Lack of posts

I got my computer fixed a few weeks ago and since then I haven't been able to use this site. Which is such a pain because in just a few weeks I've got 4 new PBs.

I've done the Sandown relays (6.2km) in which I had an average race but managed to run 26.42 to be the 7th fastest Richmond female (out of 14) and help my team to 3rd in Div 4.

Queen of the Lake in which I ran a massive PB of 21.10 to come TENTH overall! I REALLY wanted to get into the top 10. The race was so hard because I ran so fast. My splits were
1km - 3.53
2km - 8.00 (4.07)
3km - 12.19 (4.19)
4km - 16.35 (4.16)
5km - 21.10 (4.35)
So my splits weren't very even but I whipped my 3km and 4km PBs at those splits.

At the GSV athletics preliminary carnival I ran 800m C division in 2.46 and 1500m A division in 5.43. I came third in both. I was 4th overall (out of 24 year 11 and 12s) in the 1500m which I was very happy with.

At Yarra Bend Cross Country last Saturday I ran 26.43 for 6km. I wasn't very happy with that time because I was aiming for 26.00-26.30 but by some miracle I managed to get into the Richmond Division 1 team for the first time!!!! I didn't think that would happen for a few more years! The race was very hard because it was on grass the whole way and the grass must have been quite long.

Last Tuesday was the GSV Championship athletics carnival and I ran 800m division C in 2.44 and 1500m division A in 5.35. I came 3rd in 800m and 6th in 1500m. I was disappointed to come 6th but we were competing in Division 1 which is the top 8 schools (out of 24) so it was a very hard race. I was 10th overall in the 1500m so that sort of means I am the 10th best 1500m runner out of all the girls private schools in Victoria. As a school we came 6th which is very exciting and our Senior team came 3rd!!

On Friday I ran the 1500m at a schools knockout athletics competition. We were up against 4 other schools and I came 6th (out of 10) in a time of 5.35. I was disappointed the otehr girls were so good because I hoped to get a placing.

And today I ran the Victorian Mountain Running Championships. It was very hard, we basically ran up, then down, then up again. The first hill was 1.2km long and rose 200m. It definitely felt like we were running vertically upwards and I had to walk some of the way. The downhill was fun though, 2.5km dropping almost 300m. I felt like I was flying downhill although it was a bit scary coz I thought I'd slip. It was 4.2km in total and I ran it in 23.50. I came 2nd (out of 3) out of the juniors. I was very disappointed there wasn't more of a turnout, I'd rather have come say 8th out of 10 than 2nd out of 3.

My next race coming up is the Burnley half marathon, my first crack at sub-100 minutes.

Saturday, Sunday, Monday

This week I am racing 3 days in a row. On Saturday I'm doing the 6.2km Sandown relays for Richmond. Hoping to get a time close to 27 minutes. On Sunday I'm doing Queen of the Lake because I really enjoyed it last year and I like doing the occasional commercial run. I'm not sure if I'll do the 5km or 10km. I usually like to do the longer distances in StF runs but I might only feel like a 5km. It's about time I got a new 5km PB too. I'd be hoping for around 45-46 minutes in the 10km or close to 22 minutes in the 5km. I hope to come first or second in my age group in the event I do.

On Monday I will be attending the GSV preliminary athletics carnival. I am doing the 800m and 1500m as well as the 4x100m (hope not though!). My goals are 2.45 for 800m and 5.40 for 1500m. On the events sheet in the PE centre, it has me down for 800m C (thank goodness!) but 1500m A!! So I will be up against the superstars! Hopefully I can convince one of the other girls to swap with me (there's 3 of us in year 11-12 that do the distance events).

Okayyyy...

Today I ran the 10km at Coburg and took 2 and a half minutes off my PB. I am now officially a sub 45 minute 10k runner. To go under 45 minutes for 10km was my goal for next year. Not this year. I can't believe I did it! I was amazed when I kept 4.30 pace for 6km in May and now I can run 4.28 pace for 10km! I was the second female and got another nice big trophy.

School Aths PB Meet

I reluctantly went along to the GSV athletics PB meet yesterday after school (did not want to go after school on a Friday). I was very late because there were so many people going that they had to make a second bus trip. By the time we got there they were running the 1500m so I had missed the event I really wanted to do. However, there were two of us who really wanted to do the 1500m so we ran another race with another girl from another school so there were 3 of us. I was sort of reluctant because I presumed I'd come last but I guess I had to get over that. In the first lap because it wasn't an official race, the hurdles were being cleared off the track while we were running past. Two girls with hurdles got in my way and I had to dodge them. It killed me! I suddenly started to feel very weak and shaky but I kept running anyway. I didn't have a watch on so I had no idea what time I was running but I presumed it was very slow. I finished last (only just though) in a time of 5.47 which I'm very happy with because I know I can only improve.

The rule for PB meets is everyone has to run 100m. I complained and didn't want to do it when I first heard but I decided I should just do it. After a rain interuption I ran my 100m and did it in 16.13 despite slowing down in the last 20m. Once again I came last! I got rain all up by back coz the track was really wet.

800m was the last event and I was looking forward to it (2 laps sounded fun). Finally I ran a race with more than 5 people in it. Grace Thek (a super runner) ran the same race as me and I knew she'd kick all our butts. I was surprised for the first lap and a half that I was 2nd and not too far behind her. However, I got overtaken in the last 100m and came fourth in a time of 2.52. I honestly struggle to run 3.30 sometimes for 800m in training (albeit early in the morning on an oval without breakfast) so I like that time. The track was so wet my shorts got absolutely soaked and it was hard to run in wet shorts.

My goals for this athletics season are 2.40 for 800m and 5.30 for 1500m. They're tough goals and I have no idea how much I can improve. I'd also like to run close to 15.00 for 100m (that's if I run it again).

Today I went to Active Feet and bought new shoes. They had my details on file so they grabbed the latest Brooks Adrenaline (what I already have) in my size and I had a quick jog on the treadmill and then bought them. They're a really nice colour - sort of metallic teal/turquoise, a change from light blue.

I'm doing the Coburg 10km tomorrow and aiming for a time around 46.30 (best case scenario) to 48.00 (worst case scenario).

Running at the Tan

Yesterday as I had a double spare last two periods I left at lunchtime (excuse: athletics club training) so I would have a rare chance to train at the Tan. I rode in and when I got there Richmond were training at Gosch's Paddock so I watched some of that. Then I was locking up my bike and I saw a woman running towards me along the Yarra and for some reason I kept watching her. When she passed I realised it was Benita Johnson!!!!!! She is very blonde and very pretty up close. She seemed to be going at a slowish pace (must have been warming up or cooling down) and so I sort of chased her and managed to keep up for a bit. Then I did my training but didn't feel fantastic. I have sore hip flexors and I think I need new shoes. I'm going to pay Active Feet a visit on Saturday. After I had finished my run (about 9km but not really the planned speedwork) I was about to unlock my bike when I spotted who I think was another of my running heroes, Anna Thompson. She flashed past along the Tan so I ran across the road and chased her up Anderson St hill. I kept behind her up the hill but she pulled away from me on the downhill. I'm not 100% sure it was her but she was fast and very tall and skinny. So I saw two of my heroes in one session! Plus I ran past a big bunch of Richmond players heading back to Punt Rd oval.

Tomorrow I have a school athletics PB meet. I'm down to do the 1500m and 800m. I've never really run either distance before so I'll see how I go. I'm aiming for around 3.10-3.20 for 800m and 6.00-6.15 for 1500m.

AV XC Bundoora

Saturday was my first ever proper cross country race (8km). It was very muddy and that made it hard to run. I ran a good race and did 36.12 which I'm happy with but I'm not sure if the distance was short or not.

Finally broke the voodoo - at my home ground

I never thought I would have a chance to race within walking distance of my house (except school cross country). I'd been looking forward to the Richmond club race at Wattle Park for a chance to race on my home turf. However, I've been sick the last few days and woke up this morning thinking no way could I run today. I told my mum I'd make up my mind at the last minute and that's what I did. By the afternoon I was feeling ok and decided I would race. Mum insisted we drive (I thought it'd be kinda cool to walk to a race) and it was nice to only have to travel a couple of minutes. I really wanted to break the 40 minute mark but I thought it might not be my day.

It was a handicap race and we started off our handicap which was something I haven't experienced before. I was 6th to leave and the people ahead of me were two minutes in front so was very afraid I'd get lost. And I did! Well I just got off track and lost about 10 seconds when I didn't know where the path turned in the first 500m. Oops! I enjoyed cruising down the hill and along the trail on which I regularly run. Then it was up the hill and then up another, steeper hill. I thought I'd suck up the hills but I cruised up! I took them in easily and then it was back around for another loop. I was so worried about the corner I went off track on in the first lap that I turned too early and took off about 50m from the course! I was thinking about how I should remedy my error but I came to the conclusion that my lost moment on the first lap plus having to wait to cross the road because of a car would have made up for my short turn. I pushed on and mostly felt pretty good. I had no idea what pace I was running. I looked back occasionally, expecting to see someone coming up to overtake me. However I didn't see anyone apart from when I passed two others. I cruised to the finish in a time of 38.50, a new PB despite the hilly course and being sick. I came 3rd or 4th, easily the first female.

So that's the 6th time I've raced 8km and the first time I've been able to break the 40 minute mark. I have a chance to break my 8km PB again next Saturday at Bundoora. I hope to get 37.xx.

Halfway through the year

In the first half of the year I accomplished several of the goals I set for the entire year.

3km - goal 13.30 - ACHIEVED 13.03 (although I've run faster but not in a race)
4km - goal 18.00 - ACHIEVED 17.05
5km - goal 22.30 - getting close 23.05
6km - didn't have a goal - best 26.54 (very happy with that)
8km - goal 38.00 - closest 40.00 not a distance I race much
10km - goal 47.00 - getting close 47.12
15km - didn't have a goal best 1.16
21.1km - goal 1.44.00 - ACHIEVED 1.43.30

Now for my goals for the second half of the year since I achieved 3 of them

3km - goal 12.30
4km - goal 17.00
5km - goal 22.00
6km - goal 26.00
8km - goal 37.00
10km - goal 46.00
15km - goal 1.10.00
21.1km - goal 1.40.00

I've set what I think are really tough goals. I am thinking right now there's no way I could achieve some of them. I guess I'll see how I do at the end of the year. Some of the distances I don't race very often, however I put goals down anyway.

Last home Phoenix game ever

Last night was the last game at the State Netball and Hockey Centre for the Melbourne Phoenix because of the new Trans Tasman Competition coming in next season (*roll eyes*). It was also the last Melbourne derby against the Melbourne Kestrels. We desperately wanted to win as there was no way the Phoenix could lose their last ever game together at the SNHC. And no way could we lose the last local derby, especially because the Phoenix have won 18 of the 22 played. The first quarter was really nerve-wracking but we soon started our domination. In the second quarter we really broke the game open and the Kestrels had no chance. But in the end we only won by 10. It was a good game though and a great way to end it. I thoroughly enjoyed singing the song for the last time. There was also the last ever after match function and it was a really good one. I'm VERY sad that I'll never see the girls play at the SNHC again, but it was definitely a good one to end on.

We have one more game in Melbourne in a month but it's at Vodafone. Expect the tears to flow.

Post Run to the G training

I'm going to try and stick to a new training program to build a really solid base to go under 100 minutes hopefully in the Burnley half or Melbourne half. This is what it will look like

Monday - rest/cycling
Tuesday - Speedwork AM (about 10km total), Running club 3km PM
Wednesday - Rest/cycling/short run
Thursday - 4-8km
Friday - Running club 3km
Saturday - netball/cycling
Sunday - long run - starting at 10km and building up very gradually to a regular 16-20km
Total starting at 30km minimum and hopefully building up to about 45km, depending on how well my body recovers.

It's very hard to find time to go for bike rides, especially now when it gets dark so early. I might have school athletics training on Monday and Wednesday mornings next term which is on my rest days so it should be ok. I can always cut out running club on Tuesdays and Fridays (especially because it's often cancelled). I'm just going to try and stick to this plan for as long as possible. We actually have to design training programs in PE at the moment and I'm mainly just doing running and speedwork.

I bought a pair of aqua capri Skins for $70 and I got them today, they're very nice! I also bought a pair of Nike Free 5.0 for $85 and I can't wait for them to arrive!

Run to the G

I woke up at 5.40am yesterday morning to get ready for Run to the G. I was ready by 6am and had to wait till Karen picked me up at quarter past. We drove into the city and picked up Ally at the St Kilda Rd Police Station. Ally took ages to come out and I was getting really nervous. Fortunately they went away when Ally came out. We parked near the Shrine and walked to Fed Square. I had to pick up my number as they didn't send it out. But my name wasn't on the list. Luckily I printed out and brought with me my confirmed entry form. I picked up my bib, went for a quick whizz and found a pole to tie my jumper to. I lined up at the start between the 1.45 pace balloon and the under 1.50 sign. That was my realistic goal time - between 1.45 and 1.50. It took ages to start and I was reading the 7 news headlines (including Adelaide defeated Kangaroos!) above the Young and Jackson hotel. We finally started and it was a slow start for about 200m. I ran along the footpath which was pretty clear. I got into my rhythm easily and early. I didn't see a 1km split sign which really annoyed me as I like to know what time I do my first km in to know what pace I'm going at! I was very daunted by the long distance but I felt fine for most of the way. I thought doing two laps would kill me but when you know you have to do two laps it's not so bad. The 1.45 pacer was about 200-300m behind me for the first lap. There wasn't a drinks station until the 6km mark which surprised me. At the 8km mark my hips started to get sore which was slightly worrying. Although they were sore, they didn't get any worse. My km splits (the ones I saw) were about 1-1.30 minutes off 5km pace (eg the 8km would have been about 38.30) and I was hoping I could maintain that. If I couldn't maintain it then at least I had room to move with my times. When we passed by Fed Square for the 2nd lap I saw my mum and chucked my gloves at her which I had taken off at the 3km mark. I was still cruising comfortably for most of the second lap. I noticed that for the whole second lap I rarely saw any women, I was surrounded by men. By the 16km mark I was tiring and I could hear the 1.45 pacer behind me. I really didn't want him to overtake me because by that stage I was really hoping for sub 1.45. He overtook me at the 19km mark and that killed me. But I didn't try and keep up, I just stayed at my own pace (mostly coz I was getting very tired). The 1.45 pacer stopped at about the 20km mark because he must have been too far ahead. The last km killed me, especially when they had signs saying 500, then 400, then 300, 200, 100 metres to go. I managed a little sprint at the end but I was really buggered. Of course, I was overjoyed to see my time - 1.43.31. I had broken my PB by over 9 minutes!!! I managed to find Mum who had also found Ally and Mum took a photo of us together. Ally had done around 1.44 - I had beaten her!!!!!!!! Although she had run straight off a night shift. I was hoping to see Karen but I didn't - she came in at 1.54. I got my showbag and tried to find my Dad (Mum was doing the 10km walk). I was hoping to see a few people I knew doing the 10km but I didn't. I did see Christie Malthouse though (one of my heroes). I had to work at 12pm and that killed me.

I looked at the results today and I CAME FIRST IN MY AGE GROUP! And I was the 72nd woman! I thought I'd be about 200-300th in the women. Woohoo!

I don't want to be 17!

I have one year until I can no longer race as an under 18. Scary thinking about it!

Saturday off!

I had my first Saturday off netball since April and I had grand plans. I was looking forward to going to train with the girls from Richmond Harriers at the Tan. Unfortunately an unplanned late night meant I was way too exhausted. I read in the paper this morning that Ben Cousins was seen running the Tan yesterday morning!!!! I was going to go to my favourite class at the gym if I didn't go to Richmond training but I was too exhausted to get up in time for that too.

Later in the afternoon I left to go for a bike ride/run. I couldn't decide whether to go into the city to do the Tan or to ride along the Yarra and run to Fairfield boathouse. I eventually decided to go into the city and I'd come back along the Yarra if I had time. So I rode into the Tan and did a lap and a bit (about 4.5km). Then I rode into Port Melbourne and did another 4km there. After that I went for a walk along the beach and then rode home. I went straight home the quickest way because it was getting dark and I was so exhausted and hungry coz I'd been out for more than 3 hours. In total I did about 8km running and 40km riding.

Plenty of time for running in my week off

I've had almost the whole week off because it's exams week but I only had one exam. So on Monday I went for a run into the city with a running partner. We started in Kooyong and went along the bike path to the Tan, then did two laps of the Tan and back to Kooyong. It was about 18 or 19km. It was a beautiful day and a nice course. It was my last long run before the Run to the G half marathon and I felt really comfortable for most of the way.

I actually recovered from Monday really well so yesterday I rode into the Tan and did another run there. I did about 3 or 4km warm up, then I alternated between 500m in 2 minutes and 500m in 3 minutes so I ran fast, then jogged, then ran fast etc. The markings on the Tan are so handy! Surprisingly, I wasn't feeling any stiffness from Monday's run. I then ran over to Vodafone Arena and the MCG. I did a lap outside the G (get into the mood for Run to the G and Melbourne Marathon). Then I did some 'stairwork' on the steps outside Vodafone. I'd heard from a friend that they are a killer. However, I kinda had to make up how to make them a 'killer'. So I ran up and down them, ran to a nearby lightpole and then ran up them again which took about 45 seconds. I then walked down, back to the lightpole and back to the bottom of the stairs to do it again (75 seconds). I did this 5 times. It was fun but not really very hard. I guess you have to do them again and again. Afterwards, I ran back to my bike parked at the Tan and rode home. Altogether, I'd done about 11km and 25km on my bike. I wish I had the time to do that every week, it was really enjoyable. Unfortunately, especially this time of the year it's only possibly to run at the Tan during holidays.

I've been eagerly planning all my runs this week. I want to run to Fed Square (15km from my house along the bike path) tomorrow because I did the same time last year and it was the first time I'd run anything anywhere near that far. But I think I'll just go do the circuit class at the gym because I don't want to run too far in the lead up to Run to the G.

Exams

Exams are almost over. I quite enjoyed them and I wish we had them every term. Last Wednesday we got a whole day off for 'study day', however we had a PE SAC so I had to go to school for that. Then on Thursday I had English (boring) and Chemistry (easy). On Friday I had Maths Methods (easy) and GM* Maths (surprisingly easier than methods). So now I had today off, tomorrow off (although I have to go to my PE class period 1), Biology on Wednesday, and then Thursday and Friday off. So I just had to do 5 little exams and I get 7 days off school (plus birthday holiday next Monday).

Sandown Photos

I found heaps of photos of me from Sandown on Sporting Images. Here are my favourites. I'm going to order one of them.

Sandown

After netball coaching and doing homework, instead of heading off to netball I headed out to Sandown for the big 10km. I arrived just in time to see the juniors finishing which was good. Definitely wish I was that fast! Our race was due to start about half an hour later so I went for a warm up with some of the other Richmond girls and we were pretty much ready to start. I found both in this race and the Latrobe race I wasn't ready to start, there was a whistle out of nowehere. But that doesn't matter in a long race. The women started up a ramp (yay, downhill) while the men started on the main track. I planned just to go quite slowly and leave as much as possible in the tank for the first 6-8km. I got into a rhythm early and found by 2km that I was going at a pretty quick pace. I couldn't really slow down though, I tried to but it didn't work. In the 2nd/5th/8th kilometre there is a 'hill' which looks almost flat until you have to run up it. We had a major headwind and of course it is strongest up the hill. Luckily I wasn't getting dust in my face like yesterday. Just before the 4km mark I got lapped by the wheelies and then at the 6km mark I got lapped by the first runner. Boy was he travelling fast! It killed me that he had almost finished and I still had a lap to go. I've never run a 3 lap race before but it wasn't as bad as I thought. The straight was so long and it was hot with the wind behind. I started to hurt (probably from yesterdays x-country) at the 7km mark and I started to worry I wouldn't get in under 48 minutes. At the 8km mark I started to really want to get in under 47 minutes. That meant running 9 minutes for the last 2 kilometres - something I thought I could achieve. I pushed it and felt comfortable up until the 9km mark and the back straight. I started to get a stitch and felt really uncomfortable. I had to push though and with about 100m to go I could see the clock ticking over to 47 minutes. I kept pushing and managed to get in at 47.12. That's a PB by over 2 minutes. I wasn't really that happy with it but according to McMillan's it pretty much fits in with my other PBs so it was a good run. I guess I enjoyed the race and I hope Richmond did well.

Splits (very approximate).
1km Didn't see marker
2km 8.14
3km Didn't see marker
4km 18.00
5km 23.16
6km 28.00
7km 32.35
8km 38.00
9km 42.54
10km 47.12

Championship Cross Country

After waiting excitedly all day we finally headed off to cross country at Bundoora Park. The juniors and intermediates had already run by time we got there so I was really annoyed as the best part of cross country is cheering the others! We arrived about 25 minutes before we had to run so I quickly changed into my shorts and we warmed up and then had to line up on the start line. It was so squishy, 240 girls from 24 schools lining up to race. The schools next to us hadn't left us any room which was really unfair. The start was the most horrible start I've ever done. I was trying to overtake many people (so many slow people sprint off at the start) and I was running on the outside of the course. There was a massive headwind and dust got in our eyes and mouths. We were to do two laps of basically a massive oval and the first third of each lap is gradually uphill. I was just cruising because I didn't want to be too tired for Sandown. I was feeling really comfortable and the first lap went really quickly. The field finally started spreading out and I could run properly. I don't have much to say about the race just that I felt really comfortable and it seemed to go very quickly. On the second lap with the headwind I didn't draft behind anyone coz it just doesn't suit me so I wasted a lot of energy. I was rounding the corner to finish feeling really good and all of a sudden a girl comes sprinting past me. I realised it was a girl who's in my netball team and who I really didn't want to beat me! She was a few metres ahead of me but I managed to come in just behind her at the line. My time was 17.05! But I wasn't really excited because I was annoyed Elise had beaten me (even though I was holding back for Sandown) and I had no idea what place I had come or what anyone else had come. I was second out of our girls. I reckon the course might have been shorter than 4km. I'm sure it wouldn't be though.

Unfortunately our school came 3rd in Div 2. That's not too bad I guess, but I really hoped to win.

I'm not really sure what time to aim for at Sandown tomorrow. Maybe somewhere between 46 and 48 minutes.

Cross Country

Championship cross country is tomorrow! I'm really looking forward to it. My borrowed PLC athletics uniforms today from the PE department (coz we're supposed to wear it) and they only had an XS and S left. So I got the XS and I thought it probably won't fit and I won't have to wear it. It did fit though but it stunk of BO! I shoved it in my locker and thought I'll just wash it but I opened my locker later and it had made my whole locker stink! Anyway when I borrowed my top my PE teacher told me I should just buy an athletics uniform. But I only wear it for 2 cross country events per year and I finish school next year. Then she says "oh but you can wear it for all your half marathons!". As if I would want to wear my school athletics uniform when I'm running a half marathon (it's so gross). So I told her "but I've got my own athletics uniform!". :) Anyway I'm REALLY hoping to run sub 17.30 coz I never run 4km (so this is my only chance for a while) and I was only 8 seconds away!

Coburg Fun Run

I've had this race on my calendar for a long time but it almost didn't happen as I have a VERY sore calf. I woke up this morning and could barely walk, but I didn't have the heart to tell my dad because then he would have woken up early for nothing. So we went anyway. I was tossing up between the 6km and the 12km but I guess my decision was made for me (the 6km). We arrived with 10 minutes till the start as we got every red traffic light on the way. That didn't matter though - it meant I didn't freeze (well I still kinda did). The turnout was BIG - I was number 87 and there were probably a few people after me. There were lots of people wearing dark blue t shirts, I'm guessing from some sort of personal training or beginners running group.. I started off quite well and left most of the field behind. My calf didn't hurt much at all - I'm really lucky it seems to be a muscle that isn't really used for running. After the first kilometre or two I settled behind a man and woman and another man who kept overtaking them and then dropping back. So I was kind of in a 'pack' and they were pushing me. At the turnaround I noticed I was the fourth female and I really wanted to come in the top three. I made sure I stayed behind the woman in front of me. My time at the turnaround was 12.48, it's supposed to be 3km but I'm not sure how accurate that is. At about 5km we went up a hill and I started to drop off the 'pack'. I was really disappointed as I really wanted to come third. When we came in on to the track for the last 400m, I noticed I was slowly closing the gap between me and the couple in front of me. With about 100m to go I overtook them and sprinted away. I was so happy. However, they kept running (they were doing the 12km) so that's why they didn't sprint at the end. So I was the third female in a time of.......... 26 minutes and 54 seconds!!!!!! That's 4.29 pace for 6km! I never thought I could run at 4 .30 pace for that distance! At the end I was so, so tired I was out of breath for about 2 or 3 minutes! That's a PB of 2 minutes and 20 seconds!

Cross country

We qualified first in Division 2 for GSV Cross Country, which means we have a good chance of winning Division 2. It was funny to see the mixed reactions - we just missed out on Div 1 but we have a chance of winning Div 2 - which is better?

Unfortunately I only miss english (although that's a good thing) for cross country on Friday week.

Preliminary GSV Cross Country

This afternoon we had school cross country - the preliminary carnival against 7 other Girls Sport Victoria schools. There's 3 carnivals, all at Yarra Bend park and 8 schools compete in each to separate the schools into division 1, 2 and 3 for the championship carnival. Last year we came fourth in division 2. Unfortunately, our school was in carnival C, which means we were competing in the afternoon (better than in the morning I guess). Although it did mean I missed double Maths Methods. We were against Genazzano, Sacre Coeur, OLMC, Lowther Hall, Firbank, Star of the Sea and Tintern.

The Junior (years 7 and 8) race was first and they did 3km. We had a girls come 2nd, 3rd and 9th which was great! PLC came 3rd in the junior division. Intermediates (years 9 and 10) were next and they did 4km. We had Penny who is awesome come first (in 15.10), Grace 2nd and Mandy 4th. We also had another come 9th. The intermediates won their division and got a trophy which is almost unprecidented for PLC.

Our race didn't get started till 2:50pm and none of us Seniors (year 11 and 12) could be bothered! We were so short for people we had to get a couple of my friends who really aren't runners. I was the only year 11 who wanted to do it. I started off really slowly as I was trying to make sure I started my watch. I was stuck behind lots of people. I didn't mind too much though because I always like a slow start. There's only one hill in the course and it's in the first 100m. It's very short but very steep. The rest of the course was completely flat. I spent the whole race overtaking people because of my slow start. I really enjoy racing that way. In the last kilometre I started getting closer to Nicole (Laura was way ahead). I almost overtook her and was about 5 metres behind her for the last 500m. I didn't really sprint much at the end but I'm so glad no one overtook me. Unfortunately, at the finish I accidently pressed stop on my watch twice which deleted my time! Luckily one of our teachers was taking down times - he said my time was 17.38. I came 15th out of about 80 girls. It's very competitive because it's the best girls from each school. So I was very happy with my result. I've taken almost a minute off my 4km PB from last year and I achieved a goal of getting under 18 minutes. In the senior division, Laura came 4th and PLC came 5th which isn't too bad. Overall, we came THIRD out of the 8 schools we were competing against. We'll possibly be in division 1, but I'm hoping we're in division 2 as we may have a chance of winning it.

The thing I found really hard was running on grass. I'm getting used to running on the footpath and racing for roads. The track was mostly on gravel and only some on grass. I was really unco on the grass and I was hanging out for the gravel track!

It started raining just after we'd finished. We didn't end up leaving till 3.45pm and I didn't get home till almost 5pm!

The Championship Carnival is on the 25th May, unfortunately the day before Sandown. As I don't race 4km very often, I really want to get under 17.30 then.

AV race - Latrobe

The results came out for Sunday's AV race. I came 13th in the U18 5km (out of 19) in a time of 23.12. Only 7 seconds off my PB!

AV race - Latrobe Bundoora

Today I made my official AV debut for Richmond Harriers. I woke up this morning feeling crap coz I'm getting a cold (everyone at school is sick!) and I got home at 2am because I was babysitting (so I had less than 5 hours sleep). Plus I have had a sore quad the past 2 days. Mum tried to discourage me from running (pffft!) but I just ate a little bit of breakfast and Dad came to pick me up. We got there with plenty of time and I found the rest of the Richmond Harriers straight away. Dad and I went for a walk to look around because we had 40 minutes till the start. We came back and I did a short warm up and put on my bib. I had to buy a black pair of shorts so I splurged on a very very nice pair of nike shorts which are made from super comfy fabric (it says polyester on the label). I was looking forward to racing in my brand new shorts and club singlet.

I wandered over to the starting line to queue up for the start of the junior race. I was in the U18 5km. I was right at the back. I was hoping to not come last (although I knew I wouldn't). I started out slowly, letting all the little kids sprint off. I was probably in the last 10 or so runners for the first kilometre but after that I kept overtaking all the people who had gone out too fast. I kept an eye on my splits. At the 3km mark I thought "Wow only 2km to go, this is so easy!". I wasn't trying to go too hard, I was just keeping a steady pace. I ended up finishing at around 23.16 although I may have to readjust that because I didn't stop my watch straight away.

My splits were:
4.32
9.16 (4.44)
14.11 (4.55)
18.48 (4.23)
23.16 (4.32)
So I'm not very consistent! That doesn't matter though. Amazingly, I was only about 10 seconds slower than my PB of 23.05 (this is the second time I've raced 5km). I really liked the distance, it's long enough to get into it but you don't get too tired. I really enjoyed the race and I look forward to racing for Richmond again at Sandown.

VO2 Max Test

On Thursday we went on a PE excursion to Monash University. We were in the exercise research area. In the first hour we had a lady reinforcing what we had learnt (well kinda repeating everything we've learnt). She has a good knowledge of VCE PE though and she kept reminding us how to answer her questions the way the exam markers will want the questions answered. It was good coz we only have 9 in our class.

After that we moved into another lab. My class voted for me to do a VO2 max test and an anaerobic test. So after I got weighed (with all my clothes on!) and measured I did the anaerobic test. I had to run for 45-90 seconds on the treadmill. The treadmill was set to 15.4kph (can't remember the gradient though). It was a stupid test coz it didn't test anything except mental strength. I decided to stop at 85 seconds because I moved my head and felt dizzy. My legs struggled to keep up with the pace coz they're too short but otherwise it wasn't too hard. It left me a bit drained for the VO2 max test though.

I had to wear a HR monitor and breathe through a tube with a peg on my nose for the VO2 max test. The guy started the pace at 9kph and then it went up 1kph every three minutes. I think the guy got a bit bored coz I was cruising at 12km/h and so he jacked up the pace to 13km/h and 3% gradient. I got tired after that coz it took me a while to adjust. The he kept increasing the speed and gradient until some figure reached a certain point. My VO2 max ended up being 51.8 ml/kg/min (55.4 if he hadn't weighed me with all my clothes on) which is ok. I probably should have got quite a bit higher. Doing the test made me realise how inaccurate it is. It was a good thing to do though.

In the last 24 hours I have run 17km and done 4 runs.

Last night I had to drop a form over to the Richmond president's house so that was about 4km.

This morning I did about 2km then I came home coz I needed water and a pee break.

Then I headed out and did 6x4oom with warm up and cool down and recovery in between - total 8km.

Then I did running club at lunchtime - 3km at a good pace.

Then tomorrow I am actually going to school cross country training for the first time ever. It's at the Tan so hopefully it'll be fun.

Then on Thursday I'm doing a VO2 max test in PE (of course my class voted for me to do it!) so I might run between 3 and 6 km then.

Senior House Cross Country

Yesterday we had senior house cross country (year 11s and 12s). I knew I wouldn't be able to beat 2 of the year 12's - Nicole and Laura, but I was kinda hoping maybe I could come 3rd (best case scenario). Worst case scenario I thought would be 6th or 7th. I was really nervous as I put a bit of pressure on myself to do well.

I was very glad when the race started before I had a chance to get really nervous. Crystal, who's sports captain was telling Nicole to watch out for me and trip me over coz I was a threat to her. I thought no way I'm not even going to be close to Nicole! I was in about the top 5 from the start but I knew one girl who went out fast would quickly drop off the pace (I was right). I got a bit anxious when I heard fast footsteps behind me, however it was just Mad Dog who'd come for a chat (I didn't mind too much if she beat me). Mad Dog dropped off soon and it was just Laura and Nicole way in front with me 3rd. I was very happy if it stayed that way. I couldn't hear footsteps behind me so I was sure I was at least 100m in front of the next runners. At the halfway point I had taken about 6.15 minutes so I was happy with that. I was still in third place. Just after halfway, Nicole was about 30m in front of me and she dropped her ribbon and I picked it up. From then on I could see her in the distance and I was slowly closing the gap. I noticed a sign that said 1100m to go and I was running a really good time. Not long after I overtook Nicole (shock horror!) and gave her her ribbon. I definitely expected her to chase me down again. I realised about 100m from the finish that there was no way she could beat me. I tried to do a sprint finish but my legs wouldn't push harder so I just cruised to the end. I think everyone at the finishing line were so surprised to see me come in second as Nicole just doesn't get beaten. I ended up finishing in 13.04 which I'm happy with as it's 4.21 pace.

Some of my friends did a great job with Mary Ann in 7th and Tessa, Groundzie and FanDog all in the top 20 or so.

There's a PB meet on Friday after school (4km) and I'm hoping to reduce my 4km PB (currently 18.30) to under 18.10.

At school today everyone kept mentioning cross country (and calling me a freak for beating Nicole).

Netball

Netball returned after the holidays on Saturday.

Results
Year 4's lost 3-5 to Malvern who always have awesome junior teams. My girls really well considering the Malvern team had access to a lot more training and knew how to play more than my girls. The really positive thing was I found two girls who actually wanted to stay in GD and GK, so now I have 3 defenders!

Year 6's lost 9-18 to these MASSIVE girls who had to be in year 7 or 8. My girls played well again, they were down by about 7 or 8 in the first quarter but fought back to win the second half. They played with speed instead of biffo like the other team did.

We lost 17-21 to cap off a weekend of losing (which I don't mind). It was pouring with rain the whole game and we were freezing! We were down 4-14 at half time and played really well in the second half to come close.

Running on empty

Today I went for an early morning 'speedwork' session because I failed to do it last night. I've never done speedwork in the morning before - I usually just do a comfortable 6-10km. I have to run 'on empty' because if I eat something before I go I feel a bit sick. At that early stage of the morning, I failed to realise that doing speedwork on empty would be extremely hard. I was planning on doing 4x800m (in about 3.25) with 20 minutes warm up and cool down and 2 and a half minutes recovery. Running on empty is alright as long as you are going at a comfortable pace, but speedwork requires a significant proportion of energy from anaerobic glycolysis (lactic acid system) - burning carbohydrates. I probably used up most of my glycogen stores in the 20 minute warm up so I didn't have as much energy as I would have liked when I came to do my speedwork. I'd be really interested to measure what fuels and energy systems I used during my run. My heart rate and breathing rate were much higher than usual which indicates possibly using fat as fuel. Anyway, it was a good session, well it felt very much like it was a good, hard session so I am happy.

Richmond/Malvern Challenge

I had my first race for Richmond Harriers today! It was 8km at the Tan. I was hoping to run sub 39 minutes and get an 8km race PB. However I could tell in the first 100m of the race that my legs did not want to run a PB. I wished I hadn't run yesterday! The race was hard (Anderson St hill the second time!!!!) but I enjoyed it. I never run fast on the Tan so I probably shouldn't have expected too much. I'm glad I didn't come last (ok I suppose that was another of my goals) because I thought everyone else would be way faster than me. Unfortunately, Richmond lost to Malvern 500 to 480. I think Malvern had the good front runners but we had a good middle pack. I ended up finishing in 41.10 which I'm quite unhappy with. That time is closer to my run at the Lorne Mountain to Surf (hot and hilly and hard) than any of the races in the Super Sunset series. I can't believe I've never got under 5 min/km for 8km (in a race)!!!!

I got to meet quite a few club members and I got my Richmond uniform. I really like it. I'm so glad I joined Richmond and not Malvern. I got to see both clubs today and noticed Malvern had a lot of bratty little kids that have a whole lot of natural talent and would kick my butt. I'm the only junior girl who'll be running winter season and that's how I like it. Everyone at the club is really nice and I know I'm going to really enjoy running for Richmond.

Running alone vs running with a group

I usually train on my own and until recently, hadn't thought of doing it any differently. In fact, I thought running with someone else could really annoy me. I suppose I've thought negatively about running with a group because of the ocassional school cross country training I attended(boring!). However, I did a Nike training session for Run for the Kids and LOVED it (pity I could only get to one). Now, I'm joining Richmond Harriers and I'm training with Andrew when I can. Although I probably won't get to train much with Richmond during the winter when it gets dark so early!!! Now I love running with other people (only if they run at my pace though!).

Indoor Cricket Premiership

I've been really slack lately with updating my blog. I can't believe I missed out on a post about our indoor cricket premiership!

On Monday 26th March we played our final game of indoor cricket for the season. It wasn't the grand final - it was our last round match and whoever finished on top of the ladder won the premiership. So it was a bit of an anti-climax because even if we lost we would still top the table. We were to play Toorak College who we knew we'd thrash. They tried to bail out on us - they only had 6 players but Dan, our coach, made them play. I left school at recess coz I was sick (story of my life!) but I came back to play. We hoped to have a big crowd but we only had Crystal and Erin in year 12 watching. They're so fun so they made up for it.

We started the game and Toorak batted first and made 37. That's a big score against us and we were a bit disappointed with it. Technically they cheated though - we were supposed to choose their last batting pair coz they were missing two players but their two best players came in and batted and we just let them do it. We hoped to have a good batting performance ourselves to make up for our 'poor' bowling and fielding performance. We didn't have much of a problem - our first pair made more than 60 and we went on to score 230 - one of our highest totals. We could get away with anything because Toorak looked like they weren't even trying. So we topped the ladder with 35 points and 517.5%! The next closest to us on the ladder was Shelford on 27 points and 96.8. So you can tell we thrashed every team in the competition.

These are the results of all the matches
PLC 114 def Melbourne 50 (I didn't play - sick)
PLC 221 def Genazzano 10
PLC 178 def Camberwell 66
PLC 157 def Lauriston 41 (I didn't play - Biology camp)
PLC 198 def Shelford 33
PLC 144 def Kilvington 3
PLC 230 def Toorak 37

So congratulations to my fantastic teammates - Mad Dog, Fan Dog, Dhaliwal (my great batting partner), Groundzie, Wong, Roastie and our captain Chanmi.
And to Fan Dog, Groundzie, Wong and I - OUR THIRD PREMIERSHIP IN A ROW!!!

We are the champions - 2005, 2006, 2007!

Run for the Kids 07

Last Sunday was Run for the Kids. I was a bit worried I would struggle, as I haven't been training as much lately coz I have a niggly hip. Unfortunately, some idiot had given me a cold and I didn't go to school on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. So when Sunday came around I was still pretty sick. And coz we only had 6 players at netball, I had to play and I played 3 quarters of centre. I was worried my legs would be tired from that (netball makes my legs sore in weird ways). I persisted and did the run anyway, with the plan just to cruise. My original goal was 70-75 minutes for the 15.2km, but I changed that to 80 minutes (85 at the very, very slowest).

I travelled to Alexandra Gardens with Karen, and her friends Jeff and Julia. We caught the earliest train 7.41 at Camberwell. Unfortunately, everyone else had that idea. We squished into the carriage and it was more packed that I've probably ever seen. I was almost sufficating in there. I was hoping some people would get out at Richmond but everyone got out at Flinder's St. I have to say, I enjoyed flaunting my blue race number. I really needed to go to the toilet (as usual) and I was worried I would have to queue for ages and maybe go twice. Luckily, the queue at Flinder's St wasn't too long and Karen and Julia were happy to go too. However, by the time we found where we were supposed to start, it was 8.21. Karen still had to drop off her bag and the race was due to start at 8.30! I had put my jumper in Karen's bag. I decided to get into the queue to start and I left Karen to put her bag away. I waited, and waited for them to start the race. For some strange reason, I wasn't too nervous! Probably because I had tried to forget I had Run for the Kids in the lead up to the race. Anyway it was probably almost 9am before I got over the line. I was glad to start. I can't say much for the race except it was hard. I felt really gross coz I was still sick. I also had a major stitch (like my whole stomach!) and my hip was a bit sore. I thought I'd struggle to make it under 80 minutes. I met Karen inside the very hot Domain Tunnel (about the 2km mark) but pushed on ahead of her. I thought she must have snuck past me again as she was hoping to get under 75 minutes. Anyway, I finished in a time of 1.16.41 (by my watch)!! I was very happy with that. What I thought was about 500m after the 14km mark, a marshall encouraging us said "only 100m to go!". I thought bullshit! But it really was only 100m to go! I think the course was actually around 14.9km not 15.2. At the end, we had to wait more than 20 minutes in the queue for a crappy showbag and we (the 15km runners) desperately needed water. We were in with the slower 3.4km participants and once again, I felt proud to wear a blue bib. I really needed a tissue because my two tissues had disintigrated. I finally got my showbag and found Dad and headed home.

I checked out the results in Tuesday's paper and online and Karen came in behind me! She did it in just under 80 minutes. Unfortunately, I think she had a bit of a bad day like me in the Melbourne Marathon. Anna Thompson (woohoo!) and Lee Troop won.

I came 850th in a time of 1.16.41.

Netball coaching

Netball started today. I'm coaching year 4's (the Budgies) and year 6's (the Kookaburras) and still playing with the Wrens. The year 4's played at 8.15am, the year 6's at 9.55am and we played at 2.05pm. It was the very first game for the Budgies. They have ten players so I had a big job organising ten girls into positions. Luckily, not everyone wants to shoot and some girls chose to play WD. The hard part was I had to choose two girls to be off for two quarters because they had ten. They didn't mind as much as I thought they would though. It's obvious that some girls get it (netball) and some girls don't. One girl, little Emily, was brilliant. She was directing play and getting intercepts everywhere - and it was only her first game! Some of the girls were a bit lost unfortunately but that will improve. Another girl, Rachel didn't do Netta but she was a brilliant defender, she has really long arms. I didn't do such a bad job telling the twins apart. I have to remember Maddy has a freckle on her chin. The Budgies were up 4-0 at one stage but the other team came back and it was a draw 5-5.

I thought I'd be really bored waiting around between games but because they were running 10-15 minutes behind, the Kookaburras started arriving not long after I finished with the Budgies. I was dismayed to see Prue, who has 'taken over' coaching for the three sessions I can't be there came to the game. I feel so pressured when she's there and I feel she undermines me. She's very nice though and some of the feedback was good. The Team we played had a very tall GA. Unfortunately, our defenders (apart from Demi) are very short. The first quarter went well, but in the second quarter, I had to put Demi in goals, so it was the shorter girls defending. I tried to do something about it but I couldn't. Jess had done the positions for me. We started getting thrashed and it wasn't looking good. One of the parents came up to me and very boldly said "Is there a reason why we have two short defenders? Is there a reason? Put Demi into defence!" I replied calmly that we would have only one shooter then so she said "Well put Sophie into shooter, Sophie can shoot!" Well actually, Sophie had never played shooter in her life. I was horrified. Prue spoke to me after the game and said if that happens again, the parent will be dealt with. Hopefully the other parents understood that it's not my fault the girls in our team are short. Despite a great third quarter, we couldn't come back from the deficit and we lost 22-10. Some of the girls had brilliant games though. Laura shot 9 of our 10 goals, she put on some brilliant moves, like any top GS would. April didn't get any goals which is extremely unusual, but she fed Laura very well. It's nice to get back into it though.

It wasn't looking too positive for the Wrens. We were lucky to have 6 players. We had Clare (shooter), Jess, Sally Elyse who's new and I (midcourters) and Zoe (defender) who was sick. So basically we had no defenders, three centres and a shooter. It was decided that Jess, Elyse and I would share C, GD and GK while Zoe played GS so she didn't have to do much. I played GD, C, GA, GD and I was pretty terrible IMO. I just couldn't defend. We didn't do very well - we lost 21-11. We did well in the last quarter with Jess in GS and Zoe and I defending though. I noticed there is a big difference between running fitness and netball fitness!

Hope we have better luck next week.

Nike Run for the Kids training session

Today after a netball coaching training session, I rode into the city planning on going to Port Melbourne for a run alongside the beach. However, I remembered that Nike are holding Run for the Kids training sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, and the Monday ones are at Fed Square at 6pm. So I rode really fast and managed to make it there by 6.03pm - just in time! I've been meaning to go on Saturdays, but I always take the easy option of going to the gym. We had a quick warm up and then split into groups. I joined the fast group (5min/km) who were doing 10km - two laps of the Tan. I didn't really want to do two laps, so I decided to just do one. It was really intimidating, as everyone else was a lot older (and taller!) than me, and it was mostly blokes. I kept up with the group easily - that is until we got to the Anderson St hill! I really struggled - I just had no power in my legs. I dropped from the front of the group to the back. I tried really hard to keep up but another lady and I kinda dropped away from the group with a leader. I left them without really telling them after one lap, I didn't think the leader knew I was with the group (stupid me, we had yellow wristbands on!) and I think that shocked him. I jogged back to Fed Square and got a free red Nike t shirt! What a great run! It was fantastic to run with a group.

Coburg King and Queen of the North

This morning we headed over to Harold Stevens Reserve in Coburg for the 2007 King and Queen of the North. I decided to do the 6km (with a 12km as well). I did two warm up laps on the track which was very nice! The race was due to start at 9am but I was registered and ready at 8.35am. There was a very small field racing - maybe 20-40 people, but that's what I expected. My goal was to get under 30 minutes and place amongst the females.

It was great at the start - I went out hard and there were people around me, but certainly not too many people. I could see the leaders for the first km, before they sped off and you could no longer see very far up the trail. It was held along the Merri Creek trail which is similar to any bike path alongside Gardiner's Creek or the Yarra so it was a lovely run. Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling very well so I was kinda wishing for it to be over (just a little bit). The turnaround at the 3km mark came about quicker than I expected (at about 13 minutes 50). I was first amongst the females for the first 2-2.5km and then a lady passed me. However, she was doing the 12km, I realised as she didn't turn around at 3km. So I was in the lead, and quite comfortably. I kept looking back but could not see anyone behind me, in fact I couldn't see anyone in front of me either! I got very excited when I passed the bridge marshal at 21 minutes, as I had passed him in 5 minutes 35 at the start. I thought I was in for a 26, 27 minute race! However, I got a bit lost, there was a fork in the path and I didn't know where to go! Luckily I chose the right path, but it probably added 15-20 seconds onto my time. I didn't have a very good finish from then on, I didn't realised we had to run a lap around the track to finish and I was very confused as to where the finish line was, so I didn't have a nice sprint finish.

I finished in a time of 29.14, a bit disappointing. However, I FINISHED FIRST out of all the females, and got under 30 minutes, so I completed my two goals. I waited around a bit coz I knew I would get a trophy. Little did I realise how big the trophies would be! Bigger than any of my netball trophies! I was very embarassed when I got presented it, but I was very proud.

It was a great race, only $10 and I got a trophy! I will definitely try and do another Coburg event. So I am now the 2007 QUEEN OF THE NORTH (6km)!

Super Sunset Series Races 2 and 3

I completed the last two races of the Super Sunset Series on February 21st and March 7th at Princes Park and the Tan respectively.

My time for Princes Park was 40.29 and the Tan 40.30.33 (8kms). I was again troubled by ITB or a hip injury. I'm very disappointed not to get under 40 minutes but it's hard racing on a Wednesday after a full day at school (plus cricket training). I won the junior female 8km in all three races (can't say I had much competition). I think the races were quite badly organised and the times were so inaccurate. I'll be very surprised if I do the series next year.

Racing every fortnight is very disruptive to training, as I don't like to run hard in the 3-4 days leading up to a race. I will try and get some good speedwork in before Run for the Kids. I wish i didn't have a hip injury though!

Woe is February!

I've not had a very good month running. I've had lots of work to do at school and I was sick but I have also had a hip injury this week which has kept me from running as I don't want to make it worse for next Wednesday SSS run.

I just entered the Run for the Kids run which is 15.2km. They're estimating the field to be around 30,000 people. It is going to be mighty crowded and very crazy!

Photos

Here are some photos from the Sri Chinmoy Princes Park run.

Super Sunset Series - Zoo Run

On Wednesday I left early from indoor cricket training so I could get to the SSS zoo run. I caught the 75 tram to Fitzroy Gardens/Lansdowne St and met Dad there. We parked in the carpark of the SNHC and eventually found where the run was being held. There was a lot of confusion at the start because the juniors (with blue race numbers) were supposed to start 5 minutes later than the adults (with white numbers). I'm a junior - right? - but I was given a white number! I ended up starting with the juniors, which was annoying coz I had to keep taking over walkers walking 3 or 4 abreast. It wasn't a PB course (although I did get a PB) because inside the zoo there were many twists and turns and you could really only keep at a certain pace to avoid slipping. I really enjoyed the race nevertheless. Only about one kilometre (out of four) on each lap was inside the zoo. I saw a few monkeys and you could certainly hear the lions. I was aiming for a time somewhere around 38-40 minutes. I ended up finishing right on 40 minutes I thought. However, in the official results it says I finished in a time of 37.24. I'd love to say I finished in that time but I think it is unlikely. Plus I realised maybe I'm not a junior... for some STUPID reason they count juniors as under 15! I don't think I would have done the race if I had known that! Oh well...

Year 11

I LOVE YEAR 11... so far! The best things are...

>I am doing the subjects I've chosen, which are a mix of easy and hard, fun and boring
>I can do homework in my spares
>Only 6 subjects so less to worry about
>Lots of work, but so far it's easy work
>3/4 PE is great!
>GM* is easy and interesting so far
>I'm with people I like and have things in common with in my classes
>I feel like I'm working towards something
>I like being senior in the school and doing VCE which is given preference over all other year levels

I'm not looking forward to doing assignments in chemistry, biology and english (especially research assignments). I'm not really enjoying english as well. So far it's great though, I enjoy doing question/answer work.

No school... yet...

I have very much been looking forward to starting Year 11. Everyone else started back on Thursday but I have been sick so I haven't been yet. It's so disruptive not starting on the first day - I'm behind the eight-ball right from the start! It's so despressing, I've hardly eaten for 4 days and haven't exercised for 5 days. I donated blood on Wednesday and afterwards I started feeling clammy and dizzy. I got up to tell someone I wasn't feeling well and totally blacked out - so embarassing! But they paid for me to get a taxi home so that was good. I've haven't stopped working this weekend though coz I can't really bail out. I babysat for Ali on Friday afternoon ($25) and Saturday night ($50) as well as two Dinosaur Diggers parties ($90 for both). So it was a rich weekend for me.

When the going gets tough...

I often have really bad days running and I guess I have flukey days too. The other day I rode into the Tan to do a flat 5km tempo. My goal time was 23 minutes, 55 seconds (4.47 per km). I didn't think it'd be too difficult considering I'd ran 23.05 only 10 days earlier. But it was hard! I ran and ran and ran as fast as I could but I still finished in 24.24. Maybe I was tired from the ride in (or the speedwork two days before). Or maybe I was just having one of those days.

2007 Goals

My running goals for 2007 are...

*Run 2000km for the year
*Compete in about 20 races
*Complete at least one half marathon (preferably up to 4)
*Do speedwork at least once a week
*Stay uninjured
*Cycle 4000km as cross training
*Try a duathlon (run, cycle, run)

PB Goals
3km - 13.30
4km - 18.00
5km - 22.30
8km - 38.00
10km - 47.00
21.1km - 1.44.00

Dinosaur Diggers

I've started working with a lady named Sandra who has a company called Dinosaur Diggers. She runs kids birthday parties with a dinosaur theme and she's got me to help her. It's a really good set up. We drive out to the party an hour before it starts to set up. The party then goes for 2 hours. There's another hour of packing up so altogether it's 5 hours. That means $50 per party for me. I just have to help Sandra set up (lots of heavy lifting) and pack up as well as helping with the kids. At the party, Sandra does a 30-45 minute presentation, then have the kids divide into two groups to do two activities. I take the gemstone panning while Sandra does the fossil digs. I've done two parties so far and I'm really enjoying it. The work isn't too hard (because it's what I enjoy) and it's really good money for me.

Annual Cape Paterson holiday

Yesterday Mum and I got back from Cape Paterson where we have our annual beach holiday. It's nice to get away for a week of hanging out at the beach, lots of exercise, shopping, reading (studying a bit too this year) and watching the cricket on TV. We rent a house from a friend and stay for a week. Tim hasn't come with us the last few years, but he did come down with Anna for part of our second day.

The weather in Melbourne was supposed to be over 30 degrees for most of our holiday, but we didn't feel it down there because of the sea breezes. Still, the beach was so pleasant even though I was freezing most of the time. I perfected my bodysurfing because the waves were a perfect size. I also didn't get very sunburnt as we mostly went to the beach after 3pm.

I didn't get to do as much running as I wanted to as my legs felt pretty tired. I'm still building up after not being able to run much in December. However, I had a really good session doing hill sprints on a perfect sized hill and afterwards, 200m laps of the local oval. I also got to run on the beach but it made my legs really sore so I only did it once. We also rode into Wonthaggi and back a couple of times.

On the Sunday we were there, an aquathon was being held in Cape Paterson. I was really excited as I thought they might have a fun run. Alas, they only had one event, a 400m swim and 3.5km run. I was so tempted to do it but I think I would have drowned doing the swim. I thought I especially couldn't take the chance as swimming 400m in rough seas would be very hard. But on the day the sea was perfectly calm, it was perfect conditions for the race. Mum and I went and watched the swim start and then walked back to watch the runners. There were people of all ages and abilities and it was really fun to watch. It made me really want to do it though!

Mum and I both bought a lot of clothes etc as well. I managed to spend a lot of my money from working but also got some great things at the op shop.

To be continued...

My first Sri Chinmoy race

This morning I ran my first race with Sri Chinmoy. I thought the advantages were numerous - it was only $10, a small field, medals for placings etc and these outweighed the 8am start time. I'm very glad ran it and I'll definitely do another. Sri Chinmoy have a really good set up. It's cheap, they have a loyal following and you get a lot for your money. There's no fancy timing devices but it's not really needed with only a small group racing.

The race was at Princes Park which I haven't run before. It actually took us a while to find the start line. It was so easy to register and hand over a $10 and we were there in perfect time for the start. I managed to start in about the fourth row but the start was very hectic. The track isn't too wide so I was running on grass for a bit. Last night for some reason I had the number 4.22 in my head as the first split. I thought no way can I do a 4.22 split! But guess what my first split was... 4.22! Heading into the second and third kilometre I thought I was really behind and I thought there were lots of people in my age category in front of me. between 3 and 4 kilometres we did a 'dog leg' and so we could see everyone who was ahead of us. I looked at everyone's bib which displays which race they're doing and which age category they're in and realised I was 2nd in my age group and the little girl ahead of me wasn't far away. i actually caught her just after 4km and tried to pull away so she couldn't get in front of me again. I finished in a time of 23.05 (although I'm not sure where the actual finish was) and the lady that took down my time told me I was 1st in my age category and 4th out of all the females!!! Wow! I was very happy. They had good food and drinks for after the race including their legendary pancakes, bananas, nectarines and Endura and cordial. I'll definitely do another SC race!

My km splits were
4.22
8.56 (4.34)
13.47 (4.51)
18.27 (4.40)
23.05 (4.38)
They are great splits and I'm very happy with my race as I really felt I pushed myself to my limits.

Lorne and Geelong

On Friday the 5th January Mum and I headed to Lorne (after the 5th Ashes Test had finished) so I could do the Lorne Mountain to Surf race. It's an 8km (or so) race. The first 2km are on streets up and down big hills. The next 4km are along a lovely bush track. The last 2km are along the Great Ocean Road and a foreshore track. The day had been 35 degrees so I was freaking out a little. It did cool down a bit but it was still boiling during the race and I felt a bit light headed especially at the beginning. It really was a lovely race and if it wasn't for the heat and the hills it would have been blissful. I had to walk for the first time ever in a race which is kinda sad but it was so hot and my legs just weren't moving! 10 seconds of walking rejuvenated me though.

I was hoping to finish in under 40 minutes and in the top 20 in my age group. I ended up finishing in 42 minutes which I suppose isn't too bad considering the heat. And I finished 17th in under 18's which is good coz it's a hot field with lots of people. When we were wandering around Lorne before the race I walked straight past Anthony Hudson (had to stop myself from saying "it's Huddo!") carrying a Mountain to Surf pack. I looked up his results and I'm very happy to say I beat him by 21 seconds!!

One of the reasons I did the Lorne race is because Clare and Anna are down there. Anna was working on Friday afternoon so I visited her in her bakery. And Clare spotted me just before the race. I think she calmed my nerves!

The whole of Lorne had a great atmosphere and I thoroughly enjoyed it. However we didn't stay in Lorne, we stayed in Geelong with a friend of Mum's from dragon boating, Fred. It was really nice staying at his place. We were staying in Geelong because on the Saturday we were doing the 70km Amy Gillett ride.

The ride went from Geelong to Queenscliff and back. It was really easy on the way to Queenscliff, despite the slight headwind. But on the way back we had a massive headwind and it was very difficult. It took us 4 hours to ride the 70km which is quite slow.

It was a very fun weekend (well it wasn't even 24 hours) and I'd love to do it again next year.

Christmas 06

What an anti-climax Christmas was! In several ways.

1. To combat maybe some extra Christmas treats I planned to get up early, ride into the city and do a lap of the Tan. I wake up at 6.30am and it is RAINING! What a bugger!

2. A few weeks before Christmas I accidently 'found out' what I was getting for Christmas, a subscription to Runner's World magazine. I was really, really looking forward to getting it. But alas, it was a misunderstanding and Mum was actually getting my a heart rate monitor. It's very useful but I was really looking forward to a Runner's World subscription. I ended up buying it myself.

3. I really didn't get any presents. Which doesn't bother me except what I did get was stuff I didn't need, when there's so much I do need/want.

4. We didn't get to spend much time at the rellies coz Mum had to leave for work. I think some of the rellies are getting super annoying.

BUT, on the plus side

WE SAW SNOW ON CHRISTMAS DAY!

Technology breaking down

Still can't use the internet at home, only at Dad's. It's quite frustrating for the essentials - emails etc - but it's not killing me. What is killing me is the fact my phone had died. The colour on the screen has gone. It's just a white screen. So I can't send and receive SMSes, make calls, check the news and sport, watch videos or listen to music! And I'll probably have to fork out $300 for a new phone.