Monday, May 29, 2017

HBF Run for a Reason

For the first time I ever I participated in HBF Run for a Reason, and for the first time ever, I ran (well jogged slowly) 12km.

It was a really motivating event to prepare for and pushed me to change the way I approached run training. For over a year I was stuck at 1 lap of lake monger (3.6km) and I just couldn't see how it was possible to run that second lap. I'd done it once but felt awful afterwards. After running with a very fit colleague that trains for marathons I got some advice about pace and style that helped me push to 2 laps, then 3 laps, then the 12km! Very cool, although I have to say I am definitely not a runner and training for running is one of the slowest progress activities I've ever done.

We were lucky to have perfect weather, although a bit chilly. I met up with Andrew, Darrell and Nikky and after a 20min wait in the Ibis hotel toilet queue I just made it to hear the 8am start countdown for group A. Group C (the group Nikki and I ran in) started at around 8:30am. After a congested start for the first km the crowd spread out and we got some room to ourselves.

HBF Run for a Reason 2017

There was lots of entertainment along the way which along with dodging other participants made the whole run very distracting in a good way. It was over before I knew it! Running on the freeway and the tunnel were a cool novelty although the tunnel got so stagnant that almost everyone around me exclaimed a sigh of relief when we finally emerged.

HBF Run for a Reason 2017

I also learned that you can't drink while running. I hate stopping (my muscles refuse to start working again) but decided to grab a cup and sip while I ran. About a teaspoon made it into my mouth and the rest went all over me before I gave up and tossed the cup into the sea of cups spread along the tunnel floor.

After finishing (in 1h 13min, 9.86km/hr) I collected my free Powerade Zero (disgusting), water and apple, and decided to go get a massage while I waited for the others. I was happy to see that I landed a small lady that I didn't think could be too rough, but she absolutely kicked my ass. I bit my finger trying not to scream during the calf and hip flexor part.

HBF Run for a Reason 2017

HBF Run for a Reason 2017

We all caught up at group I for Immersive then caught a shuttle back to the city. It would have definitely been faster to walk, but we finally made it to Petition for breakfast, only 40 minutes late (poor Alex was waiting for us). Alex had done the half marathon, got his best time, gone home, had a shower, come back and had two coffees by the time we got there! The breakfast was worth the wait though; butter mushrooms, kale and 65 degree egg probably more than made up for what we burned on the run.

HBF Run for a Reason 2017

The Mystery of the Missing Package

The mystery of my missing package never did get solved though. My HBF package was apparently delivered to my work on April 26th at 7:56am (before our reception is open), and signed for but it never arrived.

After some back and forth with Australia Post I discovered that someone called J Pontifex signed for it, but after visiting every floor in my building I couldn't find anyone of that name.

Australia Post said that because we're owned by a newspaper (we're not), we get things couriered (we don't), but this prompted me to google "west australian hasler pontifex" since the West Australian newspaper building is on the same street as my office. This brought up a result of someone named Joshua Pontifex, an exercise physiologist who worked at an address that turned out to be Sonic Health Plus. I gave them a call, and the lady there said that she could see Josh Pontifex in their email system but no one knew who he was!

I found Josh Pontifex's mobile via his new business and gave him a call, but he knew nothing about a package. In fact he said that he used to work in Osborne Park but hadn't even been to the suburb in over 5 years! How's that for a mystery.

Australia Post closed the case as "package missing" and I received a replacement from HBF. I wonder what happened to the original one. Is there another J Pontifex lurking around Osborne Park? Has someone assumed Josh's identity and begun signing for random packages? What the hell kind of policy does Australia Post have where any old shmuck can sign for a package addressed to you? We will never know.

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Busy Couple of Months

It's been a while!

Sculptures by the Sea

Last time we were here we were on our way to Japan that night! It was a nice day, even though we got a parking ticket which was definitely wrong. Andrew disputed it and hasn't heard back so... I guess we won?

Sculptures by the sea

Sculptures by the sea

Sculptures by the sea

Mini-Golf at Wembley Golf Course


This was one of my 3 holes in one, all flukes I assure you.

Mini Golf

Mini golf

Mini golf

Chilli Festival


The new venue at McCallum park was really well set up with great food, drinks and all things chilli, although I do miss a good day out in Freo. We got a Jalapeno plant this year but so far the chillies it's made have been as hot as capsicums!

Chilli Festival

Chilli Festival

Chilli Festival

Random Acro at Tammys

Acro

Acro

Sandvik Warehouse

This was amazing! We got to see a bunch of underground machines at the Sandvik warehouse. Really amazing to see these beasts up close after simulating them for so many years. I sneaked a Jumbo selfie.

Jumbo

Tusk Day and Archery Attack

A group of us went to El Grotto in Scarborough this year for delicious Tusk Day. Is there any smarter thing than to drink 10.8% beer before archery attack? I don't want to know about it if there is.

Tusk day

Tusk day

Archery Attack

Emma and Joe's Baby Picnic

A gorgeous picnic to say an early hello to baby girl Restifo, with Emma looking as gorgeous as ever. There was so much delicious food to which I contributed some baby themed cupcakes and pink coconut ice.

Emma and Joey's baby picnic

Emma and Joey's baby picnic

Emma and Joey's baby picnic

Easter

Oua Rosi and lots of food as usual. I actually ate no chocolate over Easter, but made up for that by eating too much other food. Thank god there's not a religious holiday centered around cheese or hot salty chips.
Oua Rosi

Oua Rosi

Easter 2017

Ninja Academy

I love this place, especially the gymnastics floor. I finally got (half way along the) peg board! But no photo evidence so I guess I'll have to prove it again next time.

Ninja Academy

Ninja Academy

Ninja Academy

Ninja Academy

Bistro Guillaume and Matilda

What an amazing musical! It's only the second musical I've seen (the other was the Lion King), and it was truly amazing.

Matilda

Pure Glow

I'm currently on Day 3 of the Radiance Reset and I think this is my favourite set of juices yet. I love the chia seeds in the Passion On Route, the spiciness of the Jalapeno in the Dr Spice, the non-beetroot-ness of the Sweet Beets, the simple carrot flavour of the Karrot Kick, the best milky juice so far, Bhakati Potion, and the way Minty Fresh compliments brushing your teeth at the end of the day.

Pure Glow

We got new Futniture!

And finally, we got new furniture. Simona's furniture served us well for 4 years, but it was time to get a comfy couch and a table that fit the room. I love it so much, but we still need some finishing touches, especially nice place mats.

New Furniture

New Furniture