10km Queensland Road Champs

I decided to enter the Queensland Open 10km Road Champs.  Even though I had not been out training I still figured I an walk 10km and at worst would look at it as a training walk.

Kay picked me up at 5am and we headed off towards Brisbane.  I was so glad she offered to give me a lift as I had NO IDEA of where to go.  We stopped off at Movie world to pick up Kay's brother Paul and then we were off.  It was good to catch up with the walkers again and to met some new faces.

The course was interesting.....it was up and down both sides of a wee hill.  I said to Kay that on the last couple of laps it was going to feel like a mountain.....and it did.  We all lined up for the start and then we were off.  I let the young ones take off like jack rabbits and happily settled in behind them.  By the 3rd lap one girl in front of me had pulled out - she had hurt her back.  I had no idea what position I was in the race and it was not my intention to win anything as I knew it was an open club walk and the guns would be out.

By about 8km my butt was really starting to hurt.  Not hurt as in injured ... hurt as in...muscle being used.  I tried to pick up the pace a little as I could see that I was going to be under 59mins.   Coming up the rise for the last time I dug in and tried to push up the wee rise and then sprint for the finish line.

58:58  ...  wow that was cutting it fine but I got under 59mins ... just!!!!

And the surprise of the day.  I got second!

10km Queensland Road Champs

3km fartlek

I have not been able to train for the last week due to a nasty ear infection.  It has blocked off my left ear completely leaving me totally deaf and uncoordinated.  I am back to the dr tomorrow to get it looked at again.  I decided that I would try to do a short walk around the track.  Seeing as I veer to the left when I am walking I figured that track work is probably best.

I was also meeting up with Robyn to sort out transport and details for the 10km race this Sunday in Brisbane.

I started out and first thing I found was I couldnt breath.  I was blocked up and was unable to breath through my nose.  The first km was pretty tough and I was pushing as hard as I felt I could.  My nose was running and I was coughing and spluttering like mad.  The only really good part of my walk was NO pain anywhere!!!  no hip pain, no shin pain and no IT band pain.  Its taken 2 months to settle all my aches and pains ... so for that news I was pretty pleased.

It was not my fastest walk but it was also not my slowest.  With a 10km race on Sunday I didnt want to bust my guts today and I hope that my hearing / ear comes right by Sunday.

1st km = 5:33

2nd km = 2.58 + 2.41

3rd km = 2.54 + 2.40

total time = 16.48 avg heat rate = 162

lots of room for improvement but I have to start from somewhere.

3km fartlek

9km walkway

Well one whole week with ZERO racewalking....no excuses really, busy with work, raining, lack of motivation bla bla bla but now that I am unemployed I figured that I best start back into it as I now have my days to train and try to claw some fitness back.

I just decided to head to the walkway and do 8km...not the 8km that was on my program (4 x 2km)  but I figured that at least if I do the distance its a start.  But when the 8km clicked over I was over a km from home so I just kept going til 9km.

I have had a horrid blocked ear for the last week and it played up badly this weekend (traveling up the mountain didnt really help much)  It kind puts me off my balance a little so walking was a struggle today.  I tried to keep an even pace and think I managed that ok.  My glutes started hurting at 6km so was pleased to stop at 9km.  While out walking I passed a man who was power walking and he nodded and smiled...but when I passed him a second time he waved and signaled for me to stop my watch and chat.  Turns out he is an organizer of the masters walkers here and was very keen to have me come along.  He was also in Sacramento and is heading to Brazil next.  His name was Patrick, and he has invited me to come along to the 5km races on Sundays (first sunday of each month)  So I will try to find those and go :)

Time for today was 55.20 - avg pace = 6:09 with avg hr = 147

Now I just need to find my motivation and passion again.  But for now, I think it more important to put my husband first and spend some much needed quality time with him when I can....rather than out pounding pavements on my own all the time.

9km walkway 

10km walkway

SATURDAY
10km was up for today.  I woke up and I felt shattered so decided to just enjoy the walk.  While out on my walk I realised that this has been my longest break and that my pushing myself to do training walks in times that I was last doing was only going to end in tears and injury.  Plus my coach has been trying to tell me to slow it down on longer walks to get the benefit of the endurance.

So starting with todays walk.........unless told other wise by my coach......I will stick to 80% effort while out on 10km + walks.

I took water with me this time and managed much better.  Plus it was 9am which also helped.  The walk way was super busy and it became very apparent to me that it was also a fashion parade.....FULL make up and matching outfits was the required attire!  lol

My glutes started to hurt at 8km and it was an effort to continue on for the last two kms.  They hurt in a good way ...not an injury way.  So shows that I am trying to use them.

10km time was 1:02:03 avg heart rate 149  (much better!)

10km walkway

3km fartlek - walkway

I decided it was easier to use the measured walkway near home for this workout.  Rather than drive to the track and pay $$ to use the track for such a short workout.

The track was pretty busy so I had to weave in and out of people but it didnt really hinder me too much.  There is a very slight rise along part of the walk way but I doubt it would cost me too much in seconds per km so if I keep using this walk way I can gauge if I am improving.

I was still feeling pretty tired, I am adjusting to working full time and also to the humidity here.  The first km I actually felt pretty good.  I was going as fast as I could.  I then slowed for my easy 500m but I did struggle to pick up for the next fast 500m.  I focused on using my glutes and pushing off from my toes.  The last 500m I pushed as hard as I could.

1km = 5:30:8
3:01:4 + 2:50:3 = 5:51:7
3:01:4 + 2:46:2 = 5:47:6
total time 17:10


3km fartlek - walkway

3 x 2km track

I had a gym work out last night and so woke up today feeling pretty stiff and sore.  I didn't do any legs as I knew I had a track walk tonight.

Tonight I had 3 x 2km (with 2 min rest) and I was so not feeling like doing it.  I am still adjusting to working full time and its getting pretty intense at work now.  So I was mentally tired and physically my body was pretty sore.

Again there were no walkers at the track.....not sure when they others actually go?  I started out and after two laps I knew it was going to be a tough walk.  I felt like I was walking with a brick dragging behind me.  By the time I had completed the 2nd 2km laps I was feeling really shattered and I had to really pep myself up to keep going.

I was pleased to finish this one.  I wasn't puffing but my legs just felt dead!  Avg heart rate 155

5:41:.5 + 5:45:6 = 11:27:1
5:44:1 + 5:49:0 = 11:33:1
5:46:2 + 5:48:2 = 11:24:4

3 x 2km track

10km out and back

Ok.....time to start back with training.  I had done a 5km walk last night at the Gym on the treadmill.  Mainly due to pulling something in my stomach while dragging my 30kg suitcase out of my car....so I decided to play it safe and walk on the treadmill.  Then after I did a gentle weights work out.

Today it was a 10km walk.  I started out from home and Shane joined me on the bike.  I knew it wouldnt be a fast walk and I really just wanted to check out the track that I will be using most days.  Plus to check out how far I can go.

First discovery.......while on the measured 2km path..there are water stops every 200m but once off the path..there are NONE!!!  mental note - carry water.  When we left the path way at 2.5km I found myself walking along the edge of a one way street that just went for miles.  Turns out its part of the Gold Coast Marathon course.  I got 3km out of it and it was still going dead straight ahead.  It had a few rises along the way but nothing major.  I turned at 5km and headed back.  By 6km I could feel I was starting to get into trouble as I had not drunk from any of the drink stations and I was very very dry!  I was slowing down and starting to struggle.  As I got closer to the park I sent Shane ahead to spot the first water fountain.  After that I started to come right but I only had 2km to go.

The good news was....NO pain!  yay

Time was 1:01:05 with an avg pace of 6:06 avg heart rate 154

10km out and back 

5km fartlek grifth track

We found the Griffith University track yesterday and I stopped in to do 8km on it.  Not a bad walk and I had no major pains.  Time was

Tonight I went back and did a 5km fartlek.  After the 8km last night I was feeling a tad weary but got out on the track and got to it.

First km went ok and I was pleased enough to do it in 5.24 but after that I slowed down quite a bit.  My slow 500's were bad!!!  over 3 mins...sigh but I did try hard to pick it up for my fast 500's

Total time was 28:49

Next part of my adventure is to start driving!!!!  so far shane has been wonderful and has been driving me around but it wont be long now till he is working too and I will have to fend for myself.

5km fartlek grifth track 

5km Australian Masters

I got up early to get ready for my first Australian race.  I have joined up with Australian Masters and was able to race for a medal today.  I also wanted to get there early to met up with the walkers and start to make friends.

I quickly spotted Robyn and made my way over to her and she happily introduced me to other walkers.  It will take me a while to remember everyones names but Dave was very keen that I put my hand up and actively get involved with the admin side of the club and I said I would once I was settled.

Today we had Dane and Rachel Tallent along with 5 others of the AIS as they were up this way on a training camp (I think)  it was going to be awesome to be racing along side these speedy young ones.

Race started and I just went as fast as I could with out totally gasping for air.  First km was done in 5:41 (ignore the km splits on my watch as I didnt take it off auto lap...doh)  It was a 500m out and back course in the shape of a L with 3 speed humps along the way.

The race was judged and I was told after I had a lovely fluid style.

I managed to pick up for a sprint finish as I really wanted a sub 29 min for my first step out.

total time was 28:46 ....... not my fastest but with all considering......lack of fitness and the weight gain...its not bad.

Photo of 1st and 2nd Masters 40 - 44 womens

5km Australian Masters 

8km Emerald Lake

I woke up today and my body told me I had racewalked yesterday.  My butt was sore and my back was hurting.....not in a bad way....just in away that showed me muscles had been used.

Today we started out at the entrance way so I could try to get a straight 4km out and then turn back.

Again at the same point on the walk way, my pace dropped off to 6:30min/km pace and I felt like I was walking in thick mud.  I did wonder if it had a small up hill gradient...but it seems not.  Its just me!  I kept to the same pace as the day before and hit the 6km mark at about 2 seconds slower.

I felt like a slug again .. but I decided it was better not to push it today as it was just training.  Although my heart rate says other wise..I didnt push it at all.

total time for 8km was 48.53 ..... avg heart rate 164 but max got up to 182!!! OMG!



8km Emerald Lake

6km emerald lake

Got up early this morning and headed down to Emerald Lakes.  Its a nice flat, paved area that I can walk with out too many hassels......a couple of rises but nothing major.

Today shane came with me and so I told him to turn back when the path ends at 2km and that I will walk around til I hit 2.5km.  I will turn back go past him and then once I reach the car turn back to met up with him again.  I was hoping to do 6km.

We started out (the photo is off the start point)  and just then a shower of rain came over.  I was not too worried...it was about 15degs at 7am....NICE!!!  by the first km I was feeling so sluggish....I was slow and heavy and not enjoying the walk at all.  BUT nothing was hurting so thats a good thing.  I was also testing out some new shoes.  We had found some Saucony shoes that I just LOVE for $80 at Harbour Town - they are black!

On my way back I was feeling more in style and more fluid.  Still very unfit and did wonder how I will go with the 5km this weekend.  But time will tell.

time was 36:37 for 6km

6km emerald lake

Sweet Nyle - by Nellie H Moss

While tiding up all my important papers I stumbled upon a folded up piece of old typewriter paper....its tissue thin and very fragile.  I carefully unfold it and am amazed to find its my Grandmothers poem that she wrote about me when I was about 11years old.  My Grandmother has always written poetry and has even had many published.  As I read through this poem it strikes me that she has almost written out my future.  So I thought I would share it with you all.

Sweet Nyle

By Nellie H Moss

Nyle is a tall, young girl, who lives by the beach

She learns oh so quickly, if someone will teach

How to make little things from wool or from string

Flowers or from driftwood, just about any old thing

She was my first grandchild, and my love she has won

Her mind is as bright as the noon day sun

Of all of our family she is the only one

Who collects seas shells, just for the fun

There on show, on a shelf, at the head of the stair

Everyone admires them, whenever they go there

Nyle will collect a piece of fancy drift wood

A few dried up seed heads, that don’t look much good

Then she will turn them into a real work of art

Don’t lose your laughter dear little sweetheart

For the lord sets some folks a difficult part

To work out while living, a role set apart

Just be your self dear, you’re growing so fast

You’ll soon be a teenager, my! how the time’s passed

You’ve such a gentle, kind, loving, wee heart

Dont alter young lady, you’ll soon win some lad’s heart

Just set your sights on a really bright star

Then before you know it, why there you are

I hope that I’m still around when you become a bride

Now wont that be something, there by Dad’s side

None of us know just what the future will hold

But we wish you well and a future that is gold

8km treadmill

I had to drop off my car as the window was not working.  Then I had a hair appointment to get to.  I ended up walking out of the hair dress's not overly happy but will reserve judgement until I have washed it myself.

I knew I had to walk today but as it got later and darker my only option was the gym and use a treadmill.  I was very lucky that the gym let me in for free :)

I jumped on and started out at 10km/hr but after one km my left glute started to hurt so I slowed it down to 9km/hr for a couple more km.  Once I warmed up I went back up to 9.5km/hr and stayed at that for most of the walk.

I found I was not that comfortable on the treadmil and struggled to get into a good rhythm.  I ended up making the last km a slow cool down walk at 7.5km/hr

so total time was 51.03 for 8 km

8km treadmill 

NZ Masters Athlete of the Year - WALK

Before they started the prize giving for the Shoe Clinic Nelson Half Marathon, they had decided to present myself, Neroli and wendy our 10,000m awards from the South Island Masters Games.  As our NZ Masters Age Grade records have been acknowledged they wanted to present us with our special medals.

And I was really happy with getting awarded the above....but what came next was the shocker of the day.

As I was about to leave and go back to sit down Derek says to me to stay and then pulls out another plaque and goes on to tell the crowd about my World success as a Master and then presented me with the NZ Masters Athlete of the Year - Walk and along with that was a little badge attached to it.  I picked up the bag and saw that I had just earned my Masters Colours and was totally "Gob Smacked"

the look of shock!

Plus a beautiful plaque - name needs correcting but hey...I am still so thrilled.

I had to check on the NZ Masters site to read how you gain your colours and here is what is written

 "These are an NZMA badge awarded to athletes who achieve a 95% performance in

individual events, obtain a World Title, or World Record. They are a very prestigious award."

Shoe Clinic Nelson Quarter Marathon

It is a picture perfect day!  NO wind, NO clouds....just SUN SUN SUN.  It was a cool morning about 8 degs but got up to 11deg by the start of the race.  I had decided I would keep my long sleeve skins top on as I just don't like cool or cold!!

After meeting up with the Warrior Princess's (Andrea, Raylene, Sharon and Maree)  we all set out and warmed up...going through our drills and nervously chatting.  Start time came around pretty quickly and we headed off to the start line.  It was a new course this year.....using 80% of the old course but this time we finish at the track.

Ready, set ..... GO baby GO!!!

and we are off......I quickly settled in to my pace and was happy enough ticking along.  I knew Ross wouldn't be too far behind me but as long as he was behind and not beside me at this stage...it was all good.  As I rounded the path around the park (about 500m) I was shocked to see one of the walkers ahead of me RUNNING!  Now I am not normally vocal about these things but I just saw red and as we went across a little over pass - she was below me - I leaned over and pointed at her and yelled "YOU are running!" and then went into hot pursuit.  It took me a further 400m to catch her where she had stopped blatantly running but she was still creeping flat out!  As I passed her I said.....really sorry but you were running, you are better now......at which she retorted and stated she was NOT running and after this I didnt see her again until she jogged/walked into the finish.

I pushed along the Monaco Walkway....my training ground!  but this part of the track is lumpy and hard to get a settled pace on it.  I was very surprised when I rounded a corner to see two male racewalkers going head to head in front of me and I quickly realised who they were and that they were on their 2nd lap for the Half Marathon.  I passed them and heard them pick up and chase after me.

5km and we turn up on to the railway reserve.  Now it might only be a 12m rise over 2km but OUCH...you so feel it.  My pace slows along here and I can feel it and see it on my watch.  But my fitness is letting me down and I know its too soon to pick up yet.  At 8km I decide that now is the time to try and pick up a little. My right hip flexor had been hurting for the last couple of km but I push past that.  As we come in under the under pass and up on to the walk way around the park...I feel as if I have mud on my feet.  I slow down so much for the next 500m and I know it has cost me but I just have nothing left.

I hit the 10km mark in 58.02 not bad for someone who has only been doing 5km walks lol  ... now just 550m to go....hmmm definitely not going to make the sub hour.

So I blast onto the track and muster up my last ounce of energy and slam it to the finish line.

Winner of the Quarter Marathon Walk in 1:01:18

Shoe Clinic Nelson Quarter Marathon

6km out and back atawahi

I was not feeling it today.  Even though it was sunny I still felt really cold (stop chuckling Tammy! lol ) it was 14 degs but there was a chill in the air and I am a sook when it comes to cold.  I have not been able to get warm all day.

I headed out along Atawhai as this would give me the best indication of how I will go on Sunday.  The first km felt like I was walking in sticky mud....I felt really stiff and clunky.  I got out to the 3km mark and turned back.  I was just starting to feel sharp pains in my left glute and I tried hard to engage my glute meds but the pain stayed. It didnt get worse so I kept walking.    I was not pushing hard today and I did find that my breathing was better.

I was pleased to finish the 6km and I found that once I finished my glutes hurt more while just walking back to the car.

total time for 6km 34:45 avg heart rate 154

Doesnt bode well for a fast race on Sunday, but it will be nice to just be out with mates.

6km out and back atawahi

5km waimea and vanguard

I was meant to do a 3km fartlek but with pain still in my glutes I decided to be smart and leave it for a day.  Well go figure .. today was very very windy and not ideal for a fartlek.

I have still not decided what to enter this weekend.  With my hip injury just healed but still having residual glute pain.....I figured I would head out and do 5km and see how the body held up.

I started out nice and quick.  If felt easy tonight until I get to the wee sharp rise by the hospital.  I push up this as fast as I can and sure enough, I get to the top and feel that familiar snag in my glute again.    Pox I thought!  its down hill for the next 1.5km so I stretched out and made the most of the slope.  I turned and started heading up Vanguard Street .... straight in to a strong head wind..UGH!!  the next two km are a gradual up hill anyway and add a head wind to the mix....it makes it unpleasant at best.  I could feel my glute pulling as I pushed against the wind.  I picked up the pace for the last 400ms to home and was really pleased to stop my watch in 29:50 and even more pleasing is seeing my heart rate starting to drop now....with my avg heart rate 151

5km waimea and vanguard

5km waimea and vanguard

I missed out going for a walk yesterday so I figured I would go out and do my 5km today.

Its been really odd weather here .... torrential rain through the night and then hot muggy days.  Today is no different - it was about 18degs and I was sweating like it was 30 degs.  I felt ok on this walk.  My left glute (proformas) was smarting abit today and am guessing that is why I just had no "oommpphh"  so I decided to just settle in and cruise.  I am going to try a 3km fartlek tomorrow so didnt want to bust my gut on this walk.

I figure its going to be a slow 5km next week.....be lucky if I can push for 28mins or if I feel up to it ... the 10km....still have not made up my mind which one I will enter.

so today it was a nice 31:03 with avg heart rate of 149

5km waimea and vanguard

10km out and back monaco

We went for a walk up the Maitai this morning..about an hour.  Its a wonderful day and as it is ANZAC day lots of people were out relaxing and enjoying a mid week day off work.   When we got home I decided I would head out and do a walk.

I had said to my coach that I would try 8km to day and then do 10km on Friday.  Well we are now going back over to Blenheim on Friday so I figured I could try and see how I feel today.

My hips were a little tender when we got back from the walk.  Its been  along time since I have ambled along for over an hour.  I decided I would do the Monaco course ... I could stop at the bottom of the hill for 8km or I could carry on and finish up for 10km.

I started out taking it nice and easy.  I was breathing good, not puffing or gasping.  Once I got down off the hill and onto the flat, I just ticked along and felt good.  I was surprised to reach 5km in 29:44 and so I turned and knew I would slow down now as its more up hill all the way back to home.

I just walked normally over the over pass and again going up Beatson Road.  I could feel my IT band and my hip pulling as I walked up hill so it was better to just rec walk.  It was still nice to finish up the 10km in 1:01:37

The good news was I had no pain today.  It was achy in places, but no pain.  yay  so now I will go dig out my stick and attack my legs with that.

10km out and back monaco 

5km waimea and vanguard

I am frustrated!! I just want my leg and hip to heal.  I know I cant push too hard on it as it will just deal the healing.

It annoys me when I am told that people are talking about me....saying .. man she is always injured.   I guess to outsiders it would appear that way.  But those that know me, know that this is a year old if not longer injury that I have had to live with and train over due to having big international race commitments.  I just kept pushing and nursing it and then pushing it some more until it finally stopped me in my tracks.   As you will all remember the NZ Nationals 20km race - it stopped me dead in my tracks!  It would be nice if more people were more interested if I was healing and looking after myself .. instead of running me down and mocking that I am not doing so well.

But .. anyhow...... I thought I would pop out and give the 5 km around the block another shot.   I was really pleased that my shins didnt hurt this time.  Yay, I hate that burning pain as you start back into it again.  The body seemed to hold up ok.  Heart rate is through the roof but I knew to expect that.

Tomorrow if my body is feeling ok I might give 8km a shot.  Need to try and walk 10km in the next week so I can try to decide what if anything I will enter on May 6th.

5km waimea and vanguard

5km waimea and vanguard

I decided to head out and do a 5km walk.  I picked the normal round the block course.  It is a slightly undulating  course so I decided to take it easy....and really take it easy.

I started out and completed the first km in 6.26....see nice and easy....yes it is up hill but I till took it quietly.  y shins were fair screaming!!  I found that if I walked with a shorter stride, my hips didnt drop too much and so I was able to keep the pain in my hip and IT band and a minimum.  Around the 3km mark I had some pretty good sharp twangs but they passed and I just slowed down a little more.

I headed for home and tried very hard to not push myself.  My hip was aching but no more sharp pains.

Total time was 30:36  avg heart rate was 151

I felt very heavy and chunky today but I guess that is to be expected.

5km waimea and vanguard

3000m fartlek

I have booked into see Bex at Sports Therapy for Monday.  After my very painful walk for the 5km I was unsure about walking again.  As I had my walking group at the track today, I thought I would try 3000m.

My coach had given me a 3km fartlek to do and a 10km this week.  I knew there was no way I could do the 10km but he said to try the fartlek.

As I walked around to warm up I was thinking I would be lucky to just finish this lap.  I was getting sharp pain in my hip with each heel strike.  I went through the drills with all my walkers and then when they all left I decided I would try to complete 3km.  After my first km, I decided to try making it a fartlek and it did go ... ok...

My hip ached but there was no sharp pains that I was getting earlier on.  My hip flexor pulled when I tried to increase speed but didnt hurt.

total time for the fartlek is 16:44

3000m fartlek

5km atawahi - first walk

I have had so much to arrange in the last week and time just slipped away from me.  It dawned on me that it has been a week since I last did any exercise.  The good side of this is that in the last 3 weeks I have finally been able to gain some much needed weight.  Although I dont feel so comfortable, it is needed.

My hamstring seems to have healed up nicely, my hip on the other hand has slowly gotten more and more sore.  I am thinking the running did it no favours.  I started out and felt pretty good.  Legs felt strong and no pain in hamstring.  Hip was giving me little twinges at the outter side of hip...but seemed to be holding ok.  At about the 1.5 - 2km mark I felt pain starting in my right hip flexor.  I knew it would just be a spasm due to over working.  So I tried harder to tuck my butt and to get my glutes working.  It seemed to work a little.....speed wise....but the pain didn't go away.  I turned at 2.5km and headed back in.  The more it hurt the more I tucked and the faster I went.  I guess in a way I just wanted to finish the walk as quick as I could.

Time was 28:59  and I am more than ok with that.  In fact it is way too fast.  So for my 10km on Friday ... I MUST slow down.  Plus buy some kensey tape!!!

5km atawahi - first walk 

5km jog

It took nearly 4 days for my muscles to not feel sore after my little 3km jog.  Wow....I never expected to feel so sore!!!!   My heels hurt, my quads REALLY hurt, my hips hurt, my back hurt and my calfs hurt.  GOSH thats way more hurts than you get with racewalking.

So today I set out to do 5km and this time I slowed it down a little.  Again it felt so good to just jog along and not think about your style.  Freedom!!  I took the route that goes along Waimea Road and then back up Vanguard Street.  So I had a small rolling hill first and then a long gentle sight rise back home.  I normally walk this in 30mins and today I jogged it in 27.39 and I feel great.   I made sure that I did a good 5 mins stretching this time and then I got my stick out and gave my legs a good rub down.  Will be interesting to see if that makes any difference in soreness tomorrow.

I get to try a walk this weekend.....I just hope like mad that my hamstrings will be ok and I can get back into it.  I have submitted an Expression of Interest for the Oceania Track and Field to be held in Cairns in June.  I doubt I will be selected but if I dont put my hand up ... how do I ever know.

5km jog 

3km jog

I was to test the leg with a gentle jog.  NO more than 3km I was told.  My right hamstring had been feeling better today and was not hurting when I walked normally so I hoped it would be ok while I jogged.  I hate not doing any exercise and two weeks off sounds divine....I know I will be a twitching mess after a week.

So I set out tonight and went along the track behind us and down around Victory Square park then back to home again.  It took about 500m to settle and adjust to running.  It felt so weird and odd.  Once I settled I loved the freedom to do what I wanted and really enjoyed it.

I had a few niggles while out....my heels were hurting for the first 2km and my knees did grumble a little at first.  Once I had finished and was stretching my hamstring was a little tender as was my IT band down the side of the right leg.  If only I could walk as fast and as easily.  I was 21 secs faster today on my jog than I was on the track.

total time 15:11 with an avg heart rate of 138

3km jog 

20km Road Walk NZ Nationals

I was not feeling as confident about this race now.  Leading up I was sure I would do great, my training was going well and I was sure I would get an awesome time.  I was aiming for 1.52 - 1.53 and new I could do it.  But when I woke up at 3.30am to make some breakfast I had trouble standing.  My calfs and shins were hurting so badly and my right leg was burning.  NOT a good start.  I had my food and got changed into my shorts and crop top...then climbed back into bed for some more sleep.  Plus this is my way of activating my "system" and going when I wake up....only this time...it didnt work!  So I was worried I would end up with GI issues later in the morning.  I woke at 5.30am when Brooke sent me a text to say she was up and on her way.  I got up and quietly put my shoes on and headed off into the rain to met up with Brooke.  We drove into the city and picked up Jim and then headed to the road course.

It was a light drizzle when we arrived.  We walked down to the start and found some shelter under the eves of the funeral parlour opposite the start line.  I wandered off and joined a few of the others in a warm up lap.  The course was very slippery, with 5 turns and lots of white lines around.  In the drizzle it made them very slippery under foot.  When I came back from my warm up my coach asked how I was feeling and so I told him about my legs.  I was trying very hard to not focus on anything negative but I had to say something.  He quickly gave both my shins and calfs a hard massage and commented on how tight they felt.  In my haste to get ready early in the morning,  I had grabbed the wrong underwear and just after one lap to warm up I was getting rubbed....GREAT!!!   I quickly had time to put body glide on and before I knew it I was off to the start line.

We lined up and the gun goes off.  I set off at a pace I felt happy with.  I wanted to settle into my race pace and I was ok with taking the first km slower than needed.  Rozie was in front as expected and Brooke had headed out quicker than I first thought she would.  But I was happy to let her be.  Leslie again settled in behind me along with Alana.  I went through my first km in 5:37 and that was a fine pace for me.  On the second lap I passed Brooke and started to make some distance between myself and the others.  I wanted to put a good 100m or more behind me and over the next two km I did manage that.  I passed through 5km in 28:15.....way too slow.  It should have been 27:10

My right leg was starting to burn and my coach was trying to give me tips on how to get my glutes firing as he could see clearly that I was not working my glutes in this walk.  He could see that I was in trouble and there was little he could do.  Each time I tried to fire my glute my piroformus would grab the sciatic nerve and send pain down my leg.  By 8km I was struggling to land my right leg.  It felt dead and heavy and it was here that I was getting warnings on the course.  I could see that Lesley had gained on me and I was slowing. I passed through 10km in 57:13 and I figured all was not lost, I just had to hang on till 15km and then pick it up then.  But it was here that Lesley had caught me and passed me.  At first I thought to let her go but I was not sure if she would hold that pace for another 10km but the aggressor in me took chase.  I came up behind her and decided to sit right on her heel and push her faster than she planned.  My leg was screaming but my fitness felt fine.  I was not breathing hard and felt that I could hold this.  But during the 11km somehow we both slowed.  We had both been so focused on what each of us was doing that we lost touch with our pace and before we knew it Brooke had gained 30m on us.  Leslie pushed on and I pushed to catch her up, just as I headed around the tight dog leg my foot slipped out on the white line and the twist was enough to send a shot of pain into my hamstring.  I took check for a moment and it felt like it had settled.  I picked up the pace and chased after Leslie.  She was 10m ahead of me and over the next 300m I caught her up again.  As we rounded the big right turn to head back to the start finish, I landed on my right leg and as I turned to land my left leg I felt a stabbing pain go deep into my right hamstring.  It was like a knife had gone in my leg and it pulled me up instantly.  4 steps later and I get my first red card from the judge beside the turn and 300m later my second red card goes in.  Leslie had pulled away and now Brooke had just passed me.

My coach saw me struggling to walk.  Trying hard to keep legal so that I could stay in the race.  He called out and asked me if I could continue and I said Yes, I want to finish the race.  Next judge gave me a yellow warning, and then the next did too.  I was in agony.....both in my heart and my leg.  I felt like I was screaming inside.  I rounded the next corner and started working on my mental attitude...telling my self I can do this and that I can still catch them.  I looked up and saw Jim my coach with his arm up...signalling me to stop.  I knew I had to but I didnt want to................I was in so much pain.  But I follow his advise and stop..........I felt like I couldnt breathe ..... I had every emotion hit me ... and I burst into tears......and sobbed my  heart out mid field.  Leslie and Brooke round the dog leg and head back towards us and see me standing with Jim holding me while I sobbed and held my leg.  I have no idea what went through their minds at the moment........but I know that it changed the whole race for them both.  12km and I was out.

I have never NOT finished a race and I didnt know how to handle it.   I felt like a failure, I felt I had let everyone down, I felt robbed..................I felt devastated!!!  I limped slowly back to the ambulance and got an ice pack and then sat away by myself for a bit.  The race became exciting when Brooke passed Lesley and eventually went on to get silver in 1.55.?? and Lesley took bronze in 1.55.56

yes I was very happy for them.........but I was more disappointed in my self.  Hindsight is a great thing.  I probably should not have raced the 3000m and in truth....I probably should not have gone to Auckland as I dont think I had properly recovered from Hobart and the dehydration issues and kidney problems.

So I flew home late that night and now its Monday.  My leg is still very sore and so too are my calfs again.  My body hurts all over and my pride feels very battered.  Time for me to take a break from intense training for a little bit.  As we are selling our house, I think it is time to put some energy into this.  I will keep walking but for the next month it will be just for fun and fitness.

3000m NZ Nationals

A weekend away in Auckland for two races.  These were to be my last races for NZ and I really hoped I would do great.  I had trained so hard for Hobart and felt robbed when the weather and officials wreaked the race.  I will never know what the out come could have been now.  But we hoped to maintain my form and fitness for 4 more weeks to head up for the 3000m and the 20km Walks.

I flew up on Thursday night with the Athletics Team and shared a room with two lovely young ladies.  My head and heart was just not into it at all...in fact so badly that I got to the airport and realised I had left my GPS watch behind.  I have never raced with out it!!!  Friday was the 3000m.  I am not a sprinter and was not looking forward to this race.  I didnt think I would be up for a medal in this one and was really only doing it to make up numbers on the track.  My last judged 3000m was from two years ago.  Surely I had to be faster than then.  My only concern was my right leg had flared up again in the last week.  My hip and leg was annoying me and I had been to physio to try to sort it and strap it up.

My coach had flown over to watch.  He has 3 New Zealand walkers now and we were all entered.  We all lined up at 1.30pm, it was sunny and very humid.  The air was very thick and wet.  Everyone was ampid and ready.  The gun goes off and away we went.  Rosie was first off with Courtny in hot pursuit.  Next follows Kate and Alana.  I settle in behind Alana with the intention of just hanging back and trying to pick them off after 4 laps.  Lesley dropped back behind me and I felt comfortable in my spot.  As we went past our first km I glanced and the clock on the side of track and instantly knew I had made a HUGE mistake.  I had just passed Alana and was working my way on catching Kate.  I still had 4 more laps to go and I had just done my first km in under 5 mins!!!!  what was I thinking!  I have never walked a km in that time and now I had to hang on for 2 more km.  On the 6th lap I looked up on the big screen and saw Lesley bearing down on me fast.  She had picked up the pace and was taking off.  She passed me and then quickly went on to pass Kate.  I gained on Kate but could not keep the pace up and had to settle for 4th.  My finish time was 15:34  I had just given myself a one minute personal best...which over 3000m is huge!  As I finished the race I could feel my self feeling light headed so I found my way to the side of the track and sunk to my knees.  

Later that night my right leg was burning.  The nerve pain went down the side of my leg an into my foot.  I rolled on a tennis ball and tried self massage but it would not release.  

I spent Saturday with Kate, Courtney and Lesley at the Zoo.  It was a fun day, but I was struggling with my legs.  My calfs had gone tight and were hurting behind the knees and my right hamstring was so tight it would hurt going up and down stairs.  I was NOT looking forward to the 20km.

5 km fartlek

Last hard work out before NZ Nationals.  I was really hoping to do great on this one.  After the confidence boost on Sunday at the track I figured just one more good walk will set me up just nicely.  I was worried though, with this one being a fartlek.  My reason for worry is each time I do a short distance fartlek I bring on my pouring nose and it remains pouring for 2 - 3 days..............hmmmm first race is Friday.  But my coach is aware of this and seeing as he still put it in, I will do as I am told.

I pulled up to the track and struggled to get out of my car.  It was super WINDY!!  Great, there goes my producing a super duper time.  I went around and unlocked the rails and then during my warm up lap ...stop and lock the gates open as they were blowing across the track.

I started out .... the wind dropped a little for my first couple of km..... I felt chunky, stodgy and slow today.  Perhaps I had pushed harder than I thought on Sunday.  The wind picked up and I was struggling to keep on the track in places.  I punched hard into the wind for my fast 500's but for the slow I just let my self recover.

I hit stop on the watch and saw it was 27.38 (well I thought I had hit stop.. My watch shows me locking up and walking back to my car....lol) That's a great time but I knew I could have done much better.  Oh well, its done now.  I walked around and locked up the barrier arms and sure enough..........started sneezing and sneezing and sneezing....next thing...........and down pours the nose.  So here I sit with a box of tissues feeling miserable and know that I am stuck like this for two more days!!! oh JOY!

5 km fartlek

10km on the track

I needed a good workout.  I had a shabby week and just felt off.  As I had a walking group at 10am I figured I would make use of the track and just do the 10km.   Plus it would give me a chance to suss out my pace and keep on track.

I decided to skip the warm up and just get on with it.  So my first km I just eased into it and then tried to stay consistent from there.  I was not pushing hard but I was working.  I would guess about 85-90% effort.

About 6km some other arrived on the track - discus and sprinters.  The coach watched me for a few laps and called out that he cant run that fast and asked what I was doing per km.  I called back 5.44mins per km .... and I was feeling GREAT.  No hip pain and no toe pains.

As I rounded my last lap I decided to sprint the last 200m and that was an effort.    But I am really pleased that I did this as it was a GREAT walk and one that I needed.

Total time for the 10km was 57.13

10km on the track

12 km fartlek out and back atawhai

I went and saw bex this morning.  After taking a leap off the ladder earlier in the week, I landed heavy on my right leg and jarred my hip.  She strapped me up for the weekend with PINK Kensey tape.  I love this stuff.

I headed out for my 12km fartlek at 4.30pm, it was later in the day and pretty warm for an autumn day.  I had been drinking water during the day but I was pretty dry when I started out.  My first km was slow (for me) but I did start from cold and it does go up and down over rail way lines ... so that can add a few seconds I guess.  I was just not feeling it today and to feel that way in the first km is not a good omen for the rest of the walk.

I had a brief stop at 3km due to tummy discomfort but I managed to sort it and carry one.  I got to 5km in about 28.20 so I was relatively happy with that.  I turned at 6km and could feel my hip aching so I stopped briefly at 7km to stretch and that did make it feel better.  I carried on but was finding it hard to pick up for the fast 500's (they were avg about 2.44min)  I tried to pick up and push for the last couple but I was pretty done.  Not really sure what was going on here.  Just was not feeling it at all.

Total time 1.09.21

12 km fartlek

4 x 2km & 2 x 800 & 200

I have had a rough week.  Was meant to do a 15km fartlek on Tuesday but when I went to get changed after work, I was feeling so sick and also discovered I had left my GPS watch at home.  GREAT!  Feeling the way I did...........I went home.  But 3 hours later I was sulking at not completing my walk so I attacked my oven in stead........  Have I ever said "I HATE CLEANING OVENS".........  after an hour of cursing and swearing...I have a clean oven.

Today I was feeling better.  Two guys at work are away with tummy bug...so maybe mine is psychosomatic but today I do feel better.  So I figured I would do the track session.   4 x 2km and then 4 x 800 + 200

My first 2km was not too bad.  Under 11mins but I just wasnt feeling it.  When I finished the second 2km I had to do a quick sprint to the loo.......I had been burping lots on the last 400m and plus all the fluid I had been drinking was working its way through.  I gathered myself and headed back out but was slowing now.  I would still get to the first 200m in 1min but then slowed quickly from there.  My times for the rest of the walk were ok with one set hitting 11mins flat.

Next up were the 1km's  800 + 200   ugh.... my last 2km I could feel my hip flexor pulling.  It was getting sorer and sorer.  I ended up stopping after 2 of the 1kms..................funny thing is once I told my coach..he laughed...as he had changed my workout and I had forgotten..so I actually on had to complete 2km...which I had done.

data is below.  My heart rate was low showing my fitness is holding.  My attitude is not so much.  I am feeling a little over it all.

4 x 2km & 2 x 800 & 200 

20km out and back Monaco

I was meant to do this walk at 8am, but I woke up feeling ill and had terrible tummy pains.  Shane has had a cold for the last week that seems to be getting worse and I just felt yuck.  Headache and body chills, so I went back to bed and ended up sleeping until 10am.

I spent the rest of the day painting the windows out side.  We are nearly ready for real estate to come through and then put the house on the market......much excitement there.

So once I had finished I figured I was feeling better and would set out and get the 20km done.  Didnt really want to go upsetting the coach this close to NZ Nationals.  I took it easy and picked a pace that I felt was comfortable.  I was not pushing hard to maintain it and was ok with going through 5km at 30 mins and then 10km at 60mins.  I stopped briefly at the 10km to take on a good drink and to munch a sugar block.   Then I track off for home.  I did slow a little on the way home, but I was starting to feel tired and I was having some issues with my core.  I felt really weak tonight and started to feel the effect from about 15km on.

Total time 2.02.33 for an avg pace of 6.08 and avg heart rate of 147...nice and low  :)

20km out and back Monaco

3 x 2km & 2 x 800 + 200

I do not like these track sessions...but I know how beneficial they are.  My head is in a slightly better space at present and so I figured that I would try to nail this one.

First up I went out way too fast so my first 2km was too quick to what I had planned.  So I tried to settle it down a little on the next set.   It was a little slower but not my much.

Then wouldnt you know it.  The wind picked up....ALOT!  it was blowing across the track so you only got a small tail wind on one curve.  The rest was either head on or side on.....UGH.  This did slow me down.

Next up is the 2 lots of 800 + 200 but with the wind not abating I didnt think I could pick up the pace.   I was surprised by my overall Km time and then to go a little faster on the last one was a bonus.  Now to hope the coach is happy.  

5.19.9 + 5.18.7 = 10.38.6
5.22.6 + 5.23.7 = 10.46.3
5.29.3 + 5.30.6 = 10.59.9

4.12.7 + 1.00.2 = 5.12.9
4.11.6 + 0.57.0 = 5.08.6

3 x 2km & 2 x 800 +  200 

12km fartlek - atawhai

Its a cold, dank overcast day and it matches my mood.

With some drama's happening with my children over seas, I was not in the mood to walk or do anything today. My head and my heart were just not into it...but still I knew it had to be done and I also didnt feel like going round and round the track to do so either.

The walk its self was ok, my recoveries were a tad slow but I was deep in thought during these and trying to sort out the troubles. By the end of my walk my head was clearer and I had figured that there was nothing for me to sort and the kids would just have to suffer the consequences of their actions. Time for some life lessons to them.

My nose was still dripping and I had a dry cough that started bugging me on the return 6km, but other than that....all went well. Body felt fine

total time 1.08.49 .... not my fastest but I am still ok with that.

12km fartlek - atawhai

3km fartlek

This morning we got up early and headed out to Tahuna Beach. My walking group was helping set up and man the run leg of the Kids Weetbix Triathlon. We did this last year to and had such a good time. Cheering on the kids and helping them finish something is obviously pushing many way past their own comfort zones..is just amazing.

After this I had to zip away to the track and complete my 3km fartlek. I was meant to do this yesterday but my Mum came over for the afternoon and it is so rare that we get time like this. So I bumped the walk back a day. I am really glad I did and I feel I totally aced this walk today!

I started out and felt great. Style felt like it was flowing well and nothing felt stiff or sore. I was really pleased to see I passed through my first km in 5:01:3 (man if only I could do THAT for 19 more km...) next was the recovery and I did slow down but still felt good. I did push quite hard on this walk and am paying for it now that I am home as I have started to sneeze and my nose is now starting to run..............grrrrr....this is why I HATE doing speed work.

Here are my km splits

5:01:3

2:47:1 + 2:30:0 = 5:17:1

2:49.8 + 2:28.7 = 5:18:5

Total time of 15:37

3km fartlek

10km out and back monaco

I have had a rough week. Getting back from Hobart with a full blown migraine was not the most pleasant way to travel. Annoyingly it was such a bad one that I took my 24 hour allocation of medicine in 12 hours. By midnight shane decided I should go to hospital where I ended up on a drip and had 2 litres pumped into and many other pain killers. Turns out my kidneys had stopped working and I was extremely dehydrated. By morning they let me go home and it was later that night that the kidneys kicked into gear. So just because I finished the race didnt mean I had missed out succumbing to the extreme conditions.

So my coach altered my training to suit and I was told to head out and do a gentle 10km today. I really didnt know what to expect from my body but I set out with the full intention of taking it easy...................hmmmmmm I felt good, in fact ..I felt GREAT! So I pushed a little bit and my body responded. I was most surprised to get to the 5km in 28:55 then I turned back and just kept up the pace. Didnt push my self up Beatson Road but I did stretch out for the last km along the track home. It was probably naughty and I will no doubt be reprimanded by my coach...but my body just responded so well and I felt great.

so 10km in 59.07

10km out and back monaco

Sunderland endures sweltering contest

Sunderland endures sweltering contest

RACE WALKING 

Nelson Mail Monday 26/02/2012

Nelson’s Nyle Sunderland had to battle her Australian opposition and the sweltering Hobart  heat as Australia retained the Oceania Racewalking Trophy on Saturday.  Sunderland was part of the open New Zealand team competing against the Australian under-23s in the 20km event, the Australians eventually prevailing by 24 points to 22 to retain the trophy for another two years.  The hottest day in Hobart in 17 years had a significant bearing on performances,

with Saturday’s racing starting in 37 degrees Celsius.  Each team required points from both

male and female competitors, including three finishers per team who also had to be among the top five to gain points.  International rules stipulated that no drink station was available until the completion of a full lap, eliminating virtually half the field.  Competing over a 2km loop, athletes weren’t able to access water until 4km.  By 6km many top athletes, along with

two members of the New Zealand team, had dropped out due to the effects of heatstroke and dehydration.

The Kiwis still managed to pull out a gutsy performance, with Scott Nelson barely able to walk over the last 2km due to cramp in his groin, and Sunderland pulling out a strong recovery after nearly succumbing to the heat as she weaved back and forth across the track

at the 10km point.  The Oceania event also coincided with the 20km Olympic trail walk, with Jarad and Clare Tallent winning the men’s and women’s races respectively. Of the 40 walkers competing in the event, only 21 finished.  ‘‘I found this race to be a killer. I don’t

think I will ever again race in such extreme conditions,’’ said Sunderland, who eventually finished third in the Oceania Trophy event and eighth overall.  ‘‘I was very disappointed with my time. I was a good five minutes off [my] pace. I knew I was on form for another PB.

‘‘But when you look at how many didn’t finish this race, you start to be extremely pleased that you hang on to cross the finish.  ‘‘My coach informed me after the race that at the 10km point, he saw my distress and my weaving and was about to intervene and pull me from the race. It  was only the fact that during the 11km I had increased my kilometre time by 40secs that he knew I had somehow come right, which was due to the sea breeze coming up and the sun setting. ‘‘From that point on in the race, I started clawing back some time and positions.’’

20km NZ vs Au

The Hobart 20km NZ vs AU Road walk.

Due to an abnormality in the weather, there was a hot wind blowing down from the Desert and across on to Hobart. This produced Hobarts hottest day in 17 years! It touched 38 degs just before the start of our race.

We had all made sure we had hydrated well and had spent the afternoon in our motel room away from the heat. I had also decided to start eating some of my electrolyte jells and sugar blocks as I knew that the conditions were going to make this a very hard race to complete.

We made our way over to the check in and then milled like sheep under the trees in the middle of the road. You could spot the elite walkers a mile away.....they were the ones wearing Ice Vests and sitting in ice water pools. Plus they kind of had an air of grander about them too or maybe that was just me being a little awe struck.

The Course was a 2km loop with the start finish being about half way. Heading off from the start the first aid station was the food and special drinks table – approx 400m away from the start. You then went up a small rise and around into a dead end for the turn. Heading back the water station would be set up opposite the aid station. You then carried on down to pass next to the start and then on and around in front of the cafes and restaurants to the next turn point after the turn point you came back past the restaurants again and here they had a sponge station. If you timed it right you could get two sponges and then you round the corner and back to the start finish.

We all line up for the start. We seeded ourselves on the start line and the gun goes and we are off. My instructions from my coach was to be very conservative for the first 10km and then pick it up from there. With the temperature at the start of the race 37.6 degs it was a matter of race smart. I felt great at the start off and felt that I had picked a nice pace. It felt easy and within 400m there was only 3 of us at the back ... the main pack had pulled away and left us. As I completed the first lap (2km) and I saw that I had done 11mins, I knew then that it was way too fast and that I may end up paying for that. Normally I would think that time was too slow but in this heat...it was too fast. All ready two had dropped back behind me. As we came up to the aid station I could see there were problems ... no one seemed ready for us. All I wanted was just water but there was no water there and my pre mix bottles had been mixed up. I came around to pass where we were told the water station would be to find it had not been set up yet. This would mean an further 2km in this heat before any of us could get water again. We rounded the second lap and my time had dropped dramatically, I was down to 12mins now. I got my special drink passed to me at the station and then came back around and picked up my first water. The heat was intense and I could feel my shoulders burning and my legs were getting heavier and heavier. I came back around for the 6km and took on both special drink and water again. It was here that I say my NZ team mate laying on the side of the track and then not much further on a number more of Australian and international walkers. As I passed next to the start finish I saw our NZ Male Mike Parker off the course. I was to later find out that the 6km marker was the point were most of those that didn’t finish ended their walks, all succumbing to lack of water and the heat. At the 8km mark the Australian girl Alegra passed me, and I was in no shape to chase so I had to sit back and just watch her go. It was a heart breaking moment as I knew in normal race conditions I would not have let that happen. I continued on but I was starting to really struggle, as I came back up to cross for my 10^th km, I was starting to wilt badly. I was down to nearly 7min kms and was weaving across the course, at one stage tripping on the centre cones. My coach was watching me very closely and had decided he was going to pull me off the course once I passed back near him. The saving grace for me was at the 10km point a breeze picked up from off the sea and suddenly cooled things down....temp dropped about 5 degs and I am guessing the special drinks I had made up were starting to take effect because my 11^th km I picked up my pace and was looking better. Each lap I was picking up my pace and as the race progressed and the temperatures dropped, I got stronger and felt better. I started gaining 40 secs per lap on my one remaining NZ team mate. But best of all, I was gaining ground fast on the Australian. By 16km I had caught and passed Alegra and was gaining ground on Rosie (NZ team mate) not that I was racing her but I was using it as a challenge to keep me going. After using all my mental will and determination to push though the 8 – 10km marks I had to have something to keep me focused. Hearing that bell to signal just one more lap ...never sounded so good!!! I picked up the pace as best as I could and pushed hard to finish. I desperately wanted to be under 2 hours but sadly that was not to be today. I was close though. For as much as I am disappointed in my time, I take comfort in the fact that EVERYONE was 5min – 10mins off their times.

After the race we lined up and were presented silver medals for the NZ vs Au race. This was awesome as it was unexpected. I then spent a good portion of the evening consoling our team member who had pulled out after succumbing to the heat and lack of water. It was heart wrenching for her and to have not had the support of her coach made it even worse. I must admit to being bitterly disappointed in her coach for not being supportive of his walker in her time of distress. I can only hope that she has taken the experience of this race and moved on. You only have to look at the results and see that over HALF the field did not finish! This is including some top international experienced walkers. With some being taken away by ambulance.

So my time was 2:00:56 I now have 3 weeks til nationals were I feel I must pull out a good time to redeem myself. Looking at my data it is interesting to see the negative splits - those kick downs really work!

This race was sadly marred by the shocking organisation of the water table. I realise that there is a rule about no water on the first lap but surely on the hottest day in 17 years they could have excused that and plus it doesn’t take a math whizz to work out that it will be 4 km until anyone could take on any water. There should have been TWO water stations and the sponges.

20km NZ vs Au

5km around the block

Last walk before Hobart.

Not much to say about this one....was not a great walk.

Stupid Rain, stupid slippery road, stupid old slippery shoes.......just stupid.

Its done now..........so its back to the ice pack and heat pack...........GREAT!

Fly out at 11am .... should be an epic weekend. Will let you know.

5km around the block

10 km out an back atawhai

Tonight it was a 10km walk. I had just received my NZ uniform and I was going to test out my shorts. These are the shortest shorts I have ever tried to wear. So I put my skins on under them and tried to get used of them. Well a dual layer of material was NOT comfortable! Tomorrow I will try them out with just the shorts and see how badly my legs rub.

Plus it was a test of my hip. It was just a spasm of the muscle but it still hurt and annoyed me. I had no idea of what pace I was to walk tonight, but I felt pretty good and just thought I would wing it and walk to how my hip felt.

I had a couple of sharp twinges but nothing major or lasting. Most twinges were able to be sorted with a posture shift. I felt good and strong and looking back through my data I sort of did a kick down.

total time 58.14

10 km out an back atawhai

800 + 200 x 7

I felt awful this morning. I have had a flemmy throat for two days and just felt crumby. But I knew that this walk had to be done.

I had planned to take a little easier than last week as I really didnt want to end up with a runny nose as well.

I started out and felt ok, I was breathing pretty hard and having to swallow thick crud. I had company at the track today. A runner came down and was doing 3km, 2km and 1km...well thats what it looked like. When he was on a lap recovering I was able to catch him and pass him and he would laugh and say he has never yet been passed by a walker. Lol

About 4km I was having great trouble with my breathing...only due to my throat being so fully of crud and my lungs were feeling thick. I started coughing as I was walking but I carried on and continued my walk. My legs never felt tired and I was happy enough with how things went.

4.08.1+1.00.5= 5.08.6

4.07.3+1.00.5= 5.07.8

4.07.9+0.59.5= 5.07.4

4.13.5+1.01.8= 5.15.3

4.16.6+1.01.6= 5.18.2

4.16.9+1.00.9= 5.17.8

4.16.6+0.59.0= 5.15.6

800 + 200 x 7

16km out and back

After getting up and down, up and down repeatedly yesterday while painting the wee thin stripe around our house....my hamstrings were very sore and tight!! Plus with having 16km to walk today...it was going to be a painful walk. But as luck would have it...not so bad in the end.

I filled up my drink bottles and headed off up the track. I was ticking along nicely and enjoying the day. Overcast and 20degs...nice. I had my long sleeve top on as it was meant to rain but I had to take it off half way through the walk. At 8km I stopped briefly to take my top off and tie around my waist and to stretch my hammy out. Then it was pick up the pace again and head for home. By 13km ...even though I felt fine and still felt I had plenty in my legs, my tank ran dry and I suddenly felt very heavy and my times slowed up. I was on the up hill part anyway but I just dragged my self up the next two km. The lack of food and lack of enough water took its toll. Nothing major, no injury or anything like that. I just went heavy and slowed up.

Picked up the pace alot on the last km - downhill to home. Total time for 16km was 1.37.34

Plus today is Valentines Day here in NZ and its also our 9th Wedding Anniversary too.

16km out and back

5 x 2km with 2 min rest

I got up early and went to the track to do this before my group of walkers arrived for drills and training. I am NOT a morning person, so I hated being out there at 8.30 am.

My right glute was still sore this morning plus my whole body was aching abit after the entire day of scrubbing ceilings! My poor shoulder and back are both telling me they had done enough. I started out and just picked a pace that I was happy with. I was not pushing hard just tinkering along. I was not particularly worried about my times for today, I just wanted to get this done.

I stayed fairly consistent and strong for most of this walk. Pace dropped off a little towards the end as my glutes started to fatigue and I had little left in them.

so here are my two km splits.

11.05.2

11.06.7

11.13.2

11.13.1

11.11.1

I am happy with that.

5 x 2km with 2 min rest

10km out and back

Its a funny day to day. Its over cast and every now and then it will try to rain, the wind will pick up and bluster for a bit. Then next thing, its sunny and very muggy.

My nose has finally stopped running. I ended up with exercise induced rhinits. I get this when ever I exert myself too much and it normally lasts between two and three days. It annoys the hell out of me when it happens, as it is not like a normal runny nose. This is like someone has turned a hose on and it just pours......NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU BLOW.

So I bumped this walk back a day, so that I could breath while out. I had Bex this morning and we are both very happy with how the body is holding up. My only niggly spot is the peroneal tendon on each leg. Running my fingers along the tendon it feels like a row of peas......all lumpy and it is rather sore. So Bex gave it a good massage today and I will continue twice daily to ease it.

The walk itself went well. I was cruising along, it was a little windy and twice it started to rain. So I pushed a little bit on the way home as I was getting cold.

total time 1:00:07

10km out and back

800 + 200 x 5

This was a fantastic workout. My glute pain had settled - probably pulled a little due to all the squatting down while painting. I got down to the track and unlocked the rails, then did a 400m warmup.

My first 800m I decided to not push too hard as I wanted to try for some good speeds for the total 5. I would stop for 30secs and then really push hard for the 200m.

My body held together well, with no glute pain during the whole walk. I did have one dizzy spell but I managed to get through that with out stopping. I felt strong the whole walk and didnt feel too out of breath.

here are my km splits. Each has 30secs between 800m & 200m and then a 2min recovery.

4.07.1 + .59.5 = 5.06.6

4.04.4 + .58.2 = 5.02.6

4.04.0 + .57.0 = 5.01.0

4.05.0 + .56.7 = 5.01.7

4.06.0 + .54.7 = 5.00.7

800 + 200 x 5