BBQ Stakes analysis

3 comments

I made it, just in the nick of time! Following on my theory from the Lake Stakes yesterday, I decided to go off my correct handicap time of 7:30 (having left at 5:00 the previous week).
My kilometre markers were as follows (last weeks time in brackets)
1. 5:59 (6:23)
2. 6:35 (6:33)
3. 5:35 (5:47)
4. 6:37 (6:33)
5. 5:11 (5:14)
6. 5:40 (5:50)
I didn't expect to be any faster than last week, but was pleased nevertheless to be a few seconds faster. The uphill k's (the second and fourth) were essentially no different, showing that my lung capacity still has a way to go!
This evening I headed off to the pool for my first swim in ages, and certainly the first since my operation. I was a little nervous, but managed to do 400m first up. Ten minutes in the steam room to finish made it a quick trip, but enough for now, and enough to send my sinuses off to a constant stream.
2007 has been so much better than 2006, and I'm sure that February will just get a great deal better.

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Lake Ginninderra Stakes

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The long time spent in the wind at the lake on Saturday told on me Sunday morning . . . my cold had returned and settled on my chest, making breathing difficult and ensuring that I was going nowhere soon.

Unfortunately this lasted throughout Sunday and Monday, so that I had no exercise on either Sunday or Monday.


I did manage to get out on Tuesday to 'do' the monthly Lake Ginninderra Stakes at lunchtime. The PRB gave me a lift down to the run, as Bob left late on a cycle around the Cotter Urriara loop and needed the car to get down to the lake in time. My handicap had been 'corrected' to 15:30 from its previous 18:00 minutes, however this was still hideously inaccurate. Realising that my handicap had no chance of being corrected unless I went off my assigned time, I watched Demetrious complain about his bung knee and go off 7:30 while I waited around for another 8 minutes.

The run was good, and I worked hard. It took me just over 40 minutes to complete the 7 kilometres, with an average heart rate of 155 bpm and a maximum of 170. The conditions were hot, and on reflection I went off a bit too fast, completing my first km in 5:27. This seemed slow enough at the time, however subsequent splits were 5:49; 5:55; 5:40; 5:43; 5:47 and 5:39. I took some Ventolin during the run which seemed to help, and recovered reasonably well.
I left it too late to cycle to Cross Country, so that was the end of the exercise for the day.




It just keeps getting better

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Hard to believe, but true!

This morning I met up with "The Pink Arrows" - the Saturday morning group which attracts such (Southside) running luminaries as Tuggeranong Don and the PRB. Coffee afterwards is an integral feature of the activity, which always sounds good to me!

I snuck out of the house around twenty past five (I didn't want to disturb Bob, who had a big triathlon on Sunday, and did a competitive lake swim the night before), arriving at Southlands Mawson in the first rays of light. I saw that Don was there already, stretching and warming up, however he had hoped to arrive a full hour early and get some extra distance in for his marathon training. My mind boggled at the notion of waking up an hour earlier! I grabbed my fuel belt as others arrived and got underway at around 5:45am.


It was a companionable, slow pace and I felt good. As the sun rose we were in the nature park at Farrer Ridge, surrounded by inquisitive kangaroos who were a little stunned by the Indian File of fluorescent two-legged creatures making their plodding way through the 'roos territory.

Soon, the PRB and I were on the track on our own - the decision had to be made whether to extend the run onto Isaacs Ridge or not. I felt good, and reminded myself that it was most important to get the distance in my (chubby) legs, not to worry about time. We turned right at the Yamba Drive underpass and headed into the cool pines of Isaacs Ridge. We turned around at the "GreenHouse", an appropriately named residential property with a apple green colourbond roof and matching paintwork on the building structure.

Although slow and struggling a little on the hills, the final few kilometres were essentially downhill, and I thoroughly enjoyed the sensation of travelling a bit faster than the first few k's. Everyone else was well ensconced at "Pashas" at Southlands by the time we arrived back, some preparing to head off with takeaway coffees in hand.

A serving of Raisin Toast was enough for a family of six (well, too much for one person!), and the coffee was good, if a little long in coming. A great start to the weekend! I was delighted with the distance covered (16-point-something kilometres) despite the often over 7 minute kilometres. I can't wait until next week!

The afternoon was spent helping out at the Triathlon site at Rond Terrace from 1:45pm. It wasn't hard work, and I did spend a great deal of time chatting to my friend Adrienne. However, as the wind come up and the tents blew down, my cold also freshened. Unable to leave until nearly 8pm, my hopes to make it to the Vets Handicap the next day were dwindling as I coughed and spluttered. Bob was doing the Olympic distance Tri the next morning and I would have to cycle the 15km or so to Campbell Park if I were to make it.
It was a bloody good Saturday though!


Can it get any better than this?

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It may have taken me a decade and a half to fully appreciate it, but there is a lot to be said for setbacks in running, as in life.

So running Customs last Friday may not have been the smartest thing to do as far as the barking dog on my chest was concerned, but I did need to do it for something else inside me. On Wednesday I fronted up to the BBQ Stakes for the first time in heavens knows how long, and saw that my handicap was 7:30. I knew that I should go early, but when? I missed Friar's start of 3:30, so was next cab off the rank at 4:00 with Ted. I was pleased to go steadily and hold back for the first kilometre or so with Ted until we caught up with Friar. I know that I'm likely to bolt out of the gate too fast (although at a snail's pace that belies the silliness of what I am doing) at the moment with inexperience so a slow start was ideal.

It was so much easier to breathe! The few or four days off must have helped as well. I didn't die on the hills as I expected and found the first rise up Wardock Street easier than I remembered from my last runs on the course. I felt as though I was floating on the downhills, despite doing well over 5 minute pace, and was finding it a little uneasy that I hadn't been overtaken by the halfway point. A stunning lizard, maybe a shingle back, strolled across the track in front of me as I came up the last rise on Oakey Hill and I hurdled over the top to ensure that his pretty stubby tail remained intact.

Finally I heard footsteps thudding behind me, and was surprised to see that it was Bob coming up and passing me. Although he disappeared over the final rise a few hundred metres from the finish, I managed to hold on for (an ineligible) second, delighted with my run and how good I felt! Not fast, 36:29 for 6km, but a wonderfully inspiring run that just made me want to go around again and again.

Unfortunately, there was no time for this as I recorded the finishers and then dashed off to an appointment at the Tuggeranong Health Centre. Despite a comedy of errors straight out of a Shakespearean farce at the beginning it was a very enlightening and informative session. I still need to wait for the Surgeon to sign forms and the left hand to talk to the centre right hand and yada yada yada before things actually happen, but it was very good.
At home I pulled on my much neglected cycling gear and headed off on the shopping trolley for my first cycle in a long time. The rear brake was cactus, and I had to stop frequently in an attempt to fix this and line up the sensors for speed, cadence and good karma. It was a lovely, relaxing ride though and it felt so good to get back on the bike!
The PRB had miraculously performed surgery on my power adaptor and I was back on-line by Thursday. After catching up on some bill paying on my laptop, I took my bike into Lonsdale Street Cycle precinct to see what could be done to fix my brake. A helpful assistant was able to make it barley operable, however with the National Mountain Bike Championships being held in Canberra this weekend at Stromlo Forest Park, along with Triathlon Selection Race, the workshop was booked up for weeks. I had to ride carefully with one and an 3/8ths brakes, but at least I could ride.
As Bob was completing his Cotter / Urriara Loop on his Colnago, I rang and arranged to meet him at Cafe D'Lish at the top of Stromlo for a coffee and a few jugs of water. The service was so-so, the food looked OK, but overpriced for home-style stuff, but the coffee was good. After a stop off for the ever so boring supermarket shopping on the way home, I met the PRB at the base of Red Hill for a very slow circuit of the track around the perimetre base. I must admit that I didn't make it all the way running, pulling up with less than 9 kilometres completed, way too thirsty and dry. I had been studying every distant back yard for a tap, and considered diverting via Rad's place to get a drink. In the end I decided making it back to the car was the best decision, and walked the remaining way. My bidon was emptied in record time.
With Cafe Bohemian at the summit of Red Hill closed for renovations, we tottled over to Deakin for a coffee and restorative bottle or three of water. To my surprise it was also Cafe D'Lish, apparently undergoing renovations (but open), with a far superior looking menu and food selection than at Stromlo.
A good day was had by all, and I am so excited about running I can't wait for more!

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Half and Half

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After a weekend spent nursing the cold (with no running despite being given the go ahead), and a slow and quiet Monday morning, I picked up and thought that I would give walking home from a late afternoon appointment in Civic a go whilst Bob was at his cycling Time Trial (TT) on Old Federal Highway.

The para-medical appointment was OK, lots of hope but little knowledge, and I have another with their colleague down at Tuggeranong on Wednesday. I decided to walk over to the bus interchange and pick up some of the new bus timetables, and then wandered via the bike and camping shops in Lonsdale St.

A hot afternoon, I popped into McDonalds under James Court for a toilet stop and a large cold drink before strapping my pack on my back and heading on my way.

Serves me right! With only one female loo, and two young pink dressed girls behind me, I hurried through my ablutions only to find half a kilometre along that I had mislaid my mobile phone. Retracing my steps it seemed obvious where I had left it, however a quick reconnoiter and enquiry at the counter and filling in forms provided no answers. Kicking myself, a little further along the 7km or so track to home, I diverted again to pick up a card and try my mobile number from a public box.

Success!! One of the little girls had picked it up and they and their father were walking back to their hotel. I looked a mess, but was in the foyer before them, where I safety stowed the phone away to live another day.

It was a beautiful walk home through the evening birdcalls of Black Mountain and Aranda Bushland.

This morning I was alarmed to see that the power cord on my laptop was frayed (I suspect by a new to the house Rudi Cat when he snuggled up to the warmth of the transformer when he first arrived and was nervous and kittenish). Not just frayed, but smoking! I disconnected and powered down, cursing that I had little or no battery power left at the time. Damn!

I am using Bob's computer at the moment, but feel lost without my own. I must fix or organise a replacement first thing tomorrow morning


Cross Country Trials

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Thanks Gronk! Happy 2007!

OK, so Bob said it wasn't wise to run Customs on Friday with my his cold, but some things you just gotta do.

And I did!

A nasty cough kept me from having much sleep on Friday night, and I just fell asleep around the time I had planned to gt up and deliver Aki's new car to her. Somewhat belatedly I made it, and we went straight to Weston Park to watch the Cross Country selection races for the World's in Mombasa.

There were may familiar faces there, which was good to see that Canberra runners turned up in rather stifling conditions to cheer on a small band of runners lapping around the 2km course.

We missed the junior women, but just caught the start of the open women on their 6km course. It was interesting to see how dramatically the placings changed as we saw them at the 1k and 2km points. Younger, inexperienced (but still able to maintain a good 3:45 pace) runners went out too fast and died in the final stages, whereas the elder veterans (such as Joy Terry) started in last place and only picked her way gradually through the field. Those in the first places had impossibly long legs compared to we mortals.

The junior men's 8km was different tactically, although again an example of experience and testosterone. A NSW runner led out for the first two laps, while the group run in a tight bunch behind him like a peloton. Few, if any took advantage of the water bags on offer at every kilometre, and the field started to spread out over the course. The lead runner was soon in 2nd last position, which he maintained until the end, and the leaders spread out. I later found out that many suffered from heat exhaustion and needed medical intervention and re-hydration.

The crowd had grown considerably by the start of the Open Men. Marty Dent was the undisputed local favourite and received lots of encouragement. I took their lap times as best I could at each kilometre and I recorded the following splits:
1 km: 2:56
2 km: 3:03 5:59
3 km: 2:53 8:53
4 km: 3:00 11:53
5 km: 2:51 14:44
6 km: 3:04 17:48
7 km: 2:52 20:52
8 km: 3:01 23:42

The conditions were oppressive, hot and humid and Martin Dent's talent shone through as he assumed the lead half way and held on for an excellent win. It was great watching all of the runners though, who made it look so effortless that it was hard to fathom that it was 14:44 for the 5k, not 24:44.

We stayed around and chatted a little, however every time I laughed, or attempted to, my death rattle cough would clear the neighbourhood. Aki dropped me home to meet the rapidly growing Rudi, however I was fading fast and chucked her out to sleep.

And sleep I did. All afternoon, and most of the night, moving only to go and get a fresh box of tissues. So much for Saturday.

Sunday? Well the weather is much milder, and I have that "feel worse, so I must be getting better" groove.


Woo Hoo! The Dog Barks and the Duck Waddles

5 comments

Oh Joy! What a sweet feeling!

My throat is indubitably sore, my occasional coughs sound like an old dog, and the audibility of my voice ebbs and flows like king tides in the tropics.

And Yet ~ (secretly delighted to start a legitimate sentence with 'and') ~ And Yet, I was able to run the Customs 5k! All 5k of it. Without stopping!

I didn't go out too fast, making the first kilometre in a tad over 6 minutes. I didn't want to push my breathing however my legs felt good and kept turning over. I concentrated on attempting to reduce the margin and catch up with Friar who had left 45 seconds in front of me, and chiseled it down over the first 4 kilometres, however the ever-so-slight-hill in the last k took my lack of running fitness and ability to breathe into account and he increased the gap finishing well in front of me.

I couldn't care! I was running and it felt wonderful!

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A Cruel Twist of Fate!

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I got the all clear from my surgeon this morning to resume vigorous activity (i.e. running and cycling) as I see fit.

Unfortunately, Bob might be returning to training from the biggest illness that I have witnessed him having, however, it seems, not before passing it on my way. I'm actually not too bad, however my throat is very raw, I have a nasty barking cough like a dying dog, and my voice has largely left the building. I didn't repeat the 17-18 km walk I did yesterday, nor did I get out for my first legal run! How unfair is that???


I had a million things I've been meaning to post about for ages but at the moment my mind is blank. Never mind. How is this for an example of a cruel twist of fate though?



Ode on the Death of a Favorite Cat Drowned in a Tub of Goldfishes

'Twas on a lofty vase's side,
Where China's gayest art had dyed
The azure flowers that blow;
Demurest of the tabby kind,
The pensive Selima, reclined,
Gazed on the lake below.
Her conscious tail her joy declared;
The fair round face, the snowy beard,
The velvet of her paws,
Her coat, that with the tortoise vies,
Her ears of jet, and emerald eyes,
She saw: and purred applause.

Still had she gazed; but 'midst the tide
Two angel forms were seen to glide,
The Genii of the stream;
Their scaly armour's Tyrian hue
Thro' richest purple to the view
Betrayed a golden gleam.

The hapless nymph with wonder saw:
A whisker first and then a claw,
With many an ardent wish,
She stretched in vain to reach the prize.
What female heart can gold despise?
What cat's averse to fish?

Presumptuous maid! with looks intent
Again she stretched, again she bent,
Nor knew the gulf between.
(Malignant Fate sat by, and smiled)
The slippery verge her feet beguiled,
She tumbled headlong in.

Eight times emerging from the flood
She mewed to every watery god,
Some speedy aid to send.
No Dolphin came, no Nereid stirred;
Nor cruel Tom, nor Susan heard.
A favorite has no friend!

From hence, ye beauties, undeceived,
Know, one false step is ne'er retrieved,
And be with caution bold.
Not all that tempts your wandering eyes
And heedless hearts is lawful prize,
Nor all, that glisters, gold.
Thomas Gray (1716-1771)


I'm in Hot Water Now

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or I will be . . .

The workmen arrived at about a quarter to eight this morning, after Bob and I settled on a gas hot water system. Unfortunately, the design of our place is wonderful to live in, but difficult for such things, with no roof cavity and cathedral ceilings, a steeper slope on the roof than is required and few load bearing walls.



Map of Black Mtn Run-UpYesterday, I walked over the mountain to the start of the Black Mountain Run Up, which I walked in 27:16. After having a million drinks at the wonderfully cold bubbler inside the lowest level of Black Mtn Tower, I then went on a bit of a discovery tour down the steep 'goat track' on the southern side of the summit loop. All in all, just a tad under 15 kilometres with three hours spent away from home. I know I look strange, with wires and gadgets, but it certainly makes the time pass quickly.

On Monday I got away too late, but also walked over to the Botanic Gardens via the Southern route, and the extremely steep 'pushbike' hill. No prizes for guessing which peak that is! After draining a jug of water from the nearly closed Hudson's cafe, I came back along the easier nothern track of Black Mountain Nature park.


A night to treasure

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I have measured out my life with coffee spoons

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For I have known them all already, known them all:—
Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons,
I have measured out my life with coffee spoons;
I know the voices dying with a dying fall
Beneath the music from a farther room.

So how should I presume?




T.S. Eliot (1888–1965).
The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock 1917




I can't remember when I last blogged, but I do know that it has been too long.


Rudi has continued to provide us with much joy, and some terror, as he grows rapidly in both size and confidence, and sometimes overconfidence.


Bob tore a muscle in his back when dismounting to fix his third puncture on a long ride to Corin Dam. He was quite disabled for a while, although with good Sports Medicos and Physios was back to life relatively quickly. He then succumbed to the mother of all colds, and was as ill as I have ever seen him.


During this time, the wonderful Lucky Legs came to Canberra and we had a lovely time having dinner at Belucci's at Dickson with the PRB, Wombatface, Strewth and Aki. The following day, a blistering 38 degrees we did a tour de Canberra, pointing out some of the better known running sites south of the city, travelling through Coppins Crossing to check out the new faciltity at Stromlo Forest Park. We then surveyed the fire damage from Mt Stromlo Observatory, then continued down to the famous Cotter, site for gathering on the Cotter 15, 18 and 21 mile runs, as well as the finish of the Brindabella Classic.


Further on we checked out the location of the Tidbinbilla Deep Space Tracking Station, part of the roadway up to Corin Dam and then back to the southern reaches of Canberra through Pine Island. We met up with the PRB at Deeks Bakery and Cafe for a coffee and a few of their excellent nut meal gluten free biscuits in pistachio, hazelnut and my favourite, almond.


It was hot and getting hotter - I dropped Lucky Legs back to her motel to relax and went home to my unusually ill husband.





I'm Awake Now!!

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We apologise for the break in transmission due to circumstances beyond our control.
We expect normal service to resume shortly.
Our hot water heater blew up during the hail storm, and we have occasional luke warm water, accompanied by a persistant pppssssttttt. Being New Years Eve, the timing wasn't optimal, and it was only yesterday that we were able to get a plumber to confirm the worse ($100 thanks). Getting a replacement is also taking rather too much time as we run through the gambit of solar with electric or gas boosters ($7,500) and so on. Once again the time of year doesn't help, and I'd be happy if it's hot for the next week or two - makes cold showers easier to take!


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