Narelle Rieck Gets Faster by the Week!
by Exercise Physiologist, Rod Cedaro
Narelle Rieck's rate of improvement is only matched by her enthusiasm. She has dropped 16 minutes off her PB for a 10km run in seven months, testament to her application and enthusiasm. 
Rod: When did you start running?
Narelle Rieck (NR): When I gave birth to twins in January 2006. With four children aged under six I needed an outlet!
Rod: What inspired you to visit the Peak Performance Lab?
NR: I gained five kilos during pregnancy and was unable to shed it despite exercising consistently. I started running 10km races but simply couldn't reach my goal of breaking the one hour time barrier.
Rod: Did you have any preconceptions about the Lab?
NR: I was concerned that I wasn't the sort of athlete that such a high level facility would be targeting! But when I started talking to the Exercise Physiologist I felt at ease.
Rod: What was your initial reaction to your new training program?
NR: Returning to walking felt like I was going backwards! But it has paid dividends.
Rod: Can you share the lessons you've learnt?
NR: To slow down to get faster! I've had trainers tell me 'long and low' but I didn't understand until I learned the physiology behind it.
Rod: How has your training and performance changed?
NR: Before visiting the Lab I felt tired and lethargic and my heart rate was unusually high. At the Lab I found out that my core stability and overall body strength needed lots of work, my iron stores were low and my and cholesterol levels were high. Since altering my diet I've lost 6kgs.
Eight weeks into my new training program I ran a 10km race and dropped my PB by 6 minutes, and three months later I dropped my PB by another 8 minutes.
I'll summarise the difference in Rod's words, "training vs. exercise". I now train rather than exercise and I do it with purpose and direction I measure my progress, monitor my heart rate, mix strength and endurance sessions and modify my training intensity prior to racing.
Rod: Tell us about the running group you've started.
NR: My friends noticed my improved fitness levels and were keen to experience the same benefits, but they were busy with family commitments. I approached Rod who compiled a training program for the running group that my friends and I formed, which now numbers 20.
Rod: What are your athletic goals for 2008?
NR: I'm feeling fantastic! So I want to run a 10km race in under 50 minutes, I'm planning my first half marathon and I hope to complete a triathlon.
To book a session at the Peak Performance Lab, call 3234 2600.
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