Week 24 - So Much Uphill

Running: Year to Date

Distance:  1,758.55 kms in 24 weeks at ave  73.27 kms ( up from 73.03 kms in weeks 23)

Last week:  78.85 kms

Altitude:  60,697 metres in 24 weeks at ave  2,529 metres ( up from 2,455 metres in week 23)

Last week:  4,214 metres

Three big vert days in the 6 running days of this week. One day over 1500 metres, one of 1200 metres and one of 850 metres made up the bulk of the total.
Again, this week has been perfect winter weather. Mild days, no rain, just cool at night ( lows around 8 deg) under mostly sunny skies. In fact, other than the lower temps, better weather than we had all summer.
Still no snow on the mountains. Just have to wait a little longer for the bad weather to arrive.
Next race event is on next weekend on the east coast holiday area of Freycinet peninsular where the world famous Wineglass Bay is located. The beach & the area are regularly named in the top 10 beaches in the world.
However, on race day, I'll just have to run with camera in hand and take a few snaps on the run. Single track running will hopefully mean a few behind me, so I had better not stop to take too many pics.
Easy week coming up, better rest & freshen up a little for the 29 kms, 900 metres of vert event.
Ewen, where would I be on the Speedygeese Strava leader board for the year ? Certainly not doing the distance of you guys anymore.

Week 23 - Going Well

Running: Year to Date

Distance:  1,679.7  kms in 23 weeks at ave  73.03 kms ( up from 72.9 kms in week 22)

Last week:  76.15 kms

Altitude:  56,483 metres in 23 weeks at ave  2,455 metres ( up from 2,429 metres in week 22)

Last week:  3,036 metres

Another 6 day running week so happy to average over 500 metres of vertical per day. Pity about the just over 12 kms per day, but at least the weekly total was above average.
Two good hilly runs this week, with the other four being some nice easy flatter days. The weather for almost mid winter has been beautiful, perfect sunny days with cool temps.
Next race is two weeks away but as it is only 29 kms with 900 metres of vertical, there won't be any tapering. May be a rest day before but that's all. The location is on the east coast of Tasmania, so hoping the weather will be kind.
I've had three races in Tassie since arriving here to live. Point to Pinnacle back in Nov was a cold rainy day. Not impressed as race was changed to an out and back and couldn't go to the summit of Mt Wellington.
Second race was Convicts & Wenches 50 kms in early March. Perfect conditions along bush track & sandy beaches. Third race was Compass Club south marathon in early May at the southern most point of the state. Again, weather intervened, race shortened & changed to a half marathon.
In Tasmania, make the most of good weather, it doesn't last for long especially at this time of year.

Week 22 - Didn't Slow Down

Running:  Year to Date

Distance:  1,603.55 kms in 22 weeks at ave  72.9 kms ( up from 72.8 kms in week 21)

Last week:  74.25 kms

Altitude:  53,447 metres in 22 weeks at ave  2,429 metres ( up from 2,420 metres in week 21)

Last week:  2,622 metres

Not too bad for a 5 day running week. Two rest days, I don't schedule rest days but take them when other things have to be done or the weather is not too kind.
Main highlight of the week was a terrific run into the local mountains with 9 others from the Hobart Trail Runners group where we bagged 4 good peaks in one day.
First one had a steep track that was easy to follow.
Second, a rough rocky track where I averaged 31 mins per km. It was a very slow section, but well worth it for the views from the top. Going down was just as slow, bit scary at times due to the rocks.
Third peak not too steep but through lots of low bushes, glad I wore the new gaiters for lower leg protection.
Last peak track I had done three times before, so knew the way. Easy start then rock hopping nearing the top. Wonderful views from the top of each peak. Some pics here to show the scenery.

Peaks covered today were Collins Cap, Trestle Mtn, Mt Marian & Collins Bonnet. They are not high, between 1000 & 1260 metres above sea level but all will be covered in winter snow in a few weeks as the cold weather takes control. The two Collin's mountains would still be accessible, but the other two would be too dangerous. Getting it done today with others who hadn't been there before was really wonderful. Can't wait for snow to fall & settle. Ground is still too warm for it to stay around as well as the mild temps we are still getting. Just have to be patient & wait.