Last night, I had a scary experience.
I am working in the Kimberley region of WA at the moment, and from the mine to the accommodation village is about 9k. I come back to the village in the evening, run just over half way out, then back, and it is a 10k run. You beauty. I have done that for 5 days in a row that I have been here, so clocked up another 50k (nearly - there is more).
Now, last night, as I was running out, I was running behind (chasing it off the road actually) what I thought was a lizard. Holy crap, it turned out to be a small snake, and I was so close behind it, as I was running faster than it thumping my feet on the ground to get it to move out of my way. Obviously I nearly soiled my tri suit when I saw it was a snake, and when it reared up at the bus that went past (not at me, thank god - but it was an angry little fellow). Mind you, it was pitch black, and all I had was my head lamp to see what was happening. Not enough light really, for out here.
So, as I ran out and turned around (I went a bit further last night, as I was measuring the distance to the Telstra Tower for a guy on site - who walks home from there each night), then on the way back, I look up and there is a massive snake (and I mean huge, huge) across the road. It was nearly from the white line on the side to the white line in the centre. I was massive, there is no other way to describe it. Again, I nearly soiled my tri suit. As you do.
So, I turned around, whilst saying a quiet prayer to the ghost of Steve Irwin to look after me, and ran as fast as I could. I sprinted (I now understand when people say that they run for their life). I was a little over running by that stage, so I tried to hail the bus down, which was returning in the other direction by this time. He did not stop, and I could not work out why. Anyway, I thought I have to get back to the village eventually, so I started running in the right direction again. Then, holy crap, this big unit of a snake was heading down the white line on the side of the road, heading for me. Another soiling episode, another turn and run for my life and another prayer to Steve Irwin to guide my life saving actions (I never really did get a sign from Steve, but I further struggled to understand how and why he did what he did - it must have been frightening).
So, there I was about 5k from the mine, 4k from the village, pitch black, being chased by a monster that was nearly as long as I am tall, and that was a little more dangerous. Holy crap. I did not know where the big unit was, I just stood in the middle of the road trying to check for movement around me. Nothing, thankfully.
Finally, a contract worker up here for the weekend, drove past and picked me up, and it was back to the village. We did not see the insanely sized boa constrictor (or King Brown, the boys think it probably was) again, so of course, so I am not sure if my tale of woe was quite believed. Mind you, I was a blithering idiot (with very close to a soiled tri suit), so I am guessing my escort sensed some urgency.
Anyway, that was my experience. Oh, then, when I got back, I nearly choked the bus driver, and said what were you thinking mate, I was in the middle of the road trying to flag you down and you drove straight past. He said that because I was always out running, he thought I was just waving to him, saying hi. Yeah mate, that makes sense, I'm out on a run, get bored, stop, wave my arms (and light) frantically from somewhere near the middle of the road, and that is part of some type of rational behaviour.
Then, at dinner, when I got back, I was relaying the story to a table of eager listeners, and they started telling me horrible stories of all of their snake encounters. One involved the same sized snake lying outside a room first thing in the morning, and it would let the occupant out to go to work. By the end of dinner, I was more of a blithering idiot, and was worried that I would have nightmares about being swallowed by one of these man eating loch ness monster sized land dwellers.
In all seriousness, I really have no advice on how do deal with this type of situation, if you encounter it. Just do your best. It is a tough call, and a scary situation.
Anyway, "you know you are an elite athlete when you encounter massive venomous animals whilst you are out exercising".
Until next week, keep training.
Anton
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Life Rocks and so does running
Well, after a great weekend of exercise, that included a 15k run on Saturday morning a running partner (unusual for me), in a time of 1.20, we got on the bike and did about 50k at an average speed of about 28k. This was slow, but the Saturday rides are slow and just fro everyone to roll the legs over after a hard weeks training. All good, and pulled up well.
About 2,000 calories burnt prior to 7.30 on Saturday morning. We started at 4am, which was very early, but it is a great time of the day. If you have not done a run, or a ride, at that time of the day, get up early this weekend (maybe not during the week). It really is good fun.
You get to see all the drunks coming home from the night club, and they look at you like you are from a foreign land being out exercising at that time of the day. In turn, you look at them and think - you idiot, why would you do that to your body. Most house lights are off, with everyone still asleep, while you are out burning calories and getting fit. There is no better feeling, really. Exhilarating, and you might even hit that runners high. I haven't yet, but I am told it is a good thing, and you feel like you can run for ever.
Anyway, I did 8k on Sunday night in 39.10. That was the first time in my life I have gone under 5 minute ks, so it was time for requirement. Yee Hah. It was a hard run, and it was through Brisbane City (Hamilton, actually), so there were heaps of stops at lights. That was a pain in the arse. Anyway, the Garmin tracks it all for me, stops and all.
Monday was a rest day, then this arvo, I did another 15k in 1.16.49, another cause for celebration. Average of 5.07 per k over 15. Double Yee Hah. It is getting there.
And, with the stretches that I learnt from the mad South Korean acupuncture torture physio, Insan (no, she was great), my body is feeling fresh. Can you believe that. Believe it, baby.
Living the dream.
Anyway, feeling good, and gearing up for the next sprint distance triathlon on Sunday morning. Should be fun, and I should be quicker than I was three weeks ago.
Also, I have started to count calories fairly tightly, as I am not losing the weight that I want to. That is a daily effort, and I record them. I have given myself 1800 calories a day, and any exercise comes off that. So today, with 1,200 for the run, I will definitely be burning more than I eat.
Until next time, run hard.
Anton
About 2,000 calories burnt prior to 7.30 on Saturday morning. We started at 4am, which was very early, but it is a great time of the day. If you have not done a run, or a ride, at that time of the day, get up early this weekend (maybe not during the week). It really is good fun.
You get to see all the drunks coming home from the night club, and they look at you like you are from a foreign land being out exercising at that time of the day. In turn, you look at them and think - you idiot, why would you do that to your body. Most house lights are off, with everyone still asleep, while you are out burning calories and getting fit. There is no better feeling, really. Exhilarating, and you might even hit that runners high. I haven't yet, but I am told it is a good thing, and you feel like you can run for ever.
Anyway, I did 8k on Sunday night in 39.10. That was the first time in my life I have gone under 5 minute ks, so it was time for requirement. Yee Hah. It was a hard run, and it was through Brisbane City (Hamilton, actually), so there were heaps of stops at lights. That was a pain in the arse. Anyway, the Garmin tracks it all for me, stops and all.
Monday was a rest day, then this arvo, I did another 15k in 1.16.49, another cause for celebration. Average of 5.07 per k over 15. Double Yee Hah. It is getting there.
And, with the stretches that I learnt from the mad South Korean acupuncture torture physio, Insan (no, she was great), my body is feeling fresh. Can you believe that. Believe it, baby.
Living the dream.
Anyway, feeling good, and gearing up for the next sprint distance triathlon on Sunday morning. Should be fun, and I should be quicker than I was three weeks ago.
Also, I have started to count calories fairly tightly, as I am not losing the weight that I want to. That is a daily effort, and I record them. I have given myself 1800 calories a day, and any exercise comes off that. So today, with 1,200 for the run, I will definitely be burning more than I eat.
Until next time, run hard.
Anton
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
