COMRADES MARATHON 2008 WEEK 8: Frustration

"We can't become what we need to be
by remaining what we are"
Oprah Winfrey

Lack of being organised this week has resulted in a poor end to the week. On monday night I went up to Toowoomba, some 120km from Brisbane. It is a great place to run around with lots of steep hills. One day I need to go run the range which has a 4km hill, but unfortunately the only road is the highway with no footpath.
On getting back to Brisbane I have struggled to get organised and into my routine, however it is no excuse for missing 3 days in a row. I find it hard when I miss 1 or 2 days. Unfortunately the majority of my miles are run friday to sunday, so missing out here is bad for my total mileage. With just over 7 months to June, time is starting to get more critical. Once January comes round I can't afford to miss many sessions, and this effectively gives me 2 months to ensure I have a strong base. Gotta make next week count and get back to 100km.

Training for week Mon 22 Oct - Sun 28 Oct
Mon 15 Oct	7km intervals, 1 hour total trainer
Tues 16 Oct	15km in Toowoomba
Wed 17 Oct	15km
Thurs 18 Oct	rest
Fri 19 Oct	rest
Sat 20 Oct	rest
Sun 21 Oct	12km
Weekly mileage	49km

"The greatest battles of life are fought out daily
in the silent chambers of the soul"
David McKay

COMRADES MARATHON 2008 WEEK 7: Rest, recovery and inspiration

"You must have a long-range vision to keep you from
being frustrated by short-range failures"
Charles Noble

This week I had high hopes of pushing hard but early in the week I started experiencing a sore right foot, not sure what had set it off. It could have been a small strain from overstretching it, something quite likely the way I often lose my footing or miss my step somewhere. It started off around the 5th metatarsal which is a common site for stress fractures and my biggest fear. Anything else I can deal with, rest I cannot!
So a couple of days rest was the order of the day and then with the rugby world cup final I decided that a few days recovery wasn't a bad thing. I managed 26 days in a row so I was happy with that.
And the brilliant Springbok victory was extemely inspiring. It shows the value of long-term vision and what can be achieved when you believe in a wonderful cause/country.

Training for week Mon 15 Oct - Sun 21 Oct
Mon 15 Oct	6km intervals, weights 30' cycle, 15' crosstrainer
Tues 16 Oct	20km
Wed 17 Oct	15km, weights
Thurs 18 Oct	2 hours total trainer
Fri 19 Oct	rest
Sat 20 Oct	rest
Sun 21 Oct	rest
Weekly mileage	42km

"It's okay if you fall down as long as you learn something as you get up"John C Maxwell

COMRADES MARATHON 2008 WEEK 6: Taking it easy

"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up"
Babe Ruth

This week was designed to be an easier week to allow a bit of recovery from the high mileage. Although the runs were shorter and faster, they weren't any easier and the body was still knacked!
It was pleasing to run 5 PB's out of 6 runs indicating I am getting fitter and faster.
Met a guy this week who has run 11 Comrades. His advice was that "Comrades is all in the mind not the body". But the training will determine how fast I am able to run and what I will feel like at the end of it. Gotta keep working hard and pushing on...

Training for week Mon 8 Oct - Sun 14 Oct
Mon 8 Oct	6km intervals 1 hour total trainer
Tues 9 Oct	15km
Wed 10 Oct	10km weights
Thurs 11 Oct	2 hours total trainer
Fri 12 Oct	32km
Sat 13 Oct	10km, weights
Sun 14 Oct	12km
Weekly mileage	85km

"It's not what we do once in a while that counts,
but our consistent action"
Anthony Robbins

COMRADES MARATHON 2008 WEEK 5: Need sleep!

"The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today"
H Jackson Brown

This week has been a great week, having achieved the mileage I set out to do and backing up after a strong week previously. Mind you it hasn't been easy as my body has been tired. When I get up I start doing my Abs with my eyes shut!
At least I can look forward to an easy week of training next week.
I had planned to run the Toowoomba marathon in 2 weeks time as my comrades marathon qualifier, but I just found out it is not an IAAF accredited race, so now I may have to wait till the Canberra marathon in april to qualify. I hadn't wanted to leave it too late but don't have many options.

Training for week Mon 24 Sept - Sun 30 Sept
Mon 24 Sept	7km intervals 1 hour total trainer, 30'cycle
Tues 25 Sept	20km
Wed 26 Sept	15km, weights
Thurs 27 Sept	2 hours total trainer
Fri 28 Sept	44km
Sat 29 Sept	10km, 30' total trainer, weights, 50' cycle
Sun 30 Sept	20km
Weekly Mileage	116km

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift"
Steve Prefontaine