Training Log Archive: PrueD

A warm humid day and I walked around Blackburn in the evening, Unfortunately my knees are playing up - but I've had this problem before and am fairly sure it is 'runner's knee' - so will do the appropriate exercises and see what happens.

I noticed that many houses close to Blackburn lake and in tall timbered areas haven't cleared the leaves from their gutters etc and have their gardens covered in leaf litter. One new house being built that backs onto the lake sanctuary has been designed with many of the features that minimise the risk of the house surviving in a fire - steep roof, attic windows etc - lots of nooks and crannies in which sparks can get caught. Given the new building regulations for house construction in fire prone areas, I can only surmise that this area has not been designated as fire prone, which is surprising as it is very fire prone.

Saturday morning orienteering training run at Balwyn (near Maranoa Gardens). I shuffled my way around the course (half run /half walk) - without too much discomfort. I don't usually like novelty events but this one was fun - a card game of 'pig'. Each person was given 4 cards and, as they passed each other orienteer, had to swap a card each time, with the aim of getting 4 of the one type (e.g. 4 Queens). The controls were marked as little snouts on the map and all the map instructions were written in 'pig-theme' with a substantial collection of pig jokes. Quite entertaining. The organiser (Geoff)'s little brain must have been running overtime! I didn't see many others, but the new scenery, map and cards kept my mind off my injuries.

Observation for the week - How odd it is that I have really enjoyed going to and being at work this week. I think it is something to do with not having to be there. I only did 36 hours this week, but the flexible hours and project work really suit me.

C • obligations 2

MTBO summer series event on the 'Templestowe Hillclimb' map and organised by MFR. Carolyn reminded us at the start that it was 'very hilly'. It was mainly a street/bike path event with a bit of bushland near the start/finish area at Mullum Mullum Reserve. As is becoming increasingly the case, I really enjoyed this event and felt good all the way (my injuries do not seem to be affected by bike riding). I had to walk up some of the really steep hills - but so did lots of others. I got a reasonable score and was placed about 1/3 of the way through the field - which was good for me. I'm finding that careful route planning on these events pays off and in this case I learnt from the event 2 weeks ago (where I was back early) and left a couple of controls, near the finish, for last.

Street-O at Boronia tonight, a somewhat maligned suburb which doesn't deserve its reputation. I walked and felt fine but twisted my (other) knee at the end - so I hope I'm not in for a spate of injuries. Injured calf is OK walking. I also attended the BBQ afterwards but discovered that it was an ARDF meeting and that there was a danger that, if I hung around too long or drew attention to myself, I would end up being allocated some jobs.

Another enjoyable day in the office. I felt a bit embarrassed when several people came up to apologise for not attending my farewell. Ah never mind, I said, there will be another one in about 10 years time.

Leg is still a bit sore (possibly a bit bruised from the massaging too) but I am working on the knots. I walked around Blackburn creeklands tonight, after shopping for Mum (who now has 5 times more food in the house than me). The orange breasted parrots (real name unknown) were everywhere and I walked past a family of 10 adult ducks. A very nice evening.

Much to the relief of my closest friends and relatives (who feared dependency), I went back to DSE to work today - but as a contactor rather than an employee. The main benefit of this was that I could buy a book of 10 tickets to the departmental yoga class for $50 - excellent value! My new employer K stated that, had she known that it was just the yoga that I wanted, then she would have just bought the book of tickets and not bothered about the job - much cheaper! My body was extremely grateful for the yoga session - as I am very seized up and have missed the stretching terribly. My injury didn't bother me at all there, though hurt walking.

I got my friend Peter (a qualified masseur) to inflict some pain on my calf yesterday. He did not disappoint, rubbing out the knots to the best of his ability whilst trying to ignore the sound effects (he would have been happier wearing earmuffs). I wouldn't say that it was better, but at least I am attending to the injury with massage and stretching. I will probably still see a physio when I get time and I will avoid running for a while.