Weekend Roundup

Saturday Morning I woke up for an 8k in Queensland. I couldn't miss out on an early morning run, especially knowing that my Joggers buddy's were running back in the Hills. I had a few of my own hills to contend with.

Sunday, nothing to report, no running, zero, zilch, nada, nothing!

I plan on going to the track on the way home from work. I will be doing 2 x 800m, 4 x 400m, 4 x 200m. Just for something different.

Oh what a night!

The temperature was really mild tonight. I set out at 6pm and had decided to really push myself tonight. I haven't done a really hard, long run since the GC half. I was so trashed after the GC, I felt that I just needed to give myself a good push to see how my body reacts to the distance and pace.

I felt ok in the first 5k, just trying to get into a rhythm and settle my breathing down a bit. While running along I was thinking about how I need to pace myself and not go too hard on the first part of the run. I also spent some time correcting my posture and arm movements during the run.

I wanted to get that "I can't go on any further" feeling and then try to push through it. The first loop was pretty smooth. I then headed up my own version of Heartbreak Hill at the 12k mark. I still felt ok at this stage. Made it through the second loop and ran past the Ettamogah Pub on one side and Mc Donalds on the other side of the road. (Gee, I'm so hungry!)

Made it back home in 97 mins for a total of 18k all up. I actually felt not too bad and I didn't go out too hard in the beginning. I managed to hold the pace pretty consistantly all of the way through. : ) Very happy with that. 5.4k pace. So now I think that my body is adjusting to the distance running and it is slowly becoming a more pleasurable experience.

I feel that these have really helped in recovery and during the run to reduce muscle fatigue.

Recovery Run 10k....

Here is a picture of all of us at the start of the Trial C2S. Lulu, sfGnome, myself, The Owl, and Tiger Angel.

I completed a nice easy recovery run tonight of 10k. Legs felt a little tight from last nights speed work session and it felt nice to just take it easy and stretch it out a little.

I have just found out that I am requied to go to the Gold Coast on the weekend for weekend for work so I will not be going to Joggers on Saturday morning and I won't be doing the Bay run as planned. Looks like I might have to get a few runs in, whilst in sunny Queensland.




















In perfect time, TA and me.

The field of pain,shame and humiliation.....

With Go Dad's indoor cricket delayed until next Monday night I made my way down to the track last night for what is affectionately called by Martin, "The field of pain, shame and humiliation."

I met up with Martin soon after arriving and we did the 2.5k (kiddy's version) warm up run. A few stretches later and we headed over for some drills. Leg lifts, bum kicking and that horse like step thing..I'm sure it all has some relevance to running but at the time it felt a little silly.

Numbers were down compared the previous time that I had been and it seems that only the fast one's had decided to turn up last night. There were a couple of other newbies, one young girl who looked as though she was about 14yrs old.

Martin and I spent some time talking about the shoes used on the track as we both were running in non-spike slippery soled-(asics) and martin -(brooks). One guy was telling us about this stall at the Parklea markets that has the Nike spikes for track work (the gold ones) relatively cheaper than sold in dept stores and other sporting shops. He gave me a funny look when I questioned the authenticity of his shoes. They were recommended by the Coach, Steve, so I guess they are the real deal.

We made our way over to the track for 10 x 400m with 1 min standing recovery. I only manged 8 of these on the first night and after the 12k the day before I was just planning on taking it easy. I managed to make 9/10 reps.

1:40
1:41
1:46
1:50
rest
1:38
1:41
1:43
1:48
1:43

Consistancy is the key and I was consistantly slow! Martin did a 400 PB on the last lap, he was really going for it. Well done Martin! I'm kind of glad that Go Dad has indoor cricket now on Monday nights, but I think that I will keep up the training regime for the 400's.

There are a lot of really fast runners in this group and you could leave this group feeling like the slowest runner in the world and totally embarresed by almost coming last every time (like me) or you could just walk away and be greatful for the experience. Something to think about!

"Faux" C2S trial run

Woke up nice and early and made my way to Rushcutters Bay Park to meet up with The Owl, Lulu, Wine Trail Runner, TA and sfGnome. It was pretty cold and I was really keen to get moving just to warm up! After a couple of "before" shots, Lulu kicked Garth into action and we were off. Because we couldn't start right at the start of the course we started at approx 2ks in. I was a bit apprehensive about getting back into running after a week off but felt pretty fresh in the beginning. We started out at a really friendly pace all chatting about things Coolrunning and the C2S.

Then Heartbreak Hill was imminent as sfGnome informed us "This is the start of Heartbreak Hill and it goes up and up and up......" We then had a discussion about hills with no down hill and hills that plateau and hills that just keep on going up! WTR was parked at about 1/3 of the way up the hill and we had a short drink stop then pressed on to make it the rest of the way up.

I didn't find it too difficult, but I was surprised by the amount of "other" annonymous hills after HB hill. We seemed to pan out a bit after TA and myself nearly caught ourselves a lovely young man and his friend who were obviously out doing their own version of the C2S trial run. Loved the marshalling skills from this runner, big arm movements, very entertaining. I thought it was just lovely to be able to take in all of the views as TA reminded me, "Have a good look now because you won't see it like this on race day" Just as we found ourselves saying, "Which way do we go now?" WTR popped up out of nowhere, with perfect marshalling skills saying "This way guys!" Taking photo's along the way, setting up drink stops and marshalling (did I mention that he had already been for his own run before we rocked up?) What a champion! Thanks WTR!!!!

Much discussions on running styles and arm movements along the way, thanks TA, I had that wandering arm thing going on again! Heading up yet another Hill I passed this old man in his grey track suit, red bandana and I said "goodmorning" to him as I ran past, he was so cute and replied "I'm proud of you love."
TA and I then chatted a bit more and ran on down the hill towards Bondi. TA verbally took me through the emotions of looking at the clock and sprinting to the finish line and the crowd roaring! Yeah!!! We made it. Ended up doing around 12.2ks in about 1:16 or around that. It felt good to back out running and the best was yet to come...Breakfast!

Completed a few stretches and met up with Jen_runs. Had a lovely Breakfast and coffee then headed back home. Photo's to follow.

Back from the snow

I made it home fro the snow injury free! We had a great week playing on the slopes and It was lovely to meet sfGnome and Tiger Angel.
No running all week but lots of other activities to keep the legs burning. Skied most of the week and did lots of walking around the village.
Looking forward to the trial run of the C2S tomorrow then back into some serious training again.

12k evening run

Had an evening run today as I couldn't get out of bed this morning! I had to work back until 9:30pm last night, so it was really late by the time I got home and got things organised.(Kids stuff)

Run this afternoon was ok, although I felt a little flat at times. I pushed through some hills and made it home in 77 mins. Not sure of the distance once again but I have been told that my friend Garmin is on the list for my Birthday. (I have dropped enough hints)

Plan on having a rest day tomorrow before some 1k splits on Friday. I'm going to start on 5x1k now and see how I go.

Recovery run.

I was under strict instructions from Steve to do a recovery run today after last nights speed sesion. So I set out at 6.00am for a nice easy 8k to stretch the legs.

The sunrise was beautiful this morning! Felt ok during the run and made it back home in 40 mins. Followed up with a few stretches.

The story of Go Girl to follow soon.



Go Girl!

The best is yet to come?

Thanks for the picture Geoff! I'm waiting for the best thing that is yet to come..

Arrived at the track last night, very apprehensive about joining the speedy track stars. Go Boy decided he would come along for a run as well. Started out with a few stretches, met up with Martin (Whew...someone that I knew) and met another new girl, Heather.

We started with a 2.5k warm up run not far from the track, then back into a few more stretches before completing some drills. Martin kindly took myself and the other new girl through the routine. First impression was: wow, there are a lot of young, very fit kids here!

After completing the drills we lined up for 10x400m with 30sec's standing recovery. I knew that I would be slow and I didn't want to go too hard as there were 9 more 400m laps to go! My first two reps were in 1:39 and 1:41. I don't recall the other two as I could only concentrate on breathing. Martin gave me some encourging words along the way. After the first four reps, Steve told Heather and I to sit the next one out. I joined the group again for the next two reps then rested on the 9th. I finished the last lap with the group in 1:38. For a total of 8x400m instead of the 10.

Finished off with a warm down lap with Heather and Go Boy. I think that this type of training will be very beneficial in the long run. I'm hoping to see some impovement in something soon though!

In the club room at the Athletics club, I noticed quiet a few pictures on the message board of some coolrunners in action at the SMH Half. Someone there must be a fan!!! Or an unidentified CR.

Joggers Hills

Missed out on Friday night CR drinks... I will have to make an effort to get there next time. Went to Joggers this morning for a Hilly run. This was a great lead up to the C2S. I didn't find the Hills too bad, I actually felt ok at the end of the run.

The guys (Thanks Martin) have talked me into going down on Monday night for some track work. Could be interesting considering I have been training by myself up until now. Oh well, you never know unless you give it a go!!
Not sure of the distance today but came in for a total of 41:35.

10k and a black toe nail!

Went out for a 10k run last night. The weather was nice, not too cold. Felt ok and settled in after 2k's. Ended up finishing in about 52:00. Added a few hills to the track tonight but not too many. Apparently the H course at Joggers on Saturday is all Hills!!!!
When I returned home I had a good look at my toes as they have been pretty sore since the GC half. On closer inspection my second biggest toe nail on my left foot is black and has lifted. Two toes on my right foot have blisters on the end of them.
I couldn't feel them when I was running, just when I had stopped. Solution: Keep running!
I found aout that this is quiet normal after I checked out some simular related threads on CR. I am normal after all.

Official time for GC.

Was I happy to cross the finish line????? You bet.

Times are up on the web site and I am pleased that my chip time is actually 1 minute less than the clock time. So I came in at 1:54:45. I am really happy with that concidering I felt like dying in the second half. Back to training tonight and off to Joggers on Saturday.

3x1k with Go Boy.

Go Boy asked if he could come to the track with me this morning to do some running. So we set out early after he reluctantly got out of bed at 6:00am.

Once we arrived at the track we did a 10min warm up, 2 laps at a slow pace and a few stretches. We headed over to the start and I set my watch. At about the 400m mark Go Boy spotted the long jump pit and decided he would rather be doing some long jump than running around the track with me. As I ran past on the second lap he yelled out, "Hey Mum, watch this" and landed on his bum in the sand! I had a chuckle and kept on towards the finish.

The first lap I felt a little stiff still in the achillies, but soon warmed up and felt a little better on the next two reps.

4:50
4:45
4:44

I didn't push it too hard being on the recovery trail from the GC. A few stretches to finish off and we headed back home. Go Boy informed me that he would prefer to come out with me when summer arrives instead of getting wet, cold feet and freezing hands in the winter. Looks like I'm back to solo trips to the track.

Gold Coast Half and other activities.

Well...What a weekend! I had a fantastic time. I met so many CR's and a few that I had wanted to meet but due to travel arrangements, missed out on meeting them. There's always next time!

Saturday morning I caught up with Cato and we chatted while we picked up our race packs. I headed back to my in-laws house to get ready to meet up with martini and Rob and go out for dinner.

It was really nice to catch up with all of the CR crowd on Saturday night at the SLSC for dinner and finally put some faces to the names. I think that we were all being a bit conservative though, (except for a few members of the cheer squad)in preparation for the race the next morning. Nice to meet: Jen, Cirque and friends, Plu, Bandanna, Hannah, Miners, Owl and others. (Sorry if I missed anyone.)

Woke early, drove in with martini and Rob. I was really nervous and started to doubt my ability to run this distance on the limited training that I had. Martini reassured me all the way in to the event and the nerves started to really take over. This is when I become really quiet, when I get nervous.

A few quick stretches then we all lined up. Found the Pat Carroll 1:50 pace group and met Chelle and Bennyr. Ideally I would have liked to have stayed with the group but I wasn't going to push myself too much, I just wanted to finish and clock up my first 1/2. The start was rather congested and a lot of sideways shuffling went on, getting out of other peoples way seemed to take up most of my concentration and energy. I was also not happy with other runners just coming to a dead stop at the water stations. After a few bumps and pushes in the back, it took abit for me to catch up to the pace group again.

Perfect conditions for the race and I felt great. Got to the 8k and I couldn't believe it, I felt really good! Took off just ahead of the pacer as her balloons kept on hitting me in the head. This could have been my undoing! Just 2k later at the 10k mark I felt like crap. My legs were heavy and not responding. Obviously at this stage I was beginning to realise that I had taken it out too hard and had not been conservative for the second half. So many runners were passing me, I felt terrible! I could feel my achillies really tighten up and my calves were burning.

I could still see the red balloons at the 14k mark but they were slowly pulling away from me so I knew that I was never going to catch them now. Quiet a few coolstriders passed me and a few CR's who gave an encouraging "Go Coolrunner" as they could see I was struggling. I had also lost martini along the way before the 10k turn around. She managed to track me down and caught up to me at the 15k mark. I was so glad, she really helped me along. Martini was sying some funny things to me like, "Look, there's Mc Donalds" I didn't care about stupid Mc Donalds, my legs were huting! She then gave me a few tips which really helped. Martini told me to try pushing out through my hips, this really helped for a while. She then suggested I try changing my stride a little by doing a few shuffles. This helped too. Martini said to me, "see that second set of lights that's almost the end!" I yelled back, "Then how far?" She just laughed and said,"Not far at all."

Before I knew it we were getting closer to the finish, "1k to go," she yelled at me. Thank god, I was totally spent. We made it down to the cheer squad, they were fantastic! Just the lift I needed. I could hear Jen and The Owl calling out "Go Go Girl" Martini and I grabbed each others hand and crossed the line together with our arms up in the air. I had made it! I was so happy to have finished. A special thanks to martini, she really helped me get through. We couldn't find Rob (Martini's husband, not mine)He had our bags and I was freezing. We ended up using one of the officials mobile phones to call him. He was sitting in the stand still waiting for us to come in!!! Yep he missed us. He said "every second runner had a CR cap on!" We are a popular bunch aren't we!

I then made my way down to the cheer squad. This was so much fun, I didn't even know half of these runners but I knew how much they appreciated the cheers of support along the way. I saw Vespa come flying past in the 10k and later EskiMo. She was flying too! Apparently paid for it later on though...Briefly met SloJo, SlowSue and co.. and a few other CR's.

I was very impressed with the professionalism of this event and the volunteers, it was great! I have now recorded my first Half time and it was 1:55. Official times not out yet but won't be far off that. Some lessons learn't and some new training goals set. I had a great time meeting everyone.

Unfortunately I didn't get to hang around at the surf club afterwards, my friends had to drive back to Noosa and we were in desperate need of a shower. I was trashed! I had to go and have a sleep once I got home.