The Honeymoon is over... now back to work

It’s taken me a few days to get this blog out. I was so happy on the morning of the race to find that we had a Northerly wind behind the ski leg to Coolangatta when the storm coming up through NSW could have easily arrived early. I got to the beach about 06:10am which was a tad early for an 08:45 start but the butterflies were buzzing in my belly. I approached the marshall for my numbering (809) only to find a marshal more nervous than me and I couldn’t read the characters he scrawled on both arms and legs – and I knew it was 809. Had these redone later and four days later they are still there...good ink that!

I was interested to see the variety of water bottles, hydration packs and contraptions that people had devised to carry 2L of water south with them. One guy had an aluminium tank purpose built taped to the ski between his legs like a fuel tank. Most popular seemed to be the bladder taped to the foot well and the tubing attached to clothing although backpacks ran a close second.

The combined Open Men’s team & Mixed team start left the beach about 08:30am to head out to the start line. After watching the 2010 start about a twenty times on you tube I was surprised when the 1 foot waves allowed everyone to get out easily.
From the gun we headed north about 600m to the first turning buoy at Wharf Rd just south of Northcliffe SLSC. By the time I turned the second buoy about 200m to the east of the first one I knew I would have trouble getting onto the main group and it looked like a solitary paddle south which wasn’t in the plan. The three people directly in front of me were open men’s competitors with orange lyrcas on and by the time I was half was to Burleigh from Kurrawa I had lost sight of the nearest Mixed team competitor in a lime green lycra.

After an hour the wind had picked up a bit and was coming over my left shoulder so I fiured that heading further out to sea would allow me to use that wind and the swell back to the next buoy. I realised this was a flawed strategy when the next group came through at Burleigh headland and I was about a klm further out to sea as one by one they zipped past. I had considerable water to cover to get back onto the marker buoy on the inside. Thought briefly about missing this one completely but there was a jet ski stationed on it and I figured they’d DQ anyone not rounding this marker... so in I went.

It was about this time that I noticed the swell increasing from the north east. It was about an hour into the ski leg that I had my first spill and lost the goo chomps tucked into the leg of my pants. The camelback was working a treat and the coat hanger wire was a great move. After the second spill I decided to throw the energy gel down rather than chase it again after remounting the ski. The third group had caught up to me and as I was about 10k into the race I noticed my left foot pedal clicking each time I needed to correct the angle of the ski. Now mind games can be a strange thing and as fatigue started to set in after 90mins paddling I felt as though the rudder was not responding when I pushed the left pedal. In hindsight this could have been the wind direction and my inability to handle the increasing wind & swell from the left. In mind mind I felt like I couldn’t control the ski as I had done up until then.

As I approached Currumbin Creek I realised that I had completely lost sight of the group heading to Greenmount and while I could see the red roof of THC SLSC at Greenmount... I was aware that the wind had increased and the chop with it. I’d been in the drink about 6 times and started weighing up whether I could get to Coolangatta before the 70min cut off. The remaining teams paddling were heading into Currumbin as did the over 50 group some time before me. The worsening conditions, my experience on open water and the fatigue that comes with 2hrs race paddling, were factors that caused me to head in to Currumbin SLSC about 8k earlier than planned. I was disappointed that I didn’t get into Greenmount to meet Mary & Conor and tag Katie to the next leg. As I walked up the beach to find an official I came across the group supporting open competitor Andrew Grimshaw from Kurrawa SLSC who’d been pulled from the water at Currumbin. I located Aaron Camp and asked him to call the others and handed my chip and gave my number to an official, withdrawing.

One of the lighter moments came that night as we all headed to North Burleigh SLSC Supporters Club for a meal and some Honeymooner debriefing. We all had large meals, with a bunch of us opting for the Chicken Parmigiana. I always find it difficult after much physical exertion to eat a lot of food. Not surprisingly then, I was the last to get through the large parmy that covered the plate... to which I said to the group “wow, I thought I was going to have to get off at Currumbin!” and Mary quipped with “Well love... at least you’ve finished something today.” ROFLMFAO

There will be critics for what we achieved or failed to achieve but I’m reminded of a quote from a former US Pres: “It’s not the critic that counts. The credit goes to the person who is actually in the area. Who’s face is marred with dust.. and sweat.. and blood (and salt water!!). Who spends themselves in a worthy cause. Their place will never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. It’s not the critic that counts.

We’ve had such a great time on this journey and seen a side to Winter that few people would dare to enjoy. Thanks for the support from everyone along the way and most significantly our families. Having Mary and Conor there to share the 2011 Gold with was a very special time for me. The training was enjoyable, knowing that we needed to lift our fitness levels just to get to the start line. Two phrases that stand out for me through all this are ‘Set yourself on fire!’ and ‘Hey have you noticed how good Mark Davis looks?’

Thanks
Grimski

Race Day is here

Time 5.30am Sunday 25th Sept - Coolangatta Race Day.

Firstly - Happy Birthday Jane. Probably not your first choice way to spend your Birthday as a handler for the Honeymooners so thank you and hopefully we have a great day.

So the day is here, we have been up on the coast since Friday lunch time and it seems as if everything has been a little rushed. But we have managed to have a look over the course, including the transition points.

Had a little swim at Coolangatta yesterday and ended up getting stung across the left shoulder...so the stingers in the water should make today even more interesting.

The surf conditions are about as good as we could of hoped. The waves are tiny and the swell almost non existent, but the water is a little choppy from the wind that has been constantly from the north. The wind should help GrimSki get down the coast. Then the rest of us have to push back through it.

While we have been doing the training and we should all cover our distances...however they do seem a bit more daunting when you look at them in a straight line.

Thanks for all the messages that we have been receiving. Will try to post something either this afternoon or first thing tomorrow to let you know how we all went.

The prodigal son returns

Well after about a month off of almost everything- with ridiculous sickness, I have finally emerged a) married, b) 5kgs lighter, c) pretty healthy, and d) bloody ready to smash the board leg of the gold!

Arrived on Tuesday and have done some decent paddles along the course. Nothing too hectic but checked the entrance and exit points and built up a few kms. Had a great morning catching little clean waves at currimbin alley before doing a solid hill session with the running bride.

Yesterday was a tough 8 k run into howling wind and an equally tough paddle into same wind with a wicked chop- no swell though. Good.

Will be taking it a little easier for the next couple of days and hangin out to paddle on Sunday! Thanks to everyone who has followed the blog, and wished us well.

Ps 7:50 am Sunday- live cross to us on the today show!

4 sleeps

So with only 4 sleeps to go I need to know when I should start the carbo loading...like this morning when there was left over Spaghetti Bolognese in the fridge, I decided that having this on toast would be a good start to the day.

This mornings swim was 2 x 1.5km...I was planning on getting out and having 5 minutes in the spa rather than the final 500m to make up the normal 3.5km, but when I got out of the pool I just headed straight for the change room. But with only a few days left until the event I happy that I can make the distance. Will have my last pool swim tomorrow before packing the bags.

I have been getting a lot of people wishing us luck for the event - thank you. I am sure that all will be good on the day...am looking forward to it.

5 more sleeps (but who's counting)

This morning was expecting to be at the pool by myself but as I drove in noticed that Grimski's car was already there...I don't think that he actually sleeps.

Anyway as I walked into the pool he was off on his quest for the morning.

I jumped in thinking that I would swim only a couple of km's today due to yesterdays sore back...but a little bit of massage from Jane last night and some stretching did the trick and I felt much better this morning. As GrimSki was a couple of laps ahead of me, I thought that I won't stop until he does...and after the first km was feeling fine and just turned and kept going for another 500m, but when I got to the end of the 500m I just turned and kept going...by the time I had gotten to 3km, I thought well I might as well just keep going to finish off the 3.5km without a break...today was a little slower than last week when I did the straight swim, but as I was swimming without the back pain today I was happy regardless of the time.

Only two more mornings of swimming before I embark on the Honeymoon.

Honeymoon!

Well we are married! Mr & Mrs Chairman left yesterday for Coolangatta. We stayed at South West Rocks last night and after setting up our new camper trailer in 36 mins we went for a 5km run. It was great for me to be running at the chairman's pace as it will hopefully remind my legs they can run faster if they really want to. We started out slow and then picked up the pace, making for a good acceleration run. We finished with about 10 mins of core exercises back at the camp site. SWR is one of those great places where other runners say hi when they pass. We're now back on the road and due to arrive at Burleigh caravan park later today. I'll post some pics when I can.

Prenuptial running

I got pretty slack with my blogging in the lead-up to the wedding. Things were really hectic. It is all a bit of a blur to me now, but I distinctly remember the last two runs I did as a single woman. On Thursday 15th Sept, it was quite warm and all I could think about was putting on enough sunscreen so that my singlet/cozzie tanline didn't get any worse for my strapless wedding dress. I went running along the Esplanade and it was the best thing for forgetting about wedding organisation. On Friday 16th, while the chairman went to pick up the camper trailer and the groomsman, I went for a 45min beach run. This was the day before the wedding and again, it gave me 45mins of time to myself. There was a lady who tried to race me, but that was her mistake. People should know well enough to not get in the way of a bridezilla on the run!

Honeymooners are official.

So the name of the Honeymooners is now official, with the wedding on the weekend, the Chairman of the board and the Running Bride are now husband and wife - what a great day and evening. Congratulations to them both.

Back to training...Sunday morning recovery session was a ski paddle with GrimSki who had been down the beach for a couple of hours before I arrived. Not much in the way of swell, but a beautiful morning to be out on the water. I had arranged for a swim session at the beach for 4pm with Grimski and Shelley Smith.

I had a picnic lunch with the family before having a play around on my sons new Kayak that he got for his 9th birthday on Friday. We were having a great time before a southerly hit just after 1pm. This was quite violent wind storm that I had to contend with while putting the kayak and my old surf ski on the roof of the car. Seeing all the white caps on the water when only minutes earlier it had been calm made me think that the 4pm swim session would be canned.

But off to the beach I went and Shelly and Grimmo were there ready to go, so it was only a short session, but good practice for swimming in choppy conditions.

This morning was 3.5km session in the pool (3 x 1km and 500m)...I left the pool with a sore lower back that I haven't had for many months. Will need to get in some stretching over the next few days.

I think that I need some more sleep.

Yesterday afternoon I was working away on my laptop in a room with a few colleagues when I came out with "where's my mouse" and I stood up looking all around me and it was right next to my laptop.

This morning when walking up to the turnstyles at the pool rather than pulling out my card for the pool I pulled out my train ticket....I think that I am losing the plot.

Due to my tiredness, I wasn't up for a big swim, but still managed to do 3 x 1km. The 2nd km was the best as I was pacing myself off Grimmo in the lane next to me...I think it made us both swim a little quicker.

Start again today ... it’s a brand new opportunity to go again!!

I had in mind today to jump back in the saddle although part of me needed more water therapy at WWPLC. Logic won out and I opened the clubhouse at 04:50am and pulled the K1 Trainer out of storage and into the Training room. Not really needing to do more mileage I decided to warm up for 2klm and then do eight sets of 500m with 400m steady at 75spm and 100m at 100spm.

A chat with Steve McParlane outside the club at sunrise and I was all done by 05:45am. This photo was how good it looked at quarter to six on Wednesday 14th September. One week to my birthday and what a patry we’re planning on the Gold Coast... wish you were there ;)

Inspired by the Grinch

This mornings swim was inspired by GrimSki's (AKA - Grimmo, Grinch) when yesterday he swam his session without a break.

I didn't start off with the intention of swimming 3.5km straight, but after 1km felt good so kept going...after 1500 was swimming strong... I felt like Dory from Finding Nemo - "just keep swimming, just keep swimming" was going through my head.

Time was 59minutes and 1 sec...was happy with the time and I was still feeling good when I finished and felt that I probably could of kept the pace up for an even longer swim if required. But had to get the earlier train and have a discussion about MC duties for this weekends wedding so that we can truly call our team the Honeymooners.

Bruising encounter

The Swimmer was indeed perceptive today as I got into steady rhythym and just kept going for 40 laps. I was so sore in the first 4 laps I thought I had a broken rib but it was just the bruises I sustained from Sunday's circuit on Broken Bay. Honestly it took until about lap 22 until I felt like I was stretching out and could steadily beat out the 2klms.

That said by the end of the session I had a spring in my step that was missing at 4:45am. The late night Exec meeting at OB made for a short sleep so I really needed the swim this morning to get the cobwebs out. Need some of the Swimmer's energy as we head into the final few days before winding downto the start line.

Bring it on Queensland!!

Can feel the energy

Am really started to get excited about the Gold...sitting here listening to some techno music (Ultimate NRG 4) and getting psyched up for event...maybe I need to change the music to something a bit more sedate and build up next week.

This mornings swim was the normal 3.5km...broken up into a 1.5km, 1.6km and 400 to finish. The swims were consistent pace, not really quick (but not slow either)...I can feel some tightness in my shoulders. Jane got me a massage voucher for father days, I think that I might need to book in soon to redeem this...just need to find the time.

GrimSki swam next to me this morning and just pushed out his distance...I don't think that he had a break at all, good effort.

Great weekend of training.

This weekend it was a great weekend to get in the last big push of training before starting to ease off in the last week to leave us primed for the Gold.

Now I am not normally a runner, but getting ready to head to the beach on Saturday morning, I could hear the surf pumping so while I did pack my gear to get wet, I did pull on the running tights and joggers...yes I also questions why I own a pair of running tights! So it was a surprising enjoyable run that I had along the beach down to the end of the Caravan park and back and then jumped up on the footpath to head down to the picnic area just near Half tide rocks boat ramp and back to the club house. GrimSki was still hard at it on the Ski trainer when I got back.

Sunday was some ocean practise and GrimSki headed out on the ski while the Running Bride and I supported from the duck...It was a big effort on the Ski as the conditions were tough with a decent swell (there was a large swell warning from SLSA). There was a quick change over run which allowed me to gear up with a swim cap and goggles, before heading out into the surf for a swim down to the Umina cnr and back...was not quite 3.5km (think I spent about 48-50mins swimming, probably around 2.8 - 3kms). The Running Bride put in a big effort for the run while I managed to get up to the Kiosk and grab a hamburger (gotta keep eating the right foods).

This morning was back to the pool for 3.5km. I was not feeling particularly keen when the alarm went off but managed to drag myself out of bed and get in 2 x 1.5km and 500m at the end. Today's swim really helped get the stiffness out of the body.

The club captain also managed to get into the pool this morning and was swimming strongly. I have to mention that Nij (Club Captain) and I had a bit of a board paddle yesterday to catch a couple of waves. There was this one set that we both were paddling for...at the peak of the wave I was looking down a very steep 2m face and thought this could hurt and pulled off the back of the wave, only to look across at the Captain as he was at the top of the wave , straight onto his knees and taking off down the wave. I was mightily impressed, both his skill and nerve (read that as luck and balls)...I think I need to spend some more time on the boards with Nij as my coach.

Work & play on Saturday... then wresting up on Sunday morning

Saturday morning was training at OB and I loaded the dolphin onto the chariot and headed off down to the beach. I was about 15mins early for a six am start and the swell that Huey had whipped up over night was nae too inviting. I dragged out the K1 trainer and was only 500m in when the Dark Mavis appeared next to me. Brief discussion and he decided a run was in order but I stuck with the ski trainer... for 2hrs 10mins and knocked out 20klms. Pleasantly sore but not aching I dismounted and packed up the equipment.

Saturday was a big family reunion and Megan (my sister) cooked up an Italian feast fit for the Corleone’s. Everyone in the Grimmo clan was there and those that weren’t we skyped into the party from London at 4:00pm. A midday start ensured we were fully cooked by about 8:00pm and people headed off down the highway.

Sunday was the day for our reality check of what awaits for us on the Gold Coast. All primed for an 8:30am start at OB Mark and Katie launched the IRB as I headed out through the break surprisingly cleanly. Out to the gates at Box Head in good time, for a right hander towards the Lion. Going was a bit tougher with the swell across me from the left and plenty of chop. Decided to take the Lion tail to head anti-clockwise and pick up the swell on the way back to OB. Nice plan!! The dictionary definition of ‘wrest’ is to obtain by or as if by pulling with violent twisting movements and that’s exactly how it felt as I rounded the Lion and headed for home. Numerous times in the drink much to the amusement of my support crew who managed far too many photo opportunities as I wrested the ski back into shore. Happy enough with the time of an hour and 10mins... although today I really feel like I have been through the wringer.

After a tag with the running Bride and her short 800m run it was time for Aaron and I in the duck while Dark Mavis entered the water for his swim. Good waves were rolling in an the Mavis headed out about 300m before turning right and making his way to Kiddies Corner at Umina. A quick change of fuel cells for the duck crew and we were back in Dark Mavis’ wake as he kept a good pace up in cool conditions. He gave me some colourful instructions about where to position the duck so that he didn’t have to drink and breathe the pleasant smells of IRB fuel. I think I gave the message understood signal and we kept our distance.

Back at OB the Running Bride went through her paces up and down the entire length of Ocean Beach. Chairman of the Board chose to sit out the session so Dark Mavis and Nij Fitzgibbon took the boards out into the break. Not sure if it was caught on camera but reportedly Nij caught a massive wave and rode back onto the sand. Well done Club Captain and well done Honeymooners and a great training exercise as we head into the penultimate week of training.

Friday 9th Sept

Couldn't think of a catchy title like Grimski does so thought that I would stick with the date.

This morning was 3 x 1km with 500 to finish - getting a bit repetitive. Time was quicker than yesterday but slower than Wednesday. Felt more rested and relaxed today. Aiming for a big weekend of training.

Freekay Friday

Felt positively ordinary as I dragged the body out of bed. A 3am text message from daughter 2 (Emmzie) in London giving us an update on life as the Super Nanny at the end of the summer holidays. The 4:25 alarm came too quickly after that. Maybe it was the rain outside or maybe it was the training yesterday but today the spring had already sprung from my step.
These are the days you need to train! Every one has these days but its important to push through. I think as these days like they are training for the last third of the race when you’re knackered and feeling poor...that when this training kicks in! Anyway enough philosophising...
3k Friday was about getting in and underway by 5am so that I could still make the 6:40am train. 1st klm straight freestyle and noticed the Dark Mavis stroking past in lane 3 after 300m. Old mate in lane 1 is about the same speed as I and he had joined about the same time. 500m kick with fins followed by a klm freestyle with fins to pace Mavis along. The last 500m was pull buoy with paddles and as it was getting closer to 6am a few more people had decided to have a swim so being the social butterfly that I am... I moved in Dark’s lane and paced him along for the warm down.
World Cup of Haka’s tonight in Auckland as Tonga and the All Black’s go tongue to tongue. Carn the Wallabies!!

Davis family strike gold

Someone in the Davis family has found gold...Emily's gold panning was successful, she did come home with a few pieces of Gold...pity she picked them up in the gift shop.

Now for the Coolangatta Gold...swimming this morning was back to the 3x1km and 500m to finish. Time was considerably slower this morning compared to yesterday...I think it is the influence of having GrimSki in lane next to me that drives me on.

Having a work from home day, wasn't feeling up to the commute...might see if I can get in some exercise later this afternoon.

Love it when a plan comes together

This is reel with only 17 days to go!! As planned I was doing 10klm on the K1 trainer this morning but at the same time needed to be on my 6:40am train to the city with a busy schedule today. Visiting Telstra’s Operations Centre for a tour this afternoon so cramming a bit more into the morning. Enough of work though... today was about smashing out 10k so I was pretty pleased waking up 5mins before the alarm at 4:10 which allowed me to shave and get ready to be en route by 4:30, set up and paddling at 4:50am.

Felt ordinary starting out but after 4k felt pretty good. Rewarded each 2k with a drink and kept aiming at 6min/k. Felt good in the glutes and hammy’s and the only real issue was some blistering in the webbing of left hand – with water on the shaft this won’t be an issue. It was only time that forced me off the training machine as I was feeling good at 10k.

Come on Thursday...is that all you’ve got?

Festival of the boot commences

With Rugby World Cup and the NRL & AFL finals getting underway this week there is no shortage of motivation to keep striding towards the start line at Kurrawa. With only 18 days to go, we hit the pool at Woy Woy with vigour this morning. Knocked out the 2k session before 5:40am and headed off for work. As I packed up Dark Mavis was pounding out a good beat on his way to 3.5k.

At 11:30 I was itching to get out into the sunshine and ran 6k around lady Macquarie's chair and up past Boy Charlton pool. The harbour in Farm Cove was so clear I felt like jumping in and swimming back to the Opree Hoose, nae bother. It was Run Forrest Run get some aerobic work into the body.

Tomorrow it's K1 time and a 4:50am start for 10k by 6am ... can hardly wait.

Eating right is paying off...

Yesterday's swim was canned as I had to drop Emily at school at 6.15am, no she was not keen to get an early start to her school day but was off on her first school camp. She was heading to Bathurst for gold panning, visit a sheep and cattle station as well as a lap around Mt Panorama.

This mornings swim was important that I put in a bit of an effort as I feel that I am not getting in as much swimming as I should and that I have been over eating a bit...yesterday I had both a Storm from Hungry Jacks (lunch) and a McFlurry from Micky D's (Dinner) - I didn't have burgers, just their desserts.

So I hit the pool with GrimSki at 5am and I started off quite quickly and just kept powering through the first km with a time just under 16mins! YES this is the first time that I have actually broken the 16 min mark in the 50 metre pool. But I didn't stop I kept on swimming thinking that I would push out to 1500 - but at the 1500 mark felt good and pushed on until the 2km mark. The 2nd km was completed in 16.45. So maybe not training and overeating was good for me.

I finished off the with another 1km and 500m to finish. The 3rd km was done in around the 16.50 mark, while the final 500 was just a warm down but the time was around the 8minutes 40sec. So all up 3.5km in a swim time of just over 58minutes. Very happy with this mornings swim. Might try Cold Rock ice cream today : )

sunshine and mountains

Currently in a conference session and thought I would blog my run. I can't think of anything worse than being confined to an aircraft for 24 hours, so even though I only had 5 hours' sleep I made sure I went for a run along Lac Geneve this morning. Beautiful sunny morning with no cloud, so I could see Mont Blanc in the distance. I went to the circus last night and some of the performers were machines! I want muscles like that.Yesterday in the afternoon I went hiking on Mont Seleve. I had planned a trail run but the ground was too slippery and rocky. We hiked for several hours so got a really good workout! I like how it is still light until 9pm, but I'm looking forward to coming home because we take it for granted how good we have it in Oz.

Acclimatising

Well I thought I would be able to do some altitude training in Europe but the weather has been too poor for that. It has been incredibly warm and humid though, so I feel that I am prepared to tackle QLD! A 50 minute run around Geneva was about as much as I could tolerate! Oh the sweat...

Back to the working week to get some rest

Well it was another big weekend, but not for training. Had the Museum sleep over on Friday night, did get in a short paddle on Saturday before heading down to the in-laws. Sunday was the Winter swimming club championships and I was happy with winning the open 30, bit of an issue when I was swam down in the Open 60....particularly when I have been training to swim longer distances, but I can't compare 60m to 3.5km. To round off the weekend, I went down to watch the Bulldogs have a good win to finish off their season.

This morning I was back in the pool for 3.5km. 2 x 1.5km and a 500m to finish. The combined time was 60mins and 10secs. I know that the second 1.5 was a little slower than it should of been so tomorrow will probably swim the same and aim to be well within the 60minute mark.

Big weekend planned - need to get my training done.

This morning was another 3.5km, however this morning I broke out of my routine and completed a 1.5km followed by a 1.6 and then finished off with a 400 metre effort.

The 400 metre effort was a nice change as I haven't been putting in too many sprints into my training and while I was stuffed at the end I am sure that it is doing me some good.

As for this weekend - tonight am off with the kids to DinoSnore, this is sleeping at the museum amongst all the Dinosaur fossils, we have a torch light tour of the Museum, followed by Pizza and a DVD (of course it has to be 'A night at the museum'). With breakfast provided before they kick us out in the morning. On Saturday we are off to Jane's folk house for a catch up. We have Blue Swimmer club championships on Sunday followed by me and the kids heading off to watch the Bulldogs and Raiders game...which is Star Wars themed for good measure (will be a big Father's Day).

No Dark Mavis ... clearly we are under blogging!!

It’s been a hectic week at Deloitte ITS with half the crew up on the Gold Coast @ Tech Ed. Back in the office it’s been all hands to the pump and it has made for long days. Anyway I have managed to squeeze out some physical work.

On Wednesday night I had a memorable swim at North Sydney pool from 6-7pm. This is the home of the Lap Nazi where I learned some useful lessons about lane etiquette years ago. 60 laps up & down in the salty water. With the flavours of the ‘Aqua’ kitchen wafting down onto the pool I was keen to get done and refuel.

Thursday I worked from home and entertained the thought of an afternoon paddle to Gosford and back but that didn’t happen. As I was slowly considering having a rest day the handler stepped in and sent me out to swim!! You just can’t buy that sort of help these days. Anyhoo, 3k later I was picking up the duck salad from Goong at Sit O’Clock Thai restaurant and heading home.
This morning I just had to get some paddle time in on the K1 trainer at OB. Strange how just a few days of no paddling can make you feel so cumbersome and ungainly. After 8k I was feeling ok but the work clock was ticking and today should be another tester. Come on Micosoft enough Tech Ed and let the team head back home...it’s my turn on the Gold Coast!!