tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34622487273678620582024-03-13T13:55:45.114-07:00K8 loves to runK8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-54645819913246394632017-02-19T15:56:00.005-08:002017-02-19T16:08:09.570-08:00Wellington Round the Bays, 10km<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finally today, I ran my first 10km since my injury in April last year (10 months ago!) and it was awesome!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wellington Round the Bays is not an event I had considered before, mainly because of the distance from home, but as I was asked to be an ambassador for the #StepItUpNZ campaign which came with two free entries to the event, it was an easy decision! (Who doesn't love a freebie?!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I trained carefully for this event - being aware that overtraining could set me back, I stuck to two or three runs a week, with cross training, and only did two longer runs of 8km and 9km each. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hubby would be my "plus one" for the event, and it would be our first fun run together. I kept telling him he could go on his own, (he is much faster than me!) but he insisted on running it with me (how sweet!).</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The obligatory flat runner post for instagram!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All week the forecast had been for rain or showers. I definitely avoid running in the rain whenever I can, so I wasn't sure how I'd cope with a 10km in the rain. Thankfully, the conditions were overcast and still (no wind in Wellington?), the harbour was just beautiful and flat.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On our walk from the car to the start line</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After the warm-up and race briefing, we were off! </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I usually run with music, so it was kind of strange only hearing the huffing and puffing and foot slapping of the other runners around me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hubby was wearing the Garmin, so I couldn't see what pace we were doing. It was kind of refreshing to just run by effort rather than numbers. He just kept updating me after every kilometre with "you're doing well". I didn't really know what that meant, but he knew I wanted to go under 60 minutes so I assumed we were at least going to meet that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The crowd thinned a little around the 5km mark as we passed people (and other people passed us too!). It was at this point I muttered the words "I'm feeling it!" but hubby either didn't hear it, or ignored it (actually a good move on his part!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The final 3.5km of the race was a small out and back section, where you got to see the half marathoners and the 10km leaders on their way back in (some seriously fast guys and girls!). I was so relieved to see the turn around marker that I think I said "yay!" out loud.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With one kilometre to go, my husband asked "How much have you got left" meaning: "Start running hard now!" I picked up the pace a little but it wasn't until about 200m to go when I could see the finish line that I gave it my absolute all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I approached the line telling myself not to grimace, (because race photos!) but I'm pretty sure I was grimacing! I crossed the line with nothing left in the tank, and a new PB of 56:26!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Official results. Pretty stoked to be in the front half of the field for once!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After the race. Still smiling!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After the race I got to catch up with some old friends and meet a lot of runners from the Instagram runners commmunity. So awesome to meet these people in real life!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hubby and I bought a medal each ($5! Why wouldn't you?). Nice one, Cigna.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQFtyjDgms1-dLX7rZuupimCStDY3zXkm1tP3wz751tsuy7YgCz1dWGQaFRB9YfuXmG0BJJxMMw7j0w-NdrHjD2B4snxb3xgGUVdgBLzfcWBPygo1x-MqZngoUcQaxgeM4ITHU3STiO4/s640/blogger-image-684496863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQFtyjDgms1-dLX7rZuupimCStDY3zXkm1tP3wz751tsuy7YgCz1dWGQaFRB9YfuXmG0BJJxMMw7j0w-NdrHjD2B4snxb3xgGUVdgBLzfcWBPygo1x-MqZngoUcQaxgeM4ITHU3STiO4/s640/blogger-image-684496863.jpg" width="513" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall it was a well run event, I'd love to go back next year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what's next? I'm signed up for the <a href="http://www.greatestvirtualrun.co.nz/">Greatest Virtual Run</a> virtual run in April (I'll do the 10km) and I'm keen to pop down to <a href="http://www.greatforest.org.nz/">Great Forest Events</a> at Waitarere Beach for the 10km there (8th April). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As for the rest of the year, who knows? I'll keep building my running base and see what happens from there.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQFtyjDgms1-dLX7rZuupimCStDY3zXkm1tP3wz751tsuy7YgCz1dWGQaFRB9YfuXmG0BJJxMMw7j0w-NdrHjD2B4snxb3xgGUVdgBLzfcWBPygo1x-MqZngoUcQaxgeM4ITHU3STiO4/s640/blogger-image-684496863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQFtyjDgms1-dLX7rZuupimCStDY3zXkm1tP3wz751tsuy7YgCz1dWGQaFRB9YfuXmG0BJJxMMw7j0w-NdrHjD2B4snxb3xgGUVdgBLzfcWBPygo1x-MqZngoUcQaxgeM4ITHU3STiO4/s640/blogger-image-684496863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQFtyjDgms1-dLX7rZuupimCStDY3zXkm1tP3wz751tsuy7YgCz1dWGQaFRB9YfuXmG0BJJxMMw7j0w-NdrHjD2B4snxb3xgGUVdgBLzfcWBPygo1x-MqZngoUcQaxgeM4ITHU3STiO4/s640/blogger-image-684496863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQFtyjDgms1-dLX7rZuupimCStDY3zXkm1tP3wz751tsuy7YgCz1dWGQaFRB9YfuXmG0BJJxMMw7j0w-NdrHjD2B4snxb3xgGUVdgBLzfcWBPygo1x-MqZngoUcQaxgeM4ITHU3STiO4/s640/blogger-image-684496863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQFtyjDgms1-dLX7rZuupimCStDY3zXkm1tP3wz751tsuy7YgCz1dWGQaFRB9YfuXmG0BJJxMMw7j0w-NdrHjD2B4snxb3xgGUVdgBLzfcWBPygo1x-MqZngoUcQaxgeM4ITHU3STiO4/s640/blogger-image-684496863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQFtyjDgms1-dLX7rZuupimCStDY3zXkm1tP3wz751tsuy7YgCz1dWGQaFRB9YfuXmG0BJJxMMw7j0w-NdrHjD2B4snxb3xgGUVdgBLzfcWBPygo1x-MqZngoUcQaxgeM4ITHU3STiO4/s640/blogger-image-684496863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQFtyjDgms1-dLX7rZuupimCStDY3zXkm1tP3wz751tsuy7YgCz1dWGQaFRB9YfuXmG0BJJxMMw7j0w-NdrHjD2B4snxb3xgGUVdgBLzfcWBPygo1x-MqZngoUcQaxgeM4ITHU3STiO4/s640/blogger-image-684496863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-47449568255442672772016-11-06T17:05:00.003-08:002016-11-06T17:05:42.022-08:00My first 5km 'race'<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Months ago I would have scoffed at the idea of entering a 5km event, when this distance was pretty much an 'everyday, easy' distance. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, months off from running certainly gives you a bit of perspective, and I was excited to enter the 5km portion of the Feilding marathon event this past weekend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My friend Sonia was running her 7th half marathon there so it was a good excuse to catch up with her and support her too!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wiHiqP_a8ngbSx-VRjAyud9IW15v_4mhW8CjIEpH9QVGyAMr-OqXfqhNlbo86sHuyW_QE7bz0JxE4S4rrL8_qefOm1KqOtPZSDiRPr7w6Eue-T8CfHlGNyX0JauRLlGcYZB4XEOjqiQ/s640/blogger-image-1619841680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wiHiqP_a8ngbSx-VRjAyud9IW15v_4mhW8CjIEpH9QVGyAMr-OqXfqhNlbo86sHuyW_QE7bz0JxE4S4rrL8_qefOm1KqOtPZSDiRPr7w6Eue-T8CfHlGNyX0JauRLlGcYZB4XEOjqiQ/s640/blogger-image-1619841680.jpg" width="513" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me and Sonia a little while before she started her race</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd only just gotten up to the 5 kilometre distance, so the plan was to just have fun and finish with a smile. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was wary of starting out too fast and possibly injuring myself, so I had a pacing plan for the day: Start off at 6 min for the first kilometre, then try and run each subsequent kilometre 10 seconds faster.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a pretty small field for the 5km. The gun went off, and so did all the wee kids and teenagers. I settled into a nice rhythm near the rear, across the grass (about 100m) then up the short sharp hill for the first long straight. It was a fairly mean headwind, with a little drizzle, but altogether not too bad. A couple of road crossings, a few sweeping corners with nasty camber, then I was at the turn around point already! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second half was awesome, with a net downhill (gradual) and tailwind. I started picking off runners as I went, which is always fun. Just another reason to plan negative splits for a 'race'! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had the watch set to show 'average pace' as a feedback to see how I was going. It was dropping gradually as I ran which was encouraging.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finishing on the grass was hard work but I tried to put a bit of a sprint on to finish strong. 28:11 on my watch and I was thrilled. Faster than I was expecting and a new record for Terry's watch:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxG8-maPMfwImkIdPdEq_VBBYn1cOQ33O5Fiujh8Drx_I3NnC34Qa3zyScJh3vlS2ceog0jmNOsOFOyUG9ffDiZWXjWcvi3XPHeLG4_od-n201yDMwitZn3oXlOeruC8mVPJvbG0t3BQ/s640/blogger-image--1142601947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxG8-maPMfwImkIdPdEq_VBBYn1cOQ33O5Fiujh8Drx_I3NnC34Qa3zyScJh3vlS2ceog0jmNOsOFOyUG9ffDiZWXjWcvi3XPHeLG4_od-n201yDMwitZn3oXlOeruC8mVPJvbG0t3BQ/s640/blogger-image--1142601947.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hubby's watch is awesome! He hasn't been able to use it yet, so I have the records on it!</span></td></tr>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I connected the watch data to my phone to look at my splits, and was extremely happy to see that I'd achieved what I'd set out to do:</span><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VA2hss5kuVH4EFtDoDPIgBxSraZLPUnclIT-TXXFy1bYHJVK25ayiIumklLdzKnXwJphTOji6Uc3qw_hI4kqyJkTaO1sy4tTLC7vDCI9-kvizLoUBK8Sa6rPADQzd_MOjUnia08O6XI/s640/blogger-image--1997611089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VA2hss5kuVH4EFtDoDPIgBxSraZLPUnclIT-TXXFy1bYHJVK25ayiIumklLdzKnXwJphTOji6Uc3qw_hI4kqyJkTaO1sy4tTLC7vDCI9-kvizLoUBK8Sa6rPADQzd_MOjUnia08O6XI/s640/blogger-image--1997611089.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nailed it!<br /></span></td></tr>
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<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A quick drink and photo at the finish, then it was time to go and meet my family at McDonalds for a coffee and something to eat. Hubby and the big boys went off to the Steam Rail open day, and I took Mr 2 back to the park to watch Sonia finish her race. So proud to see her finish strong, 7 half marathons is pretty amazing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All in all, it was a great day out, and I was on a bit of a high for the rest of the day afterwards. Can't wait to work torwards the next event, probably a 10km.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So excited to be back!</span></td></tr>
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K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-10710483457056377632016-10-24T18:06:00.001-07:002016-10-24T18:07:13.755-07:00I'm a runner again!<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm back to running again. Only once or twice a week; but I'm running again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The physio gave me the all clear to begin again, at the end of August, with the following guidelines:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- Easy running</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- on grass/dirt whereever possible</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- slow build - about 10% increase per week</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I took these instructions very seriously, starting with a 5 minute run on 31 of August. It felt so weird! So incredibly jarring and uncomfortable after months of very low impact fitness training. I could have easily kept going at the 5 minute mark - thankful to have maintained some fitness over the injury period! - but I was a good girl and stopped.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vWoUmSe5Sd6ZaJok6rqYTwdTFgSMVyVWLfjhR5VDC2Or3rE_XmvTaG3XWCtLiyPOy40kUlccCNquF2Qz1My3yORuBeNpRhriwhe9YGwpx1P8kNLVsxjgWGrRWw0GTRrBumwb-cbZpWc/s640/blogger-image--67844178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vWoUmSe5Sd6ZaJok6rqYTwdTFgSMVyVWLfjhR5VDC2Or3rE_XmvTaG3XWCtLiyPOy40kUlccCNquF2Qz1My3yORuBeNpRhriwhe9YGwpx1P8kNLVsxjgWGrRWw0GTRrBumwb-cbZpWc/s640/blogger-image--67844178.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My first run was along the top of this stopbank and back. Such a beautiful evening!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next few days I felt really sore, around the front of my hips and groin. However it wasn't the same pain that I'd felt when I first had the bone bruise. It felt much more like a muscular pain, which I figured was probably because running is NOT the same as a cross trainer where the movement is always in exactly the same plane of motion. I gave myself a good few days for everything to settle down again then went for another run. Afterwards my muscles were sore again but not NEARLY as sore as the first time - very encouraging.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next few runs I spent doing laps around a school field. Boring, but at least I knew I could run on the grass. It was such a milestone reaching 10 minutes!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnh_iLB_ObnSYBvYqzILPCijYOkxmzQ6j_G9ZNURhBkn5MuMlIRMTGeQHgW1LqRaxbbtcEr2IjQzc64P3hHXwYuOVwySX2ERtrLDrgcEkgBp9-bjvhATfN-tR9YwSiHLRrTyq-gTTnK8/s640/blogger-image--1863781779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnh_iLB_ObnSYBvYqzILPCijYOkxmzQ6j_G9ZNURhBkn5MuMlIRMTGeQHgW1LqRaxbbtcEr2IjQzc64P3hHXwYuOVwySX2ERtrLDrgcEkgBp9-bjvhATfN-tR9YwSiHLRrTyq-gTTnK8/s640/blogger-image--1863781779.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm not sure my gifting is in running selfies!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We went to New Plymouth for a little holiday in early October and whilst there I managed to get out for a couple of beautiful runs - one 15 minute run around a walking path with my hubby, and a 3km run along a stream on my own. Just beautiful!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SG0yiknRExkVqnDL6u-EYRIvaAr7weIoluBquK_HR1NjgFPKoYT18IpKk8XSEelJvp34N3h3JiLFiVN37wRT4PFcnS8O6ijgD8bGxtrQ44ieocZlv7oaSmKaSjcKWn8mkFxoUFzD_bs/s640/blogger-image-403159672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SG0yiknRExkVqnDL6u-EYRIvaAr7weIoluBquK_HR1NjgFPKoYT18IpKk8XSEelJvp34N3h3JiLFiVN37wRT4PFcnS8O6ijgD8bGxtrQ44ieocZlv7oaSmKaSjcKWn8mkFxoUFzD_bs/s640/blogger-image-403159672.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#runhappy in New Plymouth</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwx9DR7jbmB8MFN9Zqg6Xady9R-qlFIh2r7ZURVO_GloQaPYDBvGeyevBqP1GOqeSi2VIKrWpWB0G2XiwnNbm_5gaBeGXT1Pmj7TuUC5w9tx975eAq9A029k9liEK8dwDVpUcWG8mVXY/s640/blogger-image-613541960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwx9DR7jbmB8MFN9Zqg6Xady9R-qlFIh2r7ZURVO_GloQaPYDBvGeyevBqP1GOqeSi2VIKrWpWB0G2XiwnNbm_5gaBeGXT1Pmj7TuUC5w9tx975eAq9A029k9liEK8dwDVpUcWG8mVXY/s640/blogger-image-613541960.jpg" width="526" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of my favourite runs. It was so peaceful and quiet along this stream. Good for the soul.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's now 25th of October, and yesterday I finally reached that next milestone of 30 minutes continuous running. I ran in my favourite place, along the river, taking the off-road options wherever possible, as I'm still trying to stay off the hard concrete/asphalt as much as I can.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yesterday's run along the river. I should have kept going to 5km!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My next goal is 5km, (which perhaps I should have done yesterday as I was so close!). There's a local event in two weeks time that I'm thinking about entering. At the height of my running I would have scoffed at paying money to enter a 5k event!! But perspective is everything isn't it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I still plan to stay with the gym for at least the next wee while - I'll keep cross training with the bike and/or the cross trainer, and aim to run only twice a week for now. But I'm very happy with how everything is feeling! </span><br />
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K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-66559002888203626852016-05-17T16:37:00.003-07:002016-05-17T16:39:09.664-07:00Runner not Running<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's probably time for an update on where I'm at. A lot has happened since I posted last. Not a lot of running though. It's been nearly four weeks since my last run. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Six days after the half marathon I started experiencing pain both on the outside of my hip, and on the inside (let's all it the groin crease). The pains were not constant but certain movements would set off either side, with sudden stabbing pains that often times had me either pause in my movement, gasp, or even yell. After a long weekend out of town, hobbling around like an old lady and popping pain relief like nobody's business, I made an appointment to see my sports medicine specialist (the same one I'd been seeing for my numb foot). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Upon examination, he performed a hip quadrant test on both sides and we were both surprised by my reaction when he twisted my left hip inwards (I nearly leapt off the table!). I was sent off for an X-Ray to see if there was anything visible there causing the pain. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A couple of days later, I was met with the words 'cam deformity' (this is basically a spur or lump on the ball of the ball-and-socket hip joint. It can mean that there can be inpingement or pinching if it can't move freely) and 'arthritis'. The radiographer reported on both of these but the specialist wasn't convinced they were significant on the films. The next thing to worry about though was any damage to the hip joint cartilage wise. So I was referred for an MRI. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was pretty freaked out at this point. I mean, I love running. I never expected to be deformed!! I guess it's always been this way? Why hasn't it been a problem until now? Let alone the actual MRI procedure. I've only ever seen this in movies. It looked a bit claustrophobic and scary. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Less than a week later I was lying on a gurney being slowly inserted into a tunnel. I'm really thankful how quickly I got an appointment. I'm thankful for a great specialist and a great healthcare system!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The MRI was very noisy, even with earmuffs on. I entertained myself by listening to the noises as a rhythm or even as words. I spent time praying for or thinking of others. It was a great trick because had I been focusing on myself, the anxiety would have taken hold. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Half an hour passed quickly, check out my tired but happy face afterward. We had the rest of the weekend child free (thanks mum and dad!) which was totally awesome, we really needed it. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My MRI was at 7am on a Saturday. There's no filter that can disguise tired eyes and messy hair!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The following week I was met with "the good news is, there's no arthritis and no labral tears present" (yay!!) "but there's bruising on your bone". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's somewhat puzzling as this is usually an impact injury (like a bruise to the skin) but I simply cannot think of any injury that may have caused this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, obviously running is out for a bit, while it heals. I've no idea how long this will take. I'm allowed to exercise with pain as my guide, which is good. Thankfully I'm not required to be on crutches or anything as there's no way you could do that as a mum of three!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've joined up with one of the local gyms. Great timing as they had a no admin fee and 2 week free special running the day I popped in. I've so far tried out the stationary bike (no good, so sore the next day), cross trainer and treadmill for walking. There's yoga and boxing classes that I'll try out too, for something different. And of course I'll swim once or twice a week as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm getting better at being kind to myself, letting a lot of fitness go, resting when I'm in pain, trying not to worry about the future. The exercise aspect for me is mostly to give me an outlet for my stress and anxiety now. It's true for me at least - physical activity really helps with mental health. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I should have more of an idea next week when I see my physio as to how long things may take to heal. In my head I'm thinking months, because is I'd rather be over prepared for a long layoff. So I'm thinking of a quiet winter fitness wise, focusing on healing and strength. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the meantime, I'm seeing the positives of being a gym bunny. No worries about the weather with winter on our doorstep. No worries about running in the dark. Cool classes and different equipment to try out. And an opportunity to use all the weights equipment too! (I had a program made for me by a Personal Trainer this week. Yeouch is all I can say on Day 3!). Last but not least, it's an excuse to wear these cool pink tights I bought when indulging in a little retail therapy!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because everyone knows if you don't 'gram it, it didn't happen! (haha)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, watch this space. I'll update it with news and progress as time goes on. Hopefully I'll be back to running by the time Spring hits!</span></div>
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K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-68405464462018605962016-04-17T19:45:00.003-07:002016-04-17T19:45:50.310-07:00My fastest 5km!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As part of the running course I am doing, we took part in a 5km time trial at the athletics track.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had less than a week's notice, and it was going to be 2 days after I had run the Great Forest half marathon, so I went into it not really expecting too much. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My PB over 5km was from last year, 26:13. The fastest I had recorded a 5km this year was 27:30 (as part of an interval run, not a straight out time trial). I thought I was capable of somewhere between these two times. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can imagine my surprise and excitement to see under 26 minutes! 25:32 to be precise! (Note the app recorded 5.18km, so the average pace looks far more complimentary sub 5:00min/km! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwt74RodXfinRMFn5qTExbzMH38H4uyE27ubDeTRQ3ClOwORuI0oSiAK62bfLq_OrNWfxJS5uRjv0S4uphWCEkOU5qcl_7I4Uu4KOZgufA1MybInzdzkHdXnJpY_ByNI9KNJQR-PNF4Zw/s640/blogger-image-90352264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwt74RodXfinRMFn5qTExbzMH38H4uyE27ubDeTRQ3ClOwORuI0oSiAK62bfLq_OrNWfxJS5uRjv0S4uphWCEkOU5qcl_7I4Uu4KOZgufA1MybInzdzkHdXnJpY_ByNI9KNJQR-PNF4Zw/s640/blogger-image-90352264.jpg" width="517" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our group was split into two - with one person running and the other person recording the number of laps run (12.5). I wanted to record it on my phone so I could look at my splits later, so I went ahead and tracked it in runtastic. (Lucky I did! My partner tried to tell me I still had two laps when I was finished!!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I lined up with about ten others, and we all took off. There's a few really speedy runners so I watched them speed ahead. I checked my phone after the first lap and saw I'd run a 4:40 lap - tried to slow it down a bit so I'd have something left at the end!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Half way through I wondered if I was going to make it - boredom was beginning to set in, but I knew i would be annoyed with myself if I gave up, so I just kept pushing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can see from the splits, I positive split like a champ 😂 but not too drastically. Not sure about that pace of the last 0.2km, suspect that was a GPS thing as the last section of every run I do always over reads :-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's quite nice running on the track. It's a great surface with a lot of grip. And it's all level, so no worries about tripping on anything (apart from the inside rail!) or watching for cars. Plus, it makes for a super cute ring map:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I lapped a few people once or twice. I got lapped by a couple of people, once or twice. Everyone gave it their all out there, which was awesome. Such a varied group of individuals, with different abilities, but everyone was so supportive and encouraging of each other. Loved it. </span></div>
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<br />K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-91466573770195350332016-04-10T01:18:00.002-07:002016-04-10T01:18:48.050-07:00Half Marathon #2<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, another day, another half marathon done. Below is my race recap for yesterday's Great Forest Events half marathon, April 9 2016.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I caught a ride down with Sonia and her husband. I hadn't been there before and I liked the idea of having someone to drive me home after a tiring run. We arrived with 90 minutes to spare, so it was a nice relaxing time at registration, wandering around, and a few toilet breaks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just before 9am we were walked out to the start area. Time for a quick selfie before it all began! Then I headed back about 20-30 metres in the pack: a) because I didn't want to get caught up with the faster runners and b) I didn't want to get stressed out trying to keep up with Sonia (as it happened, I didn't see her the whole race!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I started off with a grin, and quickly settled into the work. The first 10km felt great, and I was running well. I knew it was probably a bit too fast, but my legs felt so good that I kind of went with it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I ran without my camelbak, but I'd studied the course map and knew that the water stations were approximately 3km apart. So I had a bliss ball around the 8km mark then grabbed a quick drink at the next aid station to wash it down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the 10km marker I checked my phone and I'd passed it in about 58:30. I was feeling quite good at this point. On track for a PB!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sadly, somewhere around the 11-12km mark, my mood started to decline and I started focusing too much on how far there was to go. I really wanted to give up and walk, but I knew that I would be annoyed at myself if I did. So I kept plodding along. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However in kilometre 17 of the race I gave in and had a walk break. We'd run in some exposed areas and the sun was getting to me. It was around this point that the conditions under foot changed back to gravel - a little slippery and a few larger rocks to avoid. Not long - about 20 seconds. Long enough to get on top of my breathing, then start running again. I had three more of these between 17-20km, the last one was the longest at about a minute of walking. Then I knew I had to run the last kilometre and a bit to the finish. I raced up the last rise and down towards the finishing chute - I could see Sonia waving and hear her cheering (thanks Sonia! It was awesome!) and finally I was done. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Crossing the finish line. Bit blurry, but the joy on my face is pretty clear.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hubby and my youngest son travelled down to see me finish. They were there in time but sadly he missed me! He was looking for a bright pink top (because that's what I often wear on training). Still, when I finally tracked him down (tricky with no cell reception on site!) I gave him a big hug.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Official finishing time was 2:10:10. So, between my A and B goals of 2:05 and 2:15 respectively (the C goal was to finish). So I have to be happy with that, though I can't help but feel I could have done better on the day! Still, I will chalk that up to experience - I now have 2 half marathons under my belt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've copied and pasted my kilometre splits below. It's quite clear that the first 10km were much faster than the second 'half'. Average of 5:48 for 10km which is not too far off my PB (from last year) for that distance. So, definitely faster than I should have been going!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The major lesson I will take from this race is to really try to ease into the first half, and not get caught up in prospective finishing times too early in the race.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the next half marathon I'm also going to </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a) run with my camelbak. I think frequent small sips is less taxing than grabbing a water cup and trying to drink it in a hurry (and feeling compelled to drink half a cup when I wouldn't normally.. just because it's there!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">b) just run with my music. I got really grossed out by hearing other people breathing behind me, LOL. Also there were some bags with annoying knocking or jingling sounds. (Clearly I was not in a great mood yesterday!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Still, with all that, I ran a half marathon yesterday. I am extremely proud of myself and the best thing is, I want to do it again!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sonia and I showing off our race bling</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Smiling and happy after a coffee, some bacon, and a chocolate milk..</span></td></tr>
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K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-929744458708461862016-04-05T18:44:00.001-07:002016-04-05T20:07:19.726-07:00#flatrunnerA bit run-nerd, but here's my flat runner photo.. What I'll be wearing for the half this weekend. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfQT4N_jF9mLIthb3hvoiVLpBGKDLdphhiBchomZZcwX3UL9w8gRQaBso5MtkWQQgGImvCaMh-h-a6NAFVF05gDIySmk3fNaRxYSNVU3X5FNDhK3PB6z27WKPDCiTqtVNN3nVj7IAbnM/s640/blogger-image-278993172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfQT4N_jF9mLIthb3hvoiVLpBGKDLdphhiBchomZZcwX3UL9w8gRQaBso5MtkWQQgGImvCaMh-h-a6NAFVF05gDIySmk3fNaRxYSNVU3X5FNDhK3PB6z27WKPDCiTqtVNN3nVj7IAbnM/s640/blogger-image-278993172.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Forecast is for 19-20 deg (though it won't be this warm when we start running at 9am). Conditions should be perfect. </div><div><br></div><div>My new Running bare tank (from trademe), marmot run skirt, spibelt for my bliss balls, and a cap to keep hair under control (and also because I feel naked without it!). </div><div><br></div><div>Still undecided about the camelbak, I've trained with it so I am used to it, and it will save me having to pull off to water stations, but I do love the idea of getting to run without it! I'll likely decide on the day. </div><div><br></div><div>As it's an off road half marathon, my new shoes will probably get all mucky but I think this will be better than the lesser grip and cushi-ness of my old shoes.. I'll take both with me in the car in case I change my mind though. </div></div>K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-78488746291828433672016-03-31T15:14:00.002-07:002016-03-31T15:14:18.822-07:00Progress report, March<div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recapping goals for March:</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) Tick off every training run in my plan (3 runs per week) </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Continue with strength training twice a week</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Hit 100km for the month</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) Do another 5km 'proper' time trial</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) 100%! Very pleased about this. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) mostly, because we ran a few trails and hills, I skipped a couple of sessions because I figured my legs/glutes didn't need more overloading! </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) achieved: 113km this month. Biggest monthly total since July 2015. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) I didn't do this one. Towards the end of the month I knew my body was getting tired, and I didn't want to overload it with any unnecessary stress before the half marathon. I'll get one in by the end of April. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other highlights:</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- The Gorge run with Sonia. Loved it. It was by far the hardest run I've ever done, but the most rewarding. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- completing the most daunting of the interval sessions: 5x 5 min threshold with 1 min recovery. I ran these hard, and walked in between. It was tough, but a good exercise in mental strength. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- my fastest 20km ever - 1:58:03 (5:54min/km pace). This was the best training run, we headed out with no expectations but to just run for 2 hours and see how far we got. We blitzed it! I'm hoping for some of these vibes for 'race day' 😉</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- A unplanned tempo run (I was feeling great so revised the goal for the session), where I ran 8km at an average of 5:32. I've never run this mid distance this fast before!! </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- slogging through our 2 hour very hilly trail run, despite feeling heavy and tired that day. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did have a couple of less than amazing runs, but we are going to chalk them up to experience and focus on the good ones instead 👍🏻</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wow! It's been a busy month, looking back! </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next up, April's goals. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) Complete my second half marathon on 9 April. It will also be my first off-road half marathon. I have decided to take the pressure off myself and instead of setting a time goal (I've no idea how much slower I will be anyway) - my goal will be to run happy and strong; do my best, and get to the end feeling like I've given it my all. </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really like this pic, and the quote; "run with your heart, not your legs". When my legs get tired on race day, I'll think of this image and remember how much I love to run! </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Take at least one full week off after the half, to give my body a break. Maybe even two weeks. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Run a 5km time trial by the end of the month. </span></div>
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K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-38494442982485689302016-03-21T17:18:00.002-07:002016-03-21T17:18:22.860-07:00It's taper time!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hooray! I've made it through the peak of the training and now it's time to taper before the race, three weeks away. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everything's gone pretty well really. The first few weeks of the 12 week plan were a bit hit and miss due to illness, but I've managed to hit pretty much every training run and goals since. I've surprised myself with speed I haven't seen before, especially over slightly longer distances. I've done more hills and trail work than I've ever done, and I'm sure that it has benefited me strength wise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Up this week: 40 min steady run, 45 min interval session (with 15 min tempo), 15km long run with Sonia (in which we'll run the last 5km at 'race pace').</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following week: 40 min steady, 30 min steady, 10km easy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then it's race week, with just a couple of 30 min easy runs and the race on the Saturday morning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bring it on!</span>K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-67532140813423740772016-03-05T12:18:00.001-08:002016-03-05T12:32:15.015-08:00The Birthday Challenge<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last year I celebrated my birthday with a running 'first' - first time running the river track from end to end. I thought I'd continue the tradition this year, with another challenge. This time: The Manawatu Gorge. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I knew Sonia was keen to do it too; and our birthdays are a month apart, so what better way than to celebrate together!</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We set off at 1.45 on a Saturday afternoon (tough time to run, most of my runs are evenings and some mornings, never straight after lunch!</span><br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All set to go!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a really tough first third. Straight up hill. You can see from the profile! We ran when we had the energy, and walked when we didn't. Everything in my legs was burning at this stage!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The elevation profile as taken from Runtastic (with a suspected GPS drop out near the end)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you smile, you can't feel the pain..</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Near the top it was much more enjoyable, a bit more level with only slight up and downhills. We both felt like we were flying after enduring the slow uphills!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An obligatory selfie near the top</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A welcome break for a photo! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Heading back down to the road was challenging too, in a different way. Trying to relax and go with the legs, without feeling like I was going to take off or slip over! I experienced some strange pains in my torso (front and back) that disappeared once we stopped with the worst of the downhill. Not sure what it was; perhaps it was my downhill posture? Or the jarring effect? Or a combination of both?</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then all of a sudden we were done! Back to the car and off to the cafe to enjoy a coffee.</span><br>
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K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-47018213999064727212016-02-29T17:20:00.002-08:002016-02-29T17:20:51.151-08:00New kicks!<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Picked up some new shoes today - The Brooks Adrenaline GTS16.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnJ9A1gfOrA_nCdOPmEj-rVvv1cvsmCE-MiTe9YItob9tts27k8FnzBKNJNXgHibJnUzLK0qu75XWQ2eqCk_LeGOpPbgnrVbdyGD-518NPrvLay2x-PNdeSfVESGXasGGHIUH7l0AzPA/s640/blogger-image--210414215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnJ9A1gfOrA_nCdOPmEj-rVvv1cvsmCE-MiTe9YItob9tts27k8FnzBKNJNXgHibJnUzLK0qu75XWQ2eqCk_LeGOpPbgnrVbdyGD-518NPrvLay2x-PNdeSfVESGXasGGHIUH7l0AzPA/s1600/blogger-image--210414215.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My current shoes are now 12 months old, and have covered 730km according to my calculations, so it's time to start their retirement program. I'm going to stay in them for the long runs, while I train for the half marathon next month, then after that I'll gradually phase in these pretty new purple ones as #1 shoes, with the old ones for trail and rainy runs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Can't wait to take them for a whirl!</span><br />
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<br />K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-23131383965885161882016-02-28T17:18:00.000-08:002016-02-28T19:44:48.808-08:00Progress Report, February 2016<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The month started off poorly in terms of my training plan - I succumbed to a bad head cold which meant I only clocked up 7km total in the first two weeks. However, as frustrating as it was, I knew the complete rest was needed so that I could recover properly. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I finished the month with a respectable 81km, 33km of which was run in the final week. Not bad! Still an improvement on January's total of 75km.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Highlights:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- The <a href="http://k8lovestorun.blogspot.co.nz/2016/02/trail-running.html">trail run</a> around Massey/Summerhill with Sonia. A casual, relaxed Saturday morning exploring some new territory. No focus on time. A few walk breaks and photo stops.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- Successfully completing my 18km long run over the weekend. My longest run for six months (since the half marathon, and injury). I felt strong, capable, and felt like I managed my water and fuel intake well. I've since officially entered the half marathon event that I've been training for!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- An interval run where I tested my 1km speed. It came in at 4:55 which I was ecstatic about! The overall time for the 5km workout was also the fastest I've done for a while: 27:28 (5:28 min/kim average pace). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Goals for March:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1) Tick off every training run in my plan (3 runs per week)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2) Continue with strength training twice a week</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3) Hit 100km for the month</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4) Do another 5km 'proper' time trial</span></div>
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K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-43219269458070250552016-02-16T19:27:00.003-08:002016-02-16T19:27:22.572-08:00Trail Running<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've always wanted to run the loop of trails nearby but have been too nervous to. My new running buddy was keen to explore them with me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We started around 8am on a sunny summer's morning. We both agreed we'd take our time and enjoy it, walk if we need to. After the first two or three sets of stairs we walked the rest to conserve energy. At the top, the view out to the ranges was stunning, well worth the quick break to take a couple of snaps.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Love this pic! Sonia heading towards the ranges.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And me, enjoying the early morning sunshine</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once we'd finished the trail section we added another 4km loop along the river, back around the lagoon to the car. We both found this the hardest part, feeling a little weary from the different terrain than we were used to! Still, we finished, 14.01km by Sonia's watch and 14.27km by my app.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Below is the GPS elevation for the 14km run.. so many ups and downs!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was one of those memorable runs, for the beautiful weather, different terrain, stunning scenery and fabulous company. Just one of those runs when you remember why you love running.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's always opportunities to act like a dork for the camera!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next day or two I really felt the run in my quads, hip flexors and hip stabiliser muscles. Such a good feeling though. It really made me realise how much I'm missing out on, on the flat. There's a lot to be gained by incorporating more hill work, and even stairs, into my training. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Already looking forward to the next trail run we can do!</span></div>
K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-70512661783590385402016-02-15T13:27:00.000-08:002016-02-15T13:27:37.073-08:00My very own Running Buddy!<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Up until now, I've always run alone (apart from the odd occasion where I've managed to run with hubby if the grandparents are around). Most of the time it's being ready to step out the door as soon as the other half gets home from work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's wonderful me-time for a stay at home mum. I usually crank the music up loud and work up a sweat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had listened to a podcast by Alison King (Run for your life podcast) about the new running bird app - a chance for all those who run alone, due to isolation or other circumstances, to once a month complete a virtual run with hundreds/thousands of others at the exact same time. The interviewee talked a lot about her training partner and the friendship they had; how they had both gotten through many difficult runs together which the other to pull them along. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It got me thinking. How neat it would be to have that kind of friendship. Not only that, but the accountability of having to meet someone once a week and actually complete what you say you will.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The only person I knew in this area, who runs the same sorts of distances I do, was Sonia. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We are both part of a running community called Team Run for your Life. I approached her and she was keen! Yay! We met that weekend for a 'get to know you run' and hit it off. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She lives about 20 minutes drive from here, so we'll take turns driving to the other's house on a Saturday/Sunday morning to do our long run together. We're both training for the same half marathon coming up in a couple of months, so we have the same goals. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think this will be a great running friendship. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our first 'runfie' together. Love it!</span></td></tr>
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K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-38240095604438975272016-02-15T01:13:00.000-08:002016-02-15T01:13:01.407-08:00Half Marathon #2, here we come!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Training for another half marathon is now underway! This event will be an off-road half marathon on forestry roads. It'll be quite different to my first, and I'm expecting it will take me quite a bit longer due to the conditions. But that's good - no pressure for a PR compared to my first!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The race date is April 9th, 8 weeks away. I had planned to use the same training plan as before, and begin 12 weeks out, but unfortunately I became quite unwell and had to take two weeks off from running to recover. So I'm a bit 'behind' as such but I'll wing it for now (but sticking to the same formula with a long run, hill run and interval session). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So far I've had a couple of long runs of 11km, and 14km, and the plan is to build slowly from there. It feels good to be running longer distances again. Watch this space for more training updates to come!</span>K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-19606966215477280162016-01-14T16:44:00.000-08:002016-01-14T16:44:07.680-08:00Happy New Year! <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, it's been two months since my last update. It was November, I was building my distances again after being given orthotics by the sports med specialist, and instructed to start again from scratch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've kept up with my running since then. Around 5km, two or three times a week. Not amazing, but definitely 'good-enough'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's been no change to the foot numbness. I have an appointment next week with an ultrasound technician who will look for any physical issues inside my foot, that may be compressing on that nerve. Failing that, I think the specialist might send me off for an MRI, but I'm hoping that's not required. At my last appointment, he seemed reassured that there's no structural issue with my foot (no stress fractures, for example) and I'm in no significant pain, so it's okay to keep running for now. I'm not sure what to hope for with the ultrasound. It would be good to have a reason why this is happening - but at the same time - if it's something that requires treatment, that'll be more set backs!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a family holiday up north in the New Year. I had the chance to explore around the area, check out a couple of nearby bays. It made running so much more fun! I realised how much of a rut I've been in, running the same streets all the time. Of course, since my distances have been relatively small, I've been limited to as to where I can go! I did a couple of 6km runs on holiday and surprised myself as to how good I felt, and how easy it was. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other day, I needed to drop something off at the local post office so I decided I'd drive there, park, and run from there, in order to get some different scenery. What an inspired decision. I just kept going and going, and before long I'd hit 8km, and decided I'd add a few extra blocks to make it up to 10km. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was so pleased, it seems like such a milestone to achieve, and I haven't run that far since the half marathon back in August.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm feeling more inspired and I'm keen to lock in a half marathon to start training for. Now that I know I can run 10km, I know I can train myself back up to 21! I'm going to wait for my test results though, before booking in any particular event.</span><br />
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<br />K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-79231894592924952802015-11-03T13:54:00.001-08:002015-11-03T13:54:09.621-08:00Such a great way to start the day..<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So far I've been really enjoying running in the morning. I've worked my way up to 3km at the moment and it's a nice easy distance, long enough to make you feel like you've been for a run, but not too long that you have to get up TOO early!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I find that I get home, feeling amazing, and get to greet my waking family and get on with the morning. It's so much nicer than being woken from sleep by them. It was a 6.20am alarm today which actually wasn't too hard to get up to :) Hopefully I can keep it up as the weather warms up for summer and then I won't have to worry about running in the worst of the heat. There were some 30 deg runs last summer which weren't too great.</span><br />
<br />K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-70042679956810960862015-10-19T00:20:00.000-07:002015-10-19T00:20:13.888-07:00Some new running kit & a plan of attack<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nope, no new shoes, running shorts or bright new cap. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just some orthotic insoles for my shoes. Just off the shelf ones for now, as a trial to see if this nerve problem is a biomechanical one. Potentially my foot movement on landing is causing something to impact on that nerve. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I've been instructed to start very short and light, and work my way up from there. It feels like I'm starting from scratch again but I'm trying to reassure myself that my body does know how to run, and if I can keep some cardio fitness by swimming in the meantime, hopefully it won't be too frustrating.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm wanting to make the most of this though, and try and turn myself into a morning runner. I do NOT get up earlier than I absolutely have to, but only ten minutes earlier to throw on shoes and run round the block for 1km? I could do that. If I really love it, maybe it'll be<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">come a habit and getting up at 6/6.30am won't seem so awful... This mama has been spoiled with very good sleeping children, and uses absolutely every minute of sleep in the mornings, usually!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've never exercised before eating though, so that'll take some getting used to. My morning hunger pangs are way less (and sometimes non-existent!) these days since 'turning LCHF'. I suspect the biggest obstacle will be my brain, but starting off with small distances to begin with and building slowly should work well. I'll be retraining my mind as well as my body!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Below is my rough plan I want to follow - running 3/4 times a week, increasing 'long run' by 0.5km each week but not increasing weekly total by more than 15%. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Week 1: 4 x 1.5km Total 6km</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Week 2: 1 x 2.5km, 2 x 2km - Total 6.5km</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Week 3: 1 x 3km, 1 x 2km, 2 x 1.5km - Total 8km</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Week 4: 1 x 3.5km, 1 x 3km, 1 x 2.5km - Total 9km</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Week 5: 1 x 4km, 2 x 3km - Total 10km </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Week 6: 1 x 4.5km, 1 x 4km, 1 x 3km - Total 11.5km</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Week 7: 1 x 5km, 2 x 4km - Total 13km</span></div>
K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-77063399363541657732015-10-08T17:52:00.001-07:002015-10-08T17:53:29.338-07:00Getting back into it<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week has marked my return to running after a three week lay off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first was a run on a walkway with hubby, in New Plymouth. I actually said, mid run, "I hate this". I felt slow and sloppy. Nevertheless, it was a little over 4km and I realised I hadn't lost as much running fitness as I thought I had. I really thought I would have to run/walk in 3 or 4 minute intervals!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few days later, hubby and I had an opportunity to run along the coastal walkway in New Plymouth. It was magic. A gorgeous sunny day, and despite a strong headwind on the first leg, it was the best run I could remember for a very long time. We took our time, stopping for a few photos, and a missed turnoff lead us to some rock scrambling along the water front. Heaps of fun! I realised that it's so easy to get caught up in the target paces and distances way of running and sometimes it's just great to run for fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To round off the week, I managed a quick 3km over dinner time on Thursday night. I was feeling tired, and hadn't eaten for about 2 1/2 hours, but surprised myself by how fast I was.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The foot feels okay. On my first run the side of my foot (the original injury) was a bit niggly, and I even noticed the exact same pain on the other foot afterwards. I wonder if those tendons/ligaments have been a bit weak? It flared up at the start of the coastal walkway run as well but after a couple of minutes it disappeared, and last night I didn't notice it at all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The top of my foot remains numb/tingly, and the occasional ache appears, but </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven't heard back with the results of the x-ray so I assume there was no fracture picked up. I go back to the specialist next week so it'll be interesting to see what he says we do from here.</span>K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-2232484341667358682015-09-30T01:28:00.002-07:002015-09-30T01:28:43.096-07:00I can run!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The good news: The specialist I saw today (who was awesome, by the way!) said he was confident there was no bone involvement causing my pain (given that I could easily hop up and down on my foot with no pain) and therefore I am clear to run with pain as my guide. Yay!</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do have an x-ray for tomorrow just to rule out a stress fracture as a cause (even though if I had one, I'd probably know more about it) at least that will rule out one possible cause. There may be a couple of other things going on, including some ligament irritation on the outside of my foot where the initial pain after the half marathon was the worst, and this may just require a little more time to come right.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, if I can get out for a 20-30 minute run twice a week and swim a couple of other days a week, I will be a happy girl. Hopefully it'll be light enough to encourage healing on it's own, but it'll be enough for me not to feel like I'm missing out on running so much. It's felt like a VERY long two weeks!</span></div>
K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-524370265858629112015-09-15T19:04:00.001-07:002015-09-15T19:04:03.301-07:00An update<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been referred to a sports medicine specialist. No running AT ALL for at least two weeks, until I have my appointment and get further assessment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I gather he'll have more of an idea of what testing and/or treatment will be required. In the meantime, the physio has strapped a disk to the ball of my foot to cause the metatarsals to splay out when my body weight is applied. I believe this is to reduce any compression or swelling in the area. It's like walking around with a large flat stone in your shoe, not terribly comfortable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope to keep swimming twice a week and perhaps cycle on the weekend, to keep my fitness up. I'll take the opportunity to keep up with the strength exercises and weights to keep my body strong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trying to stay as positive as I can for now. Best case scenario - the complete rest sees me healed in two weeks time... we'll see. I want to get this right so I can run another half marathon (or several) but if this injury/condition rules me out from long distance running then I'll just have to find other challenges to keep me busy :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-2646948247548183932015-09-07T02:08:00.000-07:002015-09-07T02:08:33.520-07:00I miss running!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a quiet few weeks since the half marathon. My foot still isn't right.. And we're a month post-injury now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm on the ACC/physio books too. The physio said it was a compressed nerve and it's the sort of thing only time can heal. Have been running easy and light as suggested, it's been nowhere near the mileage I was doing 6 weeks ago!! Back to physio next week to reassess. I'm not sure what the next step is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week I ran a measly 3.7km. I went to the pool on Sunday though and had a great session - 60 lengths (1.5km) in about 45 mins. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week I hope to run 10km over the week (3 runs) and go for another long swim on Sunday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm also working on building my strength in my hips and glutes, as well as overall muscle tone. I aim to do a weights/strength season twice a week from now on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I miss running, especially long runs, but I'm hoping that a little time to rest now wil l have me running again before long!! </span></div>
K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-90640014640638878752015-08-16T20:54:00.001-07:002015-09-07T02:21:51.916-07:00A chance to cross train<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My foot is most definitely on the mend now, only the occasional twinge if I move it in a funny direction, and I'm not even<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> limping anymore which is great. I'm planning to stay off it for just a bit longer yet - hopefully when the weekend comes I'll be out there pounding the pavement. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A week after the half marathon, without any physical activity meant I was pretty frustrated, cranky and craving some exercise endorphins. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday morning I did a session at the pool, such a good time to go! There were heaps of lanes and a few happy swimmers. I shared the slow lane with another lady. We each had our side which was great; no need to worry about being held up for either of us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm probably the fittest I've ever been in my life but I'm always surprised at how different swimming is. It's exhausting! I think it's due to the breathing and water, and using different muscles? (Yes, my triceps were sore the following day) I managed 40 lengths (1km) and felt pretty awesome after that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I took hubby's bike along the river track - 16.5km, no traffic (apart from the occasional dog and child who are unaware of passing cyclists!!) and a lovely scenic outlook. Had to stop for the obligatory selfie! Lovely to get out and enjoy the sunshine, though I know the old saddle will be sore tomorrow!!! </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being unable to run sucks, but I have enjoyed the chance to do something different the last couple of days. Hopefully I can get myself organised and add some regular cross training to my schedule going forward. </span></div>
K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-83100791122237273692015-08-11T19:27:00.001-07:002015-08-11T19:29:06.487-07:00Ice, heat and repeat..<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seems I have an injured foot. I noticed no pain during or after the run, or the first day afterward, but randomly on the second day after the half marathon my left foot hurts to walk. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pain is on the outside of my foot, along the sole, and radiating up towards the knobby ankle bone (not the technical term, hehe). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm currently icing and heating alternately when I can. Also bought some deep heat from the chemist this morning. Lots of rest and treatment, I hope it comes right asap!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel pretty well recovered elsewhere, hamstrings and quads were most sore on days 1 and 2 post-half. I can feel a minor amount of glute soreness but it's a good feeling really!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been thinking about my next set of goals and will post about that soon. Perhaps once my foot has healed fully and I can get out for a couple of runs to shake things out. </span></div>
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K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3462248727367862058.post-54283374582100041442015-08-08T22:36:00.002-07:002015-08-11T19:28:38.711-07:00My First Half Marathon!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did it! I ran a half marathon today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pretty chuffed with myself. I think I paced it nearly perfectly (although I did slow somewhat in the final third) as when I finished I didn't have anything more to give.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The run was along the river, out and back. It's quite exposed in places and the southerly winds were pretty brisk! I'm not sure what the temp was for the race but it was 6deg when I left home at 9am. Once we got started though, I didn't really notice the cold.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My goal was to average 6:00min/km for the distance. My GPS told me I did exactly that (but also recorded the distance as 21.4km!) so something was a bit off there... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My unofficial mat time was 2:08:30 so not quite the 2:06 I'd hoped for but I'm still happy!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtDj6uF1vVyNvnci5Z2HEomXAVXx84j5EE9KinkG95gBubycANVqSPjBHroy9_J2-E47oFlrl8Q60X2cqS6jFfK-XM79paWJQBe1Xp14COH33TOzMdgvf3lpK2kBihbxuZOzYIR0B6HY/s1600/IMG_4968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtDj6uF1vVyNvnci5Z2HEomXAVXx84j5EE9KinkG95gBubycANVqSPjBHroy9_J2-E47oFlrl8Q60X2cqS6jFfK-XM79paWJQBe1Xp14COH33TOzMdgvf3lpK2kBihbxuZOzYIR0B6HY/s640/IMG_4968.JPG" width="442" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Actually a photo after I'd finished (once I'd had something eat and drink!) Should've<br />stood on the other side for the 'FINISH'!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Split timings from Runtastic are below. First half or so was great. I felt strong. Then I got a splitting side stitch at the 9km mark. A quick fuel and some water at 11km marker and I felt better after that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sadly I ran out of steam a bit after around 15km! My mental game started to falter a bit. That's the hard thing about 'out and back' runs I reckon. You can see just how much further you've got to go... Had another bliss ball and perked up a bit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last 2km were pretty horrid. So close, yet 2km is still 2km! The final push up to the finish line was a fairly short but still pretty steep hill (you can see it in the elevation profile below). I had to just keep plodding, one after the other, to get to the top. My husband and three boys were at the top to cheer me on and it was the best thing ever. Hubby told me to sprint. I just laughed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a great event and I enjoyed it. Especially the start and the finish! Hard not to feel enthusiastic taking off with a couple of hundred other keen runners. Bit of a buzz. At this stage, I'm thinking it's something I'd like to do again, and soon :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking forward to some Dominos Pizza for tea tonight and a long hot bath once the kids are in bed. (and on that note, a big thanks has to be said for my hubby for doing his best to support me in training by looking after the kids when needed. You're the best, hun!)</span><br />
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<br />K8http://www.blogger.com/profile/06550373422855221553noreply@blogger.com0