At the risk of sounding like a cracked record, I might have turned the corner (again).
On what spurious basis do I claim it this time, I hear you ask?
After an extended running late medical appointment yesterday, I tuned up to the Lake Ginninderra Stakes (7k) yesterday, however people was already heading along the finishing few hundred metres so that despite my running tights and top on under civvies, I had no hope on jogging in the erratic light rain.
Bob had a great run, starting with SpeedyGeoff, and finishing the slightly shortened (6.9km due to construction works) course in a handy 28:31. With an impending visit to the Vet, no exercise was done, and not much sleep achieved.
Despite the sleep deficit, I went down to Woden under clearer skies and a surprisingly warm 13 degrees (the things you appreciate in a Canberra winter), to run the BBQ Stakes. On registering (good value at $1) I found that my run last week was even worse than I thought: an embarrassing 36:56. As expected, my handicap had been eased a stingy 15 seconds, meaning I started off 8:30.
It was good to see the PRB arrive just as I was about to start, fresh from talking to his surgeon. He remarked how much better I looked today, and started feeling somewhat better too. The first kilometre took 5:55. Not perfect for a much better time given that the 1st k is pretty easy compared to the hills to follow. Heart average 149, max 160.
Lap Time HR avg Max Ascent
1 5:55 149 160 21m
2 6:14 163 165 27m
3 5:28 160 164 6m
4 6:23 165 167 33m
5 5:03 162 164 2m
6 5:38 165 168 16m
My breathing was hard and laboured throughout, although I felt much better running, and I could almost enjoy the run.
So, no flash times, however I felt so much better, and recovered quickly without too many undue effects. A slight glitch meant that I hadn't retrieved my keys in time and they disappeared into a security building. I was able to obtain them eventually, however it required a bit of waiting around wearing not too much. Once returned I had access to the car, phone, cash and warm clothes.
So - as long as I can breathe, what do I do now? I had entered the 25km Bush run on Saturday and was resigned to completing another distance (5km, 16km) instead. I have received my City to Surf Number, but still think that this will be too tough on me with the travelling and crowds.
After that? Who knows
Good to see that your breathing. Best of luck on Saturday with the bush run. My fingers are still crossed that you can use that C2S bib.
Certainly broke the winning tape in the Customs run today.
That's a sign you are getting better. Ready to face the handicapper's wrath now?
And Flashdrake pushed you all the way for second place?
What did you both have for "Brekkie?"
Very cool design! Useful information. Go on! » »