Training Log Archive: PrueD

Ah, I have come back to life. I still have a few remnants of the flu. I could blame the ski race but I think the cause is more likely the office. Everyone in the office has now either had it or got it, with very few taking any time off. This is how the pandemic spreads.
Today I went for a slow jog around the bike tracks of Wangaratta. I struggled - but at least I went. Peter came too and likened me to a turtle!

Yes - got the full blown lurgy now - head and chest.. I think l was getting it before l went to NZ, as a number of people around me at work were sick. The cold air, lack of sleep and overexertion in NZ probably lowered my immunity. I went to work earlier this week but had low resilience to the problems of work and probably should have stayed home. Home now. I am beginning to wish l could find an alternative occupation for my last years at work - one that leaves more time and energy for the good things in life..

We were at the Christchurch airport at 4:30 this morning ( 2:30 Melb time) for the flight back and l got up at 3:00, not being able to sleep at all. I couldn't sleep the night after the race either and am now suffering a cold as well as tiredness. Luckily l have the day off work. The flight was good - our cheap tickets didn't include catering but l must have looked hungry as they gave me a full cooked breakfast plus fruit salad, yoghurt and coffee. I was the only person in thr back of the plane to be fed and l think l needed it. Overall l am pretty happy with my result and am feeling positive that my old active life might be returning.

Merino Muster world loppet race in NZ. The race started in cold conditions and my skis ran brilliantly. It then warmed up and the snow softened, making it tough going. But l was out for so long that the snow started to freeze again. I just got through the 21km mark in under 2 hours when the first finisher in the 42 km event arrived. I was then, due to lack of training, a bit slower in the second half. Got pipped at the post by the girl who'd done 17, 000 kms training (since last Oct) but not by much. Tough, hilly course. Patronised every drink station.

C • Admiration!! 15

A bit of a casual ski around the tracks with Bronnie, a girl l used to teach at school.The snow was quite soft and slow after rain last night. Another friend is also here. She has just cycled 17,000 kms around Australia. I think she has done enough training..

Cross country skiing at Snowfarm with Ian. It's a tough hilly course but at least the snow is fast, being cold and firm packed. l'm still wobbly, especially on the downhills and l had lots of breaks. .
Loved the drive down from Christchurch - the paddocks were snow covered just a few kms out of town and the mountain scenery stunning. But I was a bit shocked to see almost the whole of the Christchurch CBD being rebuilt, with the main shopping strip in shipping containers!

C • Christchurch 8

Of to NZ tomorrow. And YES, I KNOW l HAVEN'T DONE ENOUGH TRAINING TO SKI (RACE) 42 KMS. :(

C • But 5

Slow jog around Benalla.

Walk from city to Camberwell. Took a short cut.

Cross country skiing at Lake Mountain. I used to do a lot of skiing and be reasonably capable. But I haven't been for around 7 years (apart from 1 day) - and felt remarkable blobby. I even ran off the track into the bushes at my first reasonably tight corner. My knee hurt and I didn't seem to have the strength in my legs for skating. However I saw a few friends I haven't seen for years and that was really nice. I'm off over the ditch for some more serious skiing in a few weeks so I hope today was just first day wobblies.

C • WOW 3

Walk around Blackburn. Tried to run but need a man wirh a stick to keep me going.