Now I know it has been a long while since my last confession.. however I have been extremely busy training. One day I will get myself organised enough to train and blog on the same day. Here is what has been happening since my last confession.
Our Christmas trip to Northam was soooo much fun... not only did we get to see Aarons family, kids swam in the pool but I went out for a really BIG ride on Stella. I got up on the Saturday morning @ 5.30am.. the house was very quiet, no one was stirring not even a mouse. Stella and I hit the road and I have to say it was the best feeling. The early morning sun was shining, sheep in the paddocks, birds everywhere and not a car in sight. I was flying along, at one point I was doing 37kms per hour. I felt like 'BABE' letting out a La La La as I was riding along.. My aim was to ride Northam to Toodyay and back, along the back roads that we have driven so many times. I had a little drink stop at Toodyay before setting off on my way home. This is the point I realize that the reason my trip to this point was easy was because I had a tailwind and most of the trip was down hill.. yep now I have a really strong headwind and the entire way is UP HILL.. Not La La La ing anymore.. This is now possibly the hardest ride I have ever done. I make it home in just over 2.5hours ... 58kms later.. and still loving Stella.
Sunday: I head out early for a 5km run along the same road as yesterady and I seriously feel like I am in heaven.. sheep, birds, long stretch of trees shading the road... I just run, not thinking about anything, just run.
We head home from Northam on the Sunday evening, bellies full and feeling all Christmassy..
Monday: My long run day... Today I am combining my 3.7km loop with my 6km loop to give me a long run. I love getting out in the early morning. Gives me a chance to clear my head.
Tuesday: Is my 30km ride into town with Gail & Sharna.. I love this ride.. It is a totaly buzz to be riding with these ladies and being able to keep up with them.
Wednesday: 6km Run today. I no longer feel like I am having to push myself out of bed for a run... It definately feels like I am getting my running mojo back. It has been a long while since feeling this way about running.
Thursday: REST DAY! Woohoo! Now for anyone that doesn't know me, I love rest days.. however I think I am going to have to rethink my rest day.. I spent this rest cleaning out the pantry..
Friday: 30km Hills ride with Gail, Amanda & Sharna... Today the girls have decided to switch to a ride through town, as we are all feeling a little weary with Christmas coming and all.. 1hr @ 30kms per hour still ain't bad.
Saturday: Another REST day.... biiiiigggggg Triathlon tomorrow.. I did however go into town and have a coffee with the usual Saturday ride crew.
Sunday: Triathlon Day... I am totally terrified. Doing 750/18/5, the longest distance I have completed yet. The swim is to be in the ocean... Oh my, can I change my mind now is all that is going through my mind. The swim is actually quite beautiful. The ocean is very flat after a week of easterly winds, we swim over a reef full of really gorgeous fish. I am totally last out of the water, even the trystar kids finish before me but I still have done the 750mts myself, without the need for rescuing. Onto Stella, and the headwind... My mind instantly goes back to last week when I was riding back from Northam, I knew that ride would come in handy..We have 3 laps on the bike, heading out of town into a fiercly strong headwind and back into town with a worlds best tailwind. I am the last out onto the run but still going, this is the hardest run I have ever done with two really nasty hills, the sun is out now and I am feeling the heat. Two laps on the run and as I am running down the hill to the finish line with the girls holding my hands, someone asks over the PA' if competitor number 1 could return your timing chip'!'I am competitor number one and I haven't finshed yet... As I cross the finish line I realise I have done it. I have actually finshed this distance.. Courtney has timed me unofficially of course and I have been out on the road for 1hr 40mins... not bad for a newbie. Badly dehydrated, and under fuelled.. Thank you my darling girls for supporting, cheering and feeding your old Mum.
After a race debrief with Coach Crealy I now have some very good information about nutrition and hydrating. which I have been testing out this week during training.
This grasshopper has much to learn... xxxxx
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
School's Out... Thank Heaven
OMG I am soooooo over dead boring school assemblies, badly organised final awards ceromonies, Carols in the Park, Christmas Parties and anything else that someone thinks is a good idea to organise last minute.. People I have a tight schedule, I am in training for a huge event, I cope with my life when it is organised well... Don't expect me to rearrange my life last minute...and then to smile about it... I don't want to waste 2 hours of my sleeping time listening other people children singing badly.. Bah Humbug is all I have to say about that.
Aaron is home again and life again is rosy. So off with Gail for a ride in the Gelorup hills this morning. I have decided I am facing these hills with the wrong attitude.. I am negative about them before I even start so this morning I decided that no matter where we go I will do so with a good attitude and enjoy all my training rather than just the fun stuff.. I had a really good time... This morning it was just Gail and I and we talked and talked and talked... before I knew it we had done all the big hills and were at home... No time to dread 'cause I just did it and then it was done!'
We are headed to Northam this afternoon (such a very very long story) for the weekend so I am heading out early tomorrow morning for a ride on Stella (she is coming on our long trip... hope there is not too many bugs) and will go for a run on Sunday morning before we come home again.
See you all back here on the other side of the weeked... Happy training! xxxxx
Aaron is home again and life again is rosy. So off with Gail for a ride in the Gelorup hills this morning. I have decided I am facing these hills with the wrong attitude.. I am negative about them before I even start so this morning I decided that no matter where we go I will do so with a good attitude and enjoy all my training rather than just the fun stuff.. I had a really good time... This morning it was just Gail and I and we talked and talked and talked... before I knew it we had done all the big hills and were at home... No time to dread 'cause I just did it and then it was done!'
We are headed to Northam this afternoon (such a very very long story) for the weekend so I am heading out early tomorrow morning for a ride on Stella (she is coming on our long trip... hope there is not too many bugs) and will go for a run on Sunday morning before we come home again.
See you all back here on the other side of the weeked... Happy training! xxxxx
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Training Schedule Sorted
With the Busso Half Ironman looming in a short 21weeks, it was time to get a proper training schedule together. Written with someone who knows what they are doing and how to put together a schedule that will have me ready and in good form for May 7.
So as of this week I will be swimming twice per week, running three times per week & cycling three times per week. I have a certain number of klms to achieve, but now knowing what I need to do has made it easier somehow. Amanda has written this program with me, to fit in around all the other things I have to do (kids, Aaron & work) so I am feeling confident that I can fit it all in. Amanda is also going to schedule some of her training on the same days as me so we can train together... fitting in a couple of rides to Busso and bike (130km round trip) while the girls are away over the christmas holidays.
Today I went for a 8.5km run and did that in 1hr 5mins.. beautiful time of the morning in my little neck of the woods.
Happy Days!
So as of this week I will be swimming twice per week, running three times per week & cycling three times per week. I have a certain number of klms to achieve, but now knowing what I need to do has made it easier somehow. Amanda has written this program with me, to fit in around all the other things I have to do (kids, Aaron & work) so I am feeling confident that I can fit it all in. Amanda is also going to schedule some of her training on the same days as me so we can train together... fitting in a couple of rides to Busso and bike (130km round trip) while the girls are away over the christmas holidays.
Today I went for a 8.5km run and did that in 1hr 5mins.. beautiful time of the morning in my little neck of the woods.
Happy Days!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Enough Wooohooooing - Back to Training!
22 weeks until Busselton Half Ironman... I need to pull out the proverbial finger and get running. I need to be really ready for this event. 21.1kms is not going to be easy. However between now and then I have alot of events to do.. Tri's & Fun runs, chasing kids.. So I don't have time to stop really.
Monday: Feeling very weary after the Tri on Sunday. Mum and I head to the beach for a swim. We swam from one set of stairs to the other and then walked back in the water. It was lovely to laugh so much with Mum.. Lots of potholes hey Ma! hehehe!
Monday Afternoon: I went to Koombana Bay with the girls and a girlfriend for yet another swim.. We went fairly easy as my friend was getting stung by stingers and I was pooped to say the least.. We finished the evening with a sausage sizzle by the beach.. so much fun.
Tuesday: Out on Stella with Gail. It was a beautiful morning and I thoroughly enjoyed being out and ticking over the legs. I did struggle a little on the hills but still enjoyed the 30kms. Poor Aaron, long gone is the Rachelle that liked to stay in bed all morning.. Sun is up and I am awake awake awake.
Wednesday: Had planned to go for a run.. But my lazy butt stayed in bed. Why do I struggle to get out and run at the moment..? You would think that the panic would have me running all the time. Lets call this the rest day.
Thursday: I did it.. I got up out of bed, dressed and out the door for a run.. Still not feeling like doing it at all. But I just started to run, not hard or fast, just a comfortable cliffy shuffle pace. You know what I actually started to enjoy it and feel good about what I was doing. In total I did 8.6km in about an hour, must start to watch the clock a little closer.
My next event is a Triathlon Club Tri on the 19th Dec (2.5weeks away OMG).. 750 Swim / 20km Bike / 5km Run.. I am a little terrified of this event as the swim is in the ocean. So the plan for the next couple of weeks is this.. 1. Take the kids to the beach for a swim at least 3 afternoons per week. 2. I have the bike under control with 2 x 30km s rides and 1 x 50km ride per week so will continue with this 3. Run 3 x times per week. 1 x short & fast, 1 x Med pace (including hills), 1 x long and slow.. 4. I need to include a couple of brick sessions ie going for a short run after a bike ride..Not quite sure where to fit this in but will need to find a way.
Cliffey where for art thou?
Monday: Feeling very weary after the Tri on Sunday. Mum and I head to the beach for a swim. We swam from one set of stairs to the other and then walked back in the water. It was lovely to laugh so much with Mum.. Lots of potholes hey Ma! hehehe!
Monday Afternoon: I went to Koombana Bay with the girls and a girlfriend for yet another swim.. We went fairly easy as my friend was getting stung by stingers and I was pooped to say the least.. We finished the evening with a sausage sizzle by the beach.. so much fun.
Tuesday: Out on Stella with Gail. It was a beautiful morning and I thoroughly enjoyed being out and ticking over the legs. I did struggle a little on the hills but still enjoyed the 30kms. Poor Aaron, long gone is the Rachelle that liked to stay in bed all morning.. Sun is up and I am awake awake awake.
Wednesday: Had planned to go for a run.. But my lazy butt stayed in bed. Why do I struggle to get out and run at the moment..? You would think that the panic would have me running all the time. Lets call this the rest day.
Thursday: I did it.. I got up out of bed, dressed and out the door for a run.. Still not feeling like doing it at all. But I just started to run, not hard or fast, just a comfortable cliffy shuffle pace. You know what I actually started to enjoy it and feel good about what I was doing. In total I did 8.6km in about an hour, must start to watch the clock a little closer.
My next event is a Triathlon Club Tri on the 19th Dec (2.5weeks away OMG).. 750 Swim / 20km Bike / 5km Run.. I am a little terrified of this event as the swim is in the ocean. So the plan for the next couple of weeks is this.. 1. Take the kids to the beach for a swim at least 3 afternoons per week. 2. I have the bike under control with 2 x 30km s rides and 1 x 50km ride per week so will continue with this 3. Run 3 x times per week. 1 x short & fast, 1 x Med pace (including hills), 1 x long and slow.. 4. I need to include a couple of brick sessions ie going for a short run after a bike ride..Not quite sure where to fit this in but will need to find a way.
Cliffey where for art thou?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
WooHooo's All Round....xxxx
Times are in... We all did fantastically well in the Women's Triathlon on Sunday. The times are as follows;
Anna - 48.12 mins
Gem - 52.76mins
Courts - 49.25mins
Nanny - 55.68mins
and me - 39.96mins
Way to go girls, I am so very proud of all of you. I had an amazing day, although it went way too fast. I am ever so pleased that you all are keen to do it again in March...
WWWOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!......XXXXXXXXX
Anna - 48.12 mins
Gem - 52.76mins
Courts - 49.25mins
Nanny - 55.68mins
and me - 39.96mins
Way to go girls, I am so very proud of all of you. I had an amazing day, although it went way too fast. I am ever so pleased that you all are keen to do it again in March...
WWWOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!......XXXXXXXXX
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Women's Triathlon - Race Report
Friday: Mum and I had a strict schedule to keep.. Shopping, coffee, more shopping, followed by a spot of lunch, followed by more shopping. That said and done... Mum out of $$$'s, shopped out! We headed home for a small swim at the pool to get Mum's sea legs in so to speak. Nice work Nanny!
Saturday: Saw us doing more shopping, this time with the children... getting them graduation clothes.. Whheeeww.. definately shopped out. Anna arrived in the afternoon and many hours of giggling commenced. I did manage to get all the gear together and packed into buckets ready to go for the next morning. All bikes except Stella onto the car. A good dinner and early to bed for us lot.. Crashed and burned!
Sunday: Alarm goes off at 5.30am and the next two hours seemed to go by lighting fast. Helping everyone sort out transition, collect our goodie bags, get numbers written on, checking out the pool. The girls and Anna are in Wave 2... and it was great being able to watch them start the swim and cheer them on.. much whoooping! Then Mum and I are in Wave 3.. I am first into the pool for my group and get to see both girls get out of the water just as I get in.. Yay, go girls.. Into the pool and then I am off.. I stayed at my own pace, concentrating super hard on my left arm and its trying to help..Next thing I know, I am getting out of the pool and someone is saying 'Great swim, Rachelle!' and off I go to get Stella.. As I am leaving transition Mum is coming out and we are both shouting encouragement to each other.. Stella and I hit the road and I am determined this is where I will make my mark.. sitting on an average of 30kms per hour I catch Mum on her second lap (me on my third) both girls on their third lap(me on my third) and all too quickly the bike leg is over.. Now I have the run.. I am out onto the course and hear my little cheer squad (thanks heaps Julie, Mick and Tarnee)... any second now I am certain that Courts will go flying past me.. then I am at the turn around and its only 1km to go... I blink and I am running through the chute with loads of people cheering me on.. That can't be it.. its over already... I could not have given any more.. I have done the best I can..
Gem is at the line when I finish.. It seems she got confused on the bike leg and only did 3 laps.. whooppss.. Anna comes in a few minutes after me, High fives all round... followed very closely by Courts... and I head out to the run to see where Nanny is.. I meet Nanny at the 200mtrs to go mark and run holding hands across the line.. and we are all Triathletes... WWWOOOOOOOOHHHHOOOOOO!And here are the photos to prove it!
Saturday: Saw us doing more shopping, this time with the children... getting them graduation clothes.. Whheeeww.. definately shopped out. Anna arrived in the afternoon and many hours of giggling commenced. I did manage to get all the gear together and packed into buckets ready to go for the next morning. All bikes except Stella onto the car. A good dinner and early to bed for us lot.. Crashed and burned!
Sunday: Alarm goes off at 5.30am and the next two hours seemed to go by lighting fast. Helping everyone sort out transition, collect our goodie bags, get numbers written on, checking out the pool. The girls and Anna are in Wave 2... and it was great being able to watch them start the swim and cheer them on.. much whoooping! Then Mum and I are in Wave 3.. I am first into the pool for my group and get to see both girls get out of the water just as I get in.. Yay, go girls.. Into the pool and then I am off.. I stayed at my own pace, concentrating super hard on my left arm and its trying to help..Next thing I know, I am getting out of the pool and someone is saying 'Great swim, Rachelle!' and off I go to get Stella.. As I am leaving transition Mum is coming out and we are both shouting encouragement to each other.. Stella and I hit the road and I am determined this is where I will make my mark.. sitting on an average of 30kms per hour I catch Mum on her second lap (me on my third) both girls on their third lap(me on my third) and all too quickly the bike leg is over.. Now I have the run.. I am out onto the course and hear my little cheer squad (thanks heaps Julie, Mick and Tarnee)... any second now I am certain that Courts will go flying past me.. then I am at the turn around and its only 1km to go... I blink and I am running through the chute with loads of people cheering me on.. That can't be it.. its over already... I could not have given any more.. I have done the best I can..
Gem is at the line when I finish.. It seems she got confused on the bike leg and only did 3 laps.. whooppss.. Anna comes in a few minutes after me, High fives all round... followed very closely by Courts... and I head out to the run to see where Nanny is.. I meet Nanny at the 200mtrs to go mark and run holding hands across the line.. and we are all Triathletes... WWWOOOOOOOOHHHHOOOOOO!And here are the photos to prove it!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Vitimins and a big big sleep needed..
Right then... its official.. I am pooped... I love Aaron being home but I just don't seem to be getting enough sleep...This week is the lead up to Womens Tri 200/10/2 with Mum, Anna and the girls..Woohoo.
Monday: Swim squad.. I got swum over 3 times by a chick who claims not to be able to speak english.. let me tell you she had better stay away on race day.. I may be forced to drown her. But overall still worked hard and had a good session. Even though the coach made me do an extra 200mts..phooey!
Tuesday: My morning ride with Gail... I just love this ride.. No pressure, We just put our heads down and pedal like the clappers. Love, Love, Love...
Wednesday: Back too swim squad, and despite feeling a little weary I still pushed myself rather hard and even did the extra 200mtrs before the coach asked me too. hehehe
I have put myself back onto the vitimins as I am feeling a little weary and found they did help. So just a run and a light bike left this week and then race day on Sunday.. Then the fun really starts with training kicking up a notch again as of next week. Is it wrong to be tired already?
Monday: Swim squad.. I got swum over 3 times by a chick who claims not to be able to speak english.. let me tell you she had better stay away on race day.. I may be forced to drown her. But overall still worked hard and had a good session. Even though the coach made me do an extra 200mts..phooey!
Tuesday: My morning ride with Gail... I just love this ride.. No pressure, We just put our heads down and pedal like the clappers. Love, Love, Love...
Wednesday: Back too swim squad, and despite feeling a little weary I still pushed myself rather hard and even did the extra 200mtrs before the coach asked me too. hehehe
I have put myself back onto the vitimins as I am feeling a little weary and found they did help. So just a run and a light bike left this week and then race day on Sunday.. Then the fun really starts with training kicking up a notch again as of next week. Is it wrong to be tired already?
Monday, November 22, 2010
Team Confessions is born...
Oh my heavens... now its getting serious! Just today we have registered to race in the Busselton 1/2 Ironman May7th 2011... Thats just 23weeks away... Cousin Keith will be doing the swim leg 1.9km.. gotta love a superfish for a cousin. Coach Crealy will be the Lance Armstrong of our team, completeing the bike leg 90kms and me, well I will be channelling Cliffy Young and any other runner I can find to get me over the finish line.. 21.1kms. Mum will be the reserve just in case person (AKA Head of Support Crew).. and Aaron is our in case of emergency person (AKA Head of timing and all things logistical)
23 weeks to get myself ready to do a great job.. I have the Womens Tri with Mum, Anna and the girls this weekend and then the training will really be hitting high gear for Busselton.. I have quite a few Tri's in the season to help with the training... the first big one coming up 19th Dec 2010.. and I am doing the long course which is 750/20/5...a little earlier than I had anticipated but Sarah has said my training is going well enough to have a go..
I honestly can't wait for Busselton... I am beyond excited... By far the biggest thing I have ever wanted to do.. Anyone wanting to come along as cheer squad please let me know.. we definately could use your voice come race day!
Anyone got a direct line to Cliffy?
23 weeks to get myself ready to do a great job.. I have the Womens Tri with Mum, Anna and the girls this weekend and then the training will really be hitting high gear for Busselton.. I have quite a few Tri's in the season to help with the training... the first big one coming up 19th Dec 2010.. and I am doing the long course which is 750/20/5...a little earlier than I had anticipated but Sarah has said my training is going well enough to have a go..
I honestly can't wait for Busselton... I am beyond excited... By far the biggest thing I have ever wanted to do.. Anyone wanting to come along as cheer squad please let me know.. we definately could use your voice come race day!
Anyone got a direct line to Cliffy?
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Who knew that 4 O'Clock happened twice in one day!
What a frantic couple of days.
Friday: Out on Stella with Gail, Amanda & Dee... Hot breeze already blowing at 5.45am, we could tell it was going to be a stinker. We head to the hills.. Definately a hard session but I managed better than I thought I would.. Oh how I hate the hills.. makes the legs burn and the hot weather sucked the energy right out of me. But better I get used to it now..
Saturday: Out for my big ride of the week. Because Aaron was home my plan was to do 70kms instead of the usual 50km, just because he was home with the kids.. 33kms into the ride and I get a puncture in the back tyre. First one that Stella has had so not bad going really, as I have been riding her since late July. Anyway I call Aaron and he comes to the rescue. The tyre can't be fixed quickly so I grab my mountain bike and head into town to meet the crew for coffee.. That way I will at least get my 50kms in as it is a 20km round trip into town. Man I had forgotten what a beast the mountain bike is.. Its heavy.. my feet kept trying to pull the pedals up.. and that doesn't work... and I sit so different... I WANT MY STELLA BACK...sniff, sniff...
Sunday: Up at 4AM.. yes 4AM to volunteer the state race being held in Bunbury today... I am there helping at 5am.. Bleary eyed but there none the less. I helped with setting up the transition area and registrations... then came home at had a coffee, a little snooze on the couch and a lovely breaky of eggs with my little family...
Oh how sad I feel another little nap coming on...xxxxxx
Friday: Out on Stella with Gail, Amanda & Dee... Hot breeze already blowing at 5.45am, we could tell it was going to be a stinker. We head to the hills.. Definately a hard session but I managed better than I thought I would.. Oh how I hate the hills.. makes the legs burn and the hot weather sucked the energy right out of me. But better I get used to it now..
Saturday: Out for my big ride of the week. Because Aaron was home my plan was to do 70kms instead of the usual 50km, just because he was home with the kids.. 33kms into the ride and I get a puncture in the back tyre. First one that Stella has had so not bad going really, as I have been riding her since late July. Anyway I call Aaron and he comes to the rescue. The tyre can't be fixed quickly so I grab my mountain bike and head into town to meet the crew for coffee.. That way I will at least get my 50kms in as it is a 20km round trip into town. Man I had forgotten what a beast the mountain bike is.. Its heavy.. my feet kept trying to pull the pedals up.. and that doesn't work... and I sit so different... I WANT MY STELLA BACK...sniff, sniff...
Sunday: Up at 4AM.. yes 4AM to volunteer the state race being held in Bunbury today... I am there helping at 5am.. Bleary eyed but there none the less. I helped with setting up the transition area and registrations... then came home at had a coffee, a little snooze on the couch and a lovely breaky of eggs with my little family...
Oh how sad I feel another little nap coming on...xxxxxx
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
24 weeks, 2 days,15 hours, 15 mins & lots of seconds...
That is the time left until the 1/2 ironman, where I will be running 21.1kms. Everytime I train I am visualising the finishing chute on the day... I am focused, determined and almost ready.
Tuesday: Out on the town with Stella.. I think I have mentioned it once or twice before... but I loovvveee riding my bike. Out with Gail and Amanda this week. It was warm, sunny and an amazing time of the day to be awake. We did our loop around town.. I don't even seem to be struggling with the lighthouse hill any more.. Sitting on approx 30kms per hour for the hour ride..possibly even a little faster as we got back home about 5mins earlier than normal.
Wednesday: Back to swim squad.. and I have finally sorted out the issue of my left arm trying to help my right one.. It took a really good chat with the coach.. and now I understand what I was doing wrong.. She had me doing some side stroke drills and if I concentrate I can now stop my left arm from helping and you know what.. that arm wasn't so tired this time.
Thursday: Up and out the door at 5.22am. Running is not my favourite leg.. It hurts, its hard and I am definately not a natural at it.. But if I am going to complete the run leg of the half I have to get my finger out and practice. So my plan this morning was to get out early and see just how far I could go in 1.5hours. I did the 6km loop and then headed up the big hill towards the beach and back to my place. So without measuring (will do that this afternoon in the car) I am thinking I did around 10kms. Well at least that is what my legs are telling me I have done at any rate. Once I got to the halfway mark I stopped feeling the pain so much and decided to concentrate on all the beautiful things around me.. The parks, trees, lake, and so much birdlife.. The sun out but not yet hot. A slight breeze. Just lovely. and then I was home...
Big thanks must go out to my favourite sponsor.... Mama Steele for providing the gear to have me looking like I know what I am doing... Ma your support and never ending love are beyond words... Love you much...xxxxx
Tuesday: Out on the town with Stella.. I think I have mentioned it once or twice before... but I loovvveee riding my bike. Out with Gail and Amanda this week. It was warm, sunny and an amazing time of the day to be awake. We did our loop around town.. I don't even seem to be struggling with the lighthouse hill any more.. Sitting on approx 30kms per hour for the hour ride..possibly even a little faster as we got back home about 5mins earlier than normal.
Wednesday: Back to swim squad.. and I have finally sorted out the issue of my left arm trying to help my right one.. It took a really good chat with the coach.. and now I understand what I was doing wrong.. She had me doing some side stroke drills and if I concentrate I can now stop my left arm from helping and you know what.. that arm wasn't so tired this time.
Thursday: Up and out the door at 5.22am. Running is not my favourite leg.. It hurts, its hard and I am definately not a natural at it.. But if I am going to complete the run leg of the half I have to get my finger out and practice. So my plan this morning was to get out early and see just how far I could go in 1.5hours. I did the 6km loop and then headed up the big hill towards the beach and back to my place. So without measuring (will do that this afternoon in the car) I am thinking I did around 10kms. Well at least that is what my legs are telling me I have done at any rate. Once I got to the halfway mark I stopped feeling the pain so much and decided to concentrate on all the beautiful things around me.. The parks, trees, lake, and so much birdlife.. The sun out but not yet hot. A slight breeze. Just lovely. and then I was home...
Big thanks must go out to my favourite sponsor.... Mama Steele for providing the gear to have me looking like I know what I am doing... Ma your support and never ending love are beyond words... Love you much...xxxxx
Sunday, November 14, 2010
and the training just keeps on coming....
So after four days of being totally lazy and doing nothing with the big ole fat rain... I have had a good strong talk to myself and gotten back onto the wagon so it were.
Saturday: My big ride for the week with a fabulous group.. We headed out to the beach and I have to say it is one of the best rides I have had with them. I led the group most of the way with someone saying hello from another group... stopped for our little rest stop and then headed back and again led a good portion of the way back. I also now have a jersey to match the other guys and I know it is only a small thing but I can't wait till next saturday when I can wear it.. How excitement I have a team jersey. Woooohhhooooo!
Sunday: Got up early and went for a 7km run... it hurt and thats all I have to say about that.
This morning found me back to the pool for swim squad.. and I totally loved it.. Am completely shattered and wanting a Nana nap so bad but loving the swimming just the same..
Saturday: My big ride for the week with a fabulous group.. We headed out to the beach and I have to say it is one of the best rides I have had with them. I led the group most of the way with someone saying hello from another group... stopped for our little rest stop and then headed back and again led a good portion of the way back. I also now have a jersey to match the other guys and I know it is only a small thing but I can't wait till next saturday when I can wear it.. How excitement I have a team jersey. Woooohhhooooo!
Sunday: Got up early and went for a 7km run... it hurt and thats all I have to say about that.
This morning found me back to the pool for swim squad.. and I totally loved it.. Am completely shattered and wanting a Nana nap so bad but loving the swimming just the same..
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Big 'ole Fat Rain & being lazy
I am so lazy... we have had big 'ole fat rain continuously since Monday and I haven't done any training since Monday morning swim squad... am going to have to get the finger out... On the up side... I have done alot of sleeping and watching chick flicks with my girlies...xxx
Monday, November 8, 2010
Triathlon Pink
Sunday saw me heading to Perth to compete in Triathlon Pink with my good friend Anna (first time triathlete). As Anna was very nervous she decided to have a go at the short distance. My objective for the day was to stay with Anna and encourage her. I also used the day to get myself in and out of transition faster.
Let me just say that I had a fantastic day. It was so much fun.. We laughed, giggled and talked our way through the whole thing. I did not worry about speed or times... just enjoyed the fact I could be there enjoying the experience with my firend.
So imagine my surprise when we looked at our times and discovered that we came 8th and 9th in our age group.
Imagine what I could have achieved if I had actually tried for a fast time. Anna, I am so incredibly proud of you... Amazing job.. Can't wait for the 28th and the next Womens Triathlon.
Let me just say that I had a fantastic day. It was so much fun.. We laughed, giggled and talked our way through the whole thing. I did not worry about speed or times... just enjoyed the fact I could be there enjoying the experience with my firend.
So imagine my surprise when we looked at our times and discovered that we came 8th and 9th in our age group.
Imagine what I could have achieved if I had actually tried for a fast time. Anna, I am so incredibly proud of you... Amazing job.. Can't wait for the 28th and the next Womens Triathlon.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Sad day... very big Ride...xx
We recieved some very sad news yesterday.. My very good friend lost her Brother on Thursday.. He was cycling home from work on the highway and hit by a car doing 110km per hour.. Fortunately he didn't suffer but as you can imagine the cycling comuunity here is feeling the loss really hard.
This morning was a ride to his parents house and then onto his house to offer condolences.. There was about 100 riders... and I felt honoured to be a part of the experience.. I have never riden with so many riders and it was a great experience.. I am pleased I could be there for my friend and her family and to be a part of a group of 100 riders is something that will stay with me for a very long time...
Please be careful on the roads...xxxx
This morning was a ride to his parents house and then onto his house to offer condolences.. There was about 100 riders... and I felt honoured to be a part of the experience.. I have never riden with so many riders and it was a great experience.. I am pleased I could be there for my friend and her family and to be a part of a group of 100 riders is something that will stay with me for a very long time...
Please be careful on the roads...xxxx
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Have you ever tried swimming and sneezing at the same time?
Yesterday saw me hitting training very hard. Bike ride in the morning with a fantastic group of ladies.. Cycling around town, sitting on approx 30km per hour, chatting the whole way makes the hour goes so very fast and I am home before I know it.
Runners club training was quite hard.. I just really struggle to get motivated for these sessions.. but then I think they are the ones I really need to do and that is why I struggle with them. But we did warm ups, then run / walk / sprint / snake / run / jog / walk.. I felt great after the session and definately pushed myself harder than I would have by myself.. Maybe that is the good thing about training like this at the moment.
Swim squad this morning and I seriously don't think I woke up until I got into the freezing water and suddenly I was instantly awake.. I have had quite bad hayfever the past few days with spring definately here in a big way.. So swimming down the lane, and I get a fit of sneezes... Picture this... trying to concentrate on strokes, breathing, lengthing my strokes.. sneeze sneeze sneeze, stroke breathe, sneeze, breathe, choke, sneeze, breathe, stroke, lengthen, breathe sneeze..
That a side I was still really happy with the session and feel like I am getting somewhere with it all. It has definately been worth the effort.
Resting now until tomorrow night when we have runners club again however as Aaron leaves for work tomorrow morning it may turn into just a run around our neighbourhood as runners club might be too hard with 3 children, homework, dinner, showers etc especially since I haven't had too deal with any of that for the past 2 months... I miss you already Aaron xxxx
Runners club training was quite hard.. I just really struggle to get motivated for these sessions.. but then I think they are the ones I really need to do and that is why I struggle with them. But we did warm ups, then run / walk / sprint / snake / run / jog / walk.. I felt great after the session and definately pushed myself harder than I would have by myself.. Maybe that is the good thing about training like this at the moment.
Swim squad this morning and I seriously don't think I woke up until I got into the freezing water and suddenly I was instantly awake.. I have had quite bad hayfever the past few days with spring definately here in a big way.. So swimming down the lane, and I get a fit of sneezes... Picture this... trying to concentrate on strokes, breathing, lengthing my strokes.. sneeze sneeze sneeze, stroke breathe, sneeze, breathe, choke, sneeze, breathe, stroke, lengthen, breathe sneeze..
That a side I was still really happy with the session and feel like I am getting somewhere with it all. It has definately been worth the effort.
Resting now until tomorrow night when we have runners club again however as Aaron leaves for work tomorrow morning it may turn into just a run around our neighbourhood as runners club might be too hard with 3 children, homework, dinner, showers etc especially since I haven't had too deal with any of that for the past 2 months... I miss you already Aaron xxxx
Monday, November 1, 2010
Club 1 Triathlon - And we're off and racing...
Sunday saw the first Triathlon of the season finally arrive.. I have been training for this Tri particularly hard for the last four weeks. While I don't have my times just yet, they haven't been posted on the website yet (will get them to you as soon as I can) I felt really strong.
The swim, I was the second person in the water. 250 mtrs or 5 laps over before I knew it. I used the swim as my warm up. Onto the bike, Stella and I were off.. We sat on around 28-30km/per hour for the 12kms.. woohoo..
Then the run, with legs feeling like concrete stumps, it was clear that I am going to have to do some work on the run but none the less I ran the whole way. Look honestly running might be a stretch but I was doing a fantastic impersonation of the Cliff Young shuffle.. Crossed the finish line with a smile and Aaron cheering me on... It just doesn't get better than that. Times have been posted and are 250m Swim - 7.17mins, 12km Bike - 31.30mins & 2km Run - 14.46min Total Time 53.33mins... wwwwoooooohhhhooooo!
Having arrived back from my whirlwind trip to Melbourne on Saturday night at 8pm... After getting home from the tri I had a cup of coffee with Aaron and then had to have a little sleep... two hours later I woke to get up and potter for about 2hours then back to bed for another 2 hours sleep hehehehehe... Then to top off the day I was back to bed by 8.30pm and slept in and missed swim squad...
However now that the sleep tank is back to its normal, training is back on course.. woohoo..xxxx
The swim, I was the second person in the water. 250 mtrs or 5 laps over before I knew it. I used the swim as my warm up. Onto the bike, Stella and I were off.. We sat on around 28-30km/per hour for the 12kms.. woohoo..
Then the run, with legs feeling like concrete stumps, it was clear that I am going to have to do some work on the run but none the less I ran the whole way. Look honestly running might be a stretch but I was doing a fantastic impersonation of the Cliff Young shuffle.. Crossed the finish line with a smile and Aaron cheering me on... It just doesn't get better than that. Times have been posted and are 250m Swim - 7.17mins, 12km Bike - 31.30mins & 2km Run - 14.46min Total Time 53.33mins... wwwwoooooohhhhooooo!
Having arrived back from my whirlwind trip to Melbourne on Saturday night at 8pm... After getting home from the tri I had a cup of coffee with Aaron and then had to have a little sleep... two hours later I woke to get up and potter for about 2hours then back to bed for another 2 hours sleep hehehehehe... Then to top off the day I was back to bed by 8.30pm and slept in and missed swim squad...
However now that the sleep tank is back to its normal, training is back on course.. woohoo..xxxx
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Butt still sinking when weary
Hiya,
I feel so guilty.. I have a confession.. I, Rachelle, DID NOT go to runners club last night. I could barely keep my eyes open during the afternoon, I got snappy with Aaron ( a sure sign of being tired) so decided I would be better off staying home and enjoying an evening together with my little family. Roasted some chicken for dinner and the girls made a salad.. Nooiiccee.
This morning when the alarm went off at 5.15am I honestly wanted to throw the thing out the window, pausing ever so slightly to stomp on it briefly first. But I did just get up, its almost trance like now. Alarm goes off, Rachelle gets up and goes into the bathroom to put on whatever gear corresponds to the activity about to be undertaken.
Swim squad this morning seemed to prepare me for an open water swim. I managed to get swum over, sratched & hit in the head. Ladies its a non competitive event you are training for, take a chill pill. I did feel really good in the water, just getting a little tired on the warm down laps. Here is what we did today;
200mtrs Warm up
4 x 50 Kicks
4 x 50 paddles
4 x 25 Drill dog paddle
4 x 25 Swim
4 x 50 Hard Swim
4 x 50 Easy
100 Cool Down
I feel so guilty.. I have a confession.. I, Rachelle, DID NOT go to runners club last night. I could barely keep my eyes open during the afternoon, I got snappy with Aaron ( a sure sign of being tired) so decided I would be better off staying home and enjoying an evening together with my little family. Roasted some chicken for dinner and the girls made a salad.. Nooiiccee.
This morning when the alarm went off at 5.15am I honestly wanted to throw the thing out the window, pausing ever so slightly to stomp on it briefly first. But I did just get up, its almost trance like now. Alarm goes off, Rachelle gets up and goes into the bathroom to put on whatever gear corresponds to the activity about to be undertaken.
Swim squad this morning seemed to prepare me for an open water swim. I managed to get swum over, sratched & hit in the head. Ladies its a non competitive event you are training for, take a chill pill. I did feel really good in the water, just getting a little tired on the warm down laps. Here is what we did today;
200mtrs Warm up
4 x 50 Kicks
4 x 50 paddles
4 x 25 Drill dog paddle
4 x 25 Swim
4 x 50 Hard Swim
4 x 50 Easy
100 Cool Down
Monday, October 25, 2010
I could sleep with eyes open or closed...
Hiya all,
Swim squad yesterday morning and I felt rather weary... Still managed the half hour session but felt pretty tired by the end. Evening found the girls and I at the road skills bike session, not a hard session but still sitting on about 22km per hour for approx 15kms... not a bad effort for the girls.
This morning I was out for my early ride before work.. let me tell you I am certain there is concrete in them there legs today.. It definately was a hard session, a head wind with every corner that we turned and the hills felt like everest.
I have runners club tonight but it will definately be an easy session... I may just have to snooze at my desk today.. eyes may or may not be open. hehehehe
And thinking of adding another Tri to the already packed schedule.. I think there is definately a chance I have lost my noodle.
Swim squad yesterday morning and I felt rather weary... Still managed the half hour session but felt pretty tired by the end. Evening found the girls and I at the road skills bike session, not a hard session but still sitting on about 22km per hour for approx 15kms... not a bad effort for the girls.
This morning I was out for my early ride before work.. let me tell you I am certain there is concrete in them there legs today.. It definately was a hard session, a head wind with every corner that we turned and the hills felt like everest.
I have runners club tonight but it will definately be an easy session... I may just have to snooze at my desk today.. eyes may or may not be open. hehehehe
And thinking of adding another Tri to the already packed schedule.. I think there is definately a chance I have lost my noodle.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
What a finish to the week!
Hiya All,
Saturday morning, I awake to the most beautiful day.. The sun is out early and the birds are singing... As I get on my gear I notice just how nice it is to be heading out the door knowing that everyone else is still sleeping soundly, kids looking ever so cute..
I head off to my usual Saturday morning ride with the Natural Tempations crew. I normally ride in, go for the ride and then Aaron comes to get me after coffee and cake. But this week I have the Aunt and the Uncle coming for lunch so I can't stay for coffee today instead having to ride straight home. Also during this ride you can usually find me hiding at the back of the bunch pedalling like the clappers, so when the group leader suggests that I take the lead for a while today, sheer panic sets in.. Its alot of pressure making sure you are not going too slow for the group. We hit the road and my time in the sun comes... off I go into the lead and put my head down and pedal.. thoroughly enjoying myself, in a near meditative state, pedalling, breathing, totally clear mind.. then out of the blue I hear... "Hey Rachelle... Can I get you anything.. like a speedo? (insert chuckle here) you need to back off the pace a little there love we are struggling back here.." I look down at my speedo and notice that I was sitting quite comfortably on 30kms per hour hehehehehe.. our group average speed stays on 25km per hour.. wwwwooopppps!
On the way back to town we are faced with a strong head wind that just doesn't want to let up so one of the bigger guys sits in front and we all hide behind him. I stop long enough at the coffee shop to shovel down a museli bar, the legs do not have much left in them and then head home.. I pull into the driveway and my speedo ticks over to 70kms.. One very pooped girl. Thank heavens I already have lunch preped and ready all we have to do is cook the bbq and Aaron is in charge of that.
Sunday morning is the day of the Margaret River Fun Run, 4km with the girls, just enough to get the legs ticking over. Gem unfortunately wakes up with a cold and pulls out but Courts is ready to go and we decide to have a nice run together but still run our own race. Courts is much faster than I so I plan to just keep to pace and do the best I can.. Beautiful morning, Sun is out and we are feeling the buzz in the air. Courts and I get our numbers while Aaron, Gem & Harrison sort out the car. Timing bands in place, hats ready, time for the pre-race photo
Saturday morning, I awake to the most beautiful day.. The sun is out early and the birds are singing... As I get on my gear I notice just how nice it is to be heading out the door knowing that everyone else is still sleeping soundly, kids looking ever so cute..
I head off to my usual Saturday morning ride with the Natural Tempations crew. I normally ride in, go for the ride and then Aaron comes to get me after coffee and cake. But this week I have the Aunt and the Uncle coming for lunch so I can't stay for coffee today instead having to ride straight home. Also during this ride you can usually find me hiding at the back of the bunch pedalling like the clappers, so when the group leader suggests that I take the lead for a while today, sheer panic sets in.. Its alot of pressure making sure you are not going too slow for the group. We hit the road and my time in the sun comes... off I go into the lead and put my head down and pedal.. thoroughly enjoying myself, in a near meditative state, pedalling, breathing, totally clear mind.. then out of the blue I hear... "Hey Rachelle... Can I get you anything.. like a speedo? (insert chuckle here) you need to back off the pace a little there love we are struggling back here.." I look down at my speedo and notice that I was sitting quite comfortably on 30kms per hour hehehehehe.. our group average speed stays on 25km per hour.. wwwwooopppps!
On the way back to town we are faced with a strong head wind that just doesn't want to let up so one of the bigger guys sits in front and we all hide behind him. I stop long enough at the coffee shop to shovel down a museli bar, the legs do not have much left in them and then head home.. I pull into the driveway and my speedo ticks over to 70kms.. One very pooped girl. Thank heavens I already have lunch preped and ready all we have to do is cook the bbq and Aaron is in charge of that.
Sunday morning is the day of the Margaret River Fun Run, 4km with the girls, just enough to get the legs ticking over. Gem unfortunately wakes up with a cold and pulls out but Courts is ready to go and we decide to have a nice run together but still run our own race. Courts is much faster than I so I plan to just keep to pace and do the best I can.. Beautiful morning, Sun is out and we are feeling the buzz in the air. Courts and I get our numbers while Aaron, Gem & Harrison sort out the car. Timing bands in place, hats ready, time for the pre-race photo
Off we go.. starting off together.. beautiful course. So nice to be running and chatting with Courts. About half way Courts stops to stretch her legs and says she will catch up.. No probs! I keep with my pace thinking she will catch me at any second, then I pass the 3km sign only 1km to go and I am heading down the biggest hill you have seen with no Courts near me so I decide that perhaps its my only chance to beat her in a race. So off I go down the hill at a sprint... get to the bottom and slow back to my pace and before I know it I am crossing in finish line in 23mins Courts just a minute behind me... Woohoo I am faster than my teenage kid.. I am going to revel in that moment for such a long time because I know that come the next race she will beat the pants off me.
It was so nice to have our cheer squad at an event.. I love hearing Aaron cheering my name as I cross the finsh line. Picnic lunch in Margaret River with my little family after an awesome run... life just doesn't get any better than this.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
I have the CURE for Snoring!!!!
Hiya,
After a day's rest. Last night was runner club training, with very strict instructions from Coach Crealy I went along. Really not feeling like going.. just wanted to curl up with a nannie blanket and my book.. I needed to complete a speed up session. Coach Crealy wanted run harder than normal pace for 5mins then walk for 2 mins... So off we go running, I met a new lady Ruthie and she decided she would like to run with me and do my pace.. we start chatting and before I know it I am back at the club house and I have run 5kms in no time at all doing Coach Crealy's 5mins hard 2 mins soft caper.. I feel on top of the world and not at all like I have just run 5kms... WOOOOHOOOO!
This morning I was up at 5am and out on the road with a group ride by 5.30am. I can't even begin to tell you just how much I love riding Stella. I love riding when the sun is just up and no one else is around and the birds are flying with you and the day is so fresh. I kept up with the group today no worries at all on the hills and all, having the time of my life. Back home by 7am to get the kids up for school. WWWOOOOOOHHHHHOOOOOO!
Now onto the Aaron's snoring.. I am so tired at night that after I am asleep I have no clue whether or not he actually is... Easy snoring CURED!.
50km ride with the Natural Tempations Group at 7am in the morning and the Margaret River 4km Fun Run on Sunday just to finish off the week.
After a day's rest. Last night was runner club training, with very strict instructions from Coach Crealy I went along. Really not feeling like going.. just wanted to curl up with a nannie blanket and my book.. I needed to complete a speed up session. Coach Crealy wanted run harder than normal pace for 5mins then walk for 2 mins... So off we go running, I met a new lady Ruthie and she decided she would like to run with me and do my pace.. we start chatting and before I know it I am back at the club house and I have run 5kms in no time at all doing Coach Crealy's 5mins hard 2 mins soft caper.. I feel on top of the world and not at all like I have just run 5kms... WOOOOHOOOO!
This morning I was up at 5am and out on the road with a group ride by 5.30am. I can't even begin to tell you just how much I love riding Stella. I love riding when the sun is just up and no one else is around and the birds are flying with you and the day is so fresh. I kept up with the group today no worries at all on the hills and all, having the time of my life. Back home by 7am to get the kids up for school. WWWOOOOOOHHHHHOOOOOO!
Now onto the Aaron's snoring.. I am so tired at night that after I am asleep I have no clue whether or not he actually is... Easy snoring CURED!.
50km ride with the Natural Tempations Group at 7am in the morning and the Margaret River 4km Fun Run on Sunday just to finish off the week.
I was running...!
This photo was taken as part of an article advertising the Womens Triathlon and will be in the local paper next week. Just thought you would like to see just how happy I look when I am running.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Oh How I love thee....
I have to be the luckiest girl in the world. I have the love and support of the most amazing man. This week I have trained my butt off, I have been up at 5am then falling asleep by 8.30pm. I haven't once had to cook a meal or wash a dish. I haven't had to nag the children to do homework or have a shower. He makes my lunch, cooks dinner all following the meal plan I am following, even hiding the bread from me when I want it but shouldn't be eating it!
Then when I need to go to Melbourne for a quick visit to see my Grandfather, he says 'yep just go, I'll look after the kids'.
Aaron you are truely the love of my life. I am a stronger, confident, happy secure person with you to share my life. You are an amazing man! I love you. xxxx
Then when I need to go to Melbourne for a quick visit to see my Grandfather, he says 'yep just go, I'll look after the kids'.
Aaron you are truely the love of my life. I am a stronger, confident, happy secure person with you to share my life. You are an amazing man! I love you. xxxx
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
'I can do this all day long'
'I am fit, I am strong, I can do this all day long!' - This is the borrowed mantra that saw me get through a hour & 1/2 run session. Last night I was due for my long run of the week. The squad training at the runners club was only going to be a 1/2 hour so I went down early and did slow laps of the oval for an hour and then joined the squad for run, walk & sprints for the last 1/2 hour. Then heading home to my family whom I have almost forgotten what they look like this week.. Aaron had the children washed, feed and homework done and the yummiest dinner waiting on the table for me.. How lucky am I? xxxxxx
This morning it was back to the pool for a 6am start.. Worked more on the tucking of the chin and sinking bottom and added to that a left arm that wants to help out the right one. But I am still in the fast lane and am keeping up and feeling really good at the end of the sessions.
I am meeting some amazing people, being invited on rides & runs left and right and really having the time of my life. I am resting now until tomorrow night when I have another Runners Club session. I am heading to bed at 8.30pm every night and am missing my little family so am going to spend the evening giving them some attention.
Busy few days coming up with training - Will update as we go! xxxxxx
This morning it was back to the pool for a 6am start.. Worked more on the tucking of the chin and sinking bottom and added to that a left arm that wants to help out the right one. But I am still in the fast lane and am keeping up and feeling really good at the end of the sessions.
I am meeting some amazing people, being invited on rides & runs left and right and really having the time of my life. I am resting now until tomorrow night when I have another Runners Club session. I am heading to bed at 8.30pm every night and am missing my little family so am going to spend the evening giving them some attention.
Busy few days coming up with training - Will update as we go! xxxxxx
Monday, October 18, 2010
Sleeping, sleeping and more sleeping....
Hiya all,
City 2 Surf... such a fun event. The sun was shining and it was such a beautiful day to be out and enjoying. Courts did really well and was happy to go off and run her own race. Gem as sticking with her Mum. She ran the whole 5km... very proud.. She is not keen on just running so I have decided not keep pushing her. She loves the swimming and is still enjoying the bike riding. She will still have to do some running for her Trystar training.
I used the 5km City 2 surf as training really because I had to run at Gemma's slow pace.. but I still enjoyed the day. It did help stretch out the legs from Saturdays 56km ride and get the butt moving which quite frankly is still not quite recovered.
I did however drop into the bike shop and pick up a new seat for Stella, one recommended by the ladies at the bikeshop as a seat with alot more give. That and the knicks (padded pants) seems to have done the trick.. now just to get out and toughen up my butt.
Swim training at the pool 6am yesterday morning and boy what a fantastic session. I put myself into the medium lane, after two laps the coach asks me to move to the fast lane. (First time in my life I have ever been asked to move to a faster lane) So off I go doing the drills. Coach tells me that I am lifting my head, try tucking my chin down and that will stop the sinking butt. At this point I have nothing to lose. I give it a go and guess what NO MORE SINKING BUTT... WWWWOOOOOOHHHHOOOOOOOO!
In the afternoon, the girls had swim squad and then off to a bike riding and road sense lesson for the girls and I.. Girls did really well and I just kicked along on Stella, enjoying the ride.
This morning Stella and I hit the road with a new group of really nice ladies. One of whom has done 6 Ironman events (crazy chick) and we managed to cover almost 30kms this morning without even thinking about... I was too busy chatting to worry about anything else... and I kept up easily. Maybe I am getting better at this caper than I thought.
Poor Aaron doesn't get to see me any more... When I am not waving goodbye off to either training or some event... I am harrassing him 'Is dinner ready yet? I'm starved!' or I am falling asleep on the lounge and he is having to put me to bed. Usually around the same time as the kids. Heehehehe... I have no idea how I will cope when he goes back to work!
Runners club tonight for my long run and swimming again in the morning. Will let you know how I go.
Happy exercising xxxxxxx
City 2 Surf... such a fun event. The sun was shining and it was such a beautiful day to be out and enjoying. Courts did really well and was happy to go off and run her own race. Gem as sticking with her Mum. She ran the whole 5km... very proud.. She is not keen on just running so I have decided not keep pushing her. She loves the swimming and is still enjoying the bike riding. She will still have to do some running for her Trystar training.
I used the 5km City 2 surf as training really because I had to run at Gemma's slow pace.. but I still enjoyed the day. It did help stretch out the legs from Saturdays 56km ride and get the butt moving which quite frankly is still not quite recovered.
I did however drop into the bike shop and pick up a new seat for Stella, one recommended by the ladies at the bikeshop as a seat with alot more give. That and the knicks (padded pants) seems to have done the trick.. now just to get out and toughen up my butt.
Swim training at the pool 6am yesterday morning and boy what a fantastic session. I put myself into the medium lane, after two laps the coach asks me to move to the fast lane. (First time in my life I have ever been asked to move to a faster lane) So off I go doing the drills. Coach tells me that I am lifting my head, try tucking my chin down and that will stop the sinking butt. At this point I have nothing to lose. I give it a go and guess what NO MORE SINKING BUTT... WWWWOOOOOOHHHHOOOOOOOO!
In the afternoon, the girls had swim squad and then off to a bike riding and road sense lesson for the girls and I.. Girls did really well and I just kicked along on Stella, enjoying the ride.
This morning Stella and I hit the road with a new group of really nice ladies. One of whom has done 6 Ironman events (crazy chick) and we managed to cover almost 30kms this morning without even thinking about... I was too busy chatting to worry about anything else... and I kept up easily. Maybe I am getting better at this caper than I thought.
Poor Aaron doesn't get to see me any more... When I am not waving goodbye off to either training or some event... I am harrassing him 'Is dinner ready yet? I'm starved!' or I am falling asleep on the lounge and he is having to put me to bed. Usually around the same time as the kids. Heehehehe... I have no idea how I will cope when he goes back to work!
Runners club tonight for my long run and swimming again in the morning. Will let you know how I go.
Happy exercising xxxxxxx
Saturday, October 16, 2010
56.69kms and one very sore bottom
Stella got a new seat this week... not the mountain bike lounge chair seat anymore but a super slick racing seat that helps her go very fast... one teeny tiny problem.. I am having trouble seating down some 6hours after my ride... I am sitting just on one cheek while typing this blog... oooohhhhhhhhh.. and I had to buy the padded pants in preparation.. not pretty I am going to say out loud.
But the good news is I kepted up with the group on the long ride today and learnt how to draft in strong winds... I wasn't even such a nanna on the hills today.. and at the end of the ride noticed that we had almost done 57km... wwwooooohhhhooo.
We have the city 2 surf tommorrow and the girls and I are doing the 5km run.. Next week life as we know it will cease, because all we have time for is work/school and training. Will do a quick blog tomorrow to let you know just how well we did..
But the good news is I kepted up with the group on the long ride today and learnt how to draft in strong winds... I wasn't even such a nanna on the hills today.. and at the end of the ride noticed that we had almost done 57km... wwwooooohhhhooo.
We have the city 2 surf tommorrow and the girls and I are doing the 5km run.. Next week life as we know it will cease, because all we have time for is work/school and training. Will do a quick blog tomorrow to let you know just how well we did..
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Training Program - 93 pages long
Hi,
Having spoken to Coach Crealy last week about the need to put together a training program to get my self ready for the coming months. She requests that I send her a list of all my planned events along with a timetable of when I am able to train.. Then I get to wait nervously while she works on the perfect program for her little perfectionist. Then it arrives... all 93 pages of it... and added to the pain is that the actual program section is in miles and yards so I had to do the conversions.. 93 pages...
While having a look at my 93 page program, the have-a-go program for the womens tri arrives.. and as I have paid the fee for the girls and I to do this program I am now thinking of how to incorporate it into the one Sarah has sent through.. Now if that is not enough, Gem has swim squad twice a week and both girls have Trystars (Triathlon for kids) training Friday afternoons.
Boy life is getting a)very busy and if I am not careful b) very confusing. So I have the calender off the wall. Pieces of paper all over the desk trying to combine programs and list events and where everyone has to be on each day... I need a much bigger calender.
I head to bed for a much needed early night and Stella and me hit the road for a 20km ride this morning, again freezing the wazoo out of myself until about 15 mins in.. then I notice the sun is out, birds are chirping.. and I am flying along.. I did my 20km in around 45 mins so very happy with that..
Going for a short 3.7km run with the girls this afternoon to get into the swing of things for the City 2 Surf on Sunday. I love my life.
A happy little note - Aaron is recovering nicely from his hernia operation. He is going crazy from having to rest and relax and do nothing but he is doing really well. He plans to be the official team photographer for us on Sunday.
Having spoken to Coach Crealy last week about the need to put together a training program to get my self ready for the coming months. She requests that I send her a list of all my planned events along with a timetable of when I am able to train.. Then I get to wait nervously while she works on the perfect program for her little perfectionist. Then it arrives... all 93 pages of it... and added to the pain is that the actual program section is in miles and yards so I had to do the conversions.. 93 pages...
While having a look at my 93 page program, the have-a-go program for the womens tri arrives.. and as I have paid the fee for the girls and I to do this program I am now thinking of how to incorporate it into the one Sarah has sent through.. Now if that is not enough, Gem has swim squad twice a week and both girls have Trystars (Triathlon for kids) training Friday afternoons.
Boy life is getting a)very busy and if I am not careful b) very confusing. So I have the calender off the wall. Pieces of paper all over the desk trying to combine programs and list events and where everyone has to be on each day... I need a much bigger calender.
I head to bed for a much needed early night and Stella and me hit the road for a 20km ride this morning, again freezing the wazoo out of myself until about 15 mins in.. then I notice the sun is out, birds are chirping.. and I am flying along.. I did my 20km in around 45 mins so very happy with that..
Going for a short 3.7km run with the girls this afternoon to get into the swing of things for the City 2 Surf on Sunday. I love my life.
A happy little note - Aaron is recovering nicely from his hernia operation. He is going crazy from having to rest and relax and do nothing but he is doing really well. He plans to be the official team photographer for us on Sunday.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Busy Girl
Hiya All,
For those of you interested here is my racing schedule until May 2011. I feel tired already.
17.10.10 - City 2 Surf Fun Run 5km (with girls)
24.10.10 - Margaret River Fun Run 4km (with girls)
31.10.10 - Club 1 Triathlon 250/12/2
28.11.10 - Women's Triathlon 200/10/2
19.12.10 - Club 2 Triathlon 250/12/2.5
16.01.11 - Club 3 Triathlon 250/12/2.5
06.02.11 - Club 4 Triathlon 250/12/2.5
27.02.11 - Club 5 Triathlon (maybe do 750/20/5)
20.03.11 - Club 6 Triathlon 750/20/5
17.04.11 - Club Champs 750/20/5
07.05.11 - 1/2 Ironman Busso - Team Confessions - Run leg 21.1kms
For those of you interested here is my racing schedule until May 2011. I feel tired already.
17.10.10 - City 2 Surf Fun Run 5km (with girls)
24.10.10 - Margaret River Fun Run 4km (with girls)
31.10.10 - Club 1 Triathlon 250/12/2
28.11.10 - Women's Triathlon 200/10/2
19.12.10 - Club 2 Triathlon 250/12/2.5
16.01.11 - Club 3 Triathlon 250/12/2.5
06.02.11 - Club 4 Triathlon 250/12/2.5
27.02.11 - Club 5 Triathlon (maybe do 750/20/5)
20.03.11 - Club 6 Triathlon 750/20/5
17.04.11 - Club Champs 750/20/5
07.05.11 - 1/2 Ironman Busso - Team Confessions - Run leg 21.1kms
Rest Day Antics & an Early Morning Ride on Stella
So my definition of a rest day is curling up on the couch with a nanny blanket and a chic flick and not moving for the entire day. Why is it that everyone else can't get on board with this idea. Yesterday was my rest day after a very tiring weekend exercise wise. And I had to go to work and actually work. What is with that! Then when I get home Aaron annouces that we really should move the house around like I had suggested 6 months ago, and as his parents are coming tomorrow we should do it now... so the evening was spent moving heavy furniture, vacuuming, dusting, making beds.... aaaaarrrrrgggghhhh... I have renamed moving heavy furniture strength training..
So this morning I had set the alarm for 5.05AM (only crazy people get up this early) and spent the next half an hour fighting with the nagging woman inside my head.. I really wanted to roll over and go back to sleep, but she wasn't having a bar of it... I finally gave it and got up and dressed and out onto Stella. I can say categorically that I did NOT enjoy the first 15 mins. It was icey cold.. my fingers and ears hurt they were so cold.. Then something kicked in about the time the sun fully rose and I was riding along the beach matching pace with a seagull feeling amazing. So I put my head down and headed for the lighthouse and home again. In total 25kms in 1hour.. Then back home to get ready for work and out the door before 8am... I totally love school holidays and not having to get the kids off to school.
After work today I am heading out for a 1/2 hour on Stella and a short run around the lake to get my legs running again.
WOOOOOHOOOOOO - Getting the exercise buzz back... xxxx
So this morning I had set the alarm for 5.05AM (only crazy people get up this early) and spent the next half an hour fighting with the nagging woman inside my head.. I really wanted to roll over and go back to sleep, but she wasn't having a bar of it... I finally gave it and got up and dressed and out onto Stella. I can say categorically that I did NOT enjoy the first 15 mins. It was icey cold.. my fingers and ears hurt they were so cold.. Then something kicked in about the time the sun fully rose and I was riding along the beach matching pace with a seagull feeling amazing. So I put my head down and headed for the lighthouse and home again. In total 25kms in 1hour.. Then back home to get ready for work and out the door before 8am... I totally love school holidays and not having to get the kids off to school.
After work today I am heading out for a 1/2 hour on Stella and a short run around the lake to get my legs running again.
WOOOOOHOOOOOO - Getting the exercise buzz back... xxxx
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Another stack on Stella..50km ride & Cross Country Struggle
So now that Netball is finished I went on a group ride on Saturday morning... It was nice to get on Stella and after my initial nerves settled it felt amazing to be out spinning those wheels. I was doing ok in the first 25kms... the wind was behind us.. on the way back we had head wind the whole way and I really had to work hard to keep up. So we reach town and had maybe 8km left to ride... approach the busiest set of traffic lights in Bunbury on a Saturday morning and I unclick from the pedal put my feet down and just toppled over (in front of the group)... My legs just decided to stop working.. Mortifying.. I picked myself up and finished the ride and am trying very hard to just forget the stack.. Apparently their are two types of cyclists, those that have fallen off and those that are going too.. It seems I am in both categories... Sarah has set a challenge for the next 10 days... To stay on Stella... Yeah right... not likely in my case..
Cross Country was yesterday... I went with the plan of doing a 5km run, and as the course was just around the corner from home I decided to jog there do my run and walk home.. nice in theory... I start the jog and really struggled... I walked/ran the approx 2.5km there and then really struggled to finish 2.5kms of the 5km.. I walked/jog home but have really lost some ground with my training.. With my first Tri in only 4 weeks I have alot of work to do... Man I hadn't realised it was that close... blind panic is setting in....
Rest day today and then will be stepping up the training...
Cross Country was yesterday... I went with the plan of doing a 5km run, and as the course was just around the corner from home I decided to jog there do my run and walk home.. nice in theory... I start the jog and really struggled... I walked/ran the approx 2.5km there and then really struggled to finish 2.5kms of the 5km.. I walked/jog home but have really lost some ground with my training.. With my first Tri in only 4 weeks I have alot of work to do... Man I hadn't realised it was that close... blind panic is setting in....
Rest day today and then will be stepping up the training...
Monday, September 27, 2010
Home.. Swine Flu... and the need to train
Hiya,
Its been forever since my last confession. I didn't get to run, cycle or any other of the exercise related promises I made before I went on my trip. I did however eat loads of fried everything. Had to walk miles and miles to find a good coffee. So now that we are home and I think over the jet lag, although I am still very body tired... its time to get my head back into the training space.. any thoughts on how to do this.
Aaron seems to have caught the dreaded 'Swine Flu' on the last leg of our trip and is currently at home coughing, sneezing and generally feeling awful, and for the most part I seem to have missed it. I feel really tired and have a slightly scratchey throat but other than that I am good.
All the little ducks are off visiting with their other parents and the house is lovely and quiet with just me and Aaron, quiet until Aaron's coughing fit starts... heheheh..
My first Triathlon is on the 31st Oct... must get back to training... maybe a quick call to the 'master trainer' Ms Crealy is in order..
Is it wrong to still be craving cake...?
Its been forever since my last confession. I didn't get to run, cycle or any other of the exercise related promises I made before I went on my trip. I did however eat loads of fried everything. Had to walk miles and miles to find a good coffee. So now that we are home and I think over the jet lag, although I am still very body tired... its time to get my head back into the training space.. any thoughts on how to do this.
Aaron seems to have caught the dreaded 'Swine Flu' on the last leg of our trip and is currently at home coughing, sneezing and generally feeling awful, and for the most part I seem to have missed it. I feel really tired and have a slightly scratchey throat but other than that I am good.
All the little ducks are off visiting with their other parents and the house is lovely and quiet with just me and Aaron, quiet until Aaron's coughing fit starts... heheheh..
My first Triathlon is on the 31st Oct... must get back to training... maybe a quick call to the 'master trainer' Ms Crealy is in order..
Is it wrong to still be craving cake...?
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
2 Advil + 1 Vodka = Passed out on the couch at 8.15pm
I can run... Went for an easy run with my friend Robyn. 3.7km with a couple of small walks in there... and it felt great.. I didn't realize just how much I have missed it. No pain while running at all... I did have a tight outside thigh muscle achy knees after my physio exercises so decided to take to advil (ibprophen)...
Kids where driving us crazy so Aaron decided to make us a little drink while we where cooking dinner.. 2 advil and 1 vodka = One very tipsy Rachelle.. managed to eat dinner and get the dishes done before completely crashing on the couch.. hehehe lesson learnt...
Going to hit the road with Stella this afternoon... wwwoooooooo hhooooooooo....xxxxxx
Kids where driving us crazy so Aaron decided to make us a little drink while we where cooking dinner.. 2 advil and 1 vodka = One very tipsy Rachelle.. managed to eat dinner and get the dishes done before completely crashing on the couch.. hehehe lesson learnt...
Going to hit the road with Stella this afternoon... wwwoooooooo hhooooooooo....xxxxxx
Monday, August 30, 2010
Dr's Verdict, Stack on Stella and a sinking bottom...
Hiya All,
It has been nearly three weeks since my last confession. Since the fun run I haven't been able to run (sore knees and Dr's orders) I have since had the final verdict... The sore knees come from knee caps that are in the wrong place causing bruising cartlege when loading.. hence the pain. So off to Physio I go.. they have taped up my kneecaps into the right position and given me a bunch of exercises to do 2/3 times per day to strengthen muscles around the knees to do the job of the tape. Good news is I can run again... just not cross country for a while. (good thing that season is now finished)
So while not running I went out on Stella for a ride and had a big stack resulting in a large gash to my leg which has taken a little while to heal. Never the less it is getting better now.. Stella is fine.. no damage and I even managed not to get blood on my shoes too.. Does this mean I am a cyclist now.. given that I have fallen off twice?
Also have done loads of swimming while not running... and got chatting to a dude at the pool who said I have a sinking bottom while swimming which is slowing my down.. I now have a peanut shaped floating thingo that stops my bottom sinking.. and forces me to switch on my core muscles and WOW what a difference..
I am going for my first run in 3 weeks today .... just a small slow one..3.7km... but so very excited... its going to hurt but I can't wait.
See you on the other side of the run... xxxxx
It has been nearly three weeks since my last confession. Since the fun run I haven't been able to run (sore knees and Dr's orders) I have since had the final verdict... The sore knees come from knee caps that are in the wrong place causing bruising cartlege when loading.. hence the pain. So off to Physio I go.. they have taped up my kneecaps into the right position and given me a bunch of exercises to do 2/3 times per day to strengthen muscles around the knees to do the job of the tape. Good news is I can run again... just not cross country for a while. (good thing that season is now finished)
So while not running I went out on Stella for a ride and had a big stack resulting in a large gash to my leg which has taken a little while to heal. Never the less it is getting better now.. Stella is fine.. no damage and I even managed not to get blood on my shoes too.. Does this mean I am a cyclist now.. given that I have fallen off twice?
Also have done loads of swimming while not running... and got chatting to a dude at the pool who said I have a sinking bottom while swimming which is slowing my down.. I now have a peanut shaped floating thingo that stops my bottom sinking.. and forces me to switch on my core muscles and WOW what a difference..
I am going for my first run in 3 weeks today .... just a small slow one..3.7km... but so very excited... its going to hurt but I can't wait.
See you on the other side of the run... xxxxx
Friday, August 6, 2010
Sore Knees.. Sore Knees
I really have nothing to report... I have very sore knees... I have made an appointment to get them checked out by a sports doc but have to wait until the 16th August... Till then its taking it easy as kneeling, stairs and any form of rapid movement causes pain.. Lots of stella and the pool..
Monday, August 2, 2010
Race Report - Women's Fun Run
Race Report - So I have now recovered enough to give you the breakdown of race day. A few thankyou's need to be said first.
Mum - You are a generous beyond words - Thank you so much for flying Anja (The Bug) Caty (The Trainer) Erin (Official Team Masseuse) Lennart (Team Photographer) over for the weekend. It was so lovely having them on the sidelines cheering. xxxx
Sarah - Thank you for your unwavering support, encouragement and expertise... I would not be able to achieve any of this without you. We've got bonds now sister...xxx
Sunday (Race Day) We awoke with excitement early and had a small breaky of porrige with wildberries.. Excitedly got on the matching race gear and talked through our plans for the run. Into the car we go with The Bug and as we drive into town... Mum is like a 5 year old going to school for the first time... The flags and bunting are up and people are starting to mill around the start line... We collect our numbers, have some photo's and go for a little jog to warm up and do the required stretchers.
Listen carefully to the run instructions and get very excited. The 10kms are starting first and the 5km starting 5mins later.. Courtney has found her friend that she is running with, Gem is determined to stick with Nanny ... and Nanny is so excited I think she may pop. The 10km er's are asked to line up with only 1 min to go... then before I know it the hooter sounds and I am running. I stick with my friend Robyn for the first 4kms (she is a way faster runner than me). I am having trouble finding my rythmn. Once Robyn runs ahead I settle into my race.. and then I am going past the start line for the second lap and all of a sudden I feel great. I am coping quite nicely... Then I have a stumble on the boardwalk... manage to stay on my feet but it has shaken the confidence somewhat.
I round the drink station (all the guys from cross country) and I am now on the home stretch but really feeling it. I have given 8/10 - 9/10 effort through the whole run and I have to say I have never been so excited to see a 9km sign. Only 1km left to go... and I am determine to enjoy this... I put a smile on my face and just run... I am rounding the last corner and I put in the last little bit of energy to get myself to the finish line.... with high fives for Mum, the girls and the support crew. Mum and the girls have run a fabulous time and are really happy and I look at the clock myself. I have managed 1.05... Wow and I feel great... Now let the coffee and cake begin..xxx
Quote: That one is in the bank... what's next?????
Mum - You are a generous beyond words - Thank you so much for flying Anja (The Bug) Caty (The Trainer) Erin (Official Team Masseuse) Lennart (Team Photographer) over for the weekend. It was so lovely having them on the sidelines cheering. xxxx
Sarah - Thank you for your unwavering support, encouragement and expertise... I would not be able to achieve any of this without you. We've got bonds now sister...xxx
Sunday (Race Day) We awoke with excitement early and had a small breaky of porrige with wildberries.. Excitedly got on the matching race gear and talked through our plans for the run. Into the car we go with The Bug and as we drive into town... Mum is like a 5 year old going to school for the first time... The flags and bunting are up and people are starting to mill around the start line... We collect our numbers, have some photo's and go for a little jog to warm up and do the required stretchers.
Listen carefully to the run instructions and get very excited. The 10kms are starting first and the 5km starting 5mins later.. Courtney has found her friend that she is running with, Gem is determined to stick with Nanny ... and Nanny is so excited I think she may pop. The 10km er's are asked to line up with only 1 min to go... then before I know it the hooter sounds and I am running. I stick with my friend Robyn for the first 4kms (she is a way faster runner than me). I am having trouble finding my rythmn. Once Robyn runs ahead I settle into my race.. and then I am going past the start line for the second lap and all of a sudden I feel great. I am coping quite nicely... Then I have a stumble on the boardwalk... manage to stay on my feet but it has shaken the confidence somewhat.
I round the drink station (all the guys from cross country) and I am now on the home stretch but really feeling it. I have given 8/10 - 9/10 effort through the whole run and I have to say I have never been so excited to see a 9km sign. Only 1km left to go... and I am determine to enjoy this... I put a smile on my face and just run... I am rounding the last corner and I put in the last little bit of energy to get myself to the finish line.... with high fives for Mum, the girls and the support crew. Mum and the girls have run a fabulous time and are really happy and I look at the clock myself. I have managed 1.05... Wow and I feel great... Now let the coffee and cake begin..xxx
Quote: That one is in the bank... what's next?????
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Watch out World - The girls are ready!
Right so the teary mess of a girl from yesterday is gone... She has had some much needed sleep and a pep talk from her coach. We are now only 5 sleeps away from our first big event. Mum and the girls are covering the 5kms... preparations are coming along nicely with everyone getting through the training schedules. I have the 10kms sussed... I have now done two 10km runs at Cross Country (AKA billy goat tracks) and am feeling as ready as I will ever be. I have two small sessions this week just to keep the concrete stumps working and then a rest day scheduled for Saturday..
I am currently trying to find a photographer for the event so I can post loads of photos..
Daily quote: Sleep is your friend!
I am currently trying to find a photographer for the event so I can post loads of photos..
Daily quote: Sleep is your friend!
Tired and Teary
Hiya,
I know its been a while since my last post... We decided to go on a long weekend away last time Aaron was home and found ourselves in the middle of the wheat belt with some dear friends... where far too much good food was consumed, laughs were endless. I did manage an 8km run and about 45mins riding on the old mountain bike... I cried on the way home.. Cried for the friends I said goodbye too... Cried for the lifestyle I want but can't have just yet!
Since being home I have been back into training... Been for a couple of short runs and a quick 14km ride with Stella. Yesterday saw us back at Cross Country and I did another 10kms on a sandy billy goat track.. Came home in the afternoon for some pottering around the house and resting... Gem made muffins and Courts cooked dinner... Lucky me!
Today Sarah called to say she couldn't come for the big Run on Sunday after all... Feeling completely gutted.. and very teary and like I am 3yrs old.. I hadn't told Mum or the Girls she was coming as a surprise... I am just going to have to pull myself together and run a really good time for her anyway... Oh who am I kidding... I am sad my friend isn't going to be here running with me..
I need the sun to come out tomorrow...xxxxx
I know its been a while since my last post... We decided to go on a long weekend away last time Aaron was home and found ourselves in the middle of the wheat belt with some dear friends... where far too much good food was consumed, laughs were endless. I did manage an 8km run and about 45mins riding on the old mountain bike... I cried on the way home.. Cried for the friends I said goodbye too... Cried for the lifestyle I want but can't have just yet!
Since being home I have been back into training... Been for a couple of short runs and a quick 14km ride with Stella. Yesterday saw us back at Cross Country and I did another 10kms on a sandy billy goat track.. Came home in the afternoon for some pottering around the house and resting... Gem made muffins and Courts cooked dinner... Lucky me!
Today Sarah called to say she couldn't come for the big Run on Sunday after all... Feeling completely gutted.. and very teary and like I am 3yrs old.. I hadn't told Mum or the Girls she was coming as a surprise... I am just going to have to pull myself together and run a really good time for her anyway... Oh who am I kidding... I am sad my friend isn't going to be here running with me..
I need the sun to come out tomorrow...xxxxx
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
A new riding buddy for the Energizer Bunny...
I awoke this morning to beautiful sunshine... a very rare thing around these parts recently... So on went the shoes and a quick 3.7km run was done.. Sun shining, birds singing.. listening to the sound of my breathe in and out... Awesome...!
My friend Raimi has recently got herself a roadie too and so we went for a couple of quick laps of our little suburb to help her get used to the gears etc.. I love having a newbie rider to ride with.. When we got back to her place she gave me the world's biggest compliment and said I was crazy...'just like an energizer bunny'.. Made my week.. And we managed around 20kms... so a good ride too.
Daily quote: Chanel your inner energizer bunny..xxx
My friend Raimi has recently got herself a roadie too and so we went for a couple of quick laps of our little suburb to help her get used to the gears etc.. I love having a newbie rider to ride with.. When we got back to her place she gave me the world's biggest compliment and said I was crazy...'just like an energizer bunny'.. Made my week.. And we managed around 20kms... so a good ride too.
Daily quote: Chanel your inner energizer bunny..xxx
Sunday, July 11, 2010
and the craziness continues...
Sunday morning - Cross Country day.. It has been raining really heavy on and off all night... I wake up and the wind is blowing and really coming down sideways.. I have just convinced myself that I shouldn't go.. when the sun comes out... Right shoes on and out the door..
On the way the rain starts again and the conversations with myself are getting rather loud... 'Not running in this'... 'This is crazy, no way am I running in this'... 'I will just go there and tell the organisers that I in fact am not running in this'... When I arrive at the beautiful valley the bloody sun comes out again doesn't it... So I put my name down for the 10km run and line up to start...
Normally we run 2.5km loops but today we are running 5km loops which is why I was trying the 10kms because in my mind I am still only doing two loops. First loop beautiful, sun shining, trees glistening from the morning showers, kangaroos hopping, birds singing... gets loads of cheers at the start of the 2nd loop... I get about 500mtrs into the second loop and the sun disappears and the track gets really dark... then the rain starts... not light lovely misting kind of rain but heavy buckets of the stuff.. with every step my shoes get muddier and wetter and heavier.. my clothes are soaked through.. I just feel heavy.. but I keep running... I get close to the finish and notice that there is only a handful of people that have stayed around.. Everyone has left... but I have finished... Looking very much the drowned rat but finished my very first 10kms..
My first words after the race... 'Where's Doug? I need to kill him... that was not fun... Doug, Do I look like I like running in the rain?... (Doug is a great gent who was sprouting on about just how nice it is too run in the rain before the race..)
On the way the rain starts again and the conversations with myself are getting rather loud... 'Not running in this'... 'This is crazy, no way am I running in this'... 'I will just go there and tell the organisers that I in fact am not running in this'... When I arrive at the beautiful valley the bloody sun comes out again doesn't it... So I put my name down for the 10km run and line up to start...
Normally we run 2.5km loops but today we are running 5km loops which is why I was trying the 10kms because in my mind I am still only doing two loops. First loop beautiful, sun shining, trees glistening from the morning showers, kangaroos hopping, birds singing... gets loads of cheers at the start of the 2nd loop... I get about 500mtrs into the second loop and the sun disappears and the track gets really dark... then the rain starts... not light lovely misting kind of rain but heavy buckets of the stuff.. with every step my shoes get muddier and wetter and heavier.. my clothes are soaked through.. I just feel heavy.. but I keep running... I get close to the finish and notice that there is only a handful of people that have stayed around.. Everyone has left... but I have finished... Looking very much the drowned rat but finished my very first 10kms..
My first words after the race... 'Where's Doug? I need to kill him... that was not fun... Doug, Do I look like I like running in the rain?... (Doug is a great gent who was sprouting on about just how nice it is too run in the rain before the race..)
New levels of Crazy
It's 7am on a cold, wet and still dark Saturday morning. I am sitting in my car outside a coffee shop waiting for a bunch of riders I don't know to show up and go for a ride with me.
The riders start to arrive and my nerves are really starting to kick in... I am heading out onto the roads with people I don't know and my feet are stuck in the pedals... 'Please don't let me fall off...Please don't let me fall off'.. I crash into another rider in the carpark not 2 mins into the ride... Nothing serious... but really I am the newbie... He should have stayed right away from me.. Or perhaps I need 'L' plates... I'm not sure.
Out onto the open road, away from the centre of town, away from the cars.. and the scenery is beautiful (not that I look at much... too busy watching out for stuff that will break Stella) Cows in the fields.. frost on the grass... Smoke gently rising from the chimneys... a light shower... Someone tell me again why I am freezing my toes, finges and quite frankly the rest of me... Apparently this is fun... All I can say is I survived.. We travelled 50kms.. and at the end of it I still had a smile on my face.. Must be something in that..
Afterwards during the coffee and cake part of the morning a lovely lady in the group proceeds to tell me that all my exercising is my version of a mid life crisis.. Is that it... am I having a midlife crisis..?
The riders start to arrive and my nerves are really starting to kick in... I am heading out onto the roads with people I don't know and my feet are stuck in the pedals... 'Please don't let me fall off...Please don't let me fall off'.. I crash into another rider in the carpark not 2 mins into the ride... Nothing serious... but really I am the newbie... He should have stayed right away from me.. Or perhaps I need 'L' plates... I'm not sure.
Out onto the open road, away from the centre of town, away from the cars.. and the scenery is beautiful (not that I look at much... too busy watching out for stuff that will break Stella) Cows in the fields.. frost on the grass... Smoke gently rising from the chimneys... a light shower... Someone tell me again why I am freezing my toes, finges and quite frankly the rest of me... Apparently this is fun... All I can say is I survived.. We travelled 50kms.. and at the end of it I still had a smile on my face.. Must be something in that..
Afterwards during the coffee and cake part of the morning a lovely lady in the group proceeds to tell me that all my exercising is my version of a mid life crisis.. Is that it... am I having a midlife crisis..?
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Enthusiastic or Nuts
Is there anything crazier than running along the beach front as a huge and I mean huge storm front is coming in..? I think not..! Black clouds rolling in, wind, rain, surf being tossed about. Running into the wind and not going anywhere is very disconcerting. I can run 5km at cross country in around 30mins.. but today in the eye of the storm front 3km took me 30mins.. I returned to the runners club looking and feeling more like an exhausted drowned rat than someone enjoying her run. I have to be honest and say I would have rather'd be at home in front of the heater enjoying a hot chocolate and my nanny blanket.. however that 3kms of wind training is now done and in the bank.
Some of the gents at the Runners Club call it enthusiasm ... I call it NUTS!
Tomorrow, we are due to have more of the same... wind, rain, cold... and no one is home. Aaron is at work, Harrison on a farm with his mum, Girls are in Cervantes with their Dad... I am going to turn on the heater and do my Yoga DVD in my underwear... wobbly bits and all... Why in my underwear?, I hear you ask. Just because I can...(insert a giggle here).
Daily quote: I can.... xxxxxx
Some of the gents at the Runners Club call it enthusiasm ... I call it NUTS!
Tomorrow, we are due to have more of the same... wind, rain, cold... and no one is home. Aaron is at work, Harrison on a farm with his mum, Girls are in Cervantes with their Dad... I am going to turn on the heater and do my Yoga DVD in my underwear... wobbly bits and all... Why in my underwear?, I hear you ask. Just because I can...(insert a giggle here).
Daily quote: I can.... xxxxxx
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
No training today... Just cake!
Its the first week of the school holidays and I have to work 5 days this week... I miss my 'princess' hours. Mr Harrison is away with his Mum having fun on a farm. Miss Courts and Miss Gem are being spoilt rotten by Diddi. They have been out for breakfast to Dome at 11am in the morning... Gone to the beach for a picnic lunch... Only my girls would go to the beach and get wet in July. And slept in everyday.... This whole working for a living caper really is not all its cracked up to be..!
I am greeted at the door today by two very excited girls holding envelopes containing school reports. Much congratulations are in order.. They are FANTASTIC reports... Some A's... Mostly B's and one C... Amazing comments about behaviour and work ethic.. A mother couldn't ask for more. Lets get cake to celebrate... and off the Macca's for coffee and cake. It was lovely to laugh over cake.
Tommorrow the girls are being picked up by their Dad for a week. So my only training today is packing bags, preparing vitimins, washing hair, reminders for things forgotten and very tight hugs good night. I find myself wishing the girls were little again so we could all snuggle into bed together and giggle.. Instead I kiss forheads while they sleep, pull up doona's and pick up dropped teddies... I love these two crazy girls... Only 7 more sleeps until I can kiss their forheads again...
Training will be full on for the next 7 days... It will help it to go faster...!
I am greeted at the door today by two very excited girls holding envelopes containing school reports. Much congratulations are in order.. They are FANTASTIC reports... Some A's... Mostly B's and one C... Amazing comments about behaviour and work ethic.. A mother couldn't ask for more. Lets get cake to celebrate... and off the Macca's for coffee and cake. It was lovely to laugh over cake.
Tommorrow the girls are being picked up by their Dad for a week. So my only training today is packing bags, preparing vitimins, washing hair, reminders for things forgotten and very tight hugs good night. I find myself wishing the girls were little again so we could all snuggle into bed together and giggle.. Instead I kiss forheads while they sleep, pull up doona's and pick up dropped teddies... I love these two crazy girls... Only 7 more sleeps until I can kiss their forheads again...
Training will be full on for the next 7 days... It will help it to go faster...!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Let me paint you a picture!
Joggers, socks, running pants, sports bra, long sleeve Tee, short sleeve Tee, bright yellow jacket, scarf, gloves, headband over ears to keep ears warm, cap. Truely the first time in my life I have felt & looked like a Nanna. Off to runners club training I go. When I get there I am stunned by the amount of little 'Chippies' prancing around wearing next to nothing. They go flying by me, chatting, running, seemingly effortless... while I huff and puff my way round the track in my Nanna outfit..
Then as I find my rhythm and start to strip off I notice something very interesting... The little 'Chippies' are no longer running and prancing but are walking more than they are running.. Nanna here is still going strong... I might be slow but I can run for longer. Thats when the chest goes out and I pick up the pace and complete the last 6 laps of the session at a really good pace.
Nanna versus Chippy - Nanna wins and goes home with a huge smile on her face...
Daily quote: Never doubt your inner Nanna...xxxx
Then as I find my rhythm and start to strip off I notice something very interesting... The little 'Chippies' are no longer running and prancing but are walking more than they are running.. Nanna here is still going strong... I might be slow but I can run for longer. Thats when the chest goes out and I pick up the pace and complete the last 6 laps of the session at a really good pace.
Nanna versus Chippy - Nanna wins and goes home with a huge smile on her face...
Daily quote: Never doubt your inner Nanna...xxxx
Sunday, July 4, 2010
04.07.10
Cross Country today... Beautiful sunny morning and the course just around the corner from us.. The girls and I decided to ride our bikes.. Courts decided she was going to do the 5kms today... yay... Gem doing the 2.5kms with me and then I went on to do the 5kms... so 7.5kms in total..
Gem did so well, she ran the whole 2.5kms this week. She admitted that normally she does walk some of the way.. so proud of you Gem... great job... Courts rolled her ankle on the first lap so did do the 2.5kms but felt she couldn't do the 5km because of her ankle... Very proud of how brave she was.. still walked herself to the finish line.
I did 7.5kms in 55.16mins and felt like I could/wanted to do another lap and do the 10 but was a little scared I would get growled at by Coach Sarah for doing too much.. Next week is a totally amazing course from all I have been told so am going to attempt the 10kms then..
Stella got ooohhh'd and aaahhh'd by the folks at Cross Country and I am feeling very lucky to have her. I am going for a ride with some cyclists next saturday and I am very excited about that.
The Bug and the Trainer (AKA Anja and Caty) need to have big thankyou's... all the training they have been sending me is definately working - Girls I have very strong legs from all the jumping jags... I love you both very much....xxxxx
Daily quote: I can...xxxxx
Gem did so well, she ran the whole 2.5kms this week. She admitted that normally she does walk some of the way.. so proud of you Gem... great job... Courts rolled her ankle on the first lap so did do the 2.5kms but felt she couldn't do the 5km because of her ankle... Very proud of how brave she was.. still walked herself to the finish line.
I did 7.5kms in 55.16mins and felt like I could/wanted to do another lap and do the 10 but was a little scared I would get growled at by Coach Sarah for doing too much.. Next week is a totally amazing course from all I have been told so am going to attempt the 10kms then..
Stella got ooohhh'd and aaahhh'd by the folks at Cross Country and I am feeling very lucky to have her. I am going for a ride with some cyclists next saturday and I am very excited about that.
The Bug and the Trainer (AKA Anja and Caty) need to have big thankyou's... all the training they have been sending me is definately working - Girls I have very strong legs from all the jumping jags... I love you both very much....xxxxx
Daily quote: I can...xxxxx
Reflection
I have had a weekend of being reflective... I had a check up on Friday and my doctor is extremely happy. My blood pressure is fantastic.. while I still have a little weight to lose I am now in a normal range and no longer considered obese.. My lungs are good.. flexibility good.. aches and pains in the joints all but gone.. moods swings from crazy hormones gone... Ability to stay healthy while the children bring home bugs .. Excellent.. I am so blessed, very corny thing to say but so true... I am the healthiest and fittest I think I have ever been. Aaron is fit and healthy. All three kids are amazing people, they have their health and are doing well in school.
While I train/race, I think about my sister who struggles to see her children and the world around her. I think about my neice who has to endure a life of needles, blood tests and constant watching. I think about my sister-in law and beautiful neice and the struggles they will have throughout Carys' life. I think about an old friend who now is watching/holding his child through her last weeks of life. I think about the gentleman at Cross Country who has Parkinson's but still gets out and runs the 5kms even though he has severe syptoms, and is still supportive of all the other runners.
I can run, I can ride my bike, I can swim... I can do all these things without struggle. I am using the pain of training to remind myself just how lucky I am. I am living an amazing life. There is nothing I can't achieve or have if I set my mind too it.. My children are all growing into amazing people, they are healthy and on the path to being wonderful adults. I have the love and support of a beautiful man. I have family around me, friends by my side... This is exactly the life I have always dreamed of..
While I train/race, I think about my sister who struggles to see her children and the world around her. I think about my neice who has to endure a life of needles, blood tests and constant watching. I think about my sister-in law and beautiful neice and the struggles they will have throughout Carys' life. I think about an old friend who now is watching/holding his child through her last weeks of life. I think about the gentleman at Cross Country who has Parkinson's but still gets out and runs the 5kms even though he has severe syptoms, and is still supportive of all the other runners.
I can run, I can ride my bike, I can swim... I can do all these things without struggle. I am using the pain of training to remind myself just how lucky I am. I am living an amazing life. There is nothing I can't achieve or have if I set my mind too it.. My children are all growing into amazing people, they are healthy and on the path to being wonderful adults. I have the love and support of a beautiful man. I have family around me, friends by my side... This is exactly the life I have always dreamed of..
Thursday, July 1, 2010
02.07.10
Its a pity that none of you were in the main street of town this morning... I was out bonding with Stella.. getting to know her quirks.. and the thing I feared most happened.. I fell off Stella in the main street of town mid morning...It was not dignified! Yep got the feet stuck in the pedals and had two choices fall onto the road or onto the footpath... I took the footpath option... and am totally mortified.. But really had no choice but to get back up and onto Stella and continue on my way..
As punishment when I got home I went for the 3.7km loop run... and managed it in 20mins a pb...xxxx
I now have some good bruising starting to appear on my hands but Sarah tells me they are my welcome to the cycling club... Apparently I am no longer a cycling virgin...xxxxx
As punishment when I got home I went for the 3.7km loop run... and managed it in 20mins a pb...xxxx
I now have some good bruising starting to appear on my hands but Sarah tells me they are my welcome to the cycling club... Apparently I am no longer a cycling virgin...xxxxx
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
30.06.10 part b
I love Aaron to pieces... this afternoon he helped me figure out how to work Stella's gears.. he put the armchair seat on for me(we took the cushionee seat off the mountain bike heheheh) and adjusted the brakes... What will I do for the next two weeks without him..
I love Stella... she goes crazy fast.. and I hardly have to pedal at all.. I can't wait until Friday when I can go for a really long ride.
Daily quote: Is it a car, Is it a plane?.... nope just Rachelle and Stella...xxxxxx
I love Stella... she goes crazy fast.. and I hardly have to pedal at all.. I can't wait until Friday when I can go for a really long ride.
Daily quote: Is it a car, Is it a plane?.... nope just Rachelle and Stella...xxxxxx
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
30.06.10
Last night was interval training at the runners club... A very cold night and I don't think any of us were in the mood to go.. But off we trudged... Us girls did two laps as a warm up and then the session started ... I did 6km in total and both girls did around 4.5kms... so very proud of both of them. They are definately going to leave me for dead come race day... I still felt happy with the run I did...and in the end I really did enjoy it... Going home for a ride with Stella this afternoon... very excited... must try and work out the gears today as the hills are not easy in the gear the bike is currently in....
I love my mum... xxxxxx Sarah... where are you..?. I want to talk to you about Stella... xxxx
I love my mum... xxxxxx Sarah... where are you..?. I want to talk to you about Stella... xxxx
Stella has arrived.... **Bliss**
I would like to formally introduce to you ... "Stella"
Super fast... I seem to have the hang of the feet being stuck in the pedals..very strange feeling... I have no idea how to change the gears but I am sure I can work that out with some practice.. and the seat is going to require a replacement for the soft armchair type... other than that she is perfect perfect perfect... It is LOVE.. BLISS.. and SMILES all round for this Junkie... I have the most amazing Mum.. My first Ironman is for you Ma and Sa.... I love you xxxxx
Daily quote: Fast than a speeding bullet... Faster than a locamotive train... Its not superman... Its super Rachelle...xxxxxxxxx
Super fast... I seem to have the hang of the feet being stuck in the pedals..very strange feeling... I have no idea how to change the gears but I am sure I can work that out with some practice.. and the seat is going to require a replacement for the soft armchair type... other than that she is perfect perfect perfect... It is LOVE.. BLISS.. and SMILES all round for this Junkie... I have the most amazing Mum.. My first Ironman is for you Ma and Sa.... I love you xxxxx
Daily quote: Fast than a speeding bullet... Faster than a locamotive train... Its not superman... Its super Rachelle...xxxxxxxxx
Monday, June 28, 2010
29.06.10
Aaron has been home this weekend and been a wonderful distraction. Last thursday Courts and I went to Runners Club training and did the 5km run together... We really enjoyed it and encouraged each other and chatting the whole way... Not setting any speed records but going the distance felt really good.
Friday was swim squad and I managed the usual 20 laps even though I have been a sookie lala for the last few weeks and not doing swim squad.
Saturday was spent chasing the girls around netball.
Sunday - Cross Country day... woo hoo... Had a great run.. did my best time 36.00mins.. both girls did really well and improved their times too.. It is hard to get up early on a Sunday morning but we all really enjoy ourselves when we are there..
This week will be Runners Club Tuesday and Thursday night with Cross Country on Sunday.. Swim Squad on Friday and hopefully having everything crossed 'Stella' should arrive soon and I can get some practice on the bike in as well... Promise to post photo's as soon as she arrives.. Picked up the shoes to wear with her yesterday... sooooo exciting...xxxx
Friday was swim squad and I managed the usual 20 laps even though I have been a sookie lala for the last few weeks and not doing swim squad.
Saturday was spent chasing the girls around netball.
Sunday - Cross Country day... woo hoo... Had a great run.. did my best time 36.00mins.. both girls did really well and improved their times too.. It is hard to get up early on a Sunday morning but we all really enjoy ourselves when we are there..
This week will be Runners Club Tuesday and Thursday night with Cross Country on Sunday.. Swim Squad on Friday and hopefully having everything crossed 'Stella' should arrive soon and I can get some practice on the bike in as well... Promise to post photo's as soon as she arrives.. Picked up the shoes to wear with her yesterday... sooooo exciting...xxxx
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
24.06.10
This Junkie has the best mother ever....and will post photos of the proof next week... xxxxxxx
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
22.06.10
4.30pm - "Looks like rain girls... Hope it blows over before tonight!"
4.55pm - Sitting in the car in the garage ready to go to runners club looking at the sheets of rain..."Girls... Mummy doesn't want to run in this..Maybe it will be clearer in Bunbury!"
5.10pm - Arriving at Runners Club.. Looking at the blankets of rain - "I DON'T WANT TO RUN IN THIS... THIS IS NOT WHAT I SIGNED UP FOR.."
5.20pm - Running around the track with about 40 other women all laughing 'cause we are crazy enough to do this -Gemma says "Nanny should be here doing this with us you know.. how come she gets to miss out on the rain..?"
So seven laps later I complete the interval training... pretty easy actually..I really enjoyed it... some lovely people there... clearly I am not the only complete nutjob in the world.. So completely proud of the girls... they did so well..xxx
Daily quote: If I can train in blankets of rain ... there isn't any reason I can think of why I can't train... xxxx
4.55pm - Sitting in the car in the garage ready to go to runners club looking at the sheets of rain..."Girls... Mummy doesn't want to run in this..Maybe it will be clearer in Bunbury!"
5.10pm - Arriving at Runners Club.. Looking at the blankets of rain - "I DON'T WANT TO RUN IN THIS... THIS IS NOT WHAT I SIGNED UP FOR.."
5.20pm - Running around the track with about 40 other women all laughing 'cause we are crazy enough to do this -Gemma says "Nanny should be here doing this with us you know.. how come she gets to miss out on the rain..?"
So seven laps later I complete the interval training... pretty easy actually..I really enjoyed it... some lovely people there... clearly I am not the only complete nutjob in the world.. So completely proud of the girls... they did so well..xxx
Daily quote: If I can train in blankets of rain ... there isn't any reason I can think of why I can't train... xxxx
Sunday, June 20, 2010
21.06.10
I know I know I know... i have been very slack updating Confessions but that is only because I have been very busy training.. biking, running, swimming... my little butt off... Aaron asked me last night if he is going to recognise me when he gets home... Maybe maybe not..xxx
I have muscles in my legs that I can see.. woohoo.. I am getting stronger and fitter everyday... and I don't mind saying sleeping like a dead woman... Coach Sarah has me only running 3 days per week.. strict instructions that I dare not disobey... From this week I will be running Tues & Thurs nights with the running club and Sundays at Cross country.. The other days I am riding my bike when the sun is out and the exercise bike when it is not... We are now 6 weeks out from the Fun Run and with Coach Sarah's permission I am now going to be doing the 10kms at the Fun Run.. I am aiming to have Monday and Saturday's as my rest days.. if you can count housework and being Mum's taxi resting..
I promise to blog after Tuesday nights first training with the runners club coachs... should be suitably exhausted as they tell me tuesday nights are interval nights.. uuuggghh.. Love to you all xxx
Daily quote: "It ain't nothin but a peanut" - Coach Sarah's advice to tackling a hill whilst running!
I have muscles in my legs that I can see.. woohoo.. I am getting stronger and fitter everyday... and I don't mind saying sleeping like a dead woman... Coach Sarah has me only running 3 days per week.. strict instructions that I dare not disobey... From this week I will be running Tues & Thurs nights with the running club and Sundays at Cross country.. The other days I am riding my bike when the sun is out and the exercise bike when it is not... We are now 6 weeks out from the Fun Run and with Coach Sarah's permission I am now going to be doing the 10kms at the Fun Run.. I am aiming to have Monday and Saturday's as my rest days.. if you can count housework and being Mum's taxi resting..
I promise to blog after Tuesday nights first training with the runners club coachs... should be suitably exhausted as they tell me tuesday nights are interval nights.. uuuggghh.. Love to you all xxx
Daily quote: "It ain't nothin but a peanut" - Coach Sarah's advice to tackling a hill whilst running!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
07.06.10
I have been very slack... I haven't done anything since Tuesday.. however today I have been for a 8km run which took an hour.. tommorrow is a bike ride.. Had a great long weekend with Aaron and the Kids... totally worth doing no exercise for.. xxx
Monday, May 31, 2010
31.05.10
So when you are tired you feel like you have run further than you actually do... this is what I have learnt today.. I wanted to get out for a bit of a run to stretch the legs as they where feeling abit tired.. So after warming up with the housework, I went outside and ran along the lake up a really big hill that previously has scared the beejezuus out of me, and then home again.. I kinda thought it might have been close to 5kms ... but no just went for a drive to measure it and 3.7km is all.. but overall a nice run.. including the hill but and going to have to add to it in the next few weeks as I am ready to increase another 5%..
The first 10 mins of the run hurts... my brain going crazy..'What the hell are you doing!!!' but then I seem to find a rythym and its ok.. Once I get to this point I start to relax and enjoy it..
Half ironman is 7th May 2011.. now I have a date to work too the task ahead seems a little bit daunting.. Just doing it..'cause then its done...xxxx
The first 10 mins of the run hurts... my brain going crazy..'What the hell are you doing!!!' but then I seem to find a rythym and its ok.. Once I get to this point I start to relax and enjoy it..
Half ironman is 7th May 2011.. now I have a date to work too the task ahead seems a little bit daunting.. Just doing it..'cause then its done...xxxx
Saturday, May 29, 2010
30.05.10
I'm too tired to blog... I have trained so much that I am exhausted.. and the Nanny nap is just not happening this afternoon.
Friday: I rode my bike into town to do some errands and met Mum at dome for a coffee. From there I raced Mum (in her little yellow car) to the farmers market... where we did a little snatch and grab shopping.. I left Mum in the line for the checkout.. (thanks for the vege's by the way Ma) and raced her home again.. Me getting home just as she finished unloading the bags.. nice timing... Then because Mum missed the bike ride I made her go for a run.. We did approx 4km loop including 'The Tuarts 2.47kms (that we ran) and then walked home again.. Friday is swim squad day so after school it was into the pool where Nanny shock herself by completing 20 laps (way to go Nanny) and I managed 30.. I have to admit the last 10 where with flippers but still I did it.. Home for leftover soup for dinner and into bed at 8.30pm with not one complaint in the house.
Saturday: Is official Mummy Rest Day while the girls are at Netball and Umpiring. We did go out for lunch (I was very good and had pumpkin soup) and cake.. yep ate a small piece of cake. And it was soooo very gooood..
Sunday: Cross Country Race in the bushland just outside of town.. Beautiful setting... lovely birds... friendly people and one Biatch of a hill.. Nanny did an amazing job and completed the 5kms in 40.50... total legend Nanny!
For me I knew the course was going to be hard.. I really just wanted to improve on last week and I think I did.. I only walked about 400m on the last part of the hill on the second time around. I have started using my mind to help me rather than hinder... When I was hurting I kept asking (inside my head) Sarah to help me... and you know the only thing that kept coming to mind.. Push..Keep Running .. Just do it because then its done.. At one point on the hill I swear I could feel Sarah running just behind me with her hand on my back.. (New levels of friendship here Crealy..xxxx) Mum and I finshed together at the 40.50 mark and given that my handicap was 5.35... I'm thinking my time was 35.15... I will check the website in the next day or so and confirm but i am very excited about that as it was a really tough course..
Both girls bettered there time from last week and had a really good run... I am so proud of them.
Here is the photo we had taken after the race.. see we are all still standing just... and for a first... I am wearing the magic pants and magic top together...xxxx
Friday: I rode my bike into town to do some errands and met Mum at dome for a coffee. From there I raced Mum (in her little yellow car) to the farmers market... where we did a little snatch and grab shopping.. I left Mum in the line for the checkout.. (thanks for the vege's by the way Ma) and raced her home again.. Me getting home just as she finished unloading the bags.. nice timing... Then because Mum missed the bike ride I made her go for a run.. We did approx 4km loop including 'The Tuarts 2.47kms (that we ran) and then walked home again.. Friday is swim squad day so after school it was into the pool where Nanny shock herself by completing 20 laps (way to go Nanny) and I managed 30.. I have to admit the last 10 where with flippers but still I did it.. Home for leftover soup for dinner and into bed at 8.30pm with not one complaint in the house.
Saturday: Is official Mummy Rest Day while the girls are at Netball and Umpiring. We did go out for lunch (I was very good and had pumpkin soup) and cake.. yep ate a small piece of cake. And it was soooo very gooood..
Sunday: Cross Country Race in the bushland just outside of town.. Beautiful setting... lovely birds... friendly people and one Biatch of a hill.. Nanny did an amazing job and completed the 5kms in 40.50... total legend Nanny!
For me I knew the course was going to be hard.. I really just wanted to improve on last week and I think I did.. I only walked about 400m on the last part of the hill on the second time around. I have started using my mind to help me rather than hinder... When I was hurting I kept asking (inside my head) Sarah to help me... and you know the only thing that kept coming to mind.. Push..Keep Running .. Just do it because then its done.. At one point on the hill I swear I could feel Sarah running just behind me with her hand on my back.. (New levels of friendship here Crealy..xxxx) Mum and I finshed together at the 40.50 mark and given that my handicap was 5.35... I'm thinking my time was 35.15... I will check the website in the next day or so and confirm but i am very excited about that as it was a really tough course..
Both girls bettered there time from last week and had a really good run... I am so proud of them.
Here is the photo we had taken after the race.. see we are all still standing just... and for a first... I am wearing the magic pants and magic top together...xxxx
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
26.05.10
Guess what I did today... Can't guess? OK stop pestering I'll tell you... Those of you that have been following my journey from the beginning will remember me talking about my 6km loop.. For those that are new.. I have a loop with some hills, thankfully some down hills, and some flats... approx 6kms.. When I first started back in Oct 2009 I thought it was an achievement to walk the loop... then I moved onto run a lamp post and walk a lamp post... then we moved onto run a short way walk a short wayrun..When Mum comes to visit we do the loop together.. Got the picture..
So after not really doing any exercise.. not really is stretching 'cause the truth is I haven't done anything.. Monday I gave myself another rest day as I was quite tired and my ankle still a little tender from the cross country 5km run.. Yesterday I have no excuse except that I just got busy with life and exercise just didn't happen.. I was feeling really figgettey (not sure if it is a word) at work today.. We have had scattered showers all day and I really was hoping to get in a run.. When I left work it was pouring... though when I got home there looked to be a really big break in the weather.. I took my chance.. saying to myself 'if the rains come you can just come home early'..
So here is the part I am most proud of... I went the whole loop... and guess what else I ran the whole thing... hills included except for approx 300 mtrs at the end when my brain won the battle. To add to my excitement the rain hit and I mean hit about 2/3 's of the way around... I could hardly see in front of me... and you know what I just giggled... I had made it this far and felt like I couldn't give in to the rain... because if I still trained in that kind of weather... then I really can't think of any excuse not to train. And just to prove I got wet... here's the photo... you can't see it but the water was dripping off my hat...
Daily quote: So very much fun running in the rain... Get out there ...xxxx
So after not really doing any exercise.. not really is stretching 'cause the truth is I haven't done anything.. Monday I gave myself another rest day as I was quite tired and my ankle still a little tender from the cross country 5km run.. Yesterday I have no excuse except that I just got busy with life and exercise just didn't happen.. I was feeling really figgettey (not sure if it is a word) at work today.. We have had scattered showers all day and I really was hoping to get in a run.. When I left work it was pouring... though when I got home there looked to be a really big break in the weather.. I took my chance.. saying to myself 'if the rains come you can just come home early'..
So here is the part I am most proud of... I went the whole loop... and guess what else I ran the whole thing... hills included except for approx 300 mtrs at the end when my brain won the battle. To add to my excitement the rain hit and I mean hit about 2/3 's of the way around... I could hardly see in front of me... and you know what I just giggled... I had made it this far and felt like I couldn't give in to the rain... because if I still trained in that kind of weather... then I really can't think of any excuse not to train. And just to prove I got wet... here's the photo... you can't see it but the water was dripping off my hat...
Daily quote: So very much fun running in the rain... Get out there ...xxxx
Saturday, May 22, 2010
23.05.10
This photo was taken this morning after our cross country event. Mary was a huge support. She had completed the 2.5km event and after talking to Courts (bless her was saying she needed to make sure I had water and cheering) Mary decided to do my second lap with me.. I was in the 5km event.. Mary proceeded to encourage and talk the entire 2.5km lap thus me focusing on her talk rather than the pain I was feeling.. I did manage to complete the 5 kms with a rather sore rolled ankle (rolled on a honkie nut on the first hill) and you know I really really enjoyed myself.Both girls competed in the 2.5km juniors event, which Courtney won and Gemma came third, both with really good times. So proud of both of them.. Both girls wanting to compete again next week... but only if Nanny comes too.. What do you reckon Nanny?
Daily quote: I am fit and strong... I can do this all day long... xxx
Friday, May 21, 2010
Just how far we have come...xx
I found this photo of myself today... Taken inaugust last year... How did I let myself get to this point.. It is amazing to me just how far I have come.. Sarah you are a huge inspiration to me and I can't tell you how much supporting your sporting achievements have motivated me to get off my butt..
Thursday, May 20, 2010
21.05.10
One day I will be organised enough to do this every day;
Monday: After going on a big walk with Aaron I came home and painted the bathroom..
Tuesday: Aaron rode his bike and I ran mostly, going the same track as the previous day... I have since measured the distance and it would seem it is approx 4.77 kms.. not bad for a girl who before Christmas couldn't move much further than the street. A girl who wouldn't consider riding her bike anywhere let alone 25kms..
Wednesday: Girls have netball training after school, so I went running around the double football oval and mananged 3 and a 1/2 laps in the hour..
Thursday: I went for a run to pick up the kids from school and went the same track Aaron and I went but went backwards. Creepy dude watching me in the Tuarts certainly helped get my run rate up and improved my speed.. Also have decided to keep to well populated roads unless accompanied in the future..
Friday: Rode into town to meet a friend for Coffee, then rode home the long way along the beach to get a few more km's in... This afternoon after school we have swim squad and I am aiming to do the same 20laps I did last week.. Should be ready for an early bed tonight and looking forward to my rest day tomorrow..
Daily quote: Training, Training and more Training... xxx
Monday: After going on a big walk with Aaron I came home and painted the bathroom..
Tuesday: Aaron rode his bike and I ran mostly, going the same track as the previous day... I have since measured the distance and it would seem it is approx 4.77 kms.. not bad for a girl who before Christmas couldn't move much further than the street. A girl who wouldn't consider riding her bike anywhere let alone 25kms..
Wednesday: Girls have netball training after school, so I went running around the double football oval and mananged 3 and a 1/2 laps in the hour..
Thursday: I went for a run to pick up the kids from school and went the same track Aaron and I went but went backwards. Creepy dude watching me in the Tuarts certainly helped get my run rate up and improved my speed.. Also have decided to keep to well populated roads unless accompanied in the future..
Friday: Rode into town to meet a friend for Coffee, then rode home the long way along the beach to get a few more km's in... This afternoon after school we have swim squad and I am aiming to do the same 20laps I did last week.. Should be ready for an early bed tonight and looking forward to my rest day tomorrow..
Daily quote: Training, Training and more Training... xxx
Sunday, May 16, 2010
17.05.10
Me & Gem @ the big Race.. 25kms..xxIn all honesty... I am having trouble remembering all the training I have done since my last post.. Will do my best.
Wednesday: Girls have netball training so I walked around the courts at a very fast pace for the whole hour they were training..
Thursday: Slacked off and enjoyed Aaron being home
Friday: Did half an hour on the exercise bike and then went for a run around the lake.
Saturday: In taper... did housework and tried to quell the nerves..
Sunday: Race Day, Gem and I out in the cold very early on a Sunday Morning. Our unofficial time was 1hr 20mins.. and we really enjoyed it... the first little while was hard going... cold, Gem not feeling well.. but once we warmed up and got into a rythmn we really enjoyed the ride.. Amazing rolling hills with cows, sheeps, and ducks everywhere.. Sun popping out from the clouds.. Great day.
Monday: This morning Aaron and I walked the kids to school and then continued on and went for a fast paced walk for about an hour.. Aaron is just not up to running and I wanted to enjoy the walk with him.. Maybe tomorrow I will get him on his bike and I will run next to him.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
11.05.10
Yesterday we were forced to have a day of rest... So tired we could barely move.. in bed at the same time as the girls and I would say asleep before they were... Mind wanted to train.. body just couldn't do it.... Have netball training tonight so I am going to walk while the girls train.. still feeling tired... so taking some extra vitimins and will have a light night..xxx
Daily quote: Fatigue is my friend... apparently...xxx
Daily quote: Fatigue is my friend... apparently...xxx
Monday, May 10, 2010
11.05.10
So here is something I didn't know... Riding an exercise bike in the comfort of your loungeroom uses very different muscles to riding outside on your bike...
Harrison was home yesterday so I couldn't get out on the bike so I decided I would do a really good ride on the exercise bike... dodgy seat and all. After getting warmed up and into the swing of it I really went to town.. I rode for an hour... feeling fantastic by the end... Oh the buzz.. totally addictive.. Did some core work... Abs and Plank... then after Harrison got picked up I went for a quick little run around the lake while the girls jumped into the shower.
Today my legs are very sore.. Thank goodness there are no steps in sight.. Anja is wanting me to go for another run... so will have a light night today and go for a light run around the lake and see how the legs hold out...xxx
Daily quote: Exercise endorphins are way better than anything I have ever known..xxx
Harrison was home yesterday so I couldn't get out on the bike so I decided I would do a really good ride on the exercise bike... dodgy seat and all. After getting warmed up and into the swing of it I really went to town.. I rode for an hour... feeling fantastic by the end... Oh the buzz.. totally addictive.. Did some core work... Abs and Plank... then after Harrison got picked up I went for a quick little run around the lake while the girls jumped into the shower.
Today my legs are very sore.. Thank goodness there are no steps in sight.. Anja is wanting me to go for another run... so will have a light night today and go for a light run around the lake and see how the legs hold out...xxx
Daily quote: Exercise endorphins are way better than anything I have ever known..xxx
Sunday, May 9, 2010
10.05.10
I know... I know... I have been very slack updating confessions... but I have been working my butt off literally.. I have done so much exercise over the last week... when I came home I had enough energy to shower and fall into bed.. even food lost its charm.. don't panic I still ate..
The last Confessions was last tuesday so I will go from there
Wednesday: The girls had netball training so I went for a run - thoroughly enjoyed it.. I love the buzz I get from exercising..
Thursday: I went for a run through 'The Tuarts'.. a beautiful pathway in local area, that goes through thick bushland.. birds everywhere.. just gorgeous... I checked out the signs and it seems from one gate to the other and back again is 2.47kms... and I ran the whole way... and it only took me 20mins.. very chuffed with myself I have to tell you..
Friday: I had received a leaflet advertising a beach bootcamp at the end of our street.. I was a little nervous but after walking the girls to school for walk to school day, I rode my bike to bootcamp.. and stayed for two sessions.. the first a good all round cardio workout...I came close to vomiting but managed to hold it together... after a 15mins rest we moved onto a Core session... Now this is how the session went... Crunches ... small jog... plank.... small jog... crunches... small jog... plank... small jog.. get the drift ... so I was feeling really proud of myself surviving 2 sessions.. I got back on my bike for the ride home.. low gear all the way.. now when I got home.. I got off the bike and did a little Bridget Jones... My legs just didn't want to work.. I didn't make swim squad.. had trouble staying awake.. girls went though..xx
Saturday: Girls off to Umpiring training and netball... I have 2 hours to kill so on go the training shoes and I did the housework in record time.. washing, floors and dusting... an hour and a half... worked up the heart rate and quite a sweat..
Sunday: Mothers Day... My darling little girls wrote in a card for me saying ... I could ask them to do anything I want with them... So onto the bikes we went and rode to the lighthouse and back.. now before I tell you how far... you need to understand that when we left the sun was shining.. a little breezy but all things considered quite a nice day for a ride... then about mins into the ride the wind picks up and some very forboding clouds start rolling in.... about 40mins in the rain starts to come down and for some reason we start giggling.. We decided to stop at McDonalds for Mothers Day cake to let the worst of the rain stop.. Then home again and the sun has again come out and the end of the ride is lovely.. pulling into the driveway and we have done 24.7kms... where we decide to crash out on the lounge with a chick flick and a Nanny Blanket.. feeling very proud of ourselves...
This week we have a couple of small rides to do to prepare for next sunday..So exciting...xx
The last Confessions was last tuesday so I will go from there
Wednesday: The girls had netball training so I went for a run - thoroughly enjoyed it.. I love the buzz I get from exercising..
Thursday: I went for a run through 'The Tuarts'.. a beautiful pathway in local area, that goes through thick bushland.. birds everywhere.. just gorgeous... I checked out the signs and it seems from one gate to the other and back again is 2.47kms... and I ran the whole way... and it only took me 20mins.. very chuffed with myself I have to tell you..
Friday: I had received a leaflet advertising a beach bootcamp at the end of our street.. I was a little nervous but after walking the girls to school for walk to school day, I rode my bike to bootcamp.. and stayed for two sessions.. the first a good all round cardio workout...I came close to vomiting but managed to hold it together... after a 15mins rest we moved onto a Core session... Now this is how the session went... Crunches ... small jog... plank.... small jog... crunches... small jog... plank... small jog.. get the drift ... so I was feeling really proud of myself surviving 2 sessions.. I got back on my bike for the ride home.. low gear all the way.. now when I got home.. I got off the bike and did a little Bridget Jones... My legs just didn't want to work.. I didn't make swim squad.. had trouble staying awake.. girls went though..xx
Saturday: Girls off to Umpiring training and netball... I have 2 hours to kill so on go the training shoes and I did the housework in record time.. washing, floors and dusting... an hour and a half... worked up the heart rate and quite a sweat..
Sunday: Mothers Day... My darling little girls wrote in a card for me saying ... I could ask them to do anything I want with them... So onto the bikes we went and rode to the lighthouse and back.. now before I tell you how far... you need to understand that when we left the sun was shining.. a little breezy but all things considered quite a nice day for a ride... then about mins into the ride the wind picks up and some very forboding clouds start rolling in.... about 40mins in the rain starts to come down and for some reason we start giggling.. We decided to stop at McDonalds for Mothers Day cake to let the worst of the rain stop.. Then home again and the sun has again come out and the end of the ride is lovely.. pulling into the driveway and we have done 24.7kms... where we decide to crash out on the lounge with a chick flick and a Nanny Blanket.. feeling very proud of ourselves...
This week we have a couple of small rides to do to prepare for next sunday..So exciting...xx
Monday, May 3, 2010
04.05.10
I woke up this morning with the best of intentions... but my nose was freezing. I woke up with just my nose poking out of the blankets and couldn't believe how cold it was. So I took the roll over and go back to sleep option... what can I say I am human..
The girls are home and we are going for a bike ride together this afternoon to prepare for our bike race on the 16th... getting very exciting.. We are decided now that we are all going to do the 25kms.. The girls can't compete without me so I have to race to their level..
Daily quote: I want to sun to stay out... not quite ready for winter... xxx
The girls are home and we are going for a bike ride together this afternoon to prepare for our bike race on the 16th... getting very exciting.. We are decided now that we are all going to do the 25kms.. The girls can't compete without me so I have to race to their level..
Daily quote: I want to sun to stay out... not quite ready for winter... xxx
Sunday, May 2, 2010
03.05.10
Balance is my goal for this week... I am struggling at the moment with life balance... I don't want to go to work, I don't won't to do the housework, I don't want to cook, Heck I don't even want the regulation weekend Nanny Nap... I just want to be outside training.. I want the buzz from the hormone release... I want my muscles to be tight and sore... I want to have my skin feeling fresh and clean the way it does after I train.. How I find this balance I am yet to work out... I am a all or nothing girl.. but I figure because I know this about myself at least I can work with that..
Saturday: Girls are with their Dad and I had a friday night of chick flicks and early to bed.. So I made myself do the vacuuming and put away the washing before I went for a ride. I went riding around town for nearly 3hrs.. dropping off DVD's and a few errands.. thoroughly enjoyed the workout and really felt I had pushed myself.
Sunday: I had arranged to go for a bike ride with my girlfriend. I had about 1/2 and hour to kill before we were to meet up so I went for a quick jog around the lake.. so beautiful first thing in the morning. Julie and I meet and we tackled so very big hills on our ride and were rewarded with lovely fresh warm scones, jam and cream at Julies Mum's... then rode home again to work it off.
Had a lovely lunch with Dad by the water watching the boats.. and returned home for more girly tv and an early night..
Monday: Official Rest Day... However I have washing, baking, beds to make and bathrooms to clean all after work today.. so if that is resting well then thats what I am doing...
Daily Quote: Make hay while the kids are away...xx
Saturday: Girls are with their Dad and I had a friday night of chick flicks and early to bed.. So I made myself do the vacuuming and put away the washing before I went for a ride. I went riding around town for nearly 3hrs.. dropping off DVD's and a few errands.. thoroughly enjoyed the workout and really felt I had pushed myself.
Sunday: I had arranged to go for a bike ride with my girlfriend. I had about 1/2 and hour to kill before we were to meet up so I went for a quick jog around the lake.. so beautiful first thing in the morning. Julie and I meet and we tackled so very big hills on our ride and were rewarded with lovely fresh warm scones, jam and cream at Julies Mum's... then rode home again to work it off.
Had a lovely lunch with Dad by the water watching the boats.. and returned home for more girly tv and an early night..
Monday: Official Rest Day... However I have washing, baking, beds to make and bathrooms to clean all after work today.. so if that is resting well then thats what I am doing...
Daily Quote: Make hay while the kids are away...xx
Friday, April 30, 2010
30.04.10
Thursday: A very quiet day at work.. I decided to give myself an early mark as next week is going to be very very busy.. The weather was still nice and I had a couple of hours before needing to pick up the girls.. so I get my training gear on and head to the beach.. An hour of walking at a fast pace in the soft sand..Alot harder than it sounds.. However the cold water on the shins did help with the shin splints.. I also have to admit that the beach was deserted... then weather lovely and the water a very very inviting aquamarine colour.... yes... yes I did... I stripped off the the undies and bra and went swimming.. Lovely way to spend an afternoon.. xx
Friday: My day off work.. Kids packed off to school... I went and had lunch with the lovely Maz and came home to pack for the girls to spend the weekend with their Dad. The girls picked up I headed to the pool for swim squad.. so I do two laps as a warm up and the amazing Julie times me doing 200mtr swim... Now at this point you need to remember my previously mentioned goal of 4mins for 200mtrs... today I did 200mtrs in ... drum roll please 5m10sec.. woot woot..and a little skip... 6.5 months to lose 1min 10sec... now I can do that.
Daily quote:... Got to love Karma ...xxx
Friday: My day off work.. Kids packed off to school... I went and had lunch with the lovely Maz and came home to pack for the girls to spend the weekend with their Dad. The girls picked up I headed to the pool for swim squad.. so I do two laps as a warm up and the amazing Julie times me doing 200mtr swim... Now at this point you need to remember my previously mentioned goal of 4mins for 200mtrs... today I did 200mtrs in ... drum roll please 5m10sec.. woot woot..and a little skip... 6.5 months to lose 1min 10sec... now I can do that.
Daily quote:... Got to love Karma ...xxx
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
28.04.10
So this afternoon training during netball get a little difficult as I was asked to help out... So I was proud of me... I went for a quick run for 20 minutes before training and then did a loop of the courts with the girls when they were doing warmups... So I didn't stop and make an excuse but found a way to train...
Daily quote: Just do it ... because then its done...xx
Daily quote: Just do it ... because then its done...xx
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