Saturday 31 July 2010

good for a laugh

Posted by speedygeoff on Saturday, July 31, 2010 with
Come And Try It!


I never tire of watching this!

Friday 30 July 2010

food for thought

Posted by speedygeoff on Friday, July 30, 2010 with
A few links:
Running shoes: http://therunninglaminator.blogspot.com/2010/07/ongoing-running-shoe-controversy-and.html. "It is always better to run in less shoe than more shoe".

Runners World Article: Move those hips! http://www.runnersworld.com/article/1,7124,s6-241-285--13543-0,00.html "Run healthier by building range of motion."

The Compulsive Runner: http://www.women-running-together.com/compulsive.html "Many women who run compulsively have inflexible eating patterns and obsess about their weight"

Freedom From and Freedom For: http://www.coolrunning.com.au/forums/blog/plu/index.php?showentry=7328. "It's about running and life"

Headlamps: http://www.runnersrambles.com/2010/02/friday-favorites-let-there-be-light.html. What headlamps do my readers recommend?

Drinking induces exercise: http://www.half-fast.org/2009/09/drinking-induces-exercise.html

Thursday 29 July 2010

I’m here for the 32

Posted by speedygeoff on Thursday, July 29, 2010 with
Recently I sent out an email asking the people who train with me what kind of training they would like for the rest of this year.

I sent the email to 72 people. I received replies from 33. One of these cannot rejoin us until next year. 32 indicated they either would like some particular focus, or would tag along.

Good. I now have just 32 people to consider.

Although it may seem disappointing that 39 did not bother to reply, it is OK, it means in turn I won’t have to bother about them. I now have 32 people to consider, cater for, think about how the training is affecting them. Many of the 39 have been peripheral at best, and I don’t mind them turning up if and when they please, but they must know they will experience “random” training sessions. There is an overall pattern in the training cycle, which is carefully thought out, whether that appears to be the case or not. It helps if you turn up regularly.

I can concentrate on just the 32. In future then there will be some specific 800m training for the few who indicated they would like that. At the same time, some 3k/5k training will be available too. The majority who replied see themselves as long distance runners. I will have to have a think about that; a slightly different focus for long distance specialists might be appropriate: long distance specialists probably don’t need as much speed work as we have been doing in our interval sessions.

I’m here for the 32.

Wednesday 28 July 2010

irritation

Posted by speedygeoff on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 with
Blewitts photos
Jennifer. Michelle, Heidi

Mick, Kelley, Helen. Photographer - me and my blackberry.

Dickson Oval Closures
This won't affect our training too much, but Territory Services plans to close all the Dickson playing fields in late September and re-open them in early January, after replacing the underground irrigation system and installing new storage tanks. We shall play it by ear and relocate our last one or two track training session before Vets track start in October, if we need to.

Tuesday 27 July 2010

I M A G I N (G)

Posted by speedygeoff on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 with
Training last night at Parliament House: Early runners (8k) were Miranda, Ewen, Craig & I; (4k) Ruth & Jennifer. Then we joined Brett, Bronwyn, Emma, Helen, Jodie, Joel, Leanne, Nadine, Neil & Yelena for our hill session; 15 x 100m up hill on a leisurely 2 minutes. I managed all but 2 or 3 of the hills at a jog but the hammy is not the best. It was relatively chilly but as usual we soon warmed up.

Euphoria’s Abomination
Here's something (allegedly) found on Google Earth: Google may have already demolished it by now though.
“‘Euphoria’s Abomination’ is a 145m office building built over the site of the historic Melbourne building. The construction was allowed as the result of an accountancy error, which was realised only after the heritage listed 1930s retail building had been bulldozed and not amended until excavation was well under way, too late to save the historic landmark. As way of compensation to the people of Canberra, the ground and first floors have been painted to resemble the original building. The height limit violation issue was easily resolved by raising the Parliament House flagpole 300m”

Happy Birthday Loani, 38 today

Imagine: Loani's T-shirt appears to say "I'm Aging". Must be true; this photo was taken Easter 2008.

Monday 26 July 2010

crow

Posted by speedygeoff on Monday, July 26, 2010 with
What's on this week:
Monday 26 July
: Parliament House 4:30pm 8k jog; 5:30pm speedygeese interval training
Wednesday 28 July: 12:15pm BBQ Stakes 6k handicap
Wednesday 28 July: 5:45pm Parliament House, easy run, about 12k
Thursday 29 July: Dickson 4:00pm long run; 5:30pm speedygeese interval training
Friday 30 July: 12:15pm Customs 5k handicap, Stage 88
Saturday 31 July: AMRA Bush Capital Bush Marathon events
Sunday 1 August: 9:00am ACTCCC Women's 6k Jogalong, Weston Park
Sunday 1 August: 12:00 AACT/ACTVAC High Noon Meet, AIS Athletics Track
12:00 Sprint Hurdles
12:10pm 60m
12:25pm 100m
12:40pm 400m Hurdles invitation
12:45pm 800m (run and walk)
1:00pm 200m
1:15pm 3000m (run and walk)

I have changed the web address of the new ACTVAC calendar; it is now found at http://aus.calendars.net/actvac.

Seen at Blewitt's Pines
Roger with his Australian Record certificates.

Recent Results
24/7 Runner Shop 5k
44. Roger Pilkington M50 23:11
58 finishers

24/7 Runners Shop 10k
45. Yili Zhu M45 46:26
48. Roger Pilkington M50 47:02
55. Adam Robinson M35 51:31
60. Ewen Thompson M50 54:57
61. Suzie Gye W30 55:45
62. Susan Sturgeon W35 55:45
67 finishers

Sunday 25 July 2010

cosplay

Posted by speedygeoff on Sunday, July 25, 2010 with
Result from today's Vets Handicap runs
25/07 Blewitts Pines 7.0k
5 Helen Larmour W50 33:04 81.8% bronze revised to silver!
7 Neil Boden M55 37:01 69.1
8 Susan Sturgeon W35 39:43 59.1
9 Suzannah Gye W30 39:43 58.1
11 Janene Kingston W45 34:06 74.1 bronze!
12 Margaret McSpadden W60 43:51 71.1
19 Rod Lynch M50 29:28 79.7
39 Brett Morrison M40 32:41 66.9
55 Alan Duus M60 38:58 67.3
56 Emma Adams W40 31:51 76.5
59 Miranda Rawlinson W55 40:27 71.5
60 Nadine Morrison W40 33:58 71.4
61 Christopher Lang M55 39:55 64.1
71 Roger Pilkington M50 34:05 69.6
73 Craig Davis M40 34:12 63.9
75 Cathy Newman W45 35:00 76.0
81 Mick Horan M50 35:31 66.8
85 Mick Charlton M55 43:07 58.8
89 Ruth Baussmann W60 44:02 68.1
94 Geoff Moore M60 38:56 66.8
95 Jennifer Bright W30 37:41 61.3
104Tony Booth M70 46:47 62.9
104 finishers

25/07 Blewitts Pines 3.5k
2 Heidi Johnston W35 16:48 68.9%
16 Katie Forestier W40 14:21 83.0
18 Rachelle Ellis-Brownlee W35 15:32 72.3
20 Ken White M55 15:21 76.8
38 finishers

Froggies 3

Seen at today's handicap: Fan-of-the-frog a.k.a speedymoi; froggie61 herself a.k.a. CJ; and Kermit himself a.k.a. Jim White. Photo by John "not-a-frog" Lamb

Saturday 24 July 2010

continuing...

Posted by speedygeoff on Saturday, July 24, 2010 with
RUNNERS SHOP FUN RUNS 24TH JULY 2010
Members and all runners are reminded that this weekend events are: Midday 2k, 12:15pm 5k and 1:00pm 10k Runners Shop Fun Run. All events are free to members and for none members the costs are $4 for juniors and $6 for seniors. All three events start and finish on the beach area at East Basin near the Boathouse Restaurant. The 2k is 1k out and back towards and under Kings Avenue Bridge. The 5k is 2.5k out towards airport or East along the lake and river foreshores turning just after going under the bridge, which is the Monaro Highway. The 10k is 3k out towards the airport as for the 5k, but going out 500m further and turning around almost opposite the boat launching ramp for skiers on the Molonglo River. Runners then turn and head back to the finish line crossing same at 6k before under taking a further 2k out and back West along the lake foreshore and turn near the red gravelled area at Rond Terraces. The second 4k is changed from last year now that the RG Menzies Walk has been completed. This means we will run on the RG Menzies Walk rather than on Wendouree Drive like last year. These events are good hit outs for those aim to run well in either of the Canberra Times Fun Run or the ACT Veterans Half Marathon. A chance for you to find out what you need to do to race well in those events. Ken Eynon ACTCCC Committee.

Recent Results
Customs 5k 9/7

Yili Zhu
21:58
Colleen Koh 23:37
Bronwyn Calver 23:39

High Noon Meet 3k 11/7
Katie Forestier
11:25.9
Michelle Wells 11:33.84
Amanda Walker 12:26.19

BBQ Stakes 6k 14/7
Gary Bowen
25:23
Roger Pilkington 29:32
(Kerrie Tanner 31:12 on the come back trail)

Customs 5k 16/7
Jennifer Bright
20:47

Friday 23 July 2010

conflict

Posted by speedygeoff on Friday, July 23, 2010 with
First of all, Happy Birthday Josiah, ten years old today!

Training last night at Dickson: Alan, Brett, Bronwyn, Craig, Joel, Maria, Nadine, Neil, Rod, Roger, Ruth, Susan & Yelena participated in a 25 minute 3 person relay over an undulating course, with me watching. Craig devised the ~400m course which ran up and down the low hill to Dickson Oval's west. The hill doesn't look very steep but once you've sprinted up and down it a few times you start to realise that appearances can be deceptive. To think we've been training there for twenty years and never used the hill until now! People jogged the 400m course in between their efforts. Most would have run 4 or 5 hard/4 or 5 easy.



Bronwyn provided this map of the run. Was there a camera on one of the light poles?

Canberra Marathon Court Case: I hear the judge is handing down his findings today. If they are favourable, I understand that is the last we should hear of all this nonsense, and we can get on with running our own events. If they are not favourable, I understand this will drag on and on and cost money. Have I got that right? As soon as I learn something I will pass on exactly what is happening via this medium.

Number 17
Lindsay Head was my footy hero when I was small.


Although Bernie Vince makes a pretty good number 17 as well!
Here's my dream footy jumper:



Go the Crows! Go the Cross Country Club!

Thursday 22 July 2010

The Great Barefoot Running Debate

Posted by speedygeoff on Thursday, July 22, 2010 with
Hi all, I am soon to write an article on barefoot running, deadline 14 August, spelling out the pros and cons. So here's an offer for you the reader: tell me your barefoot running experience, and I may include your comment in the article.

Wednesday 21 July 2010

Are you running in the Vets Half Marathon?

Posted by speedygeoff on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 with
Vets Half Marathon
There is online entry available for the Vets Half Marathon to be held on Sunday 22 August. Go to the ACTVAC website and see under “Club Pages”, then “Membership/Event Entry”.

Tuesday 20 July 2010

consultation

Posted by speedygeoff on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 with
Last night's training: following the dissolution of the Australian Parliament at 5pm, where I had a front row seat and was deafened by the big guns, we met at Parliament House car park as usual, for one of our hill sessions. Because I wasn't very mobile, we used the "big hill" under which the big house sits (or for the next five weeks doesn't sit, if you like), and did random intervals on it for 25 minutes. By random I mean the distances varied randomly between about 50m and 150m. Participating were Brett, Bronwyn, Christopher, Craig, Emma, me, Helen, Jennifer, Jodie, Katherine, Mick C, Nadine, Neil, Richard & Ruth. Craig after an extra 8k warm-up, Katherine after racing Googong on Sunday, Richard after a long time missing from the group, Emma after too much time off, me after far too much time off.

The good news is I got in 8k of jogging without any real difficulties, and even a couple of goes up the hill while no-one was looking. Afterwards I have been OK except I did experience a rather savage calf cramp overnight - unrelated to the injury, I would think.

Birthday
Our friend Kat Francis celebrated her 28th birthday yesterday. Happy Birthday Kat!

Quick survey
I decided to consult training group participants to see what training they were planning over the next few months, so yesterday I sent an email out to my contact list of runners, requesting a response. Many have already replied. As a reminder, or if you weren't on the list, or if you'd like to join in, here's what I said in my email:

To all who have joined with us at least once over the last year or so: I am doing a short survey to see who will be training with us for the rest of the year, so I can determine what training sessions I should plan out.

In the recent past it’s been “one size fits all” but it makes more sense to cater more specifically for anyone who wants to train for specific events.

Recently I haven’t had time to provide more specific training, but if there is a demand I can make time. I am prepared to focus on three areas, 800m, 3k/5k, half marathon/marathon; provided there is an interest in each area. There would be a choice of training for some of our training days. For example starting in August, an 800m focus group would start doing different training from the other focus groups, in preparation for the track season.

Mark any and all statements that apply to you:

I intend joining (some) speedygeese training sessions during the rest of this year
I am interested in 800m training
I am interested in 3k/5k training
I am interested in long distance training
I am happy to just tag along with whatever training is available
I won’t be joining speedygeese training for now

Please return to speedygeoff@gmail.com with your name (if necessary) and comments.


I will be taking feedback for the next week or so, but already it looks as if we do have an 800m group happening in addition to what we do already.

Monday 19 July 2010

conditional

Posted by speedygeoff on Monday, July 19, 2010 with
I will run Monday, Thursday & Saturday this week IF I don't get sore.

Googong Half Marathon
26. Kelley Flood W45 1:51:03
28. Kylie Malone W35 1:52:26
33. Mick Horan M50 1:55:52
36. Warrick Howieson M40 1:56:55
40. Bronia Rowe 1:59:19 5:39
47. Janene Kingston W45 2:08:19
48. Katherine Sheppard W35 2:09:00
57. Ken White M55 2:25:17
62 finishers
plus, there were five relay teams of two. Altogether, that's a big turn-out!

What's on this week:
Monday 19 July
: Parliament House 4:30pm 8k jog; 5:30pm speedygeese interval training
Wednesday 21 July: 12:15pm BBQ Stakes 6k handicap
Wednesday 21 July: 5:45pm Parliament House, easy run, about 12k
Thursday 22 July: Dickson 4:00pm long run; 5:30pm speedygeese interval training
Friday 23 July: 12:15pm Customs 5k handicap, Stage 88
Saturday 24 July: 1:00pm ACTCCC Rnners Shop 10k, Menindee Drive Parkes
Sunday 25 July: 9:00am ACTVAC monthly handicap, Blewitts Pines

At this stage rain isn't forecast for Thursday so we should be OK. And Monday, if it rains, is never cancelled!

Heidi, Ruth & Ewen. And the ocean.

Sunday 18 July 2010

contrary

Posted by speedygeoff on Sunday, July 18, 2010 with
Return to running
Contrary to instructions, I hope to restart jogging tomorrow. So I'll be back at Parliament House at 4:30pm. I must just remember to stretch and ice, stretch and ice, stretch and ice!

Fifteen days off is fifteen days too many.

Return to Canberra

Andy, Ruth, Ewen. Great photos aren't they? The full set is at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=24448&id=100000514906922

Saturday 17 July 2010

conquest

Posted by speedygeoff on Saturday, July 17, 2010 with
We - the Crows - are up now to 9th, after starting the season 0-6, having beaten the premiers Geelong last night. Now we await just ONE team above us to slip up.

Me - the speedycoach - has now been idle for TWO WHOLE WEEKS. Looks as if I too will have a giant mountain to conquer if I am to get back to recent form (e.g. 20:30 for 5k) in the next twelve months. Let alone improve to where I should be (e.g. 18:30 for 5k). It is very tedious not being able to run for 14 days, it is looking more and more likely that I will disobey orders and start running again soon.

It is also looking like great weather for the Googong Half Marathon tomorrow. The sun is shining again!

We - some speedygeese, not me - had a great holiday at the Gold Coast, with the small detail of a road race over 10k, 21k, or 42k happening as well. There are some great photos of the speedygeese up on Facebook, taken after the marathon. Here's a good one of all the crowd!


Elizabeth Bennett
Ewen Thompson
Andy Matthews
Ruth Baussmann
Roger Pilkington
Heidi Johnston

Go the Geese!

Friday 16 July 2010

contributor

Posted by speedygeoff on Friday, July 16, 2010 with
John Harding, Bush Capital Bush Marathon organiser, sends this message:

BUSH CAPITAL BUSH MARATHON FESTIVAL, Canberra, Saturday 31 July
www.mountainrunning.coolrunning.com.au
Dr Alex Matthews, the 2009 star of the Bush Capital Bush Marathon Festival, who smashed the marathon race record with a time of 2.46.08, is planning to return for this year's event in just over 2 weeks. Other stars running include former Australian marathon champion Anthony Scott in the 16k, Canberra Cockatoo orienteering representatives Chris Helliwell and Sandra Oliver in the 25k, and former world rogaining champions David Baldwin and Julie Quinn in the 60k ultra, who will be up against another ultra star in Andrew Johnson.

There are 260 entries to date, with today (16 July) the last chance to register before late entry fees apply from Saturday 17 July. Midday Monday 19 July is the deadline for ordering souvenir Coolmax race T shirts. Later next week, race numbers will be posted out to participants who have already entered.

More helpers are needed and can lodge their interest using the volunteer entry on the race website at http://www.mountainrunning.coolrunning.com.au/events/bmarathon/2010/ or contact John Harding at hackettrunner@hotmail.com

The closest accomodation to the event is Olims Hotel, 300m down Limestone Avenue from the start/finish. Olim's Hotel (www.olimshotel.com.au) has had quite a bit of interest from interstate runners (thank you!) and advised today of the following race weekend special:

"We have a great weekend special which is $125 Bed Breakfast Movie deal – in a superior room for 2 with full buffet breakfast and unlimited movies from a great selection. This is also available as a family deal in our deluxe loft for 2 adults and 2 children for $175."

The hotel is also now donating a barrel draw prize of overnight accommodation for 2 or a family of 2 adults and 2 children on the (value $199) Dinner Bed and Breakfast package, with 2 main meals and 2 kids meals with complimentary soft drink per child and full buffet breakfast in the morning.

This Sunday's ACT Cross Country Club Googong Half Marathon is a undulating, good off road training opportunity for the longer Bush Marathon Festival events.

Thursday 15 July 2010

contests

Posted by speedygeoff on Thursday, July 15, 2010 with
But first, all ACT Sports Grounds are closed today, so Dickson training is cancelled - again!

If you a a Masters athlete who likes to travel, here are some of the big events coming up.
• African Masters Championship: 30 October - 1 November 2010, Biskra Town, Algeria. Invitation.
• AMA Half Marathon: January 9, 2011. Hobart
• AMA Track and Field Championships 2011: April 21 - 24, Easter 2011 Brisbane
• AMA Combined Events Championships 2011: June 10 -12, 2011 Townsville
• World Masters Athletics Track & Field Championships 2011: July 6 – 17 2011. Sacramento, California, USA. Official WMA 2011 site.
• Oceania Championships 2012: February 5 - 12, 2012. Tauranga, New Zealand
• AMA Track and Field Championships 2012: Easter 2012 Melbourne
• World Indoor Championships 2012: 26 – 31 March 2012. Jyväskylä, Finland
• World Masters Athletics Championships Stadia 2013: 24 July – 4 August 2013. Porto Alegre, Brazil

I would appreciate being advised of additions to this list. Thank you.

Wednesday 14 July 2010

congratulations

Posted by speedygeoff on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 with
The Runners Shop is celebrating its 20 year anniversary. I wonder if I call in today to their shop in Phillip, will there be cake? Today there is a full page in the Canberra Times devoted to the Runners Shop which I reproduce below. I have scanned it in two halves but I am sure you can figure out what goes with what? Our own Kathy Sims is prominent! Click to enlarge the pictures below.



A less than flattering photo of Brian Wenn was taken by John Kennedy at Parkway last year. I kept the photo because you can see Heidi heiding; heiding from the sight of a bare topped Brian. And that day was cold!


Anyhow, my congratulations to Brian, Nick and the rest of the Runners Shop team!

Tuesday 13 July 2010

concise

Posted by speedygeoff on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 with
Training Monday Night: It was back to the hills; a range of hill sessions is planned for the next few weeks. This week we ran 15 uphill intervals over 100m, on two minutes. Miranda ran early then had to leave; Craig & Ewen also ran early and were joined for the warm-up and hill session by Andrew, Brett M, Christopher, Jennifer, Joel, Katherine, Mick C, Nadine, Neil, Ruth, Warrick & Yelena. It was quite dark because all the lights were out on the western side of Parliament House, both alongside the road and down through the paths. The 100m was good because the hill was quite sandy. And it wasn't cold. Which I appreciated since I was only standing around watching.

Masters Athletics: AMA has got itself a page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Australian-Masters-Athletics/105040482865977

Album of the week:A Beautiful Exchange” by Hillsong Live. This is the new Hillsong album released just last week and straight into number 3 in Australia’s Album Charts. It has also been amongst the top 5 iTunes downloads in the US for the last couple of weeks. One of the best tracks is called, simply, "You".

Monday 12 July 2010

consolation

Posted by speedygeoff on Monday, July 12, 2010 with
What's on this week:
Monday 12 July
: Parliament House 4:30pm 8k jog; 5:30pm speedygeese interval training
Wednesday 14 July: 12:15pm BBQ Stakes 6k handicap
Wednesday 14 July: 5:45pm Parliament House, easy run, about 12k
Thursday 15 July: Dickson 4:00pm long run; 5:30pm speedygeese interval training
Friday 16 July: 12:15pm Customs 5k handicap, Stage 88
Sunday 18 July: ACTCCC Googong Half Marathon 2/4.2/21.1km, 2 person relay. Tin Hut off Googong South Road

Remember too there is a new, under construction, ACTVAC calendar at http://my.calendars.net/actvac which you might like to view from time to time.

Hill Sprints start at Parliament House tonight! Sadly I will only be watching. This week I will give the early jog a miss as I am not allowed to jog yet, and come along and supervise the hill sprints at 5:30pm.

Torn hamstring. Thank you for your consolation and support. Two weeks off seems like forever, but maybe I can resume jogging this Thursday, or soon after. The Physio will tell me on Thursday. No Blewitts Pines Handicap for me this month, how sad ;) Really sad though is knowing that it may take me forever to get back to the sub 21 minute 5ks I was just starting to enjoy...

Sunday 11 July 2010

consequential

Posted by speedygeoff on Sunday, July 11, 2010 with
I'm back home after a week away and consequentially have yet another backlog of tasks, including getting started on some treatment on the hamstring that broke eight days ago. Today the urgent tasks are to write a newsletter, do more work on the new Vets calendar, and restore some software I inadvisedly deleted from my computer. Tomorrow I must start on my tax, organise training sessions for Mondays and Thursdays, make a booking with my physio, and get to training to see if I can run still after doing none for a week. Tuesday I should make sure the newsletter is finished and sent off, check what new Vets membership cards need preparing and arrange for that, and figure out an agenda for next week's MSSC meeting. Wednesday is probably a catch up and rehabilitation day and by Thursday I should be drafting a survey for club members about track championships dates unless someone tells me its priority is less than urgent. Then by Friday I should be drafting a survey for the speedygeese to determine what events they want to focus on from August onwards, with the goal of establishing small core groups who have firm commitments to each of three areas: 800m, 3k/5k, long distance. There is much much more on my to do list, so as usual I will probably get behind on some of these things. Such is the consequence of "taking a holiday" but holidays are essential. Good thing I don't work!

All this activity is normal. There's just a teeny weeny backlog, that's all.

BBQ Stakes last Wednesday: Gary Bowen ran 25:28

ACTVAC CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010 W35 8k Gold: Michelle Wells. W40 8k Gold: Katie Forestier. W50 8k Gold: Kathy Southgate.

Kayleigh’s results: My granddaughter has been in Perth competing in gymnastics. The NSW IDP6 team came 2nd in the team event. She finished 19th overall in the individual competition out of 27 competitors. Her highest ranking was on Floor, she place 8th. Kayleigh will be in Perth until Wednesday at the coaching clinic (with Australia's top coaches) and return home some time Thursday morning. She sounds like she's had a great time so far. We are very proud of her.

Late mail
“Attention: Sir this massage may come as a surprise…”
No, sorry, it doesn’t. You're just some common spam. Consider yourself deleted unread.

Saturday 10 July 2010

concoction

Posted by speedygeoff on Saturday, July 10, 2010 with
Things I can’t stand
I am a tolerant person but there are still some things I cannot stand. I try, I really try, not to show it. I try to go with the flow. But sometimes, like now, it gets all too much.
(1) Victim mentality. The blame game “everyone and everything else is the cause of my problems”.
(2) Narrow mindedness. “What I know is right, there is no room for anyone else’s ideas”.
(3) Fuzzy thinking. “Of course you only need ten mile posts to measure out ten miles, isn’t it obvious?”
(4) Tall poppy syndrome. “This person is in power, so we are going to attack every little thing about them”.
(5) Law breakers. “Everyone else drives over the speed limit, runs red lights, cuts people off when merging, tailgates; I can too”.
(6) Selfishness. “People can do what they want, as long as it doesn’t interfere with me doing what I want.”
(7) Rights. “It is my right to behave how I like, regardless of your opinion of that”.
(8) Dumb newspapers or television stations pushing their agendas over and over and over again in a cynical attempt to sway public opinion, like so called "Harm Minimisation", like "Revenue Raising Speed Cameras", and there are plenty of other examples. The most annoying thing is they often succeed.
(9) Blind loyalty. “My cause/political party/sporting team, right or wrong.”

(10) Weetbix with cold milk.
Anyway, now that it’s out of my system, "whatever". See you soon!


Ewen

Mick

Ruth

Friday 9 July 2010

consensus

Posted by speedygeoff on Friday, July 09, 2010 with
There was a minor panic in Brisbane a few weeks ago when I discovered I had left my newish heel inserts at home in Canberra. These I had just started wearing because my feet, heels in particular, were getting sore running, particularly when the run was long and on the road. For example, the Doomben Half Marathon that I was just about to run is long and is on the road, therefore heel protection would be pretty much essential! So off to a local chemist to see what they had available off the shelf. They had amongst other things "Dr Scholl’s Heel Pain Relief Orthotics"; which looked OK, sounded ideal, beggars can sometimes be choosers and I chose these.

They worked very well and I now use them all the time. Which proves, if you have written off a product line many years ago, it is sometimes worthwhile to have another look, in case new and improved products have emerged.

Cathy, Charlie (behind Cathy's cap)

Roger (behind Neville), Nadine

Thursday 8 July 2010

convergence

Posted by speedygeoff on Thursday, July 08, 2010 with
Planned training tonight: Craig has some plans to take you for a fartlek-style run which includes surges up and down the tiny hill next to the Dickson oval 400m track. Should be fun! Last week the lights came on just before 6:00pm, and I believe that is what is scheduled to happen from now on. Not only do we have to warm up in relative darkness, so do all the kiddies warming up for their soccer games on adjacent ovals. There was a resounding cheer echoing up Antill Street last when when everybody could see again. So if you are driving in late and can see no lights yet, don't worry, don't drive away, it doesn't necessarily mean training is cancelled. Have faith.

Mick, Ruth, Ewen (all in the background)

Neil

Wednesday 7 July 2010

contact

Posted by speedygeoff on Wednesday, July 07, 2010 with
I like my new Blackberry Storm 2 Smartphone; calls to other 3 mobile users are free; phone/voicemail is easy, SMSs are easy to send and receive; and particularly useful is the ability to do all my emails using it. In other words I am inviting you to make your primary contact with me my new mobile, whether by phone, SMS, or gmail.

speedygeoff contact details if you don't already have them:
email: speedygeoff@gmail.com
mobile: 0425 276 811


Caroline (I had to edit this photo...)

Alan

Tuesday 6 July 2010

conglomeration

Posted by speedygeoff on Tuesday, July 06, 2010 with
I am working on a new integrated ACTVAC calendar that might be of interest. Still to check that dates are current, and still to add social events, meetings, anything else people want in it. Anyone can read it and selected people will be able to update it. Any comments? I hope to get it added to the ACTVAC website to replace the existing calendar page.

You can go directly to it at http://my.calendars.net/actvac. I am just playing with it at the moment.

By selecting "List" it changes from block to list for you. In particular this will be useful for generating something which can go in Vetrunner each month. There are plenty of additional features I am going to experiment with.

I have added in our training dates, these may or may not be retained in the final version! But why not, and why not have other training group details there? They only need to inform us what they are.

Margaret, Ruth

Rachelle

Monday 5 July 2010

contrition

Posted by speedygeoff on Monday, July 05, 2010 with
What's on this week:
Monday 5 July
: Parliament House 4:30pm 8k jog; 5:30pm speedygeese interval training.
Wednesday 7 July: 12:15pm BBQ Stakes 6k handicap
Wednesday 7 July: 5:45pm Parliament House, easy run, about 12k
Thursday 8 July: Dickson 4:00pm long run; 5:30pm speedygeese interval training
Friday 9 July: 12:15pm Customs 5k handicap, Stage 88
Saturday 10 July: 1:00pm ACTCCC Cooleman Ridge 8k
Sunday 11 July: 12:00 noon High Noon Meet (see AACT website)

Today's session will include some hill runs; I am proposing we do a "tour de hills" weather permitting and run up, once, each of the eight 100m grass/sand/dirt slopes around the perimeter of Parliament House. Neil and/or Bronwyn will guide you along.




Maria and Andy

Bronwyn, whose little brother Tim turned 39 last Thursday.

Sunday 4 July 2010

convivial

Posted by speedygeoff on Sunday, July 04, 2010 with
Gold Coast Marathon times:
Lance Purdon 2:57.15
Jodie Barker 2:58.04
Susan Archer 3:31.51 (W60 silver)
Roger Pilkington 3:58.42

I also have Natalie Archer 39:12 in the 10k, F15-17 silver medal. As I find more names of speedygeese or friends who ran, I will add them!

More Mount Ainslie photos


Margaret



Tony



Charlie

Saturday 3 July 2010

conflagration

Posted by speedygeoff on Saturday, July 03, 2010 with
Friday: Customs 5k
Jennifer 21:33
me 21:59
Bronwyn 23:45
Jennifer and I started together and ran comfortably together, except something happened at the end! Jennifer sped up.

Saturday: I woke with a sore right hamstring, limped 3k of the 8k cross country championships, pulled out. I should have won the M60s on current form but there you go. Good course, nice weather, soft surface, but hurties.

Gold Coast 10k: These are the official results (net times) for the speedygeese today.
Andy Matthews 43:42
Ewen Thompson 49:26
Ruth Baussmann 58:07


Heidi, Rachelle


Amanda

Friday 2 July 2010

convalescence

Posted by speedygeoff on Friday, July 02, 2010 with
Happy Birthday to our baby! Mon is 34 today.

Dickson Training. In teams of four, each person ran 15 x 100m. jogging back their 100m to the same start point each time. Runners find this quite a hard session but enjoy it. Participating last night were Alan, Brett M, Bronwyn, Craig, me, Janene, Michelle, Nadine, Neil, Rod & Susan. Craig and I ran a quickish 12k up and down hills around Mount Ainslie first so we did not join the sprinters, while Janene acted as reserve and got in three sprints as part of teams and several on her own.

Tip of the day: The Secret. When you have found a good training pattern, done all the training, eaten all the right food, stayed fit and healthy, what is the secret to a good performance? Answer: Plenty of Sound Sleep. Think of it as recovery, as if you have been ordered to take time off to build up your strength again. Because, in fact, necessary recovery it is.

Jill

Leanne

Thursday 1 July 2010

conjecture

Posted by speedygeoff on Thursday, July 01, 2010 with
What I am listening to: the Eclipse sound track. Well, it is a big disappointment compared with the New Moon soundtrack, which I particularly liked. There were several excellent tracks on the New Moon sound track but I cannot find any I like on Eclipse. At all. And as I didn't bother to see the New Moon movie, I certainly won't bother to see Eclipse. Anyway I suppose someone will want to tell me all about it.

Speedytracking to fitness. I am on target so far since returning from Brisbane a couple of weeks ago and trying to get back into the routine. But it is so cold. Brrrrr!!! However, everyone everywhere across this sunburnt land is complaining of the cold at present.

Emails. I have 2222 message in my gmail inbox now. Why? Because I realised a short time ago what a waste of time it is archiving them, when a simple search can locate the message you want to find, and keeping messages stored by date is as good a system as any. I have unarchived all the archived messages and deleted all the archive categories. It is so easy to do a search and find what you want, there is no need to categorise them at all

Running

Christopher at Mount Ainslie. It is so good that Christopher has stayed on committee after standing down as President; not everyone in office continues to contribute at a high level when replaced! [oops, a political reference, sorry!]

Socialising

The new boss Rachelle, and Janene.