I’ve started to scale back my running ahead of Friday’s Anzac Ultra. However, I feel full of energy so have been running at a much faster pace than usual, in and around Coonabarabran. It’s great to have different scenery in which to run.

I’ve also been using the Easter weekend to review the final version of my book prior to printing and publication. As mentioned previously, it should be in the bookstores on June 29.

Kevin Carr is on track to finish his run around the world on Thursday (UK time). If so, he’ll beat my world record by about a day. You can follow his progress on www.hardwayround.com.

On This Day

Apr 6, 2012

Distance today = 56.38 km; Total distance = 4632.19 km; Location = Counselor, New Mexico (6 km east of) – 36 11.677′ N, 107 23.613′ W; Start time = 0846, Finish time = 1648

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/165394350

Had a surprisingly good day, despite a long stretch of non-descript vegetation and town-less rolling hills that could be construed as bordering on boring. However, I felt fine and didn’t get bored at all.

Ran above 2,000 metres all day again, reaching a maximum of 2,232 metres. Not many people do such prolonged altitude training. Too bad I don’t have any races to participate in – only joking, as I am sure I’d get injured if I ran much faster than I’m now used to.

Have to race off now for a shower, and then it’s down the road to a great little place that’s offering Happy Hour on margheritas – woo hoo!!!

Apr 6, 2013

Distance today = 54.45 km; Total distance = 19,075.71 km; Location = Zebrak, Czech Republic – 49 52.491′ N, 13 53.741′ E; Start time = 0835, Finish time = 1710

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/293965326

Each day I wake up, hoping to see the sun. Each day I’m disappointed. Surely it must happen eventually, I tell myself. Maybe tomorrow?

At least it was a little warmer today – a balmy 3 C. I was even able to run without gloves during the afternoon. I believe it will continue to warm up, and may even crack double figures soon.

Early on I passed through the city of Plzen. As mentioned yesterday, this is the birth place of pilsener (pilsner) beer. I tried a local beer last night, and it really was delicious – honestly, better than beer I’ve tasted anywhere else. I was surprised it was so nice. Even Carmel liked it.

The city itself is very well preserved in the centre part. The buildings seem to have been done up and renovated, with a focus on colour. In fact, one thing I’ve noticed about Czech buildings is the range of bright colours, some with unusual patterns and styles. Even the old Communist era apartment blocks have been creatively coloured. In the parlance of a bygone era, they might have been described as “gaily painted buildings”. It definitely lifts the spirits, especially when the sky seems to be grey all the time.

I finished with a good distance of over 54 km, and am now only a day out of Prague. I’m looking forward to seeing this historic city.

Thanks to all those who have answered the call, and donated to Oxfam in the past couple of days. The dollar total is now, once again, higher than the kilometres.