Briony's Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 04:47:00 +0000

2009 goals.
Hard to know what to expect study and workwise as I don't know what I'll be studying this year.

Running wise.
Aim for an average of 40-50km per week. Which makes about 200k a month. So perhaps 2500k for the year. Try to get to 60k weeks, 80k at the most. Try and do at least 15k long run every week.
Time goals:
800m - 2.30 (2.25)
1500m - 5.15 (5.05)
3km - 11.00 (10.45)
4km - 15.20 (15.00)
5km - 19.30* (19.00)
6km - 24.00 (23.00)
8km - 32.00 (31.30)
10km - 40.00* (39.30)
12km - 50.00 (49.00)
15km - 62.00 (60.00)
21.1km - 90.00* (89.00)
*Run Victorian and Australian Mountain Running Championships
*Run a consistent winter season - try and get podium finishes in U20, remain in top 3 runners for Richmond
* Go under 20, 40, 90 respectively for 5k, 10k, half
** Make Victorian Cross Country team for nationals
Regular stretching and massages and rest weeks.

Cross training:
Keep up some regular swimming and cycling if possible. Also pilates and weight training.
Try to swim at least 4 or 5k per month. Try to cycle at least 100k per month.

Two milestones in a big week

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 03:42:00 +0000

I love annual mid year exam week! I had Monday and Tuesday off (which I spent working pretty hard), Biology exam Wednesday morning, Chemistry exam Thursday afternoon and the GAT exam yesterday morning. This leaves plenty of time for relaxing, running and cycling.

So: milestone 1 a 50km week! Previous best: 44km
Sunday - 18km long run at 5.30 pace
Tuesday - 10 x Airlie St with a couple of laps of the Tan 14km
Thursday - Fartlek 1 min on, 4 min off 11km
Saturday - Intervals 1000m, 750m, 500m, 500m, 500m, 500m with 250m recoveries 10km
Total: 53km!

Milestone 2: my 18th birthday on Wednesday
I didn't celebrate till yesterday when I had a lunch at Chi Wa Wa which lots of my friends came to. It was very nice.
Afterwards, I went to the pub with my 2 friends who I have known the longest, Tessa and Groundsie. We got our first cocktails and played pool. We got a lot of value out of our $2 pool game as we were total retards and kept missing. Then we went on the pokies. We played one game with $1 and were very unsuccessful and couldn't understand how to play. Then we got asked for ID and joked around with the owner. We tried another pokie machine and were a little more successful, winning 20 cents a couple of times and even $2.20 once. Then suddenly the screen flashed and told us we had won $233.34!!!!!!! We turned around and the owner was grinning at us - we thought he must have rigged it.
So we received $77.75 each, not bad at all for our first night 'out' as 18 year olds.

The money will help pay for my trip to the Gold Coast for the half marathon on July 6. I'm going up on the Friday afternoon, staying with Tim and Kate for 2 days, then staying with my cousins for another 2 days and coming back on the Tuesday. CAN'T WAIT!

Latrobe 15km

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 09:49:00 +0000

I wasn't sure about this race. Should I have a real crack at it? What time should I aim for? Should I treat it as a long run and add a few k's on at the end? Should I just take it easy?
When I decided to go for a 45km bike ride yesterday I confirmed that I would not being having a real crack at this race. I don't know why I felt like taking it easy, possibly because it's not a distance I race very often so I didn't know what to aim for and so didn't have any goals.

This morning I woke up and felt like I had already done the run. I just felt generally tired. I would see how it went.

I arrived at Latrobe and just wanted to get started. My dad took me so I couldn't wander around talking to people because I didn't want to make him too bored because he had to wait through a 15km race. After catching up with a few people on the start line we got started. I wanted to run at 4.10 pace (was feeling comfortable) but I knew I wouldn't be able to sustain it for 15km. The hills at the start of each lap were hard but it was entertaining seeing everyone in the dog leg. The rest of the race was really boring, just pounding the asphalt. I felt like I was coming last because there were so few people around.

My splits were:
4.26, 4.10, 4.28, 4.22, 4.06, 4.32, 4.30, 4.31, 4.22, 4.15, 4.35, 4.25, 4.34, 4.26, 4.09.
Not very consistent.

1km - 4.26
2km - 8.36
3km - 13:05 (this time last year that was a new PB)
4km - 17.27
5km - 21.34 (my PB is 21.07)
6km - 26.07 (my PB is 25.40)
7km - 30.37
8km - 35.08 (only 5 seconds off my PB!)
9km - 39.31
10km - 43.46
11km - 48.22
12km - 52.48
13km - 57.22
14km - 61.48
15km - 66.00

I reached the halfway point after 33 minutes so I actually ran 2 even halves, VERY unusual for me! Very surprising considering I was dying from the start.

I once again made the division 1 team which I thought is a bad thing for the health of the club but we actually came 4th!
I kinda wish I'd done the 5km as I reckon I would have been good for 3rd place in the U20s.

The next race is the Coliban relays and I can't believe I have to wait a whole month. We are going to have a great Div 1 team - probably me, Marissa, Penny, Fiona and Karen.

GSV Champ Carnival today

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Fri, 30 May 2008 06:54:00 +0000

We left school at 9.30 to get to the Championship carnival at Bundoora park. I had to hang out with the year 10's because there are no year 12's and the year 11's were coming later after exams. I thought I would be really bored because my race wasn't till 1pm but it was pretty fun.
The juniors had their race at 11am and did ok. We only had one placegetter in our division. We had a bit of excitement when our tent blew over and snapped. We had to fold it back down which was hard with broken pieces of metal sticking out.
The intermediates had their race at 12pm and I didn't want to hang out with the juniors so I went and cheered for the inters up the back. I could cheer for them twice on each lap. Penny was winning by a massive margin which is fantastic because there were some extremely amazing girls out there.
The year 11's arrived and it was finally time for our race. I decided I really wanted to come in the top 10 because the top 10 got medals! But when we started I realised how hard that would be. I was probably in about 50th place after 200m but then I overtook dozens of girls going up the hill on the first lap. I counted at the top of the hill (about 1km mark) and I was in about 14th-15th place. I didn't think I would be able to overtake anyone to get into the top 10. However, I just concentrated on picking off the next girl, something which I don't often do. It was really hard going. I hate running on grass and it is grass almost the whole way. I just feel really unco. At the end of the first lap my time was 7.35 so I realised why I was feeling so tired. On the hill on the second lap I picked off another girl, who beat me in the preliminary carnival. I thought she'd chase me down but she didn't. I managed to get in front of another couple of girls and I thought I was probably in 11th or 12th place. However, when I rounded the final bend everyone was yelling "you're coming 10th" so I sprinted to the finish, not wanting to be overtaken.

I came in with a time of 15.44. I was kinda hoping to get closer to 15.30 but there's always next time. I really hoped I did come 10th. I pretty much died at the finish, I don't think I could have gone any harder. I have to say this was one of the hardest races I've ever done. Everyone else seemed to be feeling that too, many girls were collapsed on the grass afterwards.

We packed up everything and headed over to the presentations. Firstly they presented the top 10 girls in each division (we were in division 2). Mandy came in about 24th place overall so we were really hoping she got in the top 10 for division 2. My hopes were fading when she didn't come 10th, 9th, 8th or 7th but then her name was announced for 6th place! I wasn't sure what I came in division 2, possibly 2nd because I thought a Tintern girl came in front of me. My name was announced as first place though! We had to have our photo taken individually with our ribbons and then as a group - the top 10 for division 2 while the division 1 winners were announced. Then the overall winners were announced. As expected I came in 10th place! So I got a lovely medal. We each had more photos taken with our medals, then as a group of the overall top 10, then as a big group with the top 10 from each division. Finally we were able to go and sit back down with our schools.
Unfortunately my school came 7th in division 2, but we think that might be incorrect.
I'm very sad that this was my last ever school cross country but I had a really great day.

GSV Championship Carnival

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Thu, 29 May 2008 06:53:00 +0000

Tomorrow is the GSV Championship carnival. The 24 girls schools are divided into 3 divisions based on the results from the preliminary carnival. We are in division 2, as usual. I'm secretly hoping we could win division 2.
In my race I am up against 10 year 11s and 12s from each of the 24 schools - so 240 people. The results are counted as overall results and as a result from the division you are in. So you get an overall place, and a place in division 1, 2 or 3.
My goals/predictions for the race are:
Estimated time: 15.45 - 16.00
Ultimate time: 15.30
Macmillans says: 15.45
I'd love to come in the top 10 overall, hopefully the top 5 in division 2.

Cross country

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Wed, 21 May 2008 07:57:00 +0000

Yesterday I had the GSV preliminary carnival and today I had house cross country at school.

GSV cross country was at Yarra Bend and the course is 4km. We compete against 7 other schools and each school is supposed to have 10 girls (from year 11 and 12) competing. We had only 6 and Lauriston surely had around 20. So it is hard to know how many girls I was up against in total. I was hoping for a time of around 16 minutes but had to factor in residual soreness from Saturday and Sunday's racing. We watched the juniors and inters run before us. We had a couple of good results but a couple of not so good results.

Straight after the inters finished their race we had to line up for ours. I hadn't even warmed up properly when we had to start. Surprisingly there was a lot of room on the start line. When the gun went everyone sprinted off and I found myself momentarily in about 30th place! I knew the upcoming hill would sort everyone out though. At the bottom of the hill I was probably in about 10th place but I picked lots of girls off. At about 500m I was behind 3 Genazzano girls (one of whom was about 50m ahead), Mandy and a couple of other girls. I passed Mandy and two Genazzano girls and ended up second, behind a girl I race a lot. I stayed in second for the rest of the first lap. At the start of the second lap I could hear a Firbank girl (wiuth really freaky muscles) was coming up behind me. She eventually overtook me and then the girl in front. In the last 500m I tried to overtake the Genazzano girl who was now second but I didn't have a sprint in me. I ended up in 3rd place in a time of 16.19. I wasn't so happy with the time but I can be very happy with 3rd place. I underestimated how much grass slows the pace. Mandy ended up in 5th place. I received my ribbon at the presentation. As a school we didn't do that well, coming in 5th.

Today the 6 of us who did GSV cross country had to back up with house cross country. House cross country was supposed to be on 3 weeks ago but got cancelled when it rained. So as part of senior house sport, 10 girls from each house had to compete in the 3km event. We eventually got down there and after waiting for ages we started. Once again I wasn't warmed up properly and once again I ended up quite far back as everyone sprinted off. Mandy was ahead of me again but I overtook her after about 400m. By the 1km mark I had opened up quite a big gap. My time at the halfway point was 5.29 so I knew I was up for a good time. I looked behind me a couple of times and couldn't see Mandy. I just had to hold on to win. I finished in a time of 11.32 which I'm very happy with. Mandy came in a minute after me but she had got a bit lost. I'm so happy to win the last ever house cross country, and I think I broke the record of 12.13.

My results in house cross country 2004-2008.
2004 31st unknown time
2005 16th 15.03
2006 9th 13.53
2007 2nd 13.03
2008 1st 11.32

So it's fantastic to see the improvement across the years.

Coburg Fun Run

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Mon, 19 May 2008 07:52:00 +0000

After Sandown on Saturday I didn't think I would ever be able to run again. Nevertheless I got up early and headed to Coburg for the monthly fun run. I like the Coburg runs, mainly because Dad lets me drive all the way home (it takes at least 45 minutes). And the trophies are interesting.

We arrived at 8.55 because the Domain Tunnel was closed and we had to take the long way. It didn't matter, all I had to do was fill out an entry form a do a quick jog. I didn't feel too sore. I decided I would just try and run at a decent pace but not push it too much. It was wet underfoot but not raining luckily.
My splits were
4.15
4.21
4.26
4.20
4.26
4.12
for a time of 26.01. That's a Coburg PB (my presvious best being 26.30) so it wasn't a bad time but I couldn't help thinking it was 90 seconds slower than my 6km split at Sandown. Doesn't matter. I came first amongst the females again, for the 4th time this year (out of 4). I hope for a bit more competition in the second half of the year.

In Sandown results I came 51st in AV females (not bad!) AND OUR DIVISION ONE TEAM (which I was a part of for the second time in my career) CAME 5TH!!

Uhh...

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Sat, 17 May 2008 09:58:00 +0000

Ummmm I made a bit of a joke of my 'running goals' today, beating 6 of them (in splits). These were supposed to be my goals for the whole year!! But I can't see myself running those times regularly.

My last 10km - the Sussan fun run in December last year - I ran in a time of 49.42, so I have taken 8 minutes, 42 seconds off that time! That was a hot day and after I had been very sick for 2 or 3 months though.

Sandown

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Sat, 17 May 2008 09:24:00 +0000

Forecast for today... showers, possibly hail and a top of 13. My thoughts: maybe only a small PB is on the cards. When we got there is was raining and freeeeeezing. I went for a warm up lap and got very wet but a bit warmer. After painstakingly taking off our million layers of clothes, we headed over to the start line. Luckily the girls were able to huddle in alcoves before the start, I don't think the guys had the same luxury.
We started and I got a pretty good start because I stayed on the outside and could go around people. It's a good start because the course is wide so there's plenty of room. I was surprised to do the first km in 3.46, thinking it would be more like 4.30. I thought I'd better slow down a little because if I went out that hard at the start I would pay for it later. Surprisingly, I was able to keep the around 4 min/km pace. I broke all my PBs along the way except 1km (although I can't say I have a 7km or 9km PB). It was wet and cold. I thought my shoes were breaking because they were so wet they were squelching. At the end of the second lap Tim Crosbie passed me - so much for running 45/46 minutes!!! I managed to continue to keep the amazing pace, and even had some left in the tank in the last 2km. The last 200m is soooo hard, the straight is so long! I CANNOT BELIEVE I CAN NOW RUN 10KM IN 41 MINUTES! I don't know my exact time as I didn't know where the finish line was.
So my time is 4.06min/km (WOW!) which is faster than I thought I could run for 3km. It is 3.45 off my old PB (which I was happy with). It is 6.12 faster than what I ran last year (which I was very happy with at the time).

Splits:
1km - 3.46
2km - 7.49
3km - 11.56
4km - 15.57
5km - 20.15
6km - 24.30
7km - 28.47?
8km - 32.42
9km - 37.00
10km 41.00

I got run of the day out of the female Richmond runners.
Lots of other people got FANTASTIC PBs as well, in particular Marissa and Fiona, Tony, Em and Michael.

4 races in 5 days

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Fri, 16 May 2008 07:13:00 +0000

Starting tomorrow I have 4 races in 5 days:

Saturday 17th May - AV Sandown 10km
Predicted time: sub 44:00
Ultimate time: 43:00
McMillans says: around 43:40

Sunday 18th May - Coburg Fun Run 6km
(Not really a race - more of a casual run)
Predicted time: 26:30-27:30
Would like to come in the top 2 females

Tuesday 20th May - GSV Preliminary Carnival (School) 4km
Predicted time: 16:30
Ultimate time: 15:30
McMillans says: around 16:28
Would like to come in the top 10 (Out of 8 schools, 10 runners each)

Wednesday 21st May - House cross country 3km
Predicted time: 12:10
Ultimate time: 11:50
MacMillans says: 12:03
Current record: 12:13
One goal - to win

Recent races

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Wed, 07 May 2008 06:38:00 +0000

Puffing Billy Great Train Race 4th May 2008
After a late night out I woke up early, ready to be picked up by Karen and driven to Camberwell station. I was surprised to see Jeff and Nikki, my other teammates in Karen's car when she picked me up. When we arrived at the station, who did we spot but Ali and her hubby Trevor. Ali, Karen and I always do the big races together and Karen and I didn't even know Ali was running! It's the first time Ali and Trevor have done a race together. The train ride to Belgrave was very long and we were all busting by the time we got to Belgrave. Luckily, the others knew the toilets on the Puffing Billy station would be less crowded and we hardly had to queue at all. We then walked up the hill and put our bags in the truck. I didn't even get a chance to warm up because we went straight to the start line. I was fortunate to get a relatively good starting position.

The first couple of hundred of metres were hard, because lots of idiots can't self seed. It didn't take too long to get out into a clear spot.

My splits for the race were:
4.27
4.23
4.35
4.16
4.10
5.09
6.01 (waiting for the train at the crossing)
4.23
4.32
4.38
4.26
4.10
3.55

I thought the hills would be far harder than they were. I held back, waiting for some big steep hills. The hills weren't at all steep, just long. I powered up them and passed plenty of people. Early on I spotted a girl who I know is under 18 and extremely good at running. I passed her on the hill up to Menzies Creek. I had to stop at the Menzies Creek crossing for a minute or two which was extremely annoying. It also allowed my nemesis to catch up. She overtook me on an extreme downhill and was in front of me by about 50-100m. However, on the last uphill I overtook her again. I the last few kilometres I was very confused as I could hear a train and I thought we were trying to race the train to the crossing. I was extremely surprised to realise that we were on the last downhill to the finish. Where were those hills? I managed to stay in front of my nemesis and finish in a time of 59:10 which I am happy with for a first try. I had easily beaten the ladies train but not the mens train.

I grabbed a bottle of Powerade and found my bag easily. I was unsure of what to do next but I ended up just standing around chatting to Lincoln. By the time the presentation started I had found my team and Ali and Trevor. I half listened to the presentations (with a faint hope of success in the U18 category). After the presentation we headed to the buses and waited 45 minutes on the bus to leave the lake area. I was worried because Dad was waiting at Belgrave and I hate for him to wait so long. I finally got to Belgrave and found Dad and said goodbye to the others.

Yesterday morning I received a text from Karen saying I had won the U18 section!!!!! I was very excited, as this was probably my last fun run as a junior. I jumped on the internet and confirmed the result. I must have missed them announcing my name at the presentation as I heard the name of the U18 male winner being called. I also came 21st out of 850 females which is pretty cool!

I will definitely do this race again next year, I had a great time.

Jells Park relays 19th April 2008
Round one of the AV Season is finally here.
I got chosen to run first in the Division 3 team. It's a 3km course, with the open course being 2 x 3km.
I got there really early, as Alison drove me. Only Moose and Bill were there when I arrived. Slowly everyone else started filtering in. I went for a warm up jog around the whole course with Petrina and Sharon. My legs were soooooooooo sore after house athletics the day before (I'm sure it was the 400m) and I thought my hamstrings would snap. I thought we were almost finished our warm up lap just after 2kms, but then I realised the course goes up the hill and back down!

By the time we'd finished our warm up it was nearly time to start. I found my place on the Div 3 line. I tried to start conservatively but I found myself in front of Ann who had a 10m head start and is far faster than me. I wasn't ahead of her for too long though. I completed the first lap in 12.38. I thought I'd get a major positive split on the second lap but I was comfortable so I just kept powering on (despite the extremely sore hamstrings). I expected to absolutely die on the hill at the end of the 2nd lap but I was ok. I powered down the hill to the finish and spotted Lavinia. I ended up finishing in a time of 25.42, a new 6km PB. I couldn't believe I got a PB because my legs were dead and because it was a hilly course.

I spent the rest of the afternoon chatting to friends, cheering on teammates and just watching all the different runners. Of course, the appearance by Craig Mottram was a highlight. A very fun day, I'm so glad the winter season is on!

Last ever house athletics

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 06:59:00 +0000

Today was the last ever house athletics for us year 12's and my first ever time actually doing events.

I did 800m
I was in senior (yr 11 and 12) and there were 12 of us in the race.
I came first by quite a margin in a time of 2.51 (it's on grass though)
My teammate Mandy came 2nd. I started off behind her, came level with her thinking we could just run together but I felt strong so I passed her at about halfway.

400m
I was in yr 12 division 1 (2nd division after championship)
There were 6 in the race and I came first
I was running in the outside lane and expected everyone to overtake me but they were quite far behind.
I should have run Championship division because my time was better than the winning time (another teammate - Mel).
I ran 1.20.63 (it's on grass!)

1500m
I was in open (so all year levels) and there were 12 girls in the race
Penny, Grace and I led the whole way and lapped most of the other competitors. It was really a race of 3. I came 3rd (almost caught up to Grace) and my teammate Penny won (of course).
My time was 5.46 which isn't too bad considering it's on grass.

The grass is really annoyed because it's really spongy and uneven. The oval is 270m so 400m is 1 and a bit laps, 800m is almost 3 laps and 1500m is 5 and a bit laps.

I also did the wheel relay (3rd) and tunnel ball (4th). I missed out on crossball because of the 400m!

We came 4th as a house (out of 6) which is a bit disappointing. Hardly any year 10's turned up for us. We came 2nd in senior and junior but last in intermediate.

It was a great last sports day.

Races - last 2 months

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:24:00 +0000

January and February is very quiet for races (which in some ways is a relief) but I still managed to fit in quite a few.

Coburg Fun Run January 20th
6km 28:17
It was very rainy and so the course was changed to a 4km loop course. It is suspected that the course was actually longer than 6km.
I came first in the females.

Flemington River Run February 3rd
8km 36:41
I had three goals for this race: to get a PB, to finish in the top 10 women, and to win my age group.
I didn't get a PB, but I was the 7th female and I won my age group.
My splits were:
Splits:
1km 4.14
2km 8.25 (4.11)
3km 13.03 (4.38)
4km 18.04 (5.01)
5km 23.05 (5.01)
6km 27.24 (4.19)
7km 32.03 (4.39)
8km 36.41 (4.38)
So they were extremely inconsistent. If I hadn't gone out too fast I might have had a chance for a PB.
I was running on my own most of the way, although there were plenty of non-racers running along the path. When I finished I was given a spot prize voucher, probably because I was the only one to come in for about 20 seconds. My spot prize was a skincare and footcare pack. Not as nice as some Brooks shoes but better than nothing.

Coburg Fun Run February 17th
6km 26:27 - PB!
It was quite a warm morning so it was a hard run. We went back to the usual 6km route. I was the first female again. The trophy was a soccer trophy - random!

Coburg Fun Run March 16th
6km 26:47
I was really itching to get out and race because my training is looking very good and I wanted to go under 26 minutes. Unfortunately the weather was very hot, about 25 degrees or more. It was a hard run again. I was on track for a massive PB but the last 3 minutes or so were extremely tough and I really let it go. Not a bad time considering and there's always next time. I was the first female again.

Races coming up over the next month or so:
Run for the Kids (Sunday)
Richmond/Malvern Challenge (Saturday 5th April)
House athletics
House cross country
Jells Park relays

Lorne Mountain to Surf

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 10:02:00 +0000

In 35 degree heat we made the drive down to Lorne, dropping our bikes off at Fran's in Lara on the way. When we arrived in Lorne I picked up my race pack (including the brown t shirt!) and then went and sat in the car listening to the cricket. I was feeling really unwell and so couldn't be bothered exploring the shops. At about 5 o'clock I got changed and we headed over towards the start of the run. We were due to start at 5.45pm (with the opens at 5.30pm). However, we found out they were delaying it for 30 minutes coz the heat was at unsafe levels even though it was pretty cool. Mum ran into a friend so we stayed with her for a while then went up to the start again. We soon learnt it was delayed for longer.

My goals for the race were 38 minutes and top 10 in my age category (very optimistically 36 minutes and top 5).

The opens eventually started at 6.45 and then we started at about 6.55. By that time I was extremely hungry. I had forgotten how tough the hills were. There are 4 of them and I struggled to keep going without walking. I really pushed it on the downhill in between the uphills. Finally we were done with the big hills and on to the bush path. The path is awesome - I could run along it everyday. It's quite hazardous as there are large stones and tree roots so you really have to keep your eyes on the ground. The path is also narrow and I was constantly passing slower open runners and young kids who were running in spurts. I was travelling as fast as I could along the track and I knew I was running a good pace. When I reached the Great Ocean Road I grabbed a quick drink and then went to run across but just missed the cut off (they stop the runners to let cars through every half minute or so). So for the second year in a row I had to wait 20-30 seconds. Once I got started again I found the going tough as it wasn't as shady on the asphalt and the heat radiated off it. I just had to keep pushing it. Eventually I got to the foreshore path and I knew it wasn't far to go. The crowds certainly get larger along there. I had a bit of a battle with another girl my age. Eventually I finished in 36.55, including the stop at the road. My 8km PB is 36.12 so considering the stop and the hills I think I am back in form. I think I came 6th or 7th in my age group, we'll have to see.

Bring on 2008!!!

Goals for 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 09:06:00 +0000

These are my goals for 2008 - a big year because it is my final year at school.

First of all a goal for VCE - above 98 for my ENTER score (95 at the very lowest).

For running
*Run more than 900kms (2007's total) preferably close to 1500-2000
*Run at least 100kms for at least 9 months of the year
Time goals (major goals in brackets)
*800m - 2.30 (2.25)
*1500m - 5.25 (5.15)
*3km - 12.00 (11.30)
*4km - 16.00 (15.30)
*5km - 20.30 (19.30)
*6km - 25.00 (24.30)
*8km - 35.00 (34.00)
*10km - 43.00 (42.00)
*15km - 1.10.00 (1.07.30)
*21.1km - 1.38.00 (1.35.00)
*Run at least 20 races and at least 2 half marathons

For cycling
* Cycle at least 850kms (2007's total), preferably

For indoor cricket
* A premiership of course (we have 3 under our belts)

General health and fitness
* Get well again
* Have than 6 colds (8 in 2007)
* Regularly do strength exercises (such as Pump class)

Lack of posts

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 11:18:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 08:22:00 +0000

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...

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 09:41:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 11:07:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 09:31:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 08:41:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 10:48:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 05:44:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 04:04:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Briony) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 08:12:00 +0000

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!