Fri 29/7
Tired out, rest. Early to bed
Sat 30/7
Most beautiful sunrise I've seen in a long time. Bright, bright orange which faded to apricot and purple. It was so stunning that after giving Fi a massive fright we stopped and watched it for a while.
I didn't have it today, my legs are sore from Thursday, and I had a massive stitch which just wouldn't go away. I ran one lap of Princes Park and then walked 1/2 then ran again. I was ok at a slower pace but just felt off.
I'm so tired from a super busy week at work that I think I've got not much left over to give to training right now.
Sleep will do me good.
Showing posts with label long run. Show all posts
Showing posts with label long run. Show all posts
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
let them eat cake
AM
Brrrrr. It was a very chilly 2 degrees when I left home this morning. I dug out my NYC 5 boroughs gloves to keep my hands from hurting and I was very glad to have them on.
It was Fi's first kind of, almost, serious run back this morning and we intended to do 10kms together. I hadn't quite intended to do them so fast but we had some stuff to talk about and we tend to get faster when we do.
We held 5 15 for most of the run, with a bit of sub 5 thrown in for good measure.
Although chilly, it was a beautiful morning. The birds were chirping in the pitch black, the grounds were white with frost and the sunrise was a gorgeous hot pink. The bare trees looked fantastic against the sky across Princes Park and I was very happy to be alive and out in it.
Fi detoured at the end to come view my new bike and then we all went to breakfast for Susie's birthday breakfast with cake.
Brrrrr. It was a very chilly 2 degrees when I left home this morning. I dug out my NYC 5 boroughs gloves to keep my hands from hurting and I was very glad to have them on.
It was Fi's first kind of, almost, serious run back this morning and we intended to do 10kms together. I hadn't quite intended to do them so fast but we had some stuff to talk about and we tend to get faster when we do.
We held 5 15 for most of the run, with a bit of sub 5 thrown in for good measure.
Although chilly, it was a beautiful morning. The birds were chirping in the pitch black, the grounds were white with frost and the sunrise was a gorgeous hot pink. The bare trees looked fantastic against the sky across Princes Park and I was very happy to be alive and out in it.
Fi detoured at the end to come view my new bike and then we all went to breakfast for Susie's birthday breakfast with cake.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Beach Rd goodness
AM
I parked at the usual Albert Park starting place all alone and headed down to Beach Rd. My legs were pretty sore from Jeff's Thursday farewell gift so I was happy to just cruise.
I really like running along Beach Rd most of the time, so many pretty colours and hot legs to look at as they whiz by. I ran out for 5km and then turned around to come home. Oh, where was the turnaround you ask? Why, right outside Cafe Racer.
I noticed I was speeding up as I ran back into the headwind so I decided to turn up the pace a little. Then I decided to turn up the pace alot.
I was cruising at 5 30 kms for most of the run, then I went to 5 and finished off with 4 20's. It felt awkward but still good fun. I love pushing it and feeling my legs respond, gives me faith that I should keep at it.
10km
I parked at the usual Albert Park starting place all alone and headed down to Beach Rd. My legs were pretty sore from Jeff's Thursday farewell gift so I was happy to just cruise.
I really like running along Beach Rd most of the time, so many pretty colours and hot legs to look at as they whiz by. I ran out for 5km and then turned around to come home. Oh, where was the turnaround you ask? Why, right outside Cafe Racer.
I noticed I was speeding up as I ran back into the headwind so I decided to turn up the pace a little. Then I decided to turn up the pace alot.
I was cruising at 5 30 kms for most of the run, then I went to 5 and finished off with 4 20's. It felt awkward but still good fun. I love pushing it and feeling my legs respond, gives me faith that I should keep at it.
10km
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Well, what do you know?
HAH!
comeback run today! It felt awesome to be running with Fi again!! I loved it.
Actually, I felt very reflective and priveliged to be running with my beautiful friend. We've come along way together and shared some very special k's so it was lovely to share her last training run.
We ran around and about Richmond. We went past Em's gym but her car wasn't there so I didn't go in. We noticed a gorgeous sunrise and some interesting architecture as well, we talked, we laughed, I sweated, Fi cruised.
Actually, we ran fast, our slowest speed by my Garmin was 5 30 pace and we ended up well under 5 min k's.
I was talking to a friend this evening and he reminded me not to get ahead of myself. It's all about running for fun at the moment, no pressure, no time goals, no event planning.
Well, event planning of another kind. This kind, and this kind, and this kind!
dist 11 kms
comeback run today! It felt awesome to be running with Fi again!! I loved it.
Actually, I felt very reflective and priveliged to be running with my beautiful friend. We've come along way together and shared some very special k's so it was lovely to share her last training run.
We ran around and about Richmond. We went past Em's gym but her car wasn't there so I didn't go in. We noticed a gorgeous sunrise and some interesting architecture as well, we talked, we laughed, I sweated, Fi cruised.
Actually, we ran fast, our slowest speed by my Garmin was 5 30 pace and we ended up well under 5 min k's.
I was talking to a friend this evening and he reminded me not to get ahead of myself. It's all about running for fun at the moment, no pressure, no time goals, no event planning.
Well, event planning of another kind. This kind, and this kind, and this kind!
dist 11 kms
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Much better!
AM
10km loop around Princes Park this morning had my perfect sound track. Islands in the Stream, 9-5 and Jolene kept me amused the whole way around. Legs felt pretty good, I'm starting to feel a bit tight in the right glute so I"ll need to book in a massage after the CX race.
I was pretty happy with how I felt, I was having fun, which was nice.
Midday
Left Montmorency (Tim and Micala's place) and rode to Hans loop. It was more muddy than last week but I managed to ride the whole way round. I needed to unclip for some of the more technical stuff but I only unclipped in terror once on a rocky descent. I managed to pedal most of the uphills and the more muddy sections. I finished the loop more that half as fast as last week and I had way more fun because I wasn't as scared. I hope to do this ride every weekend for a while so I can work on my skills.
We went to Eltham Burger Lounge which might be a new favourite after Hans and then rode up the hills back to Micala's.
I was filthy, hosed off at her place and then came back home and cleaned up some more.
PM
hungry and tired!
10km loop around Princes Park this morning had my perfect sound track. Islands in the Stream, 9-5 and Jolene kept me amused the whole way around. Legs felt pretty good, I'm starting to feel a bit tight in the right glute so I"ll need to book in a massage after the CX race.
I was pretty happy with how I felt, I was having fun, which was nice.
Midday
Left Montmorency (Tim and Micala's place) and rode to Hans loop. It was more muddy than last week but I managed to ride the whole way round. I needed to unclip for some of the more technical stuff but I only unclipped in terror once on a rocky descent. I managed to pedal most of the uphills and the more muddy sections. I finished the loop more that half as fast as last week and I had way more fun because I wasn't as scared. I hope to do this ride every weekend for a while so I can work on my skills.
We went to Eltham Burger Lounge which might be a new favourite after Hans and then rode up the hills back to Micala's.
I was filthy, hosed off at her place and then came back home and cleaned up some more.
PM
hungry and tired!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Feeling good enough for a TT
AM
Fi was planning on running 33km by herself this morning and I just couldn't allow that to happen. For a start, that's a really long way with no company, second, she's been with me on too many of my long runs for me to leave her go it alone and third, that would be a PB for her and I wanted to be there to celebrate it!
I had alot of adrenaline post CX, and didn't get to sleep until very late and then woke up at 3am. I was up early and sent Fi a txt to let her know I was on my way. I packed what I thought was my clean bike into the car and gathered all my winter bike kit along with my sopping wet shoes which I'd cleaned by hosing them off.
We met at Albert Park and I planned to run out for 5km then head back to the car to get changed and then follow Fi on the bike. We both must have been pretty tired because when you think about it, that's not really a very good plan.
I was happy that I felt really energetic and lightish on my feet for the run. We were averaging about 5 40 pace and it felt good, 5 kms passed quickly and I turned around at Chapel St. I kept the same pace back to Albert Park but walked up Anderson as my legs still don't feel great on the hills.
Back at the car, I was sweaty and the car fogged up which gave me some privacy to get changed. No baring my bum on the street today!
Winter gear on and I was off on the bike, going hard because I didn't want to leave Fi by herself for any longer than necessary. Back to the river, along to the flat boulevard where I pushed it into the absolute red zone, I don't think I've ever ridden that section as fast. I was expecting to find Fi on Bridge Rd, but no she wasn't there, I kept the pace up all the way back to Fed Sq, and along St Kilda Rd to Albert Park. I was getting quite worried by this stage, still no Fi. I was also dripping with sweat from going as hard as I could in all my winter gear.
Around Albert Park twoways and still no Fi, I was really shattered by now but still pushing the pace, I stopped for a gel and kept going where I headed down to Beach Rd.
Huh? You say. Beach Rd? Yeah, Beach Rd. On a Saturday. On a SS. By myself.
YOWSERS!
Here I went back into red zone as I was trying to not get in the way of the bunches, with looking for Fi left and right, keeping an ear out for 'riders back' and dodging cars I forgot to check out the legs of all of the bunches except for one. What a waste! You won't find me back down there on a bike in a hurry!
Still no Fi. I thought I'd missed her, and was sad that I hadn't done a very good job of keeping her company. I had stories that I wanted to share as well.
Halfway up Fitzroy St I FINALLY spotted my beautiful friend. I was very happy to find her! I was smashed, my legs were so sore from my ITT and I really was bone tired. Fi looked great, 2 thumbs up from her, still striding strong and making sense.
She only had 3kms to go so we caught up just in time. I realised how wet from sweat I was when I slowed down and I was freezing.
Around the lake and Fi hit her PB. Well done Fi! You look strong, you're fit and fast and you're going to have a ball at the marathon. I'm so lucky to have you to share miles with and I feel priveliged to have hit this milestone with you. You're special and precious and I appreciate our hours together and the laughs we've shared.
At breakfast, I fell asleep at the table. I did some errands and came home where I properly cleaned the stinky mud off my bike and did some gardening. I fell asleep at about 2.30 and woke up just before 6pm. I knew I'd smashed it.
Run 10km
Bike 38km
Fi was planning on running 33km by herself this morning and I just couldn't allow that to happen. For a start, that's a really long way with no company, second, she's been with me on too many of my long runs for me to leave her go it alone and third, that would be a PB for her and I wanted to be there to celebrate it!
I had alot of adrenaline post CX, and didn't get to sleep until very late and then woke up at 3am. I was up early and sent Fi a txt to let her know I was on my way. I packed what I thought was my clean bike into the car and gathered all my winter bike kit along with my sopping wet shoes which I'd cleaned by hosing them off.
We met at Albert Park and I planned to run out for 5km then head back to the car to get changed and then follow Fi on the bike. We both must have been pretty tired because when you think about it, that's not really a very good plan.
I was happy that I felt really energetic and lightish on my feet for the run. We were averaging about 5 40 pace and it felt good, 5 kms passed quickly and I turned around at Chapel St. I kept the same pace back to Albert Park but walked up Anderson as my legs still don't feel great on the hills.
Back at the car, I was sweaty and the car fogged up which gave me some privacy to get changed. No baring my bum on the street today!
Winter gear on and I was off on the bike, going hard because I didn't want to leave Fi by herself for any longer than necessary. Back to the river, along to the flat boulevard where I pushed it into the absolute red zone, I don't think I've ever ridden that section as fast. I was expecting to find Fi on Bridge Rd, but no she wasn't there, I kept the pace up all the way back to Fed Sq, and along St Kilda Rd to Albert Park. I was getting quite worried by this stage, still no Fi. I was also dripping with sweat from going as hard as I could in all my winter gear.
Around Albert Park twoways and still no Fi, I was really shattered by now but still pushing the pace, I stopped for a gel and kept going where I headed down to Beach Rd.
Huh? You say. Beach Rd? Yeah, Beach Rd. On a Saturday. On a SS. By myself.
YOWSERS!
Here I went back into red zone as I was trying to not get in the way of the bunches, with looking for Fi left and right, keeping an ear out for 'riders back' and dodging cars I forgot to check out the legs of all of the bunches except for one. What a waste! You won't find me back down there on a bike in a hurry!
Still no Fi. I thought I'd missed her, and was sad that I hadn't done a very good job of keeping her company. I had stories that I wanted to share as well.
Halfway up Fitzroy St I FINALLY spotted my beautiful friend. I was very happy to find her! I was smashed, my legs were so sore from my ITT and I really was bone tired. Fi looked great, 2 thumbs up from her, still striding strong and making sense.
She only had 3kms to go so we caught up just in time. I realised how wet from sweat I was when I slowed down and I was freezing.
Around the lake and Fi hit her PB. Well done Fi! You look strong, you're fit and fast and you're going to have a ball at the marathon. I'm so lucky to have you to share miles with and I feel priveliged to have hit this milestone with you. You're special and precious and I appreciate our hours together and the laughs we've shared.
At breakfast, I fell asleep at the table. I did some errands and came home where I properly cleaned the stinky mud off my bike and did some gardening. I fell asleep at about 2.30 and woke up just before 6pm. I knew I'd smashed it.
Run 10km
Bike 38km
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Happy Birthday Mrs Barb.
AM
I knew I wouldn't be able to keep up with Fi today as its taken me all week to recover from our last run together. I'd planned on running 10km and then had to finish cake decorating and shower before brekky so it made sense for me to run at home.
It was a really lovely morning, I headed out with tunes and kept the pace slow. I am struggling to find words to describe how I feel running, at times I felt like my usual self, but that was is very short lived. I don't have aches or pain, I just have nothing, no go, very little get up, it's weird. I've never felt like this before. I know it will come back with time.
Dist 9.5kms
Cakes were delish.
I knew I wouldn't be able to keep up with Fi today as its taken me all week to recover from our last run together. I'd planned on running 10km and then had to finish cake decorating and shower before brekky so it made sense for me to run at home.
It was a really lovely morning, I headed out with tunes and kept the pace slow. I am struggling to find words to describe how I feel running, at times I felt like my usual self, but that was is very short lived. I don't have aches or pain, I just have nothing, no go, very little get up, it's weird. I've never felt like this before. I know it will come back with time.
Dist 9.5kms
Cakes were delish.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Rudie Nudie
Fi had a 30km run planned for this morning and I was keen to join her for as much as I could. I thought I could stick it out for 10km and then jump on the bike for the rest.
I rode down to Mixed Business for a 5 45 start, it was cold but not freezing and had the promise of a beautiful morning. We ran down the Merri Crk trail to Dights Falls, it was dark and lonely down there and we both glad for the bright moon lighting our way.
I was running hard, Fi's alot faster than me and I knew I'd just have to suck it up as best as I could. Fi knows me too well for me to hide how I was feeling, she knew I was hurting and noticed that my stride is very off at the moment.
We passed Dights Falls and ran around Trenerry Cres to Johnston where we turned around at 5km, we came back the way we had come. Fi had to leave me on the hills but we got back to the car in 58mins which is pretty quick for a busted person.
I got changed into my bike kit while Fi ran for 2kms alone. She came back to the car and I jumped on the bike.
We went around Princes Park together and then a Zoo, Oak St lap. Fi was running so strong, she's ready and fit. I was having fun on my CX bike and practised shouldering it up the stairs a few times which trashed my already sore legs. I can't wait for CX season!
Brekky at Mixed Business is always delish and then I headed home.
I rode down to Mixed Business for a 5 45 start, it was cold but not freezing and had the promise of a beautiful morning. We ran down the Merri Crk trail to Dights Falls, it was dark and lonely down there and we both glad for the bright moon lighting our way.
I was running hard, Fi's alot faster than me and I knew I'd just have to suck it up as best as I could. Fi knows me too well for me to hide how I was feeling, she knew I was hurting and noticed that my stride is very off at the moment.
We passed Dights Falls and ran around Trenerry Cres to Johnston where we turned around at 5km, we came back the way we had come. Fi had to leave me on the hills but we got back to the car in 58mins which is pretty quick for a busted person.
I got changed into my bike kit while Fi ran for 2kms alone. She came back to the car and I jumped on the bike.
We went around Princes Park together and then a Zoo, Oak St lap. Fi was running so strong, she's ready and fit. I was having fun on my CX bike and practised shouldering it up the stairs a few times which trashed my already sore legs. I can't wait for CX season!
Brekky at Mixed Business is always delish and then I headed home.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Bikes in Bendigo
Nice morning in Benders today. Bright blue sunshine even though it was only about 5 degrees. Brrrr.
I went out to Spring Gully from Dad's, across to Kennington, past McIvor Rd and around Mayfair and the airport where I got a little lost.
Found my way back to the racecourse and then headed back along the main drag to town.
I was happily surprised to see 9 decent sized bunches leave the big roundabout this morning, but slightly disappointed that my breakfast spot has stopped serving porridge.
I also noticed a very exxy looking Ridley that was being ridden by an overweight middle aged man. Sad.....
dist 21kms
I went out to Spring Gully from Dad's, across to Kennington, past McIvor Rd and around Mayfair and the airport where I got a little lost.
Found my way back to the racecourse and then headed back along the main drag to town.
I was happily surprised to see 9 decent sized bunches leave the big roundabout this morning, but slightly disappointed that my breakfast spot has stopped serving porridge.
I also noticed a very exxy looking Ridley that was being ridden by an overweight middle aged man. Sad.....
dist 21kms
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Well golly gee!
I felt more like normal me today! My pace was slow, more than 30 secs per km slower than usual but I've got to be happy with how my endurance has held up.
I hope I get my speed back soon because I won't run with Fi again until it's back. I find it just as hard to run with somebody slower as it is to run with somebody that is faster.
I started from home and ran around Princes Park, the Cemetery, Rathdowne to Pigdon. I then headed out to Clifton Hill where I changed directions so I could run towards the beautiful bright pink sunrise. I took Hoddle down to Abbotsford where I ran around some back streets and then back to my house.
After some sportslegs at home, I was still feeling good, so I decided to head by foot to breakfast in Flemington.
I was running through the grass along the zoo laughing out loud because I was feeling good and happy to be running. Loving the endorphins which had hit in at around 11kms.
My watch stopped working so I'm not sure of exact distance so I'm going to call in an even 25km. It could have been a bit more or a bit less.
I hope I get my speed back soon because I won't run with Fi again until it's back. I find it just as hard to run with somebody slower as it is to run with somebody that is faster.
I started from home and ran around Princes Park, the Cemetery, Rathdowne to Pigdon. I then headed out to Clifton Hill where I changed directions so I could run towards the beautiful bright pink sunrise. I took Hoddle down to Abbotsford where I ran around some back streets and then back to my house.
After some sportslegs at home, I was still feeling good, so I decided to head by foot to breakfast in Flemington.
I was running through the grass along the zoo laughing out loud because I was feeling good and happy to be running. Loving the endorphins which had hit in at around 11kms.
My watch stopped working so I'm not sure of exact distance so I'm going to call in an even 25km. It could have been a bit more or a bit less.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Running adventures
Good Friday AM
I'm not sure what the long weekend will bring my way so I decided to go for my long run today. I woke up at 7am and headed out the door with a plan to see how far away 25km would get me from home.
My route took me down Lygon St to Victoria, then I headed for Hoddle St. I walked up the Punt Rd hill and then continued onto St Kilda.
It was a nice morning, not as perfect as it has been lately but still lovely running weather. At St Kilda I headed down Beach Rd. So many cyclists were out today, and I enjoyed checking out the legs, bikes and kits of the bunches as they went past.
25km got me to Sandringham Football Club where I stopped, bought a Gatorade from the Caltex and headed inland to find a train.
An hour, a train and tram ride later and I was very cold and very glad to jump into a warm shower at home.
Not surprisingly my legs and glutes were very sore today so running was hard work. I needed pretty frequent water and rest breaks at the lights but I'm still happy I got through it.
Islands in the Stream kept me good company during kilometres 8-20!
I'm not sure what the long weekend will bring my way so I decided to go for my long run today. I woke up at 7am and headed out the door with a plan to see how far away 25km would get me from home.
My route took me down Lygon St to Victoria, then I headed for Hoddle St. I walked up the Punt Rd hill and then continued onto St Kilda.
It was a nice morning, not as perfect as it has been lately but still lovely running weather. At St Kilda I headed down Beach Rd. So many cyclists were out today, and I enjoyed checking out the legs, bikes and kits of the bunches as they went past.
25km got me to Sandringham Football Club where I stopped, bought a Gatorade from the Caltex and headed inland to find a train.
An hour, a train and tram ride later and I was very cold and very glad to jump into a warm shower at home.
Not surprisingly my legs and glutes were very sore today so running was hard work. I needed pretty frequent water and rest breaks at the lights but I'm still happy I got through it.
Islands in the Stream kept me good company during kilometres 8-20!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Didn't think I'd make it
AM
I had a few wines to decompress last night. Not the best prep for a 23km run after a very slack week but they were much needed.
Fi had picked the starting point in Richmond today and took us down Swan St to GE and onto the flat boulevard.
We headed up the the pedestrian bridge at the St Kevins rowing sheds and headed along the Gardiner Creek trail, past the Hawthorn Cycling Club to Fi's house. I considered turning back there as I was feeling more than ordinary but after a gel I continued on Fi's loop with her and Dee.
We took Gardiner's Creek Trail back the way we'd come. We looked up and noticed the beautiful sunrise and on the way back a couple of cyclists were scooting round the track.
Back along Swan St and Fi and Dee got a bit of a break on me, that made me get a bit cranky with myself so I took off with 1.5km to go to try and catch them. They crossed the road without realising I was chasing so I continued back to the cars alone. I was able to smash it for that last bit which was completely surprising after how I'd started out.
I ended up doing some extras to make up an even 24km.
Not bad.
I had a few wines to decompress last night. Not the best prep for a 23km run after a very slack week but they were much needed.
Fi had picked the starting point in Richmond today and took us down Swan St to GE and onto the flat boulevard.
We headed up the the pedestrian bridge at the St Kevins rowing sheds and headed along the Gardiner Creek trail, past the Hawthorn Cycling Club to Fi's house. I considered turning back there as I was feeling more than ordinary but after a gel I continued on Fi's loop with her and Dee.
We took Gardiner's Creek Trail back the way we'd come. We looked up and noticed the beautiful sunrise and on the way back a couple of cyclists were scooting round the track.
Back along Swan St and Fi and Dee got a bit of a break on me, that made me get a bit cranky with myself so I took off with 1.5km to go to try and catch them. They crossed the road without realising I was chasing so I continued back to the cars alone. I was able to smash it for that last bit which was completely surprising after how I'd started out.
I ended up doing some extras to make up an even 24km.
Not bad.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Thank you for not punching
AM
Step back weeks are easy right? Ummmm, not so much.
Maybe it was the couple of champagnes I drank with Emily last night, maybe it was exactly what my trainer predicted. The step back weeks are going to feel hard is what he said. I didn't quite believe him then.
Dee, Fi and I met at Mixed Business this morning. I'd planned a long loop that would take us around some of our favourites.
Along Hoddle, where Dee did an impression of our run on Thurs that had Fi laughing so hard she couldn't breathe. We turned left at the river, left at Chapel and right on Swan. Back down to the river at GE where I was feeling incredibly thirsty, slow and yuk.
We stopped at the drink fountain, and then continued along the river to Walmer and headed up onto The Boulevard. I tried to take notice of how pretty it was up there, but I was more focussed on one foot in front of the other, repeat. Fi whispered a little secret that she was hurting too which made me feel better. Last week we smashed it, this week 10km felt like a long way.
We left the Boulevard at the Gipps St bridge and detoured around Trenerry Cres and back to Clifton Hill. The human GPS had to recalculate a few times but we ended up with 17km which was just over our target of 16.
Fi told me that we'd actually averaged our marathon goal pace today which surprised me as it felt so slow. This is where I have to trust the training. We've been getting steadily faster and I had been warned about how I was going to feel so actually, everything is going to plan.
Massage with James and his evil fingers of death
OUCH. Hamstrings and calves sore, had a few adhesions. Achilles not so great. Glute not so bad until he got to glute med, then it all got awfully bad. James thanked me for not punching him at one point.
Step back weeks are easy right? Ummmm, not so much.
Maybe it was the couple of champagnes I drank with Emily last night, maybe it was exactly what my trainer predicted. The step back weeks are going to feel hard is what he said. I didn't quite believe him then.
Dee, Fi and I met at Mixed Business this morning. I'd planned a long loop that would take us around some of our favourites.
Along Hoddle, where Dee did an impression of our run on Thurs that had Fi laughing so hard she couldn't breathe. We turned left at the river, left at Chapel and right on Swan. Back down to the river at GE where I was feeling incredibly thirsty, slow and yuk.
We stopped at the drink fountain, and then continued along the river to Walmer and headed up onto The Boulevard. I tried to take notice of how pretty it was up there, but I was more focussed on one foot in front of the other, repeat. Fi whispered a little secret that she was hurting too which made me feel better. Last week we smashed it, this week 10km felt like a long way.
We left the Boulevard at the Gipps St bridge and detoured around Trenerry Cres and back to Clifton Hill. The human GPS had to recalculate a few times but we ended up with 17km which was just over our target of 16.
Fi told me that we'd actually averaged our marathon goal pace today which surprised me as it felt so slow. This is where I have to trust the training. We've been getting steadily faster and I had been warned about how I was going to feel so actually, everything is going to plan.
Massage with James and his evil fingers of death
OUCH. Hamstrings and calves sore, had a few adhesions. Achilles not so great. Glute not so bad until he got to glute med, then it all got awfully bad. James thanked me for not punching him at one point.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Faith and Balls
AM
Another gorgeous morning for a run and with 22km on the plan we had plenty of time to talk.
It's funny how running in the dark doesn't seem to count, there's no way this morning felt like 22km. We had hit 10km without really thinking about it and held a good pace the whole way.
Route was almost exactly the same as last week. Starting from Richmond Pool, heading across to Abbotsford then up Johnston to Princes Park. Down the back of the Park, along Swanston, over to and around Exhibition Gardens, along Spring to Fed Square, then along the River to Anderson St. Cross the road, down Alexandra Ave to Church, across to Swan, down to Burnley, back to Highett and back up to the Pool.
Well, when I write it like that it feels like along way but it felt great this morning!
We had a good chance to talk and plan things and Fi and I both agreed that we have a bit of uncertainty about a few things.
I feel flatter that I have ever felt about running and I'm far more excited about being on the bike. It's not that long since NYC and I haven't backed up two difficult programs before so understandably I'm feeling quite fatigued in the legs and taking much longer to recover.
I'm also carrying extra weight (blah, blah , blah) which makes running that much more difficult.
Fi hasn't run a marathon before so while she's got pace, she's untested in endurance.
Basically, I think it all boils down to 2 things.
Faith and Balls.
Faith that the training we're doing is working and though we feel tired now, off the back of a taper we'll be strong and fast.
Balls, because over 30km it's all about the size of your cahunas. You've either got the balls to tough it out, or you don't. There's nowhere to hide, it's gonna hurt, and it's gonna hurt big.
I know I've got the balls and I've got faith that Fi has too.
Another gorgeous morning for a run and with 22km on the plan we had plenty of time to talk.
It's funny how running in the dark doesn't seem to count, there's no way this morning felt like 22km. We had hit 10km without really thinking about it and held a good pace the whole way.
Route was almost exactly the same as last week. Starting from Richmond Pool, heading across to Abbotsford then up Johnston to Princes Park. Down the back of the Park, along Swanston, over to and around Exhibition Gardens, along Spring to Fed Square, then along the River to Anderson St. Cross the road, down Alexandra Ave to Church, across to Swan, down to Burnley, back to Highett and back up to the Pool.
Well, when I write it like that it feels like along way but it felt great this morning!
We had a good chance to talk and plan things and Fi and I both agreed that we have a bit of uncertainty about a few things.
I feel flatter that I have ever felt about running and I'm far more excited about being on the bike. It's not that long since NYC and I haven't backed up two difficult programs before so understandably I'm feeling quite fatigued in the legs and taking much longer to recover.
I'm also carrying extra weight (blah, blah , blah) which makes running that much more difficult.
Fi hasn't run a marathon before so while she's got pace, she's untested in endurance.
Basically, I think it all boils down to 2 things.
Faith and Balls.
Faith that the training we're doing is working and though we feel tired now, off the back of a taper we'll be strong and fast.
Balls, because over 30km it's all about the size of your cahunas. You've either got the balls to tough it out, or you don't. There's nowhere to hide, it's gonna hurt, and it's gonna hurt big.
I know I've got the balls and I've got faith that Fi has too.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Everybody wore undies....
Another gorgeous Melbourne autumn morning and another beautiful run. Well, it looked beautiful in the pitch black and Fi says it's pretty in the daytime too.
Today was finally the step back week (finally, I say - I'm only 3 weeks in to the program, eeek) and I've been hanging out for it.
I'm sure I would have enjoyed it if my lats, lower back, hammies and glutes didn't have the worst DOMs in recent memory. I know that it's all my fault for not listening to Jeff and doubling up on the waterball cleans but OWWWWW.
Who knew you use your back so much to run? As for powering up hills, forget about it - I was clock watching from 7.2kms in. A quick stretch at a water stop helped a little but my back was incredibly sore and my range of motion was definitely impacted. I'd even loaded up on the sportslegs and while that took the soreness out of my quads, it barely touched the sides on my back. ( I swear by sportslegs, they're a must have for me for any distance over 25kms)
Next time I'll listen more carefully to instructions.
Lovely run Fi, thanks for hosting and the shower and cuppa after were luxurious.
Dist 15.2kms
Weight 73.2kg
Today was finally the step back week (finally, I say - I'm only 3 weeks in to the program, eeek) and I've been hanging out for it.
I'm sure I would have enjoyed it if my lats, lower back, hammies and glutes didn't have the worst DOMs in recent memory. I know that it's all my fault for not listening to Jeff and doubling up on the waterball cleans but OWWWWW.
Who knew you use your back so much to run? As for powering up hills, forget about it - I was clock watching from 7.2kms in. A quick stretch at a water stop helped a little but my back was incredibly sore and my range of motion was definitely impacted. I'd even loaded up on the sportslegs and while that took the soreness out of my quads, it barely touched the sides on my back. ( I swear by sportslegs, they're a must have for me for any distance over 25kms)
Next time I'll listen more carefully to instructions.
Lovely run Fi, thanks for hosting and the shower and cuppa after were luxurious.
Dist 15.2kms
Weight 73.2kg
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The luckiest girls in Melbourne
Sometimes this city is so beautiful it takes my breath away...it seemed like around every corner Fi and me saw a wonder today.
We started in the dark from East Brunswick and headed for a lap around Princes Park, the ovals were covered in frost and the city lights were sparking, the air was warm and sultry. We had topics to discuss that caused us to ramp up the speed so our pace was fast. We talk, we get faster, we work it out and plan our nice lives.
We turned down Swanston along the back of Melb Uni and cut across to Lygon St, down Johnston (where we admired some really cool street art) over Hoddle towards the sunrise to Nicholson St Abbotsford where we stopped at the little playground where we've rehydrated many times before.
Over the Gipps St bridge to the Boulevard where we headed left and up over the hill. About half way up Fi stopped suddenly and pointed out the view. Over the convent were 7 hot air balloons flying, the river had pockets of mist hovering above it and there was a flock of bright rosellas. Kodak moment for sure.
Down to Studley Park Boathouse and across the suspension bridge where we stopped again to look at the river reflecting the sky. That's where we realised that we are truly lucky to share some very special moments together and appreciate the fact that we're fit, we get up early and get to see some truly beautiful things.
Turned right over the bridge and headed across the freeway and Fairfield Park where we hit Merri Creek Path, the human GPS had malfunctioned again this week and I'd realised by now that we would overshoot the distance by a couple of K's.
Along Merri Creek we saw perfect dewy spider webs and ran in silence listening to the gurgle of the creek. Even the underneath of the bridge at the bottom of the killer hill looked pretty this morning.
We could have cut along the streets from Rushall Station but decided to stick to the creek path and headed back up to Ceres.
Our goal distance was 18km but I ended up with 21km.
Worth it, what a gorgeous morning.
We started in the dark from East Brunswick and headed for a lap around Princes Park, the ovals were covered in frost and the city lights were sparking, the air was warm and sultry. We had topics to discuss that caused us to ramp up the speed so our pace was fast. We talk, we get faster, we work it out and plan our nice lives.
We turned down Swanston along the back of Melb Uni and cut across to Lygon St, down Johnston (where we admired some really cool street art) over Hoddle towards the sunrise to Nicholson St Abbotsford where we stopped at the little playground where we've rehydrated many times before.
Over the Gipps St bridge to the Boulevard where we headed left and up over the hill. About half way up Fi stopped suddenly and pointed out the view. Over the convent were 7 hot air balloons flying, the river had pockets of mist hovering above it and there was a flock of bright rosellas. Kodak moment for sure.
Down to Studley Park Boathouse and across the suspension bridge where we stopped again to look at the river reflecting the sky. That's where we realised that we are truly lucky to share some very special moments together and appreciate the fact that we're fit, we get up early and get to see some truly beautiful things.
Turned right over the bridge and headed across the freeway and Fairfield Park where we hit Merri Creek Path, the human GPS had malfunctioned again this week and I'd realised by now that we would overshoot the distance by a couple of K's.
Along Merri Creek we saw perfect dewy spider webs and ran in silence listening to the gurgle of the creek. Even the underneath of the bridge at the bottom of the killer hill looked pretty this morning.
We could have cut along the streets from Rushall Station but decided to stick to the creek path and headed back up to Ceres.
Our goal distance was 18km but I ended up with 21km.
Worth it, what a gorgeous morning.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
5.3 And the toilets had soap!
AM
Officially the start of hard training and 16km was the goal. I woke up at 4.30 and must have turned off my alarm only to wake up later in a bit of a panic at 6.04. Quick text to Fi to say I was going to be late and I flew out the door.
I didn't speed and still managed to get to our meeting spot only 2 mins late.
We hadn't worked out a plan so headed into the city over Gosch's paddock and along the river. Pace was pretty good - Fi and I both felt very cruisy today. It's so much easier to run when there's good company and much conversation about all sorts of things.
We headed down to Docklands and then cut back to St Kilda Rd via the Exhibition Centre. When we got to Domain Rd we had a quick decision point about where to turn back and decided to include some Albert Park lake rather than do extras at the end.
A detour to find a toilet stop added on a few extra k's that I hadn't expected but Fi gets so happy to find a public toilet with soap that it made the extra distance worthwhile.
I mentioned (and honestly believed) that we would walk when we got to 16km because we didn't really need to be doing extras.
We hit 16 at the Bot and though we did walk up the back of Anderson we took off at a good pace down the hill and back across the paddock.
Called in to see if Jen was at work yet, and then the final couple of k's ended up a sprint.
Today was a brilliant morning for running, autumn in Melbourne is gorgeous running weather, I didn't want to stop so this will be another one that I call on for motivation when the going gets tough.
Dist 19.34km
PM
Did some gardening which caused the hammies some issues. I noticed this morning that my arms and shoulders are still sore from Jeff's Tues night caning.
Officially the start of hard training and 16km was the goal. I woke up at 4.30 and must have turned off my alarm only to wake up later in a bit of a panic at 6.04. Quick text to Fi to say I was going to be late and I flew out the door.
I didn't speed and still managed to get to our meeting spot only 2 mins late.
We hadn't worked out a plan so headed into the city over Gosch's paddock and along the river. Pace was pretty good - Fi and I both felt very cruisy today. It's so much easier to run when there's good company and much conversation about all sorts of things.
We headed down to Docklands and then cut back to St Kilda Rd via the Exhibition Centre. When we got to Domain Rd we had a quick decision point about where to turn back and decided to include some Albert Park lake rather than do extras at the end.
A detour to find a toilet stop added on a few extra k's that I hadn't expected but Fi gets so happy to find a public toilet with soap that it made the extra distance worthwhile.
I mentioned (and honestly believed) that we would walk when we got to 16km because we didn't really need to be doing extras.
We hit 16 at the Bot and though we did walk up the back of Anderson we took off at a good pace down the hill and back across the paddock.
Called in to see if Jen was at work yet, and then the final couple of k's ended up a sprint.
Today was a brilliant morning for running, autumn in Melbourne is gorgeous running weather, I didn't want to stop so this will be another one that I call on for motivation when the going gets tough.
Dist 19.34km
PM
Did some gardening which caused the hammies some issues. I noticed this morning that my arms and shoulders are still sore from Jeff's Tues night caning.
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