A Bump in the Road

There was little we could do as the wind and waves battered the city, but shelter inside and hope and pray for the best. Brisbane felt the brunt of ex-tropical cyclone Oswald over the Australia Day weekend, with days of heavy rain and strong winds, followed by flooding of the major rivers.

My local area, Brighton/Sandgate, were pretty badly hit. Thankfully our home is in a high part of the suburb so we had no flooding, nor did we lose power. But it was crazy to walk down the path we walk/run just about every day and see it completely under water. When the sun finally came out, we could see the damage to our beautiful foreshore.

Debris made up of sticks and leaves, was scattered everywhere. Huge chunks of concrete wall, built just after World War 2, were swept onto the path. Full concrete slabs of footpath were ripped up. Beautiful, big trees - where we'd had family picnics not so long ago - were brought down. A thick layer of sand covered a section of path. It was really heartbreaking to see.

But full credit to the council workers and volunteers who have worked hard already to restore our waterfront. Much of the rubbish and debris has been cleared and there are far fewer obstacles in the path. We will be able to go ahead with parkrun on Saturday. So we really are grateful.

Needless to say, running has taken a backseat this week. There was no way I could take the kids out in the heavy rain, and it was too dangerous to hit the path in the couple of days after the flooding. Dean & I ventured out yesterday to check out the parkrun track and got about 5km under our belts. Conditions were close to perfect this evening, so I took the kids out for 8km and it felt great to get back into the swing of things.

I did have an unexpected highlight on Saturday! We decided to go ahead with our Australia Day parkrun, despite the forecast rain and wind. My parents were looking after the kids, and I was excited to be able to run child-free! We had 87 runners, which totally exceeded our expectstions! As we set off, the rain held off and it was actually fairly pleasant at first. Then the waves started crashing over the concrete wall, and despite there being no rain, I was getting pretty drenched by the waves! It was a super strong cross-wind, which didn't make it easy. I was pretty happy with my pace though, and tried to give it my best, despite the rain starting up in the last 1.5kms.

Imagine my surprise at the end when I realized I was the first female finisher! It was certainly no record - I ran 24:19, which was about 1 minute quicker than my pram PB, and I was happy with that considering the wild weather! It was a bit of a proud moment - I have never really been a sporty person, and have never finished first in anything related to sport or athletics - so it was great to feel that sense of achievement (although it's probably the slowest time for the first female finisher in the history of Sandgate parkrun!)

Now that the city's returning to normality, I'm looking forward to getting back into my regular runs. Hopefully the foreshore will be back to its glorious self soon, and this week will be nothing but a slight bump in the road.
 

The Croozer

The Croozer at the waterfront, where we run almost daily

My running hit a bit of a hurdle towards the end of last year.  Between us, Dean & I work long hours, along with caring for the kids without daycare and plenty of other interests that take up a lot of time.  We were finding it more and more difficult to fit in running and keep the balance of our family.  I was lucky if I was getting in 1-2 runs a week, which was much less than I would've liked.

So, we decided that it was time to purchase a double running pram.  It wasn't an easy decision, as they aren't cheap, and finances were a bit tight.  I started doing some research and found that double running prams pretty much don't exist in Australia!  First I looked online and found some wonderful prams with fantastic reviews - but they're not stocked down under.  I went into a few baby shops and the response was basically "why on earth would you want to run with 2 kids in a pram?!?" (fair question I guess!)

I figured my only option was to get one from the USA and find a way to get it posted here.  It seemed like a lot of effort and a lot of unknown factor.

Then I discovered the buggies.  These are the ones that can attach to the back of a bike, but can also be used with a standard pram swivel wheel at the front, or a fixed, large, running wheel.  These ones are available at many bike shops, so that's where I turned my focus.  Thankfully, a few bike shops nearby actually stocked these, so I was able to actually see them in the flesh, as well as check online for reviews and recommendations.

All kitted up for a bike ride!

We ended up going with the Croozer Kid For 2.  It's the most expensive of the ones we looked at, but we were able to get an amazing price, which really made it worthwhile.  It is fantastic and Dean & I love it (so do Hope & Jed!)  It is smooth and light to run with, has a nice long handle, heaps of room plus drink bottle holders for the kids, in-built covers and more.  We haven't regretted it for a second.

Now, we are both running about 4-5 times a week, Dean usually in the morning when I'm at work, and me in the afternoon when he's at work.  On the weekend, one of us can do parkrun with the kids and we can go for runs as a family.  We've only had it for 2 months, but it has given our running ability and fitness levels a massive boost - we LOVE the freedom it's given us!

In action at Sandgate parkrun

This ability to train whenever we want (not just when the other one is home to look after the kids, or having to arrange Nana to come and babysit!) has opened up huge opportunities and is a major factor behind the decision to run a marathon.  There's no way I could fit in the training runs without it.  So in that regard, it's been totally life-changing!

As long as the pram is equipped with water, snacks, books and toys, the kids love it and we often hear the cutest little giggles and conversations (today was "I love you Jeddy, you're my best friend!" and "Jeddy, say bicycle.  BI-CY-CLE.  Good boy, Mr!" Okay, okay, let's be honest for a moment - we do also sometimes have to stop to break up fights or pry Hope's hair from Jed's fist!  She then proceeds to tell him he needs to go to time out in the pram!

Until a few months ago, I didn't even know that running with the kids would be an option - now I couldn't live without it!  I'd recommend the Croozer to anyone - having young kids doesn't have to stop you from running - just take them along for the ride (literally!)

Running sure is hard work!

parkrun

I first heard about parkrun when I was doing the 12wbt.  People spoke of this amazing running group and how much they loved getting out on a weekly basis to run 5km at New Farm Park.  I never made it there, as I felt it was too far to travel and too hard to work around the kids' Saturday morning swimming lessons.  I heard whispers about a group starting up in Sandgate and longed to see it come to my doorstep.

So last September, I saw a post on Facebook calling for any volunteers to be involved in a parkrun at Sandgate.  I emailed Tim, who oversees parkrun Australia, and he suggested I be the one to start it up.  I instantly thought of a thousand excuses, including "my kids are only 1 and 2, how could I possibly do it?" and "how could I fit it into my schedule between family, work & exercise?" and "I'm not even a serious runner!"  Of course, none of these were really valid, so after talking it over with my husband (Dean), we decided to take it on as a team.

Sandgate parkrun launched on November 24, 2012.  We had an outstanding turnout, largely thanks to a  front-page write-up in the local paper.

Here are some of our key stats from the first 8 weeks:
Average number of runners per week: 93.4
Biggest Attendance: 127 (that was just this morning - fantastic turnout!)
Average run time: 00:29:18
Number of runners: 331
Number of runs: 747
Total distance ran: 3,735km
Total hours ran: 365
Number of PBs: 204

We just love parkrun.  It brings together people of all ages and abilities to run and/or walk together in our local community.  It's free, which makes it accessible to everyone.  We see an amazing community spirit on show every week.  I get such a buzz from seeing 100 people up bright & early on a Saturday morning to improve their health and wellbeing, and interact with others who have the same mindset.

Now that we're up and running, Dean & I take it in turns each week to be Event Director, or to do the 5km run with the kids in the pram.  We really get the best of both worlds!

parkrun is the perfect way to measure your own ability and progress, and to be part of a community of runners.  There are now parkruns all over South East Queensland, Australia and the UK.  For more information and all the details, check out www.parkrun.com.au.  Come and join in the fun!

And here's a great video (made by Dean) of our Sandgate parkrun course, from the view of the pram!

A New Year...A Huge Goal

1st January, 2013

This morning I got out my goal book, as I do on every New Year’s Day. I wrote down a few aspirations for the coming year – ones to do with family, work, finance and fun.

I thought about my health & fitness goals. I hesitated before putting it in writing. Should I, shouldn’t I?

Then I set the scariest, most exciting, most ambitious goal I’ve ever dared to dream.

To run a marathon.

I’ve turned into a bit of a goal-setter and go-getter over the past couple of years. But usually the goals are ones that aren’t TOO far-fetched. Ones that are a bit of a stretch, but still realistic. When I put it in writing, I want to know I’ll succeed.

I’ve never been so uncertain about a goal, as I am about this one. I’ve been debated whether or not to set it for the past week. One part of me knows I can do it if I really set my mind to it and commit. The other part of me wonders what on earth I’m thinking!

But now it’s set. The wheels are in motion. Bring it on!

The Running Bug

9th November, 2012


I accidentally caught the running bug in February 2012.

I had just signed up for the Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation, determined to lose that baby weight for good. My kids were 2 and 6 months at the time and I could run for about 30 seconds at a time.

3 months later, I ran a half marathon.

My name is Vanessa and this is my new blog!

I have never been much of a runner. I went through phases where I would run in order to lose weight, but I never really enjoyed it or got into it. So it was with a sense of obligation that I pulled on the runners earlier this year and decided it was time to give it another go.

I started out with the C25K (couch to 5km) app. I loved that it started out very easy and included lots of walking. I started to build up my confidence and fitness and after about 3 weeks my husband Dean decided we should go on a run together. He really pushed me and kept me going and together, we ran 5km. The distance was definitely a mental barrier, rather than a physical one. So I ditched the app and had a new benchmark for myself.

I stuck with 5km for a few weeks – getting used to that distance and eventually working on bettering my time. I also started to get the hang of my pace and becoming more aware of it.

It was on an afternoon run one cloudy day by the water, when something clicked. I realised I was actually enjoying the run. I was confused! I never thought I would actually like running! I got home that day completely pumped and motivated – and I have loved every run since.

Perhaps it’s the fresh air and the cool sea breeze. Perhaps it’s the freedom of being childless for even just 30 minutes. Perhaps it’s knowing that every step or every run is making me fitter, stronger and healthier. I don’t know why I love running, but I do!

Over the next 2 months, I kept up my running. I was on maternity leave from work, so would run around Dean’s work schedule. I got into a great habit of getting up at 5am, before the kids, and starting my day with a refreshing and invigorating run. Even when the baby would have me up 2-3 times a night for a feed or cuddle, I would get up early, sometimes even pumping milk before I went, because I just loved the feeling of that run!

Every time I pushed to the next milestone – 7km, 10km, 12km, 15km – it was with Dean. We would arrange a babysitter, set a goal, and encourage each other along the way. Again, each barrier was a mental one to break through.

I went back to work and regretfully had to stop my morning runs, as I work from 5-9am. Running became a lot harder to schedule with me leaving the house at 4:30am and Dean not getting home until 6:30pm or so. But it was just a hurdle we had to work around and I still aimed for, and most of the time achieved, 2-3 runs a week.

We reached the final week of our 12 week challenge. My original goal had been to run 10km in the final week – but I’d achieved that in week 6! I really wanted to push myself, so Dean and I decided to do an 18km run along the waterfront at Sandgate. We set out and settled into our pace, feeling great. At 10km we had a moment. We had come so far in our health and fitness journeys, both losing over 10kg. We were the fittest, healthiest, lightest and happiest we’d ever been. This run was the culmination of a truly life-changing 12 weeks and we really wanted to make it count. “Why not?” we said. “Let’s do a half marathon!”

So we ran and ran until the sun went down. When we reached 21.1km, we lay out on the grass in the cool night air and couldn’t believe what we had achieved.

Well, that running bug is persistent! We went on to run two more half marathons in the next two months. I ran my PB at the Jetty to Jetty of 1:54:20.

We are a busy little family and I have lately been finding it harder and harder to get out for runs. We juggle our kids and work between us and it makes for long days. So we recently made a decision to get a pram/buggy that would give us the ability to run with the kids.

And that is where this journey begins! I’m so excited about setting new goals and starting back at the beginning. I know I’ll have to build up my distances again as I adjust to running with a pram (and 25kg+ of children!) I know it’ll still sometimes be a juggle, even though I now have the freedom to run in the afternoons.

I don’t know where this new phase will end up, but I’m so excited to move to a new level in my running and that best of all, we can now do it as a family! Come along for the ride!