I don’t know where this week has gone! Work kept me extremely busy (payback for taking a couple of days off) and training just kind of happened. I think I’m getting into the groove of things and really enjoying stretching my legs on the longer runs. I had a my first “injury” this week (more about that later) and finished the week running the race that started it all – the Hobart Budget Fun Run.
Monday 27/7/15
Ran my ‘easy 30’ today or should I say my ‘not so easy 30’! After getting in late from Melbourne on Sunday and having trouble sleeping I wasn’t at my best. My tummy gave me grief on the run and I had to stop a few times but I soldiered on and did 5km.
Wednesday 29/7/15
After my rest day on Tuesday, I thought I would spring out of bed and attack my interval speed session with gusto. Nope. I laid in bed procrastinating until the good voice told me to get the hell out of bed and do it. I decided to do my intervals on the treadmill for a change so I could control my speed. I did 1 minute hard/1 minute jog x 10. I was reminded yet again how much I hate treadmills. They are the most boring way to run. Treadmills are also easier, no hills no rough terrain but also no cars or stoplights. Don’t get me wrong I did work hard but doing it out in the fresh air would have been more enjoyable and harder work.
Friday 31/7/15
I had a brilliant rest day on Thursday and treated myself to a massage at the Unigym. Geoff, the masseuse, is an absolute miracle worker! It was nice to get some of the knots out of my muscles. Sadly the muscles that needed the most work were not my legs but my shoulders from the corporate grind. I did get some work done on my glutes which was painful and wonderful at the same time.
Today I ran an “easy 45” and I literally did have an easy run. I didn’t worry about pace and just went out and enjoyed a nice run with no pressure. It really set me up to have a great day at the corporate.
The Bike Track near the start
Saturday 1/8/15
Had to do a swapsie again and run my long run on Saturday instead of Sunday because I have the Budget 5km on Sunday. I set out to recreate the magic of last weekend by heading off AFTER breakfast. I set out on my 14km journey feeling amazing! Sun was shining and I felt GOOD. Then it hit. Acid reflux – yuck! I blame the greasy bacon but it could have been the 2 large coffees. Nevermind, I pushed through even though my esophagus felt like it was on fire and my chest was burning. I ran from Sandy Bay to the bike track nearly to Cornelian Bay return.
It was forecast for rain so I wore my ‘wet weather’ runners. Big mistake. I don’t often wear them because I bought them online and they don’t fit quite right. Around the 6km mark I started feeling the start of a painful blister. So not only was my chest on fire I had to contend with pain on each footfall not even halfway into the run. Was I going to stop and call a cab like a wuss? HELL NO! I soldiered on and got some relief for the reflux at the wonderful water fountain at the start of the bike track (thank you HCC!) 4km later I was home and feeling awesome for going the distance.
Sunday 2/8/15
My Sister, My Inspiration
Today I ran the race that started it all for me and one that is close to my heart – the Budget Hobart Fun Run. In August 2012 I ran my first Budget 5km as prep for the Burnie 10km. Today I ran my 4th and did it in what I think was an event PB despite the cold and brutal wind! I’ll confirm the PB once the official results are in….fingers crossed.
This edition of the Budget Hobart Fun Run was special because my sister, Anna, ran it as well. My sister is the one responsible for my running habit and I have her to thank for her inspiration. It was Anna who challenged me to do the Burnie 10 with her in 2012 and had previously challenged me to walk the Point to Pinnacle when I was going through a hellish time in my personal life. Without her nudge I would have never discovered my love of running on the road. Running has helped me personally and professionally in so many ways and I’m grateful for her support.
Reflections on Week 4
I can’t believe I knocked over a month of training already. Time is certainly whizzing by. I am noticing improvements in my strength and speed so the work I’m doing is certainly paying off. I do struggle from time to time and I have that evil voice in my head saying “WTF are you doing this for? There is no way you can run a marathon!” I push through and keep my eye on the prize. I know I can do it. 1km at a time.
