Was surprised this morning to discover that Sunday’s run was actually 5kms. I feel more positive about that run now – it wasn’t a terribly crap time given how terribly crap I felt, not to mention the mini walking break in the middle (she blushes with embarrassment for being such a wimp). Perhaps LA is right – we are stronger than we imagine...
30min spin class @ 6.40am today. A tough instructor – she walked around, counting our RPMs and turning up the gear if she thought we were slacking. Great class! After last nights weights session and spin this morning, my glutes and hammies are sore (but, for once, in a good way !). More calf exercises, stretches and ice tonight...LH shin is still a little tender but (fingers crossed), it should be right for 20mins on grass on Thursday morning.
Have just finished reading LA’s book – wow; nothing short of riveting and inspiring...PR’s book arrived today (great timing).
From little things big things grow...
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Monday, May 30, 2005
Weights...
My shithouse lower legs (thanks Marty !) & I are off to see Andy the Pod next Tuesday. My shins are still quite tender today after Sunday’s run (particularly surprising given it was on a trail...) so I’ve canned tomorrow’s planned run and will do a spin class instead. Not particularly happy but the blahs at least are lifting (slowly). I think Owl is right – it stems largely from feeling frustrated by my injury problems and feeling like I am watching others make huge progress while I’m still covering the same distances/times that I did earlier in the year – whilst I haven’t made much, if any, progress in the last 4 months, I know that I am a lot stronger both in strength and in cardio-fitness. Now I just have to pull it all together...which will come with time (and patience!) Maybe I need to take my focus off 'the plan' for the year and just focus on getting my body right on a week by week basis...
Weights session in the gym for an hour tonight. Lower body session followed by lots of stretches. Will make tomorrow morning’s spin class interesting...
Weights session in the gym for an hour tonight. Lower body session followed by lots of stretches. Will make tomorrow morning’s spin class interesting...
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Sports day/Blah…
Saturday 28 May – sports day
I work up this morning feeling like crap; for some reason, I always feel worse the day after a rest day. Don’t know why – don’t get any less sleep; don’t change my diet; just feel crap – lethargic and heavy..
One hour (upper body) weights session at the gym today. A good session actually – I increased the weight on a number of exercises. Thankfully my strength is finally coming back post-holiday.
My sporting day continue when I spent part of the afternoon laying on the grass in the sun at Burwood watching friends play cricket (nice) and then headed to the pub to watch the 'Tahs forget how to play rugby (bad).
Sunday 29 May – blah…
I didn’t want to go for a run today; almost didn’t. Very unusual for me. I’ve been in a blah-mood all week. Not sure why. Today was even worse. Eventually at 4pm I talked myself into going for a run for 30mins along the trail which is (normally) my favourite run and (normally) improves my mood to no end. Today I should have stayed on the couch and ate junk food (which is what I really wanted to do). I felt weak as piss mentally (I even stopped to walk for a minute at some stage because I couldn’t be bothered to run – how bad is that !) and not much better physically. Hip and shins are ok (not great but not as bad as they were on Tuesday night). I’m thinking of seeing a pod to see if it can help with, or minimise, my shin problems. Feeling very frustrated today – blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
PS Booked tickets for GC – had better start making pom poms…
Plan for the week –
* to find my groove or at least lose the blahs..
Monday 30 May:
PM weights session (lower body)
Tuesday 31 May:
AM run – 20mins (on grass)
Wednesday 1 June:
PM Satan + spin class
Thursday 2 June:
AM run – 20 mins on grass
PM – massage
Friday 3 June:
Rest day
Saturday 4 June:
AM weights session (upper body)
Sunday 5 June:
AM run - 35mins
I work up this morning feeling like crap; for some reason, I always feel worse the day after a rest day. Don’t know why – don’t get any less sleep; don’t change my diet; just feel crap – lethargic and heavy..
One hour (upper body) weights session at the gym today. A good session actually – I increased the weight on a number of exercises. Thankfully my strength is finally coming back post-holiday.
My sporting day continue when I spent part of the afternoon laying on the grass in the sun at Burwood watching friends play cricket (nice) and then headed to the pub to watch the 'Tahs forget how to play rugby (bad).
Sunday 29 May – blah…
I didn’t want to go for a run today; almost didn’t. Very unusual for me. I’ve been in a blah-mood all week. Not sure why. Today was even worse. Eventually at 4pm I talked myself into going for a run for 30mins along the trail which is (normally) my favourite run and (normally) improves my mood to no end. Today I should have stayed on the couch and ate junk food (which is what I really wanted to do). I felt weak as piss mentally (I even stopped to walk for a minute at some stage because I couldn’t be bothered to run – how bad is that !) and not much better physically. Hip and shins are ok (not great but not as bad as they were on Tuesday night). I’m thinking of seeing a pod to see if it can help with, or minimise, my shin problems. Feeling very frustrated today – blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
PS Booked tickets for GC – had better start making pom poms…
Plan for the week –
* to find my groove or at least lose the blahs..
Monday 30 May:
PM weights session (lower body)
Tuesday 31 May:
AM run – 20mins (on grass)
Wednesday 1 June:
PM Satan + spin class
Thursday 2 June:
AM run – 20 mins on grass
PM – massage
Friday 3 June:
Rest day
Saturday 4 June:
AM weights session (upper body)
Sunday 5 June:
AM run - 35mins
Friday, May 27, 2005
The pom poms are packed !!!
Yesterday afternoon, Owl & I decided to take the CR cheersquad on the road (well, the plane) and to head up to Qld for GC in July!! I am so looking forward to the weekend and to meeting so many (more) CRs (particularly Cirque, Tesso & Clairie !). Spent a wee lil bit of time today emailing Cirque, Melski, Owl & I trying to plan our weekend. Today was actually a CR-filled day – bumped into Amjan at lunch, had a telephone call from the delightful BT and emails from Clairie and Tesso (and somehow I still managed to make budget by 3.30pm!) And I thought that I would have no running related stuff to mention today (my rest day).
I can still feel – and see – the effects of yesterday’s massage. My whole LHS hip/butt/glute region is v. tender to the touch and some bruising has now come out. Doesn’t sound particularly good I know but I have to say that I seem to have a lot more movement through my hip – it doesn’t feel as ‘restricted’ as it did yesterday pre-treatment.
No CR challenge for me tomorrow – instead I’m off to the gym for a weights session (primarily upper body but I’ll give the lower body a test) before running on Sunday. I’m (slightly) bummed because it will only be my second run of the week but I’m feeling v. Zen at the moment so it doesn’t bother me too much. I have so much running to do in the future – I just need to get my ‘issues’ sorted out now.
Off to a bath and to stretch for 30mins to try and encourage some healing...
LA's wisdom for the day: We are so much stronger than we imagine
I can still feel – and see – the effects of yesterday’s massage. My whole LHS hip/butt/glute region is v. tender to the touch and some bruising has now come out. Doesn’t sound particularly good I know but I have to say that I seem to have a lot more movement through my hip – it doesn’t feel as ‘restricted’ as it did yesterday pre-treatment.
No CR challenge for me tomorrow – instead I’m off to the gym for a weights session (primarily upper body but I’ll give the lower body a test) before running on Sunday. I’m (slightly) bummed because it will only be my second run of the week but I’m feeling v. Zen at the moment so it doesn’t bother me too much. I have so much running to do in the future – I just need to get my ‘issues’ sorted out now.
Off to a bath and to stretch for 30mins to try and encourage some healing...
LA's wisdom for the day: We are so much stronger than we imagine
Spin + massage = pain
Thursday 26 May
Actually, I had a great day. Up early for the 6.40am spin class at the gym – my first since I got back from my holiday. Surprisingly, it didn’t burn my quads as much as I was expecting (maybe I need to crank it up more next time !). It was however a bit of a mental battle during one of the tracks. My legs were screaming at me to turn the gear down, but my mind (thankfully)was having none of that. Increased leg strength post-holiday has no doubt helped. Followed by 30mins of stretching. Very happy to report that not only did the spin class not aggravate my hip, but it has been fine today – no niggles at all !
At lunch, I headed off for a massage. Nothing short of swearing could possibly convey just how much today hurt. I have suffered migraines for as long as I can remember – I think they have given me a particularly high pain threshold (not sure if that’s a good thing or not) which I need today. My therapist is of the view that I need to “open my (left) hip” (sounds almost crude) so I have a few more stretches to do. It seems that I’ve got issues with the range of movement in my left hip so my right (and problematic) hip is having to do extra work. I’ve been more conscious of my gate over the last week and I suspect she is right. I seem to walk strangely – my right leg takes a longer stride than my left (don’t ask me to demonstrate), She spent an hour solely working on my LHS – hip flexors, obliques, hip joint, ITB, quad and shins. I have bruises already and I can feel the tenderness on my LHS hip when I wear my handbag on that shoulder….. needless to say, I’ve brought my rest day forward to tomorrow (Friday).
Following the ‘discomfort’ of the massage, my day ended very nicely – flowers were delivered to me at work this afternoon(!); had dinner with my girlfriends followed by a drink at the Tilbury with G, Fats, KT, Amjan and a lurker !
Started reading Lance Armstrong’s autobio yesterday – what an incredible athlete & man. His mental strength amazes and inspires me… Not long til TdF now - looking forward to more sleepless nights...
Actually, I had a great day. Up early for the 6.40am spin class at the gym – my first since I got back from my holiday. Surprisingly, it didn’t burn my quads as much as I was expecting (maybe I need to crank it up more next time !). It was however a bit of a mental battle during one of the tracks. My legs were screaming at me to turn the gear down, but my mind (thankfully)was having none of that. Increased leg strength post-holiday has no doubt helped. Followed by 30mins of stretching. Very happy to report that not only did the spin class not aggravate my hip, but it has been fine today – no niggles at all !
At lunch, I headed off for a massage. Nothing short of swearing could possibly convey just how much today hurt. I have suffered migraines for as long as I can remember – I think they have given me a particularly high pain threshold (not sure if that’s a good thing or not) which I need today. My therapist is of the view that I need to “open my (left) hip” (sounds almost crude) so I have a few more stretches to do. It seems that I’ve got issues with the range of movement in my left hip so my right (and problematic) hip is having to do extra work. I’ve been more conscious of my gate over the last week and I suspect she is right. I seem to walk strangely – my right leg takes a longer stride than my left (don’t ask me to demonstrate), She spent an hour solely working on my LHS – hip flexors, obliques, hip joint, ITB, quad and shins. I have bruises already and I can feel the tenderness on my LHS hip when I wear my handbag on that shoulder….. needless to say, I’ve brought my rest day forward to tomorrow (Friday).
Following the ‘discomfort’ of the massage, my day ended very nicely – flowers were delivered to me at work this afternoon(!); had dinner with my girlfriends followed by a drink at the Tilbury with G, Fats, KT, Amjan and a lurker !
Started reading Lance Armstrong’s autobio yesterday – what an incredible athlete & man. His mental strength amazes and inspires me… Not long til TdF now - looking forward to more sleepless nights...
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Return to Satan
20mins stretching @ 5.30am
30mins with Satan @ 2pm
30mins glute/calf strengthen exercises + 30mins stretching @ 7pm
Big day.
Both shins and my right hip are a little unhappy today so its back to the ice (a wonderful experience on a chilly Sydney night). I’m trying not to feel frustrated but I was on such a high after the Half on Sunday and my great run on Tuesday night…. Think I might start doing at least one of my weekday runs during lunch so I can run on the grass at the Domain/Botanical Gardens. Apart from running round and round the local oval (boring), there are no other grass/soft surfaces near home which are lit at the times I normally run. I was due to go for a run tomorrow morning but I will give my shins another days rest and bring my spin class forward. Don’t know if spin is going to aggravate my hip further but there is only one way to find out I suppose…
Session with Satan at lunch was very tough – loved it ! Mainly an upper body session but slowly building up the lower body work again. I’ve done very little lower body work since I got back from my trip so it’s time to up the ante..
30mins with Satan @ 2pm
30mins glute/calf strengthen exercises + 30mins stretching @ 7pm
Big day.
Both shins and my right hip are a little unhappy today so its back to the ice (a wonderful experience on a chilly Sydney night). I’m trying not to feel frustrated but I was on such a high after the Half on Sunday and my great run on Tuesday night…. Think I might start doing at least one of my weekday runs during lunch so I can run on the grass at the Domain/Botanical Gardens. Apart from running round and round the local oval (boring), there are no other grass/soft surfaces near home which are lit at the times I normally run. I was due to go for a run tomorrow morning but I will give my shins another days rest and bring my spin class forward. Don’t know if spin is going to aggravate my hip further but there is only one way to find out I suppose…
Session with Satan at lunch was very tough – loved it ! Mainly an upper body session but slowly building up the lower body work again. I’ve done very little lower body work since I got back from my trip so it’s time to up the ante..
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
I run therefore I am !
Only 10mins of stretching this morning. Damn snooze button !
Headed out for a run for 30mins at 7pm tonight along the route of the second half (the toughest part) of the MiniMos course (I assume it’s the second half, I have no idea how far it was) – starting from the corner of Raglan & Queen St through to the finish. Beautiful night for a run – almost a full moon and surprisingly mild. Apart from (I confess) stopping once to walk for a minute after running up a nasty-arse hill and to stretch my calves at the 5min and 20min mark, I’m really happy with this run. I ran all the way up one extremely nasty-arse hill at the very end of the course (and continued running once I made it to the top) and felt reasonably comfortable. It was one of ‘those’ runs where it just seems to flow and feel (reasonably) easy – so much easier than last Saturday’s run (must have been all the caffeine I consumed this afternoon in the form of a coffee and Lindt chocolates; call the drug squad !) It seems that hills are a strength of mine thanks to my leg strength but it is my cardio-fitness which lets me down when I get to the top. That will come with time I suppose !
Followed it up with 30mins of stretching. Hip is OK – still not 100% though - and my shins were a little unhappy so I’ve been icing them tonight and will step up the calf exercises again over the next few days. I was wearing ¾ tights tonight which end mid-shin; I don’t think they help the situation.
Overall mood: :-D
Headed out for a run for 30mins at 7pm tonight along the route of the second half (the toughest part) of the MiniMos course (I assume it’s the second half, I have no idea how far it was) – starting from the corner of Raglan & Queen St through to the finish. Beautiful night for a run – almost a full moon and surprisingly mild. Apart from (I confess) stopping once to walk for a minute after running up a nasty-arse hill and to stretch my calves at the 5min and 20min mark, I’m really happy with this run. I ran all the way up one extremely nasty-arse hill at the very end of the course (and continued running once I made it to the top) and felt reasonably comfortable. It was one of ‘those’ runs where it just seems to flow and feel (reasonably) easy – so much easier than last Saturday’s run (must have been all the caffeine I consumed this afternoon in the form of a coffee and Lindt chocolates; call the drug squad !) It seems that hills are a strength of mine thanks to my leg strength but it is my cardio-fitness which lets me down when I get to the top. That will come with time I suppose !
Followed it up with 30mins of stretching. Hip is OK – still not 100% though - and my shins were a little unhappy so I’ve been icing them tonight and will step up the calf exercises again over the next few days. I was wearing ¾ tights tonight which end mid-shin; I don’t think they help the situation.
Overall mood: :-D
The cheerleaders...
Owl & I and THAT banner at drinks following the SMH Half on Sunday 22 May. What a fantastic and inspiring day !
Sunday, May 22, 2005
A trail runner is born & my day as a cheergirl !
Friday 20 May – rest day
30mins of stretching at 5.30am – otherwise a rest day.
Saturday 21 May – 25mins run
Felt like crap this morning – the result of a little too much red wine last night, too little sleep and a slightly congested head. After dropping my folks at the airport, I set out at 9am to walk down to Sirius Cove to run the trail in the direction of Clifton Gardens. It was cold in the house so I wore a long sleeve top – which of course I took off even before I started to run.
Even though I felt like crap – and my cardio-fitness felt like it had disappeared in the last 2 weeks - I always enjoy this run along the harbour. Never fails to lift my spirits. I think that under this lardy body (thankfully the scales are slowing moving in the direction of pre-holiday weight) lurks the body of a trail runner. Absolutely love it. 30mins of stretches to follow. No problems with my calves. My hip was fine both during the run and after I had cooled down. It’s still not 100% but not far off.
Sunday 22 May – a source of inspiration !
Walked across the Harbour Bridge this morning at 6.45am. Stunning. What a way to start what turned out to be an amazing day – the SMH half.
After watching the start from Hicksons Road, we headed for the corner of George and Argyle St which turned out to be the perfect spot to watch the race. Unfortunately I didn’t see Kel but I did see a number of friends including Satan who sent me a lovely SMS afterwards. Owl’s CR banner and pom poms were a huge hit (and saved my hands from too much clapping) !!
So many highlights from the day – watching Brett Cartwright fly (quite literally) up the Argyle St hill; watching Vespa mix it with the best and smile while doing so; the smiles on people’s faces as they passed by; the old man who blew me a kiss as I gave him a cheer; JD’s wink as he passed us by at the end of the second lap; LL; the complete strangers (non-CRs) who stopped to thank us for cheering as we walked back to the start; Vat going back to run with LL as part of his cool down; seeing Rooster stand less than a km from the finish and clap and say encouraging words to every single runner/walker at the end of the pack who went by. Too many special moments to mention.* A few diet cokes at the Palisades afterwards went a long way to cooling my (by now) very sore throat. I’m very proud to be a part of such an amazing community. So supportive, encouraging and inspiring. Today has done nothing but strengthen my desire to run.
* there was one moment I plan to forget – a male runner spat in my direction. Landed not very far away from my feet. Gross. ‘Nuff said.
40mins of glute/calf strengthening exercises + 30mins of stretches tonight. Hip is still not 100% but there are no spasms or niggles – so it’s getting there, slowly but surely.
Plan for this week –
Monday
Strengthening exercises; otherwise rest
Tuesday
Run – 30mins
Wednesday
PT with Satan
Thursday
Run – 30mins
Friday
AM – Spin
PM – weights (upper body)
Saturday
Rest
Sunday
Run – 35mins
30mins of stretching at 5.30am – otherwise a rest day.
Saturday 21 May – 25mins run
Felt like crap this morning – the result of a little too much red wine last night, too little sleep and a slightly congested head. After dropping my folks at the airport, I set out at 9am to walk down to Sirius Cove to run the trail in the direction of Clifton Gardens. It was cold in the house so I wore a long sleeve top – which of course I took off even before I started to run.
Even though I felt like crap – and my cardio-fitness felt like it had disappeared in the last 2 weeks - I always enjoy this run along the harbour. Never fails to lift my spirits. I think that under this lardy body (thankfully the scales are slowing moving in the direction of pre-holiday weight) lurks the body of a trail runner. Absolutely love it. 30mins of stretches to follow. No problems with my calves. My hip was fine both during the run and after I had cooled down. It’s still not 100% but not far off.
Sunday 22 May – a source of inspiration !
Walked across the Harbour Bridge this morning at 6.45am. Stunning. What a way to start what turned out to be an amazing day – the SMH half.
After watching the start from Hicksons Road, we headed for the corner of George and Argyle St which turned out to be the perfect spot to watch the race. Unfortunately I didn’t see Kel but I did see a number of friends including Satan who sent me a lovely SMS afterwards. Owl’s CR banner and pom poms were a huge hit (and saved my hands from too much clapping) !!
So many highlights from the day – watching Brett Cartwright fly (quite literally) up the Argyle St hill; watching Vespa mix it with the best and smile while doing so; the smiles on people’s faces as they passed by; the old man who blew me a kiss as I gave him a cheer; JD’s wink as he passed us by at the end of the second lap; LL; the complete strangers (non-CRs) who stopped to thank us for cheering as we walked back to the start; Vat going back to run with LL as part of his cool down; seeing Rooster stand less than a km from the finish and clap and say encouraging words to every single runner/walker at the end of the pack who went by. Too many special moments to mention.* A few diet cokes at the Palisades afterwards went a long way to cooling my (by now) very sore throat. I’m very proud to be a part of such an amazing community. So supportive, encouraging and inspiring. Today has done nothing but strengthen my desire to run.
* there was one moment I plan to forget – a male runner spat in my direction. Landed not very far away from my feet. Gross. ‘Nuff said.
40mins of glute/calf strengthening exercises + 30mins of stretches tonight. Hip is still not 100% but there are no spasms or niggles – so it’s getting there, slowly but surely.
Plan for this week –
Monday
Strengthening exercises; otherwise rest
Tuesday
Run – 30mins
Wednesday
PT with Satan
Thursday
Run – 30mins
Friday
AM – Spin
PM – weights (upper body)
Saturday
Rest
Sunday
Run – 35mins
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Ouch !
Up at 5.40am this time for 20mins of stretching. The snooze button stole the extra 10mins of stretching time.
Today was a much needed rest day. My arms, back, chest and abs are sore (in a good way) after yesterday's session with Satan. Actually, the only body parts that didn't hurt were my shins and hip so I am a happy camper !!
Had a massage this afternoon - I have a pretty high pain threshold but it still really hurt. Interestingly, she thinks that my LHS may not be moving as freely as it should, causing the RHS (including my dodgy right hip) to do extra work. Need to increase flexibility in my hips/pelvis and a return visit is planned for next Thursday. Will finish today with a bath and more stretches before an early night. Tomorrow is a rest day (with stretches of course). I'm also due to do my glute and calf strengthening exercises tomorrow but will see how my parts are feeling post-massage.
I heard good news today from my good friends Cirque and Skizzik - they are both doing so well and are making so much progress. I'm so proud of them !
Edit: I run therefore I am...
Had a conversation with a client today which made me question my perception of myself. I mentioned that I get up early and he said to me: "That's right, you are a runner aren't you ?". I said "yes" but as I said it, my immediate thought was "no, not really". I felt like a fraud; like I was trying to pass myself off as a "runner" and hoping no-one would notice. I think that I have an image in my head (if only subconsciously) of what a "runner" is and what a "runner" looks like and because I don't think that I fit that image, then I couldn't possibly be one. But the fact is "I run therefore I am". I just have to believe that....I will; it will just take a little time...
Today was a much needed rest day. My arms, back, chest and abs are sore (in a good way) after yesterday's session with Satan. Actually, the only body parts that didn't hurt were my shins and hip so I am a happy camper !!
Had a massage this afternoon - I have a pretty high pain threshold but it still really hurt. Interestingly, she thinks that my LHS may not be moving as freely as it should, causing the RHS (including my dodgy right hip) to do extra work. Need to increase flexibility in my hips/pelvis and a return visit is planned for next Thursday. Will finish today with a bath and more stretches before an early night. Tomorrow is a rest day (with stretches of course). I'm also due to do my glute and calf strengthening exercises tomorrow but will see how my parts are feeling post-massage.
I heard good news today from my good friends Cirque and Skizzik - they are both doing so well and are making so much progress. I'm so proud of them !
Edit: I run therefore I am...
Had a conversation with a client today which made me question my perception of myself. I mentioned that I get up early and he said to me: "That's right, you are a runner aren't you ?". I said "yes" but as I said it, my immediate thought was "no, not really". I felt like a fraud; like I was trying to pass myself off as a "runner" and hoping no-one would notice. I think that I have an image in my head (if only subconsciously) of what a "runner" is and what a "runner" looks like and because I don't think that I fit that image, then I couldn't possibly be one. But the fact is "I run therefore I am". I just have to believe that....I will; it will just take a little time...
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
The great hip test....
Up at 5.30am to head to the gym to test out my hip on the treadmill. After a long warm up on the bike, I did my physio-ordered 3kms at a very easy pace (6.45min) followed by a cooldown and 30mins of stretches. Am very happy to report that there was no discomfort/pain in either the hip or calves/shins during the run. Back in the office, after sitting at my desk for a hour or so, there was a slight ‘thing’ in my hip when I first stood up so it's not 100% but not far off (lets say 95%). I have a massage tomorrow and a rest day planned for Friday – with lots of stretches in the meantime, I should be ready for another run on Saturday (which has been downgraded from 40mins to 25mins after Stu’s wise advice).
At lunch I headed back to the gym to see Satan. First time ever that I’ve gone to the gym twice in one day. After my ‘easy’ program last week, she was back to her old tricks today with a really tough program which included lunges which I was a bit worried about but my hip was fine !! My abs have lost some of their conditioning. Bugger. I hate ab work and had done so much of it after my back problem last year. Not to mention the additional blubber which now sits on top of them ;-) C’est la vie. Conditioning will come back quickly
After Stu’s wise words, I sat down tonight and have written myself a (conservative) program for the next 5 weeks (including an easy week) which should take my long run back to an hour. I will probably miss the CR challenge next weekend (though I may show up for breakfast :-) and a couple of fun runs/races in the meantime but better that than come back too quickly and bugger my hip, or another body part, up again.
Edit: + 30mins more stretching before bed :-)
At lunch I headed back to the gym to see Satan. First time ever that I’ve gone to the gym twice in one day. After my ‘easy’ program last week, she was back to her old tricks today with a really tough program which included lunges which I was a bit worried about but my hip was fine !! My abs have lost some of their conditioning. Bugger. I hate ab work and had done so much of it after my back problem last year. Not to mention the additional blubber which now sits on top of them ;-) C’est la vie. Conditioning will come back quickly
After Stu’s wise words, I sat down tonight and have written myself a (conservative) program for the next 5 weeks (including an easy week) which should take my long run back to an hour. I will probably miss the CR challenge next weekend (though I may show up for breakfast :-) and a couple of fun runs/races in the meantime but better that than come back too quickly and bugger my hip, or another body part, up again.
Edit: + 30mins more stretching before bed :-)
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Glutes of steel…
Saw the physio at lunch today. After a couple of exercises and tests, I was honourably discharged, yippee !! For my first run to test out the hip, he wants me to run 3kms at a slow pace on a soft surface. He suggested that I not increase my distance by more than 1km per week – however this approach will play havoc with my plans, at least for the next 2 months. Obi has suggested another plan which should have me back to running for an hour within 5 weeks. While I will listen to my body, this plan (obviously) is a little more favourable. I will however resist the temptation to do too much too soon; it has been over 2 months now since I trained consistently so I must, and will, be careful and listen to my body.
I actually resisted the urge to head out for a run tonight and instead headed to the gym to do my strengthening exercises – which are largely for my ‘lazy’ glutes (which has at least in part contributed to the problems I’ve had recently with my ITB and hip) and hopelessly weak and inflexible calves. Returning to spin class next week will also help my lazy glutes pull their weight (quite literally)! My glutes were so sore and tired tonight that I had trouble walking properly. Love it.
Plan for the rest of the week (subject to how my hip holds up):
Wednesday 18 May
3km run + Satan
Thursday 19 May
Massage
Friday 20 May
Rest
Saturday 21 May
Run – 40mins (not sure about this just yet – might make it 30mins instead)
Sunday 22 May
Walk – 1 hour + being inspired at SMH Half
Ordered Paula Radcliffe’s book today from B&N. Should be here within 3 weeks. Looking forward to reading it. My first running-related book – I think this means I’m officially hooked :-)
I actually resisted the urge to head out for a run tonight and instead headed to the gym to do my strengthening exercises – which are largely for my ‘lazy’ glutes (which has at least in part contributed to the problems I’ve had recently with my ITB and hip) and hopelessly weak and inflexible calves. Returning to spin class next week will also help my lazy glutes pull their weight (quite literally)! My glutes were so sore and tired tonight that I had trouble walking properly. Love it.
Plan for the rest of the week (subject to how my hip holds up):
Wednesday 18 May
3km run + Satan
Thursday 19 May
Massage
Friday 20 May
Rest
Saturday 21 May
Run – 40mins (not sure about this just yet – might make it 30mins instead)
Sunday 22 May
Walk – 1 hour + being inspired at SMH Half
Ordered Paula Radcliffe’s book today from B&N. Should be here within 3 weeks. Looking forward to reading it. My first running-related book – I think this means I’m officially hooked :-)
Monday, May 16, 2005
Zen Jen thanks to the Owl !
Buddha watching over me...
As promised, here is the wonderful - and very appropriate - gift that Owl gave me on Friday.
Weights + more stretches
The snooze button got the better of me this morning. Instead of my usual 30mins of stretching at 5.30am, I only managed to squeeze in 10mins so I concentrated (as much as you can in 10mins) on my hip flexors and calves.
After work, I headed to the gym for an upper body + abs weights session for 45mins. I decided not to do any leg work tonight for fear of aggrevating my hip. My calves are also feeling very tight today - probably from the number of hills and calf raises I did on the weekend. Tough session; it has almost been 2 months since I last did that weights program....
No problems with my hip today. However negative thoughts (about my hip, my fitness levels, how long it has been since I ran, how my hip will hold up after a run, how terribly I am going to run at the CR challenge and embarrass myself blah, blah, blah) tried their best to creep into my head today but I refuse to let them - well, ok I'm trying to fend them. I know why they are creeping in - I'm feeling very inspired and enthusiastic after the weekend and very much looking forward to getting out there and running and racing myself. I'm scared (primarily) of aggrevating my problem and spending more time off the road. But I will ignore these (silly) thoughts, stare at Buddha and stay positive. Off to the physio tomorrow afternoon...with fingers crossed
After work, I headed to the gym for an upper body + abs weights session for 45mins. I decided not to do any leg work tonight for fear of aggrevating my hip. My calves are also feeling very tight today - probably from the number of hills and calf raises I did on the weekend. Tough session; it has almost been 2 months since I last did that weights program....
No problems with my hip today. However negative thoughts (about my hip, my fitness levels, how long it has been since I ran, how my hip will hold up after a run, how terribly I am going to run at the CR challenge and embarrass myself blah, blah, blah) tried their best to creep into my head today but I refuse to let them - well, ok I'm trying to fend them. I know why they are creeping in - I'm feeling very inspired and enthusiastic after the weekend and very much looking forward to getting out there and running and racing myself. I'm scared (primarily) of aggrevating my problem and spending more time off the road. But I will ignore these (silly) thoughts, stare at Buddha and stay positive. Off to the physio tomorrow afternoon...with fingers crossed
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Niggle-free day no.2
Cheering at SMC + 50min walk + 40mins stretching and calf and glute exercises
Up this morning before the sun to head to Smithfield to watch the SMC races (I would not have imagined myself doing such a thing 12 months ago) as per the agreement Plu and I reached in the chatroom last night. Had a fun morning chatting to Plu and cheering on the runners. Thankfully Plu for the foresight to bring a couple of very comfy chairs which saved us from sitting in the gutter. Owl and I also planned our strategy for cheering on everyone next Sunday. Met JD, Ray James and Sailaway amongst others. Everyone ran really well, particularly Sailaway who was (I think) 4th man home.
This afternoon I headed out for my 50min walk; this time up and down the hills of Balmoral and part of the track from Middle Head to Chowder Bay. I’m really looking forward to running that track again (hopefully) next weekend – my favourite run. Followed it up with (more) stretches and strengthening exercises. No problems with the hip today so I should (fingers crossed) get the ok from the physio to run again (albeit only 3kms) on Tuesday. Happy days !!
Up this morning before the sun to head to Smithfield to watch the SMC races (I would not have imagined myself doing such a thing 12 months ago) as per the agreement Plu and I reached in the chatroom last night. Had a fun morning chatting to Plu and cheering on the runners. Thankfully Plu for the foresight to bring a couple of very comfy chairs which saved us from sitting in the gutter. Owl and I also planned our strategy for cheering on everyone next Sunday. Met JD, Ray James and Sailaway amongst others. Everyone ran really well, particularly Sailaway who was (I think) 4th man home.
This afternoon I headed out for my 50min walk; this time up and down the hills of Balmoral and part of the track from Middle Head to Chowder Bay. I’m really looking forward to running that track again (hopefully) next weekend – my favourite run. Followed it up with (more) stretches and strengthening exercises. No problems with the hip today so I should (fingers crossed) get the ok from the physio to run again (albeit only 3kms) on Tuesday. Happy days !!
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Niggle-free day no. 1
2 x 40mins walks + 2 x 30mins stretch sessions
Great day. Loved walking through the fallen leaves and hearing them crackle under my feet (ok, and I confess to walking through a couple of large piles of leaves which had (obviously) been swept off the footpath…).
This morning I walked part of the MiniMos course that I wasn’t familiar with (19 June, 5 weeks to go). Tough course, particularly the last 4kms. Must remember not to go out too hard otherwise I will curl up and die somewhere in Cremorne.
Today I caught up on some blog reading – I missed so much while I was away. After reading Horrie and Miss Skarmel’s Canberra marathon experiences and turning on the telly to find a show about this year’s Ironman event, I must admit to feeling very inspired and very much looking forward to all the races and experiences that are ahead of me. I’m thinking of attending one of Dan Green’s camps towards the end of the year – but first, the goals are to remain niggle-free and to train consistently. Today has been my first niggle-free day. Looking forward to seeing the physio on Tuesday.
Great day. Loved walking through the fallen leaves and hearing them crackle under my feet (ok, and I confess to walking through a couple of large piles of leaves which had (obviously) been swept off the footpath…).
This morning I walked part of the MiniMos course that I wasn’t familiar with (19 June, 5 weeks to go). Tough course, particularly the last 4kms. Must remember not to go out too hard otherwise I will curl up and die somewhere in Cremorne.
Today I caught up on some blog reading – I missed so much while I was away. After reading Horrie and Miss Skarmel’s Canberra marathon experiences and turning on the telly to find a show about this year’s Ironman event, I must admit to feeling very inspired and very much looking forward to all the races and experiences that are ahead of me. I’m thinking of attending one of Dan Green’s camps towards the end of the year – but first, the goals are to remain niggle-free and to train consistently. Today has been my first niggle-free day. Looking forward to seeing the physio on Tuesday.
Rest, physio and a hot date for lunch !
Friday, 13 May 2005 - rest, physio and a hot date for lunch !
Has anyone ever set themselves a 9km race as their target race for the year ? Yeah, I didn’t think so. Well, someone has to be the first...may as well be me !
Had a hot date at lunch today. Spent 2 hours with the delightful Owl gossiping – um, I mean chatting - about work, men, running and runners. Owl has a tradition of giving all CRs she meets for a meal a little present – mine was a little laughing Buddha statue!! Haha – how appropriate !!! He is very cute (can Buddha be cute ?) I have no excuses not to “Zen Jen” now !! He is positioned on my desk at home, watching over me and sending me “zen” thoughts. How wonderful of her ! Thanks Owl !!
Saw the physio this afternoon. My hip has certainly improved since I last saw him but I’ve had one or two slight niggles in it during the course of today. After a few more (painful) “interventions” on my hip flexors and to loosen up my lower back, he had me doing some new/more strengthening exercises for my lazy glutes. Burn, baby, burn – ouch !! I even bought a fitball today so I could do these exercises at home rather than at the gym. Unfortunately, no running for me until I’ve had 2 or 3 niggle-free days and until after I see him again on Tuesday. Surprisingly I’m not too frustrated by this outcome (must be the little guy watching over me !) because I want to be free of the problems that have frustrated my training over the last 2 months so I can train consistently again. I have big plans !!
Has anyone ever set themselves a 9km race as their target race for the year ? Yeah, I didn’t think so. Well, someone has to be the first...may as well be me !
Had a hot date at lunch today. Spent 2 hours with the delightful Owl gossiping – um, I mean chatting - about work, men, running and runners. Owl has a tradition of giving all CRs she meets for a meal a little present – mine was a little laughing Buddha statue!! Haha – how appropriate !!! He is very cute (can Buddha be cute ?) I have no excuses not to “Zen Jen” now !! He is positioned on my desk at home, watching over me and sending me “zen” thoughts. How wonderful of her ! Thanks Owl !!
Saw the physio this afternoon. My hip has certainly improved since I last saw him but I’ve had one or two slight niggles in it during the course of today. After a few more (painful) “interventions” on my hip flexors and to loosen up my lower back, he had me doing some new/more strengthening exercises for my lazy glutes. Burn, baby, burn – ouch !! I even bought a fitball today so I could do these exercises at home rather than at the gym. Unfortunately, no running for me until I’ve had 2 or 3 niggle-free days and until after I see him again on Tuesday. Surprisingly I’m not too frustrated by this outcome (must be the little guy watching over me !) because I want to be free of the problems that have frustrated my training over the last 2 months so I can train consistently again. I have big plans !!
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Long walk home...
30mins of stretches again to start the day. The idea of getting on the cardio equipment in the gym this evening bored me to tears so I decided to walk home instead. It took me 1 hour 15mins tonight; normally it only takes an hour but I had to walk around a dark, scary park which I normally cut through during daylight hours. It’s quite a tough walk; largely uphill. It also started raining as I was on the Bridge but fortunately it stopped pretty quickly. When I got home, I did another 40mins of stretching (including calf raises, this time 3 x 15 reps – ouch !!) My hip has been pretty good today apart from a few niggles after sitting for long periods. I’m off to the physio tomorrow so I hope I’ll get the OK to start running again. Don’t know if I’ll do the SMC on Sunday. Will wait and see how it is over the next two days. If I do, it will be nothing more than a slow, easy run and (given it’s my debut) a PB !
Today I realised that due to my holiday and my pre-holiday injury and illness, it has been 9 weeks since I trained properly. Yikes !! Scary but I have been training heavily for over a year now without a substantial break which my body no doubt needed (how Zen is that !) My calves/shin problem is/will be an ongoing issue which will need constant attention but it is manageable. I’m looking forward to running consistently again and to stepping up my training regime.
Also today I discovered that my target race for the year – the Blackmores 10kms in Sept – is now only 9kms. WTF ! My target race for the year is now a km shorter. Well, if I don’t achieve my goal of finishing it in sub-1 hour, it will have been a really bad day at the office. Am a bit disappointed by this but I suppose it’s another PB…
Today I realised that due to my holiday and my pre-holiday injury and illness, it has been 9 weeks since I trained properly. Yikes !! Scary but I have been training heavily for over a year now without a substantial break which my body no doubt needed (how Zen is that !) My calves/shin problem is/will be an ongoing issue which will need constant attention but it is manageable. I’m looking forward to running consistently again and to stepping up my training regime.
Also today I discovered that my target race for the year – the Blackmores 10kms in Sept – is now only 9kms. WTF ! My target race for the year is now a km shorter. Well, if I don’t achieve my goal of finishing it in sub-1 hour, it will have been a really bad day at the office. Am a bit disappointed by this but I suppose it’s another PB…
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Satan takes mercy...
30mins of lower body stretches (focusing on glutes, ITB and hip flexors) to start the day and another 30mins (including this time calf raises) just before bedtime.
In the middle, I had a lunchtime weights session with Satan. Given it has been 6 weeks since our last session, she had designed a "relatively easy" session (her words). It actually was relatively easy compared to our "normal" sessions but it still left my shoulders and arms shaking for a hour afterwards. Love it. Was great to be back in the gym and I'm looking forward to increasing the intensity of my workouts back to near pre-holiday levels next week. Happy days !!
In the middle, I had a lunchtime weights session with Satan. Given it has been 6 weeks since our last session, she had designed a "relatively easy" session (her words). It actually was relatively easy compared to our "normal" sessions but it still left my shoulders and arms shaking for a hour afterwards. Love it. Was great to be back in the gym and I'm looking forward to increasing the intensity of my workouts back to near pre-holiday levels next week. Happy days !!
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Physio and rest day
Saw the physio this afternoon for my dodgy right hip. After much poking and prodding and “interventions” (his word for torture - a bruise report will follow tomorrow), the physio decided that my hip flexors are once again too tight and are putting pressure on the other muscles in my hip/pelvis. More stretches to add to the already long list and no running and no spin classes until I see him again on Friday. Given that I am feeling like a big lardy, lardy arse at the moment, this wasn’t particularly welcome news.
Later this afternoon I was catching up on blogs. This normally inspires me and fuels my enthusiasm. Today (when combined with my physio visit and sore hip), it left me very flat and a little down (I admit that that damn green eyed monster won’t leave me). Then I read the blog of my friend, the very wise Owl, which reminded me of something said at yesterday’s graduation ceremony – “I think therefore I am”. I choose not to get disheartened or adopt a negative mindset. I choose to enjoy and celebrate the fact that I can run and that I have a strong body and strong mind. I choose to celebrate and feel happy and proud of the achievements of others in doing something which I love.
When I got home from work tonight, Channel 7 had a “Riverdance” show on. I lurve the music from that show. Must dig out my CD. Cranked up the TV whilst doing my stretches and strengthening exercises. Made my heart sing. :-)
Later this afternoon I was catching up on blogs. This normally inspires me and fuels my enthusiasm. Today (when combined with my physio visit and sore hip), it left me very flat and a little down (I admit that that damn green eyed monster won’t leave me). Then I read the blog of my friend, the very wise Owl, which reminded me of something said at yesterday’s graduation ceremony – “I think therefore I am”. I choose not to get disheartened or adopt a negative mindset. I choose to enjoy and celebrate the fact that I can run and that I have a strong body and strong mind. I choose to celebrate and feel happy and proud of the achievements of others in doing something which I love.
When I got home from work tonight, Channel 7 had a “Riverdance” show on. I lurve the music from that show. Must dig out my CD. Cranked up the TV whilst doing my stretches and strengthening exercises. Made my heart sing. :-)
Monday, May 09, 2005
Graduation day !
My hip was very unhappy after yesterday’s run. Same problem as before but it has never been as bad as it was yesterday. It’s my own damn stupid fault for not doing my strength/stretching program while I was away. After ice and voltaren, it was feeling much better but I think it might be better to skip tomorrow’s run. Will run again on Thursday before deciding whether to do the SMC 5km on Sunday.
Today was a great day. I had my graduation ceremony this morning followed by a celebratory lunch with Mr Jen and my parents. After 4 ½ years, I finally finished a Masters in Law from UTS. I wasn’t really looking forward to the ceremony; I was very sick of studying about half way through the degree – and let’s just say my enthusiasm for the law hasn’t been particularly high of late - but I’m glad I went. Once the ceremony had started, I found myself thinking about all the hard work and late nights over the years. I was very glad I decided to celebrate.
I’m not due back at work until tomorrow so after lunch, I headed home and – I confess – had a nap before heading to yoga. Feeling very tight and inflexible at the moment. I truly love yoga. I always leave the classes feeling rested, clear headed, refreshed, not to mention more flexible !
Today was a great day. I had my graduation ceremony this morning followed by a celebratory lunch with Mr Jen and my parents. After 4 ½ years, I finally finished a Masters in Law from UTS. I wasn’t really looking forward to the ceremony; I was very sick of studying about half way through the degree – and let’s just say my enthusiasm for the law hasn’t been particularly high of late - but I’m glad I went. Once the ceremony had started, I found myself thinking about all the hard work and late nights over the years. I was very glad I decided to celebrate.
I’m not due back at work until tomorrow so after lunch, I headed home and – I confess – had a nap before heading to yoga. Feeling very tight and inflexible at the moment. I truly love yoga. I always leave the classes feeling rested, clear headed, refreshed, not to mention more flexible !
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Back to it...
Got on the scales this morning. Yikes. The description "big lardy lardy arse" is certainly appropriate so today is officially "back to it" day.
Ran this morning for about 30mins. My cardio fitness seems not to be far off where it was pre-holiday which was a pleasant surprise - but mind you, pre-holiday I had 4 weeks of reduced training due to injury and a cold. My calves are very tight, with the effect that my shins were troublesome to start with but seemed to improve as I warmed up. Back to stretching and doing my strengthening exercises on a daily basis.
While the body seems to be in order, I think I've left my brain somewhere. Not only have I been unable to resize my photos despite some very clear instructions (I'll get around to it eventually), I left my watch at home this morning - which in itself doesn't seem like much but I confess that I actually went back for my watch and somewhere between climbing 3 flights of stairs and changing my t-shirt, I still forgot to pick up my watch. Duh. Crap sleep last night. Couldn't keep my eyes open so I was in bed at 7.30pm (how embarrassing), wide awake at midnight and then back to sleep at 3am....Just love jetlag.
Ran this morning for about 30mins. My cardio fitness seems not to be far off where it was pre-holiday which was a pleasant surprise - but mind you, pre-holiday I had 4 weeks of reduced training due to injury and a cold. My calves are very tight, with the effect that my shins were troublesome to start with but seemed to improve as I warmed up. Back to stretching and doing my strengthening exercises on a daily basis.
While the body seems to be in order, I think I've left my brain somewhere. Not only have I been unable to resize my photos despite some very clear instructions (I'll get around to it eventually), I left my watch at home this morning - which in itself doesn't seem like much but I confess that I actually went back for my watch and somewhere between climbing 3 flights of stairs and changing my t-shirt, I still forgot to pick up my watch. Duh. Crap sleep last night. Couldn't keep my eyes open so I was in bed at 7.30pm (how embarrassing), wide awake at midnight and then back to sleep at 3am....Just love jetlag.
I'm back !!
Well, I’m back from 5 weeks holidays !! Flew in at some ungodly hour Sat morning and apart from a slight inner ear thing (the loungeroom is spinning as I type this – and no, it’s not alcohol-related withdrawal symptoms), I’m feeling pretty good right. Slept very well on the plane.
My holiday was fabulous. I can’t begin to describe it without going on for pages and pages but I will put a few photos over the new few days. Here's a couple to start with:
On Easter Island
At a very high place somewhere in Peru...
As for running, as expected I didn’t feel particularly secure running by myself in most of the places we visited in (mainland) South America – and we were at altitude for most of the trip which made even walking up hills taxing. I planned – and managed – to run 3 times during the trip each for 30mins (she says trying to ignore the fact it was 3 times in 5 weeks !!). I ran on the treadmill in my hotel in Tahiti and then on the road on Rapa Nui/Easter Island and again in Dublin. I also trekked for 4 days and 45kms to Machu Picchu in Peru – ok, so it didn’t involve running but it was one of the most physically difficult and rewarding experiences of my life:
Taking a well deserved break !
Anyway enough of the past and on with the present. To steal Marty’s description, I am now a “big lardy lardy arse”. Minimal running combined with complete and extreme over-indulgence for 5 weeks has, lets just say, given the scales a rather large nudge in an upwards direction. Surprisingly, I don’t give a shite. I had a fabulous time !!!
I ran on Thursday (5 May) in cold Dublin for 30mins and was very surprised with my fitness levels, notwithstanding the fact that it had been almost 4 weeks since I last ran and the fact that I’m carrying a little extra weight. Towards the end of it one of my shins started to make itself known – but it’s my own fault. I must confess that I left “Zen Jen” at home in Sydney and I did none of my exercises/stretches while I was away. Opps. Will remedy that immediately.
As for my upcoming plans, my almost-sadistic running adviser suggested I run (and make my debut) at the SMC 5km next Sunday (15th). Whilst not the best preparation, I’m up for it. I was planning on running tomorrow (Sunday 8th) but I seem to have developed this inner ear ‘thing’ on the flight from Dublin so I will wait until tomorrow morning to see if, and by how much, the room is still spinning. I hope it stops spinning quickly – this break has been fantastic but now I’m more than ready to get back into !
My holiday was fabulous. I can’t begin to describe it without going on for pages and pages but I will put a few photos over the new few days. Here's a couple to start with:
On Easter Island
At a very high place somewhere in Peru...
As for running, as expected I didn’t feel particularly secure running by myself in most of the places we visited in (mainland) South America – and we were at altitude for most of the trip which made even walking up hills taxing. I planned – and managed – to run 3 times during the trip each for 30mins (she says trying to ignore the fact it was 3 times in 5 weeks !!). I ran on the treadmill in my hotel in Tahiti and then on the road on Rapa Nui/Easter Island and again in Dublin. I also trekked for 4 days and 45kms to Machu Picchu in Peru – ok, so it didn’t involve running but it was one of the most physically difficult and rewarding experiences of my life:
Taking a well deserved break !
Anyway enough of the past and on with the present. To steal Marty’s description, I am now a “big lardy lardy arse”. Minimal running combined with complete and extreme over-indulgence for 5 weeks has, lets just say, given the scales a rather large nudge in an upwards direction. Surprisingly, I don’t give a shite. I had a fabulous time !!!
I ran on Thursday (5 May) in cold Dublin for 30mins and was very surprised with my fitness levels, notwithstanding the fact that it had been almost 4 weeks since I last ran and the fact that I’m carrying a little extra weight. Towards the end of it one of my shins started to make itself known – but it’s my own fault. I must confess that I left “Zen Jen” at home in Sydney and I did none of my exercises/stretches while I was away. Opps. Will remedy that immediately.
As for my upcoming plans, my almost-sadistic running adviser suggested I run (and make my debut) at the SMC 5km next Sunday (15th). Whilst not the best preparation, I’m up for it. I was planning on running tomorrow (Sunday 8th) but I seem to have developed this inner ear ‘thing’ on the flight from Dublin so I will wait until tomorrow morning to see if, and by how much, the room is still spinning. I hope it stops spinning quickly – this break has been fantastic but now I’m more than ready to get back into !
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