Today began with a run over the mountains, up to Mt McKay which I saw on Tuesday but took a wrong turn in trying to get there. It was the highest peak in the vicinity and has a communications tower on it which looks imposing from a distance. So I wanted to get up and led the group in my/our quest to "summit" it. Problem was the fog limited visibility to about 60m...
Nonetheless, Luke, Vicki and I set off from the village while others took the mini-bus up a little distance and ran from there. It's a good climb up to the ski tows above the village but once there the roads go along the ridge so the hills are just rolling ones rather than steep climbs.
Fortunately I could remember the roads to take because we sure couldn't see where we were running to, and hoping the final steep uphill to the summit was the correct road!! It was and although we could barely see our feet through the fog, it was a good run. We took a few detours on the way back with Luke and I ending up with 20km.
After some down time we were out for an open water swim in Rocky Valley dam, which I had personally been fearing after my previous attempt at a swim there 3 years ago ended in less than 1 minute because it was so damn cold. The rain didn't help my enthusiasm for it, as we stood on the lake shore and surveyed where we planned to swim...urgh!!!! The first few minutes were rather unpleasant - cold face, hands and feet - and just feeling frigid. But it was swimmable and despite the temptation I wasn't going to the first/only one to bail out. So on we swam, and swam, and swam.
40-45min later we completed the planned course without casualties, and actually found the water not to be too bad...after a little while. It was good to get out, though!!
It's been an easier and shorter day, which has been good to have some down time between sessions. Tomorrow the triathletes and cyclists are off for a long ride, but I'll stay in the lodge to do a short run and hopefully a walk up the hill and around the ski runs...if the rain stays away. Things are going well, surrounded by a good group of guys and girls.
About to start the run up in the fog - can't see much!!
On top of Mt McKay - the view would be great on a clear day...
Heading down from Mt McKay into the fog.
Nervous anticipation before the swim...in the rain. A couple of guys already in the dam.
Post swim, me executing a perfect forward dive!!!
A display of flesh post-swim, trying to warm-up again.
How athletes spend their down time...reading books plus TV in the other room.
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