Feeling much better today but I decided to take another rest day just to make sure that I've beaten this cold/flu/garmin/bike-envy lurgy..
I had a mini-panic attack yesterday when I realised it was only 9 weeks on Sunday to the Half. As work is feral, I haven't been able to get to the witchdoctor this week so I took myself to see one of the physio's in Podrunner's clinic. She was great - wants me to strengthen my VMO and glutes and stretch my glutes and ITB. One ITB massage later and I am the bearer of an incredible bruise down my RH ITB. Funny thing is that it didn't really hurt; I just bruise easily. But there goes my plan of wearing a skirt to Owl & Tesso's great birthday bash tomorrow night :-(
Tomorrow - into the office early for the couple of hours of work (which should be illegal on a long weekend), then a long run with Owl around the Bay tomorrow afternoon before the great birthday bash tomorrow night :-) :-) :-)
Friday, September 30, 2005
Thursday, September 29, 2005
A new throat please !
Anyone know where I can pick up a new throat because I'd like to trade in my existing one in please !!!!
Well, 2 weeks of consistent training (my first in I don't know how long) and now I'm sick *cough*. I don't own a Garmin so it can't be the Garmin-lurgy that has affected so many of my fellow CR bloggers. Maybe its Garmin-envy lurgy ;-)
Needless to say, I skipped this mornings interval session (but no extra sleep thanks to work being feral)...
Life however isn't all bad - a long boozy lunch with clients today (gee, my diet has gone out the window over the last week) and I had an unexpected phone call from Mr Jen_runs last night (he is in China at the moment) :-) :-) :-)
Well, 2 weeks of consistent training (my first in I don't know how long) and now I'm sick *cough*. I don't own a Garmin so it can't be the Garmin-lurgy that has affected so many of my fellow CR bloggers. Maybe its Garmin-envy lurgy ;-)
Needless to say, I skipped this mornings interval session (but no extra sleep thanks to work being feral)...
Life however isn't all bad - a long boozy lunch with clients today (gee, my diet has gone out the window over the last week) and I had an unexpected phone call from Mr Jen_runs last night (he is in China at the moment) :-) :-) :-)
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Yuk!
Pretty much sums up how I feel today. Woke up with a really sore throat. Work is feral.
Session with Satan at 2pm. Upper body session consisting of:
* push/pull things on the "danger Will Robinson" machine
* tri pushdowns
* single arm reverse flyes
* squats with medicine ball
* rotator cuff stuff
* another exercise I can't remember right now,
repeated twice. More stretches to follow, particularly for my glutes.
I've got an interval session on the program for tomorrow but I'll see how I feel when I wake up. I want to run tomorrow but I'd prefer to knock it on the head quickly. Will see how I feel in the morning.
Session with Satan at 2pm. Upper body session consisting of:
* push/pull things on the "danger Will Robinson" machine
* tri pushdowns
* single arm reverse flyes
* squats with medicine ball
* rotator cuff stuff
* another exercise I can't remember right now,
repeated twice. More stretches to follow, particularly for my glutes.
I've got an interval session on the program for tomorrow but I'll see how I feel when I wake up. I want to run tomorrow but I'd prefer to knock it on the head quickly. Will see how I feel in the morning.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Steve's fashion accessories/40min run
Monday 26 September 2005 - "Steve's fashion accessories"
Pulled up v. well after yesterday's long run and have been in a fabulous mood all day - most unusual for me on a Monday ;-)
I had planned to walk to work this morning but it was raining :-( While I don't mind running in the rain, I don't like walking in it, particularly when I had a backpack with my suit etc in it. So rather than going to back to bed which any sensible person would have done, I did 30mins of stretching and yoga in the loungeroom. A really nice way to start the day.
Then it was off to the gym to see Satan at 2pm for a strange circuit consisting of:
* 3 x glute exercises + stretches
* push-ups
* assisted chin-ups
* rotator cuff exercises,
repeated twice. As always, a tough session but I'm getting so much stronger each week. Unassisted chin-ups here I come :-)
My day finished off just as well as it had started with dinner with the Owl, Wine Trail Runner (aka Mr Lulu), Lulu and CJ who is visiting us from Canberra at a Thai restaurant on Oxford St. It was a lovely and relaxing dinner, even before we were joined by Rod and his mates - who, when we revealed we were runners, asked us if we did "girlie running" (he wouldn't tell us what "girlie running" was, even after we pointed out that there were marathon runners at the table). He and his boys, he told us proudly while puffing out his chest, were army boys who ran 16kms with 70kgs on their backs under 2 hours. However his mate, who apparently had run a marathon, couldn't actually remember how far a marathon was when we asked him his PB. LOL. Our new mate Rod went on to declare that WTR was "a legend" because he was having dinner with 4 beautiful women....a very funny night!
Tuesday 27 September - 40min run
Woke up 30mins before the alarm this morning feeling v. unsettled/anxious/stressed/annoyed about something. Not sure why...
Anyhoo, couldn't get back to sleep so I went out for my run a bit earlier than normal. Beautiful conditions this morning; cool but not cold with a slight mist/drizzle - my favourite conditions to run in. I did make the mistake of wearing a long sleeve t-shirt with my Skins - by the 20min mark I had just about overheated so the shirt came off for the first time this spring.
Felt really comfortable this morning. Knee is still niggling - whether it is improving or not I'm not sure - but the glute stretch is allowing me to continue running. The glute stretch however isn't particularly ladylike or suit friendly so I need to find a version of it that I can do at work during the course of the day...
Saw Podrunner at lunch to check my orthotics in order to see if an adjustment was needed to help prevent my knee problem. Good news is that no adjustment was needed and any adjustment he could make may throw my body too much out of whack. So that is one thing to cross off the list for possible causes for this stoopid problem.
Finally, my R4YL mag arrived tonight. Looks great - can't wait to read it!
Pulled up v. well after yesterday's long run and have been in a fabulous mood all day - most unusual for me on a Monday ;-)
I had planned to walk to work this morning but it was raining :-( While I don't mind running in the rain, I don't like walking in it, particularly when I had a backpack with my suit etc in it. So rather than going to back to bed which any sensible person would have done, I did 30mins of stretching and yoga in the loungeroom. A really nice way to start the day.
Then it was off to the gym to see Satan at 2pm for a strange circuit consisting of:
* 3 x glute exercises + stretches
* push-ups
* assisted chin-ups
* rotator cuff exercises,
repeated twice. As always, a tough session but I'm getting so much stronger each week. Unassisted chin-ups here I come :-)
My day finished off just as well as it had started with dinner with the Owl, Wine Trail Runner (aka Mr Lulu), Lulu and CJ who is visiting us from Canberra at a Thai restaurant on Oxford St. It was a lovely and relaxing dinner, even before we were joined by Rod and his mates - who, when we revealed we were runners, asked us if we did "girlie running" (he wouldn't tell us what "girlie running" was, even after we pointed out that there were marathon runners at the table). He and his boys, he told us proudly while puffing out his chest, were army boys who ran 16kms with 70kgs on their backs under 2 hours. However his mate, who apparently had run a marathon, couldn't actually remember how far a marathon was when we asked him his PB. LOL. Our new mate Rod went on to declare that WTR was "a legend" because he was having dinner with 4 beautiful women....a very funny night!
Tuesday 27 September - 40min run
Woke up 30mins before the alarm this morning feeling v. unsettled/anxious/stressed/annoyed about something. Not sure why...
Anyhoo, couldn't get back to sleep so I went out for my run a bit earlier than normal. Beautiful conditions this morning; cool but not cold with a slight mist/drizzle - my favourite conditions to run in. I did make the mistake of wearing a long sleeve t-shirt with my Skins - by the 20min mark I had just about overheated so the shirt came off for the first time this spring.
Felt really comfortable this morning. Knee is still niggling - whether it is improving or not I'm not sure - but the glute stretch is allowing me to continue running. The glute stretch however isn't particularly ladylike or suit friendly so I need to find a version of it that I can do at work during the course of the day...
Saw Podrunner at lunch to check my orthotics in order to see if an adjustment was needed to help prevent my knee problem. Good news is that no adjustment was needed and any adjustment he could make may throw my body too much out of whack. So that is one thing to cross off the list for possible causes for this stoopid problem.
Finally, my R4YL mag arrived tonight. Looks great - can't wait to read it!
Monday, September 26, 2005
Sunday, September 25, 2005
My first Bay Run !
Well last night I had a sense of de ja vue when (still recovering from CR drinks), I turned up at the same function room in the Forbes Hotel for my girlfriend's 30th birthday party - I just hope the barman didn't recognise me ;-)Several hours on the dance floor and several cocktails later (Toblerone - an alcoholic chocolate milkshake, yum!), I finally dragged my butt off the dancefloor and home as I had arranged to meet the Owl at Drummoyne at 7.30am for my first ever lap of the Bay.
I felt very, very ordinary this morning (don't think last night's cocktails & the lack of sleep helped with recovery from Friday night...) and while I don't normally eat before a run, I had some toast and honey before leaving home which helped to perk me up. It was quite humid, yet calm and clear this morning for our lap of the Bay. Not long after we started, we ran past the delightful Silverfox. After our lap of the Bay, we ran up to the Bowen Island Bakery for brekkie - yum! It was lovely to catch up with Owl and to fill her in on all the gossip from the CR drinks - none of which can be repeated here ;-)
V. happy to report that my knee is good. It did tighten a few times during the run but I stretched my glutes during our drink stops which, I think, made the world of difference. I am one happy chicky right now !
So in summary: 50mins run (7kms +). Woohoo !!
This week has been the first week in a v. v. long time that my training actually reflected my program. Did I mention that I am one v. happy chicky right now??
Satan - 2
Spin - 2 (2 x 30mins classes)
Runs - 3 (30, 40, 50mins)
The week ahead...
A big week - the start of interval work and the return of Mr Jen from o/s next Sunday :-) :-) :-)
Monday: walk to work (1 hour) + Satan
Tuesday: run (40mins)
Wednesday: Satan
Thursday: run (10x30sec, 1min SR)
Friday: spin with Satanic Spin Instructor (2 x 30mins classes)
Saturday: rest
Sunday: run (60mins)
I felt very, very ordinary this morning (don't think last night's cocktails & the lack of sleep helped with recovery from Friday night...) and while I don't normally eat before a run, I had some toast and honey before leaving home which helped to perk me up. It was quite humid, yet calm and clear this morning for our lap of the Bay. Not long after we started, we ran past the delightful Silverfox. After our lap of the Bay, we ran up to the Bowen Island Bakery for brekkie - yum! It was lovely to catch up with Owl and to fill her in on all the gossip from the CR drinks - none of which can be repeated here ;-)
V. happy to report that my knee is good. It did tighten a few times during the run but I stretched my glutes during our drink stops which, I think, made the world of difference. I am one happy chicky right now !
So in summary: 50mins run (7kms +). Woohoo !!
This week has been the first week in a v. v. long time that my training actually reflected my program. Did I mention that I am one v. happy chicky right now??
Satan - 2
Spin - 2 (2 x 30mins classes)
Runs - 3 (30, 40, 50mins)
The week ahead...
A big week - the start of interval work and the return of Mr Jen from o/s next Sunday :-) :-) :-)
Monday: walk to work (1 hour) + Satan
Tuesday: run (40mins)
Wednesday: Satan
Thursday: run (10x30sec, 1min SR)
Friday: spin with Satanic Spin Instructor (2 x 30mins classes)
Saturday: rest
Sunday: run (60mins)
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Oh what a night.....
Well, I'm writing this with an ice pack on my left ankle and guess what, it's not a running-related injury; rather a bar-stool related injury. See what happens when I stay up late drinking rum with boys :-D
Friday 23 September
Up early for 2 x 30mins spin classes with the Satanic Spin Instructor. Both were really tough classes; the second even tougher than the first I think but I actually always find it easier - because I'm warmed up properly I guess. The first class had a really old soundtrack; one of the songs had mixed a Jane Fonda 1980's era exercise class recording into it (work it; 2-3-4). Very funny. You had to be there I suppose...
A couple of hours at work and then it was off to meet Lulu and Don Juan at the Lindt cafe for morning tea. There were almost tears (Don Juan's) when we discovered that there was only one Pane au Chocolat left which, after much discussion, went to Lulu. I had walnut and fig toast which was really yummy but gee Lulu's pane looked good....next time!
Another few hours of work later and it was time to head off to CR drinks at the Forbes Hotel. I arrived at about 6.30am and left about 2am and in between spoke to lots of CRs, met quite a few new CRs, had a chat/psychology session with no.1 adviser over a glass of red wine about the CC Half and adopted a pacer for a sub-2 hour run at the CC Half in Dec (thanks Unc!). T'was a really fun night.
Saturday 24 September
I got on the scales (ok, I know I shouldn't weigh myself every day but I confess I do...) and discovered I am 2kgs lighter this morning than I was yesterday morning!!! If only it were fat. Mmmm, today my body would be a great case study on the effects of alcohol and dehydration!
Thankfully, today is a rest day but I only had 4 hours sleep as I had to be up early to head off to Hunters Hill to see the witchdoctor. I had a slight pinching in my hip in the last few minutes of Tuesdays and Thursdays run (which I didn't mention in my earlier posts) so I wanted to get that ironed out before tomorrow's long run. WD believes that the knee problem is probably simply being caused by muscle tightness, specifically in my hip and lower legs. A few needles and a good back cracking later and I was on my home for a much needed nana-nap...
Friday 23 September
Up early for 2 x 30mins spin classes with the Satanic Spin Instructor. Both were really tough classes; the second even tougher than the first I think but I actually always find it easier - because I'm warmed up properly I guess. The first class had a really old soundtrack; one of the songs had mixed a Jane Fonda 1980's era exercise class recording into it (work it; 2-3-4). Very funny. You had to be there I suppose...
A couple of hours at work and then it was off to meet Lulu and Don Juan at the Lindt cafe for morning tea. There were almost tears (Don Juan's) when we discovered that there was only one Pane au Chocolat left which, after much discussion, went to Lulu. I had walnut and fig toast which was really yummy but gee Lulu's pane looked good....next time!
Another few hours of work later and it was time to head off to CR drinks at the Forbes Hotel. I arrived at about 6.30am and left about 2am and in between spoke to lots of CRs, met quite a few new CRs, had a chat/psychology session with no.1 adviser over a glass of red wine about the CC Half and adopted a pacer for a sub-2 hour run at the CC Half in Dec (thanks Unc!). T'was a really fun night.
Saturday 24 September
I got on the scales (ok, I know I shouldn't weigh myself every day but I confess I do...) and discovered I am 2kgs lighter this morning than I was yesterday morning!!! If only it were fat. Mmmm, today my body would be a great case study on the effects of alcohol and dehydration!
Thankfully, today is a rest day but I only had 4 hours sleep as I had to be up early to head off to Hunters Hill to see the witchdoctor. I had a slight pinching in my hip in the last few minutes of Tuesdays and Thursdays run (which I didn't mention in my earlier posts) so I wanted to get that ironed out before tomorrow's long run. WD believes that the knee problem is probably simply being caused by muscle tightness, specifically in my hip and lower legs. A few needles and a good back cracking later and I was on my home for a much needed nana-nap...
Thursday, September 22, 2005
One love, one life...
Up at 5.30am this morning for a 40min run as per "the program". Did the majority of the MiniMos course in reverse - including running up two v. nasty, short but sharp hills that I confess I have been avoiding for some time now (woohoo!!). My knee felt alright - started niggling at about the 30min mark (which is an improvement; it's been the 20min mark on my last few runs). Sunday's long run (50mins) is going to test it but lots of stretches and ice between now and then should help..... 20mins of stretching after my cool down and another 20mins tonight.
Off to see Andy the Pod next Tuesday to see if my orthotics need an adjustment - I hope he doesn't take them off me for too long!!
Off to see Andy the Pod next Tuesday to see if my orthotics need an adjustment - I hope he doesn't take them off me for too long!!
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Abs by Satan
A much need sleep-in this morning (funny that 6.30am is considered a sleep-in these days).
Off to the gym at 2pm for another session with Satan - an upper body (including abs) circuit followed by hammie, quad and hip flexor stretches. After the session I spent another 20mins stretching - and a further 20mins stretching (+ hip flexor strengthening exercises) tonight trying to iron out my legs. At the moment I almost dread going for a run; not because of the run itself (which I love) but after all my injury problems this year, I am, in all blog honesty, scared of another/more injuries, particularly with my mind firmly focused on the CC Half in December. I know that's a v. negative mindset (which I am working on) but it's where I'm at mentally right now...
Off to the gym at 2pm for another session with Satan - an upper body (including abs) circuit followed by hammie, quad and hip flexor stretches. After the session I spent another 20mins stretching - and a further 20mins stretching (+ hip flexor strengthening exercises) tonight trying to iron out my legs. At the moment I almost dread going for a run; not because of the run itself (which I love) but after all my injury problems this year, I am, in all blog honesty, scared of another/more injuries, particularly with my mind firmly focused on the CC Half in December. I know that's a v. negative mindset (which I am working on) but it's where I'm at mentally right now...
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
30min run
Headed out early this morning for the scheduled 30mins run. After the problems during Sunday's run, I confess that I wasn't expecting much. I ran without a watch (as the battery died last night) but after stopping to ask two people the time, I figured that I had run for 30mins (a bit over if anything). It's strange that I can now judge how long that I've been running for (without looking at my watch and thinking: 5mins, is that all?)
Anyway it was an easy, comfortable run. I actually ran up the hill (well, slight incline actually) that I remember running up when I first went for a run about 18 months ago now - funny it seemed so much steeper back then ;-)
As for the knee, it is displaying a typical female tendency - the ability to change its mind for no (apparent) reason at all. Today it was largely fine. A slight tightness in it in the last 5mins but nothing like Sunday....who knows what's going on with it...I'm not going to suggest its improving; I don't think it is; just that whatever I did today didn't aggrevate it very much. Oh well, one run without too many problems - I'll take that !
Anyway it was an easy, comfortable run. I actually ran up the hill (well, slight incline actually) that I remember running up when I first went for a run about 18 months ago now - funny it seemed so much steeper back then ;-)
As for the knee, it is displaying a typical female tendency - the ability to change its mind for no (apparent) reason at all. Today it was largely fine. A slight tightness in it in the last 5mins but nothing like Sunday....who knows what's going on with it...I'm not going to suggest its improving; I don't think it is; just that whatever I did today didn't aggrevate it very much. Oh well, one run without too many problems - I'll take that !
Monday, September 19, 2005
Mondayitis
Serious case of Mondayitis today. Really annoyed with no getting a chip time for the 9kms (actually not only did I not get a chip time, my name doesn't even make it into the online results....I'm in the print version but not in the online results - go figure)
Session with Satan at 2pm today which was an unusual combination of glute and upper body moves including:
* 3 x glute exercises I'm not even going to begin to describe
* push-ups
* (assisted) chin ups
* rotator cuff exercises,
repeated twice followed by stretches for my glutes. While the glute exercises were tough, the chin ups after the push-ups were a killer. My arms were shaking as I tried to sign my name after the session :-D
Hoping to chat to Podrunner tomorrow to see if my orthotics need an adjustment...
Session with Satan at 2pm today which was an unusual combination of glute and upper body moves including:
* 3 x glute exercises I'm not even going to begin to describe
* push-ups
* (assisted) chin ups
* rotator cuff exercises,
repeated twice followed by stretches for my glutes. While the glute exercises were tough, the chin ups after the push-ups were a killer. My arms were shaking as I tried to sign my name after the session :-D
Hoping to chat to Podrunner tomorrow to see if my orthotics need an adjustment...
It remains unofficial....
Well, it looks like I don't get an official net time for the Blackmores 9km - only a gun time of 55.04. I don't seem to get a net time for some stoopid reason :-(
Will have to stick with my watch time for this one - 49.42
Will have to stick with my watch time for this one - 49.42
Sunday, September 18, 2005
HM minus 11 weeks...
Well after the excitement of last Sunday, I feel pretty bummed at the end of this week. My knee/glute problem isn't getting (much) better (after Thursday's run I was feeling much more positive about it - but it has improved since last Sunday). Also thanks to a "technical problems" the net times for last weeks race aren't available until tomorrow (gun time was 55.04). Grrr.
The week in summary:
Satan - 2
Spin - 1 (30mins)
Walk - 1 (1hr 12mins)
Runs - 2
Massage - 1
Witchdoctor - 1
"The Program"
With 11 weeks ago, the intention is to start building this week. After this morning's run, I'm not feeling v. confident/relaxed right now (amazing how much your running can impact on your general mental state...deep breaths Jen):
Monday - Satan
Tuesday - run (30mins) + massage
Wednesday - Satan
Thursday - run (40mins)
Friday - 2 x 30mins spin classes + CR drinks
Saturday - rest (recovery from CR drinks)
Sunday - 50min run with the Owl at the Bay
Fingers crossed and lots of stretches will be the order of the week...
The week in summary:
Satan - 2
Spin - 1 (30mins)
Walk - 1 (1hr 12mins)
Runs - 2
Massage - 1
Witchdoctor - 1
"The Program"
With 11 weeks ago, the intention is to start building this week. After this morning's run, I'm not feeling v. confident/relaxed right now (amazing how much your running can impact on your general mental state...deep breaths Jen):
Monday - Satan
Tuesday - run (30mins) + massage
Wednesday - Satan
Thursday - run (40mins)
Friday - 2 x 30mins spin classes + CR drinks
Saturday - rest (recovery from CR drinks)
Sunday - 50min run with the Owl at the Bay
Fingers crossed and lots of stretches will be the order of the week...
45mins - nope make that 35mins
Well, the plan was to do an easy 45min run this morning. However I pulled the pin on the run at 35mins (approx. 5.5kms) after my knee decided it didn't want to run today. From about the 25mins mark, it started to niggle particularly on the hills. Grrr. I'm getting really frustrated by it at the moment and feeling rather bummed today as a result. I could have finished the run - despite the hilly course I was feeling rather strong - but I didn't want to cause any damage given that this week is supposed to be the first 'building' week towards the HM. It has however pulled up well this afternoon - no post-run soreness in my knee, even when walking down stairs. On the upside, the shins are fine - but I'm finding it very difficult to be happy with my shins now that this problem is not pissing off. Grrrr.
Friday, September 16, 2005
I'm spinning around....*
As this is a recovery week, it was only 1 x 30mins spin class with the Satanic Spin Instructor this morning. As usual, a tough class but I felt strong and energetic (not to mention extremely hungry even before the class started!). Followed up with 20mins of stretching. I was a bit concerned as to how my knee/glute would handle the class but it was fine (lots of glute stretches seems to be the key to it). Yippee! A return to the back-to-back spin classes next Friday.
*I actually hate this song - but I did spin this morning AND the video clip was on the tv while I was stretching after the class so it seemed an appropriate title today.
*I actually hate this song - but I did spin this morning AND the video clip was on the tv while I was stretching after the class so it seemed an appropriate title today.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Easy 40min run
I just love the fact that I can go for an easy 40min run!
The only place to do an easy run near home (read: sans nasty-arse hills) is along the scenically-challenged Military Road. Not the nicest place to run but it was flat and the traffic wasn't heavy at 6am this morning (and no magpies!). Covered around 6+kms. A very easy comfortable run. Shins are good; my knee isn't 100% yet - there were a few minor niggles in my knee from time to time - but it pulled up very well this afternoon (a huge improvement on Sunday afternoon). Happy days!
20mins of stretches tonight particularly focusing on my glutes & hammies + the usual precautionary ice for my shins.
PS Officially (and finally) back to pre-holiday weight. Woohoo (but about bloody time!)
The only place to do an easy run near home (read: sans nasty-arse hills) is along the scenically-challenged Military Road. Not the nicest place to run but it was flat and the traffic wasn't heavy at 6am this morning (and no magpies!). Covered around 6+kms. A very easy comfortable run. Shins are good; my knee isn't 100% yet - there were a few minor niggles in my knee from time to time - but it pulled up very well this afternoon (a huge improvement on Sunday afternoon). Happy days!
20mins of stretches tonight particularly focusing on my glutes & hammies + the usual precautionary ice for my shins.
PS Officially (and finally) back to pre-holiday weight. Woohoo (but about bloody time!)
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Photos from the Sydney Running Festival...
The cheersquad in full flight !
Owl & I cheering on Tesso - go Tesso go!
She got out of town....
I had an email from a friend yesterday who reminded me that when you race, you should feel totally shite because you have moved out of your comfort zone and are really pushing it - otherwise it would be just another training session and not a race!!!! Part of my brain knows that but at the same time I didn't feel like I was pushing it on Sunday - I felt like I was going at "jogging" pace and still struggling. Strange how the brain works....
I have a rather impressive bruise after yesterday's massage which is a little tender. I'm not about to say where the bruise is for fear of attracting some of Miners' blog spam....However my knee has been fine today so it obviously worked!
Saw the witchdoctor for some needles in my LH soleus which was tight during the race on Sunday and in my RH knee, followed by some back cracking. It seems my body is slowly adjusting to the training - yippee!!
Back to the gym at 2pm for a session with Satan for another upper body session (to give my lower body a bit of a reprieve after the race, the massage and the witchdoctor). Yet another tough session consisting of a circuit of:
* push/pull things on the "danger Will Robinson machine"
* a new twisting, oblique move that involved throwing a medicine ball across the gym;
* dumbbell reverse flyes;
* bicep curls; and
* crunches,
repeated twice plus hammie & hip flexor stretches.
An easy 40min run is on the program for tomorrow morning. Lil Elf & I were going to run together tomorrow but the poor chicky is sick at the moment. Get better soon 'Elf !
I have a rather impressive bruise after yesterday's massage which is a little tender. I'm not about to say where the bruise is for fear of attracting some of Miners' blog spam....However my knee has been fine today so it obviously worked!
Saw the witchdoctor for some needles in my LH soleus which was tight during the race on Sunday and in my RH knee, followed by some back cracking. It seems my body is slowly adjusting to the training - yippee!!
Back to the gym at 2pm for a session with Satan for another upper body session (to give my lower body a bit of a reprieve after the race, the massage and the witchdoctor). Yet another tough session consisting of a circuit of:
* push/pull things on the "danger Will Robinson machine"
* a new twisting, oblique move that involved throwing a medicine ball across the gym;
* dumbbell reverse flyes;
* bicep curls; and
* crunches,
repeated twice plus hammie & hip flexor stretches.
An easy 40min run is on the program for tomorrow morning. Lil Elf & I were going to run together tomorrow but the poor chicky is sick at the moment. Get better soon 'Elf !
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Jen_races !
Sunday 11 September - Sydney Running Festival
I actually didn't want to run; didn't feel like it. But the entry fee was paid for so I was up at 5.30 for some toast and honey before Mr Jen kindly dropped me at North Sydney at 6am (what a nice fella!) so I could walk down to the start. Shortly after arriving I discovered a group of CRs (we are pretty easy to spot in a crowd!) and had a chat with a few people and cheered on the start of the Half and the full before going to the toilets and dropping off my bag. A few stretches and I headed over to the start (note to self: warm up next time!). On CR, I had said that my goal was sub-54 (when the race was originally 10km, my goal for the year was to run it in sub-60mins). However during the course of last week, I decided that it would be really, really cool to go under 50mins for the 9kms but given I just pulled that figure out of the air because it was a nice round number, I was too chicken to tell anyone :-)
I was at the back of the first wave in the 9kms and took a couple of minutes to cross the start. From the start, I felt like shite; my body was telling me to stop and walk the whole way. I really didn't enjoy the race at all. I don't know why. It really was a battle for me - a completely different experience to my C2S race. As I headed up Macquarie Street for the first time I was feeling terrible, getting about stressed about achieving my sub-50min goal and had to stop to stretch my left calf which was a bit tight so I decided to ignore my watch but I did notice the following:
1km: 6.18mins
2kms: 11.30 (5.12mins - shite!!)
5kms: 28.28 - at this point, I realised that my sub-50min goal was on so I just kept telling myself to keep going.
I stopped to stretch my left calf again on the return trip up Art Gallery road. On the return trip down Macquarie Street, I remembered that Paula Radcliffe mentioned that she counts her strides when it gets tough - that if she counts to 100 x 3 times, she will have covered a mile. So I tried that - and only got up to 20 before I found something else to focus on!!
Somehow I manage to find some speed in the last kms and felt like I was flying by the time I came down past the Toaster and stopped my watch at 49.42. As Lil Elf pointed out to me later, even with 2 pit stops to stretch my calves, it was approximately 5.40min/kms - no wonder it hurt! The time was a real surprise - I really didn't enjoy the run at all (until I checked my time at the finish of course!).
After collecting my medallion, I headed up to the recovery village which was pretty feral. Eventually I found my queue to collect my bag. 40mins later, I was still standing in the queue which had not moved. Grrrr. About this time the first marathoner came through to the finish so I decided I wasn't going to miss anymore cheering time so I left the queue with the idea of heading up to the Cahill to meet the cheersquad and to come back for my bag later. However when I walked past the back of the bag collection area, I noticed that people were climbing over the rope to get their bags and yes, I confess, I did the same *she blushes*. After ducking into the toilet to put on my new snazzy Skins, I headed up to the cheersquad to join in the fun. It was really hot up on the Cahill at that stage (it was only about 9.45am); I felt really sorry for the runners still out on the course. Seeing the reaction of the runners in response to our cheering is the most amazing and rewarding experience. The highlight of my day easily was seeing the smile on Belinda's face as she passed through the "guard of honour" created by the cheersquad. It is wonderful to be a part of such an amazing, supportive and positive community.
After Belinda and Horrie passed us, we decided to pack up and head down to the recovery centre to catch up with a few people before Benny, Vat, Don Juan, Owl, Tesso, JD and Mannerism headed over to the Rocks for some lunch and a great chat. Our Canberra girls Flash Duck and CJ (both of whom had sensational races) joined us later. By about 5pm I was fading so I headed home for some stretches, ice for my shins and a shower before heading out to meet Mr Jen and a friend for dinner. A great day!
The week ahead -
A recovery week before starting to build for the Half (which was 12 weeks away on Sunday):
Monday: Satan
Tuesday: walk to work (1 hr) + massage
Wednesday: dates with a witchdoctor + Satan
Thursday: run (40mins) with Lil Elf
Friday: 1 x spin class (30mins)
Saturday: rest
Sunday: run (45mins)
Monday 12 September 2005 - Satan
So how did my body pull up after yesterday - pretty well. My quads a bit sore, my shins are excellent, however the niggle in my knee has returned. I didn't notice it during the run yesterday but throughout the course of the afternoon I noticed it again particularly when walking down stairs. Hopefully my massage tomorrow and the WD can sort it out quickly so it doesn't get in the way of my Half preparation.
A few people asked me on Sunday about my Skins and whether I thought they aided recovery etc - I don't think it was the best circumstances under which to test them given that I had completely cooled down and had been standing still for 40mins (in the shade) while waiting for my bag before putting them on yesterday.
I had planned to walk to work this morning to get my legs moving - however I had to drop Mr Jen at the airport at some silly hour this morning so I ran out of time.
I managed to escape from work at 10.30am to meet Flash Duck and Owl at the Lindt cafe for a coffee and a chat. It was great to catch up with them both and to recap on Sunday. Then at 2pm I headed off to the gym to see Satan for an upper body session consisting of:
* dumbbell chest press
* tricep pushdowns
* bent-over row (barbell)
* bicep curls,
repeated twice and stretches for my hammies, quads and hips. I felt really good during the session - which was a surprise because I had eaten very little in the morning and I had had a terrible nights sleep.
Tuesday 13 September - walk + massage
Left the house at 6.30am to walk to work (1hr 12mins; approximately 8kms). A beautiful clear and still morning - another perfect morning to (this time) walk across the bridge. Legs are feeling good though my knee still isn't entirely happy - it's been 3 weeks now; it's really starting to annoy me. Grrr.
Off for a massage this afternoon *she winces at the thought*...
I actually didn't want to run; didn't feel like it. But the entry fee was paid for so I was up at 5.30 for some toast and honey before Mr Jen kindly dropped me at North Sydney at 6am (what a nice fella!) so I could walk down to the start. Shortly after arriving I discovered a group of CRs (we are pretty easy to spot in a crowd!) and had a chat with a few people and cheered on the start of the Half and the full before going to the toilets and dropping off my bag. A few stretches and I headed over to the start (note to self: warm up next time!). On CR, I had said that my goal was sub-54 (when the race was originally 10km, my goal for the year was to run it in sub-60mins). However during the course of last week, I decided that it would be really, really cool to go under 50mins for the 9kms but given I just pulled that figure out of the air because it was a nice round number, I was too chicken to tell anyone :-)
I was at the back of the first wave in the 9kms and took a couple of minutes to cross the start. From the start, I felt like shite; my body was telling me to stop and walk the whole way. I really didn't enjoy the race at all. I don't know why. It really was a battle for me - a completely different experience to my C2S race. As I headed up Macquarie Street for the first time I was feeling terrible, getting about stressed about achieving my sub-50min goal and had to stop to stretch my left calf which was a bit tight so I decided to ignore my watch but I did notice the following:
1km: 6.18mins
2kms: 11.30 (5.12mins - shite!!)
5kms: 28.28 - at this point, I realised that my sub-50min goal was on so I just kept telling myself to keep going.
I stopped to stretch my left calf again on the return trip up Art Gallery road. On the return trip down Macquarie Street, I remembered that Paula Radcliffe mentioned that she counts her strides when it gets tough - that if she counts to 100 x 3 times, she will have covered a mile. So I tried that - and only got up to 20 before I found something else to focus on!!
Somehow I manage to find some speed in the last kms and felt like I was flying by the time I came down past the Toaster and stopped my watch at 49.42. As Lil Elf pointed out to me later, even with 2 pit stops to stretch my calves, it was approximately 5.40min/kms - no wonder it hurt! The time was a real surprise - I really didn't enjoy the run at all (until I checked my time at the finish of course!).
After collecting my medallion, I headed up to the recovery village which was pretty feral. Eventually I found my queue to collect my bag. 40mins later, I was still standing in the queue which had not moved. Grrrr. About this time the first marathoner came through to the finish so I decided I wasn't going to miss anymore cheering time so I left the queue with the idea of heading up to the Cahill to meet the cheersquad and to come back for my bag later. However when I walked past the back of the bag collection area, I noticed that people were climbing over the rope to get their bags and yes, I confess, I did the same *she blushes*. After ducking into the toilet to put on my new snazzy Skins, I headed up to the cheersquad to join in the fun. It was really hot up on the Cahill at that stage (it was only about 9.45am); I felt really sorry for the runners still out on the course. Seeing the reaction of the runners in response to our cheering is the most amazing and rewarding experience. The highlight of my day easily was seeing the smile on Belinda's face as she passed through the "guard of honour" created by the cheersquad. It is wonderful to be a part of such an amazing, supportive and positive community.
After Belinda and Horrie passed us, we decided to pack up and head down to the recovery centre to catch up with a few people before Benny, Vat, Don Juan, Owl, Tesso, JD and Mannerism headed over to the Rocks for some lunch and a great chat. Our Canberra girls Flash Duck and CJ (both of whom had sensational races) joined us later. By about 5pm I was fading so I headed home for some stretches, ice for my shins and a shower before heading out to meet Mr Jen and a friend for dinner. A great day!
The week ahead -
A recovery week before starting to build for the Half (which was 12 weeks away on Sunday):
Monday: Satan
Tuesday: walk to work (1 hr) + massage
Wednesday: dates with a witchdoctor + Satan
Thursday: run (40mins) with Lil Elf
Friday: 1 x spin class (30mins)
Saturday: rest
Sunday: run (45mins)
Monday 12 September 2005 - Satan
So how did my body pull up after yesterday - pretty well. My quads a bit sore, my shins are excellent, however the niggle in my knee has returned. I didn't notice it during the run yesterday but throughout the course of the afternoon I noticed it again particularly when walking down stairs. Hopefully my massage tomorrow and the WD can sort it out quickly so it doesn't get in the way of my Half preparation.
A few people asked me on Sunday about my Skins and whether I thought they aided recovery etc - I don't think it was the best circumstances under which to test them given that I had completely cooled down and had been standing still for 40mins (in the shade) while waiting for my bag before putting them on yesterday.
I had planned to walk to work this morning to get my legs moving - however I had to drop Mr Jen at the airport at some silly hour this morning so I ran out of time.
I managed to escape from work at 10.30am to meet Flash Duck and Owl at the Lindt cafe for a coffee and a chat. It was great to catch up with them both and to recap on Sunday. Then at 2pm I headed off to the gym to see Satan for an upper body session consisting of:
* dumbbell chest press
* tricep pushdowns
* bent-over row (barbell)
* bicep curls,
repeated twice and stretches for my hammies, quads and hips. I felt really good during the session - which was a surprise because I had eaten very little in the morning and I had had a terrible nights sleep.
Tuesday 13 September - walk + massage
Left the house at 6.30am to walk to work (1hr 12mins; approximately 8kms). A beautiful clear and still morning - another perfect morning to (this time) walk across the bridge. Legs are feeling good though my knee still isn't entirely happy - it's been 3 weeks now; it's really starting to annoy me. Grrr.
Off for a massage this afternoon *she winces at the thought*...
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