31km with the Kembla Joggers
the alarm went off at 4:00 - what an ungodly hour. I wanted to eat and hopefully go to the toilet before I headed out. Toilets are never open in the morning (just ask Blue Dog). It was a 3km run to the train and then another 3km to the race start. I signed in and as a guest paid my $5. Met a fellow named Wayne who lived near me and offered me a lift home. Stupidly I said I may run home.
The race started and basically circled Lake Illawarra. I was here to race and started at a fast pace (for me). At about 2km a woman over took me so I stayed with her. Being conscious not to run just off her shoulder or breath too heavy. I felt strong so after a while surged ahead. I spotted someone 500m ahead and started to close in on them, which gave me something to focus on. Then the field split the 24km runners went over Windang Bridge and us 31km went off for a 5km loop. Suddenly there was no one in front to focus on and this was the way it was for the rest of the race so my motivation did wain. At one point I thought of Plu’s times at the STAR and thought I should try to at least equal that so that sort of kept me going (mind you my course was flat). I finished in 2:51, which is not great, but at least I have an idea on how my trainings going.
I was stuffed so I happily took the lift home.
So how do I improve? Firstly I found it hard running so far on bike track. I do need a dirt trail to keep me happy. Also I realised that I need to race more. Plus I need to put a few faster runs into my training. Maybe one of those forerunners would help?
The race started and basically circled Lake Illawarra. I was here to race and started at a fast pace (for me). At about 2km a woman over took me so I stayed with her. Being conscious not to run just off her shoulder or breath too heavy. I felt strong so after a while surged ahead. I spotted someone 500m ahead and started to close in on them, which gave me something to focus on. Then the field split the 24km runners went over Windang Bridge and us 31km went off for a 5km loop. Suddenly there was no one in front to focus on and this was the way it was for the rest of the race so my motivation did wain. At one point I thought of Plu’s times at the STAR and thought I should try to at least equal that so that sort of kept me going (mind you my course was flat). I finished in 2:51, which is not great, but at least I have an idea on how my trainings going.
I was stuffed so I happily took the lift home.
So how do I improve? Firstly I found it hard running so far on bike track. I do need a dirt trail to keep me happy. Also I realised that I need to race more. Plus I need to put a few faster runs into my training. Maybe one of those forerunners would help?
This entry was posted
on Monday, February 14, 2005 at 9:57 AM.
