Thursday, September 23, 2010

The end is nigh

Yesterday I did a lot of travelling around London, I went and wandered around the Hampstead area, I caught the tube over to where the Olympics is going to be held, I could see where the Athletes Village was getting built, looks huge, the area will be turned in Apartments after the evnt, between the Stratford railway station (the major Oylmpic transport hub) and the Vilage is a another Westfield shopping centre going up, it will be open in 12 months time, i would go out and buy westfield shares.

I then caught the tube over to the Canary Wharf area, it has been built up over the last 10-20 years from where the old docklands were, very impressive, tall buildings, apartment blocks, lots of underground shopping areas, very good in the colder weather.

I set a new record on my trip, i didn't eat for over 8 hours from breakfast to dinner, I finally did the Pasta, Pizza & salad bar round the corner from my hotel for 7 pound.

This morning I got up early and caught the tube to St Pauls cathederal and then ran along the Thames until Parliment House and ran back to the hotel via the 3 parks St James, Green & Hyde Park. When I am here I alwys think that I am going to run into somebody I know, i was only 400 metres from my hotel still running in the park, when somebody grabbed from the side, it was somebody I knew from BBQ stakes, he had been in London 5 days and staying 1km from me, I was surprised I had n't seen him before, it is a small world.

I better get going, I am checking out in 30 minutes, I am going to do one last post, maybe at Heathrow or Bangkok airport, I want to do my reflections of the trip.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Quiet day at the Office

I did my usual 12km run yesterday morning, then I went back to Westfield and did some shopping, I didn't think I would see the day that buying running & cycling gear in the Uk was way cheaper than Australia, but it is.
I went into a Sports Store and I tried on some running shoes, they were called Fell shoes, they are used for way off road runs, Mountain runs, 6 foot track, those sort of runs, the size 10 was too small and that was there biggest size, I will try a shop in paddington today. I did buy a pair of long bicycle pants & track suit pants for a total of 20 pound, what a bargain.

Then I watched the movie Inception for Leonardo Dic., very impressive and intense movie, the sound effects in the new theatre were great, it is nearly 2 1/2 hours long, Maria o you were right you have to concentrate the whole way thru or you will looose your way.

At night I caught a slow bus (they are all slow) to Piccadly Circus, took some tourist shots there and then onto Leicester Square for some more night shots, got some souvineers on the way back, I was looking for these and got them really cheap, see you all.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Another day in London

Yesterday, I did my usual 12km run but this time, I ran from Hyde park thru Green park past Buckingham palace and back again, I don't think Lizzie was at home. I had my usual big breakfast, keeps me going thru the day.

I decided to see a couple of museums today, first I went to see the Bank of England, it has quite a bit of history of the Pound, the actual Bank area in the city, Inflation & all the usual money things. Then I went to the Museum of London, it shows all the history of the city of London starting from the pre roman times to the current times, showing the effects of the Great Fire of London of 1666, the most interesting thing was that a Frenchmen confessed to starting the fire and he was hanged a few months, later they discovered that he couldn't have started it because he arrived in London after the Fire.

After my museum trips I walked past St Pauls Cathedral and went down to the Thames. I then wandered along the river, there is so much to see, plenty of free sites, went and had a look at cenvent Garden as well, there is plenty of road works and building going on, it is really slowing things down. There is a comment in the paper that when they have dedicated lanes for the Olympics in 2012 the traffic is going to come to a standstill, I tried catching a bus in the afternoon, it was so slow I got out and walked and then caught the tube back to the hotel.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Sunday in London

Started the day again with a run around Hyde Park, this time I first ran around the Serpentine Lake, which is about 3-4kms around and then criss crossed the park to get my 12kms in.

Just before 12 I headed out to Camden to look at the markets there, caught the tube out to Camden Town station, the markets were setup along the street and around the Camden lock, around this area one the main water ways runs past, there are quite a few house boats in this area. Further on I had a look at the Stables market which I hadn't seen before, very impressive, heaps of Foreign foods, it was like a mini Canberra Food festival, but the food here looked better, plus there were a few stange stalls selling weird & wonderful stuff, there was a strange shop, quite big called Cyberborg or something like that, it was like walking into a Devo film clip, you had to see it and hear the music, hard to explain, also out of the front there were 2 silver like Robots or Cyborgs standing about 5-10 metres high, so I knew that something was wierd inside.

From Camden I caught a bus to Sheperds Bush/White City, I was off to see the new Westfield Shopping centre built here, it was Westfields prime overseas investment, its only been open 12 months or less, going by bus enables you to see much more along the way, I was lucky that the bus ran exactly between the 2 places I wanted to visit today.

The shopping centre is very grand, the best I have seen, very spacious, makes use of natural light, they have had some Australian displays for the past week, today they showing off the cycling event Tour down under, they had Phil Leggett the famous commentator talking about it and they had a few cyclists doing some riding on trainers. I checked out the movie theatre, it is suppose to have the latest & greatest movie sound & picture gimmics, I have booked myself to see 'Inception' on tuesday afternoon, I will let you know if it lives up to all there advertised hype.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

A Run, a Football match & a Buffet

This morning I did my first run in London around Hyde Park, if you follow the outer most tracks, you will get a 7-8km run in, I did a few extra tracks to get me over 12kms, the Pope is in town and they have setup a big fence near Hyde park corner for the Papal Vigil tonite (people have paid to see him), I thought a vigil meant that people will just wait there hoping that he will turn up to see him there, doesn't mean he will get there.

After the run I had breakfast at the hotel, I surprised that most of the people staying there were fairly young (younger than me), I thought the hotel would attract an older crowd, but I am supposing that people staying could be here for the Papal visit.

I listed to a bit of the Saints v dogs AFL game on Interne radio, then I went out by Tube to Ealing Broadway to look at a few shops.

Then I caught a bus to Brentford to go watch a football match, they are in the NPower Div 1 Leaugue which is the old Third division comp. Brentford are my good mate Nick Smith's (from work) team that he supports, they were playing Hartlepool. The crowd was about 4,700, a real suburban team, the game ended up 0-0, but surprisingly is wasn't a bad match, both teams had plenty of chances to win, a draw was fairly appropriate.

Tonite I decided to try the Indian banquet, I did the 4.95 pound vegetarian one, which was really nice, there were plenty of choices, they were not really hot, but very tasty, another night I will try the full banquet which includes chicken & lamb dishes.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Weymouth to London

Ran again this morning with Bob, just did a short 8k into town then around the big swamp/lake near town, then back for breakfast at the Guest house, food has been great, as usual cereal, coffee, juice, toast and a hot breakfast, what more can a person want.

Then I packed up, my suitcase keeps growing, I started with 18kgs, I have to keep it to just under 24kgs, I think I am close to that now, but i would cary more in my packpack than what I have at the moement and I still have a few clothes to throw out and the runners I have been wearing every day will be ditched on the last day, but I am looking at buying a pair of 'Fell' running shoes that are great for running in the rough.

Bob and I then wandered into town for a coffee at Costas, Bobs favourite place, I had the grande coffee, it has 2 handles, thats big. Bob then drove me to the train station, traffic is chaotic at the moment, they are doing heaps of work to the roads in preparations for the 2012 Olympics.
I caught the 12.20 train to Waterloo and arrived around 3.30pm.

I bought a week train pass at the Underground station that will cover me the whole time I am here in London, I caught the undeground to Queens way station on the Central Line, it has been 6 years since I have been here, it didn't look like much had changed except there was even more people now.

I was staying at the Grand Royale London Hyde Park (Bob had recommended it), I had plashed out a bit, but I thought I would get something decent here, the room was small, but it was very modern, air con, breakfast included, internet, so I can't complain. I logged onto the Net and found that Collingwood had won, I didn't want to see that.

I then caught the tube into the Leicester Square/Piccidily Circus/Oxford st area, it was just full of people, cars, buses, taxis, cyclists, i am surprised that i didn't see anybody knocked over, it is just packd. I wandered around for a quick look and then caught the Bus back to the Hotel. I had some nice chips form dinner, I had scouted out the area and found an Indian all you can eat for 7 pound, a Pasta, Pizza & salad place for 7 pound, so I am covered for 2 nights.


nth

Friday, September 17, 2010

Another day in Weymouth

After breakfast Bob and i drove over to Portland Harbour, to to look at where the 2012 Olympic sailing will be held, it is basically an island that is linked to the mainland by a 1km long 200 metre stretch of sand & stone that now has a road over it, it also has lots of stone quarrys that are used for building most of the local houses, plus it was used back in the 1600-1700's to rebuild London after the Great Fire.

After lunch we then went and visited Carolyne in Hospital, she was looking better, I left Bob at the hospital & I wandered around Dorchester, I bought a Robert Ludlum book to read for my train trip back to London and my waiting in Airports on my way home.

At night Bob and I walked into Weymouth city area (10-15 mins) to one of the Wetherspoon Pubs in town, they are a franchise pub that have bought up lots of local pubs around UK and put in set menus & drinks. We had the curry meal for 2, including a pint each for 15 pound, a bargain, I had a Strongbow Cidar, it was a bit nicer to drink than a beer, but the food, it was the best Indian at a Pub I have eaten.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Masterchef Bob & Portland Harbour

Last night I went around to Bobs place for a meal, he cooked up a storm, the pork chops, sausages, plenty of good vegies, a bottle of Piddle bee, which is a very hoppy type beer, a strong flavour and then to top it off with some NZ wine, I have drunk more alcohol in the past 2 days that the previous couple of months.

This morning we did about a 11km run out to Portland which is the next bay further west from Weymouth, it is actually where the sailing will be held for the 2012 Olympics, they have built a new marina & buildings there, plus a couple of new big hotels, it looks a very good setup there, the bay is quite big for the sailing and it keeps it quite protected, but the winds do pick up, so the conditions should be perfect for sailing but not sure if it will suit the Australians who like the more choppy conditions.

A day in Weymouth

This morning I got up at 6.30am and ran around to Bobs place and we went and did about a 10km run, we followed the coastal path into town, great views over the city, went past the Nothe fort, because of possible French invasions in the 1860's they built 3 Forts around the area. When we ran into town we went down to path that runs along the foreshore, the beach looks great, it has real sand. We then ran up past the harbour and then back along the main road, I had to get back early breakfast at the Guest House was 7.45 to 8.30am, so you need to get in on time. I got back about 7.50am had a quick shower and then had quite a good breakfast, cereal, coffee, toast & hoot food of bacon, sausage, hash brown, baked beans and a fried egg.

After breakfast I went back around to Bobs place and we took off for Dorchester, we went to the Hospital and Bob popped in to see Carolyne and then we went to the Wednesday markets there, Bob picked up some cheese & nice pork chops, I bought a couple of bakery items.

We dropped the car back and then walked into Town and went for a coffee, this place had enormous cups, I had the medium one and it is the biggest cup I have ever had, the Large has 2 handles, Bob left me into town while he headed back to Dorchester to see Carolyne, I wandered around town, bought a couple of things and then walked back to my Guest house via the coastal path that I ran on this morning.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Porto to Weymouth via Gatwick

I checked out of the hotel at midday and then took the Metro out to the Airport, my plane was due to leave at 2.55pm, I went thru customs, went and sat down at the departure lounge by 2pm, about 10 minutes later, a new time was placed at the Departures Board – 4.40pm, great I thought, late on the way here, late on the way out, Ezyjet are smart, they don’t put any staff at the gates until the plane arrives, so nobody can hassle them about it, we finally took off around 5pm.

I we landed at Gatwick just on 7pm and got thru Customs fairly quickly, but then waited about 30-40 minutes to get my bag. Luckily I had already booked accommodation at the Gatwick Travelodge, I took a taxi around to there, also I had already paid for Dinner & Breakfast there, so I wasn’t going to starve (its not that I am going to fade away to a shadow).

In the morning I got a shuttle bus back to the Airport, to catch a train down to Weymouth on the Dorset Coast, I was catching up with Bob Harlow & Carolyne Kramer (who hadn’t been well & was in Hospital), I got a train back towards London but changed at Clapham Junction to get the Train to Weymouth, Bob met me at the train station. He took me around to the Guest house that I am staying at, its abour 200 metres away from Bobs place as the Crow flys but about 1km by road/walking.

After dropping my gear off, Bob took me on a short trip around Weymouth, we then went and saw Carolyne at the Hospital (in Dorchester 10kms away), she was great and chatting away, she is improving, but very slowly, they were due to fly back to Aus in 2 weeks, but because she had surgery, they have to delay their flights by 3 weeks. Afterwards we drove back to Weymough via some back roads, we stopped at the Piddle Brewrey (its in a town call Piddlestone or something like that) Bob bought a case of 10 beers (500ml bottles) for 20 pound, we saw the big chalk man carved into a side of hill that is over 500 years old.

We dropped the car at Bobs flat and then walked into town via the Pub, it was a Ship themed pub, there heaps of bells, model ships, pictures, oars, uniforms etc, we had a 1/2 pint, that was plenty for me. We then continued into town, we wandered up & down the foreshore, harbour, looked at heaps of boats, very impressive seaside town, we had dinner at one of the Franchised pubs Wetherstones, we had the 7 pound steak tuesday special which included a drink (of course a 1/2 pint beer), that was great value. The same pub you can get 99p large coffees and 1.89 pound breakfast anf it has free WiFi, what more do you want.

I can see why Bob & Carolyne decided to stay here in Weymouth.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Last day in Porto

Today I fly out of Porto back to the UK, this morning i did some last minute tourist shopping, spending up the last of my Euros, but saving enough for supplies. It has been a great time in Portugal, i can't say enough about the poeple how friendly they are, I come to call them the 'European Australians'.

I have to comment on a couple of quirky things here, every place as them. Here it is the 'unofficial parking attendents', it seems a number of the portugese stake out areas that are free parking and flag down and guide cars into these spots, for their trouble a euro or 2 comes there way, it is quite funny watching them hovering over their area, when I was in Lisbon, I was last person to be dropped off and we stopped on one of these areas, the guide had to go get something, this guy who i thought was a beggar comes running up and waving his hands and saying something to me in the passenger seat, the guide came back and put him to ease, but then about 2 minutes later a city official or inspectator came to this 'area' and the guy was just gone, he skipped out of there.

Back to the sun & warmth of the UK, not likely, the forecast is about 10-17 which the occasional rain, sounds fine to me.

I hope everybody who ran yesterday had a good race in the Canberra times.

Pictures from Portugal






















A tram in Lisbon
Hard day at the Office

My favourite Shop
At the Coast






























Pictures from Porto


















































































































I have loaded up a few pictures from my trip to Portugal.

Another day at the office

Its Sunday here, another day at the office in Porto, weather is still warm, sun rise is about 7.30, I went out for about a 7km run, It is still a struggle, there is still soreness in the legs, plus most of the first half of the run is uphill, at least I got a good run home.
When I went out later I noticed that most of the runners go along the river, but it is about 200-300 metres below the level of the city and there isn’t much shade.

After the run I came back for breakfast, which was included in the price of the room, I booked this on Wotif, sight unseen, at 55 Euros a night, it is good value, both hotels in Portugal have been good, I was a bit worried but I can’t complain, breakfast consists of coffee, bread rolls with jam & butter, cereal, no cooked stuff like Lisbon, but there is plenty to eat, I can't quite get into the European style of meats & cheese for breakfast.

After breakfast at round 9.30 I went out toursiting, trying to see as much as I can before the afternoon heat, I went across the river via the main bridge, it doesn’t have road traffic and light rail and foot & cycle traffic, I then wandered along the river having a look at the Port boats, they do cruises up& down the river and probably throw in a glass of Port as well, then I went back to my side of the river via the lower bridge, I took the cable car (i had seen this operate the past 2 days) up to the City level, because the ticket for the cable car lasts an hour, I caught a Metro train out to a stop a few kms (about 2.3km) out from the city centre in the east, then using my Garmin watch (has GPS) for directions, I then walked back to my hotel, I thought this way I get to see different parts of the city.

I got back to the hotel around 12.45, it was starting to warm up, so thought I could sit in the room of my hotel with the air con on and have some lunch, watch Tv and check the Internet and then go back out around 4-5pm when there is a bit more shade, not much cooler.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Wandering in Porto

Around midday I decided to go for a wander around Porto, as I have said, it is fairly hilly and it mainly slopes down to the river, I had a good look at thw river, quite a few of the old buildings, the many cobbled streets, it was quite hot today, about 30 degrees, at about 3pm I headed back to the hotel, I don;t think I am a summer tourist anymore, the heat really effects me, give me the cooler weather.

I stayed back at the hotel in the air conditioned room until about 6pm and did some site seeing, i took my Garmin with me, at least I knew where to come back to my hotel, I found a very impresive electrical good store, it sold everything from LCD TV's, Computers, Washing machines, Dryers, DVD's, it was probably 2-3 times the size of the Harvey Normam electrical store at Fyswick.

Tonight I went back to the resteraunt across from the hotel and yes I did have the steak with a nice small bottle of wine, it was very nice, not sure what I will have tomorrow night.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Running in Porto

I got up this morning around 7.30ish and went for about a 6km run, like Lisbon, Porto is hilly, especially towards the river, can't get a very flat run in, I am still feeling a bit sore, it shows how hard I pushed myself in the marathon, good luck tomorrow for anybody running the Canb times fun run tomorrow.

Lisbon to Porto - 221kms an hour

I will explain soon what the 221kms mean, I did my first run since the marathon friday morning, the one thing where I was staying in Lisbon, it was all uphill or downhill, there weren't many flat roads to run on, unless you were down by the water, even then the flat didn't last long, I did about 6kms down to the main city area and back, it was a bit of a struggle, there was still soreness in my legs.


I checked out of the hotel at 12, a more civilised checkout time than Australia's 10, I went and sent off a few postcards, then I went and bought a train ticket to Porto, which is about 320kms north of Lisbon, the train left about 2pm, it was very impressive, it has a digital display inside the train, it go to 221kms an hour, most of the time it was sitting 140-180, but it slowed down thru stations and seem to stop for no reason a couple of times, this sort of train would be great in Australia in the SE corridor between Sydney, Southern highlands, Canberra, Snowy Mountains, Melbourne etc.


I got to Porto around 5pm, got the Metro train to the Hotel, Porto seems a lot older than Lisbon, the Hotel was the top 4 floors of this 7 storey building with the reception on the Ground (or 0 here), the cicrcular staircase seems to come from the Art deco style. At nigh I went across the road and had Portugese chicken, rice & chips with bread and white wine in a jug (about 3 glasses) for 7.5 euros. Unbelievable cheap for the quality, the place was nothing flah, but I was eating with the locals, that is where to go to eat, as I was leaving I eyed off the cook doing a steak on the grill, I think I know what I am eating saturday night.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Another day trip

Today I did another day trip with the same mob I did 2 days ago, this time we went more west, we did go a bit north but not as far as the other day, today we had Sophia as our driver. We had a mixture of nationalities as the other passengers, 2 couples 1 from USA & 1 from Canada, 2 brothers from Spain, and a guy from Mexico, who was a Dive instructor who spoke 4-5 languages and had grown up in Germany.

Our first stop was the Sena national park and after parking the bus, we walked up the road about a km to the Pena National Palace that from about 1820's to 1910's was the Royal Palace, very impressive looking, the first King was German, so a very European mixture of architecture used in the building, internally there is also a lot of African & Indian influence.

Then we went to the town Sintra for lunch, a very old town nearby the palace, I ate at a restaurant that had a set 8.5 euro menu which include Soup, bread, grilled salmon & chips, a beer & fruit salad, the salmon was fantastic, I couldn't do it for that price myself, it was great.

We then drove onto the Roca Cape cliffs, it is suppose to be the western most point of Europe, I am told there is a slight dispute for a point in Spain, there is only 10 metres difference, not sure who wins. I was told that it is the same latitude as New York, very interesting.

We then had a quick stop at the Guincho surf beach, the wind was up and the waves were very choppy, there didn't seem to be much surfing but there were a few wind & kite surfers around.

Our last stop before heading back to Lisbon was the town of Cascais on the coast, that is suppose to be Riviera of Portugal, there were plenty of beaches and people swimming, not as rough here, there were plenty of souvenir shops which I managed to loose a bit of money there, then we hit the road continuing south along the coast before heading inland back to Lisbon, a great day was had by all.

I have been impressed with both day tours, I picked this company because all their tours (3) were full days and cheaper than the other companies, both drivers were very knowledgeable and I gave them a tip which they were surprised to get (which is good). The groups of 8 passengers worked really well and everybody go on. It was a great of seeing places outside of Lisbon that I never would have done myself, I am hoping that i will be able to pick up a similar tour in Porto

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Wandering in Lisbon

Had a bit of a quiet day today, after having the Hotel buffet breakfast and catching up with the news back home on the Internet, I went for a walk into the city along one the wide tree lined boulevards, when the sun comes out the shade is really needed, there are plenty of cobble streets to wander along and cake shops to eye off. I found a nice cafe to have lunch at, fixed menu for 12 euros - olives, bread, fish & sweats & a beer to top it all off, it was a hard day at the office. On the way back to the hotel I stopped off at the cake shop for supplies, I just didn't know when I was going to get fed next, I just couldn't go hungry.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Day Trip from Lisbon

In the morning after about 7 hours sleep, I went down the Hotel desk, I had checked thru some brochures on day trips and picked out one company that had 3 different day trips, one every day and the other 2 alternate, I was going to take the daily trip which was to Sintra & Cascais but found out that was full but the hotel guy was able to get me on the Fatima/Obidos day trip. I then had the hotel buffet breakfast for 8.5 Euro it was really good value, coffee, eggs, bacon, toast, fruit, croissants etc, what more can a man want, I have the 4 days rule which is I can eat anything for 4 days after marathon, in this trip it has been extended to 21 days.

From my hotel I only had to walk about 10 minutes away to get picked for the trip, there was a tour guide in his van and 7 others, at only 58 Euros I thought it was the best value of seeing places outside Lisbon.

The first stop was the town of Fatima, about an hour north via the highway, it has one of the most important Catholic sites in Europe outside of the Vatican, it was a site of some miracles with 3 kids back in the 1910's, they have now built a church, a massive hall for large services, probably holds 2-3 thousand people, the square between the hall and church was used for the popes visit 2 years ago, looks like it would hold 50-75 thousand people, this site gets 5 million visitors each year.

Then we went and saw a 14th century Batalha Monastery that is World Heritage listed, I think this is the most churches I have seen in one day.

We then wandered around the seaside town of Nazare, had grilled Sole (whole) for lunch for 10 euros with a glass of fresh wine and fresh rolls, i was very impressed, these are the reasons for travelling. The wine here is fairly cheap, I saw a bottle of Mateus for 3.5 Euro ($6).

We then started heading back to Lisbon via the coast, but we did stop at Obidos on the way back, it is a walled city, very well kept, cobble stones again, small alley ways, houses with white walls with red/brown roofs, the guide arrange a sampling of the local ginger wine in choclate.

Then back on the road, we were dropped back in the city just after 7pm, so it was a long trip, 10 hours, really good value, I am thinking about doing the daily trip on thursday, tomorrow I might wander around the Lisbon city area.

Arrived in Lisbon, Portugal

After changing trains twice and missing one connection I made it from Wolverhampton to Luton Airport train station, got there about 2.30pm for what I thought was going to be 4.45pm flight to Lisbon, but my plane was delayed by 2 hours, when you fly with Easyjet you have to expect the odd delay, you can understand why they get the occasional angry passengers, they are marginally better than Tiger.

The plane landed around 9.30, I managed to get bus from the airport to the city area close to my hotel, after asking directions a few times, I managed to get to my hotel (HotelMadrid Executive VIP) just before 11pm, I booked it thru Wotif, a single room for 50 Euros (Aus $80) a night, I wasnt sure what is was going to be like, a single bed, with a shower, TV, little fridge, Air Con, I can't complain, I pre booked all my accomodation, it just saves a lot of mucking about.

It was interesting dragging my suitcase on wheels via all the cobbled streets, but this is europe.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Off to Portugal

I have pulled up ok after the marathon, legs still a bit sore but they will heal, I am catching a train about 11 from Wolverhampton to Luton Airport should take about 3 hours, then I have a 4.45 flight to Lisbon, Portugal, I am flying with Easyjet, they are an ailine that appears regularly on some of the Airline/Airport shows, you have to arrive an hour earlier for your flight, I am allowing nearly 3 hours, I should be ok, not sure how often I will do my Blog there, depending on Internet access, I might just write up each day on my computer then load them up when I get access.

I was hoping to have another 8 pound buffet breakfast at the hotel before I leave, I just found out that it is only on weekends.

Marathon day

Today was my Marathon in Wolverhampton Sunday Sept 5th, I was up early at 6am (not by choice) I had a banana for breakfast, normally I don't eat before a big run like this, but with the marathon not starting until 9.15am, weather seemed cool and overcast outside. I logged onto the Internet using the free WiFi, I started listening to the Swans Carlton game, I also rang up my Dad in Adelaide for fathers day, I want to thank Bob Harlow who is living in the UK for 4 months for getting me a PAYG Sim card that put into a phone (thanks Charlie) that I brought with me, enabling to make calls to Australia and all over the world, funny enough it is cheaper to ring Australia than to ring within the UK.

Withe Swans game poised level with about 15 mins to go, I left for the marathon, it was only 20 mins walk to the West park where it was starting. Both the marathon and half were starting at the same time, also going off 5 mins earlier was a bike ride of 19.4 kms, earlier on I actually caught the slowest cyclists.

Most of the marathon was on roads, it was basically 2 laps, with the half just doing 1 lap, I was doing about 26.45 per 5km splits, the other thing it was marked in miles, glad I have my garmin to give me my km splits, earlier on I worked out that 9min miles would give me about a 3.56, so that was calculation every mile to keep under that, the course had a few rises along the roads, so wasn't a real flat course. I went thru the first half in 1.53-54.

At the start of 2nd lap all the half people left, which left everybody strung out, I was keeping up a good pace, up to 35kms my splits were 26.20 - 27.03, my fastest 3 splits were 20-35, but the wheels partially fell off at 35, my thighs were starting to really hurt, I started to run/walk, for the rest of race I was on 6-6.15 min per km pace, also in the 2nd half of the race it drizzled so it kept me cool, shoes were a bit squeaky, I think if the sun came out I would blown out to 4 hours but I got home in about 3hrs 52 mins 40 secs, I was very happy with the run, never sure how you will after a 24hr flight and only 3 days to recover. I got a finishers T-shirt and a medal, for 25 pouns this was very good value and a very well organised run, it did get a bit hairy on some of the roads in the 2nd half, I had a semi past me by, but they probably don't have many options, most roads I was able to hop onto the footpath.

Tonight i am not feeling too bad, I had a dinner of British finest Fish & chips, legs will be sore for a few days, I will probably rest up over the next 3-4 days (no running) but I will keep the walking up, which will be good.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Saturday in Wolverhampton

The trip has started very slowly, todays excitement started with the buffet breakfast at the hotel, a very good spread for 8 pound, hot meal, cereal, coffee, toast, croisents, fruit, what more can I want, then I listened to part of the Collingwood Bulldogs AFL game from the Net, then I went and did a late entry for tomorrows marathon - (Wolverhampton) only 25 pound (approx $45), it is basically 2 laps starting at 9.15am, so getup at resonable time, 20 mins walk to the start. Talking about good value, for finishing you get a medal, a tshirt and a goodies bag from the local bakery (i won't complain about that).
Resting up this afternoon, just sitting in bed watching TV, I am on holidays, the next 3 weeks I have plenty of time to site see, catch you all later.

Yesterday I saw a Mister Bean car, you know the one with 3 wheels, I don't know how they allow them on the road, they look they will just fall over with a big gust of wind or a sharp bend.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Made it to UK - Wolverhampton

Hi all, I made it to Wolverhampton UK, you say why there, well I wanted to do a marathon while I was overseas, this one was the easiest one to get too, allowed me to recover from my flight in the one place and then really enjoy myself over the next 2-3 weeks.

I caught the Murrays bus from Canberra to Sydney International Airport got there just under 3 hours before my flight, checked in and then went to the Qantas Club, yes I bought a membership thru work (corporate rates are cheaper) and then sat down and had some lunch before my flight, a good setup there, i thought I would spend some money on myself, plus I can use the Internet there and have a shower before my flight, which freshens you up.

The first part of the flight went via Bangkok, had 1 1/2 hour stopover, went to British Airways lounge which Qantas shares, I had another shower there, checked some email and a snack there.

I then flew onto London, arrived there 6.30am Thursday morning, took about an hour to get my bags and get thru customs, I then went to the Bus station at heathrow to get my bus to Wolverhampton, I got there about 1pm and then spend an hour wandering around the city before finding my way to my hotel. Its about 15 mins walk south of the city and only 20mins walk to where the marathon starts.
I was really tired when I got here, made it to 6.30pm before i fell asleep, had a bit of a broken sleep, but i got about 10-11 hours sleep, which i was grateful for.

I did an 8.5km run this morning and felt ok, got the cob webs out, will do some wandering around the city this afternoon.

I am staying here for 4 days, I have the marathon Sunday, flying to Portugal Monday for a week, stay tuned for more adventures.