Friday, June 16, 2006

Unplanned change of Plans

I decided to treat myself this morning, and have a sleep in and go for a short run after work. Lets say the sleep was really good.

Last Sunday, Blue Dog and I had a car "t-bone" us. Although nobody was hurt, it's always an inconvenience. I had to take the care to an assessment centre this afternoon which was earliest date we could get, only to find they wanted to keep the car over the weekend to get it towed away for a mechanical assessment. After a few phone calls and various discussions the insurer agreed to provide us with a hire car over the weekend. Don't these people know we are heading south for a run. After an 1.5 hrs I finally I was provided a lift home.

Unfortunately, it was quite dark and the second car with with Blue Dog who happens to be on night shift, I aborted all ideas of running and the gym. So I decided to bake some cookies for tomorrow's road trip (perhaps I better go for a run).

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Small version of Big Bertha

Today's session was hills, but thankfully I was given a last minute change from 10 laps to 6 laps at a comfortable pace, but hill work is never comfortable. I hadn't bothered to look at my previous splits or time for Big Bertha, so I really had no idea what time to aim for, so comfortable worked. After a slight problem with the Garmin (user error), I relied on Sean's timing, and finished the 6 laps in 14:46 minutes.

Did some more stretching this evening, as I am still having a few muscular issues, nothing too serious. They just need some TLC before I attack them at Nowra.

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Midweek Shorter Version

Met the girls at Centennial Park this morning for our mid week run. Due to our forthcoming race schedule it was 60 minutes today. My right leg was giving me a little grief during most of today's run, but it eventually loosed up, hence I was a bit quieter than usual today. My plan is to have a nice hot bath tonight and do a solid stretching session while I watch the State of Origin.

I find running with the girls pushes me along a little, although I probably slow them down. We ran a total of 11.40km with an average pace of 5.36/km.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

10 June 2006

Another rainy day but it was not going to rain on my parade :-).

Blue Dog and I went over the Sydney Park for the Cross Country. Blue Dog had suggested he would run with me, and pull out if necessary, after our warm-up it became very clear that I was running on my own. The course is a 2.5k lap, with the option of running a 2.5k, 5k or 7.5k race. I ran the 7.5k, which is always interesting because we all start together and you are never sure who is running what distance so it makes it hard to mark somebody as a pacer. I finished a little slower than my last run (38:14), but I was the second female (out of three, but it still counts).

It's always a tough course, even when though it's a regular training run for me. The track conditions were not great, actually a little slippery on a couple of places.

A few Striders there today, perhaps it's part of our training for next weekend's Cross Country.

11 June 2006

Homebush Hustle STaR. I agreed to met Katie at 6.00am for the STaR, we both had 20km on our programs at a nice comfortable pace. We headed off with the large 6.00am group which always included various paces. We found ourselves being pushed along by another three people, who we soon found out they were only interested in our map reading skills not our company, and were pushing us along a little quicker than we wanted/needed to run. We stopped for a drink and a stretch at approx. 9ks, but they stopped with us. We headed off together for a few more kilometres, until Katie and I stopped for another drink, this time they kept going. We then took off at a more relaxed paced. I was very happy to finish as I felt a little fatigued by the end.

12 June 2006

At this stage Mondays are still rest days.

13 June 2006

It took a while to warm up this morning, I think it was probably one of the coldest morning so far, but it's better then wet (sorry).Today's session was "Windsprints", which was new to me, but when explained it's very simple, Fartlek basically. It was a 4.8km, which we had to sprint the straights and float the bends. I tried to work with Katie as long as I could, but she got away on me, she's definitely returning strongly. I finished in 23:43.

On another note, my weight has finally decided to relocate (sorry to anybody who has found it), so I am very happy.



Saturday, June 10, 2006

Easy Friday

I was lucky enough to extend my long weekend and had the day off. After a nice sleep in, we spentmost of the day shopping. I went to the gym and did my easy 30 minutes on the treadmill, which I extended to 31.30 just to round off to 6km.

I then moved over to the "stretching area" and stretched for 30 minutes. Walked out feeling great.

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Where's Wally?

Today's session was Wild Wally (hill reps). I always find these sessions tough, but I always manage to get through it :-). I felt quite stiff during the warm up and drills.

I did 6 reps today; 3:26, 3:25, 3:27, 3:25, 3:23, 3:23. Total distance for the session 10.4km.

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Wet Wednesday

Met Katie and Deanne at Centennial Park this morning at 5.30am in the wet and cold. We ran around the outside of the Park, and a couple of times I felt like I was slowing the girls down but I managed to keep with them. My hammies were okay today but my glutes were a little tight, I have a massage booked in tonight which should help.

We ran 16.2kms at an average pace of 5.31km/hr.

Although it was very wet I am happy knowing I got out there, rather than taking a softer option.

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

It Can Rain on Race Day......

I reminded myself that "it can rain on race day" and headed over to SWEAT. I met Katie and Kerry at the gates and walked to the oval. It wasn't until the final stage of the drills that the rain began.
I had 1 x 2k and 2 x 1200m programmed for today's session, and missed the instruction to 1600m for the last rep instead of 1200m.

My times were:
9.16
5.30
5.33

The track was pretty wet and soggy, but it didn't seem to slow me down too much, my previous best 2km time was 9.28. So everything is heading in the right direction.

With all the rain I finished up feeling very happy with my effort to actual get out in the rain and my running.

BTW, Blue Dog just said to remind everyone how wonderful my husband is ;-).

Sunday, June 04, 2006

Weekend at Bernie's

3 June 2006

Headed over the Striders 10k at Lane Cove with Blue Dog to perform the role of "catcher". It was not as cold as anticipated. There were some pretty good runners out there this morning.

Scarborough Park, Ramsgate in the afternoon for my first ever relay race. I was a little confused and probably drove everybody mad with all my questions. I ran the 3rd leg for the B Team. It was quite nerve racking in the "change over" area waiting for Amanda.

There was a really strong head wind, which was hard work, I recorded my time as 18.47 (not official). I was really pleased as I ran the 4k Cross Country at Scarborough Park in April in 19:58. I hung around and watched the men. The start of the race was a total F&*k up, with at least 30 people heading the wrong way.

4 June 2006

Met Katie, Deanne, Helen and Ali over at Centennial Park, giving the STaR a miss this weekend as we met at 7.00am, so I could have a bit of a sleep in. We then met up with Allison and Kerry for the second lap. Today's run was 19km in approx 1hr 50mins, which felt pretty comfortable, at a nice consistent pace. We finished with some streching, chocolate biscuits and diet coke ;-). Spotted Horrie out training this morning obviously for PCM.

I had nice relaxing afternoon at the movies with Blue Dog, we saw "RV" which gave us a few laughs.

Friday, June 02, 2006

Fresh Start

Meet Kit and Deanne at Centennial Park this morning for our easy Friday. I must admit it was not easy removing the layers of clothing this morning. After a short discussion on where to actually ran we headed off . My left hammy was still a little tight but did loosen up after about 2ks. We ran along chatting about our training and race plans. Both Deanne and Kit will be running the SS 10k at Lane Cove tomorrow, and I will be marshalling due to the 4 x 4 ANSW in the afternoon, so the topic was heavily focused on how cold it will be in the morning. Finished the session with some streching.

This morning I borrowed Blue Dog's skins (I need to do some washing), it was the first time I have ran in them, felt great ;-) mmmm ........ time to go shopping.

Total distance of 6.3km @ 5.18/km.

Thursday, June 01, 2006

I had a massage last night. My local gym has a physio/massage centre so I gave it a try due to convenience and price. I was booked in for an hour, but received an extra half hour all the wee price of $60.

Not too much to report except that I need to stretch more to increase my range of movement, which may actually transfer to improved running times :-).

I come home last night feeling absolutely buggered, after eating a beautiful meal Blue Dog had cooked I was ready for bed.

When the alarm went off this morning, I just couldn't get out of bed so I decided 2hrs extra sleep would be more beneficial. Today I will not run, just a good streching session this afternoon.

Blue Dog Update

For those of you who are interested, BD is off to see CR PodRunner to pick up his orthotics today. He had some x-rays on Monday, which have found heel spurs on both feet.

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Midweek Dilemma ....

The alarm went off nice and early again this morning and I announced I had better get out of bed and go for a run. I was planning to run locally but Blue Dog suggested I drive to work and head to Sydney Park allowing a little more daylight and like-minded people out exercising.

As I started the run, my left hammy and glute were really tight and I was doubtful I would get through the run. When I arrived at the Park, I stopped and had a good strech and then got stuck into it. Thankfully, the leg loosened up and I felt okay. I really concentrated on my form on the hills this morning, running tall and lengthened out my stride. This will be good practice for the Nowra cross country in a couple of weeks.

I ran a total distance of 13.45km, 5.38/km average pace. Happy with this, may average pace for this run is usually 5.49/km.

BTW, a massage will be booked today.

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Long Reps

Headed over to Centennial Park this morning to find the gates closed again, so I parked outside and was soon met by Katie so we walked down to the oval together. It was quite cool walking to the oval this morning, and we had a few spots of rain on the warm up which disappeared before the usual strides and surges.

Today I had long reps; 2.2k rep (10:16), 1.6k rep (7.27) and 1k rep (4.31). I did notice my hammys were a little tight today, so my stride felt a little restricted during the reps, but I was pleased with my effort and can feel the improvements.

Driving to work this morning, I realised my last massage was after Willy to Billy (August) last year, maybe it's time to book myself in.

Total distance: 8km

Sunday, May 28, 2006

Weekend Wrap Up.........

27 May 2006

CR 5K Challenge.

Horrie had offered to pace during the week for 23 minutes. I was unsure if I could manage to drop another 15 seconds off my 5k time to go sub 23, but I thought I'd have a go.

Arrived feeling a little nervous and Blue Dog assured me I'll be okay, just stick to the pace. I took off with Horrie and Redback and just tried to hold on. It amazed my how they were chatting to each other while I was just trying to breathe. In the last kilometre, I started to heave, well quite a few times, but tried to keep going. In finished with a 1 second PB, which was well earned. Thanks guys.
Followed by nice jog back I ran into a few of the girls and shared a nice chat, the breakfast.

28 May 2006

Headed out to SMC today, as it was the last race of the series. I had arranged to run with Plu as a were both running the 25km for a training run. It was a really nice morning, nice comfortable pace. We finished in 2hrs 26 minutes. It was nice to see the usual familiar faces, and great to see Redback out there again.

I am off this afternoon for a "team bonding" get together with the Striders female NSW winter athletics team.

Friday, May 26, 2006

The Bay.......

Met Katie and Ali nice and early over at the Bay this morning for our easy Friday run. We ran at comfortable pace and chatting all the way, it was one of those perfect runs when everything felt good. Ran past CRs favourite Aunty a couple of times who was all rugged up.

Finished with some streching and nice chat about programs, training and racing.

Total of 7km at 5:45 per kilometre.

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Team Dog

24 May 2006

Unfortunately a four letter work got in the way of my training "work". I had a meeting that finished later then expected, so I had to write the day off. We were asked during the meeting if anybody had any commitments that required him/her to leave, and I did say I had to go for a run. People just looked at me oddly and asked don't you have lights in your shoes :(.

But on a good night "Team Dog" pickup second place in the Husband and Wife one over 35yrs category for the SMH Half.

25 May 2006

I headed over to SWEAT today to find the familiar face of Katie after a short break. We walked down to the oval together discussing how great the sky looked just on day break. By the time I arrived at the oval I realised I had forgot my Garmin, so I was running naked ;-). Today was fartlek around the park after a couple of warm up laps. I estimate the session would have been 11km based on the previous session. Felt pretty good throughout the session.

I had the day off work today so accompanied Blue Dog to his visit to PodRunner, and we then shared a nice lunch by the harbour on beautiful day.

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Easy Does It

I had a 35 minute easy ran scheduled for today, so I didn't go to SWEAT instead I visited the treadmill at the gym (work gym) this afternoon. I felt pretty good and managed a total of 6.70km in the 35 minutes. I increased the speed a couple of time and finished with a good solid last kilometre just to strech the legs out. Otherwise it was pretty boring, just looking at the window watching the odd fire engine drive around the complex.

For some strange reason I followed this with some push up, then abs and streching.

BTW official results for SMH, Gun Time = 111:40, Net Time = 110:37

Monday, May 22, 2006

SMH Half Marathon

Woke up at 4am to massage Blue Dog's foot and do the normal pre-race preparations. Arrived to find a very crowded start area and meet up with a few CR regulars. Finally positioned myself for the the start, which was very crowded, it took me about 2 minutes to cross the actual start, and then I had to walk/shuffle for the first 50 to 100 metres.

My time was 1:51:41 (not official, gun time). I found it difficult to pace myself due the congestion in a number of areas, lack of noticeable km markers, and the faithful Garmin was unfaithful. I feel I ran a pretty good race, and didn't have much left for a big kick at the end.

The finish area was again very crowded and I soon aborted and ideas of getting a drink, so I headed to the Strider's Breakfast then to the pub for a post-race debrief.

Saturday, May 20, 2006

Nice and Easy

Headed off this morning for 30 minutes easy. Felt pretty comfortable, ran the same route as usual, Kogorah Bay to Botany Bay. Not a real eventful run but I am happy to say everything is feeling good.

I ran just over 6km for a total of 31:42 minutes, average pace of 5:16/km.

Friday, May 19, 2006

A Nice Surprise

I slept in and missed SWEAT, I was momentarily disappointed but then turned to Plan B, Track @ Sylvania.

It had been a couple weeks since I have ran over at Sylvania (due to SWEAT). My program had me down for "comfortable 400s", so I thought well I'll do a "comfortable 5000". It was a perfect night for running not too cool. For the first 1600m I tucked in behind someone, and thought this is pretty easy I wasn't too sure if it was the fact that I was drafting or it was easy. So I overtook him.

I finished with a 37 second PB!!!!!. 23:14 I was stoked. I felt pretty comfortable throught the run which is a promising sign.