In prepping for my half I have signed myself up for 2 race series, and it turned out that the first race in the Unitech Run & Walk series was on my birthday. And I aimed high, signing up for the 15km run.
Waking up on the morning of my birthday at 6am getting myself ready to hand out the door to Ellerslie for the race wasn't ideal, but it was nice change to the Sunday morning hangover that I usually deal with.
On top of running, I signed up to volunteer with registration before the race, so I was there early to help out. I ended up working side by side with another Canadian girl who was going to be running as well. All in all, it was a great start to the day.
With the registration table being so busy the morning flew by, and before I knew it it was time to get warmed up and head to the starting line.
The course itself was pretty good, no steep hills, but still challenging. I ran a good first lap, with a time around 30 mins, and the second lap went well as well. I felt that I had done around the same time as the 1st lap, which put me well on my way to the 1hour 30 min time that I wanted, but thought was a little too ambitious. The 3rd lap was a bit harder, and I felt myself slowing down. Thankfully the last 1-2kms circled around the race course, so the end was in sight, and that was the motivation that I used to keep my pace up till the end. Although I slowed a little I crossed the finish line very close to the 1:30 time that I had dreamed of.
The coolest part of this race was that the MC at the finish line was great. They knew who everyone was when the crossed the line to do another lap and finish, and they also knew it was my birthday, so every time I crossed the line I heard a happy birthday shout out, as well as some encouraging words such as 'what a way to spend your birthday'.
So I finished the race feeling pretty happy with myself, and when the results got posted and it was confirmed that I had an amazing finishing time.
My net time was 1 hour 31 minutes and 43 seconds!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Nearing the finsh line...or should I say starting line
On Saturday I set off for my long run. This one with a few more kms, inching ever closer to the goal of 21kms. This week it was 18kms. From the many books on running that I have read, I know that 18 is the magic number. It's enough kms to get me across the finish line. And since I'm in it to complete, not compete, that's all I need. Looking back a few months when I first got this genius idea, I never thought that's I'd get to this point in July - a full month before race day. I thought my planned August holidays would leave me rushing to fit everything in, and obsessing about it while I'm soaking up the sun in Bali. Boy, am I happy to be ahead of the game. With this progress I have a few more weeks to add an extra km or 2, making race day that much easier.
The long run wasn't too bad, once I got into it. Mind you it took about 7kms to get into it. Not good. But the second half was great - running with ease and a smile on my pace.
I have 2 weeks until I head off on holidays, and so far the plan is this - 15km race on July 31, another long run (18/19kms) during the week before I go, a few runs whilst away, a 12km race on Aug 21 when I'm back, then one week of taper before the big day on Aug 28th!
The big day will be here before I know it!
The long run wasn't too bad, once I got into it. Mind you it took about 7kms to get into it. Not good. But the second half was great - running with ease and a smile on my pace.
I have 2 weeks until I head off on holidays, and so far the plan is this - 15km race on July 31, another long run (18/19kms) during the week before I go, a few runs whilst away, a 12km race on Aug 21 when I'm back, then one week of taper before the big day on Aug 28th!
The big day will be here before I know it!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Another week of trainer done. Hurrah!
This week I tried out a running group near my home, and it was quite the experience. The group runs for about 1 hour, which was fine, but it was a small group of people who have been running together for a few years, so they were all a bit faster than I was. The start of the run was uphill, and going at a rather steady pace. I made it through the run, puff a lot, but I still made it! As soon as I was done I was feeling spent, and the next day my legs were a bit sore - that hasn't happened in a while! I'm going to go back this week, and it should really help up my endurance and strength being pushed that little bit.
My long run this week was a whopping 16km. It was very similar to my long route the other week, with a few little add ons to get those extra kms in there. I must say it went much better than last time. It did take me a few kms to get into it, but once I did, it was a great run. The last few kms I ended up finding a trail, so I went off road - the change in terrain was a bit of a shock to my legs, but it was all good. I'm now only just bit over 5kms off of the half marathon distance - hard to believe!!
5k PB 35:16
10k PB 1:00:10
Next race is in 2 weeks!
42 Days till the half marathon
This week I tried out a running group near my home, and it was quite the experience. The group runs for about 1 hour, which was fine, but it was a small group of people who have been running together for a few years, so they were all a bit faster than I was. The start of the run was uphill, and going at a rather steady pace. I made it through the run, puff a lot, but I still made it! As soon as I was done I was feeling spent, and the next day my legs were a bit sore - that hasn't happened in a while! I'm going to go back this week, and it should really help up my endurance and strength being pushed that little bit.
My long run this week was a whopping 16km. It was very similar to my long route the other week, with a few little add ons to get those extra kms in there. I must say it went much better than last time. It did take me a few kms to get into it, but once I did, it was a great run. The last few kms I ended up finding a trail, so I went off road - the change in terrain was a bit of a shock to my legs, but it was all good. I'm now only just bit over 5kms off of the half marathon distance - hard to believe!!
5k PB 35:16
10k PB 1:00:10
Next race is in 2 weeks!
42 Days till the half marathon
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Another run bites the dust!
Another race under my belt, and with it some stunning results!
Going into the last race in the Run Auckland Series, there was lots of talk of it being and flat and fast course, so I was hoping to better my PB. And I was aiming high! I wanted a 1hour finish time, and I thought it was within my reach. Luckily I know myself well, and I was only 10seconds over my desired time of 1 hour. And in my books, that's a huge success.
The race started out slow, with lots of people, so making my way through the start and getting the space to get to my pace took a little while. For the first bit of the run my legs felt a bit heavy and I was wondering if I was going to be able to better my time, but as I rounded on to the long straight away I got into my groove and things started to feel better. Thoroughly checking out the route would have helped me mentally, as there were a few twists and turns in the last 2kms, so I was a little disoriented, and the start line took me by surprise. Mind you, a good surprise! As I came up to the hairpin turn before the start, I could already see the clock - and it had just passed 30mins. I was right on track for a 1 hour finish, as long as I could keep my pace. The second lap started well, then between km 1 and 2 I lost my pace and ended up having to stop for a few seconds of walking to reset. Then I was off! The second lap is better, because you know exactly what is coming, so there is no fear of the unknown. As I came closer to the end, I switched on a good song on my ipod and opened up my stride. The last km saw me over take a few people, and as I approached the finish line, with only the hairpin turn left, I saw the clock say 1:00:30 - if I wanted to get in around the 1 hour mark I would have to keep my sprint till I got over the line. And I did! I knew that I crossed the line at the start a good 30 seconds in, so I knew I was within a few seconds of my 1 hour goal. It wasn't until the results went up tonight that I confirmed that I did the race in 1:00:10 - a fabulous time. And I had a negative split (second lap was faster than my first) - even with that bit of walking I did.
I'm so pleased! Can't wait for the next race!!!
5k PB 35:16
10k PB 1:00:10
Next race is in 3 weeks!
49 Days till the half marathon
Going into the last race in the Run Auckland Series, there was lots of talk of it being and flat and fast course, so I was hoping to better my PB. And I was aiming high! I wanted a 1hour finish time, and I thought it was within my reach. Luckily I know myself well, and I was only 10seconds over my desired time of 1 hour. And in my books, that's a huge success.
The race started out slow, with lots of people, so making my way through the start and getting the space to get to my pace took a little while. For the first bit of the run my legs felt a bit heavy and I was wondering if I was going to be able to better my time, but as I rounded on to the long straight away I got into my groove and things started to feel better. Thoroughly checking out the route would have helped me mentally, as there were a few twists and turns in the last 2kms, so I was a little disoriented, and the start line took me by surprise. Mind you, a good surprise! As I came up to the hairpin turn before the start, I could already see the clock - and it had just passed 30mins. I was right on track for a 1 hour finish, as long as I could keep my pace. The second lap started well, then between km 1 and 2 I lost my pace and ended up having to stop for a few seconds of walking to reset. Then I was off! The second lap is better, because you know exactly what is coming, so there is no fear of the unknown. As I came closer to the end, I switched on a good song on my ipod and opened up my stride. The last km saw me over take a few people, and as I approached the finish line, with only the hairpin turn left, I saw the clock say 1:00:30 - if I wanted to get in around the 1 hour mark I would have to keep my sprint till I got over the line. And I did! I knew that I crossed the line at the start a good 30 seconds in, so I knew I was within a few seconds of my 1 hour goal. It wasn't until the results went up tonight that I confirmed that I did the race in 1:00:10 - a fabulous time. And I had a negative split (second lap was faster than my first) - even with that bit of walking I did.
I'm so pleased! Can't wait for the next race!!!
5k PB 35:16
10k PB 1:00:10
Next race is in 3 weeks!
49 Days till the half marathon
Monday, July 4, 2011
The long road to Takapuna
So I did my long run yesterday, and because my runs are getting longer and longer, and I didn't want to just run an extension of the loop I've done a few times already I decided to go one way. I got on to Map My Run and started trying out the possibilities. And the winner ended up being a daunting run from home to Takapuna. To put this into perspective, Takapuna is about a 15 - 20 min drive away, far down the shore and just a hop skip and a jump across the water from the CBD. In other words, it's pretty damn far! And as far as it seems mentally, looking at the map just made it worse.
Of course, I knew that I was only upping my mileage slightly, and that I had the fitness to complete, but it was still a little intimidating! To make it easier for me, I arranged to meet a friend in Takapuna after my run for a catch up, so the entire way down I had the reward of seeing here to keep me going (and the time limit for my run, if I wasn't to make her wait around for me).
All in all the run was pretty good. I was slow and steady, but I got there. Around km 11 my knee started to get a bit sensitive, and I eased off from then on, walking more and more. But the end result was a pace not far off of my normal long run pace. So I'm very happy - especially when I look at the map!
Of course, I knew that I was only upping my mileage slightly, and that I had the fitness to complete, but it was still a little intimidating! To make it easier for me, I arranged to meet a friend in Takapuna after my run for a catch up, so the entire way down I had the reward of seeing here to keep me going (and the time limit for my run, if I wasn't to make her wait around for me).
All in all the run was pretty good. I was slow and steady, but I got there. Around km 11 my knee started to get a bit sensitive, and I eased off from then on, walking more and more. But the end result was a pace not far off of my normal long run pace. So I'm very happy - especially when I look at the map!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Ever since the 10k I've had a a huge surge of motivation. I've been putting all my effort into getting up in the mornings for a pre-work run. This week it's been so cold out in the morning, but I'm happy to say I still managed to get myself out of bed before 6am on Monday and Tuesday. My runs are getting easier, although I haven't picked up any speed. But in the end, speed isn't that important, as long as I have the endurance to get around.
My long run for last week was suposed to be on Sunday, but a friends cancelled flight made me put it off until Monday morning. A long run before work wasn't ideal, but it went well and I was happy. Hopefully this week I'll manage to everything in according to my plan!
Here is the summery of my long run:
My motivation isn't just for my running, but also my strength training as well. I've been hitting the weights at the gym much more regularly, and it's been paying off. I'm definitely feeling the work in my legs and shoulders. Hopefully I can keep this, especaily with just over a week until my next race!
5k PB 35:16
10k PB 1:08:42
10 days till the next 10k
59 Days till the half marathon
My long run for last week was suposed to be on Sunday, but a friends cancelled flight made me put it off until Monday morning. A long run before work wasn't ideal, but it went well and I was happy. Hopefully this week I'll manage to everything in according to my plan!
Here is the summery of my long run:
My motivation isn't just for my running, but also my strength training as well. I've been hitting the weights at the gym much more regularly, and it's been paying off. I'm definitely feeling the work in my legs and shoulders. Hopefully I can keep this, especaily with just over a week until my next race!
5k PB 35:16
10k PB 1:08:42
10 days till the next 10k
59 Days till the half marathon
Monday, June 20, 2011
10k - Complete!
The big run was yesterday, and although I was rather nervous, having not had solid training leading up to it, it went really well! The rain held off and it was sunny and beautiful - one might even say it was a bit hot, but I was running so not the best judge of that!
The course was pretty good, gentle hills that weren't too much of a challenge, and then one massive hill. When I rounded the corner to see the big hill, the girl beside me and I pulled out our earphone and said "what the hell is that!". Even with checking out the elevation profile of the course, I wasn't prepared for a hill that steep. Thankfully it wasn't too long, and there was a drink station conveniently placed at the top. The first lap I manager to run about half way up the hill, but the second time around I wasn't far up before I gave in to walking.
I crossed the line for the first lap with a time of 35:12 showing on the clock, which meant that my lap was faster than my last 5k - even with the hill. I was hoping for a time of 1:10, but being realistic, expecting closer to 1:15, figuring I'd slow my pace slightly on the 2nd lap, and my 1st lap time was right on par with my predictions. The second lap is better, as you know what is coming. While rounding the gentle incline before the massive hill, I was mentally preparing myself for the climb. As I passed the 4km sign, I knew the course was downhill and then rounds into the finish, so I opened up my stride and called on the energy reserve I had. And although I walked a bit more, and felt like I was going slower, I managed to pull up my pace and come across the line at a time of 1:09 on the clock. I was ecstatic! A great result, and I was feeling good!
5k PB 35:16
10k PB 1:08:42
21 days till the next 10k
69 Days till the half marathon
The course was pretty good, gentle hills that weren't too much of a challenge, and then one massive hill. When I rounded the corner to see the big hill, the girl beside me and I pulled out our earphone and said "what the hell is that!". Even with checking out the elevation profile of the course, I wasn't prepared for a hill that steep. Thankfully it wasn't too long, and there was a drink station conveniently placed at the top. The first lap I manager to run about half way up the hill, but the second time around I wasn't far up before I gave in to walking.
I crossed the line for the first lap with a time of 35:12 showing on the clock, which meant that my lap was faster than my last 5k - even with the hill. I was hoping for a time of 1:10, but being realistic, expecting closer to 1:15, figuring I'd slow my pace slightly on the 2nd lap, and my 1st lap time was right on par with my predictions. The second lap is better, as you know what is coming. While rounding the gentle incline before the massive hill, I was mentally preparing myself for the climb. As I passed the 4km sign, I knew the course was downhill and then rounds into the finish, so I opened up my stride and called on the energy reserve I had. And although I walked a bit more, and felt like I was going slower, I managed to pull up my pace and come across the line at a time of 1:09 on the clock. I was ecstatic! A great result, and I was feeling good!
The official results are:
Official time - 1:09:46
Net time - 1:08:42
1st lap time - 34:13
2nd lap time - 34:28 | |
| Mid race, looking serious! |
5k PB 35:16
10k PB 1:08:42
21 days till the next 10k
69 Days till the half marathon
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