Day 111-116 I need to keep focused now



Sprinting through the home gate



The "new" running gear, Sorry Megan, bit late posting the pics!

I've been running for shorter distances every second or third day since my 1st 5km a couple of weeks ago (Day 101) but thought on Day 115 I'd go for another 5km. It is a late April, Easter week-end and it predicted a cool drizzle on Sunday. However, to everyone's surprise it showed up as a beautiful, clear blue sky day which I thought would be perfect for a run! However, it was the hottest temp that I have run in - at 25C.
I set out late afternoon on a new route from the Clocktower in New Brighton and headed north along the dune track next to Marine Parade and then continued on a circuit east up Bowhill Road, then through the golf course back towards home. I was very optomistic that I could knock off another 5km. However, I was hit by the heat and got incredibly thirsty. I grabbed a slurp of water at a water fountain in the golf course (thank goodness that was there or I was done!!). I carried on running, puffing very heavily and decided to cut back on the planned distance. Headed for home and through the gate clocking in 3.5km in 30 minutes.

Not a bad effort really - back in January that would have been a miracle effort!! But it is not what I had set out to do 4 months on so am feeling disappointed in myself. I think it may have to do with one too many glasses of wine, one too many hot cross buns and several too many chocolates eggs - indulging in too many Easter treats that slugged me down. There's also the poor sleeps - waking at 2am and wandering around the house in a post earthquake/aftershock daze. Reading till 5am then catching a bit of shut eye till 6 or 7am. Not the best training regime I suppose.

I have lots of excuses but the bottom line is that I have gotten a bit complacent about my efforts and need to re-focus so that I can do my 60th birthday run easily and effortlessly - no matter what the conditions.

That's the problem with going public on something like this. Lots of people now know about this! Many have been so supportive. I don't want to disappoint anyone - especially myself! I really want to finish what I set out to do and so May is the month to consolidate and get  more serious about this.

Judy Thoughts: I am visualising the run on my 60th birthday. Friends and family have gathered to support me. At 3pm we walk to the start line - the New Brighton clocktower. I set out running with Bruce by my side as well as anyone else who may like to join in on foot or bike. There is somone with a sign at each 1km distance cheering me on, a cup of water ready for me to take up on the way past to refresh me if I need it. I easily run the 5km circuit and sprint through the gate breaking through the "Finsh Line" ribbon . Everyone is cheering and congratulating me.  Lots of high fives and sweaty hugs all round. I feel very happy and proud that I have acheived my goal. I head off to do my stretches, shower and change while everyone else is ready to have a drink and share a meal together. We enjoy an evening of good fun, food and friendship.

Day 105-110 Running and chatting... this is getting easier!

I've had a couple of runs with Bruce since my last lone run. I really do enjoy having my mate alongside me - and up to now we have had a catch-up while we walk to warm up and then there is simply the comfortable sound of his feet hitting the ground alongside me with an occassional comment from him. However, I noticed that with these last runs I am actually chatting to Bruce from time to time - and THAT took me by surprise!! Up until now, there was no way I would waste my breath on talking!! In fact, I don't think I COULD have talked beyond a few gasps of things like ... 10 minutes now! ...  20 minutes! Yeah!! Pant, pant...  However, this development shows me that I've reached a new comfortable level with my lung capacity.

Oh yes, I had a root canal done yesterday. Oh, joy. I was knocked flat for the rest of the day. However, today I was out there running the circuit. Makes me think I have some resilience stored up to help me bounce back from a physical trauma like an hour and a half in the dentist chair!

Judy's Thoughts: This is getting easier! What a journey!

Day 102- 104 So what comes next? Explore what 5km means.

Thanks everyone for your messages of congratulations about running my 1st 5km! 40 minutes of non-stop running seems like a miracle to me! I am surprised at how many people expressed that there had never been any doubt in their mind that I could do it. I sure had doubts but I guess it was me putting in the km's and feeling the un-cooperative lungs in the beginning!

And the main question from people seems to be - now that you've achieved your goal, what comes next? 6km? 10km? half marathon?!

I've been thinking this through quite a bit and realise that I actually haven't yet reached my goal. My goal is to run 5km on 4th June this year - my 60th birthday. To do that I will have to keep up the commitment to running regularly. I have no desire to increase the distance or length of time I spend in my pretty shoes (now a bit dusty and worn!)  However, I can explore what 5km means to me and try out the various ways that it can be done. Faster? Effortlessly? Uphill? Over different terrain? Alone? In an organised race? In another country? With music wired into my ears? Any other ideas?

So today I headed out by myself and chose to run for a shorter distance. I missed my running buddy and found that running alone isn't so much fun or interesting.

Judy's Thoughts: So how many differnet ways can I run 5kms? And, I can always change my mind and go for a marathon. Now wouldn't that ... well, words fail me!

Day 99-101 Pier to pier and beyond. Did my 5km!!! 40 minutes!!

Wow! I've done it and I am about 2 months ahead of my goal date of 4 June!!

Today I decided that I'd start at the New Brighton Pier and do a circuit to arrive back at it. I stayed on roads so that I could actually measure the distance accurately in the car afterwards. I was aiming to extend myself to 35 minutes today and maybe get close to 4km.

So (for those who know the area) Bruce and I walked to the New Brighton Pier. I don't want to run on the beach cause I think that the slight slope hurts my left knee so I started my run at the clock tower which is even with the pier. We ran down Marine Parade to Bridge Street up to Estuary Road  and over to Shackleton, down to Marine Parade and back to the clocktower. I got to my goal of 35 minutes and felt ok so decided to go for 40 minutes! That took me down to Rawhiti Avenue to the house we used to live in on Marine Parade. Seemed like an auspicious end point to me. I even sprinted the final minute or so! I think I had a bit more in me but decided that was enough for today. The 20 minute walk home was a great warm down and chance to celebrate my achievement. 40 minutes!! Lots of good stretching when I got home too.

When I drove around the route later it was exactly 5km!! What a buzz that has been for me!

Judy Thoughts: This is amazing! I feel a paradigm shift has occurred in me. 3 months ago I believed this event was simply not possible. My head said no way - Judy this is crazy. My almost 60 year old body rebelled and did not respond very quickly. However, many people told me it was possible. I saw that others, though starting younger,  had done it. I decided to trust in the process and carried on. But there was huge doubt in me that I could make my body run for 40 minutes. From non-runner to runner ... I get it now!  And if I can do this ... what else that seems impossible now is actually possible!

Day 96-98 Up to 30 minutes of running non-stop now!!!

Two rest days and then headed out with Bruce. Not expecting too much as I'd had a restless, sleepless night with an earthshake or two to keep us aware that it's not all over yet. I also kept thinking about the decisions to be made now about stay? leave? where to from here? fixing damaged properties? Not my usual middle of the night thoughts really.

Anyway, I set out with an open mind about how far and how long. I now know that it takes me about 5 - 10 minutes of pushing just to get my lungs opened up and working. Then I can chug along fairly comfortably. So, once I did an 11 minute walk and my running was well under way ... I just kept going - and never stopped till I was home!! Whew! It was about 3.5km - shorter than my usual 5km circuit cause the walkway was blocked off while repair work is being done. And just the right length to get me home - sprinting through the gate in 41 minutes.

Having my "running buddy" is a big help. I am very grateful that Bruce is willing to trot along beside me on shorter (for him) runs to keep me company. He is totally supportive of everything I decide to do. And there is absolutely no pressure from him to push or acheive to "his" expectations. He may make a comment from time to time about his experience of becoming a runner - which may or may not be relevant to me and I can take it and use it - or leave it. This is entirely my experience and he's there to enjoy it with me. It is often very comforting hearing his feet thudding along just behind me on the narrow dune track. And he says just enough positive things about my running style and pace to help me see myself from the outside and feel good.

Judy Thoughts: Guess what - I am actually enjoying this running caper now! And look forward to each experience to see what happens. Oh yes, an added bonus that I hadn't really set out to do but thought might happen along the way. I have "released" 2kg (= approx 4.5lbs)! Wouldn't mind another 3kg disappearing as well. At this rate it may all just take care of itself.

Day 91 - 95 Another push! 25 minutes of running!!

Wasn't up to too much on Friday (Day 92) after some morning dental work that left me exhausted. Even the next day I took as a recovery day. A bit of pain sure takes it out of me. However, I was lucky to have a lovely place to recover in cause we spent the week-end at our friends' organic farm north of the city. We shooed them away for a break and took over the feeding of the chickens and geese and watering of the winter seedlings. We also had a chance to do some "nana sitting" - an elderly parent whose home was damaged from the earthquake is now living at the farm and we kept her company, enjoying some meals together and sharing stories and some good laughs.

By Sunday (Day 94) I was up for a run in the fresh country air and headed down the lane. 10 minutes of walking on gravel lanes to a main road then - yes! 25 minutes of running!!! Turned around after 10 minutes and trotted on back. Then about 8 minutes back to home base. Driving out that night we measured the running distance at about 3km. So I am definitely getting close to my 5km goal! I am very excited about that - and proud of myself.

Judy Thoughts: Yes, I can almost hear those people who said that my body would surprise me saying "I told you so"! And I don't mind. I love this kind of surprise!

Day 89 - 90 Another 20 minute burst!!

I was on my own today. Bruce was busy in my preferred afternoon run time and he did his run earlier in the day. So I geared up for a run on my own about 3pm. Was feeling good and ready to have a go at ...  a new personal best?!! As I chugged along I did think it would be great to get home and be able to share with Bruce that I had run for 25 or 30 minutes non-stop. However, after a 10 minute warm-up walk and 20 minutes of running I was feeling some strain in my hamstrings into my buttocks and thought that was a great effort and walked again. I was always checking out the state of my mind and body. I could feel my mind scattering away on me from time to time which affected my breathing so I kept working at focusing myself with a rhythmic "mantra" again which relaxed me and helped me carry on. I am prepared to push myself while also staying a bit cautious. Still, I felt quite proud of myself that I am actually running for 20 minutes now.

Judy Thoughts: I have come a LONG way from puffing and having to walk after just 2 minutes!!

Day 88 Why not just keep running till you get home?

Well, today marked a new high in my running efforts! Two things happened and I have my wonderful Bruce to thank for each of them.

We had done a 12 minute warmup walk along the beach during which my thoughts ran along the lines of - I haven't been sleeping well (earthquake excuse), I'm not really up for any great effort and maybe I just have a good brisk walk today and say that's a good enough.

Then I ran for 15 minutes. And felt a bit disappointed in myself. Should have got to 20 again. Oh well. Walked for 5 minutes. Reluctantly broke into a run and somewhere in the next 5 minutes Bruce could feel me struggling and suggested I find a rhythm to concentrate on. I immediately came up with the phrase (and this is going to sound really far out and hippy dippy to many) "I love you" and kept repeating that in time to my running. 8 beats to the "mantra" equal to 8 running steps. (I x2, love x2, you x4) Well that carried me through. I thought - what more powerful and uplifting thought is there than love! It really made me feel strong.

So we came to the sandbagged area and walked over that - didn't want to turn an ankle on very uneven surface at this point. I had thought I'd just walk home from there. But then broke back into a run - just for another 5 minutes I thought, then it was, well, just get to the bridge, the gate, the road ...at which point Bruce casually said - why not just keep running till you get home?

Ok. I checked myself out and I was breathing well, loping along fairly easily, maybe it wasn't that far to go ...  so I just kept going - another 10 minutes of running (with the "I love you" rhythm supporting me) and I even did a final sprint along the road through the gate to home!! 30 minutes of running all up. 18 minutes of walking. I really think I'm going to be able to do this 5km run by 4 June!!

Judy Thoughts: The combined power of thought and a loving partner supports me towards my goal.

Day 81 - 87 20 minutes non-stop running!!

Just realised I have entered Week 13 which means I have completed 3 months of training! Haven't I done well!! Pat, pat on my back!

I've been alternating days of running and resting for the past week. Often getting to the 15 minute mark mixed with lots of 5 and 10 minute bursts within the 5km loop. Then two days ago I set out thinking it was time for another push. That meant running for 20 minutes non-stop. And I did!!! Bruce and I set off in a different direction altogether. I was ready for a change from our usual loop. We thought we'd run along the river walkay to the north but found it was taped off and we could see from the bridge that the walkway was very severely damaged from the earthquake. So we swung along through the park and golf course and headed "cross country" then back through New Brighton. So I even got a bit of mild hilly golf course territory to puff along over.

A very fit and experienced runner friend recently suggested I get rid of the watch and just go for a run. However, my running watch has been a vital part of my training. I realise I have no sense yet of running distance or time. I know that the watch does not lie and helps me keep track of how I am doing. It would be so easy to say I've gone far or long enough but the watch helps me measure and pace and push myself. Come on it says to me - just two more minutes and you'll set a new personal best. So I'll use it as a tool until I reach my birthday goal and then maybe run differently.

Judy Thoughts: Did you hear that?!! Sounds like I may keep running even after my birthday!!

Day 75-80 Running at Hanmer Springs

I've had a good variety of activity this week. I ran with Bruce the day before leaving for Hanmer Springs and we took the Estuary Pathway together even though it was still "blocked off". We found a whole section had been sandbagged quite extensively in preparation for the full moon "king tide" due on the week-end. It was done to help prevent flooding of the properties by the river. I'll have to go back there when we return to check out if the effort was successful. I haven't seen any news reports of flooding.

Friday we headed out of town for a break from all the shaking. I haven't been sleeping well - along with most of the city I think! Being woken up by your house shaking violently is very frightening. I still keep solar lights scattered around the house at night so I can see without fumbling around for a torch if I need to act quickly ie.get out of the house! We have a checklist for a quick getaway that I go through before going to bed each night. It includes clothes and shoes on the floor beside me to grab on the way out. What a way to live, eh?! There is always an edge for me through the day as well - the sense that at any moment the earth could heave up again and throw me around. Once having experienced that terrible feeling, I find it hard to shake off - so to speak!

So yes, I organised us a shake-free break in beautiful, peaceful Hanmer Springs. This is 2 hours north of Christchurch which puts us closer to the Alpine Fault I know - but surely that won't pop on us while we're here?!! That would be too cruel!

And I think it is just coincidence that we are here on the week-end the the "Moon Man" predicted a major event in Canterbury - but I'm glad to be out of it "just in case" the man's theories have some validity. Also, I have two friends who have a psychic ( http://conniehdeutsch.com/ ) who rather acurately forewarned them about both big Christchurch earthquakes as well as the event in Japan. And she has been saying get out of the area now ... another major event is imminent. Both friends have packed up and left Christchurch. This sort of information is playing with my fear level in a big way. We have extended our stay in Hanmer by a couple of days. I'm just not ready to go back to the city.

Back to the running - a great release! And what a fabulous place to run! We have been going along the Dog Stream Walk which takes us through the forest. And I am going well. Saturday I ran for 10 minutes, then another 5 minutes after a 5 minute walk. I always end with a sprint through the "finish line" - this time through the gate entry to of our chalet unit.

That evening I had an amazing "Hot Stone" 80 minute massage. The therapist used 52 hot stones with warm oil to give me a deep heat massage. The small ones between my toes were a surprise and a delight! God, the whole experience was wonderful!! I highly recommend having a go sometime!

Sunday we took our bikes on a mountain bike trail - the "Easy Rider" track. A reasonable challenge for me given I haven't really ridden for many years beyond down the road for 5 minutes. And I was on Alana's sturdy old mountain bike from high school days - very dusty and rusty. Had a couple of hairy moments but it was exciting and fun.

Today I did my best run effort yet. Ran for 15 minutes, walked for 5, then ran for 9 1/2 minutes to the end of the track. Bruce says I should count it for 10 cause it was a gradual uphill! I also did the usual sprint "through the gate" at the end. Very satisfying and a great stress easer. After a light meal we ended the evening at the hotpools. They have been upgraded in a major way with lots more choices of heat levels and self-hydro therapy spa treatments. Oooooo.... such luxury!! Makes the running training all worth while.

Day 72-74 15 minutes!! A new breakthrough!

A couple of rest days - then off to see what would happen. To be honest, I was very tired. I even had a nap before heading out. I am not sleeping well. The nightly aftershocks and the memeories of the earthquake have my nerves all jangled up and the more recent events in Japan have my fears of tsunamis at a new level (we live on the coast).  I also spent this morning at "The Club" - the Day Centre for people with dementia where I was when the big 6.3 struck 3 weeks ago. I drove around in the van picking up people and saw parts of the stricken city that I hadn't seen before. The roads were often like a war zone - and we kept having to find ways around the worst hit areas. It was very distressing for me. Seeing the devastation - I kept wanting to cry. My shoulders and neck tighter than I have ever felt them.

So after I was home for awhile and had a nap - let's see what a run will do.  I was not very optomistic but I thought even just getting out for a brisk walk would help. However, after my usual 10 minute walk warm-up I started running and reminded myself of the goal I had set last time - to run to a new milestone - the start of the Estauary Walkway. 10 minutes went by and I said to myself - just keep on going and see what happens. I reached the milestone and decided to keep on going. Why not carry on to the 15 minute mark. So I did!! Another breakthrough!!

A bit of a setback happened when I tried to do my usual circuit and a big orange sign blocked my way and said that the Eastuary walkway was closed and to take an alternate route. When Bruce and I had run along this walkway by the Avon River the last couple of times we had seen the huge cracks and displacement of earth and were prepared to move quickly away from the river if there was a sizable aftershock. Much of the riverbank in other areas through the city have fallen into the river, I guess they must have decided it was actually a danger - and hopefully they are working on repairing it.

Judy's Thoughts: I have made progress. Running for a 15 minute stretch. And what really excites me - I was breathing well and know I could have carried on. And chose not to. Again, pacing and chunking the effort to be safe and injury free.

I am feeling devastated by recent events. My heart  is very much with all the people who have lost loved ones in Christchurch and Japan. This running effort has become a coping mechanism to help me get through this terrible time.

Day 71 Hot water determines run time

The timing of my run today revolved around hot water - or the lack thereof in our household due to the earthquake. Here's the story...we now have both power and water coming into our house. But because our 200 litre hot water cylindar popped out of its brackets during the earthquake and started slipping down the roof along with the solar panels, I had to get it emptied really quickly to reduce the weight so it could be lifted and strapped back in place and - until we get water back into it and the solar panels back on the roof we have no hot water. We now wait for the plumbers to become available to reinstall the system and I think we may be way down on our damaged city's list of priority jobs.

So with no hot water for awhile, keeping cleans requires a bit more effort. I know, I could be brave and wash in cold showers. But hot water is just so much more comforting and feels more cleansing. So we either heat water up on our gas hob and sluice ourselves down standing in a bin in our bathtub. We can use a solar shower bag but it just doesn't do it for me. Or we take up the generous offer from friends who offer us their hot water services.

So back to the run ...  Having my usual morning shower to wake up and then a shower later in the day after a late afternoon run (my preferred time) just seemed excessive so I compromised with no morning shower (a hot cloth in critical areas did the trick) and a noon run followed by a shower at friends. They also have a spa pool so I was really blissed out by the end of the day!

The run itself? Bruce and I went out together and I did another 10 minute burst with three lots of 5 minutes as well!! So 25 minutes of running for the 47 minute run/walk circuit felt great! I wore the heart monitor today as well - while running my heart rate would be up in the high 140's and quite quickly go back down towards 100 while walking. After stretching it was back down to the usual 60's range at rest. I think that's about right for where I'm at now.

Judy's Thoughts: I'll extend that 10 minute burst next time out. I decided today on the next milestone to run to. I'm learning to consciously relax when I feel myself tense up with the effort of breathing. And trust that the next breath will be there for me. I really am getting the hang of this now and know that I can run continuously for whatever it takes to cover the 5km. It's just a matter of building up to it gradually and safely.

Day 68-70 Breakthrough! 10 minutes non-stop!

Yesterday I headed out feeling a need to breathe deeply - release some of this pent up earthquake "living on the edge - every moment on high alert" stress. I did the usual 10 minute brisk warm-up walk. Then I started running with the thought that I'd go further than ever before - all the way to Bridge Street. Once there I was feeling ok so just carried on till I hit the 10 minute mark! I concentrated on my breath and relaxing. When my breath became a struggle I could feel myself tensing up with the effort so I consciously relaxed my shoulders, chest and arms and the air was able to flow into my lungs deeply. Feeling pretty proud of myself!!

Judy's Thoughts: I feel like I have broken through a barrier - both physical and mental.  I can actually see myself running non-stop for 30 minutes now. After all, it is only doing what I did 2 more times!

Day 62-67 Earthquake inertia then a run!

Every day I've thought about going for a run. But the day to day earthquake survival activities in our eastern suburbs seemed to fill the hours until it was dark again. Amazing the physical and psychic energy it takes to live with no power, water or toilets for 2 weeks. And always being on high alert of preparedness just in case we have a repeat of that awful day when Mother Nature shook our lives apart. A friend asked me to post my "emergency getaway list" and will do that on a separate post.

Yesterday, late in the day, I decided to get on my running gear and see what would happen. I was apprehensive. I hadn't run for 3 weeks. 1 week of illness and 2 weeks of coping within a national disaster. Would I be back to square zero and have to build my fitness level up from scratch? Such a discouraging thought kept me from even trying. Would the incredibly high stress and deep sadness I have been feeling make extending myself difficult? even harm me? Crazy thoughts maybe but this was what was going on in my head.

Bruce came with me and I set the direction and pace. The run/walk combination suited him as he is still adjusting to his vibram five-finger running shoes - barefoot running - so needs to keep his running shorter as his feet and legs get used to a new style of movement.

We did a 10 minute brisk walk along the top of the dunes then moved down onto the flat inner dune walkway to do my usual loop. When I moved into a run and was able to keep going for a 5 minute burst I felt surprise, relief and delight! I carried on alternating walking and running with a final fast sprint through the gate to home!

Judy Thoughts: I have learned more about how my body works. I found I could carry on from where I left off 3 weeks ago with a fair bit of residual fitness intact. So if there should be another break in training, I will feel confident that my body will respond well. However, the activity felt so good that I am looking forward to my next outing and giving the training high priority. And I feel happy knowing that 5km by my birthday can be achieved after all.

Day 53 - 61 Christchurch 6.3 Earthquake - running training forgotten

22 Feb, Tuesday morning. I headed out to do my usual volunteer time at a Day Centre for people with dementia, the Harakeke Club. I intended to get back to a running schedule that afternoon cause I was feeling better after my bout of illness. However, 9 minutes before I was meant to leave, at 12:51, the building seemed to explode. I staggered out of the kitchen to the lounge area, dropped (was thrown?) to the floor and crawled to a table to hang onto a leg so I wouldn't get tossed around too much. It went on forever it seemed. The noise was incredible as the building was bucked around and things flew out of the kitchen cupboads and fridge to crash on the floor. Chaos and confusion ensued. As the movement and noise subsided we quickly got everyone sitting down on big comfy chairs in the lounge away from the windows and the staff started singing songs with our oldies ("It's a Long Way To ...", etc).

The aftershocks continued for hours. I stayed on to help clean up and comfort people - then offered to drive some people home. The usual driver of the van couldn't get through - the traffic was in gridlock as people escaped the city. So I set out with two people. It was very scary for all of us. A drive that would normally take 15 minutes took me 3 hours - as I forded streams, drove over hills of liquifaction and waited endlessly  in a car lineup for forward movement and prayed that I wouldn't end up stuck in a deep mudhole like some of the vehicles I passed. Finally my charges were dropped off at their homes and safe with their worried families. I arrived at my home afraid of what I might find. The house was standing and appeared unharmed from the outside. Inside was a mess. Everything had been tossed about and thrown off the walls. The kitchen was an explosion of broken glasses and dishes, food from both fridge and freezer, the floor covered in a huge mess.

It was starting to get dark by this time so I ignored the mess - it could wait for the morning - and I concentrated on preparing my "get away" gear in case I had to escape in the middle of the night. The aftershocks were huge and scary. The house rattled and shook until I wondered how it could possibly stay standing. I lay down on the bed fully clothed clutching a torch (flashlight) and transistor radio, ready to flee at any moment. Not a wink of sleep for me that night! Willing the dawn to appear so I could see to get on with the clean-up. Bruce was overseas so I was on my own at this point. He was making arrangements to get back to New Zealand as soon as possible.

So running? Well, it took a back burner for me during the week to follow this event! I did get out to walk lots but that was more to collect water, supplies, and see what was happening in the neighbourhood. I was in survival mode and helping my neighbours.

So maybe I'll go for a run tomorrow. My running shoes sit by the back door waiting for me.

Judy Thoughts: I realise I am not yet "a runner". And that's OK. I think a runner would have felt compelled to run as part of the day no matter what was going on - a strong coping mechanism to get through the crisis. A way to get around and check out the scene. It has been way down on my list of things to fit into my day - but I haven't given up. I need to re-set the goal and make another start. And see it as a valuable strategy to help me "get through".

Day 48-52 A week of weak

Whew, glad I got past this week. A little virus touring our fair city snuck past my defences - I thought it might have been food poisoning until I heard about others having similar symptoms. Once the digestive tract settled down I was left feeling very tired so guess what - I slept through most of the week! Fortunately I had a hefty historical epic to keep me occupied when I wasn't sleeping as I wasn't up to much - especially running!

So today I felt better and headed out to see what my body was ready for. I walked along the river for half an hour. And that was enough. What a glorious summer's day!

Judy's thought: Great to be up and about again and enjoying life!

Day 45-47 Virus puts me down for a few days

Day 45 woke with a head-ache that progressed to aches and chills in general. Third day of "rest" now - can't do much more at the moment anyway! I so rarely get knocked by any bugs, this is a real surprise. Just going with it for now.

Here's some interesting info to pass on from an experienced marathon runner ...

1. Plot your distances per day (forget time at this stage) and post a graph on the fridge so you can see your progress on a daily basis. Make sure that you have 2 non consecutive days off per week. Plot this graph by hand rather than using a software product.
2. Running on a slope like a beach puts extra strain on each leg as  the distance to the running surface is always different. (water side - longer distance than land side of the beach). Running 5k out and 5k back to compensate does not work.
3.Read "The Beginners Guide to Running" by Bob Glover. Library?
4. Read "Runners World" Library?
5.Check out ... http://www.activecanterbury.org.nz/StartingOut/StartingOutRunning.asp

Judy adds
1. My graph would be pretty boring cause my distance is always 5km and I have no interest in increasing this distance. And I don't care how long the 5km takes me. All I look for at this point is to run and walk equal times during that 5km distance and gradualy increase the run time and reduce the walk time. (Sorry to anyone who expects me to be more ambitious! My goal is clear and I am happy with it) I do write on the kitchen calendar whether it is a Run or Rest day and what I do on the Rest day as an alternative to running - usually a Zumba class, a walk or a swim. It's a good visual to track my pattern.  My strategy may change but for now I know my fitness level has improved significantly and that makes me proud.

2. I agree about the beach running and I have decided to stick to trails / mixed terrain for now or move fairly quickly off the beach as much as I love it. Even though I only ran on the beach when the tide was way out so it was very hard packed and appeared "level", I suspect that there was a very slight slope that may have put a strain on that left knee.

3&4. Will check out these books.

5. That's a good local web site, thanks. It somehow also led me to another site  http://www.mapmyrun.com/  and have found some other 5km circuits in my area   eg. Travis Wetland Walkway

Day 43 - 44 A breakthrough

Yesterday I discovered lots of emails in my Gmail account! I rarely use Gmail (my main account is xtra) but it looks like this blog sends most posted comments to Gmail. Just by chance I opened it up and found so many supportive emails from following friends!! Wow!! I'll be looking there every day now as well as here and my xtra account.

People have shared their thoughts ranging from caution about potential injuries through to exploring beyond my current personal "limits". I appreciate both views and come somewhere in the middle - prepared to push myself to find out what I can actually do while staying conscious of doing this very safely.

There were also lots of specific strategies shared. Many people encouraged me to find a friend or a group to run with.  This, plus building strength and stamina, will bring in the FUN factor. Sure hope so!! (Unfortunately at this point I don't know anyone in my home town who is at my level or interest of beginning running and I simply couldn't keep up with "real" runners yet. I'll be on the lookout though.)

Other suggestions for the physical side of running were  ...   choose surfaces that work for me, stretch lots, use arms to propel forward, get in a rhythm, be aware of breathing so that it is deep, full and even, especially when I feel that I can't manage another breath.

Suggestions for that critical 90% mind portion that is running ...  set regular run times, enjoy the fitness "buzz", look for the beauty around me, take charge of my ID (Internal Dialgue), explore any limits I have set for myself. eg. what would happen if I ran for one more minute, took one more breath, went round one more corner ... before stopping. Be curious to experience what is on the other side of my "end point". Another idea - run as long as I can without stopping with no forethought as to how long that might be - "open that closed door in my mind".

I had decided that today was going to be a run day - as long as my knee was feeling pain free. (I decide the night before if the next day is a run or rest day) By mid-day I was feeling relaxed, totally painfree and eager to get out and put a lot of the thoughts that people had sent my way into action.

I've decided to leave the beach for awhile - running on wet packed sand may be putting too much strain on my knee. So I drove to the Estuary Walkway where the surface is hard packed earth covered with either fine gravel or pine needles and it has a little bit of up and down. Also, there's lots of birdlife and wetland to view along the way. (Surface and beauty strategies taken care of!)

Qigong by the waterside for a few minutes to loosen up joints and energy flow. Walk for 10 minutes to warm up my muscles and get my thoughts in order. Review my strategies and how this run is going to go. #1 This is going to be FUN! So smile and look up as you walk woman!

Start to run. First minute is a slog. At two minutes I am puffed and pissed off at myself and would have stopped but I heard my Bruce asking me - what would happen if you ran for one more minute? So I did. Then another and another and another ... and another! At times I was reduced to a very slow jog then I sped up again into a bit of a ... rhythm(!!)  I could even manage a quick hello to people that I passed on the walkway. I carried on walking and running for at least 5 minutes each time until I did my 5km. Stretched a bit at midway as well as when I was done. Also went for a short walk later in the day as I could feel myself getting a bit stiff.

I am feeling really chuffed with myself. This felt like the success I had on my treadmill day. Which makes me think that the surface I am running on at this point is quite important. Best time of the day to run? Mid-day seems to work best. Still checking that out. (Definitely not morning though! Or is that just another limiting belief?!)

Judy's Thoughts: Thanks everyone for joining me on my run today. I could hear your various voices from time to time! Who needs another group when I have all of you?!

Day 40 - 42 Run beteween the rests

Day 41 was a run day. Headed out about 5pm after a busy day. Took a different route than my usual loop. South on the beach from the S. Brighton Surf Life Saving Club and back on the inside of the dunes which had lots more ups and downs than I'm used to. Probably time to introduce a bit of incline into the mix.

I'm really struggling with this. Physically, I feel strong (legs and heart) but my lungs still seem to have a low capacity to carry me forward for any length of time. Also a muscle on my inner left knee gets stiff and causes some pain. It makes me nervous. I really don't want to hurt myself and don't know if I am being overly cautious. I stopped to stretch and then do some Qigong joint/energy loosening up about mid-way. Carried on at a slower pace. I always enjoy doing some good stretching afterwards and I also stretched several times today on a rest day - but knee still sore if I sit still for too long. Time for a massage perhaps?

Judy's Thoughts: Remind me why I started out on this journey?! Can I revert to being a good strong walker without losing too much face? But then I'd never know if I could also be a runnner. So I will persevere.

Day 36-39 Stubbed toe does not stop Judy!

3 rest days and I knew I was deep into avoidance. Mind you, my rest days included an hour+ of mowing lawns, lots of gardening and some walks. However, no matter how aerobic the "rest" activities may be - even the Zumba dance classes - my wonderful Bruce tells me that they do not equate to running. Yes, there is fitness crossover but ... only by running will I be able to run.

So let's see, what else to report. Last night I badly stubbed a toe - a nail ripped back and there's bit of blood and I'm thinking - can a person run with a sore stubbed toe? Then I stayed up late and woke up early so with about 4 1/2 hours of sleep, I am feeling a bit dopey. But did I let any of this stop me today?! NO! 4pm I got on all the gears and set out - dreading it, given all that I've said plus I had my last disappointing run day sitting in the back of my mind.

However, it was a beautiful summer's day and what's not to enjoy?! I split the running and walking up, stretched out a tight left knee muscle a few times, ignored my sore toe and did my loop feeling pretty pleased with myself.

Judy's Thoughts:   It doesn't seem so bad once I make a start. I just have to make a move and keep moving! And finding something in the day / activity to enjoy, like warm sunshine and clear blue sky, makes all the difference to me.