In 35 degree heat we made the drive down to Lorne, dropping our bikes off at Fran's in Lara on the way. When we arrived in Lorne I picked up my race pack (including the brown t shirt!) and then went and sat in the car listening to the cricket. I was feeling really unwell and so couldn't be bothered exploring the shops. At about 5 o'clock I got changed and we headed over towards the start of the run. We were due to start at 5.45pm (with the opens at 5.30pm). However, we found out they were delaying it for 30 minutes coz the heat was at unsafe levels even though it was pretty cool. Mum ran into a friend so we stayed with her for a while then went up to the start again. We soon learnt it was delayed for longer.
My goals for the race were 38 minutes and top 10 in my age category (very optimistically 36 minutes and top 5).
The opens eventually started at 6.45 and then we started at about 6.55. By that time I was extremely hungry. I had forgotten how tough the hills were. There are 4 of them and I struggled to keep going without walking. I really pushed it on the downhill in between the uphills. Finally we were done with the big hills and on to the bush path. The path is awesome - I could run along it everyday. It's quite hazardous as there are large stones and tree roots so you really have to keep your eyes on the ground. The path is also narrow and I was constantly passing slower open runners and young kids who were running in spurts. I was travelling as fast as I could along the track and I knew I was running a good pace. When I reached the Great Ocean Road I grabbed a quick drink and then went to run across but just missed the cut off (they stop the runners to let cars through every half minute or so). So for the second year in a row I had to wait 20-30 seconds. Once I got started again I found the going tough as it wasn't as shady on the asphalt and the heat radiated off it. I just had to keep pushing it. Eventually I got to the foreshore path and I knew it wasn't far to go. The crowds certainly get larger along there. I had a bit of a battle with another girl my age. Eventually I finished in 36.55, including the stop at the road. My 8km PB is 36.12 so considering the stop and the hills I think I am back in form. I think I came 6th or 7th in my age group, we'll have to see.
Bring on 2008!!!
Saturday, January 05, 2008
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1 comments:
hi matey. well done on what sounds like a very difficult course. not too many runs around they make you wait for traffic so I am sure you will nail that crossing next year. A friend of mine from Athletics Essendon also ran this race. Reckon you will hsve to line up in the Open division next year. Reckon if you are passing people who started ten minutes before you it might be time to step up. Regards Jegster
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