Sunday June 28, 2009 (Trail -25km)
Brilliant conditions for this fantastic event. Light rain early in the morning giving way to glorious sunshine by the time the race started. I planned to run according to heart rate. The plan was to keep my HR below 75% for the first half of the race to conserve energy and then on the downhill section in the second half minimise damage by trying to stay relaxed while running as fast as I could. I pretty much stuck to this plan and ended up running a comfortable race finishing in a better time than my previous two attempts. I am very pleased with how I felt through the race.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Bobbin Head
Thursday June 25, 2009 (Trail -12 km)
I ran early in the morning on the trails around Bobbin Head. I am so blessed to live close to such a stunning natural setting.
No particular training session just enjoyed being active and outdoors and a chance for quite contemplation. In the afternoon, I attended a final farewell to a family friend who died quite suddenly aged only 46 – a beautiful gentle man who will be sadly missed.
I ran early in the morning on the trails around Bobbin Head. I am so blessed to live close to such a stunning natural setting.
No particular training session just enjoyed being active and outdoors and a chance for quite contemplation. In the afternoon, I attended a final farewell to a family friend who died quite suddenly aged only 46 – a beautiful gentle man who will be sadly missed.
Newport Sunrise
Wednesday June 24, 2009 (Easy - 10km)
The sunrise this morning was a fierce red ball on the horizon as I was finishing my easy 10km run to Newport. Taped up the ankle and running on a smooth surface did not cause any problems. Brilliant to be running close to home on a familiar course. Fitness is slowly returning which is encouraging.
The sunrise this morning was a fierce red ball on the horizon as I was finishing my easy 10km run to Newport. Taped up the ankle and running on a smooth surface did not cause any problems. Brilliant to be running close to home on a familiar course. Fitness is slowly returning which is encouraging.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Brooklyn to Mt Kurringai
Sunday June 21, 2009 (Trail – 32km)
I was a little apprehensive as three of us set off from the boat ramp at Brooklyn with only a few fishermen to wave us off at 6.30 am. I did not have a good experience running this section of the trail last week and my ankle was still sore from yesterday. But with fantastic conditions this morning the three of us ran at an easy pace covering the 14km to Cowan in 2:20.
At Cowan we were joined by the fourth member of our Trailwalker team and we continued towards Mt Kurringai. We met at least four other teams enjoying the mornings perfect running conditions. We had a few stumbles and one major fall in our team but managed to get to the end at Mt Kurringai without leaving any skin on the trail. Great run - except for the falls.
I was a little apprehensive as three of us set off from the boat ramp at Brooklyn with only a few fishermen to wave us off at 6.30 am. I did not have a good experience running this section of the trail last week and my ankle was still sore from yesterday. But with fantastic conditions this morning the three of us ran at an easy pace covering the 14km to Cowan in 2:20.
At Cowan we were joined by the fourth member of our Trailwalker team and we continued towards Mt Kurringai. We met at least four other teams enjoying the mornings perfect running conditions. We had a few stumbles and one major fall in our team but managed to get to the end at Mt Kurringai without leaving any skin on the trail. Great run - except for the falls.
Shoalhaven
Saturday, June 20, 2009 (Cross Country – 8km Race)
I drove hundreds of kilometres today to run 4km in beautiful country setting in the hinterland of Nowra, not far from the Shoalhaven River. The race is run on a challenging course and luckily the rain held off until the race finished.
I ran one loop of the course finishing 4km in 21.40. This is the first time I have pulled out of a race. I realised that I was foolish to have been talked into starting at all - not having done much in preparation and racing against serious cross country racers.
I drove hundreds of kilometres today to run 4km in beautiful country setting in the hinterland of Nowra, not far from the Shoalhaven River. The race is run on a challenging course and luckily the rain held off until the race finished.
I ran one loop of the course finishing 4km in 21.40. This is the first time I have pulled out of a race. I realised that I was foolish to have been talked into starting at all - not having done much in preparation and racing against serious cross country racers.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Quarry Road Revisited
Wednesday June 17, 2009 (Trail – 8km)
It was a bit spooky hearing gunshot being fired as I headed off alone on the trail towards Quarry Road. I have forgotten how tough this trail is. I did not make it all the way before turning around. It was even spookier on my way back, to see the signs warning of live ammunition being used in this area. Got back to the car just as the skies opened up again in a torrential downpour.
It was a bit spooky hearing gunshot being fired as I headed off alone on the trail towards Quarry Road. I have forgotten how tough this trail is. I did not make it all the way before turning around. It was even spookier on my way back, to see the signs warning of live ammunition being used in this area. Got back to the car just as the skies opened up again in a torrential downpour.
Night Trail
Tuesday June 16, 2009 (Night Trail – 9km)
First night training session for the team. Time to get familiar with the idea of moving through the bush at night. It had rained heavily through the day but at the start of the run it had stopped with only a light drizzle falling midway through. Starting from the National Park gates on Bobbin Head Road we went down the Bobbin Head trail turning right onto the Warrimoo Trail then back to the cars along the Sphinx Trail. We managed a fast walk most of the way finishing in 1hr 45minutes. It was brilliant to be out at night moving through the silent landscape. Cowan Creek was so still and it was so quite and peaceful, I loved it.
First night training session for the team. Time to get familiar with the idea of moving through the bush at night. It had rained heavily through the day but at the start of the run it had stopped with only a light drizzle falling midway through. Starting from the National Park gates on Bobbin Head Road we went down the Bobbin Head trail turning right onto the Warrimoo Trail then back to the cars along the Sphinx Trail. We managed a fast walk most of the way finishing in 1hr 45minutes. It was brilliant to be out at night moving through the silent landscape. Cowan Creek was so still and it was so quite and peaceful, I loved it.
Tourist Trot
Sunday June 14, 2009 (LSD-20km)
Suffered the worst jet lag I have ever had all week and did not run until today. I ran with the Striders on the Rocks Push STaR, although it could easily be called a tourist trot starting under the Harbour Bridge with the Opera House as a backdrop.
The run follows the waters edge through Pyrmont then deviates through the city to Rushcutters Bay then along the harbourside through the Botanical Gardens back to the Harbour Bridge. It is so nice to be back home, running and to see the familiar landmarks. It rained a bit through the run and it was a bit cold at the end. I ran comfortably at an easy pace until the last few kilometres where my lack of fitness really showed - finishing the 20km in exactly 2 hours.
Suffered the worst jet lag I have ever had all week and did not run until today. I ran with the Striders on the Rocks Push STaR, although it could easily be called a tourist trot starting under the Harbour Bridge with the Opera House as a backdrop.
The run follows the waters edge through Pyrmont then deviates through the city to Rushcutters Bay then along the harbourside through the Botanical Gardens back to the Harbour Bridge. It is so nice to be back home, running and to see the familiar landmarks. It rained a bit through the run and it was a bit cold at the end. I ran comfortably at an easy pace until the last few kilometres where my lack of fitness really showed - finishing the 20km in exactly 2 hours. Wednesday, June 10, 2009
B2B
Monday June 8, 2009 (Trail – 32km)
I was so keen to get back into running that all common sense went out the window, when I decided to join a group running the Brooklyn to Berowra section of the Trailwaker 2009 course.
The wear and tear on my body from the 800km walk had healed, but it was less than 30 hours since I got off the plane home and almost no running for 2 months since the marathon. I thought I would run as far as I could and I knew I could easily walk if I could not run. But I forgot that Trailwaker is a team event and unlike other training runs where you could easily be left behind, members of the team on Monday insisted on staying with me while I crawled my way home to the finish. And I am not even on their team! 
Breathing in the cold air at the start of the run felt like swallowing razorblades. Once I adjusted to the temperature I felt fine running until the first check point - we had taken a wrong turn early on an added a few extra kilometres to the section - so after 17 km on trails, hitting the road to get to the checkpoint I felt like my legs were made of lead and were very hard to lift. I was feeling light headed and a bit spaced out. I was going to the get the bus from Cowan to Berowra but after drinking some water and eating half a gel I felt better and was convinced to carry on. On the way to Berowra Waters I took a tumble and fell forward onto a smooth rock which grazed my arm and left knee. Luckily not a bad fall and I kept going. After the next uphill section my legs started to cramp which reduced me to walking. This eased the cramps and I could run/walk. I took the rest of the gel at Berowra Waters and waves of nausea which I had since Cowan got more intense. I shuffled to the end in 5hrs45minutes thanks to the team for staying with me to the end.
I was so keen to get back into running that all common sense went out the window, when I decided to join a group running the Brooklyn to Berowra section of the Trailwaker 2009 course.
The wear and tear on my body from the 800km walk had healed, but it was less than 30 hours since I got off the plane home and almost no running for 2 months since the marathon. I thought I would run as far as I could and I knew I could easily walk if I could not run. But I forgot that Trailwaker is a team event and unlike other training runs where you could easily be left behind, members of the team on Monday insisted on staying with me while I crawled my way home to the finish. And I am not even on their team! Breathing in the cold air at the start of the run felt like swallowing razorblades. Once I adjusted to the temperature I felt fine running until the first check point - we had taken a wrong turn early on an added a few extra kilometres to the section - so after 17 km on trails, hitting the road to get to the checkpoint I felt like my legs were made of lead and were very hard to lift. I was feeling light headed and a bit spaced out. I was going to the get the bus from Cowan to Berowra but after drinking some water and eating half a gel I felt better and was convinced to carry on. On the way to Berowra Waters I took a tumble and fell forward onto a smooth rock which grazed my arm and left knee. Luckily not a bad fall and I kept going. After the next uphill section my legs started to cramp which reduced me to walking. This eased the cramps and I could run/walk. I took the rest of the gel at Berowra Waters and waves of nausea which I had since Cowan got more intense. I shuffled to the end in 5hrs45minutes thanks to the team for staying with me to the end.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Left Bank
Thursday June 4, 2009
Left Bank, Paris (Easy - 7km)
Desserted streets, overcast grey sky with a cool wind which gave me a shiver as I stepped out for my last run in Paris before heading home.
I ran along the left bank, past the Musee d'Orsay and the Assembly National where the flags were flying at half mast to honour the passengers who died on the Air France plane crash. Passed a few other early morning runners - even collected a Bonjour - that put a smile on my face. Who said the French were rude. Ran back under the Eiffel Tower past the Ecole Militaire and the Invalides then along Rue de Babylon back to the hotel. The area under the Eiffel Tower was earily quite - the soldiers with machine guns and a few other joggers were the only people I saw. Such a contrast to what the area looked a like a few hours later. Still have to pinch myself - it all seems so unreal.
Left Bank, Paris (Easy - 7km)
Desserted streets, overcast grey sky with a cool wind which gave me a shiver as I stepped out for my last run in Paris before heading home.
I ran along the left bank, past the Musee d'Orsay and the Assembly National where the flags were flying at half mast to honour the passengers who died on the Air France plane crash. Passed a few other early morning runners - even collected a Bonjour - that put a smile on my face. Who said the French were rude. Ran back under the Eiffel Tower past the Ecole Militaire and the Invalides then along Rue de Babylon back to the hotel. The area under the Eiffel Tower was earily quite - the soldiers with machine guns and a few other joggers were the only people I saw. Such a contrast to what the area looked a like a few hours later. Still have to pinch myself - it all seems so unreal.Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Tuileries Tuesday
Tuesday June 2, 2009
Jardin de Tuileries, Paris (Easy - 7km)
Running back in Paris, the marathon is a distant memory. Fantastic early morning run along the Jardin de Tuileries and the Louvre.
It is the first time I have seen the Garden empty, except for others runners. The light was so brilliant - I kept stopping to take pictures.
Jardin de Tuileries, Paris (Easy - 7km)
Running back in Paris, the marathon is a distant memory. Fantastic early morning run along the Jardin de Tuileries and the Louvre.
It is the first time I have seen the Garden empty, except for others runners. The light was so brilliant - I kept stopping to take pictures. Le Tholonet
Sunday May 31, 2009
Aix-en-Provence (Easy - 7km)
Had to dodge the early morning revellers as I headed out of town along the main street, Cours Mirabeau. I ran along Rue du Marechal Joffre heading in the direction of Le Tholonet. It was cool with hardly any wind and once I left Aix no other people about except for one other runner.
Aix-en-Provence (Easy - 7km)
Had to dodge the early morning revellers as I headed out of town along the main street, Cours Mirabeau. I ran along Rue du Marechal Joffre heading in the direction of Le Tholonet. It was cool with hardly any wind and once I left Aix no other people about except for one other runner.
I have almost forgotten how great it feels to move. Glorious blue sky and the sun shining over the mountains in the distance made me want to just keep going. But judging by my current condition I turned around just in time.
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