It's hard to believe it is over. I flew down to Canberra on Saturday morning with Tesso, Iliketoast, Ihatetoast, Matt and Pretty Ellie. Tesso and I arrived in Canberra to find that Qantas had kindly left our bags in Brisbane. This caused some stress as you can imagine. Fortunately I have had the practice, that when flying to marathons, of carrying my running gear in my carry-on luggage. However, stuff like my Garmin, sunscreen, anti-chaffing cream etc., were in my bag. Tesseo had the same problem. During the day we gathered together what we could in case our bag didn't show up. When we came back from dinner the bags were in our rooms. What a relief!
Sunday morning, and the the weather was absolutely dismal. It was threatening rain and was quite cold. About 20 minutes into the race the rain started coming down very steadily and continued for about another hour or more.
I guess, though I hadn't really put in the work for a PB, I did harbour a desire to perhaps create an new one yesterday. My PB hopes were seriously set back when I was overtaken by the 3:15 pacer at abut the 2K mark. I was a bit thrown by that and never managed to catch him, though I saw him and his ever dwindling group as I approached the turn-arounds and as they departed. I certainly did not feel as good this year as I did last year in the various stages of the race. I think the cold and rain caused me to find it a bit hard going and I didn't feel relaxed. I passed the Half mark on 1:38 and was happy enough with that. I knew I was only halfway through and there was still a whole 21.1 Ks to go and anything could happen. I was inspired by Lucky Legs along the way and felt ashamed of any negative thoughts and decided to make the most of what I had left in me. At about 32K my legs were tiring quickly and feeling heavy but I knew from experience that it was possible to get through that stage and make some recovery. This did happen to a degree and I kept going fairly well until the 40K mark where it became a real mental battle to overcome the quickly fading capacity to keep going. Thanks to CR Tim, who was running with me at this stage, I was able to find the resolve to keep up a reasonable pace. I finished the second half in 1:37:28, a negative split. My official net time was 3:15:28 (gun time 3:15:38). This was 33 seconds outside my PB. I was very happy with the result.
My running buddy, Tegwen, came home in 3:28:28. She had planned to do the 50K but the cold and rainy conditions caused her some respiratory and feet problems and she wisely decided not to continue on.
Thanks to all of my regular Blog readers and commenters, for all your encouragement and support. It really does make a difference. It was good to catch up with Ewen, Robert Song, Superflake, Lucky Legs and Horrie and Belinda and Tim, Johnny Dark, and Eagle in Canberra. Iliketoast and Ihatetoast put in an awesome effort on the cheering front. Terrific work! As usual Tesso, Queen of Telopea, was in residence over the weekend and made the stay very pleasant.
14 April, 2008
06 April, 2008
One Week Out
Only one week until the Canberra marathon. I have been cutting back on the K's and and taking it easy. We only did about 16 this morning and at about 5:15 pace. I had a few niggles through the week. A sore right calf gave me a scare but I slapped on some Voltaren gel and it seems to have done the trick. I am feeling good and looking forward to being in Canberra. it wil be good to catch up with many running friends. I enjoy watching and cheering the 10K on Saturday afternoon.
I hope it won't be too cold at the start of the marathon. Since I am staying at the Telopea Inn I will try and stay in my room as long as possible. The trouble is though, I like to be out where the people are so I can soak up the incredible pre-race atmosphere. It is facinating to watch the different ways in which runners act in those 15 to 20 minutes before the start.
I hope it won't be too cold at the start of the marathon. Since I am staying at the Telopea Inn I will try and stay in my room as long as possible. The trouble is though, I like to be out where the people are so I can soak up the incredible pre-race atmosphere. It is facinating to watch the different ways in which runners act in those 15 to 20 minutes before the start.
30 March, 2008
2 Weeks Out
I must have eaten too much chocolate at Easter because I was feeling pretty crappy up until this morning. After the 34K on Easter Saturday I rested, and ate chocolate for 2 days. I ran 14K on Tuesday and cut back to 12K for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Saturday I rested again. The program for today was to either run 26K or run a 10K race. Since my running buddy, Tegwen, was running a 10K for a team at the Mooloolaba Triathlon, I decide to head to
West End and run a 10K race. I was pleased that I did as I felt terrific. I enjoyed the run and I enjoyed crossing the line in 41:30. After my 42:47 for 10K on Good Friday I was really chuffed.
Tegwen sent me a text to say she ran well and was happy with her effort. So 2 happy runners.
It was very cool here this morning. My wife, Robyn, is in Tassie at the moment and has a fire going. She says it is very cold and windy. Even the locals are rugging up. So I am thinking that I might get to experience one of Canberra's colder marathons. The three that I have done previously have all been very mild.
My stats for the week:
Tue 14K, 1:12:03, Av Pace 5:09
Wed 12K, 1:01:15, Av Pace 5:05
Thu 12K, 1:03:01, Av pace 5:15
Fri 12K, 1:04:55, Av pace 5:25
Sun 10K, 0:41:30, Av pace 4:08, best pace 3:58 (last K)
Total for week 60K
It was great to see you this morning Tesso. Tesso won the 5K. I sure miss Clairie yelling at me.
West End and run a 10K race. I was pleased that I did as I felt terrific. I enjoyed the run and I enjoyed crossing the line in 41:30. After my 42:47 for 10K on Good Friday I was really chuffed.
Tegwen sent me a text to say she ran well and was happy with her effort. So 2 happy runners.
It was very cool here this morning. My wife, Robyn, is in Tassie at the moment and has a fire going. She says it is very cold and windy. Even the locals are rugging up. So I am thinking that I might get to experience one of Canberra's colder marathons. The three that I have done previously have all been very mild.
My stats for the week:
Tue 14K, 1:12:03, Av Pace 5:09
Wed 12K, 1:01:15, Av Pace 5:05
Thu 12K, 1:03:01, Av pace 5:15
Fri 12K, 1:04:55, Av pace 5:25
Sun 10K, 0:41:30, Av pace 4:08, best pace 3:58 (last K)
Total for week 60K
It was great to see you this morning Tesso. Tesso won the 5K. I sure miss Clairie yelling at me.
23 March, 2008
3 Weeks Out
Well at last the final long run has been completed and the taper begins. By this time in three weeks it will be all over and I will be enjoying a drink with fellow marathoners.
It was another steady week of training last week. Some of the times were a bit ordinary but I am pleased with the way my training has progressed and my present state of preparedness. I completed three 14K circuits, one 10K race and a 34K long run.
The race was the annual Intraining Easter Egg Run. My daughter, Cynthia, and my grandchildren, Jordan and Georgia, joined me. They did the 3K and later the 1K. I ran the 10 in 42:47. Slightly over last year's time, but I was very pleased.
After the running Cyn and the kids took part in the egg& spoon race and the egg throwing competition. They didn't win, however, Jordan won the giant chocolate Easter egg in the random draw. That sure put a grin on his face.
The weekly stats:
Tues 14K, 1:14:32, av pace 5:19
Wed 14K, 1:08:53, av pace 4:55
Thur 14K, 1:10:39, av pace 5:03
Fri 10K, 42:47, av pace 4:16
Sat 33.57K, 2:50:26, av pace 5:05
Total 85.57K
It was another steady week of training last week. Some of the times were a bit ordinary but I am pleased with the way my training has progressed and my present state of preparedness. I completed three 14K circuits, one 10K race and a 34K long run.
The race was the annual Intraining Easter Egg Run. My daughter, Cynthia, and my grandchildren, Jordan and Georgia, joined me. They did the 3K and later the 1K. I ran the 10 in 42:47. Slightly over last year's time, but I was very pleased.
After the running Cyn and the kids took part in the egg& spoon race and the egg throwing competition. They didn't win, however, Jordan won the giant chocolate Easter egg in the random draw. That sure put a grin on his face.
The weekly stats:
Tues 14K, 1:14:32, av pace 5:19
Wed 14K, 1:08:53, av pace 4:55
Thur 14K, 1:10:39, av pace 5:03
Fri 10K, 42:47, av pace 4:16
Sat 33.57K, 2:50:26, av pace 5:05
Total 85.57K
17 March, 2008
4 Weeks Out
Another week closer and a few more k's under the belt. The weather during the week was perfect for training. Once again I did 4 days of 14K and my running buddy, Tegwen, and I finished of the week with 27.2K from Park Road. We did 2 laps of Mt Coot-tha which helped to reduce our average pace to 5:32. It's always a tough run but always rewards with a great sense of achievement.
My Stats for the Week:
Tue 14K 1:05:24, av 4:40
Wed 14K 1:13:43, av 5:16
Thu 14K 1:07:15, av 4:48
Fri 14K 1:07:34, av 4:50
Sun 27.2K 2:30:48, av 5:32
Total 83.2K
My Stats for the Week:
Tue 14K 1:05:24, av 4:40
Wed 14K 1:13:43, av 5:16
Thu 14K 1:07:15, av 4:48
Fri 14K 1:07:34, av 4:50
Sun 27.2K 2:30:48, av 5:32
Total 83.2K
09 March, 2008
5 Weeks Out
I am privileged to have had one of those rare, for me at least, weeks where I couldn't set a running foot wrong. I ran 14K each day, Tuesday to Friday and today set out on a programmed 34K run and ended up with 36.2 due to a slight underestimation of the course.
I received a text message from Tegwen yesterday notifying me that she had run 35 + K's in 2:47. The challenge was set. I started from Park Road just before 5AM and headed to the Qld Uni then onto Indooroopilly. On the way I passed two running ladies who asked me what I was training for. Canberra Marathon I said. So are we they said. Where are you staying they asked. At the Telopea Inn I replied. So are we they said. Sharron and Kathy I think they said are their names...triathletes. They may be friends of Lew Williams.
Anyway, I was managing to keep my average pace under 5:00 and was pleased with that. I went onto Chelmer, Yeronga, Brisbane Corso, Highgate Hill, Kangaroo Point, Dockside, Story Bridge, City Gardens...This is where I got caught at the end of the Goodwill Bridge by thousands of runners (the distracting girlies Tesso warned me about) taking part in the Women's International Day fun run. the only way I could cross their path was to run with them and sidle across to the other side and out. While I was trying to figure a way out of my dilemma, I did get a hello from one of my favourite "Girlies" ..Tesso herself.
As distracted as I was I set off again to cover the last 3.5K back to Park Road.
Why was this a special week? Because I was happy with the stats:
Tue 14K 1:12:38, Av Pace 5:11, best 1K 4:51
Wed 14K 1:06:04, Av Pace 4:43, best 1K 4:11
Thu 14K 1:07:08, Av Pace 4:48, best 1K 4:07
Fri 14K 1:07:28, Av Pace 4:49, best 1K 4:14
Sun 36.2K 2:55:00, Av Pace 4:50, best 1K 4:04
Total 92.2K for the week.
I received a text message from Tegwen yesterday notifying me that she had run 35 + K's in 2:47. The challenge was set. I started from Park Road just before 5AM and headed to the Qld Uni then onto Indooroopilly. On the way I passed two running ladies who asked me what I was training for. Canberra Marathon I said. So are we they said. Where are you staying they asked. At the Telopea Inn I replied. So are we they said. Sharron and Kathy I think they said are their names...triathletes. They may be friends of Lew Williams.
Anyway, I was managing to keep my average pace under 5:00 and was pleased with that. I went onto Chelmer, Yeronga, Brisbane Corso, Highgate Hill, Kangaroo Point, Dockside, Story Bridge, City Gardens...This is where I got caught at the end of the Goodwill Bridge by thousands of runners (the distracting girlies Tesso warned me about) taking part in the Women's International Day fun run. the only way I could cross their path was to run with them and sidle across to the other side and out. While I was trying to figure a way out of my dilemma, I did get a hello from one of my favourite "Girlies" ..Tesso herself.
As distracted as I was I set off again to cover the last 3.5K back to Park Road.
Why was this a special week? Because I was happy with the stats:
Tue 14K 1:12:38, Av Pace 5:11, best 1K 4:51
Wed 14K 1:06:04, Av Pace 4:43, best 1K 4:11
Thu 14K 1:07:08, Av Pace 4:48, best 1K 4:07
Fri 14K 1:07:28, Av Pace 4:49, best 1K 4:14
Sun 36.2K 2:55:00, Av Pace 4:50, best 1K 4:04
Total 92.2K for the week.
03 March, 2008
6 Weeks Out
Well another week gone buy. I managed a couple of solid runs during the week. Tuesday was 12K in 57:27, Wednesday I had an early appointment in the city so gave the run a miss. Thursday was 14K in 1:15:01, Friday was 14K in 1:09:27 and Saturday was 7K in 35:43. I was quite pleased with Friday's run as I improved 5:30 on the previous day.
Sunday morning was a bit of a shock to the system. I was shivering as I waited for Tegwen to arrive. It stayed cool for the whole run. We only did 21K at 5:00 pace. It was an easy Sunday. Next week Tegwen can't make it on Sunday so I will be doing 34K from Park Road on my own. Hmmm! she will probably want to check the record on my Garmin.
68K for the easy week.
Sunday morning was a bit of a shock to the system. I was shivering as I waited for Tegwen to arrive. It stayed cool for the whole run. We only did 21K at 5:00 pace. It was an easy Sunday. Next week Tegwen can't make it on Sunday so I will be doing 34K from Park Road on my own. Hmmm! she will probably want to check the record on my Garmin.
68K for the easy week.
25 February, 2008
7 Weeks Out
What a week it was! I was very tired. I did 12K on both Tuesday and Wednesday. All day Wednesday I was struggling against tiredness at work. On Thursday when I woke to the alarm I didn't feel to brilliant and thought that I couldn't spend another day feeling as I had on Wednesday, so gave the run a miss. I set the alarm a little earlier for Friday morning and did 16K at 5:05 pace.
A heat wave hit us on Saturday. The temperature soared to about 44 degrees C in Ipswich, which is just west of Brisbane. I manaed to achieve a few things outside but had to keep retreating to the Air conditioned indoors. My running buddy, Tegwen, rang me to ask if I had thought of a shaded course for our planned 34k on Sunday. Hmmm! no such thing exists.
Fortunately the temperature dropped considerably late in the afternoon and remained fairly pleasant overnight. So Sunday morning was all go for 34K. Out and back from Park Road to a bit past Brett's Wharf. We managed to average 5:00 K's with no stops at taps on the way back. We just used our water bottles.
A heat wave hit us on Saturday. The temperature soared to about 44 degrees C in Ipswich, which is just west of Brisbane. I manaed to achieve a few things outside but had to keep retreating to the Air conditioned indoors. My running buddy, Tegwen, rang me to ask if I had thought of a shaded course for our planned 34k on Sunday. Hmmm! no such thing exists.
Fortunately the temperature dropped considerably late in the afternoon and remained fairly pleasant overnight. So Sunday morning was all go for 34K. Out and back from Park Road to a bit past Brett's Wharf. We managed to average 5:00 K's with no stops at taps on the way back. We just used our water bottles.
18 February, 2008
8 Weeks Out
A total of 80K's for the week. 4 12's during the week and 32 on Sunday. the first three 12's were a bit ordinary but on Friday I managed to get down to 57 minutes. On Tuesday to add some variety to my running I ran my old 12K circuit and on Thursday tried tried another circuit, not previously run, which didn't have as many hills. On Tuesday after my 12K I added 6 x 100m strides.
On Sunday I met Tegwen at Park Road for a 32'er. We dicided that after last week's flat 28 along the river we needed a character building run so opted for the Western Freeway, Seventeen Mile Rocks, Oxley, Indooroopilly, UQ, circuit. The Western Freeway bikepath is quite hilly and from Seventeen Mile Rocks to Oxley is one long continuous hill. I reckon we had enough character to last us a while by the time we got back to Park Road. we finisde the run in 2:42, a bit under 5:05 pace. Next week is 34K and we have already decided that it will be to Brett's Wharf and back. nice and flat.
I am not putting the effort to achieve anything extra special at Canberra this year. I put on entry form that I hoped to run it in 3:25. Anything better than that will be a bonus (I am hoping there will be a bonus tough) ;-)
On Sunday I met Tegwen at Park Road for a 32'er. We dicided that after last week's flat 28 along the river we needed a character building run so opted for the Western Freeway, Seventeen Mile Rocks, Oxley, Indooroopilly, UQ, circuit. The Western Freeway bikepath is quite hilly and from Seventeen Mile Rocks to Oxley is one long continuous hill. I reckon we had enough character to last us a while by the time we got back to Park Road. we finisde the run in 2:42, a bit under 5:05 pace. Next week is 34K and we have already decided that it will be to Brett's Wharf and back. nice and flat.
I am not putting the effort to achieve anything extra special at Canberra this year. I put on entry form that I hoped to run it in 3:25. Anything better than that will be a bonus (I am hoping there will be a bonus tough) ;-)
10 February, 2008
9 Weeks Out
The K's were a bit low this week. I missed a 12K run on Tuesday because it was pelting rain. Yes I know, I'm a sook. So it was 12K on Wednesday in 1:01, 12K Thursday in 1:02 and 12K Friday in 0:59. I just seemed to be getting slower.
I spent a big day in the yard on Saturday and on Saturday night was totally stuffed and to top it off, didn't sleep well. This morning the alarm went off at 4:05 and I just didn't feel up to a long run. However, that's the good thing about running with others, you arrange to meet and you just have to be there. So at 5:00AM I met Tegwen and Cathy at Park Road. The run this morning was 28K. After the tough 34K last Sunday we opted for a flat out and back along the river to Newstead. We finished with 28.3 in 2:18. That is an average pace of 4:53. Cathy had turned back at 13K and Tegwen and I turned up the pace on the way back. I was feeling really good and able to sustain a steady pace all the way. I was very pleased with the morning's effort. The running conditions were idyllic and there were lots of runners and cyclists out today.
It just leaves me wondering why I can run at 4:53 for the long run and yet find it so difficult to get under 5:00 min K's for my 12 K runs during the week. But then, maybe the reason I can run better on the Long Runs is because I don't push myself too hard during the week. At this point I have done no speed nor hill work.
A total of 64K this week. I had better try and get a few more in next week. Only 9 weeks left.
I spent a big day in the yard on Saturday and on Saturday night was totally stuffed and to top it off, didn't sleep well. This morning the alarm went off at 4:05 and I just didn't feel up to a long run. However, that's the good thing about running with others, you arrange to meet and you just have to be there. So at 5:00AM I met Tegwen and Cathy at Park Road. The run this morning was 28K. After the tough 34K last Sunday we opted for a flat out and back along the river to Newstead. We finished with 28.3 in 2:18. That is an average pace of 4:53. Cathy had turned back at 13K and Tegwen and I turned up the pace on the way back. I was feeling really good and able to sustain a steady pace all the way. I was very pleased with the morning's effort. The running conditions were idyllic and there were lots of runners and cyclists out today.
It just leaves me wondering why I can run at 4:53 for the long run and yet find it so difficult to get under 5:00 min K's for my 12 K runs during the week. But then, maybe the reason I can run better on the Long Runs is because I don't push myself too hard during the week. At this point I have done no speed nor hill work.
A total of 64K this week. I had better try and get a few more in next week. Only 9 weeks left.
04 February, 2008
10 Weeks Out
Well sure enough, Tegwen made it to Park Road last Monday morning. After arriving home from the UK at 11:00PM the night before she was there ready to go at 5:30AM. We ran 15K. A pretty good effort on her part, wouldn't you say. Definitely crazy! She is planning on doing the 50K in Canberra again this year after being 3rd among the ladies last year.
I ran 12K from home on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. On Thursday I had to meet some friends at Southbank for breakfast. Yesterday, Sunday, we ran 34K, some of it in pouring rain. It took us 2:52, a tad over 5:00 min K's. We did a loop from Park Road via UQ to Indooroopilly, Chelmer, Tennyson, Yeronga, Fairfield, Dutton Park, Highgate Hill, West End, William Jolly bridge, and back to Park Road.
That was a total of 85K for the week and I am again pleased to report that my knees have improved even more. Apart from having to have a little lie down on Sunday afternoon I have has no other after effects from the long run.
Don't worry Horrie, lots of people still call me Eddie. I think Eddie will be around for a while yet.
I ran 12K from home on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. On Thursday I had to meet some friends at Southbank for breakfast. Yesterday, Sunday, we ran 34K, some of it in pouring rain. It took us 2:52, a tad over 5:00 min K's. We did a loop from Park Road via UQ to Indooroopilly, Chelmer, Tennyson, Yeronga, Fairfield, Dutton Park, Highgate Hill, West End, William Jolly bridge, and back to Park Road.
That was a total of 85K for the week and I am again pleased to report that my knees have improved even more. Apart from having to have a little lie down on Sunday afternoon I have has no other after effects from the long run.
Don't worry Horrie, lots of people still call me Eddie. I think Eddie will be around for a while yet.
27 January, 2008
11 Weeks Out
Ah! at last a week when I have felt good and my knees haven't been killing me. I ran 4 mornings during the week, 12K each time.
Monday was rest day. Tuesday I had a slow start but gradually improved along the way to finish in 1:01. I repeated this on Wednesday and Thursday put a little extra effort in and finished in 1:00. Friday, having been pleased with the fact that my knees weren't giving me as much gyp, I set out a little faster. I find that if I do this it makes a marked difference to my overall time. I finished Friday's run in 57:40.
An unusual event occurred on Tuesday. A fox ran accross the road ahead of me. I saw a fox on Mt Coot-tha once but the is the first one I have seen locally in the 34 years I have lived in Ipswich .
Today I ran from Park Road and ran to the green bridge at UQ and then through West End via Dornoch Terrace and Riverside Drive, through South Bank, over the Goodwill Bridge, through the City Gardens, turned around at Edward St, received a nice hello from Anna, our runner Queensland Premier, then headed back to Park Road. A total of 22K at 5:00 pace (the last couple of K at 4:30).
Yesterday, while I was out, Robyn took a call from Tegwen who said she wasn't back in Australia yet but could I let her know what run I had planned for Monday Public Holiday..she's keen. That's why I cut my run a bit short today, so that I have something left for tomorrow.
I finished the week with 70K and feeling good about it.
Monday was rest day. Tuesday I had a slow start but gradually improved along the way to finish in 1:01. I repeated this on Wednesday and Thursday put a little extra effort in and finished in 1:00. Friday, having been pleased with the fact that my knees weren't giving me as much gyp, I set out a little faster. I find that if I do this it makes a marked difference to my overall time. I finished Friday's run in 57:40.
An unusual event occurred on Tuesday. A fox ran accross the road ahead of me. I saw a fox on Mt Coot-tha once but the is the first one I have seen locally in the 34 years I have lived in Ipswich .
Today I ran from Park Road and ran to the green bridge at UQ and then through West End via Dornoch Terrace and Riverside Drive, through South Bank, over the Goodwill Bridge, through the City Gardens, turned around at Edward St, received a nice hello from Anna, our runner Queensland Premier, then headed back to Park Road. A total of 22K at 5:00 pace (the last couple of K at 4:30).
Yesterday, while I was out, Robyn took a call from Tegwen who said she wasn't back in Australia yet but could I let her know what run I had planned for Monday Public Holiday..she's keen. That's why I cut my run a bit short today, so that I have something left for tomorrow.
I finished the week with 70K and feeling good about it.
20 January, 2008
12 Weeks Out
I turned 56 yesterday, so it has been an easy week. That's my excuse. Monday was a rest day and Tuesday turned out to be one too. Wednesday was 14K at 5:11 pace and Thursday was 10K at the same pace. Friday I missed because I had to be in the City early to have breakfast with my friends, Darryl and Michelle, with whom I am going to New York. They are seasoned travellers and will be able to show me the ropes. Saturday I worked in the yard and today I did 30K from Park Road along the Brisbane River. I was wearing my Garmin, thinking it had plenty of charge left in it. However, when I got to the tap at the Edward St entrance to the City Gardens I went to check my time/pace and all I had was a blank face. It was not a reflection of my own face I can tell you.
Fortunately I knew where the 15K turnaround was along Kingsford Smith Drive but I have no idea of pace or time. I felt OK when I got back so maybe I was not trying hard enough.
Fortunately I knew where the 15K turnaround was along Kingsford Smith Drive but I have no idea of pace or time. I felt OK when I got back so maybe I was not trying hard enough.
13 January, 2008
13 Weeks Out
13 weeks till the Canberra Marathon. Scott says 12 in his Blog. Maybe I have miscounted.
I was a bit slack in my training this week. Wednesday's 14K just didn't happen. I woke to the alarm and just couldn't get out of bed.
Today I did 26K. An out and back along the Brisbane River from Park Road. I didn't manage the same pace as last week, however, I was happy enough with 2:15 for the 26.
Peterhorse passed me on his bike. It's always good to get a friendly cheer when your out there struggling.
This weeks mileage:
Tuesday 12K
Thursday 12K
Friday 12K
Sunday 26K, 2:15, 5:11pace
Total 62K
During the week I submittted my registration form to the travel agency, Travelling Fit, to book my spot for the New York Marathon. I am already excited. I can't imagine what I am going to be like as the time gets closer.
I was a bit slack in my training this week. Wednesday's 14K just didn't happen. I woke to the alarm and just couldn't get out of bed.
Today I did 26K. An out and back along the Brisbane River from Park Road. I didn't manage the same pace as last week, however, I was happy enough with 2:15 for the 26.
Peterhorse passed me on his bike. It's always good to get a friendly cheer when your out there struggling.
This weeks mileage:
Tuesday 12K
Thursday 12K
Friday 12K
Sunday 26K, 2:15, 5:11pace
Total 62K
During the week I submittted my registration form to the travel agency, Travelling Fit, to book my spot for the New York Marathon. I am already excited. I can't imagine what I am going to be like as the time gets closer.
06 January, 2008
Am I There Yet?
That's what I kept asking myself this morning. I set out from Park Road at 5:00 all by myself with the intention of running to Newstead and back, a little over 28K. At about 12K I was toying with the idea of cutting the run short and cutting accross to the Hospital and Vic Park. The humidity was incredible and I knew that much of the return trip along the river from Newstead would be in full sun. However, once I got to Newstead House I gave myself a severe talking to and headed back the way I came. I was so glad to get back to Park Road. I was stuffed. The run was 28.35K at average 5:01 pace, a total time of 2:22:20. I am glad I toughed it out and did the 28.
My week:
Tuesday 13K; 1:05; 5:00 pace
Wednesday 12K; 1:02; 5:10 pace
Thursday 9K; 0:47; 5:17 pace
Friday 7K; 0:32; 4:52 pace
Sunday 28K; 2:22:20; 5:01pace
Total for the week 69K
My week:
Tuesday 13K; 1:05; 5:00 pace
Wednesday 12K; 1:02; 5:10 pace
Thursday 9K; 0:47; 5:17 pace
Friday 7K; 0:32; 4:52 pace
Sunday 28K; 2:22:20; 5:01pace
Total for the week 69K
01 January, 2008
1 January 2008
First day of the New Year! Where did 2007 go? It just seemed to fly by. What a year! Some highlights for me were:
- Marathon PB in Canberra - 3:14:55
- 3rd in my category (55-59) in the Queensland Half Marathon.
- My daughter, Cynthia, graduated from Uni, Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Commerce.
Cynthia with her proud Mum and Dad.
2008 will be a big year. I have booked my flights for Canberra for my 10th marathon. In the next week or so I have to start forking out the money for the trip to the US which will include the New York Marathon. I will probably also do the Gold Coast Marathon.
Happy New Year.
24 December, 2007
Xmas Running
Yesterday I set out from Park Road at 5:00AM. Tegwen bougth along some of her Tuesday/Thrusday running buddies, Tony, Gerrard (Gossens) and Brian. We ran to the Goodwill Bridge then to Highgate Hill and on to the Green Bridge. Gerrard and Brian left us at this point and headed back to Park Road while the rest of us headed up river to somewhere behind the Indooroopilly Golf Course (I think). We covered 20k all up, in very humid conditions.
Tegwen and her family are off overseas for a month so I will be missing a running buddy till February. It might give me a chance to keep up with her when we are in serious training for Canberra..... for the first couple of weeks at least.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone. Thank you for all your support, encouragement and interest during 2007. I hope 2008 wiil see you attain all those goals you have been dreaming of.
Rob
Tegwen and her family are off overseas for a month so I will be missing a running buddy till February. It might give me a chance to keep up with her when we are in serious training for Canberra..... for the first couple of weeks at least.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone. Thank you for all your support, encouragement and interest during 2007. I hope 2008 wiil see you attain all those goals you have been dreaming of.
Rob
11 December, 2007
Hi Folks
Hi Folks,
I am sorry it has taken me so long to get back to my blog. Life gets a little hectic sometimes. though I do admit that I did spend some time away with my lovely wife, Robyn.
The 500K Relay was, again, an absolutely terrific experience. Our team, Southern Cross Runners, came 10th out of 18 teams. We didn't do as well as we would have liked but it certainly wasn't for the lack of trying. The whole team worked extremely well together with each memeber putting in a super effort.
I ran 7 times over the three days, 3 Friday, 3 Saturday and 1 Sunday. Runs averaged 5K and varied in degree of dificulty according to the terrain. Each leg of the relay has a grading from 1 to 10, 10 being the most difficult. One of mine was graded 9, but after running it i wuold have graded it about 8. The majority are graded at about 4 or 5. Though running 7 times over three days does not sound a lot, the the issue is that you run them as hard as you possibly can because you really don't want to let your team mates down. This, combined with sleep deprivation, results in you being totally stuffed by the end of the weekend. None of of this detracts from it being a terrific experience.
As for which will be my 10th Marathon.......... Canberra 2008 of course!
I am sorry it has taken me so long to get back to my blog. Life gets a little hectic sometimes. though I do admit that I did spend some time away with my lovely wife, Robyn.
The 500K Relay was, again, an absolutely terrific experience. Our team, Southern Cross Runners, came 10th out of 18 teams. We didn't do as well as we would have liked but it certainly wasn't for the lack of trying. The whole team worked extremely well together with each memeber putting in a super effort.
I ran 7 times over the three days, 3 Friday, 3 Saturday and 1 Sunday. Runs averaged 5K and varied in degree of dificulty according to the terrain. Each leg of the relay has a grading from 1 to 10, 10 being the most difficult. One of mine was graded 9, but after running it i wuold have graded it about 8. The majority are graded at about 4 or 5. Though running 7 times over three days does not sound a lot, the the issue is that you run them as hard as you possibly can because you really don't want to let your team mates down. This, combined with sleep deprivation, results in you being totally stuffed by the end of the weekend. None of of this detracts from it being a terrific experience.
As for which will be my 10th Marathon.......... Canberra 2008 of course!
18 November, 2007
Less Than week to the 500K Relay
Next weekend is the 500K Summer Challenge. This will be my 5th 500K Relay. It's such a fantastic weekend. This year the course has changed a lot due to problems getting Police permits to run on main roads. We set out on Friday morning from Helensvale again this year but instead of finishing in Ipswich we are finishing in Gatton.
This morning Tegwen and I did 17k at 5:00 min pace. I really enjoyed the run today and finished feeling quite good. I would like to be able to report that I have been clocking up the sort of K's that Robert Song has but not so.
This morning Tegwen and I did 17k at 5:00 min pace. I really enjoyed the run today and finished feeling quite good. I would like to be able to report that I have been clocking up the sort of K's that Robert Song has but not so.
04 November, 2007
Two Times Over
Tegwen, my running buddy, was celebrating her birthday today and decided to do that by running from Park Road to Mt Cootha, completing two laaps and back to Park Road. We ran with Tony, a guy Tegwen does speed work with, who is competing in a Triple Triathlon in Canberra in a couple of weeks. He is one of a three man team and is doing the running. Needless to say, he beat us to the top on both laps.
We did 27K's all up but it did take us 2:33 which was a tad on the slow side but I, for one, could not have run Mt Cootha any faster. I was totally stuffed.
Last Wednesday evening I competed in my 7th Cool Night Classic. This marked the 6th aniversary of my first ever fun run. This year's Cool Night Classic was incresed in length from 5.13K's to 5.75K's. I finished in 24:24. Under 25 minutes as I had hoped. I did the 5.13 last year in 21:55 so I have slowed a bit.
We did 27K's all up but it did take us 2:33 which was a tad on the slow side but I, for one, could not have run Mt Cootha any faster. I was totally stuffed.
Last Wednesday evening I competed in my 7th Cool Night Classic. This marked the 6th aniversary of my first ever fun run. This year's Cool Night Classic was incresed in length from 5.13K's to 5.75K's. I finished in 24:24. Under 25 minutes as I had hoped. I did the 5.13 last year in 21:55 so I have slowed a bit.
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