New Zealand

At present am in Whitianga, N Island NZ.

Our journey over couldn't have gone any better. We flew with emirates and everything was on time and luggage arrived with us. We got the bus from the airport into Auckland and after a 20min walk got to our hotel. In fact its catered apartments. I have to say it was superb, really plush and incredibly comfortable bed. We managed to stay up after a run along the seafront. Its been v stormy over the weekend and was still windy. Great to be running in shorts in the warmth though.

After an OK italien meal we hit the sack about 8.30pm. I woke up for about 30min at 4 but then slept on until 8. Result.

We got our car after being picked up and headed off south to the Coromandel peninsula.

We drove to Thames then headed up the east coast to Coromandel town. All v pretty. Again a v lovely drive to Whitianga and we then found our house for the next 6 days. A friend is over here doing a 6 month locum and is away at the moment so we are lucky enough to be able to have his house. Its in a great spot and is a 3 bed bungalow. All v suburban but nice.

After some supermarket shopping we went out for a walk. This is a bit of paradise, so pretty. Below is were my morning run is.

This is the place we are staying in.

Born to run

Just finished this book. Its well written and full of interesting ideas.
I intend to try and modify my running style to a definite forefoot strike with shorter stride length and see if it helps prevent injury. I did this on Sunday and fairly whizzed down to Comrie but slightly strained my R hamstring which isnt a promising start. Managed a 6 miler in Perth yesterday and although I could feel the ham it doesnt seem to have done any harm.
What about barefoot running?? I am seriously considering this when the weather gets warmer.

Rain and mud!

Drove over to Crieff for a quick swim (could have saved time and swam up the A822) and Harriers speed session.
We did a 1-4-1 pyramid in heavy rain. It was great!!

Things are on the up

The great thaw has started. It was a tropical 5deg when I got home this evening. We could actually drive down to our house for the 1st time since November if this keeps up.
As the roads were free of ice I did a 6miler from home with my headtorch. Great!
This week has gone as follows.
Mon swim
Tue swim am, run 6m pm
Wed 30min on turbo trainer
Today swim am and run as above.
Consequently I feel great!!

A slow start to 2011

Tweaked a calf on the 2nd, picked up an urti on the 3rd. Great!
Havent done anything all week but did 30min on turbotrainer yest and today and did 2m in the snow yesterday.
It snowed several inches again last night but a thaw is forecast for wed.

Hello 2011

Not a great start. Went out for a 6 miler on the 2nd and tweaked the calf. Not bad but as i have a bit of a cold its time to be sensible yet again.

I had a fab run on he 31st feeling good and moving as well as I have for months so it is disappointing but nothing to be gained from pushing on.

More snow

We are promised a bit of a thaw this week but today we woke to another few inches of the white stuff. I drove to Crieff when perhaps I shouldnt have. My car has bee great but other road users are hopeless.

There were only the 3 of us but that was fine and I enjoyed running with E and Colin before doing the 2nd half of the 10K by myself. At least 2 other Harriers were out and about ad Fiona L turned up late.

The 10k was looking good dressed in white and fine underfoot. Of course after such a long lay off it is simply good t be "out there".

I note that a few pounds have gone on over Xmas so its back to the fruit.