Two Fruits

Saturday, March 31, 2012

End of Month & Quarter

Today:
Distance:  31.2 km
Time: 3 hrs 49 mins 29 secs
Rate: 7' 21" per km
Weather: sunny, temp range 7-18 degrees, humidity 95% down to 70%, wind calm
Week: 93.55 km, 
March: 500.8 kms in 29/31 days at ave 17.27 km per run day
Year:  1337.1 kms in 13 weeks at ave 102.85 kms p.w.
Year:  1337.1 kms in 3 months at ave 445.7 kms p.m.

I ran/walked & struggled a bit with Softshoe over a reverse of last week's Two Fruit's loop. A run that covered Wanniassa Hills in parts, not too many hills, but when up high, the views were great over the Tuggeranong valley.
The figures above show where I am at, and hopefully I have done enough to get thru a 24 hour event in 2 week's time.
At today's pace, I could get close to 195 kms, but that won't happen even on a flat track. We will wait and see how the taper goes and if I have what it takes on the day.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Recharging & Recording

Today:
Run 1 - Distance: 12.8 kms in 75'45" at 5' 54"
Weather: sunny, temp 21 degrees, humidity 45%, wind calm
Run 2 - Distance:  3.15 kms in 16' 07" at 5' 09"
Weather: dark, temp 17 degrees, humidity 60%, wind calm
Week:  62.35 km, March:  470.6 km,  Year:  1305.9 km

I tried out the recharger on the move to go with my Garmin. At Coburg 24 hour, I would like to record all the  full time & distance, but the Garmin 310 XT has only 20 hours (or less ) of battery life.
Before Christmas, I bought a recharger that will allow the Garmin to increase battery life while still recording current activities. Worked a treat, so now I can safely get thru any event I wish to record.
First run, the test, was just down to Pine Is and back from home in the morning. Nothing special, a nice day to run.
Second run, late in afternoon, almost dark was from work to Pine Is for 12 minutes of cool water therapy to assist the legs with tomorrow's run.
Both good, each served a specific purpose.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

A Mixture

Today:
Run 1: Distance - 4.95 km in 24' 20" at 4'55"
Weather: sunny, temp 21 degrees, humidity 50%, wind calm
Run 2: Distance - 7.75 km in 39' 43" at 5' 07"
Weather: dark, temp 17 degrees, humidity 60%, wind calm
Week;  46.4 km,  March:  453.65 km, Year: 1289.95 km

A bit of a mixed day under time pressure, but didn't really do anything. A sleep in in the morning, afternoon/evening at work, so a late( ish) finish. Climbed out of bed at 9:30, then quick get ready and off to do some shopping.
Finished at Annaconda outdoors shops, bought some chairs for the caravan. On the way home, Mrs TF dropped me off on the Monaro Hwy and I ran the last almost 5 kms to home ( Run 1). Off then to work.
Filled in 4 hours with bus driving, then finished for the night. Ran a lap of Lake Tuggeranong ( Run 2) in the dark at good tempo pace and didn't fall over. A mighty surprise as I didn't have a lamp or torch.
A short session in the gym. Arms, shoulders & chest a little sore from last night's effort, but I have to do what I can when the opportunity comes my way.
A good day, didn't do much, but I did was quality (by my standard).

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Gym Workout

Today:
Distance: 9.0 km
Time:  51' 05"
Rate:  5' 40" per km
Weather: inside air conditioned plus fan, temp 22 degrees
Week:  33.7 km,   March:  440.95 km,  Year:  1277.25 km

It rained this morning so I was going to call a rest day. So far, 2 days off this month because I'm not chasing any running streaks. The prize of using lane 5 at Calwell oval to celebrate reaching 100 continuous days has not been taken up. Although the grass does need a trim asap.
Almost everyone turned up at work this afternoon,  I only had to do 3 hours of work, then dinner time and gym time.
A reluctant use of the treadmill to start with a 5 km warm up, then my usual weights circuit session with another 1 km of running after 2 circuits. No real breaks tonight, an almost non stop session of cardio & weights combined. It could have been one of those CrossFit sessions, a sweaty exhausting workout over 1 and half hours.
Put in another 2 kms of running after circuit No 4, then a faster 1 km to finish. Almost didn't hear the call from the supervisor downstairs to tell me to go home early, I was in my own world at the time.
Good session, a nice surprise to be able to get it done when the other nights at work have finished after midnight.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Monday & Tuesday

Monday:
Distance:  11.65 kms in 65' 30" at 5' 37" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 17 degrees, humidity 65%, wind calm
Today:  13.05 kms in 75' 56" at 5' 49" per km
Weather: cloudy, temp 18 degrees, humidity 65%, wind calm
Week:  24.7 km,  March: 431.95 km,  Year:  1268.25 km

Similar conditions on Monday & today although the sun did shine yesterday. Looks like an afternoon shower today.
Both really just "fun" running, although yesterday was the recovery run as I headed to Pine Is for 12 minutes in the cool water of the river. Nothing else to report, a nice day.
Today, a bit harder as I ran to the undulating fire trail behind Theodore, then down Tharwa Dr into Gordon before heading home.
It took a while today to get moving, may be the cooler start although the temperature gauge said otherwise.
It's easing back time now so don't expect anything startling, fast or long. Time to refresh, some rest days from now on, not much more to be gained by pushing hard.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Stromlo Forest Park

Today:
Total distance: 22.05 kms in 120'00 mins at ave 5' 35" per km
Made up of:
Walk/jog assist to mark course: 2.15 kms in 20'00" at 9' 18"
Jog back to start: 2.10 kms in 10' 22" at 4' 56"
Jog to turn around & back: 650 metres in 3' 19" at 5' 06"
Race: 8.0 kms in 36' 44" at 4' 36"
Started group 34, finished 33rd - happy with that.
West Stromlo - check May course: 9.15 kms in 52' 35" at 5' 45"
Weather: part sun/cloud, temp range 8-14 degrees, humidity 80% down to 65%, wind calm
Week: 104.95 kms,  March: 407.25 kms, Year:  1243.55 kms

Monthly vet's handicap at Stromlo Forest Park on the grass running track. The gravel section over to Cotter Road is unusable due to erosion and lack of maintenance.
Long course changed to an out and back double loop, so all on the grass. Surface in good condition although softness caused quads to be a bit sore after the race.
After leaving SFP, drove up to top of Mt Stromlo, parked the car at the locked gate and ran down to the start area for the May handicap. This was changed last year, again due to lack of track maintenance & erosion.
Ran the reverse way of the full loop. First 1 km or so is rutted and washed away but runnable, the rest is Ok.
Tough day after the racing, but any kms done are valuable, however tired you are.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Two Fruits Loop

Today:
Distance:  31.35 km
Time:  3 hrs 32 mins 16 secs
Rate:  6' 46" per km
Altitude gain/loss:  509 metres
Weather: sunny, temp range 8-14 degrees, humidity 65% down to 50%, wind NW 5 km to west 15 kmph
Week:  82.9 km,  March:  385.2 km,
Year:  1221.5 kms in 12 weeks at ave 101.8 kms p.w.

An easing back, not quite tapering, of the long run this weekend. Met up with Softshoe on the fire trail behind Theodore then we did a varied version of what we call the Two Fruits loop.
Basically, we go behind the houses of Chisholm and Gilmore to Isabella Dr. This time we headed to Fadden Pines, over to Karralika then up on to Wanniassa Hills to leave it on Long Gully Road.
A short circuit into Isaacs, then underpass to Farrer, a few trails in there before heading to Fadden.
Down thru Gowrie to Ashley Dr and back home.
Tried to keep the hills out of the run as much as possible, but we live in hill country. Still climbed up and down 500 metres, all good.
The ACT mountain running championships are on this afternoon, but I have too much else to do. Weather should be perfect for everyone on Mt Tennent.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Not Enough ?

Today:
Distance:  12.00 km
Time;  68' 52"
Rate: 5' 44" per km
Weather: sun/cloud, temp 16 degrees, humidity 50%, wind cool west 25 kmph
Week:  51.55 km,  March:  353.85 km,  Year:  1190.15 km

With 3 weeks to go before my next major event, the thoughts start as to " have I done enough"
The real thinking should be " time to taper". Mostly we think that enough has not been done.
But, mostly we have a big enough base to get through whatever distance/event has been entered.
There is no point now doing the big last run, or too many speed sessions at top pace.
However, it's not time to stop either. Today for me, just another run to keep the legs and mind active.
Unless your name is Phibes, in which case will continue to churn out big weekly totals & not taper for Coburg. His next real event is in May, overseas.  Wonder if he gets a nana nap in the afternoon.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Finding Time

Today:
Distance:  13.35  km
Time:  75' 45"
Rate: 5' 40" per km
Weather: cloudy, cool, temp 14 degrees, humidity 75%, wind SW 5 kmph
Week:  39.55 km, March:  341.85 km, Year:  1178.15 km

Day time running today during a split shift after I jokingly threatened to take Friday off work to go for a run. After work running after 12 hours at work don't make for good sessions.
Today, I ran the suburbs and along the river track at comfortable pace.
Nothing special except on the river track between Point Hut and Pine Is near the bridge, a wombat has been very busy digging a hole. It has two entrances, plenty of soft brown dirt has been moved, and doubt there is a very nice lounge room, kitchen & bedroom underground.
Otherwise, a big change to be running in such cool conditions. Looks like autumn is here & winter is not far away. Bugger !!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Run / Walk Plan

Today:
Distance: 13.00 km
Time: 82' 16"
Rate: 6' 20" per km
Weather: sun/cloud, temp 22 degrees, humidity 60%, wind calm
Week:  26.2 km,  March:  328.5 km,  Year:  1164.8 km

The first 3 days of this week, work wise, have not fitted in with any of my running plan. I didn't run on Monday, called it a rest day.
Same shift at work Tuesday and today, almost a 10 hour work day with under an hour in the city for lunch. No time there to do anything except a few exercises in the bus. Chin ups & sit ups are a good stand by when not much else is possible.
Yesterday I ran after work, may be freshened up from the day off. Today very flat with no go in the legs.
I changed the purpose of the session around and turned it in to a practice effort for the 24 hour. With an alarm going off in the morning just after 5 o'clock, start work this week at 6:15, the day is over half way gone by the time I set out late this afternoon.
I knew there was not much in the tank. Plan B, make something of the outing. At 12 hours gone at Coburg, no doubt I will be tired. I put the 20 min run/ 5 mins walk plan into action over the undulating hills around the back of Theodore & Conder.
It made for a slow km rate, but time was not important today.
Some good ideas gained today out of a nothing run.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Mighty Murrumbidgee River

Today:
Distance:  13.2 km
Time:  74' 49"
Rate:  5' 40" per km
Weather: sunny, late afternoon, temp 22 degrees, humidity 55%, wind light NE 10 kmph
Week:  13.2 km,  March:  315.5 km,  Year:  1151.8 km

This picture was taken a couple of weeks ago at Point Hut crossing, closed by the huge amount of water, as we had 200 mils of rain in a couple of days. Now that water has subsided and moved down stream. First to Wagga Wagga and now it's down to Hay. Both have been inundated by our water.
The river at Pine Island tonight is still high, well above normal levels, but at least the flow rate is slower. Some people were in the water having a swim, close to the bank, or paddling their kayaks.
A late afternoon run after work, no time during the day with a short meal break in the city.
It was nice as I ran to Pine Is and back. Easy pace a it took a few kms to get moving. Combine a reasonable distance of kms over the weekend plus a day off running, it's a bit of a struggle to get going again.
Time to get really moving with only 3 plus a few days before Coburg. Upping the kms to just under peak for me. Still will be way under what Phibes is intending to get done, unbelievable, and way beyond what I could handle, both physically & mentally.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Stromlo Forest Park

Today:
Distance: 15.2 km
Time: 81 '02'
Rate: 5' 20" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 15 degrees, humidity 65%, wind cool SSE 15 kmph
Week: 125.2 km, March: 302.3 km, Year: 1138.6 km

Erosion from all our recent rain has resulted in the Cotter Road dirt section of the long course for next weekend's monthly handicap being canned.
The sub committee have decided to now have a double out and back of 4 kms each all on the grass running track, with the short course events to stay the same.
I ran and checked this morning while about 200 cyclists on the Big Canberra Bike Ride were having a rest at the venue. Luckily we decided  not to move our handicap events to this weekend as requested to avoid a clash with the track & field championships next weekend.
The grass track is in perfect condition, soft enough to run a few laps bare feet, short enough to assist not hinder performance. With good weather during the week, the front markers will need to run fast to stop the backies from collecting the medals.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Cotter to Bulls Head

Today:
Distance:  55.35 km
Time: 6 hrs 42 mins 57 secs
Rate: 7' 17" per km
Altitude gain/loss: 1582 metres
Weather: mostly cloudy, temp range 16-21 degrees, humidity 75% down to 55%, wind mostly calm
Week: 110.00 kms,  March: 287.1 km
Year:  1123.4 kms in 11 weeks at ave 102.1 kms

Cotter run No 157  with Martin & Michael. Others I guess saving themselves for Weston creek half marathon on Sunday. Or this would have been too tough, and it was.
We started at usual place at the Cotter, headed past Pierces settlement to Vanities Crossing where the changes are very obvious. The road is now closed a couple of kms before, rocks have been placed to prevent any trail bikes getting into the water.
Water depth is mid thigh height, so quite deep & still fast flowing over the weir. Not yet cold & very refreshing. Two of us took our shoes & socks off but with water over Warks Road in a couple of places further on, there was no point really.
Unusual to see water on Warks Road but there has been plenty of rain, more falling now as I write.
On past DS7 yellow gate, we turned up on to Old Mill road. That had water as well and is in a rocky deteriorated condition.
Finally on to Mt Franklin Road, we headed to Bulls Head a couple of kms to the south. At this point we had well and truly passed 1300 metres in height, but it wasn't cold. In fact a nice day in the mountains.
Down Bendorra Dam Road, closed to rock falls & erosion ( again), we turned on to Warks Road. The pace was a bit quicker as we finally had a good gravel surface to run on. At the old DS6 spot, we continued straight on on the Upper Cotter Road to exit just up from DS8 ( relay changeover) cutting off around 5 kms from the way we had came up.
Upper Cotter Road has a significant steep down hill of about 300 metres, much care needed to get down safely, we did.
At DS8, we decided to make up some of that lost distance, heading off to the right on a track opposite the 21 mile turn. That finished at 1.5 kms due to overgrowth & no maintenance, return back to main fire trail.
Straight through now to Vanities Crossing and over Ma & Pa to the finish.
A nice day weather wise, good conditions, very tiring with lots of hills. We walked many of them, but also ran as we could to get the benefit.
Thanks to Martin & Michael for their company, it's too hard to do alone.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Back Home & Business as Usual

Thursday:
Distance:10.1 kms in 53' 40" at ave 5' 19" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 24 degrees, humidity 55%, wind north 15 kmph
Today:
Distance:  12.75 km
Time: 1 hr 13 mins 52 secs
Rate: 5' 47" per km
Weather: cloudy, temp 23 degrees, humidity 65%, wind NW 10 kmph
Week:  54.65 km, March: 231.75 km,  Year: 1068.05 km

Five days away is a bit short for a real holiday, but it's enough for a change of scenery.
Back in town, back to work at night this week.
A nice easy flat run from home on Thursday, just enough to roll the legs over after travelling all day on Wednesday.
Today, just as easy, but hilly as I did the outside of Tuggie Hill. A nice day today, cloudy but running conditions were nice.
Nothing special to report except Calwell oval has been mowed, but so soon it again needs a trim. Grass is growing fast, but underneath it's in great shape. Would be nice for a bare feet streaker run at night. Any takers among the 100 club ?

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Stockton Beach

Where: Stockton Beach near Newcastle, NSW

Saturday:  12.9 kms in 70' 29" at 5' 28" per km
Sunday:  11.95 kms in 79' 07" at 6'37" per km
Monday: 8.55 kms in 46'33" at 5' 27" per km
Tuesday: 23.25 kms in 1 hr 57 mins 39 secs at 5' 04" per km
Weather: sunny on Sat, cloudy on Sunday, sunny on Monday & Tuesday, temp range from 19-23 degrees, humidity always high from 65% to 80%, wind southerly for couple of days, then easterly off the sea at 10 kmph, sea temp 22 degrees.
Week: 31.8 kms, March:  208.9 kms,  Year:  1045.2 km

We have been here for 4 days while the caravan gets an annexe made. It will be fitted on Wednesday morning, then we drive back home to Canberra in the afternoon.
Running on the beach here, so bare feet as expected, clothing only that required to stop being arrested. So good to be free to just run.
The beach is not the best in Australia to run on. It's much better than most but not as good as Gold Coast, East Ulverstone in Tas, Hervey Bay in Qld or Evans Head in northern NSW.
The first part near the caravan park is firm sand, a flattish slope and Ok until it gets past the surf club where it gets really soft and the slope is quite noticeable.
The run on Sunday was in much of this soft sand as the tide was high, a really slow run, very tough on the legs. But good in the long term.
Today, with a longer run planned was up and down the first 2 kms. So 9 laps of the beach finishing with a run out to the end of the breakwater for a bit of sightseeing. The big coal carrying boats come in to the river here, a good view especially at night. Plenty of activity, turnaround time is very short.
It will be disappointing to leave here, I could get used to this place but not in school holidays or other busy times of the year. Kids, kids & more kids.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

The Weather Claims Victims

Today:
Distance:  11.7 km
Time:  68' 09"
Rate:  5' 50" per km
Weather: cloudy, temp 16 degrees, humidity 70%, wind southerly 15 kmph
Week;  62.15 km,  March:  146.45 km,  Year:  982.75 km

For over a decade the weather didn't play much of a part in our lives in this part of Australia. It didn't rain, we watched every drop of water that was available & umbrellas & gum boots were gathering dust. We had a decade of drought & never factored rain into plans.
In the last few years, & more recently, the weather has changed with much more rain, storms & instability in the weather patterns.
Unfortunately, Six Foot Track has been cancelled for this year for the first time in it's history. I have started & finished the event 12 times in some ordinary conditions at times. But mostly low clouds & fog were the limiting factor. We did have some very warm days, especially when the race went along the road towards Caves House before the run turned back into the bush near the cabins.
Mostly the Coxes River was very low, the rocks just up from the rope crossing were high and dry. Biggest problem getting the sand out of your shoes, otherwise blister time later on.
I would have liked to have done a few more kms today, but again the weather & lack of time prevented more than 11.7 kms.
The water is now under the concrete crossing at Point Hut, but the road is still closed until the water goes down a bit more. Then the mud has to be cleaned away, slippery as an eel on the road.
I ran thru to Pine Is on the river track, it's clear as well, damaged & muddy but runable. I met 3 local rangers on an inspection at Pine Is. They were looking for damage & to get an idea of when the nature park area can reopen. A few more days at least, the river level is dropping, but very fast flowing.
We don't want a repeat of last year when the young school boy drowned at the main beach area in the flood water.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

It Depends on The Weather

Today:
Distance:  21.2 km
Time:  1 hr 59 mins 55 secs
Rate: 5' 40" per km
Weather: cloudy, temp 15 degrees, humidity 70%, wind strong cool southerly 30 kmph
Week; 50.45 km, March:  134.75 km,  Year:  971.05 km

I ran today as if the weather might turn nasty again & I wouldn't be able to get outdoors for the next 2 days.
I did intend to go to the top of Mt Taylor, but changed my mind when I arrived at the Athllon/Sulwood Dr roundabout. Instead, I ran on the flat of Sulwood Dr to the Tuggeranong Parkway.
However, it turned difficult after that. What had been a nice assisting wind was now directly in my face. And cold, a southerly with strength as I ran down Drakeford Dr past Kambah Village to the top of Lake Tuggeranong. Then a quick detour to Pine Is to check water level in the river. It has fallen considerably in recent days, but is still too dangerous to get anywhere near.
I needed to get some good distance done to have any chance at the 1000 kms before Saturday, no running as we will be travelling to Newcastle.
I should be able to get 30 kms done somehow in 2 days, weather permitting.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

I Have A Chance

Today:
Distance:  17.35 km
Time:  1 hr 35 mins 20 secs
Rate: 5' 30" per km
Weather: sun/cloud, temp 18 degrees, humidity 70%, wind calm
Week:  29.25 km,  March:  113.55 km,  Year: 949.85 km

The head was full of calculations today when I realized I wouldn't be running on Saturday. Therefore, a long run not in the weekly total.
To maintain 100 kms per week, I needed to get my skates on today and average 17 kms each day for the 4 days left in the week. A week ends on a Sunday, but the yearly week ends on a Saturday. Problem, how to keep from falling below the yellow line and not face elimination.
I did have time today to get the first of the 17 kms done. Not such a bad effort, part bike path on the edge, part dirt tracks, part rough nature park unseen tracks. All still water logged, joined team "Wet deFeet" again. I now have 2 pairs of running shoes at work saturated, but drying slowly.
Tomorrow, let me have time to go again.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Flood Damage

Today:
Distance:  11.9 km
Time: 71' 02"
Rate:  5' 58" per km
Weather: sunny, temp 22 degrees, humidity 45%, wind calm
Week:  11.9 km,  March:  96.65 km,  Year: 932.5 km

Monday is a very easy day especially if the weekend has involved a really long run &/or a race on a Sunday. I don't usually take it as a rest day, more of a roll the legs over day. Time, distance & km rate are not important on Mondays.
Another sightseeing day to inspect the flood damage in my local area. The mighty Murrumbidgee River has broken it's banks in many places. As the water level has started to fall, all that is left is mud. Dirty, rotten mud. It will take weeks to dry out, if the sunshine holds out for that long.
I could see the sand on the beach at Pine Is today, not much of it, may be a metre or so visible. Certainly much too dangerous to go near the water. The Pine Is area is still closed to traffic, only a few walkers & me as a runner in the area today.
The track between Pine Is and Point Hut is Ok, if wet as far as the bridge about half way along. After that, the water still covers the trail, so up high to the nature park to get near Point Hut.
The views are great of the massive amount of water still to get down stream to Gundagi & then Wagga Wagga. Flooding to continue for some time yet.
Mean time, let the sun still shine.
Finished with a 20 minute gym session just to get the feel again. May be a wet day later in the week can become a long full-on, all-in, have-a-go day.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Isabella Plains Loop

Today:
Distance:  9.05 km
Time:  49' 35"
Rate:  5' 29" per km
Weather: sun/cloud, temp 20 degrees, humidity  70%, wind NW 10 km
Week:  116.00 km,  March:  84.75 km, Year:  920.6 km

It was still raining this morning when the keen ones would have been out in the puddles with wet feet. Some of us waited & late afternoon the weather turned & the sun shone.
I knew the fire trails would be muddy, so bit the proverbial & ran from home towards Calwell shops on the bike path.
I turned to Richardson & caught up with Ewen going same direction towards Isabella Dr. We ran together for a good while discussing all the important things in the world at the moment.
Probably high on the list was the river height of Coxes River at Six Foot Track, how our running is going, & other minor issues.
It was a really nice night as I finished just as the sun light was fading. Hopefully, this will be the last of the rain for a long time. Most enjoyable run, even if I did have to grin & bare the bike path.
As Jog & I would agree on, anything is better than being on the treadmill. And walking for training is even more boring than a quick one hour of running. Head spinning for sure, yuk, only if desperate.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Quarter The Time

Today:
Distance:  48.15 km
Time:  6 hrs 16 mins 55 secs
Rate: 7' 50" per km
Weather: cloudy, temp range 13-15 degrees, humidity 77% rising to 90%, wind SE /E 10 kmph
Elevation gain/loss: 1045 metres
Week: 106.95 km,  March:  75.25 km,  Year: 911.55 km

Ran with Softshoe, Jeff & Elle ( part ) to find trigs on Farrer ridge, Mt Taylor, Oakey, Isaacs ridge, Wanniassa Hills before heading home after 40.6 kms.
Then, down to Bonython to the trig on top of Stranger Hill hidden in long grass.
Lucky with the weather in the morning, fine & the tracks mostly dry until the rain started just after midday. And it doesn't look like stopping.
Plenty of walking today, not a day for speed, but time on feet. Felt good to Ok most of the time, a bite to eat at various times ensured energy levels didn't drop too far.
Glad to get today out of the way, the rain is really coming down now, just as predicted. The ground & the rivers are completed saturated, we don't need any more, thank you.
Quarter the time is 6 hrs of the 24 hour at Coburg in early April.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Sightseeing the Flooded River

Today:
Distance: 12.1 kms
Time: 71' 24"
rate: 5' 54" per km
Weather: cloudy, temp 15 degrees, humidity 85%, wind cool southerly 15 kmph
Week:  58.8 km,  Mar:  27.1 km,  Year:  863.4 km

I went sightseeing today in the closed off  Pine Is area. The gate has been closed for 2 days now due to the high water level in the flooded Murrumbidgee River. Too much chance of some idiot getting into the water.
The water level covers all the sand area, bottom steps on to the sand are also covered making it the highest level I think I have seen in my 20 years in Canberra.
I ran along the river track towards Point Hut. All Ok as far as the bridge half way along, then as the track gets closer to the river's normal level, it disappears under a metre of water level.
I had to take to the higher ground to get near Point Hut by road.
The Point Hut road is obviously closed as well, so much water flowing over the low concrete crossing. It will take a while for the water to drop. But with rain expected again over the weekend, it may be a long time.
Pace and distance not important today with a long run, weather permitting, on tomorrow.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Last Day, First Day

Wednesday:  29th February
Distance: 11.3 kms in 64' 53" at ave 5'44"
Weather: cloudy, temp 18 degrees, humidity 85%, wind sthy 10 kmpg, light drizzle
February: 380.25 kms in  24/29 days at ave 15.84 km per run day
Today:  1st March
Distance:  15.00 kms
Time: 83.45"
Rate: 5' 35" per km
Weather: temp 22 degrees, humidity 40%, wind nil, fan speed on 1
Week:  46.7 km,  March:  15.00 km,  Year:  851.3 km

Yesterday was a run locally between showers & rain, but in a light drizzle. Checked out the flooded river which has since yesterday caused the road crossing at Point Hut to be closed. There is so much water about, it will take a long time to get back to normal levels.
Today, still raining so took the soft option ( again) and stayed indoors in the gym at work.
It took some convincing by head to overrule heart, but I did 15 kms on the treadmill. So boring, no lack of change of scenery, conditions, or even a visit by a fellow gym user.
It's nice to be able to hog the treadmill for nearly 90 minutes without others wanting to kick you off, but it's very much a once off due to the rain.
Looking out of the window, it actually stopped raining for a couple of moment. That's when I thought I should be outside getting drowned in the rain.
But, my other consideration is, I'm no bike path runner. I like the off road, and the off road is a mud heap & water logged.
Glad to have finished the runnning Ok, no problems physically, but it did my head no good. Finished with a good weights session, so a nice 2.5 hours alone to catch up on much needed exercise.
Hopefully the rain with disappear before the weekend. But where to go will be the next question to be answered.