Running since GCM - 19-7-08

Took it easy after GCM. We spent a lovely week at a rented house in Federal in the hills behind Byron Bay. Memorable highlights were bushwalking and rock climbing with Anthony and a slow run from Byron to Federal.

When I got back to Sydney it was straight into hectic work again. I managed only one 10k and one 14k run in the first week back and just two 14k runs this week.

This included one fast run to Cape Banks via Henry Head and Reservoir St Anzac and Howe St in 53 minutes which I was please with.

This is how I looked coming over the line at GCM. Leaning to the right. Completely gone. Pathetic. Lesson to learn , don't go beyond your ability.

Gold Coast Marathon

No one said running marathons was easy, and this one wasn't. I ran comfortably with the 3 hour pacer till the 33k mark then started dropping back. Then I plummeted as I hit the wall at 35k. Try as I might I couldn't keep running and at 40k I had to walk/run. My legs were wobbly and my head giddy. The last two k's took 14 minutes! Oh well.

The positives are that I ran all the way to 35k in 2.30, and the half marathon in 87 mins. The overall time of 3.10 equalled my previous PB on this course. No doubt I would have gone much faster overall, if I hadn't gone out so fast, but I had made the decision to stay with the pacer as long as I could. How often will I get to run with Steve Monaghetti!

Training to Now - Thu 3/7/08

After the Rocks Push I got in two good 5km/spin class/5km on Mon and Tue, and a good 5k sprint around the Malabar circuit in 21.05 on Thu. On Saturday, I had a gentle 2 * 5k run, but I missed the Woodford to Glenbrook because of urgent work at the Desal.
Then straight to Tallowa Dam where I got in one light 5k run wth Takahashi. Absolutely exhausted on Wed and despite suiting up, I never went out but stayed home and watched State of Origin. Then opted for a good sleep.
This morning I did a sprint around the Malabar circuit in 20.20 which is my best time (3.8k/min), which given the terrain, I am pleased with.
I leave for the GCM tomorrow. I am making no predictions, but I am hopeful that I will break my PB of 3.06 from Canberra, but you never know.