National Park Long Run in Shire Town.

Passports ready, money changed up and vaccinations all done – yep, it was time to head South and pay Laura a long overdue visit for out a Sunday long run in ‘Shire Town’.  Called up some support in Jeet, Birchy and Taffy James for the morning as we made our way to the National Park where Crossy Lad had made the effort to join us as well for a pretty cruisy 20ks.

Stunning little track that sees plenty of undulating little hills that makes it a solid run although I resisted to up the pace at any stage of the morning deciding to run with Taffy and Birchy whilst the others couldn’t help themselves to go ahead.  Great little chat heading out till the top of the hill at 10k before basically just repeating for the journey home.

Taffy run well for his longest run since his injury and Birchy got through it well despite his dislike for trail running due to his dodgy ankles.

20ks done in 1hr; 40 mins exactly working at 5 min per/k pace, certainly wasn’t  the fastest run on record but certainly very enjoyable and sometimes you need to do these kind of sessions as I reckon it builds great strength and endurance up without smashing yourself.

Finished off with Laura’s mum Lyn making it down as well to deliver her Banana Bread and more famous Scones that went down a treat,  Taffy made a show of himself again when he started licking the cream bowl, although I think Lyn was just happy to see that old ‘Potty Mouth’ Tommy H was a no show after his shocking language last time around.

Coffee drunk and Scones destroyed it was time for some beach action down at Cronulla and the water was stunning and proved a good recovery for the tired legs. Watched a little of the ‘Ironman and Women in the ‘Nutri-Grain series (man, those are super athletes) before heading over for an afternoon at Cronulla RSL for a few scoops.

Great 8 hours in total spent in Shire Land and many thanks to Laura for hosting the morning as well as her Mum and Wol who made us outsiders feel welcome and didn’t throw the schooner glasses at us at any stage of the afternoon.

With the deadline for our passports running out it was left to Jeet to get us back over the Captain Cook Bridge and back to the safety of Erko for a few quiet ones to finish off a top day.

Many thanks to Jeet as well who was on driving duties and had to put up with a rather intoxicated Paul Birch on the return journey.

 

Cheers

Post Run treats, with Taffy, 'Lumberjack' Birchy, Jeet and host Laura.

Think Taffy enjoyed himself ....... possibly a little too much.

It was suggested to bring Tommy H one back, but that idea lasted about 3 minutes before Birchy demolished it.

Perfect hosts on home turf - Lady Laura and Wol enjoying an ale or two.

and Taffy Lad James with Jeet didn't go without either.