Training Log Archive: PrueD

It's 40 degrees in Benalla today (or so my car told me) and the day warmed up very early. I'm a little bit sunburnt from my swim yesterday and didn't fancy another one in the sun. A run was out of the question. However I couldn't let New Year's Eve pass without comment.

I've been reasonably pleased with the past year. My exercise program has been going well (although it has slipped a little of late). AP is great for keeping track of the year's achievements and I've also enjoyed the contact and the discussion.

My New Year resolution? 'To be content'. Applying to all aspects of my life and probably the opposite of everyone else who will be resolving to achieve things. I'd like to be content with the way things are, however imperfect that is (and surely that is a 'sustainable' goal).

Happy New Year everyone!

C • Certainly is! 2

I would normally be swimming in the Benalla lake at this time of year - but it is currently very dirty from the floods. The Benalla triathlon was last Monday and the e-coli count was too high in the lake so they held the swim leg in the outdoor pool and made it the last leg. Today was my first swim in this pool - as I am a bit of a chicken when it comes to getting into cold water. However the man at reception must have thought I needed some sun and directed me there in preference to the indoor pool. At 26 degrees, it was quite heavenly and I'll definitely be swimming there from now on. (Come to think of it, working from home has its advantages - I'll be able to go there at lunchtime). My time seems a bit slower than usual but I think that this was because I had to stop a number of times to demist.

Mega Gardener would be proud of me this morning - I really got stuck into the back yard and it's starting to look quite respectable - nicely mown green grass with blue and white agapanthas in full bloom. Yesterday I cleaned out my office in preparation for starting work. Even after throwing out dozens of defunct whiteboard markers and pens, I still have enough (all stolen I think) to keep the public service running for a while.

The stories on the news about irresponsible people playing in the Qld floods takes me back to my uni days when, as a canoeist, we would chase the floods. One memorable trip was to the Snowy River which, at Mackillops Bridge, was too dangerous to paddle and so we toured down the unchartered and flooded Deddick River instead. A farmer watching us gettting in told us we'd all be killed - but we went on regardless. 12 of us started the trip. We lost one on the way (they turned up later - apparently having given up and walking out without telling anyone), 2 went off to hospital mid-trip, several broke boats and walked out and 6 made it to the finish. I was one of the 6 - although I have to confess that I reached the finish line swimming, rather than paddling.

You'd think we would have been more sensible - after all, what sort of idiots would paddle the 'Dead Dick' river in flood?

C • Mega Gardener 6

It's going to be hot today so I went out around the Benalla lake and rose gardens this morning. I actually felt quite good. There were lots of middle aged touristy types walking little dogs - possibly from the camper vans parked at the civic centre (nice place to camp 'though illegal). My only complaint for today is that I woke up with a sore eye - it feels slightly scratched or something and nothing seems to soothe it. Ironically I threw out a whole pile of eye drops yesterday (that someone gave me to see if they cured the watery eyes that affect me when I run in cold air) in my big clean out - and the bin is out waiting for collection and I am not about to empty it.

Vistors in Benalla and a really big house clean-out. Then a social 9 holes of golf (first ever). Yes, I was absolutely hopeless, although not too bad at putting. And no, I definitely wont be giving up orienteering to take up golf, although I would do it again to fill in an afternoon. Of interest were the mobs of kangaroos that sat quietly aside all holes, unperterbed by the people passing by.

Another day of visitors and family entertainment (the last one). As well as eating (please God, no more), the family entertainment included an hour of tennis - keenly observed by a kookaburra (risking his life by perching on the tennis court fence) who thought that our performance on the court was immensely funny. Afterwards I headed off for a long walk along the beach, foreshore and park area around Mornington.

Conversely to everyone else, I ate a huge Christmas dinner, had a sleep and then tried to run it off on a circuitous route through the parks and streets around Mornington later in the afternoon. It would have been far more sensible to have run this morning. I felt heavy, of course, the whole way.

Merry Christmas everyone!

I'm in Mornington for a few days over Christmas. I came down last night to attend my sister's drinks party and then had to do a return trip to Melbourne today to collect Mum. The weather is absolutely beautiful. The focus here is on entertaining and I am annually allocated the duel roles of waitress and prawn peeler. I went for a walk early this morning followed by a dip in the pool (11m long and too short for laps).

Street-O tonight at Camberwell. Upon receiving the map there was clearly no C course that could be done in less than 6 kms, so I gave in and opted for a long run, which I needed as I haven't run for a while. The area was quite hilly and the controls widely-spaced - but it made for some good training. Afterwards I went back to Susannah's for dinner - who, as a dietician, assured me that the ice cream and mince pies were essential to replace the energy lost from the longer course, and that the cream-filled biscuits afterwards were a reward for the extra .2 of a km.

The recent comment 'Getting Fitter' might need to be changed to 'Getting Fatter'.

The rest of the day (before driving down, or up [if you are from the country], to Melbourne) was spent organising. I spend a lot of time doing this these days. I will not be happy until house(s), garden(s), all cupboards, sheds and everything I own is in order. Once that is done then all will be well with the world and I will be able to start work in peace.

I've been busy reading the sparring elsewhere on AP and almost forgot to log today's swim. I thought I was a bit faster than this - but time tells otherwise - as I was making an effort (successfully) to out-pace a swimmer in the next lane. The morning was spent pulling out more weeds (the courtyard is now in a presentable state to receive visitors).

Really not motivated at all today. Pulled out weeds all morning (garden gradually being restored to order) - followed by a drive up to the Strathbogies in the Mitre 10 delivery truck, as 'trucky's assistant' (nice scenery, nice views), followed by brisk walk around town. Can't decide what to do in life - today's considered option is to sell Benalla and live in Melb.

C • Sell? 1

C • At least... 7

I went Christmas shopping in Shepparton today and planned to run around the river, followed by a BBQ. However it absolutely poured and there was no possibility of a run. The portable BBQ was lit in a fully enclosed bus shelter, oberved by passing traffic, as there were no available picnic shelters. When I got home to Benalla, I went for a walk but again was caught by heavy rain. The lake track was then too muddy and slippery so I resorted to the streets. Maybe a run tomorrow.

A swim in the Benalla pool this morning. Nothing else to report other than that it is raining again.

Sorted out Mum and then drove back to Benalla. I was very tired for some reason and had a big sleep in the afternoon instead of exercising.

Street O in North Balwyn, a notoriously hilly area. It was a fairly warm sunny night and I felt sluggish and slow. Much of it was across beautifully mown grassy ovals - which were a pleasure to run on.

C • getting fitter 4

Street O at Eastfield Park in Croydon. I started with a poor route choice and a little too fast (for me) but managed to keep the pace going and quite enjoyed the run. I forgot to tun on the Garmin until well into the race and then forgot to turn it off until I was on my way to the car (so time and distance have an element of estimation). The rest of the day was spent pruning (and there is now not much vegetation left standing at the flat).

Not really a rest day. I drove around for ages trying to find the right sized stones (to match existing ones) for my back yard in Blackburn, then bought a trailer load of stones and unloaded them. Lots of shovelling.

Street O at Napier Park (Nortons Park, Glen Waverley) last night. It's an area with one big hill (up to the Police Academy) - which was the subject of many complaints from passing (downhill) runners. I decided to walk (which I would have had to have done, even if I had intended to run) and this illicited even more passing comments from other competitors who thought I should have been running.

Another undulating track run at Reef Hills - and I ran up all the hills again - so am feeling pleased with myself. My pace was slightly faster than yesterday.

An early morning run around the tracks at Reef Hills. I am pleased to say that I ran the whole way including up all the hills (and yes, there are some long ones - hence the name), although slowly. I am starting to feel a lot better overall than I have for some time.

Note - I think the birds might be having flying lessons. Imagine it - your first step ever in life - and mother says - 'jump NOW' - with the consequence of failure not being nice.

C • feeling better 3

After a morning's gardening (pruning all around the nest - 3 little heads is now 2 for some reason, hopefully with me not being the cause) and some Christmas baking, I went for a ride around Benalla to inspect the flood damage. The water has receded very quickly leaving a lot of damage to roads, bike tracks etc and a lot of trees down. I didn't measure the distance because it could be embarrassing (as I rode the cheap and nasty bike and it takes a lot of effort to get anywhere).

After a day of heavy rain yesterday and last night, and with the BoM river gauges upstream indicating major flooding (although the official warnings were for moderate) I woke with some trepidation and checked the carpet before getting up. All dry. Throughout the day the river rose steadily, peaking in the early afternoon, but never completely inundated the paddock over the road - so the level was lower than the last flood - although it was still raging through the trees at the end of the road. I went for a bike ride earlier on in the day and the bridge was closed, all the parklands (where the sprint was held) were covered and there was general chaos and mayhem. Sightseers were in cars, in planes and helicopters and basically going everywhere (no road rules appear to apply in floods). TV crews were trying to get interesting footage. This evening I went for a decent walk and inspected both sides of the river as the bridge was partly open and traffic was again moving. All the botanical gardens were covered. I was wishing I had a kayak in Benalla (they are in Melbourne).

Got up early to finish filling up the trailer to take it to the tip before the impending heavy rains and possible floods today. Got to the tip at 10:00 only to find that it opened at 12:00. Back home again.

Went to the pool with my $5.30 entry fee (exactly) only to be told by the attendant that the price was now $6.70 and that I couldn't get in. $6.70!!! Since when?? After a considerable debate (pleading that $5.30 was all I had) I was finally let in as a concession holder. Had a nice swim. On my way out I got a price list and checked with replacement attendant and, guess what, the price is STILL $5.30!!!

Went to Safeway and bought 2 oranges (amongst other things) costing about 90c - got charged $4 instead for 2 mangoes (oranges and mangoes are so easily mistaken). Not my day!

C • $5.30 4

A hot and humid morning in Benalla so I ventured out early to avoid the heat. Ran around the lake environs - but was very hot on my return. I am spending this week trying to restore order to my overgrown garden (water and heat make for tropical growth) and restore my life to some semblance of order.

Not really a rest day - gardening all day (but had to stop pruning my ivy hedge when I came across a nest with 3 little heads poking out.

C • ooops 2

I had a late night last night. Some friends were going to see Blondie and the Pretenders at Rochford Winery (concert in the vinyard) and invited me. I am claustrophobic and don't like mass events held inside - but a vineyard concert seemed like a safe option. So along with 7,000 others, I watched the now 65 year-old Blondie prancing about on stage and crowds of over 50s pretending that they were teenagers again.

Drove back to Benalla this afternoon and walked around the lake (very full) and environs. I haven't been home for ages and there's lots of work to be done.

Anther street-O Saturday morning training run- this time at Yarran Derran/Mullum Mullum. The temperature was high 20s, the humidity high and the sun was out. Although the turnout at these runs is low, I am starting to really enjoy them as they are held in interesting places and I usually feel fairly fresh on a Saturday morning. Today's went through beautiful areas of bushland, along small walking tracks and through some really attractive housing areas. Because the runs are non-competitive and you don't punch controls, you can vary your route to visit places of interest. I felt good this morning and jogged almost all of it (save a few of the steeper hills). (My Garmin battery went flat as I arrived so the distance is a guess).

Horrible humid day. My mosquito bites drove me crazy all day. Highlight of the day was cooking little spinach and fetta (with lemon and mint) pies - which I dutifully took around to Mum's place. Mum rated them 60% and so a fair proportion of them were carted back to my flat. I then gave one to the man upstairs (as a bit of variety to the Subway roll he was about to eat). He looked agahst (spinach!! that's a vegetable!! green!! dangerous!!) . But after a look that could kill, the little pie was duly eaten and declared not only edible but nice.

C • Good deeds. 2

I attended Street-O tonight at Ruffey Park in very (post rain) wet conditions under a backdrop of approaching thunder. Russell Bulman did not disappoint with his well-set course, which was more like a bush-O than a street-O - favouring those who could read detail. The whole park was sodden from the extremely heavy rain that fell during the day and approaching orienteers could be easily detected by the squelch of their shoes (all 3 pairs of my runners at Blackburn are now soggy). I just walked, as my sore throat/cold appears to have come back and I am very itchy due to approximately 20 giant mosquito bites acquired at last night's post O BBQ - I will remember the aeroguard next time.

I spent about half of Tuesday and a good half of today doing mega-gardening in the back yard of my flat (you live in flats to avoid gardening, don't you) - but ours is quite large. I dug out the clothes-line (with big concrete blocks attached) and repositioned it. I pruned (result - a huge pile of creepers) and dug and landscaped. However, midway through yesterday I realised that, similarly to other exercise, you shouldn't really go from doing nothing to doing 5 hours worth (2 days in a row) all at once - and pulled something in my shoulder (trying to lever out a big clump of giant agapanthus). I spent the rest of the day massaging it (it will be OK). The garden bed is almost ready for mulching and planting and I have a plan for a winding brick pathway. I find it odd that none of the other owners, a number of whom don't work, have never bothered to do anything in the garden - whilst I, unemployed for only 3 days, have managed to do more in that time than they have in years.

In the evening I went to street-O at Bellbird Dell. It was very, very wet and all the bush tracks quite perilous. The creek was also flowing strongly. I felt quite tired (from gardening) and heavy (and not recovered from my recent ailment) and walked up the hills. It was a score event (I didn't realise this until the start) and C course only got 45 mins worth. I also forgot to turn on my Garmin and wont event guess the distance (which wasn't far). Odd sight for the evening was Phil Torode doing a Zola Budd (and discovering that bare feet dont have much grip on slippery concrete).

C • Mega Gardening 4