First Half of the Year

Today:
Distance: 9.3 km
Time: 49' 00"
Rate: 5' 16" per km
Weather: cloudy, cold, temp 8 degrees, humidity 60%, wind northerly 15 kmph
Week: 43.05 km
June: 421.8 km in 27/ 30 days at ave 15.62 kms per run day
Year: 2403.35 km in 6 months at ave 400.55 kms per month

Nothing to report except it was still very cold at noon due to the wind. An easy run home at lunch time, the kangaroo's must have been cold as well as they didn't move when I passed within a metre or so. Or I didn't look at threat.
This has to be easy during the week or I have no chance of getting through Saturday's long session in Stromlo. But looking forward to the challenge.

Who Likes Winter ? Not Me !

Yesterday:
Distance: 11.15 km
Time: 58' 21"
Rate: 5' 14" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 7.5 degrees, humidity 60%, wind Nth 15 kmph
Week: 33.75 km, June: 412.5 km, Year: 2394.05 km

Yesterday morning, at least on the southside, the early morning temperature was -4 degrees. This morning another ripper frost, almost snow on the ground, a bitter - 6 degrees at dawn. No wind to help keep the temperature a little higher.
I do feel for those that run early morning in winter. I run because I enjoy running, below zero is not enjoyable.
Noon yesterday, a gentle circuit near work, nothing much to report. A very slight niggle on lower right shin gave me an excuse to have today off running. Plus, I took the car to work this morning and that gave me a chance to bring home the half a dozen stubbies I won in the fishing club raffle. I'll keep them for Christmas Day, they won't get drank before then unless I have visitors at home, and that's unlikely.
To the Gold Coast holiday makers, have a good time, wax the surf board, get out the sun screen. Have a good trip.

Mt Ainslie - Going Around Again

Today:
Total distance - 22.6 kms in 1 hr 51 mins 30 secs at ave 4' 56" per km
Made up of :
Race - 9.3 kms in 40' 30" at ave 4' 21" per km
Warm up - 4.05 kms in 23' 49" at ave 5' 54" per km
Arboretum - 9.25 kms in 47' 11" at ave 5' 06" per km
Weather: cold, sunny, temp 5-9 degrees, humidity 80% down to 40%, wind calm mostly up to SW 13 kmph
Week: 22.6 km, June: 401.35 km, Year: 2382.9 km
Race details: started group 37, finished 39th / 103 starters, only 7 ran faster time

Monthly handicap No 161, my first ever run was on this same Mt Ainslie course in 1994. I don't think I have missed a monthly handicap run on this course since. Must go back through the records to see how much I have slowed down.
Cold at 9 am start, undecided on what to wear and even more so when I noticed Mrs Muscles throwing off tops and braving the elements. Many others did the same but still wore gloves & beanies, I stayed with the two coolmax tops, long sleeve under short sleeve. Must be a sook.
Near perfect conditions for winter, rain on Friday softened up the track surface to help, a few puddles making it interesting on an undulating long course.
Back in group 37, the speedsters were soon off and gone, with only a couple of later starters catching me on the way. Caught Jen ( group 36 ) about 3 kms in, took a while to catch Strewth about 5 kms in, then Ewen at 7 kms. Asked the obvious questions, how far in front CJ, 300 metres was the answer but not in sight.
Still had ideas of catching her on the up hill at 8 kms but no chance. Much too good on the day and what an return to form. Wonderful to see after a year long of overcoming injury. Good girl.
The down side, she finished 11th overall, 4th eligible, no medal but the handicapper will be very interested.
I don't think I will be moved either way, not that lucky. Really happy with today's run, very consistent, no fast speed when it counted on the down hill finish, but plenty to give on the ups.
After presentations, drove over to the Arboretum, venue of the Sept monthly handicap. Ran over the long course to get GPS map & course profile for final approval. Should be an interesting run as we won't be going over Dairy Farmer's Hill or doing the gun barrel hill, shame.
However, with a nice sunny, calm day, the venue is great, the racing should be as well. I'll like it, I hope others do as well.

Mt Ainslie - check out the course

Today:
Walking: - Distance 9.3 km in 98'37" at ave 10' 36" per km
Running: - Distance 16.0 kms in 89' 03" at ave 5' 34" per km
Weather: cloudy, temp 11 degrees, humidity 65%, wind light NW at 13 kmph
Week: 93.3 km, June: 378.75 km, Year: 2360.3 km

Rain overnight, heavy at times has softened the track surface on the trail around the base of Mt Ainslie.
I walked around the course to be used for tomorrow's monthly handicap with the event organisers, placing some markers for the kms and making notes about corners that need to marked so competitors don't go the wrong way.
When the two others had left, I ran another lap, then an out and back to make it a reasonable day. The conditions tomorrow may test a few, and others may well be like ducks ( or geese) on a wet day. Should be fun.

Stood Down so a Long Weekend

Today:
Distance: 14.45 km
Time: 76' 32"
Rate: 5' 17" per km
Weather: cloudy, temp 13 degrees, humidity 80%, wind north 10 kmph
Week: 68.00 km, June: 353.45 km, Year: 2335.00 km

We were stood down from working today after attending an early morning meeting to discuss EBA negotiations. The biggest sticking points are management want to make us all part time without compensation and compulsory weekend work with a day off mid week instead. No chance on either.
So, after listening to the usual speeches at the meeting, voting in favour of returning to work but not being able to as the gates were closed, we got stuck into the sausage sizzle and coffee.
Home about 9 am, watched the morning chat shows on TV and wasted more time on nothing much else. Forecast rain getting close, so decided to check out the depot in case some one was there on the picket line.
Ran thru Monash to the town centre, straight past the depot, no one in sight, down to the river tracks, and back home just in time. Light drizzle for about 5 minutes, now bright sun shine again.
Nice easy start to my long weekend. I hope the traffic on the roads was not too bad today.

A Day of Change

Today:
Distance: 8.95 km
Time: 49' 13"
Rate: 5' 30" per km
Weather: cloudy, temp 14 degrees, humidity 60%, wind calm
Week: 53.55 km, June: 339.00 km
Year: 2320.55 km in 25 weeks at ave 92.8 km p.w.

Stayed indoors this morning watching Kevin07 fail to make it to Kevin11 as Julia took over as boss of this great country of ours.
Earlier in the day, we were told our services at work on Friday were not required due to our stop work meeting at dawn.
Late out to run, fairly slow due to a lack of enthusiasm. May or may not run tomorrow, but will get a bit done on Saturday around the base of Mt Ainslie.

Dull Mid Week Activity

Tuesday:
Distance: 10.2 kms in 53' 02" at ave 5' 12" per km
Today:
Distance: 13.15 kms in 68' 21" at ave 5' 12" per km
Weather: cloudy, temp 12 degrees, humidity 60%, wind NE 10 kmph
Week: 44.6 km, June: 330.05 km, Year: 2311.6 km

Last two days have been similar, usual work to home stuff. Weather uninspiring, could have rained but didn't.
More excitement inside work that outside, that's how quiet everything has been. Except, I did have a special passenger on my bus today. Pity we didn't have time to chat, will have to do that on Sunday.
Don't look like working on Friday, stop work meeting then fire up the barbie and picket the gates.

Just a Monday

Today:
Distance: 11.05 km
Time: 59' 12"
Rate: 5' 21" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 14 degrees, humidity 55%, wind calm
Week: 21.25 km, June: 306.7 km, Year: 2288.25 km

Easy day, legs not wanting to move too freely, but not too bad. Ran home for lunch, car back to work with another short burst.
Nothing much to report, really nice day for mid winter, make the most of it before the cold stuff comes along.

Sunday Recovery Session

Today:
Distance: 10.2 km
Time: 54' 09"
Rate: 5' 18" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 13 degrees, humidity 56%, wind calm
Week: 10.2 km, June: 295.65 km, Year: 2277.2 km

Better than expected today on an easy one way trip to Pine Is to find some cold water. Beaut day for an outing, but the water is freezing.
A month or so ago I measured the river water temperature at 13 degrees, must have dropped by 3 degrees or more by now. I could only manage 3 x 1 minute in the water before having to get out due to pain. It still did the trick, made a big difference and has now set up another good week. "Tan" is only 8 weeks away with a couple of cut back weeks to be thrown in to maintain freshness.
The 12 & 24 hour events have been held in Brisbane over the weekend, some good results up there. But it shows especially in the 12 hour how difficult it will be to do the 100 kms in Melbourne in under 12 hours. Might have to walk a few kms to get the distance.

A Big Tour of the Tuggie Valley

Today:
Distance: 61.3 km
Time: 6 hours 44 mins 36 secs ( running time)
Rate: 6' 36" per km
Altitude gain/loss: 600 metres
Calories used: 4750
Weather: cloudy, temp at start 7 degrees rising to 12 degrees, humidity at start 80% down to 50%, NW wind at 20 km all day
Week: 135.5 km, June: 285.45 km, Year: 2267.0 km

A late start by some standards, and a bit of extra sleep on a cold winter's day meant we started at 8 am from Theodore, a southern suburb in our beautiful area of the nation's capital. Three of us met up with two others who had started at 6 am and had already done 20 kms.
A bit chilly as the wind maintained at consistent 20 kms all day. We headed further south around the last of the southern suburbs of Conder, Bank & Gordon before finding the Pine Is track at Point Hut. On the image that's the line on the left hand side. A few had never been along this track but it's where I run 3 to 4 times a week. I think I know where every rock and twist and turn is. A short loop at the top end of Pine Is again new area for some.
Back to the Theodore start via Bonython and Gordon as we passed by most of the valley suburbs.First loop near 23 kms in distance, getting a bit over a third of the distance done. A stop to eat and drink, then out again as we did a short version of the Two Fruits loop which cover Chisholm & Gilmore to Isabella Dr. At last some down hill that is runable picking up the pace.
There was section from 35 kms to 42 kms that was the bad patch. It should have been Ok as we had the assistance of the breeze, but a long training run, just like a race does have bad parts.
Finally back to Theodore, a rest, eat and drink and a discussion to find 18 kms that was not too difficult, ie, flat. Not possible so we did as easy a course back towards the river over territory we had partly covered before. Again some good and some slower parts but we made it home.
Not really able to compare this with say Gold Coast 100 km course recently done by Kerrie B & Pam which was flat with some steps. This is undulating all the way, rough trails at times, the wind didn't seem to help much. But, we did a long training run, and now although tired, have picked up no other problems.
I won't see Australia play in the World Cup at midnight.
Thanks to Nick & Mick for their company all day, could not have finished without others to help and drag me along. Good on Mick & Elle to be out so early in winter, too early for me.

Waiting For Tomorrow

Today:
Distance: 8.4 km
Time: 40' 55"
Rate: 4' 52" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 13 degrees, humidity 50%, wind NW at 12 kmph
Week: 74.2 km, June: 224.15 km, Year: 2205.7 km

A couple of short jogs around Pine Is. Nothing exciting, just filling in a bit of time before Saturday's long effort.
Nice easy pace along some flat road which makes the pace a little faster. Nice day.

Around the Lake, Again

Today:
Distance: 7.2 km
Time: 37' 10"
Rate: 5' 09' per km
Weather: cold, windy, light drizzle, temp 11 degrees, humidity 90%, wind NW at 20 kmph
Week: 65.8 km, June: 215.75 km
Year: 2197.3 km in 24 weeks at ave 91.55 km pw.

Running around Lake Tuggeranong is a last resort course for me, either road or bike path. But sometimes due to rain, it's the only option, most other off road tracks are too muddy & yucky.
The only savour for the lake is there is plenty of grass on the edge, just finish up with wet feet.
Missed out on having company today, may be next week.
Weather forecast looking good for the weekend.

Distances & Attachment

Today:
Distance: 10.15 km
Time: 52' 07"
Rate: 5' 08" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 14 degrees, humidity 55%, wind NW at 18 kmph
Week: 58.6 km, June: 208.55 km, Year: 2190.1 km

Easing back the distance mid week, nothing exciting about the day or the running.
Hoping the rain holds off tomorrow at least until afternoon, meeting someone to have a chat with while running, hope the ear muffs are not forgotten.
Graph like Ewen & Jog did shows a mixture with road anything low on priority. Other than that, except 5km, too hard for too long & too fast, I'll just run it. Predictable results I guess.

Felt Like a Monday

Today:
Distance: 16.9 km
Time: 88' 44"
Rate: 5' 15" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 13 degrees, humidity 55%, wind calm
Week: 48.45 km, June: 198.4 km, Year: 2179.95 km

Nothing to report after a usual run home for lunch and back. Took a longer way home to add a bit of distance. At least I'm not running in the freezing morning cold like some have to do.
Rather nice today, hope it stays this way for Thursday.

Arboretum

Today:
Distance: 15.95 km
Time: 81' 01"
Rate: 5' 05" per km
Weather: sunny, temp range 2 - 9 degrees, humidity 90% down to 60%, wind calm
Week: 31.55 km, June: 181.5 km, Year: 2163.05 km

Members of the sub committee for the monthly running handicaps looked over the Arboretum to find suitable tracks to use for the Sept events.
Whatever is finally decided upon will be hilly. The proposed start area is high up on the events terrace, a nice flat piece of ground with commanding views over LBG and towards the city.
However, from a running point of view, if the races start high and go lower, then the finish will be difficult.
We may have found the easiest option staying away from the short steep, the long grind of up hill, but whatever is the final decision, it will be a strong back marker's course for all 3 events.
Plenty of time to get some hill training done.
A really nice morning out there allowing some good faster running for a change. I need to circulate some maps to the decision makers, look out Google Earth.

Hayley on the Run

Today:
Distance: 15.6 km
Time: 81' 24"
Rate: 5' 13" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 11 degrees, humidity 45%, wind calm
Week: 15.6 km, June: 165.55 km, Year: 2147.1 km

I have never seen or heard of Hayley before, but I was impressed. First, it was cold this morning so I started out late morning, in fact just one second before midday.
Starting out felt really good after yesterday's run as I ran towards Point Hut, along river track to Pine Is. This will be part of next Saturday's big long training run.
Nothing much happening here as I turned to run behind Bonython towards on the gravel track towards Woodcock Dr.
In front I spotted a runner, this is always good as it helps to focus on the run and gives an incentive to chase, even if only for a short while.
Luckily I was going Ok, and soon caught up with Hayley who was going very well. The Hayley story goes like this.
Training for her first marathon, Gold Coast in July. She ran the local half marathon in May in 1 hr 44 mins and looked really good as we ran together for a km at 5 min pace. She had been out running for nearly 3 hours and was almost finished. Didn't look like it to me, and I expect a better result than the 4 hours at GC she hopes to run.
Ewen & Jog, I did the calculations on my likes & dislikes of distances, but don't know how to publish the results. So, the short version is off road ultras win just over off road marathons with hills, but the surprise is the really short races, 200-1500 metres are close behind. Anything road didn't even score.
Well done to the local girls at the 100 km Gold Coast ultra, makes me want to get out there and just go, but not on the road.

Touring de Mountains

Today:
Distance: 42.5 km
Time: 4 hrs 34 mins 22 sec
Rate: 6' 27" per km
Altitude gain/loss: 1000 metres
Calories used: 3470
Weather: cold early, sunny, temp range -1 to 10 degrees, humidity 97% down to 45%, wind calm to start then later cool southerly at 15 kmph
Week: 105.55 km, June: 149.95 km, Year: 2131.5 km


Six of us started at Mawson Playing Fields at 8 am, still cold, long pants, gloves & beanie weather at least for while until the sun decided to apply heat to us.
We basically did the Tour de Mountain course one and half times leaving out Mt Taylor the second time. We ran & walked the Farrer ridge, Wanniassa Hills trig & Isaacs ridge first & third lap, just changing the course second time to go across the top of Isaacs instead of the figure 8 that is used for the December race.
Mt Taylor has had a make over with the front walking track now paved, a couple of seats added to rest on and admire the views over the magnificent Tuggeranong valley. Still a climb that takes doing, but well worth the effort. Even the down hill track to Chifley & Pearce has been improved, but shoes with good traction provide a bit of safety.
Not that many people about, probably away for the long weekend end. A good day out with company prepared to put in the hard yards. Really enjoyable day, thanks guys & girls.

Around the Lake

Today:
Distance: 11.75 km
Time: 55' 49"
Rate: 4' 45" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 10 degrees, humidity 60%, wind calm
Week: 63.05 km, June: 107.45 km, Year: 2089.0 km

I wanted flat running today so had to run around the lake. Not a bike path runner at all, so managed to find the grass on the edge.
Many will know it is not 11.75 kms around the lake.
The course on the map is 7.4 kms, the extra was later on down around the car parks at Pine Is.
A nice day after a very cold, frosty morning. The temp dropped to - 3.8 degrees this morning, well below bike riding temperature for me. It's going to be cold again for the next few mornings, so gloves and warm clothes tomorrow for a run around the Woden hills.

Lost in Gordon

Today:
Distance: 16.7 km
Time: 89' 41"
Rate: 5' 22" per km
Weather: nice, for winter, sunny, temp 12 degrees, humidity 40%, wind calm
Week:: 51.3 km, June: 95.7 km
Year: 2077.25 km in 23 weeks at ave 90.3 kms per week

I had to finally increase the mid week running. After yesterday's cold and windy weather, today was somewhat of a surprise. The sun was shining, it wasn't cold at midday, and the wind had gone.
I ran south to start in case the wind started blowing off the snow, I then had assistance on the return. A trip towards Gordon with that nasty steep short hill behind the houses at the Point Hut end. In fact it is almost behind Elle's place, which I found out by trial and much error.
The story goes like this. I had just come up from Point Hut on to Jim Pike ave when Elle driving along slows down and says " I'll put the jug on" I say "Ok". Did I know where to go, no. I knew the street name, that's all. Ran up that "nasty steep slope" of a hill behind the houses, along the top fire trail, down through the streets, stop to ask a man walking a couple of dogs, looks like a local. No idea where the street is. Bugger, keep going, finally see a postman, they know everything!
Of course he knows where the street is. He says keep going, turn right, turn left, past a couple of more, then on your left is the street. Beauty, navigation is my strong point.
I find the street, don't know house number, may be I can find a neighbour out the front. No one in sight. Give up, and run back to Point Hut, and back to work.
Then home tonight look in the yellow pages phone book for a map of Gordon. The maps don't go that far south, most of Gordon is missing as is Conder & Banks.
Best run since Gold Rush, felt as though the energy has returned and now ready to put in a few hard yards towards Tan 100 km in August.

Winter is Here

Tuesday:
Distance: 14.5 km in 74' 36" at ave 5' 08" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 12 degrees, humidity 60%, wind NW 15 kmph
Today:
Distance: 6.7 km in 32' 53" at ave 4' 54" per km
Weather: cold, temp 7 degrees, humidity 65%, wind NW at 20 kmph causing wind chill to reduce temp to 3 degrees.
Week: 34.6 km, June: 79.0 km, Year: 2060.55 km

These next three months are not my scene, but I will battle through as I have a couple of important events in coming up. The main one in the near future is the 100 km at the Tan in Melbourne in mid August.
What happens after that will determine the rest of year and maybe the first few months of 2011. With a big break planned for winter next year, it's all or nothing depending on the Tan run.
The biggest factor this winter will be the weather. Today we had a cold one, no sun, low cloud, cold wind, no heat from the sun. However, I have discovered another layer, that makes 3, of wind and cold proof clothing may just do the trick. All courtesy of my employer, a great woolly vest that many of us wear, worked a treat today, very warm.
A short run, no real fun in the conditions, the non active at work thought I was mad, they are probably right.

Time To Get Moving Again

Today:
Distance: 13.4 km
Time: 69' 46"
Rate: 5' 12" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 11 degrees, humidity 55%, wind cool southerly at 10 kmph
Week: 13.4 km, June: 57.8 km, Year: 2039.35 km

Slack yesterday in the running, completed a few jobs around home, nothing exhausting.
Today, ran home at lunch time, car back to work, a few more jobs to do after work. A short jog around Pine Is at a bit quicker pace than last few days, pleased to find the energy levels are returning. But it might have been the banana & honey sandwiches for lunch. Love e'm.

Gold Rush Causeway Crossing

Today:
Running: Nil

I did get my feet wet in Queensland, the water was absolutely wonderful at the river crossing, and we went across twice.

Photo taken by a race volunteer and kindly sent to me by race director Shane White.

Images from Gold Rush

A couple of images taken from the run during the Gold Rush event in north Qld.Image on left is Anita starting a climb up one of many slopes. She had just crossed a very small creek.

Image on right is an unknown runner half way across the causeway. Plenty of water.

Seems the photographers didn't find any good pictures of me.

I Wasn't Flying Either

Today:
Distance: 22.8 km
Time: 2 hrs 36 mins 31 secs
Rate: 6' 52" per km
Weather: cold, fog then sunny, temp 1-9 degrees, humidity 99% down to 80%, wind calm
Week: 96.6 km, June: 44.4 km, Year: 2025.95 km

I've just read Jog's tale of wow about the NZ trip, that didn't happen. Such a pity to be messed around and finally concede that it wasn't going to happen.
So Jog wasn't flying and neither was during today's run/walk. Plenty of that up and over the Wanniassa Hills & across Farrer Ridge.
Softshoe arrived at my front door at 8:00 am dressed with gloves & winter gear. The radio weather report at 7;30 am had the local outside temp at zero, so I changed tops & found some gloves, not cold enough yet for a beanie.
We did part of the infamous Two Fruits loop, mainly covering the nature park area behind Fadden, Farrer & MacArthur. Standing on top of Wanniassa Hills, a beautiful view over Tuggeranong valley covered with fog, the sun shining on us, but the houses below out of sight.
I walked up most of the hills, still down on energy but feeling Ok. There was no damage from last weekend, so just waiting for the recovery to complete. This week will be easy again before getting back in to the scene of winter running.
Overall today, very slow which was good, plenty to talk about with Softshoe, important issues like the footy & the weather.

Finally Made 2000 km

Today:
Distance: 6.3 km
Time: 33' 23"
Rate: 5' 18" per km
Weather: cloudy, temp 13 degrees, humidity 60%, wind light SE 10 kmph
Week: 73.8 km, June: 21.6 km, Year: 2003.15 km

Nothing much to report, easy run home at lunch time. Still feeling Ok, probably a couple more good night's sleep and then hopefully some time next week, should be ready to get going again.
Nine good Saturdays left for long runs before "Tan" in mid August. Tomorrow will be the last of the short, long runs. After that, a marathon at least every weekend.

A River in Flood

Today:
Distance: 9.0 km
Time: 47' 18"
Rate: 5' 15" per km
Weather: sunny temp 13 degrees, humidity 60%, wind sthly 10 kmph
Week: 67.5 km, June: 15.3 km,
Year: 1996.85 kms in 22 weeks at ave 90.76 km

Being away over the weekend, I didn't realize the amount of rain that had fallen in the territory. I heard on the radio that Point Hut Crossing had been reopened to traffic as the water level had dropped.
Today's run was a tour to see the effects of the rain and the water level in the river. The track between Point Hut and Pine Is had obviously been covered as it is now muddy in places instead of nice soft sand.
Plenty of flow, too fast to chance standing in it but a couple of keen anglers were trying to catch fish at Pine Is beach. Good luck guys.
Ewen, read the weekly email with the Saturday plan on it. Back in March I predicted a chance to win at the monthly handicap at end of June. CJ & Strewth will have to be at their best to have any chance of holding off a fast finishing Two Fruits.

Slowly, Very Slowly

Today:
Distance: 6.3 km
Time: 33' 40"
Rate: 5' 20" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 13 degrees, humidity 65%, wind SW at 12 km
Week: 58.5 km, June: 6.3 km Year: 1987.85 km

Nothing special today, ran home very easy at lunch time on as flat a course as I know.
Feeling tired a need some good sleep nights as normally expected after a hard run. Probably be like this for another week before picking up again.
Must guard against getting sick while immune system is low. Nice day to be out even if a little cool by last few day's standard.

Rest & Recovery on beach & grass

Monday:
Where: Yorkey's Knob beach & school oval
Distance: 10.2 km
Time: 48' 51"
Rate: 4' 47" per km ( bare feet)
Weather: sunny, temp 27 degrees, humidity 60%, wind SE at 25 kmph, sea temperature 26 degrees.
Week: 52.2 km.
May: 382.45 kms in 20/31 days at ave 19.1 kms per run day
Year: 1981.55 kms in 5 months at ave 396.3 kms per month

Image on this page shows where the Gold Rush race was held in relation to Cairns. It's about 70 kms south of Cairns & just north of Innisfail where a cyclone did much damage a few years ago.
I recovered well and felt good the day after the long run, no obvious problems. A short drive north of Cairns is Yorkey's Knob, a tourist resort & beach area. The beach is about 2 kms long at low tide, just far enough for an easy jog on the sand and a swim in the sea.
The stingers net was still in place but the duty life savers said they had gone for the season. I took no chances, swam inside the net and between the flags.
The wind from the south east provided the wind surfers with ideal conditions to get up good speed across a choppy sea, they looked to be having fun as did I shaking out any soreness in the legs. A very nice couple of hours.
Later, while the kids were at the school oval doing some sprint training ready for the school cross country championships today, I jogged a few more laps in lane 5 (Ewen). A different type of grass to Calwell oval, but lane 5 is the same any where.
Between these two events, I attended swimming training with my niece Ella. She is 8 years old and is coached by Libby Trickett's ( Olympian swimmer) uncle Garry Lenton. Ella likes her swimming, at least she has a good coach.
I have a few photos from the race which I will publish in the next few days and also check the race website for the final results.