Wangaratta Gift

Wang is always a great gift. The competition really starts to heat up over this weekend with lots of interstate runners making the trip. We always see a few amos for the first time. 

Both our boys performed well. Lach just missing out on a spot in the gift semis and Cal winning his heat and performing well in the final of the 400m. On to Albury tomorrow - Australia Day. 

The Norm Minns oval at the Wangaratta Showgrounds is as perfect as ever. 

Rye Gift 2014

Cal ran well in his heat of the 70m finishing third. Lach started well in his heat of the 120m but wasn't able to finish on strongly as his hamstring tightened slightly when he tried to hit full pace. No damage done so all good. Both boys competed well in the 400m. Cal won his heat convincingly and Lach finished well to run into second place although his time wasn't fast enough to get him a run in the final. Cal ran well in the final but didn't figure in the places. Overall it was a very successful day. Weather was perfect for competition. Onto St. Albans next weekend and Wang and Albury over the long weekend.

Calvin Gook - The BIG Victorian

This is what the commentator of the athletics in Tassie always calls Cal. And we heard it a lot today as Cal's performance in the 400m was sensational. He blitzed the field to win his heat comfortably in a personal best time of 47.71. He started exceptionally well in the final and it took a terrific run by Tasmanian Jared Gilroy to snatch the win from Cal right on the line. Cal wasn't disappointed as he ran very well in another great time and it took a super performance from Gilroy to beat him. Cal was pleased with his paycheck for the day and is now really looking forward to the next time he competes.

Burnie update

Both Lach and Cal ran well in the open 90m. They both finished second in their heat. Lach competed well in his heat of the gift finishing on well to grab third and a spot in the semis. The gift semis were run in atrocious conditions. Times were very fast - the strong tail wind helping. Lach ran very well but didn't progress to the final. He was very happy with his run given his lack of preparation. We are now bunkered down waiting for Cal to run in the 400m.

Burnie - It just gets worse!

What a difference a day makes!

After walking along the boardwalk at 9.00pm in short sleaves last night, we woke to the sound of rain on the roof this morning.

Meetings were held and obviously runners are tougher than bike riders as it was decided the running would continue, if not a little late starting. 

So we are sitting in the stand trying to keep warm and dry. 

Off to Burnie we go

We move onto Burnie today. Our tradition is to go to the Hellyer's Road Distillery for lunch. It did not disappoint. All three boys enjoyed a burger and I had the seafood pot pie. 

Burnie is an old town that grew around the paper mill and port. The mill was closed a number of years ago and is currently being dismantled. The port and foreshore have undergone numerous changes even in the six years we have been coming here. The boardwalk that stretches right along the esplanade and the new Makers Workshop are terrific additions. 

The view from our room is sensational. 

And the ground itself is one if the most picturesque the boys have ever competed at. (And might I add......coldest they have competed at EVER!!!) 

Just how many toasties can a person eat?

Between them I think Lach and Cal ate 16 toasted sandwiches over the two days at Devonport. Just love the way they spelt Lachlan's name.

Devonport - Day 2

Lach competed in the 200m but didn't progress to the final. Cal had a day off today in preparation for both the 90m and 400m at Burnie on New Year's Day.

The weather here today is overcast and cooler than yesterday however there is very little wind so it actually feels a little warmer than last night. 

Devonport - Day 1

Lach and Cal ran in both the 70m and 400m today. Cal led for most of the way in his heat of the 400 but couldn't hang on. Lach tailed off in his heat. His mark if 15m is very tight. They both ran well in the 70m with both progressing to the semi finals where the real sprinters came out to play meaning our boys didn't make it through to the final.

The first day of the carnival was entertaining as always, with lots to watch, including many national representative bike riders on the track. The weather was sunny but a bit cool and windy. The rugs certainly came in handy during the evening. 

The cricket was great. The Poms don't have much heart. 5-0 is looking a real possibility.

The funny thing is that every year they get Cal's name wrong. For many years he was Gavin Cook. True to form they got it wrong again this year. His athletes pass is made out to Clavin Gook. 

And what more could a girl want for dinner for her birthday. Ham and cheese toastie. Yum!!!

Update: the 400m gift was won for the second year in a row by Andrew Robinson. Andrew also won the Stawell Gift this year so to say he is running well is an understatement.