21.1km training long run.

Well, just back from my first long run of the current program. Decided to do a half marathon distance to gauge where my fitness is at and to also try out my GU gels and hydration patterns.

The run itself went really well, coming home in 2hours and 6 minutes. Surprisingly this was only 4 minutes slower then my Canberra Half time on May. My intentions were not to run that fast (for me anyway), but I just ran on how my body was feeling. I actually walked on purpose at 7.5km and 15km, whilst I had a drink from my belt, just to give the legs a little break and to make drinking a little easier.

I am surprised how FANTASTIC my legs feel right now. After Canberra I spent 20 minutes on the massage table, writhering in pain with corks and knots in my calves that caused me to walk light I was 200 years old. But, today I feel no such pain. Perhaps this training is starting to pay off.

I am also so glad to have been introduced to 'MarathonTalk' podcasts, which makes the time just fly. Listening to other runners stories and accounts is a great mind-set and very productive to any runner...of all abilities.

Anyway, I think I deserve a bath. Rest day tomorrow..YAH !!!!

Sammo's Run for Life

I thought I would commence this blog, in order to track my own state of health, but physcally and mentally.

Having been a Police Officer in NSW since 1995, I have had my own ups and down, however a recent diagnosis of PTSD really shocked me.

In order to get back to 'normal', I took up running and also saw this as a method to start losing weight. Having depression and PTSD, you lose you spark and will to basically push the limits. You also lose your positive outlook on life, but this is on the mend...albeit slowly !!!

At December 2009, I jumped on the scales and was embarressed to see them swing to 104.5kgs. Considering that I was always relatively fit, this was the big shot in the arm I needed.

I decided to join the local Orange Runners Club and again was embarressed when I was unable to run the 3km loop course around a local Lake, without walking part of the way.

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So where I am now.

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Well, I have run the local Mt Canobolas Challenge, a 12km run up the 3 highest pinnacles in Orange and was impressed with how I performed.

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From here I decided to keep running as the bug had well and truely bit and entered the Canberra 1/2 Marathon. Having never run more then 12km in the last 15 years, I started running each night after work and felt confident of running out the distance. And I was pleased with my first ever attempt at that distance, did not walk once and crossed the line in 2hours and 2 minutes. My runners medal now sits proudly on my side table, like I used to with my soccer medals all those many years ago.

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I am now in training for the Woodford 2 Glenbrook 25km trail run, followed by the Mudgee full Marathon and then to finish the year off with the Fitzroy Falls Trail Marathon in October.

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I am hoping to qualify for the 6ft Track Marathon in 2011, but need to run a sub 4 hour run in Mudgee or a 5hr 30min run at Fitzroy Falls.

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Wish me luck !!!

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Oh yeah, my current weight is 83kgs.

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Yes I am still being chased by the dreaded 'Black Dog' and still have serious issues with my state of mind, but the Docs have me on some new medication that we all hope does what it is supposed to...keep me alive.

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Thanks for reading this and stay tuned.