Training Log Archive: acejase

Event: Canberra Marathon
 

Before I write Mara report I just want to say I've had a personal-theory for a while now that we orienteers ask Blair what the weather will be today/tomorrow/next week/ on our birthday etc. and when he gives us the info we never actually think back as to whether the weather matches Blairs predictions.
Today driving to the mara I noted to Blair that it was looking a bit dark/cloudy did he think it would rain? No he said - just some scattered showers on the nearby hills. Well it rained all through the warm up, stopped for the start of the mara but then, for me, started up again at about 8k. It pretty much pissed down from about 8k to 25k. So now I'm willing to tell everyone about my theory ;).
Blair did provide my highlight for the day though as he tried to get into the back seat of my car for the trip home - he gave an excellent impersonation of a plank as he sort of rotated on an axis onto the back seat before trying to fold himself up. hilarious (for me) and I was in need of a belly laugh.

I can confidently say I didnt achieve any of my goals. I can only hang my hat on finishing the race. I'm trying not to be too dissapointed or beat myself up but there you go.

Started ok and found the right pace very well. Possibly felt a little more tired at end of 10k loop than last year but I'm only saying that in hindsight. Blair's 'showers on the nearby hills' were quite nice and I didnt have too much water early on as every time I did I felt like having a piss. Felt a bit hungry/empty stomach in first 10k loop which was a bit wierd as I carbo loaded very well so had my first powershot. No problems. 1st 16k loop (10-26k) seemed to go ok. I was only looking at my splits every 5k so as I didnt 'react' to individual ks that were just over or under the 4min30s. Went through 26k about 30s-1min ahead of pace.

It was getting tougher as I set out on 2nd loop (26-42k) but just told myself I should be starting to feel it really. Still going ok till turnaround (approx 34) although having to work pretty hard to keep concentrating. Hill out of turnaround really knocked me about and I slowed a bit. Had last powershot at 25k and felt like it was on the edge of not staying down so just trying to drink water. Pains in left knee, right toe and hips but really just feeling tired /buggered.

Started to drop off 'the arab' who I had been following somewhere round 35k. Good support at 37k (and whole course - thanks everyone) but fell in massive hole coming into about 38k mark. Just really wanted to stop and lips were shaking and feeling dizzy like at end of Weston Creek Half. Started walking. Feel really dissapointed writing that now but thats the way it was.

Walked 38-40k or therabouts and tried to shuffle a bit a couple of times but of course was stiffening up and fairly demoralised. Started shuffling around 40k telling myself to at least be able to run across the line. Shuffled home. Went from on time at 38k for a 3hr 10, although obv I would have slowed, to a 3hr 34min. Dissapointed afterwards but lots of support reminding me that its a great effort just to finish. As I said at start no goals achieved. Dont really know the answer - perhaps the big week of babies born, missing sleep and just stress left me with nothing more to give. Dont know at this stage.

Anyway again thanks for the support from all those there - it was really great, made a big difference to how I felt. Cheers.
Splits:
4.28, 4.23, 4.27, 4.39(quick wee), 4.36, 5k 22.35
4.34(up), 4.23, 4.15(down), 4.25, 4.19, 5k 22.09
4.28, 4.30, 4.31, 4.27, 4.26, 5k 22.25
4.25, 4.27, 4.28, 4.25, 4.29, 5k 22.16
4.27, 4.30, 4.29, 4.33, 4.24, 5k 22.24
4.39(up), 4.30, 4.35, 4.37, 4.26, 5k 22.49
4.35, 4.41, 4.44, 4.39, 5.08, 5k 23.49
16.44, 10.46, 10.59 (walk period with missed splits?), 5k 38.34
9.09, 6.46, 1.10(200m),

C • Sounds like the Wall 16

C • congrats 1

warm up. there was no warm down!

Easy morning nip up Aranda Hill and down DS Hill. Felt ok except for all the analysing of whether I felt ok or not. Aims for Mara:
- Run 3hr10-15
- Beat last years time
- finish last 5k in better shape than last year (i.e. no spews)
- enjoy it

C • Pain 3

Truncated classic course and did about 8 run throughs on Aranda oval. Did a fair bit of stretching post-run throughs and saw EcMo. Called out to him but to no avail. Felt pretty good on run and been trying to eat and drink wwell since about yesterday. Just had my world famous super-pasta-special (pasta, tomato sauce & cheese) for lunch.

I'd love some support out on the mara so anyone who is keen enough - thanks in advance. the course is here: http://www.global-pix.co.nz/pages/canberramarathon...
My aim is 4min30ks for the whole way although realistically this might be a bit faster for the first 30-35 and a bit slower for last 7k. based on 4.30s and start of 7am I will come through the following spots at approx. times.
Bowen Park turnaround 1st time 7.45am, 2nd time 8.55, Final 10am
Comm Ave Bridge 1st time out 8.05, back 8.40, 2nd time out 9.20, back 10am
Glenloch Interchange turnaround 8.25am, 2nd time 9.40am

C • timing 9

20 min wup and 5 min wdown. In between did 3*1k ints at Stromlo forest park. Was trying to do 4min30s as that will be marathon pace. Pretty much managed to but the 1k loop I did was downhill for the first 400 and up hill for the last 300 which made it a bit more difficult. Legs felt ok although butt muscles are tight - lots of sitting down and especially driving last few days. Also will have to make a good effort on the food and hydration front over next few days as been pretty hopeless and basically permanently hungry the last few (not that I've been bothered by it!).

C • Good luck 3

Thanks for all the best wishes. Some photos (if they arent too big and I can work out how to do this!).
Abby:



Zoe:

Oh I also ducked out for a little run this morning with Andy, Ella & Pippa. Woke up early thanks to daylight savings so ducked out. I felt ok I think.

C • i am super excited to see a... 8