Another Busy Weekend

... and its only Saturday afternoon!

After last weeks weekend in Sydney we decided to follow it up with another fun Friday and Saturday this week. Our accreditation passes from the Masters Games last week allowed us to travel for free on the train network and with those not expiring until this Sunday it seemed a shame to waste them. So Beth and I decided to take another trip to Sydney this time with Alfie, Liam and Joel. It was an early start with all five of us (... we did think by the end of the day what it would be like to have three children... views do differ!) at the station ready for the train. There was time for one freight train to come speeding past to startle Alfie before we all boarded for the nearly three hour trip for the total of $6 (... 3 quid!) This was my first train journey in Australia and I was impressed with the three floor level coaches and the changeable seats which can have you facing in your chosen direction... easily impressed you say?

We arrived in Sydney without too many "Are we there yets?" and made the short walk to the Aquarium, which we also had some vouchers for.... cheap family day out!?!? We took a good look at all the tanks, but particularly enjoyed the tunnels to see the Dugons and the Sharks. We managed to ask some questions of the divers in the largest tank and Alfie managed to spot a "Nemo" before a very large shark glided past the glass to startle him for the second time that day!



Back outside a now exhausted Alfie fell asleep in his stroller giving us the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy one of the street performers. Liam managed to get in on the act earning a $5 note for the throwing of a saucer, cup and spoon which were kicked on to the head of the entertainer who was riding a uni cycle at the same time!!!!

It was then back to the train and the long journey home which was passed with the aid of a DVD player, a pack of playing cards, a small child's rucksack filled with various toys and some crisps! After a twelve hour trip McDonald's was calling as were our beds!

On Saturday morning Beth dropped me off at my charity run, around a local reserve that we've only just started to explore, while Joel went to a birthday party. Beth, Alfie and Liam then returned in time to watch the start, the struggle at half way and the staggering finish. I finished 6th overall which I was fairly pleased with and in a good time considering the course but I'm most pleased about the fact that the pains seem to have gone away! Alfie and Liam enjoyed the wildlife talk that was taking place, and Liam even managed to get involved as an assistant (... pattern developing here!!!!)

... not sure what the rest of the weekend has in store!!!

Olga jumps into the record books...

Last week we posted that we had met Olga Kotelko a Canadian althlete at the World Masters Games... looks like she's enjoyed it as much as we did.

Canadian athlete Olga Kotelko yesterday leapt into the record books as the oldest woman ever to compete in the long jump at the World Masters Games.
Kotelko, 90, jumped 1.71 metres to win her sixth Games gold medal and then took her haul to a magnificent seven by throwing the discus 13.42m at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre.
The sprightly nonagenarian, who lists 100-year-old Ruth Frith as her idol, was the only long jumper in her division but she still has a competitive spirit, looking forward to one day having some rivals.
“That’s the name of the game, I would love to see others in my age category,” said Kotelko, of 2010 Olympics city Vancouver.
“At the moment, I’m having to compete with my own records and try to better those.”
While Kotelko only took up athletics when she hit 77 she attributed her Canadian country roots to her success on the field.
“I used to milk 15 cows by hand. It was very physical work,” Kotelko explained.
“I was the seventh of 11 children. We all had to do our bit around the farm.”
Today, however, Kotelko adopts a slightly different training regime that takes her 90 minutes to complete and incorporates some very forward-thinking approaches.
“I designed my training program myself. It involves reflexology, yoga and meditation,” Kotelko said.

Back Home...

As much fun as Beth and I together down in Sydney it was certainly nice to get back home to be with Alfie. It has really been the first time we've been away anywhere without him for more than the odd night. We know that he was in safe hands, but it was strange to be without him. We also know that with Junior coming along in February it might be the last opportunity for a while...



We have some plans for the rest of the week, so keep an eye on What's Doing Down Under...

World Masters Games ... Recovery & Reflection.

Day three had a later and slower start than day two. I was certainly sore and Beth was tired from two days of being support person.... sorry coach! ;0) It was a great day to think things over, reflect on the last few months and the day before.

Being at these games will have a lasting impact on Beth and I. Beth seems quite fired up about wanting to get fit and active, while I continue to be pleased with the progress I've made since picking up the running shoes again in April. It does make me wonder what potential there may be in there as my times improve. I've certainly come back more determined to keep pushing forward with half an eye on a trip to the UK via the next World Masters Games in Torino, Italy in 2013. Who knows maybe I could improve on my 7th place finish???

We were also both blown away by some of the stories that we heard and the people we met. While headline writers might take the easy route towards the "Golden Grannies" etc to fill column inches it is worth noting that competitors ranged from 24 to 101, many of whom had competed at the highest levels (former Olympic Champions and World Record holders!)I've been a little disappointed with some of the media coverage here in Australia, and the only mention of the games on the BBC website was on the humour page! I was however interested to read an article on the Mail Online which featured two of the athletes we spoke with. Ruth from Australia being the oldest female athlete at the games (... there was a 101 year old man at the Lawn Bowls!)



and Olga from Canada aged 90.



Both were amazing people to speak to, inspirational and humble in equal measure. When I congratulated Ruth on her Shot Putt Gold and World Record... her response was one of embarrassment and "Well I was the only competitor!" ... amazing ... we watched her win the Hammer Throw today!

As the only competitor in the event Frith just had to show up to take out gold but the guaranteed win didn't stop her training six days a week and bench-pressing 35kg in preparation. At Sydney's Olympic Park yesterday she urged others to "set out and give it a try". "Just try – they could be surprised," she said.

When we spoke to Olga today I was amazed how focused she was, she had a handful of cue cards with motivational things written down, routines and reminders etc. She was and still is very much an athlete. Everyone at these games, whatever their ability or performance gave their best seemed to consider themselves an athlete. There seemed to be no disgrace in being last, by some considerable distance in some cases, they had the confidence to get involved and give their best. I actually felt (... in my head,. legs were saying NO!) by the end of today that maybe I should have entered some of the other events that I routinely run on Tuesdays, but didn't feel comfortable entering before...

Something has changed...

VIDEO: Masters games opens in Sydney

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World Masters Games ... Race Day.

It was an early start on Sunday with a 5am alarm and preparation time. I was glad that I had set everything out the night before as I didn't end up with the time to spare that I thought I would have. Time for a quick breakfast and then up to Olympic Park again for the race. It was quite a still morning, cool and so pretty much perfect for running. I didn't feel that confident based on the pain I was experiencing during the week and to be honest I had no idea if I could finish the race as I hadn't run since the Tuesday night.

I went through my warm ups thoroughly and prepared for the starters gun. I think there were around a thousand runners from 92 countries who set out on the two lap course of the park...



The first lap went as planned and in a good time without any pain, I managed to stay out of trouble as several people came to blows with traffic cones, bollards, each other and slippery corners. I started to feel the pace on the second lap and the lower leg pain resurfaced although this time in another place which in the cold light of day I'm pleased about as it suggests a niggle rather than anything more sinister! I've been concentrating on dropping my arms a little so that I can relax my upper body (coaches at my club have identified this as something to work on!) I managed this for quite a while but the height of the arms seems very closely linked to my level of discomfort! ... check the pictures!



There was a little cramp at the finish but nothing like that I'd experienced earlier. The fact that I'd run my best time of the year by twenty seconds also eased away the pain! It was then out of the stadium for a warm down and see Beth who had been following the race throughout. My time placed me 131st but more importantly 7th in my age group. I was delighted with the time and pleased with my placing considering the poor lead up week that I'd had. I'm confident that there is more in there... I've actually come away from the games buzzing about running inspired by some of the athletes I've met. More on that in the next post...

We spent the rest of the day visiting other venues before entering the Olympic Stadium (... Now ANZ Stadium) for the opening ceremony... it was quite nice to enjoy that without having to worry about competing the next day. I had some well deserved beers and we enjoyed the ceremony watching the athletes parade into the stadium. The singing of the Australian national anthem was moving as was the oath we had to stand to take.

After the ceremony, complete with Leo Sayer (... he's an Aussie now!), we walked off into the night back to the car, some fourteen hours after we'd parked it there!

What an amazing day...

World Masters Games ... Wicked (.. Just!)

Our Masters Games experience started with some frantic packing for us and Alfie on Friday night ready for an early morning trip to Sydney. Despite packing everything that I needed for the trip including the run, Alfie seemed to end up with more baggage for his stays with Uncle Matt and Auntie Sharron on Saturday and Amy and Mitchel our neighbours on Sunday. With Alfie safely delivered and detailed instructions issued were made the two hour trip south.

On arrival at Sydney Olympic Park we set about picking up our accreditation passes and backpacks. The fact that the Games were held at real Olympic venues made the games all the more special, the wearing of passes and all that goes with being an "athlete" made me and my "accompanying person" (... Beth is now calling herself my trainer!) feel the part. We quickly moved through the trade exhibition and the merchandise stall, we spent a bit but it could have been worse. I'll settle for the t-shirt, mug, towel, stubbie holder, pin badge and commemorative coin!!! Everything was going so smoothly the show, Wicked - the musical, was booked for 2pm... it was only 11:00am ... we ambled to the athletics track to pick up the timing chip for my shoes and my number bib, then off for a planned leisurely lunch before the show which was a Beth's birthday treat. Despite being an athletics venue there was nothing speedy about the admin, and two hours later we were still in line waiting. The organisation here was poorer than anything I'd ever seen at any race, in fact the local race ten minutes down the road had a better system! To cut a very long story short I emerged with numbers aloft around 1:10pm and ran to a taxi that would now rush us to the city.



We arrived at the beautiful Capitol Theatre with about ten minutes to spare... phew... sit back relax and enjoy the show!!! Wicked was ... well Wicked... and you should go to see it should you have the chance! - It was a real spectacle. After the show it was back on the train to Olympic Park (... yes still wearing official accreditation! It was quite funny to see so many people in the city with the same lanyards and backpacks) all the public travel was free for us during our stay which was great. On arrival I did some carbohydrate loading with a bowl of pasta and just the one light beer! Then it was back into the car to our Formule 1 hotel. The same chain has a hotel in Olympic Park but were charging double the price we paid for being a 10 minute drive away. Formule 1 is very much a low budget accommodation option that I doubt Usain Bolt uses, but it did the job for us. Kitted out like a cross between a prison room and a below the water line ships cabin but as I said it did the job for the amount of time we actually spent there! ... to paint you a clearer picture hot food was available once you had put your coins in the vending machine, which dispensed your chilled meal which you then microwaved your self!!!

Then it was lay out the kit for the morning ready for the early start...

Let the games begin...

Just finishing the packing for the trip down to Sydney. We're doing a show today and then the opening ceremony and race on Sunday, returning on Monday. Nervous, excited hoping that it was just cramp all along!!!



From the Sydney Morning Herald...

AND from all the lands on earth they come … Just under 9000 of them, in fact, from 95 countries, who are visitors to our fair city to compete in the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games, which begins competition today across

72 venues, aided by no fewer than 6000 volunteers.

Held every four years since Toronto in 1985, this year's version of the Masters Games, as the world's largest multi-sport event, with 28,000 other athletes across 28 sports, is twice the size of the Olympics.

But unlike in the Olympics, competitors are neither representing their countries, nor necessarily have to be outstanding in their sport, with a culture celebrating participation rather than winning, and the "Master" designation relying more on the fact that most athletes are over 35.

However, some are truly outstanding, and none more so than the mighty Ruth Frith, 100, from Brisbane, who has entered in the hammer throw, weight throw, shot put, discus and the throws pentathlon - and is the world record-holder in all those events for the over-100 age category. Still she is not the oldest competitor. Reg Trewin, 101, from Griffith, competing in the mixed pairs lawn bowls, has that honour. Meanwhile, Australia's son-in-law, Prince Frederik of Denmark, 41, is competing in the 35-plus class for tasar sailing, Beverly Waugh will demonstrate to the cricket twins Steve and Mark her outstanding skill with a squash ball and rugby's Phil Kearns will show us whether he is a better swimmer than he was a lineout thrower.

The Games continue for the next eight days and will bring an estimated $50 million into the NSW economy, with many competitors staying on for holidays after it is all over.

A pain in the ....

... shin!



With just five days of running to go until the World Masters Games in Sydney I've managed to injure myself. After spending a day in the garden digging and pottering about I rushed off to my track session. Arriving late it was time for a few quick laps before starting the 3km race. I managed to finish in a fairly quick time, some four seconds slower than my fastest but fairly pleasing. However after getting my breath back I struggled to my feet and found it very painful to even walk a recovery lap. Both legs were cramping up my shin, the only way I could stop it was stretching and walking backwards!!!

Now this isn't too much of a problem as the hard work has already been done, athletes (... and weekend road warriors like me!) taper the week before a race. I am concerned however that this could be the dreaded shin splits which strikes fear into the hearts and minds of all runners! I've rested, elevated, massaged and iced all this week in the hope that the pain I'm having is just the discomfort left behind after the cramp! The fact that I can walk pain free is a good sign... however I'm unlikely to really know until Sunday morning.



Having to withdraw would be disappointing, embarrassing and painful (... mostly in the wallet area!)

Richley Reserve...

With a little time on our hands we decided to get out and explore some new spots. We found another part of reserve which we go to quite often. It was a beautiful little spot with wood BBQ's set up ready to go and picnic benches around a pond. We think that we might take a picnic up there during the Summer.




Alfie did some exploring scrambling over rocks, had a play in the park and a sit down for a snack. A lovely family morning...

Photography...

Alfie seems to be catching on to more and more things... he also seems to mimic most of the things he sees us doing. This week he managed to get his hands on the camera, hold it up to his eye (not sure when he's seen us do that!) and make a clicking noise...



... you can only imagine the excitement when we switched the thing on and allowed him to take some pictures. Here are his first attempts!

Alfie Month by Month...

Christenings and Birthdays ...

On Sunday we had a great day with the Murdoch family as they celebrated the Christening of twins Bella and Jack, and the second birthday of Noah. While we might have missed some of the celebrations due to a much needed lengthy daytime sleep for an increasingly cranky Alfie, we did manage to be there for most of the day.



They've certainly had a busy year with Noah and the twins but they do an amazing job somehow! They're great parents and the kids are great too. Alfie has developed quite a frienship with Noah, I'm sure they will be great pals in the future. A great time was had by all...

Spring into Summer...

Clocks went forward here last night as we spring foward into Summer and therefore the difference is ten hours until the clocks go back in the UK and the difference becomes a much easier to handle eleven hours. We find that much easier in terms of getting in touch with people at home.



There is the usual debate everytime the clocks change about the reasons for or against what we call "Daylight Saving." Various states have trialed Daylight Saving and/or held referendums on the subject! As a result the situation is somewhat chaotic with five separate Australian time zones during our Summer.

Canberra 2009...

Today marks the end of Term Three (.. we have four!) which has been really busy. I can now look forward to two weeks of catching up with all those things that I haven't had time to do in the last ten weeks. This week has been a long one as I've been down in the Australian Capital Territory visiting the capital of Australia, Canberra.



We made the six plus hour coach trip down along with one hundred and twenty Year five and six students. We had a packed itinerary consisting of visits to Parliament House, Australian Mint, Australian Institute of Sport, Galleries, The War Memorial and Questicon a hands on Science Museum.





The students were great and really enjoyed the experience as did I, although I did miss being at home. We have had limited opportunities to really explore what is a huge continent... Canberra is a start! It would have certainly helped me prepare for our Citizenship test that we hope to take before Australia Day in January! What I did notice was the difference in temperature, particularly on one morning when I went out for a run with the temperature struggling to get above 0 degrees.

More Dust...

We're having another dust storm this morning and so it looks like a day inside doing family stuff. To be honest it was forecast during the week and so we didn't bother cleaning up too much after Wednesdays storm. The car washes have been absolutely packed all week and every business is looking for a dust angle, I actually saw a jewellery shop advertising a "Get the dust out of your Jewellery" offer!

Doesn't seem to be as bad as the last one, but still not very pleasant.

Do you have anything in a smaller size?

With pregnancy not far from conversation at home or at school (... lots of babies due there too!) the birth of Akbar Risuddin, or Risuddin the Great in Arabic, raised lots of eyebrows. He is the largest ever recorded baby — a 19.2-pound (8.7-kilogram) boy born by cesarean section to a diabetic mother in Indonesia.



Left Risuddin the great on the right the average sized newborn!

Average isn't a word that sits comfortably with some people, but in this case....

The Bub...

Well depending on your view of pregnancy (glass half full or half empty!) Beth is now twenty weeks and after a scan at our local Hospital everything seems to be progressing well. I'm not sure if our previous experiences are anything to do with it but we are certainly more concerned parents with this one... so it was good to take a good look at Number Two and put minds at rest of a while at least!



It is at twenty weeks that some attempt at determining gender can be made, however with Number Two being as active as he/she is and not keeping still for more than two seconds they were unwilling to take a stab. Hopefully that will mean no room painting during the coming holidays! Alfie quite enjoyed the scan experience but soon wanted to escape the room and explore the hospital including the vending machines which he seems to think are some sort of amusement arcade!

His answer to do you want a baby brother/sister? ... is at this stage a resounding "NO!"

Comforts of Home...

We had some roof insulation fitted last week care of the Australian Government. Insulation is a word that seemingly hadn't existed in the Australian vocabulary until about six months ago. Our house can be like a fridge in the Winter even during relatively warm winters and like a blast furnace in the Summer! The Government is so keen for people to save money and the environment that they are offering huge savings on things like insulation, solar water heaters and water tanks.



You can only claim for one so we opted for the roof insulation as we have none at the moment and with a tin roof the heat certainly comes through. So keen are fitters of the furry stuff that they even go and make the claim for the insulation material for you, to the value of $1600 which is about 700 quid. It seems that every Ute (Australia's equivalent of the white transit!) is piled high with the stuff...

Hopefully we can stay cooler this Summer, save some money and the do a little less damage to the environment.

And its was all Yellow...

It was something of a wild and windy night. I was certainly blowing hard down at the track on Tuesday night and only got worse. We woke on Wednesday morning to a very strange and errie sight it was as there was an orange light shining through the blinds. A dust storm had blown through from "out West" where pretty much everything is red and carried with it dust which turned the air orange!



I managed to take some snaps which look as if they've been tinted with sepia!



The journey to work was an interesting one with 100km winds and little visability. The beetle doesn't cope well with wind being the flat screened aerodynamic wonder that it is! I got to work exhausted after the wrestling match!



School was still open although the students had to stay inside all day... thankfully everyone just about survived that ordeal. Any teacher will tell you that windy days unsettle kids... windy orange coloured days!!! Well you can only imagine! People with asthma were particularly vulnerable and there was also the risk of flying debris.



When I got home the air had cleared and the wind had died down a little. EVERYTHING including some stuff inside is covered in the red dust, and the wind has damaged our shade sails and snapped one of the posts as if it was a matchstick.

Want to read more? -
Newcastle Herald
Sydney Morning Herald

VIDEO: Dust storm slideshow

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Richmond Vale Railway...

With Beth seemingly insisting that her birthday is more than just the one day most people have we decided to take a trip to a local railway museum for a fun day. A quick look at Google maps (...we thought!) was enough and off we went packed up with a picnic. After about an hour in the car traveling up and down the same country roads we stopped in small park for something to eat. I managed to find a shop open and get some directions...

We arrived at the Museum a few minutes later and spent some time looking around the exhibits. We soon found out that people who love trains can be as boring as people who love running... its all they talk about!! One of them took a shine to Beth and filled her in at length about all the history of the former mining line and its engines! Alfie loved the trains and was quite excited when ever the train tooted. He also managed to get a ride on Toby from Thomas the Tank Engine.



After all the train excitement it was time for an ice cream and a pony ride. The journey home was much shorter than the journey there!!