Sparkie's rundiary

Lots of exciting social outings have offset a shit week for running. Probably best to attack this chronologically, but if you only read my blog for running stuff, you may just want to skim this...

Wednesday last week (7th), I was a model of dedication, and headed out in the rain at 5:30am for a 90 minute run. Followed the City to Surf course from Ocean St to the finish (about 12km) and then Bondi to home again - a total of 17.2 km in 78m minutes. Felt pretty comfortable - was even warm when I headed out - but a downpour at about 40 minutes (the third day in a row I have been trapped in one) justified my apparel decision.

Unfortunately, about 20 minutes from home, my left foot really began to hurt. Normally, I would have pulled up, but at 6:15 in the morning, soaking wet, and with no money on me, my options were limited. Upshot was that I was in quite a bit of pain for the next two days, ruling out anything even slightly run-like, and leaving me pretty down.

Things picked up Friday night when we headed to the Split Enz reunion concert. That Amelia and I were probably in the bottom quartile age-wise was a bit of a shock. 'Evermore' were the support band - I wouldn't run out and buy their album, but they were a great live act. The main event was everything you would expect - all their hits (and you forget how many they had) played well, although Neil Finn definitely struggles with the high-notes these days. A great concert - not quite in the Elvis Costello league - but a great night out - particularly as they didn't have a new album to promote - so I knew every song.

Up bright and early on Saturday, as Louis and I were headed on a road trip to Dubbo - a lad's weekend if you will (although Sally the Labrador was there to represent her gender). Arrived without incident (except a mild outburst when the Wiggles were swapped for Placebo), to discover when Bronte (Sally's sister, who moved to the country when we became inner-city dwellers) greeted us, and despite my sister wording me up, SHE IS FAT! Country life (and sleeping on beds every night) is obviously agreeing with her. Her and Sally took a while to readjust (they had been apart for five months), but by day two were thick as thieves again (much to Silky - the other Dubbo dog's - disgust). Foot injury aside, full-time parenting leaves little time for running - particularly with a uni assignment due that weekend.

Home on Tuesday, working Wednesday and Thursday, and a five minute run on Thursday afternoon. The foot felt OK for 5 minutes, but probably wouldn't have lasted 10, so off to PodRunner I go. Was very, very worried that I had another stress fracture, to the point where I poured the remaining Pepsi in the house down the sink (apparently the phosphorous in caffeine drinks inhibits calcium absorption), and upped my milk intake (I was lactose intolerant when I was younger, and hate milk).

Friday was the day we had been waiting for for 5 months - WIGGLE DAY. Unfortunately, we have moved to the other side of Sydney since we bought the tickets, so another road trip to Hornsby was to be had, with Louis' Nana making a 3:1 adult to child ratio. An auditorium floor filled with children and guardians gave me Beslan flashbacks, but these soon passed. The ad for the show was very frank "MAY NOT CONTAIN ALL ORIGINAL MEMBERS" - so there was some trepidation as they came on-stage. However, out came Greg, Anthony, Murray and Jeff, along with the REAL Captain Feathersword. Louis was interested, without being engaged, and only a couple of his well practised dance steps were brought out. This was on par for about half the kids there, with arm actions being forced by parents acting as puppeteers.

Big plug for The Wiggles - these guys have been doing this for 15 years, and yet still looked like they were having a ball, and loving every minute of it. They have shows coming up in December, which we will try and get along to, providing we can find someone to look after Louis.

Headed in to see PodRunner this afternoon in the City (discovered it's about 10 minutes quicker to ride than catch the bus), expecting the worst. Better news than expected - looks like cuboid friction, whereby a tendon is rubbing against a bone in my foot (funnily enough, the cuboid). Initially, my foot has been strapped to provide extra support, with the next step being a change to my orthotics. Apparently my hyper-flexibility is not the useful superpower it sounds, and warnings of imminent hip replacements were hinted at (insert melodramatic background music). Planning to try out my reinforced foot on Sunday.

# posted by Sparkie @ 6:54 PM