Training Log Archive: NSW Stinger

Marathon, tick.
report to follow
http://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/Home/Individ...#

early rise after what was a pretty good sleep considering. Thankful Macca's Essendon Nth is open 24hrs as its rare I'm looking for a coffee pre-6am. Got a park not far from the MCG and relaxed in the car a bit too long. Took a while getting through the MCG toilet cues and then passing 1000's of runners in no hurry to get to the start line. Lucky to find Darrel and Liz at the startline also running a bit late and while we didn't get let into the AV member start, we did jump the barrier into a good spot.
Got off to a cruisy start and was surprised by how easy it felt. I just followed Kathryn's line and after 2km we caught Darrel. I was thinking we would spend a long time together but he didn't seem to want to run as fast even though we were both aiming for 3hrs. I suggested K should slow down but really why would she listen to me as she is a far better racer. So Kathryn went ahead alone. I needed to average 4.15min/k's but went through 5km in 19.41 (aHR172bpm). Not too concerned but I did back it off a bit through Albert Park. Had my first Shotz gel at 9km and watched the 2.50 group pass and slowly disappear ahead. 10km banner went by after 40.32 but it seemed a bit too far compared to my GPS. 2nd 5km was 20.20 (aHR171).
Started seeing Kathryn come back to me as we got out near the beach. Got to see the lead guys coming the opposite way and surprised to see Scotty and Marty had been dropped but Liam Adams was still with the lead Kenyans. Caught Kathryn about 14km and she immediately said she was hurting. 3rd 5km 20.45 (aHR171), still a little faster than 3hr pace. I backed it off further and sat with K on the down wind section until Kez finally caught up. 21.02mins (aHR170) for 4th 5km. Had a chat and dropped K, but decided I should drop back to her and let Kez go. Bad move as when I dropped below 4.20min/k I realised marital commitments would need to be cut and I waved K good bye. 5th 5km 21.42 (aHR168) was now dropping too far. Couldn't find my Shotz drink at the 25km drink stop. Stood still for 10secs before I cut my losses and continued but pissed off.
Seemed to be quite a few people around at this point and started to ramp it up a little. Probably had my 5th gel by now and hamstrings were getting a bit tired. I still could see Kez and finally started to make some in roads as I did the next 5km to 30km at 20.29 (aHR174). The hill out of St Kilda seemed bigger than it looked and as I slowed at the drink stop to have my 6th gel I really had trouble to get moving again. I thought maybe the 30km wall really did exist. But I was soon going along quite nicely and started to ramp it up, as had been my pre-race plan.
I picked up confidence and was finally starting to reel Kez back in, getting the next 5km split in 20.10 (aHR180) . But like any orienteering race where you push beyond your limit, a mistake was imminent. I was getting really pissed off that we had to wind in and out of half-marathon runners, as I'd read the course notes and it said this wouldn't happen. We split from them, but then rejoined. When I saw runners on the other side of St Kilda parade I really started to question what was going on. I asked a few spectators which was the full course went. And the 2nd time a fluro-vested person pointed to the other side and said you go over there. Well bugger me I thought I must have missed a split in the course. Crossed the road and through some barricades and back on course. However it still didn't seem right, there were too few runners now. I asked a guy how far he'd run, eventually he grunted 40km. Aaahhh shit now I've taken a short cut. Stood there for a bit wondering what to do before turning around running backwards, crossing the tramline again and joining the correct course.
I wondered now if I was behind Kathryn, or Darrel. When I got under the tunnel I was weaving my way past the 3.00hr paced group. This made me feel a bit better as I thought at least my goal was still in tact. However it suddenly got much harder and I was worried I wouldn't find my drink and final 7th gel at the next drinks stop. Luckily it was there, and I struggled up the hill to my slowest km split and wondered if I would make it. But got past the worst of it and from there I just ran at the limit my hamistrings could handle. I passed Darren Fletcher (Harrier) just as he pulled off to the side to cramp. I had a few looks behind just to check Darrel and Kathryn weren't running me down. 35-40km split was 20.46 (aHR179), which was quite suprising considering everything that went on, but this was GPS split and included about 1km off course.
I (relatively) enjoyed the last few km through the cbd when there was a crowd and you realise you will actually make it. Picked it up a little for the final km and again yelled at the 10km course runners that took up the whole entrance to the MCG. Crossed the line in 2.57.53, or 2.57.48 with a few seconds to cross the start line. Average HR 173bpm. Still hard to believe I was so stupid to get lost however at least I can see some room for improvement. Should probably be on track to sneak under 2.54 without the detour. Kathryn is claiming victory since she thinks I didn't do the correct full course. For the record she did 3.01.40, a pretty good effort and can certainly do better with a bit more specific training.
I really enjoyed the challenge and look forward to fitting another marathon in the calendar. I really should have done one 10 years ago when I actually did a bit of training!

And thanks to Rob, Clare, Kirsten and other supporters on the course. It was good to see a few orienteers in the race too.

C • good work! 13

morning loosener with Kathryn, who also yesterday decided to run Melbourne Marathon tomorrow. I had a a few sores spots from my new Chinese massage yesterday but should be ok by tomorrow.

C • decided to run Melbourne Marathon tomorrow 1

short run with Kathryn in Morwell. Crazy hot, loved it.

New shoes arrived yesterday. Shattered to find that Lunaracer 3 seem at least half a size smaller than any other shoe I own. So rather than paying $120 on shoes that are too small I should have bought the $76 size 11.5 on Wiggle. At least I have an early Chrismas present for Prong...

nice jog around the DIS with Kathryn. Legs felt ok.