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I couldn’t believe it when, just weeks after I got back from the New York Marathon, exhausted and utterly fed up with running, Harper Collins Publishers rang to ask me when they could expect my book on marathon running. 
I know I’d signed a contract and all, but that was last year and now Lorain, the commissioning editor, was being VERY firm about me getting cracking and meeting the publishing deadline. I only had a couple of weeks to put it together and so what came out was a stream of consciousness piece of nonsense from me and a very sound training programme from Gaz, my trainer. And incredibly, people – mainly women – connected with it! It’s been on the best seller list since it was published on the 3rd of April, but more importantly, I’ve had so many women write to me at ZB and tell me all about their own achievements and struggles and desires that I felt compelled to tackle another challenge and learn to bloody blog! Thank god for wonderful friends – I work with an amazing woman, Tania, at ZB and her lovely husband has a website thingy company called Gruden and he has guided me through everything. Twice. And then again. Tania will be joining us for the Auckland half and when she’s not sick/working/dealing with her kids and I’m not in Coolum/being Leighton Smith/a bad mood, we go running together. So this particular page is for all of those fabulous women (and you too, guys! Just grab your honorary ovaries at the door!) who want to achieve what we thought was impossible. Share your triumphs and your despair. And share your knowledge. God knows we need all the help we can get!
Hopefully the following pages can be of some you to you if you don’t know where to start:
This page has the following sub pages.
Hi Kerre,
Im a short fat dude and I want to lose weight (20-30kg). I tried to get your book out of the library (Hamilton) but it had 23 reserves on it. Im going to start running these holidays between good TV shows and studying accounting #snore#. I was wondering how the ground fish testicals were working for you?? I may ask you on the show tonight.
You keep saying how bad your hair is, I think it looks good both ways, being 15 I dont hand out compliments out easily. Can’t wait for the show tonight.
Bye
Thats awesome news about your health Michelle – I’m glad there’s nothing wrong, maybe just a bit run down huh?
Oh yes we all know about playing catch up with training! Don’t worry I’m in exactly the same boat. Went out on Tuesday morning for my run – was pretty laughable really!!
So out again this arvo – it is howling with wind here in Napier today so I’ve been sniffing the old Flixonase all morning!
Daniel you sound like a real character!! When do you think you’ll enter your 1st event? – No pressure kiddo!!
Kerre if you know how to get in contact with Daniel some how he’s welcome to borrow my copy of your book – I can post it to him….we’d better get him started on a training plan!!
I recieved this email from Ginene and thought you might enjoy it!
Hi Kerre
Just a wee update, missed the bloody Auckland Half Marathon registration as knee was still bad and thought I had a bit of time left, bugger! Heard the bad news on the news and had a wee hissy fit swearing cursing not a pretty sight. So registered for the quarter (how frigging boring up to Ngapipi Rd and back) but as the Gods would have it managed to win a bloody ticket on trade me! The first time I’ve ever bid, but I was desperate, heart in mouth pumping away, then before I knew it, it was 7 seconds to go and I was leading and then those fabulous words “auction closing” and it was mine YEAH!!!!!!!! I was shaking and jumping all around the room.
Craig who was selling the ticket had to pull out as he felt his bod just wasn’t up to it and was disappointed as he had been looking forward to the run. He was so happy that the ticket was going to someone who really wanted it that he gave me cash back! I thanked him for the opportunity and buggered off before he could change his mind! Ha ha ha. So now my hubby is running the quarter marathon!
Did my first 15kms two weeks ago, got home jumped in the shower and hell felt like my bum was on fire, turns out my bloody undies had shredded my backside. Note to self wear briefs not boxer shorts! Then there were the blisters ugh…. Why, why, why I keep asking myself. But have to just think back to 18 months ago lying in hospital bed with a massive cut across my throat tubes hanging out (god I looked like road kill) waiting for test to come back to see if my bloody thyroid gland was cancerous or not. NOT, I will never forget those words “it’s benign and no further action is required”, the exact words my specialist used very clinical I thought hhhmmmmm….
Life is certainly a journey eh… Hope all is well with you, thank you for letting me use your mojo we all good now, hope you are fine, might see you on the start line.
Michelle, my love, there would be something desperately wrong with you if you WEREN’T exhausted! I’m in the glorious position of not having little ones and not having to run either before work or afterwards – what you’re doing is basically three full time jobs = mum and homemaker; paid employee and full time athlete. If you weren’t knackered after all of that, we’d have to drug test you for P. After the half, you have to take it easy on yourself. There is such a thing as over training and six sessions a week sounds like a hell of a lot (doesn’t it, Cath? If I knew how to use faces icons, I’d put a confused one here!) I subsribe to the lazy old tart’s school of training – absolute bare minimum I have to do to get by. So don’t you dare beat yourself up!
Hi Daniel – would you like Cath to post you her/my book? Just send a postal address to kerre@kerrewoodham.com. Would you believe it, I don’t actually have a spare copy of my own! And no the powdered fish testicles don’t seem to be doing a damn thing. I’m coming to the reluctant conclusion I may actually have to eat less and exercise more! And like Cath, I want to know which event you’re going to aim for. Keep us posted on your progress – you’re only our second boy so we have to treasure you!
God FINALLY! I can’t believe, that during NZ Book Month, NO ONE seemed to have ANY copies of your book!
No one being Borders, Whitcoulls or Dymocks along Queen Street.
Dymocks finally had some stock in yesterday, so I am looking forward to spending this weekend reading your book
I was actually thinking the same thing about the 6 sessions a week – it does sound like a lot! It means that you’re only getting 1 full rest day a week which when you’re running that distance is not enough.
+ stretches
Have a chat to your PT – but if you were my client this is what I’d do…
I’d probably drop your weight sessions completley at the moment (don’t have a freak out I’m a huge supporter of weight training!) but because you’re playing “catch up”for your event if I was you I’d put all my focus into that. And that means getting those km’s under your belt.
This is probably what I’d look at doing:
Mondays: REST DAY (cause you’ve done your long run on Sunday)
Tuesday: Short run + Pilates or stretching session
Wednesday: Sprint Work
Thursday: Short run + Pilates or stretching session
Friday: Hill work
Saturday: REST DAY
Sunday: Long run (this is the important one and shouldn’t be missed)
Just a suggestion – and I don’t mean to butt into your training!! Giving up your weights will give you heaps more time to recover which is VERY important. You can always go back to weight training straight after your event.
Anyway there’s my 5 cents worth for today!!!
I’m off to the chemist now as I’ve come down with a f****n head cold!! Not impressed, I don’t think I’m meant to run this half marathon!!!
Not sure where this story fits in you blog site Kerre… but just to prove I’m not all woe-is-me, I thought I’d show you that I can also laugh at myself and share the funny side of my life at this moment. (NB… feel free not to add it Kerre if its TMI!)…
First my wonderful family – myself, hubby, son 1 (6) and son 2 (3). Picture this if you will…. Wonderful family out for lunch. Sons 1 & 2, happily running ahead of mum & dad. Mum & dad far behind and pleading with sons to slow down and wait for them. Pleading…. slow down…. ??? why so you may ask. Surely two fit, healthy and relatively young parents should be able to keep up with two young children. And YES – ordinarily we can – heck, on a good day we can even pass them!!! So why is today special??
Well…. poor hubby (who will kill me if he ever reads this!!!) is looking rather like the Lone Ranger. That is like the Lone Ranger after he’s been “in the saddle” for about a month. Having had (shhhhhhhhh) “the snip” yesterday, he’s not the fastest thing in the West (or north, south & east for that matter!!).
And as for me, I made the fatal mistake of telling my trainer on Tuesday, that I thought two of her exercises were doing nothing for me, in fact I couldn’t feel them doing anything, so could she please change them. She did!!!!! And right now I feel like someone has taken a sledge hammer to my lower body!!! Standing takes not only a lot of time and concentration, but willpower (or a damned good reason to do so!!!). Sitting is even worse! I don’t so much as sit on the toilet (TMI I know hehe), but collapse onto it! And stairs – OH GOD STAIRS – they take me quite some time. Anyone behind me (so i’ve noticed today), ends up in fits of giggles as I look more like someone who has a carrot stuck sideways where it shouldnt be!!! I’m sooooo glad I live in a house on 3 BLOODY LEVELS!!!!!!!!! arghhhhhh
So back to that original picture… two energetic boys running ahead of their rather pathetic, very geriatric looking, sad assed, slow as a wet week parents. All we were missing were a cane each and maybe a shawl for me!!!
Well I was laughing, so thought someone else might too…
Michelle that was hilarious, my heart goes out to your husband and him getting “the snip” #ouch#. All men have sympathy towards each other in times like these. Yeah prob a little TMI
Hi Cath,
Sory I missed your coment last time I was on, thanks…
Talk about pressure. Ill enter an event when Winston stops lying. LOL. Na IDK yet, my foster brother runs them alot with a friend… what is on in the hamilton area in about 6 months and how do you find out??
My ” marathon ” was this morning, my very first triathlon run as opposed to duathlon walk. It was very cold and wet in Christchurch this morning. How did I go ? Well after 1 lap and needing to rest and hold on to rope, I was figuratively speaking , and literally , out of my depth ! Scary moments. But I showed them all, showed them how to dog paddle second lap
Oh the sense of acheivement on completing triathlon , what a buzz. I was in the short fat oh I could never do that club up until last year, now look at me I say !!! Signed up for five more….. Kerre , loved your book
Well i’m getting there. Got my first hour run in today and didnt feel too bad, even with the head and chest cold i’ve managed to get and apart from the chafing (mental note, running shorts are NOT for me). But the best part was the bath afterwards!!!! OHHHHHHH THAT SCRUB IS WONDERFUL!!!! As always Kerre – you are so RIGHT!!!
Cath… thanks for the advice. I am taking it slower than my trainer would like, but I do understand where she is coming from too. I’m just going to concentrate on my running and if i’m feeling ok do light weights. Hope you are feeling better Cath. I know what the f****n head cold feels like. Hugs to you and lets hope its a short cold and you can be up and running towards your half.
xxx
Well its official i am a slug !! i havnt run since my snot monster dissaster in Taupo a few weeks ago!! when i had just managed to fight the snot and send him on his way my hubby smashed his elbow at work and is currently still in hospital…. poor bloke is feeling very sorry for himself and in between Kids and hospital visits and work … actually there is no in between lol .. im beginning to wonder if my running days will ever return (and if ill be able to run further than the end of the drive when they do ) … so if anyone out there has a spare runing fairy could you please send her my way she is much needed to wave her magic wand …. in the mean time i shall just keep reading all your wonderful achievements ..xx
ooh and Maree well done you … fantastic achievement xx:-)
Thats awesome Michelle well done on the long run! Yep I’m still a bit snotty and need a run fairy as well!! Next week I’m just going to have to pull my finger out…no more colds, no more flu’s and definatley no more bereavements from now on thanks!!! I’ve only got 4 or so weeks so I’m going to need a miracle!!
Hi Daniel…sorry dude just saw your comment! Maybe if you just google half marathons in Hamilton it’ll bring up some local events? 6 months is perfect timing if you want to lose some weight and slowly build your fitness up. If you want that copy of Kerre’s book you can contact me through my work website if you want: http://www.colorfastsigns.co.nz and I’ll post you my copy – it’s really good for motivation and has some great beginner running programmes.
Right then, Maree, you little multi sport goddess – first up, congratulations! Good for you! The best thing about putting ourselves through all this fear, and self-doubt, and hard yakka is that triumphant feeling of – I bloody did it! So rejoice and celebrate and then post your story in The Hall of Fame so you can, in turn, inspire others. And you’ll be in with the chance to win a pot of that gorgeous body scrub which Michelle will attest to being absolutely gorgeous!
Michelle – good for you. A one hour run with all that you have going on is amazing. And remember the barrier cream for the chafing – it works – or short lycra leggings under shorts. I like wearing shorts because I feel like a real runner but I HATE the fact that my crotch eats the shorts until they look like a bloody G-string. Keep it up, girl – you’re doing well.
Bev my love – my thoughts are with you. Your poor husband! I remember when one of the waitresses I worked with was yanking on her boots – standing on one high heeled boot and pullling on the other and her foot went out from under her and down she went – onto a concrete floor and straight onto her elbow which shattered. I never want to hear the sound of that sort of pain again. So I’m feeling for your poor husband. And if it means you have to pull back on your training a bit – then so be it. You’re not pulling out of runs because you’re a lazy cow – you’re unable to train because every waking moment of your day is needed for higher priorities. The last thing we need to do is lay more guilt on ourselves so do NOT beat yourself up for your inability to train. In fact, it will work in your favour. Because you want to train, but you simply cannot, when the time comes and you’re able to do so you’ll be back with a vengeance. You’re young, and fit, and fabulous and blessed with a great husband and gorgeous kids. There’ll always be roads to walk on and events to train for. They can wait until you’re ready.
And Daniel my love, a 10 k event for you. I’ll hunt one down and find one for you. And I’ll respond to your email re broadcasting in a couple of days – sorry for the delay but life is frantic!
x Kerre.
Hi Daniel – posted my copy of Kerre’s book to you today…enjoy my friend
Hi Daniel
There is a event in Hamilton called Round the Bridges, it’s on November 23rd. There is either a 6.2k run/walk or 12k run/walk. Happy training
Caroline
Well as of Sunday I have exactly 4 weeks to go untill the Napier half! Am I ready…..NO NO NO!!! I’m still struggling big time to get over this damn head cold – It amazes me how the human body can produce so much SNOT!! Where does it all come from???
I was meant to go for a run tonight with my friend Mel but I took the dog out for a walk this morning and that knocked me for 6 so I don’t think I’ll be running tonight.
So here’s my plan…I’m going to take the rest of the week off and get completley better – maybe go to the gym for a couple of light weight sessions tommorow and Friday, then a run on Sunday. From there on it’ll be train my little arse off!
So from Sunday I’m going to report to you guys every day and let you know how I’m getting on – and please give me a kick in the pants if I need it!
Hows everyone else getting on?
Thanks Carolone,
Thank you so much for telling me about that, but I have an exam that day and most days around that time. At first I thaught it would be good to be in advanced classes, turns out all it does is gives you double the exams.
Hi Cath,
I’ll kick your pants if you kick mine. I have been very lazy this week, LOL since coming on the site I have only done 2 runs, and they are no where near as long as Kerre’s “Pissy” 7km ones, but hey everything is relative.
Hi there,
I am just getting back to running after suffering shin splints from incorrect shoes and am finding it very frustrating being back to beginner again. Am having to constantly remind myself not too over do as I don’t want the shin splints back ouch! Any advice on preventing the dreaded splints?
I pretty much always run on my own which gets a bit boring at times. How does everyone keep themselves motivated when doing a longer run alone. I have found myself walking with no reason to ie not knacked, not sore.
I have started taking my 9 year daughter out running twice a week, which is cool, she wants to run the wellington round the bays next year. (and beat me!!)
Hi Cath
I know how you feel, we have 24 sleeps until the Auckland 1/2 marathon, and yes like you, I have a cold I cant flick, plus the week before that, wisdom teeth and constant travel. I decided take the remainder of this week off training, ignore that naughty old piss fairy (probably because I can’t taste) and go out strong this weekend.
It seems we are not the only ones in this predicament, however don t lose sight of your goal. Personally I work better under pressure, and because I open my great flapping gob and tell the world I am doing these things, I simply would not back out!……..Im actually looking forward to it, I haven’t run for just over two weeks, but know I will do it. Look after yourself, and you will be fine!
Tania
I GOT IT!!! I GOT IT!!! I GOT IT!!! AND WHEN I DID I YELLED AND DID A DANCE ON THE ROAD. Thanks so much Cath, now I have 5 hours to read it befoer the show. (All this in referance to Kerre’s Book to those who don’t know)
Hi Kaz – oooh. Shin splints. Don’t know a lot about those although one of our New York team mates, Blair, had them a week before the NY marathon and ended up running the whole way so they must come right. Just rest I think – oh, and aqua jogging. Boring as batshit – like REALLY boring – but you maintain fitness without munting your body further. As far as motivation goes, try to find someone to run with – where do you live? We can try and put you in touch with other runners. I simply wouldn’t have done the runs I’ve done without Tans – too much on, can’t be arsed, too fat, over it – yadda, yadda, yadda. Having someone or some people to run with is great. And what a fabulous example of fit healthy womanhood you’re setting for your daughter!
Hey Tania – oh, I’m so with you on the motivation front. It’s so bloody hard to juggle when you’re busy and tired and plagued with bloody colds and things. We’re all in this together.
And Daniel – 50 minutes is fab! That’s a really great start. Gaz told me the only thing that got me through that first marathon was that I’d done so much walking previously. So keep it up – at 15, you’ve got years before you have to run a marathon to get over your midlife crisis!
x
Thanks Tania…got a bit of my mojo back today and hopefully all going well on the snot front I’ll hit the road on Sunday. Got a huge burst of motivation yesterday when someone said to me “…you know you could just walk it like the rest of us…” Hell no!!! We’re not like the “rest of them”are we? I think we all have a bit of a stubborn streak even on our worst days!
Glad the book arrived Daniel (would’ve loved to seen that dance!) – keep up the good work with your running. Just start nice and easy and build up slowly.
Kaz I have problems with my shins as well. You have to make sure you stretch them all the time. Have you been shown how? It’s the stretch when you’re on your knees (shins flat on the ground) and you lean your body back. I also do this single leg as well. I also rub antiflamme into them the night before a long run and ice them straight after a long run. Hope this helps
Hi all
I have had a week of blahs this week and my marathon running friend informs me I peaked too early for my duathlon on Sunday. “What can I do about it?” I pleaded. ” Ah nothing but learn from it” she said. Spoken like a pro. She was feeling a bit off and has a marathon on Sunday too so we loaded bubs in the buggy and went for an hour walk. This was really hard for her as it is more natural for her to run than walk!!!
After a good old catch up and setting the world to rights we felt much better and I think I may be “repeaking” if that is possible.
here’s a funny story for you. I have been clocking up a few k’s on my bike lately and could’t work out why my legs were a bit sore and felt as though the angle of my legs had changed although I hadn’t adjusted my seat. I have finally decided it is because of the weight I have lost and my bum has shrunk, thus my feet are closer to the pedals. So seat has been adjusted (only a few mm’s) but it feels much better. He he
Nothing like a shrinking bum to make your day!!!
Here’s a question…Kerre you might be able to help me with this one…
Because my training has been so random up to now(…but as of Sunday it’ll be all go again) so like so many others on here I’m playing catch up to try and get those km’s in…what should my last week look like?
Last time it was a real easy week and I toned everything right down so I was rested for the half – but since I’ve missed out on so much training do I do this again or keep getting the kms in?
If anyone can let me know what their last week looks like or how I should tackle this I’d really appreciate it
Hi all…. I’m back online after a busy as hell week!!! Last week of school holidays so we had kids round for play dates, I am working in the mornings, training in the afternoons (no weights – those are out till after the 1/2), and functions in the evening. Hubby and I have been having a hallway relationship this week – saying “hi, bye, love ya, and see ya soon” as we pass each other in the hall…..
I can finally breath through my nose – yay!!! so hopefully this bloody cold is on its way out, which is lucky as i’ve a 1 1/2 hour run tomorrow. Am looking forward to that and more so the bath and body scrub afterwards. What a treat that is! Although Kerre, I’m sure I’ll not be thanking you when I run out and have to go buy another one – hehehe. I’m sure its gonna cost me about a weeks wage to buy. But hey, a small price to pay for luxury!!!
Ohhh went and bought some lycra cycle shorts type thingies today. So tomorrow I’ll be able to “look like a runner” in my shorts and be comfortable….
Cath…. my last week (and I’m a catch up chick) is a taper week, with my longest being about 40 mins VERY EASY. I’m certainly no expert, but I would have thought taking it relatively easy that week is important. Good luck with your run this weekend hun….
Right… off to read a few more posts and then chase a couple of energetic boys around a back yard.
Happy running all
Hi everyone….woohoo back into it! Just ran 5km (yes big deal I know but thought I’d start easy peasy) did it in 29 minutes so am pretty rapt with that. Still full snot though and thought I was going to cough up a lung half way round
but got through it and feel great now!
Yeah Michelle I think I might stick with the tapering plan as well – just having a wee panic attack thats all – you know how it is!!
How did your 19km go Kerre? Geez couldn’t even contemplate that today!!
Hi Michelle, Cath, everyone – running SUCKS! I HATE it! Maybe if I wasn’t so bloody fat it would be easier. But I’ve been feeling like I’ve been running through treacle for the past few months and it may well be because I’m carrying eight more kilos than I was two years ago when I ran in the Auckland Marathon. That’s a lot of pressure on my poor little cankles and knees. The 19 k is tomorrow and if Tania wasn’t whipping me out the door and up the hill there’s no way I’d be going. Right now, I’m finding it diffiuclt to contemplate walking to the dairy. Did seven ks last night and it felt like a hundred. And the bugger is that the weight gain in entirely my own fault through excessive gluttony and drinking. Woe, woe, woe is me. And that’s quite enough about me. Cath, my love, good on you – just keep building up the distances slowly and steadly – and I would taper just before the run. Any excuse to slack off. I’ll report in tomorrow after the gut buster. x
Kerre…. I’m totally loving you right now!! I’m sorry to hear you are having a hard time of it (and I know what extra weight does to ya), but I’m also so pleased to hear you are just like me. I seriously thought there must be something “super human” about you – well to a certain extent anyway. I’m just relieved to know you “love” runing as much as me hehehe…. All I can say to you is, keep at it, you’ll get there, you are an amazing person with amazing willpower when you need it.
Now… to blow my own trumpet – I DID IT!!!! I went for my 1:30 min run today (my longest EVER!!). It was relatively hard, but I coped YAY… and went on MapMyRun to find i’d run 14.64kms… not a great distance, but f****n wonderful for me.
Cath… well done on your run, you’ll get there too – I know because you encourage the rest of us so much, and I know there must be a side of you who “practies what she preaches”.
Thoughts, hugs, and runing fairy’s to you all
(sorry that must be the endorphins kicking in haha).
xxx
Oh crap – make that running fairies…. guess the endorphins do nothing for my spelling (which is already crap!!!)….
Thats wicked Michelle!! Well done girly! You’re going to nail it no problems!!
Yep I’ll be fine from now on – it’s very frustrating being sick as it’s something out of my control – but she’s all go now thats for sure. Will start picking the km’s up this week ready for a long one next Sunday.
Kerre I’ll be thinking of you tommorow…fingers crossed for perfect running weather
I was out running this morning and thinking of all you girlies out there on your Sunday morning run. My snot has gone, thank god but I’ve just got that raspy cough left, you know the one, your coughing until you vomit? Nice.
Anyway, got back on the treadmill yesterday morning, after seven days of doing nothing with the flu. 5k’s later and was very hot, slightly feverish. But I did it. This morning I decided to go for a hum-dinger. My girl friend lives 25k away from me and I spent the day at her’s painting her new Day Spa. Much to Dick’s disgust (my Englishman) I ran there. Well, kind of ran there. It’s a very hilly route, it was either that way or SH1 and I didn’t fancy getting squashed by a lorry. So, I walked up every single friggin hill and boy there were lots of them.
I reached the 20k point and decided to hitch hike. I’d totally had enough and as much as painting a day spa didn’t appeal to me either, it did a damn sight more than the last 5k’s with no hills. I walked and walked with my head constantly turning looking for that lovely Fonterra truck to pick me up. 2k later and no sign of even a tractor. Sods law.
In the distance I saw someone running towards me, yes it was by running pal who is also doing the Auckland marathon. There’s me walking aimlessly looking for a ride and there is she, size 3 and 6ft 10, running towards me. Bitch. I smiled and said that I was suffering with my cough and very tired, she said that she’d just nearly finished her 32k run. She was smiling. What’s that all about then? Why smile?
Anyway, I passed on the hitch hiking and thought I must carry on regardless. So I did, for another 100m, then walked, than shuffled, then walked. Finally I made it.
That’s today. Chocolate cake tonight. A big piece.
Can’t wait to hear your story tomorrow Kerre
Just like to say .. i love you guys ! still no running but hubby now out of hospital so hoping i may get a couple of short ones in next week and aim for teh hamilton bridges in Nov.. but while ive been dashing here there and everywhere ive been kept going by all your stories .. thanks Kerrie the guilt monster left after your comment (your right im not skiving just not enough hours in the day) ….
Cath i had a thought .. you poor snotty lamb ! its not hay fever is it ?? only a thought because i couldnt get rid of the snot monster for weeks and weeks until eventually the chemist told me to try some hay fever nasal spray .. worked a treat !! i am now a snot free nasal spray addict and breathing thru both nostrils lol !
Well team I finished my first duathlon this afternoon. Now i have to explain that I am not a runner and only attempted running for the first time in March this year. I had a break from running to focus on a half marathon walk a month ago and then have been building myself up again.
So today I ran 2.5km, biked 20km, then ran the first km of the final 5 before my poor jelly legs decided enough was enough. I alternated between short walks and speedy plods and finished in 1hr 45min.
I am contemplating a 10km run in January and maybe a half marathon at the end of May. Although I really enjoyed the duathlon (well the bike and transition at least) so not sure I what I want to do.
Hi Bev…yep I do suffer from hayfever and am taking a nasal spray. I think its a combination of both hayfever and a head cold = double snotty!
Having a rest day today but have set the alarm for the morning – I just said to my husband…right am getting up to do another 5km in the morning and he like the great little supporter he is turns and says “I thought you were going to do 6km tommorow?..” Damn him for listening!!!
Great job Ailsa – sounds like there was a few jelly legs out there on the weekend!!
haha Cath dont you just hate men !!! they never listen when you want them too then just “happen” to hear every bloody word you wish theyd forget !! good luck with the 5 (or) 6 k .. im off today to do my first run in ages ( 5k hopefully but may end up staggering hehe)
Well done Ailsa,those jelly legs are a killler arnt they after a ride ! so thumbs up to you …
OOH Caroline your 20k run / hike did make me smile and i have to say i hate your skinny fit friend already haha she could at least have had the decency to look a bit flushed hehe ..
Keep up the good work girlies xx
Caroline… Holy hell – well done girl on running, walking, dragging yourself 25ks!!! Did you have ANY energy left to help with the painting? I know all i’d be good for would be sitting on a soft, comfy chair with a Sav and watching!!!
Bev… Great to hear hubby is out of hospital and that you can start running again. Good luck with the lead up to the Hamilton Bridges run.
Ailsa… Congratulations on completing your first duathlon. Isn’t it such a huge buzz. I understand totally about not being a runner, but isn’t it all the more satisfying when you finish an event
Cath… welcome back to the world of training. I hope you are feeling much better. I know i am and it makes it sooooo much easier to train. Good luck for your 5/6 (hell why not make it 7 hehehe) km run tomorrow.
Last (but in no way POSSIBLE least) Kerre… I hope your 19k run went well today and that you are feeling better about running and yourself. I’m sure i’m not alone in wishing you the best and giving you that wee kick up the butt and saying – just get out there and do it, you know you can!! lubbs ya
Happy running xxx
back in the land of the running yaaaaaay !!! only about 4 k but my god i feel good !! in fact i think it was actually 104 !! ok maybe not but bloody hell it was good to get back out there … Thanks Mandy your my star friend always ready and willing to throw yourself round the block with me hehe and of course relax after with a wine ! (carbs dont you know !! well at least thats what i tell Fred ! )
Now Kerrie !! hmmm im with Michelle on this one .. running thru treacleor not you know you love it once you start so come on girl how did that 19k go ?? (hehe she naggs after only doing 4 herself … oh the joys of the internet lol) ..
Cath hope the snot monster is keeping his distance .. some nasty nasty farmer cut all the grass behind us today .. i mean how inconsiderate when i have hay fever…
Keep up the good work all big hugs xx
I had a major melt down yesterday, went out running, planned to run 21k, only managed 4k. Still got this flu/chest infection, coughing up yukkie green stuff. Pleasant.
Aftter 20 mins I couldn’t breathe anymore, started to cry and phoned my husband at work. He came to rescue me, I couldn’t even walk back to my car. I have now emailed the Auckland marathon people to change my entry from the full to the half. I cried all day yesterday, feeling like I’d failed big time.
Today I walked 5k and it about killed me. It’s amazing how having the flu can wipe you out so much. I have been running all year, five days a week more or less and now this happens. I have been sick for two weeks now, even the thought of running 21k the way I feel seems totally far fetched. Obviously my big run at the weekend was a totally stupid thing to do when I was sick but I thought I could beat it. I think it has just made things worse.
I do believe things happen for a reason. There is a reason for me being sick now, I am supposed to do the half and not the full, this is my body telling me.
So Kerre, I can run with you – if I am up to it
Caroline my love – I’m so sorry for the delay in replying to you. You poor thing – I hope you’re feeling a bit better now. How disappointing for you. I can totally understand your frustration. But you have plenty more years of running left in you – Paris in 2010? How much for would THAT be?! And as for running with me – all I’m going to see of you is your perfectly formed arse bouncing away into the distance! I’m so underdone! And it’s all my own fault. x
Oh you poor thing Caroline! But doing the half won’t be all that bad. And your health is the most important thing.
Just ease back into it slowly – I’m sure you’ll be fine.
Ooooooo Paris 2010 – sounds bloody great to me!!
And thank you to those that have sponsored me in my run – my total is over $1600 for Sands (if everyone coughs up) so thats pretty overwhelming. Puts a bit of pressure on the old training thats for sure. Still really tired after 10km on Sunday so am leaving my short run til this arvo today.
Hope everyone else is all good xx
Caroline…. I’m down a running partner for the half. My sister-in-law injured herself whilst in Italy (prolly running after all the studly Italians!!!), so she is now going to be walking the half. So I’m keen for someone to run with. But that said, if you were going to run the full you are probably WAY to fit and fast for me…
Kerre – maybe we can run together and both watch Caroline’s arse take off into the distance?? (and in my case, most other peoples arses too lol)
Cath…. hope ya run goes well this afternoon. My hubby has gone away for work, so i’m restricted with when I can run right now, bloody great timing!!!
Had my first “panic” dream last night. I was running a half marathon, and was about 3/4 of the way finished when suddenly my quads seized up and I could bearly walk let alone run… I woke up and my quads were BLOODY sore, think I’d been tensing them the whole time – had to get up (at 4am) and do some streches…. I hope this isnt a sign of dreams to come… eeekkk
Hey girlies, I love to read all these stories. Making the switch to the half is the best decision for me. If I’m going to do something, I want to do it well, rather than half hearted.
So bring on the half in Auckland. I’m actually looking forward to it now rather than dreading it. Still got my cough and feeling pretty weak but on the day I’m sure I’ll be able to pull the 21k’s out of the bag. I ran for an hour on Sunday at the beach, it was beautiful.
I’d love to meet up with any of your girlies in Auckland, how can we do that???
I’ve booked in my fake spray on tan for a couple of days before the half – always be prepared if your going to get your legs out in public – especially Auckland!
Paris 2010 – think of the shopping and sightseeing. Yum.
Onwards and Upwards
Spray tan…. OH NO… do I need to look brown as well as look like I can run???? Well that does it, I’m not coming…. Oh alright, I’ll be there – but it will be in all my BRIGHT WHITE glory. THat said, may have to look at the spray tan before the GetRunnng Ball
Caroline… so glad to hear you are now feeling postive about the switch. You’ll do great…
I’m so with you on the spray tan – I’ve done it before every marathon! Short fat brown cellulite ridden legs look so much better than short white brown cellulite ridden legs! And I’m working on organising a pasta lunch on the Saturday before the marathon, Caroline – a bit like the one before New York, but smaller. I’m ringing Prego tomorrow and then I’ll canvass the rest of the team to see who’s interested and we’ll be able to meet up and see each other in the flesh.
Kerre… I may be wrong, but I’m sure the spray tan wasn’t one of those costs associated with running in your book… lol… Thank goodness I say, or hubby would never have let me read it and start running…
Great news about the lunch. I’m coming up with three friends that are running too, are they allowed to come? One of my friends is running the full, she was the one I talked about earlier when I was walking my 25k feeling like shit and she’s 6ft 10 and a size 3 and had just ran 32k. She’s awesome and I love her and now I’m excited that I can be there at the finish line waiting for her, it’s normally the other way round!!! Ha, ha.
Remember, laugh out loud. Take life a little less seriously. We are all on a journey xxxx
Met Kerre at our awards dinner the other weekend and a colegue told her about how I had lost 30kg and run a marathon and am still running, it was great to meet her again, I was at the woodburne half when kerry run it, she did beat me but I ran it with my 11 year old son and he did it in 2hours and 17 minutes. I was so proud of him. its hard to get the weight off but just as hard to keep it off it takes a lot of work and is a lifelong thing but well worth it. I have kept it off for about 6 years now and took me 2 to lose it. Still classed as overweight but who cares 30kg lighter is still better.
keep up the good running everyone, and keep
HELLO Everybody!!!
Sorry it has been so long since I have been on but our internet was down… i have lost 3kgs since my first post although i have fluxuated about +/- 5kgs from where i am now over the christmas break. Cath!! i found your book in my top drawer the other day and forgot that i needed to send it back!! I find myself in need of an address to send it to and i cant find the damn e-mail. If you still have my address could you send me your address again and your fav chocolates, there might be a little suprise in the package.
Hi Daniel!! Welcome back – and Congratulations on the weight loss that is so awesome!!! Keep up the great work.
Did you enjoy the book?
Anyway you can just send it back to my work address below – don’t worry about the choccies…but you can do me a favour and keep training hard and eating healthy!! Oh and let us know how you’re getting on.
Cheers
Cath
C/- Colorfast Signs
94 Ford Rd
Onekawa
Napier
Hey cath,
I loved the book, it was funny and encoroging. I loved the bit where kerre is in the black tie function and she explanes how it could of gone in the morning wih the make up runn of and the harsh light streaming in on her body hahaha. Sorry the book may be another week or two because im on holiday at the beach and im coming stright home to parachute which finishes on monday… is anyone gonna be else there as well?? I suppose not as you are all more mature wines, better with age.
Hi everyone. It looks like things have been a bit quiet in here.
Im not a short fat chick, but I hope the doesn’t proclude me from making coments. I just finished reading Kerres book a couple of weeks ago. It was one of the best reads I’ve had in a long time. Both funny and inspiring. I have now set a goal to run the New York marathon beofre I turn 50, which in the big scheme of things is not that far away.
Things aren’t going too well training wise as I have had a dodgey achilles for the last 3 months. Despite that I have a 10K race in 2 weeks time down in Havelock North. I may rest up after that before attempting a half marathon next year. If anyone has any ideas on how to speed up the healing process, please let me know.
I look forward to chatting with you all and I will let you know how the run goes.
It has gone SO dead…
Hope it didnt smash and ruin the book on the way 
Keep up the training Chris
Cath did you enjoy the Cloudy Bay Sav??? it was my bosses fav so i decided it should be a good one for you
Hi Team….
Got a goodun for ya… am 23.5, a lil overweight and have just decided that i am going to do the kerikeri half with 6 others… Event is Nov 21. I can currently run 5.5kms (a struggle and super slowly)… Can i make the half in time?? Is increasing your run by 1km up until the event enough/manageable???
I work full time but finish at 4 so have the time and the motivation.. is it possible??
Hi Seza.
Absolutely it’s possible. You have set a goal and started training, so that’s a good start. I have heard somewhere you need to increase your distance by around 10% of your last run. May not sound like much, but as you get to longer distances, so the extra 10% will get longer. Try to put some speed work into your runs too. This will help with your stamina. Running with friends will also help and will keep you all motivated. Don’t try to do too much too soon. You dont want to injure yourself. Above all, have fun and make sure you have a rest day to let your body recover.
Let us know how your training is going.
Hi Seza.
I found this on the web. Thought it might give you a starting point. Just copy and paste in into your web browser.
http://www.aucklandmarathon.co.nz/preparation/HM-beginners-schedule.pdf
Hi Seza – you’ve definatley got time to train for that event, but you would need to put a training plan in place now.
If possible you should be doing 2 – 4 shorter runs per week and 1 long run each week (this mimics race day). On your shorter runs as Chris suggested add some sprint work and hill climbs to strengthen your legs.
Hope this helps – and good luck!
Hi Kerre, greetings from the U.K. Just wanted to say that I thoroughly enjoyed your “Short Fat Chick to Marathon Runner” having been given it by a kiwi mate who is working over here. It was a great read and very entertaining. I took up running in my 40s and still enjoy the odd marathon (last one Paris in April with my NZ mates along for moral support or for the French beer anyway!). I’m now in my 50s and fully intend to keep going as long as the knees hold up. Well done in your latest venture in London – keep it up. Would love to do the Auckland Marathon – who knows, maybe one day!
Best regards – Trish
p.s. Don’t suppose you could say hello to my mate’s family when you’re on the air could you? The Thian family – Matt & Larissa, Lesley, Clive, Rosie & of course Mum Thian who’s recently been through the mill. Love from Sue & Clarry x
p.p.s Love your dog!!
Can very tall ex-fat chicks turned runner join too?
Hi Kerre and everyone else, hows the training going Seza.
Seza if I can do it you can. I am 53 (soon 54) started running seriously again on May 18th this year and on 20th Sept completed my first half marathon….in Sydney with my 33 year old son and husband…was hot, hard, not flash but definitely up there as one of the most astounding experiences of my life…..a significant motivator to this was reading your book Kerre. 2 hours 37 minutes was my time, my motto is slow running is better thank no running!
Been a challenge to keep it up so have entered the Southland Half in Invercargill on 22nd Nov……so will be out tomorrow for a long one and we have snow forcast in the south for the weekend!