Run Long.... then Relax

Today:
Distance: 50.25 km
Time: 5 hrs 20 mins 28 secs
Rate: 6' 22" per km
Calories used: 4032
Assent: 628 mtrs, Descent: 680 mtrs
Weather: mostly sunny, light high cloud, temp 8 - 18 degrees, humidity 50%, wind calm
Week: 111.6 km
April: 375.55 km
Year: 1672.55 km

No one fronted at 8:00 am, wonder why, maybe put off by the early start, so I headed over to Tuggeranong Hill track to meet Softshoeshuffle. We continued on past the sub station behind Theodore to the drain near Johnson Dr. Following a dirt track, always on dirt, gravel, sand or grass, behind Chisholm and Gilmore we made out way to cross Isabella Dr up from Rose Cottage. My fingers had finally warmed up, the day was looking really good for a long run. We discussed the Canberra marathon mostly, training, injury prevention and most other topics associated with running. Hey Strewth, don't think your name was mentioned, which is probably a good thing.
Behind MacArthur you can go either right to Long Gully Road or left up onto Wanniassa Hills behind Karralika which is much hillier. We took the more difficult course, as you do when you go out running with me, and eventually met the other track near Long Gully Road crossing. Into Isaacs for a short time, then under Yamba Dr to Farrer. Around the back of the houses, and up to the trig, just another short steep hill to climb. The local group who look after the area have done a really good job on the walking track, it was rough and rocky before but now a well defined track. The views are terrific from the top.
From here a bit of down hill, crossing the ridge to go under Yamba Dr and up onto Wanniassa Hills behind Fadden. This is part of the Tour de Mountain course we run in December. Down through Gowrie beside Ashley Dr to be back home in time for morning tea. Not quite, but a chance to replenish and start again on lap two. The first circuit had covered 9 suburbs of Canberra and less than 100 metres of that was on the road, just to cross on our way to more dirt tracks. Oh to be so lucky.
Second lap was the same as I had ran the day before, from home a circuit of Tuggeranong Hill going down to Gordon, Conder, Theodore, Calwell shops and back home. We parted ways as Softshoeshuffle finished his run at his home in Theodore, same name and same street as Ewen just a bit further around the circuit. He had covered around 38 km for the day A quick bite to eat and refill the drink bottle and off again now with only 9 kms to do to get to 50 kms for the run.
Easier now, at least the start is down hill on Johnson Dr and Woodcock Dr to the river track near Point Hut. Followed that to Pine Is, continued up to the top car park before finishing at the beach. Softshoeshuffle was just leaving after his time in the cold water, my legs were looking forward to cold water, I had done enough for this day. I always stand in the water up to waist deep as the glutes and lower back are just as important to get the cold water to as the legs are. Just perfect!! Collected by Mrs Two Fruits and "salad" (m-i-l) who dropped me at home before heading to the Burns Club in Kambah for the two up. They won't lose much, just have a bit of fun and enjoy the atmosphere.
Me, I am an all round sportsman. As I write this story about running, I am listening to the rugby league on the radio and have the TV on the AFL footy. The mighty Carlton Blues are on a roll, they have won two in a row, first time since 2001, I think. No wooden spoon this year, here comes the Judd machine.
It feels like a Saturday, but it's a Friday, so no work until tomorrow night. An easy run on Saturday, I might go past the oval and if it is vacant do a few tempo laps, if not then something flat.
Yes Strewth, I will see you Sunday and say " come on" as I go past with a km to go.
As they say in the cartoons, That's all folks!! Have a good long weekend.