City2South

This morning, I ran in the inaugural City2South race.  A few firsts: first time running that distance officially (as opposed to a proper half marathon, the Great Ocean Road 'extended version' half marathon, or a 10km); first time paying to run in a Brisbane race that included part of my regular run; and first time I ran to raise money for a cause.

As far as race organisation went, Brisbane did quite well.  Things that could have been better were signage at the start area, as well as the baggage drop off point actually being marked on the map on the back of our bibs; barriers along more of the route (the absence of these resulted in a number of bottlenecks in the first quarter or so); and timing.  Every other race I've done has provided a gun time and a net time.  Even those races - like the Twilight Half Marathon - in which there was maybe a 30 second difference.  But this one - where they even started us at different times, and I couldn't hear the starter anyway, and it was a good few hundred metres from where I was past the start of our zone and around the corner to the official start line - no.  I know a lot of people would use their own timing devices, but that doesn't count for future race things where they only go on the official time.  So my official time is about 7 minutes slower than what I wanted, and I have no idea how close I actually was to my goal.  Thanks, Fairfax.

On the upside with timing though - they showed times at 5km, 10km and finish (14km).  So I could see just how consistent I was - it was a matter of seconds difference between my first 2 timings.  My PT sometimes calls me Miss Consistency and I can see why!  Towards the last 4km I could really feel the effects of my recent cold - every breath reminded me that things are still not quite what they should be.  And I really dislike running with a runny nose.

I really appreciated the kilometre markings (like, really).  I also really appreciated the folks who came out early on a Sunday morning to cheer us on.  I had a little giggle when we passed a dad and 2 kids - the younger kid whined "How many people are there?!" and the older one replied "About 500".  Ha.  Admittedly, 500 would seem like a ridiculous number to a 6-yr-old, but they were about 5000 off.  And the best sign was the one which read, "It's all down hill from here".  Such a relief. 

Another aspect I appreciated (and always have, since Melbourne) was hydration.  This was so well done - thanks people!  Water in white cups, Lucozade in coloured cups, and volunteers calling out enthusiastically to point us in the right direction.  And there was no waiting, they had a few people lined up with cups ready to give out as well as the tables all filled and ready to go.  Bonus - at the finish line, water, then a free bottle of Lucozade.  Score!  Baggage was also well-organised.

Other bonuses: being on a really early train (again, better than Melbourne!) with a whole lot of other people clad in running gear... alongside the occasional passed-out or sobering-up passenger.  Ahem.  Also, starting with my brother... Who is much faster than me... But it was nice to have a smiling cheering friend at the finish line. 

Sunrise over the river.  Which has inspired me to get up early at least one day these holidays.  Ooh, and recovery breakfast. 

As for fundraising... This didn't have as much effect on me while running as I expected.  It did help me beforehand though, and I feel pretty good at having raised some money for a worthy cause.  After I'd made a donation, they actually called me to say thank you - I could tell they really appreciated it.  I was pleasantly surprised by the people who did donate, and was really encouraged by their words of support (so if you're one of those and reading - THANK YOU!).

Outfit #53 - All Knitted Out

Outfit details:

Dress: Country Road (op shop).  Top: Dotti.  Stockings: maybe from Myer...?  Boots: Sandler.  Earrings: made by me.  Jacket: Sportsgirl (from Jeannie).  Scarf: Alta Linea (gift).

I got so excited on the weekend when I realised I had a pair of stockings I hadn't worn yet this year.  Grey, striped, knit - so I was hoping my legs would be slightly warmer than they were yesterday.  It worked - I was warmer.  But the vertical stripes are not my favourite.  Whenever I caught sight of my legs I felt they looked blah.  They might have to be warmth-only stockings.  Still, knit stockings, knit dress, cosy.

Unlike last week when I had an unexpected sleep-in, I was pleased to wake up on time this morning and have time for photos before school.  It was slightly chilly in the courtyard though so I was glad of the jacket and scarf.  Bonus: the sun was at the exact right place to come in from the east but also reflect off the windows of the buildings on the ridge to the west. 

Blue 'world' earrings.  Wasn't so enthusiastic about hair today.

Stripes on the stockings - but only at the front.

Today's photo:

I got to the station just after the sun had cleared the city so we had a flood of light.

Viva Espana

This morning was the 4th of 5 mornings I woke at stupid o'clock for a sport-related activity.  Thursday and Friday were for practice runs, waking around 5am.  Saturday I had a delightful sleep-in (thankfully I'd cancelled my morning students - the first is usually scheduled for 8am, arriving 7:55 or so, but I woke up at 7:59 - it was bliss).  Sunday was the lovely 4:20am wake up for the Gold Coast Half Marathon.  Today I woke at 4:30 in preparation for the Euro Cup Final.  Admittedly, my plan of making a cup of coffee to help things along didn't pan out, and I fell asleep again until about 5:45...

It's not often that I alter my sleep habits for sport.  And it's not that I'm a massive soccer fan.  But I did feel that this would be one of those games, and I didn't want to hear about it merely second hand.  Plus, my brother and his flatmate are big soccer fans.  So, once I woke and made myself less scary-looking, I hobbled down to their place.  And got to see the sky lightening beautifully.  There are definite benefits for waking stupidly early.

When I arrived at their place, I thought maybe they'd fallen asleep.  Then, when I saw them sitting attentively on the sofa with a doona each, I had the impression they were watching a movie.  But no, they were being considerate neighbours.  Of course, it is soccer, not known for goal-scoring.  And as I arrived early in the second half with a score of 2-0, I didn't expect to see any goals.  Surprisingly, I was wrong, and I got to see the next 2 goals as well.  I'm not sure I've seen so many soccer goals in total before, let alone in the one game.  As it turned out, this was a record for a Euro Cup final.  Next bonus - seeing the sun peeking over the city as I hobbled up the hill.

In honour of Spain's win, I decided to make a Spanish dish for dinner tonight.  Originally I intended to make empanadas (yum!) but there was just too much effort involved.  I should mention here that my day involved breakfast...a load of washing...coffee...phone call with Dad...made bed...extensive nap...lunch...walked to the shops to buy ingredients for tonight's dinner...made dinner... you get the idea.  It felt like mostly sleeping.

Tonight's dinner, then, was Spanish Prawns with Spicy Lentils.  Unlike last time I tried to follow a recipe, this time I was much more diligent.  You can find it here if you want to try it.  My brother came over as well - even though he isn't a fan of lentils and I warned him what dinner would be.  Moreover, he said a couple of times how tasty it was.  I consider that a win.  Both of us were still hungry by the end though, so maybe it needed more imaginary crusty bread.  Oh yeah, I'm not good at remembering things like crusty bread, so you have to use your imagination here.  We did.

Today's photo:

My mega achievement for today was walking to the shops.  Slowly.  And I got to see the layered sky with the moon rising.