After the apparent improvements I'd made in the previous couple of weeks (following the purchase of new shoes) this week has been a big disappointment.
I'm putting it down to the long weekend. I have to blame it on something otherwise I'll struggle to carry on with a positive attitude.
I did do the 5km route this morning, but I must have pushed a bit too hard in the first 3-4km as I had to walk for 100m or so up the last rise. I finished at a run though - but my legs felt like lead when I tried to get back up to pace. 24:30 wasn't too bad a time - all things considered.
I'll be scouring the map today to try to pick out a flatish route to do my longer run on Sunday. Then hopefully next week will be back on track.
Until then...
Friday, April 29, 2005
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Recent Disruption...
I feel that I haven't been so committed to the running lately.
I think I need to confess my sins in order to be forgiven and to stand a chance of getting back into the routine:
I think I need to confess my sins in order to be forgiven and to stand a chance of getting back into the routine:
- Last Sunday's run was downhill and not a long run as required,
- I missed Monday as it was a Public Holiday,
- I made some half-hearted suggestion that I'd run this morning, but didn't.
Rather than performing self-flagellation, I'm prepared to rip into the squash tonight as a penance. Then another 5km run on Friday.
I will try to get out on Sunday but I really must figure out a decent route. Those hills are a killer!
Am I forgiven?
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
One Step Forward, One Step Back...
The step forward was made on Sunday when I did make it out for a run in the morning.
I thought I'd take a different route to my usual and decided to reverse what I eventually want to make my regular long run.
The good news was that it was nicely downhill for most of the way. The bad news of course is that that was the reverse direction, i.e. the intended direction will be mostly uphill!!
But I did do about 5km (hardly a "long" run as that's what I'm doing during the week now).
The step back was that; as yesterday was a public holiday (ANZAC day - like Remembrance Day in UK) I enjoyed a lie-in rather than getting out of the pit for a run.
We were running around doing little jobs all weekend though, so I don't feel too bad.
And I did return to a 5km run this morning. In about 24:30, so a bit slower than last Friday unfortunately.
I might try to get out tomorrow morning too, even though Wednesday is squash day. I feel like I should punish myself!
I thought I'd take a different route to my usual and decided to reverse what I eventually want to make my regular long run.
The good news was that it was nicely downhill for most of the way. The bad news of course is that that was the reverse direction, i.e. the intended direction will be mostly uphill!!
But I did do about 5km (hardly a "long" run as that's what I'm doing during the week now).
The step back was that; as yesterday was a public holiday (ANZAC day - like Remembrance Day in UK) I enjoyed a lie-in rather than getting out of the pit for a run.
We were running around doing little jobs all weekend though, so I don't feel too bad.
And I did return to a 5km run this morning. In about 24:30, so a bit slower than last Friday unfortunately.
I might try to get out tomorrow morning too, even though Wednesday is squash day. I feel like I should punish myself!
Friday, April 22, 2005
A Good Way to End the (Mid) Week...
Finally I'm getting somewhere!
5km this morning in 24 minutes. Nothing to open a new crate of James Squires over but a noticeable improvement. It equates to sub-72 minutes for City to Surf.
For the first time since I started training, I felt like my long legs were being put to good use. Nice long strides on the flat and downhill stretches.
I was gasping by the time I finished, but I had pushed myself hard up the last stretch.
I have no doubt that if I maintained the steady pace through 4.5 to 5km then I'd have no problem in carrying on and therefore those longer runs don't seem so out of reach. I hope to put that theory to the test on Sunday.
It's clear to me that the 5km runs on Monday and Tuesday, followed by 2 days break (discounting squash on Wednesday) have put a little extra strength in my legs. I did read that it's the rest days allowing your body to recover and build that are most important.
So now I have 48 hours to recover before the next run on Sunday!
I love it when a plan comes together...
Set a long-term goal, start slowly, avoid injury, get into the habit, set an interim goal (5km, no walk), reward (new shoes), step up a gear (regular 5kms). So far so good!!
The next phase is...
Introduce longer runs at the weekend, slowly increase these toward race distance, lengthen the mid-week runs (maintaining 25-30 minutes).
Then...
Introduce track / hill intervals to get some speed and more strength in the legs.
We have a Public Holiday on Monday, so I'll have to assess whether I deserve a lie-in!
5km this morning in 24 minutes. Nothing to open a new crate of James Squires over but a noticeable improvement. It equates to sub-72 minutes for City to Surf.
For the first time since I started training, I felt like my long legs were being put to good use. Nice long strides on the flat and downhill stretches.
I was gasping by the time I finished, but I had pushed myself hard up the last stretch.
I have no doubt that if I maintained the steady pace through 4.5 to 5km then I'd have no problem in carrying on and therefore those longer runs don't seem so out of reach. I hope to put that theory to the test on Sunday.
It's clear to me that the 5km runs on Monday and Tuesday, followed by 2 days break (discounting squash on Wednesday) have put a little extra strength in my legs. I did read that it's the rest days allowing your body to recover and build that are most important.
So now I have 48 hours to recover before the next run on Sunday!
I love it when a plan comes together...
Set a long-term goal, start slowly, avoid injury, get into the habit, set an interim goal (5km, no walk), reward (new shoes), step up a gear (regular 5kms). So far so good!!
The next phase is...
Introduce longer runs at the weekend, slowly increase these toward race distance, lengthen the mid-week runs (maintaining 25-30 minutes).
Then...
Introduce track / hill intervals to get some speed and more strength in the legs.
We have a Public Holiday on Monday, so I'll have to assess whether I deserve a lie-in!
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
A Bit Sore Today...
I've felt a bit of soreness in my hips and hamstrings since yesterday evening. Maybe it's because I was sat on my arse for most of yesterday, driving to and from site. And after two consecutive 5km runs the days before.
Squash tonight so I'll make sure I get a good warm-up and stretch.
I really must make sure I stretch properly after every run. My hamstrings always feel especially tight!
Squash tonight so I'll make sure I get a good warm-up and stretch.
I really must make sure I stretch properly after every run. My hamstrings always feel especially tight!
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
117 days to go...
Another 5km this morning. That last few hundred metres is getting a bit easier. I can feel as though if I really had to carry on after the 5km - I could, which is good news with respect to my intention to introduce a longer run from this Sunday.
There's squash tomorrow and Thursdays are now a rest day, so the next post will be after Friday morning's run.
Oh, according to my race time calculator, my 5km time this morning of 26 minutes equates to a 1h17m time for the 14km City to Surf. So still some way to go to be in line to break the 75 minute barrier, and that doesn't take Heartbreak Hill into consideration!
There's squash tomorrow and Thursdays are now a rest day, so the next post will be after Friday morning's run.
Oh, according to my race time calculator, my 5km time this morning of 26 minutes equates to a 1h17m time for the 14km City to Surf. So still some way to go to be in line to break the 75 minute barrier, and that doesn't take Heartbreak Hill into consideration!
Monday, April 18, 2005
17 Weeks to go...
Well despite having a hangover-free day yesterday, I still didn't get out for a run. It's going to be tough in future to give up one of the only two days a week I get to lie-in - and that's only till about 8am anyway. Perhaps I need to re-think that strategy and fit it around the family another time during the weekend...
But I did go for a run this morning. 5km is now firmly established as the standard. The last couple of hundred metres up the hill are still very difficult but I know I can achieve it now so at least I've broken the psychological barrier.
I think my timing on Friday must have been a little optimistic. I think I said I'd done the 5km in under 25 minutes. Well I now doubt that very much! In any case I think I'll use this morning's time of 25 minutes as the standard to beat.
I think my plan for the Sunday run should be based around getting Shirl and Lian to go to church regularly - that way I can have a bit of breakfast with them and go for a run while they're at church.
So this week should have another run tomorrow, squash on Wednesday, another run on Friday and a longer run on Sunday. We shall see how that goes!
But I did go for a run this morning. 5km is now firmly established as the standard. The last couple of hundred metres up the hill are still very difficult but I know I can achieve it now so at least I've broken the psychological barrier.
I think my timing on Friday must have been a little optimistic. I think I said I'd done the 5km in under 25 minutes. Well I now doubt that very much! In any case I think I'll use this morning's time of 25 minutes as the standard to beat.
I think my plan for the Sunday run should be based around getting Shirl and Lian to go to church regularly - that way I can have a bit of breakfast with them and go for a run while they're at church.
So this week should have another run tomorrow, squash on Wednesday, another run on Friday and a longer run on Sunday. We shall see how that goes!
Friday, April 15, 2005
The Empire Strikes Back...
That's the new Asics Gel Empire!
Who would have guessed that buying a pair of shoes could be so technical?
Normally, I'll walk into the shop have a look at what's on display, generally steer toward Adidas or Reebok - Nike are too wide for my feet, pick up the most expensive pair, realise it's a ridiculous amount of money and finally go for a shoe that looks OK and is within my price range. Ask for a UK size 10, try it on, pay, walk out. Happy!
These days you get bombarded with questions; how far do you run per week, what surface do you run on, do you have any pain in your feet, ankles, knees or back when you run, what kind of shoes do you run in now?
Then they measure your feet. Now I haven't had my feet measured for as long as I can remember. I am a UK size 10, plain and simple. However, each foot is measured for length and width (apparently my feet are unusually even) and the figures scribbled on a bit of paper.
Then it's onto "The Gadget". A pressure pad linked to a display which shows the pressure points created by your feet. First you stand on it - and up pops a picture showing a colourful representation of weight distribution and pressure points. The "Podiatry Technician" explains what it all means - I have fairly high arches! Then you walk over it, one foot at a time and the picture changes to an animated display of both feet side-by-side showing the pressure flow through your feet - apparently I "Turn In"!
Then they ask whether you have any brand preference (I don't) or whether you just want a pair that fit (I do).
There seems to be one fundamental question missing... "How much are you willing to spend?"
But they press on and bring out a selection of shoes to suit my requirements.
I swap and change and walk about with a variety of shoes - and finally identify one pair that feel great and look OK too (still can't ignore looks despite all the technical issues). I ask the price... woooh, a bit over budget. So I point out a similar looking shoe from the same brand which is more within my price range, but it doesn't feel anywhere close to as comfortable as the first choice.
So I get permission from the boss and we decide on the above mentioned "Asics Gel Empire": Size US 13(!!) equivalent to a UK 12 I think. Despite the size being different to my usual choice - it feels like a perfect fit. Not too tight, not too loose, and enough room at the toe end.
Then there's socks.
I've been using some old socks that have seen better days. They've lost their elasticity; so flop around my ankles, they're a bit grubby and a bit worn.
Enter the new Thorlo Level 3 Running Sock. $30 a pop, but they supposedly last for years. So I got 2 pairs.
Anyway, this morning was the first try out of the new footwear combination.
Oh by-the-way, I have to confess that I missed a session yesterday. I may have to rethink my schedule in future because a Thursday morning run after a Wednesday evening squash session doesn't make good sense. I usually wake up with a few aches through my legs. Also, I had to go to site yesterday, which meant an earlier rise anyway - so I gave the run a miss. Perhaps when I introduce the Sunday run (this weekend???) that'll be the replacement for what was the Thursday morning session.
Anyway, back to this morning. I suspect a combination of many factors (new shoes and socks are bound to feel more springy and comfortable and have a psychological effect too, plus 3 days rest since my last run would make a difference as well) contributed to the result of the run. I did the full 5km in about 23 minutes (I think - although I didn't pay close attention to the clock). For the first time since I started the running, I felt smooth (mostly) and my feet felt much more stable (rather than feeling on the verge of going over on my ankle every time I hit an uneven surface). So I knew that I had to try for the 5km. The last 200m still felt like it was going to kill me, but at least I was able to carry on walking straight after, rather than being doubled over sucking in air like last time.
So I feel like I've turned the corner. I'll try and put in the full 5km during the 3 (Mon, Tue, Fri) weekday sessions from now on and introduce the longer run on Sundays too.
Having said that, we have a wedding to go to this Saturday, so depending on whether I can get Shirl to drive back, I may be able to sneak in a few beers and it'll then be unlikely for me to do anything too physical on Sunday!!!
Who would have guessed that buying a pair of shoes could be so technical?
Normally, I'll walk into the shop have a look at what's on display, generally steer toward Adidas or Reebok - Nike are too wide for my feet, pick up the most expensive pair, realise it's a ridiculous amount of money and finally go for a shoe that looks OK and is within my price range. Ask for a UK size 10, try it on, pay, walk out. Happy!
These days you get bombarded with questions; how far do you run per week, what surface do you run on, do you have any pain in your feet, ankles, knees or back when you run, what kind of shoes do you run in now?
Then they measure your feet. Now I haven't had my feet measured for as long as I can remember. I am a UK size 10, plain and simple. However, each foot is measured for length and width (apparently my feet are unusually even) and the figures scribbled on a bit of paper.
Then it's onto "The Gadget". A pressure pad linked to a display which shows the pressure points created by your feet. First you stand on it - and up pops a picture showing a colourful representation of weight distribution and pressure points. The "Podiatry Technician" explains what it all means - I have fairly high arches! Then you walk over it, one foot at a time and the picture changes to an animated display of both feet side-by-side showing the pressure flow through your feet - apparently I "Turn In"!
Then they ask whether you have any brand preference (I don't) or whether you just want a pair that fit (I do).
There seems to be one fundamental question missing... "How much are you willing to spend?"
But they press on and bring out a selection of shoes to suit my requirements.
I swap and change and walk about with a variety of shoes - and finally identify one pair that feel great and look OK too (still can't ignore looks despite all the technical issues). I ask the price... woooh, a bit over budget. So I point out a similar looking shoe from the same brand which is more within my price range, but it doesn't feel anywhere close to as comfortable as the first choice.
So I get permission from the boss and we decide on the above mentioned "Asics Gel Empire": Size US 13(!!) equivalent to a UK 12 I think. Despite the size being different to my usual choice - it feels like a perfect fit. Not too tight, not too loose, and enough room at the toe end.
Then there's socks.
I've been using some old socks that have seen better days. They've lost their elasticity; so flop around my ankles, they're a bit grubby and a bit worn.
Enter the new Thorlo Level 3 Running Sock. $30 a pop, but they supposedly last for years. So I got 2 pairs.
Anyway, this morning was the first try out of the new footwear combination.
Oh by-the-way, I have to confess that I missed a session yesterday. I may have to rethink my schedule in future because a Thursday morning run after a Wednesday evening squash session doesn't make good sense. I usually wake up with a few aches through my legs. Also, I had to go to site yesterday, which meant an earlier rise anyway - so I gave the run a miss. Perhaps when I introduce the Sunday run (this weekend???) that'll be the replacement for what was the Thursday morning session.
Anyway, back to this morning. I suspect a combination of many factors (new shoes and socks are bound to feel more springy and comfortable and have a psychological effect too, plus 3 days rest since my last run would make a difference as well) contributed to the result of the run. I did the full 5km in about 23 minutes (I think - although I didn't pay close attention to the clock). For the first time since I started the running, I felt smooth (mostly) and my feet felt much more stable (rather than feeling on the verge of going over on my ankle every time I hit an uneven surface). So I knew that I had to try for the 5km. The last 200m still felt like it was going to kill me, but at least I was able to carry on walking straight after, rather than being doubled over sucking in air like last time.
So I feel like I've turned the corner. I'll try and put in the full 5km during the 3 (Mon, Tue, Fri) weekday sessions from now on and introduce the longer run on Sundays too.
Having said that, we have a wedding to go to this Saturday, so depending on whether I can get Shirl to drive back, I may be able to sneak in a few beers and it'll then be unlikely for me to do anything too physical on Sunday!!!
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Just Another 4.8km...
Now I can concentrate on the original reason for Parkesism. The running training and my intention to run the City to Surf in under 75 minutes.
There is now no doubt in my mind that I will stick to the training schedule. However, I do have my doubts about achieving the target.
It doesn't concern me too much about the crowds on the day affecting my time. I reckon if I can get into the 2nd start group (i.e. avoid the strollers and fancy dress brigade) then I'm more likely to hold people up than the other way round.
What concerns me is that progress seems to be very slow, almost at a standstill. I'm still plodding along, I'm still struggling to complete the 5km route, there is no "runner's high" or smoothness in my running.
I suppose if I compare my ability today to when I first started (Monday 21st February) then of course there has been some progress, but similarly if I compare today to where I was a month ago - there is very little difference.
Perhaps I'm being impatient (it has been known), perhaps the new shoes will make a difference, perhaps it's because I'm running on an empty tank (I don't eat anything before I run), perhaps it's psychological. Who knows?
But what I do know is that I am determined to stick at it and the habit has now formed (a huge achievement in itself in my book).
No run tomorrow - squash instead.
Any words of encouragement or advice greatly appreciated!
There is now no doubt in my mind that I will stick to the training schedule. However, I do have my doubts about achieving the target.
It doesn't concern me too much about the crowds on the day affecting my time. I reckon if I can get into the 2nd start group (i.e. avoid the strollers and fancy dress brigade) then I'm more likely to hold people up than the other way round.
What concerns me is that progress seems to be very slow, almost at a standstill. I'm still plodding along, I'm still struggling to complete the 5km route, there is no "runner's high" or smoothness in my running.
I suppose if I compare my ability today to when I first started (Monday 21st February) then of course there has been some progress, but similarly if I compare today to where I was a month ago - there is very little difference.
Perhaps I'm being impatient (it has been known), perhaps the new shoes will make a difference, perhaps it's because I'm running on an empty tank (I don't eat anything before I run), perhaps it's psychological. Who knows?
But what I do know is that I am determined to stick at it and the habit has now formed (a huge achievement in itself in my book).
No run tomorrow - squash instead.
Any words of encouragement or advice greatly appreciated!
Monday, April 11, 2005
Back to "Normal"...
Well after the weekends' excitement, I was glad to start a fresh week with no pressure on to complete any tasks by hard deadlines.
I'm not saying my To-Do list is blank - as I mentioned over the weekend, I've added a couple of little jobs to it already to fix up the Cubby House after the testers have given it a good going over - but at least there's a relaxation over the timeframe. Still, I better get them done early otherwise I'll forget and feel the wrath of 'them indoors'.
Yesterday was relatively relaxing too, so I woke up this morning feeling refreshed and ready for the run. I did 4.5km (I had hopes of putting in 5km but that bloody hill...) in a very ordinary time. I think this week will see the purchase of those long awaited new shoes - which will hopefully put a spring in my stride and push me up to that next level. I've got to start stepping up now - maybe the longer runs will start from Sunday. I need to figure out some different routes too - partly for some variation put mainly to make sure I finish on downhill or flat sections!
Sooooo, Asics, Adidas, Nike.........
I'm not saying my To-Do list is blank - as I mentioned over the weekend, I've added a couple of little jobs to it already to fix up the Cubby House after the testers have given it a good going over - but at least there's a relaxation over the timeframe. Still, I better get them done early otherwise I'll forget and feel the wrath of 'them indoors'.
Yesterday was relatively relaxing too, so I woke up this morning feeling refreshed and ready for the run. I did 4.5km (I had hopes of putting in 5km but that bloody hill...) in a very ordinary time. I think this week will see the purchase of those long awaited new shoes - which will hopefully put a spring in my stride and push me up to that next level. I've got to start stepping up now - maybe the longer runs will start from Sunday. I need to figure out some different routes too - partly for some variation put mainly to make sure I finish on downhill or flat sections!
Sooooo, Asics, Adidas, Nike.........
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Cutting The Ribbon
It's a bit blurry - it's captured from video!
Now that the Cubby House has been fully tested, it's highlighted (already) a few modifications. So the list hardly got a chance to be updated before it's been added to.
All for a good cause though, eh?
Friday, April 08, 2005
Updated To Do List...
The list from 2 days ago has thankfully reduced...
Cubby House
- Fix slide assembly and slide = done
- Fix steps = done
- Fit side window latches = done
- Solve "door opens too far and could rip hinges out" problem = must do that tonight
- Stain / varnish door knobs / jamb = done
- Butcher TV cabinet to make kitchen unit = deferred until after Lian's birthday
- Place bark chippings under cubby house = must do that tonight
- Tidy up (big job!) = done
General
- Mow back lawn = Saturday morning
- Clean pool = done but need to revisit Saturday morning
- Go to Fish Market (Saturday morning)
- Play squash (Wednesday evening) = done
The Cubby House is looking good. Lian has tested the steps and slide, but we're waiting for the grand opening on Saturday until she can get the full run of the place.
I managed to recover enough after yesterday's 5km exertion to go for another run this morning - about 4.7km. It's amazing what difference that last 300m makes - imagine what another 9km will take!
So hopefully tomorrow's celebration of Lian's 2nd birthday will go smoothly.
Perhaps I may get some more photos here on Monday.
Cubby House
- Fix slide assembly and slide = done
- Fix steps = done
- Fit side window latches = done
- Solve "door opens too far and could rip hinges out" problem = must do that tonight
- Stain / varnish door knobs / jamb = done
- Butcher TV cabinet to make kitchen unit = deferred until after Lian's birthday
- Place bark chippings under cubby house = must do that tonight
- Tidy up (big job!) = done
General
- Mow back lawn = Saturday morning
- Clean pool = done but need to revisit Saturday morning
- Go to Fish Market (Saturday morning)
- Play squash (Wednesday evening) = done
The Cubby House is looking good. Lian has tested the steps and slide, but we're waiting for the grand opening on Saturday until she can get the full run of the place.
I managed to recover enough after yesterday's 5km exertion to go for another run this morning - about 4.7km. It's amazing what difference that last 300m makes - imagine what another 9km will take!
So hopefully tomorrow's celebration of Lian's 2nd birthday will go smoothly.
Perhaps I may get some more photos here on Monday.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
First 5km, No Walking...
Whilst I'm pleased to have reached this small milestone, I realise how far I have to go (literally) to complete almost 3 times this distance in 4 months time.
We had a good hard game of squash last night, so I didn't want to push too hard on this morning's run. The ankles were feeling a bit tender anyway. So I started nice and slow and by about 3km I was thinking that perhaps I should keep that pace and see if I could complete the full 5km.
Previously the last 500m or so, which is slightly uphill, has proved to be too much. So when I turned the corner into that last stretch I just tried to keep going and not think of where the end was. Normally I get to the first or second cross and just give up, but this morning I was still running as I reached the last stretch... and kept going until the end. Success!!
I tried to just keep walking to cool down but all I could do was stand with my hands resting on my knees, trying to suck in some air. That was tough!
So I do believe I'm allowed a new pair of shoes!
Other news... I had a quick run around and did a bit on the Cubby House before squash. Fitted the side window latches and stained the door knobs / jamb. I also cleared away all my tools, scraps of timber, screws, nails, bolts and bits & bobs, and I cleaned the pool.
Still got to fix the slide, steps and lay the bark chippings. I think the kitchen unit can wait until after Lian's birthday!
I'm still sweating, an hour and a half after finishing the run. I hope I won't move too far from my desk today. I feel sore!
Until tomorrow...
We had a good hard game of squash last night, so I didn't want to push too hard on this morning's run. The ankles were feeling a bit tender anyway. So I started nice and slow and by about 3km I was thinking that perhaps I should keep that pace and see if I could complete the full 5km.
Previously the last 500m or so, which is slightly uphill, has proved to be too much. So when I turned the corner into that last stretch I just tried to keep going and not think of where the end was. Normally I get to the first or second cross and just give up, but this morning I was still running as I reached the last stretch... and kept going until the end. Success!!
I tried to just keep walking to cool down but all I could do was stand with my hands resting on my knees, trying to suck in some air. That was tough!
So I do believe I'm allowed a new pair of shoes!
Other news... I had a quick run around and did a bit on the Cubby House before squash. Fitted the side window latches and stained the door knobs / jamb. I also cleared away all my tools, scraps of timber, screws, nails, bolts and bits & bobs, and I cleaned the pool.
Still got to fix the slide, steps and lay the bark chippings. I think the kitchen unit can wait until after Lian's birthday!
I'm still sweating, an hour and a half after finishing the run. I hope I won't move too far from my desk today. I feel sore!
Until tomorrow...
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
The Pressure is on...
Anybody who really understands what I get paid for at work will probably have a good snigger at this...
With 3 evenings and a morning to go before Lian's birthday, I think I may have a frantic time getting all my jobs finished:
Cubby House
- Fix slide assembly and slide
- Fix steps
- Fit side window latches
- Solve "door opens too far and could rip hinges out" problem
- Stain / varnish door knobs / jamb
- Butcher TV cabinet to make kitchen unit
- Place bark chippings under cubby house
- Tidy up (big job!)
General
- Mow back lawn
- Clean pool
- Go to Fish Market (Saturday morning)
- Play squash (Wednesday evening)
So you can see that there's plenty to do. I'm thinking of chucking a sicky!!
I think we'll all be grateful of the rest once it's all done!
See how I get on tomorrow...
With 3 evenings and a morning to go before Lian's birthday, I think I may have a frantic time getting all my jobs finished:
Cubby House
- Fix slide assembly and slide
- Fix steps
- Fit side window latches
- Solve "door opens too far and could rip hinges out" problem
- Stain / varnish door knobs / jamb
- Butcher TV cabinet to make kitchen unit
- Place bark chippings under cubby house
- Tidy up (big job!)
General
- Mow back lawn
- Clean pool
- Go to Fish Market (Saturday morning)
- Play squash (Wednesday evening)
So you can see that there's plenty to do. I'm thinking of chucking a sicky!!
I think we'll all be grateful of the rest once it's all done!
See how I get on tomorrow...
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Back on Track...
Despite the drizzly rain this morning, I got up and went for a run.
I have to say I was concerned that the disruption to my routine over the last week or so (the Easter long weekend and my varnish hangover) would have a lasting effect. But thankfully not! I did however feel like I'd lost a couple of weeks of progress that I'd made. Hopefully it's a temporary result of the weekend's exertions and lack of sleep.
So just 4+km this morning, just to get back into it. Tomorrow is squash, so no run in the morning. Back into that on Thursday.
As for the Cubby House, I finally managed to post photos (see yesterday). It's looking good (I think!) but still some finishing touches - the slide will be fixed off the right hand side of the veranda and the steps will be fixed up to the front-centre. Also got to fit door knobs and latches and we plan to build a little kitchen out of a converted TV cabinet!!
Perhaps some progress on that tonight will be posted tomorrow!
I have to say I was concerned that the disruption to my routine over the last week or so (the Easter long weekend and my varnish hangover) would have a lasting effect. But thankfully not! I did however feel like I'd lost a couple of weeks of progress that I'd made. Hopefully it's a temporary result of the weekend's exertions and lack of sleep.
So just 4+km this morning, just to get back into it. Tomorrow is squash, so no run in the morning. Back into that on Thursday.
As for the Cubby House, I finally managed to post photos (see yesterday). It's looking good (I think!) but still some finishing touches - the slide will be fixed off the right hand side of the veranda and the steps will be fixed up to the front-centre. Also got to fit door knobs and latches and we plan to build a little kitchen out of a converted TV cabinet!!
Perhaps some progress on that tonight will be posted tomorrow!
Monday, April 04, 2005
Mixed Success...
Cubby House as of Sunday 3rd April 2005
Well, as you can see, there's plenty of progress been made on the Cubby House, but at what cost?
I stained / varnished inside and outside yesterday, and I think those few hours immersed in the fumes has not done me any favours. It's a bit like Bruce Lee dieing from taking headache tablets - I'm such a highly tuned athlete now, those normally harmless fumes has upset the balance!
I went to bed last night with a massive headache - worse than a VB hangover!! Woke up a few times in the night, still with the headache. Took a few panadol and still woke up with a headache. So I had to can the run! But still had to drive for 2 hours to site - do a days work, then drive back home.
Thankfully the smell of Shirl's cooking and Lian's smile has helped to rid any lasting pain.
I feel bad having missed a scheduled day's training - but figure I put in enough cross-training over the weekend to offset. I'll definitely go for a run tomorrow.
I'll update then.
Friday, April 01, 2005
135 days to go...
Another uneventful session.
I just went for the 4km route this morning. I realise I have to be patient. If I'm going to increase my distance then it's just going to have to be at a slower pace. I'm happy that the habit of running has formed. I'm feeling better for it. Any improvements are going to come gradually. I shouldn't risk injury by pushing too hard.
Once the other distractions are out of the way, I'll introduce the long-slow weekend runs. Should be after Lian's birthday - which is 9th April, so mid April should be about right.
I did a bit more work on the big distraction last night. The door's ready for fitting. The window shutters are half assembled, ready for final measure and trim. Hopefully I'll finish off the door tonight and maybe the shutters too - but since the clocks went back at the weekend, daylight in the evening is obviously limited.
Then, over the weekend, the roof needs finishing, the slide frame fixed and then a couple of coats of stain / varnish. We've got a BBQ at my sister-in-laws place on Saturday arvo, so hopefully I can still get most of the work done.
Back next week.
I just went for the 4km route this morning. I realise I have to be patient. If I'm going to increase my distance then it's just going to have to be at a slower pace. I'm happy that the habit of running has formed. I'm feeling better for it. Any improvements are going to come gradually. I shouldn't risk injury by pushing too hard.
Once the other distractions are out of the way, I'll introduce the long-slow weekend runs. Should be after Lian's birthday - which is 9th April, so mid April should be about right.
I did a bit more work on the big distraction last night. The door's ready for fitting. The window shutters are half assembled, ready for final measure and trim. Hopefully I'll finish off the door tonight and maybe the shutters too - but since the clocks went back at the weekend, daylight in the evening is obviously limited.
Then, over the weekend, the roof needs finishing, the slide frame fixed and then a couple of coats of stain / varnish. We've got a BBQ at my sister-in-laws place on Saturday arvo, so hopefully I can still get most of the work done.
Back next week.
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