Shocking...

...has won the 2009 Emirates Melbourne Cup. You know, the race that stops the nation? My money, if I'd placed a bet, was on Alcopop so its probably a good thing I didn't place a bet! Got a text from son #3 to say that he was at the Melbourne Cup - that there were lots of people, the weather was kind of ok, and that no, he hadn't placed a bet. Being in the ACT, we have the day off - its Family and Community Day. This means we can gather together as a family, around the TV, at a club, ACTTAB or at one of many functions to watch the race on the big screen. Nothing like quality family time!!!! However, this year is the last year that we will be having a day off for the Melbourne Cup. Next year apparently the public holiday is being moved to Monday 27 September. In a way I don't mind that we won't be holidaying next Melbourne Cup day because its more fun to joining in the festivities at work - participating in the office sweeps, watching the 'fashions on the field', sharing a slap up afternoon tea (or very late lunch) and then watching the Cup with work colleagues.

Exercise-wise, I went to RPM class last night after work. It was hot, sweaty and hard work and I was really glad when the hour was up. I was lacking a lot of strength in my dodgy hip which meant the resistance I was using was really pathetic, but it was still hard work. We have brand spanking new spin bikes - they're so cool. Each bike has a monitor that shows RPM, watts, time, distance and gear used. I think its also shows calories burned but as this is not calibrated to the user's weight and height but is based on averages - someone who weighs about 65 - 70kg, it's not relevant to me. Besides I know I'm burning up the calories!

This morning I hit the weights - umpteen squats and lunges and one legged leg press that leave the legs like jelly - wobbly. Leg exercises I can do as tolerated so it really varies from week to week what I can do. Next came supersets of assisted pull ups, incline chest press and dips. Man this is hard work and with no air conditioning to speak of, it was hot, hot, hot too. I backed up with supersets of lat pulldowns, barbell curls and chest press using a weighted bar. I had to change the pull-down attachment on the lat pulldown machine which had me almost swinging in the air trying to change the damn thing - they are not designed for height challenged people. Fortunately some guy came to my rescue and did it for me before I did something really embarassing, like fall off the seat. Now that's a thought - so far I haven't done a CJ at the gym! (touch wood)

Finally I finished off with some core exercises (yes Craig, I am doing them) and then 20 mins of intervals on the cross trainer. By the time I left the complex I looked like I'd been swimming!