Training Log Archive: blairtrewin

A run at Apollo Bay which was most memorable for the wind - gusting to something around 80-90 km/h. Whilst the early part of the run was more with than against the wind, an indication of how strong it was was provided by the roadworks signs unceremoniously deposited in the roadside bushes. A bit more sheltered once round the point at Marengo, on the start of the Great Ocean Walk, and got out onto some rock platforms (slow but fun) at the far end - wouldn't want to try that in a southwesterly rather than northwesterly. Had to grit my teeth for the return - the beach, below the dunes, might have been a bit less windy but I didn't fancy a sandblasting - and probably 30-40 seconds/km slower than par on the most direct headwind sections. Felt like a solid run without being too exciting (in a running sense).

The rest of the day was spent making my way around the coast to Warrnambool. This definitely wasn't a day for back roads in the forest - on three occasions, I saw the sawdust evidence of recent chainsaw work and fallen trees by the roadside - but Cape Otway and Melba Gully still felt off the beaten track. That certainly couldn't be said of the Twelve Apostles, where the crowds were out in force (probably at least 80% Asian).

The wind was a crosswind for Apollo Bay's football ground and I thought it might make for a game where it was very difficult to find the goals, but the teams don't seem to have managed too badly - 14.8 to 8.15. (Apollo Bay lost). I suspect the worst of the winds would have been over by game time.