I've been meaning to blog for weeks. But everytime I log on my PC I get distracted and forget.
I haven't given up running. I spent August and September overcoming my hip injury - and fighting the cold dark weather. I did end up hiring a treadmill for 6 weeks, I can't say I love running on a treadmill, but it did at least keep me putting one foot in front of the other.
Over the past month, I've started to get back in to my regular routine of three runs a week. I found it rather difficult to start off with, but then I remembered C25K. I resorted to my trusty podcasts and started back on week 5 last month. It didn't take long and now I'm back comfortably jogging 30 minutes, and I can manage a 5k in a decent, albeit still rather slow, time.
Although I feel like I didn't do much over the winter, I am grateful for the Nike+ (and the fellow c25k challengers). I can look at my graphs in the past few months and see that I was still reasonably regular with at least getting on the treadmill or out the door and running a couple of km's.
I'm only 2km off making the Green level on the Nike website, and rather excited to see the end of all that orange! Maybe tomorrow, but the weather report isn't looking that great - warm and rainy. But I'll get out there at some point this weekend.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Getting the motivation back
My days off work have been great. I think I needed a break away from work, and just some relaxation. Not that I had any sleep in's, I was up again this morning before 6.30am and went out for a short jog.
I'm feeling a lot better about things - I think I'll still have to fight my way through the next few weeks of winter though. My hip is a bit sore this evening, and I've noticed niggling pain during my runs. I am pretty sure it is related to my unexpected slide across the back deck a couple of weeks ago (ended up with me doing the splits and hitting the deck hard). I forget that if there is a heavy frost the deck freezes over.
So I'll just get out there and run as long as I feel I can - maybe I'll work out some interval running or something. I'm looking forward to getting outside and running tomorrow morning...if it's not pouring with rain.
I need to just decide that if the weather doesn't let me get outside I have to get on the exercise bike instead - not just stay in bed. I'm looking into hiring a decent treadmill for a few weeks too.
I'm feeling a lot better about things - I think I'll still have to fight my way through the next few weeks of winter though. My hip is a bit sore this evening, and I've noticed niggling pain during my runs. I am pretty sure it is related to my unexpected slide across the back deck a couple of weeks ago (ended up with me doing the splits and hitting the deck hard). I forget that if there is a heavy frost the deck freezes over.
So I'll just get out there and run as long as I feel I can - maybe I'll work out some interval running or something. I'm looking forward to getting outside and running tomorrow morning...if it's not pouring with rain.
I need to just decide that if the weather doesn't let me get outside I have to get on the exercise bike instead - not just stay in bed. I'm looking into hiring a decent treadmill for a few weeks too.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Running off the birthday cake
So I survived another birthday yesterday. And even managed to get myself up and out for a nice easy 4km jog. I was lucky I got myself out of bed before 7am, as it started raining about 7.30am and continued steadily all day. I have another day off tomorrow, but not sure if I'll run - I've got a few aches and pains so I'll take Daves advice - I should dust off the stationary bike that is sitting taunting me from the corner of the living room.
I think I just need to find a new winter exercise routine. Maybe mix it up a bit, a few days on the exercise bike, at least one or two runs and some yoga should do it. And I need to restart the 100 push ups program too. I'm a little disappointed with myself for not getting back into it after my holiday to Aussie.
Now on to more fun things - my uber-geeky birthday cake. I mentioned that I'd never had a Star Wars themed cake as a child (my mum did do some neat cakes, but never a Star Wars cake) and it was decided that you're never too old to have a Han Solo frozen in Carbonite birthday cake. I didn't have to do the boring bits (bake the cake or make the buttercream and frosting) but was responsible for creative direction and sculpting. It was the first time either of us had attempted fondant icing, or anything this "creative" for a cake. And after all the work I was rather impressed with our efforts.
The cake itself was one of my mum's recipes for Chocolate cake - I wanted a chocolate/orange flavour, so we substituted orange essence for the vanilla the recipe asked for. It's a really nice moist dark chocolatey cake - I don't know if it's because it's made using buttermilk, but it tastes REALLY good. The buttercream filling (and layer of "crumb coat" under the fondant) was orange flavoured, and a very bright orange colour. The fondant was a recipe I found on the internet for Marshmallow Fondant, it doesn't taste too bad, but it's a bit sugary, but that might be because I used a budget bag of marshmallows. Next time I'd splash out and buy Pascals instead of Home Brand.
I think I just need to find a new winter exercise routine. Maybe mix it up a bit, a few days on the exercise bike, at least one or two runs and some yoga should do it. And I need to restart the 100 push ups program too. I'm a little disappointed with myself for not getting back into it after my holiday to Aussie.
Now on to more fun things - my uber-geeky birthday cake. I mentioned that I'd never had a Star Wars themed cake as a child (my mum did do some neat cakes, but never a Star Wars cake) and it was decided that you're never too old to have a Han Solo frozen in Carbonite birthday cake. I didn't have to do the boring bits (bake the cake or make the buttercream and frosting) but was responsible for creative direction and sculpting. It was the first time either of us had attempted fondant icing, or anything this "creative" for a cake. And after all the work I was rather impressed with our efforts.
The cake itself was one of my mum's recipes for Chocolate cake - I wanted a chocolate/orange flavour, so we substituted orange essence for the vanilla the recipe asked for. It's a really nice moist dark chocolatey cake - I don't know if it's because it's made using buttermilk, but it tastes REALLY good. The buttercream filling (and layer of "crumb coat" under the fondant) was orange flavoured, and a very bright orange colour. The fondant was a recipe I found on the internet for Marshmallow Fondant, it doesn't taste too bad, but it's a bit sugary, but that might be because I used a budget bag of marshmallows. Next time I'd splash out and buy Pascals instead of Home Brand.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Winter
So winter has well and truly started. It's dark, cold and pretty wet. It makes it very difficult to get out of bed at 5am to run on the weekdays. I've been running sporadically over the past couple of weeks. I'm still keen to get out there but I was suffering a bit of SAAD this week and just wanted to get a few more hours sleep.
It didn't help having a couple of nights of broken sleep, getting up to watch NZ play in the football world cup.
I made up for a couple of low mileage weeks with an epic 1 hour 40 minute run this morning...just over 12km. New time/distance record. I was pretty slow, but mentally I felt good. It was nice to wake up early - it was 5C, so not too cold, and I could see that it was a clear morning. The sun came up as I ran the streets and it was a lovely clear sunny morning. Not even a frost.
I really should have stopped at 9km, but I was so close to 10km. Then I hit 10km and I was just under 2km from home. So instead of walking, I ran. Or rather stumbled, rather slowly. Had to run past the house to hit 12km - then had a short 500m walk back to the house. Oh, my legs - I was doing a very good impression of a ultra-distance runner and that wobbly walk once they cross the line. For me 12km is ultra-distance running! For now, anyway.
Since it was Saturday, I did have to get out of the house by mid-morning and run some errands. So more walking...sore feet and all. But it was better than sitting for too long - think I would have seized up.
Over all, I'm a litte sore, but very pleased with myself. Hoping to get out for a short walk tomorrow and then the usual weekday runs. But the weather doesn't look like it will cooperate :(
It didn't help having a couple of nights of broken sleep, getting up to watch NZ play in the football world cup.
I made up for a couple of low mileage weeks with an epic 1 hour 40 minute run this morning...just over 12km. New time/distance record. I was pretty slow, but mentally I felt good. It was nice to wake up early - it was 5C, so not too cold, and I could see that it was a clear morning. The sun came up as I ran the streets and it was a lovely clear sunny morning. Not even a frost.
I really should have stopped at 9km, but I was so close to 10km. Then I hit 10km and I was just under 2km from home. So instead of walking, I ran. Or rather stumbled, rather slowly. Had to run past the house to hit 12km - then had a short 500m walk back to the house. Oh, my legs - I was doing a very good impression of a ultra-distance runner and that wobbly walk once they cross the line. For me 12km is ultra-distance running! For now, anyway.
Since it was Saturday, I did have to get out of the house by mid-morning and run some errands. So more walking...sore feet and all. But it was better than sitting for too long - think I would have seized up.
Over all, I'm a litte sore, but very pleased with myself. Hoping to get out for a short walk tomorrow and then the usual weekday runs. But the weather doesn't look like it will cooperate :(
Friday, June 11, 2010
Another week down
Just under 9km this week, that is about normal. Just over 3km on Tuesday and then I ran a 5k on Thursday - new PB, finally cracked the 35 minute mark. Average pace 6'53"/km.
Not sure what the weekend has in store for me yet. Possibly have to work for a few minutes early tomorrow, checking servers, but it's one of those pain in the behind tasks that I'm not sure when it will be and how long it will take. Argh. At least I shouldn't have to go in to the office anyway.
The weather looks like it will be pretty rubbish - and I doubt I'll be braving squally thundery showers.
The first Manawatu Striders winter series run is on Sunday morning. I was thinking of running it, but now some friends are keen on walking it the 5k so I'll probably go along with them and walk it instead. Still not sold on the 'race' thing. But we're not keen on walking in the rain, so I doubt any of us will get out of bed early Sunday morning if it is raining.
The first couple of weeks of winter have been a rude awakening - we'd had such a mild autumn that the cold wind, rain and low temperatures are making us all head inside and eat high calorie food.
The nike sportband has been working pretty well - it's not as good at tracking as a garmin with GPS would be, but I use my phone GPS at the same time and it is accurate enough. I like the website, the goals and challenges. The c25k June challenge is going pretty well for my team...team Ninja in front at the moment :) And my run graph is looking pretty good - it's nice to see the slow upping of the mileage as time goes along. You can see the 10km run last Saturday standing out from the rest...
Not sure what the weekend has in store for me yet. Possibly have to work for a few minutes early tomorrow, checking servers, but it's one of those pain in the behind tasks that I'm not sure when it will be and how long it will take. Argh. At least I shouldn't have to go in to the office anyway.
The weather looks like it will be pretty rubbish - and I doubt I'll be braving squally thundery showers.
The first Manawatu Striders winter series run is on Sunday morning. I was thinking of running it, but now some friends are keen on walking it the 5k so I'll probably go along with them and walk it instead. Still not sold on the 'race' thing. But we're not keen on walking in the rain, so I doubt any of us will get out of bed early Sunday morning if it is raining.
The first couple of weeks of winter have been a rude awakening - we'd had such a mild autumn that the cold wind, rain and low temperatures are making us all head inside and eat high calorie food.
The nike sportband has been working pretty well - it's not as good at tracking as a garmin with GPS would be, but I use my phone GPS at the same time and it is accurate enough. I like the website, the goals and challenges. The c25k June challenge is going pretty well for my team...team Ninja in front at the moment :) And my run graph is looking pretty good - it's nice to see the slow upping of the mileage as time goes along. You can see the 10km run last Saturday standing out from the rest...
Monday, June 7, 2010
Queens Birthday Weekend
The 10k took a little more out of my legs than I thought - I hadn't felt any ill effects through the day on Saturday. Yesterday was a different story - I spent about 4 hours in the car and by the time I got home I was certainly feeling every km I'd run.
I didn't get out for the recovery run I'd hoped for, as the weather was pretty awful when I woke up. Heavy rain and wind, so I wasn't going to brave that. Then I woke up a bit sore again today, just went out for a short 2km walk to stretch the legs and get some fresh air, but it wasn't very nice out - not cold, but really windy.
I'm really off the wagon with the healthy eating - stopped at the dairy for a bar of chocolate on the walk...eek, I really need to stop giving Whittakers all my money. It's just harder when it's so cold and miserable outside.
Tomorrow is another day, it's my usual scheduled running day. I think I'll just take it slow and run/walk 3km or so. Hope the rain doesn't ruin my plans. As long as it's not heavy rain I'll get out there I think.
I didn't get out for the recovery run I'd hoped for, as the weather was pretty awful when I woke up. Heavy rain and wind, so I wasn't going to brave that. Then I woke up a bit sore again today, just went out for a short 2km walk to stretch the legs and get some fresh air, but it wasn't very nice out - not cold, but really windy.
I'm really off the wagon with the healthy eating - stopped at the dairy for a bar of chocolate on the walk...eek, I really need to stop giving Whittakers all my money. It's just harder when it's so cold and miserable outside.
Tomorrow is another day, it's my usual scheduled running day. I think I'll just take it slow and run/walk 3km or so. Hope the rain doesn't ruin my plans. As long as it's not heavy rain I'll get out there I think.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
10km conquered
It's Queens Birthday weekend which means winter is here and it's the last public holiday/long weekend until October. I'm off to visit my mum tomorrow, so that means the usual long Sunday run was out - I'm probably just going to accompany my friend on a short walk before I head off early. She's actually just starting the c25k, so I might get a little recovery run in as well.
I'll call it a recovery run as I woke up really early this morning and decided to just get up and go for a jog. I'd notice I was getting a bit antsy, as I'd been unwell again and missed my Thursday run. I took it slow and jogged along in the dark, enjoying the quiet Saturday morning streets. I was out long enough to see the dawn break and it turn in to a lovely sunny day. It was frosty cold though - coldest morning this winter I think and I was a little underdressed - I only had a tshirt on, with my long leggings. The metservice website was saying -1C (feels like -3C) so it wasn't my imagination. I think I needed another layer on this morning - but I thought I might be out for a while and didn't want to be carrying an extra jacket if I got too warm. Next time I'll check the temperature before heading out to make sure I layer up properly - I've got all the right gear now :)
But I seem run best in cooler conditions, and I conquered 10km without too much of a problem. I've found that the struggle to keep running ends after about 40 minutes, and once I hit that, my body gives up fighting and just settles in to the run - I stop thinking about stopping and walking and just jog.
I was suprised to hit the 10km mark - and go a little over. My pace wasn't bad, I covered 10.24km in 1hr 19minutes - an average pace of 7'45"/km. I was glad to get home to a warm shower and it was a perfect morning for hot porridge and a cuppa.
I'll call it a recovery run as I woke up really early this morning and decided to just get up and go for a jog. I'd notice I was getting a bit antsy, as I'd been unwell again and missed my Thursday run. I took it slow and jogged along in the dark, enjoying the quiet Saturday morning streets. I was out long enough to see the dawn break and it turn in to a lovely sunny day. It was frosty cold though - coldest morning this winter I think and I was a little underdressed - I only had a tshirt on, with my long leggings. The metservice website was saying -1C (feels like -3C) so it wasn't my imagination. I think I needed another layer on this morning - but I thought I might be out for a while and didn't want to be carrying an extra jacket if I got too warm. Next time I'll check the temperature before heading out to make sure I layer up properly - I've got all the right gear now :)
But I seem run best in cooler conditions, and I conquered 10km without too much of a problem. I've found that the struggle to keep running ends after about 40 minutes, and once I hit that, my body gives up fighting and just settles in to the run - I stop thinking about stopping and walking and just jog.
I was suprised to hit the 10km mark - and go a little over. My pace wasn't bad, I covered 10.24km in 1hr 19minutes - an average pace of 7'45"/km. I was glad to get home to a warm shower and it was a perfect morning for hot porridge and a cuppa.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Still running
I may not be blogging very often, but I'm still running. Not very much over the past week, as I've been a bit under the weather. And it's been cold and wet here too. I had kinda been looking forward to some cold weather to break out the gear I bought in Melbourne - a pair of Asics full length running tights and a long sleeve Helly Hansen 'dry' top (got that one in a clearance sale, yay!). But the cold dark weather does make it hard to get out of bed in the morning.
I have managed one run this week before my headcold decided to make a reappearance. I was suprised at how well I ran. New PB for 5km - 35min 48s.
I've fallen off with the 100 pushups etc - stopped when I went away and haven't got started again. Hoping to next week, but this time I'm just going to pick either the pushups or situps and complete one before I start the next. Simply because it was starting to take an hour or so to do all three, and the time commitment kept putting me off.
I have managed one run this week before my headcold decided to make a reappearance. I was suprised at how well I ran. New PB for 5km - 35min 48s.
I've fallen off with the 100 pushups etc - stopped when I went away and haven't got started again. Hoping to next week, but this time I'm just going to pick either the pushups or situps and complete one before I start the next. Simply because it was starting to take an hour or so to do all three, and the time commitment kept putting me off.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Me? I'm a One Hour Runner
It's been a shortened programme - where the 9 week c25k took me 10 weeks, the 10 week OHR has taken me about 8.
I wasn't sure how far I'd be going this morning, I'd planned at least 54 minutes. It was hard going for the first 30, I'm over my sore throat, but have been left with a cough. I was prepared to give up, but somehow never quite got to that point.
At the 40 minute mark I left the streets and ran along the stopbanks toward the main road. I seemed to get my second wind, and the last stretch home wasn't too bad. Except where I had to go up and over the railway tracks, I had been feeling good, and powered up the slope a little too fast. Not the thing to do when you've got a mild cold...I could hear my breathing getting worse and on the way down I was sucking in air like an asthmatic. Took it easy for the last few minutes and by the time i reached the 60 minute end point, I wasn't feeling too bad. But I was pretty glad I stopped only about 200-300m from home. Warmed down with 20 minutes of yoga - I've found a short program that is rather good for stretching and relaxing after a run.
I managed an average pace of 7.44min / km - which isn't too bad, considering I picked a route that included a bit of hill work.
Not sure where too now, I'll keep up with the 30 minute week day runs, and a 60 minute Sunday run, but need to figure out how to push myself out of the comfort zone.
I'm tentatively planning my first 5km run with a friend next month, so that is a short term goal anyway. I'd like to crack the 35 minute mark by then...
I wasn't sure how far I'd be going this morning, I'd planned at least 54 minutes. It was hard going for the first 30, I'm over my sore throat, but have been left with a cough. I was prepared to give up, but somehow never quite got to that point.
At the 40 minute mark I left the streets and ran along the stopbanks toward the main road. I seemed to get my second wind, and the last stretch home wasn't too bad. Except where I had to go up and over the railway tracks, I had been feeling good, and powered up the slope a little too fast. Not the thing to do when you've got a mild cold...I could hear my breathing getting worse and on the way down I was sucking in air like an asthmatic. Took it easy for the last few minutes and by the time i reached the 60 minute end point, I wasn't feeling too bad. But I was pretty glad I stopped only about 200-300m from home. Warmed down with 20 minutes of yoga - I've found a short program that is rather good for stretching and relaxing after a run.
I managed an average pace of 7.44min / km - which isn't too bad, considering I picked a route that included a bit of hill work.
Not sure where too now, I'll keep up with the 30 minute week day runs, and a 60 minute Sunday run, but need to figure out how to push myself out of the comfort zone.
I'm tentatively planning my first 5km run with a friend next month, so that is a short term goal anyway. I'd like to crack the 35 minute mark by then...
Friday, May 21, 2010
unfortunately I had to come back from holiday
I had a great time in Melbourne, great flights on Air NZ. They really are a great airline to travel on. And I'm a real fan of the inflight entertainment systems these days. I watched "Boy" on the way over, and "Precious" on the way back.
I really love Melbourne, the city centre is reasonably compact to walk around and the trams mean that you can get almost anywhere with no hassles. It was nice to arrive before lunch on a Sunday (and lovely hotel meant we could check in immediately) and the town was packed with runners and walkers who'd just finished the Mothers Day Classic run. Pity I hadn't arrived in time to run with them!
Didn't pack my running shoes, but we walked for miles over the 3.5 days we were there. Walked, shopped and ate. There are so many nice places to eat, we spent a lot of time walking around trying to decide where to go. And we attended two Tegan and Sara concerts - they were great live. Really enjoyed it - worth the trip over the ditch. The local support act was ok, a band called The Jezebels - I just found them a bit boring, and all their songs a bit samey. The other support act from the States was Astronautalis. And he was awesome - bought a couple of his albums from iTunes once I got home.
I've been back running - with a short 2k the first morning home on Saturday, then I skipped the usual long Sunday run as I was dead tired and couldn't drag myself out of bed! But I've run twice this week - 3.5k and 5.3k. Not too bad, considering I haven't been eating very well and I've been fighting a cold and sore throat all week. My sinuses have stayed clear so it hasn't stopped the running yet, but I had such a sore throat and strained voice today I took a sick day off work.
At the Melbourne Aquarium, I decided that feeding Stingrays for a living wouldn't be THAT great. Unless you like being squished whilst underwater.
We ate lots of baby cupcakes
Took photos of random towers lit up all pretty
and attended two concerts at the Forum Theatre
I really love Melbourne, the city centre is reasonably compact to walk around and the trams mean that you can get almost anywhere with no hassles. It was nice to arrive before lunch on a Sunday (and lovely hotel meant we could check in immediately) and the town was packed with runners and walkers who'd just finished the Mothers Day Classic run. Pity I hadn't arrived in time to run with them!
Didn't pack my running shoes, but we walked for miles over the 3.5 days we were there. Walked, shopped and ate. There are so many nice places to eat, we spent a lot of time walking around trying to decide where to go. And we attended two Tegan and Sara concerts - they were great live. Really enjoyed it - worth the trip over the ditch. The local support act was ok, a band called The Jezebels - I just found them a bit boring, and all their songs a bit samey. The other support act from the States was Astronautalis. And he was awesome - bought a couple of his albums from iTunes once I got home.
I've been back running - with a short 2k the first morning home on Saturday, then I skipped the usual long Sunday run as I was dead tired and couldn't drag myself out of bed! But I've run twice this week - 3.5k and 5.3k. Not too bad, considering I haven't been eating very well and I've been fighting a cold and sore throat all week. My sinuses have stayed clear so it hasn't stopped the running yet, but I had such a sore throat and strained voice today I took a sick day off work.
At the Melbourne Aquarium, I decided that feeding Stingrays for a living wouldn't be THAT great. Unless you like being squished whilst underwater.
We ate lots of baby cupcakes
Took photos of random towers lit up all pretty
Friday, May 7, 2010
16 weeks of running
16 weeks and running seems to have become an integral part of my week. I don't think I'll ever be fast, I don't think I'll ever run really long distances, but I just like to run. I hope that continues, with the winter coming quickly and a few more months of dark, cold morning runs...
I'm in to week 8 of my shortened OHR programme. I'm not struggling with the longer runs, but I do find I have to push myself a little harder to keep going past the 30 minute mark. 36min run yesterday, and I managed to hit the 5km mark and felt good the whole run - so I was pretty proud of myself and on a high most of the day. So much so, I'm considering going for a short jog around the block if I wake up early enough tomorrow....and I NEVER run on a Saturday.
I am getting to the point where I don't need so much structure in my running to keep going, but I think I need some kind of programme to keep pushing me to be better, fitter, faster, stronger! Not sure where I'll go to after the OHR, I'll have 2 weeks left after my week off....I'll have to start looking around. Maybe I'll check out the coach section on the nike plus website.
Which reminds me, I'm loving the nike+. A garmin would be great to track my fitness and running, but the social aspect of the nikeplus site is pretty neat.
In other news, I have a 6 or 7 hour drive ahead of me tomorrow - Palmy to Auckland. We've got the whole day, we're not in a hurry, so we might not go direct - maybe we'll go via Taupo and stop at the lake, or take the National Park route through Taumaranui - I've never been there, so it would be something new.
Then it's up really early Sunday morning to the airport to fly out on Air NZ to Melbourne for a week of shopping, walking, great food and two Tegan & Sara concerts. I've got my earbuddy concert earplugs all packed and ready to go.
I'm in to week 8 of my shortened OHR programme. I'm not struggling with the longer runs, but I do find I have to push myself a little harder to keep going past the 30 minute mark. 36min run yesterday, and I managed to hit the 5km mark and felt good the whole run - so I was pretty proud of myself and on a high most of the day. So much so, I'm considering going for a short jog around the block if I wake up early enough tomorrow....and I NEVER run on a Saturday.
I am getting to the point where I don't need so much structure in my running to keep going, but I think I need some kind of programme to keep pushing me to be better, fitter, faster, stronger! Not sure where I'll go to after the OHR, I'll have 2 weeks left after my week off....I'll have to start looking around. Maybe I'll check out the coach section on the nike plus website.
Which reminds me, I'm loving the nike+. A garmin would be great to track my fitness and running, but the social aspect of the nikeplus site is pretty neat.
In other news, I have a 6 or 7 hour drive ahead of me tomorrow - Palmy to Auckland. We've got the whole day, we're not in a hurry, so we might not go direct - maybe we'll go via Taupo and stop at the lake, or take the National Park route through Taumaranui - I've never been there, so it would be something new.
Then it's up really early Sunday morning to the airport to fly out on Air NZ to Melbourne for a week of shopping, walking, great food and two Tegan & Sara concerts. I've got my earbuddy concert earplugs all packed and ready to go.
Friday, April 30, 2010
OHR week 7 and trips to the physio
haven't done too badly this week, have run twice, and done two more days of the 100/200/200. Total rest day today :) Mainly due to a physio appointment this morning, I find it's best to let my muscles and ligaments settle down after my hips and back (and neck today) have been cracked back into place.
My workplace asked for a full physio assessment this time, so I saw the big boss - who actually specialises in sports therapy. It was a good opportunity to check out a few things about the running. He was adament that is was important to take things slow. I suppose he sees lots of people who've pushed to far too fast. I've also been instructed that the most important thing for me and my physiology is to make sure I take short strides - don't stretch out too far. So it's something I'll have to watch out as I try and up the pace.
He approved of my choice of running shoes, checked my feet out (all good), leg length and ankle strength. My left ankle is about 10% weaker than the right (the left one is the one I sprained two years back) - but that is too be expected due to all ligament damage. But it's all good - the only issue is that my ligaments are a bit too flexible & loose, resulting in misaligned hips - which throws my back out.
I'm going back next week to get an exercise program to strengthen the glutes. At least I've already started on squats!
I'm hoping to complete week 7 on Sunday and get a 45 minute run done. The weather has packed up - it's not cold but it's pretty wet out there now. But Sunday is supposed to be nice - cool and sunny.
Unfortunately I have to go in to work tomorrow - shut down a server and replace a fan. Which is annoying, as it's a hot swappable part, but I can't pull it out of the rack without unplugging the short network cable. So it means going into work out of hours on a Saturday and shutting it down :(
But in happier news, I'm also heading up to my hometown of Napier to pick up my new-to-me car. Pity I don't have time to stay the weekend - it would be nice to run part of the coastal walkways. But I'll probably get the opportunity to do that when I'm back there over christmas (in summer!). It looks like a great network of pathways now.
My workplace asked for a full physio assessment this time, so I saw the big boss - who actually specialises in sports therapy. It was a good opportunity to check out a few things about the running. He was adament that is was important to take things slow. I suppose he sees lots of people who've pushed to far too fast. I've also been instructed that the most important thing for me and my physiology is to make sure I take short strides - don't stretch out too far. So it's something I'll have to watch out as I try and up the pace.
He approved of my choice of running shoes, checked my feet out (all good), leg length and ankle strength. My left ankle is about 10% weaker than the right (the left one is the one I sprained two years back) - but that is too be expected due to all ligament damage. But it's all good - the only issue is that my ligaments are a bit too flexible & loose, resulting in misaligned hips - which throws my back out.
I'm going back next week to get an exercise program to strengthen the glutes. At least I've already started on squats!
I'm hoping to complete week 7 on Sunday and get a 45 minute run done. The weather has packed up - it's not cold but it's pretty wet out there now. But Sunday is supposed to be nice - cool and sunny.
Unfortunately I have to go in to work tomorrow - shut down a server and replace a fan. Which is annoying, as it's a hot swappable part, but I can't pull it out of the rack without unplugging the short network cable. So it means going into work out of hours on a Saturday and shutting it down :(
But in happier news, I'm also heading up to my hometown of Napier to pick up my new-to-me car. Pity I don't have time to stay the weekend - it would be nice to run part of the coastal walkways. But I'll probably get the opportunity to do that when I'm back there over christmas (in summer!). It looks like a great network of pathways now.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
OHR week 6 down, 4 weeks to go
So I skipped 2 of the runs, but hey, I managed 41 minutes this morning so I'm counting it as done.
It wasn't a great run, it wasn't an awful run. It was just too humid outside, after about 10 minutes I was damp and uncomfortable. It's APRIL, in Palmy...it's not supposed to be 18C at 7.30am in the morning. The nike+ still needs a bit of calibration, it seems to be bang on for the first km, but by the end my stride had probably shortened and I was a few hundred metres out - it said 6km, I'd only run 5.3 according to the phone gps and Map my run . Still, I've shaved off a few minutes from my first 5k time.
The ankle didn't hurt at all through the run, possibly due to the brace I was wearing. So that's good news. I've noticed a bit of discomfort during the day, but nothing bad. Maybe I'll get a two morning runs in this week before work.
I also did the end of week two progress tests for the 100pushups, 200situps & 200squats.
Pushups - 16 - an improvement of 14 over the initial test
Situps - 21 - improvement of 13 (less than my max yesterday, but my abs hurt today!)
Squats - 45 - improved by 20
So that's a win on all all counts. I started with the c25k on the 17th January and I couldn't run 100m, do more than 2 pushups or 5 situps. Now I can run 5km and I'm sure give me another month or 6 weeks and I'll be doing 100 pushups. Anything is possible if you give it a go.
It wasn't a great run, it wasn't an awful run. It was just too humid outside, after about 10 minutes I was damp and uncomfortable. It's APRIL, in Palmy...it's not supposed to be 18C at 7.30am in the morning. The nike+ still needs a bit of calibration, it seems to be bang on for the first km, but by the end my stride had probably shortened and I was a few hundred metres out - it said 6km, I'd only run 5.3 according to the phone gps and Map my run . Still, I've shaved off a few minutes from my first 5k time.
The ankle didn't hurt at all through the run, possibly due to the brace I was wearing. So that's good news. I've noticed a bit of discomfort during the day, but nothing bad. Maybe I'll get a two morning runs in this week before work.
I also did the end of week two progress tests for the 100pushups, 200situps & 200squats.
Pushups - 16 - an improvement of 14 over the initial test
Situps - 21 - improvement of 13 (less than my max yesterday, but my abs hurt today!)
Squats - 45 - improved by 20
So that's a win on all all counts. I started with the c25k on the 17th January and I couldn't run 100m, do more than 2 pushups or 5 situps. Now I can run 5km and I'm sure give me another month or 6 weeks and I'll be doing 100 pushups. Anything is possible if you give it a go.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Updates
Firstly, the Lemon Chicken and Rice experiment ended in a call for Pizza delivery. If it hadn't been for the guests we would have just had vegemite on toast - but can't serve that to guests! The chicken = bland but cooked rather nicely, Lemon Rice = really not my thing, left a funny kinda off aftertaste.
I only ran once this week - managed 10 minutes on Tuesday morning but my ankle started to hurt and my back cramped up a little so I stopped. Took Thursday off in the hopes that the extra few days rest will let the ankle heal. It's certainly improved over the past two weeks, so I'm not concerned, it will come right if I'm careful. Will be strapping it up before going out tomorrow. I'm hoping for a long run, and keep on schedule with the OHR program - supposed to be 40 minutes.
I haven't done nothing since Tuesday though, I've got on the exercise bike a couple of times, and kept on with the 200/200/100.
The results for week 2 day 3 -
Squats - max 45 (total 105)
Sit Ups - max 25 (total 61)
Push Ups - max 10 (total 32)
I'm really impressed with the total numbers I'm getting up to. The programmes are working just like the c25k - I started off thinking it was near impossible to do 100 pushups, now after only two weeks I can see that I should be able to make it!
Really looking forward to test running the Sportsband tomorrow, and I've got about an hour or so of music cued up on the shuffle - the playlist looks a little like this...
Groovejet - Spiller
I'm an animal - Neko Case
Griselda - Natalie Merchant
Possum Kingdom - Toadies
The Hand that Feeds - Nine Inch Nails
Elephant Elephant - Evelyn Evelyn
Adventures of Isabel - Natalie Merchant
King of the Road - Roger Miller
Black horse and the cherry tree - KT Tunstall
Little Little Little - An Horse
Heimdalsgate like a Promethean Curse - Of Montreal
I'm still standing - Elton John
More than a woman - The Bee Gees
Poker Face - Lady Gaga
The Cure - Tegan and Sara
Hold On, Hold On - Neko Case
Maybe Sparrow - Neko Case
I've just received 2 new CDs in the mail this week - the soon to be classic " Evelyn Evelyn " CD and the new Natalie Merchant project "Leave Your Sleep". The Evelyn Evelyn CD is great - couldn't help but laugh at some of the tracks. And the Natalie Merchant discs are, well, interesting. I'd thought I'd probably listen once and then file away with the rest of my 10km/NM collection, since poetry isn't really my thing. But I'm really enjoying a number of tracks.
I only ran once this week - managed 10 minutes on Tuesday morning but my ankle started to hurt and my back cramped up a little so I stopped. Took Thursday off in the hopes that the extra few days rest will let the ankle heal. It's certainly improved over the past two weeks, so I'm not concerned, it will come right if I'm careful. Will be strapping it up before going out tomorrow. I'm hoping for a long run, and keep on schedule with the OHR program - supposed to be 40 minutes.
I haven't done nothing since Tuesday though, I've got on the exercise bike a couple of times, and kept on with the 200/200/100.
The results for week 2 day 3 -
Squats - max 45 (total 105)
Sit Ups - max 25 (total 61)
Push Ups - max 10 (total 32)
I'm really impressed with the total numbers I'm getting up to. The programmes are working just like the c25k - I started off thinking it was near impossible to do 100 pushups, now after only two weeks I can see that I should be able to make it!
Really looking forward to test running the Sportsband tomorrow, and I've got about an hour or so of music cued up on the shuffle - the playlist looks a little like this...
Groovejet - Spiller
I'm an animal - Neko Case
Griselda - Natalie Merchant
Possum Kingdom - Toadies
The Hand that Feeds - Nine Inch Nails
Elephant Elephant - Evelyn Evelyn
Adventures of Isabel - Natalie Merchant
King of the Road - Roger Miller
Black horse and the cherry tree - KT Tunstall
Little Little Little - An Horse
Heimdalsgate like a Promethean Curse - Of Montreal
I'm still standing - Elton John
More than a woman - The Bee Gees
Poker Face - Lady Gaga
The Cure - Tegan and Sara
Hold On, Hold On - Neko Case
Maybe Sparrow - Neko Case
I've just received 2 new CDs in the mail this week - the soon to be classic " Evelyn Evelyn " CD and the new Natalie Merchant project "Leave Your Sleep". The Evelyn Evelyn CD is great - couldn't help but laugh at some of the tracks. And the Natalie Merchant discs are, well, interesting. I'd thought I'd probably listen once and then file away with the rest of my 10km/NM collection, since poetry isn't really my thing. But I'm really enjoying a number of tracks.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
New Gadgets
my new gadget (or, if you prefer "running bling") turned up as I was leaving for work this morning.
Even though I work with tech, phones, computers etc all day (and have done for 8 years) I'm not jaded and get a little excited opening a new box...
Won't get to play with it till tonight unfortunately :( And won't be able to take it for it's first outing till Sunday - I'm pain free today, but to stay that way I need another few days rest I think.
oh, pretty pink :) It's a way brighter pink than the photo picks up. Take with my phone, so not the best quality
and the following photo shows why I probably will never buy a Garmin - don't think my wrists can pull it off. Look how big the Sportsband looks on me!
And it came with a shoe pouch to attach the sensor. Even my Brooks will have new bling!
Ah well, back to work for me. Have put the slow cooker on - experimenting with a lemon chicken and rice recipe. Probably not the best idea when guests are coming for dinner...at least they are bringing dessert and the fish & chip shop is only 5 minutes away!
Even though I work with tech, phones, computers etc all day (and have done for 8 years) I'm not jaded and get a little excited opening a new box...
Won't get to play with it till tonight unfortunately :( And won't be able to take it for it's first outing till Sunday - I'm pain free today, but to stay that way I need another few days rest I think.
oh, pretty pink :) It's a way brighter pink than the photo picks up. Take with my phone, so not the best quality
and the following photo shows why I probably will never buy a Garmin - don't think my wrists can pull it off. Look how big the Sportsband looks on me!
And it came with a shoe pouch to attach the sensor. Even my Brooks will have new bling!
Ah well, back to work for me. Have put the slow cooker on - experimenting with a lemon chicken and rice recipe. Probably not the best idea when guests are coming for dinner...at least they are bringing dessert and the fish & chip shop is only 5 minutes away!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
a lazy Sunday morning
I'm back from my Sunday run. It is such a nice day out today, so far Autumn has been almost nicer than Summer was.
My ankle gave me a bit of discomfort a few times, but nothing bad enough to stop, but it did slow me down. I forgot to start the sportstracker on my phone until a few minutes into the run, so it isn't quite accurate, and I don't think it picked up on the few times where I doubled back a bit on the stopbanks. I think I got near enough to 5km in 38 minutes though. And it certainly wasn't as hard as the first time I ran 5km back in the last week of the c25k.
I've stretched and done a short yoga program. Just have to ice my ankle a bit, then I can get on with my day. I've planned chicken vegetable soup for lunch - from scratch, so I've got a chicken to dismember to start the stock!
My ankle gave me a bit of discomfort a few times, but nothing bad enough to stop, but it did slow me down. I forgot to start the sportstracker on my phone until a few minutes into the run, so it isn't quite accurate, and I don't think it picked up on the few times where I doubled back a bit on the stopbanks. I think I got near enough to 5km in 38 minutes though. And it certainly wasn't as hard as the first time I ran 5km back in the last week of the c25k.
I've stretched and done a short yoga program. Just have to ice my ankle a bit, then I can get on with my day. I've planned chicken vegetable soup for lunch - from scratch, so I've got a chicken to dismember to start the stock!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
With the intent of running 38 minutes
I thought I'd be optimistic and make a new playlist, 38 minutes long for tomorrows run. Somewhere along the line it became a kiwi music playlist (I think when I stumbled on Poi-E, that 80s groove got me)
For Today - Netherworld Dancing Toys (warmup)
Slice of Heaven - Dave Dobbyn
Counting the beat - The Swingers
Jesus I was Evil - Darcy Clay
Poi E - Patea Maori Club
I got you - Split Enz
Fraction too much Friction - Tim Finn
Violent - Stellar
Forever Tuesday Morning - The Mockers
I'll Say goodbye - The Dance Exponents
Tears - The Crocodiles
In swings the tide - Anika Moa
Beside You - Dave Dobbyn
And the whole point of you tube. The original 1984 music video for Poi E. Don't think there would be a kiwi of my generation who didn't, at some point, attempt to breakdance at a school disco to this song.
For Today - Netherworld Dancing Toys (warmup)
Slice of Heaven - Dave Dobbyn
Counting the beat - The Swingers
Jesus I was Evil - Darcy Clay
Poi E - Patea Maori Club
I got you - Split Enz
Fraction too much Friction - Tim Finn
Violent - Stellar
Forever Tuesday Morning - The Mockers
I'll Say goodbye - The Dance Exponents
Tears - The Crocodiles
In swings the tide - Anika Moa
Beside You - Dave Dobbyn
And the whole point of you tube. The original 1984 music video for Poi E. Don't think there would be a kiwi of my generation who didn't, at some point, attempt to breakdance at a school disco to this song.
200/2001/100 week 1 done
If I learnt anything from doing the c25k it's how quickly the body adjusts to exercise. I still find push ups really difficult, but can manage them a little better now. They really work the core strength, I always thought it was just an arm/shoulder thing.
Anyway, results after w1d3
Squats - max 35 (total 56)
Sit ups - max 21 (total 46)
Push ups - max 6 (total 23)
I'm hoping to get out for a run tomorrow. The ankle hasn't been too bad today, no pain while walking. I've been icing it, and stretching my calves out and that is really helping. So I've decided I'll go out intending to run, if there's no pain after the warm up walk, I'll run and see how it goes. If I make half an hour, I'll be happy, but even 10 minutes will be fine, I'm not going to push it.
Anyway, results after w1d3
Squats - max 35 (total 56)
Sit ups - max 21 (total 46)
Push ups - max 6 (total 23)
I'm hoping to get out for a run tomorrow. The ankle hasn't been too bad today, no pain while walking. I've been icing it, and stretching my calves out and that is really helping. So I've decided I'll go out intending to run, if there's no pain after the warm up walk, I'll run and see how it goes. If I make half an hour, I'll be happy, but even 10 minutes will be fine, I'm not going to push it.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Push ups won't kill me
I've never heard of anyone dying from attempting to do 5 push ups in their lounge. Not to say it hasn't happened, but I'm sure it won't happen to me.
The day started of reasonably badly. I was up early, dressed for my run then headed out the door. Half way through my 5 minute warm up walk my ankle started to hurt. I attempted to jog, it didn't hurt so much but I realised it would probably be a really bad idea to keep going, so I jogged home, continuing to have to talk myself out of running past my house and on with the run.
I could never have imagined that I'd have to talk myself OUT of running, rather than in to it. But, better a few days off now than ending up with a major archilles injury. I'm hoping to be able to run on Sunday, but I'm not going to push it - any pain or discomfort and I'm not going. Instead I've decided that I'll get on the old exercise bike and keep the cardio fitness going.
But a sore ankle wasn't enough of an excuse to not do the squats/situps/pushups. Week 1 day 2 today and I did slightly better than day 1.
Squats - 30
Sit ups - 20
Push ups - 5
The day started of reasonably badly. I was up early, dressed for my run then headed out the door. Half way through my 5 minute warm up walk my ankle started to hurt. I attempted to jog, it didn't hurt so much but I realised it would probably be a really bad idea to keep going, so I jogged home, continuing to have to talk myself out of running past my house and on with the run.
I could never have imagined that I'd have to talk myself OUT of running, rather than in to it. But, better a few days off now than ending up with a major archilles injury. I'm hoping to be able to run on Sunday, but I'm not going to push it - any pain or discomfort and I'm not going. Instead I've decided that I'll get on the old exercise bike and keep the cardio fitness going.
But a sore ankle wasn't enough of an excuse to not do the squats/situps/pushups. Week 1 day 2 today and I did slightly better than day 1.
Squats - 30
Sit ups - 20
Push ups - 5
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Hurt, pain and agony (or the end result of trying to do situps)
okay, I exaggerate a little. But I just completed the first day of the 200 Squats, 200 Situps(crunches) and 100 pushups.
I'm feeble and weak, so I put myself on the lowest level of each of them, except the squats. I think the running has built my leg muscles up enough - well, enough so I can manage not to collapse after 5 squats.
But, oooooh, I thought I had no ab muscles, but I must have one. Since it hurts a little now. After doing the situps, I realised that holding the correct body shape in a pushup really uses the abs....
I'm just going to log the number of each I managed in the final 5th set. Since that's the one where you do as many as you can.
Squats - 20
Situps - 15
Pushups - 4 (did I mention I was feeble?)
Also I had to spend a little time on ice today. A lot of exercise in the past 4 days - can't remember the last time I did something 4 days in a row and I've tweaked my ankle a little.
I'm feeble and weak, so I put myself on the lowest level of each of them, except the squats. I think the running has built my leg muscles up enough - well, enough so I can manage not to collapse after 5 squats.
But, oooooh, I thought I had no ab muscles, but I must have one. Since it hurts a little now. After doing the situps, I realised that holding the correct body shape in a pushup really uses the abs....
I'm just going to log the number of each I managed in the final 5th set. Since that's the one where you do as many as you can.
Squats - 20
Situps - 15
Pushups - 4 (did I mention I was feeble?)
Also I had to spend a little time on ice today. A lot of exercise in the past 4 days - can't remember the last time I did something 4 days in a row and I've tweaked my ankle a little.
Personal Best Tuesday
I just got back from my best Tuesday morning run, and my overall personal best. I might have done even better if I hadn't been over dressed - it was the warmest morning for a week or so, and I had dressed for the 1 or 2C that it's been in the early morning. The distance I'm going in half an hour still isn't very flash, but hey, a PB is all that counts!
Distance 4.25km, Pace 7.07 min/km
Distance 4.25km, Pace 7.07 min/km
Monday, April 12, 2010
OHR week 4 day 3 (was week 2 day 3)
It may look like I can't count, as I've jumped from OHR week 2 day 2 to w4d3. I realised at the end of my run on Sunday that I wasn't ready to stop after 30 minutes, and ran for another 5. So I've decided I don't need another two weeks of 30 minute runs and I'm moving on to week 5 of the OHR.
I drove out to the university campus on Sunday morning for my run. It's on a hill while Palmerston North City is pretty much flat. It was a bit of a chilly morning, but another sunny day so it wasn't too difficult to get out of bed.
I lived on campus for a year way back in the mid-ninties, so I'm pretty familiar with all the trails. I think there was once an attempt by my friends and I to run around the ring road at some very late hour of the night - I wasn't unfit, as I didn't have a car and walked everywhere, but I certainly didn't manage to run much of it at all (that I remember anyway, it was just silly uni student antics).
I didn't want to either start the run on the steep section, or run down it - don't think my knees are ready for that yet, so I started up the gentle slope up University Ave. It was really nice, the sun was warm but the air was crisp and cold. I was glad for the $9 polyprop gloves I'd picked up the day before. I ran right around till I got back to the steep hill, then turned back and ran the other way.
I didn't have anything left for a final sprint in the last minute or two, but feel like I got a very different workout than on my usual flat circuits.
It was about 4.5km, avg pace of 7.49 min/km and I ran for about 35min (the timer says 34.33 but I forgot to start it when I started running)
And today my butt hurts when I walk. Well, really my upper thighs, but that's close enough to complain that my butt hurts.
I drove out to the university campus on Sunday morning for my run. It's on a hill while Palmerston North City is pretty much flat. It was a bit of a chilly morning, but another sunny day so it wasn't too difficult to get out of bed.
I lived on campus for a year way back in the mid-ninties, so I'm pretty familiar with all the trails. I think there was once an attempt by my friends and I to run around the ring road at some very late hour of the night - I wasn't unfit, as I didn't have a car and walked everywhere, but I certainly didn't manage to run much of it at all (that I remember anyway, it was just silly uni student antics).
I didn't want to either start the run on the steep section, or run down it - don't think my knees are ready for that yet, so I started up the gentle slope up University Ave. It was really nice, the sun was warm but the air was crisp and cold. I was glad for the $9 polyprop gloves I'd picked up the day before. I ran right around till I got back to the steep hill, then turned back and ran the other way.
I didn't have anything left for a final sprint in the last minute or two, but feel like I got a very different workout than on my usual flat circuits.
It was about 4.5km, avg pace of 7.49 min/km and I ran for about 35min (the timer says 34.33 but I forgot to start it when I started running)
And today my butt hurts when I walk. Well, really my upper thighs, but that's close enough to complain that my butt hurts.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
New Half Hour Playlist for tomorrow
I'm getting a bit sick of the week 9 half hour playlists I made, so I've put together another 5 minute warmup, 30 minute run, 5 minute cooldown playlist for myself. I've got so used to using one long track with cues that I've stuck to using audacity to put together one long mp3 with timing cues. I've got rid of the "you've run 10 minutes" cue, as that is starting to bug me...I'd rather just have a "half way" one. I've keep the 5, 3 and 1 minute to go countdown as then I know when I shouldn't hold back....SPRINT FOR THE END! I always think...at least if I go a bit faster near the end I won't have to walk quite so far home :)
I had to add some Duran Duran as I just caught the beginning of the James Bond film "View to a kill" earlier tonight.....
The new playlist for week 3 of the OHR is...
Luka - Suzanne Vega (warmup)
Real Late Starter - Nerina Pallot
Crash Years - The New Pornographers
Alligator (VHS or Beta remix) - Tegan and Sara
Holy Grail - Hunters and Collectors
The Reflex - Duran Duran
Barracuda - Heart
Behind these Hazel Eyes - Kelly Clarkson
Jump - Girls Aloud
Hobbit on the Rocks - Toad the Wet Sprocket (cool down)
I had to add some Duran Duran as I just caught the beginning of the James Bond film "View to a kill" earlier tonight.....
The new playlist for week 3 of the OHR is...
Luka - Suzanne Vega (warmup)
Real Late Starter - Nerina Pallot
Crash Years - The New Pornographers
Alligator (VHS or Beta remix) - Tegan and Sara
Holy Grail - Hunters and Collectors
The Reflex - Duran Duran
Barracuda - Heart
Behind these Hazel Eyes - Kelly Clarkson
Jump - Girls Aloud
Hobbit on the Rocks - Toad the Wet Sprocket (cool down)
Rest day Saturday
It was a brilliant autumn day in the Manawatu today. Not a cloud in the sky. Only a high of 20C, but it was still nice in the sun.
I've already got tomorrow run planned, I'm heading out to the university and going to tackle hills for the first time. But today was too nice not to get out and do something, so we went out walking near the river. There were a lot of people out running, walking and biking on the trail today. I think everyone had the same idea - making the most of what might be one of the last nice days before the grey Palmy winter hits.
We both had the GPS sportstrackers going on our phones, so now I'm not quite sure how far we walked. One came out at 6.08km, the other was just on 7km. I don't think mapmyrun.com is quite accurate either at 6km, as it was hard to guess exactly where were walking, as the google map doesn't show the road and trails through the park.
The Manawatu river, this is where we started on the bridle track that runs along the river. It was cool in the shade, with a suprisingly cold wind when we started.
We stopped only a few minutes later to get this photo looking back. They only built these steps a year or two ago. Before then it wasn't easy to get down to the water. Looks like a few students from the uni were out studying and enjoying the sun.
We then walked away from the river and along the lagoon. All the ducks...and a lot of duck poo to avoid!
Somewhere in the bushes next to the little black mother duck, is a baby. It has a red beak if that helps.
We then headed back to the river and back the way we came - I think it must have been about 3km along the river.
And then back the way we came.
It was nice to get out and walk in the sun.
I've already got tomorrow run planned, I'm heading out to the university and going to tackle hills for the first time. But today was too nice not to get out and do something, so we went out walking near the river. There were a lot of people out running, walking and biking on the trail today. I think everyone had the same idea - making the most of what might be one of the last nice days before the grey Palmy winter hits.
We both had the GPS sportstrackers going on our phones, so now I'm not quite sure how far we walked. One came out at 6.08km, the other was just on 7km. I don't think mapmyrun.com is quite accurate either at 6km, as it was hard to guess exactly where were walking, as the google map doesn't show the road and trails through the park.
The Manawatu river, this is where we started on the bridle track that runs along the river. It was cool in the shade, with a suprisingly cold wind when we started.
We stopped only a few minutes later to get this photo looking back. They only built these steps a year or two ago. Before then it wasn't easy to get down to the water. Looks like a few students from the uni were out studying and enjoying the sun.
We then walked away from the river and along the lagoon. All the ducks...and a lot of duck poo to avoid!
Somewhere in the bushes next to the little black mother duck, is a baby. It has a red beak if that helps.
And then back the way we came.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Injury report
Went to the physio yesterday, as I thought, my back/side pain isn't anything to do with running. It's just a reoccurance of my usual back problem - now accompanied by my OOS (RSI) flaring up in my right wrist and arm. Hopefully I've caught it early enough, give it a few days and I should be right.
But it means I may have to hold off on starting the pushups/situps/squats plan. I'll give it until Saturday and have a go then.
But it means I may have to hold off on starting the pushups/situps/squats plan. I'll give it until Saturday and have a go then.
OHR week 2 day 1
Another 30min run down, and a pretty good effort after a 6 day break (not to mention a heck of a lot of sugar). I thought I was going really slow but I still managed under 8 min/km. So sticking to the 30 minute runs for a few weeks seems to be the right thing for me. It's helping me speed up a little. Hopefully as I slowly increase the time, I'll be able to keep up the pace.
I'm considering running day 2 tomorrow, as I'll be out tomorrow night - it's dessert + Whedon night with my friends (we're watching Dollhouse at the moment). So I doubt I'll want to get up at 5am on Friday. If I do, it will be my first consecutive running days since starting. And I'm also supposed to go swimming with a workmate at lunchtime. That's a lot of exercise in one day for a couch potato on parole.
I've also been chatting with a friend, she's looking for something to motivate her to get out and run again, so we're thinking of making it a goal to take part in the Manawatu Striders winter series . There are 3 5km run/walks held in June and July. It's a 'sign up on the day' type deal, so we don't have to commit until the day. Their next event is actually next month, but it's a 13 or 21km run/walk, which would be a bit of a daunting prospect, even if I walked it. And it's on the weekend I get back from my Melbourne holiday, so I probably will be a little tired from all the travelling.
OHR w2d1 distance 3.89km pace 7:52 min/km
I'm considering running day 2 tomorrow, as I'll be out tomorrow night - it's dessert + Whedon night with my friends (we're watching Dollhouse at the moment). So I doubt I'll want to get up at 5am on Friday. If I do, it will be my first consecutive running days since starting. And I'm also supposed to go swimming with a workmate at lunchtime. That's a lot of exercise in one day for a couch potato on parole.
I've also been chatting with a friend, she's looking for something to motivate her to get out and run again, so we're thinking of making it a goal to take part in the Manawatu Striders winter series . There are 3 5km run/walks held in June and July. It's a 'sign up on the day' type deal, so we don't have to commit until the day. Their next event is actually next month, but it's a 13 or 21km run/walk, which would be a bit of a daunting prospect, even if I walked it. And it's on the weekend I get back from my Melbourne holiday, so I probably will be a little tired from all the travelling.
OHR w2d1 distance 3.89km pace 7:52 min/km
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Real Late Starter
I have a theme tune this week. I'm a lazy late starter. But now I've started. So I won't be staying in bed, won't be living in my head - I'll be out there running. Making up for lost time!
Monday, April 5, 2010
OHR week 1 day 3 & Easter Break
Thursday's run was ok, better than Tuesday at least. My fastest so far at 7.14min/km, another 4km run. It was a slightly frosty 7C morning, and so far I seem to have my best runs in the cooler temperatures.
I thought I was getting a stitch for the first time while running, then it was accompanied by discomfort in my upper back/shoulder/neck just on the right side. Odd pains usually mean I've put my hips and lower back out of alignment. That could explain the funk I've been in this week, so I've got a physio appointment tomorrow afternoon.
My next run is planned for Wednesday morning. I've also taken a ww break and haven't been tracking my meals over the weekend, the only exercise I got was out doing some gardening on Friday. I have overindulged in the chocolate and coca-cola, gone out for three meals and am feeling a bit seedy now. I enjoyed every minute of it, and I'm really looking forward to my next run. I think the break has done me good.
I thought I was getting a stitch for the first time while running, then it was accompanied by discomfort in my upper back/shoulder/neck just on the right side. Odd pains usually mean I've put my hips and lower back out of alignment. That could explain the funk I've been in this week, so I've got a physio appointment tomorrow afternoon.
My next run is planned for Wednesday morning. I've also taken a ww break and haven't been tracking my meals over the weekend, the only exercise I got was out doing some gardening on Friday. I have overindulged in the chocolate and coca-cola, gone out for three meals and am feeling a bit seedy now. I enjoyed every minute of it, and I'm really looking forward to my next run. I think the break has done me good.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
keeping on going.
Yes, I did get the second day of OHR over and done with yesterday. I just seem to have lost the real drive to get out there. A couple of weeks ago I couldn't wait to get up in the morning and get out for a run. Today I'm dreading the alarm going off at 5am.
But I'm going to do it. I think it's just the initial loss of motivation after completing the c25k and starting over in week 1 of a new program. I toyed with not following a program, but I have come to terms with the fact that I need to have structure or I'll lose focus.
I think I need a few days off, so I've decided I'll run tomorrow, then the start OHR week 2 next Wednesday.
But I'm going to do it. I think it's just the initial loss of motivation after completing the c25k and starting over in week 1 of a new program. I toyed with not following a program, but I have come to terms with the fact that I need to have structure or I'll lose focus.
I think I need a few days off, so I've decided I'll run tomorrow, then the start OHR week 2 next Wednesday.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Me? Trying to be a One Hour Runner...
I completed the c25k on Thursday. So todays run was the first of the OHR program for me.
It's weird, I think a few weeks back I thought once I hit the post c25k runs it would all be easy! But realised last week that 30 minutes won't be easy until I can comfortably run for an hour. So on to the One Hour Runner for me. I don't naturally enjoy exercise, if I have free time I'd rather read a book or play video games so I need the structure of a running program with targets. At least for then next 10 or so weeks. Maybe by then I'll be in a routine where running is a real habit that I miss when I'm not getting out there.
The hardest thing this morning was getting out out of bed. Daylight savings is dragging on - a few weeks too long I think, but it finishes next week so the mornings will be lighter for a little while.
Once I was running I was brave enough to vary my running route and I left the streets and went up along the top of the stopbank by the stream that runs through the suburb I live in. It's not exactly scenic but it was nice for a change.
I'm still getting nowhere near 5km in 30 minutes, but my short little legs are getting quicker, I broke the 4km barrier today. I've gone from averaging about 8min/km to around 7.40min/km on a normal day, so as I go along the 10 week program I should get closer to the 5k 30 minutes mark.
OHR week 1 day 1, 30 minute run - pace 7.42min/km (max 3.31min/km) distance 4.13km
Playlist - forgot to update my shuffle so I ran to the c25k week 9 podcast again.
It's weird, I think a few weeks back I thought once I hit the post c25k runs it would all be easy! But realised last week that 30 minutes won't be easy until I can comfortably run for an hour. So on to the One Hour Runner for me. I don't naturally enjoy exercise, if I have free time I'd rather read a book or play video games so I need the structure of a running program with targets. At least for then next 10 or so weeks. Maybe by then I'll be in a routine where running is a real habit that I miss when I'm not getting out there.
The hardest thing this morning was getting out out of bed. Daylight savings is dragging on - a few weeks too long I think, but it finishes next week so the mornings will be lighter for a little while.
Once I was running I was brave enough to vary my running route and I left the streets and went up along the top of the stopbank by the stream that runs through the suburb I live in. It's not exactly scenic but it was nice for a change.
I'm still getting nowhere near 5km in 30 minutes, but my short little legs are getting quicker, I broke the 4km barrier today. I've gone from averaging about 8min/km to around 7.40min/km on a normal day, so as I go along the 10 week program I should get closer to the 5k 30 minutes mark.
OHR week 1 day 1, 30 minute run - pace 7.42min/km (max 3.31min/km) distance 4.13km
Playlist - forgot to update my shuffle so I ran to the c25k week 9 podcast again.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
C25K - The End
I'm done. A graduate of the Couch to 5km program. I'm now going to call myself a runner. Because if I call myself a runner, it means I have to go out every week and run.
I was up at 5am, it wasn't wet or cold, but it was pretty windy. A few tree branches had come down in the night, I was just lucky I saw a dark shape on the footpath or I would have ended w9d3 pretty early on...entangled on the ground in half a tree.
Running for 30 minutes still isn't easy, but I could probably describe it as comfortable. My pace varied a bit today, I managed to stretch out my stride, when I wasn't weaving around debris on the footpath. I'm never going to be a super fast runner, my little legs are too short, but I'd like to get nearer 5km in 30 minutes.
It was great feeling to hear the podcast tell me I'd finished the 30 minute run, and knowing that I'd managed the c25k in just on 10 weeks.
Now I'm on to the One Hour Runner program. Another 10 week program, starting this Sunday. I'll transition from starting my week on a Sunday to finishing the week on a Sunday next week. I was thinking of skipping week one, and counting week 9 of the c25k as the first week of OHR, but I don't think I will. I might just try and challenge myself to run a bit faster.
C25K complete - pace 7.55km/min, distance 3.91km
I was up at 5am, it wasn't wet or cold, but it was pretty windy. A few tree branches had come down in the night, I was just lucky I saw a dark shape on the footpath or I would have ended w9d3 pretty early on...entangled on the ground in half a tree.
Running for 30 minutes still isn't easy, but I could probably describe it as comfortable. My pace varied a bit today, I managed to stretch out my stride, when I wasn't weaving around debris on the footpath. I'm never going to be a super fast runner, my little legs are too short, but I'd like to get nearer 5km in 30 minutes.
It was great feeling to hear the podcast tell me I'd finished the 30 minute run, and knowing that I'd managed the c25k in just on 10 weeks.
Now I'm on to the One Hour Runner program. Another 10 week program, starting this Sunday. I'll transition from starting my week on a Sunday to finishing the week on a Sunday next week. I was thinking of skipping week one, and counting week 9 of the c25k as the first week of OHR, but I don't think I will. I might just try and challenge myself to run a bit faster.
C25K complete - pace 7.55km/min, distance 3.91km
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Graduation Playlist
I've just been going through my playlists trying to pick some of my favourite running songs. Some of them aren't things I'd listen to on a day to day basis, but when I was experimenting with running to different music some of the songs had really stood out as ones that really made me enjoy jogging along.
No Way Out - Immaculate Machine (warm up)
Flashdance - Irene Cara
Harder Better Faster Stronger - Daft Punk
Stayin' Alive - The Bee Gees
Northshore - Tegan & Sara
Telephone - Lady Gaga & Beyonce
Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves - Cher
Heart of Glass - Blondie
Whatever I fear - Toad the Wet Sprocket
Freedom - Wham!
Hold On, Hold On - Neko Case (warm down)
No Way Out - Immaculate Machine (warm up)
Flashdance - Irene Cara
Harder Better Faster Stronger - Daft Punk
Stayin' Alive - The Bee Gees
Northshore - Tegan & Sara
Telephone - Lady Gaga & Beyonce
Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves - Cher
Heart of Glass - Blondie
Whatever I fear - Toad the Wet Sprocket
Freedom - Wham!
Hold On, Hold On - Neko Case (warm down)
I want to run tomorrow!
I'm due to run week 9 day 1 of the c25k tomorrow. That means it's graduation day.
Unfortunately, the weather doesn't look like it's going to be my friend. I think I'll cope if it's raining lightly, but we've been getting gusty northwesterlies and horizontal heavy rain this evening. The forecast for tomorrow is for "showers clearing and northwesterly winds". I'll hope that it is calm and not too wet at dawn tomorrow.
I really want to get out there and do this thing!
In other news, I've decided on my next "physical challenge" for the year. Tonight I started the 100 pushups, 200 situps & 200 Squats program. I attempted the 100 pushups last year but didn't get past the first day. I didn't really make time for it in my day and forgot about it.
After almost 10 weeks of running I've noticed a difference in my thigh and back strength so I didn't do to badly with the squats. I still have real issues with situp and pushups. My upper back & shoulder strength is pretty much nil, and my abs may as well not even exist.
I have started swimming once a week, so in combination with the strength exercises and running, I'm hoping that I can get through the year without putting my back out. Even 6 months would be an achievement.
Unfortunately, the weather doesn't look like it's going to be my friend. I think I'll cope if it's raining lightly, but we've been getting gusty northwesterlies and horizontal heavy rain this evening. The forecast for tomorrow is for "showers clearing and northwesterly winds". I'll hope that it is calm and not too wet at dawn tomorrow.
I really want to get out there and do this thing!
In other news, I've decided on my next "physical challenge" for the year. Tonight I started the 100 pushups, 200 situps & 200 Squats program. I attempted the 100 pushups last year but didn't get past the first day. I didn't really make time for it in my day and forgot about it.
After almost 10 weeks of running I've noticed a difference in my thigh and back strength so I didn't do to badly with the squats. I still have real issues with situp and pushups. My upper back & shoulder strength is pretty much nil, and my abs may as well not even exist.
I have started swimming once a week, so in combination with the strength exercises and running, I'm hoping that I can get through the year without putting my back out. Even 6 months would be an achievement.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
c25k week 9 day 2
I woke up at around 4am to the sound of heavy rain and went back to sleep thinking "it might stop in an hour and I can go running". At 5am, I couldn't hear any rain, so got up and dressed, put my shoes on and opened the door. There were a couple of minutes where I just looked at the drizzle and thought "oh, it's raining, here's an excuse not to go". Funny thing is, this morning, I just decided that it wasn't too bad, it wasn't cold or windy, so a little bit of drizzle wouldn't kill me. 10 weeks ago I would have used the rain as an excuse!
It was a slow run, think I was a bit paranoid about slipping over on wet concrete or something - but overall I got through the half hour comfortably. Once I was running I didn't really notice the rain - except that my shower proof jacket is only waterproof for about 20 minutes of rain, then it becomes a bit pointless. Of course it started POURING when I was in sight of home and was into the warm down walk, so I ended up running the last few 100m or so.
Luckily I was greeted at the back door with a towel and a hot drink :)
Only one more run till I 'graduate'. I really hope I don't lose motivation and I can keep up with running 3 times a week. It's going to be hard going in to winter, I can probably cope with the cold - it will be the windy or cold wet days that will make it hard to keep going. I'm thinking of renting a treadmill for the coldest months.
The playlist for today was -
Hold on - Wilson Phillips (warm up)
When You're looking like that - Westlife
My life would suck without you - Kelly Clarkson
Telephone - Lady Gaga & Beyonce
Hell - Tegan and Sara
Hung up - Madonna
Somebody told me - the Killers
Rhinestone Cowboy - Glen Campbell
Smooth Criminal - Alien Ant Farm
We Don't need another hero - Tina Turner (warm down)
It was a slow run, think I was a bit paranoid about slipping over on wet concrete or something - but overall I got through the half hour comfortably. Once I was running I didn't really notice the rain - except that my shower proof jacket is only waterproof for about 20 minutes of rain, then it becomes a bit pointless. Of course it started POURING when I was in sight of home and was into the warm down walk, so I ended up running the last few 100m or so.
Luckily I was greeted at the back door with a towel and a hot drink :)
Only one more run till I 'graduate'. I really hope I don't lose motivation and I can keep up with running 3 times a week. It's going to be hard going in to winter, I can probably cope with the cold - it will be the windy or cold wet days that will make it hard to keep going. I'm thinking of renting a treadmill for the coldest months.
The playlist for today was -
Hold on - Wilson Phillips (warm up)
When You're looking like that - Westlife
My life would suck without you - Kelly Clarkson
Telephone - Lady Gaga & Beyonce
Hell - Tegan and Sara
Hung up - Madonna
Somebody told me - the Killers
Rhinestone Cowboy - Glen Campbell
Smooth Criminal - Alien Ant Farm
We Don't need another hero - Tina Turner (warm down)
Sunday, March 21, 2010
5km conquered on week 9 day 1
ok, it hurt. That last km almost did me in. But I didn't have any choice - I wasn't far from home and I was either going to have to run it or walk it, so I just kept on plodding along.
I was comfortable for around the first 30 minutes, which is what I would have run today if I had followed the podcast. Now I know I can run 5km. It might have been hard but if I think back to 9 weeks ago, it was almost easier than I found those 60 second runs at that point.
I'll go back to following the podcast for the last two runs, then I'll go on to one hour runner. I feel like I'd rather work on going a bit faster and going a bit further in the 30 minute runs.
pace - 8min/km, 5.06km, total time taken 40min30s
I was comfortable for around the first 30 minutes, which is what I would have run today if I had followed the podcast. Now I know I can run 5km. It might have been hard but if I think back to 9 weeks ago, it was almost easier than I found those 60 second runs at that point.
I'll go back to following the podcast for the last two runs, then I'll go on to one hour runner. I feel like I'd rather work on going a bit faster and going a bit further in the 30 minute runs.
pace - 8min/km, 5.06km, total time taken 40min30s
Saturday, March 20, 2010
week 9 day 1 5km playlist
well, I'm hydrated, but dinner ended up being chips & hotdogs from the fish'n'chip shop. Not exactly good fuel for a run tomorrow. I've tried to compensate with drinking a decent amount of water, but I'm not confident about how well I'll run tomorrow.
This will be my first run with just a plain playlist, without any time cues. I'll go back to the podcast for Tuesday and Thursdays runs.
For tomorrow, I've cued up the following on my shuffle.
Total Eclipse of the Heart - Bonnie Tyler (5min warmup)
Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
Always something there to remind me - Naked Eyes
Suffer for fashion - Of Montreal
Down on Pennys Farm - Natalie Merchant
Since u been gone - Kelly Clarkson
Telephone - Lady Gaga & Beyonce
Womanizer - Britney Spears
Invisible - Alison Moyet
Jolene - Dolly Parton
The Cure - Tegan and Sara
I'm still Standing - Elton John
Flashdance - Irene Cara
Don't Rush - Tegan and Sara
Leaving New York - REM
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
It's just under an hour long. I'm not confident that I'll make 5km in a decent 30-40mins. If I'm not doing great, I pretty much know about where the 30min mark should be on my route and I'll just stop there.
This will be my first run with just a plain playlist, without any time cues. I'll go back to the podcast for Tuesday and Thursdays runs.
For tomorrow, I've cued up the following on my shuffle.
Total Eclipse of the Heart - Bonnie Tyler (5min warmup)
Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
Always something there to remind me - Naked Eyes
Suffer for fashion - Of Montreal
Down on Pennys Farm - Natalie Merchant
Since u been gone - Kelly Clarkson
Telephone - Lady Gaga & Beyonce
Womanizer - Britney Spears
Invisible - Alison Moyet
Jolene - Dolly Parton
The Cure - Tegan and Sara
I'm still Standing - Elton John
Flashdance - Irene Cara
Don't Rush - Tegan and Sara
Leaving New York - REM
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
It's just under an hour long. I'm not confident that I'll make 5km in a decent 30-40mins. If I'm not doing great, I pretty much know about where the 30min mark should be on my route and I'll just stop there.
Rest day Saturday
so my second rest day in a row. It's my usual schedule to take Friday and Saturday off, but today I'm getting restless and want to go running. That's just so not me. I'm not one of those people who wants to exercise...or am I? Have I finally found the activity that I enjoy? It shocks me that it's running.
Apart from a period at primary school when I ran a lot training for the school cross country, I hit 12 and grew to dislike physical activity. My only memories of running are 8.30am High School daily PE and being made to run around the field for 20 minutes. Oh, how I despised it.
It's the final week of the c25k this week. I'm really considering trying to run 5km tomorrow. I've mapped out a run, so might just go for it.
Apart from a period at primary school when I ran a lot training for the school cross country, I hit 12 and grew to dislike physical activity. My only memories of running are 8.30am High School daily PE and being made to run around the field for 20 minutes. Oh, how I despised it.
It's the final week of the c25k this week. I'm really considering trying to run 5km tomorrow. I've mapped out a run, so might just go for it.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Week 8 down. 3 runs to go.
The end is in sight now. Can't believe I've gotten this far and haven't quit. I've lost 2kg, but that isn't really due to the running, I've also been tracking what I eat and making sensible choices (ok, and a few silly ones...and learnt pizza for dinner = difficult run the next morning).
Todays run was perfect. We've still got two weeks of daylight saving left, and it was pitch black at 5am this morning when my alarm went off. I managed to drag myself out of bed 10 or 15 minutes later, and realised that it was darn cold out. My fancy Thorlos socks were toasty and warm, and the Columbia running hoodie I bought just to wear under a denim jacket a few years back was the perfect answer to the chilly autumn morning. I never expected I'd actually wear it running!
I warmed up pretty quickly once I started running though. It took a while to settle in to the pace, and I had to stick to the pavement, simply because it was a bit too dark out to risk running on the grass verge. Couldn't think of anything worse than stepping in a hole and doing in my ankle again.
Suprisingly, I found that despite the frosty weather, I had my best run since week 5 day 3. I settled in to a nice pace, managed to pick it up a bit for a few of the more upbeat songs, and all of a sudden I'd run right around the block and the 28 minutes was up.
The phone GPS told me I'd run 3.81km at an average pace of 7.23min/km. That's the longest I've run, and the fastest pace since I realised I could track it on my phone.
I was on a high all morning. I felt great, and now I realise why people stick with this running lark.
I'm ready for week 9 now.
Oh, and a different playlist today...
All I wanna do is make love to you - Heart
All the Showstoppers - The New Pornographers
Night Fever - The Bee Gees
Papa don't preach - Madonna
Come on Eileen - Dexys Midnight Runners
Do you think I'm sexy - N-trance
Wouldn't it be good - Nik Kershaw
Good Intentions - Toad the Wet Sprocket
Prison Girls - Neko Case
Todays run was perfect. We've still got two weeks of daylight saving left, and it was pitch black at 5am this morning when my alarm went off. I managed to drag myself out of bed 10 or 15 minutes later, and realised that it was darn cold out. My fancy Thorlos socks were toasty and warm, and the Columbia running hoodie I bought just to wear under a denim jacket a few years back was the perfect answer to the chilly autumn morning. I never expected I'd actually wear it running!
I warmed up pretty quickly once I started running though. It took a while to settle in to the pace, and I had to stick to the pavement, simply because it was a bit too dark out to risk running on the grass verge. Couldn't think of anything worse than stepping in a hole and doing in my ankle again.
Suprisingly, I found that despite the frosty weather, I had my best run since week 5 day 3. I settled in to a nice pace, managed to pick it up a bit for a few of the more upbeat songs, and all of a sudden I'd run right around the block and the 28 minutes was up.
The phone GPS told me I'd run 3.81km at an average pace of 7.23min/km. That's the longest I've run, and the fastest pace since I realised I could track it on my phone.
I was on a high all morning. I felt great, and now I realise why people stick with this running lark.
I'm ready for week 9 now.
Oh, and a different playlist today...
All I wanna do is make love to you - Heart
All the Showstoppers - The New Pornographers
Night Fever - The Bee Gees
Papa don't preach - Madonna
Come on Eileen - Dexys Midnight Runners
Do you think I'm sexy - N-trance
Wouldn't it be good - Nik Kershaw
Good Intentions - Toad the Wet Sprocket
Prison Girls - Neko Case
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
week 8 day two
Today was w8d2 and honestly, not sure whether I was a bit tired, or didn't like the dark, slightly warm, humid morning, but it wasn't a great run. I managed to keep running the whole way, and wasn't too uncomfortable at all, but I just couldn't pick up the pace at all...just kept falling back to a slow jog. Overall it was a shocker and I my legs feel like lead now.
3.3 km, 8.36 min/km
Just have to keep telling myself how well I've done...looking back to January when I couldn't even run 60 seconds without getting out of breath.
4 runs to go! I'm looking at starting the One Hour Runner program, but will be taking the Easter break off - 4 or 5 days with no running.
3.3 km, 8.36 min/km
Just have to keep telling myself how well I've done...looking back to January when I couldn't even run 60 seconds without getting out of breath.
4 runs to go! I'm looking at starting the One Hour Runner program, but will be taking the Easter break off - 4 or 5 days with no running.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
c25k WEEK 8...not long to go now
28 minute run today- and the first 5 minutes is still hard! That's where the mental struggle is for me, I still get 2 or 3 minutes in and have a desperate need to stop running and start walking. I'll get there, I just have to keep running...5 Runs to go!
It was a bit cool this morning, probably the coldest morning since I started.
3.58km, 7.52 min/km
It was a bit cool this morning, probably the coldest morning since I started.
3.58km, 7.52 min/km
Saturday, March 13, 2010
week 8 playlist
Week 8 Playlist!
This Kiss - Faith Hill
Stronger - Kanye West
I think we're alone now - Tiffany
You're the first, the last, my everything - Barry White
Thats all it took - Gram Parsons
The tide is high - Blondie
Not fair - Lily Allen
Stayin' alive - N-trance
Take me anywhere - Tegan and Sara
Prison Girls - Neko Case
This Kiss - Faith Hill
Stronger - Kanye West
I think we're alone now - Tiffany
You're the first, the last, my everything - Barry White
Thats all it took - Gram Parsons
The tide is high - Blondie
Not fair - Lily Allen
Stayin' alive - N-trance
Take me anywhere - Tegan and Sara
Prison Girls - Neko Case
Thursday, March 11, 2010
c25k week 7 day 3
w7d3 and I say goodbye to the 25 minute runs. It was pretty hard this morning, I decided to start faster than usual. I think I wanted to test myself and see if I could mentally keep going if I got out of breath. And I wanted to stop and walk after 5 minutes. I just slowed down and kept going instead. At one point I may have slowed down so much it probably looked like I was jogging on the spot!
3.16km, 7.58 min/km
Also needed a new playlist today.
Hymn to her - The Pretenders
Something bigger, Something better - Amanda Blank
Gypsys, Tramps and Thieves - Cher
You're so vain - Carly Simon
Rhinestone Cowboy - Glen Campbell
Monster - The Automatic
Orange Crush - REM
Wooden Heart - Elvis Presley
Don't want to forgive me now - Wet Wet Wet
I will not take these things for granted - Toad the Wet Sprocket
3.16km, 7.58 min/km
Also needed a new playlist today.
Hymn to her - The Pretenders
Something bigger, Something better - Amanda Blank
Gypsys, Tramps and Thieves - Cher
You're so vain - Carly Simon
Rhinestone Cowboy - Glen Campbell
Monster - The Automatic
Orange Crush - REM
Wooden Heart - Elvis Presley
Don't want to forgive me now - Wet Wet Wet
I will not take these things for granted - Toad the Wet Sprocket
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
c25k week 7 day 2
w7d2 this morning, before the dawn and it was a little chilly out today. Can't wait till daylight savings finishes, it might be a little lighter in the early morning again. I didn't go as well as Sunday, but that might be a time of day thing - still managed 3km in 25 minutes though.
One more run and I can say goodbye to week 7. Still can't believe I've made it this far - when I started I was a little skeptical of myself, as I've never been able to stick at going to the gym, any group sport or exercise class for very long. I never enjoyed it like I have the past few weeks, even though it's been hard at times. I think being outside jogging in the fresh air appeals to me a lot more.
3.01km, 8.22 min/km
One more run and I can say goodbye to week 7. Still can't believe I've made it this far - when I started I was a little skeptical of myself, as I've never been able to stick at going to the gym, any group sport or exercise class for very long. I never enjoyed it like I have the past few weeks, even though it's been hard at times. I think being outside jogging in the fresh air appeals to me a lot more.
3.01km, 8.22 min/km
Sunday, March 7, 2010
week 7 starting
dragged myself out of bed at 7am (on a Sunday!) for w7d1. Not to bad, completed it and got a bit further than on the last day of week 6. The weather gods have smiled on me - there were supposed to be strong winds all weekend, but they haven't eventuated. I wasn't looking forward to running into the wind.
3.29km, pace 7.41 min/km
I was a little suprised at the pace I managed - I'd stayed up a little later than I meant to last night. A little matter of finishing off Mass Effect 2. Which was AWESOME, and I managed to complete the final 'suicide' mission without dying or losing any of my team.
The playlist for this week is...
Suddenly I See - KT Tunstall
Bury me under the weeping willow - Natalie Merchant
Whatever I Fear - Toad the Wet Sprocket
Into the Groove - Madonna
Thorn in my side - Eurythmics
Left outside alone - Anastacia
Freedom - Wham!
Refugee - Melissa Etheridge
3.29km, pace 7.41 min/km
I was a little suprised at the pace I managed - I'd stayed up a little later than I meant to last night. A little matter of finishing off Mass Effect 2. Which was AWESOME, and I managed to complete the final 'suicide' mission without dying or losing any of my team.
The playlist for this week is...
Suddenly I See - KT Tunstall
Bury me under the weeping willow - Natalie Merchant
Whatever I Fear - Toad the Wet Sprocket
Into the Groove - Madonna
Thorn in my side - Eurythmics
Left outside alone - Anastacia
Freedom - Wham!
Refugee - Melissa Etheridge
Thursday, March 4, 2010
c25k week 6 day 3
I realised yesterday that my Nokia has a GPS sportstracker app. So I can now log my distances and pace.
It was a slow start today, and my legs still don't like to get going, although my breathing was good. Only covered just over 3km in the 25 minutes, but I can work on speed later - at the moment I think 5km would take me around 40 minutes.
And the playlist was
Maxine - Sharon O'Neill
Grease - Frankie Valli
I Don't Feel Like Dancin' - Scissor Sisters
You give love a bad name - Bon Jovi
Accidentally Kelly Street - Frente!
Don't stop movin' - S Club 7
Northshore - Tegan & Sara
I'm still standing elton john
It was a slow start today, and my legs still don't like to get going, although my breathing was good. Only covered just over 3km in the 25 minutes, but I can work on speed later - at the moment I think 5km would take me around 40 minutes.
And the playlist was
Maxine - Sharon O'Neill
Grease - Frankie Valli
I Don't Feel Like Dancin' - Scissor Sisters
You give love a bad name - Bon Jovi
Accidentally Kelly Street - Frente!
Don't stop movin' - S Club 7
Northshore - Tegan & Sara
I'm still standing elton john
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
week 6 day two..running in a sauna?
Managed to drag myself out of bed before dawn for w6d2 today. It was a bit damp and drizzly outside, but too warm and sweaty for a jacket. I tried but it was a bit like running in a sauna.
The playlist...
Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
Invisible - Alison Moyet
Mickey - Toni Basil
Hold On - Wilson Phillips
Speak Slow - Tegan and Sara
Queen of the Night - Whitney Houston
Jesse - Carly Simon
Empty Garden - Elton John
The playlist...
Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
Invisible - Alison Moyet
Mickey - Toni Basil
Hold On - Wilson Phillips
Speak Slow - Tegan and Sara
Queen of the Night - Whitney Houston
Jesse - Carly Simon
Empty Garden - Elton John
Sunday, February 28, 2010
c25k week six day one
Today was HARD, that first 5 minutes killed me! I think I fell into the trap of starting too fast. But I completed it, and felt a little more comfortable at the end. I can see why some people drop out of the program at week 6. And I used to think that people who couldn't wait till the end of the intervals were a bit weird - but I think I might be one of them!
have cooled down and stretched with some yoga, so now I can get on with my Sunday :) And play some Mass Effect 2
Today's playlist
Born in The USA - Bruce Springsteen
Flashdance - Irene Cara
Sinnerman - Felix da Housecat & Nina Simone
Your Hands (Together) - The New Pornographers
Rose Garden - Lynn Anderson
Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
Snowbird - Anne Murray
Here with Me - Michelle Branch
have cooled down and stretched with some yoga, so now I can get on with my Sunday :) And play some Mass Effect 2
Today's playlist
Born in The USA - Bruce Springsteen
Flashdance - Irene Cara
Sinnerman - Felix da Housecat & Nina Simone
Your Hands (Together) - The New Pornographers
Rose Garden - Lynn Anderson
Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
Snowbird - Anne Murray
Here with Me - Michelle Branch
Thursday, February 25, 2010
c25k week five day three
I have been apprehensive all week. I've been lurking around the c25k.com forums to see how others approach the 20 minute milestone and learnt a lot.
I headed out to run early this morning. I was very focussed on conquering this one first time out, so I started running VERY slowly. By the end I think I was running my normal pace (which isn't exactly breaking speed records either) but all of a sudden the podcast told me to stop and I was suprised. and very happy :)
I think I'd taken it a bit too easy, as I was nowhere near as tired as I had been previously. But this was more of a mental obstacle for me, and it was more important to get this 'long' run completed without stopping. I can think about pace and distance once I get to week 8 or 9.
Now I know I can do it. And I will now think of myself as "someone who jogs"
Todays 20minute run playlist was...
Buffalo Soldier - Bob Marley
Sentimental Tune - Tegan & Sara
December 1963 - Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons
Heart of Glass - Blondie
Livin' thing - ELO
Gypsys, Tramps and Thieves - Cher
You're the First, the Last, my Everything - Barry White
Rocketship - Guster
Break your Heart - Natalie Merchant
I headed out to run early this morning. I was very focussed on conquering this one first time out, so I started running VERY slowly. By the end I think I was running my normal pace (which isn't exactly breaking speed records either) but all of a sudden the podcast told me to stop and I was suprised. and very happy :)
I think I'd taken it a bit too easy, as I was nowhere near as tired as I had been previously. But this was more of a mental obstacle for me, and it was more important to get this 'long' run completed without stopping. I can think about pace and distance once I get to week 8 or 9.
Now I know I can do it. And I will now think of myself as "someone who jogs"
Todays 20minute run playlist was...
Buffalo Soldier - Bob Marley
Sentimental Tune - Tegan & Sara
December 1963 - Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons
Heart of Glass - Blondie
Livin' thing - ELO
Gypsys, Tramps and Thieves - Cher
You're the First, the Last, my Everything - Barry White
Rocketship - Guster
Break your Heart - Natalie Merchant
Thursday, February 18, 2010
c25k week four day three
I've been using mapmyrun.com to figure out how far I'm going. And it's not really that far. But I suppose it's better than what I was doing 6 weeks ago. 2.8km > 0km . That also includes my warmup and cooldown walks.
I haven't lost all that much weight - probably less than what I would have had I been concentrating on food only, but I look noticably trimmer around the waist. Which in my book, is a winner! I'm not expecting the amount of exercise I'm doing to drop a huge amount of weight, I just hope it continues to tone me up.
Week 5 here I come!
oh, and that 20 minute run. The stuff of nightmares...
I haven't lost all that much weight - probably less than what I would have had I been concentrating on food only, but I look noticably trimmer around the waist. Which in my book, is a winner! I'm not expecting the amount of exercise I'm doing to drop a huge amount of weight, I just hope it continues to tone me up.
Week 5 here I come!
oh, and that 20 minute run. The stuff of nightmares...
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
c25k week four day two
The pain in my shin has disappeared. What wonders a proper shoe can do.
I went off to the Shoe Clinic store in town at lunch time and got a proper fitting. I ended up in a stability shoe, and it's a nice narrow fitting pair for my long skinny feet. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 Wasn't keen on the price, but it's a better than ending up with shin splints or stress fractures.
It was a nice comfortable run first thing this morning, no problems at all. I'm just continually amazed at how great this program is. It pushes me past my comfort zone, but doesn't push me to far so that I stop.
I went off to the Shoe Clinic store in town at lunch time and got a proper fitting. I ended up in a stability shoe, and it's a nice narrow fitting pair for my long skinny feet. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 Wasn't keen on the price, but it's a better than ending up with shin splints or stress fractures.
It was a nice comfortable run first thing this morning, no problems at all. I'm just continually amazed at how great this program is. It pushes me past my comfort zone, but doesn't push me to far so that I stop.
Monday, February 15, 2010
week5 day 2 playlist
Unguided - The New Pornographers
Mass Romantic - The New Pornographers
Everybody's Numb - Thea Gilmore
Don't you want me - Human League
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger - Daft Punk
Rock 'n' Roll Dreams -Meatloaf
Go Down Moses - Natalie Merchant
Mass Romantic - The New Pornographers
Everybody's Numb - Thea Gilmore
Don't you want me - Human League
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger - Daft Punk
Rock 'n' Roll Dreams -Meatloaf
Go Down Moses - Natalie Merchant
Sunday, February 14, 2010
c25k week four day one
I did it! Two five minute runs. I know that wouldn't even count for some people, but for me it's an achievement and noone can tell me any different. Think I may have to go and buy new shoes this week. I don't think it can wait till the end of week five.
And the playlist for the week is
Superstar - Tegan & Sara
Sing me Spanish Techno - The New Pornographers
Kryptonite - Three Doors Down
Toxic - Britney Spears
Whats the frequency, Kenneth - REM
Bring me Some Water - Melissa Etheridge
Tuesdays Dead - Cat Stevens
A Sorta Fairytale - Tori Amos
And the playlist for the week is
Superstar - Tegan & Sara
Sing me Spanish Techno - The New Pornographers
Kryptonite - Three Doors Down
Toxic - Britney Spears
Whats the frequency, Kenneth - REM
Bring me Some Water - Melissa Etheridge
Tuesdays Dead - Cat Stevens
A Sorta Fairytale - Tori Amos
Thursday, February 11, 2010
c25k week three day three
Haven't managed to blog the last couple of days, but it's all going well. Still having shin & ankle issues, so I've decided to buy some new shoes, probably at the end of week 5. A reward for making the 20 minute run.
The 20 minute run in week five is a bit daunting. Week three has been a challenge, I've done it all three days, but at no point would I say it was easy.
The 20 minute run in week five is a bit daunting. Week three has been a challenge, I've done it all three days, but at no point would I say it was easy.
Friday, February 5, 2010
c25k week three playlist
I'm spending Friday night making a playlist for my runs next week. And now that's done, I'm turning on the xbox again and getting back to the adventures of Harriet "Harry" Shepard (Mass Effect 2)
I Drove all Night - Cyndi Lauper
99 Luftballons - Nena
...Baby One More Time - Britney Spears
Mr Brightside - The Killers
Something Bigger, Something Better - Amanda Blank
Northshore - Tegan & Sara
Up all Night (Frankie Miller Goes to Hollywood) - Counting Crows
I Drove all Night - Cyndi Lauper
99 Luftballons - Nena
...Baby One More Time - Britney Spears
Mr Brightside - The Killers
Something Bigger, Something Better - Amanda Blank
Northshore - Tegan & Sara
Up all Night (Frankie Miller Goes to Hollywood) - Counting Crows
Thursday, February 4, 2010
c25k week two day three
Week two is complete. I'm rather proud of myself and I'm feeling ready to head into week 3.
Other than a slight pain in my shin, I'm not feeling too bad. I think I probably need to think about buying a new pair of running shoes. My old Nikes are past there use by date, and they predate the horrific sprained ankle I suffered in December 2008. I think the way my foot lands has changed since then, I spent months in physio getting it fixed up but it's never been quite the same since.
Other than a slight pain in my shin, I'm not feeling too bad. I think I probably need to think about buying a new pair of running shoes. My old Nikes are past there use by date, and they predate the horrific sprained ankle I suffered in December 2008. I think the way my foot lands has changed since then, I spent months in physio getting it fixed up but it's never been quite the same since.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
c25k week two day two
Had a decent run this morning. I can't say I really enjoyed it while I was out there, but there is a sense of acheivement when I complete each days run.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
c25k week two day one
hmm. I like clothes. but who knew I'd find running a perfect excuse to go out and buy running gear? I ended up at Rebel Sport yesterday to buy a new light top to go running in - as my usual t-shirts feel a bit heavy and get too damp. They were having a clearance sale, so in the end I picked up a new running tshirt and a pair of short leggings with a pocket big enough for my phone or ipod. And a nice light nike running hat.
So started out on week two in a fancy new outfit. Didn't make me any faster or fitter, but I was way more comfortable!
So started out on week two in a fancy new outfit. Didn't make me any faster or fitter, but I was way more comfortable!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
It's late but my playlist for tomorrow is done
Playlist for c25k week two
Arrow - Tegan & Sara
Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
Motivation - Sum 41
Leave me alone (I'm lonely) - Pink
Make on me - A-ha
S.O.S - Abba
Resist - Melissa Etheridge
Black and White - Sarah Mclachlan
Arrow - Tegan & Sara
Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
Motivation - Sum 41
Leave me alone (I'm lonely) - Pink
Make on me - A-ha
S.O.S - Abba
Resist - Melissa Etheridge
Black and White - Sarah Mclachlan
Thursday, January 28, 2010
c25k week one day six
It's early and I've already been for my walk/run. Yay me :)
I'm ready to move on to week two now, not confident, but I need to push past week one. I think mentally I'll find 6 runs easier than 9, even though they are 30 seconds longer, there are less of them!
I'm ready to move on to week two now, not confident, but I need to push past week one. I think mentally I'll find 6 runs easier than 9, even though they are 30 seconds longer, there are less of them!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
c25k week one day five
Out early, tired now ;) need to go to bed a bit earlier if I'm going to get up at 5.30 to run I think.
Managed all 8 runs again. I think I'll be able to move on to week two on Sunday.
I've decided that a schedule of Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday runs really suits me. And I have to run in the morning, if I leave it to the evening I'll have too much time to talk myself out of going.
Managed all 8 runs again. I think I'll be able to move on to week two on Sunday.
I've decided that a schedule of Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday runs really suits me. And I have to run in the morning, if I leave it to the evening I'll have too much time to talk myself out of going.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
c25k week one day four
so repeating week one again, starting today. Have made myself a new playlist to go along with the podcast. It's not easy, maybe I'm running too fast? I'm finding the thought that I have to run 8 times quite daunting - each run I'm counting down "ok, 5 left"..."oh no, still 3 runs to go", which I think is making it harder for myself.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
playlist for week 1 mark 2
Can't have the same playlist two weeks in a row!
Love Story - Taylor Swift
Feel it in my Bones - Teisto with Tegan & Sara
Not Fair - Lily Allen
Womanizer - Britney Spears
Disco 2000 - Pulp
Sorry - Madonna
Running up that Hill - Placebo
Love Story - Taylor Swift
Feel it in my Bones - Teisto with Tegan & Sara
Not Fair - Lily Allen
Womanizer - Britney Spears
Disco 2000 - Pulp
Sorry - Madonna
Running up that Hill - Placebo
Thursday, January 21, 2010
c25k week one day three
ok, this morning I didn't quite make all the runs, I skipped the 6th run, my legs just didn't want to go. Feel pretty good after it's over though. I've decided to repeat week one next week, I think my body needs to get used to getting out there and moving again.
It's not a race, I just want to make it to week 9, even if it takes me more than 9 weeks!
It's not a race, I just want to make it to week 9, even if it takes me more than 9 weeks!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
c25k week one day two
day two has gone well - lucky it's summer and we're having some nice mild mornings. Have decided to do my weekday runs before work, which means getting out of the house at 5.30am. The sun is up by that time at the moment, so it's light and quite peaceful out.
I'm still not put off this running thing!
I'm still not put off this running thing!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Week One Playlist
I'm using Iestyn Lloyd's podcast, and I'm adding my own music using Audacity.
The playlist for week one is
Jesse - Carly Simon
Dark Come Soon - Tegan and Sara
Walk Unafraid - REM
Take Me Anywhere - Tegan and Sara
This is my Life - Toad the Wet Sprocket
Leaving New York - REM
Scar - Missy Higgins
C'mon Sea Legs - Immaculate Machine
The playlist for week one is
Jesse - Carly Simon
Dark Come Soon - Tegan and Sara
Walk Unafraid - REM
Take Me Anywhere - Tegan and Sara
This is my Life - Toad the Wet Sprocket
Leaving New York - REM
Scar - Missy Higgins
C'mon Sea Legs - Immaculate Machine
c25k week one day one
It was a nice Sunday morning - not too difficult to get out of bed before 8am and go out for the first day of the c25k.
Ok, 60 seconds of running is a LONG time. It was killing me after 30 seconds or so...and there was 8 runs. Was glad for all the walking though.
Am a bit tired now, my legs are feeling like they've been used for the first time in forever. But I quite enjoyed it, it was hard, but structured enough that I didn't finish the walk/run thinking I'd never ever do that again. So that's a bonus.
Ok, 60 seconds of running is a LONG time. It was killing me after 30 seconds or so...and there was 8 runs. Was glad for all the walking though.
Am a bit tired now, my legs are feeling like they've been used for the first time in forever. But I quite enjoyed it, it was hard, but structured enough that I didn't finish the walk/run thinking I'd never ever do that again. So that's a bonus.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Geek starts running
It's 2010 and I'm ready for a change. I realised I'm close to needing to by new clothes since I'm not really fitting my current workwear, and I don't want to be a size 16 (NZ). I'm not tall enough to be a size 16. A few weeks back, I started watching what I eat again. It's not a diet - I'm using weight watchers online to help make good choices and to figure out proper portions.
I decided I need to document this years journey, for my own sanity, and so I don't bore my significant others, co-workers and friends by going on and on about it.
I've been eating well for a few weeks, and have lost that initial couple of kgs - when I'm up at 70kg ish, it isn't too hard for me to start losing without to much effort. It's when I get to 68kg it takes a bit of work.
I decided this week that to go along with my healthy eating, I'm going to try to add some exercise and make this a full on lifestyle change.
So I've downloaded some podcasts and tomorrow morning, Sunday the 17th January I'm going to start the Couch to 5km running program from www.c25k.com . I'm not expecting it to be easy since I haven't gone "running" since highschool, except for a little playing indoor netball at uni, then during my year of going to the gym in 2004.
I've chosen Iestyn Lloyd's podcast from http://web.me.com/iestynx/Couch_to_5K/Podcast/Podcast.html, and I'm adding my own music using Audacity.
I decided I need to document this years journey, for my own sanity, and so I don't bore my significant others, co-workers and friends by going on and on about it.
I've been eating well for a few weeks, and have lost that initial couple of kgs - when I'm up at 70kg ish, it isn't too hard for me to start losing without to much effort. It's when I get to 68kg it takes a bit of work.
I decided this week that to go along with my healthy eating, I'm going to try to add some exercise and make this a full on lifestyle change.
So I've downloaded some podcasts and tomorrow morning, Sunday the 17th January I'm going to start the Couch to 5km running program from www.c25k.com . I'm not expecting it to be easy since I haven't gone "running" since highschool, except for a little playing indoor netball at uni, then during my year of going to the gym in 2004.
I've chosen Iestyn Lloyd's podcast from http://web.me.com/iestynx/Couch_to_5K/Podcast/Podcast.html, and I'm adding my own music using Audacity.
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