Training Log Archive: BA

6 ft track marathon! Far out what an epic, tough, fun (sort of!) race. Lovely running conditions, a bit misty but not cold. Started towards the back of wave 3 and really made sure I set off at a pretty relaxed pace. I was at a standstill at the top of the steps and it was a very slow descent, but I'd prepared for that and didn't worry about it. Ran at a good pace (about 5min/km) on the flat/slightly downhill fire trail and then all along to Cox's river. I was in a group along the single track that was going slightly slower than I wanted, so that was probably a good thing! I really felt like I was taking it easy and was happy that I didn't get carried away with the excitement of it all. I got to the river crossing at about 1hour 40mins, then started up the big climbs. I did quite a lot of walking, and jogged/walked up the 2 big climbs. I was starting to feel a bit tired on the Pulluvivum, but at the top (3hour 10' mark) i was happy with how I was going and didn't feel too worried about 20km to go (actually, I was quite excited!). I was thinking I was on track for a reasonable time if I could keep up my steady not-too-fast pace, but then after about a km, my calves started cramping, my knee started hurting and it started to be pretty tough going... I tried to stretch but that just caused cramps in different muscles. I kept having sports drink and coke at the aid stations as well as gels, but it just got worse and worse and I had to keep walking. I was determined to keep going though, and knew that every time I walked it was just longer that I'd be out so I tried to keep jogging but it was so painful and sometimes I just couldn't becuase my cramps were so bad. Everyone was really friendly out on the course and I got lots of encouragement, one person gave me a couple of salt tablets (thank you thank you!) and someone else gave me a sip of water, and somehow I managed to keep going. My calves did eventually get a bit better but with 10km to go I could hardly bend my knee and I hobbled the rest of the way. I have never been so glad to see a finish line (man that last 4km steep downhill was the worst!) but I was feeling pretty disappointed that I couldn't finish it off how I'd hoped. I was a bit sad when I finally finished but after some reflection I feel really proud of myself for making it. At the time I said I'd never do it again, but now... :)

C • Good on you... 8

A last hit-out on the oval. 6 x 1' (1') then 4x 30" (30"). Fair to say I'm not coping at all well with tapering... yesterday I was super-anxious and diagnosed quite a few phantom illnesses, so it was great today to go for a run! Legs felt good, really enjoyed it. Trying to be more positive today - tapering blues really a sign of being ready to go!!

C • Good luck! 2

Rode to and from work

Slow run at lunch around Little black mtn from work. Just ran slowly and felt a bit unexcited by it really! Not tired, just a bit ho-hum.

Rode to and from work