Caroline Sanz

Week 6: The longest run I've done... EVER!

We are a few weeks into training now, and can I tell you things are starting to really build up! This week's track training was 5 x 1KM straights and rounds. Basically what that meant was starting at the rounded part of the track and running at a moderate pace, then when we reached the straight picking up speed to 80-90% until we reached the other round end. Repeated 2.5 times around the track to make up 1KM. We would then get a short rest, before doing it all over again... 5 times. My fellow Can Tooers convinced me to join the front pack and lets just say I was utterly exhausted by the time we were done. I also managed to forget what I was up to a few times, with various calls of "CARO, YOU'RE FINISHED! STOP". Shows how focused I was, right??!!

So that was Thursday, all in all a hard but good session - but there was still Saturday to go.. 12KM or 80 minutes. This was to be the longest run for me to date, I have only ever gotten to 10KM in the past. What I soon found out, was that it wasn't just 12KM, it included the various hills along Birrell Street, all the Tamarama steps, and the Bondi steps. Not to mention I had forgotten my puffer. Hmm. 

I have to say, running with Can Too made it feel like a breeze. My running buddies were super supportive, the more seasoned runners gave me some energy shots to keep me going, tips to tackle the hills and encouragement alongside me when I felt as though the hill was never going to end. Combined with a paradise-like view, there was no choice but to enjoy it. Conclusion - I DID IT! Wheezy breaths, stitches, tired legs and all, I finished in about 75 minutes! And can I tell you it felt good. I honestly didn't feel as though it was my longest run. Hardest maybe, but nonetheless I actually had a blast.

From now on, it'll be PBs week on week. Bring it on!

Movin' on up...

Week four has approached uber quickly, and this week we were to be dazzled by 6x600m time trials and and 8KM/60 minute run. Time trials were all about sticking to pace while the long run brought along with it the introduction to hills.

Track training was great as I got to chat to some of my fellow CanTooers, and time flew by due to the lovely company and conversation. I think I have caught the running bug as I even ran an extra 2KM home after training #feelinginspired. 

Rise and shine at 5.45AM on a Saturday morning was made that little harder due to the rain and clouds outside but all the mentors and coaches assured us that running in the rain is great! Yet to be convinced we started the warm-up and then onto the run. The rain soon cleared and we were heading up the hill towards Bronte - motivated by the thought of running by the sea. The run felt shorter than it should have and I made the 8KM before 60 minutes (**thumbs up** "winning!!"). Before departing Jodie and I made a pact, that by next sessions she would have new runners (they were starting to squeek!) and I would have a watch.  Overwhelmed by excitement (yes, I was excited about running - say whaaaaat?!) I made my way to Bondi Junction straight after the session to purchase a running watch to get on top of this pacing business :) 

Putting my training wheels on...

So this is a little late coming but I've needed some time to get my head around what I've signed up to! It all began with Miss Quinnell, who planted the seed during a late night catch up call. Thank you to the lovely Miss Quinnell I joined the Can Too adventure, albeit one week into the training program. She was excited, enthusiastic and ready for the challenge. I thought, 'I can run. I like to run. HQ and I can bond over our running training. And it's a great cause. WHY NOT?!' And so it began.

It has been baby steps from Week One (the team's week two) of training, with my first session being out on the track. Like a real athletics track. Like the kind of tracks you see super fit, pro runners on. Somewhere I had never been. Until Thursday. I wasn't really sure where to go, and what to do or say, so I just wandered towards the huddle of people off to the side of the track, like a lost puppy waiting for someone to say 'Come on, over here!'. The fluro singlets made the Can Too spotting a little easier, but even more welcoming were the smiles and waves and welcomes. I received my pack, changed into my singlet and snuck in behind the huddle to listen to the run down on what I was in for in my first training session. First some introductions, some inspirational stories of how and why and what had brought people here then into nitty gritty.

We were going to do time trials. So I have heard the term - but had never really considered what that means. In this case, I was trying to figure out my 3KM time and set my pace for my upcoming training sessions. We were given some indications on track ettiquette, had a little warm up run (where I properly met a few of my fellow CanTooers), some drills and technique and then the running started. I was really worried I would burn out but also didn't want to let myself down. I was sitting roughly in the middle of our pack and made through my first KM in 5.45. I kept on running, overwhelmed by excitement and eagerness and challenge of it (including some stitches and tight muscles) to finish on 18.19. Woah! I was pretty happy. And exhausted. And a little sore. Overall not bad I thought for a little pair of legs that had never run on an athletics track before. Now I have something to work with! Upwards and onwards to the next training session!

Watch out! I'm training with Can Too for the Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon!

I am training for an event with Can Too, a health promotion organisation that engages and inspires individuals and the community to achieve personal health, wellbeing and altruistic goals. 
 
Beginners and experienced athletes alike are given professional coaching as part of a team to run or swim in endurance events- including 10km, half-marathon and marathon runs; as well as ocean swims and triathlons.
 
In return, I am raising valuable funds that go towards innovation in the prevention, care and control of cancer. In 2014, our Can Too community has supported 19 early career researchers through Cure Cancer Australia.

Thank you for supporting me!
 
‘It’s so much fun and I can’t believe I’m going to achieve this goal that I never thought possible. A great program and team support is making it possible. You Can Too!’