Backing off a bit

Training has been scaled back a little in the last week or so. Due to a week feeling absolutely knackered with nothing in the legs, including one aborted session, Kim suggested I cut my long run back from 2 hours to 90 minutes. In fact this week I have cut all my easy runs back. The k's for this week are around 80 instead of the usual 100.

I ran a 10k tempo yesterday and felt very strong. HR was spot on where I wanted it to be, and the time for a very tough course was about 39:40. I ran my tempo as part of a race and most people were about 3 minutes off their PB times. Allowing for the toughness of the course and the fact I was cruising, I think I am in pretty good shape at the moment. A few little things to sort out but otherwise all is good.

Finally received the new Saucony Grid Type A2 racers during the week. Very light, and in my opinion, not suitable for much more than a 10k. They remind me a lot of the Nike Air Streak racers. Looking forward to a hit out over 5km next week to get a feel for them.

Training so far this week has looked something like this:
Mon: Easy 50min
Tues: 10 x 400 w/200rec ave 70s
Wed: Easy 35min
Thur: 4 x 5min w/ 2:30 rec
Fri: Easy 40min
Sat: 10km Tempo
Sun Easy 90min

Will kick it back to about 100k next week, but still keep the Sunday run at 90min and see how things pan out.

Helping those less fortunate.

Friday night I headed out with the Minister (Ric) from Robbie's Church to hunt down some of the Homeless people who call Launceston home.

When I say "hunt down" I don't mean literally. Armed with flashlights and backpacks each containing a Thermos, some food and blankets, we hit the streets just before midnight to offer some support to those less fortunate.

We decided to check out the old Hospital building. This building has been unused for years and is due to be turned into a high rise apartment building.

For legal reasons we were not allowed to enter the building itself, but instead checked out the surrounding area.

Unfortunately we found no one at "home", but we did find plenty of evidence that many people do in fact "live" here. Mattresses, blankets, alcohol bottles (empty) syringes and other bits and pieces all pointed to the fact someone has slept here.

I have no doubt that people were in the building whilst we were hanging around. If I put myself in their shoes I wouldn't exactly be coming out to say hi to some complete strangers wandering around in the rain after midnight with flashlights either. Next week we will leave flyer's around so that they know we are only there to help and that they have nothing to fear.

Getting to bed at 2am didn't exactly make the best preparation for the race I ran yesterday. Lets just say I crashed and burned. 8km in just under 30 minutes was a long way from what I was expecting. Still, it was all for a good cause and yes, I would do it again. Maybe not before a race but will definitely go out again soon. At least I get to sleep in a warm bed each night.

6 x 3min w/ 2min float

Another good session tonight. 6 x 3min w/ 2min float recovery.

As always I went out and back and missed the start point by 7 seconds on the return. Close but no cigar!

Tuesday night was also a good session. 10 by 400 with 1min rec. Finished running very strong. Actually felt stronger as the session went on.

Daylight savings throws a spanner in the works running wise. Its now dark by 6pm and will only get dark earlier from now on. Makes it hard to do some of the sessions that we do given that we try to do most of them off road and away from what traffic there is here. Very few bike paths have lights and we aren't blessed with a "Tan" track like those who live in Melbourne.

Still there are some benefits of Launceston. Very little traffic for a start. It doesn't take me an hour to get to work here!!!!! Did I mention the cafes? A good coffee is the best way to finish a long run.

Running another LAC race on Saturday at Evandale. 8km out and back course. It will be interesting to see what the handicapper gives me. Cant wait for that!

Was hoping to have the new Saucony Grid Type A2's for Evandale but they have been delayed and wont be available until late next week. Still, better late than never I guess. As long as I have them before the City to Casino that's all that matters.

Keen to Race

Training is going well now that things are settling down a little. New job is going well and the new house is starting to feel like home.

The only bad thing happening is little Jack having Pneumonia. Poor little fella is in a bad way. He's tough so no doubt he'll be back to him self soon.

Got out a 2 hour run on Sunday and threw in a nice little climb about 1hr 45m in to it just for fun!!!! Must say that I didnt enjoy it all that much. Might have been quicker to walk up it!!!

Heading to Hobart on May 18 for the City to Casino. Hoping to cover the 11km in around 35 minutes, or at the very least secure a top 5 spot. Kim Gillard (won last year)is planning to run as is Grant Page (2nd last year)and Mark Jackson (2:24 Marathon). Should be a good day out.

Received some new clothing from Saucony late last week and must say I am impressed. Red is the go for 2008. I also ordered some new Racing Flats (see pic) today and cant wait to test them out in Hobart.


Check out www.saucony.com for all the new gear.