Trying too keep a positive outlook from here - no point dwelling on the past. Having said that I'm keen not to get too hung up on the goal time for Perth
I returned on Saturday evening after a week of gastronomic indulgence in Sydney, with 7-8 weeks of full training before taper for Perth. I guess I'd like to think that most of what I'd been doing before Canberra was right, and it was mainly tactical error, and poor mental toughness on the day which caused the poor result.
So I'll be back into it this coming week. I'll hope to put in a bit more total distance to help the endurance, hopefully fit in a second 20k+ run at some point most weeks (and push that total mileage up)
This week (self flagellation week) 63k@4:23
Tuesday 8.2k@4:30 - treadmill set on (very) hilly mode - self punishment workout
Wed 10.2k@4:16 - around sydney harbour in light rain - got caught up racing another guy for about 4k (4:13/4:02/3:52/3:47)
Thurs 12.3k@4:19 - similar course - sprinted the stairs at Harbour Bridge
Sun 32k@4:25 - 10-30k section at 4:20s. Forgot that the Perth 32k was on today or I might have run it. Headed out early and actually passed the start line 5min before the race (but by this time I'd run 15k already). Ran back on the course and at the end of my run stopped to watch the leaders go by. Legs really suffered in this run.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
DNF
Hmmm... not sure whether I should put the optimistic or pessimistic spin on this one - both have been through my mind today.
Preparation went OK - Mon, Wed, Fri 8k runs at some speed, flew in Friday night, slight delay on the plane (flew with the Dockers - Pav and Sandi go 1st class, the rest economy!)
Pasta dinner the night before, slept OK, no toilet issues like last year. Started near the front after being stuck back last year - actually front line (?first mistake). It was cool although there was a nasty wind at times.
No excuses - I simply went too fast and was cooked at 27k. I then had a decision to struggle on, drop to a 3:10 finish and have beaten up legs needing long recovery, or cut my losses and pull out, with the ability to slip straight back into training. I stopped once, changed my mind, ran on another km, stopped again, changed my mind, ran on another km, then decided to stop for good.
Walking back I was rueing the decision - 5 road and 2 off road marathons in the past and I have always finished, family here, should I have pushed on?
Splits -
5k 20:19
10k 40:53 (20:34)
15k 61:48 (20:55)
20k 82:48 (21:00)
(HM 87:XX)
25k 104:07 (21:19)
stopped about 28k.
Felt pretty embarrassed talking to the family afterwards, especially as I felt physically fine. I think Tiff was more upset than I was as she has seen the 16 weeks of training I've put in. I walked about 8k over the rest of the day sightseeing (as there were 5 of us I refused to take the taxi and walked from place to place as self imposed punishment)
I think I suffered today from setting my sights too high (perhaps falsely buoyed by the HM result), and being too rigid in my goal.
Oh well - only a running race!
Preparation went OK - Mon, Wed, Fri 8k runs at some speed, flew in Friday night, slight delay on the plane (flew with the Dockers - Pav and Sandi go 1st class, the rest economy!)
Pasta dinner the night before, slept OK, no toilet issues like last year. Started near the front after being stuck back last year - actually front line (?first mistake). It was cool although there was a nasty wind at times.
No excuses - I simply went too fast and was cooked at 27k. I then had a decision to struggle on, drop to a 3:10 finish and have beaten up legs needing long recovery, or cut my losses and pull out, with the ability to slip straight back into training. I stopped once, changed my mind, ran on another km, stopped again, changed my mind, ran on another km, then decided to stop for good.
Walking back I was rueing the decision - 5 road and 2 off road marathons in the past and I have always finished, family here, should I have pushed on?
Splits -
5k 20:19
10k 40:53 (20:34)
15k 61:48 (20:55)
20k 82:48 (21:00)
(HM 87:XX)
25k 104:07 (21:19)
stopped about 28k.
Felt pretty embarrassed talking to the family afterwards, especially as I felt physically fine. I think Tiff was more upset than I was as she has seen the 16 weeks of training I've put in. I walked about 8k over the rest of the day sightseeing (as there were 5 of us I refused to take the taxi and walked from place to place as self imposed punishment)
I think I suffered today from setting my sights too high (perhaps falsely buoyed by the HM result), and being too rigid in my goal.
Oh well - only a running race!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Taper madness
I've been feeling depressed, niggly, sinusy and without confidence in the last few days.
I've come across the following article online, which describes it perfectly
I dont remember getting it this bad in the previous marathons but perhaps I've wiped them from my memory
I've come across the following article online, which describes it perfectly
Taper Madness As the support team for a Marathoner you are entering a very tricky period. Your Marathoner has been training hard through the summer and into the fall in preparation for the big day. The hard work is behind and TAPER MADNESS is ahead. This all sounds well and good, however, the Taper is a period of great anxiety for many Marathoners (first-timers and veterans alike). Over the course of training for a The Tapering Marathoner will be irritable, anxious, nervous, overly emotional, short-tempered, restless, tired, cranky, depressed (even more than normal). Sounds like a great three weeks doesn’t it? It is not unlike the addict going cold turkey. This is a span of time where most Marathoners go a bit crazy. For most it passes after The first week is not too bad. It’s really like most “easy weeks” following a twenty mile run. Recovery is critical and the mileage is not dropping by a large amount. Nerves may begin to fray but the best is yet to come – trust me! During the first part of Taper Madness you will hear about every small ache and pain and how it may be a broken leg or torn ligament or some other traumatic injury. Every twinge becomes a reason to think about postponing the marathon effort. Every sneeze, sniffle, cough or pimple becomes a life-threatening virus or infection. Tight hammies, inflamed ITB, tweaked Achilles, plantar fascitis, black toenails, bloody nipples, chafing, and this is just during breakfast. The second week starts the deep depression. The tapering Marathoner starts to really miss running. There are no more double-digit runs before the marathon for most. The longest run for the next two weeks will be 8 miles. Just 8 miles, how many used “just” and “8 miles” in the same sentence prior to training for the marathon. The body is really starting to recover and therefore has more energy than needed. Therefore, the Marathoner becomes restless. No “extra” running is allowed. The tapering Marathoner can feel the fitness draining out of their body. Ask them, they will tell you, they are getting slower every day! This is not happening but the feelings are real. Physiologically, there is nothing but positives from a 3 week taper prior to running a marathon, however, it feels quite the opposite. This restlessness often becomes frustration and a very short-tempered athlete. Understand that this frustration will be projected at anyone and everyone within reach. It’s nothing personal; it’s the lack of mileage talking. So it’s now seven days before the Two nights before the marathon are critical to the marathoner. This night is probably the last chance for a good nights sleep. The night before is typically restless and worrisome (what if the alarm doesn’t go off). A sleepless night preceding a marathon will not have a dramatic impact on chances for success. Adrenaline will offset missing that night’s sleep and get the Marathoner through the race. The morning of the marathon is all about getting some food, using the bathroom and getting to the race. My suggestion, don’t get in the way. I am sure your marathoner appreciates all the support they have received during the training program. The last few weeks are critical to a successful marathon effort. Please understand that the emotional wreck will disappear after the marathon. The Taper can be especially difficult and frustrating for everyone. The good news, it ends with the race. I hope this sheds some light on TAPER MADNESS. Sometimes insight makes things a bit easier to understand. Of course, your experience may differ greatly but I’ll bet it doesn’t. |  |
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I dont remember getting it this bad in the previous marathons but perhaps I've wiped them from my memory
Monday, April 13, 2009
Tapering
An enforced strong taper this week. Woke up Tuesday morning feeling flu'ey, and remembering the adage that you cant gain anything in last 2 weeks training, I ended up doing a total of 37km this week. It worked, and I felt fine by Friday
Tues pm - 8.3k @4:50 - very light jog down to watch intervals and then home again, and to wish sugar and sas good luck
Wed pm 7.7k@ 4:05 - a little too fast - supposed to be MP
Fri am 9k@ 4:13 - farewell run round herdsman
Sat pm 12k@ 4:18 - happier with this, after first 2k ran at MP without going too fast
Luckily I've been distracted by moving house this week - haven't thought much about the marathon. I need to get used to running through the mean streets of Dalkeith for the next year until the house is built.
Canberra forecast - fine 6-19 degrees C
Feeling OK - plantar fasciitis has flared for some reason in the right foot, but I can run through this
Good luck Sugar, Sas and Biscuitman
This week - ran 9k today, will probably only run twice more before the race.
Tues pm - 8.3k @4:50 - very light jog down to watch intervals and then home again, and to wish sugar and sas good luck
Wed pm 7.7k@ 4:05 - a little too fast - supposed to be MP
Fri am 9k@ 4:13 - farewell run round herdsman
Sat pm 12k@ 4:18 - happier with this, after first 2k ran at MP without going too fast
Luckily I've been distracted by moving house this week - haven't thought much about the marathon. I need to get used to running through the mean streets of Dalkeith for the next year until the house is built.
Canberra forecast - fine 6-19 degrees C
Feeling OK - plantar fasciitis has flared for some reason in the right foot, but I can run through this
Good luck Sugar, Sas and Biscuitman
This week - ran 9k today, will probably only run twice more before the race.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
2 weeks to go
Short and fast week this week - 81k@4:22
Mon 10.7k@ 4:33 easy
Tues 12k@ 4:10 - intervals 10x400m (or a bit shorter as the track had to be changed)
Did most at 79sec, took it a little easier than usual, although that's hard for me
Wed 10.1k@ 4:17 - MP run after the first k
Thurs rest
Friday 13k, with 10k tempo in 39:25
Sat 10k@4:30 - progression run
Sunday 24k @ 4:30 - medium run with Rob, long break in the middle at the 5k mark of the bridges. Did a few MP km in the second half
My inability to hold back in races stopped me from considering the Bridges today - probably a good thing because had I been running, I probably would have killed myself trying to keep up with Biscuitman and Sugar (and would likely have failed to). Great run!!!
The tough thing from here on in is holding back. I expect I'll do most of my running at MP in the next couple of weeks, so I just need to really limit the kms. If you see me out there running - tell me to stop and go home.
On the shoe front, I've gone off the speedstars and will probably go back to a known quantity - the 2110s - old, heavier but I've run all 5 road marathons in these so they are a known quantity.
Once the marathon is over I'm going to experiment with Newtons - I think when I run tempo pace or faster these days I'm more a midfoot striker.
Mon 10.7k@ 4:33 easy
Tues 12k@ 4:10 - intervals 10x400m (or a bit shorter as the track had to be changed)
Did most at 79sec, took it a little easier than usual, although that's hard for me
Wed 10.1k@ 4:17 - MP run after the first k
Thurs rest
Friday 13k, with 10k tempo in 39:25
Sat 10k@4:30 - progression run
Sunday 24k @ 4:30 - medium run with Rob, long break in the middle at the 5k mark of the bridges. Did a few MP km in the second half
My inability to hold back in races stopped me from considering the Bridges today - probably a good thing because had I been running, I probably would have killed myself trying to keep up with Biscuitman and Sugar (and would likely have failed to). Great run!!!
The tough thing from here on in is holding back. I expect I'll do most of my running at MP in the next couple of weeks, so I just need to really limit the kms. If you see me out there running - tell me to stop and go home.
On the shoe front, I've gone off the speedstars and will probably go back to a known quantity - the 2110s - old, heavier but I've run all 5 road marathons in these so they are a known quantity.
Once the marathon is over I'm going to experiment with Newtons - I think when I run tempo pace or faster these days I'm more a midfoot striker.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
3 weeks to go
Apologies for the belated weekly update - been busy
Last week was due to be the last big one, but I had a bit of a HM 'hangover', leaving it OK but not great
93.4k@4:30
Mon 10.6k@4:43 - recovery. Tired legs
Tues 13.3k - intervals 400hard200easy400hard200easy200hard - 1400m x4
4:56,4:53,4:53,4:56 - 3:20to3:25 pace including the slow bits. This was tough.
Wed 10.1k@4:43 - easy
Thurs - wifes birthday - no run as a present to her !
Fri 17.1k@4:13. 9k@4:00 then 4k@3:55 plus 6k up/down
Sat 10.1k@4:36
Sun 32.2k@4:37
Long run with Rob, who slotted back into long run pace easily. We cruised at 4:30s the first 15k, then purposely slowed down as this was supposed to be an easy one. Did 3k at MP near the end just to stress the legs a bit.
So in the 13 sundays this year - 9x30k+, 1x28k, 1x24k, 2 races both PBs
This week brings the start of taper, although as the last 2 weeks have been mileage light, this will still mean 90k, with 24 on sunday - as last year with a stop in the middle to watch the bridges runners pass by.
Last week was due to be the last big one, but I had a bit of a HM 'hangover', leaving it OK but not great
93.4k@4:30
Mon 10.6k@4:43 - recovery. Tired legs
Tues 13.3k - intervals 400hard200easy400hard200easy200hard - 1400m x4
4:56,4:53,4:53,4:56 - 3:20to3:25 pace including the slow bits. This was tough.
Wed 10.1k@4:43 - easy
Thurs - wifes birthday - no run as a present to her !
Fri 17.1k@4:13. 9k@4:00 then 4k@3:55 plus 6k up/down
Sat 10.1k@4:36
Sun 32.2k@4:37
Long run with Rob, who slotted back into long run pace easily. We cruised at 4:30s the first 15k, then purposely slowed down as this was supposed to be an easy one. Did 3k at MP near the end just to stress the legs a bit.
So in the 13 sundays this year - 9x30k+, 1x28k, 1x24k, 2 races both PBs
This week brings the start of taper, although as the last 2 weeks have been mileage light, this will still mean 90k, with 24 on sunday - as last year with a stop in the middle to watch the bridges runners pass by.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Darlington HM 2009
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
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 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
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