The Icebreaker Part I

Sunday, 7 July 2013

This story actually starts at 5:20am on Saturday morning. That sounds like a long time before the race but as Part II of this story is going to start in 2010, you can think yourselves lucky for the brevity of this entry.  Anyway - at 5.20 am on Saturday Jon got up to go for a 2 hour run so he could be back in time to be picked up at 8am and taken to Campbell Town (1/2 way between Hobart and Launceston) for a Toastmasters thing.

 

You can sort of see from this selfie he took that a) it's dark, b) it looks cold and c) there is a lot of snow on the mountain in the background. In actual fact it was absolutely pissing down with rain for at least 1 hour of Jon's run - but as he's trying to squeeze in 18 hours of training this week he isn't letting a bit of torrential rain put him off! And yes that is a beanie/cap combo matched to a buff. A lot of fashion crimes go unreported in Kingston, but not this one.

Anyway - he completed his run, hung his wet stuff out to dry on the airer (leaving a note for me to pack it later) and was ready to go when his lift arrived.   

In the meantime, apart from being rudely awoken by Jon's torrential rain, I had a busy but slightly less hectic and mostly dry day as I packed all my gear, the kids gear, food gear, the bike and boat onto the roof (in between the squalls of rain and gale force winds). I also took the kids to the library to get some books for the journey, and finished preparations for Sunday Night Family Dinner which was going to be held at our house.  We were ready to go just before 2pm.  The last few things I packed were Jon's now-dry running clothes, and my paddle which I only just remembered - phew!

Sooo. We picked up Jon as planned, continued on to Launceston and checked into the Commodore Regent motel (motto: we mend our cracked windows with gaffer tape).  Jon raced out for another 45 minute run (I kid you not) and when he got back we went out to a really cool pasta cafe/restaurant which reminded us both of our favourite Sydney place Bar Italia. It wasn't as good but it was on the right track.

Back at the Commodore Regent (alternative motto: don't look too closely at the 'renovations')  Jon was planning on getting up early so he was fussing around getting all his gear ready and he couldn't find one of his running gloves (he had one full pair, but needs to wear two pairs on the cold mornings i.e. sub-zero) which I claimed that I had packed for him earlier in the day.  After searching his bag, then the car, then his bag, then the car again he gave up and went to bed (after helpfully suggesting I ball them together next time).   I was sure I had packed them but I began to wonder if they had maybe fallen out on the way to the car.   Anyway - there wasn't anything to be done so we just went to bed.  I was worried I wouldn't be able to sleep due to fretting about the race and sure enough I did have some trouble, every time my thoughts turned to the race I felt waves of nerves wash right through my body and I felt weak and my heart rate would go up, it was quite amazing how much my emotional reaction was affecting me physically.  Anyway I forced myself to think of other things and finally went to sleep and only woke when Jon's alarm went off at 5.50am and Jon went off for another two hour(!) run - during which he had to suffer with one cold hand.  

Once he was back we all had breakfast and packed up.  During this process Jon lifted his bag up and discovered his other (missing) glove, which had been lurking on the floor all the time - huh so I HAD packed them!  We loaded the kids into the car and were ready to go at exactly the time we'd planned (9.15am). As I went to the toilet one last time (nerves were setting in) I heard the sound of a car not starting.  My hopes that it was the car parked next to us were dashed as I emerged to see Jon on the phone to the RACT.   Dang!  

So while we waited I quickly realised that there was absolutely nothing I could do - a cab or lift to the event wouldn't help as the first leg was a paddle - I needed my boat - so it was just a matter of waiting and hoping the RACT didn't have too big a queue of breakdowns to attend to!  My fate being taken out of my hands was actually quite relaxing - my nerves settled down and I was totally calm.  We just watched Dance Academy with the kids.  I was idly wondering to myself at what point I wouldn't start and I decided that if we were more than 15 minutes after the start-gun I'd give up, but any earlier, I'd give it a crack cos I'd catch some people 15 minutes ahead of me for sure.

Anyway at 10am the guy arrived, re-charged the flat battery and left us with the car going at 10:15.  The reason for the flat battery? Someone left the light in the very back of the car on.. hmmmm... the person looking for their glove maybe??? hmmmm.... 

 

Nethertheless, apologies accepted,  at 10:15am we were on the road. We arrived at 10:30, nosing past the throng assembled for the briefing and with some help from Ian my paddling buddy started getting my gear sorted. We really just had time to put my stuff in the transition zone and put the boat on the water - no time to be nervous but just time for a photo before the start!

 

Oh - and the weather was clear and cold - no sign of rain, but the MTB course had changed due to the rain they'd had during the week - the first half of each loop was no longer on the cool new technical trails I'd trained on, but instead on fire trails which basically went steeply down, then back up in stages.  Oh well.

Here's a cool photo Zali took of her and Jett examining a piece of ice with a pebble stuck in it that they picked up from the side of the lake..

 

Stay tuned for part II .....

2014summary
The Nook Wednesday, 31 December 2014
Fluted Cape Wednesday, 31 December 2014
Kicking goals together Wednesday, 31 December 2014
Back in the dentist's chair.. Thursday, 25 December 2014
How I became an Importer Tuesday, 23 December 2014
meanwhile.. Tuesday, 23 December 2014
Last nights reindeer crime Tuesday, 23 December 2014
my cuties Monday, 22 December 2014
it's a dodgy neighbourhood Saturday, 20 December 2014
My Weekend Monday, 15 December 2014
Invites Sunday, 14 December 2014
Bruny Island Ultra Sunday, 7 December 2014
We're not even yet Ferry. Saturday, 6 December 2014
Adventure! Monday, 1 December 2014
From bad to worse.. and then better Monday, 1 December 2014
What Lurks Beneath.. Monday, 24 November 2014
Eight-ish years of the Huon Show Saturday, 15 November 2014
Sprung! Saturday, 15 November 2014
secret projects Saturday, 15 November 2014
Triple Tops - Part 3 Monday, 10 November 2014
Triple Tops - Part 2 Monday, 10 November 2014
Triple Tops - Part 1 Sunday, 9 November 2014
Nonsensical Friday, 7 November 2014
Friday Cutefest Friday, 7 November 2014
Experience the Unexpected Friday, 31 October 2014
Julie's final challenge.. Sunday, 26 October 2014
Panoramas Saturday, 25 October 2014
So..you go away for a bit and... Friday, 24 October 2014
60 Walks Challenge - Walk #18 Friday, 24 October 2014
60 Walks Challenge - Walk #17 Thursday, 23 October 2014
60 Walks Challenge - Walk #16 Thursday, 23 October 2014
60 Walks Challenge - Walk #15 Wednesday, 22 October 2014
60 Walks Challenge - Walk #14 Wednesday, 22 October 2014
60 Walks Challenge - Walks #11,12 & 13 Wednesday, 22 October 2014
60 Walks Challenge - Walk #10 Wednesday, 22 October 2014
60 Walks Challenge - Walk #9 Wednesday, 22 October 2014
quick update Tuesday, 21 October 2014
60 Walks Challenge - Walk #8 Monday, 13 October 2014
60 Walks Challenge - Walk #7 Sunday, 12 October 2014
Two more things Sunday, 12 October 2014
Adventures with Jett Part 2 Friday, 10 October 2014
Adventures with Jett Wednesday, 8 October 2014
60 Walks Challenge - Walk #6 Wednesday, 8 October 2014
Bridport Day 5 Friday, 3 October 2014
Bridport Day 4 - Part 2 Friday, 3 October 2014
60 Walks Challenge - Walk #5 Friday, 3 October 2014
Bridport Day 4 - Part 1 Friday, 3 October 2014
Bridport Day 3 Wednesday, 1 October 2014
Bridport Day 2 Wednesday, 1 October 2014
Bridport Tuesday, 30 September 2014
Perfect Timing Saturday, 27 September 2014
Just like a bought one.. Tuesday, 23 September 2014
Zali's ripper day Saturday, 13 September 2014
Random Stuff Saturday, 6 September 2014
Cake by Numbers Thursday, 4 September 2014
60 Walks Challenge - Walk #4 Wednesday, 3 September 2014
60 Walks Challenge - Walk #3 Wednesday, 3 September 2014
Sunday Screen Time Sunday, 31 August 2014
Jett is almost 9 Saturday, 30 August 2014
60 Walks Challenge - Walk #2 Friday, 29 August 2014
Hats for Homeless Friday, 29 August 2014
60 Walks Challenge - Walk #1 Saturday, 23 August 2014
60 Walks - Intro Saturday, 23 August 2014
Smoke and mirrors Thursday, 21 August 2014
Winter Weekend on Maria Island Wednesday, 20 August 2014
Little Project #2 Wednesday, 13 August 2014
Little Project #1 Wednesday, 13 August 2014
Kickstarting myself. Wednesday, 13 August 2014
More Light Painting! Friday, 8 August 2014
7 Visits in 7 Days: Day 7 Friday, 8 August 2014
7 Visits in 7 Days: Day 6 Thursday, 7 August 2014
More Light Painting Wednesday, 6 August 2014
7 Visits in 7 Days: Day 5 Wednesday, 6 August 2014
7 Visits in 7 Days: Day 4 Tuesday, 5 August 2014
Story Time Tuesday, 5 August 2014
7 Visits in 7 Days: Day 3 Monday, 4 August 2014
Sydney 2000 Sunday, 3 August 2014
7 Visits in 7 Days: Day 2 Sunday, 3 August 2014
7 Visits in 7 Days: Day 1 Saturday, 2 August 2014
Dumb Luck vs Dumbness Thursday, 31 July 2014
Not the Best Ever Friday, 25 July 2014
7 Projects in 7 Days: Epilogue Monday, 21 July 2014
7 Projects in 7 Days: Bonus Project #2 Monday, 21 July 2014
7 Projects in 7 Days: Day #7 Monday, 21 July 2014
7 Projects in 7 Days: Failed Project Monday, 21 July 2014
7 Projects in 7 Days: Bonus Project Sunday, 20 July 2014
7 Projects in 7 Days: Day #6 Sunday, 20 July 2014
7 Projects in 7 Days: Day #4 Sunday, 20 July 2014
7 Projects in 7 Days: Day #5 Saturday, 19 July 2014
7 Projects in 7 Days: Day #3 Thursday, 17 July 2014
7 Projects in 7 Days: Day #2 Wednesday, 16 July 2014
7 Projects in 7 Days: Day #1 Tuesday, 15 July 2014
Challenge Week Clause 1.4a Tuesday, 15 July 2014
All dressed up and nowhere to go Sunday, 13 July 2014
7 Projects in 7 Days: Prologue Sunday, 13 July 2014
7 runs in 7 days - Epilogue Friday, 11 July 2014
7 runs in 7 days - Day #7 Thursday, 10 July 2014
7 runs in 7 days - Day #6 Wednesday, 9 July 2014
7 runs in 7 days - Day #5 Tuesday, 8 July 2014
7 runs in 7 days - Day #4 Monday, 7 July 2014
7 runs in 7 days - Day #3 Sunday, 6 July 2014
Stockpiling Gear Saturday, 5 July 2014
7 runs in 7 days - Day #2 Saturday, 5 July 2014
7 runs in 7 days - Day #1 Friday, 4 July 2014
7 runs in 7 days - Prologue Friday, 4 July 2014
Maclaren Vale Thursday, 3 July 2014
Photo Purge Thursday, 3 July 2014
Dark Hofo Part II Monday, 30 June 2014
Tour guides.. Monday, 30 June 2014
Chapel Hill Retreat Sunday, 29 June 2014
touchdowns.. Thursday, 26 June 2014
Dark Hofo Sunday, 22 June 2014
on a hat-trick. Saturday, 21 June 2014
Choosey Sunday, 8 June 2014
Long Weekend.. Sunday, 8 June 2014
neglect Wednesday, 4 June 2014
Glass Monday, 2 June 2014
Souvenirs Saturday, 31 May 2014
Birthday Presents Friday, 30 May 2014
Brrr Friday, 30 May 2014
I'm here! Tuesday, 27 May 2014
Before and After #29 Thursday, 15 May 2014
Way home.. Thursday, 15 May 2014
Just one last thing... Sunday, 11 May 2014
Holiday Quiz Saturday, 10 May 2014
Last Day on the Mainland Saturday, 10 May 2014
Tathra MTB Friday, 9 May 2014
Tathra Friday, 9 May 2014
Perfect Solution Friday, 9 May 2014
Canberra Wednesday, 7 May 2014
Spit Bridge to Manly Walk Sunday, 4 May 2014
Convict 100 Sunday, 4 May 2014
Elizabeth Bay Sunday, 4 May 2014
Bondi to Bronte Friday, 2 May 2014
Back in Sydney.. Thursday, 1 May 2014
Reptile Park Thursday, 1 May 2014
Lacing up Thursday, 1 May 2014
Glenworth Valley.. Thursday, 1 May 2014
Maitland Bay Thursday, 1 May 2014
Tweet Thursday, 1 May 2014
Running with shadows Thursday, 1 May 2014
Back in action Monday, 28 April 2014
Day off Monday, 28 April 2014
Forster and Myall Lakes Sunday, 27 April 2014
Wet n Wild Sydney Sunday, 27 April 2014
Blue Mountains Bushwalk - Day 2 Friday, 25 April 2014
And why library books shouldn't go camping.. Friday, 25 April 2014
Blue Mountains Bushwalk - Day 1 Friday, 25 April 2014
Easter Orienteering.. Thursday, 24 April 2014
Cowboy Attire.. Thursday, 24 April 2014
Gold! Thursday, 24 April 2014
Adult Supervision Required Thursday, 24 April 2014
..dancing down those dirty and dusty trails.. Thursday, 24 April 2014
Late nights, early mornings Friday, 11 April 2014
Swirly Roses Sunday, 30 March 2014
What to wear.. Sunday, 30 March 2014
The opposite of relaxing.. Friday, 28 March 2014
Cake! Friday, 21 March 2014
Minnamurra Wednesday, 19 March 2014
HBA -> ADL Monday, 17 March 2014
NSW.. really? Sunday, 16 March 2014
Pine Valley Bushwalk Part 3 Friday, 14 March 2014
Pine Valley Bushwalk Part 2 Wednesday, 12 March 2014
Pine Valley Bushwalk Part I Tuesday, 11 March 2014
Just Quickly.. Monday, 10 March 2014
it's not you, it's me. and my sport Part III Thursday, 6 March 2014
it's not you, it's me. and my sport Part II (b) Thursday, 6 March 2014
It's not you, it's me. and my sport Part II Wednesday, 5 March 2014
it's not you, it's me. and my sport, Part I Tuesday, 4 March 2014
New Letterbox Monday, 24 February 2014
How to improve the Winter Olympics Saturday, 22 February 2014
Book Blind Date Friday, 21 February 2014
Soggy Sydney Monday, 17 February 2014
I let myself down, I let my family down & I let my school down.. Thursday, 13 February 2014
Horses! Saturday, 8 February 2014
Blind Dates Saturday, 8 February 2014
Heavy Schedules and Small Details Friday, 7 February 2014
I dare you Monday, 3 February 2014
Wildside Wrap Sunday, 2 February 2014
Blog Maintenance! Saturday, 1 February 2014
Wildside Day 4 (plus 1) Friday, 31 January 2014
Wildside Day 4 Wednesday, 29 January 2014
Wildside Day 3 Monday, 27 January 2014
Wildside Day 2 Sunday, 26 January 2014
Wildside Day 1 Saturday, 25 January 2014
Wildside Day (minus) 1 Friday, 24 January 2014
Wildside Day (minus) 2 Friday, 24 January 2014
Painting Wednesday, 15 January 2014
Paddling Boot Camp Saturday, 11 January 2014
Special Talents Sunday, 5 January 2014
Portholes Saturday, 4 January 2014
Quiet Week Saturday, 4 January 2014
2014 - Doing different stuff Wednesday, 1 January 2014
K.I. Day 3 Saturday, 28 December 2013
K.I. Day 2 Friday, 27 December 2013
K.I. Friday, 27 December 2013
Belair National Park Wednesday, 25 December 2013
Special Talents Monday, 23 December 2013
The K2K Sunday, 22 December 2013
Takeaway Sunday, 22 December 2013
Morning Paddle Wednesday, 18 December 2013
Before and After #28 Wednesday, 18 December 2013
Milestones Sunday, 15 December 2013
Run-Sheet Sunday, 15 December 2013
Gingerbread Houses Sunday, 15 December 2013
It must be December.. Sunday, 1 December 2013
Not at all the plan..not even a bit Sunday, 24 November 2013
in other news.. Thursday, 21 November 2013
Winners are grinners! Saturday, 16 November 2013
Before & after #28 Friday, 15 November 2013
Triple Tops Mark IV Sunday, 10 November 2013
Lake Rosebery Paddle Sunday, 10 November 2013
Tullah Challenge Saturday, 9 November 2013
Assumptions Friday, 8 November 2013
Halloween Orienteering Sunday, 27 October 2013
Chocolate Saturday, 26 October 2013
Fine and Windy, with a chance of Sulkiness Saturday, 26 October 2013
Archives.. Friday, 25 October 2013
Freycinet Challenge - Part 3 Friday, 25 October 2013
In safe hands Friday, 25 October 2013
Freycinet Challenge - Part 2 Wednesday, 23 October 2013
Freycinet Challenge Part I Tuesday, 22 October 2013
Dogs and Babies Saturday, 19 October 2013
Mt Amos Sculpture Trail Friday, 11 October 2013
Contrasts Thursday, 10 October 2013
Walking Machines Wednesday, 9 October 2013
Fishing Wednesday, 9 October 2013
Mt Graham Wednesday, 9 October 2013
Restraint Tuesday, 8 October 2013
Overnight Hike Tuesday, 8 October 2013
Harrowing Journeys Part #4 Tuesday, 8 October 2013
Harrowing Journeys Part #3 Monday, 7 October 2013
Harrowing Journeys Part #2 Monday, 7 October 2013
Harrowing Journeys - Part I Sunday, 6 October 2013
McComb Swimming Carnival Wednesday, 2 October 2013
Fishy Update #3 Wednesday, 2 October 2013
Lift Lounging Wednesday, 2 October 2013
not so much riding Tuesday, 17 September 2013
Sensational Sydney Tuesday, 17 September 2013
Fishy Update #2 Tuesday, 17 September 2013
It's Back! Saturday, 7 September 2013
one of these things.. Saturday, 7 September 2013
Piñata Update Saturday, 31 August 2013
Fishy Update #1 Saturday, 31 August 2013
Home-Made Friday, 30 August 2013
We should have gotten meerkats Friday, 30 August 2013
Rainbows and Puppydogs Monday, 26 August 2013
Redbanks Sunday, 25 August 2013
Soccer Season Saturday, 24 August 2013
Bookweek.. Friday, 23 August 2013
Jon in the Winter Challenge Wednesday, 21 August 2013
Well this is quaint.. Wednesday, 21 August 2013
Winter Challenge 2013 Sunday, 18 August 2013
Preparation. Saturday, 17 August 2013
Proclamation Day Saturday, 17 August 2013
Inevitabilities Sunday, 11 August 2013
Saturday Afternoons Saturday, 10 August 2013
Sunrises Saturday, 10 August 2013
Re-surfacing.. Saturday, 10 August 2013
look! Saturday, 10 August 2013
Magic Melbourne Thursday, 1 August 2013
Sunday Paddle Sunday, 21 July 2013
Saturday Paddle Saturday, 20 July 2013
The novelty is over Saturday, 20 July 2013
Happy Birthday Me! Sunday, 14 July 2013
and in other news.. Saturday, 13 July 2013
Egg Island Circumnavigation Saturday, 13 July 2013
The Icebreaker Part IIIIII - wrap up Tuesday, 9 July 2013
The Icebreaker Part IIIII Tuesday, 9 July 2013
The Icebreaker Part IIII Monday, 8 July 2013
The Icebreaker Part III Monday, 8 July 2013
The Icebreaker Part II Monday, 8 July 2013
The Icebreaker Part I Sunday, 7 July 2013
Nerves Wednesday, 3 July 2013
Frosty Toes Wednesday, 3 July 2013
Going Up Wednesday, 3 July 2013
Aurora Chasing Wednesday, 3 July 2013
Monster Cake Wednesday, 3 July 2013
Dark Mofo Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Mona Wednesday, 19 June 2013
Working in Miniature Sunday, 16 June 2013
Wheels.. Friday, 14 June 2013
Aurora Chasing Saturday, 8 June 2013
Tas Sprint Champs Saturday, 8 June 2013
Beautiful Bicheno Saturday, 8 June 2013
Saturdays Friday, 7 June 2013
Soccer Buddies Friday, 7 June 2013
Utensil Update III Friday, 7 June 2013
Doing the Hard Yards Friday, 7 June 2013
Small Change Sunday, 26 May 2013
Sunday Morning Paddle Sunday, 26 May 2013
Work Friday, 24 May 2013
Not great value Friday, 24 May 2013
Today was not a good day for Mr Fish.. Wednesday, 22 May 2013
Utensil Update II Wednesday, 22 May 2013
Utensil Update Friday, 17 May 2013
Having fun with the children.. Thursday, 16 May 2013
Mini Cupcakes Wednesday, 15 May 2013
Ye Olde Hobart Sunday, 12 May 2013
Dog People Sunday, 12 May 2013
Early Mornings Sunday, 12 May 2013
North West Bay Sunday, 5 May 2013
Tip Trip Sunday, 5 May 2013
Sculpture Trail Friday, 26 April 2013
New Bike Monday, 22 April 2013
Wombat 100 Part 3 Wednesday, 17 April 2013
Wombat 100 Part 2 Monday, 15 April 2013
Wombat 100 Part 1 Monday, 15 April 2013
Disco Zali Sunday, 14 April 2013
Spirit of Tasmania Saturday, 6 April 2013
Last Day.. Saturday, 6 April 2013
Mt Buller Summit Friday, 5 April 2013
What we're not doing this winter.. Friday, 5 April 2013
Jon's Ride Friday, 5 April 2013
you win some, you lose some, and then you get sick.. Friday, 5 April 2013
You win some, you lose some Friday, 5 April 2013
Luna Park Friday, 5 April 2013
Metropolitan Meerkats Friday, 5 April 2013
Bendigo and surrounds Monday, 1 April 2013
Cape Huay and the Three Capes Project Monday, 25 March 2013
Tarn Shelf Walk Sunday, 24 March 2013
Canberra Sunday, 24 March 2013
Capital Punishment 50k Monday, 18 March 2013
The Best Bike Bag Ever Friday, 15 March 2013
Lovely Kids Saturday, 9 March 2013
Beach Shadows Saturday, 9 March 2013
The best leg Monday, 4 March 2013
Summer Survival Monday, 4 March 2013
Sunday Night Dinner Monday, 4 March 2013
Bruny Island Paddling Weekend Sunday, 24 February 2013
Cuteness Friday, 22 February 2013
For Dr Evil Thursday, 21 February 2013
Almost Perfect Thursday, 21 February 2013
Lucky lucky lucky Thursday, 21 February 2013
Complaints Thursday, 21 February 2013
My thoughts exactly! Thursday, 14 February 2013
Lunchtime Ride Thursday, 14 February 2013
Our new pet Sunday, 10 February 2013
Modern Family Sunday, 10 February 2013
Blue Dragon Part 2 Sunday, 10 February 2013
The Blue Dragon Part 1 Saturday, 9 February 2013
Wardrobe! Thursday, 31 January 2013
Mad Monday Monday, 28 January 2013
Jetty Beach, Bruny Island Sunday, 27 January 2013
Thursday night paddling group Sunday, 27 January 2013
News Flash Thursday, 24 January 2013
Sunday Paddle Sunday, 20 January 2013
I have perfect eyebrows. Thursday, 17 January 2013
Little Adventures Sunday, 13 January 2013
Maria Island Friday, 11 January 2013
Face painting Friday, 11 January 2013
before & after #27 Friday, 11 January 2013
bang for your buck Monday, 7 January 2013
Surfing at Maria Island Sunday, 6 January 2013
Slide of Doom Sunday, 6 January 2013
Picture Perfect Sunday, 6 January 2013