27 September, 2009

Spring has Sprung

What incredibly crazy weather we have been experiencing. Heat, dust storms and gusting winds seem to be heralding a scarily hot summer. I went to bed last night during another dust storm laden with tonnes of dust from central Australia (the storm not my bed), this much milder than that on Wednesday with its choking, blinding dust, thinking that I would it would prevent me from doing Sunday long run. However, on waking at 4.30 this morning it appeared that the dust had moved on (to the Town of 1770 perhaps). I set off to Park Road to head off on my run by myself as Tigger is holidaying with Mr. Tigger and the young Tiggers.

By the time I started at 5.23 it was fairly light with the sun not yet visible on the horizon. A lovely cool southeasterly was blowing in form the coast. It was an absolutely beautiful morning for running and I felt better than I have since the Gold Coast Marathon in early July. I headed along the Brisbane River to Newstead, the mouth of Breakfast Creek in fact, and enjoyed every step of the 14 kilometers. Truly Spring has sprung. I felt compelled to greet everybody along the way with a cheery "good morning", tough not all seemed to share my sentiments.

As I headed back I hoped for a repeat of the enjoyment I experienced on the outward trip. I was not disappointed. In fact my running improved and I enjoyed it more. This was supported by the fact that my average pace continued to improve and ended up at 5.08 per K, the 28 K run having taken 2:23:33.

My total for the week was 63 K. My highest for many weeks.


5 comments:

Ewen said...

I'll have to wait until Tigger gets back so I can thrash her in the poetry stakes. Good pace for 28k Rob - you're a gun!

Samurai Running said...

One thing about running here, in Osaka, is that the runners are really friendly. Lucky for me as it is a pet peeve of mine when someone ignores me while running.

But only while running. I'm pretty much OK with it at other times.
That comes from years of practice ;)

Good run Rob!

Tigger said...

Ewen, have you missed me?
Are you in need of some poetry?
I admit I did enjoy the odd run
In the blazing Qld sun!

Even though the legs weren't keen
And I certainly don't have the need to be seen
I did a few runs in the soft sand
Though no Canadians were on hand
To ensure I maintained a pace
Appropriate for an ultra race!

On Sunday it was back to the routine
And as Eddie is never mean
He refrained from complaining about my pace
That probably doesn't even count for an ultra race!

We certainly needed a hat
Eddie tolerated all my chat
He is still the man
The leader with the plan!

Tigger said...

Ewen I forgot to mention
That it was Eddie's intention
That we be smart
And try a new path.

But when we came to cross
The security guard indicated who was boss!
Until the woman in the hard hat
Had given Qlders a chat

About the need for yet another bridge to walk
The colour of her hard hat was ALL the talk
There was no way we would get past
No matter how nicely I asked!

Ewen said...

Sadly Tigger, there's no escape,
You're stuck in the northern state
Security is there to keep you out
Of all the best states, no doubt!

Like the ACT and New South Wales
We have the best of running trails
Also Tassie, South Aus and WA too
You'll just have to melt and stew

And remember - jealousy's a curse
Hot weather running, much worse
Than what's on offer down here
Cool running and drinking beer!