Today's run: 8km, 1 hr 1 min 23 secs
I felt pretty flat again today on my run, and in all honesty my heart wasn't really in it. But I figure that the more runs like that that I struggle through, the less I will hopefully struggle later (if that makes sense). So I kept going. It would have been really easy to stop part way through and call it quits early, but I had some pretty good motivation... if I ran 8km today I have my first monthly total over the 100km mark! 100.2km to be exact! I was planning for this to be a cut back week after last weekends big effort, but I was happy with 8km as my longest run this week.
Now just to get my head back in the right place for the upcoming half marathon.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Running funk broken
Yesterday's run: 6.4km, 47 mins 58 secs
Well I broke the running drought yesterday as promised. I guess I was a bit disappointed in only running 6.4km... I was hoping to do 9.6km, but my legs were pretty tired yesterday and I had things to do that morning - at the moment a 9.6km run simply takes me a pretty long time! I think the other reason that I didn't run so far yesterday was that I have been eating nothing but crap last week.
I'm off for another run this morning... distance wise we'll see how we go.
Well I broke the running drought yesterday as promised. I guess I was a bit disappointed in only running 6.4km... I was hoping to do 9.6km, but my legs were pretty tired yesterday and I had things to do that morning - at the moment a 9.6km run simply takes me a pretty long time! I think the other reason that I didn't run so far yesterday was that I have been eating nothing but crap last week.
I'm off for another run this morning... distance wise we'll see how we go.
Friday, March 28, 2008
A bad week
This week has involved no running whatsoever since my PB in the 14km race I did on Easter Monday. Partly that's because I had quite a sore shin in the 3 days afterwards, to the point where I could feel it when I walked. And part of it, I have to admit, is laziness. I've fallen off the wagon a bit. I've also eaten nothing but rubbish this week after being so good at packing salads for lunch every day in the few months prior. Today is no good for a run because it's the traditional Friday work drinks and I'll be home late, but I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of things on Saturday and Sunday. My shin feels good now, I don't notice anything, so hopefully it goes smoothly. In a strange way, as long as I get back on track this weekend, I'm kind of glad I've fallen off the wagon a bit - I think the more I 'get back on' (so to speak), the more it reinforces running as a habit. I have missed running this week, but just haven't been able to beat the voice in my head into submission to actually get out there and do it.
I keep on thinking to myself that if I want to do a half marathon, whether it's in May or later, that I can't stop running every 5 minutes when I don't feel like it.
Hopefully my next post will be a lot more positive.
I keep on thinking to myself that if I want to do a half marathon, whether it's in May or later, that I can't stop running every 5 minutes when I don't feel like it.
Hopefully my next post will be a lot more positive.
Monday, March 24, 2008
A PB for me!
Today's race: 14km, 1hr, 33 mins
When I woke this morning at 5:45, it was dark, but not too cold, and it wasn't raining. Had some brekkie, got dressed and started my drive in towards the city for this mornings 14km race. I had been driving for about 10mins when it started sprinkling lightly on my windsheild. "That's ok, a little sprinkle won't hurt" I said to myself. I keep driving another 10 minutes or so, and it gets a little heavier. "Well, I'd rather it didn't rain, but I guess I'll just get wet" says I. I continue on, and by the time I pull up to the race venue, it is chucking it down, and there are a few rumbles of thunder. Now I'll admit that I'm a more wussy runner than some, but I can cope with running in the rain. But I just didn't like the thought of running in torrential rain for an hour and a half.
But because I had told my family that I would be running, and because I didn't want to get called a wimp for backing out, and because I was there anyway, and because it may clear up, I went and got my race number and got ready. The start of the race was delayed a little, which in the end turned out to be a good thing because it had started clearing quite a bit by then. In fact when the starter called "Go", it had pretty much stopped raining. Of course what that meant was that the course was quite slippery and muddy, and I ended the race with some lovely brown splodge marks all down my legs, and I've had to wash my runners tonight!
The run itself was ok... I was at the tail end of the field, which I expected, but I wasn't on my own which was good. After just a km though, I looked at my watch - I had done the first km in about 6 mins 30ish, which I was worried was too fast and unsustainable. After a short argument in my head though, I decided it felt comfortable enough, and I figured I would just keep going about that pace and see if I could stick it out.
So on I kept plodding. The only point of confusion for me was the two times we came back near the start... I could just not work out where the route was meant to go. Both times I followed the runners in front of me, but both times they went different ways! Particularly as I started the 7km loop again, with all the early finishers milling around the start / finish area eating their pancakes, it was impossible to know where I was meant to go! Oh well!
In the end, I managed to maintain a pace of around 6:39 (some faster kms, some slower), but I was really happy with that. Also at the end of many races I can still sort of sprint it in, but this time, it was all I could do to maintain my pace - so I'm happy I gave it my all. I finished in a watch time of 1 hour 33 mins 14secs (no official time yet) which I'm completely thrilled about. When I ran in 2006 I started running in January and continued until August when I ran my best 14km time of 1 hour 39 mins 9 secs. So today after only 3 months back running I blitzed it by about 6 mins! It certainly gives me hope that with some more training I'll be able to hack a half marathon in May!
After the race I had my free pancake with nutella, and some fruit, had a chat, and made my way home. I've been pooped all day - I only managed to do my groceries and make dinner, punctuated in between by a very long nana nap!
I love good days!
When I woke this morning at 5:45, it was dark, but not too cold, and it wasn't raining. Had some brekkie, got dressed and started my drive in towards the city for this mornings 14km race. I had been driving for about 10mins when it started sprinkling lightly on my windsheild. "That's ok, a little sprinkle won't hurt" I said to myself. I keep driving another 10 minutes or so, and it gets a little heavier. "Well, I'd rather it didn't rain, but I guess I'll just get wet" says I. I continue on, and by the time I pull up to the race venue, it is chucking it down, and there are a few rumbles of thunder. Now I'll admit that I'm a more wussy runner than some, but I can cope with running in the rain. But I just didn't like the thought of running in torrential rain for an hour and a half.
But because I had told my family that I would be running, and because I didn't want to get called a wimp for backing out, and because I was there anyway, and because it may clear up, I went and got my race number and got ready. The start of the race was delayed a little, which in the end turned out to be a good thing because it had started clearing quite a bit by then. In fact when the starter called "Go", it had pretty much stopped raining. Of course what that meant was that the course was quite slippery and muddy, and I ended the race with some lovely brown splodge marks all down my legs, and I've had to wash my runners tonight!
The run itself was ok... I was at the tail end of the field, which I expected, but I wasn't on my own which was good. After just a km though, I looked at my watch - I had done the first km in about 6 mins 30ish, which I was worried was too fast and unsustainable. After a short argument in my head though, I decided it felt comfortable enough, and I figured I would just keep going about that pace and see if I could stick it out.
So on I kept plodding. The only point of confusion for me was the two times we came back near the start... I could just not work out where the route was meant to go. Both times I followed the runners in front of me, but both times they went different ways! Particularly as I started the 7km loop again, with all the early finishers milling around the start / finish area eating their pancakes, it was impossible to know where I was meant to go! Oh well!
In the end, I managed to maintain a pace of around 6:39 (some faster kms, some slower), but I was really happy with that. Also at the end of many races I can still sort of sprint it in, but this time, it was all I could do to maintain my pace - so I'm happy I gave it my all. I finished in a watch time of 1 hour 33 mins 14secs (no official time yet) which I'm completely thrilled about. When I ran in 2006 I started running in January and continued until August when I ran my best 14km time of 1 hour 39 mins 9 secs. So today after only 3 months back running I blitzed it by about 6 mins! It certainly gives me hope that with some more training I'll be able to hack a half marathon in May!
After the race I had my free pancake with nutella, and some fruit, had a chat, and made my way home. I've been pooped all day - I only managed to do my groceries and make dinner, punctuated in between by a very long nana nap!
I love good days!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
A few more km
Today's run: 3.2km, 22 mins 22 secs
Got a few more kms in today in between rain showers. I didn't want to do too much, as I think 14km on Monday will be a big ask, but I did want to add a few more kms to my weekly total because it's looking incredibly sad at the moment. My run this morning was a bit faster than most of my training too, so it was good to get my legs moving a bit quicker.
Got a few more kms in today in between rain showers. I didn't want to do too much, as I think 14km on Monday will be a big ask, but I did want to add a few more kms to my weekly total because it's looking incredibly sad at the moment. My run this morning was a bit faster than most of my training too, so it was good to get my legs moving a bit quicker.
Friday, March 21, 2008
I managed a run today
Today's run: 8km, 1 hr 3 mins 27 secs
Well after not running all week, and being in a bit of a funk, I managed to get out for a run this morning. It was nice because, being Good Friday, it's a public holiday which meant I could get up when I wanted and run when I felt like it.
When I woke up this morning, after being stinking hot all week, it was raining and incredibly cool and overcast. The cool weather was nice, but I have to say I had doubts about whether I would manage to throw myself out the door for a run if it was still raining. Anyway, soon enough the rain stopped and I did get a run in, and I didn't even get wet!
I was hoping to do a medium-length run for me... I am entered for a 14km run on Monday (my longest run so far is 11.5km) so I didn't want to do something too long, but since this is my first run for the week I also didn't want it to be too short. I'm pretty happy with 8km, although the pace was pretty slow, and I felt like I could have run further.
Not sure at this stage whether I might go for a short run tomorrow, just to get some more kms up for the week - we'll see how I go.
Have a great long weekend everyone.
Well after not running all week, and being in a bit of a funk, I managed to get out for a run this morning. It was nice because, being Good Friday, it's a public holiday which meant I could get up when I wanted and run when I felt like it.
When I woke up this morning, after being stinking hot all week, it was raining and incredibly cool and overcast. The cool weather was nice, but I have to say I had doubts about whether I would manage to throw myself out the door for a run if it was still raining. Anyway, soon enough the rain stopped and I did get a run in, and I didn't even get wet!
I was hoping to do a medium-length run for me... I am entered for a 14km run on Monday (my longest run so far is 11.5km) so I didn't want to do something too long, but since this is my first run for the week I also didn't want it to be too short. I'm pretty happy with 8km, although the pace was pretty slow, and I felt like I could have run further.
Not sure at this stage whether I might go for a short run tomorrow, just to get some more kms up for the week - we'll see how I go.
Have a great long weekend everyone.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
I'm in a funk
This week... no running since Sunday.
The week started off innocently enough. After a weekend of my longest run to date and a 5km race where I ran my second fastest time ever, I decided that Monday and Tuesday would be rest days. No problems there. Then Wednesday came. I got home at about 4:30 - 5:00 after work, and crashed on the lounge and slept for an hour. I could have run after that, but my heart just wasn't in it. In fact I made home made pizzas on pita bread for dinner, and had a piece of crusty pita bread stick in my throat and make me choke. I ended up coughing and actually vomited in trying to get the bread up. Needless to say after that I was ok, but I'm glad I didn't run, because I didn't feel great after that. That brings us to today - Thursday. I had an inservice course to go to, and could have easily run when I got home from school. Today, it's really hot (now that it's Autumn it's decided to deliver us the summer we never had), and very sticky and humid weather for running. But whilst I had the time, and could have easily gone, I just didn't feel like it and I let myself off the hook. I'm not really pleased about that, but I've felt in a funk all week.
My funk has extended to my diet too. For the last month or so, I've been making 5 salads on Sunday evening for my work lunches for the week. Last Sunday I had people over and never had a chance... and then I just didn't get to / feel like making them on Monday, or Tuesday, or Wednesday ... So my lunches have been rubbish. And not just my lunches... there was a day when I didn't get lunch at all at work, so there I was pulling into the McDonalds drive-thru on the way home and ordering a quarterpounder and small fries. And snacking in general has been bad this week. There have been several chocolate bars purchased (and I haven't done that for a long time) and this afternoon was full of both boredom and comfort eating.
The only positive thing this week was that I signed up for the 14km race on Easter Monday. I suspect I will finish last (I know lots of people say that and they are middle of the packers - but I really think I will be last), but I'm just interested in doing the distance. A jump from 11.5km to 14km is probably a lot, especially after a crap running week, but we'll see how we go.
I can't wait to get out of this funk.
I'm trying not to beat myself up about it and figure I will get back on the horse soon. My philosophy is that the more I run long term, the less frequent funks should be. If I beat myself up about it too much now, I think I will turn myself off too much. But maybe this is me giving myself excuses. Who knows... all this thinking has made my head hurt. Tonight it's an evening of crappy tv and a glass of wine whilst reclining on the couch.
The week started off innocently enough. After a weekend of my longest run to date and a 5km race where I ran my second fastest time ever, I decided that Monday and Tuesday would be rest days. No problems there. Then Wednesday came. I got home at about 4:30 - 5:00 after work, and crashed on the lounge and slept for an hour. I could have run after that, but my heart just wasn't in it. In fact I made home made pizzas on pita bread for dinner, and had a piece of crusty pita bread stick in my throat and make me choke. I ended up coughing and actually vomited in trying to get the bread up. Needless to say after that I was ok, but I'm glad I didn't run, because I didn't feel great after that. That brings us to today - Thursday. I had an inservice course to go to, and could have easily run when I got home from school. Today, it's really hot (now that it's Autumn it's decided to deliver us the summer we never had), and very sticky and humid weather for running. But whilst I had the time, and could have easily gone, I just didn't feel like it and I let myself off the hook. I'm not really pleased about that, but I've felt in a funk all week.
My funk has extended to my diet too. For the last month or so, I've been making 5 salads on Sunday evening for my work lunches for the week. Last Sunday I had people over and never had a chance... and then I just didn't get to / feel like making them on Monday, or Tuesday, or Wednesday ... So my lunches have been rubbish. And not just my lunches... there was a day when I didn't get lunch at all at work, so there I was pulling into the McDonalds drive-thru on the way home and ordering a quarterpounder and small fries. And snacking in general has been bad this week. There have been several chocolate bars purchased (and I haven't done that for a long time) and this afternoon was full of both boredom and comfort eating.
The only positive thing this week was that I signed up for the 14km race on Easter Monday. I suspect I will finish last (I know lots of people say that and they are middle of the packers - but I really think I will be last), but I'm just interested in doing the distance. A jump from 11.5km to 14km is probably a lot, especially after a crap running week, but we'll see how we go.
I can't wait to get out of this funk.
I'm trying not to beat myself up about it and figure I will get back on the horse soon. My philosophy is that the more I run long term, the less frequent funks should be. If I beat myself up about it too much now, I think I will turn myself off too much. But maybe this is me giving myself excuses. Who knows... all this thinking has made my head hurt. Tonight it's an evening of crappy tv and a glass of wine whilst reclining on the couch.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
5km in under 30 mins!
Today's run: 5km race, just under 30 minutes! (I think - official time not posted yet)
This morning I got up at the crack of dawn (well actually before the crack of dawn - it was still dark) to do a 5km race. After my longest long run ever though, I thought this might have been a tad optimistic. I got there this morning with plenty of time to spare, and sat in my warm car waiting thinking about how nice my bed would be... but once I got over to the start line I was pleased I had turned up.
My first km was pretty slow, about 6 mins 33 secs. People always say don't go out to fast in a race, but my problem is the opposite, I don't seem to be able to go out fast at all! Second km was a bit better, this one I did in 6 mins 14 secs. Third km was approx 5 mins 50 secs. During the fourth km I felt like I had run out of steam a bit, and it really felt like I had slowed down quite a lot, but when I looked at my watch, I had done it in about 5 mins 45 secs I think. During that last km, my head kept saying to slow down, that I was going to burst a boiler soon and that it was just too hard, but I told it to shut up, and that I was nearly home, and I reminded myself of how disappointed I would be if I missed out by a tad and felt like I hadn't given it my all. The last 100m or so was pretty much an all out sprint - there was a guy ahead who I was trying to catch for quite a while - I think it was pretty much a dead heat at the finish line.
My final time isn't posted yet, but I'm pretty sure it was just under 30 minutes. That's only about 30 secs off my PB from 2006 when I was running before, so I'm pretty happy with that. I think that these shorter races are good for reminding my legs about how to go faster - I love the long, slow distance runs but I need a little speed every now and then too.
Best thing is that whilst I didn't really want to get up at 5:50am on a Sunday, by 9am I was home and having breakfast. I'll have to see if I can squeeze in a nana nap though!
This morning I got up at the crack of dawn (well actually before the crack of dawn - it was still dark) to do a 5km race. After my longest long run ever though, I thought this might have been a tad optimistic. I got there this morning with plenty of time to spare, and sat in my warm car waiting thinking about how nice my bed would be... but once I got over to the start line I was pleased I had turned up.
My first km was pretty slow, about 6 mins 33 secs. People always say don't go out to fast in a race, but my problem is the opposite, I don't seem to be able to go out fast at all! Second km was a bit better, this one I did in 6 mins 14 secs. Third km was approx 5 mins 50 secs. During the fourth km I felt like I had run out of steam a bit, and it really felt like I had slowed down quite a lot, but when I looked at my watch, I had done it in about 5 mins 45 secs I think. During that last km, my head kept saying to slow down, that I was going to burst a boiler soon and that it was just too hard, but I told it to shut up, and that I was nearly home, and I reminded myself of how disappointed I would be if I missed out by a tad and felt like I hadn't given it my all. The last 100m or so was pretty much an all out sprint - there was a guy ahead who I was trying to catch for quite a while - I think it was pretty much a dead heat at the finish line.
My final time isn't posted yet, but I'm pretty sure it was just under 30 minutes. That's only about 30 secs off my PB from 2006 when I was running before, so I'm pretty happy with that. I think that these shorter races are good for reminding my legs about how to go faster - I love the long, slow distance runs but I need a little speed every now and then too.
Best thing is that whilst I didn't really want to get up at 5:50am on a Sunday, by 9am I was home and having breakfast. I'll have to see if I can squeeze in a nana nap though!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Long and slow...
Today's run: 11.5km, 1hr, 34 mins, 21 secs
Well another longest long run for me today. It felt a lot slower than last week's longest run, but in actual fact it was only about 10 seconds a km slower. I know the first part of my was extremely slow, so I must have picked up some pace as I got going and found a rhythm. The good news was that I had grave fears of bathroom issues on such a long run, and except for a planned pitstop after 4km, I was all a-ok. I also tried out wearing my fuel belt for this run, and I took some jelly beans with me, and had about 5 or 6 spaced out over the run. They went down well but I don't know whether I could say I noticed a difference, and they stuck to my teeth which was annoying! Call me fussy, but I just don't like the idea of sucking back a gooey slimy gel though.
When I finished, up my run, I had tiny little niggles in my right ankle, knee and hip, but I felt pretty good. I jumped straight in a cold bath to try and help my recovery for the first time too. Well, actually I lie. I had to start out by making it a luke warm bath (or else I could never have forced myself to sit down), then I kept adding cold water and let out any warm water that was left. Not sure if the bath has worked yet, since it's only been an hour or so since then.
If I recover ok today, I'm thinking about doing a 5km race again tomorrow. Getting all of this distance is great, but I need to practise some runs at a faster pace too. We'll see how we go. And then depending on how next week goes, I might jump a little in distance and try a 14km race on Easter Monday... or maybe I am getting ahead of myself here and stick to the 8km...
Well another longest long run for me today. It felt a lot slower than last week's longest run, but in actual fact it was only about 10 seconds a km slower. I know the first part of my was extremely slow, so I must have picked up some pace as I got going and found a rhythm. The good news was that I had grave fears of bathroom issues on such a long run, and except for a planned pitstop after 4km, I was all a-ok. I also tried out wearing my fuel belt for this run, and I took some jelly beans with me, and had about 5 or 6 spaced out over the run. They went down well but I don't know whether I could say I noticed a difference, and they stuck to my teeth which was annoying! Call me fussy, but I just don't like the idea of sucking back a gooey slimy gel though.
When I finished, up my run, I had tiny little niggles in my right ankle, knee and hip, but I felt pretty good. I jumped straight in a cold bath to try and help my recovery for the first time too. Well, actually I lie. I had to start out by making it a luke warm bath (or else I could never have forced myself to sit down), then I kept adding cold water and let out any warm water that was left. Not sure if the bath has worked yet, since it's only been an hour or so since then.
If I recover ok today, I'm thinking about doing a 5km race again tomorrow. Getting all of this distance is great, but I need to practise some runs at a faster pace too. We'll see how we go. And then depending on how next week goes, I might jump a little in distance and try a 14km race on Easter Monday... or maybe I am getting ahead of myself here and stick to the 8km...
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Bleh...
Runs this week: Tuesday: 3.2km, Wednesday 3.6km - both very slow!
On Tuesday afternoon I came home early from school. That in itself was amazing because literally every day for the past few weeks there have been meetings, open nights, parent / teacher conferences etc to stay back for. By the time I got home, even though it was early, I crashed on the couch for a nana nap for over an hour! Once I got going again, I went out for my run, hoping it had cooled a bit - it hadn't. I also still had tired and heavy legs from my big efforts on the weekend.
Yesterday (Wednesday) I went out for a run after work, and once again it was pretty hot and humid. And once again, my legs were tired and heavy, and just a short run required me to do some serious talking to myself to keep my legs moving. And once again I had issues with needing to stop for the loo... I was going to run longer, but by the time I needed to stop for the second time, I have to admit I just gave up and walked home. It's a bit disappointing and frustrating really. I even tried the glass of warm water trick before I went, but no success. I don't really want to look at changing my diet either because I have just started to successfully lose some weight with my new eating habits - and they're pretty healthy. I normally have peanut butter on toast for breakfast, a salad for lunch and pasta, or rice or something fairly healthy for dinner. My snacks are now fruit and rice biscuits rather than chips and chocolate.
Hmmrphh. Here's hoping things get better.
On Tuesday afternoon I came home early from school. That in itself was amazing because literally every day for the past few weeks there have been meetings, open nights, parent / teacher conferences etc to stay back for. By the time I got home, even though it was early, I crashed on the couch for a nana nap for over an hour! Once I got going again, I went out for my run, hoping it had cooled a bit - it hadn't. I also still had tired and heavy legs from my big efforts on the weekend.
Yesterday (Wednesday) I went out for a run after work, and once again it was pretty hot and humid. And once again, my legs were tired and heavy, and just a short run required me to do some serious talking to myself to keep my legs moving. And once again I had issues with needing to stop for the loo... I was going to run longer, but by the time I needed to stop for the second time, I have to admit I just gave up and walked home. It's a bit disappointing and frustrating really. I even tried the glass of warm water trick before I went, but no success. I don't really want to look at changing my diet either because I have just started to successfully lose some weight with my new eating habits - and they're pretty healthy. I normally have peanut butter on toast for breakfast, a salad for lunch and pasta, or rice or something fairly healthy for dinner. My snacks are now fruit and rice biscuits rather than chips and chocolate.
Hmmrphh. Here's hoping things get better.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
I think I can...
Today's run: 6.4km, 47 mins 42 secs
I've been toying with the idea for the last couple of weeks about entering a half marathon. Like I said yesterday, there's two that I have in mind and both are on May 18. But for the last week of so I've been having this conversation in my head about whether I would be ready and able to run a half by then. One minute I think I should go for it, the next I am asking myself "but what if I don't make it?"
I think this weekend I have gotten to the point where I think I will just take the leap and go for it. I'm not going to send in an entry form just yet, but I guess I am now serious where I think I will follow the HM training program a little more strictly. I am using Half Higdon's novice program - at the moment I'm a couple of weeks ahead of the program but I'd like to do at least one run that a little longer and have a few weeks up my sleeve in case of set backs.
On the training program, next week is an 11.2km long run, followed by about 13km the following week. However next weekend is a 10km race held by Sydney Marathon Clinic and the following week is a 14km (or 7km) race held by Sri Chinmoy. I'd love to do at least one of those races, so at the moment I'm thinking about doing my own 12km long run next weekend and the 14km race the weekend after. That's increasing my distance just a little more than I'd like but the week after the race I would be planning on a cutback week.
I'm going to play it by ear and see how it goes... and of course I'll update here with what I decide to do!
After my run today, I went for my first bike ride in a couple of weeks - just a short 12.8km ride - it was slow but nice to get out there for a ride with Dad.
I've been toying with the idea for the last couple of weeks about entering a half marathon. Like I said yesterday, there's two that I have in mind and both are on May 18. But for the last week of so I've been having this conversation in my head about whether I would be ready and able to run a half by then. One minute I think I should go for it, the next I am asking myself "but what if I don't make it?"
I think this weekend I have gotten to the point where I think I will just take the leap and go for it. I'm not going to send in an entry form just yet, but I guess I am now serious where I think I will follow the HM training program a little more strictly. I am using Half Higdon's novice program - at the moment I'm a couple of weeks ahead of the program but I'd like to do at least one run that a little longer and have a few weeks up my sleeve in case of set backs.
On the training program, next week is an 11.2km long run, followed by about 13km the following week. However next weekend is a 10km race held by Sydney Marathon Clinic and the following week is a 14km (or 7km) race held by Sri Chinmoy. I'd love to do at least one of those races, so at the moment I'm thinking about doing my own 12km long run next weekend and the 14km race the weekend after. That's increasing my distance just a little more than I'd like but the week after the race I would be planning on a cutback week.
I'm going to play it by ear and see how it goes... and of course I'll update here with what I decide to do!
After my run today, I went for my first bike ride in a couple of weeks - just a short 12.8km ride - it was slow but nice to get out there for a ride with Dad.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
New longest long run
Today's run: 9.9kms, 1 hr, 20 mins, 1 sec
I impressed myself today by running 10km. Not that I thought I couldn't but I guess the part that I was really pleased about was that it was just a nice comfortable long run. No niggles, and my legs did get tired, but overall it was pretty good. I had to stop for the loo after half an hour - I must try and get that under control!
At the moment I'm trying to gear myself up for a half marathon. There are two to choose from on May 18, and I'm hoping I might be ready for one by then. I'm going to leave entering for another couple of weeks, just to make sure I keep going ok and think I can make the distance by then. The next choice is which one to do. One is the Sydney Half Marathon, which is a bit event in a picturesque part of Sydney. The other is the Canberra Half Marathon which is smaller but also around the picturesque Lake Burley Griffin, and it doesn't have time cut offs.
Time will tell whether I make it that far and which one I do!
I impressed myself today by running 10km. Not that I thought I couldn't but I guess the part that I was really pleased about was that it was just a nice comfortable long run. No niggles, and my legs did get tired, but overall it was pretty good. I had to stop for the loo after half an hour - I must try and get that under control!
At the moment I'm trying to gear myself up for a half marathon. There are two to choose from on May 18, and I'm hoping I might be ready for one by then. I'm going to leave entering for another couple of weeks, just to make sure I keep going ok and think I can make the distance by then. The next choice is which one to do. One is the Sydney Half Marathon, which is a bit event in a picturesque part of Sydney. The other is the Canberra Half Marathon which is smaller but also around the picturesque Lake Burley Griffin, and it doesn't have time cut offs.
Time will tell whether I make it that far and which one I do!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Worst. run. ever.
Today's run: 3.2km 26 mins 09 secs
Even though now it's officially autumn here, we had one of the few 30+ degree (celsius) days here for a long time. Normally summer is over 30 most days, but this year we only had 2 days over 30! So now that's it's officially autumn, it decides to be hot. Needless to say that as a result, my run was completely crap. I had sweat dripping off me immediately, and just couldn't get going. I stopped for a toilet break halfway, which turned out to be unnecessary. But of course I sat there on the toilet just enjoying the break from running! ;-) Once I started running again, convincing my legs to do anything more than a walk was near impossible - but I did, and I completed my shockingly short run in a shockingly long time.
Oh well, here's for better runs on the weekend.
Even though now it's officially autumn here, we had one of the few 30+ degree (celsius) days here for a long time. Normally summer is over 30 most days, but this year we only had 2 days over 30! So now that's it's officially autumn, it decides to be hot. Needless to say that as a result, my run was completely crap. I had sweat dripping off me immediately, and just couldn't get going. I stopped for a toilet break halfway, which turned out to be unnecessary. But of course I sat there on the toilet just enjoying the break from running! ;-) Once I started running again, convincing my legs to do anything more than a walk was near impossible - but I did, and I completed my shockingly short run in a shockingly long time.
Oh well, here's for better runs on the weekend.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Another day, another dollar, another run
Today's run: 5.0 km, 38 mins 29 secs
Well today's run was bloody slow. But I was very happy to make it out for a run regardless. I've had a crappy few days at work, just feeling overwhelmed by the very volume of stuff I have to do. Today I finally felt like I got somewhere, which was great. So after a long day my legs were tired, but all those km's add up...
Well today's run was bloody slow. But I was very happy to make it out for a run regardless. I've had a crappy few days at work, just feeling overwhelmed by the very volume of stuff I have to do. Today I finally felt like I got somewhere, which was great. So after a long day my legs were tired, but all those km's add up...
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Intervals ahoy!
Today's run: 6.4km, 46 mins 38 secs
Yesterday I mentioned that I could 'feel' the inside of my right ankle after yesterdays run. Well I could still 'feel' it this morning, so I left my run. But I've had a crappy weekend and haven't felt relaxed at all. My sister and her husband, and my aunt visited for my mum's birthday, and we went out for the day yesterday. It should have been great, and it was, but I couldn't stop thinking about all the work I should have been doing to get up to date. I couldn't even stay at mum and dad's last night for dinner with everyone, I came home and worked instead. Also for some stupid reason that defies explanation, even though my sister is my bestest friend, I always seem to feel inadequate after spending a weekend with her. I can't quite work out why. So I wasn't feeling very relaxed today, and was pretty down, so I decided it was worth the risk in going for a run.
Something I noticed about that too - a couple of months ago if I felt like that I would have reached for the chocolate and chips - but today, I really needed to get out there and pound the pavement. I'm so pleased that's my new reaction.
Anyway, my first 3.2km lap was nice and easy. I had a couple of twinges in various places on both legs, but nothing I would consider painful, and after continuing on, it became pretty comfortable. After a toilet stop, I decided that today would be the day when I started my first lot of interval training. I didn't want to do anything too rash or full on, since I don't really want any injuries, so I decided that for my second lap, I would run 1 minute hard, then 2 minutes recovery jog. I don't know that my 1 minute hard was very consistent, but I was pretty happy overall with my efforts.
Here's hoping that this week at work is much, much better than last week!
Yesterday I mentioned that I could 'feel' the inside of my right ankle after yesterdays run. Well I could still 'feel' it this morning, so I left my run. But I've had a crappy weekend and haven't felt relaxed at all. My sister and her husband, and my aunt visited for my mum's birthday, and we went out for the day yesterday. It should have been great, and it was, but I couldn't stop thinking about all the work I should have been doing to get up to date. I couldn't even stay at mum and dad's last night for dinner with everyone, I came home and worked instead. Also for some stupid reason that defies explanation, even though my sister is my bestest friend, I always seem to feel inadequate after spending a weekend with her. I can't quite work out why. So I wasn't feeling very relaxed today, and was pretty down, so I decided it was worth the risk in going for a run.
Something I noticed about that too - a couple of months ago if I felt like that I would have reached for the chocolate and chips - but today, I really needed to get out there and pound the pavement. I'm so pleased that's my new reaction.
Anyway, my first 3.2km lap was nice and easy. I had a couple of twinges in various places on both legs, but nothing I would consider painful, and after continuing on, it became pretty comfortable. After a toilet stop, I decided that today would be the day when I started my first lot of interval training. I didn't want to do anything too rash or full on, since I don't really want any injuries, so I decided that for my second lap, I would run 1 minute hard, then 2 minutes recovery jog. I don't know that my 1 minute hard was very consistent, but I was pretty happy overall with my efforts.
Here's hoping that this week at work is much, much better than last week!
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Cut back week
Today's run: 6.4km, 48 mins 44 secs
This week I am reducing my running a little bit to give myself a bit of a break after some hard racing weeks. So a shorter long run today...
I managed a nice consistent pace as I ran today. I could "feel" my right ankle and the top of my right foot. Nothing hurt, but it just didn't feel quite the same as my left foot! Will try and be careful over the next couple of weeks because the last thing I want is an injury. I'm the kind of person that if I have to stop running for something for a while, it's hard to get back into it.
Tomorrow I'm hoping to get a run in, but it may be hard. I have lots of work to do over the weekend, and my sister and her husband and my aunt are all visiting this weekend for my Mum's birthday. So I think not only will I be busy, but I'll also be eating lots of rubbish after being so healthy over the last few weeks. I've also managed to lose 2 kgs so far!
This week I am reducing my running a little bit to give myself a bit of a break after some hard racing weeks. So a shorter long run today...
I managed a nice consistent pace as I ran today. I could "feel" my right ankle and the top of my right foot. Nothing hurt, but it just didn't feel quite the same as my left foot! Will try and be careful over the next couple of weeks because the last thing I want is an injury. I'm the kind of person that if I have to stop running for something for a while, it's hard to get back into it.
Tomorrow I'm hoping to get a run in, but it may be hard. I have lots of work to do over the weekend, and my sister and her husband and my aunt are all visiting this weekend for my Mum's birthday. So I think not only will I be busy, but I'll also be eating lots of rubbish after being so healthy over the last few weeks. I've also managed to lose 2 kgs so far!
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