August 23rd 2005

Running
Well the City to Surf has come and gone for another year. It was a beautiful day . I was just a few seconds off my target time of sub 50 mins. I have to be honest as about a month ago I did not think I would get anywhere near that time but luckily I started to click just in time. I ended up with 50.05 and probably would have got the time if I did not have to stop for my shoelace coming undone at the top of the hill. I thought I came out on a points decision over the course . A few people overtook me from just over 5k onwards but I didn't lose that many places. I have recovered quite well and broke 21mins for the 6.15k course at Queens Park. The last was 6.45 . It was quite surprising as conditions were not the best but I felt good warming up and a faster than usual start I felt pretty strong. I have been trying to get under 21mins for 3 years so it is satisfying. Running ok at the moment I want to do the Harbour Bridge 9k in a few weeks time. Unfortunately Tiff has had a few niggles and I have been training mostly by myself.I might do the 5k challenge this weekend time permitting.Amy probably won't get home from work till about 1130pm the night before so she might not appreciate me sneeking off early in the morning. All depends how the little man sleeping is going.

Life
I think I have a bit to learn about parenting just when you think you are making progress . One step backwards. Amy has been working a lot lately and I have been putting Kieran to bed as mum is not home. Try as I might I can't get him to sleep and after 30 mins of crying I end up taking Kieran into bed to me and he sleeps straight away then. Just when you think you have mastered sleeping in the cot it is back to the old ways.
The car has been giving me grief again. The water pump is gone and is leaking petrol and rego is due. I did not have the car on the weekend which was a body blow as I was going to meet some mates at the footy and could not go. Kieran and I had to take the taxi home on Friday night as car was leaking water and coolant in the car park so I took the car to the garage. Kieran thought the trip home in the taxi was great fun.
Amy has a rare weekend off this weekend coming so this is a rare bonus. After a double shift on both days last weekend it will be good to have some time together.
I have been taking Kieran down to Queens Park on Saturday mornings to watch the little kids play soccer. He just sits in my lap and watches enthralled . We then go into the playground where he chases birds and goes on the swing. It is a routine he seems to enjoy. At night he kicks balls and balloons around the house so he is putting into practice what he sees.
I was not a happy camper after St Kilda lost to Freeo on Friday night. Amy could tell I was filthy and made comments like it is only a game. Why do people care so much about the result of a sporting event? I guess it is in your blood and it is good to be passionate about things occassionaly.I guess with most of my sporting teams they are underdogs and get the feeling that you always have to work so hard to achieve a result . Sometimes I wish I didn't care but hey that wouldn't be me. I guess if you look at the big picture it is just an interest.
That is enough from me till next time.

August 5 2005

Running
Had a pretty good week and halfs training since last time I blogged.I missed doing the Cool Running 5k Challenge due to the alarm not going off and rushed over to the bay only to miss everybody by a few minutes. I had a solid weeks training last week and felt a little flat on Saturday. Last week I did a hill circuit session at Centennial Park which was 7 reps which included a hill over 420m and then a 100m hill and a jog back recovery.I did some 400's 3 x4 sets at Rotary with Tiff at Rotary at lunchtime on Thursday and got quicker as I went along and was averaging 73. The rest of the week was easy runs. I felt a lot better on my Sunday morning run after the day before feeling a little flat.My harder sessions have been going well . I did 4xmile on Tuesday afternoon at Centennial pk with 1 min recovery and averaged just under 5.24 which was an improvement of nearly 5 seconds on two weeks back.On Thursday I did 4x3min efforts with 1 min recovery with Tiff and felt pretty good. I have a spot where I look at my watch and I was 8 seconds up on Tuesday session. The rest of the week was steady runs.
I have been feeling that I am getting fitter as is Tiff so it is all encouraging . I hope to do the Striders 10k tomorrow morning. Amy has graciously agreed to start work a little later so that I can have a run.Alarm clock permitting. It will a good hit out for the City to Surf. I have not got my number as yet. Starting to get a little worried. I will call on Monday to check up.

Life
Been a bit busier at work since James has been away.Kieran has had a few early starts which has made it difficult for him.He get a little frustrated when he cannot get the message acrossbut his communication skills are improving by the day. Yesterday as we left for work . He pointed out that we did not have his boots. Amy is working night shift on Sunday night so hopefully Kieran will be ok for his dad.
Going to a BBQ at Cherrybrook this weekend to catch up with some old friends. We used to have a handicap race but I'm afraid age has caught up with most of them. So the race has been canned but it will still good to catch up with them.There has been a bit of a verbal stoush between two of the guys so unfortunately one of them won't be attending. it seems ashame after over 30 years of friendship.
Just found out that the boss has resigned so changes are afoot.
St.Kilda have been on fire lately and last weekends performance against was a gem . Hopefully this form can continue into the finals. I won't get to see Newtown this weekend so will just see one more game this season. A semis appearance is assured. Red Sox are on a 8 game winning streak. So most of the sporting teams are going well. English soccer season starts this weekend and it should be an interesting season for Stoke as they now have a Dutch manager and have brought in some foreign signings for the new season. Hopefully they will be competitive and score more goals than last season.
I watch th finale of the Amazing Race last night and was happy that the couple won . They were so nice compared to the other couples.
I'm looking for ward to watching some of the 2nd test. What a blow it is Glen McGrath got injured. It brings us back to the field. Also looking forward to watching some of the World Athletic Champs form Helsinki. I've always wanted to go to Helsinki. Dreams.
I better start waffling on . Till next time.