Happy Mothers Day!

8.34am: Mothers Day Classic, Lake Burley Griffin
Distance: 10km
Time: 50.58min
Pace: 5.02min/km
Cals: 350
Place: 265 (3rd in 50-59 age group)
Weather: 6.2*c, wind – calm; foggy, followed by blue skies

As we were driving to LBG this morning in thick fog I wondered why on earth I was doing this. After all, this was Mothers Day. You know, the day you get to sleep in and have breakfast in bed or get taken out for breakfast. And this is what I’ve done in previous years. So what on earth possessed me to enter the 10km event and voluntarily get up early to participate?

The reasons aren’t important now – the fact is I did get up and did run the event and did enjoy the morning. The fog never really disappeared entirely for the run but other than that, it was perfect running conditions. The only thing I would do differently is where I place myself at the start. We started in the middle to back of the pack and that was a huuuuuge mistake. Crossing the bridge was hilarious – I felt like I was out for a Sunday stroll as I couldn’t go any faster than a very slow jog. So for the second lap I tried to make up some ground on my time.

Following the run we had to race home so I could have a shower so we could collect sons #1 and #2 for brunch at a local cafe. Gotta love boy talk – the conversation was all footy, weights training and protein shakes! Still it was great to catch up with them. Home again after grocery shopping and sitting at the front door was a huge box of beautiful pink roses, from son #3. This was a complete surprise as I’ve never had flowers before from the boys. Wow, they can still surprise me!

So, chocolates, brunch and roses – what more could I ask for. It was a lovely Mothers Day, as I hope it was for my mum, my sister and great niece, and all the mothers out there.

And tomorrow…it’s the start of 12WBT. Bring it on!

Three times the run

According to my LJ diary, today is “sleep-in free day” and that was certainly the case for me. I had a long run to do this morning as well as do the parkrun, followed by a morning tea in Holder to meet a friend’s new baby, and then shopping and housework this afternoon. Whoa! Where did the day go?

7.16am: run down to the lake and to the start of parkrun
Distance: 6km
Time: 35.26min
Pace: 5.53min/km
Cals: 350
Weather: 12.7*c, wind – N, 15kph; overcast & breezy

Slow and steady, like a turtle! Bit of a plod really but I got there…eventually!

8am: parkrun
Distance: 5km
Time: 24.09min
Cals: 274
Weather: 16.8*c, wind – N, 13kph

The start caught a few of us by surprise, so much so that it was only 400m along the path that I realised I hadn’t turned on my watch. Oops! Otherwise it wasn’t a bad run; in fact I surprised myself with how good I felt, even when running into a headwind. Afterwards we had a bit of a chat with a guy who was stopping every minute during the run and doing 10 push-ups, for a total of 290 push-ups. In a previous run he had worn a weighted vest. He obviously loves a challenge but you know what, I think I’ll just stick to running!

8.43am: the run home
Distance: 12.7km
Time: 1hr 17.19min
Pace: 6.03min/km
Cals: 747
Weather: 18.1*c, wind – NW, 11kph; it was turning out to be an absolutely stunning morning

Ruth and I ran part of the lake circuit together before going our separate ways. Then it was on with my music before heading home, still feeling pretty good.

Autumn colours

Eeny meeny miny mo….

I know I said I wasn’t going to do it. In fact I was probably quite emphatic about not doing it. I had planned on a sleep in followed by a leisurely breakfast on Mothers Day. But it kept nagging at me…and nagging…and nagging. And if I decided to do it then I had to make a decision about which team I would be part of – 12WBT, a work team or MamaMoves. Decisions, decisions, decisions.

And then this afternoon I decided that:
a) yes, I would take part, and
b) I would run as part of the MamaMoves team

So what is it I am going to do? Why, the Mothers Day Classic 10km of course! It’s for a good cause and I’ll be running in memory of a good friend who passed away from breast cancer at the age of 40. So young.

And how could I resist running with a bunch of good friends.

Now to today’s run…..

I briefly thought about running before breakfast this morning; briefly being the operative word! Then I decided that a lunchtime run might be in order, at least it would be warmer at that time of day.

And it was. It was also quite breezy and I had a head wind as I headed down to Lake Burley Griffin and then out past the museum and toward Black Mountain peninsula – I continued past for about another kilometre or so before turning and heading back the way I came. The return trip was so much easier as I had the wind behind me now. It also felt a lot warmer! I think I enjoy this route more than the bridge to bridge run as there are less crowds of people, as well as less cyclists and walkers. It’s a nice break to the work day as well.

12.09pm: easy run around LBG to just past Black Mountain peninsula and return
Distance: 10.4km
Time: 57.33min
Pace: 5.30min/km
Cals: 630
Weather: 23.2*c, wind – WNW, 19kph; overcast but warm

 

Post-marathon recovery

It’s been 8 days since I ran the marathon – 7 days of which I did no running at all. I did manage three walks last week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I had planned on running yesterday but some niggly back pain put paid to that. I felt it was safer to wait another day before going for my first post-marathon run.

So that was why I was out running 10km at 6am this morning in light misty rain. It was a good run – there were no problems to report and my back remained grumble-free which was a relief. So I guess this means I am now back in training for the half marathon next month.

So what else has been happening in the past week? And how was my recovery following the marathon?

Monday – A day off. I was feeling a little tired and had some minor muscle soreness but otherwise I was feeling okay. I thought I might be experiencing DOMS by now but figured that Tuesday was when it would hit me.

Tuesday – still no DOMS, and in fact the muscle soreness that I had the day before had disappeared. Went to the new Palace Cinema at Nishi Apartments after work to see Song for Marion, along with a work colleague, Ruth and Mr B – it was a great movie. And the popcorn is delicious – they use olive oil which means it’s not so heavy and greasy like normal cinema popcorn, which normally I won’t touch with a ten foot pole.

Wednesday – wow, the tiredness hit me like a Mack truck today. I hit the 3pm slump at lunchtime – never a good sign. So it was an early night for me. I also went for a 40 minute walk at lunchtime – initially hoping it would wake me up but it seemed to add to my weariness later in the day.

Thursday – I managed a 50 min walk at lunchtime. I was feeling much better today and there was no more tiredness. I also signed up for my next challenge – the Michelle Bridges 12 WBT challenge which officially kicks off on 13 May.

Friday – another 40 min lunchtime walk today.

Saturday – I was a volunteer marshall at the Gindy Parkrun so it meant I was standing out in the cold wind early this morning. Still it was worth it to see the effort everyone put into their 5km run. I enjoyed providing encouragement and seeing the smiles (sometimes strained) in return. Ruth was also a marshall, just down the path a bit from me. This was followed by coffee at Birrigai Café. And a bit later a well-earned massage – it was so good. My massage therapist said I had come through the marathon with flying colours – the best shape I’ve been in for a very long time. Go figure!

Sunday – I had planned on going for a run but was experiencing some back niggles (proof that housework is not good for you – I’m blaming it on cleaning the bathroom!) so decided another day of no running wouldn’t hurt.

And so to today……

5.59am session: easy run
Distance: 10.3km
Time: 1hr 26sec
Pace: 5.49min/km
Cals: 604
Weather: 8.2*c, wind – N, 9kph; patchy light rain

photo taken at the 40km mark of the marathon
– feeling good! (Photo credit: Ewen T)

A hoodoo no more!

7am: Canberra marathon 42.2km
Time: 3hr 50.51min
Pace: 5.28min/km
1st lap (10.5km): 1hr 42sec; 5.46min/km
2nd lap (15.4km): 1hr 22.55; 5.23min/km
3rd lap (16.3km): 1hr 27.13; 5.21min/km
Weather: (7am) 6.9*c, wind – calm; I was freezing before the start!
(9am) 12.4*c, wind – calm; not so cold now – funny that!
(11am) 20.8*c, wind – WSW, 9kph – it was quite warm out there

Well, I feel so much better now! Why? I’ve got that hoodoo off my back. I’ve been trying to do my 9th marathon since 2010 (my last one was in 2009) but injury or returning from injury has hampered me since then. But today….well it was the sweetest victory. I beat that hoodoo and had an awesome run.

Not awesome in time I admit. I’ve run faster marathons. But today it just came together and for the last 10km I had a big smile on my face because I recalled why I love running marathons. I was in my element out there.

I started very slowly but that’s my style. I ran the first 4km with Ruth before slowly increasing my speed, but not too much. I was experiencing tummy problems and wasn’t sure how long I could go before having to search for a toilet. As it was it was at the 12km mark on Parkes Way when I had to make a detour to the toilets. At this stage I had passed the 4hour purple balloons but unfortunately they passed me while I was otherwise occupied. And it seemed to take forever before I caught them again – not long after the Glenloch Interchange turnaround. Once they were behind me I could relax.

Looking at my splits I gradually increased my pace over the distance and negative split. I felt strong and comfortable the further I ran. I kept waiting for the wheels to fall off but it never happened. Tummy problems hit again in the last kilometre and required another dash to toilets once I crossed the finish line.

So I achieved my goals!
Making it to the start line
Making it to the finish line
Running it under 4 hours

Some things I learnt today:
Blackberry Gu is disgusting. I picked one up from an aid station and wished I hadn’t.
Blackberry electrolyte drink isn’t much better.
Fairfax need to cater better with their post-run refreshments – electrolyte drink and a small pile of rock hard pears is pretty pathetic. Where were the bananas? Or at least something edible.

Lunch afterwards at Cream with Nikki and Dave, Ewen and Keren was awesome. A glass of bubbly never goes astray!

Dinner tonight with Ruth, Mr B, Keren, Mr N and other good friends is eagerly anticipated!

Number 9….finally!

Three goals

I have three goals for tomorrow’s run.

1. To get to the start line – I think I’ll achieve this one
2. To make it to the finish line.
3. To finish within 4 hours.

I’m not aiming high given its been a while since I’ve run a marathon and I’ve been injury-prone for the last 4 years. Also, I’m about 4-5kg heavier than when I last ran one.

Today has been my third day of carb loading so I’m feeling like a fatty boombah about now. Think I might’ve indulged too much in pizza and rice pudding!

Oh well, I have a little run to do tomorrow morning – that should help

Here’s hoping for lovely weather tomorrow.

Good luck to everyone running the half, full or ultra marathon tomorrow.

A sunny afternoon

Last long run :)

7.17am: long run inc parkrun
Distance: 17km (inc 5km parkrun)
Time: 1hr 33.36min (5km – 24.09min)
Pace: 5.30min/km
Location: Lake Ginninderra
Weather: (7.30am) 6.6*c, wind – calm; (9am) 11.3*c, wind – ESE, 7kph

Today was my last long run before the marathon. Of course, come Sunday week I’ll be running 42.2km.

It was another chilly start this morning and for a while there I thought I’d be heading off to the lake in the dark but the sun did eventually rise around 7am. Thank goodness daylight savings finishes tonight. It was great while it lasted but its so dark in the mornings now.

There was a large turnout for the Gindy parkrun this morning and the usual suspects were there – Ruth, Marg, and Gary, and Mr B even showed up. I was 6secs off my PB today though it did feel like I was running faster, obviously it was just harder! Then a casual cool down run home again afterwards – a pleasant way to end the run.

The rest of the day was spent familiarising myself with domestic duties once again because for some strange reason I decided to save some money by not getting a cleaner anymore. What was I on at the time to even consider this absurd notion?! As compensation for hard labour I had prepared Moroccan lamb shanks with pumpkin & mint for dinner tonight, with poached vanilla pears with chocolate sauce, vanilla ice cream & toasted coconut flakes for dessert. Recipes courtesy of Michelle Bridges and Weight Watchers Verdict? Delicious.

“I may not be the strongest, I may not be the fastest, but one thing’s for sure, I’ll be trying my hardest.”

Blue skies & sunshine

7.09am session: long run
Distance: 25km (inc 5km parkrun)
Time: 2hr 27.46min (5km – 25.48min)
Pace: 5.54min/km
Cals: 1,468
Weather: (7am) – 3.5*c, wind – calm
(10am) – 12.9*c, wind – NNW, 6kph

Wow, it was a chilly start to the run this morning, requiring a spray jacket until I warmed up. I was grateful for the 7km warm up run before the parkrun because it was so painfully slow. However by the time the parkrun started, I had warmed up and had a much more comfortable run. Met up with Ruth before the start of parkrun and also chatted briefly to Gary.

I was pretty happy with my parkrun this morning. The plan was not to knock myself out but to run comfortably as I still had to get home. Last time I ran this course I did precisely that (ie knocked myself out and ran a PB) which made the trip home long and slow. So I paced myself well today and finished with plenty left in the legs to run another 13km home.

Ruth and I then ran part of Lake Ginninderra and the peninsular together before going our respective ways. It was nice to have company for 6km of the 13km run home. The rest of the run was uneventful and I felt fine. It was another beautiful day – blue skies and sunshine. I wonder how long this will last? Well, that’s our second last long run done before the big one, and next week’s long run really isn’t one – its only about 13km.

Met up with Ruth again a bit later for lunch at Kingston and Co. By then both of us were starving – my last meal was at 5am! It was crazy busy at the Mall – so many people obviously doing last minute Easter shopping. So it was nice to sit down, relax and enjoy a yummy meal and a great coffee. Mr B joined us a little later.

Stromlo Forest Park run

Today’s session: vets run @ Stromlo Forest Park
Distance: 8km (+1.2km warm up)
Time: 43.22min
Pace: 5.15min/km
Cals: 480
Start group: 28
Finish place: 59
Weather: (9.50am) 15.4*c, wind – N, 6kph

Some mornings are better spent staying in bed rather than getting up and getting ready for a run. Not any run, mind, but a monthly vets handicap run at Stromlo Forest Park. The venue alone should’ve been enough to put me off – I’m not a fan of grassy undulating tracks. Running 38km yesterday should’ve been enough of a reason to miss this morning’s run.

So why was I there this morning, having one of the worst runs of my running life? Stupidity? Madness? Insanity? Who knows? Catching up with other runners who I don’t see on a day-to-day basis – possibly. Maybe for the coffee and chat afterwards at the Yarralumla Nursery cafe – probably! The things I do for coffee!

Anyway back to that god-awful run. It was not pretty. The first kilometre was the hardest and I really seriously doubted that I would make the distance. However I know from experience that the first kilometre can be pretty awful and things will improve. Today, marginally. Everyone else seemed to be running well, which is why many runners were passing me and I was passing very few others, at least initially.

To sum up my run today – that’s 43.22min I’m not going to get back! Happy to finish. Even happier to go and have coffee with Ruth, Margaret & Ewen. Makes it all worthwhile really.

Weston Creek half marathon

Today’s session: Weston Creek half marathon
Distance: 21.1km
Time: 1hr 47:39min
Pace: 5:04min/km
Cals: 1,241
Weather: (7.30am)10.6*c, wind – S, 13kph (increasing to 30kph @ 8.30am)

Fronting up at the starting line this chilly morning, there were memories of the last time I ran the half marathon in 2011. Memories of a torn hamstring that ended any hopes of doing the marathon that year. The location of the tear meant months of rehab and for a while there was the threat of surgery hanging over me. A big shout out to Dr Rob Reid, sports medicine physician extraordinaire (in my opinion) who was responsible for my rehab and recovery.

But back to this morning. Ruth and I started together and wished each other a pleasant and uneventful run. It was chilly initially but warmed up quickly. The wind also picked up, from a gentle 13kph initially to a gusty 30kph (noticed especially when heading up Scrivener dam hill). The plan was to run at an even pace and not do anything silly. Just run the distance.

I always start slowly and gradually ease into a comfortable pace. This morning was no different. Lots of people passed me initially. That’s ok. No sweat. Don’t panic. I’m just running this event as a lead up to the big one in April.

Reached the turn around point in Curtin. Feeling good. Nothing hurts. Pick up the pace ever so slightly. Started overtaking runners who had passed me earlier. More hills on the return trip. No sweat. The blustery head wind doesn’t help. Grab a drink or two from drink stations on the way back. Pace is picking up again. Still feeling ok.

Finally Black Mountain peninsular comes into view. Woohoo. This means I’m close to finishing. And then the finish shute appears and someone is handing me a place card. I’ve finished! F88 has completed the course.

Quick scan of the body. Everything feels ok. Nothing hurts. I do believe I have come through unscathed. Of course, tomorrow will tell. But for the moment I feel good. Have a chat to Kerrie. Then wait for Ruth to finish. Post run discussion with Kerrie, Ruth and Jen. Some grapes and a banana. It wasn’t until I got home that I realised I hadn’t drunk anything since finishing. Oops!

Another run ticked off. Next event: Canberra marathon.