Keado’s Weblog

Eight months gone, four to go..this morning was going to be a rush and there was nothing anyone was going to do about it. No amount of strategy, planning etc was going to help – and it didn’t disappoint. It was mufti and crazy hair day at school in aid of the Cancer Foundation, so lots to be done. The hair went red, and then spots of purple. The wardrobe was turned inside out for the right outfit, and on it went. My planned 6km turned into a 3km sprint followed by a 3km walk. Not what the training log stated but I still say, “hey, I went out!”. I had a whole 45min to get showered, make & consume oats, 5 egg white omelette and still drive to the Striders committee meeting. EASY! The launch of the club made into the local paper, so all very excited and looking forward to some great things.

The sun is rising 6:45am now, half hour earlier than a few weeks ago and daylight saving a few weeks away. Suppose that means SUMMER is on the way…I was not that keen on a run this morning – wait – good reason. I decided early to bed last night at 10:30pm, get some good rest and have a nice long run. By 00:15am I was finished sleeping~that left a few more hours to do “what”? So by the time it reached 7:30am and prep time for a run, I wasn’t really in the mood. BUT, we gotta do the training so out I went. Weather report -hot, cold, windy but no rain. Great walk with Kim afterwards to complete the 9,2km’s for the morning. Shins still not sure if they better but sure they are on the mend.

This was an early run by NZ standards – out on the road by 7:10am. I say NZ standards as back in SA early would be 5am and by 7:10am the roads around the school would be travelling bumper to bumper at 5km/h ~ I counted three cars in total the first 2km’s. Thought I was heading for strong, wind and rain but a magnificant morning, crisp and clean. The traffic did pick up along the main road to about 12 cars passing but otherwise a quiet morning. Went out hard and spluttered through the 6,2km course with lungs burning out of control. Going to be in pain tomorrow!!!  

Everyone out this morning were Bruce Willis fans – why – they were the “Die Hard’s”. I had a smile the whole 7,5km’s this morning thinking about that one. Yes, it’s called humour! The Auckland weather was at it’s best with a South Westerly, ranging from 20km’h to around 40km/s, fine rain – then all gone and sunny – then back to a chill with no rain – all very confusing when you are trying to dress for the occassion. After all it was quite good fun and got back feeling more alive than when I woke up after a long slog at the computer until the internet switched off at midnight – good reason to get some sleep. Went at a steady pace although with the wind against me, then behind me-who knows what pace I kept. All good and the same weather expected the rest of the week-yippee.  

This morning was filled with crisp, clean NZ air – just the medicine to start the week. No disrespect to the walkers but my morning walk doesn’t form part of the training log although great recovery for the muscles. It’s just a great time to get some fresh air, some quality time with Kim and just the perfect start to what’s going to be an awesome week. The launch of the club is Sunday so lots to arrange, along with the standard venture capital meetings and some work in between somewhere.

The shins felt ok so I decided on a 10km rather than the planned 15km to see how things went. It took 3km’s, 3 stops for stretching to get the shins loose. They are so in need of ice treatment which will start from tomorrow. After about 5km’s the legs came nice and loose and I went the last 6km’s with increasing pace and strength. Finished eventually on 11km’s and feeling ok. Today and the increased mileage reminded me of the massive training my mate Richard and I endured for Comrades 89,9km race in 2000. Ice treatement, physio, anti-inflammatory mooti from Japana, China, Korea and elsewhere. Going to invest in a good complex-carbohydrate drink. Note that these drinks for before and after training need not be expensive. Find a non-name brand drink with no bells and whistles ~ just good carbs. Monday rest day..have a great week

Legs didn’t recover and I was forced to practice what I preach “listen to your body” ~ so decided to rest the legs, some extra Japanese ointment and some stretching. It’s crazy to believe that when we don’t run, we have less energy duting the day. The run seems to kick the saratonin levels into gear and gets things going. Well, no run and a lazy day..

Crap ~ that’s how my run went. My right shin was acting up a little yesterday and the left gave way this morning. Three stops, three stretches and a little walk brought the planned 10km run to a 6,2 km trot. Not impressed but suppose can’t have the training all my way all the time. The weekly mileage has been creeping up and I need to be careful and let the legs adjust to the additional km’s. I felt a little better as I went for a 2,5km walk with Kim afterwards to give the legs a nice cool down and enjoy some QT with Kim around the golf course. Well, a good rub down and I’m sure the legs will be back tomorrow.

My brain felt a little lazy this morning so wasn’t sure how the rest of the body was going to react to a run. Like the wind ~ the fitness levels are really started to kick in. My resting heart rate is down to 52 showing that the hard work is paying off. When I think back to a few weeks ago and the struggle getting passed the 6km mark, feels great to be able to do an easy 8km again. No matter what shape you are in now, your body will remember what it was like when you were in shape, it just needs time to remember. The body and mind are beyond our own perceptions and when allowed to break free, there are no barriers. Eat well, sleep well and TRAIN for today. Long run tomorrow..cool as.

For whatever reason I was quite excited about today’s run and decided to take the camera along for some pics of the 8km route. The sky was blue and looking like a magnificant day, again!! It’s raining now by the way and only been back 50min ~ bet will be blue sky again in 30min. Anyway….the 8km route for the club run is really a great run. Not difficult at all like I first thought it may be and just a nice, semi-challenging route with lots of time to reduce the heart rate and enjoy a great run. Had a real spring in the step and really, was a breeze. On the max dose of thermogenics today, started with 75% of normal dose to see if any reactions [always check] but full dose today. Eating well and training well ~ and weight up 1kg to 77kg? Like to think all muscle as 32’s still fit and 34’s loose, so lets just say it’s all muscle shall we! Another 8km planned for tomorrow, route B, otherwise have a kickass day. See pics below…

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