Getting in the k's

Went for an early morning run this morning, thanks to Brian's parents for looking after the girls.

We went to the rugby in Hamilton last night, it was a great game. The Chiefs beat the Super 14 leaders, the Crusaders 18-5. We were lucky enough (or have spent enough) to be asked to join Ballance Fertiliser in their corporate box - free entry, drinks and food! The only downside - they told us (more than twice) that the cost of fertiliser is going UP UP UP!!!

Anyway, back to the run. Due to not running much in the morning, I forgot to have breakfast first. I remembered the importance of food about 3 kms from home! I won't do that again! Still, only took an extra 2 and a half minutes to get back on a total of 13.7 km.

I was pleased with the run - I'm managing the bigger runs now, so I'm looking forward to seeing how I go in Huntly.

Brian made a good point the other day (I usually try not to agree with him when it comes to his opinions on what I should do, but have to admit it made sense).

He suggested I concentrate on all the smaller events I know I can do, (and have time to train for), rather than go all out for an Ironman attempt. This is actually good advice, as Ella is still only little. I guess I just worry about getting too old before I get to do Ironman.

Mmmm, something to ponder as I plod around the roads...................

Oh and before I forget - ate too many of these yesterday - I wonder if it will affect the weigh in tomorrow?

Scales have feelings too!

Just had to put this in, it appeals to my sense of humour!

I hope my scales don't feel the same!

Mrs Plod

My programme I'm following called for three 1 km runs at 85% effort - so I was wondering how fast I could go. I had to run in the dark again, and took 5 minutes 29 seconds and was pretty puffed after the 1 km! I resigned to the fact a long time ago that I would never be fast, and I'm not. But I guess that's not really the point is it?

The main point of this life is to get through it doing the best that you can. If I'm a fit, happy and healthy person that is nice to be around (I think?) then so what if I can't run fast.

And I got through running 3 km as fast as I could - actually I went a bit further by the time I warmed up, then cooled down.

I thought the last km might have been a bit faster as there was lightening in the sky above the hills in the distance - a bit freaky!

5 km time trial

I decided to do a 5 km fun run in Thames today. I wanted to see how fast I could go. It was great - I started off a bit fast, as just after half way my legs reminded me that I had run 12.66 km less than 12 hours previously! But I achieved a great result - 29 minutes 32 seconds. I was the second woman in! (I'm not counting the kids that bet me!)

And the best news - I've lost 500 grams this week! I'm well on my way now, and almost ready to tell you how much I weigh!

Taking a cement pill!

We've had a family day out today, and I need to do a 75 minute run. It is now dark, and Brian is not back in from the farm yet. I'm in my running gear - with a thermal top on, and will run up and down our road. It's 2.5 km per lap, so I'll see how far I can go. For safety's sake (I've got a head light) it'll probably be slow!

Done and dusted! Did 12.66 km in 1 hour 22 minutes. Only had two cars pass me, and just about stood on a hedgehog. I also set off all the dogs in the neighbourhood! Running at night is different - it's quiet and dark! All sorts of interesting things enter your head - like - what was that noise? What if a car stops? but overall, it's very peaceful.

I had to run past our gateway four times, which was easier than I thought it would be!

My first 5 km was 31 min 40, 10 km 64.30.

I've got a 5 km fun run tomorrow, which I'll attempt to do as fast as I can.

On track

After two weeks of working hard on my diet, and upping my running, I've finally lost some weight - 900 grams! Yee Hah.

Committed!

I've just entered the Rotorua Half Ironman - I decided not to enter the Athena category, even though I well and truly qualify. I'll make sure I am too skinny! (Note to self - please don't let this be 'famous last words') Entries were meant to open on Monday, I'm pleased they didn't - that's the anniversary of Kelsi's death, and I wanted to enter early.

Went up to Kawakawa Bay to watch the Auckland Half Ironman - it was quite laid back, a nice atmosphere. Peter Hughes (Showpony) had a good race, finished in less than 5 hours - not bad considering he did Ironman on March 1.

I've got a run to do today - gradually stretching the time up - 65 minutes today. Tomorrow is a long bike ride - but mountain biking.

Celine has a duathlon tomorrow, she gets to see how fast her new bike is.

Running naked!

As Sub6 noted, I was considering running naked if it rained! Well it is raining today, and I went for a run. I did consider what I had said, but in the interests of my neighbours and the thought of unexpected visitors at home, I just kept running.

The reason I was even considering it is that we are for the first time in 100 years (apparently) facing a drought. We have not had significant rain for around 4 months. Our farm is dry, the cows are getting hungry, and it is costing a lot in extra feed. Fortunately (as those of us buying milk and other dairy products know) the payout we are going to get is very good, so we personally can't complain too much. It is just the cows and the grass I worry about.

Anyway, this is what I would have looked like. By the way it pays not to google naked running.

Great weekend

It started off with a eeling trip - kids in the Morrinsville Fish and Game club were having an eeling competition on our friends farm. I have never been eeling before - yes I know, a country girl and never been eeling (shame). What a cool family fun experience. We fished until dark, made friends with baby pukeko, and Ella caught an eel! We came back, lit a camp fire (well with the dry weather made it in a cast iron thingy), had a BBQ dinner, toasted marshmellows, and went to bed in our tents. The kids had great fun playing in the dark, and making new friends.

We woke up today, I was feeling particularly stiff, after a run in the afternoon, and a not so comfy sleep. The kids all got a prize each, and we packed up and headed home.

I then caught up with Alison and Tammy, who are in the adventure race with me. We got on our mountain bikes and headed up to another friends farm. It was pretty steep - we even had to walk DOWN the hills! But a really good training - we got to know each other better, and I realised I need to do more hill work!

I got a photo, I was meant to be in it. I'll have to practice photo taking with the timing device thingy too! The photo looks out to the Firth of Thames - and overlooks our farm (not that you'd see it from the photo!)

By the way for you Tauranga folk who come through to Auckland, you will pass our farm after you go through Ngatea. I'll post a photo one day - then you can see if you can spot the intersection we're on.

Cheers from a tired, sore but happy Juls

The challenge!

After much soul searching, this is what I have come up with. My biggest weakness's are: lollies, in particular licorice allsorts, and icecream!

I will ban them from my diet until after the Rotorua Half Ironman. Sugar really is the underlying weakness I guess, so not ony will I be helping my weight, but also my poor old teeth.

I am severely hacked off that I have put weight on. I know why - today I have really monitored when I feel like eating, and what I feel like. What a shock! I have been mindlessly picking, snacking and tasting my way through a lot of food!