Park 2 Park

What a fantastic morning it was this morning. The Park 2 Park half Marathon in Ipswich got under way just after 6:30AM with the temperature at a cool 3 degrees. There was good field for this, only the second of these events. We ran an initial 1.1K and then set out on 4 laps of a very hilly course. The weather provided ideal running conditions. There were water tables every K manned by very enthusastic volunteers..mostly school children as there is a competition for the best water stop.

I tried to maintain a relaxed attitude during the race but that didn't make the hills any easier. Intraining did a splendid job in organising the event. The 10K an 5K races were very well supported.

I finished in about the same time as last year, 1:38.

I will attempt to support this event every year. The event is promoted by the Ipswich Hospital Foundation which has a vision of making Ipswich the healthiest city in Austrlia.

Jetty to Jetty

I did the Jetty to Jetty 10K at Redcliffe this morning. It was freezing while waiting for the start. The breeze coming of Moreton Bay was quite chilly. The course is an out and back and goes from the Woody Point jetty to the Redcliffe jetty and back. It really enjoyed the race and managed 41:31 with which I was very happy.

I met Iron Pete and got a big cheer from RITH. Glenno beat me to the line by 1 second.

An Award

I spent Thursday and Friday last week at a very intense planning workshop. Each of the participants, 12 in all, had to give a presentation. My contribution was very short but apparently had some impact as our Group manager awarded for me the "best presentation" . I work with a bunch of young high achievers and sometimes feel quite out of my league so my award means a great deal to me.

Today was much warmer than last Sunday and I enjoyed my 16K run immensely.

Running Cold

On Sunday morning a group of us ran from a mates place at Tamborine Village. It was the coldest I have ever been while running. I wasn't dressed for the cold and didn't expect it to be so cold. It was freezing and no amount of running was going to warm me. My hands were numb, my ears were frozen, my legs were stiff. It was not a pleasant experience. We had a really good barby afterwards but I still couldn't get warm.

This morning I ran from home and even managed to work up a sweat.

Tomorrow I am off to Kingscliff, just south of Tweed Heads, for two days for a planning workshop with my work colleagues. Should be a good couple of days.

Gold Coast Marathon

My 7th Marathon, the 3rd Gold Coast, but no PB this time. After a rare burst of confidence and a genuine belief that I was I the verge of a new PB I set off to the Gold coast at 4:30 on sunday morning in great anticipation.

There was a wonderful atmosphere and the start couldn't come quick enough. I headed for the start with Lizzle and was glad it felt much warmer being sheltered from the cold breeze in the crowd waiting for the gun. A tap on the shoulder had me turn and find Robert Song standing there. I was really pleased that he was able to make it. He has been so focused on this race and to face the possibility of being sidelined by injury must been very disheartening.

The gun went off an off we went. I was determined just to run my own race and not be influenced by pacers or other runners. I did weaken for a short while, when I was mesmerised by a gorgeous young lady in little red shorts but I couldn't keep up with her.

I reached the half a minute under my planned time of 1:38 and was still slightly under when I hit 32K. At that stage I started experinceing some pain in the groin which slowed me a bit. I did, however, manage to run through this but by the 35 or 36K marks I was really tiring. My legs were getting heavier and less responsive. By 39K it was becoming a real mental challenge to keep going. I was getting very slow and even walked a few pces now and again.

The finish shute at the Gold Coast is torture. It seems to go on forever. Is was good to be in it at last though, and make it to the finish line. This I did in 3:23.

My three Gold Coast marathons have been my toughest. So far the Coast has not been kind to me but I love being part of it. I can't imagine not being there.

Cheers from the CoolRunning Cheer Squad and from Tesso and other CR's like Little K and Iliketoast along the way gave me a big boost.

Hugs from Clairie and Tesso after the race made it all worthwhile.

When I rang Robyn after the race I asked her to pop down to the local Chemist and hire a wheelchair for me. She laughed and thought I was joking.

Not long to go

Sunday morning is fast approaching and the anxiety is building. The carbo loading is underway and the little doubts are beginning to niggle and eat there way into the sub-conscious. Some positive thinking will sort them out though.

I thinking of all my friends who are doing various runs on Sunday and hoping that all is going well for them. One friend flies in from Germany tomorrow and is doing the 10K on Sunday. He'l have World Cup fever I reckon.

M762

M762, that's my GCM bib number. Now all I have to do is play it cool for the rest of the week and get to the starting line.

I ran the BRRC 10K championships yesterday. 41:35, av 4:10 pace. It helped clear the cobwebs, not as Clairie said to me about her race, "I didn't want to clear the whole spider farm!". Also, unlike Clairie, I didn't get Gold. I came second in my category. I well and truly trounced again by Ron Peters. I don't mind though, Ron is always so gracious. He is one of the running's true gentlemen.

One week to go

I am heading into West End tomorrow to compete in the Brisbane Road Runners 10K Championships. It should be a very good run. I won't be trying for a PB as I want to keep myself in good shape for the Gold Coast Marathon. At this point in time I am feeling really good.

After the race tomorrow I will have coffee at Park Road then head to South Bank to collect my GCM race kit. Pretty exciting.

2 weeks to go

Yes, only two weeks to the Gold Coast marathon. I am enjoying the reduction in pressure the Taper brings and went ou t for a pleasant run with friends this morning. We did do 28.7K but it was nice and easy.

I am looking forward to the Marathon. There is nothing more I can do training wise so it's just a matter of waiting. I will do some lunch time runs just to keep in tune, elite athlete that I am ;).

Marathon Pace....but

20 Mile race at Brisbane Road Runners Club this morning. That's 32.2 K's. I had plans of getting there early and doing 5 K before the race but arrived a bit late and only mangaed 2.5K. Just plain slack, I know.


This is the last big hit out before the Gold Coast Marathon which is only three weeks away. I had plans of running about 4:50 pace today but once I was out on the road I found I was settling into a quicker pace so decided to see how I would go. I am hoping that I might manage a PB in the GCM this year and that means running at about 4:40 pace. I did manage this for the 32.2K's today, but I didn't feel as if I had another 10K in me at that pace. As a matter of fact I didn't feel I had ioK's at any pace. I have felt pretty drained all day after this morning's effort. How I handle my taper, diet etc. over the next three weeks will be very crucial to my being able to keep up the 4:40 pace for the whole 42.2K's.

It was good to share a race with Robert Song again and a big bonus today was a big hug from Clairie.

A Long 20 Miles

I have finally made up my mind to run the 20 Mile race at West End on Sunday. That will be 32K's. I am planning on doing a 5K warmup so that will take me to 37K.

I have only had one run since the Queensland Half last Sunday. I did 11K in my lunch break yesterday (49 Minutes).

Maybe next time

I am still nursing a desire to run the Half in sub 90. My PB which I ran twice in a row, Doomben and Noosa, is 90:07. That was in 2004. Last Sunday at Doomben I ran 90:33 (official time, 90:30 by my Garmin). I would hate my watch to have recorded 89:58 only to have the official time recorded as 90:31. That would devastate me. It makes me realise though, that in oder to get an officially recorded sub 90 I realy need to aim for at least 88 to be on the safe side.

I loved the run on Sunday. As Tesso said, the conditions were perfect. I didn't think I had it in me to run the pace I did and was truly astonished (but pleasantly surprised) to be running ahead of Robert Song and Toasty - poor Toasty thought the curry would help him hurry but instead it caused him some worry and to the loo he had to scurry.

It was great having Tesso out there again at long last.

What an effort Davo and Cirque put in. Did I love that!!!

It was also fantastic to be able to cheer and be cheered by so manr CR's, running buddies and specially my friend Gidget, Darryl, Megs, Sherilee and her Dad Mark, and Dave.

The Runners Heart

I read a poem last night which touched my runner's heart.

http://www.tuggrunner.blogspot.com/

Where did my energy go?

After another run in the lunch break on Friday (5.2k in 21:09) I was, as usual, lookin forward to my Sunday long run.

At 5:00AM Sunday morning we set out from Park Road to do 32K. I felt pretty good and was enjoying the run, heading out along the river to Breakfast Creek at a fairly steady pace. We turned around at Breakie Creek ( a little over 14:3K) and headed back on the the same course. By the time we had reached NewFarm Park my legs were feeling really tired with about 11K still to go to mke up the 32K. I had consumed to GU's by this time and they didn't seem to have had there usual revitalising effect. I was getting wearier by the step.

We had decided to run over the Story Bridge, around Dockside, through Southbank to the Grey Street bridge and back along the river to Park Road. Running under the cliffs on Kangaroo Point I was feeling knackered, with about 6.5 K's to go. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. You would have thought I was running the last couple of K's of a marathon. With a great deal of relief I evenually made it to Park Road. My average pace was 5:34.

When I got home I was feeling exhausted. I had a shower and had to have a little lie down and took it easy for the rest of the day. I slept well last night and feel good today.....could probably run forever.

When I compare yesterday's run to my run last Sunday, it is hard to comprehend the difference. Last Sunday I was able to finish 30K with a good solid workout.

I hope it was just an Off day. I Have entered the Doomben Half next Sunday so am hoping for another On day.

Out and Back

Yeaterday I did an out and back totalling 12k in 57:15. No Dogs.

Today I bought my gear into work and am going to run at lunch time. I'll see how this goes. I am always a bit pushed for time. But I like running when and where their are others running too.

The dark cold mornings get a bit lonely and eerie.

After Lunch update:

I had a very pleasant run. I aran from the Edward Street entrance of the City Gardens along the River Until I had been going 20 mins. That took me to about 250 Metres beyond Oxley's on the River Restaurant. I arrived back to give me a time of 39:57 for 9.38K. An average pace of 4:16.

Running doggedly

I went out on my 12K circuit this morning. Being very pleased with the way I was running, my mind was off in Tra-la land.

There is, at about the 9K mark, a house where two very nasty dogs live. They used to have a go at me from the other side of a very dodgy fence. The big dog, something like a Ridgeback only smaller, in particular used to have a teeth bearing, viscious snarl. The smaller dog, a bit like a Staffordshire Terrier, put on a very scary display of visciousness.

One morning I ran buy and the fence had been demolished and work strated on a new fence. I could hear the dogs barking from the house. That was good. The fence plus retaining wall construction has been at standstill for some months and the dogs have continued barking from the house. That was good.

This morning I came back from Tra-la land with a thud when I heard the dogs sounding more like they used to when the dodgy fence existed. There is still no fence. There are viscious dogs very near. I kept running. I was no match for them so I used my tried and true defensive tactic. I turned and yelled at them...YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! I have a very loud yell. I kept yelling. They hesitated. I ran for a bit. They kept coming. I turned and yelled. The big one stopped and turned. The smaller one kept coming. I kept yelling. I stood my ground bent over until my face was about 30CM from it's face. It was very nasty. I thought If I stop yelling it will have me, I have to keep this up until it gives up. I was thinking this dog could just lunge at me any second now but I can't turn away, I have to call it's bluff. I won. The adrenaline was pumping.
The dog turned. I ran.

The rest of the run was rather uneventful but there was no return vist to Tra-la land.

56:43 this morning.

Sunday fun day

I love Sundays. I love Sunday long runs. Yesterday was no exception. I left Park Road with my runnning buddies at 5:30AM and headed down river to Newstead and continued over the Breakfast Creek bridge until we hit the 15K mark, turned round and headed back the same way. 30K in all.

What spectacular running weather. It is so delightful to go out on such mornings and just enjoy the moment.

Even though..........

Even though I thoroughly enjoyed my run on the Magical Mountain last Sunday and I wasn't sore afterwards, I have has a tough week since.

Monday morning was on eof those Oooooooooooooooooooooooooh! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! mornings. Ouch! I was hurting. Now, that's a good thing of course.....No pain - No gain. Tuesday I was still sore so gave the run a miss. Wednesday I managed 12K in 1:00:58. Thursday I felt so tired in the morning I again gave the run a miss, then slept in, missed breakfast, and just made the train. Friday, today, I ran 12K in 1:00:31.

It hasn't been a good training week but I still alive and kicking. Next week will be better.

Oh what a run!

I am feeling so good after my run this morning. It must the Magical Mountain I ran this morning.

My running buddy, Tegwen, and I..no one else would join us.. set off from Park Road at 5:00AM today and headed up Milton Road to Mt Coot-tha. The section from the entrance to the Botanical Gardens to the junction where the loop round the mountain (big hill really..anything a couple of hundred metres above sea level is called a mountain in Queensland and it probably was a mountain 300 million years ago) meets up is the steepest part of the run. The next section, from J C Slaughter Falls to the summit, is about 3K's of steadily climbing, winding road. It's always good to turn the last bend and see the Channel 10 sign which is illuminated and a welcome sight in the dark.

Once the summit has been conquered the worst is over but there are still a couple of smaller challenges on the way down. We completed one lap (9.6K) and then did the same again. I found the second climb a real challenge. My legs were screaming by the time I hit the top. However, it is always a good feeling to have met the challenge and be heading down again.

We returned via Sylvan Road because it doesn't have any hills. In all we covered 28K in 2:35. I was surprised how good I felt and even after sitting for a while, chatting over a cup of coffee, I didn't feel any soreness when I got up to leave.

All in all, a great morning.

Ho hum

12K in 56:34 today. It was cold but there was no chill in the air. Sometimes, not this morning, when I run through the hollows the temperature drops noticeably.

On a different path

Yesterday I ran my old faithful 12K circuit in an old faithful time of 57:01.

This morning, thinking about Tuggeranong Don's policy of running a different course each day, I decided to go on an adventure. I ran over hill and dale, well some hilly streets at least, not exactly knowing where the next turn would take me. I had a general idea of course, and did make it home eventually. I had to struggle with a few more hills than I had planned but I was taking it easy and just enjoying the experience, be it in the dark.

My total excursion lasted 1:05:05 and was 12.5K in all. I arrived home feeling good and glad I had tried something different. Thanks for the inspiration Don.

Slack Sunday

You wouldn't think I was training for a marathon if you saw me running yesterday. I was taking it pretty easy. In fact it took me 1:40 to run a whole 18K. I had better start getting serious.

Still working up a sweat

Even though it is cool I am still working up a sweat...probably because I am old..ish. Another good run this morning. The cold and dark don't bother me greatly. As long as I can see the white lines in the middle of the road I am right.

12K this morning in 56:12.

Invigorating

I love the cool. My run this morning was invigorating. Runs like this morning refresh my love affair with running. Sorry girls...running is the other woman...just ask Robyn.

12K in 58:27 this morning. I enjoy the return section the most because I am warmed up and feeling good.

A good run

I set out this morning at about 5 o'clock and was surprised that I didn't feel too bad. My quads are a bit sore from Sunday's Half but other than that I had no problems. It was nice and cool and on my way back home, having warmed up nicely, I even felt a bit of the old bounce.

12K in 56:54 with a negative split by 2 mins.

Brisbane Half

What a shocker. I felt a real sense of disappointment during this race. I knew that the way my legs felt, there was not a chance of them coming good during the race. They felt like lead the whole way. I guess I hadn't recovered from the Canberra Marathon as well as I had thought.

My CoolRunning post:

"As much as I looked forward to this race, once I was out there I looked forward to the finish. At the start line I still had high hopes of running about 1:33. Having set out with Robert Song, thinking that if I stuck with him I might stand a chance of a 1:33, I, however, realised early on that my leaden legs were just not going to perform today.

The reality hit home when at about 7K the 1:35 train passed me and I lost Robert Song. I thought then, that I would just do the best I could and came home in 1:38. I just didn't have any bounce in me today. Never mind, there will be another one.

The organisation was teriffic. All the volunteers put in a mighty effort.
Thanks to the CR Cheer squad. There was huge turn out of CR's today. Though the event was a tough one, the atmosphere was amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed that aspect of the event."

Brisbane Half Tomorrow

I am looking forward to the Brisbane half. There will be about 800 lining up at the start. That's pretty exciting. I hope the bikers know to stay off the path tomorrow. I am feeling good and anxious to put in a good solid run with the Gold Coast Marathon in mind. I haven't done a lot of running since Canberra, but enough to keep the legs in shape.

I took my grandson to his soccer match this morning. It's really good to see the kids getting out there and being active. The parents are very well behaved so watching the game is quite enjoyable.

Waiting for the Half

I am just sitting tight waiting for the Half at the Brisbane Marathon Festival on Sunday. I ran 16K on Sunday and 16K today and seem to have recovered well from the Canberra Marathon. This Half and the Queensland Half at Doomben will be part of my training campaign for the Gold Coast Marathon in July.

I am not setting any goals for the Half on Sunday so I will just take it as it comes.

It would be wonderful if the Brisbane Marathon Festival could develop into an Australian premier event. However it seems as though it might be a battle against the Brisbane City Council constraints in order to achieve that goal.

Loking forward to the Half

I am really looking forward to running the Half at the Brisbane Marathon Festival on Sunday.

It will be good to see the Brisbane Marathon Festival develop in to one of Australia's major running events.

A new path

I decided to go on an adventure in the dark this morning. After running a bit over 4k of my ususal route instead of turning right at the intersection I went straight ahead. I was running on a footpath I had never been on before, and it still being dark I had to be a bit cautious. I kept going until my Garmin beeped the 6K mark and turned and ran the 6K home. My 12K took me 1:02 this morning.

Cool Weather Runner

The weather in Canberra was ideal for running for me as was borne out by my better than expected marathon time. During my training campaign for Canberra I was running through the hottest part of a South East Queensland summer. Running times for my regular 12K undulating circuit ranged from 57 minutes to 1 hr 4 minutes.

Over the Easter break I was looking at some of the data from my Garmin Forerunner 201 and noted that some of the better times for the circuit were down round the 54 min mark. These were back in September 2004. So I set myself a challenge: to get back to, at least sometimes, running the 12k faster now that the cooler weather is returning.

Easter Monday: 58:10
Tuesday: Rest (stuffed up with a head cold)
Wednesday: 54:37 (Yahoo!)

First after the Marathon

I went for my first run since the Canberra Marathon today. 12K in 58:10. As I have entered the Half at the Brisbane Marathon Festival I thought I had better get the legs moving again.

The Easter break has been good. On Good Friday I took my grandchildren to the Intraining Easter Egg Run where we walked the 3k. I think I came in last. The kids really enjoyed themselves, particularly the egg throwing competition.

My Canberra Marathon

On Sunday 9 April 2006 I ran my 6th marathon, my 2nd in Canberrra. There is a marvelloous atmosphere at this event. It is a very accessible event and therefore attended by many CoolRunners. This makes it very social and a time to catch with old friends and meet some of the CooolRunners whom you have come to know in to some degree via the CoolRunning website.

We have spent a lot of time conversing with eachother over the internet. An event like Canberra becomes very special.

Congratulations to Norma, Claire, Tara and Matt on there great individual achievements. I was privileged to spend time with them on the weekend to to be able to share some of their excitement.

For me, the weekend, a gift from Robyn my wife, exceeded all expectations. I will always treasure the experience.

My run went very well except for the last 4K's which were very hard. I had run out of steam.

Finishing in 3:21:27 was a special added bonus to the whole weekend.

A great week

My week got off to a good start by running too far on Sunday 27K. I hadn't felt well on Saturday and woke Sunday morning with a thumpming headache. I knew the best cure for that was a good run. I met my running buddies, one of whom is training for the Brisbane Marathon, and set off not knowing where or for how long. 27 slow k later my headache was gone but I had a sore calf again. That's getting better now but I have a cold which will be gone by Sunday.

Bring on Sunday. Canberra here I come.

1 week to go

This time next week I will be in Canberra and heading off to lunch at Manuka with my running friends. The main topic of conversation will most likely be running and probably more specifically the Canberra Marathon, the reason for the invasion of the Nations Capital.

On Sunday April 9 at 7:00 AM almost a thousand of us will be at the start line for the 30th Canberra Marathon. This will be my 6th marathon since I first started running in September 2001. I ran my first marathon at the Gold Coast in July 2004.

Being a runner has changed my life. It's not just the exercise and health benefits, it's the total sense of well being that comes from working and achieving and being part of the running community.

At the start line on Sunday I will be among so many friends who encourage and support each other. This is a very special part of what running a marathon is about. There is, however, very little that can compare to elation of having endured and to have crossed the finish line. That is truly special.

What a runner experiences during a marathon is a very personal journey which is almost impossible to articulate but one which expresses itself in so many ways in our lives from that point onwards.

An old Circuit

Today I ran the 5k Circuit I used to run when I first stared running. I remember what a struggle it was. It's good to back to your roots and reflect upon your humble beginnings. Of course I am still "ever so 'umble".

I really am looking forward to Canberra. I am feeling good, nothing is hurting.

A Tribute to Angels

A great run this morning with a nice strong finish on the uphill home stretch.

My tribute to Angels got side tracked this morning.

So here it is now.

Yesterday when I arrived home I collected the mail and was thrilled to receive a card from a friend wishing me all the best for the Canberra Marathon. While I was running this morning I was reflecting on the card and this got me thinking about how blessed I am and all the Angels who encourage and support me. There is a whole host of Angels but only one Archangel and that is Robyn, my wife.

So to all my Angels..thank you.

Beautiful Day

Oh what a beautiful morning. An absolutely magnificant day here in sunny Brisbane. I gave the club run a miss today as I didn't want ot have to tackle 7K laps. I set off from Park Road without much of a plan in mind and ended up doing 25K..at a slow pace mind you. I was a bit worried at first because I tought my left calf was going to cramp on me but once I got warmed up it was OK.

I am feeling very anxious for Tesso. I do hope she can run in Canberra. Bloody ITB.

Back on track..almost

12K this morning - nice and easy. Still a bit of a niggle in the calf but it improved as I warmed up.

Repeat Offender

True confessions! I did it again. I took the morning off. No run today. Another gift to myself Robert Song. However, be sure that I have totally justified this in my own mind and am already reaping the benefits. My calf, though still niggling, is much improved and I am freed from the worry of it becoming worse. How does that sound? Convincing.....?

Gingerly

Took the run very gingerly this morning. My left calf feels tight and sore so I didn't want to be nursing an injury at this point in time, any point in time for that matter. There was no sprint home today. I got through the 12K though and then did some stretches. Maybe I will indulge in a massage.

Sunday sort of long run

I probably didn't go as far as I should have this morning but I did manage get out to 28K at an average pace of 4:57. I ran to along the river from Park Road to Breakfast Creek and followed the same route back. It was pleasant running this morning and there were plenty of runners out today.

Only three weeks until Canberra now and I am really looking forward to it.

No Fryday

The weather certainly is changing and I am running at least half my runs in the dark now. There is little chance of frying now so I can hardly use heat and humidity as excuses for slowness. I will have find aome other excuse.

An enjoyable no stress 12k today. I ma looking forward to my long run on Sunday. I am not yet sure how far that will be but it will be from Park Road.

A Gift

I gave myself a rest today.

Out & Back Wednesday

Out to the 6K mark in 29:50 and back home in 27:24. That's 12K in 57:14.

Feel Good Recovery

It was a beautiful morning for running this morning. When I set out the stars were still shining and the flying foxes were still squabbling over gum tree blossoms. I really enjoyed the run. Sometimes when I set out with the intention of doing a easy slower run I get a bit panicy and start thinking this run is taking way too long. Today, however, I was able to relax and take it easy for the whole run. 12K in 1:03:04.

Half Marathon Splits

Just for the record. Having read Tesso's and Clairie's Blogs I thought I might take a closer look at my splits.

4:48 (1.1k)
4:26
4:27
4:27
4:18
4:31
4:27
4:25
4:31
4:28
4:32
4:29
4:28
4:29
4:26
4:26
4:32
4:21
4:27
4:25
4:04

Well! a bit of variety there.

The Great Race

What a magic weekend. The weather was purrrfect.

On riverside Drive at West End yesterday at 5:15 AM it was brilliant. I set out for a 5k warmup for the Brisbane Road Runners Culb Half Marathon championship. I was back in plenty of time to register and say hello to a few running buddies like Clairie, Tesso, Runner-Bee, Karisma, Robert Song, Spot and Hannah.

The race started and off we went. Clairie was about 30 to 40 metres ahead of me in no time. I thought this one goes down to Clairie. However, as the race progressed I was able to make up the distance and pass her but then I had to work hard to keep ahead and I didn't know whether I was going to be able to do that. You see I know that Clairie will, in the not too far distant future, beat me, but Clairie is doing something special for me, she is making me work harder than I might otherwise do. She is making me dig deeper in order to keep ahead and that is a very good thing. And look what Clairie achieved yesterday...a 5 minute PB.

My race progressed very well and towards the end of the last lap I was picking off guys who had passed me early in the race. In fact I did my last K in 4:04. My finish tiime was 1:33:37 and I came 3rd in my age category. Ron Peters, who won my category, 50-54, was also the out right winner in a time of about 1:15:00. Pretty amazing stuff.

I am very happy with yesterday's result as it boosts my confidence for Canberra.

Ticking Over

59:14 for 12K this morning. Legs were feeling a bit leaden. I hope Sunday will be better. I will have to get there early and do a bit of a warm up.

R & R

With the Sunday's Half Marathon in mind and the desire not to let Clairie get too far out of sight I decided to give my tired body a wee rest today.

Just another 12k

12K no watch today. Feeling tired but no aches or pains. Very hot morning this morning. I amhoping for a cool Sunday for the Half.

Recovery

Today was a nice steady recovery run on the 12k circuit. It took me 1:02:28. I was feeling a bit drained yesterday after Sunday's 37.7. If tiredness is my only concern, I am doing OK.

I don't want to exert myself too much this week as Sunday is the Brisbane Road Runners Half Marathon championship run. This will be a good precursor to the Canberra Marathon on April 9.

My big challenge on Sunday will be keeping Clairie in sight. I know she LET me beat her in the 20K a couple of weeks ago.

Sunday Loooooooong Run

I headed out from Park Road this morning along the river to Newstead and then on to Hamilton and heaven only knows where. I kept running until I hit a dead end and ran back the same way.
37.7K in all in 3:05:32. An average of 4.55 per K. In some parts of the run I was battling against strong wind and driving rain. Reminded of the Toowoomba marathon last year.

All in all the run went well and I feel good about it. Next Sunday is the BRRC Half Marathon championships.

Another Friday

Friday already again! Time is flying and I am not, but I am moving along alright. I thought last nigth it would probably be raining this morning. After being woken by a cramp in my left calf, I checked the clock and found that the alarm was about to go off anyway. At my place water dripping from leaves onto the roof sounds a bit like rain so I had a look at the sky and coudl see stars so knew I wouldn't be getting wet on the run.

It is still warm enough and humid enough to work up a good sweat so I am pretty wet by the time I get home anyway.

I finished the 12K circuit in 58:02 today. The circuit is a harder course than the out and back course.

Not to be sss-kneesed at

Well sore knees or not, I decided to have a go at the out and back. the day off yesterday must have done some good because I added 100m to the to make it 6.25K in the 30 mins. My return time was 28:21. So 12.5k in 58:21 made me happy.

Sore Knees

I woke on time this morning but decided not to run as my knees are sore. I am hoping that a short rest may do some good. I have been experiencing some knee problems for some time. Strangely they are not sore after a long run, even Sunday's long run where I applied bit more pressure. It is after my 12K runs that I experience the most problems.

Recovery Run

I set out very slowly this morning with recovery after Sunday's run in mind. The out and back course seemed the better option. Knowing that I wouldn't even get to 6K in 30 mins I decide to run out for 6K no matter how long it took. It took me about 32 mins. I headed home, and having warmed up was able to complete the 12K in 59:38.

Sunday at West End

Another Long Run/Race combo this morning. As I needed to do another long run today and didn't want to miss the BRRC run at West End I decided to start at Park Road, Milton and run via the Goodwill Bridge to the club run. That gave me a 7.6K warm up. I had time to sign in and say hello to a few runners including Hannah, Karisma and Robert Song, and hugs from Tesso and Clairie.

I wasn't sure what I was going to accomplish in the 20K club run. Having had a good warm up I was able to settle into the race pretty quickly, which pleased me gteatly. at about 2.5 k i checked my average pace and was a bit shocked to see it at 4:23. I thought I am not going to be able to maintain that. I knew however that I would slow a bit without making a cons cious effort to do so. My pace did stay fairly consistent throughout except in the last lap (4 x 5K laps) I checked the pace for the last time in about the same spot as in the first lap and my average was again 4:23. I finished the 20K in 1:30:40. Slightly over 4:30 pace.

My run back to Park Road was a bit shorter because I cut accross the Victoria Bridge. The total K's this morning were 33 and total running time was 2:38.

Congratulations to Clairie who ran a strong 1:34 20 K this morning.

A Sow Start

It took some real willpower to get out of bed this morning. Once I am up it's OK. I had a very slow start this morning and thought, as I ran, that an out and back may not be worthwhile. I reached the point where I can either turn right and continue on my 12K circuit or turn left to run till I hit 30mins. My legs decided to go left so I had no choice but to go with them. I didn't think I would meven make 6K in the 30 mins today. I hit 5K in 25:22 and thought I may just scrape in the 6k in 30. I hit the 6 and the 30 right on the dot, turned and headed for home which I did in 27:09.

My average pace today was 4:46 for 12K whereas yesterday's was 4:41 for 12.3K.

My total K's this week: 82 and for the month so far: 274

When being Negative is Positive

I made the change this morning and did an out & back. Out for 30 mins and try for a negative split on the return. This morning I managed the return in 27:29. My total K's were 12.3 in 57:29.

Time to change

I think at this point in my training, having established a good endurance base, that it is time for a slight modification to my training routine. Tomorrow, if I can convince my legs to change ruts..I mean routes, I will do an out and back course. I will run out for 30 minutes and then see if I can achieve a negative split on the return run. My aim will also be to try and gradually increase the distance I run ie. run further in the first 30 minutes than on the previous run.

My 12K today took 59:45 and yesterday 60:38.

A Tad Tired

Even though I have no aches and pains nor stiffeness or soreness after Sunday's 34, I a realised during my 12K today that I am a tad tired. I seem to be lacking some zing, or is it bling(whatever that is). Nevertheless it was good to be out there. My focus is Canberra, Canberra and Canberra.

Sunday ALive

I am soooo happy with this morning's run. The good thing about it is that I felt as if I could have kept going. After 34K's that is a good feeling. It was only 2 weeks ago that I did 28K and couldn't take another step. After last week's 32K I had had enough. Today seemed to be a tad cooler so that would have been a factor.

We set out this morning a little after 5 from Park Road, headed into the city along the river to the Goodwill Bridge, up Highgate Hill (a challenge). As we were heading down the other side one of my buddies got thrown by a black belt green ant. She took some skin off her hand and hurt her ankle but soldiered on. We headed through Dutton Park, around past the beginnings of the new bridge going over the river to the University. We considered what a temptation to cutting our runs short this bridge is going present.

On through Yeronga and Tennyson, over Oxley Creek through Chelmer and over the Indoorooplly Bike/Pedestrian bridge. I parted with my buddies here as they were taking a more direct route back to Park Road. I continued on past the Golf Club and onto the University where I did a 5K circuit to make up some distance. This presented a bit of a mental challenge as I would have liked to have just kept on going but I thought I better not pike or I would regret it later. On I went through St Lucia to Toowong where I ran into the wonderful Tesso as she was nearing home after her Sunday outing. I then headed along the river on the bike path to exit at Park Road. I always dread this part of the run as by the time I get to this strecth along the river the sun is beating down and there is no shade. It is a bit of a horror stretch. Nevertheless, I handled it pretty well and was pleasantly surprised at how good I felt.

After 3:04:37 for the 34K I was pleased to sit down with my Strong Flat White and a bottle of Ginger Beer. I find Ginger beer a really refreshing drink after a run. So, another Sunday long run finished and I am feeling ALIVE.

80 for the week

I made it. 80K for the week. I was surprised to find I got my 12K in just under the hour this morning....59:38. As I said..just under.

Long run Sunday. I hope to do at least 32K again.

Another 12

Talk about Mr Boring. 12k on the same circuit again. The uphill climb on the home stretch doesn't seem to be getting any easier though. So it still must be doing me some good.

1:00:55 for the 12 today. That is 68K for the week so far and 180 for the month.

Empty Eddie

I felt like I was running on empty this morning. There didn't seem to be anything there to give me a boost. 58:00 for the 12k today even though I felt like I was putting in a big effort.

As I walked up my front yard Venus was shining spectaculary in the eastern sky. In the early part of my run I was running by moon light.

12k Recovery

1:02:10 recovery run today. What excuse am I going to use tomorrow.

I almost needed scuba gear out there today. I reckon I came close to drowning and it wasn't even raining.

Stuffed Eddie

Man oh man! 32K this morning in 2:50. My legs are feeling a bit tired. I really feel it after sitting for a while. When we started out at 5 this morning the rain was bucketing down but it soon stopped and then turned into a sauna.

I did 16K from Park Road along the river to Brett's Wharf and followed the same route back. Because I was running with others until Breakfast Creek my outward leg took 1:30 but coming back on my own took me 1:20. My average pace for the whole run was 5:15 per K. It was good to get the longer run in at last. Next week I would like to go a bit further.

I hope the 10 Mile Club Championships went well at West End.

76 for the week

Yesterday was a very slow day at 1:03:04 for the 12. I thought I better put some effort in today and got it down to 57:06.

I was looking back through a diary and found that in August 2004 I had a PB on my 12K circuit of 52:52. Looks like I have a bit of work to do.

My tally for this week is 76K

Sunday 28k 2:27
Tuesday 12k 1:01:23
Wednesday 12k 57:27
Thursday 12k 1:03:04
Friday 12K 57:06

Was it only yesterday...

Was it only yesterday that I did the 12K in 57:27? Today's 1:03:04 makes me think I was dreaming, but for the fact it is all recorded on my Garmin. I did, however, enjoy this morning's run very much and just wanted to keep on going. The sun is not quite up when I start out now and this morning was even sort of cool.

A Good One

After yesterday's beautiful run I was expecting a repeat performance today but I knew as I started out that it was going to be even better. Not only did I enjoy the run but I cut 4 minutes off yesterday's time. Mind you, it wasn't a PB, but I was very pleased with the 57:27 for the 12K this morning.

Beautiful

I enjoyed my run so much this morning. It was just great. Even though it took me 1:01:23 for the 12 K I am glad to be feeling good and enjoying the moment. It has taken me 4 years of running to get to a point where I am beginning to understand a bit about myself in relation to my running. I feel as if I am entering some sort of zone or point in my development where my running is becomming more a natural part of me than forced or something I have to try to do.

It probably sounds as if I am talking gibberish but I reckon some of you will understand what I am trying to say.

By comparison......

By comparison to the mighty efforts put in by the Dusk to Dawn runners at Caboolture my run this morning fades a little. However at the time my 28K run this morning seemed tough. I had ideas of doing more but by the time I was nearing the finish I was so glad I had turned round when I didat 14K. The moisture laden atmosphere was taking its toll. When I finished I felt really drained.

What a legend is our Tesso! I am so proud of her. And Clairie!....just getting stronger and stronger. What champs.

73K for the Week

I didn't pike this morning. I just got out there and did it, albeit a bit slow...12K 1:02:08. So I got my tally for the week to 73K. That's 2 weeks in a row. Now I feel like I am getting serious about Canberra. It's a good mental hurdle to get over.

I'm now looking forward to the long run on Sunday and to reading the reports from the Dusk to Dawner's. All the best to all doing that one.

Hard Slog

Not much in the way of speed this morning I'm afraid. My legs felt like led weights. 1:01:32 for the 12k today. I hate going over the hour.

61K for the week so far so I had better not pike on tomorrow's 12K if I I want to stick to to my goal of at least 70K per week.

Building up the K's

Slowly but surely I am building up the k's in preparation for Canberra. 233.9K's for January, a tad under Tesso's tally for the same period.

This week has been a good one. 25K on Sunday, rest on Monday, 12K Tuesday in 59:04, and 12K today in 59:58.

Long Run and Race Combo

I was determined to get to the BRRC meet this morning as I love racing there but I also need to get some K's under my belt for Canberra. I did a couple of laps of the 5K circuit before the race then did the 15K in 1:08:23. My legs felt a bit heavy at the start but I was able to settle in fairly well.

It was good to combine the long run with a race as the race put he pressure on me to push myself that bit harder.

Robert Song, Clairie and Karisma were all there to lend support as we head towards Canberra.

While I was running, Gavin Bell was heading in the opposite direction and I thought he said "Do youu have a camera?" I said "No". I then realised he actually said "Are you going to Canberra? Too late, he was long gone.

Heavy Going

It was heavy going on the 12K circuit today. It took me 1:02:56. I don't like it when it takes me more than an hour to run the 12k. I hope I can make the distance on the long run tomorrow.

Slack Eddie

Thank you for all the wonderful birthday wishes. Even though my family were away I was still spoilt rotten. Two lovely friends, Sherilee and Megan, took me out to dinner. I felt very special dining in a lovely resteraunt with two gorgeous women (I did tell Robyn). Sunday night the family put on a birthday tea for me as well.

My Martathon training is a bit ordinary at the moment. I am still not clocking up enough K's. I had a good run on Sunday....only 21k's though. Another good run this morning......12k's in 58:07.
Thursday being a public holiday, I meeting some buddies at Park Road and heading out for another long one so that should help knock up the week's tally a bit.

Happy Birthday to me!

54 today and feeling good. I haven't been running as much as I should but running well when I do. I did 20k from Park Road on Sunday and enjoyed it. I did 12k on Tuesday and this morning.

My family arrive back from Tassie tomorrow. I am looking forward to meeting them at the Airport. i will be interested to hear about their adventures on Maria Island.

Home Alone

It was another though one yesterday, but I survived.

No run this morning as I had to deliver my wife, daughter and grandchildren to the airport. They are off to Tasmania for 2 weeks. During their time there they are spending 5 days on Maria Island which is off the South East coast of Tassie. Facilities are very basic on the Island which was a convict settlement about 150 years ago. They will stay in a cabin, fitted out with bunks and a wood fired stove. There is no electricity. Fun! What was Robyn thinking when she accepted her sister's invitation to join her on this adventure???

I will stick to running.

Tough

I thought that after a night of storms it would be good running this morning. Wrong!!!

It was really tough running. I was working hard to finish my 12K in 1Hr. Talk about sweat. I was leaving puddles all over the place after running.

This year is flying by

Whow! It's the 2nd of January already! Where does the time go?

Met some running buddies at Park Road this morning. It was a beautiful morning like yeaterday. I did 15K and really enjoyed it. We headed along the river, through the City Gardens, over the Story Bridge, through Dockside, along Kangaroo Point, through Southbank, over Victoria Bridge and back along the River to Park Road and a Strong Flat White. Idylic.

BRRC No Watches 10K

I ran at West End with the Brisbane Road Runners this morning. We had a good turn out for New Years Day. 10K no watches...we estimate and record our time for 10K then run it without a waths or time clock. My estimate was 43:20. I came in at 43:50. The winners are the Male and Female whose actual is closeset to their estimate. The male winner got the exact time.

I was pleased with my run. It went well for this time of year.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone!

Thank you for all your encouragement and support in 2005. I am looking forward to 2006 with great anticipation. I am excited about going to Canberra again and meeting up with many in the CoolRunning community.

Happy Running and Happy Blogging for 2006.

Eddie

Mad Dogs and Englishmen

What do they say about mad dogs and Englishmen? Well the guy I saw at 11:00 this morning must have been an Enghlishman as he was running, no shirt, no hat, no water, no shade and on a concrete path. I just couldn't do that. I did my 12K early (5:00) this morning and it was cloudy.

Today's 12K 58:48. Yesterday 58:54.

A Birthday Present

My birthday is not until January 19 but Robyn, my wife, has insisted I have my birthday present early..... return fares to Canberra and 2 nights accommodation at the Telopea Inn. When? 8 & 9 April of course. Yahoo!!!!

Thursday 12K'er

I didn't even hesitate this morning. I just got up and out there. There wasn't even any question about whether I would do my 12K circuit. It is a good feeling when you can just set off and you don't feel as if you have to psych yourself up to do the distance.

Last week I did 12K in 58:32, yesterday in 58:56, today I was pleased with 56:48.

While I was running I thinking of my friends in Pat Carroll's group and hoping they were having a good time doing there Christmas run. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Last night I went with my Daughter and Grandchildren to check out the Christmas Lights at Collingwood Park. They are quite spectacular. At one house there was even a concert in which a group of children danced and sang a story about Santa. It was very good. The kids loved it. I am amazed at the extraordinary time, energy and expense which must go into these displays. Whole streets of them.

Taking it easy

After a steady 15K run on Sunday from Park Road with my buddies I have had Monday and Tuesday off...... well I am on holidays and I just couldn't get out of bed. This morning I exercised some will power and managed 12K in 58:56, still taking it easy. After a few stretches I decided to have a crack at The Hill again. It took some will power to keep going to the top in 1:59 and with a lot of gasping. I didn't even think about doing it a second time.

The Hill again

This morning I did my 7.65K circuit in 37:21 ( Monday was 35:27). On the home stretch I run a steady climb which takes me from altitude 11m to 72m in 1.5K ie a gradiant of 1m in 24m. I thought, as I neared home, that since I was wearing my Garmin I would mearsure the hill that I ran on Tuesday (Gasping).

I am not much of a judge of distance because where I estimated 200m it was actually 270m. The altitude at the bottom is 22m and 60m at the top, a rise of 38m ie is a gradiant 1 m in 7.1 m. Fairly steep. Enough to get me gasping in the 1:58 it took me to get to the top. I only did it the once this morning. My son, so I have been informed, used to, in his early teens, descend this hill whilst sitting upon a roller skate, not a skate board, a roller skate.

As for Canberra in 2006. I probably won't make it so will set my sights on the Brisbane Marathon on April 30. I haven't ruled Canberra out though as I would love to be there.

Gasping

This morning I decided to try something different. Very near my home is a very serious hill which I avoid like the plague. I thought it was about time I tackled it. So down the hill I went. I might mention that cars struggle up this hill and some people can't walk it. It's about 200 metres to the bottom. Up I went, it gradually gets steeper towards the top, breathing got harder and I felt like my lungs were going to explode and i was getting enough oxygen. I made it to the top gasping for breath.

After getting my breath back I headed down the hill again. Up I went. Having warmed up a litlle and having expanded my lungs the gasping din't start as early but it did get just as bad by the time I reached the top. This time, however, my legs were starting to object as well so I called it quits and had a bit of a run and went home. Next time I will try to get to three.

Wednesday already!

Boy oh boy! I can't believe it is Wednesday already. Time sure gets away from me.

I missed my long run on Sunday. I managed to squeeze in a 10K before heading up to Bribie Island to meet some friends for a Barby after they had finished the Triathlon there. It was good to see Puntermat and MJ who were have a nice cool dip after there big efforts.

Monday I ran a reasonable 7.65K and today I slept in and had to cut my run down to 5.8K. I don't seem to be doing a lot in the way of distance.

Upsen Downs

On Sunday I managed 3k before having to stop and walk back. On Wednesday I did my 7.65 circuit in 39:08 (av 5:06). I had to stop and stretch my right calf through the run. Today I had another go at my 7.65 and felt good all the way.... 35:27 ( av 4:38). My calf must be on the mend.

Injury

After the wonderful 500K Relay I had a bad week. I went out on Wednesday morning, feeling good but taking it easy. About 10 metres from my front gate after doing my 7.65K circuit I was pulled up quite dramatically by a severe pain in my right calf. I hobbled inside and went straight to the freezer for the ice pack. Ice and linament have helped. It was feeling better by Friday morning an I thouht I would try a run. I got 100m along the street and had to stop an dn walk home. Bugger!

Sunday morning! I look forward to Sunday morning s so much. I love my long runs or Club runs. Yesterday I opted for a longer slow run rather than the 5K championship at the club. I was running very slowly but even than the pain began to build and after 3k I quit and walked back to the start.

I envied the other runners like Tesso, Lizzle, Hannah, Chunderchick and Rith, all of whom I saw out there, running and sweating and generally having a great time.

What a Weekend!!

The 500K Relay is over. Now to get ready for the next one. It is such a fantastic event. I ran with the Brisbane Road Runners and we came 5th out of 17 teams. We are pretty pleased with that. Over the three days I ran 6 times - 2 on Friday, 3 on Saturday and 1 on Sunday. Each leg of the relay is an about 5k on average.

The heat and flies will not deter me from doing the event again. I have done it three times now so am comparatively new at it. There are runners of all standards taking part and they all give the utmost for their team. It's awsome. I get quite emotional when I see the effort some put in. I wonder whether and when I will be able to give to that degree. If ever you want to be inspired and exhilerated and absolutely exhausted then the 500K Relay is the place to do it.

Relay Ready

I am as ready for the 500K Relay as I am going to be at this stage. I slept in this morning and thought I might have to miss my run. When I looked out the window and saw what a perfect day for running it was I just had to get out there, even if for a reduced time. Once out on the footpath I decide to do a 5k Circuit I haven't done for a very long time. What a blast! it was great. Here are my splits; 4:13, 3:58, 3:58, 4:31 (long incline), 4:02, Total 20:44.

I am feeling good and rearing to go. Yahoo!

The Relay Team bus is collecting me at 2:00AM on Friday morning. Hmmmm.

It's over a week since I last Blogged

All is well Robert Song, I have been a bit snowed under. Early starts at work have been keeping me off the road and the key board.

4 November 2005
Ran 7.65 in 37 mins. I didn't do my usual circuit but decided on a doing some exploration and found a very challenging hill which I had a couple of cracks at and then ran around a few more streets to make up some distance.

6 November 2005
Ran with some buddies from Park Road. We covered 15K in about 1:20. A nice easy run that one.

9 November 2005
Cool Night Classic. This was my 5th Cool Night Classic. It marked the 4th aniversary of my first ever Fun Run...a run which literally changed my life. I have not stopped running since (except for injury). the 2005 CNC was run on exactly the same course as last year so it was good to compare the time. I have been concerned that I have not been performing as well as I was at this time last year. Last year my time for the CNC was 21:04 for the 5.13K course. This year, after losing my race number and stopping to retrieve it (random draw prizes in mind) I finished in 21:08. A result which truly cheered me, especially with the 500K relay coming up this weekend.

11 November 2005
A return to my 7.65K circuit which I completed in 35:25.

13 November 2005
Race Director duties at West End for the Club. 10K and 5K events. It was great to see Hannah, Tesso, Rith and Spot all competing.
It was our club AGM yesterday and I was glad to step down from the Treasurer's job. I have to say that I am really disappointed that so few turned out for this meeting.

Today 14 November 2005
Ran an out and back today, total 10K in 47:17. I am feeling good for the big relay.

A Slow(er) Day

I missed my run yetserday as I had an early start at work. It was another glorious morning this morning and I thoroughly enjoyed my run. I had to stop for traffic for 6 seconds... I hate that. I felt like I was struggling on the uphhill home stretch but was pleasantly surprised that my time was 34:11....6 seconds slower than Tuesday.

I can't explain it

I don't know what happened this morning. I must have thought I was riding a winner. My previous best on my 7.65 circuit was 35:35. Today 34:05. It sounds a bit extreme. Ah! Isn't Extreme running in the Melbourne cup today. I must back that one. My wife reckons it is going to win. It's a sure thing then.