Dont Try Putting The Square Pegs In The Round Holes

Had a great week last week with training in terms of each individual session and the total kilometers reached by weeks end. A number of things panned out well enabling this to happen, including freed up afternoons, new training sessions that added an element of freshness to the week and plenty of people hitting the road again after some time off increasing the amount of people out there to train with.

In looking ahead to this week it won't be as simple. Year 12 formal, numeracy team meetings and Dance concerts in Newcastle being among a number of things dragging at my time available to train.

The image of my niece (all be it at age 10 months) trying to push a square block into a round hole seemed to sit in my mind as I contemplated fitting it all in this week. Clearly what was good last week wont work every time. That's not to say it is going to be OK to take these distractions as an excuse to do nothing though. So the aim will be to find the square hole and or the round block. To see if it can be dome from a new perspective. Knowing that it may not be every week I can clock increases in total training kilometers.

Monday 30th Movember
AM out the door at 5.50am for the reawaken the week run. Today i decided it would be nice to head out through the Aussie Pyrenees up to the Arches round the back past the chefs hat back over Blaxland Station along Borrea and through the false finish. Clocked in at 32mins 47secs at a comfortable pace, just aiming to wake the legs up after a rest day yesterday with a few hills planned for this afternoon.

PM a planned 45mins on the escarpment between numeracy team meeting and year 12 formal went down the drain. Quite literally in fact and given the earlier analogy of the square pegs and round holes I guess it is quite fitting that an old saying relating to the eye of a needle sees me parked in the lounge room never more than 10secs from the most important room in my life right now. No training no yr12 formal no getting to far from said room. Hoping all clear (figuratively speaking of course) by tomorrow morning for BMMC run.

2010 6ft opens tonight, BMMC assault to be fine tuned prior to this occurrence.

Tuesday 1st December
Yesterdays lunch has maintained the rage and is keeping me away from travels too far from the main room still. Fortunately my wavering motivation has been kept high by the madness that is unraveling post 6ft entry closures. Too many posts on CR to go out anyway. Will be back to it by Thursday I'm guessing by feel at the moment.

Friday 4th December
Today saw the first run back after Mondays mishap with a salad at lunch. The first day I felt confident I could get out without imminent danger on each step. Left the mansion on Marshall at 5.30am with Wholie the holiday maker and rounded the Aussie Pyrenees to the Arches round the back of Blaxland shops crossing up at the pedestrian steps high side of Blaxland. Into the back ally from Winiecooper (loved the wonder years) and out to the causeway before returning to the standard exit and home. 50mins 15secs all up and happy to be back out running again not inside running.

Saturday 5th December
A great morning running in the Royal, having left the familiar safety of the Blue with B06, Dr Phil aka Flying Fist, The Welsh Exchange Student, Mr & Mrs Train and Mr & Mrs Donga (all hail the prince), to experience this coastal run and get a feel for what life in the Blue will be like post global warming.

A 5am meeting and departure from the arches of Blaxland saw us arriving at Bundeena a little latter than estimated for the finish car drop. A slight detoured back to Bundeena about 5mins after leaving to drive to the start after B06 realised that when everyone else was placing finish line clothing in the remaining cars he was in fact not. Finally reached Otford for a tail end BMMC only 7.30am start.

The plan had been to regroup continually along the run with aim of a swim at one of many options along the way. The absurdity of photo suggestions certainly helped with these re groupings and with the two maternally connected doing the back and forth a couple of time everyone made it through the first 2hrs together quite well. Brilliant sights along the way made the 4.30am rise more justified. Having particularly enjoyed running through the tiny community's along the way singing 'Morning has broken'.

Most grateful for the aid station in the car park. Confirming that our slight detour around the tanks had been corrected (however the associated headland was well worth the journey). Having refilled water containers we promptly ran off in the wrong direction enabling some to take the desired swim across the lagoon whilst others (now known as BMMC Sherpas) carried their phones et al.

The latter parts of the run became quite hot and I was grateful for the relief of the breeze that came by on occasions. More great views and an increasing rate of perplexed walkers meet us through these last parts. The last section also saw the demise of the regroup concept and by the time the end of the coastal track was reached it was only the Welsh exchange student, Dr Phil and I together with others in front and behind respectively given there position in relation to us. A quick sub committee meeting and the (grow some chest hairs) sandy trail option was selected.

One final extra 2mins at the end of the point before cruising through the beaches and streets of Bundeena to finish at the Fringe Cafe in 3hrs 57mins 24secs. Overall a tougher day out for me than I had planned. Guess it was just one of those days you don't have the rhythm in your stride. Very much enjoyed the track however and would love to come back to the Royal at a latter date to run this course again. Particularly with a chance to explore more swimming options.

Looking To Australia's Greatest, Calling In A Woodies Week

It is obvious to any regular readers that I pretend exist out there that last weeks entry never finished. Or more correctly was never concluded, for to say it is still going would be even further from the truth than the sad reality. It is fair to say I feel in a hole by Friday and have scarcely dragged myself out of it three days later. Not sure what brings on these days of doubt and associated sedentaryness but they seem to occur for me every now and then and they key seems to be to find a point in close proximity on which to focus my exit on and then hope like crazy I can muster the self determination to kick it at this point.

I am pleased I was able to do this today and in hind sight will simply call it a recovery week in the latest microcycle. The key motivation reigniting training being a desire to clock in the first complete woodies week (speaking purely in weekday terms allowing weekends for a change of tact). That is a Mark/Todd Doubles week, focusing on making every day a doubles day. with the aim of getting the weekly total over 100ks for the first time and taking that important step towards what will become regular 3 digit totals in the lead up to future ultra runs.

Monday 23rd Movember
And might I add I have a new found respect for RDeC in his ability to master the growth that is hair upon upper lip. AM out of bed to break the sedentary shackles with a lap of an old school run from the Mansion on Marshall 'Men With Prams'. A short run winding through the back streets of Mt Riv with plenty of turns and small rises and falls. 27mins 1sec and not surprisingly feeling good having done nothing for three days. Though a few too many Coopers yesterday did tighten the gut. Accompanied by Mystery Jets on the ipod.

PM and having heard back from none amongst the BMMC had decided the completion of reports was in order with a later run than the standard 4pm now locked in. Received the call at 4.08 from Nugget whom though confirming his attendance (and not having been sighted but once in the past 6mths) was eagerly standing awaiting at Knapsack Reserve. A quick completion of class set and it was onto Knapsack by 4.30pm for a lap of the inner circle quarry link with Nugget. A ost enjoyable run with conversation of BMMC recruits (decided we are claiming them and will let them know about it later) and their explotes at the 300m track champs. I am sure Mr Richardson, Mr Ricketts, Mr Baldacchno (Jnr, jnr, jnr & jnr), the one called Vince and the E Twin(s) will all be happy anyway.



A 46min 42sec lap in the end in supper running conditions and just a smidgen of light rain.

Tuesday 24th Movember
AM and the agenda was full for this mornings run with much put forward with sufficient notice including but not limited to the integration of generation Y into the BMMC and how to let someone know that they are late again (with practical application). A number of BMMC formerly listed as MIA made an appearance this morning so it was with Sleep Train, Animal and Dr Phil that we departed the Round House at 6.01am. Moments before rounding the T-intersection we were joined by a fast moving J and just as we were departing CP1 the still on Welsh time exchange student decided to join us. Lengthy stretching but increased intensity (in particular the unsolicited increases in pace along the GWH) saw a run time of 1hr 6secs. Minor disaster averted with early detection of the Tic enabling full survival rate for another run.

PM and solo again, with nothing but SpiderBait on the ipod for company. 4.30pm start from Knapsack with a lap round Espresso Run and Son of Espresso for a total of 50mins 15secs (29.17 and 20.57). Good conditions for running overcast and just slightly muggy.

Wednesday 25th Movember
AM from the Lucasville Resort at 5.45am. Eased out with Wholie the holiday maker and Andy Curnow for a lap over to Knapsack Reserve and back. Turning into a standard run from Lucasville Resort on a Wednesday and one that I really enjoy. Legs fairly tired but happy enough for the 50mins 3secs clocked up. Felt very dehydrated this morning and will need to be more aware of fluid intake.

PM from the Christmas venue with the good Dr Phil. Into the back ally from Spurwood up to five ways and out to the lookout. The first time I have headed out this way and well worth the trip with views to the home land on Singles Ridge. Back the same way but continued along the back ally to the tip. Had a none to pleasant encounter with a disgruntled red belly (head up and hissing) before taking the Dr's personal trail into the back of the Christmas venue. A very pleasant, though heated, run for 52mins 40secs all up on some rolling climbs.

Just saw this on Cool Runnings:

At first I thought it would scare me but the more I look at it the more it gets me excited about the upcoming event. Tomorrow is all ups and downs, fun for everyone.

Thursday 26th Movember
It had been planned as a big day with plenty of climbing and my legs are suggesting they have not been let down. Started the morning from the Mansion on Marshall as Animal was off living the high life at a work conference. Basic Hill circuit was the target with the knowledge that it would be about 5mins longer than normal from Animals. Was joined by Sleep Train, Welsh Exchange Student and Dr Phil and a steady pace was maintained through out. Supper humid and felt it in the quads heading up the gully track next to Old Bathurst Rd. 1hr 8mins 27secs.

The afternoon saw my long awaited (for me anyway) venture to the Upper Mts Alpine Hills Sessions. Being a week B it was set on the incredibly scenic Furber Stairs with road extension to Landslide Lookout. Three laps on this course for a total of 2hrs 17 mins (including an unspecified amount of time searching for and admiring a local porcelain seat) for a grand total of 16kms. Some stiff climbing on the stairs but I am sure these types of sessions are a necessity for B2H. Many upper BMMC present and the group atmosphere was most groupish. A Becks at the end capping off a great session. (P.S don't expect help from the Kiosk if you are screaming for a Loo, not very understanding at all)

Friday 27th Movember
AM an easy run from the Mansion on Marshall was cut back to 30mins. Ran with Wholie the holiday maker who is shortly to return from his month of LSL. Cruised together down through Aussie Pyrenees up to the golden arches over Blaxland Station and back along Borrea. Legs smashed after many hills yesterday.

PM was taken off. On track for excess of 100ks this week and having hit every session planned so far this week decided to give the legs a rest before the Sat long run.

Saturday 28th Movember
AM was begun from the Rangers Hut with Sleep Train, who was insistent that I run as easy as I want today (like any run with me is anything but for ST). Began down to causeway and up to walking track at first hair pin, continuing out along this track to the 5 ways intersection. Turned left out to Tunnel View Lookout before returning to the Oaks fire trail. Up Oaks to the second entrance into Euroka, wound down into and across Euroka to the revelers at Bennetts Ridge continuing up Bennetts until back at the Oaks. Turned left and up to the gate. The plan had been to head out to Piscar Rock, however with increasing temps and someone not having their own water decided to turn around and head straight back down Oaks to the causeway. All up 2hrs 11mins followed by what will become the summers institutionalised wade at the causeway before heading back up to the cars.

PM Plenty of BMMC and a number of visitors were tremendous guests for Pasta and Salad night (pre Nepean and now annual).

Sunday 29th Movember
Rest day. Spent the morning working as the personal assistant for She Who Must Be Obeyed in her efforts at the Nepean Triathlon. A hot morning for those competing and lots of good results, SWMBO had a brilliant race taking around 6-7 mins off her best for a 2hr 29mins. Animal was flying today and though he has expressed disappointment in finishing 4th in his age group I thought he was going well. The Welsh Exchange Student was unlucky to get a flat at the furthest point from transition. The Cronulla Connection both killed it at their first attempt at triathlon. Special mention also for Jay, Mister G and Wholie the Holiday Maker for their form around the course.

Personally very happy with the 110km for the week, now the challenge is to back to back these kilometers. On on.

Mr Bump Doesn't Stay Home Hidding

The recent catch phrase in Health Education has been resilience, that is to teach resilience as applied to the context of areas of priority for the students within the social constructs of their school and wider community. Resilience is an interesting thing to discuss with people who choose to spend their time engaging with the natural environment and it was in discussing such matters as they applied to our students and our common interests of the Blue Mts national park, that the Gnome in charge of all things Science directed me to the following video:




It created a chain of thought for me starting with how to use this video with my students but then moved on to thoughts of how what I was watching related to my own desires to enter the world of trail ultras. It amazed me the strain that was occurring with every attempt, the persistence to keep going back, the realisation that the climb was bigger than that moment and the return, realigned to take it on again, more prepared.

The other aspect that real;y stood out for me was the contrast in strain on the failed attempts to the smoothness and control in the successful climb. All aspects I feel I need to concentrate on in my own running. Resilience defined but then broken down and applied.

Monday 16th Movember
The variable that would lead to overload today was clearly the weather. Predicted tops of 39 degrees in the Low Lands of Gnomeville High had students and teachers clambering for shade all day. With this in mind I decided the heat of the afternoon was enough to push me out of my comfort today and removed the variable of extra hill climbs. Sticking to the upper trails of Knapsack Reserve a lap around Espresso run followed by a lap of Son of Espresso: The 12hr Course was pursued. With Kings of Leon for company, a constantly warming bottle of water and the plagiarised uniform of Wollongong's 'Shirts Off Runners" all was accomplished in 54mins 18secs. Mr Bump would have been proud today.

Tuesday 17th Movember
AM woke to the general feeling of fatigue that comes following a night of minimal sleep in hot stuffy conditions. This along with the heat of yesterdays run bought me the closest I have come on this stint of training to not heading out. Mr Bump don't stay home hiding though, so off to Sleep Trains round house it was (I think I can, I think I can) for a lap of the Standard Sleep Trains Circuit. 1hr 2mins 2secs a little slower than recent weeks I think. So lets put it down to spending a little longer stretching on course. Tough day for me up the 2 main hills.

PM what to do when you have had a tough morning on the hills, hit more on fatigued legs I say. Ran solo from Knapsack round Inner Circle Quarry Link. Felt better on the climb than I had on the morning hills, however this could be explained by the simple fact I was not watching Animal and Sleep Train cruise away from me the whole way up. Pete Murray on the ipod for this one and as with the final climb on W2B earlier this year found it the perfect tempo to keep calm but strong on the major climbs. 47mins 33secs and thankful for the significant drop in temp after yesterday all run.

Wednesday 18th Movember
Kicked off the day from the Lucasville Resort running with Wholie from 5.45am. A pleasant run around the same circuit as last Wednesday, largely based in the Knapsack Reserve accessing primary trails. Was much cooler than the last couple of days and enjoyed the reprieve in temperature. Have hit round 40km already this week and hope to be over 100km by the time Sunday comes around. 55min 3sec.

Thursday 19th Movember
Two late nights (in runner talk that is) had me wiped out this morning when I woke. The training had a a part but it was more just not enough sleep kind of tired. Got to Animals for the 6am start and headed off with Animal and Sleep Train for the standard Basic Hill Circuit. Heading up Hilda were nearly skittled by an erratic (and late) Welsh Exchange student. Fortunately for said Shit Kick a touch of stretching was required early on and he was lucky to join the pack. Really struggled down Wholies fear and back up the gully track, but happy to have clocked in another run. 1hr 4mins 16secs.

My Navman Has No Magnetic Needle

I remember teaching an Archery lesson at a former school. A school in which the budgets were some what tight each year. And I was asked quiet politely by my then head teacher if I wouldn't mind not using the targets till the students had spent a couple of lessons practicing their firing of the bows. As the cost of replacement targets would not be in the budget for a couple more years.

Note on a political level: "who says government schools are underfunded whilst exclusive (yes that does mean they exclude people) schools keep grasping for government funds"

It was somewhat difficult to keep the students motivated with no measure from which to gage their success. It's the same as any league or union training session. The first thing all the players want to do is kick for goals. Instant feedback provides them with a sense of accomplishment. No instant feedback and interest falters, a bit like a teenage boy trying to perfect his kissing technique with no girl friend for the thanks.

It is for these disturbed reasons and many more that I was pleased to get my acceptance for Bogong to Hotham. I now have a target for which to take aim. I don't plan on making this the end target, but it is a starter on the path to future events. The first point of feedback on my developing understanding of off road ultra running.

Monday 9th Movemeber
PM from Knapsack oval running solo for the first time in some weeks. I must say I enjoyed the sounds of Gnarls Barkley as I wound my way down and up the inner circle quarry link run. A rest day yesterday had the legs feeling fresh on the climb up the escarpment. However images of Mister G's elevation chart for Bogong tell me these climbs are way too short. 45mins 8secs.

Tuesday 10th Movember
AM started from Sleep Trains round house for the standard circuit round and out of Sun Valley. At the top of the concrete hill we were joined by Shit Kick (we really must fix this title) who had not read the by laws on 6 means 6 not 6.03. A bit of tightness in the achilles this morning and whilst it is not painful it rings bells having spent the majority of the winter side lined with injury. 58.54 a more than respectable time for the run (Me speak not Sleep speak I clarify).

PM solo again from Knapsack for a lap around Espresso. This time accompanied by the sweet sounds (and bitter wording) of Lily Allen. I love the contrast of melody to lyrics in her songs, it always amuses me to see someone register the words for the first time having been sucked into the calmness of the sound.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUYaosyR4bE

Mid 30 degrees on the ovals at work today so ran at a measure feel of comfort. Was surprised to lap around in 28 mins 49secs, achilles made itself known bit still would not call it sore.

Wednesday 11th Movember
An AM run from the Lucasville Resort with Wholie the holiday maker. Straight through the village and over to Knapsack reserve for the third day in a row. I can't get enough of the trails in and around here, particularly when I'm avoiding real climbs. Down the central track to Marges (or Eliz, the one one the left) round single track up through quarrie, back to lookout link track entrance down central track, left at gate for loop of spaghetti ridge and out back to the resort. The achilles much better this morning than yesterday for 50mins 1sec.

PM a trip to the Kingsway for semis of fartlek with ball. Doubtful it will be blow up free.

Thursday 12th Movember
Some time ago by now but it was the standard AM run from Animals at 6. Animal absent due to to kneebecomeballonitis so it was just Sleep Train and I till we exited Hilda and stumbled upon the eagerly awaiting shogun. As three we rounded the basic hill circuit, as per normal Thursday expectations and I am confident in mentioning I was not the only one feeling this run today. If fact I challenge any present to indicate they were fresh as daisy's to steal a phrase. All in all a great run though with total time on feet 1hr 2mins 8secs.

Friday 13th Movemeber
It is only now I realise the Friday and the 13th bit, so be it then. An AM run from the Mansion on Marshall having been picked up by Wholie the holiday maker and the Catholic Disciplinarian on their way around a 4.15am started run. Basically up Railway Pde to Rickard and down a bit before the turn around. Ran solo from turn around (dam the out and back) and put in enough effort to ensure a significant negative split. 31 mins out and 27mins home for 58mins 12secs all up.

PM and a jaunt in the upper mts with Mister G was put down. Another out and back (what am I doing) but this time on Narrow Neck, for much improved views, along with another negative split. 39mins 36secs (including wiz stop, primarily to enjoy the view I might add). Spent post run time getting excited about BMMC T-Shirts and singlets with Mister G.

Saturday 14th Movember
To quote the ever inspirational 12 times 12fter John Trotter "It's all about time in the legs" today was not so much a run session as time amongst it. Picked up Sleep Train at 6am closely followed by Living Legend 2 and headed out along the Putty Rd to secret location Dripping Rock (not really that secrete I suppose). 8.15am began the day with a 1hr Mt Bike to the spot before dropping bikes and trudging into the wilderness of the Wollomi (and can I get the thanks for the Gators out know, who goes bush in bordies and a t?).

4kms at 1km an hr trudging through vine laden creeks got us to lunch, a most beautiful spot that I fear I will never go to again, 30mins to sleep by the creek before a short 30mins longer on the creek and a rapid rise out to the ridge top. 4km more of completely untamed bush following the ridge over 2hrs of sweltering heat got us back to the fire trail some 4kms from our bikes. 1hr of hiking and a subsequent hr on the Mt Bikes and we were back to the cars just short of 6pm. A grand total of just under 10hrs in the legs for very little distance, but one of the most physically demanding days I feel I will have. Home via the hottest hamburger shop in the world and an ice cream from the scariest ice cream server I expect to ever see.

Sunday 15th Movemeber
Rest day after a smallish week in terms of distance coming i at around 75-80kms. But a massive week in time in the legs. I think days like Saturday will prove vital in the ultimate goal of competitive 100km racing. Not ready to disclose the ultimate target yet, step one remains Bogong to Hotham.

Taking The Nets Off Trampolines

The latest 'Outer Edge, Adventure Magazine' caught my attention this week in that it had an interview with Environmental Adventurer Mike Horn. In particular the following Question and response:

"What was it about your childhood that led you to becoming an adventurer? As a kid I was given the important things: a rock solid home life by my parents who also gave me wings from a very young age to go and try things. They let me explore life. This is the base I think all kids need. I wasn't protected, I was able to make mistakes and learn from them"

I love this notion that we should be encouraged and encourage others to try things we know we or they may fail at. How else do we find out what we are really capable of or how to differentiate between small risks and large risks.

This week I am looking forward to making some mistakes and possibly even learning something. Get rid of the net from the trampoline I'm going for a back flip into the pool.

Monday 2nd Movember

Pulled up a little tired from the Sydney to the Gong (in particular the section around the Scarborough Hotel seemed to take a toll). More so from a day in the sun and the soreness that comes from riding the 20 yr old Repco Monaco, fresh from its hasty rejuvenation than the ride in itself. Joined in with GPB at Knapsack Oval for a lap around Inner Circle Quarry Link. 35 degrees and a day of teaching Gnomes outdoors knocked me around and maintained a 'as long as it's a running step' mantra through out. 49 mins 12 secs not enough to impress anyone.

Tuesday 3rd Movember

AM from the round house for Sleep Trains standard loop. Felt better than yesterday but still a little tired. Beginning to think it is second week syndrome hitting. No set agenda items tabled today so a general conversation about nothing in particular. Still watch Sleep Train disappear into the distance up Sun Valley Rd. Despite his claims of being over weight and unfit. 59 mins 2secs

PM was back to Knapsack Oval for a short but becoming important second run for the day. Shogun bounded up having already put in a 20min warm up and a sound paced lap of Espresso run was had. Another day of heat (38 degrees) and teaching PE outdoors was sapping at the legs. Happy with the 28mins 3secs. Though I did pull up 50m short due to laziness.

Wednesday 4th Movember

AM with Wholie the holiday maker and Andy from Andy's. Up highway to Warrimoo Station down Rickard onto fire trail to 5 ways and straight ahead for a couple of minutes prior to turn around and return via Railway Pde instead of Highway. 1hr 3sec at a recovery type pace, which was just what was required in terms of getting time on feet after a couple of hot days out.

Caught up with Phantom Bullant in the village whilst sipping the required Latte and was reminded of the Bullants wed run into the National Park. Last round of touch tonight so think I will have to ad this as a regular run in the build up to Hotham (entry acceptance permitting) and future endeavours.

PM fartlek with ball at the Kingsway. Final round match and up against the team equal with us on the ladder. Very fast game that smashed my lungs for a 3-3 result. Quite a coincidence I saw the phantom this afternoon. Will have to talk about honesty with a certain former student.

Thursday 5th Movember

AM Woke with shattered legs, however the conversation at the village yesterday at one point centred on no negative talk in the training lane. So spent the whole run whole run wrestling with head demons. Managed to avoid any neg talk and actually felt better for it at the end of the run. A post decoration of the road outside Animals with donated chalk (aka Le Tour style) and a quick photo with Sleep Train for his groupies to finish the morning session. 1hr 5mins 12secs.

Friday 6th Movember

AM Out from the Mansion on Marshall with Wholie the holiday maker for what is turning into the new regular Friday morning circuit except that we added loop through the false finish after exiting the back ally via the standard exit. Very tight through hami's pre run but felt better post run for having got out. 45mins 20secs

PM Doubled the day with a lap around Something Snappy with the animal. Enjoying the reflectory talk of animal post Port Half and excited anticipation talk of Port full. Personally happy to have added another double day in this week. The aim now is to add a double day till achieving at least 10 runs a week, then beginning to increase the distance of the afternoon session and weekend long run. 27mins 47secs.

Saturday 7th Movember

AM and starting from the Nat Park gate with Animal and GPB. Immediately felt fatigue in legs heading into the park on far side of causeway and was happy to be exiting for the walking track at the first hairpin. Spent much of the first 15km with GPB as Animal despite his race at Port only 7 days ago was already to strong for me but trailed him as he lead us to 5 ways, back to Oaks down Ironbark and into Euroka.

Euroka seamed to be hosting every adolescent boy in Western Sydney and I think they were a little startled to have their prebreakfast fire lighting (in designated areas I admit) by 3 lycra clad runners this time of the morning.

Spotted a very strong looking Gottagofasta exiting Bennets ridge as we headed in then continued up Bennets to Oaks and onto the gate. GPB turned here and I began the process of trying to run down Animal on the run out to Piscar Rock (an eay target on an out and back course, particularly when he is happy to head out to the rock with you a second time). One of the best views in the National Park was sorely left behind heading back to the Oaks and heading straight back down to the causeway. A short wade in the cool waters of Glenbrook Creek and home to eat and sleep the day away. 2hrs 15mins 51secs.

Sunday 8th Movember

Rest day. Just put down 2 weeks straight. All be it with Syd to Gong last Sun to give legs a break from running. Quads Hamis and Gastroc all thanking me for a day off. Lunch with BMMC at Mister G's got the mind excited about training this week. We are still coming to take it all away with us. (Said the one who will have the smallest impact). Weekly total up on last week at 85-90 kilometers, aiming to bust through 90ks next week and once fartlek with ball is over head towards 120ks. Will be happy to maintain this through to Bogong (entry still pending. . .)