Training Log Archive: GraceE

Spent the morning in the Mittagong area, then had lunch in Berrima.

Semi-final (3v4). We were playing Canberra Uni and had to win in normal time as they were higher on the ladder. Some sad news at the start was that the ANU mens SL2 goal keeper had died in a motorcycle/car collision on Friday, so both teams had a minute’s silence at the start of the match. I did not know Callum, but some in my team were quite close to the 23yr old.
We played some really good hockey but the score was nil-all at half time. Both teams had chances to score but it was still a goal-less game with four minutes to go. I started to get a bit worried and pushed higher (was playing inner). In the final minute there was some hard-fought and desperate play, and the ball hit the opposition’s foot just outside their defending D with a few seconds to go. The UC player knocked the ball away and so the free was upgraded to a short-corner as the full-time siren sounded. We had one last chance to play out the corner for a goal. I pushed out, Bec trapped, was meant to lay-off but went for the straight shot and smacked it into the backboard. It was a very emotional end given the circumstances.

C • awesome 3

I ran the Coastal Classic course despite the race being postponed, but started at the more leisurely time of 10.30am, from Otford. It was a bit windy, partly cloudy but not raining.

The first part was nice heading up the ridge, then it got pretty muddy and slippery underfoot dropping down into Palm Jungle. I had to overtake a group of about 60 people heading down here. Matt was going to meet me “at about halfway” with water so when I got to a surf club at Little Garie Beach at 10k (72 mins) I thought I’d be fine until 15k. Had an encounter with a grey snake (?) on the steep track heading up Garie North Head, it wouldn’t move along despite me throwing twigs at it - in the end I had to close my eyes and step right near its tail. It didn’t bite me.

I eventually arrived at Wattamolla Beach after 2hrs 15mins and met Matt and Florence, had some water, most of a banana and a second gel (had one at 12km) but got the feeling I had passed a point of no return re energy levels. Continued on, splashing my way along the coastal track (actually, hanging from branch to branch trying not to submerge my road shoes in water and mud, all to no avail when I had to cross a massive stream in the final 10km).

I became very achy in the final few kms, and it was a bit of a struggle. The headwind on the last beach into Bundeena was insane. Finished in the park with a friendly cheer squad of two waiting for me, hooray!

C • Good work! 3

Drove to Mittagong after work.

... And then it turns out that the race has been "postponed" due to some rain that has been forecast. Oh that's ok, I only booked two nights away for it :P

Did a little run on Farrer Ridge to loosen up the leg and my body in general.

Got a corked thigh from a heavy tackle, pretty annoyed given the race on the weekend.

A lap of Mt Taylor.