Kurrawa to Duranbah 25km

Ran the 25km Kurrawa to Durranbah without too much pain and a reasonable time of 2:12:13. I could have probably shaved off the 7 mins to make a 2:05 (5min k's) but would have had to dig really deep for that, it was quite a hot sunny day. My plan was to take it easy and not race the clock and use this as just a test run to get to know my ability level and learn how to keep a pace - I've never run that far before.

I placed right in the middle - 20th out of 41 (25k solo runners).
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Maybe I'll have a go at the 50k another year but this time I was happy to not be running all the way back again. The return would have been a hot 30°+ in full summer sun. The course is somewhat unique, in that you can see to the finish from the start. Its a bit full on looking down to Coolangatta way off in the distance thinking "shit! I have to run to there!! is this a good idea?" but its surprising how quickly the k's disappear.

Anyway it was good fun and I'm now confident I can cover 42.195km with another 14 weeks until the Tokyo Marathon.

Faces

Just hope the wind doesn't change.

Side Garden

The side strip at our place has gone through a metamorphosis in the past few months. Previously a barren unused weed garden, now a luscious green grassed space with a stone way and thriving vege garden complete with gate and balcony accessibility... much nicer.

Monster Storm

This shot is taken from Cabarita headland. It looked amazing in real life. An almost living, moving surging mass.

Swimmer

Tia is becoming very comfortable in the water. Since last week she has learned to now take 4 or 5 breaths, swim about 10 body lengths and hold her breath to pick up items at the bottom of the pool. Amazing. Yes I sound like the proud Daddy... but with justification... she is half fish ; )

Tia drawing on her whiteboard

Have you seen my birds?

My Little Birds B and C have been missing for a few days now – too long. They were very loyal to return each day, so this can only mean that they have gotten into trouble and probably will not be seen again.

I can justify their fairly short lives (13months old) by the fact that they were ones full of adventure, fun, good health and prestige over their wild brethren (they had the best of both worlds - being free to live and fly outside also with the security of their cage(home) always offering good food, fresh water and protection from the weather and predators). I know they knew they had it good.

R.I.P. little birdy's. They have given Tia Ayako and I much enjoyment throughout their lives. These photos were taken of them sitting in their favourite tree just a few days before they disappeared.

Brandenburg Orchestra

We went to The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra in Brisbane again last night. The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra is an Australian period instrument orchestra specialising in the performance of baroque and classical music.

This year they played Handels - Water Music. Very enjoyable. Followed by a few Belgium beers with Matt, one of the violin players, since we were in the vicinity ; )