Today Total: 10kms
Week Total: 14kms
Month Total: 18kms
Year Total: 117kms
Friday I did a mow-the-lawn recovery session with an hour and a half of pruning thrown in - so I felt like I'd had a workout compared to my normal sedentary days. Had an afternoon flight to Adelaide to meet up with Mrs 2P who was there for work.
Saturday we spent a lot of the day walking - not fast but we certainly covered a lot of ground. In the late arvo we went down to the pool and I threw my arms into lactic shock by swimming 200m at my best pace - my arms were so unhappy with me I couldn't lift the towel high enough to dry my hair - what sort of a wimp have I become?
Anyhoo after a lovely (but chilly) day of wandering around and a magnificent lunch Mrs 2P headed off to the airport and I headed off on a run. First I headed East along the mighty Torrens till I got to a suspension bridge over the river (roughly 4k into the run) then headed back past the city to the West and then cut back across the river till I hit the street (Franklyn sp?) I knew would take me back to my digs on Flinders St at the Medina Grand Treasury.
All up 10k in 1.23.42 @ 8.22 average so as you can deduce a fair bit of walking in there but hey I'm happy and my splits were fairly consistent.
Flakey asked about my sleeping - I guess to sum it up "better but not good" - Thursday night was my best result by far - I had one 5hours 50minutes unbroken stint for a total of about 8 hours all up - I felt a million bucks on Friday as a result. The last couple of nights I've managed a couple of 3 hour unbroken stretches and managed about 6 hours total each night - this leaves me feeling a bit ordinary when I get out of bed but I chirp up as the day goes - the good thing is I'm not stressing about it at all - I just take each night as it comes and even if I'm not sleeping I'm happy to be resting and as I said it is definitely better than it was.
Just sittin back with an ice cold beer now (the sun is well and truly out fro the overcast earlier today) on the half-tennis court sized private balcony I have overlooking the courtyard fountain - ahhhh the serenity :)
All good!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Didn't Wanna Do It
Today Total: 4kms
Week Total: 4kms
Month Total: 8kms
Year Total: 107kms
Went back to work today after spending Monday & Tuesday off crook. Both Sunday & Monday night were shockers as far as the aponea is concerned and I was also still a bit chesty.
Had a much better sleep last night but felt shattered when I got home today - I didn't much feel like getting out for some exercise but I'm so sick and tired of feeling sick and tired that I pushed myself out the door.
4km run/walk thingee in 31.14 which was over a full minute faster when I did this circuit last week and I feel much brighter for having made the effort.
Here's hoping tonight will be full of zeds.
All good :)
Week Total: 4kms
Month Total: 8kms
Year Total: 107kms
Went back to work today after spending Monday & Tuesday off crook. Both Sunday & Monday night were shockers as far as the aponea is concerned and I was also still a bit chesty.
Had a much better sleep last night but felt shattered when I got home today - I didn't much feel like getting out for some exercise but I'm so sick and tired of feeling sick and tired that I pushed myself out the door.
4km run/walk thingee in 31.14 which was over a full minute faster when I did this circuit last week and I feel much brighter for having made the effort.
Here's hoping tonight will be full of zeds.
All good :)
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Heaven & Hell
Well can't say it hasn't been interesting....
Pulled up pretty shin sore from my little excursion the other day so running again on Tuesday wasn't an option. My aponea was also worsening and with very little sleep I fell over with yet another man-flu - the green, gooey, chesty kind!
Wednesday we headed up to Coffs Harbour for a mini-break. I had mine inside the apartment staring at the ceiling Mrs 2P had a lovely time - I did manage a couple of walks but they left me exhausted.
Finally got on top of the aponea on Friday night - I still have disturbed sleep but for the last 2 nights I've managed 2 & 3 hour stretches between waking (as opposed to 2 or 3 mins). Used a combination of showering and using Fess (to clear the sinus) combined with a herbal (peppermint oil based thingee) and a nose strip. Not sure which bit is making the difference but I don't really care as long as it something works.
Feeling brighter today, just in time to fly back to Sydney :)
Hope to run again through the week.
All good :)
Pulled up pretty shin sore from my little excursion the other day so running again on Tuesday wasn't an option. My aponea was also worsening and with very little sleep I fell over with yet another man-flu - the green, gooey, chesty kind!
Wednesday we headed up to Coffs Harbour for a mini-break. I had mine inside the apartment staring at the ceiling Mrs 2P had a lovely time - I did manage a couple of walks but they left me exhausted.
Finally got on top of the aponea on Friday night - I still have disturbed sleep but for the last 2 nights I've managed 2 & 3 hour stretches between waking (as opposed to 2 or 3 mins). Used a combination of showering and using Fess (to clear the sinus) combined with a herbal (peppermint oil based thingee) and a nose strip. Not sure which bit is making the difference but I don't really care as long as it something works.
Feeling brighter today, just in time to fly back to Sydney :)
Hope to run again through the week.
All good :)
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Answering Louise
Louise asked a good question about weight and the relationship to Aponea so I thought I'd make a post out of my answer.
First of all there is a relationship in my case, but it isn't easily defined as a certain amount of weight change. Though it is true there is a certain extension to the porch that overlooks the playground at the moment - so I won't shoot you Louise.
Following are my observations of my case:
Me
Firstly, my body shape could only ever be described as stocky - or fast twitch as I prefer to call it :) I stand around 5'7" give or take, and in peak condition weigh in at around 87kgs - you can give me all the BMI logic under the sun but I just don't get lighter than that. Typically in training my weight hovers around 92kgs - 94kgs. At this weight Mrs 2P reports I snore softly and appear to sleep soundly. At this weight I generally wake feeling refreshed and looking forward to the day.
History
My first encounter with Aponea was in 2004 after I sustained a serious injury during my assessment for Master in Kung Fu (late 2003). Not training I blew out to around 106kgs and this was when I discovered I am suseptible to Aponea. As it turns out I have allegedly (I never quite trust Dr's) smaller than average airholes and this is also accroding to the quacks a contributing factor. I'm also a little yeast intolerant as well which can at times leave me a bit wheezy.
Weight loss and careful diet i.e. started running and other training again, combined with a low to lowish/lowish carb, no dairy after lunch etc seemed to knock it on the head fairly quickly and I felt a million bucks again.
Since the intial case my weight has been up and down and on some occasions has peaked around the 105kg mark without Aponea becoming a problem - though Mrs 2P reports that my snoring becomes quite raucus once I get over 97kg to 98kg. Generally at this weight I'm slow to get started in the morning but perk up around mid morning.
This case
I've hovered around the 100kg mark for some time now, though with two back to back doses of man-flu my weight got up to over 103kgs. Coming off the second dose of man-flu the Aponea has hit with a vengence.
So to answer your question
From my observations
At sub 94kgs I gently snore
At over 97kgs my snoring progressively worsens to the point Mrs 2P wants to kill me
I've been to 105kgs without Aponea disturbing my sleep (i.e. I don't do the wakey chokey thing)
103kgs on the back of man-flu and Aponea has hit
Conclusion
There seems to be about 3kgs to 5kgs difference from a "healthy sleeping weight" to a "noisy one" and about a 10kgs difference for a "healthy sleeping weight" to a "dangerous one".
As I haven't been training since June I'm guessing that there is a fitness factor, or a muscule to fat ratio type thing happening too, which may have lowered the threshold of where the serious Aponeo kicks in?
Guess I better lose some weight :)
First of all there is a relationship in my case, but it isn't easily defined as a certain amount of weight change. Though it is true there is a certain extension to the porch that overlooks the playground at the moment - so I won't shoot you Louise.
Following are my observations of my case:
Me
Firstly, my body shape could only ever be described as stocky - or fast twitch as I prefer to call it :) I stand around 5'7" give or take, and in peak condition weigh in at around 87kgs - you can give me all the BMI logic under the sun but I just don't get lighter than that. Typically in training my weight hovers around 92kgs - 94kgs. At this weight Mrs 2P reports I snore softly and appear to sleep soundly. At this weight I generally wake feeling refreshed and looking forward to the day.
History
My first encounter with Aponea was in 2004 after I sustained a serious injury during my assessment for Master in Kung Fu (late 2003). Not training I blew out to around 106kgs and this was when I discovered I am suseptible to Aponea. As it turns out I have allegedly (I never quite trust Dr's) smaller than average airholes and this is also accroding to the quacks a contributing factor. I'm also a little yeast intolerant as well which can at times leave me a bit wheezy.
Weight loss and careful diet i.e. started running and other training again, combined with a low to lowish/lowish carb, no dairy after lunch etc seemed to knock it on the head fairly quickly and I felt a million bucks again.
Since the intial case my weight has been up and down and on some occasions has peaked around the 105kg mark without Aponea becoming a problem - though Mrs 2P reports that my snoring becomes quite raucus once I get over 97kg to 98kg. Generally at this weight I'm slow to get started in the morning but perk up around mid morning.
This case
I've hovered around the 100kg mark for some time now, though with two back to back doses of man-flu my weight got up to over 103kgs. Coming off the second dose of man-flu the Aponea has hit with a vengence.
So to answer your question
From my observations
At sub 94kgs I gently snore
At over 97kgs my snoring progressively worsens to the point Mrs 2P wants to kill me
I've been to 105kgs without Aponea disturbing my sleep (i.e. I don't do the wakey chokey thing)
103kgs on the back of man-flu and Aponea has hit
Conclusion
There seems to be about 3kgs to 5kgs difference from a "healthy sleeping weight" to a "noisy one" and about a 10kgs difference for a "healthy sleeping weight" to a "dangerous one".
As I haven't been training since June I'm guessing that there is a fitness factor, or a muscule to fat ratio type thing happening too, which may have lowered the threshold of where the serious Aponeo kicks in?
Guess I better lose some weight :)
Monday, October 12, 2009
Long Time No Run
Today Total: 4kms
Week Total: 4kms
Month Total: 4kms
Year Total: 103kms
Well after being a couch potato since mid June I finally took the Titanic out for a spin.
I had to.
I've had a re-emergence of a medical condition I thought I'd seen the last of a number of years ago - Sleep Aponea. It seems to have been reignited by my most recent dose of man-flu.
At fist I thought I was just waking to cough, but it quickly became apparant I was waking to stop myself choking to death and it has been getting progressively worse over the last 2 weeks to the point where over the last 5 or 6 nights I literally wake up hundreds of times a night chocking and coughing. Generally I go straight back to sleep to do it all over again (one annoying thing is I tend to pick up my dream exactly where I left off and as generally your dreams are not that pleasant when your brain is convinved you're about to expire it doesn't add value to the overall experience). Though sometimes it gives me a bit of a fright and as my heartrate (and no doubt my blood pressure) are up it takes me a little while to resettle. It even gets me if I try to take a daytime nap.
The result is I'm knackered!
Anyhoo the last time I had this miserable bastard of an affliction, running and careful diet were the mainstays of my recovery and I will do just about anything to avoid a trip to the sleep clinic so as farked as I felt this arvo I donned the joggers and headed out the door - could be a blessing in disguise!
All up 4kms alternating a jog and a walk in 32.15 for an average of 8.04 per km.
All good :)
Week Total: 4kms
Month Total: 4kms
Year Total: 103kms
Well after being a couch potato since mid June I finally took the Titanic out for a spin.
I had to.
I've had a re-emergence of a medical condition I thought I'd seen the last of a number of years ago - Sleep Aponea. It seems to have been reignited by my most recent dose of man-flu.
At fist I thought I was just waking to cough, but it quickly became apparant I was waking to stop myself choking to death and it has been getting progressively worse over the last 2 weeks to the point where over the last 5 or 6 nights I literally wake up hundreds of times a night chocking and coughing. Generally I go straight back to sleep to do it all over again (one annoying thing is I tend to pick up my dream exactly where I left off and as generally your dreams are not that pleasant when your brain is convinved you're about to expire it doesn't add value to the overall experience). Though sometimes it gives me a bit of a fright and as my heartrate (and no doubt my blood pressure) are up it takes me a little while to resettle. It even gets me if I try to take a daytime nap.
The result is I'm knackered!
Anyhoo the last time I had this miserable bastard of an affliction, running and careful diet were the mainstays of my recovery and I will do just about anything to avoid a trip to the sleep clinic so as farked as I felt this arvo I donned the joggers and headed out the door - could be a blessing in disguise!
All up 4kms alternating a jog and a walk in 32.15 for an average of 8.04 per km.
All good :)
Monday, June 22, 2009
Souvenir
Well the souvenir I picked up for myself in NZ (or maybe it was in Canberra) was a dose of the lurgie.
Had planned to run on Friday morning in Canberra but when the alarm went off I just hit snooze, rolled over and went back to sleep - by the time I landed back in Sydney that night I suspected I was in for a dose - waking up Saturday morning confirmed it.
Hopefully will run again as the week progresses.
All good :)
Had planned to run on Friday morning in Canberra but when the alarm went off I just hit snooze, rolled over and went back to sleep - by the time I landed back in Sydney that night I suspected I was in for a dose - waking up Saturday morning confirmed it.
Hopefully will run again as the week progresses.
All good :)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Mt Vic Again
Today Total: 9kms
Week Total: 17kms
Month Total: 17kms
Year Total: 99kms
I wasn't going to run.... I was going to walk - so I donned beanie, gloves, Gortex and took the backpack with a thermal in it. Got to the first road crossing and ran.... Kept on running :)
The left of the Evil Twins (calves) has been giving me gyp since Monday and I also pulled up a bit shin sore and a grumpy right groin muscle - hence my decision not to run - but what a hoot - I really enjoyed my run tonight.
Similar route to Monday but as it was a fair bit later than when I ran on Monday I donned my PT 1W headlamp when I hit the top of Mt Victoria - then instead of taking the muddy forest route I stayed on the Southern Trail and descended to the Wellington College.
Had no real idea how to get back to the hotel from there but just ran to the vibe of the thing and managed to get straight back there :)
Whilst I still have a couple of niggles - the really encouraging thing was I had that "I can go forever" feeling tonight - I can sense an ultra coming up.....
All up 9k with a great big hill in 1.14.16 @ 8.15av - happy with that.
All good :)
Week Total: 17kms
Month Total: 17kms
Year Total: 99kms
I wasn't going to run.... I was going to walk - so I donned beanie, gloves, Gortex and took the backpack with a thermal in it. Got to the first road crossing and ran.... Kept on running :)
The left of the Evil Twins (calves) has been giving me gyp since Monday and I also pulled up a bit shin sore and a grumpy right groin muscle - hence my decision not to run - but what a hoot - I really enjoyed my run tonight.
Similar route to Monday but as it was a fair bit later than when I ran on Monday I donned my PT 1W headlamp when I hit the top of Mt Victoria - then instead of taking the muddy forest route I stayed on the Southern Trail and descended to the Wellington College.
Had no real idea how to get back to the hotel from there but just ran to the vibe of the thing and managed to get straight back there :)
Whilst I still have a couple of niggles - the really encouraging thing was I had that "I can go forever" feeling tonight - I can sense an ultra coming up.....
All up 9k with a great big hill in 1.14.16 @ 8.15av - happy with that.
All good :)
Monday, June 15, 2009
Windy City
Today Total: 8kms
Week Total: 8kms
Month Total: 8kms
Year Total: 90kms
Legs were pretty much written off for last week and I felt pretty washed out after the previous weekends exertions but feeling pretty good now.
Arrived in Wellington (NZ) mid afternoon and immediately headed out to explore.
Ran out along the harbour but my left calf started to pull a bit - I foolishly stated on CR yesterday that I was a "former" calf pain sufferer - how freakin stoopid was that???
Anyhoo the wind was giving me gyp so when I saw a path that headed up hill I took it - well it went up alright - straight up all the way to the top of Mt Victoria for stunning 360 degree views. Garmy put it at 200m ASL so a resonable climb.
Headed back down by a less steep forest path which was a bit muddy in spots but an absolute delight till I found suburbia again and then trotted back to the hotel and into an icy cold Wellington bath.
All up 8k in 1.06.26 @ 8.18av - pretty happy with that vonsidering the steep climb.
Now to see how the calf pulls up.
All good :)
Week Total: 8kms
Month Total: 8kms
Year Total: 90kms
Legs were pretty much written off for last week and I felt pretty washed out after the previous weekends exertions but feeling pretty good now.
Arrived in Wellington (NZ) mid afternoon and immediately headed out to explore.
Ran out along the harbour but my left calf started to pull a bit - I foolishly stated on CR yesterday that I was a "former" calf pain sufferer - how freakin stoopid was that???
Anyhoo the wind was giving me gyp so when I saw a path that headed up hill I took it - well it went up alright - straight up all the way to the top of Mt Victoria for stunning 360 degree views. Garmy put it at 200m ASL so a resonable climb.
Headed back down by a less steep forest path which was a bit muddy in spots but an absolute delight till I found suburbia again and then trotted back to the hotel and into an icy cold Wellington bath.
All up 8k in 1.06.26 @ 8.18av - pretty happy with that vonsidering the steep climb.
Now to see how the calf pulls up.
All good :)
Monday, June 08, 2009
Hellgate
No not as a run - as a two day pack walk.
Little Robbie turned up at my place on Friday night and then we picked up my long-time bushwalking buddy from wayback (Simon & I did some fantastic walks through the 90's) at the airport and drove to the Deviation arriving about 10.30pm.
Up early on Saturday with the plan of driving to the Jenolan Campground to start - low and behold the gate was locked and the campground closed so we headed into Jenolan proper and left the car there.
The pretty doddle back to the campground went by quickly enough. The highlight being seeing a platypus! The amount of water in the Jenolan River meant no dry crossings and so it was with sodden feet we ascended the ridge to Oaky Camp.
Gotta say that ridge is fairly sporting with a 17kg pack on your back, not to mention being unfit.
Anyhoo we hit the top in ok time and as always the section along Blood Filly FT & the first part of the Big M Boss were delightful. The descent as always, tedius and unrelenting - though recent bulldozing has left the surface much more compact than I've ever seen it.
Set up camp on the river and discovered Sassafras Ck is dry, so it was out with the Steri-pen to refill the Camelbaks. Fitful night sleep as it rained nearly the whole night. Long story short the tape seal on my bivy bag is cactus and I got wet.
Up and on our way the long climb back to Blacks Range never disappoints :) By the time we hit the top it was squally showers and windy - even I felt cold which is a real rarity.
Made the Deviation for lunch and the re-shouldered the packs for the final leg. The rain stopped just when we got back to the car - we briefly thought about walking down to the Jenolan Campground but decided to drive back to the deviation.
The Deviation was like Central Station during peak hour so we went to the alternative ground on the other side of the Jenolan Road which we had all to ourselves.
As my sleeping bag & theramrest were wet I elected to sleep in the car and even then I had a pretty uncomfortable first hour or so till things started to warm up. In the end I got a pretty good sleep.
Woke up, breakfasted in the rain and drove back to brilliant sunshine in Sydney - go figure!
It has been a good few years since I last did a pack walk and this was a nice easy one to re-aquaint myself with all the old skills - it was nice, though I'm a twee bit sore now.
All good :)
Little Robbie turned up at my place on Friday night and then we picked up my long-time bushwalking buddy from wayback (Simon & I did some fantastic walks through the 90's) at the airport and drove to the Deviation arriving about 10.30pm.
Up early on Saturday with the plan of driving to the Jenolan Campground to start - low and behold the gate was locked and the campground closed so we headed into Jenolan proper and left the car there.
The pretty doddle back to the campground went by quickly enough. The highlight being seeing a platypus! The amount of water in the Jenolan River meant no dry crossings and so it was with sodden feet we ascended the ridge to Oaky Camp.
Gotta say that ridge is fairly sporting with a 17kg pack on your back, not to mention being unfit.
Anyhoo we hit the top in ok time and as always the section along Blood Filly FT & the first part of the Big M Boss were delightful. The descent as always, tedius and unrelenting - though recent bulldozing has left the surface much more compact than I've ever seen it.
Set up camp on the river and discovered Sassafras Ck is dry, so it was out with the Steri-pen to refill the Camelbaks. Fitful night sleep as it rained nearly the whole night. Long story short the tape seal on my bivy bag is cactus and I got wet.
Up and on our way the long climb back to Blacks Range never disappoints :) By the time we hit the top it was squally showers and windy - even I felt cold which is a real rarity.
Made the Deviation for lunch and the re-shouldered the packs for the final leg. The rain stopped just when we got back to the car - we briefly thought about walking down to the Jenolan Campground but decided to drive back to the deviation.
The Deviation was like Central Station during peak hour so we went to the alternative ground on the other side of the Jenolan Road which we had all to ourselves.
As my sleeping bag & theramrest were wet I elected to sleep in the car and even then I had a pretty uncomfortable first hour or so till things started to warm up. In the end I got a pretty good sleep.
Woke up, breakfasted in the rain and drove back to brilliant sunshine in Sydney - go figure!
It has been a good few years since I last did a pack walk and this was a nice easy one to re-aquaint myself with all the old skills - it was nice, though I'm a twee bit sore now.
All good :)
Monday, May 25, 2009
I Lied
Today Total: 8kms
Week Total: 8kms
Month Total: 53kms
Year Total: 82kms
Ok so when I got to Canberra my back felt pretty good, the weather was fine and I had time for a sunset run out and back along the lake before my dinner appointment.
I always enjoy running towards the setting sun around the lake, particularly pretty at this time of year with the Autumn colours. Was pretty dark by the time I got back though.
And nothing like a nice icey cold Canberra bath to finish it off - lurvely.
All up 8k in 52.32 @ 6.34 av.
All good :)
Week Total: 8kms
Month Total: 53kms
Year Total: 82kms
Ok so when I got to Canberra my back felt pretty good, the weather was fine and I had time for a sunset run out and back along the lake before my dinner appointment.
I always enjoy running towards the setting sun around the lake, particularly pretty at this time of year with the Autumn colours. Was pretty dark by the time I got back though.
And nothing like a nice icey cold Canberra bath to finish it off - lurvely.
All up 8k in 52.32 @ 6.34 av.
All good :)
CBS News
The plan had been to do a long slow bush run/walk on Sunday but another bout of Crook Back Syndrome intervened!
I'm a bit busy for the next couple of days so I'm aiming for Wednesday. The CBS is abating, so as long as tonight in a hotel bed doesn't worsen things I should be jake for a run by then.
All good :)
I'm a bit busy for the next couple of days so I'm aiming for Wednesday. The CBS is abating, so as long as tonight in a hotel bed doesn't worsen things I should be jake for a run by then.
All good :)
Friday, May 22, 2009
Resistance Training
Today Total: 8kms
Week Total: 18kms
Month Total: 45kms
Year Total: 74kms
Well that's what it felt like when running into the wind around the bay this evening!
Pretty chuffed to be able to get out there again today - the conditions might have been crap but I'm just happy to be stringing some regular training together.
Call it spin because I'm not presenting this as an excuse - but last year I just had to have other professional and family priorities to training - but it sure feels good to be back in the saddle now :)
All up 8k in 52.51 @ 6.29 av
All good!
Week Total: 18kms
Month Total: 45kms
Year Total: 74kms
Well that's what it felt like when running into the wind around the bay this evening!
Pretty chuffed to be able to get out there again today - the conditions might have been crap but I'm just happy to be stringing some regular training together.
Call it spin because I'm not presenting this as an excuse - but last year I just had to have other professional and family priorities to training - but it sure feels good to be back in the saddle now :)
All up 8k in 52.51 @ 6.29 av
All good!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Windy City
Today Total: 6kms
Week Total: 10kms
Month Total: 37kms
Year Total: 66kms
Quads were still a bit sore but I decided to see if I could run it out. Headed off around the bay into the teeth of the wind. It wasn't cold but it sure was strong.
I pushed myself a bit
today and ran the first 4k without walking for a 4k split of 24.58 @ 6.14 av.
Bonked a bit and had to put in a few walks on the hills over the last 2k to finish with a total of 6k in 38.41 @ 6.27 av.
Pretty happy with that.
Week Total: 10kms
Month Total: 37kms
Year Total: 66kms
Quads were still a bit sore but I decided to see if I could run it out. Headed off around the bay into the teeth of the wind. It wasn't cold but it sure was strong.
I pushed myself a bit
today and ran the first 4k without walking for a 4k split of 24.58 @ 6.14 av.
Bonked a bit and had to put in a few walks on the hills over the last 2k to finish with a total of 6k in 38.41 @ 6.27 av.
Pretty happy with that.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Splish Splash
Quads were a bit sore today so just a very brisk walk in the dark and pouring rain. My Outdoor Research Zealot Gortex did the business and only the very bottom of my shorts legs (and shoes of course) got wet.
4k in 35.55 which is a pretty honking walking pace for my short legs :)
4k in 35.55 which is a pretty honking walking pace for my short legs :)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Back In The Hunt
Today Total: 4kms
Week Total: 4kms
Month Total: 31kms
Year Total: 60kms
I seemed to flick the man flu pretty quickly so was back at work today. When I got home I thought I'd go for a walk.
But the leggies were fresh and they wanted a run so I took off tentatively at a trot - between some weight loss and the small base I must have built up in Tassie I surprised myself with how I was traveling and the pace was quicker than anticipated.
The grey matter kicked in though and having been sick and lost just under 3kgs in 6 days I decided to keep it short - good decision me thinks because I pulled up a bit wheezy.
Also I think the Running Gods have forgiven me *touches wood* because the same second I closed the door on my way in it absolutely bucketed down.
All up 4k in 26.52 @ 6.43av - not a lot but at least I'm back in the hunt.
Week Total: 4kms
Month Total: 31kms
Year Total: 60kms
I seemed to flick the man flu pretty quickly so was back at work today. When I got home I thought I'd go for a walk.
But the leggies were fresh and they wanted a run so I took off tentatively at a trot - between some weight loss and the small base I must have built up in Tassie I surprised myself with how I was traveling and the pace was quicker than anticipated.
The grey matter kicked in though and having been sick and lost just under 3kgs in 6 days I decided to keep it short - good decision me thinks because I pulled up a bit wheezy.
Also I think the Running Gods have forgiven me *touches wood* because the same second I closed the door on my way in it absolutely bucketed down.
All up 4k in 26.52 @ 6.43av - not a lot but at least I'm back in the hunt.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Drowning Ducks
I reckon if I had a duck the fluffy li'l fella would capsize.
After 3 days off work last week with a gastro bug, I've now got a dose of Man Flu - so I'm pulling the pin on work again today. You would have to go back quite a few years to find a time I had four consecutive work days off sick.
Mentally I associate blogging with running (curiously it was starting my guitar blog that got me back to exercise) so since I had planned to run today I'm posting this morning to keep me interested in exercising when I'm well again. VERY SOON!!!
After 3 days off work last week with a gastro bug, I've now got a dose of Man Flu - so I'm pulling the pin on work again today. You would have to go back quite a few years to find a time I had four consecutive work days off sick.
Mentally I associate blogging with running (curiously it was starting my guitar blog that got me back to exercise) so since I had planned to run today I'm posting this morning to keep me interested in exercising when I'm well again. VERY SOON!!!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Trial By Running Gods
I suspect that with my flurry of activity lately the Running Gods decided to test my fairdinkumness - bastards.
On my last night in Hobart I pushed out a pretty brisk walk in the hills - I don't know what I did but as I cooled down I began to notice some EOCBS (Early Onset Crook Back Syndrome) - which after a night in a hotel bed turned into AMCBS (Agonisingly Miserable Crook Back Syndrome). So I wussed out of running and walking for a bit.
Long story short - I was about to start again this Tuesday just gone but when I woke up I felt decidedly "off" so I hit snooze and went back to sleep for a bit. Went to work but left early and by 4pm I was glued to the dunny - I'll spare the details but I've been home sick for 3 days - pretty unusual for me.
I'm off to Bathurst on the weekend to visit the HP so I might give myself another couple of days to fully recover and start fresh next week.
In other news - I made a corker of an attempt at self-immolation on Mothers Day (long time readers might remember I've a bad habit of this). Another long story short - the hose on a new 8.5kg gas cylinder came loose and started to spew gas into a BBQ - I killed the flame on the burners and then attempted to turn off the bottle but the glow of the plate must have been enough and whooshka up she went.
I was extremely lucky as witnesses say I appeared engulfed in flame - I had my head averted so I avoided any real damage - lost all the hair on my left arm and a significant portion of both eyebrows and some singed head hair. I just had some very minor scorching on my left hand and my left cheek - so minor there was no real visible evidence - just a bit red.
The real conundrum then started because the flame was bouncing off the BBQ back onto the gas bottle making it impossible to turn off - just as I was about to run for the hills and dial 000 Mrs 2P (bless her) appeared with a fire extinguisher which my brother-in-law quickly unwrapped from its plastic covering and passed to me - I pulled the pin, pressed the go button and held it on the gas bottle while I turned the tap shut with my other hand - disaster averted.
So I suppose you could say we had a flaming good Mothers Day :)
PS if ya don't have a fire extinguisher near your barbie - get one!
On my last night in Hobart I pushed out a pretty brisk walk in the hills - I don't know what I did but as I cooled down I began to notice some EOCBS (Early Onset Crook Back Syndrome) - which after a night in a hotel bed turned into AMCBS (Agonisingly Miserable Crook Back Syndrome). So I wussed out of running and walking for a bit.
Long story short - I was about to start again this Tuesday just gone but when I woke up I felt decidedly "off" so I hit snooze and went back to sleep for a bit. Went to work but left early and by 4pm I was glued to the dunny - I'll spare the details but I've been home sick for 3 days - pretty unusual for me.
I'm off to Bathurst on the weekend to visit the HP so I might give myself another couple of days to fully recover and start fresh next week.
In other news - I made a corker of an attempt at self-immolation on Mothers Day (long time readers might remember I've a bad habit of this). Another long story short - the hose on a new 8.5kg gas cylinder came loose and started to spew gas into a BBQ - I killed the flame on the burners and then attempted to turn off the bottle but the glow of the plate must have been enough and whooshka up she went.
I was extremely lucky as witnesses say I appeared engulfed in flame - I had my head averted so I avoided any real damage - lost all the hair on my left arm and a significant portion of both eyebrows and some singed head hair. I just had some very minor scorching on my left hand and my left cheek - so minor there was no real visible evidence - just a bit red.
The real conundrum then started because the flame was bouncing off the BBQ back onto the gas bottle making it impossible to turn off - just as I was about to run for the hills and dial 000 Mrs 2P (bless her) appeared with a fire extinguisher which my brother-in-law quickly unwrapped from its plastic covering and passed to me - I pulled the pin, pressed the go button and held it on the gas bottle while I turned the tap shut with my other hand - disaster averted.
So I suppose you could say we had a flaming good Mothers Day :)
PS if ya don't have a fire extinguisher near your barbie - get one!
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Headin' For The Hills
Managed to squeeze in another walk this arvo - given my run this morning sucked I figured I needed to put some pain into the leggies.
The great thing about Hobart is you don't have to go far to find a hill! I just cut through the CBD and took every turn that took me up. Finally a left turn (onto the rather aptly named Hill Road) brought me back towards town.
Covered 6kms in just a smidge over the hour mark.
The great thing about Hobart is you don't have to go far to find a hill! I just cut through the CBD and took every turn that took me up. Finally a left turn (onto the rather aptly named Hill Road) brought me back towards town.
Covered 6kms in just a smidge over the hour mark.
Glass Half Full
Today Total: 7kms
Week Total: 17kms
Month Total: 27kms
Year Total: 56km
Had my first frumpy day today - woke up feeling a bit off but decided to head out anyway - never felt physically good and by around the 2k mark started to feel a bit sick on the tum.
The original intention was to go 10k following the same course as Monday - but at 3.5k I cut my losses and turned for home. I had to walk a bit more than I have been but still joggled a fair bit.
Mentally I am up though - I knew this day would come - it always does - but the softer workout will help me recover and at least I was out there burning some fat and keeping the discipline going.
All up 7k in 54.46 @ 7.49 average - slow but I'm ok with it :)
Week Total: 17kms
Month Total: 27kms
Year Total: 56km
Had my first frumpy day today - woke up feeling a bit off but decided to head out anyway - never felt physically good and by around the 2k mark started to feel a bit sick on the tum.
The original intention was to go 10k following the same course as Monday - but at 3.5k I cut my losses and turned for home. I had to walk a bit more than I have been but still joggled a fair bit.
Mentally I am up though - I knew this day would come - it always does - but the softer workout will help me recover and at least I was out there burning some fat and keeping the discipline going.
All up 7k in 54.46 @ 7.49 average - slow but I'm ok with it :)
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Soldiers Way
Headed out of the hotel for a walk this afternoon and just randomly wandered the streets until I stumbled on what appeared to be a bit of a trail through some bush - turned out to be "Soldiers Way" a very pleasant memorial to those who fell in the Great War.
The trail leads over a hill that gives good views of the Derwent River and the bridge and eventually comes out adjacent to the Botanical Gardens (which were closed). I did however find another trail that led me to the cycleway that runs into town and ultimately back to the hotel.
A nice gentle-paced walk for 5.5kms in just over an hour.
The trail leads over a hill that gives good views of the Derwent River and the bridge and eventually comes out adjacent to the Botanical Gardens (which were closed). I did however find another trail that led me to the cycleway that runs into town and ultimately back to the hotel.
A nice gentle-paced walk for 5.5kms in just over an hour.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Runin' On The Dock Of The Bay
Today Total: 10kms
Week Total: 10kms
Month Total: 20kms
Year Total: 49kms
With apologies to Otis for the title :)
Got up well before dawn and the dock and boat lights in Hobart Harbour beckoned.
Started out with a thermal on but ended up tying it around my waist before I'd even gone 1km. A few sprinkles of unforecast rain and a bit breezy in parts but otherwise good running conditions - probably circa 8 degrees.
Ran out past Wrest Point (I'm satying in the Grand Chancellor opposite the dock area). Mainly fairly flat course with a few undulations and one corker of a short 100m hill that goes virtually straight up.
Still run/walking but felt really strong on the way back to finish 10k in 1.10.56 at an average of 7.06 per k.
The averages are coming down so I must be getting fitter :)
Week Total: 10kms
Month Total: 20kms
Year Total: 49kms
With apologies to Otis for the title :)
Got up well before dawn and the dock and boat lights in Hobart Harbour beckoned.
Started out with a thermal on but ended up tying it around my waist before I'd even gone 1km. A few sprinkles of unforecast rain and a bit breezy in parts but otherwise good running conditions - probably circa 8 degrees.
Ran out past Wrest Point (I'm satying in the Grand Chancellor opposite the dock area). Mainly fairly flat course with a few undulations and one corker of a short 100m hill that goes virtually straight up.
Still run/walking but felt really strong on the way back to finish 10k in 1.10.56 at an average of 7.06 per k.
The averages are coming down so I must be getting fitter :)
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Tassie Update
Very active 2P :)
Since leaving Launceston on Thursday morning I have been out of email/internet range - but a lot has happened since then....
Arrived in Launceston on Wednesday night and just had time to visit a very dear family friend - who just happens to be in the family way. Amanda & Eddie run a Vietnamese restaurant and if you are ever in 'Lonny' I can heartily recommend the Mekong restaurant in York Square.
Thursday got off to a slow start with a huge buffet breaky which we promptly walked off in the Cataract. Gorge - over an hours walking at a leisurly pace and then it was back in the car the head for St Helens via Scottsdale :)
St Helens is delightful and I just had time to squeeze in a very brisk 30 minute walk before sunset. Dinner in the local pub was one of the best steaks and the most sublime pepper sauce I've ever had MMMmmmm.
Next morning and it was up and off for a quick visit to the Bay of Fires and then full steam ahead to Frecynet - WOW what a spectacular place!!! Fatass territory if ever there was one!
I immediately donned running gear and headed off on the Hazards Beach Track - delightfully much more technical and steeper little ups and sowns than anticipated - I was well and truly in my happy place! After 5k out I stopped at a rock in brilliant sunshine and made friends with one of the locals - a bubby rock wallaby was more than happy to let me scratch him between the ears while I munched on an Atkins Bar. A swig of water and it was time to return as the sun set across the ocean - the smile on my face just got broader and broader :) :) :)
All up 10k of blissful technical trail in 1.34.29 - very, very, happy 2P.
Super Saturday
Awoke to a brilliant day - and after a massive buffet breakfast Mrs 2P and I assaulted the Wine Glass Bay Lookout trail - circa 1.30 walking at Mrs 2P pace and a nice climb up some 300 stairs to some pretty spectacular views.
Then a quick car trip and short walk to take in Cape Tourville - more spectacular views.
After a quick bite of lunch Mrs 2P challenged me to an hours worth of tennis on the resort court and then a sweaty me headed off for a solo attempt on Mt Amos - one of the Hazards Range standing some 465m ASL.
What a blast - this climb is as technical as I'd ever want to do on my lonesome in failing light - but my Merrel Overdrives never skipped a beat - even got to rescue a damsal in distress - a young lass from Denmark had got herself into a spot of bother on the descent and couldn't move up or down on what is the crux of the climb.
I didn't have to do much - I just climbed up under her and with good foot holds let her lower her feet into my hands and then onto a ledge - all good and she and her buddies were on their way again and I on mine.
I was tiring towards the summit but the lack of light left kept my attention and I made it to the top in just over an hour - what an amazing spectacle it is from up there - just sensational - certainly ranks in my top 5 views ever!
A 10 minute break for a drink and photographs and it was time to descend. The failing light had me a little concerned (I packed a headlamp but the track is extremely indistinct over absurdly sloped rock slabs) but I made it down in good time.
Finished in about 2.02 (including breaks) for what has been the biggest physical exercise day for me in a long time - super dooper happy 2P :)
Arrived back in Hobart for some lunch with friends who live here (Simon is my old bushwalking buddy from way back - we've shared some hairy experiences and though we don't see each other much the bond is strong).
After lunch I dropped Mrs 2P off at the airport and headed back into Hobart. A nice brisk 6k walk in 59.29 to loosen up some stiffening legs and round out what has been a brilliant break!
Since leaving Launceston on Thursday morning I have been out of email/internet range - but a lot has happened since then....
Arrived in Launceston on Wednesday night and just had time to visit a very dear family friend - who just happens to be in the family way. Amanda & Eddie run a Vietnamese restaurant and if you are ever in 'Lonny' I can heartily recommend the Mekong restaurant in York Square.
Thursday got off to a slow start with a huge buffet breaky which we promptly walked off in the Cataract. Gorge - over an hours walking at a leisurly pace and then it was back in the car the head for St Helens via Scottsdale :)
St Helens is delightful and I just had time to squeeze in a very brisk 30 minute walk before sunset. Dinner in the local pub was one of the best steaks and the most sublime pepper sauce I've ever had MMMmmmm.
Next morning and it was up and off for a quick visit to the Bay of Fires and then full steam ahead to Frecynet - WOW what a spectacular place!!! Fatass territory if ever there was one!
I immediately donned running gear and headed off on the Hazards Beach Track - delightfully much more technical and steeper little ups and sowns than anticipated - I was well and truly in my happy place! After 5k out I stopped at a rock in brilliant sunshine and made friends with one of the locals - a bubby rock wallaby was more than happy to let me scratch him between the ears while I munched on an Atkins Bar. A swig of water and it was time to return as the sun set across the ocean - the smile on my face just got broader and broader :) :) :)
All up 10k of blissful technical trail in 1.34.29 - very, very, happy 2P.
Super Saturday
Awoke to a brilliant day - and after a massive buffet breakfast Mrs 2P and I assaulted the Wine Glass Bay Lookout trail - circa 1.30 walking at Mrs 2P pace and a nice climb up some 300 stairs to some pretty spectacular views.
Then a quick car trip and short walk to take in Cape Tourville - more spectacular views.
After a quick bite of lunch Mrs 2P challenged me to an hours worth of tennis on the resort court and then a sweaty me headed off for a solo attempt on Mt Amos - one of the Hazards Range standing some 465m ASL.
What a blast - this climb is as technical as I'd ever want to do on my lonesome in failing light - but my Merrel Overdrives never skipped a beat - even got to rescue a damsal in distress - a young lass from Denmark had got herself into a spot of bother on the descent and couldn't move up or down on what is the crux of the climb.
I didn't have to do much - I just climbed up under her and with good foot holds let her lower her feet into my hands and then onto a ledge - all good and she and her buddies were on their way again and I on mine.
I was tiring towards the summit but the lack of light left kept my attention and I made it to the top in just over an hour - what an amazing spectacle it is from up there - just sensational - certainly ranks in my top 5 views ever!
A 10 minute break for a drink and photographs and it was time to descend. The failing light had me a little concerned (I packed a headlamp but the track is extremely indistinct over absurdly sloped rock slabs) but I made it down in good time.
Finished in about 2.02 (including breaks) for what has been the biggest physical exercise day for me in a long time - super dooper happy 2P :)
Arrived back in Hobart for some lunch with friends who live here (Simon is my old bushwalking buddy from way back - we've shared some hairy experiences and though we don't see each other much the bond is strong).
After lunch I dropped Mrs 2P off at the airport and headed back into Hobart. A nice brisk 6k walk in 59.29 to loosen up some stiffening legs and round out what has been a brilliant break!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Noice :)
Today Total: 8kms
Week Total:20kms
Month Total:24kms
Year Total:29km
Pulled up a bit shin sore after yesterday's walk but as I'm off to Tassie for a week I wanted to make sure I got a run in today.
Settled on an 8km circuit around Canada Bay and Mortlake(ish). The goal today was to employ a walk/run routine but to keep every km split under 7.30.
Mission accomplished! Went under 7.30 for every split to finish with 8k in 58.10 @ 7.16 overall average pace.
Very happy with the progress - I'm taking my running gear to Tassie so hopefully I'll be able to squeeze in a few runs there.
Week Total:20kms
Month Total:24kms
Year Total:29km
Pulled up a bit shin sore after yesterday's walk but as I'm off to Tassie for a week I wanted to make sure I got a run in today.
Settled on an 8km circuit around Canada Bay and Mortlake(ish). The goal today was to employ a walk/run routine but to keep every km split under 7.30.
Mission accomplished! Went under 7.30 for every split to finish with 8k in 58.10 @ 7.16 overall average pace.
Very happy with the progress - I'm taking my running gear to Tassie so hopefully I'll be able to squeeze in a few runs there.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Walking The Talk
Pulled up more leg weary than leg sore after yesterday's 12k - good result.
I decided to just walk today rather than be too risky and so I won't add it to my running total (pardon the pun).
All up 6k walked in glorious sunshine around the bay in just a smidge under an hour.
I decided to just walk today rather than be too risky and so I won't add it to my running total (pardon the pun).
All up 6k walked in glorious sunshine around the bay in just a smidge under an hour.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Setting The Spinnaker
Today Total: 12kms
Week Total:16kms
Month Total:16kms
Year Total:21kms
I have a few days off work before flying out to Tassie Wednesday arvo so it was time to apply the 300% rule :)
With the stiff Westerly blowing I decided to give the foreshore track around Concord Hospital a whirl as I knew the bush would offer some protection and the run home would put the Westerly at my back - no point being silly about this!
I headed off with a rough goal of keeping all my km splits under 8 minutes - frankly even I thought this was a bit ambitious given how little exercise I've done over the last 18 months and how fat I now am - but hey what the heck - running distance is as much about training your brain as your body.
If I was going to do this discipline was going to be needed at the start and at the end. At the start to walk early (took my first walk at just 250m to ram the lesson home) and at the end to race against the clock.
Well simply put - it was magic! The foreshore trail was stunning as always - I luvs me trails even if they are urban ones.
The first crux on this run is going over Rhodes Station on the way to Bicentennial Park to start the back half of the run. The second crux is going over the railway line at North Strathfield on the run home. Both challenged me a bit and I dipped over the 8 minute mark for the respective splits but I had enough time banked that it didn't matter.
As expected the Westerly was right behind me for the last k and a half - so I just set the spinnaker and cruised home - loverly :)
Official. Stats from Garmy - 12k in 1.34.31 av 7.53.
Tis a well satisfied 2P.
PS for any guitar playing blogger/runners out there I've started a new blog on guitar - you can find it by clicking on my profile. The first post entitled 'The Tale Of Bootstrap' depicts my journey thus far. The subsequent posts are a bit technical so won't be of any interest to non-playing folk. Happy Days :)
Week Total:16kms
Month Total:16kms
Year Total:21kms
I have a few days off work before flying out to Tassie Wednesday arvo so it was time to apply the 300% rule :)
With the stiff Westerly blowing I decided to give the foreshore track around Concord Hospital a whirl as I knew the bush would offer some protection and the run home would put the Westerly at my back - no point being silly about this!
I headed off with a rough goal of keeping all my km splits under 8 minutes - frankly even I thought this was a bit ambitious given how little exercise I've done over the last 18 months and how fat I now am - but hey what the heck - running distance is as much about training your brain as your body.
If I was going to do this discipline was going to be needed at the start and at the end. At the start to walk early (took my first walk at just 250m to ram the lesson home) and at the end to race against the clock.
Well simply put - it was magic! The foreshore trail was stunning as always - I luvs me trails even if they are urban ones.
The first crux on this run is going over Rhodes Station on the way to Bicentennial Park to start the back half of the run. The second crux is going over the railway line at North Strathfield on the run home. Both challenged me a bit and I dipped over the 8 minute mark for the respective splits but I had enough time banked that it didn't matter.
As expected the Westerly was right behind me for the last k and a half - so I just set the spinnaker and cruised home - loverly :)
Official. Stats from Garmy - 12k in 1.34.31 av 7.53.
Tis a well satisfied 2P.
PS for any guitar playing blogger/runners out there I've started a new blog on guitar - you can find it by clicking on my profile. The first post entitled 'The Tale Of Bootstrap' depicts my journey thus far. The subsequent posts are a bit technical so won't be of any interest to non-playing folk. Happy Days :)
Friday, April 24, 2009
Gently, Gently
Quads were a bit whingy after last night so just a brisk 30min 'recovery' walk tonight
All good :)
All good :)
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Strapping On The Ugly Shoes
Today Total: 4k
Week Total:4k
Month Total:4k
Year Total:9k
Woooohooooo I ran!!!
Got home tonight and was finally motivated to run, so I pulled out my bronze coloured Nimbus (fair dinks they are right up there in the ugly shoe stakes) and took off for a circuit around the streets surrounding Concord Golf Course.
I did the standard "getting back into it" walk/run thingee and finished up with 4k in 31mins 44 secs which is sub 8 min pace - lol good ultra pace for me :) Actually I was pretty happy with it considering this route takes in a couple of moderate hills.
Let's see if I can keep it going! Happy Daze :)
Week Total:4k
Month Total:4k
Year Total:9k
Woooohooooo I ran!!!
Got home tonight and was finally motivated to run, so I pulled out my bronze coloured Nimbus (fair dinks they are right up there in the ugly shoe stakes) and took off for a circuit around the streets surrounding Concord Golf Course.
I did the standard "getting back into it" walk/run thingee and finished up with 4k in 31mins 44 secs which is sub 8 min pace - lol good ultra pace for me :) Actually I was pretty happy with it considering this route takes in a couple of moderate hills.
Let's see if I can keep it going! Happy Daze :)
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
First One Since The Last One
Today Total: 5k
Week Total:5k
Month Total:5k
Year Total:5k
New Year's Resolution and all that - I finally (6 days into '09) got out for a run/walk thingee in the afternoon heat today - it was supoib - I've always enjoyed exercising in the heat - nothing makes me feel more alive.
There were no land speed records in danger of being broken - 5k in 39.38 but hey it's a start!
Happy New Year to all.
Week Total:5k
Month Total:5k
Year Total:5k
New Year's Resolution and all that - I finally (6 days into '09) got out for a run/walk thingee in the afternoon heat today - it was supoib - I've always enjoyed exercising in the heat - nothing makes me feel more alive.
There were no land speed records in danger of being broken - 5k in 39.38 but hey it's a start!
Happy New Year to all.
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