3k's @ 5:00 mins/km
At the rate I’m going, people will begin to think I’m a hypochondriac :( The latest debacle has been a few weeks in the making. For the last fortnight and in particular, the last few days, I’ve been intermittently experincing a fluttering(for want of a better word) feeling in my chest. Imagine that light headed feeling you get when you are feeling faint or when you are very drunk and transfer it to the chest region only and you get an idea of the weird sensations I’ve been feeling. I’ve slapped the HR monitor on a few times when I’ve been experiencing this and the HR has been normal. I can only speculate that the virus that I battled for 17 days before shaking off, is still lingering.
This morning, for the first time since joining the Pat Carroll Running Group, I slept through both my alarm and Langy’s textie informing me he couldn’t make it and wouldn’t need a lift(phew!). I woke up too late to dash to the session and decided instead to deposit another 2hrs into the sleep bank.
Went to Fitness First on my way to work for a tready session and was experiencing the fluttering chest sensations in the leadup. I had a bad feeling about how the session was going to unfold and so it proved. I managed 2k’s warm up before it became apparent that my breathing was laboured. After a five minute walking recovery, I tried another k before getting cold feet and pulling the plug on the session. Prolonged and intensive running really isn’t a good idea the way my chest feels. Right now, I’m sitting at my desk at work, feeling pretty ordinary and worrying about these chest sensations – If I don’t come good in the next few hours, will head home to bed. If I can’t shake it very soon, a visit to the GP or Sports Doc and some tests will be in order.
Km's this week - 3
Km's this month - 69
Km's this year - 69
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Countdown to Gold Coast Marathon 2006!!!!
As you all know, my primary objective this year is to beat shin splints, but nevertheless, I will continue to set other goals in the meantime, starting with a sub 3 Hr effort at the Gold Coast Marathon for the first half of the year! This Marathon will be a stepping stone to my attempt for Sub 2:45 and a national ranking at the Gold Coast in 2007. However due to the shin splints battle and my committment to easing back into speedwork, I won't be able to do kind of preparation that I would undertake when fully fit so will have to work around that. Pending discussions with Coach Pat, I expect the key aspects of my preparation will be:
* Carefully build up my weekly mileage from 24k's this week till about 45-50 by the end of February and then continue to increase it cautiously in March to 65-70k's a week by the end of the month, including a 2hr Sunday long run. 90% of my running will continue to be done on the treadmill till April.
* Commence a 17 week program from Monday 6th March.
* It is unlikely I'll be able to do Pat's preferred Brisbane Half and Doomben 10,000 lead up races as the Brisbane Half in particular will be too early for me so I might have to settle for the half marathon during the Warwick Pentathlon or the SMH Half Marathon followed by a 10k at Brisbane Road Runners four weeks out from GC.
* Continue my core strengthening and stability work over the next two months before raising the bar in April to hire a specialist PT of the highest standard and/or act on Bruno's suggestion of doing one on one sessions with Pilates practioner and former ballerina, Nicole Popov at the Gabba Sports Medicine Clinic(ok boys, you can laugh now, but I'm deadly serious!). Some of the best Marathoners in the Group such as Phil K, Jess K, Daniel T, Peter H, Glenda and Tesso are all rock solid and/or carry zilch excess fat and you don't need a rocket science to tell you those kind of bodies increase your strength and endurance for a Marathon.
* Maintain a rigorous but healthy eating regime from April on. Alochol intake will be scaled back from April and all but eliminated in June.
* Speedwork pace will gradually be increased to 3:50 mins/km, but will not exceed that speed till May. From the first Tuesday in May I will use the last nine weeks before the Marathon to increase my speedwork to 3:30 mins/km, but no faster(naturally, I'll throw in hideously short recoveries!!). This is the riskiest part of my preparation because I will be running the Marathon only 45 seconds per k faster than the top speed I will reach in speedwork, but if Glenda can do it, then so can I! I will be speaking to Pat about adding a tempo run or rolling hills run to my program to offset my reduced intensity at speedwork. And of course, I could always do longer runs or an extra twice a day run :) I don't care if my shins don't give me any grief between now and June, I've broken down on no less than three occasions whilst busting a gut running sub 3:20 pace and I want to be absolutely sure that I'm over the shin splints and have completely eliminated my overstriding problem before running that fast again.
BRING IT ON!!!!
* Carefully build up my weekly mileage from 24k's this week till about 45-50 by the end of February and then continue to increase it cautiously in March to 65-70k's a week by the end of the month, including a 2hr Sunday long run. 90% of my running will continue to be done on the treadmill till April.
* Commence a 17 week program from Monday 6th March.
* It is unlikely I'll be able to do Pat's preferred Brisbane Half and Doomben 10,000 lead up races as the Brisbane Half in particular will be too early for me so I might have to settle for the half marathon during the Warwick Pentathlon or the SMH Half Marathon followed by a 10k at Brisbane Road Runners four weeks out from GC.
* Continue my core strengthening and stability work over the next two months before raising the bar in April to hire a specialist PT of the highest standard and/or act on Bruno's suggestion of doing one on one sessions with Pilates practioner and former ballerina, Nicole Popov at the Gabba Sports Medicine Clinic(ok boys, you can laugh now, but I'm deadly serious!). Some of the best Marathoners in the Group such as Phil K, Jess K, Daniel T, Peter H, Glenda and Tesso are all rock solid and/or carry zilch excess fat and you don't need a rocket science to tell you those kind of bodies increase your strength and endurance for a Marathon.
* Maintain a rigorous but healthy eating regime from April on. Alochol intake will be scaled back from April and all but eliminated in June.
* Speedwork pace will gradually be increased to 3:50 mins/km, but will not exceed that speed till May. From the first Tuesday in May I will use the last nine weeks before the Marathon to increase my speedwork to 3:30 mins/km, but no faster(naturally, I'll throw in hideously short recoveries!!). This is the riskiest part of my preparation because I will be running the Marathon only 45 seconds per k faster than the top speed I will reach in speedwork, but if Glenda can do it, then so can I! I will be speaking to Pat about adding a tempo run or rolling hills run to my program to offset my reduced intensity at speedwork. And of course, I could always do longer runs or an extra twice a day run :) I don't care if my shins don't give me any grief between now and June, I've broken down on no less than three occasions whilst busting a gut running sub 3:20 pace and I want to be absolutely sure that I'm over the shin splints and have completely eliminated my overstriding problem before running that fast again.
BRING IT ON!!!!
Sunday Long Run
4 x 10 mins, 2 min walking recoveries
Big day at work yesterday in the office from 8am till 1:30am. Came home and got 7.5 hours sleep before heading to the gym where I had another good session rolling along at 5:00 pace. Time really seemed to fly and before I knew it, it was time to stop running. I felt I could have comfortably continued for another 30 minutes but after missing 17 days of running, I'm coming back carefully. Shins felt good throughout and the upper body felt strong.
Km's this week - 24
Km's this month - 66
Km's this year - 66
Big day at work yesterday in the office from 8am till 1:30am. Came home and got 7.5 hours sleep before heading to the gym where I had another good session rolling along at 5:00 pace. Time really seemed to fly and before I knew it, it was time to stop running. I felt I could have comfortably continued for another 30 minutes but after missing 17 days of running, I'm coming back carefully. Shins felt good throughout and the upper body felt strong.
Km's this week - 24
Km's this month - 66
Km's this year - 66
Friday - Golf and recovery run
3 x 10 mins, 2 min walking recovery
Started the day with my first round of golf in nine months, at Redland Bay with a few of the boys from work. Shot 104 and came home 2 over par for the last four holes after I started hitting all my approach shots within five metres of the flag. I was pleased that my fundamentals were sound after such a long break, but my touch with the chipping around the greens was poor and cost me dearly. On several occasions during the round, particularly after a good shot, I briefly thought 'gees, how much better could I be if I practiced seriously?' before I shooshed those thoughts away. I'm a runner now!!!! No other sport is getting in my way again and I have the rest of my life to get a single figure handicap!!
Drove home via Fitness First and put in a conservative but excellent session on the tready. Feeling very positive.
Km's this week - 16
Km's this month - 58
Km's this year - 58
Started the day with my first round of golf in nine months, at Redland Bay with a few of the boys from work. Shot 104 and came home 2 over par for the last four holes after I started hitting all my approach shots within five metres of the flag. I was pleased that my fundamentals were sound after such a long break, but my touch with the chipping around the greens was poor and cost me dearly. On several occasions during the round, particularly after a good shot, I briefly thought 'gees, how much better could I be if I practiced seriously?' before I shooshed those thoughts away. I'm a runner now!!!! No other sport is getting in my way again and I have the rest of my life to get a single figure handicap!!
Drove home via Fitness First and put in a conservative but excellent session on the tready. Feeling very positive.
Km's this week - 16
Km's this month - 58
Km's this year - 58
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Thursday - Two in a row
3 x 10 mins, 2 min walking recovery
Covered the Brisbane Australia Day Fun Run for R4YL this morning - only a handful of Pat Carrollers contested it and on a twisty, crowded and technical course with the race being run at 8am in warm conditions, it wasn't hard to see why.
Dropped into Fitness First on the way home for an easy run on the tready - shins were ok and comeback # 9 is in full swing.
Km's this week - 6
Km's this month - 10
Km's this year - 52
Covered the Brisbane Australia Day Fun Run for R4YL this morning - only a handful of Pat Carrollers contested it and on a twisty, crowded and technical course with the race being run at 8am in warm conditions, it wasn't hard to see why.
Dropped into Fitness First on the way home for an easy run on the tready - shins were ok and comeback # 9 is in full swing.
Km's this week - 6
Km's this month - 10
Km's this year - 52
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Visit to physio, Shane Lemcke
At the suggestion of Bruno, I visited physio Shane Lemcke at the Gabba Sports Medicine Clinic this AM. Bruno can see that I'm doing everything right and am diligent at doing the one percenters and he is convinced there is something else wrong with my shins that hasn't been picked up yet and he had a few ideas that he passed onto Shane prior to my visit.
Ran into fellow Pat Carroller, Karen M at the start of my appt and it was nice to say G'day to her. After explaining my long history of shin probs to Shane he got me to do some walk and jog throughs before he had a good feel of my shins and feet. Peter Stanton even left the Lions player he was working on at the same time to come over and have a look :) Shane thinks that my problems could relate to the lack of stability in my feet at toe off. Whilst I wear a small piece of felt under the inner soles of all my running shoes to correct mild pronation at impact, this doesn't stabilise the toe off. Shane thinks that this lack of stability is overloading the muscle that runs inside the tibia and the resultant stress to the shins is the cause of my problems(if I understand the diagnosis correctly) Shane will call my pod Ashley Mahoney and work with him to design an orthotic for me. All going well, I will have the orthotics shortly and hopefully that will be key that unlocks the enigma aka Matty's shins!
Fingers crossed!
Ran into fellow Pat Carroller, Karen M at the start of my appt and it was nice to say G'day to her. After explaining my long history of shin probs to Shane he got me to do some walk and jog throughs before he had a good feel of my shins and feet. Peter Stanton even left the Lions player he was working on at the same time to come over and have a look :) Shane thinks that my problems could relate to the lack of stability in my feet at toe off. Whilst I wear a small piece of felt under the inner soles of all my running shoes to correct mild pronation at impact, this doesn't stabilise the toe off. Shane thinks that this lack of stability is overloading the muscle that runs inside the tibia and the resultant stress to the shins is the cause of my problems(if I understand the diagnosis correctly) Shane will call my pod Ashley Mahoney and work with him to design an orthotic for me. All going well, I will have the orthotics shortly and hopefully that will be key that unlocks the enigma aka Matty's shins!
Fingers crossed!
Tuesday - Comeback # 9
4 x 5mins, 2 min walking recovery
After 17 days off, I was back on the tready this morning taking it easy with four 5min efforts. There was a little bit of discomfort but not as bad as I thought could happen and hence Comeback #9 is underway!! Hit the weights afterward for an hour of core strengthening. Gees, its good to be back!!
Km's this week - 4
Km's this month - 46
Km's this year - 46
After 17 days off, I was back on the tready this morning taking it easy with four 5min efforts. There was a little bit of discomfort but not as bad as I thought could happen and hence Comeback #9 is underway!! Hit the weights afterward for an hour of core strengthening. Gees, its good to be back!!
Km's this week - 4
Km's this month - 46
Km's this year - 46
Monday, January 23, 2006
More Money Monday
As we typically take stock of where our lives are going around the New Year period, so did yours truly. This year, my thoughts focused primarily on my running goals and how I was going to achieve them. I made some sacrifices, such as letting go of my golf game even further. Prior to my running comeback, I had a burning desire to be a single figure handicapper and practiced incessantly. After the running bug bit me, I scaled back the golf to once or twice monthly social club games with occasional practice. After nine months of not touching a club, there was the temptation to get back into it, but I reminded myself of how I played far too many different sports in my twenties to be truly top level at any one of them. Running is #1 and I'm not letting anything get in the way this time around - so I'm at peace with letting my golf game go rusty!
On the contrary, I realised that my committment to personal finance and wealth creation had slipped over the past year as my committment to running increased. Previously, I was quite regular and perusing and analysing my personal finance and my investment portfolio - that hasn't been the case in the past year. In fact, my personal finance has become quite sloppy and I'm frequently forgetting to pay my mobile phone bill or electricity bill on time. This is not a good thing because even though I've never missed a home loan repayment, those failures to pay small bills could come back to haunt me. Australia is only one of three countries in the world to have a negative credit reporting system - when trying to obtain credit, lenders won't be able to see that John Citizen paid a home loan in full over 15 years without missing a payment - they'll only see that he was a week late paying his mobile bill on eight occasions last year!! Ridiculous, isn't it!!!
So, I've decided to committ myself to "More Money Monday". This involves spending no less than one hour each Monday attending to my personal finances and wealth creation. You know, well creation is a lot like running isn't it? You continually add money to your portfolio(training), spend time reviewing it and making sure it is healthy(eat vitamins) and then enjoy the satisfaction of an investment hitting paydirt(a race PB!) So, at least one hour on More Money Monday will know look like this for Matty:
- attend to personal finances - bills/bank a/c's etc
- review progress of share portfolio/read annual reports
- study other ASX companies with a view to future accumulation of their shares or play around with puts and options
- peruse opportunities in property - residential/commercial or industrial
- examine business opportunities
- meet with business partners or potential business partners
- if nothing else to do, then read BRW or Fin Review.
I was going to suggest that we start up a Runner's Investment Club, but do you really think a group of runners in one room could focus on the topic at hand?
On the contrary, I realised that my committment to personal finance and wealth creation had slipped over the past year as my committment to running increased. Previously, I was quite regular and perusing and analysing my personal finance and my investment portfolio - that hasn't been the case in the past year. In fact, my personal finance has become quite sloppy and I'm frequently forgetting to pay my mobile phone bill or electricity bill on time. This is not a good thing because even though I've never missed a home loan repayment, those failures to pay small bills could come back to haunt me. Australia is only one of three countries in the world to have a negative credit reporting system - when trying to obtain credit, lenders won't be able to see that John Citizen paid a home loan in full over 15 years without missing a payment - they'll only see that he was a week late paying his mobile bill on eight occasions last year!! Ridiculous, isn't it!!!
So, I've decided to committ myself to "More Money Monday". This involves spending no less than one hour each Monday attending to my personal finances and wealth creation. You know, well creation is a lot like running isn't it? You continually add money to your portfolio(training), spend time reviewing it and making sure it is healthy(eat vitamins) and then enjoy the satisfaction of an investment hitting paydirt(a race PB!) So, at least one hour on More Money Monday will know look like this for Matty:
- attend to personal finances - bills/bank a/c's etc
- review progress of share portfolio/read annual reports
- study other ASX companies with a view to future accumulation of their shares or play around with puts and options
- peruse opportunities in property - residential/commercial or industrial
- examine business opportunities
- meet with business partners or potential business partners
- if nothing else to do, then read BRW or Fin Review.
I was going to suggest that we start up a Runner's Investment Club, but do you really think a group of runners in one room could focus on the topic at hand?
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Fifteen days without a run
After fifteen days without a run, I'm close to my longest break since I made my comeback in January of 2004. The good news is that I'm almost completely rid of this low grade virus and I felt strong in the gym yesterday when doing core strengthening and stability. I am now targetting Tuesday for my comeback as the shins have felt much better in the last 24 hours as the virus dissipated.
Issue #4 of Run For Your Life has just come out and I was pleased to see that my writing turned out well. Of the 4500 words I contributed, only one paragraph was edited and the editor left out a word when submitting a replacement sentence in that paragraph - the first para of my PCRG article - ouch!! Still, all went well and Pat got a good cover shot. Not so great was me running on the edge of the front cover doing my worst impersonation of a goldfish but that's running - not all photos will be pretty!! Most of the Group managed to get their mugs into the action photos contained within and that was pretty satisfying - thanks to all those who contacted me about the PCRG article with their congrats and thank yous.
Had a good time last night with about 12 Pat Carrollers at the Ship Inn last night for drinks and dinner. This was the first of eight social events I'll be organising for the Group this year - hopefully with plenty of assistance from my team mates later on(hint hint hint). Hopefully, with more notice and word of mouth, we will grow these gatherings into "can't miss" events by the end of the year! Also of interest, everyone present learned last night that we do not get Jodie and Clairie started on the topic of 'killer sperm'!!!
Issue #4 of Run For Your Life has just come out and I was pleased to see that my writing turned out well. Of the 4500 words I contributed, only one paragraph was edited and the editor left out a word when submitting a replacement sentence in that paragraph - the first para of my PCRG article - ouch!! Still, all went well and Pat got a good cover shot. Not so great was me running on the edge of the front cover doing my worst impersonation of a goldfish but that's running - not all photos will be pretty!! Most of the Group managed to get their mugs into the action photos contained within and that was pretty satisfying - thanks to all those who contacted me about the PCRG article with their congrats and thank yous.
Had a good time last night with about 12 Pat Carrollers at the Ship Inn last night for drinks and dinner. This was the first of eight social events I'll be organising for the Group this year - hopefully with plenty of assistance from my team mates later on(hint hint hint). Hopefully, with more notice and word of mouth, we will grow these gatherings into "can't miss" events by the end of the year! Also of interest, everyone present learned last night that we do not get Jodie and Clairie started on the topic of 'killer sperm'!!!
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Feeling better...
I've taken a couple of days leave which has helped me to get over this persistent and clingy low grade virus. I'm now feeling a lot better after taking care of myself in the last few days. Thanks to Clairie for her cutting remarks about my committment to running that helped me pull the plug on four to five days of self destruction last week when I drank and played up too much. Hit the gym for an easy twenty minutes late this arvo and felt better for it.
Went out to UQ tonight with Langy for the Qld 5000m and 3000m champs with Peter Nowill and Claire Geraghty the victors. Its always inspiring watching a powerful, yet graceful runner like Nowill tear around the track. Comparing his gait to mine which has plenty of improvement left in it, gives me a lot of optimism for the future.
As an aside, just why do girls like shopping?? Today, I thought it was high time I used a Coles Myer gift voucher that I got for my birthday six months ago to buy a much needed pair of brown dress shoes. My last pair of brown shoes wore out about two years ago resulting in several snappy looking tan and bone slacks gathering mothballs in my cupboard with no brown shoes to be matched with. As I always do, when a dreaded shopping trip is required, I figured I would kill several birds with one stone and get some anti virus software and swimming pool salt as well - sound like a good plan? WRONG!!!
I ventured out to Westfield Chermside with a plan to get everything done in less than one hour, not a second more. Found some nice Hush Puppies at Myer but they didn't have brown shoes in my size, so I put in an order for some and will have to return to collect them at a later date - probably in six months, if I'm true to form. Westfield Chermside did not have any specialist computer stores selling Anti-Virus software, let alone the AVG brand that I wanted to purchase after an unhappy experience with Norton 2005. So, I'll have to order the stuff online - no way I'm hunting other computer stores for it!! And to cap it all off, K-Mart had run out of swimming pool salt....... grrrrr grrrrrr..... And girls actually enjoy this??
Went out to UQ tonight with Langy for the Qld 5000m and 3000m champs with Peter Nowill and Claire Geraghty the victors. Its always inspiring watching a powerful, yet graceful runner like Nowill tear around the track. Comparing his gait to mine which has plenty of improvement left in it, gives me a lot of optimism for the future.
As an aside, just why do girls like shopping?? Today, I thought it was high time I used a Coles Myer gift voucher that I got for my birthday six months ago to buy a much needed pair of brown dress shoes. My last pair of brown shoes wore out about two years ago resulting in several snappy looking tan and bone slacks gathering mothballs in my cupboard with no brown shoes to be matched with. As I always do, when a dreaded shopping trip is required, I figured I would kill several birds with one stone and get some anti virus software and swimming pool salt as well - sound like a good plan? WRONG!!!
I ventured out to Westfield Chermside with a plan to get everything done in less than one hour, not a second more. Found some nice Hush Puppies at Myer but they didn't have brown shoes in my size, so I put in an order for some and will have to return to collect them at a later date - probably in six months, if I'm true to form. Westfield Chermside did not have any specialist computer stores selling Anti-Virus software, let alone the AVG brand that I wanted to purchase after an unhappy experience with Norton 2005. So, I'll have to order the stuff online - no way I'm hunting other computer stores for it!! And to cap it all off, K-Mart had run out of swimming pool salt....... grrrrr grrrrrr..... And girls actually enjoy this??
Monday, January 16, 2006
Season in purgatory continues
I still have not shaken this low grade virus that whilst not restricting my work and social interaction, continues to leave my body unable to support my shins to the extent that I would like, hence I will not risk running again before Thursday. That would take my total to twelve days off running - purgatory indeed!!
So I took solace in a big night with the boys at the Bullets on Saturday night before backing up for another big one at the Gabba for the one dayer. In hindsight, using alcohol a weapon against the virus probably was not the most disciplined way combat it, but what the hell!!! I'm months away from my next serious race attempt so losing a day or two isn't the end of the world.
So I took solace in a big night with the boys at the Bullets on Saturday night before backing up for another big one at the Gabba for the one dayer. In hindsight, using alcohol a weapon against the virus probably was not the most disciplined way combat it, but what the hell!!! I'm months away from my next serious race attempt so losing a day or two isn't the end of the world.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Still no running!!
My rough start to the year continues. Whilst my shin soreness has just about gone away, I still haven't been able to shake this low grade virus that has plagued me for a week now and won't resuming running until I'm healthy again.
On the positive side the core strengthening program is going well with two solid sessions under my belt and morale when hitting the gym is high. I find that walking into the gym, starting my stopwatch and saying 'I've got 30 or 60 minutes to make the most of this time, then I'm leaving' works well for me.
As well as the core strengthening, i'm toying with the idea of consulting a naturopath. Among other things, it is claimed that taking vegetal silica is good for the shins, so what have I got to lose.....apart from more cash. Does anyone know a good naturopath?? (not dietician)
If you thought that the mental picture of Matty walking into a naturopath's clinic was a sign that things thing are getting desperate, then how about this:
I read in Tim Noakes Lore of Running that "there is some evidence that taking oral contraceptives reduces the occurrence of tibial stress fractures." Excitedly, i texted these findings to fellow shin spints sufferer, Jodie. Her classic response: "remember to start in the shaded section, buddy :)"
Yes, these are most certainly desperate times.....
On the positive side the core strengthening program is going well with two solid sessions under my belt and morale when hitting the gym is high. I find that walking into the gym, starting my stopwatch and saying 'I've got 30 or 60 minutes to make the most of this time, then I'm leaving' works well for me.
As well as the core strengthening, i'm toying with the idea of consulting a naturopath. Among other things, it is claimed that taking vegetal silica is good for the shins, so what have I got to lose.....apart from more cash. Does anyone know a good naturopath?? (not dietician)
If you thought that the mental picture of Matty walking into a naturopath's clinic was a sign that things thing are getting desperate, then how about this:
I read in Tim Noakes Lore of Running that "there is some evidence that taking oral contraceptives reduces the occurrence of tibial stress fractures." Excitedly, i texted these findings to fellow shin spints sufferer, Jodie. Her classic response: "remember to start in the shaded section, buddy :)"
Yes, these are most certainly desperate times.....
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Sunday - Another breakdown!
Unfortunately, my 100th blog entry will not be a memorable one, for here I am reporting on yet another breakdown, albeit a minor one. I have now broken down more times than my mate RooBoy's old Holden Commodore(aka 'the lemon').
After cutting Friday's run from 50 to 40 minutes, I experienced intermittent discomfort in the shins, (primarily the upper left shin on the outside, more muscular than on the bone) on Saturday and on Sunday morning. So I canned the Sunday Long Run.
I'm almost certain that the low grade virus I had late in the week is responsible and I was probably affected by it earlier in the week before I felt it. So, the lesson here is until I have completed resolved my shin splints problem, I will have to stop run the instant I feel a virus/flu coming on. Lets hope I don't get too paranoid about this!!
As always, when I break down, I take the time to review everything I've been doing and to consider new ideas and strategies to add to my running and training regime. This time, I've decided to double the time and effort I put into core strengthening and stability exercises. My upper body is stronger than that of the average runner, but my back, torso and hips are only of average strength. I'm hoping that if my body is rock hard strong instead of merely strong, then it will be able to take the load of the shins a little. Phil K in particular swears that his strict gym regime and all round body strength is the reason behind his low injury rate.
Starting this week, my goal is to devote a minimum of two hours a week to core strengthening and stability exercises.
On a positive note, had a great start to the day when Tesso, Chelle, Robbie, Ciaran and Tara, Liz and Glenno and others went for a run along the Kedron Brook with MJ for her last run prior to leaving for basic Army Reserves training at Kapooka, near Wagga Wagga. I cycled amongst the group and then it was back to MJ's place for a huge breakfast on the deck.
After cutting Friday's run from 50 to 40 minutes, I experienced intermittent discomfort in the shins, (primarily the upper left shin on the outside, more muscular than on the bone) on Saturday and on Sunday morning. So I canned the Sunday Long Run.
I'm almost certain that the low grade virus I had late in the week is responsible and I was probably affected by it earlier in the week before I felt it. So, the lesson here is until I have completed resolved my shin splints problem, I will have to stop run the instant I feel a virus/flu coming on. Lets hope I don't get too paranoid about this!!
As always, when I break down, I take the time to review everything I've been doing and to consider new ideas and strategies to add to my running and training regime. This time, I've decided to double the time and effort I put into core strengthening and stability exercises. My upper body is stronger than that of the average runner, but my back, torso and hips are only of average strength. I'm hoping that if my body is rock hard strong instead of merely strong, then it will be able to take the load of the shins a little. Phil K in particular swears that his strict gym regime and all round body strength is the reason behind his low injury rate.
Starting this week, my goal is to devote a minimum of two hours a week to core strengthening and stability exercises.
On a positive note, had a great start to the day when Tesso, Chelle, Robbie, Ciaran and Tara, Liz and Glenno and others went for a run along the Kedron Brook with MJ for her last run prior to leaving for basic Army Reserves training at Kapooka, near Wagga Wagga. I cycled amongst the group and then it was back to MJ's place for a huge breakfast on the deck.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Friday - Story Bridge Adventure Climb
40 mins 8k's @ 5:00mins/km - DID NOT FINISH
Up bright and early on Friday morning to take MJ on the Story Bridge Adventure Climb for her birthday. 'Say what?' I hear some of you ask. 'Take a girl bridge climbing for her birthday!!??' . You better believe that's exactly what I did. Jewellry, clothes, perfume - BORING!!!! I and my brothers all prefer to offer a memorable experience for a present. Adam recently got his girlfriend a parasailing experience on the Gold Coast for Xmas - a great idea which I've filed away in my memory bank!!
Anyway, the day dawned gloomily with overcast conditions and light rain greeting us upon awakening. Fortunately, the sun and the accompanying humidity intruded upon the Melbourne like weather before our climb at 6:30am. Having climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 2000 during the Sydney Olympics I was quite familiar with the pre climb routine of putting on coveralls and other equipment. I safely passed the breath test which brought backnostalgic memories of the Harbour Bridge Climb. When my brother Adam and I along with my mate Lacho were down in Sydney for the Olympics, my other brother Benno joined us for a 36 hour hit and run trip during which he planned to see as many events as possible and join Adam and I in a brothers climb of the Harbour Bridge. Unfortunately, after a hard day in the office, followed by a few relaxing ales on the plane to Sydney, Benno made the mistake of continuing to party on very hard with the rest of us at the Bondi Hotel till 2am. That took its toll and when fronting up for our climb at 11am the next morning, Benno managed to blow .1 and was barred from joining Adam and I on the climb and forfeited the $120 fee!! Needless to say, Benno wasn't too happy at the time, but its a story that we all laugh at now and one that has grown legs over the years. Lacho in particular enjoys embellishing this story.
But back to the present - the climb commenced with a walk along a temporary undercarriage bolted under the bridge. For nervous climbers, this can be hairy with semi trailers passing overhead shaking the structure. Its also hairy if you look down through the metal grill of the walkway. Reaching the famous steel span of the bridge, a steep stairway on the east side took MJ, I and the rest of our group halfway up where we paused for several minutes to take in the view before continuing to the top. The spectacle at the top was predicably breath taking affording great views of the Brisbane River, the city skyline, Kangaroo Pt, the mountains out west and the feature characteristics found to the east and north. Moving on to the middle of the bridge, we crossed over to the city side and made our way back to the top again before finally descending. MJ and I had a great two hours enjoying this birds eye view of our home city and we encourage everyone to undertake the experience also - preferably as a couple, because if you do, MJ or I get a free climb with you as part of a special deal being offered!!
My Friday Recovery Run was not so enjoyable. 30 minutes into the run, there was a little discomfort in the left shin and at 40 mins I pulled the plug on the run before reaching 50 minutes. I have a very low grade virus which has given me a minor sore throat and I suspect that this has weakened my body just enough to bring on a minor recurrence of the shin splints. Other than the shins, I am not adversely affected by this low grade virus and should be ok soon, I hope.
Up bright and early on Friday morning to take MJ on the Story Bridge Adventure Climb for her birthday. 'Say what?' I hear some of you ask. 'Take a girl bridge climbing for her birthday!!??' . You better believe that's exactly what I did. Jewellry, clothes, perfume - BORING!!!! I and my brothers all prefer to offer a memorable experience for a present. Adam recently got his girlfriend a parasailing experience on the Gold Coast for Xmas - a great idea which I've filed away in my memory bank!!
Anyway, the day dawned gloomily with overcast conditions and light rain greeting us upon awakening. Fortunately, the sun and the accompanying humidity intruded upon the Melbourne like weather before our climb at 6:30am. Having climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 2000 during the Sydney Olympics I was quite familiar with the pre climb routine of putting on coveralls and other equipment. I safely passed the breath test which brought backnostalgic memories of the Harbour Bridge Climb. When my brother Adam and I along with my mate Lacho were down in Sydney for the Olympics, my other brother Benno joined us for a 36 hour hit and run trip during which he planned to see as many events as possible and join Adam and I in a brothers climb of the Harbour Bridge. Unfortunately, after a hard day in the office, followed by a few relaxing ales on the plane to Sydney, Benno made the mistake of continuing to party on very hard with the rest of us at the Bondi Hotel till 2am. That took its toll and when fronting up for our climb at 11am the next morning, Benno managed to blow .1 and was barred from joining Adam and I on the climb and forfeited the $120 fee!! Needless to say, Benno wasn't too happy at the time, but its a story that we all laugh at now and one that has grown legs over the years. Lacho in particular enjoys embellishing this story.
But back to the present - the climb commenced with a walk along a temporary undercarriage bolted under the bridge. For nervous climbers, this can be hairy with semi trailers passing overhead shaking the structure. Its also hairy if you look down through the metal grill of the walkway. Reaching the famous steel span of the bridge, a steep stairway on the east side took MJ, I and the rest of our group halfway up where we paused for several minutes to take in the view before continuing to the top. The spectacle at the top was predicably breath taking affording great views of the Brisbane River, the city skyline, Kangaroo Pt, the mountains out west and the feature characteristics found to the east and north. Moving on to the middle of the bridge, we crossed over to the city side and made our way back to the top again before finally descending. MJ and I had a great two hours enjoying this birds eye view of our home city and we encourage everyone to undertake the experience also - preferably as a couple, because if you do, MJ or I get a free climb with you as part of a special deal being offered!!
My Friday Recovery Run was not so enjoyable. 30 minutes into the run, there was a little discomfort in the left shin and at 40 mins I pulled the plug on the run before reaching 50 minutes. I have a very low grade virus which has given me a minor sore throat and I suspect that this has weakened my body just enough to bring on a minor recurrence of the shin splints. Other than the shins, I am not adversely affected by this low grade virus and should be ok soon, I hope.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Lethargy prevails
5 x 1k @ 4:30mins/km, 3k WU & WD
I was a little lethargic today courtesy of a very minor sore throat. I must point out that I mean a sore throat of a viral kind, not the sore throat that follows an evening of yelling at basketball referees! Anyway, I got through the speedwork this AM ok, with a little discomfort on the outside of the left shin which was not unexpected. Experience and I now have plenty of it has taught me that I am more likely to experience shin discomfort when running through a flu or similar virus.
I was a little lethargic today courtesy of a very minor sore throat. I must point out that I mean a sore throat of a viral kind, not the sore throat that follows an evening of yelling at basketball referees! Anyway, I got through the speedwork this AM ok, with a little discomfort on the outside of the left shin which was not unexpected. Experience and I now have plenty of it has taught me that I am more likely to experience shin discomfort when running through a flu or similar virus.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Don't you love it when....
Don't you love it when the mighty Brisbane Bullets beat the much hated Sydney Kings!!!! You bewdy!!! Drove out to the game tonight, pausing to hand some sports drink out the window to MJ who was running down Rode Rd as I drove past. With brother Benno and his girlfriend Elly soon to head back overseas I took the opportunity to invite them. And what a game they saw with the league leading Kings taking on the inconsistent but desperate Bullets outfit. In a high quality shootout, the Bullets got home 121-108 urged on by a passionate and vocal crowd that included an excitable Robbie L throwing fist pumps from his seat not far from me. I was a little more restrained but my mouth got me in trouble in the high stakes 4th quarter when I dropped the magic word when having one of my regular go's at the ref - "What the f... was that!!" Some security meathead saw fit to ask me out the back "for a little chat." Not to worry, the Bullets General Manager who stands right next to my seats when watching games was quick to intervene saying "leave him alone - he's alright". As the saying goes.. "You gotta have friends!" That ended yet another eventful day in the life of Matty!!
And if you're reading this Mum, sorry about the swearing - I'll try harder next time :)
And if you're reading this Mum, sorry about the swearing - I'll try harder next time :)
Don't you hate it when.....
Don't you hate it when you drop an innocent one liner and it comes back to haunt you? Yesterday, Vix at work was discussing blackouts with me when i said "Aaaah, I never get blackouts where I live....." And you guessed it! Last night a violent thunderstorm kept me awake at midnight as I got up to check the house and then when the air con stopped at 4am, I knew I'd been hit by a blackout!!! A bit of an uncomfortable night to say the least.
Tuesday - Increasing Speedwork Mileage
3 x 2k @ 9:00 mins rep, 2k WU, 3k WD
A solid session on the tready! To compensate for my current slow speed at 'speedwork', I'll be increasing mileage at each speedwork session in January from 10k's to 11k's, possibly working my way up to 14k's in April. We'll see how we go.
A solid session on the tready! To compensate for my current slow speed at 'speedwork', I'll be increasing mileage at each speedwork session in January from 10k's to 11k's, possibly working my way up to 14k's in April. We'll see how we go.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
New Years Day long run
60 mins, 12k's @ 5:00 min/km
Matty was a good boy last night and refrained from seeing in the New Year with a wild, boozey night! Instead, it was a coupla quiet beers and a DVD with MJ. As much as I love partying, there will certainly be less of it for the next ten years whilst I make the most of my window of opportunity to get the most out of my running potential. Once that's done, I can spend the rest of my life partying!!
Anyway, today's run was another nice hitout, the longest on the treadmill and the longest in two months. All going well, I'll be up to two hour Sunday long runs by the end of February. Bring it on.
I'm still reflecting on my how I feel about the year 2005 and on my goals for 2006 and will reveal more in the next few days.
Happy New Year to all!!!!
Matty
Matty was a good boy last night and refrained from seeing in the New Year with a wild, boozey night! Instead, it was a coupla quiet beers and a DVD with MJ. As much as I love partying, there will certainly be less of it for the next ten years whilst I make the most of my window of opportunity to get the most out of my running potential. Once that's done, I can spend the rest of my life partying!!
Anyway, today's run was another nice hitout, the longest on the treadmill and the longest in two months. All going well, I'll be up to two hour Sunday long runs by the end of February. Bring it on.
I'm still reflecting on my how I feel about the year 2005 and on my goals for 2006 and will reveal more in the next few days.
Happy New Year to all!!!!
Matty
36 Hour Tin Can Bay getaway
Thursday - 5 x 1k @ 4:30mins/km - 2k WU, 3k WD
Friday - 45 mins @ 5:00mins/km
MJ and I managed to get away to Tin Can Bay for 36 hours of living at a slower pace. Naturally, the getaway had to be sandwiched between a Thursday AM run and a Friday evening run - both of which were solid hitouts. The drive to Tin Can Bay was interupted by a diversion to Rainbow Beach where we enjoyed a brief hike in the Great Sandy National Park rainforest followed by a swim at Poona Lake. We then had a drink at the Rainbow Beach SLSC so I could watch the rest of the cricket ;-) before finally heading to Tin Can Bay.
Our host, Kellie and two other of MJ's mates were unsuccessfully attempting to fish when we arrived. For mine, I think fishing is one of the most boring activities alive so I was content to sip a beer and take in the sunset and the cooling late afternoon breezes over the bay. An enjoyable night of games, takeaway food and a few drinks followed.
The next day we managed to squeeze in a tourist drive, surf skiing, swimming and cycling before heading back to civilisation late in the arvo. 36 hours is about as long as I can take it easy these days. I won't be achieving too many goals in 2006 by taking long holidays!!
Friday - 45 mins @ 5:00mins/km
MJ and I managed to get away to Tin Can Bay for 36 hours of living at a slower pace. Naturally, the getaway had to be sandwiched between a Thursday AM run and a Friday evening run - both of which were solid hitouts. The drive to Tin Can Bay was interupted by a diversion to Rainbow Beach where we enjoyed a brief hike in the Great Sandy National Park rainforest followed by a swim at Poona Lake. We then had a drink at the Rainbow Beach SLSC so I could watch the rest of the cricket ;-) before finally heading to Tin Can Bay.
Our host, Kellie and two other of MJ's mates were unsuccessfully attempting to fish when we arrived. For mine, I think fishing is one of the most boring activities alive so I was content to sip a beer and take in the sunset and the cooling late afternoon breezes over the bay. An enjoyable night of games, takeaway food and a few drinks followed.
The next day we managed to squeeze in a tourist drive, surf skiing, swimming and cycling before heading back to civilisation late in the arvo. 36 hours is about as long as I can take it easy these days. I won't be achieving too many goals in 2006 by taking long holidays!!
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