Well the come back trail is going well. We all did the 5km last Friday evening at Chunderbolt's race in the 5km twilight series. Kids had a ball, I had a ball and NTR enjoyed the walk with mini mouse jr... Dinner with the lovely Benny and Des after was also fantastic :-)
Saturday morning saw me get back into brick and for the first time ever I did the whole thing!!!! Normally the guys are way too fast and I have to drop a lap on the bike in order to finish in time but this week for some strange reason I got it all in, yippee.
Christmas yesterday saw me get SO spoilt!! I won't list everything but the best bits from NTR: vegetarian cooking class at Manly; cycling glasses with the 4 different lenses and a beach chair I have been "hinting" at for a couple of years now!! The kids all bought me a gorgeous and HUGE photo frame with about 12 photo spaces so we can put pics of us all together in it. That one bought a tear to my eye!!
All in all very spoilt and with all the new gear of course I had the urge to get angel out for a ride. BUT my bike pants were in the wash so I went for a 5km run with Ian, kids and basil the beagle. Felt great and ran back with Lachlan as the girls had headed back early with Ian. It was fantastic running with Lachlan, he was trying out his new running shirt and he loved it.
He is much closer to my pace than NTR so I think I may have found myself a new running partner! :-)
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
quick running update... (ntr)
Its certainly been hot and humid lately, and 3-4months of little activity, but plenty of carbo loading are evident. Its great though to find it tough, knowing that it will come together if i just remain a little consistent in training.
A summary of what been happening from my running log...
4/12/2007 8.8km 0:55:00 casual run 30degrees A very hot humid day to choose to start running again after European holidays - plus it was my birthday. Very hot, along the parklands track to nurragingy and back.
7/12/2007 5km 0:30:00 parra park 34degrees Hot return - met a colleague by chance, and stopped for a a chat.
9/12/2007 12km 2:00:00 quarry road 25degrees 1 lap running/walking of quarry road with Rach - great to exercise together again! Yeah!!
11/12/2007 3km 0:30:00 rooty hill repeats 30degrees 6 hill repeats of rooty hill - stupidly tough!
13/12/2007 10km 1:00:00 tempo training run 25degrees 5 sets of 2km at 5min pace, with 2km running recoveries.
17/12/2007 22km 2:30:00 training long run 34degrees Hot humid run, Nurragingy and back, then on M7 to Obriens glass seven hills. Had to develop plan of 2km run, 30 sec recovery to cope with lack of fitness and the heat.
I am looking forward to some more long runs - i need to get a new mp3 player. I love listening to music and podcasts on the long solo runs. Tip to remember: although it looks nice and shiny now, ipod shuffles do not recover from an accidental round in the washing machine....
Now, how to run whilst enjoying the festive season and all the bevies' it is sure to offer.....
A summary of what been happening from my running log...
4/12/2007 8.8km 0:55:00 casual run 30degrees A very hot humid day to choose to start running again after European holidays - plus it was my birthday. Very hot, along the parklands track to nurragingy and back.
7/12/2007 5km 0:30:00 parra park 34degrees Hot return - met a colleague by chance, and stopped for a a chat.
9/12/2007 12km 2:00:00 quarry road 25degrees 1 lap running/walking of quarry road with Rach - great to exercise together again! Yeah!!
11/12/2007 3km 0:30:00 rooty hill repeats 30degrees 6 hill repeats of rooty hill - stupidly tough!
13/12/2007 10km 1:00:00 tempo training run 25degrees 5 sets of 2km at 5min pace, with 2km running recoveries.
17/12/2007 22km 2:30:00 training long run 34degrees Hot humid run, Nurragingy and back, then on M7 to Obriens glass seven hills. Had to develop plan of 2km run, 30 sec recovery to cope with lack of fitness and the heat.
I am looking forward to some more long runs - i need to get a new mp3 player. I love listening to music and podcasts on the long solo runs. Tip to remember: although it looks nice and shiny now, ipod shuffles do not recover from an accidental round in the washing machine....
Now, how to run whilst enjoying the festive season and all the bevies' it is sure to offer.....
Friday, December 14, 2007
inspiration for me....(ntr)
Tonight, i saw, in my own biased eyes, something very inspiring.
At little A's, a boy in the under 11's was running the last race of this sticky night. I've seen him there for the last 2 years, and he is not the fastest in his age group. Actually, he comes near the back of every event, and even tonight he did not want to run at all. But he did. And the race was the dreaded 1500mtrs. When you 32, and especially when your 11, 1500 metres is a long way.
So it starts as a pack start, and he took off at the 1500 mtr pace he knows - jog to start, run hard at the end. But it was not long when he was at the back. Not much longer, and he was lapped around the 400 metre track by the faster boys, who are quick to run, and quicker to say 11 year old boy style comments to slower runners.
The faster kids had finished and were standing by the finish line, as the boy at the back jogged past them - he had another lap to go. And he kept jogging, asking his younger sister not to run with him cause he finds it embarrassing. And he kept going. And at the end, he gave an almighty sprint to the finish, to come last by a few minutes.
What was inspiring was that normally he would stop. Tonight, for some reason, on the night he did not want to go, this boy didnt stop. Didnt walk. Didnt pass anyone. But still kept going, focused on his run. And the sprint at the end came from nowhere - his body a second before was drooping and dragging his feet behind, before his eyes narrowed, and the jog became a sprint. All the way to the finish, and as he caught his breath, a smirk came over his face, as he knew he had won his own race.
It was a great finish, and a great run, which really inspired me, and will give me the conviction to keep going next time i want to quit, somewhere down the back of the pack. He finished to a few claps, like you get at the back of the pack. Out of however many people are watching a race or run, a couple get the special effort it takes to do something you are not a natural at, and push through.
And on nights like tonight, you can bet the boys father is glad he is wearing sunglasses, as seeing his son growing and running into an inspiring and courageous young man, can fill him with so much pride his eyes may very well have welled up with an unexpected tear.
At little A's, a boy in the under 11's was running the last race of this sticky night. I've seen him there for the last 2 years, and he is not the fastest in his age group. Actually, he comes near the back of every event, and even tonight he did not want to run at all. But he did. And the race was the dreaded 1500mtrs. When you 32, and especially when your 11, 1500 metres is a long way.
So it starts as a pack start, and he took off at the 1500 mtr pace he knows - jog to start, run hard at the end. But it was not long when he was at the back. Not much longer, and he was lapped around the 400 metre track by the faster boys, who are quick to run, and quicker to say 11 year old boy style comments to slower runners.
The faster kids had finished and were standing by the finish line, as the boy at the back jogged past them - he had another lap to go. And he kept jogging, asking his younger sister not to run with him cause he finds it embarrassing. And he kept going. And at the end, he gave an almighty sprint to the finish, to come last by a few minutes.
What was inspiring was that normally he would stop. Tonight, for some reason, on the night he did not want to go, this boy didnt stop. Didnt walk. Didnt pass anyone. But still kept going, focused on his run. And the sprint at the end came from nowhere - his body a second before was drooping and dragging his feet behind, before his eyes narrowed, and the jog became a sprint. All the way to the finish, and as he caught his breath, a smirk came over his face, as he knew he had won his own race.
It was a great finish, and a great run, which really inspired me, and will give me the conviction to keep going next time i want to quit, somewhere down the back of the pack. He finished to a few claps, like you get at the back of the pack. Out of however many people are watching a race or run, a couple get the special effort it takes to do something you are not a natural at, and push through.
And on nights like tonight, you can bet the boys father is glad he is wearing sunglasses, as seeing his son growing and running into an inspiring and courageous young man, can fill him with so much pride his eyes may very well have welled up with an unexpected tear.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
I can still run (Mouse)
Well, that should read "I can still jog - albeit slowly". 40mins with Basil after dinner (a delicious linguini dish with king prawns and calamari - god I love food) and I feel like I could get back into this after all :-) Might take a while to work off the extra 10kgs but I tell you - they are coming off!!
Swim tomorrow - I can't wait, I am so happy that I have finally made that often dreaded but always exhilarating first step back into exercise!!
And Happy birthday to my man for yesterday. I think I proved I have wifely abilities by cooking a thai green curry with king prawns - from scratch mind you and chocolate nut brownies - also from scratch and man these things are good!! Tonight was the afore mentioned seafood linguini and I am now feeling rather chuffed and pleased with myself.
I think I am going to be pretty alright at this marriage stuff ;-)
Swim tomorrow - I can't wait, I am so happy that I have finally made that often dreaded but always exhilarating first step back into exercise!!
And Happy birthday to my man for yesterday. I think I proved I have wifely abilities by cooking a thai green curry with king prawns - from scratch mind you and chocolate nut brownies - also from scratch and man these things are good!! Tonight was the afore mentioned seafood linguini and I am now feeling rather chuffed and pleased with myself.
I think I am going to be pretty alright at this marriage stuff ;-)
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Home, a cold and a missed triathlon
We are home... At last....
I have a cold so have not done any exercise since getting home. I kind of knew it would happen, all the flying, lack of sleep and changes in temperature had to have some effect!! So as I wasn't feeling the best (i.e. could hardly talk this morning and sneezing non stop) we didn't make the hills club tri this morning. Whole family was disappointed but next time we will certainly be there with bells on!
Time to get back into it, I am looking at trainers to make use of my old bike so if anyone has any ideas about good brands - let me know. I don't know much about them but I know I want/need one!!
It is Ian's birthday on Tuesday, we have a few little surprises for him but I will need to get a few more tomorrow. I love buying pressies, especially as we buy a lot of sporting gear for each other and it gives me a good chance to go window shopping!
Not much else to report - back into my weekly schedule for this week. Will be a ride tomorrow, I can't wait to get onto my bike again!!! Also looking forward to some early morning jogs now the weather is nice again, I think when I left I was wearing gloves and a jacket for my morning runs - thank goodness for summer!
It is my favourite time of year now - summer, christmas, bbq's, pool parties, outdoor dining - sometimes I realise how lucky we are, I love this country :)
I have a cold so have not done any exercise since getting home. I kind of knew it would happen, all the flying, lack of sleep and changes in temperature had to have some effect!! So as I wasn't feeling the best (i.e. could hardly talk this morning and sneezing non stop) we didn't make the hills club tri this morning. Whole family was disappointed but next time we will certainly be there with bells on!
Time to get back into it, I am looking at trainers to make use of my old bike so if anyone has any ideas about good brands - let me know. I don't know much about them but I know I want/need one!!
It is Ian's birthday on Tuesday, we have a few little surprises for him but I will need to get a few more tomorrow. I love buying pressies, especially as we buy a lot of sporting gear for each other and it gives me a good chance to go window shopping!
Not much else to report - back into my weekly schedule for this week. Will be a ride tomorrow, I can't wait to get onto my bike again!!! Also looking forward to some early morning jogs now the weather is nice again, I think when I left I was wearing gloves and a jacket for my morning runs - thank goodness for summer!
It is my favourite time of year now - summer, christmas, bbq's, pool parties, outdoor dining - sometimes I realise how lucky we are, I love this country :)
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Fromage, rouge vin et escargots
Bonjour from Paris!! It has taken a while to update this, but I have left it until all our Parisian experiences could be combined into one blog. We leave tomorrow for Italy but this week has been the most magical, amazing week of my life.
Paris is gorgeous and something about it has calmed us down, relaxed us and made us so ridiculously happy!! So far we have seen all the touristy things: the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe (amazing view from the top), the Eiffel Tower (again, great view from the top), the Musee d'Orsay, Montmatre (complete with a sketh of both of us which s gorgeous), the Picasso Museum, Notre Dame, Catacombes (scary but quite amazing) and others I can't remember....
Favourites were the top of the Arc de Triomphe, it was much less crowded than the Eiffel tower and the view was just as good. Also loved Montmatre on our second attempt at going there - the first time we got off at the metro stop at the Moulin Rouge with is the seediest, grossest part of Paris I have seen. Sex shops and strip joints galore - we stayed about 20 mins then left! Luckily the second time we found the metro stop nearer to the artists area.
The big disppointment for us was the Louvre - sorry to all you art lovers but it was BORING!!!!! There are only so many white statues and religious pictures filled with flying babies one person can look at in a day.... It was too much and all the same to us, we loved the impressionists at the Musee d'Orsay and all the religious symbolism stuff in the Louvre just looks like crap to me.
Food wise we have been feasting! I feel like I am about 15kgs heavier but I am feeling very content, like a big fat, lazy cat lying on the lounge :) Heaps of cheese, red wine, baguettes and even a few meals of snails have kept us going - the food is quite cheap and just delicious. Bring on Italy with the fresh pasta and more wine I say - though it is very sad to leave paris.
We have decided to come back at the latest when we retire or in a few years anyway, perhaps to live, it has just had the hugest impression on us. Jen you were right - it is amazing!!!!!!
More to come shortly - viva Italia!!
Paris is gorgeous and something about it has calmed us down, relaxed us and made us so ridiculously happy!! So far we have seen all the touristy things: the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe (amazing view from the top), the Eiffel Tower (again, great view from the top), the Musee d'Orsay, Montmatre (complete with a sketh of both of us which s gorgeous), the Picasso Museum, Notre Dame, Catacombes (scary but quite amazing) and others I can't remember....
Favourites were the top of the Arc de Triomphe, it was much less crowded than the Eiffel tower and the view was just as good. Also loved Montmatre on our second attempt at going there - the first time we got off at the metro stop at the Moulin Rouge with is the seediest, grossest part of Paris I have seen. Sex shops and strip joints galore - we stayed about 20 mins then left! Luckily the second time we found the metro stop nearer to the artists area.
The big disppointment for us was the Louvre - sorry to all you art lovers but it was BORING!!!!! There are only so many white statues and religious pictures filled with flying babies one person can look at in a day.... It was too much and all the same to us, we loved the impressionists at the Musee d'Orsay and all the religious symbolism stuff in the Louvre just looks like crap to me.
Food wise we have been feasting! I feel like I am about 15kgs heavier but I am feeling very content, like a big fat, lazy cat lying on the lounge :) Heaps of cheese, red wine, baguettes and even a few meals of snails have kept us going - the food is quite cheap and just delicious. Bring on Italy with the fresh pasta and more wine I say - though it is very sad to leave paris.
We have decided to come back at the latest when we retire or in a few years anyway, perhaps to live, it has just had the hugest impression on us. Jen you were right - it is amazing!!!!!!
More to come shortly - viva Italia!!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Hyde Park London - made for runners
Well, we spent a week in London and it went way too fast!!! Almost as fast as the massive crowds down Oxford St on a Friday night - just nuts!! It was beautiful, and surpassed my expectations easily!
Rach and I stayed in south west Kensington, around the corner from Royal Albert Hall and about 500 metres from Hyde Park. Out of the seven days, we literally went for a run 3 of them. Although the last one was up to Portobello Rd Markets, Notting Hill, and we had not chance of running far that day. Just so many great things to look at and a few to buy. The runs we did around Hyde Park were fantastic. There are so many paths, and the park is HUGE. We saw some hard core swimmers doing laps in the lake/river in the middle of the park, The Serpentine. One had a wetsuit on, the other, remarkably similar looking to The Keg from CR, was calmly hopping out of the freezing water for a cold outside shower in nothing but speedos!!
We saw a lot of squirrels and even more runners. It always makes me feel good seeing runners - even if I am not running, as you know how someone feels on a good run! There seems to be a lot of people who run to work in London judging by the packs they carry and that they are heading towards the city. Also, for a town with narrow streets, optional road rules and massive buses, there are cyclists on every road, cruising along with no helmet but usually with a basket on the front.
We have been updating Rach's facebook with photos of the trip, if you'd like to see us in action in London.
Although having a great time and not wanting the holiday to end, Rach and I skip back in to Sydney mode, and start planning our 6 Foot, triathlon and fitness goals...all to start pretty much as soon as we land - 2008 will be another big fitness year for us both! But we need to survive Paris, Venice, Florence, and Hong Kong first!!
Rach and I stayed in south west Kensington, around the corner from Royal Albert Hall and about 500 metres from Hyde Park. Out of the seven days, we literally went for a run 3 of them. Although the last one was up to Portobello Rd Markets, Notting Hill, and we had not chance of running far that day. Just so many great things to look at and a few to buy. The runs we did around Hyde Park were fantastic. There are so many paths, and the park is HUGE. We saw some hard core swimmers doing laps in the lake/river in the middle of the park, The Serpentine. One had a wetsuit on, the other, remarkably similar looking to The Keg from CR, was calmly hopping out of the freezing water for a cold outside shower in nothing but speedos!!
We saw a lot of squirrels and even more runners. It always makes me feel good seeing runners - even if I am not running, as you know how someone feels on a good run! There seems to be a lot of people who run to work in London judging by the packs they carry and that they are heading towards the city. Also, for a town with narrow streets, optional road rules and massive buses, there are cyclists on every road, cruising along with no helmet but usually with a basket on the front.
We have been updating Rach's facebook with photos of the trip, if you'd like to see us in action in London.
Although having a great time and not wanting the holiday to end, Rach and I skip back in to Sydney mode, and start planning our 6 Foot, triathlon and fitness goals...all to start pretty much as soon as we land - 2008 will be another big fitness year for us both! But we need to survive Paris, Venice, Florence, and Hong Kong first!!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Lights of Las vegas
WARNING: this post has absolutely nothing to do with running.
I am in Las Vegas for work, not a bad place to wait out the week until L-Day :-) I am staying "on the strip", at the Monte Carlo. The hotel is lovely but my room overlooks some major construction and it is going on 24/7. Think I need to ask to be moved - it is so noisy!
Las Vegas is even bigger and brighter than I imagined. I leave for work at 8am and there are people in the Casino just getting warmed up from the night before. Crazy days. I have also discovered a previously hidden talent for Blackjack which I plan to test tonight.
I have been going to the gym here, at the bargain price of $19 per day - total rip off!!!!! The gym is usually empty which is great so I have been doing some jogging, cross training and weights. Need to do some cycling as well (as we have our first tri soon after we get back) but I find cycling so boring at the gym.
I have seen the Bellagio, the MGM Grand, Caesars, New York New York, Excalibur, the Venetian and Circus Circus. I played Blackjack last weekend, still learning when to stay, hit and double down but came away about $40 up which was sweet!! The hotels are amazing, the Bellagio is my favourite I think, it is just beautiful and has a gorgeous garden inside.
So.... I have 7 sleeps until I see NTR again in London - OMG I can't wait!! So exciting, I still have travel between Paris - Venice and Venice - Florence to organise but otherwise we are set! More to come shortly, hopefully I will have made my millions at the Blackjack tables ;-) (Not really sure if this is possible playing with $60 maximum but we shall see, hehe).
I am in Las Vegas for work, not a bad place to wait out the week until L-Day :-) I am staying "on the strip", at the Monte Carlo. The hotel is lovely but my room overlooks some major construction and it is going on 24/7. Think I need to ask to be moved - it is so noisy!
Las Vegas is even bigger and brighter than I imagined. I leave for work at 8am and there are people in the Casino just getting warmed up from the night before. Crazy days. I have also discovered a previously hidden talent for Blackjack which I plan to test tonight.
I have been going to the gym here, at the bargain price of $19 per day - total rip off!!!!! The gym is usually empty which is great so I have been doing some jogging, cross training and weights. Need to do some cycling as well (as we have our first tri soon after we get back) but I find cycling so boring at the gym.
I have seen the Bellagio, the MGM Grand, Caesars, New York New York, Excalibur, the Venetian and Circus Circus. I played Blackjack last weekend, still learning when to stay, hit and double down but came away about $40 up which was sweet!! The hotels are amazing, the Bellagio is my favourite I think, it is just beautiful and has a gorgeous garden inside.
So.... I have 7 sleeps until I see NTR again in London - OMG I can't wait!! So exciting, I still have travel between Paris - Venice and Venice - Florence to organise but otherwise we are set! More to come shortly, hopefully I will have made my millions at the Blackjack tables ;-) (Not really sure if this is possible playing with $60 maximum but we shall see, hehe).
Saturday, October 27, 2007
hot running...NTR
It was another hot day at Parra Park Runners yesterday. However, it was handicap race day, i saw some familiar faces ( Andre from PPR, Terry "the talker" who also runs at SMC, and Thomo from CR ) so it was an enjoyable run. I did the 8.33~km in 41:15 - i was happy with that, although i was secretly hoping for a sub 40...again i keep hoping! I have done it twice in 16 attempts!
Despite craziness at work and home ( hosting two birthday parties in one weekend is not recommended people...), i managed a few runs since the last post..a 21.1km run in 1:55:00, with about 10km of it with BB ( thanks for the run Ray), and a 10km run on the new parkland trails and M7, in 0:55:00 ( something about runs ending in 55mins there! )
I may squeeze in a swim this weekend, as Rach and I are doing a tri ( me the enticer, she the Sprint ) on December 2 with our tri club,the aptly named Hills Tri Club and i need some more swimming practice!
Yes...its only 6 days till i leave for London!!! yay! rach and i both arrive in heathrow about 40mins apart...our embrace might last 6 days!! sigh....nothing more to be said except i can't wait!
Despite craziness at work and home ( hosting two birthday parties in one weekend is not recommended people...), i managed a few runs since the last post..a 21.1km run in 1:55:00, with about 10km of it with BB ( thanks for the run Ray), and a 10km run on the new parkland trails and M7, in 0:55:00 ( something about runs ending in 55mins there! )
I may squeeze in a swim this weekend, as Rach and I are doing a tri ( me the enticer, she the Sprint ) on December 2 with our tri club,the aptly named Hills Tri Club and i need some more swimming practice!
Yes...its only 6 days till i leave for London!!! yay! rach and i both arrive in heathrow about 40mins apart...our embrace might last 6 days!! sigh....nothing more to be said except i can't wait!
Saturday, October 13, 2007
feeling good...chocolate and holidays does that...
It’s Saturday night, and I am home alone, and feeling quite good. No single reason...I spent this morning at BRICK - once again it lived up to its name. I find I have no idea of the effort on the bike - I blow my "asthma seal" every week - with running I have more control and can build up to a pace, I need to learn that on a bike ( that is not saying my pace is fast, its just hard for me! ) . I spent the rest of the day shopping for little G's birthday - rach and I have got her a cool present...cant say what it is...even 6 year olds surf the web!! After that, started painting the mid-renovation pergola, and then made a mountain of seafood marinara with tomato sauce and pasta.
I also spoke to rach about three times today - which is great - I love phone cards!! Some days we talk more then if we are both in Sydney - I guess you don’t take someone’s presence for granted when you know they wont be home for a while...anyway, it was great. Less then 3 weeks till
Back to running...not a lot done. I spent a few days with the kids and Basil at
Signing off from a low mileage week, but finishing it on a happy high note!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
it seems funny now...
a few days is all it took for a bad run to become a funny one!
Despite feeling a little under the weather ( hayfever, cold, tired ) i thought it would be a great idea to not only run home from work ( about 15km ) but do a few laps of parra park before i did that, just for good measure. And my route home would be on the new transit lanes/paths along Old Windsor Rd to the M7 - something i have been thinking of using for long runs in the future. Hey, I have done a marathon, surely i can do this! well.....
The parra park 8km part was fine. The next 2km was fine, but then, as i discovered the cycle path from westmead which meets the M7, it all became a chore. I walked. I stopped. I ran. I cussed. Repeat. It really got messy when i started dry reaching on the last 8km or so. Could it get any worse? Well...about 500metres from home, 8:30pm ( 1 hour over due! ) i was rounding a corner on the M7 cycleway, and had to dodge a Motorbike taking shortcuts on the pedestrian path! That was the final straw! I hated running that night!
Dragged myself home, exhausted. Collapsed on the lounge, only dragging myself to the shower in time to vomit lunch and Gatorade and watch it circle the drain hole! ( sorry for the imagery this might invoke! )
Rach was severely non-impressed by my stupidity, when i was not 100% fit or healthy! It was a silly move!
But just like my nan used to say, its only 2 days between a bad and good haircut, its only a few days between a bad and good run - i can see it was stupid, but now i know a new route home from work , i know not to bother with the extra laps at parra park first, and aso, even though i am pulling out of FFFT marathon, it is much better the bombing it totally, and being a wreck for the holiday in 28 days!!! ( but whos counting hey!!)
Despite feeling a little under the weather ( hayfever, cold, tired ) i thought it would be a great idea to not only run home from work ( about 15km ) but do a few laps of parra park before i did that, just for good measure. And my route home would be on the new transit lanes/paths along Old Windsor Rd to the M7 - something i have been thinking of using for long runs in the future. Hey, I have done a marathon, surely i can do this! well.....
The parra park 8km part was fine. The next 2km was fine, but then, as i discovered the cycle path from westmead which meets the M7, it all became a chore. I walked. I stopped. I ran. I cussed. Repeat. It really got messy when i started dry reaching on the last 8km or so. Could it get any worse? Well...about 500metres from home, 8:30pm ( 1 hour over due! ) i was rounding a corner on the M7 cycleway, and had to dodge a Motorbike taking shortcuts on the pedestrian path! That was the final straw! I hated running that night!
Dragged myself home, exhausted. Collapsed on the lounge, only dragging myself to the shower in time to vomit lunch and Gatorade and watch it circle the drain hole! ( sorry for the imagery this might invoke! )
Rach was severely non-impressed by my stupidity, when i was not 100% fit or healthy! It was a silly move!
But just like my nan used to say, its only 2 days between a bad and good haircut, its only a few days between a bad and good run - i can see it was stupid, but now i know a new route home from work , i know not to bother with the extra laps at parra park first, and aso, even though i am pulling out of FFFT marathon, it is much better the bombing it totally, and being a wreck for the holiday in 28 days!!! ( but whos counting hey!!)
Sunday, September 30, 2007
A couple of runs....( ntr)
Its been a while since putting pen to paper ( so to speak ) in this blog. ....
I've done 6 runs since last post....two with a friend at work who is just starting and trying to get fit. These are normally Wednesday lunch time, up to parra park, cut through the middle, and back to work.About 4-5km i think. Not a challenge, but a nice run, good to be away from the desk for an hour, have a chat and help someone.
SMC Race 1- after missing my alarm and nearly missing it ( yikes! ) i had a great time - ran a little with Rags ( as i always seems to do - i think i force him to start slow! ), then chased and got chased for the rest in friendly competition and jest. Finished the half in 1.50.04. I then updated the SMC website with results, which i think took just as long!
Sydney Running Festival - Half Marathon - A GREAT DAY! I really enjoy this course ( all of it, including the city west link - but mainly the run over the bridge on the road ( you can only do this in this event or if drunk ), over the darling harbour flyovers, and in particular, the finish around the Quay is fantastic!! I am seriously thinking this will be a marathon event for me next year...just for the finish!! I ran with Andy from work - it was his first organised run, and a single use of the garmin the week prior indicated a 6:30min/km pace. We finished in 2:03, and could have gone harder and faster - we chatted the whole way. However, my legs certainly knew i did 21.1km, regardless of the time. The day was drenched in sun, and the city seemed to be full of CR's who Mouse and I kinda know now after 3 years of running, so the day was all round a great day - (ps have i said how much i miss Rach yet....I MISS MY MOUSE!! )
Parra Park Runners - Friday 1pm - 28c, windy. My little running log entry says its all: "parra run - felt I was pacing OK but must have got it wrong...man, it was the first hot day, breezy and after the half on Sunday, my legs were shot!" I finished in 48 minutes or something...didn't really take it in at the end, i was cooked!
BRICK Session with Hills Tri Club : This was really cool! Started with drills the same as FreeSpiritFitness Run Club ( so i know they are good! ) about 10km on the bike, then 2 2km loops running, each with 2 hill reps - they BURNT my quads!!. Then another 6km on the bike, a final 2km loop running, with another hill rep. It was a great session "just tough enough" i think - i was hurting but in that enjoyable good way, youknowwhaddamean? At the end of the session i realised again i have NO abs. I must be been born without them. I cannot do the ab strengthening exercises - they just hurt my back too much. :-(
Well, its Sunday of the long weekend - i have mowing, cleaning and edging to do. Then I am off for my first ever swimming session at blacktown pools- hope i don't sink!! I am aiming to do maybe 10-15 laps? Who knows....
I was ( is the past tense telling? ) planning on doing the Fitzroy Falls Marathon ( indeed i tried to enter...just forgot to put entry form in the envelope i sent them!! ) but BennyR has been unwell and not entering. If i do a good 30km run tomorrow, then I will still go. If it bombs, then i will pull out i think....i dunno...i could be convinced either way!
Exciting news....tomorrow i can say "Rach and I meet in London next month". And in 3 days, i can say " in less then a month, Rach and I will be together in London" L -day is what we call it!! we are counting it down!!!
Rach has been hitting the gym hard and swimming, not to mention doing the Chicago Half!!! Yeah baby!! In a city alone, in a run alone - that's a great effort!!! Cant wait to tun around Hyde Park, down the Champs Elysées past the Louvre, over the bridges in Venice....I think the M7 runs we do wont be as interesting when we come back!!
When your loved one is away for so long, you can go on, get to work, eat, sleep....but its like there is a constant hunger, a constant yearning that shadows you...its with you everywhere you go, wishing they were with you. So yes, you can go about your business, but its just not the same....nearly a month to go till L day!
I've done 6 runs since last post....two with a friend at work who is just starting and trying to get fit. These are normally Wednesday lunch time, up to parra park, cut through the middle, and back to work.About 4-5km i think. Not a challenge, but a nice run, good to be away from the desk for an hour, have a chat and help someone.
SMC Race 1- after missing my alarm and nearly missing it ( yikes! ) i had a great time - ran a little with Rags ( as i always seems to do - i think i force him to start slow! ), then chased and got chased for the rest in friendly competition and jest. Finished the half in 1.50.04. I then updated the SMC website with results, which i think took just as long!
Sydney Running Festival - Half Marathon - A GREAT DAY! I really enjoy this course ( all of it, including the city west link - but mainly the run over the bridge on the road ( you can only do this in this event or if drunk ), over the darling harbour flyovers, and in particular, the finish around the Quay is fantastic!! I am seriously thinking this will be a marathon event for me next year...just for the finish!! I ran with Andy from work - it was his first organised run, and a single use of the garmin the week prior indicated a 6:30min/km pace. We finished in 2:03, and could have gone harder and faster - we chatted the whole way. However, my legs certainly knew i did 21.1km, regardless of the time. The day was drenched in sun, and the city seemed to be full of CR's who Mouse and I kinda know now after 3 years of running, so the day was all round a great day - (ps have i said how much i miss Rach yet....I MISS MY MOUSE!! )
Parra Park Runners - Friday 1pm - 28c, windy. My little running log entry says its all: "parra run - felt I was pacing OK but must have got it wrong...man, it was the first hot day, breezy and after the half on Sunday, my legs were shot!" I finished in 48 minutes or something...didn't really take it in at the end, i was cooked!
BRICK Session with Hills Tri Club : This was really cool! Started with drills the same as FreeSpiritFitness Run Club ( so i know they are good! ) about 10km on the bike, then 2 2km loops running, each with 2 hill reps - they BURNT my quads!!. Then another 6km on the bike, a final 2km loop running, with another hill rep. It was a great session "just tough enough" i think - i was hurting but in that enjoyable good way, youknowwhaddamean? At the end of the session i realised again i have NO abs. I must be been born without them. I cannot do the ab strengthening exercises - they just hurt my back too much. :-(
Well, its Sunday of the long weekend - i have mowing, cleaning and edging to do. Then I am off for my first ever swimming session at blacktown pools- hope i don't sink!! I am aiming to do maybe 10-15 laps? Who knows....
I was ( is the past tense telling? ) planning on doing the Fitzroy Falls Marathon ( indeed i tried to enter...just forgot to put entry form in the envelope i sent them!! ) but BennyR has been unwell and not entering. If i do a good 30km run tomorrow, then I will still go. If it bombs, then i will pull out i think....i dunno...i could be convinced either way!
Exciting news....tomorrow i can say "Rach and I meet in London next month". And in 3 days, i can say " in less then a month, Rach and I will be together in London" L -day is what we call it!! we are counting it down!!!
Rach has been hitting the gym hard and swimming, not to mention doing the Chicago Half!!! Yeah baby!! In a city alone, in a run alone - that's a great effort!!! Cant wait to tun around Hyde Park, down the Champs Elysées past the Louvre, over the bridges in Venice....I think the M7 runs we do wont be as interesting when we come back!!
When your loved one is away for so long, you can go on, get to work, eat, sleep....but its like there is a constant hunger, a constant yearning that shadows you...its with you everywhere you go, wishing they were with you. So yes, you can go about your business, but its just not the same....nearly a month to go till L day!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Steak and running do not mix....
I had dinner BEFORE the gym yesterday and felt horrible!! We wanted to have dinner cooked and be eating by 8pm which is when the new Heroes episode started. Heroes was great but the gym was not!!
Lesson learned - morning or pre-dinner sessions only. Knee is still sore which is weird, have never really had bad or sore kneees before. Have tried stretching my quad but it doesn't seem to be working....
Saw some good photos of Ian from the Half - some funny ones too - you know which ones I mean babe!! hehe
Lesson learned - morning or pre-dinner sessions only. Knee is still sore which is weird, have never really had bad or sore kneees before. Have tried stretching my quad but it doesn't seem to be working....
Saw some good photos of Ian from the Half - some funny ones too - you know which ones I mean babe!! hehe
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Belated race report
I think I have been distracted by work, travels and going out justa little!! I did however, complete the Chicago Half Marathon. Net time was 2.26 which is ok, I was aiming for 2.20 so was a bit disappointed but a bathroom break and losing my pacer, combined with no garmin meant the second half I was all over the shop!
I wore my new Striders top which I must say is a great running top. Very comfortable and the built in bra has heaps of support - well done Striders! I also wore my CR cap and for once I think I was the only one wearing one :)
The day previous, I bought a running bottle belt which proved fantastic, half gatorade and half water came in very handy between drink stops. As I said, I started with the 2.20 pacing group, I was never out to break records just to enjoy it. I was feeling great at 11km but had to stop to go to the bathroom. Well as with most large runs, the lines for the portaloos were enormous, I waited for about 5 mins by which time my pacing group was well out of sight.
I proceeded to try and pace myself and tried to pick up the pace a bit to try and catch the group. There were soooo many people throughotu the whole course though, I couldn't see the pacer for the life of me. Maybe if i was a bit taller I may have seen the sign, but c'est la vie. I also hadn't quite converted it right as when I saw the 12 mile sign, I thought I had 2 more to go, I think I only had one more though as it finished very quick!!
I had the best time, I bought a mug and a cap as souveniers and I think I will also buy my photos from the photography site.
I have been running and riding a lot at the gym, I think I need a good stretch as my knee is a bit sore but I think it is coming from a tight quad - hmmm.
I also need to get some swimming in as 3 days after we arrive back from Europe, we are doing our first tri of the season - yay!! Ian is doing it too, and hopefully all the kids too. It is a hills Tri Club tri and the one we went in last year was fantastic. The kids loved it and so did we! This is Ian's first one so it is kind of a big deal :) It is on the same day a Central Coast though which is sad, I will miss the dinner and the breakfast we shared with all the other cool runners last year!! Won't necessarily miss the run though - hahahaha.
Ian is doing the Sydney half this morning, I am waiting impatiently for his call to let me know how he did. I am very excited for him, though not sad I am not doing it. I did it last year and I did not enjoy it at all, of all the places you can run in Sydney with beautiful views, 80% of the run is on the city west link! I don't understand that at all...
On a personal note, I am planning the Italian leg of our trip which is pretty exciting. We will probably do Florence, Venice and a trip to Rome. Sooo excited!!
I wore my new Striders top which I must say is a great running top. Very comfortable and the built in bra has heaps of support - well done Striders! I also wore my CR cap and for once I think I was the only one wearing one :)
The day previous, I bought a running bottle belt which proved fantastic, half gatorade and half water came in very handy between drink stops. As I said, I started with the 2.20 pacing group, I was never out to break records just to enjoy it. I was feeling great at 11km but had to stop to go to the bathroom. Well as with most large runs, the lines for the portaloos were enormous, I waited for about 5 mins by which time my pacing group was well out of sight.
I proceeded to try and pace myself and tried to pick up the pace a bit to try and catch the group. There were soooo many people throughotu the whole course though, I couldn't see the pacer for the life of me. Maybe if i was a bit taller I may have seen the sign, but c'est la vie. I also hadn't quite converted it right as when I saw the 12 mile sign, I thought I had 2 more to go, I think I only had one more though as it finished very quick!!
I had the best time, I bought a mug and a cap as souveniers and I think I will also buy my photos from the photography site.
I have been running and riding a lot at the gym, I think I need a good stretch as my knee is a bit sore but I think it is coming from a tight quad - hmmm.
I also need to get some swimming in as 3 days after we arrive back from Europe, we are doing our first tri of the season - yay!! Ian is doing it too, and hopefully all the kids too. It is a hills Tri Club tri and the one we went in last year was fantastic. The kids loved it and so did we! This is Ian's first one so it is kind of a big deal :) It is on the same day a Central Coast though which is sad, I will miss the dinner and the breakfast we shared with all the other cool runners last year!! Won't necessarily miss the run though - hahahaha.
Ian is doing the Sydney half this morning, I am waiting impatiently for his call to let me know how he did. I am very excited for him, though not sad I am not doing it. I did it last year and I did not enjoy it at all, of all the places you can run in Sydney with beautiful views, 80% of the run is on the city west link! I don't understand that at all...
On a personal note, I am planning the Italian leg of our trip which is pretty exciting. We will probably do Florence, Venice and a trip to Rome. Sooo excited!!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
A change in training ( NTR )
I managed to squeeze in a bit of running in the last week or so, which is good given the circumstances. I ran with a friend at work for about 5km last week. It was run, stop, walk, walk, run. But that was fine, i was happy to get outside and do something positive with someone, as opposed to just run by myself, perhaps a bit further/faster.
I did the same again today, but with someone else at work - i suspect i might get a little group going on Wednesday running up to Parra Park, across the middle road, and back again. On the way back, saw about 40 officers getting ready for the night shift for APEC crossing the road - the cargo gear they wear always looks tougher on cops then the standard uniform!
Last Friday I did Parra Park Runners, in 42mins. It was a killer and i thought i was definately under 40mins - really strange. But had a good run, and went straight to pick the kids up from school. Funny thing - i got changed at work, and left my building, and then did the race, all with my singlet inside out. What a plod.
The definate highlight of the week was going to BRICK training with Hills Tri Club. I really enjoyed it - it was tough, challenging and yet you were in control of how hard you went. The ab work at the end was soooo tough - probably cause I have no abs, i now know!! I am so weak in stomach, and thus back, strength! I met some nice people at Tri club ( Al - who showed me the ropes, and Gav another new guy there, plus others. ) I cant swim more then 100mtres at the 'mo, so I am hoping to do some slow laps with my uncle ray at blacktown pool soon, and do my first Tri in December with my gorgeous Rach. Yee ha!!
Heres my bike...a Peugeot Mont Blanc - its purple. its real nice. I love it.
Finally to wrap up my running stuff, I entered the Sydney Half Marathon - i am bib # 6005! For the first time, Rach and I will be doing half marathons a few weeks apart...just not together! :-(
Diet is getting better this week, coffee is down to 3 cups a day, but my sleep is still eratic and just not long or deep enough.....i am trying a Kaluha night cap tonight....mmmm. ( not exactly healthy, but surely it will count as medicinal )
I did the same again today, but with someone else at work - i suspect i might get a little group going on Wednesday running up to Parra Park, across the middle road, and back again. On the way back, saw about 40 officers getting ready for the night shift for APEC crossing the road - the cargo gear they wear always looks tougher on cops then the standard uniform!
Last Friday I did Parra Park Runners, in 42mins. It was a killer and i thought i was definately under 40mins - really strange. But had a good run, and went straight to pick the kids up from school. Funny thing - i got changed at work, and left my building, and then did the race, all with my singlet inside out. What a plod.
The definate highlight of the week was going to BRICK training with Hills Tri Club. I really enjoyed it - it was tough, challenging and yet you were in control of how hard you went. The ab work at the end was soooo tough - probably cause I have no abs, i now know!! I am so weak in stomach, and thus back, strength! I met some nice people at Tri club ( Al - who showed me the ropes, and Gav another new guy there, plus others. ) I cant swim more then 100mtres at the 'mo, so I am hoping to do some slow laps with my uncle ray at blacktown pool soon, and do my first Tri in December with my gorgeous Rach. Yee ha!!
Heres my bike...a Peugeot Mont Blanc - its purple. its real nice. I love it.
Finally to wrap up my running stuff, I entered the Sydney Half Marathon - i am bib # 6005! For the first time, Rach and I will be doing half marathons a few weeks apart...just not together! :-(
Diet is getting better this week, coffee is down to 3 cups a day, but my sleep is still eratic and just not long or deep enough.....i am trying a Kaluha night cap tonight....mmmm. ( not exactly healthy, but surely it will count as medicinal )
Monday, August 27, 2007
CoolRunning in Chicago - Proof!
Well yesterday saw me heading out at 7:30am to the hotel where my friend Gina is staying. it was about 2km away so was a nice warmup. After picking up Gina we then proceeded to run to lake Michigan, we headed south along the lake then we headed back north and ran around the city.
All in all it was close to 2.5 hours for me and about 2okm so I was feeling pretty pleased with myself :) The run felt good, we were only running slowly, about 6.5min pace but to be able to hold it for so long was a great feeling!!
Bring on the Chicago half!! I will be flying the CR colours during the run, hopefully along with my striders singlet. This will probably be only run I have been in where the blue and gold colours will be the exception as opposed to the rule :)
Oh also did some more shopping yesterday, I found a place here called bath and body works - it is the most amazing cosmetics store I have ever seen. I bought every item in their "japanese cheery blossom" line, they smell fabulous and were very reasonably priced. I also bought a killer pair of stilettos, totally impractical but they are just stunning!
All in all a pretty good day me thinks.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
tale of two runs...ntr
Run 1 - Friday 11:45. Arrived late. Met Mango soon after, and ran 1.5 laps of Parra Park, and felt blerk. I just had to stop and walk. I had zero energy, and despite getting encouragement from mango, i thought it was best if he just kept going and let me wallow in my own walking-vegetated state! Cause: Poor diet, lack of sleep, no water that day or the day before ( i think they are the causes....)
Run 2 - Sunday 7am - With BennyR and his mate Marlz, did 21~km around Homebush, Silverwater, Rhodes etc. About a third was on tracks, it was muddy, technical and fun! Felt really good ( not as good as Marlz the "newbie" who looked like he could have left benny and I for dust whenever he chose - and he had never run this far before! ). Cause: Purposely ate 3 meals the day before, had a porridge before the run, drank lots of water the day before and had a glass before running, and good sleep!!
Moral of the tale - I will adopt the ancient, mysterious rule of 3.
3 Meals at day
3 snacks a day ( including atleast one fruit )
3 coffees a day (no more then that! )
3 tall glasses of water a day ( = 6 cups...)
3 runs a week ( even if they are small and squeezed in lunch break, or a few hills reps just before i pick the kids up from school care )
3 (+5) hours of sleep a day ( could not think how to work 3 into my sleep pattern!! )
3 messages or phone calls with Rach a day - to keep me sane!!!
3 months away from ones fiance will be all that i can cope with!!
I am now planning on doing Sydney Half Marathon, followed by Fitroy Falls Marathon in September. Both have no real hard core target - just happy to be out and about running in events!
Off to cook dinner now...vegetarian korma and rice! yum...:-)
Run 2 - Sunday 7am - With BennyR and his mate Marlz, did 21~km around Homebush, Silverwater, Rhodes etc. About a third was on tracks, it was muddy, technical and fun! Felt really good ( not as good as Marlz the "newbie" who looked like he could have left benny and I for dust whenever he chose - and he had never run this far before! ). Cause: Purposely ate 3 meals the day before, had a porridge before the run, drank lots of water the day before and had a glass before running, and good sleep!!
Moral of the tale - I will adopt the ancient, mysterious rule of 3.
3 Meals at day
3 snacks a day ( including atleast one fruit )
3 coffees a day (no more then that! )
3 tall glasses of water a day ( = 6 cups...)
3 runs a week ( even if they are small and squeezed in lunch break, or a few hills reps just before i pick the kids up from school care )
3 (+5) hours of sleep a day ( could not think how to work 3 into my sleep pattern!! )
3 messages or phone calls with Rach a day - to keep me sane!!!
3 months away from ones fiance will be all that i can cope with!!
I am now planning on doing Sydney Half Marathon, followed by Fitroy Falls Marathon in September. Both have no real hard core target - just happy to be out and about running in events!
Off to cook dinner now...vegetarian korma and rice! yum...:-)
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Chicago half marathon
Care of NTR - mouse is entered into the Chicago half marathon! My attempts at entering the full for a charity didn't work out due to a lack of spots so this is a great alternative!! NTR has posted my new striders singlet to me too so I can wear that and my CR cap in the event - with some pants of course ;-)
I have been doing a fair bit of running at the gym and along the lake but nothing longer than 1 hr so the distance is a little intimidating. I have run plenty of halves on less training though so I should be fine. My aim for the day is to do under 2:30, anythign under that will see me all smiles. I just want to enjoy it :-)
I also have a friend who lives in Calgary coming to Chicago this weekend and we have setup a long run on Saturday morning which will be great. I ran the GC half with her and we are pretty much the same pace so my training run should be very enjoyable.
My visit to the outlet malls proved very effective, cheered me right up. 5 handbags, 2 pairs of sunglasses and loads of clothes later and I was feeling pleasantly dazed and confused. Gotta love that shopping high!
As it is summer here there are a lot of summer fruits out in the stores so grocery shopping yesterday saw me buy loads of strawberries, rasberries, grapes and oranges. Should make for a healthy week, I also bought a taco kit. People here seem to eat a LOT of mexican food so I thought I would make my own healthier version rather than take away burritos....
Feeling much better and Ian has managed to cheer me right up. We have now planned the first leg of our trip, flights to London are booked, Londond accommodation is booked and Paris is almost booked - yay! I am very excited about it, I will not have seen Ian for 3 months.... I have soem friends living in london so seeing them will be fantastic too.
I have been doing a fair bit of running at the gym and along the lake but nothing longer than 1 hr so the distance is a little intimidating. I have run plenty of halves on less training though so I should be fine. My aim for the day is to do under 2:30, anythign under that will see me all smiles. I just want to enjoy it :-)
I also have a friend who lives in Calgary coming to Chicago this weekend and we have setup a long run on Saturday morning which will be great. I ran the GC half with her and we are pretty much the same pace so my training run should be very enjoyable.
My visit to the outlet malls proved very effective, cheered me right up. 5 handbags, 2 pairs of sunglasses and loads of clothes later and I was feeling pleasantly dazed and confused. Gotta love that shopping high!
As it is summer here there are a lot of summer fruits out in the stores so grocery shopping yesterday saw me buy loads of strawberries, rasberries, grapes and oranges. Should make for a healthy week, I also bought a taco kit. People here seem to eat a LOT of mexican food so I thought I would make my own healthier version rather than take away burritos....
Feeling much better and Ian has managed to cheer me right up. We have now planned the first leg of our trip, flights to London are booked, Londond accommodation is booked and Paris is almost booked - yay! I am very excited about it, I will not have seen Ian for 3 months.... I have soem friends living in london so seeing them will be fantastic too.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
And I miss my bike
Angel would have loved this city - people ride everywhere in the CBD.... Maybe I can buy one here - now there's a thought ;-)
Burgers, baseball and beer
(Warning - this one is a little depressing!!)
Well the heading pretty much sums up America!! Lots of junk food and lots of cheap beer and by cheap I mean $1 beers in the pubs - it is crazy. Then lots of TVs also in the pubs on which people watch the baseball while eating their burgers and drinking their beer.
If only these people played it a little themselves instead of only watching it, strange concept I know - exercise!!
I have been going to the gym every day - doing a combination of running, walking, cross training, weights and core work which has been great. I have not been for a long run for ages though, or a long swim - I am hanging to do both!!
Work wise it is pretty standard, exactly what I do in Sydney which is nice, at least I am not out of my comfort zone too much. The traffic in this city if unbelievable, every morning it takes me over an hour to get to work - a trip that should take 20mins!! Lucky I now have a GPS in my rental car, though I am not sure I trust her, she has been giving me some weird directions. And it is a Garmin!! Too big to take for runs but nice to know all the same - haha. We will need her tomorrow though, we are travelling to Aurora to go to the outlet malls there, I am cashed up and ready to splurge.
Onto the sad stuff.... I am quite homesick at the moment, even going out is depressing when I get home to an empty apartment.... Trying to find healthy ways to keep myself amused though which for the moment is working (kind of - deep breath).
I really miss having Ian there when I get home from work, I miss him making me laugh, I miss his cooking, I miss the kids making me smile, (I even miss the kids making me scream!) and most of all I miss cuddling up to him - sleeping without him next to me just doesn't feel right. Anyhoo, I am getting all teary now so I better go and find something to do, work maybe - yeah probably should do some seeing I have not done much today!
Well the heading pretty much sums up America!! Lots of junk food and lots of cheap beer and by cheap I mean $1 beers in the pubs - it is crazy. Then lots of TVs also in the pubs on which people watch the baseball while eating their burgers and drinking their beer.
If only these people played it a little themselves instead of only watching it, strange concept I know - exercise!!
I have been going to the gym every day - doing a combination of running, walking, cross training, weights and core work which has been great. I have not been for a long run for ages though, or a long swim - I am hanging to do both!!
Work wise it is pretty standard, exactly what I do in Sydney which is nice, at least I am not out of my comfort zone too much. The traffic in this city if unbelievable, every morning it takes me over an hour to get to work - a trip that should take 20mins!! Lucky I now have a GPS in my rental car, though I am not sure I trust her, she has been giving me some weird directions. And it is a Garmin!! Too big to take for runs but nice to know all the same - haha. We will need her tomorrow though, we are travelling to Aurora to go to the outlet malls there, I am cashed up and ready to splurge.
Onto the sad stuff.... I am quite homesick at the moment, even going out is depressing when I get home to an empty apartment.... Trying to find healthy ways to keep myself amused though which for the moment is working (kind of - deep breath).
I really miss having Ian there when I get home from work, I miss him making me laugh, I miss his cooking, I miss the kids making me smile, (I even miss the kids making me scream!) and most of all I miss cuddling up to him - sleeping without him next to me just doesn't feel right. Anyhoo, I am getting all teary now so I better go and find something to do, work maybe - yeah probably should do some seeing I have not done much today!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Mouse is in chicago
Well I have been here almost 2 weeks now and have been for a couple of runs. I am goign to have to spot myself on CR as I don't think anyone has seen the CR cap yet!! There is an awesome running track on Lake Michigan, right around the bay, it is lovely. I am going to go for a run tonight actually after work, such a great way to wind down!
My apartment is small but very nice. They clean it once a week too which is great, I have been trying to keep it tidy but I have so many computers, network cables, web cam etc that is looks a bit like a control room at the moment. I have been working out of the city so I haven't been able to enjoyt he 5 min walk to the Chicago office. Tomorrow though I am workign from there, I am already looking forward to the sleep in!!
I miss NTR and the kids a lot - we have been able to chat twice a day which is great but everytime we chat in my AM, I am running late for work so can't spend too much time on the phone - I need to work on that one.... My parents have been calling a lot too which is great and I am keeping in touch with my brother and his girlfriend via email.
I went to Lollapalooza on the weekend, a big music festival in Chicago. I saw Amy Winehouse, Iggy Pop, Pearl Jam and lots of other bands too, it was great. I also found a bar the other night that has $1 bud lights on Tuesdays, pity it tastes so bad but for $1 I wasn't going to complain!!
I will update some photos too soon, I need to take a lot more, work is really getting in the way of my tiem here! Haha.
Can't wait to meet NTR in Europe, we booked his flights this week, return flight to London paid for by frequent flyers, gotta love that! Pity we have to pay the taxes but it is soooo much cheaper doing it this way. Finding runs in Europe is my next challenge, if anyone knows any good tracks in London, Italy (Rome and florence I think), paris or Prague, please let us know!
Chicago adventures to be continued.....
My apartment is small but very nice. They clean it once a week too which is great, I have been trying to keep it tidy but I have so many computers, network cables, web cam etc that is looks a bit like a control room at the moment. I have been working out of the city so I haven't been able to enjoyt he 5 min walk to the Chicago office. Tomorrow though I am workign from there, I am already looking forward to the sleep in!!
I miss NTR and the kids a lot - we have been able to chat twice a day which is great but everytime we chat in my AM, I am running late for work so can't spend too much time on the phone - I need to work on that one.... My parents have been calling a lot too which is great and I am keeping in touch with my brother and his girlfriend via email.
I went to Lollapalooza on the weekend, a big music festival in Chicago. I saw Amy Winehouse, Iggy Pop, Pearl Jam and lots of other bands too, it was great. I also found a bar the other night that has $1 bud lights on Tuesdays, pity it tastes so bad but for $1 I wasn't going to complain!!
I will update some photos too soon, I need to take a lot more, work is really getting in the way of my tiem here! Haha.
Can't wait to meet NTR in Europe, we booked his flights this week, return flight to London paid for by frequent flyers, gotta love that! Pity we have to pay the taxes but it is soooo much cheaper doing it this way. Finding runs in Europe is my next challenge, if anyone knows any good tracks in London, Italy (Rome and florence I think), paris or Prague, please let us know!
Chicago adventures to be continued.....
Thursday, August 9, 2007
the new goals...ntr
Since my great run at cities ( which i really dont think i celebrated enough to be honest!! ) I have had time to think about goals for the rest of the year ( not thinking past that! ) and have decided to focus on increasing my speed over shorter distances. And the distances are 8.33km ( Parramatta Park Runners course ) and 21.1km. After running today with CR Mango, and chatting about goals, i really felt i needed to get them down on paper( or web...whatever!) and start to plan around them.
As Mouse is away, I won't be training as much, or should I say, like i used to. I can slip up to 2 runs a week in at work lunch time, but they have to be short, with the a max of 1 hour out running, and then 20 mins getting changes and showered etc. Each weekend the kids are home, I am sure I can do another short run, with the kids riding their bikes or something with me. And every second weekend, fill it up with long runs!! One on Saturday, and one on Sunday!
So, the goals for the rest of the year are:
Run in Europe with Mouse - enough said...it will be great!
Parra Park Runners 8.33km - 36:00. Current PB is 0:38:43, so it will be tough, but with 4 months available this year ( 1 month in Europe :-) with my FIANCE ) it is possibly achievable!
Half Marathon: 1:43:00. Current PB is 1:46 ( set Dec 06 at Central Coast) I am hoping that by not walking, and taking my own drink belt on the 21.1km journey, i can shave a minute or so off without trying too much, and that my parra park running might dovetail nicely into better speed over the longer course. I think i can do it!
So there they are, my goals for the rest of the year!
In other news, thanks to Mango for the run today, and CR Blues Buffet last weekend, I have managed to keep off the "post big event blues" better then ever before! I have signed up for the Bankstown Hidden Half on August 19, which is rumoured to be very hilly, and also very supportive, so that is a good long run to start back with i think after cities.
I am enjoying the little bits of SMC web development work - i find it really challenging and can find myself spending way to long researching techniques etc when I really should be in bed! But, its enjoyable, and fills in my nights now....
I am definately in for the Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon on October 13 or 14, and hoping some other CR's want to meet up for it. Sounds like a really cool thing to be part of.
Next post: hopefully it will be full of energy, complete with a training plan to match the goals, and include details on where Mouse and I will be running in London Rome and Paris!
As Mouse is away, I won't be training as much, or should I say, like i used to. I can slip up to 2 runs a week in at work lunch time, but they have to be short, with the a max of 1 hour out running, and then 20 mins getting changes and showered etc. Each weekend the kids are home, I am sure I can do another short run, with the kids riding their bikes or something with me. And every second weekend, fill it up with long runs!! One on Saturday, and one on Sunday!
So, the goals for the rest of the year are:
Run in Europe with Mouse - enough said...it will be great!
Parra Park Runners 8.33km - 36:00. Current PB is 0:38:43, so it will be tough, but with 4 months available this year ( 1 month in Europe :-) with my FIANCE ) it is possibly achievable!
Half Marathon: 1:43:00. Current PB is 1:46 ( set Dec 06 at Central Coast) I am hoping that by not walking, and taking my own drink belt on the 21.1km journey, i can shave a minute or so off without trying too much, and that my parra park running might dovetail nicely into better speed over the longer course. I think i can do it!
So there they are, my goals for the rest of the year!
In other news, thanks to Mango for the run today, and CR Blues Buffet last weekend, I have managed to keep off the "post big event blues" better then ever before! I have signed up for the Bankstown Hidden Half on August 19, which is rumoured to be very hilly, and also very supportive, so that is a good long run to start back with i think after cities.
I am enjoying the little bits of SMC web development work - i find it really challenging and can find myself spending way to long researching techniques etc when I really should be in bed! But, its enjoyable, and fills in my nights now....
I am definately in for the Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon on October 13 or 14, and hoping some other CR's want to meet up for it. Sounds like a really cool thing to be part of.
Next post: hopefully it will be full of energy, complete with a training plan to match the goals, and include details on where Mouse and I will be running in London Rome and Paris!
Monday, July 30, 2007
from little things BIG things grew.....(ntr)
I now have the time and mental space to describe the best achievement this year - yes , as written, Rach and I are getting married!
Last weekend was just perfect....It started with a weekend away at Manly, a very special place for us from when we first started seeing each other, and the perfect place to go for a walk to a look out over the ocean...We planned to go all the way to the north head, but as the sun was setting behind us, and a school of dolphins swimming below us...( and began getting nervous I could hide the ring from her much longer), I asked Rach to marry me, with a ring presented just so....and she went still...nothing....and then out came a few omg's!! Is that a yes I asked?? “Yes it’s a yes!!”
The kids are so excited - actually they were with me when I bought the ring, so they did a good job keeping it a secret for so long!!!
Now, this is very relevant to a running blog – Rach and I started running together 3 years ago…the same time we started seeing each other. Over that time, we have cheered each other on, gotten each other out of bed to go train (well, rach gets me out - I am too sleepy!), driven each other around to events, nursed each others aches, pains and frustrations – and along the way went from being colleagues, to an item, then a couple, then a family, and soon husband and wife.
See what running can do!
ohh.....another little story....after umteem blog posts about training, many more sessions actaully training, a failed attempt in Canberra, and oodles of support from friends and fellow runners, I cracked 4 hours in a marathon! I have been trying to be more concise on CoolRunning, and details things more here, but this time, i wrote the marathon story there instead < if your interested >
hmmmm.....whats next...maybe a certain run in the blue mountains next year....sounds easy...a few feet is so much shorter then 42.2km!! right??
Last weekend was just perfect....It started with a weekend away at Manly, a very special place for us from when we first started seeing each other, and the perfect place to go for a walk to a look out over the ocean...We planned to go all the way to the north head, but as the sun was setting behind us, and a school of dolphins swimming below us...( and began getting nervous I could hide the ring from her much longer), I asked Rach to marry me, with a ring presented just so....and she went still...nothing....and then out came a few omg's!! Is that a yes I asked?? “Yes it’s a yes!!”
The kids are so excited - actually they were with me when I bought the ring, so they did a good job keeping it a secret for so long!!!
Now, this is very relevant to a running blog – Rach and I started running together 3 years ago…the same time we started seeing each other. Over that time, we have cheered each other on, gotten each other out of bed to go train (well, rach gets me out - I am too sleepy!), driven each other around to events, nursed each others aches, pains and frustrations – and along the way went from being colleagues, to an item, then a couple, then a family, and soon husband and wife.
See what running can do!
ohh.....another little story....after umteem blog posts about training, many more sessions actaully training, a failed attempt in Canberra, and oodles of support from friends and fellow runners, I cracked 4 hours in a marathon! I have been trying to be more concise on CoolRunning, and details things more here, but this time, i wrote the marathon story there instead < if your interested >
hmmmm.....whats next...maybe a certain run in the blue mountains next year....sounds easy...a few feet is so much shorter then 42.2km!! right??
Saturday, July 28, 2007
dear diary....ntr
Its the night before the cities marathon, and the word for the night is melancholy.
Mouse left for Chicago today - and whilst we fought back tears at the departure door, they flowed when she left and the doors slid shut....Opportunities to experience what she is doing are few and far between and need to be embraced whole heartedly and I am proud of her ability to grasp this one inspite of some fears....she is missed already ( me and the kids ), but I am excited to hear how the trip over was, and how her adventure began!
So...focus now....i have done 223 km (but who is counting..) in last 8 weeks leading up to tomorrow. I dare not blow that, and the wave of goodvibes i am getting from lots of people, by not getting my act together tonight and in the morning!
Feeling better now I have gotten a little of my feelings out into the almost anonymous ether...I am off to lay my clothes out for tomorrow, have a green tea, shower and get to bed....oh..and eat a little chocolate for Rach( ;-) love you babe... )
Mouse left for Chicago today - and whilst we fought back tears at the departure door, they flowed when she left and the doors slid shut....Opportunities to experience what she is doing are few and far between and need to be embraced whole heartedly and I am proud of her ability to grasp this one inspite of some fears....she is missed already ( me and the kids ), but I am excited to hear how the trip over was, and how her adventure began!
So...focus now....i have done 223 km (but who is counting..) in last 8 weeks leading up to tomorrow. I dare not blow that, and the wave of goodvibes i am getting from lots of people, by not getting my act together tonight and in the morning!
Feeling better now I have gotten a little of my feelings out into the almost anonymous ether...I am off to lay my clothes out for tomorrow, have a green tea, shower and get to bed....oh..and eat a little chocolate for Rach( ;-) love you babe... )
Sunday, July 22, 2007
We are getting married!!
That's right folks, Nite_time_runner and Mouse are engaged!!
We spent the night in Manly last night, at an apartment we first went to when we met. After a walk along the beach and up the hill to the lookout next to North Head, we saw dolphins playing in the sea, it was beautiful! Nite_time_runner then asked me to marry him. I was totally shocked and very quiet (which for me is amazing) but managed to squeak out a resounding YES!
I was ok until I spoke to my parents and they were both a bit teary so that started me off but I could not get the smile off my face and still haven't :-) We then celebrated with champagne and pizza in our room before heading to the pub to watch the soccer and have a couple of beers. The night was perfect - very low key and very "us".
I messaged a few close friends and their support and happiness for us was overwhelming.
It is a bit sad though, I head to Chicago next Saturday for 3 months, but after that I am meting Ian in London and we have a month to travel Europe and see the world. I can't wait for that bit!! It is hard to leave my husband-to-be and my soon to be step kids here though and the 3 months in the US will be tough. But with the blog, our web cams, email and phones I am sure we will manage.
I am sure NTR will write more soon but I just had to share the good news :-)
We spent the night in Manly last night, at an apartment we first went to when we met. After a walk along the beach and up the hill to the lookout next to North Head, we saw dolphins playing in the sea, it was beautiful! Nite_time_runner then asked me to marry him. I was totally shocked and very quiet (which for me is amazing) but managed to squeak out a resounding YES!
I was ok until I spoke to my parents and they were both a bit teary so that started me off but I could not get the smile off my face and still haven't :-) We then celebrated with champagne and pizza in our room before heading to the pub to watch the soccer and have a couple of beers. The night was perfect - very low key and very "us".
I messaged a few close friends and their support and happiness for us was overwhelming.
It is a bit sad though, I head to Chicago next Saturday for 3 months, but after that I am meting Ian in London and we have a month to travel Europe and see the world. I can't wait for that bit!! It is hard to leave my husband-to-be and my soon to be step kids here though and the 3 months in the US will be tough. But with the blog, our web cams, email and phones I am sure we will manage.
I am sure NTR will write more soon but I just had to share the good news :-)
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
no running for me today...(ntr)
it was the coldest day for years today!! Ice covered my neighbourhood...this is from our park across the road! I don't do ice and cold very well! I am not an eskimo after all!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
two weeks to go (ntr)
It’s exactly two weeks till the Cities marathon - my next target run. I hope it is warmer then today - went below zero over night, with the car not under the carport covered in ice!! If it is like this, I will def wear gloves and a long sleeve shirt over my running singlet until i thaw out. I could even place a hot skim latte with two sugars at the drink station instead of Gatorade to warm me up!! ;-) I have been getting great support and encouragement from Mouse, the kids, blog and CR friends, which has been great! THANKS! 
I feel obliged now to give it my all!!
i am over my cold, which is great! I have not done all the running in the program i was trying to stick to, but i did do two cool runs!
1) woodford to glenbrook trail run - a tough first 12km, then nice slightly downhill last 12km.. Given I walked HEAPS of the uphill in the first 12km, i finished with a good average pace, so the last 13km must have been good for getting used to faster running. It was freezing to start with, but finished up really beautiful. Rach and I were just finishing off a small picnic at the end ( my favourite picnic food: bbq chicken from woolies, and a coffee! ) when it started to rain. So we left at good time. It was a good run, and a good day.
2) 6 * 800metre intervals at Blacktown Olympic Park. Although not quite allowed, I did some good laps there on Friday. A lady there told me i needed a permit to use the track, and then only between 4-8pm.She was kind enough to let me continue and for my girls to play around the grand stand for another 30-40 mins though. **** That said, I am sure a better system must exist for the use of facilities paid for by tax payers. I can see the need to maintain the standard of the track ( ie rules to follow on the track ), give special consideration to carnivals, sports clinics etc ( ie time the track is open and closed to public ).
However, charging $80 for a 6 month permit seems a little wrong, given it was tax payer funded in 1999, and you get nothing for the money - no insurance, no supervision ( T&C tell you how to direct your own ambulance! ). I think a nominal fee ( $5 ) to cover administration of issuing an id card and to ensure you agree to and understand the rules of the facility would be fairer to the public. I can’t see the public beating a path to their door to run laps, but for runners who want to use the track, the option is a good one. Just like the Blacktown library - free for everyone, worth a lot more then a synthetic track and well managed via taxes and rates. .
I have done a shorter recovery run too, and I think I’ve taken basil for a run too, but not much else. I need to focus now on keeping it up though, i tend to over indulge in the tapering process!!
I've also done some work on the SMC website - just small stuff updating static pages and adding some links to forms. Nice to help, and good to get a feel for web stuff again. I was never really into it, but have made some pages for uni, and one when I selling software once. Not very fancy. I need to learn how to use MySQL and PHP to improve the race results process. My idea is to have it uploaded easily (read that as not just me able to do it) and runners can filter on various things like name, bib, gender, age group, race type etc etc. I have no idea how to do it, but it should be a fun learning curve!
I have been getting into the idea of "the world wide half" thru the Phidipdations podcast I listen too occasionally. Basically, on or about October 13-14, people from around the world acknowledge each other and run a half marathon - anywhere you like. I like the idea of knowing that on that weekend, runners anywhere and everywhere are doing something outdoors, challenging and sharing the spirit. SMC have a race on that weekend, so I will be doing that course for my part. If other are interested, you can check it out here, and maybe we can do SMC together?
After being a bit run down and a big week at work, Mouse is off riding today with a friend - first time on the road, so i am sure she is a little nervous - and cold! I am looking forward to her ride report!!
I feel obliged now to give it my all!!i am over my cold, which is great! I have not done all the running in the program i was trying to stick to, but i did do two cool runs!
1) woodford to glenbrook trail run - a tough first 12km, then nice slightly downhill last 12km.. Given I walked HEAPS of the uphill in the first 12km, i finished with a good average pace, so the last 13km must have been good for getting used to faster running. It was freezing to start with, but finished up really beautiful. Rach and I were just finishing off a small picnic at the end ( my favourite picnic food: bbq chicken from woolies, and a coffee! ) when it started to rain. So we left at good time. It was a good run, and a good day.
2) 6 * 800metre intervals at Blacktown Olympic Park. Although not quite allowed, I did some good laps there on Friday. A lady there told me i needed a permit to use the track, and then only between 4-8pm.She was kind enough to let me continue and for my girls to play around the grand stand for another 30-40 mins though. ****
However, charging $80 for a 6 month permit seems a little wrong, given it was tax payer funded in 1999, and you get nothing for the money - no insurance, no supervision ( T&C tell you how to direct your own ambulance! ). I think a nominal fee ( $5 ) to cover administration of issuing an id card and to ensure you agree to and understand the rules of the facility would be fairer to the public. I can’t see the public beating a path to their door to run laps, but for runners who want to use the track, the option is a good one. Just like the Blacktown library - free for everyone, worth a lot more then a synthetic track and well managed via taxes and rates. .
I have done a shorter recovery run too, and I think I’ve taken basil for a run too, but not much else. I need to focus now on keeping it up though, i tend to over indulge in the tapering process!!
I've also done some work on the SMC website - just small stuff updating static pages and adding some links to forms. Nice to help, and good to get a feel for web stuff again. I was never really into it, but have made some pages for uni, and one when I selling software once. Not very fancy. I need to learn how to use MySQL and PHP to improve the race results process. My idea is to have it uploaded easily (read that as not just me able to do it) and runners can filter on various things like name, bib, gender, age group, race type etc etc. I have no idea how to do it, but it should be a fun learning curve!
I have been getting into the idea of "the world wide half" thru the Phidipdations podcast I listen too occasionally. Basically, on or about October 13-14, people from around the world acknowledge each other and run a half marathon - anywhere you like. I like the idea of knowing that on that weekend, runners anywhere and everywhere are doing something outdoors, challenging and sharing the spirit. SMC have a race on that weekend, so I will be doing that course for my part. If other are interested, you can check it out here, and maybe we can do SMC together?
After being a bit run down and a big week at work, Mouse is off riding today with a friend - first time on the road, so i am sure she is a little nervous - and cold! I am looking forward to her ride report!!
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
sniff sniff....(NTR)
all this running business makes me sick i have realised! I've got a cold this week, and i think its from some early morning adventures! On Sunday, i did a 37km run - yeah thats right, nearly marathon! I did it in 3:29 which i am really chuffed with. The best part of it, was that i felt great and like i could have gone on to run another 5 km in 30 mins. I really hope i have the same good fortune on July 29 at Cities.
I have been stiff and sore in the legs since the run, but last night had a good jog with Mouse, and the legs feel much better. Again, it was great to just run without a pace or program to achieve last night - and Basil the Beagle came to!
We are going to our first Striders 10km run this weekend - i am interested to see the disposition and attitude of the people there, as this is the first we have been to. Only other 10km runs we have done are SMC or fun runs.
I just watched Craig Mottram win the 5km race in Ostrava ( dont ask me where that is!! ) - he did it in 13:05. That is amazing! He was the only non-african i could see in the race, and makes his pace look so easy and natural!!
I am off now to sniff, sneeze and wallow in my own self pity...i am entitle to that for a day surely!!
I have been stiff and sore in the legs since the run, but last night had a good jog with Mouse, and the legs feel much better. Again, it was great to just run without a pace or program to achieve last night - and Basil the Beagle came to!
We are going to our first Striders 10km run this weekend - i am interested to see the disposition and attitude of the people there, as this is the first we have been to. Only other 10km runs we have done are SMC or fun runs.
I just watched Craig Mottram win the 5km race in Ostrava ( dont ask me where that is!! ) - he did it in 13:05. That is amazing! He was the only non-african i could see in the race, and makes his pace look so easy and natural!!
I am off now to sniff, sneeze and wallow in my own self pity...i am entitle to that for a day surely!!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
beagles can't do 3km in 15mins (ntr)
Ran last night with basil our beagle. 2 X 15min intervals at 5:00 pace. I can run 3km faster then him. Not a problem, except for the short lead we have.
Monday, June 25, 2007
4 weeks out...(ntr)
well its four weeks out from my next target race - the cities marathon! I have no doubt i can propel myself 42.2km, but need to get in a solid high 30'skm run this weekend to gauge my ability to do it in a pace I'd be really happy with.
Having joined strider's, i decided to give their group runs a "run" for the last two weeks. Two weeks, two different locations, and two totally different experiences! The first week was a 30km around Drummoyne - over iron cove and gladeseville bridge, and back around to the swimming pool. This was done with the 6am group, a constant group of about 10, at a steady pace, with water breaks along the way. CR PaulC was in this group, so it was good to meet him ( he is a fellow Cities contender!! ) I finished in about 2:40mins - i really good time for me. Yesterday, it was a run from Lane Cove NP, up and around Mowbray Rd, around Willoughby and back via Pymble to the start. The 6am group was actually a different group this time, very supportive but a tad slower, and they were doing the shorter run. Instead i did the longer version ( from 15km onwards ) essentially alone, (minus about 10mins with a Wayne, a long term strider! ) . I was wet, cold, a little lost at times, and flat. I stopped for a Mars Bar ( dripping a few litres into the shop at 7:30am!) and pushed on and finished 31km in 3:28mins. A pretty slow time, mostly done alone. I know it was a quickly organised run instead of no run, but i was bit confused all the same!! Mind you, the last 7 km or so ( from Pymble ) was great - mist in the air, running through the NP on tracks - that made up for the km's of rolling hills next to the railway line!
I am definitely back on the M7 for the remainder of the training though....shame i missed quite a few M7'ers last weekend who did runs...i really think it was my loss this weekend :-(
Other training...8km done in 39:38 at Parra Park ( my fastest time recorded by them!! ) in a handicap event on Friday, and a relaxed 8km on a cold night, to drop off a way over due DVD ??!!
Also, Mouse and I went to SMC Presentation dinner. We both got bling!!!! Rach won the 10km series for her age group!! I got a commentarative award for my Maiden Marathon at the Gold Coast in 06. It was a nice relaxed night, celebrating community running.I was glad to volunteer to join the committee and will most likely be the webmaster for their site. Its been ages since i have done actual web work, but i am sure I'll be fine - hey - i can blog and post on coolrunning! ( ...and the secret weapon....mouse - she's real clever on 'puters...and i have some smart tech guys working for me!! "yes, of course posting the race results is work related!!! )
Kids are away next week for the holidays...i think i will run to work a few times ( 18km ) and get in some solid cities training.....we'll see!!
Having joined strider's, i decided to give their group runs a "run" for the last two weeks. Two weeks, two different locations, and two totally different experiences! The first week was a 30km around Drummoyne - over iron cove and gladeseville bridge, and back around to the swimming pool. This was done with the 6am group, a constant group of about 10, at a steady pace, with water breaks along the way. CR PaulC was in this group, so it was good to meet him ( he is a fellow Cities contender!! ) I finished in about 2:40mins - i really good time for me. Yesterday, it was a run from Lane Cove NP, up and around Mowbray Rd, around Willoughby and back via Pymble to the start. The 6am group was actually a different group this time, very supportive but a tad slower, and they were doing the shorter run. Instead i did the longer version ( from 15km onwards ) essentially alone, (minus about 10mins with a Wayne, a long term strider! ) . I was wet, cold, a little lost at times, and flat. I stopped for a Mars Bar ( dripping a few litres into the shop at 7:30am!) and pushed on and finished 31km in 3:28mins. A pretty slow time, mostly done alone. I know it was a quickly organised run instead of no run, but i was bit confused all the same!! Mind you, the last 7 km or so ( from Pymble ) was great - mist in the air, running through the NP on tracks - that made up for the km's of rolling hills next to the railway line!
I am definitely back on the M7 for the remainder of the training though....shame i missed quite a few M7'ers last weekend who did runs...i really think it was my loss this weekend :-(
Other training...8km done in 39:38 at Parra Park ( my fastest time recorded by them!! ) in a handicap event on Friday, and a relaxed 8km on a cold night, to drop off a way over due DVD ??!!
Also, Mouse and I went to SMC Presentation dinner. We both got bling!!!! Rach won the 10km series for her age group!! I got a commentarative award for my Maiden Marathon at the Gold Coast in 06. It was a nice relaxed night, celebrating community running.I was glad to volunteer to join the committee and will most likely be the webmaster for their site. Its been ages since i have done actual web work, but i am sure I'll be fine - hey - i can blog and post on coolrunning! ( ...and the secret weapon....mouse - she's real clever on 'puters...and i have some smart tech guys working for me!! "yes, of course posting the race results is work related!!! )
Kids are away next week for the holidays...i think i will run to work a few times ( 18km ) and get in some solid cities training.....we'll see!!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Quiet as a mouse... (Mouse)
I have been very quiet this week, I guess with work, home and training the blog has taken a bit of a beating!! I have however, got some news for everyone...
Mouse is entering the Chicago Marathon!!
I need to enter through a Charity and the one I am most interested in at the moment is called Global Business Assist - http://www.gba.org/templates/cusgba/details.asp?id=21323&PID=403919. They help provide strategic business support to developing communities, as well as reflief and aid funding. They are involved in helping build successful, educated and profitable communities, as opposed to ones which are just surviving on aid efforts.
So... in short I need to add a lot more running to my exercise calendar - eek.... I am hoping to get some corporate sponsorship as well as fundraise through friends. I still need my entry confirmed by GBA but hopefully it will all be sorted and I can get fundraising!!
Off to the shops with NTR and kids, NTR went to Striders STaR this morning so has given me some "Me" time with coffee and the papers while he took the kids out for a while. Thanks babe!! After a weekend inside with the rain and 3 energetic kids, I needed it :)
Also off to update my training calendar with more runs - I am very excited but very nervous as well. Only goal is to finish in around 5 hrs, anything near that will see me a very happy little Mouse. Oh and the merchandise is great too, the ladies will appreciate that, check out the jackets here: http://www.nbwebexpress.com/detail.asp?type=&style=WRJ7305M
Mouse is entering the Chicago Marathon!!
I need to enter through a Charity and the one I am most interested in at the moment is called Global Business Assist - http://www.gba.org/templates/cusgba/details.asp?id=21323&PID=403919. They help provide strategic business support to developing communities, as well as reflief and aid funding. They are involved in helping build successful, educated and profitable communities, as opposed to ones which are just surviving on aid efforts.
So... in short I need to add a lot more running to my exercise calendar - eek.... I am hoping to get some corporate sponsorship as well as fundraise through friends. I still need my entry confirmed by GBA but hopefully it will all be sorted and I can get fundraising!!
Off to the shops with NTR and kids, NTR went to Striders STaR this morning so has given me some "Me" time with coffee and the papers while he took the kids out for a while. Thanks babe!! After a weekend inside with the rain and 3 energetic kids, I needed it :)
Also off to update my training calendar with more runs - I am very excited but very nervous as well. Only goal is to finish in around 5 hrs, anything near that will see me a very happy little Mouse. Oh and the merchandise is great too, the ladies will appreciate that, check out the jackets here: http://www.nbwebexpress.com/detail.asp?type=&style=WRJ7305M
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
two runs and under 9 cross country ...(NTR)
quick note to record two training runs - both done at lunch time during the week which is weird.
Yesterday i did 4 X 3 min intervals at a park near work - really tough, and i think the average pace was about 5:00min per km.
Today, it was an 80 min run. I managed 14.5km up to Rooty Hill and back - i half expected to see CR BluesB who runs that part at lunch time i think.
I had the great pleasure of seeing middle NTR jnr compete in the 2km u/9years area cross country this morning. It was held out at Castle Hill showground, and was well organised.
She did a great run, and my other Jnr and I cheered her on at two vantage points. She finished a few mins behind the leaders, but she just has the greatest attitude to it all - she gave it her all, as well two great smiles as she ran past us during the race , meaning she had a good time, and is enjoying her running! At that age, you can't ask for anything else! She finished in 77 - we are so proud of her!
What a good day....now, if QLD can wrap up game 2, my day would be complete!
Yesterday i did 4 X 3 min intervals at a park near work - really tough, and i think the average pace was about 5:00min per km.
Today, it was an 80 min run. I managed 14.5km up to Rooty Hill and back - i half expected to see CR BluesB who runs that part at lunch time i think.
I had the great pleasure of seeing middle NTR jnr compete in the 2km u/9years area cross country this morning. It was held out at Castle Hill showground, and was well organised.
She did a great run, and my other Jnr and I cheered her on at two vantage points. She finished a few mins behind the leaders, but she just has the greatest attitude to it all - she gave it her all, as well two great smiles as she ran past us during the race , meaning she had a good time, and is enjoying her running! At that age, you can't ask for anything else! She finished in 77 - we are so proud of her!
What a good day....now, if QLD can wrap up game 2, my day would be complete!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
zero to add ( ntr)
since last saturday i have run zip, nado, nix. Nothing. A combination of factors, culminating in wild weather and me suffering some weird headache abdominal cramps for the last few days. I went to to the Dr's today, who told me to rest, and specifically not to run tomorrow!! But, i think he is right....its seems nature is conspiring against me!! I just hate been told i cant run - its kinda ok when i make my own feeble excuses up, but i don't like being told!
I took mouse to dinner at Tetsuya's this week for her birthday - it was fantastic! The food defies logic - who thinks of cold pea and chocolate soup?? and who would know it tastes fantastic!! Mouse will no doubt write more and post some photos from it soon. For now, i will say it was exquisite!!
Mouse is out riding at the mo,' but i need to put on record what the Dr today did tell me, and things i may told mouse he told me, but really i think he just forgot to say them:
rest
what I told mouse the Dr probably meant to say:
thanks babe for helping me with everything the doctor said, and well, those things he meant to say also!
Things i listened to and watched relating to running this week:
google musing: there are about 88,100 hits for " zero to add ( ntr)".....wonder what they all are?
I took mouse to dinner at Tetsuya's this week for her birthday - it was fantastic! The food defies logic - who thinks of cold pea and chocolate soup?? and who would know it tastes fantastic!! Mouse will no doubt write more and post some photos from it soon. For now, i will say it was exquisite!!
Mouse is out riding at the mo,' but i need to put on record what the Dr today did tell me, and things i may told mouse he told me, but really i think he just forgot to say them:
rest
- don't run
- drink plenty of water and soup
- take panadol and buscopan.
what I told mouse the Dr probably meant to say:
- don't hang washing on the line
- someone should tickle my knee ( medical term is kn-ickle )
- eat chocolate
- don't stretch from the couch to use the remote
- make sure you get lots of sympathy
- don't make your own cup of soup
thanks babe for helping me with everything the doctor said, and well, those things he meant to say also!
Things i listened to and watched relating to running this week:
- Plu's reflections on coolrunning - very cool, like plu.
- Podcast from http://phedippidations.com/ This guys runs in Oxford Massachusetts., through rain, snow, and ice!! An interesting podcast if you stick with it - i just listed episode 85 on steve prefontaine - really interesting, and sad. I use itunes to find and download podcasts..not the link above actually.
google musing: there are about 88,100 hits for " zero to add ( ntr)".....wonder what they all are?
Monday, June 4, 2007
Alcohol free weekend
After a work function (including drinks and karaoke) on Wednesday night, I felt it was time to be good on Friday and Saturday. I didn't get up for tri club on Sat though - well that was intentional, NTR had to run 25km so he got the early morning run with other CRs on the M7. I, on the other hand slept in - lovely :)
Sunday saw me take Basil for a bit of a jog, then take the two girls for a run to Nurragingy for a picnic. It was great! Played a bit of soccer, ate LOTS and generally relaxed while the kids played.
Today I got up for spin, and also did hills this evening. Trying to get into shape before the chicago trip.
Saw a pic of my accommodation today. The apartment complex has an indoor 25m pool, a health club. and its own outdoor running track - awesome!! I am getting excited and now we are looking for a 1/2 marathon to enter in November. If anyone knows of any in Europe, please comment here! Even considering a marathon if I can train enough in chicago (did i just say that????)
Sunday saw me take Basil for a bit of a jog, then take the two girls for a run to Nurragingy for a picnic. It was great! Played a bit of soccer, ate LOTS and generally relaxed while the kids played.
Today I got up for spin, and also did hills this evening. Trying to get into shape before the chicago trip.
Saw a pic of my accommodation today. The apartment complex has an indoor 25m pool, a health club. and its own outdoor running track - awesome!! I am getting excited and now we are looking for a 1/2 marathon to enter in November. If anyone knows of any in Europe, please comment here! Even considering a marathon if I can train enough in chicago (did i just say that????)
Sunday, June 3, 2007
two days only this week...(ntr)
On the running front, after a good weekend running last week, i slacked off a lot for most of this week! It was too cold, mouse had a work function...lots of excuses! Picked it up again for a run with parra park runners on friday. Had a coffee with friends just before it, so i was a few mins late ( but the coffee was good! ). I got an adjusted start time, and ran a 40:18 - second best time i have done, best time recorded by parra park runners.
Saturday saw a 30km run on the M7 from Preston Maccas. This was organised by CR's Billsy, MOH and Roddo. It was good to meet some more friendly runners. We all run together till 15km, then generally own pace back. Billsy and I shared about 5km on the way back, stopping for a walk break, then i did the last hard 5km alone. All up finished in 2:50:00. Doubtful right now i could do the extra 12km in 1:10:00 to meet my goal of a sub 4hr marathon. But, theres 2months to go, and next week i have a 36km run, which should give me a better clue perhaps.
i have had a sore 2nd toe on the right foot, for weeks, but only after long runs. I eventually saw the Dr, who gave such insightful advice "take is easy, wear good shoes". to be fair, he did get an xray organised, which confirmed nothing was broken. I ran yesterday with it taped to 3rd toe and used nurofen type gel - no problems!
On the family front, kids and mouse are all well and healthy. We all went to a vegetarian restaurant for lunch yesterday, and the kids had dosa's which are basically savory pancakes with potato and curry, about 40cm long each. they were massive! it was really fun! Then off to gymea for an engagement party, then coledale for dinner with friends. Lucky i ran yesterday...i am exhausted today!!
Mouse is getting excited about her 3 months work in chicago - it starts in about 2 months now! I am getting excited about meeting her in London when it all over for our first ( and mine ever ) overseas holiday!! 3 weeks in London, paris, prague and italy!! we are trying to find a half marathon for november this year over there! I picked up a book "see how we run" for the bargain price of $3 at a 2nd book shop this week ( whilst waiting for the xray!) in which a guy has detailed short and medium runs you can do yourself in 12 major cities. Sydney is in there, as is Chicago, London, Paris and Rome! It was such a fortunate find! Looking forward to Mouse having the Chicago experience, and our holiday at the end, but not the time apart... :-(
google musing: there are about 144,000 hits for "two days only this week...(ntr)" before posting. Wonder what they all are?
Saturday saw a 30km run on the M7 from Preston Maccas. This was organised by CR's Billsy, MOH and Roddo. It was good to meet some more friendly runners. We all run together till 15km, then generally own pace back. Billsy and I shared about 5km on the way back, stopping for a walk break, then i did the last hard 5km alone. All up finished in 2:50:00. Doubtful right now i could do the extra 12km in 1:10:00 to meet my goal of a sub 4hr marathon. But, theres 2months to go, and next week i have a 36km run, which should give me a better clue perhaps.
i have had a sore 2nd toe on the right foot, for weeks, but only after long runs. I eventually saw the Dr, who gave such insightful advice "take is easy, wear good shoes". to be fair, he did get an xray organised, which confirmed nothing was broken. I ran yesterday with it taped to 3rd toe and used nurofen type gel - no problems!
On the family front, kids and mouse are all well and healthy. We all went to a vegetarian restaurant for lunch yesterday, and the kids had dosa's which are basically savory pancakes with potato and curry, about 40cm long each. they were massive! it was really fun! Then off to gymea for an engagement party, then coledale for dinner with friends. Lucky i ran yesterday...i am exhausted today!!
Mouse is getting excited about her 3 months work in chicago - it starts in about 2 months now! I am getting excited about meeting her in London when it all over for our first ( and mine ever ) overseas holiday!! 3 weeks in London, paris, prague and italy!! we are trying to find a half marathon for november this year over there! I picked up a book "see how we run" for the bargain price of $3 at a 2nd book shop this week ( whilst waiting for the xray!) in which a guy has detailed short and medium runs you can do yourself in 12 major cities. Sydney is in there, as is Chicago, London, Paris and Rome! It was such a fortunate find! Looking forward to Mouse having the Chicago experience, and our holiday at the end, but not the time apart... :-(
google musing: there are about 144,000 hits for "two days only this week...(ntr)" before posting. Wonder what they all are?
Sunday, May 27, 2007
mixed bag...(ntr)
Mixed bag of running today - all of it really enjoyable and just for fun - not training, not going for PB's, just for fun and to enjoy to the weather and company!
Today i left at about 7:15am, and ran to BOP for Blacktown fun run. Met up with a few other CR's ( distanceline70, blues buffet, and mango) and did the 4km run. Mouse then arrived on her aqua angel ( :-) ) for the 10km run. We ran together and finished in 58mins - i said to mouse at about 300mtr into it that this was the first organised run we have done together in a very long time, and it felt great! We then kept a fairly steady pace of just under 6:00 pace for the entire event. Mouse has been doing so much training ( riding, aerobics, boxercise, tri-club) that I knew she could definitely do sub 1hour. I am very proud of her, and to have been there for her today ;-) (i am still blushing at all the sweet, yet true, things she has said about me! Can you tell we adore each other??? )
After a bacon and egg sandwich, i saddled back up, and ran home. So, all in all, 30km in 4 runs today - comprised of 8km to the fun runs at BOP, 4km race, 10km race, and 8km home. My legs feel tired now, but gee whiz it was a swell day for running.
google musing: there are bout 23,700 hits for "mixed bag...(ntr)."....wonder what they all are??
Today i left at about 7:15am, and ran to BOP for Blacktown fun run. Met up with a few other CR's ( distanceline70, blues buffet, and mango) and did the 4km run. Mouse then arrived on her aqua angel ( :-) ) for the 10km run. We ran together and finished in 58mins - i said to mouse at about 300mtr into it that this was the first organised run we have done together in a very long time, and it felt great! We then kept a fairly steady pace of just under 6:00 pace for the entire event. Mouse has been doing so much training ( riding, aerobics, boxercise, tri-club) that I knew she could definitely do sub 1hour. I am very proud of her, and to have been there for her today ;-) (i am still blushing at all the sweet, yet true, things she has said about me! Can you tell we adore each other??? )
After a bacon and egg sandwich, i saddled back up, and ran home. So, all in all, 30km in 4 runs today - comprised of 8km to the fun runs at BOP, 4km race, 10km race, and 8km home. My legs feel tired now, but gee whiz it was a swell day for running.
google musing: there are bout 23,700 hits for "mixed bag...(ntr)."....wonder what they all are??
47km in 2 days
Well I am tired, as my title says it has been a BIG weekend!! Yesterday saw us taking Basil the Beagle for a run in the morning to get the papers, then in the afternoon we did 18km together on our bikes. Then this morning I rode up the Blacktown Olympic Park (about 8-9km) for the 10km fun run. Ian was already there having run up to the park, run in the 4km and was waiting for me for the 10! We saw Mango, Blues Buffet and John (sorry mate, cannot remember your CR name!).
Ian paced me and did a wonderful job. I have been trying to get back under 1hr for 10km for about 12 months now. I went from 105, to 104, to 102 and now to 58.20!!!!!! Thanks babe, you are the sweetest, most inspiring man in my life!! I felt like I was going to vomit there for a while though, he really paced me well, kept at my limit for most of the race. Then I cycled on the M7 back home. My legs are soooo tired right now!! Think I am off to have a nap soon.
NTR has gone to the shop to buy me some M&Ms - he is taking NTR Jr to IMAX to see Spiderman 3 so I think he is trying to help me relax and enjoy the quiet house for a change!! I was craving chocolate and as always, he stepped up and offered to go buy it. I am in a mushy mood, that's right but I don't care - this is my blog and I can be mushy if I want! ;-)
A BIG thankyou to my best friend, my favourite runner, and my alround favourite person, for pushing me when I need it and taking the time to pace me and help me achieve a goal I have been chasing for the last 12 months. I better go before I make other people vomit....
P.S. I have found a name for my little girl - she is my aqua angel and from here on in, will be called Angel
Ian paced me and did a wonderful job. I have been trying to get back under 1hr for 10km for about 12 months now. I went from 105, to 104, to 102 and now to 58.20!!!!!! Thanks babe, you are the sweetest, most inspiring man in my life!! I felt like I was going to vomit there for a while though, he really paced me well, kept at my limit for most of the race. Then I cycled on the M7 back home. My legs are soooo tired right now!! Think I am off to have a nap soon.
NTR has gone to the shop to buy me some M&Ms - he is taking NTR Jr to IMAX to see Spiderman 3 so I think he is trying to help me relax and enjoy the quiet house for a change!! I was craving chocolate and as always, he stepped up and offered to go buy it. I am in a mushy mood, that's right but I don't care - this is my blog and I can be mushy if I want! ;-)
A BIG thankyou to my best friend, my favourite runner, and my alround favourite person, for pushing me when I need it and taking the time to pace me and help me achieve a goal I have been chasing for the last 12 months. I better go before I make other people vomit....
P.S. I have found a name for my little girl - she is my aqua angel and from here on in, will be called Angel
Saturday, May 26, 2007
parra park - back at last ( and bike photos) (ntr)
I had a very nice run at parra park yesterday with the group at 1pm. Last time i was there was before Canberra marathon - ages ago! Nice to run with Terry and Andre, and share a small glass (OK - plastic cup ) of champagne to celebrate a runners 88th birthday. Think about that one...88 and still doing 5km in under 50mins - i can only hope to have the facilities to do that in 50 odd years time! His birthday speech the group was " My time flies when your having fun...and it flies faster then i can run!! ".
Mouse and i got back not long ago from a really nice 5km run with Basil the beagle, via the newsagent to get a few kg's of newspapers!! Great start to the day for all 3 of us! Both of us looking forward to doubling up the 4km and 10km Blacktown fun runs tomorrow! I plan on running out there on the M7 to make up the distance i need to do for marathon training - so in all i will do 25Km, 11km on my own, and the next 14 in the two events. I will try and do the 4km hard and fast, and the 10km at 6min pace with mouse.
Also, i am looking forward to seeing spiderman at the imax afterwards too with Jnr Son.!! I won 2 tickets by calling into a radio station late last friday night - funny thing is i was just flicking stations when the DJ said "call this number for tickets", so i did and i won, but i have NO idea which station it was!! They should have atleast sent the tickets out with a letter with their logo!!
As promised....mouses bike in all its shiny glory...(more photos via the Flickr link on right hand side of blog page..)
google musing: there are 30 hits for " parra park - back at last ( and bike photos) (ntr) " - i nearly have enough time to see what they all are!
Mouse and i got back not long ago from a really nice 5km run with Basil the beagle, via the newsagent to get a few kg's of newspapers!! Great start to the day for all 3 of us! Both of us looking forward to doubling up the 4km and 10km Blacktown fun runs tomorrow! I plan on running out there on the M7 to make up the distance i need to do for marathon training - so in all i will do 25Km, 11km on my own, and the next 14 in the two events. I will try and do the 4km hard and fast, and the 10km at 6min pace with mouse.
Also, i am looking forward to seeing spiderman at the imax afterwards too with Jnr Son.!! I won 2 tickets by calling into a radio station late last friday night - funny thing is i was just flicking stations when the DJ said "call this number for tickets", so i did and i won, but i have NO idea which station it was!! They should have atleast sent the tickets out with a letter with their logo!!
As promised....mouses bike in all its shiny glory...(more photos via the Flickr link on right hand side of blog page..)
google musing: there are 30 hits for " parra park - back at last ( and bike photos) (ntr) " - i nearly have enough time to see what they all are!
Friday, May 25, 2007
Excited little mouse
I have been very quiet but at least I have been active since getting over my cold. Lots of spin, pump, riding and yes - running!! It feels good not just to run (I run quite often) but it feels good to FEEL GOOD runing, it has bene a while. Too much food, too many late nights have seen me lose a lot of fitness. It has turned a bit too cold to brave a swim now, I hate cold water with a passion. I wonder if I could swim in a pool with a wet suit on?
Bike porn to come soon, NTR and I took some photos of my baby yesterday. I went for a ride at lunch, took 7mins off my previous best time for the 20km course I do on the M7. My little girl is coming through with the goods! I keep pulling her out of the shed, not always to ride her, sometimes just to look and make her nice and shiny. I am thinking of naming her but nothing has come to mind yet, will wait and see what kind of personality she develops.
I have brick tomorrow and NTR is coming too - yippee! off to work now, busy busy busy.
Oh, I am definitely heading to Chicago in July for 3-4 months to work, only 2 months away - eek!!!!!! The trip will include the Chicago Half Marathon and when NTR and I make our travel plans for Europe after my work trip, we may try for one in Italy or France also. So exciting!
Bike porn to come soon, NTR and I took some photos of my baby yesterday. I went for a ride at lunch, took 7mins off my previous best time for the 20km course I do on the M7. My little girl is coming through with the goods! I keep pulling her out of the shed, not always to ride her, sometimes just to look and make her nice and shiny. I am thinking of naming her but nothing has come to mind yet, will wait and see what kind of personality she develops.
I have brick tomorrow and NTR is coming too - yippee! off to work now, busy busy busy.
Oh, I am definitely heading to Chicago in July for 3-4 months to work, only 2 months away - eek!!!!!! The trip will include the Chicago Half Marathon and when NTR and I make our travel plans for Europe after my work trip, we may try for one in Italy or France also. So exciting!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
hillbilly half...(ntr)
after a week of no running due to a cold and general absolute exhaustion, todays long run was blerk. I knew 1km in that this would be ugly and it was. I just felt so flat, and not into it - all i could hear in my head was "am i bovvered?".
That aside, this was a good new route for me - basically from quakers hill out to riverstone and back, via the big rural blocks, where it seemed everyone had something for sale, something rusting, and a sheep,goat and cow. A much needed change of scenery from the M7. The general direction suggested by CR enjay - cheers. This is a course that will no doubt become a regular long run for me. The gmap of it is here: hillbilly half
This coming week is the week of proper eating, sleeping and training!!! Yah, bring it on!
Google musing... about 13,600 hits for hillbilly half...(ntr) before posting. Wonder what they all are.
That aside, this was a good new route for me - basically from quakers hill out to riverstone and back, via the big rural blocks, where it seemed everyone had something for sale, something rusting, and a sheep,goat and cow. A much needed change of scenery from the M7. The general direction suggested by CR enjay - cheers. This is a course that will no doubt become a regular long run for me. The gmap of it is here: hillbilly half
This coming week is the week of proper eating, sleeping and training!!! Yah, bring it on!
Google musing... about 13,600 hits for hillbilly half...(ntr) before posting. Wonder what they all are.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
gotta love that fog...(ntr)
feeling energised today from a interval session this morning in the fog at 5:20am! It was tough getting up, but i did mine so rach had time for her ride on her new shiny UFO-like bike!
20 mins warm up, stretches, and then 5 X 2min cruise intervals ( just under 5:00 pace) with 1 min jogging rests between each, with a 10 min cool down jog.
The fog was mystic and beautiful, with the street lamps only just radiated through it. I loved it. ( 5am is still night time right? )
A good thing about getting up early for this...i have read the newspaper, cleared a few emails, cleaned up and am ready to go to work organised!
Google Muse: gotta love that fog...(ntr) has only 496 hits in google...wonder what they all are.
20 mins warm up, stretches, and then 5 X 2min cruise intervals ( just under 5:00 pace) with 1 min jogging rests between each, with a 10 min cool down jog.
The fog was mystic and beautiful, with the street lamps only just radiated through it. I loved it. ( 5am is still night time right? )
A good thing about getting up early for this...i have read the newspaper, cleared a few emails, cleaned up and am ready to go to work organised!
Google Muse: gotta love that fog...(ntr) has only 496 hits in google...wonder what they all are.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Sick Mouse
I have a cold and have not done much the last few days. Have still done my usual spin and pump classes this week but not much outdoor riding or running. Pity too, I bought a new bike last week - she is beautiful and I have been itching to ride but coughing a lot too so exercise is hard.
I did manage brick yesterday, Ian came too which was great. My new bike is a dream to ride and I had a really great morning all in all.
Off to bed, spin tomorrow morning and hopefully chest will be cleared up enough to get out and ride - yah!!!!
I did manage brick yesterday, Ian came too which was great. My new bike is a dream to ride and I had a really great morning all in all.
Off to bed, spin tomorrow morning and hopefully chest will be cleared up enough to get out and ride - yah!!!!
...but i was 3 hours late.. (ntr)
Past week has been hectic!! I was at a conference in Darling Harbour Tuesday and Wednesday, which is right pain to get to from Quakers Hill, and means organising babysitters for the kids after school, but it did mean mouse and I got to travel in by train together, which was nice - even amongst thousands of people crammed in the train, it was good to spend time together!
Work commitments meant i missed seeing Jnr No.2 do her u9 cross country run at zone this week. Well, she came 6th and is now going to the "area" carnival! I learnt a few things from this:
As for my training, it is feeling good:
Monday - very light bike ride (not feeling well, but needed to test the new bike i have)
Tuesday - 2.5km warm up, with 4x80m at full speed, with walk back recovery, and a 1km jog home to cool down
Wednesday - i did 10km, as hard as i could. No sure if this was effective or not, as my speed was either 4.30=>5.00 or 10:00 ( walking, exhausted..) Not exactly as planned, but felt good to do a few kms at a fast pace! I did walk about 4 times though.
Thursday - day off
Friday - having missed parra park runners at 1pm due to work commitments, i stopped by after work (4pm) and run the exact same 8.33km course - start, finish, laps - all the same. And I ran a personal course PB of 38:49!! The closest i have come prior was 40.54 November 06, and 40.57 in march 07. Shame i did not run it 3 hours earlier, so i could share some post race,exhausted excitement with the parra park runners - instead i walked back to the car with a big smile on my face, and still have not reset my watch!
Saturday - 19km ride, 4km run... back to parra park for a training session with the Hill Tri Club. I have never gone before ( i dont do tri...i sink after 50mtrs in water!) but Rach does, and she has a new bike to show off! I tried to keep up with her on the bike legs, and we ran together on the run legs. A really good session - if the moons align and I can go again, i will for sure! The people there are really friendly and supportive - low key and hospitable like SMC.
Not sure if i will get to the 18km planned run today..mothers day events are planned, all of which involve lots of eating....maybe a late run tonight is on the cards...
Whilst running this week, listened to a good podcast by Jimmy Wales, founder of wikipedia...very interesting if your into online communities ...( like blogs, Coolrunning, etc etc!!! )
Google Musing: there were 92,000 Google hits on "...but i was 3 hours late.. (ntr)" before posting.
Work commitments meant i missed seeing Jnr No.2 do her u9 cross country run at zone this week. Well, she came 6th and is now going to the "area" carnival! I learnt a few things from this:
- she enjoys running and is good at it!
- my tactic of "jog at the start, sprint at the end" works for her, and she remembered it
- she knows how to work the crowd...when i asked how she went, she frowns, and says "it was hard", (frown some more) "it was really hot, and i only finished 6th" ( still frowning, milking sympathetic sounds from everyone she tells...) "SO I AM GOING TO AREA!" ( no longer frowning, but jumping up and down!)
As for my training, it is feeling good:
Monday - very light bike ride (not feeling well, but needed to test the new bike i have)
Tuesday - 2.5km warm up, with 4x80m at full speed, with walk back recovery, and a 1km jog home to cool down
Wednesday - i did 10km, as hard as i could. No sure if this was effective or not, as my speed was either 4.30=>5.00 or 10:00 ( walking, exhausted..) Not exactly as planned, but felt good to do a few kms at a fast pace! I did walk about 4 times though.
Thursday - day off
Friday - having missed parra park runners at 1pm due to work commitments, i stopped by after work (4pm) and run the exact same 8.33km course - start, finish, laps - all the same. And I ran a personal course PB of 38:49!! The closest i have come prior was 40.54 November 06, and 40.57 in march 07. Shame i did not run it 3 hours earlier, so i could share some post race,exhausted excitement with the parra park runners - instead i walked back to the car with a big smile on my face, and still have not reset my watch!
Saturday - 19km ride, 4km run... back to parra park for a training session with the Hill Tri Club. I have never gone before ( i dont do tri...i sink after 50mtrs in water!) but Rach does, and she has a new bike to show off! I tried to keep up with her on the bike legs, and we ran together on the run legs. A really good session - if the moons align and I can go again, i will for sure! The people there are really friendly and supportive - low key and hospitable like SMC.
Not sure if i will get to the 18km planned run today..mothers day events are planned, all of which involve lots of eating....maybe a late run tonight is on the cards...
Whilst running this week, listened to a good podcast by Jimmy Wales, founder of wikipedia...very interesting if your into online communities ...( like blogs, Coolrunning, etc etc!!! )
Google Musing: there were 92,000 Google hits on "...but i was 3 hours late.. (ntr)" before posting.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
long run and a new bike (ntr)
a good weekend - shame its nearly over...
yesterday, mouse and I went to pick a road bike she bought for me off ebay (thanks babe! ) - i don't know too much about bikes/brands/specs, but it looks good, handles well, and the gears just click into where they are supposed to - perfect for me. I am dreading and excited about doing a BRICK session with mouse and the hills tri club on saturday - i think its going to hurt!
As we picked the bike up from Brighton le-sands at about 6pm, the girls and I had a small night time picnic on the waters edge counting planes and staring at the massive fullmoon last night! A really cool night for all of us, very different to what we would normally consider for dinner!
As for running, i did a 28km run today, in 2:41 mins, which is 5:45 pace - exactly what i wanted. Spot on. So far, my new training regime is going OK - i like the variety in it. A lot of cyclists out today - most ignored my greetings, some flew past within cm's of my elbow...very different to what i normally see. Maybe they should run instead, seems that riding makes them grumpy. ( mental note: when riding on m7, acknowledge all runners! )
Mouse got a great recipe today for healthy scones from rellies visiting from QLD......cant wait for her to try it out!!
Dumb musing: Before posting this, a google on the title "long run and a new bike (ntr)" results in 22,900 results...wonder what they all are?
yesterday, mouse and I went to pick a road bike she bought for me off ebay (thanks babe! ) - i don't know too much about bikes/brands/specs, but it looks good, handles well, and the gears just click into where they are supposed to - perfect for me. I am dreading and excited about doing a BRICK session with mouse and the hills tri club on saturday - i think its going to hurt!
As we picked the bike up from Brighton le-sands at about 6pm, the girls and I had a small night time picnic on the waters edge counting planes and staring at the massive fullmoon last night! A really cool night for all of us, very different to what we would normally consider for dinner!
As for running, i did a 28km run today, in 2:41 mins, which is 5:45 pace - exactly what i wanted. Spot on. So far, my new training regime is going OK - i like the variety in it. A lot of cyclists out today - most ignored my greetings, some flew past within cm's of my elbow...very different to what i normally see. Maybe they should run instead, seems that riding makes them grumpy. ( mental note: when riding on m7, acknowledge all runners! )
Mouse got a great recipe today for healthy scones from rellies visiting from QLD......cant wait for her to try it out!!
Dumb musing: Before posting this, a google on the title "long run and a new bike (ntr)" results in 22,900 results...wonder what they all are?
Thursday, May 3, 2007
A boxing mouse
I went to a Boxing class today at Norwest, it was great! Lots of punching, running around and situps and pushups galore. We had an American instructor who was very "military" and I "dropped and gave him twenty" quite a few times throughout the class. It was pretty hilarious actually, very typically American - almost a Dr Phil on steroids "if you can't feel the pain, you're not getting the gain honey".
I also did Pump on Tuesday and spin yesterday - I am still sore from Pump, man those Pump classes better work as they are damn painful! Going for a run tomorrow night and have Brick on Saturday plus long run on Sunday so a very active weekend ahead. We also have to re-roof our pergola so busy, busy, busy.
NTR was tru to his name last night, coming home from his run close to 11pm. Would be fine if I did not have to get up at 5! Hmmmm, we need to work on our bed times a bit me thinks.
I also did Pump on Tuesday and spin yesterday - I am still sore from Pump, man those Pump classes better work as they are damn painful! Going for a run tomorrow night and have Brick on Saturday plus long run on Sunday so a very active weekend ahead. We also have to re-roof our pergola so busy, busy, busy.
NTR was tru to his name last night, coming home from his run close to 11pm. Would be fine if I did not have to get up at 5! Hmmmm, we need to work on our bed times a bit me thinks.
nite_time_runner by name...
I hit the M7 for a 1:30min run last night from 9:10pm. The cruise intervals, plus half marathon etc, must doing something to me - the run felt hard, the legs sore! Average pace was 6:02km/min, which includes a few mins stretching. I mad sure i had all new songs on the ipod and enjoyed the cool air and solitude.
Today is a day off -yeah! Fingers and toes crossed i can get to parra park runners tomorrow lunchtime!
Today is a day off -yeah! Fingers and toes crossed i can get to parra park runners tomorrow lunchtime!
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
always start a program on the scheduled "Day Off" - NTR
thanks Paul for the training program from endurance training - i have started the novice program for the marathon. I can say i started at the end of week 6 ( lucky for me it was called "day off"!! ), but have now done:
Day Off
Long Aerobic 20km ( bathurst half )
Cross Training - 40 mins on my rusty mountain bike last night.
Run Cruise Intervals - did this today, looking like a sponsor board for Aldi, wearing the brand new long pants and jacket!
Funny thing i noticed...my 8km bike ride last night was only a few mins faster then my 8km fast run....to which i told Mouse "gee i must a really really fast runner to go as fast as a bike" The fact my bike and I squeaks, clicks and sings with amusement as i ride, it did not occur to me that this explains my cruisy ride speed!
I am feeling really good lately - energy levels way up, i think i am more relaxed, and the whole family are just eating better and enjoying each others time a lot more in the last month or so. Mouses kick start program, the trip to canberra and some time off work have done us all wonders!!
Day Off
Long Aerobic 20km ( bathurst half )
Cross Training - 40 mins on my rusty mountain bike last night.
Run Cruise Intervals - did this today, looking like a sponsor board for Aldi, wearing the brand new long pants and jacket!
Funny thing i noticed...my 8km bike ride last night was only a few mins faster then my 8km fast run....to which i told Mouse "gee i must a really really fast runner to go as fast as a bike" The fact my bike and I squeaks, clicks and sings with amusement as i ride, it did not occur to me that this explains my cruisy ride speed!
I am feeling really good lately - energy levels way up, i think i am more relaxed, and the whole family are just eating better and enjoying each others time a lot more in the last month or so. Mouses kick start program, the trip to canberra and some time off work have done us all wonders!!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Week 2 and mouse is still smiling
Of course my smile could be due to the microwave popcorn I just ate but let's say its the exercise... I did a lot of gym work last week, lots of spin classes and some weights - good stuff!! I feel great but getting tired of the early starts. Need a sleep in me thinks.
Weekend was fun, had a great chat to Des while Benny and Ian ran the Bathurst 1/2. Was pretty pleased to see Benny come in before Ian, proving hard work pays off!! I think Ian is learning raw talent can only take you so far, he needs to train now to get the big improvements!! I still think he was the best runner out there (sorry Benny), not to mention the best looking and as always, I am very proud of his run.
Tomorrow AM is my turn for a run, probably and iPod assisted 8km, and tomorrow night I am going to take myself to a pump class at the gym. I have not done one for ages - I am very excited! Haha.
Yawn, stretch, yawn... bed time..,...
Weekend was fun, had a great chat to Des while Benny and Ian ran the Bathurst 1/2. Was pretty pleased to see Benny come in before Ian, proving hard work pays off!! I think Ian is learning raw talent can only take you so far, he needs to train now to get the big improvements!! I still think he was the best runner out there (sorry Benny), not to mention the best looking and as always, I am very proud of his run.
Tomorrow AM is my turn for a run, probably and iPod assisted 8km, and tomorrow night I am going to take myself to a pump class at the gym. I have not done one for ages - I am very excited! Haha.
Yawn, stretch, yawn... bed time..,...
Sunday, April 29, 2007
a day in the county ( ntr)
I did the Bathurst Half Marathon today - a really good event, great scenery - a local event like the Lindfield Fun Run etc.
A good day - finished the run feeling good in 1:52:xx, and am happy with that. Asthma got me right at the start, so i discarded my 1:45 aim pretty early on. My right arm/shoulder was sore about half way into it, and i stopped to stretch it - maybe just from sleeping wrong...who knows? I also felt dehydrated today - there were 3 drink stations, and i had 2 cups at each. At SMC, i normally have 1-2 drinks at 7 stations, so thats a big difference i think. I guzzled a few glasses of water at Lindsays at lunch time..wonder why?
The course was mainly flat, as advertised, but i know a hill when I run a hill, and there were a few out there! One even had a sign "crest" at the top, so i know for a fact it was hill. You cant fool me. However, we drove along the same road on the way to lunch, and the hills were a bit flatter this time - hmmmm.
Mouse and I saw BennyR and Des, and their new baby John. He is so tiny and fragile! And apparently noisy and restless at night - des and bennyr both sounded desperate for a good nights rest! Benny cracked his 1:50 goal with a 1:49:xx finish - he was stoked, and mouse and I were so pleased for him!! He truly deserved that!
We also met Keg and his wife and baby - i am really enjoying the social side of running and CR now - it is making it enjoyable before, during and after each event! I am kicking myself for forgetting my camera...arrgghh...it would have been good to get some happy snaps today.
I plan to go for a run tomorrow night - i miss the night time jogs with music as my company, it feels like ages since i did that!
A good day - finished the run feeling good in 1:52:xx, and am happy with that. Asthma got me right at the start, so i discarded my 1:45 aim pretty early on. My right arm/shoulder was sore about half way into it, and i stopped to stretch it - maybe just from sleeping wrong...who knows? I also felt dehydrated today - there were 3 drink stations, and i had 2 cups at each. At SMC, i normally have 1-2 drinks at 7 stations, so thats a big difference i think. I guzzled a few glasses of water at Lindsays at lunch time..wonder why?
The course was mainly flat, as advertised, but i know a hill when I run a hill, and there were a few out there! One even had a sign "crest" at the top, so i know for a fact it was hill. You cant fool me. However, we drove along the same road on the way to lunch, and the hills were a bit flatter this time - hmmmm.
Mouse and I saw BennyR and Des, and their new baby John. He is so tiny and fragile! And apparently noisy and restless at night - des and bennyr both sounded desperate for a good nights rest! Benny cracked his 1:50 goal with a 1:49:xx finish - he was stoked, and mouse and I were so pleased for him!! He truly deserved that!
We also met Keg and his wife and baby - i am really enjoying the social side of running and CR now - it is making it enjoyable before, during and after each event! I am kicking myself for forgetting my camera...arrgghh...it would have been good to get some happy snaps today.
I plan to go for a run tomorrow night - i miss the night time jogs with music as my company, it feels like ages since i did that!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
we travel all over the countryside......(NTR)
I am off to bathurst later today for a the Half Marathon up there - i did a great run last week of 1:49:36 at SMC, which has a few hills in it. I am hopeful i can do the same, or even a few mins faster this weekend on the flat course.
I have done bugga all running this week - missed parra park runners AGAIN due to a pointless meeting at work ( aarrgghh ) but tried to redeem myself by stopping there after work. Did 3km before getting stomach pains, and calling it day. I would have felt better if i did not bother going at all!
Looking forward to going up, staying my auntie, seeing a friend for lunch, and spending time with Mouse and the kids.
I have done bugga all running this week - missed parra park runners AGAIN due to a pointless meeting at work ( aarrgghh ) but tried to redeem myself by stopping there after work. Did 3km before getting stomach pains, and calling it day. I would have felt better if i did not bother going at all!
Looking forward to going up, staying my auntie, seeing a friend for lunch, and spending time with Mouse and the kids.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
The new mouse
Well not yet anyway, same old for the mo.... Have started a 12 week plan (written by myself) to kick start some fitness and weight loss. Started yesterday after a hard weekend (brick and SMC) with spin, running and gym work.
Will see how I feel after week one but 2 days in and I feel good. Pity I am used to getting up at 5 now so my body snaps out of sleep, wide awake at about 4:50am. By 6pm in the evenings I am really missing that last 10 mins sleep! But c'est la vie I suppose, it is all for a good cause.
Possibly doing the Bathurst 10km this weekend, as well as taking on cheer squad duties with the mini mouses and NTR junior for their dad - go baby!!
Busy week at work, drinks tonight but not too many, only cos I don't want to have to run further than I would like to work them off tomorrow!! Plus I am just generally sick of being tired and hungover after nights out. Think I am getting old and grumpy too, there are too many silly young things in pubs these days, guys and girls. They need oldies pubs and young-uns pubs, ours will have quieter music as loud music annoys me too these days. My god I sound like my mother.....
Will see how I feel after week one but 2 days in and I feel good. Pity I am used to getting up at 5 now so my body snaps out of sleep, wide awake at about 4:50am. By 6pm in the evenings I am really missing that last 10 mins sleep! But c'est la vie I suppose, it is all for a good cause.
Possibly doing the Bathurst 10km this weekend, as well as taking on cheer squad duties with the mini mouses and NTR junior for their dad - go baby!!
Busy week at work, drinks tonight but not too many, only cos I don't want to have to run further than I would like to work them off tomorrow!! Plus I am just generally sick of being tired and hungover after nights out. Think I am getting old and grumpy too, there are too many silly young things in pubs these days, guys and girls. They need oldies pubs and young-uns pubs, ours will have quieter music as loud music annoys me too these days. My god I sound like my mother.....
Sunday, April 22, 2007
today was a good day for running...(ntr)
it was overcast, cool, and both of Mouse and I felt motivated. Doing SMC is one event we both try real hard not to miss - and this weekend, i asked my dad to come over and watch the kids so we can both go. But instead of turning up at 6:15am, wires go crossed and he was here at 5:45am, and rang my mobile to let him in - obviously i was still asleep, clinging to the last 30mins of zzzzz's i could grab. No worries, dad came in, got comfy with his book, and i went back to sleep for 30 mins!
After discovering i forgot to a) take money for the run ( had to detour via a service station atm ) and b) forgetting to leave my keys at the canteen ( had to hold them during most of the run ), i got started with a chat with Mike about cramping. He suggests an apple vinegar cider and honey drink to help...so many suggestions...
I had the garmin set to do the half in 1:50. I didn't care if i matched the virtual training partner or not, but i thought i would give it a crack. Post marathon, there was a goal, but no serious expectations, other then go out and run my best, and the fastest i could muster today. And i think i did that today. I finished in 1:49:36 - a course PB by 2:13. I am really pleased with that positive result, after not going under 4hr in the marathon last week.
For the first time in a long time i ran the whole course alone with my ipod and thoughts - rags was doing the 10km, bennyr busy with the bub i assume, and the other SMC friends not at the same pace ( they are mostly faster). As much i enjoy running with friends, i really enjoyed the solitude today. I just focused on breathing, attacking the hills, targeting the drink stations as the place to take a little walk and drink.
Even better then my run, was seeing mouse enjoy herself ( well kinda...for a runner, she really doesn't like running that often! ) and finish feeling good in herself. Yesterday she did a triathlon training session called Brick, cause thats how your legs feel at the end!! To do that, and back up today - inspiring and motivating!
Thanks Paul for the marathon training program - i am going over it tonight, and i think i could really use it to focus on Cities which is on in 14 weeks ( who's counting? )
Also, yesterday the kids did the Met West 2km cross country - they loved the sense of satisfaction from finishing something hard - and the Sundae treat we gave them afterwards ( oops!! ). They did really well! I escorted 6yr Jnr on the run, and was neck and neck with Mrs Tiller and Jnr Tiller for the wooden spoon! It was a fun ( but hot~! ) afternoon.
After discovering i forgot to a) take money for the run ( had to detour via a service station atm ) and b) forgetting to leave my keys at the canteen ( had to hold them during most of the run ), i got started with a chat with Mike about cramping. He suggests an apple vinegar cider and honey drink to help...so many suggestions...
I had the garmin set to do the half in 1:50. I didn't care if i matched the virtual training partner or not, but i thought i would give it a crack. Post marathon, there was a goal, but no serious expectations, other then go out and run my best, and the fastest i could muster today. And i think i did that today. I finished in 1:49:36 - a course PB by 2:13. I am really pleased with that positive result, after not going under 4hr in the marathon last week.
For the first time in a long time i ran the whole course alone with my ipod and thoughts - rags was doing the 10km, bennyr busy with the bub i assume, and the other SMC friends not at the same pace ( they are mostly faster). As much i enjoy running with friends, i really enjoyed the solitude today. I just focused on breathing, attacking the hills, targeting the drink stations as the place to take a little walk and drink.
Even better then my run, was seeing mouse enjoy herself ( well kinda...for a runner, she really doesn't like running that often! ) and finish feeling good in herself. Yesterday she did a triathlon training session called Brick, cause thats how your legs feel at the end!! To do that, and back up today - inspiring and motivating!
Thanks Paul for the marathon training program - i am going over it tonight, and i think i could really use it to focus on Cities which is on in 14 weeks ( who's counting? )
Also, yesterday the kids did the Met West 2km cross country - they loved the sense of satisfaction from finishing something hard - and the Sundae treat we gave them afterwards ( oops!! ). They did really well! I escorted 6yr Jnr on the run, and was neck and neck with Mrs Tiller and Jnr Tiller for the wooden spoon! It was a fun ( but hot~! ) afternoon.
Friday, April 20, 2007
the imperfect recipe for perfect battered fish
how does this related to running ( primary aim of blog for me ), well not a lot, except its what i made for dinner last night before doing hill reps ...
most people make or buy overly oily battered fish i have observed, and the batter has no real taste of its own. Since we all like garlic in this house, this is how i make battered fish, that everyone eats as much as i give them...
After dinner, cook any left over pieces for later!
Then go and do hill reps - enjoy the cool night air, say hi to the cyclists and listen to tracks on your ipod! Thats what i call a nice night.
most people make or buy overly oily battered fish i have observed, and the batter has no real taste of its own. Since we all like garlic in this house, this is how i make battered fish, that everyone eats as much as i give them...
- plain flour ( .about 2 handfuls..no exact measurements! )
- bi carb - a very generous sprinkle ( maybe 2 tablespoons )
- half dozen shakes of garlic granuls from the spice jar ( maybe 2-3 tablespoons )
- shake of salt
- add water so you get a guey mixture - i think about a cup. Must be guey enough in consistency to stick to the fish
- 1 - 1.5 kg boneless dory ( or barra or whatever. make sure its boneless though )
- first press olive oil
- Mix in the ingredients down to and including the water, in the order listed. Use a whisk to mix it. Should take about 5 mins to do this.
- Cut the fillets of fish into 4, so you should have about 16 pieces from a kilo.
- Using a wok ( so oil drains away better then frypan ) squirt the oil, and heat wok till a tiny drop of batter will start to bubble straight away.
- Now, dip the fish, a piece at a time, into the batter, and with tongs place in the wok. Let it bubble and cook for about 2 mins, then turn over. You want a brown crisp texture on the batter. Place on a plate covered in paper towel to absorb the oil. Let it sit until you have cooked all you need for dinner.
- Serve with a simple salad ( lettuce, onion, cherry tomatoes, grated carrot - so simple 6yo jnr made it for us all).
After dinner, cook any left over pieces for later!
Then go and do hill reps - enjoy the cool night air, say hi to the cyclists and listen to tracks on your ipod! Thats what i call a nice night.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
The PB tumbles in our nations capital! (ntr)
warning: long post. get coffee and comfy now...
In Canberra on Sunday, i ran the marathon in 4:17:30 - this is a 37min PB! Of course I am disappointed not to have broken 4 hours ( that was the goal ) BUT i am stoked with 4:17!
Mouse, 3 mini runners and I got to Canberra with about 20mins to spare before Mouse had to run the 10km run - that time pressure, plus mouse having left her running pants at home, lack of access to the motel ( the only con of staying literally 10 metres from the finish area is that the roads are restricted! ) meant the mood before that was a little stressed! While Mouse ran a hard 10km, i registered myself and the kids in their event, and then we met other CR's in the cheer squad and i started getting toey for a run, seeing the 10km runners go past!! Mouse finished feeling drained, and we recovered this by checking into the room, and going out for a pizza dinner. Unknown fact about Canberra: you can get a chocolate pizza!! how good is that...
Race day...after having an early breakfast, we all went over the road at
6:30. Had a good chat with Otter and took mutual before shot photos, thanked the new 4 hour pacer, CR Digger, before the race, as I was not sure how i would feel afterwards! Mingled with a gaggle of CR's ( Rags, sfGnome, Mango, Scurry711, GoGirl, LuLu and others ) before hitting the start line with Muzman, Anth and Scurry. The race is on.
Felt very good and restrained for the first half - stayed ( just ) in front of the pace group with Scurry711, at 5:35-5:40 pace - all as planned. I really enjoyed running past the parliment houses, the tent embassy, over the bridge, along the tree lines streets - it was the most scenic urban course i have ever run. At this point, the 4 hour group all had 10 mins in the bag, allowing for a 6min pace for the second half of the race. All was well, until right before the turn around point. I started to feel cramps in the quads, and instead of being just in front of the pace group, was just behind them. It was awesome to see the CR squad, and my 3 kids in Kids Marathon shirts complete with medals ( the hi fives they gave me gave me an unnatural boost for sure!!! ) and mouse cheering on!! That corner was a very special moment in the race.
After that though, the wheels started falling off. I was cramping at 27km - and I was so mad at my muscles!! Cramp at a later stage sure, i have not done that many long runs, but not at 27km, and not whilst I was doing a pace SLOWER then what i did the 30km smc with rags a month ago, and not whilst i taking salt tablets, eating bananas and beroccas leading up, all in an attempt to keep cramps at 30km+ at bay. I was feeling so dirty! Not upset, not deflated, but just dirty on the situation!
OK - situation assessed as crap. I had two options. Walk and finish in 5 hours again, or open up a can of "toughen up" ( you had to bring your own) and get going. I got going. I took the 2 panadol i carry, my last gel, and finished the GU drink i was carrying. I decided i will take take as much sport drink, water and gels at it as i could and soldier on.
It was tough. When the cramps would subside, i could run nicely at 5:50average pace, but then i would feel them coming, and transition delicately into that walk - you know the walk if you have been there..not knowing how far to bend, straighten or stride - i spotted quite few people like this out there unfortunately.
I saw scurry run past on the other side of the track at about the 31km mark - felt low then...that where i wanted to be! Soon after, the 4 hour pace group passed. Getting low again. Then, out of the crowd of hats and headbands, i see the word "kato" rise above the rest. Now i have met Kato for about 5 seconds before at the start line, so I hardly know him, although i do know of him ( from CR posts and my lovely Mouse purchased Succeed from him ), so i say "hey kato, got any salt tablets? please......" and he goes "No Problems", and deftly slips me two tablets in a little plastic bag - in a dark alley it was seem so dodgy!! I apologised for being rude and presumptuous, took the salt, and struggled on. ( thanks Kato! )
The last 10km were basically run, cramp, walk, run, cramp, walk. They were tough, but i gritted my teeth and kept going. I was not going to bomb out of this! Instead I chatted to people that i passed, and those that passed me. The mad lady of the lake who i thought was a scream was dressed in cow inspired dressed with a sign telling us to keep Mooooving, also met a guy from Italy in ACT for the run ( spoke little english, and no watch, so was desperate to know the time! ), and got some encouragement from who I deemed to be "Poster Runners" for Sydney striders - their uniforms were immaculate they both seemed so very relaxed - i didnt recognise it was CR Auntie K, and now i know DazzaK!
And there it was....40km mark. Time to run, soak it up, visualise the finishing chute and the roar of the crowd. I started to run, encouraged someone else to visualise the end and run too, so we ran the last km together taking it in. The final turn was fantastic - the CR squad was there, and the kids came out and ran me up the finish line. Mouse was there ( thanks babe, love you!! ), and it was great. I heard the announcer call my name, commenting that i owned the support crew coming with me! And i made it. 4:17:30.
So i did not make my 4 hour goal ( what are goals:realistic yet challenging targets...and it was that! ) , but am stoked at so many things this weekend. The kids marathon, and how Mouse managed to get the 6yr jnr to run over 2km, and the shirts and medals the kids are so proud of now. The CR squad - always supportive, before, after and during the race. The mad lady at the lake - went from dressing gown and sign "not a morning person" to a cardboard cutout bikini and sign "you are all Kenyans to me" to the final cow inspired motif!. The good and gutsy efforts of other CR friends are all inspirational to me, even if they didn't meet their own targets, they are still massive efforts.
I am proud of myself for pushing through those bloody cramp ( just ), and knocking off 37min from the previous effort! Today i will enter the Cities marathon.....guess what my target time will be...you guessed it...4hours!
In Canberra on Sunday, i ran the marathon in 4:17:30 - this is a 37min PB! Of course I am disappointed not to have broken 4 hours ( that was the goal ) BUT i am stoked with 4:17!
Mouse, 3 mini runners and I got to Canberra with about 20mins to spare before Mouse had to run the 10km run - that time pressure, plus mouse having left her running pants at home, lack of access to the motel ( the only con of staying literally 10 metres from the finish area is that the roads are restricted! ) meant the mood before that was a little stressed! While Mouse ran a hard 10km, i registered myself and the kids in their event, and then we met other CR's in the cheer squad and i started getting toey for a run, seeing the 10km runners go past!! Mouse finished feeling drained, and we recovered this by checking into the room, and going out for a pizza dinner. Unknown fact about Canberra: you can get a chocolate pizza!! how good is that...
Race day...after having an early breakfast, we all went over the road at
6:30. Had a good chat with Otter and took mutual before shot photos, thanked the new 4 hour pacer, CR Digger, before the race, as I was not sure how i would feel afterwards! Mingled with a gaggle of CR's ( Rags, sfGnome, Mango, Scurry711, GoGirl, LuLu and others ) before hitting the start line with Muzman, Anth and Scurry. The race is on.
Felt very good and restrained for the first half - stayed ( just ) in front of the pace group with Scurry711, at 5:35-5:40 pace - all as planned. I really enjoyed running past the parliment houses, the tent embassy, over the bridge, along the tree lines streets - it was the most scenic urban course i have ever run. At this point, the 4 hour group all had 10 mins in the bag, allowing for a 6min pace for the second half of the race. All was well, until right before the turn around point. I started to feel cramps in the quads, and instead of being just in front of the pace group, was just behind them. It was awesome to see the CR squad, and my 3 kids in Kids Marathon shirts complete with medals ( the hi fives they gave me gave me an unnatural boost for sure!!! ) and mouse cheering on!! That corner was a very special moment in the race.
After that though, the wheels started falling off. I was cramping at 27km - and I was so mad at my muscles!! Cramp at a later stage sure, i have not done that many long runs, but not at 27km, and not whilst I was doing a pace SLOWER then what i did the 30km smc with rags a month ago, and not whilst i taking salt tablets, eating bananas and beroccas leading up, all in an attempt to keep cramps at 30km+ at bay. I was feeling so dirty! Not upset, not deflated, but just dirty on the situation!
OK - situation assessed as crap. I had two options. Walk and finish in 5 hours again, or open up a can of "toughen up" ( you had to bring your own) and get going. I got going. I took the 2 panadol i carry, my last gel, and finished the GU drink i was carrying. I decided i will take take as much sport drink, water and gels at it as i could and soldier on.
It was tough. When the cramps would subside, i could run nicely at 5:50average pace, but then i would feel them coming, and transition delicately into that walk - you know the walk if you have been there..not knowing how far to bend, straighten or stride - i spotted quite few people like this out there unfortunately.
I saw scurry run past on the other side of the track at about the 31km mark - felt low then...that where i wanted to be! Soon after, the 4 hour pace group passed. Getting low again. Then, out of the crowd of hats and headbands, i see the word "kato" rise above the rest. Now i have met Kato for about 5 seconds before at the start line, so I hardly know him, although i do know of him ( from CR posts and my lovely Mouse purchased Succeed from him ), so i say "hey kato, got any salt tablets? please......" and he goes "No Problems", and deftly slips me two tablets in a little plastic bag - in a dark alley it was seem so dodgy!! I apologised for being rude and presumptuous, took the salt, and struggled on. ( thanks Kato! )
The last 10km were basically run, cramp, walk, run, cramp, walk. They were tough, but i gritted my teeth and kept going. I was not going to bomb out of this! Instead I chatted to people that i passed, and those that passed me. The mad lady of the lake who i thought was a scream was dressed in cow inspired dressed with a sign telling us to keep Mooooving, also met a guy from Italy in ACT for the run ( spoke little english, and no watch, so was desperate to know the time! ), and got some encouragement from who I deemed to be "Poster Runners" for Sydney striders - their uniforms were immaculate they both seemed so very relaxed - i didnt recognise it was CR Auntie K, and now i know DazzaK!
And there it was....40km mark. Time to run, soak it up, visualise the finishing chute and the roar of the crowd. I started to run, encouraged someone else to visualise the end and run too, so we ran the last km together taking it in. The final turn was fantastic - the CR squad was there, and the kids came out and ran me up the finish line. Mouse was there ( thanks babe, love you!! ), and it was great. I heard the announcer call my name, commenting that i owned the support crew coming with me! And i made it. 4:17:30.
So i did not make my 4 hour goal ( what are goals:realistic yet challenging targets...and it was that! ) , but am stoked at so many things this weekend. The kids marathon, and how Mouse managed to get the 6yr jnr to run over 2km, and the shirts and medals the kids are so proud of now. The CR squad - always supportive, before, after and during the race. The mad lady at the lake - went from dressing gown and sign "not a morning person" to a cardboard cutout bikini and sign "you are all Kenyans to me" to the final cow inspired motif!. The good and gutsy efforts of other CR friends are all inspirational to me, even if they didn't meet their own targets, they are still massive efforts.
I am proud of myself for pushing through those bloody cramp ( just ), and knocking off 37min from the previous effort! Today i will enter the Cities marathon.....guess what my target time will be...you guessed it...4hours!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
