The Foibles of Frustration

Having one arm, whilst not a living nightmare or anything of the sort, comes with a whole lot of frustration.

Washing cutlery, carrying multiple items of any description, plaiting hair, tying corsets, cutting vegetables, bike riding, opening jars - the list of daily tasks that bear the burden of causing frustration because I find them so inherently difficult is quite long.

I'm quite independent, and I do as much as I can for myself as often as I can, but I do tire of it and most certainly appreciate when others offer assistance. I, personally, am always reluctant to request assist because I don't want to bother others with any of the annoyance or frustration that is part of my experience.

I usually do an OK job of not letting it get to me, of just getting on with it, of accomplishing bigger and better things to ensure that the small annoyances are kept in perspective....

There are a few things I do struggle with, however, and I happen to feel like like sharing them.

I never wanted an artificial arm growing up.

I was never made aware, at any time, that there might be a cut off date for my decision. That I might not be able to get a useful artificial limb once I turned a certain age. I only discovered that when I looked into my options 18 months ago, seeking any possible improvements to my quality of life and any possible reduction to my frustration level. What I learned was that the government would not provide funding for me to be equipped with any sort of bionic limb as I was over 15 years old and apparently unlikely to get any beneficial use from it.

No health professional assessed my unilateral condition and prescribed exercises to balance my physique, nor did they suggest that lever length and weight bearing activity on my left hand side would be necessary to stimulate muscular development or bone growth. These are conclusions I've come to myself, now that I'm an adult and qualified health professional.

I need that blasted artificial limb and the plastic, immovable barbie arm will not cut it. I need something to balance me out, something of comparable weight to a real arm. Something that can GRASP, so that I can lift weights, or hold stuff to open lids or chop vegetables or carry things.

Constantly lifting with my right hand side, conducting frequent weight bearing activity, always through one single side of my body - its not good! I'm prone to frequent injuries caused by strain and overuse, my pelvis is unstable which impacts my knees when I run, my abs develop asymmetrically because of core compensation - if I were to list all the physical consequences we would be here until xmas 2010! 

The point of the story is, it took me a good while to swallow my pride and admit that I needed something more than what nature has granted me. In addition to my daily frustrations, it is further frustrating that if I am to procure a functional bionic limb, it would be to the value of a very large deposit on a very nice house in a lovely Sydney suburb from my own pocket, because no one bothered to tell me anything about anything as I was growing up this way.

I could throttle the general practice where I grew up. My parents were never offered any form of advice, consultation or referral on appropriate management of the development of limb deficient children. It came as a complete shock to everyone when the bone in my short left arm grew through the skin, creating infection, causing me tremendous pain and requiring surgery. In reality, it could easily have been predicted if I had effective management. I have no phalanges on the left hand side. Without creases in my elbow or knuckles on that side of my body, there was no way the skin could stretch to keep up with my bony growth spurt.

I don't want to moan, though. What I do want is to run. To ride. To climb. To lift. To lengthen my left trapezius and strengthen my latissimus dorsi. I need a functional lever in order to achieve these things and now I'm faced with the frustrations of not knowing where to turn and not being able to throw money at a solution.

I hope to find a solution to this pickle by the conclusion of 2010!

Thanks for reading :)

Yule and Yippee!

Boxing day is upon us and we're wrapping up from xmas 2009 - my best xmas yet!

Not because of gifts (though they were excellent and plentiful!), but because of the amount of joy happiness contained within one day.

I woke at 620am and quickly dressed. 30 short minutes later I embarked on an 8km run to my sister's house in Concord for xmas breakfast. It wasn't a great run, my body complained loudly, but I ran at my own lazy pace and enjoyed listening to a podcast, which I hadn't done in some time. It was the gift I wanted to give myself - the gift of a run listening to my body. I arrived at the same time as mum and Hayden, which was excellent and got all the presents inside. My sister laid on a delicious breakfast feast with all sorts of delicious xmas naughtiness, everything from traditional xmas slice and fruitcake to smoked chicken and cranberry sauce and mango lychee salad with gippsland yoghurt. I played with Angus, my nephew, for a long time, running around in the garden, hopping jumping squealing and skipping. Then at 10:30 it was time to come home.

I had a run sheet listing in detail all the things that needed to be prepared for our xmas party and Mum and Hayden were just exceptional at assisting in executing every preparatory step. Hayden had spent days in advance preparing the house and setting up, we had glazed the ham and made the stuffing and custard the night before, so on xmas day we just focused on preparing each dish in order at set times. It was all amazingly stress free.

Frank brought 4 dozen oysters and a kilo of the nicest prawns I've ever eaten, Claudia and Chandler brought white wines and a selection of hard cheeses, Lauren brought red wines and a selection of soft cheeses and Vanessa brought a smoked salmon and cream pastry for entree. Hayden and mum had prepared boccinci basil and kumato skewers, as well.

My menu of mains included all manner of roast vegetables in fresh rosemary and sea salt, steamed broccolini with toasted almonds, parmesan pear and rocket salad, blacked and ginger glazed ham and, of course, the turkey, which contained a mango and macadamia stuffing.

We were all completely stuffed but everything was so delicious! I served my famous and popular mango trifle for dessert. This was accompanied by duelling dessert wines - my lillypilly and Chandler's De Bortoli. No one had room for coffee, brandy snaps or even a shot of limoncello. My stomach screamed in agony and I knew I had pushed too far! So painful, moaning from being overstuffed - I had to change my dress!! I'm not proud to admit I crossed the line and ate far too much for my little tum to handle and committed in massive overindulgence. It felt really bad and I don't ever want to do it again! 

The cleanup was even easier. Everyone pitched in and 98% of the washing up was done and put away before our final guests left at 1130pm!

Today, however, I feel a bit like I've been hit by a truck. All I'm capable of is sitting here in my dressing gown. I have loads of admin and research to do though, and its not often that I get the opportunity to spend a day either on my bottom nor at home. Building up my business is consuming about 65 hours of my week, all of which are spent without net access. Next week, however, is looking particularly quiet, so I'm hoping to finalise details and prizes for the Debzillah 12 week challenge! But more on that later :)

Here, have a few photos.

 

  

 

Time to watch a movie and finish reading Born to Run :)

Merry Christmas Tigers! Xx

Bliss in Byron Bay

On Saturday October 24th, late in the morning after I had finished both my sessions at Personal Best Leichhardt and Shazzas Boot Camps, Hayden and I set off for a few days in Byron Bay.

I had planned on going to Byron for my first time in order to run the 10km lighthouse race, however my injuries from the half marathon had still not yet adequately recovered to allow me to cover the distance. So Hayden registered as well and we agreed to walk the course together.

We caught the regional bus from Ballina Airport and checked into our accommodation (Ruskin House) which was just lovely, and then set out to find Mongers for fish and chips. We ate them on main beach, which was super super gusty! We nearly got blown away :) We then rented 3 Colours Blue and later ventured out for late night ice cream and were again nearly blown away - but this time by the sheer quantities of raucous trash and bogans that descend on Byron Bay of a Saturday evening!

We were up before 6am on Sunday morning, in order to head in early and register for the Lighthouse Walk. After we collected our bibs and timing chips, we milled about the start line with about 500 people, then at 7am it was off - and for many - running! We had completed the strenuous, hilly and very picturesque walk by 830am. We collected out commemorative drink bottles, ate some watermelon and headed to The Balcony for breakfast. I had hot chocolate and brioche with lemon macadamia butter. Hayden had coffee and the big brekky. It was fab! Later, Hayden's sister (Mel), her partner (Dan) and their children dogs, collected us and took us to ocean shores beach. It was the middle of the day, though, and scorching hot, so we didn't last long. Then it was off for lunch at Yami's in Brunswick Heads. Delicious felafels, hummus and baba ganoush were plentiful and we left absolutely stuffed. 

Later, we went bushwalking around tallows head beach and had beautiful sunset cocktails at The Balcony. We picked up some gelato for the road and caught some live music at The Buddha Bar. Later we ate noodles from Noodle Box... Some things I shouldn't bother mentioning :P

Monday was chillout day... Kind of... After another early start for scuba diving, we got massages at Osho's House and saw UP! at the cinema. Later we went to Dish for their degustation dinner. They even did a special menu for me, as I'm pescetarian, with specially matched wines. It was AMAZING.

On Tuesday morning, I left Hayden sleeping in bed and donned my backpack. There were bushtrails I longed to walk (I hadn't seen the most easterly point of Australia yet!) and a swim in the ocean was in order, to cleanse me of the sins of the night before. I saw a man set out on his jog and sighed to myself wistfully "that sure looks like fun..." and I gave it a shot. I ran. It felt incredible. I cried with joy. I gleefully greeted everyone I passed with a chirpy "good morning!" and beaming smile. I didn't run the whole time, but whenever I felt I could, I did, and as I ran I listened to The Runners Round Table on my phone, which featured the amazing Kristen Armstrong... It was the best morning of my life. I felt connected, whole, stable, safe and FREE.

At the end of my run I cooled off in the water at Main Beach and trudged home in my towel and thongs. Breakfast at Bohemia concluded our visit to Byron... you can see what we ordered on facebook!

I can't WAIT to go back next year... I loved Byron. It was easily and by far the very best holiday I have ever had. In three days.

Check out the photos.

Xx Debzillah

Taking Stock

Just because I still can't run doesnt mean that life isn't wonderful! It definitely is. Just have a look at the weather we've been blessed with the last 2 days. 

I, in particular, have been blessed as I've been able to enjoy that weather fully. Yesterday I walked with Conny from The Spit to Manly and today I walked myself into Haberfield to check out Primavera - part of Crave Sydney. 

Yesterday's walk was long, hard, magnificent, spectacular and limitlessly rewarding - 11km in under 3 hours. It was also the last time I will see Conny until her return from Switzerland in January 2010. But today was pretty special in its own right.

I became familiar with my 'hood. I walked streets, tracks and paths that I didn't know and hadn't explored. I felt like an adventurer and it was awesome. I had set off after my team meeting at Personal Best and I discovered a new universe in my very own backyard. I enjoyed every moment of it, all on my own.

Had I only remembered to wear sunscreen whilst out walking in the middle of the day, I wouldn't have come home, fallen asleep and woken up reincarnated as a lobster. Oops.

In news of things foodie, Hayden and I have started a weekly trip to The Big Brekky. Its close to home, listed amongst the top ten cafes in Sydney, and for good reason. We're lovin' it. Hehehe. 

And looking further back, Wednesday evening we attended the Merivale Ash St Long Table Dinner - a 120 person communal dining experience as part of Good Food Month. It was INCREDIBLE. The best value meal we've ever had - $50 a head and the food was exceptional, bountiful and the wine flowed as if it were water.

Looking forward, tomorrow we'll be walking to check out Summer Hill Global Village and preparing for the week to come. I'm also hoping to go swimming with Trogdor.

Next Saturday we'll be off to Byron Bay and - GOOD NEWS! - my lovely physio says I'll be in shape to run the 10km!! I'll be slow, I'm sure, but I'll BE RUNNING!!! I'm so excited I could EXPLODE. Seriously. Put your rain coat on - there's real danger here.

Now that I'm onto the topic of running - which we all know I HATE discussing ehehehehe - listening to The Runner's Round Table podcast about barefoot running on Thursday afternoon whilst I walked from Wynyard to Leichhardt has me DESPERATELY hanging to get into the Vibram Five Fingers store in Waverly. As far as my xmas list goes, they are no. 1! I must find out my size. The podcast did inspire me to splurge and indulge myself in a copy of Born to Run, which should arrive in my hot little hands next week.

Now, as I'm so bummed about not having been able to participate in the World Wide Festival of Races last weekend, I am determined to actively participate in this years Sydney Summer Twilight Series and encourage you to join me! I'm thinking that Sunday Brunch runs will take place on the alternating weekends throughout summer and start at 8am to avoid heat stroke, with distances between 8 and 15km.

Llinos and I will be racing in the first annual Run4Fun at Homebush on November 8th - please have a look at participating, the best thing about running is the community. Be part of something bigger! There's no donation plate here...

Before I wrap it up, I have to give myself a bit of a plug. My domain has been registered and is currently under construction and a business is being built. The hard yards truly have begun.

A massive THANK YOU to all the people who have joined my Facebook group and fan pages! I'm completely ecstatic and overwhelmed by the support on there, but a business doesn't run on online fans alone. I need CLIENTS and I need to fill the group session I'm teaching, which are detailed on the fan page. Please come along to a class, refer me to a friend, or book in a PT trial session! The first one is free, how good is that?!

I should probably keep it shorter next time, huh?

<3

A Week Without Running...

Is, for me, a week without sunshine. I had a ten day hiatus from one of my favourite pass times, but judging from the poor results of Wednesday morning's run, it looks like a much much longer break may be necessary. My heart thuds resoundingly against the walls of my chest cavity, reflecting my deep horror at such a prospect...

What got me here?

Let me first begin with a happy announcement: I completed my first half marathon! But I probably shouldn't have...

(I'm going to interject here with a big shout out to Conny, Chandler, Claudia and Llinos - CONGRATULATIONS TEAMSTERS!)

I know where I went wrong. There were a couple of faux pas. I tried to get back into some pole training after 6 weeks off with very little warmup. I then ran into a wall. As a result, I displaced some ribs, as well as putting a few of my neck vertebrae out. I compounded the issue by insisting on continuing my training whilst injured. I then increased my training load dramatically 2 weeks out from the race. Boy, don't I feel silly. Because then I killed my knees, too.

I ran the half at my comfortable training pace and focused on my form. I ran with both knees strapped. They later swelled up like soccer balls and are yet to completely deflate. I have ice on them at this very moment! So that, unfortunately, rules me out of this weekend's 10k at Brighton.

I am, however, booked in for a weekend away in Byron Bay!! I'll be running the 10k Lighthouse race on Sunday, 25th October.

If I ever get time, I'd like to write a separate post about what muscular imbalances and disruptions to the kinetic chain caused my various injuries, how they can be prevented and how they will be resolved, because I'm the kind of girl that finds all that sort of stuff fascinating, but for now, I need to move along.

Just because I can't run doesn't mean I'm any less obsessed with running. I now have my HTC Touch Diamond 2 and we're getting along swimmingly. Feeling confident with technology, I decided to take the plunge and dive into the world of the podcast. I've been going on some long walks and have taken to listening to Running with the Pack, as well as the Runners Round Table. I am a zealous convert. It's official - Podcasts are made of all things win.

I've also added another blog to my list of favourites. I rank it as highly as Amelia Burton's, which is definitely high praise! If you get a chance, head on over to Cranky Fitness. I'm sure it will still be awesome despite the loss of one of its writers.

In other Deb news, yesterday I taught my first Stretch n Core class for ANC Health. Tomorrow morning I'll be taking my first Bootcamp session for them, also! This is in addition to my continuing involvement with Personal Best. Don't worry: there's enough of me to share!

More news as it comes to hand...

Yours in unwaning obsession,

Debzillah xx

Eat - Drink - Run - Well

I'm breaking a promise here, posting about running again instead of social activity. OOPS!
It's really important though...

For those of you joining us on tomorrow's run, make sure you have plenty of carbohydrates today, all day, to fuel you tomorrow, as well as carbs up to 830 tomorrow morning. Your task is to challenge your body to go the extra mile. You compensate by taking it extra slow, but you need to have the energy to do the distance. That energy is going to come from carbs, the slower burning the better.

I have extra oats in my breakfast porridge, a big double banana smoothie as a morning snack, sweet potato and 4 bean mix for lunch, a big hot chocolate in the afternoon and I'm having indian for dinner - basmati rice, daal AND naan. Om nom nom.

Plenty of whole grains, low gi rice, pasta, low gi starchy veg, fruit, dairy and juices will give you what you need. These are good guidelines to follow for anyone planning a distance run.

Ideally, for 2-3 days before a distance event, you should increase your carb intake from 4g/kg bodyweight to 7g/kg. I really struggle with this, but there you have it!

And don't forget - you're going to sweat. As little as a 2% decrease in hydration can negatively impact your performance exponentially, so get your 2L of water today, and refer back to this post for more details on pre event hydration strategies.

Go the morning coffee too - the caffeine will keep you focused! Be aware of how it impacts you as a diuretic, though.

See you tomorrow! Xx

Long Time No Blog...

It has been a while, hasn't it? My apologies!

Today I received my welcome package from Nuffnang, so it is with great embarrassment that I once again embark upon the adventure of regular blogging.

About running, a look into the future:

COME ONE COME ALL!

This weekend we're doing things differently. We're running on a Saturday (ooo, aaaah) and we're running at 945am!!

YOU can all sleep in!! This is actually to accommodate my work schedule, I'll be up from 5am, but enjoy the rest in my stead :)

To make up for it, can you meet me at my work? Personal Best, 356 Norton St Leichhardt, where Norton meets the city west link. We'll walk up the hill and then jog gently down the hill to the bay run, (cos my knees KILL) and you can drop off whenever and wherever you like!

The die-hards amongst us, and those training for the half marathon, will be running the following route:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/australia/leichhardt/467125055268187895

I have an event to dash off to afterwards (which I'm sure I'll feel like after running 18kms.. yeah) but I highly recommend the Perry St Cafe for a cuppa and brunch once you've had your trot. Its faaaaaaaaaabulous.

Here's an interesting piece on what makes us eat, courtesy of Amelia Burton (and time magazine)

Followed by a look into the past:

We ran almost 17km on Sunday morning. In heat and sun and wind, up hills and stairs and through throngs of people along the shore. I hurt then and I hurt still. I was out of action for a week with the flu and apparently my body is of the opinion that a spin class Friday night and a long run Sunday morning were too much and too soon. As a consequence, I'm unable to run with the Kirribilli Runners tonight, which I'm missing for the third time in a row and am very unhappy about. On the topic of things I'm unhappy about - my cat. She has taken to sitting on my keyboard and mauling me for typing instead of patting. I'm not sure how to remedy this behavior - because I just can't give pats all the time.

Anyway, my knees are very sore and so is my shoulder. That was definitely the toughest run of my life, the arm and the knees both hit me half way. Tonight I'm stuck running laps of the grass at Centennial Park... I hope I can make it all the way around on Saturday!

Next post will be about food and social activities, not running. Promise!

Talk to me, readers! Don't make me beg..

We Built This City on ROCK AND ROLL!

City2Surf, that is, which my crew rocked! Conny even rolled - her ankle, the poor dear.

Congratulations to all who participated on Sunday! What were your times and how did it feel?

I finished in 78:35 and I still hurt! This is largely due to the fact that I went to bootcamp last night when my body had definitely not yet recovered. It screamed abuse at me the entire time and this morning on my regular 7:15am run with Llinos from World Square around Mrs Macquarie's Chair, my legs were like lead. It was a difficult slow plod, but we'll come good.



My crew on the day were Conny, Mark Chandler, Claudia and Llinos who all came in under the 100 minute mark. In fact, I think if Chandler had run in the green group instead of the blue group and faced less human obstacles, he would have beaten me!

After the city2surf, Conny and I tried a deep fried mars bar:




It was gooey and squishy and made of junk food love, the likes of which I've never before eaten and will never eat again! Hahaha

I'm SO AMAZED with my time - It beat my expectations by HEAPS. This is largely thanks to the support of Conny who, despite having rolled her ankle in the first 5km, ran with me all the way and kept me focused. She is going to head back to Switzerland via asia at the end of the month and I will be so lost without her. ♥



ANYWAY, moving on (before I cry):

THIS SUNDAY AT 9AM we are meeting where Lilyfield Rd meets the bay run to do the bay to the quay in 14km. We've done this run before and it was really great! When we arrive in the rocks, its breakfast at Pancakes.

What a sweet, sweet reward!!

DONT BE AFRAID! This is a long slow distance run, we don't go any faster than 6 minute kms because the focus is on recruiting type 1 muscle fibres and getting our bodies really comfortable with running longer distances. For some of us, this is the beginning of a new adventure - training for the September Half Marathon!

But more on that later...

Who will I be seeing??

Xx Debzillah

A Big Week

What a week it has been! I finished the last of my Personal Training exams with a 95% result in Business. I should have my Professional Practice completed and ready to hand in by next Friday, as well. Otherwise, Monday.

Tuesday morning my gorgeous friend Pinky took me out for breakfast. We went to il Vizio in Leichhardt and it was FANTASTIC. I ordered the fresh fruit salad with muesli and yoghurt which was massive and the hot chocolate I had with it was the most luxurious I've seen outside a chocolate cafe! Pinky enjoyed the il Vizio breakfast of bacon, eggs and turkish with grilled tomato. She took photos, too. Now why didn't I think of that?

Thursday night Hayden took me out for the fondue chinoise at Suissotel restaurant JPB, as it was blogged on Grab Your Fork and the 2 for 1 special is ending. It truly does represent amazing value and was immensely enjoyable. Mustard fruits are indeed an oddity to be experienced!

Dinner preceeded the show "Meow to the World: Crisis is Born" which we saw at the Opera House Studios. Hilariously funny and beautiful, energetic and charismatic, Meow Meow was fantastic. The only problem was that the show started at 930pm - when I'm normally going to sleep. It was an uphill battle keeping my eyes open.

The food adventure continued yesterday, when I met my legendary mates of FIA fame, Lauren Albon and James Raftos, for lunch at Corelli's, Newtown. We had intended to meet at Macro Cafe, but found to great dismay that it had closed!! We all enjoyed the fish of the day - grilled Barramundi with mango salsa. It was an absolute delight.

Last night I performed an energetic jazz/exotic routine to Suck My Kiss by RHCP at the "Nothing to Wear" designer markets in Newtown. My preparation for this was pretty last minute, but it came together in the end. If only there had been more people there for me to infect with my bounciness! Thanks though, to my fine friends that did attend.

Pre-performance I have a sugar-hit ritual. Courtesy of Hayden, last night this was a triple chocolate mousse cake on a cheesecake base. Pinky got me a soy mocha to go with it. After the show, Cecil, Mark, Conny, Llinos, Hayden and I headed to Saray for the finest Pides Sydney has to offer :).

This afternoon, Hayden and I will be joined by Matt and Tammy for 2 for 1 mains at the Red Oak boutique brewery. This is a lead up to 2 events - the first being a performance by the Tigerlillies at the Opera House Studios yet again; the second a visit to Baskin Robbins for their two NEW flavours of sugar free ice cream!!

OM NOM NOM NOM NOM!!

Don't worry, I did an aerobic power training session yesterday morning and did the bay run after work this morning. I work for my food safari!

After tomorrow's 15km run with my running group (2 weeks to city2surf guys!), I'll be heading in to Balmain with Avanti and Swah for treats of the Adriano Zumbo variety...

Watch this space ;)

Xx Deb

Full of Freebies!

The problem with me and blogging is that I have so many things to rant about and such little time and by the time I have time to blog about these things the cumulative list is so extensive I know that there's no point blogging about all of it because no one wants to read mountains of endless text based ranting. I guess its a moot point because this blog only has one follower anyway.

In the past week I passed both my nutrition and resistance training exams for my cert IV. A pretty good feeling.

I have started working at Personal Best Training Studios in Leichhardt. I think my boss is pretty awesome and I like that he has a lot of faith in me.

Thursday night we dined at Chophouse, for their amazing $18 roast deal. Yesterday was impromptu visiting of Cove for strawberry cheesecake and Zumbo's patisserie for an as yet unnamed cake purchase and delicious macaroons.

Today, after completing a 10km run between Clovelly and North Bondi, Hayden and I went to the Good Food and Wine show where we ate ourselves stupid and have come home painfully stuffed. FOR FREE. I was even gifted free bananas by the lovely lady at the eco banana stand.

Hot damn there were some tasty treats. We saw Matt Moran make tempura prawns, a chicken thing and a raspberry tart. He's a funny dude. I saw Manu at the Campbell's Real Stock stand, but he didnt even look up :( I wanted to say hi! I didn't see Chocolate Suze or her mum, but I did score a subscription to BBC's Good Food with a copy of a Gordon Ramsay cook book, courtesy of Hayden.

And with his bonus, my lovely boyfriend has ordered me a new camera. Another Lumix, but this time 12MP and with 3 years warranty in case we face similar mechanical failure. This means that soon my blog posts and adventures will be accompanied by photos, awesome and maybe even a dash of win!

Now if only our internet hadn't been shaped...

Upcoming performances: Fashion Pop Up Store, July 24th, Newtown
Hellfire Club, August 21, The GAF, Darlinghurst.

I guess for posterity I should mention on my blog that I wont the title of Miss Amateur Pole Dance 2009. It came with a trophy and $1000 prize money. That paid for my car insurance. W00t.

Madlove to kittens,

Xx Debzillah

Training Run Calendar

There are only 5 training runs until the practice race and the big one, so tell me now if there are particular days that are better than others.

Here are the dates and distances to be ever conscious of:

RACE: Sunday, August 9th - City2Surf - 14km
RACE: Sunday, August 2nd - Bay Run - 7km

TRAINING: Sunday, July 26th - Centennial Park to Waverly loop - 12km - MAP
Sunday, July 19th - Bay to Quay in 14Km
Sunday, July 12th - Centennial Park with Queen St Hill - 11km - MAP
Sunday, July 5th - Clovelly SC to North Bondi SC - 10km - MAP
Sunday, June 28th - Centennial Park External Loop - 8km - MAP

Great run yesterday, guys. You're definitely ready to step it up. We will be meeting at the same time and place next Sunday.

City2Surf Training Update

For my running group.

As long as I have recovered from this wretched cold, training will be on this SUNDAY AT 830AM. We'll be taking training to the next level, moving away from the 7km Bay Run (until the race day - August 2nd) and into Centennial Park.

REMINDER: please advise me if you would like to register for the Bay Run as part of the group to receive discounted entry!

The meeting point is inside the gate at Martin Rd, just off Lang Rd:

Google Map here.

There is plenty of on street parking and if you want a lift, let me know, I'm all for car pooling.

The run will be a 3km warm up on the inside grass track followed by a 5km circuit incorporating a hill, making a total of 8kms. You are welcome to join only for the 3 or the 5, up to you.

Please be mindful that the aim of the session is a long slow distance run. You need to be doing your own fartlek or high intensity interval training through the week to improve your speed. The aim of the slow distance run is to recruit type 1 slow twitch muscle fibres and for mitochondria, increasing aerobic and cardiovascular comfort. This is not speed work, but it is the corner stone on which any speed work must always be based.

FOOD/DRINK BEFORE A DISTANCE RUN.

• Ensure proper hydration the day before the run as well as plenty of carbs through the day, then finally eat a high carbohydrate dinner to ensure your glycogen stores are full.
• An hour before the run you need to have had 2 x 300ml of water and a carb snack such as half a banana, toast - whatever you can stomach, again to ensure your glycogen stores are prepared for distance training.
• Caffeine does enhance performance but have your coffee or tea before the water and be aware of any diuretic effect.
• If you pee when you wake up and again before you leave home, you should be right for the duration of the session.

This is something you need to start experimenting with now so that you are comfortable with what works best for you BEFORE we get to race day.

A Day of Both Firsts and Lasts

Seeing as I have this blog, I should probably post something to it. I'm a bit worried that once I start writing, I'll never stop - I'm simply so out of the blog habit.

So here I am. Sitting at home about to go to bed, having finished my ginger and lemon tea. I have a cold. This is annoying as in 48 hours time I will be performing in the semi finals of the Oxford Tavern Amateur Pole Competition. Tomorrow holds many hours of rehearsal and a photoshoot at the Kirk on the heart lyra...

But today? Today was the last day of my course at the Fitness Institute of Australia - Certificate IV in personal training. I've grown used to my weekly routine of heading in there and have loved the lectures and really value the new friends I've made - especially Loz... Its the end of a chapter in one sense, but in truth the work is only just beginning.

There's one good thing about having a cold and that's that I get to attempt to consume my own bodyweight in laksa. I believe they have magical cold-curing properties. Yesterday after class I wandered into Chinatown to visit the Happy Chef and ordered one extra hot.

Today I visited the Sam Satay Cafe in Surry Hills for the first time and tried their laksa. Both very different laksas, very good, but my favourite is still from Malacca Straits in the eatery on Pitt St under Woolworths.

Sam Satay's cafe opened 4 months ago and is super funky and cool. Retro and ecclectic tunes pumped through the sound system and, as I helped the manager navigate facebook, I learned that a David Caradine tribute film night was being held there tonight. How cool! Definitely one to visit again. Maybe next time I'll be the owner of one functional camera and be able to take pictures!

I also had my first job interview for a personal training position. I'm pretty comfortable with my interview performance, but this is still a very interesting time for me - the future is uncertain and exciting!

Well I think that's quite long enough for my first post - I don't want to get any form of overuse injury such as runner's knee or what have you. Til next time!