tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27407525375425911212024-03-13T20:37:21.442-07:00Mums in the MarathonMy pram-running journey towards the Gold Coast Marathon 2013.Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-20940630003083098572014-03-06T02:49:00.001-08:002014-03-06T02:49:19.729-08:00When things don't go to plan...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoy2GZRfupLFFgAFhHebl0HUzp3tZTpaPtibRVD6ZVtr8zmSqVXkwtILhzW5y7MwYV5_ggX_Np66yvdc5isezovw5KbFkilc-zjW9602H_ShzWZERw_J_uQOEoa-gjfSNIo2qn0eTC-58/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoy2GZRfupLFFgAFhHebl0HUzp3tZTpaPtibRVD6ZVtr8zmSqVXkwtILhzW5y7MwYV5_ggX_Np66yvdc5isezovw5KbFkilc-zjW9602H_ShzWZERw_J_uQOEoa-gjfSNIo2qn0eTC-58/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
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I had it all planned out...<br />
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I was 4 weeks out from the Twilight Half Marathon. The event I've had in mind for months. The one where I'd finally be able to give my 21.1km PB a really good crack.<br />
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I would run 45-50km a week.<br />
Each week I would include intervals, a long run and a speed session.<br />
I would watch what I'd eat, to best nourish my body and be in top shape.<br />
I'd do strength exercises and stretching to be as prepared as possible.<br />
Then I would run a sub-1:45:00 half marathon.<br />
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But with 4 weeks to go, training hit a hurdle. I'd had a niggle in my lower leg for some time - kind of in between my shin & calf. It would come and go, and usually would just subside once I warmed up. But this time, it really started to give me problems. It was hurting when I walked, and it was 2km in to a planned 5km pram run that I actually had to stop.<br />
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It was then I realised that I'd have to abandon the training plan and rest up. (That and my wonderful husband saying "for crying out loud, just stop running!!") It's now been 1 week with no running and I have no pain at the moment, but haven't tried it out running yet. I had a few days of not making very good choices with my food (gee, I sound like a mum!) but am back on track now and feeling much better for it!<br />
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I'm not fixated on the Twilight event - if it happens, it happens. If not, there are plenty of other events I can do. The important thing is that this niggle doesn't turn into a full-blown injury, and that I get back to peak form so I can blitz this half marathon.<br />
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Running can be funny like that. Ups & downs, twists & turns. Fingers crossed I can regain some consistency next week. I'll keep you posted!<br />
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<br />Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-54677487799384031152014-02-17T03:13:00.001-08:002014-02-17T03:13:38.595-08:00Challenges, Shoes & Questions<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2HOM60-J4ByylliHU5muqkE6GSqQAJs5Mp2FYIz6h1_npbTJwxVuzPFGqRloO2Z57GZE_XzZChwYaRQYvfrWsc02QYWJ8KyNQCq-VJPO9dP1Q-Ad0J9En3vrAJv99kmuGPQlqILeTbY-/s1600/1888482_10151974096167992_1462854297_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2HOM60-J4ByylliHU5muqkE6GSqQAJs5Mp2FYIz6h1_npbTJwxVuzPFGqRloO2Z57GZE_XzZChwYaRQYvfrWsc02QYWJ8KyNQCq-VJPO9dP1Q-Ad0J9En3vrAJv99kmuGPQlqILeTbY-/s1600/1888482_10151974096167992_1462854297_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting Kingscliff parkrun - unfortunately didn't get to run as Dean forgot the pram wheels!</td></tr>
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Once again, things have been go go go since I last checked in - and I've had a few ups & downs on the running front.<br />
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Thanks to taking part in the <a href="https://www.corporatechallenge.com.au/fun-runs/run-down-under" target="_blank">Run Down Under</a>, I've been really diligent in tracking my kilometres each week, with a goal to run between 45 and 50km. Up until last week, I'd managed to hit the target every week. So I guess a "down" week was probably inevitable.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YOehn82efsBjhvQkWPp0qEftlh4hL8e63tOg9thJBFPOIZX0dXVvOx6tFwOpgavibjEnvvPYYc4nl8j8f1LylIpkirEXVfw6mTgvwcDYkoq1flelG-pqfRZivK6cIs-S-5qfSkXCaFyz/s1600/16616_10152371422938054_1260703363_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YOehn82efsBjhvQkWPp0qEftlh4hL8e63tOg9thJBFPOIZX0dXVvOx6tFwOpgavibjEnvvPYYc4nl8j8f1LylIpkirEXVfw6mTgvwcDYkoq1flelG-pqfRZivK6cIs-S-5qfSkXCaFyz/s1600/16616_10152371422938054_1260703363_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday afternoon running group at Shorncliffe - love this running community!</td></tr>
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I've had a bit of a struggle with some new running shoes I got a few weeks back. I just haven't worn them in well, and after a 10km last Sunday and a 7km the next day, I had a fair bit of pain in my lower leg. I'm still not quite sure what to do about them. I know shoes take some time to adjust to (and this is my first new pair in almost a year, so my old ones are VERY well worn), but I just don't know how much more time I need to give them! They're a really similar shoe to my old ones, so I'm not sure why they're feeling so...different. Anyway, I set out to do 10km again last Wednesday, but the leg pain pulled me up short at 5km. The rest of the week was interrupted by sickness, birthdays, heat and busyness, so I only managed 12km in total.<br />
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It didn't bother me too much...I always feel I need a short week after several long & consistent ones, so it's all good.<br />
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Today was one of those tough ones that I knew I needed to just dig in and get done. With Dean away, I pulled out the Croozer for my first pram run in several weeks. It was stinking hot today, but I haven't run in 5 days, so I was pretty desperate to get out there! Thankfully, by 4:30pm when I headed out to the waterfront, the temperature had dropped quite a lot. The first 2.5km were a real struggle with the headwind and adjusting back to pram running. Then I decided to do hills. Ouch! It was HARD! I've been doing hills at least every fortnight for the past few months, so that's nothing new, but pram hills just take it to another level.<br />
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On top of that, I was pushing the world's most inquisitive 2-year-old and his sleeping, 4-year-old sister. I guess I should be grateful there was no fighting or whining, but let me give you a selection of the questions I was asked while sweating like a pig, about to die, pushing a pram uphill with over 32kg of children in it...<br />
- what's that tree called?<br />
- what's that other tree called?<br />
- why is that tree broken?<br />
- what's that house called?<br />
- what's that fence called?<br />
- what's that lady's name?<br />
- can we play at the playground?<br />
- can I go to the toilet?<br />
- can I have a drink of water?<br />
- where's my other water bottle?<br />
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I think you get the picture! Let's just say I got by with a lot of one-word answers or grunting "I'm not sure". Anyway, 7km hill session done, when I was fairly close to talking myself out of it, so I'll take that one as a win!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2aaTLl2QQAtAhQcM0_nCqve45bcwoeBlKJy5pyT5sfpm5jjer9fbyiijAwcszS8LX2gAy-Usie56g5BRNYie7vQ4c4rs3UaPr8iQ8mqI7Q-KpPFKwW-XYsHP0Ityi3ytSbcTDwCta7pa/s1600/998156_638615986176123_1893001961_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2aaTLl2QQAtAhQcM0_nCqve45bcwoeBlKJy5pyT5sfpm5jjer9fbyiijAwcszS8LX2gAy-Usie56g5BRNYie7vQ4c4rs3UaPr8iQ8mqI7Q-KpPFKwW-XYsHP0Ityi3ytSbcTDwCta7pa/s1600/998156_638615986176123_1893001961_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serving up cake to vollies Jo & Chris at Sandgate parkrun!</td></tr>
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The plan this week is to get back to my 45-50km target and step up my training a bit in preparation for the Twilight Half Marathon, which is now just over a month away.<br />
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On top of that, I'm preparing for the Bust A Move event, happening next month. We had a fantastic group training session down at Sandgate last week and I'm pumped to take part - and am also trying to raise more funds! So if you're keen to support it, here's the page: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3b5998;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="cursor: pointer;"><a href="https://bustamovebrisbane.everydayhero.com/au/vanessa">https://bustamovebrisbane.everydayhero.com/au/vanessa</a></span></span></span><br />
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Happy Running!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Training up for Bust A Move!</td></tr>
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<br />Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-50764092037820839952014-01-21T01:55:00.004-08:002014-01-21T01:55:24.690-08:00Kicking Some Goals<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">parkrun PB! (Silken Photography)</td></tr>
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There's nothing quite as satisfying as seeing your hard work paying off. I've been super consistent with my running since the start of January, and I'm seeing the results.<br />
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There's just 1.5 weeks until the end of the <a href="https://www.12wbt.com/" target="_blank">12wbt</a> and I have achieved almost every goal I set at the start, and here are some of the highlights of the past 2 weeks:<br />
- setting a new parkrun PB and getting under 22:30, with a time of 22:26 (running with a pace runner)<br />
- setting a new parkrun PB a week later, with a time of 22:25 (running by myself)<br />
- setting a new 10km PB at the Resolution Run of 48:30<br />
- getting my distance to 50km in a week (largely due to my competitive nature and the motivation of being part of the <a href="https://www.corporatechallenge.com.au/fun-runs/run-down-under" target="_blank">Run Down Under</a><br />
- running my longest distance since <a href="http://mumsinthemarathon.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/the-marathon.html" target="_blank">the marathon</a> of 22km, with the company of some Sandgate parkrunners<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharnjZKFpE3DffX1SVtgJfQ3JVgbatIr09kKlF4tokiMGMnxKGiA6wwYe6ee2qc_4DN3tmqfpjv4RTkFBW4UeOkRtL01BvzutFG_kzRas8zfwOC_QcP1Q25gzkhY2lvCGpQ8_NoxMugNHV/s1600/1511321_10151923122412992_270314422_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharnjZKFpE3DffX1SVtgJfQ3JVgbatIr09kKlF4tokiMGMnxKGiA6wwYe6ee2qc_4DN3tmqfpjv4RTkFBW4UeOkRtL01BvzutFG_kzRas8zfwOC_QcP1Q25gzkhY2lvCGpQ8_NoxMugNHV/s1600/1511321_10151923122412992_270314422_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">post-Resolution Run</td></tr>
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What has been frustrating is some of my eating habits, and giving myself concessions because I've been so good with my running. My problem is that instead of having a treat, enjoying it, then getting back to good eating, I'll have 5 treats because the day is a write-off anyway. It's a terrible habit that I really need to stop! So I've committed to complete clean eating for the last 2 weeks of the program, and that's going well so far (2 days in!) I've plateaued the last few weeks, but I know I can shift a couple more kilos if I really focus.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids getting into the parkrun warmup (Silken Photography)</td></tr>
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The weekly challenge Michelle Bridges has set us this week is 800 burpees. Yep, 800!!! I was doing my strength & toning day today, so I thought I might as well try and pump out as many as I could. In between each set of exercises (things like lunges, squats and planks), I did 100 burpees (having a breather after each lot of 25). Wow, it was HARD! I just did it at home in the backyard while the kids were playing in the sandpit and trampoline and it nearly killed me! I managed 600, and I'm feeling it. But I love having a non-running challenge to achieve.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4t_7493DzVdkqJe94oT3pJpCsJGVihVROnwp2J_oGLsKag19nF-S7mH2-PELu43LOw9Dgyz6fm8bY7jHtO3QWk_kDfZRbBq3DyQdmQnYDbrvxsuCFDSocw5ny_OZ0BlLEUuMmbhGQY5k/s1600/150205_10151941535162992_608444351_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4t_7493DzVdkqJe94oT3pJpCsJGVihVROnwp2J_oGLsKag19nF-S7mH2-PELu43LOw9Dgyz6fm8bY7jHtO3QWk_kDfZRbBq3DyQdmQnYDbrvxsuCFDSocw5ny_OZ0BlLEUuMmbhGQY5k/s1600/150205_10151941535162992_608444351_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing sunrise on Sunday morning</td></tr>
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The rest of this week will be hard with the heat. I so wish I could do morning runs but it's just not possible. Even though I'd love to give my half marathon PB a crack next week, when the 12wbt program comes to an end, I think I'll wait 8 weeks until the Twilight Half at St Lucia and do it properly at an event. I'm sure I'll have a much better chance of getting my best possible time in that context.<br />
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Until next time...keep running!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rqEjeWSwQPHBmxg_MOPoeqoEqUSqUjjJZn4lsOcZYXPuno3FJesmCSBSwDuTAEQJ40gMkaR_9321Z-WVAz0l6X5i_F7F-O5FHCdh8fMyVl2ML9vIh15cFr_O1BLFlFW7gqXyMFnkm7hO/s1600/60868_10151941535252992_1533318401_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rqEjeWSwQPHBmxg_MOPoeqoEqUSqUjjJZn4lsOcZYXPuno3FJesmCSBSwDuTAEQJ40gMkaR_9321Z-WVAz0l6X5i_F7F-O5FHCdh8fMyVl2ML9vIh15cFr_O1BLFlFW7gqXyMFnkm7hO/s1600/60868_10151941535252992_1533318401_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is why I love early morning running!</td></tr>
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Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-1254764012572962552014-01-01T01:59:00.001-08:002014-01-01T01:59:34.837-08:00Running in the Country<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabpLmxdmt3o7yUOD-OmXwzgAPpEBtLC2BsxSg23zM0I6GyzpshByZdw0A1nXA0r1vcVcX5aTaxqYe0qJM-8UTdnFzgaIdTBXkLoNPug86ttT6JtIoW01yoeRwBk_ayMNt2a7ZBG9TQvoJ/s640/blogger-image--1414652235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabpLmxdmt3o7yUOD-OmXwzgAPpEBtLC2BsxSg23zM0I6GyzpshByZdw0A1nXA0r1vcVcX5aTaxqYe0qJM-8UTdnFzgaIdTBXkLoNPug86ttT6JtIoW01yoeRwBk_ayMNt2a7ZBG9TQvoJ/s640/blogger-image--1414652235.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Happy New Year! I hope everyone in blog land had a wonderful Christmas & fantastic new year! I'm pumped for an exciting year ahead. It was great to browse back over my goal book this morning and read my goals from last year and see that most were ticked off. It was one year ago that I decided to run a marathon and it's been a massive journey since! Some of my running goals for this year include a sub-22:30 5km and a sub-1:50:00 half marathon and I can't wait to achieve them!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4569TK1Q_wqG29Ib7LDVcbPCU5v9T52ZjGwKG7RZFhzR3jCqfXx3-4j0uSpY-FXdLZqgZAF2Fu-mbyGfvOWAQ-SQudXuxWmcrDc1drmDRg8yD1xc7PeLDb-kDjGhaKosKfjwdGxVt7kKk/s640/blogger-image-670974835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4569TK1Q_wqG29Ib7LDVcbPCU5v9T52ZjGwKG7RZFhzR3jCqfXx3-4j0uSpY-FXdLZqgZAF2Fu-mbyGfvOWAQ-SQudXuxWmcrDc1drmDRg8yD1xc7PeLDb-kDjGhaKosKfjwdGxVt7kKk/s640/blogger-image-670974835.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>At the moment we are in Dimboola, in country Victoria, visiting my sister & her family. We drove down, which was a long haul, but good fun at the same time. I was really happy with myself over Christmas week to run most days, despite a crazy busy few days. I also stayed on track with not over-eating - my strategy was no nibbles, no alcohol, no bread and just 1 small dessert. I didn't succeed at every function (we had 4 separate family lunches,) but was pretty good overall. My goal is to maintain my weight while we're away, then just drop 2kg in the few weeks after we get back.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiOC7pw-WhkvtdSBg-9lcA-i2mVt_G4LShlUZUePbrlaPiOlGUcx3zP8FX8DCLo9GXitcKvPFIFlFetiTpxySme1bXL26kksxdYJjmekaa6QmOmMNx5RXOYjS6Cyi81ZwUPlLuaD9mRAc/s640/blogger-image-711624037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiOC7pw-WhkvtdSBg-9lcA-i2mVt_G4LShlUZUePbrlaPiOlGUcx3zP8FX8DCLo9GXitcKvPFIFlFetiTpxySme1bXL26kksxdYJjmekaa6QmOmMNx5RXOYjS6Cyi81ZwUPlLuaD9mRAc/s640/blogger-image-711624037.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>So we're here in the middle of nowhere, and getting out for a run most days (very handy having babysitters on hand!) The first day was just an easy jog around the town (although the town is teeny tiny, so we had to do a bit of an out-and-back down a dirt road).</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTT4q8to6udvKDhIb3vgDOSNtOG7PMvSZGsLOqzxE950D5e5pw9wCZ4_jEZdqAmNLwMj8xo4JHPTnIRsUVOWEuURK9Q6kwp7ccwJSFS-6-RiDeUTAj1ty2wXwvT2WXL8FgaQ3yq1W-IOk/s640/blogger-image--405935695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTT4q8to6udvKDhIb3vgDOSNtOG7PMvSZGsLOqzxE950D5e5pw9wCZ4_jEZdqAmNLwMj8xo4JHPTnIRsUVOWEuURK9Q6kwp7ccwJSFS-6-RiDeUTAj1ty2wXwvT2WXL8FgaQ3yq1W-IOk/s640/blogger-image--405935695.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div> On the 12wbt program for Monday was hill sprints. Well, that wasn't going to happen - this place is as flat as a tack! So I did last week's Monday session, which was intervals. We ran down to the Dimboola Football Field (for footy lovers, this was Tim Watson's home ground!) and did 10 reps of 2 minute sprint, 1 minute walk. Hard work, but nice to do it on grass compared to mt usual concrete surface.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrx4mMJbwpO334-lpKKJDcTKouSCeoE3LUrMPwDZn4fIxTyt7T6D01nQ2kAYrEiX7z0T4GDOYu_I1aGE1HR3n24JZVMnoUuU3UXQpcTfTBRD0ikXhdjp_0B5GlCc5RIRHUSwRHBRbPq0C/s640/blogger-image--954036063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrx4mMJbwpO334-lpKKJDcTKouSCeoE3LUrMPwDZn4fIxTyt7T6D01nQ2kAYrEiX7z0T4GDOYu_I1aGE1HR3n24JZVMnoUuU3UXQpcTfTBRD0ikXhdjp_0B5GlCc5RIRHUSwRHBRbPq0C/s640/blogger-image--954036063.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div>Today turned out to be the most convenient for a long run. Although my program says 20km, I decided on 15k because of time factor. So off we went, down the highway, onto a dirt track through wheat fields and back for another loop around the town. It was cloudy and drizzly, which was a nice change from the Brisbane humidity.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQTdVFVaZfb9zc2qObyogCuj0fAmnTv6pW8TlAS8bX-Z14V2e2wFQByAtzWu8TOdUFZZQanWruvjQx6AveqfAzdJcddn0k0RK38R83C04bve2te1m6F3IbZg63yNK1ngl6R6iOh6WMQos/s640/blogger-image--784337553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQTdVFVaZfb9zc2qObyogCuj0fAmnTv6pW8TlAS8bX-Z14V2e2wFQByAtzWu8TOdUFZZQanWruvjQx6AveqfAzdJcddn0k0RK38R83C04bve2te1m6F3IbZg63yNK1ngl6R6iOh6WMQos/s640/blogger-image--784337553.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div></div><div>I'll do another one probably tomorrow, before we head to Adelaide on Friday, where we'll do Torrens parkrun on Saturday. I'm loving the change of scenery and keeping active, knowing that I'm starting the year feeling fit & healthy, rather than returning from holidays feeling fat & lazy! Can't wait to share more running stories with you this year :-)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPs6JRqx-_e0EwJxGz4gLOhXKlbiLntLD-ZTsrzrm3gHk_rTMHDaJRwctMCwvEWdkOZ3xQ-dZrvV10TzMKlCFcBEac63wvnbBvMWPrbLOlnl_RoqMsElleGPbmGz6EDfBxrTScR_mlKCbf/s640/blogger-image-413377525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPs6JRqx-_e0EwJxGz4gLOhXKlbiLntLD-ZTsrzrm3gHk_rTMHDaJRwctMCwvEWdkOZ3xQ-dZrvV10TzMKlCFcBEac63wvnbBvMWPrbLOlnl_RoqMsElleGPbmGz6EDfBxrTScR_mlKCbf/s640/blogger-image-413377525.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-3861283980400366342013-12-14T19:49:00.000-08:002013-12-14T19:49:13.846-08:00Consistency is the Key<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't be fooled by the thumbs up...I was dying!<br />(thanks to Tracy King for the photos)</td></tr>
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It's been a while between posts - to say life has been busy is an understatement! I'm sure it's the same for most people at this time of year, but I feel like this December has been particularly crazy! Thankfully, I'm not too busy to run - just too busy to write about running :-)<br />
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I'm now 5 weeks into this round of the Michelle Bridges 12 week body transformation. I am absolutely LOVING it! It was definitely the right decision to do it over Christmas. I have full accountability, and it is making me really stay on track with my eating and exercise, at a time that would usually just be a complete write-off for me.<br />
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I've lost 5kg and am feeling great - despite huge days, late nights and big to-do lists, I'm finding I have a lot of energy and motivation. I'm loving having a running program to stick to - I'm doing about 4 runs a week, including a long run, hills or intervals, a fast run and a recovery run. I'm feeling a big improvement in my fitness, and I'm definitely feeling stronger, faster & leaner as well.<br />
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Basically, if I wasn't on the program, I know I'd be over-eating nearly every day at Christmas functions or while baking Christmas treats. I wouldn't be prioritising exercise and I'd probably come out the other end a few kilos heavier, more unfit and not feeling good. Instead, the opposite is happening! But I don't feel like I'm missing out - I'm still having the occasional treat, but only small bits here & there. I'm embracing the real treats of the season - things like cherries, mangoes & nectarines, some of my favourite fruits. I'm still baking just as much as I always do at Christmas, but it's all being given away (except for the bits that Dean has been sneaking from the freezer!) I've also decided not to drink any alcohol for the 12 weeks. I'm not a big drinker anyway, but I find it's a great way to save on what would be basically wasted calories anyway.<br />
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It's not all smooth sailing - it is hard work. Some days I definitely don't feel like exercising, but once I'm doing it, I never regret it. Some days I'm just plain hungry & want to eat everything in sight - but even when I fail in my calorie counting, I'm back on track soon enough.<br />
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I have my fair share of hard runs - while I've been getting up to about 15-16km in my weekly long run, I hit a major wall last week while only doing 12km. From about 9km onwards, I really struggled with no energy and just wanting to stop. I shuffled on, but wasn't feeling too good after.<br />
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I was really hoping for the best the next morning, because I was running at Sandgate parkrun WITHOUT the pram for the first time since early October. I've been so consistent with running for the past 5 weeks, so I knew I could have a crack at a pretty good time. My last non-pram 5km was 4 weeks ago, when I ran 24:02 at Kawana parkrun. My goal was a sub-24.<br />
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I set out pretty well and was really happy with my pace. It was a hot day and there was no shade to help out, but I just stayed focused. One of our regular runners was just a couple of steps behind me and that's where I wanted him to stay. I don't like being overtaken. I got to the turnaround and had a quick look at my pace & time on my phone and was happy with where I was at.<br />
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At 4km, the runner who was behind me encouraged me to pick it up for the last km and finish off quickly, but I just didn't have it in me! He went on ahead while I tried to hang in there and not lose too much pace, even though I was exhausted.<br />
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I finished with a time of 23:27 - way under my sub-24 goal! I was thrilled and got so much encouragement from other parkrunners. Checking out my splits, I lost pretty much 10 seconds on each kilometre, which is not an ideal way to run. But hey, at the end of the day, I'm happy!<br />
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My goal is to shave another minute off my non-pram time by the start of February next year, and I'm sure I can get there. Consistency is definitely key. We're heading away on holidays just after Christmas, so that will be a challenge, but if I can keep up that consistency, I know I can stay on track. Will keep you updated!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't be fooled by the beautiful day - it was soooo hot!<br />(thanks to Tracy King for the photos)</td></tr>
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<br />Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-71257961252737068522013-11-27T03:14:00.003-08:002013-11-27T03:14:39.431-08:00Happy 1st Birthday Sandgate parkrun!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With local councillor, Victoria Newton</td></tr>
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One year ago, without really knowing what we were doing, Dean & I started Sandgate parkrun.<br />
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We had ummed and aaahed, but decided to take the plunge and just do it. Little did we know what it would turn into, a year down the track.<br />
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Last Saturday, 23rd November 2013, we celebrated the first birthday of Sandgate parkrun. It was a fantastic morning, which literally started with a bang - a rocket launch right there in the park!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blast off!!!</td></tr>
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We had a record attendance of 365 runners, most of whom got into the spirit of the Ashes, which was being played in Brisbane, by wearing white. We had wedding dresses, angels, cricketers (pads, helmets & all!), mad scientists and more.<br />
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We were supplied with a simply AMAZING cake and had heaps of other food and drink. It was a really special time as well, to present several awards for our annual points competition, as well as other categories, like most improved, Sandgate spirit and volunteer champion.<br />
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As always, the atmosphere was amazing and the community spirit was high. It was such a proud moment for us & our kids to be presented with our own medals from local councillor, Victoria Newton. The celebrations were a real testament to the loyalty and support of all our Sandgate runners.<br />
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I've been at parkrun every single Saturday for the past year, and over that time, I've met amazing people, been constantly encouraged and support (especially while training for the marathon) and witnessed the kindness and generosity of the running community.<br />
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We can't wait for many more parkruns in the next year and beyond!<br />
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Thanks so much to Ross McNeil and Tracy King for the photos in this blog :-)Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-92037797220644146992013-11-17T02:37:00.000-08:002013-11-17T02:44:25.089-08:00New Goals, Fresh Motivation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I bit the bullet last week and decided it was really time to crack down on myself and lose a few kilos I've been trying to shift since the marathon. I signed up to the current round of the Michelle Bridges 12 week body transformation and I've loved getting back into it over the last week! It's been almost 2 years since I did my first round, and I'm really appreciating the accountability and discipline of the program.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jed helping me with an at-home workout!</td></tr>
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Basically, I'm eating well, counting calories and taking my exercise up a notch - 6 workouts a week. I'm on the advanced running program, which gives me a variety of runs each week - things like intervals, hill sprints, tempo runs and long runs. It's not unlike what I've been doing myself over the past few months, but I just love having something to stick to. I actually really like being told what to do, so I'm enjoying the routine of the set workouts. It also involves strength, core and stretching - all of which I know I need to to do, but haven't had the motivation to complete by myself, so I love that too.<br />
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It's not hard getting back to calorie counting - but it's only been one week, so hopefully that continues! One of my goals for when I get to the end of the program is to have my 5km time down to 22:30 without the pram and 23:30 with the pram.<br />
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I made a good step towards that on Saturday. We spent the weekend at Noosa, so made the trek to the closest parkrun on Saturday morning, which is Kawana. It's a beautiful, beachfront track and it was great to have a few familiar Sandgate faces there too! We were very impressed by one of the regular runners there, Norm, who turned 90 during the week. 90!!! And he's a regular park runner! Amazing!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful course at Kawana parkrun (the ocean is just beyond the trees!</td></tr>
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I desperately wanted to get under 25 minutes, something I've been trying to do since coming back from injury. Nearly all of my parkruns have been with the pram lately, so the 25 has been slipping through my fingers. But I had no pram this time and felt set for a fast one! Despite a bit of incline along the way, I enjoyed the course and felt great, coming in at 24:02! I was thrilled to finally be back under 25, for the first time in months.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">parkrun support crew!</td></tr>
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Saturday also marked my 52nd consecutive Saturday morning at parkrun. Next week we celebrate our first birthday at Sandgate! I have been at a parkrun somewhere every week since (somewhere around 18 runs and the rest volunteering) - and Kawana was my 8th different course. It's so addictive, I can't stop!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandgate parkrunners flying the flag at Kawana</td></tr>
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So, I'm feeling great for having new accountability and something to stick to (which will be especially useful for me over Christmas - a time I really struggle with self control!) I'm excited to improve my running over the next few months and to have focus and commitment. And of course, to celebrate the birthday of what feels like my third child sometimes - Sandgate parkrun! If you're in the area, come along on Saturday morning, it'll be a wonderful celebration of a fabulous year :-)<br />
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Oh and I almost forgot - I'm now a published running writer! And I don't mean I've perfected my cursive :-) I have an article in the December 13 issue of Runner's World magazine about the Gold Coast Marathon. I was approached a couple of months back to write up my experience, which I was more than happy to do. I'd almost forgotten about it when the issue came out & I realised I was in there! So grab a copy and check it out!<br />
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<br />Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-90475955984955917442013-11-03T23:27:00.000-08:002013-11-03T23:27:00.492-08:00Family Running<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a while since I last posted - my running has been pretty cruisy & uneventful - just the way I like it!<br />
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First of all, parkrun results: I've been trying to get back under 25 minutes for the first time since I was injured. It's felt like a pretty hard slog and while I'm making progress, it seems very slow! I'm sure I could do it without the pram, but I haven't had a chance to do a pram-free parkrun in a while, so my pram time still sits at 25:45, which I did on 26th October. Hopefully I'm back under 25 again soon!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just some of the crowd at South Bank parkrun</td></tr>
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Last week we visited South Bank parkrun to help celebrate their 1st birthday. It was fantastic to be part of a record-breaking parkrun, setting a new Australian attendance record of 944! Amazing! The previous record was 799, so they smashed it! Several other event directors were there as well, so it was great to catch up with plenty of familiar faces, along with some regular Sandgate runners who visited as well. A fantastic morning was had by all - and thankfully Dean was there to push the pram up the ramps!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Gibson does South Bank!</td></tr>
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I also had one of my proudest moments as a mum last week, when my 3-year-old, Hope, ran her very first fun run. It was a charity run at Redcliffe for the Jason Rich Foundation, and we did the 2km event together. Hope was so excited and was so proud to don her running clothes (as well as tutu & tiara - it was a dress-up event!). She did amazingly - we had a few walk breaks and a stop at the drink station, but she was so enthusiastic for the whole distance. She still talks about her "marathon" and I'm sure we'll see this little pocket rocket at many more events in the future!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My running Princess!</td></tr>
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Wednesday night group running is going great guns down at Sandgate. I love running with other people, so it's a real highlight of my running week (well, fortnight actually, since Dean & I alternate). We're also looking forward to our first birthday at Sandgate parkrun on 23rd November - one whole year! Can't wait!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sandgate parkrun crew at the Redcliffe fun run</td></tr>
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I'm averaging about 3-4 runs a week at the moment, and about 25-35km all up. It's a sustainable level - enjoyable, not a chore, and enough to maintain my fitness...although I feel like a couple of kilos have crept up on me, so I'm looking forward to shedding those, which I'm sure will help with my sub-25 minute goal!<br />
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Keep running & I'll update again soon!Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-79629589387537346342013-09-28T14:53:00.001-07:002013-09-28T14:53:36.983-07:00Reflections on a Morning Run<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBLdCJUwkO_TNk2HpP6JC0M5hARntM5BQvORItB8VsCzQck-pyeH96YxapSnCyebv6M_NxsckC___7Uhihoqsf7RcijJsynobOYJEAMzG2xmzfjRhyphenhyphenma1puFZwkTc1RYe4_99IOeojZMp/s640/blogger-image--726404455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBLdCJUwkO_TNk2HpP6JC0M5hARntM5BQvORItB8VsCzQck-pyeH96YxapSnCyebv6M_NxsckC___7Uhihoqsf7RcijJsynobOYJEAMzG2xmzfjRhyphenhyphenma1puFZwkTc1RYe4_99IOeojZMp/s640/blogger-image--726404455.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I woke up a bit grumpy this morning. Here's my whinge: I get up at 4:15am every weekday for work. On Saturdays, we're out of the house at 6am for parkrun. Which leaves Sunday as my only "sleep-in" day. And by sleep-in, I mean 5:30 I'd be happy with, 6:00 would be a dream. We usually leave at 7:30 for church anyway, but to be in bed until 6 is the aim.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yesterday, Mr 2 was up at 4 and this morning it was 4:30. Not my plan for my only sleep-in day! So I was a bit annoyed, but decided at 5am to head out for a run, since I was up anyway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was also feeling grumpy because we went to 2 parties yesterday and I ate WAY too much food. I just didn't have an off switch! So this morning I was feeling heavy and jiggly and unhealthy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But out I went and was greeted by the most perfect morning on the bay. It was cool and clear and fresh and absolutely stunning. It didn't take long for my mood to lift and as I approached the Shorncliffe Pier, the sun was just rising on the horizon. It was breathtaking. I stopped to take a photo (above) and I felt God was saying to me "just stop and count your blessings".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That was at 4km and so for the next 6km, I did. I realized I was grateful for so many things this morning:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- that I had kids to wake me up</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- that I have the ability to run, pain-free</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- that we live in the most beautiful spot in the world</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- that I have enough food to eat (too much, even!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- that I am blessed in so many areas</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">...and the list goes on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I did an easy 10km in 55 minutes and came home happy, refreshed and ready to start the day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Running really is the best therapy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-28623528018898926572013-09-27T20:29:00.002-07:002013-09-27T20:29:22.064-07:00On The Run!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJl_B26voly9aap_VOPHHyBEWg3SVkrjhKt_dlFz_ytfE__v1Iq5gnZMwAzyA37QQj2wIeb7vONJkRnXEbT6a2UlU0SHuFiTxss7LYvym6BLN-T00irphjhaqn3edvXwF3VTjQYRnr659C/s1600/1291179_574103275960728_2085454831_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJl_B26voly9aap_VOPHHyBEWg3SVkrjhKt_dlFz_ytfE__v1Iq5gnZMwAzyA37QQj2wIeb7vONJkRnXEbT6a2UlU0SHuFiTxss7LYvym6BLN-T00irphjhaqn3edvXwF3VTjQYRnr659C/s320/1291179_574103275960728_2085454831_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">26:20 at Sandgate parkrun</td></tr>
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Oops, I've been meaning to post all week, but time is precious when you're a mum on the run & it seemed to get away from me this week!<br />
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I had to share my excitement from last Saturday's parkrun. It had been 3 weeks since my "return from injury" Sandgate parkrun - at that one, which was 31st August, I'd run with the pram in a time of 27:06. Funnily enough, 2 weeks later when we visited Wynnum, I recorded exactly the same time (but wasn't going for a fast one that week).<br />
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So, I was back at Sandgate last week and positioned myself for a good start so I could set a good pace. I pushed myself pretty hard, and felt like a couple of good weeks of solid training had me well-placed. I was pretty happy to come away with a time of 26:20 - an improvement of 45 seconds.<br />
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BUT that's still about 2:30 off my pram PB of 23:52. Next week we are having pace runners at Sandgate, and it's my turn to run, so I'm going to try and stick with the 25 minute runner for as long as I can. I'm not expecting to crack the 25, but if I can get under 26 minutes I'll be happy.<br />
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I also had my longest run since the marathon this week, with our Wednesday night running group, the Bayside Breeze. We had 45 people turn up and I ran with a group of 4 other ladies. We chatted the whole way and the 11km flew by! Although it was my longest in ages, it was also one of my easiest - the power of distraction! We finished in a time of 1 hour 5 minutes, and it was soooo nice to run in the cool night air, have great company and to unwind with a drink at the local wine bar afterwards! I just love the running community we have!<br />
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I'm really enjoying my running at the moment - although it's starting to heat up in the afternoons. Will keep you posted on next week's parkrun time :-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQOGty-Uzj00tZpL0AXvcmjJgkxOENJzWnB4EwMx8CKxJLAoHni8r07BaDvYB6dkDq9by-8OU3VBMXoUsl-oHOPKmIV_pXw8er3qtv4Y74MxgQqgptzfj8xd02QceGY7OHhT_jQdPrkBC/s1600/562876_573785905992465_738703504_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQOGty-Uzj00tZpL0AXvcmjJgkxOENJzWnB4EwMx8CKxJLAoHni8r07BaDvYB6dkDq9by-8OU3VBMXoUsl-oHOPKmIV_pXw8er3qtv4Y74MxgQqgptzfj8xd02QceGY7OHhT_jQdPrkBC/s320/562876_573785905992465_738703504_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying a well-earned beverage at the Cardigan Bar!</td></tr>
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<br />Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-24315961173055366312013-09-16T20:42:00.002-07:002013-09-16T20:42:25.078-07:00Run for Fun<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmuVtoG5z5cACwUttB6zZhr_si7yWSJNfnHxeysSmV2ZIep3vF8ukrgecpf7KoCE_SORd2YRwm40kd4ADBmUq0_ms-BjwcWOuWdnvnAdMc_iAu5JBnkh6pEM9XtPSEqz0nD_UNVv5Is6m/s1600/1229975_395938860533387_261568380_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmuVtoG5z5cACwUttB6zZhr_si7yWSJNfnHxeysSmV2ZIep3vF8ukrgecpf7KoCE_SORd2YRwm40kd4ADBmUq0_ms-BjwcWOuWdnvnAdMc_iAu5JBnkh6pEM9XtPSEqz0nD_UNVv5Is6m/s320/1229975_395938860533387_261568380_n.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tearing it up at Wynnum!</td></tr>
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I've had a great couple of weeks of simply running for fun. It's so nice to have the marathon pressure off and no other events on the horizon, so I can just run for enjoyment.<br />
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I'm loving mixing up my exercise with bootcamp twice a week - it's such a great workout. And I've been able to increase my distances while running a bit too. I'm having no issues with my shins, which is a huge relief!<br />
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Dean had a brainwave to start up a Wednesday night running group in our local area, which is a 7km or 11km route along the waterfront. The first one was last week & we had about 23 people turn up - amazing! I decided to head down with the pram and just do a short run, since it was pretty much the kids' bedtime, but I didn't want to miss out. It was BLISS! I loved just running slowly, chatting to the other ladies, enjoying the cool, still, night air (lately my arvo runs have been hot and windy). I did 7.5km, which is my longest distance since the marathon - but it felt like about 2! I absolutely loved it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0x0XntN3T7hiEi1OXCUqqc3XcEELxPnKdJdJXmeIbBn0vsfQuMSWn-L-yzkKQWdT5ZFCyMjh9PRasZeXmSkqlejf8Ra03Wdn-N3l-UbQVPLtMIyogSR0uK8oXj_HtukyV51KUcDGGWkAj/s1600/526854_568120926558963_477397474_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0x0XntN3T7hiEi1OXCUqqc3XcEELxPnKdJdJXmeIbBn0vsfQuMSWn-L-yzkKQWdT5ZFCyMjh9PRasZeXmSkqlejf8Ra03Wdn-N3l-UbQVPLtMIyogSR0uK8oXj_HtukyV51KUcDGGWkAj/s320/526854_568120926558963_477397474_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Bayside Breeze" Wednesday night group</td></tr>
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I'd been doubting my ability to go any further than about 6km at the moment, but I could've easily done the 11km if I didn't have the pram, and didn't have to take the kids home to bed. Running with other people really does make a big difference!<br />
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On Saturday morning, we visited Wynnum parkrun for their 1st Birthday celebrations. It's a great course that's fairly similar to ours, as it's also along the foreshore. It was a super hero theme and there were some amazing costumes, which was good fun.<br />
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Dean pushed the pram and we decided to stick together...but it meant a very slow start. They had record numbers at Wynnum, and we started a fair way back in the pack, so we got pretty trapped and took a while to be able to get any pace up.<br />
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I sprinted to the finish and ended up with a time of 27:06 - and my best stat of the morning was finishing 2nd in my age category of women 25-29! But as an indication of what a slow start it was, here's my pace splits for the 5kms:<br />
1km - 6:21<br />
2km: 5:36<br />
3km: 5:07<br />
4km: 5:17<br />
5km: 4:45<br />
Very interesting to break it down!<br />
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And as a true sign that I'm really getting back on track, I went for another 6km run that afternoon as well, as I knew I wouldn't get a run in on Sunday.<br />
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Things are looking up on the running front! It's a welcome change to be able to run for fun!Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-45330500776576884942013-09-04T04:53:00.003-07:002013-09-04T04:53:50.639-07:00Mixing It Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lh1OgcxyA77YB2gq-VUWxCXcUIEM4OZOfGNSPyV_wpEjc1vjrbSQgp_xu7rn83w2qphp_QuYlCazWBTu97JLll_gXHBVHnbX-uUQs0YJjGexdS6pU8vU2Nz4hkC5J11H2RIbwIwHqOWQ/s1600/parkrun+pram2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lh1OgcxyA77YB2gq-VUWxCXcUIEM4OZOfGNSPyV_wpEjc1vjrbSQgp_xu7rn83w2qphp_QuYlCazWBTu97JLll_gXHBVHnbX-uUQs0YJjGexdS6pU8vU2Nz4hkC5J11H2RIbwIwHqOWQ/s320/parkrun+pram2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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See this photo? Yep, that's me - actually RUNNING at Sandgate parkrun!<br />
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My wonderful parkrun, where I have spent every Saturday morning for the past 41 weeks (except 3, and in each case I was visiting a different parkrun).<br />
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My last run here was 11th May - that's craziness! First it was marathon training, during which I did almost every long run on a Saturday afternoon, meaning I wanted to save my energy in the morning. Then it was injury, which saw me out for practically 12 weeks.<br />
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But I'm back, baby! The first thing I noticed was how much our event has grown in that time! Of course, I've seen the numbers on paper, but it was not until I rounded the first bend that I realised just how many runners it is! We had 233 last weekend, which was a great number considering the Bridge to Brisbane was the next day, and plenty of runners would be saving themselves for that.<br />
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I didn't expect a great time. I'd run pram-free at Southbank the week before in 26:21. This time I had both kids in the pram...and taking everything into consideration, I was pretty happy with 27:06. My pram PB however, is 23:52, so I've still got a lot of fitness to regain.<br />
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Speaking of which, this week I joined a gym! Well, kind of - they had a special deal to try out the bootcamps for a month, so I'm seeing how I go fitting it in with work hours & kids etc. It's through <a href="http://www.pept.com.au/" target="_blank">Positive Existence Personal Training</a> and so far I love it! Okay, I've only been to one session, but boy am I feeling the muscle soreness now. I really feel I need to tone up a bit, lose a couple of kilos that've crept back on and just give my overall fitness a bit of a kickstart, since I'm still not running more than 6km at a time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeDR4qx9PZrwuGDB8uphHzjkfQ93SeaIjOZFWMZ3gv5o7HoP5cqJxTMj7VUP_v6NBYwLfY_FwfSz6ptiMQfpll1QoqjXezZZg95OyOkRCST6tc-_Zl6xmgzsMst8LlZ9XLx4hvleDFgJO/s1600/parkrun+pram1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeDR4qx9PZrwuGDB8uphHzjkfQ93SeaIjOZFWMZ3gv5o7HoP5cqJxTMj7VUP_v6NBYwLfY_FwfSz6ptiMQfpll1QoqjXezZZg95OyOkRCST6tc-_Zl6xmgzsMst8LlZ9XLx4hvleDFgJO/s320/parkrun+pram1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I feel like 2 sessions of a bootcamp a week is just what I need. I'm also backing it up with smart food choices and am doing my best to stick to real/whole foods for this month - nothing processed, no crap, nothing too sugary or fatty - just simple, fresh, healthy fuel. I'm also doing a couple of coffee-free days a week. I'm feeling so good for it already!<br />
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The running is going well - I'm just sticking to 3 a week at the moment, of about 5-6km each. The killer this week has been a really strong headwind on my first 2.5kms. It's sooo hard pushing the pram into such strong wind! But I just dig in, knowing how easy the run home will be with the tail wind!<br />
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Yesterday, I'd decided I'd run this afternoon and do a couple of pram hills as well. But I was feeling pretty sore from last night's bootcamp and a bit low on energy. So here's what I did...put on my marathon finisher's t-shirt and went out and ran! It's like that shirt says to me "you ran a marathon, you can do anything!" And sure enough, I had a good, solid run - a bit of niggling pain in my shins, but I just focussed on technique and it went away. The hills almost killed me - that was tough (and I only did 2!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cSNhRl-xIhR2Y29jVScEzVrscGmvsMXrNcsqOJ0ZRz7lm1ls5_ISEoGazDBGL6Ux0xQ9qSBWXVDMkqv060qwmDv7BZ6OSRoC1TIaIPo5Eowfn6YddHBwOE9nYh6QqKa-eyR92p5PbYdY/s1600/park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cSNhRl-xIhR2Y29jVScEzVrscGmvsMXrNcsqOJ0ZRz7lm1ls5_ISEoGazDBGL6Ux0xQ9qSBWXVDMkqv060qwmDv7BZ6OSRoC1TIaIPo5Eowfn6YddHBwOE9nYh6QqKa-eyR92p5PbYdY/s320/park.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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It was also nice to break up the run with a long play at the playground with the kids. It's a great bribe to keep them behaving in the pram while I'm running! Their new game is to shout and wave at people who walk past us, so we always get lots of smiles & laughs, which can make a tough run a lot more tolerable.<br />
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I'll be back to Event Directing at parkrun this week, but look forward to seeing my time next week, after a couple of weeks of solid running plus the addition of the bootcamp to my regime. That PB better watch its back!Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-36456311191060493292013-08-28T03:43:00.000-07:002013-08-28T03:43:00.595-07:00Back on the Run<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88J6FfLCZxVWycwfkfOqgQ1QkTFhM5tAO2C09-HXAncyMyL9wzs8Nc_Ar3EzMRGxn_tUtYthYgnWSmbwtPpm4vOis6S89cEQ53-2YYa3YZHgP0Ri2qgDWF2eA-9w7lBKMaD39Thyphenhyphenh73TH/s1600/sb1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88J6FfLCZxVWycwfkfOqgQ1QkTFhM5tAO2C09-HXAncyMyL9wzs8Nc_Ar3EzMRGxn_tUtYthYgnWSmbwtPpm4vOis6S89cEQ53-2YYa3YZHgP0Ri2qgDWF2eA-9w7lBKMaD39Thyphenhyphenh73TH/s320/sb1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out South Bank parkrun</td></tr>
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It's been aaaaages since my last post, simply because I have had no running to talk about!<br />
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The shin splints took a long time to heal up <a href="http://mumsinthemarathon.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/the-marathon.html" target="_blank">post-marathon</a> - I was getting no pain walking or doing anything else, but it hurt to run. Finally, 6 weeks after the marathon (just last week), I was able to do my first 5km run, completely pain-free - hooray!<br />
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I followed that up 2 days later with another 5km, then 3 days after that, my first parkrun (that I have run, not walked) in months. Ahhhh, the feeling of achievement and satisfaction has been amazing! It is just so good to be back out there - I have missed running so much!<br />
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However, the frustrating part of it, is how much fitness I've lost! Dean & I decided to visit <a href="http://www.parkrun.com.au/southbank/" target="_blank">South Bank parkrun</a> for the first time last Saturday and it was our first run together in such a long time. We were without the kids, so it was nice just to be able to get out together and have fun! It's a great course - I love that it's a loop, and the shade over on the city side of the river. I had to really push it to keep up with Dean, which was good - I really want to gauge where my fitness was at.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DrMivr-L9NA2LVDDK985biO-102unh-eYFxhQ96E5gpX3XLRv9VknYiQuKhBH88MuAbp8Z61LWAfHPd3ID6oyFQtgTvx6KewEOIiUeOXEhs3VJkyhXUd04k3ImLmygWGJ16YgK26zUAm/s1600/sb2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DrMivr-L9NA2LVDDK985biO-102unh-eYFxhQ96E5gpX3XLRv9VknYiQuKhBH88MuAbp8Z61LWAfHPd3ID6oyFQtgTvx6KewEOIiUeOXEhs3VJkyhXUd04k3ImLmygWGJ16YgK26zUAm/s320/sb2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful course on the Brisbane River</td></tr>
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My PB is 22:33. On Saturday, I ran 26:21. Practically 4 whole minutes slower than I was :-( I know it's to be expected, it's just annoying! I also know it won't take me too long to get back to speed - I just have to keep up the consistency now.<br />
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I'm also so glad I attended an amazingly helpful workshop on the weekend, put on by Body Leadership, called Running Injury Free. WOW! I would recommend this to anyone, at any level of running. It was free and soooo informative. I learnt heaps, and am really confident now that I'll be able to get back into running without the setback of shin splints, or any other injury.<br />
<br />
For a bit of a sneak peak, <a href="http://www.rifrev.com/_blog/running-injury-free/post/stop-shin-splints/" target="_blank">here's their blog</a>, with the post on how to avoid shin splints. If you're a runner, take a look around, because these guys know their stuff and are so passionate about getting people running injury free!<br />
<br />
Keep a lookout for the next free workshop - you will learn so much!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7cGLsxHbinaXFeOs52PeE6SMqGEHgh6ZyMQ8jOqNjSCzyqZecQw0RYMwiTF1XUUf04oOv9RzpvToLDbufZit9RyejMWtRwJ-p2il-phz38hwVEhRCvN9ohom2l-N4ze7OfanI2nZpNLV/s1600/ff_black_toenails1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7cGLsxHbinaXFeOs52PeE6SMqGEHgh6ZyMQ8jOqNjSCzyqZecQw0RYMwiTF1XUUf04oOv9RzpvToLDbufZit9RyejMWtRwJ-p2il-phz38hwVEhRCvN9ohom2l-N4ze7OfanI2nZpNLV/s320/ff_black_toenails1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Just another random thing that's happened in the last week (that all other distance runners will relate to!) is that the toenail on one of my second-biggest toes started turning black, then came off completely. I'm really baffled as to why it happened now! It happened on the same toe last year when I was training for and running half marathons. I fully expected it to do the same in the lead up to the marathon, but every toenail stayed intact. Then, after 6 weeks of no running, I do 3 x 5km and it comes off?!? Strange! But it doesn't gross me out anymore at all, I'm completely not phased by it.<br />
<br />
Okay, so the plan now that I'm back on the run: to start off with, about 3 x 5km runs a week. Although tonight Dean pushed me to 6km. And I might start doing a hill session, which will probably be about 6km also. I'll just stick with these distances for a few weeks.<br />
<br />
I'll be back at Sandgate parkrun this Saturday, running there for the first time since May (that's crazy!), pushing the green machine. I'm also really keen to start going to a weekly bootcamp/fitness session to mix it up a bit, so hopefully I'll work that out this week.<br />
<br />
Here's to running injury free!Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-87988736833256231922013-08-08T04:39:00.004-07:002013-08-08T04:39:49.477-07:00Life After the Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZde_1DLv6SbsCNS6-mKOjFDe2PK_Mk0Qm2nWHBNwKm0JjPF_k7E_3IFsViZXFXfnhJG8FNZx6KpCkrdIJOujevSu4dEQMFqIrjG6bX-YkaYP2sN6bn69VlbZn3W9TPcCKOzS0t6YfPsO/s1600/thumb.php.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZde_1DLv6SbsCNS6-mKOjFDe2PK_Mk0Qm2nWHBNwKm0JjPF_k7E_3IFsViZXFXfnhJG8FNZx6KpCkrdIJOujevSu4dEQMFqIrjG6bX-YkaYP2sN6bn69VlbZn3W9TPcCKOzS0t6YfPsO/s1600/thumb.php.png" /></a></div>
<br />
It's now one month since the marathon.<br />
<br />
It's interesting to reflect and think about what has been both my best and worst month of running.<br />
<br />
Best, because I ran a marathon.<br />
<br />
Worst, because I haven't run since.<br />
<br />
I've been dealing with the shin pain since the big run. It's now completely gone in my right leg, but still persistent in the left. It's not painful anymore, but it's just there niggling away.<br />
<br />
The 3 weeks after the marathon were a bit of a write-off in terms of exercise and nutrition. Because I couldn't run, I didn't want to do anything else. Plus I did want to give myself a bit of a break too. Then we went on holidays and I didn't really have much self control in the eating department. I could feel myself put on a couple of kilos, so decided it was time to bite the bullet.<br />
<br />
Since the start of last week I've been back on calorie counting and exercising and have already felt some of those excess kilos come off, thankfully! I'm mainly taking the kids for a walk in the afternoon, and also doing a daily abs challenge, of pushups, crunches, planks and pushups. As soon as I got back on the discipline of a healthy lifestyle, I just felt so good! It's amazing what routine, healthy eating and some fresh air can do!<br />
<br />
Yesterday was a bit of a milestone, in that I ran 2 x 1.5km - to our favourite park and back (with a play stop in the middle). As I described already, it wasn't painful, but I could just feel that little niggle. I felt like I didn't know how to put my foot to get the least amount of feeling - so in a way, I feel I need to go back to the start and work on my technique a bit, to avoid injury in the future.<br />
<br />
And in saying that, I'm signed up to a "Running Injury-Free" workshop the weekend after next. I'm really looking forward to it, and I know I'll get a lot out of it. I might just stick with some teeny tiny runs until then, because the last thing I want to do is any more damage!<br />
<br />
I'm also trying to work out what to do next. I'd really love to do some hard strength training, and some high-intensity cardio that won't affect my shins - something like pump, step and/or fit box classes. I've looked at the local gym, but I'm hesitant to commit, because I'm so limited with the times I can go around the kids, my work & Dean's work.<br />
<br />
So for the moment, I'm making the most of a bit of a rest period, and am really looking forward to running some short distances again. If nothing else, this whole period has taught me a whole lot about patience! I'll keep you posted.Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-11558270742753887362013-07-16T05:14:00.000-07:002013-07-16T05:14:03.783-07:00After the EventLife has been a bit of a whirlwind since the marathon!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was back at work two days after, and had to prepare my presentation for the Utopia Women's Wellness Expo the following weekend. Utopia was a blast - I had a great time hanging out at the parkrun stand and really enjoyed presenting too. It was a great vibe and just a fun day all round!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've also been so humbled and encouraged by all the amazing feedback to my marathon story. I'm sure most of you wonderful blog readers have already come across my video on Facebook, but <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05M50k-QWp0&feature=em-upload_owner" target="_blank">here it is again</a>.<br />
<br />
I'm so glad I took a video of the run - it's great to have captured the raw emotion. I laugh at how fresh & chirpy I am at the start, compared to how drained and exhausted I am at the end! I guess that's what you get after 4.5 hours of running!<br />
<br />
Before the marathon, and for a few days afterwards, I said NEVER AGAIN. But so many of the comments I've gotten have inspired me and planted the seed that maybe I will do another one. Not in the near future, but never say never.<br />
<br />
Recovery-wise, my muscles took almost a week to get back to normal. I was hobbling and in a lot of pain in my legs for a few days. Once that eased, the shin pain returned (I kind of expected that, but aaargh!!! So annoying!!!), so I haven't run yet.<br />
<br />
We are heading off on a bit of a family road trip holiday tomorrow, and the plan is to run Newy parkrun on Saturday morning, and the 10km at the Hunter Valley Running Festival on Sunday. I'm not sure yet if my shins will hold up, but fingers crossed. I'm itching to get back out there.<br />
<br />
I think I'll have to find another form of exercise to focus on in the short-term, to give my shins a break, and a chance to recover properly. I still really want to get under 1:50 for a half marathon this year, and even possibly run a half marathon event with the pram. But if that's not realistic with getting my injury sorted, I'm happy to put that off until next year.<br />
<br />
I feel like I have a lot of toning and trimming to do, so I'll aim for that for now, and slowly get back into running. Hopefully that will allow me to get back to running at Sandgate parkrun every fortnight - while I'm always there, I haven't actually run there in ages now, and I can't wait to do it again.<br />
<br />
I'll keep you posted! In the meantime, keep running :-)</div>
Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-62723714068901198742013-07-07T14:51:00.002-07:002013-07-07T14:51:28.066-07:00The Marathon<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr98Fg-UND_2yWbG_YrSsgGNnBYfJu-Sn2oAYYWcoQjLtbn_QOSN7Oopdt1cbRW2VX6LCUMujoOSq_eq2UtauhbqlO1d9-x0Dtq9B7eY4wS2a8QCQ2QBvRTxMtC41-1Jcah9ZKpB00EJNC/s1600/mara1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr98Fg-UND_2yWbG_YrSsgGNnBYfJu-Sn2oAYYWcoQjLtbn_QOSN7Oopdt1cbRW2VX6LCUMujoOSq_eq2UtauhbqlO1d9-x0Dtq9B7eY4wS2a8QCQ2QBvRTxMtC41-1Jcah9ZKpB00EJNC/s320/mara1.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-marathon: looking fresh & excited!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Marathon day arrived on
Sunday 7<sup>th</sup> July, six months after setting that <a href="http://mumsinthemarathon.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/a-new-yeara-huge-goal.html" target="_blank">crazy goal</a> to run
42.2 kilometres.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shin splint injury
meant I was going into it with no expectations, just hoping to make the
distance without walking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did some
pretty full-on carb-loading in the three days prior, I had my race nutrition
planned out, my mind was in the right place – so it was just a matter of my
body holding up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was pretty nervous on
Saturday, but felt much more relaxed when we arrived on the Gold Coast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a pretty good sleep on Saturday night
and woke a bit before 5am to have some porridge and a coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got ready and Dean & I walked down to
the race precinct, just in time to see the half marathon start at 6am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The atmosphere was great, and I wasn’t too
nervous – just excited to get the run underway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The next hour or so flew by and I saw several people I know, which
definitely helped me feel relaxed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">7:20am rolled around and I
met up with my friend Rachel at the start line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone was buzzing, the crowd was loud and there was so much
anticipation in the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather was
cool and fine and pretty much perfect!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rachel & I found ourselves with the 4:15 pace runner and felt
comfortable sticking to that pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was great – giving out lots of tips and encouragement, as well as just general
banter, to keep our minds off the run.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The first 16km flew by and
felt really easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no shin pain, my
body was feeling great and confidence was high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was about the point where we had our first turnaround, and that’s where
Dean, along with my friend Danielle, had planned to meet me, and give me some
more power bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a real boost to
see them there and the encouragement along that stretch was fantastic!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKQq8RVbl3Ev_HscLhL6C3Qo2sruOFVuvPphnYUnOFHinVuuMxAG25lpKkGqGDQApQJWEYXeIn1-X7Edxtih6_wnVPPIrsxNFh94Lk4X3Hj2ZoXVNOcvW-rIpfOXHKbixWP8KbTg3L7we/s1600/mara2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKQq8RVbl3Ev_HscLhL6C3Qo2sruOFVuvPphnYUnOFHinVuuMxAG25lpKkGqGDQApQJWEYXeIn1-X7Edxtih6_wnVPPIrsxNFh94Lk4X3Hj2ZoXVNOcvW-rIpfOXHKbixWP8KbTg3L7we/s320/mara2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">16km: Danielle handing me my supplies; Rachel next to me in green.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, then it was a matter of
heading back to the start line for another 16km.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the halfway point, I was still feeling
great & sticking right with Rachel and the pace runner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a bit of tightness in my thighs, but no
pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was glad I’d done a double layer
of bandaids/blister strips on my usual blister spots, because they didn’t give
me any trouble at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was looking forward to
getting to 31km and seeing Dean & Danielle again, and there they were,
cheering along from the sideline – I loved having a support crew!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was around this point that I found myself
slipping behind the yellow balloons of the 4:15 pacer, after slowing down at a
drink station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was not too far ahead,
but I just didn’t have it in me to go faster and catch up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB37MQ7ETrFJxULH3h7BayuYKLtFAnzBLhKzhbi_XAlTWxyOo3sBRN8wutYXdOJv_PN1NxzQBwKdeAY_z7LcyRE21BeObwl7esNRwdIaFCxPtvBswTPtnTlpbTrPeG1RFcGYoR6pEkXkik/s1600/mara3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB37MQ7ETrFJxULH3h7BayuYKLtFAnzBLhKzhbi_XAlTWxyOo3sBRN8wutYXdOJv_PN1NxzQBwKdeAY_z7LcyRE21BeObwl7esNRwdIaFCxPtvBswTPtnTlpbTrPeG1RFcGYoR6pEkXkik/s320/mara3.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">31km: the hard part was about to hit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It felt good to get to 32km
and know that all I had to do now was 5km out and back and the marathon was over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it was from this point that I felt my
body start screaming out for a break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
feet were tired, my legs were sore and I really wanted a break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People all around me were starting to walk –
and all I wanted to do was walk too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
I remembered some advice I’d been given – ignore the walkers and keep on
running!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that if I started to
walk, it would be so much harder to run again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The stretch to 37km was a real challenge, but I just said my mantra to
myself over and over: “I am strong, I am tough, I believe in myself”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My pace had dropped drastically, but I didn’t
walk a step.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Finally, I reached the
turnaround and there was just 5km to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From here, I just had to break it down and do 1km at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They seemed to stretch on forever, but I used
all my mental strength to keep on running and not walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as if the last 5km of a marathon aren’t
hard enough, there was a head wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
head wind!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How inconsiderate!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I have to say, the people lining the
street at this point were amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were being cheered along the whole way, people even reading my name on my race
number and encouraging me by name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
really helped to get me through.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I couldn’t wait to get to
40km, because then it would be only 2km to go, and 2km is doable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just had to keep perspective in mind and
think about all of that training, the number of kilometres I’d run to get here,
as well as the 35km+ I’d done in the run, giving up was NOT an option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so close and just had to keep going.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At 41km, the finishing area
was in sight and the crowd really picked up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I reached the finishing chute and knew that Dean & Danielle were
just around the corner, along with several other friends and supporters, as
well as the massive crowd of cheerers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was so loud and buzzing, and the best feeling to turn that corner and
see the finish line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I crossed it and
was overwhelmed with relief, happiness, soreness & emotion – what a
feeling!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There were tears – I was
just so happy it was over and so glad I had done it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had some fruit, Endura and water in the
finishing area, before collecting my finisher’s t-shirt and medal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so proud to hang that around my neck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsL-u8bJbOrL7vAVp7x7vTV0GvRBefOjJLIliTbSr6jKHx4pKrSf9nNIalYUYe80y_LlqgffSchUlUD0zCW48N3VBcBSUPaQKcd_J3d8sGKmAeN_rq5jyWD4eevbcOUl5p_WdnPBWuttBt/s1600/mara4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsL-u8bJbOrL7vAVp7x7vTV0GvRBefOjJLIliTbSr6jKHx4pKrSf9nNIalYUYe80y_LlqgffSchUlUD0zCW48N3VBcBSUPaQKcd_J3d8sGKmAeN_rq5jyWD4eevbcOUl5p_WdnPBWuttBt/s320/mara4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I headed back to where Dean
and Danielle were, and finally had a chance to sit down, debrief and
stretch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was unbelievably sore in my
thighs, but the feeling of finishing was so exhilarating.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I completed the Gold Coast
Marathon in 4:30:08 (you can see my 5km splits below, and how my pace dropped
so much in the final quarter of the run!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am so happy with that time, especially considering my injury and lack
of training over the last 6 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
was definitely one of the craziest, hardest, most rewarding achievements ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Was it harder than drug-free
childbirth?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it was more
difficult than my second labour/birth, which only lasted 3 hours (WAY less than
the marathon!) – but I think my first labour (which lasted 9 hours) was harder </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And like with childbirth,
I am saying it’s something I NEVER want to do EVER again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I’m sure when the pain goes away
(wow, I am SOOO unbelievably sore!!!), I may change my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Certainly not while the kids are still young
though – it’s just such a big commitment to fit in to family life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">So, here we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been one amazing, rollercoaster journey
and I am so happy that it’s now ticked off the list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would not have made it here without so much
support and encouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot
thank my husband Dean and kids, Hope & Jed enough – they are the reason for
it all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">There are too many others to list, but to the
rest of my family, to all my friends from all areas of life, to my loyal
Sandgate parkrunners, to the people who’ve looked after the kids while I’ve
gone running, to my amazingly supportive workmates, to all my listeners on
96five, to everyone who’s read my blog – THANKYOU!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re the best!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Stay tuned on the blog for my race video and
for what this running mum has her sights set on next </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you all! xo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PZSZLTPNwNtJXtm0JLvBBkmdBfduCAxNibGewwaw9IoXQ3G6Wtx5VfCUzTZqZAVcm6QXha-s-5GkwMDOcGCSbM7bgx35KDh1K0SXLw937HqzgFYKjZS7hFPcckSE0_HkDyDHow-gzFKC/s1600/mara5.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PZSZLTPNwNtJXtm0JLvBBkmdBfduCAxNibGewwaw9IoXQ3G6Wtx5VfCUzTZqZAVcm6QXha-s-5GkwMDOcGCSbM7bgx35KDh1K0SXLw937HqzgFYKjZS7hFPcckSE0_HkDyDHow-gzFKC/s320/mara5.PNG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Official time (the top time is from when the starting gun went, the bottom time is from when I actually crossed the start line)</td></tr>
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Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-13802037086749819252013-07-04T00:32:00.001-07:002013-07-04T00:32:09.879-07:00Prepped & Ready<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwDiIvOtQ4kN1bR_AgpDndFQ3qWDUHDv4EC7_rb3p7lDELYrdQGA-oqzBJGgW0veIWSb0WmbClnV4hhAMrPckj_amOyaYSf0F2F765gSzpEcIQbAQuNrKYlXTNjIY9C2OMVEYPz8XqXM6/s640/blogger-image--29773734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwDiIvOtQ4kN1bR_AgpDndFQ3qWDUHDv4EC7_rb3p7lDELYrdQGA-oqzBJGgW0veIWSb0WmbClnV4hhAMrPckj_amOyaYSf0F2F765gSzpEcIQbAQuNrKYlXTNjIY9C2OMVEYPz8XqXM6/s640/blogger-image--29773734.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The countdown is on & marathon day is just 3 days away!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I attended a seminar last night called "Race Day Planning & Tactics", which was great for getting in the headspace & hearing very experienced marathoners share their tips. Excitement is building!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today is day 1 of carb-loading and it's been quite full on! We're talking big quantities & lots of the food I usually try to avoid or cut down on - breakfast was a double serving of cereal with milk, plus an English muffin with honey & banana. Lunch was 3 pieces of white bread, baked beans and an apple. Afternoon tea: a glass of juice, a crumpet and fruit & yoghurt. You get the picture - it's a lot! But the experts say it makes a huge difference on race day to have big glycogen stores ready to go.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm also thinking of my checklist if things to take down the coast - you can see above what I've got so far: jellybeans, power bars, recovery drink, oats, blister shields, sunscreen, muscle cream & Epsom salts. It's so much more involved than doing a half marathon - it really is a step up to the next level! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My shins are feeling completely pain-free & I'm still pretty nervous, but also really looking forward to it! Dean has also arranged a Go-Pro camera from his work, so I'm planning to do little video updates along the way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Stay tuned - we're nearly there!</div>Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-25558066413135805372013-06-29T19:33:00.000-07:002013-06-29T19:33:08.291-07:00One Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnt4oXm1dGhEhnqK6zbzhnYWK6xMQRqS3l6iYMEhqP-ZIgxyhK-1Xmz48nJw8uFG0xUZwfo5eROYI38G3jUcVISElNTML4cmdonUt4EwuK8gctqwPCbRVe3OQ-LRiOGw3hat0O11JfdFt/s362/marathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnt4oXm1dGhEhnqK6zbzhnYWK6xMQRqS3l6iYMEhqP-ZIgxyhK-1Xmz48nJw8uFG0xUZwfo5eROYI38G3jUcVISElNTML4cmdonUt4EwuK8gctqwPCbRVe3OQ-LRiOGw3hat0O11JfdFt/s320/marathon.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
In one week, I will be a marathon runner.<br />
<br />
6 months ago, I set a <a href="http://mumsinthemarathon.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/a-new-yeara-huge-goal.html" target="_blank">crazy goal</a>, and the big day is just one week away.<br />
<br />
Cue major freak out!<br />
<br />
Since my <a href="http://mumsinthemarathon.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/sidelined.html" target="_blank">injury</a>, my spirits have been pretty high. I've been really anticipating just getting out there for the run, but now reality is setting in. 42.2km is a loooooong way and I know it's a distance that has to be respected. I'm feeling like my shins will be fine and pain-free on the day (still just a couple of niggles, but only very minor), but I know I have lost some fitness.<br />
<br />
At the peak of my training, I was so in the zone. I was running about 55km a week, and in a great mindset. But over the past month, since I've hardly been running, I feel somewhat out of the loop. And I'm feeling some regret about things I wish I'd done differently. If I knew I'd do very limited running for the 6 weeks before the race, I would have set a plan to do more strength & core training, really keep on top of my nutrition and lose a couple of kilos. But because it's all been a bit in limbo, I haven't had a plan to stick to, and I just haven't been as disciplined as I feel I should have been. I've been doing regular cycling...but it's just not running.<br />
<br />
It's really disappointing to be going into this far less prepared than I wanted to be. Two months ago, I was so confident about my 4-hour goal - but now, I have no time goal. Two months ago, I had no doubt in my mind I could go the distance - now, I'm just hoping and praying I can stick it out.<br />
<br />
When my freak out moments pass, I do feel excited. I really want to get out there and soak up the atmosphere, and for the first 30km at least, I hope I can just have fun! I have several friends who'll be there spectating, and I can't wait to see them along the way. Dean & I are planning his movements, and where he'll be situated to restock my supplies of power bars and jelly beans. I can't wait to get down the coast and enjoy a couple of nights in a nice apartment (child-free - bonus!), plus we have a big family gathering on Sunday afternoon which I am looking forward to SO much. And I just want to achieve this for my kids.<br />
<br />
This week I'll try and do a lot of visualisation about my goal and the race and focus on the result. I want to have a mantra to use on myself during the run when times get tough, so I'm formulating a punchy sentence to memorise. I'll have a good look at the course map, and plan out what fuel I'll be taking at what points. I also have to plan my carb-loading for the 3 days prior to the race. Check out <a href="http://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/nutrition/factsheets/competition_and_training/carbohydrate_loading" target="_blank">this plan</a> for an example of what I'll be eating - it's pretty full on!<br />
<br />
I'm really excited to be heading to an intraining seminar too, about race day tips, so I know that'll really help to get in the zone. I'm also preparing my presentation for the <a href="http://www.utopiawomenswellness.com/" target="_blank">Utopia Women's Wellness</a> expo, which is the weekend after the marathon. I'm writing my speech now, about having run the marathon and succeeded - and that's really helping to motivate me as well! It's so exciting to think that will be reality in just one week's time!<br />
<br />
So, with mixed emotions, I'm heading into the final week. Most of all, it's anticipation - I can't wait for the day to arrive! Stay tuned!Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-80515484133537661782013-06-19T20:57:00.004-07:002013-06-19T20:57:58.852-07:00One Step Forward, Two Steps Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGNs69UFNmg1J1Rt12kJBEktNJ_88W_kgsMGjAo4F_tZEm_r4Z_Xmz_0C92Jmrc87Ph8ru1GxllfpnPSWh8y_gIZcB0swdUK-_mLYcQVygiBQUF6blL4yECOFkFXcsGeU1gNeRQm0ElCd/s1600/marathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGNs69UFNmg1J1Rt12kJBEktNJ_88W_kgsMGjAo4F_tZEm_r4Z_Xmz_0C92Jmrc87Ph8ru1GxllfpnPSWh8y_gIZcB0swdUK-_mLYcQVygiBQUF6blL4yECOFkFXcsGeU1gNeRQm0ElCd/s320/marathon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Just as training was getting back on track, things have hit another hurdle.<br />
<br />
On the weekend, I wrote about how my <a href="http://mumsinthemarathon.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/injury-update.html" target="_blank">shin splints had healed u</a>p and I'd managed a 22km run - I was so excited to back in the game...but now the injury has flared up again. FRUSTRATION!<br />
<br />
The pain in my shins isn't as bad as before, but it's there. This week has been a tough one. I know I need to rest my legs (again), but I haven't even had a chance to get out for a bike ride, with the husband away and a really busy week at work and home. I haven't been eating as well as I should, so I'm just ready to get this run over and done with!<br />
<br />
At this stage, I feel a bit more rest and the pain will go away again - this might mean hardly doing any running until the day of the marathon. It's not ideal, but I'm just hopeful that my preparation up until I was injured, is enough to get me through.<br />
<br />
Another pretty major blow is that my running buddy, main motivator, inspiration, husband and best friend, is pretty certain he won't be running the marathon :-( Dean has struggled with hamstring issues for several weeks now. Every time he feels better, he'll go out for a run and get 6-7km before he feels a tweak and has to stop. He hasn't done a long run in weeks.<br />
<br />
It's pretty devastating for him, and me. We set this goal together and have support each other as we've worked towards it. We've done many runs together and planned to run the big one together, getting each other through the tough moments. We've had some great quality time training together, and it's been so fun having such a big, crazy, shared goal. Unless something miraculous happens, he just won't be up for it.<br />
<br />
I've felt pretty disappointed about it...this wasn't the plan! Neither were these annoying shin splints! It's felt like such a roller coaster this past few weeks...now I just want the day to be here, I want to get out there and give it everything and tick it off the list. These last few weeks have been far from ideal preparation, but my mindset still feels strong. I know if I can get to the start line pain-free, I can run it. I've come too far to give it up. Bring it on.Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-30271390190975031952013-06-15T20:51:00.000-07:002013-06-15T20:51:09.810-07:00Injury Update<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEBShxRBo-IdAXyNii6aIejbPw13BHc_M0C_LMG6WAVQGpHx5ihCkjHmCHQG8ySZqWhokYx9b70OXRmDfGkbamqPKCwW541cSr1ga73JIJKJZdUaTp_-04xNt_Ysn2nqkohPZelaLt7J5/s1600/7280_10151498830468723_2027698888_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEBShxRBo-IdAXyNii6aIejbPw13BHc_M0C_LMG6WAVQGpHx5ihCkjHmCHQG8ySZqWhokYx9b70OXRmDfGkbamqPKCwW541cSr1ga73JIJKJZdUaTp_-04xNt_Ysn2nqkohPZelaLt7J5/s320/7280_10151498830468723_2027698888_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's no real point to this picture, it just gave me a giggle!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's been a looooooong 2.5 weeks of no running. My patience has been pushed to the limit. I've had moments of hopefulness and moments where I've just wanted to give up on my goal and never run again.<br />
<br />
But day by day, I've felt my shin pain ease, until finally, I passed the "hopping test" the podiatrist gave me (basically, he said I could run again when I could do 30 hops on each leg with no pain). I tentatively did a short run and while I had a few aches and twinges, there was no pain in my shins. But I was still only cautiously optimistic, until I attempted a more substantial run.<br />
<br />
So yesterday, I set out for the nearby Deagon sports fields. I've been advised to run on grass to try and lessen the impact and strain on my shins. It was a 2km run down there, and a 1.6km grassy track around the whole precinct. I'm not used to running laps - all of my long runs have been along footpath overlooking the waterfront, with lots of variety in landmarks and views. So this was certainly a new experience!<br />
<br />
One I got past 5km, and a little bit of initial soreness (although none of that sharp impact pain I had been experiencing), I realised my body was up for it. Now for the mental battle of running 11 laps! I don't run with music, so I had only myself as distraction.<br />
<br />
I kept my mind occupied by looking at the horses in the stables at the nearby racetrack, and the teenagers at the skate park. I mused to myself about the young lady who came along with a deck chair, which she placed in the sun by the skate park, while she did a find-a-word (I can't ever imagine having enough spare time to do something like that!)<br />
<br />
11 laps later, bored out of my brain, and sore all over (2.5 weeks out really makes a difference!), it was time to head home. 22km done and I know I'm going to the Gold Coast!!!<br />
<br />
I worked out that this run was my 10th half marathon (or longer) distance, and I feel like it's been a real turning point. The last few weeks have been filled with so much uncertainty about how it would play out...now, with 3 weeks to go, the goal is within reach and I KNOW I can do it!<br />
<br />
Now I need to work out how to train in the final 3 weeks. I'll need to decide whether to fit in one more long run next weekend or whether to start tapering. I'll definitely try and do as much running as I can on the grass so I can go into the race with no soreness.<br />
<br />
I'm SO thrilled to be writing a happy post again! Gold Coast, here we come!!!<br />
<br />
PS This is a great opportunity to tell you about Utopia Women's Wellness - an expo I'm speaking at in Brisbane next month (I spent much of the run yesterday formulating my speech!) It's going to be fabulous, so find out all the details <a href="http://www.utopiawomenswellness.com/" target="_blank">here</a> and I'll hopefully see you there!Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-50489683813575338022013-06-06T21:35:00.001-07:002013-06-06T21:35:59.331-07:00One Month Until the Run and Not Having Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOzxUNutVpFe_oD6UwLEQNJZdg4b51Ahyphenhyphen9Y2yEU6rAdSjYVp-OZ9LmEu0nL0MRXLtsAyb-2bw1y-lyWor7hyHq2uqyxtszOFXMGiWN47OExpCezy9sA6RpsfI7X9Dy_lHQB-g84liDCG1/s1600/mental-toughness-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOzxUNutVpFe_oD6UwLEQNJZdg4b51Ahyphenhyphen9Y2yEU6rAdSjYVp-OZ9LmEu0nL0MRXLtsAyb-2bw1y-lyWor7hyHq2uqyxtszOFXMGiWN47OExpCezy9sA6RpsfI7X9Dy_lHQB-g84liDCG1/s1600/mental-toughness-2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Today marks exactly one month until the Gold Coast Marathon. I can't believe how quickly the year is flying by! Race day will be here in no time - on one hand, I just want it to be here already and on the other, I wish I had more time.<br />
<br />
Preparations are practically at a stand-still. It's not good news on the shin splints.<br />
<br />
When I self-diagnosed last week, I had in my mind that I might be off training for a week. I could handle that. I would only miss a week, which was inconvenient, but no big deal, as I was pretty much a week ahead with my training anyway. When a week passed and the pain was no better, I went and saw Doug James, who's a physio and podiatrist at <a href="http://www.intraining.com.au/default.asp?contentID=729" target="_blank">Intraining</a>. He was excellent - very thorough, very knowledgeable and very kind, and I would highly recommend him to anyone.<br />
<br />
Basically, I have a fairly bad case of medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), but it doesn't seem to be the extreme end, which is basically stress fractures and would definitely mean no marathon.<br />
<br />
The good news is that there is still a fair chance they will heal up in time and I will be able to run the marathon. The bad news is, I'm still not able to run for about another 10-14 days, and the timing is really cutting it fine.<br />
<br />
In my favour, my training and preparation up until now has been super consistent and thorough, and I've done up to 32km, which is the maximum a lot of people do before a marathon anyway (even though my plan was to get to 36km). But I am a bit concerned about losing fitness - so I'm keeping up with the cycling (which is amazingly pain-free!) and am keen to try some deep water running, which is meant to be an excellent low-impact substitute.<br />
<br />
This is not where I want to be one month out and it's driving me pretty crazy. I'm pretty upset about it at times, but very rational at other times - and if the Gold Coast doesn't happen, there are heaps of other marathons I can do. I'm so disappointed that after 16 months of running without any injuries, this has happened just weeks out from such a huge goal, which I've been so focussed on for so long.<br />
<br />
I am still icing, stretching and massaging - fingers crossed the pain goes away in the next week and I can get back out there. I don't think I'll get any more long runs in, considering marathoners generally taper for the 2-3 weeks before the race, but at this stage, I'll just be super excited to be back running at all.<br />
<br />
I appreciate all the support and advice and words of wisdom I've gotten from so many people - it means so much. My training may have taken a bit of a diversion, but I WILL be a marathon runner!Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-50838141237786397682013-06-02T04:32:00.000-07:002013-06-02T04:32:17.476-07:00Sidelined...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7YvRIS6kJo8vffJTC2eaSSDhEJmSGWbiLO3YQsbQs5LKtfaWq-sun1aJqvfLh1Kb3CvMwcb8gKGEFtPxRws5aVqULcnyL7QpraGGHa50JNoyyOMQ7CjB0zOIllro8waGWDB0kzF6yEuo/s1600/running.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7YvRIS6kJo8vffJTC2eaSSDhEJmSGWbiLO3YQsbQs5LKtfaWq-sun1aJqvfLh1Kb3CvMwcb8gKGEFtPxRws5aVqULcnyL7QpraGGHa50JNoyyOMQ7CjB0zOIllro8waGWDB0kzF6yEuo/s320/running.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This will be me sometime this week!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's 5 weeks until the marathon and I'm sitting on the sidelines, not able to run.<br />
<br />
It all started after <a href="http://mumsinthemarathon.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/a-long-run-down-struggle-st.html" target="_blank">last week's struggle run</a>, from which I pulled up pretty sore. I attempted a speed session on Tuesday, but couldn't go very far because of soreness in my lower legs. I thought it was just general aches and pains, so I didn't push it. I rested Wednesday and was still in pain Thursday...when the penny finally dropped.<br />
<br />
Shin splints.<br />
<br />
That delightful condition known to many athletes and runners. So here I am, 5 weeks out from the marathon and getting pain in my shins every time I run. Not good. I have done a lot of research and spoken to trainers and runners, along with a physio and I have a plan of attack. I am icing them several times a day, stretching and massaging...and not running. Aaargh!<br />
<br />
It is frustrating and devastating and all I want is to get out there! But on the other hand, I know my training up until now has been very consistent and I have the kms under my belt that a week or so off the track won't affect me too much. I was also told a little pearl of wisdom from my neighbour, Carl - an infinite source of wisdom when it comes to running. Your body doesn't realise what type of exercise it's doing - so doing some other form of training will ensure you don't lose fitness while you can't do something else.<br />
<br />
It's all I needed to hear to jump on my bike on Saturday and pump out a 2-hour ride, going 40km along the waterfront. Since getting into running, I've been neglecting my bike, but it felt fantastic to get back on. I find it so relaxing and it was just amazing to not feel any pain in my legs, while still getting a good workout (mind you, I had a very sore bum afterwards!)<br />
<br />
So, the plan of attack this week: go bike riding until my legs feel good enough to run. It's not worth risking any more injury by running while I'm still sore (frustrating but important!) Continue ice, rest and massage. I have purchased full-length skins to wear, which will hopefully help me stay pain-free when I get back into it. My final couple of long runs will be on grass, to avoid the pounding impact of the concrete.<br />
<br />
It's been a tough week, and frustrating to say the least, but I am hopeful that it's a minor case and will heal up quickly. I'm desperate to get back to running and get back on track with marathon preparation. Fingers crossed next week will bring a happier blog post and that I'll be happily running again!Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-1909772192307969302013-05-27T21:27:00.001-07:002013-05-27T21:27:11.311-07:00A Long Run Down Struggle St<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6Ia_LshTTA9x4Y3OO1-UUp3GkpHmHlOzaZlx3h9cuPPUqck88noMuVqztA_2QTLNIIiGgBHN3BcTrgum22UFq5rlpV6JmVfWn5GIu41e1fE-EEjKXQ_3x1dXtmW81iYu9rjowmxOAYaw/s1600/running+sore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6Ia_LshTTA9x4Y3OO1-UUp3GkpHmHlOzaZlx3h9cuPPUqck88noMuVqztA_2QTLNIIiGgBHN3BcTrgum22UFq5rlpV6JmVfWn5GIu41e1fE-EEjKXQ_3x1dXtmW81iYu9rjowmxOAYaw/s320/running+sore.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
<br />
I was defeated by my long run this week.<br />
<br />
All the preparation was there and I thought I had all my plans in place for a perfect 32km run. It was not to be.<br />
<br />
All week, a couple of lines of advice really resonated with me. They came in an email from Linda Watson, head trainer at intraining. She wrote: <i>"do your long run much slower than your goal race pace. I cannot stress this enough. If you run too fast in training, it will result in a longer recovery period and ultimately inhibit your ability to back up with other important sessions."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
After last week's 30km, I pulled up quite sore and realised that I did go too fast - then when I did my other sessions for the week, I was achey and couldn't quite give it 100%.<br />
<br />
So I planned to do a nice, slow & steady 32km on Sunday morning. I was excited about doing a morning run, as it is my <a href="http://mumsinthemarathon.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/morning-running-how-i-love-thee.html" target="_blank">preferred time to go</a>. Most of my long runs have been afternoon/evening, but I want to get in some more morning practice, as that is when the Gold Coast Marathon will be. I had a rare husband and child-free morning, so I put the call out through parkrun to see if anyone wanted to join me - of course, there were other keen/crazy people out there and we set off at 6am. Our route was from Arthur Davis Park (next to the Sandgate Pool), down the Shorncliffe Jetty, then across the Hornibrook Bridge, past the Woody Point Jetty and up to the Redcliffe Jetty and back again.<br />
<br />
I really enjoyed the first 20km. I had new company, lots of people to chat with and plenty of distractions. We took a good, steady pace and it was a perfect morning with a gorgeous sunrise. I'd had some porridge and banana at about 5am, as well as some pasta the night before, and I felt really good. My aches and pains had gone and physically, I felt great.<br />
<br />
The struggle came at about 26km. I stopped at a bubbler for water just before getting onto the Hornibrook Bridge for the stretch home. When I started up again, my energy levels felt like they'd taken a dive. I continued shuffling across the bridge, but the rest of the group started getting away from me, and I just couldn't seem to make up any ground.<br />
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I called on my mental strength to just dig in and tough it out, which I did - but in true runner's terms, I just hit a wall. I told myself I just had to get to the end of the Bridge (which is the longest in the Southern Hemisphere, and I felt it every step of the way!) - I thought that getting back onto the Brighton stretch would just give me the boost to finish. I just felt so physically exhausted, like my body was running on empty. It wasn't the soreness in my legs or feet (which is always there a little bit after this distance), it was just this complete and utter feeling that I had nothing left in the tank.<br />
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The rest of the group was getting further ahead - if it weren't for them, I'm sure I would've given up halfway across the bridge. I hate being beaten and just wanted to keep up! In the end, I walked 2 stints of 500m, at about the 29km and 30.5km marks. If nothing else, I wanted to at least beat my distance from last week, which I did. I got back to the park and had a nice big stretch, but felt completely defeated. None of my long runs had been such a struggle.<br />
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I was pretty disappointed - I felt my preparation and mindset for this run was spot on. It was meant to be slow and easy, but here I was, barely able to put one foot in front of the other by the end! But as always in the worst runs, I definitely learnt a lesson. This time, it was long run fuel. I decided to have a break from my usual jellybeans, and instead took some raw energy balls I'd made, which had dried fruit, nuts, banana & chia seeds in them, as well as some dried apricots.<br />
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As delicious as they were, they just didn't cut it for 32km! I'd also figured that eating well and carb-ing up before the run would give me enough boost, but it simply didn't. I couldn't help but think about what so many people have said - the 30km mark in the marathon is the halfway point, and that last 12km is a real battle. There is no way I could've gone another 10km on Sunday, which gave me a bit of a scare! But again, it's a lesson learnt.<br />
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I went to the intraining speed session this morning, but my calves and lower legs in general were so sore, I just couldn't get up to speed. Sarah (the coach) suggested just an easy jog, but I even struggled with that. So I'm doing lots of stretching and having some rest, and hopefully the aches disappear.<br />
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As long as I'm feeling fresh enough, I'm planning to tackle 32km again this week - this time with plenty of jellybeans and maybe some other fuel on hand. It's not a nice feeling to be defeated by a run, but there's always another opportunity.Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-85846826294425994812013-05-22T20:28:00.001-07:002013-05-22T20:28:13.749-07:00The Working, Running Mum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's not always easy being a runner. Or a running mum. Or a working, running mum.<br />
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Sometimes I wish that I'd jumped on this marathon bandwagon before I had kids, because I had SO much more time then! I'd have heaps more opportunities to run and nothing to hold me back. But of course, it's all part of the journey and the accomplishment will mean so much more, that I'm doing it at this stage of life.<br />
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I try and be pretty positive with my posts and I'm an optimist through and through...but today I'm just compiling a list of things that really suck about being a working, running mum!<br />
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- having to call on favours for babysitting for every long run (SO fortunate to have family support though!)<br />
- getting home from a 30km run, grabbing a drink, then having to cook dinner/clean the house/bath the kids/read bedtime stories/put kids to bed...when all you want to do is have a big stretch and a soak in the bath<br />
- getting up for work at 4:15am every weekday, then after the shift, doing activities with the kids all morning, then having enough energy to run (with both in the pram) in the afternoon - some days, I'm just plain TIRED!<br />
- never getting a sleep-in<br />
- when the only opportunity for group/speed training (Tuesdays at 5:30am) means getting up even earlier (yes, we're talking 3:45am) to go into work to prepare, ducking out for an hour of running, then straight back to the office for the rest of the shift.<br />
- having to schedule runs with the pram around kids' activities, sleeps and commitments.<br />
- wanting desperately to go to a weekly yoga/pilates class but lacking time/money or having husband travelling...so it just doesn't happen.<br />
- having to push a pram into a headwind while running<br />
- having to stop on runs to break up fights in the pram<br />
- just plain feeling like there's not enough hours in the day!<br />
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But you know what? I committed to this and it's completely my own doing. It's a choice and one I know I will not regret. It's one I hope to be proud of for the rest of my life. It's a way to be a positive role model for my kids and to help encourage them to live a healthy and active lifestyle.<br />
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I am thankful every day for my health and the opportunities I have. The marathon is less than 7 weeks away and I'm going to stop my pity party now and just get on with it - I have running to do!Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2740752537542591121.post-71200450459536793952013-05-18T21:06:00.001-07:002013-05-18T21:12:04.450-07:00Cracking the 30km (but a niggle along the way)<br />
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It's been an interesting week of running, with getting into new territory in a couple of regards. I headed out for a run last Sunday, after a really solid week. I'd had a "rest" from long runs, with my longest an easy 15km. I thought I'd just finish up the week with a quick 8km. Well, I'd only gone about 2.5km when I got a niggle behind my left knee. I pushed on, but it turned into a twinge, which became a pain and I had to stop. I gave it a stretch and kept going, but I soon realized I should stop. It didn't hurt to walk, but I couldn't run comfortably on it. I've never really had a running injury before, so I just wasn't sure what to do!<br />
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When I got home, I iced & rested it, and it felt pretty good. I put it down to running too many days in the week (it was run #6, and even though a few of those were only 5-7km, it's more sessions than usual). I didn't run on Monday, then went to my usual Tuesday morning speed session. I was pretty cautious to start with, but got through the 1km reps easily & the knee didn't trouble me at all - yay! I went on to do a good-paced 10km on Wednesday and another 5km on Friday and while I felt the occasional twinge, there was no pain.<br />
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Saturday brought the next challenge - breaking the 30km barrier for the first time. I felt mentally prepared to tackle the distance and made sure I fueled up well during the morning. Dean & I set out together and decided to just head out towards Scarborough for 15km then turn around. I felt great energy-wise and mentally strong as well. It was nice to follow different paths and have new surroundings to take it. Dean was again feeling tight in his hamstring and we had a couple of short stops for him to stretch.<br />
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From about 20km onwards I knew he was doing it tough and before 23km, he had to stop. It was so disappointing for him to not make the distance and I'm making him book into a physio or osteo this week to get it checked out. As I left him, I knew I'd just have to knuckle down and get those final 7km done. 3 of those were across the Hornibrook Bridge, which is long and boring and tough. I just went into robot mode and made it home to clock up the 30km in about 2 hours 45, a time I was really happy with.<br />
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My knee held up fine - again, I could feel it niggle every so often, but it didn't hurt or affect my technique. However, it has been a bit sore ever since, especially going up & down stairs. I'm hoping it's just general soreness and won't affect my training this week. I'm so happy to have reached that milestone & know that the mindset hasn't been an issue. I have a few aches & pains, but except for the knee, they are all my usual spots. It's 7 weeks until race day, so this is really crunch time for training and I'm feeling very much on track! Here's hoping for a pain-free week! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGy5cojfoaObcprXosWU2gKAt6hLikzIaeQbr_DuulG_aUA-uB0ruDXfoE4QLdsK0Ps_aMXnICL0xxWWPUMGHZ3bL2J_esHSGI87aaKtqXL0OgnJojOa5Iac7L8E9-NNYqd9MBpTNdtk8/s640/blogger-image--1027122788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGy5cojfoaObcprXosWU2gKAt6hLikzIaeQbr_DuulG_aUA-uB0ruDXfoE4QLdsK0Ps_aMXnICL0xxWWPUMGHZ3bL2J_esHSGI87aaKtqXL0OgnJojOa5Iac7L8E9-NNYqd9MBpTNdtk8/s640/blogger-image--1027122788.jpg" /></a></div>Vanessa Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09976338844548938144noreply@blogger.com0