Nonetheless, here are some of the photos:
The evenings proceedings went well.
Running at night turned out to be very enjoyable, and for some reason seemed to be easier.
The hills weren't so big, and the temperature was near perfect.
Moon was a little subdued due to the cloud cover, however this made it warmer, so it was a fair trade off. Grade of the track was super smooth, and in what moonlight there was, fairly bright.
I don't know what time we headed out, as I stayed to the back and got some photos/movies as people ran past to the start of the trail. Took it easy running with Scam and some guys for a minute or two before deciding there only needs to be one sweep, and I was going to go enjoy myself. Sorry Scam, I'll do it next time, promise.
Ran up past Rob (vstaR), then Rod, then Colin and MisterG, then GPB, a few other individuals, and settled in with Kieron and Connor (on the MTB). Stayed with them for about 5km and then decided to push on just before the helipad. I said this on CR, but can say it again, I was impressed with Kieron. Not only was he managing to push his son who was on the MTB up each hill, but as I worked out he was also "JustdidIt" who ran 6Ft Track carrying/pushing/dragging his other son with the 12 footers.
It was the next section, that although lonely was very enjoyable. Being dark you can't really tell how fast you are going. It is good training I believe, as you run more to feel than you would in the daylight. Managing to push that little bit harder as the heart rate dropped. As I did in the W2G race, I pushed it quite hard on the downhill sections from the helipad. A few occasions my footing would slip, and I would have to remind myself to ease off a little, it doesn't take much for my ankles to roll, and despite the track being relatively smooth I didn't like my chances.
To the helipad my watch showed 11:03, at the gate at the end of The Oaks it showed 11:29, and I was at the gate at the end around 12:08ish. I would normally be able to run from gate to gate in the low 30s, so I probably lost a few minutes here. At least 3 occasions where I had to stop due to a stitch in my right side. These were very frustrating as I felt like I had energy left to come home strong, but every time the leg speed quickened the stitch would return.
Kieron caught me around Iron Bark, and we ran together to the causeway, where he was required to push Connor up the hill one last time. Was 4th back to the finish (excl. the early starters), missing out on a medal. But, as my car had the esky with the beer I was guaranteed something to drink.
I was impressed by how many people were hanging around, most of which happy to stay and chat as runners came home. It wasn't until close to 1:30am that I headed off home.
Big pat on the back to scam (like he needs more congratulations) for putting it out there and making sure everyone finished safely. The atmosphere was great, as all runners enjoyed themselves and were eagerly awaiting the next moonlight W2G. We even managed to restore the reputation of the BMMC to its former glory... well almost.
Can't remember what other stuff I have done. Some swim sessions, not much on the bike, and some solid runs (no long ones).
Generally I am managing 2 sessions on most days, and at least one every day, the exception being Saturday I guess, however I was running after 12am so technically...
Wed was meant to be a session to hell and back with the Animal (as opposed to every other session with him), however work commitments meant I could only do the swim and running sessions. The run was another attempt at intervals, this time on the track (if you can call it that - I have run on smoother trails than glenbrook oval). After 1 400m lap struggling to keep up with The Animal running (what was only later explained) on 5:20 or less pace for 5 1-milers, I soon settled in to my own pace. Felt horrible for the first 2 or 3 miles, and would have given up if I wasn't that little bit proud. Started feeling good for the 4th and 5th sets, but as I wasn't timing myself or measuring my heart rate I don't know how well I was running. The stitch demon was back again sticking his little pitchfork into my side every couple of laps!
I realise these sessions will go along way to improving my running so, I guess I will have to persist. I have now learnt that it does no good comparing one's self to The Animal as well as The Sleep Train.
Felt OK for the Thursday morning run, although you know you're in trouble when the guys dont event bother to hassle you about being late to another training session.
Great report Dr Phil aka Flying Fist.
ReplyDeleteGood to see some pics of this classic at last, looks the most fun you could have at night...though im usually sleeping
Sleep Train