Week Three

The injury from last week turned out to be a pulled groin muscle. Much giggling ensued.

This week was packed full of non-running tasks such as visiting parents, completing assignments, and studying for exams. Still, I managed to slip in a few easy runs despite feeling broken and distracted.

Mon - Well, I took a day off after all. Sure, I probably could have gone out for a brisk walk at least, but I got caught up in homework and then four hours of the Victorian abuse enquiry where they were interviewing Cardinal George Pell. Too riveting to tear away from and head out into the cold.

Tomorrow I'm off to Sydney so there will be a change in weather, which may inspire me out the door. Taking all my running gear with me and already feeling the guilt of a day off and a missed goal from last week. Lots to make up for in the next few days.

Tues - In the morning, a mad dash for the airport. In the afternoon, the Archibald Prize. In the evening, I excused myself early as I had a mounting pile of study, but then as I passed through the kitchen my mother, Viv, asked if I didn't want just one glass of wine. Well...maybe just the one, I conceded. It was 3am Wednesday when I finally made it to bed with a belly full of wine and a happy, fuzzy head.

Sun-kissed, colourful Sydneysider v. pallid, black-clad Melbournian

Wed - Woke early and, thanks to the good quality of Viv's wine, I was not bothered by a hangover. Yet because of the late night away from homework instigated by my dear mother, I decided it was time
for revenge. So I got her out of bed, into some running gear, and onto the streets of Sydney to flee zombies with me.

Selecting the Week Two Zombies, Run! training session, I explained we would be doing drills of one minute walking and 30second runs. "Easy," said Viv. Haha! As much as I was surprised by my first runs (thinking a whole km fairly meagre) I now saw that surprise mirrored in Viv's face. The drills can be really exhausting, especially on the hilly streets of Sydney. The good news is, Viv became hooked.

Thurs and Fri - These days followed a similar pattern to Wednesday. Viv and I would wake early and go for our drills first thing. Then home to shower, dress, and face the day. It was the perfect symbiotic relationship because I needed to relax my pace while my groin healed (tee hee hee) and Viv needed someone to motivate her up those hills. She has now downloaded the app for herself and hopefully at my next visit, she and I will be able to run a whole 5kms together.

Running around Parramatta Lake

The best part of this is Viv stopped smoking cigarettes and drinking wine for the rest of the week (okay, we did have a glass or two, but no more) because it's just not worth it if you have to run in the morning. Such are the wonderful side effects of regular exercise.

Sat and Sun - Returning to Melbourne, I had various social, study, and work-related obligations that kept me from my running. Life really got in the way this week.

I am now way behind in my goal. But, these weeks will happen and I'm aware of how much catching up I have to do. Actually, next week I'm working four days as well...but I shall manage to fit my runs in somewhere, somehow. Fear not, dear reader, your hero will triumph! erm...eventually.

Mon - nil
Tues - notta
Wed - 4.71km in 00:56:52
Thu - 3.69km in 00:47:21
Fri - 3.23km in 00:32:56
Sat - zip
Sun - zilch