Saturday in Adelaide

The weather was, apparently, 'cold'. The natives were shivering. The Brit went out in her shorts and a t-shirt. It was about 15C what was wrong with that? Sarah and I went into the city by tram to do a few chores. I noticed how much the city seemed to have changed since my last visit in 2006 - big new office blocks, the tram has been extended into the city to the 'Entertainment Centre', and the place was bustling. Some things don't change so much though and we had coffee in the brilliant Adelaide Central markets.

Like many shopping places in Australia, the markets are 'indoors', resembling a rabbit warren of food outlets, hardware shops, clothing retailers, sweet sellers, and eateries. Probably most things you can get here. But I particularly love the food stalls. All the produce is fresh and mostly local, displayed in a way that just doesn't seem to happen at home. I admired an egg plant (aubergine to you and me) which was speckled rather than plain purple. The man on the stand insisted that I take one away for free to test the extra special taste!

We also visited the Tasting Australia Festival in Victoria Square. This was mostly wine makers offering tastings of their produce, along with others selling meat. It was good to start re-acquainting myself with the place.

Catching the tram back home, I got it into my head that it would be lovely to go out for a run! After all, I'd brought my shoes with me along with a small selection of lycra. So, off to Glenelg it was, following the tram line. Rumour has it that the distance was about 7km. I took the Metro Card for the tram in case I didn't feel upto the return leg. The temperature was good for running, possibly about 15C but, as ever, there was a headwind coming straight from the sea. At least I think that was the reason for me going so slowly.

It had occurred to me that I was venturing out with no identification or means of being identified, no phone and no house keys. So before I left I tried to get Sarah to remember what I was wearing (Amsterdam marathon t-shirt 2009 if you're interested) and we agreed that she'd send out the search party at some point if I didn't return.

I got to Glenelg a little after 3.30pm, pressed the button on my non-existent garmin/hrm and eased to a walk. My left foot was a little sore - it was the first time I'd run with the orthotics in my shoes (and they don't fit my thongs) - so I removed my sock to examine the infant blister on the instep. You wuss, that's no reason to wimp out! The wind will be behind you on the way back. It was quite windy on the sea front as I walked to the other end of the pier where there were a couple of chaps fishing and not catching very much. A drink of water, a freshen up and I started my homeward plod. It did feel slightly better but I'm convinced the wind behind you is never as helpful as you think it should be. Anyway, I got home to shock Sarah with the news that I'd done 14km!

Dom was out for his Mum's birthday, so Sarah and I had dinner and settled down to watch a really rather good game between Adelaide Crows and Melbourne Demons. The Demons were the under dogs but built up a large lead. However, this was then whittled away to make the final quarter a thriller with them hanging on to win 70-67. Better than the match I stayed up to follow on twitter......