Back & biceps weights session at lunch in the gym today & I'll be back in there tomorrow (Wednesday) doing chest, shoulders & triceps.
Today I also booked myself a holiday in April (& yes, this departure is already confirmed) - a 25 day trip to Nepal including a 20 day trek! Woohooooo! This is something that I have wanted to do for probably 15+ years - not to mention a bloody great way to use (& build on) my Six Foot training and sets me up perfectly for a tilt at my running goals in the second half of the year. I'm excited :-))
Taking a break from running this week brings me to the end of January with a total of 160.43km! My biggest month ever! It's been a huge month physically & emotionally. I feel like I've been on an emotional rollercoaster actually - some lows, fear, uncertainty & tears but also a lot of highs. Needless to say the Black Stump run on NYD will be one of my highlights of the year. I can't believe it was only a month ago that I qualified for Six Foot - it seems like a lifetime. How things (or more correctly, how perceptions) change!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
I'm a safety girl....
Apologies for just spamming everyone using Bloglines :-)
Lulu asked yesterday about whether I carry ID when on a trail run in case I get bitten by a moving stick ;-) I've been taught by the master so I actually carry -
- drivers licence
- mobile
- triangular bandage
- roller/crepe/pressure bandage
- space blanket (small)
- glasses case with a second pair - either my sunnies or my normal glasses depending on what I'm wearing. If I fall & break a pair, I'll need a backup otherwise it would be a long & slow walk back to the car as I stop to check every stick to make sure its not a snake!
- toilet paper !
- maps (depending on which trail I'm running)
plus (of course) water & gels. Sounds like alot but it actually fits within 2 small ziplock bag & weighs almost nothing. In addition, I show my folks on the map the course that I'm planning to take & when to expect me back (ok, this should be in writing...smack....) & I SMS mum as I'm leaving the car & then again when I get back to it. What can I say - I'm such a girl scout ;-)
My hip is in need of some TLC this week so I've decided not to run at least until the Mastery of Megalong fat ass run on Sunday (at the earliest). Last weeks interval bike session didn't appear to aggravate it though I will talk to the experts before getting too stuck into the bike. Looks like its gunna be an easy week. 5 weeks & 4 sleeps to go - plenty of time ;-)
Lulu asked yesterday about whether I carry ID when on a trail run in case I get bitten by a moving stick ;-) I've been taught by the master so I actually carry -
- drivers licence
- mobile
- triangular bandage
- roller/crepe/pressure bandage
- space blanket (small)
- glasses case with a second pair - either my sunnies or my normal glasses depending on what I'm wearing. If I fall & break a pair, I'll need a backup otherwise it would be a long & slow walk back to the car as I stop to check every stick to make sure its not a snake!
- toilet paper !
- maps (depending on which trail I'm running)
plus (of course) water & gels. Sounds like alot but it actually fits within 2 small ziplock bag & weighs almost nothing. In addition, I show my folks on the map the course that I'm planning to take & when to expect me back (ok, this should be in writing...smack....) & I SMS mum as I'm leaving the car & then again when I get back to it. What can I say - I'm such a girl scout ;-)
My hip is in need of some TLC this week so I've decided not to run at least until the Mastery of Megalong fat ass run on Sunday (at the earliest). Last weeks interval bike session didn't appear to aggravate it though I will talk to the experts before getting too stuck into the bike. Looks like its gunna be an easy week. 5 weeks & 4 sleeps to go - plenty of time ;-)
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Heading for the hills (again)
I had thought about heading to Quarry Road or back to the Six Foot Track this weekend but decided I needed some time alone with my thoughts so I headed to the Glenbrook National Park (which is about 15mins from home) for part of a route that Mr G suggested. He described it as "seriously hilly". He wasn't kidding. I think I did more walking than running today...
I parked at the gate just after 7am. I had planned to go earlier but couldn't get out of bed this morning. It was beautiful & quiet with only the occasional MTBer & walker around. Ran down to the causeway, walked up the other side & then ran along the main road to the Ironbark picnic ground, where I turned down a trail to the Euroka Campground & was greeted by the resident kangaroos. After a stop to powder my nose, I walked back up the road out of the campground, turned right & headed to the Portal Lookout. This was a constant climb but the incredible view down the Nepean River was worth it. I can't believe that in all the time I spent at the Euroka campground as a kid that I've never been to the lookout before - it's stunning. Will take my camera next time...
I turned around & started heading back to the Euroka Campground. On the way, a car stopped to warn me that there was a red belly black snake was on the road a bit further down. Farkkk. Unfortunately I wasn't lucky enough to catch a glimpse of it - it had moved on by the time I got there. After another pitstop at Euroka, I decided to head back up Bennetts Ridge Road - better known as the last section of the Woodford to Glenbrook trail. Yikes. It certainly didn't feel particularly 'downhill' during the W2G race - it wasn't a big climb but it's constant.
Eventually I made it back to the Oaks Fire Trail. My hip had been complaining for a while by now & I had just about had enough - if a car had driven past I have have hitched a lift back to my car. But alas, no cars so I ran back down to the causeway & walked up the other side, managing to catch, overtake & leave for dust a poor dude trying to ride his MTB up the hill..
Energy wise I felt fine so in that regard it was a confidence boost that I need after last week. Easy Tiger & Saint Andrew have some work to do though...
Finished in 22.51kms in 2:47:47 (aver 7.27min/km). It was what I needed - some thinking time by myself on a trail with only kangaroos & snakes for company.
MTD: 160.43kms
I parked at the gate just after 7am. I had planned to go earlier but couldn't get out of bed this morning. It was beautiful & quiet with only the occasional MTBer & walker around. Ran down to the causeway, walked up the other side & then ran along the main road to the Ironbark picnic ground, where I turned down a trail to the Euroka Campground & was greeted by the resident kangaroos. After a stop to powder my nose, I walked back up the road out of the campground, turned right & headed to the Portal Lookout. This was a constant climb but the incredible view down the Nepean River was worth it. I can't believe that in all the time I spent at the Euroka campground as a kid that I've never been to the lookout before - it's stunning. Will take my camera next time...
I turned around & started heading back to the Euroka Campground. On the way, a car stopped to warn me that there was a red belly black snake was on the road a bit further down. Farkkk. Unfortunately I wasn't lucky enough to catch a glimpse of it - it had moved on by the time I got there. After another pitstop at Euroka, I decided to head back up Bennetts Ridge Road - better known as the last section of the Woodford to Glenbrook trail. Yikes. It certainly didn't feel particularly 'downhill' during the W2G race - it wasn't a big climb but it's constant.
Eventually I made it back to the Oaks Fire Trail. My hip had been complaining for a while by now & I had just about had enough - if a car had driven past I have have hitched a lift back to my car. But alas, no cars so I ran back down to the causeway & walked up the other side, managing to catch, overtake & leave for dust a poor dude trying to ride his MTB up the hill..
Energy wise I felt fine so in that regard it was a confidence boost that I need after last week. Easy Tiger & Saint Andrew have some work to do though...
Finished in 22.51kms in 2:47:47 (aver 7.27min/km). It was what I needed - some thinking time by myself on a trail with only kangaroos & snakes for company.
MTD: 160.43kms
Friday, January 26, 2007
You can't say we're satisfied...
It's been an interesting, intriguing & emotional week in more ways than one...
I haven't mentioned my glute recently - not because its been fine but because I don't want to dwell on it. After visits to Saint Andrew on both Monday and Tuesday and one of the most painful hours I've spent in the Tiger's lair yet, we have gotten to the bottom of the problem (pun intended). And it's not my glute - basically the structural/biomechnical problem relating to my pelvis that I was having last year (the cause of my old ITB problem) is starting to flare up again. At least now I know what's going on & the best way to manage it & minimise any damage over the next 6 weeks & 1 sleep
;-)
Wednesday morning I headed out for a run. I was feeling emotionally fragile after some 'stuff' on Tuesday & still physically beaten up after my run on Sunday so I decided to let me old bod decided what it wanted to do.
It was a rough start. After an incredible light show on Tuesday night during a storm, it was soooo humid out there. For the first 15mins I couldn't even get into 1st gear & was thinking of pulling the pin early. But after about 15mins (& a couple of stops to stretch my calves) my body not only found 1st gear but was threatening to move up to 2nd gear. And then one of my most favourite things in the word happened - it started raining. Heavily. There are few things I love more than running in summer rain - trail running, chocolate & red wine immediately come to mind but there are others ;-)
Although my hip complained for most of it, it was a bloody fantastic run :-)) It was THE perfect confidence boosting run - just what I needed after the last few days. Finished with 7.33k in 46:07mins (aver 6:17min/k).
Thursday started well. I stayed at Ellie's place on Wednesday night after dinner with a constellation of CoolRunners. So as Ellie headed off to join the SWEAT crew, I headed into the gym for an interval session on the bike -
5mins warm up
5 x 5mins efforts/2:30mins recovery
5 mins cool down
Total: 47:30mins
Finished off with 3 sets of single leg hamstring curls - part of the treatment for my eager pelvis (thanks Ellie!), ab/core stuff & lots of stretching. Great way to start the day :-)
Unfortunately I found out later in the day that my holiday to Central America has been cancelled by the tour operator for lack of numbers! Farkkkk. I know the universe is probably unfolding as it should but I don't like the universe today ;-) Back to the drawing board…
With the Australia Day fun run on at the Regatta Centre at Penriff, Owly & Ellie came to stay at Chez Penriff on Thursday night. While the prospect of being able to leave home 3mins before we wanted to arrive at the Regatta Centre had some appeal, I think (at least so far as Ellie was concerned) the fact that Mum had offered to cook a baked dinner was the major selling point ;-)
I had previously decided to do one of the races (5k or 10k) at my usual Friday run pace - ie slow. After Wednesday's run, the decision to do the 5k was easy. Owly decided to run a slow 5k too so to make sure we did, we decided our goal was to run a PW! It was great to run with Owly again (it's been far too long). We had great fun at the back of the pack, cheering, talking, laughing, solving the worlds - and our - problems. Thanks Owly! Finished with 4.98k in 32.07mins (aver 6.27min/k). No complaints from my hip today so the stretching/strengthing is paying off.
Afterwards Owly & I sat around catching up with Go Girl (waves!) while Ellie went off for a ride. It was great day - I don't know what I'd do without you gals :-)
MTD: 137.92kms !
To answer Tesso's question, my next visit to the Track is next weekend as part of the Megalong Mega fat ass run (hopefully not the Megalong Massacre as someone has nicknamed it!) unless I head up there again this weekend. Dunno yet. I'm still undecided where or for how long I'll run this weekend....
I haven't mentioned my glute recently - not because its been fine but because I don't want to dwell on it. After visits to Saint Andrew on both Monday and Tuesday and one of the most painful hours I've spent in the Tiger's lair yet, we have gotten to the bottom of the problem (pun intended). And it's not my glute - basically the structural/biomechnical problem relating to my pelvis that I was having last year (the cause of my old ITB problem) is starting to flare up again. At least now I know what's going on & the best way to manage it & minimise any damage over the next 6 weeks & 1 sleep
;-)
Wednesday morning I headed out for a run. I was feeling emotionally fragile after some 'stuff' on Tuesday & still physically beaten up after my run on Sunday so I decided to let me old bod decided what it wanted to do.
It was a rough start. After an incredible light show on Tuesday night during a storm, it was soooo humid out there. For the first 15mins I couldn't even get into 1st gear & was thinking of pulling the pin early. But after about 15mins (& a couple of stops to stretch my calves) my body not only found 1st gear but was threatening to move up to 2nd gear. And then one of my most favourite things in the word happened - it started raining. Heavily. There are few things I love more than running in summer rain - trail running, chocolate & red wine immediately come to mind but there are others ;-)
Although my hip complained for most of it, it was a bloody fantastic run :-)) It was THE perfect confidence boosting run - just what I needed after the last few days. Finished with 7.33k in 46:07mins (aver 6:17min/k).
Thursday started well. I stayed at Ellie's place on Wednesday night after dinner with a constellation of CoolRunners. So as Ellie headed off to join the SWEAT crew, I headed into the gym for an interval session on the bike -
5mins warm up
5 x 5mins efforts/2:30mins recovery
5 mins cool down
Total: 47:30mins
Finished off with 3 sets of single leg hamstring curls - part of the treatment for my eager pelvis (thanks Ellie!), ab/core stuff & lots of stretching. Great way to start the day :-)
Unfortunately I found out later in the day that my holiday to Central America has been cancelled by the tour operator for lack of numbers! Farkkkk. I know the universe is probably unfolding as it should but I don't like the universe today ;-) Back to the drawing board…
With the Australia Day fun run on at the Regatta Centre at Penriff, Owly & Ellie came to stay at Chez Penriff on Thursday night. While the prospect of being able to leave home 3mins before we wanted to arrive at the Regatta Centre had some appeal, I think (at least so far as Ellie was concerned) the fact that Mum had offered to cook a baked dinner was the major selling point ;-)
I had previously decided to do one of the races (5k or 10k) at my usual Friday run pace - ie slow. After Wednesday's run, the decision to do the 5k was easy. Owly decided to run a slow 5k too so to make sure we did, we decided our goal was to run a PW! It was great to run with Owly again (it's been far too long). We had great fun at the back of the pack, cheering, talking, laughing, solving the worlds - and our - problems. Thanks Owly! Finished with 4.98k in 32.07mins (aver 6.27min/k). No complaints from my hip today so the stretching/strengthing is paying off.
Afterwards Owly & I sat around catching up with Go Girl (waves!) while Ellie went off for a ride. It was great day - I don't know what I'd do without you gals :-)
MTD: 137.92kms !
To answer Tesso's question, my next visit to the Track is next weekend as part of the Megalong Mega fat ass run (hopefully not the Megalong Massacre as someone has nicknamed it!) unless I head up there again this weekend. Dunno yet. I'm still undecided where or for how long I'll run this weekend....
Sunday, January 21, 2007
One of those days....
Thankfully yesterday was a rest day. It got to 41*C (105*F) out here at Penriff & today (Sunday) is about the same. Thankfully there was plenty of sport on telly & we have ducted air-con.
Anyway, today was my first visit to the Six Foot Track. Apart from the fact that the company was great & I didn't see any snakes, it was pretty farked.
I woke up feeling flat, tired & unrested. I'm not sure why - I made sure that I was properly hydrated cause I knew it would be hot. Just one of those days I guess...
Got to the Explorer's Tree just before 7am after getting every red light between Penriff & Katoomba and within about 5mins, we were off. Moh, Ine, 2p & someone else whose name I didn't catch quickly took off leaving me at the back of the pack with Terry.
The steps down Nellies are a bitch - differing heights & widths. I'm sure there is a technique to running down them (quickly) but buggered if I know what it is. Having no fear & long legs perhaps. Unfortunately I was too busy trying not to bust an ankle to take in the view but the few glimpses I saw were pretty spectacular. The soaring sandstone escarpment which disappeared from view as we passed through the 'rainforest' section. Bewdiful.
By the time the course had started to flatten, 2p suddenly appeared - dropping back to check up on me. After dropping about 500m in the space of 2kms, my legs were (surprisingly) feeling pretty good at this stage.
At the first gate, we climbed through the fence which I didn't handle particularly well. It's been a few years since I climbed fences! Contrary to 2p's cheeky suggestion, it wasn't that I was too fat too squeeze through but that I over-rotated on the landing. You had to be there ;-)
Terry, 2p & I continued to run along the firetrail when 2p started to entertain us by telling 'snake encounter' stories. No doubt part of his campaign to desensitise me to snakes. His attempt to distract me worked too well - I almost went A over T thanks to a stick at about this time.
The rest of the run down to Megalong Rd was pleasant and different - from a wide firetrail, through a dry creek bed & then across a paddock. By this time it was starting to get bloody warm. The pace had been pretty comfortable for me but I was really pleased that I planned to turn around at the road rather than continue onto Cox's River as the rest had planned.
On hitting Megalong Road in 57mins, we stopped for a quick chat & I had a GU before we parted company & I set out for home by my lonesome.
Unfortunately I had absolutely nothing in the tank on the way back. The GU made no difference whatsoever. I couldn't catch my breathe no matter how much I slowed down, nor could I get my heartrate down. At about the 10k, I found that I wasn't absorbing any water - it was all sloshing around in my tummy & before I had made it to the Nellies Glen sign, I was feeling lightheaded & faint. About this point I had another GU which made bugger-all difference again. FYI - I had drunk just on 2ltrs of water by the time I made it back to the car.
Finished in 2:16 (splits of 57 & 1:19).
Positives to come out of it - I have strong quads which don't mind downhills. It was 'time on my feet' and (more) practice at moving forward (albeit slowly) when the tank is bone-motherless-dry.
'Nuff said. Time to rest, recover & refocus.
MTD: 125.61kms
Anyway, today was my first visit to the Six Foot Track. Apart from the fact that the company was great & I didn't see any snakes, it was pretty farked.
I woke up feeling flat, tired & unrested. I'm not sure why - I made sure that I was properly hydrated cause I knew it would be hot. Just one of those days I guess...
Got to the Explorer's Tree just before 7am after getting every red light between Penriff & Katoomba and within about 5mins, we were off. Moh, Ine, 2p & someone else whose name I didn't catch quickly took off leaving me at the back of the pack with Terry.
The steps down Nellies are a bitch - differing heights & widths. I'm sure there is a technique to running down them (quickly) but buggered if I know what it is. Having no fear & long legs perhaps. Unfortunately I was too busy trying not to bust an ankle to take in the view but the few glimpses I saw were pretty spectacular. The soaring sandstone escarpment which disappeared from view as we passed through the 'rainforest' section. Bewdiful.
By the time the course had started to flatten, 2p suddenly appeared - dropping back to check up on me. After dropping about 500m in the space of 2kms, my legs were (surprisingly) feeling pretty good at this stage.
At the first gate, we climbed through the fence which I didn't handle particularly well. It's been a few years since I climbed fences! Contrary to 2p's cheeky suggestion, it wasn't that I was too fat too squeeze through but that I over-rotated on the landing. You had to be there ;-)
Terry, 2p & I continued to run along the firetrail when 2p started to entertain us by telling 'snake encounter' stories. No doubt part of his campaign to desensitise me to snakes. His attempt to distract me worked too well - I almost went A over T thanks to a stick at about this time.
The rest of the run down to Megalong Rd was pleasant and different - from a wide firetrail, through a dry creek bed & then across a paddock. By this time it was starting to get bloody warm. The pace had been pretty comfortable for me but I was really pleased that I planned to turn around at the road rather than continue onto Cox's River as the rest had planned.
On hitting Megalong Road in 57mins, we stopped for a quick chat & I had a GU before we parted company & I set out for home by my lonesome.
Unfortunately I had absolutely nothing in the tank on the way back. The GU made no difference whatsoever. I couldn't catch my breathe no matter how much I slowed down, nor could I get my heartrate down. At about the 10k, I found that I wasn't absorbing any water - it was all sloshing around in my tummy & before I had made it to the Nellies Glen sign, I was feeling lightheaded & faint. About this point I had another GU which made bugger-all difference again. FYI - I had drunk just on 2ltrs of water by the time I made it back to the car.
Finished in 2:16 (splits of 57 & 1:19).
Positives to come out of it - I have strong quads which don't mind downhills. It was 'time on my feet' and (more) practice at moving forward (albeit slowly) when the tank is bone-motherless-dry.
'Nuff said. Time to rest, recover & refocus.
MTD: 125.61kms
Saturday, January 20, 2007
...7....
49 sleeps to go!
And it's a rest day :-) So once I sit down with my maps & check out tomorrow's route, it's back to the couch with the papers & to watch the tennis. Geez, this training thing is hard work ;-)
And it's a rest day :-) So once I sit down with my maps & check out tomorrow's route, it's back to the couch with the papers & to watch the tennis. Geez, this training thing is hard work ;-)
Friday, January 19, 2007
Accept the landing
I've been feeling really tired this week (*yawn*). Looking at my diary over the last 3 weeks - and now that I'm covering for both of my bosses who are currently on holidays - I'm not surprised. I've even been sleeping on the trip to AND from work - which I would normally consider to be a great waste of reading time. But for the next 7-odd weeks, I prefer to think of it as recovery time ;-) Thankfully I have a (much needed & long overdue) quiet & relaxing weekend ahead.
I chose to give pilates a miss this week after overdoing it a wee bit last week so instead I went to the gym yesterday (Thursday) for an upper body weights session. Today (Friday) I headed out for an easy 40mins run. I felt really flat & tired at first but after stopping to stretch my calves about 10min in, I started feeling (somewhat) relaxed & comfy. Finished with 6.55k in 40:14mins (aver 6:08min/k).
All systems are G-O for my maiden visit to the Track this weekend :-)
MTD: 109.65kms
I chose to give pilates a miss this week after overdoing it a wee bit last week so instead I went to the gym yesterday (Thursday) for an upper body weights session. Today (Friday) I headed out for an easy 40mins run. I felt really flat & tired at first but after stopping to stretch my calves about 10min in, I started feeling (somewhat) relaxed & comfy. Finished with 6.55k in 40:14mins (aver 6:08min/k).
All systems are G-O for my maiden visit to the Track this weekend :-)
MTD: 109.65kms
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Only forward
An easy 40mins this morning. I was planning to head out for a bit longer but my glutes & ITBs were feeling a bit beaten up after the massage yesterday. So in line with my 'slowly & wisely' approach, I decided the best thing I can do this week is to take it easy & make sure all my bits have recovered - happy, rested & recovered glutes are going to come in handy on my first trip to the Six Foot Track this weekend :-))
Gosh the moon was beautiful this morning. But I think I'll need to invest in a headlamp to do my midweek rural route soon - it's getting darker out on the backroads sans-streetlights & houses at 5am…
Finished with 6.63k in 42:59mins (aver 6:28min/k)
MTD: 103.1kms
Gosh the moon was beautiful this morning. But I think I'll need to invest in a headlamp to do my midweek rural route soon - it's getting darker out on the backroads sans-streetlights & houses at 5am…
Finished with 6.63k in 42:59mins (aver 6:28min/k)
MTD: 103.1kms
Monday, January 15, 2007
Double dipping
Well it's been a busy few days.
Thanks to Lulu & Wine Trail Runner for their hospitality (and coffee table) and Ellie for her couch on Friday night ;-)
Saturday & my glutes were so bloody sore from Friday's pilates class. It actually hurt to sit down. Thankfully it was a rest day so I could spend most of it horizontal.
Sunday morning I was picked up by Belinda & Horrie from our hotel at 5.15am for the trip to Quarry Road. BeckyO joined in the fun too. I had woken up at 4am & couldn't get back to sleep after my first Six Foot dreams. I have no idea what happened in my dream but I woke feeling anxious & then couldn't get back to sleep. Weird.
Anyway I had 2 laps on the plan today - the first time I've run 2 laps here. I knew I had to be conservative on the first lap so decided to aim for a 1:40 split (on my first visit on Christmas Eve I ran 1:31)
We set out just on 6am with Horrie & I quickly settling in ahead of Belinda & BeckyO. Just after crossing the bridge the first time we bumped into Spud coming in the opposite direction & stopped for a quick chat. After setting out again, Horrie & I ran/walked the climb back out. We actually ran a few of the hills that I walked the last time I ran Quarry Road so I was hoping that it wouldn't come back to bite me later. I felt pretty ordinary (mentally) for much of the first outward leg. I think the anxiety from my dream had rattled me a bit. But once we hit the flatter section near Quarry Rd, I felt myself settling into the run & I started picking Horrie's brain about all things Six Foot & Glasshouse related.
Not long after hitting the Quarry Road gate, Belinda & BeckyO passed us & Horrie turned back to keep the girls company & get some more distance. I wanted to run strongly yet conservatively (if that makes sense). Running the type/size of hills that Horrie & I had been running on the first outward lap - hills which I would probably otherwise have walked (whether due to laziness or a perception of what running it 'conservatively' was). It worked - I made it back to the start in 1:33, feeling really comfortable. After refilling my fuelbelt bottles & having a GU, I set out for my second lap.
Not long afterwards, Spud passed me. He was flying up a hill I was struggling to walk up. Amazing! Horrie caught me not long after the campground & stayed with me again until the final climb back up from the bridge to the finish. I felt really strong this section & was pleased how I was able to transition from walking to running (albeit slowly) at the top of hills.
I finished the second lap in 1:35 - 2mins slower but I did spend 2mins stuffing around with my fuelbelt bottles on a section that I would otherwise have been running near the Quarry Road gate so I'm really pleased that I ran the second lap pretty close to the same pace as the first.
Once Belinda & Becky had finished, we sat in the shade near the car for a rest & a few snacks before a rather quiet trip home. A great way to start a Sunday with great company, trails & hills :-) I was also rather pleased that we had all finished before the gunshots started ringing out from the rifle range!
So I finished my 2 laps (25.57k) in 3:08:25 (1.33/1.35 lap splits) feeling pretty comfortable - tired but not completely trashed :-) My second longest run in both distance/time as well :-)
I learnt a few lessons from this run:
* I transition well from walking up hills to running (albeit slowly) again
* the need to stay strong & positive when going through a 'bad' patch because you will come out of it probably just as quickly as you went into it.
* to do my strength work earlier in the week. My right hip/glute started complaining rather loudly on the last climb. I have no doubt that they were tired & still recovering/fatigued after a tough Pilates class on Friday. One day, when I'm stronger I'll be able to do these types of runs while fatigued. But for this assault on Six Foot, my focus needs to be on being fully recovered & rested for each long run.
An hour today in the Tiger's company this afternoon helped to iron out a few grumpy bits. I am really looking forward to my next long run - my first visit to the Track :-))
MTD: 96.47 (!)
Thanks to Lulu & Wine Trail Runner for their hospitality (and coffee table) and Ellie for her couch on Friday night ;-)
Saturday & my glutes were so bloody sore from Friday's pilates class. It actually hurt to sit down. Thankfully it was a rest day so I could spend most of it horizontal.
Sunday morning I was picked up by Belinda & Horrie from our hotel at 5.15am for the trip to Quarry Road. BeckyO joined in the fun too. I had woken up at 4am & couldn't get back to sleep after my first Six Foot dreams. I have no idea what happened in my dream but I woke feeling anxious & then couldn't get back to sleep. Weird.
Anyway I had 2 laps on the plan today - the first time I've run 2 laps here. I knew I had to be conservative on the first lap so decided to aim for a 1:40 split (on my first visit on Christmas Eve I ran 1:31)
We set out just on 6am with Horrie & I quickly settling in ahead of Belinda & BeckyO. Just after crossing the bridge the first time we bumped into Spud coming in the opposite direction & stopped for a quick chat. After setting out again, Horrie & I ran/walked the climb back out. We actually ran a few of the hills that I walked the last time I ran Quarry Road so I was hoping that it wouldn't come back to bite me later. I felt pretty ordinary (mentally) for much of the first outward leg. I think the anxiety from my dream had rattled me a bit. But once we hit the flatter section near Quarry Rd, I felt myself settling into the run & I started picking Horrie's brain about all things Six Foot & Glasshouse related.
Not long after hitting the Quarry Road gate, Belinda & BeckyO passed us & Horrie turned back to keep the girls company & get some more distance. I wanted to run strongly yet conservatively (if that makes sense). Running the type/size of hills that Horrie & I had been running on the first outward lap - hills which I would probably otherwise have walked (whether due to laziness or a perception of what running it 'conservatively' was). It worked - I made it back to the start in 1:33, feeling really comfortable. After refilling my fuelbelt bottles & having a GU, I set out for my second lap.
Not long afterwards, Spud passed me. He was flying up a hill I was struggling to walk up. Amazing! Horrie caught me not long after the campground & stayed with me again until the final climb back up from the bridge to the finish. I felt really strong this section & was pleased how I was able to transition from walking to running (albeit slowly) at the top of hills.
I finished the second lap in 1:35 - 2mins slower but I did spend 2mins stuffing around with my fuelbelt bottles on a section that I would otherwise have been running near the Quarry Road gate so I'm really pleased that I ran the second lap pretty close to the same pace as the first.
Once Belinda & Becky had finished, we sat in the shade near the car for a rest & a few snacks before a rather quiet trip home. A great way to start a Sunday with great company, trails & hills :-) I was also rather pleased that we had all finished before the gunshots started ringing out from the rifle range!
So I finished my 2 laps (25.57k) in 3:08:25 (1.33/1.35 lap splits) feeling pretty comfortable - tired but not completely trashed :-) My second longest run in both distance/time as well :-)
I learnt a few lessons from this run:
* I transition well from walking up hills to running (albeit slowly) again
* the need to stay strong & positive when going through a 'bad' patch because you will come out of it probably just as quickly as you went into it.
* to do my strength work earlier in the week. My right hip/glute started complaining rather loudly on the last climb. I have no doubt that they were tired & still recovering/fatigued after a tough Pilates class on Friday. One day, when I'm stronger I'll be able to do these types of runs while fatigued. But for this assault on Six Foot, my focus needs to be on being fully recovered & rested for each long run.
An hour today in the Tiger's company this afternoon helped to iron out a few grumpy bits. I am really looking forward to my next long run - my first visit to the Track :-))
MTD: 96.47 (!)
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Relativity
At the moment I'm reading a new book called Holding On by Jo Gambi. Jo & her husband Rob abandoned their jobs & set out to climb the Seven Summits (the highest mountain on each of the continents) after Rob overcame his second battle with cancer. What I'm enjoying most is her exploration of the 'mental' side of mountain climbing - how the mind can keep pushing the body long after the body wants to shut down.
Only by going to our physical limits could we discover the possibilities that lay beyond them
I need to remember that as I power my way up Black Range Road in 8 weeks & 2 sleeps time :-)
Well I went out for a run this morning with the intention of going for a 40mins cruise around the 'hood ahead of 3 + hours at Quarry Road on Sunday. But sometimes ya just gotta listen to your body - and today, it wanted to go fast(ish) :-) Fast of course is a relative term. Despite not having run a single km faster than 6min/km since I-don't-know-when, I finished my run this morning with 6.92k (aver 5:48min/k). I didn't think my legs could go that fast after so much long sloooow stuff lately! So this is happens when you train consistently? I like it :-)
..though I have to say that I'm looking forward to getting back on a trail this weekend - it's been 11 days now - I think I'm getting withdrawal symptoms ;-)
Tomorrow promises a GRC Int/Adv Pilates class at lunch before dinner with a gaggle of CoolRunners at Lulu & Wine Trail Runner's lovely abode tomorrow night - Cirque's in town - yippee :-)
MTD: 70.9k
Only by going to our physical limits could we discover the possibilities that lay beyond them
I need to remember that as I power my way up Black Range Road in 8 weeks & 2 sleeps time :-)
Well I went out for a run this morning with the intention of going for a 40mins cruise around the 'hood ahead of 3 + hours at Quarry Road on Sunday. But sometimes ya just gotta listen to your body - and today, it wanted to go fast(ish) :-) Fast of course is a relative term. Despite not having run a single km faster than 6min/km since I-don't-know-when, I finished my run this morning with 6.92k (aver 5:48min/k). I didn't think my legs could go that fast after so much long sloooow stuff lately! So this is happens when you train consistently? I like it :-)
..though I have to say that I'm looking forward to getting back on a trail this weekend - it's been 11 days now - I think I'm getting withdrawal symptoms ;-)
Tomorrow promises a GRC Int/Adv Pilates class at lunch before dinner with a gaggle of CoolRunners at Lulu & Wine Trail Runner's lovely abode tomorrow night - Cirque's in town - yippee :-)
MTD: 70.9k
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
On with the show, this is it...
Firstly, to answer the question - no, I'm not planning to do the 12 hour event next year. Someone suggested to me that because I lap scored this year I HAD to do it next year. I'm sorry but that wasn't in the fine print when I signed up for the job ;-) Besides, it's a fantastic event which is only going to continue to grow so qualified & experienced lap scorers/crew will be in high demand :-)
I had an easy recovery run planned for Monday morning but decided that catching up on some sleep after the weekend was a much better idea. So I headed to the gym at lunch for a tough GRC Pilates class. For an ordinary class (ie not the Int/Adv class), it was tough. I don't think my abs have ever been sorer. Even my shoulders are sore - and they never get sore.
This morning (Tuesday) I had a FANTASTIC run. I headed out for 50mins first following my usual mid-week 'rural' loop around the 'hood before spending the last 15mins running up (well, walk/running) & down a couple of short sharp hills near home. I felt great today - really strong & comfortable. Finished with 8.06k in 50:30mins (aver 6.16min/k). Went to visit the Tiger at lunch - happy to report that there are no real trouble spots. My tib-posts are (still) tight but they aren't causing me any grief nor getting any worse - happy days :-)
Rest day tomorrow - alas, no sleep-in :-(
MTD: 63.98k
I had an easy recovery run planned for Monday morning but decided that catching up on some sleep after the weekend was a much better idea. So I headed to the gym at lunch for a tough GRC Pilates class. For an ordinary class (ie not the Int/Adv class), it was tough. I don't think my abs have ever been sorer. Even my shoulders are sore - and they never get sore.
This morning (Tuesday) I had a FANTASTIC run. I headed out for 50mins first following my usual mid-week 'rural' loop around the 'hood before spending the last 15mins running up (well, walk/running) & down a couple of short sharp hills near home. I felt great today - really strong & comfortable. Finished with 8.06k in 50:30mins (aver 6.16min/k). Went to visit the Tiger at lunch - happy to report that there are no real trouble spots. My tib-posts are (still) tight but they aren't causing me any grief nor getting any worse - happy days :-)
Rest day tomorrow - alas, no sleep-in :-(
MTD: 63.98k
Sunday, January 07, 2007
All night long*
Well - what a weekend.
It's 6pm Sunday afternoon & I've had 3 hours sleep since 7am Saturday morning - but gosh it was worth it!
Saturday morning I headed out for my long run. With only 5 days between long runs & a back/pelvis in need of a realignment (bring on Saint Andrew's return from holidays), I decided an easy (flat) 2 hours was the best idea. Good decision. It was the hardest easy run I've done in a long time. Funny, after walk/running my way through my last 4 long runs, I found myself missing my walk breaks today! It was about 8am when I left home & it was already hot. I felt really flat physically & mentally - probably not enough water in the last 24 hours - and it was a bloody struggle. Think I'll chalk this one up as an experience of staying on my feet & moving in a forward direction while completely stuffed. Finished with 17.6k in 1:56:07 (aver 6:35min/k).
Saturday afternoon I headed up to Gosford to lap score for Belinda & Horrie at the 12 hour Coastal Classic. I got to Gosford just before 6pm (kick off was at 7.30pm) to catch up with everyone. I helped Belinda organise their drink table before settling in next to Will at the lap scorers table on a rather uncomfortable plastic chair - I think my butt got numb during the course of the night 'cause I didn't notice it after a while! The only problem with staying up all night (sans the influence of dancing & alcohol) is the amount of food I ate - I got hungry at 11pm, and then 3am and then 6am and...
As I was feeling exhausted on Saturday afternoon, I was a tad worried how I would go staying awake all night but I need not have worried. Horrie, Belinda and HRH Eagle flew past at regular intervals & the concentration required (when bloody sugar levels are low at 3am) to answer questions like "how many laps til # kms" was more than enough to keep me awake! Not to mention trying to think of something new to say to them each time they passed us - Horrie, for example, ultimately did 275 laps! The universe unfolded as it should have when Belinda & Horrie were at the same point on the track when Horrie passed through the 100k mark :-)
7.30am rolled around surprisingly quickly (I can say that, I was sitting on my butt all night!) leaving Horrie in 3rd place at 115k, the soaring Eagle at 100k and Belinda with a sensational total of 80k (the magic 50m mark) in her first ultra. I am so pleased that I was able to help them in some small way - each of them have given me sooo much support, encouragement & advice over the years.
By the time the presentation had finished it was almost 9.30am before I started the drive home. I was hoping to get to the Regatta Centre to meet up with Ellie after her sensational triathlon debut but it was not meant to be. Up until I started the drive home, I wasn't tired. Luckily I made it home in one piece & after some (more) food, I was in bed within 20mins of walking in the front door :-)
A wonderful way to round out what has been an amazing first week of 2007!
MTD: 55.92km (my biggest week ever!)
* apologies to anyone who now has that appalling Lionel Richie sound stuck in their head
It's 6pm Sunday afternoon & I've had 3 hours sleep since 7am Saturday morning - but gosh it was worth it!
Saturday morning I headed out for my long run. With only 5 days between long runs & a back/pelvis in need of a realignment (bring on Saint Andrew's return from holidays), I decided an easy (flat) 2 hours was the best idea. Good decision. It was the hardest easy run I've done in a long time. Funny, after walk/running my way through my last 4 long runs, I found myself missing my walk breaks today! It was about 8am when I left home & it was already hot. I felt really flat physically & mentally - probably not enough water in the last 24 hours - and it was a bloody struggle. Think I'll chalk this one up as an experience of staying on my feet & moving in a forward direction while completely stuffed. Finished with 17.6k in 1:56:07 (aver 6:35min/k).
Saturday afternoon I headed up to Gosford to lap score for Belinda & Horrie at the 12 hour Coastal Classic. I got to Gosford just before 6pm (kick off was at 7.30pm) to catch up with everyone. I helped Belinda organise their drink table before settling in next to Will at the lap scorers table on a rather uncomfortable plastic chair - I think my butt got numb during the course of the night 'cause I didn't notice it after a while! The only problem with staying up all night (sans the influence of dancing & alcohol) is the amount of food I ate - I got hungry at 11pm, and then 3am and then 6am and...
As I was feeling exhausted on Saturday afternoon, I was a tad worried how I would go staying awake all night but I need not have worried. Horrie, Belinda and HRH Eagle flew past at regular intervals & the concentration required (when bloody sugar levels are low at 3am) to answer questions like "how many laps til # kms" was more than enough to keep me awake! Not to mention trying to think of something new to say to them each time they passed us - Horrie, for example, ultimately did 275 laps! The universe unfolded as it should have when Belinda & Horrie were at the same point on the track when Horrie passed through the 100k mark :-)
7.30am rolled around surprisingly quickly (I can say that, I was sitting on my butt all night!) leaving Horrie in 3rd place at 115k, the soaring Eagle at 100k and Belinda with a sensational total of 80k (the magic 50m mark) in her first ultra. I am so pleased that I was able to help them in some small way - each of them have given me sooo much support, encouragement & advice over the years.
By the time the presentation had finished it was almost 9.30am before I started the drive home. I was hoping to get to the Regatta Centre to meet up with Ellie after her sensational triathlon debut but it was not meant to be. Up until I started the drive home, I wasn't tired. Luckily I made it home in one piece & after some (more) food, I was in bed within 20mins of walking in the front door :-)
A wonderful way to round out what has been an amazing first week of 2007!
MTD: 55.92km (my biggest week ever!)
* apologies to anyone who now has that appalling Lionel Richie sound stuck in their head
Thursday, January 04, 2007
We have lift-off....
Day 1 of my Six Foot campaign & it's off to a slow start - still, better a slow start than none at all! I submitted my entry last night - a copy of the course profile is now stuck on my wall in my office both at work & home & in consultation with a friend, I have developed a plan. It's 9 weeks on Saturday until the race so my focus is on spending time on my feet (not covering specific distances) during my long runs. The plan also includes 3 trips up to various parts of the Track - stay tuned :-)
I need to do my long run on Saturday this weekend - leaving only 5 days between long runs - so this morning I thought I'd let my body decide how far & how fast it wanted to go.
Not very was the answer.
I just couldn't get out of first gear. Hardly surprising I suppose given I've never been on my feet for 5 hours before. So I (somewhat) cruised around the 'hood for 5kms before heading home. Finished with 5.13k in 32.59mins (aver 6.25min/k).
I'm feeling pretty tired today - I haven't slept well for the last few days - but the old bod is feeling good & I'm looking forward to getting back into my normal routine next week.
WTD: 38.32k
MTD: 38.32k
I need to do my long run on Saturday this weekend - leaving only 5 days between long runs - so this morning I thought I'd let my body decide how far & how fast it wanted to go.
Not very was the answer.
I just couldn't get out of first gear. Hardly surprising I suppose given I've never been on my feet for 5 hours before. So I (somewhat) cruised around the 'hood for 5kms before heading home. Finished with 5.13k in 32.59mins (aver 6.25min/k).
I'm feeling pretty tired today - I haven't slept well for the last few days - but the old bod is feeling good & I'm looking forward to getting back into my normal routine next week.
WTD: 38.32k
MTD: 38.32k
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Wise words
I was cleaning out my 2006 diary today & discovered this quote which I'd written onto a post-it note & stuck in the back of my diary - it seems rather appropriate right now-
The finish line is not the end. The finish line is the beginning. Standing at the starting line gives you permission to hope. Taking the time to train, putting in the mileage, making changes in your life and taking the risks has given you consent to hope for the best in yourself.
The miracle is not that you finished, but that you had the courage to start.
I am excited but also (excuse the language) absolutely shit scared by the prospect of running Six Foot in 65 days time. But I have qualified & Horrie's wise words keep coming back to me-
Don’t let fear hold you back.
So I won't.
I'm in. Bring. It. On. :-)
As the late Big Kev would have said, I'm excited!
The finish line is not the end. The finish line is the beginning. Standing at the starting line gives you permission to hope. Taking the time to train, putting in the mileage, making changes in your life and taking the risks has given you consent to hope for the best in yourself.
The miracle is not that you finished, but that you had the courage to start.
I am excited but also (excuse the language) absolutely shit scared by the prospect of running Six Foot in 65 days time. But I have qualified & Horrie's wise words keep coming back to me-
Don’t let fear hold you back.
So I won't.
I'm in. Bring. It. On. :-)
As the late Big Kev would have said, I'm excited!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Going the full monty, fat ass style - Beyond the Black Stump, 33kms NYD 2007
I’d apologise for the length of this report but it’s my blog ;-) Ready Tesso? You asked for it ;-)
What an amazing way to start the new year with a physical, mental & emotional rollercoaster! I have no idea where to start. I’m actually lost for words. It doesn’t happen very often. I don’t normally write long, lengthy race reports but this one was very special for me.
I have always wanted to run the Six Foot Track marathon. Since 2005 when I went up there to cheer & help out the organisers, I knew it was a special event. Qualifying for the 2007 race was my one & only goal in 2006. And so when I decided not to run W2B in August, I put away any thoughts of running it this year.
When this ‘race’ first was mentioned, there was no indecision on my part about which option to go for – I didn’t even contemplate the possibility of doing the 33k option. I just wasn’t fit enough (so I thought) to even contemplate it. My longest run leading into it was 14kms on my sekrit hilly trail 2 weeks ago.
And then after our run at Quarry Road on Christmas Eve, Spud suggested that I run the full course at Black Stump as a way of getting my qualifying time. I thought about it for about 5sec & then dismissed it, thinking I couldn’t – that I wasn’t fit enough – but the idea was planted. 2P suggested the same thing on Wednesday. It took me about 24 hours to get my head around the idea & on Thursday I decided to do the full monty today. At this stage, I'm getting really nervous about my lack of training so I decided to focus only on the things I could control – my mind (primarily) & my body – I don’t normally eat a lot of carbs but I increased the simple carbs I ate over the few days before the run & made sure that I was fully hydrated. I told everyone my only goal was to finish intact & smiling. While I tried not to focus on it because I didn't want to put pressure on myself, my secondary (sekrit) goal was a Six Foot qualifying time (5.45 or better).
To finish in 5:05 has completely blown me away.
To qualify for Six Foot – well, I don’t have the words for that…I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry as I finished. I did both. At the same time. A day later I’m still doing a bit of both.
I got to bed early on NYE – sans alcohol – at about 10.30pm but couldn’t sleep. And that was before the SMS’ & fireworks started. I think I eventually drifted off about 1am so I wasn’t feeling particularly refreshed when the alarm went off at 4.45am.
The trip to the start took me just under an hour & the minute I arrived I got really nervous – primarily because of the distance. This would be both my longest run in time & distance by far - W2G’s 25k in 2:44 in June was as far & long as I’d gone before. Not the ideal preparation for what I’ve heard was one of the toughest runs around.
I had 2 golden rules for today – firstly to walk every hill, no matter how small and secondly, to take a 1min walk break every 20mins – regardless of whether I was on the flat or even downhill - to drink, rest, get myself together mentally, to take in the view, whatever. Obeying both of them was crucial I think to how the day turned out.
Ellie kindly decided to run the first bit down to the ferry with me so we quickly got into our rhythm. This section was predominately firetrail with a few technical bits & rock climbing thrown in to shake things up. We actually used one of our first walk breaks to stop & check out the view from one of the lookouts. Ellie was a great spotter of what we called sneaky hills – the kind that you look at & think “I can run that” and then half way up you starting thinking “shite, shoulda walked this one” ;-)
At the top of the first rock climb we caught up with Horrie, Belinda, Beki & Blkbox so I decided that if I could stick with Belinda & Horrie I would be a happy chicky. Arriving at the wharf (approx. 8.7km), we just missed the ferry so we had time to stop for a chat with Superflake & grab a coke which saved me later in the day. Thanks Paul! I also grabbed some ice & stuffed it down the back of my shirt (so it sat trapped between my shirt & the top of the camelbak until it melted) – a very effective cooling technique I discovered.
Off the ferry & we were off & running up Bay Road. Ok so I ran/walked my way up this hill (about 2k) which very much reminded me of the 10kms mountain ascent at Warwick. One of those long winding roads that just seems to go on forever. With Horrie ahead & Belinda behind me, I kept a steady pace. Once I’d reached the turn off at the top of the hill, Horrie stopped to wait for Belinda so I set off to do the out & back section towards the castle on my lonesome.
This section starts out as a garden variety firetrail but slowly descends (literally) into a technical, rocky run. It was at this point that the majority of the field started coming back past us. This is such an amazing sport – the support & sense of camaraderie is amazing. I got to the ‘castle’ (approx 17.6k), touched the wall & headed back. While I wanted to stay & poke around, I figured I would be on my feet long enough without extending my day unnecessarily. The climb back up from the castle was tough but I felt really strong & had a good chat to someone whose name I didn’t catch which was a helpful distraction. Back on the road & I started to pick up the pace & then turned for the 2km descent back down Bay Road to the wharf. Just before I turned the corner at the Marina, a few cars started coming past me so I thought that I’d missed the ferry. But with a sprint & the lovely guys working the ferry holding it up for me, I was able to get straight on & we were off. While it was good that I didn’t have to hang around for 10mins til the next ferry, it meant my recovery time was limited. I didn’t dare open the can of coke that I’d been carrying since my first trip on the ferry for fear of it exploding everywhere so I ate a few pretzels before disembarking.
A lil bitty flat bit once we came off the ferry allowed me to drink about half the can of coke before I started to pick up the pace. At this stage, I was about 3:30mins into the run but with only 8kms to go, I knew I could get the qualifying time if I didn't blow up. I had also been warned that the last 8kms weren't particularly easy. Talk about an understatement. It’s a good thing that I like rock climbing. The 28th & 29th kms took me a combined total of 37mins! By now I was thinking that I need to thank Satan for every single lunge, step up etc that I’ve done over the last 3 years of training with her. My legs felt really strong though the cardio system was suffering a bit.
With about 3k to go, the course flattened out to a firetrail and then joined up with a road for what felt like 3 very long kms. I was actually pretty surprised with my pace at this point - I was somehow still managing to maintain my LSD pace, if not a bit quicker. I confess that I almost rolled 2 men standing on Berowa Waters Rd – one was a Home Ice Cream delivery man, the other appeared to be a resident and both of whom had boxes of ice cream in hand!
Arriving at the finish surrounded by Gnome, Sparkie & my gals Go Girl & Ellie was amazing. I couldn’t – still can’t – believe my time. I don’t know why I doubt myself so much – I was right the other day when I said that I AM stronger, mentally & physically, than I ever imagined…
I have to say that despite having the qualifier, I’m still undecided as to whether or not to do Six Foot – I suspect the Track demands more respect than any amount of training I’d be able to pull together between now & then. Still, it’s bloody nice to have the choice :-)
I've pulled up remarkably well. No DOMS at all though my right hip is a bit funky – I think it’s just jammed – nothing that a visit to Saint Andrew next week won’t fix.
My thanks to Spud & 2P for the initial push (shove) in the back & to Ellie, Go Girl, 2P & Horrie whose words of advice & support I kept drawing on during my not-so-little adventure :-)
MTD: 33.19k
What an amazing way to start the new year with a physical, mental & emotional rollercoaster! I have no idea where to start. I’m actually lost for words. It doesn’t happen very often. I don’t normally write long, lengthy race reports but this one was very special for me.
I have always wanted to run the Six Foot Track marathon. Since 2005 when I went up there to cheer & help out the organisers, I knew it was a special event. Qualifying for the 2007 race was my one & only goal in 2006. And so when I decided not to run W2B in August, I put away any thoughts of running it this year.
When this ‘race’ first was mentioned, there was no indecision on my part about which option to go for – I didn’t even contemplate the possibility of doing the 33k option. I just wasn’t fit enough (so I thought) to even contemplate it. My longest run leading into it was 14kms on my sekrit hilly trail 2 weeks ago.
And then after our run at Quarry Road on Christmas Eve, Spud suggested that I run the full course at Black Stump as a way of getting my qualifying time. I thought about it for about 5sec & then dismissed it, thinking I couldn’t – that I wasn’t fit enough – but the idea was planted. 2P suggested the same thing on Wednesday. It took me about 24 hours to get my head around the idea & on Thursday I decided to do the full monty today. At this stage, I'm getting really nervous about my lack of training so I decided to focus only on the things I could control – my mind (primarily) & my body – I don’t normally eat a lot of carbs but I increased the simple carbs I ate over the few days before the run & made sure that I was fully hydrated. I told everyone my only goal was to finish intact & smiling. While I tried not to focus on it because I didn't want to put pressure on myself, my secondary (sekrit) goal was a Six Foot qualifying time (5.45 or better).
To finish in 5:05 has completely blown me away.
To qualify for Six Foot – well, I don’t have the words for that…I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry as I finished. I did both. At the same time. A day later I’m still doing a bit of both.
I got to bed early on NYE – sans alcohol – at about 10.30pm but couldn’t sleep. And that was before the SMS’ & fireworks started. I think I eventually drifted off about 1am so I wasn’t feeling particularly refreshed when the alarm went off at 4.45am.
The trip to the start took me just under an hour & the minute I arrived I got really nervous – primarily because of the distance. This would be both my longest run in time & distance by far - W2G’s 25k in 2:44 in June was as far & long as I’d gone before. Not the ideal preparation for what I’ve heard was one of the toughest runs around.
I had 2 golden rules for today – firstly to walk every hill, no matter how small and secondly, to take a 1min walk break every 20mins – regardless of whether I was on the flat or even downhill - to drink, rest, get myself together mentally, to take in the view, whatever. Obeying both of them was crucial I think to how the day turned out.
Ellie kindly decided to run the first bit down to the ferry with me so we quickly got into our rhythm. This section was predominately firetrail with a few technical bits & rock climbing thrown in to shake things up. We actually used one of our first walk breaks to stop & check out the view from one of the lookouts. Ellie was a great spotter of what we called sneaky hills – the kind that you look at & think “I can run that” and then half way up you starting thinking “shite, shoulda walked this one” ;-)
At the top of the first rock climb we caught up with Horrie, Belinda, Beki & Blkbox so I decided that if I could stick with Belinda & Horrie I would be a happy chicky. Arriving at the wharf (approx. 8.7km), we just missed the ferry so we had time to stop for a chat with Superflake & grab a coke which saved me later in the day. Thanks Paul! I also grabbed some ice & stuffed it down the back of my shirt (so it sat trapped between my shirt & the top of the camelbak until it melted) – a very effective cooling technique I discovered.
Off the ferry & we were off & running up Bay Road. Ok so I ran/walked my way up this hill (about 2k) which very much reminded me of the 10kms mountain ascent at Warwick. One of those long winding roads that just seems to go on forever. With Horrie ahead & Belinda behind me, I kept a steady pace. Once I’d reached the turn off at the top of the hill, Horrie stopped to wait for Belinda so I set off to do the out & back section towards the castle on my lonesome.
This section starts out as a garden variety firetrail but slowly descends (literally) into a technical, rocky run. It was at this point that the majority of the field started coming back past us. This is such an amazing sport – the support & sense of camaraderie is amazing. I got to the ‘castle’ (approx 17.6k), touched the wall & headed back. While I wanted to stay & poke around, I figured I would be on my feet long enough without extending my day unnecessarily. The climb back up from the castle was tough but I felt really strong & had a good chat to someone whose name I didn’t catch which was a helpful distraction. Back on the road & I started to pick up the pace & then turned for the 2km descent back down Bay Road to the wharf. Just before I turned the corner at the Marina, a few cars started coming past me so I thought that I’d missed the ferry. But with a sprint & the lovely guys working the ferry holding it up for me, I was able to get straight on & we were off. While it was good that I didn’t have to hang around for 10mins til the next ferry, it meant my recovery time was limited. I didn’t dare open the can of coke that I’d been carrying since my first trip on the ferry for fear of it exploding everywhere so I ate a few pretzels before disembarking.
A lil bitty flat bit once we came off the ferry allowed me to drink about half the can of coke before I started to pick up the pace. At this stage, I was about 3:30mins into the run but with only 8kms to go, I knew I could get the qualifying time if I didn't blow up. I had also been warned that the last 8kms weren't particularly easy. Talk about an understatement. It’s a good thing that I like rock climbing. The 28th & 29th kms took me a combined total of 37mins! By now I was thinking that I need to thank Satan for every single lunge, step up etc that I’ve done over the last 3 years of training with her. My legs felt really strong though the cardio system was suffering a bit.
With about 3k to go, the course flattened out to a firetrail and then joined up with a road for what felt like 3 very long kms. I was actually pretty surprised with my pace at this point - I was somehow still managing to maintain my LSD pace, if not a bit quicker. I confess that I almost rolled 2 men standing on Berowa Waters Rd – one was a Home Ice Cream delivery man, the other appeared to be a resident and both of whom had boxes of ice cream in hand!
Arriving at the finish surrounded by Gnome, Sparkie & my gals Go Girl & Ellie was amazing. I couldn’t – still can’t – believe my time. I don’t know why I doubt myself so much – I was right the other day when I said that I AM stronger, mentally & physically, than I ever imagined…
I have to say that despite having the qualifier, I’m still undecided as to whether or not to do Six Foot – I suspect the Track demands more respect than any amount of training I’d be able to pull together between now & then. Still, it’s bloody nice to have the choice :-)
I've pulled up remarkably well. No DOMS at all though my right hip is a bit funky – I think it’s just jammed – nothing that a visit to Saint Andrew next week won’t fix.
My thanks to Spud & 2P for the initial push (shove) in the back & to Ellie, Go Girl, 2P & Horrie whose words of advice & support I kept drawing on during my not-so-little adventure :-)
MTD: 33.19k
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