Craigieburn Line (Part 2). Oak Park to Craigieburn.

OAK PARK. 30/4/2017. Run 45. 23.2 km.

Nice long run on a weekend that included seeing a dead fox. I’ve seen a lot of dead foxes in my time but first time in the city. Got a ride to Elsternwick and then change at Southern Cross and onto Oak Park. Getting better at timing train transitions. Easy run for first 500 m then needed quick toilet break at Macca’s. Getting hydration right for longer runs is all part of the challenge. Under City Link and on to Monnee Ponds junction. Got the junction directions right but then tried to cut through North Melbourne from Flemington Rd and it all went a bit wrong. Finally got to Flagstaff Gardens then onto Spencer St. Not a big disaster but certainly inefficient. Stopped for one more drink as I crossed Fitzroy St and then home along the canal.

GLENROY. 8/7/2017. Run 70. 25.3 km.

This was the magical mystery tour of runs. Left home with no real intent after having a sleep in and only starting at 10 am. Ended up on the 10:23 am from Elsternwick and made a last minute decision to get off at Parliament and simply got on the next train to leave. Once I was on the Craigieburn train I made the decision to run from Pascoe Vale but lost concentration and settled for Glenroy. Used google maps voice instructions to find the quickest way home but it led me a bit astray as no footpath under City Link meant it added a small detour. Back into the city and another detour as google wasn’t aware of the tunnel project blockages and had to work it out for myself. Pretty straight forward from there. Gave up on the voice instructions towards the end so I could get back onto the canals - they provide a nice finish.

JACANA. 21/4/2018. Run 137. 26.1 km.

Forgot to charge my phone overnight meant a quiet run, which wasn’t that big a deal, but also no voice directions, and that was a problem. Turned into an orienteering run with a number of stops to check directions with the little bit of phone charge that I had left. Didn’t get onto Pascoe Vale Rd and that was a mistake. Scenic route through Brunswick and ended up coming out at the back of Melbourne Zoo. At least all the turns kept me engaged although crossing Bell St near the freeway entrance was probably a bit dangerous. From the zoo I was able to find my way back onto Royal Pde and only then did I feel that the adventure was over. I still had 13 km to go but at least I knew where I was going. Stopped in the city for a cool drink and felt relieved and good for the run home. Could have been worse.

BROADMEADOWS. 9/6/2018. Run 150. 25.7 km.

Early morning start to meet the photographer from the Age. Had to be at Broadmeadows by 9 am so drove to Elsternwick station to save some time. But whilst on the train into the city got a call from the photographer to say he had been detoured to light plane crash in Mordialloc. Unfortunately the pilot had been killed and that became a much bigger priority. Swapped at Flinders St to get to North Melbourne but then buses replacing trains from there. Then my luck changed. At that time of the morning only a few people on the bus so skipped a few stations and we got to Broadmeadows by 8:20 am. Not having to now wait for the photo opportunity meant I could head home immediately. The run itself was pretty uneventful and directions quite easy. 6 km along Pascoe Vale Rd and under City Link and then into the city. Used to this route by now so no issues and on a nice day - quite enjoyable. Home in time to head to Torquay for long weekend.

COOLAROO. 14/11/2018. Run 191. 30 km.

Getting towards the end of the possible mid week runs. 30 km after work about as much as practicable. Good transition from tram to Southern Cross but 10 min wait at North Melbourne. Win some lose some. Made it to Coolaroo just on 6 pm and jumped straight onto Pascoe Vale Rd. I could almost run this road with my eyes closed but at least the first part is different each time. Must have been hard rubbish day coming up as lots of obstacles to dodge on the footpath. Followed Mount Alexander Rd and Flemington Rd into the city and then took a small detour to go past Pelligrini’s to visit the memorial to Sisto. Melbourne at its’ sadist. I hope they name the laneway after him. Easy run home from the city with a call from my wife as a distraction. Legs feeling tired towards the end but only 20 runs to go.

ROXBURGH PARK. 28/9/2018. Run 178. 32.3 km.

Grand Final weekend run and with the holiday on the Friday took the opportunity to free up the Saturday to watch the game. Go pies. Also first run with new set of yellow running glasses after losing last pair. Trained it through the city and onto Roxburgh Park. Google decided that down Pascoe Vale Rd was no longer the faster way to the city so headed East to get onto the Hume Hwy. The Hume and Sydney Rd combination made up 17 km of the run. The highlight was a “high 5” from a random stranger as I crossed at a set of lights. Detoured around Melbourne Uni so I could head towards Parliament House and the Grand Finale Parade. Thousands of people everywhere and ended up stuck in the crowd so put the run on hold for 15 mins. Go Pies. Bit hard to get restarted after the delay but easy run home from the city and home by 1:15 pm. All ready for the big game. Go pies.

Footnote : Collingwood lost by 5 points after dubious umpiring decision.

CRAIGIEBURN. 12/8/2018. Run 168. 34.5 km.

End of line run on a Sunday after getting back from Nhill for business and via Torquay. Standard Elsternwick to city and out to Craigieburn train rides. Horrible start - first I had to go North despite seeing the city in the other direction and then chased by angry dog trying to get back onto the Hume Hwy. Think I ran 8.46 sec for the 100 m that the dog was chasing me. Then another 20 km of Hume Hwy (no paths for pedestrian out here) and Sydney Rd. Finally got to a 7/11 at Brunswick Rd and stopped for a drink. Made a detour into the Melbourne Uni sports precinct to see my daughters playing hockey but then realized they were actually in Hawthorn (after phone call to check). Got going again and headed into the city and then my much traveled path back to Elwood. Took another phone call from my wife who was doing her training in Torquay. Home by 3:15 pm and restful Sunday afternoon.