Next goal is the North Shore Half Marathon in August, anyone out there planning on some similar training over the next few months?

I am! I am looking at doing the Taupo half marathon in August. The farthest I have ever run in one go to date is 10km...

Fab Incognito88. I have just run 10.5km at the Owera quarter marathon and have written a programme based on other programmes downloaded off the internet to get me to 21km. Let me know how you're getting on, I'll post a weekly update.

This week is mostly a rest week just some stomach exercises and stretches then start in earnest the next week.

That sounds great, at the moment I am trying to do 3 runs a week, 2 5km's during the week and 8km in the weekend. Is there any other specific exercises that you are doing along side the running to help out?

aha!
well the programme I have devised starts next week and is based something on this:

Sunday: a longer slow run
Monday: Gym - I am going to try Plyometrics with reps
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: Just joined a running club - so its club night
Thursday: interval training (fartleq)about 3km
Friday: rest
Saturday: an easy 5km run

Last weekend I completed my first half marathon, was the most amazing feeling and I was so proud of myself that I did it! A good training programe that I followed was the 10week one for the Auckland Half (Intermediate) which is available online. I was more than capable of doing the half with that training. Such an awesome thing to do and you will want to keep doing them

well done Palm - do you have the next one planned yet?

whoah - just seen your ticker - - - half Ironman???

Im also doing the Auckland half at the end of Oct but main focus now is half Ironman, very exciting (and daunting) thats for sure!

Ok, I think I'm keen (is that the right word) on the Taupo half. Downloaded my training plan (the Auckland one) today. You've inspired me Palm - but I don't think I could ever do a half ironman as I can't swim.

ETA - all entered for Taupo - no excuses now!

WTG Neats, and you know when I started training I could only - had only - run for 50minutes. 10weeks is all it took for me, i did the Intermediate training plan. And remember it isnt about winning it - because they have pros that do that! - its about completing and saying you have done it.

And Ironman, I cant swim very well at all. Like atm I cant even swim a length of a pool I was worried at first but have got myself a tri coach and joined a club and have been told that there are people who have started who havent being doing any form of exersice for years. Like my coach said, you will be surprised that they make wetsuits and bikes that big!

wowee well done ladies!

I've joined a running club and went for the second time this evening and ran with the ironman ladies. They are just ordinary women - have to say I was really inspired! wtg Palm you're awesome!

It will be your turn next Demi! Once you have done the half marathon its only an extra ride and swim before that

i'm not a good swimmer!

Wetsuit will help you float so your not going to drown and swimming lessons are also useful.

ok, but maybe I'll start with a little triathlon

When your 1/2 Demi?

This morning I actually survived my first half ironman training. Everyone was so encouraging even though my swimming is less to be desired and the coach is awesome. Shes given me heaps of tips for being comfortable in the water like doing basic starfish/floating just to get used to my face being in the water. Anyway it was great! Cant wait for next weekend!

just googled Ironmaori - its the one in Napier? Bet its loads of fun! May have to get a team together for next year...

Yep its in Napier the first weekend of December. This year it sold out withen 11minutes so if your going to get a team together you will have to keep your finger on the pulse. Entries open around end of March each year.

I have one half marathon in August and one in September...

Hows the training going everyone? Got at at 5.30am this morning to complete a set of running drills It was freaking cold and such a chore since im soooooo not a morning person!

Hello all!
Looks like I'll be joining in if thats ok as just signed up for half marathon for in just under 2 months down here in Dunedin! To date have run 22km once but near the end it seemed more like walking would be faster!

Well done on signing up for your first half marathon Beee! I think thats the first challenge, now just to get out, train and have fun!

just bumping us up...
have done a couple of 14kms with a terrible climb for the last 2km.
hope to get another in this weekend.
hows everyone else doing?

Not as good as you demi - 5km run is my furthest so far and 11km walking. Trying hard to stick to the beginners programme and doing OK.

did 14km, 10mins quicker on saturday. Looking forward to next weekend!

bumping to the top..

HELP>>> I'm looking for enthusiasm to keep going in wet, cold, windy weather!
I think I've manage 3 x 14km runs so far, and planning to up the distance to 16km, drop back then up it and drop back ready for the big one!

went out today planning to do 16km route but got caught in the mother of all storms and had to take a short-cut back to the office so 12km. I had my new sony walkman on (just head phones which are the the mp3 player too) and a load of music downloaded from someone elses computer and wow, the last track was a techno version of zorba the greek hat dance song, flip!!! It just gets faster and faster and I swear I was the quickest runner in the north for 4 mins.

anyone still training?
I managed a 23km run on sat, nice and slow, not that hard once you learn to pace yourself..

Not as much as I should!!! 13km walk/run with friends yesterday and must get more stuck in now!!! Still, not looking to break any records, just finish

Awesome work on the full training run!

How did your event go Spi-der-me?

Still training here, but have cut back on running during the week since the weather is so crap. Hitting the pools though to get some distance going and have been riding - even rode up the 13km 'mountain' that is scenic drive!!

half marathon isn't for a few more weeks...

yes its tough going running in this weather - I planned to sneak out during lunch today but man it was wet, cold and very windy, haven't managed a run since Saturday.

Am i alone?
Just a couple more weeks. Have cut down my distance and planning on doing more strength training to get some speed into my runs as I am terribly slow!

All the best for race day tomorrow spi-der-me

Good luck Demi - I know you've been feeling pretty rough the past few days, so final prep hasn't been what you'd planned, but I hope it goes really well, and that you have a great time.

Oh no! Thats not good to see you have been unwell. Go in with a finish mentality, i know with mine I wanted to do it within 2hrs10 but a few days before got a chest infection - still raced but it took me 2 1/2hrs. I was just happy to finish in the end. Enjoy the journey x x

How did you do for the North Shore Half? I ran it as well, my first ever. I ended up having knee trouble and didn't do the best time, but I finished, and was pretty pleased!

Good effort Nej101. Its all about completing not competing.... yet anyway

Finished my half in Taupo 3 weeks ago. Sleety, wet, freezing and huge blisters, but I ran the whole way (no walking) so that was enough for me. Run is a figure of speech BTW . I can't believe I am actually thinking I might do it again sometime

Great feeling no matter what the time, huh Nej101?

hello
Sorry forgot to check this thread but thanks for asking

yes did it.. complete with laryngitus and a bit of a fever. (not the advice I'd give anyone else)
I had to walk up the hills as I was wearing my heart rate monitor and my heart rate was so grossly elevated the monitor kept beeping madly so walked until it dropped back down and headed off again, I guess from being sick.

But on the flat I felt really good and strong and the training got me through, so very pleased I did it in 2.14 I think.

Next one in 2 weeks time and fingers crossed I will be all better and hope to break the 2hr mark. MOTIVATION.

You're a legend Demi. Well done and all the best for the next one

Hey which one do you plan to do next neats?

I went for a run around the block this pm and happily my heartrate is back to normal so I haven't hideously ruined myself! Feeling much better today so definately looking forward to the next one.

I went to a sport and nutrition talk last night reminded us all to 'drink more water!' and fuel and service our bodies as if we were Porsches not old bangers! Just got to keep that in my mind till after sidney Half. May have scored a ticket for the Auckland half too, will have to see, its the logistics of getting and staying there. I'm worried once I've acheived my Sidney 'goal' I'll let it all slip away and be back to square one.

Good effort Demi!! I ran my first half with a chest infection and it was the pits so I really feel for you. Next one will be better though Are you doing the Sydney half in a few weeks? Nah you wont let it slip, just go back to doing your buildup training again, on the Auckland Marathon website there is a 10week training programme so if you start that once you get back start at like week 5 or however long you have until race day

cheers Palm
if i can get the auckland ticket i'll run it for charity dressed as a chicken, will keep the motivation going for a bit longer..

Hmmm, I'm not sure. Raro next year sounds like a plan though . I would like to be a runner, and now I've been made redundant I'll try and get back into training to keep me motivated while job hunting.

Love the chicken idea Demi - we expect pics!

I like the Raro idea too!

Raro sounds like a wicked idea! We are planning a Fiji Holiday next year so maybe I should try find an event around then although i can see DH rolling his eyes now lol

Haha at the chicken suit! Awesome idea doing it for charity, I was reading this blog and it had a quote which said "If you can do it, then why wouldnt you?"

Raro apparently has a whole week of running events every September - sounds like a good excuse to drink lots of cocktails afterwards to me!

count me in for next year! Though that might seriously piss dh off if I sell it to him as a family holiday...

That's what we're doing - it's only one day running and the rest of the time celebrating our success LOL.

Oh thats a great idea! Do you have the link Neats?

Here's one of the travel packages I found, going to keep an eye out for next year's.

http://www.wildsidetravel.co.nz/events/wildsideeventpackages/round-rarotonga-road-race.aspx

The main race is 31km (gulp), but there are lots of other events too.

are you doing 31km??

just ordered new pair of trainers off the wiggle website (sale on) also a couple of medium runaid bottles, they are really easy to run with. Shipping was free so well worth it.

I'm not sure on the 31km. Haven't thought much about it TBH.

i'll do it if u do....

Hehe, sounds like a group running meet up happening in Raro next year! Id be keen.

Oooh, gosh, that could actually be a whole lot of fun!!! To be honest I ran the whole Taupo event with very little training (not the best time, and the last 3km nearly killed me, but I did it) so if I can somehow schedule training I guess 31 isn't impossible. And what a great reason to spent a week drinking cocktails poolside afterwards? Resort with a kidsclub a MUST!

I am very very tempted.

definately! we'll post any info here

Sydney half marathon this weekend!!

BAck... time was virtually same as last one, so will have to revisit my training plan! I can run without stopping at a steady pace - just not fast enough.

Woot! Was it a comparable course though? And which bird were you dressed as

the course was flatter but it was 30 degrees so a tad hot!

Phew! Same time is brilliant then! And good practice for Raro....

Good stuff Demi! I havent even started properly training for the auckland half, sooooo dont have time with the other training so am just going to do it for fun and to say i went over the Harbour Bridge.

Surely all your other training will have you on track for that anyway Palm???

I'm doing the Auckland half now too - dressed up so I have a good excuse for just pottering round too Palm - (though I'm sure you'll do great). I seem to have a few niggly injuries at the moment and I'm really tired. Seriously need to give up having to work!!

Demi are you having massages? I have one every 4ish weeks and its so good getting all those knots out. Also make sure your eating/drinking enough and taking those gels with you on those long runs.

Neats, pretty much, im not worried about not being able to finish but if i focused more on running rather than swimming id get a better time but then i might drown in Pandora come Dec if i did that Cant win em all eh!

Don't drown in Pandora!! It's not that deep, we'd find you

yow! don't drown!! thats taking fitness too far.

i had a massage straight after finishing sydney which was bliss and got one booked for the day after auckland...

Im booked in for the day after Auckland to. Nah not worried about drowning but i would be if i didnt train. I have a wetsuit on anyway so will float if i need a break.

All entered for the half marathon at mission bay in Auckland end of November - now to make sure we train and get here!! Bought new ipod with Nike + and new running pants so there is no excuse!

Good Stuff Beee! I actually find buying myself new bits and peices for my running good motivation, because i LOVE the stuff I run in and I know unless I train in it I wouldnt wear it.

Anyway came on cause I wanted to share this video with my fellow runners.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSPnV6HeMx0

Thanks Palm, I really enjoyed that. Must get running again!

did you see the other one by Sarah the amputee doing Ironman, pretty awesome and inspiring too..

ah theres loads http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja9BFx5Mhqo

i went to track and field yesterday after work with the goal of adding speed to my humble training programme. had a great time. There is a lady of 80 who races with us she is the most amazing person - a lean mean racing machine! she also runs marathons and does endurance cycles... an inspiration

How is track work? I'm thinking about trying to add some in (once I find a track near my house), but am worried it might be a bit boring.

Ah no Its not boring I go when the club meets - I went a couple of times last summer and pulled a muscle so it may be worth adding a few sprints into your runs to get your muscles used to faster work.
Also do a really good warm up first - I'm having a 'warm up learning' session next Friday

Good stuff Demi!

I havent been very well so have only been doing some cycle sessions at home this past week. Have got an appt with Cardiologist next Tues but will attempt a run tomorrow, im starting to miss it! who wouldve thought.

Hope you're ok Palm - sounds a bit worrying?

Well I managed to finish my entire 3hr brick session this morning without even a flutter so my heart is fine me thinks.

Also exciting news for me, my wetsuit arrives next week!! Woot Woot, so looking forward to trying it out

I'm lost, whats a brick session?

Brick session is a back to back training session of all three disciplines - swim first, then bike, and then the run. Kinda like a mini tri each week to get your body used to the pain lol

half marathon this weekend did a very hot run for 30mins on treadmill in full gear.... will be interesting!

Anyone running the Auckland Half Marathon on Sunday?? I'm entered and hoping for the best after not running all of Sept because of a knee problem.

Every time I cross the harbour bridge I think of what a climb it is going to be running it!

I'll be there - look out for the kiwi suit!

Demi - I'll keep an eye out for you!! Good luck with it - I got my race pack this morning and now I'm starting to get a bit nervous!

Demi - did your kiwi have yellow legs and fabric feathers??

this bird here???

Haha, that's it! I saw you, you were just ahead of me from the end of the bridge until near the end. Kudos to you for running in that - it must have been hot!

maybe you're in some of the photos?? did you see the girl in the pink? I ran by her on the bridge. I did quite long stops at each drink station to cool right down, so it was actually ok

Congrats girls!

Thats awesome Demi, I also saw you running back close to the start line - i thought it was to take the costume off cause it was blimming hot! I also saw a photo of you on the Running Events Facebook Page.

I didnt do as well as I wanted but considering the hills and the fact that the longest run Ive done since Rotorua Half was 8km it was ok at 2hrs and 36min

zips off to facebook

can you put a link? there is just a blank page for me....

https://www.facebook.com/#!/RunningEvents

oo yeah!

I did see the woman in pink. Great pic of you on the Running Events FB page! Awesome costume!

I'm still in relaxing post-marathon mode, which isn't very good. I've consumed a lot of chocolate the last few days. Halloween hasn't helped. I need to get out for a run soon, I'm thinking of doing the 5km Mairangi Bay fun run on Sunday...a nice short run will be a bit of a change!!

good plan, its hard to get remotivated after an event unless you've got another to aim for.

did you do the run?

my next event is all planned - its a huge duathlon and probably the hardest thing I'll have ever done! 9km run, 81km cycle, 9km run, runs are off road. Dh said he'd buy me some new lightweight racing wheels for my bike.
Got the training plan, just have to jig it around to suit my life etc.

Wow, duathlon sounds cool! Hats off to you for signing up! I didn't do that run the other week. Actually I haven't run a single step since the Auckland half. MUST get out there soon before I completely lose motivation!

you'll feel great once you get back into your stride, signing up for something is a boost.

I have found an unused triathlon training diary on my bookshelf - I won it at a sprint triathlon in 1988!

Good stuff Demi! When's that event?

Nej101 hows the running going?

Well I have half Ironman this weekend, am in Napier now, race day is Saturday morning kicking off at 6.20am...... Holy fark WTF have I signed up for???!!!!!

way hey! have a great time Palm, let us know how it went.

The duathlon is in April, start specific training in Jsnuary. I am doing shorter faster distances at the moment, building up big muscles.

How's the cycling going? My tip is pick up wind trainer of you can, makes it so much easier to train when it's later in the evening and you can't get on your bike.

yup I have a wind trainer. I have been hopping on it once a week with headphones on early morning

Good stuff! My event was a success. But holy crap it was a HUGE mental challenge!! My body felt fine but I hit 75km mark on the bike and had to stop to have abut of a cry and called my coach for a pep talk. Got through it and now have a nice medal.

What is the event your doing Demi? I really need to choose another, am thinking of the 100km Taupo Flyer.

Palm you are a legend.

I haven't run a step since the Taupo half, but you actually have me thnking about Rotorua now...just thinking mind you! I like the idea of duathlon, but don't enjoy road cycling apart from commuting LOL.

duathlon is the Northern crossing.
I've done the Rotorua flyer twice, its pretty good. First year was really windy, second was fab.

Another excellent event is K2 in Coromandel...a good mental challenge, took me 8 hours but was a blast.

The K2 had just been hasnt it? I think that's a bit to insane for me just yet

you have just under a year......

I have registered for the Northern Crossing.....

I'm on a 6 week backpacking trip around nz, so the running has gone on the back burner - not helped by rolling my ankle 2 weeks ago. Thankfully it's recovering well and I did a lovely 8-9km run the other day. I'm hoping to get at least 1-2 runs each week so that I don't lose too much of my fitness!

wow a backpacking trip sounds quite energetic anyway!

Just bumping this up - seriously planning on doing the Rarotonga road run, if anyone else is thinking about it!

I would love to Demi, but with my new job paying much less there is no way we can afford it

I know what you're saying!! We're starting a wee savings initative..

just bumping this up.
Did the Northern Crossing on Saturday. Boy was it hard!!! burnt off 3280Kc after 6 hours of pain.
Think I'll do the Cambridge half marathon next, if anyone else needs a challenge?

Demi - you're a legend!

Ashamed to say I am well and truely off the exercise bus ATM

When is the Cambridge Marathon?

26 August

Thanks Demi-chook, how do I find out the details bout it? I need a goal to get me out doing the exercise for a reason, have had tough 9mths with my DD so need something for me