all have to see my builders bum!) Kept seeing various people I knew run by from the regatta crowd and then bumped into Sam and Cheryl under the Story Bridge... typically, they caught me on a brief water stop as I was walking around the corne LOL. I'd turned around at 1:15, but seemed to be going faster on the way home, since I got back to the regatta about 15 minutes early. Luckily, Siri (I think that's her name? lovely blonde american lady) was out riding her bike and rode along with me chatting as I joined on the extra through Toowong.
Got back to the Regatta and caught Sam for brekkie. I think everyone else was still out running. It was so hot this morning, I felt sorry for them!
I've decided that the only way to deal with my recent bout of woe-is-me about being slow, is to just push harder. So, on wednesday, I'm making it my mission to hang with the pack for the entire run. If I have to sacrifice my dignity and constantly swear/moan/hysterically cry to do it, I'm going to *LOL* (Yes, drama queen through and through!). Every week I push hard, but I can't be far away from being able to do it, surely... they're never more than about 20-30m ahead. Worth a shot, anyway.
Hope you're all having a fab weekend!
Decided to take Robert Song's advice just to go out and run and enjoy it. Which is what I did. It was also my longest run on my own (2:30 again this week) I didn't cheat too much, although I did stop for water a few times.
Got up at 4am and drove to the regatta, arrived at 5am and started plodding down towards the gardens, where I bumped into Clairie, Glenno, Lizzle and others coming the other way! It was still quite dark at that point so we waved madly and kept on keeping on. The first fifteen minutes of any run I do always seems to feel bad - my legs feel tired. Once I get past about 3kms, I feel loads better.
Ran through the gardens, down past the riverside centre and out to New Farm Park. Did a quick loop and a water stop. I could feel my fuel belt chafing my back (it's quite impressive actually - almost good enough to warrant a photo, except for the fact you'd all have to see my builders bum!) Kept seeing various people I knew run by from the regatta crowd and then bumped into Sam and Cheryl under the Story Bridge... typically, they caught me on a brief water stop as I was walking around the corne LOL. I'd turned around at 1:15, but seemed to be going faster on the way home, since I got back to the regatta about 15 minutes early. Luckily, Siri (I think that's her name? lovely blonde american lady) was out riding her bike and rode along with me chatting as I joined on the extra through Toowong.
Got back to the Regatta and caught Sam for brekkie. I think everyone else was still out running. It was so hot this morning, I felt sorry for them!
I've decided that the only way to deal with my recent bout of woe-is-me about being slow, is to just push harder. So, on wednesday, I'm making it my mission to hang with the pack for the entire run. If I have to sacrifice my dignity and constantly swear/moan/hysterically cry to do it, I'm going to *LOL* (Yes, drama queen through and through!). Every week I push hard, but I can't be far away from being able to do it, surely... they're never more than about 20-30m ahead. Worth a shot, anyway.
Hope you're all having a fab weekend!
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Bit of a bad week!
This week has been pretty gnarly thus far.... track on tuesday night was HELL... sweat pouring into my eyes, lungs burning, heart about to explode and some really *really* tough efforts. Second week in a row where I felt like I was just going to vomit everywhere if I pushed any harder.
Medium long run tonight was similarly nasty. About 15kms of desparately trying to keep up and mostly failing miserably. By the half way mark, I was being pathetic and just about crying on the uphills. Tracey suddenly found her legs and took off (I swear that girl is doing extra special secret training!!!) and I could hardly breathe I was working so hard. Faded by the end, so the lovely Joan came and ran with me. The annoying thing is, once I drop the pace down a bit, I feel fine.
It's nights like this though where that annoying little voice in the back of my head tells me I'm just not getting any better or any quicker, that I'm holding people back and if I was improving in any way, it wouldn't be such a bloody struggle all the time. Argh. Rubbish I know but I'm just in need of a 'good' run - one of those occasional runs that happen out of the blue where you just feel fit and great. I know this is the grunt work, and a 'good' run wouldn't be - but I felt so awful tonight! I had goosebumps, felt shivery and cold, thought I was going to throw up, all over again!
When I finished, I probably drank a litre and a half of water and felt slightly better, even though I drank all the way through the run. I can't even think about eating dinner though. Not that it'll hurt me not to - I'm struggling just as hard with my food, still! Generally, this week, I feel fat and bloated and slow! Fingers crossed next week is a thinner, less slow and more positive week.
With all this horrible, horrible nasty training going on, if I don't do a sub 2 hour half this year, I'm seriously going to have a caniption. I physically couldn't work any harder in the sessions I'm doing, than I am right now!
Did I mention, thus far this week, I've also had one huuuuggeee barney with the next door neighbours, botched a fire drill at uni, been told off by security guards for unknowingly breaching uni WH&S, pranged my car and broken a clients computer?
Yep, next week has to get better!
Medium long run tonight was similarly nasty. About 15kms of desparately trying to keep up and mostly failing miserably. By the half way mark, I was being pathetic and just about crying on the uphills. Tracey suddenly found her legs and took off (I swear that girl is doing extra special secret training!!!) and I could hardly breathe I was working so hard. Faded by the end, so the lovely Joan came and ran with me. The annoying thing is, once I drop the pace down a bit, I feel fine.
It's nights like this though where that annoying little voice in the back of my head tells me I'm just not getting any better or any quicker, that I'm holding people back and if I was improving in any way, it wouldn't be such a bloody struggle all the time. Argh. Rubbish I know but I'm just in need of a 'good' run - one of those occasional runs that happen out of the blue where you just feel fit and great. I know this is the grunt work, and a 'good' run wouldn't be - but I felt so awful tonight! I had goosebumps, felt shivery and cold, thought I was going to throw up, all over again!
When I finished, I probably drank a litre and a half of water and felt slightly better, even though I drank all the way through the run. I can't even think about eating dinner though. Not that it'll hurt me not to - I'm struggling just as hard with my food, still! Generally, this week, I feel fat and bloated and slow! Fingers crossed next week is a thinner, less slow and more positive week.
With all this horrible, horrible nasty training going on, if I don't do a sub 2 hour half this year, I'm seriously going to have a caniption. I physically couldn't work any harder in the sessions I'm doing, than I am right now!
Did I mention, thus far this week, I've also had one huuuuggeee barney with the next door neighbours, botched a fire drill at uni, been told off by security guards for unknowingly breaching uni WH&S, pranged my car and broken a clients computer?
Yep, next week has to get better!
Monday, March 13, 2006
bits and pieces - weights session
Having a non-running day today. Am just about to head off to the gym to do some weights. The week looks like this:
Monday - Weights
Tuesday - Speedwork
Weds - Medium Long Run
Thurs - Weights/swim
Fri - swim/bike
Sat - Long Run (2:30 - week 2 of 3 wk plateau)
This week I'm going to do my best to sort out my eating again... there has to be a middle ground here somewhere for carbs, surely! LOL! Phil emailed me too after reviewing my program, to tell me I hadn't put enough plateau weeks between the blocks of increasing long runs, so this week will be week 2 of 3, running 2:30. (shh, but I actually did 2:40 on saturday! oops!)
This means I've now completed the first of the four training blocks! A quarter done, Woo! I'm thinking each quarter is going to get progressively harder from here on out ;)
I've also just counted my kms for last week and I ran 50kms! (how much better do I feel than that week where I did 60km and almost killed myself?) If I stick to target, I'm on track for a 200km month at least :)
I'm thinking I shall have to suspend judgement on the glasshouse idea until after the GCM... there's lots of time to decide and as you guys say, I could always do the 30km to see how I feel..... so watch this space ;)
To answer some of the questions/comments you lovely bloggites left, too:
Shane asked
just wondering what races if any are you planning to do before the GCM. Brisbane 1/2 - full, Warwick, Queensland 1/2?
I'm definitely going to do the Brisbane 1/2 and the Queensland Half, along with the longer BRRC runs... not sure about Warwick (depends on finances!) although it's very tempting because everyone says it's so much fun!
Clairie you looked fine in that running outfit! Happy to swap *L*I'd love to be able to get my belly out but I think I might take sideswipe someone if I let it loose! Besides, no one looks glam when they run! If you did, you wouldn't be working hard enough ;)
Oh, and on another note entirely, I was reading back through some of my old blog entries from this time last year. This time last year, I'd just run my first 10km race without stopping, ever ;) The month before saw my first 5km race ever. How time flies!
Monday - Weights
Tuesday - Speedwork
Weds - Medium Long Run
Thurs - Weights/swim
Fri - swim/bike
Sat - Long Run (2:30 - week 2 of 3 wk plateau)
This week I'm going to do my best to sort out my eating again... there has to be a middle ground here somewhere for carbs, surely! LOL! Phil emailed me too after reviewing my program, to tell me I hadn't put enough plateau weeks between the blocks of increasing long runs, so this week will be week 2 of 3, running 2:30. (shh, but I actually did 2:40 on saturday! oops!)
This means I've now completed the first of the four training blocks! A quarter done, Woo! I'm thinking each quarter is going to get progressively harder from here on out ;)
I've also just counted my kms for last week and I ran 50kms! (how much better do I feel than that week where I did 60km and almost killed myself?) If I stick to target, I'm on track for a 200km month at least :)
I'm thinking I shall have to suspend judgement on the glasshouse idea until after the GCM... there's lots of time to decide and as you guys say, I could always do the 30km to see how I feel..... so watch this space ;)
To answer some of the questions/comments you lovely bloggites left, too:
Shane asked
just wondering what races if any are you planning to do before the GCM. Brisbane 1/2 - full, Warwick, Queensland 1/2?
I'm definitely going to do the Brisbane 1/2 and the Queensland Half, along with the longer BRRC runs... not sure about Warwick (depends on finances!) although it's very tempting because everyone says it's so much fun!
Clairie you looked fine in that running outfit! Happy to swap *L*I'd love to be able to get my belly out but I think I might take sideswipe someone if I let it loose! Besides, no one looks glam when they run! If you did, you wouldn't be working hard enough ;)
Oh, and on another note entirely, I was reading back through some of my old blog entries from this time last year. This time last year, I'd just run my first 10km race without stopping, ever ;) The month before saw my first 5km race ever. How time flies!
Sunday, March 12, 2006
2:30 Long Run + contemplating Glasshouse?
Yesterday morning, I heaved myself out of bed at 4am to go and start my long run (2:30 this week) I’m starting to feel just a little bit tired lately, though I’m not sure if it’s from all the running or being back at uni teaching. Probably a bit of both!
Ate a couple of bits of toast, then discovered my mp3 player is broken. Good excuse to buy an iShuffle I suppose, but couldn’t have been worse timing (a. I’m still waiting to get paid, and b. no music during the run!). Headed out to the regatta and started the run. I’d planned to meet Tracey half way through and she would run the last 1:30 with me. Funny being at the regatta and there being no one around though! Seemed wrong, somehow!
Started running along the river, down towards the botanical gardens and wished I had my camera with me. The sun was coming up and the river was so perfectly still, it looked like liquid silver. Gorgeous. Definitely made up for the uber-early rise! Despite my moaning, I do really like that time of day. It’s so peaceful.
I plodded along, looking at everything and played my favourite running game, where I see how many cyclists (2 points) and runners (1 point) I can get to say hello in the space of 60 minutes. I’m thinking perhaps the Brissie CRs should have a little online competition, since so many of us run along the river. Obviously, there are ways to do better (run at peak times!) but it’s good fun with other people and breaks the run up. I’m wondering if people are friendlier in a particular part of Australia than another, or if we’re all the same at 5am!
I seem to have beaten my cheating-whilst-running-alone habit somewhat. Didn’t stop except for a drink at my turn around, woo! I must be getting used to running longer. Arrived back at the regatta at 6am, met Tracey and we headed off again. Another lady, Geraldine from InTraining, ran with us, so we got to have a good gossip. Headed down to the story bridge via the gardens and back. My legs were really sore from PT again but aside from that, felt fine. I was hungry by the half way mark, but still coping without gels (will buy some though I think)
This morning I got up at 4am again (!) to go and marshall at the BRRC Half Marathon Champs. Surprisingly, I wasn’t sore from yesterday’s run… I think my body is starting to adapt a little bit, which is fab – particularly when I can remember how much running a half marathon used to absolutely flatten me and I could hardly walk, after!
Took my camera and took lots and lots of pics. Over 150, actually. I’m on dial up at the moment, so I really, really can’t be bothered to upload every single one, but have put some in the CR photo gallery: http://www.coolrunning.com.au/gallery/Unsorted?page=1 Was a nice morning… got to chat to everyone, watch the race… loads of Pbs! You Go, Girlfriends! Lots of bling bling floating around ;)
Mrs FatBloke asked me to email her some of the photos I took and it just so happened that she wrote it on a glasshouse flier. Which, inevitably, as I copied the email address, I started looking at… I’m probably getting ahead of myself (one thing at a time! Want to get through the GCM first of course ;) but am sneakily contemplating having a go at the 50km at the Glasshouse 100 in september. All advice welcome – no idea (except for reading blog reports on it) if it’s a reasonable ultra course to attempt for a first timer, or if I should hold back til something more suitable for plodders like me comes along. Early days, anyway :) All thoughts on the matter very welcome! You lot are my font of running knowledge ;)
Congrats to all this morning who did well. Must go and read six foot track race reports :)
Ate a couple of bits of toast, then discovered my mp3 player is broken. Good excuse to buy an iShuffle I suppose, but couldn’t have been worse timing (a. I’m still waiting to get paid, and b. no music during the run!). Headed out to the regatta and started the run. I’d planned to meet Tracey half way through and she would run the last 1:30 with me. Funny being at the regatta and there being no one around though! Seemed wrong, somehow!
Started running along the river, down towards the botanical gardens and wished I had my camera with me. The sun was coming up and the river was so perfectly still, it looked like liquid silver. Gorgeous. Definitely made up for the uber-early rise! Despite my moaning, I do really like that time of day. It’s so peaceful.
I plodded along, looking at everything and played my favourite running game, where I see how many cyclists (2 points) and runners (1 point) I can get to say hello in the space of 60 minutes. I’m thinking perhaps the Brissie CRs should have a little online competition, since so many of us run along the river. Obviously, there are ways to do better (run at peak times!) but it’s good fun with other people and breaks the run up. I’m wondering if people are friendlier in a particular part of Australia than another, or if we’re all the same at 5am!
I seem to have beaten my cheating-whilst-running-alone habit somewhat. Didn’t stop except for a drink at my turn around, woo! I must be getting used to running longer. Arrived back at the regatta at 6am, met Tracey and we headed off again. Another lady, Geraldine from InTraining, ran with us, so we got to have a good gossip. Headed down to the story bridge via the gardens and back. My legs were really sore from PT again but aside from that, felt fine. I was hungry by the half way mark, but still coping without gels (will buy some though I think)
This morning I got up at 4am again (!) to go and marshall at the BRRC Half Marathon Champs. Surprisingly, I wasn’t sore from yesterday’s run… I think my body is starting to adapt a little bit, which is fab – particularly when I can remember how much running a half marathon used to absolutely flatten me and I could hardly walk, after!Took my camera and took lots and lots of pics. Over 150, actually. I’m on dial up at the moment, so I really, really can’t be bothered to upload every single one, but have put some in the CR photo gallery: http://www.coolrunning.com.au/gallery/Unsorted?page=1 Was a nice morning… got to chat to everyone, watch the race… loads of Pbs! You Go, Girlfriends! Lots of bling bling floating around ;)
Mrs FatBloke asked me to email her some of the photos I took and it just so happened that she wrote it on a glasshouse flier. Which, inevitably, as I copied the email address, I started looking at… I’m probably getting ahead of myself (one thing at a time! Want to get through the GCM first of course ;) but am sneakily contemplating having a go at the 50km at the Glasshouse 100 in september. All advice welcome – no idea (except for reading blog reports on it) if it’s a reasonable ultra course to attempt for a first timer, or if I should hold back til something more suitable for plodders like me comes along. Early days, anyway :) All thoughts on the matter very welcome! You lot are my font of running knowledge ;)
Congrats to all this morning who did well. Must go and read six foot track race reports :)
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Equine Eating + medium long run
Last night saw me do my hardest medium long run in ages... a lot of the fast people were away on taper for six foot, so some of their running buddies decided to take it easy and run with our group. Consequently, we set out on what was quite a decent pace for Tracey and me and before long we found ourselves really having to work to keep up. Before long, we were a way behind - particularly with the hills! It's always an awkward situation when that happens because people start having to wait at drink stops for us and things, but to my mind, they were all going quicker than usual anyway ;)
We basically ran from Enoggera, out to the city, back through the rear of Spring Hill, through QUT in Kelvin Grove (where I work) and then back along Kelvin Grove Road, through Newmarket to Enoggera, with a slight loop back to the shop. Phil told us we were only going to be doing 75 minutes, but I think it was a little bit longer than that!
I'm feeling quite tired this morning - I've got PT this afternoon. I hope he doesn't want to do legs or I may just keel over!
Since I started the marathon training, I've been eating like an absolute horse. I'm hungry so often and so I'm eating almost probably twice what I would normally eat. Partly I started eating more because Phil told me off a few weeks ago *grins* and so my weight consequently went up three kgs. Then after a while it stabilised, and now it's going back down, even though I'm still eating tons! It actually got me wondering if I was eating enough before! Sounds weird in that I was still overweight on eating less, but I guess you need energy to fuel your body, in order to push yourself harder...
Fascinating though and I'm LOVING eating more... Quite tempting to stay in training indefinitely actually, purely for the side benefit ;) (ha, just kidding!)
2:30 long run on saturday :)
We basically ran from Enoggera, out to the city, back through the rear of Spring Hill, through QUT in Kelvin Grove (where I work) and then back along Kelvin Grove Road, through Newmarket to Enoggera, with a slight loop back to the shop. Phil told us we were only going to be doing 75 minutes, but I think it was a little bit longer than that!
I'm feeling quite tired this morning - I've got PT this afternoon. I hope he doesn't want to do legs or I may just keel over!
Since I started the marathon training, I've been eating like an absolute horse. I'm hungry so often and so I'm eating almost probably twice what I would normally eat. Partly I started eating more because Phil told me off a few weeks ago *grins* and so my weight consequently went up three kgs. Then after a while it stabilised, and now it's going back down, even though I'm still eating tons! It actually got me wondering if I was eating enough before! Sounds weird in that I was still overweight on eating less, but I guess you need energy to fuel your body, in order to push yourself harder...
Fascinating though and I'm LOVING eating more... Quite tempting to stay in training indefinitely actually, purely for the side benefit ;) (ha, just kidding!)
2:30 long run on saturday :)
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Track
Really tough track session tonight - it was so humid, it was revolting. By the end, my singlet was clinging to me in that highly unattractive, soaked-right-through sort of way. I quite like the ugly sessions though - they make me feel like I'm doing some of the grunt work to get me where I want to go. I'm more scared of the medium long run tomorrow night. Phil seems to be on an evilness kick lately, because so many of us are training for specific events.
We did a series of drills and sprints which I really enjoy. Much better than plain 400/800m sets. Again, I feel more and more that it's changing my form for the better. Track emphasises technique and also the results of applying it better - if you move your body more effectively, your next sprint improves. We've been doing all manner of stuff, including walking sideways, lunges and accelerating to full speed over set distances. As well as the obligatory nasty longer sprints (800m or so, but different routes around the oval)
We did a series of drills and sprints which I really enjoy. Much better than plain 400/800m sets. Again, I feel more and more that it's changing my form for the better. Track emphasises technique and also the results of applying it better - if you move your body more effectively, your next sprint improves. We've been doing all manner of stuff, including walking sideways, lunges and accelerating to full speed over set distances. As well as the obligatory nasty longer sprints (800m or so, but different routes around the oval)
Sunday, March 05, 2006
IWD 5km
The International Womens Day 5km Fun Run was actually more like a 5km swim this morning. I think it rivalled the fabled 25km Championship Run that Tess, Clairie, me et. al did last year in terms of the amount of water I breathed in. It was also fairly slippery underfoot, so it didn't make for fast times (or even reasonable ones in my case! LOL!)
Arrived on the bus instead of driving because the parking fees at southbank are pretty monumental and headed to see the bag lady (aka Clairie!) who was as cheerful as normal :) (I almost didn't recognise you dude because you look so different with your hair down!)
Bumped into Tanky who was set and ready to go. Before long we were at the start line. Stupidly I thought I'd stay at the back so the fast runners could get going. Once we started I remembered that for races like this where you've got heaps of walkers and people who've never run before, I'm actually probably not one of back-of-pack runners. I may even qualify as a middle-of-the-packer! Tanky had moved to the front before the start and I cursed myself for not following at least some of the way.
Off we went, with the usual assortment of people wearing thongs, jeans and one or two actually running WITH umbrellas. Open umbrellas, with pointy metal spikes on them. I almost lost an eyeball to one of them... it's so dangerous, they shouldn't allow it. After the 1km mark, people started slowing to a walk around me and I started dancing around people, trying to get to some runners of similar pace. By the time we hit the start of the small hills through the garden I was cheering to myself because I could speed up and overtake.
Radar and the boys in kilts were just bloody hilarious. Priceless. I think that was the hi-light of the run for me! I wanted to stop and tease them all mercilessly, but like a good girl, I pushed on. Just as my legs started to warm up, we were back at the Goodwill Bridge. I can't believe I was actually pleased to see a hill (again, room to overtake!)
Mostly, I just had intentions to enjoy the run and potter along because I knew I'd be buggered after yesterday's long run. My legs weren't actually sore from it (that'll probably happen tomorrow) but I did feel tired. It took the whole 5km for me to warm up and feel half way comfortable. I crossed the line at -wait for it- 32 minutes *LOL* and though I didn't really care, of course Coach Phil had to be standing right on the finish line. As I went past he grinned at me and said, in this particular coachy-how-slow-were-you tone... morning, Hannah *LOL* (yeah, yeah...)
Afterwards, I managed to find Tracey in the masses, and Ronnie and we had a quick chat with Angie, standing under one of the City Cat shades. By that point the rain was blowing horizontally into us and I was starting to shiver. Poor Phil and Di and a lot of the boys were marshalling - all the volunteers must've been absolutely freezing - at least we got to run to warm up (briefly!)
Despite the rain, I quite enjoyed the run, but I don't know if I'll do it again - too many people, too little room to move... I never set out to do a good time or anything, but it drove me a little nuts to have to fend off wayward umbrella spikes, people who stop dead right in front when they decide to walk, as well as people in thongs. I think I've become a bit spoilt being able to run with runners normally! Ah well!
Big thankyou to all the volunteers and marshalls though - fab effort in awful conditions! You're all stars!
Arrived on the bus instead of driving because the parking fees at southbank are pretty monumental and headed to see the bag lady (aka Clairie!) who was as cheerful as normal :) (I almost didn't recognise you dude because you look so different with your hair down!)
Bumped into Tanky who was set and ready to go. Before long we were at the start line. Stupidly I thought I'd stay at the back so the fast runners could get going. Once we started I remembered that for races like this where you've got heaps of walkers and people who've never run before, I'm actually probably not one of back-of-pack runners. I may even qualify as a middle-of-the-packer! Tanky had moved to the front before the start and I cursed myself for not following at least some of the way.
Off we went, with the usual assortment of people wearing thongs, jeans and one or two actually running WITH umbrellas. Open umbrellas, with pointy metal spikes on them. I almost lost an eyeball to one of them... it's so dangerous, they shouldn't allow it. After the 1km mark, people started slowing to a walk around me and I started dancing around people, trying to get to some runners of similar pace. By the time we hit the start of the small hills through the garden I was cheering to myself because I could speed up and overtake.
Radar and the boys in kilts were just bloody hilarious. Priceless. I think that was the hi-light of the run for me! I wanted to stop and tease them all mercilessly, but like a good girl, I pushed on. Just as my legs started to warm up, we were back at the Goodwill Bridge. I can't believe I was actually pleased to see a hill (again, room to overtake!)
Mostly, I just had intentions to enjoy the run and potter along because I knew I'd be buggered after yesterday's long run. My legs weren't actually sore from it (that'll probably happen tomorrow) but I did feel tired. It took the whole 5km for me to warm up and feel half way comfortable. I crossed the line at -wait for it- 32 minutes *LOL* and though I didn't really care, of course Coach Phil had to be standing right on the finish line. As I went past he grinned at me and said, in this particular coachy-how-slow-were-you tone... morning, Hannah *LOL* (yeah, yeah...)
Afterwards, I managed to find Tracey in the masses, and Ronnie and we had a quick chat with Angie, standing under one of the City Cat shades. By that point the rain was blowing horizontally into us and I was starting to shiver. Poor Phil and Di and a lot of the boys were marshalling - all the volunteers must've been absolutely freezing - at least we got to run to warm up (briefly!)
Despite the rain, I quite enjoyed the run, but I don't know if I'll do it again - too many people, too little room to move... I never set out to do a good time or anything, but it drove me a little nuts to have to fend off wayward umbrella spikes, people who stop dead right in front when they decide to walk, as well as people in thongs. I think I've become a bit spoilt being able to run with runners normally! Ah well!
Big thankyou to all the volunteers and marshalls though - fab effort in awful conditions! You're all stars!
Saturday, March 04, 2006
2:20 Long Run - Mt Cootha
Resting Pulse Rate: 50
Forced myself out of bed this morning at 4.30am, got ready and tried to find something to eat for breakfast that didn't involve dairy or fruit - settled on ryvita and some jam. Yucko at 5am but did the trick! It was actually cold when I got up? Has anyone else noticed that we've suddenly just flipped into autumn?
Met Tracey and Sam at the Regatta and Cheryl joined us for a run over Mount Cootha. I was feeling slightly dubious about the run when we started and Sam and Cheryl went off ahead, but the good part was that it meant T and I could run to our own pace. Hit the start of the 2km hill of doom feeling quite good and bugger me - I ran straight up it! That's the FIRST time I've ever been able to do that without a walk break. *insert jerry springer victory dance here!*
It was a gorgeous running morning, overcast and occasional light drizzle, so the run was nice and cool. No direct sun really, so we chugged our way up and up. I felt sooo much better the whole way than the last time I tried to run it. I think we took fewer walk breaks, and that theory seems to be supported by the fact that we hit the bottom about 25 minutes sooner than the last time (timing to be confirmed - gotta see if I've got the time blogged somewhere!) This theory was sort of confirmed by the fact that we could see Sam and Cheryl ahead of us at some points.
I'm feeling pretty optimistic that it won't be tooo long until I'm able to run the whole of Mt Cootha with no walk breaks. Tracey isn't so sure, but she's still walking less than me, so I think she underestimates us LOL! I feel like I've got the hallelujah chorus playing in the back of my head when I run at the moment - it's just so GOOD to feel so GOOD! LOL! If this is what all these long runs do to you, I'm a very happy bunny!
Got back to the Regatta and still had about 30 minutes left to run of my long run of 2:20 so left the girls to breakfast and headed down towards the gardens (waa!) Bumped into a few familiar faces from the West End along the way and generally counted down until I could have some raisin toast. When I returned, I found I wasn't actually hungry anymore! I've been running without GUs for a while (mostly just because I keep forgetting to buy some) and it seems I can manage up to about 2:30 without them if I need. Though, will prolly experiment with some too, just to see if it makes much of a difference.
IWD run tomorrow. It's going to be a very sore and sorry 5km for me, after all those hills!
Forced myself out of bed this morning at 4.30am, got ready and tried to find something to eat for breakfast that didn't involve dairy or fruit - settled on ryvita and some jam. Yucko at 5am but did the trick! It was actually cold when I got up? Has anyone else noticed that we've suddenly just flipped into autumn?
Met Tracey and Sam at the Regatta and Cheryl joined us for a run over Mount Cootha. I was feeling slightly dubious about the run when we started and Sam and Cheryl went off ahead, but the good part was that it meant T and I could run to our own pace. Hit the start of the 2km hill of doom feeling quite good and bugger me - I ran straight up it! That's the FIRST time I've ever been able to do that without a walk break. *insert jerry springer victory dance here!*
It was a gorgeous running morning, overcast and occasional light drizzle, so the run was nice and cool. No direct sun really, so we chugged our way up and up. I felt sooo much better the whole way than the last time I tried to run it. I think we took fewer walk breaks, and that theory seems to be supported by the fact that we hit the bottom about 25 minutes sooner than the last time (timing to be confirmed - gotta see if I've got the time blogged somewhere!) This theory was sort of confirmed by the fact that we could see Sam and Cheryl ahead of us at some points.
I'm feeling pretty optimistic that it won't be tooo long until I'm able to run the whole of Mt Cootha with no walk breaks. Tracey isn't so sure, but she's still walking less than me, so I think she underestimates us LOL! I feel like I've got the hallelujah chorus playing in the back of my head when I run at the moment - it's just so GOOD to feel so GOOD! LOL! If this is what all these long runs do to you, I'm a very happy bunny!
Got back to the Regatta and still had about 30 minutes left to run of my long run of 2:20 so left the girls to breakfast and headed down towards the gardens (waa!) Bumped into a few familiar faces from the West End along the way and generally counted down until I could have some raisin toast. When I returned, I found I wasn't actually hungry anymore! I've been running without GUs for a while (mostly just because I keep forgetting to buy some) and it seems I can manage up to about 2:30 without them if I need. Though, will prolly experiment with some too, just to see if it makes much of a difference.
IWD run tomorrow. It's going to be a very sore and sorry 5km for me, after all those hills!
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
pulse rates, track and plans
Resting Pulse Rate: 48
I'm being good and trying to remember to take my pulserate every morning! We'll see how I go - it's lower than the last time I took it! I'm assuming that's good.. should really read some more about it..
Went to track last night - we did a heap of different sorts of exercises and various sprint tempo type runs. I enjoy those sessions much more than the usual 400m/800m lap arrangements. I think it's improving the way that I run, too. Good session anyway and definitely got me sweating!
Angie wants to find my blog so she can read all about my little mission to beat her *grins* I'm enjoying training with her at track and things - despite our respective competitive streaks, we're mates which makes it all the more fun!
Tonight is medium long run and I'm feeling quite scared because it's apparently going to be a tough session again with hills of doom! (everyone said the last one was nasty!) hopefully I'll continue to feel as good as I have been, tonight! argh! LOL!
All up, this week has looked/looks like this:
Monday: Social Run
Tues: Track
Weds: Medium Long Run
Thurs: Weights/Swim/Bike
Fri: Rest
Sat: Long Run 2:20 (Tracey and I are going to run Mt Cootha as part of that)
Sun: Womens Day 5km + swim
I'm being good and trying to remember to take my pulserate every morning! We'll see how I go - it's lower than the last time I took it! I'm assuming that's good.. should really read some more about it..
Went to track last night - we did a heap of different sorts of exercises and various sprint tempo type runs. I enjoy those sessions much more than the usual 400m/800m lap arrangements. I think it's improving the way that I run, too. Good session anyway and definitely got me sweating!
Angie wants to find my blog so she can read all about my little mission to beat her *grins* I'm enjoying training with her at track and things - despite our respective competitive streaks, we're mates which makes it all the more fun!
Tonight is medium long run and I'm feeling quite scared because it's apparently going to be a tough session again with hills of doom! (everyone said the last one was nasty!) hopefully I'll continue to feel as good as I have been, tonight! argh! LOL!
All up, this week has looked/looks like this:
Monday: Social Run
Tues: Track
Weds: Medium Long Run
Thurs: Weights/Swim/Bike
Fri: Rest
Sat: Long Run 2:20 (Tracey and I are going to run Mt Cootha as part of that)
Sun: Womens Day 5km + swim
Monday, February 27, 2006
7km Social Run
Went and did the social run out at Sandgate tonight with Tracey. When I got there, felt quite sore and sorry for myself but once we got going, I felt better and better and felt like I could've carried on! We were going at a slow pace but it was really comfortable, we chatted as we went and even the hills didn't really phase me. I love runs like that, where it feels good and you just look like one big moving grin :)
I think I'm finally starting to feel the benefit of all the runs I've been doing lately - I'm back on track, recovering better and better, the more-carbs approach seems to be doing wonders for me (and I can train loads harder because of it) and consequently, I'm feeling really excited about the next few months.. they're full of events and perfect running weather :) *contented sigh* ah, happiness is!
Talked to a few people tonight about coming down to Sydney for the C2S this year. It'll depend on my finances, but I'd love to do it :) Get a chance to meet some more of my fellow CRs!
In fact, all I have to do is try and find someone who wants to swap their volunteer shift at BRRC for the half mara champs next weekend and my life will be complete ;) Everyone I would ask is on the longer run shifts anyway! Maybe I'll just have to grin and bear it and do my long run in the afternoon or something! Not the end of the world ;)
I think I'm finally starting to feel the benefit of all the runs I've been doing lately - I'm back on track, recovering better and better, the more-carbs approach seems to be doing wonders for me (and I can train loads harder because of it) and consequently, I'm feeling really excited about the next few months.. they're full of events and perfect running weather :) *contented sigh* ah, happiness is!
Talked to a few people tonight about coming down to Sydney for the C2S this year. It'll depend on my finances, but I'd love to do it :) Get a chance to meet some more of my fellow CRs!
In fact, all I have to do is try and find someone who wants to swap their volunteer shift at BRRC for the half mara champs next weekend and my life will be complete ;) Everyone I would ask is on the longer run shifts anyway! Maybe I'll just have to grin and bear it and do my long run in the afternoon or something! Not the end of the world ;)
Sunday, February 26, 2006
20k 2:06
Well, I wasn't really too optimistic about today's long run at BRRC - I knew I'd go slower because of the 5k yesterday so it was more a training run than anything else. I actually ran a faster pace when I did the rainy 25km there some time back, but like I say, I hadn't thrashed my legs and been surfing all day before that!
Still, all things considered it wasn't too bad - I felt like I could've carried on doing the pace I was doing (6:18 average - but I had drink stops as well where I walked during that - if I settled into that pace for the entire marathon, I would manage 4:25 which would be absolutely fine with me!)
Arrived at the West End to see all the usual suspects - lots more people there this morning... I suppose with Canberra sneaking up on us, everyone is busy preparing. We set off and as usual, everyone took off ahead. I purposely hung back (let Angie go *grins* she wasn't doing the whole 20k anyway) and just plodded along behind a few people who were doing perfect, bang on six minute pace. I stayed with them for the first 11km or so, then slipped back a bit - let myself walk through the drink stops, which really, I shouldn't have done - but like I say, wasn't really aiming to do today fast. Coach Phil was there, watching and geeing us on! It's amazing how much more pressure you put on yourself when your 'master' is there watching... I'm the same way with my Personal Trainer when we're doing bootcamp - you want to please them ;) a little bit of hero worship never hurt anyone, I'm sure ;)
The lovely Karisma ran her warmdown lap with me on the final loop. I was definitely stuck in the same gear on that lap! Still, consistency is not necessarily a bad thing! We had a good chat and the last 5km passed quite quickly. I think that it'll be interesting to see how I go on the upcoming self select distance (between 7-35km) because I'll make sure I'm fresh for that and I know damn well I can go faster. I learnt so much from yesterday's effort about what happens when I really truly focus - I thought I had been pushing myself, but I seem to have discovered my limits are a little further away than I thought! I think I believe in myself a bit more now - that I can actually go faster with some hard work!
Surfing was good, though it was rough, very choppy with strong currents - and the waves were waaaaayyyyy bigger than last time - but I think every time I go, I'll start to get a little bit better and be able to stand up more!
Still, all things considered it wasn't too bad - I felt like I could've carried on doing the pace I was doing (6:18 average - but I had drink stops as well where I walked during that - if I settled into that pace for the entire marathon, I would manage 4:25 which would be absolutely fine with me!)
Arrived at the West End to see all the usual suspects - lots more people there this morning... I suppose with Canberra sneaking up on us, everyone is busy preparing. We set off and as usual, everyone took off ahead. I purposely hung back (let Angie go *grins* she wasn't doing the whole 20k anyway) and just plodded along behind a few people who were doing perfect, bang on six minute pace. I stayed with them for the first 11km or so, then slipped back a bit - let myself walk through the drink stops, which really, I shouldn't have done - but like I say, wasn't really aiming to do today fast. Coach Phil was there, watching and geeing us on! It's amazing how much more pressure you put on yourself when your 'master' is there watching... I'm the same way with my Personal Trainer when we're doing bootcamp - you want to please them ;) a little bit of hero worship never hurt anyone, I'm sure ;)
The lovely Karisma ran her warmdown lap with me on the final loop. I was definitely stuck in the same gear on that lap! Still, consistency is not necessarily a bad thing! We had a good chat and the last 5km passed quite quickly. I think that it'll be interesting to see how I go on the upcoming self select distance (between 7-35km) because I'll make sure I'm fresh for that and I know damn well I can go faster. I learnt so much from yesterday's effort about what happens when I really truly focus - I thought I had been pushing myself, but I seem to have discovered my limits are a little further away than I thought! I think I believe in myself a bit more now - that I can actually go faster with some hard work!
Surfing was good, though it was rough, very choppy with strong currents - and the waves were waaaaayyyyy bigger than last time - but I think every time I go, I'll start to get a little bit better and be able to stand up more!
Saturday, February 25, 2006
WOOOHOOOOOO !!! 5km PB 25:50!
omgomgomg! *much squealing and jumping up and down and cheering*
Seems my sneaky suspicion that I was getting a little bit faster at track was spot on! I went and did the 5km TT this morning at Shorncliffe and took a great big chunk (1:35!) off my previous time. I crossed the line at 25:50.. and, I finally, finally, finally did what I've been dying to do for about six months - I beat Angie!
I think this means I'm now over Caboolture ;)
It was a *REALLY* hard run this morning though - I have sore legs from PT on thursday and I always get so bloody nervous at the start of the time trials... I think they hurt a million times more than the longer runs I've done, but I guess at least it's over quickly! My plan was just to hang behind Angie the whole way, match her pace and then try and speed up at the end. It all went according to plan and felt a bit more comfortable than last time too. I knew we were going a bit quicker than last time, but I didn't look at my watch much (can't really tell anyway since they don't have k markers and I'm not familiar with it enough to know where the breaks are)
We hit the turn around and I was still hanging just off the back of angie. As we went round the cone, she got a little bit ahead of me.... the return is worse because you can see the end (the pier) in the distance and it looks closer than it is. It's hard not to speed up too early. Angie started to get away from me, my breathing was absolutely killing me and I started reaching that point where you feel like you're almost hyperventilating. I kept telling myself just to hang on, not to let her go because I knew I'd be really irritated with myself. The gap widened to about 10 metres and I concentrated like hell on keeping it at that. By the last 200m, the gap was at about 20m and I knew I was going to have to sprint flat out to pass her before the line. I could see the others standing at the finish, most of them bellowing.... so I thought, now or never and put EVERYTHING I had into the last sprint. Despite the excruciating pain of it, it was a bit of a pivotal moment for me because I suddenly found my ability to really block everything else out, crash through the pain barrier and really focus. Everything else in the world seemed to just disappear - tunnel vision! (or maybe that was the lack of oxygen getting to my brain? LOL)
I passed Ange about 25m before the line and just couldn't believe it. Contemplated heaving my guts up briefly and couldn't talk for about five minutes either, except to swear profusely between gasps. But, I did it! I did it! I did it! I'm absolutely, completely ECSTATIC! I've been trying sooo hard to break into the 25:something bracket for ages and I completely didn't expect to do it today! When I looked at my watch, I thought I was imagining it - I still do! I hope I didn't dream it :)
Now, I'm off to steal a bit of a cat nap before going surfing again - I only had three hours sleep last night!
Seems my sneaky suspicion that I was getting a little bit faster at track was spot on! I went and did the 5km TT this morning at Shorncliffe and took a great big chunk (1:35!) off my previous time. I crossed the line at 25:50.. and, I finally, finally, finally did what I've been dying to do for about six months - I beat Angie!
I think this means I'm now over Caboolture ;)
It was a *REALLY* hard run this morning though - I have sore legs from PT on thursday and I always get so bloody nervous at the start of the time trials... I think they hurt a million times more than the longer runs I've done, but I guess at least it's over quickly! My plan was just to hang behind Angie the whole way, match her pace and then try and speed up at the end. It all went according to plan and felt a bit more comfortable than last time too. I knew we were going a bit quicker than last time, but I didn't look at my watch much (can't really tell anyway since they don't have k markers and I'm not familiar with it enough to know where the breaks are)
We hit the turn around and I was still hanging just off the back of angie. As we went round the cone, she got a little bit ahead of me.... the return is worse because you can see the end (the pier) in the distance and it looks closer than it is. It's hard not to speed up too early. Angie started to get away from me, my breathing was absolutely killing me and I started reaching that point where you feel like you're almost hyperventilating. I kept telling myself just to hang on, not to let her go because I knew I'd be really irritated with myself. The gap widened to about 10 metres and I concentrated like hell on keeping it at that. By the last 200m, the gap was at about 20m and I knew I was going to have to sprint flat out to pass her before the line. I could see the others standing at the finish, most of them bellowing.... so I thought, now or never and put EVERYTHING I had into the last sprint. Despite the excruciating pain of it, it was a bit of a pivotal moment for me because I suddenly found my ability to really block everything else out, crash through the pain barrier and really focus. Everything else in the world seemed to just disappear - tunnel vision! (or maybe that was the lack of oxygen getting to my brain? LOL)
I passed Ange about 25m before the line and just couldn't believe it. Contemplated heaving my guts up briefly and couldn't talk for about five minutes either, except to swear profusely between gasps. But, I did it! I did it! I did it! I'm absolutely, completely ECSTATIC! I've been trying sooo hard to break into the 25:something bracket for ages and I completely didn't expect to do it today! When I looked at my watch, I thought I was imagining it - I still do! I hope I didn't dream it :)
Now, I'm off to steal a bit of a cat nap before going surfing again - I only had three hours sleep last night!
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Raisin Toast, Resting, Swimming and Stuff!
Swam laps on tuesday morning, felt fantastic.... by that evening, felt much worse and track was evil. Speedwork whilst coming down with a virus is really not a good combination and after a warm up and about three attempts at 400m sets (and doing 1:54 (under 5 min pace?) exactly for each?) I got sent home in disgrace by Coach Phil! Good thing really, since I thought I might throw up or pass out by the end!
Interesting though too, since I know that if I'd been well, I would've been able to go a fair quicker than I did. Which sort of makes me feel like I'm getting faster, even though I have no proof to back up that theory at all. Finally feeling better after Caboolture, maybe. Was ordered not to come to last nights medium long run, so I've really done nothing much this week.
I'm still not feeling well - though the bug has yet to shift from sore throat to snottiness. Fingers crossed it won't (been drowning in vitamin C!). Mostly I just feel tired. Have been eating lots more generally (lots more carbs, too) and actually feel REALLY good for it. I think my body was actually crying out for more food. Despite eating loads more, have stuck at the one-down kg weight, which fascinates me since normally I'm up and down like a yoyo. Of course, I'll have to reign myself in somewhat soon, but I'm starting to think that it's not really a very good idea to be training for marathon and trying to lose weight by cutting calories and carbs. I think I'd rather carry on eating decent amounts, be a bit heavier and just feel like I have the energy to train harder. Maybe training harder will be enough in itself to shift the weight naturally.
Had breakfast this morning with the lovely Lulu who is up on business - not to mention my usual partners in crime, Tess, Clairie and Cirque. Much gossip and raisin toast was consumed. I do love meeting my fellow CRs from interstate! I think I need to score a job where I can travel ;)
Swimming laps at the gym on tuesday made me realise how much I used to enjoy just going to the gym, without the pressure of having to do anything in particular. I think that I'll have to start doing a few classes there again... I'll finish my house sitting stint in a week or so, so will be back at my old gym before long. Looking foward to getting stuck into my routine.
Now, really have to go and get ready for my PT session :)
Interesting though too, since I know that if I'd been well, I would've been able to go a fair quicker than I did. Which sort of makes me feel like I'm getting faster, even though I have no proof to back up that theory at all. Finally feeling better after Caboolture, maybe. Was ordered not to come to last nights medium long run, so I've really done nothing much this week.
I'm still not feeling well - though the bug has yet to shift from sore throat to snottiness. Fingers crossed it won't (been drowning in vitamin C!). Mostly I just feel tired. Have been eating lots more generally (lots more carbs, too) and actually feel REALLY good for it. I think my body was actually crying out for more food. Despite eating loads more, have stuck at the one-down kg weight, which fascinates me since normally I'm up and down like a yoyo. Of course, I'll have to reign myself in somewhat soon, but I'm starting to think that it's not really a very good idea to be training for marathon and trying to lose weight by cutting calories and carbs. I think I'd rather carry on eating decent amounts, be a bit heavier and just feel like I have the energy to train harder. Maybe training harder will be enough in itself to shift the weight naturally.
Had breakfast this morning with the lovely Lulu who is up on business - not to mention my usual partners in crime, Tess, Clairie and Cirque. Much gossip and raisin toast was consumed. I do love meeting my fellow CRs from interstate! I think I need to score a job where I can travel ;)
Swimming laps at the gym on tuesday made me realise how much I used to enjoy just going to the gym, without the pressure of having to do anything in particular. I think that I'll have to start doing a few classes there again... I'll finish my house sitting stint in a week or so, so will be back at my old gym before long. Looking foward to getting stuck into my routine.
Now, really have to go and get ready for my PT session :)
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
blahhh
I'm fighting the feeling that everything is falling apart today. Yes, rubbish I know and I keep telling myself that. Didn't do the long run I was supposed to do on sunday, took monday as a rest day and now I appear to be coming down with a cold :( My throat is sore and I feel fatigued.
After eating more carbs, I'm up one kilogram again (but still down one in the big picture) but aside from this virus, feel like I've got more energy. I'm taking some vitamin C tablets so hopefully that'll knock the bug on the head. Blah.
YESTERDAY: rest day
TONIGHT: track
WEDS: medium long run
THURS: PT session (weights)
FRI: swim/bike
SAT: 5km TT
SUN: LSR 2:10 (going to run the 20k at BRRC and add on whatever is extra)
I'm not going to get sick. I'm not! I refuse! LOL!
After eating more carbs, I'm up one kilogram again (but still down one in the big picture) but aside from this virus, feel like I've got more energy. I'm taking some vitamin C tablets so hopefully that'll knock the bug on the head. Blah.
YESTERDAY: rest day
TONIGHT: track
WEDS: medium long run
THURS: PT session (weights)
FRI: swim/bike
SAT: 5km TT
SUN: LSR 2:10 (going to run the 20k at BRRC and add on whatever is extra)
I'm not going to get sick. I'm not! I refuse! LOL!
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Baby Bribie Tri no.2
Well, that was interesting!
Got up at 4am this morning, got my stuff together and headed to Bribie for my second attempt at one of the mini triathlons. The weather was beautiful and so on the way, I got to see a stunning sunrise. See, the things people miss by sleeping in on a sunday! (anyone would think they had some sense, getting a lie in!)
I am also horrified to report that on the way, I saw a pack of about ten cyclists pedalling along the BRUCE HIGHWAY in the DARK with nothing but flashing rear lights. They were practically invisible. *shakes head* I can appreciate that it's a nice flat straight road to cycle, but to do it on a freeway where the speed limit is 110kph and most people drive like lunatics anyway - now that's insanity, surely. I wonder if it's illegal?
Anyway, enough of my rant! Got numbered up. This time round, I learnt from my mistakes and wore a pair of bike pants under the purple suit of doom so when the legs of it rode up, it didn't matter. I also wore socks in the ride and run which helped enormously too. I don't care if I'm supposed to be all hardened up and go sockless - I'd rather wear socks than get blisters!
Before I knew it, we were off. Last time, the swim was really good. There was a great current pushing us down the beach, but this time round I really felt my lack of training for it and the lack of the aforementioned current because it was really, really hard. There were also some little waves this time just to make life interesting. Staggered out and thought my legs would never recover. My shoulder still isn't right after the surfing lesson either, so all in all it was a crap swim.
Got into transition, dumped my swim goggles and hat, grabbed bike helmet and bike, headed out to the bike exit. Tried to mount and then discovered my chain had come off. Oh Bugger. No knowing the first thing about bike maintenance, one of the marshalls had to help me put it back on and it took about five minutes :( I got grease everywhere in the process and took off on the bike ride feeling pretty narky with myself. My legs were still quite tired from the swim and so I trundled around the course twice and was very glad to be finished that leg. I do have to mention here, how absolutely lovely Cirque's boys are - they cheered me on every time they saw me out on the bike leg. They're such a credit to their fab mum - really nice, friendly kids :) Cirque cheered for me too when she saw me although I was a bit preoccupied with not going A over T on the turnaround to wave too much LOL!
Hit transition again, headed out on the run. Initially my legs were heavy but gradually warmed up. Infact, the run part was substantially better than the last time I did it - I may still feel crappy from running long distances, but the advantage is that 3km now feels like nothing! Last time I ran it, I had to walk about three times - this time, I didn't walk at all (except to drink once at the turnaround)... So, it didn't all go horribly. I've got no idea how long it took me to do the course though (am waiting for times to come out, though I suspect it'll be worse than last time, by a mile. Ange did the long course and said her swim was three minutes slower than normal, so perhaps I wasn't alone in feeling yuck about the swim leg.
After I finished, I stuck the bike back in the car, changed and headed back to watch the long course finishers come in. Saw Coach Phil *grins* who had heard via Ange (aka my closest competition!) that I wasn't eating carbs in an effort to lose weight. He promptly bollocked me ('told me off' - aussie translation!) and told me that's why I'm struggling still - told me to take a few days off and eat carbs. *L* On that advice, I've promptly just eaten the best part of a bucket of cookies and cream icecream *belch-of-tanky-proportions* and it was goooooooddddd!!!
I'm still trying to come to grips with letting someone else have 'control' of when I run and how much I run. I seem to have definite control freak tendencies and it's actually really hard for me to trust that running less will actually make me run better. I do trust Phil though and so I'm prepared to do whatever it takes to get me back on track and running better than before. Bit upset about losing my junky (read social) kms though :( half tempted to sneak a few in, but that then kinda defeats the purpose!
Got up at 4am this morning, got my stuff together and headed to Bribie for my second attempt at one of the mini triathlons. The weather was beautiful and so on the way, I got to see a stunning sunrise. See, the things people miss by sleeping in on a sunday! (anyone would think they had some sense, getting a lie in!)
I am also horrified to report that on the way, I saw a pack of about ten cyclists pedalling along the BRUCE HIGHWAY in the DARK with nothing but flashing rear lights. They were practically invisible. *shakes head* I can appreciate that it's a nice flat straight road to cycle, but to do it on a freeway where the speed limit is 110kph and most people drive like lunatics anyway - now that's insanity, surely. I wonder if it's illegal?
Anyway, enough of my rant! Got numbered up. This time round, I learnt from my mistakes and wore a pair of bike pants under the purple suit of doom so when the legs of it rode up, it didn't matter. I also wore socks in the ride and run which helped enormously too. I don't care if I'm supposed to be all hardened up and go sockless - I'd rather wear socks than get blisters!
Before I knew it, we were off. Last time, the swim was really good. There was a great current pushing us down the beach, but this time round I really felt my lack of training for it and the lack of the aforementioned current because it was really, really hard. There were also some little waves this time just to make life interesting. Staggered out and thought my legs would never recover. My shoulder still isn't right after the surfing lesson either, so all in all it was a crap swim.
Got into transition, dumped my swim goggles and hat, grabbed bike helmet and bike, headed out to the bike exit. Tried to mount and then discovered my chain had come off. Oh Bugger. No knowing the first thing about bike maintenance, one of the marshalls had to help me put it back on and it took about five minutes :( I got grease everywhere in the process and took off on the bike ride feeling pretty narky with myself. My legs were still quite tired from the swim and so I trundled around the course twice and was very glad to be finished that leg. I do have to mention here, how absolutely lovely Cirque's boys are - they cheered me on every time they saw me out on the bike leg. They're such a credit to their fab mum - really nice, friendly kids :) Cirque cheered for me too when she saw me although I was a bit preoccupied with not going A over T on the turnaround to wave too much LOL!
Hit transition again, headed out on the run. Initially my legs were heavy but gradually warmed up. Infact, the run part was substantially better than the last time I did it - I may still feel crappy from running long distances, but the advantage is that 3km now feels like nothing! Last time I ran it, I had to walk about three times - this time, I didn't walk at all (except to drink once at the turnaround)... So, it didn't all go horribly. I've got no idea how long it took me to do the course though (am waiting for times to come out, though I suspect it'll be worse than last time, by a mile. Ange did the long course and said her swim was three minutes slower than normal, so perhaps I wasn't alone in feeling yuck about the swim leg.
After I finished, I stuck the bike back in the car, changed and headed back to watch the long course finishers come in. Saw Coach Phil *grins* who had heard via Ange (aka my closest competition!) that I wasn't eating carbs in an effort to lose weight. He promptly bollocked me ('told me off' - aussie translation!) and told me that's why I'm struggling still - told me to take a few days off and eat carbs. *L* On that advice, I've promptly just eaten the best part of a bucket of cookies and cream icecream *belch-of-tanky-proportions* and it was goooooooddddd!!!
I'm still trying to come to grips with letting someone else have 'control' of when I run and how much I run. I seem to have definite control freak tendencies and it's actually really hard for me to trust that running less will actually make me run better. I do trust Phil though and so I'm prepared to do whatever it takes to get me back on track and running better than before. Bit upset about losing my junky (read social) kms though :( half tempted to sneak a few in, but that then kinda defeats the purpose!
Saturday, February 18, 2006
swim and bike
Since wednesday nights pathetic run, I decided it would be wise to do some cross training and not run til sunday, when I'll do the mini tri and follow it with my long run (I'll get to do it at Bribie, which is always beautiful - love running on the beach!) I think I feel a bit better for it, too :)
So on thursday, I went and swam. My right shoulder is still funny from surfing - I think I may have pulled something because when I pull on the stroke, it hurts down the whole arm. I'm sure it'll come right though, so I didn't push things too much. it's the first time in ages that i've swum in the gym pool which is indoors, 20m and disgustingly warm. I forgot how irritating turning around every 20m is (particularly if you're me and can't roll!)
Yesterday (friday) I went for a bike ride. I have to admit I haven't ridden since before xmas, so that was a slight shock to the system too! LOL! While I was riding I realised the run distance is longer on this tri, so I'm not going to be able to better my time from the last tri anyway. In a way, that's quite good because it allieviates some of the pressure I put on myself. Looking forward to it though, it's such a nice morning!
So on thursday, I went and swam. My right shoulder is still funny from surfing - I think I may have pulled something because when I pull on the stroke, it hurts down the whole arm. I'm sure it'll come right though, so I didn't push things too much. it's the first time in ages that i've swum in the gym pool which is indoors, 20m and disgustingly warm. I forgot how irritating turning around every 20m is (particularly if you're me and can't roll!)
Yesterday (friday) I went for a bike ride. I have to admit I haven't ridden since before xmas, so that was a slight shock to the system too! LOL! While I was riding I realised the run distance is longer on this tri, so I'm not going to be able to better my time from the last tri anyway. In a way, that's quite good because it allieviates some of the pressure I put on myself. Looking forward to it though, it's such a nice morning!
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