Today Total: 6km
Week Total: 24km
Month Total: 6km
Year Total: 312k
On Friday night I had dinner with my partners in crime of more than 20 years of training - then on Saturday morning Mrs 2P and I headed South to join one of our dearest friends to celebrate their 60th birthday at Bristol Point Camping Ground (near Green Patch but nicer) on Jervis Bay. Di sweety, you are the living image that 60 is the new 40....
Anyhoo apart from walking & walking this weekend I got in a run this morning on pure trails - ahhhh the serenity.....
As for the title of this post - we were camped with some ex-pat South African's who persisted in calling the possoms who came to visit us "bush babies" - gues it is better than the Kiwi's who were with us who saw them as bounty!
Lol - it is all good :)
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Another 5
Today Total: 5km
Week Total: 18km
Month Total: 45km
Year Total: 306km
Another 5k around the Concord Golf Course - nothing spectacular in 38ish degree heat at 3.30pm this arvo. The heat wasn't so much the problem - it was more that with the sail squarage I currently have out running into the stiff westerly wind was a bit tough.
All good :)
Week Total: 18km
Month Total: 45km
Year Total: 306km
Another 5k around the Concord Golf Course - nothing spectacular in 38ish degree heat at 3.30pm this arvo. The heat wasn't so much the problem - it was more that with the sail squarage I currently have out running into the stiff westerly wind was a bit tough.
All good :)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Keeping The Faith
Today Total: 8km + Monday: 5km
Week Total: 13km
Month Total: 40km
Year Total: 301km
Well I'm keeping on keeping on - run/walk (3:1 ratio) one day, walk the next.
Monday was a lap of the streets around Concord Golf Course. Today was the same course I did last Thursday night - except this time I did it a minute or so quicker :)
It's all good!
Week Total: 13km
Month Total: 40km
Year Total: 301km
Well I'm keeping on keeping on - run/walk (3:1 ratio) one day, walk the next.
Monday was a lap of the streets around Concord Golf Course. Today was the same course I did last Thursday night - except this time I did it a minute or so quicker :)
It's all good!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Again Again
Today Total: 8km
Week Total: 21km
Month Total: 27km
Year Total: 288km
Well this Telly Tubby took off for the same run as on Thursday but I couldn't sustain the 3:1 ration as my legs were too fatigued (I've been walking and doing core strength between runs). So I had to walk a fair bit more over the last part of the course - but it's all good base building and fat burning.
Anyhoo on the positive side - having crept up to a smidge under 110kgs I weighed in at 99.5kgs this morning. Still a big fat bastard but the trend is now in the right direction.
All good :)
Week Total: 21km
Month Total: 27km
Year Total: 288km
Well this Telly Tubby took off for the same run as on Thursday but I couldn't sustain the 3:1 ration as my legs were too fatigued (I've been walking and doing core strength between runs). So I had to walk a fair bit more over the last part of the course - but it's all good base building and fat burning.
Anyhoo on the positive side - having crept up to a smidge under 110kgs I weighed in at 99.5kgs this morning. Still a big fat bastard but the trend is now in the right direction.
All good :)
Thursday, October 23, 2008
3:1
Today Total: 8km
Week Total: 13km
Month Total: 19km
Year Total: 280km
Set off on a strict 3min run 1min walk schedule. Through the Concord green strip then down to Concord Oval and back along the foreshore via Canada Bay.
8k in 59.06 @ av pace of 7.23 - no land speed records there but it's a solid start. All good :)
Week Total: 13km
Month Total: 19km
Year Total: 280km
Set off on a strict 3min run 1min walk schedule. Through the Concord green strip then down to Concord Oval and back along the foreshore via Canada Bay.
8k in 59.06 @ av pace of 7.23 - no land speed records there but it's a solid start. All good :)
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Old Stomping Grounds
Today Total: 5km
Week Total: 5km
Month Total: 11km
Year Total: 272k
Had baby sitting duties for the grandkids tonight so I loaded up the back pack with a towel, fresh clothes, treats for the kids and a book for Pop once they settled.
Ran more than I walked around the foreshore trail behind Concord Hospital through the bush - lots of running memories there I can tell you. Got to the kids place in time to have a quick shower before they left for dinner.
Calves are pretty tight from Sunday but they loosened up once I got going, some other tight bits too but no major dramas.
Kids have now settled - all good :)
Week Total: 5km
Month Total: 11km
Year Total: 272k
Had baby sitting duties for the grandkids tonight so I loaded up the back pack with a towel, fresh clothes, treats for the kids and a book for Pop once they settled.
Ran more than I walked around the foreshore trail behind Concord Hospital through the bush - lots of running memories there I can tell you. Got to the kids place in time to have a quick shower before they left for dinner.
Calves are pretty tight from Sunday but they loosened up once I got going, some other tight bits too but no major dramas.
Kids have now settled - all good :)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Happy Place
Today Total: 6km
Week Total: 6km
Month Total: 6km
Year Total: 267km
Another decent break between drinks - without going into detail, this year I've just had to put family and work above self - it had me exhausted up till last week, but a week off where I did nought but sleep for about 18 hours a day has me now bouncing off the walls again. And touch wood I've just about tamed the tigers at home and work and life can get back to some sort of healthy balance.
Last Sunday I cut my hair, started eating healthily again and took a walk. Everyday through this last week I've walked with a few joggles and also done some core strength work - result - today I was ready (so I thought) to get serious.
So on the way back from Bathurst I stopped off at my favourite short track in the mountains - the Grand Canyon. I made good time getting down into the canyon proper and really enjoyed the section rock-hopping along the creek. I could tell I was out of practice as I had a few stumbles and also went over on both ankles a couple of times but fortunately apart from initial pain no harm done.
I felt every one of the extra 15kg I've put on this year climbing out though and it took a mighty long time to reach the to - but the view over the Grose Valley with the last of the setting sun lighting up the cliffs with a back drop of lightening strikes over the Sydney basin in the background made it all worth while! Spectacular!
Made it back to the car in an hour forty which is a good twenty minutes slower than my previous worst but the memories of that gloomy & damp canyon, with waratahs blooming on the ridges in & out combined with the fact I didn't see another living soul except that of a rock wallaby and a lyre bird had me well and truly in my happy place for the drive home.
Life is good :)
Week Total: 6km
Month Total: 6km
Year Total: 267km
Another decent break between drinks - without going into detail, this year I've just had to put family and work above self - it had me exhausted up till last week, but a week off where I did nought but sleep for about 18 hours a day has me now bouncing off the walls again. And touch wood I've just about tamed the tigers at home and work and life can get back to some sort of healthy balance.
Last Sunday I cut my hair, started eating healthily again and took a walk. Everyday through this last week I've walked with a few joggles and also done some core strength work - result - today I was ready (so I thought) to get serious.
So on the way back from Bathurst I stopped off at my favourite short track in the mountains - the Grand Canyon. I made good time getting down into the canyon proper and really enjoyed the section rock-hopping along the creek. I could tell I was out of practice as I had a few stumbles and also went over on both ankles a couple of times but fortunately apart from initial pain no harm done.
I felt every one of the extra 15kg I've put on this year climbing out though and it took a mighty long time to reach the to - but the view over the Grose Valley with the last of the setting sun lighting up the cliffs with a back drop of lightening strikes over the Sydney basin in the background made it all worth while! Spectacular!
Made it back to the car in an hour forty which is a good twenty minutes slower than my previous worst but the memories of that gloomy & damp canyon, with waratahs blooming on the ridges in & out combined with the fact I didn't see another living soul except that of a rock wallaby and a lyre bird had me well and truly in my happy place for the drive home.
Life is good :)
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Plod Of The Phoenix
Yesterday Total: 4km
Week Total: 4km
Month Total: 4km
Year Total: 261k
Well it has been 2 months since I dusted off my old Nimbus size 9's. I won't go into detail but suffice it to say I have had other priorities. Nothing bad - just an intense time that required 100% focus to make some stuff happen.
Anyway - I'm out of excuses, so there was nothing for it but to take a toddle around the roads that surround Concord Golf Course. It is a bit of an undulating route and with the first 700m being uphill I headed off at a nice gentle pace - it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. Thankfully.
I chose to alternately walk and shuffle up the hill on the western side - and then broke into a mild trot for the last 1k to end up with 4k in a smidge over 30 minutes - so no land-speed records being set in Concord - but it's a start :)
Week Total: 4km
Month Total: 4km
Year Total: 261k
Well it has been 2 months since I dusted off my old Nimbus size 9's. I won't go into detail but suffice it to say I have had other priorities. Nothing bad - just an intense time that required 100% focus to make some stuff happen.
Anyway - I'm out of excuses, so there was nothing for it but to take a toddle around the roads that surround Concord Golf Course. It is a bit of an undulating route and with the first 700m being uphill I headed off at a nice gentle pace - it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. Thankfully.
I chose to alternately walk and shuffle up the hill on the western side - and then broke into a mild trot for the last 1k to end up with 4k in a smidge over 30 minutes - so no land-speed records being set in Concord - but it's a start :)
Thursday, May 08, 2008
The Dunston Dash
Today Total: 6km
Week Total: 13km
Month Total: 54km
Year Total: 257km
When I left home on Sunday night I never intended on going to Adelaide but when a unique opportunity presented itself a detour was in order. The only problem being the people I was going to see couldn't give me a firm time to meet, so I felt a bit rude standing fellow blogger Simlin up when he kindly offered to meet me for a run. Sorry mate.
Anyhoo when I got to my apartment at 10pm there was a message saying they would pick me up at 10.30am - so game on for a run. Headed South out of the CBD till I found a road (possibly the only one in Adelaide) that had slightly less than a hundred sets of traffic lights and turned West down to West Terrace, North to North Terrace (how could anyone get lost in Adelaide :) )
Turning right along the railyards I smiled as I found a short dirt road to run on for a few hundred meters - even in the heart of the city the old Toops can still sniff out a trail :)
Rather pleasant up along the museum and uni and then another couple of rights to make may way back to the apartments - very nice.
Week Total: 13km
Month Total: 54km
Year Total: 257km
When I left home on Sunday night I never intended on going to Adelaide but when a unique opportunity presented itself a detour was in order. The only problem being the people I was going to see couldn't give me a firm time to meet, so I felt a bit rude standing fellow blogger Simlin up when he kindly offered to meet me for a run. Sorry mate.
Anyhoo when I got to my apartment at 10pm there was a message saying they would pick me up at 10.30am - so game on for a run. Headed South out of the CBD till I found a road (possibly the only one in Adelaide) that had slightly less than a hundred sets of traffic lights and turned West down to West Terrace, North to North Terrace (how could anyone get lost in Adelaide :) )
Turning right along the railyards I smiled as I found a short dirt road to run on for a few hundred meters - even in the heart of the city the old Toops can still sniff out a trail :)
Rather pleasant up along the museum and uni and then another couple of rights to make may way back to the apartments - very nice.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Western Sunsets
Yesterday Total: 7km
Week Total: 7km
Month Total: 48km
Year Total: 251km
Flew into Perth on Sunday night to investigate ways of expanding my salt mine empire. I've spent the last 2 days with an absolute gem - L is the guy who came up with the concept of the Champaign & Cognac Brown Stone Diamond promotion (complete with Faberge egg) that rocketed Argyle onto the worldwide diamond scene. Retired now he works for a disabilty organisation over here and is doing some pretty cool stuff.
But I digress - staying at Scarborough overlooking the Indian Ocean I trotted North along th bicycle track for 3.5kms absolutely mesmerised by the exquisitly pink sunset - all along the shore people were just stopping and staring at Mother Nature's awesome display - real 2P happy place stuff. Turned around as night descended and shuffled back to the apartment.
A few more chores to do here in Perth today and then it is off to Adelaide tonight where I'm hoping to explore the upper reaches of the mighty River Torrens tomorrow morning :)
Week Total: 7km
Month Total: 48km
Year Total: 251km
Flew into Perth on Sunday night to investigate ways of expanding my salt mine empire. I've spent the last 2 days with an absolute gem - L is the guy who came up with the concept of the Champaign & Cognac Brown Stone Diamond promotion (complete with Faberge egg) that rocketed Argyle onto the worldwide diamond scene. Retired now he works for a disabilty organisation over here and is doing some pretty cool stuff.
But I digress - staying at Scarborough overlooking the Indian Ocean I trotted North along th bicycle track for 3.5kms absolutely mesmerised by the exquisitly pink sunset - all along the shore people were just stopping and staring at Mother Nature's awesome display - real 2P happy place stuff. Turned around as night descended and shuffled back to the apartment.
A few more chores to do here in Perth today and then it is off to Adelaide tonight where I'm hoping to explore the upper reaches of the mighty River Torrens tomorrow morning :)
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Dress Rehearsal
Today Total: 31km
Week Total: 41km
Month Total: 41km
Year Total: 244km
31kms of bushy, hilly, muddy trails in 5.03 - I'll have to go a bit slower if I want to survive TNF :)
Undoubtably toted the biggest load I've ever carried on a run/walk thingee - between my pack, bum bag & handheld I had just over 8kgs worth of kit, tucker & water.
That is heavier than I plan to start TNF if I enter - with only 13k to the first checkpoint I won't have to carry much water at all so with a bit of luck it will be a bit easier.
As slow as this morning was - I'm serious - it is too fast - that pace would put me on a 16 hour finish which I can't do - I'd bonk. If I do start the plan is to get to CP2 (49k) in around 10 - 11 hours and then taper from there.
It was a perfect morning out there today - I can't remember a clearer day - lots of happy place time. Beautiful! :-)
Week Total: 41km
Month Total: 41km
Year Total: 244km
31kms of bushy, hilly, muddy trails in 5.03 - I'll have to go a bit slower if I want to survive TNF :)
Undoubtably toted the biggest load I've ever carried on a run/walk thingee - between my pack, bum bag & handheld I had just over 8kgs worth of kit, tucker & water.
That is heavier than I plan to start TNF if I enter - with only 13k to the first checkpoint I won't have to carry much water at all so with a bit of luck it will be a bit easier.
As slow as this morning was - I'm serious - it is too fast - that pace would put me on a 16 hour finish which I can't do - I'd bonk. If I do start the plan is to get to CP2 (49k) in around 10 - 11 hours and then taper from there.
It was a perfect morning out there today - I can't remember a clearer day - lots of happy place time. Beautiful! :-)
Friday, May 02, 2008
Making Progress
Today Total: 10km
Week Total: 10km
Month Total: 10km
Year Total: 213km
First weekday run for a long time though I did some other training on Monday and Wednesday.
Switched back to carbs late Wednesday night for a net loss of just over 5kgs in 12 days - actually lost over 7kgs but I've taken the balance on in water as my muscles glycogened up. Pretty happy with that - my clothes fit much more comfy and it has kick started me back to a healthier lifestyle. Still got about another 6kgs to lose to get back to an acceptable level of fatness - but no rush - it will happen as consistency of training picks up.
Got out for a very cruisy 10k tonight - conditions were perfect around the forehore and I just concentrated on being economical jogging all the way to finish in just under 72 minutes. At that pace I just felt like I could go forever - noice.
Been doing some mega retail therapy and am over the moon with my new Outdoor Research Zealot Goretex jacket. At 210 grams it is the lightest jacket with hood on the market. I found out purchasing it that wasabe is a colour - go figure! Also picked up 2 pair of brick red Merrell Overdrive trail shoes for $136.00 - life is good :-)
I'm going to do a long bush run/walk thingee up the lake on Sunday and then make my final decision on The North Face 100k for the 17th of May. I'm not really fit enough for it - but hey that has never stopped me doing anything before :-) And you get 30 hours - how hard can that be? Right?
Week Total: 10km
Month Total: 10km
Year Total: 213km
First weekday run for a long time though I did some other training on Monday and Wednesday.
Switched back to carbs late Wednesday night for a net loss of just over 5kgs in 12 days - actually lost over 7kgs but I've taken the balance on in water as my muscles glycogened up. Pretty happy with that - my clothes fit much more comfy and it has kick started me back to a healthier lifestyle. Still got about another 6kgs to lose to get back to an acceptable level of fatness - but no rush - it will happen as consistency of training picks up.
Got out for a very cruisy 10k tonight - conditions were perfect around the forehore and I just concentrated on being economical jogging all the way to finish in just under 72 minutes. At that pace I just felt like I could go forever - noice.
Been doing some mega retail therapy and am over the moon with my new Outdoor Research Zealot Goretex jacket. At 210 grams it is the lightest jacket with hood on the market. I found out purchasing it that wasabe is a colour - go figure! Also picked up 2 pair of brick red Merrell Overdrive trail shoes for $136.00 - life is good :-)
I'm going to do a long bush run/walk thingee up the lake on Sunday and then make my final decision on The North Face 100k for the 17th of May. I'm not really fit enough for it - but hey that has never stopped me doing anything before :-) And you get 30 hours - how hard can that be? Right?
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Struggle Street & A Sekrit Mission
Yesterday's Total: 25km
Week Total: 25km
Month Total: 109km
Year Total: 203km
Just got home after running Narrowneck as an out and back.
Pulled up great after Hellgate - amazed the legs were not that sore at all. Came down with an horrendous crook throat combined with a mild cold though.
I also decided to capitalise on the fat burn and went Atkins as of Monday (just for 2 weeks) - immediate effect on the scales due to fluid loss (if you don't store glycogen then you don't store water either).
Anyhoo CR Mr G is the RD for the Wild Endurance 100k and he needed some last minute intel so I agreed to go fetch.
Well kids - I learned one very hard lesson - you can't do hard runs carrying a 6kg pack and hope for it to be a happy thing on a diet of less than 10gms of carb per day. I struggled. I struggled big time.
Always one to make the most of things I convinced myself it was good practice in hitting the wall :-)
Made it down to the end of Narrowneck with the wind absolutely howling and I clambered my way down to the top of Tarros Ladder where I conducted my experiment for Mr G - nope no mobile reception there, zip, nada, nix, nuffin. Briefly thought about a descent for old times sake but with the wind howling, in the dark, on my own I figured I didn't have to so why risk it? Besides I've done it before alone at night in worse conditions with a bigger pack - nothing to prove - that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it :-)
Climbed back up the track for part 2 of my mission a photograph of the top rung of the steel stairs/ladder thingee before Tarros - don't ask.
Mission accomplished all I had to do was get back - ugh - it hurt - it hurt a lot. Having cruised around Hellgate last week I was now in my own private Hell.
To add insult to injury - I thought the batteries in my Apex Pro were fresher than they must have been - and copped the warning flashes that I was down to less than 40% battery life while I was still stuffing around on Tarros.
Without whinging too much to you dear reader suffice it to say I made it back to the car in about 4.15 - I am an ultra runner after all - ultra slow that is!
Drove home feeling extremely nauseous but typing this I'm starting to brighten a little.
Nah nigh time :-)
Week Total: 25km
Month Total: 109km
Year Total: 203km
Just got home after running Narrowneck as an out and back.
Pulled up great after Hellgate - amazed the legs were not that sore at all. Came down with an horrendous crook throat combined with a mild cold though.
I also decided to capitalise on the fat burn and went Atkins as of Monday (just for 2 weeks) - immediate effect on the scales due to fluid loss (if you don't store glycogen then you don't store water either).
Anyhoo CR Mr G is the RD for the Wild Endurance 100k and he needed some last minute intel so I agreed to go fetch.
Well kids - I learned one very hard lesson - you can't do hard runs carrying a 6kg pack and hope for it to be a happy thing on a diet of less than 10gms of carb per day. I struggled. I struggled big time.
Always one to make the most of things I convinced myself it was good practice in hitting the wall :-)
Made it down to the end of Narrowneck with the wind absolutely howling and I clambered my way down to the top of Tarros Ladder where I conducted my experiment for Mr G - nope no mobile reception there, zip, nada, nix, nuffin. Briefly thought about a descent for old times sake but with the wind howling, in the dark, on my own I figured I didn't have to so why risk it? Besides I've done it before alone at night in worse conditions with a bigger pack - nothing to prove - that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it :-)
Climbed back up the track for part 2 of my mission a photograph of the top rung of the steel stairs/ladder thingee before Tarros - don't ask.
Mission accomplished all I had to do was get back - ugh - it hurt - it hurt a lot. Having cruised around Hellgate last week I was now in my own private Hell.
To add insult to injury - I thought the batteries in my Apex Pro were fresher than they must have been - and copped the warning flashes that I was down to less than 40% battery life while I was still stuffing around on Tarros.
Without whinging too much to you dear reader suffice it to say I made it back to the car in about 4.15 - I am an ultra runner after all - ultra slow that is!
Drove home feeling extremely nauseous but typing this I'm starting to brighten a little.
Nah nigh time :-)
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Hellgate Hilarity
Yesterday's Total: 46k
Week Total: 46k
Month Total: 84k
Year Total: 178k
Due to the fog putting out the water drops took much longer than I had planned - anyone who has driven through the Jenolan Gorge or down to Kanangra Walls might be able to appreciate what it is like in drizzle and absolute pea-souper fog.
One funny thing happened though as I was walking in the 700m from the Kanangra Rd to put down one of the drops for Paul. Switching on the PT Apex Pro was all but useless in the dense fog so I decided to take my Garmin PDA (loaded with topo's) so I didn't miss the right spot. Concentrating hard on where I put my feet and fumbling my way along the soaked track with the wind blowing rain into my face - when suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere a disembodied voice said "lost satellite reception" - fair dinkum I hit my head on an overhanging tree branch I jumped so high!
Anyhoo after my heartrate got down below 180 I carried on. Didn't much feel like putting out the last drop on Blacks Range but knew if I didn't do it, it would put me under pressure in the morning.
When I got back to the Deviation I was so wired from concentrating that I needed to read for an hour to wind down, so lights out wasn't till 1.00am - I slept like a baby.
Waking up at 6.30 I still managed to fluff about and had to rush my preparation - I didn't even count how many people were there (will have to wait for someone to post a start photo).
Horrie gave us a "ready-set-go"and we were away with Belinda, Lynda & I all trying to out-do each other with what we had forgotten to do and pulling up to set things right. In my case I'd forgotten to lube up, but once I'd done the decent with a finger tip of Vas I got going proper, promising the girls I wouldn't leave the Caves without them.
Really super-pleased with my run down to Caves considering I'm 10kg overweight and have only run 130k's this year -arrived bang on 1.30 and had a natter with Martin, Run Bare and Craig (?) till they took off.
Then Horrie and Tim turned up - I'd been idling for about 15mins and was starting to get seriously cold and told Horrie to tell the girls I'd meet them at the gate before the climb - just as I was about to set off the girls arrived.
I knew they would fiddle about for a bit so I just walked the 2.5k down to the gate - the girls arriving about 5 mins after I got there. "What up there"? "Yep":-)
I swear Lynda is part Mountain Goat she just took off like there was no tomorrow. I had a bit of a chuckle when Belinda said "dare I ask - is it much further"? "No not really - we are about a third of the way up".
We made good time up the hill as it is much easier wet than dry. Finally hit the Kanangra Rd and cruised up to where Horrie and Tim were waiting - a quick resup and we were on our way into Hellgate Country. I've said it before - I'll say it again - it's the most fun you can have standing up.
Played leapfrog with Belinda and Lynda as they were both stronger on the ups than me and eventually they got away when I had a pit stop.
The descent was a bit of an anti-climax with the surface being nowhere near as treacherous as when it is dry - still gave the quads a good pounding though!
Gravity took me past the girls about halfway down and I mosied on down to the river.
After a bit the girls turned up and I just pointed them in the right direction and said "adios" - I had no intention of even trying to keep up with them. With my lack of training I knew to push was just to invite a cramp so I just ambled up that mighty hill. Suffered a bit of heartbreak when intuition made me turn and I saw my cap on the ground about 60m back. I briefly thought of leaving it but it was a Six Foot cap dang nabbit so I had to go back. A bit later I took the "deadmans" suck on the Camelbak and ruefully looked at my handheld which was about a third full...
Eventually got to Blacks Range and headed for home. I could still walk strongly but could only raise a shuffle run on the downs. "Ahoy" from behind me and there is Paul informing me of Martin & Runbare's" tale of woe.
It got dark but I couldn't be bothered to get my headlamp out and just doddled on the best I could passing Slow Maniac in his car as he was riding to the rescue. (BTW thanks for picking up the water drop - saved me a trip this morning).
Shortly after everyone left it started to rain quite heavily and I reflected what a different place the Deviation was now compared to the bustle of runners and bushwalkers earlier in the day.
The hardest thing I did that day was strip off and pour cold water all over myself to have a tubs (I had to - I smelled like a polecat). Skins on rugged up and cooked dinner - it was no use though - my core temp had dropped - so warming up a cup of water I went and got horizontal in the old MKI fartbag and concentrated on getting some feeling back in my hands and feet.
Had an ordinary nights sleep as I had to pee about 83 times - when I wasn't peeing I was trying to convince myself I didn't need to. Blah - morning came about 30 hours after I went to bed and drizzle had become steady rain. Breakfasted with the local kangaroos and headed into Oberon for some petrol.
Reverse trip to pick up the rest of the empties (and fullies - the coldness of the day meant people used very little water) and headed home. Done.
Thanks for the company everyone - especially Belinda & Lynda - you are two very cheerful trail buddies.
Oh yeah - and Milov - I dips me lid!
Week Total: 46k
Month Total: 84k
Year Total: 178k
Due to the fog putting out the water drops took much longer than I had planned - anyone who has driven through the Jenolan Gorge or down to Kanangra Walls might be able to appreciate what it is like in drizzle and absolute pea-souper fog.
One funny thing happened though as I was walking in the 700m from the Kanangra Rd to put down one of the drops for Paul. Switching on the PT Apex Pro was all but useless in the dense fog so I decided to take my Garmin PDA (loaded with topo's) so I didn't miss the right spot. Concentrating hard on where I put my feet and fumbling my way along the soaked track with the wind blowing rain into my face - when suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere a disembodied voice said "lost satellite reception" - fair dinkum I hit my head on an overhanging tree branch I jumped so high!
Anyhoo after my heartrate got down below 180 I carried on. Didn't much feel like putting out the last drop on Blacks Range but knew if I didn't do it, it would put me under pressure in the morning.
When I got back to the Deviation I was so wired from concentrating that I needed to read for an hour to wind down, so lights out wasn't till 1.00am - I slept like a baby.
Waking up at 6.30 I still managed to fluff about and had to rush my preparation - I didn't even count how many people were there (will have to wait for someone to post a start photo).
Horrie gave us a "ready-set-go"and we were away with Belinda, Lynda & I all trying to out-do each other with what we had forgotten to do and pulling up to set things right. In my case I'd forgotten to lube up, but once I'd done the decent with a finger tip of Vas I got going proper, promising the girls I wouldn't leave the Caves without them.
Really super-pleased with my run down to Caves considering I'm 10kg overweight and have only run 130k's this year -arrived bang on 1.30 and had a natter with Martin, Run Bare and Craig (?) till they took off.
Then Horrie and Tim turned up - I'd been idling for about 15mins and was starting to get seriously cold and told Horrie to tell the girls I'd meet them at the gate before the climb - just as I was about to set off the girls arrived.
I knew they would fiddle about for a bit so I just walked the 2.5k down to the gate - the girls arriving about 5 mins after I got there. "What up there"? "Yep":-)
I swear Lynda is part Mountain Goat she just took off like there was no tomorrow. I had a bit of a chuckle when Belinda said "dare I ask - is it much further"? "No not really - we are about a third of the way up".
We made good time up the hill as it is much easier wet than dry. Finally hit the Kanangra Rd and cruised up to where Horrie and Tim were waiting - a quick resup and we were on our way into Hellgate Country. I've said it before - I'll say it again - it's the most fun you can have standing up.
Played leapfrog with Belinda and Lynda as they were both stronger on the ups than me and eventually they got away when I had a pit stop.
The descent was a bit of an anti-climax with the surface being nowhere near as treacherous as when it is dry - still gave the quads a good pounding though!
Gravity took me past the girls about halfway down and I mosied on down to the river.
After a bit the girls turned up and I just pointed them in the right direction and said "adios" - I had no intention of even trying to keep up with them. With my lack of training I knew to push was just to invite a cramp so I just ambled up that mighty hill. Suffered a bit of heartbreak when intuition made me turn and I saw my cap on the ground about 60m back. I briefly thought of leaving it but it was a Six Foot cap dang nabbit so I had to go back. A bit later I took the "deadmans" suck on the Camelbak and ruefully looked at my handheld which was about a third full...
Eventually got to Blacks Range and headed for home. I could still walk strongly but could only raise a shuffle run on the downs. "Ahoy" from behind me and there is Paul informing me of Martin & Runbare's" tale of woe.
It got dark but I couldn't be bothered to get my headlamp out and just doddled on the best I could passing Slow Maniac in his car as he was riding to the rescue. (BTW thanks for picking up the water drop - saved me a trip this morning).
Shortly after everyone left it started to rain quite heavily and I reflected what a different place the Deviation was now compared to the bustle of runners and bushwalkers earlier in the day.
The hardest thing I did that day was strip off and pour cold water all over myself to have a tubs (I had to - I smelled like a polecat). Skins on rugged up and cooked dinner - it was no use though - my core temp had dropped - so warming up a cup of water I went and got horizontal in the old MKI fartbag and concentrated on getting some feeling back in my hands and feet.
Had an ordinary nights sleep as I had to pee about 83 times - when I wasn't peeing I was trying to convince myself I didn't need to. Blah - morning came about 30 hours after I went to bed and drizzle had become steady rain. Breakfasted with the local kangaroos and headed into Oberon for some petrol.
Reverse trip to pick up the rest of the empties (and fullies - the coldness of the day meant people used very little water) and headed home. Done.
Thanks for the company everyone - especially Belinda & Lynda - you are two very cheerful trail buddies.
Oh yeah - and Milov - I dips me lid!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Covering Ground
Today Total: 23k
Week Total: 27k
Month Total: 38k
Year Total: 131k
Run a bit, walk a bit. Run a bit, walk a bit. Run a bit, walk a bit.... Galloway would be proud.
I had hoped to head up Kanangra way and do the recce for the "Bouncing Off The Walls" section of Hellgate but circumstances had me up at the lake house. So instead I made my way over the hilly trails around Gwandalan and Munmorah.
Beautiful morning up this way - I'd like to say I was in my happy place all the time but I dunno, I just didn't feel like it when I woke up and the first 6k were just plain ugly. Eventually things started to feel better and I got into the groove and started to enjoy myself.
By the time I could see the ocean I had a big smile on my dial and the back half of the trip just seemed to glide by. The walk a bit, run a bit strategy meant it was slow but I finished feeling pretty good in about 3 hours 20 minutes.
Let's see if I can do it for 9 or 10 hours next week?
Week Total: 27k
Month Total: 38k
Year Total: 131k
Run a bit, walk a bit. Run a bit, walk a bit. Run a bit, walk a bit.... Galloway would be proud.
I had hoped to head up Kanangra way and do the recce for the "Bouncing Off The Walls" section of Hellgate but circumstances had me up at the lake house. So instead I made my way over the hilly trails around Gwandalan and Munmorah.
Beautiful morning up this way - I'd like to say I was in my happy place all the time but I dunno, I just didn't feel like it when I woke up and the first 6k were just plain ugly. Eventually things started to feel better and I got into the groove and started to enjoy myself.
By the time I could see the ocean I had a big smile on my dial and the back half of the trip just seemed to glide by. The walk a bit, run a bit strategy meant it was slow but I finished feeling pretty good in about 3 hours 20 minutes.
Let's see if I can do it for 9 or 10 hours next week?
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Done
Today Total: 4k
Week Total: 4k
Month Total: 15k
Year Total: 108k
I put in a solid hour of training last night and on top of Sunday's effort it was a pretty frumpy 2P that hit the streets of Concord this morning.
Shuffled fatigued muscles through 4 ugly k's in a kind of gait that possibly, but not quite, resembled running. Rest day tomorrow.
Week Total: 4k
Month Total: 15k
Year Total: 108k
I put in a solid hour of training last night and on top of Sunday's effort it was a pretty frumpy 2P that hit the streets of Concord this morning.
Shuffled fatigued muscles through 4 ugly k's in a kind of gait that possibly, but not quite, resembled running. Rest day tomorrow.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Twilight Zone
Today Total: 6k
Week Total: 11k
Month Total: 11k
Year Total: 104k
The good thing about the HP not doing Rock Eisteddfod this year is I get to see more of her. The downside is I miss my long bush runs I've become accustomed to every third Sunday over the last few years during "dance season".
The end of Daylight Savings also compromises things a bit too - well until I thought about my PT Apex Pro that is :-) Hmmm Grand Canyon in the dark - sounds great!
Got to the car park a bit earlier than expected and got running shortly after 5pm. Still plenty of light about but knowing parts of the canyon are gloomy at the best of times knew it wouldn't last.
Sure enough with a very light misty drizzle and heavy overcast conditions I was soon glad of the lamp as I entered the canyon proper. I turned it off again as the canyon opened out a bit and the trail skirts along the Western wall.
I've never seen inside the short tunnel section before as I usually grope my way through here blind. Some things are better left unseen as all sorts of scary looking things inhabit the roof.
Used the lamp on and off as I made my way down the last tricky steep bits to the creek level.
Navigating the creek section efficiently is hard enough in good light so I decided to play it safe and turned the lamp on at about ten to six.
By the time I got through the creek section and commenced the ascent it was truly dark in the canyon and I took the opportunity to savour it - I was very much in my happy place.
As I ascended and the canyon opened out there was just enough ambient light to navigate by for a while but soon it was back to the lamp for the final 15 minutes back to the car.
Made it round in a very comfortable 1.20 - very satisfied.
Week Total: 11k
Month Total: 11k
Year Total: 104k
The good thing about the HP not doing Rock Eisteddfod this year is I get to see more of her. The downside is I miss my long bush runs I've become accustomed to every third Sunday over the last few years during "dance season".
The end of Daylight Savings also compromises things a bit too - well until I thought about my PT Apex Pro that is :-) Hmmm Grand Canyon in the dark - sounds great!
Got to the car park a bit earlier than expected and got running shortly after 5pm. Still plenty of light about but knowing parts of the canyon are gloomy at the best of times knew it wouldn't last.
Sure enough with a very light misty drizzle and heavy overcast conditions I was soon glad of the lamp as I entered the canyon proper. I turned it off again as the canyon opened out a bit and the trail skirts along the Western wall.
I've never seen inside the short tunnel section before as I usually grope my way through here blind. Some things are better left unseen as all sorts of scary looking things inhabit the roof.
Used the lamp on and off as I made my way down the last tricky steep bits to the creek level.
Navigating the creek section efficiently is hard enough in good light so I decided to play it safe and turned the lamp on at about ten to six.
By the time I got through the creek section and commenced the ascent it was truly dark in the canyon and I took the opportunity to savour it - I was very much in my happy place.
As I ascended and the canyon opened out there was just enough ambient light to navigate by for a while but soon it was back to the lamp for the final 15 minutes back to the car.
Made it round in a very comfortable 1.20 - very satisfied.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Still Moving Forward
Today Total: 5k
Week Total: 5k
Month Total: 5k
Year Total: 98k
Well another 5k done as a lap of the roads around Concord Golf Course - and about 30 minutes of other training last night.
So far, so good :-)
Week Total: 5k
Month Total: 5k
Year Total: 98k
Well another 5k done as a lap of the roads around Concord Golf Course - and about 30 minutes of other training last night.
So far, so good :-)
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Happy Happy Joy Joy
Today Total: 12k
Week Total: 20k
Month Total: 28k
Year Total: 93k
Well happy, happy, joy, joy, and not just because I got through 12k today - but because my beloved foreshore trail has been re-opened. I'm not sure how long it has been open again because I haven't been down there since mid last year but frabjuous day calloo callay he chortled in his joy.
It isn't quite like it used to be as the new buildings in the back of Concord Hospital don't have the same character as the WWII vintage ones they replaced but at least they didn't take out the rough hewn sandstone stairs and little cliff face that was a real landmark for those of us who used to frequent there.
If I am any chance at all of doing Hellgate in 3 weeks time I really need to get some time on feet happening so I set off today with the goal of covering 12k in a run/walk in under 8 min k's.
Finished bang on 1 hour 30 mins which is about a 7.40 av so I'm pretty content with that.
Distance never scares me - for me it is more an equation of available time and fuel - unless something physically breaks you just keep moving and eventually you get to where you are headed. Just have to see how I go from here.
Week Total: 20k
Month Total: 28k
Year Total: 93k
Well happy, happy, joy, joy, and not just because I got through 12k today - but because my beloved foreshore trail has been re-opened. I'm not sure how long it has been open again because I haven't been down there since mid last year but frabjuous day calloo callay he chortled in his joy.
It isn't quite like it used to be as the new buildings in the back of Concord Hospital don't have the same character as the WWII vintage ones they replaced but at least they didn't take out the rough hewn sandstone stairs and little cliff face that was a real landmark for those of us who used to frequent there.
If I am any chance at all of doing Hellgate in 3 weeks time I really need to get some time on feet happening so I set off today with the goal of covering 12k in a run/walk in under 8 min k's.
Finished bang on 1 hour 30 mins which is about a 7.40 av so I'm pretty content with that.
Distance never scares me - for me it is more an equation of available time and fuel - unless something physically breaks you just keep moving and eventually you get to where you are headed. Just have to see how I go from here.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Again, Again
Today Total: 4k
Week Total: 8k
Month Total: 16k
Year Total: 81k
Probably more womble than tele-tubby but another 4 in the bank.
Legs were not sore at all today but when I started to run my calves really bound up - with a history of compartment syndrome I played it safe and covered the distance mixing up running and walking - so it took me 30 minutes - slow but done.
Will probably rest the pins tomorrow.
Week Total: 8k
Month Total: 16k
Year Total: 81k
Probably more womble than tele-tubby but another 4 in the bank.
Legs were not sore at all today but when I started to run my calves really bound up - with a history of compartment syndrome I played it safe and covered the distance mixing up running and walking - so it took me 30 minutes - slow but done.
Will probably rest the pins tomorrow.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Four More With Some Old Friends
Today Total: 4k
Week Total: 4k
Month Total: 12k
Year Total: 77k
I dug around in my cupboard this morning till I uncovered my old Landreths that I wore when I did the twelve hour back in '06 that I save for special occasions - If running two days in a row isn't special for me these days then I don't know what is :-)
They carried me for a smidge over 94k that night and I guess I used that as motivation to get out the door. You can't live on past glories, you're only as good as your last run and my last run (yesterday) was about as glorious as a three-legged labrador running on a forty degree day.
You can't live on past glories, but you can use them for motivation - another four done.
Week Total: 4k
Month Total: 12k
Year Total: 77k
I dug around in my cupboard this morning till I uncovered my old Landreths that I wore when I did the twelve hour back in '06 that I save for special occasions - If running two days in a row isn't special for me these days then I don't know what is :-)
They carried me for a smidge over 94k that night and I guess I used that as motivation to get out the door. You can't live on past glories, you're only as good as your last run and my last run (yesterday) was about as glorious as a three-legged labrador running on a forty degree day.
You can't live on past glories, but you can use them for motivation - another four done.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Another Four
Today Total: 4k
Week Total: 8k
Month Total: 8k
Year Total: 73k
Another 4k today - managed some cross training on Wednesday so slowly clawing my way back.
Still fat n unfit but.
Week Total: 8k
Month Total: 8k
Year Total: 73k
Another 4k today - managed some cross training on Wednesday so slowly clawing my way back.
Still fat n unfit but.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Another Lap
Today Total: 6k
Week Total: 6k
Month Total: 30k
Year Total: 65k
Stopped off for a lap of the Grand Canyon again this evening on the way back from visiting the Halfpenny.
Set off in light misty rain - it was good and gloomy in the canyon and plenty of water about. Didn't see another soul but that's just the way I like it.
Bewdiful :)
Week Total: 6k
Month Total: 30k
Year Total: 65k
Stopped off for a lap of the Grand Canyon again this evening on the way back from visiting the Halfpenny.
Set off in light misty rain - it was good and gloomy in the canyon and plenty of water about. Didn't see another soul but that's just the way I like it.
Bewdiful :)
Monday, February 04, 2008
Megalong Mega (Mini Version)
Yesterday Total: 24k
Last Week Total: 24k
Month Total: 59k
Year Total: 59k
The lure of my mistress dragged me out again this morning......
And so it was that I found myself plodding down to the Coxs River behind 140 or so happy punters out to do the Megalong Mega Fat Ass run by Kevin Tiller. The exception being I knew I was not going to do the full monty.
Recent hydration therapy has given my mistress a real make over and she is looking better than ever and she had me hot to trot - well trot and walk - I crossed the river in about an hour flat and then walked my way to the top of Mini Mini Saddle where the 20k/25k sign is in an hour and 4 minutes to give me an out time of 2.04 (including a break to refill the water bottle and have a feed at the river).
Running back down the hill to the river as always was a hoot though for me I was very conservative taking a smidge under 40 minutes and then it was the long grind home back up the single trail to Megalong Road. Actually I was pretty happy with this bit as I was able to run the downs and flats and I walked all the ups without a break except for one stop at the little stream at the limestone outcrop in halfway up the stairs to refill my bottle. Made it back to the start in 4.14 feeling good which I was very happy with.
Not fast enough to do Six Foot in 7 hours yet but I'm certain I could go the distance.
It was great catching up with so many mates and making a few new ones. Oh ye band of brothers (and sisters) "thanks for that Reg" <----- sorry obtuse Python quote.
Last Week Total: 24k
Month Total: 59k
Year Total: 59k
The lure of my mistress dragged me out again this morning......
And so it was that I found myself plodding down to the Coxs River behind 140 or so happy punters out to do the Megalong Mega Fat Ass run by Kevin Tiller. The exception being I knew I was not going to do the full monty.
Recent hydration therapy has given my mistress a real make over and she is looking better than ever and she had me hot to trot - well trot and walk - I crossed the river in about an hour flat and then walked my way to the top of Mini Mini Saddle where the 20k/25k sign is in an hour and 4 minutes to give me an out time of 2.04 (including a break to refill the water bottle and have a feed at the river).
Running back down the hill to the river as always was a hoot though for me I was very conservative taking a smidge under 40 minutes and then it was the long grind home back up the single trail to Megalong Road. Actually I was pretty happy with this bit as I was able to run the downs and flats and I walked all the ups without a break except for one stop at the little stream at the limestone outcrop in halfway up the stairs to refill my bottle. Made it back to the start in 4.14 feeling good which I was very happy with.
Not fast enough to do Six Foot in 7 hours yet but I'm certain I could go the distance.
It was great catching up with so many mates and making a few new ones. Oh ye band of brothers (and sisters) "thanks for that Reg" <----- sorry obtuse Python quote.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
A Grand Run
Today Total: 6k
Week Total: 6k
Month Total: 35k
Year Total: 35k
I was still a bit sore today after last Saturday's silliness - until yesterday I've been treating stairs like they were a ladder ie use the handrail on the way up and head out bum first on the way down.
So today a bit pressed for time after visiting the Halfpenny in Bathurst I decided to visit my favourite 6k on the planet on the way home - the Grand Canyon out from Blackheath. It is simply gorgeous.
Lots of water about but that's just the way I like it - my only grumble is that the commercial operators have put stainless steel bolts and chains into the abseil point for the canyon proper for their own version of environmental terrorism for profit - I guess it is no worse than the NPWS putting up handrails all over the shop but it just galls me - I mean if you can't rig a pitch without aid then you shouldn't be there. OK I'll stop whinging now.
Anyhoo the leggies were a bit stiff to start off with but soon loosened up - I finished the distance in 1:14:40 - when I'm fit I normally run mid 50's so a bit of work to do yet but at least I'm on the right track :)
Plus you gotta love that view of the Gross Valley when you reach Evans Lookout - poifikt!
Week Total: 6k
Month Total: 35k
Year Total: 35k
I was still a bit sore today after last Saturday's silliness - until yesterday I've been treating stairs like they were a ladder ie use the handrail on the way up and head out bum first on the way down.
So today a bit pressed for time after visiting the Halfpenny in Bathurst I decided to visit my favourite 6k on the planet on the way home - the Grand Canyon out from Blackheath. It is simply gorgeous.
Lots of water about but that's just the way I like it - my only grumble is that the commercial operators have put stainless steel bolts and chains into the abseil point for the canyon proper for their own version of environmental terrorism for profit - I guess it is no worse than the NPWS putting up handrails all over the shop but it just galls me - I mean if you can't rig a pitch without aid then you shouldn't be there. OK I'll stop whinging now.
Anyhoo the leggies were a bit stiff to start off with but soon loosened up - I finished the distance in 1:14:40 - when I'm fit I normally run mid 50's so a bit of work to do yet but at least I'm on the right track :)
Plus you gotta love that view of the Gross Valley when you reach Evans Lookout - poifikt!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Tree to Coxs
Today Total: 29k
Week Total: 29k
Month Total: 29k
Year Total: 29k
Too stuffed to think up anything new - below is a cut & paste from Cool Running.
I suppose conventional wisdom from a zero base of training is to build up to a 29k jaunt through the mountains.... Well someone has to test out alternative methods don't they?
Took me over an hour from the trail head back up the stairs to finish in 6.43.
I hared off at the start like a primary school kid doing his first 5k fun run - it was great fun till at one of the creek crossings the water was deeper than expected and I crushed my big toe under a rock (cutting through the protective strip on my Merrels) - from then on it was still fun, it just hurt a lot on the downs - probably a blessing in disguise.
I let the world go by at the trail head and just pretty much walked with some shuffles to Megalong Rd. I had planned to turn back there but the siren call of the Coxs Rv with some water in it beckoned me on. By now my toe was numb enough for me to shuffle more regularly and I enjoyed the wet and how green it was.
Got to the swing bridge and headed home. The rain increased in intensity on the way back and the big creek past Nellies was close to being uncrossable - the track itself was a stream in many places and I wanted to trade the Merrels for flippers.
Anyhoo I'm glad I didn't run much on the way down as my legs were shot on the stairs. I felt alright on the inside but there was some kind of short circuit between the inside bits and the outside bits and it was a very sloooow ascent.
Really enjoyed it though and it was great to catch up with some old friends and also meet some new ones.
And yes Ewen - that only leaves me 16 minutes and 59 seconds for the last 16k!
Week Total: 29k
Month Total: 29k
Year Total: 29k
Too stuffed to think up anything new - below is a cut & paste from Cool Running.
I suppose conventional wisdom from a zero base of training is to build up to a 29k jaunt through the mountains.... Well someone has to test out alternative methods don't they?
Took me over an hour from the trail head back up the stairs to finish in 6.43.
I hared off at the start like a primary school kid doing his first 5k fun run - it was great fun till at one of the creek crossings the water was deeper than expected and I crushed my big toe under a rock (cutting through the protective strip on my Merrels) - from then on it was still fun, it just hurt a lot on the downs - probably a blessing in disguise.
I let the world go by at the trail head and just pretty much walked with some shuffles to Megalong Rd. I had planned to turn back there but the siren call of the Coxs Rv with some water in it beckoned me on. By now my toe was numb enough for me to shuffle more regularly and I enjoyed the wet and how green it was.
Got to the swing bridge and headed home. The rain increased in intensity on the way back and the big creek past Nellies was close to being uncrossable - the track itself was a stream in many places and I wanted to trade the Merrels for flippers.
Anyhoo I'm glad I didn't run much on the way down as my legs were shot on the stairs. I felt alright on the inside but there was some kind of short circuit between the inside bits and the outside bits and it was a very sloooow ascent.
Really enjoyed it though and it was great to catch up with some old friends and also meet some new ones.
And yes Ewen - that only leaves me 16 minutes and 59 seconds for the last 16k!
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