Bob and I headed off for a 'quick' (admittedly extended) weekend away, with the zucchini (green station wagon) loaded to the gunnel's with bikes, spare wheels, umpteen pairs of running and cycling shoes, hot weather gear, cold weather gear, clear fluid nutritional supplement (yum?), and no less than three laptops with peripherals. Three? One for me, one for him and my old one which has a 9 pin serial port for connecting a borrowed Forerunner 201 to to measure the Duathlon course.

It was a good drive, although I was tired and yawning most of the trip. The hotel, although a little tired aesthetically is pretty good with excellent service. Today (Saturday) was spent catching up with dear friends over coffee this morning, and the afternoon spent in driving over, and then cycling over the course to be used on Sunday. It is four laps of a stunningly beautiful10km course, around the coastline of Newcastle from Nobby's to Barr Beach and return. Certainly not flat, it will challenge some of the older competitors, although on the second lap I really enjoyed it. The run is flat along the waterfront at Nobby's, and part way up to the lighthouse.

I am looking forward to downloading the Polar and Forerunner data, and checking the altitude profile of the course. Whilst I am far from competitive at the moment, I will enjoy the race, and am looking forward to Sunday! And looking forward to eating solid food again on Sunday night!