I had a lovely time this morning, although it wasn't exactly as planned.Met Strewth and JS at the Yacht Club for a`planned 'long run'. I was awake when the (1st) alarm went off at 4:15 am. There was the usual thick band of sinus headache pounding, however I kept reminding myself that it would better if I didn't remain lying down and allowed them to drain. I got up, and gradually became a bit more human, further assisted when I had a shower (steam, good), and snorted saline and steroids.I moved some more 'stuff' out of the laundry to do some painting, and left home in good time. I hadn't had any coffee, and realising that I was early, continued on to McDonald's at Manuka in an attempt to grab a quick drive through espresso. To my surprise and testament to my ignorance, at 6:30 am there was not a soul in sight either at McDonald's or Manuka at that time.I saw Cool Runner Vurt running near the yacht club, although was not able to gain his attention. I was still in plenty of time and used the facilities underneath the yacht club which were clean and fresh smelling. Strewth and I chatted until JS arrived, (of course I knew him, even if I didn't match the name to the person).We headed off at 12 minutes past 7 in a clockwise direction, getting the no facilities West Basin of the lake out of the way first. The kilometres clicked by in a timeless fashion, all three chatting and seeing so many people we knew out for their Saturday constitutional as well. The Canberra Cross Country Club's (half?) marathon training group formed a formidable mass on the path near Weston Park.To my genuine surprise, the toilet block on the north western fringe of The lake (near the divergence to Aranda and the Rowing Regatta course) was open, and again clean and fresh. We all made use of the facilities, although I began to get an inkling here that all was not well with all of me. The legs and the talk pace lungs were brilliant, however other parts of me seemed to be falling apart.By Hospital Hill the spasmodic sharp pain caused me to stop, then walk uncomfortably, and I realised that it would very foolish to continue for another three hours. Sensibly and reluctantly I insisted that JS and Strewth continue on, and once sure of their route, hoped to rejoin them for the return leg. Moving off, it was apparent that walking was very painful, and even once I had fixed myself up more at the car, it wouldn't be too wise to run more.The few kilometres back to the car took forever ~admittedly there was a long talk at Acton Ferry to the Ultra Queen, and once again I was shocked to feel how much it hurt to walk after relative comfort when standing.Although only running for about an hour, two hours had passed by the time I returned to the car. I sorted myself out as best I could, was rather concerned to find out what the real problem was with so much blood, and changed into cool, loose clothes and sandals. I wandered around the yacht club, a hive of activity on the lake with Rowing fours warming up; a large contingent of kayakers; the first wave from the Sailing School; Dragon Boats and the Paddle Steamer from the National Museum. I sat for a while on the patio (their description) at the back of the club and watched the passing parade, listening for a time to The Music Show on Radio National, which featured Monteverdi's madrigal "The Lament of the Nymph" and the Composer Brett Dean.Standing was the most comfortable position, but difficult to maintain. I walked a little, keeping an eye on the clock to see when Strewth and JS would return. Feeling very woozy, When the Club opened it's doors at 11:00 am, I popped in (after two couples who were waiting outside and started playing the poker machines and ordering middies of beer) and grabbed a quick, extremely refreshing and well priced ($1) large soda water with lemon.Not wanting to miss my friends return, I returned outside and walked down the path a little, seeing the pair running with a beautiful fresh style at the launching beach at the end of their run. Mr B had also joined them on his bike for the later part of the run, so the four of us retired to the Kingston Grind for coffee and gossip. A lovely day. It will take a little time to assess the 'damage' and I may or may not run again soon. Sensible. Try to be sensible. --Posted by Carolyne to Flash Duck 2006 at 2/18/2006 04:04:00 PM