Leif Rustvold talks about minimalist/ barefoot running
And this report on “Why Shoes Make “Normal” Gait Impossible” by Dr. Rossi is the best read I’ve had in ages.
Kepler Challenge – some ultra marathon training tips
Three weeks later
It has been nearly three weeks since I completed my very first ultra marathon- the infamous Kepler challenge. I’ve taken a well deserved break with far less activity and I’m now close to feeling fit and eager enough to get back on my feet and mountain bike proper. The week after the run [...]
Kepler Challenge…I did it!
Ok….an epic post for an epic day………you best go get a coffee :) First things first- I want to thank my wonderful Wife Amy for all of her support during the past 6 months- without it I would not have even got to the Kepler, never mind give it everything on the day! And also [...]
Four days to the 2009 Kepler Challenge
Well, here I am….just 4 days from the Kepler after close to 6 months preparation and my very first ultra trail run. I wish that the past week had been a good one, but after warning off nasties and injuries for all of these months I’ve been sick in bed for 4 days with a [...]
The aftermath of peaking…
It has now been two weeks since I “peaked” and after the 49km run I had to pick myself up and get out for a further 15KM on the Tuesday. Having run such a long way just a few days prior, this was the last thing that I wanted to do…….and it was obvious that [...]
My first ultra marathon distance of 49KM
After a nice weekend on the mountain bike where I rode a solo to Godley Head, this weeks training has felt much better than the last with a little more juice in the batteries. Tuesday’s “lunchtime” run was a good one and I hit the road to Hagley Park and after several laps I was [...]
Over cooking it & some well deserved respite
What a week! Truth be known, the past three weeks efforts have finally caught up with this weary bloke and after 3 days off- I’m just coming back to earth. I’ve clocked up over 240KM in this time and Tuesday’s run was “the run” that made me think twice about how much I’m putting my [...]
Another weekend- another run!
Saturday’s “outing” was originally planned as a long bike ride- but I was feeling rather good in the legs (aside from the nagging hamstring!) so I “over packed” the Salomon and cycled to the Porthills for a long walk. I must admit that having some options as part of my training has really helped me [...]
The hardest bit is getting back on my feet
The week after
After the weekends Crater Rim run in the Port Hills and what seemed to be a fairly “tender free zone” physically the day after….things soon turned to ouch walking down the stairs…..damn that 1400M of descent! You know that feeling when the quads are hurting- tender and generally feeling unloved? Well, double that! [...]
Downhill running technique
My downhill technique sucks and I’m in need of some pointers. I’ve found some great videos on you tube to start with & it all makes sense. As from next week, my Thursday run will be a short blat up and down in the hills to specifically practice my downward technique- because I really need [...]
Port Hills Crater Rim 30KM trail run
Only a few more weeks now before I start to taper off for the Kepler & I’m really looking forward to it. Since last weekend I’ve clocked up about 75KM which, as you can imagine is a first for me! The Mcleans 12hr mountain bike event last weekend found me racing flat out for 1.5hrs [...]
Nearly 50% of my target distance DONE
A bad week – I want to punch my Podiatrist (again)
Last week was full of ups and downs to be honest. Last weekend found me with friends at the Wharfedale Track on the mountain bike and it was a ride worthy of my top ten BEST rides ever. It was a fantastic day and aside [...]
Back in the Porthills….endurance training
New technique & my running
I’ve really been enjoying my running since working out that my technique and saddle height combined with simply over doing things was causing me major ITB issues. I can’t believe how simply “standing tall” while running and sorting out my bike position has enabled me to get back into my training….and [...]
Garmin Forerunner 50 has arrived
As part of my training plans- I’ve treated myself to a new toy in the form of the fantastic Forerunner 50 watch by Garmin. I’ve been on the look out for a good watch and heart rate monitor for some time but the lack of choice and cost here in New Zealand has been a [...]
Taking back control of my running
Since my last post, the ITB issues and knee pain got alot worse. So bad that I could only run upto just 45 mins on (the flat) before the knee pains stopped me in my tracks. My head was spinning with all of these “experts” giving me their advice that was fixing nothing and to [...]
Running is rather humbling….
Week two….tick!
Week two of my training has been ticked off and to tell you the truth it has been bloody hard on my body. Cardio wise things are spot on- but I’ve been aching and hurting in places I had forgot about :D It’s really easy to get frustrated when things are not “just working” [...]
First week of Kepler training DONE :)
Week one summary
Well, I’ve just finished my first week of training for the Kepler Challenge and what a week it has been! So much so I can blog it without even referring to notes that I’ve emailed to Karen (I write about energy levels, general feelings, issues etc after each run). Last weekends Port Hills [...]
New Brooks Adrenaline ASR 5 running shoes
We all like new shiny gear right? Well after having enough of my Nike Pegasus runners that are like running on marshmallows (and are basically worn out in less than 3 months) I’ve just picked up a pair of Brooks Adrenaline ASR 5 Running Shoes. With advice from Nick at Feet n Motion that I [...]
Weekend run (week one) – Port Hills
Yesterday I set off for the first of my “longer” runs of the first week of my training plan into the magnificent Port Hills. The idea is to run for 2+ hrs each weekend and increase this over time in time for the Kepler Challenge on the 5th December. Being plagued with a wonky ITB [...]
Training, goals & ITB syndrome
This week
After last weekend’s over exertion (ok ok stupidity) and the realisation that I’ve still got some issues in my right leg due to pronation and the dreaded Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome (or runners Knee) I’ve been busy this week trying to fix it up. I’ve since had a great trigger point/ deep tissue massage [...]
Trail running in the Port Hills – lessons learnt
Time for a run in the Port Hills
What a glorious day it was today! I left earlyish and cycled to meet with Karen at her place and then after discussing my training plan for the Kepler (eeek) I headed off to the Rapaki Track with instructions to do a two hour run :D Next weekend [...]
Coaching – running technique
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I had my first meeting with Karen Muller a few weeks back and it was really positive and all about running technique. To be honest, I’ve never really thought about what constitutes the “best” or “optimum” technique, which is silly really seeing as I’ve been riding bikes for [...]
Christchurch SBS Marathon photos
Better late than never I suppose :) My first half marathon at 21.1 KM was on the 31st May 2009 and on a cold and snowy/ wet morning here in Christchurch. I ran a time of 1.55.18 which I was really happy with. Here are a few a photos that my Wife Amy took.
Christchurch Marathon Clinic
Tonight after work I headed to join in with the guys at the Marathon Clinic here in the city. Ben has been a member on and off for a while now and since he has decided to get back into running it was also a good time for me to get involved too. It has [...]
