Mt Rob Roy...No 35

Today:
Distance: 30.1 km
Time: 3 hrs 28 mins 23 secs
Rate: 6' 55" per km
Altitude gain: 760 metres
Calories used: 2520
Weather: sunny, temp 22-32 degrees, humidity 70% - 40%, wind calm until near finish
Week: 89.8 km
Feb: 89.8 km
Year: 523.15 km

This was the 35th time I have been to Mt Rob Roy running, not always to the trig on the top of the mountain as it is hidden a little way off the main track. We missed it today, no point when most of have been there before.
Early start, well early by my standards, when just after 6:30 am, six of us left my place on a familiar trail towards Theodore and the start of the main climb from the sub station.
Then, surprise of all surprises a tall wombat was coming our way. He was out on his one long run before SFT, and came with us at his usual walk/jog/run careful strategic pace to the mountain. Warm weather predicted came true, carrying 3 litres of fluid in a day back pack I won in a random barrel draw at Glasshouse Mountains run last year. Fits very neatly and not at all noticeable with 5 x 600 mil bottles inside.
Dropped a couple at Theodore and another couple on the mountain. The run from Theodore up the mountain has a couple of steep climbs on rocky tracks. Almost runnable for us mere mortals, not so for Mick, Nick and Liz who had taken off never to be seen again. Must have gone very well in the conditions.
Instead of the easy option nearing the top of going straight up, we turned down at the intersection to head down towards Conder direction, exiting the nature park and saying goodbye to Ewen. We headed left across the open paddocks to climb the mountain from the back, a long slog, not overly steep but a good grind to the top. CJ still beside me or most of the time in front, she had a great day on the up hills today, I was impressed.
The benefit of consistent training over a solid period of time, no time off for sickness or injury. This will set her up for SFT and the Canberra marathon, like me just needs some speed.
Very careful on the down off the top, slippery on a dry track, very times we both slid, no falls, very lucky. Collected the back pack at the corner, shared out the remaining drinks between us to get back to Theodore where we had stashed some more.
Run back home was easier than earlier, the temp was up but the humidity was down and a very light breeze kept some cooling possible. Glad to finish before it got really hot, top temp today forecast is 40 degrees.
If today was a race, I would have got my backside kicked by CJ and the 3 in front of us. Humidity again knocked me, but that's Ok, a great day, great company. Thanks to CJ. Softshoeshuffle had a day maybe he would rather forget, but then it all counts towards the training, have to take the good with the bad.
Stromlo Stomp tomorrow, ACT Veteran's Mountain Running champs on Mt Stromlo, hope I can back up and not make a dill of myself.
I am about to have some lunch, then down to Pine Is for a cool refreshing swim. Hopefully I can find a patch of cold water. Probably won't need a nap this afternoon, feel good after the run.