Gang Gangs and Eucalyptus in the air

Oh, what a wonderful life!

Procrastinated a bit this morning in the cold, as Bob had headed off to do the Cotter 18 with Judi, Kris, Luci and Col at 6:30am. I didn't have any preconceptions when I headed out the door, but once I entered Aranda Bushland, the heady scent of eucalypts after the rain filled the air, streams trickled brightly with water and the birds were a cacophonous chorus across the trails.

I loped along the trails, enjoying the time to myself and the knowledge that where I went, how long or how fast did not matter. Once into Black Mountain Reserve, I looped around to the south of trails and then up push bike hill where the emphasis is on pushing rather than riding the bike. This is always very slow (today, 1k in 11:24 according to the 625x), yet very satisfying in reaching the summit of Black Mountain, about 230m above the start 1.5k down. I had some refreshingly cool water at the Tower, and then spent the rest of my run looping around the trail near the summit, then Little Black Mountain and around and about the many trails that course ensure that this area is so wonderful.

Plan to jog with Aki tomorrow morning on part of the Weston Creek Half Marathon course tomorrow morning, so reluctantly headed home for a total run of just over 2 hours and 20kms. The Polar s625x gives me a total ascent of 560m, and a average heart rate of 148 (easy). Apart from the climb (or crawl) to the summit, my splits were surprisingly even, with the last kiometre being run at the fastest pace.

Totally enthused again, and itching to get out there again. Only a hour before we go to the Telstra A Series Athletics this evening in Canberra. Must eat and drink some more.