Training Log Archive: theway

Really happy with my run. I love this mountain and the weather was perfect. Low cloud in the early morning but I climbed through it into sunshine (not too hot) during my race. As soon as we started I sternly told myself not to follow the runners in front and go out too fast. I settled into last place with someone called matilda who was familiar. As soon as we hit a hill I began walking and she remarked that my walk was as fast as her run :) She was quite chatty which is nice but then I remembered that I wanted to do the best I could and sternly told myself not to settle into sunday-social-pace either, so I sped up on the next flat.

Then I was alone and just focused on walking with fast steps and my breathing. When it was flatter or downhill I always forced myself to start running. It was always so hard to run and nearly impossible to run in a non desperate manner so I had to concentrate hard on staying tall and not letting my knees knock together, keep it easy and light. Then back to the walking but Don't Slow Down!

The rest of the time I was calculating my pace and predicting how long the next k would take. I don't think my mind drifted at all really - except I was happy to give a thumbs up to all the lovely people on the way up who called out encouraging things, so nice so be cheered on although I'm one of the slower people for sure. I also took one delicious eyeful of the view across Bushfolds and into Booroomba.

After 3 or 4k I could feel my calf muscles getting a bit sore and tight. Not a feeling I ever get normally so I knew I was trying hard enough. The last k was crowded with people descending from the previous race, most of whom were kindly encouraging, although since every person said "you're nearly there" it began to lose it's power. I was glad to get to the last U-turn and as soon as I could see the finish line I broke into a run, determined to run over the finish line.

I lay down for a minute pretty spent, but my legs are ok today so dunno if I didn't try hard enough? Nah, I did. I remember that it was uncomfortable from about the 2nd k, with that special multifaceted discomfort specific to running, like you are dying for it to stop but at the same time you know that you can tolerate it for quite a while without the body packing up and sulking. I was unreasonably happy for the rest of the day and I can't WAIT to have another go at this mountain and knock off a minute.... or two!

Oh and at some point in the race I thought about the TNF people and thought, "they have to be insane, I'm so glad this is over in one mountain's worth of pain!" Respect!

Warm up was 10 mins of walking, jogging and range of movement up and down a nice hill near car.
Walking/jogging down afterwards. Some nice chatting.

Yay I think I have managed to taper off a bit this week so that I feel fresh and energetic tomorrow for Mt Tennant. I'm really looking forward to it. After many times walking up the north side on single track it will be a surprise to be running (as much as possible) up the south side on fire trails.

Didn't get enough sleep last night due to bad headache possibly from too many djembe drums :( I hope to do better tonight.
... but I didn't; party next door grrrr.

Easy local run along bike track corridor eventually to oconnor playing fields where I did some short (around 30 secs) intervals across the oval. I experimented with different speeds trying to find my faster-but-not-desperate speed. Feels so good even tho I'm such a beginner. Took my shoes off for the last half which feels fantastic and I swear makes me run better.

I didn't want to put my shoes on to jog home so after feeling unbalanced with them both in one hand, I tightened the laces and fitted one onto each hand, toes forward and soles to the ground. Then I could run more easily. A number of people stared rather intently and I can only suppose that they thought I'd had my running shoes fitted improperly at a chain type running shop not staffed by Real Runners who Know about Shoes. At least I wasn't heel-striking.

7 * 30secs (approximately - varied as I tried different ways of running, fastest might have been 28secs (forgotten))

10 mins before the run then a really good session afterwards.

Easy run on Mt A with Im. Lovely morning if a bit chilly. We went to upper quarry then couldn't resist a terrain run down the spur to the road. Up the ST along road (this is a fave track of ours now) until it runs out, then U-turn back to WM trying out a few nifty drills along the way. I'm pleased that I didn't overdo it today.

warm up/down and enough walking to make the session an easy one.

It was one degree overnight so riding was decidedly chilly and I passed some well frosted grass in ainslie. Removed a few layers before running. Cycling to the start takes a lot more motivation than driving!

Great class - the winter joint looseners are great - especially the knee one which works as a very single leg hammy stretch (while lying down) - must remember. Also butterflies for hips are good.

Legs still a bit empty from sunday so didn't push until near the top when I had a great race with Geoff B up the stairs - he got me by one second. Topped up my vitD stores in the warm sunshine and had a great chat to Flan on the way down, while simultaneously carrying on a second conversation in obscene noises with baby Erica.

walking down.