The alarm went off at 4am and I picked Sportsman up at 4:40. Jumped on the bus at 5:30am. After registration and attaching bib it was a quick trot to the start line and we were away.
With the sickness and very few k's in the last 3 weeks, I threw away my goal of <3:10. The plan was to go out at PB pace (3:18) and see how I felt. It was quite cold at the start 1deg and there was a bit of frost around. I was feeling surprisingly good compared to what I was expecting. After the big hill at 12k, I was about 1 mins behind PB schedule and that's how it stayed most of the race.
I had a good 5k from 15-20 as it is down hill. Reached half way in 99:50. The next 5k, I tried relentlessly to catch up to Nando (who was having a training run), only doing so after he slowed down. I ran with Nando for a about 5k and it was good to have some company in an otherwise fairly lonely day. I started to really feel it in the last 10k, I stopped to pick up my special drink of coke at 36k, a few sips were just fantastic but the legs seized up and I thought I would never get going again - and there was still a long way to go. Eventually they came good and I managed to hold things together for 3:21:15. The 300m around the track to the finish was nice.
I went through the finish and the legs were really aching. I don't think I have felt that bad after a race before - very unconforatble for about 5 mins. I had a red bull and then a massage which was nice. Also had a shower. I had a sore foot for most of the second half of the race and when I took my shoes off I discivered a big blister - owww!
Whilst I was really keen to have a crack at 3:10, all things considered, I am am very happy with how things went. I still have a fairly soft marathon PB, but it leaves something to aim for - probably next year as I won't have another good crack this year.
Good turnout from CR's and Striders, but the highlight of the day was a sausage, egg and bacon sandwich with onions, barbeque sauce, salt and pepper. So good I had two!
I was disappointed to see only 150 runners participate, however I am sure this race will grow for years to come as it is really well organised with lots of community support.
Stats were:
5km 23:32 - 2 secs behind PB (164)
10k 24:12 (47:44) - 44 secs behind PB (168)
15k 23:49 (1:11:33) - 1:03 behind PB (170)
20k 22:49 (1:34:22) - 22 secs behind PB (168)
Halfway 1:39:50 (168 average)
25k 23:29 (1:57:51) - 21 secs behind PB (170)
30k 24:03 (2:21:54) - 54 secs behind PB (169)
35k 23:33 (2:45:27) - 57 secs behind PB (172)
40k 24:35 (3:10:01) - 2:01 behind PB (172)
Total: 3:21:15 - 2:42 behind PB (169 average) 4:43 pace
Got home and struggled up the steps and went straight to bed. I have never been so sore in all my life. Both knees are aching and I can hardly stand up.
What's next? - time on the bike and learn to swim. As Spud would say - giddyup!
Guz accepting his $8,000
6 comments:
Giddyup is right, nice time for a sick runner, still soft for you though, the PB that is :P
Well done Chris, gutsy run mate.
Great result there Chris, I really thought you wouldn't make it given how sick you were. Just goes to show that with a result like that you have more to offer in the corporate cup ;-)
Shadow...
on wards and upward Chris, A great effort considering the lead up.
How about a crack at the Blackmoores? I am thinking og making it my first marathon on road.
Glad to see that I won't be the only one spending lots of time soon in the pool and on the bike. Giddyup indeed !
Hamburglar,
A gret effort despite all the problems leading up to the marathon. I plan to do either Sydney or Melbourne marathon this year, hoping for a 3:10. That's your time goal as well right?
TS&TF
mate, sorry I've been away so long. But congrats on the great result in the Cities! Fabulous time for someone feeling under the weather :)
Hope the rest of the season goes well for you - and yep, I'd love to run with you down at C2S - although I can't see myself being anywhere under 60 minute pace this year. In fact, I'll be lucky to hang on to Red for 08 at the rate I'm going. I'll definitely see you at the start though, and try to hang on to your legs as long as I can!
cheers
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