THE FINISH LINE IS CLOSE

A quick post tonight. The finish line is so close. Tomorrow is the last day of the financial year here. We are within a stones throw of qualifying for the Global Ball in Las Vegas. What a ride the last 29 days have been. One more trading day to go, I can smell the margaritas and the melting havaiana runner from here. 

So wish us luck. Team Walkerville. 

See you on the flip side of June 30.

PRODUCT REVIEW: HONEYSTINGER WAFFLE- GINGER

I had some American friends who used these and other Honey Stinger products for fuel during running. I managed to try some of these at the New York Half Marathon Expo this year and bought a box as I really like the flavour.
They are nice and light and not as sweet as other fuels which I really like. I cannot stand that hideous sugar after taste that comes with a lot of running fuel. Each pack only 160 calories, gives you something to chew on rather than suck back like a gel so makes a great pre race fuel. It is a "honey based energy food made with natural ingredients". There are some other syrups/sweet ingredients in there, please use your own judgement to decide if this product suits you, your diet or your beliefs about food.
I really like them.





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TRAINING: THE MENTAL STRUGGLE

So this week I posted about "Sprinting to a Different Finish Line". The finish line that is the end of the Australian financial year and the end of a 12 month incentive that the company I work for runs every year. The prize for reaching very high goals is a trip to somewhere in the world for the weekend. That somewhere is always known from the 3rd week of July of that financial year. This year, the destination is Las Vegas. We get a big party on the Friday (last year Will.I.Am  was the DJ), we have a conference on the Saturday with guest speakers (last year, Will.I.Am, John Prendergast and Li Cun Xin- Mao's Last dancer). Saturday night, we have a ball and a guest act (last year, Jesse J and Havana Brown). Other guest speakers have been Michael J Fox, Michael Phelps, Lance Armstrong, Andre Agassi. It's big business this ball. I go every year and as I said, this year is the first year I won't go as an individual, but we are with in a hair's width of going as a team. My job is consuming; emotionally, mentally and sometimes physically. By physically I mean when it is coming down the wire to qualify, work days are long, it's dark when you leave, you are tired, mentally spent. I was just talking to one of the boys yesterday saying that even thought I was out of action for nearly a week after Stadium Stomp, the week following (the one just going past) has meant I have done nothing. I feel crap for not doing so but feel too crap to do so. Vicious cycle that I know one walk/ gym session will stop. I have been lazy. I've been working nearly 12 hour days and also working on my days off just for that opportunity to go to "The Paradise of Vice". This isn't normal in my job. I have taught myself to leave on time, but at this very pointy end of the year, there is more to do than normal. I don't want to get to June 30 and say maybe I should have done this or that. I'm tired, I'm exhausted, I'm spent. Tomorrow is also my day off. I am going in to work for 4 hours. Then I will come home. Sunday is a day off. I will more than likely take that day off too as my manager is having her 30th party. Conveniently, just around the corner from my house.

Whatever you are doing this weekend, do it well, and have fun.
#globalcampaign

RACE REPORT: NEW YORK MARATHON 2013 - NEW YORK

In 2013, I ran the New York Marathon. I ran this as a 40th birthday present to myself.
Click here for my race report.
It is a day that changed my life. The people I met through that race as still in my life and have become some of my closest friends. The positive power of social media.
Hope you enjoy the read.
BB

PRODUCT REVIEW: THORLO EXPERIA SOCKS

I only had one pair of these socks for a very long time. For some reason I found them not ideal compared to other socks I had. I then bought about 6 pairs at the NYC Marathon expo in Nov 2014 and have never looked back. They have become one of my favourite brands of socks. Available in so many colours, I love them. They are fitted giving support around the arch. Padded to provide cushioning on both the ball of the foot and the heel. At the expo they normally have 3 pairs for $45USD which is such good value as they are about $30AUD a pair here. Can't go wrong with a deal like that!. They aren't left/right sculptured, but I still like them. If you are not used to padding on your socks you may wish to try with one pair first.




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SPRINTING FOR A DIFFERENT FINISH LINE

So June here in Australia means the end of the financial year and the company I work for has an annual incentive that finishes on June 30. It is the world conference that is for "The Best of the Best".
I have been for the last 5 years and have only missed 1 out of the 7 I could go to. I normally qualify as an individual but this year, I have fallen slightly short. However, our store has it's best opportunity to qualify as a team. It will go down to the wire, 5:30pm on June 30.
The prize, a trip to "The Paradise of Vice", Las Vegas for the weekend. One of my favourite towns.
We last went here as a company 5 years ago. We took over Caesar's Palace and had one of the biggest pool parties, the town had ever seen. So big, they closed the pool the next day to clean it.
This year, I believe we are at The Venetian. God help them. This event attracts 3000 agents globally.
So for the next week, it is head down, bum up to get to the finish line.
It's a different type of race but the bling is amazing.

Wish us luck.

MARATHON RUNNING: TRAINING FOR NEW YORK 2013

If you are thinking of doing a marathon or want to know what it is like to train for one, please head over to my blog : http://brionybullardmarathonfit.blogspot.com.au/
This tells the tale of what training I did, some of the food I used in training and of course the all important race report. It is a blog covering 9 months of training for the New York Marathon, which I ran as a 40th birthday present to myself. Plenty of ubiquitous Garmin photos with distances and times. The race was the inspiration for the forming my group the Dungog Dashers who even 2 years on are still meeting up at races, going to surprise birthday parties and catching up all over the world.
This race and the lead up to it truly changed my life for the better. The people I met through this race have enriched my life more than I could ever have imagined.
You can also read about my latest gathering with them in New York, during March by clicking the links below.

RACE EXPO
RACE DAY
MILE 10 CHEER SQUAD
POST RACE DRINKS

Thank you for reading :)

PRODUCT REVIEW: GYM BOSS miniMAX INTERVAL BEEPER

This girl is big on interval running. I never used to be. I used to think you had to run all the way to get faster times. I have had 4 PB's this year using Jeff Galloway's method of run/walk intervals. I got the gym boss to help me in the NYC Marathon in 2013 and have used it ever since. I love it.
If you have a basic Garmin or watch for running this will be the perfect accompaniment to your either of those. Available in an array of colours, the Gymboss Mini Max runs off 1 x AAA battery. You can adjust your intervals to anything you like. Maximum of 99 rounds of the 2 intervals. Beeps go off for 1, 2 or 5 seconds and the beep can be quite loud (for a race like NYC Marathon, this is essential. I had to wear it on the neck hole of my top the crowd was that loud. It's so easy to use this product, I am a big fan and recommend it to anyone who needs something to time their intervals. It means you aren't always looking at your watch.
So if you want to get the perfect interval timer click below!




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PRODUCT REVIEW: GU GEL - SALTED CARAMEL

When I first started running, I couldn't stomach Gu Gels. I loved the idea of all their flavours, but they never sat right in my belly. In the last 12-18 months, things have changed and I have been able to use these gels and I really do like them.
My #1 favourite is the salted caramel flavour. It is sweet but not sickly. These gels also don't have that vile aftertaste that some of the synthetic fuels have.  Best deal I have ever had is $1USD each at the NYC Marathon Expo. However, if you are not able to get there in November, then click below and the lovely people at Amazon can send some to you!





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#GU
#dasherlife

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PRODUCT REVIEW: POWERBAR WAFER - CHOC/PEANUT BUTTER

Powerbar is one of the big hitters when it comes to running fuel making gels, protein bars, wafers and other fuelling options for athletes.
I had never tried these wafers until I saw them at the NYC Marathon Expo in 2014.
I decided to buy a few and wish I had bought a bunch.
At 160 cals, they provide a reasonable pre race/mid race fuel option.
They do come in other flavours, but I prefer this one.
I like the fact that they provide a bit of a boost but aren't sickly sweet. An issue I have with lots of the synthetic fuels out there.
If you think you want to try them out, click below to be taken straight to where you can buy them!


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TRAINING: WALKING (JUNE 21 2015)

Mum and I headed out very early at 6:30 am in 6C temperature. No wind and virtually no cloud. Great morning for a long walk.

I did forget to turn off the Garmin until about 45 minutes after we got in!
So time was about 2:14 and distance would have been really about 10.8km
A smashing day here in the Rads.
So if you are pondering over whether to go out, put your shoes on, grab your iPod and just walk.
At least you will be out getting some sunshine, topping up your Vitamin D and burning some calories.
Enjoy your Sunday!
#garmin
#dasherlife
#lifeofanoneliteathlete

PRODUCT REVIEW- POWERBAR PERFORMANCE ENERGY WAFER

PowerBar is one of the big hitters when it comes to running fuel. They have a wide selection of gels, protein bars, wafers and other fuelling options for  all athletes.
I had never tried these wafers until I saw them at the NYC Marathon Expo in 2014.
I decided to buy a few and wish I had bought a bunch.
At 160 cals, they provide a reasonable pre race/mid race fuel option.
They do come in other flavours, but this is the only one that actually.
I like the fact that they provide fuel but aren't sickly sweet, an issue I have with lots of the synthetic fuels available. It can also be broken in half as it is pre-scored.
You can buy them individually or in a pack of 12.
If you think you want to try them out, click below to be taken straight to where you can buy them!

(Affiliate Link)

16/06/15 STADIUM STOMP AFTERMATH

Oh dear god, I am so out of practice with recovery. So kind of neglected the foam roller or stick on Sunday (first mistake). Walking on Monday, difficult and sitting down all day wouldn't have helped. Middle of the night on Tuesday morning, I had to get on the roller, almost instant relief, but then got up at 7:30...ugh
Went for a 5 km walk, see below how long it took me to get from mine to Henley jetty!.
Under that, that is me in Ikea, going down the stairs, sideways, one at a time like a geriatric.
Got in an epsom salts bath tonight which was helpful but now I have sat down, the lactic acid is back.
Legs are sore to even touch. I have got the stick and am trying to use that. Adductors are very very sore.
Wanting to do the event at the MCG but don't want to be like this :)
Still, great challenge the #stadiumstomp ! Don't let that put you off!
#dasherlife

14/06/15 STADIUM STOMP

A little quiet on the blogging front this week. I have felt under the weather and the winter having set in here has initiated some hibernation activity in me. However, today, I took on the challenge of 6000 steps of the Adelaide Oval. First week in a long time I won't be anywhere near 30 km and you know what, that is ok.

My friend Louise joined me for this event (we went to NYC in 2013). It was tough but it was fun. About half way through, the glutes were caning and coming downstairs was just jelly leg central/
Total course was about 4 km, took us about 1:15. For those who know me, stairs are not my forte, especially coming down, but I did really well, even on the steep upper levels. Not even a little wobble. So Lofty and Stairmaster, is good training. Not sure how you get down stairs training except by going down the stairs!

When I got home, I was totally spent. Walking around the supermarket was a zombie effort (when you need groceries you gotta go, especially when your later afternoon is being taken up with Entourage movie in Gold Class!!).
Had a short nap and as I write this I am not sure I can make it to the end of Masterchef. Laundry is done, dishwasher has been put on and bins put out.

#dasherlife
#asics
#garmin
#stadiumstomp
#adelaide

Tesltra Plaza, Adelaide Oval

Me outside Adelaide Oval

Ready to Stomp- Finally got a bib number I am happy with.

Louise and I found this sign just towards the end of the course... And yes we are.

Louise and I- just started. We had also just seen my tweet of my bib on the big screen. Dasherlife got to be on the big screen at the Oval.

Yep- these steps hurt.

One of many UPS.

Don't look down.

Yep- they are steep.

Finish Line- ACDC was on as I came across

Great Venue

Finisher! With my bling.

Louise and I with our bling.

More bling pics

Couple of red lines where there shouldn't be, but hilarious map.

Hot Fireys Going to Stomp in full get up.

09/06/15 STAIRMASTER

It's cold this week. I am cold. Stairmaster tonight in preparation of Stadium Stomp on Sunday at Adelaide Oval.
Back for a session of dry needling tomorrow. Dinner tomorrow night so will give the legs a rest tomorrow.

#asics
#stairmaster
#dasherlife
#dashers

08/06/15 TREDDY 7km

Monday Night treddy session. After a day of tidying the spare room and cutting fabric, I had a nap about 2:30 pm. I'd done 4 hours of 20 minute intervals cleaning and cutting. I'd used most of my calories by that time (had my beef casserole for lunch and a bagel). Woke up after sleeping really hard with a hideous headache, so not conducive to wanting to go and exercise. In any case got dressed and headed down to the gym.
Did 5 km on 7-11.5 incline at about 5.6km/hr avg speed. Then 2 km on 3.5 incline. Funny when you bring down the incline the lower one feels like it is downhill!
Even dinner hasn't got rid of the headache. I thought it had but it just dulled it.
Bed beckons after 36km in 3 days.
Only 1 day of work and then the usual Wednesday off (thank god).

07/06/15 SUNDAY DOUBLE

So with a weekend that has been rather hefty on the food, I had to head to the gym to redeem some calories (got about 800 back- or so). This brought me to about 30 km in the last 2 days. Sometimes you've just got to keep moving. Should be heading out to do something tomorrow as well, not sure what yet, I will see what the weather brings but I may even give myself a bit of a sleep in.

07/06/15- Long Walk #2 with Mum

So the long weekend continues. Walking with Mum to Glenelg. Stop at Cibo for our long black with steamed milk and 1/2 a tuna sandwich each. Good time made, nothing speedy. There was a seal in the ocean lolling around in the waves which was lovely to see. Weather still great. Been a lovely long weekend so far.

06/06/15 Long walk with Mum

Great morning for a walk. It was 6 degrees C, so three layers required. Lovely photo op on the bridge.
Walked to Henley and met Mum. We walked on to Grange and then back to Henley where I walked towards home, but not before taking a detour up the river. No great pace but good distance. Good way to start the long weekend after a lovely dinner at Sosta in town last night for my brother's 40th. Tonight is pizza for dinner at a friend's house.

04/06/15 Late Evening Treddy

Thursdays is always a slightly later finish for me making it a late arrival home after the gym.
However, did 3 kms... incline wasn't working but just kept going as couldn't be bothered changing machines. Tomorrow night it is dinner out for my brother's 40th and then will walk Saturday and Sunday. Monday will more than likely be treddy and stairmaster in the afternoon. Might be a low mileage week this week, but still should crack the 30 km average :)

02/06/15 LOFTY followed by DRY NEEDLING

Chilly but sunny day here in the Rads. Lofty was the event for today with Sami and Ev. We ran part of the way up and ran some of the way down. With more practice, and an unaggravated hamstring I am sure I can run more. Running down was good and it was nice because I ran between the girls (one in front and one behind) so keeping up was not a problem and considering their average time on the road is about 5:10/km on the trail there were points where we were running at 6:00-6:45/km pace.  I am just baffled at how my asthma has literally disappeared. Was just a fabulous afternoon and it was my fastest ever up and down by I reckon at least 8-10 minutes. Glutes absolutely caned so there was a few stops on the way up but I was so happy with a 56 minutes up time.
We ate at a local cafe for lunch (entertainment book) which was nice and I got to treat myself to a burger.
Got dry needled again this afternoon and am quite sore. 8 cm needles lodged in my flutes, hamstrings and thighs and wiggled around until they twitch and release. It certainly showed in my glutes this week with them not reacting so much to the needles. The right hamstring however went nuts and my quad well, it could barely be touched before needling. Both muscles like rocks. Another session next week and then I will have a rest to see how it goes.

02/06/15 WEIGH IN

Sans photo today- got on the scales, saw the number, got distracted, made my green juice and here we are.

71.4kg

So that is a loss of 700 grams since 20 May. It also finally marks the 5kg loss target!

It's taken 8 weeks, since April 8th, of watching foods, tracking foods (and locating foods to give the best nutritional value for their calorific weight), and absolutely slogging it out exercise wise. 

On the note of how much exercise, I am sure there is a fair bit of muscle being built there as well. Please also take into consideration that I spent 18 weeks training for a half marathon which was in March and my goal was to stay #racefit. Being semi-injured, the way to do that has been walking long distances and using the treddy uphill etc.

Sometimes I exercise just to get more food, and you really have to be prepared to build that in to your day in some form and plan ahead. It's the same with food, look ahead at your week and identify days that are going to be a challenge in some way, either you can't exercise due to work/commitments or you are going to be going out for a meal. It's a good way also to be able to plan out your meals for the week as well, which in essence can reduce your shopping bill.

It's not easy and something my friend Sam always says is "You gotta live". So you can't beat yourself up about it.

It's been a very interesting experiment so far that I am going to continue. The goal is under 70kgs, which has been somewhere I have been trying to get for a long while. 

01/06/15 STAIRMASTER

So just a short session tonight as tomorrow it is Lofty with Sam. So nothing special but 15 mins is better than no minutes. Getting dry needled tomorrow again so not sure if I will be able to do anything Wed or Thurs but going to put something on the schedule and hope that it's not too bad tomorrow haha!!!
I find the stairmaster incessantly boring, even watching the tele- means to an end.
#dasherlife
#stadiumstomp