Good News - Good Health

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My lack of blogging recently has been a result of the inverse of the usual culprit; I have been too well (and thus doing lots) rather than been too crook. Whacko!!!!!

So, a brief summary:

Tuesday 19 September 2006

Busy, medical appointment dominated day, with a trip to the specialist for me, followed by the GP by Bob to have a large BCC excised with three, big unsightly looking stitches, and then another long consult with the GP for me in the afternoon. As a result of the to-ing and fro-ing, I won't see the specialist again for a while, and now have an inhaler to use before exercise. It is all good.

The day was made even better when I had a walk with the PRB in the afternoon.

Wednesday 20 September 2006

A great day in the beautiful Southern Highlands with Lucky Legs and her loudly snoring dogs. Lunch at a local cafe served up great Mirror Dory Fishcakes and excellent coffee. A good run down the freeway on cruise control had me back one car length ahead of Bob from his days drive to the South Coast.

Thursday 21 September 2006

I was planning to get back on my bike when the PRB rang. We agreed to meet at the Southlands shops to go for an initial cycle together. On his son's borrowed mountain bike, we first queued at the service station to pump up the tyres from the pitifully low 11 psi in the rear to 60. A bit of cross country over the grassed oval, and we were then on to the bike path heading down to Lake Tuggeranong. A circuit of the lake and return gave us around 16kms of gentle, but very enjoyable cycling. I am enthused for more in future and we tentatively plan to make it a regular event, maybe Mondays and Thursdays.

The hoped for run in the afternoon was not quite possible as I assisted a now ailing Bob with some errands and sorting out the valve extenders on his deep dish race wheels. We had a coffee at Waters Edge at Reconciliation Place. $3.50, great setting, good coffee, needs further investigation! Very cyclable!

Bob was too ill to go to swim squad that night, however I went down to the gym, fitting in a good energetic spin class (45 minutes, good high heart rate) and then 30 minutes on the oh-so-boring treadmill. Happy with the workout though. They want to ft me in for another fitness assessment and programme, obviously there is something of a log jam with so many people joining at the promotional period on the City to Surf weekend (how we track the days of our lives). I agree to come in at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.

Friday 22 September 2006

Bob is still unwell, but feeling bad about his lack of training with the ACT Duathlon Championships on Sunday, and the Gold Coast Half Ironman on the following week. He comes down to the pool for a swim while I have my assessment. I wasn't expecting anything positive, as since the last one I feel that I was bad, bad, worse before the magic pill kicked in just over a week ago.

As it turned out, I was a bit stronger, a teeny bit lighter (OK - gulp - 75.5kgs), a bit less % of body fat and with better hydration status. Better news was that (although I would have bet against it), there was a reduction in all my measurements, so, all in all, encouraging given the recent return to health and relatively little activity!

Some new exercises were added to my programme, and I then raced out to meet Bob after his swim.

I decided to cycle to Customs, leaving early to pick up my contact lenses in Civic first. The wind was relentless and although it was behind me on the way there, the pleasure of a tail wind was tempered by the knowledge that it was going to be a hard, uphill slog on the bike on the way home.

Now that Floriade is on, there is access, albeit a little slow and lengthy, to the toilet block near the start which was good. The wind was blowing a gale though, and nobody was going to break records running or cycling on a day like this.

It was a small field, with Friar quietly sneaking off overseas for 4 weeks unbeknown to many of us, and Rad absent. I went off my correct (unchanged) handicap of 7:15 and felt good from the start. It was a slow slog though, especially coming up hospital hill from the tunnel where the strength of the wind almost felt as though one was going backwards. I could see Jodie in my sights, and she had done a hard cricket training session that morning and had left only 30 seconds before me. However it was over half way before I caught her, gasping for breath, having forgotten to inhale my inhaler before the run!

Despite the fact that we had a tail wind for much of the final 2 kms, it was not fast. I choked and felt nauseous at the odour of sausages sizzling at a work lunchtime function at Acton Ferry Terminal, and caught up those who had started before me. I either tried or lost the plot a bit though, for my final kilometres were relatively slow, despite a mad dash sprint for the line at the finish. I maxed my heart rate out here at 174 bpm and 17.9 km/hr. Despite this I was pipped at the finish by a deserving Chris.

Our times were called as being 36:23, meaning I did a surprisingly slow 29:08 for the course when I felt that I was running much better. However, the fact that I was in the first bunch of finishers in a gross time of over 36 minutes did indicate that the conditions probably did slow many others down as well. A cycle via the National Gallery to buy a gift was a bit dangerous to life and limb with the wind on Kings Avenue Bridge, and I worked hard into the wind on the way home, getting down to my granny gear at one stage.


What a Lovely Day in the Highlands!

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Rob was doing his occasional duty as chauffeur today, leaving Canberra at 7:30 a.m. for a day of meetings down at the outpost of the Fraser (northern Canberra) electorate at Jervis Bay.

I seized the opportunity to visit our very own CR royalty, Lucky Legs for a social visit. It was my first opportunity to give the “Butter Bean” a run on the highway.

It was such fun! We spent hours giggling and I don't know where the time went.

I had to drag myself away at 5:00 p.m. to make it back to Canberra and Bob.


Canberra Confidential

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Another stunning Canberra Spring Day! The medication is still doing a fine job, so I was able to read both newspapers fully (The Canberra Times and the SMH), before heading down to the gym for the weekly "Stretch and Tone" class. I had a rather sore neck and shoulders, and a possibly related headache (perhaps because I did sleep like a rock and didn't move during the night?), and the stretching was soooo good.
A douche rapido (quick shower) before heading into Civic for an optometrists' appointment, and meeting up with Peter the PRB for a caffe dopio, water and window shopping. I think that the coffee and water helped, for my headache did disappear quickly thereafter.
After a bite of lunch, he and I headed out for a walk around the base of Mt Painter and then on to the summit. A lovely activity for a glorious spring day. I tested the SLR camera that we have had no use of since December, due to errors in downloading. I bought a cheap card reader to circumvent the frustrations of dealing with manufacturers and dealers which was circular and giving us no relief.
From the summit of Mt Painter, a few 'roos were enjoying the warm conditions. Note the ears hiding behind a rock, and the gangly hind leg sticking out at a skewed angle from a pouch!


Further down the trail closer to home, we spotted a lizard on the centre of the trail looking both proud and photogenic. He seemed initially unperturbed by us, but as we turned to go, the PRB noticed that he had flayed his beard in a dramatic fashion.





After reassuring a local in her backyard that it was not a snake, we headed back home.
I spent and hour and a half in the gym this evening while Bob swam, working up a good and proper sweat and feeling that all is good with the world. I hope that Aki's first parent/teacher evening (on the 'teacher' side of the table) has gone well this afternoon.


I'm Sorry, I'll Read that Again . . . .

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A Very Eventful Week!!!!


Monday was spent mostly prone, and not the happiest chappette as I was so exhausted!

Tuesday brought with it a Doctor's appointment, and the chance to try a new drug "off label" (i.e. Not what is is approved to be supplied for). Fatigue being a totally deliberating symptom lately, I was prescribed a Humvee quality sedative. While this seems to be counter intuitive, a stimulant is prescribed for ADHD, so why the hell not?

Why indeed???

Suffice to say, the last three days (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) have been as good as it's been for me all calendar year (with the possible exception of SE Asia). I'm delighted!!!

Wednesday afternoon I had a haircut (Bob thinks that my hair is shorter than his now), and we spent the evening celebrating nephew Sam's 9th birthday at the Australian Pizza Kitchen (APK) at Woden.


Young tear away Madelyn was a bit rowdy and perhaps a little jealous, so much of the evening was spent with me running and singing around the rather unseasonably balmy conditions outside. I had to refrain myself from my urge to teach Madelyn to say "I'll Rip Ya Bloody Arms Off", for she was clad in a fetching pink and purple number with bows in her hair and Aunty Jack style running shoes and socks on her feet. Apparently the 'desired' slippers to match were not going to be worn under any circumstances; I can't dissuade her from the idea that it's running shoes or nothing. Even if everything else is pink.

On Thursday, the PRB assisted me with fixing the luggage pod on the roof rack of the car. We then took it for a test drive and stopped by the Botanic Gardens. I was interested to




A Walk in the Park . . . .


Has it been a week already?

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Up, Down and Around and Round.

After being so buoyed up by the ease of the Vets Half Marathon two weeks ago, and the no worries if there wasn't much exercise while we were down the coast having-a-good-time with Bob, I had a rude awakening with my return to Customs the next Friday.


Since then, well . . . .


The PRB and I had a very pleasant day walking around Lake Ginninderra. Great company, although I barely moved 100m metres before anxiously searching for the next toilet block. Thankfully, there are quiet a few around the perimeter of the lake, and in the cafes and bars on the urban fringe. A bowl of Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) at my new favourite Vietnamese restaurant (Can Tho in Weedon Close, Belconnen) rounded out the day nicely.


It exhausted me though, and I spent most of the next few days asleep once more.


On Friday, I planned to go to Customs with Bob, and we both travelled into Civic together in the morning. Bob had an appointment for a haircut (he will be filling in at an office up in Parliament House next week) and needed it badly this week. I ran into Strewth getting a coffee which was lovely, and didn't manage to do the errands I planned and it soon became clear that when I was having so much difficulty walking, that running was not going to be a great idea.


Thus, Bob and I went to Customs together, run for the first time this Floriade Season on the new course, however I held the watch and despite having my running gear on under my civvies, didn't change.


Black Mtn Walk with Peter

I was so exhausted when I got home that was that for most of the weekend. The PRB suggested a walk on Sunday afternoon, and after a getting up at the fairly early hour of 11:00 am, we then walked from my home around the flatter sections of Black Mountain and Aranda bushland. We checked out the new stretch of bike path near Lake Burley Griffin as part of the new Gunghalin Drive extension. A slighter shorter, but hillier course back home took us to nearly 10kms.
Black Mtn Walk with Peter Elevation

I got through it with out ill effect, so hopefully things will improve.


Sleep, perchance to sleep some more .. .

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After a weekend of complete somnolence, I was tempted by Bob to go down to the gym while Bob swam.  I was barely in time for the once a week 'Stretch and Tone' class which I had so valued last time.  It was even better this week, and while not an active workout, it was nearly an hour of all the stretching we should do, but don't.

Unfortunately I had to cut short the relaxation component as Bob had arranged to meet me in the foyer at 10:30 am.  Now woken up, I suggested that I accompany Bob on his lunchtime trip to Woden to run with 'the boys', and catch up with Peter the PRB for a coffee.  It was easily arranged, and we had a great catch-up.  We plan to meet tomorrow for a walk in the morning.  I'm sure that he'll be the PWB as we aim towards a better 2007, having agreed that we shall just write 2006 off and plan for next year.

Another short visit to the gym this evening while Bob does a triathlon squad Spin Class.  I'm  enjoying it however I'm getting rather dizzy and woozy after a fairly short time.  Better to be here for a long time rather than a quick one.


A Word from Our Sponsors: Sleep

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I was a bit ratty on Friday morning, and got along to Customs to keep me honest. It may have been counterproductive, as I wheezed my way through the event, with the now-standard coughing and difficulty in getting my breath at the end, in my second ever slowest time of 30:15. For 5kms!!
Since then, well, I've slept a lot. Morning. Mid-morning snooze. Afternoon nap. Early to bed. Sleep in . . . . . and now the headache has also developed a close alliance with sore glands and a tender throat.
That's it from me. I'm back to bed.


Click for Hanoi, Viet Nam Forecast


About me

  • I'm Carolyne
  • From Canberra, Australia
  • I love to run! Staying in Weymouth, Dorset on the South West Coast of England until October. I'm 46, live in Canberra with Bob and have been running since 1990. This has been interrupted by long periods of illness, however I am extremely stubborn! I'll never be a fast runner, however I give it everything, and am slowly learning to read my body better and adjust my training and expectations accordingly. Or rather I would, if running were possible at the moment - I will retuyrn soon.
  • My profile

  • <>Vietname vs Brazil Olympic Football Friendly 8PM 1 aAugust 2008
  • A Hot time in the Old Town tonight
  • <>Trip to Nha Trang and Da Lat 4 August to  August 2008
  • Flights Booked
  • <>Scooter Trip to Ninh Binh  aAugust 2008
  • Planned
  • <>Trip to Cambodia and Siem Riep 17 August to 24 August 2008
  • Flights Booked & 2 Nights accomodation




  • Long Course Tri 2k/83k/20k 12 February 2006
  • Sri Chinmoy Long Course Tri 2.2k/80k/20k 6 March
  • Backpacking Laos & Vietnam 14 March to 26 April 2006
  • Thailand Temple Run 21k 19 March 2006





  • Customs 5k Fridays
  • BBQ Stakes  6k Wednesdays
  • Tour de Mountain 19k 18 December
  • 1:55:02 Results
  • Cross Country Summer Series 5k Tuesdays in November
  • Cool Runners Six Foot Track Slow Jog/Walk 46k 25-27 November
  • Wonderful!!
  • Sri Chimnoy Triple Tri Relay 20 November
  • 1:55:38 1:04:53 1:22:55 Results Report Photos
  • Tour de Femme 20k Fun Ride 13 November
  • 40:40ish
  • Bonshaw Cup 6.4k 16 November
  • 30:30ish
  • Hartley Lifecare Fun Run 5k 17 November
  • Belconnen Fun Run 6k 12 November
  • 28:38ish
  • Mt Majura Vineyard Two Peaks Classic 26k 5 November
  • Last! 3:08:00 Results Report
  • Wagga Tri-ants Duathlon 10k/40k/5k 30 October
  • Scratching
  • Bulls Head Challenge 27k 23 October
  • 2:20:49 Results
  • Weston Creek Fun Run 6k 16 October
  • 32:02 Results Results
  • Fitzroy Falls 42k & 10k 15 October
  • Results
  • Orroral Valley 20k 9 October
  • 1:52:44 Results
  • Sri Chinmoy 10k 3 October
  • 0:50:14 Results
  • Duathlon Championships 10k/40k/5k 23 September
  • 3:09:07 Results
  • Canberra Times 10k 18 September
  • 0:45:30 CR TE AM!
  • Sydney Marathon 11 September 3:47:13
  • ACTVAC Half Marathon 21.1k 28 August
  • Entered DNS
  • Black Mtn UpDown GutBuster 5.2k 16 August 0:33:38
  • Results
  • Mt Wilson to Bilpin Bush Run 35k 20 August 3:15:14
  • Results
  • City to Surf 14k 14 August 64:17
  • Bush Capital Mtn Runs 25k 30 July  
  • 2:17:09 Results
  • Shoalhaven King of the Mtn 32k 17 July
  • 2:53:15 Results
  • Sri Chinmoy Off Road Duathlon 3.3k/23k/7.7k 2 July 2:40:29
  • Results
  • Woodford to Glenbrook  25k 26 June DNF Injured Results
  • Terry Fox 10k 19 June 46:59
  • Results
  • Aust Mtn Running Champs9k 18 June 1:06:33
  • Results
  • ACTVAC Monthly Handicap 9k Farrer Ridge 29 May 0:46:05
  • ACT Mtn Running Champs  9k 28 May 1:06:50
  • Results
  • SMH Half Marathon 22 May 1:41:56 (1:40:50)
  • Results
  • ABS Fun Run 7.3k 19 May 0:34:45
  • Results
  • Canberra Half Marathon 15 May injured Results
  • Sri Chimnoy 10k 8 May 0:47:55
  • Results
  • Nail Can Hill Run  1 May 56:23
  • Results
  • Newcastle Duathlon  24 April 2:45:39.2
  • Results
  • Canberra Marathon  10 April 3:47:56
  • Results
  • Women & Girls 5k 3 April 22:53
  • Results
  • Sri Chimnoy 10k 28 March 47:56
  • Results
  • Weston Creek Half Marathon 13 March 1:43:23
  • Results
  • Sri Chimnoy Long Course Tri 6 March 5:30:35
  • Results
  • Hobart International Triathlon 20 February 2:52:05

  • Canberra Capital Triathlon 30 January 3:01:43
  • Results
  • Medibank Private Australia Day8k 26 January 38:39
  • Results
  • Lorne Pier to Pub Swim 1.2k 8 January 22:12
  • Results
  • Lorne Mountain to Surf 8k 7 January 0:37.56
  • Results



    moon phases

  • 5k 20:11 Cairns 2000
  • 10k 43:49 Moruya
  • City to Surf 1:02:57 2000
  • Half Marathon 1:33:50 Steamboat 2000
  • Marathon 3:47:56 Canberra 2005
    Chip Time (3:47:13) Sydney 2005



  • Kilometres Run
    January 212
    February 199
    March 214
    April 201
    May 188
    June 182
    July 255
    August 246
    September 155
    October 159
    November 200
    December 62
    Year to Date 2,267




    Last posts

  • New Blog Address
  • After having been largely blocked from posting on ...
  • Back in Canberra, Blogging Service (hopefully) Res...
  • Kama, Krama, Kramar Chameleon
  • Restaurant Review - Siem Reab
  • Back from Angkor Wat
  • Update
  • Notes from a Rainy Da Lat
  • Overnight Scoot to Tam Dao Hill Station
  • Viet Nam Plans


  • Days Sick
    January 10
    February 10
    March 10
    April 4
    May 7
    June 8
    July 9
    August 11
    September 11
    October 11
    November 9
    December Lots. ?15


    Distance Swum
    February 17,400m
    October 3,800m
    November 4,150m
    December .
    Distance Cycled
    November 120km
    December 297 km