Tag Archives: mooloolaba

Jun3

Countdown: 12 weeks to half-marathon

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Singing Running in the rain

Rain mixes with sweat in the pre-dawn haze. Dampness turns to wet, then turns to soaked, before there’s any IMG_2630chance to really think about it. Even though that weather app on my phone predicted 90% rain when I checked the night before, the morning appears starts out overcast but somewhat devoid of rain activity. Hence the prepared rain gear stayed warm and dry in the back of the car.

Indeed, the first 5-6km in 15C dark overcast skies only hovered without threatening moisture. Approaching the turnaround point and the weather app proved its superior prediction ability and the skies let loose generous drops of pent up precipitation. Facing nature doesn’t

I run because it's glamorous... NOT!

I run because it’s glamorous… NOT!

particularly overwhelm me, but thinking of that rain gear in the car makes me annoyed at my arrogance that I wouldn’t require pr

otection.

Work commitments beckon Mr J and Ms T is under the weather (literally), hence my running companion today is a mutual running companion, Ms B. Though not as well acquainted, easy conversation comes as the pavement rolls underfoot. Nominally we have had about the same running pace, though I’m pleasantly surprised that just these last couple months of longer and somewhat faster pace have increased my pace. Other little benefits include adjusting my watch band tighter and clothes fitting looser. My appetite also craves more protein, and more food overall.

Countdown: 12 weeks

Reminders come through that the half marathon at the Sunshine Coast marathon festival (the main goal of this training regime) is now at the 12-week countdown stage. My eyes glaze over as I attempt to absorb a recommended training program chart. When to run. How long to run. When to rest. What other exercises to do. Various such programs exist – this is just one example.

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Not a program-follower by nature, I wonder how closely I should follow these recommendations vs doing my own thing. No doubt I will make it there and across the finish line either way, though it could be a matter of how fast I get there and how well I recover afterwards. Already I’m pleased with the progress I’m making in overall fitness levels, pace and strength. Another 12 weeks of training – let’s see what it take me!

Apr18

Word of the Day: Struggle

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Today’s Word of the Day is… Struggle 

An extra training run, with a later start than usual today. In fact it’s full daylight.  As Ms T, Mr J and I set out, there’s talk of going even further. But still maintaining the same pace. We pushed hard. Well certainly I did, attempting to keep up with my jelly legs and tightening calf muscles as we progress.

Recalling the wine I indulged in last night, I ponder whether it was really that advisable after all.

A pleasant distraction provides a different focus along the way: the Australian national surf-life saving competition, ‘The Aussies’ #Aussies2016. Across several beach areas and various events in the water and on the sand, competitors and tourists occupy the usual paths. Some minor detours are in place to avoid clashing or crashing with events but we weave our way through.

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Words of wisdom

Blisters niggle my toes as I concentrate on picking up and putting down one foot after the other. [I could upload photos, but let’s face it, no one wants to see someone else’s blisters.] No words come from my mouth, as breathing is it’s essential function for the time being. Conversation and the usual random thoughts abandon me, and it’s almost a meditative step-step-breathe-step pattern. Repeat.

My wrist begins to vibrate and I realise I’ve reached my 10,000 steps for the day. Nice to have that out of the way by 8am! For a brief moment, it spurs me on to keep moving.

I watch as Mr J, then Ms T, work their way up that demon of a hill ahead of me. My pace slows right down, lifting my knees higher the best I can, til eventually I reach the summit. Gracefully, they wait for me at the top and we continue on the home stretch.

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The run took us all the way around the bay.

Breathing heavily, sweat dripping and a bright red face, I finally register that we’re in reach of the end of the path. The end is in sight! I struggle over to a tap to wash off and cool my face. Dehydration may be creeping in as well and I gulp the refreshing liquid.

Checking our devices and comparing stats, we determine that we extended the run by 2.5km today. This may be contributing to my struggle today. Still only just over half-way to a half-marathon. Making progress but I don’t need to visit a fortune teller to know that more training is in my future.

I knew it wouldn’t all be fun and games, and today wasn’t a walk in the park for me. On the positive side, I’m still vertical, a little worse for wear, but beginning to feel a sense of  satisfaction after my breath returns and heart rate slows.

Suddenly it occurs to me, that this is the furthest distance I have ever run!

Small steps lead to bigger ones and each little achievement marks a milestone and closer to the goal.

Apr16

Keep it rolling

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Just above the opaque horizon a crescent moon smiles at me as I drive towards the morning run. Smiling at me, or mocking me? Either way, it’s a bonus to start the day and foreshadowing the beauty of the sunrise on its way at Mooloolaba Beach.

Warming up to a steady pace, I strive to keep pace with Ms T and Mr J, both faster and more experienced runners. This week we add one more kilometer to make it an even 10, and it seems the pace is just a tad IMG_2287quicker. Or I wonder if it’s just me, working hard to match the movement of my partners’ feet and legs.

Gradually the sky lightens and the orange sun appears beyond the clouds and we settle into a rhythm of steps and breathing. Salt air provides the steady backdrop aroma, occasionally giving way to the scent of coffee as we pass park benches occupied by those who have completed their morning routine.

At this stage, there is no real ‘training plan’ other than to ‘run regularly, preferably further and faster each time’. Sounds a bit vague but I suppose is the general idea. We’ve nominated Ms T to research something more specific in terms of a running strategy. She has the research skills and experience with running magazines and websites to explore something suitable.

Comparing technological devices, we each have our own ways of monitoring progress – watch, phone apps, Fitbit. A million and one ways can track what you’re doing these days – how far, how fast, how long. The ultimate trick is to get out there and do it.

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