Run long 4:23:47 [3] 40.0 km (6:36 / km) +825m 5:59 / km
shoes: Inov8 Race Ultra 290 Yellow/Bl
First day back in Sydney and straight back into business. Joined Bart and Mounty for a long run from Balgowlah to 4Pines via Bantry Bay, Garigal NP, Oxford Falls, Narrabeen on what eventuated to be the hottest day on record for Sydney.
Smashed two icy poles already at 7:45am. Then two dips in Garigal NP. Then brutal climb up to Belrose via Heath track (felt surprisingly good even though it was already 38 degrees) followed by stop at IGA and 1l of ice cold San Pellegrino (how good was the aircon!). Once we got to Oxford Falls, things got serious, temp climbed over 40 but felt like even more on the exposed fire trail. Luckily Mounty knew about nice trail shortcut to Narrabeen lake (actually a really nice trail!) - never thought I would voluntarily swim in that lake let alone enjoy it as much as I did in the incredible scorcher. But the true redemption came with a dip at Collaroy Beach. Soo good. After this refreshment we agreed to continue and finish the memorable run at 4Pines (Brookvale) with some further refreshments.
Pretty knackered afterwards but just a few years back this heat would certainly kill me. Now it does not bother me as much. Definitely felt more comfortable than during most of my runs on Vanuatu (low 30s, humidity over 85%).
Food: 2x icy pole, apple, mussli bar
Fluids: 0.5l Tailwind, 0.5l Powerade, 1l San Pellegrino, maybe 3l of water?
Vanuatu break sorted out most of my niggles, except for the developing plantar fasciitis. I guess I just need to be careful with mileage, hard surface, stretch properly and hope it will survive until Tarawera finish line. I will probably have a longer break then which should sort it out.