This has been a tough week so far but there's light at the end of the tunnel.
Tuesday
21km on Tuesday was really tough. I was so sore (following on from Friday) but felt it would be ok when I'd warmed up. I set off at a very sedate 6:00min/km and pretty much stuck to that all the way but it was hard going. With about 4km to go, pretty much all I wanted was to get home. It wasn't pretty.
Wednesday
More of the same, just the 12km but still hard work. Not as bad as the night before which wasn't all down to the distance.
Thursday
Light at the end of the tunnel. I was sore, but I felt I was actually running a bit as opposed to making it. Getting there. Can't wait for a run on the trail on Saturday.
Got up this morning and went out for a scheduled 20km on a new route. The day off on Friday (core session at the gym, NO LEGS!) had served me well and I took off ok. This route heads down toward the beginning of Steve Irwin Way through the state forest on the eastern side of the Bruce Highway. I'd been planning to head this way for a long time and map a 25km+loop toward Donnybrook. Anyway, 20km out and back this time, 4km bitumen, 5km compressed gravel road and the remaining 11km was nicely 'undulating' fire trail.
A bit of a niggle now some five hours later but pretty happy. Back it up with something similar tomorrow with the same results and I'll be looking forward to next week.
Sunday, 8 June 2008
Monday, 2 June 2008
Ouch!
Had a great start to the week. 21km on Tuesday night at 5:10/km followed by a steady 12 at 5:30/km. Nice start to a 70+km week.
Foul weather and the remnants of a cold made the decision for me to skip Thursday (not being a wuss, jut didn't think I needed a soaking to turn my cold into flu). I had a really hard gym session - legs only - on Friday, and got up on Saturday morning for a planned 20km and came to the same decision as on Thursday. Shit happens.
However, by Saturday afternoon, I had the worst case of DOMS I've ever experienced following the gym session on Friday. I got up on Sunday morning, not looking forward to anything in particular. I hit the trail, as it were, and it was all very pedestrian. I ran about 4km and decided to walk. My calf, which had been a bit tight following Glasshouse, was suddenly very sore and felt like a small tear. I decided on a hard walk from there. Aside of 1½km at the turn, I walked the rest for a 17km outing which gave me a little over 50km. Not the best ending to a week that had began so well.
Not too concerned but we'll have to see.
Foul weather and the remnants of a cold made the decision for me to skip Thursday (not being a wuss, jut didn't think I needed a soaking to turn my cold into flu). I had a really hard gym session - legs only - on Friday, and got up on Saturday morning for a planned 20km and came to the same decision as on Thursday. Shit happens.
However, by Saturday afternoon, I had the worst case of DOMS I've ever experienced following the gym session on Friday. I got up on Sunday morning, not looking forward to anything in particular. I hit the trail, as it were, and it was all very pedestrian. I ran about 4km and decided to walk. My calf, which had been a bit tight following Glasshouse, was suddenly very sore and felt like a small tear. I decided on a hard walk from there. Aside of 1½km at the turn, I walked the rest for a 17km outing which gave me a little over 50km. Not the best ending to a week that had began so well.
Not too concerned but we'll have to see.
Monday, 26 May 2008
Holiday Over
Well, we're a week on and feeling pretty pleased with ourselves. I feel strong, confident and am looking toward the Glasshouse 100 mile in September (I'm also a bit sore, but we can ignore that for now!).
Had a quite week since the 18th. Two 12km runs just to keep moving and all appears to be well. I've outlined a schedule to take me up to September including the following events:
Had a quite week since the 18th. Two 12km runs just to keep moving and all appears to be well. I've outlined a schedule to take me up to September including the following events:
- Mt Mee Classic 50km - June 22nd (probably)
- Gold Coast Marathon - July 6th
- Glasshouse Mountains, Flinders 50km - July 26th
- Noosa ½ Marathon - August 31st
Time will tell, but my schedule is pretty good and if I can stick close to it withoug missing too much (and stay injury free), all will be well.
Simple really!
Saturday, 24 May 2008
Last word on the Glasshouse 50
Just remembered that I really need to thank three people in particular: Michelle Healy, Andrew Townshend and of course, Stacey, my wife.
Michelle has been a good motivator leading into this and a great training partner. She suffered an injury during the event and had to pull up at about 30km. She immediately jumped on the support wagon and got herself to the busiest checkpoint and helped out all afternoon. She would have been extremely disappointed at the time (I was for her) but you wouldn't have known. Go the 100km in September, Michelle!
Andrew has been something of a mentor to me. He listens to my incessant running gibberish and tries to rein me in when I'm doing something stupid. Doesn't succeed very often but at least he tries! Also, he's crewed for the last two ultras and has been a bit like a doctor with an unhelpful patient, but he doesn't let me down. At the 50 miler, he was driving me right to the end, giving me splits, targets and sustenance. I'd like him to run one of these with me but he has a few injury problems of his own right now.
Stacey isn't one for hanging around in the woods with a bunch of nutters at some ungodly hour. She also isn't one for getting up really early and driving to the start of a marathon then hanging around for four hours and looking happy about it. What she is though is quietly proud and supportive. We have our 'discussions' about time spent running as most runners and their spouses do, but I still get to do it. She doesn't even bat an eyelid these days when a new pair of shoes or some other kit appears. Now, if I could only develop some enthusiasm for crewing!
Michelle has been a good motivator leading into this and a great training partner. She suffered an injury during the event and had to pull up at about 30km. She immediately jumped on the support wagon and got herself to the busiest checkpoint and helped out all afternoon. She would have been extremely disappointed at the time (I was for her) but you wouldn't have known. Go the 100km in September, Michelle!
Andrew has been something of a mentor to me. He listens to my incessant running gibberish and tries to rein me in when I'm doing something stupid. Doesn't succeed very often but at least he tries! Also, he's crewed for the last two ultras and has been a bit like a doctor with an unhelpful patient, but he doesn't let me down. At the 50 miler, he was driving me right to the end, giving me splits, targets and sustenance. I'd like him to run one of these with me but he has a few injury problems of his own right now.
Stacey isn't one for hanging around in the woods with a bunch of nutters at some ungodly hour. She also isn't one for getting up really early and driving to the start of a marathon then hanging around for four hours and looking happy about it. What she is though is quietly proud and supportive. We have our 'discussions' about time spent running as most runners and their spouses do, but I still get to do it. She doesn't even bat an eyelid these days when a new pair of shoes or some other kit appears. Now, if I could only develop some enthusiasm for crewing!
Friday, 23 May 2008
Catch up .. again
A very long time between drinks this time. So much has gone on since April 23rd (my last post).
Following the Brisbane Marathon, I had an easy week. First attempt out running on the Tuesday was aborted after about 200 metres. I just felt it was too soon. I went out the following evening and had a steady 12km in just over the hour. All good with a negative split.
From here, I had four 3½ weeks (including a taper) to lead into the 50 miler at Glasshouse on May 18th. Brisbane, whilst satisfying, had served its purpose and there was no reason why I shouldn't be ok. I was treating my injury as advised and though it was troublesome, it was definitely improving (I'd also received my orthotics and they seemed to be making a difference on the road, though they felt a bit weird).
Following the Brisbane Marathon, I had an easy week. First attempt out running on the Tuesday was aborted after about 200 metres. I just felt it was too soon. I went out the following evening and had a steady 12km in just over the hour. All good with a negative split.
From here, I had four 3½ weeks (including a taper) to lead into the 50 miler at Glasshouse on May 18th. Brisbane, whilst satisfying, had served its purpose and there was no reason why I shouldn't be ok. I was treating my injury as advised and though it was troublesome, it was definitely improving (I'd also received my orthotics and they seemed to be making a difference on the road, though they felt a bit weird).
I managed to make it through to the taper finishing with a really good, 'hilly' run around the Mt Beerwah loop the Sunday before Glasshouse. I was as ready as I was going to be and was pretty confident given what had passed before.I won't elaborate here, check the report. It turned out to be a very satisfying event and I came in pretty strong. A real big stepping stone this, for the Glasshouse 100 mile in September.
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Time to catch up
It's been a long time between entries and a lot has happened. I think I'll just post the entries I've added to my Sport Tracks records:
21/4/08
Rang up the POD to inquire about the x-ray results, all good. Just have to wait for the orthotics now. I'll survive until then.
Footnote: Sunday was my first actual marathon ... the whole marathon concept is a life changing experience. The fun thing is that most people can do one!
20/4/08
Well there you go. My first marathon. 4:18 with a negative split. Huge credit goes to Michelle Healy who was pacing her mate Michelle (!) for 6 minute km's. I ran with them for 34km and found myself a little in front of them and wanted to keep moving as they were taking some small walks.
I pulled up incredibly well and my leg even appears to be improved (or maybe the injury's blended in with all the other aches. Seriously, I've felt worse after 20km training runs.
19/4/08
10 km - Just trying out the shoes as an excuse to try out my leg! Not truly comfortable but no worsening. Made the decision to do the Brisbane marathon tomorrow. Hoping to at least get close to 4 hours.
Anyway, got the results of my x-ray's yesterday, they look completely clear to me, but I guess it's up to the podiatrist to decide that . I'll be surprised if there is a fracture there.
15/4/08
Having taken a complete week off having seen a podiatrist (x-ray's on the cards but wanted to try some treatments first), I virtualy couldn't feel the leg this morning but certainly did when I tried out some shoes at Active Stride. Went for the 12km tonight which was not as bad as I expected but certainly not good. Decisions looming.
6/4/08
10 km - Went out with AT, ran late after weekend away so cut the 12km short to 10km. Leg situation is quite strange in as much as it's no worse or no better. Two yakking sessions went down well after swallowing a couple of bugs!
Sort of relieved after a bushwalk this morning at Mapleton, the uphill climb seemed to stretch the calves a little and I could feel very little discomfort afterward. Though Andrew was entertained by two bouts of vomiting after my failure to eject and insect of some kind that had wandered down my throat ... nice.
5/4/08
28 km - Really good run under a black cloud (because of the leg). Starting to fear the worst, maybe stress fracture. This would be a bit of an acid test (have I already said that previously). Anyway, didn't go too badly. Finished up sore but had a steady run. Great company in Ian, MichelleH and her mate Rachael.
1/4/08
12 km - Bad leg won't go away. Very comfortable starting out but after about 6km it started to be painful. Stupidly continued and with about 3km to go, was really sore. Got home in good time but I'm not looking forward to the morning. I have a V02 Max test tomorrow so that ought to be interesting to say the least.
30/3/08
12 km - Pretty good after last nights efforts. Legs were a bit heavy but happy to get through it at an easy pace
29/3/08
28 km - Night time training run. After last nights 12 I wasn't optimistic about my calf holding out and I'd had an upset stomach for most of the day too. As it turns out, it went pretty well, felt my calf for most of the way but was able to run in a pretty relaxed gait and have felt no ill effects some two hours later which I expected to have especially having sat in the car for the drive home. Tomorrow morning will be interesting.
28/3/08
12 km - Had to take the time off. Felt really good before this in as much as the rest seemed to have done me the world of good. Firsd few strides told me it wasn't over yet. Pretty uncomfortable really, but not too bad later. See how tomorrow goes and if it's ok will do the Wildhorse Mountain night run. There's always Voltaren!
19/3/08
21 km - This was hard. Definitely need to rest legs now. Will be taking Thursday and Friday off anyway but doubtful as to whether I'll be right for Saturday.
17/3/08
12 km - Ran tonight as opposed to early morning tomorrow, in order to give myself maximum recovery time to put 20+ in on Wednesday. Very surprised at the run, as though it was cool, it was hard going at times, heavy rain and wind. Leg held up ok which was a surprise. Thank god for voltaren!!
16/3/08
10 km - Just backing up from yesterday, trying to beat the light so cut the loop short to 10km. Hard going, right leg not so good.
15/3/08
24 km - Having slept through my alarm, lack of sleep catching up with me, I had to get out this afternoon instead. I had planned 36 km this morning (3 loops) but setting out at 1:40 in 30 degrees it wasn't really going to be on. The first loop hammered me and it was tempting not to do any more after that. Dug in and finished the second, that was enough. Probably valuable training but not what I had in mind.
12/3/08
21 km - Meant to take this really easy and see how I went. Another run where I reinforced my believe that I'm not as clever as I thought I was. Took off at a comfortable pace and ended up with 5:05 and 4:58 for the first two and I paid for it. TIme was no worse than I expected or wanted, but it could have been more comfortable. I have a week and a half to go before a rest week and I'm on the threshold of a breakdown I think so I'll have to be a bit more careful. Still satisfied that I've got it under my belt though.
11/3/08
12 km - Definitely carrying an injury. After pulling up the way I did on Sunday it's no real surprise, but maybe shouldn't have gone this morning. Nearly came back at the 2km mark but decided to take it easy and do 12km. Worth it I think apart from the insect swallowing episode!
9/3/08
15 km - Sunday with AD - proving to be very helpfull. I don't think I'd have the motivation to get out and do anything beyond 12 without some company on a Sunday afternoon.
Reasonable pace, steady run. Bit of a shadow over it as when we got home, I stepped out of the car and could barely walk, felt like a shin splint initially but after time is definitely muscular. Stretching, hot bath, anti-inflammatories and it was a lot better. We'll see what the morning brings.
First 80+ km week!
8/3/2008
20 km - CP8 - Confirmed what I already knew: this section is tough! I'll be happy when I get around this section in May. No such thing as a bad run though ... is there?
6/3/08
12 km - Great run to back up last nights efforts, just a little bit stiff. The HRM was playing up. Shot up to 240 a few times and 192 a few times. I distinctly don't remember having any heart attacks so maybe the contacts just need a good clean or maybe it's buggered! - on further research today I have found that I probably need to change the battery.
Will have to check it out. Best midweek set ever, might even have a few beers tonight!
5/3/08
21 km - Great run with AD. Couldn't be more pleased. Half marathon in reasonable pace and ran pretty comfortably throughout. Back it up with 10 or 12 in the morning and I'll be happy.
4/3/08
13 km - Very stiff this morning (!). After the first 500m - 1km I was seriously debating whether to cut short or not (and continued to think that for another three or four km's. Got through it though.
Combination of contributing factors, mainly the training over the last couple of weeks and the fact that there was no stretching done on Sunday. We'll see how it is tomorrow morning.
21/4/08
Rang up the POD to inquire about the x-ray results, all good. Just have to wait for the orthotics now. I'll survive until then.
Footnote: Sunday was my first actual marathon ... the whole marathon concept is a life changing experience. The fun thing is that most people can do one!
20/4/08
Well there you go. My first marathon. 4:18 with a negative split. Huge credit goes to Michelle Healy who was pacing her mate Michelle (!) for 6 minute km's. I ran with them for 34km and found myself a little in front of them and wanted to keep moving as they were taking some small walks.
I pulled up incredibly well and my leg even appears to be improved (or maybe the injury's blended in with all the other aches. Seriously, I've felt worse after 20km training runs.
19/4/08
10 km - Just trying out the shoes as an excuse to try out my leg! Not truly comfortable but no worsening. Made the decision to do the Brisbane marathon tomorrow. Hoping to at least get close to 4 hours.
Anyway, got the results of my x-ray's yesterday, they look completely clear to me, but I guess it's up to the podiatrist to decide that . I'll be surprised if there is a fracture there.
15/4/08
Having taken a complete week off having seen a podiatrist (x-ray's on the cards but wanted to try some treatments first), I virtualy couldn't feel the leg this morning but certainly did when I tried out some shoes at Active Stride. Went for the 12km tonight which was not as bad as I expected but certainly not good. Decisions looming.
6/4/08
10 km - Went out with AT, ran late after weekend away so cut the 12km short to 10km. Leg situation is quite strange in as much as it's no worse or no better. Two yakking sessions went down well after swallowing a couple of bugs!
Sort of relieved after a bushwalk this morning at Mapleton, the uphill climb seemed to stretch the calves a little and I could feel very little discomfort afterward. Though Andrew was entertained by two bouts of vomiting after my failure to eject and insect of some kind that had wandered down my throat ... nice.
5/4/08
28 km - Really good run under a black cloud (because of the leg). Starting to fear the worst, maybe stress fracture. This would be a bit of an acid test (have I already said that previously). Anyway, didn't go too badly. Finished up sore but had a steady run. Great company in Ian, MichelleH and her mate Rachael.
1/4/08
12 km - Bad leg won't go away. Very comfortable starting out but after about 6km it started to be painful. Stupidly continued and with about 3km to go, was really sore. Got home in good time but I'm not looking forward to the morning. I have a V02 Max test tomorrow so that ought to be interesting to say the least.
30/3/08
12 km - Pretty good after last nights efforts. Legs were a bit heavy but happy to get through it at an easy pace
29/3/08
28 km - Night time training run. After last nights 12 I wasn't optimistic about my calf holding out and I'd had an upset stomach for most of the day too. As it turns out, it went pretty well, felt my calf for most of the way but was able to run in a pretty relaxed gait and have felt no ill effects some two hours later which I expected to have especially having sat in the car for the drive home. Tomorrow morning will be interesting.
28/3/08
12 km - Had to take the time off. Felt really good before this in as much as the rest seemed to have done me the world of good. Firsd few strides told me it wasn't over yet. Pretty uncomfortable really, but not too bad later. See how tomorrow goes and if it's ok will do the Wildhorse Mountain night run. There's always Voltaren!
19/3/08
21 km - This was hard. Definitely need to rest legs now. Will be taking Thursday and Friday off anyway but doubtful as to whether I'll be right for Saturday.
17/3/08
12 km - Ran tonight as opposed to early morning tomorrow, in order to give myself maximum recovery time to put 20+ in on Wednesday. Very surprised at the run, as though it was cool, it was hard going at times, heavy rain and wind. Leg held up ok which was a surprise. Thank god for voltaren!!
16/3/08
10 km - Just backing up from yesterday, trying to beat the light so cut the loop short to 10km. Hard going, right leg not so good.
15/3/08
24 km - Having slept through my alarm, lack of sleep catching up with me, I had to get out this afternoon instead. I had planned 36 km this morning (3 loops) but setting out at 1:40 in 30 degrees it wasn't really going to be on. The first loop hammered me and it was tempting not to do any more after that. Dug in and finished the second, that was enough. Probably valuable training but not what I had in mind.
12/3/08
21 km - Meant to take this really easy and see how I went. Another run where I reinforced my believe that I'm not as clever as I thought I was. Took off at a comfortable pace and ended up with 5:05 and 4:58 for the first two and I paid for it. TIme was no worse than I expected or wanted, but it could have been more comfortable. I have a week and a half to go before a rest week and I'm on the threshold of a breakdown I think so I'll have to be a bit more careful. Still satisfied that I've got it under my belt though.
11/3/08
12 km - Definitely carrying an injury. After pulling up the way I did on Sunday it's no real surprise, but maybe shouldn't have gone this morning. Nearly came back at the 2km mark but decided to take it easy and do 12km. Worth it I think apart from the insect swallowing episode!
9/3/08
15 km - Sunday with AD - proving to be very helpfull. I don't think I'd have the motivation to get out and do anything beyond 12 without some company on a Sunday afternoon.
Reasonable pace, steady run. Bit of a shadow over it as when we got home, I stepped out of the car and could barely walk, felt like a shin splint initially but after time is definitely muscular. Stretching, hot bath, anti-inflammatories and it was a lot better. We'll see what the morning brings.
First 80+ km week!
8/3/2008
20 km - CP8 - Confirmed what I already knew: this section is tough! I'll be happy when I get around this section in May. No such thing as a bad run though ... is there?
6/3/08
12 km - Great run to back up last nights efforts, just a little bit stiff. The HRM was playing up. Shot up to 240 a few times and 192 a few times. I distinctly don't remember having any heart attacks so maybe the contacts just need a good clean or maybe it's buggered! - on further research today I have found that I probably need to change the battery.
Will have to check it out. Best midweek set ever, might even have a few beers tonight!
5/3/08
21 km - Great run with AD. Couldn't be more pleased. Half marathon in reasonable pace and ran pretty comfortably throughout. Back it up with 10 or 12 in the morning and I'll be happy.
4/3/08
13 km - Very stiff this morning (!). After the first 500m - 1km I was seriously debating whether to cut short or not (and continued to think that for another three or four km's. Got through it though.
Combination of contributing factors, mainly the training over the last couple of weeks and the fact that there was no stretching done on Sunday. We'll see how it is tomorrow morning.
Sunday, 2 March 2008
Just keeping on going
Sore calves after last weeks efforts so was dubious as to whether to run on Tuesday night or not (had already got up at four the morning and copped out until the evening, deciding I was too tired and too stiff). Anyway, set off carefully and didn't look at the watch all the way around. Nice steady 64 min. 12km. Legs pretty good ... we'll see what they're like tomorrow!
Pretty sore on Wednesday evening (all day really), not injured though, just getting used to the activity I think. A good 12km again in 65 min. Running easily and not really uncomfortably, just feeling the miles catching up I think. Will finish this week up and get through the weekend before I decide on next week’s workload. Though I was sore, I actually felt a bit more fluid than I did this time last week. However, I decided to rest an extra day before my long run on Saturday and take tomorrow and Friday off.
This was a really good run. I’d been planning all week to run the only western section of Glasshouse that I’d never been on (CP2 – CP4 – CP6 - Google image pictured). Tough going, dodgy start running the first hour or so in the dark (tons of spiders!) great run though. I took what I thought was the wrong route (it turned out to be the correct route when I checked it at home, but I was over the spiders by then!!) and ended up making the decision to run most of the sealed road to CP6. Ran every hill, including the killer behind CP6 on Woodford Rd. Not much more to add, just got better form as time went on. No real aches, unexpected stiffness or niggles.
Same loop as two weeks ago for Sunday, had AT for company again which did me good. Legs feel really good. Nice steady, glad to get through it though as this was a milestone and took me over 60km’s for the week. Good pace again, 63 mins. on the trail. The last 2 km stretch uphill was comfortable too. Have had a good fortnight and this told me whether I was sore or overtrained. Just sore and actually getting better as it turns out so I'm guessing my body is getting used to the workload. One more 60+ week and then a cycle down.
Pretty sore on Wednesday evening (all day really), not injured though, just getting used to the activity I think. A good 12km again in 65 min. Running easily and not really uncomfortably, just feeling the miles catching up I think. Will finish this week up and get through the weekend before I decide on next week’s workload. Though I was sore, I actually felt a bit more fluid than I did this time last week. However, I decided to rest an extra day before my long run on Saturday and take tomorrow and Friday off.
This was a really good run. I’d been planning all week to run the only western section of Glasshouse that I’d never been on (CP2 – CP4 – CP6 - Google image pictured). Tough going, dodgy start running the first hour or so in the dark (tons of spiders!) great run though. I took what I thought was the wrong route (it turned out to be the correct route when I checked it at home, but I was over the spiders by then!!) and ended up making the decision to run most of the sealed road to CP6. Ran every hill, including the killer behind CP6 on Woodford Rd. Not much more to add, just got better form as time went on. No real aches, unexpected stiffness or niggles.
Same loop as two weeks ago for Sunday, had AT for company again which did me good. Legs feel really good. Nice steady, glad to get through it though as this was a milestone and took me over 60km’s for the week. Good pace again, 63 mins. on the trail. The last 2 km stretch uphill was comfortable too. Have had a good fortnight and this told me whether I was sore or overtrained. Just sore and actually getting better as it turns out so I'm guessing my body is getting used to the workload. One more 60+ week and then a cycle down.
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