Training Log Archive: acejase

Classic Melbourne - stinking hot yesterday and now warming up for Westerfolds Parkrun in the pelting down rain with the bike paths more like creeks including large puddles. Met another Aranda Primary Dad at the run - John - so warmed up with him for a while. John ran Melbourne Marathon this year in 2hr40something and does most of his long runs with Shaun Creighton so no slouch.

Set off on Westerfolds ParkRun and pretty much straight away in the lead with John on my shoulder. John had said he just wanted to run sub 20. Hard to judge pace when leading - I realise how much I "race" against others and use their pacing. Felt ok first few k but was running a bit slow as conditions somewhat treacherous - I was keen to have a good run but more keen not to slip over and hurt self. Westerfolds quite hilly and got to the big rangers hill at about 4k and John pulled alongside. He "encouraged" me up the hill and I lifted a gear in response. Strode out down the hill the other side and when John challenged on the final hill I lifted again. Slowed a little with 20m to go so i could tie with John (who really if running full speed would've been well ahead) but John "encouraged" me again and I took the win. First ever win in a Park Run! Time 53s quicker than only other time I've run this course on New Years Day this year. Of course this is all just heresay as my park run bar code was saturated and didn't scan. The Race director said she'd put in my result but as of a few days later the winner is "unknown". I swear I won!!!!

C • Parkrun win! 5

Warm down in the still teaming rain. Initially with John but then went looking for BA who was first female. A double for us! Took a while to find BA who'd gone in a different direction and I was getting a bit cold by time I found her. Had a really good take away coffee from Espresso 3094 in Montmorency on way home before a welcome warm shower.

Of course by lunchtime in Melbourne conditions were very pleasant so BA and I took girls and their new ByKs down to Plenty River. A&Z loving bikes and into them straight away so had my first ever run with girls while they rode. Great fun and at times hard to keep up! Of course at other times I was pushing girls up hills. :)

Loaded up with plenty of Christmas food and all day with non-stop relatives I headed out for a jog once girls in bed. Did I mention how hot it was? Same jog as yesterday pretty much and glad to clear head and use up a small portion of food in the belly.

Merry Christmas Everyone.

After long drive to Melbourne for Xmas managed to negotiate my way to a little run while dinner was cooked. Down to Wilanda Park, back over the hill nearby and back up to Mum and Dads place. Ran back and forth along their street to make 5k.

Jog in the AM with Grant. Bit less sore than yesterday - just right calf a bit tight. Be no probs by the weekend.

Last commute for the year! Hooray! As per yesterday holiday arrangements mean things are a bit adhoc so drove home with kids.

Blobby evening run to Jammo, up the bike path then back along Bandjalong. Bumped into Seargent Frogga waiting for the bus with his kids to go into town. Not too sore after Tour de Ridges - just tight right calf.

And so the random school holidays arrangements begin. Today drove to Hughes, dropped girls at Grandmas, rode to work (not troggable) and commuted home.

Got to Mawson with plenty of time so good warm up. Legs felt pretty reasonable. Ran to woolworths toilets as per organiser instructions but unfortunately said loos were still locked at 6am.

Tour de Ridges. 4th time I'd run it with previous times of 1hr45 (last year), 1hr43 (2012) and 1hr42 (2011). Knew I was in good shape and had been focussing on my core exercises since Stromlo Forest 30k when parts of my core fatigued greatly. Did a bit of a taper over the last week - partly to taper and partly due to busy life week.

Started out solid and there were a lot more guys around me and ahead of me than expected. Made it a bit harder to find my pace but tried to not get too carried away. Olly Mill not far ahead of me. Pretty quick till the Farrer ridge single track when it turned into single file and steps. Tried not to overcook it. Down off the hill lost a bit of focus trying (unsuccessfully) to get past Olly. Up Wanniassa and went a bit too hard early in the less steep bit before settling in on the steep bit. Got ahead of Olly here who was doing the walk/run thing.

Down off Wanniassa and found myself chatting to first female who had flown past me up the hill. She was an absolute featherweight and just floated up hill. Turned out she was from Darwin and knew Susanne and Lachy. Gel at drinks manned by Marty Dent and sons before finding a good cruising speed along the centennial trail section to Long Gully Road. Running with Dave Baldwin in this section as per last year.

Up Isaacs Ridge which is steep and tough and held good pace although the Featherweight got past and away from me. I felt good across the top and had good speed down Isaacs to the drinks - core was in good control and showing the benefits of my exercises. Along the flat bit before the Isaacs climb again I recaught the Featherweight and not too far behind Dave. Feeling good although a bit surprised at how many km to go - quite a few even though only 1 hill to go.

Off Isaacs Ridge and again had good speed although a bit of a shock when black singlet flew past. Hit the drinks and the beginning of the 5k or so flattish section back to the finish. Had the Featherweight, black singlet and Dave to chase. Again good speed although when we hit the smallish hill back up Farrer Ridge I could feel some tiredness kick in. Got past the Featherweight and then got a surprise and much appreciated cheer from Chief Inspector Bluett who was out on patrol. Started checking watch and thought sub 1hr40 was achievable but it was hard to judge. Pushed hard although the Featherweight found another gear and got back past me. Was looking for the road before the finish and was relieved to see it before sort of sprinting for the line. 1hr39.04 so easily below the 100mins. Just shy of 6mins quicker than last year, judged pace really well (finished strong but was ready to stop) and no sore-core. Good way to finish the years races.

Olly finished not too far back from me although bloodied and bruised, Dave Baldwin 15s ahead and Hoggster ran his usual gutsy run off not enough training. Belinda pleased to beat her time last year. So a good morning before the real stinky heat began (although it was still hot). Off to get kids from Grandparents so no coffee time being the only drawback for the morning!

C • Course change 5

Very slow jog back along course with a Andy, Tomas and Dave Baldwin. We cheered Belinda and then turned round when we got to Gramps.