bluesbuffett

How poor are they that have not patience!

2011-09-11T18:11:00.003+10:00

Managed my first competitive run since February. Happy that the bursitis/hip held up well and isn't causing grief a few hours afterwards - this HAS happened to me before with other injuries.
Orange Blossom Castle Hill 4k in 20:40; nice and comfortable run and not out of breath at the end.
There is one Big Hill which we had to do twice, but I got through that okay.

A lovely sunny Sydney Spring morning.

Right now I'm running every second day and walking with Mrs BB and Max the wonder Jack Russell on other days. This is a step up from just walking during Mar - Aug. The first few runs were terrible - no cardio fitness and wobbly legs.

Recently I've managed 6k-10k with cardio okay. I can still feel a little niggle in the bursitis area but nothing like it was. Glad I finally had the MRI to see what was wrong. Annoyed I waited that long.

So Spring is here and running awaits. Nothing too soon, too far or too fast, but I feel like now the long winter of discontent is over.

Die dulci fruere.

"Exit, stage left"

Vague vagaries

2011-06-13T16:38:00.004+10:00

I've been a trifle tardy in updating this blog: I see four months has gone by. So has the warm weather.
I've done little running though; a quad injury put paid to that through March and April.
A large mole removal on my right calf, with attendant wide margin and many stitches, put paid to May. The good news is I'm all clear. I've had two weeks with my leg up and no walking even!
I tried running again yesterday :8k in 50 minutes. Tough, but okay. My quads are very heavy today (not injured though, I don't think), so I went for a 68 minute walk with Mrs BB instead.
I'll try a few more walk/jog days before I feel confident I'm okay to run properly again.
Meanwhile life with all its vagaries continues. A close colleague passed away suddenly in late April. The weather is terrible. The Blues are on a roll. My family is well. Wine tastes good.

quid sit futurum cras, fuge quaerere

For now, "exit stage left"

Twilight blogging

2011-02-19T12:51:00.003+11:00

Most online time is spent on Facebook rather than blogging nowadays, hence the lack of posts. This is in complete contrast to Andrew, who manages daily blog updates, but seems to do little on FB. I must say congratulations for doing so, as it requires more dedication but provides more detail.

Plenty of running happening: SMC races, CR Twilight and Hills 3k time trials. It's a consistent training plan and pattern, so I seem to be doing okay, although the odd niggle and minor injury keeps me alert, and supporting the physio and chiro.

Lst night was a fun though testing CR Twilight at Homebush Bay. Put on by CR Freezer who is a Facebook friend and an actual friend, it was a nice flat course which produced some decent times ( I managed 5k in 24:30, with a neg split 12:17/12:13). Additionally, it was a great social occasion, with quite a few sticking around to re-fuel and chat.

That's what draws me to running: keeping fit but not being constantly competitive, keeping healthy, mixing with other runners and calling some of them your friends. With them, you can run still under pressure, finish good bad or indifferent, cop some trash talk and give it back - all good naturedly - and have a chat afterwards. And then the jokes fly on Facebook.

Here's a photo of two of the three running colleagues who are good friends. The other one - thomo - wisely rested up last night to avoid injury, but he'll be there at SMC tomorrow doing the 10k, as part of the 3 52's: me, Andrew and thomo. I swiftly add Alison is nowhere near that age...

Mind you, the three of us don't act 52: bis pueri senes

Exit, stage left

Bling! Bling! Hello? Who is it?

2010-10-31T16:35:00.002+11:00

It's me, the proud owner of my first ever running medallion.

Today was St Mary's South 8k Fun Run.

This is a terrific community event. I say a bit more about it here.

For me personally, I was really happy with my race, even though it turns out I ran faster in 2007; back then I had the speedy Thalia pushing me hard through to a quick finish. Today I went out solidly and kept increasing my speed, dropping off runners along the way. I like to go out at a comfortable pace, then pass others rather than them me. It worked: no-one went past me after 500m and I targeted about twelve runners to catch.

My time of 37:43 got me 3rd place in 50-59 group, an engraved medallion and a photo up on the podium. How cool is that?

It really is a great event to get to: $10 entry with stacks of benefits.

It was great to catch up with regular CR's KatierR, slowmc, BeesKnees and meet Lotsahare, Bert, greyhoundracer and Freezer.

I hope they post the photos soon...

"exit, stage left"

Future leighway in Federal Politics

2010-10-24T09:58:00.004+11:00

SMC #1 season 2010/2011 started in trying conditions: cool and drizzly 13 degrees.

Fortunately the 10k race missed the rain: at least those that finished in under 55 minutes. Then it belted down.

I managed 51:15 (split 26:00/25:15) with a 4:47 last km. Second best run in four years of SMC (and only three seconds behind my best in four years). My first two SMC's saw me go under 50 minutes, so I'd like to get back to that. I reckon it's achievable on a decent day with a motivated mind.

Today I went out in a reasonable 5:12 pace for much of the race, and came home rather well: last three km's were 5:02, 5:02 and 4:47 as mentioned.

A decent turnout, with quite a few CR friends doing the long run - and no doubt getting pretty wet.

The big news in the world of books is Lindsey Davis' new Falco novel "Nemesis" (#20): it promises to be a thriller, with a major character dying. I've got a library copy so next week should see me dive straight into Rome AD 70. She's just released "Falco: The Official Companion" too. Covering Falco's world over the seven years of the novels (and 21 years of books), it's one I'm going to buy - trying the Book Depository for the first time.

Oh, and musically, I'm looking to get the John Denver "Live In Australia & Japan" DVD. I've been listening to him on my iPod lately, and his songs don't age. There's a kind of optimism that's infectious. Then there's the fact that "Annie's Song" was played at our wedding in 1998.

Politics is generally pretty grubby. Sometimes we elect people who are there not for the pension, but to try to do good things - however you define that.
One new MP in that category is Andrew Leigh.
He has a brain, and he has a blog. It's good reading.

I'm sufficiently satisfied with the Federal Election outcome to think that we might yet have three decent years. Independents holding the Government to account is good; holding Abbott & Co. to account is even better. Now to sit back and watch the circus. Da mihi sis cerevisiam dilutam.

"exit, stage left"

One Vote of Commitment

2010-08-20T08:37:00.002+10:00

At least in the 1970's there were real issues with real political parties and real policies.
Something to believe in. Something to fight for, no matter what you believed:
"Shame Fraser, Shame"
or
"Turn on the lights, Australia"

Not like today, right?

Wrong.

There's even more to fight for. Even more to believe in. Many of us now worry about what world will our kids grow up in.
So if you don't like what's happening, do something.
This is what I said on Facebook:

Please vote tomorrow. Think about it, but vote. Too many people have fought hard and long for your privilege.
If you don't like any candidates, then get off your a*** over the next three years and do something. Agitate. Inform. Protest. Investigate. Stand for election. Write.
Lots to do.
Important discoveries, events and... societal-changing times weren't driven by self-serving "what's in it for me" cynical Tweeters

I plan to be more actively involved, especially if the voters of Western Sydney and SE Qld elect Rabbit.

Climate Change, Health, Education, Technology and human dignity are worth fighting for and over. How about you?

Blog Slog

2010-07-25T08:55:00.003+10:00

It's really difficult to keep this blog updated. I tend to spend more time on Facebook and coolrunning, and conversing that way. I don't know how Andrew manages all of them. Tesso has given up on blogging, but is definitely active on Facebook.

The West Met season is drawing to a close, and this year I've been pretty active: 10/12 races, and plan to do 13 in total.

Since last post, I've raced
* #9 Bella Vista - new XC course; 4k in 19:48 with a strong finish
* #10 Prospect - uphill/downhill path; 4k in 19:46 min - great last 2k with last 500m in 2:06 min
* #11 Emu Plains - tough riverside XC bikepath; 4k in 24:53 min, smashing last year's disappointing 26:54
* #12 Cowells Lane Ermington - relatively comfortable XC; 4k in 20:32, beating last year's 21:20

Upcoming: #13 Greystanes next week, then Handicap event at Rydalmere, then #14 Bella Vista again, and that'll about do me; I don't feel like running a non-points score at Dundas again.

Recommended viewing: ":30 seconds" 6 episode tv series, originally aired on Foxtel but recently late Saturday night on ABC. Loved it, bought the DVD. It's to Advertising what Frontline was to Current Affairs.

Recommended reading: Don Watson: "Bendable Learnings. The Wisdom of Modern Management". This is just the book to sooth my frayed nerves after dealing with business-speak each working day. Here's the publisher's blurb, which puts it succinctly:

"Mission statements are everywhere: you have to have one, whether you're a Fortune 500 company, a hedge fund, a primary school, a church or a hockey club. Without a mission statement, who would know what your values are, or what your culture is? And how then, going forward, will you get buy-in on your strategy and uptake of your brand? The language of modern management has triumphed, transforming clear, everyday communication into meaningless sludge. To sound professional, you must express everything in abstract nouns, and each noun in terms of another one; you must talk about synergy and strategy, uptake and outcomes and outputs and inputs, key performance indicators and drivers and customer experience - even if your 'customers' are in fact patients in your hospital. This language is deliberately obscure and falsely scientific; what is more worrying, those who use it have lost the very ability to think clearly."

Superb.

21/08 could be a date that will deliver more satire. Tony Abbott's bumbling team could be elected to govern Australia. Common sense, decency and logic suggest that won't happen, however it's possible that this could occur thanks to some dog-whistling people who live in Sydney and Brisbane. I try not to think about this too much as I like my blood pressure where it is. Climate Change inaction, Work Choices, condescension to women generally, a fanatical devotion to all the wrong things about Roman Catholicism, an unusual interpretation of truth-telling. Need I go on?

On a more humorous note, it seems that Anakin Skywalker is back and short of funds.

Amoto quaeramus seria ludo.

"exit, stage left"

Not tempted

2010-05-29T16:55:00.003+10:00

You're kidding: 40 days and forty nights since last post!

Well:
a. we've moved into a great house
b. we have internet access via Turbo Stick only thanks to iPrimus' incompetence
c. I turned 52 yesterday
d. I also came down with a slight chest virus yesterday - Happy Birthday - it's a regular thing for me; probably since late May tends to see winter hit with a vengeance (never mind the official start)
e. I've competed in two more West Mets:
Ermington where I managed a 19:30 PB for 4k
Dundas where I struggled to 28:20 for 5k (which was 5.2k and the hardest course based on much feedback)

Additionally I've been to Melbourne six times this year already and still haven't found a time to catch up with Andrew, or even run again with DiJ.

Work continues to present new challenges; no different for most people I guess. Sometimes I wonder how many more years I can continue with the relentless stress and pressure of hitting sales/profit targets. Other times I ponder less concernedly over a decent NZ Sav Blanc. Not for me Andrew's "month without wine" month. I might be a practicing vegetarian, but I'm not obsessive. Well okay I am.

It's been interesting to watch the Mad Monk's musings lately. Too many funny moments to list. I think the Federal Election will be close, with Labor holding seats but not gaining. That's bad for democracy - because the LNP comedians won't have learned that they need policy development to be considered by the electorate. If they stopped believing in their God-given right to govern, blowing dog whistles instead of providing debate, then we just might have a better system here. How do you feel?

Dum spiro, spero

"Exit, stage left"

Hang On A Sec

2010-04-18T08:11:00.001+10:00

Quick update:

Yesterday's West Met #4 Smithfield: 4k in 19:59!

Full report on Coolrunning, but very happy to do a negative split and run past the clock under 20.

Bizarro Led Zeppelin

2010-04-17T12:14:00.003+10:00

"Its been a long time since I rock and rolled,
Its been a long time since I did the stroll."

Well it's been a long time since last post, although plenty of strolling/running. Not much rockin' & rollin' though. That's more a 70's/80's thing. I don't know, but it just seems easier to update Facebook than the blog. More comments there too.

Still, March saw the start of the West Met season, and already we're up to #4 today: Smithfield (or "Smiffo"). Yes, same car park location as for SMC, but completely different courses. I haven't done this one since 2008, where I managed a blistering 23:38 for the 5k. Today I'm thinking about a pedestrian 25.

Quick summary of West Mets so far (apologies to Facebook followers):
1. Haberfield 4k 19:05; adequate
2. Concord 4k 19:39; PB
3. Rydalmere 4.?k 23.18; one to laugh about

A shame that the front 2/3 of the 4k decided not to turn at the 1k mark as instructed, kept going and finally turned around 2.35k when they worked out they'd gone too far. I was in the last 1/3, but I'm still a sheep.

What else? Well, we've sold our house and bought another, this time in Kellyville. Close to the netball courts, so a nice easy walk to YD's game on Saturday mornings. She's going well: 3 weeks, 2 wins and 20/21 of the goals scored.
We move in about two weeks.

Big news of the week is the shutdown of airspace over Europe due to volcanic ash fallout from Iceland. Second biggest news is how to pronounce the name of the volcano: Eyjafjallajökull.

Try this

As Rutilius Claudius Namatianus wrote in praise of Augustus:
fecisti patriam diversis de gentibus unam

"Exit, stage left"

The Money Month

2010-02-28T11:03:00.014+11:00

Interestingly, 14/2/66 was the date when Australia converted to decimal currency. Recall Dollar Bill?

Even more interestingly, the UK converted on 15/02/71.

So definitely the Money Month. Similarly for me and running: a strong SMC 10k (best since 2007), a decent CR Twilight Bay Run reverse 5k, a 13k run around Lake Burley Griffin and 235k in total.
March should see a couple more fun runs - Girraween Club host some pre-West Met Saturday afternoon races - then early April will be the start of West Met, at Haberfield.

Easing back into weights as I work through the subscapularis injury, but at least I can go to the gym with Mrs BB, do some exercises, light weights and have a chat.

Sydney weather is pleasant: humid, warm but definitely swimming-friendly.

Not much else happening. Oh, other than putting our house on the market next week and hopefully then buying the Dream House we've seen.

Now if only I could get some pro bono for pro domo...

"Exit, stage left"

Oh January, don't go, don't go

2010-01-31T17:25:00.010+11:00

Well well well. I am pretty pleased with my running, statistically speaking.
January 2010 saw 270k, which is a new record for January and the most k's run in a month since August 2008. It must be my Brooks shoes.

Additionally I managed a 15k run yesterday, which was my longest single run since early October 2009: the famous one on holidays to Mooloolaba which generated much discussion on CR about non-friendliness of Mooloolaba runners.

I managed 15k on Friday too, but that was split into two runs: an easy 10k in the morning, and the CR Twilight #11 Doonside 5k in 26:00 min. Weather then was about 14 degrees cooler than last year's run. A nice relaxing run, with even split of the 16-strong group into 5k and 10k. saw Tesso, Johnny Dark, Eagle, Joestat (well I hope so, I gave him a lift), KatieR, Colin & Yolanda, Emjay, Cazzy1; ran the return leg with runhard, marvelled at (winner) Daniel's sharp haircut, and laughed heartily at HillsAths1's 55min 10k prediction. He managed 47:27. Maybe he lifted his legs more.

So one more CR Twilight for me: the Bay Run Reverse on 26/02. Before then, I should be doing a couple more races, such as the Girraween Athletics Club's 3k pre-West Met series in Feb. Then late March, West Met starts. Can't wait.

Good weekend with BB snr visiting: family BBQ, a couple of quiet, reflective drinks and a little bit of shopping. Nice photos of me, Mrs BB, YD, Son, BB snr, and the returned travellers: ED and her boyfriend, a nice guy. You'll notice a couple of staged smiles - all in good fun.

This afternoon's entertainment was a family viewing of "G Force". Recommended for families with youngish kids.

Holidays are over. Back to work tomorrow. Holidays get you to look at things in perspective more, when you aren't caught up in the minutiae of work pressure. What is really important in life?

Bertrand Russell got it right:
If I were a medical man, I should prescribe a holiday to any patient who considered his work important.

"Exit, stage left"

Squashing the whining

2010-01-28T21:20:00.003+11:00

Who posts more on Facebook than Blogger? Me. It isn't the same though - Facebook doesn't permit the searing insight and deep analysis one finds in most blogs. Except perhaps Tony Abbott's. If he has one. I know he talks to the Women's Weekly. And that's entertaining enough. I think there's some kind of metaphor in all that, but I might let my educated readers work through it.

I've managed 137k in 14 runs since last post, plus 4 weights sessions. The runs have included 3 races
* SMC 10k (#4)- 53:35 min, pretty tough conditions and satisfying
* Hills 3k time trial - 14:22 min, first one of these for over 2 years, happy with time
* Australia Day Regatta Centre 10k - 49:54, oppressive, humid, no water, very pleased with effort

Tomorrow night is CR Twilight Doonside, with a 10k planned for the morning and just the short (5k) option in the evening. BB senior is staying with us over the weekend. He has holidayed in Melbourne and is travelling home to loved ones in Queensland.

We will discuss the current parlous state of the Victorian squash scene while contemplatively sipping a quiet semillon chardy or so.

in vino veritas

"Exit, stage left"

Satirical sailin' for Palin

2010-01-12T20:55:00.002+11:00

Oh the delicious irony: Sarah Palin, that multi-talented Alaskan hockey-mum, that slightly right-of-centre politician, has joined Fox News as political commentator.

Fair enough you say: no ability, should fit in well.

But wait, here's the line that resonates so well:

"I am thrilled to be joining the great talent and management team at Fox News. It's wonderful to be part of a place that so values fair and balanced news."

Superb. Further commentary is redundant. I can't even write about running, my sides need sticky tape, it'll have to wait for another day.

From rags to riches

2010-01-06T21:23:00.003+11:00

Happy 2010 friends and family!

In Sydney, we've had mixed weather: good for NYE with a bit of rain, sun and humidity thrown in.

First race for the year was January 1: the CR Twilight series, held this time at The Bay, running the famous monthly CR 5k challenge in reverse: Hawthorne Pde to Drummoyne Rowers (and back, for 10k starters like me).
I completed the 10k, unlike some who had good intentions but piked out at the 2.5k mark. A shame for me, as I was leading a few of them. Oh well, 54 minutes and comfortable. I managed 11 straight running days (103k),which is my longest streak since 12 in-a-row in Sep 2004 (did 123k then).
Anyway, I went to the Twilight with Joestat and our families, and enjoyed Sook54's tofu kebabs, and a lengthy chat with a few CR's including Rags, whom I had seen but never spoken to before.

Readers with good recall would know Mrs BB's best friend (and her family) moved back to Melbourne a year ago. We were looking at various options for getting down there soon, when out of the blue came an email: "here we come". They drove up for a short visit and we were lucky to see them on Sunday. We hadn't seen them since we went to Melbourne in April, but good friends slot straight into the groove. It was great, hence the "riches" header. Hopefully we'll holiday in Melbourne again in early April.

For now, all planning centres on the "Masterpieces From Paris" exhibition in Canberra. Looks like a February trip, perhaps with a couple of decent runs around Lake Burley Griffin. YD suggests other interesting activities too e.g. Questacon. Should be a good trip.

That's all for now. I'm still overcome with excitement by the stirring second test win today. I think I'd like that DVD...

Ludo Lusi Lusum

"Exit, stage left"

PW = PW

2009-12-24T20:05:00.002+11:00

Isn't it funny? PW = Personal Worst and also something similar - synonymously speaking - to watered down urea.

SMC #2 for the season produced a PW: 54:08 for the 10k, with a final K in 5:03. Much slower than before, but a glimmer of hope. Excuses? Yes: in the middle of the Christmas festivities, indeed straight after the family get together. Sluggish. Plus, now the right leg is causing concern with strained calf and chronic soreness around the hip/glute/hammy.

Fear not, all will be well. I visited my chiro yesterday for my regular donation, so felt lighter on my feet and in my wallet.

So, since last post, 120k in 13 runs, plus weights. Highlight: work in Melbourne gave me the chance to do a couple of Tan laps. What a superb course. At this time of year, you just have to make your way through the crowd, even at 6am.

Hope everyone has a great Christmas/New Year (of course I'll be seeing some of you anyway). Better get to bed soon: Santa's on the way!

Vere, Virginia, Sanctus Nicolaus Est!

"Exit, stage left"

Reverse reminiscing is better than it used to be

2009-12-06T18:36:00.006+11:00

Hosted a wonderful reunion last weekend: by coincidence, 30 years since we got together at my 21st.

Here I am referring to the sterling Alumni from Dunmore Lang College, a residential college of Macquarie University.

After some detective work by me and another colleague, we were able to get a handful together. One friend from the Snowy region couldn't make it, although we have kept in regular touch. I'm hoping we can expand the group and make it a regular thing.

All looked well: fit, healthy and enjoying life. A few photos from now and then. Can you pick who is and was who?

message to Roozendaal: there's no M in Vaccuum

2009-12-06T18:00:00.005+11:00

I've had just about enough of this state Labor government. There are many reasons for feeling this way, and Roads is one of them. Pathetic. I foolishly assumed 1 hour 30 min would be adequate to get from home to Rozelle for the CR Twilight Run #5. Wrong. Try 1 hour 40 min, with all sorts of traffic snarls and problems. Off peak, it takes 35 minutes. In peak against the traffic, see above.

So I missed the run. Apparently it was "challenging". This means hilly. Joestat didn't really enjoy it, and the CR feedback confirmed it was tough. As I missed the start, I did a lap of the Bay Run instead; much more enjoyable. After that, our two families enjoyed an evening picnic with a small glass of white to sooth away the anger and/or weariness.

Next CR Twilight I'll be at will be #7 on New Year's Day, although my last race this year will be SMC #3 20/12/09.

Since last post, 114k in 12 runs, so getting dangerously close to the 10k average I used to hit before Hamstring Tendonosis. It's manageable, but frustrating. I can do the usual training stuff, and the regular race, but I'm not where I want to be. So - 2010: back to sprints, although easing into it. Squash may get a look in too, depending on several factors.

The great satirist Tom Lehrer once said that satire became obsolete when Kissinger was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This week, satire took on a whole new meaning with the unexpected election of Tony Abbott to Opposition Leader. Naturally the MSM RW columnists - notably Ackerman and Shanahan - have been cheering him on. I just wonder what on earth makes the Australian Right fly in the face of world opinion and fact. And it's not a debate. I'd like to think there's a world left for my children to grow up in, and even their children. So, I'm sorry, but Abbott isn't amusing, he's dangerous and I don't want to consider the possibility that his hardline Catholic misogynistic DLP-style views get any traction. When the next election is called, I'll be fighting the good fight. And it will be against him, Minchin and their troglodyte cronies. Here endeth the sermon.

A final word from my old friend Marcus Tullius Cicero:
Nihil est incertius vulgo, nihil obscurius voluntate hominum, nihil fallacius ratione tota comitiorum.

"Exit, stage left"

Vivian Greene is probably a runner too

2009-11-22T17:56:00.007+11:00

Two races to report since last time.
1. CR Twilight #2 Bay Run: 5k in 25:30. Surprisingly slightly slower effort than last time, but felt good in mild conditions. A nice family "picnic dinner" with the BB and Joestat families afterwards. The New Year's Day Twilight promises to be Daryl Eastlake-style HUUUGE!.
2. SMC today: 10k in 53:20, slightly slower than last month, but be fair: the weather was too hot, too greedy.
Joestat did a little under plan, as did other CR's I spoke with. I feel okay after that survey. It couldn't be simply age.

Friday night saw me host CR Twilight #2 at Glenwood. A comfortable jog along the M7 with a small hill to keep runners honest. The weather was quite uncomfortable: 33 and high humidity, with storms around. Total runners: eleven - one louder.
Everyone did the 5k; it was just too uncomfortable! You'd have to be mad to have run then; fortunately I didn't, I just co-ordinated the event. Great help from Joestat at 1/2 way and Mrs BB with marshalling and catering. A good social event.
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain"

Next social event: we're hosting a Uni college 30 year reunion next Friday, with some guests making the intrastate trip. BBQ, a few whites and tall stories. Plus photos for posterity and comparison, plus the intent of making it bigger next year.

Thanks to eBay, CDWOW and Fishpond, I can buy hard-to-get CD imports quite cheaply. Just arrived: Manhattan Transfer's new one "The Chick Corea Songbook". I'd expect to pay $35 imported through regular channels; it cost me $25 including postage. Mairchick. Next one: 09/12 Jimmy Buffett's new "Buffet Hotel". That's Buffet, not Buffett. Naturally a compulsory purchase.

Lindsay Davis has bounced back with a huge new novel, and I mean huge. At 730 hardback pages, it's a story set during the English Civil War: Rebels and Traitors.

Wow! If only I could have studied history this way at school and Uni, I would have enjoyed it even more. You might say that there is plenty of background information and that it leaves you better informed. It is well researched, and a good read too. Recommended. Now I've just started the Medieval Murderers latest: "King Arthur's Bones". Good reading!

Cave ab homine unius libri

"Exit, stage left"

BOGOF run

2009-10-25T15:20:00.004+11:00

Back from holidays in Qld and Ballina, and back at work too...

Today was my first ever "two races in a day" effort.

SMC #1: great new system with pre-rego and timechip meant a leisurely drive down to Smithfield and a wander over to the start. Remembering to step on the mat when starting and finishing, the rest was just running.

Settling into a steady pace after 1k, no-one overtook me other than the first four 1/2 runners. I said "go Dave!" to D Criniti. Surely left him motivated.

Good negative split with 5k 27:15 and 10k 52:50 with a final km of 4:40. Felt good. Relaxing warm shower then a shortish drive to the Regatta Centre for the free 5k Activate fun run, organised by Nepean Athletics as part of Penrith Council's Activate Day.

About 200 entries for this flat, one loop 5k run. Well organised, with three manned water stations, photographer, large electronic timer clock at the finish, and friendly helpers. And did I mention it's free?

Managed 23:51 (54th), so very happy with the time, even without having done a 10k beforehand. The secret was to take those pesky orthotics out beforehand.

Met KatieR who put me onto the run; nice to finally catch up!

The new iPod 160Gb is great, and there's only a few more CD's to go before having all our music on it. Talk about mobile. With the little aux cable attachment, there's no need for CD's in the car.

Kindle discussions have been pretty heated over where I read stuff, but for me I'd rather a real book. The current one is Six For Gold by Mary Reed & Eric Myer. Another entertaining John The Eunuch 6th century Constantinople sleuthy romp. Great fun and highly recommended. It's wonderful how the internet allows much greater interaction with one's favourite authors than years ago. It's also great that said authors are gracious in their responses.

Otium sine litteris mors est et hominis vivi sepultra.

"Exit, stage left"

A Tough Job But Someone...

2009-10-06T19:01:00.003+11:00

Here we are at Buddina Beach on the Sunshine Coast, slumming it in the penthouse, thanks to the quirky gap between NSW/QLD school holidays. Everything is affordable this week.

Look, it's okay what with the spa, air con, DVD player, 2 TV's and about 20 squares of luxury, but I was disappointed to see they have only minor originals by Renoir on the walls.

Caught up with BB snr and the lovely Julia last night for a BBQ on our deck; a relaxing evening with a few cleansing ales followed by some Oyster Bay sav blanc. As I say, tough life...

Great spot for running. 15k today out to Mooloolaba (but don't start me on Mooloolaba runners - see CR post for details).This is just an ideal location. For a mature couple, Mooloolaba has to be given serious consideration as an "empty nest" option - for me, an apartment overlooking the water, with numerous cafes, bars and restaurants nearby, Maroochydore shops close by, brilliant running options, superb weather year round - it's hard to come up with better options.

I have one: Ballina. We'll be there later this week to rekindle the dream of moving there in not too many years..

Da mihi sis cerevisiam dilutam

"Exit, stage left"

SB for BB: FAB

2009-09-06T18:54:00.008+10:00

Well the West Met season is over. I managed to get to a few more towards the end:
* #12 Cowells Lane 4k 21:20 in a very tough run for me and other bunnies
* #13 Greystanes 4k 19:53 just scraping under the 5 min. avg.
* non-points score Prospect 4k 19:12 in a season best performance!

I hadn't done the actual WM#10 Prospect run, as I was pretty sick with the flu in early July. I decided to run this course as mate Joe raved about it. Certainly Prospect Reservoir is a scenic spot and lovely place for a picnic.

The course changed! Instead of 2k out then return, they made it 2 x 1k out then return. So what? Well, that meant the hill in the first 400m was still there, but the nice flat bit from 1k to 2k wasn't!

The weather was quite warm (18) with heat off the bitumen bike path. With only 24 starters, I was guaranteed a higher finishing position than before, but surprised myself with my best run for possibly a few years, and finished in ninth spot!
Here's the split details:
1k 4:55 that's the lag effect from the hill!
2k 9:50 (4:55)
3k 14:45 (4:55)
3.5k 17:16
4k 19:12 meaning a final 500m at 1:56 pace! Yep, pretty happy. I enjoyed the Monkey Bay SB later on.

There are quite a few runs to look forward to over the next three months: SMC starts unofficially next weekend with rego and a group run trying out the new microchips; Orange Blossom 27/09 hosted by Hills Athletics; CR Twilight Runs start early with Thomo hosting Parramatta Park 16/10; and my favourite community fun run - St Marys South - is on again late October. I'm thinking of doing that and SMC #1 that day: SMC 5k 7:40am, jog to the car, drive along M4 to St Marys, run the 8k at 9am. Can't wait.

One thing I can wait for is AFL season 2010, after Carlton's disgraceful performance last night. I will still be hoping St Kilda and Geelong make the GF; if so, I'm happy but I would really like to see the Saints get up. I remember as a young boy listening to the 1966 GF and watching Football Inquest that night; my family was excited as mum was a Saints supporter as apparently was I. Followed them for a few years after that, but gave up somewhere in the late 70's and switched allegiance to the Blues, my grandfather's team.

I'm ready to switch again but maybe that's just a product of feeling let down by 29 minutes of hopeless positional play and crap coaching. Bitter? Nah!

Here's a great book to read if you like Historical Mysteries AND Pulp Fiction/Crime Noir (e.g. Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe):
"Nox Dormienda (A Long Night for Sleeping)" by Kelli Stanley

Think Marlowe in First century Roman England (Londinium). It's an excellent "Roman Noir" novel, and there will be a sequel.

And for more good news: Goon Show vol. 26 has just been released and yes, I have a copy. Maybe I'll be walking backwards for Christmas.

I'd love to see this bumper sticker more often:
Sona si Latine loqueris

"Exit, stage left"

West Met #11, make that BB #3

2009-07-26T16:51:00.010+10:00

It's been a tough running year in 2009. The hamstring tendonosis from November 2008 hasn't gone away; although I've been running regularly, I don't have the speed and I can't do regular distance. Still, some running is better than none. Still doing the physio's exercises, and now I'm onto Plan B: orthotics. They're actually quite comfortable, and now I know I'm not a real suprinator. No doubt you suspected it all along. So it's moderate-support, neutral shoes for me, and hello Athlete's Foot once again.

Yesterday was West Met #11, and only my third this year. At Emu Plains on the banks of the Nepean River (foothills of the Blue Mountains), the weather was superb: sunny, a very light breeze and 17. The 5k course, however was rated 3.5/5 and that's probably optimistic. Part XC, part gravel path, it was hard to get any traction due to the hills, slope and terrain. Oh, and the tree some louts pushed across the track near 2k that we had to climb over.
Details for my record (at each km) : 5:11, 10:36, 13:20 (turn 2.5k), 16:10, 21:31, 26:54. That was one tough run.

Speaking of tough runs, we've recently had the usual flu go through the family in a pretty solid way, with me having eight days off running. That's a record, and then Mrs BB got it again, then YD a few days before term end, which saw her stay home from school.
Then on Thursday she went over ice skating, fracturing her wrist. Six weeks in a cast, no more netball, modified dancing and flute and a whole lot of adjustment at home.
Still, she is bearing up well. Here's a recent photo

The next school holidays are only ten weeks away. We're off to the Sunshine Coast where we'll see Mr BB snr and his wife, then drive south to Ballina for a few days. Driving via Brisbane, maybe we'll be able to catch up with Tesso?

Ten weeks: A posse ad esse

"Exit, stage left"

Suskwahana Hat Company sketch must be next

2009-07-14T21:15:00.005+10:00

Back in the early 2000's, when Federal Labor was in a mess and we were all wondering who would be leading us in ten years, the joke going around was that it would be Abbott & Costello. Well, since late 2007 the Libs have done a pretty good political impression of "Who's On First", but now Peter's gone, it's all up to Tony.

Honestly, this man must genuinely believe that elections are no longer relevant to his lifestyle and that what's important in life is to give a bit of a helping hand to the languishing Private Eye businesses around the nation.

Otherwise, what on earth is this senior political figure doing, rolling out pathetic garbage that masquerades as policy or values?

Tony's big crusade is to roll back the 1975 Family Law Act. You know, no-fault divorce, ending decades of heartache for many. Sure, there are problems with the current system - I should know - but they're around Settlement and Child Support, not blame. I shudder to think what might have happened to me in 1995 if Doc Emmett Brown and his time machine were seconded to Tony's team.

I think former WA Premier Peter Dowding summed it up pretty well

"It's completely ludicrous to talk about making divorce harder at a time when people can separate easily. If you can separate easily, the question of making divorce harder or less hard is irrelevant.

"It's like Alice in Wonderland. It's like stepping through a looking glass into la-la land where Tony Abbott happily sits with his morality judging people while no-one's life gets harder or easier."

"I don't like people who are right-wing judgemental Catholics trying to bring their religious politics into Australian life," he said.

"We're not a bunch of Americans. We don't go round with our politicians pretending to be deeply religious and demanding that everyone else be while they go around committing adultery on the side, as they do in America.

"And we don't want to be in a position where people with right-wing and intolerant attitudes, like Tony Abbott, control what people believe.
If people separate because they're unhappy with each other and live their lives apart, is he suggesting we want to go back to the 1960s and before when private investigators jump through windows and photograph people in bed?"

Well said. Seriously, the Libs have a real issue with the female vote. Tony is no chick magnet and his retro proposal is more likely to repel even more. I know a couple of ladies who are keen to demagnetise him...

"Exit,stage left with a sense of bemusement"

Sella Bella Vista?

2009-06-19T17:37:00.007+10:00

Si.

The house with the Beautiful View was sold, 14 years after ex-Mrs BB and I were no more. Now she has a new Duplex, and we have less of a mortgage. But a looming CGT after May 15, 2010. Still, money left over plus a new car for Mrs BB makes us happy.

Bellissimo!

Not much excitement on the running front. Plenty of 8-10k runs, managing to just stay ahead of the hamstring tendonosis. The weather here has been average, and the motivation less so, and therefore I have just the solitary West Met attendance to report.
West Met #5 at Ermington was windy and cool. I managed an even 20 min. for 4k, slightly down on previous year's 19:45. That's okay; I was cooling my heels at the 3.5k mark, waiting to egg on a younger runner, who subsequently slowed down. It was a good race against her, and I did overtake her at 3k, but that camaraderie cost me 15 seconds!

There's quite a decent few West Mets coming up, so hopefully more race reports.

BIG night tonight. It's the annual Trivia Night at YD's school. Parents only. Heroes & Villains theme. Our table has a Batman focus: we are Catwoman, and The Riddler. Perhaps photos will follow?

There is a photo to finish today's post: a proud father's moment. My eldest daughter at her graduation!

Well done AAC!

"Exit, stage left"

Long on-song? Stuff it, Buffett

2009-05-03T20:58:00.006+10:00

You'll see there's been nil posts awhile
Guess just not enough hours on the dial
What with holidays a la Melbourne
It would seem that I seldom
via keyboard, a report do compile

Now SMC and West Met slipped away
Both Travel and Hamstring had their say
Still my training was bold -
Running 214k all told -
from April 5 up until today!

A plus ABBA

2009-04-05T20:46:00.005+10:00

First WestMet 09 Haberfield beckoned
My hamtendo would slow me I reckoned
But goodness gracious me
I flew home in 18:23
Beating 08 by more than 30 second(s)

Park it, Mrs BB!

2009-03-22T12:51:00.005+11:00

Two races in two weeks!

1. Girraween Athletics Club have a short series, sort of West Met warm up, each Saturday at C.V.Kelly Park. A tricky 2k loop, I did the 2k run (they had 2k, 4k, 8k) last Saturday in 9:35, so pleased with sub 5 min/km. It is a mixture of deep grass and road, but well worth it and a very welcoming club. Missed yesterday's because we went to the Castle Hill Show, but will probably do next week's (last) run.

2. SMC today, with the hamstring feeling much better until Thursday, when I mowed the lawn on my day off running. Just proves I should hire a professional (mower).
Still, 5k in 25:45. At first glance, quite an ordinary result. Second glance doesn't improve it either. However, I am more concerned at how the hammy recovers tomorrow, because priority #1 is to keep running, not jog, race, get injured, don't run, light jog etc etc. So I took it reasonably easy. Splits 5:20 1k, 10:40 2k, 13:20 2.5k turnround, 21:00 4k, 25:45 5k. So a decent negative split and the last km in 4:45, without stress and no elevated heartbeat (164/104). Comfortable, and enjoyed a brief chat before home to wash my car, swim with YD and start work on her school project.

Cap'n Bligh created history by being the first elected female State Premier in Australia. Amazing it's taken so long. Joan and Carmen were Premiers but not through state elections. Good luck to her and I hope she jettisons a bit of flotsam in the next few weeks. It would also be good to have a strong opposition but I just can't see it. At least The Borg is apparently stepping down. Maybe he's going to volunteer to look after mental patients. Oh no, that's right, that policy won't be implemented because his side lost... What a cracker - untrained volunteers reading to mental patients and no guards required. I think someone needs to read a few things (Riot Act to start with) to the LNP policy development loonies.

Just finished reading Philip Matyszak's "Ancient Rome On Five Denarii A Day", a classic travel guide for Rome if you plan to travel there around 200AD. Simply a clever history book which details many interesting social customs and mores. Look for the companion piece "Ancient Athens On Five Drachma A Day". Just the ticket if you're in 431BC and hoping to drop in on Pericles or Thucydides (better go there before the Peloponnesian War begins).

And finally, for those that still think the LNP merger in QLD was the worst invention of all time, please check out this list.

My vote goes to the Dog Riding Outside The Car.

Canis hominum optimus amicus est.

"exit, stage left"

Half a mo, where'd Feb go?

2009-03-03T20:29:00.004+11:00

It's been some while since last post. Since then, three races. Funnily enough, all three have been CR Twilight ones, not SMC.

The darned hamstring tendonosis caused problems during February, leading to a scratching in the SMC and CR Twilight Silverwater events. Very aggravating you might say.

As for the three:
* 30/01 Parramatta 5k in 24 flat. Surprising to see Tesso drive all the way for the run, but considering she ran her fastest for some time, I guess it was worthwhile. A nice break from her day job. You might even say, from rags to riches.
* 06/02 Doonside 5k in 25:55 and stinking hot - about 37 degrees at 7pm. The following week my leg got worse and the rest you now know.
* 27/02 Bay Run 5k in 24:40, beating the previous race's 25:15. Brilliant. I wasn't sure how I'd cope, but went through comfortably, reeling in quite a few and not being overtaken. Chatted afterwards with mate Joestat, Coogee1979M and Tomomi. Very relaxing, enabling me to thoroughly enjoy my first Margaret River cleanskin at the school Bush Dance a little later.

I'm running to avoid injury now, so no long ones and no off road. I tried that late January, just for a km or so on XC in Quakers Hill and look where it got me. Home in a hurry.

Most runs are 8k, with the occasional 10k on weekends. Plus plenty of physio-approved stretching, and weights at the gym.

With all the predictability in Federal politics at present, where can one turn to for a good laugh? I know, Queensland. They've got a state election coming soon. And some sterling candidates have announced their candidature. Notably Pauline Hanson. She still has that old media savvy in spades (but spades filled with what?).

Warwick Capper announced he was standing for Beaudesert, but forgot to register.
Maybe he's going back to something similar yet more lucrative.

The latest and yet oldest Opposition Leader in QLD has come up with another brilliant financial plan to weather the storm : a government efficiency drive! $1b a year, 3% efficiency. Why, if public servants could be 30% more efficient, they could start writing big fat cheques to pay for all the infrastructure Queensland could ever need. Truly a visionary. Alis volat propriis.

For more laughs and decent insight, try Crikey's new election blog Pineapple Party Time.

Exit, stage left.

The Heat Is On: absolutely freying

2009-01-25T17:05:00.003+11:00

I toyed with the title of this post. Perhaps
"hot in the city - some idle thoughts"
or how about
"browned off - running on empty"
Yesterday was a shocker: 42C and 33C while I was running after 8am. Not one other runner in sight, most people were indoors and I was wondering why I hadn't got up at 4am, run and gone back to bed with the air on.

BB senior is staying with us for a few days, a kind of pause in his peripatetic peregrinations from Sunshine Coast to Melbourne return. Another family wedding was the original impetus; the directly-related Buffetts have managed eight weddings amongst the three of them. The general consensus is that this has led to the development of enviable relationship skills, fast twitch reflexes and a seasoned grip on finances. Other, more caustic family members suggest a lack of application and weak moral fibre. Cads.

Running continues to improve, with 159k covered in 17 outings, including last week's SMC where I covered the 5k in 25:06, slower than last time but with a negative split which bodes well. And the last k in 4:40. I am finding that I am about 10% slower in times per run than pre-November, but am able to run comfortably at that pace, around 5:40/k.

Next week's calendar, pleasingly, shows five days annual leave, so it's movies, swimming and return to school for YD. Oh, and start marketing Chez BB/ex-Mrs BB's house at Bella Vista. Now don't be shy: if you feel $779k is too little to pay for a place of such obvious merit, note that we have not set an upper ceiling on offers.

The new CR singlet and car stickers arrived. One sticker is on my car; Mrs BB suggested other places to locate her planned car sticker, and mate Joestat will be the lucky recipient of the third.

For any 70's/80's music tragics, I received my eBay-won LP of Animalympics by Graham Gouldman. Now to burn to CD. I just wish I hadn't thrown out my own LP about 15 years ago, assuming it would appear on CD. It hasn't yet.

Books? Yes, currently I'm reading Laurence Bergreen's fascinating biography "Marco Polo: from Venice To Xanadu". Great book, but no mention anywhere of Olivia Newton John, Gene Kelly or Jeff Lynn. An obvious gap in knowledge.

This week in politics had many chuckle-duck moments, but I must give the award to Tony Abbott, who provides a wonderful definition of true courage under fire, both in his own words and, because of his own words, through them about himself. Meanwhile, the Young Libs want to link Uni Graduation to National Service. With these two examples of progressive, quantum-leap thinking, we can understand why Truffles Turnbull is standing proud. Plod on.

diligentia maximum etiam mediocris ingeni subsidium

"Exit, stage left"

Where Hitchcock and MHT conjoin

2009-01-05T10:32:00.006+11:00

Where? Obviously Here In The Twilight.

Great run at The Bay on Friday evening, CR Twilight #3. With a large field of 55 runners across 5k and 10k, Sook decided on a staggered start, with my 5k group getting away 5 minutes after the 10k, at 7:05pm. Managed 25:20 and had hoped for sub 25, however there was a bit of a swirling headwind on the return leg, plus I'd done 11k earlier in the day, so I was just happy my hamstring help up.

CR Joestat and I were accompanied by our families, who enjoyed the fresh evening air and company. Sook and helpers co-ordinated and catered extremely well; with the BBQ fired up and Sook's son's famous home brew, it felt like a Friday outdoor BBQ.
Caught up with a few runners, including a long chat with JD, who informed me Tesso will be here in a few weeks. Now I wonder if we'll see her anywhere, perhaps even for a (slow) run. Maybe we'll see her at the evening outdoor Boomers' cinema festival, featuring Circus Boy, Space Angel and Jet Jackson...

The training is going according to plan, the plan in question calling for plenty of slow running. While frustrating, it's good to be "on the road again" and I have no real complaints. Statistically, I'm getting closer to previous averages, with 125k covered in 13 runs. I've also managed five gym visits, ostensibly to do weights, but really to not watch the cricket.

More stats: 2008 saw 2,915k in 297 runs (avg 9.81k/run). This should have been 3,000k for the year, but for November's injury. And 99 visits to the gym...

A few days holidays have arrived. We're off to a Central Coast beach later today, followed by the promise of Fish 'n' Chips on the waterfront at Woy Woy. Then tomorrow it's off to see Madagasca 2; on Wednesday I'm chauffeuring Mrs BB and YD to/from the city for them to see the HSM stage show at Capitol Theatre. Might wander over to Centennial Park while waiting for the return leg. I was tempted to do a lap or two, but I see the forecast is 35, so the smarter idea is to run early and read a book at CP.

A work colleague - and friend - has just left my company. She and her husband are touring SE Asia before returning to her home town of Roma. That's the one in Italy, not Queensland. I know we'll keep in touch, and I also know she's too scared to post a comment on here even though she reads the posts, so Barbara: ciao, bona fortuna and no wucks...

So the Most Popular Baby Names for 2008 have been published. Number 1 Boys: Jack. Boring, unless number 1 girls is Jill. It isn't. It's Mia. Thanks Lleyton and Bec. I had hoped we wouldn't have anymore reminders of Rosemary's Baby or The Great Gatsby, but maybe at least one of these girls will learn to act better than a litter of piglets ...

"Exit, stage left"

Cor blimey! Give me strength!

2008-12-21T20:46:00.003+11:00

This Hamstring Tendonosis is a demanding thing. The easy route of physio massage and interferential machine tweaking doesn't cut it. It's all about Core Strengthening. I reckon I get some funny looks at the gym, with attendees perhaps wondering if Circus Oz is in town. Still, all this stuff seems to be working, so I'm happy to say running is back on the agenda. 152k over 17 runs since we last caught up - below average but much more enjoyable than pretty much all of November.

I even managed two races

* CR Twilight Series #2 at Silverwater last Wednesday: 5k in 26:09, and then sampled some of CR Colin's famous brew-ha-ha. Lovely flat course, by the Parramatta River, and a decent turnout for a great series. Even got to meet the famous Thomo...

* SMC #3 today: don't talk about November's race - I wasn't even in the mood to go watch, given my injury and how I felt. Today I felt okay for a 5k, but not ready for 10k (although I managed my longest run in two months yesterday, a nice and steady 12k). What a festive event today was! A record number of entries, mostly due to the 10k teams event. Mate Joe (now officially CR Joestat) managed a PB in 42:2x, and Michael came through in 38:5x, another sterling effort.
In the 5k, I managed 24:54, with a negative split to boot (12:50/12:04) thanks to a final k sprint of 4:24. Felt sore after, but definitely manageable. Hey, I reckon I'm on the mend!

The training programme is going to be more of the same: core strengthening, easy/medium running 8-12k, weights. I'm not ready to resume sprint training, and I'd like to be healthy enough to have the option of adding squash to the list of activities for 2009. I used to play grade some years ago, and I think it's a great, fun way to exercise. Now to find a complex that hasn't been sold off for commercial redevelopment...

Christmas is nearly here. The BB household loves Christmas. Mrs BB and YD love everything about and associated with Christmas. White Christmas trees, decorations, countdown calendars, gift wrapping, night-time looking at Kellyville house decorations - wearing Rudolph antlers and red noses. And Mass. And talking about Christmas. And baking White Christmas. You get the picture. For me, it's all a little wearing, and so for purely health reasons I insist on a quite drink to calm my nerves. I might even be tempted to try this tonic. I know Max would like to try it. Makes a change from eating sticks and rat poison. Merry Christmas Max "Rasputin" Buffett.

There have been some fascinating political shenanigans recently, too much to summarise here. Suffice it to say that Ironbark Tuckey once again gets my vote for the King Canute Award for 2008. Federal Election 2007? No mandate for Work Choices you say? Bah!
Wilson disagrees.

I think he needs something to calm himself down, so he can start 2009 fresh and enthused to continue his campaign of persecuting anyone slightly left of Robert Mugabe.

I have just the gift.

Buon Natale everyone!

"Exit, stage left"

Hamstrung By Tendinosis

2008-11-29T08:52:00.004+11:00

Apparently, Tendinosis is defined as "an accumulation over time of microscopic injuries that don't heal properly". Great. I'd further classify it as unreasonable, unpredictable and unwelcome.
Last post was late October, since then, moderate left hamstring origin tendinosis has been diagnosed. Further, the changes most marked involve semimembranosus, with a small longitudinal split tear, approximately 2mm in diameter, 15mm in length. No big deal. I put that detail in, because that's what the MRI report says, and I would like to think I got good value for my $250.

Little running since early November; I even missed SMC #2. Unhappy chappy. So it's been a case of attempting reduced calorie intake and moderate cardio effort every couple of days. Boring. I've tried treadmill, exercise bike, walking Max, and weights (which is part of the routine anyway). I can scientifically conclude that life would be meaningless without running. As part of the physio rehab plan, I've got heaps of stretches and exercises to do, which seem to help. I'm now doing a little easy running: 8k, flat terrain, slow pace. Mentally, that helps. Not sure about fitness, but at least it's still better than most people I know.

I've signed up for the 50+ team that Sook54 is organising for December's SMC 10k #3, so that's my goal. The aim is to have fun, and perhaps run, in minutes, under our age in years.

NTR and Mouse are moving, so much excitement there. They are also seeking our help, in making sure 100 kids have a better Christmas this year by donating gifts, time or money to charity. It's a great cause, and I list how you can help below:

The 5 Steps to Helping 100 kids:

1. think about your year
2. if you can, acknowledge the success of it, by making a child happy at Christmas
3. buy a gift, wrap it up (ideas)
4. give your present to a charity of your choice
5. let us know so we can track the total, and add your effort to the the tally sheet to track our efforts. NTR and Mouse can give access to update the tally sheet on this website to friends who want it, or you can simply post a comment on my blog and I’ll email them with what you have done so they can update the tally sheet on their website
Thank you and have a great Christmas. I refuse to issue a bland and PC "Happy Holidays".

Edna Parker died recently. She had a good innings: 115. There are 89 supercentenarians at present: 79 women, 10 men. It made me check Wikipedia for records. It seems the current record holder is a French woman, Jeanne Calment. She made it to 122y, 164d. It seems she had all the right conditions to get there: she never worked, instead her marriage to a wealthy husband enabled her to pursue hobbies and sports. What is fascinating is this little gem:

"Calment smoked until she was 117, and only quit when she could no longer see well enough to light the cigarettes."

Amusing, but don't get the wrong idea: I hate smoking. Douglas Adams got it right
"If we see you smoking we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action. "

Exit, stage left, while slightly hobbling

Sail Sail Sail

2008-10-26T18:43:00.004+11:00

You'd need to know I am in Sales to perhaps get the post title, along with three things in this post. You'll pick them as as you go...

Since last post, I've managed 62k in 6 runs, plus two weights sessions.
There were two highlights
1. work trip to Auckland, the City Of Sails. Managed two enjoyable early morning runs along the waterfront: Tuesday 16k along Tamaki Drive, which is kind of like running around our harbour. Wednesday was 10k west towards their Harbour Bridge, at Waitemata Harbour. Both great runs, with the added bonus of pleasant early morning conditions. If I'd been home on Wednesday, I doubt I'd have run: 14.3 max and the coldest/wettest October day since 1978.

2. St Mary's 8k fun run today. I backed up from 36:18 last year, and this time there was no Thalia to pace me, or indeed two other colleagues who I'd hoped would show. Based on my current pace, and my hammy/glute niggles, I expected to do around 38 min. As it turned out, I sailed along all the way to manage 37:21, so am pretty pleased with the run, following up last week's cruisy SMH 10k. A couple of surprise Marshalls on the course: John (SMC 42k) and Luis (Sailaway). I wore my SMC singlet (which is brilliant: really well constructed) which made them both, separately, very pleased. It's the only time I've got a "go Clinic" even though I was also wearing my CR cap - which Mrs BB got name-embroidered for me at Castle Hill.
Mate Joe managed sub 32, so he was very pleased. Talk about a quality field: Jamie Harrison fronted to defend his 2007 title, but was knocked off by a guy from my suburb. Anthony Ferrugia was there, after finishing second in last week's SMC half, along with at least three other high quality runners. Friend Jen didn't show, citing golfing duties, so her daughter wasn't there to defend her 2007 title either. I'm looking forward to seeing the results when posted.
It's a really fine run; lovely and flat local suburban streets, well marshalled, plenty of water stations, km's marked, finishing on the school sportsfield under the football posts and with a large clock to show your time. All this plus nice personalised certificates, oranges and water at the finish. On the day $10, pre-entry $7. As Arnie says, I'll be back.

What's next Greg? Well, SMC #2 is not until 16/11, so it's just normal running for me, plus a little bit of TLC at the physio's. I'd like to be able to lift my left leg while running, and also comfortably turn over in bed. Yes, 50 is the new whinging age I know.

Next week sees the second phase of our 10th Anniversary celebrations: My Fair Lady at the Theatre Royal in town. We decided to see Richard E Grant's performance, rather than Reg Livermore. He was great in The Producers, so now it's Rick's turn.

Other than that, sadly nothing of earth-shattering significance to report. I'm currently working my way through Kate Sedley's "The Green Man", her 17th escapade of Roger The Chapman, set in England in 1492. Light entertainment, and I've been reading her series since they started in 1991 (although interestingly Roger has only lived through about seven actual years since the first novel).

Politically, who'd want to be Nathan Rees? He certainly can't feel the love right now. I think if he joined the Keystone Kops they would kick him out for for being too incompetent even for them.

Amantes sunt amentes

"Exit, stage left"

Running 101

2008-10-19T18:37:00.003+11:00

Well today was a most enjoyable first SMC run: this season I'm stepping back up to the 10k, with the aim of participating and improving - the basics. With that in mind, I managed 39th in 51:47 today, and
a. it was within the time I expected
b. it was unrushed and unstressed
I cruised through the last k in 4:42 yet my finishing pulse was only 152 (compared with around 180 normally). That's very pleasing and proof that it was a most relaxed run, almost like a normal Sunday morning jog but faster.
Mate Joe managed 41:xx and his friend Michael from Newcastle who came with us was even happier, winning in 37:xx, with plans to get to 35 during the series. I was pleased just to be able to offer them a lift. Speed by association...

Next weekend sees the second leg of the St Mary's double, this time the South Public School. I'm hoping just for a decent run, say under 39 min for the 8k, not expecting to get anywhere near the 36:18 last year. I doubt that Thalia wants to use me as a pacer this year, as she'll be looking to better 36 and I doubt I could get near last year's time in current form. I am enjoying just running for health and fitness rather than speed. Plus I am watching the old hammy niggle.
Expecting a decent CR turnout too.

Philip Kerr has produced another masterpiece "A Quiet Flame", the fifth outing in the Bernie Gunther series, this time set in 1950's Argentina, with Bernie seeing parallels between his current case and that unsuccessfully pursued in 1932 Berlin. Think a German Sam Spade. Riveting stuff.

Did you ever play sport at school where two captains took turns to choose their team from all students present?
Imaging being the those captains and having Nathan Rees or Barry O'Farrell as your choice. Worse, imagine you can't even make that choice for more than two years. Us NSW state voters are in that position. Using that analogy, if I was choosing, I'd choose to merge with another school, in this case the Federal Govt. At least in that school they have better hand/eye co-ordination and some appeal. Nathan seems to model himself on Phillip Marlowe, and Barry is a kind of Everyman's Billy Bunter with verbal diarrhoea.

Palmam qui meruit ferat

"Exit, stage left"

No average (,) tale of the century

2008-10-12T17:36:00.010+11:00

Well this is definitely one for the statistical fans out there.

We've just returned from holidaying on the GC and then Ballina. Wonderful spots, very relaxing and plenty of training.
I had planned to run with the Southport Runners Sunday morning 6:30am, but thanks to Jetstar's 6 hour flight delay, we didn't arrive at our accommodation until after 10pm Saturday night, so didn't feel like a super early start. Still, I ran south around 7:30am and saw what must have been the rather large group relaxing by the pool. Thanks Jetstar. We won't be flying to Coolangatta next time; we'll go to Brisbane with Qantas and drive...

I ran six times while on hols, for 72k in total. Both Biggera Waters and Ballina are great for flat, scenic running, and I managed a 16k Sunday, then 14k, then 12k. Driving down to Ballina, I managed 12k, then 10k, then 8k. So averaging 13k not 10k per run, and my legs felt it, as can be seen by the decreasing distances!

Caught up with Tesso for afternoon tea on the Tuesday - she was kind enough to drive down from Brissie to have coffee and meet Mrs BB and YD. She also brought me a present: a trendy Hawaiian shirt. I just had to wear it, and just had to include the photo of the four of us!

Thanks Tesso, it was great to see you and hope we'll catch up in Sydney before too long.
Now this is my hundredth post, and if you add together my age and Tesso's you get 100! Freaky stuff! At least we have a better chance at better places in races now. Although it hasn't helped me since May, and I doubt Tesso will need much help once her hammy is fully recovered! For now, she's a speed demon in the pool.

A few races coming up: start of the SMC next Sunday, and I'll be stepping up to the 10k, along with mate Joe. The following week is the St Mary's South 8k, and I'm looking forward to doing a fast time and seeing a few running friends from last year's race.

Still two more days of annual leave before BTW. Time to mow the lawn, take YD to school and celebrate 10 years of marriage with Mrs BB!

"The first ten years of a marriage are spent resolving differences of thoughts, habits, ways of doing things, likes and dislikes."
Possibly, although I think this time around I've been rather luckier than most. Again, statistically, maybe I'm batting better than average when I add together
1. nine years unsuccessful marriage
2. ten years very successful marriage (plus three years successfully as "partners")

Now I just need to knock on wood...

"exit stage left"

Melbourne - Run Of The Mill(s)

2008-09-28T17:15:00.004+10:00

Cynics may believe that a Fun Run has prompted this new post. Correctimundo. I have been tempted to post partly in Italian for the benefit of a small segment of the non official-commenting readership, but decided that lethargy wins out every time. So it's Australian English. No Wucks.
Incredibly, 120k in 12 runs since last post - sometimes I think I must subconsciously plan runs around likely posting days just to keep the average at 10k.

Some decent training, and a recent return to MORNING running.
Last week saw two days in Melbourne on business, so fitted in 2 x 12k runs: the Tan, and Yarra Trail. First major CR encounter of the third kind: contact! I ran a couple of k's with CR DiJ; very pleasant company, proving it's a small world in both running and business.

Today was the St Mary's 6.2k fun run, and one I had heard good things of but had never tried. It was great Gordon. Well run, flat, friendly officials, personalised certificates, two water stations, oranges/water bottles at the finish. And only $10 on the day or $7 pre-entry. A run just like the old days. A pity they couldn't organise the weather a bit better: hot, 28 and windy. Still, I managed 29:23, so happy to average 4:45/k for this one.
I pre-registered for the St Mary's South Fun Run 26/10, week after SMC #1 10k, so it's two races in October and summer is lookin' goood!

Hoping to be able to post a comment or two about catching up with Tesso, and - separately, GCR. BTW, soon Tesso will find it that bit easier to win her category. At least I'm away from Jamie Harrison now. He seems to be running as fast as he did twenty years ago. Perhaps he has a picture of Dorian Gray on his wall.

On the cultural side, I can only say that "Sparks Of Ancient Light" is superb, and I have commenced reading Steven Saylor's latest Gordianus novel " The Triumph Of Caesar".

La Dolce Vita

"Exit, stage left"

A Flea In The Ear from the Book-Keepers

2008-09-14T17:09:00.008+10:00

If you look up "unpredictable weather" in the dictionary, you'll probably see a photo of Sydney. Last week we had 13 degrees, rain and cold. This Saturday we managed 31 degree heat.
In contrast, my running has been consistent. 69k in 7 outings, with a long 13k run Friday lunchtime, and today's 8k Orange Blossom Fun Run.
Last year's run was great, and a few of us planned to have another crack, although the course changed to two loops of 4k within Fred Caterson Reserve. I managed 41:50, which was under my plan, but I was cheered by the knowledge that it was - in my fellow runners' minds - a tough course. I think my time was probably a 39 min flat course result, as GoGirl did 39 and Joe 34:40, both about 2 minutes over normal. Talk about keen trainers: GoGirl ran there, did the 4k then 8k, then ran home - all up around 25k. Martin Dugdale likewise started the day at 5am and did Quarry Rd 13k hilly track then backed up for the Fun Run. I guess they'll both do well at Fitzroy Falls Marathon in a fortnight.

This last week has really been retro: Mrs BB and I had dinner with a Uni mate and his wife - prior to three weeks ago, I hadn't seen him since my 21st. So pretty recent really. Then Saturday I took Son to Macquarie Uni for the Open Day, hoping to inspire him to outrageous heights of HSC performance. He was suitably impressed. Wandering past the stalls, I enrolled in the Dunmore Lang College Alumni (where previously-mentioned Mate also lived). Today's run saw me catch up with Uni Girlfriend's sister, who looks as fit and healthy as when I saw her at 2007 St Mary's 8k run.

Finished "People Of The Book', and am now ploughing through "Justinian's Fleas" by William Rosen, a fascinating, ambitious and wide-ranging exploration of the world's first recorded plague, in 542AD Constantinople. Rosen covers so much ground, at times it seems like a history of Justinian, at others a mixture of Yersinia Pestis, science, religion, politics, military planning and social history. The only problem I had was getting the book renewed again. I'm afraid I generally borrow heaps of books, get through most of them after renewal and try to renew some again. Well, this latest attempt saw the librarians explain what relationship morality had to flagrantly breaking library policy: " a fair go for all". I felt like I was trying to re-book on Jetstar. Anyway, their common sense prevailed when they realised I would simply go online, reserve it and have them drag it out for me. Lethargy won out over bloody-mindedness.

Politics? I thought after last week, NSW might settle down. No. Reba Meagher and Matt Brown have gone. Just between us bloggers, she infuriated me, and that's from a 36 year-long Labor Party supporter. She makes Amanda Vanstone look caring, even when she's giving the Nursing Home inmates their kero baths. Interesting standards: Matt "pants down" Brown was sacked not for unacceptable behaviour at his office shindig, but for not 'fessing up to Nathan Lees, three months later when someone with a blunt axe dobbed him in to the ex-Government Gazette..

.. and only one week until Al Stewart's new CD "Sparks Of Ancient Light" arrives.

Musica Donum Dei.

"Exit, stage left"

Too Weak Not To Post

2008-09-06T13:46:00.005+10:00

Blogging within a fortnight of last post perhaps indicates a new enthusiasm, or alternatively news to discuss. Or both.

112k in 11 runs, with a big 20k last Saturday. In Melbourne on business Tuesday/Wednesday - Bongiorno to a new facebook colleague - with two decent runs around the Tan. Surprisingly, the weather was better than here: Wednesday especially, with sunshine galore. Heading back to windy and wet Sydneytown was a shock.

The plan has been to move back to 6am runs, but that's conditional upon the weather improving. For example, today's 10k run was completed in wet and cold conditions: at 11am it was 11 degrees (applied temperature 7 degrees). Please don't tell me it's character-building to run in these conditions. My character is fully developed.

Next Sunday is the Orange Blossom 8k Fun Run, organised by Hills Athletics, notable Steve Whelan. It's a good off-road course, slightly different from last year. Should be quite a few CR's attending.

In only a few weeks it's off to the Gold Coast for hols, with the abbreviated family: me, Mrs BB and YD. ED is much too old OF COURSE and Son is doing HSC. We are hoping to catch up with Tesso somewhere between GC and Brissie, maybe for a run (depending on her hammy) or possibly a coffee and chatting over old Brady Bunch times.

Reading has been pretty solid recently. There's nothing quite like having library books due soon to inspire a solid burst. Currently finishing "People Of The Book" by Zachary Karabell: a fascinating history of the interactions between Islam and the West since the mid Eighth Century. Once this is complete, I'm toying with the novel idea of reading one of the eleven store-purchased books quietly awaiting my pleasure before borrowing more from the library.

In full retro mode, I have had my 4 CD Monkees compilation in the car. Some wonderful songs, so much pure pop and a reminder that many famous artists wrote hits for the Monkees: Neil Diamond, David Gates, John Stewart and of course Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart. I think I prefer Papa Nez's songs the most: mostly not singles, but superb tracks which helped him to success with the Second National Band and then solo with "Rio". His wry style always appeals.

What a day in NSW politics! We now have the leadership team of Nathan Rees (Premier) and Carmel Tebbutt (Deputy Premier). You'd be justified in asking "who is Nathan Rees". Apparently 25% polled thought he played AFL, mistaking him for Nathan Buckley. Well, his speaking style would fit in well there, talking about having a "red hot go". I wonder if he realizes he has committed his first error?
He loudly told his adoring public that he would work every waking hour between now and the next election (March 2011) to deliver what was best for NSW. Possibly he feels we are keen for him to be married, as he plans this event to occur later this year.
I hope his major goal is NOT to pass as many laws as possible. Tacitus wrote about this:
corruptisima republica plurimae leges

Good luck to Labor in WA today. I think you're out. See if I'm correct.

"Exit, stage left"

Eye Kneed Shorts

2008-08-23T18:04:00.006+10:00

My comment last post proved to be accurate: I seem to post only after a run. Today was my first race since 12/07. Reason? Son's soccer and lethargy. I managed to pick up a strand of the flu virus doing the rounds late July, and had a week off work. No running, and the most time absent from work (in 29 years) and from running (in 27 years). Pretty Bizarro World-ish.
Statistically, since last post, I've covered 306k in 30 runs - that 10k average persists!

I have done a "trial" race though: a few days before the second CR West Time Trial, I ran at lunchtime down to Nurragingy, thinking to do the 5k course. AT THE EXACT MOMENT I crossed to the start, there was Ratdog driving out from the carpark, having re-done the course! I suppose I could claim to hold, temporarily, the course record as I decided to run it and then jog back to work, making it an 8k in total. Oh, I did it in 25:20 so the record lasted only until Saturday morning.

Today was West Met #15 at Cook Park South Strathfield, a fairly flat concrete bikepath by the Georges River. With the soccer season now over for Son, he came along and did the 2k in a leisurely 8:47, not even puffed. Mate Joe and I did the 4k, with his 15:53 a great result, and my 19:13 making me happy. It was a windy, cold afternoon. Next week is the last competitive event, but it's always controversial: a 4k Handicap, supposedly done using athletes' best three times over the distance. I can't work out, mathematically, how I can get an equivalent 17 min estimate from the judges when I've never run faster than 18...

Son's school 1st X1 are champions, winning the Grand Final in a thrilling Penalty Shoot Out 3-1, after being locked at 1-1 after extra time. He managed to play with conjunctivitis which surprisingly didn't limit his eye/foot co-ordination.

The new CR shorts arrived two weeks ago, and they are great. I like the extra pocket at the side, just deep enough for a credit card and phone. Useful, say, if I wanted to do a 10k run finishing at Rouse Hill and dropping into JB Hi Fi to purchase the box set of Dad's Army (complete with beanie) for $159, then run home looking like a home handyman.

Just when I've fully recovered from the effects of the flu, had X-Rays, Ultrasounds and CT scans to determine there is nothing wrong with any part of me other than perhaps some strained ligaments around the ribs, my knee starts to play up (ie three days ago). So I'm thinking twice about the 14k long run tomorrow and instead considering 10k and a visit to the physio. That's fitted around the chiro of course, as I need to keep them in the style they are accustomed to...

Medicus curat, natura sanat

Tempus fugit

2008-07-14T17:18:00.005+10:00

On reflection, it would seem true that this blog gets updated only following race news. Certainly the month-long gap coincides with absence from racing.
Interestingly, in the intervening period, I've managed 250k in 25 runs. Exactly 10k average...

West Met Saturday 12/07 was at Cowells Lane Ermington, a tough XC course that holds no fond memories for me. I last ran it in 2006 with Son, who ran it again this year, as a kind of non-soccer week training session. He managed a PB in the 2k: 8:26, down from 8:49 in 2006. Mate Joe did well in the 5k, crossing in around 20:20 although hoping for sub 20. I went around in 25:08, with a negative split (12:41, 12:27). That was one tough course. If only they were all like Haberfield - flat and bitumen bike path...

Earlier that day I helped Ratdog set up for the inaugural CR 5K Challenge - Sydney West. At Nurragingy Reserve, the course had been Garmin'd out by Ratdog and NTR, and all was ready for a 7am staggered start. Unfortunately, the Council opens the gates weekends at 7am, so we got away about 7:40am. A small group of about eight took off in BM weather, with yours truly on duty at a tricky fork in road. Freezing; 7:30 am about -3 applied temperature according to BOM website.
Still all seemed to enjoy the run, and next month promises to be bigger and better with pancakes and more attendees. I might even get a run in.

I am pleased to say that I have not had to run early mornings since last post; Mrs BB walks Max around 6:30am and it's not pleasant for her. I must be feeling my age. Fortunately I am able to run lunchtimes, alternating between M7 and WSP courses. Oh, and I managed another social 14k run from Nurragingy 05/07 with some CR's: Ratdog, NTR, Mango (for 3k), Enduro and Fred. A good group and great running conditions.

For me, it isn't about racing, it's about maintaining a consistent exercise programme which revolves around running and includes weights. In a couple of years I'd like to get back into comp squash as well. I'll probably need to do some more speedwork on the track then!

eBay has produced some bargains for us here, including the long-desired complete set of the Time Tunnel, along with F Troop, The Prisoner and Dangerman. I feel Pie In The Sky is not far away...

Interesting times in politics with a continued changing of the guard. Dolly Downer is off to Cyprus in a bold move to solve the region's problems with his mighty diplomacy. There have been many reflections on his long term as Foreign Minister, most uncomplimentary. The best is this one: Jul 07 "remembering Alex". Gold standard. I wonder how many ways there are to say "I don't remember?" One is tempted to make comments about sorting the wheat from the chaff.

Lapsus linguae or Lapsus memoriae?

"Exit, stage left"

The lightly tripping - fantastic

2008-06-15T17:58:00.007+10:00

A few decent runs with 50k in five outings since last post. Eventful too.
* Tuesday 8k The Ponds after work, in the cold
* Wednesday rest day
* Thursday 10k lunchtime Western Sydney Parklands. I managed to trip over a cunningly-concealed metal hoop in the bark, centre of Eastern Rd. Result: nasty. Jogged to Softball centre, washed and removed skin from grazed elbow and thumb. Kept running though, but I'm not obsessive. Capped off the day with root canal work.
* Friday 10k The Ponds after work
* Saturday 10k The Ponds early on, then West Met #9 at Crestwood.

Managed 19:24 for the 4k, with a huge sprint against a fast-finishing lady over the last 150m. Split of 9:40 and 9:44, so pretty pleased to go under 5 min/km for this tough course. Especially on such a cold and windy day! Mate Joe went hard and cracked a PB of around 16:30. Great stuff...

* Sunday 11k The Ponds through the not-quite-opened path to Quakers Hill (a bit rough) and return. Great option for future runs.

Next race for me isn't until early July; I'll be missing the next one as Work is throwing a family movie afternoon - Kung Fu Panda. Still, a nice family afternoon. Hope there aren't any iguanas in the movie. Have to make sure we stay away from clubs. Wouldn't want to get into a fight with staff, or there might be affidavits and inquiries everywhere.

I suppose the only other political story of interest involves Peter Beattie being ropeable at suggestions he has poor taste in women. She doesn't sound very merry.

Some lurkers have commented on the Latin quotes at the end of each blog, and feel they may be overdone. I can only reply
Latine loqui coactus sum
"Exit, stage left"

14k? Right said Fred

2008-06-09T19:37:00.007+10:00

Since last post, 132k in 13 runs. A bit freaky really, even with some ups and downs in the k stakes, I still average 10k/run. Unplanned too. The last few runs have brought the average up: 46k in 4. I noticed that only one of the 13 have been early in the morning (ie 6am) so I'm still managing to stay out of the unmotivating part of the year (dark, cold, wet).
Quite a few runs have involved the M7, as they've been lunchtime during the week. Additionally, I've tried Nurragingi and the Western Sydney Parklands, from Quakers Hill Parkway out to Great Western Highway.

The Long Weekend has proven to be decent for running: temperatures up a bit because of the rain, not too much of the rain while running, and some interesting courses: to Baulkham Hills, Beaumont Hills, and yesterday, Nurragingi.

Go Girl has proposed a Cool Runners West time trial; just like the monthly Bay Run 5k, only closer to here!
After some discussion on her thread, we have settled on Nurragingi, and on Sunday, Ratdog, Fred and I paced it out, mapped the course and the continued on to the WSP, completing a good 14k. Pleasant weather, and enjoyable company with runners' chat aplenty. We even spotted a black rabbit, possibly displaced from The Ponds by previously-mentioned foxy loxy.
Which was a thinly-disguised segue into the next bit: the family watched "Chicken Little" DVD this afternoon: quite enjoyable with YD thoroughly entertained.
I'm still plowing through Zamoyski's book: 460 pages down, 109 to go. Quite fascinating, but hardly light.
eBay has continued to assist our music collection, with a few B-52's CD's arriving recently. I decided to get these after buying Funplex, and realising I only had the greatest hits compilation. Scandalous! Just love Mesopotamia and Private Idaho. Oh, and Party Out Of Bounds...
I like to keep quiet about it (Tesso and Go Girl knew) but I celebrated, not too long ago, a significant birthday. While I'm getting on, at least I can jump up a category in fun runs, and draw inspiration from incidents like this.

ave atque vale

"Exit, stage left"

Fox On The Run: Sweet!

2008-05-25T18:12:00.005+10:00

Since last post, I've run 23 times for 220k. The most interesting was when I took an early weekend jog around the new Ponds estate, and saw up ahead - a fox! Now, we don't live in Sherwood Forest or even Disneyland, so it was unusual to see the little fellow trotting along at a fairly blockbusting pace.

Interestingly, in those 22 runs, I've managed to avoid early mornings other than on three occasions. Those three runs firmed my resolve to try to continue this trend.

Two West Met's have come and gone, and I must say neither were especially enjoyable.
10/05/08 saw the 4k Ermington completed in 19:45, with some tricky XC sections. A cool day added to the ambiance-less feel, along with the lunatic drivers trying to park on a dime.

24/05/08 was worse: Upjohn Park, the second hardest course beckoned, although had I remembered HOW hard it was, I may have simply waved a glad cheerio from a distance. A 4k run of 20:53 was a struggle indeed, and it would be fair to say many runners struggled through with slower-than-usual times. The footbridge 300m from the start is something else: all runners converge to cross a 2m wide wooden bridge, cunningly positioned so you have to turn at right angles to cross. I was surprised no troll emerged to collect tolls.

Other than those two runs, no other competition. After a decent family celebration last night, I wisely chose to avoid a 5:30am start for the SMC, or indeed a 6:30am start for the Blacktown 10k. A balanced view prevailed, so I headed out for a leisurely 10k through Beaumont Hills Smalls Creek bikepath, to be met by Mrs BB and YD at Rouse Hill Centenary Park, from where we proceded to Rouse Hill Shopping Centre for some serious CD and DVD purchases. I ended up with the new James Taylor CD/DVD "One Man Road", and the classic movie "The Day The Earth Stood Still". Klaatu barada nikto indeed.

As a slight change from the historical mysteries, but in keeping with the historical trend which I feel is particularly relevant for me this month, I'm reading Adam Zamoyski's "Rites Of Peace: The Fall Of Napoleon & The Congress Of Vienna". This 569 page tome is certainly the last word on the 1815 Congress Of Vienna, itself a fascinating study of politics and people. Those diplomats certainly got up to some high-jinks there while "on tour". Would never happen nowadays, I'm sure.

Great to hear Lord Downer has rejected all those plum, high-paying private sector jobs to apparently go back to the front bench and help out Brendan. Should guarantee the next two Fed Elections for Labor. If only he can continue developing Christopher Pyne's superb incarnation as the next Lord D, and get Shadow Foreign Minister for him too.

Avid readers of Cicero would see why Lord D pays attention to nothing:

Cura nihil aliud nisi ut valeas

"Exit, stage left"

Long In The Tooth? What a nerve!

2008-04-28T20:21:00.007+10:00

Loyal readers will faint with shock at the speed of this follow up post.
Having enjoyed a pleasant four days (more later), it's time to document for posterity.
Running:
Thur 24/04 Rest Day!
Fri 25/04 14k along T-Way to MIL's house; weights later in day
Sat 26/04 10k along Windsor Rd Bike Path to Riverstone; weights later in day
Sun 27/04 5k SMC race
Mon 28/04 8k Clean Streets 6am!

SMC report:
A clear morning, slightly fresh and about 11 degrees greeted the larger-than-usual field. I hoped to do well, but failed.
A finish time of 24:07 wasn't bad, and a last k of 4:17 was pretty good, but somehow the time didn't match the effort. If I had been in a "guess your time" competition, I would have come last; I felt like I was on 23 min pace but I was off.
Over five races I've managed 23:32, 23:54, 24:00, 24:00 and 24:07.
Still, a decent hitout, mate Joe managing around 20:50 after feeling flat. Good effort buddy.
One more race to go, and of course plenty of West Mets on Saturdays to sharpen the sprinting skills.

Since late-ish last year I've had problems with an upper rear tooth, resulting in a number of dental visits and treatment for a cracked tooth. Well, now it's gone the next step and requires either
a. root canal, or
b. extraction
The past week has been an interesting one, from a statistical point of view. It will no doubt be useful to chart the pain progression and determine the mean average onset of pain after Nurofen consumption. Perhaps a few correlations can be drawn between that and exercise. I can certainly infer one thing: eating and drinking on one side causes agony.
Well today, part one of the required process occurred, and we have on our hands one partly dead nerve, sufficient to eliminate pain until part two commences Thursday week.
My dentist, a keen Jerry student - meaning Lewis and Seinfield - informed me that, if extraction is required, they have very modern pliers. And sedative. They apparently don't tie string (one end to your tooth and one end to a door handle) any more.

Just finished Ben Elton's "Blind Faith" which had more than a passing resemblance to an updated 1984.
A few more CD's arrived, including the rarity "The Graham Gouldman Thing" from the late 60's. Interesting to hear his own recordings of songs he wrote for others eg No Milk Today, Bus Stop, Pamela Pamela.

Anyone see M Turnbull sweating on 7:30 Report tonight? His upper lip and chin betrayed him. No wonder, when he challenged Kerry's "assertion" of 10 interest rate rises under Howard.
"Assertion"? I do believe empiricism still has a place in our world, unless of course we choose to take a kind of existentialist attitude to facts.

Off to Melbourne for work tomorrow; staying in town with full-on days and evenings, but still plan to get to The Tan for a couple of laps - and perhaps spot proud, cap-wearing CR's?

And so for additional company I will be taking Paul Doherty's "The Templar".
Cave ab homine unius libri

"Exit, Stage Left"

A useless Tip

2008-04-23T09:30:00.018+10:00

Attempting to emulate Snagglepuss in speedy exit, I will try to be briefer than usual:

* a very enjoyable family break last week, out to Wellington, Dubbo and Mudgee. Saw the Wellington Caves, Dubbo Open Plains Zoo (perhaps the highlight for YD was the electric cart we hired to get around in) Old Dubbo Gaol, Dubbo Observatory, and Ye Olde Mudgee
* the new iPod nano with car adaptor worked a treat, eliminating the need for cumbersome CD's in-car. Special mention must go to Al Stewart and Jimmy Buffett, who helped us through the miles. Extra special mention and thanks go to Mrs BB who tolerated these artists until Jimmy Barnes came on, followed by George Michael. YD was quietly content in the back, glued to her portable DVD player with headset. And so travels the modern family, content in their isolated world and with the knowledge they will not hear the dreaded words "are we there yet???"
* three decent 10k runs in Dubbo/Mudgee, utilising the picturesque Tracker Riley Bikepath in Dubbo (traversing the riverbanks) and Lawson Park in Mudgee, perhaps the loveliest of parks seen on the trip
* for the statistically minded, since last post a total of 163k has been clocked up on the road, along with five weights sessions. Of these 15 runs - apart from the aforementioned holiday runs - most have been in a new running location, Beaumont Hills. With a mixture of easy flat sections and testing hills (but with great views) I have found this to be a welcome break from the Clean Streets of the past three years, and easily accessible via an easy five minute run, stopping for lights at Windsor Rd

Sub report: West Met Series
* 12/04/08 West Met #3 Rydalmere: 5k 24:02 min
Quite a decent time on a generally flat but stop/start course due to the construction mentioned last post. Two laps of a 2.5k course meant a total of six dead stops to turn around, making for rhythmless running. I later found out the course was slightly longer than 5k, so an even better result in retrospect
* 19/04/08 West Met #4 Smithfield 5k 23:38 min
Best run of the season so far, with a completely different course from the SMC; all cross country with concrete bike path, one lap only, so easier to maintain pace. Relative to others I pace against, I performed creditably time-wise, although finished 59th to break the three week 51st placing pattern. Mind you, there were more than 90 runners this week, up from 70-odd. It seems that the Smithfield run is great preparation for cross country championship events, which might explain the unfamiliar faces finishing ahead of me

I've found that doing an easy 10k run earlier in the morning before the West Met works well for me, along with no eating past Friday evening (but plenty of sports drink). Some might say this is a great way to build up to an eventual hypo collapse or at the very least faint from hunger, but I have been doing it for a few years now and it seems to work. As does consuming late lunch soon after the 2:25pm race...

Next Sunday SMC 5k beckons. The second last for the season, it will be a good test of speed. I'd like to think I can beat 23:32, my PB. We'll see. Once more, I'll head out there with Joe, who seeks to break the elusive 20 minute mark post-hamstring recovery. The last couple of months have seen a goodly turnout, with many familiar faces, many of whom are competing in the 10k.

Working through Laura Joh Rowland's "The Snow Empress", her latest installment in the Sano Ichiro late 17th Japan mystery series. I read it with a sense of urgency, as there are three further library books demanding attention, including Ben Elton's latest "Blind Faith".

Still filled with joie de vivre after the November 2007 Federal Election and the subsequent fall from grace of the Opposition Rabble, I have avoided posts on politics, in general, since then - at least without the same frequency or intensity leading up to said election.
Nevertheless, I feel it necessary to comment on two events arising from this week's activities, both involving Tip Costello.
1. Great excitement surrounds Tip's memoirs, due out 01/10/08. I'm sure they'll be a great read. Also pleasing to learn that Tip is writing them on taxpayers' time, so I'm sure he'll represent his constituents proudly until at least then. A shame Work Choices never applied to him, or even a simple Contact Of Employment that enforced the requirement to devote himself diligently to his primary employment role, as is the case for the rest of us. Apparently Brendan Nelson supports this definition of Serving Your Country
2. perhaps this is why Brendan has slipped to third as voter-preferred Opposition Leader, behind Malcolm and Tip! Bizarro World indeed.
Oh, and just a gentle reminder why that is really just shuffling the deck-chairs: the latest Newspoll has Labor's TPP lead at 61/39...

Perhaps Brendan would like Robin William's definition of Politics
“Politics: “Poli” a Latin word meaning “many”; and "tics" meaning “bloodsucking creatures"

"Exit, Stage Left"

Hail Fellow West Met

2008-04-06T18:16:00.004+10:00

Now that the West Met series is here, more frequent blogging may occur. While ruminations around music, books, politics and other topics may entertain the jaded reader, this blog's raison de'tre is running. And plenty of it.

Week one (29/03) was Haberfield, a tasty little course; easy on the eye, nice and flat with a mix of grass and bitumen bike path. As always, the first run of the season is WARM. No exception this year, with the temp around 23. A large field enthusiastically signed up and parted with $20 for the 14 runs. Reasonable value, no?
After running nearly all 2k events in 2006 with Son, and virtually none last year due to his soccer match times, 2008 sees a step up to middle distance races of 4-5k each, although without Son who is focusing on soccer again (in the mornings). I am heading to each event with friend Joe, who is promising some decent results. Last week saw him deliver 16:05 for the 4k. I managed 18:51, and was pleased with that, especially finishing the last k in around 4:20.

Week two (05/04) was Concord, an interesting cross country course which involved some hills, plenty of sharp turns and a warm 21 degrees. I estimate most people added about a minute to their Haberfield result: Joe 17xx, me 19:44 with a blistering last 500m uphill in 2:16. That was one tough run, made more difficult by standing at the starting line for 10 minutes in the warm sun trying not to become comatose.

Next week is Rydalmere,a tricky course along Parramatta River, involving a few turns also, as the original route has been cut short due to Waterfront Apartment construction. Ah well, rich people have to live somewhere too.

Plenty of decent training apart from the races, with distances from 8k to 15k being posted. Weights is more enjoyable, with the new iPod Nano purchase enabling me to block out all the C Rap on Music channels in the gym. Memo to self: ease up on belting out Paradise By The Dashboard Light. Patrons are nervous.

I find myself in the strange position of having read all borrowed library books and all newly-purchased books. I am therefore starting on "Don't Stop The Carnival" by Herman Wouk, a copy of which I purchased on eBay some months ago. I have also placed five urgent reservations at the local library for books on the BB reading list.

I seem to be so busy nowadays that I rush through Bloglines, read entries and move on without comment. I apologise for this Tesso, 2P, Jenruns, Owlie, RobertSong, Marcia, NTR and all others. The blogs are interesting, and I will comment soon.
Meanwhile, enjoy the rest of your Australian holiday Marcia and

Robert Song and Tesso!!!
Good luck in Canberra!!!
(Oh, and we just bought: George Of The Jungle, Aquaman, Josie And The Pussycats, Penelope Pitstop and tales Of The Texas Rangers. I'm contemplating series one of Robin Hood - the 1950's version with Richard Greene).

For now, though I must take my leave and return to my novels. As Cicero once told me:
Consuetudinis magna vis est

"Exit, stage left"

SMC prompts RMC

2008-03-16T11:07:00.003+11:00

I now realize that the monthly SMC race seems to preface my next blog. Good, because today's was a ripper.
A little cloudy, certainly not hot. A slightly smaller field all round. I aimed to complete the 5k in between 24 and 25 min, so not feeling super duper: a result of recent viral annoyances and a couple of chardies last night.
Went out a little harder today, managing 1k in 4:50, then thought a good time could happen if I didn't fall in a heap.
2k in 9:45, and turned halfway in 12:06. At that point I thought I should beat the 23:54 PB earlier in the season. Didn't get a 3k time, but got to the 4k in 19:16. I love that marker. I can always manage just one more k, and it's a gentle downhill slope. Came home fairly swiftly with 4:16 for that last k, and ended up in 23:32, a solid PB. Go me.

Training has been consistent although not motivating due to this virus which has made me feel a little blah all round. For those statistically minded, since last post I have managed 23 runs in 219k, along with 8 weights sessions and 0 sprint training. Just wasn't up to it.
Early March saw me in Melbourne, and I scooted around outside Albert Park Lake for a while then returned to the hotel via The Tan. Great spot, almost making me feel like I was healthy. Fortunately this weekend may have seen off the virus, with a decent 12k yesterday and today's effort. Plus weights twice...

Not sure if I'll get to the 3k time trial on Wednesday: if the health is truly better, then I'm in for sure. But not for the Baker's Delight delights afterwards.

eBay are currently celebrating their financial success due to our recent solid selection of purchases: quite a few AFL DVD's including the '66 and '70 GF's. Brilliant.
Some decent "replace the LP" CD's from USA, as well as some newbies and oddities eg Open Up The Gates, a collection of pre-Bread David Gates songs.

Currently reading IJ Parker's "The Hell Screen" set in 11th century Japan. Fifth in the series, although due to the eccentricity of the previous publisher, published second. I read them in order. She's pretty good at HM Japan, as is Laura Joh Rowland, although hers are set about 600 years later.

Next up is Candace Robb's "A Vigil Of Spies" featuring Owen Archer the one-eyed Welsh archer turned spy and family man. Twelfth in the series, I look foward to welcoming an old friend into the house. But hopefully only for about three days, as there are about six more books in the queue.

Mrs BB and YD are looking forward to next weekend as not only will we have the traditional Easter Egg hunt on Sunday, but it'll be one week closer to our April Dubbo holiday...

Not much left of Daylight Saving, but that's okay. It's just a matter of adjusting and enjoying the early mornings in April and May (June-Aug are another tale...).
As my friend the sundial says

Horas non numero nisi serenas

"Exit, stage left"

St Augustine, Augustus and august injuries

2008-02-17T17:30:00.004+11:00

"What then is time? If no one asks me, I know what it is. If I wish to explain it to him who asks, I do not know."

It seems my blog gets an update each time the SMC rolls around. I can only apologize profusely to all avid readers, lurkers, commenters and offline information seekers.
Today was SMC #6. While not a PB, I was pleased with 24 min flat for the 5k. Turning around in 12:25, I came home in 11:35 (like last month) and did the last km in 4:19. A fresh morning (17) with cloud cover made it perfect running conditions for the record turnout. My mate Joe managed 20:06, a great effort after hamstring troubles which are slow to go away. Steve Whelan cracked a superb 19:45, a PB for this series. He must be serious - he even did a warm up run...
Injury-wise, the bursitis has settled down well, sadly to be replaced by the piriformis, so more physio expense. Additionally, back muscular issues mean a welcome trip back to the chiro next week. I'd hate to think how much I've spent (net of private healthcare refund) over the past four years on these two...

The good news is I don't plan to detail all the running since last post. Excel fans can request a copy of the file. Some decent runs, tempered by the afore-mentioned ailments and annual leave, with no major varaiations to locations.
Still, I did the CR Summer Twilight run at Doonside Friday 01/02. Did the 10k in 50:15 with a 24:40 negative split. A good hitout along the M7, I was pushed all the way by Cliffold (Martin). I was hoping to do the Parramatta 10k Friday night but was a little tired after 11k in the morning, wieghts and generally feeling flat with traces of a virus.

Still, consistent running has been the theme of the past month. I have given up on cycling, and the bikes have gone to a good home at Bondi, via eBay. Mrs BB also sold two old but "in great nick" mobiles for $80, and other treasures await lucky purchasers...

Annual Leave has come and gone, with a flying visit from my dad, and a trip to the Central Coast for some swimming (and fish'n'chips by Woy Woy lagoon). Now it's back into the excitement and fast-paced action that is Retail, until our trip to Dubbo Zoo in April school holidays. Tracker Riley bikepath isn't too bad a training option either...

Picked up some CD's on eBay: "The Ragpicker's Dream", and "Kill To Get Crimson", both by Mark Knopfler. Also Suzanne Vega's newie "Beauty And Crime": a little like "99.9F"from 1992. Haven't spun the MK discs yet.

Just finished a wonderful, and long, biography of Gaius Octavius, who became Augustus and Rome's first Emperor (sorry, make that Princeps).I never realised how important his close friend Agrippa was in Octavian's rise to power; fascinating to realize that he was the military brains (and might), while of course Octavian masterminded, cajoled, threatened, negotiated and compromised. Ultimately he won. Also interesting to learn that, although Octavian lived to the (for ancient times) old age of 76, he suffered from various illnesses much of his life. Perhaps the strangest was his getting ill before most major battles. Physical or mental?

Next up is Steven Saylor's epic historical novel "Roma", weighing in at 550 pages HB, and promising much. His Gordianus novels are superb, and after 53 pages, Roma is proving to be a page-turner...

No point commenting on Sorry Day or all the hoo-ha that went with it. "Consensus" means general agreement, not unanimity. I for one was proud we did what we did. For me, it shows the yawning gap between past and present governments, and justifies yet again my ongoing voting preference. May we continue to rationally debate values - principles not monetary ones...

Per angusta in augusta

"Exit, stage left"

A PB without flying the flag

2008-01-20T18:05:00.000+11:00

Some decent running this past week, along with another emerging injury.
Sat 12/01 14k M7 along Kings Langley bike path to Blacktown Pool. When I'm really keen, I can make it a 25k by returning home via the Blacktown T-Way path.
Sun 13/01 10k Clean Streets in 28 degrees and I mean hot!
Mon,Tue,Wed,Fri all 8k before work around Clean Streets or Beaumont Hills. I must say those rabbits are fit fellows - I keep spotting a few each morning, out for their constitutional.
Sat 19/01 19k T-Way to Norwest, M7 to Sunnyholt, back home.
Three weights sessions during the week.
That leads us to today: SMC #5. With colleague Joe injured but keen to support the event, I headed out early and caught up with a few CR's. In particular, Hills Aths1 managed a PB 20:13 in the 5k. The secret was not going to a concert last night.
The start was heavy as we have had a spot of rain recently. So the going was hard for the first 150m, and this slow pace mesmerised me into cruising. First k: 5:05. Slow. Picked up the pace and turned around in 12:20. Can't remember the further splits but I do know I didn't have to stop for the T-Way bus this month. Sprinted home for a 23:54 finish and a technical PB (last month official 24 flat, but I took off 15 seconds waiting for the bus. It didn't even offer to stop).
What was especially pleasing was the negative split: 11:34 for the second 5k.
Of course, now I do need to head to the physio: some form of glute problem I think. I don't enjoy pain, no matter how mild, and slowly increasing pain is telling you to open your wallet and head on down...
I can do this comfortably this week, as annual leave is here until 31/01. Maybe the beach, certainly the movies, swimming with YD, and BB's Dad is here Wednesday, with tales to tell of his intrepid stay with our relos in Melbourne, that home of tennis aficionados and passionate crowd support.
So there's every chance I'll complete some more novels: I've struck gold with my current one: "The Chatelet Apprentice" by Jean-Francois Parot. At school, I studied German and Spanish but not French, so it's the translated version pour moi. An excellent historical mystery, set in Paris 1761, before La Guillotine had commenced work...
So the Aussies finally lost a test. Good. Too much pressure, and too much hubris. BUT.
Why the furore over their celebrating the Sydney win, but nothing about India's yesterday? Maybe the Aussies should have grabbed a few flags too, and wrapped themselves in them. Oh and I guess they'll be demanding the umpires be sacked for poor performance, after two LB's were incorrectly given out in Australia's second innings (Roy and Mr Cricket).No? Oh well, maybe the Aussie's aren't bad sportsmen always!

Mens regnum bona possidet

"Exit, stage left"

Follow That Whale!

2008-01-11T18:14:00.000+11:00

As the new year gets firmly underway, it is pleasing to see that I have managed to stick to the new programme. As keen readers would know, this involves similar running (including various races), sprint training, and weights. No cycling. None. The bikes are soon to be cleaned, photographed and (hopefully) sold.

So far this year:
Wed 02 11k Beaumont Hills 6am
Thur 03 10k Clean Streets 7am
Fri 04 weights 6am, then an unplanned but thoroughly enjoyable 10k with NTR through Nurragingi. I think some heavy training sessions will be planned for Ian as the Six Foot Track gets nearer
Sat 05 15k Beaumont Hills/Smalls Creek Cycleway/Rouse Hill; weights later
Sun 06 8k Rouse Hill, to Hills Centenary Park, for the sprint training. This year is different: focus on 500m sprints; so far I've managed a warm up before, then two sets (with a gentlemanly break between). I measure every 250m, so can pace myself. Results: 1:04/1:04 (total 2:08), second set 0:55, 1:02 (total 1:57). Happy.

Mon 07 8k Clean Streets 6am
Tue 08 10k Beaumont Hills/New Rouse Hill
Wed 09 8k Clean Streets 6am then sprints later that evening, assisted by YD on bike and scooter, with Mrs BB swatting the flies away. A gentle 1k warm up, followed by the two efforts (and a 400m jog in between).
Results: 1:01/1:04 (total 2:05), second set 0:54, 0:58 (total 1:52). Happier.
Thur 10 REST DAY!
Fri 11 10k Clean Streets/The Ponds 5:50am, followed by weights after work (mid afternoon).

So all up, a good start, especially when I thought my achilles was about to make itself known on Monday. A quick rotation of shoes, stretching exercises and no concrete, and it seems to be okay. Upon reflection, this running caper requires dedication. The running part is generally easy. It's the warm ups/warm downs/stretches and manipulations that demand daily attention. Still, the bursitis seems to have disappeared (as do the problems with the teeth/jaw, thank you for enquiring).

Because it's holidays for most colleagues, I have found I've been able to get things done with minimal interruption, and have time over for reading. This has meant I've knocked off three books in the past 11 days: "The Elixir Of Death" by Bernard Knight, and an entertaining history book by Robert Lacy "Great Tales From English History" - the third in the series, taking us up to the 1950's. I hope he can finish the next volume and sort out his relationships. Leaving his wife halfway through writing the book made for an interesting year, in his words.The other history book was "Europe Transformed 1878-1919" by Norman Stone. Packed with detail and made me realize how much I don't know, especially about Europe 19th century politics. If in need of reference, I will generally consult BB senior.

Musically, I've been listening to "Spamalot" Broadway soundtrack (hope to see it if it moves from Melbourne to Sydney), and The Eagles newby "Long Road Out Of Eden". I expected more of the Python, and less from The Eagles. Strangely, I found MP a little formulaic, and The Eagles better than hoped for.

I find US politics quite serene at present. Why? Well, we're back in power Federally and generally starting off well. The Opposition is still in turmoil. I mean, even the former Environment Minister Ian Campbell is off balance: an arch conservative, he has now joined the (in his previous definition) Loony Left, through jumping onto the activist Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

I'm confident a Democrat will be President in early 2009, and believe Obama will be it, not The Femocrat. She just doesn't have the charisma of Bill...

In closing, it seems fellow running bloggers are losing the blogging passion. Not me. I hereby commit to ongoing blogging, at a consistent and regular interval. Your task is to mathematically identify that interval. Then let me know...

Magna res est vocis et silentii temperamentum

"Exit, stage left"

Seconds for Christmas

2007-12-26T19:13:00.000+11:00

Hope all lurkers and commenters had a great Christmas. Here, we hosted the family and Mrs BB did an excellent catering job, with assistance from attendees. Plenty of cheer, fine food (with the traditional ham, turkey and pork supplemented by chickpea burgers and tofu kebabs, the latter mainly for me), good company and moderate weather. YD had the sort of Christmas one expects littlies to have, with Santa arriving on time and supplying much of the requested list. Both he and the reindeer enjoyed our cookie/carrot/milk/water repast we put on; YD didn't disturb us until after 7:30am - thoughtfully reading in bed until then.

No annual leave just yet, that comes later in January, so it's back to a workplace doubling as a mausoleum. That's okay, I can do twice as much work in half the time...

Since last post, a solid 68k in 6 days, with no real bursitis problems and speed going okay.
I've managed 1 x 8k, 1 x 9k, 1 x 11k, 2 x 12k, 1 x 13k. Pretty solid stuff, and I'll add to that the 3k time trial last Wednesday at Roxborough Park, where the Hills Athletics Club put on a fine run, sausage sizzle, and Bakers' Delight delight. Not bad value for the $2 entry fee.
This year, I've managed four of these runs: Jan 14:25, Feb 13:37, Sep 13:37

and this month: 13:33!! four seconds!!!

So, a good way to finish off the year with a PB and the feeling that the injury is definitely on the train with a one way ticket, personal escort and a warning at all border points to refuse re-entry. Weights continues well, and I plan to modify my exercise regime next year: weekly sprints (4 x 1k), and no cycling - both bikes are soon to find loving new homes. We have ridden ours an average of twice a year for 10 years, so realism has set in and alternative - perhaps more difficult - exercise will occur. Still plenty of running for me, and walking for Mrs BB. I'd like to do the West Met series next year; it will depend on Son's soccer timetable.

Given this may well be the final post of 2007, based on a quick statistical analysis of frequency of posting, may I wish all a safe NYE and a wonderful 2008. May your hopes be fulfilled in a positive way.

Felix Sit Annus Novus

"Exit, stage left"

Face it, the 5k is busted

2007-12-18T20:53:00.000+11:00

The obscure post title amuses me. Stick with it.

Did the SMC Sunday. Went for the 5k option as I felt the bursitis needed TLC and 5k wasn't a stretch (get it?). Joe M of course stuck to the 5k but had problems of his own - hamstring. Still, he managed 20:20 which was excellent, and I finished in 24 flat gun time. I'm claiming 23:47 net as I had to stop for a TWay bus - something I never really thought happened to anyone, but now there are two of us who can claim this dubious distinction.
A pleasant morning out, with mild humidity and little sun, followed by a great BBQ and chat. And home by 9am, with the day ahead!
Managed 71k in 8 runs since last post, with a solid 15k Quakers Hill workout Saturday before the SMC. Plenty of weights to create the illusion of balanced training.
The dental saga grows, with more problems, although now symetrically opposed. Turns out that I have muscle problems RHS of dental set, top. The dentist is amused, and suggests it is due to compensating for the tooth problems on the LHS: you know, eating only on the right. Seems the best treatment is not talking, eating soft food, and not laughing. Strike Three...

After prompting from Tesso, signed up to Facebook, and now wonder at all the trivial things you can do on the site. Movie quizzes, scrabulous, writing on walls, poking... what happened to talking?

Looking forward to the last Roxborough Park 3k time trial tomorrow night, followed by the end of year BBQ. Well done again Steve!

Readers in sych will know of my penchant for correct and simple language. Imagine my surprise listening to a Real Estate spokesperson yesterday on the ABC. He spoke of the need to create more dwellings to offset demand for accommodation. I shiver when people say "moving forward" (is there an option involving time travel?). I challenge writers' birth legitimacy when they convert nouns to verbs (I will not be "tasked" with any challenge).
What I find particularly infuriating is when someone uses a buzz word or phrase and, combined with the wrong context, ends up with a meaningless piece of drivel that would be seen as clever if intentional.
In this case, he said: " we need, moving forward, to task our policy team with the challenge of creating more stand-alone dwellings on the ground (my italics)".
Great, so no Jetsons in the near future. Here endeth the linguistic rant.

It's nearing Christmas, so I'm listening to The Pogues "Fairytale In New York City". A wonderful mix of schmalz, realism and Irish humour.

BTW, I still feel good when I read/hear "Prime Minister Rudd". And I think we deserve an extra celebratory drink NYE for this don't we?

absentem laedit cum ebrio qui litigat

"Exit, stage left"

Tom Lehrer is right

2007-12-09T09:01:00.000+11:00

Tom Lehrer once said that political satire was obsolete, after Henry Kissinger was awarded the Nobel Peace prize.
Without doubt, this has been reinforced by Brendan Nelson's Shadow Cabinet announcement.
I mean, Tony Abbott as Shadow Indigenous Affairs spokesperson!
And Bronwyn Bishop for Veterans Affairs!
For me, this puts BN in a new light. I thought he was merely trying to emulate the winning presentation style of P Ruddock, but with his zany appointments, there is a Groucho Marx attempting to gain ascendancy.
Still, Labor supporters everywhere have reason to feel confident of 2010 victory even now, with the opposition being led by the team of The Locum and Dr Farnsworth.
It is as though eleven years of bad karma have caught up, and we are treated to this, as well as the political journos each writing their own backstory. For me, the funniest is the QLD Libs' leadership battles, and the threat to have a lucky dip leader. Maybe Rusty will do a Nelson and opt for the Libs. He'd be a better leader, although Queenslanders still feel Mickey Mouse is better qualified.

In my own seat of Greenway, we are soooo lucky to have Louise Markus (Lib) returned, with a substantially reduced majority. Oh well, see you out and about in another 2.5 years Louise. Remember us. Remember where we are, too.

Running has been steadily improving, with the bursitis being self-managed. Plenty of stretching, decent runs but nothing over 15k. Even some sprint training at Rouse Hill park: 2 x 1k efforts of 4:45 and 4:33. Pretty happy I can even do sprints, so I guess I am running within my constraints.

I've decided I'll do the SMH run next weekend, but dropping down to the 5k, so supporting Joe for the first 100m. I'm sure he'll do under 20 min again. I'm aiming for a sub 25 and hope my leg holds up.

On the dental front, it's fair to say Bella Dental has dedicated a Blues Buffett wing, in recognition of the sterling business sent their way over the past month. However, in the washup, no crown, no root canal, no major activity. Night split, filling, different diagnoses. The current one in favour is that the cracked tooth is manageable, and the referred pain was from muscular injury to the jaw and surrounds. Anyway, it seems to have disappeared, so no more daily Nurofen and plenty of sleeping.

All of this is no doubt fascinating to loyal blog readers, and I apologise for not providing updates over the past four weeks. As with other CR bloggers, it appears that life has got in the way of cyber life.

On the reading front: I can heartily recommend Philip Kerr's fourth novel in the Bernie Gunther series "The One From The Other". I don't lightly describe novels as Page Turners, but this is. If you haven't read the Berlin Noir trilogy (now obsolete with this fourth installment, and a fifth due in 2008), do so. Think Phillip Marlow in Germany pre- and post- WW2.

Musically, I've managed to pick up the first two Whitlam's CD's on eBay, so plan to catch up on a few old favourites as well as explore - to me - early unknowns.

Musica delenit bestiam feram

"Exit, stage left"

The Agony Of Choice

2007-11-11T18:11:00.000+11:00

Two weeks since the last post: 106k in 11 runs. Less than 10k average. That's because only one of the runs has been more than 10k, while many have been 8k. Right now, I can't get past 10k. I'll explain.

Melbourne was great as expected: two runs from South Yarra. 12k included two Tan laps, while the 10k headed south along the Yarra via the Yarra Trail.
When I returned, I noticed gradually increasing (as in over a few days) pain at the top of my left leg - almost near the join but not quite. It cuts in about 20 min into the run and gets quite sore until the end. No pain when I'm walking around. It's time for the Physio.
But the Agony Of Choice is whether to get this fixed first or my hairline-cracked tooth, which is more painful and more often eg when I eat. Looks like this is a Crown job, so goodbye $1,300 (less very generous private health fund gap). Sure.
Mrs BB will be phoning tomorrow to discover just how generous this assistance is. My guess is $300. Glad to be contributing so much to this benevelant co-op for so long. Maybe I'll get some shares when the govt sells it off.

So no really exciting runs to report, and I'm unsure about next week's SMC 10k. I hope to get into Valentine Park physio this week and I am guessing racing might be discouraged. Actually, I'll be secretly pleased if it is: it's a struggle getting through 10k, let alone at speed.

Musically, all the oldies are back. I've got Springsteen's "Magic" and give it an A-.
I notice the newly-reformed Daddy Cool have a new CD "The New Cool". That Ross Wilson just won't go away. Might get the CD too. And for Mrs BB, I bought Harry Connick Jr's new one "Oh My Nola". At first hearing it's slick as usual. I think she's waiting for any new releases from Michael Buble or Diana Krall.

Just started reading "House Of Shadows" by the Medieval Murderers, a group of HM writers such as Susanna Gregory, Bernard Knight, Ian Morson and Michael Jecks.The third in the series, it's an interesting concept that travels well yet again.

At least we can say that we're on the home straight to Election Day. Much merriment and anger has been provided by not just the politicians, but the media, in its endeavour to sway voters. I can thankfully say that I don't read the Daily ToryGraph or Orstrayun, but the Pseph's out there covering the campaign draw one's attention to significant bias.
I mean, look at this
Then read the story and click through to the article. Sloppy journalism? No. Less than subtle attempt to get punters wondering? Yes.

I guess I need to wait three years and hope ED can do a better job of this journalism caper than Greg Milne, Dennis Shanahan or Piers Ackerman currently do.

Roll on 24/11/07...

Gloriosum est iniurias oblivisci

"Exit, stage left"

X Rays and Ray's Ex

2007-10-28T12:44:00.000+11:00

An actioned-packed week. X-rays and CT scans to finally reveal bulging disc in C5/6. In common language, a sore neck which also radiated to tingling fingers. Not really painful, just annoying. So then it was back to the chiro for some manipulation over the next few weeks. And plenty of neck exercises, plus commonsense stuff: don't slouch, think about posture generally. I guess we all hear this but it never really sinks in until action is required.

Running continued although without the same level of enthusiasm, at least until Thursday when the CT scan results came through. Work colleagues were supportive: "great news you're not having a stroke". Glad they have a morbid sense of humour. That one didn't occur to me...

So this week
Mon 6am 8k Clean Streets
Tue 6am 10k Clean Streets
Wed 6am 10k new course through The Ponds (new suburb)
Thur 6am 8k Clean Streets
Fri 6am 10k Clean Streets; weights BLC at lunchtime

Boring so far? Not really. I like the early morning run, before it gets too humid and too hot. Unfortunately so does Louie The Fly and his mates. It seems no matter how much Off I spray on, they don't comply.

Sat 7:45am 12k through Beaumont Hills and the new road into and around Rouse Hill Town Centre. I'm looking forward to Stage Two opening in March, as there will be further trails and scenery in general to explore. A good course to end up at Rouse Hill Centenary Park for sprint training.
Weights BLC in afternoon (then lawn mowing, then Bundy Dark n Stormy).

Today was St Mary's 8k Fun Run. As I headed there at 7:45am, I saw Go Girl who was finishing a 30k training run. Great training Nat!

The course was indeed flat, and good for fast times. A Woodstock Runner - Thalia - ran with me all the way and we finished in 38:17/38:18 (ladies first). Thanks Thalia, you paced me well and ensured an honest run.
I'll be back next year - it was well organised, well marshalled, nice community feel and great value at $10 on the day.
An extra bonus was bumping into Jenny, my Uni girlfriend's sister. I hadn't seen her or her husband for 15 years, so it was great to catch up on all the news and see how ex GF was. Jenny herself ran very well as did her daughter.

Off to Melbourne for a few days this coming week, so I plan to do two runs from South Yarra down to and around The Tan, about 10k each. Maybe with a bit of Yarra Path included (it's such a great spot, and perfect weather to run, early mornings this time of year)...

Torpid is how I would describe politics.The fact that we have completed two weeks of the Federal Election campaign is one thing, but the realisation that there is twice as much time left to run ensures one's body is permeated with ennui.
Still, plenty to amuse the avid surfer. My vote this week goes to Happy Joe Happy for his memorable line
"our fear campaign is based on fact"
This is special, and pure gold in my book.
Faced with this obsession about % of ex-union front benchers, I wonder if we could ask Honest John about his team. Do lawyers really represent 20% of the Australian workforce?
Perhaps they need a better representative sample. Maybe include an overseas-trained GP, a Tampa survivor, three people on AWA's and Paul Mcloughlin.

By the way, the PM has a message for all of us: a Liberal Party ad should only be held accountable for its content if it's been aired at least three times. Better start counting...

Abusus non tollit usum

"Exit, stage left"

Wait a sec, that's a PB

2007-10-21T18:23:00.000+10:00

Yesterday saw a 12k easy run around Easy Streets in humid conditions, followed by weights in the afternoon.

Today was SMC #2. I went along with netball colleague Joe. 10k for me, 5k for him.

Talk about averaging out.

His target: 20 min flat. His result: 20:01. Still a great effort and placed 10/38.

I was hoping to beat 50 min, with last month's race 49:37 (23/47). My result?

49:36 (29/69)

Statistically, it's hard to comprehend how one second can affect a person's psyche. I was elated, Joe initially disappointed, although soon afterwards he realised it was a great run and he would easily crack it next time, knowing the terrain now and planning his assault.

Today was much hotter than last month, and it was more focused as unfortunately this time I didn't have Tesso for company. Still, saw many of the regular CR's including Johnny Dark looking strong in the half, and Hills Aths who backed up after a late night following the Nick Cave concert for a 20:57 in the 5k. Go Girl did the 10k, and finished in 47:20 so another strong run from Nat.
Until today, I hadn't met Bernie, but she ran well to finish just behind me. Speaking with her afterwards, it was even more impressive when I found out she was backing up from Fitzroy Falls last weekend...

Cooled down then back home for a chat and Gatorade with Joe before the family went for a BBQ to harbourside Neutral Bay complete with pool and terrific view. I'll bottle that day...

"Exit, stage left"

Holiday virus drove me crazy

2007-10-20T07:09:00.000+10:00

It's been 22 days, 15 runs and 155k since my last post.

What's happened?

Well, we've holidayed on the FNC, staying at Coffs Harbour, Casuarina, Ballina and Hallidays Point. All up, just over 2,000k driving and progressively getting worse with some sort of virus. It would be fair to say that put a dampener on my enjoyment, although I still managed a few decent runs.

The holiday merry-makers were me, Mrs BB, YD, Son. Naturally ED avoided the ignominy of a family holiday. Our accommodation at Coffs provided scenic views along with complementary breakfast, which Son attacked with gusto.

Casuarina was interesting, with a noticeable similarity in intent to Cabarita here in Sydney. It's the sort of area that is pretty, expensive and a little sterile. Certainly the houses are unusually designed.Here's ours:

With three bedrooms, air con and a lap pool, it had all the comforts. Just looked weird. Good views from the top deck, which would have been an ideal BBQ location however not with the moths that frequent it. My dad called in on his return journey from Melbourne; I am now the proud owner of a limited edition Myanmar Hash House Harriers t shirt. Just the thing for those Burmese riots discussions.

We did Movie World and Sea World, then headed to Ballina for a couple of days. Yes, it's still the place to move to...

An overnight at Hallidays Point (Tallwoods Golf resort)

provided a break before returning home and back to work.

Memorable runs included the bike path from Casuarina to Kingscliff, next to the ocean; and Ballina: North Creek, Lighthouse, Prospect Lake, beaches: just brilliant for running (and living) .

Having called into the GP a couple of times since returning, I now know that I had a virus but it didn't have the decency to hit my chest, nose, throat or head. Just feeling run down and congested. So it's back to normal now and focusing on running.

Two M7 lunchtime runs this week: 8k Monday in 30 degrees, which was pretty stupid, and 10k Wednesday with NTR, which was great company. Just didn't feel up to the Hills 3k after that, but am ready for the SMC 10k Sunday. My netball colleague Joe and I will be heading out there; Joe will be doing the 5k and hoping for a sub 20 min performance. I'll be happy just to do around 50 min for the 10k. The forecast is for 35 degrees sometime that day, so it could be a warm run... Hoping to do the St Marys 8k the following Sunday.

Plenty of excitement now that the Federal Election campaign is underway. This is the 14th I've taken an active interest in, ever since I was a very young lad. I remember the excitement of It's Time in 72, The Dismissal in 75, the Hawke sweeping victory of 83. Maybe I'm getting old. All recent ones have lacked excitement, although Latham managed to successfully generate ill will from me. It's all about luck isn't it? Just ask Menzies. You can hold onto power for many reasons, but if you face ineffectual opposition leadership, you stand a better chance. This time, I think it might be a Dear John letter to dear John.

The only thing I have found amazing so far is this. Murdoch muzzled? The world is indeed bizarro!

Extinctus amabitur idem

"Exit, stage left"

Gallingly accurate

2007-09-28T06:47:00.000+10:00

Slightly less k's than average since last post; 77 in 8 runs. Like 2P, feeling run down and quasi-flu like. That unpleasant disoriented, congested feeling. Can't stop running though: that wouldn't be obsessive, no...

No exciting courses to report; mainly Clean Streets plus an M7 lunchtime run. The Clean Streets have seen an increase in magpie activity, and one plover attack, near BLC. Armed with mainly full Fuel Belt, it was a draw.

At least the weather has been kind to runners, and forced us out early. Predicted high 20's temps will probably see more people out exercising.

Rouse Hill Town Centre (Stage One) opened Tuesday, so we checked it out. Not much different shopping wise, although some decent food court eateries have opened. At least JB HiFi is there, so that's one less trip to Castle Hill. Stage Two opens in March, and that's when it gets interesting: fashion stores, cinemas, library and plenty of greenspace/walking tracks. Might open up more running courses for me...

The faux election campaign is in full swing, so plenty to choose from for sport there. If you wonder why the Fed Govt is on the nose, it's because its senior Ministers can't get past the notion of job/money=happiness. Full stop. If we have full employment, we're okay. Job satisfaction? Life satisfaction? Huh?

Rather than remaining confused by their continual obfuscation, I've made comparisons easy: read this by Happy Joe Happy, and then this from Lindsay Tanner. Lindsay isn't the Shadow Minister for Basket Weaving, he's the alternative Finance Minister... HJH must simply be very dizzy with all his spin...

Finally, to put it into further perspective, try this. I like Tanya's cut-through comment..

"I have come to the conclusion that politics are too serious a matter to be left to the politicians" Charles De Gaulle, French Military leader and President

"Exit, stage left"

Bizzaro run

2007-09-20T18:33:00.000+10:00

I expected to see Bizzaro Jerry, George, Kramer AND Superman at Roxborough Park last night...

After a hard weekend's running (18k Saturday, the 8k race Sunday) and then backing up with 10k Monday and 8k Tuesday morning, I expected my legs to be very tired. They agreed, especially my quads.

Heading down to the Hills Club 3k time trial last night at 7:30pm, for my first go at it since March, I expected a pretty poor result. Previous results: Jan 14:25, Feb 13:37.

One positive was that the weather was mild and no breeze swayed. Good running conditions. I motivated myself by thinking that the next day was a rest day. All I had to do was finish the race.

As it turned out, I went along reasonably well. I didn't really pace myself against the lap clock, but knew I did 2200m in 10:01 and 2600m in 11:53. Motoring around the last 400m, I finished in exactly 13:37! Sounds as unlikely as the 1977 tied test centenary repetition, but there it was. Pretty happy with the time too. Didn't really hang around after, just time enough to have a quick post-fun run chat with Steve and thank him for the cap I won in the draw afterwards. So, with a couple of Bakers Delight samples in my hand, I headed home to read YD a story and look forward to a Rest Day Thursday. And it was gooood!

Not sure if Tip Costello should really taunt Kevin07 about his lack of tax scale knowledge, when his own estimate of the deficit is out by $4.5b...

Exit, stage left...

Citrus sinensis

2007-09-17T20:25:00.000+10:00

In a blow to the averages, I've covered 78k in 7 runs, so a 10% increase on the norm. Fairly happy too:

* Mon 13k work/WSP/M7 jaunt, taking in the new Parklands from Nurragingy to the previously-untried loop through to Quakers Hills Parkway. Found out it doesn't link to the M7, just cuts through farmlets with horsies and other interesting sights. Sadly, it even goes past a horse grave, complete with bridle on the large cross.
* Tue 8k at 6am through the Clean Streets; ducked a maggie swooping (nil all)
* Wed rest day!
* Thur 13k to Patterson Res Quakers Hill return: nice extension of the Clean Streets run, with picturesque Lemon Grove and parklands for scenery (weights 6am)
* Fri 8k 6am Clean Streets again
* Sat 18k home/M7/work with a lift from Mrs BB and YD, followed by shopping (just a lazy $1,300 outdoor setting purchase) and weights again
* Sun 8k Orange Blossom Fun Run at Castle Hill Showground. I'll keep it brief:

A beautiful day, and the benefit in hindsight was I'd forgotten how tricky the course was. As I ran it, I recalled the tough inclines and difficult footing (even the Showground Ring was slippery). Still, I managed a PB from last year: 39:35 vs 39:53. Good to see plenty of CR's there as well as other runners/colleagues.

Joe from YD's netball team did well, finishing in 34:40; work colleague Deanski managed to complete the course after Brick training Saturday in Parramatta Park, so her 48:xx was solid. A former Crestwood jogger-in-passing comrade Silvano had a huge improvement on last year, getting third overall in 31:08. Superb. Still haven't met Ratdog...

I thought Hills Club put on a great day, with good markings and marshalls - a pity the water ran out at the end! Still, congrats Steve on an excellent day and a 50% increase in numbers. Some photos courtesy of Abbey Digital (start and finish):

Oh, and this evening I did 10k Clean Streets. Felt okay but quads a little heavy.

Next up, 3k time trial at Roxborough Park Wednesday night. I've done it twice this year for 14:25 and 13:37. Right now I feel like it's going to be 14 flat, but maybe I'll get a burst of speed and get closer to 13:30. I'd like to do 13 flat but that's not going to happen until I do some more sprint training and work on my technique. Lifting my legs would help...

Looks like Happy Joe Happy aka Joe Hockey Team Member For Full Employment has decided there's plenty of good quality work for those who want it. Those who don't, well... they're "job snobs". I guess that's a step up from Dole Bludgers. Sounds good too. Nice rhyme.

"Some of it requires a little bit of pressure to be applied, for others, it just means providing greater opportunity to move to jobs." If that doesn't sound sinister, what does?

And in breaking news, The Team led by Team Leader John has made up ground in the latest poll: champers are in order as they have picked up 8%!!!

Oh yeah, they still trail by 10%, which would mean a whitewash and quite possibly Bennelong changing colours. Maybe Sub-Prime Minister Tip Costello is hoping for a tiny swing around the country and a massive reaction in Bennelong. That way, he never has to challenge. Oh if only he hadn't accused Labor of having no Ticker...

Faber quisque fortunae suae

Exit, stage left

RMC at SMC

2007-09-09T20:12:00.000+10:00

SMC beckoned irresistably and I entered the 10k race. First time at this event after much buildup via coolrunning, and it's all true. Great value for $9: level on-road course, well marshalled, drink stations (glad neither silver fox nor vat got happy snaps of me drunkenly attempting to sip sports drink), fruit and of course running bonhomie.
I ran the race with Tesso, who treated it as a light training run, backing up after a 35k session on Saturday (roll out Wayne's World quote from a couple of posts ago). Once again, great company with enjoyable conversation and running encouragement, as we did the last km in 4:33 to achieve an overall 49:37, just under plan. Hopefully we'll see more of her before her return; Mrs BB still hasn't met her and is keen to discuss all things Brady and Braithwaite. I feel a BBQ could be in the offing.

Great also to see other known CR's such as HillsAths1, Sailaway and NTR, as well as meet quite a few previously only read about: Gnome, seagull, Horrie, Superflake, Rags (hope the stomach's better), Papa Luigi, Vat, Silver Fox and of course the famous Johnny Dark. Maybe we can get you to that barbie JD?
Disappointing GoGirl wasn't there but maybe her ITB is still no good; as for my mate Joe - mate, all that sub 20min 5k work, weekly conversations at U7 netball training about SMC and I'm the one who fronted!!! Next month?

Next week is the Orange Blossom 8k Sunday at Castle Hill Showground, through Fred Caterson Reserve. A great course with a mix of paths and off-road and a few twisty hilly things. Have to do it just because HillsAths1 has put so much effort into organising it again. Last year was 39:55, so looking to better that...

Mostly quiet on the blogging front: Marcia is still holidaying in England enjoying the White Cliffs, and most of the running blogs I check out are back to my normal level of frequency: things are so slow Miners is threatening to return to Guess The Movie Quotes. 2P must have run with rags as he's struggling and Robert Song has gone quiet since his Muswellbrook trip. The Hunter does that to people.

Laura Joh Rowland has kindly placed her latest novel at my disposal (via Blacktown Library) so I am engrosed in Sano Ichiro's latest exploits. The Samurai code could be his undoing, although I doubt it - he's in her upcoming new release.

Musically, I am somewhat embarrassed - having bought Paul Kelly's new CD some weeks ago, I find I still it's still in the car unlistened to, and Tesso knows more of its contents via his recent concert...

For those who showed some concern, Max is fine and enjoying contributing to our stress levels. He feels wooden objects are placed in his path to assist in his teeth-strengthening efforts, and Schmackos are placed on top shelves of wall units to simultaneously help his leaping and eating ability. Mrs BB seems to wear increasingly forced smiles when asked about his health, while YD finds it all rather risible... (segue approaching)

One of the funniest things I read last week was Lord Downer Of Baghdad's swipe at Kevin Rudd for speaking Mandarin during his meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao.

And the piece de resistance:
"I did the French language course and Mr Rudd did the Chinese language course. I did mine in two months and he did his in two years, that could say something about him and me or something about the two languages. I think the former but that sounds a tad partisan."

Gold, Lord D, gold!!! I guess you must be smarter than Kevin since you did your paint-by-numbers course in two months whereas poor KR went to all that trouble of enrolling at the ANU and studying Chinese language and history. Oh, and was posted with DFAT during the 80's to Beijing. I can hear Australia's diplomatic corps collectivelly cracking up at Lord D's new clanger.

"Politics is the skilled use of blunt objects" Lester B. Pearson Canadian PM 1963-68

Exit, stage left

A timed runout

2007-09-05T07:08:00.000+10:00

No wild variances have occurred in the training regime: 157k over 16 sessions since last post (and a brief apology for the absence).
Major highlights:
* 8k in pouring rain to Norwest Business Park one Sunday. My experiment proved the theory that rainjackets are waterproof but - even with hood active - let in water via driving rain at face. If only one could could temporarily weld them on.
* 7 x M7 runs, mainly lunchtime work ones, sometimes incorporating Nurragingi
* last Saturday, a 5k lap of the Sydney International Regatta Centre in 24:02 min with a detour up around the hill as the path was shut. Not bad time, especially after doing a 10k run earlier in the morning.
Of course, runs around The Clean Streets make up most of the other runs, however commenting on these would leave readers clamouring for a reviving beverage. I can report, however, that magpies are out early this year and have resumed their yearly battle with my CR cap. So far it's BB 1, birds 0.

Upcoming?
* SMC 10k this Sunday 09/09
* 8k Orange Blossom Run the following Sunday 16/09
* 3k Roxborough Park time trial the next Wednesday 19/09
* late Sep: holidays to far North Coast!

Don McLean is experiencing a renaissance on my car CD player; I am also purchasing his DVD and looking forward to a planned new release in 2008. So many great songs and not all from American Pie.
The Blacktown Library came through with the goods and so I have three new release books on loan; I've just started :"The Third heaven Conspiracy" by Giulio Leoni. Intriguing.
Two others on the pile are by Laura Joh Rowland and David Wishart. So I guess I'll be off to late 17th century Japan and early Imperial Rome. can't wait...

Modern day politics has been just as interesting as anything Cicero and his pals could conjure up before Octavian stepped in.
The Book currently has The Election down for October 27: announced after APEC finishes, and held before the Reserve Bank has a chance to put up interest rates again in November. There is a fascinating mix of resignation, pathos, hubris and steely determination in the Governments' pronouncements. It reminds me of the early 1970's (perhaps more from when I was later studying Australian Politics than experiencing it as 13 year old).
We have Honest John begging for one last chance, Lord Alexander Of Baghdad pulling a switcheroonie, and Tony Abbott the Battlers' Friend. Meanwhile, the polls are going the wrong way. Time for the Libs to get some new pollsters. Failing that, they need to learn from Republic Rome: just create a few thousand more citizens and get them to vote for you. Let's see, where could they import these from:
Boat People? Doctors? Tradies? Unskilled workers? Hmm, probably not a lot of love sharing there. Oh well, it's JUST possible, they may have to face the fact that they may be out of power (sorry, office) for at least three years. And I'm not sure the world will stop turning if that happens...

Auget largiendo

Exit, stage left AND heavens to Murgatroyd

"We're not worthy!"

2007-08-19T09:45:00.000+10:00

This 10k average over any period I calculate is getting spooky. I mean, from last post, I ran 5k on the Sunday after my 25k with NTR, but I've still managed 125k in 12 runs since 04/08...

Some details:
* Sun 05 5k recovery run on legs that were shot
* Mon/Tue 06/07 8k 6am Clean Streets and freezing
* Wed 08 10k 5pm Clean Streets, more civilised
* Thur 09 10k lunchtime M7 north; weights after work
* Sat 10 12k Quakers Hill return; weights
* Sun 11 17k home/M7/Nurragingy via Western Sydney Parklands
* Mon 12 8k lunchtime Nurragingy/WSP
* Tue 13 8k 6am lean Streets freezing
* Wed 14 8k Scotchman's Creek path (Glen Waverley, Melbourne)
* Fri 16 10k lunchtime Clean Streets; weights before work
* Sat 17 21k; weights

Now, yesterday's run was special. I got to meet and run with Tesso, and I ran again with NTR (so that means there were three of us, actually four). Talk about a convergence of CR's: I even got a "go coolrunners!" from Princess Odette, who was cycling on the M7.
I met Tesso at Kings Langley shops, and we ran from there along the M7, meeting up with NTR and his son around the Quakers Hill overbridge. From there, we continued along the M7, took the Doonside exit, and went off-road. Crossing Richmond Rd and Power Rd, we took the partly-formed Western Sydney Parklands trail (which will eventually link to the M7 - even more options for NTR and Mouse) and ran through Nurragingy Reserve. From there, a bit of road navigation along Knox Rd and back to NTR's place where we left them, with Tesso and I completing the run back to the shops for stretching and a chat. All up 1 hr 55 min, so the legs are a little tired, especially after backing up for weights training yesterday.

It was great to meet the famous Tesso, run with her and also run again with NTR. Both good running companions and conversationalists (plus a special commendation to NTR's son L who kept up well on his bike). I don't know how she puts in the training she does, and of course comes up with those excellent, consistent results. Hence the Wayne's World header.

Hopefully I'll be able to catch up with Tesso again while she's in town, perhaps at the Bay where we should be picnicking next weekend. Mrs BB is keen to meet her and test her trivia knowledge. With any additional luck, NTR can swing a "work from home" day soon and join me for a lunchtime M7 run.

Musically, I've picked up on eBay a rare David Gates CD: 1994's Love Is Always Seventeen. Currently waiting in the car intray.

I'm reading Boris Akunin's latest Erast Fandorin's late-ish 19th century outing in "Special Adventures" aka "Jack Of Spades/The Decorator". Two completely different styles of novels released in one book.. The first witty and light, the second macabre. Fairly typical of Grogory Chkartishvili.

Plenty happening in the world of Australian politics this week. Loved the Costello off-the-record "he's goin' down" story, but loved even more Abbott's convoluted logic. Who's on first indeed...

Pede poena claudo.

"Exit, stage left"

Day Time Run with NTR

2007-08-04T17:56:00.000+10:00

Since last post, I've managed 11 runs for 123k, averaging more than usual. Statistics can be misleading, as before today I had 10 runs for 98k.

Today I ran from home to the M7, met up with NTR around the pedestrian overbridge near Quakers Rd, ran with him on a circuit that took in Lake Woodcroft, then headed back to the M7; he turned around at the railway line, and I headed back home as before. Total: 25k, 2hr 25min. Legs very tired. Unsure how he and the others managed 42k last weekend!
Still, a great run and excellent company. NTR seems like he has fully recovered from the rigours of the marathon, and hopefully we can catch up again soon to try the run to Riverstone - a modest 18k.
He may also be interested in another M7 run with some other CR's: I'm trying to set up a run to showcase the M7 to Tesso, who will be in Sydney for some weeks, enjoying R&R. I hope to get Go Girl, NTR, Princess Odette and perhaps the new chums from KR/Stanhope along.

Some highlights of the past 13 days:
* three good 10k hitouts at lunchtime along the M7
* a 10k at lunchtime through Nurragingi and Rooty Hill
* an interesting and slightly hilly 12k run from North Rocks to Epping return last Saturday while Son's coached U9 soccer team hammered the opposition 5-0
* three runs before dawn around the Clean Streets

I should add I've mixed this with the usual twice-weekly weights sessions at BLC.

Another highlight was watching the M7 Cities Marathon last Sunday, stationed at the 24k mark, cheering on the runners with Mango and SES volunteers, then down to the Stadium for the finish. Very inspiring performances from all finishers. Eagle impressed: three marathons in two weekends including the Canberra Bush Marathon the previous day.

What's happening apart from sport?

* music
Well I've managed to pick up on eBay some CD's I've been planning to get for ages eg The Shouting Stage (Joan Armatrading), ENZSO (sort of Split Enz) and Say Yes (a rare Billy Field).
As well, I've finally got Les Miserables on DVD. That's the 10 year anniversary concert performance in London featuring Phillip Quast, not the movie. Oh, and the boxed set DVD collection of Wodehouse Playhouse, featuring John Alderton and Pauline Collins from 1975.

* books
I'm currently engrossed in Amy Myers' Murder In The Queen's Boudoir, featuring chef and reluctant detective Auguste Didier. A very witty series, although this one (published 2000) is the last one so far. Amy has moved on to other protagonists and detective genres. Marcia, I highly recommend the series!

Well you can tell a Federal Election is getting closer. Fearless John is now The Action Man. In his never-ending quest to take over everything that isn't nailed down (small hospitals, Water supply) does he realise that Labor tried something similar in 1949 and got booted out of office? They wanted the banks, and it's called Nationalisation. I always thought that was a cornerstone of Socialism, but then I went to Uni a long time ago and obviously FJ has re-defined political theory. He must be worried interest rates will rise: he's now blaming the states. Anyway, it's good to know he has the ecological future of the planet sorted. I'd be interested in trawling through the Kyoto dialogue to discover his "comprehensive and realistic" action he proposed there at the time. Oh that's right, he didn't have anything other than agreeing with George Dubbya in rejecting any commitment...

Inspired, idealistic, insipid... which word best describes FJ???

Infinitus est numerus stultorum.

"Exit, stage left"

Hodie mihi, cras tibi

2007-07-23T20:26:00.000+10:00

A somewhat irregular approach to blogging has left regular viewers distraught and in need of distraction. Fortunately that has been provided in the form of the final Harry Potter book. It's hard to imagine that a novel could generate such excitement; generally this level of frenzied anticipation is reserved for a movie release, or - in Sydney - the newest Starlet.

I plead the Busy Man Defence: I reckon 20 hours/day sounds right.

However, my lack of application hides a solid running programme since last blog: 137k in 13 runs, so slightly better average than normal, and some decent k's and courses.

Highlights:
* Scotchman's Creek in Melbourne - cool morning with only the gentle babbling brook for company and the occasional Melbournian who of course always avoids eye contact.
* an M7 lunchtime 8k PB 37:05 min (with a 18:20 negative split)
* 14k run through Crestwood while waiting for Son's coached soccer team to lose (they won)
* next day, 12k along the Parramatta Riverfront to Homebush Bay Wharf while waiting for Son's coached soccer team to get thrashed in a postponed game (they just lost to the top side, with 9 players)
* 12k run to Riverstone library, via the Bush, or so it seemed, meeting various dogs, sheep and goats along the way
* 14k to YD's netball match Saturday, via the Small's Creek cycleway (they won)
* 15k along the Parramatta T-Way yesterday to Son's soccer match at Toongabbie (he lost)

I have also managed four weights sessions since LP. But no cycling. I'd probably need to get the front tyre fixed first.

There are a few things that need action, now that the Blog has been updated. I need to :
PM Tesso and start the Brady Bunch quiz (adjudicator: Mrs BB).
I would like to pay for an analyst and help Marcia with her cow and typeface fixations. Plus understand why she has been absent from blogging for so long. Excuses such as having a real life are unacceptable.
Sunday I plan to support the CR gang especially the newly-engaged NTR in the Cities marathon.
It's close to home and I don't mind the early start - it might motivate me to do a solid run later, at a more civilised hour.
I should also try to organise some sort of social run now that KR/Stanhope appears to be home to the single largest concentration of coolrunners per suburb demographic in Sydney: me, Go Girl, Princess Odette, maruska, Lauren.
Must ring Go Girl and have a run if she's free - hopefully she's just about into her new home, and not the perpetual "four weeks away from moving in"...

I like to briefly scan the internet for stories of people doing stupid things: you know, those who go on to win Darwin Awards. Sometimes I wish to myself that some of the people who do stupid things would win one year. But no, they just seem to get re-elected to Federal Government. Maybe not this year??!!

All noise lately has been around Dr Haneef, and the Fed Govt's attempt to make the Keystone Kops look like Perry Mason by comparison. I mean, the Gold Coast target for goodness sake?

The best and most witty response has been posted on Road To Surfdom. Love this piece of advice to visitors: "Provide full particulars of all contacts with funny foreign names."

If Caesar could advise Honest John today, he might well say
Cave ne ante ullas catapultas ambules

"Exit, stage left"

Tyred

2007-07-08T18:32:00.000+10:00

Great week for running; lousy week for cycling.

75k in 6 runs, with two 18k efforts along the M7. Last Sunday, I did the 18k home/work route, followed by a lift back from Mrs BB. The weather actually turned out okay, after a few lousy days on and off.
Monday 8k M7 lunchtime, Tuesday 9k lunchtime but through Nurragingi Reserve, Wednesday scheduled day off (lucky, I had a full day in Melbourne - one of those early/late flight days).
Thursday was an annual leave day, so I managed 12k home to Castle Hill Showground, followed by a lift from Mrs BB and YD, then shopping at The Towers.

Friday ramped up, with 18k late afternoon, in a loop run : home/M7/Quakers Hill/home.
Sunday was an easy 10k. Oh, and weights on Thursday & Saturday.

"What about Saturday?" I hear you ask, as you clamour for clarification.

Saturday was the first planned bike ride since March. Plan: easy 25k up Windsor Rd to Vineyard and back. Even had the new cycle shorts and wind jacket off eBay to wear.

First part went well - turned around in 42 min. After that, well, it was fortunate I had my mobile. About 47 min, I was horrified to see a 16 inch long piece of thin wire twirling around my front tyre. I must have picked it up off the bike path; there's still flotsam and jetsam floating in the puddles left from the rain (probably technically flotsam). I stopped, removed the offending and offensive object and pressed on, hoping for the best. The best turned out to be 3 min, and I found myself at BP Vineyard. From there I phoned Mrs BB, and started walking south. About 20 minutes later, the two of them arrived, delayed by roadworks on Windsor Rd closer to home. I realised then how fate had conspired against me, and resigned myself to a light workout day.
Possibly the most entertaining part of the recovery exercise was seeing me squashed in the backseat, hidden behind the bike wheel.

The bike remains silently at ease against the side of the house. I imagine I'll need a new inner tube...

This week will see another work trip to Melbourne, but unfortunately I'll be staying closer to Head Office, so will be running around Glen Waverley, probably the Scotchman's Creek Trail early in the morning.

I may even have to run early in the morning at home for the first few days this week, given my workload around lunchtimes ( I mean meetings booked by others).

Still, come the weekend I'll have the opportunity to try a couple of different courses Sat/Sun as I wait for Son's U9/6 soccer team to get hammered. Crestwood and Rydalmere, and the trails there are pretty darn good.

Only a few weeks until the Cities Marathon on the M7. I hope to get a good vantage point and cheer on a few CR's, like NTR. Might head to Woodley Cres to see runners coming and going. Maybe then head to the finish at the Olympic Stadium. Perhaps I'll be inspired to do a long run afterwards...

With all the concern about Australia's Health System and not having enough qualified GPs, and having to turn to overseas for them (and who knows if they have terrorist sympathies?), I've found a new superstar. A little green, but then what were you like at your first appendectomy in high school?

Omne initium est difficile.

"exit, stage left"

huh huh... yeah!

2007-06-30T17:37:00.000+10:00

I wonder if anyone remembers the Beatles cartoons from the 60's? We loved them. The post title is one of Ringo's regular lines. We got the full two series on eBay.

And what a find! How's this for a list: Prince Planet, Marine Boy, Kimba The White Lion, Gigantor, Speed Racer, Astro Boy, 8th Man. Plus interviews. Recommended and here's the link if you are interested. All of these are in the public domain and so are not pirated. This guy seems to churn them out regularly. The artwork is great, the information sheets useful and the DVD quality is just fine. I'm not sure if they play only on multi region DVD players, but you could always ask him.

Tesso, we haven't forgotten the Brady Challenge. W'e'll PM you with a few starters, probably next week. And I hope you did well in the GCM. I'll check tomorrow's news.

Running has been pretty good over the last two weeks: 134k in 13 runs, with a good mixture of locations. After my last post, we were hit with wet cold weather, and that prompted me to take off two consecutive days - a real challenge emotionally and one which was a real struggle. At least I'm not obsessive...

A couple of home/M7 runs followed on that weekend, which were surprisingly enjoyable even though they were in non-ideal conditions. The following week I headed to Melbourne for work, and managed two decent runs: South Yarra to The Tan (2 laps), and the following morning the Yarra's bike path. It was 7 degrees, but warmer than here around the Clean Streets. Lots of other runners and walkers, but no CR gear except me with my cap. And no CR greetings either. Still, The Tan is one of the best places to run in Australia, and very motivating.

Later that week, and back home, I did a couple of runs to netball training and then YD's game the next day.
This week, a couple of M7 runs at lunch time, including another PB: this time, 42:20 for 9k, with a 20:55 negative split.
Today, back to the M7 again from Bella Vista while Son's U9/6 team he coaches got hammered. I think I made the better decision to run and not watch. Perhaps if his charges listened to his instructions and applied what they learned at training, the team may perform slightly better. Still, this gives him a whole new dimension to life and ideally will ensure he doesn't choose teaching as a profession. Too many in my family for yet another one.

The Cities Marathon is coming up soon (29/07). I know NTR is doing it, and I hope to get to one of the vantage points and check out the action. Once that's over, I'll see if we can't hook up for a 12-18k run together - probably on the M7!

A final note: it would appear that frivolous suing is alive and well in USA. I wonder if Malcolm Fraser thought to sue for his lost trousers too? The moral is:

Semper ubi sub ubi ubique

"Exit, stage left"

Triple Treat

2007-06-13T19:23:00.000+10:00

Short post:

1. Yesterday did 9k in about one degree just before 6am. Freezing. Today, I went at lunch-time. M7 north and cracked a PB over the course! 10k in 47:20 min (split 24, 23:20). It was sunny but cold. Where was Nite_time-runner?
2. Headed to Dr Pullen to get a sore tooth fixed. Worries about Root canals surfaced all day long (work colleagues have enjoyed these forms of dentistry and waxed lyrical about them). A minor filling "add-on" followed a full X-Ray, then a full clean. The best part? The Gap (after Private Health Cover) was $220. But wait, they waived it!
3. Just won the pair of cycle shorts I wanted on eBay. The same seller has a new pair each day. I've missed out on the last few, but this time I won, and picked them up for $5 less than others! Not bad - $28 all up with postage.

"Virtvtis fortvna comes "

Exit, stage left

Police don't hurt my mutt

2007-06-10T16:58:00.000+10:00

A slightly longer break between blogging than planned. eBay has taken up a little time - defeating those nefarious competitor bidders is challenging but often rewarding. Occasionally, the item requires one to walk away with calm and dignity, saying "it's all yours #@*!"

Running has been quite consistent, with 12 runs for 116k. Hmm, that's close to 10k average again. Mixed into these have been
* four local runs 8-9k, generally in the wee hours of morn, with long tights, gloves and two layers of top. There's a calmness out there that would be peaceful if I wasn't focusing on staying warm. No dogs to annoy, hardly any walkers, definitely no runners. Those runs become enjoyable about 6k in, at 6:30am, when the sun is just starting to rise and the air seems clearer. It also gets colder then because of the evaporation and hot air rising. That's a common theory.
Whatever the reason, it's colder when Mrs BB heads out than at my 6k point...

* five M7 runs of 10k each at lunchtime. Very motivating course, even with few others out.
* 13k around my old suburb - interesting noticing the subtle changes and seeing which places were now on the market.
* today was a relaxing 12k up Windsor Rd to Vineyard, where Mrs BB and YD waited to transport us on to Richmond and shopping, plus lunch.

The cool, still conditions made a wonderful change from the shocking ones of the past three days. Things have been pretty bad for Newcastle and Central Coast residents in particular, and it's great to see the SES volunteers and others rushing to help. It's always inspiring to see how they are quick to act in these sort of emergencies.
Nine dead; five killed when their car was swept off a bridge that collapsed.
Here in Sydney, it's been nothing like that, but many have been without power. We were very lucky. Friends were spending yesterday planning a winter torch-side BBQ, as they had no electricity, and most local shops/restaurants were also powerless. Most power in the NW came back on before dinner time.

Ww bought a new DVD to watch: Countdown The Wonder Years 2. Looking forward to seeing Billy Field, having recently purchased the newly-released double CD "Bad Habits/Try Biology" (and sold the Try Biology LP on eBay afterwards).
There seem to be quite a few tracks that will be interesting to watch as the Peter Principle applied itself: those bands/artists had previously reached their peak and we see their final crack at fame - but their singles flopped. If only they had stayed with what turned out to be their penultimate single (but then who ever does?). I hope Tesso enjoys Iggy Pop. He's probably the fittest looking old druggie I've ever seen on music video.

I'm avoiding posting about Federal and State pollies for now; it's all very flat and predictable. At least Paul Keating livened things up this week. Love the "tea-leaf reading, focus group-driven " bit...

I thought I'd finish with a story that puts a whole new slant on animal cruelty. Look into my eyes - woof!

Canis timidus vehementius latrat quam mordet

"Exit, stage left"

Wild with unimagination

2007-05-27T17:38:00.000+10:00

“Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative.” Oscar Wilde

I'm catching out regular lurking Blog readers here by posting again within a week. At least my running is more consistent than my blogging.
Couldn't get more even: last four runs = 10k each.
* Thur 24/05 10k 5:45am Stanhope; temperature 4 degrees; wore gloves for first time in 2007; managed a weights session after work.
* Fri 25/05 10k 5:45am Stanhope; temp 2 degrees; thick gloves and long coolmax pants.
* Sat 26/05 10k 9:30am Stanhope - nice and mild! Managed another weights session in the afternoon.
* Sun 27/05 10k Blacktown Fun Run 9am.

This was a really enjoyable race (more runners comments here). It was part of the Blacktown City Festival and promised a fast course and well-managed event overall. It was.
I arrived at 7:40am to register - no waiting, paid the $10 (no late entrance fee here) and strapped on the velcro wrist race tag. Back to the car to thaw. Wandered over to the start to watch the start of the 4k, and hung around to see the finishers power home. The course was about 3.4k based on finishers' expectations of time.

I met Nite_time_runner as he headed out to do the 4k (and backup for the 10k). Met new CR Distant Line 70 who did the same, and also Mango, who finished the 4k in great time. At the start of the 10k I then met NTR's partner Mouse. It's always good to finally catch up with CR's with whom you have some degree of cyber interaction over a period of time. In some ways, it's like finally meeting a familiar author. Although I doubt I'll bump into Lindsey Davis, Steven Saylor or Amy Myers while running. Still, I have managed to correspond with one of these icons via the Crime Thru Time Yahoo Discussion Group. A digression.

As we were warming up I met a work colleague with whom I hadn't spoken for some months as he works in a totally different division and location. I posted a CR request for assistance on his behalf early last year: he wanted motivation and so to join a tri group. Talk about talent. He never really trained hard but managed C2S last year in 52 min. His training is now going well: with Asics Wests, and did the Tokyo marathon in Feb - his first ever and completed in 2:58. Wow. Today he came tenth in 35 odd minutes. His Wests colleague won in 31 odd.

Well, for mortals like me, I just enjoyed the run. I knew the course through running various parts of it from work over lunchtimes past. Only one tough hill. Funnily enough, it ends about 400m from my office. I wasn't tempted to go in.
Finished in 47:37 and felt good. NTR clocked 9.92k on his Garmin, so that's a 10k for mine. The best part was that I didn't have to push myself at any time. Even a swift sprint over the last 200m on the Olympic track didn't cause distress, so I was pleased with my fitness. It bodes reasonably well for future races, such as the SMC series later in 2007. And of course provides me with the motivation to do more of the 3k time trials each month.

Since this post is a record four days after the last, there's not much extra to add, except of course hearing about the Rudd's kitchen table conversation regarding Therese's plans for her domestic business. I bet the table was nothing like John Brown's desk.

eBay continues to intrigue, with Brady Bunch still the most prized win. Tesso, here's an example of it (there are a few on sale regularly). Mmm, good isn't it?
I also picked up a couple of Headsweats coolmax running caps - not to replace the CR ones, mind you, but as support to ensure my treasured CR caps last longer...

Well, on this happy day, I thought I'd finish with a story that should bemuse and perhaps entertain - only in Sydney...

"exit, stage left"

Not PC to our PC

2007-05-23T06:35:00.000+10:00

This new HP computer is frustrating. Having had the old computer up to pussy's bow so much that we ditched it, we thought the new one would take us seemlessly into a new era. It's pretty good, but just occasionally it takes us back to the equivalent of the roneo-ed notes days. Messy. Still, sporadically unplugging then re-plugging the modem is a simple task. It does cop verbal abuse, though.

Running has been good to me since 15/05: 68k in 7 runs. For detail junkies:
* Wed 16/05 10k Clean Streets 6am; no 3k run Tesso - just too worn out that evening. Can't do June as I'll be in Melbourne for work. Oh well, at least The Tan will beckon me.
* Thur 17/05 9k Clean Streets 6am in heavy fog. Didn't bump into Holmes or Watson. Did run part of the way with Go Girl. She was looking strong, so I hope the Half went well.
* Fri 18/05 10k Clean Streets 2pm after work - preceded by 6am weights at the gym. Now that's bleary-eyed stuff.
* Sat 19/05 12k Bella Vista M7 to Kings Langley (while Son coached his unsuccessful U9/6 soccer team). He played a little later and won 2-1, and again on Sunday for a 3-1 win. Weights Saturday late pm.
* Sunday 20/05 8k 10am Clean Streets easy run - hey, it was Sunday and soccer beckoned.
* Mon 21/05 9k M7 south from Rooty Hill 12 noon. Good hitout at lunchtime, but no-one else within eyesight.
* Tue 22/05 10k Rouse Hill 6am
* Wed 23/05 Rest Day!

I'm going to try to get to the Blacktown 10k on Sunday. The course is familiar - I've run much of it at lunchtimes' past, so expect to do about 49 min. Let's hope I can get out of bed and to the start.

Dumbdown Spectacular 2 promises drivel. Just look at this lineup. I wouldn't waste my money seeing any of these. Seriously. I mean, I wouldn't mind listening to "Ho Ho Ho It's Magic" but I can do that on CD. I never want to hear from Sam Fox, Racy, Supernaut or M again. I could tolerate Plastic Bertrand, but shudder to think what a 50 year old Punk Belgian must look like.
I think I'd rather see Monica Trapaga selling out doing Coco Pops ads than watch her brother sing "They Won't Let My Girlfriend Talk To Me". Even if Tim Finn wrote it (great line: "I'm crackin' down on your crackin" up"). Go speak to the sky about Rick Springfield...

Isn't politics fun?
We now see Honest John playing the Underdog Card with a vengeance. I mean on steroids. The government could be annihilated at the election. What's the bad news, HJ? I have three words for you: old, tired, outdated. I'd mention Work Choices but it seems The Ministry Of Love has eliminated that from our language.

Joe Hockey has tried the old "I wasn't the Minister at the time" line (wonder what Kevin Andrews says?). Joe still manages to spin it so that it really isn't anyone's fault. Certainly not the government's. Sounds a bit like the famous Rotten Apple In The Barrel defence, too: We underestimated what would have happened if we put in place a system that may lead to people trading away penalty rates without fair compensation. So, "the people" have been trading things away, huh? I feel Joe needs to go back to school and learn more about tenses. Especially the difference between active and passive. But then this reincarnation of Lou Costello knows all out being tense...

eBay continues to work for us. Mrs BB is very excited: we were highest bidder for the Brady Bunch boxed set (all five series, in a shagpile cover). And recently we picked up Magilla Gorilla, plus Scooby Doo series 1. All region 1, so lucky we bought a multi-region player some time ago. I've bought a few running items at good prices, but Les Miserables Dream Cast 1995 DVD continues to elude my grasp. Time to commit to an eBay bidding training course...

Having worked my way through all the library books I had reserved and borrowed over the past few weks, I'm now onto one I bought: Lindsey Davis' "Saturnalia". A great read, as are each of the 18 Falco novels. Good to know that human nature hasn't changed in 2,000 years, nor has our tendency to deplore it:
O tempora, O mores! (Cicero)

"Exit, stage left"

New Mizouse in this house

2007-05-13T18:38:00.000+10:00

...along with a keyboard and new PC. Our 3 year old computer crashed with increasing frequency over the past two weeks. Time to fork out $850 on an HP special at Myer. Good value. The problem was before the purchase: trying to backup all the files etc from the old PC with about five minutes grace between crashing. Slight stress attack...

Still, here we are at day three, and all seems well. Time for a blog update.

Plenty of running since Anzac Day:16 runs for 157k. Here are some highlights.
* 28/04 10k extended to 16k when I bumped into Princess Odette at Stanhope and we did a Quakers Hill return. Good motivational chat.
* 29/04 8k with a finish at Rouse Hill Centenary Park for a 1k sprint of 4:25 min - happy with that one
* 05/05 10k Stanhope usual course PB (48 min vs avg 52 min)
* 12/05 10k Rouse Hill course with last 4k in 17:50 min. You may notice a trend: both fast runs have been on the last two Saturdays. They have tried to compensate for my nonattendance at West Met, due to Netball and Soccer. I miss the races, but the kids sport is more important.
* 13/05 10k Camellia to Meadowbank Park for Mothers' day picnic with Mrs BB, YD and Max. Good fun, although Max needed counselling regarding attempted greeting of anything that moved.

...edit Captain's Log 15/05/07 8:30 pm... internet link crashed Sunday night. Mrs BB spent next 24 hours on various tech support calls to ISP and HP. Fascinating. Evench-wahly (at the end) she got it fixed and we only had to fork out another $150 for the latest version of Norton which may have been the problem; something along the lines of incompatibility with new version of something or other. I never believe their stories. I'm sure we're just interrupting their D&D online games....

So, I can add a 10k Mon 14/05 run to the list, as well as a rest day today 15/05. Hoping to do 10k tomorrow morning and then the 3k Roxborough Park time trial tomorrow night - if it's not raining.

Feeling a little jaded after the events of the last few days, including an 11 hour work day today. No time for major reflections on political life. One comment though: I thought the ABC did a great job of "Bastard Boys" last night - quite balanced and an enthralling tale. Both sides appeared to reach agreement by reaching back to their Latin lessons:
Dura lex, sed lex

Apologies to my fellow bloggers for not dropping by recently. I hope to resume normal service shortly.

"Exit, stage left"

Wet Contentious April

2007-04-25T17:20:00.000+10:00

"Long stormy spring-time, wet contentious April, winter chilling the lap of very May; but at length the season of summer does come. " Thomas Carlyle

I can well imagine April in Scotland mid 19th century was similar to Sydney in 2007. Storms. Wet. Cold. And a few sunny days to unbalance us. Difficult weather for training outdoors. Certainly unmotivating for blog updates.

Plenty happened though. We've had Mrs BB's birthday celebrations, school holidays, a couple of days annual leave, movies, soccer season commencement. But no West Mets. Looks like Son's games will clash, so 2007 won't see me at many runs. A shame, as the competition is finally getting some airtime on the forum. Still, I'm managing to get some decent and consistent training in: generally 6 runs per week, varying from 8k to 15k, with two weights sessions per week. I've run at lunchtime twice, doing the regular 8k M7 course, and managed a PB (38:30, with an 18:15 back 4k). For those with a thirst for statistics, since last post (06 Apr), I've done 165k over 17 runs. And 7 weights sessions. So now you know.

I missed last week's Hills Athletics 3k Time Trial because it's the end of financial year at work, and we need to ensure targets are met. Sell Sell Sell. So I struggled home after the run started, rather annoyed. Still, I upped the ante a little over the next few runs in a pitiful attempt to compensate.

No cycling this month, so my One Big Ride hasn't happened yet. Hopefully Sunday, weather permitting.

It's been Retro week for music: the gym has been showing 80's video hits such as Tucker's Daughter (she's a memory) and Unguarded Moment. In my car, I've been spinning Al Stewart CDs constantly.

On the book front, my library books are being ploughed through: currently nearly through Susanna Gregory's The Tarnished Chalice. Having followed her 14th century physician's adventures for about 10 years now, I am heartily wishing he locates his lady love. While Lincoln is interesting, Cambridge seems to have more action and scope for wry humour. Interesting to learn that the author has spent some time in the Antarctic. Maybe to avoid Writer's Block. Sometimes you can just freeze.

Not much in Blogland. It seems Marcia is still recovering from Easter in Brisvegas. Tesso recently completed the Canberra 50k in impresssive time; although Robert Song pulled out beforehand with a hammy - now that is unlucky, as he was training really well. Paul did complete the Canberra Marathon, and has obviously remained severely deydrated, as he has now set some enormous race plans. Go Girl has been unable to get into her Blog since Australia Day, but fear not, her training is going exceptionally well and she ran a PB of 3:45 at Canberra. Mrs BB and I see her out regularly. Don Juan may really have done a Boo Radley. Or else he's secretly training and recovering. I wonder if anyone on CR will ever do another Blog Update?

Politics is a little lame at present. Even Honest John's Vision wasn't funny (I never thought it would be inspiring). At least we have one political Blog for entertainment. And I suppose seing Alan Jones get a suspended sentence was amusing. Bring back Jim Killen and Fred Daly, I say...

"Exit, stage left"

A Novel Easter

2007-04-06T17:44:00.000+10:00

Having finally shaken off the virus that was scared to leave, I have managed to do some decent training.

77k in eight runs, with some sprints tacked onto the end of a 10k hit out. I'm finding the cooler weather more tolerable, and mornings are great for training as it's light at 6am, yet dark at 6:30pm - so I get peace and quiet from the kids in the street who presumably have been herded inside in a vain attempt to remove years of caked dirt. I haven't met Linus, but I'm sure Pig Pen resides nearby.

Pretty much the usual runs during the week, with two distances: 8k and 10k. The decision to do either is based on how I feel at 5:20am. I've made the transition from singlets to T Shirts, so Autumn has arrived. Forget the autumnal equinox; seasons change when clothes do.

I rarely see Go Girl out running - yet she sees Mrs BB with clockwork regularity. Now I know it's because of when she trains. How do I know? Well...

West Met started last week, at Haberfield (by tradition). As Son and I warmed up, Go Girl wandered over! Yes I was very surprised - heavens to murgatroyd!
Seems HillsAths1 has finally convinced her to do the West Met series (longer distance = 8k).
Go Boy did the 2k race with us, and finished well. Son did about 7:48, finishing 15th, and I managed 8:48 (below last year's 8:16 PB, after enjoying lunch too freely).

It was great to be back in the series, albeit briefly. Son has resumed soccer and I'm sure his game time will preclude me from doing too many of the runs. A shame, as they are good motivation for winter training during the week when things get dark and colder.

I have been surreptitiously browsing blogs without commenting on many, although mention must be made of Marcia's : it's not often your husband confronts an angry shark and walks away shaken but not stirred (a little Bond joke there).

The past week or so has seen the hunt for a new Account Manager draw to a successful conclusion. Now to sign them up next week. I like doing two jobs but sadly my company refused to pay me the equivalent salary package. Work Choices again, I fear.

And now for a great scam that has eluded me but no doubt all others are aware of.

I have discovered that being a fanatical devotee of Historical Mysteries, with many favourite authors, causes a large drain on the cash flow. Additonally, the large bookcase we purchased a few years ago has moved from full to groaning. Imagine my delight on both counts when browsing the Blacktown library online catalogue. With four actual branch libraries, this service enables one to reserve and transfer books for pickup at one's most convenient branch.
As well, they have a remarkable selection of HM books I have on my list and despaired of reading because they were
a. out of print
b. still in hardcover with no immediate plans for paperback release

Going a little crazy, I reserved 12 and now have 9 to read in three weeks and 3 more to pick up this week. I've managed one by Amy Myers, and am now onto Alan Gordon.

Musically, it's a minor renaissance week, as Wings has been spinning around the car DC player: Red Rose Speedway, Band On The Run, Venus And Mars, and London Town (just couldn't bring myself to put on Speed Of Sound, or I'd be subjected to Linda's Cook Of The House).

I think only Robert Song, Tesso and Marcia would remember these offerings.

So Easter is here. I hope everyone has a wonderful, safe time and reflects on what, if anything , it means to them. To us, it's about Resurrection and Hope.

Edit: We had a family BBQ today, with all five of us (plus Max). As we started, things went crazy in the nearby street. Ambo and Police sirens followed by the Careflight helicopter landing nearby in our school. Here is what happened. Unbelievably tragic. He was a Kindy student at our school.

The events of the afternoon made us consider many things. I hugged my kids a little closer.

Have a safe Easter everyone.

No Stomach For Racing

2007-03-27T20:00:00.000+10:00

A two week absence from updating the Blog may be put down to a combination of mild illness and political lassitude.
Now that the state election is over, one would hope things might return to relative normality (or perhaps even a Warren Harding type of Normalcy). The election itself proved fascinating only from an IT perspective. For the first time, I was able to follow the results via the government website, and also the excellent ABC online service. Naturally I could take only so much excitement, and adjourned at 7:30pm to watch "Borat" on DVD with Mrs BB. Overrated (the movie, not the activity).
I imagine we'll now be treated to another leadership challenge, this time - finally - from Barry O'Farrell who brings a much broader perspective to NSW. While Debnam has a narrow Vaucluse-focused view, Barry brings the wider picture, living with the real people on the North Shore. Rather than the upmarket Audi, he represents the common 5-series BMW man in the street.

The powers that be are back in charge.

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

Exercise has been consistent, yet difficult. Some rogue virus which provided sufficient nuisance to bring on nausea, headaches, tiredness, chills and other flu-like symptoms enabled me to struggle out the door for a run/jog often enough, but not to compete in this month's 3k time trial at Roxborough Park.

Making steady progress, I decided to test the knee and cycle. Managed 35k last Sunday, most of the way to Windsor on the new roadside bikepath.

Running, as stated, has been consistent, with a mixture of 8k 6am Clean Street jaunts during the week, and longer hit outs on weekends. These were 13k/14k runs along the T-Way towards Parramatta. Saturday was memorable. After a busy Friday evening (see later), I headed out at 11am for a 14k towards Parramatta. Made Winston Hills before gratefully accepting a lift home from Mrs BB and YD.

Family-wise, an action-packed week saw YD singing with the school choir at the opening of the local shopping centre.

Friday night brought forth the annual School Trivia Night and Fancy Dress. The theme was Hollywood. Our table was Austin Powers. I was Dr Evil, Mrs BB was Felicity Shagwell. She won the prize for best dressed female - along with best 60's dance step, and perhaps most significant contribution to alcohol consumption. Oh, we came 5/22 in the trivia.

It has also been a little strange in Blogland. Miners did his best Borat impression on 22/03. Marcia introduced tough new Playplace Agreements to her grandson's birthday party on 24/03.

Tesso keeps running longer and faster than someone our age should be able to, in preparation for the Canberra Marathon. 2P is touring by heffalump in Thailand. Go Girl hasn't blogged for two months but is alive, as she keeps bumping into Mrs BB while exercising. Hope she's recovered from her Six Foot injuries. GR is training hard for Canberra, knocking over 36k runs easily.

And recommended: for fearless political commentary and other musings: this blog. Droll, as can be the comments.

If you're still here, and for some reason clamouring for details on my books and music: Rumpole(still) and 10CC's Look Hear.

Ars longa, vita brevis.

"Exit, stage left"

Yes Virginia there is a Santo Clause

2007-03-13T19:51:00.000+11:00

Honest John's attacks on St Kevin have backfired, with Labor's standing in recent polls increasing. No more amusement likely from HJ there. However, it would seem that HJ has a new, refined Ministerial Accountability standard. It would seem that you can be sacked for speaking with Brian Burke for 20 minutes, but not for holding shares in a company trading within your portfolio's sphere, which used to be seen as A Conflict Of Interest.

Not so if you forgot you had them. Santo Santoro, Minister For Ageing, did and later remembered he forgot. He then fessed up and sold them, donating the profits to a right wing lobbyist family group he chose to classify as a Charity (although the Tax Office rejects that definition).

JH defended him as an honourable man, setting things aright. It would seem that he is getting his definitions confused. Perhaps he read this and thought those using an honorific are, by definition, honourable. Still, the Santo Clause is bound to generate much entertainment for the next few days.

I mean, it's pure gold: I wait to read Hansard -
"Has the Minister For Ageing identified too closely with his portfolio? Could his memory lapses be addressed by adoption of one or more of the many valuable programmes he has championed?
Should he now simply be referred to as the Ageing Minister?"

On! On! to running...

A good effort since last update, with 4 x 8k's, 3 x 9k's and a 16k last Saturday. The right knee is holding up quite well; it graciously permitted me a trouble-free journey to Blacktown via the M7 and associated Kings Langley bike paths. Most enjoyable.

Weights sessions were also completed to the tune of two, with more reps being added, and - bonus - no sore muscles the next day.

I am keen to get back on the bike, but am wary of the knee, which now and then feels sore. I will definitely get out during April, as Easter looms, along with the completion of Windsor Rd upgrade, permitting a 35k return ride to that very pleasant village.

Next week will see Hills Athletics 3k time trial #3, so I am keen to at least replicate my previous time, if not beat it by achieving around 13:15 min. As long as Mother T doesn't put added pressure on me to hit 12 minutes or so!

Not sure if I can get to the West Mets this year, which is very frustrating, but Netball and Soccer come first. And the season draws near...

Books, books, books. I'm currently reading Ben Elton's "Chart Throb", and it's typical Elton. A little formulaic for those who have followed him from "Stark" days, but still a penetrating satire on Australian Idol et al.

For anyone who enjoyed "The Wanderers" Celtic ancient times trilogy, and his two further series, you may be interested to visit Caiseal Mor's blogspot (his original website fell victim to online Domain hijacking) to learn of his current doings, and perhaps be surprised by his recent revelations which form the basis of his upcoming autobiography.

Music? Dire Straits "Love Over Gold" is getting a workout: Private Investigation, Telegraph Road, Love Over Gold, and Industrial Disease.

The latter has one of my favourite Knopfler lines, where he goes down to Speaker's Corner to hear the soapboxers

"Two men say they're Jesus
One of them must be wrong..."

Beati possidentes

"Exit, stage left"

Faster than a runaway bus

2007-03-04T19:37:00.000+11:00

I must be, as I just missed being run over by one...

The humidity has been worse than ever this week. I guess it makes getting up early easier, knowing it's better to sweat in running gear than work clothes at day's dawning.
I've managed to get out for a few decent runs:
Wed 9k 6am Clean Streets
Fri 8k 6am Clean Streets; weights
Sat 15k home to Westmead
Sun 9k home to Quakers Hill; weights

No sprints or cycling last week; just permitting the knee to recover. I'll probably head down to Rouse Hill park for some sprints this week though, and try a bike ride next week.

The run to Westmead saw me head south on Windsor Rd bikepath, link up with the new TWay Busway at M7 intersection, and stop just short of Westmead hospital. It was a good run, as I ran illegally along the buslane for much of the way. No real danger, as it doesn't open until next weekend.
My only problem occurred when I stepped from the pedestrian path at Constitution Hill station onto the Buslane, only to be nearly wiped out by a bus with "Driver In Training" as its destination. Make that one nearly Runner In Pieces.
I immediately saw the irony of the situation: ran for 8k on the buslane, no vehicles in sight. Decide to use the pedestrian lane, whoosh!

Make that double irony: potential headlines

"bus in training exercise wrongfoots runner"
" bus fleet of foot"
" jogger hails speedy service"

At the time, I believe I turned to the standard labels of abuse generally employed by persons of my generation, reserved (though not exclusively) for such occasions.
At least Mrs BB and YD got to hear about it at journey's end. And were politely shocked.

We'll probably try out the service next Saturday, when the gala opening entices gullible punters to try before buying. We'll see if they can get from Rouse Hill to Parramatta in 35 min once the dust settles.

They advertise it as being friendly for pedestrians and cyclists. My analysis says not when you get to Constitution Hill, it ain't. There must be some weird deviation from there around the backroads to end up on Cumberland Highway and then turn right back onto the bike path. Either that, or they feel exiting onto Old Windsor Rd with three lanes of speeding traffic and no way to cross over to the right is downright "friendly". Perhaps their lingistic consultant spent much field time in Beirut, Baghdad or Bogota...

So Honest John feels protective of his unofficial epithet!

He wants Australians to understand how thoroughly untrustworthy his opponent really is. As a Man Of Ethics, he feels Ian Campbell Has Done The Right Thing.

I am rarely surprised by his actions. As a successful politician, he has managed to combine good luck (lack of perceived genuine opposition leaders) with pandering to the LCD. When you can control public debate and limit it to mortgage rates, immigration and the Australian flag, the election's in the bag.

Sadly for HJ, this time he's floundering. I cannot recall a time in his 10 years of office when any member of his Government has taken the slightest responsibility for anything that has gone wrong within their portfolio, let alone fall on their sword voluntarily. So now Ian's gone so HJ can pressure Kevin over his "relationship" with Brian Burke. Good luck, HJ.

As Kevin said today: if HJ wants a test of the Public's belief in the honesty of the PM and OL, then please call an election...

Things are heating up. We're in for a good year, and maybe even a modern society starting in 2008...

Dum vita est spes est

"Exit, stage left"

Projecting good times

2007-02-27T06:59:00.000+11:00

When we bought our home 18 months ago, part of the deal was a Hi Fi package already built in. Pretty nice, except when the projector blows up. That happened last week. A certain amount of frustration was experienced when removing it from the ceiling. It might even be fair to say that my usually calm exterior was temporarily ruffled. The prospect of expensive ($600) repairs didn't help. It shows how pampered we can become.
For now, we need to watch TV on the relatively primitive large screen one in the family room. Damn this Chateau Lafite, as Captain Darling said to General Melchett.

Better news from the running front. Last week was time trial #2 at Roxborough Park (Hills Athletics).
Much hilarity after my last run of 3.4k or 8.5 laps. Steve Whelan was kind enough, when addressing the starters, to ask me how long the race was. I answered correctly.
This time I went out a little faster and a little fresher. Aming to beat 14:25, I managed
13:37!!!
I think I can go faster by focusing on lap splits. I'd like to beat 13 min next month. Stay tuned...

Exercise has been consistent, with no cycling yet as the knee is still tender. Instead, I've managed some decent runs and weights sessions too.
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri I've churned out 8k each day, all at 6am. It's still humid, but cooler than later in the day. Midday runs are some months off.
Saturday I managed 10k, and Sunday 12k to Quakers Hill, and then a lift from the family who urged on my run as a means of getting to DSE Nth Parramatta sooner. Some nice HI Fi gear there too...

NSW has an election upcoming in March which may well go down as the most boring ever. It now seems Iemma has an increased lead in the polls. His main line of attack seems to be "look, it's Carr's fault for how things are now. Give me a go and I'll fix them." I seem to recall he personally has been around a while; indeed, he used to be Water Minister. Still, truth is an inconvenience.
What kind of winning slogan has Morris come up with?
"More to do but heading in the right direction"
This is starting to make Barry Unsworth seem charismatic.

I'm tempted to buy property in Lane Cove, just so I can vote for Maxine McKew against Honest John later this year. Oh the delicious irony if he lost the election and his seat. I wonder how much work he'd get as a solicitor now.

Books? Yes, in a slight change of pace, I've read a few Rumpole novels/stories. Brilliant.

Musically, I've put The Beatles (aka White Album) in the car CD player. Superb.

So, exercise, literature and music...

Mens sana in corpore sano

"Exit, stage left"

Almost pasta wondering

2007-02-18T19:16:00.000+11:00

The humidity index seemed to go off the scale this week. It's strange how running in it is okay, with all the associated sweat (and toil), but when it comes time to go to work, well, turn the air right up...

I have re-established a detente of sorts with the right knee, which has permitted me to run a little more freely.

Mon, Wed, Thur 8k at 6am around the Clean Streets
Saw GoGirl on Monday at 6am. She was just finishing a 10k run. She is looking lean, mean and probably ready for the hardest race of her life. I hope she sleeps sometimes.

Fri and Sat 10k around Clean Streets
Sun 12k to Quakers Hill, then lift home courtesy of Mrs BB and YD.

Oh and two weights sessions during the week.

So improvement is there for all to see, and just in time too, as the Hills 3k/5k time trial is on Wednesday night. This time I hope to beat 14:25 min for the 3k. Additionally, I plan to run only 3k, not 3.4k like last month.

Valentine's Day brought romance and amusement. The latter is worth expanding on. Mrs BB, YD and I went to the local Thai for a meal. We had told ED and Son the day before we were so doing. ED rang up Mrs BB Wednesday lunchtime, asking the name of the local Italian. She wanted to make a last minute booking. We thought: "great, can't you find anywhere else between Bella Vista and Prospect?"
We ate Thai, keeping an eye out for her and Boyfriend since the Italian is right next door. Nope, not there on our way in or out.
Returned to the carpark, and there they were getting into her car, having just finished an adequate Italian meal.
To say they were shocked is undercalling it. His look was perhaps more aptly described as terror-stricken. I saw them first, so put on my sunglasses and asked what the hell were they doing there?
ED couldn't believe we had eaten next door. Mrs BB couldn't believe how poor her memory is, or alternatively that she didn't ever bother to listen to what we tell her. Boyfriend was just happy I didn't assault him, by the changing expression on his face.
So, everyone ended up having a chuckle and we sent them on their weary way with our best wishes, ruefully wondering about her chance of surviving life on her own without ex-Mrs BB's constant support.

Son is happy, having splashed on on a new Nokia mobile to replace the LG which crashed. He has decide to hook up with 3, so he will never miss any cricket or Rugby League. He may even emerge from his bedroom for meals.

YD is thoroughly enjoying recorder lessons and is currently about two years ahead of me in musical knowledge, having now had three lessons. Netball is only eight weeks away...

I'm going to take an extra week before trying a long cycle again, so probably won't pedal until early March. Ideally, I'd like to ride to Windsor and back when Windsor Rd is complete. And to Parramatta return following the opening of the Tway Busway. More options coming...

Finally, for those who, like me, are fed up with gross indecencies being committed against our language, generally by people who want to appear more impressive than they have a right to expect, why not glance through this website. Just put it on your "to do" list. For heavens sake don't make it an Action Item at this juncture. Hope it's a barnburner...

"Exit, stage left"

"Your zenith, BB?" "No dear. Nadir"

2007-02-11T20:17:00.000+11:00

I'm sure if I am able to find Liliaceae to blend into a drink, I could be called weak-kneed and lily-livered. I've got the knees bit down pat.

A likely after effect of the recent sprint training and running on concrete has been a sore right knee.
Now my knees and I don't have a good long term relationship, which is partly why I never did more than 6k per run until 2001. Leftie complained, and I had to back right off. We all know the frustration felt by runners during a layoff. So I eased back, didn't lay back.
Now the right one's unhappy. On the top, fortunately, not behind the kneecap.

I'm thinking my first cycle in years didn't help. Last Sunday, I headed out at 5:30am, to do about 2 hours along the M7, returning at 7:30am. Good hard workout. Problem: knee sore for the previous two days, and it didn't enjoy the various power surges uphill.

So this week, I've cut the training down a lot, in the belief that will work. I find blind faith very satisfactory. It eliminates the need to use whatever part of the brain is normally required, freeing said part for more important considerations like reading an uplifting tome.

In summary, I've run 8k each day except Saturday, when I managed 12k around Stanhope Gardens. Today was only 8k, which felt weird. LSR became SSR with no motivation. I find the humidity more sapping than dry heat, and running becomes something to endure. Still, I've got in a couple of weights sessions and haven't put on weight, so that's a positive.

Plans for this coming week include more of the same, with bitumen favoured over concrete (there goes Rouse Hill) and no sprints!

I'm hoping that the two week "taper" will do the trick, as it has in the past.

On other topics, I'm still enjoying listening to Carly Simon's new CD, reading "The Semptress' Tale" by Margaret Fraser, and mucking about at the nets batting and bowling with Son.

I'm not enjoying managing our largest customer solo, and am getting to the middle stages of recruitment. If only we could recruit using some sort of photosynthetic technique, rather than using Recruitment Consultants. I think the Used Car industry must sack only the very worst and most repulsive employees; these then are destined for stellar careers as recruiters.

Valentine's Day is upon us come Wednesday. A sad day for some lonely individuals. In some cases, sad for married male colleagues. It's certainly a reminder that you're in a relationship. For these select individuals, that's cause for ordering a few beers and wondering what the hell to do about it. Not in my case, not this time around. Mrs BB is just great, and we'll be enjoying a quiet Thai meal, along with YD who is also excited it's Valentine's Day, although to her its significance is unclear. A dinner out has to be good news.

A reminder, though, how some passions can get away from you. I like the nappies part. Must have been a good look.

"exit, stage left"

And The Excitement Continues To Build

2007-01-31T18:04:00.000+11:00

Another music hero Harry Chapin used to say this in concert as a particularly laboured and slow intro occurred. That's how I feel about returning to work tomorrow. Mind you, I have only been on holidays physically: since I have no Account Manager, I've been checking emails in the evening and solving the occasional issue by day. No family time has been postponed, but I sure haven't relaxed evenings as I would have liked. Next break: a few days at Easter, and my new Account Manager (still to be recruited) can deal with things.

The last few days have been consistent:
Mon 29/01 8k Clean Streets 8am followed by weights at BLC.
Tue 30/01 8k Clean Streets 7:30am
Wed 31/01 9k Rouse Hill 8:30am

including the 1k time trial. Tesso, you may be pleased to know I managed 4:00 min flat!

I think I scared a couple of council workers. From halfway, my legs started to tire, and I kept shouting abuse at myself to keep going. I'm sure they were one phone call away from requesting the padded wagon.
Still, I'm pleased with the result, given I'd run 8k there and have had no break since last Tuesday (= tired legs). This year, I've managed 4:16, 4:10 and now 4 flat. Today, I hit halfway at 1:50, so if I can improve my fitness, I feel a sub 4 min is on - perhaps next week!

Miners, good news. I took my bike to the guys at Windsor Cycles. I am a firm believer in calling in the experts. Bike Shop people always seem passionate about bikes (unlike staff in Target, Big W etc). I left my bike in good hands, and it will be ready for me on Saturday, fine tuned and fixed (new cables and tubing). I'm looking to do a 40k ride out and back on the M7. It will be interesting, since I've run a fair bit of it, but Sunday will let me see much more. Think I'll freeze the clip-on water bottle, and look for refills along the way. Any other tips, Miners?

YD started year one on Tuesday, so the last two days were interesting to see the development from a year ago. New kindy kids start tomorrow. I won't see that, but Mrs BB will. It'll be "tears and tissues" like last year. They'll manage, and I know they'll like our school.

Elder kids were over to dinner last night. Son started Year 11 yesterday. Monosyllabic responses are typical for his peer group. Surprisingly, they do well at school, even English. Yet their response to a question is often "mmm er mmm". Translation : "I am not clear on that point, father. I would need to confirm the data." Otherwise known as "I don't know".
ED starts Uni again at the end of February. I know because I looked it up online and told her. Gee, three whole clicks to get the information. A shame she was unsure up to that point. Even if you have a myspace page and ipod and download everything digitally available, you still need a level of interest if you are to do well at studies. Oh dear, sounds like my mum...

Mrs BB and I enjoyed two lunches by ourselves this week: Ettamogah Pub Tuesday, and then today we journeyed to Kurrajong for a foccacia at the Valley View Cafe. Lovely area, a little like the Dandenongs and a smidge like the Sunshine Coast hinterland area around Maleny. Except here, the platypus is safe and no Woolworths is trying to juggernaut its way into the community. It's pleasing to learn that the folk in Maleny are leading a successful boycott of this unwanted supermarket in their town. I guess IGA will be happy.

I'd like to finish on a happy note today, for that's how I normally feel: that and lucky. Here's a good story that might just Perk you up...

"Exit, stage left"

Breathe In Breathe Out Move On

2007-01-28T13:12:00.000+11:00

Once again, JB comes to the rescue with a suitable line. It seems I have managed to pick up a few useful tips over the years, even if much of his music is escapism and pays off handsomely for him:
I bought a cheap watch from the crazy man
Floating down Canal
It doesn’t use numbers or moving hands
It always just says now
Now you may be thinking that I was had
But this watch is never wrong
And if I have trouble the warranty said
Breathe in breathe out move on

Right now, that's useful advice, both sports-wise and metaphorically.
While enjoying the first week of my vacation, I have still managed a few decent runs in the hot humid conditions Sydney has endured recently.
Mon 22/01 10k Clean Streets 8:20am, followed by weights training
Tue 23/01 rest day!
Wed 24/01 10k Clean Streets 10am, enjoying cooling, refreshing light showers
Thur 25/01 10k Clean Streets 1pm
Fri 26/01 10k to Quakers Hill 10:40am
Sat 27/01 11k Beaumont Hills 9:20am, followed by weights training
Sun 28/01 17k Rouse Hill/Beaumont Hills 9:20am

While that looks good (actually, it is good) there have been some disappointments
* no sprint training this week
* no Penrith Australia Day run
* bike still not in for repair

I just haven't been motivated to add on sprints this week, and we decided that it was a little unfair to make Mrs BB and YD get up at 5:30am on Friday just so I could do the run and then all of us to stay on for the entertainment. So I didn't make it. Hope it was good - I had been looking forward to it, but my family comes first. I hope to take my bike to Castle Hill for inspection tomorrow.

We've had a nice break: swam at home, drove south of Sydney and spent some hours at Thirroul beach, cricket with Son at Telstra Stadium (NSW lost), movies at Castle Hill ("Charlotte's Web") plus a little shopping. Max got to see more of me. Not sure if he's keen on that aspect.

Son and ED persuaded ex-Mrs BB to get a dog for them. I'm not sure what type it is, but a quick glance indicated it is some sort of mixed breed, medium sized white rat. Allegedly a maltese cross, it is severely undernourished and had obviously been poorly looked after. Still, they are happy. We obviously think Max outshines Rocky (well, it was almost called Luigi).

The downside to all this canine frivolity is that ED has used it as an excuse to no longer spend weekends here. As this is not an online psychiatric counselling service, let's just say we are both very unhappy at her method, timing and logic of announcement. Only the village idiot would genuinely believe she needs to remain at home to look after the dog.

Mrs BB has known her for more than 11 years, while I have had the pleasure for all her 19. It's a little saddening and disappointing to think she doesn't want to be here. We both recall our teenage years, and understand, but it doesn't make us feel any better. It would be nice to think she can exhibit the same steely independence at home and not ask her mother to do everything that's important in life, for her.
The JB quote is also apt because, although ED has many "facts" to present in any discussion, and will never admit anothers viewpoint, like a broken watch, she is right sometimes. I just wish she'd know she's also wrong too...

So, dealing with the tears and sadness of YD who wants to know why her sister is no longer coming over (except to swan in and out) has been something we've had to deal with over the last few days. Certainly these holidays have been lively rather than restful...

Back to work Thursday, so still three more days of holiday. YD starts year one Tuesday; she has dancing resume Monday, swimming Thursday and now flute lessons Saturday mornings. Mrs BB and I hope to go to lunch and the movies Tue/Wed. Oh, and the yearly eyesight checkup. And probably the same joke from the opthamologist about how well I look for my age... Oh they're a funny lot

"Exit, stage left"

If we couldn't laugh, we'd all go insane

2007-01-21T18:42:00.000+11:00

So said my musical hero Jimmy Buffett back in 1977 on his Changes In Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes LP.

On Wednesday night, sanity prevailed over frustration and anger.
I had a sense of anticipation towards my first crack at the Hills Athletics 3k/5k time trial. As one of my goals for 2007, it was important to get one "under the belt", especially as I hadn't run this since 1993, and Steve Whelan has been at me for about that long to get involved.
Still, I had decided to do the 3k, as it was a little easier. I wanted to do 15 min - a nice steady 5 min/k pace. Logically, if I could do 2 min/lap, I was on track. No problem: just a tad under for each lap. Problem? I lost count and ran an extra lap. At lap 6.5, I somehow thought I had two to go, so breezed through in 1:55, then attacked the last 200m of the last lap for a 1:45 min last 400m lap. Great... except I finished in 16:10 min. Hang on! Too slow!
Then I worked it out. I don't have big ears, nor can I fly, but I sure was Dumbo.
So, my actual finish time was 14:25. After the frustration came the positive talk. All my years in Sales served me well: at least I completed the race, and I did it in under 15 min. So, a good start to a worthwhile endeavour. Mrs BB took the photo BEFORE I worked out I'd run too far...

Afterwards, I got some good tips from HillsAths1, as well as enjoying some of the repast made available by his contact at Bakers Delight. I think Steve cornered the baking market Wednesday night. Certainly the Hills Athletes enjoyed the snacks. Mrs BB and YD came along to watch, and YD took home a large sample bag of goodies, including chocolate scones.
Next 3k is February 21. I'll be aiming for 14 min...

Running has been consistent this last week
Mon 8k Clean Streets 6am
Tue rest day
Wed 8k Clean Streets 6am, plus 3k time trial briefly referred to above
Thur 8k Clean Streets 6am
Fri ibid, plus weights workout at BLC
Sat 10k Rouse Hill in the heat at 9am. I followed the new Windsor Rd bikepath to where it is blocked off, and continued on gravel/dirt around past Rouse Hill homestead then Rouse Hill Regional Park. This is a great family spot with plenty of activities and play areas. It's also a good spot for a little off road running - as long as you don't mind the steep hill in and out. I think I'll add that course to my "should try" list. Could be a good 15k option.
Sun 10k Clean Streets extended at 7am and it might as well have been 10am it was so hot. I just didn't have the motivation to go longer. Mrs BB had a rest day, so we headed off early to The City. YD wanted to see the Australian Museum and Hyde Park. I showed her my old school next door, and we spent a couple of hours exploring the AM in air conditioned comfort. We stayed away from all references to snakes. After that, lunch in Hyde Park near the Archibald Fountain, a brief shopping expedition to Abbeys for some books and a well-deserved afternoon tea break at Gloria Jeans. Then home and into the 38 degree pool...

Now that holidays have arrived, it's relaxation time. A few plans involve exercise, most have other foci. Examples: movies, drive to Wollongong beaches, NSW vs Tas cricket at Homebush with Son, prepare for YD's year one commencement Tuesday week, read a few of the eight outstanding books in The Pile, listen to the new Carly Simon CD.
Sports-wise: get bike fixed (take to Castle Hill during the week), the usual runs (and 1k time trial at Rouse Hill, aming for 4:05 min thanks Tesso) plus weight workouts as well as the Penrith 10k Australia Day Fun Run.
This promises to be special: a free run followed by breakfast and then all the fun of Australia Day activities at Penrith Lakes. Might even see a few other CRs there...

And now to enjoy a pleasant Sunday night without having to front up to work tomorrow...

For those of you who complain and emphasize the moral and ethical beauty of paid employment, I would merely refer you to Aristotle

All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind.

"Exit, stage left"

Bike Blues (Buffett)

2007-01-14T18:59:00.000+11:00

It would be fair to say I have experienced a level of frustration around point 6 of my 2007 goals (cycling). A pre-requisite to a successful ride is to have air in both tyres. Sadly, my bike has none, lying idle for seven years. A comical series of events transpired yesterday afternoon as I tried to remedy this. Sequentially:
1. at home, attempt to pump tyres using three different pumps. Unsuccessful.
2. walk bike to local servo. Air hose out of order. Return home, muttering.
3. somehow get bike in car, drive to Rouse Hill servo. Bike tyres would not inflate. Kick said tyres several times, return home, late for dinner. Replace bike against garage wall, in a somewhat cavalier fashion. Commence late-starting BBQ, washing away frustration with moderate quantities of Verdelho. Ran out of Verdelho. Mrs BB volunteered to immediately purchase more from Dan Murphy's, justifying husband avoidance. Rest of family stayed indoors until cooking completed.

So my first 40k cycle for 2007 has been delayed. I now need to get the bike fixed. I have the feeling that the tubing has perished and so the thing needs an overhall. Any tips on good local bike shops?

Since last post, I've managed to get out for a run each day.
Wed 10/01 8k Clean Streets 6am
Thur 11/01 9k Rouse Hill 6am - this included the now legendary 1k time trial:
With urging from Tesso, I pushed myself hard and managed a 4:10 min PB. I await her new challenge (hoping it's still just above 4 min).
Fri 12/01 8k Clean Streets 6am PLUS first weights workout for the year!
Sat 13/01 12k Glenwood Gallop 11am; quite warm and slightly longer than planned, albeit over a new course
Sun 14/01 13k Rouse Hill Ramble 9:30am. This was pretty good, considering my mind was still thinking about a 6am 40k cycle. The swim with Mrs BB and YD refreshed me, so much that I was able to head down to the gym for another weights session before lunch.
This afternoon was a pretty relaxed affair; Son and ED were staying, and so it revolved around watching, with Son, Australia beating the Kiwis; catching highlights of Barnyard DVD with ED; and chasing YD around the house. Max relaxed outside and showed bursts of energy, curiously viewing, from underneath, YD's trampolining ability.

Good to see a post from GoGirl, who seems to be doing some big k's with the Hills Runners on Sundays. Perhaps we can hook up for a cycle if mine ever works.
Miner's training programme goes from strength to strength, although I think he may soon run out of movie quotes for titles. Once you trawl Monty Python, the end is nigh...
What a segue - just look what's coming on March 28! An imperative for all true fans. "Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition".
Robert Song has been MIA from blogland, enjoying holidays. 2P is training hard for the Six Foot, doing incredible runs such as this weekend's 43k...
Don Juan is attempting to return to running after surgery to fix his foot problem. Today's events may have distracted him... Paul's training is very impressive - like Miner's he has the wonderful Port Macquarie region to motivate his training sessions.
Non-running but Skyhooks fan Marcia is hopefully coping with her friendly python - perhaps it only eats chickens and mangoes.
Have you worked out I finally decided to learn how to do links?

Drama in the BB family, with BB's mother and step-father caught up in the wheat silo fire at Cootamundra. They weren't evacuated, but were on standby. We're all much relieved.
BB's Dad is hosting friends from days past in Vietnam. A tough gig: a hard day of visiting Eumundi market, walking Hastings St at Noosa, and lunching at Coolum Surf Life Saving Club. Now he's off to see more old colleagues (these from Cambodia days) at Nimbin, followed by Byron Bay environs. Retirement is not for the faint hearted.

This week I'll be heading off to Roxborough Park on Wednesday evening, to do the 3k track time trial with my club Hills Athletics. I'm hoping for 15 min, and that Steve Whelan will take a photo, as it's been 14 years since my last t/t there. Other than that, it will be more running, more weights, and hopefully one sparkly bike.
Oh, and come Friday lunchtime, it's annual leave until 01/02!!! While we went to Ballina in late November, please recall Elbert Hubbard's sage advice:

No man needs a vacation so much as the person who has just had one.

"Exit, stage left"

seek and be scammed

2007-01-09T20:30:00.000+11:00

2007 has started, and I use this adjective advisedly, frenetically. At work, my account manager has resigned, so next Monday I'm It. That means recruitment and all the pitfalls associated. Hopefully it'll all go smoothly over the next few weeks. We are instructed to use Seek first, then an agency if the quality of the responses are no good.
Well, they've been entertaining.
I can confirm that there are people out there who apparently have a "reply to all" button on their Seek home page and automatically spam out their CV. At least that's what I thought when the guy who has just jumped off the boat from Ireland sent me his. Maybe his friend who has worked at Maccas borrowed his software programme. Curiously neither of them - nor most of the others - have had 5 plus years head office account management experience in Australian Grocery.

Training wise, I've stuck to part of the plan. I've reduced the k's, and started the 1k time trial. Here's the last week or so:
Tue -Fri 8k runs each day, with Tuesday the t/t at Rouse Hill. The result? 4:16 for the measured km. I was happy, especially as Tuesday brought on the beginning of a virus which has lasted about a week. It seems to be wishing me bon voyage now, but has meant my training lacked a certain je ne sais quoi. Actually, I do know: motivation. I did the basics, and then read, watched tv, swam with the family or just pondered what ailment had struck me. Not really conducive to high level training.
Even the Saturday 10k and Sunday 11k runs weren't that enjoyable. Still, with Monday rest day and today's 8k at 6am, I seem to have recovered a little of the right spirit...

So the plan is to get back into it! It's good running weather early on in the day, the gym is apparently still trading and my bike continues to slump forlornly against the garage wall. This weekend may just be the one...

The BB family is in good health, thanking you for your enquiries. Mrs BB is just peachy, her shin splints have purchased one way flights and are currently boarding, and Max is bounding from strength to strength. He accompanies Mrs BB on her walks now, showing - I am reliably told - a surprisingly consistent turn of speed over 6k. He eagerly awaits dawn, as breakfast beckons when we appear. Obviously he believes in the post hoc ergo propter hoc logical fallacy.
One attendant irritation is that the inevitable concomitant of Max's food is the appearance of several myna birds seeking to disenfranchise him of it. Spirited defence via YD's water pistol normally works (note: Max limits himself to watching this rather attractive spectacle, then gets down to the real business of eating).
Son has just arrived back from a refreshing holiday at Diamond Beach, while ED has spent the past week without her mother. She spent a little while with us, but seemed happy to be home alone, even when I defined No Parties to include No Twelve Friends Just Dropping In Simultaneously.

And finally, scanning others blogs, it would seem they are leading more adventurous lives: Marcia with her python guest, Tesso her stair falling/lumbar injury, and Don Juan his SBS Friday night starring role. Hunc tu caveto.

"exit, stage left"

HNY07

2007-01-01T17:28:00.000+11:00

...and the very best for the year ahead...

Christmas worked its wonders for the BB household, especially for YD who was pleased that Santa listened attentively. Even the reindeer enjoyed their carrots.
Mrs BB is well over her health problem mentioned previously, but now has shin splints, which are proving to be pretty painful and have prevented her exercising the past week. Any really good cures would be much appreciated.
NYE was spent at friends' house at Mosman. Our first ever experience of seeing the fireworks live, not just on TV.From the large upstairs balcony, the view was spectacular and all the kids were excited. What a house: over 100 years old, with some sympathetic modernisation eg gas heated pool. I'm sure it's worth $6m - a shame the friends are just housesitting!
So, a late night for the BB's, although made longer by the trip home. Normally about 45 min, we left at 1:15am and made it home at 3:00am. You could say there were a few cars along Military Rd and associated areas. Still, the crawl home enabled us to observe younger members of the community still heavily intent on continued celebrations. Others were simply attempting to walk straight. Fond memories...

2007 holds the promise of challenge and the excitement of potential. Personally, it will be a prelude to 2008 which has some Big Ticket items: Son's 18th and HSC, ED's 21st and maybe final year of Uni, my 50th.
These are all milestones, and while important, should not detract from the real purpose which is to get on and live. Don't worry, no major philosophical or metaphysical statements loom in this blog - for this, please see my other one...

Shamelessly copying my thoughts from CR (it's not plagiarising when they're your words), here are my plans for 2007

Plans for 2007 are - for me - radically different:
1. don't focus on k's!
2. complete SMC 1/2 series
3. do 1k reps weekly at the newly-marked-out Rouse Hill sports complex
4. complete the monthly Hills 3k t/t (Steve, here is my commitment!)
5. continue weights programme
6. dust off the bike and do a decent 40k ride weekly (Windsor return is looking good when the road is completed)
7. lose 5 kg, thereby hitting 65kg, my ideal weight. This involves much pain via chocolate exclusion and some other sensible choices
A few other plans, and I'm unsure about the WestMet series as I may need to be chauffeur for soccer on Saturdays. Still, apart from the SMC, there are few other races I'd like to try in 2007.Other? Keep reading and enjoying CRs blogs (perhaps unfairly singling out Miners, 2P, RobertSong, Tesso, GoGirl and Don Juan). A source of motivation, entertainment and enlightenment...

So you'll see the change in emphasis - 2006 was all about breaking my k's record, which I did (3,440 vs 3,198) and beating each month except Feb, when I ran less due to a cold.

Now, I plan to improve the quality. Hills Centenary Park in Kellyville is the newest and largest sporting complex in the area, and has a bike/walking path, marked every 50m, to 870m. With a little extension, this easily becomes a great 1k time trial. I did it Saturday, as part of a 13k run. Managed 4:26 min, so pretty pleased with that. I'm looking to do this once a week. Unsure if I'll run there and do 2 x reps, or drive and do a couple of laps warm up, 2 x reps and a couple of laps warm down. As always, it depends on family and priorities. My aim is to get to 4:00 min flat.
Assisting in this endeavour will be the 3k time trials every month at Roxborough Park. I've done a total of one, in 1993, so HillsAths1 may be pleased to see my overdue return.

I'm keen to do the SMC runs (but not longer than 21.1k) as I've heard good reports. They sound well supported, and good value.

Add the weights, bike riding and diet improvements, and 2007 is planned to be a step up in fitness and health.

Aside from any raves about injustices in the world, global warming, the Howard Govt and the price of books, I don't plan to use this as a soapbox.

I'd like to hope that we can all get through this year a little healthier, happier, more experienced, and certainly older. Oh, and it's only 20 more child support payments to go. That's reason to celebrate (note to all CSA lurkers: I still support my older kids financially well beyond the minimum required. Note to Howard Govt: I'd just like a little more control over how my compulsory payment is spent. Please inform all ex wives that, in Australia, child support is not alimony).

Best wishes to everyone and I hope you have the right plans for you, and that they work out; just don't take it all too seriously. You may recall Mark Twain's advice:
"Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint."

O for Oxygen

2006-12-20T20:06:00.000+11:00

I've covered 87k since my last post - the birth year of my ED. She got her 1st year Communications Degree results back this week: 2 passes and two credits. Good news. My son got his School Certificate results too - 1 x band 4, 4 x band 5, 1 x band 6. That is excellent, and unexpected. He was delighted, and wasted no time in pressuring ex-Mrs BB for an upgraded Ipod for Christmas. I think he'll do well in the business world.

Mrs BB spent two days last week in Emergency at Westmead Hospital with Acute Epiglottitis. For you laymen, this meant she couldn't breathe and required oxygen mask, steroids, antibiotics and a gaggle of attendants. Pretty scary, and our house was thrown into turmoil, but thankfully she is now okay but shaken. I enjoyed the role of Mr Mom for a few days but don't know where the time went. I couldn't do it AND hold down a job too, like many women...

I've done some long runs and short runs, keeping the goal in sight but really, I've been more concerned over her health and recovery. It freaked us all out that a viral/bacterial combination could wreak such havoc in five hours. At least her fitness and general health enabled her to swiftly respond to the excellent treatment. She has resumed walking in the mornings, and - most importantly - her positive approach.

Still, Christmas is coming and that's good news for most of us. If I don't post beforehand, Merry Christmas to everyone and a very Happy, Healthy and satisfying 2007 from the BB's...

Meet Max Buffett

2006-12-10T13:21:00.000+11:00

We are pleased to announce a new member of the Buffett household: Max. He is a four year old Jack Russell, very good natured and still very nervous. YD has wanted a dog for some time, as has Mrs BB, so I saw reason and agreed. A puppy would take a lot of training, and YD is a little scared of dogs to begin with, so an adult dog it would be. We always wanted to help a dog who had no home and an unlikely future. We started with the RSPCA last weekend, saw one online but then in situ found it to be too large and - most importantly - like Superman: able to leap tall fences at a single bound. Tyson is a Foxy cross, and in the Last Chance Club, so we hope someone takes him.

The internet to the rescue again:

http://www.freewebs.com/jackrussellrescue/

pointed us to Max (briefly named Joey, as the carer was simply working her way through the alphabet).

He was rescued from a pound in Canberra and transported to the JR carers in Sydney. It would appear he has been poorly treated by his previous owners; he flinches a little when we try to pat him, and is unsure of his surroundings at first. Still, we have time. He is currently sitting comfortably - and coolly - under the pergola, water dish filled and chilled to 4 degrees, Schmackos on call and toys galore to explore when he settles properly. YD is beyond excitement, Mrs BB is very pleased, and even Son likes the idea a lot. He has already phoned ex-Mrs BB requesting something similar. Oh dear!

Max will probably remain unsure of his surroundings for a while yet - just look at his track record: unloved somewhere in Canberra, dumped(?) and put into the pound, rescued and driven back to Sydney, boarded at JR rescuers' expense at Vineyard, and now relocated to Kellyville Ridge. He will no doubt soon discover the joys of being severely pampered and indulged, although sadly a quiet dip in the swimming pool remains verboten...

Running this past week has been unremarkable in its length, frequency or location. Still, enough k's were travelled to beat, on Wednesday, my 2004 all time record for a year. So, I have run more this year than any other year. My other challenges for this remain as per last post: beat Dec 2004 record k's, and complete the Hills Athletics Club 3k t/t on Wed 20/12.

65k last week:

* Clean Streets of KR: Mon 8k, Tue 9k, Wed 9k , Fri 10k all just before 6am - beautifully fresh and reasonably quiet, other than the peaceful sounds of builders commencing on job sites

* Sat Rouse Hill Clean Streets: 12k before 8am - noticeably warmer, with traffic flowing I decided to do the loop which leads to the new sports complex on Commercial Rd. Did a lap inside the perimeter on the bike path, watching the budding baseballers (about under 9s) while enjoying the sound and smell of the bushland nearby.

* Sun Home/Quakers Hill/Riverstone: 17k at 9am. Not a pleasant run, rather one Run With A Purpose. I decided to go a little later so the family could pick me up from Riverstone library and then head off to Vineyard, just up the road, to meet Joey, who quickly became Max Buffett.

Great. Unfortunately, I didn't check the forecast too closely today, and assumed the heat wouldn't arrive until lunchtime. In fact, it had caught an early flight and was waiting, fully briefed, at the front door. A gregarious entity, it accompanied me for each of the 17k's, whispering and cajoling, suggesting I should perhaps, in common lingo, "give it a miss". Runners are made of sterner stuff, so I manfully plodded on, and quietly collapsed in a shivering heap in the library carpark. YD studied me carefully, handed me a cold water, and immediately asked "can we see Joey now?"

So a new era dawns...

Book reading has resumed with a diminished intensity for now: Alys Clare's Girl In A Red Tunic (#8 in series). Set in 1193, it continues the story of Josse d'Acquin and his friend Abbess Helewise of Hawkenlye Abbey in SE England near Tonbridge, around the time of Richard The First's incarceration and ransom. There are a few series set in this time; the ones I read all manage to put a different perspective on the issue. I'm afraid the romanticised version of Richard the Lionheart, beloved monarch of the English, is a little twee for a ruler who didn't speak English, barely set foot in England and seemed to treat the English Treasury as some sort of on-tap dispensary. The old joke still holds true: Coeur de Lion was really no closer than Gare de Lyon.

Listening to music at home is following a familiar path: I am greeted by any number of Christmas CD's doing the rounds of the CD carousel. For a well-earned respite, I have "Space Oddity" by D Bowie in the car.

As a final segue: I will be picking up a new car in January, as the company car has done three years service and is being re-homed. Unless I want to take a Novated Lease (and I don't want to be the Fleet Manager of one car), the choice is simple: a Holden Omega, my choice of colour. Mrs BB likes Impulse Metallic or Vespers Blue, so they're in the running...

"Exit, stage left"

Ballina Beckons Buffetts (danger - long post)

2006-12-03T17:45:00.000+11:00

As mentioned in my previous post, we recently holidayed on the Far North Coast NSW. Well... Ballina.

Since we had 80% of the family along, we decided to pace ourselves, and stay overnight at Port Macquarie outbound and homeward. Flynns Beach Resort got the nod. Friday 24/11 10am we headed off, stopping at Bulahdelah for a brief lunchbreak, and made Port by 3pm. After a refreshing swim poolside for YD and Son, we relaxed as I mentally prepared for an early Saturday run.

At 5:45am Minersrun hosted a special "welcome to Port" 10k run for the two of us, and I must say that his Bootcamp was pretty tough: lots of hills, sand and rough terrain. See his blog for more accurate details. The view from Harry's Lookout was most spectacular, although we did it the hard way GoGirl: from the beach steps up - no easy stroll in from the road with ice cream!

Miners is a veritable font of local history, and a great running companion too. Thanks heaps AL!

Heading further north, we lunched at Maclean (och aye), a picturesque Scottish town with beautiful views to the Yamba coast from Pinnacle Rock. Those watching the camera had great views. Note the Carlton FC top - true supporters stay true even when the team is going badly and their top player is a meathead who gets thrown out of Irish pubs (oh, and it's BUFFETT not Buffet - as in Jimmy Buffett, not smorgasboard. More interesting than a variation on Sunshine Money).

Arriving in Ballina and checking in to the Ballina Ramada Riverside, we were a little surprised to see a navy ship outside our balcony, although soon realised it was here for the 2006 Naval Reunion in Ballina, with a rather large function held a few doors up at the RSL. We waved goodbye a few days later.

While in Ballina, we did a few drives to check out Skennars Head/Lennox Head, and Alstonville to Lismore. The thing that sticks in my mind most about Lismore is that it was about 42 degrees and stifling. Inspected Xavier College High School at Skennars Head in preparation for YD's years 7-12 (shh.. don't tell her) and also found a new development called Ballina Heights, which is really part of Cumbalum. On today's pricing, it looks good: 10 min from Ballina with views across the ranges to Lennox Head, and a brand new 4br/study/pool air con house on 920 sq m is going for about $500k. That sounds good to me. I always like to get a lot of change.
We didn't go crazy driving up and down the coast though. Sort of hung out at the hotel a lot and swam in the indoor pool, watched cable and chatted. And had a couple of glasses of White Shiraz. We did make Shelleys Beach one day, and had it to ourselves, so I was able to
a. get Son to dive for the tennis ball in waves
b. help YD in her second-only experience of small surf

Ballina has many attractions. No Drop Bears, though, Marcia, but thank you for the timely warning!

I was hoping to get in a run with CR Lennox Loper, but our voicemails kept crossing and it never happened. Maybe next time Peter?

I still managed some good runs while there, and the courses were very motivating:
* 17k Ballina North Creek loop - just avoiding the Ballina Triathlon race series that Sunday. It's a great course, taking in Chickiba and Prospect Lakes, as well as North Creek. Best of all, most of it is bitumen bikepath.
* 18k Ballina Heights bikepath - northwest out of town, and it's how I found the new estate. A bit worried about the last 500m to the estate - it's steep!
* 8k West Ballina bikepath, taking in the Richmond River. Lots of nice views and good looking houses.
* 6k Ballina central recovery run in about 35 degrees heat.
I even did some weights in the hotel gym, along with Son, who is keen to join Fitness First Norwest and build muscles. His mother is against the idea. Give me strength (get it?).. looks like I'll be adopting the same plan as for ED two years ago - pay for the first three months membership and hope he likes it. Then Mrs BB and I will be happy if some small part of the child support I pay can continue the funding if he enjoys the sessions.

We left Ballina on Thursday 30/11 and moseyed back on down the coast, stopping at Valla Beach for lunch. Back to Flynns Beach Resort. Sadly, Port was hosting the NSW Touch Footy 2006 competition that weekend, with 250 teams entering. Many of the intra-state teams appeared to be staying with us, and only the loudest and most objectionable were permitted to rent the room right next door. Still, after enjoying the card-playing and drinking antics of these sports revellers until 3:30am, I rested peacefully for 75 minutes before arising at 4:45am for a planned 5:30am 10k run with Minersrun. I ran "miners" Miners. Again, full details on his blog, but it seems the score is technology 1 body clock 0. Disappointing, but hopefully we'll catch up at a race or in Sydney.
At 6:10am I correctly suprised he would be a DNS, so headed for a 10k into town. Again, some great views along the way, and a relatively easy terrain to negotiate.
Interestingly, Mrs BB walked the same way, and we overlapped, as we wanted to get away early. Two former Baulkham Hills neighbours saw us talking to each other and experienced an incredulous moment : "what are THEY doing HERE now?"
It seems like much of Port Macquarie''s citizens were out exercising that morning - even a Bootcamp was in full swing on Town Beach. It appeared to involve an exercise in moving heavy bags from point A to point B and then back again. Slightly futile, and only minutely more beneficial than the famous Government programme of the Great Depression, whereby men were paid to dig holes and other men were then paid to fill them in. Kept them fit, employable and out of pubs I guess. I doubt Bootcamp stopped this group from drinking that evening.

Heading home, we took the scenic route around Bonny Hills and Laureton, identifying that region as potential holiday material: quiet, near water, good shops and facilities, nice homes for rent, great tracks for running...

We got back home to a scorcher, and spent the next six hours unpacking, shopping and generally resuming normal life. The weekend provided contrasting weather: humid and hot winds Saturday, cold and wet Sunday.
That meant 10k easy run Saturday around the Clean Streets, folllowed by 18k M7 run Sunday - that comforting feeling of a well-known long run.
Next week I'll be trying out one of the three new pairs of Adidas runners I got at the Adidas shop Lidcombe ( around $90 each - bargain) and resuming the challenge of working in Australia's Grocery industry as a supplier to the wonderful and mutually-rewarding supermarket chains.

Funnily enough, I hardly read any books while away. I did listen to the new Cat Stevens album (sorry, the album by Usuf) called "Another Cup". It's his first mainstream release since about 1978, and there's definitely a bit of Tea For The Tillerman about much of it. Worth a listen.

Now this last bit is really for Tesso and Robert Song especially: we watched the Countdown concert on ABC last night, and some of it was pathetic. I'm thinking Keith Lamb of Hush especially. Plus, when did Cheetah deserve a gig?
Anyway for me the best part was Alex Smith doing "What About Me?" live. He still looks good (I say that not in a gay way) and put Shannon Noll to shame yet again. No prizes for guessing Mrs BB's favourite part... Sherbet and "Summer Love". I had to be VERY quite at the end for that one - kind of like being in any RSL at 7pm every night, but perhaps with even more tension in the air. She thought Daryl and Garth looked fantastic; I thought Alan looked like an overweight warfie and that Clive Shakespeare couldn't make it so his grandfather filled in. Also (IMHO) Tony seemed even gaier that last time. Harvey was on cruise control as always.
AND... whose bright idea was it to have Swannee do lead vocals in the ensemble at the end? Why not ask Acca Dacca themselves? It really was high voltage schlock and roll.

Enough... it was an enjoyable concert (not a "musical experience". Don't you hate it when people say "enjoy your dining experience". I have good meals. I'm also NOT moving forward, on a journey or even giving you a heads up on my next ideation session).

Back home... December running plans
* set another month's PBs by doing more than 284k.
* by Wednesday, I'll have done 64k this month and so beaten my 2004 year k's record. Not that stats mean much to me...
* finally, run the 3k tt at Hills Athletics Wed 20/12. I'm looking to do under 15 minutes...

"Exit, stage left" (WHEW)

The heat is on: Beta believe it

2006-11-21T07:02:00.000+11:00

I have unintentionally done three heat training sessions in the past week.
My training has been
Mon 13/11 8k Clean Streets 6am warm
Tue 14/11 10k M7 from Rooty Hill 12.30pm very hot
Wed 15/11 8k Clean Streets 6am mild
Thur 16/11 rest day!
Fri 17/11 10k Clean Streets 5.50am cool
Sat 18/11 19k home/M7/work 11.40am hot
Sun 19/11 12k Clean Streets 9am warm
Mon 20/11 8k Clean Streets 6pm hot
Tue 21/11 8k Clean Streets 6am warm

When I say unintentionally, I mean I had good intentions of getting out earlier in the day, but they just evaporated. So did I in the heat.
Fortunately, I am better prepared nowadays: CR cap, t shirt not singlet, sunscreen, zinc cream, sunnies, fuel belt. It's getting to be like packing for holidays just to head out the door for a run.
Speaking of which, I'll be off air until 01/12. We head to Port Macquarie this Friday, for an over-nighter. I hope to have a run with Minersrun Saturday morning before we drive on to Ballina. We'll be there five nights, and look forward to a restful break. We've decided to go up a notch in accommodation this time as my son will be with us. ED won't as she is 19 and has zero interest in family holidays. Just her friends, casual work, car, boyfriend and vegging. I hope she has a pleasant week with her mother at home. Without my son there, I suspect that fireworks may eventuate. Still, their relationship hasn't been my direct problem for 11 years, so the best of British luck to them.
We are excited about the trip, as it now takes on the title of Family Holiday Of The Year. Previously, all five of us went to Nelson Bay in January (for 10 years), but now we've decided to move the emphasis to later in the calendar year, and Ballina it will be (for all the reasons I have mentioned in previous posts).
I'm hoping to get a run in with Lennox Loper at Lennox Head, just up the road. Other than that, there's plenty of great running areas in Ballina itself.
So, with clear beaches, good weather, great accommodation and most of the family, it's looking good...

I converted my blog to the Beta version recently. The downside is that every time I want to comment on others' blogs, I have to re-log into my new Beta version first. Quite confusing. I wonder if others are having difficulty?

My dad is very excited - he's got tickets to Day 1 of the 1st Ashes test in Brisbane this week. He was disappointed I couldn't get up there, but he asked me to watch the tv, and he promised to wave... caring and sharing !

"Exit, stage left"

two bunnies, one go girl, zero energy

2006-11-12T17:21:00.000+11:00

Since the last post I've run
Fri 12k
Sat 12k
Sun 18k

Friday I saw another cousin of the rabbit at Rouse Hill. So that made two bunnies on Friday: him and me; me for getting up yet again at 5am! Aurora Musis amica.

Saturday was an "easy" 12k run, except I didn't get going until 10.30am. It was hot. I decided to go one way, head to Quakers Hill local shops, and request a lift from Mrs BB and YD. I arrived hot and sweaty with 6 y/o YD looking very much the picture of maturity and modernity, front seat, feet up on dashboard, reading... I feel old.

Sunday was a longer effort, 18k with Gogirl on her first longer run since comeback: KR to Quakers Hill/M7 to KR. I was glad it was a 7am start, as the humidity certainly built up, in inverse proportion to my fuel belt contents. Miners, 2P and all others will be pleased to know that she seemed pretty comfortable over the distance, had little trouble with breathing or conversing, and so it would appear that you should all note: Six Foot Track is coming!

After the run I had a welcome shower, and hit the gym for some weights. Strangely, my legs did not respond and I concentrated on doing a few upper body weights while watching music videos and hoping the time scooted along. Upon returning home, after lunch and a few plays with YD, I rested...and then had another rest. Now it's time for dinner and watching Seinfeld season 7...and another rest.

"Exit, stage left"...

Catch up: it's wabbit huntin' season

2006-11-09T19:41:00.000+11:00

I don't think Elmer Fudd had to do a lot of extra k's to make up for being sick over a weekend.

I have:
Monday (as mentioned) 12k
Tuesday 11k, Wednesday 11k, Thursday 10k.
How's this: all at 5:40am, after a 5am start. That's about 10k more than I should, but here's the rub: no day off until next Thursday, meaning about 10 runs covering 112k, Normally it's 6 runs for 65k. I feel tired already...

Now, I'm no shift worker, but I feel like I understand their biorhythm problems. Around 10:30am at work I'm ready for a Constanza nap under the desk. No such luck.

I'm desperately trying to get these extra k's in so I can hit 261+k's for November, to beat my 2004 record. Mrs BB now looks at me oddly, or at least askance, and suggests I should not have done Stats in my Economics degree way back when. Compulsive Obsessive were two adjectives tossed about. I might add neurotic, but only about running.

This morning I changed route and headed up the road to Rouse Hill, where the on-road is at least a little less filled with construction equipment and eager tradesmen.

After passing the dog training oval, I skirted around the road parallel to Windsor Rd (but set way back), separated by a huge open grassed area. Bounding along this open area was a big bunny with a white stripe down its back. It outpaced me as it headed for the safety of the bushes.
I wondered if it had any relatives or friends over at Kellyville Ridge that used to outpace me there too...

Well, the NSW Government has outdone itself. Not content with farcical comedy surrounding potential MP's (Koperberg), we now have three actual Labor MP's in trouble. You name it, speeding, misleading parliament and now child sex charges. Peter Debnam must be thinking "how easy can next year be" and "thank you Brogden for your hubris attack".
Morris Iemma may well be wishing he was back in the Water portfolio. At least he could have a crack at blaming Little Johnny...

Borat's here Monday - I wonder what cultural learnings he will make benefit from Sydney?

"exit, stage left"

pre-Cup Trifecta

2006-11-06T18:33:00.000+11:00

1. no CR greeted me around the Tan - again!
2. left CR cap behind in hotel (still have two left)
3. picked up virus from colleagues while in Melbourne - no running over weekend!

Oh, and the indian summer has become the spring downpour. I feel like it's July still, as the temperature has become what is technically known as not warm.

Still, YD's big dance concert on Saturday night at Hills Centre was a very bright spot - $28 a ticket for the unknown. Some high quality, some rusty numbers and some unintentionally humorous pieces from a broad spectrum of ages. YD did well and enjoyed her two numbers. The BB family was thrilled, although Son was annoyed I boycotted his idea of surreptitiously listening to the RL test during the evening. As it turned out, Australia lost so he wasn't that upset. Manners maketh the man. He's still a very young man.

Only 39k since last post, although I managed 12k today; a comeback of sorts.

Some self-pressure to beat 2004 November k's, so plenty of solid runs ahead this month, including some at Port Macquarie and Ballina. Did I mention how much we love Ballina?
It's such a lovely town, with all the benefits of surf, "harbour" swimming conditions and great areas for runing and cycling. It even has a marked off-road bike plan. Some might suggest this is more than Sydney has.
It has a good infrastructure, with the usual and expected shops, schools and medical services. Even sport and culture, more so with Lismore just 30 min down the road.

Still, a few more years before serious consideration will be given to relocation, For now, we'll do with another holiday jaunt.

As usual, plenty happening on the Sydney news scene to keep us amused. Phil Koperberg's entry to state politics has dredged up a pretty pathetic attempt to smear him; I'm sure Paul Gibson will work closely with him - after all, they made the same mistake about the same woman, just a few years apart.
Oh well, at least we'll have some proper humour when Borat hits town soon...

"exit, stage left"

When I was young I never needed anyone

2006-10-28T19:19:00.000+10:00

I doubt if Eric Carmen has run around the Tan. If he had, he may have also felt the natives suffered from ennui.
Business took me to Melbourne for an over-nighter this week. A 12k run beckoned: Yarra and The Tan. One of Australia's best. Donning my CR cap, I sallied forth. Not a bite. Either no other CRs were out last Wednesday around 6am, or else they smelled Sydney. Everyone certainly looked a little bored and listless. Only the Bootcampers were pumped; I tend to steer a firm path around them as I am sure their zealousness is both transitory and superficial.

I am prepared to give Melbourne's CRs one last chance. I will be running Tue/Wed same route, and will deal harshly with eye-avoiders.

Another month's record running. I passed my Oct 04 PB k's today, so will ease off the last few days, allowing a solid start to Nov.

Comparatively fewer k's recently, with the range 8-12k per run; still, a significant increase on previous years, even 2004. I'm finding running much easier now that the weather is so pleasant early in the day. Six am starts are de rigeur; indeed, 5.45 am are also in fashion. This year I now have my trusty Fuel Belt to help me through the coming heat. I'm sure long runs will be confined to early mornings when Mrs BB is resting. It's too hard to do 20k at 9am.

The new Jimmy Buffett CD "Take The Weather With You" is out and the BB household has been treated to repetitive plays. I guess you know he is my favourite, although sadly Mrs BB doesn't share that view. An interesting reflection of life together: she still knows all of his songs by heart.

Susanna Gregory's "Mark Of A Murderer" is approaching its denouement in my reading pile; it is her eleventh fine mystery about 14th century Cambridge, starring physician Matthew Bartholomew. Next up, Mike Ashley's collection of Jacobean Whodunnits.

It would seem that The Weather Man is telling me we shouldn't have bought the cantilever. How else to explain the juxtaposition of sunless and/or windy days? Yesterday we defiantly sat indoors, silently cursing his capricious behaviour, moodily imbibing our Andrew Garrett Sparkling Shiraz (even drinking it caused me anger - ten years ago I was permitted to refer to it as Sparkling Burgandy. I am no Francophile).

Still, I should be grateful. In what other city could you be entertained so freely by both Sheikh Taj el-Din and the Alan Jones biography? Current Soap TV scriptwriters would struggle to put together dialogue as lively; I am expecting each news bulletin to conclude with
"tune in next week - same bat-time, same bat-channel". Even Bruce Wayne would be waiting...

"exit, stage left"

And if I only could, I'd make a deal with God...

2006-10-18T20:03:00.000+10:00

This is by no means a religious or thoughtful post - merely an intro to my run last Saturday.

I'd be happy for Kate to run up the hill (or road, or building) with no problem instead of me, because on Saturday I had a sort of DNF.

Mrs BB and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary last week, and went to Harvest vegetarian restaurant at Rozelle Friday night. It's just the best veg rest in town and worth the trip. Anyway, someone had to mind YD, so MIL did, and stayed over. That meant getting her home to Wentworthville again Saturday, as she doesn't drive far. Since the forecast was for maximum heat and oppression, our plan was for Mrs BB to do an early walk, breakfast etc and take MIL home; I would run 18k there, meeting the three of them 95 minutes later.

No doubt a pragmatic and thoroughly-prepared mouse also experienced problems that day, as my best-laid plans failed.

Heading off at 7.30am with my fuel belt stocked with frozen water, I felt full of confidence. I should have known it was really hubris.

Probably around 14k I realized I had concerns:
a. I had very little water left
b. it was about 30 degrees
c. hills weren't my friend
d. using the M7 meant the run was not 18k but about 21k
So I went for plan B. Drag mobile from fuel belt, call wife and plead for assistance. I felt I could make it to Fitzwilliam Rd, but not uphill the last 1k. This prophecy proved correct, and I gratefully flopped into my car at the 20k mark after 106 min running, re-fuelled with ice cold water, and headed off for the next part of Life's adventure...

Still, 184k so far this month, with some good early morning runs at 6am or earlier during the week. Now that the weather has turned in my favour, it's more pleasant to run early than mid-morning, which presents a weekend problem. Indolence is therefore actively discouraged, in favour of early workouts followed perhaps by mid afternoon siestas.

With the pool set at 32 degrees, the new cantilever installed to provide extra shade over the outdoor setting and the gas cylinder filled for the BBQ, the only recent pressure has been on deciding whether or not to open the chilled White Shiraz or Verdelho. Mrs BB and I put forward separate convincing arguments for both, but in the end sensibly decided to do what all happily-married couples do: compromise. We had both. Ubi amor, ibi oculus.

"Exit, stage left"

Love me, love my dog

2006-10-08T18:21:00.000+10:00

The family's recent holiday in Darwin has considerably shortened the odds of a canine member of the BB household appearing soon. I'm not sure if Lobo had a Jack Russell terrier on his lyrically-recorded journey in 1971, but this breed - or part thereof - has leapt up the doggy charts, as Mrs BB's sister has one and so naturally YD wants the same.

Apart from them both having a great break, one further benefit has emerged from the holiday: Ballina remains unchallenged by Darwin as a potential retirement location. Best described as a drinker's paradise, it offers plenty for the eye but little for the soul. Apologies to any underground Darwin culturalists reading today.

Running continues full steam ahead: 64k in the past week, including
* Monday 5k recovery jog after the 28k effort on Sunday
* Tuesday and Wednesday 10k each at 6am (plus weights Tuesday night) Clean Streets of KR
* Thursday rest day and pick up tired travellers from airport
* Friday 11k lunchtime along beloved M7 north run
* Saturday 20k home/Quakers Hill/M7/ work, with lift home from Mrs BB
* Sunday 8k recovery run Clean Streets, followed by weights at BLC

So it appears that October is on track to beat 2004's PB distance of 273k - my plan has me doing 300k this month. I'll be in Melbourne late in Oct, and hope to do a Yarra river/Tan loop of about 12k then. It's a lovely spot.

No real races of interest tempting me to fork out my hard-earned: mind you, I am a little picky. Not far from home, low entry fee, easy course, not too early in the morning. Hmm, think it's just as easy to do a training run when I want. Maybe the St Marys 8k 29/10/06 could be a starter.

Well, Weird Al's new CD is a hit with me, with some great parodies. Rather than do a review, I suggest purchasing a copy. Then see the video clip for "White and Nerdy". Spot on.

On the reading front, I have just started the first Sister Pelagia novel by Boris Akunin, he of Erast Fandorin fame. A legend in modern Russian literature (indeed, his alias B Akunin is a pun in Russian), his new series produces a gangly, highly intelligent young nun as super sleuth. The style is reminiscent of Umberto Eco, with many wry observations on late 19th century Russian society. Good so far.

It's a strange time of year for sport, with only a distant country holding much interest for now: India, venue of the Champions Trophy. Might be interesting.

"exit, stage left"

I used to hurry a lot, I used to worry a lot, I used to stay out 'til the break of day

2006-10-01T20:08:00.000+10:00

If you know this famous song from 1979, then you'll understand why I've used it. My longest run ever!!!
Today, I decided to kick-start October with a solid run. With the family visiting relatives in Darwin this week, I obviously have too much time on my hands. Batching plans included car washes, washing, ironing, vacuuming etc etc so I thought today I'd try a record distance. My previous best was 25k; today I managed 28k! Fully prepared withe the fuel belt, I discovered the drinks stay cool until 1 hour 10 minutes into the run. Then they might as well come from a warm shower. I rationed, but ran out around 22k so didn't go for 30k. Total time today: 2hr 32 min. Felt good enough to attempt the other item on the agenda: weights workout at BLC. Managed that easily - I just avoided most leg weights.

Plenty of running since the last post: in fact, 143k including today. Weights too. Interesting to follow Miner's Movie Quotes and Robert Song's Music ones. They are getting quite a following. I've managed a few, although perhaps I should get out more and see a movie or two.

A super AFL grand final and a good result for me. The Weagles have always been up there in my top three faves for a while, and - psst - I don't like the Swans!
Just because I live here doesn't mean I have to support them. After all, I lived in the Bennelong elecorate for years, and that never made me vote for little Johnny.

Just finished watching the NRL grand final. Congratulations to the Broncos. I still hate them. It probably all goes back to the first state of origin in 1980, and Chris Close's shameful assault, unpenalised. Ever since then I've realised that Queensland RL players have been recruited solely for us in NSW to despise. For everything, turn turn...

So I guess that's a 50% strike rate this year. About average. At least I never really looked like needing to destroy the television.

We have a Labour Day long weekend here in NSW. My work colleagues at Melbourne H/O complained bitterly on Friday, until I reminded them
a. they had one in March
b. they have Cup Day in November, which we don't get ever. They rapidly found other topics to pursue.

In CD news, I can report that the new Elton John release "The Captain And The Kid" is pretty good, probably his best since 1992. I have also purchased Weird Al's new one "Straight Outta Lynwood" and will shortly be putting it through its paces. More later.

It's rather a strange time of year right now; warm enough certainly to provide a hint of forthcoming heat, although with the football seasons just completing, it still has a winter feel. We now move into a sort of limbo land until the Ashes tour begins in earnest. Let's hope Greg Ritchie is wrong: I think we CAN win with Abbott and Costello in charge...

"Exit, stage left"

Well I looked into the crowd the other night...

2006-09-17T16:06:00.000+10:00

...and I saw an old familiar face.

Today, before the start of the Castle Hill Orange Blossom 8k, I had that feeling. Watched the finish of the 4k and saw Cindy, a runner I used to pass most mornings back in my Crestwood days. Then I saw Silvano's wife complete it - also used to go past her even more often. I had a chat with her and then Silvano later when we lined up for the start. They worked out we moved last year, because they hadn't seen me or Mrs BB out and about exercising for over a year. Funny how you know but don't know those you see exercising regularly. In my case, I passed these people for over seven years, and probably spoke more today than in those seven.

Today's race was excellent. I met CRs Colin, Martin Dugdale and Louie. It was great to chat with these gents, and hear what their training/racing plans were. I admire that sort of dedication. Colin was the official pace-setter, riding a bike along the course to help the front runners. It was a good mix of a course: road, bikepath, dirt, flat, some hills, all traffic-free.
I couldn't spot any km markers, so went off internal estimated pace. I wanted to do 40 min, or 5 min/km, but didn't know what the course would be like. My son wanted to beat me. I had an advantage: he had done well in the West Met series, but they were 2k races and he hadn't done any serious exercise since soccer season 2005. Still, I thought he'd beat me, and finish in 38 min. He predicted 42.50 min.
As it turned out, I smashed him, completing the course in 39.50 with Justin doing 42.55 - pretty close to his estimated time (which was an easy target to hit). He was spent, no question, and showed his level of unfitness. I passed him before the halfway turnaround, and even then I felt he wasn't going to re-challenge. Secretly, I was very pleased. It's good to contribute to a lower reading on the cockiness meter.
It was a good-value run; only $10 ($5 for U18s), friendly community atmosphere (lots of "go Hills!" for me as I was wearing my HIlls Athletics singlet - and, naturally, CR cap), challenging mixed course, free drink bottle, "lucky door prizes" at the end. In all, HillsAths did an excellent job. Congrats Steve!

Exercise has been pretty good since last post:
Wed day off (ahhh - relaxing sleep in until 7am)
Thur 8k Clean Streets at 6am - fresh but not cold - the Nike long tights are now mothballed for another year
Fri 18k home/Quakers Hill/Riverstone library 2.15pm
Sat 12k Clean Streets 10am, weights at BLC
Sun 8k Fun Run

Monday is an annual leave day, so will be spending some of it at school. It's Education Week, so YD will be showcasing Kindergarten. I really enjoy being able to be at her school weekly to pick her up Friday pm (my company finishes Fridays at 1pm), and look forward to visiting her classroom tomorrow.
Unfortunately, I didn't get to pick her up Friday as she was home sick with a cold; still, we managed to get to the library in the afternoon. Mrs BB and she met me there while I took the slow running option.

At last Spring has arrived with warm weather; the combination of solar heating and pool blanket has translated into 30 degrees water temp, meaning swimming for me and YD. Sensibly, Mrs BB is waiting for real warmth: 32 degrees min. She tells me it's a female thing (but not for six year old females, obviously).

On the music front, I am eagerly awaiting the new Elton John CD due out 23/09, while Mrs BB is keen for Tesso's Sherbet concert review.

The AFL finals series gathers momentum, but I still remain three points (1.5 games) behind Don Juan, who must be combining swimming with floatation-style meditation, as he still leads the field on goal difference.

Robert Song (GR) still persists in starting each blog posting with a line from a non-mainstream song; I am more generous and forgiving of my audience. You have a good shot of picking the song in my blog posts, as long as you have a good working knowledge of all things 70s/80s...

"Exit, stage left"

The old get old and the young get stronger

2006-09-12T23:11:00.000+10:00

If you know this song, you'll also know what time I went for a run today. Did the M7 south 10k, yesterday the M7 north 10k. Great path, no interruptions, only a couple of cyclists to break the mood.
The title also refers to my "battle" with my son. At least that's how he sees it. He's 16, slightly taller than me, and will keep growing.
Can't say he's sensitive, although his maths is good. He suggested a BIG celebration in two years time, when he turns 18, his eldest sister 21, and me 50 - he seemed to dwell on that last one. I thanked him for his idea and asked him to come up with a winning plan that involves him forking out the dough. That shut him up. He's good with money management too.
His big challenge is definitely just to beat me in Sunday's 8k. I'm scared to start in front of him. Hope Steve W has organised metal detectors.

So the QLD election is over, and the funniest part was Bruce Flegg not knowing he had four sons (well, he was one off - maybe he watches too much old Fred McMurray tv shows).
Soon we'll have VIC, then our own turn. It's such a shame that all the efforts of the last 19th century to fully democratise Australia have been partly wasted, since many are apathetic, driven by their perception that there is little real difference between the two majors. They're correct.
This could easily slip into a lecture along the lines of "those were the good old days", but at least when I was in my formative years, I knew the distinction:
Whitlam was a god, Fraser was a bastard.
Nowadays, I almost pity Johnny, for it seems clear to most of my group that he doesn't have vision, he has myopia.

Enough, the blood pressure rises...

A couple of medium runs plus weights is the plan until the weekend. Looks like the runs will be 6am ie before work!
It's been so long since hitting the streets at this time, I'll need to reaquaint myself with all the old regulars. Wonder if GoGirl will be out there?!

"exit, stage left"