Well, for those two people who read this religiously (who am I kidding, there is no one who does that!), you will have noticed that the updates have been a bit slow in coming. I have not been running, which is not ideal in terms of this blog, but for the purposes of rebuilding Christchurch, not really that important.
I was out on my bike today, delivering for Nurse Maude, as well as doing some odd jobs around the city. I stacked some bricks, opened up a garage; which was being prevented from being opened by a large amount of wood which had slammed into the door. Dropped some food and water to an elderly guy, who was cleaning his whole house so his arthritic wife could return home from a motel. I was working with a group, but I found it pretty frustrating in places- the problem now is not the amount of help; that is flooding in from every where. The problem now is really about the logistics between those who need help, and those who can give help. I am not sure what I will do tommorow, I like the idea of helping people, and really did enjoy being out on the bike all day. The temptation is to get out and try and do my own thing, but I think I might give the bike group another go, at least for the morning. There is a job that I know of, which I might look into tommorow too.
After all of that, no mention of a run. Well, I see that being the case for the next week or so. It will be ok in the long term, I will complete my 3000- I am just going to be set back a week or two.
CP
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
No run.
Well, as the title says, no run today.
It really just wasnt possible. Instead of running, I headed out over to the other side of town, to one of the most affected areas, to try and do some good. I was joining in with a whole group of guys, organised through family ties who had been doing the clean up for the past 2 days. Those guys are absolute legends, they have been out in that neighbourhood for three days, helping anyone, and everyone they can. No desire for repayment, for fame or for any tangible reward, except for the pride of helping people. They do the job, to a high standard, and all they ask in return is that the people they help, try to pass it on to their neighbours.
So, I am in awe of their dedication and hard work. I was priveledged to be able to be with them, and I will begin again with them on Monday; they are taking a break tommorow. Well earned I say.
The running therefore, is probably going to suffer for a couple of days. For those who might cry offense at this, I simply say, sometimes there are things that are far bigger than an individual person, and in those situations we have to stand together, help out fellow man, as we would hope they would do for us.
As Churchill said-
"A man does what he must - in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures - and that is the basis of all human morality"
Some words to think as we look towards the future of Christchurch.....
CP
It really just wasnt possible. Instead of running, I headed out over to the other side of town, to one of the most affected areas, to try and do some good. I was joining in with a whole group of guys, organised through family ties who had been doing the clean up for the past 2 days. Those guys are absolute legends, they have been out in that neighbourhood for three days, helping anyone, and everyone they can. No desire for repayment, for fame or for any tangible reward, except for the pride of helping people. They do the job, to a high standard, and all they ask in return is that the people they help, try to pass it on to their neighbours.
So, I am in awe of their dedication and hard work. I was priveledged to be able to be with them, and I will begin again with them on Monday; they are taking a break tommorow. Well earned I say.
The running therefore, is probably going to suffer for a couple of days. For those who might cry offense at this, I simply say, sometimes there are things that are far bigger than an individual person, and in those situations we have to stand together, help out fellow man, as we would hope they would do for us.
As Churchill said-
"A man does what he must - in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures - and that is the basis of all human morality"
Some words to think as we look towards the future of Christchurch.....
CP
Friday, February 25, 2011
Running again
Well, I figured one rest day was enough! I headed out around a large block, leaving from my parents house. I headed out to Harewood road, from there, up to Greers road, from there past the evacuation centre at Burnside High to Memorial ave, then home again down Memorial. Worked out to a nice 10.09 km run, done in 43 mins. So, pretty quick really, about as quick as I have ever done them so far. So I am pretty happy running wise, was good to get out and do it!
As for everything else, well.. My immediate world is alright. My family are together, we have food, water, power and most exciting of all, we are allowed to flush our toilet; albeit sparingly. We are staying with my parents, who live out of the damaged areas. So the short term is sorted. And the long term? Well, who knows. There are people with far more power than I working that one out for themselves.
50km in 3 days to keep with my 800km goal, not 100% sure it is possible, but we will see. I think I might try to head out around McLeans Island tommorow, should be open ( I hope?)
CP
As for everything else, well.. My immediate world is alright. My family are together, we have food, water, power and most exciting of all, we are allowed to flush our toilet; albeit sparingly. We are staying with my parents, who live out of the damaged areas. So the short term is sorted. And the long term? Well, who knows. There are people with far more power than I working that one out for themselves.
50km in 3 days to keep with my 800km goal, not 100% sure it is possible, but we will see. I think I might try to head out around McLeans Island tommorow, should be open ( I hope?)
CP
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Earthquake part 2
Hey all,
No run again today. Its just too hard, given the situation. Damage is extensive, infrastructure is stuffed. My family and I are ok, we are going well, but the scale of the situation is simply immense.
On a personal note, I am lucky. The tracks that I have run so many times this year, the valleys which I have travelled, the ridges I have traversed. Many of these, are quite simply gone, in some instances, taking people with them. It is an unimaginable tragedy, one which I am struggling to comprehend. It is too real, too close to home. It has really affected me, not only in my running, but also as a person.
I have nothing to recover from, it is more I need to fully grasp the situation, which I have as yet failed to do. But I will, bear with me, it can be pretty hard to not be morbid at times like this.....
CP
No run again today. Its just too hard, given the situation. Damage is extensive, infrastructure is stuffed. My family and I are ok, we are going well, but the scale of the situation is simply immense.
On a personal note, I am lucky. The tracks that I have run so many times this year, the valleys which I have travelled, the ridges I have traversed. Many of these, are quite simply gone, in some instances, taking people with them. It is an unimaginable tragedy, one which I am struggling to comprehend. It is too real, too close to home. It has really affected me, not only in my running, but also as a person.
I have nothing to recover from, it is more I need to fully grasp the situation, which I have as yet failed to do. But I will, bear with me, it can be pretty hard to not be morbid at times like this.....
CP
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Earthquake.
As I am sure everyone is aware, Christchurch was hit by a large magnitude earthquake yesterday, which has caused a great loss of life, and unimaginable damage to the Central City.
My family and I are ok, we are physically ok, with only a couple of minor injuries. As for the properties, well.. My house has had some further damage, my neighbourhood looks like a floodzone, with silt clogging every drain. There are houses destroyed, walls down, and roads which are sinking or have sunk it into the sea. My run today took me past the airport (deliberatly, I like looking at the planes), and once I reached there it absolutly started pouring down. Watching hundreds of people being marshalled by men in camo uniforms onto military aircraft in the pouring rain seemed like a scene that happened a hundred times in every disaster movie I had ever seen; suppose that means we are actually in a disaster.
I did go for a run yesterday, but it didn't count. What happened was that I was at university when the earthquake struck. So (like everyone else) I wanted to get home to see loved ones, so I got into my car. I managed to get as far as Colombo street, before the gridlocked traffic due to the damage finally got to me. So I got out, and ran firstly to my brother's house, to see his wife and son, before stopping past home. I had not heard from my partner, so my run continued to her work, which was at a school nearby. She was fine, as was everyone I managed to get in touch with, but the damage is extensive.
Today I headed out from my parents place, to the Airport, then followed State Highway 1, before going back to through Burnside park, then back following the route that I used to take to school. Worked out to being 9.51km, done in 41 mins.
Alot going on, and there is a long, long way back to normality here in Christchurch. For all those in Chch, stay safe, and for all those outside of town, my hope and prayer is that you have contacted family, friends and loved ones, and that they are safe.
Until tommorow,
CP
My family and I are ok, we are physically ok, with only a couple of minor injuries. As for the properties, well.. My house has had some further damage, my neighbourhood looks like a floodzone, with silt clogging every drain. There are houses destroyed, walls down, and roads which are sinking or have sunk it into the sea. My run today took me past the airport (deliberatly, I like looking at the planes), and once I reached there it absolutly started pouring down. Watching hundreds of people being marshalled by men in camo uniforms onto military aircraft in the pouring rain seemed like a scene that happened a hundred times in every disaster movie I had ever seen; suppose that means we are actually in a disaster.
I did go for a run yesterday, but it didn't count. What happened was that I was at university when the earthquake struck. So (like everyone else) I wanted to get home to see loved ones, so I got into my car. I managed to get as far as Colombo street, before the gridlocked traffic due to the damage finally got to me. So I got out, and ran firstly to my brother's house, to see his wife and son, before stopping past home. I had not heard from my partner, so my run continued to her work, which was at a school nearby. She was fine, as was everyone I managed to get in touch with, but the damage is extensive.
Today I headed out from my parents place, to the Airport, then followed State Highway 1, before going back to through Burnside park, then back following the route that I used to take to school. Worked out to being 9.51km, done in 41 mins.
Alot going on, and there is a long, long way back to normality here in Christchurch. For all those in Chch, stay safe, and for all those outside of town, my hope and prayer is that you have contacted family, friends and loved ones, and that they are safe.
Until tommorow,
CP
Monday, February 21, 2011
21st Feb
Well, another day another run. A casual 52 days on the trot! I did another run/yoga day today, like I did last wednesday.
I ran the Heritage loop backwards, but stopping in Ferrymead to head to Yoga, before heading home. As always, I tried to stick to the trails next to the river as much as possible, rather than running on the road, it's just more fun that way! Worked out to being a 13.54km run, done in 58 mins. I was going at a very good clip before yoga, but then slowed down markedly afterwards!
The hockey trial last night was pretty good, didn't feel any ill effects today! It is always hard in trial games to 'get up for it', especially when you are playing out of position etc. But it was good to have a play, if only to see which skills I retained, and which I have lost over the summer!
Yoga was good, difficult but good. I will probably be sore tommorow from that, but I am ok with it. I mean, when has anything good ever come without hard work? It is one of those things that is even sweeter when the work has been put in, so much more satisfying!
Along those lines, I remember a coach once called me a robot with my training, a compliment that I have always remembered!
Training run tommorow,
CP
I ran the Heritage loop backwards, but stopping in Ferrymead to head to Yoga, before heading home. As always, I tried to stick to the trails next to the river as much as possible, rather than running on the road, it's just more fun that way! Worked out to being a 13.54km run, done in 58 mins. I was going at a very good clip before yoga, but then slowed down markedly afterwards!
The hockey trial last night was pretty good, didn't feel any ill effects today! It is always hard in trial games to 'get up for it', especially when you are playing out of position etc. But it was good to have a play, if only to see which skills I retained, and which I have lost over the summer!
Yoga was good, difficult but good. I will probably be sore tommorow from that, but I am ok with it. I mean, when has anything good ever come without hard work? It is one of those things that is even sweeter when the work has been put in, so much more satisfying!
Along those lines, I remember a coach once called me a robot with my training, a compliment that I have always remembered!
Training run tommorow,
CP
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Fifty plus one
Well,day 51. Was feeling pretty good before I started my run, was feeling fresh and ready to go, feeling that I was really starting to get some good fitness, given I was feeling so good after a 20km hill run yesterday.
I was largely wrong. Turns out I was as tired as ever! Not so much as to stop my run, but it just more forced me to have a stop (or three) on my run. I headed up the run that I decided was called the Gorge Major, which is up the Gorge Track, cutting across and up to Huntsbury ave, then down Major Aitken and home via the river. Aside from feeling pretty tired, the run was good. It was suprisingly busy on the tracks, a fair few walkers and bikers, but interestingly I didn't see anyone or any cars coming down Major Aitken, so that was the most pleasant and satisfying part of the whole run! Probably didn't hurt my mental state that I was on the downhill either.... Worked out to 15.11 km, done in 1 hour 11 mins.
I am right on track to achieve 800+ km by the end of February, and then to achieve the big 1000 early in March.
Well, the first real hockey commitment of the season starts tonight, so we will see how my "good fitness" holds up when I am holding a hockey stick!
CP
I was largely wrong. Turns out I was as tired as ever! Not so much as to stop my run, but it just more forced me to have a stop (or three) on my run. I headed up the run that I decided was called the Gorge Major, which is up the Gorge Track, cutting across and up to Huntsbury ave, then down Major Aitken and home via the river. Aside from feeling pretty tired, the run was good. It was suprisingly busy on the tracks, a fair few walkers and bikers, but interestingly I didn't see anyone or any cars coming down Major Aitken, so that was the most pleasant and satisfying part of the whole run! Probably didn't hurt my mental state that I was on the downhill either.... Worked out to 15.11 km, done in 1 hour 11 mins.
I am right on track to achieve 800+ km by the end of February, and then to achieve the big 1000 early in March.
Well, the first real hockey commitment of the season starts tonight, so we will see how my "good fitness" holds up when I am holding a hockey stick!
CP
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Fifty
Todays run took me from Princess Margaret Hospital, up to the Sign of the Kiwi (via a couple of back streets and tracks), then from the Kiwi, I first went right, folloing the way to the sign of the Bellbird, but only went around a couple of valleys. Then, after turning back, I went along the track behind Sugar Loaf, followed by the MTB track, to the Lava Flow. Following the Lava Flow track down (I do really like this track!) into Bowenvale, and then followed the river back to Princess Margaret.
It was a pretty good run all in all, there were a fair few people on the tracks, am still yet to see anyone on the Lava Flow, apparently I am the only one mad enough to want to keep going down it! Worked out to being 20.61 km overall, done in 1 hour 39 mins.
So, today's run marked 50 days running so far. 50 days running, 700.86 kilometres travelled. So, averaging a pretty sharp 14km per day, meaning that continuing at this rate, I will be hitting the 1000 in around 21 days, or 3 weeks time. Then at this rate, I will be competly done, sometime near the end of September!
My short term aim is to get up to 800km+ to round out this month, which should be easily done, considering I already have a long run planned for next weekend. No clue how far or where I will go tommorow, not feeling like a rest just yet!
CP
It was a pretty good run all in all, there were a fair few people on the tracks, am still yet to see anyone on the Lava Flow, apparently I am the only one mad enough to want to keep going down it! Worked out to being 20.61 km overall, done in 1 hour 39 mins.
So, today's run marked 50 days running so far. 50 days running, 700.86 kilometres travelled. So, averaging a pretty sharp 14km per day, meaning that continuing at this rate, I will be hitting the 1000 in around 21 days, or 3 weeks time. Then at this rate, I will be competly done, sometime near the end of September!
My short term aim is to get up to 800km+ to round out this month, which should be easily done, considering I already have a long run planned for next weekend. No clue how far or where I will go tommorow, not feeling like a rest just yet!
CP
Friday, February 18, 2011
49 Days
Well, I realised why my technology decided to up and break yesterday, it was clearly because I reached 666 km, and it was influenced by that!
So today was rounding out week 7, as well as being the test for my now (supposedly) fixed technology. And it worked! So basically whats happened is the watch has had to do a total reset (awesome I know), but I haven't lost any data from the website, plus the watch can still talk to the website without fail! Stoked!
Todays run took me from the Takahe, up to the Sign of the Kiwi, from there I headed around the back of Sugar Loaf, then followed the MTB track for a while, until I reached the Lava Flow Track, which leads down into the Bowenvale valley. Then, up the Bowenvale, following one of it's offshoots (Eastern Spur I think) to reach Victoria Park, then back to the Takahe. A good 13.93km, done in 1 hr 9 mins. So not exactly fast, but it was good to get it done, and especially good that my tech is back working!
I really enjoy the Lava Flow downhill, there is so many things about a technical and steep downhill run that I like, having to concentrate and being challenged constantly among them. The only disadvantage is when your body can't handle it, say if you roll an ankle. I did that last time coming down the Lava Flow, which took every ounce of fun out of it, but today I managed to keep my ankles in check, so it was a satisfying experience!
CP
So today was rounding out week 7, as well as being the test for my now (supposedly) fixed technology. And it worked! So basically whats happened is the watch has had to do a total reset (awesome I know), but I haven't lost any data from the website, plus the watch can still talk to the website without fail! Stoked!
Todays run took me from the Takahe, up to the Sign of the Kiwi, from there I headed around the back of Sugar Loaf, then followed the MTB track for a while, until I reached the Lava Flow Track, which leads down into the Bowenvale valley. Then, up the Bowenvale, following one of it's offshoots (Eastern Spur I think) to reach Victoria Park, then back to the Takahe. A good 13.93km, done in 1 hr 9 mins. So not exactly fast, but it was good to get it done, and especially good that my tech is back working!
I really enjoy the Lava Flow downhill, there is so many things about a technical and steep downhill run that I like, having to concentrate and being challenged constantly among them. The only disadvantage is when your body can't handle it, say if you roll an ankle. I did that last time coming down the Lava Flow, which took every ounce of fun out of it, but today I managed to keep my ankles in check, so it was a satisfying experience!
CP
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Technology Fail.
Well, my technology is failing. I headed up the Valley Track (as normal), down Rapaki, then headed up to the right, up Port Hills Road, over the hill there, then back home.
So, I have no idea how far, or how fast. Or even how many km's I have done.
The nike plus technology that I use, has absolutely stuffed itself. The watch has stopped, the website wont load.
Anger. Much, much anger. I will try to sort it tommorow, will be in touch.
UPDATE!
I have got the website to work. So today's run was 12.12 km, done in 55 mins. Plus the watch is now back working, but I lost all my data from the watch... Annoying. At least I still have it on the website, so all is not lost!
CP
So, I have no idea how far, or how fast. Or even how many km's I have done.
The nike plus technology that I use, has absolutely stuffed itself. The watch has stopped, the website wont load.
Anger. Much, much anger. I will try to sort it tommorow, will be in touch.
UPDATE!
I have got the website to work. So today's run was 12.12 km, done in 55 mins. Plus the watch is now back working, but I lost all my data from the watch... Annoying. At least I still have it on the website, so all is not lost!
CP
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Running and Yoga
One thing that I believe in life, is that you need balance. So, despite my running for a few thousand kms this year, I still hope to have other areas in my life which are well aside from the exercise. It is in a way like the chinese concept of yin and yang (I know, I am paraphrasing something fierce). But on a more localised scale, running strengthens certain muscle groups. Obviously, your legs get a real workout.
So, to provide myself some balance in my exercise, I am going to start doing yoga, at least once a week. I do it with the goal of becoming stronger through my core, so I rely less on my larger muscle groups for fine control, so they are free to do what they are designed to do, give me power and make me run fast. The stronger I can have my smaller muscle groups, the better I will run. There is a Yoga centre out at Ferrymead (I have added the link to the side bar), which I am going to start going to. First night was tonight, and I sure as hell felt it! Some exercises were ok, but some, some I was really weak at. Well, it gives me a starting point!
I ran to yoga, following the Heritage Loop, I did it in reverse, so after the session I only had a small run home. The run worked out to 12.21 km, done in 54 mins. I also found out that my next school placement is one block away from my house, so that will hopefully free up some extra time during the 5 weeks I am there to make sure I get my runs in!
CP
So, to provide myself some balance in my exercise, I am going to start doing yoga, at least once a week. I do it with the goal of becoming stronger through my core, so I rely less on my larger muscle groups for fine control, so they are free to do what they are designed to do, give me power and make me run fast. The stronger I can have my smaller muscle groups, the better I will run. There is a Yoga centre out at Ferrymead (I have added the link to the side bar), which I am going to start going to. First night was tonight, and I sure as hell felt it! Some exercises were ok, but some, some I was really weak at. Well, it gives me a starting point!
I ran to yoga, following the Heritage Loop, I did it in reverse, so after the session I only had a small run home. The run worked out to 12.21 km, done in 54 mins. I also found out that my next school placement is one block away from my house, so that will hopefully free up some extra time during the 5 weeks I am there to make sure I get my runs in!
CP
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Rant.
Quickly, today’s run was up the Pylons track (12.95, 1 hr), and was pretty darn good. It was a training run with the Hockey team, which the guys performed pretty darn well on. It is a pretty steep run, and they did very well to finish it! Not everyone has been running as much as I have! In fact, probably very few have. Certainly no sane people!
If you don't want to listen to a rant, stop now, I fully accept that I tend to ramble.
My rant starts with some background. I play indoor soccer with a team from my brother’s work. We are a team of very much football amateurs, which unfortunately won their grading games, and are in the top grade. So we usually are playing against much better opposition, and they usually win by a lot. That is not to say that we are not competitive, rather that we just lack some of the more flashy skills, that are fundamental it seems to success in indoor.
Losing is an interesting concept, I care when I lose hockey, I get depressed about it, blaming myself for every missed opportunity, every missed decision. I am becoming better with age, but the fact remains, I care a great deal. So when it comes to indoor football, I don’t care. I care so much for hockey, that everything else I see as a fun release, where I just enjoy playing, whether I win or lose.
So today’s game was against a team of younger guys, likely all teenagers. They were highly skilled, certainly well above our skill grade. So, as it has been the trend of late, we lost. As I said before, I don’t care that I lost, it has happened before and it will happen again. Why I am so angry, is the way that the other team acted. Early in the first half (losing 3-0), one of their players went down in a tackle. Nothing out of the ordinary for indoor soccer at all. He comes up, looking for a fight. I simply respond, ‘Why?’ So he continues, and the ref settles him down. It was from that point that my interest in the game disappeared, and any respect I had for them vanished.
It continued through the game, at half time, their best player was playing with the ball, kicked it at our goal, and hit our goalkeeper in the back. One of my players reacted, saying “What the hell?” (or something along those lines), to which the opposition began getting angry about. He was wearing a NZ football shirt, with his name on the back. I respect his achievements, but it doesn’t give him any special privileges, and I sure as hell will defend my players. He refused to back down about his kick, I was standing in the middle of the field, telling both players to calm down. His refusal to accept that he had stuffed up was tantamount to the size of his ego. On the football pitch in his world, he could do no wrong. He was the master. So how could he have made a mistake? So he got angry. And threatened. And yelled. And then tried to kick it really hard at one of our players.
That player reminds me of too many athletes and sportspeople I have seen. They achieve so much so early, that their maturity is unable keep up, and so their ego becomes massive. What will happen to them? Who knows. Wayne Rooney is an example, teenage superstar who has not really achieved much since. But then, look at Dan Vettori, one of NZ’s greatest cricketers, he began his career at the ripe age of 17. But then again, maybe he will get smart to the wrong person, and end up with a broken face.
If by some miracle he reads this, I have only this message. Everything you say and do has power, by treating others in the way that you did today, you didn’t gain power like you planned to; you lost it. And it hurt you. The path to happiness is not paved with swear words and threats, but with hard work, collaboration and honour. And honour is what you, today, have lost.
CP
Monday, February 14, 2011
Quick morning run
Since I have a pre-season hockey game tonight, I figured I would head out for a quick morning run. I headed up the Two Peaks Redux, only doing some mild changes to remove some extra down and ups. Run was pretty good really (10.42km, 51:40), except the fact that it was horribly windy! I have said it before, but headwinds on an uphill are just rude, especially particularly strong ones like todays, and on hills like Rapaki!
But thems the breaks I suppose. So, a six a side hockey game tonight, here is hoping that some form of ability comes back! I am sadly not holding out alot of hope however, I think any hockey ability will be a week or two away... Oh well, at least I can run right?
I am thinking that getting up to 750km by the end of next week is a pretty good goal, since I am at 630 km really already, should be easily achievable!
Time for a shower, then to do some work at uni,
CP
But thems the breaks I suppose. So, a six a side hockey game tonight, here is hoping that some form of ability comes back! I am sadly not holding out alot of hope however, I think any hockey ability will be a week or two away... Oh well, at least I can run right?
I am thinking that getting up to 750km by the end of next week is a pretty good goal, since I am at 630 km really already, should be easily achievable!
Time for a shower, then to do some work at uni,
CP
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Two Days Running
So, the title relates to the fact that I realised today that I have spent two whole days (49 hours in fact) out of the 44 days so far this year running! Which for those math nerds out there, actually means that so far this year, 5% of my time has been spent pounding the running tracks. I am sure over half of the year sp far was sleeping and probably at least 10% complaining about being sore from the 5% spent running!
Todays run was just a quick Heritage Loop (11.18, 50 mins), nothing fancy really. I have just been going through the motions the last couple of days, not really feeling that 'into' my running. It's not a catastrophe, it will be more of a case of needing a new short term goal to keep me going! I will have a think over the next couple of days, and be in touch when I find out!
CP
Todays run was just a quick Heritage Loop (11.18, 50 mins), nothing fancy really. I have just been going through the motions the last couple of days, not really feeling that 'into' my running. It's not a catastrophe, it will be more of a case of needing a new short term goal to keep me going! I will have a think over the next couple of days, and be in touch when I find out!
CP
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Run one, of Week 7
First, I want to congratulate all the athletes who managed to finish the Coast to Coast this year, it is certainly an achievement! I heard the rivers were reasonably high, so that will have definitly had an affect on the run times, plus some pretty interesting river crossings for those who are a bit shorter or skinnier! So, well done to those who took up the challenge.
I headed up the Gorge track to the shelter up there, and decided to go for a bit of an explore. I cut up to the Farm track, then headed up to the Pylon Track, which crosses from the Farm Track, down into the Valley Track. It worked out pretty well, the downhill on the Pylon Track is pretty excitingly steep! Had one little, minor incident with a tussock not really being attached to the hill, which caused a slight problem when I stepped on it. Aside from that little stumble, I managed to complete the run unscathed! It was a pretty simple case of following the Valley Track back, I did divert up Rodgers to add a bit of interest, not to the top, but about a third of the way up it heads back down again. Was an 11.62km run, done in 56 minutes. It was pretty hot, but I am well aware how running in the cold is going to be later in the year!
So, in other news the first event for the year has been found! My Dad is unable to do an adventure race up in Wellington, the Tararua Mountain Race. A casual 35.4 km hill run, which involves an overall 1200m climb. Will be good times! So as of the 12th of March it will mark the time to take my 3000km out of Christchurch!
CP
I headed up the Gorge track to the shelter up there, and decided to go for a bit of an explore. I cut up to the Farm track, then headed up to the Pylon Track, which crosses from the Farm Track, down into the Valley Track. It worked out pretty well, the downhill on the Pylon Track is pretty excitingly steep! Had one little, minor incident with a tussock not really being attached to the hill, which caused a slight problem when I stepped on it. Aside from that little stumble, I managed to complete the run unscathed! It was a pretty simple case of following the Valley Track back, I did divert up Rodgers to add a bit of interest, not to the top, but about a third of the way up it heads back down again. Was an 11.62km run, done in 56 minutes. It was pretty hot, but I am well aware how running in the cold is going to be later in the year!
So, in other news the first event for the year has been found! My Dad is unable to do an adventure race up in Wellington, the Tararua Mountain Race. A casual 35.4 km hill run, which involves an overall 1200m climb. Will be good times! So as of the 12th of March it will mark the time to take my 3000km out of Christchurch!
CP
Friday, February 11, 2011
Tired
Tired. Pretty much sums up my week!
I didn't get home from uni till 5:30, so I wanted to head for a run, but couldn't really be bothered going long! So I made up a new run. I headed out along the river, then cut back down Rutherford Street, which I followed to Aynsley Terrace, from there I headed to Port Hills Road, heading up the hill there. Then back down Opawa Road, before heading home. A long and probably confusing description, but in short, it is a big figure 8 leaving from my house, and works out to 8.04km, which I did in 34:14. So pretty good really!
Just the 3rd run that has been less 10km, in 42 days. Not bad at all.... Up to 595.78km now, so its all going pretty well! Probably wont be a long run tommorow....
CP
I didn't get home from uni till 5:30, so I wanted to head for a run, but couldn't really be bothered going long! So I made up a new run. I headed out along the river, then cut back down Rutherford Street, which I followed to Aynsley Terrace, from there I headed to Port Hills Road, heading up the hill there. Then back down Opawa Road, before heading home. A long and probably confusing description, but in short, it is a big figure 8 leaving from my house, and works out to 8.04km, which I did in 34:14. So pretty good really!
Just the 3rd run that has been less 10km, in 42 days. Not bad at all.... Up to 595.78km now, so its all going pretty well! Probably wont be a long run tommorow....
CP
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Quick Update
Well, headed out for a quick run up the Two Peaks, but to keep it in line with my goal of 10+ km per day, I extended the run on the flat, by continuing straight at Wilsons Road up to the river, then following that back, rather than just going straight to Hansens Park, then home. Worked out to being 11.3km, done in 54 mins. Pretty standard really!
I have noticed a difference in runs when I am focused on what I am doing, on the running itself as usually being faster and better runs, where as today, I was more focused on the innumerable number of thoughts going on in my head, rather than the run itself. But I suppose all the runs serve the purpose!
Just a quick update today, suppose I should aim for the remaining 12km tommorow!
CP
I have noticed a difference in runs when I am focused on what I am doing, on the running itself as usually being faster and better runs, where as today, I was more focused on the innumerable number of thoughts going on in my head, rather than the run itself. But I suppose all the runs serve the purpose!
Just a quick update today, suppose I should aim for the remaining 12km tommorow!
CP
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Busy
Today was busy. I met my parents for a quick coffee in the morning, but from then on I was basically at uni doing work, or at least trying to do work until 5pm, when I went home! Those who are working sorts are probably scoffing at me saying that uni is work, but, even they will have to admit that sometimes, it actually is. Today was one of those days. One of my lecturers has offered me a pretty sweet opportunity, and my brain has been going a million miles a minute trying to work out all of the different possibilities, the only thing really achieved is a headache.
I managed to squeeze in a cheeky little 10.71km run up the Valley Track, but since there were one million people on the Rapaki Track (probably a slight exaggeration) I came down Roger's Track, just to get away from them! Did it in 49:29, so pretty good time really. My legs were (are?) a bit sore today, they were not particularly happy about the concept of heading up a hill! Perhaps I should have gone on the flat... Oh well!
Tommorow is going to be busy too. I hope to run in the morning, but, I really don't know.
CP
I managed to squeeze in a cheeky little 10.71km run up the Valley Track, but since there were one million people on the Rapaki Track (probably a slight exaggeration) I came down Roger's Track, just to get away from them! Did it in 49:29, so pretty good time really. My legs were (are?) a bit sore today, they were not particularly happy about the concept of heading up a hill! Perhaps I should have gone on the flat... Oh well!
Tommorow is going to be busy too. I hope to run in the morning, but, I really don't know.
CP
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Training Run
Tried to play hockey last night, I was comically bad! It's interesting to not do something for a few months, you remember yourself being at a certain level of ability, then to come back after a couple of months, you just really aren't at that same place! Here is hoping that it comes back.....
Today was a hockey training run, my brother decided to take the group heading along the flat, so that left me in charge of the hill run. Probably sadly for them, because we headed up the Three Peaks! I did however shorten it a little, we didn't continue to head up the hill after the St Martin's stairs, instead we headed down Aotea Terrace. The stairs were pretty tough, especially on those guys who haven't done much fitness! Pretty hot, but a pretty good run, and I managed to come back minus one person, she opted to head home a bit earlier. Plus the run there and back, it was 11.49km, done in 53 minutes.
So... That is 60km for the week. Easy as that! Still 3 days left this week, and I am already at my average. Suppose I might aim to get up to 600 this week then? Not sure, there is a real chance I wont have time for a run on Thursday, but I am not sure yet.
Feeling good, still pretty interesting running with other people, I am definitly not use to it!
CP
Today was a hockey training run, my brother decided to take the group heading along the flat, so that left me in charge of the hill run. Probably sadly for them, because we headed up the Three Peaks! I did however shorten it a little, we didn't continue to head up the hill after the St Martin's stairs, instead we headed down Aotea Terrace. The stairs were pretty tough, especially on those guys who haven't done much fitness! Pretty hot, but a pretty good run, and I managed to come back minus one person, she opted to head home a bit earlier. Plus the run there and back, it was 11.49km, done in 53 minutes.
So... That is 60km for the week. Easy as that! Still 3 days left this week, and I am already at my average. Suppose I might aim to get up to 600 this week then? Not sure, there is a real chance I wont have time for a run on Thursday, but I am not sure yet.
Feeling good, still pretty interesting running with other people, I am definitly not use to it!
CP
Monday, February 7, 2011
7 days already gone in February...
I have no idea where the time is going, a whole week of Feb is already gone!
I headed up the Valley Track to Rapaki, then down Rapaki to home. Not flashy, not long and certainly not fast! I am still sortof feeling the debilitating effects of the run on Saturday, legs are a bit jellyish still! Was 10.24 km, in 47 mins. Pretty low key, but as always it is good to get a run done! Could have done without the rain and wind however, but thats the breaks I suppose!
Just a quick post today, because I need to talk to the EQC people, to sort out our house,
CP
I headed up the Valley Track to Rapaki, then down Rapaki to home. Not flashy, not long and certainly not fast! I am still sortof feeling the debilitating effects of the run on Saturday, legs are a bit jellyish still! Was 10.24 km, in 47 mins. Pretty low key, but as always it is good to get a run done! Could have done without the rain and wind however, but thats the breaks I suppose!
Just a quick post today, because I need to talk to the EQC people, to sort out our house,
CP
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Day After...
Today was a pretty damn hot day! Got up to 36 degrees C apparently; which lets be honest, is far too hot for any sort of running! I had a sleep in after last night, so running in the morning was out! Instead I headed out to a nice breakfast out in Sumner. Then the day got hotter and hotter, until I just bit the bullet and headed out for a ferrymead loop (11.03km, 54 minutes).
Well, the run. For all those runners, you know that feeling of when your legs turn to jelly? And basically you just run on autopilot, hoping not to trip yourself up? Sadly that was the way I started the run today. So not fast, not strong, not pretty, but I managed to finish another run of 10 km+. I know for one thing, I will sleep well tonight!
I will have another flat run tommorow I think, will head out in the morning, tommorow is looking like a reasonably busy day, not all bad, but I will have to make sure to find time for a nice little run in the morning!
Interestingly, I am already 2/3 of the way towards my weekly average.....
CP
Well, the run. For all those runners, you know that feeling of when your legs turn to jelly? And basically you just run on autopilot, hoping not to trip yourself up? Sadly that was the way I started the run today. So not fast, not strong, not pretty, but I managed to finish another run of 10 km+. I know for one thing, I will sleep well tonight!
I will have another flat run tommorow I think, will head out in the morning, tommorow is looking like a reasonably busy day, not all bad, but I will have to make sure to find time for a nice little run in the morning!
Interestingly, I am already 2/3 of the way towards my weekly average.....
CP
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Probably not my smartest idea....
So, here is the scenario. A friend of mine got access to an awesome bach out at Taylor's Mistake, and myself and a few friends were heading over there for the afternoon, and a barbecue tea. Here begins the stupid idea, I came to the conclusion that since I needed to go for a run anyway, I decided to combine the two! I will leave it up to you whether you call the psychiatrist to have me institutionalized.
I headed up the Valley Track, to the Summit Road. From there, I tried to follow the Crater Rim walkway, or MTB tracks as much as possible. There was one bit, where the track I was on just... disappeared. It got replaced by some form of scramble/goat track/rock climb, which left me at the top of Mount Pleasant, with not a track in sight, and a slightly confused looking sheep looking down at me from atop a rock which I was attempting to scramble up! I managed to hack a cross country trail through the tussock, and eventually reached a MTB track, which I managed to follow to where I wanted to go! There were alot of people on the Rapaki Track, plenty of cyclists on the roads as you would expect on a weekend day. I followed the Crater Rim to Godley Head, and then dropped down from there to the last leg into Taylor's Mistake.
28.66km, done in 2 hours, 31 minutes. It was... hard. I took a bag, so had some food, but really, it was probably verging on pushing my limits of how far I can comfortably run at the moment, there were some parts of the run today which given the choice, anything else would have been preferrable!
Managed to get sunburnt, just to add insult to injury. Gutted.
I think a more normal run tommorow is probably the best option. Perhaps a nice 10 km loop out to Ferrymead..?
CP
I headed up the Valley Track, to the Summit Road. From there, I tried to follow the Crater Rim walkway, or MTB tracks as much as possible. There was one bit, where the track I was on just... disappeared. It got replaced by some form of scramble/goat track/rock climb, which left me at the top of Mount Pleasant, with not a track in sight, and a slightly confused looking sheep looking down at me from atop a rock which I was attempting to scramble up! I managed to hack a cross country trail through the tussock, and eventually reached a MTB track, which I managed to follow to where I wanted to go! There were alot of people on the Rapaki Track, plenty of cyclists on the roads as you would expect on a weekend day. I followed the Crater Rim to Godley Head, and then dropped down from there to the last leg into Taylor's Mistake.
28.66km, done in 2 hours, 31 minutes. It was... hard. I took a bag, so had some food, but really, it was probably verging on pushing my limits of how far I can comfortably run at the moment, there were some parts of the run today which given the choice, anything else would have been preferrable!
Managed to get sunburnt, just to add insult to injury. Gutted.
I think a more normal run tommorow is probably the best option. Perhaps a nice 10 km loop out to Ferrymead..?
CP
Friday, February 4, 2011
500
With a lap of the Heritage loop this morning (11.13, 50 mins), I brought my total kilometres up to 504.28! I have crossed the first real milestone towards my 3000, I am officially one sixth of the way there. Just.... 25 more weeks at this pace! Or 125 days if you prefer to think of it that way! But, to be honest, my pace will drop, hopefully not too much, but it will. I am currently on Independent Inquiry at the moment, and will be on it for the next 4 weeks, so I do have the ability to spend more time running than working if I have to! However once the Inquiry is done, I am on another placement, which will be full on, I am basically going to be teaching the whole time, so the running has a real chance of getting buried under a pile of paperwork! Hopefully not, but the chance is there. Thats my work plans for the next 9 weeks, here is hoping I can fit in plenty of running, and that the legs stay good.
How far next week? I am not sure, I suppose reaching 600 has to be on the cards....
In other news, my sister achieved something really great yesterday, for which I am really proud of her.
CP
How far next week? I am not sure, I suppose reaching 600 has to be on the cards....
In other news, my sister achieved something really great yesterday, for which I am really proud of her.
CP
Thursday, February 3, 2011
A friendly afternoon run...
So, another day, another run. I headed up for a run again after school, still not sure about going for runs at 5pm at night, but it seems to be pretty good once you are going! I headed up the Three Peaks, except this time I headed down Major Aiken Drive rather than down into the Gorge Track. It was pretty good really, once I had done the first hill it was all good from there. I only stopped once, after the St Martins stairs. Anyone who has headed up those stairs is probably well aware of why the stop was necessary! Worked out to being 15.48 km, done in 1 hour 13 minutes. Another good hill run done. Perhaps I am actually getting fit? Who knew that doing lots of running made you better at running, I am shocked!
I have been having a Sanitarium Up and Go drink before I head out for my run, they seem to be working pretty well at keeping me fueled. I have struggled for a long time to find something that is filling and energy rich enough to be worth it, but they also have to not be terrible on the stomach! Certainly too many bad experiences with lactose based stuff means I was a bit wary of Up and Go, but the soy is much nicer on the stomach!
Well, 7 km to go until 500. Not bad aye?
CP
I have been having a Sanitarium Up and Go drink before I head out for my run, they seem to be working pretty well at keeping me fueled. I have struggled for a long time to find something that is filling and energy rich enough to be worth it, but they also have to not be terrible on the stomach! Certainly too many bad experiences with lactose based stuff means I was a bit wary of Up and Go, but the soy is much nicer on the stomach!
Well, 7 km to go until 500. Not bad aye?
CP
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Dial M for....
It would be Dial M for Monday, but it's not Monday- so that doesn't really work. It is more Dial M for... M. Todays run if you were to look at it from above would resemble a giant M; so that was the only thing I was able to think properly about all run! Somewhat pathetic I know.
I headed from home up the Gorge Track up to the shelter up there, then came back down the Ridge, then dropped down onto the Valley Track. I headed up the Valley Track, to where it meets Rapaki, then came home down the Rapaki Track. So... basically a giant M! Was 14.52 km, done in 1'12". Fun Stuff! Not sure about the whole running after work thing, it was pretty hard to get started! I dont really know which I prefer, running in the morning or running at night. I think morning is a bit nicer really!
I got a new toy today too, Shoe Clinic had given me a $50 voucher, so I splashed out on a new camelback for my longer runs- that one on the 31st persuaded me that perhaps I should take some water and food with me when I run for more than an hour! Tried it out today, and as with all new toys you end up playing with it trying to change stuff about it more than you spend time actually using it for what it is meant to do! Still not sure I have put the straps right....
CP
I headed from home up the Gorge Track up to the shelter up there, then came back down the Ridge, then dropped down onto the Valley Track. I headed up the Valley Track, to where it meets Rapaki, then came home down the Rapaki Track. So... basically a giant M! Was 14.52 km, done in 1'12". Fun Stuff! Not sure about the whole running after work thing, it was pretty hard to get started! I dont really know which I prefer, running in the morning or running at night. I think morning is a bit nicer really!
I got a new toy today too, Shoe Clinic had given me a $50 voucher, so I splashed out on a new camelback for my longer runs- that one on the 31st persuaded me that perhaps I should take some water and food with me when I run for more than an hour! Tried it out today, and as with all new toys you end up playing with it trying to change stuff about it more than you spend time actually using it for what it is meant to do! Still not sure I have put the straps right....
CP
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Welcome to February
So, a month of the year has already gone. Where? I have no idea. Perhaps under the couch, the same place everything else I seem to lose goes...
So I ran today, suprise suprise. It was a training run with the hockey team, we headed up from Hansens Park up the Gorge Track to the shelter, then followed the ridge back down to the Dry Ridge Track, then down onto the Valley Track. We then headed up a bit of Roger's Track, but didn't head to the top, just followed the track along about a third of the way up. It was a pretty good run, I was hanging at the back of the group to make sure that we stayed together. It was a pretty uneventful run, its nice to run with people as a change, I mean there have only been what... 3 of my 33 runs that have been with people? It is certainly a change from that perspective! So, 12.4 km, done in 1 hour.
I have been thinking about February, what I want to achieve this month, how many kms etc. I am also thinking about some events in the future, I am thinking a marathon (or two) will have to happen during the year- I am feeling like it is time to set some new goals!
CP
So I ran today, suprise suprise. It was a training run with the hockey team, we headed up from Hansens Park up the Gorge Track to the shelter, then followed the ridge back down to the Dry Ridge Track, then down onto the Valley Track. We then headed up a bit of Roger's Track, but didn't head to the top, just followed the track along about a third of the way up. It was a pretty good run, I was hanging at the back of the group to make sure that we stayed together. It was a pretty uneventful run, its nice to run with people as a change, I mean there have only been what... 3 of my 33 runs that have been with people? It is certainly a change from that perspective! So, 12.4 km, done in 1 hour.
I have been thinking about February, what I want to achieve this month, how many kms etc. I am also thinking about some events in the future, I am thinking a marathon (or two) will have to happen during the year- I am feeling like it is time to set some new goals!
CP
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