Running With Dogs

Haven’t posted much, because I haven’t really been running. I had a really easy week after the half marathon, partly due to the fact that it gets lighter later and it’s darned cold outside. Last weekend I had a nice 10k run along the foreshore at Redcliffe with Robyn, followed by a vanilla latte. And, that’s all. I haven’t been doing any other exercise, but my legs are feeling pretty good. I’ve decided it’s not my shins that hurt, it’s my left calf in particular because when I stretch it, it cramps up. So, probably a good thing that I’m taking it easy. I should get the kidlets out on their bikes with me, they’re having a bit of an easy time of it too of late.

I’m still thinking of doing the half marathon on Russell Island in June, it looks really pretty. I haven’t entered yet though. I have entered the Mother’s Day Classic and will be doing the 8k run with Roseanne. Yay, Roseanne!! Breast cancer has affected both our families and we’ll be getting some tribute cards to wear.

There’s another night run in the Glasshouse mountains next weekend, and I’m hoping to organise some babysitting so Hubby and I can go. It’s good to have him to run with, I’d not go on my own, and being somewhat slow, I’d not want to hold anyone up if they were using it as a serious run.  Not that my Hubby doesn’t treat it as a serious run…. ahhh, I better shut up while I’m ahead!  There’s a 20k option again, but we were talking about having a go at the 30k run, with walk breaks, because I’ll have to do more than that distance in July.

Whippets are settling in well. They’re much happier going for walks with the big dogs. The kidlets are getting good at cleaning up their little “accidents”, and they’re having fun teaching them to sit. All’s well.

I used the Garmin and the heart rate monitor on Thursday night at CRR, just to have a bit of a fiddle. I’ve been looking a bit online and there are at least half a dozen methods of working out what your heart rate should be, and even more methods of incorporating low heart rate training into a program, it all gets a bit baffling. Anyway, I figured out that I would try and keep my heart rate below 140 (can you figure out how old I am from that?) and gee, I had to go slow to keep my heart rate that low. Which was fine because again, I’m being niggled by sore legs. Sore shins, but also aching calves, particularly on my left leg. I think I’m just destined to be a couch potato and sit around and drink red wine. I must admit, though, my green Asics are getting a bit long in the tooth, and last time my shoes were worn out, it really hurt my shins. I might start wearing the black ones and see if that helps.

We took the kidlets and the big dogs bushwalking this afternoon along the Somerset Trail at Mt Mee. It’s a 13km or so walk, and last time we went, we ended up starting a bit late and turning back half way because it was getting a bit late in the day. This time we went out and ended up doing the same thing, but we continued anyway and the last few km were walked in near darkness. We could make out the trail, Sinner’s white tail and we could see Guinness but that’s about it. The kidlets were a bit nervous, but they did really well to walk all that way. They were absolutely stuffed at bedtime. I think next time we go walking anywhere, we’ll put the headlights in the backpack whether we expect to need them or not. We got back to the car just in time, I think.

I have purchased a no pull harness for Guinness, it goes around the chest and under the arms, and if he pulls, it tightens in his armpits and is uncomfortable. I’m hoping it helps. Mind you, I could get off my butt and teach him to heel. We failed agility the other night because all he wanted to do was play with a Border Collie, and he didn’t drop on the table. I’ve no problem with that, I don’t actually agree with the training methods there, and have been thinking of looking for an alternative. I think the biggest problem I have with Guinness is his sheer exubarance!

We’ve been walking the whippets, they’re very fearful. Barking dogs, cars, motor bikes - all have them trembling and frozen to the spot. I think tomorrow we’ll take them out with the big dogs and maybe they’ll gain a little confidence from them. It’s a bit hard coming from the quiet bush to the ‘burbs with the associated racket.

I’ve just checked the official times for the Brisbane Half Marathon, and they have me listed as finishing in 2 hours and 17.38 seconds - and if you look very very closely at the photo taken by Roland, Anja’s husband, then I did cross the finish line at that time, but there’s no way in a pink fit I crossed the start line as soon as the gun went off. So, I’m sticking to my Garmin time and still claiming a sub 2 hour finish. It doesn’t matter to anyone but me anyway.

I didn’t run again today, having been laid up with a bit of gastro for the last two days. I’ve been enjoying the sleep in’s in the cool mornings, but I can see that the longer I leave it to get back out there, the harder it’s gonna be.

As I alluded to in my last post, we are now the proud parents of two little whippet pups. Tiger is aptly named, being brindle and white. He’s 8 weeks old and a real livewire. Miss 8 is besotted. Sherbet was named by Master 5, and what a cool name it is. He’s blue and white and around 12 weeks old, still outgoing but a lot quieter and pretty bomb proof. Suits the lad to a tee. Now we walk the dogs in two shifts, as I’m not taking two children, four dogs and Ecky Thump (my loose dog beating stick - anybody know where the name comes from, or am I really showing my age?  ). So, we walk the puppies which doesn’t take long as they are only little, and they freak at all the big dogs who bark at them and want to go home. Then we take them home and walk Sinner and Guinness. I have some photos on my camera, will have to download them and post them up.

I’m always intrigued when I read race reports. How can people remember so much about a run? Here’s my race report from my half marathon yesterday. I went out, and I ran a long way, I got very tired and then I stopped, LOL. Actually, it wasn’t a bad morning out. Anja picked me up at around 4.30am and we drove into town in torrential rain. Figured I may drown above water before the day was out, but it stopped and the sky was starting to clear by the time the run started. It was a nice course, along the southern river bank and back, across the bridge, along the northern river bank and back, through the botanic gardens, back across the bridge and to the finish at South Bank. I ran with Anja for most of the race, but she had some kick left in her at the end and headed off for a strong finish. I thought about going with her but figured my shins were feeling so good, and I was looking like I’d come in just under 2 hours anyway, so just kept on going at my comfortable pace. I  managed to stay in front of the 2 hour pace runner for most of the way, but he loped gently past me with about 500m to go. My Garmin time was 1 hour 58 min 55 seconds, and my shins were feeling just fine, so I was a happy chappy.

Hubby and the kidlets were at the finish line waiting for me, then we hooked up with Anja and a couple of other Caboolture runners and went for coffee. Just looking at this photo from the finish chute, I really do need a bigger singlet, eh?

I found the last 3km or so the hardest, both physically and mentally. My legs were tiring, but the biggie is I really struggle with motivation on the long runs. I feel like I really can’t be bothered doing this, I might just pack it in but by then, I convinced myself if I could put up with 18km, it was a shame to give up with only 3 to go.

I iced my legs when I got home, and we took the dogs a walk (all 4 of them - more on that later!!) and my shins started to feel more uncomfortable, but still leagues better than they had been in the past. Today they’re stiff but still feeling fine.I’m aiming for an easy week this week, and then I may have a think about another goal. Not that having goals motivates me much either but it’s something.

Now here’s an interesting picture - has anyone ever come home from a race with a chafed belly button?? This was quite uncomfortable, and I have no idea whatsoever how I managed to score this. I guess it’s just one more place I’m going to have to roll the sportshield before a run!

I’m up to my second or third bagpipe lesson now, and I’m so enjoying it. I think it’s like riding a bike, it all comes back to you. I’m waiting on a reed for my pipe chanter, then I’ll be able to make some noise. It’ll be interesting to see if my running has made any difference to my blowing capacity.

I had a Party Pets party last night, it’s like Tupperware or Mary Kay but they sell pet products. I had a few girlfriends around and we had wine and cheese, and browsed catalogues of dog toys. There were lots of outfits and caps, for small white fluffy things. A bit over the top, in my not so humble opinion. I bought Guinness what looks like a reasonably indestructible dog toy, in a (probably) vain effort to save our shoes. Interesting comment from one of the girls I work with - it’s a hard sell to a group of vets and vet nurses who all have access to wholesale catalogues of that sort of thing. Still, it was a good party for the consultant.

Needless to say, I’m tired and weary today. The kidlets were up until nearly 11pm, so they’ll be pretty ratty this afternoon. Fortunately, we’re visiting their friends for a play and dinner shortly, so they can fall asleep in the car on the way home. If they do that, they wont’ get to go to running club and see their friends, which will make them even more grumpy. Either way, it’s panning out to be a trying evening.

I’ve had someone else in the US ask me to write content for their dog related website, and it looks like a good site. I’m also going to be photographing dogs at the Pet Fair on Saturday and hopefully flogging off a few prints and accessories. I may yet make my fortune, and keep my Hubby in the manner in which he intends to become accustomed.

Legs are feeling good, I think I won’t bother doing any more running for the rest of the week, and just vegie for a while. I’ve decided that a 5 1/2 min/km pace is fine for 10km but probably a bit ambitious for 20 so I’ll find the 2 hour pacer, and just see how it pans out. Not too concerned either way. To quote my Hubby, I’m not out there for a good time, I’m out there for a long time! I’m just trying to figure out what time I’ll have to get out of bed on Sunday morning so Anja can pick me up at 4.30 or so to get into Southbank for the 6am start. That’s still the middle of the night to me!

I met up with Anja for a run this evening, Will and his friend Bourkey came along too. Just short of 9k, a few good hills, in around 50 something minutes. Legs were a bit achey but really felt good. The most positive run I’ve had in quite a few weeks. I think I’m just destined not to do speedwork! I nearly took Guinness with me because he missed out on his walk today, we had to go and replace the vacuum cleaner as our old one caught fire!! I decided not to in the end because the pee and poo stops would get in the way of Anja’s training run.

Only 5 sleeps until the half marathon, so I’m told. I’ve discovered I know the 1hr 55 pacer, so I’m in two minds whether to just plod on my own, or whether to hang out with him and see how it goes. I think I’ll decide on the day.

I think I have convinced Anja that the 30km trail run at Glasshouse Mountains in mid May would be fun, so I’ll probably have some company.

Looks like this weekend we’ll be the proud (?) owners of two whippet pups. I spoke to Linda today; Master 5’s boy pup is very rough and tumble, and takes anything that’s doled out by the other pups. Miss 8’s little girl is so loving and cheeky. Looks like the temperaments match their prospective owners very well indeed. I can’t wait to see their faces. I think these pups will fit in well, they’re already crate trained, quiet at night, and last weekend they loved our big dogs, so they’re not going to be any trouble.

I’ve downloaded and installed Windows Live Writer, which makes it very easy to write and edit posts, add pictures, change fonts, and more! Looks like I might still need to log in to delete the spam, but will make it easier to add pictures. Thanks for the suggestion, Andrew.

This picture is from Totally Richard Johnson’s Photostream and is from this month’s London Flora Marathon!! I love the kilt, I want one - maybe a little shorter though!!

We went up to Caboolture Road Runners yesterday morning’s for their 8k series. Gee, my legs were sore!! Did probably one of the slowest 8k’s of my young life, I think it was around 50 minutes from memory. Hubby did his 8k in 36 minutes. I can’t even do 4 1/2 minutes for 1k, never mind for 8!  

The kidlets also had a 2k run, and Laimon took this corker of a photo of Hubby and Master 5. I think it will end up framed on Master 5’s wall. Thanks, Laimon  I’ve been hesitant about putting pictures of my kidlets on the net, but this is just too good! I’ve just noticed he must have run the whole 2km with his precious golf ball in his hand. I’ve also noticed he’s overdue for a haircut!

Easy week ahead, I think I’ll take Guinness out tomorrow morning for a slow run, then another slow run on Thursday, then a slow half marathon on Sunday

After deciding that my leg was feeling good, I thought the Pinnacles Classic trail run at Brookfield would be a nice way to spend a Saturday morning. Up at 4am to drop the kidlets at Robyn’s house by 5.45, and off we went. 18km with 18 hills, I was told. I lost count of the hills, but some did have names, like Bastard 1, 2 and 3, the Mother, well, you get the idea. They were bigger hills than I’d ever encountered before, but it was a lovely trail and a really good workout. Did the run in 2hrs 37 and a bit, which I didn’t think was too bad. Legs held out really well, but they’re tired tonight. One lady ran with her Weimaraner, I didn’t realise it was state forest, but next year we’ll take our two and wear the legs off them. I could really use Guinness’s help to pull me up the hills.

Sara, the plugin for the smileys is called WP Grins, you’ll easily find it on a Google search.

My friend Linda stayed with us last night. She breeds whippets, and occasionally brings them to our place to sell via the Courier Mail. She had three pups, and just one sold. Master 5 just adored the remaining boy pup who was a big sturdy lad, and Miss 8 was quite taken with the girl pup who was so fine and delicate. Can you see where this is potentially leading? We were tossing up getting Miss 8 a dog. A whippet would be a good breed for her - the right size, short coat, fit and active, very laid back unobtrusive temperament, and minimal genetic or health issues. So, we may end up getting the girl pup for her. Of course, that would be just awful for Master 5 to have to leave the boy pup, so it’s likely we’ll take on him too. Where we are, we can have two dogs on our half acre, but can get a permit for another two, so I’ll be on the phone to the council offices first thing Monday morning. Sigh. Four dogs, I’ve gotta be insane, eh? The whole darned house will be running with dogs!

Took the kidlets to see the Spiderwick Chronicles this evening. They liked it, a bit scary for Master 5 in parts, and Miss 8 was sobbing at the sad ending. Quite a short movie, I think I’ve seen other kids movies I’ve enjoyed more.

I’ve declined my regular article writing gig after finding out the details. They’re after a vet to write on how to treat medical conditions with natural therapies before using conventional veterinary treatment. That just didn’t sit right with me, not the natural therapies bit (although I’m not really into that much) but the “do this before you go to the vet”. What happened to getting an accurate diagnosis first? I just thought there’s potential for harm there, so didn’t want to do it.

Off for an early night. I’ve had a nana nap this afternoon, but the 4am rise is catching up with me.

I had a pretty laid back run with Robyn at CRR last night after doing my “waddles”, much to Anja’s amusement. I guess I do look kind of funny. Sure, the legs hurt while I was running but I did my 10 stretches afterwards, iced them when I got home, and massaged my calves and hamstrings thoroughly with a massage stick and they actually feel quite good! I also rubbed some deep heat or similar on them before bed, but that’s the most optimistic I’ve felt in a while.

I’m probably going to put the whole family on a failsafe diet, without additives or preservatives due to certain issues Master 5 is dealing with - there’s a suggestion that diet may be involved. That’s going to be a challenge! No tomato sauce - what’s the world coming to! I may have to modify that for Hubby, I think he’ll struggle with it. He really enjoys good food and it seems like the diet might be too bland for him. Hopefully only for 6 weeks or so, then we start introducing challenge foods.

Does anybody know how to print, save to disc or otherwise get a copy of photos taken by a mobile phone? I have no idea.

Just downloaded a really neat wordpress plugin which allows for smileys in blog posts. What fun! I could play with this all night! I’ve also upgraded to Wordpress 2.5, the admin section takes a bit of getting used to but from what I’ve read, there’s a lot of positives to it. The only real difference to the look of it is the little round graphics between the links in my sidebar, but it doesn’t look too bad, gives them a bit more separation.

I was back at the physio yesterday and he zapped my shins again - that always makes them feel better! I have 10 stretches I need to do at least twice a day, after my muscles are warm, and these funny little walking on my heels and flicking my toes up things which are supposed to get my shins used to more rotational stresses as my speed increases. They need to be done before I run. So, the plan is that if I’m going to go for a run, I’ll warm up for 10 minutes on the elliptical trainer, do my funny little flick walks on my heels and toes, then run, then do 10 stretches three times each. This should take me into early afternoon!! Not sure how I’m going to fit that in before hubby goes to work. I can do it in the afternoon easily enough, I won’t run, just elliptically train. I think I need an executive secretary to schedule my day.Either way, I didn’t run yesterday and I’ll just have a lope at club tonight. I’ll need to warm up and do my flicky walk before I actually run, maybe by the time I start running, the club session will be over. Can you tell I’m thinking this will be quite challenging? I’ve pretty much given up on the idea of finishing the half marathon in 2 hours. I’ve been too sore, and I really want to recover, so I’ll go out and have a good morning, and see how it goes. There will be plenty of other half marathons to do under2 hours, so I’m not really disappointed.

Guinness is proving to be a super dog at agility class, but after spending so much of my agility “career” with Cody, who was rock solid sensible, reliable and barely left my side, and Sinner who was similar, Guinness scares me! He’s so powerful, and so fast, and a completely different handling challenge. I’ll enjoy him though.

I’ve found a really neat free doggie podcast, and am downloading it through itunes, but can’t for the life of me find out how to download it from itunes to my computer so I can convert to mp3 and play on my player. I don’t want to be anchored to my computer while I listen, that’s just plain annoying.

My “official” time for the Sanctuary Cove 10k was 55min 25 sec, which reflects the eons it took for me to get over the start line. There’s an interesting article on races where only the finish is chip timed here and I can’t help but agree with it. Speaking of, here’s a couple of photos of the day. The handsome one on the right is my Hubby <G>.