SUNDAY COOLANGATA 16KM - 11 Weeks To Gold Coast

COOLANGATA

Decided to drive down the coast and have a run finishing with a dive in the sea.  Starting at Coolangata and turning round at Currumbin.

The weather was terrible, really wet but that didn't call the run off.  Really had a good run slightly too fast but never mind. Keeping my arms low seems to help to get a good rhythm

Met Craig Bellamy.

Weather: 20 Degrees Cool/WET
Weight: 87.5KG (192LBS)
Distance: 10 Mile
Time:  1:30

Avg PAce: 9:10AVG HR:  N/A
Notes:  Felt good

SATURDAY 12KM - 11 Weeks To Gold Coast

The weather is great for running at the moment.  Really enjoying the time out on the road.

Today was a steady paced run that I was trying to keep around the 9 Min Mile Point.  I was able to keep it on track but my GPS seems a bit erratic.  Anyway I have been keeping my arms lower and trying to get more steps per minute.  

The Cardio phase really worked out.  There has been a significant change in how I feel about running since the Twilight Half Marathon.  Lets see how it goes tomorrow...
Weather: 20 Degrees Cool
Weight: 87.5KG (192LBS)
Distance: 8 Mile
Time:  1:15
AVG HR:  N/A
Notes:  Felt good

TWILIGHT HALF MARATHON 2012

Race Date/Time: 18.03.12 17:30

Location: ST LUCIA, Brisbane

Cost: $70

Official Finishing Time: 02:02

Official Overall Position: 

Pace: 9:17 /Mile

Average heartrate: N/A

Overall place: 

Men place:

M 40-45 : 

Weather: 23 Degrees Cool

Calories burned: 2000

Weight: 88.5 KG (195 Pounds)

Why do the race?

It is at night!  So cooler and bit different.  This is a popular event and I wanted to have a look.

Training:

The schedule for the Gold Coast Marathon in July.  Nothing too intense. 3 - 4 times a week jogging.

Time and heartrate goal:

I wanted to get into a pace that I felt I was comfortable but still in the race.  2 hours would be a good steady pace.

Course Map

Prerace:

Picked up my race number from Intraining Shop the day before. It was pouring down with rain but they where all in good spirits.

Fueling plan:

I was relying on the water aid stations

The Race

We were at a busy start line at Queensland University. All went on time and straight away I was busting for the toilet.  This is common at running events for me.  So after about 1 mile I was off into the bushes.

The race was nice and cool and I got into my stride after a bit, I was intent on just sticking to a 2 hour target as it was all about getting into a solid pace.  I managed to get into a good stride and just kept in the zone.

The support was fantastic and a lot of people turned up to watch.  They definitely kept me going.  The distance marking was very confusing and really through me off track at the end of the race and made me lose a bit off heart when the sign said 6 KM and I thought there was only 3KM (which there was..)  So I slowed for last few kMs.  I felt really tired for the last two miles and gave in a bit which I feel bad about...

Splits:

Mile 1         08:40    

Mile 2         08:46         

Mile 3         09:00         

Mile 4         09:15         

Mile 5         09:46         

Mile 6         08:45         

Mile 7         08:56   

Mile 8         09:06  

Mile 9         09:21   

Mile 10       09:16   

Mile 11       09:33   

Mile 12       10:11  

Mile 13       10:44   

Finish line:

You finish the course on the last 200 Metres of the running track.  This was pretty inspiring and great to finish with a sprint.  There was muffins, bananas and sports drink waiting.  Also I found a coffee wagon which suited me just fine.  I was quite tired at the end but very happy with the race.

Post race analysis:

This was a great race.  Got into a good pace and felt I used my core to help run well.   I think my running training is going good and this is still early in the programme for the marathon so great to feel strong. 

Very well organised event and good buzz...  I will definitely do it again.