Brick and Quary (Equally Exhausting)

One of my unwritten/unspoken (sort of) rules during my training is that I get back for a 10am family breakfast at the weekend. This seems to keep everyone happy and it means that we can have breakfast and get out and still have the day together as a family. It also means that if I want to get a decent session in I have to get up early. This morning I wanted to do a 2hr ride and then a 90min run. Unfortunately by the time I got my @r$e out of bed and got everything ready it was too late to fit it in so I cut it back to a 2hr ride and a 10k route. I also knew that we were going to a disused quarry's open day after breakfast (Jo saw it in the paper) and I figured it might involve some walking. Not so great after a brick.

The ride went really well. Not great speed but I managed to find a more comfortable aero position and felt strong when I pushed it in the 4th lap. I did 5 laps of a 10K route. Details are on the Buckeye link to the right.

Coming off the bike my legs felt as dead as they normally do. Just kept telling myself that it was 'normal' and they would come right. Again this is probably all in the mind but my legs came 'right' much quicker than usual. Compression socks? Who knows but I'm still loving them.

I wanted to break the hour for the 10K running route and I was really pleased to see Sub29 mins at the halfway point. The route home is more downhill and so I was confident that I could at least do the same time. I also felt fairly fresh at this point and tried to speed up especially on the flats. I still 'shuffled' up the hills but came down them strong. I have a lot more confidence in my leg muscles now especially my calfs and so I pushed it as much as I could. I got back home in just under 27 mins for a total time of 55:33 for a Sub9 minute mile pace. Really enjoying my running at the moment. Hoping it lasts until Rotorua! I would love to go Sub2 for the run.

The quarry visit was great ... even if it was like a workout itself. There was lots of walking and climbing but this meant spectacular views and great photo opportunities ... which kept me happy.

We've seen this demo many times over the years but it still fascinates Adam. He managed to time our passing that area to see it three times today.

Lots of quirky sculptures all over the place

Jo's Little House on the Prairie pose

A rest about halfway up to the top. Adam wanted to do the abseiling but when we got to the top the queue was too long and so down we walked.

My attempt at an arty farty shot. Didn't quite work but it's still a pic of the Mount so it makes it onto the blog

More traditional pic of the Mount

I need a lie down now.