Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Good evening sports fans! I have three words to utter...
SUB FOUR HOURS!!!!
Yes, you read correctly... According to my faithful watch (thanks Mum and Dad!), I ran the Dublin marathon in 3 hours and 55 minutes. However, there are some provisional results up which put me at 2202nd place with a time of 03:57:59. Ah what's 3 minutes between timers? There were no race chips, so I'll go with my watch ;) However, having said that, it makes it a harder time to beat next year in Rome, so maybe I better stick with the official time?!
I can't tell you how elated I was to cross the finish line and do so in under four hours. I felt really great the whole way, and to be honest, just ran it on pure excitement. If you're interested, I read this article about breaking the marathon into three stages and I thought about it several times along the course. It really made sense to me and broke it down into three very manageable chunks: the warm up, setting body to cruise control and a 10km race to the end.
Certainly couldn't have picked a more glorious day for running either! Sun shining, blue sky, not a cloud and a fresh chill in the air. Perfecto.
I managed a sprint (depending on your definition, but given 26 miles had just travelled under foot, I thought it was a pretty fair pace) to the finish line. As I crossed, I tried pretty hard to avoid either of the following from occuring: 1) throwing up and 2) crying. To share a little piece of the experience, I phoned my parents on the mobile and gabbled away incoherently. I don't know what blew my Dad away the most... the fact that I had just run my first marathon in under four hours or the fact that technology had permitted me to ring him in lil ole Adelaide on my mobile from Dublin... initially, I think it was the latter ;)
'What about that mate of yours who didn't do any training' I hear you enquire '(and did he beat you?)' the cheekier ones ask. Well, we started off together and ran for about 6km trying to look to one another that we were cool and handling it all OK. But at that point, Dave's heart rate was 192bpm and there was profuse panting and sweating coming from his body, so I kindly took my leave and let him face his no-training-demons. No, Davo did not manage to finish the whole marathon. However, given he did a brass razoo of training, and his 1 year old son is currently as sick as a dog and sleeps in the same bedroom, I think he did a remarkable job at completing the half marathon distance before bowing out with a dicky knee. ONYA DAVE!
And of course, what marathon in Dublin would be complete with out a celebratory pint of Guinness!? If you want/need the photographic proof, send me an email. I look pretty darned pleased with myself :)
SUB FOUR HOURS!!!!
Yes, you read correctly... According to my faithful watch (thanks Mum and Dad!), I ran the Dublin marathon in 3 hours and 55 minutes. However, there are some provisional results up which put me at 2202nd place with a time of 03:57:59. Ah what's 3 minutes between timers? There were no race chips, so I'll go with my watch ;) However, having said that, it makes it a harder time to beat next year in Rome, so maybe I better stick with the official time?!
I can't tell you how elated I was to cross the finish line and do so in under four hours. I felt really great the whole way, and to be honest, just ran it on pure excitement. If you're interested, I read this article about breaking the marathon into three stages and I thought about it several times along the course. It really made sense to me and broke it down into three very manageable chunks: the warm up, setting body to cruise control and a 10km race to the end.
Certainly couldn't have picked a more glorious day for running either! Sun shining, blue sky, not a cloud and a fresh chill in the air. Perfecto.
I managed a sprint (depending on your definition, but given 26 miles had just travelled under foot, I thought it was a pretty fair pace) to the finish line. As I crossed, I tried pretty hard to avoid either of the following from occuring: 1) throwing up and 2) crying. To share a little piece of the experience, I phoned my parents on the mobile and gabbled away incoherently. I don't know what blew my Dad away the most... the fact that I had just run my first marathon in under four hours or the fact that technology had permitted me to ring him in lil ole Adelaide on my mobile from Dublin... initially, I think it was the latter ;)
'What about that mate of yours who didn't do any training' I hear you enquire '(and did he beat you?)' the cheekier ones ask. Well, we started off together and ran for about 6km trying to look to one another that we were cool and handling it all OK. But at that point, Dave's heart rate was 192bpm and there was profuse panting and sweating coming from his body, so I kindly took my leave and let him face his no-training-demons. No, Davo did not manage to finish the whole marathon. However, given he did a brass razoo of training, and his 1 year old son is currently as sick as a dog and sleeps in the same bedroom, I think he did a remarkable job at completing the half marathon distance before bowing out with a dicky knee. ONYA DAVE!
And of course, what marathon in Dublin would be complete with out a celebratory pint of Guinness!? If you want/need the photographic proof, send me an email. I look pretty darned pleased with myself :)
Sunday, October 26, 2003
The night before the day of... Hey gang, just a quickie to let you know I'm in Dublin, I'm official (registered) as number 893, and just about to tuck into a feast of pasta and garlic bread with the Irish FAB FIVE, Lisa, Al, Liz, baby Ben and Dave. Dave has actually done sweet F.A. training for the marathon and is currently looking at the course trying to work out how he can cut about 4 miles off, and where the nearest pub at the end is...
Went out for drinks last night, and this lass called Philamena (?sp) asked me what I planned to do at 20 miles when I couldn't run any more. Clearly not a runner. My response to that (other than a seriously dirty look) was of course that this is simply not in the game plan. I have Lisa and Al strategically positioned at about mile 20 with a power drink and a list of things to yell at me like 'Dave is infront of you and has just taken your power drink' or 'You look like shiite' or 'You have a fat arse' etc etc.. you know, motivational things like that.
Wish me luck!
Went out for drinks last night, and this lass called Philamena (?sp) asked me what I planned to do at 20 miles when I couldn't run any more. Clearly not a runner. My response to that (other than a seriously dirty look) was of course that this is simply not in the game plan. I have Lisa and Al strategically positioned at about mile 20 with a power drink and a list of things to yell at me like 'Dave is infront of you and has just taken your power drink' or 'You look like shiite' or 'You have a fat arse' etc etc.. you know, motivational things like that.
Wish me luck!
Thursday, October 23, 2003
All the lip service I've given about doing a marathon... well, it's about to be put to the test. Mate, Dave Mitchell, and I (unless the feckless bugger has done no more than the 10km run he struggled around last time I spoke to him about 4 weeks ago) will be running the 42+ kilometres or 26.2 miles on Monday 27th October. I'm so excited! It's sadistic really.
Call me a sap, but I really look at it as quite the major life event. It's something I have wanted to do for YEARS and now I'm finally DOING it. If memory serves me correctly, the first true urge probably came about when I told Rob Absalom (who's managed a couple in his time) that I'd like to do a marathon. He kind of gave me that 'yeh right' look and said "It's a helluva long way, Kel". Darn right! And I'm gunna do it too... I hope!
And in Dublin of all places. The weather should be cool, the atmosphere fun and the support hospitable in true Irish style.
So, if I don't have a coronary in the mean time, I'll update with the chat next week!
Have a great weekend, and cheer me on from where ever you are!
Call me a sap, but I really look at it as quite the major life event. It's something I have wanted to do for YEARS and now I'm finally DOING it. If memory serves me correctly, the first true urge probably came about when I told Rob Absalom (who's managed a couple in his time) that I'd like to do a marathon. He kind of gave me that 'yeh right' look and said "It's a helluva long way, Kel". Darn right! And I'm gunna do it too... I hope!
And in Dublin of all places. The weather should be cool, the atmosphere fun and the support hospitable in true Irish style.
So, if I don't have a coronary in the mean time, I'll update with the chat next week!
Have a great weekend, and cheer me on from where ever you are!
Sunday, October 19, 2003
Well.. up late and up early this morning (thanks for the 7am Sunday morning phone call Kirsten ... Not!) These bloody keener medics.... Any way, I'm up now, so might as well say g'day and then get on with this PhD report that's coming due.
So, last night I was invited to yet another ceilidh. What IS that you ask? A ceilidh is a pretty informal but very social gathering at which there is Scottish (or Irish; Celtic basically) folk music, and folk dancing (and cheeky wee story telling if it's a good band). I'm no dancer, but the aspect I love most about Ceilidhs is that you can unashamedly go up and grab a random guy and whisk him onto the dance floor and vice versa.
This one was a goodie. And I should know; this is my ninth I think within the year. It was a particularly excellent crowd and I was whisked to and around the dance floor for most dances. I must say that a ceilidh can totally suck if you aren't asked to dance and sit there like a 'Billy-nae-mates' most the night (that's 'Nigel no friends' to my Aussie pals).
The lass who invited me now works for the John Muir Trust which is quite a wonderful Scottish organisation concerned with conserving the wilderness and enjoying outdoor pursuits. As you can imagine, there were a host of V cool outdoorsy types with a healthy outlook on life. Among them were two fab. guys, Giles and Jim, who are keen into mountainbiking, rock climbing, hiking and camping. I suspect you can stay tuned to hear more about them (particularly Giles ;) He's taking me mountainbiking this arvo. We were, more excitingly, going to do a 5 pitch climb up north (that's resetting the ropes five times to get to the top!) but would you believe the winter weather has decided to arrive today... estimated 9C, northerly winds and rain... ick. Bit disappointing as I haven't been for a climb since I left Canada (although how can you top Squamish, Sly?)
Anyhoo... back to the books... or bed...
Gay Gordon anyone?
So, last night I was invited to yet another ceilidh. What IS that you ask? A ceilidh is a pretty informal but very social gathering at which there is Scottish (or Irish; Celtic basically) folk music, and folk dancing (and cheeky wee story telling if it's a good band). I'm no dancer, but the aspect I love most about Ceilidhs is that you can unashamedly go up and grab a random guy and whisk him onto the dance floor and vice versa.
This one was a goodie. And I should know; this is my ninth I think within the year. It was a particularly excellent crowd and I was whisked to and around the dance floor for most dances. I must say that a ceilidh can totally suck if you aren't asked to dance and sit there like a 'Billy-nae-mates' most the night (that's 'Nigel no friends' to my Aussie pals).
The lass who invited me now works for the John Muir Trust which is quite a wonderful Scottish organisation concerned with conserving the wilderness and enjoying outdoor pursuits. As you can imagine, there were a host of V cool outdoorsy types with a healthy outlook on life. Among them were two fab. guys, Giles and Jim, who are keen into mountainbiking, rock climbing, hiking and camping. I suspect you can stay tuned to hear more about them (particularly Giles ;) He's taking me mountainbiking this arvo. We were, more excitingly, going to do a 5 pitch climb up north (that's resetting the ropes five times to get to the top!) but would you believe the winter weather has decided to arrive today... estimated 9C, northerly winds and rain... ick. Bit disappointing as I haven't been for a climb since I left Canada (although how can you top Squamish, Sly?)
Anyhoo... back to the books... or bed...
Gay Gordon anyone?
Thursday, October 16, 2003
Quite the little celebration was had to mark my first year here in Edinburgh. Any excuse hey? About a dozen of us had a nice feed at a Sudanese cafe (yes, the UK is slowly but surely entering into multicultural cuisine. I recall last time I lived in the UK the common restaurant options were: fish & chips, sausages & chips, steak & chips, burger & chips or a dodgy curry. The big decision was with or without peas & carrots!?). It was especially great, because all the key people who have made me feel welcome here came along for the crack (no not cocaine.. it's UK speak for a good time).
Let me tell you a little about the people I value here... Christine who is a little conservative and straight-laced, but has a gorgeous West Coast accent, a heart of gold and is a good chum for the 'high brow' events often held in Edinburgh.
Then there's Ben who has helped make up half my social set with his contacts. I took over the job from him so he has been an invaluable resource for my project. He's also been a great mountainbiking, jogging and drinking buddy.
Kirsten was the first lass I met who is actually from Edinburgh. She's a little ray of sunshine and a perfectly paced marathon training partner for me. We'll be doing Rome together in March 2004.
My running coach, Alex, was a pleasant surprise entry to the evening's events. It's because of him that I've met a great bunch of gals to run and socialise with (like Monise, Jayne etc) and have improved my running training and pace markedly. He also was even more welcome with the yummy bottle of French champagne he gave me last night! So I guess it's also him I have to thank for the headache I was struggling with at work today.
Helen is the head of the PhD peergroup who welcomed me to the University of Edinburgh and made a PhD seem doable. She's just been offered a job in Cambridge - so that's V cool. She's handed the leadership baton over to me now... Not sure that's quite the honour or just quite a lot of extra work!?
My new flattie, Lucine, came along. And there were also a bunch of mountain biking buddies from the Edinburgh Road Club, in particular, Darren, who I can only best describe as a TV kids show host. He's always so cheery, chatty and full of ideas... Well full of something any way. There were others that may or may not get a mention here in the future, but I've highlighted the pretty spesh ones.
And as if the night couldn't get any better!! I got home about 2am to a letter from the dear old Edinburgh Council welcoming me to my new flat. Along with this pleasant welcome came a bill to cover council tax, water and sewage to the grand total sum of... wait for it... £1151.82 due by the end of this month?!!?!? HOLY SHIT! Needless to say that sobered me up lickety split.
Let me tell you a little about the people I value here... Christine who is a little conservative and straight-laced, but has a gorgeous West Coast accent, a heart of gold and is a good chum for the 'high brow' events often held in Edinburgh.
Then there's Ben who has helped make up half my social set with his contacts. I took over the job from him so he has been an invaluable resource for my project. He's also been a great mountainbiking, jogging and drinking buddy.
Kirsten was the first lass I met who is actually from Edinburgh. She's a little ray of sunshine and a perfectly paced marathon training partner for me. We'll be doing Rome together in March 2004.
My running coach, Alex, was a pleasant surprise entry to the evening's events. It's because of him that I've met a great bunch of gals to run and socialise with (like Monise, Jayne etc) and have improved my running training and pace markedly. He also was even more welcome with the yummy bottle of French champagne he gave me last night! So I guess it's also him I have to thank for the headache I was struggling with at work today.
Helen is the head of the PhD peergroup who welcomed me to the University of Edinburgh and made a PhD seem doable. She's just been offered a job in Cambridge - so that's V cool. She's handed the leadership baton over to me now... Not sure that's quite the honour or just quite a lot of extra work!?
My new flattie, Lucine, came along. And there were also a bunch of mountain biking buddies from the Edinburgh Road Club, in particular, Darren, who I can only best describe as a TV kids show host. He's always so cheery, chatty and full of ideas... Well full of something any way. There were others that may or may not get a mention here in the future, but I've highlighted the pretty spesh ones.
And as if the night couldn't get any better!! I got home about 2am to a letter from the dear old Edinburgh Council welcoming me to my new flat. Along with this pleasant welcome came a bill to cover council tax, water and sewage to the grand total sum of... wait for it... £1151.82 due by the end of this month?!!?!? HOLY SHIT! Needless to say that sobered me up lickety split.
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Been doing some head banging today. Na - I'm not talking about some thrash metal concert I went to last night (on a school night? No way ;) Wish I did though, probably would have less of a headache if I'd have gone to a concert... but probably some nasty tinnitus (that's buzzing/ringing in the ears for the non-medics)... anyhoo...
By head banging, I refer to how it feels having a supervision meeting with my delightful supervisors Dave and Mike. Don't get me wrong, they're top blokes and a good crack. Mike and I always rant about our newly purchased bicycles and Dave and I reminisce about Oz... BUT, this is work Goddamit! I need a bit of supervision from my supervisory meetings believe it or not!? I was up until midnight in the office last night/this morning lovingly preparing 20 cases to review with them. This was a really important meeting for me (for the study) to ensure that the case note reviews I have done so far (that is 570/1182 case notes I have been stuck in a dark medical record room reading) have been accurately and consistently rated. Out of the 20 patient cases I prepared, how many do you think we got through? Two, that's how many. Well, technically ONE patient and one consultation of a second patient. Oh, there was a lot of rumination about the theoretical underpinnings of rating case notes etc. but practically, it was a dud meeting... ho hum.
So now I'm back in the office thinking about how to write up the outcome from this meeting... Thought I should debrief and blow off some steam here before writing up the minutes thus ... "This meeting was a total and utter waste of time and we three would have been better served downing a pint at the local"... but then again, it was an 8:45am meeting; would that make me seem a tad uncouth?
By the way - did you check out the link I gave you to Mike? What the hell kinda conference was that he attended by the way (he's the dude, top row, 2nd from left)? Because I'm feeling cheeky, here's some other interesting links to my supervisor's name sake'sMichael and David... just this particular Michael and David don't actually happen to be my supervisors... although wouldn't that be a talking point at my next conference?!
By head banging, I refer to how it feels having a supervision meeting with my delightful supervisors Dave and Mike. Don't get me wrong, they're top blokes and a good crack. Mike and I always rant about our newly purchased bicycles and Dave and I reminisce about Oz... BUT, this is work Goddamit! I need a bit of supervision from my supervisory meetings believe it or not!? I was up until midnight in the office last night/this morning lovingly preparing 20 cases to review with them. This was a really important meeting for me (for the study) to ensure that the case note reviews I have done so far (that is 570/1182 case notes I have been stuck in a dark medical record room reading) have been accurately and consistently rated. Out of the 20 patient cases I prepared, how many do you think we got through? Two, that's how many. Well, technically ONE patient and one consultation of a second patient. Oh, there was a lot of rumination about the theoretical underpinnings of rating case notes etc. but practically, it was a dud meeting... ho hum.
So now I'm back in the office thinking about how to write up the outcome from this meeting... Thought I should debrief and blow off some steam here before writing up the minutes thus ... "This meeting was a total and utter waste of time and we three would have been better served downing a pint at the local"... but then again, it was an 8:45am meeting; would that make me seem a tad uncouth?
By the way - did you check out the link I gave you to Mike? What the hell kinda conference was that he attended by the way (he's the dude, top row, 2nd from left)? Because I'm feeling cheeky, here's some other interesting links to my supervisor's name sake'sMichael and David... just this particular Michael and David don't actually happen to be my supervisors... although wouldn't that be a talking point at my next conference?!
Monday, October 13, 2003
PhD supervision tomorrow morning ... gulp. For those of you interested in further info. about the institution I am extremely fortunate to be studying at, check out the University of Edinburgh's website. The history and reputation of this place make me feel extremely humble to be here indeed (if not a total fraud!!)
Whilst avidly studying (ahem), I had another browse through the RWC website for updates (especially as Warren seems to be falling behind on his 'man on the scene' duties). I also had another squizz at the profiles of Ryan and Tom. They may be from different countries and on different teams, but have they just been released from the same detention centre or what?
Whilst avidly studying (ahem), I had another browse through the RWC website for updates (especially as Warren seems to be falling behind on his 'man on the scene' duties). I also had another squizz at the profiles of Ryan and Tom. They may be from different countries and on different teams, but have they just been released from the same detention centre or what?
Sunday, October 12, 2003
This weekend I tried to combine academia with the Rugby World Cup... tricky. OK, a brief explanation: I organised for 13 of us, all at varying stages of our PhDs, to have a luxurious little weekend retreat at the Burn . It was a chance to present our research in an open and informal atmosphere. Not a bad place to do so surrounded by some spectacular scenery and a splendid setting in this 211 year old home. Generously, the entire house and grounds were donated by a young chap who was killed in WWII aged 21 and never got the chance to undertake his own studies. As such the property is open to all students (their friends and family) to enjoy. And that we did!
I also managed to get a fab run in (but of course) with running pal, Helen. It's Autumn now here in Scotland (and boy can you feel the temperature drop). But what it also brings is reds, yellows, burnt oranges and browns in the leaves of the forest as in this trail run we did along the River Esk to the 'Rocks of Solitude' and back.
Because I organised this weekend way back at the beginning of the year - I didn't factor it being the same weekend as the Rugby World Cup?! Pity Canada vs. Wales and Scotland vs Japan were playing in the World Cup whilst our retreat was going on. I must admit I was a bit absent during some of the talks this morning ;) Sorry to see Ryan was benched today, Banks!? Scotland whooped ass though, so pleased about that. Ben's brother is Scotland's captain, Tom Smith. So I'm pretty damned interested in rugby union right now... and the bodies aren't too bad to watch either!!
I also managed to get a fab run in (but of course) with running pal, Helen. It's Autumn now here in Scotland (and boy can you feel the temperature drop). But what it also brings is reds, yellows, burnt oranges and browns in the leaves of the forest as in this trail run we did along the River Esk to the 'Rocks of Solitude' and back.
Because I organised this weekend way back at the beginning of the year - I didn't factor it being the same weekend as the Rugby World Cup?! Pity Canada vs. Wales and Scotland vs Japan were playing in the World Cup whilst our retreat was going on. I must admit I was a bit absent during some of the talks this morning ;) Sorry to see Ryan was benched today, Banks!? Scotland whooped ass though, so pleased about that. Ben's brother is Scotland's captain, Tom Smith. So I'm pretty damned interested in rugby union right now... and the bodies aren't too bad to watch either!!
Last long training run for the Dublin marathon today. Only two weeks to go tomorrow. The route tonight included a length along an old railway track now known as 'The Innocent Railway' path. Innocent? I think not! As I was merrily jogging along and humming away, this kid, who could not have been more than 10 years old, rode up to me on his bike, flipped me the bird and said 'F*** you b*t*h'. What a little charmer hey? He's going to break hearts when he reaches manhood. Literally, probably.
Contrastingly, I ran down through Portobello (Edinburgh's equivalent of Adelaide's Glenelg) and I was moved to see a man in his 60s sitting and holding the hand of (I presume) his elderly wheelchair-bound mother. They were right on the sand and sitting silently watching the waves lap up on the shore. It touched my heart to see. And it made me ache for my Mum and Dad. I can't wait to be strolling on the beach with them. Might even hold their hands!
So, 1 year in Scotland already. That's whizzed by. To mark the occasion, I've invited a few close mates out for eats and drinks on Wednesday night. I got a response from my mate, Ben, today: 'I'll be there you sentimental twit'. What is it with Scottish males and their lippy mouths today?... oh, hang on... he's a pohm... but he's probably right ;)
Contrastingly, I ran down through Portobello (Edinburgh's equivalent of Adelaide's Glenelg) and I was moved to see a man in his 60s sitting and holding the hand of (I presume) his elderly wheelchair-bound mother. They were right on the sand and sitting silently watching the waves lap up on the shore. It touched my heart to see. And it made me ache for my Mum and Dad. I can't wait to be strolling on the beach with them. Might even hold their hands!
So, 1 year in Scotland already. That's whizzed by. To mark the occasion, I've invited a few close mates out for eats and drinks on Wednesday night. I got a response from my mate, Ben, today: 'I'll be there you sentimental twit'. What is it with Scottish males and their lippy mouths today?... oh, hang on... he's a pohm... but he's probably right ;)
Tuesday, October 07, 2003
Do not ask what possessed me (OK, it was my running pal, Kirsten, begging and pleading all throughout today and me looking for any excuse to get out of study and writing a presentation for the weekend).. but I went to 'The Track' tonight. Yep, that's right... little bow-legs-McGorm was sprinting around and around and around and ... Oh gees I'm getting dizzy thinking about it. My running (or should I say plodding) trainer from Wednesday nights, Alex, just happens to run 'The Track' sessions and swears that this is great training for my marathon running. Seriously, it's not my thing. A tad demoralising being lapped I'm here to tell you (every 3 to my one some of the hot shots). But it's extremely motivating to see the trim, lithe, athletic and yes, muscley bodies that gracefully leg it around 'The Track' (OK, so it is worth the pain after all ;).
Oh and by the way; Winter has hit Scotland. If I say it was 5 degrees centigrade out there, then I reckon I'm exaggerating!
Oh and by the way; Winter has hit Scotland. If I say it was 5 degrees centigrade out there, then I reckon I'm exaggerating!
Monday, October 06, 2003
OK a few people have asked me to clarify the term 'MINGING' ...
Definition: gross, ugly, unattractive, disgusting, foul, get thee away from me, ARGHHHHH! Run away run away! OH GOD NO!
Similarly, a person can be referred to as a 'minger' meaning they too are not particularly pleasant to be associated with.
Definition: gross, ugly, unattractive, disgusting, foul, get thee away from me, ARGHHHHH! Run away run away! OH GOD NO!
Similarly, a person can be referred to as a 'minger' meaning they too are not particularly pleasant to be associated with.
Sunday, October 05, 2003
I went to a specialist running shop on Friday to have a free 'gait analysis'. The chap got me to run on a treadmill whilst videoing my running style. Yoiks!!! That is one seriously screwed up gait you got happening there (he said more tactfully). Apparently I am a serious pronator but worse I have this bizarre angle on my ankles when I run; they both look broken!? It grossed me out worse than watching a horror movie with people being hacked up by chainsaws. Worse still, the guy then asked to inspect my feet... His first words were "These are MINGIN'" No tact there I'm afraid... but don't Scots have some descriptive vocab!? My left big toe is one big blister and I've lost two toenails... and about to lose one of those... again... SORRY, this is gross isn't it!
My point being, my wallet ended up 80 quid lighter from this visit from buying decent running socks and a pair of custom fit orthotics. Tried them out this morning on a very important training run towards the Dublin marathon (yes, I'm entered if you weren't aware). I am feeling all very smug and reassured for having run non-stop for 3 hours and 40 minutes. Haven't measured it exactly but possibly 22 miles or so?! No idea honestly. Absolutely gorgeous scenic run too! OK, not quite like the run I had in Morocco this time last weekend where I ran along the longest white stretch of Casablanca beach in 30C heat (frankly I ran out of spit). Today it was blowing a small Isobel in the Pentland Hills and only 14C... if it made it that high. But it was the clearest sky and sunny. A vivid image was of the golden wheat field recently harvested and the bales of rolled up hay set against a backdrop of sunkissed heather on the hills. Scotland really does have a beauty all of its own truly.
I don't know whether to thank or punch this morning's bus driver who was supposed to take me to a place called 'Fairmilehead' (the bus was signposted as such and I double checked with him), but actually the bus only went to Oxgangs which is a good 2-3 miles shy. Thus the extra long run.
And what long run could be complete without the mandatory post-long-run-pub-grub-nosh-up at a brill place, the Waterline Pub. Met my bestest Edinburgh and running bud, Kirsten for good food and good chat (she's an Anaethetist working nights this weekend so couldn't join me :( ) But we're doing the Rome marathon together end of March so stay tuned for more gross training run blistered feet stories ;)
My point being, my wallet ended up 80 quid lighter from this visit from buying decent running socks and a pair of custom fit orthotics. Tried them out this morning on a very important training run towards the Dublin marathon (yes, I'm entered if you weren't aware). I am feeling all very smug and reassured for having run non-stop for 3 hours and 40 minutes. Haven't measured it exactly but possibly 22 miles or so?! No idea honestly. Absolutely gorgeous scenic run too! OK, not quite like the run I had in Morocco this time last weekend where I ran along the longest white stretch of Casablanca beach in 30C heat (frankly I ran out of spit). Today it was blowing a small Isobel in the Pentland Hills and only 14C... if it made it that high. But it was the clearest sky and sunny. A vivid image was of the golden wheat field recently harvested and the bales of rolled up hay set against a backdrop of sunkissed heather on the hills. Scotland really does have a beauty all of its own truly.
I don't know whether to thank or punch this morning's bus driver who was supposed to take me to a place called 'Fairmilehead' (the bus was signposted as such and I double checked with him), but actually the bus only went to Oxgangs which is a good 2-3 miles shy. Thus the extra long run.
And what long run could be complete without the mandatory post-long-run-pub-grub-nosh-up at a brill place, the Waterline Pub. Met my bestest Edinburgh and running bud, Kirsten for good food and good chat (she's an Anaethetist working nights this weekend so couldn't join me :( ) But we're doing the Rome marathon together end of March so stay tuned for more gross training run blistered feet stories ;)
Saturday, October 04, 2003
Morocco
Mint was on special at Tescos yesterday. Whoopee I hear you cry... this gal seriously needs to get a life. However, after a solid week of mint tea drinking in Morocco I didn't want to go cold turkey over night. So, I popped the kettle on and made myself a mint tea to rival the best cuppa my new friend, Tarik, could ever hope to brew (minus the sugar, Tarik.... shock horror!!!)
Sitting in my lovely garden flat in Edinburgh last night with my new flattie, Lucine, watching Sex in the City and sipping on mint tea was a far cry from this time last weekend... (Picture some cheesy B grade movie dream sequence here...). My Dublinian friend, Lisa, and I found ourselves sipping champagne with locals, Osama and Tarik (well they watched us sip as they're Muslim), lying on an endless white sandy beach whilst gazing at the infinite and brilliant stars twinkling above Casablanca. This was to top off the romance of the day swimming in the sea, swanning about cafes of Casablanca drinking mint tea, strolling along the esplanade, and a candle lit dinner in a scented garden of the old medina.
I'm still daydreaming and contemplating my all too brief time in Morocco to spill all about my travels there (there's Rabat and Marrakech to rave about)... but I'll save that for another time... maybe a link to the odd photograph or two if you can stand it.
I have never taken the time to watch Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman swoon in the 1942 classic 'Casablanca'. OK, Ingrid swooned, Humphrey looked broody... However, this weekend the time has come! I highly recommend you read this wonderful critique about the film. I'm looking forward to the final scene which apparently includes midget extras as aircraft personnel and cardboard planes for scale, because of budgetary constraints. The fog in the scene was there apparently to mask the unconvincing appearance of the cardboard planes. I'll be looking with rose coloured glasses.... Here's looking at you kid ;)
Sitting in my lovely garden flat in Edinburgh last night with my new flattie, Lucine, watching Sex in the City and sipping on mint tea was a far cry from this time last weekend... (Picture some cheesy B grade movie dream sequence here...). My Dublinian friend, Lisa, and I found ourselves sipping champagne with locals, Osama and Tarik (well they watched us sip as they're Muslim), lying on an endless white sandy beach whilst gazing at the infinite and brilliant stars twinkling above Casablanca. This was to top off the romance of the day swimming in the sea, swanning about cafes of Casablanca drinking mint tea, strolling along the esplanade, and a candle lit dinner in a scented garden of the old medina.
I'm still daydreaming and contemplating my all too brief time in Morocco to spill all about my travels there (there's Rabat and Marrakech to rave about)... but I'll save that for another time... maybe a link to the odd photograph or two if you can stand it.
I have never taken the time to watch Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman swoon in the 1942 classic 'Casablanca'. OK, Ingrid swooned, Humphrey looked broody... However, this weekend the time has come! I highly recommend you read this wonderful critique about the film. I'm looking forward to the final scene which apparently includes midget extras as aircraft personnel and cardboard planes for scale, because of budgetary constraints. The fog in the scene was there apparently to mask the unconvincing appearance of the cardboard planes. I'll be looking with rose coloured glasses.... Here's looking at you kid ;)
