Dream triathlons

Ok I have been very slack posting recently. Michael-clease thinks we should get an Ipad and all my issues will be solved! hmmm i'm not convinced.

Anyway in the mean time I came across this triathlon and it made me think I should start a list of beautiful triathlons where you would not even think about the hard work because you were to busy looking at the scenery!  http://uk.indianoceantriathlon.com/

Chubby Katie.x

Marathon tips part 1

I was just reading my latest email from www.realbuzz.com and handily enough it had some marathon tips on it! The London marathon was last weekend but with my marathon training in full swing it seemed perfect. I have pulled off their tips and then given my opinion which may or may not be correct! Part 2 to follow shortly.

Don't overdress for your race
This is a good one. Even in December in England I was wearing shorts to races. As long as you do some stretches and warm ups before hand you should be fine. I hate carrying stuff with me so the fewer things I have the better. Of course you should dress warmly for the journey there. The city2surf do a good thing where you can throw your jumpers to the side just before they start and they get people to go round and collect them to give to charity. 

Think while you run

What they are saying here is to concentrate on your race and plan. Don't let your mind wonder and forget to drink or take gels.
But I also think part of the fun is to take in the atmosphere around you and hopefully take your mind off slightly the huge mileage you are undertaking. 

Manageable race chunks
Oh yes I like this one. I saw something on a forum about someone breaking down the last few miles into people. You know mile 24 for Mum, 25 for Dad etc etc. I thought about doing it with Jelly Babies, naming each one after a person you care about. 

Keep your head up while running
This is a definite. Looking at the ground means you'll probably run into people, maybe trip over your feet and 

Follow the shortest course
Hmm not sure how much I agree with this. Sure you don't want to running 45km when everyone else is only doing 42km but I think you could really get hung up on trying to find the smallest corner. In the end unless it is one huge circle chances are it will all equal out in the end.

Get some race support

Yes good one, in theory. Its always nice to have friends and family there to cheer you on but in reality asking some to take 4 or so hours out of their day, probably more if you include travel, is a big ask. I'm sure most people will get a few supporters for their first marathon but when you start doing your 4th or 5th they probably start to thin out. I reckon support should come as a pleasant extra rather than a necessity. 


Chubby Katie.x

Weekly total = 25.6km

Good Morning everybody! I am quite pleased with my weekly total this week, its still a bit shorter than I should be doing but last night I did a 12km run and I felt really good.

I started off running with Micheal-clease but after around 5km he was suffering a lot with shin splints. It is something that has just started, he didn't use to get them. He has recently been doing a lot of skateboarding plus he has a habit of doing no running and then attempting a 10km. I think he has been over doing things!

I did a little research into shin splints on the Victoria health website and they say the causes can be:

• Overuse – exercising too hard or trying to exercise beyond your current level of fitness can strain muscles, tendons, bones and joints. Overuse is one of the most common causes of shin splints.
• Flat feet – the shin muscles are involved in maintaining the instep or arch of the foot. Flat feet can pull at the shin tendons and cause slight tearing.
• Incorrect technique – poor running form, such as ‘rolling’ the feet inwards (pronation), can strain the muscles and tendons.
• High impact activities – the impact of running on hard or uneven surfaces can injure the shin muscles and tendons.
• Running shoes – wearing the wrong type of shoe while running can contribute to shin splints.

I don't think Michael-clease has flat feet or incorrect technique as he hasn't suffered from shin splints before. It might be worth looking into new running shoes, I suspect he has had his for over two years now. 

They suggest the following could help with prevention:

• Thoroughly warm up before exercising and include plenty of slow, sustained stretches in your cool down.
• Incorporate a regular routine of stretching into your fitness program.
• Strengthen the muscles of your lower legs with specific exercises.
• Choose flat, softer surfaces to run on, such as running tracks or grassy ovals.
• Reduce the intensity of your training.
• Place shock-absorbing insoles in your running shoes.
• Make sure you wear proper running shoes and replace them before they wear out.
• Cross-train with low impact activities such as cycling, swimming or walking.

Unfortunately we both have the 1/2 marathon in under a month so we really need to resolve the problem. Let me know if you have any thoughts on this subject!

Chubby Katie

Weekly total = not a lot

Well this week has been a lost cause! In truth it has been a pretty busy one. Michael-cleases brother got married at the weekend so there were all kinds of relatives coming in from out of town and overseas. Lots of family dinners after work and helping set up and clear up after.
Unfortunately it meant my training really suffered. I have done a few short runs but not my long run. Also my diet has not been its best, too many profiter roles and wine!

I will attempt to get back on the wagon tomorrow though, healthy eating, long run, strength exercises, the works. With only just over a month till the 1/2 marathon I better get my trainers on.
Here is the route I plan to do tomorrow morning.

Wish me luck!

CK Virtual run

Just received my virtual medal and certificate for the 1st of the CK Virtual runs so I thought I would share them with you. I am in 3rd I think, I wasn't feeling my healthiest so hopefully I will get a little faster on my next one.

Weekly total = 23km ish

Sorry loyal followers it has been quite a busy time of year! I did manage 23km this week although I think I really should be aiming for a little more that this stage of my training.

Yesterday I took part in the first race of the CK Virtual Run. It was 2.5km so I mapped out a route and ended up doing it twice to up my mileage. The first I did in 14:09 and after a sprint finish the second was 14:06, I was really hoping the sprint would know me down to under 14:00 but I am told I am in 2nd place at the moment so thats not so bad!

I think i'm going to need to start looking into body glide! I am getting a few sore areas on my longer runs. Are there any you recommend?

I've also been taking the rest day/cross training days as just rest days, which is a little naughty! My swimming and cycling are suffering.

Short post today, i reckon thats the way to go..short and often!
Chubby Katie.x