It Should Have Been.. Cotter

Today:
Distance: 25.9 km
Time: 2 hrs 22 mins 44 secs
Rate: 5' 31" per km
Weather: cold, cloudy, windy, rain at times, temp 6-8 degrees, humidity 80%, wind WNW up to 35 kmph
Week: 120.15 km
Nov: 353.85 km
Year: Target 5000km less ytd 4295.05 km = 704.95 km to go

The plan was to run 21 miles at the Cotter. However, the weather turned very nasty overnight and this morning. After arriving at the start at the Cotter at 7: 30 , a brave and sensible decision was made to not proceed but to go back to Black Mountain peninsular and do a couple of laps around west basin of LBG.
Just as we, CJ and softshoeshuffle arrived a load of hoons also turned up unannounced. Out of cars were Roger, Peter, Maria, Charlie and Helen, fellow runners but a bit timid of the weather. After a short discussion, away we went clockwise around the lake. We did the National Museum detour while the others following not far behind went over Hospital Hill finishing in front but cutting about a km off the distance. We didn't see them until back at the start.
Fortunately the weather was ok for most of the circuit, a bit wind, still very cool but no sign of rain, in fact a few sunny breaks between the clouds. Back at the cars, the 5 hoons decided that was enough, they were off for coffee and a warm building. We still had a few more kms to get done, CJ wanting 25 kms for the day and I needed 8 to get to 120 for the week. Our timing was terrible.
Back towards Glenlock interchange, the weather closed in and 10 minutes of rain and wind made forward movement very unpleasant. We had done just under 4 km out, nearly at Scrivener Dam, and turned around. Finished going down to the end of the peninsular to get our required distance as the weather improved a bit. Still cool, temp at 11:00 am just 8 degrees.
For all the dramas it was a good run, I haven't done the full west basin circuit for many years, last time would be the Canberra half marathon in 2004. Nice run about that often, quite a few cyclists, a few other runners about, most very courteous shouting or ring the bell as they got closer.
I had to push along to keep pace with CJ, she has regained any lost form and seems to be much better at looking after herself at present. A few setbacks, both sickness and injuries and you appreciate what you have and love to do.
Softshoeshuffle and I will back up tomorrow at the 18 km run at Honeysuckle Tracking Station. Early start, hope for a warmer and drier day.