Up, up, up and …. Back down again 03 December

Sunday morning bright and early (take note all those with a hangover or just being good old fashioned sloth-like) all four carriages from the little engine that is red took to the 1000 stairs at the base of the Dandenong Ranges with gusto. This time there was some precious, and not so light cargo as well. Alyssa’s 9-month old daughter Lily came along for the ride and acted as some pretty serious resistance training. (See photos below) The original plan was to share the load, but Alyssa, to her absolute credit managed the whole ascent with Lily on her back – and Lily, lil poppet that she is checked out the view, then nodded off to sleep – for about 400 steps. Carole, number one support crew member, was front and centre also – and provided multiple services including Lily checker, photographer and all-round encourager. She’ll be a welcome site at the 50km+ mark. So from the second group training session we’ve worked out: 1) That whatever Katie is listening to on her ipod it’s working – she chased Megs up the stairs and managed the climb in around 24 minutes. 2) The harder Alyssa works, the faster she climbs and the more she sweats the more sleepy and relaxed Lily becomes (kind of a cruel joke – but she was VERY well behaved). 3) When leaving the second set of car keys in the baby back pack DO NOT let the baby mobile drive away with them. 4) We are all very glad and fortunate that Chan could remember Alyssa’s mobile off by heart, or the rest of us could have been there for a looooonnnnng time. Next up: A checkpoint … we’re just not sure which one ?

The Little Red Engine and 'a little extra' at the top of The 1000 steps! 01 December

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Well we made it to the top, Lily had a ball, but then she did have the best seat in the house!

Liss and Lily on the 1000 steps! 01 December

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Just a little extra weight to keep me on my toes!

The 1000 Steps 01 December

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Yesterday The Little Red Engines tackled the 1000 steps with the help of Carol from the support crew and a 'little' extra weight from Lily!

Up the Hill to the top of Mooroduc Quarry 01 December

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One of the journeys to the top of the quarry! We also went up the steps several times....great training!

Moorooduc Quarry 01 December

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Chan at base of Quarry....

Kingsley Park Car Boot Sale 25 November

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Here we are! The Little Red Engines at Kingsley Park Car Boot Sale - minus Steph who was off on some very important team business (Hot drinks from Glorias!) Sunday 23rd November was The Little Red Engines second fundraising effort. We did have the sun out for the occasion and although the crowd was small we did suceed in raising a little over $100 re-homing the junk from our trunk! Thanks to the Little Red Engines supporters that made the effort to come along on the day.

Little Red Engines - First official training session! 25 November

Ok, so we all know we have made a commitment and some have been in less denial than others. But since sign up (and the ceremonial handing over of the registration fee) we have all become a little more ‘fitness focused’ than we were. But Sunday 23 November was the first time we actually managed to get together as a team and sweat (this is not counting spicy takeaway food, wine and a ‘team meeting’ or three at Steph’s place). The course was from Frankston to Hastings. There was some asphalt, some dirt, some mud, some rocks and some knee high grass with blackberries, just to keep it interesting. It was a good eye opener to notice how a slight change in terrain can dramatically reduce the amount of kms you can cover in an hour. It was also interesting to note that all four of us seized up at just over the 10km mark and had to change gait, side step, skip and basically jump around like mental patients to avoid too much repetition on our joints. A little something to work on me thinks. So after 15.5km in around 3.5 hours this is what we have learned: Katie has nominated herself Queen of Scroggin, Chantel is fitter than her dog (who was decidedly worse for wear the next day) Steph has a new fear of bush rats and Liss has discovered a clever new storage place for her mobile phone. 75% of participants experienced blisters. 100% of participants had a little inward whinge (dogs included) 25% of participants failed to lose their pep, even for a moment (Katie!). Next big walk – Parkdale to Brighton, on the beach and in the dark. Will keep you posted.