Training Log Archive: PrueD

MTBO event at Gilwell Park Scout Camp near Gembrook - described by my friend the organiser as 'flattish' (I think his and my ideas of this differ somewhat). I even managed to convince a number of non-orienteering friends to come - which is odd given my non-love of cycling - but they all enjoyed themselves (I have no trouble convinving people to come to MTBO, but they wont come to foot-O).

I battled off on course 3 and probably chose a fairly good route - with the major uphills on bitumen and the downhills through the mud, rather than visa versa. My 8 km course seemed very long and muddy but all went well although I misread my finish time (I read the final control) and erroneously led a few people to believe that I had beaten them.

This event was followed by a sprint which Bruce P, the organiser, had described as tricky and designed 'especially for me' (an opportunity to outsmart the competition - especially if you can't outride them). This effort was much appreciated except that I fell off at the first control, my chain fell off at the second, I had wiregrass tangled up in the spokes by the third and the wheel wouldn't go around. So muddied and bloodied, I looked at the rest of the very tricky course and decided I would be much better off without the hindrance of the bike (there was a lot of sword grass) and gave up.

We were lucky with the weather, it was a pleasant social day and I especially enjoyed the pizza accompanied by live music at Emerald afterwards.

Street-O at The Basin, in the foothills of the Dandenongs. There was a choice between heading straight up the hills first or heading west into the relatively flat suburban area. I chose the latter, until I could settle into a pace, and then finished in the hills (some walking required). A number of controls and several of the ideal routes were through rather muddy, slippery parks. The last part (downhill, through the grass) would have been better with spikes. However I think I starting to run a bit better (no knee tweaks at all today) - which is just as well as I have signed-up for a 6-hour rogaine next Satuday with someone who raced past me and disappeared into the horizon very quickly today!

Afterwards I went to visit Jenny and Peter Mitchell for a coffee. Very nice.

Street-O at Mitcham - under a very chilly clear sky and full moon. I managed to trot around, alternating walking and jogging.

Activities for the day - Mum's letter box and those of her neighbours were vandalised - many thanks to Tim D of YV for replacing it.

From Tuesday - wildlife galore overtaking my Benalla house. In one day I had:
- neighbour's dog (looking in window after coming through hole in the fence);
- neighbour's cat (as above);
- stork-like creature walking on roof (ibis or something) (not bearing any little bundle);
- 2 dead lizards inside the house;
- nest of redbacks by the front door and
- the ^@#$%^% frog back in the guest loo. Peter pressed the button and a little head popped up and then disappeared again! What am I to do? I think it is coming in up the drain from outside.

Still in Benalla. I should have gone back to Melbourne to work today but didn't quite make it. I gardened all yesterday and was quite tired. Also the weather is superb at the moment. I like being home!

I went to the pool this morning for a swim, accompanied by Peter who is on holidays. He slowly trawled the pool, unsuccessfully, searching for the back of my earring - sort of like looking for a needle in a haystack!