Excuses

It seems like all I'm doing lately is making excuses and I don't like it. If I'm not injured I'm sick. If I'm not sick I'm injured. When will it end??  

I was finally feeling back on track last week with 4 solid running sessions and strength work in-between. It was the best I've felt in a long time and was happy to be back into it as I haven't done much since Run for the Kids. Injury wise, I was also feeling pretty good. But alas, it was short lived. This is week I've had a cold and done absolutely nothing. 

I was dreading this mornings coaching session as he'd warned me to bring my A game and to be prepared to get that heart rate up.. That he did. It was tough. Lots of sprints and more fine tuning of technique. Had to have a couple of breathers to blow out the boogers in my nose and catch my breath. Lets just say I barely made it through it. I got home showered and went back bed to bed. It was coach's orders of course! 

I've really gotta get my act together and get a few more long runs back in before my next big event ~ the 10k's at Run Melbourne in July. I also need to get back on track and continue my half marathon training. A few 6/8k runs aren't gonna cut it.

lovely morning for coaching session no. 4

Yes Coach

So it's a been a big couple of days running wise for me with a couple of fist pumping moments...

It all started on Saturday morning when I had my first ever session with a running coach. I was a little bit nervous and the extra icy cold temperature made it particularly difficult to get out of bed for my 8.00 session but I was excited and ready to take on this next big step.

To start with, my coach ran the first 400 m lap with me, then I set my own pace for the second. Little did I know he'd have me running at a 4 min per km pace. By the time I started the second lap, I was almost out of breath and thinking what have I got myself into? It gave me even a greater appreciation for marathon runners who can keep this going for 42 km's. They're mad I say. Mad.. 

My new training grounds

After a quick break, it was back into more running drills and sprints to work on my technique. I was happy with my feedback and have a few things to work on. The biggest challenge will be trying to change my ways and pick up on these new techniques. With each stride I take, there's so much to think about it, but I know I will get there.. When you've been running one way for so long it's gonna take a bit of time to get use to a new style. Despite all this, I'm pretty excited to think that if I can take all this on, it will help take me to that next level.

The second big fist pump moment of the weekend was yesterday when I'd made plans to meet my friend Kristen for a run around the river. It had poured rain all night and at the time we were due to meet it was still pretty patchy and not to mention freezing cold. We decided to embrace it and as the saying goes we "Just F'n did It" (sorry mum). We may not have fitted in our usual 'long run' but we still managed 4k's and no bit of rain is gonna stop us so yay us. 

Kristen & I just a little bit wet

In other news, I've also  finally registered for my first half marathon as part of the Melbourne Marathon Festival. If I don't do it now, I'll never do it. Good news is there's 159 days til I have a nervous breakdown. Bad news is I have a lot of hard work ahead of me.

And on that note, that's week 1 over so night all and happy running xo

The next chapter

As you may know a couple of weeks ago I completed my longest run ever (15 k's in the run for the kids). It may not have been my best run or the fastest run, but it made me even hungrier and more determined to reach my next goal - the half marathon.

For the last month, my routine has been disrupted by lots of travel with work, and an injury. However, tomorrow will mark the start of my next 12 week challenge in which I'm looking forward to getting back to basics. It will take me back to 10k's so I can slowly build up the k's, week by week to reach that half marathon distance of 21 k's. Little scary when I think about but I know I can do it.

My biggest challenge will be getting through Melbourne's winter without using the rain or cold as an excuse. I think the key to this will be finding more run groups and buddies to run with. I love it when I get random messages from friends wanting to catch up for a run, its exactly the motivation I need and I hope a little bit of rain won't get in the way of this.

Finally, I'm also going to invest in a running coach. Little bit nervous bout it, but know it will help and I can't help but be excited!

With that being said, I know I don't need luck as our running community is awesome and I have all the support I need. All that's left to say is BRING IT ON!!

Night all and Happy Running
xox

R4TK - My longest yet

It' hard to believe how quickly 12 months has passed us by. 

You may recall this time last year when I posted about my 5km run in the Royal Children's Hospital Run for the Kids and how much it meant to me. Well another year on, and I just completed my longest run ever - 15 kilometers!

This year was no different. It was a beautiful autumn morning in Melbourne and another 6.30 am start. I met up with my 12wbt mates prior to the race for our traditional pre-race pics and then made our way to the start line. Before we knew it we were off and running. We took off in the second wave which was for semi to serious runners hoping to run the whole distance. 

With Katherine on the start line ready to go

Within the first few K's we had to tackle an incline up through the domain tunnel and up onto the Bolte Bridge. Running through the tunnel was one of the weirdest experiences. It was so hot and humid almost 'tropical' like conditions and the hill just seemed to go on forever. It's doesn't seem like much in the car, but running it was a whole different story. Not to mention the smell. 

Running through the tunnel up the big hill

 We were very relieved to see the light at the end of the tunnel as we headed back into the fresh air. As we got to the top of the Bolte, we stopped for a quick breather and couldn't resist the opportunity to take some selfies. After all it's not every day you get to stop on the bridge and take in these views.

At this stage I was feeling pretty good. We were about half way through and plodding along quite nicely. My glute injury was holding up ok, although on the hills I was starting to feel it, so had to take them slowly. What was lovely about this run, was my friend Katherine ran with me who was also recovering from injury so it was great to have buddy and we were able to motivate each other through the race.

On top of the Bolte Bridge

I hadn't run more than 11k's so I really started to feel it in the last few k's and was in a world of pain. Thankfully by now there so many people cheering and kids high fiving us along the way which pushed me to keep going. The volunteers were also amazing.. Every kilometer they were on the loud speakers cheering us on, blowing the horns and making as much noise as they could. 

We eventually made our way back down Footscray Rd, through Docklands into Spencer Street, up the dreaded Collins Street hill, along south bank and home. As we ran around the last corner and up the straight to the finish line, the emotions started to set in as I realised what I'd accomplished. Lets just say I'm glad I had the sunnies on. 

We did it. Our time of just under 2 hours may not have been the best, but it wasn't about that. We just got out there and did it and had fun doing it whilst raising money for our children's hospitals that gives so much. 

I would never in my wildest dreams thought I could run 15 k's and to think it's only extra 6 to make that half mara. I must say though, there's a lot of hard work still ahead of me. 

On the finish line - I did it

I eventually made it home, and more or less collapsed on the couch after some stretches and more ice. Peter then took me out for a well earnt breakfast at favourite cafe. YUM. I could barely move the rest of the afternoon but was one spoilt girl. Mum brought me some relaxation crystals, so I took a nana nap and then enjoyed a long bath. Pete also took care of the cleaning and then took over cooking dinner.. All so I can just chilax on the couch. I couldn't be more thankful.

So there you have it folks, that's run for the kids over for another year. Thanks for all of you good luck and messages of support then congratulations. I've been overwhelmed and it's means a lot. 

Until next time, a couple more pics for you. Night all and happy running x

Views from the Bolte

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