Long Run Blues

On Saturday morning, I got up early, laced my runners and set off my long run. It wasn't too hot and I was feeling pretty confident about my goal of 18km. The first few kms ticked along and I was thinking about how strong I was feeling. My drink bottle was a pain to carry so as I run a few loops, I hid it in the bushes with the intent of grabbing it on the way (something I would never do in Melbourne, but on the track I run here I have actually never seen anybody else!).

At around the 10km I was feeling a bit fatigued and I made a mental note to drink more water as it was heating up. Then the wheels fell off my wagon. It was hot, I was dehydrated, my shin splints flared up. The last 5km of this run could not have been further from the fun first 10km. I finally understand about hitting the wall. I hit the wall. Actually, I smashed into the wall at about 100km/h and struggled to get going again.

I didn't fuel properly on the run because I didn't have my water with me when I planned to refuel and by the time I got to my water the damage was done. My water was hot, the weather was hot, I was hot. It was a hard run. I could not have been happier when I turned down my street and I knew my punishment was almost over. But hey, 19km done and I am ready to head out again next week for a half marathon training run. Which is both exciting and scary. It's so weird to think my usual goal race distance is now just a training distance. Eeek.

Have you ever had a monstrous training run? How do you regroup?

Ash :)

Where I should be this weekend...Spartan Race

I signed up for the sprint Spartan Race in Victoria a few months ago when I saw it advertised on Scoopon with a few friends. I was both scared and excited. Having completed Warrior Dash without too many major hiccups I was looking forward to a new challenge and proving to myself that I can do it.

Bacon (my partner) and I after Warrior Dash- I promise I am actually wearing pants. 

Then came the news I would be relocating to remote Northern Territory for work. So no Spartan Race for me, and my poor partner (who I had forced to sign up with me) is now stuck going with another friend who also had his girlfriend bail at the last minute.

Right now I am feeling a few emotions, such as guilt, jealously, and relief. I think mostly though, I am disappointed. I was really looking forward to conquering a few of my fears (like anything involving upper body strength) and maybe showing up a few boys. Now I will be lacing up for my long run through the bush, and thinking about where I should be.

Good luck boys- I am sure you will smash it! Do me proud and remember AROOOOOO!

What do you think about obstacle races? Have you ever done one?

Ash :)

RunDisney Star Wars Challenge

RunDisney have announced ANOTHER new race weekend. The Star Wars race weekend will be over the weekend between 15th-18th of January.

I am a little disappointed as this leaves a very slim window of opportunity for those completing the Castaway Cay Challenge (such as myself) to make it over in time for the Rebel Challenge (10k and half marathon event). I am still very much undecided on whether I will even bother trying to fit the Star Wars races into my schedule, as there will not be much room to allowed for delays on the cruise or with our flights in terms of picking up our race packets. I have emailed RunDisney to inquire if they will have an alternate arrangements for those coming directly from the cruise to Star Wars race weekend in event of delayed flights or cruise disembarkation. I am hoping they might allow a small number of competitors race morning bib pick up if needed, which would definitely help to push me towards the signing up option.

Race weekend includes a 5k, 10k, half marathon, challenge with the 10k and half plus kids races and a Wookie Welcome Party. Registration opens on the 10th June at noon EST. This race weekend has been in the rumour mill for a long time and I have no doubt it will sell out extremely quickly. For more details head over to the RunDisney Website.

Are you thinking about signing up for the Star Wars races? Which one?

Ash :)

I'm in! RunDisney Castaway Cay Challenge!

At 2am on Saturday morning my poor partner sat there waiting to register me for RunDisney's Castaway Cay Challenge- so first of all THANK  YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to him (I do not have internet access at home in the community I am in at the moment, and I didn't feel like staying at work until 2am, so he was forced to very kindly volunteered to register me for CCC).

I got this wonderous email about 15 minutes after registration opened

I was so relieved once I had received my registration confirmation as we had already booked and put a deposit on the cruise. Now don't get me wrong, I still would have fun on the cruise without racing CCC, but that's the icing on the cake that is going to make this one unforgettable holiday!

I understand that for many people a cruise straight after WDW Marathon weekend was impossible, but we have slightly different circumstances. As we are flying over from Australia we were planning a long-ish trip anyway- about 1-2 months, so getting time off work was no problem. We had already thought about doing a cruise, we just hadn't decided which one or how long for. Also, because running all the Disney races isn't an option for me because of all the flying (and cost!), to be able to fit one more race in right on the tail of another seemed perfect. So as far as I was concerned it was meant to be!

Are you registered for CCC? Have you heard about the rumoured Paris Disneyland half marathon?

Ash :)

RunDisney Castaway Cay Challenge Registration Opens

To all those RunDisney Fans, don't forget registration for RunDisney's Castaway Cay Challenge opens at 12pm EST tomorrow. For those fans in Australia like me, that's 2am (EST) Saturday 24/5! I am not looking forward to that wake up call.

You can register via the RunDisney Website!

I am excited to register having booked my cruise last week, fingers crossed I can get in. I will be very interested to see how quickly it sells out- I have no idea what the size of the field is limited to!

Good luck to everyone trying to register, I hope we all get in!

Are you planning on running the Castaway Cay Challenge? What race are you doing at WDW Marathon weekend?

Ash :)

Unhealthy Comparisons

I hate to admit it, but I am definitely one of those people who love to make unhealthy comparisons. I wish (and I really mean it), that I could be someone who looks at their race results and thinks ‘Awesome, I ran a great race’; instead I  always think ‘Oh man, I am so slow, there were 2739 people faster than me’. This says two things to me- 1) I need to run smaller races, and 2) I need to stop being so negative. It is a bad trait! I am working really hard to find the small wins in my training and celebrate them, even if to someone else it would be a fail.

I know it’s not just me, I see and hear people all the time say things like ‘My half marathon time is rubbish, it’s over 3 hours!’ Excuse me? You just ran a half marathon- you are legendary. I don’t care if it took 4 hours or 1 ½, 21kms is no joke. Once I had a friend say (and I am sure she didn’t mean it this way) ‘I want to run a half marathon but my boyfriend says if I can’t do it in less than 2 hours there is no point in even trying’. This was about a week after my 1^st half marathon which I completed in 2:41:57. It broke my heart to think what I had achieved wasn’t important because I didn’t do it fast enough.

When I ran my last triathlon of the season I wiped 10 minutes off my time- which in retrospect is AMAZING. All I thought when I saw the results was that I was still 10-15 minutes off the top ladies in my age group. Thinking like this can’t be healthy. So I want to change my way of thinking and be more positive.

I solemnly swear from this moment on, I will not compare myself to other people, only to myself. I will strive to achieve my best, and not someone else’s. If you can run one minute longer than you could yesterday- you are a champion.

My first half marathon- a win regardless of finishing time!

Do you find yourself making unhealthy comparisons? How do you stay motivated?

Ash J  

Speed Work

In preparation for Wine and Dine Half, Avengers Half and the Dopey Challenge, I have made the decision that my usual haphazard style of training isn't going to be enough, and I need to start a proper training routine. This has meant the introduction of speed work. Yes, the dreaded speed work. Give me a long run any day, I suffer through speed work as I am not naturally very speedy at all.

Last week I decided to start easy and give 4 x 400m with 2 min recovery a crack, and my paces looked something like this

Repeat 1: 5:42 min/km
Repeat 2: 6:23 min/km
Repeat 3: 5:55 min/km
Repeat 4: 5:33 min/km

I realised after my first repeat that I hard probably gone out a little hard and needed to pull back to have some gas in the tank for the other 3 repeats. I completed this workout by myself and as I said before, I really did struggle. I found it hard to push myself and actually run at speed. So last night when I got a text from the local running group (Yep! You heard right- we have a running group here) that they were going to be doing some speedwork (6 x 400m with 1:30 recovery), I jumped at the chance. My paces looked something like this after this morning's group session

Repeat 1: 5:42 min/km
Repeat 2: 5:56 min/km
Repeat 3: 6:10 min/km
Repeat 4: 5:32 min/km
Repeat 5: 5:56 min/km
Repeat 6: 5:48 min/km

I was really impressed that I managed to keep up similar paces (even a little better) with 30 sec shorter recovery and 2 extra repeats. I really felt that running with the group pushed me harder and I actually really enjoyed the workout. Hopefully if I keep these kinds of workouts up I will be able to bring down my pace per km and finally run that sub 30 min 5k.

What do you normally do for your speedwork?

Ash :)

Goals

I am someone who loves to set goals, as they keep me focused and give me something to work towards. I have quite a long list of goals at the moment, varying from very achievable to verging on impossible (not impossible- just VERGING on impossible). Here is my list as it stands now

Running related:

1) A sub 30min 5k/60min 10k/2hr half marathon- this equals roughly 6min/km pace. I have been chasing this goal for a long time and I can get close (33:20 5k) but not quite there. I am hoping to work on this as part of my Dopey training.

2) A marathon- another goal I will conquer at Dopey/part of Dopey Training.

3) Successfully complete Dopey- enough said.

4) Ironman Triathlon before I am 30- Training for Ironman is serious business, but until I can run a marathon it's probably out of my reach. Baby steps for now.

5) Place in my age group- duathlon, triathlon, run, big race, small race- I don't care. I just want to place in my age group once.

6) This is the verging on impossible one. So don't laugh. My secret dream in to represent Australia in sport. I don't mind which sport, just to reach the top level would be amazing. As I said, virtually impossible, but it is great to have something to work towards.

After my 5km PR. One happy chappy!

Non running related;

1) Enjoy life! Sometimes I get so caught up in working, training, studying or whatever I forget to take a step back and enjoy life!

2) Travel- Easy! I love travel but I haven't done much. I would love to check out Europe or go on a long cruise or anything! I am ready for adventure!

3) Find a job I love. I love working as a teacher but there are lots of different schools with different philosophies and it can be quite tricky landing a permanent full time position. Fingers crossed I can achieve this one sooner rather than later!

I love working towards goals and I hoping a strong training season before my RunDisney events can help me cross a few off the list!

What goals do you set for yourself?

Ash :)

Musings on a Long Run

Today while on my long run I allowed my mind to wander while my legs ticked over the kms. Quite often on a long run I will think about all sorts of things- upcoming racecations, plans for the next week, what to have for dinner and other various runner musings! 

Today my mind drifted towards my upcoming Disney racecations and the training I will need to do to achieve my goals. At the moment I have been mostly running on feel as I settle into my new running environment. While in Melbourne my long runs were nearing 15-16km, and then I would often complete a shorter tempo run and a speed session as well as easy runs or walks a few times a week. Since moving to the Northern Territory and being slowed down by the heat I have been trying to walk everyday and fit in a long run once a week. 

After several weeks of long runs varying in length from about 9km to 12km, today was the first day I felt like my old self! I set off at about 6:15am ready to run about 10km- at which point it's normally time to head home as it's getting hot. Today, as the sun rose I noticed some unusual clouds in the sky and realised today was a lucky day! It was not getting anywhere near as warm as normal. At that point I decided to run a little longer until I felt it was too hot, and that turned out to be 16kms!! It felt fantastic to be able to run with a light breeze blowing, some shade and not have the sun beating down on me. 

What a view!

Today's run has got me super motivated for my upcoming racecations, and feeling like maybe Dopey won't be as impossible as first thought!

What do you think about on your long runs?

Ash :)

Run Disney Castaway Cay Challenge

Run Disney has just added a new challenge- The Castaway Cay Challenge! This challenge involves running any event at Marathon Weekend, plus the Castaway Cay 5k event while on the Disney Cruise departing 12th Jan.

A few things struck me as interesting when I had a look at the details provided:

This is a excerpt from the Castaway Cay 5k details: To be eligible for the Castaway Cay Challenge runners must enter their cruise reservation number at the time of registration for a 5K or longer 2015 Walt Disney World® Marathon race event. 

I find that very interesting as at the time of publication all events except for the Goofy Challenge were sold out, meaning many eligible runners will have already registered and be unable to provide those details. 
*UPDATE- I emailed RunDisney and they have said this was oversight and all you need to do is enter your cruise reservation number when registering for the Castaway Challenge*

There is no mention of the price. Judging by the prices of current Run Disney 5k's I would expect it to be around the $60.00.

I wonder if many people will have already booked accommodation/made alternate arrangements for after marathon weekend before this event was advertised. I had planned to spend a few more days at WDW, but I will be talking to my travel agent to see if I can change my plans (maybe?)!

This offer is only with the 4 night cruise, I would have loved to see a 7 night cruise offered as well! 

Personally, I am not sure what I am going to do. The word inaugural is very hard for me to resist, plus the chance to earn a challenge medal almost seals the deal. A few things I am thinking of that I will have to weigh up include:

a) Medal design- I have seen the original Castaway Cay medals and I am not a huge fan! Hopefully now it is an official race they will spice them up a bit. 

b) Holiday logistics- depending on work next year will depend on how long I can take for holidays/when I can take my holidays etc

c) My poor partner! I am dragging him to Wine and Dine, Avengers Half, Dopey Challenge- it is really fair to now drag him on a Disney Cruise so I can do ANOTHER race!

d) We were originally planning on a cruise but didn't really consider Disney as we wanted something a little more 'adult' focused.

But then again, maybe I am a big kid?

Has anyone been on a Disney Cruise? What are they like? Would you recommend one?

Ash :) 

Stadium Stomp

Last year I completed Stadium Stomp's inaugural event at Melbourne's MCG. Stadium Stomp is a stair climbing challenge, with two levels of difficulty. Those choosing the short course will tackle the lower level of the MCG and those doing the full course will attack both the stairs on the lower and upper levels of the MCG. By this, I mean you go up and down, up and down, up down, and so on, until you do a full loop of the stadium. Now for some people, like myself, just one level didn't sound punishing enough, so we did the full course. Now the upper level is about 3 times as steep as level 1, so it really does ramp up in intensity! To give you idea of the sheer epicness of this challenge- the short course has approximately 1890 stairs, while doing the full course will take you to the craziness of approximately 7343 stairs.

The beauty of this event is it is officially untimed, so if you want to have a quick sit down on one of the chairs and rest those weary legs- you sure can! It is about challenging yourself and not the person next to you, which is a philosophy that really spoke to me. The organisers at Stadium Stomp go to amazing lengths to ensure you have the best day possible- awesome volunteers, greats tunes blasting through the speakers at the MCG, great support on course, great finisher's rewards (commemorative drink bottle, medal and goodie bag with delicious Cob's popcorn) and the finisher's chute getting you onto the MCG!

This year Stadium Stomp has expanded their offering to include Brisbane's GABBA and Sydney's SCG. I would highly recommended completing this challenge to anybody and everybody. I loved it last year, and I am hoping I can return this year (depending on my work schedule). It has a great atmosphere and provides a challenge like no other.

If you are tempted to sign up, I will leave you with some advice:

1) If you want to time yourself go ahead, keep in mind though GPS watches can have trouble in the enclosed environment (apparently the high concrete walls interfere with them) and they can give an inaccurate reading. Also, in reality you are only doing about 4 horizontal km's (for the full course)- it will be the longest 4kms of you life!

2) Don't stop- as tempting as it is, you feel much better if you keep going, slow down if you have to, but DO NOT STOP. You will thank me later.

3) Hydrate- Stop and have something to drink every opportunity you can.

4) If you are like me and a little on the slower side and not so good with heights, stand aside at the top and bottom of staircases and let faster people pass you. It does waste a little time, but you will feel a whole lot more relaxed knowing you aren't holding anyone up.

5) Stretch, wear 2XU compression sleeves, have some protein after- whatever your recovery strategies are-DO IT. I couldn't walk properly for 3 days afterwards.

6) Have fun! It is a huge challenge- do not get me wrong. But awesomely fun! If you are worried about time, pick an earlier wave to start in. Stadium Stomp is an amazingly fun event, and incredibly unique- you get to run on the MCG- so enjoy it!

Some snaps from the inaugural Stadium Stomp MCG!

Have you ever entered a unique event like Stadium Stomp?

Ash :)

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post in anyway. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Cross Training

I am lucky enough to have free access to a 25m pool 5 days a week, and I am trying my best to swim at least 4 times a week to ensure I am building general all over body strength and fitness, as well as it providing a welcome rest from running in the heat. Being a triathlete (and I use that term VERY loosely), I am an okay swimmer. I can comfortably swim 500m with no breaks at a reasonable pace, and often mix in some work with paddles (to build shoulder strength) as well as kicking drills to try and improve my form as well as provide a bit of variety to stop boredom. An average day at the pool is about 1km, with some weekend sessions being up to 2km. I really enjoy jumping in the pool, it takes me back to carefree summer holidays as a kid!

Just before jumping into the water at a triathlon.

I also try to get out and go for a easy walk on my non run days, I feel like it keeps my legs fresh and can help to work out any post long/hard run stiffness/soreness. The length varies, but it is at a very easy pace- 11/12min/km (My long run pace is closer to 8-9min/km, my 5k pace is 6-7min/km), and although I use my Garmin to keep track of distance, I don't pay too much attention to my pace (although sometimes I might insert a km of faster walking in the middle).

Finally, I also do a strength circuit 3 times a week, it includes sit ups, plank, some kettle bell work, boxing, star jumps and some light weight work. I do this circuit with a group of teachers from my school, so it is really nice to have some friendly face to help motivate and push me!

Hopefully by doing lots of cross training I can improve my overall fitness and reduce the chance of any running related injuries!

What are your favourite cross training activities?

Ash :)

A New Challenge!

As I have previously mentioned, I recently signed up for three RunDisney races, the Wine and Dine Half, the Avengers Half and the Dopey Challenge. I will start by saying- I was very lucky to register for these races, most sold out in under 2 days, with some going as quickly as 2 hours! With the first hurdle successfully cleared-registration- I moved onto the next hurdle- planning the holiday and now I am on my final hurdle- training.

I have run 2 half marathons before, both under the RunDisney required pace of 16min/mile (and both on disjointed, injury filled training), so I feel confident that with a solid training block I could manage one half, however 2 half marathons one weekend apart on opposites sides of America? This is a whole new challenge (and a great training exercise for the Dopey Challenge), this is not just about completing the half, it's about finishing strong and feeling good, ensuring I do everything within my power to aide recovery and knowing my limits when touring the parks to ensure I don't tire myself out before the race even begins! I have read a lot of articles and a lot of other great blogs- check out the RunDisney Fitness Team blog and a great article they did on 'Don't Be The "Dopeyist" During This Years WDW Marathon Weekend'. I have been using compression sleeves both during and after runs, icing, stretching, foam rolling, trying to improve my eating, testing different sports nutrition, sleeping well and just generally trying to be the most responsible runner I can be. I am someone who hates the idea of a DNF. I understand sometimes there will be things out of my control and maybe I will have to see that dreaded DNF against my name. But I will do everything I can to avoid it. So if strong recovery and strong training are going to put me on the fast track out of DNF-sville, I am on board 110%!

Any tips for a strong recovery after a long run?

Ash :)

Running in a New Area and New Temperature Zone!

Okay! For those who don't know much about Australian geography, here is a quick overview. Melbourne (my beloved home town) is known for four seasons in one day, and generally has gorgeous Summers but coldish Winters (no snow). An average Winter's day might be 14C and in Summer, an average day might be about 30C (no statistical reference here- just my own personal estimations!!) My new town- out remote in the Northern Territory is a little different- I would say about 30C everyday and sometimes really humid!

This is a huge change from me. I hate running in the heat. I would run in the rain everyday if I could. My PR's are almost always ran during the Winter months in Melbourne, as are the bulk of my running races. So, long story short- my running is suffering at the moment as I try to adjust to the heat. Even waking up at 6am to try and have my long run completed by about 8am isn't working- as soon as the sun is up I feel like I am melting. I have heard that it takes approximately 10 runs to adjust to a new temperature (and I am only 3 runs in at the moment) so I am willing to wait it out- but at the moment it just doesn't feel like there is any light at the end of the tunnel!

You know what though- my newly found motivation means I still get up, start running, and I do not come home till it's finished. Why? Because if I get to DisneyWorld and its 30C will I throw in the towel and say 'Oh it's too hot to run today, I will just watch the marathon instead'- NO! So that means suffer now and hopefully reap the benefits come race day. I want to be prepared for anything!

A view of the water from my new home town!

Do you have any tips for an inexperienced hot weather runner?

Ash :)

Run/Triathlon Fuel

I am a bit of sports nutrition junkie. I am willing to try almost anything- and I have tried a lot of things, to find what works for me. I can be pretty fussy, especially when it comes to gels so I am constantly on the look out for new products to try! Obviously everyone will have something slightly different that works for them, but these are a few of my favourites.

During runs I love GU chomps- especially the strawberry ones with caffeine, very convenient and I often only need one pack for a long training run (up to 20kms), and my other GU favourite is their salted caramel gel. I hated gels until the moment this sweet love touched my lips. I would eat these for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if I could. Another great product is Clif Shot Bloks (though a bit tricky to find in Aus), super yummy and again really convenient. I am a big fan of the chew form- it's like eating a gummi bear, and Clif has some awesome flavours out!

After my run I swear by Dextro After Sports Recovery Drink- its super yummy and not a milky base which I love. It's a tropical fruit flavour and tastes just like cordial. I often actually think of it as a reward if I complete my long run.

I wish I could find a delicious protein bar. I wish, I wish, I wish. I love Clif Bar's organic philosophy and I am desperate to try their Mojo Trail Mix Bars- though they are not in Australia yet (hint hint- if anyone from Clif Bar reads this!!). I often am pretty disappointed in the range of sports nutrition stocked in Australia. Trying to get salted caramel GU's is virtually impossible, and even Clif Shot Bloks can be tricky to find. If I was a millionaire I would open up the best sports nutrition shop in Melbourne and stock all the best brands- until then I will keep dreaming and when I go to America my suitcase is going to be filled with goodies to bring back to Aus to keep me fuelled over triathlon season!

What is your favourite sports nutrition product? Do you have any recommendations for me?

Ash :)

Disclaimer: I have not been compensated in any way for the above comments. All opinions are my own.

I Miss Racing!

Let me make this perfectly clear- I am not the sort of runner who is likely to ever win her age group. I am more a back of the pack-er, who runs for the fun of it. It is something I genuinely enjoy. And I may never win my age group, but I sure do give it my best shot every time I race. I like getting PR's, I like running as hard as I can and looking back and thinking 'Wow! There is no way I could have run that time last year'.

When my mum and I signed up for our first 5km fun run back in July 2012 to support a good friend battling breast cancer, I though it would be one and done. I also wondered if I would make it to the finish line. The sense of accomplishment I felt when they placed my finisher medal over my head was indescribable. They may as well have been putting a gold medal over my head the at The Olympics. After that I was hooked, so I signed up for a 5.7km event at the Melbourne Marathon Festival. I watched the people running the 10km, half marathon and full marathon events and marveled at the sheer strength and determination I saw. The very next year I lined up at the half marathon, and I burst into tears as I crossed the finish line. I couldn't believe it- I had run a real half marathon! I probably came in the bottom 20%, but it didn't matter, I pushed myself harder and further than I thought I could go. I ignored the doubts and finished. I was ecstatic. And this fueled my love of racing.

Now I am living in the country far away from organised running and competition, I have come to realise something- I MISS IT! I like competing and trying to do better every time. I love the atmosphere of people all united for one cause. I love the pre race chit chat, I love the camaraderie. I love everything about racing.
Running for training is fine and I enjoy that too, but I miss the rush of adrenaline as I sprint to the finish line to better my PR by 2 seconds, I miss the pre race nerves I get every time- even though I have done over 10 races, I miss that feeling of accomplishment when I cross the line and prove to myself that I am a runner.

My mum and me after our first race! 

Do you like racing? What is your favourite running race?

Ash :)

Getting back into it!

I apologise for being the world's worst blogger. A few big life changes have distracted me from writing! A new job, moving to a remote area (and I mean REMOTE) for said job and lack of internet and many other things have proved a big distraction. But I am back- and it will be bigger and better than ever.

One reason I decided to take this new job was the opportunity to earn some good money and save for two big American trips! One in November which has me doing the DisneyWorld Wine and Dine Half Marathon and the Disneyland Avengers Half Marathon, and the other trip in January which has me registered for the DisneyWorld Dopey Challenge, and perhaps the DisneyWorld Princess Half Weekend Glass Slipper Challenge (Glass Slipper all depends on what time I can get off work)!

Although there will be many more posts about these trips and runs in the future, this is the first, and this is me committing to training harder, longer and more consistently than I ever have before. With over $1300 AU in race fees (please don't tell my boyfriend!) plus airfares, accommodation and all the other expenses that come with a racecation, it was an expensive race choice but something I couldn't pass up.

I have been dreaming, fantasizing and wishing for the opportunity to RunDisney for what feels like forever. I could always find a reason to put signing up off- what happens if I get a new job, what if something comes up, what if I need the money for something else, what if, what if, what if? But then I thought, what if I never do it? So there I was, awake at 2am Australian time, sitting at my computer waiting for registration to open. And then I did it. No turning back. Just a commitment to myself that I will run these races, I will finish strong, and I will have fun. No backing out, no changing my mind, no excuses. So here I am, counting down the 181 sleeps until I leave for America for the first big trip and the first 2 big races and training with motivation like never before!

Have you ever signed up for your own personal 'bigger than Ben Hur' race/s?

Ash :)