The Many Faces of Singapore

Something tells me that we will not be going to sleep early tonight. There are some birthday celebrations happening very loudly outside our window in the hotel courtyard and there is no sign of the noise abating. Last night there was a large group of women only from the French Association (some very stunning ones too much to Mr B's delight) but they were finished and quiet soon after 10pm. Tonight is obviously different so I may as well write up today's blog as sleep will not be forthcoming any time soon. We had our free cocktail at the bar earlier in the evening and perused the drinks menu with interest. One fancy bottle of champagne cost $1,960 - hmmm! We did notice one young girl carrying a bottle of bubbly back to her table in an ice bucket but maybe it was the $78 bottle which was the cheapest on the menu!

This morning we used the remainder of our 24hour open air bus ticket by taking a proper trip to China Town. We had only passed it by yesterday but today we walked through all the little laneways and had a good look. Right in the middle of Chinatown was a Tintin Shop. As Tintin has always appealed to Mr B he really enjoyed checking it out. There was an open air marketplace and although we didn't buy anything we had a lot of fun browsing.

Here we also visited the Buddha Tooth Relic, a beautiful Buddhist Temple. I attired myself in a shawl and long skirt which was supplied upon entry and we walked in barefoot. We were struck by the incredible opulence of this temple. There was so much gold and wealth within the temple and it was stunningly beautiful. There were many worshippers there kneeling in prayer or meditating on prayer mats or on benches in the temple. Individual buddhas were everywhere. The actual Buddha Tooth Relic is in a golden shrine called a stupa and this was enclosed in glass along with all its opulent surroundings. Photos were not allowed of this part of the temple.

Our next trip was by underground train to Harbourside Shopping Complex to catch a train to Sentosa Island. We did spend a little time in the amazing shopping centre but eventually found the entrance to the cable car which travels high in the sky across to Sentosa. I am terrified of heights but I was determined to experience this ride and I really loved it. The views were fantastic and I felt a real high (no pun intended) being up there hanging by a wire looking down on cruise ships and smaller boats below, Sentosa Island in the distance and all the cable cars coming towards us in the air. It was fantastic. 

We stopped at Sentosa Island to eat lunch and walk through the grounds and enjoy the scenery including watching a pretty bride and her groom having their photos taken.

Back to the station to catch the train back to the hotel, a quick shower, our cocktail in the foyer and then we headed out for a western style meal which we really enjoyed for a change. We have eaten chicken, duck and pork with rice for lunch and dinner over the past couple of days and felt like we needed a change. We have passed by several times the very popular restaurant on the corner called the Fish Head Steamboat. Tomorrow we may head back to Little India to try an Indian meal. Tomorrow we may also go for a run! It's just a matter of finding a suitable place and leaving early enough to avoid the intense heat.

Buddhist Temple

Prayer Wheel

Singapore Orchids

Cable car coming in the other direction

One view through the window

Bird life at Sentosa

Sweltering in The Sultan!

Here we are in Singapore staying in a brand new hotel called The Sultan which is in fact an old building renovated. It's very fresh and clean but the bathroom is so tiny that two people can't fit in there at once and the air conditioning doesn't seem to work in that small area. The only mirror is beside the shower so when I attempt to put on makeup it just drips off me in the heat - delightful I know!

We had a fairly uneventful flight from Melbourne to Singapore. We were in one of those new A380s and it was smooth flight although they obviously haven't provided any extra leg room.

On one side of me sat Iris, unmarried and without children, who has been travelling alone for 50 years. What an interesting life she has had! Iris is a staunch Royalist and proudly showed me a photo which had been in the newspaper of her reaching out and touching Prince Charles hand with Lady Di beside him. She has travelled to so many interesting countries and had so many interesting stories to keep me entertained. Iris also explained to me that one night in her youth she went to bed as usual and when she woke up she had completely lost her hearing. After several tests the doctors announced that she had suffered from sudden onset deafness and she has never regained her hearing. Having said that Iris wears hearing aids in both ears and manages very well. We had a completely normal conversation and she could hear the babies crying on the plane. She really was an amazing lady and was so excited to be travelling to London again on the occasion of the Queen's 60th jubilee. She is away for two months and doesn't plan to leave London until she sees the Queen. After that she is visiting cousins in England and may pop over to Italy or elsewhere in Europe for a week or so. 

I did manage to watch two movies during the flight although I was a bit distracted by Iris who had been encouraged to try rum for the first time and was feeling very excited and naughty about such an event! I loved Warhorse which I missed seeing at the theatre. It moved me to tears however so it was good to have a giggle with Iris later.

I have a vivid memory of our last visit to Singapore in 1973. We were on our way to London for our overseas experience (OE) and had travelled by ship as far as Singapore. In the last few days on the boat a number of passengers including me managed to succumb to food poisoning and I also remember a very painful injection in my backside to prevent me throwing up! When I stepped from the boat onto the shore in Singapore I almost passed out from the intense heat and I also remember feeling totally ill from the strong smell of street foods as we did the touristy things. They were not good memories.

When Mr B and I stepped out of the Singapore airport late last night it all came back to me - the intense humidity was like walking into a steam room. Wow, it was hot and I was wearing too many clothes even though I was carrying my jacket and had already stripped down to a t-shirt and wore only lightweight long pants.

Today Mr B and I caught one of those hop on hop off open air double decker buses and had an explore. We walked along Arab Street in which every shop sells either rolls and rolls of Chinese silks and other gorgeous materials or carpets and mats. We also checked out Little India, China Town and Orchard Road. When we set out in the morning a lot of shops were closed but later everywhere was buzzing and alive with many interesting sights and smells. On the back of a cleaning contractor's truck was a large sign "AWOL and illegal dishwashers forbidden." It took a minute to realise that the dishwashers referred to were not the mechanical variety!

We have been enjoying some yummy Chinese food and also partook in the most delicious icecream creation from Coldstone Icecreamery which I think may be in parts of Oz. Watching it being created was half the fun. He flattened a blob of icecream on a board, chopped the apples etc, rolled it in a ball and tossed it in the air catching it in the paper cup. I chose apple pie, cinnamon and cookie crumble with a caramel sauce and served in a chocolate waffle cone. I definitely need to run!

In the evening we squeezed through the Bugis Street Markets and it definitely WAS a squeeze. Wall to wall people had the same idea and it was difficult to venture near the stalls but we managed and it was a fascinating place, When we came through to the open air it was still busy. The city certainly was buzzing at night and we were encouraged to come in and try the delicious smelling foods. We settled for a noodle place and enjoyed a tasty meal and the best iced honey and lemon tea - so refreshing on a hot night.

City of contrasts

Indian Temple inside

Indian temple roof

Mosque

Up Up and Away!

I am writing this in the Qantas Club at Canberra Airport. We are taking no chances after our experience in Perth and have checked in with plenty of time to spare! The first leg of our journey will take us to Singapore very late tonight via Melbourne. We have four days in Singapore before flying to the UK where we will stay in Surrey for a few days with Mr B's cousin and his lovely wife. While there we are catching up with friends from our working days in the UK in 1973 and 1974. One girl found us on Facebook and we haven't seen her for 38 years. It will be so exciting to meet up again. I hope we all recognise each other. On Thursday of next week we fly to Turkey for 3 weeks. Watch this space!

Yesterday turned into a lovely sunny day - cool, crisp and very pleasant running weather. I took Teddy for a last little run via two ovals where he ran free to his heart's content. We both had such a lovely run as it was after 9am in the morning and there weren't many people about.

Total distance: 10km

After that it was all go as I had Avon to deliver, a freezer to defrost, washing to be all up-to-date, fresh sheets on the bed, a hair appointment in town, tidying up, packing to organise, Teddy to deliver to his "other" family and phone calls to make. It was after 1.30am before I headed for bed but my mind was buzzing and I didn't actually sleep well at all which was unfortunate as I don't expect we will enjoy another really comfortable bed for some time and it's a long flight ahead!

We are overseas for 8 weeks altogether and may be able to incorporate watching a leg of the Tour de France in July. Some of our plans have not yet been finalised.

I do know I will miss my family and friends and a little wet nose kissing me goodnight and good morning. It does make my  mind easier, however, knowing that he is in good and loving hands.

Teddy - now 2 years old!

Canberra turns down the temperature

Ever since we returned from Western Australia we have felt the brunt of Canberra's much cooler temperatures. I was also celebrating my birthday for about a week before the day, as in eating far too much yummy food and drinking far too much wine. However, I have also been running nearly every day and have been to the gym a few times. The weekend after our return I competed in the YMCA Canberra Runners' Club (YCRC) Half Marathon. I felt good on the day and ran comfortably but unfortunately I think I must have taken it a little easier than I should have as my finish time was 5 minutes slower than the Weston Creek Half which I ran five weeks before the marathon.

Total distance: 21.1km (plus 1.5km warm up)

Time taken: 2:06
Average pace per km: 5:59
Calories burned: 1167

Running the half in my Griffin singlet

CJ and I show off our medals after the half.

Dinner in the evening with good friends 

On Thursday I celebrated my 62nd birthday. Scarey stuff being this old. I certainly don't feel any older but I have definitely slowed down over the last ten years running-wise!  

 

Birthday celebrations

There have been lunches, coffees and breakfasts to celebrate with friends. On Thursday Mr B took me for a lovely surprise lunch at one of my favourite restaurants and in the evening our Canberra family joined us for takeaways and cupcakes!

On my birthday morning I took Teddy for a brisk run before over-indulging for the rest of the day.

Total distance: 6km

Time taken: 34:30
Average pace per km: 5:45

On Tuesday I went to the Tuesday group run with Marg and we ran to Haig Park. I also ran with Alan and Marilyn. The three of us had run the YCRC Half so it was definitely a gentle run.

Total distance: 9.2km

It was my turn to supply champagne as mine was the next birthday and Marg had baked the most delicious chocolate mud cake - yummo!

Wednesday

Today I ran BBQ Stakes. I also ran it last week in an embarrassing time of 38: 08 for the 6km hilly run. Today's time was 36:41 which was an improvement although still two minutes off my PB for that course. Average pace per km: 6:02

Yesterday Saturday morning I ran with (or rather, followed) Jen and Andy from the ferry terminal. We ran the West Basin on an absolutely freezing, sleety and windy morning. It was bitterly cold although we did warm up and there was some shelter among the trees. I wore running gloves, ear warmers, running tights to my knees and a spray jacket for the first few kms and the only items to come off were my ear warmers and gloves. 

Total distance: 16km

Time taken:  1:39

Average pace per km: 6:11

Calories burned: 884

Ewen met us after his run and we (Andy, Ewen and I) headed off to meet Liz at Urban Foods for coffee and cake - a lovely catch up.

Later in the afternoon our girls and their partners came to stay overnight and take us both to dinner as our birthdays are only three weeks apart. We had such a lovely time and were happily spoilt as they bought us an ipad as a joint birthday gift. We had now better learn to share tee hee! It's fantastic and will be so easy to take overseas when we fly away on Wednesday.

This morning (Sunday) Mr B and I were rostered on duty at the Vets' Monthly Handicap in West Stromlo. It was cold to start but the sun came out and it was perfect running weather. In the mid afternoon, after the family had left, I went out for a most enjoyable run dressed only in singlet and shorts. The weather was so different from yesterday. The sun shone and I had new music downloaded. It was glorious winter weather - clear and cold but sunny with blue blue skies. These are the sort of days I love to run.

Total distance: 8.01km

Time taken: 48.44mins
Average pace per km: 6:05mins
Calories burned: 438

We have only three more sleeps before we head off for Singapore and a few days later on to the UK, Turkey, Northern Spain and the south of France for eight whole weeks! It's a good thing Teddy loves his alternative home. He knows something is going on as he follows me everywhere like a little lamb.

Western Australia Part Three - the final days

Thursday 10 May

The three of us went for a run on the rail trail this morning before checking out. It was a short run with no rain. Even Mr B was impressed with the surface.

Total distance: 5km

A quick show, breakfast, last minute cleaning up and packing then we were on the road. We enjoyed another coffee at Urban Bean and this time there were no flies! We had one more chocolate factory to visit before leaving Margaret River and this was on the way to Yallingup. Gabriel's Chocolates only opened in December last year so is very new and very modern. Ihe smell of rich velvety chocolate wafted to greet us as we stepped through the door. The chocolate was all packaged in very thin packets, ideal for travel! Of course there were lots of samples and it was very very yummy.

I ordered a hot chocolate. How could I resist?  It smelt and tasted delicious. Unfortunately it was now time to say goodbye to CJ who was flying home that afternoon. We had enjoyed such a lovely time with her and were sad to see her go. For me especially it was so good to have a running companion every single day to keep me motivated and we had all enjoyed some wonderful times together.

Mr B and I continued on to Busselton as we had a strong desire to walk to the end of the pier. It was a blustery day but it was fun walking along the pier and watching the little train chug past.

Then on we drove to Fremantle (Freo) where we had two nights booked at the fabulous Tradewinds Hotel which had been recommended to us by a good friend who lives in Freo. It was a lovely room which included a spa bath - just amazing. After checking in and freshening up we drove into the city and walked around until we found a great little restaurant serving wood fired pizza. It was so good and the service was great.

Friday 11 May

We started the day with a run from the hotel and down to the Swan River where we enjoyed running by the seaside along the little track. There were quite a number of other runners out there and it was really pleasant and warm. The weather here seems to be much warmer than in the Margaret River.

Total distance: 8km

After our shower and breakfast we went for an explore and wandered round the Freo Markets. They were buzzing and really fun.

At lunch time we met up with a friend who we worked with in London in 1973. We have only managed to get together once since then and that was in Sydney at her daughter's house about eight years ago. It was so exciting meeting up again and we spent hours reminiscing over yummy fish and chips and several bottles of wine. In the early evening another friend who has just moved to Perth from Canberra joined us all for a meal and yet more wine and it was quite late when we all said our fond farewells vowing that we would meet up much more often; in fact the plan is to meet up at the Leeuwin Estate in the not too distant future to enjoy one of their amazing concerts.

Saturday 12 May

Today our plane was due to fly back to Canberra at 11.50am. After packing up in plenty of time we drove to Cottlesloe Beach for a last look on a stunningly sunny morning and a coffee for me of course! Then we headed for the airport, at least that was the plan but somehow we managed to go the wrong way and it was a case of quickly plugging in the GPS and redirecting ourselves. We were cutting it pretty fine when we pulled up outside the departures, parking our hire car illegally as we rushed in to the queue with our bags. By the time we reached the front of the queue we had passed the deadline of checking in 30mins before the flight and were not allowed to board. Ho hum. The next flight to Canberra left at midnight via Melbourne (the flight is also known as the Red Eye for obvious reasons). At least Mr B now had time to return the hire car to its rightful place and as we had the bike in its huge box with us as well as our other luggage and could not even go to the Qantas Club until after we had checked in we were stuck. The check in could not be earlier than six hours before the flight which meant we had at least six hours to wait and the sun was beckoning us. So it was that Mr B hired another car, we piled our luggage in the hatchback and off we drove. We headed for Kings Park, bought an icecream each and wandered through the gorgeous grounds making the most of a stunning Perth day.

Later we headed back to Cottlesloe and watched yet another stunning sunset.

When we finally caught the plane home I didn't catch a wink of sleep but I was really happy that we had that last sunny beautiful day before heading back to Canberra's frosty mornings! We really had enjoyed a fantastic twelve days in Western Australia.

Western Australia Part 2

Tuesday 8 May  

CJ and I rose early and ran a short 4km tempo run along the "rails to trails" path. It was beautiful, a great surface in the forest and oh so pretty. I'm really looking forward to running a long run there tomorrow. It was a cool day (I have already had to make a quick trip to the local Target Country to purchase a couple of long sleeved warmer tops as I only took t-shirts and jackets with me).

Today we had a tour booked (the reason for our short run) which covered 5 wineries among other things. It was a busy fun packed day. Our tour group consisted of seven people in the morning and two  more in the afternoon. They were all lovely.

Our first stop was  the Watershed winery where we were taught the correct way to taste wine including the way to hold the glass and swirling, sniffing and sipping. We ordered a mixed dozen of Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (SBS for the uninitiated) and some sweet voignier to be sent back to Canberra for us. We sampled six different wines. I'm not sure how we'll still be standing after five wineries!

Next winery was the Leeuwin Estate. This was set in magnificent grounds where they annually hold concerts. Not surprisingly it is very popular as the setting is stunning. The wine was pretty good too!

Our lunch stop was at Voyager Estate. After we had ordered from the menu we tasted more wine and were also given a full glass with our meal. The food was delicious. I had lamb shank with polenta and orange gremolata and it was just divine.

Leeuwin Estate

Wineries including lamb shank at Voyager Estate

After lunch another couple joined our group and we headed out to a venison farm. Here we just sampled some venison sausage and little tasty bits before heading off to Olio Bello - an olive oil farm. There were some amazing olive oils here and some yummy tastings. Next stop was another visit to the Margaret River Chocolate Company and more free samples. Oh my, so delicious! So irresistible! More purchases before being taken to the cheese factory. We bought a few tasty pieces for the anti pasto which we decided to have for tea in our apartment that evening. After our big lunch and so many tastings we only needed a light meal!

There were two more wineries which were smaller family operated ones known as boutique wineries. We tasted some very nice fortified wines at the last winery. The winery was called Woody Nook and we bought some aptly named Nooky Delight!

It was a really good day and we were pretty tired by the time we were dropped off at our apartment. However, CJ and I decided to work off some of our excess food and wine by walking into the town to buy a few extra bits and pieces for our anti pasto. It was a yummy meal and we had a relaxing evening before a longer run next morning.

Life is an Adventure! Western Australia Part 1

As I am a long way behind in updating my news I have decided to publish it in parts as there is far too much to read all at once!

We arrived in Perth on Tuesday 1 May for a 12 day holiday including Mr B’s big event in the Busselton Half Ironman. As we didn’t fly out until 7.30pm I had time to go for a run in the morning before my hair appointment.

Total distance: 10km

Time taken: 1:02

Average pace per km: 6:14

Calories burned: 555

By the time we checked into our motel in Perth it was almost midnight but the pillows were thin and the bed the lumpiest we have ever slept in!

Next morning we drove to Cottlesloe Beach and it was such a lovely day that we went for a swim. It was really lovely. To top it off we thoroughly enjoyed fish and chips at the beach. I chose grilled barramundi and it was delicious. 

Barramundi, Perth, Cottlesloe

Thursday 3 May

Mr B came with me for a run from our apartment in the morning, over the bridge and into the city.

Total distance: 6km

After that we checked out of the motel (not one to write home about - VERY basic) and headed for Busselton stopping for coffee and lunch at Mandurah on the way. We found a spot overlooking the very blue water and it was so peaceful and pretty. Then on we drove to Busselton where we checked in at our motel not long before CJ checked in to hers. Dave put his bike together and went for a little ride while CJ went for her short run before we headed off for dinner and to explore.

Friday 4 May - Happy Birthday Speedygeoff!

CJ and I started the day with a run before brekkie. We decided to just run part of the track we plan to run tomorrow while Mr B is on his bike leg. We ran along the foreshore. It was a dull drizzly day and the rain fell heavier when we were cheering on the littlies in the children's triathlon in the late afternoon. My daughter and her new fiance arrived today with his family as Liam's nephew and niece took part in the kids' tri. It was lots of fun watching them but the swim had to be cut short as the breakers were a bit fierce. This does not bode well for tomorrow's half ironman event!

Total distance of run: 8.3km

Time taken: 52mins

Average pace per km: 6:20

Calories burned: 452

Saturday - 70.3 Busselton Ironman

The Half Ironman begins!

What an amazing day this turned out to be. During the night I was wakened several times by heavy rain, thunder and lightning. I think Mr B slept through it all and I did all the worrying for him! We were up by 4.40am, breakfasted and ready to leave well on time. CJ slept through her alarm so it was a mad rush for her but she made it with time to spare. The bikes were all checked in the night before but Mr B checked his tyres and organised everything at the transition area before we headed down to the beach. So far so good.
The morning was still dark but there was no rain and it felt calm until we were at the waterfront. Mr B tested the water and came back shaking his head saying "it's dreadful out there!" However, there was no backing down now and all the starters braved the elements and disappeared into the swirling breakers.
We joined my daughter, Mandy and Liam to watch his sister and her hubby who were also competing. It definitely took a while before any of our swimmers emerged from the water. Some swimmers pounded the air in relief that they had survived the swim, some looked just plain utterly exhausted and some did in fact pull out or were pulled out during the swim (that is, rescued and taken ashore). There were definitely some interesting stories later and the slow times indicated it had indeed been a very tough leg of the race. Fortunately there were no missing limbs indicating the sharks had stayed away! Mr B said he couldn't see the buoys and lost his bearings a few times swimming off course and perhaps covering more distance than required!
The cycle was another story. It was an almost entirely flat course and a tail wind on the way out gave everyone a good start. It was a 2 lap course and of course a battle into the wind on the return. However Mr B was extremely pleased with his bike leg time.

While Mr B was out on the bike course CJ and I went for a run. The intention was to run about 15km. However during the second 5km I tripped on the path and face planted on the concrete path - not a stone or stick to indicate what I had tripped over. I lay there for a second assessing the damage - ouch. CJ helped me stagger to a standing position but I had to lean on her for a minute as I felt dizzy. However, I escaped with very little obvious injury - a bloody grazed knee and elbow but not a scratch on my hands or head so I have no idea how I landed. It sounded like a loud bang though. We ran the remaining 4km back to the bike turnaround and managed to watch the rest of the race without incident.

The run was 3 laps so there were lots of spectator cheering opportunities. It was exciting to see Mr B finish with a relieved smile on his face and soon after Liam's sister who was also completing her first half ironman. I am so very proud of my man who was definitely very pleased to finish! He had  completed a 1.9km swim in dreadful conditions, a 90.1km cycle & a 21.1km run. And he was still smiling at the end!
In the evening Mandy and Liam joined Mr B, CJ and me at the celebratory dinner and presentations. It was a great spread - a roast, lots of roast veges followed by sticky date pudding and icecream - delicious! It was also so inspiring to see some of the video coverage and hear some amazing results from some really awesome athletes!

Sunday 6 May
CJ, Mr B and I had our final breakfast in Busselton with Liam's family and Mandy. It was lovely to catch up with everyone after the race and the breakfast was yummy.

We starred in the local Busselton paper at the awards ceremony dinner - Media Stars

Our final breakfast with all the future family in-laws

 After fond farewells to the family we drove to Margaret River stopping at a few places and passing several wineries on the way. We had fantastic accommodation at Leeuwin Apartments - far better than in Perth. There was plenty of space and it was only a ten minute walk to the main street. Later in the afternoon, right on dusk in fact, CJ and I went for a quality 4km run before showering and heading out for dinner at Wino's. This was a lovely restaurant which we had checked out earlier. It had a big open fire and exposed beams. The food was served tapas style in very small portions. It was yummy but there just wasn't much of it, not what one would call good value for money. The wine was good though!

Monday 7 May

This morning we woke to wind and squally showers. It was not at all pleasant but CJ and I had planned a long run so there was no backing out. The day would probably not improve weather wise so it was better to get it out of the way early. I had a banana an hour before the run and we set off into the bleak day just after 8am heading for Prevelly Beach. We started off wearing spray jackets but  by the first hill they were tied round our waists. The run wasn't too bad going towards the beach as we had some shelter in the tree lined trail. However as we neared the beach we became very exposed to the wind and on our return we were running uphill battling a fierce wind with sand blasting our faces and bare arms and legs. It was quite painful and we were fighting to see and to move forward, let alone stay upright!

We passed lots of burnt remains of trees from the devastating bush fires in November last year. There was an incredible amount of damage and the fires obviously came very close to a number of houses. It was a very stark landscape in parts and the smell of ash was still strong as the wind blew it into our faces. We were so happy to have hot showers after the run and enjoy a proper breakfast.

Total distance: 18km

Time taken: 2hours

Average pace per km: 6:40

In the afternoon we visited Cowaramup which was a fascinating place. In fact everywhere we went there seemed to be cows made of fibreglass or metal or papier mache. It was fun to see them in random places, even on the top of a pole in the local park. We also visited the Margaret River Chocolate Company to sample the chocolate and buy a few yummy gifts to take home including some amazing chocolate liqueur from the winery next door which of course we sampled first - yummo!

Our last stop today was Gracetown to check out the beach. It was here where a cliff tragedy happened in 1996 which claimed the life of 5 adults and 4 children. There was a beautiful memorial overlooking the ocean, marked with 9 white crosses.

Gracetown Memorial overlooking beach

Gracetown

We went to a seafood restaurant in the evening for dinner. Dave had a mixed grill, Cathy had dukkah coated  salmon and I had the most divine home made pasta of chicken, avocado, cashews and mushrooms - truly yummy!

A slow gentle run for a Monday.

It was cool when I started out on my run this morning and I wore a long sleeve top for the first ten minutes. However it didn't take long before the top was tied around my waist and the sun came through the clouds. In fact it was a perfect morning for a run. I just ran from home, round Lake Ginninderra and back again. It's a route I used to run a lot and although it is quite mundane it was lovely this morning as the sun was out, it wasn't too busy and there were some very pretty coloured Autumn leaves surrounding the lake. I listened to the radio on my ipod and it was a very enjoyable, if gentle, run.

Total distance: 15km
Time taken: 1:35
Average pace per km: 6:20 - yes, a gentle slow run.

It's quite strange getting used to a different night for Parliament House training and no longer having it on a Monday, but I enjoyed being able to just take it easy out there. Later I took Teddy for his last walk before taking him to his next little holiday adventure to enjoy the company of our grandchildren for twelve days while we are in Western Australia. Yes, Perth and Busselton, tomorrow evening we are on our way! 

I have also entered the half marathon in Canberra on 20 May so lots of running will need to be done in WA. CJ will be joining us so I will have company or Dave will. I might just be watching them fly past!

Engagement celebrations

Mandy and Liam's engagement party in Sydney

We have had a very busy few days spending this weekend in Sydney celebrating our daughter's engagement. 

On Thursday I joined the speedygeese at Parliament House. There were only seven of us plus our speedycoach, the smallest number for some time. Winter must be coming! We ran our warm up loop of PH and then we ran a very tough session of 20 x 100m uphill on 90 seconds at one of the more difficult east side hills. As always I found the second 10 much easier than the first 10 - I must have still been warming up! However, the cool down after the main session was really hard as my legs didn't want to keep moving!

Total distance: 8km

Friday

I decided to go for a very short run with Teddy before we left Canberra to drive to Sydney for two nights to meet the 'other parents' for dinner that evening. They are lovely.

Total distance: 5km

I took Teddy to stay with Miranda and her Andy for the weekend and he had a great time playing with Blondie (their dog) and going for long walks with them. I think he wore Blondie out though!

Teddy and Blondie exhausted after their walk!

Saturday

It was a stunning day in Sydney and ideal weather for a run before breakfast. I followed Mr B from our younger daughter's apartment in Woolloomooloo down to the wharf, through the botanical gardens and round the Opera House. It really was a beautiful run. We even ran through the setting up of the corporate triathlon which was held today.

Total distance: 8km

In the evening it was party time with lots of very beautiful young people!

After a delayed start this morning when the car wouldn't start and we had to wait two hours for the NRMA, we drove home collecting a happy Teddy on the way and here we stay for less than two days before heading off to Busselton in Western Australia where Mr B will be competing in the Half Ironman. It's all happening here!

Anzac Day Run

This morning was bleak, as befits Anzac Day. One can almost guarantee that on Anzac Day the winter woollies come out. I remember it was always the day that summer school uniforms were put away for winter uniforms and winter clothes came out for work. Nothing's changed in all these years. Today was really cold and didn't reach more than 13deg at any time throughout the day.

When I met Jen and Ewen at the ferry terminal for a run it felt really cold. I wore shorts and singlet but kept a spray jacket on throughout the run although at one stage briefly I did unzip it! We left the ferry terminal at 10.40am hoping that the day would have warmed up by then - no such luck! It was not so much the temperature as the wind chill factor. It was so blustery going in one direction that we turned and ran the other way towards Molonglo Reach endeavouring to keep the wind behind us. Poor Ewen was suffering and running very slowly as he had a fall last night tripping over his furniture and badly bruised his ribs. He swears he wasn't drinking at the time! Gosh, we even ran back for him at one stage on the way out. However, as we reached the trails round Mt Ainslie after running past Duntroon, he ran a little faster and while I struggled more on the undulations Ewen picked up his pace. We ran back via the War Memorial where hundreds of people were leaving the Anzac Day service. It was very busy but also thought provoking.

We ran on back through Civic, past Hotel Rydges, over the bridge and back to the ferry terminal.

Total distance: 16km (my longest since the marathon) - at a very slow pace.

I had to take my distance from Jen's garmin as I had left mine at home charging. It's terrible running without a watch as I keep checking my wrist expecting it to be there!

After our run we donned some warmer clothes and headed for Urban Foods over the bridge to enjoy hot soup and toast to help Ewen celebrate his birthday tomorrow. Then we headed for coffee at the Espresso Cafe a little nearer the bridge as the coffee is so much better there. I think we were delaying the brisk walk back over the bridge in the bitter wind!

Ewen showing off the book I gave him for his birthday:)

Catching up with the week

Sunday

The grandchildren have been staying with us since Sat as well as a few days last week during the school holidays. I have therefore been working my running around Mr B's activities. On Sunday I took Teddy with me for my run from home. Of course he loved it and it was lots of fun. We ran partly on the oval where he could run lead free but mainly on the cycle track apart from a detour to the drain for a drink and splash in the water (for Teddy that is).

Total distance:  8.2km
Time taken: 51:33
Average pace per km: 6:18

Monday

As speedygeese training has changed from Mons to Tues, I went for the same run as the day before only this time Teddy went out with Mr B and the grandchildren so I took the opportunity to run on my own. It didn't actually make much difference to my pace but I didn't have to stop at every tree!

Total distance: 8km

Time taken: 48mins

Average pace per km: 6mins

Tuesday

This afternoon I collected Yelena and we joined the speedygeese for training at Dickson Oval. We arrived about 20mins early so had time to run a few laps of the oval before the session started at 5.30pm. We spotted Miranda towards the end and she joined us for a lap as did Susan soon after that. It was a good opportunity to chat before the main session began. When everyone arrived we all ran a couple more laps of the oval followed by 4 x 1.1km fast (2.5laps of the oval in lane number 4) on ten minutes which gave us a little recovery time when we jogged before the next sprint. It was hard but as speedygeese called out our times I noticed that my last 1.1km was my fastest. That was a relief as my hamstring was hurting all through the session. At the end of the session I ran just a little further with speedygeoff to make an even distance!
Total distance for night: 12km

A Gaggle of Geese for a longer run!

Saturday speedygeese near Molonglo

Hi Ewen - saying "cheese"

Canberra Marathon Day

Am I flying? I don't think so!

Running with Cathy M

Yesterday I had a massage and it was wonderful. The massage therapist managed to find lots of tender spots and even massaged my shoulders and back which was so good.

This morning I felt very ready for a run and drove to the ferry terminal to meet up with quite a big gaggle of geese for a Saturday. We ran out for 5km, turned and ran back before those who were running for longer continued. I ran an extra 2km but felt that was quite enough for breaking myself in gently after last weekend. The first 10km felt great but I did struggle over the last couple and it did ruin my average pace but never mind, gently does it!

It was a perfect morning for a run - no wind and gentle sun. The company was good and I usually found I had someone to talk to. On the return 5km I ran with Justine who was new to speedygeese on Thursday night. She has 8 children from 2-12 and has her own business. She is an amazing young lady and very interesting to talk to. I also spent some time running and talking to Abby and to Thach, both lovely and good company.

After the run Jen, Ewen and I headed for Urban Foods for coffee and a snack. We were disappointed in the coffee today. It's always overpriced but I don't mind that if the coffee is good. Today it wasn't, so on the way back to the cars we stopped off at another cafe nearby and had an excellent coffee as compensation. Hmmm, two coffees in a morning is not quite what I usually do! At least we will know where to go next time however!

Total distance: 12.5km
Time taken: 1:21
Average pace per km: 6:29
Calories burned: 700

Running as a Griffin

My 11th Canberra Marathon is now done and dusted. Some of my run was not pretty, some was painful and all of it was slow but I finished still upright! Since Sunday I have been struggling with a cold and a very sore throat. The only running I have been doing, until tonight, has been running around at the oval with Teddy and my grandchildren who are on school holidays this week.

However tonight I returned to speedygeese training which is now held on Thursdays in non-track season, at Parliament House. It was wonderful. I think I must have been suffering withdrawal symptoms without realising it. I had been feeling sore and a bit down and the minute I started the warm up with the speedygeese I could feel the endorphins set in and although we got caught in the pouring rain during the hill repeats and the session was stopped early after only 5km I felt absolutely fantastic afterwards - dripping wet from the rain but on a real high! There were three new people tonight and they were all lovely. What a difference a run makes.  I'm ready to return to training for the half in May now.

Back to the marathon, this was the first year that Mr B had not been out there supporting me at the marathon. Instead he was competing in an Olympic distance triathlon in Sydney on the same day in preparation for the half ironman in Busselton, WA in May. He did really well too. However, my daughter and her new fiance, who live in Sydney, came to stay and it was great to see them out there cheering me on.

The support during the marathon was amazing. There was a field of 3,300 runners in the half and full marathon which started at the same time. The volunteers were fantastic too and so many people knew my name and cheered me on, keeping me going when I was struggling, which seemed to happen often this year. Then there were my buddies who helped me get through the training and the day, some running with me in training, some just encouraging me and cheering me on during the long run. Cathy M was out there and even ran 3km with me in the early stages which was lovely. It was also fantastic to see Ewen pop up in different places, camera in hand. I haven't seen those photos yet speedyewen! Nadine came running in from the side to give me jellybeans before one of those short sharp hills.

The weather was beautiful although the sun felt almost too hot as the hours went by. The marathon started at 7am which meant a 4.40am wake up for me except I was already awake when the alarm went off. In fact I managed a grand total of 3 hours sleep as I tossed and turned for the majority of the night with my brain working overtime and all sorts of weird thoughts buzzing round in my head.

I was therefore feeling a little bit drained before a refreshing wake up shower and some toast and honey for breakfast.

I found CJ in the toilet queue before the marathon. She was running the half and it was good to be able to start beside her as the starter gun went off. I listened to some very strange music which my daughter in law had downloaded for me with the help of Miss Nine. There seemed to be a few LPS or Littlest Pet Shop vocals coming through! In fact I did everything one is advised not to do on this run. I ran with music I had never heard before, new shorts and the Griffin singlet which I had received the day before with no time to run in it.

I was so proud to run in my Griffin singlet after waiting over twelve months to receive it. It's a very cute little light grey singlet and we also were given a lovely blue non-running t-shirt. Evidence at last that I have run ten Canberra marathons - eleven now!

The first 10km of the marathon felt ok and I ran it in just under 60mins but it was all downhill (metaphorically speaking) from there. I have no idea why although I do wonder now if I already had a cold bug lurking. My hamstring really hurt and I just felt sluggish. At the 28km mark I really wondered if I was going to make it. I have never felt this bad running a marathon before. I even walked through the drink stations and struggled to run.

That last km felt like it was going on forever. My quads were sending out shooting pains (that was new) and I kept saying to myself, "keep running, don't walk" - it was the hardest finish ever. BUT I finished, I ran it and I have never been so glad to run over a finish line. Eleven Canberra Marathons done!

My son and my daughter were there to meet me and I received a lovely greeting from Mrs speedygeoff. Speedygeoff finished his first 50km ultra in a great time and was stretching after his brilliant run.

After a wonderful hot shower I joined my family and a few close running buddies for lunch in Kingston and my favourite coffee - a great way to relax after a long long morning!


Distance: 42.195km (Garmin said 42.73km!)
Time taken: 4hrs 29:51 (my slowest yet)
Average pace per km: 6:24 (Garmin said 6:19)
Calories burned: 2325

Running in my Griffin singlet

During the marathon with the sun still low in the sky

The afternoon before with some interstate and local running friends