| Today was a special and different experience. I was asked to support a record attempt of John Justice by Ian. I considered this as an honour and accepted the challenge. An hour before I became quite nervous, not because of the pacing task, but because I was concerned of my capability to do the pace itself. Ian asked that John lead for the first lap or so. As I started on the inside on the rail, I found myself leading many runners. I did not want that position but got ushered into to it. Immediately I gave the space for all runners wanting to pass to do so. John passed me and settled into a sensible pace, right on target in my view. This proved correct as we went through only two seconds too fast - near perfect. John led through about three laps, where I over took him and settled into a lead approaching Ingrid ahead. After several laps, I was becoming concerned that Ingrid may box me and therefore John in. I decided to pass which I would never normally do at this stage. I passed her comfortably and settled then watching for John's move. Ingrid then passed me again but clearing away space from John. I was happy things were going right. Ingrid started blocking the pace a touch again, so I passed a second time. She responded by adding more pace and passing again but clearing ahead for the final run to the line. From the sidelines Ian was watching intensely and observed that I had held back a little at times - yes I had but as a judgement to not to over press John's pace. My training was definately showing my experience with all credit to Ian's work over a long time. With 600 metres from home I started what I call "double breathing" which means I am in max VO2 zone - a short term situation. With 300 metre to go, John pulled out and passed me with strong pace. I was really fighting to hold on and had slowed a touch. John ran away with a seven second lead onto the line - a record of 12:37 and I followed in with 12:44.35. Great outcome although my PB is 12:30 but the passing games would have effected that possibly. Ian was so happy claiming I had provided a perfect result and John had the over 70s track record in the bag. |
