SMC 10km Sun 16/11/08

Travelled with Heidi to Smithfield. Great conditions cool and light winds. I ran 30m 53s which was the usual, and Heidi was first lady home in 40m55s which is a new PB.
This week had a good interval run on tue 10 * 500 in 1m42s to 1m 46s and a good run down to the Cathedral. Some other runs in there too but lifes just too hectic to remember.
On Sunday it was Serena and Kate's dance recital. A fun time was had by all. Serena fell on one of the gym exercises but got back up again. After the show she was laughing about it .... she must be growing up.

Buffalo Creek Star - Sun 9/11/08

On Monday I was dead tired from the ride and its aftermath, so much so that I kept forgetting everything. I even managed to lock myself out of the office for 2 hours when I couldn't find my keys!
So I was surprised that on Tue morning Heidi and I ran the 10*500m intervals faster than ever. Maybe it was the freshly mown grass, or maybe we are just getting better. Heidi ran all the intervals sub 1m50s with a PB of 1m46s and I ran all mine 1m46s or less and on the final one I ran 1m39s.
No runs until Saturday due to work and exhaustion. On Friday night I flew to Melbourne for a work function at Rippon Lea house. In the morning I dragged myself out for a 15k run from the motel in Lygon St to Federation Square and then east along the Yarra Trail. It was a very enjoyable run. The weather was cool and the rowers were out in force along the river. It was fun to see if I could keep ahead of the eights. I ran along the river for 6.5k's according to the signs and then crossed the river for the return trip. This time there was an eight starting off just as I hit crossed the bridge so I really tried to put in an effort. Managed to hold maximum pace to just before the rowing sheds opposite Federation Square, so I was pleased with that effort. Then cruised back to Lygon Street.
Afterwards we visited my old friend Clare Mc. and we returned to Rippon Lea for the full tour followed by a great meal at the Ciccolina restaurant in St Kilda. (Highly recommended). Eventually got home about 10pm and fell into bed.
Next morning it was hard getting out of bed at 5.30am for the Buffalo Creek Star. Little voices were telling me "Its too late you won't make it", "Relax, enjoy some sleep" "Have a rest". Some how I did make it. The 6.20am group were just leaving as I pulled up. I managed to catch them at the first drink stop and then ran with two Action Jackson and Cameron till the 23k mark where I caught up with Mike K. and slowed down for a chat for a k or two. Also met Coly who had recently swum the English channel. He had a very inspirational story. 16 hours in 14 degree water. Wow, that is hard core. I ran on from Mike at the 25k mark and soon found Stefica and had a chat to her for a few hundred metres. I left her at the 26k mark and ran to the finish alone.
I felt strong over the final 4 k but the rough trail was not good for striding out. All up a slow Star of 2h40m.

Gong Ride 08

This turned out to be a super day. My company sponsored the local community at Malabar to ride in the Gong ride. We supplied a coach, a marquee, t-shirts, BBQ and organisation. The community got behind it and raised over $7000. Also four children including my 12 year old daughter Serena rode the 56kms from Heathcote to Wollongong. They were all troopers, well done Serena, Haylee, Josh and Tristan.

The weather was very kind to us with cool cloudy conditions but no rain and a tailwind.

We were inspired by Annette B, who suffers from MS and whose daughter Haylee also rode in the event. Some people inspire you with their quiet determination. Annette and Haylee are two such people and today my daughter Serena was too. She guts her way up the hills, and never complained or gave up.

Annette and her parents came down on the coach and welcomed us at the finish. That gave the ride a new meaning for all of us.
Special thanks go to Sarah B. for her great organisation, the Normandie Motel for catering and to everyone who came on the bus as riders and helpers. It was a privilege to be involved. Thank you.

Striders Lane Cove 10k

Travelled to race with Heidi, Greg and Suzanne. Humid day with light rain. Ran 39min 52 which I was happy with. I had to leave the event immediately after finishing to race down to Mittagong with a spare wheel for Dave who had spent the night by the roadside.
Earlier in week had good 10*500 reps at Pioneer park with Heidi. All below 1m50s the fastest 1m41s and also 10k on Thu.
Lots of cross training at work with diving and lifting all sorts of things.
Tomorrow is the Gong ride which my company has sponsored. So far our group "Annnettes Army" has raised over $7000. Its a wonderful cause. MS sucks.