Longest run ever!

I just completed a 14km run! I had to stop just over halfway and stretch out my hamstring, but otherwise I felt good. No pain otherwise, heart rate around 135 to 145bpm.

I am starting to feel as though the possibility of a half marathon this year may become a reality!

I need to remember though to tread cautiously. After a couple of years of running I have come up with the following running rules:

• Long runs every fortnight - not weekly!
• Never run on consecutive days
• Don't push through 'niggles' - get them sorted
• Don't do punishing Mt Cootha runs or extreme hills!

So, this is how I will continue to train towards my half marathon goals. Luckily for me I have some cross training in there to help out with the cycling and swimming.

This is the loop that I ran today. Whilst it was slow, 1 hr 45mins, it was mostly comfortable so I am thrilled.

Long run from home

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Cycling with Jacque

I had a good ride today with Jacque. We did 2 of our Coomera loops which is about 68kms and then we did a 20min run off the bike. All in all a 3 hour session which was certainly needed!

I struggled on the bike which is a bit of a shame as I was going quite strongly on the bike a month ago. However I have had a few weekends where I have been away travelling and I missed a couple of mid week rides due to rain or travel. I am starting to realise that if I lose my consistency particularly with the bike it all goes backwards rather quickly!

The good news is I am pretty sure that I can turn it all around in a few weeks. I have Mooloolaba triathlon coming up on March 28 which is only 5 weeks away so I should be OK for that.

I am starting to formulate my thoughts towards Gold Coast Half Ironman. This is a big step for me. Today on our ride Jacque and I were discussing our plan of attack. We will have 2 weeks off after Mooloolaba and then we will build up to doing the cycle course 3 laps with a run off the bike which should see us in good stead.

However, firstly I have to be able to run the distance. I am currently running 13kms without too much pain or injury, so if I can gradually increase that to 18 or 19kms by June/July I will be happy to attempt a half marathon. Either the Doomben in June if I am ready or the Gold Coast in July. Maybe both if I am feeling really good about it and recover OK from Doomben. I'm going to play it by ear.

So, all in all it is very exciting. I am looking forward to building up my endurance and hope that I can finish it feeling OK.

Here is the ride we did last Sunday. It was hell! It was horrible, hilly and revolting. I struggled with cramping, but it was great to have achieved Nebo, Glorious and Samford again.

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Gap - Nebo - Samford Loop

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