After 30min of pondering how to ride to the park and then run around it, without getting my gear nicked and without carrying 5+ kilos of crap on my back..

I gave up. It’s impossible. I decided to throw everything in my bag, ride there and deal with it once I arrived.

Rode slowly towards Richmond, noticing stuff I just don’t see travelling on bus 65, like the Steam Museum with its huge tower out front. I was riding slowly as a test to see if I could arrive at work without being drenched in sweat.

I could. What’s more, I could do it in only 25 minutes! Let’s recap: 1 hour on the train, 30-40 minutes on the bus and 25 minutes riding S-L-O-W-L-Y by bike. DAMN THEM for not having showers! So, I COULD ride to work, but that whole ‘holding back to stay dry’ and putting good clothes on sweaty body thing. Blah! New job!

I’d forgotten my A-Z so I couldn’t find the gate I was after. It started to rain.

Attempting to keep the weight down in my bag, in case I had to run with it on, I was only wearing running shorts and a t-shirt. Was I cold? Hell yes! Time to bail. Running the park can wait.

I’m not sure how to get around the lack of gear storage space and I hate carrying stuff. If I run when the Serpentine people run I might be able to leave stuff in someone’s car? Worst case – I catch the bus in running kit.

On the way back I found a cute little bunny rabbit. What I mean to say is: I found a roadie to chase down mwahahahaa! This dude looked kinda serious, ie. he was riding fairly hard, he wasn’t wearing a scarf, a huge jacket, jeans or an overcoat and he wasn’t riding a 50yo shitter, an mtb (threw that one in for the a.b peeps ;)), a hybrid (ooh stop me!), a folder or anything embarassing like a GT fitted with mudguards. I chased and “holy crap” I could actually keep up!

Usually with time off the bike my legs seize up and I run out of air trying to ride hard. Not this time. I eventually lost him at a red light – but that was only due to him taking what I thought were silly risks through the traffic to get green. I might not win any races but it’s good to know that I can still ride.

Oh, I can still trackstand too. Good thing riding a bike is just like, um, err, riding a bike? 😉

Feeling in my hands returned quickly thanks to the super-heated nature of this house. I wasn’t going to run (I thought “maybe later”) but it didn’t take long before I felt the urge.. I was warmed up, after all..

Out into the rain, somewhat annoyed about getting my shoes wet, I shuffled off. It might be petty but I’m no longer in the position to buy expensive kit so I can’t afford to have these ones ruined. “I’ve got FIVE kids to feed!” or at least bond and rent to pay.

Note to self: Get arse into gear and get a better job!

I’m also not in a position to buy warm cycling gear – I should’ve kept the jacket from Courier Systems! It was so much easier in Melbourne – even in winter I could usually get away with just a jersey, knicks and warmers. I badly need a funky riding jacket and some long-arm and long-leg options. Short-sleeve summer kit doesn’t cut it.

Anyway, run was normal EARL loop. Clock stopped at 39:18 which included some walking. Yes, walking, shuddup! My legs felt trashed. When I woke up (thanks for the call Mum but my alarm beat you ;)) I could still feel the after-effects of Friday’s run so I expected as much. Lactic acid buildup in my shins was pretty bad (guess there is muscle there) and my calf muscles were copping quite some burn too. I went out a little bit pumped up but quickly slowed to a trot and then a walk. Wait for the burn to subside and then run again, repeat thrice. Quite sore.

In other news: “Lucky” the cat has returned safe and well to its home.