Tuesday Trials

Firstly I have an addendum to Monday's training session at Parliament House as speedygeoff reminded me tonight. How could I possibly forget this bit? After our warm-up lap we had to do as many sit-ups as we could do in 90secs by speedygeoff's watch. I managed 56 and was quite proud of that. Somebody managed 20, someone else 70 so there definitely is a variance there. It was certainly a different way to start the hard stuff!

Tuesday Morning Activity: Cycle 6am
Distance: 18km
Time: 50mins
Location: Cycle track from home to Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club and return
AHR: 120bpm
MHR: 148bpm
Calories: 334
Av speed: 21.3kph
Max sp: 32kph

Comments: Definitely a slow ride. Parts of me were hurting and I discovered later that I had a large red bruise on my inner thigh probably caused by hitting the bike seat when I stopped suddenly on Saturday.

Evening Activity: Run with speedygeoff's group
Location: North Lyneham
Distance: 10:02km
Time: About an hour (with breaks)
AHR: 144bpm
MHR: 218bpm (and I believe that this time!)
Best km: 5:38kph
Calories: 630

Comments: Phew! There I was at North Lyneham with speedygeoff's fast runners - Maria, Griffin, Tony, Colin and speedygeoff of course! Oh boy I knew I could never keep up with them but I also know that if I don't challenge myself I will never improve so here goes nothing! We started with a warm-up lap of that challenging hilly circuit and it was HOT! Then we ran 1500m in a route that included what I call the "killer" hill - worse than last night's hills in my opinion - longer and steeper. Then we ran 1500m again faster. They all waited at the top for me and clapped as I arrived at the end. They're such a great group of runners - all very talented and also very tolerant of this slow coach! I had a great chat to griffin. So many runners have such interesting stories to tell. Griffin - you need a blog! We next ran 4 x 30sec sprints on 90secs which translated means we ran fast for 30secs then jogged back to the start and did it again 3 more times. Gee, that 90secs came round very fast. We finished with the full loop of the course again (3.1km of dusty hills) and this time ran it quite gently and at chatting pace. I ran with speedygeoff who is quite a movie buff and told me about the last three movies he has watched - they sound good too.

So there we have it, two tough running sessions in a row. I came home, ate, showered and changed colour from brown to skin colour again (yes, that course was definitely dusty) and now I'm ready for bed. Work is so stressful at the moment and the run was tough but I am always glad I make the effort. It makes me feel human in spite of myself - an exhausted human I might add!

Just another Manic Monday!

Activity: Swim 6.45am
Location: Civic Pool
Distance: 1km
Time: 27:23

Comments: Just a short swim. There was no slow lane so I just swam in a lap swimming lane and there were only two of us in it so it was great. It was a stunning day weather-wise and I think more people chose to swim outdoors which suited me fine. I also started a wee bit later as I knew I wouldn't be sharing breakfast this morning as CJ is swimming with Bilby's on Monday evenings instead so I took cereal from home and just bought a coffee to take with me to work. At least I had an early start in the office. It was a full-on day and looks like being awfully busy for the next couple of weeks. Inbetween interviewing and selecting staff we are writing a tender for our contract for the next three years - very intensive stuff and mentally exhausting.

Photo shows me with Mr B after the Canberra Marathon in April. Next year I hope it will be after the Ultra!!

Activity: Run with speedygeoff's group 5.30pm
Location: Parliament House
Distance: 7:06km
Time: 41:54 approximately
Calories: 421
AHR: 138bpm
MHR: 204bpm
Fastest km: 5:13
Pace: 5:56kph

Comments: Very hot and sunny. Warm up lap of Parliament House in and out the little tracks then one hill loop to show us the course of our hill sprints. We ran 4 x 700m hill sprints with a stop for 3 pushups on the route - did each of these on 5 minutes including a rest then we did a warm down lap of Parliament House and attempted some chin-ups. Some people can do these, some people struggle - I am definitely in the latter category! It was a good session and my calfs were a bit tight walking back down the steps to the car. North Lyneham tomorrow could be interesting! I have to say that running is a good stress release when work threatens to overwhelm me!

Catch up time
Dear me, where does the time go? It's the end of the weekend already!

Back to Thursday
Activity: Cycle
Distance: 11km
Location: Past Lake G and home via Giralang
Comments: Av sp: 21.6kph
Max sp: 36kph
Calories: 210
AHR: 120bpm
MHR: 137bpm
Comments: Just a short cycle as I didn't have much time

Activity: Dancing

Comments: Last dancing session for the season and it was 2 hours with a very short break for supper. We tried every dance we had learnt in the 7 weeks plus more. The intermediate and advanced class joined us. I don't think these dancing lessons were a good way to spend quality time together - they caused tension and sore feet instead! I don't think we will continue them next year somehow!

Friday
Activity: Swim
Distance: 1km
Time: 27mins
Comments: Could only squeeze in the basic km as had to conduct an interview in the office at 8.30am so had to be through brekkie by 8.15am. We managed it comfortably. That night I attended an awards night for apprentices in the building and construction trade. It was a very enjoyable 3 course meal in a lovely venue but was somewhat spoilt by the lack of manners of the young apprentices who managed to talk loudly right through the presentations even after being remonstrated by the compere several times!

Saturday - Battling the elements!
Activity: Cycle
Distance: 18:67km
Location: To and round Lake Ginninderra
Calories: 353
AHR: 127bpm
MHR: 151bpm
Av sp: 21.3kph
Max sp: 35kph
Comments: Rode out against a strong head wind and had to really push hard to make any leeway. On the return trip the wind eased a bit and I detoured to a friend's house for a while as I was lending her visiting daughter a couple of our bikes. By the time we left for our house to collect them it had started to pour with rain and as we were pumping up the tyres in our garage down came the hail and the thunder roared. It only lasted about 15mins but wow, it was sudden and very heavy. However when they left with the bikes the sun had returned - a very strange day weather-wise. The wind stopped and late afternoon was calm and sunny. In the evening I went out for dinner with a friend.

Sunday
Activity: Run 8.25am
Distance: 13.87km
Location: From home to and round Lake G
AHR: 161bpm
MHR: 201bpm
Average pace: 5:46kph
Best km: 5:30kph
Calories: 824
Comments: Ran from home and met up with JD at Black Pepper where we continued running round the lake at a comfortable pace. It was a stunning day today - a little cloudy initially but it turned out to be a warm, sunny, gorgeous day. Afterwards we had a fantastic coffee at Black Pepper - perfect froth and a great taste - so good I had two and the second was as good as the first which is unusual. Maybe they have a new barrista - I'm impressed! JD dropped me off home and later I visited the Kingston Markets where I picked up the Italian print I had framed there. I'm delighted with it. I also went to Belconnen Mall - lots of shopping to do including the supermarket shopping (oh joy) before driving home just before my son and family arrived for dinner. I can't believe how quickly this weekend disappeared! And I still have the ironing to do!!

Tomorrow is swimming and running with speedygeoff's group at Parliament House. It's also decision time for the people we interviewed on Friday and more 'tender' application writing - another fun day in the office!

Middle of the Week Already!

Gosh, it's Wednesday already and I'm three days behind with my blog!

Monday
Activity: Swim at Civic Pool
Distance: 1.3km

Comments: 2 x 500m then 300m cool down followed by brekkie with CJ & Mr B and a mediocre coffee!

Tonight I had complimentary tickets to a special screening of Flight Plan with Jodie Foster so I had to miss speedygeoff's training session at Parliament House. It was a very exciting movie - I was on the edge of my seat!

Tuesday
Activity: Run
Location: Kaleen block
Distance: 6km
Time: 33:42
AHR: 157bpm
MHR: 170bpm
Average pace per km: 5:36

Comments: I had to run this morning as again I missed speedygeoff's training group, this time at North Lyneham, as I took Mr B to see Joe Cocker in concert. It was a great night. I preferred the second half of his program as we knew all the songs. He had three encores and the Llewellyn Hall was packed. The average age of the audience was "old" to say the least - a bit different from when we went to see Jewel some years ago when we would have been the oldest by about 20 years! This time we fitted right in - similar to when we went to Neil Diamond - even saw people we knew. Mr B kept bumping into friends of his age group from work and squash during the interval - a sad reflection on our choice of music. I'll rephrase that. I bought the tickets as a surprise for Mr B as he really likes Joe Cocker - I certainly enjoy some of his music and he was a great performer last night with a very responsive audience.

Wednesday - Success with the shoulder stand!

Early this morning I struggled through all CJ's killer abs but I had to stop between each set - no way can I manage all five sets without a break. It kills! I also lifted a few weights. Tonight I went to yoga and we finally did our shoulder stand - woo hoo. It was a great feeling lifting those legs above my head. It was a great session. Tonight was our sixth session and we have ten in this series. I will be really sad when we finish and will definitely sign up for Beginners 2 next year.

CJ & FlashDuck studying gadgets!











CJ, Flashduck, Strewth, Mrs Hare (behind) & H








Tour de Femme

Activity: Cycle
Distance: 20km
Time: 48:17
Average sp: 26:30kph
Max sp: 45kph
Calories: 477
Forgot to wear heart rate monitor

Comments: Lovely sunny day. After a wobbly start, when I had trouble finding the pedals, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride with more than 500 women of all shapes, sizes and abilities. It was quite inspirational seeing so many women out there giving it a go. I felt comfortable and didn't even struggle up Hopetoun Circuit today. I just stood up on the pedals and found the hill relatively easy. After the ride I met up with Mr B, CJ, H, The Hare & Mrs Hare, Flashduck & later Flashdrake and we sat on H's picnic rug, drank coffee and waited for the barrel draws and results. It was a lot of fun and very relaxing in the sunshine.

Later in the day Mr B & I went to the Kingston Markets then on to Manuka for a great coffee before coming home to sit in the sun where I spent an hour going through job applications and I even managed to short list them for interview. It was that sort of day - beautiful!

Belconnen Community Festival Run

Activity: Run
Distance: 6km (6:05 according to Gandalf)
Location: From CISAC round Lake Ginninderra
Time: 32:23
AHR: 167bpm
MHR: 206bpm
Calories: 358
Average Pace per km: 5:20
Fastest km: 5:02

Comments: Start was at 10am for a 6km run/walk round Lake Ginninderra finishing opposite Benjamin Way. This run was held in memory of Ben Donohoe who was only 9 when he died of a brain tumour. There were 1,300 competitors and over $7,500 was raised for paediatric brain tumour research. It was a sunny day and a pleasant run. CJ won the female veterans' category and Flash Duck came 2nd - wow - a medal each! Mr B ran it in 27:17 which was a great time. Aki finished in under 30mins which was also fantastic. I think I need to work on my time! Later FD, PRB, CJ & Mr CJ, Aki, Mr B & I had lunch at Musica e. It was very pleasant and great company but sorry FD, I don't agree with you about the coffee - it tasted bitter! The company and the food more than made up for the coffee however!
Later in the afternoon I went to collect my number for the Tour de Femme tomorrow. The "show bag" included a t-shirt, which is very comfortable, a drink bottle and a wrist timing strip which is a bit upmarket! Hmmm, it's all a bit scary!

Friday
Activity: Swim with CJ 6.30am
Distance: 1.2km
Location: Civic Pool
Time for 1km: 27:20

Comments: The pool was really busy this morning and there wasn't a "slow" lane so I had to share a side lane with a number of swimmers with interesting styles and a number of breast strokers. However the brekkie later was yummy and Mr B came into town to join us.

One more day to Friday

Activity: Cycle 6.15am
Distance: 11km
Time: 32mins
Location: Past Lake G and home via Giralang & Kaleen
Average Speed: 20.3kph
Max speed: 35kph
Calories: 200
AHR: 113bpm
MHR: 218bpm

Comments: Gentle ride to keep my legs moving. Slower than the other day but had to push against a head wind. Started too late to fit in much distance. Flash Duck has suggested we wear our CR cycling top at the Tour de Femme Sunday - great idea. I had been trying to decide which Italian top to wear so if I wear the CR one I won't have to make that decision and we'll be able to find each other afterwards! Mind you, CJ, FD, H & N will have to wait patiently for me after they finish!! Wonder if CJ and FD plan to wear the CR singlet at the fun run on Saturday? Will check!

Activity: Dancing 7.30pm
Location: Danceway Belconnen

Comments: Tonight we spent a lot of the evening going over the Tangoette - so many steps in that but going over it several times is certainly a help. We also danced the Rumba and learnt the Jive which we haven't done before. Next week we have a two hour session and we go over every dance we have learnt - now that could be interesting! I have to say the feet certainly have a good workout on the dance floor!
Tomorrow morning I meet CJ for a swim and then that lovely muesli brekkie! Aaaaah - Friday is nearly here.

Yoga night

Today was a lovely sunny day - 27deg - a beauty. This morning I did a few sit ups and weights before going off to brekkie with friends at RBB. It was quite a stressful day at work with a few HR issues I could do without. Such are the joys of being a Manager - not ever easy!
However yoga was wonderful. Our instructor tells us we should concentrate on our breathing and forget the outside world using that 1 1/4 hours as complete self-indulgence. I have to say that, although I find it very difficult to block out all those life happenings, it is a great feeling especially the relaxation at the start and end of the session. Some of the stretches are difficult and some exercises hurt but it feels so good when I achieve them that I only ever feel good afterwards. I am completely hooked!

Tiring Tuesday

Activity: Cycle 6.15am
Distance: 13.29km
Time: 43:18
Location: Ginninderra Drive repeats
AHR: 119bpm
MHR: 156bpm
Max speed: 42kph
Calories: 241

Comments: Managed to drag Mr B out of bed to join me on an early morning cycle. Cycled to Ginninderra Drive via the cycle track then cycled up the road to Bruce uphill all the way then crossed the road at the AIS, cycled back down the hill (lovely) then did it again doing 3 repeats in all then cycled on Ginninderra Drive to meet up with the cycle track and cycled home via the track from the AIS and through the Kaleen streets. On the third repeat I tried to cycle the uphill in a tougher gear but gee, it was hard work!

Activity: Run 5.30pm
Location: North Lyneham hills
Distance: 8.55km
Calories: 535
AHR: 154bpm
MHR: 211bpm
Fastest km: 5:35

Comments: Back to those tough hills. Fortunately there had been so much rain last night and this softened the ground a little. As a road is going part of the way through there a lot of road works had been taking place since CJ and I last ran North Lyneham. We didn't spot a single kangaroo tonight, unlike last time.We ran the entire loop of 3.1km then ran a 1km sprint, 1km easier then 1km sprint again which took us up the killer hill. I was lagging a bit and on the first sprint I was following Tony who kept going up another very steep hill (wrong move). It was so tough to follow that by the killer hill a km later - ouch! Mr B & I were going to attend the social dancing class tonight as extra practice but when I arrived home he was nowhere to be seen. He turned up a while later having had a puncture on his bike and he had just walked home. He was tired, I was stuffed and although I did shower and dress in the appropriate clothes we decided not to go on to dancing tonight. I was not at all sorry. I'm so tired. In fact I'm nodding off as I write this! Tomorrow morning I have brekkie so it will be an easy day with only yoga in the evening.
Not sure if anyone out there can help me but I'm having trouble downloading blogger maps all of a sudden. I haven't been able to download one for ages and it's most frustrating. Am I doing something wrong? It used to work!

A Tough Day

Activity: Swim 6.30am
Location: Civic Pool
Distance: 1.5km

Comments: Met CJ at pool and I swam pyramids as follows:
1 x 50m, 1 x 100m, 1x 150m, 1x200m, 2 x 250m, 1 x 200m, 1 x 150m, 1 x 100m, 1 x 50m
Swam in the slow lane but felt fine.

Activity: Run 5.30pm
Location: Parliament House
Distance: 8:27km
Time: 48:37
Average pace per km: 5:52
AHR: 154bpm
MHR: 210bpm
Calories: 488
Best km: 5:11

Comments: Ran with speedygeoff's group at Parliament House. We did an interesting loop round Parliament House in and out the little side tracks and down to the grassy track. We then did 7 loops which included a nasty little hill and when we returned to the track ran a 200m sprint. The loop became more difficult as we ran more especially when speedygeoff made us include the second part of the nasty little hill which made it twice as tough! After the 7 repeats we did a cool down back to the start winding in and out the little tracks again. An interesting session and a good work out.

The toughest part of the day was when Mr B telephoned me in the morning at work to tell me that our poor old border collie, Rascal, had died. When I let him out last night he seemed fine but he was deaf and very slow and he found a little spot behind the banksia rose and just curled up there during the night. Mr B found him this morning when he didn't turn up for breakfast or return to bed last night. My daughter picked me up from work and we went home to say goodbye. I brushed his hair and he looked so beautiful and peaceful. I guess he had a heart attack as he didn't seem unwell at all yesterday. Rascal was 15 and had grown up with the children. He was part of our family and will leave a huge gap. I will miss him sitting on the other side of this French door watching me in the evenings as I write my blog! There's a thunder storm going on tonight. I think it's happening in sympathy!

A Sunny Spring Sunday

"Spring has sprung
The grass has riz
I wonder where the birdies is
The birdy's on the wing
But that's absurd
I always thought the wing was on the bird!"

That about sums up the day. It was a beauty. I started it off with a comfortable middle distance run from home at a comfortable time in the morning!

Activity: Run 9.30am
Distance: 10.97km
Time: 61:55
AHR: 167bpm
MHR: 222bpm
Fastest km: 5:27
Average pace: 5:38 per km
Calories: 652

Comments: Bit muggy and I was dripping wet when I arrived home. I then did some stretches and lifted a few weights before showering. Canberra looked so green today. I ran the same course as I cycled on Friday evening. It was a pleasant run and there were lots of dogs, walkers, cyclists and magpies about. Fortunately the magpies were interested in their babies and not me. In fact I think some of them were babies themselves and they were walking rather than flying about. Today was a good day. Dave was playing in a squash tournament all weekend and I went to the Kingston Markets with a girlfriend and we actually did some Christmas shopping then we had lunch outside in Manuka before going on for more retail therapy at Westfield. It was lots of fun - a successful day. I must add that we had lunch at My Cafe in Manuka. The service was excellent and the coffee was fantastic - at last I've found a great coffee and good food combined - woo hoo. I'll definitely revisit there. I used to go there years ago after the movies in Manuka but obviously it deserves reconsideration now. I will be back! It was really really busy but the service was still very efficient and fast.

Sunshine and Good Company

Activity: Cycle 7.20am
Location: Tour de Femme Course
Distance: 21:23km (odometer reading)
Time: 59minutes
AHR: 127bpm
MHR: 216bpm
Av speed: 21.5kph
Max speed: 42kph
Calories: 401

Comments: Turned out to be a lovely sunny day but started a little cloudy early in the morning. NH collected me and my bike and we met up with CJ, H & T at the yacht club where we rode the Tour de Femme Course in training for next Sunday. The start is on a hill but it was mostly ok and very social although towards the end there was a nasty uphill on Hopetoun Circuit - ouch, I had forgotten about cycling hills! I felt comfortable most of the time and H and I discussed CJ's amazing calf muscles as we rode behind her. They're certainly impressive as are her stunning new bike shoes! My brakes are very tight which is a bit scary on the downhills but I managed ok considering my lack of training. We had to avoid lots of little pieces of glass and other rubbish on the road shoulders which was a bit annoying. There was a surprising amount of traffic for so early in the morning. After our ride we drove to The Deck for a coffee and a bite to eat. We were also given some disgusting water which had obviously been left in the fridge too long and had a nasty taste. We warned them about it before they subjected other customers to their water. It was definitely undrinkable. However, the company was great as is the outlook up there overlooking the lake and it was a most enjoyable morning.
Tomorrow in the morning I'll go for a run and hopefully it will be another lovely sunny day.

Friday - Yippee!

Forgot to set the alarm this morning and woke with a start at 6.10am. I need to rise at 5.30am to make it to swimming so rang CJ and organised to at least meet her for brekkie after her swim - Mr B met us there too which was good.

Activity: Cycle 6pm
Distance: 11km
Time: 30:14
Location: To and past Lake Ginninderra and home via Giralang via cycle track
Av speed: 21.8kph
Max speed: 32kph

Comments: As my bike is now back from being serviced I thought I should give it a test run so Mr B joined me for a short ride. It was a stunning day and the weather was still beautiful at 6pm so it was very pleasant except that my brakes are extremely stiff and hard for me to use with my sore wrists. My friend is collecting me and my bike at 6.40am tomorrow and we're off to join CJ, H & T at the yacht club where we are going to cycle the Tour de Femme route for practice. Here's hoping I don't hold them up too much. I'm not exactly up to their pace!

What a hot day!

Activity: Run 6am
Locality: Kaleen block
Distance: 6.07km (Gandalf varies this every time!)
Time: 33:57
AHR: 159bpm
MHR: 193bpm
Calories: 350
Average pace per km: 5:35

Comments: Phew, suddenly the temperature zoomed today. It was even humid running at 6am. I know it won't last but it happened suddenly all the same. Bit slower than last week but felt a bit sluggish this morning.

Activity: Dancing 7:30pm

Comments: I think finally we are improving. Tonight we managed not to trip over each others feet all night and parts of the evening could actually be called fun! We learnt yet more steps and started learning the Tangoette. Next week we learn the Jive. So now we have been taught the Modern Waltz, the Cha Cha Cha, the Rumba, the Quick Step, the Fox Trot, the Evening Two Step and the start of the Tango - I think that about covers it but it's very confusing. I can never remember which one's which! We certainly did a good work out tonight. It was hot and quite exhausting. We didn't stop for the full hour. Tomorrow morning is swimming and it's Friday - yippee!

Last night I registered for the Tour de Femme so there's no turning back now. I'm a tad worried about it as I haven't cycled at all lately. I think I'm joining HK & CJ for a ride in the weekend - hope I can keep up with them!

After over indulging yesterday at our Melbourne Cup celebrations and sleeping like a baby I rose early to start the new day with some nasty killer ab exercises given to me by CJ. I could only manage half them - ouch. They need considerable work. I then lifted some dumbbells on the swiss ball and several other weights exercises for about 45 minutes.
After work I attended a good yoga session with lots of stretches and more practice towards shoulder stands. At lunch time Mr B and I collected my bike from servicing so this weekend the plan is to go for a proper bike ride as there's only a week after that to the Tour de Femme which will be a very slow event for me!

Disorganised Monday!

What a disaster of a day it turned out to be! While unpacking our swimming gear at the pool CJ realised she had forgotten her running bag. "Silly Billy" I said smugly only to discover after work as I half changed for Parliament House that I had no top half packed - no crop top or singlet top. They were still hanging on the rack at home waiting for me to pack at the last minute after drying overnight. Damn! Speedygeoff will think it's a conspiracy. I rushed home just after 5pm nearly gaining a speeding ticket in the vain hope of changing and returning in time for the Parliament House run. No such luck at that time of day. I was home and changed but it was 5.30pm by then and I knew I would never find the group ten or fifteen minutes after the start! So it was a run from home. As it turned out it was probably auspicious that I didn't join the group as I felt absolutely dreadful and ended up only running 9.19km of the planned 10km run.

Activity: Swim 6.30am
Location: Civic Pool
Distance: 100m plus 1km
Time: 27:20 (slow, slow, slow)

Comments: I felt fine and the slow lane had only one other person in it. In fact towards the end I was swimming alone - fantastic. The outdoor pool is now open so the water polo people train outside which clears a bit more space for the indoor pool. It felt a comfortable swim and better than Friday when I took 28mins to swim a km but still slow compared to the rest of the world!

Activity: Run 5.35pm
Location: From home along cycle track towards Gungahlin
Distance: 9.19km
Time: 52:13
Pace per km: 5:41
AHR: 163bpm
MHR: 204bpm
Calories: 537 (something positive here)
Best km: 5:17

Comments: I felt fine at the start apart from sore calf muscles which gradually eased, probably from that nasty hill yesterday but at about the 7km mark I began to feel positively revolting - a return of that nauseous feeling which keeps happening to me. By the 8km mark I was trying to hang on and just after 9km I had to give up and walk the rest of the way home. I felt like I literally could not run any further - not a good feeling at all. I am very cranky that I keep feeling like this and would like to feel 100% again. It's been on and off for over a week now - enough already! I'm not sick enough to stay home from work - just blah enough to be a bit disheartening. I don't like it affecting my running. Yesterday running up that hill I had the same feeling. I'm sure I could have run faster otherwise. Grrrrrrr!

On a brighter note tomorrow is Melbourne Cup Day and there are big plans afoot in the office - should be a fun day. I would have cycled in the morning but my bike is in for servicing - what a shame!

An Aussie Run - Cowpats and Flies!

Activity: Vets' Monthly Handicap Run
Distance: 7:01km
Time: 41:08
Average Pace per km: 5:51
AHR: 165bpm
MHR: 200bpm
Fastest km: 4:57
Calories: 485
Locality: Blewitts Pines - Coppins Crossing

Comments: I woke early in the morning to the sound of rain. At about 7am Mr B said "we won't be running in this will we?" "Ha ha - joke - the vet runners run in all weathers. Rain is not an issue - so out of bed with you!"

As it happened the weather cleared and although bleak it did not rain again and the conditions, although very muddy, were fine apart from the multitude of flies and having to avoid numerous cowpats on the course. The drive to the parking was a bit interesting too. I was waiting for someone to become stuck in the mud as it had obviously rained solidly most of the night. However everyone appeared to plough through it ok although I think there may be a few very muddy cars to wash - mine for one!

Lining up for the toilet queue I managed to miss my group being called and had to start in Group 17 instead of 15 which was a bit unfortunate. I also felt and still feel rather below par - that blah feeling of nausea in my tummy appears to have returned. I think I'm hungry, eat, but then feel worse. I do hope it clears up soon cos it's driving me crazy.

Apart from that it was a good surface but there was one very long hill which never seemed to end. CJ passed me threatening to walk but of course she didn't stop and did a brilliant time. Mr B also passed me from Group 19 and finished 5th place although he's not eligible for points yet - next time!! Later JS, CJ & Mr CJ, H & T, Mr B and I went for coffee at Black Pepper. It was lovely to catch up but I think next time we might try FlashDuck's recommendation of Musica e which is next door. The coffee was nicely presented with reasonable froth today but it was a bit milky and weak for my taste.

Back to it (I think) !

Activity: Run 5.50am
Location: Kaleen block
Distance: 6:04km (says Gandalf)
Time: 33:18
AHR: 161bpm
MHR: 184bpm
Best lap: 5:18kph
Average pace per km: 5:31

Comments: Still not feeling 100% and this was my first run since last Thursday (a whole week). However, in spite of myself I ran a PB by a few seconds so after I recovered from feeling very queasy I felt quite positive about the run which felt pretty ordinary at the time. It's been a pretty ordinary week altogether actually. I've just been feeling totally blah with no energy or motivation and that generally unwell feeling. However yoga last night was great - lots of good stretches including a quite painful calf stretch which I felt early in the run this morning. I felt so much better after the yoga session though. My tummy is still a bit unpredictable and I'm stocking up on Flash Duck's remedy before the Vets' Run on Sunday!

Tonight was ballroom dancing and I'm feeling exceedingly discouraged! We learnt the start of the samba tonight and the modern waltz which was fine until we danced together and had to do all the extra bits with it. I am seriously uncoordinated and I don't think I'm enjoying this dancing business. It definitely doesn't come naturally! We've now learnt (or attempted to learn) the slow rhythm foxtrot, the quickstep, the modern waltz, the evening two step and the start of the samba. I am so confused!

Dragons Galore

Friday morning before work we had our final training session for our dragon boat race and it went really well. We had two more new people, our group has not once been the full contingent but today was pretty close in spite of our early start of 6.45am. It was a drizzly morning but out on the lake, with the mist swirling over the water, it was quite magical and the water was perfectly still. It was glorious out there - a great training session.

Sunday dawned sunny, clear and warm. We were so lucky with the weather considering the way it had been earlier in the weekend. We had a rather bad heat but the main race went really well. By then we had perfected our timing skills and the adrenalin was pumping. We were only 1/8 of a second behind the second place getter in our final so I am told we scored a trophy but we didn't qualify for the grand final unfortunately. It was lots of fun though.

Monday - Just a Swim
Activity: Swim 6.30am
Location: Civic Pool with CJ

A slow swim in a slow lane full of slow swimmers. Yes, it was a busy morning at the pool and difficult to avoid other swimmers or find a lane that wasn't very full. I just swam 2 x 500m. I felt lethargic and definitely lacking in sleep after a late night celebrating daughter and daughter-in-law's birthdays this week with Turkish take aways and a few glasses of wine followed by chocolate birthday cake - yum! Too much food sat on my stomach until the small hours of the morning when I woke with some discomfort and didn't manage to fall asleep again until 5mins before the alarm. The overnight rainfall didn't help as my wrist ached painfully without respite. However, breakfast at RBB with CJ was definitely welcome!
As the moment drew near to leave the office at the end of the working day to join speedygeoff's training session at Parliament House down came the rain in absolute buckets followed by hail, thunder and lightning - definitely not the night to drive to training. In fact driving home at that time was a challenge as it was quite difficult to negotiate the car through the storm as vision was at a minimum. It was comforting to stay home tonight while Mr B had to go out to play squash on the other side of town. I've had a fairly slack few days exercise-wise so I guess I should return to running tomorrow if the weather clears.

"Just Singing in the Rain" ..........
.......................well running, actually but it sounded like a song coming on!

Activity: Run 5.50am
Distance: 6km
Location: Kaleen block
Time: 33:39
Pace per km: 5:37
AHR: 159bpm
MHR: 188bpm
Calories: 355
Fastest km: 5:31

Comments: The alarm woke me at 5.30am and I didn't realise it was raining until I stepped out the door. By then I was all set to run anyway so there was no turning back. It wasn't too bad - just a steady light rain which kept me cool (or something) and wet! There were still a surprising number of people out walking appropriately dressed unlike me. By the time I arrived home I resembled a drowned rat but never mind, at least I did it!

Tonight at ballroom dancing we learnt the remaining steps in the Evening Two Step (27 steps in this so-called "Two Step"!) and more variations of the quick step and the cha cha cha - my head is spinning! More practice is definitely required although I think we have improved slightly. It's surprisingly exhausting - all this concentration and spinning round! Tomorrow morning I have dragon boat training at 6.45am - here's hoping the rain stops while we're out on the lake as it can become very cold out there. I plan to meet CJ for brekkie afterwards. I'll be looking forward to a nice hot coffee I imagine.

Wednesday - My favourite Day

This morning I dragged myself out of bed quite early to do a few abs and upper body exercises. I did 2 sets of 15 reps of dumbbell press on the swiss ball, dumbbell lateral raises, dumbbell curls and crunches spending about 25mins doing these.

Activity: Yoga

Tonight was my second yoga class. There's so many good stretches. I can feel it doing me good and the relaxation at the end of class is absolute heaven - nearly as good as chocolate! I've decided I love Wednesdays - only one drawback - I have to go for an early morning run tomorrow!

Cycle and Run Day
Activity: Cycle 6am
Distance: 17.56km
Time: 53mins
Av sp: 19.7kph
Max sp: 33kph
AHR: 115bpm
MHR: 135bpm

Location: From home to Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club and return
Comments: A lovely sunny morning - crisp and clear. A gentle ride with energy lacking but pleasant. Unfortunately I set Gandalf on "run" instead of "bike" which made for an interesting result - a fast "run" but a slow "bike"!

Activity: Run 5.30pm
Distance: 9.41km
Time: 57:39
Location: North Lyneham
AHR: 154bpm
MHR: 209bpm
Calories: 548
Rate per km: 6.08
Fastest km: 5:33

Comments: Met CJ to run the North Lyneham hills again. A little slow but it was a bit windy and very undulating but the company was good! We saw lots of kangaroos bounding near us, some slowed down to stare at these strange humans and others leapt off at an enviable pace!

In the evening I took a bottle of champers and visited close friends who have just had their entire house renovated. It is stunning and it was so nice to sit down with them for a couple of hours and toast their "new" house with champagne.

Back to the Dragon
Activity: Swim 6.30am
Location: Civic Pool
Distance: 1.2km
Time: 27mins for 1km

Comments: Managed to arrive at the pool at the same time as CJ. 100m warm up and cool down and 1km main set followed my toasted muesli for brekkie at RBB - yum.

Activity: Dragon boat training 5.30pm
Location: Yacht Club
Time: 1hour

Comments: We're improving but it's a pity everybody can't attend practice. We have one more practice (6.45am Friday) before our big race on Sunday!

My Turn to be Tagged!
I have been tagged. CJ has tagged me in the latest fun 'get to know your fellow bloggers' chain game. Here are the rules:

1. Go into your archives.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Find the fifth sentence (or the closest one to it)
4. Post the text of your sentence in your blog along with these rules.
5. Tag five other people.

This is my sentence:

"CJ joined us soon afterwards and we spotted lots of familiar faces in the crowds waiting for the starting gun". This entry was taken from Sunday 12 September at the start of the Canberra Times 10km Fun Run. What's more our CR team won the female open category which was pretty exciting! I tag Aki, Flash Duck, Lucky Legs, Speedygeoff and Friar but I have no idea how to link them so CJ, if you read this - heeeeeeeeeeelp!!

Saturday - Food Depletion!
Activity: Run 10.20am
Location: Lake Ginninderra from home
Distance: 15.02km
Time: 85:55 (1hour 25mins 55secs)
AHR: 165bpm
MHR: 224bpm
Rate per km: 5:43
Calories: 905
Fastest km: 5:16

Comments: Late start today as I had not made arrangements to meet anybody so just ran in my own time. It was still slightly overcast but quite hot by the end of the run. As I had only eaten a banana and a glass of water before leaving home I was suffering from hunger pains and hanging out for food by the time I arrived home. I ran from home to Lake G, round the lake and home again. There were lots of people out there and it was quite pleasant but next time I'll have more sustenance before I leave home! That coffee and toast sure tasted good afterwards!

Sunday

A nice relaxing day! I went to the Kingston Markets this morning then to Manuka for a great coffee before going on to Civic to purchase a Mini Ipod Nano for my daughter's 22nd birthday next week. It's very cute and little, about half the size of my mini ipod. Tomorrow morning a swim is scheduled but I have dragon boat training after work and it clashes with speedygeoff's running at Parliament House so it looks like I'll have to run extra hard on Tuesday!

Friday at last!
Activity: Swim 6.30am
Location: Civic Pool
Distance: 1.2km

Comments: Met CJ at the pool and swam 3 x 400m then off to brekkie at RBB. I had lunch with a friend at Flash Duck's favourite haunt, The Deck. It was a stunning day and delightful sitting out in the sunshine by the lake - such a lovely setting. Tomorrow I will wake naturally - no alarm - and go for a long run to start the weekend.

A PB and a Dance
My first yoga class last night was really good. I had to concentrate hard but the relaxing time at the end and the feeling afterwards was amazing. I'm thoroughly looking forward to my class next week now. It dispelled all my cynical feelings towards yoga and now I am truly a convert!

Activity: Run 6.10am Thursday
Distance: 6km
Location: Kaleen block
Time: 33:27
Rate per km: 5:34
AHR: 161bpm
MHR: 212bpm!!
Calories: 361
Best lap: 5:25

Comments: The alarm on my mobile woke me at 5.30am. I switched it off and next thing I knew it was nearly 6am. I leapt out of bed in a dazed state and ran out the door at 6.10am. In spite of a blurry start I managed to run the block in a 2005 PB of 12 seconds for this course. It was a stunning morning - still, sunny and fresh which certainly helped! I do love mornings like that.

Activity: Dancing 7.30pm
Location: Belconnen - Danceway

Comments: Tonight we did a continuation of last week adding extra steps to our foxtrot and cha cha cha. We learnt turns and promenades, twists and spot turns. One of the leaders zoomed in on Mr B & me. He kept correcting our moves and took over as my partner for a time while Mr B was led round by his partner. It helped but we are definitely not "naturals" to the art of ballroom dancing! Still, it was fun and I'm sure (hopefully) that we will improve.

A Busy Tuesday
Activity One: Cycle 6am
Distance: 14.12km
Time: 42mins
Locaton: Through tunnel towards Gungahlin on cycle track
Calories: 248

Comments: A gentle cycle from home along cycle track towards Gungahlin. I struggled out of bed but was glad I cycled even if it was slow. It was pleasant and a good start to the day.

Activity Two: Gym 12.30pm
Location: Canberra Club Gym
Time: 35mins approx

Comments: Walked over to gym at lunchtime, had a 5 minute warm-up on the strange leg machine and lifted weights on the bench press, standing dumbbell lateral raise, alternating dumbbell curl, abs on the swiss ball, prone fly etc.

Activity Three: Run 5.30pm
Location: North Lyneham
Distance: 10.95km
Time: 69mins
Rate per km: 6:19
AHR: 148bpm
MHR: 185bpm
Calories: 666

Comments: Started running at 5.30pm and met up with CJ half way round the 1st loop. She had already completed 1.5 loops. Each loop is an undulating 3.1km. I ran 3 more loops with her. We didn't run fast but it was hard work on the hills at the end of the day. I had to remove my sunglasses as the sun was low by the time we finished. It was a good day but I'm tired! Tomorrow will be lovely. I have brekkie in the morning with friends, a hair appointment at lunchtime and yoga tomorrow night. That will be interesting!

A Typical Monday
Due to the bleak windy weather yesterday dragon boat training was cancelled which cleared up the day for me for house cleaning, washing and shopping (oh joy) but I also managed to visit my grand-daughter which is always a special time. The extra training session will be rescheduled for another day. This morning I dragged myself out of bed to start my week.

Activity: Swim 6.30am
Location: Civic Pool
Distance: 1.2km
Time: 26:48 for 1km
Comments: Boy, I didn't want to get out of bed this morning. I had such a dreadful night with an unquenchable thirst and a rotten cold. However, in spite of feeling pretty awful the swim actually went really well and I certainly perked up with yummy hot porridge with dates & almonds and a good cappucino. Ah, I love starting Mondays with that brekkie at RBB.

Activity: Run 5.30pm
Location: Parliament House
Distance: 8.14km

AHR: 137bpm MHR: 212bpm!!
Calories: 505
Time: Approx 50mins (with stops)

Comments: A tough brisk undulating 3km warm-up then another run to the High Court - a new spot for training - on the grass there. It was a little uneven but we ran 12 x 30secs sprints with 60secs slow recovery jog between each then another gentle jog back to Parliament House. It certainly felt like a good work out.

Tomorrow I have a morning cycle planned, a gym visit at lunchtime and a run at North Lyneham after work with CJ. Wonder if I'll manage all that - depends a bit on work and how I feel and whether I ever go to bed tonight!

A Longer Run on a Bleak Day

Activity: Run 9am
Location: Lake Burley Griffin
Distance: 15.33km
Time: 1hr 29mins 57secs
AHR: 162bpm
MHR: 179bpm
Av Rate per km: 5:53
Calories: 971
Best km: 5:25

Comments: It was certainly a miserable looking morning with threatening rain which fortunately did not eventuate. Mr B & I met CJ at the Yacht Club and while she ran the whole lake including Kings Avenue Bridge (20km) Mr B & I ran the shorter loop of 16km which measured 15.33km on Gandalf as we lost the satellite for a short distance while running through the trees - yes, there are still a few trees left in the forest! We soon warmed up and it was a good run culminating in an enjoyable coffee and date scones at the Yarralumla Nursery where our friend Jon joined us.

Thursday 6 October - Run and Dance
Activity: Run
Location: Cycle Track towards Gungahlin
Distance: 10:02km
Time: 59:09
AHR: 150bpm
MHR: 163bpm
Rate: 5:54
Calories: 591
Fastest lap: 5:21

Comments: I felt very tired at the start but although it wasn't a fast run I eventually found my rhythm and felt fine. It must have rained overnight as it was very wet underfoot. As I was running through magpie territory and noticed a few of them 'lurking' nearby I picked up a stick to carry. I probably looked a bit strange but I didn't have any problem with swooping!

Activity: Dancing!

Location: Danceway, Belconnen

Comments: Tonight Mr B & I had our first dancing lesson. We learnt the slow rhythm foxtrot, the cha cha cha and the first part of the evening three step. It was fun and we were going ok until the last dance which we had to learn in about 5 minutes flat. Oh boy, talk about uncoordinated! Fortunately they go over the dances we have already learnt next week before teaching us more steps. In the meantime I think we need some practice!

Friday - Another new exercise!

Activity: Swim 6.30am

Distance: 1km

Time: 27:24

Location: Civic Pool

Comments: Met CJ at the pool for a swim where I swam 1km in sets of 5 x 200m after which we had our usual brekkie at RBB - always the best start to the day.

Activity: Dragon Boat training - 5.30pm

Location: Yacht Club

Time: 1 hour

Comments: There were only 9 of us from the Vets' team who turned up for the training on a very bleak cold evening. We combined with a team from Telstra to make up the numbers to fill up the boat. We had a good coach and it was a lot of challenging fun but oh boy, it was cold out there. It became even colder when the rain came down and it took me the entire evening and a very hot shower to warm up afterwards. I had planned an early night but it is now midnight and I've just been watching a movie on the telly. Oh dear, I'm meeting CJ at 9am at the Yacht Club in the morning - hope this rain stops by then!

Gandalf has a hissy fit!

Activity: Run 6am
Location: Kaleen block
Distance: 6.05km
Time: 22:20 for 4.04km (see below)
AHR: 158bpm MHR: 180bpm
Av Rate per km: 5:32
Calories: 267

Comments: The readings are probably inaccurate as when I reached the 907m mark Gandalf started chirping consistently - chirp, chirp, chirp - breath - chirp, chirp, chirp - breath etc - no stopping. The distance didn't change and after a km of this I tried everything from switching him right off and on again - back came the chirping, to changing the mode - no luck. In the end the only way to stop him was to reset to zero and start timing again. It was just over the 2km mark as I still ran 4.04km to home. It was a bit frustrating and I have no idea what caused his displeasure. Hope he's better tempered tomorrow morning!

Activity: Swim 7pm

Location: Belconnen Aquatic Centre (CISAC)

Distance: 1km

Time: 26:53

Comments: Met CJ at the pool and went for a good swim. The pool was clean, cool and quite busy but I felt quite comfortable. The best part was the fact that the cafe was still open afterwards and we could enjoy a decaf cappucino which, although slightly bitter, had great froth.

Tomorrow I have a run scheduled for the morning and dancing starts in the evening. Then we're swimming again Friday morning and my first dragon boat training session is after work. Sat a long run, Sun dragon boat and a cycle. Next Wed I start yoga in the evenings - now that will be interesting. I'm not exactly well coordinated so it could indeed be a challenge!

A Change of Pace
Activity: Cycle 6am
Location: Lake Ginninderra
Distance: 15.45km
Time: 44:47
AHR: 117bpm MHR: 138bpm
Calories: 278
Maximum speed: 34kpm Av sp: 20.7kph

Comments: Cold morning with a light frost. Wore long gloves, leggings and ear warmers. Cycled to the lake and round it and back home the same way rather than past the maggies. Gandalf says my heart rate isn't working hard enough - not enough effort involved! Damn, it felt like hard work to me!

Activity: Gym

Location: Canberra Club

Exercises: Free Weights to work upper body and abs exercises

Time: 1 hour

Comments: About 10mins warm-up on the treadmill then 50 minutes with weights working upper body followed by swiss ball abs exercises and crunches. Had some exercise sheets to follow which made it easier but still had to concentrate!

Tomorrow is another early start to go for a run and I plan to swim tomorrow night and start dancing (yes, dancing) on Thursday night! On Friday I start training for the Dragons Abreast Dragon Boat race on 23 October. It's good to try a few different forms of exercise!

A Hill Run at 5pm
Activity: Run
Location: North Lyneham
Distance: 10.73km
Time: 65:36
AHR: 155bpm MHR: 173bpm
Av Rate per km: 6:08
Calories burned: 664

Comments: CJ met me at my house and we ran to North Lyneham and ran the 3.1km loop in an anti-clockwise direction. This is slightly less hilly than the opposite direction and avoids the killer hill but although we were aiming for more downhills guess what you have to do before you can run downhill! As we approached our first steep downhill Mr B joined us from the opposite direction meeting us at the top! We did the loop three times and it was hard work on those hills. I blame my slow average speed on the undulations! We sighted a family of curious kangaroos who waited until we were quite close before they bounded off into the distance. In the last loop CJ sprouted wings and flew away from us! However she waited to run the home stretch together. It was such a beautiful day in Canberra today, more of that Spring sunshine and we managed to fit in our run just before the sun went down below the hills.

A Sunny Spring Sunday and Garmin is named!

Activity: Run

Location: To and round Lake G from home (Kaleen)

Distance: 13:55km

Time: 1:15:02 (75:02)

Av Rate per km: 5:35

Fastest km: 5:17

AHR: 157bpm

MHR: 174bpm

Calories: 787

Comments:

Today I ran down to Lake Ginninderra, ipod on my arm, garmin on my wrist, to meet CJ, H & T and Mr B at Black Pepper in order to continue round the lake. I didn't feel particularly wonderful, the headphones kept falling from my ear, the music wasn't set up properly as I kept playing slow songs which are not conducive to running fast and my stomach felt decidedly dodgy. In fact by the time I met CJ & Mr B I felt decidedly blah! However, after a short rest I continued round the lake with CJ. Mr B couldn't restrain himself and had to run on ahead to pass H & T who had already had a head start. I was surprised at the end of the run to note that it was actually 2 minutes faster than when I last ran that course. I had to stop for a loo break in the last km and I really didn't feel great so I was pleased that at least the time was ok. CJ has inspired me with a name for garmin - Gandalf. I think that's very apt as I believe it really is a little wizard and I'm certainly hoping that it will perform magic for me! Thanks CJ.

Brekkie at BP was great. We were joined by The Hare, Mrs Hare and Mr CJ as well as a non-running good friend of mine, Andrea. Later Mr B & I followed Andrea home to admire her house extensions which are almost finished - absolutely fabulous. Then we drove to Commonwealth Park to explore floriade. There was a rock & roll band performing and it was very pleasant sitting in the sunshine on this glorious Canberra day listening to the music. In the evening our son & grand-daughter joined us for dinner so it turned out to be a lovely day in spite of the fact that I still feel a bit ordinary!

Thursday 29 September - A quick run to alleviate guilt!

This morning I rose very early to go for a run before catching the plane to Sydney for a meeting. Of course the meeting didn't start until 1pm so I planned a detour to the Lindt Cafe and a little retail therapy in the morning. As I knew I was about to over-indulge I decided to run first!

Activity: Run
Distance: 6:03km
Location: Kaleen block
Time: 34:17
Av Rate per km: 5:40
Calories used: 342
AHR: 158bpm MHR: 172bpm
Slowest km: 5:57
Fastest km: 5:13

Comments: When I first left the house it was drizzling lightly and stopped completely for a short while. However on the outward half of the block there was a strong headwind and by the time I reached the slight incline only a few blocks away the rain had started to set in. It wasn't entirely a pleasant run and I arrived home rather damp! However I felt pleased I had done that as I knew I was about to make the most of my free morning in Sydney.

I had a few minutes wait when I booked in at the airport in Canberra so bought a cappuccino. I then walked to a table and my mobile rang so I balanced my briefcase and handbag in one hand and tried to hold the phone and coffee in the other rather unsuccessfully as I dropped and smashed the cup on the ground and all its contents splashed all down my black pants - a great start as I only had five minutes to clean it up with paper serviettes before rushing off to catch the plane. I'm sure I smelt of coffee all day - just as well the pants were black! Of course the plane was delayed 40 minutes on take-off and on the return trip it was delayed another 40mins so it turned out to be a very long day with a 5.30am start and an 11pm finish. I ate a Baileys chocolate truffle, which I bought at the Lindt cafe, before retiring to bed and I was wide awake for some time! I bought Mr B an assortment of Lindt balls and it was necessary to sample the new flavours - absolutely divine! I will be sorry when I step on the scales in the morning!

Friday - A shocker of a day work-wise

Activity: Swim

Distance: 1km

Time: 27:33

Location: Civic Pool

Comments: Met CJ at the pool and went for a swim (wonder I didn't sink with all that chocolate inside me) and brekkie at RBB. Although the day started well it deteriorated the moment I walked in the office door! It was just one of those Fridays when everything went wrong and there were numerous problems to be sorted. I am so looking forward to this long weekend which promises to be warm, sunny and hopefully relaxing. We already have a run with friends and brekkie planned for Sunday and Floriade might be on the cards if the forecast is correct.

Activity: Run
Location: Lake BG
Distance: 10.18km
Time: 59:25
Km rate: 5:50
AHR: 159bpm MHR: 207bpm!!
Calories used: 617

Comments: Phew! That's a lot of data to record! Ran at 5.15pm from the office, with my friend on blades, to Lake Burley Griffin, turned right at the ferry terminal on to the museum and right round it then on past Black Mountain Peninsula then turned and ran back again. Near the museum we spotted Mummy and Daddy Black Swan with half a dozen tiny fluffy signets following them - so cute. I wore my garmin but forgot to wait for the satellite at the start so may be a little out with the accuracy - could explain that maximum heart rate - oops! It's so cool wearing it though and hearing it beep every kilometre. My fastest km was only 5:38 but I felt like I was running at a good pace so obviously I have to pick up a bit of speed somehow. It was great knowing exactly how far we went. Any ideas for a name for Garmin - I love it! One problem though, it recorded that I ran in Campbell, Victoria - interesting! Not sure how it managed to decide that!

I skipped the run

There was thunder, lightning and rain and more rain as it approached 5.30pm. I watched the rain pouring down from my office window and decided not to go to Parliament House to run. As I walked to the carpark just before 6pm the rain had eased although it was hovering in the black clouds. When it stayed away I felt really guilty for not having gone. I hope it's not raining after work tomorrow so I can at least have a run then and take the un-named Garmin with me.

Activity: Swim 6.30am

Distance: 1km

Location: Civic Pool

Time: 28:03

Comments: I never get any faster! Today I split the swim into 2 x 500metres and it felt fast but my watch disagreed with me! With CJ in Sydney I didn't go to RBB for brekkie. Instead I took some rolled oats from home and made porridge in the microwave at work and it was yummy.

24 September - A tester

Activity: Cycle - 11.30am

Location: To and round Lake G

Distance: 18.9km

Time: 55mins

Comments: Av sp 20.5kph and max sp 35kph. That magpie was out again - I saw him lurking in the shadows and ducked as he swooped down and he MISSED then I sped off and lost him - phew! It was a stunning day - a bit of a wind chill factor but mainly beautiful. I did wear the garmin as I sat outside and logged in my details and found the satellite but it didn't quite agree with my odometer reading and I preferred the odo in this instance! However, at least I know it works for the bike although I really bought it for the running. That was just a test run. Tomorrow is for real!

Sunday 25 September - Vets' Handicap and I wore my Garmin!

Activity: Run - 9am

Location: Deeks Forest, Stromlo

Distance: 8km - distance on Garmin 8.16km

Time: 45:21

Group: 15

Place: 51st

Av Rate per km: 5:33

Calories used: 524

Heartrate Av: 166bpm

Max Heartrate: 191bpm

Comments: A good day for the run - slightly cool and cloudy to start but warmed up quickly. Originally this was a beautiful forest but since the fires it is so barren and open - hard to believe it's the same location. However it wasn't a bad run and I so enjoyed wearing my Garmin (yet to be named, Jen) and hearing it beep, beep, beep at every kilometre. In fact it told me I ran 8.16km instead of 8km. It also told me I ran the first km in 4:44 but I think I slowed down after that. With the help of CJ it is now set up to tell me the time I do each km in future runs. I have a lot of learning yet to do but it will be such fun.

Woo hoo - I downloaded the route!

Spring is in the air!
Another lovely day in Canberra. It wasn't even too difficult to roll out of bed well before 6am in order to go to the pool for a swim before brekkie.

Activity: Swim
Time: 7secs slower than Monday!
Distance: 1km
Location: Civic Pool
Comments: I'm sure I swam faster than Monday - maybe my watch was slow!!! Anyway, it was such a lovely morning I couldn't be discouraged. The chef has changed at RBB and our usual brekkie is no longer on the menu so CJ and I had porridge with dates and flaked almonds. It was delicious but very filling.
Today I also had lunch with a colleague at RBB (again) and in the evening I met up with CJ, Mr CJ and two of our training friends who have just returned from overseas and we ate at Zefferellis - oh dear, will this food fight never end? Tomorrow I think I'll cycle but only a little way as I have to save my legs for the Vets' Handicap on Sunday. I'll try out my garmin. What fun!

I hope this gorgeous sunshine stays for the weekend.

My Garmin has arrived!

Woo hoo, it landed on my desk today - how exciting. I've charged the battery and tomorrow when I meet CJ for brekkie after we swim, we'll be talking "garmins". I can't wait to use it. It didn't arrived until about 3.30pm so I didn't have time to charge it before my afternoon run but I'll test it out in the weekend.

Activity: Run at 5.15pm
Location: From office to ANU past museum and back
Distance: approx 8.5km
Time: 50mins

Comments: Left work at 5.15pm and ran over the bridge past Rydges and towards the museum. Everything was hurting tonight, the knee, the ankle, everything, not helped by the fact that I walked into our weights (very big ones at that) which were in the wrong place on the dining floor last night and have such a sore little toe, so I decided to avoid the hills and run past the museum and on to the ANU grounds before turning and running back the same way. On the return leg I met up with a friend from triathlons who was cycling with his little girl on the back of his bike while his wife was running, training for the Half Ironman. He cycled beside me for a while so we could chat. It's great the way I never seem to lack company on that run route. I might add it was another stunning day in Canberra and it really is a pleasure to run in this weather in spite of the aches and pains!

A Stunning Day for a Run!

This morning I had a work-related brekkie at Olims, later in the morning a great coffee at Babars and a very nice lunch at Blue Olive with The Hare so it was definitely a necessity to work all that off with a good run after work. And what a great day it was in Canberra today - 20deg and bright sunshine.

Activity: Run

Location: Lake BG

Distance: Approx 9.5km

Time: 55mins

Comments: I had to run alone as my friend forgot his blading gear so I left the office about 5.25pm and ran down to the lake, turned left at the ferry terminal, then instead of heading towards the Museum I ran through the tunnel, over the hill, past Black Mountain Peninsula where the sun was setting over the hills and the sky was pink. It was so pretty there. It would have been nice to share that moment with a friend. Then on to the log cabin toilet block out there in the distance. There I turned round and ran back again. Just before the turnoff over that nasty hill I was joined by an Israeli gentleman who asked if he could join me. He needed directions back to the Uni where he was staying but when we reached his destination he decided to continue running with me back to the ferry terminal and over the bridge as far as Rydges. He told me he had lived in Wellington, NZ, for three years lecturing at the Uni there (where we lived for 20 years before moving to Canberra), he lives in Sydney for a couple of months each year lecturing in Statistics and lives in Israel the rest of the time. Currently he's staying at University House where he gave a lecture today. He left me his number and told me his unpronounceable name suggesting we go for a run on Friday - I don't think so, but it was an interesting encounter! And at least I had company for a small part of my return journey. I am so looking forward to my garmin arriving so that I can accurately calculate my run distances.

I'll try this again!

Sunday 12 September - A beaut day for the Fun Run

Activity: Run
Location: Canberra College to Commonwealth Park
Distance: 10km
Time: 53:20

Comments: After a dreadful day on Saturday, Sunday dawned bright and beautiful - perfect conditions for the Canberra Times Fun Run. We arrived bright and early so that Mr B could do a late entry. Waved to CJ in the toilet queue and found FlashDuck at the start of the run. At least we're all easy to spot in our bright coloured CR gear. CJ joined us soon afterwards and we spotted lots of familiar faces in the crowds waiting for the starting gun. For the first 3 or 4km I managed to run with Mr B but after that he took off and I didn't see him until the end. I actually enjoyed the run, especially the long gentle downhill stretches. It's not a spectator friendly course though so when we passed under the bridges I made sure I waved madly at the spectators cheering from above. At the 5km mark we passed the walkers just starting out on their course. I spotted a friend and we exchanged words of encouragement but I didn't see Aki at that stage. I finished the run in 53:20 which pleased me as, upon looking back at my CT results since 1999, I see that I have never managed a faster time than 55mins in that particular run before today. After passing through the finish chute I found CJ, Mr B and soon afterwards FlashDuck, JS, Griffin and his lovely lady. And then Luckylegs arrived very excited as she had a big PB as well as a big smile! It was great to see everyone - lots of hugs all round. It became very cold very quickly though and we were relieved when finally Mr CJ found us as he had our bags of warm gear. In the meantime Mrs Griffin lent me her lovely warm jacket which helped considerably. We waited around for the barrel draws and the results. None of our group won a barrel draw but it gave us an opportunity to chat. LL had to leave us early. It was so good to finally have a chance to meet her properly and we did manage a group CR photo before her departure. Later FD, CJ and Mr CJ, Aki, Mr B and I went to The Deck for coffee and more chatting. It was a good way to spend a Sun morning and I was quite surprised to note it was well after 2pm when we left for home.

In the evening I took the plunge and ordered a garmin over the web after FD gave me the website today. I just couldn't hang out any longer. Now I have to be patient for the next six days! I can't wait!!

Monday - A new week dawns

An early start and off for a swim to start the week well.

Activity: Swim at 6.30am

Location: Civic Pool

Distance: 1km

Time: 28:03

Comment: Swam in 2 x 500m lots but got caught up with a group of swimmers in the slow lane as it was really busy this morning. Had a yummy brekkie with CJ at RBB afterwards. That's well worth the early morning swim.

Activity: Run at 5.30pm

Location: Parliament House - speedygeoff's group

Distance: 10km (according to CJ's garmin)

Time: 60mins

Comment: Welcome back to speedygeoff! We had what was supposedly an easy session! We had a very long warm up followed by some long loops up and down and across beside the grass between old and new parliament house for about 20mins then a cool down loop round Parliament House. Unfortunately on our last grass loop CJ tripped on the edge of the gutter and hurt her ankle. She was suffering from bad twinges as we finished our cool down so it was not a good way to end the session. I believe she is now taking anti-inflammatories and doing all the correct things (RICE) so here's hoping it recovers quickly.

20 September Tuesday - Swear not by the moon!

Activity: Cycle 6am

Location: Home to and round Lake Ginninderra and home via Giralang

Distance: 17.22km

Time: 54mins

Comments: After such a disastrous blog session last night I dragged myself out of bed and piled on several layers of cycling gear and set off on a short but pleasant cycle to and round the lake. It was really still and cold out there but I really enjoyed the ride in spite of cold tootsies and a blue nose! In the distance I saw the outline of the pale full moon from the previous night and there was a swirling mist over the lake giving an eerie feel. There were also a surprising number of people out there walking round the lake. On the return past Giralang I was swooped repeatedly on my helmet by a very persistent magpie. Obviously Spring has sprung and the magpies are back. However, I arrived home feeling ready to face the day. I could not possibly feel cranky anymore when spring is in the air and a new day beckons!

I am feeling very very cranky right now. I just spent ages writing up my blog for yesterday and it's all disappeared - zip! I put 4 photos on it so now I'll just put 2 on it! I am not at all a happy chappy so perhaps I should leave this tonight and write it up tomorrow instead! I'll put the photos on though so at least I've started (again)!!! Don't you love that shoe selection!

Thursday 15 Sept - Brrrr!
Activity: Run 6pm
Location: Kaleen block
Distance: 6.1km
Time: 34:19

Comments: Brrrr - I made myself change and go for a run the minute I arrived home from work, mainly so that I wouldn't have to drag myself out of bed at some ungodly hour in the morning to run before going to meet CJ for brekkie at RBB. I also met a friend for dinner and that meant a late night so the very early start tomorrow definitely did not appeal. Instead I braved the cold headwind and ran my Kaleen block. I was definitely much warmer by the end but it was a battle against that wind and cold for the first half. Glad I made myself do it though! I will enjoy brekkie so much more in the morning without all that rushing to be on time.

Friday

Brekkie was divine and two cappuccinos a perfect way to start a Friday. Today was a rest day - bliss! Tonight, after drinks and nibbles at work, I went to the movies to see 'Wedding Crashers'. It was a bit silly but very funny in parts - a light-hearted fun movie and a pleasant way to spend the evening.

Mid-week Run
Activity: Run 5.45pm
Location: Lake BG
Distance: approx 9km
Time: 50mins
Comments: Ran from work with FS rollerblading with me. Past Rydges over bridge, past Museum and on to the ANU through the grounds and back to work the same way. Cold but pleasant run except that for the first ten minutes I was suffering from cramping calf muscles. Had to guess the distance. A bit of drizzle but it cleared. By the time we returned to the office it was becoming dark. I'm looking forward to daylight saving and those nice long days.

Monday - A cold start to the week
Activity: Swim
Location: Civic Pool
Distance: 1km
Time: 28:57

Comment: Marginally faster than last week! Gosh it was a cold day today - I missed CJ and Mr B joining me for brekkie. In fact I just bought a loaf of raisin bread and toasted it at work with a take-away cappuccino - not the same at all. Today CJ will be enjoying a well-earned rest after a fantastic PB in Sydney. FD did a great time too - what an amazing woman! Spoke to JS as he travelled back from Sydney yesterday. He also ran the marathon - a difficult run but he did well although I think he was a bit disappointed with his time. He found it much tougher than Canberra which is what a number of people have said. I'm hoping he will train with me for the Canberra Ultra next year.

Activity: Run with speedygeoff's group

Location: Parliament House

Distance: Approx 8.5km (no CJ therefore no garmin)

Time: Approx 45mins

Comments: What a cold cold night! We ran the same 3km warm-up that we have done over the last few weeks. It was actually drizzling when I pulled into the Parliament House underground carpark and I thought we might be running round the carpark but when we emerged outside in the freezing air there was no sign of any more rain so off we set. After the warm-up we did four sets of three squares of the grass running fast on the flat paths and slower on the hills. We had one minute rest between each set of three. To finish we ran a loop of Parliament House. At this stage Peter lent me his spray jacket to wear as I was shivering with cold after cooling down really quickly. I think my problem was I didn't wear enough on top. I really enjoyed a hot shower later and stayed in it far too long!

Tuesday - a little variety

Activity: Cycle 6.15am

Location: Cycle track past Lake G & home via Giralang

Distance: 10.56km

Time: 34mins

Comments: Another cold morning. Wore lots of layers. Started out a bit late in the morning so didn't allow enough time to cycle far but even though it was a short ride I really enjoyed it.

Activity: Gym 5.45pm

Location: Canberra Club

Comments: Warmed up on the treadmill then did 3 x 15reps on the bench press, 3 x 15reps flies, 3 x 15reps of pull-downs. Then I enjoyed a nice hot spa. Haven't been to the gym for many months so need to build up gently.

Thursday

I went for an early morning cycle just to check out the run distance from Tuesday - 8.2km to be exact! In the evening I attended the Training Excellence Awards at Parliament House - an amazing night. In fact I didn't arrive home until 3.30am so not much sleep for me! Friday at work it was difficult to stay awake - no training today for obvious reasons!

Saturday - Rain, sunshine and more rain!

Activity: Run

Location: From home to and round Lake G

Distance: 13.6km

Time: 77:30 (1hour 17mins 30secs)

Comments: Left home about 2.20pm and ran down to Black Pepper to meet Mr B and The Hare and continued right round lake. The weather was overcast but it started pouring as we started off round the lake continuing off and on throughout our run - sun, rain, sun, rain all the way - quite bizarre. Saw a number of Vet race walkers on the way and indeed a number of runners too. It's good to know we weren't the only crazy ones. It was actually a really good run and 4 minutes faster than the same run last week. I was doing my best to keep up with Mr B and The Hare but couldn't quite catch them. However it was still pleasant, the lake was calm and there were ducks (even a white one) and birds out enjoying the rain. Later we had a coffee in the Mall as Black Pepper was closed. Tonight there was thunder and lightning out there so I'm glad we fitted in a run before the real storm! I'm hoping it's good weather in Sydney for all those competing in the marathon tomorrow. Here's hoping it's a great race for them. Best of luck to CJ and FlashDuck!

Wednesday

Activity: Run

Location: Lake Burley Griffin

Distance: 8km plus

Time: 47:16mins

Comments: Lovely day in Canberra today - a little cool wind but mainly lovely blue sky and sunshine. Went for run after work with my friend on blades. Ran from the office past Rydges over the bridge to the lake, turned right and ran down past the museum and turned right along the cycle track for 24mins (I still need that garmin) then turned and ran back to the office. One small problem - I forgot my crop top and had to run in a push-up bra - not a good look!! I must remember to repack my running bag in the evenings! I set my alarm this morning with the intent of cycling to measure the distance for yesterday's run but I rolled over and went back to sleep instead!

Almost forgot to add my CT number arrived yesterday complete with a little tattoo - how cute! Thanks Flash Duck for organising this and running it a week after the marathon - impressive!

Monday 5 September
Activity: Swim with cj at 6.30am
Location: Civic Pool
Distance: 1km
Time: Slow - forgot my watch!
Comments: I swum the 1km without stopping so that must be a bonus. However, I couldn't time myself as I left my watch in my running bag! That's the problem with all these bags. Never mind, I quite enjoyed it and really enjoyed the brekkie at RBB where we both chose Turkish bread toasted with ricotta, honey and banana on top and a great cappuccino - yum, I love starting the week like that!

Activity: Run with speedygeoff's group at 5.30pm
Location: Parliament House
Distance: 8.3km
Comments: We did a similar undulating warm up to last week and cj's garmin tells me it was just over 3km then we had 9 sprints diagonally across the grass (had to watch that footing) interspersed with gentle jogging where we could chat - always good. We followed this with a cool-down loop of Parliament House. An enjoyable session with good company and lots of chatting later!

Tuesday 6 September - Mr B keeps me honest!
Activity: Run at 6pm with Mr B
Location: From home along cycle track past Giralang to tunnel on way to Gungahlin and return
Distance: Approx 8km (will measure on my bike tomorrow to confirm distance - I need that garmin!)
Time: 44:36mins
Comments: Left home (after work) at 6pm with Mr B for company and ran quite briskly (for me) - difficult to keep up but did my best. Ran to tunnel and it took 21.50mins then we turned and ran home in the dark so I watched my footing which slowed us down a little. Still, I think that was probably an ok time for the distance. Will check it on my odometer on my bike. Felt like a good effort so must have been at least 8km according to Mr B. Oh and I did a few abs exercises this morning before work - need to work on that tummy!

Saturday
Activity: Run
Location: From home to and round Lake Ginninderra
Distance: 13.6km
Time: 81.43minutes
Comment: I ran down to Lake G, met up with cj and Mr B and we ran round the lake and had a great coffee at Black Pepper afterwards where Mr cj joined us. We chatted all the way so it was not a fast time but it was the furthest I have run for ages and it felt comfortable.

Sunday - Fathers' Day
Activity: Cycle!!
Location: From home to and round Lake G and home via Giralang
Distance: 17.16km
Time: 47minutes
Comment: It was a lovely day today. We had brunch with the family at Black Pepper in the morning and later in the afternoon while Mr B played squash with our son I dusted the cobwebs off my bike, pumped up the tyres and went for a short cycle - the first one since Feb. It was quite late in the day so I wore leggings and long sleeved top but I really enjoyed a nice gentle ride. Average speed 21.54kph and maximum speed 35kph - fun!

Tuesday I woke with a sore throat - not a good sign. We went with friends to the Electric Shadows Theatre in the evening to see a few locally made short movies. The main one (a whole 18minutes) was 'The Milk Man' and set in Griffith in 1988. It was very well done and had all the necessary ingredients - pathos, drama, romance and humour. A good coffee (decaf) at Babars later made for a very pleasant evening.

Wednesday
Activity: Run
Location: London Circuit to Lake BG round museum and beyond
Distance: Approx 5.5km (I need a garmin!)
Time: 30mins
Comment: Very cold and I forgot my long sleeved running top so I ran with my gym t-shirt (the original intention was to go to the gym) and a singlet top - must have looked very strange! I ran with my friend who roller bladed. We didn't leave work until 5.35pm so had to return before it was too dark to blade or we would have gone out for longer.

Thursday (today) - First day of Spring
This morning I had a work-related breakfast - yesterday I had a brekkie with friends - two mornings in a row when I was unable to run. However I did go over to the Canberra Club after work but not to lift weights - just to the 15metre (!) pool.
Activity: Swim
Location: Canberra Club Pool
Distance: 930metres (I miscounted the laps - very tricky in a 15metre pool!!)
Time: 24mins
Comments: Far too difficult to keep count! I enjoyed the spa and sauna I had after the swim - a lovely way to end a hectic working day. My throat is still sore but I don't think the swimming made it any worse. I'll find out tomorrow I guess.
This morning I had a wonderful cappuccino with FlashDuck - such a pleasant surprise. I have now signed up for the CT Fun Run in the CR team - woo hoo - hope I don't slow down the team time too much. It was great to have a long chat with FD. She is a delight.