I Never Liked Roller Coasters As A Kid

I never got it with roller coasters. Even once I got past the imagined fear that something might go wrong and we would all end up flying off the edge at any moment. The realisation that in reality the mechanisms of the coaster were designed to take us up, down and round the prescribed tracks and that no matter how many people threw their hands about in the air we were just being dragged along in an over air conditioned train might have put a dampener on it. I don't know.

It was definitely the prescribed path with its uncompromising ups and down that I was never overly impressed with though. Particularly after Warren introduced me to the World of rock climbing. An activity that provided a real element of risk within the constraints of your willingness to extend yourself. Self controlled fluctuations, up when you wish and down as you decided (most of the time, but perhaps I was conservative in my challenge). why I stopped climbing I'm still not sure.

So why it is that my running resembles the roller coaster I never got rather than climbing I never continued I can not figure out. Over the past 4 months injury has certainly played a significant roll. I guess the fact that in 20-21 days (never could remember which months have 31 days) I am age eligible for masters games may suggest that I need to take more (ie do some) time stretching through the week. However I am beginning to have flash backs to my days at Springwood athletics club as a 18 to 20 year old listening to Dad and Vassell comparing adolescent PB's and listing the injuries they currently have that prevent them from reaching such lofty heights on that given day.

So with fear of turning into a distant memory I wish to get off this roller coaster and stick to something more akin to climbing. Can it be done? Ups and downs have constantly been an issue for me, with the most consistent part of my training having been planning what I'm going to do and then not doing it.

Last weeks up of the Wilson to Bilpin run has largely drifted far enough out of the memory to be the current motivator with the exception of the hamstring in my right leg that reminds me that I had only punched out a week or twos actual training prior to completing this run. So another target must be set and another plan laid out. Trying to control the ups and downs knowing that it is still a possibility that the tracks will drag me in another direction anyway. Fitzroy Falls Fire Trail Marathon via the mid station of Blackmores Half, this week the steps:

Monday 31st August
The Plan
Aquatic activities due to soreness in hamstring, most likely at the Wood in the PM following the Gnomes Rugby match

Completed
Interesting use of the word in that I didn't. Taking my seat in the Bush Beast. Watching the attendant check the should brace is in place. Having got the Gnomes ready for their round 2 match against St Col. Found out no referee. A phone call suggested that even though I havn't refed for 4 yrs (including atleast 2 major law rewrites in this period) it was up to me to blow the whistle. I dont know how many people have obvserved yr7-8 students who are new to union running round a paddock but direction is not a strong point. Needless to say the recovering hami took a blow There for, Enjoy your ride and smile for the camera on the first drop.

Tuesday 1st September
The Plan
Hoping to be back for an AM run from Sleep Trains, standard (for those who have trained in the past months anyway) Tuesday run

PM cycle at the Lakes outreach program to low lander sponsor child

Completed
Sleep was completed and a lot of complaints about the rugby ref who no showed. I hate the long slow climb up to the first drop, that click-click-click as the cars et dragged up the hill.

Wednesday 2nd September
The Plan
AM run, most likely from the Lucasville Resort

PM short run followed by touch

Completed
AM run from the lucasville resort. Clocked up 50mins and 21seconds with Whollie in and around the sights of Glenbrook. Overall the hami felt OK. In that it was felt the whole time but never felt sore. More just an awarness it was strained. Pulled up OK after.

PM an outreach program with GPB round the Lakes. Clocked in with 30kms in steady winds. Feeling quite tired after a two sessions following more time out with injuries. Feeling myself being dragged back onto the ride having stopped to checkout the views from up top.

Thursday 3rd September
The Plan
Heading over to Animals to do my run in the AM

PM teachers touch, though why I keep playing this I have no ideas as all my injuries have their origins from this comp.

Completed
Turned up to Animals and completed 5 mins 28seconds of running. Hami a bit tight after yesterdays testing of it and with a lot of people lined up for W2G by night tomorrow thought better of pushing it too much this morning. Hope I can nurse it through tomorrow now.

Friday 4th September
The Plan
Early PM Mt Biking with the Gnomes followed by the BMMC hosted W2G by the September Full moon.

Completed
After the Thursday hiccup, to now be known as the 5 minute mega run, I was happy to wake up feeling less tightness through the hami and confident of getting through the evenings events.

Began the CV activity at 4pm with 3 gnomes and PT. Having secured a chance to Mt Bike on what I think is the best short track circuit going round at Blue Gum Lodge. Spent 1hr getting lost on the trails and avoiding crashes on palliative care this time round. Once again supper fun and all the Gnomes seem eager to get back to this track in future.

The onset of evening bought with it the ever shortening proximity to the BMMC W2G by night. Still a little unsure of who was turning up it was tremendous to see so many local and low lander invitational runners front for this run.

Having grouped up with those running down from Wentworth Falls approximately 20 runners started of from Woodford off the 9.44pm train, knowing that the groups off the 3 earlier starts were all moving closer to the causeway already. The views early on of a well lite Sydney sky scape were astounding (what do you mean fossil fuels. . .) and the opportunity to see this repeated itself regularly along the first 10kms.

With some concern about leaving people on the track I had decided to sweep the course to be confident no one would pop up off Narrow Neck in 12 days time and as such spent an enjoyable night jogging through to the causeway at a comfortable pace. Probably a little longer spent on the trail than planned but in hind sight a better result for the long term improvement in the hami.

The crowd still kicking on at the gate when we finished startled me as I had not expected many people to still be there. More startling though was the fact Mr Cooper was still in the esky and he and I shared company before it was time to head home.

In bed by about 2am and already contemplating future runs.

So the plan is laid out before us. Setting it at a respectable grade 21 and hoping no one builds a roller coaster in my new found climbing playground.

Running Scared Of Somthing That Works

It worked. Not a session missed in a week thanks to the accountability of publishing the plan and the fear of ridicule for missing a session from Mum and her neighbour that she gets to read this blog. Solution for an inconstant trainer, stop posting all up so you cant be held accountable again.

Of course the Gnomes Go Skiing was verbalised as the initial excuse for not blogging (= not training) however after a week of having returned I could no longer keep taking photos of myself in the living room in my ski gear claiming I was still away.

So a weekend of driving the k's back up and a published week of training lie ahead. Please mum if you read this don't yell too much if I miss a session.

Phase One: Already completed at point of original post

Saturday 15th August
AM run with Rodthehornet, sailaway, Dr Phil and Sleep Train in the National Park. 7am start from the gate with a sound tempo (certainly for one rebuilding after achillies injury anyway) up to Bennets Ridge. Left RTH, SA & ST as they continued out to Nepean Lookout and rounded Bennets Ridge to Euroka with Dr Phil. Detoured to river (almost) and up side of hill along single track and back to causeway and the climb out. Happy with the 1hr 20mins all up. Some good hills and great to be back in the Park again.

PM run was planned to be the test running of the Sydney X-Country course. A complete lack of preparation in terms of taking note of the start point saw a scenic drive around family picnics and a trip back to the home lands for a casual jog with she who must be obeyed around the espresso run. 40mins.

Did have the pleasure of talking to 97 yr old Gordon as he was heading out for his 3rd walk of the day following our run. Getting on to the juice of half a lemon in cup of water yesterday.

Sunday 16th August
AM run from the Mansion on Marshall. Solo down to Lennox Bridge round lookout single track up to jumps over Mt Sion and back home through the white cliff and church track. Feeling a touch tired after doubling up for first time in months yesterday. Also noticed the dependence I have developed for the world of the I-pod. Mental note to self charge it the night before. Left with a single verse of some song I had woken to on alarm for whole run. (only thing more annoying is the fact I now have no idea what it was).

Monday 17th August
Bridges with the Gnomes after work. I must look to eat more quality foods through the day, started washed out and slightly light headed. Had patches of feeling the rhythm returning along river track on way home but never really settled in. 32mins 44seconds for a lap pretty average considering have lapped under 25minutes back in history. But fairly pleased with the 10 minutes from freeway bridge back to car park along the river track. Got GPB to shut up through some of the rolling bumps anyway.

Phase Two: Planning ahead

Tuesday 18th August
The Plan
AM run back to the BMMC Tue run from Sleep Trains. (Disclaimer may abort at Rickard exit if go soft in the morning)

Completed
6am start from Sleep Trains round house. Was warmly welcomed back to the fold by Gargermeister, Sleep Train and the (not so) Fat Kiwi. Lap around Sleep Trains standard Tue run in the standard direction. Train program running like clockwork still after so much time off. Struggled a bit on climbs but I guess this is to be expected following a three month lay off with injuries. Have to decide how many more times I am going to unnecessarily carry head light (nagging voice comes back about your injured you don't even need to buy that). 1hr 1min 37sec. Looking forward to getting back somewhere near 57 minutes. On on. . .

Wednesday 19th August
The Plan
AM run from the Lucasville Resort.

Completed
5.45am start at the Lucasville Resort with Wholie. Cruised around the streets while the light resumed going past the Brook, the Lapo and Giant mini trains and into the Aussie Pyrenees. Back round and over Mt Sion via a new track for me past the jumps along the single track to the lookouts and home on main trail and through back of Glenbrook Oval (short dip round THE VILLAGE) to get time up to the rounded figure often chased by OC type runners. All up 1hr 10mins 3sec with only the smallest amount of our conversation revolving around my once more demonstrated lack of coaching ability. Could have been 100pts so it could have been worse. Very social very fun. Is good to run.

Thursday 20th August
The Plan
AM run with BMMC. What once was mine is yours. See you at Animals.

PM Fartlek with ball, teachers touch 22mins 30sec each way.

Completed
6.00am from animals. Despite rumours to the nature of ownership of the Thursday run it has always been my belief that if one is not to run for a period as long as 3 months (regardless of reason) then one has no writes (I do actually know) to argue the ownership of a start from home plate on any given run. So as I was saying (just don't be away for any reason though) it was from Animal's that the Thursday run commenced and with said occupant, Sleep Train and The Slimmed out Kiwi a lap of the basic hill circuit was attended to. I must note that amendments to the course were to be expected following such a lengthy lay off of the course designer and one was truly magnificent in its added attraction to given course. However to cut a single track gully run to stay on widened fire trail shall never pass trough the boots of I. In the end another struggle up the hills but managed a running stride on every step of the valley track on Old Bathurst side. 1hr 1min 15 seconds.

PM the given fartlek with ball session duly completed through the realm of Nepean District Teacher Touch comp. another win for Nep Gnombility. This time over the jolly Saints 9-5.

Friday 21st August
The Plan
AM run 30mins from Mansion on Marshall

PM Mt Bike with the Gnomes

Saturday 22nd August
The Plan
AM run 2hrs playing on hills

PM run 30 mins easy on home trails

Completed
Having decided through eating my dinner last night that I was feeling quite good entered the Willy 2 Billy run instead of the planned runs. Seeing an opportunity to grab a 2009 qualifier for debut at 6ft next year. Started conservatively looking for something between 3hrs 30mins to 4hrs.

Ran the opening 50mins with another runner from Sutherland area. Very happy to have the conversation but in hindsight it would have been polite for me to ask his name at some point. Separated after the 10km drink station so entered the realms of ipod world for a few km. Spiderbait was the music of choice and found myself feeling very good through to the halfway mark.

Re-immersed myself into the social world from 15 to 21km and spent some time running with the BMMC running royalty patriarch King Donges. Also went through the realisation that ST & I in our massively exploratory adventures of Dec 2008 had actually only tramped through the very clear tracks we were now running on.

At the start of the decent into the valley at Mt Irvine went solo again and finished off listening to Spiderbait to try and keep myself alert on the descent. A brief refuel at the creek and the much anticipated climb began. 6km up and a tempo was required to aid feeling good throughout. Popped over to Pete Murray to set the mood and with a steady stride was surprised at how well I felt. Ended up putting in about 20 minutes over the climb on a number of the people who had been running around me up to that point.

In the end crossed the line in 3hrs 11mins ##sec. Was very happy with the time particularly considering the frustrations of the past few months with injuries.

So it stands for the week as planned. How strong is the influence of public embarrassment in failing to meet your own commitments? Does anyone other than mum read this so does anyone even know I planned these runs anyway? Does Mum read this? How did they ever give me a job teaching with spelling and grammar to put Hunter S Thompson to shame?

People We Know Who Look Like Cartoon Characters

It was pointed out by one of my favourite past students, whom shall not be named but those in the know know, that possibly an associated low lander may in fact strike a similarity to said cartoon character. Who am I to judge but please feel free to throw the first stone:

Is that were I put my mirror!

Return With A Plan

It has been some what in absents that I have run this blog of late as a blog to run on running is not much run when there has been no run. So with the run back, to some degree, it is once again time to run the blog on the run.

After a run of injuries that made me feel like I was turning into some of the vets that ran around at Springwood Athletics, from the autobiographical days of teenage confidence and beliefs that no one could be injured that often. It is with great joy that I seem to be at a point that I can complete more than one run a week without spending the next 3 days icing the achillies back to normality.

So now with renewed confidence it is back to training. Even in this current modified state of 30 minute runs over relatively flat tracks. Relative of course being a relative term, or as one might say relative is as relative does. None the less it is training and a plan has been hatched with the hope of building to an disclosed event of undisclosed distance, duration or date.

To help in these so called goals. Though it is tough to measure the achievement of a goal set with no disclosure of date, duration or distance I must admit. It has been decided by various sections of the BMMC that the requirement is to publish planned training. To be followed by confirmation of completion or in all likely hood neglect of completion.

Thus being said, in so far as typing can be considered a verbal dialect here is said plan from point of return to regular exertion to weeks end, week one of the "Return With A Plan":

Thursday 23rd July

Planned

Run 30 minutes easy (though I am not going to write easy anymore for all know when I train this is a given).

Completed

Run 30 minutes 16 seconds. Took the car over to Knapsack and established a new variation on a run for BMMC records. Decided to call it the espresso run in that it is short, lively and gets the heart going. Basically ran from Knapsack oval behind club house up access trail to main lookouts trail. Turned left at quarry exit, down through quarry and up to the dirt jumps down opposite side trail to Lennox Bridge. Round and up onto walking track to Elizabeth Lookout, up main trail to single track across to Marges Lookout. straight across to single tracks onto what shall now be known as Spaghetti Ridge. From here it is a little difficult to determine the exact route as I just took random single tracks until the watch clicked over 26 minutes and I worked my way up tracks that followed the spine of the ridge towards main lookout trail. Turned left and exited at Locked Gate. A great short sharp run to be repeated, possibility dare I say it to turn into fartleck circuit in future.

Friday 24th July

Planned

Nil, I did say I was up to running every second day so there. . . no excuse needed

Saturday 25th July

Planned

Run 40 minutes flat and easy

Completed

Run 4o minutes 32 seconds. Friday night I thought who can I run with who might be interested in a road based flat run. So It was turrets man himself Whollie called up on the phone to escort me around the streets of Glenbrook. Started at the house of ants and trailed around 'The Brook' past Lapo and the giant model railway. Circumnavigated past the Aussie Pyrenees and the Lagoon back 'The Brook' and through the lane ways of Glenbrook back to the house of ants (having accompanied Whollie to base camp first). Joined by The . . . Kiwi and Dr Phil who it must be said raised the level of conversation considerably.

Sunday 26th July

Planned

Its that every second day thing, so nil

Completed

Nil, this is getting easy at this rate I will be able to do at least half the planned training program. Did get down to M7 to see the recently finished Sleep Train and the finishing Dr Phil. Pumped by performance. Would mention more but fearful of litigation (see link to Sleep train for legal stance)

Monday 27th July

Planned

Run 30 minutes

Completed

Run 30 minutes 2 seconds. A return to the espresso run. Followed to the tee until onto Spaghetti Ridge and then did the random track thing again. Ended up finding new single track that gets right in behind treatment plant. I have a new found love of Mt Bike Track creators. Also finding the recent purchase of ipod contributing exponentially to enjoyment of run. Today's music of choice Spiderbait.

Tuesday 28th July

Planned

Cycle 1 hour , most likely around Penrith Lakes to avoid issues with a sinking sun.

Completed

Cycle 1 hour, 30kms around Penrith Lakes. Was joined by GPB and having discussed the merits of an easy ride such was enjoyed by all. It must be said that having worn the new retro cycling kit for the first time I am now certain that it was the cloths that got Marco Pantini his TDF victory in 98.

Wednesday 29th July

Planned

Run 30 minutes

Completed

Run 31 minutes 26 seconds. I am beginning to thinks the factor that will get me back running longer distances on wonderful hilly trails will be the inability to come up with a decent variety of interesting 30 minute runs around home. Blue Mts truly needs 1 hour runs at least to get the most out of what is on offer. Having said that I shudder at my memories of low land running in the early days of in the rehab centre so greener grass I eat and see ahead still more.

Took the old school course out and down Rusden through the Aussie Pyrenees up to the arches over The first colonial crossing mans station along Borrea. Up to the top entrance and around the home trail via short cut to finish back at the Mansion on Marshall. A run of moderate hills and Achilles feeling good. Looking forward to doubling up running days for the first time in months.

Thursday 30th July

Planned

Run 30 minutes (wow 2 days in a row)

Completed

Run 30 minutes 9 seconds, having planned to run in the am and having posted this excuse as my reason not to journey to the rehab centre for a pm run with GPB decided it was much nicer in bed than out of at 5.45am and failed to venture into the morning air as originally planned.

Thanks to the visiting gas man was gifted a leave pass from Gnome HS following my last class at 1.20pm and having seen to the requirements of supervising a tradie was off to Knapsack Oval at 4.00pm for a quickie around the espresso run. Running solo as has been the trend of late felt bloated (most likely value meal consequence) so was surprised by the similar time to previous espresso run at which I had felt much better. Actually varied the standard plan at Spaghetti Ridge and tried to reenact last visits paths with success due to the enjoyment I experienced on these trails last visit. In particular the lower regions that provide view of Glenbrooks Prided treatment plant. The valley out really being the motivation. End all at fun time, music of choice today Greenday (with Ben Harper having got me round lat night). As previously stated WOW two days two runs, building-building).

Friday 30th July

Planned

Mt Bike 1hr with Gnomes

Completed

55 minutes Mt Bike. Sent a very relaxing afternoon round the back end of Knapsack Reserve with 3 other like minded educators from the house of the Gnome. Otherwise known as Gnome H.S. No Gnomes unfortunately as I forgot to hand out permission notes with the gnomes go skiing expedition on this coming week, followed by gnomes do C2S and the recognition of excellence amongst gnomes ceremony a week latter.

Super fun though. Almost as much fun as reading people tell Sleep Train if he is good or not on CR. Wonder if any of them have noticed he doesn't participate in their convo's at all? Very Funny.

Saturday 31st July

Planned

Run 1 hour

Completed

1 hour 1 second run, went solo this morning as it appears I have lost the touch when it comes to drawing training partners. Will need to spend some time deep in reflection about my choice of rexona sport I think.

Took on a Mansion on Marshall special this morning the Spurwood loop. Went through ups and downs in terms of how I felt but was very pleased to have reached the Simpson Mural in 51 minutes 47 seconds needing to room the home trails for 8 minutes (and a bit) to get the plannned 1 hour in. Pleased to be back with a trail based 1 hour run but still looking foward to future weeks were the 1 hour run will once again be the week in runs and the long runs get uop over 3 hours again. Music of choice for todays run, Lily Allen

Sunday 1st August

Planned

Cycle 1 hour 30 minutes

Completed

Nothing, just had a 10 minute internal monologue as to whether or not I can use to word completed when it wasn't. Off on Ski trip with the gnomes today and the departure time is some what earlier than I had thought it was going to be when originally planning the week.

Overall a happy week for me. This accountability thing of post the plan at the start of the week certainly helps push you out the door faster than she who must be obeyed pushes me into the kitchen when she want dinner.

Weekly totals

Run, 4 runs, 2hrs 31 minutes 38 seconds (together looks ordinary as this would have been part of a long run pre injury but small steps)

Ride, 2 rides, about 1hour 55 minutes (1 road 1 Mt Bike)

BMMC Open Up New Rehab Centre

Some might call it an epiphany, others the simple observation of what had been obvious from the outset. Either way I think Mr De Bono will be proud. Having, for too long I might add, looked down upon the Low Landers with my rightful levels of superiority ringing through my mind. I have recently discovered reason to venture in and associate with their ideas of running. That is running without trails, without trees and most importantly running without hills.

I must say my initial response to Super Simon fixer of all tings broken. When he instructed me to try a run of 30 minutes without hills was of disbelief. Possibly even a complete lack of understanding that such ideas could be planned for rather than being undertaken due to a lack of planning and understanding of what you thought would exist on a new trail.

But no he repeated said statement and it was with confusion that I departed his offices with the difficult task of finding a flat run in BMMC territory.

As I drove home I struggled with my environment, as I often do teaching in the Low Lands, and began my ascent into Gods Country via the usual route of Old Bathurst Road. Oh to feel the beginnings of altitude again. It was at this point it came to me. I have had to go up from the low lands to get into the mountains. Which can only mean that they are down there and don't go up or down.

There is a reason such a place can be positioned so near to BMMC after all. Not just to place the two ends of the spectrum within visual connection to remind us of how the other half live. The Low Lands were meant for BMMC to use. To open up the inaugural BMMC injured athlete rehab centre. And so it is I am able for the first time in 2 months to make the following running training entry on my Blog:

Saturday 11th July
Run in the BMMC Rehab Centre (formerly Known as The Low Lands). Was joined by The Fattening Kiwi who is also on Rehab following GeoQuest and the BMMC outreach program GPB (wanting to now be called "The Low Lander, why he thinks he has any say in the matter I dont know). Commenced at the house of logs and circumnavigated the bridges in a touch over 35 minutes, with a couple of breaks to leash and unleash (I know many of you are thinking GPB here but no) Kiwis dog (Named what ever Maori for male is).

Happy to be running again. Pulled up not to sore just a little tenderness in achilles still. Hoping that the usual ice etc (without rest please) will enable another venture into the rehab clinic in the next couple of days.

And so let it be said " I hereby open the BMMC rehab centre for all future BMMC members to use as required. With the knowledge that we are in fact not lowering our standards but utilising a valuable resource that was ours to take from the beginning"