The Elusive Balanced Life.

I’m into week four of working now, so I’ve had three weeks of ‘winging it’ trying to achieve the elusive ‘balanced life’ that we all strive to attain.  Husband still works away two weeks on, then two weeks off, so it’s really the two on when it’s a challenge, as I need to make it all happen while still being the main care giver to our two children.  I have no idea when the next opportunity will present itself for my necessary runs.  Necessary in the fact for not only physical but also mental health.

Saturday mornings are proving popular as I have a definite one hour’s grace when the kids have piano lessons.  It means I can’t sit in on the lessons, which has repercussions of me not knowing what they should be practising all week, but I figure this a small price to pay to have a mum that’s much more (mentally) balanced.  And lets be honest it means I can still eat half a block of Cadbury chocolate at my discretion!  Sneaking in a quick 30 minute run on a Thursday morning has also worked, as the kids have tennis lessons before school, so I can drop them off at 7.45 am, then take off at flying pace to cover as much distance as possible in 30 minutes.  Unfortunately this pace lasts all of two blocks, then I feel like Cliff Young, gumboots and all!

Another tactic to schedule a run, when Husband is away, is simple bribery.  Getting the kids on their bikes to ride with me only works for a very limited number of kilometres but it’s a run nonetheless, so to make it happen there is an ice cream incentive at the end.  Oh well, it’s all for a greater cause!

I’m actually really enjoying the early rise runs when the husband is home.  Watching the sunrise over the city is stunning, as I run along the river’s edge, and so far the morning temperatures have been kind to me.  It’s also a bit of a novelty starting out in the dark, as the common footpath becomes an obstacle course, and I’m feeling like a real ‘pro runner’ out at that time of the morning with so many other runners and cyclists – this is the serious time of the day!

I’m definitely making up the kilometres when Husband is home though, last week I ran 48km, but it sounds better when I state the 7 day Strava week of Monday to Sunday, as I totalled 61.5km.  I finished the week with a half marathon, albeit in two parts, (as I needed to pick up my daughter from a birthday party in the park).  After dropping her off at the party I ran 16 km, returning to the party, walked her home, then continued on for another 5.1km.  This was actually quite difficult, my mind wanted me to go much faster than my body allowed.  I was so relieved to finish!

I’m a very routine driven person, so I find it’s the not knowing when I can run next a real challenge, I’m managing so far, but I’m sure there’ll be many hiccups as time goes by.  My running is still feeling easy, well easy enough for running, it’s never totally easy, that would be a lie!  But as long as I’m still enjoying it, that’s the main thing because as soon as it becomes a chore, it’s over.  As far as achieving a more ‘balanced life’, I think I’m on the way, being at work is definitely helping in picking up the deficit in other areas, so all I can say is, ‘so far so good’, and ‘make the most of an opportunity’!

Have you ever nasal douched?

Well you should!  That’s exactly what I’ve been doing for the past 10 days, sometimes twice a day – I love it, it works a treat in relieving sinus congestion.  I suffer from allergies, lots of them really, grasses, dust, mould, cat hair, dog hair, guinea pig fur (seriously), whinging children (Ok not so seriously), the list goes on.  Only recently was I desensitised against my four major allergens, grass, dust, mould and cat hair.  Four is the maximum you can be desensitised against on a given course.  It involved being injected with the allergens on a weekly basis for six months, before monthly injections, for 18 months.  It worked!  My sensitivity to these allergens has decreased remarkably, especially dust, which means I now have to carry out the house work duties again!

Before the desensitising, my allergies were getting quite severe at times and the doctor explained that I had chronic sinusitis. When this was particularly bad I was also contracting infections in my chest and developing asthma like symptoms.  This is what instigated the desensitising, and even though I’m far from ‘cured’, the results were well worth the effort.

Over the Easter period the kids and I visited my home state of Tasmania. Within three hours of touching down, so too had the onset of the all too familiar allergy symptoms, it was like I was hyper sensitive to the whole environment, I was even suffering shortness of breath.  So off to the chemist to purchase the necessary drugs to get me through the following 12 days –  antihistamine and Ventolin.  I simply couldn’t believe the severity of my symptoms and how quickly they were brought on.

I continued to run on three occasions whilst away, but I certainly wasn’t breaking any Strava CR’s, I was solely focused on completing the run without requiring the assistance of Ventolin, as I really hate taking medication and will do whatever I can to avoid it.  The holiday went well, we all had a great time, and it was nice playing tourist in my home state and visiting places I hadn’t been to for a while.  So there were no real health complaints after I had managed the problem.  Then on the flight back home, it started with body aches and fever, I had really come down sick now.  I spent the next three days in bed thinking I had the flu, when really I had contracted an infection in my sinuses, which was progressing to my chest (as usual), and my ears, so now it was time for antibiotics to do their thing, along with continual nasal douching.

I won’t go into detail here, but if you’ve read my previous post https://tessruns.wordpress.com/2014/10/21/are-you-a-popper-and-a-squeezer/ , you’ll know just how excited I get with a successful douche!

Needless to say I haven’t ran for two weeks now, and I’m going nuts!  I did go for a walk the other day, and a long walk at that, but I just can’t classify a walk as exercise.  I’m still not 100% but getting close, so I plan to run in a couple of days time.  I really hope I experience that ‘fresh legs’ feeling, rather than ‘you can tell I haven’t exercised for two and a half weeks feeling’!

Essential Carbo Loading!

I can’t quite believe that Easter has snuck up on us already.  I only feel like I’ve just emerged from the onslaught of Christmas, and here we are again over consuming, only this time it’s hot cross buns and chocolate Easter Eggs.  It’s kind of like a forced carbo loading, but unfortunately I’m not running nearly enough to compensate for the extra calories that both chocolate and buns contain, or better still chocolate buns!

  Speaking of chocolate buns, ‘Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns’

would have the be one of the best inventions.  Seriously, if you haven’t tried them you are certainly missing out!  The choc chips are so rich, and the bun itself very dense, although that depends on the bakery you source them from, some are a light and fluffy consistency.  Either are fine by me, as long as there’s an abundance of choc chips!

If, after buns, you still believe you have an insufficient level of carbs for your running, then chocolate Easter Eggs will assist in reaching that objective.  Over the past 2 weeks I think I’ve consumed enough chocolate to run a marathon every second day, which clearly hasn’t happened, so if I don’t pull my finger out now it’s going to catch up with me before I know it.

I’m going to see how many kilometres I can run this Easter period, although I’m still not going to analysis it against my intake levels.  Happy Easter to you all!

Do you hate sports gels too?

Running longer distances, and competing in half marathons and marathons, requires a replenishment of energy in order to sustain the entire distance.  Sports gels were created to optimise our replenishment of carbohydrates that are depleted when running these distances.  As the body has a limit to the amount of carbohydrates we can store, and as this is the main fuel for an intense speed or race speed, we need to make sure we have a strategy in place for proper fuel replenishment.  Fat is another main fuel source, however it’s only effective if you’re running at a slower pace, as fat converts to energy at a much slower rate.  It’s such a shame because my body has a very efficient rate of storing fat!

On my research of this topic, I found some valuable and easy to read information at this site, please click the below link and have a read.

http://runnersconnect.net/coach-corner/energy-gels-for-runners/

Now getting back to my concern, which is that sports gels taste awful!  They are far too sweet, plus the texture is slimy making it unpalatable, well certainly the ones I have tried anyway.  So as I progressed into longer distances and started training hard for half marathons I needed a suitable energy replenishment, that I could consume without gagging at the thought.

Enter these babies!  32 GI Sports Chews.  They are great, it’s like eating a jube but a lot less chewy.  Unlike the gels, you don’t necessarily need to consume these with water, even the gels that claim can be consumed without water, I found still needed to be.  These chews break down easily in your mouth and can be swallowed easily without left over residual.  The taste is not offensive, and certainly not overly sweet.  Admittedly I have only tried the raspberry flavoured, and as I was really happy with these, I didn’t feel the need to try any other flavours, but they are also available in lime, orange and peach flavour.

They come in a pack of four pieces, which should get you through a race duration of about two hours or so, about one chew per 30 minutes, and the one pack is energy equivalent to about three to four gels.  Check out all their details here,

http://www.32gi.com.au/index.php/products/chews

So, if you are like me and still looking for an alternative to a gel for lasting endurance, I’d advise to give these a go, and I’m pretty sure you’ll be as satisfied as I am.

I’d love to hear all your thoughts on gels and alternatives, please leave me a comment below. x

As a runner do you feel like you’re taking your life in your hands?

Each time we embark on a run we are exposing ourselves to risk in many ways.  As runners we have rights, there are actual laws out there to help protect our safety, but as a runner myself, with more than a few incidents that I care to recall, I fail to believe the general motoring public realise these laws exist, or somehow they are exempt from them!  The big one being that vehicles turning MUST give way to pedestrians (runners) who are crossing the road.  I think I can safely say many motorists think they have right of way regardless.  It is also due to this uncertainty regarding the motorists’ obligations, that causes confusion and uneasiness from the runners’ point of view.  ‘Is he stopping, can he see me, should I just go anyway, maybe I can make it even if he hasn’t seen me?!’

It can therefore be quite disconcerting being waved through at intersections, although this signal would indicate the motorist has seen you and is motioning you to proceed, you don’t really know if he is serious.  I find there’s always a little hesitation, but you inch closer until you’re fully committed, then crank up the speed just to make sure you make it to the other side alive, while simultaneously illustrating with a little wave of the hand, you’ve acknowledged their gesture and appreciation for them holding up their end of the bargain by not ploughing through.

It is at this point you can high five yourself for wearing such cool running gear that gets you noticed in the first place!

The law states that a turning vehicle must give way to pedestrians, in what is known as a ‘parallel crossing’, this is where pedestrians cross parallel to running traffic.  This is an easy concept to understand and adhere to, for both runner and motorist, if there are traffic lights and you have a little green man to follow, but what causes anomalies is when there are no crossing signals.  The runner still has right of way by law, but in most cases motorists believe they have priority, so as a runner you need to be aware and it’s probably best not to take them on!  One road condition which probably exacerbates confusion would be when a motorists is given a green signal to turn, but this doesn’t automatically mean ‘go’.  It only implies they have the right to go after all other traffic conditions have been considered, which means giving way to pedestrians.

This law is also applicable to unsignalised intersections, such as Stop, Give Way and T junctions.  But the one that surprises me the most is the slip lane, when a vehicle is turning left off a major road, they still must give way to us runners.  Cars in this scenario are more likely to be travelling at speed which is probably why they are reluctant to stop, and although I have been allowed to cross in this scenario I’m not about to enforce my rights, as an interaction with a vehicle can only have a negative outcome for a runner!

Roundabouts pose a different set of laws, as vehicles are not required to give way to runners, turning or not, so unless it’s very obvious there are no vehicles around, then I would suggest crossing up the road away from the actual roundabout, where you don’t have to think too hard about cat and mice tactics.

It is very annoying to have to suddenly stop if you are out running, it ruins your rhythm.  But in saying this I’d much prefer to obey all road rules applicable to runners then I don’t need to devise any on the spot survival tactics, as my senses are already reduced due to listening to music.  I will stop at red lights, (ok, I might make an exception if it’s a quiet road and I can clearly see no oncoming vehicles).  But generally my favourite running routes involve major intersections, so I’ll stop, I’d much rather lose my rhythm than my life!

As a runner it’s best to continually stay alert and be aware of your surroundings, this goes for any stage of your run but even more so while crossing a road.  Never make your own safety someone else’s responsibility!

NB. These road laws have been researched for all states in Australia.

Do you struggle running into the wind, but love a good tail wind?!

Why is it, that it’s so very obvious when you are running into a head wind, and you can feel the impact of a cross wind, but tail winds create much less evidence to detect, and leave you feeling like you’re invincible?

I have just returned home from this morning’s run, so much so I’m still sitting here rehydrating in my running gear, checking out my Strava result for the morning.  This morning I set out on one of my routine runs around the river, and it just so happened it was smack bang into a head wind.  It was so strong I felt like I was jogging on the spot at times!  So it got me thinking as to where I could alter my route in order to avoid the wind as much as possible.  My only solution was to return the way I came, and therefore ride the tail wind.  Great idea!  So as I approached ‘the narrows’, (the vehicular bridge linking Perth to South Perth), I turned and headed in the return direction back towards UWA.  It was at this point that all wind just automatically seized, and everything was very calm.  I could hear my music again, playing through my earphones, I could even hear the traffic noise close by, and the rhythm of my own breath .

It was even so very calm that I thought, ‘No, this can’t be right, I wasn’t imagining that head wind before, surely?!’  So I turned around again for a few steps to confirm my suspicions.  No the head wind was definitely still there, so why does it ‘disappear’ when it should be there behind you pushing you along and providing that extra much needed and wanted, assistance?  I could feel myself running faster, I must admit, but I wasn’t convinced it was the tail wind helping me, it could have been a number of things like, ‘I’ve warmed up now, yes after 6km, I have finally warmed up and powering along now’.  Or, ‘that sip of water has now hydrated all of my muscles and now, look out, here I come’!  I never run along and think to myself ‘geez I’m loving this tail wind today, it’s helping me so much’!

I find it’s actually worse when you start out running in the direction of a tail wind, because you legitimately do not know you are wind assisted.  You run along and think to yourself, ‘wow, I’m on fire today, I’m feeling great’  so you start to analyse what you did the day before, what you ate for dinner the night before, then if you ate breakfast that morning, or any little thing that may have attributed to this winning performance you are now displaying.  Then you arrive at your destination and you turn around to return home, and that when it hits you.  It was a tail wind, dam it!  And I thought I was naturally this good!  Then all the run home you question yourself as to how you could not pick the fact it was a tail wind, ‘why is it I can’t detect when I’ve got a tail wind?’  Or is it simply refusal to admit you are being assisted because you want to think to yourself that you are ‘that good’!

Perth is considered to be the third windiest capital city in the world, and it’s usually a result of the ‘Fremantle Doctor’.  But the Fremantle Doctor is what is referred to as the wind approaching from the south west direction, from the ocean, and it usually hits in the afternoon.  This morning’s wind was approaching from the east, and as there’s a forecast temperature of 41 degrees tomorrow this would be the onset of reaching that expected high, as the wind blows the hot desert air from the arid heartland of the state.  So in Perth if the wind’s not coming from one direction, chances are very high it’s coming from the other direction.

It’s extremely pleasant when you can experience a day when there’s no wind, although they are so infrequent that it’s very easy to forget how that actually feels, I just hope I’m out running on those days to make up for the days like this morning.

At least if I’m having an ‘off day’ with my running I can lay blame on the wind, I just have to remember not to return in that direction for the tail wind, otherwise my credibility is gone!  Do you struggle running into the wind as much as I do?

Running Shorts review

Apart from my post about the two pairs of running shoes I wear, this is my first real product review.  Before running (semi) seriously I laughed at people who wore running shorts, I mean they are ugly, and definitely not flattering at all!  When ‘I ran’, as opposed to being ‘a runner’ (see previous blog post), I used to wear tights, either long or short, depending on the season,  but never genuine running shorts.  Over the years I acquired a pair or two, but was never in a hurry to expand my collection, as I said – I thought they were ugly!  Once I summoned up the confidence to first trial them, and not be concerned that anyone could see every inch of cellulite, I actually understood and appreciated the need for specialised shorts to run in.

I now have an ever increasing number of running shorts in my collection, and have even found I’m wearing them on non running days!  I think that has a little more to do with fashion, and age conceding that the cellulite is here to stay!

I wont bore you with every single pair I now posses, but rather my ‘go to’ pairs, that I find comfortable.

These Adidas Supanova Glides running shorts are my latest acquisition, and have immediately gone straight to the top of my preference list.  They are made with the Adidas Climacool (R) ventilation, and have strategically placed mesh inserts that help to keep you cool, plus some reflective details across the back.  They are short, but have a flattering enough cut, so the bits you wish to keep discreet remain discreet!  When I first ran in these shorts, only days ago, I was disappointed as there was no little pocket for a key or money etc, but hey, they were comfortable and they were pink, so I was happy.  Then the third time I wore them I discovered the little pocket in the front inside of the band, and yes it’s very small.  Small enough for your car or house key, or money for a cup of coffee after your run, but certainly not large enough to fit a gel or snack if you’re running any serious distance, but then again they’re pink – need I say more!

The running shorts above are actually a Speedo brand, which one would normally associate with swimwear, or rather they are called the ‘Classic Training Short’ by Speedo’.  Maybe they’re not actually running shorts at all, but ‘water frolicking shorts’.  Anyway, I’ve been using them as my main running shorts up until I acquired the Adidas Supanova Glides in pink (above).  They don’t have built in knickers like all other running shorts, which also leads me to think they could be ‘water frolicking shorts’, but I can thoroughly recommend them as excellent comfortable running shorts, that are very flattering, lightweight, moisture wicking fabric with mesh inserts along the sides, plus they have a decent sized back zip pocket that fits in a battalion of running necessities, albeit they might actually weigh your shorts down to your ankles!  Due to the lack of built in knickers, they are not a short that you would wear to a gym class where you require laying down, as all those discreet bits will be readily on display to everyone.  But in saying that there is more ventilation that is conducive to running on a hot summers day.

These Saucony Pinnacle running shorts, I bought on sale for $25 at Surfstitch.com.  They had a special offer recently where it was 50% off all sale items, what a bargain, you can’t go wrong!  Ordering clothing items online requires a bit of research though, as frustratingly enough a lot of brands differ in sizing.  With these shorts I ordered my normal size, size 10, and got sent a size M, go figure!  Surely online shops can get the sizing information correct for each items, like a fundamental if they are numerical sizes or S, M, L etc.  Anyway I’m glad they sent me the Medium, as a size 10 equivalent is usually a Small, and they would have been a little on the tight side, so I’m very happy with the size they sent me.  These shorts are comfortable as well, but even shorter than all the others I own, so I’ll be leaving them to running only, no trying to make a fashion statement with these ones.  I love the draw cord in these shorts, it’s a continuous piece of cord affixed to the side seams, so you don’t end up losing one end from unthreading in the washing machine!  I also really like the zip back pocket in the waist band as well, fortunately not large enough that you feel the need to fill it up with unnecessary paraphernalia and then be forever hiking them up from falling around your ankles.  The fabric of these Saucony shorts again are lightweight, but are also stretchy, with a wide leg opening, this all makes them comfortable to wear on longer distances as well as short, but they do have a tendency to ride up, which fortunately doesn’t cause me any chaffing issues, but could possibly for some.

Finally these were my old faithfuls for quite a while, and although I still do really like them, they are a little on the large side, (should have bought the size down), and I am forever re-threading the draw cord in the waist band.  I find this extremely annoying, and considering I now have an entourage of running shorts, unfortunately these little numbers have been relegated to the back!  These Puma shorts have a tiny key pocket in the waist band, so not big enough for anything significant, and they are a little longer with a more relaxed fit, making them extremely comfortable for longer runs.

I hope someone out there finds some value in my opinions and experience.  What I’d like to know though, is from anyone who buys and wears proper running socks – are they actually worth it?

30 seconds of success with holiday running!

Well the kids are now back at school, so that means back to old routines and normality.  I must admit we enjoyed what felt like a never ending holiday this year, as my husband was off for six weeks.  After our Bali trip, before a few days spent at home, we then embarked on a camping expedition.  Or maybe I should tell the truth, and call it ‘glamping’, you can hardly call the Mandalay 5 star resort caravan park, camping, even though we pitched and all slept in a tent together.

So while the kids were off making new friends, swimming in the one of three pools, and racing down the dual lane water slide, I managed to run 52kms, over the course of the week, in addition to some much needed lounging time!  Needless to say I was pretty happy with myself, and to top it off I achieved a course record, (CR), on Strava, or as they so welcomely put it, a QOM, Queen of the Mountain, even though there was no mountain in sight.  I’m sure I’ve mentioned it before, that I’m not an early morning person, but that all changes when you’re camping, as you pretty much wake up with the sun.  An eye mask will help you only a little, believe me I tried, but the sun just shines right on through the tent walls and you feel like it’s the middle of the day already when it’s only 5.30am!

The advantage to this was that I could don my running gear and hit the track towards Busselton and still be back before I could smell the fresh breads and pastries on offer from the bakery van, who would arrive each morning at the park, not to mention the fresh juice van, and pancake/crepe van as well.  See what I’m saying, certainly not extreme camping here!

Along the coastline, there’s a running track that delivers you straight to the Busselton Jetty, the longest timber piled jetty in the southern hemisphere, at 1.8 km long.  It is picturesque to say the least, especially at night when it’s lit up along the entire length.  So on reaching the jetty after a 5 km run, on my first morning, I considered it would be a true tourist venture to include the jetty on my run before heading back to camp and that delicious smell of freshly baked breads.  Heading straight out over the Indian Ocean, does provide you with some gale forced winds, and this morning was no exception, so I took my time jogging happily along, carrying my cap before it sailed off into Geographe Bay, stopped for some tourist ‘selfies’ so I could post them on my Instagram page, (‘tessruns’ funnily enough – so jump on and follow me!).  Then retraced my way home.

On arrival back at camp with cup of tea in hand, and the smell of the bakery van in the vicinity, I evaluated my performance on Strava, 13.5kms, in 1 hr 9 mins, so a 5.06/km average.  Not a bad effort considering I was in holiday mode and the wind conditions, then I discovered there was a ‘Busselton Jetty Out and Back’ segment, which had ranked me fairly low because of my leisurely time taking ‘happy snaps’.  I can do better than that!  So that was the holiday challenge, set then and there, over a cup of tea, sitting in my camping chair.

Two days later I embarked on the record setting run.  The day before I still managed a 10 km run, it was a 5km out and back to a Tai Chi class on the Busselton foreshore.  I really enjoy Tai Chi, but I’ve only ever participated in the occasional class when on holiday, I enjoy it so much more than Yoga though, maybe I’ll try and find a class somewhere locally.  So I set out at a steady pace, but not too fast as I had to get through the first 5km before I even reached the jetty, once there I ran my little heart out, or so I thought, it was perfect conditions, not nearly as windy as the first morning’s run.  I couldn’t help myself though and once I finished the return length I stopped my Strava to check my time – 2 seconds, I missed it by 2 seconds!  I couldn’t believe it, and knew I couldn’t be so lucky as to get conditions like this again, but I had to give it another go, how could I not over 2 seconds!

After running for three days straight I relaxed the following morning in preparation for the record breaking run I would (must) do the following day.  It was the second last morning of our family camping holiday, so I knew deep down if I didn’t achieve it today, and I did have my doubts after being so close, putting in so much and with perfect conditions on my previous attempt, I still had one final day to face the challenge.  Thankfully I didn’t need the final day!  I ran steadily again to the jetty for the first 5km, then hit the jetty in a sprint like fashion, or as close to as I could.  I could tell it was windy, I just couldn’t really tell which direction it was coming from, so I just ran, and ran, reached the end then took off again like I was straight out of the blocks.

I could now register the direction of the wind, as I was now running into a head wind, and an extremely strong one at that.  I wont lie, it was tough, extremely tough, but I gave it everything I had, considering the conditions, the fact I’d already ran 5km to get here, no breakfast and the absolute desire to make it.  Nearing the end of the jetty I found myself drifting off, my mind must have wandered and I could tell I’d dropped my pace, so again I gave it everything to the finish to the point of near vomiting.  I jogged to a water fountain for a quick drink, then headed back to camp, I didn’t know if I’d done enough to succeed yet, so I spent the next 5km debating with myself whether I had in fact made it or not, and whether I’d be up for it one more time on my last morning.  Schrodinger’s Cat also featured in my thoughts, with not knowing the result, so one can only assume I both made it and didn’t make it, at that moment.  But I think I may have missed the point a little with that one!

Anyway, winners are grinners, and by 30 seconds at that!  I realise it’s only a Strava CR but it’s a Strava CR that you don’t have!  (Please don’t take it away from me!).

Do you find holiday running tough?

Following on from my previous post about running and the festive season, there’s only one thing tougher and that’s running whilst on holiday.  I mean really, who can be bothered, it’s called a holiday for a reason!  We’ve just recently spent ten days in Bali, and with two young children there’s not really much activity going on except for around the pool, which includes lots of sun lounging with the occasional dip to cool yourself off.  The kids love the pool, and luckily enough our accommodation was right on the beach this time, so a typical daily walk consisted of pool to the beach back to the pool, a total of about twelve steps each way depending where your sun lounge was located, and how far out the tide was.

Breakfast was served in a resort restaurant, so admittedly that also required a daily walk to and from, but in all honesty you could get by with extremely minimal output.  This combined with numerous Bintangs, plus a new found love of Mojitos, (not to mention the food, I’ll get to that soon), meant that I was headed for at least a 5 kg weight gain, not to mention an over use injury to my liver and pancreas.  Bali has so many lovely fine dining restaurants, of which we wanted to experience, so over the course of ten days, we had four rather indulgent escapades, all with numerous courses.  When I say numerous I really mean numerous, we didn’t just stop at the accepted two or three, but up to 30 or more at the exquisite St Regis Diamond Astor Champagne Sunday Brunch.  The fact is I really don’t know how many courses are on offer here, as I didn’t think to count, but it’s at least six pages long on the menu, and a steady stream of food from midday to 3pm.  You know it’s going to be worth every minute of it when the first course is caviar and champagne!

On this particular morning I was prepared, or as prepared as I could have been, so I went to the resorts gym for a morning run on the treadmill.  I smashed out 10 kms, trying to prepare my body for the onslaught of fabulous food come 12 noon.  For breakfast I only consumed a glass of juice, just enough sustenance to get me through to 11 am, when the complimentary champagne started.  I considered myself a seasoned expert having already experienced a St Regis Champagne Brunch once before, on our last Bali holiday.  What I failed to consider was how quickly the first glass of champagne would effect me, so after calling for some much needed refreshing water, I was back on track, and before I knew it on to my third champagne within the hour!

The dishes on offer were outstanding, from the sensational presentation to the divine flavours, and everything from caviar, foie gras, and truffles to seafood, salads, soups and desserts.  I could go on and on, but this is a running blog, not a food blog, so all I will say is if you are in Bali, and you’re a bit of a foodie, then this is an absolute must inclusion on your itinerary.  As you can appreciate no dinner was required that evening either!

I managed to run in total, 36 kms over our 10 day Bali holiday, and on a treadmill, which in my book is no mean feat.  Treadmills are boring, and to make matters worse I didn’t have my earphones, so no music for that extra, much needed motivation that music provides.  Instead I had to resort to playing games and setting minor challenges in order to endure the run.  I completed four runs, two 10 km runs and two 8 km runs, plus a few core exercises to finish off each session.  I would start each session, with my mind set on running 6 kms, this I knew was ‘easy’ to accomplish before too much boredom set in.  I could watch a little TV, check out the other holiday makers working out, many of whom were just walking on the treadmill – made me feel better about myself too!  I observed the ducks paddling around in the pond opposite the gym windows and people watched those heading to breakfast.

Once I achieved the 6 kms, I would increase the speed even more, running around 4.20 min/km, and then playing around with the speed until I reached the 8 or 10 km for that day.  It seemed to work, but I was still completely bored out of my mind!  Bali to me is one of those holiday destinations where it is very easy to put on weight and lose fitness, as normally not much else goes on apart from eating, drinking and lounging, that is why this time I made a conscious effort to manage a few runs in the gym.  It’s near impossible to run outside, as you’re either suffering unnecessarily in the hot humid climate, or contending with ridiculous traffic and path conditions.  The beach is a better option, but you really need to be out very early in order to avoid the heat.

Now that we are home, it’s still difficult to get back into a routine for running.  I’m retaining the every second day philosophy, but I’m so slow, much slower than I should be and even slower than I want to be.  I think it may be my body still adjusting to healthier eating patterns and quantities, plus the heat is still a determining factor here in Perth.  I’m feeling very sluggish, and that’s not a fun feeling.  There’s a half marathon coming up in March, I know I can make the distance, even without any extra training for it, but I’m not sure if I want to expose myself to a slower time, which I have no doubt it will be.  I might just keep the kms up and see how I am closer to the event, I just wish I wasn’t so competitive about recording a decent time!

Running and the festive season, can there be both?

In short – of course there can!  But we all know how tough it can be to function after a big night, so the rule is to pace yourself, or so they say.  I’d like to think I can pace myself, or limit myself, but who am I kidding, I can’t really.  Where’s the fun in that?  Life’s too short, there’s too much fun to be had, but I do always start out with the best intentions, does that count!

So as you can tell already I don’t mind a drink, but I’ve come to realise my capabilities for the proceeding day by the number of drinks I’ve had the night before.  Thankfully I really only drink wine, normally white, but I specifically love Champagne (just in case you’d like to send me a bottle!), and I tend not to mix my drinks as that’s the very start of your downfall there.  I can generally still go for a run the next day after three glasses of wine, albeit a lot slower, and I generally don’t drink any more than that anyway, but on the off chance I do, there’s absolutely no chance of a run the next day.  That third glass can also have unfavourable effects, so then the evaluation comes down to how ‘big’ the glasses were – three ‘small’ glasses means I should still be ok,  three ‘large’ glasses is a definite not ok.

Just last week my social calendar was running hot, with three social activities within four days.  As the first function was a ‘girls’ dinner, I had written off any physical activity the following day early on, and as it turned out, rightly so.  While I still managed to stick to Champagne and maybe an odd glass of white wine, some of my dining companions showed less restraint and consumed, in addition to the above, cocktails, red wine and Tokay.  However on de-briefing the next day as it turned out, I was still one of the worst sufferers!  Maybe my logic is failing me!  But wow, that dessert was good!

The following function was a little more tame with the alcohol consumption, but that’s when the food consumption picks up a notch.  I can’t resist cheese, in all forms, I love it.  So to compensate for the little alcohol, I made up for in cheese.  Thankfully  I had a days break, and then an afternoon gathering with my neighbours to celebrate the festive season.  A few Champagnes  cheese, fruit mince pies, more cheese, more fruit mince pies, cake, crackers and dip, more cheese, more Champagne, then I was done.  After this, I suffered most of the week with bloatedness and general tiredness.  Running was a real strain, and I had the stitch at times, something I rarely experience.  This is when you start to really question why you continue to behave like this and berate yourself for such gluttony!

We all know that alcohol dehydrates you, and this combined with summer heat, (although not nearly as hot here as we normally are for this time of year), and exercise, is only going to have a worse effect.  I felt like it took me nearly all week to catch up on proper hydration, and actually feel comfortable with my running again.  I still managed my three runs for the week and still managed to run 42 kms, but it was a struggle and I needed to ‘punish’ myself for enjoying myself!

We all know that running, in particular distance running, can be a mind game with yourself, and I quite often have conversations with myself whilst running, anything from what I’ll cook for dinner to fixing world problems.  But I also like to take it one step further and play games with myself.  If I have been over indulging, I’ll challenge myself to complete a certain distance or in a certain time, something that I know will push me extra hard, so as to ‘punish’ myself.  This I feel gives me ownership over my actions and shows that my mind is in charge.  My body hates this but fortunately my mind is strong enough to will it along and prevail in the end.

We are now closer to Christmas and there are still social functions on the horizon, and with today being the last day of school, so too was it my last run for a while, as my husband is away.  Hopefully, all going well, I can manage a quick run on Christmas Eve morning, as lunch time will be another episode of over indulging, and then of course Christmas Day, then Boxing Day…and so it continues.  It’s also the ideal weather for evening picnics now, which we thoroughly enjoy as a family.  Maybe it’s just me, but I do enjoy a glass of wine to complement the relaxed environment of a picnic.

On a side note, I saw a couple getting in some valuable exercise this morning whilst out pushing their baby in the pram.  One parent would push the pram while the other sprinted to the end of the block, did some burpees and star jumps etc, then ran back to the pram and tagged the other parent for their turn to do the same.  Very effective use of time and very motivating to be exercising together – I liked it!  Just thought I’d share that with you.

Merry Christmas to you all, and enjoy the festive season because it’s only once a year.  Show some restraint if you can, but if not, remember that I’m with you all the way on this one!