Training Log Archive: PrueD

I tried to turn a trip into Shepparton into a training exercise and headed out through the streets of Mooroopna (where the standard and condition of houses reminded me somewhat of the less salubrious parts of Alice Springs) and into the Gemmel's Swamp area of state park along the Goulburn River. With no map I wandered on tracks that became increasingly smaller and indistinct. I eventually decided to cut cross country through the red gum forest back to the settled area. It was then I realised why it was called 'swamp'. I eventually reached a point where I could go no further - being surrounded on 3 sides, for a considerable distance, by a very wet-looking and reedy swamp. So it was backtracking from there...

My legs felt quite heavy. My right hamstring hurts walking but not at all while I am running. Conversely, my left hamstring doesn't hurt at all while walking but hurts almost continually running. I cannot explain this - so figure that there is not much damage happening and perservere regardless.

My visit to Shep was to stock up on some tube plants for the area of garden I weeded yesterday - but they didn't have any of the varieties I had in mind and I came home empty-handed.

C • Garmin 3

This time I ran around Benalla Lake and environs. It was a a busy day there - with 2 lots of junior football and the market at the civic centre. At a track junction I met an elderly man in a motorised wheel chair who seemed keen to take on the challenge - woman against machine. For once I won.

I can still feel my left hamstring but not enough to stop. Note that this time might even be a little bit faster than previously (and is my absolute top speed at the moment).

I had the day off but spent it driving to Benalla and having a very long afternoon snooze. I am hoping to feel better tomorrow.

I drove into work today to collect my bike after work - but it wasn't ready. But bought lights so am a step closer to riding to work.

Several observations for the day. Hoddle Street was blocked with police in the morning. I discovered later in the day that this was because an elderly man had jay walked across traffic - climbing THOUGH an articulated truck (can you believe anyone would be stupid enough to do this) when it took off - with obvious unfortunate results.

Coming home on the Eastern Freeway I passed a small car stalled in the middle lane - and holding up all the traffic. It remined me of an experience I had had previously - when my father who bought ancient rusted mini minors for $100, filled them up with fibreglass, fixed the engine, gave them a coat of paint and sent my sister and I to all corners of the state - only to visit them himself the next day in order to tow us back. My little mini broke down in the middle lane of the freeway - but a passing friend who had thought "who's this idiot holding up all the traffic?" gave it a shake and sent me on my way.

I was a bit cold and tired all day and succumbed to the chocolates and couch in the evening instead of going out. At work I felt like a little snooze and, at lunchtime put my head on my hand for a little 'powernap'. In less than one minute there was a united shout 'PRUE!!!' from my colleages and I turned around to see a collective group of horrified faces looking at me. Because I had stopped moving (albeit for a very short time) they thought I had had a heart attack or worse and were wondering who was going to revive me. So no powernap. But at least I know that they notice my existence (unlike a man I read about who sat dead at his seat for 4 days before colleages were alarmed).

I have Friday and Monday off and am going back to Benalla. The RC final report is coming out next Saturday so we anticipate to be very busy for some time to come.

I got home early and it was freezing cold so I decided not to go to street-O and snuggled comfortably into the chair and turned on the telly (yes -at 5.30pm). I scanned through the stations and to my surprise - there was a full 1/2 hour film on the XPD endurance event in Qld on Channel 1 HD. And there was Cath Copeland, Kevin Humphrey and various other familiar faces - all enduring about 1000 kms of suffering. It was a fabulous and comprehensive film.

(See comment from Scammell yesterday - apparently it will be rescreened on Sunday between 1.30 and 2.00pm).

So what a lazy sod was I - couldn't even manage 6 kms - frightened of a little bit of cold. So in guilt I got off the couch and went to street-O. A soggy map (I put it on the wet grass to tie my laces) and runny eyes meant a rather poor route choice - are there extra points for visiting a control twice? Otherwise OK. I helped collect controls afterwards.

It was a cold evening so I decided to stay indoors and take on the great cooking/eating challenge instead. Very nice - but not good for the cholesterol levels which are being tested tomorrow morning.

C • tv 1

Street-O (handicap) at Doncaster East. My handicap has gone down considerable so my chance of any sort of glory has now gone. Oh well. It was a freezing night, due to a gorgeous sunny day. I actually made a route choice error so came in towards the end of the field.

Mum is in hospital again - so more visits and washing to do. Peculiar observation for today - a sign on a bus driver's window stating "Do not enter bus through window" - something that I had not previously considered. But now.......