Omm

No running today - just a nice easy session of yoga. We didn't do any of the yucky standing poses so it was all enjoyable. The plan for tomorrow is to try out one of 2P's suggested speed sessions. I might try the creek flat again, but this time I will do a whole lap in between faster ones, as well as warming up for 2kms (that seems like a lot, probably because it involves running in circles as opposed to running up the road).

I really must invest in a stop watch of some description. I am going to be flat out doing some extra work soon (which I get paid extra for!) so I might give myself a little pressie.

Plodding

That's just what today's run felt like. Gone was the nice rhythm of Saturday's run, replaced by a feeling that it was just hard work. The time wasn't too bad considering and I did have Pip for company. So much for my theory about running better in the aftrenoons, maybe that only works when I haven't been at wotk all day. Not that my job is physically taxing!

I have been running for nearly one whole year now (this time) and that is something to be proud of. I have run at least times each week for twelve whole months. I can run 14 kilomtetres. I have been in a 10 km race (54.49) and came eighth in my age group (I won't say out of how many but I wasn't last!). So even if today's run was a little like plodding I can still look back and see how far I've come.

Two Bridge Run

Today's long run was only 10.4 kms (as far as the second bridge - my 14 km run usually takes me across three old wooden bridges over the creek) as I wanted to get back to see my friend when she picked up her children. The killer hill seems so much easier without the extra 4 kms that I have been doing for my long run. It felt pretty good today - the legs always feel better in the afternoon (but not the stomach). The achilles was only slightly sore on the hills.

I left Pip at home, but he got a walk with the kids down the creek which is his favourite. The solo run was good and the only wildlife of note was a brush turkey- they must be nesting at the moment.

10.4kms: 72 mins (av running pace 6.7)

Running with Pip

Pip came along this morn with no coaxing required. Maybe I should start to keep a log of his kms! Another nice early one today 5.10am (temp 16 degrees and 70% humidity). Lots of wildife (the good type) out and about. The achilles and under-side of right foot still sore for the first few kms. It felt better running on the ball of my foot on the steep uphill section.

I felt a bit yucky (super-tired) but tried to do some faster bursts on the smaller hills. I had to really push myself at the end as I was feeling a little bit light headed. Thankfully I feel fine now and have an inservice today which should be good.

6kms: 38mins (av running pace: 5.9 - good!)

Another early one

Up at 5am for a nice early 8km run. I needed to go early so that I could get D to school at 7.30. The right achilles and foot were sore. The foot settled down after the first few kms, but the achilles was slightly sore throughout. It usually hurts but I stupidly used the back of my foot to catch a falling (full) washing basket on the weekend.

I made Pip run, had to drag him in parts, in order to act as guard dog (ha ha). Still no sign of the dingo - good. It was quite cool (13 degrees) but 70% humidity.

A good run. 8kms: 52 mins (av running pace: 6.2kms)

Then a nice short walk down the creek in the afternoon. The track is looking good for my next speed session. I am going to try doing a lap of slow then a faster lap x5 on Wednesday.

DFD

A busy, tiring weekend (but not from running). J had his first cricket game - scored 7 runs and did some wild bowling. Then he had 4 friends over for a birthday sleep-over. despite making them help walk the dog for 2ks and playing tips and generally running around they were still awake until midnight! This would have been okay but they were awake again at 5.30am as it is so light in the morning at the moment. Needless to say we have a household full of very tired people this afternoon.

I took Pip out (somewhat reluctantly) for a 5k walk (44 minutes). No sign of my friend from the other day (and I was looking pretty carefully). Thus, the DFD (Dingo Free Day)I will go running in the morning (I'm not letting that dingo scare me away from my favourite (and only) running spot. I have been reminding myself of the over a thousand times that I have been up there without seeing a dingo. Compared to the 2 times that I have seen one.

D is off on his first school camp tomorrow - 4 nights away from home.

Dingo

Did my long run this morning before work. It was a nice morning, a little humid. Running from 5 till 6.30 must be the only good thing about the early sunrise at the moment (the birds started at about 4.30).

I had an exciting incident on the run. I had decided to leave Pip at home due to his lack of enthusiasm for long runs. Running along thinking about the usual stuff - work, the busy weekend ahead, how slow I was running, etc. I looked ahead and there was a dingo digging around on the side of the road. He saw me and took off. I picked up a rock just in case and then dropped it thinking that I was being a little paranoid. I got about 1/2 a k up the road and suddenly there he was again (I admit that I screamed this time) and he took off again, Sure enough I got another couple of hundred of metres ahead and he ran across the road in front of me (no scream this time). As you can imagine I spent the rest of the run jumping at every rustle in the bush (and also carried a stick for about 5 minutes).

Distance: 14k Time: 99 minutes (very slow)

Not so speedy

Yesterday I completed the 'speed' session as planned (well, sort of). I only managed 5 of the fast 400ms, not the planned 8. The first one really tired me out, maybe I went too fast. I also think I needed a whole lap in between fast laps.

I need to remember how hard it was when I first started running 12 months ago. Getting faster is a lot like that, I just need to push myself out of the comfort zone.

Splits?? (Calculated using highly technical equipment on a course measured by guess work):
Lap 1: 2.12, Lap 2:2.28, Lap 3: 2.34, Lap 4: 2.31 and Lap 5 2.18. intotal I did 6km in 37 minutes, which is about normal.

Today (Thursday) a walk day in afternoon with Pip. 5km in 42m (a nice brisk pace).

Walking with Pip

Pip actually came for his walk today without any nagging. It was a cool day and I wasn't running - two points which are important to him.

I aim to do the speed session in the morning as planned for yesterday. I found an old stopwatch that came from a cereal packet (literally) so that I can time the laps - should be interesting.

Back to work ...

Back to work today so I had an early morning run. Gave up on the speed session as it rained overnight and the flat would have been too wet and slippery. Plus I am hampered by only owning an analogue watch with no second hand. Is there any point doing a speed session without a stopwatch of some sort? (I don't know cos I never really do them, which could explain why I am not getting any faster)

So, I did 8.2 kms up the road. Very humid and 18 degrees although it was only 6.00am. I felt a bit sluggish on the way up - 29 minutes, then 26 minutes on the way back (more downhill). The achilles is still a little sore, but no other excuses. I wore the old shoes, I need to get over my bad feeling about the new shoes!

Saw two brush turkeys. Running pace: 6.3m/km

Warm Day

I wish I knew how to set the time and day - the window disappears before you can touch a key! It's actually 15/10 @ 10.30am.

Just walking today. I took Pip for 5 kms. He only needed a little nagging, it was hot and he hates to walk when it's hot. I guess I would too if I had fur. Still, he got to have a long swim in the neighbours' dam on the way back.

We only saw 2 small goannas today. Probably too hot for anything else.

I will try and get the boys out for a walk on the beach this afternoon. I am going to try a speed session on the creek flat in the morning: 8x400 repeats.

Yesterday I meant to mention that I ate a banana and had a glass of 1/3 grape juice and 2/3 water before the long run. This was a good combination - felt no ill effects and had plenty of energy.

Beautiful Morning

Did my long run early today as it's going to get hot. It was 12 degrees when I set out and 26 degrees when I got back an hour and a half later. I left home at 6.20 and it was so beautiful at that time of day. I run through a small pocket of rainforest, alongside a creek for part of the way and it is such a stunning view.

Apart from the many birds I saw one pademelon (wallaby), a black cockatoo and only one goanna this time. I didn't bother taking Pip as he has gone on strike so the boys and I will have to walk him later, before it gets too hot.

The run was a little faster than last week's disasterous effort (I think I was really affected by the heat and maybe a little dehydrated). I am trying not to get too hung up on times for the long run - it is about endurance and I guess a longer time means more time spent on my feet.

G made me laugh when I got back. I mentioned that my achilles was a little sore and he laughed at the way I was talking about my muscles (tendons?). Well, running does make you aware of the various parts of your body, especially when they are hurting!

Ran 14kms: 97 mins. Av running pace: 6.79 min/km

Running Goals

As I achieved most of my running goals for the year several months ago I figured it was time to come up with some new ones.

1. To run a half marathon in June next year and hopefully one other (if I can find one not too far away).
2. To keep running consistently - 25-30 kms/week
3. To try and get faster - one speed session per week (I should be able to use the creek flat for this)

Three goals should do. At least it's something to keep me motivated. I feel ready to do the half marathon already, but the weather is getting too warm (June will be perfect).

Beach-side running

Spent last night at Scotts Head, so I went for a 'town' run this morning (not the usual quiet bush run). I went and looked at some new houses that are going up, took a look at Warrell Creek and ended up running along the beach front. I ran mostly on the bitumen road - it is amazing how you seem to feel the niggles more strongly on a harder surface (but no major problems). Still running in the new shoes - pins and needles again, despite further loosening of laces.

Only did about 5 ks as we wanted to get out fishing early. Lovely run in the early morning and a gorgeous morning of 'fishing' - I did lots of reading!

The actual time is 5.24 on the 12/10 (Don't know how to set date and time it disappears as soon as I touch it).

A Good Run

Today's run was a big improvement on Sunday. Pip decided not to come so I did not have to waste time calling him and checking on where he was. The weather was much milder too. Light rain and about 22 degrees.

Tried the new shoes shoes (Saucony) again. They still feel a bit strange, very stiff and although I loosened the laces a little I still had pins and needles in the toes. Overall they were better than last time, no sore foot and I think if I get rid of the lace lock the pins and needles might stop.

Today's time was great: 52 mins for 8.2 ks. Take off the warm up/cool down walks and that makes it 6 min pace. First time in a while!

Just a walk

Just a walk today. The weather was a lot cooler, almost cold. Would have been good for the long run, but the walk was nice. Pip came most of the way - he really is a funny dog. He is a real home body. sometimes he even runs home and puts himself away, yet he acts so excited when we start out.

Walked 5km: 43 minutes.

First Post

Went for my long run at about 9.30 this morning. It was very hot and by the time I got back it was up to 31 degrees. fourteen kilometres was a very long way today - Pippi (the border collie) gave up at the 3.5 kilometres (too hot) and sat down to wait for me to get back. Luckily there was only one car in that time!

As the title of this blog suggests my runs usually consist of lots of uphill running. The killer hill (about 1 kilometre of continuous uphill) was too much for me today and I walked it (took about the same time anyway).

All up it took 1hr and 40 minutes - I was tempted to make up a diffferent total, but who am I kidding? Not the best run ever, but I did see about 15 goannas and at least 2 other unidentified lizards. I feel good that I maintained my 14 k long run, but will need to go earlier next week when it's not so hot.