December 22nd , 2005

Running
Well long time no post with good reason. I couldn't bare to write anything as the running caper has been a write off . For the last 8 weeks it has been one problem after another. I am back running around an oval as running on an uneven surface irritates my back too much . So everytime I run in Centennial Park my body rebels. I started off with a sore left knee which was then diagnosed a sciatic problem so I after visits to the physio I then went to a chirporator. The day after I got my back sorted my right achillies was sore one day after running again. On top of this I have had 2 colds and an allergic reaction to the joint powder that Dennis Lillee advertises on TV. So Ice has been a constant companion. My fitness level is very low I usually do steady runs at 6m50s mile pace now I'm going at 7m30s mile pace on a good day. I find it very hard to stretch out as I'm quite tight in the back. I have kept doing weights during this 2 month period and doing a 1k swim once a week. My new plan of attack is to keep running on the oval with every 3rd day off , weights 2 or 3 days a week and swim once a week and massage (Amy won't like that) once a fortnight along with icing applying Rapidgel and try to do more stretching to ease tightness. Hopefully eventually my body will allow me to get back to its former fitness levels. Your body just lets you know when it is time to slow down and hopefully it will allow me to get back to where I was fitness wise and maybe able to race again.If not I'll just have to operate on a reduced program but as long I can still do some form of exercise to keep sane and keep the weight off.

Life
The 3 of us had a good holiday in Forster about a week and have ago. The weather was really good . Kieran seemed a little more enthusiastic towards swimming . He went in with mum and dad not up to his head but still it's a big step as he will start swimming lessons in late January. Kieran wanted Amy and I to swim . He had this game where he threw a ball into the pool and I had to go fetch.
We had a little less sleep in Forster as Kieran had troublle adjusting to a different routine and a different bed.Kieran has observed dad applying ice to his injuries and everytime he hurts himself he asks for ice.He has been a little spoilt as he has been to 2 Wiggles concerts and saw Santa twice. This will be the first Christmas where he is really switched on and is asking for toys and various Wiggles goods for Christmas presents. You can now play hide and seek with him at the park and is mad on doing puzzles.
Amy is working less due to cut backs on the Vet practice at Newtown and luckily over Christmas has less work on although she is working overnight on Christmas night and Boxing Day.
I have been keeping my eye on various sporting teams and the evil empire New York Yankees just signed my favourite player for the Red Sox Johnny Damon for $52 million US on a 4 year contract . Good money if you can get it. Good to see Australia qualify for the World Cup . Amy being American didn't seem to comprehend the signifigance of this and said big deal their is still 31 oher countries. I reckon it was still a great achievement. My cricket team Gordon are having a much better season 7 wins already and Stoke are coming 5th so my sporting teams are doin quite well.
Amy , Kieran and myself are having Christmas Day at Clifton Gardens with Mum, my brother and his girlfriend and their boy and my youngest brother who will do it a bit tough without his family. Hoping to get to Coogee Oval tonight and see some Christmas carols with Kieran. He usually is keen for an iceblock on the way home so hopefully I can divert him to Coogee.
I better get going I hope all Cool Runners or whoever reads this blog have a great Christmas and best wishes for 2006.

Regards
Don27