18km around the inner city (and lots of toilet talk)

I got out very early this morning (after taking Bella for a quick walk around the park) and parked my car at the Tan. I headed off around the Tan for a bit but then I ran to the lake and did a half lap before a jog through Fawkner park, then off to Fed Square and back along the Yarra then two laps of the Tan. I am exhausted now! I saw my friend Deb running around the Lake- but I was in the middle of a search for the light switch at the toilets near the playground at the "top" of the lake so I didn't stop her for a chat- (the toilets had recently been cleaned and I would give them a 7/10 for having real toilet paper- marks taken off for having to go in the dark.
I had to use the amenities at Fed Square as well and these are my favorite mid run facilities- right next to the Time Out cafe and they are like a normal restaurant toilet- easily 9/10)






My heart rate max was 84%, average 74%. I was trying hard to keep my pace down to 7 min/km but I found it easier to just run and try to stay near to 6.30 min/km which is a bit more achievable and it means that I don't have to run forever to get my kms up.

It was pretty lonely out there for the first 10km but soon everyone was out there running around- and I have to say, girls, you look fantastic- fat or skinny, fit or not-yet-fit, dressed in whatever you wanted, running around the Tan looking wonderful! (Blokes were easily outnumbered this morning) My ankle hurt quite a bit, but I was distracted by the wind and rain several times- it is sore now and I will be taking anti-inflams I think because it has been aching at night recently.

I got home, very hungry and slightly angry because I was so hungry, snorted down some crumpets with honey and was just heading into the bathroom to have a shower and start icing my ankle when I discovered the toilet was full to the brim with you don't want to know what, and was overflowing onto the floor. So now I am sitting here in my running gear still, waiting for the plumber to come along and make my day happy again- and charge me a fortune for the privilege.

Hannibal Lecter!

I am so sad about the no knitting on the plane rule, I guess I will have to find something else to keep me interested- but not buying delicious magazine which only makes me so hungry while I am stuck somewhere not known for its culinary diversity- packet of Pringles anyone??

I went to Pilates tonight- and while I was always going to go, I made a few deals with myself and one of them was that if I couldn't get a park nearby then I didn't have to go but I had to at least drive there and look. I got the best park in the whole of Chapel Street- right outside the gym- it was a sign from "god" I am telling you. So I went and enjoyed the stretching, the amazing ab work, the excruciating leg work and just breathing in and out with purpose. Normally I bag Pilates and everyone who does it- I would say that it didn't count as exercise because there was no sweat involved but I may soon change that whole mindset. Oh, I am so going to hurt tomorrow.

Bella and I did our usual 4km walk around the park this afternoon- morning and night we are clocking up the kms now that she is no longer allowed at the park (my rules only). Last night I was walking her on the lead and a little fluffy dog with a bad temper attacked her! The owners were so apologetic but I was so relieved that Bella didn't start it, though she nearly finished it! As usual just a lot of snarling and snapping but no damage done and I was able to drag Bella off straight away.

Intervals at the park

Intervals at the park with Bella this morning- and they weren't that flash but I really felt like I was trying! I did laps of the park and the first lap had a 100m sprint, 500m jog then 150m sprint and 450m jog, then 200m sprint and 400m jog- then I repeated it again and did another little lap to cool down. The jogging part always takes forever because I have to go and find where Bella has got to and make sure she isn't rolling in something horrid. So I only ran 5km all up- with the jog there and back but it felt good and Bella was exhausted at the end as well.

Last night I went out for dinner with a girlfriend who has been away for six months- back to the lucky coq again for fantastic $4 pizza.

I should clear up that the only thing I like about getting my tax done is getting a refund- everything else is tedious and annoying, but free money I like!

I am definitely thinking about wooden knitting needles for the plane- though I will be devasted if they confiscate my knitting. I am going to Sydney next week for City2Surf then spending three days in Mackay with another long lost friend. I am excited about Sydney and haven't made any plans yet apart from that little jog on the Sunday morning- though I am now thinking that maybe I should break out the WonderWoman costume for the big event!

Lap of the lake

I am such a wally. I went out this morning for a run without taping my foot at all- I didnt realise until I got to Albert Park lake and I couldn't decide what to do. I had planned an interval session but I chickened out and just did a lap of the lake and decided to do my intervals tomorrow. I have been taping my foot for ages now that I can't believe that I forgot. I am starting work at 11 today so I just walked Bella after a sleep in then went for a run. I normally wouldn't just run 5km because I am so focused on running distances but my trip around the lake was really fun- especially down the far side where the wind was pushing me along instead of pushing me backwards.

Court yesterday was very frustrating- no-one should go to court expecting justice in a timely fashion if at all. Another adjournment and lots of sitting around. I didn't take my knitting because I thought that might look unprofessional and I was worried that my knitting needles wouldn't make it through the security scan at the front door- just like at the airport!
Afternoon shift again tomorrow but I am getting my tax done which I always find exciting- I treat it like free money even though it was my money all along. I have usually spent it in my head by now anyway.

Running and Icing at the SAME TIME

Yep- it was a bit chilly this morning- I had to scrape ice off the car to drive to the Tan this morning and it was cold while I was running so it felt like I was running and icing my legs at the same time. I tried hard but it took a while to warm up so my pace was well within the long slow run range. I did a lap of the Tan then headed into Fed Square then back along the Yarra and around the Tan for a bit more. My shoulders really hurt from the 7km point onwards and I only managed 11km and it wasn't really that fun.

I was planning on doing about 15km this morning but as I took Bella for her quick run around the park we bumped into Leslie, Arnie and Lucy so there was a lot more time spent at the park than I had planned.
I hadn't seem Leslie, Arnie and Lucy since Arnie knocked me over and caused me massive pain to my neck and shoulders. I didn't really mind seeing them all at the park and Bella got to run around and play with other dogs without a muzzle on (because they are massive and she has only tried to fight them once).

I had limited time for my run because I was determined to get to Pilates at 9.30 which I did. It was a bit strange- lots of lying on my side with my arms stretched out and rolling from side to side feeling like a beached whale.

I have an afternoon of organising my tax and preparing for court tomorrow (and some more knitting)


Harry is coming to stay 8 more sleeps! My brother has finally agreed that Harry can spend some nights away from them so he is coming back with my Dad on the 31st and then going back to Perth with my sister on the 9th. We just chatted and argued about who was the most excited! He wants to see the Bombers, some trams and trains, play with Bella-dog and go fishing.

8km easy

Afternoon shift again today so I slept in and then took Bella for a walk- it has been easy to exercise her at the moment even though she isn't allowed off the leash if other dogs are present- we find an empty park and she runs around like a crazy dog in the morning while I get a powerwalk going. In the evening we have been doing a couple of laps of Caulfield park which is 2.12km per lap then we find a bit of the park with no-one else and run around a bit together- chasing the ball and each other!
Bellas muzzle arrived and we had a little trial of it at the park but she looks like Hannibal Lecter and she hates it- so do it but we are going to persevere until she is used to it. Other dog owners definitely shunned us though.


I then went for a run down Orrong Road, (hills again) and then along the Yarra to Chapel Street then home along Malvern Road. It was 8km all up according to the footpod and it was really enjoyable- I had my tights and running jacket on so I was toasty warm the whole time- must remember just the vest next time.

Short run with hills

Hill run
Oh man it was windy this morning- dead set blowing a gale so I thought I would run close to home and get some hills in. So I ran up and down Orrong Road for about 5km- it is nice and hilly near the Yarra and I had to keep moving in case I blew away or froze to the spot! I was a bit worried about doing hills because the physio has scared me by saying they will cause ITB problems -especially when running downhill so I took it easy.

Racing at Kilmore
Then it was home for a shower and off to Kilmore with my sister - we are part owners of a race horse and he was having his first ever race! I was very excited for him because I remember my first race, the nerves, the atmosphere...none of these were present in the pouring rain at Kilmore, they were all replaced by the freezing cold and a lot of poorly dressed people smoking away (probably trying to keep warm). He jumped out well and was leading early on but then got a bit overwhelmed by the other horses and was swamped at the end- though I felt sorry for him because the finish line is up hill and I know that would really make me unhappy too.
I wanted to give him a little cuddle afterwards but he was still very cranky (like he knew he could have done better) so I kept my distance.

Recovery from Sunday
For some strange reason my arms were the thing that hurt most after my run on Sunday (apart from the usual PF pain) and I can only attribute this to KNITTING! I can't think of anything else that I have done differently apart from my newfound love of knitting. I am onto my second scarf after deciding half way through my last scarf that it was too wide and needed to be re-knitted. My legs etc have been fine and though my PF was giving me grief it has settled down now.

PB- With JoJo

Yep- got my 10km time down to 58:44 (though the official time be about 59:00 because it was a bit congested at the start and I started my watch on the line.
It was damn cold but not as bad as it has been recently- I walked Bella then drove to Carlton to Princes Park. I met Jo and she accompanied me on my tours of the toilets before the start. We saw Lostboy and Sue, Andrew, Tigerboy, Supersam, Pinklady and Eat 'Em.
Twenty metres after the start we were all walking as it became so congested and horrible, but it didn't last too long and we were running soon enough. Jo was chatting away and I had one ear of my ipod in so I didn't have to worry about distractions- what I mean is that I need to be constantly distracted so it was all good.
Our splits were:
6:06
5:44
5:42
5:42
6:04
5:54
??? (8:33)
??? (3:02)
5:54
5:57

Not sure what happened to the 7th and 8th splits, but we can safely assume that we were never going that fast or that slow. The path was a bit narrow in parts because there was oncoming traffic and all the speedsters were trying to pass- one man told me off for not running single file, but I was trying to overtake at the time.
There were a few hills that took the wind out of my sails for a bit, and when Jo really wanted me to sprint for the finish I knew I would be happy just to maintain the 5.30 pace. I was pretty happy to finish and get a pancake into me- they are so good.
We hung around for a bit, cheering on all the 30km runners who were looking so strong at the 15km mark, but it was a bit cold so we decided to leave.

So now I have beaten that time I am allowed to go to Sportsmart today and buy new trackpants and a long sleeved running top- that was the deal I made with myself this morning.

Dutch courage

Last night I went to CoolRunning drinks at Young and Jacksons- I didn't stay very long but I did get to meet a lot of people - I was especially happy to meet Allison because she has been giving me some great advice and support recently. I drank enough to agree to run the Sri Chinmoy 10km at Princes Park on Sunday with JoJo who rang me while I was there- (don't tell anyone, but I am going to have another go at breaking an hour for 10km).
A loooooong time ago I ran around Princes Park when I was in first year uni because I lived on campus in a residential college- that was 14 years ago!! I just realised how old that makes me sound and feel.
I have my land legs back again- I candle my ears fairly regularly because I get ear aches all the time so I think it probably was inner ear related, if it happens again I might go see a doctor.

Stop counting the days, and start making the days count....

...I think it was Muhammad Ali who said that- but it is quite appropriate because everyone gets a bit freaked out by my Melb (Half) Marathon countdown.

For some strange reason I feel sea sick today- I am all giddy and having trouble walking in a straight line and standing without holding onto something- I was nearly sick trying to get dressed, and I didn't drink THAT much for breakfast. Seriously it is a bit strange and I wouldn't have come to work but we have a big meeting today about our pay rise so I wanted to come along and chant with everyone else.

It was pouring when I got up so Bella got a bit of a walk along the cool part of Chapel Street- that is the Windsor side, where you won't find any of the shops that also exist at Chadstone. That way I get to walk her, look at shops and not get wet. Bella got chased out of several bakeries- but even when she is being pursued by an angry baker she thinks they are playing. I was dressed and ready to run, foot taped up and tights on, but I felt like I was running on a ship in a storm so I stopped and took Bella for a walk because the rain had stopped so we could go to the park.

The pilates pain is still there- coughing etc is so painful. I haven't been practising the splits because IT HURTS TO WALK!

Here are some other Muhammad Ali quotes:
I'm not the greatest; I'm the double greatest. Not only do I knock 'em out, I pick the round.

It's just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up.

Floats like a butterfly, sting like a bee, his hands can't hit what his eyes can't see.

I done wrestled with an alligator, I done tussled with a whale; handcuffed lightning, thrown thunder in jail; only last week, I murdered a rock, injured a stone, hospitalised a brick; I'm so mean I make medicine sick.

I'm so fast that last night I turned off the light switch in my hotel room and got into bed before the room was dark.

The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.

Superman don't need no seatbelt.

When you can whip any man in the world, you never know peace.

I'm the best. I just haven't played yet. (On playing golf)

Boxing is a lot of white men watching two black men beat each other up.

Champions aren't made in gyms, champions are made from something they have deep inside
them - a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have last-minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.

Only the nose knows where the nose goes when the doors close.

I never thought of losing, but now that it's happened, the only thing is to do it right. That's my obligation to all the people who believe in me. We all have to take defeats in life.

87 Days to Melb (Half) Marathon

When the Pilates instructor says that we should try to do the splits and then encourages us all by saying we are nearly there I should remember that she is a crazy sadist. I have only done one or two classes before so I am an amateur. And now I hurt. All over. I hurt when I breathe, when I walk, sit, laugh, cough, move in any way. But it is a good feeling and I am going to try to do the splits (she thinks it will only take a week- I think it will take a month) - I need a new party trick.

This morning Bella and I shuffled around the park for a bit then I went to the gym and did 6km on the ellipticycle thingy- worked up a nice sweat too. I couldn't face the rowing machine.

I have bought some more herbal tablets- to add to the ones that I don't take all ready- so now I am ignoring my womens multi, fish oil and glucosamine (thanks for the advice Steve) but I really need to work on taking them. It isn't enough of a habit so I need to tie it in with something that I do every day (like lunch) so that is plan, every day at lunch I must remember to dose up. I am not sure if they work or just make your pee very expensive- but they certainly don't work if you leave them in the bottle.

Arvo shift today so Bella and I went for two laps of the Tan at about 7.30am- Bella was annoying to run with as usual but she didnt attack any dogs! The dog obedience man I spoke to said that I won't really be able to trust her again and she shouldn't be walked off the leash so I had better get used to running with her. Last night we walked 4km at a cracking pace around Caulfield Park instead of hanging out at the off lead park we normally terrorise. This is going to be the new routine until I can muzzle her (though the dog man wasn't too happy with that suggestion). Bella is not too bad at coming when called, sitting and staying- it is just when she is distracted by a small dog/cat/possum she wants to destroy that we have a big problem!

My 7ish km was pretty slow - but every time I checked we were going about 6.30min/km but there were many stops (4 toilet stops - all Bella's) and lots of sniffing. I wore my running jacket and zipped the sleeves off half way because I was getting warm. I also wore my 2XU tights and I am pretty happy with them too. I am going to Pilates at 10.30- I haven't been for years so I will be pretty useless but I am going to make an effort to go Wednesdays and Sundays so I can get some core strength.

Anyway- just when I had decided that only good things were going to happen- my hairdresser has resigned!! This possibly is the worst thing yet! Not the end of the world- I had wondered why last time she wrote her mobile number on my appointment card so I might be able to find out if she is working somewhere else (maybe it will be somewhere cheaper!)

I got into trouble last night for forgetting that it is my sisters "birthday" as well as my dad's real birthday- Prue likes to celebrate the anniversary of her 100 day bone marrow transplant and I forgot so I was in the bad books big time.

Thanks so much Em- but when I looked at those photos I just saw chins!

I feel like nothing is going right! Though that is being a bit dramatic because a lot of good stuff has happened recently, so maybe I should split it up:
Good:
1. I had a great night out with the Ausrunners- drank way too much and had KFC on the way home (oops that should be in the bad section)
2. I am really enjoying work at the moment, we are busy and it is making me use my brain.
3. I am happy with my running at the moment- I have been able to run long distances again without any great pain in my ankle.
4. I have knitted up a storm lately- I still haven't finished reading the papers from the weekend but I have nearly finished my scarf (I just need to learn how to cast off!)

Bad:
1. I hurt my neck this morning getting dressed for a run, tried to run anyway but ended up driving home from the Tan because I could only walk and I didn't want people laughing at me just walking the dog around the Tan in my compression tights and running jacket.
2. Bella attacked a little white dog at the park last night and I thought she was going to kill it though she didn't even break the skin, she had it in her mouth and I couldn't get her to drop it, children were screaming, I was shouting, the other owner was hitting her and me with a stick (I think he only meant to hit Bella but you don't always know!)- I have ordered a muzzle for her because I don't trust her anymore. I was so upset afterwards and just walked home, made Bella stay outside for a few hours then just let her in and made her stay on her mat in the corner where she just cowered and sulked.
3. I am just getting fatter and fatter- I know why, but I have no willpower.
4. My home life is a bit crap.

I don't have a good plan to make things better just yet- (maybe Bella can wear the muzzle at the park and I can wear it at home to stop me eating so much??) but hopefully my neck will be better tomorrow because I am on arvo shift so I was looking forward to a run in the morning then pilates before buying new runners - so I didn't want to include a trip to the physio in there as well.
So don't feel the need to write nice things about how it will all get better- just tell me to harden up! (both belly and mind)

I have pulled up really well from yesterday- slight stiffness in the calves but that is all and my ankle was a bit fragile yesterday but it didn't stop me shopping up a storm at Chadstone yesterday. We had dinner at Stavros in Albert Park last night- the Greek banquet- each course had as many points as one person needs in a day so there will be some massive actual dieting this week. It was so good and nearly worth the amount of pain I will have to endure this week to work it all off. The only bad thing is that there was some sort of party happening on all the tables around us- dammit, can't people have their fun times a little bit quieter! We were shouting at each other to be heard over the noise while they were practically sitting on the edge of our table so they could shriek at each other a bit more. Still, it is that sort of place and the Greek band was starting to fire up and it was definitely a rowdy good time- and very inexpensive too!
I am going to the gym shortly before heading into the city.
The weather has been so misleading recently- yesterday I did my run in glorious sunshine, watching the hot air balloons land beside the lake etc. it was postcard stuff. But when I left Chadstone it was like the depths of winter stuff. I hope today is a little nicer because it is glorious sunshine now.

4 laps of the Lake, one parma, 3 beers !!!!

Yep, I had the parma- and I justified it by saying "surely they can't mess up a parma" because everything else on the menu had a lot of cajun, tandoori and vague asian references so I just stuck to the basics. And I only had 3 beers- avoiding the shout was very important and I think I was quite successful.
Prue picked me up and we went shopping for replacement knitting needles after work.
This morning I slept in until 7 and took Bella for a walk before heading to the lake. I had to keep the pace slow because I was planning on 18 km at the macmillan authorised pace of 6:35- 7:20 so I thought as long as I can keep it between 6.30 and 7.00 I will be fine.
The first lap was a warm up and it was easy to stay in the zone but I really felt like getting a lot faster and it felt like I was running on the spot for the next two laps, then for the last one I just ran at normal speed because it felt like I had been running forever.
My max heart rate was 84% and my average was 74%.
My back and shoulders were killing me for the middle section too- not sure what to do about it because physio doesnt seem to be working.
Such a fun weekend planned- dinner with Shane and Leslie tonight then ausrun girls afternoon drinks tomorrow. (lots of knitting too)

Tragedy- knitting incident

Don't be angry but I didn't make it to fat club last night- I didn't get to leave work on time and we were having dinner with dear friends and I just didn't have time. I have decided to imagine that I was an extra 2kg heavier so that I take this week very seriously (but not running in a bag seriously). I have been making good food choices and staying around 20 points a day regardless of how much exercise I have been doing.
I didn't run or gym this morning due to a late night last night but I am planning on getting out tomorrow morning early, with my newly refurbished ipod, for a long long run. Hope it doesnt rain too much.
I was standing on the corner waiting for my lift this morning (I have been spoilt because a colleague has been on call and gets a work car so she has been picking me up every day this week) and I was knitting up a frenzy despite the strange looks when tragedy occurred- I snapped a knitting needle. I have been using Mum's old knitting needles and they have obviously become a bit brittle in their old age (they must be at least as old as me!)- luckily a disaster was avoided and I was able to save my stitches! Phew, my life is just so exciting right now.
Work lunch today and the plan is to avoid the chicken parma- it is the one thing I am powerless against- I want it, it wants me but if I have a parma then I will surely have 100 pots of beer as well and that will only end in me not running tomorrow. Wish me luck!

So much running

I am in a much better mood right now- thanks for all your kind words. It must be a winter thing.
I ran this morning AND last night- though I wasn't really that keen to run in the evening- but when you have been harassing someone for 5 years to get off their butt and do some exercise and finally they decide that they want to try running, the least I could do was be encouraging. It also meant that Bella had some quality time away from brawling at the park. So after work before there was any time for capitulating, we headed to Caulfield Park for some shuffling and walking. It was good fast walking and then some jogging in between so I am counting it as running- only 4km but I will take what I can get right now.

This morning I walked Bella at 5 then went out for a run in the local streets- it rained the whole time so I looked like a drowned rat when I staggered in the door after my pathetic 6.5km. I was supposed to do a tempo run but the first 2.5km was uphill so there was nothing tempo about it. I did enjoy the first little bit but it isn't as fun running in the rain when people are driving past and you can hear them thinking "loser". At least when I am running around a park, gardens or lake I see other runners slogging it out in the rain and we all smile to each other and you can hear them thinking, "Yep I am out here in the rain just like you, dammit we are hard core runners- go us!"

Heading to fat club tonight and I have no idea what my weight will do- those days in Sydney were not my friend. In the past I have stressed about the weigh in and it has ruled my life and made me a very unhealthy person (have you ever done your morning run wearing a garbage bag so you sweat out some water so you weigh less? DON'T!) so the plan is to take it easy and lose weight sensibly- not stress, sweat then have to eat lettuce next week to make up for the sweat you lose this week.

Gym

Went to the gym this morning after walking Bella this morning. There was an enormous sweaty man on the rower and seemed to take up the whole rowing space so I decided to stick to the elipticycle thingy- low impact and uses the arms a bit too. I hate the fans at the gym which make me feel like I am running in the wind at Williamstown again so luckily I was able to find an elipticycle that was sheltered from the wind. I worked away for 30 mins and then had to hurry home to get ready for work.
Am a bit over everything at the moment, I seem to eat constantly and I can always justify it, my home is a mess and Bella has been getting into fights at the park constantly. Work is okay but not going the way I want at the moment (apart from the little trip to Sydney). More sleep required I think.

Tan with Bella

I ran around the Tan with Bella this morning and it was as slow as usual- the proof of this is in the heart rate- which averaged 68% even though the max was 95% so it looks like I wasn't trying at all. I did two laps and then a quick run up to the bridge and back so it was 8.5km all up.
I run out of time in the mornings so last night I taped my foot up so that I could save myself 10 minutes in the morning and I put all my running clothes out and accessories in one spot so that I could be in the car as quickly as possible. I got to the Tan at 5.20 this morning so there was plenty of time for at least two laps.

My calf muscle had a few niggles this morning but nothing like the pain of the past few days so I was happy to keep running.

When the Tan track runs parallel to Domain Road I normally cross over the road and let Bella have a run through the grassy reserve there (with her little light on so I can see where she is) so she gets to bolt around the place having a great time while I run ahead and try to scare all the possums into trees before she sees them. This morning as we approached the Domain, a fox ran from the Bot Gardens into the Domain and Bella went berserk! She was growling and snarling and straining at the leash so I didn't let her off. She has chased a fox before- but it was when she was a lot younger and less likely to catch it. I was worried that she would be off after it and chase the fox over a road and one of them would be hit by a car.
Bella was on high alert after that and was snarling at witches hats etc where they are widening the Tan path- she looked a bit silly with her hackles up snarling at orange cones.

JoJo I had to laugh when I saw Bloglines too! And superjacent has pointed out that my fridge magnets appear grammatically incorrect- however I have to say that it should be read "too chunky morsey, stop eating" not as "To Chunky Morsey- stop eating".

As JoJo pointed out to me today I have been very quiet on ausrun about my weight but I am going to be just as quiet here- mainly because at fat club the other night I realised that I might not weight 80kg but I can definitely see it from where I am! So cutting out the carbs and trying soup to have a bit more soup and a bit less potatoes for dinner.

I did no exercise again today- my calf was still really tight this morning so I didn't run then when I was planning a trip to the gym I forgot that I was going out tonight and ran out of time. Luckily my new running plan is so flexible I just wrote each weeks runs on a Post-It note so I can move them around my diary- last weeks runs will now become this weeks runs.
I have to find a run for July and I am thinking about the 5 or 10 or HM run by Sri Chinmoy at Princes Park on 15th of July but I will wait and see what the weather is like etc- I am not suffering through 21km of pain in the wind again just for the fun of it.
I had lunch with JoJo today- lots of laughing and a brief stroll through the Hawthorn Craft market (too much baby stuff and twee wall hangings for me).

I ducked into Rebel Sport for a running jacket but as usual they only had one girls left - size 8 and not very cheap- luckily the mens range is cheaper, longer in the body and much more varied so I got myself a running jacket that doesn't look like a crop top!

Home again

I went out for a run this morning and I wasn't all that successful- my right calf was screaming at me from the time I got up but I thought it was a bit better after I had walked Bella for a bit so I drove to the lake for my long long run. The plan was four laps at 7 min/km pace- but I didn't even manage one lap because the pain in my calf became so intense that I really struggled to keep going. I walked the last half of my pitiful one lap and stopped several times to stretch it out but the pain was still there at the end so I just limped off the car in a foul mood. I am going to give it a rest and have another crack tomorrow morning- but there would want to be a miraculous recovery.
I am a bit disappointed because I wanted to finish June with a big run, not 2.5km of pain. Oh well, maybe I will start the next financial year with a big run in the bank!

We got back from Sydney yesterday afternoon- though our flight was delayed so we got to kick back in the Qantas lounge because my boss is a member- so much better than sitting at the gate waiting because there was a Krispy Kreme cart right beside the gate and it made reading my book very difficult.

On Thursday we worked until late so thankfully there was no big pub crawl and I got to bed shortly after midnight- though it was a long day. I had a few more swims and trips to the spa- the boys thought I was ridiculous but the facilities are there to be enjoyed and I know they were actually very jealous. They laughed at the size of my suitcase the whole time but at least I packed my bathers- I think it is a competition with the boys, who can bring the most ridiculously small bag so that they can brag about how light they travel.

Bella was so happy to see me- I missed her so much!

View from the room, me and the pie, me and the bridge

Running and kebabs in Sydney

I have escaped my colleagues and found an internet point- that in itself is a massive achievement for today!

We flew up yesterday and found our accommodation to be so fantastic that we have decided to never return to Melbourne. We are staying on the 74th floor of this enormous building and the view is so fantastic- I have seen that bridge that they talk about all the time too and I have to say it is quite impressive. We did a bit of 'work/shopping' yesterday and then worked last night before we went out for a drink or two.

I went for a run this morning which was also an achievement for the following reasons;
1. I had a kebab at 2a.m. this morning
2. Several litres of beer preceeded the kebab
3. My bed was enormous and so comfortable at 6.30 when the alarm went off that I seriously contemplated pulling the pin then I recalled spruiking off about how I was running in the morning which meant I had to run to save face.

I ran through Hyde Park then along to Macquarie Point and the Opera House then got lost and dithered around the various streets of Sydney until I found my way back to the hotel. (I tasted garlic sauce for most of the 7km trip) Then I had a quick swim because the guys weren't up yet and then did some stretches in the spa. The view from the spa is amazing!

Then we did some more work/shopping and headed to Potts Point to Harry's Cafe De Wheels which I hadn't really been told about before- but they take a pie, put a scoop of mashed potato on it, then a scoop of mushy peas, make a little well and put a ladle of gravey into the well. It was so good that I wanted another one even though I was so full.

Then we did some work/sightseeing- Circular Quay, Rocks etc. We have to do some more proper work tonight then we will probably head out and have a small drink.

I haven't really bought anything but I don't know why I am excited to shop in the same shops we have in Melbourne. And my colleagues are good fun but it isn't the same as shopping with a friend- I am unlikely to ask either of them 'does this make my butt look big?" because I am fearful of the answers I could get!

5km Tan

I had a quick run with Bella this morning around the Tan- though when I say quick I mean excrutiating- she was so annoying that I nearly just stopped and walked. She was pulling on the lead, stopping dead, flirting with male joggers and just plain being disruptive. We did 5km but it felt like 25, I am not even going to look at the time.

I created the avatar the other week when I was at home waiting for tradesmen- all those characters and outfits and settings and I just chose one that looked the most like me, put her in my clothes and set it in an enchanted forest. She is supposed to be waving JRuns - she also wiggles her hips but I can't seem to get her to do that on Blogger. I will have a fiddle and see if I can get her to do something more interesting.

Beki we are going to be busy every afternoon/ evening in Sydney so I don't think we will be able to catch up- though thank you for your very kind offer- might be able to see you for a coffee when you come to Melbourne and I will be back in your town for the City2Surf which is getting very close now.

I was tagged by Jaykay so here are my answers- Lisa, Briony and Superjacent you are both next:

1. Where is your cell phone? Here
2. Relationship? No comment
3. Your hair? Short
4. Work? Changing
5. Your sister? Buddy
6. Your favourite thing? ipod
7. Your dream last night? work
8. Your favourite drink? Red wine
9. Your dream car? Electric
10. The room you’re in? Office
11. Your shoes? Black Mary Janes
12. Your fears? Ageing
13. What do you want to be in 10 years? Contented
14. Who did you hang out with this weekend? Family
15. What are you not good at? Starving
16. Muffin? Orange and poppyseed
17. Wish list item? New runners
18. Where you grew up? Dunkeld
19. The last thing you did? Breakfast
20. What are you wearing? Work suit
21. What are you not wearing? Jewelry
22. Your pet? Bella
23. Your computer? Work
24. Your life? Good
25. Your mood? Cheerful
26. Missing? Catie and Vic
27. What are you thinking about? Lunch
28. Your car? Newish
29. Your kitchen? Messy
30. Your summer? Social
31. Your favourite colour? Black
32. Last time you laughed? This morning
33. Last time you cried? Last night
34. School? Eons ago
35. Love? Nope

And I forgot- Kathrynoh- I am going to take my ipod to beyondthebox in Moonee Ponds.

Keep on truckin'

"Highway fever's got a hold on me
And that's the way it'll always be"

My sister and I drove home to the farm on Friday afternoon after I finished work- Prue picked me up with Bella already warming the front seat. We stopped in Ballarat at the "Beechworth Bakery" and Prue bought some custardy Beestings, lemon tarts and chocolate eclairs! We made it home by about 7.30 and I hadn't even had a little nibble on the corner of the eclair because I made chicken rolls for the trip so I wouldn't feel like getting fast food.

Bella
Mum and Dad like Bella but they don't really like dogs inside at all- until now- for some strange reason Mum and Dad let Bella inside and at one point Bella was sitting on Dad's knee trying to sleep on his chest while he watched TV. We had a few drinks with dinner and next thing I was on Mum's treadmill with Bella who loved it- she just stood at the back with her front paws on the treadmill and walked along happily!
I put her kennel in the laundry after Mum and Dad said that she could sleep inside! But when I checked on her she had pulled all of Dad's jumpers off the bench and put them in her kennel to sleep on.
Dad took Bella to do some sheep work in the morning and said that when he told Bella to jump up the back of the ute- she jumped on the bonnet of the ute 5 times. He was not very happy at all.

Running
I went out this morning for a run with Prue's ipod because mine had died again and got to listen to her country music for a change- lots of Dolly and Slim Dusty covers. I don't know why but I ran so much faster and more easily than usual- don't know if it was the mountain air or just fresh legs but I was ablo to keep the speed up without a problem. I ran 8ish km first and averaged 6.40 min/km despite trying to keep it at 7 m/km. I did a loop then tried to finish my run on Mum's treadmill but it is designed more for walking or running gently not pounding away so Bella and I headed back out the road for another 4km.
My average HR was 72% (adjusted recently- 161bpm) and my max was 80% or 181. After maxing out my heart rate monitor several times recently I have adjusted the maximum again.

We drove back this afternoon and Bella slept the whole way exhausted after her weekend of chasing farm dogs and working out on the treadmill! Prue and I took turns at the wheel - one knitting and the other driving!

Tan

Bella and I ran around the Tan this morning- we were going to do another lap but we ran out of time so I just added in a loop along the Yarra to the Swan Street bridge and back again to make it just over 5km. It took a while but I kept an eye on the pace while I was actually running to make sure I was within the range for my easy run- but Bella stopped for four pit stops and about four hundred times just for random sniffs so it took a lot longer. It was easy going and with my new heart rate maximum loaded into my watch (after I got up to 108% during a run last week and then 104% during the Run2G) I averaged 69% and my maximum was 76%.

Yesterday morning I tried out my new idea of doing 30 mins on the rower instead of spin class for every second morning- I took it easy because I don't want to aggravate my neck and shoulders but I barely raised a sweat so I might have to raise the intensity next week.

My trip to the physio for my neck and shoulders went well- though when I said that I was doing the City2Surf in August she was very concerned. Apparently when you start introducing hills then everything changes and ITB problems appear from nowhere- even just running downhill is a problem. So now I am scared! I was going to start doing hill sessions but I think I will gradually introduce them now. I remember that she wasn't happy when I did the Puffing Billy run for the same reasons.

Going to Mum and Dad's this weekend - it is going to be damn cold so I have packed all my woollies and I am hoping to have a run but I am not fussed if I don't get out.

I am going to Sydney for two nights next week and we are staying in the city in Liverpool Street so if anyone can recommend a nice little scenic 10km loop then that would be great too! (Beki??)

9km Caulfield Park

I got up this morning and after walking Bella I went for a run around the streets- in the rain. I ran to Caulfield Park and did two laps and then ran home again - 9km all up and at a fairly slow pace. I realise that I hate walkers even when they are just getting out in their local area- I was ready to hip and shoulder a few of them during the Run2G for not self seeding themselves and getting in my way, then I was running around Caulfield Park and there were several groups who took up the entire path walking towards me and had no dramas about forcing me onto the grass instead of one of them dropping back and letting me through. Grrrrr. Usually I say something like "oh it is good that they are out there as well" but I really wish they would stay at home.

I have used the Macmillan Pace Calculator to determine what pace I need for all my different runs:
Recovery- 6:56 to 7:15
Long run- 6:19 to 6:56
Easy run- 6:19 to 6:36
Tempo- 5:23 to 5:34

So that is the new plan, every first week has one hill session and every second week has either a tempo run or intervals (600m in 3:15 mins is the goal). The long run gets longer then shorter week in week out and varies from 10km to 20 km. Every second day I hope to get to the gym and use the rower but I have to check it out with the physio today to see if she agrees.

Yesterday I went to the gym for my run but my PF really really hurt (that is my plantar fascitis? Smithy) so I changed fairly quickly to the trainer for my work out but I didn't really have time for much because I had to take Bella to get her shots at the vet.

I stood on the scales, but it was in the afternoon and I was so horrified that I am not posting it- but I am going to Weight Watchers tomorrow and sticking with it- Thursday nights will now be known as Fat Night and I hope that it works because I can't go on expanding like this, getting all angsty about it and then just stuffing my face regardless.

I have found a place that will replace my ipod battery for $70 and it only takes a week and I don't lose my songs! Woo hoo- so much better than having to spend more money. I only got 4km this morning before it died on me.

Official time 1:00:21

The age website didn't magically make me a faster runner- official time is 1:00:21- no surprises apart from the fact that I am still feeling happy for myself. I had a quick peak at last years time which was 1:06:43 so that is why I am feeling positive about my run.

I am home from work today because the painter is here doing the ceiling in the kitchen- I was going to work afternoon shift but then I thought, I have earned myself a rest day so I am planning on reclaiming my kitchen and doing some massive cleaning- already removed the mould from the bathroom ceiling.

I will go for a run later on but I think it might be a treadmill run- it is so damn cold and while I can cope in the dark, cold and daylight does nothing to interest me in running. I avoid the gym now that I can't do pump or spin and because I associate it with the scales!!!!

My ipod is now definitely cactus and I need to get something else to block out the sound of my own breathing while I run- but I am worried that if I get another ipod I will only have the same problem with the battery deciding to give up after three years.

There has been mention made of the Canberra Marathon in April next year which got me thinking can I? My heart says yes, my head says no and my legs still aren't talking to me. I don't know if I am mentally tough enough- need to get faster first anyway- maybe Melbourne next year.

The painter has commandeered my heater to get the paint drying faster which means I am sitting here wearing everything in my cupboard and cuddling up to the dog.

60:20- Ooops!

I nearly did it! I am feeling pretty happy with my effort- though how those 20 seconds escaped me I don't know...well I do really:

10am is a very late time for a run to start IMHO so I had plenty of time to get ready even after sleeping in until 6.30a.m. I walked Bella and got the tram into Fed Square in time to watch a lot of half marathon runners come over the line in 1:23:xx- I got all teary watching them and thinking of the pain- they looked so fresh, sprinting for the line like they were running for the tram, even the poor guy who was throwing up as he sprinted for the line looked fresh.

I did the usual toilet trips, dropped my bag off and headed down to the start line. I was looking everywhere for Sweetlee but saw a friend from school and a guy I used to work with a few months ago and a guy I worked with a long time ago at Target- there is no co-incidence in the fact that they are all very very tall. We were all crammed in like sardines so I wasn't cold at all.

I headed out feeling fresh and strong- this only lasted until the first hill, up the car park at the MCG, as we turned around I could see the 55minute pacing bus about 200metres behind me. I vowed to try to hold them off for a bit longer. I couldn't see the 60 minute pacing bus.

My ipod died at the 3km mark which made me pretty angry and I was contemplating just throwing it in the bin because it was only slowing me down. Over the Brunton Avenue bridge- which was bouncing and rebounding under the feet of all those runners- it really made me feel like I had drunk 10 pots and was searching for a souvlaki.

The next section involved that hill up to Flinders Street again- ouch ouch, I took a few steps just walking and then I remembered the pacing bus would be breathing down my neck so I kept running. We ran down the pedestrian bridge near Birrarung Marr and the pacing bus over took me- one poor girl was running flat out down the bridge and ran straight into the waist high wooden pole in the middle of the path. She hit it so hard that I nearly cried for her. If a bloke had hit it at that speed there would have been no more fathers day.

We ran along the Yarra to the bottom of Anderson Street then back along the Yarra to St Kilda road. I was getting so tired and angry at myself because I realised I was going to have to really dig deep to get anywhere near 60 mins. I picked up the pace and concentrated on getting into a rhythm.
Finally we went up the little hill to St Kilda road and along the bridge until I could really sprint to the finish line. I was looking at my watch and thought I could make it under 60 minutes, I could see the line but the 150 metres seemed to be getting longer, then I sprinted under the gantry and then realised that the finish line was another 50 metres away. I tried to sprint again and made it over the line and stood there for a while before I remembered to turn off my watch. I am pretty sure I made it over in 60 mins and 20 secs.

Then there was the queue from hell for the showbag followed by the queue from hell to collect our bags.

I am pretty happy with my time, can't believe that I didn't try harder but I had worked my butt off to get even close to the time.
Splits:
6:08
5:40
xx
xx
5:54
6:15
7:13 (??? don't think it is right)
xxx
5:50
5:59

All over the place!

Max heart rate = 104%- might need to adjust my limits!
Average= 88% (well given that the max is wrong then this is obviously wrong too)

Usual pre-race program

Just the usual eating rice, watching funniest home videos, checking weatherzone.com.au pre race plan.
I didn't lower my expectations on the advice of anyone- everyone is so fantastically positive. Rather it was me being very negative and frightened of failure!

I didn't run on Friday morning after I had a terrible nights sleep during which I had to get up due to my dinner making a break for it- at least my stomach muscles got a work out. I chose the extra hours sleep option and stayed in bed.

Good luck Lee, StuMac and AJH and everyone else heading out tomorrow.

Early to bed tonight.

Lowering Expectations

After careful consideration and much consultation with numerous people more experienced than myself I have decided to lower my expectations of my abilities. I am still going to try to run as fast as the wind on Sunday but I am really just hoping to beat last years time- if I don't break 60 mins then I still might cry myself to sleep but I won't be totally devastated and unable to get out of bed for three days.

The forecast for Sunday is still showers and 14 but I still check it every fifteen minutes to see if there has been a fast moving warm front that is arriving on Sunday- and I have to check the bureau just in case they think it might be one degree warmer...oooh 15 degrees!

I managed a quick little run around Caulfield Park twice yesterday after the plasterer arrived (at 10.30) and BF had managed to get out of bed to supervise the plasterer and make sure he didn't go through my undie drawer while I was out. It was only 4km which I feel a bit silly about because normally if I only had time for a 4 km run then I wouldn't bother- unless I was going to try some speed work. But I did it effortlessly (and so it should be) averaging 6.30min/km with sniffy Bella and stopping to chat to a friend.

The plasterer has finished and now the painter is coming next week.

I walked Bella this morning dressed as though I was about to head up to Falls Creek! Ski jacket, beanie, scarf, gloves- and I was still cold, I might have to get a balaclava and I was wondering if it would be too weird to wear my ski goggles?
There was ice on all the cars and it smelt like cold- I don't mind the cold, but only because I can just put more clothes on, when it gets hot there are only so many things you can take off before someone calls you into the boss' office and has a little talk about dressing appropriately at work.

My crafty friend

One of the links on the side there is to my friend Leslie's blog- but she has another blog, onegirl which is very crafty and was actually mentioned in an article on the joys of blogging in the TheAge on Sunday. I don't have to tell you about the joys of blogging, but you should check out Leslie's craft blog to see how clever she is!

Behold the Strasbourg Sock

I could sleep for Australia and be a gold medal chance. Reset the alarm this morning- that is two days in a row now- despite being in bed WELL BEFORE 9pm- don't know why I am so trashed or why I am such a sooky la la. Time for me to harden up and just get out of bed I think, it didn't help that I was woken up at 3am by he-who-will-remain-nameless as he got home from the boozer. Much silent fuming followed before I went back to sleep.
I am sitting here in my pyjamas waiting for the plasterer to turn up and fix the kitchen ceiling, so far s/he is only 15 minutes late.
I think I might have to get out and go for a run when the plasterer gets here- surely it is possible for me to run around the block- I only need to do 5km this week while I am "tapering" for Sunday. Speaking of which, the weather forecast is all bad for Sunday's run- the only thing missing is squally winds and coastal wind warnings.

Lazy Lap of Lake

I have made it to work this morning, despite resetting the alarm from 6am to 7.10am- I decided it was too rainy to walk Bella so she will most likely destroy my garden today. I had my second cousins wedding last night and it was a bit of fun- I did have massive b00b overflow but no-one saw anything untoward! I am a little scratchy this morning and planning on having at least a week away from the booze. As for the wedding itself- I was dancing with my mother to Funky Town at about 10pm, need I go on?

One lap of the lake yesterday- sort of a taper for next week but also because I had dinner with some friends on Saturday night and ate and drank too much (yum lemon meringue pie!) so I was a little slow out of bed and had to take Bella with me.

I am very nervous about Sunday - only because I have placed a massive expectation on myself by aiming to go under 60 mins, but I guess there is no other way to go about it.

I need to find a run to do in July - there are a few Sri Chinmoy ones that I could do I guess but I like doing the bigger runs.

I have finished "Footprints on the Water" and if anyone wants it next, just let me know and I will send it off on another journey.

Dusty

Got way drunk last night, ate my body weight in MacDonalds and woke up a little dusty! It was good to catch up with JoJo though I wasn't making much sense by the time we left. I am much better now and have to go buy shoes for a wedding tomorrow- nothing like leaving it to the last minute. My dress is A-line so it isn't around the stomach that I am worried about- it is the bodice, if I wear my fantastic padded bra it is a little tight(too much information??).
Rest day today then a light week preparing for Run2G- hoping to smash last years time of 1:07 (I think)

2 laps of Tan

Another night with the stras sock and it isn't getting any more comfortable- I am hoping that at some stage I can get through the night without taking it off, otherwise it will be $75 that I could have spent on more physio!
Got up early with no hesitation this morning and took Bella to the Tan for two laps- she is getting better and I was able to get around 5 minutes quicker than on Tuesday morning. She really likes to interact with other joggers- smiling and trying to get closer to them all while wagging her tail and generally just trying to pull my arm out of its socket.
I was wearing my compression tights and it really felt like I couldn't get my legs warm- I suppose that is the idea but it was a very strange sensation and lucky it was dark so I didn't have to freak out many people at the sight of me in my tight tights. I did some more weights when I got home but I was running a bit late so there wasn't a lot of time.
I keep forgetting that the Run2G is next weekend (thanks for reminding me StuMac) so I will probably take it easy this weekend and next week.

Strasbourg sock

When I woke up this morning I re-set the alarm for another 30 minutes sleep but I just lay there dreading climbing out of bed. I finally made it to the park at about 5.30 (or half past stupid!) and ran a lap for a warm up then I did some intervals- they weren't that quick, and they weren't that long but I was out there, trying, sweating and that's the main thing isn't it?
The path around the park is 600m so the first interval was only 150m, then I kept jogging back to the start, the next interval was 300m, then jogged back to the start, 400m, jog, then 150m and finished off with a warm down lap. It was only 4km all up- including some shuffling home. Then I dragged out the fitball and power bar and did some weights, sit ups and push ups before hurrying into the shower and missing my tram.
I should learn that I should not wear heels to work after a run- my PF and ankle are killing me today so I took my shoes off whenever I could- very professional!
I bought a Strasbourg sock yesterday and it is so weird to sleep in- in case you don't know, it is a large white sock with a piece of material that ties your toes to your knee! It is designed to stretch your calf muscle and your feet tendons while you sleep, if you can sleep while there is a strange piece of velcro holding your foot at such a strange angle. When I relax my feet point down like I am pointing my toes like a ballerina, this holds my foot at right angles to my leg and man it feels strange. I took it off after a few hours because I couldnt sleep properly, then I put it back on at about 3am for a while as well.

Yesterday I had a physio appointment for my neck and back which included acupuncture- it was too weird for me and I don't know if I will agree to it, I really didn't enjoy it but I have to say I have more movement back in my neck.

After my physio I went shopping into Bridge Road and finally bought a dress to wear to a wedding this Sunday- do you think I am cutting it a bit fine if I need to lose a kilo or two in order for it to fit??

2 laps of Tan

Got up at stupid o'clock again- even Bella tried to go back to sleep and pretend I wasn't trying to get her up for a run. We went to the Tan and did 2 laps but they were pretty slow. It was so cold this morning but it didn't take long for me to roll up my running tights and tie my jacket around my waist. Bella was her usual annoying self and was trying to socialise with dogs, sniff grass, chase possums and generally be annoying while I was trying to run in a straight line.
The Tan was very busy this morning and I have never seen that many pairs of skins getting around- must be the cold that has brought them out. Might have to wear mine just to fit in- though they are 2XU brand and I am not sure if they are as cool.

I crack myself up too much- people at work ask me about my blog- it is my fault because I just shouldn't talk about it but a lot of them don't even know what a blog is and ask "how does it get it's name?" So I have been joking around saying that my blog is called saucy morsey- well today I actually set it up- and now I am happy to give people the address!

Gym

I made it to spin class this morning which was a bit difficult because I cannot stand the Monday morning instructor and I was hoping that he had left . Sadly there he was jiggling up and down on the seat out the front, saying incredibly patronising things and generally being a tool. It didn't help that I didn't have my heart rate monitor on so it was always going to be a struggle to stay interested. About 5 minutes into the class my neck and upper back was starting to get sore so I endured it for a bit more then I just left- hope the instructor took it personally. My physio warned me that cycling is not good for my neck and back because of the posture on the bike which will aggravate my problems.
Instead I did 15 mins on the stepper and 15 mins on the elliptical x-trainer. It was boring because I didn't have my headphones either but I felt like I should do something leg related!

I had a very mixed weekend- Saturday night I had dinner with my pregnant friend Catie who was visiting from Mackay - we had great Japanese in High Street Northcote. I had to work at 7am on Sunday which is alway hard when you don't get to bed early enough- so by the time I finished at 3pm I was ready for a sleep and starving. I just walked Bella, had dinner and was in bed at 8pm.

I am having dramas having my kitchen ceiling repaired after the flat upstairs had a leaky hotwater system last year- they fixed that okay, but had to jack hammer in through my ceiling. So then they let a big hole in my ceiling and said they would be back in 6 months to patch it up. Well they never came back and it took forever for the body corporate and insurance company to arrange for someone to look at it and now I have to wait for someone else to come and look at it before they can fix it. I love how they say, we will be there between 9 and 12 and no we can't ring you half an hour before we get there.
So I am sitting here waiting......

2 Laps of Albert Park Lake

I had Friday off due to a very poor nights sleep on Thursday night- I am blaming the doona not being "fooffed" properly (too chunky around the top and my feet were cold) and having caffeine after 4pm. Sadly I didn't sleep very well on Friday night either despite sorting out the caffeine and foofing the doona correctly- had to collect BF and then drive home via MacDonalds (No I don't want any nuggets) so back in bed by 1.30.
I reset the alarm at six for another hours sleep and then took Bella for a walk and finally made it to the Lake.
It was raining as I got there and it kept raining for the first lap then it was really pleasant. My first lap was four minutes slower than my second- I tried to keep the pace well under 6 min/km for the last few kms of the second lap and while it wasn't that successful it did encourage me to keep the pace up instead of just turning the legs over. I think I normally just jog, but I have to remember to run.
My ipod battery is still behaving badly so I had to listen to the radio on my phone- which wasn't as bad as I thought it would be (woo hoo Joy FM) and while it was no match for the carefully selected running playlist on my ipod, the world didn't end because I had to run without it.
Ist lap: 82% max HR, av 75%
2nd lap: 90% max HR, av 83%

So goals for June are:
-to lose some more weight (and not just because some loser shouted out "Fat B1tch" to me as I walked the dog the other night)
- run under 60 mins in the Run2G
- re-introduce the cross training aspect spin, pump etc that has been missing since the "dog park incident"

Gym session

I am back at work today- though afternoon shift is good because I can walk Bella and go to the gym or for a run without rushing around. I did make it to the gym but because of the silly cold I took it easy- just 10 mins treadmill, 10 mins stair climber, 10 mins cross trainer then my weights program. I was puffing just walking to the gym so I didn't expect any great workout.
I got on the scales and I have dropped 1.1kg since I last weighed in which was good news, getting my weight heading back in the other direction was a big priority recently so I am glad that it is sort of working.
I had lunch with a friend and I won't tell you what I ordered but let me just say if you want a fantastic $3 pizza in the vicinity of Chapel Street, head to the Lucky Coq! It is perfect those of us who are fiscally challenged sometimes (recent purchases have included 4 dining chairs, 2 bedside tables and 2 lamps).

Another sick day

Due to your overwhelming support for the sick day I have taken another one- well actually because my head feels like it is going to explode and I seem to be spending a lot of time face first into a box of tissues. I have been drinking a lot of water but it just means my naps are ruined by toilet breaks!
I feel like crap for not doing any exercise since Sunday but I don't feel like going out in public- so once these rotten pills start working I might try a Pilates video- gotta do something.
Yes Deege, I don't feel guilty about taking "mental health days" when I am not physically sick- I always feel like I have earned them! We get 9 weeks leave a year though, so they are few and far between.

Off Sick

My head cold didn't go away despite my very early night so I decided not to go to work and share the love around! I shuffled out of bed a while ago and have spent some quality time on the couch hoping that my head doesn't explode. I have also been trying to avoid the kitchen- a. because it is a mess and b. because then I will eat too much.
I checked the blog archive and I didn't get sick after my last two HM so I am just blaming random germs for this one.
I always feel guilty for taking real sick days but this is disgusting so I am sure my colleagues don't want me snuffling and sooking beside them. (and I don't want this to linger so that I can keep training- ah yes, so thoughtful and so selfish at the same time).

Rest Day

I had today off but I still did a lot of walking- Bella had some big walks today at varying speeds! This morning I shuffled around the park like an old lady who had forgotten her walking frame but I eventually got a bit more movement back in my hammies and quads. My hip flexors are really sore still and walking down stairs or even a small hill really hurts. I guess I didn't stretch as much as I need to.
Yesterday I took JoJo's advice and went to the pool for a float around but it was pretty cold so I didn't stay there for long- and because the temptation to have a big swim was too great. My knees were a bit sore though so I didn't. I tried to sleep in my 2XU tights but they are just too uncomfortable.
I am getting a little head cold at the moment so I decided to forgo the gym tonight and head to bed early. I didn't sleep very well last night because every time I turned over in my sleep the pain woke me up!
I have decided to HARDEN UP and get back training (sensibly) until I am a lot quicker- 132 days until the Melbourne Marathon. (Yep I am putting pressure on myself all ready)

200th post today but I won't bore you with 200 things about myself!

Trying hard not to feel like a loser

I had a terrible race today- it went as follows:
Got up early and got ready then took Bella for a walk in the park- I wasn't feeling the best and I don't think my normal pre-race jitters can explain the nasty tummy thing I had going on- it felt more like gastro than nerves. I was worried I had talked myself into getting sick so I ignored it. I was a bit worried about eating or drinking anything in the morning in case I had to deal with it during the run so it meant that I was actually feeling thirsty before I had run.

I got to Williamstown in plenty of time for two more trips to the toilet including one stint of queueing in the worlds slowest queue while everyone took their children to the toilet and someone else who was obviously not feeling the best- but I can never change queue once I am committed in case the previous queue then starts moving. Still got to the start in plenty of time anyway. Saw a few people I knew like Superjacent and Smithy.

Once I got started I felt really good- my pace was around 5.45 min/km as I dodged and weaved around the walkers and people who were poor "self seeders". I enjoyed the run and got to encourage Smithy and Steve was they came back past me at the turnarounds.
Once I got to the 8.5km mark, I hit the wind and it was bad, I felt like I was jogging up and down on the spot- I tried to duck in behind other groups but the wind was gusting all over the place and I thought it might be a bit rude if I was right in someones space. We ran into the wind for about 10km and it just ruined my plans of a PB. My iPod battery died after just an hour and a half leaving me alone with my negative thoughts and nasty self talk. When we did finally turnaround and head back with the wind my legs were too tired to pick the pace up significantly but I managed to get back to 6min/km which had been a dream in the wind.
At the 19km turnaround it was back into the wind and I allowed myself something to drink- before that I hadn't felt like a drink- I was probably just after a walking break. I struggled into the running track for the final 200m and I was passed by Cool Runners runrtom and SlowSue who I had been trying to beat after they headed to the toilets at about the 7km mark. I stumbled across the line got myself some pancake and apple crumble (love the rolled up pancake with crumble inside Jaykay and Beki.
So my time of 2:18:xx has made me realise that I need to lose some weight (a LOT of weight), train faster and realise that if there is a coastal wind warning where I am running on the coast then I should be happy to finish.

As for my brief flirt with doing a full marathon, let me say right now that it is not even a remote possibility right now- (I believe you should never say never, never say always- and that is the only thing stopping me from saying I WILL NEVER RUN A MARATHON). I just don't have the mental toughness at this stage.
I did just get off the phone from JoJo who I think must have thought I was feeling a little unbalanced after I declared I was never running again- I felt terrible after my run. I drove home from Williamstown feeling at least 0.19 blood alcohol%. I was all over the road and had to concentrate on staying awake. I walked inside and lay down ready for a nap, remembered I had left my phone in the car, struggled out to get it, came back inside, climbed into bed in my stinky clothes and slept for two hours.
I have eaten and I feel okay- but just so you know Steve- I am not running the half marathon at the Run2G this year- I will do the HM at the REAL Run to the G this year- the Melbourne (half) Marathon in October- I have a lot of work to do before then.
Thanks for all your good wishes. (I nearly dedicated todays run to you runners out there who can't run at the moment, glad I didn't now because you would all be saying "Geez, Sara, don't bother next time!)

Pre-Race Program

Just more of the pre-race program which consists of this:

1. Check www.weatherzone.com.au to see if it is going to be windy
2. Eat some bread
3. Drink some water
4. Check the Bureau of Meteorology website to see if they are forecasting less wind than weatherzone for race day
5. Eat more bread
6. Drink more water
7. Check the Melways so I know where I am going
8. Panic and try to think up believable excuse for pulling out of run
9. Contemplate buying whole new running outfit for race day
10. Become conscious of every little niggle and twinge in every muscle
11. Lose and find race number, runners, sports bra, running shorts, hat and sunglasses three times whilst preparing race day outfit
12. Eat bread, drink water
13. Watch Funniest Home Videos
14. Worry about bad karma for laughing at grannies falling over
14. Go to bed at 7.30pm and continue to worry about karma, not waking up in time, losing car keys etc
15. Get woken up by BF at 2am as he asks would I like some MacDonalds chips to help with carbo loading
16. Consider then decline offer
17. Wake up at stupid o'clock and begin the first of many trips to the toilet!

That is pretty much it, am so sick of eating that the new diet plan which starts after I have eaten pancakes and apple crumble tomorrow after the run, should be easy!

For those of you that love your treadmill check out half-fast- his link to youtube is hilarious.

Walk around the Tan

Got up "early" this morning and caught up with JoJo for a walk around the Tan with Bella - I am still sort of on Perth time which is 2 hours (and 10 years) behind. Resting up from now on and hopefully running a massive PB on Sunday (as long as there is no wind).

I am home!

I got home from Perth last night and I am a bit tired this morning but managed to make it to my physio appointment for my neck and back. I am still really sore and stiff in the neck from my small accident at the park a few weeks ago- a week away from the computer has made me a bit better but I will wait and see how I go on Sunday when I do the Sri Chinmoy HM in Williamstown.

Running
I had three runs while I was away- an 8km along the beach road in Scarborough which was okay but not that picturesque because of all the traffic and the lovely fumes I got to breathe in- it was just a nice gentle run, starting slow and building up to a normal 6.20 min/k pace. I cooled down then had to take Daisy and Harry for a run as well - they are so cute and stopped to stretch with me too!
I ran on Sunday morning along the Murray River in Yunderup which is south of Perth- a 10km run around the streets, some of it with my nephew Harry on his new bike (we raced for one section and I was flying along at 4.30 min/km before I had to admit defeat and let him beat me). I then ran along a little sandy path that runs alongside the creek and home again.
I had a final little jog on Wednesday morning- just a slow 5km before taking Harry and Daisy for a short run as well.
I didn't see that many people running- but every person I did see said hello!

Perth
I don't normally spend that long in Perth but the original plan was to do the Bunbury HM so I thought I would need time to prepare and recover. Instead I just spent a lot of time with my brother and his family- Harry is nearly 5 and he is adorable and so lovely and sensitive, he gives me kisses and asks lots of questions like "who makes sheep?" Daisy is nearly four and she is a little monster- toilet training is a drama and she throws constant tantrums when she doesnt get what she wants- so we had a lot of stand offs because I refuse to give in to her- she locked Harry and I outside while her mum was out shopping and then she couldn't get her out until her Mum came back. I was happy enough reading in the sun!
We went to Yunderup and spent a day out on the boat fishing and crabbing (with no luck) then motored over to a friends holiday house for a BBQ- such a lovely way to spend the day.
It was good to catch up with my brother (and beat him at Trivial Pursuit) and spend some time with the little monsters.

I got to meet Celeste finally and we went out for Japanese - such fantastic food cooked so well and we got to chat about running and work without having to provide much background because we knew a lot about each other all ready. I hope I didn't talk about nasty toddlers too much!

I got up this morning and have read everyone's blogs (160 entries!) and found 51 topics I had to read on Ausrun! I also found time to buy four new dining chairs and walk Bella- she has been bugging me all day, trying to get me to make up for the 12 walks she missed out on while I was away after she was only walked TWICE in the last week- hence the Japanese maples are missing branches and the lawn looks horrendous.

Damn that gym

My neck and back are still sore so I went to the gym today instead of running- it seemed like a good idea....I started on the spin bike for half an hour, making up my own class by doing standing climb for one song on my ipod then sprinting for the next song so I was a damn sweaty girl when I finished. I then thought I would do my intervals on the x-trainer- I did two three before I just got a headache because they are still renovating the gym and they are painting with something toxic so when I was gasping for breath all I was doing was poisoning myself. So I slunked out and went to the supermarket. (before I left the gym I stood on the scales and had the rudest shock of the year- I am fat again, it isn't water, it isn't muscle, it is the product of eating too much because I tell myself that I deserve it because I am unhappy sometimes- so here it is- I weigh 77kg- and that is after I finally got down to 70kg in December, I have put it all back on. I don't know what it is going to take to get me out of this eating thing, but I think I have to just bite the bullet and take Weight Watchers seriously instead of half doing it, I can't keep carrying this bulk around that is for sure)

I am off to the blood bank this afternoon- though they rang me and asked if I would donate plasma instead- they take out your blood, remove the plasma and put the blood back. I like donating because then I get to be all weak and pathetic, "look at me, I am saving lives and I have a huge wound in my arm where they sucked the blood out of me"- I don't know if plasma has the same effect, people might be interested in the plasma process, not my courage and that wouldnt be the same!
Yep, I am on leave and I have too much time to think about how important I am. I won't be posting for a while because I am heading to Perth to meet Celeste and I won't have access to the internet, but I hope you have some great runs- good luck Beki for SMH.

Physio

I visited the physio this morning and she gave my neck and back a pounding. Apparently the problem with my back isn't me, it is you- all of you runners and fitness fanatics who blog and cause me to spend the whole day on the computer checking your progress and oohhing and ahhhing about your latest PB or injury! Well it is more likely to be the way I slump at my desk while I am at work everyday. I am not sure if the pounding works, it hurt so much and really still hurts. I have some exercises to do which involve lying on the floor which always makes it highly unlikely I will persist. I do my calf exercises because I can do them at the park while I walk Bella, but I can't see myself doing this all the time.
I haven't felt like exercising at all today- I nearly needed Bella to drag me up the hill to the park (and it is a really little hill). I really like the dog park- there are so many different people and different dogs - I am even starting to learn the owners names instead of just the dogs. Panda B. Bandit is a gorgeous staffy who has appeared on his own blog.

4 laps of the Lake

I had a terrible nights sleep then got up at 5.30 and took Bella to the park before driving to the Lake. I did four laps which is about 18.2km and I felt good! I didn't have any pain in my ankle so I feel happy with the run and I will enter the Sri Chinmoy HM in two weeks time. For some reason the first lap was the hardest and my laps got quicker and quicker. I was trying to stay at about 6.30 min/km but in my last lap I was sitting at about 5.50 without a problem.
The only problem was my upper back- there is a really sore spot that still gives me a bit of grief from when I was knocked over at the park. It pretty much hurt constantly for the last 15km and I was concentrating on keeping my shoulders relaxed and not letting my arms creep up higher than my hips but the pain was pretty bad.
I am icing my ankle right now but I don't know what to do about my back other than book into the physio and find out if I can tape it?? I tape my foot and ankle so much that I think I am using about 5metres a week of tape!
Mothers Day today so we are heading out for lunch because Mum and Dad are in Melbourne after a 60th last night.

I have been bad

I used to drink a lot more, in volume and frequency but I really cut back because it was affecting my Saturday run, but yesterday I returned to my bad bad days. It never occurred to me that being in a shout with boys is a bad idea before- I could easily keep up or even be the one pushing the pace, but now it just makes me drink too much too quickly. So lunch was the start and then by the time it was 7pm I had drunk enough beer to make me witty, fun, skinny and a great dancer (don't worry there wasn't really any dancing- but if there was I would have been a chance to be a new Pussycat Doll)
Thankfully I have an inbuilt go-home meter which always sends me home before I become too embarrassing- my sister missed out on the go-home meter! My lovely pregnant friend Sav was driving so she dropped me home then Bella and I got fish and chips for dinner before I fell asleep on the floor (not for too long)

Anyway, onto more important things:
I didn't run on Thursday morning even after eating too much on Wednesday- I forgot that I had done a massive load of washing and all my running gear was still wet- such a bad excuse. I did run on Friday morning- a lap of the Tan then a loop up to Fed Square and then a little bit more along the Tan to make it up to 10km. Bella came with me so it was slow and she was playing games the whole way along. She still smiles and flirts with men as they run past! The only bad bit was then not having a chance to ice my ankle and then wearing heels to work so my ankle is feeling a bit fragile.
I am resting today then doing laps of the Lake in the morning- trying for a slowish 20km or thereabouts so I can make a decision about the HM in 15 days.

Rest Day

Had another rest day today- not really planned but when I remembered I was catching up with two school friends last night I realised I wouldn't be home early so I set the alarm for a bit later and had a lovely sleep in.
I have to say that my friends are amazing cooks! I am holding them all responsible for this weeks blowout- (the past four weeks have been my own doing) first it was Leslie with her maple glazed salmon, fantastic crunchy potatoes and a wonderful cheesecake on Sunday night, then it was Sally's turn last night with creamy beany soup, fantastic fresh pasta with a lovely garlicky simple sauce and then red wine poached pears.
I am still a bit tired because I got home a bit late so I will be in bed early because Bella and I are going to have a good run in the morning.
I am planning a big run on Sunday morning before deciding about Sri Chinmoy on Monday.

Intervals in the park

I took Bella to the park and after a warm up lap we did our intervals- the plan was 4 laps as quickly as I could but I had to keep an eye on Bella in case she needed cleaning up after, or in case she decided that people walking along having a peaceful morning walk also needed to be jumped all over.
So the splits are:
warm up- 6 mins
1st interval- 6 min/km and 0.55km (that is when I noticed the gentle rise really felt like a hill)
recovery 200m walk- I was knackered
2nd interval- 5.40 min/km and 0.51km
recovery- 200m walk
3rd interval- 5.40 min.km and0.55km
recovery-200m walk
4th interval- 5.41 min/km and 0.5km
recovery 330 m walk
short jog - 2.6km
warm down walk

About 6.4km not counting the walk home and it felt really hard- I was sweating so much because it is quite mild. I did some good stretches and I have to say that I am really not sore after Puffing Billy- I think I tried my guts out but why don't my muscles hurt?? I have been wearing my skins to bed and then taking them off when it gets too hot in the night- maybe they are the wonder pant that everyone says?
I feel quite good- not sure about the Sri Chinmoy HM on the 27th yet but I will keep an eye on the weather for that one.

My name is Dorfus Pottyd**dle

Recovering today- though my legs aren't sore and even my ankle is feeling good. I am planning on the 600m sprints again tomorrow morning- I was thinking I had nowhere to do them with Bella in tow and then I realised that the park where I walk every day with Bella has a track that I have mapped out to be 630 metres!

Below is something I received in an email and it amused the whole office for about an hour:


We all need a little stress-reliever! This only takes a minute.Sometimes when you have a stressful day or week, you need some silliness to break up the day. If we are honest, we have a lot more stressful days than not.Here is your dose of humor...The following is excerpted from a children's book, CaptainUnderpants And the Perilous Plot Professor Poopypants, by DavePilkey, in which the evil Professor forces everyone to assume new names...
So:-1. Use the third letter of your first name to determine your New first name:
A = snickle
B = doombah
C = goober
D = cheesey
E = crusty
F = greasy
G = dumbo
H = farcus
I = Dorky
J = doofus
K = funky
L = boobie
M = sleezy
N = Sloopy
O = fluffy
P = stinky
Q = slimy
R = dorfus
S = snooty
T = tootsie
U = dipsy
V = sneezy
W = liver
X = skippy
Y = dinky
Z = zippy

2. Use the second letter of your last name to determine the firsthalf of your new last name:
A = dippin
B = feather
C = batty
D = burger
E = chicken
F = barffy
G = lizard
H = w affle
I = farkle
J = monkey
K = flippin
L = fricken
M = bubble
N = rhino
O = potty
P = hamster
Q = buckle
R = gizzard
S = lickin
T = snickle
U = chuckle
V = pickle
W = Hubble
X = dingle
Y = gorilla
Z = girdle

3. Use the third letter of your last name to determine the second half of your new last name:
A = butt
B = boob
C = face
D = nose
E = hump
F = breath
G = pants
H = shorts
I = lips
J = honker
K = head
L = tush
M = chunks
N = dunkin
O = brains
P = biscuits
Q = toes
R = doodle
S = fanny
T = sniffer
U = sprinkles
V = frack
W = squirt
X = humperdinck
Y = hiney
Z = juice

Thus, for example, George W. Bush's new name is: FluffyChucklefanny.

Beaten by a train

I was actually beaten by two trains and a lot of people- but it was such a fun day and I am absolutely exhausted

I got up too early and took Bella for her walk before getting ready and heading to Ringwood Train Station. I had a little sara-time in the car, trying to relax, maybe sleep because I was very early. Then I got the train to Belgrave- though before we left a woman who appeared to be a little rough, shabbily dressed and lacking in a little hygiene boarded the train and said "Has anyone got a spare ciggie?? Spare ciggie for me anyone??"- if she had looked a little closer she would have noticed that everyone was wearing a tracksuit and looking a little fitter than your average smoker!

I got to the start area, one trip to the portaloo, got rid of my bag and extra clothing then joined the loo queue again- with Chilliman for company (in the queue, not the loo). I headed off to the start- bumping into Beki, Deege and Blackbox. Gotta love the National Anthem- followed by the start then... Chariots of Fire theme over the PA system causing much laughter.
It was downhill for ages and all that did was make me nervous, to re-arrange Newton's Law- what goes down must go up.
Sure enough it was heading up and up very soon- one hill that took us to nearly half way seemed to go on forever, I hated every second of it.

The locals had all walked to the bottom of their driveways to see us run by but they must have been tired of clapping and shouting encouragement by the time I puffed past because they were just standing there looking solemn at us. Every now and again someone would shout a bit of encouragment but mainly it was odd stares.

Eventually it went down again and finally we were nearly there- the last little bit was just through the park and it was very steep downhill- I said that I preferred the uphill to the people around me but we all knew I was lying.

I managed to make it the finish line in 83:xx I think- averaged 84% with a max heart rate of 92%. My pace was about 6:15 min/km which I was happy about especially considering the hills where I was shuffling along at 7:20 min/km.

I found the ausrun cheer squad- thanks guys and headed to the tavern with Jo to catch up with everyone. Two beers and an enormous plate of wedges later and I was ready for bed. Jo kindly drove me back to my car and I tried to stay awake long enough to get home. I fought off taking a nanna nap for about 45 seconds when I got home- had a kip for an hour and am about to go out for dinner. I might be a very boring dinner companion tonight.

Still Tapering

The first photo is quite obviously the train race number and the second photo is for deege
I have been tapering for the run on Sunday so I have done little or nothing for the past two days- unless you count walking naughty naughty Bella. The day that I ran 8km with Bella she still had enough energy to start excavating the lawn and then followed it up the next day with about 8 more holes. I have told her that the next hole she digs I will bury her in it.
Not sure whether tapering is going to do anything for me this time- my legs are going to get the fright of their life when I hit those hills. The aim of the game will be to run hard where I can and to tiptoe like a little princess when the terrain gets rough- I am more frightened of rolling my ankle again than I am of the hills.
I haven't been on the net very much lately because I am actually working during the days now while I am at work, and someone who I live with has been looking at certain websites and used up all the downloads for the month so we are now as slow as dial up- grrrrrrrrrr (for both reasons)
Good luck to everyone doing the run and here is hoping I am still injury free this time tomorrow!

Two laps of tan with Bella

Took Bella with me for a run around the Tan this morning so the pace was pretty slow- but she is getting better and doesn't have to sniff everything and everyone as much as she did. She is pretty happy just running along beside me unless there is another dog in the vicinity and then she likes to try to pull my arm out of it's socket.
I did two laps plus the little bit up to the monument that hopefully makes it up to 4km for each lap. My heart rate was pretty constant at 74% though obviously it was a lot higher up Anderson Street. Though for some reason I didn't struggle up Anderson Street - maybe because I was concentrating on Bella or something else- I am still very frightened by the hills on Sunday.
Bella took the opportunity for a bath when I stopped at the start of the Tan so she could have a drink out of the trough there (for some reason there is nowhere else for her to drink) and she jumped into the trough and lay down. I think she has been overheating a bit recently because she lies down in puddles at the park all the time so she ends up all nice and muddy. Does wonders for her coat because she is always so shiny! Maybe it is all that cheap supermarket food that I give her.

5km on treadmill

I took it easy this morning- short jog with Bella around the park then drove to the gym. I had a little run on the treadmill- just half an hour using the plan that I read in Runners World- I did four efforts 600m @ 3km pace with a 3min recovery in the middle, because I didn't know what 3km pace was I just set the treadmill on 11.5km/hr and tried to keep that up. I was just able to keep that pace up without really pushing myself. My back felt a lot better so I didn't mind a little run.
I am going to try to head to pilates during the week as well.
It is nearly two weeks until I head to Perth for a week and I can't wait- I spoke to Harry on the phone last night and he said that we are going fishing when I visit. Last time we went fishing I was a bit unwell because it was quite rough out on the boat and then in the middle of the night I felt sea sick again but it turned out to be hideous gastro that was making the room rock and roll. I don't need that again.