It’s bloody freezing these mornings, for Sydney anyway, and I can’t face cycling in. Rather than having some days cycle-free, like I was planning, I reckon I’lljust take the bike on the ferry in the mornings, then cycle home. That way i don’t have to deal with the cold too much, and I also don’t have to deal with sitting on a bus in traffic!

As for this morning, I missed the early ferry by a couple of minutes, so I didn’t make it into the CBD in time to get a swim in.

B: 20km – W: 1

We all got dolled up in black tie three weeks ago for Leo & Syra’s wedding. I didn’t bring my camera, as I’d hardly any pockets in the flash suit. John brought his and these are his photos.

Ed, my boss, was in town yesterday, so we went out for a couple of tasty beers after work before his flight back to Canberra. The Australian was the venue and Shearers & Bocks were the beers.

Anyway, didn’t get my cycle home in yesterday, but made up for it today. Also got some weights and some running drills in as well.

This Week:
Bike: 35km
Swim: 1000m
Run Drills * 2
Weights * 2

I finally got around to scanning photos of myself and Jacqui on safari in South Africa, back in 2002. They’re here if you want to see them.

Made it in on time to get a swim in this morning, so I’m back on track with respect to the structured plan. Only did an easy 1km before I had to get out and go to work, but every little bit counts.

200 FS
4 * {
    100 FS on 1:45,
    50 BC on 1:00
}
200 Easy
Total: 1000m

B: 25km – S: 1000m – W: 1 session

Two friends of ours, Kristy and Ben, have headed off on a round-the-world trip, so we volunteered to mind their budgies while they were gone. After a couple of quiet days as they adjusted to their new surroundings, they’re now happily chirping away.

They’re still fairly timid though, so it will be a while before they’re relaxed enough to perch on my finger. Jacqui wants to teach them to talk, but I’m happy just whistle at them and get a response.

Day One of the structured program went quite well. Cycled in and out of work, then did some light weights when I got home. Had dinner with Tom and a bunch of friends for his birthday, down in Mu Shu, a flash new restaurant in Bondi.

As a result, Day Two of the structured program didn’t get off to a great start, with me not making it out of bed early enough to go for a swim. I’ll have to make up the session tomorrow or something.

B: 15km – W: 1 session

Well last week was a bit of a lazy week. Apart from the MTB ride I did nothing. However, I did have a think about getting a more structured program in place, so here’s what I came up with:

Mon: Bike In/Out of work, light weights
Tue: AM Swim, PM Run
Mon: Bike In/Out of work, light weights
Thurs: AM Swim, PM Run
Fri: Bike In/Out of work, AM Swim
Sat: Run
Sun: Bugger all

That’s the plan from now on. If I can stick to it for 3-4 weeks then I can settle into a routine and it will be a bit easier from then on, though with my sisters arriving at different stages over the next month it could play havoc with the plan.

I picked up the last batch of fish to go in my aquarium, a pair of Pearl Gouramis. Now I can sit back, relax and watch them swim around. I also got a bit of Java Moss which will hopefully attach itself to the driftwood and start growing. Lastly, I discovered that the Platies have given birth, and there’s 4 or 5 tiny (3mm long) fish somewhere in the tank. I had asked for 6 male fish to avoid having spry, so it appears that there’s one female in there after all.

Met up with the guys from Canberra yesterday and did the same ride in Kangaroo Valley. It was a good bit easier this time, possible because I knew what was up ahead and could pace myself accordingly. Thankfully I had no punctures this time, so there was no messing about at the side of the trail and as a result the whole ride only took about 3.5 hours. I also made it most of the way up the long climb out of the valley. I had to stop twice, due to losing my balance on quite rocky bits, but in total I only walked about 400m which was a lot better than last time. A bit more fitness and I should be able to ride the whole thing.

We met quite a few bikers taking advantage of the long weekend, some on the same trail as us, and others trying different routes in the area. There are a couple of other tracks on the map that might be worth investigating some other weekend, and one in particular look promising if we can get across the river. We might have to consult some locals before heading off on that one.

B: 37km