All good things must come to an end and so does my rest day. I was up at 5am for breakfast before my 3.5 hour cycle followed by 20 minute run. There was no wind but it was chilly to start with – about minus three when I left at about 6.20am. The plan today was to head out Barton Highway, down Nanima Rd and then turn left onto Murrumbateman Rd and head towards Barton Highway and Murrumbateman.
Its been at least 8 years since I’ve ridden this route but not a lot has changed. They’ve taken out the wooden bridge on Murrumbatemen Rd which is great because I was always worried about my tyres getting stuck between the slats – I’ve had a couple of close calls.
As I was riding towards the turnoff onto Murrumbateman Rd I could see a runner ahead. I was pretty sure I knew who it was but wanted to get closer to make sure before calling out – didn’t want to make a complete idiot of myself! And yep, it was who I thought it was – Louy who lives out that way. Out doing her training for the big event – San Francisco Nike half marathon! It’s not often that I see someone I know while I’m out doing my long rides so it made a nice change. We stopped and chatted for a bit before heading on our separate ways.
And as soon as I turned on to Murrumbateman Rd I was swooped by a feral magpie who hit my helmet. As I was again further along the road, though this particular magpie tended not to get too close to my helmet but swooped above me.
The return trip was not as pleasant mainly because of a headwind which made hard work of the cycle home. Not that it looked like there was a wind – the leaves and branches on the trees didn’t seem to be moving but trust me, there was a wind and it wasn’t pleasant.
The highlight of the ride – chatting to Louy. The lowlights – swooping magpies and the headwind.
The run was pretty much the standard CJ shuffle for 4km with 7 short ‘fast’ intervals focussing on turnover. My focus really was to make sure I didn’t trip over my own 2 feet!
In total: 83km ride and 4km run.
Then it was a mad dash to shower, make a banana protein smoothie which I drank on the way to my massage appointment, followed by fruit and vegie shopping at the mall.
Tonight I made an Orange & Lemon Delicious pudding from Stephanie Alexander’s Cooks Companion – it really was delicious! 
Tomorrow: the plan is to do a long run. But not before a well deserved sleep in. The alarm is off!
“Ask yourself, ‘Can I give more?’ The answer is usually ‘Yes.’” – Paul Tergat, two-time Olympic 10,000m silver medalist
That was a good day. No magies on my run today so I guess I’ve found a magpie-free route. Glad there were no CJs. Do you ever get flat tyres on those long rides? How many tubes do you carry?
Flats don’t happen very often. I think last time I did this sort of training I probably got about 2 flats in 12 months. I carry 2 tubes. But I think I’d be tempted to call home & get someone come & get me
I haven’t seen a maggie yet that wants to fly let alone dive at me. Very tame & timid where I go. Glad you enjoyed your day, well done.
The local maggies are fine. It’s the ones out of town that swoop. Though I have seen a couple of posties being hassled by maggies.
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