Feel it..hot, hot, hot!
Yesterday was going to be a 21km bushwalk on the Bibbulmun however we decided, so close to Kilimanjaro, that Dee would be better served with some training where snakes couldn’t bite her and she could otherwise stay healthy.
We are still kitting her out for the trip, even now. Its funny but on Jacob’s ladder, Dee’s many ascents with the backpack on have been punctuated by countless enquiries from people asking about what she is training for. Jacob’s ladder has a way of sorting out the honest exercise efforts from those just there to be seen. I find that if I haven’t maintained a regular regimen of 10 to 15 ascents in a session, just one session after a break will see me with a granny walk that will last a few days.
Dee ended up doing over 80kms cycling (indoor trainer). I cycled with the Bikeforce Southern River group and we had around a dozen in our group today with a few missing in action. It was a great ride with Nick, Richard and Rob calling the shots out front with some strong surges from Clarky. As usual, we strung out a little on Canning Hwy toward Causeway so I didn’t get the chance to ‘dance’ along Riverside Drive sprint. It seems an eternity away that I used to top 60kph in terms of fitness but I can feel that level of strength will soon return.
I entered the Busselton Half Ironman. Entries have only been online since 7 Jan and already around 40 individuals entered. The weather today in Perth very hot and tomorrow should be the beginning of week 3 of an 18 week training program for this half ironman. I need to fast track it to at least be in some sort of shape to run a half marathon on 7 Feb and back up the next day with the Busselton Jetty Swim. The Cottestloe Mile swim was cancelled in Perth due to the number of sharks however this may be staged in April 2009.
Congrats to Luke Hardy for placing in the top 30 of the Australian U23 champs in the road race. He’s a solid competitor and a nice guy who just lives around the corner from me. My thanks to Paul McCartney who has now put my new Tufo tyre on. I need a valve extender to inflate it properly but I have 140psi in the other one so fingers crossed these wheels may give me some extra speed.
We have spent most of a very hot day today getting Dee’s things packed for Kilimanjaro. A total of 20kgs allowed and this will be spread out approx 13kgs in a duffle bag and 7kgs in her Macpac 25ltr.
She has a new pendant which is a Scalar and is said to have properties relating to improving the oxygen level in her blood, among other health qualities. She will carry this with her to the top of the 3 peaks including Kili.
I can’t believe that I thought I was getting a bargain airfare from Perth to Melbourne (Tullamarine) at $120 until I saw a $67 fare advertised by the same Tiger Airways. How long can these cheap fares last? Last time (and I had a sense of foreboding) I was to travel on a cheap fare, the airline, Compass Airways, folded before I could actually travel.
The weather will cool off a little early this week but climb again to 38C on Thursday. I gave the dogs a cool bath today and cooled/replaced their water. What a hot day!
I think that while Dee is away, I will launch into training during what remains of January and see how much fitter I can get. I read a little of the South Perth Rouleurs blog and also one of Davina Summers, a Perth cyclist.
See some of you at Champion Lakes. Let’s all kickstart those New Years resolutions. With enough interest I may resume the spin cycling sessions once a week. I need at least 12 people to commit to a period of training (and able to travel to the gym at Canning Vale).
The Gunners won against the Bolton Wanderers 1-0 and Liverpool had a draw. Man Utd still have 3 games in hand so no counting of chickens in EPL by anyone.
Reservoir
CHRISTO