Marathon Diary

The final one!

2011-11-06T17:54:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks
This one might be a bit longer as it is the last one in this 12 months journey!
Friday we explored downtown Manhatten, Wall Street, the Museum of the Native American Indian and Ground Zero. This was finished off by a lovely dinner in Little Italy.Yesterday we tried to do things here in NY that did not invole too much walking as I did not want to stand at the start line with sore legs :-)
We found this crazy toystore where we sorted presents for the kids, had a very little walk in Central Park - which is georgeous - and used the subway a lot to get places. After a little Nana-nap in the afternoon, we decided to go up the Empire State building. Big queues and twice 22Dollars worth of tickets we managed to get up there in time to see the incredible view and wait for sunset!
And then the big ONE: I was very nervous and did not get much sleep last night. We had to get up at 5am, get our gear together and catch a bus at 6am to Staten Island, where the start is. Then the long waiting began. I was amazed at the logistics with the masses of people (around 46 000). There were three starting villages where we had to wait for 4 hours for our start. For the start we were put in corrals and then the whole thing began...
The first part over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge was a teaming mass of people. The sight was quite unbelievable. I thought that along the way the crowd would thin but it never happened so running was actually quite hard as you had to weave around people all the time. As soon as we got off the bridge the noise of spectators and music started and it too never finished untill the end. Bands were playing along the side of the roads, people were screaming random names of runners, it was mayhem. I felt really good for the first 16 Miles then stared to feel a bit sore in my legs and knees. Brooklyn was never ending and so was Queens. I felt as if I was freeze-frozen in a mass of running people but not really getting anywhere. Back on Manhatten Island and then on to Harlem and the Bronx, where I thought the music was the best! The final 6 miles were hard as Central Park just wouldn't come near. But I managed to run it all with gritted teeth (although just tired not injured as such) and just walked at the drink stations so I wouldn't get the water down the wrong pipe. The worst was after the finish, I was so happy I cried and almost chocked up with it. We had to walk about another 2 kilometers in a shuffling caterpillar of people to get to our bags before they let us out on the streets. It had gotten cold again and it took me forever to make my way back to the hotel.
And that's it really! A huge journey has come to an end and I have proven that even a "fat" chick can run a Marathon!!!
So long folks
ciao
pia

New York, New York

2011-11-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

Hi folks
Finally in New York! Sooo exciting and terrifying at the same time. We arrived late last night after a reasonably good flight and a very long time in a shuttle from the airport. We were the last drop off and so got a city bus tour at the same time :-)
Today went to the Marathon Expo to register and get our bib numbers and timing chips. One word: amazing! So many exhibitors and cool running gear for sale. Waiting in long lines to register - first time of feeling really scared and a bit like a fraud. A pretend runner amongst runners??? Thats what it felt like for a while, especially as everyone seems to ask you what time you are expecting to do. And mine is definitely at the tail end of the spectrum :-)
Already put a lot of weight on the credit card - bought myself some Vibram 5 fingers! Wanted them for a while and they had a sale. Whats a girl to do? The city is definitely abuzz with the approaching Marathon.
Blogging again soon.

ciao
pia

The Countdown started

2011-10-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

Hi folks

Exactly a week from now not counting the time difference. Today was the first time I had some nerves about the marathon! I went down to Mission Bay to support my friend Ann who was running the Auckland Marathon. It was very hot and Ann appreciated our support. My mum and I ran about 4km with her and then of course had to run back to the car. I have been tapering back the running considerably and it feels like I have not been training for weeks. That is probably the reason why I am feeling a bit nervous. Lots of work still to do before flying out - I am still teaching on Wednesday morning! Oh and by the way I was on the front page of the local Newspaper on Tuesday!!!!

Pia runs for CatWalk | Stuff.co.nz

www.stuff.co.nz
It might still be on this page. I didn't quite expect to land on the frontpage though :-)
I will keep you posted in the next days and weeks. keep your fingers crossed for me.

Ciao
pia

Quick update

2011-10-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

Hi folks
I did a 31.5km run yesterday! It was hot and long and painful, but my legs held!!!
Thank you soo much to my family who did the on road support. Tobi ran some 10km with me and Fiona accompanied the last 5km on her bike. You guys are the bomb!
Feeling only slightly stiff today, which is a good sign. Only a few more weeks to go. Stay with me - we're almost done :-)
ciao
pia

A few more to go

2011-10-06T15:03:00.000-07:00

Hi folks
There will be only a few more blogs to go, as NY is coming closer at warp speed. Last Sunday I did a 3 hour run - really good for my confidence - and the knee held. I have since gotten the result from the scan and I have a tear in one of the tendons in my left foot :-(
The specialist has never seen it before and since I can't damage it more, I decided to just ignore it.
This coming Sunday I will have to do another long run and that might be the last long one before the event. I have to say I am over these runs. Who goes out on a Sunday for more than 2 or 3 hours and calls it fun?
But I am really looking forward to New York. It will be amazing!
So, keep your fingers crossed for me, as I need just a wee bit more determination and strength.
Thank you for being with me all the way

love
Pia

Time is ticking

2011-09-24T17:01:00.000-07:00

Hi folks
I am back! Did a good 2 hours last Sunday and again today and that seems to be OK. My knee and foot are no different ie not better, but with taping and ignoring, I seem to be getting by. Tomorrow I have to go in for Xrays and Ultrasound but to be honest I don't expect much in terms of outcome. I have just made a training plan as it is only 6 weeks from today!!! Yikes!
I will increase the runs again to reach 32-34km in three or so weeks, but this time round I will keep the overall weekly kms low. Keep your fingers crossed, that my leg holds out...
Time has really flown and I can't believe that it is only 6 weeks to the marathon. I started training almost 1 year ago and this has taken up so much time that I can't wait to have my life back :-)
Bring it on!

ciao
pia

moving again

2011-09-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

Hi folks
It has been some time since my injury and I am happy to report that I have started running again. On the downside, my knee and foot are still the same as three weeks ago and only time will tell, how much more they will be able to take. I am keeping the waterwalking and cycling for the moment and am trying to find out, how much running to put my poor leg through in order to still train, but not break down completely. This is the point where athletes have got experienced doctors and personal trainers to help them through an injury. As I am no athlete I have none of the above and will have to get through this by myself. I can asure you that I am determined to go to NY and do this event no matter what. I might just have to forget about time and just focus on getting through in one piece! Anyway I did an hour of running yesterday and that went well - I am in a bit of pain today however.
I will keep you posted

ciao
pia

When we break down

2011-08-22T20:07:00.000-07:00

Hi folks
I was so determined to break that mental wall - and I did - or at least I thought so. I prepared myself for another long run on the Friday and really had an amazing run up to the last couple of kms. Then my knee packed up :-(
It froze on me and the started to make the most frightening grinding noises. After a few days rest and trying to run a short distance I had to give up. Now I am on antiinflammatories, off running for 2-3 weeks and have a possible stress fracture in my left foot (that is probably what set the knee off).
I also have a most horrible cough that just doesn't want to go away even after a week of antibiotics. In other words I am a mess! Rest and lots of fluids and vitamins are the order of the day but seeing that patience is not my strong suit, it is hard to keep the positive mood up. I did my first round of aquajogging last Friday, am in the process of organising Osteo and Acupuncture and had a very thorough (and painful) deep massage - thank you Clint for sorting me out :-)
So here I am less than 11 weeks out, sore, unable to run und frustrated like h***.
Keep your fingers crossed for me
ciao
Pia

your wall - my wall

2011-08-05T03:25:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks
That has to be the mysterious wall. You hear about it all the time. It is supposedly what distinguishes a marathon from other races. I always thought it came at about km 35. I was wrong! My wall apparently stands at 26km - I just can't get over it it seems. No matter how much I run in the week the 26km won't budge. I am sore, my legs are made from lead and all I want to do is sit down on the side of the road and cry. My running crew means well and tries to uplift me with suggestions and visualisations but the circle of negative thoughts goes round and round in my head and the voice that cries "I can't" is louder than all the other voices. They told me today that if I can birth 3 babies with no drugs I can run. Well, for all the mums-to-be out there, take birth any day!
Joke aside. I have to meet my wall and get over it. Or as Malcolm Gladwell puts it:"We sometimes think of being good at something as an innate ability. You either have "it" or you don't. But it's not so much ability as attitude. You master something if you are willing to try. Success is a function of persistence and doggedness and the willingness to work hard on something where most people would give up."
My next long run is coming and I will chip away at this wall under whinning and tears but it will fall.
Go out and meet your walls, people.

Ciao
Pia

Sweat and Tears

2011-07-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks
This must be like the middle kilometers in a Marathon. After a whopping total of 84km the week before (!) I was utterly exhausted and sore and could not even imagine doing any more running. The Friday run with Ross ended up a very hard 25km as we got somewhat lost in the forest and had to run longer than we thought. Also running up and down (total of 500m up and 500m down over the 25km) on a metal road proved challenging and my surgically altered right knee complained accordingly :-(
Hence this past week I did the two short runs with my buddy Linda and even these felt bl*** hard. I was dreading Friday and the long run. My attitude helped to make this the hardest run yet. I fought for every kilometer and felt like giving up at every turn :-(
Ross, Shena and Jenny tried their best to cheer me up which made it even harder not to break down on the side of the road and dissolve in tears. Trying not to cry was probably harder than running. I felt like I had no chance in achieveing 42km if half of that was such a huge struggle. Anyway I made it home (with a few meters of walking towards the end) and the bottom line was 25.7km in 2hours and 40minutes (approx) rain, sun, lots of wind and being hailed on twice.
Now I am off to Papamoa for the weekend (Tobis soccer tournament) and I will do no running for a few days! Send me some strength, please :-)
ciao
pia

a little bit crazy

2011-07-04T18:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks
It is winter and cold and I need to run more and more. Did a 9km in the early morning today and then went out with my team for another 16.5km! That has to be mad - at least a little bit :-)
My calfs are quite sore accordingly. I hate to think that the team wants to take me on a 24-25km on Friday. Heeelp!
The fundraising has come to a grinding halt :-(
Everything seems to stop in the early stages of organisation. I am getting quite worried about it! So if you have a good idea, pleease send it my way!!!
Right, back to it; more emails to send and articles to write.
Take care
ciao
pia

I need a break

2011-06-22T03:11:00.000-07:00

Hi folks
I have decided to take a week off running. After 3 Weeks of doing a 20km on Tuesday and 2 x 9km early morning and then another 16 km or so on Sunday, I feel so tired that I needed a rest (personal record of total 57km last week). Last Sunday I did 18.5km after a hard week of running and it was honestly the most crap run I have ever done. My legs felt like lead and after about 14 km I got gut cramps. How am I ever going to increase that mileage? Anybody?
On a positive, I finally went to the Naturopath today and got some herbs to help me with the strain of training and my energy levels. I will keep you posted.
22 weeks to New York - Yikes, that sounds like it is coming around fast.
Take care and until the next blog

ciao
pia

A step forward

2011-06-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

Hi folks
Finally I feel I am taking a step forward! Thanks to Ross and Jenny who have taken me under their wings and drag me running every Tuesday morning. Without you guys I would not be doing 19+ km!!!
Although it is still hard and I feel very much out of my depths, I can now run these distances and not be an invalid for a few days - I even go running with my other running buddy on Wednesday. I must be progressing (please, pretty please). There is no way I could do this by myself as it is just too hard mentally. When you run solo it is so easy to just give up! So if you want to run, find yourself some friends that will pull you along.
But I am getting pretty tired from the effort. I am planning to go to the Naturopath and get some herbal help.
Keep sending that mental strength over to me ;-)
ciao
Pia

Those winter colds

2011-05-24T18:45:00.000-07:00

Hi folks
Just as I was mentally gearing up for longer runs, I got this awful cough and running just got a whole lot harder :-(
I do hope I can get rid of it fast as I don't want to lose fitness and I have arranged for a long run next Tuesday with a friend who kindly agreed to run with me.
On a positive note, me and my morning running buddy have now agreed to run in any weather - no excuses - that means I have had a few morning runs in the rain. (Don't tell me that is why I've got a cold!)
I have started with a Pilates class again about 6 weeks ago and I am sure it will help me with the running. Helena does a great job I can only recommend it to everyone (Monday morning at 9.15 Herald Island Hall).
Right, that's it from me today - I have got to go and meet Dan Carter!!! Tobi has gotten a VIP pass to get his photo taken with him :-)

ciao
pia

Getting better???

2011-05-08T16:47:00.000-07:00

Hi folks
Sorry for the long break, I was really busy with the Swiss market day. A great day out and we sold lots of sausages (120kg to be specific!) :-)
I have been running slightly longer distances lately on my long runs. The good news is that even after 20km I am not sore the next day! Maybe I am getting better at this running thing after all.
Also I have started again with a Pilates class to support my core and low back and that has been going well. I need my low back for work and can't end up with busted discs from running on concrete.
Now I just need to find time and motivation to run more and longer - yeah. So send those good vibes my way. Pretty please! :-)
ciao

pia

Winter is on its way

2011-04-19T16:41:00.000-07:00

Hi folks

Yesterday morning was the first time it was really cold. Brrr - had to wear long sleeves and pants on my early morning run. After the long hot summer we had it sure was a shock to the system.
It is school holiday time and of course the family is sick with a cold (including me) which makes running tricky. Adrian is the last man standing :-)
Tonight I will meet the rest of the Auckland CatWalk team which is exciting! It will be interesting to hear what made them decide to take on New York.
I am trying to write my proposal for businesses but am finding this a bit hard as I have no experience with it. So if you know anyone who can give me tips - that would be much appreciated.
I will keep you updated on the running which will have to increase after this schoolholiday - can't wait (not).

ciao
pia

Club Physical Whenuapai Half Marathon

2011-04-03T15:21:00.000-07:00

Hi folks
It is finally over! The Club Physical Whenuapai Half Marathon which we organised has been this Sunday. Great sunshine and everything went really well! I am soooo relieved. We would have liked more entries but had to be happy with 400. Club Physical did a Zumba class and that was great too.
Now I can concentrate on my business, the kids, my husband or was there something else? If only I could think of it - ahhh yes - New York! Oh no does that mean now I have to start running, help!!!
How am I ever going to run 42km? Please think of me over the next few months.

ciao
Pia

Frustration mounts

2011-03-19T23:41:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks

Had a bad run today :-(
15.3km, with quite some steep hills and the group I was running with was too fast for me. Most of them had already done 16km (!) before starting on this run and still I could not really keep up with them! I was very frustrated and angry with myself and wanted to give up. I did manage to finish but their words of encouragement made me feel even worse. Why can I not go faster and longer? It seems I am running all the time but am not really improving much at all.
Anyway, thanks for listening to my rant today, I hope I will find some speed and motivation this week.
At least my calf/ankle/back issue seems to get better - Osteopathy does work :-)
Have a great week
ciao
pia

Injury - what?

2011-03-09T14:17:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks

Now it has happened and I haven't even started on long distances yet :-(
I have no idea how but since Taupo my right ankle and calf are hurting about 10 minutes into running!
I suspect it has more to do with my night sleeping in the tent on the hard ground without a mat (putting my back and pelvis out) than with the actual race itself.
It might just be that I am too old for camping rough :-)
Yes I am seeing an Osteopath and fingers crossed it will be OK soon. It just has to.
Other than that I am swamped with the organisation of the Whenuapai Half marathon. Once that is out of the way I have to get cracking for New York. But I booked my flights this week!!!

ciao
Pia

The great Lake Relay

2011-02-21T18:16:00.000-08:00

Hi folks
We have done it! Last weekend we ran around the whole of Lake Taupo (160km). It was a gloriously hot weekend, we ended up sweaty and dehydrated but happy that we did it. In our group (run/walk composite) we got 43rd place out of 122 teams with a time of 17 hours and six minutes. Pretty good considering we weren't out for a time.
I have sore Quads from running a steep 3.6km downhill section but I am OK with my times. First section: 11km in 58 minutes and second section 7.4km in 42 minutes. I am really proud of my kids too. Tobias ran his 7km in 35 (!) minutes (why can't I do that?) and Fiona took 35 minutes with her friend Evie for their 4.7km up a hill. Today i have already braved the streets for 10km and it went well. Maybe my legs will feel better now?
Anyway have a look at some pictures from the weekend.

ciao for now

Pia

Sneaky, sneaky

2011-02-06T13:18:00.000-08:00

Hi folks
The lake Taupo relay is coming up fast and I went for a run yesterday with 2 of my teammates. "Hey Pia we are going on an easy 14km run on Sunday, wanna come?" - Sure!
It was very hot and sticky and being on our merry way I had to work reasonably hard to keep up with the boys as they run a bit faster than me. Also easy would not have been my exact choice of words to describe the run as it had a few good hills in it. After about three quarter of the way I was fading fast and had the sneaky suspicion that 14 km was a tad short for what we were doing. Anyway I got there in the end, fairly buggered and sweaty. Back home I hopped on the computer to map the distance (am I that sick already :-)) and sure enough it was slightly longer than 14 km, by about 3.5ks!!!
Thank you boys, it made me feel real good - it has been a while that I have done 17.5km.
Now I am looking for another half marathon event in about May just to keep on track.

Just keep running, just keep running

ciao
pia

Enthusiasm where are you?

2011-01-30T19:39:00.000-08:00

Hi folks
Right, the holidays are over, routine is back and I need to run! Did 15.5km on Sunday and I am sore today (only a little bit). This goes to show that although I have run over the Christmas break the distances were not long enough :-(
Ah well I just have to find the motivation to run longer... send me motivation please!!!
Anyway, New York is coming closer and I am starting to get organised on the fundraising side of things. I will let you know how I am going. The kids are back at school this week and that will settle things considerably and hopefully let me find more time to run.
It is still hot and sticky here which I find hard to run in but that will change I am sure. The Lake Taupo Relay is coming up and we are looking forward to that challenge. I will keep you posted.

ciao
pia

A very happy New Year

2011-01-10T20:32:00.000-08:00

Hi folks

First I want to wish you all a happy New Year. May it bring you lots of happiness and joy (or a NY marathon for some!). Sorry that I have not blogged for a while but I enjoyed my parents visit down under and the beautiful warm summer.
I have been running though including very early morning runs (20degrees at 6am already!), New Year's day run with the club (very much up and down hills in Riverhead forest) and lots of short runs with the kids, the dog and my Mum (Cedric on his bike). The photo shows 3 generations running and then enjoying a coffee :-) - what fun we had!
Now daily routine is slowly setting back in and I will have to generate a proper Marathon training schedule.
A toast to 2011

Ciao

pia

Time flies

2010-12-13T19:02:00.000-08:00

Hi folks
It has been a couple of weeks since I last posted a blog, Christmas is almost here. It has been very hot and humid in Auckland and I am not good in these conditions. Thankfully New York will be in winter...
I have gone back to 3 maintenance runs a week and have not really done any longer distances. On Sunday our club captain draged us over many many hills in the heat and I felt like dying!
I will carry on on a low level over the Christmas and New Year period, then I will try to find a coach to start properly on the Marathon!
This morning's run was drenched in sweat first (the humidity again) then in pouring rain - so I got thoroughly wet :-)
This just proves the exception to my rule that it never rains at 6am or so my husband says...
Ciao
Pia

PS: had to make the first payment for NY this week - it is beginning to get real!

Back to earth

2010-12-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

Hi folks
Kerikeri an almost distant memory, the blisters healed and I feel slightly lost this week. I have been running, but only maintenance distance (9-10km) as there is no pressing need to run long distances. I am tired and very frustrated with my inability to loose some weight. So if you can send some motivation my way it'd be much appreciated :-)
Also the first chunk of money will be due in December which makes this enterprise feel suddenly very real.
I really have to find someone to help me plan the training for New York soon, otherwise the time will fly and I will live happily in denial...
On a positive note we have registered for the Lake Taupo relay which will be lots of fun. 160km around the lake in a maximum of 18 hours. We are a team of 8 adults and 4 kids who will takle this event - looking forward to it.
Ciao
pia

Bad Run - Good Result

2010-11-21T11:36:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks
Back from Kerikeri and still alive :-)
I did what I set out to do, to run the Kerikeri Half Marathon in under 2 hours - just (1.58.54). I had hoped to get in a bit more under the 2 hour mark. But it was an incredibly hard run (not the course) because I felt bad all the way. Every kilometer was a fight, I can only hope that this will help me get through a Marathon.
The Kids had the tummy bug last week and I think I might have had a bit of that too, the humidity was huge (88%) and on top of that I developped a big blister early on in the race. Anyway it is over now and I know that I can run 21 km under tough circumstances which is probably a good thing considering I will have to do double that in less than a year!
Other than that the weekend was great and the street party on Saturday a lot of fun.
Next weekend we are meeting our team for the Lake Taupo Relay in February. That is my next big event, a team of 10 people run a relay around Lake taupo (160km).
Have a good week.
ciao
pia

Countdown to Kerikeri

2010-11-14T16:38:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks

It is only a few more days to Kerikeri!!! I did my last run today and now I am resting for Saturday. There are still a million and one things to organise for the weekend with kids, gear, the dog and so on.
One half of me is excited, the other half is a bit scared. I have not managed to lose any weight and I know a few kilos less would make a big difference. Anyway I will just have to drag the whole me along :-)
Generally I feel pretty good apart from a tight calf but I think I should be OK.
My fundraising for New York is another matter altogether. I have not had a lot of response yet and I am a bit worried. So if you have any good ideas please email me! Please!
Have a good week

Ciao
Pia

On Track

2010-11-08T15:30:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks

After my recent struggle with enthusiasm I have finally had a really good 17km run this past Sunday! It felt easy and I was not sore afterwards. Yeah!
This exactly a year out from New York makes me feel positive about my running. By the way the CatWalk team did great on the 7th - they all crossed the finish line. Congratulations to all!
Kerikeri Half is fast approaching and I am running my normal training until tomorrow and then start tapering.
So let me finish for today with a quote from Paul Tergat (a famous marathon runner):

“Ask yourself: 'Can I give more?'. The answer is usually: 'Yes'.”

Ciao
Pia

Looks can be deceiving

2010-10-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

I have a very funny story to tell (well at least I think it is funny), because I do not exactly look like a runner. Last weekend Rebel Sport had 25% off everything and my husband suggested I go and buy a pair of running shoes since I will be using many more pairs in the next year. Now I could have gone and picked up my usual Asics but I love a bargain! So when I happend to walk past an Adidas stability shoe that was half price I just had to try it. I grabed a young good looking shop assistant and asked his opinion about the durability and performance of the Adidas versus the Asics. He seemed relatively competent and we discussed pros and cons then I mentioned that my usual Asics seemed to only last me about half a year and that I was going to increase mileage next year and was a bit worried about durability. The very nice young assistant asked me what mileage I was doing and when I told him "oh roughly about 50km a week" his jaw literally dropped :-)
He then immediately ushered me over to the more expensive high mileage Asics and said "in this case you need those". He must have taken one look at me and put me in the jogging around the block category, I had to laugh!
That is going a long way towards lifting my mood about my running and all its setbacks :-)
In that sense don't let yourselves be deceived by looks

Ciao

Setbacks

2010-10-19T15:50:00.000-07:00

Last week has been very upsetting for me. On top of a bout of PMS and a craving for chocolate that was very hard (impossible) to resist, I damaged a toenail on a 16km run and running has been painful since then. A silly little thing like a toenail can alter everything as I have found out. On what was supposed to be my longest run yet on wednesday (18km up and down hill) I had to give up after 15km as the sore toe altered my gait and my knees and back just gave up on me :-( My pride hurt more than my toe!
I have spent the weekend feeling sorry for myself and having a little temper tantrum (I was never meant to run in the first place, why is it easy for everybody else but not for me; and so forth :-))
I am sure you know the feeling.
Now my toe is slowly calming down, albeit blue in color, and I hope the next few days I can run normally again.
Onwards and Upwards or as Anita Weyermann (Swiss Runner) said: "Gring ache u seckle"
which means as much as "head down and run on"
In that sense

Ciao

Building up - hopefully enthusiasm too

2010-10-11T14:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks
I did 15km on the weekend! Although I can feel my quads a little bit, it went all right. I have to say that I did wonder a few times, why the h*** I was doing this but New York is waiting and I think CatWalk is a worthy cause. Hey why don't you have a look at my fundraise online page (hint hint) :-)
5 and a bit weeks to Kerikeri Half Marathon - the countdown is running.
I wish you a wonderful week out there.
Ciao

We don't know how lucky we are

2010-10-03T13:07:00.000-07:00

Hi folks

Back from a fantastic holiday in Samoa. And yes I did do a run in the humid heat :-)
Have a look at the picture from Lalomanu beach where the Tsunami hit a year ago. We drove by the coast and the pictures are still heartbreaking! It is very different seeing it with your own eyes and it made us appreciate everything we have. We really don't know how lucky we are.
If you plan to go to the islands, why not choose Samoa and go to Lalomanu beach - a few resorts/fales are open again and they can use every tourist dollar!
Now I am back full throttle after a lazy few weeks of holidays and visitors. Sunday I did a 14.5 km run - I am still a bit sore from it :-)

Have fun and appreciate your life out there

Ciao

pia

Holidays are waiting

2010-09-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks

Me going off to Samoa on Friday is nicely covering up everything else :-)
I can't wait to get away from this rain and sit on a beach all day! Yes I will be taking my running gear and keep on running. Fotos will follow!
At the moment I have a pulled hamstring which causes grief. But if you think it is from running hard you are wrong. No, I had to go and show off to some 8 year olds that I can still do splits and wheels (LOL). Serves me right, I am getting old :-)
Last Saturday I went to another one of the drills classes and we looked at our running prints in sand. You can check out your symmetry and all sorts of other things like pronation and supination. It was very interesting to see how I put my feet on the ground and what that potentially means in terms of injury.
OK, stay safe and dry and I will catch up in a bit more than a week.

ciao

And the earth shakes

2010-09-06T17:53:00.000-07:00

Hi out there

All the running, training, fundraising and other little trouble has paled in comparison to the huge earthquake in Christchurch. Although I am an Aucklander and not directly hit by the devastation I am shocked at the unleashed power of mother nature and amazed that no lives were lost in this 7.1 magnitude quake!
Also it has only been three weeks that I happily ran around Hagley Park in Christchurch and that is a sobering thought indeed.
Just goes to show how reliant we are on our routine and infrastructure. I certainly don't have water for 3 days for the whole family stored somewhere.
I did do my normal runs this past week and I am struggling to find enough time to make them longer. Sorry but I can't face the thought of getting up even earlier.
But I am going to run the Half marathon in Kerikeri in November, so that will force me to push those kilometers :-)
check it out on http://www.kerikerihalfmarathon.co.nz/

Ciao

Fundraising online

2010-08-30T01:20:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks

My fundraising page for CatWalk is NOW online! You can access it via the link on the right or here:

http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/PiaWittwer/

If you want to support my efforts but do not like the physical exertion yourself, you can now do this through me!
Needless to say that I would love for you to help me out.
For all my Friends and Relatives in Switzerland I will have something special planned with regards to supporting me, so wait for my email guys - it will come your way soon.

I have been running a lot this past week and even managed a 16km run on Sunday.
Yes my hamstrings were a bit sore today :-)
And you would not believe it but coming back from my run, some youngsters had stolen my handbag and a few gear bags from our clubrooms!!! The B***** cheek of them.
Fortunately we found most of the stuff dumped behind some bushes close by later, but I had already cancelled all my cards. Ah well at least I did not have to change all the locks on the house.

Ciao

More than left foot - right foot

2010-08-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

Hi again
I had a very busy week in terms of running but also in terms of ideas for fundraising. Because the weather was shocking and wet the first half of the week was a no-go for running. I did do my early morning run on Friday and on Saturday I went along to a great drill class. A friend of mine who is an Ironman (!) draged me along and I had to overcome my embarassment but I am so glad I did. After a fast 20 minute warm-up we looked at the mechanics of running and did drills for every phase of the stride-cycle. Sounds very technical I know but made total sense to me (I am an Osteopath after all). I learnt heaps and I will definitely go again. Maybe I can run faster than I do at the moment. I will keep you posted!

Then I have been putting together a proposal for companies to exchange my skills as an Osteopath for their donation to CatWalk. I am kind of excited and a bit scared to go out there and promote myself - but hey that was part of the reason for embarking on this journey - to push my comfort zone on every level.

Unfortunately I have been less successful on the weight side of things. I really need to lose some to spare my joints and the last 2 weeks have been filled with baking and food (Arrggghh)

Ah well a new week has started.

Check out these links that show that running is more than just left foot - right foot.

cheers

http://www.5min.com/Video/How-To-Run-Lower-Body-Position--Stride-Mechanics-5150199

http://bobbysez.blogspot.com/2010/08/5-lean-your-way-to-great-running.html

Early Morning Runs

2010-08-15T19:10:00.000-07:00

Hi out there

As promised here is a photo of one of my early, early morning runs. It was cold and wet that morning but me and my running buddy still managed to do about 9km.
I know I will have to do longer ones soon. I hope that doesn't mean I have to get up even earlier ;-)

Over the last four days I have been in Christchurch doing a course on Visceral Manipulation. You can find more info here: http://www.barralinstitute.com/
It was very interesting and I have learnt a lot for my practice but man it was hard on the body!
I did manage do get in a run around Hagley Park and that felt really good. Although it got dark half-way in and I did feel a wee bit exposed around the botanical gardens, where it was very dark.
Ok, that is me for the time being. Back into normal routine. I will let you know when my fundraising page for CatWalk is up, which will be soon.

Ciao

A non-training weekend

2010-08-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

Well, the weekend was a bit of a write-off in terms of Marathon Training. My Sunday morning run did not happen as the group was away in Whitianga for the weekend and I could not join them. You might want to check out where they were staying. http://www.admiraltylodge.co.nz/Location.html
I normally run on Monday mornings at 5.30 (yes you read right!) with my running buddy but today it was bucketting down so we chickened out. I am not very good in the pouring rain.
But we will run tomorrow early morning, I will post some photos soon :-)

by for now

All Things New

2010-08-05T15:22:00.000-07:00

I have really done it! Yikes!!! I am going to run the New York Marathon! (only in 2011 so plenty of time or so I am told)
I am doing this for a charity called CatWalk which raises money to get people back on their feet after spinal injuries - a worthwhile cause. You can find them on http://www.catwalk.org.nz/
This blog is going to be my companion for the journey so please be patient with me as I am learning :-)
Any help with the blog, the fundraising, the training or anything else is much appreciated.
I will link to my website soon where you can find some background information about me and what I do.

Bye for now