Brisbane to Sydney Opera House (virtual run) 19% done

It's funny how it happens.  One day you are on struggle street and the next you feel great.  That happened to me today.  Today I had a great run.  As soon as I hit the road I felt like it was going to be a good run.  I didn't want to give up after the first 2ks.  This was the first 5k run under 30 minutes....yes the 5k run finished at 29:59 hahaha.....one second under the 30 minutes.  I'll take it.

I'm staying injury free which is great.  Other then your typical post run pain everything is coming up roses.  I am hoping to ride that wave as long as I can.  I know I have to start adding some cross training soon.  I'm thinking tomorrow.  Stay tuned for an update on my cross training.

So far in March I have run 36.7 kilometers.  If my next run is 6ks then I am ahead of schedule.  That is a very good feeling.

Stats:

Distance: 6k (3.73 miles)
Total kilometres: 189.6 (117.81 miles)
Kilometres left: 820.4 (509.77 miles)
Weight: 90.5 kg (199.52lbs)
Calories burned: 558

Total Calories burned: 18035
 

If you have anything to add please leave a comment or email me at Slowmanrunning73@gmail.com

I created a group on the miCoach website for all the slowrunners out there. If you are interested in joining the group please sign up on the miCoach site and download the free miCoach app for your smart phone. Here is the link: http://community-micoach.adidas.com/groups/slowrunning

Brisbane to Sydney Opera House (virtual run)

I did not feel like running today.  I woke up very early in the morning to watch Manchester United take on Chelsea.  Once the game was over I headed into work and my first training class was cancelled due to how busy work was.  So for the first 4 hours of my shift I didn't do much.  Attended one meeting and just prepared for my new class which starts tomorrow.

By the time 4:30 pm rolled around I was dragging my feet.  But I got changed and forced myself to hit the road.  Half a kilometre wasn't even completed and I wanted to stop and go home.  But, I stayed the course and kept hitting the pavement.  I've been meaning to run longer distances for awhile now and today was going to be that day.  I actually ran 6ks and felt (surprisingly) very good at the end.  It wasn't a fast earth shattering run or anything.  It was a deliberate run.  Just making sure I had one foot in front of the other.  As I sit here writing this blog post I'm also happy to report that my big toe (left foot) doesn't hurt.  I haven't worn my Nike Free since last week.  As soon as I got back to work the shoe came off.  Just in case it was too tight and that was what caused the pain in the first place. 

Stats:

Distance: 6k (3.73 miles)
Total kilometres: 183.6 (114.1 miles)
Kilometres left: 826.4 (513.5 miles)
Weight: 90.5 kg (199.52lbs)
Calories burned: 558

Total Calories burned: 17477

If you have anything to add please leave a comment or email me at Slowmanrunning73@gmail.com

I created a group on the miCoach website for all the slowrunners out there. If you are interested in joining the group please sign up on the miCoach site and download the free miCoach app for your smart phone. Here is the link: http://community-micoach.adidas.com/groups/slowrunning

Brisbane to Sydney Opera House (virtual run)

As I was running today I suddenly came to the realization that I am an injury (or getting sick) away from really putting my goal of completing the 1010ks this year in jeopardy.  I'm right on the nose at the moment.  But if I have a week off then I might be screwed.  I have to get as many ks in right now because I am feeling in perfect health.

I completed another 5.5k run today.  My 5k pace was one minute quicker today.  That made me feel good.  I am getting fitter.  This is a good feeling.  I was able to turn it up a notch for the last kilometre.  My last k was done in 5:43.

I have switched positions at work.  For 3 months I am doing training.  It's quite enjoyable.  I have never trained anyone before.  I am working 8am to 5pm and it has really worked in my favour.  I've lost 3 kilos and running 4 days a week.  Not bad at all.  My wife enjoys it as well.  She gets to go swimming 4 days a week.  It has been a perfect month for training.

To my (delightful) surprise today I checked the slowrunning group and we have 2 new members.  Welcome to longtime friend AP and someone called Bajarmusica.  Thank you for joining the group.  I look forward to seeing your training results.  If you would like to join the slowrunning group please see the link at the bottom of this post.

Stats:

Distance: 5.54 (3.44 miles)
Total kilometres: 177.6 (110.46 miles)
Kilometres left: 832.4 (517.23 miles)
Weight: 90.5 kg (199.52lbs)
Calories burned: 522

Total Calories burned: 16919

If you have anything to add please leave a comment or email me at Slowmanrunning73@gmail.com

I created a group on the miCoach website for all the slowrunners out there. If you are interested in joining the group please sign up on the miCoach site and download the free miCoach app for your smart phone. Here is the link: http://community-micoach.adidas.com/groups/slowrunning

Brisbane to Sydney Opera House (virtual run)

Pain free.

I completed a 5.5k run today.  Luckily for me I am (toe) pain free.  I switched to my Adidas runners and everything is OK.  I have a little bit of tightness in my left calf muscle but I have some ice on it now and it feels fine.  I don't think I can always use my Adidas shoes.  Last year I had knee, back and bum pain.  That is the reason I bought the Nike free.  I was hoping that would help eliminate those problems.  It will be interesting to see how it goes.

I have an update from VH on what her app is called.  The name of the app is Zombies, Run!  Check it out by clicking the link.  It looks pretty funny and a very interesting way to train.  Let me know if you have used this app before or if you would be interested in using it and writing a review for this blog.

Here are my stats.

Distance: 5.53 (3.44 miles)
Total kilometres: 172.06 (106.91iles)
Kilometres left: 837.94 (520.67 miles)
Weight: 90.9kg (200lbs)
Calories burned: 520

Total Calories burned: 16397

If you have anything to add please leave a comment or email me at Slowmanrunning73@gmail.com

I created a group on the miCoach website for all the slowrunners out there. If you are interested in joining the group please sign up on the miCoach site and download the free miCoach app for your smart phone. Here is the link: http://community-micoach.adidas.com/groups/slowrunning

Brisbane to Sydney Opera House (virtual run)

I suffered my first injury.  It's not too bad.  My big toe (left foot) is throbbing.  Not sure why after my run that my big toe (left foot) is hurting.  It's done this before.  I iced it (it is really hard to ice one toe....big or not) and had trouble sleeping (the throbbing was keeping me up.....I'm sorry I just wrote that) but a big healthy breakfast and I feel better.  I'm hoping that my big toe (left foot) feels better tomorrow and I can sneak a run in.....if the rain ever bloody stops.

Speaking of the rain not stopping I was able to get my run in.  Luckily for me the rain stopped for one hour right when my shift at work finished.  So I got out there quickly and got in a 5.5k run.  My 5k time was the best of the year and I was able to complete the second k in 5:49.

I also got some very good news this week.  My running friend VH sent me a text to tell me she is ready to start running again.  We have lined up every Tuesday to run.  My goal is to get her to run the 10k Bridge to Brisbane this year.....I'm not sure if that is her goal.....I'm sure I will find out soon.

Stats:
Distance: 5.5 (3.42 miles)
Total kilometres: 158.36 (98.4miles)
Kilometres left: 851.64 (529.19 miles)
Weight: 90.9kg (200lbs)
Calories burned: 521

Total Calories burned: 15090

If you have anything to add please leave a comment or email me at Slowmanrunning73@gmail.com

I created a group on the miCoach website for all the slowrunners out there. If you are interested in joining the group please sign up on the miCoach site and download the free miCoach app for your smart phone. Here is the link: http://community-micoach.adidas.com/groups/slowrunning

Brisbane to Sydney Opera House (virtual run)

The rain let up enough today for me to get a 5k run.  I mean it was still raining but not enough to keep me from running.  It was quite nice actually.  It was fantastical cool as well.  24c at 5pm today.  Perfect running temperature. 

I increased my speed today.  I was testing to see if I could still slowdown and catch my breath when I needed.  So far so good.  I'm still not near the fitness level I was back in November but I'm not to far now.  I'm just a minute or so slower at the moment.  I predict by the end of the month (barring injury of sickness) I should be 30 minutes or under for my 5k runs.

Stats:

Stats:
Distance: 5.03 (3.22 miles)
Total kilometres: 142.37 (88.82miles)
Kilometres left: 867.63 (539.21 miles)
Weight: 90.9kg (200lbs)
Calories burned: 473

Total Calories burned: 13623

If you have anything to add please leave a comment or email me at Slowmanrunning73@gmail.com

I created a group on the miCoach website for all the slowrunners out there. If you are interested in joining the group please sign up on the miCoach site and download the free miCoach app for your smart phone. Here is the link: http://community-micoach.adidas.com/groups/slowrunning

Brisbane to Sydney Opera House (virtual run)

It really is amazing how quickly things become habitual.  For the longest time I used to be a morning runner.  But lately due to work commitments I have switched that up and starting running in the evening. This morning I had decided to run in the morning.  But I had no energy.  I could not muster the energy to get out there.  But by 5 pm tonight I was ready to go.  I dropped off my wife at the Jindalee swimming pool and went for a run. 

I hadn't run in Jindalee before.  I wasn't sure what to expect.  The route was not very long and very hilly.  I had to work a lot harder then normally.  While I didn't complete the 6ks I worked really hard on my 4k run.

Stats:
Distance: 4.12k (2.9 miles)
Total kilometres: 137.34 (85.6miles)
Kilometres left: 872.66(542.58 miles)
Weight: 90.9kg (200lbs)
Calories burned: 394

Total Calories burned: 13150

If you have anything to add please leave a comment or email me at Slowmanrunning73@gmail.com

I created a group on the miCoach website for all the slowrunners out there. If you are interested in joining the group please sign up on the miCoach site and download the free miCoach app for your smart phone. Here is the link: http://community-micoach.adidas.com/groups/slowrunning

Brisbane to Sydney Opera House (virtual run)

I'm a little stiff this morning (hey no dick jokes!) and I have ice packs on various parts of my body (I warned you!).   The good news.....as I sit here with ice packs on my body.....is that I have lined up 4 episodes of the Daily Show.  This makes me feel good.

I completed a 5k run yesterday.  I used my Adidas running shoes and there were no problems.  My times were OK.  I'm not running as quickly as I once was but this is by design.  I'm currently working on just getting my fitness back.  But I am going to start pushing to get better times soon.  One of the funny things about running after work is you get to see the same people on the run/bike path.  One bike rider has a picture of his family on his backpack and I've seen him and his family every run.  It's weird the little things you pick up on or look for during a run.

Stats:

Distance: 5k (3.1 miles)
Total kilometres: 133.22 (82.14miles)
Kilometres left: 876.78(544.14 miles)
Weight: 90.9kg (200lbs)
Calories burned: 478

Total Calories burned: 12756

If you have anything to add please leave a comment or email me at Slowmanrunning73@gmail.com

I created a group on the miCoach website for all the slowrunners out there. If you are interested in joining the group please sign up on the miCoach site and download the free miCoach app for your smart phone. Here is the link: http://community-micoach.adidas.com/groups/slowrunning

Brisbane to Sydney Opera House (virtual run)

I'm over the fitness hump.  I am back to that point where I can slow my run down when I need to catch my breath.  I don't have to stop and walk for a little bit.  That is a great feeling to have.  I was doing a 6k run yesterday after work and just could feel that I could have gone longer.  My goal for this month is to complete a 10k run.  On Sunday I hope to run 7ks and increase it to 8ks not next Sunday and so on and so on.

I'm switching between my Nike's and Adidas runners.  On days that I am rested I'm using my Nike free but when I try to run back to back days I use my Adidas to give me that little bit of extra padding.  So far this has been working well and after running close to 100ks I'm still injury free.  I do feel like I should go for a massage soon to keep appearances.

Stats:

Distance: 5.5k (3.7 miles)
Total kilometres: 128.22 (79.11miles)
Kilometres left: 881.278(547.16 miles)
Weight: 90.9kg (200lbs)
Calories burned: 522

Total Calories burned: 12278

If you have anything to add please leave a comment or email me at Slowmanrunning73@gmail.com

I created a group on the miCoach website for all the slowrunners out there. If you are interested in joining the group please sign up on the miCoach site and download the free miCoach app for your smart phone. Here is the link: http://community-micoach.adidas.com/groups/slowrunning
 

Day 27 - Brisbane to Sydney Opera House (virtual run)

I had decided not to run today. I was due for a run. Long over due but I had my plans with my friends (and fellow slowrunning alumni) DA and KW to do a bush walk. I have recently bought a new Canon 60D camera and a bush walk in Spring Mountain Conservation Park sounds like a perfect place to take some pictures. We got in my car and drove (my GPS of course stopped working so DA had to rely on his mobile phone for directions) and when we got there......it was closed. It seems that a few weeks ago a bush fire had ravaged the entire area. So what was going to be a 6.3km bush walk turned into a drive to Ipswich to take pictures at the Japanese Gardens. Not a bad alternative and the company more then made up for any disappointment at missing my first Australian bush walk.

I waited till the heat died down and went for an easy 3k run at 5:30 pm. Thankfully there was a very cool wind blowing around forest lake which made the run as pleasant as could be expected. After my run (as I sit here typing this up) I am feeling no pain. I'm going to wake up early Sunday morning and do a proper run.

I'm not sure if I mentioned this but on Wednesday Mrs. Slowrunning and I are off to Vanuatu for 5 days. I will not be doing any running while I am there........my wife has asked me not to.....in case I get injured (she also asked that I not do Movember as she doesn't want me looking like a Mexican waiter while we are on holidays). I am looking forward to the 5 days of relaxing......in the tropics of the South Pacific. I've never been to the South Pacific.

Day 27
Distance: 3k
Total kilometres: 39.22k
Days left: 338
Kilometres left: 971 (603 miles)
Weight: 90.5kg (199lbs)
Calories burned: 281
Total Calories burned: 3684

Day 4 Brisbane to Sydney (virtual run)

I was in a meeting at work......my friend and sometime commentator on this blog SH pulled me aside.  "I have something I want to say to you.  But I don't want you to take it badly."  I told her I would not take it badly.  "I want to teach you how to work out with weights.  It will help your running."  She told me to go out and buy some weights.  Once I have the weights she will teach me a few things.  I've never really thought about weight training.  I know its important but that has never been anything that has ever interested me.  Since I've starting running that is all I ever wanted to do.  The weight training that I do are with a medicine ball/exercise ball.  Working on the core.  I'll have to get back to you on this weight training. 

As I have previously mentioned I pick up my wife from UQ and that is where I run every Tuesday.  It was about 25c when I got out there but the sun was going down and there was a nice cool breeze coming in so the heat didn't effect me at all.  I completed my run in about 30 minutes.

 

 

Day 4
Distance: 5k
Total kilometres: 13k
Days left: 361
Kilometres left: 997 (619 miles)
Weight: 90.5kg (198lbs)
Calories burned: 468
Total Calories burned: 1220

  

If you have anything to add please leave a comment or email me at Slowmanrunning73@gmail.com

I created a group on the miCoach website for all the slowrunners out there. If you are interested in joining the group please sign up on the miCoach site and download the free miCoach app for your smart phone. Here is the link:

http://community-micoach.adidas.com/groups/slowrunning

 



Living up to my name.

The 15ks are done.  It was a perfect day for running.  I woke up at 6 am and it was a cool overcast day.  Heat was not going to be a problem today.  I got up and watched about 10 minutes of the Manchester United vs. Spurs football game....part of me wanted to stay at home to finish the game......but (after watching a terrible Spurs goal) I was out of the house.  A quick trip to McDonald's to buy a bottle of water and 20 minutes later I was at the starting point.  I wanted to pace myself as best as I could.  I didn't want to run at my 5k speed.  I had a long way to go.  Once I was stretched I started running.  Well....I lived up to my name.......it was slow running at its best.  I took my time and finished 15ks.  In all it took me one hour and forty minutes of running but I finished.  The goal for 2012 has been completed.  I'm going to take a few days to recover and then I start again.  If you are reading this blog for the first time my goal next year is to run the equivalent of my front door to the Sydney Opera House (which is 1010 km) in one year.  I can't wait to get started.

Here are the stats:

 

KM 12: 7:08

KM 13: 7:02

KM 14: 7:27

KM 15: 7:21

 

Calories: 1419

Time: 1:40:43

Weight: 90kg (198lbs)

 

Tracks:

The hardest button to button - The White Stripes

Barely listening - Pilate

Washing of the water - Peter Gabriel

Buddy Holly - Weezer

London Calling - The Clash

Voodoo lady - Ween

Creeping out Sara - NOFX

Leave my body - Florence & The Machine

Rebel Rebel - David Bowie

11th Dimension - Julian Casablancas

Don't you (forget about me) - Simple Minds

Tell me in the morning - Cold War Kids

Electrical storm - U2

Dead leaves and the dirty ground - The White Stripes

Take it easy - The Eagles

Human - The Killers

Boy, oh boy - Streamer Bendy

Date with the night - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

The hill - Marketa Irglova

Finding out true love is blind - Louis XIV

I put a spell on you - CCR

Take me out - Franz Ferdinand

Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves) - The Wombats

My body is a cage - Arcade Fire

Slow dancing - U2 feat. Willie Nelson

I only want you - The Eagles of Death Metal

In a little while - U2

 

P.S. The look of the blog will be changing slightly.  I will be moving away from stats and going more to completeing the 1010 kilometers to the Sydney Opera house.  Look for a new readers poll in the next few days.