A week and a bit to go!

Well this is it really! I am on the last page of the Intermediate Half Marathon training plan. I did my last BIG run on Sunday before the big run at the Gold Coast in 10 days.

I am strangely calm because I know I can't do any more. There's only 6 more runs to go - a mix of short sprint sessions (LOL - I can't sprint to save myself) and a few longer 'comfortable' runs. It is so dark these mornings getting up at 5 and just a bit chilly, but yesterday was Winter Solstice so its only longer days from here on in!

I know now that I will be able to finish (I did 20.5ks on Sunday) and hopefully around 2:15 all going well. Unfortunately the main thing I am worried about is my guts-ache afterwards! I was OK this weekend (maybe the Endura I forced down afterwards) but the weekend before when I ran with Maddi and Dan again, was the absolute worst I'd ever been. I couldn't enjoy our brunch together afterwards and was literally on and off the toilet for hours afterwards and in excruciating pain. So unfair...I really want to enjoy our celebrations together so I'll be hoeing into the Imodium as soon as we cross that line.

After my run this time I also did something I've been intending to do for a few weeks to help with the leg pain and sat in the cold pool a la Hoffy a while back. A teeth chattering experience to say the least! Who knows if it helped or the Panadol I had to help me sleep that night.

I have done something I may just regret too - I have registered for the Jetty to Jetty 1/2 marathon which is 2 weeks after the GC. It SHOULD be OK because it is the same track that I have been doing my long training runs on.  But then.......I have registered for the Brisbane 1/2 marathon which is only 3 weeks after that one! OMG what have I done?

COMMIT - that's what I've done! I don't want to lose all this running fitness that I've gradually built up and I am quietly terrified of putting my weight back on.
The latest Runners World mag has a great plan for breaking the 2:00 1/2, so that is the goal I have set for Brisbane. 7 weeks.

The journey continues

It's now only 4 weeks to the Gold Coast half marathon. My training has gone well by sticking (mostly) to the plan and I have been very fortunate by not sustaining any injuries - that's one club I do NOT want to join. Sorry to all those who have been struggling, it must be tough.

I should be doing runs of some description 3 days a week, but I tend to do 3 solid runs plus a boxing session once a week to really kick butt (or the bag) - love it. My weights sessions have really fallen by the wayside, so I will try and get back into them again this week.

Today was a huge achievement for me, running for 2 whole hours. Lefty drove me over to Redcliffe and I ran along the beach the whole way. SO much nicer than trudging around the streets at home, with a nice gentle breeze to keep me cool. Speaking of keeping cool I have decided it was definitely dehydration/mega sweats that was causing my terrible tummy cramps post long runs. I still get a bit painy but certainly not in a debilitating way. I have also started using gels with the long runs which is interesting in itself (swallowing thick sticky glug while trying to breath and force it down with some water, while trying to breath!)

Lefty had his books to read in the car and he kept driving down and parking in sections long the way which was quite funny. Poor Lefty wishes he could be running with me but his knees are shot from all the running and footy playing he did in his 20s. It's just so weird that its me running now, at such an age.

2 weeks ago I ran in a similar place with Maddi and her ironman Dan. That was really cool - Dan was very supportive, encouraging and informative. It's great to learn from real athletes (better late than never!). Maddi really fired that day with a big surge at the end (AND she had bleeding toes), whereas I fell flat at the end and got all uptight and anxious, struggling to put one foot in front of the other....the thought of running for another 5ks to make it 21 just seemed all too much. I hadn't felt all tight in the throat and chest like that for a long time and it freaked me out a bit, like a big step backwards.

I'm just so relieved that I truly believe I can do this now and I may even finish under 2:15! I am going to register with a pacer when I pick up my pack in a few weeks, which I hope is a good thing to do?

Kirsty has made up some great singlets for all the 12wbt/Twitterers who are running in the GC 1/2 and full mara which is really cool. I can't wait to see everyone - and there are a few I haven't had the chance to meet in real life yet! 

Oh - and there was that wonderful weekend in Melbourne! 

Journey to the Half Marathon

I think this is what Round 1, 2011 has become for me... it's no longer about losing the kilos and sticking religiously to the nutrition plan. That may be unfortunate seeing as I have paid $200 to do this round, but sticking to my 1/2 mara plan has become more important. And that's OK.
I have managed to lose another 3 kilos since December and I know that my body shape has changed even more - that shows that I can do this now. I use Twitter more than the actual 12wbt website for support and really only log on to update my stats and to print off all the plans, for which I am grateful. I have printed off all the Lean and Strong plans so that I can use them when I am ready.

Happy Easter by the way! Bunny has survived so far, but my egg didn't last the day. I didn't feel too bad about that because I ran 15ks this morning (1,500 calories)

There are 10 weeks to the GC 1/2 mara and my training has been going well. The only 'injury' I've had so far is a blister to the arch of my foot from my new shoes (had the middle laces too tight) all resolved now with some great blister bandaid thingies. I am so pleased that I really do feel like a runner now and my legs feel strong. I can push on and my thighs/femurs don't feel like they are going to burst through my hips! I'm sure I'm not a pretty runner and my form is probably odd looking, but it's working for me. There are a few of us on Twitter who are at similar stages in our running and it's so great to spur each other on from different states.

Twitter has brought me some great support from REAL runners who are more than happy to pass on their knowledge and experience. Thank you Bry, Kirsty, Keren and Cathy :). I am happy to say that I no longer get that awful panicky feeling in my throat when I am tiring. I can just ease back a bit and steady myself and push on. I have enjoyed reading Paula Radcliffe's new book 'How to Run'

and she says that it's better to concentrate on good form when you are struggling, rather than trying to distract yourself which is what I used to do (look at the trees etc.) I tried that today and it did seem to help. Then I have those great moments of realisation that I have got to the next road without even realising it (like when you are driving and think 'how did I get here?'). Is that what they call the zone? Maybe I am reaching that in my own little way... Running certainly isn't a natural thing for me yet - I still wake up early and nervous, like I used to when I first started playing golf actually?. Once I'm out the door I'm fine though and soon know whether it's going to be a good run or not. I find the interval runs the hardest by far! But I get it now - I understand that the hard runs have to be done to be able to perform well in the longer runs. It's working!!

With all my friends before the 10k Twilight Run, in the official singlet

I have now done 2 x 10k fun runs and the last one in March was no fun at all. Other than doing it alone again, it was in the afternoon on a very humid day by the river and I struggled the whole way through. Dumb. I should have blasted through it but there were some hilly bits that just knocked me flat. Finished in 62 minutes. I did get my very first medal though! (everyone wins a prize). That evening I was struck down with REALLY bad tummy cramps and visited the loo many times thinking I had gastro. The cramps are JUST like gastro pains. But it settled down overnight. Last night I read in Paula's book that runners lose a lot of blood (and iron) in their gut due to it being a high impact sport. Eek - a tearing action maybe?

Hot, sweaty and 'radiant' after the run - with my medal and fruit? (I couldn't eat it anyway)

I've discovered now that the cramps happen when I really push myself like that, or after runs longer than 10 ks. The first time I ran 13 ks was an absolute disaster - I completely didn't think about taking water and I got totally dehydrated and crampy. (I've since bought a running belt). Today I ran 15 ks and tried to drink Powerade throughout but it still happened - I was OK until I ate my light breaky and then had to race to the loo! The cramps settled down after a couple of hours this time so maybe it will gradually improve - I just hope there's a loo nearby after the 1/2 mara!! Personally I think it is something to do with fluid shift in the gut when I sweat a lot (I literally drip sweat and my clothes and visor/hat are saturated - I constantly mop away with a sweat band!).

Each night I check my running plan and get my Runkeeper app organised ready to press go. I love having this goal and I'm sure it's what keeps me going. I will have to set a new goal after the 1/2 so that I have something next to work towards. There are some great plans in Paula's book such as training for a faster 1/2 or faster 10k. I am at risk right now of neglecting my other exercise needs such as strength work so I'll have to pull my finger out there. I didn't even get the last fitness test done, slacko. Unfortunately my golf is on hold until after July....

Today during my run I remembered that it's only a couple of weeks until I meet my Twitter buddies in Melbourne - I got all goose bumpy!

My girls Chloe and Georgie at the top of Mt. Ngungun a few weeks ago

Finally it's Kick Off !

Well finally it has all started again! I do feel much more in control this time and it's like I 'get it' now. It took me at least until halfway through the last round to REALLY excercise 6 days a week (like not just take the dogs for a walk and think that counted) and to REALLY stop snacking between meals.

I am pleased with how I have kept up my exercise routine since the end of the last round. I think I've developed a phobia about my running - that if I don't keep it up consistently then I will lose it altogether and have to start from scratch again? I want to keep running for as long as I can, however long that may be? I suddenly seem to have realized that I am well and truly 'middle aged' - my next big milestone will be to turn 50 in 2014. How long can you keep running after menopause hits? Time will tell...

I am still very much a beginner runner, having started only in September last year. Thankfully I have been blessed with no injuries so far. I've got good knees and ankles (guess they haven't been used enough through their lifetime yet!). I didn't play netball and golf is pretty easy on the joints.

Even though I am still a relative newbie I've been stressing over my last few runs which have felt so HARD. I just can't seem to pick up speed without feeling like a learner runner again gasping for breath. Mind you (as #CrouchingKiwiHiddenDragon did point out), I have actually added an extra run this week for the Gold Coast 1/2 mara training AND I am probably not eating well enough the night beforehand? It has been so hot and humid lately too - I can't wait to do a 'cool' morning run again to see if that makes a difference or not. From now on I will be running 4 days per week of mixed tempos and also adding in the Lean and Fit program. I am going to be so fit!! That bit is exciting, but it is also making me lose sleep at night. I wake up during the night to work out which route I'll be taking in a few hours time, remembering if my clothes and HRM are all ready to go and that my alarm clock is set according to the distance I need to run before work. Hopefully it will all become second nature as I transition from beginner distance runner to just a runner.

Unfortunately I have let myself down on the nutrition side of things over the past few weeks. Not actually eating too much (I have maintained my weight loss) but just eating whatever I feel like, whenever I want. Bread, chocolate, chips, dips, just constant grazing on food that's not terribly nutritious. My excuse has been that I know I will be knuckling down completely as of now. I have to set a good example to my 2 daughters who are also doing this round. I will stick to my mission and achieve my new goals. I won't be able to slip into old habtis though once this round ends. This is it for me. Then I will be flying solo like a few others are this round.

Pre season tasks

Well why do I have to do the preseason tasks? I had all this nailed last Round didn't I?
I don't have any excuses not to have perfect diet and nutrition. Except that I have slipped into old habits and I'm very unorganised in the kitchen. Well Lefty's been on holidays and has done most of the food shopping and cooking...
And I love exercise now. Except when it's hot and humid like it is now...
And I kind of thought my goals were obvious too, what with my 21K training program under way, but I hadn't really focussed on anything else.

This will look a bit tedious but I wanted to put my preseason tasks up here as well as on my 12wbt pages to make it more real - bear with me

Internal Excuses
Too hard to keep eating cleanly. Reluctant to give up sugar. Getting tired from so much exercise. Scared I will 'overdo it" wth the exercise/work/homelife combo

Solutions
Just get organised - you've got your calendar sorted. Giving up sugar will improve energy levels, not deplete them! You will feel fitter, not more tired if you eat properly too, while exercising smartly
Make sure to have 1 proper rest day per week (thanks Bry for that one). Do more on days off, less on work days

External excuses Within My Control
Hot, humid weather. No time to plan meals. No time to go shopping. Don't like fish/seafood

Solutions
Use the gym for interval training when it's too hot outside. Swim laps in the pool for cardio. Make time to plan meals, use the tools I have already ben given i.e. shopping lists for the weeks ahead. Substitute fish for chicken

Extenal Excuses Outside My Control
Family crisis?

Solutions
Select good food choices no matter what, and you can always be prepared to go for a run or walk

GOALS
1 Month Goals
21st March - lose 3 kgs
          - Increase up to Advanced exercise program/Lean and Strong
         - run 10 ks under 6 mins/min

How will I get there
Follow the eating plan and the Lean and Strong plan strictly
Read The Last 5 Kilos and follow strictly
Follow my 21k running plan - intervals and include hills
Keep doing weekly boxing sessions
Go to Bootcamp every month

3 Month Goals
Grand Finale - lose another 2kgs
Fit into dream dress
Run 16 ks (per Runkeeper running plan - week 16)
Do advanced raining session with Michelle

How will I get there?
Consistency with 12wbt food and exercise plan
Continue with 21k running plans (Bry and Runkeeper)
Keep up weekly boxing sessions and monthly Bootcamps

6 Month Goals
August - I will have run in 1/2 marathon
           - kept up new fitness levels and weight loss

How will I get there?
Plan for an Iron Man/Tri

12 Month Goals
Feb 2012 - continue improving fitness

How will I get there?
Keep setting new goals and challenges!

Me the first time I ran 10ks at home (December)

I was a bit snippy at Lefty this morning when he had a bit of a go about not sticking to the plan 'after all of this'. I was quick to bite back that I had ACTUALLY lost another kilo since the last Round AND was a lot fitter.

But he is right (unfortunately, hate that). I am eating chocolate again when I have a craving for it and eating bread again - why does one carb lead to another carb??

Getting Michelle's new book this week was an epiphany of sorts. I didn't realise the fine print says "Lose 5 Kilos in Thirty DAYS"! Sheesh! Well there's a new challenge to set myself!

I have actually put in my 1 month goals to lose 3ks initially, but I really will be going for the 5 - if Mish says it's possible, well who am I to argue?!

Lefty and I in Sydney after the Finale' Party

Still with my name badge on!

                                                                    (taken by the great Louy)

The end of the round

Well I really don't know why I stopped blogging - got to week 5 and was so mad at myself for not reaching my weight loss goals and just stopped writing about it!
Well by Week 8 I finally 'got it' and had a nice big loss after that. My new gym had finally opened and i was really stepping up the exercise. I finally finished the 'Couch to 5 K' program and that was a huge boost mentally regarding my ability.
I started the 'Bridge to 10 K' program on the treadmill and then FINALLY I did my first road running. MrsHethro kindly asked me to join her for a 5 K run one morning and I loved it. Everyone had been telling me that running on the road was SO much harder than the treadmill - well let me tell you they were wrong! I had always run with the tready on a 2% incline, as Mish says to do in her book. That may have really helped. Well no one had told me about the joys of running downhill! - you sure can't do THAT on a treadmill. Also, you have a breeze in your face and something new to look at at every turn! Dah...
I had my brand new Mizuno shoes on from the Athlete's Foot and they were the most comfortable shoes I'd ever worn. Great coming from someone with really hard to fit feet. And the fancy running socks.
Well I did the 5ks with Lisa which was fun and then I ran the 2.5 Ks home after that!!! Blew myself completely away with what I DIDN'T realise I was capable of.
I always thought I was a really slow runner too, but the GPS proved otherwise and I seem to be continually improving in that departement too (even though I only feel like I am an unco plodder).
I did some sprint sessions with Lisa to which are really hard, but I'm sure help the running - I was SORE after them...
Then suddenly I started to look better too. I finally got some positive comments from Lefty that he could really see a difference and people at work started to notice too. Phew - thought it would never happen.
I did only 2 bootcamp sessions (due to work) with some of the Qld. girls and they were great! Lefty joined me for the 2nd one and he was quite sore after (gym junky).
So I only ended up losing 5.5 kgs all up for the whole 12 weeks. I got sick in the last week and just could train to get under 70, but that is just around the corner I know.
The 12wbt training session in the Domain was so much fun and to meet my new Twitter buddies in the flesh was just the best - we all got along so well and I know will remain friends throughout. Having Lefty there to experience the buzz of it all was great too - he now 'gets' it and is happy for me to do the next round (that was a sticking point). Typical of him - he joined in the training session and got in SO many photos. Me? only in the background of a few.
Mish is just like you expect her to be and to hear her yell 'suck it up' was just the best!
Next time I come on here will be to record my 'vision' for what I want to achieve next. @kiwilostinoz has suggested a 'visionboard' which I can't wait to see to pinch some ideas!

Back into it after Fiji

Well I am still not very consistant.
After 2 whole weeks I was so happy with how I was going - cooking most of the meals from the plan and feeling really satisfied/not hungry and really into Michelle's DVDs and my running program. I didn't even have any chocolate or chips!
I was losing weight consistantly AND THEN we went to Fiji, from Monday to the Saturday of Week 3.
It was beautiful, fun and relaxing. I managed to fit into my size 14 dress and I even managed to run 2 mornings out of the 5 we were there. Nutrition was great until Thursday, the wedding day, when I got it into my head that food and drink were OK because it was all catered for. Then of course I started to nibble on the chips and drank too much alcohol and my portion sizes were too big - luckily we were home before too much damage was done....
I put on 1.5 kilos - why is it so easy to pile it on so quickly? Admittedly I had 'cankles' and got rid of a fair bit of fluid over the next few days.
But alas my enthusiasm seemed to disappear too. I am cranky that I did not meet my pre season goals for Week 4, just because we had a beautiful holiday! I did not meet my weight loss goal by nearly 2 ks.
It has taken me all of this Week 4 just to find myself again and I have even had a headache and extreme tiredness for a couple of days. Suddenly the weeks seem to be slipping away and it's already nearly Week 5. I HAVE to be on track for the end of round party in Sydney!
By this Wednesday's weigh-in I'd lost 600gm since Sunday and I have certainly lost a few centimetres, so I have to be happy with that and just get on with it. It's just a glitch and now I have to get the CONSISTENCY back again. One foot after the other so to speak.
I was excited again today to print off the plan for Week 5, and yesterday I ran for 25 minutes for the first time ever! I have been talking openly about the program with my workmates today to get my transparency back also. NO EXCUSES!
It WILL happen. I will finish the C25K program at the end of this month and I have downloaded the 'Couch to 10 ks'  app. in preparation for my next goal. I will have to be super-tight with my nutrition and step up the exercise intensity and frequency to get back on track with my weight loss....