I love holidays

I slept in a bit this morning after a big day at the Melbourne Cup- ohmigod did you see Efficient come flying up the straight like a fantastic steam train. Absolutely amazing. And fantastic, because if the second horse had won, then things might have been a little sadder in the bookies ring (for the bookies that is). Then I went and saw a great band- The Wagons- yep, a little bit country but very entertaining, so entertaining that I bought the CD. So I was one tired girl climbing into bed last night.
I was pretty happy to sleep in a bit this morning before I took Bella for a walk then went to Pilates class- very hard today and it included a lot of fancy yoga moves. I did a back bend for the first time in about, oh, fifteen years, without a problem I might add. Though I did just try the back bend again after half a bottle of red and I have to say that the warm up is quite important. (and not having Bella trying to lick my face at the same time- yes Nylisa, she is a dog! And great effort on completing the NYC marathon on the weekend.)
Then I went and caught up with Sav and beautiful baby Abbie, then a bit of shopping and it was time for home.
Oaks Day tomorrow and the last day of my bookie work followed by dinner at Mizuzu with Leslie for her birthday! Happy birthday for tomorrow Leslie.

I love spin class

I went to my sisters place early this morning with her birthday presents and Bella- I got her (and myself) tickets to Spamalot and I can't wait! Then Bella and I had the usual walk in the park and then I rode to spin class. I loved spin this morning- once I had found a bike that had all the functioning bits that is- I worked so hard and was a simple puddle of sweat by the end. I stayed in the seat the whole time and man it was hard on my butt. I got my heart rate up to 99% so I was definitely trying my hardest.
I just took Bella for another walk and she made me laugh so hard- she found a nasty black mud puddle and had a lovely wallow then she would run around and then run in and out of the puddle until she was putrid- she absolutely stank as I walked her home and I had to get the hose out. She didn't like that.
Heading back to the races tomorrow- I am just helping a family friend out but I really enjoy it!

Torrential downpour

Man it was bucketing down this morning- so hard that I managed to convince myself not to go to Pilates because it was raining too hard.
I don't go to Pilates class outside.
I am unlikely to be swept away in a freak flood regardless of how much it rained.
I am not the wicked witch from the west (?) and don't melt in water.
But the rain was a good enough excuse at the time and I snuggled back under the doona for a while longer. Truth is I was exhausted after standing up all day at the races- I was helping out a friend who is a bookmaker so it was a learning experience as well- my hands shook for the first few races and I was shouted at a little bit (but never for the same thing). I still woke up at 5am this morning but I managed to doze a bit and still avoided pilates at 9.30.
So to make up for it I dragged my butt off to the gym this afternoon after I had caught up on all the papers (nearly) and did a 10/20 interval thing on the bike before I did all the upper body machines. I am working up to do 8secs hard/12 secs recovery because I find with the bike it takes a second or so before I am working hard enough.
I am working at Melb Cup and Oaks Day as well then going on Stakes Day for a social wander around - though I am a bit concerned I may be very over the races by then. The following weekend is Dunkeld Races- a fantastic picnic meet in my home town.

A Day At The Races

Things you should know if you are planning on betting at the races:

1. Use the number of the horse to place your bet, not the name
2. Make your mind up BEFORE you place your bet
3. Remember who you placed your bet with so you queue for the right bookie for your money
4. Don't try to collect money for horses that didn't win, come second or third
5. Don't try to collect money for a race that has not run yet
6. Don't ask me to pick a horse for you (I will pick one that will lose so the bookie makes more money)
7. If you are betting less than $5 and want $3 to win on #2 and $2 for a place on #3 then just go away now
8. Don't put on six bets for your friends in the payout queue
9. You can't collect your money just as the horse runs past the winning post, you must wait for "correct weight"
10. Wear sensible shoes because I can't stand to watch you stagger around looking like a baby foal in your 10cm stilettos on the grass.

I love the races, Melbourne looks gorgeous! The girls are all stunning and wearing beautiful clothes or at least clothes they think are beautiful (but if you wore the same dress as a bridesmaid at some stage then you should reconsider) but everyone has made a massive effort. Boys who would only wear a suit when they are attending court as the defendant suddenly shine their shoes and find a hat to wear at a rakish angle and look wonderful. Even at the end of the day when they are all shoeless and legless, the people of Melbourne look fantastic. Everyone I spoke to was happy and polite (the payout queue might always be like that though!) and I only saw one fight.
I can't believe I went to the races today in pants, a warm jacket and sensible shoes. There is a first time for everything.

Running out of money

I went to the Sports Doc today- only had to wait 50 minutes before being shuffled in to see a different doctor to the one that I was supposed to see. $150 later I need an MRI scan on my ankle, xray on my ankle (I think, it could have been my knee) and an ultrasound on my knee. This all happens on 12 November so I will be paid between now thank goodness.
It is ridiculous- I could spend this money on clothes and not bat an eyelid but because I don't have something tangible to show for it I feel ripped off- even though it is the start of healing!
The Doc said that when I bend my knee my patella doesn't stay in the middle of my knee, it drifts off to the outside and that is what is causing the pain. She says that is because my glute isn't strong enough on my right side- damn that glute, taking up all that valuable real estate in my pants and not even doing its job.
I have to spend some time massaging the sole of my foot for the PF- using the tennis ball as usual but standing up so there is a lot more weight on it.
I am allowed to cycle (no standing up) and swim (no flippers).
I am so glad that I am getting some answers after 2 years of pain.
As for the diet (Blackmores) it is nearly finished and I am getting slack- I am supposed to have "digestive bitters" before breakfast and dinner- but it is so completely hideous that I skipped it at dinner. It makes me retch everytime I have it. One more day and I am so close to losing 3kg in 10 days - not very healthy I know, but I am sure I put it on that quickly!

Swim, cycle, yawn

I swam 1km this morning and then rode to work, rode home etc, boring boring boring. I am busy at work which is good because then I don't get hungry and count down the seconds until it is midday and a respectable time to tear into my lunch.
The swim was good- I did some 100m efforts instead of just knackering myself out with a few 50m sprints. I have taken a good 5 seconds off my 50m time but I want to get quicker. I get passed when I am running, passed when I am cycling but in the pool I actually pass other people, especially those rude blokes who decide to start their swim just as you turn around for your next lap.
Three more days of work then it is holidays!
Two more days of detox diet but I keep forgetting that it is going to end. Tonight I was busting to have fish and chips because I had a meeting in the city (how to scrutineer for the election, fascinating stuff) and I knew I couldnt be bothered cooking when I got home- but I surprised myself and made scrambled eggs which ticked all the boxes.
One more sleep until I see the sports doc.

Damn windy today (and that isn't a comment about the effects of the detox diet) so I drove to Pilates- bit of a cop out I know but on Friday I got to the gym and realised that I was an hour early for Pilates so I rode home then rode back an hour later so my average is still okay.
Everyone must have been caught out by the daylight saving because the room was almost empty and normally I have to hunt around to find a spare piece of floor to put my mat on.
Just a usual day of shopping and catching up with friends- more cuddling of babies!
I will just cycle to work this week, no spin until the sports doc checks out my knee. Cycling to work doesnt seem to bother it because I stay mostly in the seat apart from that one short hill that is so fun to go down but so not fun to labour up.
Off to take Bella for her first daylight saving walk.

*edit*
Pruesy just met me at the park and gave Bella a present- a hula hoop so now she doesn't just jump through my arms she has a hoop to jump through- I just need to work out how to set it on fire and we are heading to the circus.
But the real problem is that I immediately tried to hula with the hoop because I don't want to brag but in my day I could hula all the way through lunchtime. Not anymore. I was concerned that it was due to my (significant) increase in waist size but I just did some googling and apparently you need a hoop that at least comes up to your waist. Now I just need to find a grown up sized hula hoop- maybe Santa will bring me one!

Never-ending detox

Dear readers I have sunk to a new low.
Such was my desire for cheese.......... I tried soy cheese. Now don't try this at home, it is so terrible awful that I can't bear to talk about it. It was possibly worse than yesterday when I bought a gluten free, wheat free and taste free treat- I didn't even realise as I handed over my money that I had just bought a carob coated rice cake.
Detox is going okay (apart from the soy cheese sandwich today) but still no great changes- the weight loss is continuing so I can see the 70's from where I am now which is a nice change!
Swam this morning and decided I need to develop a long swim just like I would have a long run on the weekends so I added 200 metres. I guess I should have a sprint swim and a medium slog as well as a long run if I am going to really use my time in the pool well.
Sports doc next week to look at my knee, ankle, foot and whatever else I can fit into the time.

Detox Day 3 and 4

Yesterday was a bit hard because I didn't make my lunch and it is difficult to find anything that ticks all the boxes so I cheated a bit and had stir fry vegies for lunch- it was very very strange and as usual I had to justify everything I did at lunch with my colleagues. I was also asked constantly "how is your colon?" which isn't something I enjoy talking about over lunch but "fine thanks, would you like to see it?" seemed to end that line of questioning.
I had dinner out with Pruesy last night as well- we had fantastic Japanese so I could have grilled salmon and steamed vegies- if only I could pass up tempura anything normally!
I have lost a kilo and that is despite not being hungry anymore. I have eaten more vegies than I would normally in a whole week. The only thing that makes me sad is the wheat, gluten and yeast free bread which could just cure any craving for bread and toast that I have if I had to eat it permanently.
I didn't swim or cycle yesterday but I will definitely swim today after Pilates because I have taken another rest day owing and have made a three day weekend! I shouldn't be up so early but I was so happy about not going to work that I couldn't sleep.

Detox Day 2

So far so good- no startling urgent trips to the toilet that I had been warned about. I am tired though but that is probably because I caught up with a friend who is going overseas last night- yep, went to the pub, didn't drink or eat a parma- there is a first time for everything. I managed to bolt down some grilled fish and salad before I went out so I wasn't too tempted.
I had increased the amount of fruit snacks because I realise this thing is designed for people who think a walk is exercise and I just need a lot more to eat if I am going to get out of bed in the morning.
I am not a convert to the detox- I have never done one before so I am using this as a test for myself and to massively shake up my diet for a bit.
The lovely tail wind turned out to be a massive head wind- nasty even- I must have been confused with my flag reading. Some guy was even drafting behind my large posterior up one of the hills so I used all my energy to power away from him, I could hear him changing gears trying to keep up but he was too slow.
I frightened a rowing coach this morning who decided to stop and put his bike across the whole path at the bottom of my favourite steep little hill so when I came flying down the hill shouting "Get out of the .... way" he looked a little startled. He should have known better- I nearly cleaned him up completely.
Saw StuMac running along Birrarung Marr this morning- he was too deep in conversation to notice me but his training partner did.

Detox Day 1

I bought a detox kit after hearing the great wrap my friend gave it on the weekend- so this morning I had wheat free muesli for breakfast with plain yoghurt as well as a vegetable juice, followed by a sandwich made with wheat, gluten and yeast free bread with no cheese, mayo etc. I have also taken the required pills and I have to say that apart from nearly vomiting up the "digestive bitters" that I had to take this morning then it has been going along okay.
My friend said that it made her feel better, her coat was shiny and her skin was glowing so I thought I would give it a try (and she also lost weight!) The strict regime might be the thing that I need to sort out this diet of rubbish that I normal exist on.
The response to me not having coffee this morning was just what I would expect from my colleagues- all proclaiming that the detox was rubbish and would never work, despite not knowing any details of it- sometimes I am amazed at how they can do their job which demands an open mind with it so completely closed to anything outside their redneck white bread existence.

I rode to work this morning, via the pool where I did 1km of solid freestyle and made a big effort not to stop between laps. My ride to work was fantastic- I must have had a tail wind because I felt like I was flying and I made such a conscious effort not to dawdle. I even stretched when I got to work. Judging by the flags flying over at Southbank I am in for a tail wind home too!

Okay- I tried to take a photo but it really didn't work- might try it at the start of the day, not the end! I have shaved my head before but that was for money- they auctioned off the right to shave my head at a Rotary dinner and after much carry on they raised $1500 and my sister was given the okay to shave my head.
This time, it was just the right time- my hairdresser had a number 2 crew and when I went in she said Lets do yours too, and I had been thinking about it all week (and Sinead). It is too short, but in a week I will be very happy with it- at the moment everyone is too polite to say anything rude (apart from someone who will remain nameless who tells me I look like a man, at least I have hair).
Hope you like your new do Celeste,we must be cousins at the very least!

I made it to the pool yesterday after one false start (why did I even go there at 1.00pm on a 33 degree Sunday and expect to do laps??) I didn't do a km because I had a huge headache that didn't go till this morning but I managed 800m, most of it just kicking (no flippers).
I also went to Pilates yesterday morning too- rode my bike there and back and it was absolutely steaming by the time I was trying to ride home.
My knee is still sore, mainly getting in and out of the car and those awkward angles, but I chased Bella at the park today and had some pain but not that real stabbing pain that I had before. The ankle and PF pain is still there but less of a problem now that I am not running.

I don't know why but I am not distraught about the NT- don't get me wrong, I was sobbing madly on Friday night and I was concerned that I would lose it at work when I had to tell people that I didn't get picked- but by Saturday afternoon I wasn't upset at all and today I was able to talk about it without emotion. That is not like me at all- I was so upset about not running the Melb HM that I got all teary every time I told someone (even today) but for some reason I can handle this disappointment a lot more.

Much happier

Ooops, just realised that my 300th post was a bit sad and sorry. I am in a much better mood today and I don't even know why! I had a great day- so sunny and Bella had two big walks and I caught up with a very dear friend who was down from the country.
Today I learnt that sometimes you shouldn't go to the hairdressers when you are in a mood- I walked out with what can only be described as a buzz cut. I don't know why but it has chippered me up a treat!
Not quite GI Jane or Sinead O'Connor but pretty close. I have had very short hair before and this is very similar- I love the feeling and keep running my hands over it (can't run them thru it- just doesn't happen!). I will post a photo when I get a chance.
Swimming and pilates tomorrow.

Sorry, still cranky

Damn, was going to come back after being away for a few days full of joi de vive or something but this afternoon I found out I didn't get the NT job so I have cracked the sads big time.
Week away was good- definitely made a few healthy choices considering we were eating out for every meal. I braved the pool this morning for a quick dip- it was damn cold at night and the pool wasn't heated so it was a might chilly in the mornings.
I paid someone to come and walk Bella while I was away- seems like throwing money away a bit but I didn't stress about her once and it made my time away a lot easier- I really fret if I know she isn't getting walked.

I promise I will snap out of this crap mood soon enough, just having yet another great big wallow today.


Sorry Paul but unless there has been another miracle (a la birth of Christ) then I am not pregnant.

Dragged my sister to the pool yesterday for one very slow and horrible kilometre- it took me forever and I am not sure I actually achieved anything.
I am in a bit of a spot right now, everything is making me cranky- work, home, sleep, food etc.
I have to go away all week for work as predicted, I made sure I have booked somewhere good with a pool but really it is in the middle of nowhere and I am going to be bored. Must make sure I get some fruit to take with me or this is going to be a big blowout. Three weeks until I am on leave.
This morning I found myself in a massive pressure situation- you know the one, where someone has bought you something and they are watching your face to see what you think- well this morning I thought I was doing a fantastic job of maintaining a poker face but apparently I am the world's most ungrateful b1tch. I agree, I don't deserve any presents at all (unless they are gift cards which will be received without a single poker face but lots of jumping up and down and clapping). Not a good way to be with only 71 days until Christmas. (I don't have any runs to look forward to so I entered Christmas into my watch for the big countdown).

I have had a moment of clarity thanks to LBTEPA who suggested that I perhaps shouldn't be cycling or swimming with flippers if my knee is giving me grief so I am planning to cut these two exercises out. This just leaves me with swimming normally and doing weights at the gym (upper body only) which I will struggle with, but I am just going to try this for a week, ten days at the most because I don't think I can go much longer without turning my legs over. My work is making me go away next week for a few days - by myself which is unheard of and not very fun so it will be easy enough not to go to the gym when I am holed up in some two horse town pretending I am somewhere else.

The worst thing is that this realisation co-incides with me deciding that I need to start losing some kilos in a very dramatic way. I bought scales. I loved my old scales because they were broken and stuck on 65kilos but it was time to move on and get some real numbers.
So this morning I got into the nickey-noo and weighed myself. I am wayyyyy to embarrassed to put the number here but according to the weirdconverter I weigh 1.6213831 times what Jennifer Aniston weighs and I would like to be just 1.5 her body weight (I hope she is extremely short).
I stole the converter idea from Vanilla who "borrowed" it from someone else. Incidentally Vanilla is doing the Denver Half Marathon with numerous other celebrities on Sunday and just got two new cowbells to help him along the way.

Swam this morning- just 1km just with flippers and my kickboard- can anyone tell me if I should be getting the short flippers that everyone else has or I should stick with my long ones? I am coveting the short ones but I am sure that is just because I have the long ones.
I did spin yesterday morning- still just staying in the saddle because standing hurts but my knee seems to be getting better when I am at spin, but then it hurts me during the day.
The physio rang (I chose not to run my latest plan past her) and she said my next appointment should be with the Sports Doc to find out why nothing is healing properly- so I guess that is what I will be spending my hard earned cash on soon.

Boring weekend planned- trivial night with colleagues on Saturday night and I am wondering why I thought that would be a good idea. My areas of speciality = literature, periodic table of the elements and winners of the Melbourne Cup 1980-current. Everyone else has been tasked to research Roman Generals, Greek Alphabet and English Kings and Queens.
What is your special subject???

Swim, cycle, walk

Bella and I did our usual laps of the park in practically broad daylight at the park this morning- it is so light. Then it was (change of clothes #2) onto the bike to the pool (change of clothes #3) for a kilometres swim- every fourth lap was a "sprint" and I am pretty excited about getting my sprint lap time down by about five seconds all ready. Then back onto the bike (change of clothes #4) and ride to work- (change of clothes #5) shower followed by shuffle back to the change rooms to put on suit (change of clothes #6). If I do decide to take up triathalon then I should have the transition thing down pat- I just need sand in my shoes and I am all set.

My knee is damn sore still and it is very frustrating- and the ankle is still sore too. So I have come up with a plan- all my problems appear to be caused by having one bad ankle which throws everything out of whack (can you see where I am going with this?) so I think I just need to sprain my good ankle so I am back in balance. Surely it would work faster than waiting for this other ankle to heal? I am surprised the physio hasn't recommended it all ready. Genius.

Well watching marathons and doing very little has worn me down a bit so I decided to take today off- I am owed a few days so I thought I would let the boss know at about 7.30 this morning- I will find out tomorrow how well that went down!
I spent yesterday shaking my money maker on Fitzroy Street, St Kilda- cheering for the coolrunners and ausrunners and anyone else who looked like they were starting to flag a bit. There were some amazing people out there- sure they people who sprinted past on their way out and back (and we were at the 6 or 36km mark - for the marathon, or the 6 or 15km mark for the half) but the people who amazed me even more were the people who had given it EVERYTHING and were hurting but were still putting one foot in front of the other and just keeping on going.
We were handing out icypoles and lolly snakes to anyone who wanted them and I wished we had another two hundred cheap icypoles because so many people were just so grateful to get something cold, wet and sugary into their system. I am sure they thought we were part of the whole marathon thing and not just a little cheer squad handing out free stuff.
I was a sad that I wasn't out there running but I still feel like I was part of it- I saw so many people I know (mainly because I was shaking a maraca and shouting so they called out my name when they saw me) but I am so impressed by AJH and superjacent because they had run so far, and were absolutely knackered but still chasing the finish line.
Today I have walked Bella for ages, caught up with beautiful Savanna and her gorgeous bundle of joy Abbie and swum 1.2km.
I went out to where we did our training for work to use the pool- gotta love a 50m pool with 8 lanes and just me with my own personal life guard- who apologised because he wasn't at work on the weekend and someone fiddled with the controls and it was 2 degrees too cold (it was perfect). I thought about the 20 weeks I spent there and how the pool was a source of torture- 50m sprints, climb out and 10 pushups on the side of the pool (nice look in your togs) then walk back to the other end and repeat until your arms are jelly- I could barely carry my books to class after that.

2am cheezel search

I feel a little fragile today- completely self inflicted after a work trip to the country side yesterday finished with a 2am wander around a 2-horse town in the middle of nowhere for Cheezels and then a $12 cab ride to the servo from the pub to get the Cheezels. I woke up this morning feeling a little ordinary- and my co-workers were in a very similar state. I wasn't going to tell them about the Cheezels but I forgot they sprung me climbing out of the cab with my blue box of joy! Or rather I sprung them trying to get into the hotel but using the wrong key in the wrong door.
A very tedious trip back to the office this morning- taking turns at sleeping in the back of the car and eating rubbish to make us feel better.
Anyway- I didn't exercise today (2am jaunt notwithstanding) but yesterday I went to the gym and realised the bike machine and the elipticycle hurts my knee so it was onto the weight machines- I am determined to get rid of my "fedoberlers" or tuck shop arms.

1km swim

Swimming this morning- I am terrible at counting my laps so I need a routine- like this morning I did 50m freestyle sprint, 50m backstroke easy, 50m free, 50m backstroke- then it is reasonably easy for me to work out how many laps I have swum at any stage. My freestyle sprint is about 5 seconds slower than I could do it 10 years ago! So I guess I have something to work towards. I rode to the pool and to work as well- so including getting up and out of my pjs to walk Bella it works out to be 6 changes of clothes before 8am. That is a lot of time wriggling in and out of clothes. Luckily I have a routine and it has been going okay, but there is a lot of room for error with all those changes.
My knee is getting better- but it still hurts to run or turn and my PF hasn't realised that this is the time for healing and refuses to get better so I still lurch around like an old cripple in the morning.
It is so light in the mornings- I almost want daylight saving to start now so I can get back into the lovely darkness in the mornings.

Spin Class

There is no reason why I should still be so uncomfortable on the bike during spin class and my ride to work but ohmigod sometimes I think I should ride the whole way standing up. (sadly I can't stand up because it hurts my damn knee)
Anyway Bella and I went to the park this morning and played with Leslie, Arnie and Lucy- there was no enormous snarling dog fight like Sunday morning when Bella lost some skin, Lucy was bitten on the throat and I hurt my wrist trying to break them up- today they played like they were best friends.
Then it was time to go to spin class- it doesn't start until 6:15 so I only get half an hour in before I am sneaking out the back to ride to work but I still got 50 mins of cycling in this morning (average HR 72%, max HR 93%). It is a lovely sunny day here so I am planning a big stroll with Bella tonight. Apart from the recent fight which she didn't start (don't I sound like a defensive parent!) she has been a delight recently- and she now jumps through my arms upon command! We are planning on running away and joining the circus.
Two weeks until I find out about NT- not feeling confident after I heard that they had 60 applicants for 10 spots- oh well, maybe the circus will be the answer.

1km swim

I swam this morning before work- because I had a company car over the weekend I didn't ride to work so I headed to the Prahran pool for a dip. I can't do water running because it really hurts my knee- and I can't do my favourite of all strokes- breaststroke, either because that is painful. So I just did a few laps freestyle, some backstroke and some laps with the kickboard and flippers on. Backstroke is my second favourite- I really don't like freestyle (or Aussie crawl as I like to call it) very much because it is a lot of hard work.
My upper body definitely got a work out, but I am not sure about the rest of me! I really don't want a swimmers build-well I want selective parts of the swimmers body, but some definition without the bulk would be good.
Thanks for your kind comments- I still feel a bit like a piker but I am sure in two weeks I will get over it.

Who am I kidding

I tried to run this morning but it didn't end well- there were no sobbing tears, but I did feel a bit sad.
My knee pain is not going away and this morning I couldn't tape it successfully so it just hurt with every step. I only managed 1km before I turned and walked home.
I am pulling out of the Half Marathon- it just isn't sensible to think I can run that far with so much pain. I can pretend for a little while that it doesn't hurt, but for over 2 hours? No. So I am so sad about missing out on running into the G- I so wanted to run on the new course but it just isn't going to happen.
My 3 months recovery is starting today- just got back from Pilates and will try to go for a swim later on.

2 laps of Tan

This morning Bella and I got up at the usual hour despite being on afternoon shift- I walked Bella around the park and then drove to the Tan for a run. I was a bit worried because I was just taping my knee like always and I was conscious that if it didn't go to plan and I had pain and or the tape came off my knee then I was heading for a massive lying-on-the-ground-kicking-and screaming-like-a-toddler-in-the confectionery-aisle type tanty. And that is what it would have felt like- I am here, surrounded by everything that is goood, that I know that I love and I am being denied. However......it all went very very well- no knee pain or any other pain and I could easily maintain a 6.30min/k pace for my two laps. My confidence has been restored (sort of).
I won't have time for the shock wave treatment because I can't get an appointment until Tuesday so it is going to be me, the tape and a whole lot of crossing fingers Sunday week. I am icing my knee now and I will continue to ice it.
Now I am starting to plan both my time off and my recovery! I am really planning on doing a lot of spin classes and a lot of swimming- until the gym membership ends then I am not sure what the plan is.
I spent a lot of time last night with my sister trying to teach Bella to jump through my arms or weave her way through my legs- she acts like she is too cool for circus tricks but I have seen her flat out trying to catch her tail so I know she isn't. (if I go to NT there will be a lot of separation anxiety going on!)
JoJo I am only taping my knee to walk so that there is no pressure on my patella tendon at all during the day as well- it doesn't hurt too much while I am just walking around.

Another trip to the physio

Went to the physio this afternoon after work- not sure what I am going to do because the cho-patt strap is quite useless (lucky I got to try it before I paid for it!) and the only other option at this stage is going to be shock wave therapy which doesn't fill me with confidence.
So 11 days till the Half Marathon, as usual my training has been severely limited due to injuries and I am not feeling very happy about it.
But I am not pulling out yet- I am taping my knee even for just walking around and I am going to try a short confidence building run tomorrow morning. Wish me luck.

(submitted my resume for the NT job today- don't feel confident about that either but you have to be in it to win it- and I have already compiled a list of totally irresponsible things to spend the extra money on as well as planned a massive bathroom and kitchen renovation, I plan on winning tattslotto as well while I am away!)

Pool running is not the answer

Got up early this morning and took Bella for a stroll around the park- it is so light now at 5am that I nearly don't need to put her light on. I can even see when the evil dog that hates Bella and chases her trying to attack her is coming along the path- so Bella and I can move away quickly- though it is good for Bella to realise what it feels like to be attacked for no good reason.
Then I went to the pool for some running- the water was so warm and it was easy to get in- but the running isn't the answer, for a start it hurt my knee so I spent the first ten minutes trying to work out a running style that didn't hurt my knee and also felt like I was doing some good. The time went quite quickly and I only did 40 minutes because I had to get to work. I didn't feel like I had done any exercise at all apart from the soreness in my knee.

I rang and left a message for the physio yesterday and she is so lovely, she rang straight back and discussed what I can do, so I am seeing her tomorrow and she has ordered a cho-strap (sp?) for my knee which I will be trying to test before the HM -only 12 days to go.

I am still considering pulling out- but it is so hard because I spent the whole year focussed on this run. I think I might give the anti-inflammatories a good run leading up to the HM - they don't seem to upset my stomach at all and then make a final decision on the Friday
(Stu- I didn't moisturise or use sunscreen, it just didn't stick)

Todays run started with so much promise and ended up with me sooking in the Botanical Gardens :(
I went to the lake and ran a lap that was relatively easy considering the wind- the pace wasn't flash but I was feeling quite good. I had strapped my foot and my knee but after my first lap the tape had come off my knee and my it was hurting to run- I noticed the pain first then when I looked at my knee I realised the tape was not stuck anymore.
I went home, re-taped my knee and drove to the Tan determined to get two laps in. I had taped my knee quite rigidly after the physio told me to tape it anyway I wanted as long as it removed the pain. Well I removed the pain in my knee- but my stride was now short and choppy so it wasn't long before my hammy was hurting and my lower back was sending pain out as well. I stopped and walked for a bit then kept running- the I realised that my knee was hurting a lot and sure enough the tape had come off! This is so annoying and has never happened before because I use Fixomull as well so I cracked it walked up the nearest path that took me towards the middle of the gardens and had a sob.
I am so angry about the tape- I don't buy the cheap stuff and I spend a bit of time trying to get it right.
I am off to Pilates to breathe some anger out.

*Edit*
I got the time wrong for Pilates so I didn't make it! I did go to the gym anyway and did some weights and tried to work out which leg weights I could do without hurting my knee (none). Not having a good time at the moment and I can't really do anything right- I am sure Steve will tell you all if I don't, but on Friday I rode my bike to work, locked it to a fence in the basement car park and went upstairs to have a shower and get ready for work, what is problem there? you might be thinking, well, I locked my bike to a part of the fence that meant that the car park gate wouldn't open and by the time someone told me, there were 20 odd cars banked up in the car park and someone had cut the lock off my bike to let them all in. Then I had to listen to everyone laugh it all up instead of being sad for my expensive bike lock. They acted like I did it on purpose or that I had locked them IN the carpark on a Friday arvo, not out of the carpark in the morning. Anyway I maintained an irrational sense of outrage all day and refused to apologise.

Trip to the physio

I was going to run this morning-even when I saw it was raining, but then I remembered that I didn't buy more tape yesterday :( So it was back to bed for me and a wonderful sleep in :) Then I went to the physio- apparently I need to use a rolling pin to attack my right quad, along with more right leg work in general because it isn't as toned as the other one (nothing about me is toned right now!) Now I have to tape my knee some more- it never ends! She said that it is too early to decide to pull out of the Melb HM or scale it back.
Yep, I have stacked back on the weight and even though I know why I am eating, I feel powerless to stop... I know why I should stop, I know I can stop, but everytime I am faced with a food choice- nori rolls for instance- I should have the avocado ones and I love them, but I pick the crispy chicken ones which are great but fatty and then I justify it to myself us some half ar$ed excuse.
Not running today, will definitely cycle tomorrow then run early Saturday morning- or drive to the wedding on Saturday and run on Sunday morning....decisions decisions.
I am putting in for the NT job- but it has been deferred for a while because of the wet season so there will be time to prepare (if I am even selected!)

Very short run

Cycled into work again this morning- I haven't missed a day since I started last week and I am really enjoying it- despite the head winds and rain.(I just grit my teeth and think of Celeste!)
I cycled home last night then headed out for a run with Bella around Caulfield Park- it was possibly the worst run of my life (to date) so slow and my legs felt like tree stumps. Bella was quite well behaved but even when she was trying to chase other dogs and was dragging me along I wasn't going very fast at all.
I didn't go to spin this morning because my knee was so sore- it is quite painful the day after a run, but it doesn't hurt while I run now that I strap it. I have been icing it as well but it doesn't seem to be getting better- might have to check with the physio about the cycling.

Good nights sleep, 18km HM course and a massive walk!

I got up before 5am (only just) and took Bella for a quick spin around the park then I headed out from home. I was taped up, gel in pockets, ipod charged and ready to go- I just forgot to turn off the weather. It was good weather for flying kites this morning- if you don't mind flying your kite in the wind.
I ran down High Street to St Kilda Road, to Fitzroy Street, down to Albert Park lake to Albert Road, to Beaconsfield Parade to Fitzroy Street, up to St Kilda Road to Fed Square, over W.B. bridge and over to the tan.
My knee held up really well- no pain whatsoever, however my PF was killing me at the end and I was definitely landing very gingerly on my right foot for the last 5km. I had a gel at the 9km mark and when I finished I realised that I didn't have that hollow pit in my stomach which was good. When I had to stop at the lights I did my pilates back stretch and I am not sure if that is the reason, but I didn't have any shoulder/ back pain that usually plagues me from the 7km mark.
Sadly when I finished running I had to walk home! I had been running for just over 2 hours (did I mention how slow I am?) and I had a long way to go. So I have established that I can still walk the last few kms if I have to! I walked the 5km home, limping and hobbling like an old lady down Chapel Street.
So:
the good- no knee or back pain, finally got some kms in before the big day
the bad- massive PF pain
the ugly- the pace!

I have realised that I am not capable of sustaining 6min/km at the moment- so I think my time will be in the vicinity of 2:20mins- might start off with the pacing bus and see how I go. It really all depends on the wind and it was nasty this morning.

I am definitely going to apply for the NT spots- there are only 10 places and it will be competitive, but I think I need to be shunted out of my career comfort zone as well as my day to day comfort zone and I think a 6 month stint in a shipping container dodging rocks might do that for me!

No sleep, no running

I had a shit of a night so I didn't run- I have been unable to sleep recently because I am contemplating applying to work for 6 months in a remote community in NT- which involves being away from Bella for12 weeks at a time- which is also a long time between haircuts for me too! Not to mention the sleeping in a shipping container in the middle of nowhere during the rainy season.
It was other factors that ruined my sleep last night, but this job thing has got me thinking all night too- could I hack it? Can I live with just snail mail and bad hair for 12 weeks?
I am definitely running tomorrow morning even if I look like death again.

Tagged!

I am going to stage my own fitness test in the morning- at least 17km somewhere flat and hopefully even sheltered from the wind. My knee has been quite sore and I am not feeling at all confident that I will be able to finish the Melbourne HM let alone start- which is a shame because I have been pretty mouthy about doing it.

I haven't run the last two days because it was damn sore- and I have been out of the office re-qualifying in first aid and "defensive tactics"- so I was pretty active and I am so tired and achey now.

I have been tagged by Celeste (-the link is over there---> under Pilbara K, sorry I am a bit slack tonight)

1. What were you doing 10 years ago?
Working as a Customer Service Manager at Target Dandenong! (someone tried to assault me with a quilt cover once)

2. What were you doing one year ago?
I was bored out of my brain at another "branch"- if I looked out the window in the morning then I had nothing to do in the afternoon.

3. What are 5 snacks you enjoy?
Salt and Vinegar Chips

BBQ Chips

Plain Chips

Chips and Gravy

Cheezels

4. What are 5 songs that you know the lyrics to?
Anything by Johnny Cash,

Think- Aretha Franklin,

The Man From Snowy River (I know it is a poem),

I am Woman- Helen Reddy, "Hear me roar"

Fergalicious- Fergie "I'm up in the gym just working on my fitness, he's my witness"

5. 5 Things you would do if you were a millionaire?
If I was a MULTI-MILLIONAIRE:

- Personal trainer, chef, crackpot dietician just like the celebrities have

- Pay off all my family's debts then organise a massive Morse holiday

- Work Part-time

- Convert my new inner surburban pad into a totally green, solar etc house

- Travel

6. 5 bad habits
Eating too many chips

Eating when I am not hungry

Driving while talking on my mobile and eating a pie and changing gears

Finishing other peoples sentences

Being slothful

7. 5 things you like to do
Walk Bella

Sleep

Eat

Run

Float on my back in the pool on a sunny day

8. 5 favourite toys?
iPod

Mobile Phone

Footpod

Barbie - G0lden Dreams- she is beautiful

Digital camera

9. 5 things you would never wear?
Ra-Ra skirt (again)

Skinny Jeans

Expensive pointy toed high heels that I bought three years ago and wore once

Boob Tube

Blue mascara

10. 5 things you hate to do
Get up in the morning

Miss out on the free gift with purchase at Estee Lauder (even if I don't need it)

Go to the dentist

Explain to my Dad why Andrew Bolt is a tool (like trying to convince him that the earth is not flat)

Leave Bella when I go to work in the morning

Cycling all morning

I walked Bella this morning then cycled to Spin Class then rode to work. It was too easy and I didn't forget anything. Obviously I need to streamline things a little bit but overall it is definitely preferable to getting a lift with a colleague or catching public transport. It took me 20 mins from the gym to work so I had plenty of time to get ready.
Spin class was okay- RPM which is a bit annoying because they are a bit fake in my opinion and aren't really designed with cycling in mind, just heart rate peaks. Last Friday my heart rate shot up and stayed up- I think I might still have been a bit unwell because today it definitely stayed in the fat burning zone. Still my max was 91% and my average was 71%.
I have been a bit nervous because of my patella tendonitis and my back which is still sore, but I found that as long as I didn't cycle standing up then there was no issue with my knee and my back was fine. Cycling to work I was also conscious of my patella but again I didn't have any problems.
I think that stopping spin class in April when I hurt my neck and back might have caused my knee problems to appear- my leg muscles would definitely have lost strength and that contributed to the tendonitis in my patella. Hopefully with spin class I can get some more leg strength back and reclaim my waist!

"Speed Work" in the park

Bella and I got up at stupid o'clock this morning and went to the park for some speed work. After my dismal effort last week I decided to just do the short sprints until I have some endurance built up. So I did about 10 x 100m efforts with Bella running along beside me, or more accurately running in front of me laughing saying "is that all you got?". Seriously she runs in front of me but looking over her shoulder smiling at me.
I only ran 4km in total but it was enough and I was over it. I did the last six just on the rugby oval which was nice and soft and very smooth.

I had to keep putting Bella on the lead because there was an older man with a poodle walking around too- the same older man who I spent some time talking to last week telling him about my ferocious attack dog but sadly he didn't feel the need to find somewhere else to walk- apparently he is only there Tuesdays because he has to water the garden so it looks like Thursdays might be sprint day from now on.

I have started at my new office, same colleagues, same work, just now with a city location and views of the Yarra. I also have views of a child care centre which is very distracting- unless it is nap time, then I just get jealous, I have put in a report suggesting that we should observe nap time too. Anyway, I have found the showers, brought in my suits, towels, hairdryer and several changes of underwear so tomorrow I am planning the first of many rides to work. Most of the ride will be along the Yarra so it will be quite safe. The only drama is likely to be when I forget clean underwear and or socks which is very likely. We did work in Prahran which was oh so close to home, but now I have to do a real commute so I am looking forward to cycling in.

13km HM course

I had a run this morning- very early even by my standards. I got up at 4.45am (I know, on a Sunday!) and spent a bit of time strapping my knee and ankle then took Bella for a run around a local park. Then I brought her home and drove to the lake, I ran a lap of the lake, came back to the car, ingested a gel, sculled some water and ran into the city along Albert Road/ St Kilda Road. I ran up William Barack bridge and then returned to my car the same way. I was so slow- and I am trying not to concentrate on my pace, but just get some form back at the moment- but when I snuck a look at the pace it was woefully slow.
The gel went down well and I didn't get a stitch or have to find a toilet- bonus. I also felt strong the whole time (though it was only 13km I was running for a long time!). My knee was fine, but my ankle hurt at the start, then the PF took over.
My HR max was 101%- (time to readjust that) and my average was 87%.

After my run I went to the Burnley A/V HM- with Bella. I met Em, JoJo and Supersam and we sat on picnic rugs eating croissants and drinking champagne (or sparkling white shiraz for me) while everyone slogged past us. Steve ran a massive PB which was great, TB had ITB dramas and Stu was just trotting along nicely when we saw him. I had taken my cheerleading duties to a whole new level with painted signs saying "lookin' good" and "run faster"- but I don't think any runner actually saw them.
So after too many drinks before 10am, it was time to go home (though as Em's mum says, "It is noon somewhere!"). What to do with the rest of the day??

I ended up having a very chaotic but happy birthday yesterday. I made it to spin class- had to catch a pigeon that was trying to reduce itself to feathers in the ceiling fans in the spin room! I managed to corner it and throw my jacket over it and put it in a box. For some stupid reason the instructor then kept calling me "pigeon girl" as in "working hard up the back there pigeon girl" "nice intensity pigeon girl" etc. I guess I have been called worse.
Then it was off to Chadstone where I didn't buy anything other than presents for Bella but I didn't have time because our horse was racing again at 1.40 at Moe. So I got to sit in a dingy TAB (A.K.A The Lucky Shop) drinking by myself on my birthday- my brother has told me that it is more than a little tragic. but the real tragedy was that Iceman (our nickname for the horse) ran his heart out and didn't win because the race was a bit long for him- he just wants to go too quick and won't wait for the end so the jockey is holding on for dear life trying to get him to settle down.
Then I went to a local pub with some friends, my sister and her friend also joined us and we ended up in the city (via the spectacular views of an apartment in the Melburian). Eventually we had lovely lovely Peking Duck in Chinatown for dinner.

So today my butt is very sore from returning to spin but I am determined to lose some more weight after the scales were birthday friendly yesterday. I have been out for breakfast with my mum and sister and pottering around in the yard trying to revive my lawn.
I am still hoping to run tomorrow morning very very early before heading to Burnley to cheer on the ausrunners.

Another year older

.....can't tell you my real age, but it has two 3s in it, but I am not going to say in which order.

I am malingering- my cough is nasty and I am now on the ventolin to help me get some oxygen into my lungs. I really needed a long run this weekend, but it isn't going to happen. Everyone at work is still coughing up a lung and I am living in fear that this thing will hang around for another 30 days!
I haven't run over 15km in the last two months! And because of my knee I haven't been running much at all but I am still doing the HM because of pride- I can't pull out now.

I was planning on heading out this morning for a birthday run, but the plan is for me to return to spin class which I have been avoiding but I think it is time. So spin, then weights for me, followed by a trip to Chadstone to buy lots of presents, followed by drinks with some girlfriends and dinner somewhere nice. (I have already received some perfume and some plants for my garden.)

All Clear!

I feel much better today- and this is illustrated by my (almost) perfect blood test results- the Doc was very happy with me for studying very hard for my blood tests and it was only the iron that let me down (no surprises there!). So my diet has been given the all clear as far as cholesterol goes, and my lifestyle has been given the all clear as far as AIDS, HIV, Hepatitis and syphilis goes! (not really that surprised, when you live a life that nine out of ten nuns would call boring then you would be very surprised to catch anything)
The only thing the Doc recommended apart from the usual iron tablets is to head down to the local kindergarten when they have a bit of "slapface" going around. Sounds like fun doesn't it!

Pilates this morning- it is getting a bit easy now so I will be glad when the instructor changes next week. Arvo shift today then shifting work locations for the next two days- so scruffies (casual clothes) and hopefully early days.

My cough has nearly gone completely so I am going to hazard a short run tomorrow morning- my proton pill (iron tablet) should have given me super powers by then so I imagine that I will be leaping tall buildings in a single bound etc.

No running

I haven't run since Saturday morning- and it is all due to this silly chesty cough. I am feeling a bit like my lungs are filled with water and I am actually puffing just sitting here typing (but I don't class that as cardio work)

Dinner with the girls last night was a bit of fun- I ended up cooking my favourite lasagne- with red lentils courtesy of Mens Health magazine (only 10grams of fat). I was planning a massive seafood feast but then I was concerned the prawns wouldn't last till Monday so I did the only sensible thing- I cooked up and ate half a kilo of prawns myself on Sunday night- and then lay on the couch complaining about my guts.
As a display of my newfound maturity, I didn't drink too much and collapse into bed full clothed, I farewelled my guests and then did the dishes! Sav was so kind as to bring dessert so I had chocolate sponge cake for breakfast- wonder why my pants don't fit so well anymore??

I am waiting until my chest clears up and then I will head out for a run- because everyone at work is STILL coughing and sounding awful I am working my hardest to get rid of this properly. I will do Pilates tomorrow morning so I can still pretend that I am exercising.

3 Laps of the Tan

I got up a little later this morning and tested out the theory that if your cold is above your head then it is okay to go for a run. (of course I did the usual preparation of taping up my foot and knee then walking Bella) I did three laps of the Tan (with brief walking when my knee pain got a bit much) and the time was pretty awful- but not outside my Macmillan long run pace which is okay- shame it wasn't such a long run. I added a bit at the end to make it 12km and finished by quarter to 9 and it was super busy around the Tan because of the Tan relays and the fact that it was going to be a glorious day.
I have been icing my joints all day off and on (in between trips to the hair dresser and the market) but my foot is giving me enough curry so I won't be wearing heels out tonight.
I have some girlfriends coming over Monday night so tomorrow will be a massive day of cleaning.
Here is my august breakdown as reported on Ausrun:

Aug Km's: 68 (the lowest ever!)

Year to Date: 780

Injuries: Patella tendonitis, PF, dodgy ankle STILL!

Excuses: Just lacking some oompf recently, had holidays, lost the drive to keep running when it got a bit hard.

Races & events: City2Surf (dismal time of 1:00:58 thanks to a massive stitch and chronic undertraining!)

Upcoming races: Maybe SpringIntoShape- September only

Goals for Sept: Try not to put on any more weight! Stop drinking so much, do my physio exercises at least once daily

Thoughts: I am in caretaker mode at the moment, trying not to get any slower before the Melb HM then I can decide if I should take a month (or two) off running to get rid of these niggling injuries.

Sprints

Yesterday morning I did intervals at the local park with Bella- they were so slow that it is apparent that I can no longer even be assured of:

1. sprinting for the tram and making it,
   
2. making it to a verandah if it suddenly starts raining
3. running for the lift
   
4. darting across the road

I struggled to keep my sprints under 5 min/km- especially the longer ones.
I didn't get a chance to ice my knee or ankle afterwards and they were letting me know all about it. Actually it is really only my ankle that is now hurting me- the PF comes and goes, the knee seems to be getting better, but the ankle is driving me crazy with its stubbornness.

When I got back from my holiday the whole office was getting over a nasty cold- the sort where they still coughed and spluttered everywhere and I was all smug because I had missed it....until yesterday when I started getting a razorblade sore throat and was informed that the sore throat was the first symptom. So now I am on a sick day trying to get rid of this throat, head cold that apparently will morph into a disgusting chunky cough- my main motivation is that I want to go for a run tomorrow morning but I am struggling just to hold my head up right now. I am not prepared to write the weekend off just yet- surely there will be a fantastic recovery and I will be running around tomorrow morning with a spring in my step!

Pilates

Arvo shift today so I went to Pilates this morning- I think there is a different instructor at every class I go to so I never know what it is going to be like which is good, the classes go so quickly and I find that I am not staring at the clock the whole time.
Then I did a massive amount of cleaning and started to aerate the lawn- I am hoping it starts to look a little better soon or I am definitely getting fake grass next year- though what I will do with my new pitch fork and pusher mower I don't know. I am definitely loving having a shed- I know that isn't very feminine but when it is tidy, it makes me smile!
Beki- I did have a fasting glucose test so I guess that I will have to confess to the bossy doctor when I get my results next week- I didn't know I wasn't allowed to exercise.

My sister pointed out that I have been blogging for just over a year now- thanks for all your support and helpful comments in the last year- I recall that I entered the Sandy Point half marathon this time last year because I didn't want to have to admit on the blog that I chickened out!

10km

10 km this morning (and you really don't need to know how long it took)- the first 3km was around the park with Bella- (then we had to have a brief walk with the dog that knocked me over a while back and caused yet another massive set back in my training) then the next 7km was along High Street, Chapel Street then along the Yarra and back home. I can't believe how slow I am now- mind you I have always been challenged when it comes to pace- but I would settle into a pace at the start and it would be about 7 min/km- so I had to concentrate on keeping the pace up a bit more. When I settled a bit it was closer to 6.30min/km but to keep it at 6 min/km was a real battle.
I had to go and have my blood tests- I am only having them as directed by my bossy doctor who signed me up for every free test there is just for the sake of it- I don't feel unwell (other than tired which I assume is normal!) or anything like that. (though the nurse asked me if I was planning on being pregnant and I had to reassure her that I have never been further from motherhood in my life!)
I cannot understand how the doctors surgery can open at 8am, my appointment is at 8.15 a.m but it is still 9am before someone sticks a needle in my arm- how can they be 45 minutes late only 15 minutes after opening?
I did get some exciting news that my friend in Mackay had a little boy Luka early this morning and they are both well.

Sleep- it cures everything....

....well not everything but I woke up in a much better mood.
I did turn the alarm off at 5am this morning and thought I would sleep in, then though better of it and got up to take Bella for a walk. Then I went to the gym and did some intervals on the elipticycle for 30 mins- I wanted to do the massive weight loss training but I couldn't remember the ratio of efforts, so I am hoping that it is similar to 8 seconds on then 12 seconds off. I don't think I am much skinnier but I certainly got a lot sweatier than if I had stayed asleep in bed.
Blood tests tomorrow morning- the hardest thing might be not eating until after 8:15am.
Will be attempting sprints tomorrow- proper running ones.

Still Moody, forecast is for sullen

The party was as lame as I expected but worse because when I wanted to go home at 10.30 after the worlds worst speech I was convinced to hang around until the end, even though I was the worst company in the world, so I didn't get to bed until after midnight (though I did drive so I am feeling fresh as a daisy- a very very tired daisy). I didn't actually put the tiara one once- apparently I am not as much of a princess as I thought.
I set the alarm and got up and walked Bella before my run- then I realised that I could never do my long run and make it to Pilates in time. My knee was still a bit twingey so it didn't take much to convince me to do my run at the gym and save my knee some grief. I taped my knee and foot, but I am not sure how the knee taping goes because it is hard to re-create what the physio did so easily.
I ran about 10km - the last 3km I did at 5k pace just because I could. Unfortunately I hit the emergency stop button on the treadmill mid stride and lost the first run so then I started again. I was a sweaty monster by the time I had finished my run- still angry about the stupid party last night too.
I got changed and went to Pilates where I breathed some anger away finally.
I have another social engagement I am not that keen on this afternoon- a work "family" BBQ- which is great if you are a massive breeder and have kids and like eating BBQ meat. Then I have to explain that I am not married, have no kids, no prospect of being married and having a million kids either. There is one other girl in my office so I hate these functions because I have nothing in common with the wives but everyone expects you to stand there and discuss toilet training with people you don't know.
Maybe time for me to find some happy pills- it is going to be a glorious 21 degrees and the guys I work with are a lot of fun.

Edit:
The BBQ was actually a lot of fun- I didn't have to talk about toilet training and the wives were all very lovely. We played a huge game of cricket with all the kids involved and the usual "can't go out first ball" type rules- my one catch was also ruled not out because I spilled my beer as I took it! Came home in a much better mood (and not due to the beer either!)

Moody

I have to go to an engagement party tonight and I don't want to go. The couple have asked everyone to wear a hat and I think that is the lamest thing ever (apologies to anyone who had that theme at their wedding). I have no real link to the couple and I really really don't want to go and it has put me in a bad mood all day. I have bought a little tiara and I am planning on ditching that five minutes after I get in the door.
I am also planning on driving there and leaving early and having a good run tomorrow. My knee and ankle have been good so far.
I have become massively chunky so I need to make a lot of changes- I just had a proper dinner before we go out so that I don't feel the need to eat deep fried spring rolls etc at the party. But this week I have been out drinking and eating rubbish so much more than I do normally- it makes a nice change from going home early and spending the night on the couch with Bella, but I then get all sad when I wake up and half the day is wasted and I feel so lethargic.

2 Laps of Tan

Slept in this morning because I am on afternoon shift (and I had 10 too many beers for dinner last night) so it was daylight when I took Bella for a massive walk which included a stop at the chemist for more tape. Then I headed out to the Tan after taping my knee and ankle.
I did two laps, the first was so slow and the second one was just a couple of minutes quicker. Turns out I have lost a lot of fitness and it is hard for me to maintain 6min kms for any good distance.
I stretched a lot afterwards and have also iced my ankle, gelled my knee etc.
This month is going to be little light on for kilometres.

I also went to the doctor for a basic check up type appointment and she started practically shouting at me when she realised that I haven't had my cholesterol checked ever- she is a good doctor and a massive bully when it comes to my health- she also bullies my sister so I know it isn't just me. So next Tuesday I have to go and have a battery of tests, iron, cholesterol, and a whole lot more just because they are free. Then I have to make another appointment to hear about what I do and don't have. I am so worried about my various joints that I haven't really been considering my chemistry!

Patella Tendonitis is the official diagnosis for the knee pain- apparently it will respond well to anti-inflamatories and ice which is good because I have plenty of experience in both. And I also have to tape my knee when I run now so that it is supported. And some strengthening exercises.

I have only done a bit of walking today and it wasn't too sore but oh man when the physio was probing around to determine what the problems was it damn hurt. She also pointed out that I have teensy weensy little knee caps that struggle to cope with a whole lot of woman running around and jumping up and down. She said my knee injury is more common in jumpers - like basketball players which is odd because I really don't jump up and down all that often.
As usual this all a direct result of the "poorly rehabilitated ankle" which has been plaguing me since August 2005.

Lazy Sunday

4km walk
Pilates class
5km run on treadmill

Had a lot of sleep again last night but I still didn't bound out of bed ready to meet the day, instead I sort of gradually staggered around getting ready to go to the park with Bella. Bella has been sleeping beside the bed during winter and I don't know how she does it, but her favourite trick is to turn my electric blanket onto 3 in the middle of the night. I think it is just when she is turning around and around getting comfortable and she bumps it against the side of the bed- she does it a lot and I am sure she thinks it is hilarious when I wake up after dreaming that I am on holiday somewhere tropical.

Anyway, walked Bella then pottered around home before going to the gym for 9.30 am Pilates followed by a 5km run on the joggerlator. The joggerlator kept reducing the speed even though I was trying to power along, so all of a sudden I would nearly be walking mid stride (it wasn't Bella playing games, I am sure).

I am a bit sore from yesterday- but mainly my upper body so it seems that I do have powerful thighs and an hour on the stair climber isn't beyond me.

Off to a gallery with a friend then catching up with JoJo. Had a lovely social weekend - caught up with another beautiful friend who is pregnant on Saturday afternoon and had a few drinks with colleagues on Friday night.

Run tomorrow, maybe

I haven't run since last Sunday so tomorrow I am going to head out and see how a short little 10km goes for my knee and ankle. I have booked in for a physio appointment on Monday because I am full of aches and pains - including my back and shoulders.

This morning Prue and I went and volunteered our time helping prepare for the Bone Marrow Institute Red Ball at Docklands- we were helping set up a massive ball room for tonight when they are having a huge dinner with Hugh Jackman, singing and dancing girls and silent auction etc. It was chaos- no-one in charge so everyone was just doing their own thing with massive hissy fits being thrown about the table settings etc. I spent over an hour walking up and down a flight of stairs carrying gift bags- 4 in each hand- up and down, until I was sweatier than when I ran the City2Surf, I got such a work out, imagine an hour on the stair climber. To make things interesting I had to dodge two builders who were finishing the handrails off on the stairs who had to make special comments everytime I walked past. The other volunteers were so supportive of my efforts because they didn't want to swap jobs with me.
Three hours of volunteering was enough and we had to head home- next year we decided that we would just go to the ball and give them our money! The rehearsals we saw were fantastic- live snakes (I got to pat another one!) and crocodiles.
My buns are going to be very sore tomorrow.

I have unpacked my bags finally- and I have so much to do around the house tomorrow.

Catie and I in Mackay

Crowds at Bondi after City2Surf

Obligatory Shot of the Harbour Bridge

Bombers Training

Constable Harry

Tagged!

I was tagged the other week and didn't get a chance, and now I have been re-tagged, I am definitely IT!

Jobs I’ve Held: Checkout chick, Customer Service Manager, Waitress

Movies I Can Watch Over & Over: I can't think of one.

My Guilty Pleasures: Red red wine, new runners,

Places I have lived (in order): Dunkeld, Carlton, Richmond, Caulfield, Armadale, Prahran, Glen Waverley,Prahran, Dunkeld, Prahran

Shows I enjoy: Top Gear, Spicks and Specks, Funniest Home Videos

Places I Have Been on Holiday: Italy, Nice, Thailand,

Favorite Foods: Chips, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon

Websites I Visit Daily: Ausrun forum, Bloglines, Weatherzone (really need to get on-line more!)

Body Parts I Have Injured: Ankle

Awards I’ve Won: Dux of Dunkeld Primary School 1986, Dux of my investigators course for work.

Nicknames You’ve Been Called: Moose (started at school and stuck) Coco- by the nurses at the hospital when I was born with very dark hair and complexion!

I am back in Melbourne, worked from 6.30 am to 6.30pm and I am trying to imagine that some 30 hours ago I was sitting in the sun reading books and lounging around. I had such a great holiday- cramming so much in with Harry at the start, then the City2Surf followed by a lovely relax in Mackay. Big day at work tomorrow and then I will have earned my weekend. Usually I unpack my bag immediately from a holiday but it is still there on the bedroom floor making it an obstacle course to get into bed, at least I have done my washing, but unpacking is beyond me right now. I will get around to posting my photos and being more interesting later, time for bed.

So do you think I need to tape my foot up when I am pool running?
I have been having a glorious time in Mackay with Catie and her enormous bump (Catie junior is due in two weeksish)! Their place is fantastic and I climbed into the pool this afternoon after a morning of just pottering- I did 30 mins of pool running because the pool is nice and deep- it is hard work.
We had some lunch then went out the front to the beach- yep, lovely beach frontage- we had a little swim and both stretched out on the beach with our enormous bellies and read books in the sun. This is a real holiday! Sadly back tomorrow (though I am missing Bella) with a 2 hour stop over in Brisbane then work Thursday and Friday :(

City 2 Surf

Ohmigod it was hot and hilly! But thankfully I survived, though it will be a miracle if I can walk tomorrow.
I had little sleep overnight- you know the sort, when you wake up at least every hour then can't get back to sleep. I reset the clock for 6.30 and got up and prepared by eating some bread and drinking more Gatorade. I headed out to Hyde Park at about 7.30 and put my bag on the truck and had my obligatory toilet stops- though the toilets were the sort where you could see the whole contents of the tank, and smell it too.
I found a spot in the HSBC area- then found a friend from Melbourne standing right beside me so I had some company until the start gun went.

The start was terrible- so many walkers, and walking so slowly, with six of their mates. I must have gone zig zagging all over the place. I was pretty p*ssed off- they have a whole separate catergory for people who are slow so why would they feel the need to get in everyone's way. I have to admit that I walked- but only when my ankle pain got too bad (or I wimped out half way up heartbreak hill) but I didn't walk slowly and I didn't join hands with anyone.
After about half an hour I got into a rhythym where I didn't really have to go around anyone- but I kept the pace to about 6.30- and not because I didn't want to go faster, I just couldn't!
It was really hot and I started having drinks at the drink stations- just small ones though I thought. Heartbreak hill does really go on forever and it is steep and there is very little shade.
There were so many people on the sides of the road shouting out, playing in brass bands but my favourite was a glam rock band playing "Kick Start My Heart" on the verandah of a pub as we ran past.
Eventually the drinks started to take their toll and I developed a massive stitch- I don't normally drink or get stitches so I was cursing this. I couldn't remember what to do other than breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth- and this seemed to work a bit so I could start running again.
I passed Beki and the Coolrunners on the hill down into the finish area- but it was another km to go from there. Though the markers must have been out a bit- I had it as 13.9km at the end.
Finally I got to the finish line, the clock said 1:50:00, the timing card said 1:50 but my watch (when I remembered to turn it off about 2 minutes later said 1:42:xx). Terrible time I know, but I was pretty happy just to be finished.
The end was organised pretty well- you get funnelled through to get a drink straight away (Run4Kids organisers are you listening????) and there is no just standing around getting hot and bothered. Bag collection was simple too then I staggered around trying to decide what to do. Beki had left so I headed to the bus- all I could think of was a shower!
A kind gentleman gave me his seat on the bus (hope he didn't think I was pregnant) and I was so grateful but nearly fell asleep.
I am exhausted now- my ankle is a bit sore so I might have to ice it a bit more.
Mackay tomorrow- I am so excited!

Am finally on holidays!

I got to Sydney yesterday and have shopped up a storm in the same shops that I would find in Melbourne but somehow it feels different. Rebel sport is closing down so I bought some skins Powersox that were 20% off- then I got back to where I am staying (very flash but no pool and I nearly cried when I found that out) I decided that I would take them back- I really don't need powersox and I was just in the moment of handing out my credit card to anyone who would take it! I bought the small ones and I think I have socks that are tighter.
I iced my ankle and knee last night because they were definitely sore after traipsing around all day in my boots.
I am doing more traipsing today but in more sensible footwear. It is so lovely and warm today- I am in shorts and a t-shirt.

Harry went home yesterday- but we did make it to Healesville Sanctuary which was fantastic- Harry and I got to touch snakes and lizards much to the horror of all his other Morse relatives who are screaming girly phobics when it comes to snakes- they can't even look at the photos. They have a great Bird of Prey show too where the birds fly around a little arena and nearly take your head off when they land- photos will be posted soon!
Then we went to Bombers training and Harry had some lessons in how to be pushy- he managed to get a few signatures in his autograph book- Matthew Lloyd and Adam McPhee hung around at the end madly signing for a huge crowd. Harry really is too small and kept finding himself at the back getting ignored so some kind girls helped push him right to the front. The most embarassing thing was having to constantly ask all the Bomber tragics "who was that?" so we knew who Harry had just pestered into an autograph. There were some strange football women there - giving the players presents and telling them "You're my favourite player, I bought you this jumper back from Greece" etc- not normal and I hope that David Hill has good security at his home address because that one in particular seemed a little off balance!

No running

No running today- but Bella and I have had a very big walk because I feel bad because I am going away for a week and I will fret about her. My knee pain is subsiding but my ankle aches and hurts all day- I am always trying to find a different way of standing/ sitting so that it doesn't hurt.

Harry and I went to Scienceworks yesterday and then the Zoo- it was so much fun but he gets so tired and sooks for a piggy back by the end of the day- my fault because I am dragging him around to all these activities. He finally cried last night after he drew on my sister's new couch with permanent texta last night and she told him off - "I want my mum" etc. We ignored him for a bit then made him say sorry and we were all friends again. Susie (my mum, his grandma- but she refuses to be called Nan, Gran or similar) arrived last night and is coming to the Healesville Sanctuary with us today, followed by Bombers training. Harry flies to Perth tomorrow, then I fly to Sydney an hour later and I think we will both sleep on the plane!

Went for a run this morning with Bella- just a lap of the Tan that was very unremarkable. I had some slight twinges in my knee but nothing too bad. I can't find my foot pod so I can't tell you how fast - apart from it was the usual slow pace with Bella. I made sure I stretched properly afterwards. There isn't anywhere for Bella to drink around the Tan but there is no excuse for some people who I saw letting their dogs drink from the bubble taps- and there were people just queueing behind the dogs for their turn to drink! YUCK.
My ankle still aches but my knee has been okay. I didn't have a run at the farm- apart from incidental exercise like rounding up sheep. Harry has been doing lots of exercise - running on my mother's "joggerlator" as he calls the treadmill.

We came back to Melbourne yesterday- Bella and Harry in the back of the car with Bella trying to put her head on Harry's lap while she slept.

Aquarium, ferris wheel and a ride in a police car planned for today.

Bella and I have come to the farm to help amuse Harry- so there has been little formal exercise but a lot of running around. My knee has been sore so I thought I might rest it before the City2Surf and not do any long runs this week. We did climb "The Picaninny" which is a 1.2km walk to the top of what I would call a small hill but Harry was happy to call a mountain.
I have finally slept through the night with my strassborg sock on- unfortunately it took a whole bottle of red wine to achieve that!

Harry has been having a great time- going to the sheep and cattle sales with Dad and hanging out on the farm with my Mum cooking sausage rolls. Yesterday we lit some piles of wood from fallen tree limbs around the farm and it is possible that we have made Harry into a junior pyro! He has been saying the cutest things, but the fascination with poo is still around. It has been very cold so there has been a lot of quality time in front of the fire with the knitting (and a glass of red). We come home on Sunday and the plan is to visit the Aquarium, Healesville Sanctuary, the ferris wheel at Birrarung Marr- and hopefully Bombers training at Windy Hill.

Two laps of Tan with Bella

Bella and I did two laps of the Tan this morning- both laps were pretty slow but we picked up a bit in the second. My ankle took a while to warm up and hurt a bit at the start, but it is my knee that is really hurting me right now. It is probably linked to my ankle and my new running style because my foot doesn't strike the ground properly- but it hurts a lot and is gradually getting worse.

I know that they said that they were widening the Tan track near the Shrine but it is pretty skinny considering the amount of traffic it gets- it was busier than Bourke Street mall in the week before Christmas this morning and it definitely needs another metre either side. I do like the surface though.

I am getting a bit nervous about the City2Surf now- I have just realised that it is like the Run4Kids but I haven't really taken it seriously in my lead up- I guess that is because I imagine I won't be able to run properly because of all the people. (that is my excuse ready and waiting!)




July Km's: 122.5

Year to Date: 711

Injuries: Ankle and some strange knee pain recently

Excuses: Nil

Races & events: Sri Chinmoy 10km (new PB!)

Upcoming races: City 2 Surf in Sydney

Goals for Aug: Sort out this knee pain, more tempo work

Thoughts: I am a bit worried that I have found the limit for my body in terms of how many kms I can handle in a month before breaking down. My ankle is not getting better and my PF doesn't seem to be going away- it usually seems manageable but recently it has been really painful. I am thinking about having a month off after Melbourne (Half) Marathon and trying some of that pool running I hear so much about!

Pilates

Sleep in this morning then off to Pilates at 9.30- the instructor was late and it wasn't as good as normal classes but I don't know if that is because she was making us do every thing properly. (at least her phone didn't ring in the class unlike the instructor on Wednesday)

The good news is that the pipes are now unblocked and I have a new toilet because the main line was so blocked that the plumber could only unblock it by smashing my toilet and attacking from another angle. Shame the new toilet isn't sealed in properly and leaks but at least the water is not brown.

Our horse ran again today and he did so well- he came 3rd after showing early speed and then managed to hold on when the swoopers found their speed at the end. The trainer said he just wants to show off and run fast. I had a small flutter and made forty dollars (not enough to cover the $1000 plumber bill) His next run will be in the big city but I will be in Sydney for my next big run so I won't get to go and watch him.

Bella and I then went out for a walk around the lake- though I did forget her lead and had to go home and then return. She was quite well behaved- though she is very interested in the swans and ducks.

Harry gets here on Tuesday so I am going to the farm on Wednesday night after work- I am so excited- probably more than Harry. My Dad is in Perth at the moment staying with my brother and his family. Harry asked me if I would knit him a fake poo so he could leave it on Dad's pillow- nice.

18km around the inner city (and lots of toilet talk)

I got out very early this morning (after taking Bella for a quick walk around the park) and parked my car at the Tan. I headed off around the Tan for a bit but then I ran to the lake and did a half lap before a jog through Fawkner park, then off to Fed Square and back along the Yarra then two laps of the Tan. I am exhausted now! I saw my friend Deb running around the Lake- but I was in the middle of a search for the light switch at the toilets near the playground at the "top" of the lake so I didn't stop her for a chat- (the toilets had recently been cleaned and I would give them a 7/10 for having real toilet paper- marks taken off for having to go in the dark.
I had to use the amenities at Fed Square as well and these are my favorite mid run facilities- right next to the Time Out cafe and they are like a normal restaurant toilet- easily 9/10)






My heart rate max was 84%, average 74%. I was trying hard to keep my pace down to 7 min/km but I found it easier to just run and try to stay near to 6.30 min/km which is a bit more achievable and it means that I don't have to run forever to get my kms up.

It was pretty lonely out there for the first 10km but soon everyone was out there running around- and I have to say, girls, you look fantastic- fat or skinny, fit or not-yet-fit, dressed in whatever you wanted, running around the Tan looking wonderful! (Blokes were easily outnumbered this morning) My ankle hurt quite a bit, but I was distracted by the wind and rain several times- it is sore now and I will be taking anti-inflams I think because it has been aching at night recently.

I got home, very hungry and slightly angry because I was so hungry, snorted down some crumpets with honey and was just heading into the bathroom to have a shower and start icing my ankle when I discovered the toilet was full to the brim with you don't want to know what, and was overflowing onto the floor. So now I am sitting here in my running gear still, waiting for the plumber to come along and make my day happy again- and charge me a fortune for the privilege.

Hannibal Lecter!

I am so sad about the no knitting on the plane rule, I guess I will have to find something else to keep me interested- but not buying delicious magazine which only makes me so hungry while I am stuck somewhere not known for its culinary diversity- packet of Pringles anyone??

I went to Pilates tonight- and while I was always going to go, I made a few deals with myself and one of them was that if I couldn't get a park nearby then I didn't have to go but I had to at least drive there and look. I got the best park in the whole of Chapel Street- right outside the gym- it was a sign from "god" I am telling you. So I went and enjoyed the stretching, the amazing ab work, the excruciating leg work and just breathing in and out with purpose. Normally I bag Pilates and everyone who does it- I would say that it didn't count as exercise because there was no sweat involved but I may soon change that whole mindset. Oh, I am so going to hurt tomorrow.

Bella and I did our usual 4km walk around the park this afternoon- morning and night we are clocking up the kms now that she is no longer allowed at the park (my rules only). Last night I was walking her on the lead and a little fluffy dog with a bad temper attacked her! The owners were so apologetic but I was so relieved that Bella didn't start it, though she nearly finished it! As usual just a lot of snarling and snapping but no damage done and I was able to drag Bella off straight away.

Intervals at the park

Intervals at the park with Bella this morning- and they weren't that flash but I really felt like I was trying! I did laps of the park and the first lap had a 100m sprint, 500m jog then 150m sprint and 450m jog, then 200m sprint and 400m jog- then I repeated it again and did another little lap to cool down. The jogging part always takes forever because I have to go and find where Bella has got to and make sure she isn't rolling in something horrid. So I only ran 5km all up- with the jog there and back but it felt good and Bella was exhausted at the end as well.

Last night I went out for dinner with a girlfriend who has been away for six months- back to the lucky coq again for fantastic $4 pizza.

I should clear up that the only thing I like about getting my tax done is getting a refund- everything else is tedious and annoying, but free money I like!

I am definitely thinking about wooden knitting needles for the plane- though I will be devasted if they confiscate my knitting. I am going to Sydney next week for City2Surf then spending three days in Mackay with another long lost friend. I am excited about Sydney and haven't made any plans yet apart from that little jog on the Sunday morning- though I am now thinking that maybe I should break out the WonderWoman costume for the big event!

Lap of the lake

I am such a wally. I went out this morning for a run without taping my foot at all- I didnt realise until I got to Albert Park lake and I couldn't decide what to do. I had planned an interval session but I chickened out and just did a lap of the lake and decided to do my intervals tomorrow. I have been taping my foot for ages now that I can't believe that I forgot. I am starting work at 11 today so I just walked Bella after a sleep in then went for a run. I normally wouldn't just run 5km because I am so focused on running distances but my trip around the lake was really fun- especially down the far side where the wind was pushing me along instead of pushing me backwards.

Court yesterday was very frustrating- no-one should go to court expecting justice in a timely fashion if at all. Another adjournment and lots of sitting around. I didn't take my knitting because I thought that might look unprofessional and I was worried that my knitting needles wouldn't make it through the security scan at the front door- just like at the airport!
Afternoon shift again tomorrow but I am getting my tax done which I always find exciting- I treat it like free money even though it was my money all along. I have usually spent it in my head by now anyway.

Running and Icing at the SAME TIME

Yep- it was a bit chilly this morning- I had to scrape ice off the car to drive to the Tan this morning and it was cold while I was running so it felt like I was running and icing my legs at the same time. I tried hard but it took a while to warm up so my pace was well within the long slow run range. I did a lap of the Tan then headed into Fed Square then back along the Yarra and around the Tan for a bit more. My shoulders really hurt from the 7km point onwards and I only managed 11km and it wasn't really that fun.

I was planning on doing about 15km this morning but as I took Bella for her quick run around the park we bumped into Leslie, Arnie and Lucy so there was a lot more time spent at the park than I had planned.
I hadn't seem Leslie, Arnie and Lucy since Arnie knocked me over and caused me massive pain to my neck and shoulders. I didn't really mind seeing them all at the park and Bella got to run around and play with other dogs without a muzzle on (because they are massive and she has only tried to fight them once).

I had limited time for my run because I was determined to get to Pilates at 9.30 which I did. It was a bit strange- lots of lying on my side with my arms stretched out and rolling from side to side feeling like a beached whale.

I have an afternoon of organising my tax and preparing for court tomorrow (and some more knitting)


Harry is coming to stay 8 more sleeps! My brother has finally agreed that Harry can spend some nights away from them so he is coming back with my Dad on the 31st and then going back to Perth with my sister on the 9th. We just chatted and argued about who was the most excited! He wants to see the Bombers, some trams and trains, play with Bella-dog and go fishing.

8km easy

Afternoon shift again today so I slept in and then took Bella for a walk- it has been easy to exercise her at the moment even though she isn't allowed off the leash if other dogs are present- we find an empty park and she runs around like a crazy dog in the morning while I get a powerwalk going. In the evening we have been doing a couple of laps of Caulfield park which is 2.12km per lap then we find a bit of the park with no-one else and run around a bit together- chasing the ball and each other!
Bellas muzzle arrived and we had a little trial of it at the park but she looks like Hannibal Lecter and she hates it- so do it but we are going to persevere until she is used to it. Other dog owners definitely shunned us though.


I then went for a run down Orrong Road, (hills again) and then along the Yarra to Chapel Street then home along Malvern Road. It was 8km all up according to the footpod and it was really enjoyable- I had my tights and running jacket on so I was toasty warm the whole time- must remember just the vest next time.

Short run with hills

Hill run
Oh man it was windy this morning- dead set blowing a gale so I thought I would run close to home and get some hills in. So I ran up and down Orrong Road for about 5km- it is nice and hilly near the Yarra and I had to keep moving in case I blew away or froze to the spot! I was a bit worried about doing hills because the physio has scared me by saying they will cause ITB problems -especially when running downhill so I took it easy.

Racing at Kilmore
Then it was home for a shower and off to Kilmore with my sister - we are part owners of a race horse and he was having his first ever race! I was very excited for him because I remember my first race, the nerves, the atmosphere...none of these were present in the pouring rain at Kilmore, they were all replaced by the freezing cold and a lot of poorly dressed people smoking away (probably trying to keep warm). He jumped out well and was leading early on but then got a bit overwhelmed by the other horses and was swamped at the end- though I felt sorry for him because the finish line is up hill and I know that would really make me unhappy too.
I wanted to give him a little cuddle afterwards but he was still very cranky (like he knew he could have done better) so I kept my distance.

Recovery from Sunday
For some strange reason my arms were the thing that hurt most after my run on Sunday (apart from the usual PF pain) and I can only attribute this to KNITTING! I can't think of anything else that I have done differently apart from my newfound love of knitting. I am onto my second scarf after deciding half way through my last scarf that it was too wide and needed to be re-knitted. My legs etc have been fine and though my PF was giving me grief it has settled down now.