It’s a bit late now but last weekend was blog-worthy.
Saturday was the CR 5k Challenge. This is a monthly time trial around the Bay, where the runners handicap their start times so everyone finishes more or less together. Then we jog the 5k back, have breakfast and talk about running (what else?) I have not been for ages and was looking forward to setting a new PB. I have recently run around 21.15 for the first half of a 10k race, so sub 21 was the goal. I started off with another woman who was also aiming for 21 minutes and we ran together for the first 3k, at a good pace I thought. She then stopped with shoelace issues so I had to slog the last 2k out alone. I forgot to start my watch unfortunately, but I think I did about 20.30 and was pleased with that. At brekkie I was seated at the 'ultra' end of the table, so I got to pick up some priceless tips, such as how it is important to be able to vomit while running without breaking stride. True.
Sunday was the 34th Annual Great NOSH Footrace. I have literally been looking forward to this for a year, since reading about it on CR last year, and I was not disappointed. I LOVED this run. It is 15k from Lindfield Oval to Seaforth Oval, mostly via bush tracks with some good hills. There was heaps of single track and I just loved running on it. It’s a narrow start with a few hundred runners and so I had to do quite a lot of passing in the first half, but I prefer passing to being passed. I went out pretty hard and was worried my pace was too fast to maintain, but I was really really enjoying myself, so I thought I might as well make hay. Over the last 5k I started to tire, but I passed a couple of women, so I was still going okay. With about 1k to go I spotted my friend Geoff up ahead in his lairy 6ft Track shirt and so I tried to catch him, but I couldn’t get him. The last 500m was single-track and very fun and challenging on tired legs. I finished in 1.20.40 - 3rd in my age group and 6th woman. :) I think the running gods might be trying to tell me something, because this year I have had 2 great runs off-road.
Which is a good segue way to what next? I feel like my running is going pretty well and I have been contemplating doing a marathon and trying to improve my "a bit soft" PB of 3.54. Gold Coast would be fun and fast, but its too soon now and would be expensive. At the end of July are 2 cheaper options - Cities, which is on-road and would be a reasonable prospect for a fast time, and also the Bush Capital Marathon in Canberra, which is off-road and would be slow, but very enjoyable and good training for other stuff. Or I could not do a marathon at all and keep busy with Woodford to Glenbrook, Shoalhaven KOM, City 2 Surf, Mt Wilson to Mt Bilpin, Striders runs and trying to get more time on my mtb - all of which I want to do anyway. But then I would be left wondering what time I can run a marathon in. Decisions, decisions!
Beyond that is definitely the Mogo 100k mtb in September, the Scott 24hr mtb in October, Triple Tri in November and maybe Canberra HIM in December. Beyond that is the triathlon season and the allure of the Olympic Distance World Champs on the Gold Coast and/or Long-course World Champs in Perth, both in 2009, but qualification details are not available yet.
On the more immediate horizon is a long weekend bushwalking in the Blueys and no running whatsoever.
3 comments:
The running Gods are trying to tell you that you are a Trail Goddess Z!
See you at the Woodford to Glenbrook hopefully!
Great result Zoe - congratulations.
You looked to have a busy schedule this year! I have done Cities the last two years and can recommend it. Whilst it is not exactly 6 foot for surrounds, it is a well organised race with cool weather. It isn't flat but nice and undulating. I reckon you could go sub 3:15 for sure!
Sensational result at both races Zoe. You are on fire at the moment. I know the dilemma; there are so many races (and disciplines) to choose from!
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