Sunday, July 30, 2006

Hills, hot chocolate and truffles

There's a very good reason why I run and it has to do with chocolate. Because if I didn't run I'd be a candidate for The Biggest Loser show! This way I can combine my love of running with my love of chocolate! S'all good!

Yesterday's run - Bush Capital run
Distance - 25km
Time - 2hr 7.11min
Av pace - 5.08min/km
AHR - 173; MHR - 199
Calories - 1,381! (Justified having an Italian hot chocolate later that day)

I have to admit I was a tad worried about the distance as I hadn't run that far in training and in the past week and a half I had probably run twice. I figured that if it got too much I could always walk! Saw Liza before the start - she looked fit and raring to go. Also saw FlashDuck who was still debating what distance to run. As per usual once the run started, everyone raced off like startled rabbits, except for me. I turned on my ipod and settled in for a long and challenging run.

The first part of the run which both those running the 16km and the 25km do is probably the hardest, certainly the steepest. Downhill running is not my forte and this is where I lost time to other runners, namely Kerrie. Surprisingly I was quite strong on the uphills and this is where I'd manage to reel Kerrie back in. However on the downhills and on the flat Kerrie is a lot stronger runner than me, and she would take off, leaving me to follow behind.

All in all, it was a good run and I finished 4th woman, just behind Kerrie. Having Kerrie just ahead of me all the time really helped me to keep going, especially when I was getting tired. Not sure what Liza thought of the run - I hope she enjoyed it.

Later that afternoon I had the best, to-die-for, hot chocolate ever at Beppe's Tuscan Kitchen cafe at the markets. It looked and tasted like melted chocolate - it was very dark and very rich and came with a teaspoon, that's how thick it was! Mr CJ and I also shared a Biscotti Napoli - a shortbread type biscuit with a date and raisin filling. And then last night I made Chocolate Truffles!

Today's run - Mt Taylor handicap run
Distance - 6.8km
Time - 36.08min
Av pace - 5.18min/km
AHR - 164; MHR - 211
Started in Group 26; came in 94th

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Why on earth did I run this morning? My body, especially my legs complained bitterly about the course. I ran slowly listening to my ipod, trying to block out the pain sensations. The highlight was the cappuccino at Babars after the run! Nuff said!

17 comments:

Black Knight said...
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Black Knight said...

25km in 2hr 7.11min, a very good race! And now after an italian chocolate an italian comment: ciao!!!!

Hilda said...

Oh CJ that was a fantastic race!

When you said "Surprisingly, I was quite strong" I just realized how exciting and different every single race could be, specially for someone that all we know IS VERY STRONG!!!!!!

Tesso said...

Well done CJ. That's a great time for any 25k race, let alone a tough one.

The best hot chocolate ever??? I'll be down there for a few days in December and I think I'll visit this Beppe's just to check if you are right :-)

Lulu said...

Better than Lindt hot chocolate?? Great run and a PB too! So much for not being sure you could make the distance and no wonder your legs were complaining the next day.

TA and the Gnome said...

Sounds like you need a trip to Thredbo to try the Max Brenner hot chocs. Gnome says they are good but too small!

TA

Anonymous said...

Great run CJ - I really enjoyed it as well, especially some of the more scenic parts.

See you next month for the half.

Liza.

miners said...

Great run CJ - sometimes the best runs come at you all unexpected like with minimal training!

Glad you caught up with Liza, and that you both had a good time there :)

Katie said...

Mmmmm...... chocolate :-)

Katie said...

now I want some chocolate!

Robert Song said...

MHR 211 - Way to go. That has got to be close to your absolute Max surely.

CJ said...

I actaully think that might be a glitch. It was a tough run but not that tough!

TD said...

What a busy weekend you had CJ. I'm sorry I missed you at the Bush Capital run. No wonder you were tired on the Sunday. You did well just getting there.

Toasty said...

of all the reasons to run chocolate rates highly

Mmem said...

Cappucino would keep me going to the finish line...

First time here, just thought I'd say congrats on getting through the race:-)

Ewen said...

OK, you're too good at the marathon, 25k and 10k; How about trying 1500 metres?

Anonymous said...

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