Cotter - Run No. 133

Today:
Distance: 36.75 km
Time: 3 hrs 32 mins 15 secs
Rate: 5' 46" per km
Elevation gain: 700 metres
Calories: 2990
Weather: very warm, sunny, temp 18-33 degrees, humidity 25%, wind calm
Week:
Distance: 103.5 km with elevation gain 2130 metres
Jan & Year:
Distance: 433.35 km in 42 hrs 6 mins

Originally on the SFT training plan I devised in Nov last year, today was to be double Cotter 15 mile run with the second lap in reverse. However, the weather has been very warm to hot this week, so the plan was changed to allow more access to water on the run from Vanities Crossing.
Still starting with the 15 mile loop, the sun was out in full force early on. A 7:30 am start for 4 of us, CJ, Carol and softshoeshuffle was a little late, but then again, you must be able to handle all conditions. It's called challenging and character building. Mick and Nick had started at 6 am, getting a few kms done before the sun and the heat took control. Another group training for Canberra marathon were also out there, we saw the cars but no runners.
First loop not much to report, warm and dusty, just how I like it, followed by a cool short stop at Vanities for a drink, rest and to answer the usual question asked each week, why to we do this on such a day ? We met Mick and Nick just before the crossing, they had completed the first lap and were heading up to the relay change over for Brindabella Classic on Warks Road. The turn around for the out and back section of almost 10 km each way to make a descent run out of the day.
On towards the finish, the question remained unanswered as several said that 23 kms would be enough for the day. Carol decided to finish, CJ had a touch of the guilt's , changed her mind and continued on. Michael just happy to be able to continue, walk where necessary and do the job.
The difficult part is next, the climb up to Pierce's settlement, one house all that is left from the bush fires, than down to the small creek, up over the section called Ma & Pa, and eventually back to Vanities Crossing. Damn hot out here now, no wind, and luckily very little humidity, temp now well over 30 degrees.
However, heaven on earth appears around the corner, cool, clear water at Vanities. Refreshing to wash off the sweat, must remember waste of time to bring Ewen out here, doesn't sweat, his words, not mine.
CJ all quiet when she reached the crossing, a few minutes behind me. Not happy, in fact, more than unhappy. Took a little while for her to speak, I thought, she is going to kill me and leave me for the birds to tear to pieces, buzzards and eagles like road kill.
Then, I was saved by a group of trail bike riders on one side of the crossing, and a police troop carrier on the other side looking for unregistered bikes no doubt. Both splashed us as the crossed, didn't matter, the water was nice.
The return journey, it's 6.5 km each way from the cars, was a little more up beat. A soaking of the shirt in the water made a cool evaporating system work around the head, neck and shoulders, and the run back much better. And she was speaking again, such a nice girl not to hold a grudge for long. We made it back, a quick cool off in the very shallow Cotter river washed away some dirt and more sweat.
Right now, just a little tired, legs Ok, need a nanna nap.
Thanks to CJ, Michael and Carol for their company. I loved today's run, just my scene. Next week return to Mt Rob Roy, earlier start at 6:30 am. See you there?