Tribute on ABC Radio's "PM" (MP3) from website abc.net.au. More at news.com.au, and the coverage by The Age.
So this is Christmas
1 year ago
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
Monday, 8 December 2008
No, this (▲) is an upward arrow that I see before me. Now you have to click on "MY TRAINING DIARY", above, to see my weekly progress.
This week's plans: 90k including
Monday gym, monkey bars, 4:30 Parliament House easy run, 5:30 warm-up for intervals. The interval session will consist of 12 x 260m runs in teams of three, with some variations possible for those needing to do fewer.
Tuesday 6pm Stromlo Forest Park 5k tempo run (with warm-up, cool-down).
Wednesday an hour's gym, monkey bars, an hour's jog.
Thursday Masters track at Bruce, choice of an 800m race or a 3000m race.
Friday an hour's gym, an hour or so's run, and more monkey bars!
Saturday 9am Stromlo km intervals. Join me if you wish!
Sunday long run.
Innabaanya Snaps (continued)
1. still finding a smile
2. Follow the bright yellow cap... (Peter, Ewen)
3. ...but keep your cap on. (Peter, Ewen)
4. They may have got past, but my day will come. (Alan, Geoff B, Christopher)
5. Darn. Pink sox are faster than black sox. (Neil)
6. Play a round of golf with me and then see who's smiling! (Bronwyn)
This week's plans: 90k including
Monday gym, monkey bars, 4:30 Parliament House easy run, 5:30 warm-up for intervals. The interval session will consist of 12 x 260m runs in teams of three, with some variations possible for those needing to do fewer.
Tuesday 6pm Stromlo Forest Park 5k tempo run (with warm-up, cool-down).
Wednesday an hour's gym, monkey bars, an hour's jog.
Thursday Masters track at Bruce, choice of an 800m race or a 3000m race.
Friday an hour's gym, an hour or so's run, and more monkey bars!
Saturday 9am Stromlo km intervals. Join me if you wish!
Sunday long run.
Innabaanya Snaps (continued)
1. still finding a smile
2. Follow the bright yellow cap... (Peter, Ewen)
3. ...but keep your cap on. (Peter, Ewen)
4. They may have got past, but my day will come. (Alan, Geoff B, Christopher)
5. Darn. Pink sox are faster than black sox. (Neil)
6. Play a round of golf with me and then see who's smiling! (Bronwyn)
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Year 2009 will be the year of transformation. Within that context I have been examining what I currently do, what I would like to do next year, what I need do no longer, and what I can take up. Most people make new year's resolutions, or at least think about making them. I tend to see the new year as a chance to review all my activities and come up with a revised plan. No need to panic, speedygeese; the new plan can look a lot like the old plan, but at least I have reviewed it, stopped any unproductive activities, decided what if any new activities are possible, drawn the line at taking on too much over all. So I am thinking of dropping about four activities, three of them running-related; taking on about eight activities, three of them running-related, and retaining many activities, including coaching you will be relieved to know. But the main changes should centre around non-running travel and visiting, socialising with, friends and relatives. Or did I say that last year?
Another idea for a new running event. A guess-your-time cross country race, staggered starts so that every runner finishes together if their guess is exactly right. I saw this in one of the other State's Masters magazines, a 10k.
1500m result from Thursday
M45 Mick Horan 5: 00.75 79.4%
M45 Rod Lynch 5: 01.75 78.4
M50 Gary Bowen 5:32.33 73.2
M50 Ewen Thompson 5:46.75 70.1
M45 Roger Pilkington 6: 07.57 65.0
W45 Helen Larmour 6:11.73 73.5
M70 Tony Booth 7: 03.10 67.3
Pictures from Innabaayna (continued)
1. Looking at the camera until I finally take the photo.
2. Here comes Cathy.
3. Gary is still flying.
4. Who put this ##@%$ hill here?
5. Caroline.
6. Why can't I catch that darn W65 runnerr?
Another idea for a new running event. A guess-your-time cross country race, staggered starts so that every runner finishes together if their guess is exactly right. I saw this in one of the other State's Masters magazines, a 10k.
1500m result from Thursday
M45 Mick Horan 5: 00.75 79.4%
M45 Rod Lynch 5: 01.75 78.4
M50 Gary Bowen 5:32.33 73.2
M50 Ewen Thompson 5:46.75 70.1
M45 Roger Pilkington 6: 07.57 65.0
W45 Helen Larmour 6:11.73 73.5
M70 Tony Booth 7: 03.10 67.3
Pictures from Innabaayna (continued)
1. Looking at the camera until I finally take the photo.
2. Here comes Cathy.
3. Gary is still flying.
4. Who put this ##@%$ hill here?
5. Caroline.
6. Why can't I catch that darn W65 runnerr?
Saturday, 6 December 2008
There are not enough events for runners. We need more certificates, more medals, more fame, more glory. A disproportionate number of trophies go to minority groups. Let's redress the balance and invent a few more events.
1. The Distathlon
I invented this event many years ago as a filler between Christmas and New Year, but it's time to re-introduce it and apply for national recognition! It consists of three races starting on the hour; 1000m, 2000m and 3000m. I cannot remember the exact order. Someone can dream up some official point scores, and voila! More Australian records for the ACT, in every age group!
2. The Sprintathlon.
Five races, and like the Distathlon, invented by moi many years ago and scheduled around the Distathlon timetable, this little beauty consists of 60m, 100m, 200m, 300m and 400m. Again I cannot recall the exact order of events, old Vetrunners will probably have that information, but it was a sensible mix.
3. The Multathlon.
This is a new idea which I have developed for the express purpose of giving Jimmy White a national record certificate, and possible because the Sprintathlon and Distathlon events never over-lap. It is eight races, the combination of the two events above on the one day.
We should also hold relays over every conceivable distance every Sunday morning, and claim even more National wins and records. What are you saying, of course they would be "official"! None of our events are simply "novelty events", surely!
Thursday's spiral 4 at Woden track
1 Tony Booth M70 7:50
4 Mick Horan M45 8:46
6 Helen Larmour W45 7:05
10 Gary Bowen M50 8:03
11 Bronwyn Calver W35 7:03
14 Roger Pilkington M45 6:41
15 Ewen Thompson M50 9:54
21 Rod Lynch M45 6:02
22 Cathy Montalto W55 8:09
24 Jill Pearson W50 8:02
25 Geoff Barker M60 8:38
30 finishers
There was something funny about the handicapping. I should point out that certain "runners" were jogging (or any one of them would have won embarrassingly easily), and another is rumoured to have sprinted only the straights and jogged the bends. One even ran without shoes! All good training. Text colour red always indicates we are talking about speedygeese, here.
Other results tba.
Today's training at Stromlo: Rachelle, Miranda, Ewen and Thea joined me for km intervals. I managed to average 3:43 for mine. I always do better than expected out there, and it doesn't take long to pick up form when training consistently.
More pictures from Innabaanya.
1. titanic struggle
2. some were smiling
3. green shoes were flying. Gary.
4. to some, hills seemed steeper. Amanda.
5. to others, running was not an option
6. no pain, no gain. Katie, Ken
Click to enlarge, it's worth it.
I took all these photos.
1. The Distathlon
I invented this event many years ago as a filler between Christmas and New Year, but it's time to re-introduce it and apply for national recognition! It consists of three races starting on the hour; 1000m, 2000m and 3000m. I cannot remember the exact order. Someone can dream up some official point scores, and voila! More Australian records for the ACT, in every age group!
2. The Sprintathlon.
Five races, and like the Distathlon, invented by moi many years ago and scheduled around the Distathlon timetable, this little beauty consists of 60m, 100m, 200m, 300m and 400m. Again I cannot recall the exact order of events, old Vetrunners will probably have that information, but it was a sensible mix.
3. The Multathlon.
This is a new idea which I have developed for the express purpose of giving Jimmy White a national record certificate, and possible because the Sprintathlon and Distathlon events never over-lap. It is eight races, the combination of the two events above on the one day.
We should also hold relays over every conceivable distance every Sunday morning, and claim even more National wins and records. What are you saying, of course they would be "official"! None of our events are simply "novelty events", surely!
Thursday's spiral 4 at Woden track
1 Tony Booth M70 7:50
4 Mick Horan M45 8:46
6 Helen Larmour W45 7:05
10 Gary Bowen M50 8:03
11 Bronwyn Calver W35 7:03
14 Roger Pilkington M45 6:41
15 Ewen Thompson M50 9:54
21 Rod Lynch M45 6:02
22 Cathy Montalto W55 8:09
24 Jill Pearson W50 8:02
25 Geoff Barker M60 8:38
30 finishers
There was something funny about the handicapping. I should point out that certain "runners" were jogging (or any one of them would have won embarrassingly easily), and another is rumoured to have sprinted only the straights and jogged the bends. One even ran without shoes! All good training. Text colour red always indicates we are talking about speedygeese, here.
Other results tba.
Today's training at Stromlo: Rachelle, Miranda, Ewen and Thea joined me for km intervals. I managed to average 3:43 for mine. I always do better than expected out there, and it doesn't take long to pick up form when training consistently.
More pictures from Innabaanya.
1. titanic struggle
2. some were smiling
3. green shoes were flying. Gary.
4. to some, hills seemed steeper. Amanda.
5. to others, running was not an option
6. no pain, no gain. Katie, Ken
Click to enlarge, it's worth it.
I took all these photos.
Friday, 5 December 2008
The Woden athletics grass track is in good condition, so it was a surprise to see few athletes venturing south-side last night for a rare opportunity to compete there. The best plan of action for any runner is to train and race on a variety of surfaces; the ideal running surface is soft and level such as on a gravel road, or on grass provided the grass isn't patchy and uneven. We rarely get to run or race on ideal surfaces, and because it is impossible to avoid less than ideal surfaces, we should do some training on each type. Care should be taken on concrete - at one extreme - and soft sand - at the other extreme - and little running done on each. Road camber means we should do some training on the left hand side of roads, whenever traffic loads and road width allow, as well as on the more common (safer) right hand side. Track curvature means we should often try running in reverse around athletic tracks to counteract the effect of increased load on the outer leg. Care should be taken running downhill not to over-stride and hurt the back, but practising downhill running is essential because we race down hills. The same goes for uphill running; being careful not to over-strain and damage the achilles and calves.
Gradual adaptation to any new training session and any new training surface is important. I am developing the habit of taking the training group through a reduced form of some of the harder training sessions the first time we do them. I am concerned that we make sure can cope with any new session before we put in our hardest effort.
Photos from Woden grass track. Click to enlarge.
1. Garry pretending to be an M90
2. Ewen's favourite lane is lane 6
3. Lined up for the 1500m
4. A giggle of geese
5. A new M60 ACT record for the 4x200m
Reminder - On-line entries for the Australian Masters Games in Geelong close today.
Gradual adaptation to any new training session and any new training surface is important. I am developing the habit of taking the training group through a reduced form of some of the harder training sessions the first time we do them. I am concerned that we make sure can cope with any new session before we put in our hardest effort.
Photos from Woden grass track. Click to enlarge.
1. Garry pretending to be an M90
2. Ewen's favourite lane is lane 6
3. Lined up for the 1500m
4. A giggle of geese
5. A new M60 ACT record for the 4x200m
Reminder - On-line entries for the Australian Masters Games in Geelong close today.
Thursday, 4 December 2008
What am I reading this week? "Lewis Carroll in Numberland", by Robin Wilson. I was and still am a student of mathematics and logic, and this is a fascinating biography of the author of the "Alice" books, including samples of his work in mathematics, logic, photography, ciphers, puzzles, paradoxes, and of course writing and poetry. Eye-opening and instructive: I am amazed at the incredibly high standards of education in those days! We had slipped a long long way from that even in the mid twentieth century when I was at school. And as for "these days"...!
I will go back and re-read "Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass" with new insights.
More Sunday snaps
1. Carmen
2. Here's Jodie already...
3. ...thumbs up! (Jodie was way ahead in her first long course race)
4. Bob Chapman
5. Cathy Montalto
6. Neil Boden with a race on his hands... and, strangely, one foot is well off the ground!
Click on any picture to see it full size. Continued tomorrow!
I will go back and re-read "Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass" with new insights.
More Sunday snaps
1. Carmen
2. Here's Jodie already...
3. ...thumbs up! (Jodie was way ahead in her first long course race)
4. Bob Chapman
5. Cathy Montalto
6. Neil Boden with a race on his hands... and, strangely, one foot is well off the ground!
Click on any picture to see it full size. Continued tomorrow!
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Movies/DVDs I am watching: Fargo! Which I revisited after seeing “Burn after Reading" at the movies; Fargo was an academy award winner, and compares favourably with "Burn After Reading", there are some interesting comparisons, such as brilliant performance by Frances McDormand in both.
Television: a new Wallace and Gromit is on tonight. Must see!
Tuesday’s Spring Series, 5k at Stromlo Forest Park:
32. Mick Horan M45 19:36
42. Geoff Moore M60 20:13
63. Roger Pilkington M45 21:45
78. Thea Zimpel W25 23:24
83. Rachelle Ellis-Brownlee W35 23:57
91. David Baussmann M55 24:42
93. Adam Robinson M35 24:53
102. Mick Charlton M55 25:34
107. Cathy Montalto W55 26:34
111. Ruth Baussmann W55 27:38
121 finishers
Mick had a great return to form running well under twenty minutes in blustery and at times gale-force conditions out in the open at Stromlo. Both Mick and I put in an honest effort on Monday night, so a good result Tuesday was a pleasant surprise. Others who backed up were Rachelle, Mick C, and Cathy.
Thursday night program. Note: at Woden Athletic Track.
6.15 400m
6.35 5 Lap Walk Spiral Hcp
7.00 100m
7.20 1500m
7.45 4 x 200m
7.55 4 Lap Spiral
Images from last Sunday's ACTMA monthly handicap walk and run.
1. Vet and baby Vet
2. Michael Freer - won the handicap, and won the 2008 club person award!
3. Dorothy
4. Holding hands. This pair had been engaged for one week.
5. Graeme
6. Diann
Click on any photo to enlarge. Many more photos tomorrow and beyond!
Television: a new Wallace and Gromit is on tonight. Must see!
Tuesday’s Spring Series, 5k at Stromlo Forest Park:
32. Mick Horan M45 19:36
42. Geoff Moore M60 20:13
63. Roger Pilkington M45 21:45
78. Thea Zimpel W25 23:24
83. Rachelle Ellis-Brownlee W35 23:57
91. David Baussmann M55 24:42
93. Adam Robinson M35 24:53
102. Mick Charlton M55 25:34
107. Cathy Montalto W55 26:34
111. Ruth Baussmann W55 27:38
121 finishers
Mick had a great return to form running well under twenty minutes in blustery and at times gale-force conditions out in the open at Stromlo. Both Mick and I put in an honest effort on Monday night, so a good result Tuesday was a pleasant surprise. Others who backed up were Rachelle, Mick C, and Cathy.
Thursday night program. Note: at Woden Athletic Track.
6.15 400m
6.35 5 Lap Walk Spiral Hcp
7.00 100m
7.20 1500m
7.45 4 x 200m
7.55 4 Lap Spiral
Images from last Sunday's ACTMA monthly handicap walk and run.
1. Vet and baby Vet
2. Michael Freer - won the handicap, and won the 2008 club person award!
3. Dorothy
4. Holding hands. This pair had been engaged for one week.
5. Graeme
6. Diann
Click on any photo to enlarge. Many more photos tomorrow and beyond!
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
Report on Monday night training: Present were Alan, Amanda, Bronwyn, Cathy, Ewen, Gary, me, Helen, Katie, Ken, Mick C, Mick H, Rachelle, Ruth, & Yili. We divided up into five teams of three and ran eight zigzags of 260m with 200m recovery in between. Each person. The westerly wind was strong, and flying Frisbees added to the fun. Next week the plan is twelve not eight.
King of the Mountain
I didn't make much of a fuss about winning this award, but now I should express my sincere thanks to Garry Maher for sponsoring it. A $150 voucher for the Runner's Shop is far more than I expected! It was a shock to see that when I opened the envelope some time after being given it.
Song of the week: Snow Patrol - Crack The Shutters:
You cool your bed-warm hands down
on the broken radiator
when you lay them freezing on me
I mumble "can you wake me later"
but I don't really want you to stop
and you know it so it doesn't stop you
you run your hands from my neck
to my chest
(Chorus)
crack the shutters open wide
I want to bathe you in the light of day
and just watch you as the rays
tangle up around your face and body
I could sit for hours
finding new ways to be awed each minute
'cause the daylight seems to want you
just as much as I want you
it's been minutes, it's been days
it's been all I will remember
happy lost in your hair
and the cold side of the pillow
your hills and valleys
are mapped by my intrepid fingers
and in a naked slumber
I dream all this again
Hear the song at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhF3WQD8bhY
View the song at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9rwfYaOSxo
On the horns of a dilemma…
Two of my favourite music fan pages on Facebook are Keane and Coldplay.
Keane update on Facebook:
“Vote for Keane!” The official Keane forum is one of 16 forums which have been selected for the on-air rounds of the Absolute Radio Rock-Off. Each forum has chosen a playlist of tracks and will play-off against another forum. The official Keane forum is involved in the very first fixture, against the forum of a Coldplay fansite. Voting is open from now until 8.30pm on Monday evening (British time), with the winner due to be announced half an hour later. To vote for the Keane forum, please click the link below...
http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/music/rockoff/index.html
Coldplay update on facebook:
Hello. The forum of Coldplay fansite Coldplaying.com has made it into the knock-out rounds of the Absolute Radio Rock-Off, where they've been drawn against the official Keane forum. Naturally, we'd like to lend Coldplaying our support in this titanic struggle. So, if you have a moment to vote for the site and their playlist, then click below before 8.30pm GMT on Monday.
http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/music/rockoff/index.html
Rats! Which to vote for? Why couldn't they meet in the final?
King of the Mountain
I didn't make much of a fuss about winning this award, but now I should express my sincere thanks to Garry Maher for sponsoring it. A $150 voucher for the Runner's Shop is far more than I expected! It was a shock to see that when I opened the envelope some time after being given it.
Song of the week: Snow Patrol - Crack The Shutters:
You cool your bed-warm hands down
on the broken radiator
when you lay them freezing on me
I mumble "can you wake me later"
but I don't really want you to stop
and you know it so it doesn't stop you
you run your hands from my neck
to my chest
(Chorus)
crack the shutters open wide
I want to bathe you in the light of day
and just watch you as the rays
tangle up around your face and body
I could sit for hours
finding new ways to be awed each minute
'cause the daylight seems to want you
just as much as I want you
it's been minutes, it's been days
it's been all I will remember
happy lost in your hair
and the cold side of the pillow
your hills and valleys
are mapped by my intrepid fingers
and in a naked slumber
I dream all this again
Hear the song at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhF3WQD8bhY
View the song at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9rwfYaOSxo
On the horns of a dilemma…
Two of my favourite music fan pages on Facebook are Keane and Coldplay.
Keane update on Facebook:
“Vote for Keane!” The official Keane forum is one of 16 forums which have been selected for the on-air rounds of the Absolute Radio Rock-Off. Each forum has chosen a playlist of tracks and will play-off against another forum. The official Keane forum is involved in the very first fixture, against the forum of a Coldplay fansite. Voting is open from now until 8.30pm on Monday evening (British time), with the winner due to be announced half an hour later. To vote for the Keane forum, please click the link below...
http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/music/rockoff/index.html
Coldplay update on facebook:
Hello. The forum of Coldplay fansite Coldplaying.com has made it into the knock-out rounds of the Absolute Radio Rock-Off, where they've been drawn against the official Keane forum. Naturally, we'd like to lend Coldplaying our support in this titanic struggle. So, if you have a moment to vote for the site and their playlist, then click below before 8.30pm GMT on Monday.
http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/music/rockoff/index.html
Rats! Which to vote for? Why couldn't they meet in the final?
Monday, 1 December 2008
Reserve your seats now for the speedygeese Christmas dinner/ party! To contact me and confirm your place, click on the “email” tab above.
The dinner is at the Phnom Penh Restaurant, corner Luxton/Josephson Street Belconnen, on Tuesday 16 December at 7pm. I have ordered the $28.50 banquet, see the website for details.
weekend racing
Innabaayna 3.5k
8 Neil Boden M55 16:18 71.8%
12 Ken White M55 14:16 79.5
13 Katie Forestier W40 14:22 80.1
14 Gary Bowen M50 15:06 73.6
22 Cathy Montalto W55 18:22 73.4
34 Amanda Walker W40 17:42 64.5
41 finishers
Innabaayna 7k
1 Jodie Davis W40 42:35 54.8%
2 Caroline Campbell W65 37:28 84.9 gold
6 Ewen Thompson M50 35:49 63.5
13 Rod Lynch M45 26:44 83.2
14 Mick Charlton M55 37:32 63.5
19 Mick Horan M45 29:31 75.8
21 Peter McDonald M55 34:41 68.0
42 Alan Duus M60 35:24 70.4
50 Peter Hogan M60 37:44 65.8
54 Bronwyn Calver W35 34:07 67.9
64 Christopher Lang M55 36:28 66.0
69 Colin Farlow M45 29:52 74.0
77 Miranda Rawlinson W55 38:34 70.2
80 Cathy Newman W45 34:28 71.5
81 Roger Pilkington M45 34:31 64.8
82 Maria O'Reilly W50 35:12 75.6
90 Geoff Barker M60 40:55 61.4
94 finishers
2008 end of year awards:
Short-course point score competition
1. Katie Forestier
Short course age standard competition
1. Katie Forestier
3. Ken White
Short course King of the Mountain competition, men
1. Geoff Moore
My training progress
In place of the Monday report you are accustomed to seeing here, today I am launching "My Training Diary" which is linked from the menu tab at the top of the blog. It is a Google Doc spreadsheet which I will keep up to date every day and is automatically updated in the blog. Too easy! I did a Google search for popular running logs and decided they were all rubbish. There is no compelling reason why my log should have the level of complexity found in the ones I located. So I have copied Ewen’s! That’s all I need – date, total, comments. Simple!
This week's plans: 90k including
Monday gym, monkey bars, 4:30 Parliament House run, 5:30 warm-up for intervals.
Tuesday 6:15 Spring Series race, 5k at Stromlo Forest Park.
Wednesday an hour's gym, an hour's jog, monkey bars.
Thursday long run, then Masters track at Woden, officiating only.
Friday an hour's gym, an hour's run, and more monkey bars!
Saturday 9am Stromlo km intervals. Join me if you wish!
Sunday long run.
And for the last time, last week's effort, click on "MY TRAINING DIARY" any day, in future.
target: 90k
achieved: 80k
year 2008 total to date: 3696k in 47 weeks
weight: 64.5kg ▲
The dinner is at the Phnom Penh Restaurant, corner Luxton/Josephson Street Belconnen, on Tuesday 16 December at 7pm. I have ordered the $28.50 banquet, see the website for details.
weekend racing
Innabaayna 3.5k
8 Neil Boden M55 16:18 71.8%
12 Ken White M55 14:16 79.5
13 Katie Forestier W40 14:22 80.1
14 Gary Bowen M50 15:06 73.6
22 Cathy Montalto W55 18:22 73.4
34 Amanda Walker W40 17:42 64.5
41 finishers
Innabaayna 7k
1 Jodie Davis W40 42:35 54.8%
2 Caroline Campbell W65 37:28 84.9 gold
6 Ewen Thompson M50 35:49 63.5
13 Rod Lynch M45 26:44 83.2
14 Mick Charlton M55 37:32 63.5
19 Mick Horan M45 29:31 75.8
21 Peter McDonald M55 34:41 68.0
42 Alan Duus M60 35:24 70.4
50 Peter Hogan M60 37:44 65.8
54 Bronwyn Calver W35 34:07 67.9
64 Christopher Lang M55 36:28 66.0
69 Colin Farlow M45 29:52 74.0
77 Miranda Rawlinson W55 38:34 70.2
80 Cathy Newman W45 34:28 71.5
81 Roger Pilkington M45 34:31 64.8
82 Maria O'Reilly W50 35:12 75.6
90 Geoff Barker M60 40:55 61.4
94 finishers
2008 end of year awards:
Short-course point score competition
1. Katie Forestier
Short course age standard competition
1. Katie Forestier
3. Ken White
Short course King of the Mountain competition, men
1. Geoff Moore
My training progress
In place of the Monday report you are accustomed to seeing here, today I am launching "My Training Diary" which is linked from the menu tab at the top of the blog. It is a Google Doc spreadsheet which I will keep up to date every day and is automatically updated in the blog. Too easy! I did a Google search for popular running logs and decided they were all rubbish. There is no compelling reason why my log should have the level of complexity found in the ones I located. So I have copied Ewen’s! That’s all I need – date, total, comments. Simple!
This week's plans: 90k including
Monday gym, monkey bars, 4:30 Parliament House run, 5:30 warm-up for intervals.
Tuesday 6:15 Spring Series race, 5k at Stromlo Forest Park.
Wednesday an hour's gym, an hour's jog, monkey bars.
Thursday long run, then Masters track at Woden, officiating only.
Friday an hour's gym, an hour's run, and more monkey bars!
Saturday 9am Stromlo km intervals. Join me if you wish!
Sunday long run.
And for the last time, last week's effort, click on "MY TRAINING DIARY" any day, in future.
target: 90k
achieved: 80k
year 2008 total to date: 3696k in 47 weeks
weight: 64.5kg ▲
Sunday, 30 November 2008
I and most of my ilk were at Innabaanya this morning to run in, watch, and in my case photograph, the final Masters Handicap races of 2008. Caroline Campbell was one of the star performers with a win in the long course handicap event.
Three of my ilk at O'Connor Ridge.
Roger, Gary and Katie
Roger is wearing his "helping new starters" bright cap. Middle of the picture is Gary who today was awarded a "middle of the field" trophy for the short course series. Katie seen monkeying around has won the short course series outright with another very fine performance today.
Baaaa
Several of my friends are holidaying in New Zealand - Ruth and David, Garry Maher, Joel and Yelena, amongst others. So here’s an appropriate story.
An Australian ventriloquist visiting New Zealand walks into a small town and sees a local sitting on his porch patting his dog. He figures he'll have a little fun.
Ventriloquist: Hey, good looking dog, mate. Mind if I speak to him?
New Zealander: The dog doesn't talk, you stupid Aussie.
Ventriloquist: Hey dog, how's it going old mate?
Dog: Doin' alright.
The New Zealander is shocked!
Ventriloquist: Is this Kiwi your owner? (Pointing at the New Zealander?
Dog: Yep.
Ventriloquist: How does he treat you?
Dog: Real good. He walks me twice a day, feeds me great food, and takes me to the lake once a week to play.
The New Zealander can't believe his ears!
Ventriloquist: Mind if I talk to your horse?
New Zealander: Horse doesn't talk either.
Ventriloquist: Hey horse, how's it going?
Horse: No worries.
The New Zealander's mouth is agape.
Ventriloquist: Is this your owner? (Pointing at the New Zealander?)
Horse: Yep.
Ventriloquist: How's he treat you?
Horse: Pretty good, thanks for asking. He rides me regularly, brushes me down often, and keeps me in the barn to protect me from the elements.
The New Zealander is TOTALLY amazed!
Ventriloquist: Mind if I talk to your sheep?
New Zealander: The sheep's a liar.
I hope you are all my ilk.
Three of my ilk at O'Connor Ridge.
Roger is wearing his "helping new starters" bright cap. Middle of the picture is Gary who today was awarded a "middle of the field" trophy for the short course series. Katie seen monkeying around has won the short course series outright with another very fine performance today.
Baaaa
Several of my friends are holidaying in New Zealand - Ruth and David, Garry Maher, Joel and Yelena, amongst others. So here’s an appropriate story.
An Australian ventriloquist visiting New Zealand walks into a small town and sees a local sitting on his porch patting his dog. He figures he'll have a little fun.
Ventriloquist: Hey, good looking dog, mate. Mind if I speak to him?
New Zealander: The dog doesn't talk, you stupid Aussie.
Ventriloquist: Hey dog, how's it going old mate?
Dog: Doin' alright.
The New Zealander is shocked!
Ventriloquist: Is this Kiwi your owner? (Pointing at the New Zealander?
Dog: Yep.
Ventriloquist: How does he treat you?
Dog: Real good. He walks me twice a day, feeds me great food, and takes me to the lake once a week to play.
The New Zealander can't believe his ears!
Ventriloquist: Mind if I talk to your horse?
New Zealander: Horse doesn't talk either.
Ventriloquist: Hey horse, how's it going?
Horse: No worries.
The New Zealander's mouth is agape.
Ventriloquist: Is this your owner? (Pointing at the New Zealander?)
Horse: Yep.
Ventriloquist: How's he treat you?
Horse: Pretty good, thanks for asking. He rides me regularly, brushes me down often, and keeps me in the barn to protect me from the elements.
The New Zealander is TOTALLY amazed!
Ventriloquist: Mind if I talk to your sheep?
New Zealander: The sheep's a liar.
I hope you are all my ilk.
Saturday, 29 November 2008
Only Ewen kept going on Thursday night when it poured with rain during the 3k/5k, so fluked a win. Or to put it another way, ran last and caused the officials to get wet. But we have tough officials - see note at end of post.
Thursday night results.
400m
M60 Geoff Sims 63.58 83.2%
M50 Gary Bowen 64.26 77.6
1500m
M45 Rod Lynch 4:51.32 81.2 %
M45 Mick Horan 5:11.05 76.8
M55 Ken White 5:17.91 79.2
M60 Kevin Chamberlain 5:30.99 80.6
M45 Roger Pilkington 5:34.90 71.3
M60 Geoff Sims 5:49.89 75.0
W45 Helen Larmour 6: 09.56 73.9
W35 Bronwyn Calver 6:17.90 64.4
3000m
M45 Rod Lynch 10:52.33 75.9%
M60 Geoff Moore 12: 06.33 75.3
M55 Ken White 12:11.32 71.7
M45 Roger Pilkington 12:36.66 66.0
W40 Amanda Walker 12:45.77 68.5
W45 Helen Larmour 12:58.88 74.5
M50 Gary Bowen 13: 07.55 64.4
W35 Bronwyn Calver 13:26.57 64.6
M60 Geoff Barker 15:42.65 60.1
5000m
M50 Ewen Thompson 21:44.73 66.9%
Here it is!
All credit to the other runners Kevin, Geoff S, and Garry, who all ran quicker than I. We took 19 seconds off the Australian record that day.
Only the Lonely
A new training session at Stromlo Forest Park got going this morning. Yes 'twas only I at Stromlo running intervals. I don't mind - it means I am one hard session ahead of everyone else. And I was picturing those M60 championship races planned for 2009, hoping my rivals in those races were slacking off too.
When the going gets tough
... Kelley and her war wounds. But what is going on behind her?
Note - Kelley was the official who Ewen caused to get wet on Thursday night. But Kelley is used to that, if you remember her three dives into the water at Vanity's Crossing during the Bulls Head relay leg.
Thursday night results.
400m
M60 Geoff Sims 63.58 83.2%
M50 Gary Bowen 64.26 77.6
1500m
M45 Rod Lynch 4:51.32 81.2 %
M45 Mick Horan 5:11.05 76.8
M55 Ken White 5:17.91 79.2
M60 Kevin Chamberlain 5:30.99 80.6
M45 Roger Pilkington 5:34.90 71.3
M60 Geoff Sims 5:49.89 75.0
W45 Helen Larmour 6: 09.56 73.9
W35 Bronwyn Calver 6:17.90 64.4
3000m
M45 Rod Lynch 10:52.33 75.9%
M60 Geoff Moore 12: 06.33 75.3
M55 Ken White 12:11.32 71.7
M45 Roger Pilkington 12:36.66 66.0
W40 Amanda Walker 12:45.77 68.5
W45 Helen Larmour 12:58.88 74.5
M50 Gary Bowen 13: 07.55 64.4
W35 Bronwyn Calver 13:26.57 64.6
M60 Geoff Barker 15:42.65 60.1
5000m
M50 Ewen Thompson 21:44.73 66.9%
Here it is!
Only the Lonely
A new training session at Stromlo Forest Park got going this morning. Yes 'twas only I at Stromlo running intervals. I don't mind - it means I am one hard session ahead of everyone else. And I was picturing those M60 championship races planned for 2009, hoping my rivals in those races were slacking off too.
When the going gets tough
Note - Kelley was the official who Ewen caused to get wet on Thursday night. But Kelley is used to that, if you remember her three dives into the water at Vanity's Crossing during the Bulls Head relay leg.
Friday, 28 November 2008
Monkey Bars
I have managed to practise on monkey-bars three times this week. The set I use is in Colefax Place Florey. Much much more practise is required! Back when I was at school, I was the monkey-bars king! Not any more.
Yesterday's track was on despite the BOM (Bureau of Meteorology) telling us to stay home and park under cover and batten the hatches. On the BOM website the storm was to our NW, heading straight towards us, and to the extreme right of the BOM scale in intensity, i.e. the heaviest rain and hail on the scale, which I have never seen here before. The promised storm did a 90 degree turn and we only experienced the edge of it. Someone else got it. I waited until the last event, 3k/5k, to race the 5k, but in lap six the skies did finally open and drenched us, so I bailed out of the 5k and trotted through the 3k finish line in a "very ordinary" 12:06: splits of 4:00, 4:02 and 4:04. I must confess I wasn't very comfortable in the humidity, and all the recent hard training had taken its toll so my 5k effort was less than convincing.
Paranoia time!
It's OK! I haven't hacked your computer! The Danasoft link, above, contains an explanation.
Keep on swinging
Monkey bar practise might become useful one day.
Yesterday's track was on despite the BOM (Bureau of Meteorology) telling us to stay home and park under cover and batten the hatches. On the BOM website the storm was to our NW, heading straight towards us, and to the extreme right of the BOM scale in intensity, i.e. the heaviest rain and hail on the scale, which I have never seen here before. The promised storm did a 90 degree turn and we only experienced the edge of it. Someone else got it. I waited until the last event, 3k/5k, to race the 5k, but in lap six the skies did finally open and drenched us, so I bailed out of the 5k and trotted through the 3k finish line in a "very ordinary" 12:06: splits of 4:00, 4:02 and 4:04. I must confess I wasn't very comfortable in the humidity, and all the recent hard training had taken its toll so my 5k effort was less than convincing.
Paranoia time!
Sign by Danasoft - Get Your Free Sign
It's OK! I haven't hacked your computer! The Danasoft link, above, contains an explanation.
Keep on swinging
Monkey bar practise might become useful one day.
Thursday, 27 November 2008
What am I reading?.
On the "masterstrack.com" website which I have linked to previously there is a whole lot of interesting reading. One article that grabbed my attention was about the history of women's involvement in Masters Track. We read a lot of rubbish about the history of our movement - I won't say where - so here is some balance. It makes fascinating reading. Continue reading at http://masterstrack.com/treats/thesis.html - here is the intro:
The birth of masters track & field is credited to David Pain, an attorney and former handball player who began running in his mid-forties. Pain developed a new competitive arena featuring athletes considered past their prime. In 1966, he persuaded meet promoters to include a "masters mile" (for men over age forty) in their track & field competition schedules. The concept of a masters mile proved to be very successful, spreading to track meets across the U.S. As a result, Pain decided to highlight masters competition by organizing full-scale track & field meets just for masters athletes.
The first masters national track & field championship was held in 1968, co-sponsored by the San Diego Track Club and City of San Diego Recreation Department with 130 male competitors. Pain, chairman of the event, arbitrarily chose the age of forty as the starting age for masters competitors. He later said, "Since I was forty-five years of age, I assumed and just arbitrarily decided that masters competition for men would start at age forty. It was just a convenient age, it seemed to me, to start masters competition, since I was basically in that group, and I was thinking in terms of creating a program for myself."
Three ten-year age-group divisions (40-49, 50-59, and 60-69) accommodated the limited number of entries at the first championship. The schedule of events included many running events (100 yards dash, 220 yards dash, 440 yards run, 880 yards run, one mile run, 2 miles run, 3 miles run, 6 miles run, 440 yards relay, and marathon) and a limited number of field events (long jump, triple jump, shot put, discus, and javelin). The program included no women's events.
Continue reading at http://masterstrack.com/treats/thesis.html.
Sherryl & Margaret
You will read that in the year women's events were first introduced to Masters competition, women entrants were restricted to relatives of men entrants! All such sexism has long disappeared, thank goodness.
On the "masterstrack.com" website which I have linked to previously there is a whole lot of interesting reading. One article that grabbed my attention was about the history of women's involvement in Masters Track. We read a lot of rubbish about the history of our movement - I won't say where - so here is some balance. It makes fascinating reading. Continue reading at http://masterstrack.com/treats/thesis.html - here is the intro:
The birth of masters track & field is credited to David Pain, an attorney and former handball player who began running in his mid-forties. Pain developed a new competitive arena featuring athletes considered past their prime. In 1966, he persuaded meet promoters to include a "masters mile" (for men over age forty) in their track & field competition schedules. The concept of a masters mile proved to be very successful, spreading to track meets across the U.S. As a result, Pain decided to highlight masters competition by organizing full-scale track & field meets just for masters athletes.
The first masters national track & field championship was held in 1968, co-sponsored by the San Diego Track Club and City of San Diego Recreation Department with 130 male competitors. Pain, chairman of the event, arbitrarily chose the age of forty as the starting age for masters competitors. He later said, "Since I was forty-five years of age, I assumed and just arbitrarily decided that masters competition for men would start at age forty. It was just a convenient age, it seemed to me, to start masters competition, since I was basically in that group, and I was thinking in terms of creating a program for myself."
Three ten-year age-group divisions (40-49, 50-59, and 60-69) accommodated the limited number of entries at the first championship. The schedule of events included many running events (100 yards dash, 220 yards dash, 440 yards run, 880 yards run, one mile run, 2 miles run, 3 miles run, 6 miles run, 440 yards relay, and marathon) and a limited number of field events (long jump, triple jump, shot put, discus, and javelin). The program included no women's events.
Continue reading at http://masterstrack.com/treats/thesis.html.
Sherryl & Margaret
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Joel and Yelena are on holidays until January. Yelena said to say goodbye to the training group. Just so you don't forget them, here is a recent photo.
Spring Series #4 – Boathouse 5k, Tuesday 25th.
29. Mick Horan 20:14
44. Geoff Moore 21:26
71. Neil Boden 24:16
76. Roger Pilkington 24:47
85. Mick Charlton 26:06
86. Cathy Montalto 26:12
87. Adam Robinson 26:19
93. Caroline Campbell 27:20
94. Geoff Barker 27:37
109 finishers. I ran towards the back for the first 500m and felt OK so I picked up the pace and enjoyed passing other runners.
DVDs I am watching: This week it is one of my old favourites, "Run Lola Run". A must see for runners who like quality movies!
Vetrunner December edition is out now. Read the highly exciting feedback we the Member Services Sub-Committee reported on the “Masters” issue! Read the controversial discussion recommending LSD to new runners! If the style of writing in both articles looks familiar?.... Hem hem.
When it comes to the Veterans v Masters debate, I have after all lived on both sides of that coin, and I should be able to present a balanced, rational, cool-headed summary of everyone's responses. Which is what I, I and the sub-committee, have done, so I am not sure what my reaction would be should anyone respond unfavourably to the report. But next year you cannot have your cake on both sides of the fence as is happening this year: we will either stay as "Veterans" or we will change to "Masters", and people should express their views now if they haven't done so already.
Also on the website, there is the track program for January to April 2009. Some significant dates I notice in the program include another 4x1500m relay on 29 January, our main track championships on 12 and 14 February (Thursday night and Saturday morning, and including a 3000m), and the 5000m club championship on 12 March, well before the season end. It continues to be a very good program.
Political bit
Spring Series #4 – Boathouse 5k, Tuesday 25th.
29. Mick Horan 20:14
44. Geoff Moore 21:26
71. Neil Boden 24:16
76. Roger Pilkington 24:47
85. Mick Charlton 26:06
86. Cathy Montalto 26:12
87. Adam Robinson 26:19
93. Caroline Campbell 27:20
94. Geoff Barker 27:37
109 finishers. I ran towards the back for the first 500m and felt OK so I picked up the pace and enjoyed passing other runners.
DVDs I am watching: This week it is one of my old favourites, "Run Lola Run". A must see for runners who like quality movies!
Vetrunner December edition is out now. Read the highly exciting feedback we the Member Services Sub-Committee reported on the “Masters” issue! Read the controversial discussion recommending LSD to new runners! If the style of writing in both articles looks familiar?.... Hem hem.
When it comes to the Veterans v Masters debate, I have after all lived on both sides of that coin, and I should be able to present a balanced, rational, cool-headed summary of everyone's responses. Which is what I, I and the sub-committee, have done, so I am not sure what my reaction would be should anyone respond unfavourably to the report. But next year you cannot have your cake on both sides of the fence as is happening this year: we will either stay as "Veterans" or we will change to "Masters", and people should express their views now if they haven't done so already.
Also on the website, there is the track program for January to April 2009. Some significant dates I notice in the program include another 4x1500m relay on 29 January, our main track championships on 12 and 14 February (Thursday night and Saturday morning, and including a 3000m), and the 5000m club championship on 12 March, well before the season end. It continues to be a very good program.
Political bit
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
Monday night training at Parliament House saw Bronwyn, Cathy, Christopher, Ewen, Gary, me, Helen, Jodie, Katie, Ken, Mick C, Mick H, Miranda & Neil run a 45 minute effort, stepping out for 200m of each 410m circuit. Twenty laps was the goal for the quickest runners and about five of us achieved it. Conditions for running were better than of late; the storms stayed away.
Track program this Thursday night:
6.00pm 1000/5000m walk
6.30pm sprint hurdles
6,40pm 200m
7.00pm 1500m
7.20pm 400m
7.45pm 3000m/5000m
Slaughtering the Turkeys
These turkeys weren’t elected. It was when Palin stepped out in uncharted waters after the quickest of learning curves that she fumbled the ball. Notice the activity in the back-ground. How tasteful!
song of the week: "15 step", by Radiohead, from "In Rainbows".
Edit: My custom is to connect disparate things in a post. Today's connections are: Gary was last Thursday's winner of the turkey handicap. We all felt like dropping after 15 steps of the cool-down when we had to start up again after last night's very hard training session. Canberra has recently felt as cold as Alaska. Sarah Palin had 15 steps of media popularity before she dropped herself right in it. Edit edit: The edit was a bit contrived. But I do like the song "15 step", definitely a favourite on the album.
Track program this Thursday night:
6.00pm 1000/5000m walk
6.30pm sprint hurdles
6,40pm 200m
7.00pm 1500m
7.20pm 400m
7.45pm 3000m/5000m
Slaughtering the Turkeys
These turkeys weren’t elected. It was when Palin stepped out in uncharted waters after the quickest of learning curves that she fumbled the ball. Notice the activity in the back-ground. How tasteful!
song of the week: "15 step", by Radiohead, from "In Rainbows".
Edit: My custom is to connect disparate things in a post. Today's connections are: Gary was last Thursday's winner of the turkey handicap. We all felt like dropping after 15 steps of the cool-down when we had to start up again after last night's very hard training session. Canberra has recently felt as cold as Alaska. Sarah Palin had 15 steps of media popularity before she dropped herself right in it. Edit edit: The edit was a bit contrived. But I do like the song "15 step", definitely a favourite on the album.
Monday, 24 November 2008
My training progress
last week’s target: 90k
achieved: 48k
year 2008 total to date: 3616k in 47 weeks
this week's target: 90k
weight: 64kg ▼
This week's plans:
Monday an hour's gym soon, I have also found some monkey bars in good repair where I will work towards swinging on them to build up more strength! But I do not expect any initial success. just hanging on them will do for a start. I don't even know if I can re-lean how to swing on them at this age, the shoulders may be beyond repair. Then a run at 4:30 at Parliament House, followed by interval training at 5:30.
Tuesday Spring Series race, 5k at the Boathouse at 6:15pm
Wednesday an hour's gym, followed by an hour's jog.
Thursday Masters track, there's a 1500m and a choice of 3000m or 5000m, I will decide what to run when I get there and see what the weather's like. This week I did not even venture outside all weekend to race as planned, the weather was so foul.
Friday an hour's gym, an hour's run, and a second attempt at monkey bars!
Saturday my first interval session at Stromlo. Every Saturday starting from 29 November, an additional training session will be held at Stromlo Forest Park. Sessions will commence at 9am. All are welcome to come along and join in.
Sunday there is a Masters handicap run at Inaabanya, it starts at 8:30am (note earlier start time). I am on duty so I will not be racing. Annual handicap presentations take place at the conclusion of the event so I must remember to take my camera. And I think I get a trophy this year.
Coming up next year is the Running Festival at Stromlo. The publicity for the event reads:
The inaugural STROMLO Running Festival combines on-site camping and catering into a weekend 'Festival' that is not to be missed. The range of running events will provide something for everyone, from the complete beginner to Australia's elite athletes. So come and join Robert de Castella and be part of something amazing.
The STROMLO Running Festival will provide a friendly, social, exciting, and interactive weekend focussed on running, participation and healthy lifestyles. The combination of multiple running events focussed on participation, on-site catering, camping and caravan accommodation, as well as entertainment, lectures and training sessions, will make the STROMLO Running Festival a unique and nationally recognised event; where experienced and elite athletes will socialise and motivate those individuals who are new to running.
The event slogan – "Get Off The Road" – is highly appropriate given the running events comprising the STROMLO Running Festival will be held on the purpose built Stromlo Cross Country Course, as well as the beautiful fire trials and single tracks within Canberra's nature parks surrounding the Stromlo area.
The STROMLO Running Festival will offer a variety of community and competitive events including:
• Robert de Castella Cross Country Invitational
• Lightning Strike Trail Runs (10km and 30km)
• Cross Country Races (4km and 8km)
• Orienteering Events
• Criterium Track Road Race (1.2km)
• Mountain Race (3.2km)
• Social runs led by Celebrities and Elite athletes
• Government/Business challenge
• Primary School and High School Challenge
The event will also incorporate other activities including:
• Official Opening and Dinner
• Festival Expo
• Running Clinic hosted by elite athletes and coaches
• Bands and Children's Entertainment
• Guest Lectures on Maximising 6-Foot Track Marathon Performance, Injury Prevention, Training, Footwear and Nutrition
• Practical Training Sessions on Core Stability, Running Drills/Plyometrics
Please Note:
• The field will be limited to 2,500 participants and spots are sure to fill quickly – so don't delay, enter now via our secure online site at www.stromlorunningfestival.com.au
• Amazing 2XU bundle for the first 500 entries.
The first 500 entrants will receive a special bundle offer of 2XU STROMLO t-shirt (value $60) and 2XU Compression Socks (value $50) for just $35 - Save over 65%!
Important:
Entries close 20th of February 2009 (unless sold out).
No entries will be taken over the weekend of the event.
Running in Canberra:
Since the establishment of the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, the nation's capital has developed a strong history of distance running and is now considered one of Australia's most ideal running locations.
Stromlo Forest was where 'Deek' and many other Australian and International running greats did much of their training through the 1980's and 1990's. In 2003, the entire forest was destroyed in the bushfires that also claimed the lives of four Canberrans. Deek was one of the 500 families who lost everything in those fires and was a key member on the ACT Government's Bushfire Recovery Taskforce. Stromlo Forest Park was one of his ideas; to not just replace what had been lost, but to make it better and to leave a legacy for future generations. Stromlo Forest Park has already become Australia's best, and most sought after, dedicated off-road running and cycling venues.
Australians, and anyone else in the vicinity, come on down to Canberra and join in the fun!
last week’s target: 90k
achieved: 48k
year 2008 total to date: 3616k in 47 weeks
this week's target: 90k
weight: 64kg ▼
This week's plans:
Monday an hour's gym soon, I have also found some monkey bars in good repair where I will work towards swinging on them to build up more strength! But I do not expect any initial success. just hanging on them will do for a start. I don't even know if I can re-lean how to swing on them at this age, the shoulders may be beyond repair. Then a run at 4:30 at Parliament House, followed by interval training at 5:30.
Tuesday Spring Series race, 5k at the Boathouse at 6:15pm
Wednesday an hour's gym, followed by an hour's jog.
Thursday Masters track, there's a 1500m and a choice of 3000m or 5000m, I will decide what to run when I get there and see what the weather's like. This week I did not even venture outside all weekend to race as planned, the weather was so foul.
Friday an hour's gym, an hour's run, and a second attempt at monkey bars!
Saturday my first interval session at Stromlo. Every Saturday starting from 29 November, an additional training session will be held at Stromlo Forest Park. Sessions will commence at 9am. All are welcome to come along and join in.
Sunday there is a Masters handicap run at Inaabanya, it starts at 8:30am (note earlier start time). I am on duty so I will not be racing. Annual handicap presentations take place at the conclusion of the event so I must remember to take my camera. And I think I get a trophy this year.
Coming up next year is the Running Festival at Stromlo. The publicity for the event reads:
The inaugural STROMLO Running Festival combines on-site camping and catering into a weekend 'Festival' that is not to be missed. The range of running events will provide something for everyone, from the complete beginner to Australia's elite athletes. So come and join Robert de Castella and be part of something amazing.
The STROMLO Running Festival will provide a friendly, social, exciting, and interactive weekend focussed on running, participation and healthy lifestyles. The combination of multiple running events focussed on participation, on-site catering, camping and caravan accommodation, as well as entertainment, lectures and training sessions, will make the STROMLO Running Festival a unique and nationally recognised event; where experienced and elite athletes will socialise and motivate those individuals who are new to running.
The event slogan – "Get Off The Road" – is highly appropriate given the running events comprising the STROMLO Running Festival will be held on the purpose built Stromlo Cross Country Course, as well as the beautiful fire trials and single tracks within Canberra's nature parks surrounding the Stromlo area.
The STROMLO Running Festival will offer a variety of community and competitive events including:
• Robert de Castella Cross Country Invitational
• Lightning Strike Trail Runs (10km and 30km)
• Cross Country Races (4km and 8km)
• Orienteering Events
• Criterium Track Road Race (1.2km)
• Mountain Race (3.2km)
• Social runs led by Celebrities and Elite athletes
• Government/Business challenge
• Primary School and High School Challenge
The event will also incorporate other activities including:
• Official Opening and Dinner
• Festival Expo
• Running Clinic hosted by elite athletes and coaches
• Bands and Children's Entertainment
• Guest Lectures on Maximising 6-Foot Track Marathon Performance, Injury Prevention, Training, Footwear and Nutrition
• Practical Training Sessions on Core Stability, Running Drills/Plyometrics
Please Note:
• The field will be limited to 2,500 participants and spots are sure to fill quickly – so don't delay, enter now via our secure online site at www.stromlorunningfestival.com.au
• Amazing 2XU bundle for the first 500 entries.
The first 500 entrants will receive a special bundle offer of 2XU STROMLO t-shirt (value $60) and 2XU Compression Socks (value $50) for just $35 - Save over 65%!
Important:
Entries close 20th of February 2009 (unless sold out).
No entries will be taken over the weekend of the event.
Running in Canberra:
Since the establishment of the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, the nation's capital has developed a strong history of distance running and is now considered one of Australia's most ideal running locations.
Stromlo Forest was where 'Deek' and many other Australian and International running greats did much of their training through the 1980's and 1990's. In 2003, the entire forest was destroyed in the bushfires that also claimed the lives of four Canberrans. Deek was one of the 500 families who lost everything in those fires and was a key member on the ACT Government's Bushfire Recovery Taskforce. Stromlo Forest Park was one of his ideas; to not just replace what had been lost, but to make it better and to leave a legacy for future generations. Stromlo Forest Park has already become Australia's best, and most sought after, dedicated off-road running and cycling venues.
Australians, and anyone else in the vicinity, come on down to Canberra and join in the fun!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
