Up about 4.30am and left in my car about 5.20. Passengers Blue Dog, Bernie G and Truckie. Karin was not running and so she was driving back. The time waiting at the start went quickly and before I knew it we were off.
After years of resisting the temptation to run this race because it is so close to the Canberra Marathon I finallydecided to runit this year. Having seen the course once ( a huge advantage) I had no real expectations on a finish time except probably between 5 - 6 hours.The run was always going to conservative as Canberra is the main focus.
I knew from looking at the splits from previous races that they were 30% of race time to Cox's River another 30% to the top of Pluvi and 40% to the finish.Got caught in a huge bottle neck at the start of Nellies to climb over a fallen tree. Ran steady and got to Cox'xs after a nasty fall along the technical section in 1.41 - a quich calculation said a 5.30 or so finish. Pushed up Pluvi faster than I thought ( I am not a fast walker) but just kept striding it out (caught up with Mr G and Virtual and others on the way up).Got to the top in 1.38 - so matched the time to Cox's and still on 5.30 pace by the % theory.
Knew the Black Range needed to be run all the way to get home on schedule and manged that although walked some of the short steep hills - had no idea if I was maintaining pace but just pushed on. Seemed to be passing more than were passing me.Feulled up well at Devaition for the push home. As I crossed Caves Road I seemed to gain some energy (no doubt the GU and coke kicking in). Then ran hard (well it seemed that way) to the end passing a lot more runners. Was not looking forward to the last down hill section as I tentatively walked this before but this time managed a passable jog all the way down.
No problems with cramping or other niggles. Great finishing atmosphere and great event. Finish time 5.30. xx - splits 30.1%/29.7%/39.2% - seemed to have run the splits in the classic breakup.Pleased to have participated. Pleased to have participated in the wonderful atmosphere with so many other CR's. Pleased to have finished with no injuries so that the preparation for Canberra can contine. Pleased with the time as being exactly in the middle of the expected range.
4 comments:
Well run Ray. You looked like you were having a ball. Now for the buildup to Canberra.
After the GNW this must've seemed like a walk in the park for you Ray ;-)
Well done. Glad you're going to be in tip top shape for Canberra.
Nice work Ray. Very glad to see that you have pulled up without a problem and are on track for Canberra.
It was lovely to catch up with you. I'm looking forward to our lap of the Bay..
Good first 6' Ray... an excellent back half. I hope it all goes well for you between now and Canberra.
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