After ensuring that I reloaded up on carbs and had an early night to bed, I woke up feeling excited about racing in the TK2 with Mick. I felt refreshed and ready to go. I knew it was going to be fun and couldn't wait to have a good hit out against Dave and Leah, Craig and Liz, and Mark and David (all from the Central Coast Canoe Club) and Liz Van Reece and John McIntosh also in a TK2. I expected some serious racing and tactics, and thought that Mick and I would do well together again.
This was only the 2nd time Mick and I had ever paddled in a kayak together and just like last time we clicked straight away. Our warm-up went really well and I was feeling confident. At the start we all lined up together and the mood was great. Off we went and Dave and Leah took off. The 3 remaining crews soon settled into positions with Mick and I taking the lead and the other 2 crews wash-riding us.
With Dave and Leah in Dave's new TK2 their turns were amazing and they gained on us each time. Occassionally we would get within reach, but would lose too much ground on the turns again. I think we were paddling about the same speed, but they increased their distance on us with each turn. We dropped back to try and wash ride one of the other kayaks, but everytime we did this the other kayaks would slow down and Dave and Leah would get even further ahead. I think that if we had all worked together a bit better we would have been able to catch them, but as it turned out most of the race was spent with the other 2 kayaks wash riding us, and as hard as we tried we could not catch up to Dave and Leah on our own.
Towards the end of the second lap (half-way into the race), a speedboat came past and the other 2 crews (Craig and Liz, Mark and Dave) didn't stay with us through it, so Mick and I took the opportunity and made a move. Within about 30 seconds we had made enough of a lead and got them off our washride and we just kept getting further in front of them from that point on. By the end of the 3rd lap we had a significant lead on them and knew they couldn't catch us. So in retrospect I think that they didn't take over the lead place and let us wash-ride them because they were probably struggling to keep up with us as it was.
Now that we were well and truly on our own we again busted our butts to try and catch Dave and Leah, but every metre we made up we lost again on the next turn. Half way through the last lap we realised we couldn't catch them and eased off a bit. The others were way behind us, it was amazing how much distance we had made on them in just over a lap, and we finished a strong second to win the silver medal. Dave and Leah did 1:47:41, we finished only 50 seconds behind in 1:48:31, Mark and Dave finished almost 2 minutes behind us in 1:50:17 and Craig and Liz in 1:50:39.
Considering we were hoping to do 1:50:00 Mick and I were stoked with our time. And considering it was only our 2nd time paddling together I think we did amazingly well. Throughout the race, without even speaking I could feel what Mick was trying to do...increase rate, increase pressure, surge, ease off. He didn't have to say anything, I could just tell by the feel of it. Our timing was great and I really think we paddle well together. I hope we get the opportunity to do it again, because I think with experience we could be very good.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
State Marathon Championships: Day 1 Race Report
Singles events were on this morning and I started off at 10:04am in the Open Womens K1 (me and only 1 other competitor) with the Under 23 Womens K1 (Elizabeth Dodd from our club and 1 other competitor) starting with us as well. A pretty disappointing turn up for all events I must say.
I aimed to start conservatively and was slow off the start (better to stay upright and lose a couple of metres). Straight away the 2 elite women bolted and that was pretty much the last Lizz and I saw of them the whole race (other than turns of course). They were just too superior and it was pretty much what I expected to happen. So it was me and Lizz paddling fairly close together for the race. I was feeling good and by the end of the first lap I had caught up to Liz (after my slow start) and we went into the portage together. By the end of the portage she had gained a lot of distance on me, but I caught her back up by the end of the second lap. The second portage was the same, but she gained even more distance and I couldn't catch her. However on the 3rd portage she didn't do so well and we left the beach together. I decided to wash ride her (technically I wasn't meant to but everyone else was doing the same thing) and the first part of the 4th lap was spent with me wash riding her, and some guy wash riding me. I started to feel really good and strong and had planned to let her rest behind me after the turn around and then after the last portage to let it be every man/woman for themselves, but 200 metres from the turn disaster struck...
The whole race we were cursed by speed boats and water skiers. They were very inconsiderate and even sped up when they got near us. I can't believe that they were allowed on the river - it was really quite dangerous. I had coped with all this wash extremely well, but this time we had 2 boats come past from behind us who sped up when then reached us. It created 2 lots of enormous following wash. I coped with the first lot well as I had time to turn towards the bank a bit, but at one point the cockpit was even in the water. I had never paddled on wash so big! The second lot was the end of me. I was still paddling in the direction of the wash but the waves just turned the kayak and spun it sideways and flipped me over. I have no idea how Liz didn't fall in - much better skill I suppose. But then again I think it was just bad luck for me.
I was pretty pi$$ed off. I swam for shore and soon discovered that eventhough it was shallow water the mud/silt was knee deep. I had no hope of getting back in on my own. Every time I managed to brace my paddle on a rock and get a leg in, the other leg would sink in the mud and I would tip back over. I tried in vain for a while and then finally a safety boat saw me and came over. After several amusing attempts for them to help me (which included them drifting 30 metres down the river with my paddle), they finally managed to help me get back in. In all, it was at least 15 minutes spent until I was back in the K1. Soooooo frustrating. I really had only 2 options. To end my race there and then with a DNF (which really wasn't an option for me) or to keep going. So I kept going. I was so far behind by now it was embarrassing, but I came in for the last portage and everyone was cheering me and encouraging me, so off I went on my final lap and paddled hard till the end.
It was so frustrating to paddle so hard and well for so long, to have it end like that so close to the finish. I always knew that I wouldn't win - that wasn't the issue - I had wanted to paddle well and see what kind of time I could do for the distance. And when Liz and I were so close it turned into a race between us (eventhough we were in different classes) and I had hoped to finish close to her or even beat her. Oh well. At least I can look at her time and have a vague idea as to what time I would have done.
So I got a silver medal in a time of 2:46:08 (hr:min:sec) for 25km with 4 portages. Liz did 2:38:30, which I know I could have done without the capsize. I think she probably eased off a bit when she saw I'd disappeared and would have gone faster than that if I'd still been on her tail.
But, all in all I'm happy with how I paddled and coped with most of the wash and conditions. My portages were slow, but for my first time I think I did well. So other than the capsize I'm pleased with my race.
I aimed to start conservatively and was slow off the start (better to stay upright and lose a couple of metres). Straight away the 2 elite women bolted and that was pretty much the last Lizz and I saw of them the whole race (other than turns of course). They were just too superior and it was pretty much what I expected to happen. So it was me and Lizz paddling fairly close together for the race. I was feeling good and by the end of the first lap I had caught up to Liz (after my slow start) and we went into the portage together. By the end of the portage she had gained a lot of distance on me, but I caught her back up by the end of the second lap. The second portage was the same, but she gained even more distance and I couldn't catch her. However on the 3rd portage she didn't do so well and we left the beach together. I decided to wash ride her (technically I wasn't meant to but everyone else was doing the same thing) and the first part of the 4th lap was spent with me wash riding her, and some guy wash riding me. I started to feel really good and strong and had planned to let her rest behind me after the turn around and then after the last portage to let it be every man/woman for themselves, but 200 metres from the turn disaster struck...
The whole race we were cursed by speed boats and water skiers. They were very inconsiderate and even sped up when they got near us. I can't believe that they were allowed on the river - it was really quite dangerous. I had coped with all this wash extremely well, but this time we had 2 boats come past from behind us who sped up when then reached us. It created 2 lots of enormous following wash. I coped with the first lot well as I had time to turn towards the bank a bit, but at one point the cockpit was even in the water. I had never paddled on wash so big! The second lot was the end of me. I was still paddling in the direction of the wash but the waves just turned the kayak and spun it sideways and flipped me over. I have no idea how Liz didn't fall in - much better skill I suppose. But then again I think it was just bad luck for me.
I was pretty pi$$ed off. I swam for shore and soon discovered that eventhough it was shallow water the mud/silt was knee deep. I had no hope of getting back in on my own. Every time I managed to brace my paddle on a rock and get a leg in, the other leg would sink in the mud and I would tip back over. I tried in vain for a while and then finally a safety boat saw me and came over. After several amusing attempts for them to help me (which included them drifting 30 metres down the river with my paddle), they finally managed to help me get back in. In all, it was at least 15 minutes spent until I was back in the K1. Soooooo frustrating. I really had only 2 options. To end my race there and then with a DNF (which really wasn't an option for me) or to keep going. So I kept going. I was so far behind by now it was embarrassing, but I came in for the last portage and everyone was cheering me and encouraging me, so off I went on my final lap and paddled hard till the end.
It was so frustrating to paddle so hard and well for so long, to have it end like that so close to the finish. I always knew that I wouldn't win - that wasn't the issue - I had wanted to paddle well and see what kind of time I could do for the distance. And when Liz and I were so close it turned into a race between us (eventhough we were in different classes) and I had hoped to finish close to her or even beat her. Oh well. At least I can look at her time and have a vague idea as to what time I would have done.
So I got a silver medal in a time of 2:46:08 (hr:min:sec) for 25km with 4 portages. Liz did 2:38:30, which I know I could have done without the capsize. I think she probably eased off a bit when she saw I'd disappeared and would have gone faster than that if I'd still been on her tail.
But, all in all I'm happy with how I paddled and coped with most of the wash and conditions. My portages were slow, but for my first time I think I did well. So other than the capsize I'm pleased with my race.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Last paddle before I race
The Struer is all fixed and Jack, Mick and myself headed out for a short easy paddle this afternoon. Jack has been very busy at his place and within a week has put in stairs and carpet to make a beautiful little access point to the river. Nice!!!!
Today I tried using my drink system and it took a while to get used to as it throws the balance off a bit, but after a while I didn't even notice it was there and was able to drink from it without too much trouble. First objective achieved.
Mick (who had already done some paddling) left us back at the boat ramp and Jack and I continued up the river. For the rest of the paddle he helped me out with wash riding techniques and race tactics. The whole time he was getting me to try different things and challenging me by speeding up, slowing down, changing direction etc. It was unreal! He has so much knowledge and experience and it's great to be able to learn some tricks. I've learnt so much by paddling with the guys in the last month. Second objective achieved.
After we finished the lap I was feeling great and definately ready to race. My back was no problem, my technique felt much better, the drink system was comfortable and effective, and I'm excited about racing. So I called it quits whilst I felt so good.
Once off the river back at Jack and Jen's place whilst washing down boats and getting organised for the weekend, Jen came out and handed me a lovely hot mug of Milo....now that's service! I think I'll be paddling from your place a bit more often in future Jack and Jen. :)
Today I tried using my drink system and it took a while to get used to as it throws the balance off a bit, but after a while I didn't even notice it was there and was able to drink from it without too much trouble. First objective achieved.
Mick (who had already done some paddling) left us back at the boat ramp and Jack and I continued up the river. For the rest of the paddle he helped me out with wash riding techniques and race tactics. The whole time he was getting me to try different things and challenging me by speeding up, slowing down, changing direction etc. It was unreal! He has so much knowledge and experience and it's great to be able to learn some tricks. I've learnt so much by paddling with the guys in the last month. Second objective achieved.
After we finished the lap I was feeling great and definately ready to race. My back was no problem, my technique felt much better, the drink system was comfortable and effective, and I'm excited about racing. So I called it quits whilst I felt so good.
Once off the river back at Jack and Jen's place whilst washing down boats and getting organised for the weekend, Jen came out and handed me a lovely hot mug of Milo....now that's service! I think I'll be paddling from your place a bit more often in future Jack and Jen. :)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Weekly Measurements 10
I haven't published my weekly measurements for a couple of weeks due to the fact that they hadn't changed. My weight even went up 500g which was frustrating because I was following the plan well. This week I was starting to get a bit (well maybe a lot) disheartened with the weight loss and FINALLY I have lost some weight again. I was soooo happy to step on the scales this morning and see some results.
Sometimes you tend to look at how far you have to go and it just seems so far away (like having another 10+kg to lose). But I think you need to focus on how far you've come (like losing over 7kg since my Dad died, and over 5kg since I started this blog)
Measurement, Before, 6, 7-9, 10
Weight kg, 82, 77.3, 77.8, 76.8
Fat %, 31.6, 30.0, 30.2, 29.7
Water %, 47.2, 48.4, 48.4, 48.6
Muscle %, 29.4, 30.2, 30.1, 30.3
Axillary cm, 100, 98.5, 98.5, 99
Waist cm, 91.5, 88, 88, 88
Naval cm, 105.5, 100, 100, 100
Hips cm, 107, 102.5, 103, 103
R.Thigh cm, 56, 49.5, 49.5, 49
Sometimes you tend to look at how far you have to go and it just seems so far away (like having another 10+kg to lose). But I think you need to focus on how far you've come (like losing over 7kg since my Dad died, and over 5kg since I started this blog)
Measurement, Before, 6, 7-9, 10
Weight kg, 82, 77.3, 77.8, 76.8
Fat %, 31.6, 30.0, 30.2, 29.7
Water %, 47.2, 48.4, 48.4, 48.6
Muscle %, 29.4, 30.2, 30.1, 30.3
Axillary cm, 100, 98.5, 98.5, 99
Waist cm, 91.5, 88, 88, 88
Naval cm, 105.5, 100, 100, 100
Hips cm, 107, 102.5, 103, 103
R.Thigh cm, 56, 49.5, 49.5, 49
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Not the Struer!
Anton and I met up this morning for an easy paddle. My physio has given me strict instructions to NOT "do anything silly over the weekend", and Anton is racing tomorrow so we planned a short easy session.
My back felt good and I focused on technique trying to improve rotation and reach, and stop 'unwinding' before the catch. I even went for the third marker out in the lake, which I have never done before in a K1 and after the first 8.5km lap was feeling really good, so we decided to go for a second lap.
By the time we got up to the lake on the second lap my back was aching a fair bit, so I hopped out and gave it a quick stretch and then finished the second lap. 17km all up and I feel as comfortable in the Struer now as if it was a TK1.
We called it a day and went about washing down the kayaks. I had the Struer carefully placed on the cradles and was wiping it down when it started to tip. I quickly grabbed it to stop it falling and heard a horrible crack. I couldn't believe it. It had cracked where a previous repair had been done (the combing had come away). Not the Struer!!! I felt sick. I had been so careful with it - as I always am when looking after someone elses things - seriously I am obsessive compulsive when I borrow things. I was devestated.
When Jack and Jen arrived to look at it I just called out "I'm Soooooooo sorry Jack", but Jack just came over and gave me a hug and told me it was ok. Thanks Jack, I really needed that hug!
He said it wasn't a big deal and he would just redo the repair. What a relief (though I still feel so bad that it happened).
My back felt good and I focused on technique trying to improve rotation and reach, and stop 'unwinding' before the catch. I even went for the third marker out in the lake, which I have never done before in a K1 and after the first 8.5km lap was feeling really good, so we decided to go for a second lap.
By the time we got up to the lake on the second lap my back was aching a fair bit, so I hopped out and gave it a quick stretch and then finished the second lap. 17km all up and I feel as comfortable in the Struer now as if it was a TK1.
We called it a day and went about washing down the kayaks. I had the Struer carefully placed on the cradles and was wiping it down when it started to tip. I quickly grabbed it to stop it falling and heard a horrible crack. I couldn't believe it. It had cracked where a previous repair had been done (the combing had come away). Not the Struer!!! I felt sick. I had been so careful with it - as I always am when looking after someone elses things - seriously I am obsessive compulsive when I borrow things. I was devestated.
When Jack and Jen arrived to look at it I just called out "I'm Soooooooo sorry Jack", but Jack just came over and gave me a hug and told me it was ok. Thanks Jack, I really needed that hug!
He said it wasn't a big deal and he would just redo the repair. What a relief (though I still feel so bad that it happened).
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Feeling good again
My wonderful and supportive husband Chris let me go to bed to rest as soon as he got home yesterday. So from 4:30pm onwards I spent the afternoon/evening in bed dozing, reading and watching TV (not at the same time). It was heaven and very much needed. I had a great night sleep and woke up this morning feeling heaps better. It was just what I needed.
My afternoon paddle also went well. My focus was on technique and mainly getting my top hand a bit higher, tilting my pelvis forward (sticking bum out), and sitting more upright (not hunched) by tilting from the hips. It worked well and I felt good.
Anton and I paddled briefly with Mick and Jack who had already completed their 10+ km, and we came across a beautiful Sea Eagle up in a tree. We stopped paddling to get a better look and ended up only about 5-10 metres away from it. It was amazing.
With Mick leaving us at the pontoon and Jack turning around at the powerlines Anton and I headed up to the lake and back. I feel so good and confident in the Struer now and it was great to be able to focus a bit more on technique.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Still no running
My back is getting a lot better thanks to several physio appointments and resting it. Running is still off the cards and that is very frustrating. I am missing it badly.
I've also been sufferring from a bit of vertigo (which I get from time to time) the last few days. I'm feeling a bit of a sore throat coming on and am generally feeling run down so I've decided to give kayaking a miss today and just stay home and rest. I hate it now when I can't train, but I think it's the right decision for today. Hopefully I'll beat it quicker. Yeah, yeah I know...the violins are playing. But this is normal for me...I often get mildly sick about 1-2 weeks out from a competition and I know by the weekend I'll be feeling fine.
I've also been sufferring from a bit of vertigo (which I get from time to time) the last few days. I'm feeling a bit of a sore throat coming on and am generally feeling run down so I've decided to give kayaking a miss today and just stay home and rest. I hate it now when I can't train, but I think it's the right decision for today. Hopefully I'll beat it quicker. Yeah, yeah I know...the violins are playing. But this is normal for me...I often get mildly sick about 1-2 weeks out from a competition and I know by the weekend I'll be feeling fine.
Monday, March 9, 2009
A decision's been made
A decision has been made and I've finally entered the State Marathon Championships in the Open K1 and Open Mixed TK2. I've also decided that I'll race in the Struer for the K1 race. Considering that it is a 5km lap course (5 laps for K1 race and 4 laps for TK2) there's going to be a lot of boat wash and messy water. I am very confident in the Struer and won't feel nervous in rougher conditions, wash riding or when jostling for positions (like on Sunday). I'm just not quite ready in the Van Dusan yet. I can't wait until I can paddle the Van Dusan as well as the Struer because I will fly. But in the meantime I am looking forward to racing (instead of feeling a bit nervous about it) and can't wait until we get up to Forster.
For everyone (Jack, Mark and Anton) who have kindly offered for me to borrow their kayaks I am more grateful than you'll ever know. Your generosity, sharing of knowledge and support mean a lot to me and I wouldn't be paddling anywhere near as good as I am without it.
For everyone (Jack, Mark and Anton) who have kindly offered for me to borrow their kayaks I am more grateful than you'll ever know. Your generosity, sharing of knowledge and support mean a lot to me and I wouldn't be paddling anywhere near as good as I am without it.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Club race
The race is 11.35km. My start time was 9:23am (based on my last race time of 1:07). I started with another guy in a K1 and soon after we were on our way he started talking to me. I'm sorry but when I race in a single, I'm normally not in the mood to talk. So I sped up to get in front and he quickly hopped on my wash for the whole trip up.
At the turn around I nearly crashed into a few people due to my inexperience, but it turned out ok. I think I must have had at least 4 people riding my wash by that point. Anyway, after the turnaround I hopped on their wash and it was messy but great. I still struggle riding the rear wash and have trouble staying on it, so I switched to riding the side wash of a double Mirage. Now that was a nice wash.
There was by now a heap of people in this pack and we were passing many others. This was tricky, trying to stay on the wash where there was often little or no passing room. It was so hectic and messy, but I managed it and didn't fall in. Now there's the difference between the Struer and the Van Dusan. I would have been swimming for sure in the Van Dusan.
About 1.5km before the end I was struggling to get back on anyone's wash after a rather messy passing, and someone behind me called out and let me tuck in front of them on Mick's wash. I don't know who it was but THANKYOU! I managed to stay on Mick's wash until the end and finished in a time of 1:05:10 (hr:min:sec). I had nothing left. I gave it everything. My average heart rate was 191bpm and a maximum of 202. But I'm absolutely stoked with the time. Imagine how fast I could go in the Van Dusan when I can paddle it as well as the Struer. Hopefully that's where I'll be by the Worlds.
At the turn around I nearly crashed into a few people due to my inexperience, but it turned out ok. I think I must have had at least 4 people riding my wash by that point. Anyway, after the turnaround I hopped on their wash and it was messy but great. I still struggle riding the rear wash and have trouble staying on it, so I switched to riding the side wash of a double Mirage. Now that was a nice wash.
There was by now a heap of people in this pack and we were passing many others. This was tricky, trying to stay on the wash where there was often little or no passing room. It was so hectic and messy, but I managed it and didn't fall in. Now there's the difference between the Struer and the Van Dusan. I would have been swimming for sure in the Van Dusan.
About 1.5km before the end I was struggling to get back on anyone's wash after a rather messy passing, and someone behind me called out and let me tuck in front of them on Mick's wash. I don't know who it was but THANKYOU! I managed to stay on Mick's wash until the end and finished in a time of 1:05:10 (hr:min:sec). I had nothing left. I gave it everything. My average heart rate was 191bpm and a maximum of 202. But I'm absolutely stoked with the time. Imagine how fast I could go in the Van Dusan when I can paddle it as well as the Struer. Hopefully that's where I'll be by the Worlds.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
A mixed paddle
Another physio treatment down, and my back is slowly starting to get better. I still haven't decided what kayak (category) I'm going to paddle at State so I asked Anton if I could try his TK1 today. Chris got home from work early today so with 38 minutes notice Anton met me at the usual place. Thank goodness he's so flexible with training times.
The TK1 obviously felt slower and heavier than the Van Dusan, but it was a very comfortable boat to paddle. The speeds we were doing were good (considering I was actually going easy today), but the thought of racing 20km in it was starting to look a bit daunting. We passed by Jack and Jen's place, had a very quick chat and continued up the river. Just as we were about to turn around at the first marker we looked around and Jack was behind us. He'd made a quick decision, had hopped in his Struer K1 and caught us up.
He offered for me to paddle the Struer back and so I gave it a try. NICE KAYAK!!!! It felt so stable, but much faster than the club K1. Not as fast as the Van Dusan, but I was able to do much better technique in it (due to better balance) and ended up going faster than I can in the Van Dusan (just because I could paddle it better). Cruising speed was 10km/hr, comfortable was 10.2-10.6km/hr, and riding on Jack's wash we got up to 12.4km/hr. Cool. That's the other thing...I was actually able to wash ride in it. It's the first K1 I've been able to do this properly in.
Since Jack has kindly offered for me to paddle it at State, I'm very tempted. The Van Dusan is a much quicker kayak, but I go quicker in the Struer because I can paddle it better and just haven't had long enough in the Van Dusan to be able to paddle it to my best ability.
So I'm going to race it at the club race tomorrow and see what kind of time I can do. I'm really looking forward to it. Jack thinks I could do 1:04 (hr:min), but I don't think I'll go that fast. I would like to beat my time in the Van Dusan from last race, and if I could do 1:06 I would be VERY happy.
Afterwards we went back to Jack and Jen's place and had a cup of Milo (yum), looked at some photos and had a good chat. Their place on the river is great. It was a lovely afternoon and I really enjoyed it. It's so nice to be making such lovely friends.
The TK1 obviously felt slower and heavier than the Van Dusan, but it was a very comfortable boat to paddle. The speeds we were doing were good (considering I was actually going easy today), but the thought of racing 20km in it was starting to look a bit daunting. We passed by Jack and Jen's place, had a very quick chat and continued up the river. Just as we were about to turn around at the first marker we looked around and Jack was behind us. He'd made a quick decision, had hopped in his Struer K1 and caught us up.
He offered for me to paddle the Struer back and so I gave it a try. NICE KAYAK!!!! It felt so stable, but much faster than the club K1. Not as fast as the Van Dusan, but I was able to do much better technique in it (due to better balance) and ended up going faster than I can in the Van Dusan (just because I could paddle it better). Cruising speed was 10km/hr, comfortable was 10.2-10.6km/hr, and riding on Jack's wash we got up to 12.4km/hr. Cool. That's the other thing...I was actually able to wash ride in it. It's the first K1 I've been able to do this properly in.
Since Jack has kindly offered for me to paddle it at State, I'm very tempted. The Van Dusan is a much quicker kayak, but I go quicker in the Struer because I can paddle it better and just haven't had long enough in the Van Dusan to be able to paddle it to my best ability.
So I'm going to race it at the club race tomorrow and see what kind of time I can do. I'm really looking forward to it. Jack thinks I could do 1:04 (hr:min), but I don't think I'll go that fast. I would like to beat my time in the Van Dusan from last race, and if I could do 1:06 I would be VERY happy.
Afterwards we went back to Jack and Jen's place and had a cup of Milo (yum), looked at some photos and had a good chat. Their place on the river is great. It was a lovely afternoon and I really enjoyed it. It's so nice to be making such lovely friends.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
I said an EASY paddle - damn it!
Yeh, yeh, don't worry Anton I'm not going to bag you out too much.
Anyway, I saw the Physio today and he thinks that I've aggravated a couple of joints and ligaments and also have a heap of resulting muscle spasm. I'm under instructions to rest it (only easy paddling), apply heat and do some gentle stretches and to see him again tomorrow.
So, this arvo I sent Anton a message that I wanted to do an easy, short paddle. 'OK' was the reply I got. 'OK' my ar$e! As soon as we started paddling he went fast (for a Mirage) and then when we met up with Mick and Jack he took off on Jack's wash and sped for the lake...leaving me some horrid wash to contend with and no hope of keeping up (whilst doing an easy paddle anyway). I somehow managed to turn around at the lake without falling in but almost crashing into Mick (it was the choppiest I've turned around in yet), and we headed back. This time it was Anton and Mick paddling in front and again leaving me some horrid wash to contend with the whole way back. Now normally this would have been great practice for me, but today everytime I had to brace or use my back to stabilise it was horribly painful. So in the end I dropped back with Jack and just took it easy to the boat ramp.
Mick, Jack and Jen (who had been paddling on her own) finished, and Anton and I then headed to do a bridge lap to finish. The pace slowed down (to what I was meant to be doing all along) and Anton was nice to me again. I think this was only because he was scared what I was going to write in this blog (didn't help did it - heheheheh). By now my back was really sore and I was regretting paddling. I don't want to risk hurting it more and not being able to compete to my best at State. I can put up with a fair bit of pain, but this was not fun today. Hopefully now I'm home some heat, stretching and anti-inflamatories will make it feel better.
And Anton, I'm only kidding...I don't blame you. It was not yours or anyone elses fault. The only person who is responsible for how I paddle is myself. It was my decision to try to keep up, I could have always just dropped right back and paddled on my own. It was my own stupidity trying to push myself too much. If I was a bit cranky it was just because I was in pain - I wasn't cranky at you.
Anyway, I saw the Physio today and he thinks that I've aggravated a couple of joints and ligaments and also have a heap of resulting muscle spasm. I'm under instructions to rest it (only easy paddling), apply heat and do some gentle stretches and to see him again tomorrow.
So, this arvo I sent Anton a message that I wanted to do an easy, short paddle. 'OK' was the reply I got. 'OK' my ar$e! As soon as we started paddling he went fast (for a Mirage) and then when we met up with Mick and Jack he took off on Jack's wash and sped for the lake...leaving me some horrid wash to contend with and no hope of keeping up (whilst doing an easy paddle anyway). I somehow managed to turn around at the lake without falling in but almost crashing into Mick (it was the choppiest I've turned around in yet), and we headed back. This time it was Anton and Mick paddling in front and again leaving me some horrid wash to contend with the whole way back. Now normally this would have been great practice for me, but today everytime I had to brace or use my back to stabilise it was horribly painful. So in the end I dropped back with Jack and just took it easy to the boat ramp.
Mick, Jack and Jen (who had been paddling on her own) finished, and Anton and I then headed to do a bridge lap to finish. The pace slowed down (to what I was meant to be doing all along) and Anton was nice to me again. I think this was only because he was scared what I was going to write in this blog (didn't help did it - heheheheh). By now my back was really sore and I was regretting paddling. I don't want to risk hurting it more and not being able to compete to my best at State. I can put up with a fair bit of pain, but this was not fun today. Hopefully now I'm home some heat, stretching and anti-inflamatories will make it feel better.
And Anton, I'm only kidding...I don't blame you. It was not yours or anyone elses fault. The only person who is responsible for how I paddle is myself. It was my decision to try to keep up, I could have always just dropped right back and paddled on my own. It was my own stupidity trying to push myself too much. If I was a bit cranky it was just because I was in pain - I wasn't cranky at you.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Ow, ow, ow and a short paddle
Today my SIJ is even worse. Every step hurts, and it particularly hurts to get up from any position. By the time I got home from work it was hurting constantly. I couldn't get comfortable in any position - sitting, lying on my back, tummy, side. But whilst playing with the boys it started to feel a bit better (or maybe that was just the anti-inflamatories working) so I decided I would try a paddle. I wanted to see how it felt paddling so I could give some feedback to the physio tomorrow.
Once seated in the K1 it was just a dull ache, so Anton and I just did a slowish paddle. Mark had put a hose on the front of the K1 (for resistance training) and I managed a bridge lap with it, but I didn't want to push my back too hard, so I did the rest of the 8km lap without it and just going at a comfortable pace. Anton had no trouble keeping up with me today. I was glad to finish after 1 lap.
How utterly frustrating. My training was going so well - both paddling and running and it absolutely sucks to have this problem. I'll go see a physio as early as I can tomorrow and hopefully it will get better quickly. It's just torture not to be able to train properly. I miss it already!
Once seated in the K1 it was just a dull ache, so Anton and I just did a slowish paddle. Mark had put a hose on the front of the K1 (for resistance training) and I managed a bridge lap with it, but I didn't want to push my back too hard, so I did the rest of the 8km lap without it and just going at a comfortable pace. Anton had no trouble keeping up with me today. I was glad to finish after 1 lap.
How utterly frustrating. My training was going so well - both paddling and running and it absolutely sucks to have this problem. I'll go see a physio as early as I can tomorrow and hopefully it will get better quickly. It's just torture not to be able to train properly. I miss it already!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Ow, ow, ow
Yesterday after my run I forgot to stretch. I usually do it straight away, but we had to get home quickly and once home I forgot all about it. Well this morning I woke up and ow, ow, ow. My Left Sacro-illiac Joint (SIJ) is very sore. Actually my whole left side of my lower back is sore. It got worse throughout the day and hurts to walk, sit, move - just about everything hurts it. Damn!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Monday's run
I ran on my own this afternoon as Mum's hip was still sore and she walked instead. I started off as usual, but by the half-way turnaround realised that I must have been going a bit faster than usual. I couldn't know for sure as I left my watch at home, but the rest of the run felt fast (for me). I pushed it a bit more than usual because I was feeling good and would love to have known what time I did.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
No weight loss for 2 weeks!
Yes I am pi$$ed off that I have not lost any weight for 2 weeks...hence the lack of weekly measurement updates. In fact I have put on 500g....really frustrating after working so hard. Yes I know I should do the body fat, muscle and cm measurements because they'll probably show something more inspiring, but I was just so NOT in the mood after stepping on the scales. I'm just going to have to follow the program EXACTLY as I'm meant to...Duh. I guess I have been doing little cheats, ie a lollie or 2 after dinner. Nothing huge, but it is obviously making a difference. Ok, so I'll make sure I'm super good this week and hopefully I'll have something better to report on next week
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