Last long run

Today was my last long run before the GOW100km. I have been feeling quite overtrained lately so I set my alarm for 30mins later than usual and decided to skip the planned 30+km and just to do a fast 21km trying to keep my heart rate quite high the whole time. I wore my Adizero PROs because I think I want to wear them for the 100k.

The first 10k were at a brisk pace, even when a magpie swooped into the side of my head and I had to keep turning around and chasing after it. Then I got a bit of a stitch and found it hard to maintain pace.

Once my stitch was over, my left big toe was feeling very sore. On Thursday I dropped a plyo box on it while only wearing Five Fingers and it's still swollen. So I couldn't go too fast as it stopped bending properly.

Then I hit the Blue Lake trails and because of the rain some of the track was a bit slippery. I decided to take a scenic route there and follow the trail that hugs a cliff face so I didn't go too fast then because I didn't want to slip down a cliff into a river.

I got to the first river crossing and the river was the widest I'd ever seen it. We have had a bit of rain lately and I just stood there staring at this river that had gone from a metre wide trickle to about 6 metres wide. I thought about turning back and going home the way I came but then my 21k run would turn into 30k with no water and I didn't bring my phone to call home and say I'd be late. There was no choice. I had to cross the river. I so wish I brought my phone to take a picture. The water was knee high, freezing and with a surprisingly strong current. After a lot of careful fumbling around I finally made it to the other side.

So with my freezing wet feet, a swollen toe, and usual sore achillies problems, I trundled on to the next river crossing.

Again I was stunned. This one was even crazier. There is only one way to cross here on this metal thing that goes across. But this was totally flooded over and if I were to miss this slippery metal thing, which would be highly likely, I would probably have to swim across. Not safe.

I knew there was some other trail I could take and make my way to the streets avoiding the last river crossing. At least it didn't hail today like it was forecast. And I did manage a relatively fast finish for someone with a swollen left big toe and sore right achillies.

So my run was about 23km and I got 59km for the week, which is quite impressive for me. Now I will start to taper. I'll still run into work next week but I'll shorten next Saturday's long run and do a 4km Sri Chinmoy race on the Sunday. Then after that a lot of nothing.

Run For The Firies

This morning was the Run for the Firies - a 10km and 4km fun run to raise funds for the CFA just up the road from here. This is the first time I have done a run specifically to support the charity involved.

I just did the 4km because I did 30km yesterday for my long run. The first km was all uphill, then there was the nice flat bit along the Maroondah Aquaduct followed by some super steep downhills which was great for me to practise my downhill running on uneven rocky ground, then a final nightmare of an uphill where my quads started to burn and another steep rocky downhill to the finish. I did it in 20:03 which is pretty good considering the hills and my quads were still quite fatigued from the past week's workouts and runs. I think I was the 2nd female, although as there was no official timing or anything to indicate who even came first I am just going by the small group of people at the finish.

This weekend I have got some serious gear shopping done for the Great Ocean Walk 100s. I'll be testing my new pack this week. I didn't end up finding a head torch at any reasonable price but dad will lend me his Petzl. I've just got to get a couple more little things and then I'll be set. I can't wait for this run. It will be my first 100km and the furthest I've gone. Not to mention it takes place in the most scenic coastal area in the state :)

Schedule

I've run home a few times but never to work. This morning I ran to work for the first time. It was such a beautiful morning and it was great as I got closer to work I could get off the streets and follow the Main Yarra Trail. I was nearly there when I took this picture. Next time I will pack some breakfast and eat it by the river instead of in a windowless office!



For anyone interested, I thought I'd write up my schedule for this week. I'm hoping it will stay pretty much the same every week. Although running to work can only happen once a fortnight. I've got my first 100km race coming up in a few weeks so this is my plan for increased fitness, strength and mental toughness.

Mon: Intervals
Tue: Crossfit followed by run (<10km) if not too buggered
Wed: Run to work (18km)
Thu: Crossfit followed by run (<10km) if not too buggered
Fri: Easy run (7km) or Rest
Sat: Long run (>30km)
Sun: Rest (45min easy walk)