Mt Tennent - Double Up - Again

Today:
Distance: 33.55 km
Time: 3 hrs 53 mins 52 secs
Rate: 6' 58" per km
Altitude gain/loss: 1560 metres
Calories used: 3020
Weather: cloudy to start, later sunny, temp 10 - 18 degrees, wind calm mostly with light westerly at times

Week: 101.2 km in 5/7 days at ave 20.25 km per run day
Jan & Year: 49.3 km
Altitude gain/loss over past 12 months: 72800 metres at ave 1400 metres per week.

A group of 8 mountain runners arrived at Apollo Road at 7:30 this morning to see Mt Tennent covered in cloud. Not exactly the warmest January morning, temp about 10 degrees, but with no wind, and the prospect of the sun making an appearance sometime, we had a good running day.
Diana walking to the top and back started first, making good progress as we didn't see her again until the top, John, Mick,Nick, Peter, CJ, softshoeshuffle and myself, after discussion on the way we were going to get to the top twice, decided on upwards and onwards, let's just do it !
The plan was to run up the fire trail to the top, down part way then over to the Alpine Walking Track, follow to Bushfold Flats, then down the fire trail to the gate at Apollo Road. Replenish drinks, then do the whole course again covering the easier Bushfold Flats section first, then to the top, and finally a fast finish down the fire trail back to the cars.
Cloud cover and cool and much walking on the first part, there is no time to warm up. We opened and closed the gates behind us, no need to climb through this time, as the sun refused to come out to play. Visibility nil on top of the mountain, making our way on to Bushfold Flats a group of about 8 bush walkers were out to enjoy themselves, although at a more leisurely pace than we were going.
Mick and Nick as usual having good runs were away and out of sight, meeting again after half way mark at Apollo Road and again after the top of the mountain second time round. Peter cut his efforts short, the run taking longer than he expected, John still having knee soreness playing the smart game and taking it easy.
A few other walkers about as well, Sven ( well he had a European accent) carrying plenty of gear walking down on to Bushfold, and another couple hiking up towards the top on the fire trail. Had we seen them before? After a while all bush walkers look the same, but CJ said one lot were wearing shorts and another lot had long pants.
So who was looking at their legs? CJ, that's who!! Now we know why she goes running!! She's a legs girl!!
We all made it back in one piece, no spills, although as usual sometimes doing the flying swan act to stay upright, , Mick and Nick had left, Diana & John had gone as well.
Comparing distances on the GPS, remarkably close, maybe 50 metres in recorded difference between 3 of us. Again CJ ran shortest, cutting corners I guess. But then again, if you run the hills ( and mountains) you don't have to do the distance.
Great day, especially after the sun came out, very enjoyable. And so much easier when you finally get fit enough not to be totally stuffed after 20 kms when there is still plenty of ground to cover.
I say this every week, but thanks to CJ and softshoeshuffle for their company, and Mick and Nick, and Peter, and John and Diana for being there as well. Another wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning.
Three of us stopped at Point Hut to stand in a brown coloured Murrumbidgee River for 20 minutes before heading home. Water is now cool to lukewarm now, but still feels good on tired legs. Should be able to run tomorrow without any soreness, if there was any, and there wasn't much.
As I write this, I have just been handed a bowl of warm rhubarb, corn flakes and cream, grew up on this as a kid in Tassie. No time for an afternoon siesta, will probably do that on the couch later anyway.