What a difference great weather makes!

A good catch up over a couple of beers with my tennis buddies that I haven't seen for ages last night followed by a nice sleep in and a cuddle from the 5.5yo seems to have set the day up beautifully for a good run. Two slices of toast with mashed banana and honey washed down with a water bottle and a Panafen and I was off out the door at 9am.

The weather this morning is positively beautiful - 13 degrees sun and no wind - so it had to be along the bay today. The bay was at its glorious best, plently of sail boats heading out and lots of cyclists runners and walkers out enjoying the spring- like sunny conditions.

I intended to run at an easy pacee for the first half and then try and neg split on the way home but I ended up trying to catch a few other runners along the way and ended up with 1:01/1:03 splits. I threw in a 4min 800m on the way home for good measure (after bout 17kms)- and was really happpy I was able to keep that pace that late in a long run. Took a gel for a change and noticed the difference on the way home.

After yesterday's bike ride with the kids I feel really well exercised and ready for a nice shower and a snooze with the paper on the couch. I guess the kids will have othe plans though - oh well at least I can think it...

21.32km 2:04:45

Next run Tuesday 10k (tapering a little this week)

Shins are holding up fine with the slower pace runs I have been doing.

Friday = wind and rain

This morning I woke to the alarm clock and the sound of a strong wind blowing around the house. After thinking about it for 10 mins I got up and out the door for a 9.4k shuffle.

The exposed areas along the bay where I run were tough again but this time because of the strong headwind (which seemed head on when going up hills for some odd reason). The bay was dark and moody with choppy waves depositing flotsome along its windswept and deserted beaches. Just one dog walker braving the beach conditions that I saw but lots cyclists and 7 runners.

I bumped into the apprentice sneaking in an early run and generally felt much better while on the run thann I was on the last one.

9.4kms 54:46

Next run: Sunday 20k (maybe)

On the road again.....

Today was tough - very tough. Tough getting out of bed after a bad night's sleep and tough the whole way around my 9.4km loop. I had to slow the apprentice down twice as I couldn't hold the pace. I didnt feel comfortable the whole way around and whats more I didn't even notice the surrounds except that it started to sprinkle on the last couple of kms.

It was cloudy I think and not too cold (10.7).

9.4kms = 54.02

Next run: 6km Friday (if I can get myself out of bed).

Still no running

My calf soreness been gone for a few days now but I haven't managed to get out for a run since. I guess I decided to have a mental break as much as a physical break last week. I suppose the TdF has also made it a bit harder to get up early and go for a run. Fortunately that is over now and "normal" sleep times and patterns can be return.

I usually get like this after a week off - low motivation etc - will have to push myself a bit to get the first couple of runs done and get back into the groove..

Next run: Tuesday (maybe...) 6k

Sore calf = no running

I woke Monday morning with a sore and stiff left calf. Consequently I haven't run all week as I think after a few solid weeks of training my calf is giving me a hint.

Its the calf I have injured before and I don't want to risk all the gains I have made in the past months since Williamstown. I will run again when its not sore at all. Its probably fine now but I think being overly cautious now is the right thing to do. A week off now will make little difference but a month or two off with a calf tear again really will.

Lessons to learn: Listen to body, stretch properly (particularly) after a hard run.

Next run: Hopefully Saturday - easy 16k

Sunday's long run

I over slept again and couldnt get to the Coburg Half in time so went out for a long run anyway. I decided to run to Bay st Brighton and see if I could see any Cool Runners doing the Sandy Point Half. I picked up the race at Sandringham oval in what seemed to be about the 2 hr pace runners after they had completed about 10kms so I ran with them for the remainder of their race and then ran home. Had I run the half I would have been in at about 1:57:00 which was pleasing.

I ran home along the coastal path and feel very pleased with my run today.

Great to say hello briefly to Grey Beard, Courtylylove, Chilliman and Eat'Em and say hello to a few others too.

22.5kms 2:08:44

Next run: Tuesday 9kms

Friday's 5:45 struggle

Too much TdF last night meant it was a struggle again to get up and out again.

The only thing interesting about today's run really was me going a gutser along the footpath when I caught a raised bit of pavement. A rather spectacular tumble was witnessed by the garbage man with a couple of elongated stumbles as I nearly caught my overbalancing torso until I went down onmy hand and then opposite knee. One bruised ego and a little gravel rash on one hand later and I regained by composure (thanks to a couple of "helpful" licks from Holly later) and finished the run.

9.4km 54:20

Next run Sunday: 21.1kms

Thursday's wet one

It was a real struggle to get out of bed at 5:30 this morning - I must stop watching the TdF before going to sleep as I need much more sleep than I have been getting lately!

Not many people out this morning - the same two elderly walkers (that are out everyday) and three othe runners. Not many cyclists today -I guess riding in the rain is not as easy as running in it is...

Holly came along and enjoyed it all - especially the puddles. I haven't run at all this week due to a sales conference and sick child so I took it easy (most of my runs are easy pace anyway) and managed to find a good rythm early and before I knew it I was on the home stretch - sometimes runs just click and today's was one of them.

9.4k 55mins

Next Run: Friday morn 12km?

Sunday's squeezed in run

No opportunity to do my long run today so instead I squeezed in an 11.7km tempo run in the late afternoon with Holly.

It was Holly's longest run to date and I am very happy with our effort/time.

The kids are ratty and I have no time to ramble but it was a nice just to get out and run.

11.7kms 1:07 along the coastal path which slows me down.

Next run: Tuesday morning (I hope) 9.4k

Friday 5:30 Sombre run

After staying up late glued to the TV watching the horror of the London bombings I slept poorly and when the alarm went off I was relieved to get up and go out for a run with Holly.

Although it was cold (6 degrees)I didn't really notice it, the stars were hidden by lots of grey/black cloud, no moon to see and the bay and I just seemed to be in a sombre mood. Holly seemed to be the only one oblivious to yesterday's tragic events

The cyclist packs that pass me were also unusually quiet as I usually can here them coming from behind by their banter - today they were silent.

My legs are a bit sore from the myptherapist's massage last night but they also feel better at the same time (if that makes sense).

9.4k 51:58

Next run: Sunday 16k+

Wednesday's windy 9.4k

A completely uneventful run this morning except it was a little windy for a change. It is positively mild at 12.2 degrees. There were bucket loads of stars thrown about the sky this morning but no moon visible. Loads of cyclists were out but not many other runners.

Holly enjoyed this run the most again. I guess she just loves being with people even if it is running.

I have booked in for a leg massage on Thursday night with a physio. I feel like my legs have stayed tighter all week and could use a bit of TLC! Maybe that will help my running a bit as its been two runs in a row now that I have strugggled on (albeit of the back of a long run last weekend).

Today: 9.4km 55:00

Next Run: Friday 6km

Tuesday's nonsense

I slept poorly and ignored my alarm this morning. I felt guilty about laying with my head on the pillow so I got up and went for a 5.9k run with Holly.

The run was crap. My calves felt tight the whole way and my legs were like lead. Holly seemed to enjoy herself though.

First bit wind I have run in for a while too - can't say I enjoyed that either. I hope the day improves...

5.9kms 31:51

Next run: Wednesday 8.9km

Sunday's long run

Up early at 7am for a long run with Greybeard and another new route for me again which was nice.

The first 10kms were at an easy pace - the second 10kms we seemed to find a really good rythm and the last 6 kms were a bit of a struggle for me. We made it though and one thing that is for sure is that if I was running alone I would not have made it! Thanks Rob!!

This was the longest run I have done both in distance and certainly in time. We stopped and gawked at local tourist sights, walked at the drink fountains and chatted with an an old friend of Rob's so our average pace was a bit slow. My legs feel very weary and I am so looking forward to a shower and breakfast. I feel kinda proud of myself being able to run for that long.

26kms, 3hrs 5 mins

Next run Tuesday morning: 5.9kms

Friday's 6:20am struggle

I over slept this morning due to a bad nights sleep. I just got up in time to do a 6km jaunt with Holly. She loved it - I hated most of it. I forgot to go to the loo before the run and was feeling uncomfortable the whole way. On top of that I ran my short loop around the golf courses which I haven't run in a while and I didn't seem to be able to get my pace right.

Anyway, after last months good effort I was keen to start this month with a run so I guess I should be happy with that....

To all my freinds heading up to do the Gold Coast I wish you all PB's and loads of fun. Hopefully I will see you up there next year. I'm looking forward to hearing from you and reading your blogs.

5.9km 30:51

Next run: Sunday 2hrs+