The Drift
Plenty of sick children, and I have been under the weather myself. A full week working from home, no human connection beyond the family. It was also my final week with my current team, ending quietly and a little sadly with no farewell. Some weeks simply refuse to line up.
Race Plans Unplugged
I had entered the Sri Chinmoy Tuggeranong Trot, a twenty-kilometre trail run I have enjoyed the past two years. I signed up late, training was light, but I was keen to give it another go. Then Sunday arrived with a scheduled power outage. On the only day we are all home, the day for meal prep and a tidy up. In freezing weather you cannot leave the kids amusing themselves on a powerless screen for hours.
I dropped to the eight k option, thinking a shorter absence would do, but even that was wishful. The drive to Tuggeranong, the race, the drive back: still too long. Common sense prevailed. I stayed local, clipped Bob the dog to his lead, and ran our bushland loop instead. Eight kilometres, cold, icy, crisp, refreshing, exactly what I needed. No victory vegan burger, but full satisfaction.
Cold Comfort
Back home there was still no power, so the ritual hot shower was off the table. The children slept on. No blame there: it was bitterly cold, apparently the coldest Canberra morning since 1965. A quick bribe of hot McDonald’s breakfast had everyone up and dressed in record time. Hash browns and hotcakes can do that. Breakfast out is rare for us, so the novelty felt good.
Mid Week Shuffle
Rain set in, and with it caution. Monday one child stayed home exhausted after football, a sleep over, and parties. By Tuesday I felt the aches of flu settling in, plus a burns clinic follow up for the same child. Wednesday became a deliberate rest day, though I was still logged in and working. A bright spot: another child’s school exhibition. I loved watching him stand proudly by his display, explaining it to anyone who asked. He looked grey and clammy, though, so we brought him home to rest.
Thursday started long before dawn, another kid to hustle onto a bus for the Taronga Zoo excursion. Feeling decent, I took Bob out for an easy seven kilometres in complete darkness. The air was still, ice cold, strangely peaceful, and for the first time all week I could listen to the
podcast. Days of rain followed by sub zero nights had glazed the path in ice, so half the time I felt more like I was skating than running. Hairy, sure, but it kept me wide awake. I was back before sunrise; some might call that grim, but I found it stunning.
The Fade Out
The flu tightened its grip on Thursday night when that same child’s symptoms spiked, leaving us with little sleep. By Friday morning my own throat felt raw and the aches sharper. The week closes with enforced rest. I have abandoned the five k PB attempt scheduled for Saturday, but there’s always another time. Wellness first.
Earworm of the Week
I will leave you with Yves Tumor “Jackie”, a little ear worm that has nested in my head ever since I watched the
Lorde interview. Play it loud and think of brighter days.Until then, here’s to warmer days, working lungs, and a functioning hot shower.