The first few weeks after my calf injury I did no uphill running. I’m now starting to get back into the hills (something I’ve concentrated on a lot over the years), and I’m noticing how much condition I’ve lost. It’s hard work. But it won’t take long to get back to my former level of fitness.

I’ve now run over 100 km so far this week, and in just five days. The weekend will be a bit lazier, however. I have a big football reunion over two nights, so I won’t be feeling like long runs each morning. But a couple of easier days won’t be so bad after a big mid week.

You may be interested in the following link, which describes the world’s best running blogs. Mine is at number 124, but that’s not a ranking – it’s simply an alphabetical listing of the blogs. http://newfitnessgadgets.com/best-running-blogs

Here’s a photo of Chook and myself during Hurricane Sandy in late October 2012. It was cold, wet, and windy, as we ran along the Boston Marathon course. There were very few cars or people around that day.

On This Day

Jun 10, 2012

Distance today = 50.81 km; Total distance = 7576.11 km; Location = Oxbow, North Dakota  – 46 41.185′ N, 96 47.941′ W; Start time = 0832, Finish time = 1631

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/187769119

A much cooler one today, with some light rain to finish with. I just didn’t feel like I had much energy either. It could be just a lagging reaction to all the hot days earlier in the week.

It’s not like I haven’t experienced hot weather before. Of course, in Sydney it can often be over 40 C in summer. But there’s a big distinction between running for an hour on such days at 7 am, and running for seven hours through the middle of a day like that. The fact that I’m managing these conditions gives me confidence for the months ahead.

When Carmel went ahead to find accommodation for the night, she enlisted the help of the GPS system in the car. When she went in to the place it had directed her to, she found she was in a retirement village. Mmmmm, maybe in a few years time!

Jun 10, 2013

Distance today = 40.28 km; Total distance = 21,303.47 km; Location = Belhus, Western Australia – 31 48.624′ S, 116 00.047′ E; Start time = 0910, Finish time = 1648

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/325756570

I am now on my way across Australia. As usual, though, the first day after a break has resulted in some soreness, but it should only take me a few days to back into the groove.

We flew from Sydney to Perth yesterday, along with Grace, and were picked up at the airport by our friend, Robyn. We hadn’t seen Robyn for a few years, so we stopped by her place and enjoyed a bottle of French champagne.

From there, it was off to Shane and Denise’s, where we stayed the night. Many thanks to them for a wonderful meal and accommodation, to Robyn for the picking us up at the airport, and also to Julie and Wayne, who dropped off a car for us to use during the next few weeks. We really appreciate all the help and generosity from all these friends in Perth.

It was also great to catch up with old friends, Brynn and Kim, who came to dinner with their children, Kieran and Meg. They’re now 27 and 25, but we hadn’t seen them since they were young kids.

We all met at Cottesloe Beach this morning for breakfast, before I headed off from the water’s edge, running with Kieran and Meg. Everyone formed a guard of honour for me to run through, which was a nice way to start. Kieran and Meg ran with me for 15 km, into the city centre of Perth, having passed Julie and her daughter, Steph, on the banks of the Swan River.

At this point, we were met by Craig and Claire from Channel 9 in Perth. They did some filming and an interview. I then continued on along the river. Grace ran the last 4 km with me, finishing among the vineyards in the Swan Valley. With everything that happened during the day, it was a little shorter than normal, but that suited me fine.

Tonight we’re staying with more old friends, Warren and Judy, who we haven’t seen for more than 11 years. Catching up with everyone has been a great way to start my run across Australia.