On with the show...

Righto, enough of the personal stuff - back to work ;-)

After a nice lil sleep-in on Saturday morning, I headed back to the Regatta Centre for a very easy 30mins run. Finished with 4.77k in 30:16min (aver 6.20min/k). Tib-posts/soleous (sp?) are still feeling tight but much improved after Thursday's massage.

So that’s it for the month & the year. My total for December is 97.83k - my biggest month since July! Since 1 May (when Garmin Elektra came into my life) I have done 656kms. While a minute total when compared to some, it is my biggest year to date. I didn’t achieve my main goal for the year (to qualify for Six Foot ’07) and it has been somewhat injury-plagued, but I’ve come along way baby – I can’t believe that this time last year I was only 2mths into what turned out to be 4mths off running thanks to my (then) recalcitrant ITB – it seems like a lifetime ago now :-)

The run that I am probably most proud of this year was Woodford to Glenbrook (25k). When I started running again in March, I honestly didn’t think I would be ready for it. I confess that it was only because 2P & Go Girl told me that I could do it did I even try. Turns out they were right (again) ;-) And I was lucky enough to have Horrie along for the ride –

 

2007 will bring a whole new set of challenges and adventures – starting tomorrow with the Black Stump run (the full 33k..gulp..). From my long awaited trip to Mexico/Guatemala/Belize/Honduras in April-May, a secret BHAG* which will be the focus of my training this year & (last but not least), my sea change - it’s going to be HUGE. Let the journey continue :-)

* Big Hairy Audacious Goal to be revealed in due course :-)

I know this much is true

I have a 'no personal stuff in the blog' rule. While I recognise that what goes on in my 'real' life influences my running - physically & mentally - I am a very private person and play my cards close to my chest - those who know me well would agree. But I'm going to break my rule today (yikes!) but don't get used to it - it's going back to a training diary tomorrow ;-)

I re-read one of my favourite books during the course of the year. I have always been drawn to the final paragraphs in it but they took on a special significance for me this year -

I am not a smart man, particularly, but one day, at long last, I stumbled from the dark woods of my own, and my family's, and my country's past, holding in my hands these truths: that love grows from the rich loam of forgiveness; that mongrels make good dogs; that the evidence of God exists in the roundness of things.

This much, at least, I've figured out. I know this much is true.

I believe that if you have decided to make a change in your life (whether it is lose weight, change jobs/careers, end a relationship that doesn't give you what you need or get a tattoo), you make the change when you make the decision - that you don't wait for an arbitrary date (like NYD) & hope that you wake up a different person. For this reason, I've never been one for contemplation, reflection or even celebration at new years.

But this has been an 'unusual' year for me. It has been filled with challenges & difficult times - professionally & personally - but also with incredible growth. I am a very different person from the one I was at the start of the year - so much so that I am only now beginning to realise just how different I am. From a new job, planning a wedding, relationship breakdown, moving house & (most recently) death, 2006 has been a rollercoaster physically, mentally & emotionally. I have learnt a great deal - about myself & other people. I am grateful (& dare I say it, proud) of the fact that I took most, if not all, of the opportunities that were presented to me (both personally & professionally) and learnt from them-

...one day, at long last, I stumbled from the dark woods of my own...past, holding in my hands these truths...

1. The greatest gift you can receive - or give - is no-questions-asked, absolute & unconditional love & support.

2. When the proverbial shite is about to hit the fan, your true friends will be standing right beside you. Concern yourself only with those people - everyone else is an acquaintance or 'fairweather' friend.

3. Never be afraid to admit you made a mistake - no matter what the cost - be it emotional, mental, physical or financial. Life is too short to stuff around living a false life or one which does not enrich your soul.

4. I love rock climbing ;-)

5. Goethe was right - Whatever you can do or dream you can do, begin it now. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it NOW. Be bold & take a risk. It is a cliche but life really is too short to waste.

6. A mistake is just that. It doesn't make you a bad person (thanks Owly). And once it is made, there is nothing you can do to change its consequences - all you can do is learn from it and move forward living with integrity.

7. I love running long, flat roads - the kind that make mere mortals ask "Are we there yet?" ;-)

8. But trail running is my one true love :-)

9. The only thing you have control over is your own actions & thoughts. It is a waste of time & energy to worry about things over which you have no control. Letting go of concerns about what other people say (gossip) or do or even whether you will come last (or first) in a race frees you mentally & emotionally from a great deal of (self-imposed) tension & stress.

10. Tough situations don't last but tough people do (thanks Gnome).

11. Always listen to your gut instinct. It knows best. Ignore your gut instinct at your own risk. And once you've ignored it & stuffed up, your gut instinct will still be there saying "I told ya so. NOW will you listen to me?"

12. Red shoes & pig tails make you run faster ;-)

13. Max Erhmann & 2P are right - the universe IS unfolding as it should. You may not understand the reasons why it is unfolding in such a shitty manner. You may never understand it. In fact, it may not even be about you - it might be somebody's lesson to learn. But there can be no doubt that it is unfolding as it should.

14. I am stronger - emotionally, mentally & physically - than I ever imagined. And I become stronger each & every day that I am true to, and back, myself.

This much, at least, I've figured out. I know this much is true.

Walkers & wabbits...

Edit: Australia 4 - England 0. Noice.

Neither were to be seen when I headed out on my 'rural' loop again this morning. It was very quiet & lonely (in a good way) out there today. The first 2kms were rusty - as always - but once I woke & warmed up, I felt pretty good. Finished with 7.16kms in 45:07mins (aver 6.17km/m). My tib-posts/soleous (sp?) have been pretty tight the last 2 days & given my next not-so-little adventure, I took myself off at lunch for an hour of torture (in Tiger's absence) at Jackie's Sports Massage. Fingers crossed they will be ready to rock & roll on Monday ;-) I'm looking forward to - and somewhat nervous about - the Black Stump run on NYD.

MTD: 93.06kms

A rest day tomorrow before a short run on Saturday which will be my last for the year! Roll on 2007 - I'm ready :-)

While the cat's away....

My folks left this morning for a week or so at my Nan's place in Qld so I have the house to myself :-) Unfortunately this mouse has little time to play cause I had to go back to work today :-(

To kick off my working week, I started the day with an hour long session with Satan in Hyde Park at 7am. Thankfully my hammies have finally forgiven me after last Friday's session & should have again forgiven me before the Black Stump run on NYD…I hope…

And then just to make sure that I wasn't working too hard today, I had a lovely lunch with Ellie (*waves*) while planning our assault on the Black Stump run & watching the sights, um, I mean the cricket in the city... ;-)

Christmas cheer !

Well after a fantabulous Christmas Day, this morning I had a lil sleep-in and then headed down to the Regatta Centre to work off some of the Christmas cheer I am now carrying around ;-)

Did an easy 5kms run (31:25min/aver 6:15m/k) in my new shoes that Santa kindly delivered followed by an even easier 40mins on the bike. I've pulled up extremely well after Quarry Road on Sunday - no niggles - no DOMS. Happy days :-)

MTD: 85.9kms

Back to the couch - gotta love the Boxing Day test!

Quarry Road - finally!

Almost a year after we first started talking about it, I finally joined my good friends 2P and Go Girl at Quarry Road today. For those that don't know, Quarry Road is a firetrail that runs from Quarry Road at Dural to Stewart Ave, in Hornsby - to run it out & back is just under 13km - damn hilly -



but gawd, it was fun!

Having consulted the street directory, I decided to start from the Dural end. It was wet & misty when I arrived just before 7.30am - my favourite running conditions. Go Girl was running 2 laps so I decided to meet her for the second. It was a very 'social' run - Gnome joined us for most of the outward lap, Martin Dugdale the inward lap and exchanging "hello's" and "Merry Christmases'' with those who started either at the Hornsby end (including 2P, Flakey & Belinda) or earlier from the Dural end (Spud).

Some of the hills on my sekrit hills course are actually steeper than anything found on Quarry Road but they certainly aren't as long - the climb up from the bridge (in either direction) just goes on & on & on - particularly given my hammies are still complaining (loudly) after my session with Satan on Friday!

Finished in 1:31:54 (an even split no less!) - 12.71kms according to Garmin Elektra - aver 7.13mins/kms. Some warm clothes, a chat with Martin, Go Girl & Spud over a yummy fruit platter (thanks GG!) and it was time to head for home.

My legs are fine - no niggles - I am one tired but happy & content gal :-)

MTD: 80.88kms

Hope everyone has a fab Christmas. A friend of mine died suddenly 3 weeks ago. His birthday is Christmas Day. I can't begin to imagine how his family are feeling at this time - so make sure you hug your loved ones & tell 'em you love 'em this Christmas. Stay safe & drive carefully!

Holidays!

Woohoo - Christmas has arrived & I have 4 days off! Nice.

I was on the train at 5.40am this morning (positively a sleep-in compared to yesterday) in order to meet Satan in the Park for an hour of torture at 7am today. I'm sure my glutes, quads & hammies will have forgiven me by Sunday morning - at least I hope so!

Luckily all my Christmas shopping is done & I have nothing to do tomorrow but 'relax' (ie lie around & read all day) & before heading out to Quarry Road on Sunday :-) I should think dusting off my bike & taking it for a spin at some stage. Might think about that for a while longer though ;-)

Mistakes & discoveries

...[s]he who never made a mistake never made a discovery - Samuel Smiles

This quote, which is on my desk calender today, made me smile. It seemed rather appropriate today after I sat down last night to start to write an end-of-year reflection about the interesting year that was…

This morning I headed out just before 5am for a 45mins run. Another loverly morning for a run - there was mist over the river and cascading down through the valleys in the Mountains - bewdiful. My folks live on the edge of surburbia so 5mins sees me on the backroads where there are more animals - rabbits, goats& horses - than McMansions, utes or people. In fact, I ran straight down the white line in the middle of the road for 15mins today without seeing anyone (& needless to say, any cars!) And no, I wasn't wearing my iPod so I could hear if there were any cars approaching…it was 5am - only crazy people are out that time of day ;-)

The first 5mins were pretty rusty - as always - but I settled down quickly & felt really comfortable & strong for the whole run. The pace was probably a bit quick but hey, I was having a great time! Finished with 7.24kms in 44:58mins (aver 6:12min/km). A bloody great way to start the day.

MTD: 68.17kms

Bring on Quarry Road - I'm excited :-))

...the boy's no good...

Tuesday morning I headed out the door at about 5am for an easy 35mins run. The first 10mins were pretty rusty and slow but after a stop or two to stretch my calves, I settled into a comfortable pace. I've pulled up really well after Sunday's lil adventure - even better than the week before - none of the ankle soreness or DOMS that I experienced last week :-)

It was a loverly morning for a run - quiet, cool & still. I arrived home at 5.40am which gave me a whole 30mins to stretch before I needed to get ready for work - what a luxury these days! Finished with 5.57kms in 35:06mins (aver 6.18mins/km). Tuesday ended with dinner in the Rocks with Owly, Ellie, Go Girl, Wobbly Man & family - was lovely to see Wobs again & meet his lovely girls (*waves*). Not to mention, to learn a few things about our friend Wobbly Man - including his nickname when he was living in Canberra in his late 20's
;-)

The rain over Tuesday night & Wednesday morning meant that my session with Satan in the park was cancelled & instead I got some extra recovery time (ie sleep). Thanks Owly! Rather than be completely lazy (which I felt like doing after a bit of a head cold set in yesterday), I headed to the gym at lunch for an Int/Adv GRC Pilates class - I haven't done one in a while but felt surprisingly strong. Noice.

4 sleeps til Quarry Road!

MTD: 60.93kms

More sekrit hills...

Well, aren't I glad that I retired to the couch yesterday afternoon. Say goodbye to the Ashes England ;-)

Today's run was a bonus. After my run on Friday morning, I honestly did not think that my legs would be up for a return trip to my sekrit hilly trail. They felt really good during the run today - or maybe I was just too busy watching for snakes to even think about them ;-)

It was bloody hot by the time I set out at 9am. I should have gone earlier but just couldn't get my act together. The trail had been visited by a couple of motorbikes since I ran it last weekend which churned up the surface - making some of the steep downhills even trickier, not to mention creating lots of soft surfaces which my lower legs traditionally don't like very much.

Still I felt really comfortable & enjoyed the run. Finished it (14.60kms) in 1:55:22mins (splits of 58:51/56:31) - overall 4:30mins faster than last week. Happy days :-)

Came home & had an ice bath - yikes - to make sure my legs are ready to play next weekend when I head out to visit Quarry Road for the first time :-))

Here's the full course profile - it's a good thing I like hills !



MTD: 55.36kms

Righto, back to the couch - gotta love summer!

Cross training on the dancefloor

Friday morning I headed out in the light drizzle just after 5am for an easy 40mins around the hood. My tib-posts (both) were pretty tight today - stoopid things. It felt like really hard work but it's been a tough week - emotionally in particular- so it has no doubt taken a toll.

Finished with 6.34kms in 41:04mins (aver 6.28mins/km). Shite that's my long run pace. What can I say - its been a tough week.

A couple of hours of dancing - first at our work Christmas party & then later in the pub when I caught up with Ellie, Owly, Sparkie, Chonky, Rags & Rags Jnr - rounded out a tough week nicely.

Not sure what to do about my long run tomorrow given how my tib-posts were feeling yesterday - might go & lie on the couch in front of the cricket & contemplate it ;-)

MTD: 40.76kms

*Yawn*

I had a weights session with Satan at lunch today in the gym today (for the last time). The same glute/hamstring/core/balanced focus as last time. I was/am clearly tired - I just couldn't balance properly or consistently today. My gym membership actually expired today so in future I'll be doing hour long sessions with Satan in a park not far from my office on Wednesday mornings. I'm looking forward to getting out of the gym - but given my sessions with Satan are normally only 30mins, it's going to be, um, challenging to say the least!

A late night working (at home) last night meant that I was no chance of getting out for a run this morning. So I left the office a bit early today (taking more work home) in order to head out for a run before (Baked) dinner (Wednesday). An easy 30mins to stretch the legs out after my lil adventure on Sunday & yesterday's massage. Legs are feeling a bit beaten up and tired tonight - mind you, I've had very little sleep the last few days & have never gone for a run after doing a session with Satan... Finished with 4.99kms (WTF!) in 30.22mins (aver 6.04mins/km). I'll wait another day or two before deciding what adventure this weekend will bring.

And Tesso, Robbie was looking good, albeit tired, the last time I saw him. Though I'm sure he's not too worn out for you ;-)

MTD: 34.42kms

Carpe diem kids...

I pulled up very well after Sunday's adventure. Very little DOMS - only the ligaments/tendons/bits around my ankles are a bit sore (the right in particular). Not surprisingly given it was my first - and longest - trail run since, dunno, maybe W2G...

This morning it was back on the bike for an interval session while watching the Monaco HIM (thanks Miners) -

5mins warm up
7 x 3mins effort/1.30mins recovery
5mins cool down
Total: 41.30mins

RIP B.

What goes up.....

Well I wanted hills - and I got 'em.

Today I headed to a trail not far from home - location undisclosed - it is sekrit training after all ;-) which Mr G had described to me as "damn hilly" - he wasn't kidding...



Note that it was an out & back course - and this graph is only the 'out' part !

It was a lovely run - scenic with views of the river & the occasional MTBer. I took the 'out' part slowly, walking most of the uphills & then running the flats and most of the downhills, some were too steep even for me (who lurves running really scarily fast downhill!)

My legs felt good - I was getting a bit tired by the end but was able to push a bit harder on the return trip (with a nice negative split 1:02:15/57:52) which was really pleasing given it was my longest run since August!

Finished with 14.77kms in 2:00:07.

MTD: 29.43kms

Not much time to lie on the couch today - I gotta get ready for a hot date tonight :-)

Bubble, bubble, toil & trouble...

Hehe. Miners, I have no idea where all this bubbly happiness is coming from - but it's starting to scare me too ;-)

On Thursday morning, I headed out for a run just after 5am on a rather cool & overcast morning. My energy levels were a wee bit lacking so I ignored Garmin Elektra & decided just to see how I felt. Pretty flat but moving pretty comfortably on the downhills ;-) was the answer. Finished with 5.66kms in 35mins (aver 6.11min/k).

MTD: 14.66km

Friday became an unplanned rest day after a, um, rather big night on Thursday night. Twisting & turning & bending & stretching on a Pilates reformer machine held little appeal today ;-)

Now that I'm doing a lap of Quarry Road on Christmas Eve & the Black Stump party pooper 16km run on NYD, it's about time I found some hills - now where did I put that map… ;-)

Baked dinner Wednesday...

Ustraya 2 - England 0 :))

A number of people asked me on the weekend how life at Penriff was going. I am absolutely LOVING it. Despite being away for 13 odd years, I have somehow slotted back seamlessly into the fold. I am even loving the commute! And that's not even taking into account the fact it's Baked Dinner Wednesday ! Happy days ;-)

Anyhoo, my legs pulled up fine after Sunday's little adventure. No DOMs which was good - it was just my cardio fitness (& a stitch) which stopped me from going any faster.

I have been pretty tired since the weekend. So in an effort to look after myself (not to mention trying to avoid going back down the exhaustion path again), I made Monday & Tuesday rest days & slept in until - wait for it - 6am! LOL. But I was back at the gym at lunch today for a weights session with Satan. The same session as last week with a focus on glutes, hammies & core strength/balance.

Heading out for a run tomorrow morning. Did I mention that I am one happy gal?

Tuggerah Lakes Mardi Gras 9kms race report!

Wow. What a weekend. Man oh man I am going to sleep well tonight. I said to Owly in the car on the way home - I have not felt better - physically, emotionally, mentally - in a very long time. It seems the Phoenix was rather appropriate...

This is going to be a long post - I'd apologise but it's my blog ;-)

Anyhoo, to backtrack a bit - Friday proved to be an intriguing & interesting day. In the morning I left the gym with jelly legs after doing 20mins of leg work before the pilates class. Another tough class too - my lack of training in the last few weeks was showing but I know my strength will return quickly.

Work was crap - so crap infact that I got stuck in the office finalising an urgent deal (aren't they all!) & missed lunch entirely! Yes, that's right. I missed a long boozy client lunch & instead was reduced to eating sushi rolls at my desk at 3pm! Not happy Jan. My day however took a very surprising turn with an interesting offer which came completely out of the blue. I won't take it up but it proved to me (once more) that the planets are moving into alignment for me.

After meeting Ellie at 3.45pm, we headed to Leichhardt to meet Owly for the girl's road trip to The Entrance. Thanks girls for keeping me so entertained on the drive (skinny girls, skinny girls, skinny girls, I love 'em, I love 'em, I love 'em, I love 'em).... Friday night was fun - great food, company, bubbly, girl talk & gelato.

Saturday was overcast. At this time I was somewhat concerned by the weather - I hadn't checked the weather forecast when I packed on Thursday night & so had brought absolutely no warm clothes - a decision I was too regret on Sunday. We spent the day eating & shopping & later in the day caught up with Portrunr. Dinner on Saturday night was fun - I hope everyone enjoyed the flood which I had arranged especially to add some atmosphere to the night ;-)

I can't say that I was particularly looking forward to running when I looked out the window on Sunday morning & saw rain & lots of wind. But this day last year was probably my lowest point in my ITB battle - not because I wasn't able to race but because when I walked up the hill to my B&B after cheering at the race, the pain in my knee - simply from walking up the hill - was excruciating. I cried from frustration more than once during that period of my life but that was the only time I cried due to the pain. By far, my lowest point. So that might explain why I may have been spotted this morning skipping across the oval yelling words to the effect "woohoo, I'm running!"... :-))

I have to thank TigerAngel for giving Owly & I a cuddle to try & keep us warm as we huddled under the bridge waiting for the start of the race - thank you :-)

I had decided to treat the "race" simply as a training run. Due to illness I hadn't run for more than 40mins in over a month so I decided to go out with Ellie, Owly & Lulu at their HM pace & then see how I felt at the turnaround. Shortly after the start, Ellie had disappeared into the distance, Owly had teamed up with Caro so I ran to the turnaround with Lulu averaging around 6.10min/km. I actually felt terrible the first few kms - my legs felt fine but I couldn't breathe. Once we'd started running I actually enjoyed the conditions - you (well, I) can't help but smile when running through puddles! By the turnaround, I was feeling better so I decided to pick up the pace & pick off a few people in front - I lurve chasing people down ;-)

The last 3kms were a bit of a struggle as my lack of fitness took a toll - as did a stitch. But my legs felt - feel - great! According to Garmin Elektra I finished in 50.42mins (aver 5.43kms) - my splits tell the tale:

6.05
6.09
6.06
6.14
5.48
5.10
5.29
5.22
4.19 (.885km)

How is that for inconsistent? ;-) About 1min off my PB but in the circumstances, a result I am really happy with :-))

Edit: results are in - 50.59mins!

I had planned to run back down the course to meet the girls but I got cold really quickly once I had stopped to stretch. So I ran back to the hotel for a quick (hot) shower & was back at the finish line in order to watch the girls come through - Ellie, Owly, Lulu & Go Girl - tough chicks (mentally & physically) & I'm very proud of you :-))

After checking out of our hotel & a lovely - leisurely - breakfast with a stack of CRs, it was time to head for home. Right now, my legs are feeling great - no niggles & I am one content (albeit tired) Phoenix ;-)

I'm planning on taking it a bit easy for a next day or two & then it might be time to dig out one of those maps next weekend...