How good is this....

1 September 2016

As I've said in previous blogs, I like to go for a run when I'm traveling. On business trips this usually means running city streets and parks, past iconic buildings and landmarks. But on holidays, the destinations are more exotic and the running is very enjoyable. 

Tropical Port Douglas has been paradise! No getting up early for a mid-week winters run in the cold and dark before rushing off to work - a run in the warm sunshine before a leisurely breakfast beside the pool is what I'm talking about. 

Ran down the bike path, along the Port Douglas Road, past the resorts and lush greenery, then back along the Four Mile Beach. Warm conditions and a flat course made for a pretty cracking pace, which felt effortless - if only running was like this every time! 

I was soaked in sweat by the end of this 10km run so a quick dip in our resort pool was a great way to cool off and warm down.

Returning to Melbourne this weekend so it wil be back to long-sleeves and leggings for a few more weeks, but hopefully Spring will bring some warmer running conditions back home...

Running in paradise

31 August 2016

Making the most of an end of winter escape to tropical Port Douglas (in Far North Queensland) to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, it was an absolute joy to go for a run along Four Mile Beach with the morning sun on my shoulder. 

A short but very enjoyable trundle in the sand and looking forward to a longer run up here later in the week - so nice after rugging up to run in Melbourne the past few months. 

Last long run before Sydney Marathon

27 August 2016

Last "20 miler" before tapering to the Sydney Marathon - smashed out 36kms this morning. Perfect running conditions for late winter in Melbourne - cool, around 12oC, with light breeze and a bit of sun, but certainly not warn enough to breakout my Sydney Marathon training singlet. 

Running for 3+ hours is hard work (but maybe just a little easIer than the 32 km I did last weekend, as the body starts to adapt to longer distances) yet enjoyable, even an escape, after a pretty tough week at work. 

Today's run followed a route that we have cycled many times as a family so there was a bit of reminiscing as I plodded along. As I was running mostly on bike paths it was good to be away from road traffic and heading through green space along creeks, parklands and rail-trails; also a number of drinking taps enroute were handy. While yellow wattle blossom along the way gave a hint of Spring being just around the corner. 

The 20 milers I've run the last couple of weekends are a great tune up for marathon day, but tired and sore legs for the rest of the day are also a good reminder that the marathon is a bloody long way to run! Despite that, I am looking forward to running marathon number 3, later in September. 

Why I like Saturday long run - post-run pancakes!

6 August 2016

After 27km run I cooked up these beauties for a late breakfast - not a bad way to start the weekend!

Sift 3 cups S/R wholemeal flour, 2 scoops vanilla protein powder and 1/2 tsp baking soda in a bowl. Whisk 600ml buttermilk, 3 eggs and 5 Tbspn vegetable oil in a separate bowl; pour buttermilk mixture into dry ingredients. Stir just until combined adding little extra milk (batter may seem a bit thick). Cook ladlefuls on hot non-stick pan. Serve in stacks with sliced fruit, yogurt, Nutella, crushed nuts, LSA and cinnamon.