I've really got to stop taking my watch on runs. I become so obsessed with the times. I did 5km today in 40.42. Not too bad for me. I decided that I would push the first 2km and managed 14.53! Not my fastest but good for me. Anything under 15 minutes is great. Then, because I have this timing compulsion I decided to measure a no-frills km. Just me running comfortably, no hard work, no sprint finish. My "comfortable" km is 8.42!! So slow.
If I hadn't taken my watch, I would have been pleased that I managed 5km. But no, now I have to think about my pace being so slow!
It was a beautiful morning. I can't remember when it was so cool. It was still only 25 degrees when I got home. Still heaps and heaps of flies, but I guess I can't expect everything.
OK - next run. No watch.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
I am making progress
I struggled through 5km this morning. Actually, I surprised myself. I wanted to do 5km but found it really hard at 4km and managed to keep going. No watch again today - which is just as well because my last km was slow. But at the moment, I am quite content with my plodding. I'm pleased I managed 5km and whilst it wasn't comfortable, it wasn't soul-shatteringly hard either.
I'm not sure why but today I felt kinda pleased with myself. I was thinking about how far I have come in my running from a zero start (and still thinking about how far I have yet to go). But there is something about quietly plodding that is enjoyable and relaxing in a weird kind of way. And I am making progress. Slow - definitely. But progress nonetheless. 10km doesn't seem so far anymore, nor does running for an hour and a half. A few short months ago, 1km was beyond me. Now 1km is like a warm up!!!
One good thing about the heat - I'm drinking heaps of water! I can get through 4 or 5 litres a day without too much drama. That helps the food intake too. Instead of eating, I have a drink of water. I'm into almonds at the moment too. I can munch on a handful of almonds and snack for 2 or 3 hours. Much better than chippies or chocolate!!!
I'm not sure why but today I felt kinda pleased with myself. I was thinking about how far I have come in my running from a zero start (and still thinking about how far I have yet to go). But there is something about quietly plodding that is enjoyable and relaxing in a weird kind of way. And I am making progress. Slow - definitely. But progress nonetheless. 10km doesn't seem so far anymore, nor does running for an hour and a half. A few short months ago, 1km was beyond me. Now 1km is like a warm up!!!
One good thing about the heat - I'm drinking heaps of water! I can get through 4 or 5 litres a day without too much drama. That helps the food intake too. Instead of eating, I have a drink of water. I'm into almonds at the moment too. I can munch on a handful of almonds and snack for 2 or 3 hours. Much better than chippies or chocolate!!!
Sunday, November 26, 2006
I saved a man's life today
Well perhaps that is a little TOO dramatic. How about I "might" have saved a man's life today. I was all set for the SiS3 and was about of bed at 4.30am to beat the heat. A little after one km in I saw someone lying half on the road half on the footpath. This whole running thing must be getting to me because for a split second I actually thought about keeping going because it would upset my time!! Fortunately common sense prevailed and I stopped to see if he was OK. He was probably drunk and didn't quite make it home before passing out. He was lying on his back and I knew that if he could choke to death unless I put him on his side, unless he was dead already of course. I kicked his boot a few times but he didn't move. I shouted at him and shook him and his eyelids fluttered but his eyes were rolled up in the back of his head. I tried to roll him on his side but he was heavy. Some old fellow came out of his house and told me to leave him alone. I said he could choke if he was left on his back and I kept trying to roll him over. The old fellow said he had already called the police. By that time I had rolled him over onto his side. He was breathing so that was fine. Then I took off at a bolt, disappointed at the time I had taken to help this fellow! This man might live to see another day, and I am upset at wasting 30 seconds!!
I started my run conservatively hard but had that slight hiccup between kms 1 and 2. I really pushed it hard to the second km, trying to make up lost time, which I guess was a silly thing to do. By the same token though, my stop gave me a chance to get my breath back a bit. I tried to maintain my pace - which was about 7.30 pace - good for me. I was struggling in the last km. But I pushed it as hard as I could. I'm glad I wasn't wearing a heart rate monitor because it would have blown up. I gave it everything. I crossed 4km in 29.58!!!!! Yippee!! My last km was 6.59! Wow! Smokin'!
I overtook a walker just before I finished and then he overtook me when I stopped. I was puffing and panting and carrying on - I'm sure he would have thought I was having a heart attack! I kept walking to get my breath back, and ended up walking past the place where I helped the man earlier. There was a wet patch on the ground where he was laying but there was no sign of him. The old fellow came out of his house again and said someone threw a bucket of water on him and he got up and walked off. Well at least he wasn't dead - and maybe, just maybe, he has me to thank for that.
I started my run conservatively hard but had that slight hiccup between kms 1 and 2. I really pushed it hard to the second km, trying to make up lost time, which I guess was a silly thing to do. By the same token though, my stop gave me a chance to get my breath back a bit. I tried to maintain my pace - which was about 7.30 pace - good for me. I was struggling in the last km. But I pushed it as hard as I could. I'm glad I wasn't wearing a heart rate monitor because it would have blown up. I gave it everything. I crossed 4km in 29.58!!!!! Yippee!! My last km was 6.59! Wow! Smokin'!
I overtook a walker just before I finished and then he overtook me when I stopped. I was puffing and panting and carrying on - I'm sure he would have thought I was having a heart attack! I kept walking to get my breath back, and ended up walking past the place where I helped the man earlier. There was a wet patch on the ground where he was laying but there was no sign of him. The old fellow came out of his house again and said someone threw a bucket of water on him and he got up and walked off. Well at least he wasn't dead - and maybe, just maybe, he has me to thank for that.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Flies sleep at night time
A light day today. Run/walk untimed for about 4km - just less. I didn't take my watch and the microwave said I was gone 34 minutes so pretty good really. That includes my warm up walk which I don't usually count, so it's not as swift as it sounds!!
I slept in this morning, unintentionally. I forgot to set the alarm. I was hanging out for dusk so I could do my run/walk. It was still hot but there were NO FLIES!! It's a shame it's not better lit - I might run in the evening more often. But then if it were better lit, there'd be all sorts of other bugs. Can't win really. I must admit though, I like the mornings better. (And that's coming from the Queen of sleep-ins!)
One more week till daylight savings - can't wait!! At least then I can get up at a decent hour and go for a run.
I'm looking forward to Sunday. Even though I'm running a race of one, it is no less exciting for me. I've gotta beat 32 minutes. As long as I don't get too excited and go out too hard. Race plan: start conservatively, but not slow, then play it by ear!
I slept in this morning, unintentionally. I forgot to set the alarm. I was hanging out for dusk so I could do my run/walk. It was still hot but there were NO FLIES!! It's a shame it's not better lit - I might run in the evening more often. But then if it were better lit, there'd be all sorts of other bugs. Can't win really. I must admit though, I like the mornings better. (And that's coming from the Queen of sleep-ins!)
One more week till daylight savings - can't wait!! At least then I can get up at a decent hour and go for a run.
I'm looking forward to Sunday. Even though I'm running a race of one, it is no less exciting for me. I've gotta beat 32 minutes. As long as I don't get too excited and go out too hard. Race plan: start conservatively, but not slow, then play it by ear!
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Bloody hot!
I made a mental note that I wouldn't keep complaining about the heat - but I can't help myself. This morning the heat and humidity were incredible! I was sweating from places I didn't know could sweat! I had little rivers of sweat running out of my knees!! My knees!! Bizarre. It was so hot overnight that the windows had condensation on the OUTSIDE!! You know how when you take a can of softdrink out of the fridge, condensation forms on it - well that's what it's like.
And these Goddam flies. I'm over them. I wear a fly net when I walk but not when I run, usually. Today I ran with the fly net. It's like wearing a plastic bag over your head. The sweat can't escape and it's hard to breathe. And THEN one sneaky bugger managed to get under the net and I had a hell of a time getting it out.
Vent over.
I ran 4km today. I tried to push it for the first two and I managed 14.42! Better than last week but still abismally slow. I took a quick walk break and kept jogging. I reached the 3km mark and I decided to keep going past my normal corner to cross the road into Millars. I haven't measured it yet, so I ran 9minutes past the 3km mark (just to be sure I made 4km). Then I walked home.
Got the SiS3 on Sunday. Tiger Boy has given me a challenge. I have to beat his 8km time over 4km. He reckons he'll come in about 31 or 32 minutes. I'll take him on! Nothing like a little challenge to get you motivated! I'll be struggling - but I guess that's the idea. Otherwise I'll never get faster - and there's no races up this way. Wish me luck!
And these Goddam flies. I'm over them. I wear a fly net when I walk but not when I run, usually. Today I ran with the fly net. It's like wearing a plastic bag over your head. The sweat can't escape and it's hard to breathe. And THEN one sneaky bugger managed to get under the net and I had a hell of a time getting it out.
Vent over.
I ran 4km today. I tried to push it for the first two and I managed 14.42! Better than last week but still abismally slow. I took a quick walk break and kept jogging. I reached the 3km mark and I decided to keep going past my normal corner to cross the road into Millars. I haven't measured it yet, so I ran 9minutes past the 3km mark (just to be sure I made 4km). Then I walked home.
Got the SiS3 on Sunday. Tiger Boy has given me a challenge. I have to beat his 8km time over 4km. He reckons he'll come in about 31 or 32 minutes. I'll take him on! Nothing like a little challenge to get you motivated! I'll be struggling - but I guess that's the idea. Otherwise I'll never get faster - and there's no races up this way. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Trying hard
Today I was going to do 4km then see how I felt as to whether I tacked on another km. My husband left at the same time as me to go for a 2.5km walk. Having read about tempo runs on the forum, I decided to try and catch him by gradually increasing my speed. I needed to catch up by my 3.5km mark because that's where he finishes and I keep going to 4km.
So I started slowly and consciously increased my speed every km. By the time I hit 3km I knew I was in trouble. I was going faster than "comfortably hard" and knew I had to slow down. I could see my husband in front of me but I couldn't catch him. He beat me by about 200m. I was disapppointed but at the same time I realised that the run was pretty good. Excellent training. My speed between 3 and 4km was pretty slack, but I pushed it right at the end. Then I walked about 500m home. I was flat out making 4km, I knew I wouldn't make 5km today - but it was a nice solid 4km.
I didn't take my watch with me today - because initially I was just going for a nice comfortable run. But now, I would like to have seen my splits! Probably just as well though because I tend to travel slightly slower than I think I do.
So I started slowly and consciously increased my speed every km. By the time I hit 3km I knew I was in trouble. I was going faster than "comfortably hard" and knew I had to slow down. I could see my husband in front of me but I couldn't catch him. He beat me by about 200m. I was disapppointed but at the same time I realised that the run was pretty good. Excellent training. My speed between 3 and 4km was pretty slack, but I pushed it right at the end. Then I walked about 500m home. I was flat out making 4km, I knew I wouldn't make 5km today - but it was a nice solid 4km.
I didn't take my watch with me today - because initially I was just going for a nice comfortable run. But now, I would like to have seen my splits! Probably just as well though because I tend to travel slightly slower than I think I do.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Only a walk today
A short walk today, only worthy of a short post! I walked the new Millars route again. It only takes about half an hour, but is nice for a change. I managed to convince the husband to walk it with me, so that was nice too. It was hot but not too bad.
I'm looking forward to daylight savings from a purely selfish reason - it will mean that I can walk/run early in the morning when it is dawn without it being a ridiculously early time. Hopefully that will kick in on December 2.
We left at 6am this morning, far too late if I am running. But if it was daylight savings, 6am would really be 5am and just nice! 5.30 would really be 4.30 and perfect! Roll on December 2.
I'm looking forward to daylight savings from a purely selfish reason - it will mean that I can walk/run early in the morning when it is dawn without it being a ridiculously early time. Hopefully that will kick in on December 2.
We left at 6am this morning, far too late if I am running. But if it was daylight savings, 6am would really be 5am and just nice! 5.30 would really be 4.30 and perfect! Roll on December 2.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Another hour
I looked forward to this run all week. Long and slow. Suits me to a tee. I'm going to ditch the whole timing thing, and go by distance. So today I did 7.5km. And I felt like I could keep going. In fact, it was hard to stop. When I did stop, my legs wouldn't go in the right direction and they felt heavy and painful. Yet, 10 seconds before that I was thinking that I could probably run 10km! There is something to be said for getting into a rythym. I didn't realise I was in any sort of rythym - until I started to walk!
Even though I'm not really timing anymore, I think it is still important to point out that the run took me over an hour. I'm not breaking any land speed records here.
I think what I will do is gradually increase my long run every week until I get to 10km and then hold there for a while. At my current rate that'll be 90minutes - long enough for the time being. I might also lift the distance of one of my mid week runs - to say 6km.
I've decided I'm going to be a long distance runner. Might aim for the Half Marathon in Perth in 2007. That's in September. Quite a reasonable goal I reckon.
Even though I'm not really timing anymore, I think it is still important to point out that the run took me over an hour. I'm not breaking any land speed records here.
I think what I will do is gradually increase my long run every week until I get to 10km and then hold there for a while. At my current rate that'll be 90minutes - long enough for the time being. I might also lift the distance of one of my mid week runs - to say 6km.
I've decided I'm going to be a long distance runner. Might aim for the Half Marathon in Perth in 2007. That's in September. Quite a reasonable goal I reckon.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Beautiful morning
I had a very enjoyable quick 30min run/walk this morning. Makes up for missing yesterday. Nothing too stressful - ran when I wanted to run and walked when I wanted to walk. I took the new route which I will call "Millars" since it goes through Millars Well. It is not a very long route but might be just the perfect length to add to my 4km loop. I'll jump on the bike and measure it one of these days.
I have an MP3 player with an arm band and the arm band broke this morning. The MP3 itself is still working well, which is a bit of a shame because I really like the look of the new iPod nano shuffle! So I tucked the MP3 into my drink pouch, and that seemd to work OK. I don't like the cord flapping around but I can't figure out anyway to stop that.
I love gadgets. I wish someone would invent a wrist GPS (like the Garmin) but with a Bluetooth MP3. Now that would be cool!!! I reckon it would be a hit with the runners. I jumped on the net to see if a Bluetooth MP3 existed and it does! But nothing really suitable for running. Can't be too far away, I guess. Some nerdy gadget geek who loves running will invent it I'm sure.
I have an MP3 player with an arm band and the arm band broke this morning. The MP3 itself is still working well, which is a bit of a shame because I really like the look of the new iPod nano shuffle! So I tucked the MP3 into my drink pouch, and that seemd to work OK. I don't like the cord flapping around but I can't figure out anyway to stop that.
I love gadgets. I wish someone would invent a wrist GPS (like the Garmin) but with a Bluetooth MP3. Now that would be cool!!! I reckon it would be a hit with the runners. I jumped on the net to see if a Bluetooth MP3 existed and it does! But nothing really suitable for running. Can't be too far away, I guess. Some nerdy gadget geek who loves running will invent it I'm sure.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Didn't get out of bed this morning!!
Today is supposed to be my "recovery" run, or at least a run/walk. I usually enjoy these sessions because they are just for fun, no pressure, no time, limited structure. Just getting out there.
Well this morning I was just about to get out of bed when I got a visit from my cat, Pookie. She was feeling particularly lovey-dovey and snuggled under my arm and rested her nose on my nose. And she was purring. My heart just melted so I allowed her to share that special moment with me. Pookie is not a particularly affectionate cat and I always enjoy when she wants to spend time with me. Then she decided my nose needed cleaning, so she "groomed" me until I met with her satisfaction. Then she had to clean herself, because all that cleaning makes one dirty!
Eventually she got up but it was too late to go for a run - just too hot. Last night was a shocker. The minimum overnight was 27, but it felt worse. I've got to be out running before the sun is fully up or it becomes unbearable.
So I feel a little guilty for not running, but not too much. I haven't had a rest day since last Saturday, because now I'm walking on my rest days. So I might just make this a rest day - or I might go out this afternoon if it cools down enough.
But it was worth it for a quality bonding moment with my cat!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Hard to get out of bed this morning
This morning I didn't want to wake up. The alarm went off and I started telling myself that it was OK to go back to sleep; it was more comfortable; easier; and it didn't really matter if I missed out on one lousy run. So I rolled over but I didn't sleep. My mind then started thinking about how I would feel if I didn't go. The tired part of me said I could go later this afternoon. The guilty part of me knew it wold be too hot, so I took a deep breath and just got up. I need to learn a lesson from this - as soon as the alarm goes off, jump up. Don't think about it.
I was 15 minutes late going out the door, but I went! I had no real plan for today so I decided to see how fast I could run 2km. If you are reading this Joey - you are the inspiration for this! But I also wanted to see if I could hold that pace, after a brief walk, for 4km. I don't know what I was thinking! My first km was 7.30 (pretty good for me but still knowing I needed to keep some in the tank). The second km was 7.18 which means 14.48 for 2km. Anything under 15 minutes is pretty special! Then I walked for a couple of minutes and still managed to cover 3km in 23 minutes, another quick walk and I finished 4km in 30.51. Not my best time, but better than usual. I always manage to do a better time when I take walk breaks - still not sure why. Then I finished off with a 2km walk.
It was hard work today. Hot. I puffed and panted, but by the time I got home I felt great, as I always do after a decent run.
I was 15 minutes late going out the door, but I went! I had no real plan for today so I decided to see how fast I could run 2km. If you are reading this Joey - you are the inspiration for this! But I also wanted to see if I could hold that pace, after a brief walk, for 4km. I don't know what I was thinking! My first km was 7.30 (pretty good for me but still knowing I needed to keep some in the tank). The second km was 7.18 which means 14.48 for 2km. Anything under 15 minutes is pretty special! Then I walked for a couple of minutes and still managed to cover 3km in 23 minutes, another quick walk and I finished 4km in 30.51. Not my best time, but better than usual. I always manage to do a better time when I take walk breaks - still not sure why. Then I finished off with a 2km walk.
It was hard work today. Hot. I puffed and panted, but by the time I got home I felt great, as I always do after a decent run.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Cool walk!
I had a cool walk today - literally!! When I got home it was still only 26 degrees and there was a dew this morning! Wow! A dew!! Plus, I went a different way today which was kind of exciting too. I am supposed to have a rest day today, so I decided a walk would be good. No running. I thought it was a good opportunity to explore new running tracks. I've been looking for a reason to take this new route but have been reluctant because I don't know the distance, and I like to know how far I've gone as opposed to how long. So last night I decided that I would walk this morning. You know how when you look forward to something you get excited just thinking about it? Well that's how I felt!! It's almost embarrassing to admit!! I was up before my alarm with anticipation! Strapped on the gatorade, MP3 and fly net and was off.
In order to explain the significance of this new route, I need to provide a geography lesson about my location. Karratha is a long narrow town that runs east west. There are two main roads that border the town - one to the north and one to the south. The "top" road and the "bottom" road (creative bunch aren't they?). The top road runs along the flood plain/mud flats and the bottom road is bordered by rocky hills. Physically, Karratha can not expand north or south because of these natural boundaries. Karratha is a planned town, purpose built as a service town to the mining industry. The only way you can drive from one end of town to the other is by taking either the top road or the bottom road - no other roads go all the way through. There are three or four "through" roads which join the top and bottom roads. All the residential streets come off these through roads and most are culdesacs. The through roads form a natural border for the suburbs - there are four: Nickol, Millar's Well, Peg's Creek and Bulgarra. I live in Nickol, right on the edge of town. There is limited room for expansion east and west, too, because of the salt flats and more flood plain. There are heaps of bike tracks and footpaths throughout the town - I have to give credit to the town planners, it is pedestrian friendly. The footpaths join the culdesacs or run between them, so it is easier to walk than it is to drive. Unless you take the top road or bottom road, you can easily get lost in our charming little town and drive around in circles.
I'm getting to the point. Suffice to say my "normal" route follows the top road and I weave in and out of the streets around Nickol. Naturally I started my runs in loops around where I live and I avoided crossing the "through" road to Millar's Well. Well my walk today CROSSED THE ROAD!!! It was very exciting! I saw new people out and about, not the "regulars" who walk the top road with me. Another couple of exploration walks, then measure the distance on the bike and I might have a new running track! I've driven around the streets a fair bit (I volunteer for Meals on Wheels) but there is something different about walking them. Whilst I love my runs, I'm now excited about my next few walks too!! (Pretty sad really how a change in route can make me excited....)
In order to explain the significance of this new route, I need to provide a geography lesson about my location. Karratha is a long narrow town that runs east west. There are two main roads that border the town - one to the north and one to the south. The "top" road and the "bottom" road (creative bunch aren't they?). The top road runs along the flood plain/mud flats and the bottom road is bordered by rocky hills. Physically, Karratha can not expand north or south because of these natural boundaries. Karratha is a planned town, purpose built as a service town to the mining industry. The only way you can drive from one end of town to the other is by taking either the top road or the bottom road - no other roads go all the way through. There are three or four "through" roads which join the top and bottom roads. All the residential streets come off these through roads and most are culdesacs. The through roads form a natural border for the suburbs - there are four: Nickol, Millar's Well, Peg's Creek and Bulgarra. I live in Nickol, right on the edge of town. There is limited room for expansion east and west, too, because of the salt flats and more flood plain. There are heaps of bike tracks and footpaths throughout the town - I have to give credit to the town planners, it is pedestrian friendly. The footpaths join the culdesacs or run between them, so it is easier to walk than it is to drive. Unless you take the top road or bottom road, you can easily get lost in our charming little town and drive around in circles.
I'm getting to the point. Suffice to say my "normal" route follows the top road and I weave in and out of the streets around Nickol. Naturally I started my runs in loops around where I live and I avoided crossing the "through" road to Millar's Well. Well my walk today CROSSED THE ROAD!!! It was very exciting! I saw new people out and about, not the "regulars" who walk the top road with me. Another couple of exploration walks, then measure the distance on the bike and I might have a new running track! I've driven around the streets a fair bit (I volunteer for Meals on Wheels) but there is something different about walking them. Whilst I love my runs, I'm now excited about my next few walks too!! (Pretty sad really how a change in route can make me excited....)
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Tuesday
An easy run today. I was going to go for 5km but decided to only go for 4. I had an upset stomach this morning - probably something to do with the crap I ate yesterday when I went to a movie. I haven't had a pigout in a while, nor am I likely to again for a while if that is how it makes me feel when I run!! I was running much faster than I went on Sunday but I didn't record my time. I decided not even to take my watch because I get so frustrated at my speed. I might just go for distance for a while. Distance and how I feel. I struggled to make 4km. I stopped at about 3.5 to pat a cat that crossed my path - friendly thing. Then I found it difficult to start again. Serves me right. I decided to push it hard to 4km just to get it over with! I walked back to my street and did four run-throughs to finish off. (Not sure if that helps my speed, but it can't hurt!)
It was hot again. I checked the temp on the weather bureau site and it said 28.3 degrees. But the humidity was only at 30% so I didn't sweat too badly. I knew it was warm but I would have thought only about 26 so perhaps I am getting used to the heat!! I also went early - 5.10. If it's 28 degrees before 6am, I'm going to have to go early every day. Only getting to 40 today, apparently.
It was hot again. I checked the temp on the weather bureau site and it said 28.3 degrees. But the humidity was only at 30% so I didn't sweat too badly. I knew it was warm but I would have thought only about 26 so perhaps I am getting used to the heat!! I also went early - 5.10. If it's 28 degrees before 6am, I'm going to have to go early every day. Only getting to 40 today, apparently.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
An hour!
I was naughty today. Today is my long, slow run and my programme said I was to run for 50minutes. I decided to not check my watch because I get frustrated at how slow I go. I knew I would make 6km, so the plan was to check my watch at 6km and see how far I was from 50minutes with a view to making 7km. Good plan, I thought.
Well the weirdest thing happened. The further I ran, the easier it got. I was going slowly, I knew that, but I felt like I could just keep going. At 3km, I'm like "ONLY half way" but at 4km it was "only 2 to go". Instead of thinking in minutes, I was thinking in km! That's the first time that has happened. At 5km I was feeling strong. I was only going slowly but I wasn't puffed. I felt like I could keep plodding forever! At 6km I checked my watch and my little high came crashing down. 54minutes. No wonder I was feeling strong - I was barely at walking pace.
My brain had been thinking 7km and here I was at 6km already over the time I was supposed to be running. So I became a petulant child and thought stuff it I'll run the damn 7km. So I kept plodding, slowly, easily, and made 7km. I wanted to keep going but I thought I was pushing it a bit already, so I stopped. One hour and 2mintues! Well and truly over my 10%. Naughty.
Apart from my very slow speed, another reason I felt good today was because I ran very early and it was relatively cool. I was up before dawn and out the door when it was just light. I have the air conditioner set at 22 degrees and it was only slightly warmer than that outside. Probably only 23 or 24. I thought maybe I would escape the flies, but the buggers are up early. I'd finished my run and the temp would still only have been 26, if that. It was great. It means getting up at 4.40 - but only once a week! The heat has really started here now - it got to 42 yesterday. We are unlikely to get any respite from the heat until about April. Sigh. Gotta work with it - think of all the conditioning I'm getting!
Well the weirdest thing happened. The further I ran, the easier it got. I was going slowly, I knew that, but I felt like I could just keep going. At 3km, I'm like "ONLY half way" but at 4km it was "only 2 to go". Instead of thinking in minutes, I was thinking in km! That's the first time that has happened. At 5km I was feeling strong. I was only going slowly but I wasn't puffed. I felt like I could keep plodding forever! At 6km I checked my watch and my little high came crashing down. 54minutes. No wonder I was feeling strong - I was barely at walking pace.
My brain had been thinking 7km and here I was at 6km already over the time I was supposed to be running. So I became a petulant child and thought stuff it I'll run the damn 7km. So I kept plodding, slowly, easily, and made 7km. I wanted to keep going but I thought I was pushing it a bit already, so I stopped. One hour and 2mintues! Well and truly over my 10%. Naughty.
Apart from my very slow speed, another reason I felt good today was because I ran very early and it was relatively cool. I was up before dawn and out the door when it was just light. I have the air conditioner set at 22 degrees and it was only slightly warmer than that outside. Probably only 23 or 24. I thought maybe I would escape the flies, but the buggers are up early. I'd finished my run and the temp would still only have been 26, if that. It was great. It means getting up at 4.40 - but only once a week! The heat has really started here now - it got to 42 yesterday. We are unlikely to get any respite from the heat until about April. Sigh. Gotta work with it - think of all the conditioning I'm getting!
Friday, November 10, 2006
Easy day
Today I had to do 25 minutes light cardio vascular. Usually I will do a run/walk but today I went for a walk because my husband came with me. He doesn't run, and doesn't understand why I do, so it's nice sometimes to just walk together.
We walked for 30 minutes. I couldn't help myself and did the occasional star jump or knee lift or bum kick. But it was nice.
I don't feel like I've done anything when I've gone for a walk. Maybe I walk too slow. I think I'd like to start walking more often, maybe on rest days. I've got three rest days a week at the moment, and I itch to get out there and do something. What harm can a walk do?
I'm also thinking of tagging a walk onto the end of my runs to build up time on my feet. I hover around 40 to 50 minutes but if I add a 10 0r 15 minute walk to the end of the run, I will be on my feet for an hour. Sounds like a plan.
We walked for 30 minutes. I couldn't help myself and did the occasional star jump or knee lift or bum kick. But it was nice.
I don't feel like I've done anything when I've gone for a walk. Maybe I walk too slow. I think I'd like to start walking more often, maybe on rest days. I've got three rest days a week at the moment, and I itch to get out there and do something. What harm can a walk do?
I'm also thinking of tagging a walk onto the end of my runs to build up time on my feet. I hover around 40 to 50 minutes but if I add a 10 0r 15 minute walk to the end of the run, I will be on my feet for an hour. Sounds like a plan.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Fatness in perspective
I need to give some perspective to my fitness goal. I am a large girl. I don't like to admit these things but I tipped the scale at 100kgs. For my height of 172cm, that means I'm carrying about 40 extra kgs. Holy crap! I don't like to dwell on weight because I'm more about how you feel, or how you look. However the scales don't lie. So you can imagine what I look like in a pair of Skins.
When I started the C25K I struggled to run continuously for 1 minute. My fitness level was nonexistant. My speed has not improved, but my stamina has. I've made great improvements to be where I am now.
I have tried to run before. It's a bit like giving up an addiction. I was addicted to sitting on my butt!! I'd start a running programme but then something would happen and I'd stop for a week, then two weeks, then a month. Then I'd get sick, or something else would happen and soon there was no running programme.
I wanted to start running when I came to Karratha, about 12 months ago. But it was hot. Then there were cyclones. Excuses, excuses. I have to say, though, in January I hurt my ankle. I was packing up the pingpong table for a cyclone and I dropped it on my ankle. There was a lump the size of a cricket ball off the side of my ankle and we thought it was broken. Not much you can do in the face of a cyclone so it took 6 days to get to the doctor. By that time my whole foot was a yucky black/purple colour and I could not walk. The x-rays showed my ankle was not broken, thankfully, but bruised. I was on crutches for a fortnight and it was some months before I could walk without a limp and even now it is still tender - 10 months later!
So the weight piled on while I was doing zero exercise. I started the C25K programme cautiously but my ankle has been fine. I have full movement and it only hurts if I poke it! So I don't poke it!! The other day I remember having to think about which ankle it was - and I knew then it must be better! Still, there is weight on my ankles and knees so I need to be a little careful.
At the moment, I have no excuses. I have been exercising consistently since July. In fact I have not missed a session. I put this down to the support I received from the runners forum. Now I'm confident enough to start a blog! I have enough faith in myself that I will continue this running - even through the heat and cyclones!! (We dumped the pingpong table!)
When I started the C25K I struggled to run continuously for 1 minute. My fitness level was nonexistant. My speed has not improved, but my stamina has. I've made great improvements to be where I am now.
I have tried to run before. It's a bit like giving up an addiction. I was addicted to sitting on my butt!! I'd start a running programme but then something would happen and I'd stop for a week, then two weeks, then a month. Then I'd get sick, or something else would happen and soon there was no running programme.
I wanted to start running when I came to Karratha, about 12 months ago. But it was hot. Then there were cyclones. Excuses, excuses. I have to say, though, in January I hurt my ankle. I was packing up the pingpong table for a cyclone and I dropped it on my ankle. There was a lump the size of a cricket ball off the side of my ankle and we thought it was broken. Not much you can do in the face of a cyclone so it took 6 days to get to the doctor. By that time my whole foot was a yucky black/purple colour and I could not walk. The x-rays showed my ankle was not broken, thankfully, but bruised. I was on crutches for a fortnight and it was some months before I could walk without a limp and even now it is still tender - 10 months later!
So the weight piled on while I was doing zero exercise. I started the C25K programme cautiously but my ankle has been fine. I have full movement and it only hurts if I poke it! So I don't poke it!! The other day I remember having to think about which ankle it was - and I knew then it must be better! Still, there is weight on my ankles and knees so I need to be a little careful.
At the moment, I have no excuses. I have been exercising consistently since July. In fact I have not missed a session. I put this down to the support I received from the runners forum. Now I'm confident enough to start a blog! I have enough faith in myself that I will continue this running - even through the heat and cyclones!! (We dumped the pingpong table!)
"Speed" session
Today I had to warm up for 5min, then run 10min "comfortably hard", rest for 5min, then 10min "comfortably hard", then 5min cool down. The idea is to get me used to some faster work.
Last time I did this session, it was an out and back route but today I wanted to be able to measure how much distance I covered so I ran my normal route "Leonard Street".
I started with a five minute walk to my "starting" point then jogged very slowly for 5 minutes. I had my watch set to beep every 5 minutes. I figured that would let me know when I was half way through each of the 10 minute sessions. I probably only managed 500m in the first 5minutes - pretty slow. Then I picked up the pace as best I could. I reached the first km marker with 1.55 left of the first 5min of the 10min session. I was about 10 seconds shy of my 2nd km mark when the 10 minutes was up and I started to walk. My math is not great but I reckon that means I covered the 2nd km in about 7.10. An improvement! I walked for 5min, slowly because I knew I was actually supposed to be standing still. Then I started again for the 2nd 10mins. I tried to keep the pace, but I felt it get very hard. Soon I was running "normally" (ie very slowly). I pushed as much as I could but finished about 100m shy of the 4km mark (the fence at the end of the park). I slowed right down for the last 5min cool down and crossed 4km in 31.45. I kept jogging until the end of the 5min cool down then I walked home.
I felt tightness in my right calf during the second 10min session, but it was fine during the cool down. I made sure I stretched my calves well at the end. There is no soreness now, and the stretches did not hurt so I don't know what the tightness was.
I know my little tiny improvements should be celebrated but I still feel so fat and incapable. I was at a Melbourne Cup lunch on Tuesday when the conversation turned to exercise. I said I was trying to become fit and was running. One of the girls asked how far I was running and I said between 4 and 5km. There were ooh's and aah's around the table and I tried to tell them that it was distance not speed! Seriously, walkers could overtake me. I'm a plodder. Then of course they all thought I was being modest! Sigh. I think the only person who realises just how slow I am - is me!! I invited one of the girls to come with me one day, just to prove I am actually slow and she said she couldn't run that far. So on the one side I am frustrated at my lack of fitness and speed, and on the other hand I really should be proud that I can keep plodding and shuffling for 4 or 5km!! I'm at a confusing crossroads! And I suppose this confusion will remain until I reach a goal that is actually worth shouting about - like 10km in 60mins! And then by the time I have the fitness to run 10km in 60mins - that won't be good enough either!
So, moral of the story... I ran a km today in 7.10. YAY!!!
Last time I did this session, it was an out and back route but today I wanted to be able to measure how much distance I covered so I ran my normal route "Leonard Street".
I started with a five minute walk to my "starting" point then jogged very slowly for 5 minutes. I had my watch set to beep every 5 minutes. I figured that would let me know when I was half way through each of the 10 minute sessions. I probably only managed 500m in the first 5minutes - pretty slow. Then I picked up the pace as best I could. I reached the first km marker with 1.55 left of the first 5min of the 10min session. I was about 10 seconds shy of my 2nd km mark when the 10 minutes was up and I started to walk. My math is not great but I reckon that means I covered the 2nd km in about 7.10. An improvement! I walked for 5min, slowly because I knew I was actually supposed to be standing still. Then I started again for the 2nd 10mins. I tried to keep the pace, but I felt it get very hard. Soon I was running "normally" (ie very slowly). I pushed as much as I could but finished about 100m shy of the 4km mark (the fence at the end of the park). I slowed right down for the last 5min cool down and crossed 4km in 31.45. I kept jogging until the end of the 5min cool down then I walked home.
I felt tightness in my right calf during the second 10min session, but it was fine during the cool down. I made sure I stretched my calves well at the end. There is no soreness now, and the stretches did not hurt so I don't know what the tightness was.
I know my little tiny improvements should be celebrated but I still feel so fat and incapable. I was at a Melbourne Cup lunch on Tuesday when the conversation turned to exercise. I said I was trying to become fit and was running. One of the girls asked how far I was running and I said between 4 and 5km. There were ooh's and aah's around the table and I tried to tell them that it was distance not speed! Seriously, walkers could overtake me. I'm a plodder. Then of course they all thought I was being modest! Sigh. I think the only person who realises just how slow I am - is me!! I invited one of the girls to come with me one day, just to prove I am actually slow and she said she couldn't run that far. So on the one side I am frustrated at my lack of fitness and speed, and on the other hand I really should be proud that I can keep plodding and shuffling for 4 or 5km!! I'm at a confusing crossroads! And I suppose this confusion will remain until I reach a goal that is actually worth shouting about - like 10km in 60mins! And then by the time I have the fitness to run 10km in 60mins - that won't be good enough either!
So, moral of the story... I ran a km today in 7.10. YAY!!!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Fat and unfit
I started running as a way of increasing my fitness with the added bonus of losing some weight. Sometime over the last couple of years I've piled on the kilos. Not sure exactly when that happended, but as I recall it consisted of nice, lazy weekends with lots of food. It was a lifestyle. But now my lifestyle has changed.
I started running about 3 or 4 months ago. I was on the C25K program and made the 30minutes in 10 weeks (from a base of ZERO). But the 5km has taken much longer. I'm now running 5km, not so much with "ease" but certainly "easier". It still takes me 40minutes. I'm built for comfort not speed - but I hope to change that too!
Like anything, running is about consistency. I'm getting out there 4 times a week and running. Not far, and not fast, but running. I worry about injury so I haven't pushed myself yet (well - beyond struggling through 5km!). My knees and ankles are supporting a lot of weight and performing an action to which they are not accustomed! So I'll take it easy. And I'm enjoying the journey.
I don't want to be slim. That's not me - it never has been. But I'd like to be fit and healthy. If that means I am slim, well it's an added bonus!! I've never been good at dieting because I don't have a problem with being fat! I'd like to be thinner, sure, but to get there I'd rather run a marathon than eat lettuce. Of course I understand the irony that a good diet improves running - and I'm working on that!! I have changed my diet but I am not "on" a diet. Minor distinction but important!!
By the way, I have not been on this journey alone. Struggling through the C25K programme, I stumbled across a runners forum. I posted to this forum regularly and they were incredibly encouraging. Advice from many different people, some of whom had already taken the journey I am now on, served to inspire me at so many different levels. My milestones were rapid and each one magical. These milestones were supported and celebrated by the forum members.
I am far from being a runner (yet). But the journey has begun. And, you know, I don't want that journey to end too soon. I'm enjoying the travel!
I started running about 3 or 4 months ago. I was on the C25K program and made the 30minutes in 10 weeks (from a base of ZERO). But the 5km has taken much longer. I'm now running 5km, not so much with "ease" but certainly "easier". It still takes me 40minutes. I'm built for comfort not speed - but I hope to change that too!
Like anything, running is about consistency. I'm getting out there 4 times a week and running. Not far, and not fast, but running. I worry about injury so I haven't pushed myself yet (well - beyond struggling through 5km!). My knees and ankles are supporting a lot of weight and performing an action to which they are not accustomed! So I'll take it easy. And I'm enjoying the journey.
I don't want to be slim. That's not me - it never has been. But I'd like to be fit and healthy. If that means I am slim, well it's an added bonus!! I've never been good at dieting because I don't have a problem with being fat! I'd like to be thinner, sure, but to get there I'd rather run a marathon than eat lettuce. Of course I understand the irony that a good diet improves running - and I'm working on that!! I have changed my diet but I am not "on" a diet. Minor distinction but important!!
By the way, I have not been on this journey alone. Struggling through the C25K programme, I stumbled across a runners forum. I posted to this forum regularly and they were incredibly encouraging. Advice from many different people, some of whom had already taken the journey I am now on, served to inspire me at so many different levels. My milestones were rapid and each one magical. These milestones were supported and celebrated by the forum members.
I am far from being a runner (yet). But the journey has begun. And, you know, I don't want that journey to end too soon. I'm enjoying the travel!
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