Training
Following the day on, day off routine it was cross training today, which meant the Bike! A touch over 42 kms along the Warby Trail, from Wandin Station to Yarra Junction and back again in about 1 hour 52 minutes. If I finish in less time than in takes Paul Tergat to finish a marathon I am happy.

This is a truly beautiful spot, whether you are riding or running (obviously I prefer the running), gently undulating and scenery that varies from Australian Bush, Farm Land, the odd Vineyard, suburbia and a touch of Europe. There are fields full of cows and sheep, horse riders, bunny rabbits (yes, I know they are a pest but they are sooo cute), even emu’s and reindeer, there were some great big black cockatoos today as well.

I’ll hook up with my long run buddies tomorrow, even if I am only planning on 12 kms it will still be a nice change to at least have some company for 6Km before I turn back.

Operation X
Or Build a Better Runner, sorry BlkBox, nice guess but it does not involve preparation for a particular marathon, though hopefully it will lay the foundations for my much sort after sub 100 minute half marathon in 2007 and an assault on a sub 3:20 marathon sometime in the future.

So what is it? Most of the details are in the page I have started dedicated to the topic. Needless to say it is about getting serious and really thinking, living and breathing like a runner. I want to have a crack at being the best I can be, not comparing myself to others, just reaching my own potential. So no excuses, no if’s, but’s or maybe’s, just dedication and focus, but never forgetting of course that I am doing this FOR FUN

It will start on 31/01/06 which serendipitously is a Sunday which is the day I plan on checking the physical progress and summarising the week. Obviously not looking forward to the weigh in tomorrow after only running about 45kms in December and, let’s face it, making a total PIG of myself but, it is what it is, just a starting point and I have throughly enjoyed myself.

I’ll also be making sure I keep my mind in check as well. I aim to maintain a strong and positive mental attitude, to believe in myself and my abilities and to trust in my training.

Bring on 2007.