End of Month update

Yes I know its been a while.

The North Face 100k

A few weeks ago I ran TNF100k and had a run I would much rather forget. I had some some very specific training for this to be stronger on the hills. It didn't work and by the first CP at 17k I was bring up the rear of our little group and I told them to leave me. They did and I just then ran the rest by myself which was fine. I really expected to finish under 20 hours.

However by 60k that seemed unlikely and so I eased off. As it turned out too much to soon. A little later I realised I had made the wrong calculations and could have made it but now with the right calculations it was now definitely not possible.

I then rugged up for the nigh and rather enjoyed the last 33k. Finished in about 22.25.

No excuses but I went into with the flu and that just took the edge off the energy levels. Despite that I was always going to finish no matter what the time. I did rather embarrassing get some bling!!! Oldest competitor in the event.

Next two weeks

The flu stayed with me for at least the next 10 days. As result I did not train until the following Monday. I then did just 4 runs each of about 11ks. The first couple of days very slow. I mean over 6.30 per k pace. So really no running that in any way could be called training.

Williamstown Marathon: Sunday 30 May

I initial plan was to run even for just under 4 hours. But on the morning I was thinking I needed to use this a guide to where my fitness level was at considering I have done very little training that is effective since just before the Canberra marathon a month ago.

I thought I needed to know how much my fitness had dropped off in that period and a nice even 4 hour marathon would not tell me anything.

So I decided to run at 3.30 pace and see how long the fitness would hold. I suspected I would fall off but did not know how long I could last.

I ran through the half in 1.45 and was right on pace. I ran through 30k in 2.37 and had dropped 2 minutes. I then could only manage about 5.45ks to the end for 3.47. It confirmed what I suspected that with no quality training in the month the back end of the marathon was going to be slow.

I need to think whether Macleay will be a focus marathon or delay that to Gold Coast. Whatever I do the starting pace for Macleay will be critical so as to run a good even split. At this stage a 3.30 finish may not be achievable.

Today I am fine. No injuries and no niggles. In fact I am much better than I expected. I hope that translates into a quick recovery so that I can spend a week or so on some quality training with no more than a few days taper.