Tracy in New York

I know,  its been a while....

Since running the race in Paris I have had an amazing holiday in France and Barcelona and also moved to New York City!

I've set up a new blog of my experience here, so if you would like to keep reading, visit www.tracyinnewyork.blogspot.com.   To my 23 subscribers, you will need to subscribe again on this new site if you are interested and would like to receive email updates of my posts.

So now I'm signing off from this one.  Anyone interested in running NY marathon in Nov 2011 - let me know - I'm thinking about it, 1 a year seems a good average to keep me in shape.

The Race - Allez!

So you have seen my finishing time - probably not as fast as I'd hoped but what an awesome day I had! In case you don't want to read the blow by blow description below let me sum up by saying that the experience of running the streets of Paris with > 30,000 others is one that I'll never forget.

The morning of
I woke up and felt the nervous energy as we made our way through the Paris metro to Avenue Charles de Gaulle. It was a very fresh 4 deg and many people were wearing the plastic bag poncho provided at the expo that were to become quite a hazard as they were ripped off at the start line. It was a unique experience to see the arc roundabout free of cars and we delighted in running across the road to the Arc.

Having completed the first of my porta loo experiences for the day (none of them pleasant!) I said goodbye to Ash and Bren and joined other starters within the designated barricades. It was surreal to only hear French being spoken around me and to turn around and see the Arc glowing in the sunlight as we all huddled in the shade at the start line. I was really in Paris!

The Start
The announcer was occasionally giving instructions in English but I never heard a start gun go. Everyone was inching forward in the pack and I was thinking we were just getting excited and closing the gaps before I realised it was all go go go! I had to be careful not to trip on any of the plastic and bottles being discarded but before I knew it I was running across the start line and down the Champs Elysee.

At 1.5k

As I run through Place de la Concorde onto Rue di Rivoli I see my support team and get so excited I literally trip over a runner in front of me - pardon!!

My Support Crew - best (and loudest) on the route!
Ash - Team cook and photographer (amazing job!) and sometime masseuse
Bren - Team Masseuse and Support Crew Tour Guide
Mum, Sue and Lyn - Cheering squad, flag bearers and suppliers of chocolate

They did their own amazing race using the metro to catch me at 4 different places along the way. I really looked forward to seeing them, and it got me through the second half of the race.

The First Half

I ran the first half well, feeling good and keeping pace with the general group. Conditions were perfect and the sights of Paris were showing off along the way.

At one point I had a guy run beside me with a large video camera a few inches from my face chatting in French, I was like, “Pale vous Anglais? I don’t speak French” and he quickly adjusted to “Are you having a good day?” My response “A great day – thanks”. I was clearly feeling good at that point! Maybe I made tv??

There were crowds gathered around the whole 42k route along with bands, drummers or dancers every few k. They were very vocal and the atmosphere kept me going. We all had our first names printed on our bibs and it wasn’t uncommon to hear “Allez Tracy” in French accents which always made me smile. One elderly woman I remember clearly was on a corner rugged up and clapping her hands constantly just saying “Bravo, bravo”. At some points they were coming onto the roads and narrowing the route in their excitement which made the runners come together to get through.


The Second Half
I started to hurt around 28k. This was earlier than expected and still seemed a long way to the finish. I slowed for some oranges and also had to queue for a (very gross) toilet stop and getting started again was a challenge. This was as the Eiffel Tower came into view and mentally I just was thinking, Trace enjoy this, it is a one time experience.

What I didn’t factor in was that by dropping back with the stragglers there were a lot of walkers and this made it even harder to remain focused on running. It was much like the back of the City to Surf, there were people everywhere and often you had to swerve to get around. I had a few elbows to my arms and chest along the way but think I gave them out too!

I was looking forward to seeing the Aussie flags at 34k and kept telling myself, get through 30-35 and then you’re nearly home. When I did see my team, their cheering really spurred me on, as did the Aussie Mars Bar that my Mum had brought for me J I knew at this point that beating last year’s time was almost out of reach but that I definitely wanted to finish in less than 5 hours and this was a possibility. I didn’t come to Paris to walk!




A Strong Finish
The last 2k was not what I expected, we were still running in some woods, not suburbia and I couldn’t see the finish line, or Arc de Triomphe as we approached. There were clear measurement markers so I knew I was close and it turned out the last stretch was uphill and around a few curves, the final straight only 100m to the finish line.

I must have had an adrenaline surge with 400m to go because after hearing someone in the crowd say “its just around the corner” (they were lying…) I felt like I was flying past the other competitors – my legs took off!. As I rounded a bend I saw my support team for the final time and ran past collecting an Aussie flag on the way and sprinted (if you can call it that!) to the finish line.

I did it!

While exhausted – I felt elated, you couldn't wipe the smile off my face although the legs had started to ache!

Its Over..... A Triomphe!

4:54.40

I made it. More to come......

My mad dash 200m's from the finish

"Aussie, Aussie, Aussie"

And it's official...

The Night Before

Tomorrow I will wake up and run 42.2km.

No excuses. No other options.

I have prepared well. I have eaten and hydrated well these last few days. A long walk yesterday was probably not the best thing to do (in retrospect) but it was such a stunning day in Paris we couldn't resist the walk along the Seine. Today I have bunkered down locally and stayed off my legs as much as possible.

I visited the marathon expo yesterday and collected my bib, timing chip and race info. It was quite tricky as not everyone spoke english and in my excitement to enter the exhibit area I went the wrong way and missed collection of my goody bag - don't worry, I was determined to get the blue backpack and so dragged Ash around until we found it! The hall was energised, Ash called it the equivalent of runners geek heaven, and I have to say, compared to the Canberra marathon school hall, being in the Parc de Expositions Hall 7 was quite impressive!

I know I will have so much to keep me inspired through the race. The sights of Paris, the memories of the many times I have been here before both as a tourist and tour leader, the people who have supported me on this journey and, of course Harry and the challenges he and his family face every day. I'll also be thinking of my blog readers and subscribers that I can truthfully say are all over the globe.

To Wazza, a follower of my blog and fellow Aussie from Victoria who is running tomorrow - Good Luck!

I have to say a big thank you to all of you who sponsored me for this race and am so grateful to you for raising $2,250 for Harry's research.

I also would like to make special mention of some friends who have inspired me to run marathons in the first place, listened patiently to my journey of ups and downs and provided valuable advice along the way - Mark, Tim and Giddo - thanks!

I now have to go eat some more pasta...

I look forward to sharing with you the story of my race tomorrow.

A thought to leave you with -
In the competitor program provided at the expo which is full of practical information for race day is a page titled "Last Advice Before Departure" that was translated to english exactly as follows:
Don't forget!
* your bib and 4 safety pins
* your timing chip and the plastic link to attach
* a personal bag to let some dry clothes on the left-luggage facilities
* your Jogging International poncho to keep warmth before the start
* some antifriction cream preserve your skin
* your sponge if you want to use it on refreshment points
* 2 small bandages for your tits
Have to love the French!!

I've arrived in Paris

It took the excuse of a marathon to come back but it is as beautiful and exciting as I remember from years ago when I was a regular here. I love Paris.

It's not just me, Ash is here as well, and my sister Bren, and my Mum along with her 4 friends. Great support crew! We are yet to have the planning meeting about the best vantage points for them to catch me in the race. One of 40,000 - could be challenging...

We are staying in a gorgeous Le Marais appartment and feel just like locals with a fresh food market beside our block. I went for a walk this afternoon and caught my first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower and the race course. I have read somewhere that there will be a traditional blue race line to follow on the day, but couldn't see that it has been painted yet.

I am feeling ready for a good attempt at the race. A wise man I know says that getting to the start line of the marathon fit and healthy is as tough as the race itself. Well, I am here, and final preparation is all about being conscious of my diet and hydration for the next few days.

An earlier entry to this blog suggested I needed to find a solution to finding a toilet en route and I thought I would provide an update. I have read that loos will be available at every refreshment station along the way so have decided that as I'm not an elite runner, really 3 mins is not crucial, and for my own comfort, I'll happily use a loo where needed!

I've also decided to wear my bladder pack with an electrolyte concoction for the race as I was using it for training runs and I'm not 100% confident how the refreshment stations will be set up on the day.

Tomorrow I'm off to the marathon expo to collect my bib and timing chip. I also plan to buy the souvenir t-shirt :)

Running in Central Park - New York

Today I ran around the 10k loop of Central Park. How beautiful it is and so different to any of my other training runs. There was some unusually warm weather last week and the trees have begun to blossom, there are lakes and recreational fields and forest areas and people everywhere!

It was great to get out on a lovely blue sky but cool day as I am still feeling jetlag after only arriving in New York City on Tuesday.

I entered the park at 6th Ave which it turns out is the most popular tourist entrance to the park and where you find the ice skating rink and the horse drawn carriages (with naff fake flowers decorating them). When I entered, for the first 10 mins as I walked through the crowds I didn't see anyone else exercising. I felt too self conscious to strip the outer layer and start running so I just wandered further to explore. I thought to myself, surely there will be some runners some where - and then I saw them. Not only runners, but rollerbladers and cyclists as well on the 'recreational path' which is the side of a road that loops the park.

It was a really enjoyable run. I didn't stretch myself, just stuck to 6min/k pace and felt comfortable throughout.

2 weeks to go - I'm Ready

Its now time to taper.

That's what elite athletes would do anyway.

For plodders like me, its a good chance to relax for a bit and consider the hard yards that I have put in recently. Yesterday and today are good examples. Both days were hot (I'm fairly confident Paris won't be >30 deg) and both runs (11 and 15ks) didn't feel easy. Yesterday I thought that my legs might be tired from the training session the day before but this morning I just felt ordinary and pushed out 15 of my planned 20.

When it comes to race day I'll be able to remember the work that I put in even when I wasn't feeling great. Hopefully that will make me tougher.

Good news though - the calf has held up and feels ok. I am relieved that I gave it the week's rest when I did so it didn't develop into anything more serious.

I guess I'm now in a kind of forced taper, on Tuesday I fly to New York and next weekend to London. My plan is to be careful to stay hydrated throughout the flights and get out on my legs when I feel up for it after arrival for a relaxed jog. Then with a few days to go I will concentrate on my food and liquid intake.

I'm getting excited...

Just in case running past the Louvre and Eiffle Tower don't remind me I'm in Paris, at the 35k refreshment stand, alongside the expected refreshments, the organisers serve cheese and red wine!

Can you believe it? I wonder if we can head back there after the finish line 'cause there is no way I can think of pausing at 35k - my legs would never get going again!!

I'm envisioning the race to have a party atmosphere like Sydney's City to Surf. Here are some of the 2009 stats:

* 30,334 finishers (in '10 there are 40,000 registered runners)
* 220,000 spectators
* 2,700 volunteers
* 9 refreshment stands with:
• 18 000 kg of bananas,
• 17 050 kg of oranges,
• 440 000 bottles of water,
• 2 000 kg of dried fruit,
• 2 000 kg of sugar (cubes),
* 7 sponge stations: 30 000 sponges
* 84 music groups on the route
* 17 000 runners at the Pasta Party (Saturday),
* 50 000 gifts/samples distributed to spectators on the route by sponsors

I CAN'T WAIT!

The Weakest Link - my left leg

Referring to my blog of 15 November, I talked about the challenge of making the start line avoiding/managing injuries along the way. It turns out my left leg has let me down again.

While nursing the injured calf I've been able rest my body and spend time re-assessing the goals for the race. With exactly 3 weeks to go, they haven't changed much from when I started this journey. In order:
To Finish
To run the whole way
To finish strongly
To beat my last time of 4h42. I still believe this is possible. (yes Giddo - I'm putting it out there now!)

Who'd ever have thought that I would be frustrated by not being able to run. Definitely not me! I have been able to train, just not run. During my warmup on Friday I had to walk around a park twice. Walk?? It took all my concentration not to break into a trot.

I have done a boxing session with Jess, swam 1.5k and today was in a gym following a program provided by Jess. I worked up a sweat on the rower, bike and cross-trainer at repeating intervals and followed this with some lunges, pushups and abs. I actually enjoyed it. I impressed a local trainer with my effort and when we were chatting I mentioned my goal and he said that I looked strong.

More importantly I still FEEL strong.

I am on the mend, the leg hasn't been tested yet but feels ok, I will start running again tomorrow - a slow flat plod will be the first test. Bring it on!

Not a good day

I can't believe it.

Today I am feeling disappointed and frustrated as I've received bad news from the physio. I have a small tear in my calf muscle.

Bummer.

(Stronger swear words may have been heard at the time).

Only a day after feeling so strong and ready for the race my preparation has been stalled. With less than 4 weeks to go to the race, I cannot run - at all - for at least a week.

It was a simple circuit I was doing with my trainer yesterday when I was running backwards and I felt it for the first time. It was only a little sore, not throbbing pain, but not 100% right either. I went to get a professional opinion so I didn't do more damage by continuing to train. Not what I wanted to hear.

It is my left leg, the weaker side that is prone to injury, the one broken years ago skiing, last year I suffered from keen pain through ITB tightness and mid year, while not running at all, I sprained this ankle. I never had the ankle properly treated and today it was revealed that the limited flexibility in that region may have caused the weak point in my leg after all the training I have been doing.

Did I say Bummer??!!

It could have been worse, at this stage I should be able to run the race. I'm in a R.I.C.E. routine (rest, ice, compress and elevate) for the next few days. Have to avoid the temptation to run across a road or for a train. I should be able to start running slowly again by the weekend. Between now and the race any stop-start training, hills, sand, intervals are not allowed.

Advice from Giddo today:
"turn it around and see this as a positive"
- maybe tomorrow I'll be able to see it that way!

4 weeks to go - Feeling Strong at last

I have had a good week with training. Finally I am feeling like I can do this.

In addition to my morning sessions, I did an 8k run which felt good and was fast, average pace 5m15/k, that is much faster than my marathon pace but I felt strong at the end and finished with a sprint. Good sign.

Then yesterday I ran 35ks along the M7, a great unbroken pedestrian path/cycleway in western Sydney. 2 hours out, 2 hours back. The turnaround point was the hardest mentally, thinking another 2 hours! But I broke it down into 1/2 hour, 5k bits allowing myself a drink at each milestone and it wasn't too bad. There were moments when I stopped for a stretch but I can honestly say it was my best run so far, not lengthy walking stretches and again, I finished strongly (couldn't call it a sprint though!). I did this same run last year as my longest run leading to the race and it was the first time I "hit the wall" while running. I literally was close to tears and angry and refused to move! This year, no such thing so I think I must be doing ok :) I was well rewarded with my large frozen coke from Macca's - do they have them in Paris?

I have woken up today not too sore and no injuries to note. Another good sign.

There has been a shift in my thinking this week. As much as I have been training, until recently, there were still doubts about my ability to finish in Paris. Now finally, I guess right at the right time with 4 weeks to go, I am feeling strong.

This week I will train 6 days again and next Sunday I have entered a 30k race. I'm going to approach it like the main race and look forward to seeing how I do.

The long runs

Training has become a slog with the longest runs of the program on the weekends this month. In addition to my 3 training sessions per week working on legs and core strength and runs of 8k whenever I can fit them in (1-2 a week) I am running 30+ km on the weekends.

Last weekend I was on a girls trip to the Central Coast. While I enjoyed the spa on the Saturday with a lovely massage, I avoided the champagne on Sat night and got up at 6.15am on Sunday morning for 30km.

I was grateful and motivated by one of the girls who came with me for the first 15k - what a trooper! - she was able to run that distance without training recently, thanks Chez, hope you weren't too sore :)

This weekend I'm out to the M7 first thing on Saturday to go 34km. My mantra: "Stopping is NOT an option". This one worked for me last year. I know what I'll be thinking about for the last 10k - the large frozen coke waiting for me at Macca's where I park my car!

I am feeling it in the legs, tonight they are just fatigued, a sensation difficult to explain, no particular sore point but just an overall tired ache up from the knees to the hips. I have used the roller on them tonight and my own tourettes-like therapy of using the heel of my hand to bang up and down them a few times!

I'm also finding it hard to prepare mentally - it is difficult to keep running when the thoughts inside my head are "why am I choosing to do this again?" or "I really don't need to go through with this".

Enough of that, is the next thought. I will run 42.2 in 32 days, I won't give myself any other option...

PS. Thanks to all my sponsors - I have raised $2,250 and almost reached my goal for Harry.

My new friend

Jess is mean.

And Jess has a friend - a 3kg medicine ball.

Apparently this is my new best friend. Every run I do in training (this morning it was up and down Observatory Hill) I have to carry this green thing above my head! I'm not joking. She says it will make me strong. Hmmm was this really a good idea?

I am finally feeling a little like athletes / biggest losers must feel. Every day a different ache from the session a day or 2 before. I never thought I would get a six pack from running a marathon, but it feels like Jess is determined to give me one!

Back to the running, on the weekend I was on my feet for 30k. Note I didn't say I ran 30k. I can't say that because I was sprung at about 26 by a colleague of mine from work. It had hit the middle of the day and warmed up by then as I didn't get the early start I had planned. No excuses, I was happy to spend the extended time on my feet - all good preparation (she repeats to herself...).

Calling in the Big Guns

Her name is Jess.

Yes, for the first time in my life I have a personal trainer. Well for a short while anyway. 12 sessions with one goal - increase fitness level.

I thought this will be a good way to ensure I get my mid-week workouts that complement my running and push me further than I can push myself at the moment.

She is a no fuss, no excuses kind of chick.

My first session was yesterday morning and while I didn't feel too bad at the time, over the course of today I have increasingly become more sore. Especially across the chest and upper arms, I couldn't tell you that last time that area had a workout.

All up, I was happy with my performance. She said she'll break me in a session not too far away - I hope that doesn't mean me on the ground crying uncontrollably (am I watching too much Biggest Loser??).

This weekend I move house but am going to fit in a long run - the goal, according to my 6 weeks to go schedule, is 28ks. I'll keep you posted...

Feeling Guilty

Its been a while since I have written and I'm feeling guilty. It is closely correlated to the number of times I have run, maybe that's why I feel guilty. It's a similar guilt to when you pay for a gym membership that you never use, I feel like I owe myself a blog.

The truth is, as many of you know, I have had a crazy week. A death in the family, boyfriend departs for overseas, moving house and resigning from work. Just a little on my plate.

I did manage to do 25ks on the weekend, thanks to Viv who met me half way and was the only reason I got out of bed. I ran from my place near Bondi Beach to the Harbour Bridge, around the Opera House and Botanical Gardens and back again. It is a spectacular run in the city, but the hills of the Eastern Suburbs get me every time and there was some walking on the return journey. Surely central Paris is not as hilly!

So its onwards and upwards from here, with a plan to increase that distance each weekend for the next 5 weeks with at least 3 mid week sessions in between. Its serious now.

Tomorrow I run to work. 8.5ks. Hopefully it is not as hot as today.

Respect the Race

This was the excellent and very valid advice from one of my colleagues today.

Many of my friends have said "don't worry, you'll be fine, you've done one before" when I explain I need to go for a run. But honestly, a year later, it doesn't mean any more than knowing how hard it is going to be to cross that finish line. None of my fellow marathon runners have given such advice - they know how hard it is!

At least last year I was ignorant to how it would actually be. All the reading and talking to others only prepared me slightly for the wall that would hit me at about 38kms. I was literally running up and down on the spot though felt like I was running as fast as in the first 10km. The final km, according to my garmin, took 12 mins!

Respect the race means preparing physically and mentally for enduring the 42.2km. This includes the obvious running, increasing my km in training so I am confident I can cover the distance on the day. Along with that, I need to start looking after my body, eating the right foods, hydrating, stretching and getting plenty of sleep which is great recovery for the body. Also start trialling the (all important) outfit and the accessories, ie fuel belt etc as you don't want nasty surprises on the day.

Respect the race means learning the detail of the course, breaking it down into section, knowing where to expect hills and refreshment stations. Luckily I know Paris very well, so from the marathon map I am able to visualise most of the route.

Respect the race means taking this seriously. Without enough preparation that day is going to feel like 100km, not just 42.2.

So tonight I ran 14.5km, a rather slow run at an hour and 40mins but I was determined to get out a decent distance to see where I am at after an inconsistent 2 weeks training.

No more excuses - I still believe I can do it, now just have to respect the race enough to put the effort in prior to race day.

I'm Back!

I learned today that I could run again this weekend as the surgery line
on my finger is healed! While I still have 15 stitches (gross!) until
Tues, the actual skin has closed so there is no risk of infection. When
I realised I actually felt excited! That means I've only had a week off
and so the dent in my training is not too bad.

Great, so Sunday morning, I'm up and going for a run - 12ks.

64 days to go.

Even on Holidays

Last weekend I went away for a long weekend in Victoria with Ash. I took my running gear determined to fit in a few runs and I ended up going out twice over the 5 days.

The first one was along Corio Bay in Geelong, I intended to do 10, ended with 11.5ks as I ran along the bay, into the Botanical Gardens and back.

We then spent a few days staying with his family in Wye River on the Great Ocean Road. What a beautiful part of the world – for those that haven’t been, add it to your list! The highlight was definitely seeing koalas in the wild, right off our verandah. We had a lovely time and though I found it a bit fresh to swim, it was perfect conditions for running. Thanks David for getting me out early one morning for a lazy 10k along the famous coastline. Thoroughly enjoyable.

While holidays interupt my training, they aren't enough to stop the km's from racking up but this Friday I have a small surgery scheduled on my claw of a finger. Trying to get this old basketball injury corrected for good is going to halt my training for the period that the stitches are in - up to 10 days says the good surgeon.

This is far from ideal but I am learning that in any journey to a marathon there are hick-ups along the way and so I am looking at this postively to give my body a rest and then will hit the road hard as soon as possible after. At the moment though, those time goals I've talked about previously are seeming somewhat out of reach.

Just finish Trace, I hear myself saying... and get out and do those 8ks at lunch tomorrow!

Ps. Thanks so much for the incredibly generous donations so far, your support has been overwhelming.

Running in Paris for Harry

Harry is the son of a good friend of mine who was born with an extremely rare genetic brain disorder. As you can see from my pic, he is a beautiful, happy little boy and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI) has set up a 3 year, donation-funded, research program into his condition. They need to raise $300,000 over 3 years to complete the project that aims to learn more about Harry to benefit him along with other children in the future.

Harry is one of only a handful of children worldwide (no other in Australia) living with the condition called microcephaly with simplified gyration pattern, which slows his physical and mental development. Since birth Harry has astounded doctors with his progress, he is the first child with the condition to walk and talk. At 4 years old, he still wears 00 clothes, weighs only 8.9kg and stands at a tiny 85cm.

I have dedicated my run in Paris to Harry and am fundraising for the MCRI Genetics of Brain Development Research Program.

If you would like to sponsor me, please click here. All donations are tax deductible and will receive a receipt by email.

For more information on the work of MCRI you can visit their website - www.mcri.edu.au.

Thanks in advance for your support, I’ll be sure to be thinking of you as I run the course.

Ps. I have random readers of my blog! I received a comment from Wazza in Victoria who is also running in Paris – Wazza, thanks for the comment, hope you enjoy the read and good luck in the race.

Lady Carrington Drive

This was the route for my 20k test yesterday. It is a 10k fire trail in the Royal National Park south of Sydney. A great place to run in the summer as it is shady and cool. It is an 'undulating' run with some testing hills both out and back. I was actually looking forward to getting there as I had spent some time training here 12 months ago and remembered it being a good run.

Early goals were:
Finish in 2 hours
Attack the up hills ie, don't slow to a shuffle but run with power to the top.

I was going great, on track, ran the first 10 in 1hour 2 mins. Next 5, still strong and timing was good, I was even planning to up my speed for the last 5. But I lost momentum and focus at around the 15k mark when I couldn't find my water bottle that I had left against a tree on the way out. For about 500m I was looking back at every tree. Once found and some consumed I found it difficult to get going again. There was some walking :( Another challenge for the morning was the constant need to blow my nose as the sinus hasn't improved.

Reassessing my goals, talking to myself all the time, now they were:
To finish
Continue to attack hills
Not to trip up as I get tired on the uneven surface and
I didn't get out of bed at 6am on a Saturday morning to walk!

Mark came back and pushed me for the last 1.5ks so it was a strong finish. Final time was 2h12min. Lady Carrington you got me this time, but I'll be back!

Positives from yesterdays run:
I feel ok today, actually ready to go out for a beach run this arvo.
I did attack the up hills strongly
And I didn't need a bush stop! yey.

39 954 - Gris (objectif 4h15)

I printed my race entry confirmation today. Interestingly back in September I was feeling very confident of smashing my Canberra time. Seemed simple in theory even though I hadn't run much for many months.

Gris = Grey. I'll be wearing a Grey Bib for the race, starting with others who, when they registered, thought they would achieve a finish time of 4 hours and 15 minutes. When you work through this, that still seems almost reasonable, just need to average 6 minutes per km.

Easy, I say to myself. But really, still possible with 86 days to go? I'll let you know after my 20k on the weekend. (Mark, needs to be sub 2 hours!)

Maybe 39 954 will be my lucky number.

Help - Avoiding public toilets in Paris

Ok, so now its time to be completely honest.

I have a problem. (Just 1 I hear you say??!!)

Running makes me need to go to the toilet, and I am not talking about number 1's. Apparently it is quite common for runners, however I am yet to find a solution.

This became an issue when training for the last marathon and I put it down to the energy gels I was using. I have had more than one bush stop in training but can't seem to stop my body needing to expel, anywhere between 5-15ks. I even took imodium on race day in Canberra but when I saw the public toilet sign at 16k, I knew I was headed straight there.

It's not the gels, it is still happening. Problem is, I don't think that Paris toilets are going to be as user friendly as Canberra (ie clean). Also, I was reminded on the weekend that I would probably need to carry a coin to even get into one.

The answer - not need a toilet when I run.

One suggestion I am still to try is a shot of coffee in the morning before I run, as I am not a coffee drinker, this will apparently get 'everything' moving.

Any other ideas?? Please??

For the Record

Last week I ran approx 52k's - not bad. Stuck to the plan.... Well pretty much ;)

Wed 8k (followed by a nice 1.8 in the evening with Ash)
Thurs run swim run
Friday in Brisbane 9.5k around Manly
Saturday the Tamborine Mountain one didn't happen, the morning after a wedding, who was I kidding??!!
Made up for it on Sunday though with a 14k in sweltering Brisbane heat. Fi kept me inspired as I knew she was running the 1/2 mara in similar heat in Hobart at the same time - Congrats Fi, you did it!

I have hit a new hurdle though, can't really call it a cold or flu, just very blocked head, sneezing and coughing not very pleasant green stuff. I have felt ok though, so, after 2 days off, plan to test myself with a run in the morning.

Here is this week's plan:
Wednesday 10k - Bondi to Work via Centennial Park.
Thursday - lunch 8k
Friday Lunch - lazy 6k
Saturday morning, meeting marathon mentor Mark at the Nationaal Park for a nice cool 20k along a fire trail. Good way to avoid the sun at this time of year.

The Party is Over

HAPPY NEW YEAR :)

The festive season has come and gone - a time for family, cheer, food, friends, presies, sun, bbq's, reading, cards, nephew's nintendo DSi, chocolate. Hmmm where is running on that list?

Actually I was pretty good and didn't abandon my training altogether. 2 x 8ks around the cliffs, blow holes and beaches of Kiama, one of them with my brother Warren, and brother in law Mike in tow. (or towing me??)

But back in Sydney and on 3 Jan the party is over.

I know I am having some minor surgery on my claw finger on 29th Jan (less than ideal with 10 weeks until race day) so between now and surgery I plan to train 6 days a week. Really push my legs so that the week i need off will be a useful recovery week. That is the plan.

So far so good.
Sunday night - 11.5 ks
Monday lunch - 6ks
Tuesday am - 3k light jog

Proposed
Wednesday am - 10k
Thursday lunch - run 3k / swim 1k / run 3k
Friday am - 6k
Saturday am - Long - >15kms. Am going to be in unknown territory on Tambourine Mountain in QLD so will need to plan my route.
Sunday - REST

Will let you know how I go. Anyone feel like joining me for a run??