Week 31: Highgate Hill to Billykart Kitchen: (15km, 1hr 40min)

I am tempted to bypass our training details to go straight to describing our delicious breakfast. Nonetheless I will stay true to my original blog intent and try not to bore you with a few of the running particulars.
Despite the prediction of forty percent chance of rain, Zeus was kind and the morning was crisp with clear skies.  As I am both geographically challenged and a little lazy with maps, I sought help from the Husband to set the trail today, with a particular request for a fairly flat comfortable run.  We achieved our destination, but the requested gradient was a little overextended with quite a few hill climbs in the back part of our course.  I should have become more suspicious with road names such as ‘Beverley Hill Street’.
Kilometre one to three took us from home down to the river and Kangaroo Point. There was a noticeable reduction in running persons about this morning because the Bridge to Brisbane fun run was on concurrently.  At Thornton Street we climbed the little sharp hill to the pedestrian tunnel under Main Street and the Story Bridge and joined Ferry Street and on towards Mowbray Park.  We passed through Churchie School with the intention of crossing Norman Creek on the bridge, only to find it had been demolished for a new cycleway construction.  We re-joined the path along Norman Creek for kilometres six to ten.  We turned into the sharp mountainous-like Newington Road, followed by a solid hill climb up Tarragindi Road and then onto a short bush trail through the Tarragindi Reserve that dropped us out onto the start of Beverley Hills Street.  I’m enjoying the discovery of the pockets of peaceful and pretty suburbs on our weekend morning meanderings and Beverley Hills Street is one such example.  It is quite a long rolling street with plenty of interesting flowering gardens and homes to peruse.  Perhaps the enjoyment was enhanced in the knowledge that breakfast was around the corner.  We eventually arrived at our destination after a quick trek up and back on Glendale Grove to help me round the distance up to 15km on the too-honest GPS tracker.

Smoked pork hash

Billykart Kitchen is perfectly situated in a picturesque spot opposite a little park on the quiet corner of Glendale Grove and Sarah Street. It’s a Café that colleagues and friends have heard and admired so it seemed like a prospective contender for perusal. A scan of the menu highlighted some exciting possibilities and the BOTR team negotiated our choices amongst ourselves to ensure maximum exposure.  The Husband, who had provided us a 15 minute start hadn’t yet appeared, with a text revealing he was lost and still finding his way.  He was only planning on a coffee so we proceeded with our decision making.   Caitlyn ordered the smoked pork hash with avocado, tahini, yoghurt, green harissa and poached eggs ($18.50).  The dish looked and was declared delicious.  Bronwyn’s Mexican Breakfast contained a tasty chorizo sausage, beans, chipotle salsa, avocado, two poached eggs and tortillas ($21.50).  All morsels on the plate were devoured with delight.  My dish was awarded the prettiest plate. The soft boiled eggs ($17) was a simple, effective combination of smoked salmon, fresh asparagus and crusty sourdough bread.  The togarashi salt created a perfect accompaniment for a zing of flavour.
Despite Billykart Kitchen having a generous amount of seating there was standing room only by the time we finished.  It looked like additional staff had been called-in and were arriving to respond to the influx of hungry people.
The minor irks of delayed table service and a long wait to pay our bill were unable to detract from the positive vibe that had emanated from the fantastic breakfast in delightful surroundings. Billykart might well end up securing a place in the BOTR top 5!

Soft eggs

Mexican breakfast

Week 30: Highgate Hill to The Jam Pantry (17km, 2hrs)

We are into week 3 of the beginner marathon training program, with it stipulating two hours at low aerobic effort today.  We met the criteria for 2 hours; however, the hilly terrain did stretch the cardiovascular system in parts.  The distance accomplished doesn’t quite reflect the perseverance and sweat left up in the highlands of Toohey Forest.
It was just Bronwyn and I departing at 5:45 into a misty ethereal morning with the hint of the warmer temperatures of spring around the corner.  As we made our way onto the Brisbane Corso, I had a moment to ponder the predominance of lady’s names assigned to the streets around Highgate Hill.  Gertrude, Mabel, Louisa, Emily, Ruth and Laura, perhaps suggests there was a number of women in the family of the land developer?
At kilometre 3, we turned into Leyshon Park leading into Fehlberg Park and then, but for a couple of streets, links to Yeronga Memorial Park.  Possibly more a product of flooding than good town planning, we are very lucky in Brisbane to have retained the amount of green space there is to enjoy.  We jumped green space to green space and started our ascent on the edge of Toohey Forest and Mount Tarragindi. The stairs up into the Little Toohey Forest are an excellent test for mental and physical fortitude.  I lay down the gauntlet for any would be boot camp or Kokoda aspirant to run the entire set!  Bronwyn and I strategically fast walked, believing ourselves to be at better mechanical advantage in doing so.

With the promise of a view at Pegs Lookout we followed the pretty undulating trail through the forest, assuring ourselves that the terrain was good for the marathon preparation. A viewpoint or vantage point, Pegs Lookout is not.  Not professing to be a lookout aficionado, but the industrial landscape of warehouses, skip bins and garbage trucks seemed a stretch of the imagination as being worthy of looking-out on.  We hastily consumed our bananas and retraced our steps to start our descent towards Tarragindi Recreation Reserve and Norman Creek to Greenslopes Hospital.  I’m not sure the hospital administration will welcome the practice, as we made our way via hill and dale into the grounds of the hospital and took a short cut through the reception foyer.  Nurse Bronwyn assured me the hospital likes to encourage physical fitness. I’m not sure why she pulled her visor lower over her face and declined to greet the staff as we passed through well before normal visiting hours.
At kilometre 15 we were both starting to feel a little weary, contemplating the sensibility of the considerable objective we had laid out for ourselves in November.  We ploughed on towards our day’s two hour goal and breakfast destination.
There were already people at the door of The Jam Pantry waiting for the 8am opening. Within 30minutes of our arrival, the café was humming with all the seats taken and people lined up for their takeaway coffees.  Our eager anticipation continued to grow as we sighted some delicious breakfast plates arriving at neighbouring tables.  Any hints of fatigue, twinges of pain and self-doubt disappeared as my Nims Eggs ($15) was presented to me.  Perfectly crispy bacon, delicious basil pesto, 2 perfectly poached eggs, roasted tomato and banana chutney on sourdough. I understand the signature of The Jam Pantry is their condiments, with some available for purchase. The pesto and banana chutney were strangely complimentary with little room for improvement for either.  It might be the 1000 calories I had just burnt, but the addition of one more piece of sourdough bread would have rounded off the dish to my 100 percent satisfaction. There was easily sufficient bacon and condiments to accompany a second piece.  Bronwyn ordered the omelette ($18) off  the specials board.  The omelette included coconut curried cauliflower, currants, raita, red onion and a frekkah and herb salad.  She ordered well!  With stomachs content, we both reflected on the enjoyment we have gained thus far through our improving fitness and the delights of the many and varied breakfast endpoints.  The Jam Pantry will be certainly incorporated on the rapidly expanding list of cafes to be revisited at our leisure post marathon.

Nims Eggs

Omelette

Week 29: Highgate Hill to Café O-mai (15km, 99min)

I have been ill this week with the household’s flu from the past couple of weeks developing into bronchial symptoms following the exertions of last week’s City-to-Surf.  I had contemplated not running, after a harrowing couple of days of persistent coughing, but the weight of responsibility for maintaining BOTR’s spartan training regime through to the Antarctic-exposed Queenstown Marathon was my motivator to get out of bed this morning.  I have embarked on a course of just-in-date and unprescribed antibiotics like any sensible health professional, and was furthermore sure that a slow run this morning would be a wonderful panacea for clearing the chest and lifting the spirits.

We’ve commenced the countdown to the finale, having this week started the 16 week training programme that is available on the Queenstown Marathon website.  This is a worrisome prospect as the notion of running 42km still seems almost insurmountable.

There was some discussion this morning on the likelihood that the 2 hour marathon time is not far from becoming a reality (not for a moment was this directed towards our crew!). This led the group to consider the part that technology has had to play in the seemingly better, faster and stronger performances of athletes and how, in a small way, BOTR have embraced this trend of technology for comfort and performance.  We have found ourselves downloading running Apps, donning bright pink compression socks, trialling running jackets and purchasing a Garman.  Bronwyn swears by her compression technology and is contemplating a second pair given her improved calf comfort.  It begs the question whether it is really fair to compare past decade records with current day performances.  With these profound ponderings, amidst our other chatterings, we ran on at our not-quite 2 hour marathon pace.

We conquered the undulations of Highgate Hill, crossed the Eleanor Schonell Bridge, and followed the river path around The University of Queensland past the student colleges. There was a requisite stop to pat a beautiful border collie who turned herself inside out with delight, and then a small climb up towards the St Lucia golf course, a weaving descent onto Lambert road and a flat stroll towards the Indooroopilly Bridge.  Other than a few groups of lycra clad cyclists and some “In Training” running groups, the streets were quiet.  We followed the Brisbane River through Graceville towards Tennyson.  We then deviated from our previous paths and crossed up towards Ipswich Road at Yeronga where we joined onto School Road and ran up past the Yeronga swimming pool and Memorial Park.  A short cut across the park brought us out to the intersection of Ipswich and Cracknell Road and thence breakfast.
Café O-mai is Vietnamese and presents a cultural variation on the many traditional bacon-and-eggs breakfasts to date.  Café O-mai appears to have already been discovered, going by the vast number of bright-eyed parents and children enlivening the dining area before 8am.  The sign directing people how to line up outside, while appearing a little pretentious by Brisbane standards, was actually a necessity.  We were grateful for our early start as it ensured we were able to secure a prime table near the front of the café, while wondering if it was the inspiring food which had led to the improved fertility rate of our fellow diners, or if it was merely that young parents and their babies are the only viable patrons that early in the morning?

Beef Pho

The health professional in me determined that the Pho would be suitably restorative against my illness, and undoubtedly would complement the unprescribed antibiotics perfectly.  The Pho is described as ‘comfort soup with deep spices and brewed for 48hours’.   I ordered the large beef Pho($14) with it’s rice noodles, Thai basil and lemon on the side and an extra order of chillies, and could feel the restorative powers emanating from this deliciously steamy offering.  Caitlyn ordered the O-mai’s Phat ($18), an equally tasty looking dish that included eggs ‘your way’, a lemongrass pork sausage, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, a sweet tasty chilli jam and her favourite element:  a sweet potato cake.  In BOTR tradition, Caitlyn ordered an additional serve of avocado ($3). Bronwyn ordered the generous Vietnamese omelette which included prawns and pork mince, sprouts, mushrooms and a side of house-made soy sauce and steamed rice.  On the menu it was noted to be ‘back by popular demand,’ and we were left perplexed as to why it ever left?  The only concern was the succinct service, which is likely a result of the rapid growth in popularity in the self-proclaimed family business.
With hearty food, rich with flavour, Café O-mai provides an invigorating, flavourful cultural take on traditional café breakfasts.  Its bustling dining area filled with happy-looking diners show the approach has already been endorsed.  This combination of interesting food and  ambience enabled the BOTR team to promptly add it to the short-list of cafes “to-be-resampled-after-the-run-is-done”.

O-mai Phat

Vietnamese Omelette

Week 28: Sydney City to Surf plus Jenny Café at Bronte (14km, 83min)

Adorned with our green departure wave bibs and donned in dressing gowns and blankets to keep warm, the intrepid crew boarded the 6:15 am Manly Ferry for Circular Quay.  As way of explanation, the blankets and dressing gowns are discarded at the race start and recycled back into the charity clothing stores. It’s quite a sight to see 80,000 runners strip off layers of clothing and throw them through the air to the sides of the path. As City to Surf veterans, with 5 races to our names, it has become our tradition to purchase layers of clothing / blankets from the charity shops prior to the big race. Despite the availability of some stunning one-sies, our accompanying children directed us to more conservative dressing gowns.
Sydney City to Surf is a must do run/ walk experience. It remains my favourite running event for the carnival atmosphere on the course, the gorgeous running route and final destination at Bondi.  It is not, however, for the agoraphobic.

The race starts in waves at Hyde Park and follows the Cross City Tunnel through Darlinghurst.  It is a tour of bays from Rushcutters, Double and onto Rose Bay.  Many runners anticipate the infamous heart break hill of New South Heads Road but few are prepared for the hill climbs in the first few kilometres of the event.  Hearts have been shattered much earlier in this race.  Comfort can be sought from the beautiful views of the spectacular harbour and the entertainment along the course.
Each year the stalwarts’ dancing blue Smurfs provide early encouragement and are backed up by the swaying Hari Krishna’s and multiple musical numbers along the way. Locals line the course with encouragement and lollies to boost the weary and broken. One entrepreneurial little girl was selling prettily decorated cupcakes, perhaps for the back of the pack run/ walkers?  We ran in good company, from storm troopers, hula dancers to super heroes.
The race follows the u shape of Vaucluse, a location name associated with investment bankers and surgeons.  From kilometre 9 and 10 I recognize we are nearly there and quietly celebrate in the knowledge that the last few kilometres is a downwards grade through Dover Heights to Bondi. The first glimpses of Bondi provide a spark of hope, to many a depleted runner, that the finish line is close. This anticipation is only for the uninitiated, however, as the course weaves another kilometre with a cruel twist that leaves you wondering if it is ever going to end.
After crossing over the finish line, immersion of tender feet and weary calves in the soothing waves at Bondi is a perfect way to top off a great run. True to race plan, my daughter, Caitlyn and I crossed the line together as did Bronwyn and her son Hugo. Well done team!

Long before BOTR was formed, another City to Surf tradition has included a recovery walk around the stunning coastal walk from

Eggs Benedict

Bondi to Bronte followed by a rewarding breakfast.  Bronte is a perfect backdrop to enjoy Sydney’s coastal lifestyle with a quaint village feel. There is a great selection of cafes at Bronte and I will admit our choice of Jenny’s this year was a product of where-ever seating was available. Friendly service and great food rounded off a successful morning.  The plates coming out of the kitchen provided a promise of generous portions:  a happy prospect for our hungry four.  The menu at Jenny’s is tempting.  The breakfast is available all day but our 11am dining time presented appealing options in the lunch menu.  I ordered the eggs benedict with bacon and a side of tomatoes ($16.50 + $4).  The eggs were cooked perfectly; the hollandaise delicious, flawlessly crispy bacon and the little roasted tomatoes were ‘melting in the mouth’ sweet.  Caitlyn selected the eggs, tomatoes and toast with a side of avocado (of course) and herbal sausages ($9.50 +$8.00).  It was all enjoyed with the sausages as the dish highlight. Bronwyn’s spring onion pancakes ($20.50), from the lunch menu, won the ‘most attractive’ prize with smoked salmon delicately curled on top of cucumber, red onion and shallots on little pancake islands.  The lemon sauce was a delicious side.  Hugo selected the pure beef burger with fries ($16.50).  It was an enviable serve with crispy fries and a dense beef patty devoured with gusto.
A weary and content BOTR group departed Bronte well fed and energised, content in the knowledge of having conquered heart-break hill with our love for running intact and intensified on the journey to Queenstown.

Eggs and tomatoes with sides

Spring onion pancakes

Week 27: Highgate Hill to Lady Marmalade (13.3km, 87min, elevation 176m)

Lady Marmalade- website photo

As the dawn horizon turned an orange hue and the loud speakers announced the start of the Brisbane marathon in the distance, Milly the dog leapt into action with the Husband in tow as we headed off full of good spirits for our wind-down run leading into next week’s City-to-Surf.   Our trio, plus one, ran away from the marathon maestros towards Toohey Forest and new running territory.  This morning’s run was a delight for a few reasons:  a novel trail, including some bush track; a mountain climb; perfect weather conditions; great running companions and a comfortable pace.  Where else would one prefer to be on a gorgeous Sunday morning?

Kilometre one to three was familiar terrain from Highgate Hill, under Eleanor Schonel Bridge and onto the Brisbane Corso. We then deviated towards Fairfield Road and the Yeronga War Memorial Park.  Having attended cross country events and the adjacent Yeronga swimming pool, I have never appreciated the historical significance and beauty of the Yeronga Memorial Park.  We ran along the noble avenue of trees, each tree assigned name markers, honouring fallen soldiers.  We wove our way via cycle way and parkland, including Koala Park and Mayfield Gardens towards Toohey Mountain.  It was only a light touch of the Toohey Forest this morning. The lure of bushland and alternate trails will entice a BOTR return for more training runs. Kilometre eight was undoubtedly our slowest pace as we ascended a number of stairs rapidly gaining 100m elevation up Mount Toohey.  We then enjoyed a descent towards the Moorooka –Tarragindi cycleway, with an easy run through the Tarragindi recreation reserve and a welcome third comfort stop for Milly. The last few kilometres combined a stretch of green parkland through Ekibin Park, Thompson Estate Reserve and AJ Jones recreation reserve to our breakfast destination.

B Hal T 

Lady Marmalade was recommended by a work colleague and is a worthy breakfast café candidate.  It is located at Stones Corner in a quaint old building with a history of incarnations from dispensing money to birds.  The menu runs all day and offers appealing options that suggest a requisite repeat visit.  There are a few quirky elements to this breakfast spot that enhance the experience; from the plastic animal table numbers to the addition of patchwork blankets for those cooler winter mornings.  The majority of seating is outside under an old veranda, delightful on an early weekend morning but, potentially, a weekday shortcoming given the busy Logan road location. The husband ordered the Bacon, ‘Haloumi and Tomato with allspice chutney and Kewpie mayo on a crusty bun.  All elements were perfect and, despite Milly looking on hopefully, there was nothing left on the plate.  The Grill Dog was accompanied with groans of satisfaction from Bronwyn (nothing in the league of the scene from ‘When Harry met Sally’ but nonetheless the sounds of a very satisfied diner).  The warm crusty bun contained pulled pork, onion jam and cheese with a delightful nacho topping, a perfect balance of lime and avocado.  Bronwyn was halfway through her munching before we realised we hadn’t captured the unadulterated bun for the blog, hence the half eaten offering in the photo.   I ordered the special, which was a sweet potato hash, smashed avocado, grilled chorizo, feta, romesco and toasted almonds. It was very tasty but, somehow left me with a little plate envy gazing at Bronwyn’s Grill Dog. The romesco (capsicum, tomato and garlic sauce) and chorizo were the dish highlights and for the price ($12.50) it was value for money, perhaps a couple dollars extra and a more generous serving would have elevated the dish for me.
For BOTR , the moniker of Lady Marmalade is their delicious condiments, from the onion jam, allspice chutney and the flavoursome romesco, along with friendly service, an appealing menu and great prices, it has the whole package.

Grill Dog

Special