Sunday 22 February 2015
Finally, more that 21.1km
I feel like I've broken a barrier, this week my long run was 23km and it's the furthest I've ever run. I've completed half marathons before but never beyond that, and today, I broke that barrier and went the distance, 23km. Wonder how I'll feel after 44km? After today, whilst I felt good, I think I realise what a challenge it is that lays ahead of me!
It's been a good week though, somewhat lonely though as all my runs were on my own. Barto is out with a calf injury but hopes to be back this week, fingers are crossed. After my 8km run on Wednesday I came back to the change rooms and had a slight Bridget Jones moment, singing "All by myself" in the change rooms.
I had a technical glitch occur this week with my running gear, my trusty running watch died! Seriously, I think it never wanted to run more than 21km as it has tended to let me down when I'm out doing longer distances. Bit this week the screen have up the ghost, it was out of warranty, so off to the shop I went to buy a new one. I bought another Nike running watch even though it has had a few issues, overall, it's been a good watch and by having the same watch I can keep all my records in the one app. It would have been bad that halfway through training I have to change too new app.
So, anyway, how was my long run? It was pretty good, it was a warm morning, so I set out a little concerned by the heat, but the path I ran has plenty of water stops and I managed to keep hydrated. I sued to energy gels along the way, vanilla, which was yummy! Towards the 15km mark I had to stop for a good stretch, my glute was a little tight and it was starting to hurt as I run, not painful, but just a dull niggle. I'd say based on today's run, I'd feel okay if I had to run 10 ore km, but not sure how I'd go if I was running the full marathon. I guess that's why you train!
My other runs for the week were two 10 km runs, my first one I smashed with a 5:09pace, it's good to know I can still run faster. My 8km was a nice little hilly run, with a 5:41pace and Fridays 10km run was a 5:27pace.
I've made some changed to my diet this week, added in some more protein and carbs, just really increased what I'm eating, which stops me snacking on rubbish! Not that I eat a lot of rubbish, but those yummy slices and cakes at work are sometimes hard to say no to!
Well, that was the week that was, week 8! 12 weeks to go! Next week is 27km, at this stage is scares the crap out of me! But until them, I'll just keep running!
Cheerio :-)
It's been a good week though, somewhat lonely though as all my runs were on my own. Barto is out with a calf injury but hopes to be back this week, fingers are crossed. After my 8km run on Wednesday I came back to the change rooms and had a slight Bridget Jones moment, singing "All by myself" in the change rooms.
I had a technical glitch occur this week with my running gear, my trusty running watch died! Seriously, I think it never wanted to run more than 21km as it has tended to let me down when I'm out doing longer distances. Bit this week the screen have up the ghost, it was out of warranty, so off to the shop I went to buy a new one. I bought another Nike running watch even though it has had a few issues, overall, it's been a good watch and by having the same watch I can keep all my records in the one app. It would have been bad that halfway through training I have to change too new app.
So, anyway, how was my long run? It was pretty good, it was a warm morning, so I set out a little concerned by the heat, but the path I ran has plenty of water stops and I managed to keep hydrated. I sued to energy gels along the way, vanilla, which was yummy! Towards the 15km mark I had to stop for a good stretch, my glute was a little tight and it was starting to hurt as I run, not painful, but just a dull niggle. I'd say based on today's run, I'd feel okay if I had to run 10 ore km, but not sure how I'd go if I was running the full marathon. I guess that's why you train!
My other runs for the week were two 10 km runs, my first one I smashed with a 5:09pace, it's good to know I can still run faster. My 8km was a nice little hilly run, with a 5:41pace and Fridays 10km run was a 5:27pace.
I've made some changed to my diet this week, added in some more protein and carbs, just really increased what I'm eating, which stops me snacking on rubbish! Not that I eat a lot of rubbish, but those yummy slices and cakes at work are sometimes hard to say no to!
Well, that was the week that was, week 8! 12 weeks to go! Next week is 27km, at this stage is scares the crap out of me! But until them, I'll just keep running!
Cheerio :-)
Saturday 14 February 2015
The ups and downs that were week 7
The week started with my eyes still being slightly puffy from Sundays run at Serendip Sanctuary, they ended up taking over 24 hours to return to normal, certainly not fun! Mondays run was 10km and I decided to do a run through Newtown where there are a few decent hills. It was a warm morning but I enjoyed the run and killed the hills, well, they almost killed me if I'm truthful! I did a nice pace of 5:31 per km, so not bad overall.
Wednesday I ran wig Barto and did a faster paced 8km, up through Eastern gardens, so again more hills, we did a 5:26 per km pace, it was another warm morning. Barto had a few issues with his calf and a trip to the physio is in order! My back has been playing up a bit, feels like it needs a good crack! Can't wait to see my myotherapist next week.
Now for the low point of the week, Fridays run, 15 km. it was a warm morning and I'm not sure what was wrong, but my legs were really heavy (I did a big session on the foam roller last night) and right from the start, I just did not feel good. Again, I did the hills in Newtown, and this time they really did kill me! I was suffering. My pace was 6:05, which should have felt easy, but it felt terrible. My Nike watch was also way out compared the the route I mapped, so to get to 15km on my watch, I actually ran 16km. Yes, I know, I could have stuck to the route, but I'm a sucker for having my watch record my distances., and I'd planned to run 15km, so I want my watch to read 15km, I could not stop at 14! Obsessive compulsive I know.
So given Fridays run was so bad, I decided to do my last run of the week today, on a Saturday, just so I could clear the cobwebs and get in a decent run. It was hot and humid, but I ended up having an awesome run, felt really good, did a 5:41 pace. So, that took my mind off my horrible run and the bonus is I get to sleep in tomorrow, don't have to get up early and run. The other bonus is, week 7 of training is complete! Yippee! So happy and looking forward to next weeks long run, 23km, bring it on.
That's all for now folks, I'll leave you with this one thought: A journey of a thousand miles, must begin with one step!
Wednesday I ran wig Barto and did a faster paced 8km, up through Eastern gardens, so again more hills, we did a 5:26 per km pace, it was another warm morning. Barto had a few issues with his calf and a trip to the physio is in order! My back has been playing up a bit, feels like it needs a good crack! Can't wait to see my myotherapist next week.
Now for the low point of the week, Fridays run, 15 km. it was a warm morning and I'm not sure what was wrong, but my legs were really heavy (I did a big session on the foam roller last night) and right from the start, I just did not feel good. Again, I did the hills in Newtown, and this time they really did kill me! I was suffering. My pace was 6:05, which should have felt easy, but it felt terrible. My Nike watch was also way out compared the the route I mapped, so to get to 15km on my watch, I actually ran 16km. Yes, I know, I could have stuck to the route, but I'm a sucker for having my watch record my distances., and I'd planned to run 15km, so I want my watch to read 15km, I could not stop at 14! Obsessive compulsive I know.
So given Fridays run was so bad, I decided to do my last run of the week today, on a Saturday, just so I could clear the cobwebs and get in a decent run. It was hot and humid, but I ended up having an awesome run, felt really good, did a 5:41 pace. So, that took my mind off my horrible run and the bonus is I get to sleep in tomorrow, don't have to get up early and run. The other bonus is, week 7 of training is complete! Yippee! So happy and looking forward to next weeks long run, 23km, bring it on.
That's all for now folks, I'll leave you with this one thought: A journey of a thousand miles, must begin with one step!
Sunday 8 February 2015
Just a sneaky half marathon before work......
Week 6 saw me run a half marathon before work, never thought I'd say that, but I ran 21km and then spent a day at work! Omg!
My week consisted of 1 x 11km, 2 x 8km and a 21km long run.
The 11km was my kick off run for the week and I took it up a notch running a 5:31 pace, felt pretty good, although one issue was it was quite dark in the morning at 5am due to cloud cover and one of my streets I ran down was a little poorly lit, must remember to avoid that street on dark mornings, either that or I really need to wear the sweaty knuckle lights, which is not great on warm mornings!
My 8km Wednesday run was a solo run in Geelong, I hit some hills in the gardens and set a 5:29 pace, very happy with this given the hills.
My Friday run was my 21km long run, after last weeks successful 18km run to work, I decided to to the same route but added an extra 3km loop before the 18km stretch. It was the most amazing morning, perfect temperature and beautiful clear skies. I set out at 5:40am and did my 3km loop before hitting the trail to head into town. It was starting to light up a bit before I hit the main path and the sun was starting to come up. As I ran along the Hovells creek path I could see it was going to be a spectacular sunrise. At the 8km mark, I stopped to take photos it was so incredibly beautiful. Looking out of the inlet where the creek meets the bay was just pure magic. Black swans were swimming, I could not help but feel so very lucky to be out experiencing such a gorgeous morning.
But back to the task at hand, running, well, it's not hard to run when you've got such artery back drop, that's for sure. For the first time I used energy gels in my run. I normally eat little apricot chews on longer runs, but for the marathon, I have decided I will use energy gels but of course want to try them out to see how my stomach copes. I had a vanilla flavoured endura gel for this run and I have to say it was actually really pleasant! I made sure I took it with some water. I only had the one, as no need to take more on this run, but it seemed to keep me going till the end and no upset stomach. I'll use them again on my next long run which is in 2 weeks time.
As for today's run, which was my last run for week 6, I did an 8km run and decided to head out towards Serendip sanctuary, this was lucky for me as I needed a pit stop and they have good loo's in the picnic area. The other downside of my run was that I had an allergy issue and my eyes have puffed up like the elephant man! I think it's probably half ever related, I have had this happen twice before, but normally not whilst I'm running, it normally occurs once I've stopped. When I got home I used eye drops, took an antihistamine and have been icing my puffy eyes, they are starting to go down now, 2.5hrs after my run! Let's hope that is not an issue when I run my marathon!
So over all, it's been a really good week, I loved my long run and I guess that's the main thing. I've pulled up quite well from it too, although I am feeling a little twinge in my glute, so back on the roller for me and also need to make sure I'm doing my glute strength exercises.
Next week is a recovery week with the longest run being 15km, after that it's up to a 23km long run which will be my longest run ever! Wonder how I'll feel?
Until next time, may everyone enjoy the marvels of nature as I did on my long run, get up early one day and see if you can experience a beautiful sunrise, it certainly has a wonderful effect on your mood :-)
My week consisted of 1 x 11km, 2 x 8km and a 21km long run.
The 11km was my kick off run for the week and I took it up a notch running a 5:31 pace, felt pretty good, although one issue was it was quite dark in the morning at 5am due to cloud cover and one of my streets I ran down was a little poorly lit, must remember to avoid that street on dark mornings, either that or I really need to wear the sweaty knuckle lights, which is not great on warm mornings!
My 8km Wednesday run was a solo run in Geelong, I hit some hills in the gardens and set a 5:29 pace, very happy with this given the hills.
My Friday run was my 21km long run, after last weeks successful 18km run to work, I decided to to the same route but added an extra 3km loop before the 18km stretch. It was the most amazing morning, perfect temperature and beautiful clear skies. I set out at 5:40am and did my 3km loop before hitting the trail to head into town. It was starting to light up a bit before I hit the main path and the sun was starting to come up. As I ran along the Hovells creek path I could see it was going to be a spectacular sunrise. At the 8km mark, I stopped to take photos it was so incredibly beautiful. Looking out of the inlet where the creek meets the bay was just pure magic. Black swans were swimming, I could not help but feel so very lucky to be out experiencing such a gorgeous morning.
But back to the task at hand, running, well, it's not hard to run when you've got such artery back drop, that's for sure. For the first time I used energy gels in my run. I normally eat little apricot chews on longer runs, but for the marathon, I have decided I will use energy gels but of course want to try them out to see how my stomach copes. I had a vanilla flavoured endura gel for this run and I have to say it was actually really pleasant! I made sure I took it with some water. I only had the one, as no need to take more on this run, but it seemed to keep me going till the end and no upset stomach. I'll use them again on my next long run which is in 2 weeks time.
As for today's run, which was my last run for week 6, I did an 8km run and decided to head out towards Serendip sanctuary, this was lucky for me as I needed a pit stop and they have good loo's in the picnic area. The other downside of my run was that I had an allergy issue and my eyes have puffed up like the elephant man! I think it's probably half ever related, I have had this happen twice before, but normally not whilst I'm running, it normally occurs once I've stopped. When I got home I used eye drops, took an antihistamine and have been icing my puffy eyes, they are starting to go down now, 2.5hrs after my run! Let's hope that is not an issue when I run my marathon!
So over all, it's been a really good week, I loved my long run and I guess that's the main thing. I've pulled up quite well from it too, although I am feeling a little twinge in my glute, so back on the roller for me and also need to make sure I'm doing my glute strength exercises.
Next week is a recovery week with the longest run being 15km, after that it's up to a 23km long run which will be my longest run ever! Wonder how I'll feel?
Until next time, may everyone enjoy the marvels of nature as I did on my long run, get up early one day and see if you can experience a beautiful sunrise, it certainly has a wonderful effect on your mood :-)
Tuesday 3 February 2015
Week 5, 1/4 of they way there!
What a fun week it has been! The highlight of course was my 18km run to work on Friday. I was very organised and took all my work gear in to work on Thursday, and of course had the fridge at work stocked with some snacks and drinks to have once I completed my run.
Thankfully it was a really good morning weather wise, on the cool side, with a hint of rain in the air. I set out at 6am and made my way along the hovels creek track from Lara, and around past the Grammar school, past Shell, through North Shore and into Geelong along the highway and then through Rippleside along the waterfront. It was so pleasant and I'd actually have to say, one of my favourite runs of all time. I ran with music which I have not done for a long time and I really loved having the tunes keeping me company and motivating me along the way.
I also used a new app called Road ID, this enables people to follow you on your run and also sends an alert to them if you are not moving for more than 5 minutes, I felt very safe knowing that Pete (my partner) was able to follow me along the way. Will definitely use this app for my longer runs.
I wore my spi belt to carry my phone, ID, some money (just in case), my lip balm, some tissues (just in case!) and a small recycled baby food bottle/pouch filled with water. This was a great way to keep track of how much I drank along the way and ensured I always had some water with me. I just filled it up at water fountains and kept it full in my belt. Very handy and not too bulky.
My other runs this week have been a 10km run on Monday and 2 x 8km, one on Wednesday and one this morning.
Ooh, and I forgot to mention, the other highlight of my week was my massage! I was hanging out for it and certainly have noticed a big difference since I had it. I've booked in a again for 3 weeks time.
Well, that was week 5. I feel like it's been a bit of a monumentous week. Next week my long run is 21km and I am going to run to work again with an extra 3km tacked on. Can't wait!
Until then folks, enjoy what you do and if you don't enjoy it, don't do it!
Thankfully it was a really good morning weather wise, on the cool side, with a hint of rain in the air. I set out at 6am and made my way along the hovels creek track from Lara, and around past the Grammar school, past Shell, through North Shore and into Geelong along the highway and then through Rippleside along the waterfront. It was so pleasant and I'd actually have to say, one of my favourite runs of all time. I ran with music which I have not done for a long time and I really loved having the tunes keeping me company and motivating me along the way.
I also used a new app called Road ID, this enables people to follow you on your run and also sends an alert to them if you are not moving for more than 5 minutes, I felt very safe knowing that Pete (my partner) was able to follow me along the way. Will definitely use this app for my longer runs.
I wore my spi belt to carry my phone, ID, some money (just in case), my lip balm, some tissues (just in case!) and a small recycled baby food bottle/pouch filled with water. This was a great way to keep track of how much I drank along the way and ensured I always had some water with me. I just filled it up at water fountains and kept it full in my belt. Very handy and not too bulky.
My other runs this week have been a 10km run on Monday and 2 x 8km, one on Wednesday and one this morning.
Ooh, and I forgot to mention, the other highlight of my week was my massage! I was hanging out for it and certainly have noticed a big difference since I had it. I've booked in a again for 3 weeks time.
Well, that was week 5. I feel like it's been a bit of a monumentous week. Next week my long run is 21km and I am going to run to work again with an extra 3km tacked on. Can't wait!
Until then folks, enjoy what you do and if you don't enjoy it, don't do it!
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