1:23:06 - big PB, big confidence booster
The week started with me continuing drop my bundle with the funeral on Tuesday and family staying with us. I decided to cut the training and taper properly for the HM - no point trying to fit in runs at the expense of adequate sleep.
So it was 45k leading up to today, with just a Tuesday tempo of 7k@3:52 then 4k@3:55 as quality
I had put a bit of pressure on today's run this way, as there was no excuse for poor performance.
Conditions were perfect, fine, little wind and 10-15 degrees. My aim was to head out at a little harder than usual HM effort and hold on down the hills. Sugar was running a MP run after 35k yeaterday, so I thought I could hold him up the hill then pull away in the second half.
Usual fast start 3:46, then the 2 gravel kms 4:15,4:14
Quickly settled into a bunch 5th-9th led by Sugar, next 5k 3:55/4:02/4:04/3:59
At 8k I pulled away with another guy on a bit of downhill - 4:05/3:45 - 10k in 40:10
I had in my mind that it was all downhill from halfway but soon remembered the first couple had some up, 3:59/4:00/3:53/3:57. At 14k I was bang on 4min/k and felt that if there was any decent uphill from here I'd be dead - luckily there wasn't
3:47/3:48/3:46/3:54/3:44/3:43/3:45 plus change. I was passed by 2 guys down the hill, both with long strides and both disappeared quickly in the distance (and I thought I was running fast!)
I'd not really looked at my watch in the last 3k gravel as I watchd my feet and counted breaths to get to the finish. It was a big surprise as I turned onto the grass to see the clock tick onto 1:23.
This was definitely a 100% effort run on a decent taper, and is a big confidence booster for Canberra, which I needed psychologically. VDOT would equate this to a sub2:55 mara, which is less tight than prevous predictions.
Now I need to make sure this wasn't my peak race ( as was the case in '06 at FreoHM) - so I will try to make this week a 100k plus before starting the marathon taper.
42:34/40:32 up/down by GPS (42:54 turnaround on course - past halfway)
8:30 min PB on this course and big HM PB
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Challenging week
I was going to write difficult week, but challenging sounds more upbeat, and in the end, the running wasn't too bad.
When it hits, it all hits at once. I've noted the gastro already, which luckily only affected me Tues and Wed. More importantly, and sadly, my grandmother died on Tuesday night. It was expected, and in many ways a blssing, but still took it's toll and with family members flying in from o/seas and interstate for the funeral, time and sleep have been short. And of course this had to be the week where I was covering for a colleague on holidays, and exams have started again so spent 5hrs supervising exams yesterday.
Anyway, enough complaining. I'm healthy, and managed to fit in 95km running this week at 4:31min/k average. Most of the running was in the dark!
Mon am 10.6k@ 4:54 recovery
Tues am 10.5k@ 4:34 - the gastro started soon thereafter - had to skip intervals
Wed pm 9.4k @ 4:33 - looks better than it was - took 2 stops to slow down HR
Thurs am 10.55k@ 4:18 - 2x5k progression to 10k pace
Thurs pm 11.2k@4:12 - nighttime run knowing time would be short friday. 7k@3:55s plus w/up and down
Friday - no running. I really wanted to fit a run in somewhere, but with catchup work, airport pickup and catching up with family it didnt happen
Sat am 10.6k@4:36 easy-ish
Sun am 32.4k@4:36
Dragged myself out after little sleep (dont know how TB does those long runs on almost no sleep) and felt like a piece of poop. I was concerned by the forecast of 37, and already 22.5 at 530, but luckily things stayed around that temp the whole run, and the fresh breeze made it feel cooler. I ran exactly the same course a last sunday, trying to use those times as a motivator. I set out faster than last time, as I didnt have the oomph to run at MP later. Things went smoothly til Hale Rd at 25k - made it up the first hill fine, but ended up walking 100m of the second section. Once again I didnt have a gel (really need to get some in bulk) and again felt it after the 28k stop. I skipped a little final loop I did last week and shuffled home. Although the running time was a little quicker, last week the 2 breaks were about 2 minutes each, this week significantly longer, plus the walk up the hill.
So I cant really complain - for my 'bad' week, the running is fine. The first half of this week will be similar, then get ready for Darlington!
(AdizeroTempos - felt good but insecure/slipping at the heel- I'll try heel lock lacing next time. Speedstars felt great on thurs pm run. 2140s fine this morning, although a large blister due to the sock I think)
When it hits, it all hits at once. I've noted the gastro already, which luckily only affected me Tues and Wed. More importantly, and sadly, my grandmother died on Tuesday night. It was expected, and in many ways a blssing, but still took it's toll and with family members flying in from o/seas and interstate for the funeral, time and sleep have been short. And of course this had to be the week where I was covering for a colleague on holidays, and exams have started again so spent 5hrs supervising exams yesterday.
Anyway, enough complaining. I'm healthy, and managed to fit in 95km running this week at 4:31min/k average. Most of the running was in the dark!
Mon am 10.6k@ 4:54 recovery
Tues am 10.5k@ 4:34 - the gastro started soon thereafter - had to skip intervals
Wed pm 9.4k @ 4:33 - looks better than it was - took 2 stops to slow down HR
Thurs am 10.55k@ 4:18 - 2x5k progression to 10k pace
Thurs pm 11.2k@4:12 - nighttime run knowing time would be short friday. 7k@3:55s plus w/up and down
Friday - no running. I really wanted to fit a run in somewhere, but with catchup work, airport pickup and catching up with family it didnt happen
Sat am 10.6k@4:36 easy-ish
Sun am 32.4k@4:36
Dragged myself out after little sleep (dont know how TB does those long runs on almost no sleep) and felt like a piece of poop. I was concerned by the forecast of 37, and already 22.5 at 530, but luckily things stayed around that temp the whole run, and the fresh breeze made it feel cooler. I ran exactly the same course a last sunday, trying to use those times as a motivator. I set out faster than last time, as I didnt have the oomph to run at MP later. Things went smoothly til Hale Rd at 25k - made it up the first hill fine, but ended up walking 100m of the second section. Once again I didnt have a gel (really need to get some in bulk) and again felt it after the 28k stop. I skipped a little final loop I did last week and shuffled home. Although the running time was a little quicker, last week the 2 breaks were about 2 minutes each, this week significantly longer, plus the walk up the hill.
So I cant really complain - for my 'bad' week, the running is fine. The first half of this week will be similar, then get ready for Darlington!
(AdizeroTempos - felt good but insecure/slipping at the heel- I'll try heel lock lacing next time. Speedstars felt great on thurs pm run. 2140s fine this morning, although a large blister due to the sock I think)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Marathon Shoe Dilemma
An unusual midweek post for me.
Unfortunately I have picked up a gastro bug which had affected about 20 of my patients at a nursing home last week - pretty unavoidable to get it.
It's not too bad, apart from the gastro I just have some muscle and joint aches. I'm taking the running easy for a couple of days, but I've also had to stop patient contact 'til I'm better - my inner workaholic doesn't handle that well!
After reading Biscuitman's post I thought again re marathon shoes. All my marathons, including the trail ones, have been run in Asics21xx series - they are a known quantity. Wearing the 2140s for the first time on sundays long run I was immediatel reminded how comfortable they are, despite my foray into other shoes over the last 12 months.
Here are my options from current collection:
Mizuno Idaten 200g (too light and lacking support)
Adizero Mana 210g (a bit more supportive but more a 5-10k shoe)
Asics Speedstar 265g
Asic DS trainer 290g
Adizero Tempo 295g
Br0oks Adrenaline 330g
Asics 2140 340g
Adidas supernova 350g
The 2 adizero pairs were picked up cheap at Harbourtown today - I've been eyeing off the tempos as a midweight marathon shoe with reasonable motion control for a while now, and will probably try them at Darlington. The Ds trainers were my shoes at Matilda bay, but are old. The speedstars are similar and an option, whilst the 2140s are a safe bet.
The other issue is weather. It rained last year at Canberra. Previously the Ds trainers have really slipped in the wet and I suspect alot of the racing type shoes dont have great grip, so I'll probably need to take the 2140s in case.
Unfortunately I have picked up a gastro bug which had affected about 20 of my patients at a nursing home last week - pretty unavoidable to get it.
It's not too bad, apart from the gastro I just have some muscle and joint aches. I'm taking the running easy for a couple of days, but I've also had to stop patient contact 'til I'm better - my inner workaholic doesn't handle that well!
After reading Biscuitman's post I thought again re marathon shoes. All my marathons, including the trail ones, have been run in Asics21xx series - they are a known quantity. Wearing the 2140s for the first time on sundays long run I was immediatel reminded how comfortable they are, despite my foray into other shoes over the last 12 months.
Here are my options from current collection:
Mizuno Idaten 200g (too light and lacking support)
Adizero Mana 210g (a bit more supportive but more a 5-10k shoe)
Asics Speedstar 265g
Asic DS trainer 290g
Adizero Tempo 295g
Br0oks Adrenaline 330g
Asics 2140 340g
Adidas supernova 350g
The 2 adizero pairs were picked up cheap at Harbourtown today - I've been eyeing off the tempos as a midweight marathon shoe with reasonable motion control for a while now, and will probably try them at Darlington. The Ds trainers were my shoes at Matilda bay, but are old. The speedstars are similar and an option, whilst the 2140s are a safe bet.
The other issue is weather. It rained last year at Canberra. Previously the Ds trainers have really slipped in the wet and I suspect alot of the racing type shoes dont have great grip, so I'll probably need to take the 2140s in case.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Lacking some self control
107k@4:34 this week. I'm not complaining, but Im annoyed with myself that planned sessions changed due to a lack of self control, in particular the elusive longer MP run
Mon 14.2k@4:33 - took advantage of the public holiday for a midafternoon fartlek run through bold park. Very enjoyable but the heat took it's toll and I felt a bit crappy in the evening. Legs felt the hills as I've been running exclusively flat the last couple of weeks for Canberra
Tues 10.4k@4:10. - WAMC intervals. Due to a lack of the fast guys and my improvement, this was the first (and potentially only) time I was the fastest runner on most of the intervals. 4x300, 4x400,4x300. 100m jog/60sec or 90 sec recovery. I sped through the first set, leading the way in 50-54s. I tried to keep pride in the second set but came second in 2 of them ( 70-74). I was timing the recoveries (poorly, as I didn't have my garmin on interval mode) and obviously was making them too long so 3 guys started the last set 10 sec in front of me, but the faster young guy stayed with me and kept me honest -he hit higher gear and pulled away in the last 2 300s(51-53). Nearly vomited on the last one, and was too stuffed to even do a decent cooldown.
Wed 10.1k@4:42 easy
Thurs 10.7@4:54 easy and the slowest recovery I've done in a while
Fri 17k@4:17. This was meant to be the MP run. Headed down to Lake Monger, which I rarely run round despite it being so close. Started the session in 4:10s for the first 4k but gradually increased the speed and finished 10k in 40:20, more a tempo effort in the end. Had a drink then did another 2k in 8:00 then 3k cooldown. Hopefully next week the 20k@4:15
Sat 10.6k@4:46 easy
Sun 34.2k@4:37. Went back to the old route with Bold Park and Hale Rd hills, aiming to minimise breaks. 17-25degreesC with a gusty NE wind in the second half. Started easy with thoughts of a longer 40k'ish run, did the 1st 10k in 4:55s. Felt good once I hit the coast and sped things up, running at MP for a few km until my first stop at 18k, and 4:20s for the next 5k. Slowed down a bit over Hale Rd hill but then a couple more 4:15s leading up to the second drink stop at 28k. Last 6k slowed down to 4:35s. I was disorganised today so had no gels, just ran with the one powerade, after 18k was just running on water, so I'm pretty happy with the second half. Could have used a gel at 28k.
This Friday, work allowing, I will control my pace and run a 20k MP run. May need to start out at 4:20s just to force the slowness, and pick it up to 4:15s in the second 10k.
Commiserations to training partner Clown, who was forced to cancel Canberra due to injury. Perth will have to be your sub3 effort.
Mon 14.2k@4:33 - took advantage of the public holiday for a midafternoon fartlek run through bold park. Very enjoyable but the heat took it's toll and I felt a bit crappy in the evening. Legs felt the hills as I've been running exclusively flat the last couple of weeks for Canberra
Tues 10.4k@4:10. - WAMC intervals. Due to a lack of the fast guys and my improvement, this was the first (and potentially only) time I was the fastest runner on most of the intervals. 4x300, 4x400,4x300. 100m jog/60sec or 90 sec recovery. I sped through the first set, leading the way in 50-54s. I tried to keep pride in the second set but came second in 2 of them ( 70-74). I was timing the recoveries (poorly, as I didn't have my garmin on interval mode) and obviously was making them too long so 3 guys started the last set 10 sec in front of me, but the faster young guy stayed with me and kept me honest -he hit higher gear and pulled away in the last 2 300s(51-53). Nearly vomited on the last one, and was too stuffed to even do a decent cooldown.
Wed 10.1k@4:42 easy
Thurs 10.7@4:54 easy and the slowest recovery I've done in a while
Fri 17k@4:17. This was meant to be the MP run. Headed down to Lake Monger, which I rarely run round despite it being so close. Started the session in 4:10s for the first 4k but gradually increased the speed and finished 10k in 40:20, more a tempo effort in the end. Had a drink then did another 2k in 8:00 then 3k cooldown. Hopefully next week the 20k@4:15
Sat 10.6k@4:46 easy
Sun 34.2k@4:37. Went back to the old route with Bold Park and Hale Rd hills, aiming to minimise breaks. 17-25degreesC with a gusty NE wind in the second half. Started easy with thoughts of a longer 40k'ish run, did the 1st 10k in 4:55s. Felt good once I hit the coast and sped things up, running at MP for a few km until my first stop at 18k, and 4:20s for the next 5k. Slowed down a bit over Hale Rd hill but then a couple more 4:15s leading up to the second drink stop at 28k. Last 6k slowed down to 4:35s. I was disorganised today so had no gels, just ran with the one powerade, after 18k was just running on water, so I'm pretty happy with the second half. Could have used a gel at 28k.
This Friday, work allowing, I will control my pace and run a 20k MP run. May need to start out at 4:20s just to force the slowness, and pick it up to 4:15s in the second 10k.
Commiserations to training partner Clown, who was forced to cancel Canberra due to injury. Perth will have to be your sub3 effort.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Tough Day at the Office
96.9km this week @ 4:33 average - pretty fast week for me
Mon 9.4k@4:52 easy
Tues am 10.8k@4:39 - easy
Tues pm 9.9k intervals
800/400/400/600/300/300/400/200/200
2:42/1:14/1:13/1:54/54/55/ 1:14/35/ 35
As usual intended to take it fairly easy, ended up running my guts out, stuffed at the end.
Wed 10.1k@4:28 - supposed to be easy but got sucked into racing a guy around the lake did last 3k in 4:00s
Thurs rest day (second non running day for the year, worried re overtraining)
Fri 17.5k@4:21 - 6k@3:57, 1k easy then 4k@3:57
Sat 10.6k@4:40 easy
Sun 28.6k@4:40 Hot and humid morning. Drank a lovely bottle of '01 Bin389 by myself the night before to celebrate finally selling the house. Rob&I took plenty of breaks on this run. Did manage 4:15s for 18-20k and 21-25k.
I'm in sub 3:05 form now, just need to take it one step more to be ready for the goal.
The aim this week - a 20k midweek run, mostly at MP
Mon 9.4k@4:52 easy
Tues am 10.8k@4:39 - easy
Tues pm 9.9k intervals
800/400/400/600/300/300/400/200/200
2:42/1:14/1:13/1:54/54/55/ 1:14/35/ 35
As usual intended to take it fairly easy, ended up running my guts out, stuffed at the end.
Wed 10.1k@4:28 - supposed to be easy but got sucked into racing a guy around the lake did last 3k in 4:00s
Thurs rest day (second non running day for the year, worried re overtraining)
Fri 17.5k@4:21 - 6k@3:57, 1k easy then 4k@3:57
Sat 10.6k@4:40 easy
Sun 28.6k@4:40 Hot and humid morning. Drank a lovely bottle of '01 Bin389 by myself the night before to celebrate finally selling the house. Rob&I took plenty of breaks on this run. Did manage 4:15s for 18-20k and 21-25k.
I'm in sub 3:05 form now, just need to take it one step more to be ready for the goal.
The aim this week - a 20k midweek run, mostly at MP
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Record Week
114.5km this week - record for me
Mon am 10.5k@ 4:52 recovery
Tues am 10.6k@ 4:48 easy
Tues pm 11.9k - 4.4 w/up, 2.6 w/down.
Whistle type session - 2x2min, 2x90sec, 2x60sec, 4x30sec with 1min jog or 30sec jog between.
I perhaps overperformed in this one, mainly because I treated it more like a Mona fartlek session, with a float rather than a jog between.
Total 4.9k in 18:30 (@3:46) continuous
Wed pm 13.2k@4:45 easy
Thurs am 10.6k@4:47 easy
Friday am 12.3k @ 4:22. Tempo run - 5k in 19:50, 90 sec break then 3k in 11:40
Sat am 10.1k@ 4:46
Sun am 35.2k@ 4:44.
Long run - started alone and ran the first 13k easy in 5:00s before meeting Rob and accelerating to 4:35-4:40s. We split at 25k, and I pushed 2k MP then returning to 4:40s for the last 8k. I took 2 gels again today at 20k and 30k, and noticed the benefit, but again more so the crash once the first wore off - I felt a sudden fatigue in the legs, which quickly disappeared with the second gel. As I noted in a previous post I think, if I start taking them I need to keep doing so. In the marathon I think I'll probably stick with pre-dropped off sports drinks which should give me a more consistent carb intake.
Great to see Clown running so smoothly again (looks good for Canberra), and Sling starting to return to form.
If anyone hasn't seen this YouTube video, it's a current favourite of mine - I think I initially stole it from my cousin's site (chris-berg.com)
Mon am 10.5k@ 4:52 recovery
Tues am 10.6k@ 4:48 easy
Tues pm 11.9k - 4.4 w/up, 2.6 w/down.
Whistle type session - 2x2min, 2x90sec, 2x60sec, 4x30sec with 1min jog or 30sec jog between.
I perhaps overperformed in this one, mainly because I treated it more like a Mona fartlek session, with a float rather than a jog between.
Total 4.9k in 18:30 (@3:46) continuous
Wed pm 13.2k@4:45 easy
Thurs am 10.6k@4:47 easy
Friday am 12.3k @ 4:22. Tempo run - 5k in 19:50, 90 sec break then 3k in 11:40
Sat am 10.1k@ 4:46
Sun am 35.2k@ 4:44.
Long run - started alone and ran the first 13k easy in 5:00s before meeting Rob and accelerating to 4:35-4:40s. We split at 25k, and I pushed 2k MP then returning to 4:40s for the last 8k. I took 2 gels again today at 20k and 30k, and noticed the benefit, but again more so the crash once the first wore off - I felt a sudden fatigue in the legs, which quickly disappeared with the second gel. As I noted in a previous post I think, if I start taking them I need to keep doing so. In the marathon I think I'll probably stick with pre-dropped off sports drinks which should give me a more consistent carb intake.
Great to see Clown running so smoothly again (looks good for Canberra), and Sling starting to return to form.
If anyone hasn't seen this YouTube video, it's a current favourite of mine - I think I initially stole it from my cousin's site (chris-berg.com)
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Matilda Bay 10k
Very light week this week, not specifically intended to be a taper, rather workload with meetings and some evening call-outs limiting my running. I had my first non running day after 42 straight on Tuesday thanks to an early morning meeting and an evening callout.
Mon 6k@5:07 recovery
Wed 13.2k@4:43 progression
Thurs 10.7k@4:39 easy
Friday 10.1k@4:28 progression to tempo pace
Saturday11.2k@4:45 easy (plus 700m @5k pace)
Sunday 13k total
about 19 degrees and 95% humidity, but luckily no wind to speak of
Felt heavy in the legs this morning - but I must admit to never feeling particularly lively before a race.
Started reasonably controlled in 3:37 and found myself just ahead of Chris Maher, who subsequently ran on my shoulder until 9.75k - this was a blessing as it kept me going.
3:36/3:47/3:51/3:51/3:54 (19:01) but went past 5k marker at 19:10
3:49/3:50/3:52/3:50/3:43 (38:09) plus 80m
Passed the line in 38:21 (more than a minute PB)
Very happy with the run - obviously painful but breathing was good first 8k, only the shins complaining a bit. Went into the red zone in the final 2k, passing 2 guys and being passed by then re-taking Chris to finish first in my little group. Really happy with the even pace in the 3-9k section.
Chatted to Rob afterwards then had to rush home to get my wife to the airport for a little Melbourne shopping holiday - leaving me a week to be able to do some late evening runs if necessary to fit around work and therefore hopefully fit in a bigger week.
I was going to go out for a pm run, but with that long awaited PB done, I decided to treat myself!
Mon 6k@5:07 recovery
Wed 13.2k@4:43 progression
Thurs 10.7k@4:39 easy
Friday 10.1k@4:28 progression to tempo pace
Saturday11.2k@4:45 easy (plus 700m @5k pace)
Sunday 13k total
about 19 degrees and 95% humidity, but luckily no wind to speak of
Felt heavy in the legs this morning - but I must admit to never feeling particularly lively before a race.
Started reasonably controlled in 3:37 and found myself just ahead of Chris Maher, who subsequently ran on my shoulder until 9.75k - this was a blessing as it kept me going.
3:36/3:47/3:51/3:51/3:54 (19:01) but went past 5k marker at 19:10
3:49/3:50/3:52/3:50/3:43 (38:09) plus 80m
Passed the line in 38:21 (more than a minute PB)
Very happy with the run - obviously painful but breathing was good first 8k, only the shins complaining a bit. Went into the red zone in the final 2k, passing 2 guys and being passed by then re-taking Chris to finish first in my little group. Really happy with the even pace in the 3-9k section.
Chatted to Rob afterwards then had to rush home to get my wife to the airport for a little Melbourne shopping holiday - leaving me a week to be able to do some late evening runs if necessary to fit around work and therefore hopefully fit in a bigger week.
I was going to go out for a pm run, but with that long awaited PB done, I decided to treat myself!
Sunday, February 08, 2009
What a difference the weather makes
Two weeks this post - and an end to the song titles ( I can hear the tears of sadness)
The weeks go quite well together, as my recovery week was contained across the two - triggered by a strained right hip abductor (probably gluteus medius)
Week 1 (26/1- 1/2) 88.4k @ 4:43
Monday 10.6k @4:50 recovery
Tuesday 12.9k Yasso Interval Session 6x800m in 3min with 3min jog recovery. Felt crap throughout, no rhythm.
Wednesday 10.7k @4:40 recovery
Thursday 10.5k @4:26 - 4k tempo pace (watch not working so estimated time from IPod songs!)
Friday 10k @4:43 easy - very sore right hip abductor
Saturday 10.3k @4;55 recovery - still very sore hip
Sunday 23.4k @4:46. Hot humid day, running solo and with a time limit to drive down south for our holiday, I really struggled. Still very sore hip
Week 2 (2/2-8/2) 96k @ 4:45
This week saw my first holiday since last May, if only for four nights. Sadly I hadn't arranged cover very well and by the end of breakfast on monday morning I had fielded 8 calls and was not feeling very relaxed. Things did improve though, thanks to company (family), setting (Bunker bay) and plenty of wine. The area was quite hilly with some nice trails as wel as the northern end of the Cape to Cape trail, so I enjoyed some slow trail, hill and barefoot beach running. I went slowly to ease the hip.
Monday 10k @ 5:35 - explores some narrow trails which had me walking a bit - thus the slow time
Tuesday 12k@ 5:00 - included 4k of barefoot beach running
Wednesday 12.2k@ 4:33 - the last 3k was downhill - 3:52/3:40/3:37- 11:09 for 3k!
Thursday 10.25k @ 4:27 - back in Perth too soon! Progression with 4k @ MP
Friday 10.22k @ 4:25 - 5k @ MP this time
Saturday 6k@5:00 - perfunctory run to keep up the record
Sunday 35.2k@ 4:39
Today's run was the reason for the title. The 9am temp was 9 degrees lower than last Sunday and far less humid, much better to run in. I knew this was a chance to get a quicker long run in, and ran from home to UWA then around the bridges plus Windan bridge loop.
first 5k @ 5:02
then 12k@ 4:43
then 10k@ 4:19
last 8.2k @ 4:42
I wanted to do 10k at about MP, and although it was a little slower, that pace for the 17-27k section was pleasing. More pleasing was the fact that I finished fresher than any of the 30k+ runs so far this preparation. First stop for water and gel at 22.5k, second stop at 27.5k, third stop/second gel at 31k.
January total 422k
Current sequence - 42 consecutive running days.
The weeks go quite well together, as my recovery week was contained across the two - triggered by a strained right hip abductor (probably gluteus medius)
Week 1 (26/1- 1/2) 88.4k @ 4:43
Monday 10.6k @4:50 recovery
Tuesday 12.9k Yasso Interval Session 6x800m in 3min with 3min jog recovery. Felt crap throughout, no rhythm.
Wednesday 10.7k @4:40 recovery
Thursday 10.5k @4:26 - 4k tempo pace (watch not working so estimated time from IPod songs!)
Friday 10k @4:43 easy - very sore right hip abductor
Saturday 10.3k @4;55 recovery - still very sore hip
Sunday 23.4k @4:46. Hot humid day, running solo and with a time limit to drive down south for our holiday, I really struggled. Still very sore hip
Week 2 (2/2-8/2) 96k @ 4:45
This week saw my first holiday since last May, if only for four nights. Sadly I hadn't arranged cover very well and by the end of breakfast on monday morning I had fielded 8 calls and was not feeling very relaxed. Things did improve though, thanks to company (family), setting (Bunker bay) and plenty of wine. The area was quite hilly with some nice trails as wel as the northern end of the Cape to Cape trail, so I enjoyed some slow trail, hill and barefoot beach running. I went slowly to ease the hip.
Monday 10k @ 5:35 - explores some narrow trails which had me walking a bit - thus the slow time
Tuesday 12k@ 5:00 - included 4k of barefoot beach running
Wednesday 12.2k@ 4:33 - the last 3k was downhill - 3:52/3:40/3:37- 11:09 for 3k!
Thursday 10.25k @ 4:27 - back in Perth too soon! Progression with 4k @ MP
Friday 10.22k @ 4:25 - 5k @ MP this time
Saturday 6k@5:00 - perfunctory run to keep up the record
Sunday 35.2k@ 4:39
Today's run was the reason for the title. The 9am temp was 9 degrees lower than last Sunday and far less humid, much better to run in. I knew this was a chance to get a quicker long run in, and ran from home to UWA then around the bridges plus Windan bridge loop.
first 5k @ 5:02
then 12k@ 4:43
then 10k@ 4:19
last 8.2k @ 4:42
I wanted to do 10k at about MP, and although it was a little slower, that pace for the 17-27k section was pleasing. More pleasing was the fact that I finished fresher than any of the 30k+ runs so far this preparation. First stop for water and gel at 22.5k, second stop at 27.5k, third stop/second gel at 31k.
January total 422k
Current sequence - 42 consecutive running days.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Run To Me
Bee Gees 1972 - Oh Yeah! (YouTube it)
98.2km @ 4:44 this week.
Monday 10.6k @ 4:54 recovery
Tuesday 12.85k @4:15 - intervals
Back to Perry Lakes group for some shorter intervals. Big crowd, lots of fast triathlon guys.
2x800m 2:44, 2:42 (?recov time 2min)
4x400m 74/74/73/74 (90sec)
6x200m 38/37/37/38/38/36 (30 sec )
Too fast! Especially the 400s and 200s which were more like VDOT 60 pace.
Felt it afterwards, paid for trying to keep up with the flying Clown
Wednesday13.1k@4:37 - supposedly easy
Thursday 11.6k@4:47 - easy
Friday 9.8k@4:33 - 2x2k tempo intervals
Saturday 6.1k@5:15 - drills - knee lifts/butt kicks/fast steps/bounding/strides
This was my answer to needing a rest day but being obsessive about running every day in Jan - was fun but looked weird down around the Lake jumping about
Sunday 34.2k@4:51
Long run with Rob - felt OK. After my usual slow start we did the longer Bold Park loop , sped up along WC Hwy and went over Hale Rd fine. Took a gel at 21k and really could have done with one at 28k. I think once you start taking them you need to keep on doing so regularly or your sugar crashes. About 27C at the end and with little wind, felt even hotter. Struggled a bit mentally last 3k after splitting from Rob.
I felt quite a bit of ache and fatigue Thurs-Sat, not sure if this was from overdoing the intervals or from the 26 days straight. Luckily this morning boosted my confidence again.
I know I need to program in a light week, wondering if it can wait til the week of Matilda Bay 10k ?
98.2km @ 4:44 this week.
Monday 10.6k @ 4:54 recovery
Tuesday 12.85k @4:15 - intervals
Back to Perry Lakes group for some shorter intervals. Big crowd, lots of fast triathlon guys.
2x800m 2:44, 2:42 (?recov time 2min)
4x400m 74/74/73/74 (90sec)
6x200m 38/37/37/38/38/36 (30 sec )
Too fast! Especially the 400s and 200s which were more like VDOT 60 pace.
Felt it afterwards, paid for trying to keep up with the flying Clown
Wednesday13.1k@4:37 - supposedly easy
Thursday 11.6k@4:47 - easy
Friday 9.8k@4:33 - 2x2k tempo intervals
Saturday 6.1k@5:15 - drills - knee lifts/butt kicks/fast steps/bounding/strides
This was my answer to needing a rest day but being obsessive about running every day in Jan - was fun but looked weird down around the Lake jumping about
Sunday 34.2k@4:51
Long run with Rob - felt OK. After my usual slow start we did the longer Bold Park loop , sped up along WC Hwy and went over Hale Rd fine. Took a gel at 21k and really could have done with one at 28k. I think once you start taking them you need to keep on doing so regularly or your sugar crashes. About 27C at the end and with little wind, felt even hotter. Struggled a bit mentally last 3k after splitting from Rob.
I felt quite a bit of ache and fatigue Thurs-Sat, not sure if this was from overdoing the intervals or from the 26 days straight. Luckily this morning boosted my confidence again.
I know I need to program in a light week, wondering if it can wait til the week of Matilda Bay 10k ?
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Runaway
Del Shannon (1961)
95.4k @ 4:43 this week
Monday 10.2k @ 4:59 - easy (Staying in Dalkeith - down to Matilda Bay)
Tuesday 11.85k- intervals - longer intervals with Rob. 4x1.6k 3 min recovery
1.61k in 5:56 @3:42
1.61k in 5:51 @ 3:38
1.61k in 5:48 @ 3:36
1.61k in 5:44 @ 3:34
Wednesday 10.25k @4:20 - 7km at MP. Very windy day - ran 3.5k with wind at back - MP effort tempo pace (4:00s), and 3.5k into the breeze - more effort, much slower - 4:20s
Thursday 8.5k@4:51 recovery
Friday 11.2k@4:43 easy (very warm - 29C at 630am)
Saturday 10.2k@ 4:37 - with a token 3k at MP
Sunday 33.25k @4:57. Slower long run - combination mental and physical tiredness, the new year energy has left me. Ran the traditional course with Rob, but purposely slowing things down. Stil made it up Hale Rd OK, and finished with pretty strong legs. Only low 20s but felt quite humid.
So another reasonable week - especially the longer intervals which were very pleasing.
95.4k @ 4:43 this week
Monday 10.2k @ 4:59 - easy (Staying in Dalkeith - down to Matilda Bay)
Tuesday 11.85k- intervals - longer intervals with Rob. 4x1.6k 3 min recovery
1.61k in 5:56 @3:42
1.61k in 5:51 @ 3:38
1.61k in 5:48 @ 3:36
1.61k in 5:44 @ 3:34
Wednesday 10.25k @4:20 - 7km at MP. Very windy day - ran 3.5k with wind at back - MP effort tempo pace (4:00s), and 3.5k into the breeze - more effort, much slower - 4:20s
Thursday 8.5k@4:51 recovery
Friday 11.2k@4:43 easy (very warm - 29C at 630am)
Saturday 10.2k@ 4:37 - with a token 3k at MP
Sunday 33.25k @4:57. Slower long run - combination mental and physical tiredness, the new year energy has left me. Ran the traditional course with Rob, but purposely slowing things down. Stil made it up Hale Rd OK, and finished with pretty strong legs. Only low 20s but felt quite humid.
So another reasonable week - especially the longer intervals which were very pleasing.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Nowhere to Run
Martha and the Vandellas 1965 (Motown)
97.9km @ 4:42 this week
Monday 6.13k @ 4:59 - recovery (slept in so very short)
Tuesday 11.1k@ 4:54 - easy. Felt very lethargic
Wed am 10k total - 10min MP (4:13) 10min Tempo (3:58) 1.5k 5k pace (3:37) Was meant to be 10min at 10k pace but started off too fast.
Wed pm 7.9k @ 4:35 - ran to in-laws in 30 degree heat - went just a little too fast.
Thurs 10.4k@ 4:55 - recovery
Friday 10.1k@ 4:29 - fartlek with approx 4x1k at tempo (4:00s)
Saturday 11.1k @ 4:53 avHR 150 - easy
Sunday 30.62km in 2:23 @ 4:40 - ran with Rob from City Beach to Sorrento and back. First 15k in 4:35s then pulled back a touch 21degress at the start, 28 by the end. Periods feeling really good, some feeling crappy. Felt like pushing myself at the end intending to do a MP last km. Ended up doing it in 3:55 - felt good!
Have lost 2kg last month or so, eating healthier (more low GI cereals,chickpeas,lentils,quinoa) and coping with the heat and training OK. Occasional left ankle pain, no specific incident so not sure why.
When fatigued, I'm feeling unstable around the hips/pelvis, so trying to do some core work to help this.
97.9km @ 4:42 this week
Monday 6.13k @ 4:59 - recovery (slept in so very short)
Tuesday 11.1k@ 4:54 - easy. Felt very lethargic
Wed am 10k total - 10min MP (4:13) 10min Tempo (3:58) 1.5k 5k pace (3:37) Was meant to be 10min at 10k pace but started off too fast.
Wed pm 7.9k @ 4:35 - ran to in-laws in 30 degree heat - went just a little too fast.
Thurs 10.4k@ 4:55 - recovery
Friday 10.1k@ 4:29 - fartlek with approx 4x1k at tempo (4:00s)
Saturday 11.1k @ 4:53 avHR 150 - easy
Sunday 30.62km in 2:23 @ 4:40 - ran with Rob from City Beach to Sorrento and back. First 15k in 4:35s then pulled back a touch 21degress at the start, 28 by the end. Periods feeling really good, some feeling crappy. Felt like pushing myself at the end intending to do a MP last km. Ended up doing it in 3:55 - felt good!
Have lost 2kg last month or so, eating healthier (more low GI cereals,chickpeas,lentils,quinoa) and coping with the heat and training OK. Occasional left ankle pain, no specific incident so not sure why.
When fatigued, I'm feeling unstable around the hips/pelvis, so trying to do some core work to help this.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Keep On Running
The Spencer Davis Group 1965
86km @ 4:43 this week
Tuesday 10.13 @ 4:28 - last 3k at MP
Wed 10.32 @ 4:33
Thurs 13.36 @ 4:38
Friday 10.34 @ 4:43 - av HR 156 - trying to slow myself down
Sat 11.11 @ 4:48 - av HR 156 - same again in hot conditions
Sun 30.88@ 4:51
Overall OK for week 2 post SixInch. Fell into the trap of medium effort 'nothing' runs as is often the case.
This morning quite happy with the long run, very little motivation running alone in increasing heat. Struggled through the first 10k in 5:00 pace, but once on WC Highway found some rhythm and settled in to 4:45s for the next 15k, including over the Hale Rd hill.
Only stopped to fill water at 13k and 23k, finished in reasonable shape. Hopefully the first of 11 30k+ runs in the next 3 months (need to get faster)
86km @ 4:43 this week
Tuesday 10.13 @ 4:28 - last 3k at MP
Wed 10.32 @ 4:33
Thurs 13.36 @ 4:38
Friday 10.34 @ 4:43 - av HR 156 - trying to slow myself down
Sat 11.11 @ 4:48 - av HR 156 - same again in hot conditions
Sun 30.88@ 4:51
Overall OK for week 2 post SixInch. Fell into the trap of medium effort 'nothing' runs as is often the case.
This morning quite happy with the long run, very little motivation running alone in increasing heat. Struggled through the first 10k in 5:00 pace, but once on WC Highway found some rhythm and settled in to 4:45s for the next 15k, including over the Hale Rd hill.
Only stopped to fill water at 13k and 23k, finished in reasonable shape. Hopefully the first of 11 30k+ runs in the next 3 months (need to get faster)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Break My Stride
Matthew Wilder 1983.
2008 running year in review:
3:14 Canberra Marathon - highlight
Sub 40 min 10k - 39:34 Lake Monger
Sub 19 min 5k - 18:55 Lake Joondalup
3000m time trial - 10:38
3:19 Perth Marathon off inadequate prep was OK
35min PB in the SixInch - very pleasing (and only just realised I ran only a minute slower than Dave did in 2007)
Of note in recent times has been a real meditative pleasure coming through my running, and with it a desire to run every day.
2009 Running Goals:
Put simply - SUB 3 HOUR MARATHON
Attempt #1 - Canberra Marathon (April) flights and accomodation have been booked, my wife's coming with me this time (!) and a downscaled post marathon holiday compared with last year - a week in Sydney.
Attempt #2 - Perth Marathon(July)
Subsequent Attempts_Other marathons are possible, depending upon the result. There is a chance I may need to take up swimming in a hurry to do the swim leg of Busselton in December.
Other distance PBs will need to come if I can do it, but they are secondary.
This is a challenging target, and I'd rate myself at best a 50:50 chance of achieving it. I am aware of several runners, all better than I, who have come so close but not quite got there. Everything will have to go right to scrape under that barrier. (Hopefully I can get dragged along by Clown who will do it with his eyes shut)
Many thanks to the other running bloggers, you all provide me with motivation in one way or another. I hope you all have a successful 2009.
2008 running year in review:
3:14 Canberra Marathon - highlight
Sub 40 min 10k - 39:34 Lake Monger
Sub 19 min 5k - 18:55 Lake Joondalup
3000m time trial - 10:38
3:19 Perth Marathon off inadequate prep was OK
35min PB in the SixInch - very pleasing (and only just realised I ran only a minute slower than Dave did in 2007)
Of note in recent times has been a real meditative pleasure coming through my running, and with it a desire to run every day.
2009 Running Goals:
Put simply - SUB 3 HOUR MARATHON
Attempt #1 - Canberra Marathon (April) flights and accomodation have been booked, my wife's coming with me this time (!) and a downscaled post marathon holiday compared with last year - a week in Sydney.
Attempt #2 - Perth Marathon(July)
Subsequent Attempts_Other marathons are possible, depending upon the result. There is a chance I may need to take up swimming in a hurry to do the swim leg of Busselton in December.
Other distance PBs will need to come if I can do it, but they are secondary.
This is a challenging target, and I'd rate myself at best a 50:50 chance of achieving it. I am aware of several runners, all better than I, who have come so close but not quite got there. Everything will have to go right to scrape under that barrier. (Hopefully I can get dragged along by Clown who will do it with his eyes shut)
Many thanks to the other running bloggers, you all provide me with motivation in one way or another. I hope you all have a successful 2009.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Running
Evermore (2006) - don't love this song, but I'm starting to scrape the bottom of the barrel
Recovery week post SixInch and Christmas/Boxing Day overindulgence. I really enjoyed having 4 days off for the first time since April/May holidays.
Just 40km in 4x10k approx. Overall pace a bit fast at 4:35s, but included a 5k tempo.
Couldn't resist the Jim Kidd post Christmas sale - Bought Asics 2140s with Asic Speedstars free - these are a little lighter than the DS trainers (which are coming to the end of their run) but still significantly more supportive than the Mizuno Idaten - for tempos and 10k-HM races. Still too light for marathon I suspect.
I'll post midweek with New Year Review/Goals
Recovery week post SixInch and Christmas/Boxing Day overindulgence. I really enjoyed having 4 days off for the first time since April/May holidays.
Just 40km in 4x10k approx. Overall pace a bit fast at 4:35s, but included a 5k tempo.
Couldn't resist the Jim Kidd post Christmas sale - Bought Asics 2140s with Asic Speedstars free - these are a little lighter than the DS trainers (which are coming to the end of their run) but still significantly more supportive than the Mizuno Idaten - for tempos and 10k-HM races. Still too light for marathon I suspect.
I'll post midweek with New Year Review/Goals
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Running Up That Hill
Kate Bush 1985
Six Inch Track Report
I had felt borderline viral/congested all week, so I took it fairly easy with Mon,Tues (race),Thurs,Sat runs total 32km
Saturday night I left the family Xmas party early and got about 4hrs sleep before a 2:45am rise, drive down to dwellingup then back to the start. Much bigger crowd than last year - over 20 I think.
I set off on the uphill first 4k much more comfortably than last year, but still found myself in 5th. Joined with Nathan and we upped the pace well under 5min/km. About 10k one of the Irish guys ran up to us, asked how fast we were going - I said 4:40 and he sped off ahead of us. Soon thereafter we saw him miss a turnoff, shouted to him, but his Ipod prevented him hearing us, and he was going too fast to readily catch.
About 14k or so Nathan let me go ahead. so I set on a plan to stay ahead of him as long as possible, knowing his endurance is great, and he'd catch me eventually. I run better when chased.
I managed to maintain the pace well up to the 23km mark (first drink stop) - not having walked and being 1hr58. Nathan was within a minute of me though. I was also told I was third, 2 of the other early leaders having made wrong turns too.
I realised I'd gone out too hard, but was already 14min up on last year at halfway. I reasoned that if I could stay ahead of or with Nathan to 35km stop, I could slog home in 4:15, my aim.
The next 12 km are some of the hilliest of the course, and I walked the steeper uphills and made it up down the hills, managing to maintain 5:10-5:15s despite the walks. I was surprised to get to 35k without Nathan in sight, and again stopped for 10 sec only before carrying on. 35k was smack on 3hrs, and I reasoned I could slow to 7 min kms and just make my target.
Fear of being caught driving me on, I maintained sub5:30 pace to 40k, and then after a section where i could look back 300m I couldnt see anyone following and realised I could come third. Soon I also realised sub4hrs was in the offing. At this point anything resembling a hill I was walking up, but only for seconds before running again.
I crossed the line third in just under 3hrs58 - a 35minute improvement on last year! I certainly hdn't taken it easy in the end, and was cramping up pretty badly for me.
As I had predicted, Craig Dufty was the dark horse in the race and won in a new course record of 3hr36, with Dave Kennedy a few minutes behind. The 3 stray runners were found and ended up running 3-5km longer than the course in total. They were a good hour behind me so I'd like to think I'd have got third anyway.
Now I'm tired but happy - the marathon time plus an hour rule of thumb and a 35min improvement in 12 months don't mean I could run a sub 3hr marathon today, but are confidence building nonetheless.
Nice to meet/carpool with Coops, who backed up well 13days after LasVegas Marathon. Bernadette broke the womens record by over an hour, Gunner stopped by at the end to say hi and TB completed (I hope - hadn't finished when I left) another mammoth effort on his injured ankle.
5k splits (2007 splits in brackets)
27:54 (31:37)
24:18 (27:28)
24:49 (27:17)
24:40 (27:31)
26:11 (29:44)
25:59 (28:05)
26:09 (31:51)
27:08 (32:23)
25:45 (32:08)
plus 960m 5:00
Six Inch Track Report
I had felt borderline viral/congested all week, so I took it fairly easy with Mon,Tues (race),Thurs,Sat runs total 32km
Saturday night I left the family Xmas party early and got about 4hrs sleep before a 2:45am rise, drive down to dwellingup then back to the start. Much bigger crowd than last year - over 20 I think.
I set off on the uphill first 4k much more comfortably than last year, but still found myself in 5th. Joined with Nathan and we upped the pace well under 5min/km. About 10k one of the Irish guys ran up to us, asked how fast we were going - I said 4:40 and he sped off ahead of us. Soon thereafter we saw him miss a turnoff, shouted to him, but his Ipod prevented him hearing us, and he was going too fast to readily catch.
About 14k or so Nathan let me go ahead. so I set on a plan to stay ahead of him as long as possible, knowing his endurance is great, and he'd catch me eventually. I run better when chased.
I managed to maintain the pace well up to the 23km mark (first drink stop) - not having walked and being 1hr58. Nathan was within a minute of me though. I was also told I was third, 2 of the other early leaders having made wrong turns too.
I realised I'd gone out too hard, but was already 14min up on last year at halfway. I reasoned that if I could stay ahead of or with Nathan to 35km stop, I could slog home in 4:15, my aim.
The next 12 km are some of the hilliest of the course, and I walked the steeper uphills and made it up down the hills, managing to maintain 5:10-5:15s despite the walks. I was surprised to get to 35k without Nathan in sight, and again stopped for 10 sec only before carrying on. 35k was smack on 3hrs, and I reasoned I could slow to 7 min kms and just make my target.
Fear of being caught driving me on, I maintained sub5:30 pace to 40k, and then after a section where i could look back 300m I couldnt see anyone following and realised I could come third. Soon I also realised sub4hrs was in the offing. At this point anything resembling a hill I was walking up, but only for seconds before running again.
I crossed the line third in just under 3hrs58 - a 35minute improvement on last year! I certainly hdn't taken it easy in the end, and was cramping up pretty badly for me.
As I had predicted, Craig Dufty was the dark horse in the race and won in a new course record of 3hr36, with Dave Kennedy a few minutes behind. The 3 stray runners were found and ended up running 3-5km longer than the course in total. They were a good hour behind me so I'd like to think I'd have got third anyway.
Now I'm tired but happy - the marathon time plus an hour rule of thumb and a 35min improvement in 12 months don't mean I could run a sub 3hr marathon today, but are confidence building nonetheless.
Nice to meet/carpool with Coops, who backed up well 13days after LasVegas Marathon. Bernadette broke the womens record by over an hour, Gunner stopped by at the end to say hi and TB completed (I hope - hadn't finished when I left) another mammoth effort on his injured ankle.
5k splits (2007 splits in brackets)
27:54 (31:37)
24:18 (27:28)
24:49 (27:17)
24:40 (27:31)
26:11 (29:44)
25:59 (28:05)
26:09 (31:51)
27:08 (32:23)
25:45 (32:08)
plus 960m 5:00
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Perry Lakes 3000m (Da do run run)
(not a real song title for not a real post)
Quick update for Clown's benefit, as he couldn't make it
Blustery southwest wind was into your face on the final straight of each lap
The slower race went first, and was won in 11:20 or so by the faster of the boxers who has been doing intervals recently - not sure why he didn't run with us.
We started off and quickly split into groups - First two young guys from intervals, then a group of 7 - including Jon Kappler, Sugar, Gina G-Cassey and Tony Stahl. They ended up finishing all between 9:50 and 10:00.
I sadly ran much of the race alone, feeling more exposed going into the headwind. One guy briefly pulled ahead of me for a lap then I took him again, and the 'green tshirt guy' well known to us from intervals cruised past me with 400m to go as though he was out for a sunday jog. I think I came 11th (clearly a few ringins who dont usually run tuesdays!, and no blond guy who is usually around our pace)
77/84/84/89/89/89/89/37 -10:38 for the 3k
This was about what I was expecting but had hoped for 10:30 flat if I ran really well. I think I ran a little too within myself in the middle laps.
Great fun anyway, held off on a long cooldown to start saving the legs for SixInch
This time is VDOT 54.9 - on track for what it's worth!
Quick update for Clown's benefit, as he couldn't make it
Blustery southwest wind was into your face on the final straight of each lap
The slower race went first, and was won in 11:20 or so by the faster of the boxers who has been doing intervals recently - not sure why he didn't run with us.
We started off and quickly split into groups - First two young guys from intervals, then a group of 7 - including Jon Kappler, Sugar, Gina G-Cassey and Tony Stahl. They ended up finishing all between 9:50 and 10:00.
I sadly ran much of the race alone, feeling more exposed going into the headwind. One guy briefly pulled ahead of me for a lap then I took him again, and the 'green tshirt guy' well known to us from intervals cruised past me with 400m to go as though he was out for a sunday jog. I think I came 11th (clearly a few ringins who dont usually run tuesdays!, and no blond guy who is usually around our pace)
77/84/84/89/89/89/89/37 -10:38 for the 3k
This was about what I was expecting but had hoped for 10:30 flat if I ran really well. I think I ran a little too within myself in the middle laps.
Great fun anyway, held off on a long cooldown to start saving the legs for SixInch
This time is VDOT 54.9 - on track for what it's worth!
Band On The Run
Wings 1973 - who said Paul went downhill after the Beatles?
75km week, capped off by a sad performance at City Beach 4k race
Mon 11.2k @4:44 154 - easy
Tues 12.5k@4:13 - intervals
Wed 11.15k@4:36 157 -
Thu 9.65k@5:01 148 - recovery
Fri 10.53k@4:45 156 - easy
Sat 9.94k@4:59
Sun 9.74k@4:19 - race
Tuesday Intervals - 300mx4, 60sec.500mx4 90sec, 300mx4
55/55/55/56
97/97/95/95
57/57/56/59
Pretty good session, first interal finished about 8th, but by the end of the 500s was 3rd.
Sunday, 4k race
Slept in and missed my morning routine. Ridiculously narrow start - went out hard to get some space. Pushed too hard early but going OK when an extremely urgent call of nature came - cut out at 3.2k to toilets!
3:27/3:34/3:37 - 10:39 at 3k (about 10:42 on the course) +200m @3:46
Given that sub 10:40 is the goal for the 3k track rac, I guess this is OK, but felt pretty dumb pulling out of a 4k race (until I later found that Clown had pulled out with a similar ailment at 1.7k)
This week - 3000m track, taper for SixInch. Will I continue my everyday run (25days now)?
75km week, capped off by a sad performance at City Beach 4k race
Mon 11.2k @4:44 154 - easy
Tues 12.5k@4:13 - intervals
Wed 11.15k@4:36 157 -
Thu 9.65k@5:01 148 - recovery
Fri 10.53k@4:45 156 - easy
Sat 9.94k@4:59
Sun 9.74k@4:19 - race
Tuesday Intervals - 300mx4, 60sec.500mx4 90sec, 300mx4
55/55/55/56
97/97/95/95
57/57/56/59
Pretty good session, first interal finished about 8th, but by the end of the 500s was 3rd.
Sunday, 4k race
Slept in and missed my morning routine. Ridiculously narrow start - went out hard to get some space. Pushed too hard early but going OK when an extremely urgent call of nature came - cut out at 3.2k to toilets!
3:27/3:34/3:37 - 10:39 at 3k (about 10:42 on the course) +200m @3:46
Given that sub 10:40 is the goal for the 3k track rac, I guess this is OK, but felt pretty dumb pulling out of a 4k race (until I later found that Clown had pulled out with a similar ailment at 1.7k)
This week - 3000m track, taper for SixInch. Will I continue my everyday run (25days now)?
Sunday, December 07, 2008
The Long Run
The Eagles, 1979
101km this week - nice to crack the ton again. (9 points in the 60 runs 60 days comp after 8.5 last week)
Monday 10.7k 5:05min/k, 147bpm average - recovery
Tuesday 10k @ 4:19 - intervals
Wednesday 10.5k @4:59, 151 - recovery
Thursday am 10.7@4:48, 155 - recovery
Thursday pm 9.5k with tempo/10k pace section
Friday 8.1k @5:01 149
Saturday 10.6k@4:46 - hilly fartlek (forgot HRM)
Sunday 31.2k@4:45
Tuesday intervals, an easier session - 10x300m 60sec rest
57/55/55/54/55/54/54/55/54/53 - peak HRs just touching 190 again
Thursday pm, tried out my new racing flats with a 10k pace session over 5.5k
3:41/3:44/3:48/3:54/3:54/1:54 last 500m - av HR 180, peak 184
Went through 5k in 19:04 - only 10 seconds off my 5k PB so pretty happy as I felt I could keep that up a while longer
Sunday long run. Started off 1st 6k alone at 5:00s then met Rob and we pushed it up to 4:40s and held this kind of pace for the rest of the run, for a few km in the middle running 4:30s then slowing a tough at the end.
Mild taper this week, but mainly just not doing a long run on sunday should cut the mileage. Now being at Day17 of consecutive running days, I'm tempted to stretch that out for a while longer, so we might see some pretty slow and short ones here and there in the next 3 weeks.
101km this week - nice to crack the ton again. (9 points in the 60 runs 60 days comp after 8.5 last week)
Monday 10.7k 5:05min/k, 147bpm average - recovery
Tuesday 10k @ 4:19 - intervals
Wednesday 10.5k @4:59, 151 - recovery
Thursday am 10.7@4:48, 155 - recovery
Thursday pm 9.5k with tempo/10k pace section
Friday 8.1k @5:01 149
Saturday 10.6k@4:46 - hilly fartlek (forgot HRM)
Sunday 31.2k@4:45
Tuesday intervals, an easier session - 10x300m 60sec rest
57/55/55/54/55/54/54/55/54/53 - peak HRs just touching 190 again
Thursday pm, tried out my new racing flats with a 10k pace session over 5.5k
3:41/3:44/3:48/3:54/3:54/1:54 last 500m - av HR 180, peak 184
Went through 5k in 19:04 - only 10 seconds off my 5k PB so pretty happy as I felt I could keep that up a while longer
Sunday long run. Started off 1st 6k alone at 5:00s then met Rob and we pushed it up to 4:40s and held this kind of pace for the rest of the run, for a few km in the middle running 4:30s then slowing a tough at the end.
Mild taper this week, but mainly just not doing a long run on sunday should cut the mileage. Now being at Day17 of consecutive running days, I'm tempted to stretch that out for a while longer, so we might see some pretty slow and short ones here and there in the next 3 weeks.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
I Ran (So Far Away)
A Flock Of Seagulls - 1982. A classic 1980's one hit wonder.
98km week @ 4:46 - that's big for me!
Distance Pace Av HR
Monday 10.7k 4:53 154 Recovery Run
Tuesday 12.3k 4:20 180 (intervals) 153 (w/up,c/down)
Wednesday 11.25k 4:43 158 Recovery
Thursday 10.6k 4:57 153 Recovery
Friday 10.5k 4:28 170 (5km of tempo 4min/k) 150 (other)
Saturday 10.4k 4:56 151 Recovery
Sunday 32.2k 4:54 No monitor
Tuesday intervals were tough - 12x400m total.
400 hard, 100jog, 400 hard.
90sec rest, then repeat
4x400 with 2 min rest between
400 hard, 100jog, 400 hard, 90sec then repeat
82/84/78/81/78/79/76/77/81/80/80/84
HR max 192 in all after the first 2 intervals
Was buggered at the end!
Friday tempo was pretty average (3k@400, 2k@3:55) Effort felt much harder than HR which only peaked in the mid 170s. will keep trying a second quality session
Sunday long run with a nice pace progression over 5k splits -
5:03/4:57/4:54/4:52/4:50/4:47
Rob took a short one after a tough week, but I managed to run the 19-30k section in a good rhythm without a stop, and finished off strong after a quick walk at 30k.
I am entering Sling's territory in terms of shoes now, 8 pairs in rotation:
Asics 2110 (x2) Asics 2130, Adidas Supernova Control, Brooks Adrenaline, New Balance 1224, Asics DS trainer, Mizuno Idaten. The first 4 are pretty similar with the asics having a more cushioned ride, whilst the NB are very stable and cushioned but heavy, and the final 2 are for speedwork - yet to run properly in the Mizunos.
I've decided to just have a 2 week taper for sixinch as I'm not intending on running it 'all-out' and want to use my current motivation and mild weather to log some decent kms. So one more big week.
The plan the following week is to race 4k at City Beach and 2 days later race 3000m track at the Interval Group's Perry Lakes time trial. Will be interesting how I back up, and how far behind the speedster I am.
98km week @ 4:46 - that's big for me!
Distance Pace Av HR
Monday 10.7k 4:53 154 Recovery Run
Tuesday 12.3k 4:20 180 (intervals) 153 (w/up,c/down)
Wednesday 11.25k 4:43 158 Recovery
Thursday 10.6k 4:57 153 Recovery
Friday 10.5k 4:28 170 (5km of tempo 4min/k) 150 (other)
Saturday 10.4k 4:56 151 Recovery
Sunday 32.2k 4:54 No monitor
Tuesday intervals were tough - 12x400m total.
400 hard, 100jog, 400 hard.
90sec rest, then repeat
4x400 with 2 min rest between
400 hard, 100jog, 400 hard, 90sec then repeat
82/84/78/81/78/79/76/77/81/80/80/84
HR max 192 in all after the first 2 intervals
Was buggered at the end!
Friday tempo was pretty average (3k@400, 2k@3:55) Effort felt much harder than HR which only peaked in the mid 170s. will keep trying a second quality session
Sunday long run with a nice pace progression over 5k splits -
5:03/4:57/4:54/4:52/4:50/4:47
Rob took a short one after a tough week, but I managed to run the 19-30k section in a good rhythm without a stop, and finished off strong after a quick walk at 30k.
I am entering Sling's territory in terms of shoes now, 8 pairs in rotation:
Asics 2110 (x2) Asics 2130, Adidas Supernova Control, Brooks Adrenaline, New Balance 1224, Asics DS trainer, Mizuno Idaten. The first 4 are pretty similar with the asics having a more cushioned ride, whilst the NB are very stable and cushioned but heavy, and the final 2 are for speedwork - yet to run properly in the Mizunos.
I've decided to just have a 2 week taper for sixinch as I'm not intending on running it 'all-out' and want to use my current motivation and mild weather to log some decent kms. So one more big week.
The plan the following week is to race 4k at City Beach and 2 days later race 3000m track at the Interval Group's Perry Lakes time trial. Will be interesting how I back up, and how far behind the speedster I am.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
We Run This
Missy Elliot 2006. To paraphrase Mr Burns, 'I'm no music critic, but I know what I hate... and I don't hate this.'
I'm quite hppy with this week given my illness. Felt like crap until Thursday, so I put on the HRM and tried to run with HR under 150. This resulted in some fairly slow times.
Tues pm 13.3k @ 5:06. The last 3k had to be at 5:25s to keep the HR down
Wed pm 13.3k @ 5:12. Even slower!
Fri am 11.1k @ 5:02 - starting to feel brighter
Sat am 28.4k (approx) - long run on same course (sixinch) as a couple of weeks ago, with Rob. We headed out quite a bit quicker than last time, and I felt OK until the 18k mark. Then I felt I was pushing too hard and we took plenty of breaks on the return. Took a wrong turn on the way back but could see the error on the map and ended up running about the same distance.
Sun am 13.1k @ 4:59. Slightly higher HR in the second half than earlier runs in the week kept a very consistent 5min/k pace throughout. Felt surprisingly good after the hills of yesterday - was glad we took the second half fairly easy.
Hopefully can return to normal this week, although I am going to wear my HRM for all slow runs and enforce a low HR policy. This should allow me to up the km's and not get sick. If you notice me speeding up in the slow runs, feel free to tell me about it.
Edit... Clown found the Sat run very easy - he even had time to fall over a couple of times. I am definitely the underdog.
I'm quite hppy with this week given my illness. Felt like crap until Thursday, so I put on the HRM and tried to run with HR under 150. This resulted in some fairly slow times.
Tues pm 13.3k @ 5:06. The last 3k had to be at 5:25s to keep the HR down
Wed pm 13.3k @ 5:12. Even slower!
Fri am 11.1k @ 5:02 - starting to feel brighter
Sat am 28.4k (approx) - long run on same course (sixinch) as a couple of weeks ago, with Rob. We headed out quite a bit quicker than last time, and I felt OK until the 18k mark. Then I felt I was pushing too hard and we took plenty of breaks on the return. Took a wrong turn on the way back but could see the error on the map and ended up running about the same distance.
Sun am 13.1k @ 4:59. Slightly higher HR in the second half than earlier runs in the week kept a very consistent 5min/k pace throughout. Felt surprisingly good after the hills of yesterday - was glad we took the second half fairly easy.
Hopefully can return to normal this week, although I am going to wear my HRM for all slow runs and enforce a low HR policy. This should allow me to up the km's and not get sick. If you notice me speeding up in the slow runs, feel free to tell me about it.
Edit... Clown found the Sat run very easy - he even had time to fall over a couple of times. I am definitely the underdog.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Running on Empty
Jackson Browne 1978 - not my favourite of his, but a great songwriter.
Virus (again) - combination of overtraining in terms of intensity combined with looking down sick peoples throats all day has led to too many infections (more importantly my inability to learn from history and not reduce my training intensity)
Given the severity of my August infection and subsequent sinusitis, I'm going extra cautious - dont want to go back there again.
Virus (again) - combination of overtraining in terms of intensity combined with looking down sick peoples throats all day has led to too many infections (more importantly my inability to learn from history and not reduce my training intensity)
Given the severity of my August infection and subsequent sinusitis, I'm going extra cautious - dont want to go back there again.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Born to Run
'The Boss' (Bruce Springsteen) 1975. Hmm... perhaps I'm giving away my musical tastes with my first 3 post titles - need to find something more recent to appeal to the younger audience.
Lower mileage this week (76k total)- entirely due to laziness - couldn't get myself out of bed in the mornings so no run Mon or Friday as I worked too late.
Tues Intervals - 1600 hard. 3 min rest. 1600 of 100hard/100float, 3 min rest. 1600 hard
1.62 in 5:48 (3:34min/k)
1.62 in 6:01 (3:43min/k) - includes the 'floats'
1.62 in 5:45 (3:33min/k)
Happy with the session - especially that the fast/slow one was only a little slower.
12.6k all up
Wed 12.56k @ 4:28 - progression run to 10k, then eased back
Thurs 8.17k @ 4:19 - started after work at 7pm - so kept it short
Sat 29.3k @ 5:16
'recon' run of part of the sixinch course. Ran the 1st half as a group - return run with Nathan faster (1st 10k 5:31min/k, 2nd 10k 5:13min/k, last 9k 4:59min/k)
Very enjoyable to be out there - trialled a belt pack ($17 Target) holding a 600ml bottle (and another bottle in my hand) and it was much more comfortable than a camelbak.
The legs really felt the hills, kinda forgot just how hilly it is!
Somewhat delayed return to Perth as a couple of the guys decided to take an unplanned detour - alls well that ends well! I also discovered that the Garmin has a 'breadcrumbs' function to follow a previous track - how could I have had it so long and never used it - I guess because it's hard to get lost running the same 3 or 4 tracks all the time.
Marshalled at Founders 10 miler this am and had the job of timekeeper - those times are the most accurate you'll see on the calendar - had 3 timers going at once to ensure precision, and I stood exactly at the finish line to ensure accuracy.
I might do Penninsula next weekend - the only problem is that I want to do the 10k, but if Rob does the 5k there is no way I'm going to be able to hold myself back from following him at the start. Having said that, its not a 2 lap race, so my issue with giving up after 5k/one lap will not be an issue.
Sun 13.2k @ 4:41 - easier run
Total 76k for the week
Lower mileage this week (76k total)- entirely due to laziness - couldn't get myself out of bed in the mornings so no run Mon or Friday as I worked too late.
Tues Intervals - 1600 hard. 3 min rest. 1600 of 100hard/100float, 3 min rest. 1600 hard
1.62 in 5:48 (3:34min/k)
1.62 in 6:01 (3:43min/k) - includes the 'floats'
1.62 in 5:45 (3:33min/k)
Happy with the session - especially that the fast/slow one was only a little slower.
12.6k all up
Wed 12.56k @ 4:28 - progression run to 10k, then eased back
Thurs 8.17k @ 4:19 - started after work at 7pm - so kept it short
Sat 29.3k @ 5:16
'recon' run of part of the sixinch course. Ran the 1st half as a group - return run with Nathan faster (1st 10k 5:31min/k, 2nd 10k 5:13min/k, last 9k 4:59min/k)
Very enjoyable to be out there - trialled a belt pack ($17 Target) holding a 600ml bottle (and another bottle in my hand) and it was much more comfortable than a camelbak.
The legs really felt the hills, kinda forgot just how hilly it is!
Somewhat delayed return to Perth as a couple of the guys decided to take an unplanned detour - alls well that ends well! I also discovered that the Garmin has a 'breadcrumbs' function to follow a previous track - how could I have had it so long and never used it - I guess because it's hard to get lost running the same 3 or 4 tracks all the time.
Marshalled at Founders 10 miler this am and had the job of timekeeper - those times are the most accurate you'll see on the calendar - had 3 timers going at once to ensure precision, and I stood exactly at the finish line to ensure accuracy.
I might do Penninsula next weekend - the only problem is that I want to do the 10k, but if Rob does the 5k there is no way I'm going to be able to hold myself back from following him at the start. Having said that, its not a 2 lap race, so my issue with giving up after 5k/one lap will not be an issue.
Sun 13.2k @ 4:41 - easier run
Total 76k for the week
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Running to stand still
U2's The Joshua Tree (1987) is a classic album, and certainly one I listened to quite a bit in my final year of high school. Obviously the famous Number ones - 'with or without you', 'where the streets have no name' and 'I still haven't found what I'm looking for' are best known. 'Running to stand still' is about drug addiction, but the phrase is applicable in the everyday life of many, working hard just to make ends meet.
On to the running week -
89.35k @ 4:43min/k
Tues - intervals 'whistle session' including the fast and slow sections
1.95k@ 3:37min/k
1.95k@ 3:36
1.92k@3:39
3.3w/up, 2.5w/dn
Wed 15.3k @ 4:42
Thurs 10.4 @ 4:43
Fri 10.4 @4:53
Sat 11.28@4:37 (with 3k @3:55 aborted tempo)
Sun 30.3k @4:53
Sunday run with Rob, and Homo for the first 10k - legs felt pretty tired from the higher mileage week but carried through OK - took our share of short breaks.
Congrats to SlingRunner for Marathon PB!
On to the running week -
89.35k @ 4:43min/k
Tues - intervals 'whistle session' including the fast and slow sections
1.95k@ 3:37min/k
1.95k@ 3:36
1.92k@3:39
3.3w/up, 2.5w/dn
Wed 15.3k @ 4:42
Thurs 10.4 @ 4:43
Fri 10.4 @4:53
Sat 11.28@4:37 (with 3k @3:55 aborted tempo)
Sun 30.3k @4:53
Sunday run with Rob, and Homo for the first 10k - legs felt pretty tired from the higher mileage week but carried through OK - took our share of short breaks.
Congrats to SlingRunner for Marathon PB!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Running Against the Wind
Having looked through the boring titles of my posts, I've decided to start naming my posts after songs relating to running.
Bob Seger's Against the Wind (1980) is a long time member of my IPod playlist and my favourite song of his. I've always thought of it as a comment on life and change, but interestingly Seger was a top level middle distance runner in highschool and stated that this was where the idea originated (Wikipedia (:)
Anyhoo, this song seemed appropriate for this week. Without whingeing too much I had a tough work week with 14hour days Thurs and Fri and 10hrs Sat, that completely threw me off both emotionally and in terms of getting runs in. I managed to squeeze only one run into these 3 days - at lunchtime.
Week 68km
Mon 10.4k @ 4:42 easy
Tues intervals 10x400, most at 79sec (see Clowns blog for the details)
Wed 10k @ 4:24 heart rate testing progression run
Thurs 10k @ 4:39 - midday hot and humid run
Sun 28.2k @ 4:55
This morning sent some redemption with the long run. I started 15min later (or 45min earlier) than usual due to daylight savings, and must have just missed Rob. Having run up to Kings Park I went on around the bridges. Felt great having had 2 days no running and pent up frustration from meetings/exams to vent. Could have pushed on over 30k
I'm still unsure on whether to run the track 10k on Friday night - will probably make the decision on the day, see how I feel
Bob Seger's Against the Wind (1980) is a long time member of my IPod playlist and my favourite song of his. I've always thought of it as a comment on life and change, but interestingly Seger was a top level middle distance runner in highschool and stated that this was where the idea originated (Wikipedia (:)
Anyhoo, this song seemed appropriate for this week. Without whingeing too much I had a tough work week with 14hour days Thurs and Fri and 10hrs Sat, that completely threw me off both emotionally and in terms of getting runs in. I managed to squeeze only one run into these 3 days - at lunchtime.
Week 68km
Mon 10.4k @ 4:42 easy
Tues intervals 10x400, most at 79sec (see Clowns blog for the details)
Wed 10k @ 4:24 heart rate testing progression run
Thurs 10k @ 4:39 - midday hot and humid run
Sun 28.2k @ 4:55
This morning sent some redemption with the long run. I started 15min later (or 45min earlier) than usual due to daylight savings, and must have just missed Rob. Having run up to Kings Park I went on around the bridges. Felt great having had 2 days no running and pent up frustration from meetings/exams to vent. Could have pushed on over 30k
I'm still unsure on whether to run the track 10k on Friday night - will probably make the decision on the day, see how I feel
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Feels like summer
A couple of summer-ish days and it feels like summer. Especially with cricket on the radio
73km this week @ 4:41
Interval Tuesday
wed 11k at 4:45
Thurs 9k @ 4:42
Fri 5k tempo @ 4:10. 10k total
Sat 10k @ 4:43
Sunday 24.5k @4:54
Nice long run with Rob - 15deg at start, 21 at end but frsh breeze kept it cool. Went a bit slower than last week and finished far more comfortably than last week.
Logged 15minutes yoga on the wii fit!!
73km this week @ 4:41
Interval Tuesday
wed 11k at 4:45
Thurs 9k @ 4:42
Fri 5k tempo @ 4:10. 10k total
Sat 10k @ 4:43
Sunday 24.5k @4:54
Nice long run with Rob - 15deg at start, 21 at end but frsh breeze kept it cool. Went a bit slower than last week and finished far more comfortably than last week.
Logged 15minutes yoga on the wii fit!!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Interval stats
1200/800/400 with 3/2/2min break. Repeat x1
4:23/2:51/81
4:20/2:52/79
Overall 3:30min/k pace on Sportstracks. Ran with Rob for each (- but with me being the underdog I had to try harder!!)
4:23/2:51/81
4:20/2:52/79
Overall 3:30min/k pace on Sportstracks. Ran with Rob for each (- but with me being the underdog I had to try harder!!)
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Back to normal
What a great feeling to be 100% fit again after that 'flu
My only problem this week was running too fast - a nice problem to have again
62km for the week @ 4:37
Tues Intervals as documented
Wed 10k progression av 4:29 last 3k @ 4:15
Fri 10k @ 4:38
Sat 10k @ 4:39
Sun 20k @4:47
First Sunday long run with Rob in quite a while. Probably ran too fast for my current fitness, but as per last year, Rob is starting off in better form, which should help me improve up towards his level over the coming weeks/months. This will be of vital importance to the sub 3hr goal.
Gentle increases over the next 2 months is the aim, running 30k by SixInch and then starting a formal Canberra program (lets assume I convince the better half that I can do Canberra)
My only problem this week was running too fast - a nice problem to have again
62km for the week @ 4:37
Tues Intervals as documented
Wed 10k progression av 4:29 last 3k @ 4:15
Fri 10k @ 4:38
Sat 10k @ 4:39
Sun 20k @4:47
First Sunday long run with Rob in quite a while. Probably ran too fast for my current fitness, but as per last year, Rob is starting off in better form, which should help me improve up towards his level over the coming weeks/months. This will be of vital importance to the sub 3hr goal.
Gentle increases over the next 2 months is the aim, running 30k by SixInch and then starting a formal Canberra program (lets assume I convince the better half that I can do Canberra)
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Intervals
Interval splits for reference - continuous 200easy/400hard x8
2.5k w/up, 4.25k c/dn
51/87
50/86
50/90
49/91
50/94
52/92
51/94
51/92
4.8k (4.97 Sportstracks) in 18:58
ran the first 4 with Rob, then he stopped for a brb, slipped in pace a bit the next 4.
Happy with the overall run though, controlled effort at not far from my 5k pace
2.5k w/up, 4.25k c/dn
51/87
50/86
50/90
49/91
50/94
52/92
51/94
51/92
4.8k (4.97 Sportstracks) in 18:58
ran the first 4 with Rob, then he stopped for a brb, slipped in pace a bit the next 4.
Happy with the overall run though, controlled effort at not far from my 5k pace
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Go The Tan Redux
Two weeks later, back in Melbourne for a conference, and a couple more Tan runs.
In between, things weren't so great. I had another mini relapse of my 'flu, with another week off running. Only now a full 6 weeks after the illness do I feel fully recovered (finally!)
So this past week I yet again started back in a gentle way with about 50k of running.
Saturday morning there happened to be a Victorian Road Runners club run at the tan, so I shook off my hangover and headed down - there were about 100 people, with the option to do 4k or 8k (they added a litle section to get the track up to a full 4k)
I decided to do the one lap. Started at the back to force myself not to start too fast, and it worked to a degree with a 3:40 first km. 3:48 second km, then up the hill in the third 4:08, and final km 3:47.
Finished in 15:32 - quite happy with this hard but not all out effort.
Once again the plan is to gradually build up the distance without going too fast - lets see how it goes.
In between, things weren't so great. I had another mini relapse of my 'flu, with another week off running. Only now a full 6 weeks after the illness do I feel fully recovered (finally!)
So this past week I yet again started back in a gentle way with about 50k of running.
Saturday morning there happened to be a Victorian Road Runners club run at the tan, so I shook off my hangover and headed down - there were about 100 people, with the option to do 4k or 8k (they added a litle section to get the track up to a full 4k)
I decided to do the one lap. Started at the back to force myself not to start too fast, and it worked to a degree with a 3:40 first km. 3:48 second km, then up the hill in the third 4:08, and final km 3:47.
Finished in 15:32 - quite happy with this hard but not all out effort.
Once again the plan is to gradually build up the distance without going too fast - lets see how it goes.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Go the Tan
Gradually geting back into it, I'm still about 10sec/k off the pace.
60km this week
10k each of Tues and Wed
Wed pm flew to Melbourne for 2 days of meetings
Thurs am ran the Tan with some colleagues. 1-4k in 5-5:30s, then left one person behind, next 3k in 4:50s, left the other behind, 2k in 4:15s
Fri am again ran with colleague - 7k in 4:50s, 3k alone in 4:15s. Didn't end up running a proper time trial due to time constraints and running with others
Hopefully when I head back in a couple of weeks I can run a full paced lap
Sunday am couldn't be bothered going to Freo HM, ran 18k in the morning, with about 10k at 4:15-4:20 pace. Half marathon pace, but felt lethargic at times this pace felt very much like HM pace, at others was harder.This is the pace I'll need to sustain for a 3hr marathon. Didn't have the energy/motivation to finish out 20+km which had been my intention
Onwards and upwards, a few more km this week is the intention.
60km this week
10k each of Tues and Wed
Wed pm flew to Melbourne for 2 days of meetings
Thurs am ran the Tan with some colleagues. 1-4k in 5-5:30s, then left one person behind, next 3k in 4:50s, left the other behind, 2k in 4:15s
Fri am again ran with colleague - 7k in 4:50s, 3k alone in 4:15s. Didn't end up running a proper time trial due to time constraints and running with others
Hopefully when I head back in a couple of weeks I can run a full paced lap
Sunday am couldn't be bothered going to Freo HM, ran 18k in the morning, with about 10k at 4:15-4:20 pace. Half marathon pace, but felt lethargic at times this pace felt very much like HM pace, at others was harder.This is the pace I'll need to sustain for a 3hr marathon. Didn't have the energy/motivation to finish out 20+km which had been my intention
Onwards and upwards, a few more km this week is the intention.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Easy Does It
50k week this week
I payed for the hilly 13k last Sunday with bilateral hamstring strains. This might have been a blessing in disguise, though, because I was forced to go slowly on my Tues and Wed pm runs so as not to hurt them more.
Friday morning I was starting to feel better and I ran a 10k progression, finishing the last 2k in 4:10s - which was a tempo pace effort. Friday afternoon at work my throat got sore again and I was cursing myself for pushing too hard. Luckily I worked all day Saturday and didn't run, and the flare up disappeared.
This morning I went out and tried to do a gentle long run. I stopped at 18k due to lateral left hip pain (?ITB or referred glut medius pain), but was still happy with an increase.
Not decided about Freo Half now - only get back from Melbourne on Friday night. Don't want to do the 5k, but if I do the Half would try to hold back to 1:35 or so.
We'll see how the body feels over the course of the week.
Thanks Homo for dinner Thursday - I'll repay the favour when you go sub 3:20 in Berlin!!!
I payed for the hilly 13k last Sunday with bilateral hamstring strains. This might have been a blessing in disguise, though, because I was forced to go slowly on my Tues and Wed pm runs so as not to hurt them more.
Friday morning I was starting to feel better and I ran a 10k progression, finishing the last 2k in 4:10s - which was a tempo pace effort. Friday afternoon at work my throat got sore again and I was cursing myself for pushing too hard. Luckily I worked all day Saturday and didn't run, and the flare up disappeared.
This morning I went out and tried to do a gentle long run. I stopped at 18k due to lateral left hip pain (?ITB or referred glut medius pain), but was still happy with an increase.
Not decided about Freo Half now - only get back from Melbourne on Friday night. Don't want to do the 5k, but if I do the Half would try to hold back to 1:35 or so.
We'll see how the body feels over the course of the week.
Thanks Homo for dinner Thursday - I'll repay the favour when you go sub 3:20 in Berlin!!!
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Recovering
The virus which shouldn't have affected my City to Surf performance ended up being the worst illness I've ever had. The initial illness ran like a usual virus - felt sick Wed, Thurs, FRi, improving Saturday. I'm not sure if it was specifically the run on sat am - only did 12k at 5min/k, but Mon am I woke with a sinus and middle ear infection. I thought I've had sinus infections before but obviously never a real one. I didn't leave the front door of the house for 6 days - unheard of. ( Didn't drink alcohol for 2 weeks - even more unheard of!!!). The only positive is that I have gained some empathy for patients going through this.
This week I returned to work, finished a 10 day course of antibiotics, but still felt congested and blocked in the ears
4 runs this week - 6k, 9k,9k and 13k today - all slow with walks in the middle. Whilst enjoying being out there, 5min/k feels like hard work - I'm hoping that will quickly catch up to normal.
Races and speed sessions are on the backburner for now - just want to build up over 2 weeks to daily 10k runs. I have 2 trips to Melbourne in the next 4 weeks as part of a new position - staying next to the Botanical Gardens, so hopefully I can do a couple of runs of the famous Tan track.
We'll see how things go but I might dump my plans of 5k/10k PBs in coming months and just slowly build up the mileage, with April in mind (having second thoughts about Boston and thinking about Canberra again)
I hope Clown and Homo's next posts have the same title as this one! (copycats)
This week I returned to work, finished a 10 day course of antibiotics, but still felt congested and blocked in the ears
4 runs this week - 6k, 9k,9k and 13k today - all slow with walks in the middle. Whilst enjoying being out there, 5min/k feels like hard work - I'm hoping that will quickly catch up to normal.
Races and speed sessions are on the backburner for now - just want to build up over 2 weeks to daily 10k runs. I have 2 trips to Melbourne in the next 4 weeks as part of a new position - staying next to the Botanical Gardens, so hopefully I can do a couple of runs of the famous Tan track.
We'll see how things go but I might dump my plans of 5k/10k PBs in coming months and just slowly build up the mileage, with April in mind (having second thoughts about Boston and thinking about Canberra again)
I hope Clown and Homo's next posts have the same title as this one! (copycats)
Sunday, August 24, 2008
SICK!
Nasty virus struck wed night - ?result of hard running sun and tues.
No running wed-fri with fevers, sat am felt a bit better within myself although still very sinusy, did 12k with brotherinlaw in just under an hour.
Shouldn't adversely affect my C2S performace much as long as I recover OK.
No running wed-fri with fevers, sat am felt a bit better within myself although still very sinusy, did 12k with brotherinlaw in just under an hour.
Shouldn't adversely affect my C2S performace much as long as I recover OK.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Second Interval session
Again, for my future reference
6x600m (Garmin measured at 630, but I assume trackis pretty accurate) 90 sec rest
2:05/2:04/2:03/2:02/2:01/1:59
Did a seventh thanks to masochistic Rob (who did 8) 2:03
Happy with the increased speed across the intervals
2k w/up, 2k w/d
6x600m (Garmin measured at 630, but I assume trackis pretty accurate) 90 sec rest
2:05/2:04/2:03/2:02/2:01/1:59
Did a seventh thanks to masochistic Rob (who did 8) 2:03
Happy with the increased speed across the intervals
2k w/up, 2k w/d
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Lake Joondalup 5k!
Wussed out today in the 10k, and setled for 5
Since Tuesday's intervals, did 13k Wed pm and 13k Fri pm over hilly terrain
This morning, 2.5k warmup with some stridethroughs
Set off on a flat course with 3:38/3:53/3:48/3:47/3:36 - 18:55 5k
Went out a little too hard and Rob & I decided at 3k to only do the 5k. Having said that, I didn't really commit to the 5k, and felt like I hadn't given it everything.
Did a 6k cooldown with Rob, was thinking of a bit more this afternoon but went and watched the Dockers get thumped instead.
Anyway, it's a PB and given comparison charts is what I should be running given my 10k time.
So hopefully a fairly heavy week this week before a final week taper into the City to Surf.
Congrats again to Homo for the big 10k PB
Since Tuesday's intervals, did 13k Wed pm and 13k Fri pm over hilly terrain
This morning, 2.5k warmup with some stridethroughs
Set off on a flat course with 3:38/3:53/3:48/3:47/3:36 - 18:55 5k
Went out a little too hard and Rob & I decided at 3k to only do the 5k. Having said that, I didn't really commit to the 5k, and felt like I hadn't given it everything.
Did a 6k cooldown with Rob, was thinking of a bit more this afternoon but went and watched the Dockers get thumped instead.
Anyway, it's a PB and given comparison charts is what I should be running given my 10k time.
So hopefully a fairly heavy week this week before a final week taper into the City to Surf.
Congrats again to Homo for the big 10k PB
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Intervals
Popping this one in for my future reference, first Perry Lakes Interval Session
100m, 100easy, 200m, 100easy, 300m - six times with 2 min break between
I missed the first on on the watch - recorded 2-6, very even pace:
Rep: 100m (jog) 200m (jog) 300m
#2: 18 (25) 40 (26) 60
#3: 18 (25) 40 (26) 61
#4: 18 (27) 39 (27) 60
#5: 18 (27) 38 (27) 61
#6: 19 (26) 39 (28) 58
I'm assuming interval #1 was similar pace, given it was first
So all 100s at 3min pace and 200/300s at 3:20 pace
Even including the jogs, the 800m were at 3:30 pace or less
100m, 100easy, 200m, 100easy, 300m - six times with 2 min break between
I missed the first on on the watch - recorded 2-6, very even pace:
Rep: 100m (jog) 200m (jog) 300m
#2: 18 (25) 40 (26) 60
#3: 18 (25) 40 (26) 61
#4: 18 (27) 39 (27) 60
#5: 18 (27) 38 (27) 61
#6: 19 (26) 39 (28) 58
I'm assuming interval #1 was similar pace, given it was first
So all 100s at 3min pace and 200/300s at 3:20 pace
Even including the jogs, the 800m were at 3:30 pace or less
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Aussie Aussie Aussie...
Taking some energy from the Olympics, I have built up so far this month - 110k in the first 10 days
This week 80k -
Mon 10k @ 4:35 'easy'/progression
Tues am 10k @4:43 easy
Tues pm 5x 1k 3:47/3:48/3:50/3:55/3:47 (9k total)
Wed hill intervals with Rob (10k total)
Thurs off
Fri 10k @ 4:43 easy
Sat 22k @ 5:03 - ran city to surf course with brotherinlaw and Rob
Sun 5k tempo @ 4:06 (9k total)
So a bit of quality there - didn't run Wally Cairns race this am due to work commitments.
I feel I'm starting to get back to the pace I was running in March pre Canberra Marathon, which bodes well for my City to Surf chances.
We'll see how things go for this Sunday. I'm keen to maintain some volume this week as C2S is my main goal, but my wife is away this weekend so I'll probably head up to the Joondalup race anyway. I may just limit the quality work to Tuesday and Wed, make Thurs-Sat easy runs and see how I perform on Sunday. Also depends upon whether I gt much sleep this week watching the Olympics - luckily with the same timezone, no real middle of the night stuff.
I've varied my shoes more these past 2 weeks as well, running in Asics (2110, 2130 and DS trainers), Mizuno (wave inspire), and Adidas ( Adistar control and the Supernova control)
This week 80k -
Mon 10k @ 4:35 'easy'/progression
Tues am 10k @4:43 easy
Tues pm 5x 1k 3:47/3:48/3:50/3:55/3:47 (9k total)
Wed hill intervals with Rob (10k total)
Thurs off
Fri 10k @ 4:43 easy
Sat 22k @ 5:03 - ran city to surf course with brotherinlaw and Rob
Sun 5k tempo @ 4:06 (9k total)
So a bit of quality there - didn't run Wally Cairns race this am due to work commitments.
I feel I'm starting to get back to the pace I was running in March pre Canberra Marathon, which bodes well for my City to Surf chances.
We'll see how things go for this Sunday. I'm keen to maintain some volume this week as C2S is my main goal, but my wife is away this weekend so I'll probably head up to the Joondalup race anyway. I may just limit the quality work to Tuesday and Wed, make Thurs-Sat easy runs and see how I perform on Sunday. Also depends upon whether I gt much sleep this week watching the Olympics - luckily with the same timezone, no real middle of the night stuff.
I've varied my shoes more these past 2 weeks as well, running in Asics (2110, 2130 and DS trainers), Mizuno (wave inspire), and Adidas ( Adistar control and the Supernova control)
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Run For Gold 10k
Quiet training week - did my hill interval session on Tuesday but was still pretty sore post KOTM.
Wed 10.8k @ 4:35 over hilly terrain which ended up a fartlek session I guess.
Thurs and Friday work and weather conspired to stop me running at all, so on Sat I decided to enter the Run4Gold10k. Didn't run on Sat as a taper
Somewhat miserable weather wet, windy), but I felt OK
Started 3:54/3:55/4:03/3:59/4:05 to be pretty much bang on 20min at halfway by Garmin, but it was already 100m ahead of the km markers - thus I was 30sec behind.
Lacking a great deal of motivation I pulled back somewhat for 4:04/4:05/4:09/4:07/4:05. Finished without a sprint - 41:09, 10.17k on Garmin in 4:03 average.
I probably ran at 95% effort - certainly wasn't dead at the end, but doubt I could have run sub40 on this course today.
A couple of weeks without a race now - think I'll skip the Wally cairns in a fortnight, run Joondalup the week after, and then City to Surf a fortnight after that.
Great to see Homo with some form on the back of an 80k week.
Wed 10.8k @ 4:35 over hilly terrain which ended up a fartlek session I guess.
Thurs and Friday work and weather conspired to stop me running at all, so on Sat I decided to enter the Run4Gold10k. Didn't run on Sat as a taper
Somewhat miserable weather wet, windy), but I felt OK
Started 3:54/3:55/4:03/3:59/4:05 to be pretty much bang on 20min at halfway by Garmin, but it was already 100m ahead of the km markers - thus I was 30sec behind.
Lacking a great deal of motivation I pulled back somewhat for 4:04/4:05/4:09/4:07/4:05. Finished without a sprint - 41:09, 10.17k on Garmin in 4:03 average.
I probably ran at 95% effort - certainly wasn't dead at the end, but doubt I could have run sub40 on this course today.
A couple of weeks without a race now - think I'll skip the Wally cairns in a fortnight, run Joondalup the week after, and then City to Surf a fortnight after that.
Great to see Homo with some form on the back of an 80k week.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
King of the Mountain 2008
I got back into training last Saturday, and ran 5 sessions before today - including hill intervals Tuesday
Sat 8.15k @ 4:27
Sunday 13.1k @ 4:41
Tues 11.4K @ 4:48 with 3x750m hill intervals
Thurs 10k @ 4:38
Friday 9.3k @4:48
I decided to do the KOTM today as something different, and thought it would be good preparation for City To Surf in terms of hills. Legs wre a bit fatigued though, so I told myself to take it fairly easy ( as if that would ever happen)
It was a freezing morning (1.7degrees C in Perth, felt colder in the hills), and as it is a one way course you drive to the finish and get a bus to the start - at the bottom of the hill. It was freezing in the bus.
My handicap was 17min41, which meant I had to wait half an hour after the first starters to get going. By 8:30 when I started, the sun was out and it was a little warmer. All the male runners who weren't club members started 2min40 behind me, so I was expecting to be passed by a few people.
I set out hardish over the flat first two kms in 3:57/4:13, then ploughed through the river crossing ( - freezing water to upper thigh level). My quads were shocked and it took a little while to get in a rhythm again.
From 3-14k the course was undulating with more ups than downs, but each hill was short enough to get thorough then catch my breath on the descent. I ran at 4:25s to 4:30s throughout this period and passed alot of people. At 14k I still had only been passed by 4 people - all non members and I thought I might be nearing the front of the members and the glory of a top5 finish.
With 1.5k to go, the hill became constant, and my energy suddeny drained. I think had I known the course and how near I was to the finish (finished at 15.9 on Garmin, supposed to be 16.1 and I expected an overmeasurement), I may have pushed through but I stopped and walked a little way up the hill. In that final 1.5k about six people passed me. I still ran 5:00s for each km, so I wasn't going that slow. Suddenly I saw the finish 300m ahead and pushed hard to finish - 1hr11:44 (54 minutes something handicap time).
That time would have put me in the top 5 last year, but I missed it this time. (Out of interest Clown - you would have started about 2 and a half minutes after me on the handicap system)
So my easy run ended up being a gut-buster, and 4:30min/kms never felt so hard.
My plan from here is hills, hills, hills in training, and keep attending racs on sundays, without necessarily tapering or expecting PBs in them. Tuesday will be a hill interval session every week, and if I dont do a short race on the Sunday I'll do a second speed or tempo session during the week.
The tourdefrance is making early morning runs harder, although the EPO boost my energy. Once again I have had my annual thoughts of buying a road bike, but again I find it hard enough to make time t run, am I really going to make time to ride?
Sat 8.15k @ 4:27
Sunday 13.1k @ 4:41
Tues 11.4K @ 4:48 with 3x750m hill intervals
Thurs 10k @ 4:38
Friday 9.3k @4:48
I decided to do the KOTM today as something different, and thought it would be good preparation for City To Surf in terms of hills. Legs wre a bit fatigued though, so I told myself to take it fairly easy ( as if that would ever happen)
It was a freezing morning (1.7degrees C in Perth, felt colder in the hills), and as it is a one way course you drive to the finish and get a bus to the start - at the bottom of the hill. It was freezing in the bus.
My handicap was 17min41, which meant I had to wait half an hour after the first starters to get going. By 8:30 when I started, the sun was out and it was a little warmer. All the male runners who weren't club members started 2min40 behind me, so I was expecting to be passed by a few people.
I set out hardish over the flat first two kms in 3:57/4:13, then ploughed through the river crossing ( - freezing water to upper thigh level). My quads were shocked and it took a little while to get in a rhythm again.
From 3-14k the course was undulating with more ups than downs, but each hill was short enough to get thorough then catch my breath on the descent. I ran at 4:25s to 4:30s throughout this period and passed alot of people. At 14k I still had only been passed by 4 people - all non members and I thought I might be nearing the front of the members and the glory of a top5 finish.
With 1.5k to go, the hill became constant, and my energy suddeny drained. I think had I known the course and how near I was to the finish (finished at 15.9 on Garmin, supposed to be 16.1 and I expected an overmeasurement), I may have pushed through but I stopped and walked a little way up the hill. In that final 1.5k about six people passed me. I still ran 5:00s for each km, so I wasn't going that slow. Suddenly I saw the finish 300m ahead and pushed hard to finish - 1hr11:44 (54 minutes something handicap time).
That time would have put me in the top 5 last year, but I missed it this time. (Out of interest Clown - you would have started about 2 and a half minutes after me on the handicap system)
So my easy run ended up being a gut-buster, and 4:30min/kms never felt so hard.
My plan from here is hills, hills, hills in training, and keep attending racs on sundays, without necessarily tapering or expecting PBs in them. Tuesday will be a hill interval session every week, and if I dont do a short race on the Sunday I'll do a second speed or tempo session during the week.
The tourdefrance is making early morning runs harder, although the EPO boost my energy. Once again I have had my annual thoughts of buying a road bike, but again I find it hard enough to make time t run, am I really going to make time to ride?
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Perth Marathon 2008
Well it's 4pm and I finally feel able to sit up and type out a report - there was a lot of pain going on today
It was a quiet week - 2 training runs at MP, 8 and 7km
Friday night pasta dinner with Rob, Saturday afternoon dropped off the drinks, interrupted sleep on Sat night before getting up at 5 for coffee and toast - the usual routine. I must admit to being fairly relaxed compared to previous years.
It was a cool morning to say the least - 0.9degrees - which is as cold as it gets in Perth.
For once Rob and I didn't run together - he was aiming for faster than me, so I quickly settled into a pace which was still a little faster than it should have been
0- 5k 21:48 (4:22)
5-10k 22:00 (4:24)
10-15K 22:18 (4:28)
15-20K 22:28 (4:30)
Half in just under 1:34
20-25k 22:21 (4:28)
25-30k 23:01 (4:36)
I had settled into a group of 6 or so who ran together from 10-25k, and as can be seen, I was still on 3hr10 pace at 30k.
Then the predicted lack of distance in training showed out.
30-35k I held on to about 4:50s
Then I really hit the wall, and went to a jog 500m, walk 50m strategy, that saw me hold 5:10s or so til 39k, but slip to 5:45s in the last 3k until a face saving last 500m.
I ended up with 3:19:xx - pretty much as I predicted.
I was absolutely wrecked at the end, apologies to Clown, Homo and respective families for lack of discussion - I needed to get home and horizontal for a while.
My immediate impression was the same as Homo's son after doing the kids marathon - 'I'm never doing that again' - but it wouldn't be a marathon if I didn't feel that way.
Congrats to Clown for the impressive run - 3:09 running alone and with a toilet break - my prediction that you had sub3:00 in you wasn't far from the truth.
Well done TB on returning to sub4hours - although we may need to have a little talk about that haircut!
All the best to Homo for the 12 week Berlin prep - see you out at some races.
Woosha did sub330 - but no-one told him to tape his nipples - ouch!
Sling - you need to find a conference here as an excuse to come over and run with us again
It was a quiet week - 2 training runs at MP, 8 and 7km
Friday night pasta dinner with Rob, Saturday afternoon dropped off the drinks, interrupted sleep on Sat night before getting up at 5 for coffee and toast - the usual routine. I must admit to being fairly relaxed compared to previous years.
It was a cool morning to say the least - 0.9degrees - which is as cold as it gets in Perth.
For once Rob and I didn't run together - he was aiming for faster than me, so I quickly settled into a pace which was still a little faster than it should have been
0- 5k 21:48 (4:22)
5-10k 22:00 (4:24)
10-15K 22:18 (4:28)
15-20K 22:28 (4:30)
Half in just under 1:34
20-25k 22:21 (4:28)
25-30k 23:01 (4:36)
I had settled into a group of 6 or so who ran together from 10-25k, and as can be seen, I was still on 3hr10 pace at 30k.
Then the predicted lack of distance in training showed out.
30-35k I held on to about 4:50s
Then I really hit the wall, and went to a jog 500m, walk 50m strategy, that saw me hold 5:10s or so til 39k, but slip to 5:45s in the last 3k until a face saving last 500m.
I ended up with 3:19:xx - pretty much as I predicted.
I was absolutely wrecked at the end, apologies to Clown, Homo and respective families for lack of discussion - I needed to get home and horizontal for a while.
My immediate impression was the same as Homo's son after doing the kids marathon - 'I'm never doing that again' - but it wouldn't be a marathon if I didn't feel that way.
Congrats to Clown for the impressive run - 3:09 running alone and with a toilet break - my prediction that you had sub3:00 in you wasn't far from the truth.
Well done TB on returning to sub4hours - although we may need to have a little talk about that haircut!
All the best to Homo for the 12 week Berlin prep - see you out at some races.
Woosha did sub330 - but no-one told him to tape his nipples - ouch!
Sling - you need to find a conference here as an excuse to come over and run with us again
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Next week Perth Marathon
Didn't post last week, but not too much to report
Last week - 52k with Sunday 25k @ 4:48
This week - 40k with Sunday 17.6k @ 4:37
I'm still running well, fast in my tempo/intervals, pretty comfortable in the longer runs.
It's coming to decision time for marathon pacing. Whilst I think I'll leave the decision until the day, I think in the end I'll probably set off t get to halfway in 96-97, then continue at that pace on the way back and see when/if I run into trouble from lack of endurance. It may be a painful day bu I may as well have a chance at a 3:15-3:20.
The alternatives are heading out harder with Rob - but I'll probably pay for that dearly, or going out in 100 for the half with a better chance of bringing it home OK.
We'll see, but history tells I'm not good at holding back!
Last week - 52k with Sunday 25k @ 4:48
This week - 40k with Sunday 17.6k @ 4:37
I'm still running well, fast in my tempo/intervals, pretty comfortable in the longer runs.
It's coming to decision time for marathon pacing. Whilst I think I'll leave the decision until the day, I think in the end I'll probably set off t get to halfway in 96-97, then continue at that pace on the way back and see when/if I run into trouble from lack of endurance. It may be a painful day bu I may as well have a chance at a 3:15-3:20.
The alternatives are heading out harder with Rob - but I'll probably pay for that dearly, or going out in 100 for the half with a better chance of bringing it home OK.
We'll see, but history tells I'm not good at holding back!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Perth Half Marathon 2008
Had my annual pre marathon virus week this week - ran only 32k including today
Tuesday 10.5k @ 4:34 - progression run
Then developed virus and this combined with weather, work and my flagging motivation convinced me not to run each day. Felt better Saturday but decided to leave it for today.
Conditions weren't perfect - rain and wind. Parking at Burswood was the worst I've seen at a run, and despite arriving 25 minutes pre start, by the time I'd parked and got there, I had less than 5 minutes.
Ran with Rob and we settled in to a 4:15-4:20 pace - 43:14 at 10k
At the turnaround Rob flirted with the idea of pushing the pace in the back half to go sub90, but after a km or two decided to keep it safe for the Marathon and slowed back to our previous pace.
Now it was my turn to feel strong and think about pushing the pace, but I too thought better of it.
This was definitely the right option as we held our pace and coasted along at conversational effort. I even surprised myself by not pushing it when a couple of runners overttook us with 4k to go.
It was only in the last km which we pushed to 4:00 pace that I felt the effort, and even then, it was fairly controlled
21.39 (Sportstracks) in 1:31:57 @ 4:18s
5k splits - 21.34, 21.40, 21.41, 21.50
Happy with the result and with my form over the middle distances. I still have grave concerns re the marathon with "long" runs of 15k/19k/23k/15k/16k/21k in the six weeks back from holidays. This is a recipe for hitting the wall. It'll take all my willpower to hold back on the day and run an even pace 3:30 rather than heading out in 1:35 and dying in the back half.
Oh, and I ran in skins for the first time in a race (I think). Not really for my benefit but for the delight of the ladies out on the course. I'm sure I cut a fine figure!
Tuesday 10.5k @ 4:34 - progression run
Then developed virus and this combined with weather, work and my flagging motivation convinced me not to run each day. Felt better Saturday but decided to leave it for today.
Conditions weren't perfect - rain and wind. Parking at Burswood was the worst I've seen at a run, and despite arriving 25 minutes pre start, by the time I'd parked and got there, I had less than 5 minutes.
Ran with Rob and we settled in to a 4:15-4:20 pace - 43:14 at 10k
At the turnaround Rob flirted with the idea of pushing the pace in the back half to go sub90, but after a km or two decided to keep it safe for the Marathon and slowed back to our previous pace.
Now it was my turn to feel strong and think about pushing the pace, but I too thought better of it.
This was definitely the right option as we held our pace and coasted along at conversational effort. I even surprised myself by not pushing it when a couple of runners overttook us with 4k to go.
It was only in the last km which we pushed to 4:00 pace that I felt the effort, and even then, it was fairly controlled
21.39 (Sportstracks) in 1:31:57 @ 4:18s
5k splits - 21.34, 21.40, 21.41, 21.50
Happy with the result and with my form over the middle distances. I still have grave concerns re the marathon with "long" runs of 15k/19k/23k/15k/16k/21k in the six weeks back from holidays. This is a recipe for hitting the wall. It'll take all my willpower to hold back on the day and run an even pace 3:30 rather than heading out in 1:35 and dying in the back half.
Oh, and I ran in skins for the first time in a race (I think). Not really for my benefit but for the delight of the ladies out on the course. I'm sure I cut a fine figure!
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Lake Monger 10k
Finally a sub 40!
Tough couple of training weeks
Last week ran 76k @ 4.44 - never found my groove and struggled along in the mornings. Only managed 15k on Sunday and then another 15k on Monday
This week 62k @4:35 - started to get some rhythm going. Did a 6k tempo @ 4:15 on Thurs.
This morning wanted to get the sub40 done. Smallish field at Lake Monger, 2k warmup
Started hardish to clear any traffic, then settled in with Rob until 5k
Splits 3:44/3:59/3:55/3:51/3:57
At 5k Rob took off and I ran the rest of the race with the eventual female winner. Felt like crap and was a matter of saying one more km then I can stop for each of the last 5k!
Splits 4:00/3:54/4:00/4:02/3:57
I was very thankful to have the young lady running with me - she was pushing very hard to win - which I thought she had done easily but at the award ceremony I see she was only a few seconds in front of the second placegetter.
I sprinted ahead of her at the end to record 39:34 (10k, Garmin 10.05, Sportstracks 10:09)
A 3.5k cooldown lap with Rob, who impressively ran under 39, had me feeling quite good.
Now that mental hurdle has been cleared, I can look to knocking another minute off it by the end of the year!
Tough couple of training weeks
Last week ran 76k @ 4.44 - never found my groove and struggled along in the mornings. Only managed 15k on Sunday and then another 15k on Monday
This week 62k @4:35 - started to get some rhythm going. Did a 6k tempo @ 4:15 on Thurs.
This morning wanted to get the sub40 done. Smallish field at Lake Monger, 2k warmup
Started hardish to clear any traffic, then settled in with Rob until 5k
Splits 3:44/3:59/3:55/3:51/3:57
At 5k Rob took off and I ran the rest of the race with the eventual female winner. Felt like crap and was a matter of saying one more km then I can stop for each of the last 5k!
Splits 4:00/3:54/4:00/4:02/3:57
I was very thankful to have the young lady running with me - she was pushing very hard to win - which I thought she had done easily but at the award ceremony I see she was only a few seconds in front of the second placegetter.
I sprinted ahead of her at the end to record 39:34 (10k, Garmin 10.05, Sportstracks 10:09)
A 3.5k cooldown lap with Rob, who impressively ran under 39, had me feeling quite good.
Now that mental hurdle has been cleared, I can look to knocking another minute off it by the end of the year!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Swings & Roundabouts
Up and down week
Back injury at work on Monday - lifting a patient with poor tachnique when I knew I shouldn't - left me with an excuse not to run much
The sessions I did run were fast
Tues 5k 'tempo plus' in 19:45, 2 min rest then 5x1k - 352/348/400/354/355
Friday 8k tempo - 1st 4k in 4:20s, next 4k in 4:10s
Wanted to do some sessions in the mould of SlingRunner - and was fairly happy with the result
Sun23k @ 4:43. Ran with Rob and couldn't hack the pace - walked a couple of times and couldn't even come up with the last 2k to make 25.
No excuse for the performance - just too fast for me.
This has confirmed my decision to take the marathon fairly easy and focus on doing 10k PB.
Back injury at work on Monday - lifting a patient with poor tachnique when I knew I shouldn't - left me with an excuse not to run much
The sessions I did run were fast
Tues 5k 'tempo plus' in 19:45, 2 min rest then 5x1k - 352/348/400/354/355
Friday 8k tempo - 1st 4k in 4:20s, next 4k in 4:10s
Wanted to do some sessions in the mould of SlingRunner - and was fairly happy with the result
Sun23k @ 4:43. Ran with Rob and couldn't hack the pace - walked a couple of times and couldn't even come up with the last 2k to make 25.
No excuse for the performance - just too fast for me.
This has confirmed my decision to take the marathon fairly easy and focus on doing 10k PB.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Gentle Return
9 days back - 74km at 4:44
Would have liked to have done more, but post holiday 'stuff' limited things.
On the plus side - generally doing OK
On the minus - ITB niggles for first time in a while
Not having done a long run leaves me with at most 4 long runs prior to the marathon. And that would mean missing or incorporating 2 10k races and the HM.
No great point going though each run - 19k this am - limited by a breakfast at 9am.
One tempo/CV session with 4x1k at 4:00-4:05
Five 10-15k runs
I'm all confused.
Should I do challenge 10k next week hard, then add some extra before and after?
Should I wait til Lake Monger 10k and race that with a better chance at a PB?
Do I do the 50k MundaBiddi instead of Lake Monger,4 weeks out?
I'll definitely need to make the HM into a longer run.
Should I try to incorporate a midweek long run sometime to allow racing both 10k's?
Do I say to heck with the long runs and accept an average Marathon relying on km's 'in the bank'
To be honest no matter what I dont expect a great performance in the Marathon - I'm doing it to keep my consecutive run going
I'll do some thinking this week. Either way the big goal is Boston next year, and the next couple of months are either going to help my aerobic base or speed or both for that.
Would have liked to have done more, but post holiday 'stuff' limited things.
On the plus side - generally doing OK
On the minus - ITB niggles for first time in a while
Not having done a long run leaves me with at most 4 long runs prior to the marathon. And that would mean missing or incorporating 2 10k races and the HM.
No great point going though each run - 19k this am - limited by a breakfast at 9am.
One tempo/CV session with 4x1k at 4:00-4:05
Five 10-15k runs
I'm all confused.
Should I do challenge 10k next week hard, then add some extra before and after?
Should I wait til Lake Monger 10k and race that with a better chance at a PB?
Do I do the 50k MundaBiddi instead of Lake Monger,4 weeks out?
I'll definitely need to make the HM into a longer run.
Should I try to incorporate a midweek long run sometime to allow racing both 10k's?
Do I say to heck with the long runs and accept an average Marathon relying on km's 'in the bank'
To be honest no matter what I dont expect a great performance in the Marathon - I'm doing it to keep my consecutive run going
I'll do some thinking this week. Either way the big goal is Boston next year, and the next couple of months are either going to help my aerobic base or speed or both for that.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Back to it
Back from 4 weeks holiday post Canberra marathon
4kg heavier thanks to overindulging in Hawaii, Baltimore NewYork and Paris
Very little running in 4 weeks - 6 runs totalling about 50km - due to lack of places to run as well as to laziness.
New shoes - bought some Adistar Control V - on recommendation of Clown - best feeling shoe for me since AsicsGT2110. Now I wish I bought more in the uS, where they cost $100 compared with the exorbitant costs here.
So now for the second half of 2008
Initial plan is to build up to decent mileage over the next 4 weeks.
Next is to get in a sub 40min 10k which I should have done by now. I had considered doing that tomorrow but JetLag makes that unlikely. Challenge or Lake Monger seem the candidates
Third is potentially a 42-50k trail run at the MundaBiddi100k in June, if preparations are going OK
Fourth is Perth Marathon - my 4th in a row. I am not expecting a PB with limited preparation and lack of real mental focus for this one. Sub 330 is good enough.
Fifth and probably the main goal will be to focus on speed post July and try to really set a decent 10k PB, sub39 minutes in the second half of the year. If I am to make inroads towards my goal of sub 3hour marathon next year I need to be getting the 10k time down to sub 38min realistically.
My wife's family have enthusiastically jumped on the 2009 Boston Marathon wagon - all planning a US holiday to coincide, so if finances allow this seems quite likely - and with the travel, support, cost and long buildup I would hope for a big PB performance.
First things first though - lets start running again and see how much is lost from 4 weeks of rest.
Hi to Clown, Homo,TB,Sling - hope you are all progressing through your various challenges.
4kg heavier thanks to overindulging in Hawaii, Baltimore NewYork and Paris
Very little running in 4 weeks - 6 runs totalling about 50km - due to lack of places to run as well as to laziness.
New shoes - bought some Adistar Control V - on recommendation of Clown - best feeling shoe for me since AsicsGT2110. Now I wish I bought more in the uS, where they cost $100 compared with the exorbitant costs here.
So now for the second half of 2008
Initial plan is to build up to decent mileage over the next 4 weeks.
Next is to get in a sub 40min 10k which I should have done by now. I had considered doing that tomorrow but JetLag makes that unlikely. Challenge or Lake Monger seem the candidates
Third is potentially a 42-50k trail run at the MundaBiddi100k in June, if preparations are going OK
Fourth is Perth Marathon - my 4th in a row. I am not expecting a PB with limited preparation and lack of real mental focus for this one. Sub 330 is good enough.
Fifth and probably the main goal will be to focus on speed post July and try to really set a decent 10k PB, sub39 minutes in the second half of the year. If I am to make inroads towards my goal of sub 3hour marathon next year I need to be getting the 10k time down to sub 38min realistically.
My wife's family have enthusiastically jumped on the 2009 Boston Marathon wagon - all planning a US holiday to coincide, so if finances allow this seems quite likely - and with the travel, support, cost and long buildup I would hope for a big PB performance.
First things first though - lets start running again and see how much is lost from 4 weeks of rest.
Hi to Clown, Homo,TB,Sling - hope you are all progressing through your various challenges.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Holiday
Quick update from Waikiki!
Sorry on the last post - had 30 min on hotel internet and was too cheap to cough up for another half hour - finished mid sentence.
Now a week later i'm happy. Nursing a strained left calf muscle (up near the back of the knee) which has limied my couple of attempts at recovery runs here - have stuck to walking, surfing ,eating, drinking and sunbathing.
Still a bit annoyed that my official time is 15-20sec slower than it should have been.
Will take it real easy over the holiday now to make sure the calf recovers, then will start training again in May for Perth Marathon. I don't think I can mount the same singleminded assault on a marathon that quickly, but I'll approach it with no aim of a PB, more of a launch for 10k PBs in the second half of the year.
Boston is being considered.
Sorry on the last post - had 30 min on hotel internet and was too cheap to cough up for another half hour - finished mid sentence.
Now a week later i'm happy. Nursing a strained left calf muscle (up near the back of the knee) which has limied my couple of attempts at recovery runs here - have stuck to walking, surfing ,eating, drinking and sunbathing.
Still a bit annoyed that my official time is 15-20sec slower than it should have been.
Will take it real easy over the holiday now to make sure the calf recovers, then will start training again in May for Perth Marathon. I don't think I can mount the same singleminded assault on a marathon that quickly, but I'll approach it with no aim of a PB, more of a launch for 10k PBs in the second half of the year.
Boston is being considered.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Canberra marathon
Quick post from Melbourne before my US holiday
Great run, 3:14 finished with Rob. Took some time to get to the start line but my chip obviously didn't record as they gave me my gun time.
Arrived Friday pm, had pasta dinner with Rob
Saturday am did 4k easy over part of the course. Pasta dinner with Rob, Tracey, Henry and his family.
Unfortunately got separated from Rob at the start - due to a late toilet stop. I started quite far back near the 3:15 pacer, and thought I'd stay with him and see Rob out there.
The pacer went out hard, doing some 4:15s in the 5-10k section to get to 10k under 45. At this point I caught Rob and we decided to fall behind the pacer.
We hit very solid 4:33-4:38 pace throughout the 10-35k section, in at times heavy rain on a flat road course around Lake Burley Griffin.
Things got tough at 36k or so with cramping quads, adductors and calves. Luckily Rob held back a bit and ran with me. We didn't drop pace and finished in 4:29,4:35 for the final 2k. Slowest km of the race was a 4:45 besides the first km, so very pleased
Time gone, update later
Great run, 3:14 finished with Rob. Took some time to get to the start line but my chip obviously didn't record as they gave me my gun time.
Arrived Friday pm, had pasta dinner with Rob
Saturday am did 4k easy over part of the course. Pasta dinner with Rob, Tracey, Henry and his family.
Unfortunately got separated from Rob at the start - due to a late toilet stop. I started quite far back near the 3:15 pacer, and thought I'd stay with him and see Rob out there.
The pacer went out hard, doing some 4:15s in the 5-10k section to get to 10k under 45. At this point I caught Rob and we decided to fall behind the pacer.
We hit very solid 4:33-4:38 pace throughout the 10-35k section, in at times heavy rain on a flat road course around Lake Burley Griffin.
Things got tough at 36k or so with cramping quads, adductors and calves. Luckily Rob held back a bit and ran with me. We didn't drop pace and finished in 4:29,4:35 for the final 2k. Slowest km of the race was a 4:45 besides the first km, so very pleased
Time gone, update later
Sunday, April 06, 2008
T minus seven
Taper week 2, managed to hold back the distance if not the intensity.
56.4k @ 4:41
Monday 9.5k recovery @4:54
Tues 10.1k@4:28. 5k continuous in 19:54 - was going to run tempo pace but felt so good cruised along at 4min/k pace. Could comfortably have gone further but didn't want to overdo it
Wed rest
Thurs 10k@4:45 progression from easy to tempo
Fri rest
Sat 9.7k@4:33 marathon pace (a bit faster)
Sun 17.1k@4:45. 'long' run with Rob. Had to hold ourselves back regularly as perhaps nervous energy pushed us along at MP. Stopped for 10mins in the middle to watch the bridges funrunners go past.
So plenty of speed from recent sharpening weeks. Could definitely run 5k/10k PBs at present.
Need to really take it easy this week - looking at maybe 20-25k total, no tempo
Flying out Friday, carbo loading last 3-4 days
Excited? You bet
56.4k @ 4:41
Monday 9.5k recovery @4:54
Tues 10.1k@4:28. 5k continuous in 19:54 - was going to run tempo pace but felt so good cruised along at 4min/k pace. Could comfortably have gone further but didn't want to overdo it
Wed rest
Thurs 10k@4:45 progression from easy to tempo
Fri rest
Sat 9.7k@4:33 marathon pace (a bit faster)
Sun 17.1k@4:45. 'long' run with Rob. Had to hold ourselves back regularly as perhaps nervous energy pushed us along at MP. Stopped for 10mins in the middle to watch the bridges funrunners go past.
So plenty of speed from recent sharpening weeks. Could definitely run 5k/10k PBs at present.
Need to really take it easy this week - looking at maybe 20-25k total, no tempo
Flying out Friday, carbo loading last 3-4 days
Excited? You bet
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Tuning up
Two week to go today!
I chose the lower mileage, fast pace option for this weeks running.
Total 62.46km @ 4:44
Monday - 10k @ 4:38 -6k progression from MP to tempo pace
Tuesday - 10.4K @ 4:57 recovery
Thursday - 11.3k @4:32. 7k tempo @ 4:10. Felt great, cruising at 4:10s could have gone on
Friday 10.4k @ 4:50 recovery
Sunday 20.2k @ 4:43. Went a little faster than intended - mixed up end of daylight saving so went out an hour early. Ran alone and got sucked in to running the second 10k at MP.
Anyway. Speed has been tuned up a bit. Looking for similar week this week, although more MP and shorter long run.
Bring it on!!
I chose the lower mileage, fast pace option for this weeks running.
Total 62.46km @ 4:44
Monday - 10k @ 4:38 -6k progression from MP to tempo pace
Tuesday - 10.4K @ 4:57 recovery
Thursday - 11.3k @4:32. 7k tempo @ 4:10. Felt great, cruising at 4:10s could have gone on
Friday 10.4k @ 4:50 recovery
Sunday 20.2k @ 4:43. Went a little faster than intended - mixed up end of daylight saving so went out an hour early. Ran alone and got sucked in to running the second 10k at MP.
Anyway. Speed has been tuned up a bit. Looking for similar week this week, although more MP and shorter long run.
Bring it on!!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
last big(-ish) week
80k this week - taper begins
Tues 10.4k recovery @ 4:58
Wed 10.3k @ 4:32 - included 4k tempo 4:10s jog then 2k 4:00s
Thurs 10.5k @ 5:00 recovery
Friday 13.4k @ 4:54 with hill rpts on Bold Park
Sat 10.6k@ 4:55 recovery
Sun 25k approx 4:55. Ran with Rob and we cut it short today. Certainly felt fairly heavy in the legs after the weeks 2 quality sessions and some pretty heavy work aroung the garden preparing to open our home for sale next weekend.
Much discussion with Rob re taper, what sessions to include, especially this week 3rd week out. ?shorten distance and maintain pace. ?easy runs most days. ?how long to go next weekend.
The books I've read seem to be sending mixed messages- firstly saying that the best results are seen with doing less running in the last 14-21 days, but then putting hard sessions in their programmes.
We'll see. It's been a good preparation and I don't want to ruin it by doing too much in the last couple of weeks.
Tues 10.4k recovery @ 4:58
Wed 10.3k @ 4:32 - included 4k tempo 4:10s jog then 2k 4:00s
Thurs 10.5k @ 5:00 recovery
Friday 13.4k @ 4:54 with hill rpts on Bold Park
Sat 10.6k@ 4:55 recovery
Sun 25k approx 4:55. Ran with Rob and we cut it short today. Certainly felt fairly heavy in the legs after the weeks 2 quality sessions and some pretty heavy work aroung the garden preparing to open our home for sale next weekend.
Much discussion with Rob re taper, what sessions to include, especially this week 3rd week out. ?shorten distance and maintain pace. ?easy runs most days. ?how long to go next weekend.
The books I've read seem to be sending mixed messages- firstly saying that the best results are seen with doing less running in the last 14-21 days, but then putting hard sessions in their programmes.
We'll see. It's been a good preparation and I don't want to ruin it by doing too much in the last couple of weeks.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Nearly there
A somewhat frustrating week last week - had the energy but not the time.
Prime example was Friday - got home from work 6pm, due to leave for dinner 630. I raced out the door to do a 20 min VO2max session which was probably of little enefit and large risk.
Saturday was 8 hours in the garden putting a new lawn in and putting gravel down the side - I guess thats cross training.
Anyway - 75.1k in 4:51 average
Mon 10.13@5:03 recovery
Tues 10.27@4:38 with 7k at tempo/subtempo
Thurs 16.96@4:50 hilly longer midweek run last 10k at MP
Fri 4.5k@4:16 - 9x300m intervals
Sun 33.2k@4:57 - slower long run. first 20k with Rob who was recovering from virus. Felt great
Seven 30k+ runs now, probably one more next Sunday before commencing a taper.
Prime example was Friday - got home from work 6pm, due to leave for dinner 630. I raced out the door to do a 20 min VO2max session which was probably of little enefit and large risk.
Saturday was 8 hours in the garden putting a new lawn in and putting gravel down the side - I guess thats cross training.
Anyway - 75.1k in 4:51 average
Mon 10.13@5:03 recovery
Tues 10.27@4:38 with 7k at tempo/subtempo
Thurs 16.96@4:50 hilly longer midweek run last 10k at MP
Fri 4.5k@4:16 - 9x300m intervals
Sun 33.2k@4:57 - slower long run. first 20k with Rob who was recovering from virus. Felt great
Seven 30k+ runs now, probably one more next Sunday before commencing a taper.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
5 weeks to go!
85.5km this week in 4:48 average.
Felt pretty heavy in the legs all week, essentially did no quality work, just plodded through.
Mon 11.25@ 4:48
Tues 10.17@4:59
Wed 10.32@ 4:57
Thurs 10.66@4:53
Sat 12.94@4:50
Sun 30.18@4:39
This mornings run was the exception. Rob & I went out intending to do 24k at MP. My legs were still heavy so we started off pretty slowly, but gradually wound up the pace. After a first 4k at about 5min/k the remaining 26 were at 4:36's average. A few stretching stops for Rob's hamstring were the only interruptions. I felt pretty good at the end although the legs were beaten up a bit, and I declined the cooldown jog with Rob and headed home for an afternoon of gardening.
30k run with 26 at MP - bit of a confidence booster!
Felt pretty heavy in the legs all week, essentially did no quality work, just plodded through.
Mon 11.25@ 4:48
Tues 10.17@4:59
Wed 10.32@ 4:57
Thurs 10.66@4:53
Sat 12.94@4:50
Sun 30.18@4:39
This mornings run was the exception. Rob & I went out intending to do 24k at MP. My legs were still heavy so we started off pretty slowly, but gradually wound up the pace. After a first 4k at about 5min/k the remaining 26 were at 4:36's average. A few stretching stops for Rob's hamstring were the only interruptions. I felt pretty good at the end although the legs were beaten up a bit, and I declined the cooldown jog with Rob and headed home for an afternoon of gardening.
30k run with 26 at MP - bit of a confidence booster!
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Sniffles
In a manner I should have predicted, I developed sore throat and nasal congestion after last Sunday's 36k effort. This has been a pattern anytime I run half marathon or longer at anything faster than easy pace.
Research reveals I am not the only one. A significant percentage of runners get these symptoms after a long run or race (47% after one Ultra). It may not be infection but rather an allergic type process, although the immune system does dip after a sustained hard effort.
So what to do? I need to do some runs of this type in a mara buildup. Vitamin C has some beneficial effect and I will certainly make that a more regular thing. I also think I have previously been a bit too reserved in running with these symptoms. But as I know all too well, I continue to push too hard at some times when I shouldn't, but feel good.
So on to this week. Took Monday and Wed off due to symptoms, and only did one 'quality' session - 6k tempo on friday. Todays long run was controlled. I wanted to run shorter with some periods at MP. Once again a very humid morning made things tough.
Tues 10.3k @ 4:55min/km
Thurs 10.3k @ 4:50
Fri 10k @ 4:27 with 6k tempo 4:15
Sat 10.3k @ 4:56
Sun 27.5k @4:53. 1st 12k 5:00s,3k @4:45s, 4k @ 4:35s, last 8k 4:50-5:00s
So a quieter period continues - but last 9 weeks average 83.3k per week, versus 42.7 for the equivalent leadup weeks to Perth Mara last year!Only 3 hard training weeks to go!!
Research reveals I am not the only one. A significant percentage of runners get these symptoms after a long run or race (47% after one Ultra). It may not be infection but rather an allergic type process, although the immune system does dip after a sustained hard effort.
So what to do? I need to do some runs of this type in a mara buildup. Vitamin C has some beneficial effect and I will certainly make that a more regular thing. I also think I have previously been a bit too reserved in running with these symptoms. But as I know all too well, I continue to push too hard at some times when I shouldn't, but feel good.
So on to this week. Took Monday and Wed off due to symptoms, and only did one 'quality' session - 6k tempo on friday. Todays long run was controlled. I wanted to run shorter with some periods at MP. Once again a very humid morning made things tough.
Tues 10.3k @ 4:55min/km
Thurs 10.3k @ 4:50
Fri 10k @ 4:27 with 6k tempo 4:15
Sat 10.3k @ 4:56
Sun 27.5k @4:53. 1st 12k 5:00s,3k @4:45s, 4k @ 4:35s, last 8k 4:50-5:00s
So a quieter period continues - but last 9 weeks average 83.3k per week, versus 42.7 for the equivalent leadup weeks to Perth Mara last year!Only 3 hard training weeks to go!!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Good long run
Wound it up a bit again after 2 lighter weeks - 99.3km week.
Mon 10.1k recovery @ 4:56 (trying to slow down on these)
Tues 11.32k @ 4:41. Included hill efforts and 2.5k at 10k pace before a very slow jog home
Wed 10.3k @ 4:52 easy
Thurs 10.5k @ 4:35 - included 3k then 2k at 4:05 pace
Friday 10.33k @ 4:44 - inbetween pace run I'm trying to cut back on these
Sat 10.6k @ 4:51
Sun 36.2k @ 4:54 (2hrs57,20)
One of my best long training runs thus far. Ran with Rob on the usual course ( w.perth-bold park-trigg-hale rd -home). Went around( rather than over) the second Hale Rd hill to save Rob's hamstring
Easy first 10k in 51:21
Next 15k averaged 4:46's and we were purposely holding back
Back to 4:50-5:00s next 8k
Finished full of running - 34-35k did 4:15. Even better, was planning to walk the last km home but felt good and jogged the final k in 4:56 to finish very satisfied.
Kudos to Rob for pushing on despite hamstring pain
On the merry-go-round of expectations re Canberra, this week I feel confident I can do it(3:15)
4 more full training weeks before 3 week taper - want 90-110k in each.
Mon 10.1k recovery @ 4:56 (trying to slow down on these)
Tues 11.32k @ 4:41. Included hill efforts and 2.5k at 10k pace before a very slow jog home
Wed 10.3k @ 4:52 easy
Thurs 10.5k @ 4:35 - included 3k then 2k at 4:05 pace
Friday 10.33k @ 4:44 - inbetween pace run I'm trying to cut back on these
Sat 10.6k @ 4:51
Sun 36.2k @ 4:54 (2hrs57,20)
One of my best long training runs thus far. Ran with Rob on the usual course ( w.perth-bold park-trigg-hale rd -home). Went around( rather than over) the second Hale Rd hill to save Rob's hamstring
Easy first 10k in 51:21
Next 15k averaged 4:46's and we were purposely holding back
Back to 4:50-5:00s next 8k
Finished full of running - 34-35k did 4:15. Even better, was planning to walk the last km home but felt good and jogged the final k in 4:56 to finish very satisfied.
Kudos to Rob for pushing on despite hamstring pain
On the merry-go-round of expectations re Canberra, this week I feel confident I can do it(3:15)
4 more full training weeks before 3 week taper - want 90-110k in each.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Matilda Bay 10k 2008
First up, I admit to over-reacting on the injury front. The achilles hurt Sun,Mon,Tues Wed and then calmed down - with plenty of stretching, ice and then eccentric contraction exercise.
Luckily, in a way, I developed a mild virus this week, which limited my training. I had already done slow 10ks on Mon and Tuesday, which weren't helping the achilles, and prob would have continued had the virus not come up.
Sat am I did another slow 10k and felt OK.
Sat night I had a few wines, leaving Sunday morning a 'Should I or Shouldn't I ?' argument as I lay in bed at 6am. Obviously I decided I would.
I arrived early and did 2.5k warmup with some strides at the end. 20 degrees, 85% humidity
Set off mid pack to hopefully force myself not to start too hard
3:50/3:55/3:56/4:00/4:03 to be 19:44(GPS), 19:50(marker) at the halfway point.
Felt pretty awful here and told myself to go til 7k, where you pass the start, and could stop there
3:59/4:00 -still feeling crappy but there came a light sprinkling of rain which cooled things down in the humidity. Managed to forge on a bit longer
4:05/4:05 for the 8th and 9th kms meant I was just under 36min on the GPS, just over on the marker.
I ran the last km in 3:57 and turned into the final 30m with the clock on 39:55.
Finished in 40:02. 10k race, Garmin watch 10.05, Sportstracks (who use a different algorithm) 10.08.
Obviously you always run a bit further than 10k, as the course is measured on the shortest possible route, but 2 seconds off is pretty annoying. Wish I started on the front line!
Anyway - 52km for the week, very light on, hope to do 100k+ this week with the cooler weather.
The sub 40min goal will have to wait a few more months.
Luckily, in a way, I developed a mild virus this week, which limited my training. I had already done slow 10ks on Mon and Tuesday, which weren't helping the achilles, and prob would have continued had the virus not come up.
Sat am I did another slow 10k and felt OK.
Sat night I had a few wines, leaving Sunday morning a 'Should I or Shouldn't I ?' argument as I lay in bed at 6am. Obviously I decided I would.
I arrived early and did 2.5k warmup with some strides at the end. 20 degrees, 85% humidity
Set off mid pack to hopefully force myself not to start too hard
3:50/3:55/3:56/4:00/4:03 to be 19:44(GPS), 19:50(marker) at the halfway point.
Felt pretty awful here and told myself to go til 7k, where you pass the start, and could stop there
3:59/4:00 -still feeling crappy but there came a light sprinkling of rain which cooled things down in the humidity. Managed to forge on a bit longer
4:05/4:05 for the 8th and 9th kms meant I was just under 36min on the GPS, just over on the marker.
I ran the last km in 3:57 and turned into the final 30m with the clock on 39:55.
Finished in 40:02. 10k race, Garmin watch 10.05, Sportstracks (who use a different algorithm) 10.08.
Obviously you always run a bit further than 10k, as the course is measured on the shortest possible route, but 2 seconds off is pretty annoying. Wish I started on the front line!
Anyway - 52km for the week, very light on, hope to do 100k+ this week with the cooler weather.
The sub 40min goal will have to wait a few more months.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Injury!
'The stars are not wanted now; put out every one:
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the woods:
For nothing now can ever come to any good.'
Sure, W.H.Auden wrote this poem for a funeral, but that's a little how I was feeling today.
Right achilles tendinopathy - first niggle of pain on Sat am run, more marked flare on this mornings run, causing a shortened effort
Potential causes?
Who knows, I might wake up tomorrow with the pain gone - happened with patellar tendinopathy in the past, but this feels worse.
Anyway, the week in review - only 75.1km @ 4:45
Mon rest
Tues 10.38 @ 4:43
Wed 10.33@ 4:44
Thurs 11.30 @ 4:47
Fri 11.96k @ 4:36 - with 2x1k 4:10s
Sat 10.1 @ 5:19 with brother in law
Sun 21.06 @ 4:33 - HM in 1:35.58, last couple of km at 4:15s, felt great everywhere except achilles.
I'll know a lot more in a week about whether this is me being pessimistic or honest
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the woods:
For nothing now can ever come to any good.'
Sure, W.H.Auden wrote this poem for a funeral, but that's a little how I was feeling today.
Right achilles tendinopathy - first niggle of pain on Sat am run, more marked flare on this mornings run, causing a shortened effort
Potential causes?
- Overuse
- Speedwork fri am (although only 2x1k at 4:10 - not that speedy)
- Changing shoes - varying old 2110, new 2130, new Mizunos
- Me being a weak old woman
- Read everything I can - done/in progress
- See my podiatrist - book Monday
- Ice, Ice ,Ice - in progress
- Stretching regime (Alfredson)
- Cry uncontrollably for half an hour - done (not really)
- No running for a few days and miss the 10k race next week - hmm....
Who knows, I might wake up tomorrow with the pain gone - happened with patellar tendinopathy in the past, but this feels worse.
Anyway, the week in review - only 75.1km @ 4:45
Mon rest
Tues 10.38 @ 4:43
Wed 10.33@ 4:44
Thurs 11.30 @ 4:47
Fri 11.96k @ 4:36 - with 2x1k 4:10s
Sat 10.1 @ 5:19 with brother in law
Sun 21.06 @ 4:33 - HM in 1:35.58, last couple of km at 4:15s, felt great everywhere except achilles.
I'll know a lot more in a week about whether this is me being pessimistic or honest
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Centurion
101.91km @ 4:49 - booya!
January total 389.4km - ran 28 of 31 days.
5 weeks - 81/87/96/87/101
Mon 10.12k@ 4:48 recovery
Tues 9.97k@ included 4k tempo@ 4:16, then 3x700m intervals
Wed 11.65k@4:40 easy
Thurs 15.83@4:46 hilly with 10k @MP
Fri 10.43k@ 4:46 easy
Sat 10.72@ 4:48 easy
Sun 33.19k @ 5:01
Hot long run today - 24.5degrees at the start, just tipping 30 at the end.
Ran with Rob, took things a bit slower than last week. Generally did OK for the end of such a big week, and ran up Hale Rd hills OK. Blew up a bit chasing Rob over 2 faster km 24-26k - only 445s but felt harder. Ran the last 6.5k in 1.5k run/100m walks, the heat really rushed up in that last half hour.
One more long week ahead before a lighter one leading in to Matilda Bay 10k (had thought it was a week earlier). Next Sunday forecast 16min, 28max, so will hopefully do a good 20-25k marathon pace timetrial around the river.
January total 389.4km - ran 28 of 31 days.
5 weeks - 81/87/96/87/101
Mon 10.12k@ 4:48 recovery
Tues 9.97k@ included 4k tempo@ 4:16, then 3x700m intervals
Wed 11.65k@4:40 easy
Thurs 15.83@4:46 hilly with 10k @MP
Fri 10.43k@ 4:46 easy
Sat 10.72@ 4:48 easy
Sun 33.19k @ 5:01
Hot long run today - 24.5degrees at the start, just tipping 30 at the end.
Ran with Rob, took things a bit slower than last week. Generally did OK for the end of such a big week, and ran up Hale Rd hills OK. Blew up a bit chasing Rob over 2 faster km 24-26k - only 445s but felt harder. Ran the last 6.5k in 1.5k run/100m walks, the heat really rushed up in that last half hour.
One more long week ahead before a lighter one leading in to Matilda Bay 10k (had thought it was a week earlier). Next Sunday forecast 16min, 28max, so will hopefully do a good 20-25k marathon pace timetrial around the river.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Heatwave
Perth's been HOT this January - average max 32.9, last eight days 32+, and the next six forecast similarly.
I've been running early mornings to beat the heat, but it's still tough
This contributed to a somewhat lower mileage this week - 87.8km @ 4:54
Mon 10.1 @ 4:56 recovery
Tues 11.1@ 4:53 easy
Wed rest day
Thurs 15.3k @ 4:35 - hill/fartlek
Fri 10.4@ 4:51 easy
Sat 10.1@ 5:20 - run with brother-in-law
Sun 30.8km @ 4:56 long run
Heavy legs on Tuesday, my 12th straight day running, so I took a rest day, and did feel very good coming back on Thurs am around the Bold Park loop
This morning ran with Rob, we actually ran quite steadily at 4:45-4:55 pace for most of the run, but a fairly strong effort around Bold Park in the first 10k probably knocked a bit much out of me. Fought on the rest of the run and still ran up Hale road hills well, but at the end I felt more tired than I have in the previous 3 long runs - heat and effort perhaps a little too much.
Mizunos doing very well - have gone up half a size and need to lace tightly to fit, but much happier in these than the new 2130s.
I've been running early mornings to beat the heat, but it's still tough
This contributed to a somewhat lower mileage this week - 87.8km @ 4:54
Mon 10.1 @ 4:56 recovery
Tues 11.1@ 4:53 easy
Wed rest day
Thurs 15.3k @ 4:35 - hill/fartlek
Fri 10.4@ 4:51 easy
Sat 10.1@ 5:20 - run with brother-in-law
Sun 30.8km @ 4:56 long run
Heavy legs on Tuesday, my 12th straight day running, so I took a rest day, and did feel very good coming back on Thurs am around the Bold Park loop
This morning ran with Rob, we actually ran quite steadily at 4:45-4:55 pace for most of the run, but a fairly strong effort around Bold Park in the first 10k probably knocked a bit much out of me. Fought on the rest of the run and still ran up Hale road hills well, but at the end I felt more tired than I have in the previous 3 long runs - heat and effort perhaps a little too much.
Mizunos doing very well - have gone up half a size and need to lace tightly to fit, but much happier in these than the new 2130s.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Just short of the century
96.24km @ 4:51 average.
The heat beat me this week - hot nights wed and thurs prevented the midweek medium long night run, so I stuck with all mornings. Unforetunately working mon-sat, I'm limited in how long I can be out there for in the am.
Mon 10.12k @ 4:54 - recovery
Tues 10.98k @ 4:49 - aerobic, as the shins felt sore
Wed 11.50k @ 4:48 - hilly run around Bold Park with 4k tempo -ish 4:25s at end
Thurs 10.40k@ 4:43 - aerobic/progression (flat)
Fri 10.88k @ 4:56 - Hill efforts and 2k tempo interval on hot/humid morning
Sat 10.09k@ 4:44 - aerobic/progression (flat)
Sun 32.38k @ 4:54 - long run
Ran up to Kings Park starting about 6:50 - missed Rob and decided to continue down to the river, ran around to Matilda Bay and saw the winners of the WAMC run nearing the end of their run going the other way. Continued on to Christchurch, then down to City Beach and back home.
1st 15k in 5:00s, then 7k at 4:50s, 4k @4:40s, then finished off in 5-5:10s last 6k. Pushed a bit hard in the mid section then died coming back up the hill from City Beach.
I ran in new Mizuno Wave Inspires - very nice shoe although slightly firm ride. Disappointed again with the Asics2130s - felt like my feet were slapping the ground, may need to give up on this series completely. Sad, beacuse they fit my foot like a glove. Will try to find some discounted Brooks Adrenalines to try also (Brooks store at Harbourtown useless)
Will next week mark the magic 100k? My wife goes away for 10days on Wed, so will leave me with a bit more time for training. I dont want to fall into the trap of adding a short second run in the day purely to fill the numbers up, and unfortunately this week looks hot as well, so evening mod-long run may be out again.
Ten 6:30 am runs in a row - motivation must still be OK!
The heat beat me this week - hot nights wed and thurs prevented the midweek medium long night run, so I stuck with all mornings. Unforetunately working mon-sat, I'm limited in how long I can be out there for in the am.
Mon 10.12k @ 4:54 - recovery
Tues 10.98k @ 4:49 - aerobic, as the shins felt sore
Wed 11.50k @ 4:48 - hilly run around Bold Park with 4k tempo -ish 4:25s at end
Thurs 10.40k@ 4:43 - aerobic/progression (flat)
Fri 10.88k @ 4:56 - Hill efforts and 2k tempo interval on hot/humid morning
Sat 10.09k@ 4:44 - aerobic/progression (flat)
Sun 32.38k @ 4:54 - long run
Ran up to Kings Park starting about 6:50 - missed Rob and decided to continue down to the river, ran around to Matilda Bay and saw the winners of the WAMC run nearing the end of their run going the other way. Continued on to Christchurch, then down to City Beach and back home.
1st 15k in 5:00s, then 7k at 4:50s, 4k @4:40s, then finished off in 5-5:10s last 6k. Pushed a bit hard in the mid section then died coming back up the hill from City Beach.
I ran in new Mizuno Wave Inspires - very nice shoe although slightly firm ride. Disappointed again with the Asics2130s - felt like my feet were slapping the ground, may need to give up on this series completely. Sad, beacuse they fit my foot like a glove. Will try to find some discounted Brooks Adrenalines to try also (Brooks store at Harbourtown useless)
Will next week mark the magic 100k? My wife goes away for 10days on Wed, so will leave me with a bit more time for training. I dont want to fall into the trap of adding a short second run in the day purely to fill the numbers up, and unfortunately this week looks hot as well, so evening mod-long run may be out again.
Ten 6:30 am runs in a row - motivation must still be OK!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Pleasing Progress
87km 4:55 average
Mon 9.3k @ 5:07
Tues 10k @ 5:03
Wed 17.1k @ 4:38
Thurs rest
Fri 10.3k @ 4:38
Sat10.1k @ 4:47
Sun 30.2k @ 5 :06
Aside from my regular morning 10k aerobic runs, this week I added a 17k midweek run, which I did on Wed pm. Overall it was at 4:38 pace, although the first 5k was at 5's, the last 10k at 4:30s, over hilly terrain.
This morning 30k with Rob. I had a hangover, so was happy with the 5:06 pace, made it up the Hale Rd hill this time!
Ahead a 95-100k week again with the longer midweek run and perhaps a fartlek/long interval session, depending upon how the legs feel. I was toying with running Christchurch 12k next sunday but dont want interrupt my progression of long runs and increasing mileage yet. Think I'll wait for the Matilda Bay 10k next month - at that point I'll be due an easy week, and hopefully with six big weeks under my belt will have made the gains necessary for a sub40.
I've now done my biggest fortnight ever at 168k - body still feels OK, motivation is holding
Mon 9.3k @ 5:07
Tues 10k @ 5:03
Wed 17.1k @ 4:38
Thurs rest
Fri 10.3k @ 4:38
Sat10.1k @ 4:47
Sun 30.2k @ 5 :06
Aside from my regular morning 10k aerobic runs, this week I added a 17k midweek run, which I did on Wed pm. Overall it was at 4:38 pace, although the first 5k was at 5's, the last 10k at 4:30s, over hilly terrain.
This morning 30k with Rob. I had a hangover, so was happy with the 5:06 pace, made it up the Hale Rd hill this time!
Ahead a 95-100k week again with the longer midweek run and perhaps a fartlek/long interval session, depending upon how the legs feel. I was toying with running Christchurch 12k next sunday but dont want interrupt my progression of long runs and increasing mileage yet. Think I'll wait for the Matilda Bay 10k next month - at that point I'll be due an easy week, and hopefully with six big weeks under my belt will have made the gains necessary for a sub40.
I've now done my biggest fortnight ever at 168k - body still feels OK, motivation is holding
Monday, January 07, 2008
Building Up
80km week - building.
Mon 10.18 recovery 5:00min/k
Tues 10.84 hilly 5:03min/k
Wed 9.81k easy @4:55min/k
Thurs rest
Fri 2x 2k tempo @4:12min/k, total 12.72k
Sat 10.50k @4:52
Sun 27k @ 4:57, last 5k @ 4:41min/k
80.98km total @4 :56
I really struggled trying to do a morning tempo - 2k warmup then a 2k tempo - shins felt full/splinty . Took 4k more jog then a much more comfortable tempo. Takes me 6k to warm up in the early morning - tough to then fit a tempo into my one hour - may need to look at doing a 5k tempo run to fit it in.
Long run was better. Started early to get to a 930 breakfast. Did an easy 10k loop then meant to meet Rob but missed him. Gel at 15k and decided to keep the run flat - managed to pump up the speed last 5k - 4:48/4:48/4:48/4:37/4:25 before jogging the last 500m.
Coming week aim is 90k - will prob hold off on tempo run til next week - shouldnt build distance and add quality session in the same week.
Mon 10.18 recovery 5:00min/k
Tues 10.84 hilly 5:03min/k
Wed 9.81k easy @4:55min/k
Thurs rest
Fri 2x 2k tempo @4:12min/k, total 12.72k
Sat 10.50k @4:52
Sun 27k @ 4:57, last 5k @ 4:41min/k
80.98km total @4 :56
I really struggled trying to do a morning tempo - 2k warmup then a 2k tempo - shins felt full/splinty . Took 4k more jog then a much more comfortable tempo. Takes me 6k to warm up in the early morning - tough to then fit a tempo into my one hour - may need to look at doing a 5k tempo run to fit it in.
Long run was better. Started early to get to a 930 breakfast. Did an easy 10k loop then meant to meet Rob but missed him. Gel at 15k and decided to keep the run flat - managed to pump up the speed last 5k - 4:48/4:48/4:48/4:37/4:25 before jogging the last 500m.
Coming week aim is 90k - will prob hold off on tempo run til next week - shouldnt build distance and add quality session in the same week.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
07 Review, 08 Ahead
First up - 64km week - pretty good for recovery week 2 post SixInch. Included my first interval session in a long while - 1k/1k/600/600/500/500/400/400 for 5k of intervals all at 3:40-3:45 pace. And today 24k with Rob.
Year in Review:
Comparative runs - Started 07 with Christchurch, MatBay, Darlington and Asics all significantly faster than06. Then slowed to run Challenge, FreoHalf and Perth32k in similar or slower times than 06
PBs - 10k down by 7seconds, HM no improvement, Marathon 4 min faster, City to Surf 15sec faster.
2 offroad marathon plus runs
So - a minor improvement on 06 but not up to my expectations. I hit my PB form early in the year but never went beyond that. Again peaked too early and was on the downhill slide by Perth Mara
2008 Goals
Feb: Sub 40min 10k at Matilda Bay
April: Canberra Marathon locked in - 3:15 goal time. Goal is preparation with at least 5 weeks at 100k plus in the next 3 months.
Doing Canberra with the changes to WAMC program this year means I'll do very few early season runs - would interfere with long runs.
Second half of the year will see Perth Mara PB (3:15), City to Surf PB (sub48), Half mara sub 1:30 and SixInch 4:15
Getting Lore of Running for Christmas has sparked my interest in training, and doing the SixInch in December prevented the lull I've had in Oct-Dec in '05 and'06.
Training with Rob, who is in better form than me currently, should hopefully stretch me towards his level, and the 3:15 goal which would see Boston 09 qualification.
I hope to be a bit more specific in recording of my distances and sessions over the next 12 weeks as I build up 10% per week to a max of 100-110k weekly.
Year in Review:
Comparative runs - Started 07 with Christchurch, MatBay, Darlington and Asics all significantly faster than06. Then slowed to run Challenge, FreoHalf and Perth32k in similar or slower times than 06
PBs - 10k down by 7seconds, HM no improvement, Marathon 4 min faster, City to Surf 15sec faster.
2 offroad marathon plus runs
So - a minor improvement on 06 but not up to my expectations. I hit my PB form early in the year but never went beyond that. Again peaked too early and was on the downhill slide by Perth Mara
2008 Goals
Feb: Sub 40min 10k at Matilda Bay
April: Canberra Marathon locked in - 3:15 goal time. Goal is preparation with at least 5 weeks at 100k plus in the next 3 months.
Doing Canberra with the changes to WAMC program this year means I'll do very few early season runs - would interfere with long runs.
Second half of the year will see Perth Mara PB (3:15), City to Surf PB (sub48), Half mara sub 1:30 and SixInch 4:15
Getting Lore of Running for Christmas has sparked my interest in training, and doing the SixInch in December prevented the lull I've had in Oct-Dec in '05 and'06.
Training with Rob, who is in better form than me currently, should hopefully stretch me towards his level, and the 3:15 goal which would see Boston 09 qualification.
I hope to be a bit more specific in recording of my distances and sessions over the next 12 weeks as I build up 10% per week to a max of 100-110k weekly.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Recovery Week
Not much to say - 30km only, more due to being busy than problems recovering from last Sunday.
Would like to have done a longish run this morning but had other things to do (read hangover). Took a 10k at 6pm after cooking my Turkey(!!!) -got a taste of what's ahead this summer, running in 31degrees.
Next week will post the 08 goals, and 07 review.
Happy Christmas all!
Would like to have done a longish run this morning but had other things to do (read hangover). Took a 10k at 6pm after cooking my Turkey(!!!) -got a taste of what's ahead this summer, running in 31degrees.
Next week will post the 08 goals, and 07 review.
Happy Christmas all!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Six Inch Trail Marathon 2007
Well its been run and done. Generally happy with the day.
had to get up at 2:45am, left home at 3:10, got to Dwellingup and we shuttled back to the start in one car so most were at the finish.
Great conditions - cool but not raining, although a bit of a headwind at times.
The first 4 k were a shock to the system straight uphill, and were exceedingly slow, ruining my intended pacing plan straight away.
Dave, Colin and Victor went out ahead, leaving me in 4th. At 4k Rod, who I hadn't met before, started after not being able to find the start line (understandably in the dark), so we ran togather for 5k or so. I quickly realised he was going faster than I wanted and let him go.
At 11k or so I stopped for a gel and felt really crappy. Luckily there was some downhill thereafter and I made up some time. I actually came back to within 100m of Rod after he stopped for a supply from his wife, but then I stopped at the 22.5k mark to have another gel.
At 30k I was still doing OK, although I struggled through the Oakley Dam section which was steep and rough.
I had built up a few minutes ahead of my 6min/km pace so I started to feel I could hit my planned 4hr30 total time
Slightly longer stop at 34k to fill the hydration pack and have a power bar, then struggled through the last 10k. I hit the 45k mark in 4hr28, but the course was almost 46k - a tough psychological challenge.
So finish time 4hrs33:43, 45.9k on Garmin (Sportstracks seems unable to handle that many laps)
5k Splits 31/28/27/28/29/28/32/33/32
They say time should be Marathon time plus an hour, so that fits me.
My lack of endurance showed in the end, but I was happy to finish the run
Groin twinged a bit on the hills, and quads cramped up a bit. All in all though, relatively unscathed.
had to get up at 2:45am, left home at 3:10, got to Dwellingup and we shuttled back to the start in one car so most were at the finish.
Great conditions - cool but not raining, although a bit of a headwind at times.
The first 4 k were a shock to the system straight uphill, and were exceedingly slow, ruining my intended pacing plan straight away.
Dave, Colin and Victor went out ahead, leaving me in 4th. At 4k Rod, who I hadn't met before, started after not being able to find the start line (understandably in the dark), so we ran togather for 5k or so. I quickly realised he was going faster than I wanted and let him go.
At 11k or so I stopped for a gel and felt really crappy. Luckily there was some downhill thereafter and I made up some time. I actually came back to within 100m of Rod after he stopped for a supply from his wife, but then I stopped at the 22.5k mark to have another gel.
At 30k I was still doing OK, although I struggled through the Oakley Dam section which was steep and rough.
I had built up a few minutes ahead of my 6min/km pace so I started to feel I could hit my planned 4hr30 total time
Slightly longer stop at 34k to fill the hydration pack and have a power bar, then struggled through the last 10k. I hit the 45k mark in 4hr28, but the course was almost 46k - a tough psychological challenge.
So finish time 4hrs33:43, 45.9k on Garmin (Sportstracks seems unable to handle that many laps)
5k Splits 31/28/27/28/29/28/32/33/32
They say time should be Marathon time plus an hour, so that fits me.
My lack of endurance showed in the end, but I was happy to finish the run
Groin twinged a bit on the hills, and quads cramped up a bit. All in all though, relatively unscathed.
Monday, December 10, 2007
One week to go
Somewhat of a taper this week - 60km all up
Limited Sunday to 17km, at 4:53/km, after a tough first 5k warming up, I then felt great for the remainder - hopefully a good sign
This week I intend only to do about 30km, will drink no alcohol for a week, leave the family Christmas Party very early Saturday night and will need to leave home at three am to get down to the start for car movements by 4am!
Clown - no worries if you cant get there. If you do think you might head down later, I can fax you or email a scanned copy of the course map. There will be access points further down if you wanted to join in for a while at a more reasonable time of morning
Limited Sunday to 17km, at 4:53/km, after a tough first 5k warming up, I then felt great for the remainder - hopefully a good sign
This week I intend only to do about 30km, will drink no alcohol for a week, leave the family Christmas Party very early Saturday night and will need to leave home at three am to get down to the start for car movements by 4am!
Clown - no worries if you cant get there. If you do think you might head down later, I can fax you or email a scanned copy of the course map. There will be access points further down if you wanted to join in for a while at a more reasonable time of morning
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Two Weeks To Go!
A bit of an anticlimax this week
Ran my 4x10-11k Tues-Fri mornaings. Mixture of easy, tempo, progression runs. Even did a final km in 4:00 to gently test the body for speed ( also becouse there was a lady running ahead of me at 4:30 pace and once I passed her I had to keep going fast to maintain my pride)
Fri pm I developed a sore throat and general aches - had been a virus around the last fortnight - likely I was going to get it! So no run saturday. Today felt OK on waking so did a gentle 20k with drink stop every 5k, and feel pretty good now (although that may also have something to do with what I drank at the work christmas barbeque this arvo).
Might try to stretch a 15-20k tomorrow if I still feel well to push the distance a little more, although I am very aware of advice saying theres not much to be gained in the last 2 weeks, only chances to f*** things up.
Ran my 4x10-11k Tues-Fri mornaings. Mixture of easy, tempo, progression runs. Even did a final km in 4:00 to gently test the body for speed ( also becouse there was a lady running ahead of me at 4:30 pace and once I passed her I had to keep going fast to maintain my pride)
Fri pm I developed a sore throat and general aches - had been a virus around the last fortnight - likely I was going to get it! So no run saturday. Today felt OK on waking so did a gentle 20k with drink stop every 5k, and feel pretty good now (although that may also have something to do with what I drank at the work christmas barbeque this arvo).
Might try to stretch a 15-20k tomorrow if I still feel well to push the distance a little more, although I am very aware of advice saying theres not much to be gained in the last 2 weeks, only chances to f*** things up.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Reality Check
My long run today was good and bad - bad in that I blew up at 25km and walked home, good in that it brought me back to reality.
Three 70km weeks does not make a marathon prep. Clearly.
Don't get me wrong, I still intend to do sixinch, but I need to be honest with myself. I had images in my head of rolling along at 5:30minkms, struggling a bit in the last10k, but finishing under 4and a half hours for the 45km.
I really need to be much more cautious - so I can finish and enjoy the run. A plan from the start, of run 5 walk 1, walk up hills, is more realistic. I just need to impose this upon myself somehow
Today was a fine example of mylack of self control (on a couple of levels). Drank too much at a Sat night party - didn't make a morning run. So I ran in the afternoon - 24degrees, 60% humidity. Ran 25km in 5:01min/k then crashed as prevoiusly mentioned. Mentally I kept saying to myself - I'll slow down by 20sec/k after I finish this km - said this from 12k til 25k! By this point I was overheated, cramped in the hammies and couldn't even manage a walk/jog back home.
Anyway, I'm only going to do a 2 week taper as theres not really much to taper down from! Another 70-80k week, try to fit in a SLOW long run next weekend between the Christmas parties, then cut back.
On the plus side I resumed morning runs this week, and did one tempo run.
Three 70km weeks does not make a marathon prep. Clearly.
Don't get me wrong, I still intend to do sixinch, but I need to be honest with myself. I had images in my head of rolling along at 5:30minkms, struggling a bit in the last10k, but finishing under 4and a half hours for the 45km.
I really need to be much more cautious - so I can finish and enjoy the run. A plan from the start, of run 5 walk 1, walk up hills, is more realistic. I just need to impose this upon myself somehow
Today was a fine example of mylack of self control (on a couple of levels). Drank too much at a Sat night party - didn't make a morning run. So I ran in the afternoon - 24degrees, 60% humidity. Ran 25km in 5:01min/k then crashed as prevoiusly mentioned. Mentally I kept saying to myself - I'll slow down by 20sec/k after I finish this km - said this from 12k til 25k! By this point I was overheated, cramped in the hammies and couldn't even manage a walk/jog back home.
Anyway, I'm only going to do a 2 week taper as theres not really much to taper down from! Another 70-80k week, try to fit in a SLOW long run next weekend between the Christmas parties, then cut back.
On the plus side I resumed morning runs this week, and did one tempo run.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Preparation week 3
Another reasonable week - 3x10k Mon - Wed
16k Friday
24k Sunday
70km total.
Nothing exciting to report. Nice weather for 24k with Rob this morning. Took me a while to get going but felt OK once I did. We ran 5:08s average so fairly pedestrian but about right for me currently.
Onwards!
16k Friday
24k Sunday
70km total.
Nothing exciting to report. Nice weather for 24k with Rob this morning. Took me a while to get going but felt OK once I did. We ran 5:08s average so fairly pedestrian but about right for me currently.
Onwards!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Preparation Week2
Another satisfying week - over 70km
Tue,Wed,Thurs total 35km of steady runs 4:45 average. Still groin pain if I try to push the pace
Saturday morning 26k run over last part of the SixInch Trail course - near Dwelligup. Plans of running the earlier section from North Dandalup were canned when we arrived to find the track closed by CALM due to controlled burning.
Nonetheless it was a very enjoyable run. First 20k we took very easy. Last 6k I was running with Colin - an ultra runner of some repute, and pushed it back to 5min/k average, pleasing on trail with hydration pack.
This morning a 10k with Potsy - averaged 445s which was faster than I wanted but you cant hold the man back!
The challenge will be increasing the mileage again this week, esp with 37 degrees tomorrow - need to drag myself out of bed early!
Tue,Wed,Thurs total 35km of steady runs 4:45 average. Still groin pain if I try to push the pace
Saturday morning 26k run over last part of the SixInch Trail course - near Dwelligup. Plans of running the earlier section from North Dandalup were canned when we arrived to find the track closed by CALM due to controlled burning.
Nonetheless it was a very enjoyable run. First 20k we took very easy. Last 6k I was running with Colin - an ultra runner of some repute, and pushed it back to 5min/k average, pleasing on trail with hydration pack.
This morning a 10k with Potsy - averaged 445s which was faster than I wanted but you cant hold the man back!
The challenge will be increasing the mileage again this week, esp with 37 degrees tomorrow - need to drag myself out of bed early!
Sunday, November 04, 2007
SixInch prep Week 1 of 7
So I may as well formalise a plan to run the Six Inch Track off road race in December - 45km on the Munda Biddi cycletrail from Dandalup to Dwellingup.
Week One was a success - 52km running. Nothing fancy - 4x10k and 1x12k, 2 of the 10k's at 4:45 pace, the other 2 at 4:30 pace. The 12k today at 4:50 pace - had intended a bit longer but heat, commitments and mild viral symptoms made me stop early.
Feeling better than last week - most pains settling. Any attemtps to run faster than about 4:20 pace or uphill caused my left groin to complain - so it was flat and steady.
Interestingly - since my groin strain I have lost a patch of hair on my left anterolateral thigh - obviously have irritated a nerve (?meralgia paraesthetica)
So 6 more weeks to go. Will try to increase total by 10-15km a week up to 90 or so by week 4 or 5 then taper weeks 6 and 7. Imperfect preparation but I'm aiming to finish, not run a great time.
Week One was a success - 52km running. Nothing fancy - 4x10k and 1x12k, 2 of the 10k's at 4:45 pace, the other 2 at 4:30 pace. The 12k today at 4:50 pace - had intended a bit longer but heat, commitments and mild viral symptoms made me stop early.
Feeling better than last week - most pains settling. Any attemtps to run faster than about 4:20 pace or uphill caused my left groin to complain - so it was flat and steady.
Interestingly - since my groin strain I have lost a patch of hair on my left anterolateral thigh - obviously have irritated a nerve (?meralgia paraesthetica)
So 6 more weeks to go. Will try to increase total by 10-15km a week up to 90 or so by week 4 or 5 then taper weeks 6 and 7. Imperfect preparation but I'm aiming to finish, not run a great time.
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