Week of Christmas.

Santa made it out to the farm and the kids were excited!! Even got a glimpse of him in action :)

After running over 2 hours that Saturday I was a bit sore and couldn't manage more than a mile warm-up and a few very slow strides on Sunday. I wanted to move around a bit before the 4 hour drive to the farm. Monday, we just ran for about 40 minutes with a few strides. Tuesday, I managed to do 50 minutes on the golfcourse with strides on the fairways. It's an amazing feeling having stretches of green carpet under your feet and no one around for miles. I probably should've run longer, but my stomach was calling for a great Christmas meal. Wednesday, was cold and rainy. Ashley and I managed to hit the weight-room and we had a jump rope contest. I feel completely out of shape. I could barely manage 60 sec. It honestly felt worse than reaching the top of Wilke. I guess it's something you have to get used to. It was nice to take the day off and do something silly, but still get the body moving. Thursday, we warmed up (bitterly cold) and did 6 x 1000m repeats on the farm road. Not sure about the accuracy etc., so concentrated on effort, not worried about time. Friday, we jogged 30 minutes recovery. This time, I was prepared for any crazy dogs that wanted a bite out of our legs....found a good stick and carried it along. Wouldn't you believe...no dogs this time!! We drove to Austin and I ran the 10 mile loop of the Barton/Lost Creek loop. Only to find out that I did it according to the old map and thus backwards. My fingers froze and the hills were like climbing Mt. Everest! Too late to gain hill strength now, but I will make sure to rest my legs rather well before showing up next Sunday!!

I hope everyone reading this had a wonderful Christmas. Have a great New Year' Eve/Day and may 2008 be the year all hopes and dreams come true :)

Week before Christmas!

Monday was a very busy day at the doctors. Come to find out....my little guy broke the bones in his foot during his stair-climber episode at the Christmas Party. Carrying him around left me with a stiff back and neck. Thank goodness he received crutches. Ashley and I ran from home and did a few strides up the hills. It was about 40 minutes in total. Tuesday, we met with the Gazelles and did 6 of the long hills and 3 short sprints. It was a nice evening and the weather was perfect. Wednesday, I went for a short 30 minute run around Townlake. Got caught up in trying to stay with a few people that passed me and ended up running a little faster. Wouldn't you know, once I caught them...they decide to pull over and stop....geez! Thursday, I could finally start my Christmas shopping! Shopping is definitely not one of my favorite things to do. I get more tired from walking around in a mall than an actual run! Thursday evening we also met with the Gazelles and did a solid 6 x 800m workout with 2 minutes rest. My hamstrings have been bothering me lately and it's really difficult to stride. I managed and average of 2:47. About the same times as I did in the beginning of the year, but it feels a little easier. Friday, was the last day of school and everyone brought a friend home. No running! Saturday, I woke up early and joined the long run group. I was actually nervous for this run. I started really slow, determined to finish this time. I realized that I could not stop for more than a sip of water at the water-stops, because my hamstrings would lock up. In the beginning the group would catch up to me and guide the way, but soon I was following a group that went up to 51st and Red River. I don't think my group went up that way. I ended up at Hancock park and after I saw 2 hours and 13 minutes on my watch, made the fatal mistake of stopping. I stretched a bit, but there was no way I could start back up. I was stiff as a board. So, I started walking. I felt happy that I increased my long run from 1:45 minutes, to 2:13 minutes. That's the farthest I have gone EVER, since one time in 2004. Oh, but it's painful!!
Merry Christmas to all who are bored enough to read this blog :)

Update.

Not sure about everyone else, but for me it's always difficult to get pumped up for running when there's heavy emotional things at home. My oldest boy, 15yr. old went to military school really far away. So, running and everything else was a bit solemn this week. Monday, i ran pretty decent with Duane and Rudy. We did the 7 mile loop and were starting to really pick up the pace toward the end. Tuesday, we did 7 Wilke repeats, with a few backwards etc. It was okay for me. Wednesday, i decided to take the day off. It was cold and rainy. Thursday, we did the 4 mile pace run and i managed a 24:44. It felt nice and comfortable, even though.... all i could think of was my son. Friday, i just ran for 30 minutes comfortably. Saturday, i was supposed to do a long run, but ended up running with Ashley for 50 minutes and then added another 15 minutes with Matthew. Sort of a family relay. Sunday (today) we went to the track and played around. The boys' played soccer while Ashley and I ran a few laps with a few strides. This was definitely an "off" week for me and hopefully i can get my act together again. The Gazelle Christmas party was fun and i wish we could've stayed longer. Unfortunately, my dancing machine...Daniel....got his foot stuck in a machine in the weight room. So, the little guy was in a bit of pain and we made a quick escape through the men's locker room .... the joys' of being a single mom :)

Week after 20 km.

Thanks to the shoes, my achilles felt decent, but the blisters on my left foot put me through some serious torture. Monday i managed a very easy 30 minute run around Townlake with Matthew and Ashley. It was Ashley's first run since falling and slicing her leg open. We saw quite a few gazelles, but none seem to look like the race even had any effect. Tuesday, was circuit with 400m inbetween. It was good, just seemed to take longer than usual. Wednesday, i ran 45 minutes recovery in hilly areas. Thursday, we did 1000m repeats with 2 minute rest. We had a nice group going and ran a decent pace all the way through. I think it was about 3:45, 3:44, 3:35, 3:33, and 3:20. It sure was funny how everyone hammered the last one...felt like we were a bunch of silly kids re-living our competitive youth. Friday, i managed a 30 minute very easy run. I was wondering if running a long run the following day would be a good idea, or do i need to postpone it till Sunday? I have been running the longer runs on my own, and it is very boring, so i decided to push ahead and show up with the group on Saturday morning. Big mistake. Forgot to take advil, had a big steak for dinner and was extremely tired still from all the running this week. My hamstrings tightened up at every stop and it was very difficult to get going after stopping. I should've turned back, but somehow i thought a miracle will happen and take all the pain away. At about 9 or 10 miles i left the group. Found a nice clean motor repair place and used the bathroom. How embarassing. I was in there quite a while, just relaxing and washing my face. The guy must've thought i fell in or something. After that, i started jogging again....long story short, i managed to panhandle 50c, hopped on the metro and rode past a lot of runners (chuckling) and got dropped off somewhere around 8th street. More walking/jogging to the car. I made it though. Started at about 5:45 am, got in the car around 8:30 am. Not bad for an adventure around downtown. I did come to realize that i am the best judge of what i am physically capable of and i need to pay attention. I am also not a spring chicken who can bump up the mileage and do 2 long runs a week. Today, my body is reading....no running, get a good book, a good church and pray for recovery.

Quick Update.

Thank goodness we made it through the cold, rainy weekend of Thanksgiving. The week before the Decker 20 km i managed to do the mile repeats on Tuesday. We did 5 x 1 mile and averaged around 6 minute pace, with the last one at about 6:09. This was also my 11 yr. old boy's first workout. He did 3 x 1 mile and was so excited that he could hardly sleep that night. The kids are planning on the Festival of Lights run, so they are pumped.
Thursday, i did the 7 mile loop with the group and we did 1 minute medium, 1 minute easy. Even though it was supposed to be easy, i struggled a bit towards the end and couldn't see at all. Somehow i just didn't feel very rested with quick turnover. I felt rather slow and sluggish. So, Friday and Saturday i kept busy with other stuff besides running. Put the Christmas tree up...that is a weight workout! I was so glad Sunday morning arrived, because i felt as if i just added so much weight from going wild on a sweet tooth craving! I decided to try out my new running shoes, since they felt good on my sore achilles. Bad mistake! The first mile of the race my left foot was on fire. I had no idea how bad the hills would be, but decided to take it really easy the first 6 miles, only thing was...i felt horrible. Everytime someone passed me that i knew, i wanted to stop and cry. I wish i could let out a cry at the time, but i was too exhausted to even squeeze out a tear or too fearful thinking how in the world am i going to manage another 6 miles feeling like this? My foot, completely numb, and me wanting to go home. Then, i went into a weird zone of just going with the motions and the pain and i started gaining on a few people who passed me...hope! Then, i made it to the 11 mile mark and was so happy. Searching for the finish and i knew i was getting close...only with an extreme disappointment of realizing the end is NOT at the 12 mile marker. My legs were buckling, because i really thought it would be over at 12 miles...geez...that last bit almost put me over the edge. I was so happy to see Gilberts friendly face and all i could murmer was that i am very tired. My foot a complete, blood blister mess! But, i am so excited that i won my little $50 and happy that it covered the cost of my race. I treated the kids to Waffle House afterwards!
I am relieved it's over and have a new admiration for ultra distance people.

Thanksgiving Holiday 2007

Finally recovered after the 10 mile race. It took a while! The day after the race i still felt fine, but then it started hitting me slowly, but surely. I managed to run a 35 minute recovery run and then the next day a few hill repeats. On the Thursday of the pace run, i had too much going on and decided to do the 7 mile loop a little faster than normal. 47 minutes, but i was told by my secret rival (hint, bandana wearing dude), that it was actually pretty slow and that he had a PR much faster than that...oh well :(
The rest of the week i pretty much took off, got a new pair of running shoes and ran a long run of about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Monday, Ashley and i managed a 30 minute easy run and then on Tuesday we made it out to the workout which consisted of 4 x 2000m. It was quite difficult, but i ran each one 15 sec. faster, which is good.
After that, we had some celebrating to do....Ashley turned the big old 14 :) Wednesday we drove 4 hours to get to my dad's farm and i jogged 30 minutes to get the stiffness out. On Thanksgiving morning i did 15 x 90 sec strides on the golfcourse with 1 minute recovery. I guess and hope it's equal to doing the 400m repeats. Friday i ran 1 hr 45 minutes and it was freezing. I was chased by dogs and got lost on country roads. Thankfully, i carried my cell phone with me and my dad came to pick me up :)
Today, Saturday....disaster struck! Ashley fell off the bunkbed and when i saw the gash in her leg - i knew we were in trouble....i have this little problem of really freeking out when one of my kids gets hurt. We jumped in the car and drove to several clinics who couldn't really do anything, so finally got to a real hospital and managed to sew everything shut. Inside and out! Now, we are exhausted and definitely don't feel like running...well, maybe a light jog later to calm the nerves. I added a picture of the beautiful view from the bedroom window and the wonderful running areas my dad created. My dad, a runner himself. Well, he had always got kicked off golfcourses as a runner, and then finally...when he could afford enough land, built his own golfcourse which is absolutely runner friendly :)

Weekly Update.

This was a good week, because i felt a little better when i was running. Not struggling so much. Tuesday, after the long run i went to Townlake and did a little fartlek around the 7 mile loop. About 3 sets of 3,2,1 minute with 1 minute jog inbetween. The fartlek was comfortable, not hard. Tuesday, i finally made it out to the group practice. It was so nice to see everyone again. It was circuit with 800m inbetween. Gilbert gave the option of just doing the 800m. Ashley and i decided to do that instead. We did 5 x 800m with 90 sec. rest. It was dark and there was a lot of people on the track. She was about a step behind me on each interval...wow! We started with 3 minute and the last few was in 2:48's.
Wednesday, was just a few weights with a 30 minute easy run. Thursday, i met with the group again. Nice! We did 12 x 60 sec around auditorium shores. I felt good. Friday, another easy 30 minute run and Saturday there was just too much going on to think about running. Plus, i needed all the rest i could get for a long 10 mile race. The race went really well. What a difference to racing a 10 km. This was actually much nicer....i could breathe and even strike up some sort of conversation while racing! I was very greatful to have a few guy's with me the whole time...usually, i am out all alone with a group in the front and a group behind. I felt good all through the race, never fell apart and am happy to say i am fitter now than i have been in about 8 years. I was going to try and be in good shape when i turned 35, but unfortunately my life had a few twists and turns which i couldn't control. So, now i am almost 40 and after today i feel pretty good about being strong at 40.

Weekly Update

Difficult to concentrate on running this week, but i tried the best i could. Monday, my legs felt a little heavy after my 14 miler on Saturday, but i had time for a decent run, so i headed out to an area with lots of hills and i ran for about 50 minutes and concentrated on running the hills a little faster and relaxing on the downhills. Tuesday, was a bit of a disaster. I waited to run with Ashley, but we also had to wait for soccer to end and by that time it was already 6:30 pm. A little late to get started, but we tried. We headed out to Zilker fields wanting to do the 1000m repeats. The boys were playing in the middle of the field, but after the second repeat it got really dark and lots of cars were leaving from the soccer fields. Boys' were starting to argue among each other and i decided to just call it a day. We ended up doing 2 x 1000m .... in about 3:45...oh well.

Wednesday, was a little better. I warmed up 10 minutes and wasn't really sure which workout was on the schedule. Did not feel like running any sort of hill or trail for that matter. I ended up running 4 x 1 mile with 90 sec rest in about 6 minute pace. I don't remember the last time i ran so many circles by myself. I just tried to think of it as a 6 minute stride and not concentrate on counting laps.

We had a fun Halloween, and my achilles was very sore when walking through the neighborhoods, it felt like another workout! Thursday, i took a day off. Friday, i ran 40 minutes with a few weights. Due to birthdays' etc. i had too much on my plate for a run on Saturday, plus i was tired of a golfball size achilles, so another rest day. That guilt feeling was sitting heavy with me. But, i made up for it today (Sunday)...i managed to run 90 minutes. Thank goodness! My conscience can rest at ease.

Weekly update.

This was a fun and busy week. Monday, i was able to find another "late sleeper" to run the 7 mile loop with me. It was amazing how much cooler it got when that cold front finally made it's way through. It was windy, but we managed to run the loop in about 49 minutes. Tuesday, i did not feel like running. I went to the gym and did a few weights, then to Mt. Bonnell and jogged for about 15 minutes. My legs felt like bricks. I decided to run the stairs a few times and jog down the path. There was a few sightseers who thought i was a bit crazy. At that moment i felt good, even though i didn't want to run...i thought "wow" it's a great feeling to be able to be healthy enough to run these steps. A few weeks ago, when my aunt from South Africa came for a visit, she could not make it up the steps and could not see the beautiful view. Sometimes, we have such a desperate desire to get faster that we loose focus of just how in shape we already are.

Wednesday, i was extremely sore and just jogged 35 minutes very easy with a few strides. We headed out to Burnet for district cross country. The course actually surprised me....they did mow and mark the trail. The wind was just extremely strong and i thought Ashley was going to have a very difficult time compared to the stronger runners. Well, she surprised me. A year ago, she decided to drop ballet and start running. Ballet is great, but we all know that it doesn't compare to playing soccer or swimming etc. I thought she would have a lot of catching up to do. And, here she was racing to the front. No one challenged her and she finished way ahead. I was proud, but i also know that she never missed a workout this summer. A good pay off for all those hot summer afternoon runs. She felt so good and was so appreciative of not falling, getting lost, or even having a cold during this particular race.

Thursday, was an extremely busy day with flu shots, parent/teacher conferences...but, i once again managed to find time to fit in a quick workout during lunch time with someone who decided not to work that day...lucky for me. Being the little rebel that he is and so super focused on this distance challenge that it scares me, i decided to just be quiet and do whatever he needed to do. We did 1 mile in 5:47 (he left me in the dust), then 5 x 800m in about 2:55. The wind was awfully strong again, but i managed to have time for a 1 lap cool down and i was facing a teacher 10 minutes later.

Friday, i got the kids off to school and decided to jump back in bed and SLEEP! Saturday, i finally did my first real long run. I am proud to say that i ran 2 x 7 mile loops at Townlake. The first loop with Ashley, nice and slow and then the second loop on my own. I don't remember the last time i ran so far, but i was nervous about all the pounding of the road and stayed on the trail. There was a huge rowing competition going on, so plenty of entertainment along the way. I still can't believe i actually finished 14 miles. I am thrilled, even though it was very slow. Today, i might just make it out to Zilker with a stroll around the soccer fields. Should be painful.

Weekly update!

This week i had to alter a few things, because i was trying to fit in as many runs with Ashley as i could. She has district cross country on Wednesday and is really excited for it. We drove all the way to Burnet today and looked at the course. I jogged with her (after i did the IBM) and felt pretty good. I didn't tell her this, but i thought the course was horrible and it would be very difficult to run fast. It's basically a farmer who mowed a piece of ground and made 2 x 1 mile loops out of it. The footing is so rough. Oh well, we will see what happens...can't be worse than the IBM 10 km today :)
So, Sunday i just ran 30 minutes with her. We went to the Zilker fields and ran a few loops. Monday, we did fartlek around Townlake. Two sets of 3, 2, 1 with one minute recovery. I was very surprised. She stuck to me like glue. I couldn't go any faster. Tuesday, i went off on my own and did the Stratford run. 2 miles out and 2 miles back. I tried to go a little faster than just a normal run and managed around 6:30 pace. It felt all-right, just had to dodge a few cars. Wednesday i was off on my own again into my old neck of the woods. City Park. I just jogged a bit and looked at my old house and did 2 x 1 mile repeats in about 6 minute pace. It felt good, but it was only two :(
Thursday, i waited on Ashley and we ran to the track from home. We decided to work on our turn-over and did 6 x 400m with 60s rest in 76-78s. I let her take the lead and it felt weird being mom and running behind, tucking in behind my "little girl". In a few months from now...(i thought), it will all be over with. She will be running circles around me. I guess, i better move up in distance.
Friday, i rested. Then again, i did run through the Austin Zoo. I was in charge of a small group of kids (including my own) and they decided to run through the Zoo, instead of walk. Good thing, i was wearing running shoes :)
Saturday, a warm-up with strides and Sunday the BIG RACE!! Yikes, a little confusion here at mile 2-3, dampened my spirits a little. I was just settling into a nice pace when BAM...we had to turn around. I did say a few bad words....YES, i have a fowl mouth every now and again, but all in all, it was pretty funny. It was difficult to get back "into" things and i did struggle on the back loop. Two women passed me and all i could say was "good job"...gosh, i wish i could have that competitive spirit again and want to beat them, but i don't...i just run with a smile. Hopefully it will come back, i don't know. It's going to be a busy week. I will take it one day at a time.

Weekly update

Definitely a better week. After reading about the Chicago marathon and knowing what the people in Kona are going through, i thought of my week as pretty easy! Monday, i ran the 7 mile loop at Townlake and i managed to run at 7 minute pace, i tried to think of the firecracker run and push myself a little. The weather was so much better. Staying on the trail has made a difference in my achilles. Tuesday, i did the 10 Wilke hill repeats. Wednesday, another 7 mile loop around the trail...this time, pretty easy. Thursday, i finally made it out to the group. It was so nice to see everyone again, that i felt just like socializing instead of running, but oh well....We did the 2 x 2000m around Zilker in about 7:30-7:20 minutes. Then, 3 x 1000m in 3:30's. Thank goodness for Erine running with me. Friday, i barely made 30 minutes very easy. Saturday, i couldn't run. There was a cross country race in Georgetown for Ashley and a school carnival for the boys'. Ashley had a good run and felt strong, but unfortunately took a wrong turn. I guess, i should've taught her to navigate :(
She got 5th and started smiling after i told her that i got a whole race lost in high school cross country....we all walked back and they canceled the race. How can people honestly expect to put a blond out on a course with very limited markings? Lesson learned....know your course!
Anyway, i also had a fun girls night out in downtown Austin!! We stayed until everything closed and i must say...walking on high heels through the streets of downtown and up a 3 level parking garage, definitely counts as a workout! That was my once a year outing...just kidding!

Week Update

Wow, it was a crazy week! After Sunday's relay race i really had a difficult time going for a run on Monday. I ran about 75 minutes, but my achilles was so sore. After an hour i still had about a mile left to get to the car and i was thinking what i would give for new feet with new achilles and while i am at, toss in a new hamstring as well.
Tuesday, i didn't run. Wednesday i ran 35 minutes with Ashley and we did a few strides. Thursday, i went for an hour run in the hills and i was dragging. My mind is just not in it this week, and i really wish i could just go out and jog slowly sometimes. For some reason, i always find myself needing to go faster and then on days like this.....i wonder why i am even doing it? It would be so much easier just pulling up a lawn chair and watching my kids. Have all these years of running, left too much wear and tear on my body? When i wake up in the morning i can barely walk.....then, Friday i did the wonderful 1000m repeats. I knew it was going to be tough, but i thought of it as long strides....nothing more. I did 4 with 90 sec. rest and after the last one was 4:15, i thought it's time for me to shuffle to the car. I did the 1000m's by Barton Springs Pool, where we do the mile repeats and it was wonderfully marked out. That was one good thing :)
Saturday, i didn't run...had too much sports going on. Ashley ran a wonderful race. McNeil cross country and her interview and video of the race is at www.Flotrack.org They have her last name spelt wrong though, but she is in the Jr. High School 2 mile race. She has a fever now, so i am hoping it won't spread through the house. I barely watched her finish and drove to soccer on the other end of town in 20 minutes! Then, another soccer game after that. Today, baseball.....i am going to try and have better focus this week.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday

After Thursday' s workout i felt a little tired. Friday, just jogged 30 minutes with a few strides. It was nice to discover a new route, where i could actually run from my house...cut through a few yards and make it to the greenbelt. A possible long run route? :)
Saturday, i just warmed up and did a few strides on the grass. Gosh, how much rest is needed to get the life back into my legs??
Sunday, thank goodness for fishing poles! My youngest 3 boys' had to wait while Ashley and I ran the relay race (a good 3 hours) and they were having a blast and left me worry free! We got there just in time to encourage Dee (our first leg runner). Never met her before, but she was so cute when we encouraged her and she said "thank you" while running hard...how polite is that? Mel, came in with such a duel with another runner....i thought, she is one tough cookie!! A beautiful girl. Then, there was me....i felt okay, except for the part i was heading up Congress and around the Capitol. I was starting to wonder if i was being punished for living here 4 years and never actually visiting the Capitol?? I was so happy coming down the finish and seeing my daughter, Ashley waving her arms like i won't recognize or see her? She was excited and i could tell. She ran strong, but i think she thought it was tough. Her little face was bright red and she was relieved to be finished. Caroline, our last leg was a galloping gazelle. I would really hate to be next to her during the finish of a race....she is a sprinting machine and will make anyone around her look bad.
It was a great event and especially great when we won the open woman's devision! I managed to hold on to a 6:10 pace and Ashley did 6:43 pace. I am happy with that.

Thursday

I must be looking at the wrong calendar. First, i thought we were supposed to do fartlek and then i read a few of the blogs on the website and saw 800m repeats? I was actually looking forward to fartlek, but thought...oh well....here we go again...track time. It was a weird morning. I was at the grocery store very early and one of the baseball dad's tapped me on the shoulder and started chatting. Well, long story short....he is the manager of several local bands, including Los Lonely Boys'. I was a little rattled, but pretended to stay calm and collected. In the process i lost my debit card, lost the $10 cash back etc. etc. It's a bit early in the morning for me to find out i am talking to someone with such credentials. I am so excited to tell someone about this, and who better than my blog!
I got to the track and did 5 x 800m with 90 sec. rest. 2:44, 2:42, 2:43, 2:44, 2:44. It was difficult and i have to remind myself not to start picking up the pace around the bend...i could feel my hip go out and i could actually see my "not so distant future" having a hip replacement for running around a track all these years! I did cheat though, i was wearing super light shoes, took an advil and had a very strong cup of coffee. Hopefully, next time i can get the job done without any of the "aids".

Tuesday & Wednesday

Daniel, my youngest woke up with a fever and stayed home. Running definitely had to wait. Finally made it out to the baseball game in the evening and since i had my running clothes on all day (waiting for the opportunity to sneak something in). I finally, got the chance between innings. I read a quote from Lynn Jennings once, it said that if you are pressed for time - run 15 minutes as hard as you can. I always remember that, it seems to happen quite a bit.
I ran down towards Townlake for about 15 minutes. Went by the mopac bridge stretching station at about 7:15 pm and almost lost my footing off the curb when i saw all the people congregating there. I have to say (maybe, i have just been kept home too long)...Austin has some of the most beautiful, fit people i have seen in a long time. I went by the track and couldn't resist...hopped on and ran 1 mile in 5:50. Lots of people doing lengthy workouts. Then, i got back on the trail to the baseball field and made it back to see my son bat. Great timing, and decent run.
Wednesday, i made it out to the gym. My least favorite thing to do, but today they had country music playing and it was actually nice doing weights with a two-step beat :)
That's it.....no running :(
Start with fresh legs again tomorrow!!

Sunday & Monday

I couldn't resist this picture, because i am not sure i have my youngest boy in the right sport...i am thinking, maybe boxing?

Sunday, i ran 35 minutes.

Monday, i was a little confused and decided to warm-up 10 minutes and run on Austin High School track for a few half-mile repeats. I know the schedule said 2000m repeats, but i knew i was going to have a difficult time holding a decent pace on those long intervals. And, i am running the 10 km leg in the relay race on Sunday. As i was about to start my half mile repeats at AHS, the entire football team came running out. There was no way i was going to run around the track with them in the middle. I had to make a very quick change of plan. Went back on the trail and came across the Zilker fields (next to the mopac bridge)...loaded with barrels and a nice little loop. Did 5 x 2:30s hard intervals with 90 sec. rest. It was perfect!!! So, perfect...that i went back later this evening with Ashley and had her do 60 sec repeats with a little break while i jogged 30 minutes with a few strides.

Friday & Saturday

Finally made it to Waco leaving in the middle of Friday afternoon rush hour traffic. Jogged 30 minutes and did a few strides.

Saturday morning, i had Ashley run her first real cross country race. It was the Baylor Invitational for high schoolers. The coach was really nice and let her run unattached. I haven't really been back to a cross country race since 1990, (i think it was nationals at Tennessee that year) and it was a very familiar feeling warming up with my daughter for her race. She ran in the Varsity race and placed 11th, about 60 sec. behind the winner. I wasn't sure which race she should run. Not really sure what the term varsity or junior varisty means, but i think we made the right decision. Based on the results she would've won the junior varsity by a minute and i always think it's better running a race with better competition, than placing first with less competition. She really enjoyed it and learned alot. Her analogy was that the girls went down the first hill like a pack of cayotes fighting over a chicken bone. Interesting, but funny. She was happy with her medal and looking forward to high school cross country oneday.


Made it back to Austin and i went for an 80 minute run. It's nice to know that my legs can still carry me all the way from my house, around townlake and back home. My favorite part was cutting through the Zilker soccer fields. I am so tempted to take a bottle of baby powder out there and measuring out a 1000m loop or something. The grass is quite flat after the ACL stampede and you can actually run pretty fast without twisting your ankle. I always dread running on roads.

Thursday

Since it was "open house" at school i once again had to do the workout alone. It's starting to get very lonely and i really miss running with my group. Hopefully, i will be at a few organized workouts next week.
I warmed up 10 minutes and i was very happy that my dad was in town and came with me to the track. He walked a few laps while i did the workout. I did 4 x 1200m with 2 minutes rest. I decided to go a little faster and do fewer, because i have to run the 10 km next weekend at the relay race and i need my legs to get used to a quicker turn over. I managed 4:21, 4:20, 4:21, 4:21. It felt comfortable, but it was hot out there.
I ran towards home for about 20 minutes and luckily my dad felt sorry for me and picked me up with the car along the way. Nice, but i probably need to run home next time and add a few more miles.

Wednesday

Thanks so much for the comments on this blog. I really appreciate it and would love to actually meet you too. I am a bit "withdrawn" when it comes to big groups, but "one-on-one", i can talk your ears off!
I am a firm believer in taking a day off of running once a week, or at least one every 2 weeks. I was determined to do just that. Every time the "guilt" feeling would come over me, i would just shake it off. Besides, my eyes saw so much sport action today...that i probably need another day of rest.
Cross country was exciting. The course was tough. Ashley took off like a rabbit, but had that serious, nervous, look on her face. She went flying past me with her teammate right on her shoulder. On the last hill the teammate passed Ashley by and i was glad that she showed determination by "hanging in there" and finishing a strong second.
Gilbert is so right about encouraging us to do strength training. But, i am reluctant to have a 13 yr. old start getting too serious. I didn't lift a drop of weight until i was in college. Too much growth going on in those bones!
I have noticed that i am a terrible spectator...i don't say or yell anything, but the "inside" of me feels every step of pain that my child is going through. I am more nervous watching than actually running....the video camera shakes so much, i might as well leave it in the car. I can't imagine how my parents' did it with me for so many years....and, i had so many bad races! They drove me everywhere and encouraged me, even if i would be LAST and crying my eyes out. Hope i can do half of what they did.
Then, it was a complete change of pace to the other end of town. Who would've ever thought i would grow to love baseball? I grew up with cricket and rugby. Major league baseball?, well it's catchy....done with the boring t-ball stuff...thank goodness (sorry)! It's just different watching your son with their tiny little hips find the strength to swing at those pitches. For some reason i find myself ducking. He did get hit in the head once, but promised me the helmet is well padded....but, he did twirl around a couple of times?....i sure hope those things are padded!
Well, tomorrow its back to running for me....can't wait!

Tuesday

Wow, i only did 3 sets of 12 squats yesterday with very light weight and i am very sore today. I actually have a difficult time just walking normal. I wasn't really sure whether my workout was supposed to be circuit or "secret" hill, but i knew i needed to do the workout during the day, because my 8 yr. old had soccer practice at 5 pm.
So, i drove out to Robert E Lee and warmed up 10 minutes to the "secret" hill (probably 400-500m) and did 6 repeats. It's always easier physically to do these things by yourself, but mentally it's tough. Just boring, having to jog back for the recovery. I only had a strange looking cat greet me at the top of each repeat, which was kind of cute. The rest of the time i was stuck behind garbage trucks and recycling bins, totally amazed how many liquor bottles were in some of our neighborhood friends' recycling bins. It's nice living in city limits, but i do miss the countryside and forest/mountain trails for workouts like these.
When i got back to the car i felt a tiny bit better and sat on the grass and actually stretched for the first time in a few years. Even did a few push-ups (wow, 2 days in a row)....that means i might still have a chance of remaining the arm wrestling champion in my house for a little while longer.

First Blog

Well, this is my first blog ever! I thought about it all day. This is the first time in 39 years (yes, i am 39 years old) that i am actually going to write my thoughts down in English. I still think, count and dream in Afrikaans, even though i have been in America since 1986. A long time! SO, to who ever reads this...please be patient.
I have actually been keeping a running log since i was about 13 years old. I hardly ever look back, as we all know the body changes so drastically.
Okay, lets get down to business.
Saturday, 13Th September.....i made it out to Town lake at the same time as my 13 yr. old daughter, Ashley (you will hear a lot about her in my blog, because she has become my "shadow"). It was nice starting the same time as her, since my cousin was visiting from South Africa....i left him in charge of the rest of the boys'. I have 4 boys. Long story!
Anyway, Ashley did a 5 mile loop with the middle school group and i did the 7 mile loop. I have not been to the trail that late (7-8am) and couldn't believe all the people! I felt a little tired from Thursdays' 1000m repeats, so i just did 7 miles.
Sunday, 14Th September....i ran 35 minutes on the cross country course at West ridge Middle school. I showed Ashley the course for Wednesdays' race and we did a few accelerations. They actually have a nice cross country course out there, even though we could only find one or two "arrows", but the possibilities were endless.
Then, today i ran 68 minutes in my very favorite City Park area. I love driving out there (i used to rent a house that backed up to the archery range). It's getting a bit built up, but there are still plenty of really isolated roads and lots and lots of hills. I love running in the hills, because there's always a downhill!! Racing in hills, well...that's a different story! Saw lots of dead snakes and on every hill, i start day-dreaming about climbing my favorite mount Kilimanjaro one day! I made it out to the YMCA later and did light weights. Gilbert told me to work on my strength training, so today was the day. I haven't been to the gym in months. I managed to do sit-ups, push ups, light squats and a few other things. That was enough exercise for one day!!!