NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 8 DAY 1 -MOUNT LOFTY

Anthea and I had this morning planned for a while.
BOM checked- possible morning shower. Note the word shower.
We roped in Louise and her son James as well.
Was a bit black over lofty as we drove towards it but then it got clearer.
Half way up, absolute torrential downpour with cyclonic winds.
We pushed on up to the top with my rear and hips CANING.
Whining like a banshee inside, but we made it to the top. Took our sopping wet carcasses into the cafe for coffee. Had to sit on the plastic chairs. We even dried out spray jackets out in the dyson hand blade driers in the toilets.
Out we go and by the time we get to the bottom, sunny and lovely.
Bhahahaha
Wore the purple shoes. So glad I didn't wear the new Brooks in the rain.
Lungs went ok, but good god my butt muscles hurt.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 7 - WRAP UP

A good week with marginal results.
No work due to the Christmas break, so have been trying to make sure I get in quite a lot of sessions.
MONDAY- Rest
TUESDAY- Rest
WEDNESDAY- Pilates +5 km
THURSDAY- 4.6 km
FRIDAY- 5.1 km
SATURDAY - Pilates
SUNDAY- 10 km

TOTAL MILEAGE- 24.7 km
Weight came in at 78.1 (???? Need new scales)

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 7 DAY 7 -10 KM RUN

After getting in late last night from social event, it was hard to get up. Up at 8:30, out by 9 am, but still hot with the sun over the houses.
13 km was on the schedule. This was a very long and slow 10 km. Possibly could have been faster crawling backwards.
Wore the purple shoes. The Brooks are still not worn in enough to be favoured.
Saw my firey's on the way.
Took the Henley to Grange route.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 7 DAY 6 -PILATES

Today, just a short session, 40 mins of Machine Pilates before 2 social events today.

Nothing too exciting but getting out to do something fitness.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 7 DAY 5 -5.1 KM WALK

Post Boxing Day Lunch and First Day of the 3rd test walk. Better than no kms.
Purple shoes.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 7 DAY 4 -4.6 KM RUN

Post Christmas Day Lunch Run.
So in my quest to do something fitness every day if I can, a run. Bit slow and hard.
400/200 x7
400 x1
Tough day.
Brooks Adrenaline.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 7 DAY 3 -PILATES AND 5 KM WALK

Out just for kms in the legs today after a morning session of Pilates.
Walked it, didn't care.
Wore my new Brooks Adrenaline- they need walking in.
Bumped into an old friend on the way- Laraine. Was nice to catch up after many years.
Took the Henley Jetty Route.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 7 DAY 2 -REST

So first day of leave and failed to get out today. I did get a massage after an early trip to Bunnings and spent 3 hours out the back repotting plants.
Tomorrow is another day.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 7 DAY 1 -REST

With today being the last day before 10 days off, today was rest day. Hopefully will be able to do something fitness related every day.
Bring on 10 days off.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 6 WRAP UP

A bit of a slow week this week but did manage a good long run today with 12 kms.
Monday -3 kms
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday- Pilates and Yoga
Thursday - Rest
Friday- 5 kms
Saturday- Rest
Sunday 12kms

Total Kms -20
Weight down to 76.5kgs according to the scales this week

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 6 DAY 7- 12 KMS

With a 36 degree forecast, it was up at 5:15 am, out at 5:45 am and back by 7:30 am.
Took the Henley route to Tennyson, wore purple shoes.
Gel at the start.
Interval session (hence slower time)
600/400 x3
800/200 x8
600/200/200 x1
Nice to be able to run in the shade as the sun had not come up over the houses.
Got to get used to this.
Good run, despite time.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 6 DAY 6 REST

With tomorrows big run planned with an early wakeup due to the heat, today/tonight is rest day. Its going to be 36 degrees. I have family lunch and the Meet and greet with Orianthi before her show at the gov.
Thank god for alarm clocks.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 6 DAY 5 - 5 km

After a relatively slow day at the office, I got home within record time, threw on the running gear and went out before my brain could work out what was happening. I had decided to walk, then I changed my mind and decided to make it a run. I'd decided 3 km and then changed to 5 km.
Did 700/300 x4 and then wanted to get back in under 42:30 so the last km was 700/150/150 with success.
Wore purple shoes.
Hoping to get some new shoes on Tuesday.
Watch this space.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 6 DAY 4 - REST

Rest Day today. Glutes sore from yoga and massage.
Would like to go out tomorrow after work if I can. Not sure of distance but just to get out and get some more kms in legs..
Booked in a Mt Lofty with Anthea for Dec 29th :)

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 6 DAY 3 - DOUBLE BARREL WEDNESDAY

Morning Pilates, finally getting better at it and getting thru the movements a bit faster. That is the morning sweat session. And am I getting good at yoga or what? Today I managed to pretty much do the whole class. I did the shoulder stand and the back bend. Spent most of the time in high plank and not on my knees. I can flip the dog over now from downward and turn it over which I couldn't do. Getting so much stronger in the upper body. Still the class makes me sweat like a donkey. Going to miss this for the next 2 weeks as the instructor is back in Hungary.
Yep I love this class.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 6 DAY 2 - REST

Still messing with the schedule. Rest today based on last night's quickie and with tomorrow's double barrel, I will take it.
Currently dealing with a 34C day for Sunday's long run. It's going to have to be an early start and I am psyching myself up for a 5:30 wake up or even departure. Looking for 12 km if I can which is a 2 km increase. It was my goal to be 12 km fit by Christmas.
So looking forward to starting leave next Tuesday. I secretly have a goal to do something fitness each day. That's in my head. That is 10 days on the trot. Doesn't have to be a run, but could be a walk etc.
4 more work days until that lovely break.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 6 DAY 1 - QUICK 3 KM

Was determined to get out just for a few km this evening after work.
Quads, flutes totally stiff, but got faster as time went on.
It's going to be 34 degrees on Sunday, so am psyching myself up for a very early start to the long run to be out and back. Going to go out with a full belt I reckon.
Ran in purple shoes tonight.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 5 - WRAP UP

Another messy week of training, with trying to work out best way of getting best result on long run.
It's getting really hot now so may have to start swapping around long runs. Absolutely HATING the treadmill.
This week's efforts
Monday- Rest
Tuesday- pathetic 2 km intervals 200/200/200/400/200/400/200/200
Wednesday- Pilates and Yoga
Thursday- Rest
Friday- Rest
Saturday- Pilates and Yoga
Sunday 10km

Total kms- 12 for the week- not a great effort. Need at least one more run in there.
Weight- 77.4kg

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 5 DAY 7 - LONG RUN 10KM

Was a fight in my mind today, do I go out in the morning or wait until I get back from being out to our work Christmas lunch. Woke up so tired and still with a headache in my eye (yes yes, I know but you get what I mean), but eventually got out of bed and decided on a 9:30 am exit. I knew it would be so much harder if I waited until the evening.
I'd missed my cool weather window so I knew it was going to be hot. Was hoping for some breeze.
Ran down towards Grange and then around the hotel and on to Seaview Rd for about 500m and then turned around.
Going on the out track, I could feel the sun (and yes no sunscreen-ugh). On the way back a great breeze which contributed wind burn to the sun burn- yay.
Wore the ever trusty purples and although my time was affected by the heat, I am happy with my first sub 1:30 10 km in a very long time.
Considering I had only done 2 km other running this week, I also can't expect my legs to give me much more, but it was successful. Must have a little more discipline to get up and out.
Next week, looking forward to another hot one with 34 on the cards for Sunday, so am going to make a plan to get out and get done early.... let's see how that pans out.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 5 DAY 6 - YOGA AND PILATES

My second double barrel session for the week. Really enjoying both and feel that if I am enjoying it, it should then continue. Really noticing the increase in upper body strength which I am hoping is helping with keeping me upright :)
Getting better at remembering everything for pilates and with yoga I am finally being able to stay up so much longer in the arm poses.
Suitably knackered and needing a nap.
Tomorrow- 10 km.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 5 DAY 5 - REST

Chose not to go out tonight. Im trying to make myself not feel guilty as there is still many weeks to go, and I want to just make sure I am training but not killing myself over it.
The plan tomorrow is Pilates and Yoga back to back.
That should suitably wear me out and it will be interesting to see how my legs fair afterwards for tomorrow's long run on 10 km.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 5 DAY 4 - REST

Finished work at 6 pm. Calves hurt from cupping. Still trying to see if Thursdays work for any type of session. Maybe a pilates instead of a run. Friday may work for a run as I get home a bit earlier.
I am off all this weekend, so I am going to see if I can do an extra session of strength, say yoga or pilates on Saturday.
Want this to work for me but get fitter and leaner at the same time.
Thank god I've finished the pack of 2 bit brownies from Costco. Got that out my system now.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 5 DAY 3 - YOGA AND PILATES

Wednesday is a double session day for me with Pilates in the AM and Yoga in the PM. I went for my second session today and it really makes me sweat. I had a massage in the middle of the day and had cupping on my calves. Holy bejeezus that stings!
Yoga in the PM- just great. I am getting so much stronger. I can now to the flipped over dog and I also did the crow!! The crow is some ridiculous balancing pose which looks like a frog but is soooo hard. But yay, I did it.
Still trying to work out the best training schedule. Cant think about it too long. Too much work to be done.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 5 DAY 2 - INTERVALS

Ugh. Crap session. Stiff calves.

I have upped my magnesium, incorporated Vitamin B and done all the good things. I should know its agony until 4km. Got to get over that mental hurdle. The below effort was really just POO.
Wore my purple shoes- they really need to go.
2 kms better than zero, but not enough.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 5 DAY 1 - REST

I have swapped some things around to see how I fair in the week, so Monday after being in the office, will be a rest day. That means I am not so wired when I get in and am not awake until ridiculous o'clock.
Going to just see how things go for a couple of weeks. With the Christmas break coming up, I would like to hopefully ramp up some sessions to get some more kms under the belt without working.
Intervals on the schedule tomorrow.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 4 - WRAP UP

This week really was a total shambles. Everything went out the window and my perfect record now not so perfect.
Mentally not in it or with it. Need to amend training so it is more friendly to me and my work. Need to mentally motivate myself a little better.
I am going to be pleased if my long runs get faster. Want to crack sub 2:45 on race day.... hopefully.
To do that, I need to make sure I do more intervals. Have noticed that doing long run as 800/200 is beneficial as well.



MONDAY-6.4 KMS
TUESDAY - LOST SESSION- REST
WEDNESDAY- PILATES, 6.0 KM AND YOGA
THURSDAY- REST
FRIDAY- LOST SESSION- REST
SATURDAY- REST
SUNDAY- LONG RUN 9 KMS (800/200)


TOTAL MILEAGE FOR WEEK 21.4KM
WEIGHT- 78.0 KG

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 4 DAY 7 - LONG RUN 9 KMS

SUCCESS!!!!!
Only 4 minutes faster than my 8 km from last week. Great time. Really happy. I did this as an 800/200 interval session. This seems to be working for me and is making me fast.
Wore my old marathon shoes- the purple Asics- god they need throwing out. Until I find shoes I am happy to run in though, I will have to push them through
Ran home against a 30 km/hr southwesterly.
Great time great time....Not fast enough yet to get my sub 2:45 but so happy with this.
Home to Grange Jetty Route.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 4 DAY 6 - REST DAY

I've perfected these sessions. Too many this week. Even though Wednesday was a big day, I hope that tomorrow's run transpires to something amazing. 9 km- a good distance.
Let's see how we go.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 4 DAY 5- LOST SESSION

Another one. Mentally just not in the race this week. Hoping for a great long run on Sunday. Really want to get a good time, even though it should be slower than race pace. As I have pretty much taken this week off, I need to prove that I am getting better.
Working tomorrow, so going to come home and rest (again, don't need it).

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 4 DAY 4- REST DAY

Not hard to complete this one.
However really should have done Tuesdays intervals.
My mind is all over the place this week. I think I might need to rethink the training plan and have 3 rest days scheduled with the option to do an extra session if I feel I can.
Mind not so much in it this week. Disappointed with my mental stamina this week.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 4 DAY 3 - 5.8 KMS WALK, PILATES & YOGA

Went to Pilates in the morning. It was my first proper session.  Made me sweat. Getting my head around the machines is going to tax my brain.
Ended up with an impromptu walk with Deb. Garmin didn't switch on until after we got to the beach so it was 6 kms- really slow as we had Hamish with us. Still 6 km I wasn't expecting.
Yoga tonight was great, I am definitely getting much stronger as I can stay up in downward dog a lot longer than in Week 1.
I really like the trainer for yoga.
Shoes: New Asics Exalt

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 4 DAY 2 - LOST SESSION

Went for a massage in the morning with all good intentions of going to intervals tonight at the gym.
Just didn't have it in me mentally.
Forced rest day. Better luck tomorrow- already have Pilates and Yoga.
First missed session in this training regime.
Mentally disappointed. Body will hopefully be thankful.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 4 DAY 1 - 6.4KM/4MILES

Monday session- decided to walk just to get the distance in and loosen up the calves a bit after yesterday's long run. Really must be on the foam roller more as part of the routine.
Not a fast time by any means but first go at 4 miles. Friday should be better hopefully.
Purple shoes again.
Intervals tomorrow and a massage in the morning.
#poweredbybeetroot #dungogdashers #dasherlife

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 3 -WRAP UP

This week was the week of intervals and delayed sessions with Monday's session being put off until Tuesday due to a late finish at the office and Sunday's session put off until the evening. Still 7/7 on week 3 however and still going.

Weight came in at 78 kgs which is a LOSS, let's see what happens next week. Really think I may need new scales :)

Weekly Wrap Up
Monday (on Tuesday)- 5.8 km (600/200)
Tuesday - 4km ( as done on treddy as different intervals- 200/800)
Wednesday - Pilates final intro and Yoga
Thursday- Rest
Friday- 5.8 km (800/200 intervals)
Saturday-Rest
Sunday - 8 km (400/200 intervals)

Total KM- 22.6 km

Really struggling with tight calves for at least 2-3 kms. Once I get to about 4km, things loosen up. It's a long time to feel uncomfortable.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 3 DAY 7- LONG RUN 8KM

A good run but not my best time over 8km.

As it was late in the day and I was stiff, I decided to do this as intervals on 400/200 which helped me get to the end a lot faster. Weather was cooler than expected and quite windy by the time I went out, with a head wind once again on the way back. This took me nearly to Grange Jetty but not quite.

Hoping that over time, I will just get much faster. Would love to be able to do this in about 64 mins within about 6-8 weeks.

Wore the purple shoes which have just had it, but still I am going in them as not quite sure with the new shoes which I will take out on Tuesday for intervals again.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 3 DAY 6- REST DAY

Once again, easy to go 6/6 for week 6. Thankfully I was at work today and as it was ridiculously hot, I was glad for it being a rest day. Tomorrow is 8km long run and as the temp is due to be quite warm and I want a sleep in, training will be in the evening after lunch.
Fingers crossed on 7/7 for the third week in a row :)

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 3 DAY 5- 5.8km/3.5MILES

Not fast and not too slow.
Did an interval option of 800/200 for this one which really helped.
It was warm when I went out and although calves were stiff, I wanted it over.
Purple shoes.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 3 DAY 4- REST DAY

Rest Day today and easy to achieve. Thought it was going to be a late finish at work but alas it wasn't.
Hoping it isn't too hot tomorrow night for after work run as the weather is expected to be heating up for the weekend.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 3 DAY 3- YOGA

So went for my final pilates intro session today and am booked in for 9:30 am next Wed.
That means Wednesdays should be a double session with that an yoga in the evening.
Everything is soooooo tight it is getting ridiculous.
Yoga today was good and even just going once a week, I can tell that I am getting stronger from it and things are getting a bit easier.
Will be interested to see how I go with the double sessions with Pilates.
3/3 this week so far, rest day tomorrow, so will be 4/4

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 3 DAY 2- INTERVALS

With a training session this morning and having done intervals then for the 5.8 kms, I decided to change this session up a bit (after I got on the treadmill). I did 200/800 intervals for 4 kms.
So in just over 34 mins did
200 @6.5 and 800 @6.5
200@5.5 and 800 @7.0
200@5.5 and 800 @7.5
200@5.5 and 800 @8.0

Wore the purple shoes again. The old faithfuls.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 3 DAY 1- 5.8KMS

So with Monday being a late finish at the office, I pushed my session to the next morning (Tuesday 25/11). I and ummed and ahhed about putting it later in the week so I didn't have to do 2 sessions on the day but with the weather heating up and the max temp being only 22 on Tuesday, I dragged myself out of bed and off I went. There was even a few drops of drizzle. Garmin wasn't on for first 200m, so actually did 6 km, but this isn't a bad time.
I changed it up a bit and did 200/400 intervals which worked well. Got much faster on the 200 after 4 kms.
Purple Asics shoes.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEk 2- WRAP UP

Not an amazing week by any standards but all sessions completed.
Monday the legs wouldn't turn over, so I had to do the distance walking- and had read the wrong week so did half a mile more than I should have.
Tuesday's intervals went well in the new shoes. 3.8 kms and done in good time.
Wednesday's massage session involved cupping and my legs were sore to the touch until today- Sunday.
Friday was just foul and my head wasn't in it, so I walked again.
Today's long run went well. Really slow at the start but sped up on the return journey (what a surprise) but not as fast as last week, but wearing different shoes may have made a difference to that.


The scales show weight back to where I started at 79.1 kgs, so the scales could have been lying last week. This weeks diet hasn't been so amazing but not the worst it could b.

Monday: 5.7 km walk
Tuesday: 3.8km intervals
Wednesday: Pilates intro (not a workout) and Yoga
Thursday: Rest
Friday: 5.0 km walk
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: Long run - 7 km

TOTAL KMS- 21.5

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 2 DAY 7 - 7KMS

Long Run Day. Great weather and no wind. 7kms on the schedule. Wore the new shoes- Not sure whether it's because they aren't worn in or if they aren't right, so I will persist to see how we go. Time wasn't as amazing as last week- different shoes? However, not too bad. 

Shoes:Asics Exalt 

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 2 DAY 6 -REST DAY

6/6. Not hard as there were horrendous thunder storms and it was my birthday so a rest day well deserved. 

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 2 DAY 5- 5KMS

Not totally as planned today. Another walk. Came home from work in a bad space, but was determined to go 5/5 on Week 2 so put the trainers on and walked down to the jetty at Henley and back.
Had a few little jogs but my heart and mind weren't in it today.
May go to yoga tomorrow morning. That would be a bonus session for the week if I do.
We shall see.
Shoes: Asics Exalt

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 2 DAY 4- REST DAY

With a rest day today it was easy to go 4/4 in week 2. It's a bit hot, a bit steamy and drizzling.
Rest day gratefully taken as legs are a bit sore from the cupping at yesterday's massage.
3 miles tomorrow on the schedule.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 2 DAY 3- YOGA

3 for 3 this week with tonight's yoga session at the gym. Getting a bit stronger.
Was really hot today- 35C, so glad the room was cool.
Also went to send pilates induction as well.
Last one next week before I can incorporate that in the schedule at least once a week.
Rest day tomorrow so should be able to make it 4/4
Noticed I did half a mile more than I should have on Monday. Never mind. As I walked that session, probably just as well.
Massage today as well and the therapist used cupping. Holy crap that pinches!!!.
But really good and something different.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 2 DAY 2 - INTERVALS

First interval training today and 3.8kms in 29:40. 2/2/2/4/2/6/2/6/2/4/2/2/2 (2=200m)

6:6km/8.6km hour speed 

Average 7.6km/hour speed.

8:02 min km

Good effort and in new shoes! They actually felt light and went really well. 

Blue shoes. 

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 2 DAY 1 - 3.5 miles 5.7 km

A very busy day at work and a late arrival home I so didn't want to go out. Got dressed and threw on the shoes. Calves were tight even though I stretched. So ended up walking tonight.

It's kms in the legs and better than not going. Even now I am achy. Foam

Roller will help it. I just refuse to not go out and not stick to my plan. Intervals tomorrow.

NYC HALF MARATHON TRAINING WEEK 1 WRAP UP

So this week started in earnest with a 3.6 km jog with Mum on Monday. IT inspired my enough to decide that Monday was the day to start training for the NYC Half. I went home and began to create a training schedule. I have worked in 2 rest days currently on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Chose those as I usually work until 6 pm on a Thursday, sometimes work on a Saturday and there is also a yoga class on the Saturday morning I could take if I wanted to do something extra.
I got out the Hal Higdon guide to marathoning and had a look at his half marathon plans. Was pleased to see no mid week runs are really much over 5.5 miles :) Joy. I forget this is a half, so to not see things like 20 milers took a while to sink in... but JOY!!!
I have put in 2 x 20 km and 2 x 18 km runs in to the plan. I am increasing my long runs by 1 km a week, and started this week at 6km.

I found the 2 x 5.0km I did this week took what seem liked forever and were slow and my calves were achy. So before the long run (of 6kms), I did the ill advised static stretching and voile- no achy calves and a faster pace.

I got on the scales and it shows over 2kg loss (???) with weight at 76.9 kgs.
I have started doing apple cider vinegar shots 2-3 times a day.
Still doing the probiotic fizzy drink.
Really trying to watch what goes in but did have a sneaky chocky donut on Sat.

Monday: 3.6 km jog
Tuesday: 5.0 km slow slow run
Wednesday: Pilates intro (not a workout) and Yoga
Thursday: Rest
Friday: 5.0 km slow slow run
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: Long run and FASTEST of the week with a negative split on last 3 km- 6 km

So a good week all round. Taking each day as it comes and making my headspace right.
Roll on week 2.

Garmin Figures for Sunday Long Run 16/11 6 kms

Garmin Connect

NYC HALF TRAINING WEEK 1 DAY 7- LONG RUN 6 KMS

SUCCESS!!
Out and back course along Military Road to the sewerage works.
Never fails to surprise me how an out and back along the same footpath can be nearly 100m out distance wise and thus had to run past the house to get the final 100m!! And as it was on the footpath, no weaving around, so 100m on 3 km is quite a lot.
Did some stretching before going out today (to test it's worthiness) and had no issues whatsoever with sore calves and tiredness. I know a lot of people say static stretching is no good, but safe to say it makes a massive difference to how I perform and today vs my runs in the week are a testament to that.
The second half after the turnaround felt really good and I felt I upped the pace but don't think I did in reality. Not too out of breath either which was great.
Wore the purple shoes, and safe to say I ran faster in them. I ran the marathon in those and although they really are shot and need replacing, the 3 mid week runs were done in the black shoes and were slow and drudgy. The long run, in these and felt like I was cruising along.
Weekly Round up to come in a separate post.

NYC HALF TRAINING WEEK 1 DAY 6- REST DAY

So it's Day 6 and not hard to be compliant for a rest day when I have to work all day.
So that's 6/6 for this week.
I am pretty excited to have nearly completed my first week or training.
Looking forward to getting above turtle pace after next week.
Paying for my flights on Monday. I still can't believe I will be there in 4 months.
So excited.

Read about my Second Journey to Marathon Fit and my Journey to the NYC Marathon in 2013

Here is the link to my blog that I did for my second journey to marathon fitness and my journey to the start.... and finish of the NYC marathon.
Happy reading.

brionybullardmarathonfit.blogspot.com

NYC HALF TRAINING WEEK 1 DAY 5 - 3 miles/5 kms

So 5/5training scheduled training sessions complete for this week.
A very slow 5km today. Hopefully once intervals start next week, I will get beyond turtle pace.
Totally cloudy and overcast but a really nice temp to run. It's trying to rain, but managed to miss that.
A little faster than Tuesdays 5 km.
Foot caning on the lateral side almost like a cramp.
Black shoes.
#lifeofanoneliteathlete
#poweredbybeetroot
#dasherlife
#nychalf

NYC HALF TRAINING WEEK 1 DAY 4- REST DAY

So today's training was quite easy to complete. Worked all day, came home and watched tv. That's a rest day.
Watched Gus Worland's marathon man on A@E. Love it. Such a great tale of being challenged and believing you can achieve the goal.
5 km on the schedule for tomorrow. Hope it's not raining too much when I get back in from the office.

NYC HALF TRAINNG WEEK 1 DAY 3 - YOGA

And after 14 weeks of being away, I went back today to the yoga class at the gym. OMG, Arm strength is back to ZERO. I do like this class though and the teacher I feel is really good. Was sweating within about 10 minutes.
Earlier in the day, I had been to see Dr Peter Allcroft, a runner, ironman, and generally nice guy about my asthma. Took me 3 months to get in to see him. He said the Manitol challenge had been the definitive test and showed that I do get asthma. He said chances are, I won't get faster, that I am the way I am more than lily due to my VO2 MAX. Oh well.
Had also been to CORE physio and Pilates to get a program, may swell use my private health allocation.
Then finally, a torturous leg massage to start smoothing out the muscles.
Big day, and even though I thought about not going to yoga, I am glad I did.
I've set a training schedule I would like to see how well I can stick to it. After all, it's only a half, not a marathon.

THE STICK- TOOL OF TORTURE AND JOY

I am the Queen of Recovery and this forms part of that process- The Stick.
I bought this in New York at the marathon expo in 2013. Previous to that, I had used a foam roller exclusively. However, they really do go hand in hand, along with the spiky yellow ball of death.
Great for rolling out muscles and moving lactic acid.
Sigh, here we go again.
#dasherlife

LOOKING FOR SOME INSIGHT AND INSPIRATION- HAL HIGDON STYLE

This is one of the definitive pieces of literature on Marathon running.
I have used his program (albeit adjusted to me) previously when I trained for New York.
Good structure. Combined with a bit of Jeff Galloway and it works for me.
#dasherlife

POWERED BY BEETROOT

And it begins again. I actually juice beetroot rather than using commercially packaged stuff, but this is actually just juice with no salt like the shots, so works as a time saver option.
Hoping it helps the endurance again. Looking for a plant based miracle.
Only 18 weeks to go and I can shelve it again :)
#dasherlife

NYC HALF TRAINING BEGINS 10/11/14

And with an almighty thud, I am back from 10 glorious nights in NYC and straight back in to training for the NYC half in March which is 18 weeks away. Gotta get the right headset on with diet and schedule.
Got some new trainers coming in the post and am armed and dangerous with new tops and socks.

First run out- REALLY slow
Black trainers.
Starting weight 79.6 kgs (according to dodgy bathroom scales)
#dasherlife

Run #5. 2kms Monday 20/10/14

Back at it with average pace of 8:33/km on tired legs from Sunday's long of 3km.

Black Shoes

VISIT TO DUNGOG for the DUNGOG DASH AND DAWDLE- where we got our team name

So the first weekend in August was quite special. 7 of us made our way to country NSW for the Dungog Dash and Dawdle. Home of our team name. Home of our Team King and Queen.
What a fabulous place.
I got to spend one of the most wonderful weekends with some of the people who have truly enriched my life.
The course was tough and uphill and I ended up walking most if it with Maria who came back to find me.
We all got a medal.
It was a great morning.
Followed by the SackRace which I won.
We were treated to the most amazing hospitality from Jane and Stephen, with a celebratory dinner on Saturday night at the farm with Golden Syrup Dumplings cooked by Danny Norris (CEO of Dungog Sack Racing committee).

Photo #1 Main Creek: Me, Anthea, Jane and Maria
Photo #2 The Dashers
Photo #3 Me post run, middle of the main street of Dungog

Photo #4 Anthea and I with the winning sack
Photo #5 Outside Stephen's gallery, with our NY medals.
Photo #6 The sack racing track

Marathon Minds by Sarah Donovan featuring "ME"

http://dasherlife.com/marathon-minds-briony/

Run #4 Sunday Long Run- 3km - 19 October

You know you are right back at the beginning when your long run is only 3 kms is at 8:24 pace and almost knocks you off your perch. Add 2kms that and I've got Dash to the Finish distance.
Sunday Long run done
Black Shoes

Run #3 1.5 kms - 14 October

A whole minute faster over the same distance done 2 days ago.
Lungs totally burning.
But happy with that.
Purple Shoes

Run #2 1.5km 12 October

And here we are with Run #2 up to a massive 1.5km
Still a Respectable time and pace.
Purple shoes

Comeback #3 Run #1- 1 km 8 October

And here we go again, starting at the bottom with a 1 km time trial.
Respectable time, just add 4 km to that and we have a Dash to the Finish distance :)
Black Shoes

2014- The year that wasn't

So nearly a year on, I am preparing to head back to NYC for marathon weekend. Not to run, but to volunteer.
I have had injury and illness that has allowed me 3 comebacks. Currently in the throws of the 3rd and getting some kms under the belt just to be able to do Dash to the Finish on Marathon Eve without passing out.
Since the Barossa, I have run some respectable training runs as well as the Adelaide Running Festival 10k which if it wasn't for an extra km, added on I would have finished in a respectable time despite crippling cramps a few hundred metres from the end due to lack of mid race fuel.
I did miss my beloved City to Bay this year due to illness. Nearly 8 weeks of chest infection knocked me ou. I still got away with 2 weeks of running in the middle and getting up to 11 kms which was the longest I had done since NYC last Nov.
So now, we begin again. With a goal in sight, the NYC Half in March 2015, the training begins again.
But before it begins in earnest, it is back to The Big Apple for what is billed to be the biggest reunion of the Dungog Dashers.
Looking forward to seeing all the usual suspects, of which there are too many to mention.
There is a second picnic, a trip to Philly, to run the Rocky Steps with Walt and Zrinka, Motley Crue, Dr Oz and Dinner with Linda's Running Club, the NY Flyers with none other than K Switzer as the Guest speaker.
The big day, Marathon Sunday, will be spent at Mile 18, volunteering in the morning and cheering in the afternoon with my beloved Dashers.
As I write this, it is 7 sleeps to go.
I've got 4 days of work and a Rolling Stones show to go before I get on the big jet plane.
I'm horrendously unfit. I've lost my marathon fitness now twice and I know that pain it is going to take to even get half marathon fit.
Goals are set now, bib is paid for. Here we go.

Barossa Marathon Festival 5km

No running for 3 weeks due to being in Tassie. Crap excuse but back to run the 5 in the Barossa. Back to the out and back course this year.

A big tough but finished- and not much worse than Greenbelt.

Run #2 Back from injury

1 mile

Bruising from Ruptured Plantar Fascia.

First pic is taken 1-2 days before second. 

This was about 5 days after I did this. 

Run #1 back from injury

Demoralising to be starting back at 1 km but it went ok. 

Test walk 18 days after injury

Went out for 1 km and did a bit more. Foot went ok.

Park Run #3 01/03/14

Park Run #2 01/02/14

Not a bad time but not my worst