tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40759602692716000552024-03-14T08:00:53.913+11:00my electronic timecapsuleMy electronic timecapsule...my journal space full of thoughts, photos & crafty thingsjohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.comBlogger1065125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-19633525988981771342018-02-04T14:53:00.001+11:002018-02-04T14:54:27.404+11:00Running update...My year's goal of running 20km per week has so far stayed on track. Despite horrendously hot weather (some days of 42 degrees C) I have managed to either do several shorter runs or one Sunday got it all in one day.<br />
These runs have mostly been on the trails with the group and I have been shown several that I hadn't done before, some on the weekend and a couple on the Thursday night group runs while tennis has been on hiatus.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at Blackwood I got 22k in one run</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">refreshments after makes it worthwhile</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">surprising what you find in the bush</td></tr>
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Running with this assortment of people is always fun and challenging. I'm trying to keep up and not get bitten by pesky March flies.<br />
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<b>Bellarine Sunset Run</b><br />
Starting at 4:40pm at St Leonards wasn't really sunset but a beautiful afternoon run to Portarlington. Last year I watched the girls run while I was recuperating after my operation but this year I was running the 10.7k with them.<br />
The weather was perfect and there was lots of support from the other MCR runners doing either the 10 or 21k event. They arranged a 'pirate ship' to race against, somewhat like racing against the Puffing Billy train.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#teamJAM back together</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the ship made the journey in about 1:50 hours</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">thanks for the medal Georgie</td></tr>
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It was a really nice run, flat, along the coast with loads of support along the way from our group, from the volunteers and the locals who sat in front of their caravans and offered cheers, drinks or a spray from the hose. Not that I ran it particularly fast but I really enjoyed it. I particularly loved getting high fives along the way from other runners and the support at the end was fantastic. No matter what time you run, you are cheered over like a superstar.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hard to get everyone together for a group shot, this is pretty close</td></tr>
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It was a good start to our year of event running. Lots more to come...johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-31834444071140564832018-01-07T17:05:00.000+11:002018-01-07T17:05:03.312+11:00Back on the trail...Last year I averaged 20km per week, this year my goal is to do at least 20k again. I think this achievable given I had 2 hiatus periods last year.<br />
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First 10k was easy with the parkrun double.<br />
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Next 10k was a trail run in a new location nearby on Long Forest Road. We had run this one for the first time last week. Making the 6pm start time then had been easy because of an early finish at work but this week I couldn't get away early. By the time I had gone home, sorted a meal and changed it was already 6 by the time I left. I had told the girls to head up to the meeting point as I didn't know if I was going to make it. When I arrived at the carpark it was full of cars and the group had already started their run. They had a 10 min start on me.<br />
My plan was to follow along as much of the trail as I could remember. If I felt unsure I was going to turn back or if I got to the loop part and they were still ahead then I would turn back. I hadn't told anyone I had made it and I didn't want to be on my own out there or them seeing my car in the car park and not knowing where I was.<br />
So I headed off. I didn't feel afraid at all. I surprised myself by remembering landmarks along the way. The Doritos that Mel had pointed out. The bendy tree you had to duck under. The reedy bit along the river that whipped at your legs. The bright orange flags randomly placed in the clearing. The second river crossing that Pat had helped my up (made it up on my own the second time!) and as I approached the loop section I could see the group up ahead. They were regrouping and having a breather. I was met with joyous cries of 'here comes Jo!'<br />
They were surprised that I had popped up and I was glad I had caught up with them and quite proud of myself for remembering the way.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo credit Michael T</td></tr>
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I wouldn't like to run out there by myself, if you slipped and hurt yourself it is nice to know help isn't too far away and the danger of getting lost is negated by the proximity to assistance.<br />
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Running and exploring our wonderful bushland is much better shared with friends.johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-9830751198401341312018-01-06T15:27:00.000+11:002018-01-06T15:27:20.019+11:00New Year, new goals...The New Year started off with a bang. After a quiet celebration of the year with my running buddies I was up early on New Year's Day to head to parkrun.<br />
Many events put on a special event, parkrun is usually run only on a Saturday morning but Christmas Day and New Year's Day is a special extra event.<br />
Last year I went to just one of these at Maribynong and it was a great way to start off what was to be a really great year. This year I was planning to do the same but as a MCR group were heading off to do the 'double' I joined in.<br />
We started off at Coburg parkrun at 8am. 230 keen runners ran the lovely scenic course and it was lovely to be cheered on by the faster runners who hadn't walked the hilly part.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our jump shot co-ordination needs work</td></tr>
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Next we headed off to Darebin parkrun in Reservoir for a 930am start. About 200 lined up for that one and most had come from the Coburg run to get the double done.<div>
Another good run from the group along a river course. Mine was slower as I was feeling the effects of the champagne the night before and no water during the morning. But still I enjoyed the morning with these wonderful people.</div>
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Feels good to start the year off right.</div>
johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-69710877855784824192017-12-18T19:25:00.000+11:002017-12-18T19:25:12.662+11:002017...It certainly has been an event filled year.<br />
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I've run on the road and trails. I've been up the top of mountains and run on the beach, I've been rained on and in zero temperatures. We've camped and travelled and stayed in tents and cabins. I've done about 30 parkruns and clocked up around 900 km on my shoes. That's a bit more than I thought seeing has I had a month off after my surgery and down time getting my blood pressure sorted.<br />
I ran just one marathon and a few half marathons, tried a relay and embraced new friendships within running. We tried some new events and went back to our favourites for another go.<br />
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I added 14 bibs to my folder and 10 medals to the rack.<br />
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We have our eyes on some new events and longer distances for next year. The planning has begun in earnest over coffees or wine, calendars have the beginning of plans and training plans have been sourced.<br />
There is no stopping us.<br />
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<br />johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-27686873603103722132017-12-17T14:00:00.000+11:002017-12-17T14:00:20.040+11:00Winding up the running year...Gold Rush Trail Run was my last running event for the year, we will have to try to maintain some training over the next few hot weeks before the events begin again in February.<br />
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Monday night I will play in the Melton Twilight Mixed Doubles Grand Final and that will wind up the tennis year also. Not as much tennis as running this year but I still really enjoy playing and our training session each week.<br />
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We ran Gold Rush last year and it was worth repeating this year. There was a good turnout of MCR people running in the 2 distances, 13 or 24k. The trail was lovely and quite a challenge and although I was separated from my friends I never felt alone or unsupported on the trail. The volunteers and marshalls would either encourage you by name or just by calling out 'C'mon MCR' and we were all in differing amounts of hurt.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eddy stopped midway to have a selfie at our start line</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hi 5 with Pat to get me to the end</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wet feet, a chance to cool off</td></tr>
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Never easy but always worthwhile.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">when you're struggling a little encouragement will get you through</td></tr>
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It was nice to finish and recap with the group and revel in our accomplishment. I even saw my GP at the finish, she'd had a hard day too. These running friends have come to mean a lot to me and kept me involved with the sport far longer than I imagined.<br />
<br />johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-63975750602750108162017-12-01T20:11:00.005+11:002017-12-01T20:11:51.981+11:00Quiet times...For some months I have been experiencing some breathlessness and chest pains while running that I put down to a variety of excuses. Aging, not training hard enough, anxiety were on the top of my list. Once I mentioned it to my GP she set into investigating and ruling out any sinister causes. An initial echocardiogram looked like there was a serious problem so I was ordered not to run long or hard until we had more information. Waiting for the Specialist was hard as I felt my diminishing fitness was on a slippery slope.<br />
Thankfully that the diagnosis in the end was uncontrolled hypertension causing 'stiffness' of the heart which has responded nicely to an increase in medication. I have been given the all clear to push hard again and I have begun the way back to long distance running.<br />
I was very grateful for the expert care of my GP and Cardiologist both of who are also runners so understood my circumstance with a bit more insight.<br />
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So I'm back into it but apart from a couple of parkruns the calendar has been a bit bare. A recent planning session saw us tossing up possibilities for 2018 which includes new races we want to try and favourites we want to repeat.<br />
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To finish off the year we ran together in AfterGlow last weekend and had a blast. Dressing up, running in the dark along the coast, watching the sunset and mixing with fabulous people is a true "fun run".<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fab vollies adding to the fun</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">start line glowing vibes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bell's beach to Torquay along the Surf Coast Walk </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">12km turned into 13km</td></tr>
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<br />johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-62273070481026714872017-10-01T19:33:00.000+11:002017-10-01T19:40:25.134+11:00Bellarine Rail Trail run...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A 17km training run along the rail trail from Drysdale to Queenscliff sounded just like the perfect amount 2 weeks after SCC.<br />
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The girls are in the grips of their training for the Melbourne Marathon and did the 34km loop from Queenscliff to Drysdale and back to Queenscliff.<br />
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I caught the train to the half way point and started with the other runners doing just half the distance.</div>
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Parts of the track were under water and most of it was very muddy. It was a nice morning though and I enjoyed picking my way along the path, chatting to other runners and high fiving the girls as they crossed my path.<br />
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I made the mistake of wearing my newly aquired SCC T shirt. I had many kudos and questions about the 100km race as we were running along. I had to keep answering that I had only done 28km, enough to get the T shirt!<br />
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There was no avoiding crossing this section of water and it cooled off the feet and washed some of the mud off. I had worn brand new trail shoes and they held up to this first test.<br />
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It was a very enjoyable run, a challenging distance and loads of fun.<br />
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<br />johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-12157139675910265362017-09-11T22:05:00.000+10:002017-09-11T22:14:22.695+10:00Surf Coast Century...<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ONMvW421dt8/WbUl98aimlI/AAAAAAAAHNk/lAemWq7lHd81Jp2L9p_z_3aVVAu5KQ0ogCLcBGAs/s1600/21462266_10213492570169536_3081152453845965352_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ONMvW421dt8/WbUl98aimlI/AAAAAAAAHNk/lAemWq7lHd81Jp2L9p_z_3aVVAu5KQ0ogCLcBGAs/s200/21462266_10213492570169536_3081152453845965352_n.jpg" width="150" /></a>As the name suggests this event is 100km long. Runners tackle this distance solo or in relay teams of up to 4 runners. On this day other runners tackle the 50km event. Members of our running group had talked up this event and it sounded like something we could achieve. Our tight group of 3 recruited a 4th team member and we signed up for another big adventure.<br />
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Training had included some trail running at Brimbank Park and the You Yangs plus the girls long runs which are part of their marathon training. We tried to do a night run to test out the head lamps but got freaked out on our own and came home and had wine instead.<br />
Several meetings and much messaging later we had our accommodation sorted, equipment prepared and itinerary locked in.<br />
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The 4 legs of the relay are distinctly different and on the recommendation of another runner we allocated to what we thought were our strengths.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a head lamp was mandatory for the 530am start</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a beautiful sunrise after an awful week of cold weather</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a bit nervous & excited for what was to come</td></tr>
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We saw Running Buddy off for her 21km leg along the beaches of the Surf Coast, starting at Anglesea heading to Torquay. She was in for lots of rock hopping and wading through waist deep water at times but did really well to come into the checkpoint in 2:50 to tag me off.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">triumphant & happy that the first leg was done</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">time to catch a breath and pass on the gps tracker</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we shared some gear & then I was off onto leg 2</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHDafWO4xV0/WbUrZ_nUZDI/AAAAAAAAHOk/PNlf1SamBP4F_CrmcgJcJc18LcKAsVpJQCLcBGAs/s1600/21559101_10155734768289810_7988317629188802803_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHDafWO4xV0/WbUrZ_nUZDI/AAAAAAAAHOk/PNlf1SamBP4F_CrmcgJcJc18LcKAsVpJQCLcBGAs/s400/21559101_10155734768289810_7988317629188802803_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a quick photo and off I go</td></tr>
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Leg 2 was a 28km section from Torquay back to Anglesea winding through the coast trail and hinterland. For me it was tough. It was hilly and long. I tripped and fell but got back up to keep running. I walked some, ran some and got through to the end in 4:04. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at the midpoint checkpoint, 14 more km to go</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xXBES-cXrW8/WbUsX0xJVhI/AAAAAAAAHO0/srMgNLJ46YMxTF-I6b9dJ5mny-r0q2Z6wCLcBGAs/s1600/21430152_1562073460505936_5987043632485883662_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xXBES-cXrW8/WbUsX0xJVhI/AAAAAAAAHO0/srMgNLJ46YMxTF-I6b9dJ5mny-r0q2Z6wCLcBGAs/s400/21430152_1562073460505936_5987043632485883662_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful trail conditions</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pw3l93G3nd0/WbUsbI6TFNI/AAAAAAAAHO4/l_k4uSL_npM8eV6sZxrXyIVtkvtwZgaIQCLcBGAs/s1600/21432737_10214243787634567_6191908259357281655_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="960" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pw3l93G3nd0/WbUsbI6TFNI/AAAAAAAAHO4/l_k4uSL_npM8eV6sZxrXyIVtkvtwZgaIQCLcBGAs/s400/21432737_10214243787634567_6191908259357281655_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the shoe wash to prevent 'die back'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K5-WZTdEFVc/WbUse0BGw6I/AAAAAAAAHO8/_ea8U3LLWe4J0hhGl3jWOEDGSd7dJlWCQCLcBGAs/s1600/21462591_1562499690463313_8132857559662319848_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K5-WZTdEFVc/WbUse0BGw6I/AAAAAAAAHO8/_ea8U3LLWe4J0hhGl3jWOEDGSd7dJlWCQCLcBGAs/s400/21462591_1562499690463313_8132857559662319848_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the grass trees were thick in places, whipping our arms and legs</td></tr>
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Finally I came out onto the beach and really close to the end, just one more inlet crossing to go. I was looking at the depth of the water trying to suss out the best place to cross. The girls were on the other side cheering me on, so I though F*ck it! and plunged in and ran to the checkpoint.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vFYITxNDWYQ/WbUsvBKAXlI/AAAAAAAAHPE/uPWE2DB8U88YDe0qQZNNCzbNfp5geJx6QCLcBGAs/s1600/21369557_10213495917373214_3335304579830037799_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vFYITxNDWYQ/WbUsvBKAXlI/AAAAAAAAHPE/uPWE2DB8U88YDe0qQZNNCzbNfp5geJx6QCLcBGAs/s400/21369557_10213495917373214_3335304579830037799_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hat on backwards means a tough run</td></tr>
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I was so happy to see them telling me that the finish was very close<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the girls were waiting to cheer me to my finish</td></tr>
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Our GPS tracker enabled us to follow where we were at any point in the day so we could estimate arrival time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">coffee while waiting</td></tr>
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We thought we would have hours to fill in time between legs to eat, drink, rest but it is a busy day zooming between checkpoints, ferrying runners to showers and warm clothes. There was time though to debrief and catch up with the MCR people and cheer on others.<br />
Sunny as it looks in these photos it was still cool when you weren't moving, casting off a jacket at the last moment.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">next runner preparing to go</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> excitement & nerves rippled through the day</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linda heads off for leg 3</td></tr>
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Linda's leg 3 was nearly 30km long and she is an experienced runner who is willing to tackle anything and embraced this challenge. We met Linda through parkrun and she has fitted into our group very naturally. This leg included scrambling under a bridge and through the hinterland again up to Mogg's Creek. We waited at her mid point at Distillery Creek to cheer her on and then we drove up to the last checkpoint to do the last changeover.</div>
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It was a long day for Melissa who was up at 5am to see off the first runners and then waiting all day until 4:15 pm to run that last leg.<br />
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Mel started in daylight but dusk came and then the dark and so the headlight came out. Being a fast runner Mel was perfect for the last leg. We were checking the tracker and amazed at her progress so headed down to the finish line in time to see her cross the line at 6:50 pm. She had hills and long beach sections from Moggs Creek back to Anglesea.<br />
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When the final runner crosses the line the medals were handed over. The first team finished the 100k in 7:15 hours, the first solo 100k runner in 8:43 hours. Our team was mid field<br />
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The last runner came through in 20 hours and 22 did not finish. There were some injuries that prevented people from finishing and we saw one girl with what looked like a broken collar bone carried out to an ambulance. 400 conquered the challenge and I was amazed at the mental and physical strength needed to get through such an event.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hard to get a good photos late at night but the 4 of us shared an amazing day</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sandy, muddy, wet</td></tr>
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Our team came together so well and each of us performed really well. We supported and encouraged each other. We learned a lot about running a big event in a relay. It was an amazing experience, exhilarating and exhausting at the same time. There were many highlights and I'm lucky to have shared it with an amazing group of women and with the larger supportive community of Melton City Runners.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MCR waited for the last person to cross the line & revelled in each others success</td></tr>
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johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-4720829533389191682017-09-03T20:05:00.000+10:002017-09-03T20:11:30.881+10:00Half the job...Steve Monaghetti says if you are running a half marathon (21.1k) you are only doing half the job.<br />
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And he is right I suppose but it still a long way and a huge accomplishment for some. As a beginner runner 5k was a long way, then a 10km seemed to be the next goal. Stepping up to a half marathon and then the full marathon was never on my radar. But as my running friends wanted go further I went along with them.<br />
After achieving a finish in the trail marathon (43k) in June, I have been cruising along with with middling distances. I watched the girls run in the half marathon at Run Melbourne recently as I didn't feel I was ready to run and didn't want to fork out another $110 for an event I was half hearted about.<br />
Spectating and cheering/supporting is fine. Every now and then you need to take stock of what you want to achieve and train for and reset your goals.<br />
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So we entered the Sandy Point half marathon. The girls had had good results at Run Melbourne and were keen to improve their times. The prep was a bit haphazard as Running Buddy had a break at Port Douglas in the sun and Mel suffered with a virus that took 2 weeks to shake. The PB's were pushed out of mind and it was determined to be just a training run instead.<br />
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Terrible weather conditions greeted us in the morning and cold winds whipped across the Bay from Tasmania. Running into a vicious headwind made me seriously contemplate not finishing, I was only about 3k in when I had to bargain with myself to continue. I kept forward momentum with the rain whipping my face, head down until it was just as far to turn back as it was to keep running. I interspersed running with walking between showers wanting to get to the turn around so the wind would be at my back. An out and back course meant encouragement from the girls who were ahead of me and then waiting for me at the end. No more headwind but showers of hail spurred me to the finish.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can hear the girls cheering me over the line</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a welcome warm hug</td></tr>
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Thanks Sandy Point for showing me I can do hard things.<br />
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And despite the tough conditions the girls both shaved times of their previous half marathon times to record PB's! I am very proud of them both.<br />
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<br />johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-71740044758358180302017-08-06T20:39:00.000+10:002017-08-06T20:39:14.056+10:00Another trail...Our next trail run took us up on to the hills of the You Yangs, near Lara Victoria.<br />
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We tackled the 15k event and it was very overcast and threatening at the beginning but we managed to get the whole run done without getting wet.<br />
It was very hilly and another great challenge. I'm slowly getting used to this trail running caper, pushing myself further and harder.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some of the MCR crew</td></tr>
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It is all good preparation for the <a href="http://rapidascent.com.au/SurfcoastCentury/">Surf Coast Century Ultra</a> coming up on Sept 9th. On that day some will undertake 100km solo, 50km solo or like us a team of 4 taking on 100km.<br />
<br />johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-86422731846741376952017-07-10T21:15:00.000+10:002017-07-10T21:15:28.051+10:00Congratulations...to my two wonderful running buddies.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winners are grinners</td></tr>
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They both tackled the Gold Coast marathon this year and improved on last years time. Not being able to be with them this year was a bit sad for me but I followed their progress and revelled in their achievement nonetheless.<br />
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We have done so many events together it was strange not only for me, but for our friends who cheer us on as well, to not be with them this time. I was asked several times why I wasn't with them and the main one was financial. Running is not a cheap sport if you participate in destination events like this one.<br />
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Hopefully we can do more events together as I feel it is the main reason I have come so far with my running. You can run on your own but the support of friends will get you further every time.<br />
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Good on you girls, you are champions!!<br />
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<span id="goog_1053882338"></span><span id="goog_1053882339"></span><br />
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<br />johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-78483354098675004202017-06-29T21:33:00.001+10:002017-06-29T21:33:10.649+10:00Marathon number 3...What a wonderful event, I'm still on a high. There is such a lot swirling around in my head to process about this latest achievement.<br />
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My first trail marathon was a long affair. 7 hours and 5 minutes of running on beaches, trails, up and down steps and hills. It was completely different to any other running I have done and I loved it.<br />
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We ran from Torquay to Fairhaven winding through the scrubby coast and along the beach.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the beautiful surf coast</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCFf4hKsIdk/WVTdFlRmZuI/AAAAAAAAHBc/KtbKMAOx34ABqHvVs7btKF6JW0gkLt4ZgCEwYBhgL/s1600/sctm%2Bstart%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCFf4hKsIdk/WVTdFlRmZuI/AAAAAAAAHBc/KtbKMAOx34ABqHvVs7btKF6JW0gkLt4ZgCEwYBhgL/s400/sctm%2Bstart%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishermans beach was abuzz</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oyMmuo_Sb-4/WVTdAr27Z1I/AAAAAAAAHBc/Eb_Gz6-L38E_sdtrxVgqbtz239oraZMYwCEwYBhgL/s1600/sctm%2Bmara%2Bstart%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oyMmuo_Sb-4/WVTdAr27Z1I/AAAAAAAAHBc/Eb_Gz6-L38E_sdtrxVgqbtz239oraZMYwCEwYBhgL/s320/sctm%2Bmara%2Bstart%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chilly start to the day</td></tr>
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Trail running is so different to road running and as I have found out time goals are not part of it. I had thought roughly it would take me 6 hours, I thought that was achievable but it was not to be. The course was tougher than I was prepared for and king tides and huge swells meant the 4 beach sections were very challenging. More experienced runners struggled with the conditions so I don't feel disappointed in this effort at all. It was tough but I enjoyed it. It was completely new and I embraced it. At each aid station I stopped and refilled my water bottle, fueled up with some food and chatted to the volunteers and found out what the next section had in store. In every other race stopping for a drink is a no no, you grab a cup on the run, slurp a few sips and then keep running, tossing your cup towards a bin and try not to shower a fellow runner. I ate chips, muesli bar and lollies in addition to the gels I had in my vest.<br />
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Someone had told me the course was flat. Not even close, Sure the beach sections were flat but they were really tough. I couldn't run on the soft sand and spent a lot of the time dodging the waves lapping at the dunes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1aap_Uy0gI/WU--tHTia6I/AAAAAAAAG-0/46qIVHQwbT8czo-UrmMOEB1dgmd7YG8xQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG0361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="911" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1aap_Uy0gI/WU--tHTia6I/AAAAAAAAG-0/46qIVHQwbT8czo-UrmMOEB1dgmd7YG8xQCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG0361.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the water was lapping at our feet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z97Pxjwm4F0/WU--w3y0lEI/AAAAAAAAG-4/8yzhrqqTKCIwHCDb7uFzom-bveUoB1EfgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG0362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1600" height="227" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z97Pxjwm4F0/WU--w3y0lEI/AAAAAAAAG-4/8yzhrqqTKCIwHCDb7uFzom-bveUoB1EfgCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG0362.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the swell at Bell's beach was huge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6OoYI7V2fmM/WU--3TzMI1I/AAAAAAAAG-8/Jm3rt1Zyq9QUzFa65PbX6QhVAxJsN4_JACLcBGAs/s1600/sctm%2Bbeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6OoYI7V2fmM/WU--3TzMI1I/AAAAAAAAG-8/Jm3rt1Zyq9QUzFa65PbX6QhVAxJsN4_JACLcBGAs/s400/sctm%2Bbeach.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">there was no hard sand to run on </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QmhgntWGvX8/WU--6nKQlCI/AAAAAAAAG_A/jZx35oL_bZwZKWri4t8uYJxRVIqF_MgfwCLcBGAs/s1600/sctm%2Bbells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QmhgntWGvX8/WU--6nKQlCI/AAAAAAAAG_A/jZx35oL_bZwZKWri4t8uYJxRVIqF_MgfwCLcBGAs/s400/sctm%2Bbells.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the soft sand was hard going</td></tr>
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The waves and swell were so good at Bell's beach a surfing comp was underway in this '50 year storm' conditions - perfect for surfing but not for running.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mN8_pFcVWow/WU-_DRbkJpI/AAAAAAAAG_E/GvoyTPy6rOgOUuaYanWt_UO7REEp9Sw3QCLcBGAs/s1600/sctm%2Bhigh%2Btide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mN8_pFcVWow/WU-_DRbkJpI/AAAAAAAAG_E/GvoyTPy6rOgOUuaYanWt_UO7REEp9Sw3QCLcBGAs/s400/sctm%2Bhigh%2Btide.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we had to scramble onto the dunes</td></tr>
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Normally there is a long sections of bare sand to enjoy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_7__1P7K8co/WU-8rPdBNlI/AAAAAAAAG-s/8eJYw9N0La42WoU6X6Lt7XDLsc6173urQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMAG0363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1600" height="227" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_7__1P7K8co/WU-8rPdBNlI/AAAAAAAAG-s/8eJYw9N0La42WoU6X6Lt7XDLsc6173urQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMAG0363.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a beautiful day for a run</td></tr>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O8Oc4in4Mlg/WU_BuhiD48I/AAAAAAAAG_c/wyhuVhhnrcw3bcH0dIsD4hlB21gpDkWggCLcBGAs/s1600/sctm5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O8Oc4in4Mlg/WU_BuhiD48I/AAAAAAAAG_c/wyhuVhhnrcw3bcH0dIsD4hlB21gpDkWggCLcBGAs/s320/sctm5.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BsDOKMYk0Ag/WU_BZieZYDI/AAAAAAAAG_Q/AXjj_GxO69k4Z3lpsBX3QzT737JK0eIlwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG0359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="911" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BsDOKMYk0Ag/WU_BZieZYDI/AAAAAAAAG_Q/AXjj_GxO69k4Z3lpsBX3QzT737JK0eIlwCLcBGAs/s320/IMAG0359.jpg" width="180" /></a>Other parts of the course were also beautiful. It had started out cool but sunny, about 13 degrees by the afternoon. I had my arm warmers on and they were up and down the whole day. In the sun I would warm up but in the foresty bits I would get cold again.<br />
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A lot of the time I was on my own, looking out for the pink tape tags to guide me and reassure me I was on course. There were loads of wonderful volunteers at many spots along the way who directed and encouraged me. Everyone was so nice, they were out in the cold conditions for many hours.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mc-pqhHBg_Q/WU_B9gW8pvI/AAAAAAAAG_o/_-8uokOtP7A9HLNENZMFmbSNk3pfXHQOgCLcBGAs/s1600/sctm9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mc-pqhHBg_Q/WU_B9gW8pvI/AAAAAAAAG_o/_-8uokOtP7A9HLNENZMFmbSNk3pfXHQOgCLcBGAs/s320/sctm9.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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This inlet crossing was not something I was expecting either. I picked my way across and ended up with water logged shoes and then squelched along for a few kms, wet feet just adding to the adventure.<br />
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After the long 3k section along Urquharts beach I came to the 34km aid station manned by my wonderful friends of MCR<br />
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The last 8kms were the best, I cruised along up to the light house at Aireys Inlet and onto the beach at Fairhaven and up the steps to the surf club and across the finish line. Melissa was there to cheer me over the line and help me when I needed it most. After a long run like that your brain doesn't work very well and she got my bag and ushered me into the change room to put on warm clothes. She then presented me with a hot coffee and we had a little debrief and shared stories of our run.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is a cool trace of the route</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-COMnCLmO9jA/WVTdR1fUq9I/AAAAAAAAHBE/x_hHHNHxfJsSNqN_wPcMKU5Vr0tZshFawCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG0367_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1600" height="227" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-COMnCLmO9jA/WVTdR1fUq9I/AAAAAAAAHBE/x_hHHNHxfJsSNqN_wPcMKU5Vr0tZshFawCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG0367_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another medal for my collection</td></tr>
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A truly wonderful experience and another event to tick off the list<br />
<br />johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-68956845542360740052017-06-13T20:30:00.001+10:002017-06-13T20:30:17.674+10:00Getting close now...just under 2 weeks until my next marathon, its actually a 43km marathon so the longest run ever for me. And this 3rd marathon will be my first on a trail course. It won't be nearly as tough as Mt Macedon but longer with sections run on the beach, so a real mixture.<br />
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Our last long run was along the bay. Together, before we go in different directions but still with full support for each other.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XosjYOHZTn4/WT-0qOYlOLI/AAAAAAAAG-I/XHNYlNb02xc_3Ol4z4AWLEljIjpJ51-OQCLcB/s1600/willie.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="689" height="297" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XosjYOHZTn4/WT-0qOYlOLI/AAAAAAAAG-I/XHNYlNb02xc_3Ol4z4AWLEljIjpJ51-OQCLcB/s400/willie.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with the Sea Shepherd 'Steve Irwin' in the background</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phd3aCu3aVs/WT-1J_roTuI/AAAAAAAAG-U/q9kiWnnDeNkW0D6s9aIIsP7O_Ml7UjlMwCLcB/s1600/willy%2Bseashepherd.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="688" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phd3aCu3aVs/WT-1J_roTuI/AAAAAAAAG-U/q9kiWnnDeNkW0D6s9aIIsP7O_Ml7UjlMwCLcB/s320/willy%2Bseashepherd.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bad ass, hard core defenders of the oceans. docked at Williamstown until the next campaign</td></tr>
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We ran from Altona, touched the Westgate Bridge, up to Yarraville Park and back. The morning was really cold but it was a beautiful morning for a 4 hour run! Plenty of time to solve the problems of the world.<br />
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While I was running I was thinking about how far I had come and the things I had learned along the way. I have had several people say to me recently 'I don't know how you do it' and 'I couldn't run 100m'. I always reply the same. That it has taken me a long time to get to this point, none of it has come naturally or easily but it has been worth every step. I wasn't all rainbows and positivity either. I didn't enjoy the last 10 of the 32.5k and wanted it to be over. But soon enough it was over and we were dissecting the run and patting ourselves on the back.<br />
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I feel ready and philosophical about this next challenge.<br />
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What will be, will be.johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-27522807836503984562017-06-04T21:06:00.000+10:002017-06-06T20:47:53.538+10:00Tough trail report...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDOLbrMDk4w/WTPf75eOJ5I/AAAAAAAAG9M/qm8hFo3t9Bg9O-A0-GmuFdRLfI8o7IWkgCLcB/s1600/mtmacdon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mDOLbrMDk4w/WTPf75eOJ5I/AAAAAAAAG9M/qm8hFo3t9Bg9O-A0-GmuFdRLfI8o7IWkgCLcB/s320/mtmacdon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the mountain beckons</td></tr>
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I did the toughest trail so far in my running journey. 21.6km along the trails of Mount Macedon. The day started out freezing cold but clear and frosty. I chipped the frost off my car to head to Gisborne to meet up with a fellow MCR runner who happens to have the same parking anxieties I do and was happy to carpool early.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-882pD6FuywM/WTPcaRVnm4I/AAAAAAAAG9I/Pr8RQ923AP4gcR2pnfOkb_2hOJ4CHdNsQCLcB/s1600/gisborne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-882pD6FuywM/WTPcaRVnm4I/AAAAAAAAG9I/Pr8RQ923AP4gcR2pnfOkb_2hOJ4CHdNsQCLcB/s320/gisborne.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">freezing conditions</td></tr>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4EQQ992Xwfk/WTPjjwfGtGI/AAAAAAAAG9g/CKTOdklf1OwKoF10jcV1kMLysd4eLzizwCLcB/s1600/mtmfrost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4EQQ992Xwfk/WTPjjwfGtGI/AAAAAAAAG9g/CKTOdklf1OwKoF10jcV1kMLysd4eLzizwCLcB/s200/mtmfrost.jpg" width="200" /></a>We made it in good time and got one of the few good car parks remaining. Lots of runners had our same thought and had arrived early also. But we managed to miss having to use the bus shuttle which turned out to be running late so our start was delayed 15 mins until they arrived. Our early arrival meant we could warm up with a coffee, get our bibs and not have to queue too much for the toilet. It was really frosty and we tried to find a patch of sunshine to keep warm(ish).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--slZtAS9uzE/WTPgTnnIIcI/AAAAAAAAG9Q/0m8yG5L0lpwiaXluAajyATIaY7TLsA6VACLcB/s1600/mtM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--slZtAS9uzE/WTPgTnnIIcI/AAAAAAAAG9Q/0m8yG5L0lpwiaXluAajyATIaY7TLsA6VACLcB/s320/mtM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">when you are so cold you don't care what you look like</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3K6rdRywWM0/WTPgWnNj00I/AAAAAAAAG9U/sHXY_UMWN4kyIrd2iznbJQLYRGmYg99LACLcB/s1600/mtmac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3K6rdRywWM0/WTPgWnNj00I/AAAAAAAAG9U/sHXY_UMWN4kyIrd2iznbJQLYRGmYg99LACLcB/s320/mtmac.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MCR crew all doing different races</td></tr>
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The first 3-4 km were what they call 'technical' not very steep rather undulating but rocky. It was one of these little rocks that tripped me up at the 2k mark and I fell.Luckily no injury just a bit of mud on my hands and knees and on I went. The trails were beautiful, ferny and covered with leaf litter. Most of the field charged ahead and I had to give way to runners belting back on the narrow trail. We climbed up to the lookout and I paused to take in the view and get my breath back.<br />
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There were many challenges, steep slippery descents, steep slippery ascents (I couldn't get up one particularly slippery section without grabbing a stick to help me get some traction), lots of up and down but I pushed on with my mantra of 'do your best' in my head.<br />
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As the morning progressed members of the public started appearing on the trails and in the picnic grounds that we passed through. As I ran through I suddenly heard a women shouting NO NO, STOP and COMEBACK! I then heard the sound of dogs running up behind me and I was frightened what might happen when they caught me. She struggled to get control of the dogs, they were in for a big run.<br />
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I heard of one person behind me getting lost and I nearly did too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--MZKneN0QI4/WTPmn51FaSI/AAAAAAAAG9k/vThLbUop5bkX97P6fm2MDfxxo1rhoR_0gCLcB/s1600/mount%2Bmacedon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--MZKneN0QI4/WTPmn51FaSI/AAAAAAAAG9k/vThLbUop5bkX97P6fm2MDfxxo1rhoR_0gCLcB/s320/mount%2Bmacedon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some of the markings were not so obvious</td></tr>
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But I managed to stay on track and finish in 4 hours. Not the fastest time but I was never going to win. Today was all about the massive challenge and finishing. All the MCR crew were happy with their efforts and as always it is an amazing feeling to be cheered on by your squad.<br />
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So it was eventful day including a fall and being chased by dogs, eek and tonight I am pretty tired and a little sore but looking ahead to the next challenge.<br />
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Edited to add these photos, taken by a lovely Mum who passed the time waiting for her daughter to run the 50k race by taking just about everyone's photo. Thankyou <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Michelle-Knoll-Photography-133375650336855/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE">Michelle Knoll</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at the start</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--SlKfI2N6I8/WTaIFGNYY0I/AAAAAAAAG94/Niwy-9IbhUQK24XiCiIW7-Sx_nqzr16GwCLcB/s1600/mtmacedon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--SlKfI2N6I8/WTaIFGNYY0I/AAAAAAAAG94/Niwy-9IbhUQK24XiCiIW7-Sx_nqzr16GwCLcB/s320/mtmacedon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nearly there, close to the finish</td></tr>
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<br />johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-24202664417101900952017-06-03T19:09:00.000+10:002017-06-03T19:09:54.400+10:00The trail awaits...at Mount Macedon.<br />
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I'm a little anxious tonight about tomorrow's 21k trail run around the top of the mountain. The race briefing was not reassuring at all and full of don'ts.<br />
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Don't go off the path, look for the markers and be aware that sometimes nasty people like to tamper with them. Take a map or use your phone...that may not help me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1FvN08EAnUQ/WTJ5qhjLC5I/AAAAAAAAG88/4Q1jzNHa0xcLGFdSmPw20AfVB-wjRWOgQCLcB/s1600/mtmacedonmap.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="819" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1FvN08EAnUQ/WTJ5qhjLC5I/AAAAAAAAG88/4Q1jzNHa0xcLGFdSmPw20AfVB-wjRWOgQCLcB/s320/mtmacedonmap.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my mapping skills are lost, hopefully I wont be also</td></tr>
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Don't use the cafe toilet or go for a squat in the bush,,,big no no!<br />
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Don't park in an unauthorised spot...do they not know the anxieties I have with parking!!! I'm going super early and carpooling.<br />
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Don't leave any rubbish behind, not even the tiniest tab off a gel packet, it could jeopardise future events. I'm all on board with this one.<br />
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Don't go too quick on the slippery sections, you might fall over. Steer clear of the shiny bits. No danger of my going too quick. Which takes me to the next one...<br />
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Don't go too slow or you might get swept up and DNF. I am determined to come home with a medal.<br />
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Don't go home without having your number marked off. No timing chip here, a volunteer will mark everyone off, at aid stations and at the finish.<br />
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And the weather bureau isn't helping either with a 0 degree forecast, will feel like -6!<br />
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It wasn't all doom and gloom though. The positive message was enjoy the view, enjoy the trails, help each other get through. Thank a volunteer. I'm told these <a href="http://www.trailsplus.com.au/macedon/">trails+</a> events are well organised and quite a few MCR people are attending and planning a pub debriefing afterwards. Experienced trail runners have given advice about gear and clothing<br />
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I read an interesting article today saying that if you voice your concerns or worries, give them a name, then the brain can process them, make sense of them and then you feel better.<br />
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Well bring it on, here I come!<br />
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<br />johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-58680538793863577232017-05-27T17:07:00.003+10:002017-05-27T17:07:33.761+10:00Hello there...Since the last post where I was 14 weeks out from the next marathon and just getting back into running after my surgery, training is back in full swing.<br />
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That next marathon is now just <strike>5</strike> 4 weeks away.<br />
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Long runs have taken over the weekends and events are being ticked off the list. Thanks goodness for my running girls who are keeping me to the plan. Thank goodness also for Melton City Runners and their passion for running which sees me included in their training runs and drills as well. How could I not succeed in such a supportive environment.<br />
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Since getting back to running I have been a regular at Wednesday night track sessions and the different drills are pushing me and my fitness and endurance along nicely.<br />
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Some hill/mountain training in the You Yangs has pushed my trail fitness along as well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-epfX65fqzns/WSkWLu7GI8I/AAAAAAAAG7I/nq9OGTtFmRUkcZt9CUhkI3IMNuwXA97UwCLcB/s1600/youies%2Bgroup.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="305" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-epfX65fqzns/WSkWLu7GI8I/AAAAAAAAG7I/nq9OGTtFmRUkcZt9CUhkI3IMNuwXA97UwCLcB/s400/youies%2Bgroup.PNG" width="366" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MCR at the You Yangs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kxhbJSmxiJQ/WSkWPpahrOI/AAAAAAAAG7M/4VBE9M-q9NgIEfbaAQZMs6v_-sFI2lfEgCLcB/s1600/youies%2Bsaddle.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="364" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kxhbJSmxiJQ/WSkWPpahrOI/AAAAAAAAG7M/4VBE9M-q9NgIEfbaAQZMs6v_-sFI2lfEgCLcB/s400/youies%2Bsaddle.PNG" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'sadddle' - harder than it looks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LGL7K7QiFzQ/WSkWdeG_FsI/AAAAAAAAG7Q/VigAliJeU7QGBIrfGYTQQvZR_U40H_uIACLcB/s1600/youyangs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LGL7K7QiFzQ/WSkWdeG_FsI/AAAAAAAAG7Q/VigAliJeU7QGBIrfGYTQQvZR_U40H_uIACLcB/s400/youyangs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">trialling my new hydration vest at You Yangs parkrun</td></tr>
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I was ready for the annual Run 4 Kids run and we dressed up in our bright yellow singlets and ran through the tunnel and over the Bolte Bridge. A bit of rain didn't hamper us too much and shows how hard core we really are.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVxQsQeny0w/WSkjVXVbjOI/AAAAAAAAG8Y/lCwtW8B4beIbERPpUV3jnawBaIQeIcB4QCLcB/s1600/IMAG0309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="911" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVxQsQeny0w/WSkjVXVbjOI/AAAAAAAAG8Y/lCwtW8B4beIbERPpUV3jnawBaIQeIcB4QCLcB/s400/IMAG0309.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I busted out a tutu for the first and last time</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">supersportsimages</td></tr>
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We worked our way up to be ready for the first half marathon of the year at the Werribee Mansion. It was a hard morning and showed we still had a long way to go.<br />
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And more recently we travelled down to the coast to run along the Great Ocean Road. We again camped at <a href="http://www.kennettriver.com/">Kennett River</a>. This time Melissa had her new tent to try out and we experienced foxes in the campsite overnight, and we kept awake by human and animal noises for a lot of the night. But in the morning a glorious sunrise greeted us and set the mood for the day.<br />
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The weather gods were kind to us again, even though the doomsayers had delighted in telling us in the lead up week that Victoria was expecting a months' worth of rain in 3 days. We were not happy with this prediction. Running in the rain isn't a problem but camping and getting ready in the rain would not have been fun. But it turned out to be fine and even sunny at the end. Similar to last year the night was mild and the camping was fine. We are learning something each year but still haven't learned out to pack lightly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EMcW4OEbjyA/WSkY7rLV9JI/AAAAAAAAG7g/4H2SL5NgiwUHL4KxfJcLvCtSzB3TLdYwwCLcB/s1600/GOR17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EMcW4OEbjyA/WSkY7rLV9JI/AAAAAAAAG7g/4H2SL5NgiwUHL4KxfJcLvCtSzB3TLdYwwCLcB/s400/GOR17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">start line smiles</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sunrise</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CXLlWQJX0Vc/WSkY4VCEUcI/AAAAAAAAG7c/yHmwdd5hW4MGP7SyS2kPXCEMYyP6t4aNQCLcB/s1600/gor6.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="401" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CXLlWQJX0Vc/WSkY4VCEUcI/AAAAAAAAG7c/yHmwdd5hW4MGP7SyS2kPXCEMYyP6t4aNQCLcB/s320/gor6.PNG" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">supersportsimage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fXMV14Mf9jc/WSkljTBdF7I/AAAAAAAAG8s/3N73YfDOd74Pqde80mVPbq8-L-4dA6D6ACLcB/s1600/18581994_10212442184350547_6689700605783978410_n%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fXMV14Mf9jc/WSkljTBdF7I/AAAAAAAAG8s/3N73YfDOd74Pqde80mVPbq8-L-4dA6D6ACLcB/s400/18581994_10212442184350547_6689700605783978410_n%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finish line smiles</td></tr>
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The 23km was a beautiful run, its a tough one but well worth the effort. The girls finished ahead of me but I was more than happy with my run. We were all happy with our performance and effort. We then lingered after the race to relax and have coffee and food and to watch the marathoners and ultra runners finish their races.<br />
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I was determined to catch up with <a href="http://unsportywomencanrun.wordpress.com/">unsporty woman</a>. I saw Annie finish her marathon and when I talked to her she was in that 'I've just run 44km and I can't think straight' fog so we chatted for a few minutes and then she was on her way to hydrate, rest and find her crew. I'm so glad I was able to meet her and a shame I didn't get a pic, oh well next time.<br />
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<br />johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-91368845099233167582017-03-19T22:52:00.002+11:002017-03-19T22:53:01.953+11:00Back to it...The rest is over.<br />
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Back to work. Back to training. 14 weeks until the next full marathon.<br />
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Training is gradually building and I'm still not back to previous fitness levels and try not to get too discouraged by slow progress.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfLAxbUR4h0/WM5k-9b8DEI/AAAAAAAAG48/tXeu3mzd4IAIMA4r0Bfih7LMHNNgvcGcQCLcB/s1600/parkrun%2Bin%2Bmy%2Bnew%2Bpants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfLAxbUR4h0/WM5k-9b8DEI/AAAAAAAAG48/tXeu3mzd4IAIMA4r0Bfih7LMHNNgvcGcQCLcB/s400/parkrun%2Bin%2Bmy%2Bnew%2Bpants.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">running the whole 5k, Karen behind stuck with me and got her PB</td></tr>
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Parkrun has been a good start. My first week back I just wanted to see how I went and had walk breaks. The following week my goal was to run the 5k without stopping and I'm happy to say each week has been a little faster. I've had loads of encouragement and have felt really well.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maribyrnong Parkrun and had to leave Hayley behind to run all the way</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My shadow in the white managed to run the whole way too</td></tr>
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I am particularly happy with this last run. I could hear the young girl close behind the whole way and as we turned for the last 300m she came level with me and I said to her I wondered when she was going to pass me and to go strong to the finish. After we crossed the line I had a laugh with her about her shadowing antics with a swoop at the end. She said she was using me as her pacer and thanked me for getting her across the line, she felt she would have given up otherwise and walked a bit. A PB in the bank for her and I was pleased to help her out. Way to go Kayla!<br />
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Track nights have been a bit tougher, not quite managing the whole work out but doing the best I can and reaching a little further each time.<br />
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I was asked to fill in for Ladies Mon night tennis and won the 2 sets but felt I wasn't playing to full capacity. Weekly sessions at Cardio Tennis will see an improvement there too. Last Friday we had a circuit that involved skipping and I'm happy to say no leakage occurred! A big step forward.<br />
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The first of our racing events was run this morning. It turned out to be a 34 degree day as we hit the trails for a 10k through Brimbank Park. I couldn't run the whole way and spent time walking up the steep hills that ring the valley and river.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MoIH-Q3zo5o/WM5pjk7P1lI/AAAAAAAAG5I/AlNCWOv1rWY4gVjSo5w1fWkjT7rR7RTvQCLcB/s1600/Brimbank%2B10k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MoIH-Q3zo5o/WM5pjk7P1lI/AAAAAAAAG5I/AlNCWOv1rWY4gVjSo5w1fWkjT7rR7RTvQCLcB/s400/Brimbank%2B10k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MCR girls rule!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YynV9cVck4k/WM5pmjnG0SI/AAAAAAAAG5M/fkvZVZ-RVbYi4-uNEW7Bq_QaRPDV4r_zQCLcB/s1600/brrimbank%2Brun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YynV9cVck4k/WM5pmjnG0SI/AAAAAAAAG5M/fkvZVZ-RVbYi4-uNEW7Bq_QaRPDV4r_zQCLcB/s400/brrimbank%2Brun.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at the top of a very big hill</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the hills were brutal</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">thanks for helping me out</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">happy to finish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nwZ5kHCnmFA/WM5pu_J69oI/AAAAAAAAG5U/K0NzBhoSYJgHYN61u7bIOZhkhrE5DwDnQCLcB/s1600/brimbank%2Bpark%2Bfinishers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nwZ5kHCnmFA/WM5pu_J69oI/AAAAAAAAG5U/K0NzBhoSYJgHYN61u7bIOZhkhrE5DwDnQCLcB/s400/brimbank%2Bpark%2Bfinishers.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another medal is always a nice reward</td></tr>
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Today's run shows I still have a long way to go but will keep chipping away, supported by my running team mates and my very special Running Buddy.<br />
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<br />johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-23142416475869891152017-03-01T16:51:00.002+11:002017-03-01T16:51:14.570+11:00Time to start up again...My 4 week enforced break from activities is up and I have tentatively started back on the training track. I've left my books and crafts and projects to put my runners back on. My running gear is a little more snug than it was a month ago. It doesn't take long to soften up and put on weight when you aren't doing too much and have been cooking up a storm.<br />
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How much fitness I have lost was brought home last night at my first real track night. I was huffing and puffing and bringing up the rear. The Wings for Life World Run Ambassadors attended to run a promotional fun night culminating in a mini chase. I couldn't keep up. I tried not to give up but couldn't maintain the pace. I've also noticed how well the girls have been doing as they maintain the training runs and gym sessions, getting PBs and looking fab.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ca3f2wu9G0/WLZcgFd-G1I/AAAAAAAAG30/XS_bKUvB2uEqfnpBPjC85kbKKjtmf9ZuwCLcB/s1600/em.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ca3f2wu9G0/WLZcgFd-G1I/AAAAAAAAG30/XS_bKUvB2uEqfnpBPjC85kbKKjtmf9ZuwCLcB/s400/em.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">spectating at the Bellarine Flying Brick Sunset Run</td></tr>
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This little girl is such a sweetheart. She endears herself to everyone and is a handy little runner. She tries to keep up with her Dad and big sister. We often run with her and she helps us as much as we help her.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dunny art</td></tr>
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While the girls were running their respective 10k and half marathon races Martin and I walked up the hill to the pub for refreshments before making our way to the finish line to cheer the finishers. Couldn't resist a cheeky pic of this lovely mosaic work that depicts Portarlington but has been unceremoniously mounted on a toilet block.<br />
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I haven't been cooped up at home the whole time, I volunteered at parkrun and at track night and cheered others on. I attempted my very first run at parkrun and did Ok without pushing myself too much. I walked 10k at the Relay for Life night.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MCR was the winning team with the most laps completed</td></tr>
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Running Buddy tells me that next week is the beginning of my 16 week training program leading up to the marathon. Thankfully such programs start off fairly slow and build up so it should all be OK. Tennis is allowed again and then back to work to try to fit everything in.<br />
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Whilst I am itching to get back into it it has been nice to have had this break to regroup and centre myself.<br />
johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-50892096422930824602017-02-06T21:35:00.000+11:002017-02-06T21:35:56.232+11:00The hiatus...If you have to have a hiatus from running, mid summer is a good time to do it. It's been really hot and humid and the odd bit of running I've done til now has seen me dripping with sweat. I know my form is off having only done bits and pieces since early December. Tennis had finished for the Summer break as well, so the hiatus has been timed pretty well.<br />
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It's been a while coming. Time spent on a waiting list, time allowed for things to improve on their own <i>but didn't</i>. And here I am recovering from a hysterectomy feeling pretty good and itching to get back on to my feet. I'm hoping related issues will all be resolved with this surgery. Dry pants during a run will be a big plus. Menopause will be a bit trickier to define but no bleeding to contend with is a huge bonus.<br />
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The surgery itself was long and the first night post op not good but since then I have continued to improve and feel well. Under Dr's orders I'm not to do any 'impact activity' like running or tennis for 4 weeks of my 6 week recovery time. I've watched these activities start up again without me. Soon enough I will be back into my training and I've had lots of time to read and to find new events. Time to plan what the year will hold and to set some goals.<br />
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A coffee date with the girls has set out the first few months of the year, incorporating an overseas trip and holidays into our training plan. I sadly told the girls I'm not going to join them at the Gold Coast this year but plan to do a trail marathon on the Surf Coast here in Vic instead in June. We will do our training together as the two events are only 2 weeks apart. We have Run 4 Kids, Hanging Rock and Great Ocean Road penciled in as part of our marathon training.<br />
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So instead of running I've been pottering around in the garden, getting Chris to drive me to different nurseries so we can fill the little nooks with plants. I've been reading actual books, not just websites and pulled out some crafts to do. When my sister visits we'll start, and probably finish, a jigsaw.<br />
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As good as I feel I am a little nervous about running again. I will take it slowly and try not to rush back into all the activities too quickly once my enforced time out is done.johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-41706884876085505692017-01-22T11:43:00.000+11:002017-01-22T11:43:39.600+11:00The Project...The problem with running so much is that housework gets neglected and projects are put on the back burner. But with the next running goal some months away the intensity of training has waned and I find myself at home at little more looking at things around here that I have put off. I have had a few runs in the last month and still trying to get to track night but the heat puts me off. I suspect I will pay the price when training does ramp up again.<br />
So this Summer break we were able to achieve a project on the house that we have talked about for ages.<br />
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Chris is very handy about the house and garden. Not really a gardener but he will build just about anything I ask him to and do it well. The outdoor area needed a finishing touch which we finally got around to.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DvM-wM3zblc/WIP9s5laS8I/AAAAAAAAG3E/4S5vdfyWcT4BF_RnIZc8R491gwjrXikzACLcB/s1600/pergola%2Bscreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DvM-wM3zblc/WIP9s5laS8I/AAAAAAAAG3E/4S5vdfyWcT4BF_RnIZc8R491gwjrXikzACLcB/s640/pergola%2Bscreen.jpg" width="364" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before the screen... Chris built the pergola and paved this area</td></tr>
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Things were measured, re measured, lined up and rechecked...<br />
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He used <a href="http://www.ekologix.com.au/ekodeck-screening/">Ekodeck</a> screening which is a composite bamboo/plastic product which is 'guaranteed not to warp or twist and doesn't need painting or oiling'<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sEgvWNGhMH0/WIP94zXkxFI/AAAAAAAAG3Q/KSHQdwdUYucDGPRzsGZs3gPWivHFrIOlwCLcB/s1600/finished%2Bscreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sEgvWNGhMH0/WIP94zXkxFI/AAAAAAAAG3Q/KSHQdwdUYucDGPRzsGZs3gPWivHFrIOlwCLcB/s400/finished%2Bscreen.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finished!</td></tr>
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The screen completes the area and it has been a lovely place to sit in the afternoons.<br />
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Thank you my dear for being such a skilled and meticulous craftsman, it turned out exactly how I imagined it would.johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-43745062813649459472017-01-20T20:16:00.001+11:002017-01-20T20:16:50.434+11:00Anniversary...As the years roll by the milestones accumulate along with them.<br />
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This year saw us celebrate 32 years of marriage. The photo at the top of this page is one of my favourites from that day in 1985. It was a spontaneous moment and captures our surprise perfectly.<br />
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We thought this year was going to quite low key but we took advantage of a gift from Hayley and went on a helicopter ride over the city. Hayley had been saving up our birthday and Mothers/Fathers Days gifts to culminate in this fabulous experience.<br />
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I had wanted to do a helicopter ride for my 50th birthday but it hadn't happened.<br />
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Chris was quite anxious about the flight, he was concerned about our safety. And when I saw the tiny craft my anxiety rose as well. But we survived and managed to get a lot of photos while we were enjoying the view. The wind did buffet us a little but were reassurred by our experienced pilot, John.<br />
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As it tragically turned out today, you can be <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-20/live-car-hits-pedestrians-in-melbourne-cbd/8197998">run down in the middle of the city on the footpath</a> and die in a random accident.<br />
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I took a lot of photos, here a just a few...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melbourne city</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zIEZrdQsgSU/WIHRWgezrhI/AAAAAAAAG2I/6Gty6tz3aUEHYeicxycePc9OC1PAer58QCLcB/s1600/IMG_1534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zIEZrdQsgSU/WIHRWgezrhI/AAAAAAAAG2I/6Gty6tz3aUEHYeicxycePc9OC1PAer58QCLcB/s400/IMG_1534.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bayside</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albert Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MCG</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tennis Centre Australian Open in progress</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8OpPAQdNE3U/WIHSoA5B3pI/AAAAAAAAG2k/cLEho5XGC1gxnEgtzpz_uR5w1yTLTfWUgCLcB/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8OpPAQdNE3U/WIHSoA5B3pI/AAAAAAAAG2k/cLEho5XGC1gxnEgtzpz_uR5w1yTLTfWUgCLcB/s320/Capture.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sat in front so could take photos</td></tr>
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John was an excellent pilot pointing out landmarks etc. Over the radio came information that the police helicopter was in the area, sadly now we know why.<br />
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I thought to myself as we flew over that I have run in so many places in our lovely city. It looked magnificent from the air but my feet have taken me all over it as well. The MCG, Albert Park, Beaconsfield Parade through to St Kilda and Elwood, Flemington racecourse, Royal Park, the Zoo, Bolte Bridge, Alexandra Gardens.<br />
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We thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it as a wonderful experience.johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-79691146330544215112017-01-09T14:39:00.000+11:002017-01-09T14:39:04.956+11:00the short getaway...at the last minute we decided while we had a few days off together we would go for a short getaway. I had been wanting to go somewhere in the week between Christmas and New Year but hadn't been able to commit to anything. I had a visit to Robe SA in mind but we decided on Phillip Island, being able to find some accommodation at short notice was the clincher.<br />
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We ended up staying at the <a href="http://aussiegolfranch.com.au/">Aussie Golf Ranch</a> at Cowes and it turned out to be just perfect. A single cabin style on the 9 hole golf course was just what we needed. It was a 10 minute walk through the bush and over the dunes to the beach, and a short drive to the town of Cowes. I was surprised at how busy Cowes was, I was expecting it to be similar to Port Fairy but it was larger and very busy with the influx of tourist visitors. The traffic was bumper to bumper before we even got to the Island and I imagine during the Grand Prix it would be worse.<br />
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Our first, and only, visit to Phillip Island was back in 1984, before we were married. We had a weekend away on Chris' motorbike with a few friends from his Sth Melb workplace. Much has changed since then!<br />
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So we set out to explore the island, visiting the Nobbies and the Blow Hole, spying some fairy penguins in their nesting boxes. It was warm and drizzling rain but that didn't deter us or other tourists. Large facilities at the Nobbies and the Penguin Parade have been built for the tourists since our last visit and it has become very commercial. We enjoyed our visit to the <a href="https://www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au/">Grand Prix circuit</a> but it was too wet to try out the go karts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vytGwXWWa7s/WHGoot38FFI/AAAAAAAAG0g/4_3R7pHK0XoZnv2g88u1XsZE7PH_yVJEACEw/s1600/blow%2Bhole%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vytGwXWWa7s/WHGoot38FFI/AAAAAAAAG0g/4_3R7pHK0XoZnv2g88u1XsZE7PH_yVJEACEw/s400/blow%2Bhole%2B1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Blow Hole</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Obar1i3OIoc/WHGosNLShJI/AAAAAAAAG0k/ahmVmIbtaZsTuFA6y4NWyhL8G5dU5na4QCEw/s1600/nobbies%2Bin%2Bthe%2Brain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Obar1i3OIoc/WHGosNLShJI/AAAAAAAAG0k/ahmVmIbtaZsTuFA6y4NWyhL8G5dU5na4QCEw/s400/nobbies%2Bin%2Bthe%2Brain.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at the Nobbies</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fairy penguins</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrhYbY0Zz9Q/WHGowvUKibI/AAAAAAAAG0s/zeFN5O6lbz8jqLofHRYiBzxtLIA0S7gMgCEw/s1600/nobbies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrhYbY0Zz9Q/WHGowvUKibI/AAAAAAAAG0s/zeFN5O6lbz8jqLofHRYiBzxtLIA0S7gMgCEw/s400/nobbies.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Nobbies</td></tr>
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Back in the day you could walk over to the Nobbies and explore the rock pools etc, but I suppose to protect the wildlife and the environment there are rules and restrictions in place to prevent you going off the board walk. Nevertheless we enjoyed ourselves.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Prix home straight</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WbGo0MXGjC0/WHGvR4LOkbI/AAAAAAAAG1Q/GgroWXVibfAQMOMmLFgi8qfyyCnqlU-UwCLcB/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WbGo0MXGjC0/WHGvR4LOkbI/AAAAAAAAG1Q/GgroWXVibfAQMOMmLFgi8qfyyCnqlU-UwCLcB/s400/unnamed.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">still raining at Rhyll</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOsRtJSNIAA/WHGvPzyLd7I/AAAAAAAAG1M/KzEdWLQ1UB4At3p6JU5KQW3roqWy8x5vgCLcB/s1600/unnamed%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOsRtJSNIAA/WHGvPzyLd7I/AAAAAAAAG1M/KzEdWLQ1UB4At3p6JU5KQW3roqWy8x5vgCLcB/s640/unnamed%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="364" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sunset beach walk</td></tr>
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the weather did clear and become very hot and I was a little jealous of the surfers at Woolamai Beach<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UdpGKAnYKTw/WHGoz45-48I/AAAAAAAAG08/4uSDwU1MD1YvMav_-5mEeB7La2XvySC-wCEw/s1600/woolamai%2Bbeach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UdpGKAnYKTw/WHGoz45-48I/AAAAAAAAG08/4uSDwU1MD1YvMav_-5mEeB7La2XvySC-wCEw/s400/woolamai%2Bbeach.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woolamai </td></tr>
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We explored briefly all ends of the large island and I feel like we had a good break. I love the beach and really enjoyed this break. Now I am ready to face 2017 and new challenges.<br />
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<br />johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-87739064618568253712017-01-08T13:18:00.000+11:002017-01-08T13:18:04.138+11:00The hot Christmas...Christmas day this year was a scorcher...37 degrees. Very few photos were taken, we were busy staying cool in Big Sister's pool in between courses. I am grateful that we can spend time together as a family at Christmas, enjoying each others company.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RBUiN4x8vsI/WHGhJ7Je3kI/AAAAAAAAG0M/ftyJ9MM1Ua0r2hxLWHZselrYFfGy15x2QCLcB/s1600/2016xmasday.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RBUiN4x8vsI/WHGhJ7Je3kI/AAAAAAAAG0M/ftyJ9MM1Ua0r2hxLWHZselrYFfGy15x2QCLcB/s400/2016xmasday.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from Hayley's instagram</td></tr>
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Each year it changes a little bit, the children are now all young adults and are entertaining us instead of the other way around.<br />
And all too soon the day is over, the decorations get packed away and we look forward to the approaching year.johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-43544230231046389082016-12-24T16:39:00.000+11:002016-12-26T10:17:01.238+11:0050 Parkruns...I managed to squeeze in this milestone this morning on Christmas Eve. Luckily parkrun starts at 8am so we were done by 9 to fit in last minute preparations for Christmas.<br />
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I first attended parkrun back in February 2014 when Toolern Creek parkrun was launched and it has taken me nearly 2 years to rack them up. 46 of them were at this home base, 2 at Maribyrnong, 1 at You Yangs launch and 1 at Toowoomba while we were visiting family in Qld. There has been both hot and cold mornings, and some rain but every Saturday parkrun goes ahead.<br />
I also have volunteered 12 times and enjoy being part of the parkrun community.<br />
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This morning 6 of us reached this milestone including a family of 4 and when the photos are posted I will attach them here. Lots of the group of 60 odd got into the spirit and celebrated Christmas and running at the same time on this hot morning. Thunder rumbled a Happy Christmas before we started and we were pleased some lightning was moving away to the East.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">thanks Damo for the snap</td></tr>
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Running Buddy was able to attend also and I was grateful that she was able to squeeze that in her busy day with family duties, to run with me. Poor old Mel had to work (but then let us know there were no patients in the ward to look after anyway - better that people stay out of hospital at Christmas).<br />
I wore a sequinned skirt that was very festive but very scratchy so will be kept for very special runs in the future. A few commented that whilst festive hats and headbands are fun they aren't that comfortable!<br />
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I'm glad I was able to have this run this morning. With us being so busy and the weather heating up finally, running is on the back burner.<br />
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Now off to prepare for Christmas dinner with Hayley and Ben.johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4075960269271600055.post-57883003841187979872016-12-17T20:32:00.002+11:002016-12-17T20:34:57.386+11:00Trails, hills and creek crossings...Running Buddy and I joined up with some of the MCR crew and ran our first proper trail event. It was a tough event with even some of the experienced trail runners saying it was a hard event. Put on by the <a href="http://therunningcompany.com.au/ballarat/">Running Company Ballarat</a> the aptly named Gold Rush Trail Run resulted in some more bling.<br />
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The morning was beautiful as we waited beside the Daylesford Lake for our 10 o'clock start.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melton City Runners</td></tr>
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We got to see some of the 22km runners come past as our start line was their half way point. We set off into the bush to hit the trails. Some of it was narrow with the blackberry bush trying to impinge on our path. Some of it was rocky with tree roots trying to trip us over. Most of it was up hill and then down, the down hill sections being tricky and just as challenging as the up. We crossed several creeks and tried not to get our feet wet. We used muscles we haven't used in running before.<br />
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We were encouraged by all runners not just the members of our group. We tried to enjoy the surroundings which were quite beautiful. We did not see any wildlife thankfully.<br />
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We stopped at this waterfall to appreciate the view before we climbed to the top of it.<br />
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It was nice not to be focused on a time but just to enjoy the running and the different challenges the trails presented. A challenging but very rewarding morning of running.johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17555335877076751146noreply@blogger.com2