Briony's Blog

East Timor trip

2011-10-16T15:26:00.004+11:00

Now that I am not running, I need a new excuse to travel overseas. I love travelling to third world countries, I am a serial volunteerer and am very concerned about global health. So every year I plan to use my medical skills to volunteer overseas each summer. Last summer I went to India but didn't gain much experience because I had only done 2 years of medical school. After our first clinical year we now have much more experience and useful skills to work in hospitals. I have been following the progress of a few overseas clinics that require volunteers so in August I started the process of deciding which one to spend my summer at.

Several of the clinics I plan to visit over the next few years only take students after 4th year or in final year. The Bairo Pite clinic (http://bairopiteclinic.org/) in East Timor is generally one of these. However I was ecstatic to find they accepted my application and I will be spending a month at the clinic in December and January. The clinic has been run for about 12 years by an American, Dr Dan. It relies on medical students and foreign doctors to keep it going.

This is how I have planned my trip so far.

December 7th - fly Melbourne to Bali, Indonesia via Darwin.
Spend 4 nights/3 days in Bali staying at a homestay in Ubud.

December 11th - fly Bali to Dili, East Timor
Spend 32 days working 6.5 days a week at the Bairo Pite clinic. Staying at a homestay in Dili city.

January 11th - fly Dili to Darwin
Spend 3 nights in Darwin

January 14th - fly Darwin to Melbourne

I am very excited about spending a month living in Dili. I just feel so at home in developing nations. I just love the way of life.

It is going to be hard work in Dili. The medical students generally work 6.5 days per week. Long days too.
This is what a typical day is supposed to be like
7.30am - give a tutorial to the locals about healthcare
8.00am - ward rounds with the whole team
11.00ish - go out with a 'mobile clinic' to a remote town - this is generally a 4WD with a nurse and interpreter and medical student. See many patients. Dr Dan runs an outpatient clinic back at Bairo Pite Clinic during this time
4.00ish - the medical students run a ward round to ensure the patients are stable
6.00ish - finish
later - can stay back to help with maternity.

I hope I will be able to cope with these long days in the heat. I hope to meet many new people and do lots of activities around the island too, such as scuba diving or snorkelling.

But I need to keep studying now if there is going to be any point in me going to East Timor!

Travelling

2011-10-16T15:17:00.004+11:00

I wanted to write on this blog again mostly to document my trip to Asia over summer.

Since I left school at the end of 2008 I have been able to travel overseas quite a few times. I love travelling so much and want to visit so many places. Many of my friends have been to exotic places on family holidays but what makes my trips far more special is the fact that I fund it all myself through hard work during the year. Not many other students work about 20 hours a week while studying medicine.

These are the overseas trips I have done since 2009.
January 2009 - 3 weeks in Thailand (with family)
June 2009 - 3 days in Christchurch, NZ for the Christchurch marathon with friends.
July 2009 - 2 weeks in India with friends
September 2009 - 10 days in Europe for the World Mountain Running Championships visiting Italy, London and Paris and back via Malaysia
June 2010 - Christchurch, NZ with my Dad for the Christchurch marathon
December 2010/January 2011 - 3 weeks in India, both with friends and with a group of medical students doing volunteer work and a few days in Singapore with a local friend on the way home

Crash and burn - 2011

2011-10-16T14:57:00.002+11:00

I finished off 2010 injured (but still running ~20km per week) and in India. I was looking forward to doing the 2011 cross country season but thought it'd be a slow start.

I spent 3.5 weeks holidaying and doing some medical work in India. It was brilliant and I didn't want to come back - I love the third world way of life.

After I came back from India I couldn't believe I was still sore. I started Med III at Dandenong hospital and was spending all my money on massage and chiropractor treatments. Finally in March I saw Dr Karen again who told me my problem wasn't a challenge. I thought she'd fix me up and I planned to build a base and get back to speedwork in June. During this time I was still running 20-30km per week. I was also riding my bike and catching the train to the hospital which I really enjoyed.

I had a couple of MRIs and cortisone injections into a spinal nerve and my hip in May. After this I stopped running. Nothing seemed to fix my injury. It was causing my so much pain it was affecting my uni - I couldn't stand up on ward rounds and couldn't sit down to study. Basically my whole leg hurt - back, glutes, ITB, hip flexor, groin, shin.

My 21st birthday came and I received a beautiful road bike. I was banned from riding it (but of course I still did).

It is now October. Like last year, I am eagerly awaiting my next summer overseas trip. Track season is starting.
I CANNOT BELIEVE I AM STILL NOT RUNNING!

Crash and Burn - 2010

2011-10-16T14:38:00.003+11:00

A lot has changed since I last posted on here.

2010 goals - I only managed three. 1) Pass Med I and Med II. 2) Work too many hours per week. 3) Sub 1.28 half marathon.

I had a fairly good first half of the year in terms of running. I lost the first couple of months to overwhelming fatigue - again. But by mid-April I could train a bit again and I was running quite well in May. Despite not much training I was putting out good results - 10.36 for 3km, 18.36 for 5km, 22.50 at Jells Park - 6km. I was really happy with those results.

At the start of May I had my peak - two weeks in Traralgon for uni which were two of the best weeks of my life. We had a fun group staying there and did some interesting things. But I also did some fantastic running, particularly with Kathryn and the Traralgon Harriers. This culminated in a 27k long run, by myself around Traralgon.
The week after I came back to Melbourne I hurt my Achilles at Tuesday training. Sandown was 1.5 weeks away and Christchurch was 2.5 weeks away, more importantly. I nursed the Achilles to get through Sandown and it seemed to get better. However, when I warmed up for Sandown I had the most excruciating pain in my ribs. Usually my ribs are a bit sore while training but this pain was BAD. There was no way I could run for 38 or so minutes with that pain. So I watched Sandown to get ready for the more important Christchurch half marathon.

I had put a lot into Sandown - paying for my Dad and I to go there for 3 nights just so I could run a half marathon. Dad had never been overseas so it was a big trip. There was no way I could go there and not do the race. During the week between Sandown and Christchurch I was doing everything I could to make sure I got through the race. I did a run at uni on Wednesday and the rib pain was still there - argh! But we flew to Christchurch on the Friday night anyway. Dad and I spent Saturday sightseeing and I didn't really rest my legs because I wanted to make the most of the trip if the race didn't work out. However I ended up having a great race running 1h 27m 48s. I was very happy with that! I came 2nd in my age group and enjoyed the prize giving ceremony again.

After Christchurch I kept training hard and didn't have a rest. I did a session 2 days after a race and continued the long runs. Two weeks after the race I did a Sunday morning long run but was unhappy with only running - I think it was 20km. I just felt fatigued. So after babysitting during the day I did another 7k, but I felt a sharp pain in both my right foot and left knee. This knee pain ended up keeping me out for 6 weeks which felt like the end of the world.

At this time I also changed training groups which was a very hard thing to do. I thought I would never be able to replace my old group but my new group seems fantastic. If only I could do some training.

At the end of July I started back run/walk and by September managed a full week of training. But at the start of October I was pushing myself too much again and my right leg started to get injured. First it was a sore ITB. I also felt like I'd overstretched my hamstring at Bikram but the pain there didn't go away. I managed a 1 sec 1500m PB out of nowhere - 4.57. I was so happy to have my new coach and training group there to support me. But then my glute became very painful. I went to an unfamiliar sports doctor who thought a cortisone injection in the hip bursa would fix it. I got this done which didn't help and then went away to India for the rest of the year...

2010 goals

2010-01-01T14:59:00.003+11:00

Running:
1. Stay uninjured
2. Run 3600-4000km for the year
3. Try and do 70-80km weeks consistently, maybe even go up to 100-110km/week
4. 20+km long run most weeks, try and do some Wednesday long runs as well (difficult during semester)
5. Try and do 3 speed sessions most weeks
6. Have a couple of fun run wins
7. Good results and prizes at Christchurch, Trentham, Sussan

Time Goals:
400m - 1.10 (1.08)
800m - 2.28 (2.25 - club record)
1500m - 4.52 (4.48)
3km - 10.30 (10.17 - club record)
Tan - 14.00 (13.45)
4km - 14.50 (14.30)
5km - 18.30 (18.00)
6km - 22.45 (22.00)
8km - 30.30 (30.00)
10km - 38.20 (38.00)
12km - 48.00 (47.00)
15km - 60.00 (59.30)
21.1km - 1.28 (1.26)

Other goals:
1000km cycling for the year
36.5km swimming for the year (100m per day average)
Do at least one session of core exercises, strength training, physio exercises per week
Stretch and get massages

Work 5-15 hours per week (up to 30 on holidays)
Pass year 1 and 2 medicine

Wrap up of 2009 goals

2010-01-01T14:32:00.003+11:00

Stats for the year:
Total km: 2815km in 235h 19m 36s (5.01/km) - 2008 1825km

Monthly kms:
Jan - 182
Feb - 192
Mar - 237
Apr - 230
May - 238
Jun - 216
Jul - 187
Aug - 263
Sep - 205
Oct - 247
Nov - 318
Dec - 300

Average 54km/week, 235/month
Highest week: 81km
Lowest week: 26km

Cycling - 450km - disappointing as well behind 1317km in 2008 and 850 in 2007

Swimming - 24km

Goals were 2500km running for the year (achieved), 60-80km weeks (achieved), 15km+ long run each week (achieved most weeks, towards the end of the year twice a week)

Time goals:
800m - PB 2.32 - didn't achieve sub 2.30
1500m - PB 4.58 - easily ACHIEVED sub 5.15 AND sub 5.05
3km - PB 10.48 - ACHIEVED sub 11.00 and almost sub 10.45
4km - didn't race
5km - PB 19.45 but should have achieved sub 19.00 and Sussan split was 19.10
6km - PB 24.33 should have achieved sub 24.00 and maybe even 23.00 in Sussan split
8km - didn't race
10km - PB 39.01 - easily ACHIEVED sub 40.00 AND sub 39.30!!!
12km - didn't race
15km - didn't race
21.1km - PB 89.48 - ACHIEVED sub 90.00

Other goals:
Didn't achieve 100km/month cycling or 4-5km/month swimming. Didn't do regular weight training or pilates. Did some regular stretching and massages. Not many rest weeks.

Didn't run Victorian Mountain Running Championships but did run Australian Mountain Running Championships with a win and a year ago I would not have thought in my wildest dreams that I would be running the WORLD MOUNTAIN RUNNING CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!

Didn't run a lot of the winter season but cemented my place in the top 2 Richmond women and started to push Marissa. Didn't run much U20 and certainly no podium places.

Went under 20, 40, 90 for 5k, 10k, half!!!!

Didn't make Vic team for National XC but didn't care because I made Aus Mountain Running team!!

2009-01-13T15:47:00.002+11:00

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

2008-06-14T13:42:00.002+10:00

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

2008-06-01T19:49:00.003+10:00

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

2008-05-30T16:54:00.002+10:00

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

2008-05-29T16:53:00.002+10:00

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

2008-05-21T17:57:00.002+10:00

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

2008-05-19T17:52:00.003+10:00

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...

2008-05-17T19:58:00.002+10:00

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

2008-05-17T19:24:00.003+10:00

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

2008-05-16T17:13:00.002+10:00

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

2008-05-07T16:38:00.003+10:00

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

2008-04-18T16:59:00.002+10:00

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

2008-03-28T10:24:00.002+11:00

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

2008-01-05T21:02:00.000+11:00

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

2008-01-05T20:06:00.000+11:00

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

2007-08-25T21:18:00.000+10:00

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

2007-08-02T18:22:00.000+10:00

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...

2007-07-29T19:41:00.000+10:00

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

2007-07-28T21:07:00.000+10:00

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

2007-07-26T19:31:00.000+10:00

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

2007-07-23T18:41:00.000+10:00

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

2007-07-14T20:48:00.000+10:00

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

2007-07-02T15:44:00.000+10:00

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

2007-07-01T14:04:00.000+10:00

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

2007-06-19T18:12:00.000+10:00

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

2007-06-18T16:17:00.000+10:00

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!

2007-06-11T17:38:00.000+10:00

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

Saturday off!

2007-06-10T12:27:00.000+10:00

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

2007-06-07T17:58:00.000+10:00

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

2007-06-04T17:05:00.001+10:00

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

2007-05-29T16:58:00.001+10:00

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

2007-05-26T20:59:00.000+10:00

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

2007-05-25T16:19:00.000+10:00

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

2007-05-24T17:30:00.000+10:00

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

2007-05-20T18:42:00.000+10:00

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

2007-05-17T18:13:00.000+10:00

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

2007-05-15T18:26:00.001+10:00

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

2007-05-15T17:36:00.000+10:00

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

2007-05-13T14:47:00.000+10:00

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

2007-05-13T14:27:00.000+10:00

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.

2007-05-08T16:21:00.000+10:00

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

2007-05-01T16:58:00.000+10:00

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

2007-04-23T17:12:00.000+10:00

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

2007-04-18T19:18:00.001+10:00

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

2007-04-14T17:59:00.000+10:00

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

2007-04-13T18:26:00.000+10:00

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

2007-04-08T10:27:00.000+10:00

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

2007-04-05T20:36:00.000+10:00

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

2007-03-17T17:13:00.000+11:00

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

2007-03-12T20:04:00.000+11:00

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

2007-03-11T16:02:00.000+11:00

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

2007-03-11T15:46:00.000+11:00

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!

2007-02-17T21:19:00.000+11:00

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

2007-02-17T17:40:00.000+11:00

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

Super Sunset Series - Zoo Run

2007-02-10T21:27:00.000+11:00

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

2007-02-10T21:20:00.000+11:00

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...

2007-02-04T18:38:00.000+11:00

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...

2007-01-27T11:14:00.000+11:00

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

2007-01-24T17:18:00.000+11:00

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

2007-01-23T16:14:00.000+11:00

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

2007-01-23T15:46:00.000+11:00

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

2007-01-14T10:49:00.000+11:00

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

2007-01-13T20:22:00.000+11:00

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

2007-01-13T20:11:00.000+11:00

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

2007-01-13T20:08:00.000+11:00

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.

These days

2006-12-23T21:48:00.000+11:00

Our computer has a weird virus that the anti-virus doesn't seem to be picking up. So I can't use the internet on our computer at home - only at Dads.

I hate these last few days before Christmas! You can't go out shopping coz it's so crowded, there's nothing on tv, everyone is focusing on bloody Christmas. It doesn't help that my 'friends' are absolutely incapable of making any definite plans and don't seem to be able to get out of their own little worlds.

My other gripe is stupid pedestrians who don't look where they are walking and don't realise that other people are trying to use the bike paths. I've found a great new route - cycling through the city to Port Melbourne, then running down Beach Rd and cycling back home. But I have to navigate through Southbank where people just mindlessly wander. It's quite bad along Beach Rd too. I just wish people would look out for others.

Holidays

2006-12-16T16:04:00.000+11:00

I'm loving the holidays, especially while the cricket is on. The last 2 days I've gone for a bike ride in the morning and gotten back in time for the cricket at 1.30pm. So nice and relaxing!

Mum and I went to Waratah Bay for a few days for a break and it was really nice. We stayed in a tiny cottage with only 4 rooms and and was the nicest cottage I've ever stayed in! It was like luxury, with a spa, dishwasher and cable tv. I enjoyed watching Fox Sports 1 and 2 for a few days but all the stuff I wanted to watch (replays of NY marathon, a road race and a triathlon) were on too early in the morning or too late at night. Nevertheless it was a lovely way to spend a few days.

Year 10 - finished!!

2006-12-05T10:07:00.000+11:00

I have officially finished year 10 with Speech Night last night. I now have 2 months holiday, we don't go back to school until the 1st February. I enjoyed year 10 even though I had a crap class and I seemed to be separated from my friends in most subjects. I think this strongly contributed to my success though.

We had exams about three weeks ago and have received all the results back. I was really happy with most of my results, especially English. I prove that you really don't need to study for year 10 exams. These are my results.
history - A+ 100%
geography - A+ 96%
english - A+ 96% and A+ 93%
maths - A+ 96% and A+ 93%
science - A+ 89%
french - A 86%
I was disappointed to get an A in French but considering I am not good at French it's okay. I beat or equalled my semester 1 results in every subject except French.

Bring on VCE in 2007!

Sussan Fun Run

2006-12-04T16:23:00.000+11:00

Yesterday was the Sussan Women's fun run. It was a very interesting race in a number of ways. I was really looking forward to this event and feeling the pressure because the top three in each age group receive a medal and prizes. I decided to enter the 10km, even though it was an 8am start.

It was very hectic at the start as I picked up my race bib and event t shirt and I had to arrange to meet Dad to give him the t shirt. However, he had to park a while away and I still hadn't seen him with five minutes till the race started. Nevertheless I squished into the massive group at the starting line with about 30 seconds till the race started. It was a terrible start, worse than usual and it was a while before I could run freely. I had forgotten to take a pair of shorts to dads so I had to borrow a pair of his - luckily they pretty much fit even if they did look a bit daggy.

I had two embarrassing moments in the race, both in the first 2km.
i) I tripped over and commando rolled!
I tripped on the kerb just before the 1km mark and grazed my knees, hand and arm slightly. Luckily I was too hurt or bleeding and I got up straight away and kept running. A few seconds later a woman ran alongside me and told me it had looked spectacular and made sure I was alright. So embarrassing!

ii) At the first drink station I grabbed a cup, took a sip and then chucked my cup in what I thought was the bin. It was actually the bin from which they were filling up the cups with water! I realised straight away and quickly ran off. I felt terrible for the rest of the race!

My running hero - Anna Thompson was running this race and she won it of course. I saw her around before, during and after the race and I was star struck. She's so awesome!

I had forgotten to bring mum's polar so I had no idea what kind of time I ran which really annoyed me. It also meant I couldn't pace myself properly. I was aiming for under 50 minutes but I knew I wouldn't get there because I hardly pushed myself, especially in the first 5km. The last couple of kilometres were really comfortable and I enjoyed the sprint finish as usual. I was very relieved to finish.

The showbags were really good with lots of jelly beans, muesli bars, drinks etc. Plus I had the event t shirt. The event information sheet said the results would be up by 6pm yesterday. I checked the internet yesterday at 5.30pm not really expecting it to be up yet. I then continued to check until 7.30pm. I went back on at 8.30pm and the 5km results were up but not the 10km results. So I checked again this morning. No luck. The results were up when I got home this afternoon. I came THIRD in my age group and 232 overall!!!!!! So I receive a medal/ commemorative wine glass and a one month free membership to Re-Creation health clubs!!!!!!

I will definitely be doing this run again next year!!

Nike women's store!

2006-11-29T19:10:00.001+11:00

I've been a bit slack lately. Exams have finished and I don't have anything after school so I've been shopping and stuff like that. I'm hoping to get a job at the Nike Women's store in Chadstone. I put in my resume today - fingers crossed!! Unfortunately, they've already hired for Christmas.

I also bought a new pair of running shorts from there on Monday. They were being discounted - $24.95. I already have a pair of the type they were selling but there's like 6 different colours. I already had light blue and I really wanted purple. Unfortunately they only had XS and XL. I decided to leave it and come back if I had enough money after I'd finished my other shopping and get white or yellow. Fortunately, when I came back they'd put out more sizes in purple so I settled on a medium.

I've been spending a lot of money lately... I suppose it's a reward for exams.

Last day of netball

2006-11-25T21:21:00.000+11:00

Today was the last day of netball for the season. It's sad because it means the last game of coaching the year 4's, the last time I'll see the year 5's for a while and the last game I'll play for a while.

The year 4's and 5's both had comfortable wins which was fantastic. We weren't so lucky, although we expected to lose. We had a new girl playing - Elyse (sp?) who played WA. She certainly improved over the game. I enjoyed playing centre the whole game as I have the past few weeks. I enjoyed the game which is great because I won't play again till March (so sad!)

Cycling camp!

2006-11-25T20:25:00.000+11:00

This week I have been on cycling camp! We cycled from Wangaratta to Eldorado to Beechworth to Myrtleford to Bright and back to Wangaratta through Myrtleford and Everton. It was very enjoyable although we travelled at about 8-15km an hour! So frustratingly slow but I guess I got used to it.

Day 1 - Monday 20th November
We caught the train to Wangaratta from Southern Cross station at 8.13am. Tessa, Anna and I caught the train from Camberwell to Southern Cross. It was PACKED and I had a large bag, a sleeping bag plus two backpacks with me! We arrived in 'Wang' at 11am and had to wait ages to be picked up. We met our leaders from Bindaree, Jimmy and Sheepy, and dumped some of our stuff. After shopping for some food for the week we waited... and waited... at a nearby park for the guys to pick us up and give us our bikes. I worried that the leaders weren't going to be very reliable. We had to wait another hour or so after receiving our bikes before we finally set off.

The ride itself was approximately 25km from Wangaratta to Eldorado. Guess how long it took us... THREE HOURS!!! It was hot - about 35 degrees. We rode soooooo slowly and had to keep together as a group. Plus we had stops every 5 minutes. There were also a few injuries which caused longer stops. I was fuming! However, I didn't want to annoy others moaning about my frustrations so I kept it to myself. We didn't arrive in Eldorado till 6.30pm. Anna and I decorated our bikes with streamers and I had fluffy dice. Dinner was good - chicken wraps. I shared a tent with Tessa.

If I had a dollar for everytime someone on camp told me "you look like a pro" then I'd be very rich.

Day 2 - Tuesday 21st November
This was our long day - it was supposed to be 60km. We rode from Eldorado to Myrtleford via Beechworth. Eldorado to Beechworth was 26km. It took us four and a half hours! To give the others credit, it was uphill and on a gravel road most of the way. There was also a hill about 2.5-3km long and quite steep. I mastered it fairly easily and made it to the top first. I then had to wait 45 minutes to an hour for everyone else to complete it (walking most of the way). I thought it was a great challenge but others just give up too easily.

We didn't get to Beechworth till 2pm and didn't leave till 3.30pm. That really worried me as we were told we had another 35km to Myrtleford. However, the first 14km (almost to Everton) was downhill and we were allowed to go at our own speed which was fantastic. I still kept my hands on the brakes so I didn't get too far ahead of the group. We struggled on another 10km or so after that. I was very grateful when the slower member of the group who I believe was single-handedly holding the whole group back got too tired and rode the rest of the way in the van. We didn't make it to Myrtleford till about 7pm! We had a barbecue for dinner; I cooked and ate the vegieburgers. I shared a tent with Anna which was nice.

Sheepy revealed to us later that we actually rode 75km for the day, someone must have misjudged the distance when it was measured. And we found out the temperature was 37 degrees.

Day 3 Wednesday 22nd November
A rest day - Myrtleford to Bright, only 30km. Most people had really got the hang of riding by this stage. We left Myrtleford at 8.30 and so made it to Bright by about 11.30am. We had a great tailwind. The staff were really praising us for how quickly we got there - they said "at some stages we were going at 15km/h!". That certainly made me laugh, if I did 15km/h on a normal bike ride I'd be worried I was injured.

We had the rest of the day to do whatever in Bright. I went shopping with Anna and then some of us swam in the river near the caravan park which was good to cool down (another 30-35 degree day). Then we were supposed to do a scavenger hunt in the town. I was partnered with Jia Xi. However, as it was our turn to cook dinner we met up with the rest of our group about 45 minutes later and only answered about 5 questions. We shopped for the food (only spent $65!) and then decided to start cooking it. Lucky we did start as it took us about 2 and a half hours! Our meal was
entree - biscuits and 4 choices of dips
main course - stir fry with 9 vegetables with chicken (optional) and 2 choices of sauce
desert - neapolitan ice cream in cones with sprinkles and cream wafers (both optional)
Our meal was definitely the best! We did have full kitchen facilities though. It is very hard to cook a stir fry for 21 people!! We didn't finish cleaning up dinner till after dark which was hectic. I shared a tent with Sarah which was a good pairing as we both like early nights.

Day 4 Thursday 23rd November
This day was another long day - 60km from Bright to Everton via Myrtleford. It was downhill or flat most of the way but we had a headwind. It was very easy riding (well... for me) so I acted as the windbreaker for the slower group. It was quite a challenge to ride slightly ahead of a very slow rider without breaking too far ahead of her. Later on, I chose to be the windbreaker for the main pack instead which was much more pleasant going at my own pace.

I was lucky Jimmy and Sheepy were cricket fans, as well as two others. Jimmy was driving the van and listening to the first day of the Ashes on the radio and relaying scores to Sheepy who was riding with us. Sheepy would then update me with scores which was fantastic.

We stayed the night in Everton which is like a tiny remote desert town. The caravan park was hmmm... interesting. It had a swimming pool so we could cool off (another 35 degree day). Dinner was so simple and yet so good - a bucket lunch consisting of Doritos, salsa, corn and avocado wrapped up in mountain bread. I had four! We also had fresh fruit for desert. While I was helping with dinner, I listened to the cricket a bit. Australia was dominating! I drew the short straw and had to spend another night with Tessa.

Day 5 Friday 24th November
Our last day - only 30km back to Wangaratta. We started off early yet again to beat the heat and made it to Wang by 11am. By the time we debriefed, packed up our bikes and said a sad goodbye to Sheepy (Warren) and Jimmy (James) it was time to catch the 1.15 train back to Melbourne. The trip was boring and we were all tired. The train got back late and I just wanted to get home. It was definitely a challenge getting off the train with all our luggage at Camberwell. I was so relieved to get back home and switch on the cricket to catch the last hour of play.

I had a great time at camp and eventually got used to the frustratingly slow riding. Even certain annoying people couldn't stop us from having a good time. The teachers and leaders were fantastic and it was great to meet new people. I want to go back and ride the trail with mum over a weekend. Camp really supercharged my enthusiasm for cycling!

MakePovertyHistory

2006-11-18T12:30:00.000+11:00

Last night I went to the MakePovertyHistory concert with Ella. It was sooooooooooo good! My favourites were Evermore, Eskimo Joe, John Butler Trio and Jet. I pretty much saw our whole year level, I kept seeing people every five minutes. Ella and I just got out our picnic rug and sat on a patch of grass and relaxed, enjoying the show. We were pretty close too, somehow we got into the good area!

We got home past midnight and didn't go to bed for another few hours and I'm sooooo tired today (had to get up at 7.15 for netball coaching!).

2006-11-18T12:15:00.000+11:00

Thursday was a busy day and I pretty much didn't get home till 8.30. I bummed at school, watching tv till about 5.30. Then May came over and we went for a walk/run (only a tiny bit of running for that unfit May!) to Riversdale Rd along the river and back. Then I went for a bike ride. I was only going to go for 45 minutes or so coz I left at 7.15. But I ended up going to Burnley St bridge (about 22km) and back. I just love riding along the Capital City trail along the Yarra!

2006-11-16T12:06:00.000+11:00

Exams are over so there's nothing to do at school! We have double science and we got our exams back and now we can just do whatever we want!

We had PE first two periods and just played minor games. We were told we'd be doing the beep test so I didn't go for a run last night or this morning! And then we didn't do the beep test! I was a bit disappointed...

2006-11-14T14:56:00.000+11:00

It's exam time at the moment so I feel like I should be studying all the time. That means I shouldn't be going for long runs - whatever! Although I can't say I have been going for long runs.

I ran 7-8km last night, along Through Rd and up the Warrigal Rd hill (urgh!) to Canterbury Road and back home. It was probably the first time I've run up that hill and it was hard! I'd been running pretty much flat out up until then so I was already quite fatigued running up. I'll certainly be giving it another go though!

"Stacking it"

2006-11-11T19:56:00.000+11:00

Seeing as I didn't have netball I decided to go for a bike ride and then a run. I rode along the Gardiner's Creek Trail to the Capital City Trail. I misjudged part of the trail and "stacked it". I fell on to the road (lucky there were no cars coming), dislodged the chain and gashed my hand. I freaked out a bit as I had no idea how to fix the chain! I fiddled around for a while and managed to fix it. My hand was also quite swollen and sore and it was annoying trying to grip the handlebars. I cycled to the Burmley St bridge and then tried to find a place to lock up my bike. I eventually found a park bench out of the sight of most people. With my bike secured I began my run. It was hard because it was quite warm and I had "cycling legs". I made it to the far end of Yarra bend park (Fairfield boathouse). I then ran back the way I came. My bike was where I left it in the park (phew!) and I continued back home the same way without any dramas. The whole trip took about 2 hours, 45 minutes.

Total distance cycling 30km, running 10km

Saturday - Netball Day

2006-11-11T10:52:00.000+11:00

Today is Saturday which would usually mean spending around 4 hours at the Waverley District netball courts. Well I've already been there this morning to coach. I had two great results
year 4's (Doves) won 10-5
year 5's (Kookaburras) won 20-2

However, because everyone is going to the races today we had to forfeit and I don't get to play! I really feel like playing...

GO HARTWELL!!

SiS2 Photo

2006-11-10T18:07:00.000+11:00

This is me in SiS2 4km this year. They never seem to get good pics of me, it makes me look really fat. That wasn't a good race as it was the week after the Melbourne Marathon.