Tag: Quote

Week 4/12

May 7, 2017

Tuesday Tempo (Tempo pace is 5:00)

  • 10-min warm-up
  • 15-min tempo
  • 10-min cool-down

Distance covered: 5.8km
How it went: The week’s tempo was a wee bit shorter at just 15 minutes. Start was a little delayed due to cleaning up dog vomit (urgh!) outside our gate. As usual, a 10-min warm up phase precluded the speed segment. It was at a quicker (but still pretty comfortable) pace of 5:41. The 4th week finally got me to the 4:59 (down from 4:56 the earlier weeks). A quick cool-down comprised of drills wrapped up the morning run.

Easy Wednesday
Distance covered: 6.1K
How it went: Kicked off the easy day with a 6:46 before lowering it to 6:15, followed by 5:52, 5:53, 5:52, 5:56 before closing it out at 6:05. The red K8 which I upsized by half put in a strong contention to be included in the trip to GCAM.

Thursday MP
Distance covered: 2K Warm-Up, 10K (MP is 5:19)
How it went: Rain and lightning prevented the usual morning run, which provided me with a few more minutes of snooze. Was a little tired and as a result worried if I’ve caught the bug from a colleague. But there was no stopping the day’s program of a 10K at MP – incidentally the longest and therefore most significant session in the program thus far. Warmed up for 2K at 6:32 pace and then kicked off the 10. Toggled the treadmill to 5:19 and held that for 7K. First couple of Ks were not so easy but once the body and legs warmed up, the going was easier. There were niggle here and there but the more persistent ones were the right arm (which hasn’t felt good of late, tight and sore as if I’ve a pinched nerve or something). The inner thigh pulled for a few seconds but ran through it and the sensation went away. Then I increased the pace to 5:10 and held that for the next 2K before the final K in 4:58. The Garmin footpod and HRM sensor registered a pretty accurate readout for the final 3K but 2 secs slower for the initial miles. No matter. It was a great workout!

Easy Friday
Distance covered: 6K
How it went: With an eye on the heaviest weekend yet, I kept proceedings very easy following Thurs evening’s tempo. Wore compression socks to work.

Cruise Intervals
Distance covered: 12K

  • 2K Warm Up
  • 4 x 2.4K at threshold pace (5:10) with 50 secs recovery
  • Cool Down

How it went: With the day’s program packed, I had no choice but to start at 4:50am. Luckily CY and Rao were there. I started off in the Fastwitch but changed into the K8 midway and I think the legs thanked me for it! Its bounciness was immediately palpable and saved my legs from getting too trashed for tomorrow’s cruncher. I ran mostly to feel and the early miles were a few seconds quicker off the 2-second margin I set, so it was all good. Still, in a marathon, seconds can make a difference over the 42K, so I always strive to stay on-point the best I can. As with the recent MP workout, there was again a slight pull on the right adductors but I ran it off. I can see that if I don’t work that one out, I’ll have bad issues during the race. Other than that, I’m happy for the workout with the interval segments logged at 5:11 > 5:10 > 5:05 > 5:00. One of the best sessions so far!

Hilly 25
Distance covered: 24K
How it went: I was a little apprehensive prior to starting this. Firstly, it was to be my longest run in training. Secondly, the cumulative mileage in the legs has obviously increased. Thirdly, the route over which the long run was to be executed has a total elevation gain of 868 meters. While the number represents just a molehill to mountain runners, anything over 300m would be challenging to me and anything over 600m is just ridiculous, unless I’m training for something with this much elevation! But the aim was to toughen the legs, body and mind, so it had to be done even if the Gold Coast Airport Marathon is pretty flat. The only sane way to do that would be to run by perceived effort and pay no attention to pace. Overall, I did a good job if I may say so, keeping the average HR to 140 with the highest at 162. The last 4K were at increased pace as well. A good session to close the week. There was hardly time to rest as once I showered, it was time to leave home as well, with some back to back family activities for the entire day. Managed to catch Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 as well.

Number of days of running: 6
Total mileage: 67K
Notes: Holding at 67K for the 2nd week, 88.6K (over 8 days). I’m ready for Week 5.

Looking back: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3

Week 3/12

April 30, 2017

Tuesday Tempo (Tempo pace is 5:00)

  • 10-min warm-up
  • 20-min tempo
  • 10-min cool-down

Distance covered: 8.1km
How it went: Had doubts at the start of the workout if I could keep to the pace, so I stuck to the 20-min tempo segment instead of increasing it to 25. However as I got the warm up going, it began to feel better and for the 3rd week running, I achieved the 4:55 average for the 20 mins. Extended the cool down jog to cap the day at 8K.

Easy Wednesday
Distance covered: 8.5K
How it went: After 3 weeks, I can safely say that I’ve successfully transitioned to morning runs. Wednesday morning was no different. But as laid on the bed enjoying the extra 30 seconds after the alarm went off, I didn’t feel quite right. Regardless, I was downstairs lacing up not 10 minutes later. But as I was doing that, I was struck with a pain stomach ache that had me breaking sweat. Those intense types that have you clenching your butt cheeks. Resisting the urge to run it off, I instead rushed to the loo and not a moment too soon! To save you the crap-fest description, it felt much better right after. The whole morning had me thinking what I ate that could’ve caused the issue. I initially put it down to the sambal (chilli paste) the night before. Yet it was unlikely, since I had very little of it and if it was bad, I’d have run into problems the very night. Then I realized that it was the iron tablet which I took (on top of my regular fish oil capsules and antioxidant tablet) that probably messed me up. Ordinarily, it wouldn’t have been a problem but after laying off them for months and retaking them, it’s probably the way the body is adjusting. Iron supplementation isn’t something I do normally since I’m not anemic. But with increased training intensity, there are iron “leakages” from the capillaries, from all that pounding (foot-strike hemolysis). Best way to replenish it is via natural foods (dark leafy vegs and meat are most common sources) which I get plenty of, but last night’s dinner being rather little and plain, I thought I’d pop a pill.

Thursday MP
Distance covered: 9.3K (MP is 5:19)
How it went: The plan called for Yasso’s i.e. 5x800m with 400m recovery (similar to 2 weeks’ prior). On account that Wednesday’s run was in the evening and I got home late, I thought it was better to stay on the conservative side and not push it. I could grit my teeth through the Yasso’s but at what cost? I wasn’t about to find out the hard way.

Started the MP segment, after a 2K warm up. It was tough working up to the MP the first 2Ks, but once the body got into the groove, it was a go. I avoided checking the pace (just like during the tempo workouts) and just tried to run by feel. 5:28 > 5:21 > 5:12 > 5:17 > 5:13 > 5:11 > 5:11 which meant I’d gone into LT zone. Analysis showed my HR to be in the 2015-2016 marathon race pace readings which doesn’t really confirm anything. To conclude that I’m now running quicker at the same HR of last year won’t be accurate since this is just week 3. In his podcast, Luke Humphreys (of Hansons Marathon Method) warned about peaking too early, and there are still over 9 weeks to race day.

If anything, this workout showed that I needed to balance the speedwork with more marathon specific workouts such as MP, LT and Tempo. The legs are a little tired and with a 6 day/week plan, there are certainly cumulative fatigue at work here. I’m sensitive to how the body is adapting to the stress and will continue to monitor all the signs and readings.

Easy Friday
Distance covered: 7.44K
How it went: After running in lighter shoes most of the time, I pulled out the Triumph for an easy session. If taken as a swap with yesterday’s MP, this morning was supposed to be the Yasso’s. But I’m letting the body recover just a little more yet retain the “time on feet” factor. I’ve been late getting back home the last 2 nights and as a result of the late dinners, I didn’t get to bed as early as I wanted to. 6:30 used to be my easy pace but now it’s 6:13.

Saturday Yasso’s 
Distance covered: 12.5K (5x800m, including warm up and cool down)
How it went: Shuffling the Thu to Sat workouts around due to work meant that this morning I had to repay my Yasso dues. 4K of warm up before hitting 5 reps. Once again, went by effort and post run data showed 5-10 secs improvements (4:18 > 4:16 > 4:18 > 4:15 > 4:09) over Week 1’s Yasso’s. Rest assured it was mental and it gave me the chance to exercise the positive affirmations during those hard laps. While the 4:09 was my quickest in a long while, it doesn’t prove anything at this stage. So much more left to do.

Long Sunday
Distance covered: 21K
How it went: Generally good. Main goal was to complete the distance, which I did. Kept to a comfortable and easy pace till 12K point afterwhich the pace quickened considerably. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to hold till the finish with last 2K quite a struggle.

Number of days of running: 6
Total mileage: 67K
Notes: With 3 weeks done, the weekly mileage has been climbing. I will control the intensity next week and bring into play the longer sets and also some running at LT pace. It’s clear that the long runs need some working out. All said and done, I’m just glad a quarter of the 12 weeks are wrapped up, with no missed workouts!!

Looking back: Week 1 | Week 2

Week 2/12

April 21, 2017

Tuesday Tempo (Tempo pace is 5:00)

  • 10-min warm-up
  • 20-min tempo
  • 15-min cool-down

Distance covered: 6.46km
How it went: Easy jog followed by 20-min tempo segment. Target was 5:00 but I averaged 4:56. 1-sec quicker than last Tuesday’s average. Wrapped up with a cool down of skips, high-knee plyo drills and short jog.

Easy Wednesday
Distance covered: 7.5K
How it went: Relaxed run. Kept the average HR to 134. Wrapped up with some high knee drills, butt kicks and stretching the adductors, hams, quads.

Thursday Hill Repeats

Warm-up: 5K, progressive pace.
Repeats: 5x400m Hills @ 5K race pace; 400m recovery
Treadmill setting: 4% inclines the first 2 reps, 3% inclines the second 2. Speed: 13.4

Dist/Time/Pace

Run1: 420m / 1:56.6 / 4:38
Recovery1: 390m / 3:54 / 9:57

Run2: 410m / 1:53.7 / 4:35
Recovery2: 410m / 3:34 / 8:42

Run3: 390m / 1:48.1 / 4:34
Recovery3: 430m / 3:28 / 8:05

Run4: 410m / 1:51.5 / 4:34
Recovery4: 430m / 3:48 / 8:51

Run5: 410m / 1:51.2 / 4:32
Recovery5: 470m / 3:46 / 8:03

Stretching, skips, form to wrap up the session.

The legs really got a good workout. It was tiring but not to the point of exhaustion. Was still in control towards the end of the final rep. Finishing a tough workout is always an empowering experience and I’ve more than once called upon the memories of such tough sessions to pull myself through the sticky parts of the marathon. This was just the first of 4 hill sessions alternating with Yasso’s and Week 2 of 12. The fitness is certainly back but I’ll need to review if there are enough Threshold sessions available. I may also need 2x5K tempo intervals 5 weeks out from race day.

Good Friday
Heavy rain put paid to the morning run. Taking out the rain jacket was an option but I didn’t want to risk catching a cold. It was, after all, an easy day. The 6K was finally logged on the treadmill in the evening.

Easy Friday
Distance covered: 5.2K
How it went: Kept it easy @ 6:22 pace

Tempo Saturday
Distance covered: 5.9K
How it went: Packaged together with the Saucony Group Run. The runners broke up into few pace groups, with June and I taking the 5:00 group. But thunder, lightning and rain put paid to the full plans. Traffic on Saturday was horrendous as well. So the group started late and covered just close to 6K. Jogged right up to the Kinrara Residence junction before heading back at tempo pace. What a shame, since the weather was perfect for a longer workout. Rushed home for C1’s 14th birthday. Fast & Furious 8 was very entertaining but check your brains before entering the cinema.

Sunday Long Run
Distance covered: 18K
How it went: Averaged 6:08 the first 12K, before progressively moved the pace to 5:40 > 5:32 > 5:22 > 5:16 > 5:05 before cool down. It was a struggle and I certainly felt the effects.

Number of days of running: 6
Total mileage: 53.9K
Notes: Week 2 was essentially a duplicate of Week 1. The adaptations should be surfacing next week, so things are about to get interesting.

The Nine Inches

February 15, 2017

“No matter how it’s run, whether it’s uphill, downhill, or flat, a marathon is 26.2 miles, and you have to respect the distance. There are a lot of guys who are going to be in great shape. I just want to run my own race, relax, stay in the mix, and be ready to react. That’s the beauty of racing. You do all your training to prepare the rest of your body, but coach Joe Vigil used to say what counts on race day is the nine inches above your shoulders.”
Meb Keflezighi, 36, winner of the US Olympic Marathon Trials.

Love the quote and I think it resonates on so many levels. Not only would you need some common sense and keep a level head during the race but also in the preparation for the big day. Like many, I’ve been often caught in the thrill of logging workouts after workouts in the name of umm…. working out. The purpose and goal of the workout seemingly lost in the whole scheme of things. It’s an easy vicious cycle to be caught in. Here’s why. After several weeks adjusting to the increased stress of training, the body has finally adjusted. It becomes easier for you to check off the miles, hitting the pace and so on. All well and good.

That’s when things can swing the other way. Unchecked, the body may be stressed to the point where even a 15K feels like late miles in a marathon. The legs may be feeling OK but the heart rate reading is just telling a different story. You find it increasingly difficult to roll out of bed. The niggles are taking longer to go away. You get a bit of the sniffles. Now, you know where this is headed right? You don’t need medical nor physiological explanations to tell you that these are warning signs of burn out. You feel it. Choosing to ignore or ride this wave may not be doing your training or race preps any good. Remember that the pros have a team to make sure they don’t get into this situation, from a coach, a masseuse, dietitian, and the luxury of naps a couple of times a day (in a RunnersWorld article written about their training – will try to look them up again – the Kenyans nap twice a day). Contrast to working stiffs in Malaysia who spend 3 hours a day caught in traffic, long working hours, late dinners, it’s so darn easy to get into a rest/sleep deficit. As dedicated, passionate, hardy and resourceful endurance athletes are, the whole mix is as delicate as a lit match among drums of fuel. There’s the risk of premature peaking to contend with.

It’s 2 Sundays to race day and it’s time to start my own recuperation mode. Last week has been so tiring that I abandoned my plan to run a fast 21K as part of the Brooks Half Marathon simulation as the final long run. Instead, I’ll be taking 2 days off running and thereafter sprinkling a few 8-10K tempos right up to the end of next Sunday. In his marathon taper article Pete Pfitzinger mentioned of a 11-13 mile run the Sunday before the race and it’s certainly something I’ll be doing, provided I’ve rested up.  Hopefully all these will allow me to finish the race on the 26th, as Pfitzinger put it, “pleasantly exhausted” :) .

Originally published: February 12, 2012

Running And Happiness

September 7, 2016

“Running provides happiness which is different from pleasure. Happiness has to do with struggling and enduring and accomplishing.” – George Sheehan

The Most Succinct Reason Of Why We Run

September 7, 2016
Sometimes we run simply to get away from the maddening crowd.
Sometimes we run simply to get away from the maddening crowd.

In the RW Blog http://rwdaily.runnersworld.com/2010/10/trapped-might-as-well-run.html, one commenter, PDM said:

“Whether it is a mine entrapment or a divorce, a bankruptcy or a bad review, we all run from something, or to something. The fact remains; we all run to settle our souls. There is a thing that wants to jump out, grab us by the throat, and choke us to death. It is unwieldy and loathsome. It wants our lives. However, through our resilience, we give it no stake hold. We let it live initially, to temper us, then…we kill it, with the ambitions of our heart.”

To all the rescued miners, welcome back! All of you were in my prayers and your tenacity and will to live continue to move and inspire me and I’m sure many others.

Published: October 15th, 2010