Running race 40:02 [5] 10.0 km (4:00 / km)
ahr:173 max:180 shoes: Nike Air Zoom Elite 4
Run 4 Fun at Homebush. It was obvious before the start that our late-entry and unseeded/non-preferred start block was going to be a problem with Walders and myself slotting into the back block of the 10,000 (!) runners. Our back group started 8mins after the seeds and front groups of punters. Was bedlam from the start darting from side to side of the road, pushing through walkers and then coming to an almost full stop as wall of people closed in. Thought it was opening up around 2k mark as got clear of our start group but a false dawn as roads narrowed and ran into the back of the punters who had started 8mins before us. No chance to get any rhythm with continual accelerations, slowing down to sometimes a stop and then maybe jumping onto a guitar for a short clear path. Thomas had started on my shoulder and I had not seen him at all but on the other hand I never looked back - with the number of people he could've been 10mtres behind or in front of me and I wouldnt have known!
2-5k was the worst with roads narrower than Olympic Blvd and masses of people. Roads were a bit wider by about 5k and was able to find some sections of space although was more tired than would've liked - prob from accelerations and decelerations. Still no sign of Thomas but again I wasnt looking back. I went through 5k at 20.00 on official timing and it turns out Tom was 20.11.
A decent hill at 7k which I tried to pace myself up and then an elbow turn at about 8k and there was Thomas. Not sure how far behind but it didnt seem far and he looked fresh. Back onto Olympic Blvd and finally with some space and I found good "push home" rhythm. Down Jane Savillle Drive and no sign of Tom as I upped the pace trying to break 40. Onto the ground and sprinted to finish - watch saying 39.59 but unfortunately official timing 40.02. Caught breath and turned round to see Tom finish in 40.45 (official). Think both our runs were worth at least a low 38 given crowds. Run was enjoyable although number of people and effect it had on my time frustrating.
Coffee afters was good with our car plus shannon (4th woman), frogga, cathmurph and a visit from Teebs. 2nd coffee at Green grocer in Goulburn. Top kid-free weekend.
Watch splits:
1k 3.48 165/175
1-3k 8.11,11.59 171/174
3-5k 7.59, 19.58 173/175
6k 4.03, 24.02 173/175
7k 4.01, 28.03 174/176
7-9k 8.07, 36.10 176/179
10k 3.49, 39.59 177/180
Running warm up/down 15:00 [3] 3.0 km (5:00 / km)
shoes: Nike Air Zoom Elite 4
Warm up run from Concorde Hotel to start. perfect distance.