Just a quick note to let you know that the Auckland marathon is on Sunday and I am still planning on doing it at this stage.
My training has been poor but I managed a 32k run with others and got through it ok although was dehydrated and it took me the day to recover!
Since then I have done a few little runs, my usual Saturday walks with the girls and Mike the trainer, on Thursdays, although I missed last week. Not enough running training and so it will be a hard one. I just want it DONE now and then I can move on and start afresh.
Not sure what to do next, perhaps the Rotorua Marathon. I need to try and get out for more runs though. If anyone has any suggestions on other events, please let me know. So far I am thinking about the Kerikeri half marathon and the Cathay Pacific half.
Showing posts with label marathon training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marathon training. Show all posts
Monday, October 24, 2011
Monday, October 18, 2010
More Than I Thought
I ran down to meet Mrs G at about 6:50pm and then we walked through New Lynn to Titirangi Road. We added on a couple of extra streets to throw in the hills and reached the corner of Margan and Hutchinson before going our seperate ways. I ran home. We estimated about 8 - 9ks and I measured it when home to find we had covered just under 10kms.
I'm pleased with that. My muscles are a little stiff from yesterdays run but all in all I felt fine. I get butterflies thinking about the distance and know that I'll enter unknown territory as I have never entered a marathon without putting in the right amount of training. Time will tell...
I'm pleased with that. My muscles are a little stiff from yesterdays run but all in all I felt fine. I get butterflies thinking about the distance and know that I'll enter unknown territory as I have never entered a marathon without putting in the right amount of training. Time will tell...
Sunday, October 17, 2010
A Bit of Both
Last Monday I went for a walk with Mrs G and we walked for about 1.5hrs. I appreciate our walks together more for the catch up but with the added bonus of a wee bit of exercise. With a couple of hills I broke out into a little sweat but nothing too hard. I hope that we can go again next week.
Mrs G is such a supportive friend as she has offered to walk some of the marathon with me and along the stretch towards Mission Bay. From memory of my last 3 marathons it is this stretch that I found the hardest as it is over the half way point but the body is aching and runners have already reached the turn around point and are on the home stretch of about 10ks while I am still struggling to reach the turn around. I get to see how good/bad they are and yet I know I haven't even reached their distance yet. Not good! Mrs G will be with me this time and so it will help me stay focused and keep going (that's my hope).
Today's run was about 18ks and included 4ks of walking. It was up hill for 50% of the run and down hill heading home. I ran with Michelle and co again and I noticed that they recovered much quicker than me on the hills and maintained stamina. Over this distance I was able to keep up although struggled at about 10ks. I was determined not to stop this time and tried hard to keep up with them.
I am delighted for the girls as they have kept up with their training and are looking good. I know that they are a little apprehensive, even now, about going the distance but I can't help but believe that they are well prepared. I find this quite inspirational and I am grateful for having them to run with. They are motivated runners and are already planning events beyond the marathon which will help me to stay on track.
2 weeks to go my friends and it will all be over.
Mrs G is such a supportive friend as she has offered to walk some of the marathon with me and along the stretch towards Mission Bay. From memory of my last 3 marathons it is this stretch that I found the hardest as it is over the half way point but the body is aching and runners have already reached the turn around point and are on the home stretch of about 10ks while I am still struggling to reach the turn around. I get to see how good/bad they are and yet I know I haven't even reached their distance yet. Not good! Mrs G will be with me this time and so it will help me stay focused and keep going (that's my hope).
Today's run was about 18ks and included 4ks of walking. It was up hill for 50% of the run and down hill heading home. I ran with Michelle and co again and I noticed that they recovered much quicker than me on the hills and maintained stamina. Over this distance I was able to keep up although struggled at about 10ks. I was determined not to stop this time and tried hard to keep up with them.
I am delighted for the girls as they have kept up with their training and are looking good. I know that they are a little apprehensive, even now, about going the distance but I can't help but believe that they are well prepared. I find this quite inspirational and I am grateful for having them to run with. They are motivated runners and are already planning events beyond the marathon which will help me to stay on track.
2 weeks to go my friends and it will all be over.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
An Attempt to Run
As mentioned, I went out for a long run with Michelle etc last Sunday. We were to do the 32km run to cover some of the route of the marathon, along from Pt Erin to St Helliers and back.
I reached 16kms of the run in good form and felt fine but at the turn around point I realised that this was too big a run for me and that my stamina was not there for such a distance. At 20kms I was hopeful that I could keep up with the girls but was beginning to slow down and at 22kms I encouraged Michelle to keep up with her buddies and not to wait for me. Off they went and as the distance between us grew I wished that I had managed to keep up with my training. I could see through them how the training really pays off. They could go the distance while I was fading fast. At 24kms, enough was enough. I talked myself into walking and used the excuse that my plan was to run/walk the event anyway and not run the whole thing. I fought with this for another km before finally giving in to walk. I met the girls as they looped around town to ensure they made 32kms and they showed me the short cut back to the car. With my throbbing head down and muscles screaming in pain I walked back to the car.
I reflected on my performance today and while Michelle and co used very encouraging words I felt like I had let myself down. I couldn't go the distance and the reason for this is that I didn't keep up with my training.
I had such a busy day planned for Sunday but instead, after the run, I headed home with my head pounding and my body a tad worse for wear and curled up on the sofa for a LONG sleep. There I stayed for 6 hours!
With a trip to Christchurch the next day (for a 4 day conference) I needed to pack my bags and I had a function to attend on Sunday evening, plus a house to organise for the boys in my absence. I couldn't really afford to sleep for 6 hours and I didn't feel the benefit of it when I woke up. That, my friends, is testimony to the importance of training and building up to the longer distances.
A week on and NO TRAINING runs all week, this marathon is not looking good for me. I may yet explore the possibility of selling my ticket on the internet. What's a girl to do? Where to from here? Stay with me to find out...
I reached 16kms of the run in good form and felt fine but at the turn around point I realised that this was too big a run for me and that my stamina was not there for such a distance. At 20kms I was hopeful that I could keep up with the girls but was beginning to slow down and at 22kms I encouraged Michelle to keep up with her buddies and not to wait for me. Off they went and as the distance between us grew I wished that I had managed to keep up with my training. I could see through them how the training really pays off. They could go the distance while I was fading fast. At 24kms, enough was enough. I talked myself into walking and used the excuse that my plan was to run/walk the event anyway and not run the whole thing. I fought with this for another km before finally giving in to walk. I met the girls as they looped around town to ensure they made 32kms and they showed me the short cut back to the car. With my throbbing head down and muscles screaming in pain I walked back to the car.
I reflected on my performance today and while Michelle and co used very encouraging words I felt like I had let myself down. I couldn't go the distance and the reason for this is that I didn't keep up with my training.
I had such a busy day planned for Sunday but instead, after the run, I headed home with my head pounding and my body a tad worse for wear and curled up on the sofa for a LONG sleep. There I stayed for 6 hours!
With a trip to Christchurch the next day (for a 4 day conference) I needed to pack my bags and I had a function to attend on Sunday evening, plus a house to organise for the boys in my absence. I couldn't really afford to sleep for 6 hours and I didn't feel the benefit of it when I woke up. That, my friends, is testimony to the importance of training and building up to the longer distances.
A week on and NO TRAINING runs all week, this marathon is not looking good for me. I may yet explore the possibility of selling my ticket on the internet. What's a girl to do? Where to from here? Stay with me to find out...
Saturday, October 2, 2010
On Again, Off Again, On Again - Marathon
Hi all,
It has been a while since my last post, mainly because I haven't done a great deal except work on my house which is still weeks away from the finish but hey ho, life goes on in the fast lane. At least now I have internal access to downstairs which is where the laundry is. Prior to the stairs going in I had to walk all the way around the outside of the house, through the mud and in through the back door. We are slowly but surely getting there.
It looks like I am doing the marathon again. My friend didn't realise that I was trying to give her my full marathon ticket, her preference was for the half marathon and so short of selling it on the Internet I can't waste it. That means I have to do it myself. The moment that I made the decision to do it, I felt great and planned my next run but with only 4 weeks to go I will not be ready. I am going for a big run tomorrow with Michelle and co, 32kms (20 miles). Will let you know how we go...
Some more news, my son, Luke, was selected for the U14 Auckland West rugby team and they lost the first 2 games. However, they beat the team that will be in the final tomorrow and so not a total loss. He was made captain too and so we are very proud of him.
It has been a while since my last post, mainly because I haven't done a great deal except work on my house which is still weeks away from the finish but hey ho, life goes on in the fast lane. At least now I have internal access to downstairs which is where the laundry is. Prior to the stairs going in I had to walk all the way around the outside of the house, through the mud and in through the back door. We are slowly but surely getting there.
It looks like I am doing the marathon again. My friend didn't realise that I was trying to give her my full marathon ticket, her preference was for the half marathon and so short of selling it on the Internet I can't waste it. That means I have to do it myself. The moment that I made the decision to do it, I felt great and planned my next run but with only 4 weeks to go I will not be ready. I am going for a big run tomorrow with Michelle and co, 32kms (20 miles). Will let you know how we go...
Some more news, my son, Luke, was selected for the U14 Auckland West rugby team and they lost the first 2 games. However, they beat the team that will be in the final tomorrow and so not a total loss. He was made captain too and so we are very proud of him.
He's the green number 5.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Some Good News and Some Bad News
I always like to get the bad news out of the way first and so will start by letting you know that I'm not doing the marathon after all. The timing just isn't right for me this time round and I have struggled with the training. I have given my ticket to my friend who had maintained her running ever since we did her first marathon together a few years back. At least I know that I did some good with it.
The good news is that I found out yesterday that I am now a fully registered teacher. That means, after I studied for 4 years to get my Bachelor in Education and graduated, I had to work for 2 year and provide evidence of my teaching practice under the scrutiny of an already registered teacher. She signed me off in August as being ready and then I had to wait approval from the NZ Teachers Council. 6 years and 4 months later I am done! Now I can concentrate on living life and teaching.
The second piece of good news is that my son, Luke, has been selected for the Auckland West Under 14 Representative rugby team. This is great news as he has been working so hard to get there. His training began yesterday and so far so good. Now he has to work for game time. Although he was selected as Flanker, he may well be moved to Lock and is now confident in both positions. Let us see how they go.
Thanks for listening and I'll let you know when I'll be up and running again...hopefully soon. I just need to take the pressure off for a while.
The good news is that I found out yesterday that I am now a fully registered teacher. That means, after I studied for 4 years to get my Bachelor in Education and graduated, I had to work for 2 year and provide evidence of my teaching practice under the scrutiny of an already registered teacher. She signed me off in August as being ready and then I had to wait approval from the NZ Teachers Council. 6 years and 4 months later I am done! Now I can concentrate on living life and teaching.
The second piece of good news is that my son, Luke, has been selected for the Auckland West Under 14 Representative rugby team. This is great news as he has been working so hard to get there. His training began yesterday and so far so good. Now he has to work for game time. Although he was selected as Flanker, he may well be moved to Lock and is now confident in both positions. Let us see how they go.
Thanks for listening and I'll let you know when I'll be up and running again...hopefully soon. I just need to take the pressure off for a while.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
No Sense of Direction
Ever since I can remember I know that I suffer severely from having no sense of direction and out on today's run, which was supposed to be the Cathay Pacific half marathon route, I went the wrong way and ended up cutting 3.5kms off my overall run.
We left at 8:07am from Okahu Bay and headed to Quay St to do the loop of the Strand back to Tamaki Drive. I had a map and found my way quite nicely until I reached Paratai Dr and instead of turning off I continued all the way to the end of the street, quite some distance. My running buddies were somewhere behind me. Not sure on which direction to and feeling slightly flustered due to the time constraints of the day, I decided to head right. It turned out to be a good choice as just as I reached the corner I could see my running buddies coming towards me from a different street. I ran with the for a bit and then took off along Kohimara Rd but instead of turning right I went left and ended on Tamaki Dr again! Grr! I contemplated going back to find the correct road but decided enough was enough and so continued on back towards Okahu Bay.
I got back to my car at 10:00am and so not happy that I cut short my run and even more unhappy that the time was not nearly as good as I hoped. I covered 17.5kms today instead of 21ks that I had planned and although I felt comfortable enough I slowed right down at the end.
I met a chap and chatted to him for while. He suggested teaming up with the YMCA Running club and I may consider this in the future. Hit the link for more info.
Next training run Tuesday or Wednesday.
We left at 8:07am from Okahu Bay and headed to Quay St to do the loop of the Strand back to Tamaki Drive. I had a map and found my way quite nicely until I reached Paratai Dr and instead of turning off I continued all the way to the end of the street, quite some distance. My running buddies were somewhere behind me. Not sure on which direction to and feeling slightly flustered due to the time constraints of the day, I decided to head right. It turned out to be a good choice as just as I reached the corner I could see my running buddies coming towards me from a different street. I ran with the for a bit and then took off along Kohimara Rd but instead of turning right I went left and ended on Tamaki Dr again! Grr! I contemplated going back to find the correct road but decided enough was enough and so continued on back towards Okahu Bay.
I got back to my car at 10:00am and so not happy that I cut short my run and even more unhappy that the time was not nearly as good as I hoped. I covered 17.5kms today instead of 21ks that I had planned and although I felt comfortable enough I slowed right down at the end.
I met a chap and chatted to him for while. He suggested teaming up with the YMCA Running club and I may consider this in the future. Hit the link for more info.
Next training run Tuesday or Wednesday.
Friday, August 13, 2010
8kms done
Just an 8km run today and all went well. Again, no issues just an easy run. I'm not challenging myself too much at the moment.
Next run should be on Sunday with Michelle and co and we're doing the Cathay Pacific half marathon route. It will have to be a challenge as Sunday is a very busy day and I will be very short on time. Feeling good about it so let's hope I can stay in that frame of mind...
Next run should be on Sunday with Michelle and co and we're doing the Cathay Pacific half marathon route. It will have to be a challenge as Sunday is a very busy day and I will be very short on time. Feeling good about it so let's hope I can stay in that frame of mind...
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
10k Lap - Done
My first run in just over a week and it went well. No issues today, just a nice easy run. 10kms with a couple of hills for good measure.
All going well I should do the same again on Friday.
All going well I should do the same again on Friday.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
No Go Wednesday
I did a 6.5k run on Tuesday and started well. Good breathing and felt fine until about half way my right shin started to ache again and I could feel a pull behind my left knee. What's going on? Today was supposed to mark the end of the short runs and I was hoping to be well and truly ready to pick up the higher mileage...
I decided not to go today which means I am no longer on track for 4 runs per week but I will keep at it and see how I can make it up. Tomorrow or Friday will have to be at least a 10k run, Sunday's run is already planned and then I will make a plan of action for the following week.
Signing off now feeling a tad despondant...
I decided not to go today which means I am no longer on track for 4 runs per week but I will keep at it and see how I can make it up. Tomorrow or Friday will have to be at least a 10k run, Sunday's run is already planned and then I will make a plan of action for the following week.
Signing off now feeling a tad despondant...
Sunday, August 1, 2010
My Running Buddies
Today's run was with Michelle, Shayne's sister, and Cheryl, our good friend. Unlike myself they are following a training program and they are a few weeks into their training. We agreed to do this week's run together, or at least start together. I am grateful for this as once I have made a commitment to run with someone I will ensure that I go. That way I can't talk myself out of going and I don't have time to procrastinate.
We left at 9:00am and headed up to Titirangi. Last week this run was quite hard and I was tired. This week I felt ok but I was perhaps a bit heavy footed. I got up the hill ok although the pain in my shin was back but nothing too major and so I carried on. I'm not sure where I lost Michelle and Cheryl, somewhere on the hill but I didn't look behind to see if they were ok, just kept going. I reached 8kms which is the turn around point and headed back down the Pipe Line. I met Michelle and Cheryl running towards me and they looked good and strong.
I tried to run faster all the way home but my running seemed awkward and I didn't feel like I was running fast enough no matter how hard I tried. Apart from the pain in my shin, which at this stage of the run had practically gone, I was breathing ok and I wasn't too tired. I was mindful about making my legs go faster and I longed to be able to relax into run mode and let gravity take me all the way home but today it wasn't to be. I worked all the way. I guess another test...
I reached home about 10 minutes before Michelle and Cheryl and they did the run in 1hr 36mins and so I had to be happy with today's efforts as it has been years since I have run that route in under 1hr 30mins. I don't know, running is very confusing. I don't understand how my awkward, heavy footed run could be one of my fastest runs in a long time...
Thursday marks the 1st day of my 4th week of marathon training and that's when I want to build on the ks. I have planned the next 2 Sunday runs, next week will be with Sharon, my OXFAM buddy and we're doing the waterfront (18kms) and the following Sunday will be with Michelle and Cheryl and we're doing the Cathay Pacific half marathon route (21kms).
I have to do 2 more small runs before Thursday to stay on track so will probably be Tuesday and Wednesday, 6 or 7kms.
We left at 9:00am and headed up to Titirangi. Last week this run was quite hard and I was tired. This week I felt ok but I was perhaps a bit heavy footed. I got up the hill ok although the pain in my shin was back but nothing too major and so I carried on. I'm not sure where I lost Michelle and Cheryl, somewhere on the hill but I didn't look behind to see if they were ok, just kept going. I reached 8kms which is the turn around point and headed back down the Pipe Line. I met Michelle and Cheryl running towards me and they looked good and strong.
I tried to run faster all the way home but my running seemed awkward and I didn't feel like I was running fast enough no matter how hard I tried. Apart from the pain in my shin, which at this stage of the run had practically gone, I was breathing ok and I wasn't too tired. I was mindful about making my legs go faster and I longed to be able to relax into run mode and let gravity take me all the way home but today it wasn't to be. I worked all the way. I guess another test...
I reached home about 10 minutes before Michelle and Cheryl and they did the run in 1hr 36mins and so I had to be happy with today's efforts as it has been years since I have run that route in under 1hr 30mins. I don't know, running is very confusing. I don't understand how my awkward, heavy footed run could be one of my fastest runs in a long time...
Thursday marks the 1st day of my 4th week of marathon training and that's when I want to build on the ks. I have planned the next 2 Sunday runs, next week will be with Sharon, my OXFAM buddy and we're doing the waterfront (18kms) and the following Sunday will be with Michelle and Cheryl and we're doing the Cathay Pacific half marathon route (21kms).
I have to do 2 more small runs before Thursday to stay on track so will probably be Tuesday and Wednesday, 6 or 7kms.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
3rd Week In
Sadly, I missed Fridays run. Lack of motivation and a strong desire to sleep got the better of me and so after work I went home had a coffee and a chat with my mother in-law and then had a sleep on the couch. It was SO cold outside and I wrapped myself up in a blanket. I was out like a light in moments - It was heaven!
I was due to go to a 21st that night and so gave myself a day off running but that meant I had to go today...I tried so hard to get out of it yet I knew that ultimately it would be better to go. I made a pact with Josh that we would go after the rugby game at the school today. Just 6kms...
As hard as it was we left together and got up the hill really quickly this time. My breathing was ok and I recovered at the top of the hill in no time to push on a stay ahead of Josh for as long as I could. About 2kms into the run Josh was ahead and the gap between us grew. As I mentioned previously I enjoy this kind of challenge and I tried to catch him. Over 6kms it doesn't hurt to speed up at intervals and so I tried it. Bursts of speed running and then slowed down again. Needless to say, as hard as I tried, I didn't catch him but finished only seconds behind him. A pleasing effort today as I really didn't want to go for a run but I felt SO good afterwards. I MUST remember this to help me when my motivation is lacking the next time. The good news, no pain in my leg today.
I was due to go to a 21st that night and so gave myself a day off running but that meant I had to go today...I tried so hard to get out of it yet I knew that ultimately it would be better to go. I made a pact with Josh that we would go after the rugby game at the school today. Just 6kms...
As hard as it was we left together and got up the hill really quickly this time. My breathing was ok and I recovered at the top of the hill in no time to push on a stay ahead of Josh for as long as I could. About 2kms into the run Josh was ahead and the gap between us grew. As I mentioned previously I enjoy this kind of challenge and I tried to catch him. Over 6kms it doesn't hurt to speed up at intervals and so I tried it. Bursts of speed running and then slowed down again. Needless to say, as hard as I tried, I didn't catch him but finished only seconds behind him. A pleasing effort today as I really didn't want to go for a run but I felt SO good afterwards. I MUST remember this to help me when my motivation is lacking the next time. The good news, no pain in my leg today.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Still on Track
Josh borrowed my car and dropped me off at work yesterday so that he could drive to squash after school and I could run home after work...in a round about kind of way. It is odd having a son that can drive but I guess I will get used to it. He was under strict orders to text me each time he arrived at his destination.
Next training run will hopefully be tomorrow. I will probably do the 7kms run again and then on Sunday. I'll be running with friends for my last short, long run of 16kms...thereafter I up the ante and increase my mileage. Wish me luck!
After kindie today I changed into my running gear and waved good-bye to my colleagues. I was a little worried about my right leg and still a tad apprehensive about running too long a distance for fear of making it worse. I must have been about 3kms in to my run and this time I realised that my breathing was actually really good. Such a relief! The pain in my shin wasn't too bad either. The only time it gave me any real grief was when I had to stop for traffic. The starting up was very sore until I got going again. Any tips on recovery for shin pain (I'm hoping that it isn't shin splints) would be gratefully appreciated.
I covered just over 7kms today which was a bit more than I had expected with a couple of hills but do-able. I feel that I am still on track and I feel good about that. It is SO hard to be motivated and so I have to remember not to get side tracked (as I can so easily do). NO DISTRACTIONS, MAND!Next training run will hopefully be tomorrow. I will probably do the 7kms run again and then on Sunday. I'll be running with friends for my last short, long run of 16kms...thereafter I up the ante and increase my mileage. Wish me luck!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
The Hill Got Me but Didn't Stop Me
As planned I did the 16km run today. I was tired due to the previous night's party but at least I didn't over indulge this time and got my friends home safe and sound.
I left home this morning, feeling apprehensive, knowing that I had the long climb all the way up to the village and then along the Pipe Line which didn't help with my motivation. After yesterday's run I noticed that my right shin had a bit of an ache and my dilemma was, should I go the distance or just do another short run.
I started to run up the hill and very soon I was left panting for breath and struggling. This is how I remember the beginning of my training to be from previous experiences and so why was my breathing no problem last week yet yesterday and today I struggled? "Just a test" I thought, tempting me to stop but I kept going although I worried about my leg. At the top of the climb up, 8kms into my run, I wanted to stop. Why am I doing this to myself? I still had 8kms to go but at least it was mostly down hill. If this was the marathon I'd really be in trouble. Thankfully I kept my wits about me and carried on all the way home. The pain in my shin seemed to vanish until I reached home. It isn't too bad and now I have 2 days off running to get it right again. Next training will be Wednesday, if not before.
I left home this morning, feeling apprehensive, knowing that I had the long climb all the way up to the village and then along the Pipe Line which didn't help with my motivation. After yesterday's run I noticed that my right shin had a bit of an ache and my dilemma was, should I go the distance or just do another short run.
I started to run up the hill and very soon I was left panting for breath and struggling. This is how I remember the beginning of my training to be from previous experiences and so why was my breathing no problem last week yet yesterday and today I struggled? "Just a test" I thought, tempting me to stop but I kept going although I worried about my leg. At the top of the climb up, 8kms into my run, I wanted to stop. Why am I doing this to myself? I still had 8kms to go but at least it was mostly down hill. If this was the marathon I'd really be in trouble. Thankfully I kept my wits about me and carried on all the way home. The pain in my shin seemed to vanish until I reached home. It isn't too bad and now I have 2 days off running to get it right again. Next training will be Wednesday, if not before.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Saturday's Run with a Tip
Luke had a rugby game today over at Mt Albert Grammar and so he and Shayne left early. My plan was that I would join them with Josh as the driver and to give him some practice of driving on his own with his restricted licence, I'd run home after the game while he drove.
We watched Luke's game of rugby, a very, very muddy game which the boys LOVED and the added bonus of winning the game putting them in to the semi finals.
I guessed the distance to run would be between 6 - 7 kms about all I need to do ready for my longer run tomorrow. I started well. the route was pretty much straight but was stop, start due to traffic lights. Not a route that I will do again in a hurry.
Tip: Try not to over indulge on alcoholic beverages the night before a run.
I found it hard today. I was thirsty and tired and only had myself to blame because of the night before. I have a party to go to tonight and will be the designated driver for my friends knowing that I have a bigger run tomorrow.
The good news, I measured the distance when I reached home. 7.8kms. Next run tomorrow...
We watched Luke's game of rugby, a very, very muddy game which the boys LOVED and the added bonus of winning the game putting them in to the semi finals.
I guessed the distance to run would be between 6 - 7 kms about all I need to do ready for my longer run tomorrow. I started well. the route was pretty much straight but was stop, start due to traffic lights. Not a route that I will do again in a hurry.
Tip: Try not to over indulge on alcoholic beverages the night before a run.
I found it hard today. I was thirsty and tired and only had myself to blame because of the night before. I have a party to go to tonight and will be the designated driver for my friends knowing that I have a bigger run tomorrow.
The good news, I measured the distance when I reached home. 7.8kms. Next run tomorrow...
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Better Than Nothing
Despite the busy schedule over the last 2 days I managed to fit a quick 6k run in with my son, Josh. To the end of Golf Rd and back. I tried hard to keep up with his long legs striding way ahead of my shorties but I only managed to catch him on the hill heading home about 4ks into the run and then it was short lived as just over the other side heading downwards, he snuck up behind me, over took me and stayed ahead all the way home. This was good for me because I ran faster to try and catch him.
All along the route we met friendly familiar faces. They probably think we are CRAZY!
Although today's effort was a tad shorter than I had hoped, a run is better than none. My muscles are still being used and I am still on track one week into my training. I am pleased that I made the effort. Next training run will be either tomorrow or Saturday.
The prize that we won at the Oxfam rewards night was for being 2nd fastest female team. We were happy with that.
All along the route we met friendly familiar faces. They probably think we are CRAZY!
Although today's effort was a tad shorter than I had hoped, a run is better than none. My muscles are still being used and I am still on track one week into my training. I am pleased that I made the effort. Next training run will be either tomorrow or Saturday.
The prize that we won at the Oxfam rewards night was for being 2nd fastest female team. We were happy with that.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Still on Track
Today, straight after work, I came home, got changed and went out for my run of 7kms. The only way to deal with this type of training is to not allow myself to get distracted doing other things. They can wait. RUN FIRST and then get them done.
I struggled a bit on the hills today but my breathing is still good and no cramp or painful muscles. All I have is that I'm not feeling fit and I'm a tad heavy and awkward as I run. Still, I stuck to my plan, as hard as it was and I kept up my motivation. Next run will either be tomorrow or Thursday although both days are very busy. Let's see how I work that out...All part of the challenge.
Tonight I'm attending Awards Night for 2010 Oxfam Trailwalker. My team is in for a prize but not sure what for. I'll let you know on my next update.
I struggled a bit on the hills today but my breathing is still good and no cramp or painful muscles. All I have is that I'm not feeling fit and I'm a tad heavy and awkward as I run. Still, I stuck to my plan, as hard as it was and I kept up my motivation. Next run will either be tomorrow or Thursday although both days are very busy. Let's see how I work that out...All part of the challenge.
Tonight I'm attending Awards Night for 2010 Oxfam Trailwalker. My team is in for a prize but not sure what for. I'll let you know on my next update.
Monday, July 19, 2010
16kms - Done
I managed to do 16kms on Sunday as planned and while I had no problem with my breathing I noticed that at about 7kms I started to feel tired. Once half way through I had to keep reminding myself to keep going as it will make things easier for the next run. One foot in front of the other...
I spotted a chap running ahead of me and I noticed that I was gaining ground and catching up with him and so I ran a bit faster. The funny thing was that any time I came close to him he'd run a bit faster and so I was never able to catch him until near the end of the track. He stopped to walk and I still had 5kms to go but I certainly enjoyed the challenge of trying to catch him. This is good training too as it helps to build up speed. However, it was perhaps a bit early in my training program to be playing such games. We shared a few words of banter as I passed him and I got the impression that he enjoyed the challenge of staying ahead of me as much as I did trying to catch him. The things we do...
The last 5kms of this particular run is down hill almost all the way and I let gravity do its job. This is my reward for getting the hills out of the way first. All in all it was a good run. It is early days yet but I have to say, so far so good. I just have to keep it going. 104 days to go and counting. Next training run will be Tuesday, all going well.
I spotted a chap running ahead of me and I noticed that I was gaining ground and catching up with him and so I ran a bit faster. The funny thing was that any time I came close to him he'd run a bit faster and so I was never able to catch him until near the end of the track. He stopped to walk and I still had 5kms to go but I certainly enjoyed the challenge of trying to catch him. This is good training too as it helps to build up speed. However, it was perhaps a bit early in my training program to be playing such games. We shared a few words of banter as I passed him and I got the impression that he enjoyed the challenge of staying ahead of me as much as I did trying to catch him. The things we do...
The last 5kms of this particular run is down hill almost all the way and I let gravity do its job. This is my reward for getting the hills out of the way first. All in all it was a good run. It is early days yet but I have to say, so far so good. I just have to keep it going. 104 days to go and counting. Next training run will be Tuesday, all going well.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Run 2 - Done
Thank you Nina, for your comment. It gave me a boost and certainly helped with my motivation! Glad to have you with me on my next journey and look forward to any tips you may have for a fellow marathon runner.
I left home at 11am to do a short 7k run with my son, Josh. I chose this distance to warm into the longer run tomorrow. My plan is to give myself about 3 weeks to get used to running again and then load on the distance runs soon after...here's hoping.
My run today felt good although I certainly didn't expect it to. Generally it has taken me a lot more than 2 runs to feel comfortable but hey ho, I'm delighted and hopefully all my runs will be as good.
When I say good, I mean I was able to get into rhythm and didn't struggle with my breathing. I relaxed into run mode and although a slow pace I picked it up towards the end and came home feeling like I could go again. Let's hope that feeling lasts until at least tomorrow as I'm planning a 16k (10mile) run, rain or shine.
I left home at 11am to do a short 7k run with my son, Josh. I chose this distance to warm into the longer run tomorrow. My plan is to give myself about 3 weeks to get used to running again and then load on the distance runs soon after...here's hoping.
My run today felt good although I certainly didn't expect it to. Generally it has taken me a lot more than 2 runs to feel comfortable but hey ho, I'm delighted and hopefully all my runs will be as good.
When I say good, I mean I was able to get into rhythm and didn't struggle with my breathing. I relaxed into run mode and although a slow pace I picked it up towards the end and came home feeling like I could go again. Let's hope that feeling lasts until at least tomorrow as I'm planning a 16k (10mile) run, rain or shine.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Marathon Training Has Begun
Better late than never. I have procrastinated for way too long and in a passing statement to Josh the other day I happened to mention that if he passed his driving test I would start my marathon training. He passed and so today I headed out on the first of my many training runs.
It was only a short one as I feel the need to ease into it but with a view to cramming in some serious, longer runs in the middle before winding down towards event day. I have been told that both the Auckland marathon and half marathon have sold out already and so I was lucky I got in when I did.
Today I did Golf Rd, 6kms and without the company of others for a change. It had to be done and now I've done it my next run won't be as hard, mentally. I always find that once the first one is out of the way then I'm good to go for the rest. Here's hoping.
I'm feeling pretty pleased with myself and now I just have to keep it up. Stay with me and support me through this. I need all the motivation I can get.
It was only a short one as I feel the need to ease into it but with a view to cramming in some serious, longer runs in the middle before winding down towards event day. I have been told that both the Auckland marathon and half marathon have sold out already and so I was lucky I got in when I did.
Today I did Golf Rd, 6kms and without the company of others for a change. It had to be done and now I've done it my next run won't be as hard, mentally. I always find that once the first one is out of the way then I'm good to go for the rest. Here's hoping.
I'm feeling pretty pleased with myself and now I just have to keep it up. Stay with me and support me through this. I need all the motivation I can get.
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