Here we go again......

Another marathon over; another lurgy. There's a pattern happening here. Achey head, sore throat, achey all over...went to work and decided that it wasn't the best place to be so came home and got back into bed. Which is where I've stayed since.

Its interesting that just over a week after both SFT and Canberra Marathon I have come down with a lurgy. I thought I was being careful with my recovery. Mind you, its a bit hard to avoid bugs at home at the moment when two sons are wandering around the house moaning, groaning, coughing, spluttering and sneezing their bugs everywhere.

I don’t like Mondays…….

Monday Total: 6.8k
Week Total: 6.8k
Month Total: 124.1k
Year Total: 924.2k

Time: 39.20min
Av pace: 5.44min/km
Av Temp: 8.7*c (5.50am)
Rel. Humidity Av: 89.4%
Wind Spd Avg: 8kph (SE)
Started with: Golden Skans - Klaxons
Finished with: Can’t get my head around you – Offspring

One thing I haven’t missed since the marathon is getting up early to run; and by early, I mean anywhere after 5.30am. But if I was going to get a run in today that was exactly what I had to do unfortunately. And being Monday didn’t make it any easier.

The run this morning felt marginally better than the run on Saturday. However the right hammie and the left hip flexor are still complaining so no long or fast stuff yet – not that that was ever my intention this morning. The time was a little slower than on Saturday but that could be because of the time of the run – on Saturday it was a leisurely run late in the morning and so I had been up for a few hours. This morning it was a case of: wake up. drink coffee. get dressed. run….before 6am.

I also went for another hour walk yesterday and covered 6.2km in that time. That might be leisurely by other people’s standards but for me that was a brisk walk.

What now?

*Christy asked who made my pink top. Christy, its from the Cannibal range - they make triathlon gear. I bought it a couple of years ago during my triathlon phase. I 'm always on the lookout for bright running tops - don't like bland pastels...blech*

Saturday Total: 6k
Week Total: 6k
Month Total: 117.3k
Year Total: 917.4k

Time: 33.33min
Av pace: 5.35min/km
Av Temp: 19.8*c (11.48am)
Rel. Humidity Av: 51.2%
Wind Spd Avg: 5.6kph (NW)
Started with: Coming Undone - Korn
Finished with: Round & Round - Bodyrockers

This was my first run since the marathon. Not that I've been doing nothing....I have done 3 x 6km walks during the week at what is a brisk pace for me (I am better known for dawdling). The run today was okay - nothing spectacular but then again not awful either. My right hamstring still feels a little tender so I'm not going to push it - short runs are better than nothing. Not only that but I had to have a nap a couple of hours later - I was knackered! So I'm still physically tired as well.

So what now? So far this year I have run SFT and the Canberra Marathon. Because I haven't been running this week I have had time to think about what other events I would like to do this year.

The Canberra Half marathon is a possibility but as it is only 3 weeks away I won't commit until closer to the day.

Then I am away for 6 weeks - all of June and half of July. I get back 10 days before the Bush Capital 16km or 25km - might be a bit too soon.

The Noosa half marathon might be a goer - 19th August, and it would be good to catch up with some Qld buddies (and I'm still on long service leave).

Otherwise there is the vets half marathon the following week - 26 August.

The Canberra Times 10km fun run is in September - tho' I have to admit this is not my favourite event; I find it boring.

The Brindabella Classic is in October (21st) - I would like to have a go at this after having done Bulls Head Challenge the last couple of years. Its 54km, mostly downhill tho' there are uphills as well.

And the goal for next year's Canberra marathon is 3hr 20min - there I've said it.

*************************
Some new songs for my ipod:
Park Benches - Belles Will Ring
Black Mirror - Arcade Fire
Keep the Car Running - Arcade Fire
Who Cares What the Question Is - The Bees
Lines on Palms - Josh Pike
On Call - Kings of Leon

And there's more..........

Marathon splits:

5km - 24.37min
10km - 48.20min
15km - 1hr 11.45min
20km - 1hr 35.19min
25km - 1hr 58.52min
30km - 2hr 22.47min
35km - 2hr 47.49min
40km - 3hr 13.39min
42.2km - 3hr 27.59min

I like this one - I look like a runner!

Not sure where or when tho that's coke in my bottle so it has to be anywhere from 35km on


The End (I promise)

The Lady in Re......um...Pink

3 days since the marathon and how am I feeling you ask?
Actually not too bad. I had a massage yesterday and yes, there are some tender spots but I have no problems walking, going up and down steps does not present a challenge, getting up or sitting down is easy peasy.
Tiredness is my biggest issue - I just feel so tired. However I am sure that will wear off soon and "I'll be back" *in my best Terminator accent*!

My placings in the marathon:

Overall place: 244 (of 940 finishers)
Marathon veterans: 3rd in age group
Australian Masters Athletics Marathon Championships: 1st in age group (obviously I was the only one who ticked the box!)

What really impressed me were the times for Tina Torpy, a 62y.o woman:
marathon: 3hr 30.19min
50km: 4hr 13.32min

15km - trying to stay in front of the white balloon!

Photo courtesy of John Kennedy

30km - have shaken off the white balloon and still feeling good!

Photo courtesy of John Kennedy

Finished!
Photo courtesy of Chris Lang

Yep, I'm happy! Now where's that coffee?!
Photo courtesy of Chris Lang

3hr 27:59min!

.....and that 59secs is very important!!!!!

Sunday Total: 42.2k
Week Total: 66.5k
Month Total: 111.3k
Year Total: 911.4k

Time: 3hr 27.59min
Av pace: 4.50min/km
Av Temp: 13.1*c; max 18*c (7am-10.30am)
Rel. Humidity Av: 62.3%
Wind Spd Avg: 4.5kph (SSE)
Started with: One way or another - Blondie
Finished with: Hate to say I told you so - The Hives

Yay!! I have run the Canberra Marathon and in a time that's not half bad! I won't lie - for the last 10km it was a hard slog. Everything hurt by this stage and I felt incredibly tired. I was convinced, by the 40km mark, that 3hr 30min wasn't going to be possible and so the mental re-calculations were happening (bad move - I can't add 2 and 2 after running 5km!). Clairie's encouragement helped immensely at this point, as did Katy's amazing, crazy performance! And that cup of coffee that was waiting for me once I had finished - bliss! It was just what I needed!

However up until then I was having a great race - I was running well and enjoying the scenery, the course and the support from the likes of the always amazing CR cheer squad - they are just incredible. I've already mentioned Katy the Greaty but she deserves more than one mention for her ingenuity, enthusiasm and imagination! Then there was Steve, Geoff, John, Naomi, Carol, Ewen, Aki, Peter and the list goes on an on - it all helped. Thank you. And the encouragement from others doing the marathon - its called sharing the pain!

So all in all it was a satisfying marathon and I was only 79secs outside my PB. But considering since SFT I have been sick with a virus, found that recovery didn't happen overnight (but it does happen eventually!), and that physically and mentally I was tired, I'm pretty amazed with my run. I don't know how others back up from one marathon and run another so soon afterwards - I wish I knew the secret. For me it was hard work.

Well done to tesso, iliketoast, liza, speedygeoff, maria, charlie, roger, griffin, emma, anita, susan, go girl, portrunner, phoenix, Mr Lulu, mario, johnny dark and, of course, strewth. For some goals were achieved, PBs made; for others it was their first marathon; and for others things didn't go to plan; but they all did it. Well done!

Today? I'm still incredibly tired, a little stiff but not too bad. Had a lovely lunch with Strewth, Lulu and Mr Lulu. Have eaten one of my dark chocolate Easter rabbits tonight. I tried sharing it with the family but no-one wanted any...honest!

Running? Not yet. I need a rest....it's long overdue.

I've got Friday on my mind

M minus 2

Friday Total: 6k
Week Total: 24.3k
Month Total: 69.1k
Year Total: 869.2k

Time: 30min
Av pace: 5min/km
AHR: 154; MHR: 183
Av Temp: 8.9*c (6am)
Rel. Humidity Av: 87%
Wind Spd Avg: 5kt (ESE)
Started with: Leave before the lights come on - Arctic Monkeys
Finished with: Can't get you out of my head - Kylie

Yesterday I was pushed, prodded, and pummelled - physio in the morning and a massage in the afternoon. And if that won't help on Sunday, then nothing will at this point!

This morning apparently wasn't as cold as Wednesday but I beg to differ - it felt cold. But I was prepared and was wearing a long sleeved top that I was very grateful for. Obviously I was in a hurry to get this run done because it was all over in 30mins - I didn't think I was running that fast.

Last day at work before having 4 days off (including the weekend). I can't wait to see lots of familiar faces over the weekend. To everyone who is racing this weekend - have a good one!

ps Thanks for the best wishes TA! :-)

A little chilly this morning

M minus 4

Wednesday Total: 8.3k
Week Total: 18.3k
Month Total: 63.1k
Year Total: 863.2k

Time: 45min
Av pace: 5.25min/km
AHR: 143; MHR: 169
Av Temp: 6.6*c (5.34am)
Rel. Humidity Av: 81.4%
Wind Spd Avg: 1.1kph (ENE)
Started with: All the small things - Blink 182
Finished with: Learn to fly - Foo Fighters

It was a bit chilly this morning as I headed out for my run dressed in a short sleeved top and shorts. Time to pull out the long sleeved tops and tights for very early morning runs methinks. I'm enjoying these short runs - shame I have to spoil it with a 3++hour run on Sunday ;-)

Forecast for Sunday is "mostly sunny; min 9*c; max 25*c" - so far, so good.

It's all good

M minus 6

Monday Total: 10k
Week Total: 10k
Month Total: 54.8k
Year Total: 854.9k

Time: 52.03min
Av pace: 5.12min/km
AHR: 154; MHR: 171
Av Temp: 12.8*c (9.05am)
Rel. Humidity Av: 71.9%
Wind Spd Avg: 4.2kph (SSE)
Started with: Right here; right now - Fatboy Slim
Finished with: 1985 - Bowling for Soup

No easter egg blow-out for me - my Easter chocolate consumption tally so far is a Haigh's dark chocolate bilby that I had yesterday.

This morning's run was uneventful - its probably the best I've felt since SFT. So its all good.

Saw a Honda ad yesterday on TV. Nothing unusual about that. Now my music preferences tend towards Triple J rather than ABC but the lyrics of the ad caught my attention - corny as they are, I love the words to The Impossible Dream.

"To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go

To right the unrightable wrong
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star

This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far

To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into Hell
For a heavenly cause

And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest

And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star"

Lake Burley Griffin run

M minus 8

Saturday Total: 16k
Week Total: 44.8k
Month Total: 44.8k
Year Total: 844.9k

Time: 1hr 26.28min
Av pace: 5.24min/km
AHR: 148; MHR: 171
Av Temp: 13.9*c (8.11am)
Rel. Humidity Av: 61.4%
Wind Spd Avg: 16.4kph (S)
Started with: Born to run - Bruce Springsteen
Finished with: Knights of Cydonia - Muse

It was a cool start to the run around Lake Burley Griffin this morning - we (me, Strewth and Mr B) started with our long sleeved tops but it wasn't long before these came off and were tied around our waists. The wind was also a little brisk - hopefully there will be no wind next Sunday.

It was a good run - comfortable, easy running. Achilles was a little stiff before running but had no problems while running. Which reminds me, must do the stretches. Lots of people out on bikes; a few running. The run was followed by a looong wait for a very mediocre cappuccino in Civic - Strewth and I were not impressed.

This is the second run where my legs haven't felt heavy so that must be a good sign. Now if the tightness that happens in my glutes and hammies at about the 8km mark would also go away, or at least not start until I've at least run 30km, then I'd be feeling really confident about next week. I do have another massage and physio appointment before the big day so hopefully these will help.

Jen - coffee and chocolate sound great; can't wait to catch up!
Hilda - thanks for your encouraging comments; it really helps.
Ewen - when do I ever overdo anything?!
Liza - will definitely see you on Sunday. Can't wait to see you finish your first marathon!
Tesso - hopefully I've caught the achilles tendinitis in time - fortunately I had a physio appointment for something else so was able to mention this as well!!!!

Achilles tendonitis

M minus 9

I have noticed that over the last week some stiffness has developed at the back of my heel. It is noticeable in the the mornings or when I've been sitting for a while. Achilles tendonitis was confirmed by the physio yesterday. The good news (?!) is that it is mild and if I do as I'm told and stretch religiously and massage the tendon it shouldn't become a problem. So, sore right glute, sore left achilles - its a balancing act!

Good Friday Total: 8k
Week Total: 28.8k
Month Total: 28.8k
Year Total: 828.9k

Time: 39.56min
Av pace: 4.59min/km
AHR: 151; MHR: 170
Av Temp: 16.3*c (3.55am)
Rel. Humidity Av: 45.2%
Wind Spd Avg: 18.5kph (SE)
Started with: Minority - Green Day
Finished with: About a girl - Nirvana

This was a great run because I felt that I was running really comfortably and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Again I was surprised by my average pace when looking at the stats after the run.

Another day, another run....The Taper cont

M minus 11

Wednesday Total: 10.8k
Week Total: 20.8k
Month Total: 20.8k
Year Total: 820.9k

Time: 57.37min
Av pace: 5.19min/km
AHR: 152; MHR: 186
Av Temp: 15*c (5.58am)
Rel. Humidity Av: 82.4%
Wind Spd Avg: 9.9kph (E)
Started with: Rock Star - Nickelback
Finished with: Do you wanna be my girl - Jet

Progress! I can run on consecutive days without feeling flat. It was humid this morning. I wish my legs didn't feel like lumps of lead. Can I make it 3 days in a row? Stay tuned......

The Taper

M minus 12

Tuesday Total: 10k
Week Total: 10k
Month Total: 10k
Year Total: 810.1k

Time: 51.53min
Av pace: 5.11min/km
AHR: 152; MHR: 174
Av Temp: 9.2*c (5.58am)
Rel. Humidity Av: 84.6%
Wind Spd Avg: 4kph (SSW)
Started with: 19-20-20 – The Grates
Finished with: I want you so bad (the boy’s bad news) – Eagles of Death Metal (not as hardcore as it sounds!)

I am trying to follow the program for the last fortnight – “The Taper”. Some would say I have been tapering for the last 3 weeks.

Today the program said 10km, so 10km it was. I still feel quite heavy on my feet; the after effects of SFT I imagine. I was mildly surprised by the pace because it felt a lot slower while I was running.

That’s it…nothing else to report…boring………