Training Log Archive: Craney

Much needed. Watched all of the cricket. Hmm.

Free weekend so could not pass up the opportunity to explore somewhere cool. Rob and I decided Jagungal would be the perfect candidate. Sore legs from Triple Tri the only major headwind.

Nice drive down there via Boboyan (and Lanyon maccas), set off into lovely sunny but cool conditions. Seemingly a good time of year to be up in the Snowies - lots of vivid yellow, purple and white flowers and no march flies/mozzies to speak of. We did a big anti-clockwise route: Round Mountain Trail on the way out (four wheel drive, fairly firm, bit of a slog) and Farm Ridge Trail on the way back (grassy, picturesque but a bit undulating), and of course a jaunt up Jagungal in between.

Out section was fun - high spirits, chatting away, time flying. Both a bit sore but 'maintainable'. Checked out Derschkos Hut (later, it turned out, to be accommodation for a couple of Cuthberts). Not long after left the trail for hands-on-knees walking up to the summit. Views from the top were just amazing - some distant moody thunderstorms adding to it. Could see Bimberi (ACT), Kosci and Bogong (VIC) - with patches of snow on the latter two.

After snaps, headed back to the track with an obligatory stop at the one patch of snow (strangely north facing). I slid down on my map bag and got a bit of speed up. We remarked on the lengths one has to go to for such thrills in this part of the world. Had a chat with a bloke cylcing to Melbourne at O'Keefes Hut, then turned onto Farm Ridge.

Not exactly epic run territory at about 25km in, but nevertheless I was starting to hit the wall. Rob seemed ok but politely made reassuring noises about being similarly tired. Although quite undulating, fortunately Farm Ridge Trail was beautiful through grassy plains with lots more nice colours. I wasn't making much conversation by this point, but was pretty happy in my little world listening to Rob's watch occassionally beep another kilometer done.

We'd been hearing distant rumbles of thunder get gradually less distant for the past hour or so, but after crossing Tumut River it was clear we were about to get soaked. And of course the final 4km back to the car was straight up hill and I was rooted. So, lambs to the slaughter, we started walking. Sure enough it started to hail so we nipped into Round Mountain Hut to put jackets on. The storm hitting the tin roof was deafening. No sign of the rain abating so we just accepted a drenching for the final 20mins.

Felt a touch queasy in the car after so was craving a burger or something to put me right. Cabramurra Bistro hadn't opened, Adaminaby pub was heaving after the races, and Adaminaby takeaway had just turned off its grill. So we got a few chips and carried on back to Canberra listening in to the first test gradually ebbing away from England, which Rob was politely philosphical about.

C • Tough climb.. 1

Although did play some indoor cricket for Shep's team and was bowled out by a girl. No shame in that - I played on so was a touch unlucky.

Lunch run on a fairly warm and humid day up Little Black Mountain. Feeling alright tiredness wise, but extremely creaky. Felt every bit a 36 year old out of shape.

Twilight Series at Majura Pines. Hats off to my legs - achyness wasn't all that bad and there was just enough energy to get round about 10secs quicker than Marty. Fun course on a new (for me) combo of maps taking us into Ainslie North for a bit, where there wasn't too much path running. Lost ~45secs at #13 by following the runnable strip in the pines rather than my compass (which was at home).

Went to Campbell Park after orienteering to see if I couldn't find the Crimson Chat. I couldn't. But I did find a Mistletoe Bird, which was some consolation.

2nd day in Adelaide. Then went to the Womens' Ashes T20 at Manuka Oval in the evening, which went quite well.

Long day in Adelaide with work.