STOP PRESS:
Have just recieved a phone call from Vlastik. He is 33km from the tip of nth Australia and will be finishing his run tomorrow (now today 23 August 2006). The response to his run from the people in Nth Queeensland has been fantastic and he would like to thank everyone for their help during his run. He is a bit disapointed that all news items on his blog were removed - but he's almost finished and a BIG WELL DONE to Vlastik and Jo.
Phil
PS - Vlastik wont like this comparison. But I believe it's worth relating. Pat Farmer did the same run (from the opposite direction) a few years ago and took 110 days. Vlastik at least 20 years older took 92 days.
Great suggestion from Coolrunner, Sportsman:
It would be great to see him get plenty of "Hero SMS's" or calls after he finishes
Vlastik phone : 0419 39 96 05
Jo phone : 0438 33 06 52
http://vlastiksrunforkids.bigblog.com.au/blog.do
8th July - Day 46
After arriving at Springwood we found oureselves getting lost again and again. Decided to drive to Czechoslovak Club. Fortunatelly I was contacted by Karen who planned to run with me to the Club with her friend Adrian - they were happy to drive to the club to go for a 10 km run. It suited me well as it helped to make up for the distance I was going to miss between Springwood and New Farm Park. We had a very enjoyable run - it sure helped to lift my spirit after the frustration of losing our way all the time. Running is good for the mental wellbeing!
Traditional Czech dinner was very much enjoyed by both of us as well as a couple of Czech beers! We collected some very good donations so it was a worth the stop. After overnight stay at the grounds of the club we were very lucky to be picked up by Lindsay who led the way to the New Farm Park. Many runners mostly from Pat Caroll's running group including Pat himself met us at the Park together with Bianca Williams and other CQ personel for a sausage sizzle. A considerable donation was raised through selling raffle tickets. Thank you everyone!
About 10 am Jessica, Lindsay, Dave and I started running towards Dave and Anne's home at Lawnton - an easy run of 25 km. Anne was leading the way so Jo could follow her without any additional stress. Looking back after the stress of previous few days our passing through Brisbane turned out to be a very enjoyable and memorable experience. Thanks to everyone who made it so.
Help the children and families of Camp Quality
by supporting
Run for Kids Smiles - Vlastik’s Run
Vlastik Skavril is a 66 year old long distance marathon runner who is undertaking the impressive challenge of running from
South East Cape Tasmania to the Top of Cape York
= 5,500 km
Yes, he does love running but he is also doing this to raise profile and funds for
Camp Quality along the way.
Please join us in supporting Vlastik’s efforts by attending a gathering of fellow running enthusiasts from various running clubs around Brisbane. Running Coach and marathon Champion Pat Carroll will be there to show his support for Camp Quality and Vlastik’s run.
Saturday 8th July
7:30am
at
New Farm Park
River Cat Terminal – end of Brunswick Street, New Farm
Drinks and muffins will be provided for a gold coin donation which
will contribute to Vlastik’s fundraising efforts for the children of Camp Quality.
For further information, please contact Bianca Williams, Camp Quality on
0412 987 335 or bianca.williams@campquality.org.au
Website: www.campquality.org.au
22nd June - Day 30.
After arriving at Gosford we were invited to stay at the home of Tina and David Dougherty at Umina Beach -it was the first time in a long time we were able to enjoy someone else's cooking, sitting at a normal table and having a shower in a warm bathroom. Even had a first glass of wine in a month. Very basic, isn't it. How we take all our little daily luxuries for granted! Thanks Tina and David!
The rain came overnight. We had to drive back to Gosford and stopped at Woy Woy to do some shopping. By the time we were back at Gosford where we stopped the previous night the heavy rain stopped. At about 3 pm it came down very heavy again. Fortunately I had covered a fair distance by then so we still made it to Swansea. Found anice camping spot on a side of Lake Macqurie - a very quiet spot. I started to have sore throat and took a couple of Panadol - sweated well all night and feeling much better today. So far we had one heavy shower but did not last long. I am now at Raymond Terrace Library, will finish tonaight at Karuah. I discovered last night that we should have been at Swansea on 24th - it was 21st - three days ahead of schedule. Will have to reduce it back to two days soon - please call me to check where I am if you have any plans to meet me. I hope that I will be now able to upgrade this Blog more often.
CHRONICLE OF THE RUN.
12th June
As soon as we left Lake Entrance the big hills hit me. Little I knew that it would continue like that for next 145 km! No flat parts at all. While I kept running all the hills, it slowed me down considerable. We were still 9 km from Nowa Nowa when it got dark. Sent Jo ahead to find a spot to camp. Next day was the same. Started at 7.45 am . Stopped at Orbost to get some petrol. The owner of Wally's Bakery offered us some free refreshment - lovely coffee, cheesecake and a lot of other bakery products. Very nice people and good products. Finished the day at Cabbage Tree Creek. Again Jo went ahead to find a spot for camping. Mr and Mrs Woods (former Tasmanian) offered a spot next to their house and on the tiop of it donated $50 to CQ. Thank you - this is the sort of support that keeps us motivated. When we left on Friday morning the temperature was -1deg.C. Arrived at Cann River at 4 pm after completing the First 1,000 km! The owner of the Caravan Park offered a free accomodation. We went to the Pub to have a nice counter meal to celebrate the milestone.
I ran the whole distance in one pair of Asics Nimbus 7 without any problem and there is still some life left in them. The other Asics gear made my running very comfortable too, especially the running longs. Jo is also very happy with the smooth ride of the van thanks to new Bridgstone tyres with the compliment of Barry Ling. Saturday was another smooth run until we arrived at the border of Victoria and NSW. As soon as we stopped to camp it started to rain. Never stopped all night and next day. It was first rain after 18 days of good weather. It was really miserable day, very cold and windy, even some snow flakes falling down. Interesting to note that at Cann River we were told that the day we arrived was the first fine day after 18 days of non-stop rain! We stayed over night at Eden Caravan Park. It was freezing evening - but when we woke up it was a beautiful morning. The rest of the day was nice weather, the hills got bit bigger again. We are now in Bega staying overnigt. Thanks to Justin from Rural Press I can now update this blog. More soon!