Go, Tenzing. Go!

Noosa Half Marathon

2009-08-19T20:54:00.004+10:00

Mona finishing in 3rd behind the 2 Tanzanians.

Had a good chance of PBing here, perfect weather, 2 laps of an out & back course, & prior knowledge (last year 84.20).

Started well, settled in behind Mona & the Tanzanians, doing it easy for the first 30 metres. Inexorably they pulled away as did the PCRG triumvirate - Pete, Stef & Dave looking to break 80 mins.

Close to the 2k mark I was looking for my official photographer. Passing the apartment I looked up to see the sliding door opening & a bleary-eyed Cec stepping out. Still, she managed to get some good shots (see above) & one of my elbow as I strode out to the finish...

So things were on track time wise as I went thru' the 5.5k turn-around. 1k splits were slower than I was hoping - 3.55ish. Momentarily confused the HM & 10k signs & thought I'd blown out but delighted to see the correct 10k marker come into view & passed it in 39.27.

The finish was on the main road this year & quite well attended by spectators. Got a little blast of adrenaline here for the first half turn-around but shortly thereafter I was running on my own & heading out for another 10.5. Pyschologically I was a bit spent, physically felt a bit flat - hungry even. Damn, I should've carbo-loaded...

Noticed my ks were suddenly post-4s. Couldn't seem to latch onto anyone & felt unable to go faster. At the 14k mark (2/3rds in) the 1.24 pacer overtook me. And not just gradually but decisively & demoralisingly...Finished 84.49.

Gold Coast Half Marathon 2009

2009-07-07T18:41:00.003+10:00

L to R: Marwa 1st; Shelley 2nd; Dent 3rd at the 20k mark. 62.09 for Marwa - 1 sec margin over Shelley.

Drove down to the GC with Cec arriving a little bit late. Jogged towards the start line & then found myself in a crush of other runners all trying to get to the start. Only one narrow pathway. Jumped the barrier in order to get there quicker & found an area near the 1.20 to 1.30 hr self-seeded start. Of course everyone who was late regardless of form just pushed in here. Made the start a walk - took about a minute to get over the line. Then about 2 ks to weave thru' the chaff.

I still had a cough from my 3 week bout of flu so had promised not to over-do it. 1st k took about 4.30. But as the crowd thinned a bit I was able to run 4.10-4.15s comfortably. Was a bit frustrating, I had set my sights on running a PB for this race & had been training well until my illness. The conditions were also perfect: cool, no breeze, fine -alot of folks ended up with PBs.

Saw the leaders, last year's winner Michael Shelley, Martin Dent & Dickson Marwa sprinting for home. Gave me a bit of an adrenalin burst & I picked up the pace.

Eventually caught up with the 1.30 pace group just before half-way - it was huge. Ran with the B pacer, Gary M for a while. The A pacer, David J, kept up a pretty remarkable running commentary & a perfect pace. Spoke to a few PCRG runners who were in this group.

Ran for 5 of the last ks with Luke who also finished the Twilight HM with me. Got a shock at the 20 k mark when I spotted Puntermatt sidelined with a cold. Tough break - you would've blitzed the marathon.

The finish shute was particularly busy with 10k finishers getting in the way. No way you could do the heroic finishing sprint - which suited me. Finished in 87.36 & felt like I could do another one. Caught up with others in my Sunday & Wednesday running group - all had PBs: Pete - 78; Stef - 80; Wayne - 87; Darren - 88. Went on to have brekkie & then watched the marathon. Matty L & Mike H also PBed: 2.55 & 2.56 outstanding efforts. Inspiration for my next goal, the Noosa HM August 2.

Cold/ flu hits

2009-06-23T18:59:00.002+10:00

Just when I thought I'd got over the first symptoms of a cold - it appears to have got me. Very disappointing especially as my recent progress had been encouraging. Frustrating timing, with the race only 2 weeks away & I've now had the last 6 days off...

My last run was a good River Loop, managing to slowly increase my speed in the last 5 ks finishing in 84 mins with the last 3ks at sub-4 min pace. However, that extra exertion may've put paid to my plans. Hope to have an easy run tomorrow.

Doomben 10k

2009-06-10T20:36:00.002+10:00

Ran my first 10k race since last year's B2B. A 7.20am start outside the Doomben race-course in Ascot in perfect conditions (after overnight rain). Decided to go out reasonably quick, settle into the middle stretch & speed up for the last k. Went pretty much to plan: 1st k in 3.32 then pretty much 3.50s.

Started mingling with the half-marathoners. 5k in the high 18s. Quite a few hair-pin bends up & down a few streets towards the end seemed unnecessary. Should've just run further out & re-traced our route. Kinda lost track of the distance & wasn't too sure as to when I should wind it up. Finally directed back across the rail tracks & thus freeing myself from the HM congestion. 9k @ 34.34, finished strong in 38.21 finishing 28th overall.

So the lack of race practice told. Legs felt ok from the long distance training but just haven't done enough fast stuff.

This is more like it

2009-05-24T22:20:00.002+10:00

Have been continuing my long 2 hour Sunday runs. Last week I did a solo effort that included the Green & I'pilly bridges. Found myself heading home a bit early & didn't want to extend it. Had an easy warm-down run with Tenz at the local park to take it to 1.45.

Tuesday @ 5am it was pouring & I'd had a bad night's sleep so took the 'soft option' & missed training. Wednesday morning it was still pouring but couldn't afford not to run. Did the river loop with the others but started to stiffen up after 1 hr & couldn't go any quicker than 5min ks.

By Friday I was feeling better & ran quick at training. 2x 3mins with a 30sec SR & then a 1min SR before 6 mins back. Finished with 3 reps of the 'Gold Coast' hill.

This morning had a 6am start with the 2.40 fellas meeting back up at the Ship Inn for the rest of us - 9 all up. New start saw us heading back up Annerley Rd & over to the Green Bridge. Then thru I'pilly to the next bridge & round the river at Chelmer to Tennyson. Matty L picked up the pace here & I responded leading the pack thru' Yeronga to the top of the hill. On the corso Pete & Matty decided to surge & Mike, Darren & I followed suit. Ran 3.50, then 3.49 for the next k, the 3rd one we headed up the South Brisbane cemetery hill which slowed me down alot. Thankfully had a drink stop & took it a bit easier. As usual the pace started to quicken & I got dropped around Hardgreave St even tho' I was probably doing 4.20s. Once I'd lost contact I slowed even more & the last k along Southbank was 4.50. Finished in 2.05, my longest run for quite a while.

Twilight HM: 91.43

2009-04-06T21:45:00.004+10:00

Not the best preparation for a half marathon. Spent 4 days landscaping our place at Caloundra last weekend, Mon & Tues & then again this weekend. During the week I had a run at PCRG on Thursday & an easy 45 mins Friday evening along the corso with T.

Sunday morning had us in a local bush patch (condemned to development) salvaging a few plants for our yard. Planted them out but not sure how some will do - looking pretty wilted. Speaking of which, after cleaning the house & calling in for the obligatory Bunnings appointment we left Caloundra right on 3pm. Weather was looking decidedly ominous, the radio was issuing a warning for severe rainfall. High-tailed it back to Annerley in 1 hour 20: pretty good conditions - traffic wasn't too bad & only light showers. Swapped into my running gear & got Cec to drive me to the Green Bridge where I had 23 mins to register for the race.

A brisk jog to UQ athletics track & then a huge queue to register. Fortunately someone mentioned that HMers could barge up front so I did & got my number. Heaps of familiar faces buzzing around. Relaxed & started to feel tired, hungry & thirsty - bugger...

This was the inaugral Twilight HM, organised by the InTraining crew who usually do the Easter 10k race. With the days rapidly getting shorter the sun was practically setting near the start of the race & for most of the run it was dark with only street-lights vaguely illuminating the Brisbane Corso. Sensibly I decided to treat the run as a tempo Sunday training run. Felt a bit flat & couldn't keep a good rhythm early on. Surprised when the 1.30 pacer & hangers-on overtook me & kept increasing their distance from me. I didn't think I was going that slowly, but running in the dark can prove deceptive. I usually feel I'm running quicker, but there's no reference points & it was particularly difficult in this race because there was no km markers to indicate the distance.Spoke to Steve from PCRG around the 49 min mark & he told me we had done 12 ks.

The course was pretty good, basically 2 laps of a 10k circuit & a 1.1k thrown in. Got to see everyone in front of me several times as the course turned & came back on itself but the separation distance from me to them was dispiriting... Organisers did well separating competitors going over the Green Bridge with folks going over on the cycle path & coming back on the other (pedestrian) side. Only 2 drinks stations the second of which I didn't collect. Got a little alarmed after that as the ks kept going by with no sight of another drink station. Actually stopped on the G Bridge at a water fountain.

2nd lap once back into Fairfield was a psychological boost. Tried to pick up the pace without over-doing the breathing. Unfortunately my chronic right knee injury (or is it arthritis) began to flare. Haven't felt that since last year. Could feel my gait alter as I tried to favour the other leg. Stubborn pride saw me try to come under 1.30 with a quick last 5k. Local knowledge predicted about 20mins left at the 1.12 mark & I was dead on - finishing in my slowest HM time of 1.31.43.

Committment Plus

2009-03-19T20:09:00.003+10:00

Cecile was bridesmaid at Saturday's wedding. Managed to drive home from Scarborough & catch nearly 5 hours sleep before fronting up for the long run. Did the River Loop & added extra out to Story Bridge & back. Had hoped to run 1 hr 45 but felt like I could go on so pushed on another 10 mins. Finished off in the Southbank pool.

So the running is back on track. Have attended the last 4 sessions @ PCRG (i.e. Tues & Fri). Have felt pretty flat, no real kick yet - leg heavy, but should come good. Also fronted up to last Wednesday's longer tempo run & did the same shorter course but 4 mins faster. Checked the 1 k marks along the Coro Dve pathway & we were running 4.15.

Slept in for this week's Wed run but headed out this morning (Thurs) with Tenz. Took it pretty easy with a 27 min Yeronga/ Yerongpilly loop before dropping T back home. Then headed to the Green Bridge but turned around under the bridge & headed back along the Corso. Started to get progressively quicker but didn't want to go too quickly. However, the last k was fast (but controlled) & felt pretty effortless - the way it should always be, alas.

Second set-back

2009-03-05T22:40:00.003+10:00

Yet another cold & another week off running. Hard to regulate your temperature when its been very humid as well.

Headed down to the March 3kTT nevertheless & wasn't sure what to do - pace (i.e. just take it easy) or try & beat last month's soft time. The latter prevailed. Despite no speed training I didn't find it too onerous. Helped I think by the big turn-out - there were quite a few in front of me. Had to smile...a new girl has been running in front of me for both TTs. This time it appeared she had gone out too fast & my steady pace saw me move in front at the 2k mark. I was thinking of giving her a bit of advice after the race about tactics. Got a surprise when shortly thereafter she went past me & with 500m to go overtook the next 6 folks in front of me with a big finish...

Backed up the next morning at 5.30 for Matty's Wednesday river loop run. Wasn't sure how I'd go but didn't feel too bad. Started to feel weary after a drink at UQ & then the Highgate Hills got me. Also knew there was a 'soft option' for recuperating runners - peel off at Torbreck & tear down Gladstone Road straight to Southbank, hit the footpath & turn right to the Ship Inn. Wayne measured it at 12.9ks. My last k was quick, all up 1.01.

50k week

2009-02-09T21:11:00.002+10:00

Summer training diary says 50k for this last week (4 days running) after last week's 34 (3 days).

Started with the 1st 3k TT of the year. Thought I'd cruise around in 10.30 but actually felt flat. Turned in 5.15, spot on, but blew out to finish in 10.45. Not too concerned, not much mileage & no speed training to speak of.

Followed it up the next day with an easy 11k Yeronga loop. Still too hot to take Tenzing with me.

Friday back to PCRG for a speed session in the gardens. 2x 4 mins which was longer & better than usual, followed by 4x 2mins (30sec JR) in between.

Sunday joined the mara / tri group for the long run. A new course out past Story Bridge along the river by Norman Park, Hawthorn & Oxford St, Bulimba. Park at the end of the street in 45 mins for a drink. Backstreets on the way back. Some pretty big properties, nice views over to New Farm. Did an extra 5 mins at the end to make the run a bit over 20ks in 1.37. Cooled off in the Southbank pool.

5th week of the new year

2009-02-02T16:56:00.003+10:00

& I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things after coming down with a bad cold/ flu thingy & an eye infection around the last week of December. Took time-off running in order to get over it quicker. Trouble was there was no improvement despite being loaded up with medicine & 5 days off work. Eventually had 16 days without a run before I couldn't stand it any longer. Plodded around the grassy school oval.

Only had 2 or 3 runs a week but my base fitness didn't completely desert me. Managed a PCRG session but took it pretty easy. Followed up with a long Sunday run of 1hr 22 doing the 2 bridge loop (Indro & Green) from my place, very slow.

On Friday I managed another PCRG session: 4x 1ks with 1 min walking recovery ending with a 1 min out & back. Happy to manage 2x 3.38s & then 2x 3.41s in a controlled performance. (Stefan & Matty L out in front finished with 3.20/ 3.19 as a comparison).

Sunday I caught up with the Sunday running crew at the Ship Inn. Mike H & I joining onto a group of 6 who had already put in a 30 min loop. We then did the 18.4k river loop with me finishing in the 1.28s about a minute behind the first 3. Ran some 4.35s early on before settling into 4.45s.

Time to start adding up my weekly ks. This last week would be 34. Tomorrow the 1st 3k TT of the year. Interesting to see how I'm faring.

Cruising

2008-11-20T22:15:00.002+10:00

Have spent some time on holidays including a week at Caloundra in a house perfectly situated close to the dog off-leash beach. Had a couple of good 1 hour runs along the coastal path.

After Melbourne I had unfinished business - a 3k TT to get 4 successive quicker times & dip under 10 minutes to boot. Cut down on the long runs & started to push the PCRG sessions in preparation. Noosa Tri meant the TT came up a week early. Still, figured I'd give it a bash by going out hard & then grimly hanging on for the 2nd half. Pretty much worked out that way - a first k 3.10 & turned in around 4.52. Slowed alot on the way back but very happy to post a 9.57. Last time under 10 was December...Also a bit peeved that the time didn't even get me a podium finish - I was 4th, with young Nick streaking away to post a 9.28ish.

Weather has been a bit ordinary for running as of late - if it's not raining, it's bloody hot. Last Sunday was a stinker despite running at the coast (Caloundra again) I had left it a bit late - past 8am & pretty shattered after 54 mins. Had a swim at least.

Have not been at PCRG for a couple of weeks & am pretty content giving my knee a rest. Still, don't want to lose all my fitness. Just lacking some motivation at the moment.

Melb HM 2008

2008-10-15T18:04:00.006+10:00

The morning at first appeared encouraging - warmish, only a slight wind. Walked the 3 ks down to the G & left my gear in the drop-off area. Saw Mark K there who seemed pretty relaxed, had downed a few Japanese beers last night because he hadn't tried them before...

Walked over to the new start past the Rod Laver Arena by 6.30. Caught up with Robbie L. Went for a bit of a warm-up including strides alongside the Yarra, plenty of room. Didn't feel too bad considering - I had picked up a cold/virus the Wednesday before & had been feeling off-colour. Very frustrating - I've had a pretty good year being able to get over sickness quickly.

Lined up in the mix. Seemed to be a lot of elite & preferred starters milling around in front. (Turned out the national HM champs were being run. Saw Glenda & Beth. Caught up with Beth after & she had finally cracked a 79). Eventually they took away the barricade & squeezed up, possibly 20 rows back. Start underway only about a minute past 7am. Pretty heavy traffic the first k but eased once onto St Kilda Road (SKR). A new deviation saw us head up an incline for about 1k past the Shrine of Remembrance before ducking back down along Dallas Brooks Drive. Somewhere along there I saw the first distance marker, 3ks in 12.02. Not too concerned, slower start & uphill to be expected. Also taking on advice not to go out too hard...

Along SKR saw all the k markers & was disappointed that I kept hitting 4.00 k splits. I tried to speed up & did hit a few 3.55s but no one to latch onto. Turned at Fitzroy St to go round Albert Park Lake & immediately felt the blustery wind. Physically & psychologically this had an impact & suddenly the next k was 4.10. Worse, the effort to speed up into the wind just wasn't there. Started to run with another guy at the same pace. He said he was aiming for 1.20 but we were on 1.24. Kept expecting him to take off after half-way but he eventually finished only a minute in front.

Down Kerford Road & hit the 10k mark in 39.57. Immediately I knew a PB was gone. Just could not pick up the pace & this may have been a result of my lack of energy due to the sickness. Halfway in 42.10. Drinks volunteers were great - got all cups & sachets un-spilt & received thanks for thanking them!

Along Beaconsfield Parade (next to the bay) finally had the wind behind & was back on 4s. Heading into SKR & the wind was not fun. Sometimes dust would swirl up into the eyes & empty plastic water cups clattered across the road like soldier crabs before the tide.

My marathon training this year at least gave me the endurance to run the last 5 ks better than I've done before. Started to get soreness associated with my injured right knee around 18k. Passed Tesso just before the entrance to the MCG, this year off Brunton Avenue. A massive roar from the 90,000 crowd heralded my appearance & photographers were tripping over themselves attempting to shoot my picture for Sports Illustrated but...I was a little delerious by this stage, crossing in 1.25. 10 ish.

2 minutes slower than last year & 4 mins slower than expectations. So disappointing, but you've gotta roll with the punches.

Last speed session

2008-10-07T20:50:00.002+10:00

Headed off to the club this morning having had hardly any sleep - last night's wine/ ice-cream or the late arvo iced coffee? Holidays are bad for the diet...Despite this I had a good hit-out, felt quick without even too much effort. Had a series of 1 min & 30 sec efforts in the gardens - also dodged a few tractors & other assorted vehicles on the narrower back path...the gardens had a music festival on the weekend & is still in chaos.

On Sunday had an easy last longer run on the River Loop circuit. I peeled off at Hardgrave Road, back along Musgrave, cutting about 10 mins off. Finished in 1.19 - is that a good omen? Relaxed in the Southbank beach before heading over to Poppy's cafe with the others for a breakfast.

Leave for Melb tomorrow about 5pm arriving 8.30 (daylight saving has kicked in), so will be out of contact until next Tues.

Will have an easy run tomorrow morning; Thursday off as usual; Friday a few strides; Saturday off. Maintaining my usual schedule but less intense. Intensity plus on Sunday @ 7am.

3k TT 10.02

2008-10-01T19:38:00.002+10:00

Training had indicated I may nudge the 10 minute barrier at the 3k TT. It was brought forward a week due to the large contingent heading to Melbourne. Headed out well turning half-way in 4.55. Sub-10 was a possibility but again I erred on the side of caution by not flogging myself to get under (& perhaps risk an injury). Felt tired in the second to third k. 2nd half was 5.07. Also probably helped a little by a bit of road work that may have cut the corner by a couple of seconds.

Went out this morning but didn't feel up to a tempo session. The marathoners are in taper mode & the 1 hour effort suited me. Out to Methyr Bowls Club at New Farm in around 38 & back along the walkway & riverside in 25.

Sunday session saw me run with the others for an hour out to Newstead then zip back directly to the Ship Inn in 19 mins, added a 5 min loop to again finish in 1.24. This number may come back to haunt me...

Will maintain my running schedule for the next week before Melbourne on the 11th but will reduce my intensity after this Friday's speed session.

Training on track

2008-09-22T20:49:00.002+10:00

Easing into the taper before the Melbourne HM by reducing my Sunday long runs. Last Sunday ran 1.41 at a reasonable pace, averaging 4.30s. Yesterday joined the others at UQ & ran 1.24 (heading thru' St Lucia & Chelmer), about 17 ks.

Have been hitting the pace sessions pretty hard & the knee seems to be up to it. Also using our Wednesday tempo runs to keep the pace up. Last Wednesday ran the river loop anti-clockwise. At the 36 min mark (nearing the green bridge) I wanted to pick it up & probably ran around 4min ks back to the Ship Inn (via Annerley Rd). Got back earlier than expected so had to go for another k to make it 58 mins. Also managed a Saturday run - 1st for ages. 35 mins with T including 5x 1min fast on the Yeronga Park grass.

B2B

2008-09-11T18:27:00.003+10:00

Fronted up early & finally they had it right - segregated race colours meaning I could stroll straight up to the front. Even managed to go for a warm-up in front of the race start (along the service road that goes under the bridge).

Underway by 6.50 or so after waiting 5 minutes for the 2 Emmas (Snowsill & Moffat - Olympic Tri champs) to turn up & shoot the gun. This year's course was new, reduced to 10k from 12 finishing at the RNA Showgrounds in Bowen Hills. The website course map was a mud-map so I had no idea which roads we'd been on after deviating from KSD.

Start was back further than last year & the run to the top of the bridge seemed to drag. Immediately I seemed to be struggling. Not much rhythm & breathing hard. Tried to pick up the pace on the way down & went thru' 3k right on pace (11.14). 4k was 5 secs slower (3.50) than goal pace & 5k was 5 secs slower again as was 6k. I was pretty much resigned by then that I didn't have it in me to PB. Could only manage a try to hold on pace & alot of folks seemed to pass me.

Route headed onto the Inner City Bypass & the rise up there at 8k was akin to a significant hill - slowed again...Watched Matty L & Gary Mayor pass me (both from the red zone but qualifying for next year's blue by running sub 40).About the 9k mark we were off the ICB & a couple of streets before heading into the showgrounds. 39.06 - nearly 2 minutes slower than last year.

Still, only my 2nd race for the year, & my recent walking holiday meaning I'm a bit light on for speed training.

Fronted up to PCRG on the following Tues & pushed myself on the 1 minute efforts. Took the soft option on Wednesday morning instead running in the evening with Tenz: UQ 10k. Slow 1st k in 5.25 but steadily picking up - halfway in 23.45, back in 46.30. First run with T for a while - he struggled a bit with the pace. We then had an easy 2k warm-down by taking the DVD back to the shop.

Hinchinbrook Island interlude

2008-09-04T18:50:00.004+10:00

Managed to interrupt my running schedule via some R & R on both Magnetic & Hinchinbrook Islands off the north Queensland coast. I had a couple of shortish runs along Horseshoe Beach & environs on Maggie but was too stuffed after lugging a pack around on our 6 day bushwalk to run on HI.

Flew back from Townsville on the Monday arvo & fronted up for the September 3k TT the next morning getting underway at 6am. Wasn't sure how I'd go but didn't feel too bad - lungs were pretty good (must've been all those ascents & descents with my 25kg pack). Stayed in touch with the leaders going thru' the half in 5.02. Back in 5.15 dropping off a bit in form but not wanting to thrash myself either - B2B this Sunday.

Backed up the next day with the Wednesday morning crew doing the river loop (18.4 ks). Felt ok & had wanted to put in a few surges to get the heart-rate up but found the pace was good enough. Turned into a nice tempo run averaging 4.30s (1.22.51). Sore the next day (stiff muscles) so didn't run, raining also so an easy decision.

2 steps forward...

2008-08-14T19:39:00.002+10:00

Not a lot to report this past month - no competitive running. Went thru' a good phase of recovery, slowly building up my running. No real issues with my knee until a couple of long 2 hour runs (24ks). Also backing up on the Wednesday for an hour to 75 min run after a Tues speed session finally got to me. Took last weekend off including 2 days either side. Tenz & I ran 13ks round the UQ loop yesterday. My right knee/ ITB just has a marginal discomfort to it - don't feel like my running gait is as smooth & relaxed as it should be. (The left leg feels fine & wants extra work...).

Pushed myself at this month's 3kTT & finished in 10.22 (5.10 half-way). Was surprised, had hoped to go under 10.15 but really haven't been doing any of the fast stuff.

Running weather has been tough this last month. Early morning starts have been consistently around the 5 degree mark. Looking forward to Magnetic & Hinchinbrook Islands, heading up Friday week so will miss the Noosa half marathon. Hopefully will have my feet up in front of the tele on the 24th to watch the Olympic marathon.

Gold Coast Half & Marathon 2008

2008-07-13T19:11:00.004+10:00

Thwarted by injury, I was determined to go & support my running buddies, take some photos & get a general sense of the day. Arrived a bit late & had to run towards the start (exact position had moved from last year). Heard the starter's gun & started my stop-watch. Saw the speedy HM elites haring down the main straight, eventually the running traffic got so thick that folks were spilling over both sides of the road. I had to dash from the centre to the side to get out of harm's way.

Moved up to watch the marathon start. They had a slight incline at the start, & headed the opposite direction - south, a 13k run to the turn-around (one I'd done as a training run). Once they were away it was just us spectators - time for coffee. Managed to get into a cafe & was the 2nd order but the queue as I walked out stretched to the door.

Decided to head up the road a km or so for a good vantage spot for the HM photos. Thought the bridge over a canal/ creek at 20k looked good. So too did Plu, who was already in place. Introduced myself before taking up a spot - probably getting in the way of Plu (sorry). Nice quiet spot, was able to call out a few words of encouragement but Troopy was unable to catch eventual winner Michael Shelly. Stayed around until the numbers started to get pretty thick (1.40-45 pace).

Headed back past the start & saw the marathon leaders coming past, the 2 Africans followed by the eventual winner Ietami from Japan. Went up to the Broadwater bridge, good photo possie with high-rise buildings in the background. After a while I realised i needed to high-tail it back to the finish to see the winners come in.

Quite inspirational to see how everyone did. A much bigger crowd on the sidelines as well gave good support. Names & nicknames on runner's bibs was a good idea, was able to call out but the font wasn't big enough - usually my shout was as they ran parallel or past me.

Photos here: GC HM & M 2008

GCM eve

2008-07-04T20:05:00.003+10:00

Ironic that I'm on the up & up but not entered for this year's marathon. Still, have had a poor preparation these last 7 weeks - easing off to 2 runs a week & low ks. My marathon training diary tells a checkered tale, inconsistency being the theme. 895 kms over the 20 weeks: a high of 79 ks for one week; low of 15ks.

Attended PCRG twice this week. Tuesday's attendance was huge - 135, we started in 3 waves. Warm-up run felt like I was in a fun-run - dawdling mid-pack. This morning there were 25 of us. Pat got roped into a live interview with Terry Hansen (radio) before we left. High-tech, the 2 of them sharing an ear piece from an Ipod. Terry had a dig about the low turn-out, come-on - folks are resting up...An easy session of 30sec efforts under the Story Bridge. I continued surges on the way back to the Ship Inn, felt good.

Will front up on Sunday at the Gold Coast with Camera (& brolly) & 2 watches - will track how folks are going for the HM & M. Good luck all.

3k TT

2008-06-25T21:46:00.002+10:00

Felt inspired to go along to the last time trial before the GCM...there but for the grace of God go I...122 other PCRGers also rocked up on a particularly chilly morning.

I ran a 'pace' run, just holding myself back but trying to run consistently. Felt good cruising along. Towards the end I caught up to Gerard & gave him a bit of encouragement, counted off the time for him etc. finishing in 10.45.

Recovery the next day & everything seems ok, will run again tomorrow.

25k long run

2008-06-10T08:14:00.002+10:00

Surprised myself on Sunday by running for two hours. Dropped T off after 75 mins (he was dragging the chain after a torrid ball chasing session the night before). Felt light & unencumbered so ran another 'Yeronga loop' without pushing too hard. Ran in my new shoes (Asics 2130s) that I've used a couple of times on shorter distances - no issues.

This followed on from an easy 10k on Thursday after having a week off.

Storm clouds looming

2008-06-05T21:14:00.002+10:00

Woe

is me.

Campaign in tatters

as injury toll mounts.

2nd opinion confirms worst fears.

Enforced week break induces eating binge.

Frustration leads to anger leads to resignation.

Poetic license stipulates this sentence to comprise eight.

Easy does it

2008-05-28T20:55:00.002+10:00

Had a pretty quiet week. Ran a speed session last Friday but knee not feeling right. Decided to have a few days off including the Sunday long run.

The last 2 days I've run after work the 10k loop thru' UQ with Tenz. 51 mins on Tues & 49 mins tonight with the 'off leash' section (UQ river pathway) being the faster section.

2.41 bonked

2008-05-19T20:53:00.002+10:00

Didn't quite follow the physio's recommendations: fronted up to Tuesday's speed session & it was for 'hills'. Is more a gentle rise at the Gardens - took it pretty easy. Turned up at the Ship Inn for a Wed long run & did the river loop with Pete, Scotty & Pat. Did the clockwise loop so Highgate Hill first. Attempted to 'float' up the hill, i.e. not push it. The expression doesn't quite cut it. After St Lucia the pace ramped up to 4.15s. Felt not too bad & managed to hold with Pete & Scot, finishing in 84.

Bought the new model shoes (2130s) also against recommendation. They feel pretty similar to the last model & I can't believe they're that different to run in to lead to damage. Took them for an easy 5 k on Thurs.

Fri at PCRG headed to West End for 4 mins, 30sec SR x 2; turn around & 2mins, 30 sec jog recovery x 2; 1min, 30sec JR x 2. Headed out conservatively but after 500m felt pretty good & moved up to keep Pete honest. Came back slower, Pete & Matty L moving away from me.

Had a follow-up session at the physio. Ended up with a bit of strapping around the knee & instructions to go for an easy run the next morning. It felt unusual & tight & my easy 4k run on Sat wasn't the best. Cut it off straight after.

Long run & the numbers were up to 14 (despite Glenda & Pat being in Sydney for the HM). Running 4.30s from the get-go. Felt tired early on (my 6th day in a row running) but also have been fighting off a cold. Couldn't get in an easy rhythm, a struggle to stay in touch. Also got hungry, must start to have a piece of toast after waking up. Also need to start the Gu thing. At the 2 hr turn-around I really needed one. Quickly lost contact with the remaining group (7). Managed an ok pace until under the Story Bridge (came back along Riverside).

Passed cafes serving large hot breakfasts to large people doing sensible Sunday morning activities. Started to day-dream about water as if in the Saharan marathon. Stopped in the Gardens twice & again at QUT to drink. Felt a bit delusional, could only manage a Cliff Young shuffle & gladly collapsed into a Ship Inn chair at 2.41 (meant to be 2.50). Pete ran past strongly saying he was going for another five. Came back holding up fingers for another 2.

Came home questioning my running ability. Hopefully its a one-off.