Cotter to Bendorra Dam Road and Back

Today:
Distance: 46.15 km
Time: 5 hrs 11 mins 42 secs
Rate: 6' 45" per km
Altitude gain/loss: 900 metres
Highest point altitude: 1115 metres ASL
Weather: sunny all run, temp at start 12 degrees rising to 27 degrees by finish, humidity at start 99% down to 40% by finish, wind calm all run
Week: 104.6 km, Year: 3703.9 km
October: 373.95 km in 25 / 31 days at ave 14.96 km per run day

The idea of the run was a memorial to the demise of the Brindabella Classic that ran mostly from Mt Gininni, high in the Brindabella Mountains, to the Cotter reserve, distance 54 kms.
Today, five of us including Kerrie Bremner the AURA female ultra runner of 2008 and Pam Muston a starter in this year's Coast to Kozi ( 245 kms). The other three of us mere males seemed to be there surrounded by classy runners. Pam is looking strong and should do well at C2K with Kerrie as part of her crew. Kerrie playing it smart is in recovery mode and getting back after a few injuries. She still goes better than most even without much running, does heaps of bush walking with the male AURA ultra runner of 2008, Martin Fryer.
Really nice morning, sunny and no wind, it did get warm in the open but that was more on the way back. Plenty of shade as we climbed where the bush fires of 2003 didn't destroy everything in it's path. The small creeks and Vanities Crossing had plenty of water so that helped especially on the return and meant we didn't have to carry as much.
We all ran and walked the first 15 or so kms until Pam & I pulled away as we approached Bendorra Dam Road. Pam continued on to Bull's Head as I turned back after 23 kms. Kerrie later kept Pam company as I returned with Michael. Mick had turned around as expected a bit earlier but we didn't quite catch him.
A wonderful cool down at Vanities helped get through the last 6 kms.
Pam had a good run as part of her preparation for C2K as long as the police give permission ( for the event, not Pam to run).
Great day, I like these warm dry sunny long runs. Today reminded me so much of the " CJ spitting the dummy" day back in February. So funny now.

Short Run Home

Today:
Distance: 6.75 km
Time: 36' 48"
Rate: 5' 27" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 25 degrees, humidity 50%, wind calm
Week: 58.45 km, Oct: 327.8 km, Year: 3657.75 km

A short run home at lunch time, I felt flat, it wasn't easy. Drove car back to work via Pine Is, spent 12 minutes in the water hoping to freshen up the legs for tomorrow.
Female No 2 from yesterday walked as she said she would, a smiley face as she told me this morning, so I hope she enjoyed it and continues.
Sounded out Jog by email on what is happening on Melbourne Cup day morning. I suggested a shortened run on Mt Tennent and Bushfold Flats leaving out the full down to Apollo Road on the back fire trail and only one trip to the top of the mountain. Start time at Namadgi Visitors Centre of 8:00 am. Public holiday, don't want too early start and close to home.

Time Trial Course

Today:
Distance: 17.05 km
Time: 83' 51"
Rate: 4' 55" per km
Altitude gain on TT course: 150 metres
Weather: cloudy, temp 20 degrees, humidity 70%, wind calm
Week: 51.7 km, Oct: 321.05 km, Year: 3651.0 km

Bike time trial course I have now used 3 times as a faster tempo run over 12 kms exactly. I run from work along Athllon Dr to the bottom of Learmonth Dr, flat warm up and cool down of 2.5 kms. The warm up felt Ok so I was hopeful of a good run around the TT course that goes up Drakeford Dr past Kambah Village to Sulwood Dr corner, left towards Kambah Pool Road then down, like that bit, to turn towards Gleneagles just after the Murrumbidgee Golf course.
The final part is a bit of a climb on to the base fire trail on Urambi Hills that finishes back at the bottom of Learmonth Dr. Within 10 metres or so of 12 kms depending on how wide you go around a corner or two.
Ran easy to start up Drakeford Dr on the grass as much as possible. No wind to contend with allowing me to stretch out on the slight down hill towards the golf course. Up and on to the Urambi Hills track, the time was looking good to get under my previous best of 63' 39" for the 12 kms on 26th May. First time on 14th April I ran 65' 01".
May be I am in better shape now as I finished in 60 minutes exactly at 5 minute pace taking over 3 and a half minutes off the May time. Really happy with the run, conditions were good, would have liked some sunshine.
Another coincidence was the warm up run to the start line took 11' 55.53" and the cool down back to work took 11' 55.52", negative split, oh so close.
Easy day tomorrow, short run and a visit to the river, then big one on Saturday morning. Can't wait, should be lots of fun.

I have just read Speedygeoff's blog story today and it reminds me of this week on the bus. A female, No 2 on the favourite's list is a regular traveller but not a runner. I have found out by chatting that another female, No 6 does some lunch time jogging, about 5 kms, and I try to encourage her to get out there every day.
However, No 2 always answers a definite " No " to the question of " are you going for a run today ? "
To my surprise today, she said " I have my gear and will be walking today". Me thinks, she has been listening and learning, so well done to her. A short story I will hear tomorrow, we all started with one small step years ago. Lovely girls, I like them both and the type of people you miss when we change shifts at work every so often. They make your day just a little bit happier.

A Little Ray of Sunshine

Today:
Distance: 10.45 km
Time: 54' 43"
Rate: 5' 14" per km
Weather: sun/cloud, temp 20 degrees, humidity 70%, wind calm
Week: 34.65 km, Oct: 304.00 km
Year: 3633.95 km in 43 weeks at ave 84.5 km per week

Nice morning with warm sunshine but so little time to really enjoy. Let's hope Thursday is better as I was a rather busy all day. Good part is work is not a worry, it's all those other things that need attention.
Like, to finish cutting the grass out the back of the house when rain on Sunday stopped me, electric mower.
I ran home at lunch time, that was good, and drove the car back to Pine Is for 10 minutes standing in the water. I hadn't done that since Sunday's race, so needed a bit of recovery help.
Attended the sub committee meeting tonight to find myself back 1 group. Must remember not to chase so hard. Other than bragging rights for a month, is it worth it ? Answer, of course it is.

A Small Price to Pay

Today:

Distance: 14.6 km

Time: 75' 15"

Rate: 5' 09" per km

Weather: part sun/cloud, temp 16 degrees, humidity 60%, wind calm

Week: 24.2 km, Oct: 293.55 km, Year: 3623.5 km

Yesterday's weather pattern continued today although a fraction warmer ( not warm) and a little sun. Light showers early morning had the potential for another dreary day.

However, I did manage to run home for lunch and back to work. A rest day didn't have the freshening effect I had hoped for, not early on at least. Felt very lethargic and a bit of a struggle, but picked up the pace as I got moving. Quite comfortable later on.

Tomorrow, and the rest of the week will be easy, big Saturday coming up.

Picture of me taken returning to drink station on Smokers Trail at Orroral Valley 32 km run last Saturday. Beautiful day, note sun and shadows. Picture taken by Carol Harding.

Ewen, with my running and your betting, I will be broke and you will be drunk. One of us needs a change of luck.

Activity = Nil

Today:

Nil

A return to almost winter conditions gave a good excuse have a complete rest. There was nothing to be lost and everything to be gained by doing so. The weekend was a good one, consolidate the momentum.
The weather today was very average, cold with a southerly wind blowing. Stayed inside and put the feet up.

Monthly Handicap - O'Connor Ridge

Today:
Distance: race - 8.0 km plus warm up 1.6 km
Time: race - 36' 15"
Rate: race: 4' 32" per km
Weather: cloudy, temp 10-14 degrees, humidity 60%, wind calm
Start group: 35
Finished: 18th
Week: 9.6 km, Oct: 278.95 km, Year: 3608.9 km

It must have been the 25 minutes in the cold water of the river yesterday afternoon plus 10 hours sleep at night. Very happy with today's run, started well back in the field on handicap, may be a dozen behind me. At one stage, a course marshall shouts 75th place, a bit disheartening knowing so many are still in front with 4 kms to go.
The course is the most difficult we use so I still had a chance with lots of undulations to come. As well, Allrounder started 5 groups in front so chasing her down was a focus. That was only just completed with about 500 metres to go. Others I try to chase failed to make the start line.
Good conditions with showers expected some time today, but that chance is fading fast this afternoon.
I seem to be going through a very consistent patch at the moment. Apart from the sore shoulder and arm, all is well in the running department. Plenty of good events coming up soon, so I hope the form continues.
Ewen, the final results are out for yesterday at Orroral Valley. Fourth male in the 32 km. I failed by 38 seconds to be within 5 minutes of Liz. Those hills on the return did me in. May be next time, or the party will go all day.
A late addition to this blog. It started to rain not long after I first published, and hasn't stopped since.

Orroral Valley Classic in Namadgi National Park

Today:
Distance: 32.0 km plus warm up 1.15 km
Time: race - 2 hrs 47 mins 26 secs
Rate: 5' 14 " per km
Altitude gain/loss: 490 metres
Weather: nice morning, sunny, start time temp about 14 degrees rising to about 20 degrees at finish, humidity 70% down to 45%, wind calm all race.
Week: 96.7 km, Oct: 269.35 km, Year: 3599.3 km

This race has been on the AMRA calender since 1998. Held at this time of year, the weather plays a major role in both number of runners and walkers, and the times and results. There have been some cold wintery days and some beautiful days like today.
Good numbers of pre entry and some late entries making totals around 80 to compete in the 32 km, 20 km and 8 km. I have previously ran the 20 km or helped out on a drink station. This year I ran the 32 km for the first time. Only one real climb from 4 km to near 6 km mark going out to the 1st drink station, then a long down hill past the Smoker's Trail turn to the next drink station where we think a runner kept going and missed the turn. At this stage, I don't know if he returned or finished near Corin Forest.
The grassy track on the valley was soft, a little rough under foot but no real muddy patches as expected. The turn at half way, an out and back course for the 32 km run, had us exposed to the sun with the temperature increasing on return to Smoker's Trail. That signalled the start of a long grind to the high point at the drink station. Altitude at this point was 1150 metres ASL from a start line altitude of 920 metres.
Getting tired from the up hill, I couldn't see Liz in front so held back on any chasing her down. She ran well to finish 6 minutes in front, and I was really happy to finish that close. I need more hill running, that's not strong but I finally have found some flat speed, relatively speaking, for me.
Later this afternoon, I rode the mountain bike down to the river at Point Hut. Good water flow at the moment, spent 25 minutes in the water before riding back home. Ride distance about 10 km. Vet's monthly handicap on Sunday, so I need to freshen up quickly. Feel really good now, hope for the best.

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

Today:
Distance: 7.65 km
Time: 38' 38"
Rate: 5' 04" per km
Weather: smokey, cloudy, temp 23 degrees, humidity 30%, wind light NW 15 kmph
Week: 63.55 km, Oct: 236.2 km, Year: 3566.15 km

Smoke hazard signs at the entrance to Pine Is indicated that the air was not going to be pleasant to breathe. The firies were clearing the paddocks behind the town centre in preparation for the summer. It indicates that the kangaroos, however plentiful, are not doing their job at keeping the grass down.
I left work and went behind the big Centrelink building, then down towards the river, before arriving at the scene of the fire. Plenty of smoke, not much activity, no big fire.
Stood in the river for 15 minutes while some kids played on a rubber canoe, don't know what happened to school today. Must be a "make your own arrangements" day.
Nice day apart from the smoke, dry air, not much humidity makes running easier.

Swallowing Pills

Today:
Distance: 11.35 km
Time: 58' 36"
Rate: 5' 10" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 25 degrees, humidity 30%, wind calm
Week: 55.9 km, Oct: 228.55 km, Year: 3558.5 km

Thanks Strewth, that's what I have according to the doctor. It has just started to slowly develop, nothing I can think of to trigger it off. I didn't " do a CJ" or anything else stupid.
Being a in denial male for most of my life, I haven't swallowed many pills at all, and now don't take any on a regular basis. If it's not in the food I eat or at the bottom of a glass, then I'm not going to take it.
However, the anti inflammatories seem to be slowly working, injury site not quite as bad as yesterday, I will continue for a while until I give up, then plan B. It doesn't affect the running.
Today, really nice at lunch time, stopped at work talking too much and missed about an hour of good running time. Thursday is my, stay at work all day, day.
A nice run over towards the Tuggie creek and back to Pine Is area. Stopped at the river for 10 minutes, water is really nice. Easy tomorrow with Orroral Valley 32 km run on Saturday morning.

Sore Shoulder & Arm

Today:
Distance: 7.45 km
Time: 37'00"
Rate: 4' 57" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 26 degrees, humidity 30%, wind calm
Week: 44.55 km, Oct: 217.2 km
Year: 3547.15 km in 42 weeks at ave 84.45 km per week

I mentioned last Saturday while running that my left shoulder & top of my left arm have been slowly getting tighter & more painful. It happened back in January and somehow it came right. I forget how that happened.
From talking to others at work, it's not uncommon, so it may be work related. I hope so, then work can fix me.
A visit to the doctor today, reason for short run, she said it was due to me getting older. Now really, nearing retirement, that's not getting old. But it seems that I have ( memory lapse) will remember soon," roter cuff " problem. That's what the word sounds like. All I know is that I can't reach around to my back or lift my arm up in the air. That means I can't volunteer for anything.
I need to take some anti inflammatories, and go see the physio. I'll do the 1st, wait for the 2nd, and leave the 3rd, some scans to see if anything else is wrong.
From a running point of view, the anti inflams will fix any other problem I have as well. I ran back to work from home after the visit to the doc, stopping at the river for 10 minutes in the water at Pine Is.
Perfect afternoon in the great outdoors, see weather description above. Didn't really want to go back for the 2nd half, as it turned out, I shouldn't, not the greatest afternoon at work. So many people wanting to get a lift.

Short, on a Nice Day

Today:
Distance: 9.7 km
Time: 49' 00"
Rate: 5' 03 " per km
Weather: sunny, temp 23 degrees, humidity 40%, wind calm, nice day
Week: 37.1 km, Oct: 209.75 km, Year: 3539.7 km

Beautiful spring day to go for a run. Easy during the middle of the week, resting a bit between assignments. Saturday is Orroral Valley 32 kms, hoping for a good run, another warm sunny day would be nice.
Today, ran more through the open nature parks near the kangaroos, leaving the tracks behind where possible. Finished with 10 minutes in the river before easing back to work to ride the bike home for lunch.

Only Two in Five, or Three in Ten

Today:
Distance: 14.25 km
Time: 74' 46" Rate: 5' 15" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 19 degrees, humidity 55%, wind light NW at 10 kmph
Week:: 27.4 km, Oct: 200.05 km, Year: 3530.0 km

Continuing on with the nice weather, another perfect day for running at midday. We should never tire of these warm sunny days, winter this year has been so long and miserable.
Nothing to report about the running, just home for lunch and back to work. Rode the bike to work in the morning and home at night. Nice day to be out in the great outdoors.
Many of my favourite passengers missing today, must have been still at the sea side.

Lovely Sunday Afternoon

Today:
Distance: 13.15 km
Time: 70' 38"
Rate: 5' 22" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 18.5 degrees, humidity 47%, wind light NNW at 15 kmph
Week: 13.15 km, Oct: 185.8 km, Year: 3515.75 km

Nice afternoon after a bit of overnight rain and a cloudy morning. Good to finally have some warmth and now hopefully we can have some good running days without having to dodge the rain drops.
I headed to the river to give the legs a little relief in the cold water. I had earlier watched the running of the Gold Coast marathon and listened to some good words of advise from the leading competitors. One of the male Aussies spoke on the need to be on the start line in good shape, not tired and worn out from the training.
A leading female also spoke on using the ocean as a recovery, the things I try to do to keep going without getting injured.
The first part of the run today to the river was Ok, stopped for 15 minutes to stand in the water. A few other people about enjoying the day. The run back home was slow, getting tired so a few easy/rest days this week will be needed to get to the Orroral Valley start line next Saturday ready to run.

Cotter - 18 miles

Today:
Distance: 28.6 km
Time: 2hrs 27 mins 23 secs
Rate: 5' 09" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 6-13 degrees, humidity 40%, wind calm
Week: 67.75 km, Oct: 172.65 km, Year: 3502.6 km

Run No 139 at the Cotter in ideal conditions, sunny, cool and no wind. Met the diehards at 7:30 am, two of us backing up after a marathon last Saturday. Some how it didn't feel like it, so I must have just not pushed hard enough last week.
I ran the traditional 18 miler with Liz, Mick not far behind most of the way, Robbie did the 21 and Michael doing the 15 miles. A convoy of 4WDs met us Warks Road, luckily there was no dust. Water at Vanities over the wall, waded through, water cool, refreshing and very nice.
Best run over the 18 mile course in nearly 5 years, strangely took it easy from the start, and it paid off, finished well in good shape, just over 34 minutes from Vanities to the finish. Marathon last week behind me now with the Orroral Valley 32 km run next Saturday.

Finally, and It's Looking Good

Today:
Distance: 13.8 km
Time: 70' 13"
Rate: 5' 05" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 14 degrees, humidity 45%, WSW wind at 10 kmph to start then up to 25 kmph
Week: 39.15 km, Oct: 144.05 km, Year: 3474.0 km

Finally the sun shone, it wasn't that warm at midday, and there were a few isolated spots of rain this afternoon. But, it looks like spring may actually be just around the corner.
The weather certainly plays a role in my running enthusiasm. Nice days, even hot days can get me out for a long time. Bring back parts of winter and I will hibernate.
The problem with going to Glasshouse Mtns events in Sept in Qld is the need to train long and often in a cold Canberra winter. May I soon be able to miss a winter or two, or all. That would be nice.
Today, ran home at lunch time and back to work. Good conditions to run, a light SW wind at first, then a bit stronger on the way back. Certainly didn't push the pace, but the clock said it was Ok. Saving myself for a Cotter run on Saturday morning.

When Will It End ?

Today:
Distance: 11.25 km
Time: 57' 54"
Rate: 5' 09 " per km
Weather: same as the last few weeks, cloudy, temp 12 degrees, humidity 70%, light NW wind
Week: 25.35 km, Oct: 130.25 km, Year: 3460.2 km

Another lousy day in paradise, we haven't seen a blue sky for weeks, and we had more rain this afternoon. Not my type of weather, it should be much warmer at this time of year.
I did manage to find a dry hour at midday to get out and about. Nothing exciting, just around the nature park and river area of Pine Is. No one else about, too cold. Better run, not trying to do anything special just roll along to pick up some rhythm.

Nan's Birthday

Today:
Distance: 8.3 km
Time: 42' 12"
Rate: 5' 05" per km
Weather: cool, cloudy, temp 12 degrees, humidity 80%, strong NW wind 30-40 kmph
Week: 14.1 km, Oct: 119.0 km, Year: 3448.95 km

Born in 1901, my grandmother would have been 108 years old today. Unfortunately she died in 1988, still a good innings by any standard. Real country people my nan and pop living in Tassie, we ate at their place many times, living in the same town as I grew up.
Pop was a veggie grower at home, spuds, all kinds of cold weather veggies, as well as raspberries, loganberries and passion fruit. We loved pop's garden as kids. May be I overdosed. Now I eat vegetables because I have to.
As opposed to Ruth Frith, the 100 year old competing at the World Master's Games in Sydney. She says she doesn't smoke or drink, and gave up vegetables at age of 12. I may follow her advise and give up vegetables as well. Just stick to carbos and fruit.
I ran a bit better today, just a little longer, as well as riding the bike to and from work. Not much but good. I hope this weather improves by the weekend. Very average today with strong wind and some showers.

Moving Again

Today:
Distance: 5.8 km
Time: 31' 30"
Rate: 5' 26" per km
Weather: cloudy, temp 12 degrees, humidity80%, wind calm
Week: 5.8 km, Oct: 110.7 km, Year: 3440.65 km

Rested yesterday watching the Bathurst race race, managed to mow the grass between showers, but generally had a quiet day.
Today, rode bike to work, ran home at lunch time, drove the car back to work as it looked like a wet afternoon. Stopped at Pine Is to have 15 minutes in the cool water of the Murrumbidgee River, it's dirty but refreshing. Still too cold to swim but perfect for recovery from a long run. Legs good, no evidence of having run a marathon.
Felt Ok today, will slowly increase, weather permitting, the distance and pace of runs this week. Hopefully the weekend will be fine and warm enough to get a longish run done.

Fitzroy Falls Fire Trail Marathon

Today:
Distance: 42.195 km ( may have been short by 300 metres)
Time: 3 hrs 45 mins 26 secs
Rate: 5' 20.5" per km
Weather: cloudy, temp 5-12 degrees, humidity 80%, wind calm
Altitude gain/loss: 380 metres
Finished: 23rd/95 starters, 20th male, 1st in age group
Week: 76.0 km, Oct: 104.9 km, Year: 3434.85 km

First I must thank Mick for driving so I could have a short snooze on the way down and a bigger sleep on the way home. And thanks to Nick for keeping Mick awake on the drive home, it was a long hard day on the trails.
We left for Fitzroy Falls about 4:45 in the morning for an 8:00 am start. Clear skies over Canberra soon changed to cloudy as we neared Goulburn, not looking like rain and luckily there was no wind. This past week had seen a few terrible days, unusual for this time of year.
Arrived with an hour to spare, plenty of time to have a chat to the regulars, the organisers and study the map. For me, the course has changed a bit since I last ran here in year 2001. I ran the first two events then missed the next 7 as the Brindabella Classic was a priority and too soon after for me to recover.
Just over 100 entries for the marathon with 12 failing to front for this wonderful off road race. Perfect running conditions, cool, calm and cloudy meaning no repeat of the hot days experienced in the past. A narrow start for about 200 metres meant the organisers had 10 seeded runners in male and female getting a front line start. Didn't matter as there was plenty of room after the first right hand turn.
Settled into a rhythm, feeling good, legs doing what they should and not complaining. The track surface was nice, softened by recent rain, settling any dust but not filling the creeks. One large puddle near 5 km had a track around the outside, too early to run in wet shoes. We also had to avoid this puddle on the way back which I did.
Travelling partners had ran off in front but I managed to catch Mick after the 15 km mark chatting to a girl who went to finish 3rd female. She ran well as she had done the Sydney marathon only 3 weeks earlier in 3hrs 38 mins and ran 3 hrs 44 mins today on a far more difficult course.
We reached the 20 km mark and drink station to be told to go left when we knew we should have gone straight on to and out back 5 km. The RFS marshall said he knew it was wrong but everyone except two early starters had gone the wrong way and we would do extra later on. We did that after the 30 km mark on and easier less hilly track so I think we benefited from this small error.
I had caught Nick at this stage, he was having some walk breaks and so I pushed on still feeling Ok. A slow 5 kms from 35-40 km resulted in my slowest patch, and unfortunately stopping me from getting under the time I had hoped for a 3:45 hrs.
Finally made it to the finish just 26 seconds outside my target, absolutely happy as a pig in mud with the result. Mick finished in around 3 hrs 57 mins and Nick in 4 hrs 14 mins. Other Canberrans ran well, many under 4 hrs, I forget the times but the results should be out soon, a computer print out was available at the finish.
The first 3 males all ran under 3 hours, Alex Matthews finished 1 st, the winner of the Bush Capital marathon in July in race record time. He certainly likes these off road events. He received some prize money, some flowers, a medal and half a dozen duck eggs for his win. What more can you want ? Well done to all that competed and finished. A great day, I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and caught up with a few others that you only see once or twice a year.
I will need to check the blog post to see who won the beer or wine bet. Sorry if you lost but I tried my best.
Down to the river tomorrow to help two tired legs recover, but I feel good at this stage.

Slowing Down Easy

Today:
Distance: 7.05 km
Time: 38' 14"
Rate: 5' 25" per km
Weather: cloudy, cool, temp 12 degrees, humidity 50%, wind cool southerly at 20 kmph
Week: 33.8 km, Oct: 62.7 km, Year: 3392.65 km

Easy flat run trying not to overdo anything, especially trying to stay upright by not falling over " doing a CJ".
Still can't understand how it can be so cold in October, that southerly today was not nice.
Finished run at Pine Is, stood in the river for 10 minutes, about the only nice part of the day.
Relax tomorrow ready for FFFTM on Sat.

Time & Tide Against

Today:

Nil

As I wrote yesterday, there was no running today due to the weather. No point in getting cold and wet for no real benefit so close to the weekend marathon.
Planning the running program for the rest of this year and the first part of next year has proved to be very frustrating. I like to know well in advance what events are on, what I need to do to train for them, organise holidays or a few days off etc.
Part of the plan is that 2010 will probably be my 12th and, at least for a while, last Six Foot Track. That will allow me to then do some different events that haven't been an option previously. That will include the Red Rock to Coffs Harbour jetty run in NSW, a 45 km beach run. That has always been in late March, a couple of weeks after SFT.
Earlier this year it was held in late April so it became on option if that date held. I wrote to the race director who advised that in 2010, due to the tide, it will be held on 20th March, the week after SFT. End of that story, may be run in 2011.
The next changing part of the plan is Coast to Kozi run in early Dec. I came away from the 24 hour at end of July disappointed with the result from a C2K point of view. I then switched my attention to the 64 km Bruny Is run in Tassie the weekend before C2K. I have a week of leisure leave to take, time off work not a problem. Again, whether we need to travel to Tassie for family reasons, and do the Bruny Is run is an unknown. If we don't need to go, then I may resurrect the C2K idea. There is still 2 months to go, this weekend will determine what sort of shape I am in, and whether I can build on that. Some good lead up events including the Cotter-Bulls Head-Cotter 54 km at end of Oct and the Deep Space Mtn, very hilly marathon 44 km in mid Nov would be ideal. Plus a couple of very long distance or double the Three Peaks course, 54 kms would be used to make up some of the training. No sure at all on C2K, but I will add it to the possibilities list.
With the Red Rock to Coffs run off for me, I may decide on the Wilson's Prom 100 km on 17th April 2010. There is a shorter 80 km option to be done, better than a road 50 km in Canberra the weekend before, if it's on.
Whatever I run, the weather will want to be warmer than today, winter has returned in October. However, remember Deep Space marathon last November, snow above 1000 metres, a real experience to run that day.

Trying to Stay Relaxed

Today:
Distance: 8.55 km
Time: 44' 53"
Rate: 5' 15" per km
Weather: cloudy, temp 12-15 degrees, humidity 65%, wind light NW
Week: 26.75 km, Oct: 55.65 km, Year: 3385.6 km

As I have said many times before, tapering week is difficult. Waiting for race day to come around, wanting to go running whenever I can, except tomorrow, Wednesday, when winter is expected to return. I'll call it a rest day. Short run Thursday morning, than rest day Friday. That's the plan.
Today a short run home at lunch time, car back to work via Pine Is where I managed to find 10 minutes to stand in the cool river water while the sun was shining. Really nice on another average day.

Outtrim Footy Ground

Today:
Distance: 5.5 km in 24' 18" at 4' 25" ave per km
Weather: cloudy, temp 15 degrees, humidity 65%, wind NE at 10 kmph
Week: 18.2 km, Oct: 47.1 km, Year: 3377.05 km

Follow up on the morning blog, I did get out after lunch but didn't want to do much.A couple of schooners didn't sit very well at run pace. A little drizzle almost put me off, but I decided to get a bit of pace in to the legs. A short down hill warm up from home to the Outtrim footy ground. Then 8 laps around the boundary line on a solid surface considering recent rain. Each lap averaged 430 metres, some a little higher or lower depending on where the GPS picked up the satellites. Ran easy to average each lap in 1' 45" or about 4' 03" per km. Felt Ok and didn't push too hard to get it done. Plenty of people out walking their dogs, the wet weather keeping both owner and pooch at home.
I can now taper down without excuses, a few short runs home at lunch time during the week, probably do nothing on Thursday and Friday. Riding the bike to work and home will be a nice change as daylight saving means some light at the end of the day after work.

A Week of Lousy Weather

Today:

Nil

A holiday today in October is normally about enjoying the early days of spring, some warm weather after a long winter.
Jog wrote that the best way to break winter up is to get a short time away. Agree but this late in the year is not right, must be the lack of global warming here.
Going out for lunch today so may not run at all. May drink one of those stubbies up for grabs, hydrating.
Ewen, Kelley won't read this. No way she will finish in front of me at FFFTM. By the way, she has her photo in R4YL magazine. More than you or I can say.

Storm Blows Eels Away

Today:
Distance: 12.7 km
Time: 66' 32"
Rate: 5' 14" per km
Weather: cloudy, temp 12 degrees, humidity 75%, wind NNE 10 kmph
Week: 12.7 km, Oct: 41.6 km, Year: 3371.55 km

The Eels ran round in circles chasing the storm clouds, the same as I did this afternoon. My intensity was no where near that of the grand final as I have less to play for.
Waited until later in the day to run from home around the base of Tuggeranong Hill. I tried not to go hard but to maintain a pace I can handle for next Saturday at the marathon. At today's pace I should be able to run around 3 hrs 45 mins, I will be happy with that on the basis of 20 minutes slower than a flat road marathon.
Now need some sunshine and warmth to get a short faster run done early this week and then rest before Saturday morning.

My Name is Billy, Not Silly

Today:
Distance: 18.15 km
Time: 1 hr 42 mins 41 secs
Rate: 5' 39 " per km
Altitude gain: 350 metres
Weather: cloudy, temp 10 degrees, humidity 80%, wind cool SE at 10 kmph
Week: 74.85 km, Oct: 28.9 km, Year: 3358.85 km

After last Saturday's experience, any weather that looks like cold and wet leaves me inside. Last weekend was horrible. During the week the weather has been Ok, but the seven day pattern means the weekends are very average. Rain last night cancelled any plan for an early morning outing. I slept in, then cleaned out some gutters on the roof of the house, full of leaves and mud after the dirty rain and storms.
Mid afternoon, I ventured out towards the hills behind Fadden, under Yamba Dr to Farrer, then back to the Wanniassa Hills to Fadden Pines on Isabella Dr. Conditions Ok, felt good for having a rest day, but then it is the beginning of the tapering week with Fitzroy Falls marathon on next Saturday.

Easing into October

Today:
Distance: 10.75 km
Time: 56' 50"
Rate: 5' 17" per km
Weather: sunny/high cloud, temp 22-25 degrees, humidity 30%, wind northerly at 20 kmph
Week: 56.7 km, Oct: 10.75 km, Year: 3340.7 km

The warmest day since last summer made running a pleasure around mid day. Decided not to go long, I did have enough time, but stayed close to work. No description of where I went because even with the GPS, I have forgotten as I travelled the same tracks several times.
The school kids were out and about, some hooning, because they can.
Very nice day even if the wind did blow strongly at times. Weekend forecast is not good, again especially Saturday. May have to run between showers. Last Saturday is one never to be experienced again.

Follow up to last night's handicap sub committee meeting.
Allrounder will certainly be experienced night owl living close to Yass. The good news for us slow runners is Ewen went forward 1 group, Strewth went forward 1 group, I went forward 1 group & Allrounder stayed where she was. That's justice.