After claiming last night that I had 'recovered pretty well' after the run yesterday, my legs were definitely feeling the 30km when I woke up. I met Sam at the race start at North Steyne and he was in a similar state. Neither of us knew what to expect in terms of the field, but soon recognised Richard, Scott and Ben warming up. I assumed they'd smash us given our training yesterday.
The pace was quick along the beachfront, with Richard, Scott and a guy in orange (who I didn't recognise) cranking out around 3:20s all the way to the surf club. Sam and I tucked in just behind but I was aware that I wouldn't be able to sustain the pace to the finish. At Shelley Beach, however, my legs suddenly remembered the hill sprints I had done with Bobo a few weeks back and I found myself passing the lead pack up the hill! Sam and I traded the lead for the next few kms, dropping everyone except Scott. I loved the course - very hilly, very scenic and along areas that I train on often! Somehow my legs actually started to feel really good at about 2km. I managed to stay with Sam & Scott to the 'Biggest Loser' parade ground, at which point they gapped me by about 50m. They extended that to about 200m by the finish, but I was absolutely stoked to hold on and take a podium spot! Quentin, Andrew and Tom gave me a birthday pressie by not turning up.
Bit of controversy as one of the marshalls directed us the wrong way down Darley Rd and we ended up going about 500m less than intended. I don't think it would've made a difference as we were a fair way ahead at that point, but if we get DQd I won't be too worried: I had a great run, my legs felt good and I'm now more confident than ever that I'll be able to go well in some of the bigger races later this year.
Me, Scott and Sam at the finish.
Sam is a total freak. He epitomises my idea of the 'corporate athlete'. He has a job that most people could not a) get and b) perform even if they devoted all their time to it. He has 4 boys under the age of 8. He ran a lot more than 100km this week and yet he still pulled out a very close 2nd place in the race today! Inspirational? Yep. Animal? Absolutely!
There was a great atmosphere at the race this morning. As we doubled back on most of the field, we were getting cheers and claps. I guess that's what it's like for the really fast guys up front in normal races? I also saw a lot of people I knew including Ian Kennedy, DJ and Angus. Ian came about 6th, DJ had another great run (he just keeps improving!), and I think Angus' system was a bit shocked by the incline to North Head.
Entered City2Surf this morning and qualified for a preferred bib which is always good. I'm getting really excited about the Coastal Classic in June too. Need to do some more trail runs before then though.
In the shorter term, I'm looking forward to some birthday cake this afternoon!! Hopefully I don't have to work this arvo. Traing-wise I'll probably give myself the rest of the day off ...
Muzza's results update: 2 silver medals!!!! In the k2 1000m and k4 1000m. Both were very close I understand. He unfortunately missed the final of the k1 200m - trying to cram too much in?? Unbelievable job anyway by the big fella.
No comments:
Post a Comment