This is hard

I ran to work yesterday. Approx 8.5k's, and it was hard. I'm still waiting for that 'muscle memory' to kick in that Veronique has promised will make training the second time around easier.

I'm feeling good about being motivated to get out and exercise, just finding it difficult to run for any length of time without needing to walk at intervals.

I'm conscious that I have a 10k fun run next weekend, the first of my training goals - after yesterdays effort through the hilly Eastern Suburbs, I'm hoping its a flat course!

I need to remind myself not expect too much too soon which is frustrating. After my marathon in April, I really have only run a handful of times in 6 months (where does the time fly??!!)

I keep telling myself baby steps Trace, baby steps...

I've decided I need to formalise a training schedule. So far training has been a bit ad hoc. At least then I can tick off some goals along the way and keep me a focussed on the main goal - so ok, its my task for this weekend.

Ben & Jerry's

Heaven has arrived in Bondi!

For those of you who have never tried Ben & Jerry's it is the best ice cream ever!

I have never seen it in Australia before and today I saw a small sign outside the local (but obviously gourmet) fruit shop that I couldn't miss - the unique branding that is B & J.

Fear not - I hear you asking how this will fit into my marathon training diet - well, at $12.50 for smaller that 500grams, I can't afford to be eating it regularly :)

My selection - Chocolate Fudge Brownie. To my dismay, there was no caramel chew chew or phish food in the fridge but choc chip cookie dough might need to be tried next week...

PS. The no-fries month is nearly over, I can't believe how I have lasted, or how hard it has been. I haven't lost any weight but I think I feel slightly better for it. Might keep it up a bit longer.

The 3k Series...

Every Wednesday for 7 weeks at lunchtime a bunch of my work colleagues step up on the Cahill Expressway and complete a 3km loop time trial - for fun!

I thought this was perfect timing in my get fit campaign as I could wear my heart rate monitor and fancy watch (love my garmin) and track my fitness through the 7 weeks.

It is a handicapped series with runners at various levels participating. The route is tough with the last half almost all uphill and a killer hill back to the finish line.

Week 1 was tough, the first one out. And there was crazy headwind as you climbed the final hill, when with all your might you felt like you were going up and down on the spot. My time was 17 mins 40 (ish), I slowed to a walk at various intervals and was just pleased to come in under the 6min/km mark. To gauge some of my colleagues, the times varied from an unbelievable 11 min to 20 mins.

Week 2 was tough again - it was so hot! My time, though the walking was less, was only 3 sec quicker than the week prior.

Yesterday was week 3, my chance to do so well in the series as the handicaps become more accurate and my fitness improves. while I was proud of my PB 16 min 22sec - one that will be tough to beat - I came an ok 5th, passed in the last 50 m by Mark (and yes I'm going to send you this post). But in the near perfect conditions, everyone was just as impressive, smashing their previous times and congrats to Sus, from last to first in a week - well done :)

I'll try again next week.

The Start – Arc de Triomphe

This icon of Paris was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to celebrate his victories. Ironically the first march through the completed Arch was the one carrying his coffin in 1840. It is now the French National War Memorial and stands 49.5m high, 45m wide and 22m deep with the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Eternal Flame burning underneath.

The Arc is at the centre of Place d l’Etoile (Star) – the chaotic 8 lane roundabout that brings together 12 avenues of Paris including the Champs-Elysees. At 8.45am on the 11th April, 40,000 runners will be spilling out from these Avenues when the starters gun goes.

Those of you who are aware of my former life will remember that I know Paris quite well having delivered many a Night Tour – 2 hour guided coach trip – around the streets of Paris. Well, examining the marathon route, much of it lies on a similar path, so I am going to refresh my knowledge in the coming months and enjoy the sites as I run this time (probably thinking how much I preferred it on the coach!).

169 Days to Go…

October – Fries on the side?

Let’s face it, we all wouldn’t mind losing a kilo or two from time to time. Recently me included! To complement my training, and really as a test of my willpower, I have decided to eat no hot chips this month. This includes French fries too!

Hot Chips have been quite a staple in my adult life, as many of you know! While I have never kept a ‘food diary’, thinking about it, I probably would have a serve of some sort, on average, about 6-7 of the 14 lunch and dinner meals a week. I hear you say really??? Well, think about it, twice at lunchtime (how can you avoid it in those food courts?) and one fast food meal on a weekend plus anytime I eat out at a restaurant or pub, I always would order a meal with chips on the side.

After some quick research, on average a serve of hot chips is 300 calories. McDonalds fries are much worse, 458 calories for a regular size. Times that by 6 and that is 2000 calories, the equivalent of an average women’s daily recommended calorie intake (ref: http://www.vitalhealthzone.com/nutrition/diets/recommended_calorie_intake.php#1) with very little nutritional value.

I hear Biggest Loser in my head, count what goes in and what you exercise away. For me to exercise 6 servings of hot chips a week =
2h 45m running or
8h walking or
3h swimming
And that’s only to work off what I'm eating, not to lose any of that extra padding.

This doesn’t include any other ‘naughty’ things I eat, I hear you all saying what about the chocolate?? My response – that’s a different topic! One thing at a time ;) king size caramellos still allowed. This month for me it's just NO hot chips.

So far so good…

Training Begins - Ouch

This week has been all about getting off what has been my lazy ass for the last few months (there was that sprained ankle excuse that lasted a while) and starting a routine.

My plan is to divide the training into 2 distinct periods. From now until Christmas is all about getting fit - cross training to build up strength and keep the training interesting. I plan to do 3-4 sessions a week, mixing in running, swimming and a gym class and/or yoga.

THE GOAL - By Christmas to run 20ks in less than 2 hours

After Christmas the serious distance running with begin.

Started with a run/swim during lunch on Tuesday, more like a walk/run and in the pool I was lucky to push out 6 laps, the last 2 only because I had paid the $5 to get into the pool and felt I should get my $$ worth. I was invigorated back at the office though and know I am going to enjoy these lunch times away from the office over summer.

On Friday I went for a lazy 4k jog at lunch with my fellow Paris marathon hopefuls Steve and Sus. It was raining and cold as we ran around Mrs Macquaries Point and I don't think any of us particularly enjoyed it - Steve took off out in front (even though he has told me, I learned he's not one for social running) but his legs tightened up pretty quickly while Sus and I made the distance with only 1, or was that 2, walking patches. Never mind the stats, we are on the way...

Anyone for Paris?

Arriving at work recently, some of my friends were talking up the idea of running the Paris marathon next year.

Needing a new goal and really, any excuse to go to Paris, it didn't take long for me to decide - I'm in!!

Both Sus and Steve have also registered and V is still considering (come on V...). Mum and Ash are already planning their trip, so all that's left to do now is train!

Paris - 42.2km - 11th April 2010 - 181 days to go...

The idea for the blog was really as a motivator for myself and to keep track of my progress. Not sure how many will read it and apologies now if you’re not entertained!

Thanks to Ash for helping get this page looking so good :)