....because Saturn is in Uranus....or something.
The problem with right now is that life is just very odd. Very unusual. Whilst I like to think of myself of a bit of a champion of change, my little heart has been beating very fast this last week or two with lots of decisions to be made and consequences to consider.
Anyway - having plenty of time on my hands at present, I have been able to read the Sunday paper the whole way through (ok I skipped the boring election bit and the sport bit). There's about three different horoscopes in the Sunday paper - but one thing is for certain - Saturn appears to be in Libra. They all appear to agree on this. How does Saturn get there? "Where" is Libra? Who makes this stuff up? Do the stars really align? Do they move around in the sky? Is there a possibility they might bump into one another? Is that the big bang?
Anyway the last time Saturn was in Uranus or Libra or wherever it is supposed to be, was 1983, so my stars recommended that I cast my mind back to 1983 to see what sort of changes were going on in my life and what lessons I learnt. Well I was 16 in 1983 so my guess is I learnt nothing (I was a teenager - they know everything) - but what I do recall was ra ra skirts were in fashion, as were frilly blouses and fringed boots, big hair and knickerbockers. So I am praying (apart from the ra ra skirt bit) that I don't suddenly get the urge to backcomb my fringe or apply black eyeliner halfway up my temples, or get about in pedal pushers.
Positive change though would be welcomed. Just lets not go back to electronica and acid wash jeans or hypercolour tee shirts.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
M7 Marathon Relay
If this race taught me ANYTHING it is that I really am not even close to being ready for a full marathon.
That said though, I did enjoy the race, and was surprised at this.
Starting at the halfway mark was a scary prospect, because I knew I would be up the front with all the speedsters and knew that people would start overtaking me, and what this would do to my motivation and confidence. However, it wasn't too bad, I started off running pretty much on my own (well, Bernie was with me for about thirty seconds until she powered off into the distance!) and it was nice and peaceful, it was a beautiful sunny morning, and things weren't too bad at all.
My big problem with racing is adrenaline. I've said this before but the excitement, anticipation or whatever it is kicks in BIG TIME when I set off and about 1km in my legs have gone to jelly and I am panicking like mad about all sorts of things. By the 5km mark I am usually settled down and happy however. Then about 5kms from the end I get all excited and nervous again and the same thing happens. It feels like the physical adrenaline is squirting up my legs, a really really unpleasant feeling.
Anyway, first km was run in 4:44. 4:44!!!! I have never run that fast IN MY LIFE. Maybe there is something in this "don't go out too fast" lark. The first 5kms were on or better than target pace (5.45) and I came through 10km in around 55 minutes (which is a PB for me by 2 mins) but then those hills got me and I slowed right down. Hills. I use that term loosely but when you are running up them they are hills and make no mistake.
At the turn around point I suddenly found myself ahead of people I would normally be miles behind, which gave rise to quite a few vanity fartleks (but obviously not enough!!) Anyway, I slowed right down in the last 4kms, which suggests perhaps that if I want to work on my speed, I should look at doing 5km and 10km races and gradually build up holding a decent pace for 15km and then 20km. Sounds sensible and relatively easy - but will it actually happen I wonder?
Anyway I was running along and suddenly got a very sweaty cuddle and there was my gorgeous friend Eagle who said he had been trying to catch up with me so we could run the last wee bit together. This was Eagles 115th Marathon, so I was very honoured to run with him. Suddenly Greg (my marathon relay partner) was there too, and the three of us ran into the Stadium together. I couldn't see the finish line, it was right the way round the other side of the track! (It was at this point the "I am not ready for a marathon - ever" thought really reared it's head).
The three of us crossed the line together and there were lots of hugs and sweaty embraces, anyone would have thought we had won something the way we carried on - but this is what running is all about.
I did enjoy this run much more than I expected, I wasn't really in the best mindset beforehand, but hanging out at the halfway point with Bernie was fun (Bernie you are a legend, well done on another PB) and just being out there plodding along on a Sunday morning with like minded individuals is a simple enough pleasure, but one that I really enjoy. I kinda knew from the outset I wouldn't get my PB but it didn't really matter. As I was telling anyone who would listen 1475 calories is not to be sneezed at! It is much much more than that though, and I need to remember that despite being nervous beforehand, (and being totally crap at it) I really do enjoy running races.
That said though, I did enjoy the race, and was surprised at this.
Starting at the halfway mark was a scary prospect, because I knew I would be up the front with all the speedsters and knew that people would start overtaking me, and what this would do to my motivation and confidence. However, it wasn't too bad, I started off running pretty much on my own (well, Bernie was with me for about thirty seconds until she powered off into the distance!) and it was nice and peaceful, it was a beautiful sunny morning, and things weren't too bad at all.
My big problem with racing is adrenaline. I've said this before but the excitement, anticipation or whatever it is kicks in BIG TIME when I set off and about 1km in my legs have gone to jelly and I am panicking like mad about all sorts of things. By the 5km mark I am usually settled down and happy however. Then about 5kms from the end I get all excited and nervous again and the same thing happens. It feels like the physical adrenaline is squirting up my legs, a really really unpleasant feeling.
Anyway, first km was run in 4:44. 4:44!!!! I have never run that fast IN MY LIFE. Maybe there is something in this "don't go out too fast" lark. The first 5kms were on or better than target pace (5.45) and I came through 10km in around 55 minutes (which is a PB for me by 2 mins) but then those hills got me and I slowed right down. Hills. I use that term loosely but when you are running up them they are hills and make no mistake.
At the turn around point I suddenly found myself ahead of people I would normally be miles behind, which gave rise to quite a few vanity fartleks (but obviously not enough!!) Anyway, I slowed right down in the last 4kms, which suggests perhaps that if I want to work on my speed, I should look at doing 5km and 10km races and gradually build up holding a decent pace for 15km and then 20km. Sounds sensible and relatively easy - but will it actually happen I wonder?
Anyway I was running along and suddenly got a very sweaty cuddle and there was my gorgeous friend Eagle who said he had been trying to catch up with me so we could run the last wee bit together. This was Eagles 115th Marathon, so I was very honoured to run with him. Suddenly Greg (my marathon relay partner) was there too, and the three of us ran into the Stadium together. I couldn't see the finish line, it was right the way round the other side of the track! (It was at this point the "I am not ready for a marathon - ever" thought really reared it's head).
The three of us crossed the line together and there were lots of hugs and sweaty embraces, anyone would have thought we had won something the way we carried on - but this is what running is all about.
I did enjoy this run much more than I expected, I wasn't really in the best mindset beforehand, but hanging out at the halfway point with Bernie was fun (Bernie you are a legend, well done on another PB) and just being out there plodding along on a Sunday morning with like minded individuals is a simple enough pleasure, but one that I really enjoy. I kinda knew from the outset I wouldn't get my PB but it didn't really matter. As I was telling anyone who would listen 1475 calories is not to be sneezed at! It is much much more than that though, and I need to remember that despite being nervous beforehand, (and being totally crap at it) I really do enjoy running races.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
The Week From Hell
It really was, the shitest week ever in my life. But - IT'S OVER!!! Yahoo.
And guess how long the non drinking lasted? FIVE DAYS. Five days then lunch at Rockpool weakened my resolve. I must admit, I though Rockpool was just ok. I have had better snapper. And better company. Note to self, going out with Borals Director of Finance was never going to be fun. Ever. (I suspect he doesn't read my blog, but you are reading this Tim, sorry).
Anyway, so here I am with a dilemma on my hands. I now have two job offers and I think I am (for once in my life) going to take the job I want to do with the company I want to work for, rather than taking the sensible approach and taking the more secure, better paid job. Last time I moved jobs I had the bit of paper out with the big line down the middle and the pros on one side and the cons on the other.
This time I am going to let my heart rule my head. Trust my gut instinct. AM I BRAVE ENOUGH TO DO THIS? Arrrrghhhhhh!!!
I've got a week to make up my mind.
There is a man outside in a Sydney Water van and I have no idea what he is doing but it sounds like he is playing the didgeridoo through my toilet. And there is a smell. Not a nice smell.
So, running, well, it took a backseat this week. I think I ran twice, and neither run was in any way exceptional and there was none of the ahhhhhhh that feels better. But I think stress strips away your energy, and now that I am no longer stressed I can spend all next week running, heck, I can do Woodford to Glenbrook every damn day if I want to.
I have M7 tomorrow. If I wasn't in a team event I wouldn't either bother doing it, as I don't think I have trained enough over the last two weeks, and am not expecting anything great. However, in my lifelong quest for weight loss I suppose it is worth about 1,470 calories, which is a whole days eating and will "cover" the bottle of fizzy sparkly stuff that Marie and I managed to put away last night when discussing our plans for world domination in the fashion market, my career and Switzerland. I think by the end of the night we had our own fashion label and were mass producing tunics from our large and airy warehouse somewhere terribly fashionable. I was also going to work in Basel in her companys head office and be a Friend of Gary (FOG) and really really successful, and eventually rule the world. You know how it goes after a few drinks.
Reality struck this morning with a rather dusty head and the smell of poo emanating up through the toilet.
Anyway, it has been an interesting week, life continues to move in mysterious ways and now I feel it's time to just go with the flow, relax and believe that everything is going to be ok. Cos it is. It really is.
And guess how long the non drinking lasted? FIVE DAYS. Five days then lunch at Rockpool weakened my resolve. I must admit, I though Rockpool was just ok. I have had better snapper. And better company. Note to self, going out with Borals Director of Finance was never going to be fun. Ever. (I suspect he doesn't read my blog, but you are reading this Tim, sorry).
Anyway, so here I am with a dilemma on my hands. I now have two job offers and I think I am (for once in my life) going to take the job I want to do with the company I want to work for, rather than taking the sensible approach and taking the more secure, better paid job. Last time I moved jobs I had the bit of paper out with the big line down the middle and the pros on one side and the cons on the other.
This time I am going to let my heart rule my head. Trust my gut instinct. AM I BRAVE ENOUGH TO DO THIS? Arrrrghhhhhh!!!
I've got a week to make up my mind.
There is a man outside in a Sydney Water van and I have no idea what he is doing but it sounds like he is playing the didgeridoo through my toilet. And there is a smell. Not a nice smell.
So, running, well, it took a backseat this week. I think I ran twice, and neither run was in any way exceptional and there was none of the ahhhhhhh that feels better. But I think stress strips away your energy, and now that I am no longer stressed I can spend all next week running, heck, I can do Woodford to Glenbrook every damn day if I want to.
I have M7 tomorrow. If I wasn't in a team event I wouldn't either bother doing it, as I don't think I have trained enough over the last two weeks, and am not expecting anything great. However, in my lifelong quest for weight loss I suppose it is worth about 1,470 calories, which is a whole days eating and will "cover" the bottle of fizzy sparkly stuff that Marie and I managed to put away last night when discussing our plans for world domination in the fashion market, my career and Switzerland. I think by the end of the night we had our own fashion label and were mass producing tunics from our large and airy warehouse somewhere terribly fashionable. I was also going to work in Basel in her companys head office and be a Friend of Gary (FOG) and really really successful, and eventually rule the world. You know how it goes after a few drinks.
Reality struck this morning with a rather dusty head and the smell of poo emanating up through the toilet.
Anyway, it has been an interesting week, life continues to move in mysterious ways and now I feel it's time to just go with the flow, relax and believe that everything is going to be ok. Cos it is. It really is.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
What's Got Into Me?
This has been one CRAZY week. I have been making decisions left, right and centre, and actually acting on them, executing them and moving on to the next one.
The non drinking is going well. Hell, I went to an Irish 21st Birthday Party last night, with 100 other drunk Irish people and me - sober.
I quit my job on Thursday - with no other job to go to and didn't go home and get stuck into the wine. I went to the pub with John for dinner and had two glasses of water.
I got offered a new job on Friday and didn't pronounce it a good excuse for a celebration (involving wine).
So I think I am doing ok.
I ran today for the first time since last Sundays disaster run. The first 5km was fine and fast, but I got tired very quickly - probably still a little tired from the virus - and so had a nice leisurely walk. Why is it always when you are dressed in your running gear with garmin and everything that you meet people you know (like my physio) AND YOU ARE WALKING!!!??? Anyway clocked up about 12km, with a few short walk breaks in the middle somewhere. My knee, my blister and my hip are all still sore. Next week is M7. I don't think I am going to be real happy with the result, but still 21km is 21km and a shit load of calories used up. I have also lost 2kg this week, by eating clean and no drinking. And probably a dollop of stress too.
And I lost my beloved hairpiece on todays run. One minute it was there, next minute there was my stump clearly exposed in my shadow. (Stump is the very miniscule pony tail I can now sport due to bringing the bob back). So - as one of my friends pointed out, some local animal may now be either wearing it or making love to it.
The non drinking is going well. Hell, I went to an Irish 21st Birthday Party last night, with 100 other drunk Irish people and me - sober.
I quit my job on Thursday - with no other job to go to and didn't go home and get stuck into the wine. I went to the pub with John for dinner and had two glasses of water.
I got offered a new job on Friday and didn't pronounce it a good excuse for a celebration (involving wine).
So I think I am doing ok.
I ran today for the first time since last Sundays disaster run. The first 5km was fine and fast, but I got tired very quickly - probably still a little tired from the virus - and so had a nice leisurely walk. Why is it always when you are dressed in your running gear with garmin and everything that you meet people you know (like my physio) AND YOU ARE WALKING!!!??? Anyway clocked up about 12km, with a few short walk breaks in the middle somewhere. My knee, my blister and my hip are all still sore. Next week is M7. I don't think I am going to be real happy with the result, but still 21km is 21km and a shit load of calories used up. I have also lost 2kg this week, by eating clean and no drinking. And probably a dollop of stress too.
And I lost my beloved hairpiece on todays run. One minute it was there, next minute there was my stump clearly exposed in my shadow. (Stump is the very miniscule pony tail I can now sport due to bringing the bob back). So - as one of my friends pointed out, some local animal may now be either wearing it or making love to it.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Countdown
Spending the last three days in bed has given me plenty of time to think (that's when I am not having exciting dreams of gas explosions at the bottom of Tarro's Ladder).
And I got talking to my friend Tim who is just getting back into running after a six month break.
So we decided that we would not touch another drop of alcohol until after City to Surf.
And writing it here means I have to stick to it.
Lately there has been a bit much red wine in the evenings - which is why I am not losing weight despite lots of exercise. And sometimes wake up feeling tired and sluggish. I want splarkling eyes and great skin and shiny hair and to wake up feeling marvellous every morning! And I have twelve foot to look forward to after City to Surf so want to be in top condition for that, not that I am doing the whole 90km, but doing the leg back from Caves House to the Tree in about 5 weeks time - that means Tim will have another five weeks training under his belt and will be back to being fit and fast, and I don't fancy being left alone to go over that swinging bridge in the dark!! So - self inflicted boot camp here I come!!
And I got talking to my friend Tim who is just getting back into running after a six month break.
So we decided that we would not touch another drop of alcohol until after City to Surf.
And writing it here means I have to stick to it.
Lately there has been a bit much red wine in the evenings - which is why I am not losing weight despite lots of exercise. And sometimes wake up feeling tired and sluggish. I want splarkling eyes and great skin and shiny hair and to wake up feeling marvellous every morning! And I have twelve foot to look forward to after City to Surf so want to be in top condition for that, not that I am doing the whole 90km, but doing the leg back from Caves House to the Tree in about 5 weeks time - that means Tim will have another five weeks training under his belt and will be back to being fit and fast, and I don't fancy being left alone to go over that swinging bridge in the dark!! So - self inflicted boot camp here I come!!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
M7 Run
I had been looking forward to todays 16km on the M7 cycleway with Ray - last time we all did the M7 run I felt strong, and fit and just brilliant and really enjoyed it, and was really happy with my run afterwards - however as soon as we started running today it just felt wrong, and by the 8km turnaround point everything was hurting, shins, calves, thighs, arms (sore arms on a run should have been a bit of a giveaway that something wasn't quite right) but struggled on to the end, albeit a lot slower than our initial pace. On the drive home I started to shiver, then sweat, then my nose started running, my head got sore - which was actually quite a relief because I thought the sore hips / legs were a throwback from last weeks King of the Mountain or maybe an injury, so a common garden cold is a much better excuse for a crap run.
Guess that takes care of the training for the next few days, which is just as well, as I've been feeling tired and uninterested all week - the sniffles probably explain that!
It's two weeks till the M7 - so by then I should be fine and raring to go!!
Guess that takes care of the training for the next few days, which is just as well, as I've been feeling tired and uninterested all week - the sniffles probably explain that!
It's two weeks till the M7 - so by then I should be fine and raring to go!!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
King of The Mountain
King of the Mountain - (32km up a lot of hills) was hard, harder than I expected. Lots of "gentle" uphills, and I ran with Tim who is clearly faster than me, so I was busy just keeping up and nodding really. I did have two rather embarrassing moments, one at the first drink station where I nearly tripped over, caught myself in time, yelled out SHITE at the top of my voice and Tim put his hand out to catch me and got a handful of left boob. So everyone who turned round to see what was going on was treated to a man groping an almost falling over runner muttering expletives. Good start.
Second drink station I was so freaking puffed from keeping up with Tim that I gulped down some water and it went down the wrong way, resulting in a very unladylike coughing fit which almost bordered on that loud and unapealling retching noise. Fab.
As the third drink station approached, Tim asked if I was right and would I be able to cope with the obvious distraction of the drink station. I am pleased to report that I was fine.
We came to a cute little river crossing, which also featured a photographer who took what appeared to be several hundred snaps of me. Obviously he's seen my type before, won't buy the photo unless it is perfect, so has to take 27 of me and one of Tim, knowing if my hair is not quite right there will be no sale. Like that freaking photographer from the Woodford to Glenbrook. Did he bring his Fat Bastard lens I wonder? Or just his Stupid Hair lens? Or perhaps both. Again, glad I entered that under a false name, although I think my cover may have been blown...Anyway, I reminded Tim about how I fell over at North Face due to the over zealous photographer and he noted that I don't cope well with distractions whilst running. He has a point......
Then, there was a little sign that said "Slight Incline Ahead". There are some freaking comedians down the South Coast, that's for sure.
This was at the foot of Mount Scanzi - it looked like we were going up a cliff. Thankfully we sort of wound around and up and not straight up. That would have involved ropes and crampons I think.
After getting to the top, there was ANOTHER drink station - and they had RUM!!! And guess what - I resisted. I may have been braver running down that hill had I taken a wee nip. But that is by the by.
Anyway, at this point Tim wanted to fang it and see what he could do, and I was happy to let him go and just plod along on my own. I was happy to be able to resort to a pace that suited me because I was tired to be honest and keeping up chatty upbeat conversation when you are struggling isn't always easy, although I was really really glad of the company and the distraction, but maybe not the groping bit.
I did enjoy the last 7 kms or so, despite them being tough and having knee troubles, blister woes and oddly, a cramp in my little toe!! I raced Woodford to Glenbrook the previous weekend and was tired from giving that a good lash (and to be honest, tired from partying on Friday night as well), so was happy to just sit back into it and try to maintain a decent pace - and it got a bit mental in that I had to tell myself I could keep going, when I really felt like I couldn't. I kept telling myself I had it in me to finish and I was getting stronger, even though that is a load of rubbish and when some wag local drove up on his postie bike along side me and offered me a lift into town for $20 I WAS TEMPTED!!! (And I had exactly $20 in my camelbak).
Anyway, I did that cross between a smile and a grimace that I find works well when you are doing it tough, and finished in 3 hours and 46 minutes. I felt on top of the world afterwards, knowing that it was hard work but I did it. The last 7kms are very runnable, and being fitter (and perhaps better rested) would mean I could really give it a lash in that last section, so I think we need a rematch next year, that mountain and I.
Second drink station I was so freaking puffed from keeping up with Tim that I gulped down some water and it went down the wrong way, resulting in a very unladylike coughing fit which almost bordered on that loud and unapealling retching noise. Fab.
As the third drink station approached, Tim asked if I was right and would I be able to cope with the obvious distraction of the drink station. I am pleased to report that I was fine.
We came to a cute little river crossing, which also featured a photographer who took what appeared to be several hundred snaps of me. Obviously he's seen my type before, won't buy the photo unless it is perfect, so has to take 27 of me and one of Tim, knowing if my hair is not quite right there will be no sale. Like that freaking photographer from the Woodford to Glenbrook. Did he bring his Fat Bastard lens I wonder? Or just his Stupid Hair lens? Or perhaps both. Again, glad I entered that under a false name, although I think my cover may have been blown...Anyway, I reminded Tim about how I fell over at North Face due to the over zealous photographer and he noted that I don't cope well with distractions whilst running. He has a point......
Then, there was a little sign that said "Slight Incline Ahead". There are some freaking comedians down the South Coast, that's for sure.
This was at the foot of Mount Scanzi - it looked like we were going up a cliff. Thankfully we sort of wound around and up and not straight up. That would have involved ropes and crampons I think.
After getting to the top, there was ANOTHER drink station - and they had RUM!!! And guess what - I resisted. I may have been braver running down that hill had I taken a wee nip. But that is by the by.
Anyway, at this point Tim wanted to fang it and see what he could do, and I was happy to let him go and just plod along on my own. I was happy to be able to resort to a pace that suited me because I was tired to be honest and keeping up chatty upbeat conversation when you are struggling isn't always easy, although I was really really glad of the company and the distraction, but maybe not the groping bit.
I did enjoy the last 7 kms or so, despite them being tough and having knee troubles, blister woes and oddly, a cramp in my little toe!! I raced Woodford to Glenbrook the previous weekend and was tired from giving that a good lash (and to be honest, tired from partying on Friday night as well), so was happy to just sit back into it and try to maintain a decent pace - and it got a bit mental in that I had to tell myself I could keep going, when I really felt like I couldn't. I kept telling myself I had it in me to finish and I was getting stronger, even though that is a load of rubbish and when some wag local drove up on his postie bike along side me and offered me a lift into town for $20 I WAS TEMPTED!!! (And I had exactly $20 in my camelbak).
Anyway, I did that cross between a smile and a grimace that I find works well when you are doing it tough, and finished in 3 hours and 46 minutes. I felt on top of the world afterwards, knowing that it was hard work but I did it. The last 7kms are very runnable, and being fitter (and perhaps better rested) would mean I could really give it a lash in that last section, so I think we need a rematch next year, that mountain and I.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Happy Days
I am drinking champagne and packing for a weekend away in the Kangaroo Valley and I am so excited I could just have another glass of champagne!!
Ok ok it is not REAL champagne, and here I am on a very cold Thursday night, deep in the middle of winter with a glow in my cheeks and anticipation of a really cool weekend.
AND there is a run thrown in!! Yay - I have been singing that Midnight Oil song - Call me....King of the Mountain.....to myself, and humming away happily.
Never done this race before, and have no expectations (which is shorthand for "excuse for a really shite time") but looking forward to some GORGEOUS countryside, a hill or two (judging by the name - King of The Mountain - there are bound to be one or two) and just hanging out with friends.
Last week I took it easy - first time since North Face really, my legs were bloody sore after a mixture of Six Foot two weeks earlier, and a half marathon the week after. So I raced Woodford to Glenbrook as best I knew how. I am proud of how I raced, except for maybe one hill where I was talking to another runner, and let the pace slip. Every other single bit I gave my all. From the 12km mark to the end I FANGED it - for me fanging it was 5.30 min kms or thereabouts until about 21km, by then I really slowed down because the legs were sore and tired, but I kept thinking to myself, "what does *insert name of other really good runner here* do when they are tired and sore? Do they slow down? No, they keep up the pace. You will be glad you did at the end." Well my Garmin told me I did slow down, but it was definately not intended. Anyway I bloody loved this race and came away with 2.38 which was a 9 min PB on last year and 22 min PB on the year before. Next year I am hoping for 2hrs 30. I got a HUGE high at about 15km (admittedly about the same time that "Proud Mary" came on the iPod) and it lasted until the end really. What is it about runners highs? I dunno but it was bloody lovely and that bit where you push as hard as you can and you can miraculously still breathe and function is just bloody awesome.
Anyway - enough going on about nonsense - two or three weeks after this race is M7 which I do have a goal time for and know it is going to be super tough for me to get it, so there will definately be that "adrenaline squirting down the back of the legs" feeling at the start. Then City to Surf and then Willy to Billy and today was asked to do half of 12 foot with someone in the dark and that will be soooooo fucking exciting I can hardly breathe thinking about it. Woooooooo hoooooooooo.....!!!!!
Ok ok it is not REAL champagne, and here I am on a very cold Thursday night, deep in the middle of winter with a glow in my cheeks and anticipation of a really cool weekend.
AND there is a run thrown in!! Yay - I have been singing that Midnight Oil song - Call me....King of the Mountain.....to myself, and humming away happily.
Never done this race before, and have no expectations (which is shorthand for "excuse for a really shite time") but looking forward to some GORGEOUS countryside, a hill or two (judging by the name - King of The Mountain - there are bound to be one or two) and just hanging out with friends.
Last week I took it easy - first time since North Face really, my legs were bloody sore after a mixture of Six Foot two weeks earlier, and a half marathon the week after. So I raced Woodford to Glenbrook as best I knew how. I am proud of how I raced, except for maybe one hill where I was talking to another runner, and let the pace slip. Every other single bit I gave my all. From the 12km mark to the end I FANGED it - for me fanging it was 5.30 min kms or thereabouts until about 21km, by then I really slowed down because the legs were sore and tired, but I kept thinking to myself, "what does *insert name of other really good runner here* do when they are tired and sore? Do they slow down? No, they keep up the pace. You will be glad you did at the end." Well my Garmin told me I did slow down, but it was definately not intended. Anyway I bloody loved this race and came away with 2.38 which was a 9 min PB on last year and 22 min PB on the year before. Next year I am hoping for 2hrs 30. I got a HUGE high at about 15km (admittedly about the same time that "Proud Mary" came on the iPod) and it lasted until the end really. What is it about runners highs? I dunno but it was bloody lovely and that bit where you push as hard as you can and you can miraculously still breathe and function is just bloody awesome.
Anyway - enough going on about nonsense - two or three weeks after this race is M7 which I do have a goal time for and know it is going to be super tough for me to get it, so there will definately be that "adrenaline squirting down the back of the legs" feeling at the start. Then City to Surf and then Willy to Billy and today was asked to do half of 12 foot with someone in the dark and that will be soooooo fucking exciting I can hardly breathe thinking about it. Woooooooo hoooooooooo.....!!!!!
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