Two Towns Trail

Firstly, apologies that it's been so since my last blog. Truth of the matter is I've been injured since my last Sunset series run and apart from a couple 4k runs I haven't been out at all.

The good news is I'm back. Well almost anyways. Whilst at home in Warragul on the weekend I finally had the time to run our two towns trail. It's a 7km trail that connects Drouin to Warragul and winds its way through our beautiful countryside. The start of the trail is also a few k's from home so when I tack that on to it, it ends up being a 10km run.

Start of the Two Towns Trail

I was a little bit nervous as like I said I hadn't run more than 4km in 3 weeks. It was the perfect morning weather wise, and mum dropped me off at the Drouin end to run home. She then went home, dropped the car off, jumped on her bike and met me half way along the trail with water and set the pace for me for the last half of the run. What a trooper she is hey!

I loved the run. Hardly another runner in sight which was a nice change from the usually overcrowded Maribyrnong River. It was just me in the great outdoors plodding along and taking in all sights and smells of our great country.. 

One of the few hills I had to attack

My butt was a little sore but mostly it was just the hills I struggled up. I managed to keep a good pace for most of it and as Dad always says "attack the hills". After an hour and 14 mins, I finally made it home. I was stuffed but wrapt to think i got through it.

 After my run, I had a remedial massage to help relieve the stress out of butt and make it right for big run for the kids 15k run in two weeks time. It's feeling good now, so I'm hoping that after another run on Wednesday night and another long on the weekend, I just might be right. 

Night all and Happy Running x

Sunset series # 3 ~ Princes Park

So Wednesday night was my final 8k run in the Brooks Sunset Series around Princess Park.

It was a weird start to the night as my most of mates pulled out at the last minute so I was there nice & early having to kill time on own my until one friend did arrive. Whilst I was waiting I decided to go for a wonder to find the toilets. The starting area was next to Optus Oval so we ended up up having to walk about 400m around the oval to find them inside the stadium. Not only that, when I found where the toilets were I still couldn't see the ladies, and a gentleman asked if I was ok as I looked a little lost. It was Anthony Koutoufides (ex Carlton player) - They ended up being right in front of me, but the entrance was to the side hence I couldn't see the ladies sign - How embarrassing..

Set and ready to go

Anyways back to my run. As most fun runs go, my friend Alex and I started together but she sped off in front of me whilst I plodded along behind. I'm happy to say that my plodding pace is much quicker these days as I averaged around the 6.15 / 6.30 min per km pace instead of the old 6.45/7 min per k pace. I really wanted to push myself in this race to try and not only get a PB but  crack 50 mins.

As usual my first few k's were pretty good, I slowed down a little between the 4 & 6 kilometer cause I wasn't sure if I could keep up the pace. I got to the 6 k mark and decided to skip the water stop and smash out the last 2 k's, and that i did. I ended up doing the last kilometer in 5 mins. I couldn't believe it. It felt good, but still a long way to keep that pace up for the duration of a race.

The course

My official time for the race was 51:22;1, however my nike app said it was 8.1 km and as I ticked over 8km's it said 50.30.. Not quite under 50 mins I had hoped for but still very happy as it was another 2 mins faster than my last tan run.. Unfortunately I've paid the price though as I'm now nursing a twinged glute and hobbling around. I guess that's why haven't I pushed myself too hard before cause I'm to scared of injuring myself and never really know how far is too far.

Alex and I after smashing our PB's

I loved this series, and would highly recommend you sign up next time. It really gives you the opportunity to keep smashing those PB's and see your improvements all way. Below, you will see all my results for the 3 races. Overall, a successful series and very happy.

 Race One Results

 Race Two Results

 Race Three Results

Don't forget you can check out all my race results here

Enjoy the long weekend, and Happy running xo

A New PB

This morning I was feeling nervous but was 'somewhat" ready to go. I was going to tackle the same 11k's, my longest run yet, that failed me two weeks ago. 

It was a warm morning but otherwise perfect conditions. Luckily there's drinking taps every few k's which I made the most of, however I'm thinking I might have to start looking at and invest in one of those belt things that hold a few bottles. Although not sure if it was just get annoying and how heavy they would be.  Anyone tried running with these before?

Anyways back to my run. I got through the first few k's without any trouble, apart from there being a random fun run on at the river and they decided to run towards me and take up the whole path without letting me get through. Grrrrr... It's one of biggest pet hates and I believe the race goers really need to be taught the etiquette of sticking to the left and respecting other runners also sharing the track. Don't even get me started. 

Enjoying a new part of the river I hadn't run to before

I got to the 6km mark where I came undone last time. Once I got to that half way point and turned around for home I really got into the groove and started to enjoy it. The last few k's seem to go really quickly and apart from a minor stitch at the 8k's, I reached my 11k's excited and feeling reasonably unscathed. According to my Nike app, I ran 0'38"/km faster than the average of my last 7 runs. Happy days, and feels good knowing that I'm slowly improving my average pace.  

To top the morning off Peter and I decided to treat ourselves and finally check out a newish cafe called "Mama Bears" that has opened up around the corner. Was so yummy and the vibe was great. Even Peter who's is the most fussiest person when it comes to eating out was impressed. We even got to meet the owner and can't wait to go back again.  

My delicious Savoury French Toast with Ham, Fried Egg and Tomato Relish

Another big week ahead for me with some interval running tomorrow night, netball and boxing Tuesday and my last run in the Brook's Sunset Series on Wednesday night. 

Until next time, have a great week all and Happy Running

xo