Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard

annapr

Great report, C! And great progress. Definitely more to come off the 5k (jingle bells?) and other times.

Sorry to hear you're not feeling well. Hope I didn't infect you at the weekend!

chickey2

I'm finally getting around to updating, not that there's much to update :$

I took last week off as I was sick, but I also think I needed a break mentally as well as physically.

On Sunday I had to travel to the America for work so spent all day folded in a plane. I'm here for the week and had great plans of getting loads of running in but it's not quite going to plan. Main problem is the weather. It's 30 degrees with 100% humidity. I went out for a run yesterday but only did 4.2km before I nearly passed out. My average heart rate was 162 despite a crawling pace of 6:53/km. I'm just not made for the heat. There is a gym, but work haven't paid the resort fee so I'd be charged $20 a day to use it :-(. I tried getting up early this morning as it would be cooler but the humidity means there's dense fog first thing and since I don't really know the area I reckoned I'd get lost.
I have the morning off tomorrow so might try heading out once the fog clears. I'm supposed to be at a free bar now but I'm cosy in my bed surfing the net. I must be getting old!

I got a rejection from the London marathon today. I'm kind of relieved really. It's made me realise I want to concentrate on shorter distances. I'm going to sign up for the jingle bells and aim for that. Just realised I'll be in a new age category for that race! I really am getting old. Older, but faster!

annapr

on the plus side, your ranking will shoot up in your new age category

that humidity is an absolute killer, don't blame you for taking it easy. but missing the free bar, that's a bit extreme!

Bungy Girl

Ugh heat and humidity - my worst nightmare, with the dreadmill a close second...don't envy your options :rolleyes:

Great re Jingle Bells (and Ryan's ?). And to getting faster .

chickey2

Bungy Girl wrote: »

Great re Jingle Bells (and Ryan's ?). And to getting faster .

Oh yes, will pop into Ryans!
Managed 5k this morning, a bit faster. I'm now tucking in to the perfect recovery breakfast: fried chicken on a massive waffle with a load of strawberries, blueberries and peaches ( and a bucket of coffee) Gotta love the deep south!

Firedance

chickey2 wrote: »

Oh yes, will pop into Ryans!
Managed 5k this morning, a bit faster. I'm now tucking in to the perfect recovery breakfast: fried chicken on a massive waffle with a load of strawberries, blueberries and peaches ( and a bucket of coffee) Gotta love the deep south!

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

yum to the waffle with the fruit though

chickey2

Firedance wrote: »

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

yum to the waffle with the fruit though

Yeah it was a bit weird eating fried chicken at breakfast but they eat it all day here!

annapr

chickey2 wrote: »

Yeah it was a bit weird eating fried chicken at breakfast but they eat it all day here!

soul food! watch out for the sweet tea too, will put you into diabetic shock!

where are you anyway?

chickey2

annapr wrote: »

soul food! watch out for the sweet tea too, will put you into diabetic shock!

where are you anyway?

For some reason I only just saw this post, I was in Savannah, Georgia. Gorgeous city and the people are so friendly. Shame about the heat and torrential rain! Anyway, I'm home now and so glad I live and run in Ireland as I'm much better suited to this weather!

Got home last Saturday at 6am and had to go to a wedding so grabbed a few hours sleep and headed out. Got to bed about midnight and slept through til 12 the next day!

Eventually managed to get out for a run on Monday. Just did 6km easy but it really was easy! So nice to run in this lovely weather.
6km @6:17 HR 153.

Wed 7: Still taking it easy after the illness and travel so did part of my commute rather then the full thing. Ran from St James to Red Cow along the Luas line and canal. I couldn't believe how many people were out running tonight. The canal especially was crowded with runners. You'd know the marathon was soon! HR was a bit higher than Monday, but it is all uphill!
6.1km@6:18 HR 157

Fri 9: Was planning on another 6km but realised as I was leaving work that I had no Luas card and no money so I'd have to run the full way home! It was a lovely evening though so I didn't mind. I had a slight niggle in my right hip. I don't know why as I've been so lazy the last few weeks and it only started this week. It doesn't stop me running but it woke me a few time last night so should really get it checked out.
As I approached Dodder Valley Park it was getting dark so I wondered should I keep going or run through the park. There were still lots of dog walkers around so I decided to keep on through the park. Next thing I hear some footsteps behind me and four young lads appear, two on each side. Now they were only about 11 or 12 and smaller than me, but some of the 11/12 year olds out after dark in Tallaght can be scary! I automatically expected to get some abuse. One of them says to me "do you do a lot of running?", "Yes, I do" I said. Then he says "We love running! We've been running for 4 hours around the park and I'm not even tired!" Turns out they were lovely lads and they want to run marathons when they're old enough. They ran with me for a little bit until they got bored of my slow pace and sprinted off saying "one more lap of the park til I have to go home". Hilarious. It really cheered me up and I had a smile on my face the rest of the way home.
11.4km@6:41 HR156

I'm not sure now what to do tomorrow. My hip is still niggling, but only really when going upstairs so it's not too bad. I'm planning on starting a 5k plan next week with jingle bells in mind. I was thinking of doing the same and murphd and using the P&L 5K plan but jumping in a bit later. Might just do 7k or so rather than a long run.

Firedance

welcome back there are a few hip tips going on over on my log, have a look, I've found them quite good after only a day! the James Dunne one and the pigeon pose are particularly good imo

thank god those lads turned out to be ok!!

chickey2

Firedance wrote: »

welcome back there are a few hip tips going on over on my log, have a look, I've found them quite good after only a day! the James Dunne one and the pigeon pose are particularly good imo

thank god those lads turned out to be ok!!

Thanks FD. Tried a few of those stretches and don't know if I'm imagining it or not but it feels better already! Could be the wine I drank either :-?

annapr

Welcome home, C!

Did you know that Savannah has the biggest Paddys Day parade in the U.S. outside NYC? I bet they told you that!

Lovely story about the lads in Tallaght.

hillsiderunner

chickey2 wrote: »

One of them says to me "do you do a lot of running?", "Yes, I do" I said. Then he says "We love running! We've been running for 4 hours around the park and I'm not even tired!" Turns out they were lovely lads and they want to run marathons when they're old enough.

Awwwww

chickey2

Well my 5k plan is not going well! I only did one run last week hence the lack of updates. There's no single reason for not running, just a combination of things, being out of a routine, hip niggle, cough, bad weather, tiredness, having to paint the kitchen...blah blah blah. Party weekend is this weekend so no running. I am going to head to the marathon on Monday so I'm hoping that will inspire me. Firedance, where is the novice support station going to be? I might join you!
I got my first present today, a garmin fr225! I'm still figuring out how to work it, but once I get sorted I'll have no excuse not to get out and run.

Firedance

Oh brilliant! I'll need help with nop's strawberries , am planning to be at the junction of miltown & clonskeagh roads, need to finalise exact spot at weekend.

The new watch will def get your running mojo back!

aquinn

Happy Birthday then possibly if new watch is first present?

Firedance

Happy Birthday C enjoy the celebrations!

Bungy Girl

I suspect I am late with the birthday greetings, so hope you had a great day. Happy new age group

Firedance

Hey C! have you tried out the new watch yet? any running going on?

chickey2

Double post

chickey2

Firedance wrote: »

Hey C! have you tried out the new watch yet? any running going on?

Thought I'd have to search for ages for this thread but you kindly bumped it up for me! Yes, there is running going on, started back this week. I ended up taking a complete break for a couple of weeks and it did me the world of good. I was getting sick of running and not looking forward to it. I went to watch the DCM last week and it really gave me a boost but I was away for midterm so waited til this week to get back to normal. It was great to meet up with people after the marathon and it really made me certain I want to do DCM 16. I had been thinking of doing Limerick, but not one person I've spoken to about it recommended it! So I'm going to stick to the shorter races and give Dublin my best shot next year. I'd love to do it sub 4 hours.

I signed up for jingle bells but due to my break I'm not expecting any pbs. I found a four week 5k plan so will do that and give it a shot.

Mon 02: Easy 6 km @6:37 HR 160. This was supposed to be easy and it felt it, but the HR was a bit raised. Guess that's to be expected after so much food/drink the last few weeks. Strangely I didn't put on any weight though so that's one good thing!

Wed 04: 3*4min @5k pace. I used my shiney new garmin Fr225 for this. It's so handy being able to programme in the workout. Think my zones were out though as it kept beeping telling me my HR was too high. I did this on the commute home which was a pain as i had to stop a couple of times to cross the road and it was so dark on the canal path I couldnt see where i was putting my feet. The intervals were 4:58/4:48/4:53 pace which is OK but would do faster on a well lit path! Average HR was 160 but it wasn't accurate as it kept slipping during the fast intervals and said I was only at 130, then when I slowed and adjusted it, it read 190. I'll have to get used to wearing it tight. Other than that it's a great watch and I love not having the chest strap on.

aquinn

chickey2 wrote: »

Thought I'd have to search for ages for this thread but you kindly bumped it up for me! Yes, there is running going on, started back this week. I ended up taking a complete break for a couple of weeks and it did me the world of good. I was getting sick of running and not looking forward to it. I went to watch the DCM last week and it really gave me a boost but I was away for midterm so waited til this week to get back to normal. It was great to meet up with people after the marathon and it really made me certain I want to do DCM 16. I had been thinking of doing Limerick, but not one person I've spoken to about it recommended it! So I'm going to stick to the shorter races and give Dublin my best shot next year. I'd love to do it sub 4 hours.

I signed up for jingle bells but due to my break I'm not expecting any pbs. I found a four week 5k plan so will do that and give it a shot.

Mon 02: Easy 6 km @6:37 HR 160. This was supposed to be easy and it felt it, but the HR was a bit raised. Guess that's to be expected after so much food/drink the last few weeks. Strangely I didn't put on any weight though so that's one good thing!

Wed 04: 3*4min @5k pace. I used my shiney new garmin Fr225 for this. It's so handy being able to programme in the workout. Think my zones were out though as it kept beeping telling me my HR was too high. I did this on the commute home which was a pain as i had to stop a couple of times to cross the road and it was so dark on the canal path I couldnt see where i was putting my feet. The intervals were 4:58/4:48/4:53 pace which is OK but would do faster on a well lit path! Average HR was 160 but it wasn't accurate as it kept slipping during the fast intervals and said I was only at 130, then when I slowed and adjusted it, it read 190. I'll have to get used to wearing it tight. Other than that it's a great watch and I love not having the chest strap on.

I think you've been on the thread where Dave has tested this out. Recommended to wear the watch tight and slightly up the arm I think was the advice for a proper reading?
Welcome back.

ncmc

Hi Chickey, I’ve just been reading through your log – really enjoying it. I’m just back to running after a baby sabbatical and I’m interested to see how other mums cope with fitting in running! I haven’t done Limerick marathon, but like you, haven’t heard good things about it. I think there’s a lot of long lonely stretches without crowds. I did Cork and wouldn’t recommend it either – it can be very warm. I blame the heat for missing out on my goal time by 3 minutes in 2013. You seem in great shape for a sub 4 marathon, you’re times are similar to mine in 2012 and I did Dublin in 3:57, with another years training under your belt, you could even knock more time off.

aquinn

ncmc wrote: »

Hi Chickey, I’ve just been reading through your log – really enjoying it. I’m just back to running after a baby sabbatical and I’m interested to see how other mums cope with fitting in running! I haven’t done Limerick marathon, but like you, haven’t heard good things about it. I think there’s a lot of long lonely stretches without crowds. I did Cork and wouldn’t recommend it either – it can be very warm. I blame the heat for missing out on my goal time by 3 minutes in 2013. You seem in great shape for a sub 4 marathon, you’re times are similar to mine in 2012 and I did Dublin in 3:57, with another years training under your belt, you could even knock more time off.

Cork? What's wrong with Cork?

chickey2

ncmc wrote: »

Hi Chickey, I’ve just been reading through your log – really enjoying it. I’m just back to running after a baby sabbatical and I’m interested to see how other mums cope with fitting in running! I haven’t done Limerick marathon, but like you, haven’t heard good things about it. I think there’s a lot of long lonely stretches without crowds. I did Cork and wouldn’t recommend it either – it can be very warm. I blame the heat for missing out on my goal time by 3 minutes in 2013. You seem in great shape for a sub 4 marathon, you’re times are similar to mine in 2012 and I did Dublin in 3:57, with another years training under your belt, you could even knock more time off.

Thanks ncmc. I used to think mothers couldn't run marathons as I never met one who did, but now more and more are doing it which is great. You should start a log too. I find it helpful to read back on and see progress.

ncmc

chickey2 wrote: »

Thanks ncmc. I used to think mothers couldn't run marathons as I never met one who did, but now more and more are doing it which is great. You should start a log too. I find it helpful to read back on and see progress.

Thanks! I did have a log, but won't post til I've something more than 'ran 4 miles slowly' to report!

ncmc

aquinn wrote: »

Cork? What's wrong with Cork?

Ah I suppose I'm just coming at it having not had a great run. I just felt after Dublin, it lacked the same support in parts. I didn't like the part on the old railway path - too crowded and hot. I suppose my biggest issue is that it can be very hot and your training is done through the winter and spring. The year I did it was literally the first hot day of the year! I just found that hard to adjust to.

chickey2

Fri 6: Supposed to do a tempo run but circumstances meant I couldn't get out. I was annoyed I couldn't even do the first week of a plan, but what can you do!

Sun 8: The plan I'm vaguely following had a 5 mile lsr for today but that's a short lsr even for me, so did 10k instead. I was dreading going out because of the weather but when I eventually dragged myself out I really enjoyed it. Took it nice and easy and tried to concentate on my form. Total 10.2k. @6:53 HR 159.

So my weekly total is a measly 22.1 km, but I guess its better than zero for the last few weeks!

I also started back doing some strength exercises which I haven't done in ages. I tried this James Dunne one which looks easy but i found really hard. http://kinetic-revolution.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1782f03224a6b20eee21331ba&id=28a32d5f28&e=9ab15a2840
I couldn't even do the side plank one :-( I can do a side plank (just about!) but could lift my leg without falling over. I showed me how much work I really need to do.

hillsiderunner

chickey2 wrote: »

F
I also started back doing some strength exercises which I haven't done in ages. I tried this James Dunne one which looks easy but i found really hard. http://kinetic-revolution.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1782f03224a6b20eee21331ba&id=28a32d5f28&e=9ab15a2840
I couldn't even do the side plank one :-( I can do a side plank (just about!) but could lift my leg without falling over. I showed me how much work I really need to do.

Ha! I have the lunge dips (the first exercise) as part of my strengthening-set, but have not been putting my arms up at my ears . Must give that a try!

Looks like a nice set overall I have to say, I will bookmark the video ..

chickey2

hillsiderunner wrote: »

Ha! I have the lunge dips (the first exercise) as part of my strengthening-set, but have not been putting my arms up at my ears . Must give that a try!

Looks like a nice set overall I have to say, I will bookmark the video ..

Let me know how you get on! I'm going to try the side planks again tonight....