Hmm... humangous or humongous?

I just realised that my post of July 25 titled "139 humangous kilometres" was titled incorrectly.
http://angel-journey.blogspot.com/2006/07/139-humangous-kilometres-so-far.html

For those keen on the language and to enligthen their passion for the written and spoken word check the following website:
http://www.worldwidewords.org/weirdwords/ww-hum2.htm
where it refers to the term humongous, meaning huge, enormous, stupendous, tremendous
Oh Lord! Whatever!

Humongous, silly tweet head!

This is not the first time I invent words... Indeed, I will feel human-gous the day I complete the first marathon.

Finishing the month on a high..!

This morning I run my planned course - from Middle Brighton Baths to Warrigal, and back. So this means that it was the longest distance I ever run on a single journey. It also means that I exceeded my longest time running - two hours and forty two minutes.

I finish the month of July on a very high note:
* run a total of 169 kilometres (oh gosh!! what a number!);
* completed a run of 30 kms (today, yepeee!)
* run the longest time ever - 2h42m (my previous time was probably 2.10hrs).

Today's course:
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=329341.

I originally planned to run with Alexis and Rodrigo today, but Alexis advised me that was unable to run and Rodrigo did not show up. So I started on a easy pace for 15 mins and then stopped to stretch for 5 mins. After that I continued my run at a pace that would allow me to do the long distance. I felt good for the first hour and a half. After that, I thought it was a question of keep working on making the time. This strategy worked for most of the course. The last three kms it was a question of reminding myself that I have to do it... did I think of quitting? yes, but i walked for five minutes and stretched a couple of times, then kept going.

It was easy for me to run [from Brighton] to Ricketts Point and I kept going with the confidence that whatever happened I was heading towards achieving new distances and a time record - that made me feel good. I had a sense of satisfaction when I reached Warrigal Road and then I turned back inmmediately ... kept working on preserving energies for the journey back.

In a nutshell, I feel confident and optimist I can run half marathon, but I am yet to find strength to run consistently 30 kms... As I write this note I feel more satisfied now compared to how I felt after completing the Run to the G last June.
(See post : http://angel-journey.blogspot.com/2006/06/first-half-marathon-in-1h-39m.html.)

On my way to Warrigal Road, around Ricketts Point I could see Frankston's Down Town - I started to wonder if I would manage to enrol for the marathon. This thought only lasted a short time because I was too preocuppied admiring the bayside. I also noticed some markers for the Melbourne Marathon - 18kms and the 21 kms - a few metres away from the Ricketts Point Teahouse, the start for the HM).

As for the month of August, I will reduce the amount of running ... I am taking time to organise a party for 21 challenging years living Down Under and my birthday; after all I am typical Leo.

That's all folks!

Ps - For once, I did not look the time in my watch until I reached Warrigal Road... this means I am building confidence in going for the distance.

A view of Boston

This is a view of Boston, Mass. I was in Boston in June 2004. The idea of one day running a marathon emerged during this visit.
I run around the city parks and the river (incl going past MIT), that what a marvellous experience.

Albeit to say, this trip was the precourse to restarting the journey in many ways. Time of transition.

This was a shot taken from my hotel room - near the threatres and looks towards downtown.

139 Humangous Kilometres so Far

This week: 30 kms
Total July: 139 kms

Wow!! The figure run this month looks impressive... by the end of this week I should have run the biggest ever amount in any single month period of my whole entire existence! That's marvellous! Enough crap. Move on. Get over it.

Today I returned to The Tan for two laps, which I enjoyed very much, however I thought the run was easy. My running partner does not run that much so it is all about working together - so I was happy to do at an easy pace. I left the office after six and dropped one of my colleagues at her home in Sth Yarra and then to the course. We started running near the 2km mark so we had time to warm to get up the hill - which we took it easy. Our second lap was about the same but picked pace as we approached the hill.

Do you know how I call the strecht before the hill? The Calm Before the Storm. It is deceiving and if you dont know the ritual that follows, i.e. how to tackle the hill, one succumbs before you even get started. Dont fool yourself if you silly enough to pick the pace of a bugger just doing training in that little section.

How do I know the calm before the storm, or "la calma antes de la tormenta"? Dont know. What is it?

One post I received today from a dear friend insinuated that I should go for the gadgets... but you know what I am not sure if running is what I should keep doing in the long term!

I am beginning to enjoy the long distances but the short distance runs I am beginning to find tedious. So after October, depending on what I race I do, I will reassess my running objectives; there are more things to do in life than just running.

That's all folks!

A Solo Bayside Run

This week: 22kms
Total July: 131kms

This morning I run solo from Middle Brighton Municipal Baths to Rickets Point (Beaumaris); oh what a beaut! The night before I planned my course and, because I could not go to Princess Park to join others there, I started my run around 9.30 am and run for about 53mins to my return point. Some of the other running partners were not up to a long course today... so it was a nice solo and enjoyable experience for me... I run at a pace I felt comfortable with and stopped for water whenever I wanted. In total I run for an 1hr50m.

For those curious to know, this was my course:
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=312589
I planned to run 26kms I dont think this was the total distance - felt like that, though.

I started at a nice slow pace and about 15mins into it I started feeling a pain in my left calf and thought I would have to return but after some stretching I felt relieved so I continued and picked up pace. Amazing that three minutes of targetted leg exercise made the difference. Feeling positive and keeping in mind that I was going for a long run I continued advancing through the bushes and admiring the views of Port Phillip Bay.

I felt happpy that I went past Half Moon Bay (this was where we started our journey back last Sunday), although today I started running a kilometre earlier. So I am beginning to gain familiarity with the course. In fact I went past my favourite beach spot - where during Summer I enjoy going for a swim and read a book in solitute.

The knee pain has dissapeared (referred to in my earlier post). My thoughts during the run were mainly positive. I must say that on my way back I decided that I am still far away from feeling on target to run a full marathon. This may sound a paradox considering that most people tell me that I am doing okay. I feel far from lasting the distance (bearing in mind that I am yet to run 30kms and past a two hour run) and I would not like to push myself again like last June that left me exhausted (but then again I think I enjoyed the experienced).

Part of the course was done on the concrete/pavement so my knees would not feel the pressure too much. There were some runners who stick to the pavement and other stayed. For most of the way back I run at a comfortable fast pace (5.0) and I only slowed down towards the end (probably around Dendy St). I still have energies till the end and felt delighted I finished feeling positive. I am delighted about my improvement.

So my plan of action for the coming two weeks is: Run twice during the week and a long run on Sundays. This coming Sundayn(July 30) the plan is to run three hours, starting at 7.30am, followed by a big breakfast at The Pantry. Sunday 6 August the target is to do 30 kms. These two runs will test my relative progress to ascertain my capability for October.

In addition, I need to drink more water during the day and eat bigger serves. Today I even thought that I would have to stop drinking wine if the aim is to improve my performance.

And, yes, Virginia, there is enjoyment in the runs I am doing now; I am not addicted to running though.

Am I getting mental ... like all those old fart runners?

This week so far I run Sunday (18kms) and Tuesday (12kms). I intended to run on Thursday evening as I have been doing for the past few months but after visiting the physio on Weds I decided it was wise to rest. This morning i thought I would go out for a run but it was too cold and running around the beach is too windy anyway.

Did i hear physio? Yes. I went to the physio for the first time ever. (Thank God for private insurance!) Since I shifted my running from The Tan to Bayside, I have experienced a pain in my knee. It's all okay and it is a question that instead of running same way as previously I have to take into consideration that the surface is somewhat different.

But this is not all, I bought two running magazines today. Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat! Runnnin mags? Am I going nuts or what? It's true, I decided to buy for the first time ever two running mags to see what it's there.

This is getting worse... I have been considering that I need to buy another pair of runners to make the running easier. I am currently running with Asics GT2100 and i would not mind getting same or the top of the range. Hang on... the craziness does not finish there, because I like gadgets I have been pondering whether to get a running watch or one of those things that all serious runners wear (HR, pace, distance travelled, GPS, et al). So far I have resisted getting an iPod but I will probably reward myself with one.

Bloody oath! Am I am getting serious with it...? probably, but to a point. There's more to life than the running and trying to have achieve PBs. It's all about the process and the fun involved in it.

Good run along the Bayside coast

This week: 30kms
Total July: 109kms

What a nice run this evening..! Forget The Tan (oh ye! for the time being). This evening I started running from Martin St and head south towards Sandy... in fact I got there and then came back. I warmed up for about 15mins, running at a nice pace and then I picked pace to feel the strain of the legs... I tell you it felt good. I am not a masoquist but felt like one. On my way back I maintained the same fast pace and started to wonder how I will perform in October. I run a total of 12kms. Happy punter.

I would be happy if I do the HM in about 105 mins (mind you I did the Run to the G in 99mins but it left me very exhausted). Considering that the Melb Marathon is in October when the weather is warmer and perhpas covers more hills, I would not be able to have the same performance so I settle for an additional 6mins to feel less emotionally drained for subsequent days.

I am beginning to get used to the running, although I still feel like stopping and quitting so often. Oh my God what an emotional struggle... I shall get there. (The easy option is to get an iPod but guess what... i am not doing that yet). I listen to music enough already to keep listening on the moment of solitude i have during the day.

At the end of today's run I did some strechting but I am conscious I should do some more...

TTFN.

A misty Sunday run along the Yarra (ii)

As a child, I rememer very well seating in the couch at home reading the daily newspaper with stories of conflict, countries torn apart by war. Then I wondered what triggered nations and people of all sort to take up the arm struggle rather tahn political persuasion to solve differences.
Now that I see pictures in the daily news again of Beirut, I think of the conflict in few countries Lebanon, Israel, Korea, Indochina, Nicaragua, El Salvador and South Africa.

War is such an absurdity, really. I yearn for peace.

People should make love not war.

These were my thoughts as I enjoyed today's run and felt delighted living in my Melbourne, my town, my hole.

A misty Sunday run along the Yarra

This morning, Rodrigo, Alexis and I completed a run from Fairfield Park to The Tan, in 1hr 40min. The morning was foggy, cold and perfect for a good Sunday run – able to concentrate and catch up on anything we had not spoken for the past week.

Years ago I used to cycle all around the Yarra Bend, Yarra River, Yarra Trail, and god know how many different names there are. The trail has changed and is more ‘urbanised’ rather than the rugged territory it previously had within the inner city boundaries.

As we all run at different paces and the intention was to run a nice collective effort, we sustained a pace comfortable for two thirds of the runners. Probably we covered the first three kilometres rather fast than originally intended, but climbing up around Kew-Richmond was noticeable for Rodrigo, who reminded us that the marathon was not for him. The closer we run to the city the more runners, walkers and cyclists we saw.

We started at 8.10am – as scheduled - and reached The Tan at 9.40am, ready for a nice and succulent breakfast at our usual café in Domain St. Originally we planned to reach the Tan by 9.20am. Initially I was told that the distance from Fairfield Park to The Tan was approx 12.5kms, when in fact it is closer to 16kms. Ariel, Gonzo and Gabi joined us at the cafe.

For next Sunday, Gabi is competing in the SC Princes Hill run (30kms), Rodri and Aexis (HM). Unfortunately I am not able to join them. Wish them well and hope they have a pancake for me.

As I progress my training for October, I will schedulling more runs around the bayside so I become accstumed to the the territory covering Mordialloc to Elwood.

This week: 18kms
Total July: 97kms

Fun Guggle Run at The Tan

This week: 41 kms
Total July: 79 kms

Tonight I had a good run at The Tan - fun guggle!
I completed 12kms in 58mins (which I think is about 4.5 pace). I believe I did 4kms in 20m and, I picked pace for the next 4kms and I finished well... so I am happy.
I started running from my usual position, Domain and Anderson sts, going clockwise. I went fast the third time up the hill and I did run for the past 400mts.

I feel positive about my progress and the way I finished - this week has been good runnning, two good sessions.

It was peculiar that I did not have a theme that went through my head all this time, I simply enjoyed the run. I did however notice that I am feeling hungry a lot lately and guess what... I keep forgetting to eat more.

Running Habits and Other Banalities

This week: 29 kms
Total July: 67kms

I am beginning to shift my running practice... have a goal with each session.

I run this evening a few laps around the Duncan McKinnon recreation centre, which I enjoyed it. I did five laps, one at a normal pace then I started to pick pace. Finish the last lap and a half relatively fast. Felt good. 6 kms there.

After that I went to the tracks and run a few gentle laps and then some sprinting. Another 3 kms.

Overall I felt pleased with my performance.

I am intrigued to hear that some people advocate: go for the marathon whilst others encourage to continue with HM. May have to discuss it more openly.

In the non-running front... Today I received an envelope which contained two copies of a journal which published a paper I presented at a forum in Paris two years ago.

In the cooking department... one trick is to experiment with recipes and combine different flavours and herbs. Ah! There was a write up about the Rose Hotel in today's Epicure. They recommend the pork roast - I shall try it next week.

Night folks!

A Day Makes a Huge Difference

Today I had one of those days that was meant to do so much but achieved very little. Alas, no running today.

Yerterday I felt I could have subscribed to do the marathon this October. Today, I looked at the Melways and moved my finger across the several pages it covers to do the distance; reality is that I am not ready for the big run. No way Jose.

Just imagine ... I can tackle running across maps 67, down to 76 and 85 (from Brighton down to the Clock Tower in Black Rock), but then turn to maps 86-87 (Beaumaris to Mordialloc) the whole thing gets a bit disconcerting and once you figured your way down to map 92 (Aspendale to Edithvale) you realise you are still away from getting to Frankston. Bloody hell. Maps 93 and 97 (Chelsea and Carrum) are north of Seaford which happens to be still north of Frankston - the Melbourne Marathon starts in Map 102. Forget counting the maps and the number of suburbs it takes to get to the start. Far, far, far too many.

So today I am considering whether the October proposition is a crazy and silly idea. I like the proposition of running a few HM before I venture to the serious stuff. I suppose I could use the incentive of trying HM in the northern hemisphere to make the challenge more exciting.

Ps - This morning I had the compote with my Red Hill muesly and it tasted superb. Certainly using a few threads of saffron made a huge difference and the fresh orange added tanginess. I cooked a kilo for myself so I dont have to worry for a few days, and it is also nice for a lazy dessert evening with organic yoghurt. Yum yum yum...
A variation of the recipe is to add a glass of viognoir (Heathcote or Morningtoon, earthy stuff and crispier than sauvignon).

Sunday Long Run ... Yipee!! (2)

Inevitably I can feel it, sense it, almost suffer and exhale the build up to the October Melbourne Marathon... I sense the outcome but it's all in the process - right now until crunch day. This was exactly what I thought when we were running along Beach Road this morning - whether I do the full or HM remains to be decided.

We started well and continued at a pace that helped us to go all the way to Black Rock - usually we all run at a different pace - so we only run together once a f/n. We did not have a sense of urgency except that we agreed that we were going to run for an hour exactly. So we did. We passed a few runners but we were passed by many others time and time again. That did not bother us, we chatted and admired the landscape, the water views were astonishing. We also remembered occassions when we cycled around years gone by. We run through the bushes and came into the main road a few times when we had occassion to glance at the cyclists returning from Frankston. Everynow and then we encouraged each other and said to ourselves the day will arrive when we will be there in the main road struggling to complete an event.

Rodri reminded us that his 'birthday certificate' was on his pocket. Gabi and I reminded him about his well rounded fitness. We suggested him to wet his legs for any soreness but politely he declined to do so. He is a dentist, an academic, a poet, a father and a runner. At exactly 59 mins since our start, Rodri confidently noted it was time to go back - so we headed back. We started to climb back those uncospicous hills feeling happy that we will be completing a two-hour run as planned. We caught up with another runner who run with us for a few kms. Just before we approached Brighton Railway Station, Gabi and I sprinted for a few hundred metres - we sped together, run fast and fast until the long strecht ended - we stopped feeling well, then we continued our run at the pace we were working as a team. We parted ways with our running companion just before Dendi Street.

Gabi has been running for a year. He has done more events than most of us and he is more determined that the full marathon is the way to go for October. In January 2006, he climbed the Aconcagua Volcano, the only one who ventured to do such trip when other friends who were going to do it pulled away and opted to spend summer elsewhere.

Yipee, today's run was an awesome one...!

Ps - Had cooked more than one kilo of dried fruit. I combined figs, apricots, pears, peaches, prunes (one bag of 250g each) plus a combination of dried papaya, pineapple and mango (250g). I limited the added sugar to about 150 g (excess sugar not needed, really!). Then I added vanilla essence, cinnamon stick, cardamon, a few threads of saffron and a diced fresh orange. Cooked for an hour. Taste is fabulous.

That's all for today folks!

Sunday Long Run ... Yipee!!

This morning I run from North Rd, Brighton, to Half Moon Bay with Gabi and Rodrigo. We completed our long run in a good pace and feeling absolutely great (isn't that right, Rodri?). In total we run for two hours and we navigated through the bushes and the pavement, including two stops to contemplate nature.
Rodri feels he carries his birth certificate in his pocket but he is simply just not succumbing to any peer pressure to strecth the limits for the full marathon.
Initially we were going to be five; David was not feeling that great and Alex is still AWOL (are you still feeling grumpy due to Argentina's loss?; it's just a game!).

I am progressively going to start shifting my [long run] training session to the beach in preparation for the October Melbourne Marathon (whether I do the full or HM is yet to be decided).

Total this week: 20kms (TBC)
Total July: 58kms (TBC)

This month so far I am doing very well...

Run report to be continued...

Thursday Reflection

I am not making this into a habit, here are a few personal views:

1. I am ambivalent who should be the winner in the World Cup. My preference was for a Brazil-Germany finale, naturally with Brazil winning (after all, Latin at heart). Although I wish I were there since Berlin is my favourite city.

2. I am completely astonished at the similarity of how other runners have felt after completing their first big HM or M. I went through similar questioning and validation check after I completed the Run to the G HM. Similar to them, I am a novice but they are expressing similar reaction to the one I had for a week or so after the run. Is it a state of emotional turmoil, exhaustion, or feeling overwhelmed for such achievement?

3. It is absolutely inspirational reading some of the blogs of the runners I have checked in recent days. It is amazing how many of them 'go about' their everyday life and their personal stories, but more interesting is the fact that they are prepared to share their passion, dramas and let unfold their lives on to other bloggers. The contemporary world is absolutely amazing when it comes to sharing personal stories. Yet these are people who I only know through these blogs.

Life is full of exciting stories...

Another Enjoyable... Winter's Night Run

This could not be real, but it is, I enjoyed another nice and relatively easy pace run this evening around The Tan. So, this week so far 28 kms.
I finished work not far after 5pm and dropped a fellow worker in South Yarra and returned to Domain and Anderson streets. I run two laps, clockwise, with David, another fellow from the office.

We did the lap two probably in about 44 mins. We had time to share gossip and exchanged ideas about bits and pieces about work.

I feel like physically content and motivated at present - it's a nice feel. The strategy (of going for easy runs) is beginning to work and it shall be tested this Sunday, running for two hours. I will continue with same approach next week.

After the letargy...

Okay, let's get things into perspective... I am aiming at achieving certain things - with no fixed date period (oh well, i have an idea but no revealing it), progress so far has been very positive on a number of different fronts. The first one: running has taken a bit of attention. After completing the HM I felt I could not work towards training for the marathon. I am progressively gaining confidence to start training for it. So, this is a big step forward for me. I am learning to focus on the process rather than focussing on the outcome. Big tick!

(Running again Thursday evening. For this Sunday, I am planning of heading for a two-hour run along the beach. It's all about doing kilometres and not focusing on speed. So far one/two punters have confirmed - probably more joining...).

Second thing to put into perspective... cooking... well I have progress on a number of different fronts. I am looking for recipes for a Spring dinner party - focused on indigenous cuisine from pre-hispanic cultures. Interested in trialling combining ingredients with what we can get here in Melbourne. But this is he fun side of things - rather than the long term goal. I must confess that last Sunday I met a friend's neighbour who is in process of starting own food business. We ended up having a very interesting conversation about it. Over recent days have reflected on such discussion and it has given me some positive insights how to move forward. Salsa business! Small tick!

After the letargy of recent times... heading abroad is the next detour in this journey. Third thing into perspective.

An Enjoyable Winter's Night Run

Had another good run around The Tan this evening. Enjoyable.

This week: 20
Progressive July total: 20

I met Mark just before 6pm and we started at a good relaxed pace. We completed the first lap in about 24 mins - fine for me when I am trying to build up endurance and fight boredom. The weather was quite mild and curiously felt like a spring evening. There were plenty of people around and this was very enjoyable and encouraging.
The second lap was done a bit faster, in 22mins, which was again very good. The ground felt solid and not as patchy as last Sunday - when the ground was wet and somewhat hard - probably I am not making sense in what I am saying but this is how I recollect the difference in the ground between the past two occassions.

After I completed the two laps I did some sprinting. In fact I run very fast four time s for about 150-200 metres each. I felt very well after that. Oh gosh! that was very rewarding.

Running tonight was very relaxing and more rewarding than last Sunday, probably because I am progressing a plan, i.e. build up running time.

Should I speculate about the outcome of the Germany-Italy (Alemania-Italia) game... ?

Melb Marathon Considerations

No running today. I had opportunity to consider my options and training regime for coming weeks. Amazed to see how supportive and encouraging people are in progressing the idea that running a marathon is not a bad option after all.
I am absolutely wary that my training regime is not optimal but the essentials are there.

My pal Gabi is absolutely determined to run the Melbourne Marathoon this October. Rodri is still not convinced but he is determined to bring his HM record down by 20mins from the Run to the G HM. As for Alex, he is still trying to determine what event he is running to ascertain whether he runs the M or HM this October.
To some extent I will be happy to commit to the HM rather than the full marathon - I feel it is a bit early for me.

Interestingly, other friends have started to train - so the numbers are picking up for October (either FM or HM). Another good friend has joined the gym ... so the fitness webb is ever expanding.

Two songs I have been listening time and time again in recent days: Slide in (Goldfrapp) and Beath Connection (LCD Soundsystem).

Three Laps around The Tan

After a week of not running at all, I struggled to complete three laps around The Tan this morning. Instead of focusing on the outcome, my intention was to focus on the process of doing a run at a slow pace – something like 5.30m. Apart from the fact that I hardly ever set to run at such pace and not having run for a week, I struggle to keep going at certain times. The fact that I had breakfast before certainly did not help. This was the first time for about two months that I run alone.

It is my intention to work on the motivation factor when I run. I still have fresh on my memory the mental struggle when doing the Run to the G, I am trying to get used to the idea that running is bloody b-o-r-i-n-g and that it is important to focus on the process not on the outcome. If my intention is to run long distances then I better work being on the road trying to find something exciting to think and to keep me going.

Enough whining. I started running near the 2km marker (south). I completed the first lap in 20mins - quicker than anticipated, even though I felt I was going slowly. So I tried to maintain the same pace for the second lap, which I found even more tedious, especially when you go past the 3.87km marker (north, river side) – however I persisted and I kept finding topics to think about. I must admit that I walked for about five minutes (yes, I bloody did) and do not hold any quarrels why I did it. Just before completing the second lap I considered quitting but thought, “no, bugger, I am not quitting so easily”, so I run the third lap. Pleased to say that I am happy did not quit – the run helped me clear my head for the coming week ahead – work commitments shall keep me on my toes. I shall also focus on some long lasting decisions that I must make.

Because of the wet weather, there were not so many runners out there today – but still enough to have to zig zag every now and then. Plenty of umbrellas to keep anyone clear of walkers.

So my plan for July is to focus on running as follows: Three sessions per week:
- Tempo – around 12 kms
- Intense sprinting – incremental build up
- Long run – around 20 kms (every second week-end, alternate week end tempo).

For June, I run a total of 79 kms. I completed my first half marathon. Lots of Ausrunners will do in one week what I run for a whole month. C'est la vie!

This week: 12
Progressive July total: 12