Cotter Run No 156

Today:
Distance:  30.6 km
Time: 3 hrs 28 mins 36 secs
Rate: 6' 49" per km
Altitude gain/loss: 750 metres
Weather: sunny, perfect running day, temp range 11- 20 degrees, humidity 90% down to 55%, wind calm
Week: 96.75 km,  Dec: 299.05 km, 
Year:  3091.55 kms in 12 months at ave 257.6 km per month

About 15 of us started from the old Cotter pub site this morning on the best day. We all ran up Brindabella road, then some went off on the 15 mile course, the remainder went up to the top of Mt McDonald where the views are tremendous.
Down the Uriarra village side towards wimps way, but turned back to do jelly legs where the track is now a very nice graded surface. Construction work must have finished in this section.
Bullocks Paddock road was at a reasonable pace until reaching Padovans Crossing where all but 3 of us continued on towards Vanities.
We went up the 18 mile course, climbed over the washed away drain & around the barricade at the top at Warks Road.
Lovely running up here heading towards the old relay changeover on the Brindie Classic. Quicker back to Vanities where the water was absolutely wonderful.
Bit slow to start out again but a good finish down the hill back to the start.
Great day & good to have so many non regulars out there.
That ends an up and down year with much of the middle ( winter) away on holidays so little real running done.
Still happy with the year, result the 100 km at Centennial Park in Sydney in February a disappointment. Bruny Is run recently in Tassie something different again.
In 2012, up the ante, Brindie 100 km in Feb, to be used as a solid training run ready for a track 24 hour run at Coburg in April.
After that, it's a bit secretive depending on results. I'll let you know.

Calwell Oval - 20 laps in lane 5

Today:
Distance:  11.15 km
Time:  55' 31"
Rate: 4' 59" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 23 degrees, humidity 45%, wind NE 10 kmph
Week: 66.15 km,  Dec:  268.45 km, Year:  3060.95 km

The grass surface is in top condition after a cut & a water during the past week. So nice to run bare feet especially after recent running in Hobart in shoes on bike paths & rocky tracks.
A "feel good" session at a nice easy pace for 20 laps, then a couple of laps around the outside to cool down and a few short sprints. It does however take a bit to keep kicking the dry grass off lane 5 and not into lane 6 which is the other clean lane. Not energy draining as a long run at Cotter is on tomorrow morning.
I had the oval to myself after a couple of youngsters left as I arrived. Only playing, just kicking a soccer ball about.
A lovely spot to finish the session with some stretches, push ups & sit ups in the sunshine. It will be good to get back into the gym next week when I get back to work. Except the day I have lunch with Mrs Muscles, I will have to wear a long sleeved shirt, best to cover in case she gets jealous.

No Time For Chocolates

Today:
Where:  Hobart, Tas.
Distance:  20.1 km
Time:  1 hr 57 mins 13 secs
Rate: 5' 49" per km
Weather: cool, cloudy, temp 15 degrees, humidity 65%, wind SE 15 kmph
Week:  55.00 km,  Dec: 257.3 km,  Year:  3049.8 km

Same run this morning as done on Tuesday out to Cadbury's and back. Much different weather conditions today with cloud cover & the wind now from the south.
That breeze will assist the yachts in Storm Bay finishing the Sydney 2 Hobart race.
Today will be a family gathering together for the last time as we return interstate & resume our normal lives. Mrs TF will stay in Tassie for another couple of weeks to tidy up affairs.
When we get back here again we don't know as the important reasons are slowly getting less.
May be Bruny Is will call me back one day, it's a good event.

Cadbury's & Back

Today:
Where:  Hobart, Tas.
Distance:  20.1 km
Time: 1 hr 58 mins 27 secs
Rate:  5' 53" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 19-23 degrees, humidity 40%, wind strong NW 30 kmph
Week:  34.9 km,  Dec:  237.2 km,  Year: 3029.7 km

The shop at Cadbury's was closed today, but the ladies outside the Berriedale caravan park were selling cherries & raspberries. I should have stopped but had no money & no pockets to carry them.
A nice day in Hobart, but very windy so the pace was slow.
Heaps of people out enjoying a walk with their dogs, a picnic on the grass overlooking the Derwent River or just keeping the kids active. I was the only one actually running,
I ran from Prince of Wales Bay behind Elwick race course to Berriedale, out to Cadbury's front gate and back. Tried to stay off the main road & managed to find some nice dirt tracks beside the river.
So, back & resting, very lucky brother-in-law works at the Cadbury's  factory, so there might be some lying about somewhere.

Past 3000 km

Today:
Distance:  14.8 km
Time: 84' 52"
Rate: 5' 44" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 22 degrees, humidity 30%, wind WNW 20 kmph
Week:  14.8 km,  Dec:  217.1 km,  Year:  3009.6 km

Easy run this morning along edge of Derwent River towards Berriedale and near the Cadbury Hobart marathon course.
I had intended loading a map but Garmin showed me walking on water again, I'm not that good.
Many people out enjoying the day with the smell from the BBQ's drifting on the breeze.
A bit of outside gardening to help out today, otherwise watch the cricket from the MCG.
Passed the 3000 kms mark for the year in a year of very little in the middle months. This is well down on what will need to be covered in 2012.
A few good ultras planned, so looking forward to the year ahead.

Christmas Eve & No Santa Sightings

Today:
Distance:  28.05 km 
Time: 3 hrs 28 mins 20 secs
Rate: 7' 25" per km
Elevation gain: 570 metres
Weather: sunny, nice day, temp range 15-25 degrees, humidity 80% down to 40%, wind calm
Week:  58.1 km,  Dec:  202.3 km,  Year:  2994.8 km

I ran with Softshoe over the Tour de Ridges course checking for any missed signs from last week's event, none found. We left my home heading to Gowrie and Wanniassa Hills at Fadden.
Then crossing Farrer ridge & trig, we met Sue B at Athllon Dr stopping for a short chat.
Farrer underpass into Isaacs, we made the steep up hill onto Isaacs ridge to exit on to long Gully Road. Then around the back of MacArthur to run down Isabella Dr past Fadden pines and back home. Certainly enough distance today, but a necessary start to next year's program.
heaps of people about walking and running, great to see.
Very enjoyable run even it was rather warm at the finish.
I hope all of you that read this blog have and safe and happy Christmas.
Stay safe, fit and healthy. may your 2012 plans all come together as you wish.

The Crowd Should Have Been Shopping

Today:
Distance: 8.9 km
Time:  50' 34"
Rate:  5' 41" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 27 degrees, humidity 38%, wind calm
Week: 30.05 km,   Dec:  174.25 km
Year:  2966.75 km in 51 weeks at ave 58.17 kms

The beach was loaded by non shoppers. May be they have done it all, or like me, don't shop at all.
A nice day today, ran mid afternoon due to a late start/late finish split shift with lunch well after normal lunch times.
Therefore, it's a graze all day rather than a proper meal time. Good way to eat.
Finished this short run with a good 30 minutes session in the gym.
Next year, these gym sessions will have to make way for more week day's running. Or I become better at time management, and still do it all.

Easy Does It, then Thunder

Today:
Distance: 6.6 km
Time: 36' 55"
Rate:  5' 35" per km
Weather: part sun/cloud, temp 22 degrees, humidity 55%, wind sthly 5 kmph
Week:   21.15 km,  Dec:  165.35 km,  Year: 2957.85 km

Another nothing type run just to get out into the fresh air. The dark clouds with thunder were threatening, but didn't produce any rain.
Simple run to the river and back, stopped for 10 nice minutes in the cool water.
Tried to get some gym time in but a bus breakdown put that to an end. A trip with a full load of Christmas shoppers soon made we realise it's that time of year.

Almost Not Worth The Effort

Today:
Distance:  5.1 km
Time:  28'19"
Rate: 5' 33" per km
Weather: cloudy, temp 20 degrees, humidity 60%, wind NE 10 kmph
Week:  14.55 km,  Dec:  158.85 km,  Year:  2951.25 km

Easy, just a nice outing to river and back. It's time the clouds cleared so we can see some sunshine soon or summer will be over, and I missed it.
Mother-in-law died today aged 89. A good innings for a smoking, non active lady. Will now be Hobart for Christmas instead of at home.
Running, as low key as it is at present, will be put on hold for a week or so.

Maintenance Mode

Today:
Distance:  9.45 km
Time:  55' 18"
Rate: 5' 51" per km
Weather: part sun/cloud, temp 21 degrees, humidity 60%, wind light north 10 kmph
Week:  9.45 km,  Dec:  153.75 km,  Year:  2946.15 km

Never let a chance go by. Easy at work this morning, every one turned up, so I had little to do.
A chance to get out while the weather held, a comfortable run around the back of Bonython houses including that steep hill at the Woodcock Dr end. It's a bugger, looks reasonable, but it's not.
Ran better than the time suggests, happy to be able to trot along without actually needing to focus on a purpose. A little more sunshine would be nice.
Finished with an hour in the gym. The session went well, and I'm starting to feel some benefit, even if it doesn't show. That's not the purpose.
I had to work late this afternoon, but that was a nice pleasant drive with not many about. Must be still in the shops or buying on-line. Or not buying at all.

Started Out Looking Good, then....

Today:
Nothing, zilch,
Weather: rain, showers, crappy

The prospects of getting some running and/or gym done looking promising this morning when I started work.
Just a couple of hours to cover for another who had to take his child to the doctor. Nothing serious, just kid's sickness.
However, as doctors tend to be late even for the first appointment, nothing goes to plan.
Covered as requested, nothing too difficult even in the rain this morning combined with heaps of traffic.
Back at depot, told to have quick lunch. And, is 15 minutes enough time to get to Belconnen. No problem, this bus goes like a Ferrari. No such luck, get every red traffic light, and bus is as slow as...
Five hours later, finished for the day and the enthusiasm has gone along with the energy levels.
Plan B, call it a rest/recovery day, a hope tomorrow will be better, time wise. Dry day, time available, so will need to push the gym session. That part I missed today, the running side is still in maintenance mode.

Touring de Ridges

Today:
Distance:  14.8 km
Time: 120' 45"
Rate: 8' 10" per km
Elevation gain: 450 metres
Weather: cloudy, temp range 12-16 degrees, humidity 75% down to 60%, wind mostly calm
Week:   51.00 km,  Dec: 144.3 km, Year:  2936.7 km

Due to a lack of fitness & energy levels, I decided not to run but to help out at the annual Tour de Ridges mountain running event starting from Mawson Playing Fields this morning. Instead, Softshoe joined me in cleaning up after every one had gone.
Being the sweeper/ sign collector means no pressure to run hard or fast. Just amble along chatting and waiting for the competitors to pass.
I checked out the new MacArthur loop to start to ensure no signs had been moved or turned around to mislead the runners. Then collected the signs on Isaacs ridge where only the 21 km runners had to complete the figure 8 course.
Another good field over the three events with around 170 entrants. That's good for a final hit out before the Christmas festivities.

On Track at Calwell Oval

Today:
Distance:  10.9 km
Time:  55' 26"
Rate:  5' 05 " per km
Weather: sunny, temp 24 degrees, humidity 40%, wind light NE at 10 kmph
Week:  36.2 km,  Dec:  129.5 km,  Year:  2921.9 km

While the clouds were still  lingering about this morning, I mowed the grass, blew the leaves away, and tried to tidy the garden & yard a bit to at least make it respectable for Christmas.
In the afternoon, the sun came out, the temps warmed up and I decided to run to Calwell Oval to check out lane 5.
After Ewen's glowing praise during the week, I couldn't resist a few laps. The grass surface is so good at the moment, it would have to be the best grass track in Canberra.
Lane 5, 15 laps bare feet, change direction after each 5 laps after a quick drink. Nothing too fast about the pace, more cruise tempo if that exists in the running books.
So nice to be able to run at average 4' 47" for the 6.65 kms in 31' 48" without feeling the pinch.
I need to maintain a plan of getting to the oval on a regular basis just for pace purposes as well as get used to track running again. Pity Coburg's event in April is not on grass.

No Connection

Today:
Distance:  8.6 km
Time:  51' 08"
Rate:  5' 58" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 21 degrees, humidity 40%, wind calm
Week:  25.3 km,  Dec:  118.6 km,  Year:  2911.00 km

The head was willing & enjoying the sunny day. The legs & energy levels said " not today".
So it was a nothing outing, nice to be out after the weather we have had. But as a run, obviously there is still some Bruny Is yet to disappear.
Looks like next week before the freshness returns. I'm collecting signs & dropped bodies on Sunday at Tour de Ridges, so that won't be too much.
I'll rest on Friday, hit the gym if I get the chance. Quite like the challenge in there, no way will I bulk up too much, if at all. Just a little stronger I hope.

No Water

Today:
Distance:  6.45 km
Time:  37' 02"
Rate: 5' 43" per km
Weather: part sun/cloud, temp 19 degrees, humidity 40%, wind light SE 5 kmph
Week:  16.7 km,  Dec: 110.00 km,  Year:  2902.4 km

ACTEW decided that a 1 hour shut off of water to repair a water main could easily be drawn out to 5 or 6 hours. All business's in our work street were without water today from around 9:30 am until late afternoon.
Bit of a problem when our organisation has around 300 employees in and out constantly during the day. A problem for me as well as I didn't run or go into the gym yesterday, so today I was desperate to get something done that involved sweat.
A shower was out, a wash was out. I could have gone to the Tuggie Fire Station and asked to be washed down, but decided, may be not.
Instead, a short run, just around the nature park & river area near work. Stopped for a splash & dash in the river to remove the sweat. Considerable amount to dirty rain water in there, so not all that clean except the sweat had gone.
A slow 30 minutes in the gym as well as some chin ups in the bus during the day and it seemed I accomplished something today.
Under 100 kms to get done now before the end of the month.
Ewen, Calwell oval hopefully will get used quite often during summer. The grass was really nice last time I was down there back in early November. Need to get used to going around and around in circles.

Back !

Today:
Distance:  10.25 km
Time:  61' 03"
Rate:  5' 58" per km
Weather: part sun/cloud, temp 21 degrees, humidity 60&, wind light NE 10 kmph
Week:  10.25 km,  Dec:  103.55 km,  Year: 2895.95 km

Back in town, back at work, back into a routine. Easy does it for the rest of this year. Only goal now is to run the final 100 and a bit kms to pass 3000 for the year on what has been a funny, mixed up running year.
Obviously still feeling the effects of Bruny Is run. Started out Ok, ran slow controlled pace for 4-5 kms, then energy gave out. Nothing unusual here, the 2nd week after an ultra whether just over a marathon or really long is the tough week. And most likely to cause an injury or sickness when immune system is still under pressure to repair.
So take it carefully slow, just enough to maintain momentum.
Nothing special about the run around the nature park near the river. the grass desperately needs cut, snake country otherwise not easy to see. A nice blue tongued lizard on the path wouldn't move, enjoying a brief patch of sunshine.
Janene, if you read this, I still can't comment on your blog. Not sure what to advise on where you are with your running. Except, speed and distance don't mix. Injury waiting to happen. At this moment, either one or the other. But you can't have a speed base without a big distance( aerobic ) base.
Second, stay off the hard surfaces, they are for cars and the occasional short race. They will stuff muscles, ligaments, tendons & joints in the long run. Do your training on grass or dirt. Only close to a target road race should you venture on to hard surfaces.
Stay with the track running until summer is over. Then build a distance base over winter & run a nice half marathon in spring. The vet's handicaps over winter plus a bit of tempo running will maintain the speed you build during summer.
For me, I'll pick up the distance running in the new year ready for next target ultra in April. I already have my plan set for next year. The Saturday long runs are pencilled in until mid April. A couple of weeks easy in May on holiday ( again) before the next target ultra in July, unless other factors interfere.
The 2nd half of the year will be just a big training session mixed in with some shorter races plus the vet's handicaps for speed.

More Sand

Today:
Distance: 8.3 km
Time:  43' 21"
Rate:  5' 16" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 20 degrees, humidity 82%, wind light NE 15 kmph
Week:  25.65 km,  Dec: 93.3 km,  Year:  2885.7 km

Similar easy run along Ulverstone beach. Tide out today, so sand a bit firmer than yesterday.
Nice day again, finished run with 15 minutes in the sea.
I still have sore hammies, but seem to be getting better. Really need to get some a proper stretching plan back into place. No doubt, back at work next week, a routine will develop.
That's all the running in Tassie this trip, and not sure when I will be back.

Ulverstone Beach

Today:
Where:  Ulverstone, Tas.
Distance:   10.05 km
Time:  52' 38"
Rate: 5' 14" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 19 degrees, humidity 66%, wind NNE 24 kmph, sea temp 15 degrees.
Week:  17.35 km,  Dec:  85.00 km,  Year:  2877.4 km

Lovely day in NW Tassie today, sunny, cool but nice wind off the sea.
A recovery run along the beach today, nothing special with only a few others out walking. The tide was high, going out, so a bit of soft sand running.
Finished with 15 minutes in the cool waters of Bass Strait which I think is the best recovery there is. A mixture of salt water & cool temps make the legs feel great.
The surf club had set up the beach flags so I did the right thing and waded & splashed between them.
Same again tomorrow if I get the opportunity.

On The Move Again

Today:
Where: Hobart, Tas
Distance: 7.3 km
Time:42' 50"
Rate: 5' 52" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 18 degrees, humidity 55%, wind cool SE 15 kmph
Week: 7.3 km, Dec: 74.95 km,  Year:  2867.35 km

A couple of days to recover mixed in with bad weather & I seemed to have recovered Ok at this stage. It will take a few weeks but there is nothing much on until next year.
At Tour de Ridges back in Canberra, I help out some how either on a drink station or collecting signs as the sweeper. The traditional Boxing Day run up Mt Rob Roy will be on again, but that is always a fun outing to run off the Christmas calories.
Today, as the map shows was around the back of the Elwick race course on the road the Hobart marathon follows from the turn around at the 34 km mark.
The course shows I ran on water ( again) but, there are 3 new walk bridges across the inlet. They have been built during the winter and make it nice not to be so close to the busy Brooker Hwy. I would think the marathon would still use the main road, pity.
Finally the wind has dropped & the sun is shining, a really nice day on the banks of the Derwent River.
Last run here in Hobart, we move up north tomorrow before going across Bass Strait on Saturday night, home in Canberra on Sunday afternoon.

Start Together Or Finish Together ?

Today:
Running - Nil

I'll run tomorrow if the weather is kind.

I haven't thought about running since Saturday. The weather has been crap, may be typical Tasmanian at this time of the year. We haven't seen the sun, it's been cloudy with light intermittent showers and cold winds.
Jog raised an interesting point about the race at Bruny Island. There is no set start time.
You can start any time after 4:30 am ( just before daylight). But every one has to be finished by 2:30 pm in time for the 30 minute drive to the presentation area at the Alonnah Hotel.
This raises many thoughts about whether it is a race or a time trial.
Advantages:
Race directors have everyone finished at or before a known time, many finishing in groups as the fastest ones catch the slower ones near the finish line.
Therefore, everyone is available & present at presentations. The solo runners as well as the relay runners in this case make up a crowd of around 150 people. Otherwise, presentations could be held 4-5 hours earlier to a crowd of 20. Only those present may be able to collect the random prize draw.
The slower solo runners especially can start early and will have more time to make cut off times. They will also be benefited by others catching them, passing on best wishes as they did, at a time in the event when you need all the help you can get.
The faster runners also benefit by having early starters to chase, setting up small goals over long periods of time. Otherwise, they charge off after a group start with no one in front and set their own targets.
Some runners don't like the pressure of racing in long ultras and have to refrain from going out too fast with the pack. This way, they don't fall for the fast start, slow finish, set their own pace without the pressure.
With self help in this event, the many cars on the road are spread out over a long distance, not clogging up country roads.
Sure it's lonely at the start, but then, around the other way, it's even more lonely out there buggered, every one else has finished, many have gone home, and you are still going.
Disadvantages:
Is it a race or a time trial ? If it's a race, then there is some one else around you to complete against, not just the clock.
This event has a very narrow start area at the jetty, so with solo runners and relay runners all gathering around, with their crews in cars, it would be a shambles & dangerous.
Many slow runners would only see the better faster runners from behind as they head up the hill never to be seen again. I once ran Burnie 10 km with Steve Monagetti in the field, never saw him at all, group start as normal. Relay teams would also be the same, fast start.
In some cases, this is a great way to conduct the event. I couldn't imagine a normal race up to marathon distance going this way. But longer than this, it seems logical.
In effect, Six Foot Track and City to Surf does the same thing. Seeded & faster runners start before others, therefore, your actual placing is not known until well after the race is finished. This is reverse SFT or C2S.
Interesting exercise in this case, would Coast to Kozi be more interesting with a set finish time ? I suppose all events have a set finish time with time limits.
Many standing on top of Australia as one, wouldn't that be nice instead of being up their solo, freezing in the dark and trying to celebrate.
In effect, the winner at C2K has finished 12- 16 hours before the last runner. Will all competitors wait around for presentations after the last runner has finished ?

Bruny Island Ultra Run

Where:
Bruny Island, southern Tasmania
Distance:  64.00 kms
Time: 7 hrs 18 mins 43 secs
Rate: 6' 51" per km
Elevation gain:  900 metres
Elevation loss: 850 metres
Weather: cloudy, cool, temp range 12 - 15 degrees, humidity 60% to 50%, wind at start NW 20 kmph up to SW 30 kmph, gusts to 55 kmph at finish
Week:  73.7 km,  Dec: 67.65 km, Year: 2860.05 km

As expected all the weather season all day. I decided to start at 6:30 am as there is no set time to start. Daylight is before 5 am so a few slower solo runners were off and running very early. Every one must be finished at the southern end at the lighthouse by 2:30 pm.
One other solo runner also started at the same time and we chatted for about 25 kms before splitting up as each walked or stopped for eats & drinks.
The first part immediately after leaving the Dennes Point jetty is 2.5 kms of up hill. However feeling fresh, we ran all of this on good gravel road that lasted 12 kms. Course turned undulating in this part with us now meeting cars with runners and support crew obviously starting later then we had.
The course after 12 kms turns left on to the main sealed road that basically heads south to the lighthouse. No need to mark the course as there are only two more right hand turns to worry about. The race director marks the 2 km points to allow safe changeover for the relay runners. Some are out a bit but this is only to find a clear area for cars to park.
The road section last around 30 kms, and as it's not my favourite surface, I struggled with both hammies saying they were not happy. This slowed me quite considerably as my early running partner, Marie, scooted away never to be seen again until the finish.
I was feeling good apart from the hammies, and continued to run although slowly dropping time on a rough projected time of 6 and half hours. This would have been just over 6 min per km pace.
Eating and running was fine, it's been a long time since any real long distance running except a training outing from Cotter to Bull's Head and back.
I have worked out that the lack of a winter base of solid distance kms cannot be made up in 2-3 months, but this run takes me forward in this department.
The weather began to deteriorate quickly with the wind changing from NW to cold southerly. The rain started and I added a long sleeved shirt and wrapped the spray jacket around my waist. Hands and fingers got cold, something I dislike when out running.
There was no shelter from the wind as we left the flat sea level part at the Neck and ran past  hilly last 20 kms past Alonnah and Lunawanna towards the national park.
The fast solo runners and the relay teams and their support crews all went past, very friendly towards us solo runners. We had numbers ( me No 14) but the relays didn't. Excellent encouragement from all around us as they must have know how tough it was especially battling the southerly winds now blowing at near gale force.
First sighting of the lighthouse, the final destination is about 5 kms away. Plenty of up and down to negotiate before hand, but the finish is there, just around the next, or the next corner.
Upon entering the last few kms, the wind was horrendous, nor keeping the hat on. The last 500 metres is climbing the narrow track up to the lighthouse, really not that runnable after having travelled almost 64 kms.
Touched the building, number recorded by cold and frozen helpers. Someone kindly took my picture to remind me I had finished as well as the certificate handed out to keep.
A quick drink, then down the steps to the car. Very painful getting down, not the quads as expected but the hammies & glutes. A problem I haven't had before.
Presentations at Hotel Bruny at Alonnah, a km from where we were staying at Mrs TF's niece's holiday shack.
Won a $ 20 gift voucher on a running store in Hobart. Might just frame that instead of using it. Back to the shack afterwards, the weather now terrible and not worth the travel back to Hobart across the channel on the ferry.
We lit the fire, had some dinner and off to bed before the sun has set. It didn't get dark until after 9:30, but I was asleep in no time. Almost 12 hours snooze, and I feel good today, except the hammies don't like the siting down.

Last Run For The Mental Side

Today:
Distance: 3.65 km
Time: 19' 15"
Rate: 5' 15" per km
Weather: sunny, cool, temp 13 degrees, humidity 40%, wind SE 25 kmph
Week: 11.7 km,  Dec: 3.65 km, Year: 2796.05 km

Jog around he block just to settle the nerves.
The next hurdle is the short ferry trip across to Bruny Is. It's only a 15 minutes crossing, but even on a calm day, the waves will break over the front of the flat bottomed ferry.
Ready to go otherwise, just recharge the Garmin, turn auto pause off & reread Race Director's instructions. Carbo load, hydrate & get some sleep.
Next read of this will be race report hopefully on Saturday afternoon if I can get a mobile broadband   connection.