Monday, November 30, 2009

A Change of Scene

Today, Mrs G and I covered 8kms and rather than our usual run around the streets between our houses, we decided to head up to Titirangi Village, park the car and walk to warm up towards the Pipe Line (Expedition Drive).

It is 6kms to the end of the Pipe Line and back and has some beautiful scenery. We met a lot of fellow runners and walkers which is great to see and there was a dad running along with his daughter beside him riding her bike. This brought me back to when my boys were younger and Shayne and I would run while they'd take off on their bikes. Happy memories...

Today's run was gentle and, once again, was a good catch up with my very good friend, Mrs G. It was her idea to have a change of scene this week and so it is my turn to pick the location next week. I know just the place and it will be tough but hey ho, no pain, no gain.

Let me know if there are any questions but in the mean time, until next time, happy running!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

A Run and a Walk with a Wee Bit of History

This weekend's training started on Saturday, a 6k run with Shayne. We ran from home to the end of Golf Rd and back.

Generally we leave the house together but that's the extent of our time together until he gets home some time after me. The reason I mention this is to give you an idea of how far I have come. Back in the day when we lived in the UK, if we went for a run together, Shayne would run beside me...but backwards! I didn't have the stamina to keep up and it was his affectionate way of making fun of me. As funny as it was at the time, my competitive and sometimes adventurous spirit, couldn't leave it at that and over time I have tried to keep up with him in so many different ways. Needless to say, there have been incredibly challenging times but I have learned a great deal about me along the way.

I enjoy working towards a goal and the sense of accomplishment that comes with achieving that goal and I don't give up. If I am not satisfied with the result then I'll keep trying until I reach it. 4 back to back half marathons is testimony to that with the 4th being the one that I beat the time I wanted.

I am now working towards another goal and so my training has to continue. 6ks of running yesterday was an average time for me and my breathing was good. I had planned on my usual 16km run on Sunday and was prepared for a training session on my own until Sharon text me to ask if I wanted to do a 23km walk instead. As you know, I prefer to train with others and so took her up on the offer. We left at 7:30am and walked from home up to Avondale, along the motorway, down Rosebank Rd to the race course/Avondale market, to New Lynn, up Titirangi Rd and home. 2hrs 15mins.

I found this useful link:
"Map my run" which enables you to measure the distance of run/walks and it includes other useful info. It takes a little practice but is quite easy when used to it.

It is great that people are starting to read my blog now, I'm thrilled to bits. Keep following and I will add useful links and tips as I go. All events that I enter will have links to on-line application forms and I will also keep you in the loop if I hear of other events.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Onwards and Upwards

No mountain climbs today as my fellow team mate took part in the Corporate Challenge and so I was left to my own mid week training session and decided to keep it local. Mrs G was also busy but thankfully, Sharon, our possible replacement for our injured team mate, joined me for a good, steady 2hr 10min walk and the hills went on forever. That's out West for you! Hills, hills and more hills.

I'm enjoying combining the running and walking as I'm working more muscles than if I was doing just running or just walking.

We have a visitor arriving to stay with us for a couple of days and so may not have time for a run but I will make every effort to throw 2 in for the weekend, short one on Saturday and a longer one on Sunday.

So far so good. Until next time folks...

Monday, November 23, 2009

Just a Gentle One

Mrs G and I hit the pavement for a small 4.6km jog this evening which at least got the heart rate going. Not a major, just enough to keep up with the regular exercise. Day off tomorrow in anticipation for Wednesdays mountain climbs again and hoping that Sharon will join us...We're currently searching for our fourth team mate and I'm hoping that gentle persuasion will ease her into that position.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Sunday check list - Done

Ironing - Done
Uniforms - Done
Phone call home to England - Done
Nice breakfast with husband - Done
16kms run - Done
Procrastinating - Not done
Had a very productive morning and now time for relaxing. Heaven!
My run was good but took me a while to regulate my breathing. You know what that means, folks? I should get it right for the next one. That's the plan. Time was good at 1hr 29mins. Haven't done that particular run in under 1:30 for a while now and so pleased with the effort.
I should be run/walking with Mrs G tomorrow and will fill you in on how it went...Until next time,
Sunday's blog - Done.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Shayne's 40th Birthday

We had the BEST night EVER celebrating Shayne's 40th birthday at Finale Restaurant & Cabaret
Everyone had an awesome time. I have added some photos of the night and will probably add more as I get them from all those with cameras.
I know that Shayne was blown away with his surprise and I delighted we were able to keep it a secret from him for the longest time.
The friends that came gave Shayne the best birthday he has ever had and a night he will never forget.
To top his night off, the 2 of us headed off to Sky city hotel to have some couple time.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Mountains of Exercise

Yesterday we climbed the mountains as scheduled. I've decided that it is SO much more pleasant training with people than on my own.
We covered 16.4Kms in approx 3hrs and we ran/walked. Here's what we did:
  • Three Kings
  • One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie)
  • Mt St Johns (Titikopuke)
  • Mt Hobson (Maunga Remuwera)
  • Mt Eden (Maungawhau - Mountain of the whau tree)

I feel good today although a bit tired. It's all good though and I'm looking forward to the next one. Day off tonight for Shayne's 40th and may stretch that until Sunday but back to it then for a nice 16k run.

Watch this space for the BIG 40 birthday photos...

Monday, November 16, 2009

My Blog begins

My next event is the Scott Wild Turkey Off-Road half marathon on the 16 January 2010 and my training has well and truly begun. Hit the link for more info.

Yesterday, Sunday, I went for a 6kms run and although the hills were a bit tough I returned home feeling pretty good with a boost of confidence as the time was better than I thought it would be.

Today was a run/walk for about an hour 20 with my very good friend, Mrs G. I'm not sure how far we ran/walked but it was a fair distance and a great opportunity to catch up - Life gets busy, you know, and so I like to grab the moment with my buddies, even if it means during a training run. It was a good run and I am starting to get that feeling of fitness. It seems to have taken ages to get this feeling back and I want to hold onto it for as long as I can.

I'll probably have a day off tomorrow as I have LOADS of kindy work to catch up on but I hope to get out again on Wednesday with some friends. We're planning on running up and down the mountains.