The reason I say/ask this is because last night at speedygeoff’s interval session at Parliament House it was hilarious listening to people’s comments/questions re the distance we were running around the various tracks. There was checking and double checking people’s times against estimated distances and then comparing these against distances tracked by Garmins. Nah, we’re not obsessed, its called ‘attention to detail’!
Anyway it was quite a fun session, even if I say so myself. Many of us were prepared for night-time running this week and had torches or headlights for the dark stretches of the runs. The short intervals were just as hard as the longer ones because these included a nasty little hill near the finish. In all, we ran 3 longer intervals (approx. 800m) and 3 shorter ones (approx. 400m) and in total we probably ran about 8km, including the warm up and cool down.
Last Friday 26 May
Session – Gym – legs/arms plus core/abs
I think it well – seems so long ago now!
Saturday
Session – Moderate run
Distance – 9.5km
Time – 50.21min
Av pace – 5.15min/km
AHR – 152; MHR – 168
This was left later in the day because I desperately wanted to sleep-in and then we had to go shopping and before I knew it, several coffees and lunch later, it was getting late in the afternoon and I still hadn’t run. Hmmm. The glute was ever so sore which is really frustrating because I have cut back on my running and I am stretching all the rest. Anyway it was a reasonable run.
Sunday
Session – Vets’ monthly run – Oakey Hill
Distance – 7.5km
Time – 38.12min
Av pace – 5.06min/km
AHR – 167; MHR – 180
Started in Group 25
Place – 85, I think
It was a very undulating run but a lot of it I was familiar with, from running the Barbecue Stakes – parts of this course was similar to that run. I ran it very conservatively mainly because my glute was sore and it didn’t like hilly courses. This meant that I was passed by a lot, if not all, the back markers – they all hurtled past at some point, huffing, puffing, and generally making a lot of noise. At one point, when crossing a wooden style-type thing, I looked behind only to see a group of very fast, very focussed men charging towards me – I moved very quickly to avoid being run over! All in all, it was a comfortable run, though definitely not one of my fastest.
Monday 29 May
Our kitchen arrived today – though you would be hard pressed to know it was a kitchen – it looked like a lot of lengths of wood of varying lengths.
Session – gym – back/chest/shoulder plus abs/core
Increased the weights on my most of my exercises knowing that I was going to pay the price the following day.
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"Accept no one's definition of your life, but define yourself."
Harvey Fierstein
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Q. How long is 2 minutes?
A. An excruciatingly long time when I am doing intervals on my bike!
Last night I was scheduled to do an interval session on my bike, on the windtrainer – 10 x 2min intervals with 1min RI. However, after getting home from our site meeting with the builder and architects I was thinking that maybe I could re-schedule this session to another day. However I had apparently mentioned that I should get on my bike and so Mr CJ had very obligingly set up my bike and windtrainer in the spare room, as it was very cold outside. What could I do? Looks like I was doing the bike session after all!
The last time I got on my bike was 10 December last year! I felt very rusty when I first started and my legs felt very heavy and slow. Not only that, I was experiencing the muscle burn and I had only just started! I would start the 2min interval, pedal madly, feel my heart rate rise rapidly (though it only maxed out at 157), think 'I must've done about a minute by now', look at my watch, nup, still another 1min 20sec to go, and so it would go with me checking my watch about every 20sec!
Time: 40min inc 5min WU; 10 X 2min intervals (1min RI); 5min CD
AHR: 132; MHR: 157
By the time I had finished I had jelly legs, sweat pouring off me (again) and I was definitely not cold! However it was another night of falling asleep in the lounge, under the pretence of watching TV!
Wednesday morning – gym session
Now this was a morning that I would have stayed in bed if I had known what was ahead of me. I arrived at the gym for my back/chest/shoulders session plus abs, loaded with my work gear and showering stuff, only to be told that there was no water and it wouldn’t be back on until about 10am due to a burst water main. Great! This probably meant there would be no water at work either – my other option for a shower. So I did my session and then drove home for a shower – the traffic was a bit heavier now so it took a bit longer. Then I drove back to work in Canberra peak-hour traffic only to spend the next 20mins looking for a car park. Once I found one it was a great hike to my office lugging all my bags containing all very necessary stuff. Grrrr.....
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Apparently, what you think about most moulds your attitude.
So today's affirmation: My thoughts are positive and self-empowering. :-)
Last night I was scheduled to do an interval session on my bike, on the windtrainer – 10 x 2min intervals with 1min RI. However, after getting home from our site meeting with the builder and architects I was thinking that maybe I could re-schedule this session to another day. However I had apparently mentioned that I should get on my bike and so Mr CJ had very obligingly set up my bike and windtrainer in the spare room, as it was very cold outside. What could I do? Looks like I was doing the bike session after all!
The last time I got on my bike was 10 December last year! I felt very rusty when I first started and my legs felt very heavy and slow. Not only that, I was experiencing the muscle burn and I had only just started! I would start the 2min interval, pedal madly, feel my heart rate rise rapidly (though it only maxed out at 157), think 'I must've done about a minute by now', look at my watch, nup, still another 1min 20sec to go, and so it would go with me checking my watch about every 20sec!
Time: 40min inc 5min WU; 10 X 2min intervals (1min RI); 5min CD
AHR: 132; MHR: 157
By the time I had finished I had jelly legs, sweat pouring off me (again) and I was definitely not cold! However it was another night of falling asleep in the lounge, under the pretence of watching TV!
Wednesday morning – gym session
Now this was a morning that I would have stayed in bed if I had known what was ahead of me. I arrived at the gym for my back/chest/shoulders session plus abs, loaded with my work gear and showering stuff, only to be told that there was no water and it wouldn’t be back on until about 10am due to a burst water main. Great! This probably meant there would be no water at work either – my other option for a shower. So I did my session and then drove home for a shower – the traffic was a bit heavier now so it took a bit longer. Then I drove back to work in Canberra peak-hour traffic only to spend the next 20mins looking for a car park. Once I found one it was a great hike to my office lugging all my bags containing all very necessary stuff. Grrrr.....
************************************************
Apparently, what you think about most moulds your attitude.
So today's affirmation: My thoughts are positive and self-empowering. :-)
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Sweat baby sweat
Because of the cold and inclement weather yesterday afternoon I decided to forgo the run outdoors and do my 40min cardio session at the gym. I lugged my backpack (containing my running clothes), my ‘Shop til you drop’ tote bag containing stuff I need during the day at work such as food containers, organiser, work shoes (I wear joggers to the car) etc, my green shopping bag containing food items I had bought at the supermarket during my lunchbreak, and my shoulder bag to the car – it was a weight training session in itself.
Once changed and with my trusty ipod strapped on I hit the elliptical trainer for 20mins getting faster and increasing the resistance the longer I was on there. The sweat was pouring off me – looked pretty gross. Then I followed this up with 20mins on the stepper, again increasing the intensity. It looked pretty funny when I increased the resistance for the final hard 5min session – I could barely push the pedals down! And then when I reduced the resistance I nearly drove the pedal through the floor! By the end I was hot, sweaty and feeling pretty chuffed with myself for completing a hard cardio session.
After dinner, dishes and making my lunch for the next day I lay on the carpet in the lounge to watch TV, in front of the heater, and promptly fell asleep.
Tuesday morning
Session – SWIM
Distance – 500m (!)
Time – 11.29min
The 5th of January was the last time I went swimming and on that day I swam 1km. Tuesday morning I swam 500m and I felt every metre of that 500m! Well, actually, the first 50m was great – no worries, this will be a breeze. The 2nd 50m was a bit more difficult and by the 3rd 50m I was finding it hard work. How on earth did I manage to synchronise breathing with moving arms and legs and actually moving down the pool? I thought these processes were imprinted in my muscle memory – I guess my muscles were having a senior’s moment ie short-term memory loss! However by the 450m I was beginning to improve but that may be because I could see the end in sight. Next week I have set myself the challenge of swimming 600m. The best thing about swimming in the morning is the breakfast afterwards with Strewth and Mr B. It was at Sabayon and I had a cappuccino and french toast with berries and maple syrup – yummo.
Once changed and with my trusty ipod strapped on I hit the elliptical trainer for 20mins getting faster and increasing the resistance the longer I was on there. The sweat was pouring off me – looked pretty gross. Then I followed this up with 20mins on the stepper, again increasing the intensity. It looked pretty funny when I increased the resistance for the final hard 5min session – I could barely push the pedals down! And then when I reduced the resistance I nearly drove the pedal through the floor! By the end I was hot, sweaty and feeling pretty chuffed with myself for completing a hard cardio session.
After dinner, dishes and making my lunch for the next day I lay on the carpet in the lounge to watch TV, in front of the heater, and promptly fell asleep.
Tuesday morning
Session – SWIM
Distance – 500m (!)
Time – 11.29min
The 5th of January was the last time I went swimming and on that day I swam 1km. Tuesday morning I swam 500m and I felt every metre of that 500m! Well, actually, the first 50m was great – no worries, this will be a breeze. The 2nd 50m was a bit more difficult and by the 3rd 50m I was finding it hard work. How on earth did I manage to synchronise breathing with moving arms and legs and actually moving down the pool? I thought these processes were imprinted in my muscle memory – I guess my muscles were having a senior’s moment ie short-term memory loss! However by the 450m I was beginning to improve but that may be because I could see the end in sight. Next week I have set myself the challenge of swimming 600m. The best thing about swimming in the morning is the breakfast afterwards with Strewth and Mr B. It was at Sabayon and I had a cappuccino and french toast with berries and maple syrup – yummo.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Fun, fun, fun
Gosh I can’t remember the last time I’ve had so much fun running hills as I did at last night’s session at Parliament House. It was a crisp night (read – bloody freezing cold) but the company and the actual session soon warmed me up. (How’s that Geoff – have I gushed sufficiently?!)
Seriously I’m glad I showed up for speedygeoff’s session last night. I think I need some company when running at the moment – takes my mind off all my niggles and provides motivation that is sadly lacking.
The session involved intervals of about 600m on 5mins and this included 3 times up the hill for each interval. It was hard work but I felt myself improving with each one. However my glute complained bitterly about the hills and in fact is still complaining this morning.
Monday morning – gym session
Lower body weights plus arms session plus core stability and strength exercises.
More fun than I can handle on a Monday morning! Did my leg press, leg extension, swiss ball squat with weights, biceps curl and overhead triceps extension, concentrating on form. My biceps curl is pretty sad – I start well with 12 reps in the first set but by the third set all I can manage is about 3 reps.
Sunday – rest day – this involved sleeping in and retail therapy later in the day!
Saturday – long run
Distance – 12km
Time – 1hr 08.51min
Av pace – 5.45min/km
AHR – 144; MHR – 192
A pleasant run that I did early in the morning. I ran down to Lake Burley Griffin and then anti-clockwise, stopping at the top of the hill going down to Scrivener Dam, and then retraced my steps. I didn’t look at my watch while running – preferring just to run comfortably and if that was at a slow pace, so be it.
Thanks for all the encouraging comments I received following my whinge. I’ve decided to just run for fun and pleasure at the moment and not train for anything until the glute and foot settle down again. I’m looking to running the Vet’s half marathon in late August with several runs before including Terry Fox 10km next month, Bush Capital 25km in late July and City to Surf in August. While I’ll hope to run a decent half marathon time, I’m not planning on great times for the other races.
Meanwhile I’ll enjoy being a gym junkie for a few months!
Seriously I’m glad I showed up for speedygeoff’s session last night. I think I need some company when running at the moment – takes my mind off all my niggles and provides motivation that is sadly lacking.
The session involved intervals of about 600m on 5mins and this included 3 times up the hill for each interval. It was hard work but I felt myself improving with each one. However my glute complained bitterly about the hills and in fact is still complaining this morning.
Monday morning – gym session
Lower body weights plus arms session plus core stability and strength exercises.
More fun than I can handle on a Monday morning! Did my leg press, leg extension, swiss ball squat with weights, biceps curl and overhead triceps extension, concentrating on form. My biceps curl is pretty sad – I start well with 12 reps in the first set but by the third set all I can manage is about 3 reps.
Sunday – rest day – this involved sleeping in and retail therapy later in the day!
Saturday – long run
Distance – 12km
Time – 1hr 08.51min
Av pace – 5.45min/km
AHR – 144; MHR – 192
A pleasant run that I did early in the morning. I ran down to Lake Burley Griffin and then anti-clockwise, stopping at the top of the hill going down to Scrivener Dam, and then retraced my steps. I didn’t look at my watch while running – preferring just to run comfortably and if that was at a slow pace, so be it.
Thanks for all the encouraging comments I received following my whinge. I’ve decided to just run for fun and pleasure at the moment and not train for anything until the glute and foot settle down again. I’m looking to running the Vet’s half marathon in late August with several runs before including Terry Fox 10km next month, Bush Capital 25km in late July and City to Surf in August. While I’ll hope to run a decent half marathon time, I’m not planning on great times for the other races.
Meanwhile I’ll enjoy being a gym junkie for a few months!
Friday, May 19, 2006
I am so over running
*Warning – a whinge coming up*
I know, I never thought I would utter those words so I should wash my mouth out with soap – oh such blasphemy. But honestly, I’m sick of the little niggles I have that just won’t go away, like my glute problem and the new problem with my left foot – I seem to have irritated a nerve (I have the tendency to do that!) under the ball of my foot and when I run I get a burning pins and needles sensation – not pleasant. And lately when I run, its more like plodding. Its such hard work.
Ok, enough of the whingeing. I’m sure I’ll get over it. I think its lack of chocolate that’s making me grumpy. However, the fact that I also helped another runner to a PB at the half marathon last Sunday (yay Liza!) has cheered me up a little.
This morning at the bright and early hour of 6.30am I was back in the gym doing an upper body session followed by core stability and strength exercises (yes Ewen, I’m not solely focusing on my abs!). Observed a touch of gym rage, if you could call it that, when an older woman and a young one argued over the length of time the younger one was on the cross-trainer. Thought it might come to fisticuffs but then the older woman huffed and puffed and plonked herself on the bike and waited, looking at her watch every now and then just to make a point!
Yesterday:
Moderate run
Distance: 8.6km
Time: 49.10min
Av pace: 5.42min/km
AHR: 140; MHR: 161
Felt like I had lead weights tied to my legs – it was miserable. I have never felt so slow and awkward as I did when running yesterday. I think my average pace says it all.
Wednesday
Morning session: gym – lower body weights plus core stability and strength exercises
Lunchtime session: run inc 7 x 2min intervals (1min RI)
Distance: 6.6km
Time: 34.14min
Av pace: 5.09min/km
It was actually not too bad a run. I think I prefer running in the middle of the day as opposed to the end of the day, after work. Hungry all afternoon though and felt like a nana nap.
I know, I never thought I would utter those words so I should wash my mouth out with soap – oh such blasphemy. But honestly, I’m sick of the little niggles I have that just won’t go away, like my glute problem and the new problem with my left foot – I seem to have irritated a nerve (I have the tendency to do that!) under the ball of my foot and when I run I get a burning pins and needles sensation – not pleasant. And lately when I run, its more like plodding. Its such hard work.
Ok, enough of the whingeing. I’m sure I’ll get over it. I think its lack of chocolate that’s making me grumpy. However, the fact that I also helped another runner to a PB at the half marathon last Sunday (yay Liza!) has cheered me up a little.
This morning at the bright and early hour of 6.30am I was back in the gym doing an upper body session followed by core stability and strength exercises (yes Ewen, I’m not solely focusing on my abs!). Observed a touch of gym rage, if you could call it that, when an older woman and a young one argued over the length of time the younger one was on the cross-trainer. Thought it might come to fisticuffs but then the older woman huffed and puffed and plonked herself on the bike and waited, looking at her watch every now and then just to make a point!
Yesterday:
Moderate run
Distance: 8.6km
Time: 49.10min
Av pace: 5.42min/km
AHR: 140; MHR: 161
Felt like I had lead weights tied to my legs – it was miserable. I have never felt so slow and awkward as I did when running yesterday. I think my average pace says it all.
Wednesday
Morning session: gym – lower body weights plus core stability and strength exercises
Lunchtime session: run inc 7 x 2min intervals (1min RI)
Distance: 6.6km
Time: 34.14min
Av pace: 5.09min/km
It was actually not too bad a run. I think I prefer running in the middle of the day as opposed to the end of the day, after work. Hungry all afternoon though and felt like a nana nap.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Desperately seeking abs
If I take a deep breath, suck in my stomach, squint my eyes, breathe in a little deeper, turn sideways to the mirror, squint some more, suck the stomach in even harder until I’m blue in the face and in danger of passing out, I can just glimpse an ab muscle there. Trouble is I can’t walk around like that – apart from suffering from extreme oxygen deprivation, I’d look a little strange.
So I was back in the gym at lunchtime lifting weights, then getting all hot and sweaty on the elliptical trainer and stepper, and finally finishing off with the all-important ab exercises. I’ll find those ab muscles or die trying!
I went for a run yesterday afternoon, after work. Now I’m a hardcore morning runner so running after work was a major challenge for me but I did it (the many excuses I had just didn’t stand up to logical analysis!). The bizarre thing was that I felt really slow but in actual fact, my pace was no slower than the other days when I do this session before work. Hmmm, strange.
Distance: 5.7km inc 7 x 2min intervals (1min RI)
Time: 29.29min
Av pace: 5.10min/km
AHR: 150; MHR: 167
Ps: Just to set the record straight, in case anyone thought I was having a right old whinge about Sunday’s run –I was happy with my time, it was just the way I felt – like crap! But I’m glad I played a part in Aki getting a PB. Can’t ask for more than that!
So I was back in the gym at lunchtime lifting weights, then getting all hot and sweaty on the elliptical trainer and stepper, and finally finishing off with the all-important ab exercises. I’ll find those ab muscles or die trying!
I went for a run yesterday afternoon, after work. Now I’m a hardcore morning runner so running after work was a major challenge for me but I did it (the many excuses I had just didn’t stand up to logical analysis!). The bizarre thing was that I felt really slow but in actual fact, my pace was no slower than the other days when I do this session before work. Hmmm, strange.
Distance: 5.7km inc 7 x 2min intervals (1min RI)
Time: 29.29min
Av pace: 5.10min/km
AHR: 150; MHR: 167
Ps: Just to set the record straight, in case anyone thought I was having a right old whinge about Sunday’s run –I was happy with my time, it was just the way I felt – like crap! But I’m glad I played a part in Aki getting a PB. Can’t ask for more than that!
Monday, May 15, 2006
Not pretty
Run: Canberra half marathon, 21.1km
Time taken: 1hr 44.44min
Av pace: 4.55min/km
AHR: 172; MHR: 224
I’ve decided that sometimes its probably better to listen to your body. On Sunday morning it was telling me that it really didn’t want to run a half marathon. Seeing as it was Mother’s Day all it really wanted to do was sleep in and get breakfast in bed. However I ignored the nagging little voice in my head (bad move) and reluctantly got up to have breakfast and get ready for the run. I certainly wasn’t going to be firing on all cylinders today…….
There were lots of people milling around the start near the yacht club when we arrived. It actually wasn’t as cold as I imagined it would be so it wasn’t too hard removing my jacket: 5*c instead of minus 5*c! There was the usual jostling for places, banter about times people were hoping to run and then we were off – for me it was to the Korn song “Twisted Transistor”.
Aki ran alongside me, just ahead or just behind me for most of the way. Liza, who I hadn’t seen since the half marathon in August last year, ran past me near Scrivener Dam. She did say something to me but I couldn’t hear because of the music playing so she said she would see me at the end. She was running really well and looked very comfortable. I, in the meantime, was feeling like crap and probably looking it and everything hurt – my feet, my hamstring and my ever-present companion, the niggly glute. At the 15km mark I would’ve been quite happy to finish – I really wasn’t interested. Aki was storming ahead and looking so good – that girl has improved out of sight over the past year. Mr B passed me not long past the turnaround near the Carillon. In fact, it felt like everyone was passing me.
After what seemed like an eternity pounding the pavement it was wonderful to see the finish shute. It’s hard to believe that a little over a month ago I ran twice the distance faster and a whole lot better than I ran this race. Spoke to a jubilant Liza who had run a great race and a PB. Also spoke to Mr B who had run about 1hr 42min for his first half marathon. Whereas Strewth and I looked like we were over the whole running thing!
Something I did learn: Lots of gym work, no taper, a high protein/mod carb diet and half marathons don’t go together! C’est la vie....and back to the gym tomorrow.
Time taken: 1hr 44.44min
Av pace: 4.55min/km
AHR: 172; MHR: 224
I’ve decided that sometimes its probably better to listen to your body. On Sunday morning it was telling me that it really didn’t want to run a half marathon. Seeing as it was Mother’s Day all it really wanted to do was sleep in and get breakfast in bed. However I ignored the nagging little voice in my head (bad move) and reluctantly got up to have breakfast and get ready for the run. I certainly wasn’t going to be firing on all cylinders today…….
There were lots of people milling around the start near the yacht club when we arrived. It actually wasn’t as cold as I imagined it would be so it wasn’t too hard removing my jacket: 5*c instead of minus 5*c! There was the usual jostling for places, banter about times people were hoping to run and then we were off – for me it was to the Korn song “Twisted Transistor”.
Aki ran alongside me, just ahead or just behind me for most of the way. Liza, who I hadn’t seen since the half marathon in August last year, ran past me near Scrivener Dam. She did say something to me but I couldn’t hear because of the music playing so she said she would see me at the end. She was running really well and looked very comfortable. I, in the meantime, was feeling like crap and probably looking it and everything hurt – my feet, my hamstring and my ever-present companion, the niggly glute. At the 15km mark I would’ve been quite happy to finish – I really wasn’t interested. Aki was storming ahead and looking so good – that girl has improved out of sight over the past year. Mr B passed me not long past the turnaround near the Carillon. In fact, it felt like everyone was passing me.
After what seemed like an eternity pounding the pavement it was wonderful to see the finish shute. It’s hard to believe that a little over a month ago I ran twice the distance faster and a whole lot better than I ran this race. Spoke to a jubilant Liza who had run a great race and a PB. Also spoke to Mr B who had run about 1hr 42min for his first half marathon. Whereas Strewth and I looked like we were over the whole running thing!
Something I did learn: Lots of gym work, no taper, a high protein/mod carb diet and half marathons don’t go together! C’est la vie....and back to the gym tomorrow.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Dead legs
Session: 7 x 2min intervals (1min RI)
Distance: 6km
Time taken: 31.40min
Av pace: 5.17min/km (it felt faster than this!)
AHR: 154; MHR: 191
This morning’s interval session was bloody hard work after the lower body weights session yesterday. However I worked my arse off during the 7 x 2min fast intervals and mentally ticked them off as I completed each one. Some days are like this – I persevere and push through the tiredness, the heaviness and slowness and yet on other days I just completely wimp out. So a good short session this morning.
Tomorrow: Rest day though will do ab/core stability and strength exercises
Sunday – Canberra half marathon & Mothers Day. So happy mothers day to all the mothers out there!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Gym junkie or gym monkey?
I fear its probably the latter – I’m still familiarising myself with the large assortment of equipment in the upstairs gym (it’s a lot bigger than the women’s gym and contains bigger, scarier and heavier equipment), let alone trying to work out how to use what looks like torture equipment. Also, I’m so uncoordinated when it comes to some of the cardio equipment – especially the elliptical trainer. If I don’t think about what I’m doing I’m okay – my arms and legs know what to do. Bust as soon as I start thinking about what I am doing or even look at what I’m doing my arms and legs refuse to work together. One day I’ll manage to wrap myself around the bloody machine!
Anyways…this morning’s workout – Gym
Lower body and arms weights session:
·Leg press
·Leg extension
·DB squat with swiss ball
·DB biceps curl
·DB overhead triceps extension
This was followed by ab/core strength and stability exercises:
·Back extension with swiss ball
·V-sit – twisting with medicine ball (character building)
·Bicycle crunches
·Modified plank – 3 x 40sec
Tonight: yoga
Tomorrow: 30min interval run
Anyways…this morning’s workout – Gym
Lower body and arms weights session:
·Leg press
·Leg extension
·DB squat with swiss ball
·DB biceps curl
·DB overhead triceps extension
This was followed by ab/core strength and stability exercises:
·Back extension with swiss ball
·V-sit – twisting with medicine ball (character building)
·Bicycle crunches
·Modified plank – 3 x 40sec
Tonight: yoga
Tomorrow: 30min interval run
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
A balmy morning
Dream on.....but it was a lot warmer than yesterday. This morning at 6am it was 10*c. I had a great sleep last night thanks to flogging myself at some ungodly hour at the gym yesterday morning.
A conversation between Mr CJ and myself at night, in front of the TV, usually goes something like this:
Me: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Mr CJ: snore, snort, mumble, snore, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Oh yes, we lead interesting lives!
This morning’s run:
Distance: 9km
Time taken: 49.14min
Av pace: 5.26min/km
AHR: 150; MHR: 173
I ran down to Lake Burley Griffin, taking the cycle path alongside Clunies Ross Rd. Once at the lake I headed toward Regatta Point before turning and heading back the same way. This route takes me over several hills and I’ve come to realise that I am very much out of practice. Honestly I sounded like a chain smoker the way I was huffing and puffing and wheezing up the hills – almost had to stop for a breather at the top!
No after effects from my gym workout yesterday – unlike last week when even getting dressed the following day posed a challenge because my arms, back and shoulders were soooooo sore.
Four sleeps to the Canberra half marathon. And I've entered the Terry Fox 10km run which will be on Sunday June 18.
A conversation between Mr CJ and myself at night, in front of the TV, usually goes something like this:
Me: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Mr CJ: snore, snort, mumble, snore, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Oh yes, we lead interesting lives!
This morning’s run:
Distance: 9km
Time taken: 49.14min
Av pace: 5.26min/km
AHR: 150; MHR: 173
I ran down to Lake Burley Griffin, taking the cycle path alongside Clunies Ross Rd. Once at the lake I headed toward Regatta Point before turning and heading back the same way. This route takes me over several hills and I’ve come to realise that I am very much out of practice. Honestly I sounded like a chain smoker the way I was huffing and puffing and wheezing up the hills – almost had to stop for a breather at the top!
No after effects from my gym workout yesterday – unlike last week when even getting dressed the following day posed a challenge because my arms, back and shoulders were soooooo sore.
Four sleeps to the Canberra half marathon. And I've entered the Terry Fox 10km run which will be on Sunday June 18.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Its unnatural……..
…to be at the gym at 6.30am doing a weights session but that’s where I found myself this morning, bleary eyed and definitely not bushy tailed. The 6.30am slot was the only one I could get with a trainer (funny that), though the trainer Nicole insisted that there were always people queuing outside the doors at 5am waiting to get in. Sick!
This morning it was an upper body weights session consisting of:
·Lat pulldown to front
·Cable seated row
·Machine bench press
·Pec deck fly (mean machine - its so cool)
·Seated dumbbell press (these are so hard!)
·Barbell upright row
This was followed by ab/core strength and stability exercises:
·Back extension with swiss ball
·Swimming
·V-sit – twisting with a medicine ball (character building to say the least)
·Reverse crunch
And then this was followed by:
·10min on stepper (increasing resistance)
·20min on elliptical trainer (increasing resistance)
·10min stepper (again increasing then decreasing resistance)
And all this before 8am! The downside is that by 3pm I’m in dire need of a nana nap.
Yesterday (Monday)
Run including 7 x 2min intervals (1min RI)
Distance: 6.3km
Time taken: 33.26min
Av pace: 5.17min/km
AHR: 154; MHR: 208
Chilly, chilly, chilly. Gloves, headbands, and tights weather - okay I'm a wuss! But it was about minus 1 at 6am. Not too many people about at that time – even the cyclists seem to have given away their riding until later in the morning. Just as long as any weirdos also find it too cold to be roaming about as well. A good run and nothing out of the unusual happened (eg no alien abductions).
What are my plans? Hmmmm…… I am running in the Canberra half marathon this coming Sunday. I’m still weighing up my options with the Gold Coast marathon. At the moment I’m just enjoying running relatively injury-free (which I’m sad to say appears to put me in the minority at the moment). So everyone out there (Tesso, Jen, Lulu, Kit, Cirque, Hilda, and anyone else I have forgotten) with injuries, whether niggly or major, I sincerely hope it gets better and you can get back to running. Hang in there guys - positive vibes coming your way! ;-)
This morning it was an upper body weights session consisting of:
·Lat pulldown to front
·Cable seated row
·Machine bench press
·Pec deck fly (mean machine - its so cool)
·Seated dumbbell press (these are so hard!)
·Barbell upright row
This was followed by ab/core strength and stability exercises:
·Back extension with swiss ball
·Swimming
·V-sit – twisting with a medicine ball (character building to say the least)
·Reverse crunch
And then this was followed by:
·10min on stepper (increasing resistance)
·20min on elliptical trainer (increasing resistance)
·10min stepper (again increasing then decreasing resistance)
And all this before 8am! The downside is that by 3pm I’m in dire need of a nana nap.
Yesterday (Monday)
Run including 7 x 2min intervals (1min RI)
Distance: 6.3km
Time taken: 33.26min
Av pace: 5.17min/km
AHR: 154; MHR: 208
Chilly, chilly, chilly. Gloves, headbands, and tights weather - okay I'm a wuss! But it was about minus 1 at 6am. Not too many people about at that time – even the cyclists seem to have given away their riding until later in the morning. Just as long as any weirdos also find it too cold to be roaming about as well. A good run and nothing out of the unusual happened (eg no alien abductions).
What are my plans? Hmmmm…… I am running in the Canberra half marathon this coming Sunday. I’m still weighing up my options with the Gold Coast marathon. At the moment I’m just enjoying running relatively injury-free (which I’m sad to say appears to put me in the minority at the moment). So everyone out there (Tesso, Jen, Lulu, Kit, Cirque, Hilda, and anyone else I have forgotten) with injuries, whether niggly or major, I sincerely hope it gets better and you can get back to running. Hang in there guys - positive vibes coming your way! ;-)
Monday, May 08, 2006
Earth to CJ........
No, I have not been sucked up by any spaceships for testing by aliens; I have not fallen off the face of the earth; I have not given up all of my earthly possession and sworn a vow of poverty; I have not gone into self-imposed exile due to over consumption of chocolate; but I have been very very busy! And not having internet access at home also makes it difficult to update my blog.
So rather than bore you to tears with what I have been up to since god knows when, here is a brief update of the life of CJ:
April
Friday 28 – 6km run; 33.06min; av pace – 4.46min/km
Saturday 29 – 16km run; 1hr 27.23min; av pace – 5.28min/km
Sunday 30 – monthly vets run at Majura nature park, 10km hilly course
Went off in Group 25; Finished in 36th place
Time – 47.43min; Av pace – 4.46min/km
May
Monday 1 – Operation May Day begins
This means cleaning up my diet; and increasing my exercise because I have put on 3kg and feel like a fat and lazy blob. So for 12 weeks I will clean up my act.
pm – did ab exercises
Tuesday 2 – 25th wedding anniversary!!!!!!!
Interval run including 7 x 2min hard (1min easier)
6.3km; 32.54min; Av pace – 5.09min/km
Noon – Gym – did upper body weights plus abs
Went out for dinner so put diet on hold for one night!!!!
Wednesday 3 –
8.9km run; 49.14min; Av pace – 5.31min/km
pm – ab exercises
Thursday 4 –
Noon – Gym – lower body weights session followed by 20mins on elliptical trainer, 10mins on rower and 10mins on stepper. I was knackered when finished!
Pm – yoga
Friday 5 –
Interval run including 7 x 2min hard (1min easier)
6.4km; 33.31min; Av pace – 5.13min/km
pm – ab exercises
Saturday 6 –
Long run – 20km; 1hr 50.08min; Av pace – 5.30min/km
Sunday 7 – Rest day (and I hab a cold...sniff)
So I have been busy – at work and outside of work. But I will try and keep my blog up-to-date and not get so far behind in future.
In short – I’M BACK!
So rather than bore you to tears with what I have been up to since god knows when, here is a brief update of the life of CJ:
April
Friday 28 – 6km run; 33.06min; av pace – 4.46min/km
Saturday 29 – 16km run; 1hr 27.23min; av pace – 5.28min/km
Sunday 30 – monthly vets run at Majura nature park, 10km hilly course
Went off in Group 25; Finished in 36th place
Time – 47.43min; Av pace – 4.46min/km
May
Monday 1 – Operation May Day begins
This means cleaning up my diet; and increasing my exercise because I have put on 3kg and feel like a fat and lazy blob. So for 12 weeks I will clean up my act.
pm – did ab exercises
Tuesday 2 – 25th wedding anniversary!!!!!!!
Interval run including 7 x 2min hard (1min easier)
6.3km; 32.54min; Av pace – 5.09min/km
Noon – Gym – did upper body weights plus abs
Went out for dinner so put diet on hold for one night!!!!
Wednesday 3 –
8.9km run; 49.14min; Av pace – 5.31min/km
pm – ab exercises
Thursday 4 –
Noon – Gym – lower body weights session followed by 20mins on elliptical trainer, 10mins on rower and 10mins on stepper. I was knackered when finished!
Pm – yoga
Friday 5 –
Interval run including 7 x 2min hard (1min easier)
6.4km; 33.31min; Av pace – 5.13min/km
pm – ab exercises
Saturday 6 –
Long run – 20km; 1hr 50.08min; Av pace – 5.30min/km
Sunday 7 – Rest day (and I hab a cold...sniff)
So I have been busy – at work and outside of work. But I will try and keep my blog up-to-date and not get so far behind in future.
In short – I’M BACK!
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Much ado about nothing really
Not a lot to say really. I've been running, eating, sleeping and all the rest of it. A temporary respite until I get back into it all on 1 May - Operation Mayday. Feeling like a fatty bombatty and have put on a number of kilos since the marathon.
Saturday run - my 'long' run
Distance - 10.7km
Time taken - 1hr
Av pace - 5.38min/km
AHR - 142; MHR - 164
Ran with my good friend Kezza who is back from Alice Springs - a bit of a change in weather for her. It was apparently minus 6 that morning though by the time we started running it was about minus 3 and quickly warming up. It was a great run at a very leisurely pace around Lake Ginninderra, with a little out and back section added on. Afterwards we had a coffee at Black Pepper cafe, went home, showered, changed and then met up again with Kezza and Strewth for lunch at Bayswiss in the Mall.
That evening we went to a surprise 50th birthday for the The Hare.
Monday run
Distance - 8.4km inc 7 x 100m strides
Time taken - 45.20min
Av pace - 5.22min/km
AHR - 149; MHR - 184
I've been sort of following the post-marathon program in last month's Runners World so this week the aim is to introduce some faster running and get the legs moving a bit quicker than they have been lately. So I elected to run 7 x 100m strides evenly spread out on this run. The first one was a bit rusty but I gradually found my stride by the 7th! Notice the average pace of each run is slowly getting a little quicker.
This morning's run
Distance - 6km
Time taken - 32.03min
Av pace - 5.18min/km
AHR - 144; MHR - 158
Had a long debate with myself this morning about whether or not to go for a short run. Evil CJ wanted to stay in bed for as long as possible, then shower, have breakfast and get to work in record time. Saint CJ meanwhile wanted to get out in the brisk morning air and burn some calories before breakfast - she won the argument........eventually.
That's it....nuff said.
Saturday run - my 'long' run
Distance - 10.7km
Time taken - 1hr
Av pace - 5.38min/km
AHR - 142; MHR - 164
Ran with my good friend Kezza who is back from Alice Springs - a bit of a change in weather for her. It was apparently minus 6 that morning though by the time we started running it was about minus 3 and quickly warming up. It was a great run at a very leisurely pace around Lake Ginninderra, with a little out and back section added on. Afterwards we had a coffee at Black Pepper cafe, went home, showered, changed and then met up again with Kezza and Strewth for lunch at Bayswiss in the Mall.
That evening we went to a surprise 50th birthday for the The Hare.
Monday run
Distance - 8.4km inc 7 x 100m strides
Time taken - 45.20min
Av pace - 5.22min/km
AHR - 149; MHR - 184
I've been sort of following the post-marathon program in last month's Runners World so this week the aim is to introduce some faster running and get the legs moving a bit quicker than they have been lately. So I elected to run 7 x 100m strides evenly spread out on this run. The first one was a bit rusty but I gradually found my stride by the 7th! Notice the average pace of each run is slowly getting a little quicker.
This morning's run
Distance - 6km
Time taken - 32.03min
Av pace - 5.18min/km
AHR - 144; MHR - 158
Had a long debate with myself this morning about whether or not to go for a short run. Evil CJ wanted to stay in bed for as long as possible, then shower, have breakfast and get to work in record time. Saint CJ meanwhile wanted to get out in the brisk morning air and burn some calories before breakfast - she won the argument........eventually.
That's it....nuff said.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Another long weekend!
Its a 4 day weekend for me - yay! Back to work on Wednesday.
Its a chilly, windy day - much nicer to be tucked in bed with a good book rather than out running in the cold and wind or going to work. But guess what I did - yep, the latter two!
This morning's run
Time - 6am
Distance - 6.8km
Time taken - 39.05min
Av pace - 5.44min/km
AHR - 144
Ran out towards Lyneham and back amid the swirling leaves. Autumn in Canberra is a lovely time save for the chilly mornings. What spoils it though is knowing that winter is just around the corner. Good run - I'm starting to feel like a runner again which is reassuring.
Its a chilly, windy day - much nicer to be tucked in bed with a good book rather than out running in the cold and wind or going to work. But guess what I did - yep, the latter two!
This morning's run
Time - 6am
Distance - 6.8km
Time taken - 39.05min
Av pace - 5.44min/km
AHR - 144
Ran out towards Lyneham and back amid the swirling leaves. Autumn in Canberra is a lovely time save for the chilly mornings. What spoils it though is knowing that winter is just around the corner. Good run - I'm starting to feel like a runner again which is reassuring.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Once upon a time.......
.......there was a runner called CJ who trained and trained and trained for the Canberra marathon and on the day managed to run a personal best. CJ was very happy. As to be expected, CJ was feeling a little sore after this massive effort and the little holiday on the coast was very therapeutic, though the left calf was still being bothersome (some smart alec pointed out that her left calf was over-compensating for the hardware CJ was wearing on her left arm ie the Garmin and the ipod).
The self imposed 2-week chocolate denial had also come to an end and with Easter just around the corner, CJ went slightly overboard with chocolate consumption (this is a huge understatement). Combined with very little exercise, apart from the occasional stroll, this was beginning to create havoc with CJ's waistline. The expanding waistline, in turn, was making running even more difficult than it already was. Poor CJ - what to do? Fit CJ was rapidly morphing into Fat CJ.
Then the fairy godmother of lost causes came to CJ's rescue. With a wave of her wand she........
Damn, time to get out of bed. And the dream was getting interesting too. Mind you, it was mostly true except for the bit about the fairy godmother of lost causes. This means that I actually have to put the work in myself and so since Sunday I have run three times.
Sunday's run
The left calf and ball of foot complained from about the first kilometre and I was tempted to call it quits at this point. However pigheadedness kicked in and I persevered and gradually things improved. Mind you it was difficult to believe that this shuffling jogger was the same person who ran a marathon PB the week before. Ran for 27mins.
Monday's run
A little better today and I managed 31mins, looking much more respectable. I even managed to stay ahead of someone who looked like an original resident of Turner, complete with walking frame. Calf was still sore.
Today's run
Distance - 5.9km
Time - 35min
Av pace - 5.55min/km
AHR - 132; MHR - 150
Bit of a doddle but enjoyable, even for an early morning run (it was daylight). Still finding my way around the suburbs of Turner, O'Connor and Lyneham but it is a very pleasant area to run.
The chocolate consumption is continuing but I do have a little project in store for myself beginning next month aptly titled "Mayday, Mayday!" More news on this closer to the time.
The self imposed 2-week chocolate denial had also come to an end and with Easter just around the corner, CJ went slightly overboard with chocolate consumption (this is a huge understatement). Combined with very little exercise, apart from the occasional stroll, this was beginning to create havoc with CJ's waistline. The expanding waistline, in turn, was making running even more difficult than it already was. Poor CJ - what to do? Fit CJ was rapidly morphing into Fat CJ.
Then the fairy godmother of lost causes came to CJ's rescue. With a wave of her wand she........
Damn, time to get out of bed. And the dream was getting interesting too. Mind you, it was mostly true except for the bit about the fairy godmother of lost causes. This means that I actually have to put the work in myself and so since Sunday I have run three times.
Sunday's run
The left calf and ball of foot complained from about the first kilometre and I was tempted to call it quits at this point. However pigheadedness kicked in and I persevered and gradually things improved. Mind you it was difficult to believe that this shuffling jogger was the same person who ran a marathon PB the week before. Ran for 27mins.
Monday's run
A little better today and I managed 31mins, looking much more respectable. I even managed to stay ahead of someone who looked like an original resident of Turner, complete with walking frame. Calf was still sore.
Today's run
Distance - 5.9km
Time - 35min
Av pace - 5.55min/km
AHR - 132; MHR - 150
Bit of a doddle but enjoyable, even for an early morning run (it was daylight). Still finding my way around the suburbs of Turner, O'Connor and Lyneham but it is a very pleasant area to run.
The chocolate consumption is continuing but I do have a little project in store for myself beginning next month aptly titled "Mayday, Mayday!" More news on this closer to the time.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
I still can't believe I did it!!!!!
Yes, I am still uttering those inane words almost a week after the marathon, but to myself now. I inflicted enough pain on friends and acquaintances, and lets admit it, strangers, on the day. And many many thanks to my very good friend, and ultramarathoner extraordinaire, Strewth, for posting my results while I was away at the coast. Tough life, I know!
Thank you all for the great comments - it was really lovely to read them all.
Also happy easter - I have got so much chocolate it won't belong before Fit CJ becomes Fat CJ!
Finally good luck to Run for Chocolate and Elizabeth for the Boston marathon. You go girls!
Now, on to the boring details, yet again (because I can’t believe I did it!):
Distance - 42.2km
Time taken – 3hr 26.40min
Av pace – 4.50min/km
AHR – 164; MHR – 176
Place – 238 (of 864 competing on the day)
Time at same marathon in 2005 – 3hr 54min (a 28min improvement)
Previous PB – Sydney, September 2005 – 3hr 40.11min (13min improvement)
Music played on the day (only those I can remember; it’s a bit of blur):
To start – Living on a prayer – Bon Jovi
The first couple of kms, when running with Tesso and JD – You’re the reason I’m leaving – Franz Ferdinand; In your honour – Foo Fighters; Walk away – Kelly Clarkson; Born to run – Bruce Springsteen
Somewhere in the middle of the marathon – Smells like teen spirit – Nirvana; Minority – Green Day; Twisted transistor – Korn
Catching up with Robert Song at about the 39km mark – The car song – Cat Empire
To finish – Get the party started – Pink (very appropriate).
It was a chilly morning – I wore my Cool Running singlet, crop top and cap, Linebreak cycle pants, Asics Kayano socks, gloves and my trust running companion, my ipod mini (I sound like an advertisement!). The nerves started to kick in when I arrived at the Telopea Park school for the start and saw lots of fit people milling around – why is it that everyone always looks so much fitter than yourself at these events? Instead of a warmup I made 2 trips to the toilet (“just in case”) and then went searching for Mr CJ who had my bag – he was standing in the coffee queue; I should’ve known.
Last minute strip – removing my long sleeved top, jacket and long pants, and then it was off to join the rest of the starters. I positioned myself ahead of the 3hr 45min pace group but behind the 3hr 30min group. There was very little time to stand around getting more nervous – the gun had gone off and the 30th annual Canberra marathon had started. I knew I had put the training in but a lot can happen in 42km.
The first 10km was uneventful – it wound around the parliamentary precinct affording some great views of Canberra on a typically crisp but stunning morning. Several hot air balloons hung suspended above us. Caught up with JD and then Tesso and ran with them for a little while. JD was looking very comfortable; Tesso was aiming to run for as long as she could but was anticipating pulling out at some stage due to her troublesome ITB. I could also see Clairie up ahead and that was the way it was going to stay for the entire event – she ran a 3hr 23.15min debut marathon – how awesome is that!
I managed to catch up with the 3hr 30min group and I briefly worried that maybe I was going out too hard – it was certainly faster than I had run in previous marathons. The 10km mark went by in about 47min – hmmmmm. However I was feeling comfortable so decided that it couldn’t hurt to sit with the group – if it got too hard I could always drop off a little. So I ran with Griffin for a while. My major problem early on was the drink stations – or more precisely, trying to get to the tables without being bulldozed by runners behind me and then finding my drink bottle among the many on the table. This only occurred at the first couple of drink stations – later on the volunteers would see me coming, find my drink bottle and hand it to me personally – it was so good!
I’m not sure where I managed to get ahead of the 3hr 30min group but once I had I decided to try to keep them behind me. I was still feeling comfortable and the crowds really helped. The Cool Runner cheer squad was amazing as usual – I’m sure they are the cause of many PBs because I find I always lift a notch after passing them *thanks guys*. And also big hugs to the Lovely Lulu who was out there supporting (and clutching a block of Lindt Lemon Intense chocolate!).
20km mark – my left calf had decided to tighten up so much I was worried it might cramp, and the balls of my feet were burning. Neither of these things had ever happened to me before so I’m not sure why they decided to raise their ugly heads now – but they had. So along with my testy glute, I had the Terrible Trio to deal with for the next 22km. Fortunately I had my music and I used this to zone out from the aches and pains I was experiencing. But I kept smiling – I figured if I stayed positive this could only help. I had also stuck smiley faces on my drink bottles which I collected at the designated drink stations (every 5km of the route).
The course has a 2 lap out and back loop and this is a great opportunity to see others in the race – those speedy front runners (my god, how do they run so fast for so long and so far?) to the middle of the pack runners (like moi) to the slow and steady plodders at the rear. Saw Strewth and JS looking comfortable, speedygeoff in his very important role of pacer for the 4hr group, Plu, Wobbly, Kit (looking remarkably fresh), The Hare, and many others. I caught up with Robert Song at about the 39km mark and mistakenly called him Greybeard – terribly sorry about that!
Special thanks must go to Eagle who I generally ran behind, with, and in front of, for practically the entire way. I made it my goal to try and at least keep him in sight though mind you, he was making it look so easy – he looked way too comfortable. There was a time whenever I looked around he was there (that’s when he wasn’t in front of me!).
The 37km mark of a marathon has been a bit of a problem for me in the past – I don’t know about hitting a wall; it feels more like running through mud! However I managed to avoid the 37km wall in Sydney last year so I knew it was possible to run a marathon without ‘dying’ at this mark. During my training for this marathon there were 3 or 4 long runs where I had to pick up the pace for the last 5-6km and so I decided that when I hit the 37km mark I was going to pick up the pace, just like in training. My drink bottles on the 35km and 40km drink stations contained flat Coke – a refreshing change from sports drink and the caffeine and sugar must help. That, and Espresso Gu!
Splits of the last 5km of the marathon are as follows:
* 4.47min/km
* 4.43min/km
* 4.49min/km
* 4.44min/km
* 4.56min/km
The Terrible Trio had upped the ante now but I knew I didn’t have far to go and I was not going to let the 3hr 30min group catch me up! When I saw TA filming at the side of the road not long before the 40km drink station, I yelled out that I was doing a PB – I was feeling very very happy. Poor TA probably wondered what I was on!
The longest road – I hate Telopea Park Rd. It goes on and on and on and on and on, and there are potholes to avoid. I’m sure it also rises just ever so gradually but enough to be a pain. But then I turn the corner and……
The finish - I can see the finish line about 100 or 200m down the road! What a great feeling. And the time on the clock is indicating that I’m going to finish in under 3hr 30min! No-one can wipe that smile off my face now and I can barely feel my feet touching the ground – I’m sure I’m flying to the finish line. And then its over…….I give Ian B a huge hug, I receive my finishers medal and I can’t believe I did it! Mr CJ misses getting a photo of me finishing because I came in too early!
3hr 26.40min!!!!
Afterwards I get hugs from Tesso, the Lovely Lulu, Roy, Vicki, Mr B, and Nerida. I talk briefly to Clairie and Iliketoast, Eagle, and JD. A little later on I see Plu. I keep uttering “I can’t believe I did it!” to all and sundry, because I really can’t believe it! It feels so surreal. The Lovely Lulu and Mr Lulu present me with the block of Lindt Lemon Intense dark chocolate – divine! (and it is!) And then they buy me a cappuccino. Gosh, my day can’t get any better!
We cheer Strewth through the 42.2km mark, which she completes in 4hr 05.17min, and then she continues on to complete the 50km. She is truly amazing and she was looking good. JS was running with her and looking good too. I had no doubts that they would finish the 50km and in under 5 hours.
Finally Strewth finishes the 50km – 4hr 56.11min, looking as good as when she left after completing the marathon. As well as being a very very good friend she is also my role model – she is one amazing woman. Onya Strewth! I am so proud of you – you said you’d do it and you did in your usual gutsy style!
And did I say my day couldn’t possibly get any better? Well it seems I was wrong!
First, I find out I came 2nd in my age group (woo hoo!) (Strewth also came 2nd in her age group); and then at the Marathon After Party, Wobbly Man gives me a block of KokoBlack chocolate. This chocolate is truly divine and melt-in-the-mouth bliss – Strewth and Mr B can vouch for that. I do share…sometimes! So thank you Wobbly!
The after party was a lot of fun – I really enjoyed catching up with everyone and it was so good to finally put faces to names – Cato, Courtlylove, Greybeard, TA and Gnome, Kit (finally we meet!), Owl, Tesso (thanks for your belief in me!), JD, Wobbly (of course), Robert Song, Wombat, Lucky Legs (another amazing 50km effort – an Australian record) and others. Apologies if I have left anyone out – blame it on advancing age!
Later that evening Mr CJ and I meet up with Strewth, Mr B, the Hare, Nerida, JS, Roy and Brenda for a celebratory dinner at Carlo’s. A great night and I drank my one glass of wine veeeerrrryyy slowly.
Post-marathon
Mr CJ and I headed off to the coast for a few days R&R before Easter. Note to self – do not book a unit with steps next time. There were 14 steps up to our unit – going up was fine but going down was very slow and painful. My calves had gone on strike – they were tight as. In fact, it seemed wherever we went in Tuross we were walking downhill or down steps. Not that it stopped me – after all down one set of steps was a boatshed café which sold a very nice cappuccino.
I managed to fit in a couple of walks when I wasn’t sitting at cafes drinking coffee, sitting on the rocks watching Mr CJ fish, or lying on the couch reading. Running? What’s that?!
Thank you all for the great comments - it was really lovely to read them all.
Also happy easter - I have got so much chocolate it won't belong before Fit CJ becomes Fat CJ!
Finally good luck to Run for Chocolate and Elizabeth for the Boston marathon. You go girls!
Now, on to the boring details, yet again (because I can’t believe I did it!):
Distance - 42.2km
Time taken – 3hr 26.40min
Av pace – 4.50min/km
AHR – 164; MHR – 176
Place – 238 (of 864 competing on the day)
Time at same marathon in 2005 – 3hr 54min (a 28min improvement)
Previous PB – Sydney, September 2005 – 3hr 40.11min (13min improvement)
Music played on the day (only those I can remember; it’s a bit of blur):
To start – Living on a prayer – Bon Jovi
The first couple of kms, when running with Tesso and JD – You’re the reason I’m leaving – Franz Ferdinand; In your honour – Foo Fighters; Walk away – Kelly Clarkson; Born to run – Bruce Springsteen
Somewhere in the middle of the marathon – Smells like teen spirit – Nirvana; Minority – Green Day; Twisted transistor – Korn
Catching up with Robert Song at about the 39km mark – The car song – Cat Empire
To finish – Get the party started – Pink (very appropriate).
It was a chilly morning – I wore my Cool Running singlet, crop top and cap, Linebreak cycle pants, Asics Kayano socks, gloves and my trust running companion, my ipod mini (I sound like an advertisement!). The nerves started to kick in when I arrived at the Telopea Park school for the start and saw lots of fit people milling around – why is it that everyone always looks so much fitter than yourself at these events? Instead of a warmup I made 2 trips to the toilet (“just in case”) and then went searching for Mr CJ who had my bag – he was standing in the coffee queue; I should’ve known.
Last minute strip – removing my long sleeved top, jacket and long pants, and then it was off to join the rest of the starters. I positioned myself ahead of the 3hr 45min pace group but behind the 3hr 30min group. There was very little time to stand around getting more nervous – the gun had gone off and the 30th annual Canberra marathon had started. I knew I had put the training in but a lot can happen in 42km.
The first 10km was uneventful – it wound around the parliamentary precinct affording some great views of Canberra on a typically crisp but stunning morning. Several hot air balloons hung suspended above us. Caught up with JD and then Tesso and ran with them for a little while. JD was looking very comfortable; Tesso was aiming to run for as long as she could but was anticipating pulling out at some stage due to her troublesome ITB. I could also see Clairie up ahead and that was the way it was going to stay for the entire event – she ran a 3hr 23.15min debut marathon – how awesome is that!
I managed to catch up with the 3hr 30min group and I briefly worried that maybe I was going out too hard – it was certainly faster than I had run in previous marathons. The 10km mark went by in about 47min – hmmmmm. However I was feeling comfortable so decided that it couldn’t hurt to sit with the group – if it got too hard I could always drop off a little. So I ran with Griffin for a while. My major problem early on was the drink stations – or more precisely, trying to get to the tables without being bulldozed by runners behind me and then finding my drink bottle among the many on the table. This only occurred at the first couple of drink stations – later on the volunteers would see me coming, find my drink bottle and hand it to me personally – it was so good!
I’m not sure where I managed to get ahead of the 3hr 30min group but once I had I decided to try to keep them behind me. I was still feeling comfortable and the crowds really helped. The Cool Runner cheer squad was amazing as usual – I’m sure they are the cause of many PBs because I find I always lift a notch after passing them *thanks guys*. And also big hugs to the Lovely Lulu who was out there supporting (and clutching a block of Lindt Lemon Intense chocolate!).
20km mark – my left calf had decided to tighten up so much I was worried it might cramp, and the balls of my feet were burning. Neither of these things had ever happened to me before so I’m not sure why they decided to raise their ugly heads now – but they had. So along with my testy glute, I had the Terrible Trio to deal with for the next 22km. Fortunately I had my music and I used this to zone out from the aches and pains I was experiencing. But I kept smiling – I figured if I stayed positive this could only help. I had also stuck smiley faces on my drink bottles which I collected at the designated drink stations (every 5km of the route).
The course has a 2 lap out and back loop and this is a great opportunity to see others in the race – those speedy front runners (my god, how do they run so fast for so long and so far?) to the middle of the pack runners (like moi) to the slow and steady plodders at the rear. Saw Strewth and JS looking comfortable, speedygeoff in his very important role of pacer for the 4hr group, Plu, Wobbly, Kit (looking remarkably fresh), The Hare, and many others. I caught up with Robert Song at about the 39km mark and mistakenly called him Greybeard – terribly sorry about that!
Special thanks must go to Eagle who I generally ran behind, with, and in front of, for practically the entire way. I made it my goal to try and at least keep him in sight though mind you, he was making it look so easy – he looked way too comfortable. There was a time whenever I looked around he was there (that’s when he wasn’t in front of me!).
The 37km mark of a marathon has been a bit of a problem for me in the past – I don’t know about hitting a wall; it feels more like running through mud! However I managed to avoid the 37km wall in Sydney last year so I knew it was possible to run a marathon without ‘dying’ at this mark. During my training for this marathon there were 3 or 4 long runs where I had to pick up the pace for the last 5-6km and so I decided that when I hit the 37km mark I was going to pick up the pace, just like in training. My drink bottles on the 35km and 40km drink stations contained flat Coke – a refreshing change from sports drink and the caffeine and sugar must help. That, and Espresso Gu!
Splits of the last 5km of the marathon are as follows:
* 4.47min/km
* 4.43min/km
* 4.49min/km
* 4.44min/km
* 4.56min/km
The Terrible Trio had upped the ante now but I knew I didn’t have far to go and I was not going to let the 3hr 30min group catch me up! When I saw TA filming at the side of the road not long before the 40km drink station, I yelled out that I was doing a PB – I was feeling very very happy. Poor TA probably wondered what I was on!
The longest road – I hate Telopea Park Rd. It goes on and on and on and on and on, and there are potholes to avoid. I’m sure it also rises just ever so gradually but enough to be a pain. But then I turn the corner and……
The finish - I can see the finish line about 100 or 200m down the road! What a great feeling. And the time on the clock is indicating that I’m going to finish in under 3hr 30min! No-one can wipe that smile off my face now and I can barely feel my feet touching the ground – I’m sure I’m flying to the finish line. And then its over…….I give Ian B a huge hug, I receive my finishers medal and I can’t believe I did it! Mr CJ misses getting a photo of me finishing because I came in too early!
3hr 26.40min!!!!
Afterwards I get hugs from Tesso, the Lovely Lulu, Roy, Vicki, Mr B, and Nerida. I talk briefly to Clairie and Iliketoast, Eagle, and JD. A little later on I see Plu. I keep uttering “I can’t believe I did it!” to all and sundry, because I really can’t believe it! It feels so surreal. The Lovely Lulu and Mr Lulu present me with the block of Lindt Lemon Intense dark chocolate – divine! (and it is!) And then they buy me a cappuccino. Gosh, my day can’t get any better!
We cheer Strewth through the 42.2km mark, which she completes in 4hr 05.17min, and then she continues on to complete the 50km. She is truly amazing and she was looking good. JS was running with her and looking good too. I had no doubts that they would finish the 50km and in under 5 hours.
Finally Strewth finishes the 50km – 4hr 56.11min, looking as good as when she left after completing the marathon. As well as being a very very good friend she is also my role model – she is one amazing woman. Onya Strewth! I am so proud of you – you said you’d do it and you did in your usual gutsy style!
And did I say my day couldn’t possibly get any better? Well it seems I was wrong!
First, I find out I came 2nd in my age group (woo hoo!) (Strewth also came 2nd in her age group); and then at the Marathon After Party, Wobbly Man gives me a block of KokoBlack chocolate. This chocolate is truly divine and melt-in-the-mouth bliss – Strewth and Mr B can vouch for that. I do share…sometimes! So thank you Wobbly!
The after party was a lot of fun – I really enjoyed catching up with everyone and it was so good to finally put faces to names – Cato, Courtlylove, Greybeard, TA and Gnome, Kit (finally we meet!), Owl, Tesso (thanks for your belief in me!), JD, Wobbly (of course), Robert Song, Wombat, Lucky Legs (another amazing 50km effort – an Australian record) and others. Apologies if I have left anyone out – blame it on advancing age!
Later that evening Mr CJ and I meet up with Strewth, Mr B, the Hare, Nerida, JS, Roy and Brenda for a celebratory dinner at Carlo’s. A great night and I drank my one glass of wine veeeerrrryyy slowly.
Post-marathon
Mr CJ and I headed off to the coast for a few days R&R before Easter. Note to self – do not book a unit with steps next time. There were 14 steps up to our unit – going up was fine but going down was very slow and painful. My calves had gone on strike – they were tight as. In fact, it seemed wherever we went in Tuross we were walking downhill or down steps. Not that it stopped me – after all down one set of steps was a boatshed café which sold a very nice cappuccino.
I managed to fit in a couple of walks when I wasn’t sitting at cafes drinking coffee, sitting on the rocks watching Mr CJ fish, or lying on the couch reading. Running? What’s that?!
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Goal Achieved - One Happy CJ!
One HUGE PB!
Hi, this is Strewth! CJ has left town - off to the coast for some R & R. With no internet access she has asked me just to enter her results as there are probably a few interested CRs out there!
Marathon time: 3hours 26mins 35secs - a PB of 14mins!
Average pace per km: 4:50
Place in age group: second
CJ ran a great race and had an absolutely wonderful day in ideal conditions. She met up with lots of CRs before and after the race and had a long chat with Wobblyman at the after party. Lulu greeted her with chocolate at the finish line and Wobbly presented her with chocolate at the after party so she hasn't stopped smiling. We had a fantastic night at dinner later and she is on a great big high.
Woo hoo - one very happy CJ - calves a bit tight but feeling great and very relaxed as she's enjoying coffee by the beach. I am so proud of my awesome friend. CJ is a legend!
Hi, this is Strewth! CJ has left town - off to the coast for some R & R. With no internet access she has asked me just to enter her results as there are probably a few interested CRs out there!
Marathon time: 3hours 26mins 35secs - a PB of 14mins!
Average pace per km: 4:50
Place in age group: second
CJ ran a great race and had an absolutely wonderful day in ideal conditions. She met up with lots of CRs before and after the race and had a long chat with Wobblyman at the after party. Lulu greeted her with chocolate at the finish line and Wobbly presented her with chocolate at the after party so she hasn't stopped smiling. We had a fantastic night at dinner later and she is on a great big high.
Woo hoo - one very happy CJ - calves a bit tight but feeling great and very relaxed as she's enjoying coffee by the beach. I am so proud of my awesome friend. CJ is a legend!
Friday, April 07, 2006
TWO SLEEPS TO GO!!!...and a weather update
Canberra marathon 2005
Day 2 of carbo loading diet
This morning's session - easy run with 6 x strides
Time / weather - 6am / cold, 8*c but with wind chill felt like 4*c
Distance - 6km plus 6 x strides
Time taken - 30.59min
Av pace - 5.09min/km
AHR - 156; MHR - 198
Wore tights, short sleeved top, arm warmers, and long sleeved top along with all my normal running gear. Definitely not used to this chilly weather. Ran along cycle paths through Turner, O'Connor and Lyneham - a nice change from my usual runs around Scullin and Florey. A good run - glute didn't feel too bad, thanks to the stretching session at yoga last night.
When I got home I had a phone call from Mr CJ who was at work asking whether I'd seen a large grey rabbit in the front yard. He had seen the rabbit as he was leaving for work and was worried that cats might get it. Went out front to check and no, there was no large grey rabbit to be seen and goodness knows what I was supposed to do anyway, if there was one there. Hopefully it has bounded off back from where it came or at least found a safe place to hide.
Weather update
From the Canberra Times this morning:
"The Bureau of Metereology is predicting the cold and windy weather to stick around until Sunday when the winds should drop. But less wind means colder temperatures at night and local frosts are expected on Sunday morning.
A deep low pressure system near Tasmania was creating the cold winds. A BOM spokesperson said "It is quite unusual for this time of the season, generally it doesn't get this cold until late April. The temperature is well below the average for this time of year, which is 21*c.....It will get close to zero on Saturday night.'"
Pack your winter woollies!!!
Late edit:
Thanks for all the support - it will be a great day and you will get to hear all about it! I can hear the groans already! :-)
Just calculated that I have clocked up 1,151kms as part of my marathon training!
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Away with the fairies....
Well I was, briefly, after my lunchtime massage yesterday. However I am now well and truly back in the real world.
I have started carbo loading today
3 SLEEPS TO GO!!!!!
Yesterday's session - easy run
Time/weather - 5pm / windy, cloudy, 20*c
Distance - 9km
Time taken - 45.59min
Av pace - 5.06min/km
AHR - 151; MHR - 169
Good run. For the last 3km I felt like I was flying, such a good feeling. So there is some life in these tired legs! The long range forecast currently says "3*c-19*c for Sunday, frost then sunny". It better be warmer than today because its bloody freezing right now (11.5*c at 1.30pm).
This morning a friend gave me a Lindt Gold Bunny (dark chocolate) and an Old Gold chocolate rabbit for Easter, plus a block of Lindt dark chocolate (85%) for after the marathon. Can't wait!
I have started carbo loading today
3 SLEEPS TO GO!!!!!
Yesterday's session - easy run
Time/weather - 5pm / windy, cloudy, 20*c
Distance - 9km
Time taken - 45.59min
Av pace - 5.06min/km
AHR - 151; MHR - 169
Good run. For the last 3km I felt like I was flying, such a good feeling. So there is some life in these tired legs! The long range forecast currently says "3*c-19*c for Sunday, frost then sunny". It better be warmer than today because its bloody freezing right now (11.5*c at 1.30pm).
This morning a friend gave me a Lindt Gold Bunny (dark chocolate) and an Old Gold chocolate rabbit for Easter, plus a block of Lindt dark chocolate (85%) for after the marathon. Can't wait!
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Bloggus Interruptus
Hi all! I am still alive. We have also moved house while our house is being gutted and renovated. *Memo to self - do not plan renovations and house moves while marathon training!*
I have well and truly tapered - so much so I feel like a slug and I'm also running like a slug ie very slowly! Last week I think I ran a total of 36km and this week so far its been 7km. I had a blood test on Monday to check my iron levels - should find out the results either today or tomorrow - fingers crossed its all normal.
Anyway, in our temporary abode we have no internet access so I'm restricted to looking and checking blogs and updating my own when I am at work. I am so far behind in what's happening out there in blogland. I am in withdrawal - first it was chocolate, now its blogging.
But the marathon is still on course and I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone and meeting some new people this weekend. Oh, and eating chocolate!
I have well and truly tapered - so much so I feel like a slug and I'm also running like a slug ie very slowly! Last week I think I ran a total of 36km and this week so far its been 7km. I had a blood test on Monday to check my iron levels - should find out the results either today or tomorrow - fingers crossed its all normal.
Anyway, in our temporary abode we have no internet access so I'm restricted to looking and checking blogs and updating my own when I am at work. I am so far behind in what's happening out there in blogland. I am in withdrawal - first it was chocolate, now its blogging.
But the marathon is still on course and I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone and meeting some new people this weekend. Oh, and eating chocolate!
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