I've had a slow start to 2011. Feel a bit like the GSX1400 chugging along on three cylinders. Two weeks down — 53k and 82k (my "year" started on 27 December due to my habit of logging mileage in 4-week blocks — 4 x 13 = 52). Spent some time over Christmas and the New Year in Wagga Wagga helping the siblings with a garden makeover at Mum's. She's 85 this year and going strong, but has this strange habit of collecting thousands of pot-plants.
I'm behind the first two weeks of last year, which were 83k and 90k. Speedygeoff has run 100k this week and I'd like to join him on that type of mileage as my base-building phase continues. Had a lovely (if humid) run around Lake Burley Griffin yesterday for 24k with Ruth and Andy. Struggled a little after 20 — I'm not used to running that far! Plan to race the 5000 on Thursday evening — would like something under 23 minutes, but my confidence isn't great. We'll see.
I'm behind the first two weeks of last year, which were 83k and 90k. Speedygeoff has run 100k this week and I'd like to join him on that type of mileage as my base-building phase continues. Had a lovely (if humid) run around Lake Burley Griffin yesterday for 24k with Ruth and Andy. Struggled a little after 20 — I'm not used to running that far! Plan to race the 5000 on Thursday evening — would like something under 23 minutes, but my confidence isn't great. We'll see.
With the Suzuki in August 2004
25 comments:
Nice looking bike!
Yes, for base building, 90-100k would be good.
You're going to have a great year this year Ewen! I base this pediction on the law of averages and the fact your body has now probably had enough time to heal itself from the damage you did to it, and to your mind, on your last "6 Foot Track" attempt.
I really believe that running that race underdone put you back but now your mind and body probably has the message that you aren't going to give up running so you'll come good this year.
Besides it is the "Year of the Rabbit" after all.
And yes, great photo but might be better if you were wearing a full faced helmet! Sorry couldn't resist.
Good work on the garden makeover ... did it make you feel like Jamie Drury?
Happy New Year and runwith fun in 2011.
Nice engine and looks tough.
Your mother has a good age.
Unfortunately my bike in the garage, it's too cold to ride outside!.
Great photo! I have a good feeling about 2011 - I think it will be your year! Go for it. Don't forget you ran another 20km today - a good running weekend!
I hope your mums not starting a cannabis farm :]
Nice but heavy bike, give me a Norton Commando twin engine in a light weight aluminium framed Cafe racer special and I'd be a happy man!
Yes here's to a good running year and good health :]
Good luck this Thursday! Hey, 2011 is just beginning, so no worries about slow starts. There's lots and lots of time to get up to speed. :)
Beautiful bike!
I am sure you will break the 23 minutes barrier.
You have all the time to increase the mileage.
Ewen, someday I am going to be that 85-year-old with a thousand potted plants. Better than cats, I guess. Good for you helping your Mum!
And that motorcycle doesn't look very safe at all. Park it, and run more.
I'm more impressed by how your mother is doing than anything you mentioned about training. Having someone with long-life genes in the immediate family is a nice thing to have, I suppose.
Ewen
I agree that 100 Km per week is a good target volume, but volume itself is not all that matters. There are many different training strategies that lead to success, but also many that lead to frustration, so we need to ‘train a lot but train smart’, and that includes knowing one’s own strengths.
In the time I have followed your blog, 2008 was your best year. That followed a successful period of Hadd training in late 2007, with a weekly volume around 100Km. Then in mid 2009 your apparently ‘blew it’ by too many weeks around 120Km. By late 2009 and early 2010 you were making a promising comeback with an emphasis on Pete McGill drills, some hill sessions and a training volume averaging around 85 km/week. Then things went wrong again after six foot track in 2010, though probably the hypothyroidism played a large part in that. So for what it is worth, my impression is that in recent years you have done best with a systematic program (eg Hadd), a volume around 85-100Km per week, and some appropriate drills, though no doubt my opinion is biased by my own experiences. And it does appear that luck plays a part, so good luck in 2011.
Ok Ewen - sounds like we need to get back to the drills! They did seem to help with form at least. :)
Thanks Bob. I should hit 95 or so this week.
Scott, thanks for your confidence in me, but not sure about the "Year of the Rabbit"... although our local rabbits are running strong lately!
Andrew, I felt like Jamie Drury when I took my shirt off ;)
Rinus, I don't blame you. My bike stays in the garage over winter and we don't get snow!
Strewth, thanks. I won't forget that you left me for dead in the last 5k of that run on Sunday arvo.
Rick, now THAT would be productive. Before we did the makeover one would be hard pressed to find cannabis amongst all the pot-plants.
Flo, thanks. I'm psyched up for a long journey towards the sub-20 5k.
Stefano, thanks for that. My bike is blushing.
Susan, Mum also has cats. But only two these days. I think I'd rather have two cats than two thousand pot-plants.
Thomas, thanks. Mum has been active all her life (came off the farm), but I think there are robust genes there too.
Canute, you know more about my training than I do! That's a great summary of recent years. I plan to bring the drills back into play shortly (when Ruth's hamstring is up to it).
Bet not too many know I've ridden pillion on that very bike! Roaring down from Mt Stromlo, what a thrill!
Good luck with the 5000m and with all cylinders working. Mine are zero right now!
Base building for six foot again? Will miss the race again. Maybe next year with a Canberra 50k afterwards.
The four week blocks are interesting. I haven't seen that approach before.
Good luck on Thursday!
Good luck with your sub 23.. I am sure it is in there!!
Love the pic with the bike... reminds me it is spring for you. I am not a fan of the winter here. haha
Luckylegs, yes, that was fun! Light females make good pillion passengers ;)
Paul, no Six Foot this year. I'm base-building for 5k racing. I think the 50k option at Canberra will prove popular this year.
Robert, I just do it so I can compare like 'months'. Thanks for your good wishes. I felt terrible on today's run so should feel great tomorrow.
Dubs, thanks. It's actually still summer, but it feels like a wet spring. We've had so much rain. More than enough!
wannabe said:
I noticed your other bikes trying to hide in the background. Is it true that the red bike is the fastest?
My bike is safely tucked away from the winter cold but my that looks nice. Keep getting those solid weeks (70 is a nice avg) and your 5k times will drop I'm sure.
Good luck with the race! I'm sure your 2011 will turn out well.
Wannabe, they're a couple of mates' bikes. One is a BMW K1100LT and I think the other is a Kawasaki of some description. Blue and white bikes are the fastest.
Mike, glad your bike is safe and warm for the winter. I struggled a bit this week - I think from the heat and high humidity.
Thanks Chad. The race was 'OK' - a C+. I'll write a little more later this week.
The bike is great and your training emphasis sounds sensible but Ewen, your training diary says you ran yesterday with no shirt on!!! Yikes! That is a major training error, one which is sure to sabotage performance. Quick! Stop it! Before it becomes a bad habit that takes hold.....
Sorry to scare you Liz. You can relax... I wouldn't inflict the sight of a pale bony torso on my sensitive friends. That's strictly a run from home in the dark routine ;-)
Whew ......
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