WEEK 10 - SUNDAY 11 JULY

SAM LANE

Unlike fellow Run Melbourne ambassador Shannon Bennett, I haven't been running in exotic locations. But that doesn't mean it hasn't been interesting.

My two jogging compadres from The Age's sport department (one who has acquired the nickname ‘Bulldog' for his determined approach to our outings), have both required time out due to recurring calf complaints. So much for the benefits of those compression stockings they've been swearing by.

In place of our twice-weekly sessions, Bulldog has taken to amusing himself by opening his Dencorub tube in the offi ce. It has a remarkable effect of revving everyone up.

But I've buried the lead...since the last update I clocked up 10km in one session for the first time ever! Yippee!

Week 9 - SUNDAY 4 JULY

SUE STANLEY

Ohhh I remember training in the cold, rainy miserable weather - it was that long
ago that I had to do this... You just don't want to get out of bed - but as they say,
the show (run) must go on!!!

So I thought if I have to get out of bed then perhaps I can con someone else into
helping me through these cold rainy days. It makes it so much easier when you
share the pain!!!

We are doing 2 runs a week, but still do lots of walking and some cross training
classes.

Injury free and loving it!! Just not the cold weather.

WEEK 8 - SUNDAY JUNE 27

SHANNON BENNETT

Over the last month, I have been travelling overseas for research so I took my half-marathon training with me.

A few highlights: laps of Central Park in the Big Apple, exploring the old village of Gütersloh in Germany with Dr Miele and some hot weather acclimatisation (in 45 degree heat!) in Muscat, Oman - I realise it will probably be wet and cold in Melbourne on the 18th but it's all about endurance isn't it?! A road trip down the west coast of California led to a slog up to the top of Big Sur, spectacular views making the pain all worthwhile. And to dispel any crazy ideas, I didn't complete any Big Sur marathon, just had a mere taste of the 25 mile race!

Back in Melbourne it's all about the gym, squash and mixing it up a bit, getting outside in the fresh air.

Week 7 - SUNDAY 20 JUNE

SAM LANE

My running partners persist with wearing their calf stockings, which aren't looking any less funny to my eyes. Whatever it takes to make them feel good, I guess, and I can hardly throw stones given some of the combinations I'm getting out in.

Fashion matters aside, our twice-weekly running routine as a trio continues. I try to get out for a third run solo. From The Age headquarters we're taking ourselves to the Yarra, then follow the water to the Swan Street bridge. That's the half-hour session. Last week the most ambitious member of our group pushed us to the Anderson Street bridge. He also raised the prospect of us continuing this course around the Tan one day. Thankfully that hasn't happened yet.

I felt fully runned out by the time we got back, but it was rather a nice, tingly sensation as opposed to the concrete leg effect. If that's progress, I like it.

WEEK 6 - SUNDAY 13 JUNE

FATHER BOB MAGUIRE

As big day out approaches, I've continued to watch my step. Biscuits are verboten. Habitual nightly Weight Watcher meals aren't much fun but I'm used to them after 5 years. Just a bowl and spoon. I stepped up visiting hospitals. The long corridors and stairs instead of lifts keep me fit. I've thought of grabbing patients in wheelchairs and insisting on pushing them around. But I think that's supposed to be a matter of free choice for patients. I'm still not going right around Albert Park Lake, just most of the way. Have to get down to business asap. Walking from car park to seat at both Etihad and the ‘G is also "extreme" exertion for 75 year olds. Then again, experts have labelled 75 the "new 50"!

WEEK 5 - SUNDAY 6 JUNE

RYAN SHELTON

Training is going well. Really well! Yeah... running all the time. Love it. Love running... and stuff.

Okay, you got me... I haven't been training at all. But I've got a very good reason for my super ‘relaxed' training schedule. You see, I've got a theory. In the past, whenever I've gone on a run after a long period of not running, I've had the ability to run forever. Like the wind. Like The Flash. Like the...Steve Moneghetti! So, how is my training going? It's precisely on schedule. And if you don't mind I really should get back to it.

*(Oh, and did I mention that my fundraising is going even better? I'm on track to hit my target.... imagine that!?)

WEEK 4 - SUNDAY 30 MAY

SAM LANE

Run Melbourne has officially taken off in my sphere. It must be the ads featuring Father Bob. Two of my sport colleagues at The Age are signed on and, in a work first (for me at least), we actually went out jogging for 30 minutes last week. Quite a milestone.

Anyway, these two gents who will remain nameless for now, forecast that they had problems with their calf muscles. Old man's disease they call it. And they weren't mucking around with it. When we met in the foyer dressed in our hotchpotch of sporting attire, both were wearing compression socks on their lower legs. In fact one of them was wearing one on each leg. And they were flesh coloured.

Suffice to say I have never laughed so much during a run. We're going to do one of these a week. They've given me a reason to look forward to it.

WEEK 3 - SUNDAY 23 MAY

SUE STANLEY

You know when you have one of those weeks that mucks up your training routine? Well I had one of those! The guilt set in though, and on Sunday I walked to the Essendon Boat Shed (around 3km) for a warm up, then started jogging - and I mean jogging - around the river track, and I actually finished really strong! It's amazing how your mind takes control over your body when you have a goal. Then I realised that I had to walk home - another 3km!

I'm not a natural runner and actually find it a chore. I tend to walk more now. I only run when I want that ‘runners high', which I love. I needed a goal like Run Melbourne to give me variation in my training habits. I'm not in it to win it. I just want to enjoy the journey to the finish line.

WEEK 2 - SUNDAY 16 MAY

FATHER BOB

Just back from half way round Albert Park Lake. Walked half of required 5km in preparation for Run Melbourne.

Have begun rigorous self-discipline regarding "grazing" i.e. pinching biscuits, mixed nuts, unidentifiable missing bits of donated cakes. Live alone in a big house from 4pm til 9am - so much temptation to "graze". No wife or children to monitor wayward behaviour. Good thing is two sets of stairs. Have to walk up and down several times a day.

Have given up sneaky, occasional, visits to fast food drive thru', when doing away talks or church services. No need to feast on chicken nuggets and chips. Will carry celery and carrots and other boring healthy food for such occasions.

No more discreet illegal parking at MCG on footy days. Walk from South Melbourne church to ‘G. Look pathetic, elderly. (Some good Samaritan sure to pick me up!)

WEEK 1 - SUNDAY 9 MAY

SAM LANE

Cross country day at school was, in my eyes, a misery. Every year I was completely overwhelmed by the length of it, a straggler at the rear, and yet much to my horror I always made the representative team due to a lack of numbers.

Run Melbourne 2010 is the first running event I have entered since. That's a good 14 year gap and I'm still not convinced that I've recovered from those long-distance events out at Jells Park.

This radical decision has been made in the name of charity. The Australian branch of Médecins Sans Frontières to be exact.

A good mate recently completed a 100km fundraising event. The concept completely blows my brain. I'm starting with 5km.

Here goes...