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.