Well, it is too late to pull out now. I am actually looking forward to the event, it will be good fun, but fairly tough, I am guessing.
The team element will make it unique, with a four man team having to come into and out of all check points together. All four must start and all four must finish. Very unique as far as endurance events go, as they are usually single person events.
Our team consists of me, consultant and average runner, Andrew, Financial Planner and good runner, but with bad knees, Mark, Andrew's brother, very good runner, but missed a few weeks of training and Dan, on the verge of professional triathlete. We will make an interesting bunch.
My goal the whole time, and over the last two months, when the focus has been to run 100k every week, week in, week out, is to not let the team down. I will not make them wait for me, if it comes to that. I will pull out, before letting the team down, though I am confident that I have done more than enough to help the team get over the line.
See, we are aiming for a finish time of 20 hours, and that will be achievable if we run a fair portion of the race, which should not be a huge drama, I wouldn't think. From what I can gather, the terrain is not nearly as gruelling at the North Face 100, so that should give us some respite.
Anyway, gear is packed already, body is a bit shabby - sore left knee and sore right achilles (3 physio trips last week with the latter). Will let you know all about it in a weeks time.
Till then, keep running, or go to www.antonguinea.com.au for more ideas on how to stay motivated.
Showing posts with label Anton Guinea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anton Guinea. Show all posts
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
It continues ...
Well, there is one thing about exercise. It never stops. It is always there, waiting to be done. It is like a caged lion, ready to jump up and chase you around, until your legs are tired, your heart is pounding, your sweat is dripping, your energy is going and your feet are hurting. Bring it on, and keep running from the lion, I say.
It does get tough, though, as anyone that has undertaken a massive event, like running 100k would attest to. This week, it has been 15k (at a reasonable clip - 11.5 k an hour and higher) on Tuesday. Wednesday, instead of doing a slow 8, I did a bit faster (same speed as above) 10 k. I really did those two days easily. Then, today, Thursday, holy crap. I was aiming at another 15 k, but I could only manage 10 k. I was running as slow as 9 k an hour, at some stages. Gee it was tough. Not sure why, just getting used to the consistency of a solid training program, I guess. But hey, living the dream.
The three runs this week have been on a treadmill at the Cove Gym, in Perth. I like a mix of road and treadmill, and both have their own pros and cons. I like the consistency of speed of the treadmill. It just keep going at the speed that you set it at. And, given that I am working in Perth at the moment, I don't like running in the city, with traffic lights, pollution, people, cars and other things to either get in the way, or to stop the progress of an elite athlete.
Anyway, I am shagged today. I went to this South Korean Physio yesterday, to see if she could loosen up my ITB, and hence reduce some of the keen pain that I have been struggling with. Get this, one of the first things she said was "do you like acupuncture". Of course I effen don't - I hat needles. That did not stop her, apparently, as within a few minutes, I have needles jammed into the muscles in my leg. Holy crap, what an experience. Very different, but I should say, very effective. It feels great today. I must say, though, it is a weird experience, the needle thing. She reckoned that the needles could better pin point (what a pun) the source of the tightness, encourage blood flow, and generally make the muscles looser. She said something about energy flows and charkras at one stage (holy crap again), but my eyes glazed over at that stage. The only energy I need flowing is that which gets to my legs when I am running.
Anyway, maybe tomorrow will be a rest day. Looking forward to that. Then a big weekend of running, and I want to get some riding in, as well as loving the family time.
By the way, you know you are an elite athlete (not) when "you watch the middle aged lady on the treadmill next to you crank the speed up to over 15 k per hour, while you trudge away at 11 or 12 k per hour. Arrrgh."
Until next time, keep running.
Anton G
It does get tough, though, as anyone that has undertaken a massive event, like running 100k would attest to. This week, it has been 15k (at a reasonable clip - 11.5 k an hour and higher) on Tuesday. Wednesday, instead of doing a slow 8, I did a bit faster (same speed as above) 10 k. I really did those two days easily. Then, today, Thursday, holy crap. I was aiming at another 15 k, but I could only manage 10 k. I was running as slow as 9 k an hour, at some stages. Gee it was tough. Not sure why, just getting used to the consistency of a solid training program, I guess. But hey, living the dream.
The three runs this week have been on a treadmill at the Cove Gym, in Perth. I like a mix of road and treadmill, and both have their own pros and cons. I like the consistency of speed of the treadmill. It just keep going at the speed that you set it at. And, given that I am working in Perth at the moment, I don't like running in the city, with traffic lights, pollution, people, cars and other things to either get in the way, or to stop the progress of an elite athlete.
Anyway, I am shagged today. I went to this South Korean Physio yesterday, to see if she could loosen up my ITB, and hence reduce some of the keen pain that I have been struggling with. Get this, one of the first things she said was "do you like acupuncture". Of course I effen don't - I hat needles. That did not stop her, apparently, as within a few minutes, I have needles jammed into the muscles in my leg. Holy crap, what an experience. Very different, but I should say, very effective. It feels great today. I must say, though, it is a weird experience, the needle thing. She reckoned that the needles could better pin point (what a pun) the source of the tightness, encourage blood flow, and generally make the muscles looser. She said something about energy flows and charkras at one stage (holy crap again), but my eyes glazed over at that stage. The only energy I need flowing is that which gets to my legs when I am running.
Anyway, maybe tomorrow will be a rest day. Looking forward to that. Then a big weekend of running, and I want to get some riding in, as well as loving the family time.
By the way, you know you are an elite athlete (not) when "you watch the middle aged lady on the treadmill next to you crank the speed up to over 15 k per hour, while you trudge away at 11 or 12 k per hour. Arrrgh."
Until next time, keep running.
Anton G
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Getting Sore
After about 100ks in the last 10 days, the legs are a little weary. So is the back.
I trotted off (so to speak) to the Chiropractor this morning, for some manipulation and some adjustment to my back. Interesting discussion, it was, as those visits to medical practitioners always are. I learnt about the 'knobby bits' at the bottom of your back and how they become weight bearing during sitting. I also learnt a great hamstring stretch, that can be done from a seated position. Go you good thing.
Apparently, my history of Sherman's disease (bent spine) and a knee reconstruction should mean that I can't run without pain, and if so, I will definitely feel it later in life (apparently). Well, at the moment, thanks to some orthodics from Mary the Physio, in Kiama NSW, my knee does not give me any grief. It used to, but not anymore. Mind you, everything else hurts, especially after running for 11 days (12 tomorrow) straight. But the knees are fine.
The training program is off to a good start. This week, instead of having the rest day on Friday, I am going to have that on Saturday, and do a triathlon, in lieu of running on Sunday. Then, it is a rest day on Monday. Yee Hah. Looking forward to that.
Might ride on Saturday morning, not sure as yet, as the weather is terrible here in Gladstone at the moment. It has rained for ages, everything is wet and drenched. We needed the rain, and everything, including our yard, is green. Running in the rain is a little tougher, especially when the wind blows up. Then it is time to harden up, and stop whinging.
Until next time, train hard.
Anton
I trotted off (so to speak) to the Chiropractor this morning, for some manipulation and some adjustment to my back. Interesting discussion, it was, as those visits to medical practitioners always are. I learnt about the 'knobby bits' at the bottom of your back and how they become weight bearing during sitting. I also learnt a great hamstring stretch, that can be done from a seated position. Go you good thing.
Apparently, my history of Sherman's disease (bent spine) and a knee reconstruction should mean that I can't run without pain, and if so, I will definitely feel it later in life (apparently). Well, at the moment, thanks to some orthodics from Mary the Physio, in Kiama NSW, my knee does not give me any grief. It used to, but not anymore. Mind you, everything else hurts, especially after running for 11 days (12 tomorrow) straight. But the knees are fine.
The training program is off to a good start. This week, instead of having the rest day on Friday, I am going to have that on Saturday, and do a triathlon, in lieu of running on Sunday. Then, it is a rest day on Monday. Yee Hah. Looking forward to that.
Might ride on Saturday morning, not sure as yet, as the weather is terrible here in Gladstone at the moment. It has rained for ages, everything is wet and drenched. We needed the rain, and everything, including our yard, is green. Running in the rain is a little tougher, especially when the wind blows up. Then it is time to harden up, and stop whinging.
Until next time, train hard.
Anton
Last week - Holy Crap
Well, it is off and running, literally.
Here are the details from last week:
* Monday Jan 25: 10k run
* Tuesday Jan 26: 8k run
* Wednesday Jan 27: 9k run
* Thursday Jan 28: 9k run and 1k swim
* Friday Jan 29: 9k run and 1k swim
* Saturday Jan 30: 9k run and 2k swim
* Sunday Jan 31: 9k run and 2k swim
* Monday Feb 1: 9k run
* Tuesday Feb 2: 15k run and 40k mountain bike ride
* Wednesday Feb 3: 8k run and 1.5k swim
Well, after all that, including a trip home from WA on the overnight (red eye) flight, I am fatigued. For some athletes this might not be a big schedule, but for me, in my current (and overweight) condition, it is arduous. I plan to take a rest day some time next week, but until then, keep slogging it out.
Actually, my great mate (and absolute champion) Marc McLaren, who I am doing at least 3 running events with this year, has given me a training plan for the next 15 weeks. leading up to the 100k run.
It is quite simple, Monday and Friday rest, Tuesday and Thursday run 15k, Wednesday run 8k and on the weekends just run Forrest run (for a few hours at least on both days). Tough stuff. The challenge is, that I want to do some triathlons this year, too, so I have to fit riding and swimming around all that stuff. Very tough. I will be fit by the end of it all, anyway. My lovely, beautiful wife, Julie wasn't really keen on me 'flagging' that it might be nice to do the Ironman in Busselton at the end of the year, as well as all of this other stuff. She won't mind, I am sure (love you babe).
Oh, and I lost about 4 kilos in 10 days. Yee Hah. I have only got another 8 to lose now, by Mooloolaba. I need to be lighter for all this stuff this year. Down to 87.4 kilos now. Still too heavy to be doing what I am doing.
Anyway, the mountain bike (on the road - raining) ride yesterday was tough after the 15k run. I hit the wall, and was really fatigued. Lesson learnt. Run early, not just before the ride.
Marc also told me that there is a Relay for Life (18 hours) in his home town of Kiama this year, too, so that will be on the agenda as well. I think we will take that one a little easy, as it is two weeks before the North Face 100. An hour on and an hour off, with a team of two (Go for Broke - our team name) sounds like a plan. I will keep you informed.
Oh, and the Garmin rocks. It is tracking everything for me. I love it, and I am trying to convince Marc to get one, too. Not sure if he will.
Live the Dream, until next time.
Anton Guinea
Here are the details from last week:
* Monday Jan 25: 10k run
* Tuesday Jan 26: 8k run
* Wednesday Jan 27: 9k run
* Thursday Jan 28: 9k run and 1k swim
* Friday Jan 29: 9k run and 1k swim
* Saturday Jan 30: 9k run and 2k swim
* Sunday Jan 31: 9k run and 2k swim
* Monday Feb 1: 9k run
* Tuesday Feb 2: 15k run and 40k mountain bike ride
* Wednesday Feb 3: 8k run and 1.5k swim
Well, after all that, including a trip home from WA on the overnight (red eye) flight, I am fatigued. For some athletes this might not be a big schedule, but for me, in my current (and overweight) condition, it is arduous. I plan to take a rest day some time next week, but until then, keep slogging it out.
Actually, my great mate (and absolute champion) Marc McLaren, who I am doing at least 3 running events with this year, has given me a training plan for the next 15 weeks. leading up to the 100k run.
It is quite simple, Monday and Friday rest, Tuesday and Thursday run 15k, Wednesday run 8k and on the weekends just run Forrest run (for a few hours at least on both days). Tough stuff. The challenge is, that I want to do some triathlons this year, too, so I have to fit riding and swimming around all that stuff. Very tough. I will be fit by the end of it all, anyway. My lovely, beautiful wife, Julie wasn't really keen on me 'flagging' that it might be nice to do the Ironman in Busselton at the end of the year, as well as all of this other stuff. She won't mind, I am sure (love you babe).
Oh, and I lost about 4 kilos in 10 days. Yee Hah. I have only got another 8 to lose now, by Mooloolaba. I need to be lighter for all this stuff this year. Down to 87.4 kilos now. Still too heavy to be doing what I am doing.
Anyway, the mountain bike (on the road - raining) ride yesterday was tough after the 15k run. I hit the wall, and was really fatigued. Lesson learnt. Run early, not just before the ride.
Marc also told me that there is a Relay for Life (18 hours) in his home town of Kiama this year, too, so that will be on the agenda as well. I think we will take that one a little easy, as it is two weeks before the North Face 100. An hour on and an hour off, with a team of two (Go for Broke - our team name) sounds like a plan. I will keep you informed.
Oh, and the Garmin rocks. It is tracking everything for me. I love it, and I am trying to convince Marc to get one, too. Not sure if he will.
Live the Dream, until next time.
Anton Guinea
Friday, January 29, 2010
Another year, another adventure (or list of them actually)
2010 will be a big year. Here are some of my sporting goals and activities for this year:
1. Moolooloaba Triathlon (Olympic Distance) - March 28
2. The North Face 100 (100 km mountain run) - May 15
3. The Kokoda Challenge (96 km team walk) - July
4. Relay for life (100 km track run) - July
5. Rydges Yeppoon Half Ironman - August
6. Noosa Triathlon (Olmpic Distance) - October
7. Short Sprint Distance Triathlons at Rydes in Yeppoon
It would be good to do a marathon, an off road triathlon or an endurance mountain bike or road bike event, also, at some stage this year.
Anyway, I am going to track my progress throughout the year.
Currently, the physical condition that I am will not allow me to achieve any of the above events, with all of the Christmas cheer and holiday residue still clogging my waist line, my shorts, and probably my arteries.
So, on January 18, I was about 92 kg. I figure I need to be under the 80 mark to be at my best, so that is my goal weight by the Mooloolaba triathlon, which is about 8 weeks away. A good goal to get started on.
To assist with this pursuit, I have purchased a Garmin training aid (a GPS watch, that tracks distance, speed, HRM and every other statistic known to man). It is prime and links up to the computer for great results and tracking. There is no hiding with the Garmin in full swing. The results are there.
Anyway, I started in earnest this week, and I will tell you more about that soon.
I am going to track my progress weekly.
It will be a big year, come along for the ride.
Anton Guinea
1. Moolooloaba Triathlon (Olympic Distance) - March 28
2. The North Face 100 (100 km mountain run) - May 15
3. The Kokoda Challenge (96 km team walk) - July
4. Relay for life (100 km track run) - July
5. Rydges Yeppoon Half Ironman - August
6. Noosa Triathlon (Olmpic Distance) - October
7. Short Sprint Distance Triathlons at Rydes in Yeppoon
It would be good to do a marathon, an off road triathlon or an endurance mountain bike or road bike event, also, at some stage this year.
Anyway, I am going to track my progress throughout the year.
Currently, the physical condition that I am will not allow me to achieve any of the above events, with all of the Christmas cheer and holiday residue still clogging my waist line, my shorts, and probably my arteries.
So, on January 18, I was about 92 kg. I figure I need to be under the 80 mark to be at my best, so that is my goal weight by the Mooloolaba triathlon, which is about 8 weeks away. A good goal to get started on.
To assist with this pursuit, I have purchased a Garmin training aid (a GPS watch, that tracks distance, speed, HRM and every other statistic known to man). It is prime and links up to the computer for great results and tracking. There is no hiding with the Garmin in full swing. The results are there.
Anyway, I started in earnest this week, and I will tell you more about that soon.
I am going to track my progress weekly.
It will be a big year, come along for the ride.
Anton Guinea
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