The Last Post

And this will be the last entry in this blog. Our Games have finished with two team mates winning gold - in the C singles and C doubles. The Champagne was poured, the toasts made and tonight we have the official closing ceremony.

I intend to continue running with Ev, working out with Alicia (and my big sister Moira with whom I am not the slightest bit competitive when it comes to boxing circuits), having lessons with Victor and playing on Mondays with the Ace Girls.

Thanks to everyone who has followed this blog and especially to all of you who were personally involved in helping me prepare.

And a special welcome to Spike Jimmy George born on Friday 6th August 2010 - love to his parents Marg and Leesa.

Ciao for now...

Redemption (of sorts)

I played the semi-final of the consolation round and lost. We played in quite heavy rain and I found it difficult with my glasses fogging up and getting rain drops on them. Still, I was pleased with the way I played earlier in the day with a hard fought win 6-2.

Tomorrow, Rae and I play the consolation doubles round. We're not expecting too much but will do our best to have fun.

Down and Out in the First Round

Very disappointing day. I lost the singles 6-2, 7-5 against a much weaker but more consistent player. Not happy.

We also lost the doubles 6-2, 6-1 but the quality of the play was much better.

The consolation round begins tomorrow so I'll have a go at that.

And Judy Plays Doubles

Ripper of a match. Suzanne and Judy were outplayed in the first set but they were resolute in the second and came back from 5-0 down to end up winning 3 games in a row. Suzanne won her service game, Judy held serve and they broke one of their opponent's service games. They might have lost the match but they both achieved their personal best and the equivalent (for them) of winning gold. One of Judy's opponents had Googled her and was blown away that she was playing tennis with a celebrity. A couple of other women came up to Jude and said "Are you Judy Small, - the Judy Small". Very noice.

I could not have been prouder of the way they both played that game - they ran, they stretched, they hit that damned ball. Judy hit two beautiful backhand volley winners and everyone had fun.

As for me, well I'm still 49, still fat but I'm a lot fitter than I was and who knows what will happen tomorrow.

The good news is we think Pete will be discharged from hospital and nothing serious has been diagnosed. Whew all round.

We're having a ball meeting people

Opening Ceremony

It rained a little, we made paper planes, the cauldron was lit, the flag raised, oaths taken, long speeches ignored and the party has started - no I mean competition has begun.

Good news. Rae (my doubles partner) has won her first round 6-0, 6-0. And TJ and Michelle (from the Ace Girls) won their first round as well.

Judy plays tomorrow (Monday) - D Grade Doubles and my first match is on Tuesday.

Had a hit today just to keep the serve warm.

We're a little distracted though because Judy's brother-in-law and her sister (who've come specially to the Games) are having some dramas. Pete had to go to hospital this morning after becoming very ill. Looks like he may be there for several days until his condition can be diagnosed. It's very unsettling - especially for Judy's sister Sue and Judy too. Fingers crossed, folks.

We're here...

we're queer, get used to it...

Actually, where we are is the Radisson Blu in Cologne which is mega comfortable and friendly. Fiona and Jon and Rhys are here, Sue and Pete fly in tomorrow.

We've got our accreditation, the Opening Ceremony is Saturday night and my first game is on Tuesday.

And so, it begins...

I have a court booked for Sunday for some last minute practice . Judy plays her first game on Monday - doubles (D grade) with Suzanne.

You can feel the Gay Games buzz - lots of team members on the train from Paris, gays and lesbians everywhere in the City  and the organisers keep giving us girls - wait for it - condoms... ah well - mass production of welcome kits can only be customised so much and one shouldn't assume that the girls who are here might not also sleep with boys..

I've had my first German beer - yuuuum

Le Dernier Jour en Paris

Rhys has a future as a ball-kid. For one whole hour, he retrieved all our tennis balls - one by one at times and successfully dodged serves, ground-strokes and mis-hits.

I'm much happier with my serve - goes in when I relax - who woulda thought? Judy can punch the ball back all right but she's not so keen on running so I get to play sneaky shots when I play her (not that she's playing singles in Cologne).

A slack afternoon for us today because we have to pack to be ready for the 10.00am train to Cologne.

Rhys, otherwise known as "Underpants Boy" because he has a tendency to drop his dacks, is very excited about the train trip. He's only been on relatively short trips so far. I do hope he doesn't morph into Underpants Boy on the train - but on the other hand .....

Absolutely Nothing To Do With Tennis

Today we spent touring various iconic highlights of Paris - filming Judy singing...

I will say no more because I have absolutely no idea how the end product will be but we had fun at the Louvre, the Arc, the Eifel Tower and outside various shops and other Parisian landmarks. Maybe this will be the next YouTube sensation?

Then back to the apartment for a nap and tonight we're going to outer Paris to eat Vietnamese - well why not?

First practice hit up

Jude andfound our way to a very average municipal court - I was hoping that they might be clay courts but unfortunately they were some kind of weird green bitumen. Still, a practice hit is a practice hit.

Rhys joined us for the last ten minutes so that he could play tennis too. I gave him a small racquet for his birthday which he tends to use like a cricket bat - eh - who cares.

The hotel bed in Geneva has done something nasty to my back but there is a Chinese massage place just a few blocks down from our apartment and I am booked in at 6.00 this evening to get the kinks ironed out.

This afternoon we plan to visit the Paris Plage - the fake beach they set up on the banks of the Seine.
It will be a relief to be away from the utter stench from the dog and human urine and excrement that this arrondisement appears to be drenched with. There's one particular covered walk-way that is so bad, that we literally have to hold our breath as we go past.

Another practice hit is scheduled for Thursday - and I plan to hit buckets of serves - gotta get that groove hapenning.

Monday in Paris

A quiet day today - just a short trip to blvd Haussmann with Fi and Rhys and Judy to buy jeans for Jude (her old ones died in Gstaad).

A light lunch.

An afternoon nap.

Dinner with our friends tonight and a tennis court booked for 9.00am tomorrow.

Sunday in Paris with 4 year old

Rhys told me that he had such fun today with me that he was in love.

He also asked why I was old and wrinkly.

Four year olds are special indeed.

I had Rhys to myself for much of the day. We went to the Bastille market - oh the cheese, the cheese, indeed blessed are the cheesemakers, bought roast chicken and then Rhys and I waved his mother and father off when they went on a 19km roller blading outing with a couple of thousand other people. This happens every Sunday, thousands of roller bladers meet at a designated spot and then skate for up to 25kms around Paris. Volunteer marshalls and police on roller blades manage the road closures and keep the group tight.

Normally, Rhys would accompany his parents in his pusher but since we were here we decided to have a little time with him and let his parents skate to their hearts' content.

We walked back from Bastille to the apartment with Rhys demonstrating his prowess in jumping off things, skipping, hopping, twirling and running really fast. He also "scared" me 5 times - 5!

We all had a nap after that and then Rhys and I went to the little playground at the foot of the apartment. It's not a particularly nice playground - I suspect it is more of a hang out for serious drinking and perhaps drugs but we were the only ones there and we had further demonstrations of leaping, jumping, balancing and other gymnastics.

My first game is a little over one week from now so tomorrow it's time to get onto a court and have a gentle hit with Judy.

Paris

Neither of us slept well last night but we caught the 8:17 train to Lyon and then on to Paris today. Jonathan and Fiona and Rhys met us at our apartment which is just a short walk from them in the 11th arrondisement.

I have eaten far too much today but that's all too easy to do in Paris.

We will meet up with J&F&R tomorrow and go to the market and then we get to have Rhys all to ourselves for the afternoon while his parents go on roller blading around the city. Every Sunday, thousands of people gather to go skating. Normally Rhys accompanies his parents in his pusher (with helmet and suitably chic sunglasses) but we will find a park or two to take him to.

Our schedule for the Games has changed. Judy will play on Monday but my first game is now not until Tuesday. And unlike previous games - there will be a play off for the bronze... 

I think this competition will be tougher than it looks.

Au revoir

The Last Day

of intensive tennis training - at indoor courts unfortunately because it was belting rain.

We had the farewell dinner last night. Roy delights in making people sing "Waltzing Matilda" and we had fun telling them that our national song is about a sheep-thief who commits suicide...

Today I got to play with Lady Joan (yes really) and we had a ball frustrating two other players who had treated us with disdain because we can't hit has hard as they do - but Joan is the queen of the lob and I'm getting better at the net.We had a lot of fun watching them get more and more frustrated...

We are now in Geneva and catch the train tomorrow to Paris early in the morning...

I'll play at least twice while we're in Paris just to keep tuned up.....

Horseflies!

I can feel that I am coming to the end of my stamina - feet are sore, legs a bit heavy, and these bloody huge horseflies (which bite!) have decided apparently that I make an excellent breakfast, lunch, dinner and in-between-meal snack.

I hit one fly so hard as it bit me that I now have a bruise in the shape of my hand on my leg. Not to mention the increasing number of welts from the bites that I am accumulating.

My left knee is starting to hurt a little - partly from all the work but also I think in reaction to the change in weather - we're moving from sunny and hot to humid and hotish. But I've iced it a bit and that seems to be doing the trick.

Roy's been giving me some really good feedback on my ground strokes - basically don't over-do it. Economy of motion gives you time to hit the ball. You don't need to whack the thing to win the point!

So simple and yet...

But that's the game of tennis.

We head off to Geneva tomorrow and then to Paris to see Fiona, Jonathan and Rhys (our favourite 4 year old). There are some tennis courts near our apartment in Paris so we'll book those at least twice and Judy and I will have a gentle hit just to stay tuned. I've also organised a court for Cologne for the day after the opening ceremony so that we can have another hit the day before the tournament starts.

You do realise don't you - those few who read my blog - that all of this could be over in one match on the Monday? Still, I will have given it a pretty good shot.

Day Four

My feet are sore!!

Not surprising when you work out that I've played 17 hours of tennis in four days. Mind you, I was reminded of home when I put my tennis socks on - they clearly bore the marks of having been one of the pairs of socks that Hari (my Brown Burmese cat) had taken to stealing from my suitcase in the days before we left.

And Judy has a new girlfriend....

Her name is Sophie..

She's five years old and has decided that Judy is the adult du jour...

I watched them this morning on the grass underneath the breakfast terrace playing a kind of football and catch with a supersized tennis ball. I'm not sure who was having the most fun! Sophie is tri-lingual. She speaks Swiss-German, German and English. She's an utter joy to watch as she skips around the hotel.

I think she is partly enamoured of Judy because Sophie collects coins and Judy has given her a full set of Australian coins. The 50cent piece has been a particular success.

Some of the other kids we see here are so formal - already in their suits and loafers - bored adult/kids...

Another five hours of tennis tomorrow, then the farewell dinner, then another 2.5 hours of tennis and the week is over. Roy has persuaded Judy to sing at tomorrow night's farewell dinner. It's been a little tricky working out what she'll sing given that most of her stuff is reasonably political and this is not exactly a left-leaning kind of group - but I know my girl and I know she'll knock their socks off!

I am having the last of my massages today - a facial treatment first (well I have been in the sun for a few days now) and then a hot stone massage. It's difficult to take but I'm managing.

Day Three

Well, it's really day two and a half - we only played this morning before heading off to a picnic in the Alps - tough eh!

I am pleasantly surprised that all my training has actually paid off. Despite spending five hours a day on the court, I am surprisingly unstiff.

Roy had me working my guts out yesterday - really getting me to run and make every possible attempt to get that damned yellow ball back. He asked me if it was ok to be pushing me like that - and my bravado said "Bring it on!"

We now have the draw for the first round. My first singles match is on the Monday (2nd August) at 9.30 with doubles at 2.00. Judy has also entered the Games and will play her doubles at 12.30 which is great because it means that I can be her cheer squad for a change.

Roy's promised me a bit of singles time which I'm looking forward to. The tennis pros he has here are simply fabulous. Roy's son Antony is particularly good - he has this wonderful graceful style in his own game and an air of quiet authority on the court. His feedback and corrections are both positive and really useful.

Only a few more days of "camp" and then we're off to Paris to play with our favourite four year old.

Day One of Tennis Camp

Forehands, backhands, volleys, a couple of doubles sets and...

I'm stuffed.

Well at least I'm not as stuffed as I was two years ago when I did this.  Basically it's five hours of tennis with one tennis pro to three participants which means you get a lot of attention and you get to run... a lot...

I am pleasantly surprised by the improved level of fitness - truly - I'm just a little bit sore in the legs but not too bad. I do have to confess to having a little sleep after the morning session though. The lovely Judy ran a hot bath for me at the end of the day - bliss.

Judy spent her day doing cryptic crosswords and working on the jigsaw puzzle we brought with us. Dunno which one of us is having the most fun.

Last night we had a welcome to the tennis week dinner and Judy and I sat with an older woman - Marion - who miraculously escaped the holocaust. She was arrested as a 14 year old returning to Berlin from boarding school in England in 1938 - charged with moving money out of Germany. She was required to attend a police station where the officer did two remarkable things - he gave her passport back and told her to get back to England as fast as she could and then said to her mother (who had been arrested on Krystallnacht) "Leave this country - leave now". And they did - to Shanghai where they were safe until the communist revolution and again her family escaped but this time to America.

I wonder what happened to the police officer - did he survive? Did he help others escape?

On a much less serious note:

At dinner tonight there was a three piece combo playing cocktail lounge classics - made me thing of our friend Tricia who thought the words were "On the bus and leaning over" instead of "Blame it on the Bosonova".

Another five hours of tennis tomorrow - and a massage at the end of it. I think I can manage that.

Starting to get serious...

Last night we went to the opera. Ho hum, I hear you say. Wrooooong. The physical theatre is one thing - red, gold leaf, rising tiers of opera boxes, ushers in black uniforms with bronze medallions around their necks.

And then the  conductor comes into the orchestra pit - oh God - he's very young, and I don't recognise the names of any of the singers. Have I hyped this up too much in my mind?

And then the overture begins and there is nothing but subtle, precise, beautiful strings and an achingly,piercingly haunting oboe - oh yeah.

We're here to see The Barber of Seville - a romantic comedy/farce. I don't have the words for the music but if you ever get an opportunity to hear Joyce DiDonato (Rosina) or Lawrence Brownlee (Count Almaviva) - run to the ticket office as fast as you can. These are musical athletes - not just technically sound but with profound control, perfect timbre.

And the staging was subtle but spot on...

But I digress because the real reason we are in Europe is to play tennis. So it's off to Gstaad for pre-tournament fine-tuning.

We had to change trains in Montreux. So there we were just sitting in our seats and a Swiss woman walks by and yes - it's Ursula - who runs marathons and who is the partner of the woman (Michelle) who beat Judy in the tennis at the Chicago Games. Yes, they're coming to Cologne but no, not playing tennis - just (just!) run the marathon. 

We are here now at the Gstaad Palace Hotel where I will shortly start a 6 day week of intensive tennis training with Roy Emerson and his team of professional coaches.

A relaxing dinner tonight (and a glass of champagne just because I could) and a relatively light day tomorrow. Down to the village to pick up supplies - I don't pay $15 for Heineken if I can help it! A swim and a workout to get the kinks out of the body and then a cocktail reception. Training starts for real on Sunday,

This will be the first real test of my fitness - let's see how that holds up although I have to confess to whinging a bit about having a sore right big toe. Judy, ever solicitous of my well-being, has suggested that it might be gout. I refuse to have gout - and that's final. It's just something else - minor and all will be well in the morning - right??

And so it begins....

First stop - Milan. Hmm, what can I say about Milan? If you are into serious label shopping then this is most definitely the place for you. And let's just say that shopping for anything other than size micro is almost impossible.

On the other hand, it's just a 2.5 hour train trip to Venice - Judy's favourite city. So that's where we've been - off to Venezia for lunch.

Tomorrow is a lazy day - we are going to La Scala to see The Barber of Seville but given how hot and humid it is at the moment - it's unlikely we will do anything more vigorous than walking to the theatre,

On Friday I start getting into serious preparation for the tennis - that's when we catch the train to Gstaad where I spend 6 days and a total of 25 hours on the tennis court.

Flying Out Today!

We had lunch yesterday with Victor and Ev. And Ev has lent me something very special - her Australian Olympian cap that she was given (as were all former Olympians) at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

We've taken the cats to The Cat Motel - had to do a small detour there today because I had left something behind. Sherlock has settled quite well, Hari was in his cat bed and seemed glad to see me, but Rufus was still hiding in the cat house. Their cat suite has a large run that goes up the wall and gives them lots of room for running like mad things - which I am sure they will do.

I packed my bag today and then re-packed it three more times - kept needing to check that I had the right stuff there..

And now all we have to do is wait to get picked up and taken out to the airport and the adventure starts...

The Final Countdown

Last comp night and I won the singles in a scrappy match 6-4 and we won the doubles 6-1.

Last lesson with Victor.

Last workout with Alicia


And a holiday haircut ...

The Last Week

Ok - we've picked up the AceGirls shirts - and they fit and they're great and it was pub night which was good.

My last tennis lesson tomorrow night.

Finals of Thursday comp this Thursday.

Last personal training session on Saturday.

Going away booze up on Sunday.

Fly out on Monday.

I have no brain for work.

Uniforms

We've just come back from DT's - a gay pub where QSAM has hosted the official farewell for those of us heading off to Europe soon. We've got our official Team Melbourne t-shirts and a Games t-shirt - do we need much else - nah.

I had a bit of time on the court this morning - just doing some serving practice. I wish I could take some time each day to do that - just to get the serve solid but I don't think the boss would agree with my doing that!

Rankings!

We've been asked to check our details for the tournament - no probs. - so I check my details - all correct. And much to my surprise I find I have a ranking in singles in the GLTA - woo hoo - I am 509th...

Technically Judy is ranked higher than me because she won her first round at the GG in Chicago last time - 6-0 6-0. (Her opponent didn't show up).

Played the Thursday comp tonight and Judy came to keep the stats. Lost the first set 2-6 but won the second 6-3 - gotta be happy with that.

Everyone Has Her Own Wimbeldon

And we have Foxtel which means that we are now glued to the tv.

My calf is on the mend so I've had a gentle hit with the Ace Girls tonight and I'll go running with Ev tomorrow.

17 days until my last day at work ... not that I'm counting or anything.

This week is also the last week of the Thursday night comp so I'll do Tennis World Workouts for the remaining two Thursdays so that I keep hitting lots of balls.

Things are Going Swimmingly...

Since I can't run or play tennis right now - I've decided to hit the swimming pool. I've worked hard to get a bit fitter and I hate the way you lose fitness really quickly but it takes forever to get fit - if you know what I mean.

Only half an hour in the pool and I probably didn't get my heart rate up all that much - somewhere around 130bpm but that's ok. It's a long weekend here in Melbourne so I was able to be civilised about it - didn't hit the water until 10.30am - pity work gets in the way....

Well That's Torn It...

My calf muscle that is...

It was a bit sore last Monday but I thought it was improving. I was entered into a tournament this long weekend and as we started hitting up I felt a tearing sensation in my right calf muscle.

I decided to be sensible and not risk further injury so my opponent got a walk-over and I need an appointment with Tim!

At least we've got four weeks to go until we leave.

A Very Big Scare

No internet access at home has made updating the blog a little difficult but there has also been one other complications. Last week I started experiencing ongoing chest pain - a dull squeezing feeling in the centre of my chest and some breathlessness. Ok - do I ignore this because I don't believe that I could possibly be having something seriously wrong with my heart or do I be sensible and take the risk of being told it's just anxiety...

Ok - so I did go to the doctor and the end result is a perfectly normal ECG but low iron and over-replaced thyroid - both of which can cause chest pain and breathlessness. And the answer is a slight modification of the thyroid medication and iron pills.

Whew...

So, I can continue training and we'll see how I go at the local tournament next week. I think it might be  case of collecting Charlotte points again but the more comp practice the better

Finally!

I broke my drought of wins last Thursday with a 6-1 win in the singles and a 6-3 win in the doubles - whew! I have to admit that it felt good.

Only seven weeks to go now until we leave and now is the time to really step up the training.

I've entered the Waverely Tennis tournament for the Queens Birthday weekend - playing B grade Ladies singles. It seems that we will be mixed in with the 16 year olds - oh well yet another thumping at the hands of an infant likely to be handed out.

And joy, the French Open has begun - more opportunities to study clay court tactics.

Mea Culpa

I was meant to see Tim the Physio on Friday but when I got home, we started celebrating our 6th anniversary and I just kind of forgot...

One of Judy's martinis will do that to you.... and then there was the French champagne...

And I need to see him - cos my damn hip is playing up again so, Tim, if you're reading this - I promise I will keep my next appointment....

grovel

60 something days to go!

A little over 60 days to go and we are in the air and on our way to Europe. Still training pretty hard and starting to be a lot more focussed about my diet. Alicia is being very encouraging - Tim says I shouldn't bother to come back if I don't win....Ah the pleasures of having a support crew.

Rae and I are going to start having doubles lessons with Victor.

All I can say is that if I don't do well, it won't be for lack of trying...

No training this weekend

I'm sitting in the Qantas Club lounge in Sydney waiting for our plane to Port Macquarie. From there we drive to Camden Haven and then Judy does a gig with Ami Williamson tonight. So, no training this morning - which is kind of good and kind of scary because I realised that it's only 10 weeks until we leave - and 12 before the Games start...

And I will be having a bit of a break from training next week because I will be attending the AIJA international conference on non-adversarial justice which is being held in Melbourne. I'm giving a paper on Friday - got the worst spot possible in the program - in the last slot of the day on the last day...

I'm Not So Good at Losing

Last week I was beaten by a 13 year old... (7-5 in a tie break).

Tonight we won the doubles but I couldn't hold serve and lost my singles 6-4. I just couldn't crack my opponent. Really really really frustrating!!  I don't think  I played badly - she was a better player but that doesn't deal with my fragile tennis ego!!!!!

Still, I take what I did do well. I attacked her backhand pretty successfully and got a few drop shots going. Just wait until next week!

Judy and I are going to NSW on Saturday - Judy's got a gig at Camden Haven so no training on Saturday morning. Instead I get to warm up my entourage-of-one act. For any readers who don't know about Judy Small - check out  Judy's website. 

Judy is often surprised that I still like going to her gigs but I get quite a buzz out of them - she has great fans and I've had the privilege of meeting some extraordinary people because of her music and I've got to hear some tuly wonderful music.

Next  Thursday I hope to report victory... just got to keep training...

Dear Tim

I saw Tim the Physio and it would appear that I have pinched the cartilage in my right knee so I've been doing what I've been told and have rested it, taken anti-inflammatories, and iced it and it's still sore! Sorry Tim but I think I'll be coming back to see you on Friday with a sore knee!

But on a brighter note, I've been making a home movie about my assault on the Gay Games. I've got some very simple movie making software and I've been having some fun with it. Can't really write a script for it though cos I don't know how it's going to end.

And now as the weather gets colder, I just want to eat chocolate......

100 days to go...

Yep, that's right - we're now in the final countdown to Cologne - 100 days until the Opening Ceremony. I'e trained pretty hard this week and the tennis is definitely improving (albeit I was beaten by a 12 year old last night 6-5).

Still, when you consider that I had been for a walk with Ev and then had walked pretty much consistently from 8.00am-4.30pm touring 6of Melbourne's prisons (it's a long story) and then played tennis, I am not too unhappy.

I am really pleased that the volcano in Iceland appears to be settling down - the last time it erupted there were explosions for six months...

Still, I am sure that with sufficient notice we coudl find alternative ways to get into Europe - perhaps via Rome. Still it's good that it ppears that we won't need to worry about that.

I've been making a little home movie about my Gay Games experience and that's been actually very useful. I've now got some footage of me playing tennis and I can see how I hit the ball. Hmm, I don't really run all that much - more brisk walking to the ball rather heavily.

No training tomorrow - my right knee is very sore (and clicking ominously) and I'm going to rest it.

Gamesmanship

I played tennis at Melbourne Park in the Tennis World regular Thursday evening social competition. My usual tennis partner, Kate, wasn't able to play so I dragooned Rae in since we need more practice playing together. In retrospect, I wish I had realised that this was a team (of two) style comp and then Rae and I could have had weekly practice... but anyway... I digress.

I won my singles (6-3) and we were playing the doubles when Rae hit a lovely cross court volley - which ended up a bit close to the net player who took great umbrage. Apologies were offered since Rae had no intention to hit the ball at her but was angling for that part of the court behind her. So we had sullen looks as we went on to win the doubles (6-3). And the thing I noticed was that we started playing more softly - and you know, there isn't really a "nice" way to play tennis although you can play nastily - ie by cheating on line-calls or by over-hammering a much weaker player - and we were not doing any of that. But I'll be damned if I'll be put off playing a proper shot because the opponent is glaring at me or sulking because she couldn't hit a winner!

Then Rae was up to play singles. Just as she was starting the first game, a friend of her opponent wandered casually onto the court and started chatting - literally between first and second serves. This continues all throughout the first game which Rae lost. At the end of that game we both asked the friend not to talk during points - well you would have thought that we were the nastiest people on the planet. Her opponent went on to win the second game because Rae was well and truly put off. But to her credit she got the upper hand and won the next six games in a row to win the set.

The ant/spider bite continues to be a bit of a pain. The steroids have started to work and the inflammation is well down but the patch where I scratched it too hard is an open graze, sore and right on the spot where my tennis shoe hits the skin - ow.

I'm planning on starting to do some videoing now of our training - we're off to Europe in only a little over 13 weeks. That sort of sounds like a long time but is scarily imminent for me.

Reflections on Shepparton

Ok - so here are the things I've taken from Shep.

Winning is fun but it's ok to be beaten by a better player.
My backhand is stable - not a killer shot but ok under pressure
I can move around the court faster than I used to but I need to get quicker (which means getting thinner).
My cross court forehand in the doubles is a goooood shot.
I need to warm up better.
Tennis with friends is the best

The Big Prepartory Tournament

And so, we return from the Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club Easter tournament. I entered the D grade singles (lost 4-8 to one of the eventual semi-finalists); D Grade doubles (lost 4-8 to a pair including someone who played B grade singles); C grade doubles - 8-0 in the second round then lost 5-8 in the quarter finals.

The Ace Girls had won (at the last time I knew the score) the D grade singles - go Gina and the Plate singles (woo hoo Nadine).

Had a real blast playing with Denise. We make a pretty good team - a good match in temperament and a never say die attitude.

And it was great feeling like the work I'm doing on my fitness is finally  paying dividends. The only problem was the insect/spider bite on my left ankle that I got nearly three weeks ago - huge rash around my ankle, swelling and the kind of itch that makes you want to scratch your foot off! Two hours at the Epworth and now I have cortico-steroids to try.

It's only 14 weeks to go until we leave for Europe. So now we are in the final countdown. Time to get really serious...

Week 11 Results and 16 weeks to go

Finally! Scales are moving in the right direction again. And I realised that it's only 16 weeks or so until we fly out.

Not sure if I've outlined the plan. We first fly into Milan for a couple of days - get over the jet lag, see the Last Supper, spend a day in Venice (Judy's favourite Italian city) and go to the opera at La Scala.

The we catch the train up to Gstaad so that I can join the Roy Emerson tennis week at the Gstaad Palace hotel. Six days of tennis - and about 5 hours of tennis a day at that. The last time we went, I could barely move.

At the end of the tennis week, we're off to Paris to see the gorgeous Rhys and his parents.

And then it's Cologne and the opening ceremony.

I hope I get through at least one round after all this!



Weight: 94.1kg

Week 10 Results

And the trajectory continues upwards - oops. Better start seriously watching what I eat.

But I am fitter - no doubt of that. Do you think I can put the .3kg gain down to muscle??? Oh well - there's always next week.

Rhys - ercise

Rhys is our (just turned) four year old Godson who lives in Paris with his parents, Fiona and Jonathan. Rhys has two speeds - full on - full speed and off. We've been playing tennis - he has his own special racquet and has a natural left hand topsin forehand - too easy! We hit a ball along the ground to each other - brilliant. I have plans for the players box at Roland Garros.

I played the social comp on Thursday and we won - I won my singles 6-2 and we won the doubles 6-3. I was certainly hitting better.

And Alicia trained Moira and me into a completely depleted sweaty mess this morning....

Week 9 Results

And the scale has gone the wrong way - up half a kilo so I guess I better get serious again.

Rats.

Weight: 95kgs

The Tournament

And as expected, my opponent wiped the court with me - but I did get 7 Charlotte points. That means that I made her hit the ball at least twice before she won the point. I could handle the pace but I just don't have the speed in my feet and legs to keep up with a player of that level. Still, I don't think I'll be facing a former pro player at the Gay Games.  Lots more work to be done on agility and fitness - that's for sure.

Two sets of doubles later - first set 9 Charlotte points, and 13 points in the second set!

And two clean winners hit by moi in the doubles. Yay....

We got home just in time to avoid the hail storm that swept Melbourne. Can't have been fun for the people still on the courts.

Is this a career-ending injury?

Catastrophe on Thursday night - major injury....

Yes, that's right, I stubbed my toe!!!

But help is on the way - I've found good advice on the internet.


Internet Advice

Annihilation Looms

This coming weekend is the Victorian Tennis Seniors comp at Glen Iris. I'm entered to play over 45/50 singles and doubles (with Rae).

I have just seen the draw.

I play the second seed in the first round. She plays A grade pennant tennis regularly...

Right then....

We shall now proceed to redefine the meaning of "winning" to getting at least one game to deuce.

Week 8 Results

And finally the scales are moving again. This is good.

Ev the Olympian came to meet Alicia the Personal Torturer on Saturday. It is agreed that Alicia will work on strength training and Ev will focus on my cardio fitness with an emphasis on sprint fitness (oh God what have I done!).

Ev plans to consult her former (Olympic) fitness trainer to develop an appropriate program.

And I am to be pushed out of my comfort zone.

I have created a monster....

Love it.

Weight: 94.5kgs

Victory!

Yes, hold the front page - I actually managed to win a singles game!

I was up 3-1 when my opponent won the next four games and had me at set point but I managed to fight back and won in a tie break.Really weird actually winning something - I am far more accustomed  to being the good loser.

It's a good feeling...

Yes, Tim

I've been to see Tim the Physio this afternoon - buggered knees and hips and backs need attention. Tim has apparently  been reading this blog - which is a pleasant surprise - even more so that he even likes it.

The new poll was his idea.

And yes, Tim - I am doing my exercises....

Week 7 Results

Hmm - only a 100 gram decrease. It may have something to do with the quantity of icecream I've been eating lately.

And I'm having a few problems with my left knee. It's been reconstructed twice and in humid weather it just kind of goes - wrong. So that meant only  limited tennis last night and no walk this morning.

I'm off to Tim the Physio this afternoon and we'll get it taped up again and that should do the trick.

Weight: 95.7kg

Team Charlotte

Alicia is back! More sweating in our gym - otherwise known as the garage.

The Team Charlotte t-shirts have arrived and don't they look inspirational! I particularly like the swear bubble.

So, there's Alicia on the left and my sister Moira on the right. Boxing features quite prominently in our workouts and most of the time I enjoy it but I can't say that the boxing crunches are my favourite - nor is the plank or the wall sit.... but then again that's why Alica makes us do them.

Setting the Standard

I had a really great leson with Victor - felt really good about hitting the ball cleanly and accurately. So I went to the social comp at Melbourne Park - a little pprehensive but thought I would acquit myself ok.

And yes, Victor was right, I got the yips and either hit things WAY out of court or smack into the net. And this is why I am playing social comp - I need the competition practice so that I can get my nerves under control. I was really happy with my serve - that stayed pretty solid and often that's the first thing to go when I'm nervous. I lost the singles set 6-1 but most of the games went to deuce which means that the loss was caused by nerves rather than technical skill. I still need to get a lot fitter though.

The first serious competition is in two weeks - the Seniors comp at Glen Iris. I am more than likely to get well and truly thumped on this one but again, I want the competition practice. My battle will be to h old my serve steady and to get at least 2-3 games from each set. If I can do that, I think I will regard myself as having achieved my goals.

Alicia is back tomorrow - much sweating and many rude words are likely to emerge from the garage.

Week 6 Results

I've hit a plateau - no change in my weight this week. But I'll take that over putting weight on any day.

I will have my tennis lesson tomorrow and then the first week of the social comp on Thursday.

I'm a bit tired this week and a bit sore. Think I need to focus on eating a bit better and more consistently - less chocolate and ice-cream I'm afraid.

Weight: 95.8

No Tennis Tonight

We had a bit of a domestic crisis -our geriatric cat, Sherlock, the old man of the house has been unwell so we had to take him to the vet. Looks like it's an inflammatory problem which is a great relief because I was thinking that we might be saying good-bye to him.

Instead, he is spending the night at the vet's so that he can be given a whiff of gas in order to get a blood sample from him. He objected rather fiercely to attempts this evening - that's our boy - stroppy.

So no Ace-Girls tonight but that's ok! I get walked by Ev tomorrow - prepare to sweat!

Bad Girl II

I had good intentions, really but this afternoon has been a disaster - chocolate and icecream. It's a fatal combination.

Still what's a girl to do.

We're watching the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics - makes me cry - I'm such a sook.

There's nothing like the opening ceremony of the Gay Games - I've never been so emotional, so proud, so tired, so exhilerated. For newbies, it's going to blow your mind...

Tennis Player Ego

Last night I went to the grading for the Tennis World social competition. I was reasonably happy with the way I played - especially my serve which was pretty solid. Got a couple of aces and didn't double fault once.

I played two sets of doubles with different people. The second set was three blokes and me and they were a lot better at running and hitting the ball very hard. Very chivalrous too - not too much whacking the ball at the sole female!

And I was quite pleased when I was told that the grading assessment was that I should be in B Grade ..... until I found out that B Grade is the lowest grade! The Grades go Premier, A1, A2 and B. B Grade if for beginner to intermediate players - and that's an absolutely accurate assessment of my playing standard.

Just goes to show you how much of your tennis is played in your head and not on the court.

I've opted to play singles at 6.30pm on Thursday evenings. That means I'll have a day's break between Ace Girls and my lesson with Victor before the social comp. Apparently the comp lasts for between 16-18 weeks so that should give me plenty of opportunities to get my head around playing competitively. And I shouldn't be quite so exhausted at the Roy Emerson week and have better stamina during the Games. Well at least that's the plan, Stan.

And my next goal (thanks, Ev) is to get three games off Rae in stead of two. And to be in the low 95kg range. And to survive me lesson with Victor tonight....

Week 5 Results

And the first week of intensive training is paying off! I am 1.5 kgs lighter this week than I was last week.

Had a good night at Ace Girls last night - and especially enjoyed playing out a few points - good to get some match like practice.

Today I go to Melbourne Park for a grading session before joining a regular Tuesday night social competition. I'm not quite sure how the comp is run but I'm looking forward to getting some match practice. I know that I need to get some games under my belt.

Tomorrow is my tennis lesson with Victor and on Thursday I think I will collapse (after being "walked" by Ev the Olympian).

There are a couple of comps coming up - one at the Glen Iris Tennis Club over the Labour Day Weekend and then the lawn tennis comp at Shepparton at Easter. All good practice for August.

Hi ho..



Weight: 95.8kgs

First Week Intensive

Oh. My God.

Ev has "walked" me twice. I've played tennis. And there are 22 weeks to go until we fly out to Europe.

Normally I would had a personal training session with Alicia on Saturday morning but Alicia is away. My sister, Moira, and I decided to keep faith with Alicia so we walked her three dogs in the Darebin Parklands. Not exactly strenuous but still we made the effort.

I have fallen in love with one of Moira's rescue dogs - Ariel - a 9 month old whippet cross. He's black and white, sweet natured and utterly graceful. How could he possibly have been abandoned? He's only a temporary resident with Moira - and if we had a lifestyle (and a house) more suitable, I could be tempted. I suspect our three cats might have something to say about that though...

I'll either be incredibly fit (for a nearly 50 year old) or I'm gonna be mincemeat!

I've added some new links under "Good Stuff" - one is to the group that will co-ordinate Team Melbourne and the other is the Australian Gay Games Facebook site which is full of really useful info.

Motivation

OK - I've played tennis twice - well only once really because Monday was a little light on. But I've been "walking" with Ev twice - not to mention a bit of extra walking between my office and head office.

And for motivation, I've decided that I need a training t-shirt that both encourages me and acknowledges that it aint easy!


Check it out here!

Week 4 Results

And at the end of four weeks, I have lost a total of 3 kgs and while I naturally wish it was considerably more, at least it's steady.

Judy's friend Ev played hockey for Australia in 1984. Ev feels that she would like to regain some of her former fitness and that training me would provide her with excellent motivation.So, we've had our first training walk this morning - not too bad, certainly raised a sweat but not too much.

My God, I might actually get fit!

I start back with Victor tomorrow - he's my tennis coach and I know I'll work up a sweat then.



Weight: 97.3 kgs

There's Always Next Year!

So, Serena has her 5th Australian Open title. She is one formidable athlete! But I was still so impressed with Justine's game. For such a small tennis player, she packs one hell of a punch.

Tonight we watch Federer take on Murray. I hope that is as good a match as last night's!

It's our last day of holidays tomorrow - better go and find a tennis court and throw a few serves down.

Federer the Fabulous

And it took about one hour and thirty six minutes for Federer to simply outclass Tsonga. I've never seen such utterly effortless and graceful tennis. Quick  hands, drop shots, slice backhands and then topspin backhands that sizzled.

So, tomorrow night is Henin vs Williams and Sunday night is Federer vs Murray. We've taken the Monday off so that we can stay up and watch the match!

More inspiration for Cologne...

Did I mention that I am playing D Grade?? Yep, I'll be right up there with Justine and my classy slice backhand...

Allez Justine

We've just come back from watching both women's semi-finals at the Australian Open. I want a backhand like Justine's!

Serena's victory of Li Na was a real battle 7-6, 7-6. Both women are power hitters and they simply slugged it out from the baseline. It was a real war of attrition.

The Henin Zheng match was a complete contrast in styles with Henin using an intelligent combination of power, placement, spin, slice and volleying to simply outfox Zheng.

I have bought the appropriate accessories which will of course ensure my guaranteed success in the tennis in Cologne - yes?? An Oz Open gym towel, a very smart trilby hat, a key ring, and wrist bands. Yep, guaranteed success on the court.

Did I mention that my friend Rae thrashed me hollow yesterday! Maybe better check that ego in at the sidelines...

Tomorrow we go to watch Federer and Tsonga - woo hoo.

First Game of the Summer

And as usual, Rae has thrashed me 6-2! One day I'll get more than 2 games off her!

I did do some damage though when Rae, in fierce pursuit of a short ball, tripped up and managed to graze and bruise both knees, her chin and bite her lip.

She's a trooper though, got up and insisted on continuing to play. It was a different story when we got back to my place though when I sat her down and got out the antiseptic wipe. She was calling out in agony before the wipe had even touched her! Still, she is now cleaned up, wounds are dressed and I'm hoping that there's no permanent damage!

Rae has one of the most difficult games I've ever played against - she was a top squash player and she has excellent placement - gets most balls back and angles them so that I don't have a hope!

Rae and I are playing doubles at the Games - looking forward to that. We are now discussing what we should wear - hmm - this could be the difference between winning and losing!

Week 3 Results

Hmm, well progress is being made - less icecream has been consumed and the scales are showing movement in the right direction.

Time to hit the tennis court! Ace Girls start again next week, and I have decided to give a regular Tuesday evening social comp a try so that I can get some match practice in a relatively un-stressed environment.

In fact, I may just take myself off to a tennis court this afternoon to throw a few serves down.

I've also started re-reading "The Inner Game of Tennis" - I want to do as well as I possibly can at the Games - it's a personal standard not to be measured by number of matches won but more by the subjective measure of how I feel about the way I've played. Well that's the theory anyway.


Weight: 97.7kgs

How to Win at the Gay Games

1. She who looks most fabulous wins.
2. The score is only semi-relevant.
3. Colour coordination between doubles partners is a good idea.
4.Never forget to accessorise.
5. Remember - it's the Gay Games - not Wimbeldon and the motto is Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best!

Australian Open Inspiration

Well, still got a sore hip so no major running around but I did wear my brand new Adidas shoes for the first time - just checking you understand....

We are taking the week off work to watch the Australian Open - I love living in Melbourne.

And now I'm thinking that I really better get serious about the Gay Games - don't want to crash out in the first round....

And just for fun, check out this blog - http://sleeptalkinman.blogspot.com/ - I think my new Ace Girls Support Crew t-shirt will say "I have not put on weight. Your eyes are fat".

Bad Girl!

Today I have eaten nothing but sweet things. I am on a sugar high and I don't care...

Well at least not until tomorrow...

Chocolate should be on the PBS.

Week 2 Results & New Shoes

And the results for week 2 of the transformation project are - no change - but that's dead normal for the second week. But I guess it's time to get a bit more serious!
Rating? Well abut 6.5/10 I gueess. Not too much icecream - apart from that double bowl I had on Sunday... but what's life if you have to give up icecream.

Now it is a truth universally acknowledged that sports performance is improved with the addition of new shoes. Yes it is true - these are personally customised tennis shoes courtesy of Mi Adidas. Get the shoes that fit you!!!

Different widths and lengths available, different inners, different soles and you get to choose the colours and you can put something appropriately inspirational on 'em.

Doing the Hippy Hippy.... Ache

So now that I am officially staring down the barrel of turning 50 it's probably only time that I should be confronted with a doctor telling me that my cholesterol is a bit high, the Vitamin D levels a bit low and that might not be so good for me bones and by the way - you've torn a muscle in your bum and we think an injection of your own blood deep into the muscle would be a good idea.....

And - that's right - there's more - the injection will hurt for about 2-3 days and you should feel better 4-6 weeks later.

But seriously,  I have had a lot of pain over the last 16 months and nothing much has really helped so far. So this needs to work!

I've made contact with the Tennis Vic people and they run a weekly social comp at Melbourne Park (where they play the Aus Open). I need to get some regular competition to get over my horrible nerves.

Inspiration to come on Monday when the Aus Open starts - yay

Results (kinda)

Well the results are in for the first week.... drum roll please... despite eating copious quantities of icecream, I am officially 1.5kgs lighter.

How would I rate my commitment and effort this last week - oh about 6/10. I am hopeless when it comes to chocolate and other sweet things. I did work hard at my personal training session on Saturday (thanks to the evil torturer Alicia) but my only other exercise was walking and I think I need to do more than that.

But of course I won't be doing that today - not in 43 degree heat - no sir..

We watched a heap of tennis over the weekend - simply amazed at the athleticism and stamina and skill of Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin - by far and away the best match to watch all weekend.

I have to confess to one thing though. We were watching the match on delay from Brisbane and I couldn't bear the tension so I was following the scores online about 90 minutes ahead of the Melbourne broadcast. I knew there were going to be sudden reversals and championship points won and lost ....made watching the match a whole lot easier. But I was good, I didn't let on to Judy...

It's absolutely clear that you've got to be match fit - have the stamina to sprint over and over and over again without losing technique. I think I have a very long way to go before I can claim to have anything like a moderate degree of stamina.

The Ace Girls were going to start tonight but we've been reprieved because of the weather. If it gets cooler during the week I think I'll try to get a bit of court time to get my serve going again.

This week I get the autologous blood injection in my hip that should relieve the pain I've been experiencing for over 12 months. I think I am required to rest that joint for a couple of weeks but I can still do upper body work so my aim this week is to do my personal training on Saturday and at least two other upper body workouts ... oh and to only have icecream twice.

Weight: 98.8kg

The Pitfalls of Icecream

What is it about icecream - especially with chocolate sauce. Two big bowls and I am in desperate need of reminding about what it is that I am to attempt on the 1st August!

Well, you can't un-eat the icecream - I guess.

And to (mis)quote Ms O'Hara - "tomorrow is another day"....

The trip is starting to fall into place - hotels and apartments booked, and the Australian Open starts in two weeks and I'm hoping that will re-energise my motivation!

Day One

And since I'm an all or nothing kind of girl - today has been a modified fast - protein shake, tea, water, vitamins....and a piece of poached salmon for dinner followed by four (very little) biscuits and two chocolates - yes my resolve strong it is (not).

But we've nearly booked our air tickets - looks like we'll be spending a couple of days in Milan before we head up to Gstaad where me and my mate Roy (Emerson) will spend a week grooming my game in preparation for the tournament.... well that's my excuse anyway.

Starting Point

The Gay Games are held every four years. Around 12 000 participants will gather in Cologne, Germany on the 31st July for a week of competition in just about every sport you can think of ... and possibly some that you can't.

You can find all the usual sports like swimming, athletics, diving, and martial arts. But what you may not expect are the sports like physique and ballroom dancing. The one sport that attracts the single largest number of participants is the tennis. Around 1000 people will pick up a racquet and strut their stuff on the clay courts of Cologne.

This will be my fourth Gay Games - my first was in Amsterdam in 1998 where I partied a lot, drank far too much, and then got up on the last day and ran 10 kms. I was second last over the line within the maximum completion time for the event. It wasn't pretty but I was ecstatic and hooked on the Games.

My second games was in Sydney 2002 where I played tennis for the first time. Much to my incredible surprise, I actually won my way into the round of 16 (in D Grade I hasten to add).

Chicago was a step up in 2006. Things were very different. I was living in Melbourne and I had joined the AceGirls - Melbourne's lesbian tennis club. I had a go at C Grade but was knocked out in the first round 6-4, 4-6, 4-6 in 40 degrees and very high humidity against a woman with about 20 years and 30 kgs on me!

And now, it's time to gear up for Cologne. I'm back in D Grade - I plead increasing age and stuffed knees as justification for retreating a grade! I've registered to play D Grade singles and C Grade doubles with my friend Rae.

Apart from my partner, Judy, my sister Moira, Judy's sister and brother-in-law, and our good friends Paula and Yvonne are coming to the Games - so NO PRESSURE RIGHT!

The plan is to do my best to get as fit as I reasonably can in the 7 months that remain before the Games, play lots of tennis, try to get a bit of competition practice, and see if I can win through a round or two.

I'll post as I go - at least weekly but maybe more often!

Starting weight: 100.4kgs