Longest run yet!

5.45 am - Coco and I set out for our longest run yet. I was hoping for some rain, instead we had a few clouds, 25 degrees Celsius and 89% humidity (that makes for an apparent temp of 30)! This is the long run for week 2 of Hal's half marathon training program.

We did our usual route down the road and around the oval. I did a few more laps than usual to get up to 8kms and gave Coco a break every second lap as I was worried she might not be up for the distance. I have been worrying about the longer runs and how far Coco can run, particularly in this climate. I didn't want to not take her as she is so excited every time she sees me putting on my Merrells, it would be mean not to include her. She was very good about being tied up every second lap and sat and waited patiently for me to come round, then she was rearing to run again. Fortunately there were no other dogs on the oval - not sure how she would go if she was tied up and another dog turned up...I sure I will find out at some stage there are a few regulars who use the oval during the week and I will probably follow the same plan when I get to doing 8kms during the week.

I didn't push myself too hard, main focus was just to get through the distance. By the time we got home I was drenched to the bone (despite the absence of rain!) and almost sculled my first glass of diluted grape juice. Although I am feeling pretty good now (midday) I am glad tomorrow is cross training and Monday is a rest day. Am heading to the pool tomorrow to do laps as a cross train...seems like the only sensible approach in this climate. And Grace Girl will enjoy the diving board at the local pool I am sure.

Cheers

Heids

An introduction

Thought I'd start with a bit of background to how I became addicted to running. It is true I am only a novice runner with not much more than 200 Ks on the soles of my shoes, but from the very first day I was addicted. Somewhat surprisingly since I have never been one for exercise. I avoided Phys Ed like the plague during school, I tried my hand at aerobics many years ago but found myself always going in the wrong direction and bumping into people!

I have flirted with bicycles before...even managing an epic 594Ks in 6 days from Circular Quay to Mount Kosiosko (all in the name of charity)...but it didn't grab me hostage in the way running has so quickly.

In May I turned 37. I also weighed in at 70kgs...not huge, but just bordering on overweight for my height. A result of returning to a desk job 4 years ago after maternity leave and failing to incorporate regular exercise whilst indulging in office chocolates and takeaway lunches.

It started as a weight loss plan. The Couch to Five Kilometers (C25K) was going to do the job, along with taking my own lunches and eating breakfast to avoid the need to snack on chocolate (the later not entirely successful, due to the fact that eating chocolate has less to do with need and more to do with desire!).

I armed myself (literally by way of an armband) with Robert Ullrey's C25K podcast and the Nike+ App, dressed myself in some running shorts and singlet and some regular running shoes (reasonable quality) and headed for the Esplanade during my lunch break. Day 1 - 5 mins walking, 60 secs running...oh my goodness...I thought it was going to kill me...90 secs walking, repeat...8 times...it was HARD, but I was hooked. Despite the fact my shorts were dreadfully uncomfortable and very unflattering. At first I was convinced the shorts be fine in a couple of weeks, after I lost a little weight, however once week one it was clear shorts weren't going to cut it. I started googling running gear and discovered running skorts, and haven't looked back!

However, by week 4 my left shin was killing me, foolishly I tried running though the pain, until that became impossible and I resigned myself to resting up...bitterly disappointed and worried my body wasn't up to my new found love. I rested for 9 weeks and during that time did plenty of research on running injuries, causes and prevention. I discovered and ordered myself a pair of Merrell's pace gloves sight unseen. Best decision EVER. They arrived just as my legs were feeling ready to run again. 

On 15 August 2011 I laced up my Merrells and started again at Day 1, Week 1 C25K. On 7 October 2011 I graduated from C25K having run the full 5 ks. I haven't lost much weight yet although my measurements are much improved but somehow that is no longer the driving motivation and hasn't been for a while. 

When I finished the C25K I started taking Coco with me. Without the strict intervals required in the C25K it doesn't matter (although it can be mighty frustrating) if she stops for a wee break or gets distracted by a passing dog. It is doing wonders for our relationship, she is much happier with the regular exercise and I love the company.

So here we are about to embark on some crazy running adventures...thanks for dropping by, hope you come back!