Showing posts with label trail run. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trail run. Show all posts

Monday, October 7, 2013

Sparkle's back...


So I haven’t laid down a week plan here in a while. Each week, to date, has had a similar rhythm to it. At first it took me a while to see that there was some order to the chaos; working a non 9-5 job / training for an Iron'wo'man / being a normal social being. Now, however, I can quite simply map my week out. There is a nice balance where all areas of my life come together, not mentioning the super early starts, an arvo nap and early social departures tucked in here and there.

As I have noted in previous posts, I have found by planning your work and working your plan (the diary is your best friend), combined with keeping your eye on the 'big' goal that you're working towards, you are able to turn a daunting week of training and achievable task. 

I would be lying if I said I rarely speak of my training and journey towards Ironman. Somehow it turns up in every conversation whether I bring it up or not. The good old, 'so what have you been up to?' ' What's new's with you?' evidently leads to the ins and outs of firstly 'Why?!', my training routine, nutrition ect. To be honest I am really just taking it one step at a time, not dwelling on the huge mission of the day (March 23,2014 for those playing) and by no means claiming to be an expert. And trust me, I'm finding lots of Ironman 'experts' out there :) . I love hearing the advise, concerns and past experience of others, everybody has a story. I choose to listen to them, appreciate them for sharing it with me, and then keep faith in the path that I am taking and what my coach has in store for me. 

Gosh, if I was to take onboard all of the tips, judgement and concerning stories I would be stopped, dead in my tracks. Where is the fun in that?!

So the week that was: 



After two or so week of feeling heavy, tired and flat, at one stage there were nearly tears in the googles at swimming, it felt awesome to show up to each session, this last week, fresh and raring to go. Or as my coach  Clinton would say, I had my 'sparkle' back. And boy was I happy to have it back. When you aren't feeling 100% everything become an up hill battle. Good recovery, catching up with friends, improved nutrition and most importantly a positive, clear mindset when training, were the mix of elements that lead to this weeks sparkle. I know life isn't always bright and shiny, however you always have a choice to make it the best you can. Even if you have had a few draining weeks of work, training or life in general stay on the ride. Perseverance is the key, because before you know it your back sparkly and stronger than before!  

Red faced after the trail run, up, up, up Arthurs Seat!


Cooking is one of my favourite ways to chill out.
As I tell my mum, Messy =  Delicious!


And wasn't I right, this was a hit with the fam!

Quinoa, almond and ricotta 'meatballs' with zucchini pasta

Check out Belle Gibson's app,
@healing_belle, The Whole Pantry for this delicious recipe.


Sisters getting active. Well about to!


Couldn't resist a coconut water with
Terri after an awesome yin yoga session with
Aimee at Summer Healing Yoga 


Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Week #33 - Trail Run Fun

The words from the coach were: solid week, plan well, stay healthy.

A solid week it was, finishing with a weekend running and riding up in the hills of Dromana and Arthurs seat. Even though my legs where heavy come Sunday, I was buzzing from such a great week of training.

Melbourne graced us with her finest weather this week which ranged from Clinton standing in the pouring rain as we smashed out a tough dimishing 100m's in the pool, to a gorgeously clear morning on Saturday for our trail run though Red Hill.

I love being outdoors, it's one of my favourite aspect out the training I do and going on a trail run took this love to a whole new level. We duck and wove though some of the most stunning scenery, I didn't even know existed at my own backdoor! On the trail you don't know what's coming next, a log to hurdle, a mud puddle to leap over or a vertical climb up a fire break. I felt really strong on Saturday morning, I kept pace with the boys and found that I always had that extra something to get up the steepest of climbs that we came upon. In total I think we ran for close to 1hr 30mins covering 13kms, and it just flew by. You really have to hold your focus on your footing and what's just ahead. A few times my mind would wander resulting in a slip or slide!

Trail running is messy business, but oh so fun! We finished covered in mud, matched with big smiles, such an awesome way to kick off the weekend, which saw me heading straight to work (after a quick shower of course!) One of the many joys of working at lululemon is that I am forever in their threads whether it be work, rest or play!

Getting down and dirty!


My get up for some trail run fun!
Outfit: Speed Shorts, Flow Y bra, Swiftly long sleeve,
Nothing but run jacket, headband and gloves 

My week look a little like this:

Monday - PM: Wind trainer V02 focus

Tuesday -  AM: 1hr Power flow yoga @ Kozen Yoga
               - AM: 1 hr run : 20mins easy / 20mins mod / 20mins easy
               - AM: 1 hr Pilates @ LV Studio

Wednesday - AM: 3 hr ride including Two Bays x 6 : easy/mod/hard/easy/big chain
                   - PM: 1hr swim set : diminishing 100m's 

Thursday - 1hr run : hills & speed work, felt great this morning, was able to keep up a strong effort though to the end, Troupa and I push each other to the end!

Friday - 1hr swim set

Saturday - Trail run hills, mud & FUN

Sunday - 3hr ride including Arthurs seat time trail x 2. I was so proud of my effort up this climb especially after such a leg strength focus week. I stayed focus and way able to push that bit harder round the steep corners. I just cleared under 15 minutes each accent!