4 replies to this topic

[shellfish]

I had my mid life crisis. So, I did what any self respecting divorced 50+ woman would do. Moved from the burbs to groovy Waverley Park and so began the renovation of my life. Ridding myself of the mammoth family home freed me up on weekends to pursue hobbies and socialise. But what to do after years of kids sports and giving of myself freely to clubs and organisations.
First on the agenda, I shed 25 kilos of weight accrued by gourmet cooking and indulging myself with comfort. (Even though you overeat in private, your excess weight is there for all the world to see). I splurged on trendy pink running gear that I fitted my previously fat body into and felt absolutely fabulous in size 10's!! Whilst this was happening, I could not ignore the running track at my back fence with lights for night running in security. So, no excuses. I began with walking and finally progressed to running. What a laugh that was. At first, I could only run on level or downhill surfaces and only for short distances. I damaged my knees, had weak ankles and stupidly bought some sketchers to run in which damaged my archilles. Finally, I figured out that a proper pair of sensible running shoes (Asics Tri 7) was the go and so I headed off to Jells Park connected up to MapMyRun to record my results. Being crap had the distinct advantage that each run was better than the last. My progress was steady.
Encouraged by my results, I sought out a social running club and joined the lovely people at Victorian Road Runners for group timed events. I enrolled in 5km Melbourne fun runs and attended club events participating in the 5k and managing...only just. A trainer told me to do a 5km comfortably, I have to have a long run of 10km for training. Yikes, was he crazy? Yet, I could not ignore the smugness with which I recited my results to family and friends and having tasted mild success I wanted some more! This is more fulfilling than cooking by far! I ran 3 times a week at Jells Park and managed to get to 8km albeit slowly. Sat I did the 5k Park Run at Albert Park and amongst a fast pack of 45+ I was fourth last! That deflated me somewhat. Yesterday, I ran my familiar Jells Park route and did the first 5km at race pace then very slow jog for the remaining 5km. I was a little sore but on a high. THATS 10KM PEOPLE!! Today is my day of rest, so I am washing running gear and biding my time until Tuesday (day off) until I can do some interval training. My plan is slow jog for 1km then race pace 1km. Standing or slow jog cool down then repeat 4 times. Then 4km comfortable jog.

I am motivated but feel that by doing Park Runs and Victorian Road Runner events, I will have a committment to attend and benefit from the social aspect of other runners who seem to be very friendly and generous with their encouragement. I'm aiming for the Melbourne Marathon in October and will take full advantage of free Marathon Training on Wed nights and Sund mornings to get me there without injury.

[pulldahammy]

Hooray! Well done you.
I am a 48 yr old mum who often runs at Jells Park. My girls & I are there to play netball a couple of times a week. I'd love to have a running buddy so if you are looking for a nice slow canter with a hot chocolate after give me a message. There are lots of running groups around but because I work full-time as a nurse I find it hard to join in regularly. Night shift makes things especially tricky! I try to get to VRR Tan TT if my shifts allow so hopefully I'll meet you there some time.

[ChrisMac]

Good for you shellfish, see you in October!

[Tracymumto7]

Congratulations Shellfish. Great to read your story, inspiring.

[McKnickers]

I too run with the VRR and they are a great group...well done on your efforts say hi to me on a tan run:). Btw I joined the running in the burbs group who train at waverley park on Wednesday nights so you might want to look them up too