Training Log Archive: acejase

Jog over to start. 3500 in race so went into holding pen about 10mins before start. Probably would've been better with more prancing and then push in later.

Sunshine Coast Half Marathon. Nearly didn't get far beyond the start as a guy had presumably dropped something so was bent over double trying to pick whatever it was up at about the 20m mark. Not a good move with 3500 in the race and I was amongst those who nearly came a cropper. Then got a bit boxed in for a while but it was fine. Only hill of the race was after about 500m but it was a proper hill over Alexandria Headland so bit of a wake up. Felt ok and settled into holding self back.Passed a guy in bare feet coming back off the headland. Bare feet on a road 21k - nut bag!

First 7k was ok just really holding myself back a little to stick to 3.55 pace or so. Never really ran with anyone just a few brief chats. Got sports drink instead of water at first drinks which was ick. Hadn't really looked at course very closely (should've) so wasn't sure when turn around would come up. It was further than I thought but a very picturesque turnaround on Picnic Point at about 7k. K markers weren't so hot with marathon markers, half mara markers and 10k markers. Bit confusing. Coming back started to need to go to the loo but hoped I could ignore it/hang on.

The way back was plenty of people to watch as the masses were still heading out - highlights were the guys in onesies and another group dressed as superheroes pushing prams. Even saw twins pulled over with the Dad feeding the kids - memories! Saw my two and BA getting back close to the finish. It was actually kinda weird not knowing anyone in the race.

Things started to get a little more difficult round 12k but I was actually going a smidgeon quicker and again trying to ease off. Had gel at 14k for something to do and next drinks was not till 17k. Annoyingly the need for a loo stop was not easing off and eventually I had to succumb storming off course to some public toilets just before the turn around. Splits show I lost 1.10 or so.

Got back on course and had lost rhythm and a bit of focus but pace was back to being at a good level. Things got tighter around 18-19k but by then there was only 3k to go and pushed on. In hindsight my injury-recovery induced lack of racing over last 6 weeks or so did tell here a bit as didn't really punish myself as much as might've after a few John Harding hill run races. Also I knew PB was off the agenda following loo stop.

Saw BA and girls at 20k and finished strongly upping the pace for last 100m to make sure 85 was beaten. I guess an 83 without loo stop. Overall while not a PB (my PB is 83.08) or perfect race some really good signs if I'm going to do a road mara soon (Melbourne?). I think speed/tempo work I've been doing meant pace of 3.55 was comfortable and also core work CathyH has had me doing for my back/injuries was obvious - butt muscles very strong and effective. Enjoyable morning and run.

C • Well done! 3

Run to start and back. BAs research on camp ground paid off with start a very convenient 600m from start. Felt good on little jog.

Half on Sunday so should've rested today but wanted one more run into Noosa NP. Felt really good - back finally feeling loose after driving and injury and exercises/stretching. Sun setting, beaches, sea kayakers, walkers. great.

C • Good luck 4

THought I'd better shake the legs out and also hopefully not tweak calf again. 4* 1.5mins with 1min recovery. Felt heavy from 600ml lime milk and cappuccino mid arvo. Life is hard. Think garmin lost reception in Noosa Woods were did ints as 3rd int was faster than that.

A further easy run test but also my favourite run. ALong to the point, then back via Alexandrina Beach. Magnificent. Calf still edgy but better again.

AFter 2 days of anti inflams and exercises/stretching at Noosa time for a tentative run. I find if I survive a run it helps back to loosen up. If calf tweaks again then I go down for another couple of days. Survived and beautiful run along coast to point in Noosa Heads NP. Calf felt on edge but survived. BTW its beautiful up here 25 degrees or so and on the beach all the time. Great.