Told you I had some work to do before the Half ironman triathlon in December!!!!!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
It's been a while.........
Told you I had some work to do before the Half ironman triathlon in December!!!!!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Mission accomplished and Go Charlie Go!!!!!!!
I know this entry is a little late but since the marathon I’ve been flat out trying to finish an assignment, and submit it, and work to a deadline on a presentation at work
As you may, or may not be aware, the lead up to Canberra marathon was plagued by injury, illness and infection. Not to mention, the odd binge or two on chocolate due to the all of the problems I was experiencing (I had to get my endorphins somehow and I certainly wasn’t getting them from running).
Anyhoo marathon day dawned black, wet and there was lightning – hardly an auspicious start.
Actually you’ve read everyone else’s reports and seen the photos so let me just say that I ran the marathon comfortably, 10mins slower than last year and the injury held out (tho there were a couple of times I was pretty worried). My official time: 3hr 37.41min, 7th woman in my age group, and 395th of 1,041 competitors.
The best thing about the day though was that Charlie ran a huuuuge PB by about 11 mins and we managed to run together or close to each other for pretty much most of it. So a big well done to Charlie – you did well!!!!
So now it’s on to training for Gold Coast marathon. I do have a goal time in mind but will keep it quiet for now, won’t we Tesso!!!!!
And I’m planning on doing the Canberra Half Ironman triathlon in December this year (I must be stark raving mad) so I’m going to gradually add in swimming and cycling sessions. At least I’ve given myself plenty of time.
ps A big thankyou to that amazing cheersquad duo - Katy and Mark. Anyone that can make me laugh when everything is hurting has to be doing a great job! Thanks guys!
As you may, or may not be aware, the lead up to Canberra marathon was plagued by injury, illness and infection. Not to mention, the odd binge or two on chocolate due to the all of the problems I was experiencing (I had to get my endorphins somehow and I certainly wasn’t getting them from running).
Anyhoo marathon day dawned black, wet and there was lightning – hardly an auspicious start.
Actually you’ve read everyone else’s reports and seen the photos so let me just say that I ran the marathon comfortably, 10mins slower than last year and the injury held out (tho there were a couple of times I was pretty worried). My official time: 3hr 37.41min, 7th woman in my age group, and 395th of 1,041 competitors.
The best thing about the day though was that Charlie ran a huuuuge PB by about 11 mins and we managed to run together or close to each other for pretty much most of it. So a big well done to Charlie – you did well!!!!
So now it’s on to training for Gold Coast marathon. I do have a goal time in mind but will keep it quiet for now, won’t we Tesso!!!!!
And I’m planning on doing the Canberra Half Ironman triathlon in December this year (I must be stark raving mad) so I’m going to gradually add in swimming and cycling sessions. At least I’ve given myself plenty of time.
ps A big thankyou to that amazing cheersquad duo - Katy and Mark. Anyone that can make me laugh when everything is hurting has to be doing a great job! Thanks guys!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Warning - Black cloud hovering
The marathon is 13 days away and right now the physio has ordered no running for 5 days. You're kidding right? I've started my taper, its true, but this is ridiculous.....a sudden taper you might say. This has only been issue #546 that I have had training for this marathon. It seems I run okay for a couple of weeks and then *pfffft* something happens - I get sick (a few times now), I fall (and I don't even have to be out running for this to happen), work/study/home/life gets in the way......
So what's the problem this time? Well it seems that I have aggravated something (muscular or neural we're not quite sure but probably a bit of both) in my glute that is having an effect on my hamstrings and generating some swelling on the medial/posterior side of my left leg. When some strength tests were tried on my left leg I couldn't do them - there is no strength there, no matter how hard I tried to exert some pressure. How did this happen? Thinking back, I did slip down a rocky slope after the Skyfire fireworks a couple of weeks ago, and landed very heavily on a rock, on my left glute. Its been since then that the problem has developed, especially while running while away at the coast over Easter.
So I'm cranky, tired, miserable, eating to compensate for not running and basically indulging in self sabotage. I see the physio again on Wednesday after having run that morning. Fingers crossed there is some improvement. At the moment I am weaning myself off chocolate (who am I kidding - I've gone cold turkey) and eating apples instead. Not quite the same really. But I don't want to waddle to the marathon start either!
Waaaaaaaaaaah!
So what's the problem this time? Well it seems that I have aggravated something (muscular or neural we're not quite sure but probably a bit of both) in my glute that is having an effect on my hamstrings and generating some swelling on the medial/posterior side of my left leg. When some strength tests were tried on my left leg I couldn't do them - there is no strength there, no matter how hard I tried to exert some pressure. How did this happen? Thinking back, I did slip down a rocky slope after the Skyfire fireworks a couple of weeks ago, and landed very heavily on a rock, on my left glute. Its been since then that the problem has developed, especially while running while away at the coast over Easter.
So I'm cranky, tired, miserable, eating to compensate for not running and basically indulging in self sabotage. I see the physio again on Wednesday after having run that morning. Fingers crossed there is some improvement. At the moment I am weaning myself off chocolate (who am I kidding - I've gone cold turkey) and eating apples instead. Not quite the same really. But I don't want to waddle to the marathon start either!
Waaaaaaaaaaah!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
I'm still here....
I noticed Ewen's comment on Two Fruits blog - something about CJ's blog biting the dust. Ewen, never mention CJ and 'biting the dust' in the same sentence please! That's just asking for trouble.
I have been running - 32km at the Cotter on Saturday (with two Fruits) - for a flat run it was rather hilly!!!!!!! Still, there was no walking and joy, oh joy, there was a mobile coffee stand at the finish. I thought I was seeing things - had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming! It would have been perfect if they also sold Magnum icecreams! Anyway a great run and great company.
This morning I did a 20km run before work. It went something like this: Up at 4.30am for my first breakfast of toast, banana and honey. Out the door at 5.30am for a run around the 'burbs under the street lights because it was dark. About 6.15am stopped off at home for something to drink. Then headed offroad up behind Hawker and then ran parts of the Pinnacle nature park. Home again about 7.40am for my second breakfast - omelette made with 1 egg and 3 egg whites. Shower and then off to work by 9.30am.
Off to Hyams Beach over easter - it can't come soon enough!
I have been running - 32km at the Cotter on Saturday (with two Fruits) - for a flat run it was rather hilly!!!!!!! Still, there was no walking and joy, oh joy, there was a mobile coffee stand at the finish. I thought I was seeing things - had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming! It would have been perfect if they also sold Magnum icecreams! Anyway a great run and great company.
This morning I did a 20km run before work. It went something like this: Up at 4.30am for my first breakfast of toast, banana and honey. Out the door at 5.30am for a run around the 'burbs under the street lights because it was dark. About 6.15am stopped off at home for something to drink. Then headed offroad up behind Hawker and then ran parts of the Pinnacle nature park. Home again about 7.40am for my second breakfast - omelette made with 1 egg and 3 egg whites. Shower and then off to work by 9.30am.
Off to Hyams Beach over easter - it can't come soon enough!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
I didn’t recognise you with your clothes on!
Now that’s a statement guaranteed to get some looks in a busy shopping centre! And this was the comment I got from Katie (one of the speedy geese) as I was on my way back to work after lunch today! There were a few sideways glances our way after this announcement!
But that’s probably the most exciting thing that has happened to me today.
I ran a 12km fartlek session this morning, mentally reciting the names and positions of the skull bones as I was doing this. Then it was a quick revision of anatomical and movement terminology.
No classes tonight but I will be attempting my first legal principles assignment.
Today's fantale tally: 6
Yesterday: no fantales but 5 sherbies
Tuesday: 9 fantales
But that’s probably the most exciting thing that has happened to me today.
I ran a 12km fartlek session this morning, mentally reciting the names and positions of the skull bones as I was doing this. Then it was a quick revision of anatomical and movement terminology.
No classes tonight but I will be attempting my first legal principles assignment.
Today's fantale tally: 6
Yesterday: no fantales but 5 sherbies
Tuesday: 9 fantales
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Breathe deeply…slowly…….reeeelllllaaaaaxxxx
Aaaargh! I’m drowning in assignments and homework – don’t these lecturers realise I have a life? That I must run 100km for the week and go to work for at least 8 hours a day? And then somewhere in there communicate with the family…in person…face to face. And sleep….and eat….and do all those other things ‘normal’ people do.
Calm down, breeeaaathe……
I ran a total of 100km for the week, last week. It was my heavy week. This week is an easy week thank goodness. So I am remembering how to have an intelligible, let alone intelligent, conversation, not fall asleep at the table, and not have that glazed, dazed look at work – doesn’t inspire much confidence apparently!
On Sunday I ran the monthly vets’ event at North Curtin – a 6km course that includes a hill at the start before a lovely downhill stretch followed by a flattish bit on a cycle path. This month I started in group 35 (down from group 36) and watched as the others in my group took off leaving me in their wake. Not to worry – I had already run 7km that morning, before breakfast, so I had no grand plans of setting any land speed records. However I did manage to pick up some speed and managed to say hi to Mr B, Strewth, Charmaine and Geoff B as I passed them (not necessarily in that order). It was a good run and by the time I had crossed the finish line 27.57min later I had completed my 100km for the week! Yay!
Sat through the riveting subject of Contracts last night in the Risk Analysis, OH&S and Legal Principles class – it was about as exciting as my previous classes on negligence and duty of care. Thank goodness the lecturer has a sense of humour. Fortunately there are only 4 more classes left for this unit. Unfortunately there are also 2 assignments and one is due in 3 weeks time. On Wednesday nights we have anatomy and physiology – far more interesting. Though I have to say I can’t recall from my nursing days (way back in the dim dark past) there being so many bloody bones to remember! I’m trying not to confuse my sesamoid with the flat, the long with the short, the tibia from the fibula, the femur from the humerus….you get the picture! Not forgetting the medullary canal, diaphysis, epiphyses, etc, etc. And this unit also involves weekly worksheets, an exam and a presentation including a class handout.
Breeeaaathe……reeeelaaaaax………
And did I mention the dancing fantales? No, maybe not, let’s not even go there……..
Calm down, breeeaaathe……
I ran a total of 100km for the week, last week. It was my heavy week. This week is an easy week thank goodness. So I am remembering how to have an intelligible, let alone intelligent, conversation, not fall asleep at the table, and not have that glazed, dazed look at work – doesn’t inspire much confidence apparently!
On Sunday I ran the monthly vets’ event at North Curtin – a 6km course that includes a hill at the start before a lovely downhill stretch followed by a flattish bit on a cycle path. This month I started in group 35 (down from group 36) and watched as the others in my group took off leaving me in their wake. Not to worry – I had already run 7km that morning, before breakfast, so I had no grand plans of setting any land speed records. However I did manage to pick up some speed and managed to say hi to Mr B, Strewth, Charmaine and Geoff B as I passed them (not necessarily in that order). It was a good run and by the time I had crossed the finish line 27.57min later I had completed my 100km for the week! Yay!
Sat through the riveting subject of Contracts last night in the Risk Analysis, OH&S and Legal Principles class – it was about as exciting as my previous classes on negligence and duty of care. Thank goodness the lecturer has a sense of humour. Fortunately there are only 4 more classes left for this unit. Unfortunately there are also 2 assignments and one is due in 3 weeks time. On Wednesday nights we have anatomy and physiology – far more interesting. Though I have to say I can’t recall from my nursing days (way back in the dim dark past) there being so many bloody bones to remember! I’m trying not to confuse my sesamoid with the flat, the long with the short, the tibia from the fibula, the femur from the humerus….you get the picture! Not forgetting the medullary canal, diaphysis, epiphyses, etc, etc. And this unit also involves weekly worksheets, an exam and a presentation including a class handout.
Breeeaaathe……reeeelaaaaax………
And did I mention the dancing fantales? No, maybe not, let’s not even go there……..
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Gym…..race…..hilly run…..feeling wasted…….
It’s been a busy couple of days exercise-wise. Yesterday morning I fronted up at the gym for the first of my twice-weekly weights session. I think it will be time to tweak my program soon – I’ve been doing this one for a while. I had to rush through the session as I had an early meeting down in Tuggeranong (my gym is in Woden) – I hate early meetings. But then on the other hand at least then its out of the way.
After work it was time to head off for the second race in the cross country Summer series – this one was a 5km at Weston Park. The weather was very different to last week – not as hot, it was overcast with a breeze blowing, though it felt very warm while running. All the usual suspects were there and I got to catch up with Kelley. It was lovely to catch up. The course was definitely cross country – all on grass, which can be hard and tiring if you’re not used to it. I would have preferred not to have gone out too fast…again. Next week I plan on negative splitting and finishing the race strongly, not just barely holding on. The other thing is that I have to get up for a medium long run the next morning so I really don’t want to go hard the night before.
This morning I ran 16km up hill and down dale. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t feel as tired as expected. The run itself was uneventful though I did see a lot more people out running this morning. It was also quite foggy.
The rest of the day I felt wasted – the gym/run sessions of the last couple of days had finally caught up with me and my brain has turned to mush. My bed is looking really good right about now………
After work it was time to head off for the second race in the cross country Summer series – this one was a 5km at Weston Park. The weather was very different to last week – not as hot, it was overcast with a breeze blowing, though it felt very warm while running. All the usual suspects were there and I got to catch up with Kelley. It was lovely to catch up. The course was definitely cross country – all on grass, which can be hard and tiring if you’re not used to it. I would have preferred not to have gone out too fast…again. Next week I plan on negative splitting and finishing the race strongly, not just barely holding on. The other thing is that I have to get up for a medium long run the next morning so I really don’t want to go hard the night before.
This morning I ran 16km up hill and down dale. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t feel as tired as expected. The run itself was uneventful though I did see a lot more people out running this morning. It was also quite foggy.
The rest of the day I felt wasted – the gym/run sessions of the last couple of days had finally caught up with me and my brain has turned to mush. My bed is looking really good right about now………
Monday, February 04, 2008
Dreary day – dreary mood
Rain is good, don’t get me wrong but I do like the blue sunny skies. There is no sign of sunny blue skies today – it’s grey, cloudy, and drizzly. Perfect weather to be home reading a good book (I’m currently reading The Power of One – Bryce Courtney), not sitting in a cold office, in front of a computer.
Running-wise, I ran 20km on Saturday. It was thoroughly enjoyable as it was my easy week and after having run 34km the week before, the 20km seemed like a jog in the park(!). Then it was off for a much-needed massage in the afternoon – pleasure and pain, what can I say?! I finished the day with pizza at Zeffirelli’s with a group of very dear friends.
Sunday warranted a sleep-in, which I had, and then I ran a very gentle 6km before breakfast. In the afternoon I met up with Strewth, Rachelle and Ewen for coffee at Tilley’s. It was a great afternoon – I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This morning it was drizzly as I ran my 11km with 2 x 7min at tempo pace (10km pace). The run back home seemed to take forever as my legs felt slow and heavy. And I’ve felt like that ever since – slow and heavy, foggy headed (Mondayitis symptoms I’m sure).
Running-wise, I ran 20km on Saturday. It was thoroughly enjoyable as it was my easy week and after having run 34km the week before, the 20km seemed like a jog in the park(!). Then it was off for a much-needed massage in the afternoon – pleasure and pain, what can I say?! I finished the day with pizza at Zeffirelli’s with a group of very dear friends.
Sunday warranted a sleep-in, which I had, and then I ran a very gentle 6km before breakfast. In the afternoon I met up with Strewth, Rachelle and Ewen for coffee at Tilley’s. It was a great afternoon – I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This morning it was drizzly as I ran my 11km with 2 x 7min at tempo pace (10km pace). The run back home seemed to take forever as my legs felt slow and heavy. And I’ve felt like that ever since – slow and heavy, foggy headed (Mondayitis symptoms I’m sure).
Friday, February 01, 2008
Back to school
Just in case I thought working full-time and marathon training wasn’t enough, I’ve enrolled in Certificate 3 Fitness at CIT. I’ll be studying part-time, with evening classes twice a week. I’ll go straight from work to class on those nights.
For the first semester I will be doing ‘Risk Analysis, OH&S and Legal Principles’ for 9 weeks, then ‘Provide nutrition advice to clients in accordance with recommended guidelines’ for 9 weeks, on Monday evenings, and (wait, there’s more……..)
and I’ll be doing the following units for 18 weeks on Wednesday evenings:
*Apply basic exercise science to exercise instruction
*Provide advice to clients on the application of basic anatomy and physiology to fitness programs
*Implement strategies for dealing with medical conditions in a sport setting
*Develop and apply an awareness of specific populations to exercise delivery
Whew! I’m looking forward to it – new challenges for a new year. Just remind me of my initial enthusiasm and excitement when its halfway through the semester, my motivation levels have plummeted and I’m asking myself why I’m doing this!
And thanks for the lovely comments on my Ironman experience – I have great memories of the day, and, you know, after reading my account there’s that little niggling thought again……!!!!!!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Last instalment - 42.2km run
........Finally I reappeared, much to the relief of Team Cathy, and started off on my 42.2km run. My plan for the marathon was to run between drink stations, these were about 2km apart, then walk for a minute having something to eat and drink. The first drink station was probably about 200m down the road from the transition area but I stopped nevertheless to have a drink and walk for a minute. I had people encouraging me to run, telling me it wasn't that bad, obviously thinking I had given up before I'd really started!
I ran this course last November in the Half Ironman, and had a very bad experience - I had trained through a Canberra winter so really hadn't done any training in warm, let alone hot, weather and the weather was hot on the day. Also the course is quite hilly and I just couldn't run the hills initially - it probably took me about 10km before I felt like I could really run decently at all. This had been at the back of my mind during all my run training since and I felt that I was better prepared this time - most of my running had been done in the heat of the day and I had run hills ad nauseum, so let me at 'em! The only thing I wasn't sure about was how I'd go running 42.2km after cycling for 180km - I was about to find out!
It was still very warm late in the afternoon so I was still drinking but I was starting to feel bloated and crampy in the belly - not a good sign. What to do? I didn't know whether I should stop drinking sports drink and just stick to water, considering I still had a long way to go and I didn't want to run out of energy and hit the wall. I had a couple of jellybeans at the next drink station but by now I was over sweet food in a big way. I concentrated on watching other competitors and looked forward to seeing Team Cathy again when I completed the 5km Tuncurry loop before heading out on the 16km loop through Forster suburbs. I also got to see the lead woman heading toward the finish as I was heading out on my first 21km loop. Another diversion was to read the chalk messages on the footpaths and road from supporters and yes, I found plenty done by creative members of Team Cathy.
The hills weren't presenting a problem at all and I managed to pass quite a few people this way. Supporters and residents were well spread out on the run course so there weren't many times when you weren't cheered on or alone. I started to drink flat coke and eat vegemite sandwiches and this worked for me. I was feeling great and smiling and laughing which prompted remarks like "you're obviously not running hard enough" or "you're looking far too relaxed - this is supposed to hurt!" I was running along minding my own business when I heard that horn - I knew that sound and it could only mean that Team Cathy were around somewhere. And they were - across the road hanging out the car windows - yelling and hooting for all they were worth!
Coming through to run the second lap I was given an orange scrunchie to wear on my arm indicating that I had already completed one lap - now I was feeling like I was getting somewhere. However, during the 5km Tuncurry loop I was starting to feel really tired and it was taking all my effort to keep running between drink stations. Don't tell me this was it - I was going to hit the wall - I still had 21km to do - not good. I saw Rae Wells up ahead - she was supporting her husband who was also doing the Ironman. I had been seeing Rae on and off throughout the day, on the bike and run. I told her I wanted to stop, I was so tired. "You're not tired - you're feeling great. Come on you can do it - think positively." Yeah right. However I continued on and within a couple of kilometres I was feeling fine and smiling as I came up to pass Team Cathy again, before heading out for my last 16km.
Downhill running was proving to be a challenge as my right ITB was starting to flare up. I had had problems with my ITB early on in training - cycling aggravated it and for a few weeks I couldn't run or cycle far without it hurting. However, at this point in the Ironman nothing was going to stop me from finishing and it was only the downhills that were a little difficult. I was passing so many people now who were walking. I had to pin a glowstick to my top as night began to fall. Soon I was running in the dark and this was also proving to be interesting - I almost tripped over at the 32km mark. Coming to the final turnaround, which meant I only had 8km to go, I almost bumped into two Team Cathy supporters - Ruth and Helen. I don't know who got the biggest shock - them or me!!!
Now I was heading home - I felt as though I was flying up the hills. I could definitely feel my ITB now but with 2km to go it didn't matter - I knew I was going to make it. I was going to finish and I felt great. Spectators were congratulating me and calling me an Ironman even though I hadn't finished yet. Up that last hill and ahead I could see lights and people, lots of people. I could also hear them counting down to 13 hours but the time wasn't important.
Briefly, for about half a second, I thought I was going to cry but excitement took over. I high fived someone I recognised from Canberra. Team Cathy spotted me and I jumped up and down excitedly when I saw them, before high fiving kids lining the sides of the finish chute. I felt a million dollars and my smile was getting bigger and bigger - I had done it. I had made possible what I once thought was impossible - it was a little bit of magic. The announcer, American Mike Reilly, the voice of Ironman, was calling me across the finish line (I was told this after - I was so excited that I missed hearing it!) and then I was finished. After 13hours, 2minutes and 10 seconds of swimming, cycling and running I could finally stop. I am an Ironman!!!!
THE END
I ran this course last November in the Half Ironman, and had a very bad experience - I had trained through a Canberra winter so really hadn't done any training in warm, let alone hot, weather and the weather was hot on the day. Also the course is quite hilly and I just couldn't run the hills initially - it probably took me about 10km before I felt like I could really run decently at all. This had been at the back of my mind during all my run training since and I felt that I was better prepared this time - most of my running had been done in the heat of the day and I had run hills ad nauseum, so let me at 'em! The only thing I wasn't sure about was how I'd go running 42.2km after cycling for 180km - I was about to find out!
It was still very warm late in the afternoon so I was still drinking but I was starting to feel bloated and crampy in the belly - not a good sign. What to do? I didn't know whether I should stop drinking sports drink and just stick to water, considering I still had a long way to go and I didn't want to run out of energy and hit the wall. I had a couple of jellybeans at the next drink station but by now I was over sweet food in a big way. I concentrated on watching other competitors and looked forward to seeing Team Cathy again when I completed the 5km Tuncurry loop before heading out on the 16km loop through Forster suburbs. I also got to see the lead woman heading toward the finish as I was heading out on my first 21km loop. Another diversion was to read the chalk messages on the footpaths and road from supporters and yes, I found plenty done by creative members of Team Cathy.
The hills weren't presenting a problem at all and I managed to pass quite a few people this way. Supporters and residents were well spread out on the run course so there weren't many times when you weren't cheered on or alone. I started to drink flat coke and eat vegemite sandwiches and this worked for me. I was feeling great and smiling and laughing which prompted remarks like "you're obviously not running hard enough" or "you're looking far too relaxed - this is supposed to hurt!" I was running along minding my own business when I heard that horn - I knew that sound and it could only mean that Team Cathy were around somewhere. And they were - across the road hanging out the car windows - yelling and hooting for all they were worth!
Coming through to run the second lap I was given an orange scrunchie to wear on my arm indicating that I had already completed one lap - now I was feeling like I was getting somewhere. However, during the 5km Tuncurry loop I was starting to feel really tired and it was taking all my effort to keep running between drink stations. Don't tell me this was it - I was going to hit the wall - I still had 21km to do - not good. I saw Rae Wells up ahead - she was supporting her husband who was also doing the Ironman. I had been seeing Rae on and off throughout the day, on the bike and run. I told her I wanted to stop, I was so tired. "You're not tired - you're feeling great. Come on you can do it - think positively." Yeah right. However I continued on and within a couple of kilometres I was feeling fine and smiling as I came up to pass Team Cathy again, before heading out for my last 16km.
Downhill running was proving to be a challenge as my right ITB was starting to flare up. I had had problems with my ITB early on in training - cycling aggravated it and for a few weeks I couldn't run or cycle far without it hurting. However, at this point in the Ironman nothing was going to stop me from finishing and it was only the downhills that were a little difficult. I was passing so many people now who were walking. I had to pin a glowstick to my top as night began to fall. Soon I was running in the dark and this was also proving to be interesting - I almost tripped over at the 32km mark. Coming to the final turnaround, which meant I only had 8km to go, I almost bumped into two Team Cathy supporters - Ruth and Helen. I don't know who got the biggest shock - them or me!!!
Now I was heading home - I felt as though I was flying up the hills. I could definitely feel my ITB now but with 2km to go it didn't matter - I knew I was going to make it. I was going to finish and I felt great. Spectators were congratulating me and calling me an Ironman even though I hadn't finished yet. Up that last hill and ahead I could see lights and people, lots of people. I could also hear them counting down to 13 hours but the time wasn't important.
Briefly, for about half a second, I thought I was going to cry but excitement took over. I high fived someone I recognised from Canberra. Team Cathy spotted me and I jumped up and down excitedly when I saw them, before high fiving kids lining the sides of the finish chute. I felt a million dollars and my smile was getting bigger and bigger - I had done it. I had made possible what I once thought was impossible - it was a little bit of magic. The announcer, American Mike Reilly, the voice of Ironman, was calling me across the finish line (I was told this after - I was so excited that I missed hearing it!) and then I was finished. After 13hours, 2minutes and 10 seconds of swimming, cycling and running I could finally stop. I am an Ironman!!!!
THE END
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Part 3: 180.2km cycle
The bike course is two laps of 90.1km of flat to undulating road, varying from satisfactory to poor condition. It was also starting to warm up. Other cyclists whizzed past but I kept telling myself to take it easy, there was a long way to go - 180.2km, in fact. My plan for the bike was to maintain a steady pace and check my bike computer every hour to make sure I was on target. Eating and drinking was going to be important as I was probably going to be on my bike for at least 7 hours and then would have to get off and run a marathon. So I ate sandwiches, bananas, gels, fruit bars, fruit sticks - some I had with me, some I collected as I rode through aid stations. I exchanged a bidon at every station as well, these were 10km apart, alternating between water and sports drink.
Coming back into Forster at the end of my first lap was amazing. Supporters and onlookers had lined the street and were yelling, blowing whistles and making as much noise as possible. Sure enough when I came to the turnaround point I could hear the tell-tale horn and the shrieks and see the bright yellow t-shirts - Team Cathy was pretty excited!
Back out of town for the next 90.1km and it could be very easy to feel overwhelmed about the distance still to cover and the hours still to go but strangely enough I felt fine. I had some minor discomfort, mainly with a niggly backache, and saddle soreness but otherwise I was feeling fine and starting to pass people - some of those who had passed me earlier. It was beginning to get a lot warmer and drinking was even more important. The hills were still out there and some felt a little steeper than the first time around but the downhills still felt pretty good! Also, as I was heading out for my second lap the lead male competitor, Chris McCormack, was heading into town at the end of his cycle! In fact, I think as I was heading out on the run, he was finishing but I digress..............
6 hours and 51 minutes later and I had finished the cycle and was changing into my run gear. I took a little longer with this transition, about 12 minutes, but why rush? I had about 7 hours before the final cut-off so I stretched, had a drink, ate some potato crisps, went to the toilet.
to be continued..........
Coming back into Forster at the end of my first lap was amazing. Supporters and onlookers had lined the street and were yelling, blowing whistles and making as much noise as possible. Sure enough when I came to the turnaround point I could hear the tell-tale horn and the shrieks and see the bright yellow t-shirts - Team Cathy was pretty excited!
Back out of town for the next 90.1km and it could be very easy to feel overwhelmed about the distance still to cover and the hours still to go but strangely enough I felt fine. I had some minor discomfort, mainly with a niggly backache, and saddle soreness but otherwise I was feeling fine and starting to pass people - some of those who had passed me earlier. It was beginning to get a lot warmer and drinking was even more important. The hills were still out there and some felt a little steeper than the first time around but the downhills still felt pretty good! Also, as I was heading out for my second lap the lead male competitor, Chris McCormack, was heading into town at the end of his cycle! In fact, I think as I was heading out on the run, he was finishing but I digress..............
6 hours and 51 minutes later and I had finished the cycle and was changing into my run gear. I took a little longer with this transition, about 12 minutes, but why rush? I had about 7 hours before the final cut-off so I stretched, had a drink, ate some potato crisps, went to the toilet.
to be continued..........
Hot, hot, hot
Today's calendar entry: "Dermatologists have found that applying chocolate topically renews and moisturises the skin."
It was hot yesterday afternoon, running in the 5km at Stromlo. The facility is great but it lacks shade at the moment. The grass track is excellent to run on, and there are undulations as it meanders around for 2.5km. This meant we were running 2 laps. I ran a warm up lap with Ewen and Jeni to familiarise myself with the course and even then I was feeling hot. Finally it was time to start and I promised myself that I would run the first lap comfortably – no silly business!
The first lap wasn’t too bad – chatted a while with Chris P, Kerrie B flew past, Susan Hobson and Sarah Fien were just ahead. The second lap was hard and getting harder – it seemed hillier the second time around. And hot – when there was no breeze, the sun was just beating down. I have never been so happy to finish. Water tasted wonderful! The shade was beautiful! I came in 60th overall, in a field of 105; my time was 23.14min. Happy!
This morning I ran 12km, my usual route behind Hawker. I was tired and it all seemed much hillier than I remembered it. It was warm for 6am – about 19*c. I also took water with me which I don’t usually do for the shorter morning runs but I was still feeling a little dehydrated from yesterday’s run.
I also had a win this morning – a pair of pants that I haven’t been able to fit into properly since last summer, now fit me. Yay! There is something to be said for marathon training!
It was hot yesterday afternoon, running in the 5km at Stromlo. The facility is great but it lacks shade at the moment. The grass track is excellent to run on, and there are undulations as it meanders around for 2.5km. This meant we were running 2 laps. I ran a warm up lap with Ewen and Jeni to familiarise myself with the course and even then I was feeling hot. Finally it was time to start and I promised myself that I would run the first lap comfortably – no silly business!
The first lap wasn’t too bad – chatted a while with Chris P, Kerrie B flew past, Susan Hobson and Sarah Fien were just ahead. The second lap was hard and getting harder – it seemed hillier the second time around. And hot – when there was no breeze, the sun was just beating down. I have never been so happy to finish. Water tasted wonderful! The shade was beautiful! I came in 60th overall, in a field of 105; my time was 23.14min. Happy!
This morning I ran 12km, my usual route behind Hawker. I was tired and it all seemed much hillier than I remembered it. It was warm for 6am – about 19*c. I also took water with me which I don’t usually do for the shorter morning runs but I was still feeling a little dehydrated from yesterday’s run.
I also had a win this morning – a pair of pants that I haven’t been able to fit into properly since last summer, now fit me. Yay! There is something to be said for marathon training!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The things you see.......
.....when you go for a long run! I wish I had a camera! I was probably about 16km into my long run (almost halfway) when I came across an ironing board, set up, with clothes hanging off it. To put it in context, I saw this ironing board just as I left the O’Connor entrance to Black Mountain nature park so I was still in the bush. I had to look twice just to be sure I wasn’t hallucinating! I’m assuming it has been set up by some person who has been collecting lost clothing items from the nature park and this was quite a novel way of displaying them in hope that their owners would reclaim them.
Anyway back to the long run – last Saturday morning. It was basically the same as the long run the week before only a little longer. I ran a total of 34km from home to Black Mt Nature Park and back again. Probably the only thing I did differently was to run the (signposted) Little Black Mt circuit which added on a couple of kms. It was also a lot warmer with sunny blue skies. However I did notice that a few weeks ago I would’ve struggled with this one, especially over the latter stages, whereas on Saturday, while I felt tired, certainly ran it a lot better. So I am improving - 34km in 3hr 27min.
The hard thing was backing up with a 6km race the following morning. It was the monthly Veteran’s run handicap, at Campbell Park. I felt tired and sluggish initially and it was really only from the turnaround point that I felt that I could make it home in a respectable time, and not die on the way! Again, it was sunny and hot. I started in group 36 (still!) and finished 92nd in a field of 116 – so not last thankfully (though for a while I thought that was to be the case!). My time was 28.52min.
Monday was a rest day and this morning I was up bright and early (ok, well maybe just early!) and off to the gym, the first time for 5 weeks. So it was light weights and high reps so I can run this afternoon in the 5km race at Stromlo Forest Park, part of the Cross Country Summer series. Thing is, it’s meant to be 34*c today and it probably won’t have cooled down a lot by 6pm. And there’s no shade on the grass track. It’s going to be hot.
Anyway back to the long run – last Saturday morning. It was basically the same as the long run the week before only a little longer. I ran a total of 34km from home to Black Mt Nature Park and back again. Probably the only thing I did differently was to run the (signposted) Little Black Mt circuit which added on a couple of kms. It was also a lot warmer with sunny blue skies. However I did notice that a few weeks ago I would’ve struggled with this one, especially over the latter stages, whereas on Saturday, while I felt tired, certainly ran it a lot better. So I am improving - 34km in 3hr 27min.
The hard thing was backing up with a 6km race the following morning. It was the monthly Veteran’s run handicap, at Campbell Park. I felt tired and sluggish initially and it was really only from the turnaround point that I felt that I could make it home in a respectable time, and not die on the way! Again, it was sunny and hot. I started in group 36 (still!) and finished 92nd in a field of 116 – so not last thankfully (though for a while I thought that was to be the case!). My time was 28.52min.
Monday was a rest day and this morning I was up bright and early (ok, well maybe just early!) and off to the gym, the first time for 5 weeks. So it was light weights and high reps so I can run this afternoon in the 5km race at Stromlo Forest Park, part of the Cross Country Summer series. Thing is, it’s meant to be 34*c today and it probably won’t have cooled down a lot by 6pm. And there’s no shade on the grass track. It’s going to be hot.
Part 2 - 3.8km swim
My plan for the Ironman was not to race it, the distances are just too huge for me to even contemplate racing, but to make the cut-offs and do it comfortably, if that's possible. There's a 2 hour cut-off for the swim, 10 hour cut-off from the start of the swim for the bike and an overall cut-off of 15 and 1/2 hours for the finish. I thought I could probably finish in 14 to 14 and 1/2 hours.
Back to Sunday, April 4 2004, transition area at Forster Keys - the start of my first Ironman triathlon. My husband Steve had found my goggles - in the boot of our car. They had fallen out when I had pulled my wetsuit out of my gear bag. Crisis over I could now concentrate on the 3.8km swim ahead of me - in the lake in front of me - with 1500 other competitors. I had seen video footage of the swim start and for a very average swimmer it doesn't inspire confidence, particularly when one is not wearing a wetsuit. While during the cycle and run everyone supports each other, in the swim it is usually everyone for themselves. My plan, if you could call it one (survival was probably a more apt description) was to stay out of everyone's way and if that meant swimming way out on the fringes adding an extra kilometre, then so be it. There were five large groups of coloured caps in the lake - you had to give an estimated swim time on the entry form and at the time I thought 1 hour 20 minutes sounded quite reasonable..........in a wetsuit.
Now I was thinking one and a half hours might actually be more realistic. My estimated time had me in a yellow cap and we were the last group. As far as I could see ahead of me in the water were people. Relax, I kept telling myself, just treat it as a training swim. Before I knew it we had started and I didn't have time to think about anything but avoiding arms, bodies, legs. There were times when I was swimming along by myself and thinking that it wasn't so bad and then there were other times when it felt as though fifty people were trying to swim over me. Relax, I kept telling myself, take it easy, breathe, find an empty space, avoid that person, breathe.......... There was only the one time when someone either kicked or hit my foot, I'm not sure what happened but oh did it hurt. I had to keep wiggling my toes to reassure myself nothing was broken.
I could hear the helicopter above me, could smell and taste the diesel fumes from jetskis and boats which were nearby, could vaguely hear the announcer on the loudspeaker when I swam past the crowds. The last 400m back into shore was probably the roughest part of the swim as people sensed they were almost finished and pulled out all stops to get there - there were arms flying and legs kicking everywhere. I had done it - I had swum 3.8km without a wetsuit and emerged unscathed from the experience in 1 hour 23 minutes.
Then I was in the tent changing into my cycling gear. A volunteer filled my back pockets with fruit bars, gels, and fruit sticks. I had earlier that morning packed a couple of sandwiches into the bento box on my bike. Shoes on, sunnies on, helmet on and done up and I was out the door heading for my bike.......stop..... have a drink, get my bearings, find my bike. Team Cathy supporters decked out in bright yellow t-shirts and caps ensured that everyone knew I was on my way!
...to be continued!
Back to Sunday, April 4 2004, transition area at Forster Keys - the start of my first Ironman triathlon. My husband Steve had found my goggles - in the boot of our car. They had fallen out when I had pulled my wetsuit out of my gear bag. Crisis over I could now concentrate on the 3.8km swim ahead of me - in the lake in front of me - with 1500 other competitors. I had seen video footage of the swim start and for a very average swimmer it doesn't inspire confidence, particularly when one is not wearing a wetsuit. While during the cycle and run everyone supports each other, in the swim it is usually everyone for themselves. My plan, if you could call it one (survival was probably a more apt description) was to stay out of everyone's way and if that meant swimming way out on the fringes adding an extra kilometre, then so be it. There were five large groups of coloured caps in the lake - you had to give an estimated swim time on the entry form and at the time I thought 1 hour 20 minutes sounded quite reasonable..........in a wetsuit.
Now I was thinking one and a half hours might actually be more realistic. My estimated time had me in a yellow cap and we were the last group. As far as I could see ahead of me in the water were people. Relax, I kept telling myself, just treat it as a training swim. Before I knew it we had started and I didn't have time to think about anything but avoiding arms, bodies, legs. There were times when I was swimming along by myself and thinking that it wasn't so bad and then there were other times when it felt as though fifty people were trying to swim over me. Relax, I kept telling myself, take it easy, breathe, find an empty space, avoid that person, breathe.......... There was only the one time when someone either kicked or hit my foot, I'm not sure what happened but oh did it hurt. I had to keep wiggling my toes to reassure myself nothing was broken.
I could hear the helicopter above me, could smell and taste the diesel fumes from jetskis and boats which were nearby, could vaguely hear the announcer on the loudspeaker when I swam past the crowds. The last 400m back into shore was probably the roughest part of the swim as people sensed they were almost finished and pulled out all stops to get there - there were arms flying and legs kicking everywhere. I had done it - I had swum 3.8km without a wetsuit and emerged unscathed from the experience in 1 hour 23 minutes.
Then I was in the tent changing into my cycling gear. A volunteer filled my back pockets with fruit bars, gels, and fruit sticks. I had earlier that morning packed a couple of sandwiches into the bento box on my bike. Shoes on, sunnies on, helmet on and done up and I was out the door heading for my bike.......stop..... have a drink, get my bearings, find my bike. Team Cathy supporters decked out in bright yellow t-shirts and caps ensured that everyone knew I was on my way!
...to be continued!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Motivational Magic
Going through some documents yesterday I came across this one, which I had written not long after completing the Ironman at Forster back in 2004. As I read it I could feel the hairs rising on the back of my neck; it was an amazing achievement. If ever I need a motivational boost then all I need do is read this again. It will be in instalments because it is quite long. Here is the first instalment of an amazing adventure..........
Ironman Australian Triathlon, April 4 2004
It is 5.40am Sunday 4 April 2004 and I am madly searching through my fairly empty gear bag for swimming goggles which are not there, trying not to feel sick. I'm at the 19th Ironman Australian triathlon at Forster-Tuncurry, 35 minutes before the swim start and I can't find my goggles. Not only that but for the first time ever in the history of the Australian Ironman it was going to be a non-wetsuit swim, due to the water temperature. Why, why, did it have to be this year?!
Rewind to Sunday April 6 2003 - Kerry O'Neill and I are in Forster to watch our first Ironman and to support a couple of Kerry's friends from Alice Springs who were doing the event. "You'll be doing it next year," friends warned me when I told them I was going to watch the Ironman, "You won't be able to help yourself!" Don't be silly, I told them - who would be mad enough to swim 3.8km, cycle 180.2km and then run a marathon after that? Certainly not me! The sheer size of the event amazed us, the thousands of supporters, the 1500 or so competitors, the accompanying infrastructure - no other triathlon I've attended comes even close to the size and atmosphere of the Ironman. And then there's the finish - it feels and looks like everyone in Forster is down at the finish shute, cheering people on, whether they come in 1st, 10th, 1230th, or last. In fact it is the only event I know where everyone stays to the very end - its one big party! It was at this point that a little thought started niggling away - some of those people doing this event looked very normal and if they can do it, then well maybe so can I. Uh oh……..that finish has sucked me in - I wanted to do an Ironman!!!!!!
And what a year its been since then - cycling in below zero temperatures during Winter; a very memorable ride to Murrumbateman by myself in sleet and strong winds and being attacked in the face by a vicious magpie on the return trip; all the food that I was able to eat and not put on weight! (the Tim Tam training diet); the half ironman in Forster in November last year - during the run wondering why the hell I was doing this; hearing my name in the rolldown process after the Half Ironman when I was offered a spot at the Ironman; all those laps in the pool, all those kms on that bike seat; those 'lovely' bike/run sessions on a Wednesday (130km cycle followed by a 20km run); those days when I wondered why the hell I was doing this - those thoughts happened more frequently early this year; the bombshell dropped at the briefing the day before the Ironman - no wetsuits allowed, the first time in 19 years; and finally the realisation about 35mins before the race start that my goggles were not in my bag!
To be continued.......
Ironman Australian Triathlon, April 4 2004
It is 5.40am Sunday 4 April 2004 and I am madly searching through my fairly empty gear bag for swimming goggles which are not there, trying not to feel sick. I'm at the 19th Ironman Australian triathlon at Forster-Tuncurry, 35 minutes before the swim start and I can't find my goggles. Not only that but for the first time ever in the history of the Australian Ironman it was going to be a non-wetsuit swim, due to the water temperature. Why, why, did it have to be this year?!
Rewind to Sunday April 6 2003 - Kerry O'Neill and I are in Forster to watch our first Ironman and to support a couple of Kerry's friends from Alice Springs who were doing the event. "You'll be doing it next year," friends warned me when I told them I was going to watch the Ironman, "You won't be able to help yourself!" Don't be silly, I told them - who would be mad enough to swim 3.8km, cycle 180.2km and then run a marathon after that? Certainly not me! The sheer size of the event amazed us, the thousands of supporters, the 1500 or so competitors, the accompanying infrastructure - no other triathlon I've attended comes even close to the size and atmosphere of the Ironman. And then there's the finish - it feels and looks like everyone in Forster is down at the finish shute, cheering people on, whether they come in 1st, 10th, 1230th, or last. In fact it is the only event I know where everyone stays to the very end - its one big party! It was at this point that a little thought started niggling away - some of those people doing this event looked very normal and if they can do it, then well maybe so can I. Uh oh……..that finish has sucked me in - I wanted to do an Ironman!!!!!!
And what a year its been since then - cycling in below zero temperatures during Winter; a very memorable ride to Murrumbateman by myself in sleet and strong winds and being attacked in the face by a vicious magpie on the return trip; all the food that I was able to eat and not put on weight! (the Tim Tam training diet); the half ironman in Forster in November last year - during the run wondering why the hell I was doing this; hearing my name in the rolldown process after the Half Ironman when I was offered a spot at the Ironman; all those laps in the pool, all those kms on that bike seat; those 'lovely' bike/run sessions on a Wednesday (130km cycle followed by a 20km run); those days when I wondered why the hell I was doing this - those thoughts happened more frequently early this year; the bombshell dropped at the briefing the day before the Ironman - no wetsuits allowed, the first time in 19 years; and finally the realisation about 35mins before the race start that my goggles were not in my bag!
To be continued.......
Icky Thump
Today’s calendar entry: “Men, coffee, and chocolate are all better rich - Anon”
Today’s title sort of sounds like my running sometimes – ‘icky’ describing how I feel; ‘thump’ describing my running style. But actually it’s one of my favourite running songs at the moment by the White Stripes. The lyrics are kind of interesting though. Here’s a sample:
“iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeee
Icky thump
Who’da thunk
Sittin drunk on a wagon to Mexico?
Aaah well
What a chump
Well my head got a bump
When I hit it on the radio
Redhead senorita
Looking dead
Came and said
“Need a bed?”
En Espanol
I said
“Gimme a drink of water
I’m gonna ‘sing around the collar’
And I don’t need a microphone.”
Trust me, it sounds better than it reads! And it was songs like this that kept me going yesterday afternoon as I ran 18km, from home down to Lake Ginninderra, around the the peninsula and then back home again. The first 7km of the run didn’t bode well: I was averaging about 5.40min/km, my legs felt leaden, I felt tired, tummy felt blah, and I asked myself why do I do this? Not the running, but the time of day I sometimes choose to run. I am definitely not an afternoon runner – it sucks.
Anyway things improved after 7km and I enjoyed the rest of the run home. And my times had improved – I averaged 5.25min/km for the run so the second half was much, much better.
Thursday
I ran a slow 8km this morning before meeting Strewth and Mr B for breakfast at Red Belly Black Café. They make the best muesli with natural yoghurt, topped with marinated apricots – it’s delicious.
Today’s title sort of sounds like my running sometimes – ‘icky’ describing how I feel; ‘thump’ describing my running style. But actually it’s one of my favourite running songs at the moment by the White Stripes. The lyrics are kind of interesting though. Here’s a sample:
“iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeee
Icky thump
Who’da thunk
Sittin drunk on a wagon to Mexico?
Aaah well
What a chump
Well my head got a bump
When I hit it on the radio
Redhead senorita
Looking dead
Came and said
“Need a bed?”
En Espanol
I said
“Gimme a drink of water
I’m gonna ‘sing around the collar’
And I don’t need a microphone.”
Trust me, it sounds better than it reads! And it was songs like this that kept me going yesterday afternoon as I ran 18km, from home down to Lake Ginninderra, around the the peninsula and then back home again. The first 7km of the run didn’t bode well: I was averaging about 5.40min/km, my legs felt leaden, I felt tired, tummy felt blah, and I asked myself why do I do this? Not the running, but the time of day I sometimes choose to run. I am definitely not an afternoon runner – it sucks.
Anyway things improved after 7km and I enjoyed the rest of the run home. And my times had improved – I averaged 5.25min/km for the run so the second half was much, much better.
Thursday
I ran a slow 8km this morning before meeting Strewth and Mr B for breakfast at Red Belly Black Café. They make the best muesli with natural yoghurt, topped with marinated apricots – it’s delicious.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The Bead Diet
Today’s calendar entry: “The biggest mistake one can often make in life, is to be constantly fearing they will make one – E.S.F”
No run this morning. After being woken up by the same way-too-cheerful DJ (I really must change radio stations), I had my coffee and considered my options. Thing was, I wasn’t inspired to run this morning. Maybe the thought of running 18km before breakfast dampened my enthusiasm. Maybe I was tired. Maybe I was just being lazy and the thought of lying in bed for another hour or so had more appeal. So I made a deal with myself. Lie in this morning and then run 18km after work. Easy. Now to live up to my side of the bargain this afternoon.......
Surf the web and sometimes you find the strangest things. I’m not kidding – below is something I found on the ninemsn webpage! And you can even buy the bracelets!
“Hottest diet and fitness trends for 2008
What are the hot new trends for 2008? Get fit and fab with the latest and hottest celeb fitness crazes — quick, before your friends find out [!! – my exclamation mark]
Bead diet
What is it? A calorie-counting plan that uses a beaded bracelet to help you diet. Each bead equals 100 calories, so if you want to eat 12,000 calories per day, slide 12 beads onto one string of the bracelet. Then when you eat 100 calories, slide a bead onto the other string.
What can I eat? Anything! As long as you know the calorie content.
How much weight will I lose? It depends, but if you stick to 1300 cals a day, you could lose six kilos in six weeks.
Why is it hot right now? Delta Goodrem is rumoured to be a fan and actress Kate Beckinsale makes her own diet bracelets for friends. Forget those red Kabbalah bracelets, you'll be seeing Hollywood's elite wearing diet beads in 2008.
How can I do it? Buy a bracelet at www.ilovethiscolor.com/dietbracelets or make one. Take a piece of wool long enough to wrap around your wrist twice and then thread enough beads onto one strand of the wool. When you've eaten, just slide the bead to the other strand.”
I mean, the fact that both Delta and Kate are fans of this diet makes it so hot now, and gosh, Kate even makes her own diet bracelets for friends, it must be good, right?! Sheeeesh! Pass the Magnum Minis please.
No run this morning. After being woken up by the same way-too-cheerful DJ (I really must change radio stations), I had my coffee and considered my options. Thing was, I wasn’t inspired to run this morning. Maybe the thought of running 18km before breakfast dampened my enthusiasm. Maybe I was tired. Maybe I was just being lazy and the thought of lying in bed for another hour or so had more appeal. So I made a deal with myself. Lie in this morning and then run 18km after work. Easy. Now to live up to my side of the bargain this afternoon.......
Surf the web and sometimes you find the strangest things. I’m not kidding – below is something I found on the ninemsn webpage! And you can even buy the bracelets!
“Hottest diet and fitness trends for 2008
What are the hot new trends for 2008? Get fit and fab with the latest and hottest celeb fitness crazes — quick, before your friends find out [!! – my exclamation mark]
Bead diet
What is it? A calorie-counting plan that uses a beaded bracelet to help you diet. Each bead equals 100 calories, so if you want to eat 12,000 calories per day, slide 12 beads onto one string of the bracelet. Then when you eat 100 calories, slide a bead onto the other string.
What can I eat? Anything! As long as you know the calorie content.
How much weight will I lose? It depends, but if you stick to 1300 cals a day, you could lose six kilos in six weeks.
Why is it hot right now? Delta Goodrem is rumoured to be a fan and actress Kate Beckinsale makes her own diet bracelets for friends. Forget those red Kabbalah bracelets, you'll be seeing Hollywood's elite wearing diet beads in 2008.
How can I do it? Buy a bracelet at www.ilovethiscolor.com/dietbracelets or make one. Take a piece of wool long enough to wrap around your wrist twice and then thread enough beads onto one strand of the wool. When you've eaten, just slide the bead to the other strand.”
I mean, the fact that both Delta and Kate are fans of this diet makes it so hot now, and gosh, Kate even makes her own diet bracelets for friends, it must be good, right?! Sheeeesh! Pass the Magnum Minis please.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Tuesday thoughts
Today’s calendar entry: “Chocolate is, let’s face it, far more reliable than a man – Miranda Ingram.”
Have you noticed its getting darker in the mornings these days? I’m talking 5.30ish here. It was also considerably cooler this morning – 11*c proclaimed the ultra cheery radio voice – so cheery I felt half inclined to throw my clock radio across the room. Then I had my coffee and the day suddenly seemed rosy! Ok I exaggerate a little – I thought I could at least get up and run 10km followed by 6 x 100m strides on the oval. All this before breakfast too.
Which. Is. What. I. Did.
Got up……dressed……and ran…..10km in 49.28min. This was followed by 6 x 100m strides and then I was heading home for rolled oats with banana and sugar-free maple syrup. Yummo! I do love early mornings really, its just that getting out the door sometimes is the hardest part.
A comment was made on yesterday’s entry that it looked like I had made a massive jump in distance for my long runs. Not so, not so. I have been following a training program for a little while now, and the week before last my long run was 26km, previously 24km, 20k, etc. This coming Saturday I will run 34km and then for the following week (my easy week) I cut back to 20km. Likewise for my mid-week medium long run. This started at 10km, then 12km, 14km, 16km last week and 18km tomorrow. Next week it will be about 10km I think. Ok, so I suck at 10,000m on the track but out on the trails, on my own, going slowly – anything is achievable!
Have you noticed its getting darker in the mornings these days? I’m talking 5.30ish here. It was also considerably cooler this morning – 11*c proclaimed the ultra cheery radio voice – so cheery I felt half inclined to throw my clock radio across the room. Then I had my coffee and the day suddenly seemed rosy! Ok I exaggerate a little – I thought I could at least get up and run 10km followed by 6 x 100m strides on the oval. All this before breakfast too.
Which. Is. What. I. Did.
Got up……dressed……and ran…..10km in 49.28min. This was followed by 6 x 100m strides and then I was heading home for rolled oats with banana and sugar-free maple syrup. Yummo! I do love early mornings really, its just that getting out the door sometimes is the hardest part.
A comment was made on yesterday’s entry that it looked like I had made a massive jump in distance for my long runs. Not so, not so. I have been following a training program for a little while now, and the week before last my long run was 26km, previously 24km, 20k, etc. This coming Saturday I will run 34km and then for the following week (my easy week) I cut back to 20km. Likewise for my mid-week medium long run. This started at 10km, then 12km, 14km, 16km last week and 18km tomorrow. Next week it will be about 10km I think. Ok, so I suck at 10,000m on the track but out on the trails, on my own, going slowly – anything is achievable!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Ups and downs and round and round......
......which basically sums up my long run yesterday morning. It was initially planned for Saturday morning but when I got up, nice and early, it was raining and I had no plans of starting a 30km run in the rain. So I went back to bed and later got up and ran 8km nice and easy….in the rain (my planned Sunday run).
Anyway I was up again nice and early on a Sunday (which is really unforgivable but like I said I didn’t have a choice) and set off running off-road behind the houses in Hawker – the suburb up the hill from ours. The track was slippery but surprisingly I did manage to stay upright though there were a couple of close calls! Then I diverted into the Pinnacle Nature Park for a little bit (to avoid a really steep hill though I still run uphill but its more gradual) before heading out of the park and towards Mt Painter nature park (behind Macquarie). Now here there is a steep hill but I haven’t managed to find a way around it so up I go – baby steps, until I reach the top and head off down the other side. For a little way it’s downhill though I have to watch my step because it is rocky in parts and there is the occasional exposed tree root to trip unsuspecting people.
Then it’s back uphill at the back of Cook briefly again when I cross the cycle path, before heading down another rocky path, back onto the cycle path briefly and then make my way through the gate into Aranda Nature Park. I was so busy concentrating on where I was going I didn’t see the large kangaroo standing in the middle of the trail until I was almost in front of it. I’m not sure who got the biggest fright – him/her or me! Then I noticed the paddock – instead of sheep it was full of kangaroos.
After following the trail a bit I came to the new underpass which took me into Black Mountain Nature Park and for a while the trail remains fairly flat, though again there were puddles and muddy patches. Now it was time to turn right and head upwards, as though I was heading to the top of Black Mt, which I wasn’t, but it still felt steepish. Finally I was at the top of the path and turn left to run downhill before turning right and running up another hill! (There’s a theme here!) I followed the trail around past the electrical sub-station, or whatever it is, and came out onto a road (I was probably near CSIRO). I followed this road for a little bit before turning back into the nature park and followed a very undulating trail, following power lines. Up until now the weather had been muggy, it was overcast and foggy in parts, but now it was starting to drizzle very lightly. I had visions of being drenched for the run home because I was at the farthest point of the run –
15km. However the rain was very very light and then
disappeared.
So, all the downhills and uphills I had run on the way out on this run, now became the uphills and downhills on the way home – challenging at times. However I felt comfortable for the entire distance which is great because my last couple of long runs have been very ordinary to say the least. The weather may have had something to do with it because the other runs have been done when it has been very sunny and hot – not my idea of fun or an enjoyable run. And then the previous week’s long run was affected by consuming some dodgy prawn rice paper rolls for tea the night before.
I had completed just over 30km in 3hrs – very happy with it. And it’s a great run too, mostly off-road. Okay, maybe less hills might make it better........!
Anyway I was up again nice and early on a Sunday (which is really unforgivable but like I said I didn’t have a choice) and set off running off-road behind the houses in Hawker – the suburb up the hill from ours. The track was slippery but surprisingly I did manage to stay upright though there were a couple of close calls! Then I diverted into the Pinnacle Nature Park for a little bit (to avoid a really steep hill though I still run uphill but its more gradual) before heading out of the park and towards Mt Painter nature park (behind Macquarie). Now here there is a steep hill but I haven’t managed to find a way around it so up I go – baby steps, until I reach the top and head off down the other side. For a little way it’s downhill though I have to watch my step because it is rocky in parts and there is the occasional exposed tree root to trip unsuspecting people.
Then it’s back uphill at the back of Cook briefly again when I cross the cycle path, before heading down another rocky path, back onto the cycle path briefly and then make my way through the gate into Aranda Nature Park. I was so busy concentrating on where I was going I didn’t see the large kangaroo standing in the middle of the trail until I was almost in front of it. I’m not sure who got the biggest fright – him/her or me! Then I noticed the paddock – instead of sheep it was full of kangaroos.
After following the trail a bit I came to the new underpass which took me into Black Mountain Nature Park and for a while the trail remains fairly flat, though again there were puddles and muddy patches. Now it was time to turn right and head upwards, as though I was heading to the top of Black Mt, which I wasn’t, but it still felt steepish. Finally I was at the top of the path and turn left to run downhill before turning right and running up another hill! (There’s a theme here!) I followed the trail around past the electrical sub-station, or whatever it is, and came out onto a road (I was probably near CSIRO). I followed this road for a little bit before turning back into the nature park and followed a very undulating trail, following power lines. Up until now the weather had been muggy, it was overcast and foggy in parts, but now it was starting to drizzle very lightly. I had visions of being drenched for the run home because I was at the farthest point of the run –
15km. However the rain was very very light and then
disappeared.
So, all the downhills and uphills I had run on the way out on this run, now became the uphills and downhills on the way home – challenging at times. However I felt comfortable for the entire distance which is great because my last couple of long runs have been very ordinary to say the least. The weather may have had something to do with it because the other runs have been done when it has been very sunny and hot – not my idea of fun or an enjoyable run. And then the previous week’s long run was affected by consuming some dodgy prawn rice paper rolls for tea the night before.
I had completed just over 30km in 3hrs – very happy with it. And it’s a great run too, mostly off-road. Okay, maybe less hills might make it better........!
Monday, January 14, 2008
dnf.......
Oh dear - first event of 2008 and my first since the Canberra marathon last year and I didn't finish. I had entered the 10,000m at the AIS track last Thursday evening. We had got back from the coast that afternoon, it was hot, and I was in two minds about whether to do it. I'd also had a fall a couple of days before and this would be my first run since then. But I had told Ewen I would do it so I couldn't wimp out!
I started well - snuck in behind Ewen and thought I could manage to stay with him for the distance. Bad move - I should never run someone else's race - it never works for me. Normally I start slowly and gradually get faster the longer I go. This time we set off at a cracking pace which was fine for about 5,000m but then I started feeling 'not quite right'. By 6,000m I was contemplating pulling out but as I'd never pulled out before I didn't really want to start now so talked myself into slowing down and taking it easy. However by 7,000m I knew I couldn't do another 3,000m and so I made the decision to stop...........
First....and hopefully.....the only.......DNF for 2008.
I started well - snuck in behind Ewen and thought I could manage to stay with him for the distance. Bad move - I should never run someone else's race - it never works for me. Normally I start slowly and gradually get faster the longer I go. This time we set off at a cracking pace which was fine for about 5,000m but then I started feeling 'not quite right'. By 6,000m I was contemplating pulling out but as I'd never pulled out before I didn't really want to start now so talked myself into slowing down and taking it easy. However by 7,000m I knew I couldn't do another 3,000m and so I made the decision to stop...........
First....and hopefully.....the only.......DNF for 2008.
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