The big question this morning was how would I go in the half marathon? After yesterday’s brick session (60km cycle & 4km run) in less than desirable weather would I have the energy to run 21.1km today? Hmmm, I was about to find out.
My warm up run before the event (which was really just to keep warm as it was freezing cold) seemed to indicate that I would run okay but I really wasn’t sure for how long. My longest long run for a while has been about 17km and has been run at a modest 5.20min/km pace. My goal today was to finish the event! In fact I was beginning to think that maybe I would’ve been better starting in the first group at 8am, for runners doing more than 2 hours.
I wore my long-sleeved top over my singlet for the first 10km because it was so cold. A lot of people took off at the start and I felt like I was ambling along at a very conservative pace but not to worry, I was doing a training run. At least that’s what I told myself! But as the kilometres ticked over I knew my pace was getting faster but I still felt strong. And slowly I was starting to overtake a few people who took off at the start. My long-sleeved top came off at the 11km mark and was tied around my waist…….and proceeded to drive me crazy for the remainder of the event. I really hate things around my waist!
Not once did I look at my Garmin during the run but ran according to how I felt. I kept expecting to hit the wall at some stage but it never happened. I felt strong right up until I crossed the finish line. I stopped my Garmin at 1hr 43.42min – really happy with that. It’s a couple of minutes slower than I would normally run it but then I don’t usually cycle 60km and run 4km the day before a half marathon either!
Tomorrow: the plan was to do a swim session in the morning and an intervals session on the treadmill after work. But you know what, I am scheduling in an unplanned but much appreciated rest day after a big weekend. Sometimes you just gotta go with what your body wants……and it wants a rest! 
“You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
A good weekend, rest days are really nice and you deserve the time off.
Thanks Steve. It’s been nice not doing anything more physical than walk to the shops at lunchtime today. But all good things must come to an end! Back to the gym tomorrow.
Way to go! … Great time especially after a hard workout the day before … I am impressed!
Thanks Jeff. I did surprise myself with how good I felt running the half. I really thought I’d tire badly near the end but it never happened so I’m happy. Training must be working!
You are amazing CJ – Enjoy the rest day !
Thanks Gary. And I have enjoyed my rest day today. But it’s back into it again tomorrow.
Next time don’t listen to your mean coach when she won’t let you have an easy day prior to a half marathon!
It’s all part of my training. I go with the flow.