Saturday, 2 July 2011

Ben the Blog virgin

After an extremely freezing night under the roof of our reliable Ruby, we ventured out of our beds at 5:30am. We all knew it was going to be a tough morning when we initially wandered out of Ruby to have our morning wee and the grass crunched due to ice under our feet. The normal routine of breakfast and taping proceeded as planned and we set out to our designated starting point 3.4km past Barnawartha.
     We took our first steps at 7:15am quite gingerly and hesitant at the 45.3km task ahead of us. Initially we made good pace on the back roads with a helpful and enthusiastic drive from Samantha and Jacki. It was day 7 and the support team of Mark and Carlee were as strong as ever. Cannot thank them enough for the tireless efforts as at times if it wasn’t for them, another step would not be an option.
      Our drive for today was crossing into our home state of NSW and leaving the at times harsh Victoria. It was tough going when we hit the Hume Highway after our 16km on the back streets. We always find it mentally tough on the freeway due to the high degree of trucks and cars passing us in contrast to the quiet serenity of the back roads. The road conditions were not too hilly and we were able to complete our designated kilometers in great time.
     Joel’s arches due to the high level of taping were giving him large amount of attitude throughout the whole day. The funny thing is it isn’t actually the arch bringing down the big fellla rather the creases on the bottom of his feet caused by the tape. Joel was able to battle through and finish the day at a good pace and time finishing around 4:10pm.
     Nick, our road captain put in another good innings today. With Nick being struck down with a few niggling overuse injuries the last few days, he pushed through at a good pace. He is getting into a good rhythm and approach and in his own words “is getting on top of them”. 
     I think I am fairing the best of the three at this point in time. My unusual feet condition has started to subside and move from my feet up my leg. Due to this I have been able to put together some good running periods push hard throughout the day finishing at about 3:55pm.
Cheers to Chris and Jon at All Seasons Tourist Park in Albury for the free accommodation for the night too.
Ben

We saw a funny roller blading skier man called Bob, crossed the border to NSW and its Nicks birthday which were probably the biggest events of the day.

PS sorry about the photos, Bloggy is being a Blog... up tomorrow some time, maybe even 5am so tune in ;)
Joel
    
What Joel said.
Nick

Yeah
Joel

1 comment:

  1. I only just noticed the little symbol at the bottom of each blog where you can post a comment.I been reading the blog every day & praying for safety & well being for you all.Sounds like you guys are physically doing it tough but mentally pushing through.What determination!Reminds me of those SAS soldier training TV shows- but with a sense of humour.As a BC survivor its great to know you care enough to endure the hardship.THANK YOU! Hang In there.
    It is through Awareness that we Understand.
    It is through Understanding that we Unite.
    It is through Uniting that we overcome.

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