Tag Archives: motivation

Running and life goals

17 Apr

I finally decided it was time to get back to my keyboard and to start writing again after having a couple of weeks of neglecting my blog. I hesitated and to be honest I have not been at all motivated to write the last few weeks with work commitments, general lethargy and actually not even sure what to write about.

I haven’t done much running in the last few weeks due to being sick and being busy but I managed to run on the trails this weekend which reminded me why I run and to get back into it pronto.

I need to kick my own butt!

I gave myself a good talking to this afternoon and decided enough is enough. Every blog post I have written recently has been saying I am too busy, too tired, haven’t run, haven’t eaten properly and enough is enough. The only person that can fix all of this is me, so now that Easter has gone there are definitely no more excuses and I need to kick my own butt!

finishing the race

Setting firm goals

I had the chance to catch up with my LCHF (banting) coach whilst on business in Sydney a couple of weeks ago, and he helped me create some firm goals that I have to accomplish this year, and I feel better now with things to work towards and I added a few of my own. I’m sharing them with you to help me feel accountable as well as to my coach!

Some sound silly but I need them, and some are more adventurous. So here they are:

  • Drink 2 litres plus of water a day
  • Concentrate on MAF (Maximum Heart Rate Training) training where possible this year to help give my body a rest and build up endurance. So low heart rate training all the way….it’s  tough but I’m going to give it a go when I can.
  • Enter a big race for next year – probably Great Ocean Road Marathon. Havent decided yet.
  • I’m also aiming to lose another 10% of my body weight which I know I can easily do if I stick to my banting – aim is by end of the year!
  • Practise banting (LCHF) basics
  • Practice mindfulness and relax when possible which is something I am really not that good at!
  • Remember what is important in life and spend time doing it or with the people that matter

So they are my ultimate goals for the next few months at least. Hoping I can achieve at least some of them, and also remain inspired to train towards all my running goals! I realised (and I think I mentioned this in a previous post) that I was going along with other people to help them realise their goals, but always seemed to fail – it was only when the penny dropped that they weren’t my goals that I suddenly decided enough was enough…. the only person that can achieve my goals is me!

Anyway – a short but sweet post this week. Have a great week – whatever you are doing and I’ll write more soon!

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Christmas craziness and back to running

27 Dec

Hope you had a nice relaxing Christmas. I popped up to the post with my husband to visit his family and it was chaotic as usual . I’m never used to having lots of people around so 7 adults, 3 kids and 2 babies was pretty full on! My mother in law has just moved and lives near the beach however so it was a great opportunity to put my runners on and explore. I only managed one proper run and then some walks along the beach which was nice.

I ate too many of the wrong things which I am sure many hardcore LCHF people will disapprove of including the very decadent peanut butter cheesecake I made! But this year has been so crazy in so many ways I needed a release – and this Christmas it was the beach and the food! 

I read that many people doing a LCHF way of eating do not find it an issue or too strict and love it. Most of the time I find it an easy way to eat and I also recognise it is a health benefit – but sometimes I need to let off steam for a day or three especially when staying with people that do not observe the same way of eating as me. 

The peanut butter cheesecake was worth every carb!

So it’s back on the horse after champagne, carbs and reduced running to focus focus focus! Starting with a 3 hour run tomorrow. Nothing like a bit of hard work to get you back on track! 

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Christmas challenge and focusing on 2017

24 Dec

The last few weeks have been a wrestle from a food and training point of view. I’ve had a number of social events where I have found it hard to eat lower carb foods at as there were no options and I wasn’t prepared with my own stuff.  So  as a result I have eaten a bit more than I should carb wise. Plus it didn’t help that I volunteered to make peanut butter cheesecake for Christmas and had 2lbs of Reese Peanut Butter Cups sat in the fridge for two weeks!!

This had a knock on effect on my overall well being and training as I generally felt more sluggish and not well which then made it harder to train and to want to train. I have been very hard on myself and the harder I have been the worse it has been so I have resigned myself to the fact that it is ok.

It is Christmas tomorrow and so I am not going to worry about it all, and just focus on having a great day with family and then getting back on the strict LCHF horse afterwards. It’s been a very full on year and sometimes we have to admit that sometimes it is ok to eat the wrong thing – but to get back on the wagon the next day!

New Year Goals

I have had a few people ask me what races I plan on doing next year. I’m not putting pressure on myself but would like to get some in the diary. A couple that keep popping up on the radar are the SEQ Series Bunya and Daisy Hill trail races in Jan and Feb, and then the girls I run with are going to do the Rainbow Beach Marathon which is a trail race with 9k of sand running and only a few dozen competitors…I’m tempted so will try for that and go down to the half if not ready. I’m secretly (or not so secretly) thinking about pushing up the distance but will see how runs go in early 2017…

I find I need a goal to work towards otherwise it makes it easy to roll over and ignore the alarm in the mornings.

Anyway if you are a goal setter- what are your running goals for 2017? First 1ok? Get faster? First marathon? Ultra? 

Go for it whatever it is!! 

Anyway have a great rest of 2016. I’ll be back in January with more posts including my reviews of the product that Science In Sport sent me and my 110% calf sleeves that Realigntech sent.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Zoe

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A week of highs, lows and running on the trails

7 Apr

Since I last wrote I have struggled a little bit with my training – but feel like I am pushing through the other side now which is awesome. I don’t find running easy, and I think most runners would agree it never get’s easier because you are always pushing yourself harder, even when you improve!

Feeling Flat 

In my last post I had completed the Twilight Half Marathon and was wondering what was next. I had a bit of a rest and then went along to my usual Thursday night Intraining training run and I felt really flat.

The group are always so positive and friendly, but I just felt a bit of a failure going back to the session – not having done so well in the race, and because of my eating (more on that later) I didn’t feel very bouncy – so I struggled. When I got home that night I was really quite fed up.

To make matters worse, on the Saturday I went out to run on my own, as my friend wasn’t running – and my heart and body wasn’t in it. I got to 3km and stopped – out of energy, out of motivation and generally just fed up. So I walked 3km back home to my husband who just looked at me as if to say “you’re nuts; why not just stop”!

Determined to run a decent run 

The stubbornness in me prevailed, and rather than having a nice lie in on Sunday and resting awhile (husbands advice!) I found a group of guys that were running the trails in Bunya and decided to go along. So at 4.15am on Sunday morning I pushed myself out of bed – determined it was sink or swim. I had to do a decent run and feel good about it – and the trails were the way to go.

Organised Chaos

It didn’t start well that morning.

My crazy neighbours kept us awake and when I rose at 4.15am it was after literally no sleep, and they were still up! But that’s a whole other story!

I didn’t do my usual two toilet visits before my run, I didn’t have my running sunglasses, I had my newer trainers on – not ideal for the trails and I made sure I packed a bandage as I was paranoid I was going to get bitten by a snake – regardless of all of this I was prepared to kick ass.

Running with the guys

running on the trails

I ran with a lovely group who kept me going and encouraged me even when I wanted to stop 🙂

The guys I met were lovely who live and breathe running from the sounds of it. Four very fit looking guys and me. I was a bit nervous I was going to get left behind – but they assured me it was just a recovery type run  for them and they’d go easy on me. So off we trotted.

There is something to be said about running outside on the trails. Picture peace and tranquility, birds chirping, and all you can hear is the soft padding of your feet pounding the trails and your breathing.

All the stress of the week and the disappointments faded away and I just got my head down and enjoyed the run – and without headphones 🙂 I chatted away to the guys occasionally when they waited back for me and I soaked in the atmosphere and beautiful scenery around me.

running on the trails

It was a tough run for me with plenty of hills but I embraced each one, was fairly slow but I really enjoyed it and am so glad I did it. It was mean’t to be just over 8km which turned into 9, which ended at 10.5km – and then the guys ran on to do another circuit whilst I staggered back to the car – having to do an emergency toilet in the bush stop as there were no toilets out there! (sorry a bit too much information!)

Low carb progress

I completed my first week on a lower carb lifestyle which I don’t doubt contributed to my energy levels and not so great running – but it’s going well and it wasn’t as hard as I thought. I am not working to 100% no carbs – I am working to using carbs strategically – so watch this space – I’ll update more soon.

 

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Tips for maintaining a positive mindset during marathon training #GCAM15

15 Jun The Finish Line

I had a bit of a not so great week last week. After all the trials with my foot and not having run a decent long run; on Tuesday night I then got sick. I’d been outside for too long at night wheeling my son up and down a cold foyer and the next morning I woke up unable to even get my head off the pillow. I couldn’t believe it! I couldn’t be sick not 3.5 weeks out to the marathon and it was my birthday week 😦

So basically Weds, Thurs, Fri and some of Saturday were spent in bed sick coughing, spluttering and sleeping – and my husband got sick on Thursday too so at least I had some company! We spent the day sharing medicine, sleeping and watching TV! whilst my son got to play and have a ball in daycare. I managed to get out with the girls for a few hours on Saturday night to celebrate my birthday (not quite sure how – it might have been the glass of wine that helped!) and then yesterday again was spent on the couch feeling sorry for myself.

Hitting rock bottom 

I got to a low yesterday and decided that was it – I wasn’t going to run at all or I would downgrade to the half marathon as I was so stressed that I just don’t have enough time. A couple of my friends reminded me why i was doing the race and that it was never going to be about time. Roger my running trainer said I can do it, and my lovely ultra runner friend Zayne told me what she would do at this stage which was really helpful and convinced me I can do it – even if I have to walk some of it.

I was never in this for the time, it was about having a goal and getting back into running after bub being born. It was about doing something for me and feeling like I had achieved something in training,  and it was about encouraging other runners thinking about running a marathon that are not that fast that anything is possible even after having a baby within the year.

Coulda Shoulda Woulda 

It’s so easy to say “if this” and “if that” but life is life and  we deal with whatever is thrown at us. I decided I could choose to quit or i could choose to push on regardless and who cares about the time. I really don’t. I did for a long time but now I don’t.

Tips for keeping a positive mindset when your race is looming 

I couldn’t write a post like this without a few tips 🙂 I did write some in a previous post but these tips are more from a mental mindset point of view

Be positive 

If you feel like you are not motivated or need a pep talk – call a friend and a good one that understands. I found that my perspective was completely different to my friends and whilst I have been concentrating on having not done well – a couple of my friends reminded me that actually within a year I have had a baby and come back and trained for a marathon and that’s actually pretty good.

Write things down 

I like to look over my progress and look back at where I was and where I am now. In January I was unable to run 5k – now in June I can run 36 and will be running 42k in July!  A training journal is a great help. I got sent one from Journal Menu which is great to record training manually rather than electronically 🙂 and again see how far you have come and also make notes on each session as to how you are feeling.

Focus on the end goal 

Try not to worry about anyone else’s training and focus on your own and also that it isn’t forever. There is an end date – focus on it and try not to worry about pressures around you. On the day just focus on what you have trained to do and if you have to walk or if you are slower than you anticipated think about the people that haven’t even got up out of bed yet and give yourself a big pat on the back 🙂

So I think I am in for a very tough race but you just have to go for it right? let those negative thoughts disappear and think about the achievement….and the finish line!

3 weeks to go – bring it on!

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Staying motivated when the running gets tough in marathon preparation #GCAM15

14 May

It’s a 7 week countdown now to the Gold Coast Marathon and I have struggled this week to remain motivated. The weather has gotten colder, it’s dark in the mornings and early evening and I just want to stay in bed!

I had a couple of sessions where I pushed them to later in the day rather than the morning, and a couple of sessions where I didn’t want to run – I did feel better once I was up and running though but I hate it when it is hard work to get motivated and the mileage is pretty long as the marathon edges near. I’m at about 75-80km this week.

So once again I kept going and have a few things to share below that I did that have helped me get back on track this week that might help you if you are feeling the same way. Other than that training is going ok and I am happy with my kit which I will write about soon and I’ve been using Body Glide to deal with my chafing issues and it works wonders – so happy bunny in that department 🙂

Tips for staying motivated when the running gets tough in marathon preparation 

See the end goal

Post training - The Girl That Runs

Post training with my lovely friend Karen who has kept me going on the long runs with her company, jokes and encouragement!

I think I have said this in a number of posts now but it’s so true. Whenever I have felt demotivated in the last week or so I have just looked at my photos from races and put my eyes back onto the goal – the marathon. It’s been good as The Gold Coast Marathon have sent a few emails out this week so it has forced me to think about the race anyway!

Crank up the music

I am a person motivated in my running by my music – so when I feel really demotivated I crank upon the tunes. Each month I share some of my running tunes I listen to and I will be putting a list for the marathon together which I will share but I find that certain songs really lift me and push me so music has been a great motivator for me this week.

Adjust running times

Like I mentioned before I switched some of my training around so I ran later in the day rather than early in the morning and I found it worked me. Stepping outside of the door when it is sunny and warm rather than dark and cold does wonders for the motivation!

Join a group to get you through the longer runs  

I haven’t done this but I know a lot of people that when they did their marathons joined a marathon running group or a friendly running group so that they had company to run with. I have my lovely friend Karen who is running the half marathon this year who runs with me on my long runs for part of the way and makes me laugh so much I forget about the distance ,and then the other part once she is finished it’s me, the music and the open road which sometimes gives me time to reflect so not running as a group isn’t an issue for me but it might be something you find you need.

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Tips for staying focussed with your running goals #GCAM15

13 Apr

I hope you’ve had a good week of running. It’s been a mixed week of running the last 7 days for me and I can’t believe the Gold Coast Marathon is now less than three months away! I had a bit of a melt down about a week ago when I suddenly realised I am running a marathon this year…..

I know its nuts that it only just hit me. I had a baby less than a year ago and I will be 40 this year – I suddenly started to panic – who do I think I’m kidding to do this again and at this point in my life! It has been 9 years since I ran my last marathon and I was 9 years younger without having had a child at that time! I’m trying to be calm but everywhere I look I seem to see people running, friends training which is great as I’m now able to run too but I think the nerves have started to kick In a bit. People run marathons all the time from all walks of life I think I just got a bit overwhelmed with it all.

On the flip side I had a good weeks training clocking up 70k and taking 17 minutes off an 18k run route that I did 6 weeks ago so I am pleased I am finally beginning to see some improvement.tips for staying focussed on running

Tips for staying focussed with your running goals

I thought I would share some tips of how to stay focussed on your running as mentally I have had to use all of these whilst getting back into training again. Remember I am not a qualified trainer, these are just my experiences so always consult a professional when embarking on something new.

1. Surround yourself with positive people

For me positivity is key. When I first said back in December that I was intending to run the Gold Coast Marathon in 2015 (my baby was 8 months old at the time) someone said to me did I realise that I wouldnt be able to do a good time and it might be a real struggle. I was a bit upset at that comment since I think the marathon is at times a heavy percentage psychological in terms of embracing it, running it, and being positive you can finish it! so comments like that weren’t very helpful.

I have a great bunch of close friends who keep me sane and motivated and are always positive when it comes to training so I surround myself with them and it helps push me through when I don’t feel like training or that I am doing too well.

2. Enlist the help of a trainer or friends

I am quite motivated at running alone bar my long runs and my lovely friend and I run those together and I also have a good friend who I paid to coach me through the marathon and so far his program has been spot on. He also helps keep me on track and motivates me, reminds me I have done it before and can do it again – and it has really helped. There have been days had it not been for knowing he will ask how the run has gone I might not have gotten out of bed to train!

Alternatively your gym might be able to help you with a program or a personal trainer in or out of the gym and running with friends is a great way to keep focussed especially if you are training for the same thing and are of the same ability.

3. Remember your goal. 

A short while before and during being pregnant I wasn’t able to train as I was quite sick so exercise wise I toned things right down but told myself once I had had my baby I was going to pick myself back up and get right back into training and run a marathon. So once bub was born and I was told I could train again off I went and training for the marathon was a huge goal for me as I have essentially given myself less than a year to get fit again and train for it, I am not pressuring myself by naming a time I want to do but my goal is to finish and to finish as well as I can fitness wise. So remember what it is you are trying to achieve – put up pictures/motivating messages around the house, on your phone etc and go for it! and don’t focus on other people’s goals!

4. Happy Running 

I have been writing this blog for 5 years now and I often write at the bottom of my blog posts ‘Happy Running’ and I mean it. I love to run and it does make me happy – even if I don’t always realise at the time. If you find running a real chore and don’t enjoy it then perhaps running is not for you or your program is not right for you and you need to enlist a trainer to help you get your program right for you.

It’s hard work and it can especially when training for something like a marathon take up a lot of your time so it’s important to enjoy it 😀

5. Believe in yourself

Sounds like a slogan off a running vest right? but it’s true.

I remember a number of training sessions and one actual race where all the way round a voice in my head kept saying “why are you doing this? you can’t run this’  and as a result I crashed and burned.

I think it is important to really use all the previous tips and to believe in yourself. Just for running and committing to get fit you are awesome and it’s important to believe it. I know I will never be an elite athlete but I love running, love seeing improvement and know if I put my mind to it and focus I can smash my targets – Bring it on!

Anyway have an awesome week of running and Happy Running 😀

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