July - 81
YTD - 841.5
It's less than 2 weeks now till I begin one month of my long service leave. I am heading down to visit the old folks on the Central Coast NSW for about 10 days. It is only myself and the little fella heading down due to Cass's work commitments and at a guess she will probably enjoy seeing the back of us for a while anyway :-)
The remainder of my time off will just be spent relaxing at home, nothing planned.
Anyway while I am down in NSW I have planned to run the City 2 Surf however this is in doubt as my leg is pretty messed up. For this reason I haven't worried about accomodation and will figure something out if I do decide to run.
In the memantime I haven't really done much training with only about 4 runs since the GCM.
This week I had a what work called an interval session however it was hill repeats and it was quite tough. 2 Days prior I went and got a massge to try and ease the pain in my leg which seemed to work and during the Hill repeats my leg felt the best it has for a while. About 2 hours after the session however it felt really bad and got worse during the night.
I rested it up on Tuesday but on Wednesday we had the barracks X country race. I had to run this as the way the Army works is that if you haven't got a letter from a medical officer saying you can't do the activity then you are required to compete, unless of course it is really serious. I guess I could have got out of running but decided to give it a crack.
About 300 - 350 people showed up in the drizzling weather. The course was quite tough with a few big long hills with mud and water everywhere. I started up the front and didn't know how hard I was going to go due to the injury. When the gun went off I took of at a solid but comfortable pace the leg felt ok so I decided to go as hard as I could. I had been running this course alot prior to the GCM marathon so I knew I needed to keep some in reserve for the mid section.
I quickly established a position with one of my mates around 5th placed. He was in good form coming in the top 10 at the J2J half so I knew he was a contender. I also knew that I had no chance of winning as Matt Skate also works at the barracks and is the current Queensland 1/2 marathon champion and an awesome marathon runner. He finished in 2.35 at the GCM just 3 weeks prior.
Anyway on the way down to the first climb I just stayed at the pace I was running on the flats, meanwhile about 3 other people passed me almost sprinting down them. They got about 70m on me by the time the hill started but it didn't take long before I caught them again. In fact I caught most people and was sitting just behind 3 place.
The course was 7.8k and at the top of the biggest climb we still had over half the course to go. From this time onwards no-one passed me, I remained in 4th place but the others were still in sight behind me. Jeff Rudd was one of those, who was the winner of the J2J 1/2 finishing in a time of 77 minutes. He was quickly gaining on us but by the time he was right on my shoulder the last climb hit.
I was hurting by this stage but so the was the fella in 3rd place. I was saying to myself 5 place is great you can ease up and just take that, but then I thought bugger it, just over a km to go, 5 odd minutes of pain and you could get 3rd place. 1/2 way up the last climb I took off, the legs screamed but no reaction from the other 2. At the top I just wanted to ease up and have a breather but I pushed hard. There was a long downhill section and for the first time I just let myself go and sprinted downhill.
There was no way anyone would be able to pass me I was flying, almost out of control. Exiting the bush the last section was back on the road and paths to the finish. I was confident from this stage that I had the pace to keep the two at bay. I was also catching up to second place aswell but ran out of time and he got me by about 100m.
I ended up coming 3rd overall, about 20 -30 secs in front of 4 and 5th and was exhausted but very happy with my effort. It really made up for my disappointment at the GCM and shows that I am more suited to the shorter events, not that I ever doubted that anyway.
The best part about this race which gave me more of a confidence boost as I was only 1.40 down on the winner and actually beat Jeff Rudd who can kick my behind over the 1/2 Marathon distance.
The downside to it all though was after I finished my leg was very sore and has taken until today with no running to walk around and not feel any effects. It is a crazy injury nothing I have experienced before. I am in two minds to go for a run tomorrow or just cut it away which will put me in huge doubt for the C2S. Not much training now and with more time off it wouldn't be a pretty result.
Anyway I will decide probably during the night when I am watching the TdF. I hope Cadel can do it and not fall short again this year. He deserves it so much, and is the best rider or sure just a shame that he doesn't have a better team, but in saying that it does make it more thrilling to watch. Imagine the pressure he would be feeling.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
BRRC - 14k
July - 57k
YTD - 807.5
Wondered down to Brisbane Road Runners this morning. I was on baby sitting duty as Cass was working so before I arrived I stopped off at the Service Station and bought some goodies to keep Sam occupied whilst in the pram.
As usual I arrived right on time, only having enough time to get Sam in the pram and take my tracksuit off before the gun went off for the 14k.
After having the week off I felt pretty good and settled into a relatively nice pace considering I was running with the pram. I had no aims for today I just wanted to get out and have a run. I still have the nerve issue with my leg but it didn't really effect me during the run but it is giving me some grief post-run.
The course was 2 x 7k loops in which I finished them in 32.05 and 32.10 so my pacing was very consistent. It felt very easy considering I haven't run with the pram for a while and Sam has cracked the 15kg mark so it does get rather heavy after a while.
After the run I didn't do a cool down, but rather tried to keep Sam under control and not get hit by the many cyclists that frequent the area. I just read Blairs blog and found out he was there aswell, I didn't even realise! maybe I will be able meet him when I dont have a 2 year old terror to control after the run.
Anyway I finished the 14k in 64.15 (4.33/k), this distance felt alot better than doing the 2 - 3 hour runs that I have been in the past few months, I just hope I can get this leg issue sorted to give me a good chance of bettering my 2006 C2S time of 58 minute odd next month.
YTD - 807.5
Wondered down to Brisbane Road Runners this morning. I was on baby sitting duty as Cass was working so before I arrived I stopped off at the Service Station and bought some goodies to keep Sam occupied whilst in the pram.
As usual I arrived right on time, only having enough time to get Sam in the pram and take my tracksuit off before the gun went off for the 14k.
After having the week off I felt pretty good and settled into a relatively nice pace considering I was running with the pram. I had no aims for today I just wanted to get out and have a run. I still have the nerve issue with my leg but it didn't really effect me during the run but it is giving me some grief post-run.
The course was 2 x 7k loops in which I finished them in 32.05 and 32.10 so my pacing was very consistent. It felt very easy considering I haven't run with the pram for a while and Sam has cracked the 15kg mark so it does get rather heavy after a while.
After the run I didn't do a cool down, but rather tried to keep Sam under control and not get hit by the many cyclists that frequent the area. I just read Blairs blog and found out he was there aswell, I didn't even realise! maybe I will be able meet him when I dont have a 2 year old terror to control after the run.
Anyway I finished the 14k in 64.15 (4.33/k), this distance felt alot better than doing the 2 - 3 hour runs that I have been in the past few months, I just hope I can get this leg issue sorted to give me a good chance of bettering my 2006 C2S time of 58 minute odd next month.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Finally I feel better!
July - 43k
YTD - 793.5k
Today is the first day in very close to a week that I haven't felt nauseous which is a great relief. I went to work yesterday to see the Doc who finally gave me a prescription for some maxollan (sp??) an anti-nausea drug which helped alot. The Doc also gave me another 2 days off work, so I have been lazing around watching loads of TV.
The best thing about it is the fact I have the option to watch the Tour or just record it and watch it the next day. I have also been searching the Foxtel TV guide for any Athletics, Triathlon and any other sport I love watching and recording them on the IQ Box, so as you can tell life is tough.
Yesterday I wrote a letter to the organisers for the City 2 Surf to request a SH1 start. I didn't compete last year but competed in 06 in a time around 58 mins. I had to plead my case as to why I should be allowed to run in with the Red Bibs by proving that I can run below the 75 min cutoff. The only official time I have this year is Warwick or the Brisbane Half which I just remembered as I type this. Anyway my begging worked and I am now officially entered in the City 2 Surf for 08.
I am heading to Sydney on the 6 Aug to visit my parents and staying for about a week and a 1/2 before heading back to Brisbane. I am not sure if I am going to stay in Sydney the night or just drive down from the Central Coast on the morning. I will decide at a later stage, I am sure I will find a place to stay if I do decide to head down on the Saturday.
As for training, obviously I haven't been doing any, but I hope to do something on the weekend, maybe head to Brisbane Road Runners with the little bloke and push him around for a few kilometres Sunday morning.
YTD - 793.5k
Today is the first day in very close to a week that I haven't felt nauseous which is a great relief. I went to work yesterday to see the Doc who finally gave me a prescription for some maxollan (sp??) an anti-nausea drug which helped alot. The Doc also gave me another 2 days off work, so I have been lazing around watching loads of TV.
The best thing about it is the fact I have the option to watch the Tour or just record it and watch it the next day. I have also been searching the Foxtel TV guide for any Athletics, Triathlon and any other sport I love watching and recording them on the IQ Box, so as you can tell life is tough.
Yesterday I wrote a letter to the organisers for the City 2 Surf to request a SH1 start. I didn't compete last year but competed in 06 in a time around 58 mins. I had to plead my case as to why I should be allowed to run in with the Red Bibs by proving that I can run below the 75 min cutoff. The only official time I have this year is Warwick or the Brisbane Half which I just remembered as I type this. Anyway my begging worked and I am now officially entered in the City 2 Surf for 08.
I am heading to Sydney on the 6 Aug to visit my parents and staying for about a week and a 1/2 before heading back to Brisbane. I am not sure if I am going to stay in Sydney the night or just drive down from the Central Coast on the morning. I will decide at a later stage, I am sure I will find a place to stay if I do decide to head down on the Saturday.
As for training, obviously I haven't been doing any, but I hope to do something on the weekend, maybe head to Brisbane Road Runners with the little bloke and push him around for a few kilometres Sunday morning.
Monday, July 07, 2008
GCM 08
The lead up to this race was somewhat disjointed with some niggles, however there was no way I could have counted on catching a nasty viral bug on Thursday. I felt very ordinary and was sent home rom work to rest up. There was many trips to the loo and felt very nauseous but managed not to vomit.
I just read Steves blog @ http://superjacent.net and it seems that he has caught what I got less than a day before the race which is very unfortunate. Even more so when he has travelled interstate for the event, hopefully he gets over it quicker than what I have.
As much as possible I kept my fluid intake up and managed to accept food alot better about 24 h later. I was still feeling nauseous but the diarrhoea had disappeared which was good. I enjoyed a nice pasta meal on Friday night and was feeling alot better.
Saturday I began to feel worse again, the nausea was fairly bad during the day but I still had an apetite. By Saturday night I started to feel alot better again, I had another big pasta meal and was willing to give the race a go.
Race day arrived and I felt better than I had for the past three days. I lined up and the gun went off I mangaed to somehow score a spot in front of the 3.30 pacer which was lucky as I arrived at the park about 10 mins before the race started.
The first few km were very crowded but I managed to keep below 5 min pace, crossing the first 5 k in about 24.30 watch time. From there I was comfortably holding this pace however I began to feel quesey again, to the point where I couldn't get my mind away from it. I kept the fluids up and tried eating but it didn't help.
Coming across the bridge about the 26k mark I pretty much decided that I wasn't going to finish this run. At the time because I was feeling so ordinary it wasn't a hard decision but later on I felt very disappointed that this happened.
In hindsight I shouldn't have attempted the race, I really hadn't eaten that much over previous days and was probably dehydrated. If anything I could have downgraded my registration and just done the 1/2, at least I would have gotten a T-shirt ;-)
Today I still feel crappy, so I will probably go see the Doc again tomorrow when I return to work, usually if I am unlucky enough to become sick I am over it within 24 - 48 hrs. This one is lingering around, I am just grateful that I haven't been bed ridden.
To finish I dont have any future plans to try the marathon again. I didn't really enjoy the training for it and the race itself is just too far for my liking. I will stick with the 1/2 marathon distance and below with an ocassional race beyond this but I cant see myself particpating above 30k in the near future.
Congrats to those who took part yesterday and an extra round of applause if you achieved what you were aiming for.
Until next time!
I just read Steves blog @ http://superjacent.net and it seems that he has caught what I got less than a day before the race which is very unfortunate. Even more so when he has travelled interstate for the event, hopefully he gets over it quicker than what I have.
As much as possible I kept my fluid intake up and managed to accept food alot better about 24 h later. I was still feeling nauseous but the diarrhoea had disappeared which was good. I enjoyed a nice pasta meal on Friday night and was feeling alot better.
Saturday I began to feel worse again, the nausea was fairly bad during the day but I still had an apetite. By Saturday night I started to feel alot better again, I had another big pasta meal and was willing to give the race a go.
Race day arrived and I felt better than I had for the past three days. I lined up and the gun went off I mangaed to somehow score a spot in front of the 3.30 pacer which was lucky as I arrived at the park about 10 mins before the race started.
The first few km were very crowded but I managed to keep below 5 min pace, crossing the first 5 k in about 24.30 watch time. From there I was comfortably holding this pace however I began to feel quesey again, to the point where I couldn't get my mind away from it. I kept the fluids up and tried eating but it didn't help.
Coming across the bridge about the 26k mark I pretty much decided that I wasn't going to finish this run. At the time because I was feeling so ordinary it wasn't a hard decision but later on I felt very disappointed that this happened.
In hindsight I shouldn't have attempted the race, I really hadn't eaten that much over previous days and was probably dehydrated. If anything I could have downgraded my registration and just done the 1/2, at least I would have gotten a T-shirt ;-)
Today I still feel crappy, so I will probably go see the Doc again tomorrow when I return to work, usually if I am unlucky enough to become sick I am over it within 24 - 48 hrs. This one is lingering around, I am just grateful that I haven't been bed ridden.
To finish I dont have any future plans to try the marathon again. I didn't really enjoy the training for it and the race itself is just too far for my liking. I will stick with the 1/2 marathon distance and below with an ocassional race beyond this but I cant see myself particpating above 30k in the near future.
Congrats to those who took part yesterday and an extra round of applause if you achieved what you were aiming for.
Until next time!
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Feelin Good, Getting Psyched
Jun - 168k
YTD - 750.5k
I am looking forward to this weekend now, I have done very little over the past week and a 1/2 which concerns me a little but the good news is that my leg has improved alot.
Apart from a jog here and there I have really only done one decent session since my last post. This was on Saturday Night where I ran for 90 mins around 5 min pace. Still felt some discomfort in my leg but nowhere near as bad as a few days before.
I have discovered that the discomfort I am feeling is referred pain from my hip. I discovered that certain areas when pushed on alleviate the pain to the point where it is not even noticeable. In saying that I have been prodding myself stupid to get it better. It is certainly more of a nerve pain than muscular, but in any case it is not going to stop me on Sunday.
The other day I also mentioned that I won a pair of skins shorts, I picked them up a few days ago but whilst was doing so I found out that the shorts are very short, more like hot pants. Not really a good look with my pegs hanging out of them, so the lady at the shop allowed me to take the 1/2 tights which are the bike short length, alot better. I actually ran with them on Saturday and have to admit that they felt good and will be wearing them for the marathon. I have also decided to wear my water belt, I don't really like wearing it for the faster events but at the pace I will be running the marathon it will not be an issue and in fact I am hoping it assists me getting to that line before I run out of steam.
So not long to go now, the family and I will be heading up later on Saturday Afternoon as Cass is working until 3.30 but we will be staying the night on Sunday aswell. I hope to catch up with those I haven't had the pleasure in meeting before, however if I don't see anyone before the start then good luck I hope you achieve what you are aiming for.
YTD - 750.5k
I am looking forward to this weekend now, I have done very little over the past week and a 1/2 which concerns me a little but the good news is that my leg has improved alot.
Apart from a jog here and there I have really only done one decent session since my last post. This was on Saturday Night where I ran for 90 mins around 5 min pace. Still felt some discomfort in my leg but nowhere near as bad as a few days before.
I have discovered that the discomfort I am feeling is referred pain from my hip. I discovered that certain areas when pushed on alleviate the pain to the point where it is not even noticeable. In saying that I have been prodding myself stupid to get it better. It is certainly more of a nerve pain than muscular, but in any case it is not going to stop me on Sunday.
The other day I also mentioned that I won a pair of skins shorts, I picked them up a few days ago but whilst was doing so I found out that the shorts are very short, more like hot pants. Not really a good look with my pegs hanging out of them, so the lady at the shop allowed me to take the 1/2 tights which are the bike short length, alot better. I actually ran with them on Saturday and have to admit that they felt good and will be wearing them for the marathon. I have also decided to wear my water belt, I don't really like wearing it for the faster events but at the pace I will be running the marathon it will not be an issue and in fact I am hoping it assists me getting to that line before I run out of steam.
So not long to go now, the family and I will be heading up later on Saturday Afternoon as Cass is working until 3.30 but we will be staying the night on Sunday aswell. I hope to catch up with those I haven't had the pleasure in meeting before, however if I don't see anyone before the start then good luck I hope you achieve what you are aiming for.
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