Training Log Archive: PrueD

Swim in the Benalla pool. Another warm day and I spent the rest of it spring cleaning (scrubbing floors on all fourrs) . Friends have suggested that there is nothing left to clean and that I am cleaning things that are already clean. But not so - still a few things to go. I am looking forward to a new year with everything in order.

I went to Beechworth for the day. Parked at Lake Sambell, then ran down the bike track, around the Gorge drive (in reverse direction - road closed due to water damage - and therefore no cars/dust), walked up most of the steep hill back to town (approximately 2km) and then around the streets of Beechworth. 28 degrees when I started and 34 when I returned - feeling very hot. This was followed by a picnic at Woolshed Falls and a trip up Mt Pilot. A lovely day - I really enjoy that granite country.

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.