Gearing up for Hamburg

On May 4, I'll be running the Hamburg Marathon. I'm over two-thirds through my training, and in the middle of the second of three peak mileage weeks - 80 kilometres total, including a 32 km long run. It's been a challenge, increasing my pace and mileage, but it's also been a good routine and great sightseeing! I run along the path below five days a week - it takes me past the Opera House and under the harbour bridge. It's an awesome route! Hopefully all the hard work will pay off with a strong race and PB in 5 weeks. My friend and running partner Mariana has been a real motivator and inspiration. If I keep working hard, maybe one day I'll be able to keep up with her!! (She is small but fast!)

Kiama

This week Paul and I took the train to Kiama, a small coastal town south of Sydney. From there, we walked a third of the area's 22 km coastal walk. We were treated to some spectacular views, and majestic rock formations along the way. Above is one of the many 'baths' or ocean pools found along the coast in NSW. Some are small, enclosed by rugged rock walls, while others are typical swimming pools that fill with ocean water during high tide. Paul, much heartier than I, hopped in shortly after the sunrise picture was taken for a polar swim!

Aussie Rules

Jenn and I took the ferry up the Paramatta River to the Sydney Olympic Park. I was excited to finally experience Aussie football - AFL. The game is hard to describe without seeing it yourself, but it combines parts of soccer, rugby, and football into something uniquely Australian. It is very popular, chaotic, and rough. But also highly skilled combining speed, power, and endurance.

The highlight of the game actually occurred off the field. The visiting Sydney Swans were winning by about 10 points in the final quarter. A little boy of about 8 years old was cheering wholeheartedly for his favorite team only a few rows in front of us. He sported a Swans jersey and was totally engrossed in the action of the game. Unfortunately the home team, the Giants mounted a comeback and scored three unanswered goals to take the lead. After each score the boy would look back at the video screen to review the scoring play with a growing look of panic and disappointment. By the third score, and as it became clear that the Giants were on their way to an upset win, the little boy started to cry. We felt a little sorry for him until we realized moments later that the boy was once again cheering enthusiastically but now wearing the jersey of the winning team, the Giants. As the boy and his family left their seats and walked past us the Giants scored again. The boy, confidently cheered "finish them!" with an enthusiastic fist pump. I asked the boy and his brother as they walked by "I thought you were a Swans fan?" His brother matter of fact stated "He swapped". A fair weather fan maybe but he certainly loves Aussie football.

The Night Sky

Paul and I went to the Sydney Observatory this week. Our timing was perfect as the sky was very clear. The Observatory has two telescopes: one built in 1874, the other computer-operated! Through the telescopes, we saw the moon, Jupiter and its moons, a star cluster and nebula. Below is a picture of the building. You can see one of the viewing domes on the left. It rotates and opens.

I've been making an effort to take more pictures recently. Here are a few new ones of the Sydney Harbour at sunrise, sunset and twilight (in that order). I'm going to miss that view! Jenn

Sporting Nation

This is truly a sporting nation. No ice and snow makes for a sporting dream of all year outdoor fun. We went to a rugby union game, which is the same rugby as back home, and were amazed how fast, athletic, and large these players were. It seems that there is a pro sports league for every sport in the country.
On our bike ride home from the game we spotted this aging dog wearing some very trendy glasses. You see some odd things on the streets of Sydney sometimes.