Choose wisely

The Boston Marathon bombings and what they mean to an Australian

Yesterday was a day like any other. I got up, went to work, and happily read the latest edition of Runner's World on the train, thinking about all the plans I have and what I want to achieve this year running-wise.

I got to work, turned on the computer, and when I loaded up my usual programs (Hotmail, Facebook and Twitter), my heart sank. Two bombings had happened at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. A couple of people dead, multitudes injured. Images of runners and spectators with their legs ripped open, blood gushing everywhere.

How could this happen?

I normally check my phone first thing in the morning, but since I lost my phone on the weekend it's been a little difficult. Finding out all this had happened that morning and I didn't know, for some reason made it even worse.Coming to work and finding this out, whilst I'd been happily unaware of it all on the tram reading about running seemed wrong.

What really struck me though, is the fact that it was the Boston Marathon. I'll never run in it. Hell, I'll probably never go to Boston. I haven't even run a marathon yet. But being part of the running community, and following blogs like I Thought They Said Rum where Scott tried to qualify for Boston (or BQ as it's called), made me realise just how hard it is to get there, and how it's the holy grail of marathon running.

It made me realise that the people who were there had worked so Goddamned hard to get there, and for many of them, that dream is over. Whether it be the three who died, or the ones who got their legs torn off, or even the people who are uninjured but continue to wonder "What if?" every time they lace their running shoes up.

To me, that is the tragedy of what happened at Boston. People whose passion was running now tainted. The very thing that game them release from any stress, joy on a good good day, may now be the source of that stress. If running is your form of release and celebration, what do you do when the act of running becomes that source of stress and anxiety?

People have been posting on Facebook things like this:

And it is true. So much horror happens around the world on a daily basis that we become immune to it. For our own sanity we try to put it aside and try not to think about it otherwise the immensity of it will render us curled up in rocking back and forth in the feotal position. So when something happens that does resonate with us, that's when we are shocked. 

I'm saddened by Boston because it's my community. My people. My sport. My passion. I know what it's like to train for something big, and to be on the course and looking forward to crossing that finishing line. 

Maybe it's wrong that I'm more saddened by the Boston Marathon bombings that any of the deaths mentioned above. And so be it. 

Today, I am thinking about those in my running community. 

via Run the Edge on Facebook

Run 4 the Kids race update

Wow. What an awesome run! R4TK was my favourite race before the half marathon, mainly because it was the only race I'd done. I first did the 5km there 3 years ago (first time ever running 5km), and then the long course 14.38kms the year after. It was training for the 14kms that I fell completely in love with running. I loved the free training sessions on a Mon and Wed, even forgoing a paid semester of acrobalance and tumbling on a Tues so I could go to the sessions pain free. Acrobalance was hard on the old muscles.

After missing out last year because I was on my honeymoon (life is so hard hey?) and missing ALL the training sessions this year because of the heat and work being stupidly busy, I wasn't feeling as prepped as I could.

I woke up early, had coffee and toast, sorted out my stuff and off I went for the tram. Halfway there I realised that I left my armband at hone. Nooo!  Too late to turn around I kept on. Talking to fellow runners at the tram stop made be realise I could just hold my phone. You know you're tired when pretty much every other option but that goes through your head :-/ I spoke to another runner in the tram who was going her first run , and the 15km. The entire tram was filled with runners, which I really love. Nice to see others like me at 7:30 in the morning.

I met Dan in the city after he finished a 13 hour night shift and off we went. It didn't seem quite as well organised as last year - maybe because we were later than expected due to a very long toilet line at Fed Square. The entire pre-race was about waiting. But it was a good chance to people watch.

Dan and I before the race

Obligatory crowd shot 

Lady on stilts. As you do

I was in the Blue Zone, for people with a 50 min 10km pace (a little optimistic when I booked) and Dan was in the Orange Zone. We compromised in the Yellow Zone, until he got shamed by the announcer to leave. I was on my own after that,which I kinda like more.

And they're off! No...just waiting. Just some of the 35,000 runners patiently waiting

After around 10 or 15 mins for the waves to go through, we were off! And it felt good. Really good. Sure, there are heaps of people, but it's not as jam packed as the 5 kms and people actually run rather than walk. Very few prams too. And yes the tunnel is hot, but it's the friggen Burnley Tunnel - how often do you get to run through that??

The run to the Bolte Bridge was good. Feeling good, good pace. The clouds had cleared up (again!) so it started getting hot near the on ramp. The drinks station was a welcome relief. Then up the ramp. I was feeling pretty pleased with myself as I was powering up, thinking that my strength is my stamina-I may not go fast but I keep on going, whereas others were slowing down and walking. I was overtaking people and then...I got overtaken by someone I'd overtaken ages ago! RMH Staff Member t-shirt lady, I'm talking about you. I started running faster and eventually lost her.

By that time I'd reached the top, there was a cool breeze and the endorphins kicked in. I started grinning like a fool, waving at the cameras and taking in the views. It was SO MUCH FUN! I realised the benefits of holding my camera - taking photos was easy!

Midrun view of Melbourne from the Bolte Bridge

I stayed in the shade of the wall and ran down. I felt pretty good until about the 12km mark when I started flagging. People overtook me and my right ankle/calf started hurting. I kept on going slowly, and it was only the supporters that got e through. Never underestimate the power of supporters. In the final km there were heaps of kids wanting high fives-how could I deny them? They really helped me through. Thanks little dudes!

I finished the run in a respectable 1:25:54, with an average page of 5:43. I was hoping for 1:30 but thought it would be around 1:45. To say I'm happy with the time is an understatement - I haven't run anything below a 6:00 pace for a long time, and it was below 1:30. Dan finished his in 1:44:49, which considering he'd been up all night and didn't train is pretty spectacular.

A somewhat pink me waiting for Dan after the race

It was then straight home for a big brekkie of eggs, mushrooms, spinach and toast, and bed for Dan.

It's really relit the fire for a marathon. I just had so much fun running this one I really want to get that feeling again, and have something to aim for.

All in all, a great day and a great race.

Running

Two runs in two days. Life is good. 

Run Melbourne - the recap

I know, I know, I'm a crappy blogger. It's been almost two weeks since the run and here I am writing now. In my defense, it's mainly me reading this blog, and I know what happened (I was there, after all!).

So, the day dawned crisp and clear. I woke up easily and took Cookie for a walk, which was gorgeous as the sun was rising but the stars will still in the sky. It was ironic to think that I was out at the same time that I would have been starting the half marathon *sob*

After a breakfast of toast and vegemite, and coffee, I caught the tram to the city. Along with half of Melbourne. It was great to see so many people up that early on a tram to go for a run. Good stuff Melbourne!

Gratuitous Melbourne photo from the expo

I made it to warm up aerobics but couldn't see my colleague J anywhere, so joined in and felt like a fool. When it was over him and his girlfriend L found me and we slowly started getting ready. L kindly watched over our bags as she was injured and couldn't run.

As J and I were waiting in line I dispensed my first bit of advice (he was a virgin fun-runner): make sure your shoe laces are tied properly. He said he doubled knotted - I said double knots offended me. Little was I to know that I should have taken either my advice or his - I had to stop TWICE to do my laces during the run! Argh!

When we finally started running, I was kinda pleased to hear 'Everybody Runs' by the Butterfly Effect playing. Not only was it literally true, but I was getting a tattoo of their logo later that day so it seemed apt.

We started running, and I overtook J, then he overtook me, then I overtook him, and then he overtook me and that was the last I saw of him. He did it in about 50ish minutes (and raised more money than I did too!).

The run itself was...hard. My music wasn't giving me love, and I was pushing more than I would have liked because I really wanted to do well. In the half I was able to relax and just get in a zone, with the music choices being able to carry me along. This time it was all slow, mellow stuff (and no Disturbed at all - very upset), and overall it wasn't my best run. I finished it in 55.47, so under an hour, but I didn't love it.

The packed finish line (officially the line is too the left)

Afterwards I caught up with J and L, collected my bag, got a free coffee (SCORE!) and waited for my friend A to finish. It was her first 5kms, and I was SO proud of her for doing it! She rocked it in 43 minutes or so, which was great. I'm not sure if I can put photos of her up here, so instead I'll put a photo of me that she took afterwards.

Highlight of the day though? Guide dogs!!!

Guide dogs! Which we could pat!

Afterwards we went home then went out to get tattoos. That's a story for another day. Although interestingly, my thighs (ITBs) hurt for three days after the run. The tattoo I couldn't even feel. Strange turn of events indeed.

Tomorrow's Run

Tomorrow is my 10km run. I'm a bit worried because it's my first race in a long time and I haven't run 10kms in a long time.

Afterwards my friend and I are going to get tattoos afterwards. It's my first and I'm a little worried about it, but it should be fine (!).

Until tomorrow...!

Today

Today was the kind of day that makes you take back every charitable thought you have of Melbourne in winter. Melbourne in winter has many charms...but not today. It was 13 degrees, cold, rainy, windy and generally miserable.

However, after work I took the dog out and we ran a nice 3kms. Despite the frozen numb hands, it was the perfect temperature. Walking... not so awesome.

I ran on concrete through the streets *shock! horror!* but my knee didn't hurt. I realised that maybe it's due to one of three things: 

• My knee doesn't like that particular running track
• My knee doesn't like compression shorts
• My knee doesn't like the friend I run with

Or maybe just the exercises are working. Either way...WOOHOO!

I also scored a sweet cheap gym membership today. A month at a local gym for $29. Nice. It may help to burn off some of the copious amounts of cheese we bought and consumed at the Good Food and Wine Festival on the weekend...no. What am I saying?? Cheese will fuel my workouts.I know this.

Running, and why you should cross-train

When I started running about 2 years ago, I became addicted to it. The dog got some exercise, I got exercise, I could listen to my favourite music, get out of the house, make time or distance goals and work towards breaking them, and basically life was good.

Because I was running a lot I could feel my legs get stronger. My thighs became like steel, and it was great (I love muscles). So even if I did weights or strength training at home, I wouldn't really bother with leg exercises. Why should I? My legs were strong, and I didn't want to overuse them.

This, it appears, was a mistake.

I finally attended a physio about two weeks ago, and it turns out that I have issues with my ITB. ITB syndrome is a very common issue for runners, and in a nutshell, it means that my muscles are both very tight and very weak at the same time. Awesome.

I now have a raft of stretches and exercises to do to both relax the muscles and build them up. In particular, my glutes are very weak so this week there's a focus on them.

The moral of this story people? Cross train. Make sure you're stretching and strengthening everything. Simply running won't just make you magically strong (sad but true...)

Running update

I've had some good news and some bad news with running lately. I saw a running coach who suggested that I ease off running a bit and then build back up. I kind of did that, but I think I went too hard this week. I ran Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. Right after the Wednesday run my knee was sore. It stayed sore the next day too - not just a 'damn, my knee is a bit sore which means everytime I move it I'm doing damage sore', but actually sore. Although yesterday it didn't hurt at all.

Go figure. The marathon is definitely out of the picture, and possibly the half is, too.

In better news, one of my friends has just started running and she did her first attempt at a 5km today. I'm so proud of her! If anyone is going to keep at it and work hard, it's her.

Running in the rain

In keeping with the training plan, I thought I would go for a run at lunch time today instead of tonight because I'm going to a seminar on running motivation and achieving your goals etc.

However, it's raining, cold and I was very close to cancelling. Why not attend the motivational thing and then start putting it into practice?? I have internetting to be doing!

Luckily tossing two coins and being guilted by my colleague convinced me to go for a run. And it was good. A character building 7kms sharing smug looks with the other runners that were out there. 

Not so good? Realising the hard way that there is no hot water in the showers at work any more. Boo. 

Should you be running right now?

YES!

via http://realdeal.tumblr.com

Super Sunset Series Race 1 - Melbourne Zoo

Yesterday I took part in my first official 'race', the Super Sunset Series. It's a series of three races, either 4 or 8km. I participated in the 8km.

Look, an actual photo of me at a run!

I say it was my first official race because I've only done fun runs before, and each time was the first time I'd gone that distance so my main aim was to finish! This time I knew I could do 8kms, so I wanted to actually race and see how I went. 

I decided that my aims for the 8km were: 

45 mins - would be happy with that

40 mins - would be at 5:00km pace, which would be awesome

-40 mins - f@#king awesome! (but unlikely).

When I got there it was great - good weather, fantastic atmosphere. I was grinning like an idiot on the way there, which only increased when I arrived!

Starting line. With added lens flare. 

After what seemed like ages, we were off! I started off well, which was good. Due to my CardioTrainer playing up I thought I went faster than I did, but I definitely started off better than usual - normally my first couple of minutes is a littler slower. We went around the zoo, and then INTO the zoo! Running through the zoo on a sunny day is definitely something I'd recommend. It's not every day that you get to run past zebras and macaws. The highlight though was definitely running through the monkey enclosures. It's a gorgeous jungle area and you get to go up a wooden walkway through several enclosures. I didn't see the lemurs (boo), but some gorgeous little monkeys. It's not too conducive to running fast though ;)

We then went around again, which was a little harder since I started out fast. It felt longer than a normal 8kms, but the monkeys were a good incentive. I tried to race home at the end but there was a guy who kept on cock-block me (aka running in front of me) and I just couldn't get through...boo. 

I also realised two things I hadn't noticed before: I started and finished on two running songs! When the siren went I was listening to 'Everybody Runs' by the Butterfly Effect (best band EVER!) and finished on 'Dog Days are Over' by Florence and the Machine. I'd never really noticed the lines "Run fast for your mother and fast for your father, Run for your children for your sisters and brothers", but it ended it quite nicely  :)

I was very lucky to be met at the end by Dan and my friend Anna. And of course, my usual running partner extraordinaire Cookie. 

Pink face, pink top. Coordination yo!

Cookie. She's not an attention whore. Promise

So all in all it was a good first run. Start to Finish put on a well organised event, with people directing us to the best toilets (you can only understand if you're there). I can't wait for the next one in two weeks!

OH! I almost posted it without saying my time! It was: 

42 mins 13.5 seconds. 

I scored 61 in my age and 470 overall out of 1,275, so feeling pretty good about it all.

Monday morning run

One of my favourite things this year has been to go for a run on a Monday morning before work. It starts the week of well and if you have plans or it's too hot in the evening, it means you can get your run in. It also makes starting a new week a little less painful - if you're gonna get up early, you may as well get up early doing something you love!

The thing is, my knees were playing up a lot last week. My left knee was doing it's usual, and the right knee...well, something clicked out of place on Saturday and was quite sore, but felt fine yesterday. 

Running when I know I shouldn't makes me feel a little like a junky: It's just one man! I can stop whenever I want - it's just recreational. Just a short 5km, that's all!

Actually, on recreational...it's not. I have the Sunset Super Series coming up on Wednesday. It's my first 'race' rather than a fun run, a series of three 8km runs over a couple of weeks to let you challenge yourself. It should be good though, knee pending - it's through the zoo! 

Source

Interval Training

This morning I got up early to do an interval run. 5kms all up and only a bit of interval training, but doing it before breakfast does not a good run make. 

I will keep on doing it until I make it my bitch. 

In other news, if I were a chameleon, this is what I would be: 

Words to live by :)

Woot!

This morning I beat my running goal. About two months ago I arbitrarily decided (after seeing a random comment in Tough Mudder) to aim for a 5 min per km pace - i.e. 5 kms in 25 mins. I was sooo close last year, but on my last run I failed dismally (this is what happens when I run because I feel I should, rather than because i wanted to).

But this morning, I did it@ 8.8kms, 43 mins, 4:54 pace!!!


Woot!

Bah

The thing with getting very excited about training and running and new blogs about running, is that it makes me want to run. A lot. So I do. And I love it, and it brings me joy.

And then I realise that my knee is still not healed, and every run I do is probably causing me more damage.

This is not good.

Blog love - Ben does life

I just discovered a new blog. http://bendoeslife.tumblr.com/

There was a link to a youtube video on Runners World, so I had a look. It was about a guy who was morbidly obese and depressed, and one day decided to start running. He ended up losing 120 pounds (54.5kgs) and and ran races, marathons, and even an Ironman. There was a link to his blog, and I've been reading it all afternoon.

I just read the bit about completing the Ironman, and got a little teary. I feel SO inspired right now!

I also bought the shirt.

Music to run to

Whenever I am feeling a little shitty, I like to listen to Disturbed. Whenever I am feeling awesome, I like to listen to Disturbed.

When I first started running I had just discovered Disturbed, and have very fond memories of running up my little hill in my pink t-shirt, most likely with a pink face to match.

This is one of my favourite songs: Indestructible

http://youtu.be/aWxBrI0g1kE

Yesterday I was very irrate on the way to work thinking of someone who was irritating me intensely, so I decided I would leave work on time so I could race home and go for a run while there was still some daylight, and therefore WITH MUSIC!! So I did, and it was good. Although I decided not to listen to Disturbed. What music do YOU like to run to?

Sunny Sunday

What a weekend! Friday night silliness dancing to daggy hits with old and new colleagues and random friends (Savage Garden? Don't mind if I do!), cheese for dinner (proof that there is a God), long sleep ins, even longer runs and cooking from scratch...great weekend!

This week I started my 100 push ups challenge. Initially I started doing them on my knees girly style, but when it came time to do the first bunch I felt bad and thought I should start it properly doing proper push-ups. But I only made seven. Seven?!? Not cool. So I started from there and did the challenge the first night, and then later some chin-up preps at the local park on the walk with the dog.

Despite setting a reminder, the next work out didn't really happen. In my defense, I had work functions on and things...and, you know, I'm lame. So today, I started again! And it was good. Although I also realised that I have an app on my phone to do exactly that, so I did a double workout to make up for being crap this week.

I also went for a beautiful 20km run with the dog, off lead the entire time. It was a gorgeous spring day and we ran along a local river and kept on going. It started getting wilder and wilder, which is phenomenal since we were only 15-20kms away from the city. Cookie cooperated well and all in all, life was good. I keep on meaning to take photos of my runs but my Cardio Trainer app doesn't allow photos - I'd need to stop the run to take it and start again. Which I'm not too cool with.

One of the highlights from the weekend was also this guy in someone's front yard:



This yard also had a zoo of other (more traditional) gnomes, and a 'cantankerous cat' who was actually quite lovely. A bit more interesting than your standard grass and flowers set-up hey?