Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

Well its been 20 days since I last posted and not a lot has happened.

Training is back to normal in terms of mileage. Im back following our "base program" which is basically a 4 week cycle that repeats over and over. I would post it here but it may confuse some and it may also be a little too large to put in one post.

My right knee has been pretty sore for the last 8 weeks or so. At first I thought it was just tendonitis but I had a few days off just prior to Xmas and it didnt get any better as I would expect if it were a tendon problem. I am now leaning towards the Cartilage in the knee being worn. My physio is currently away in Malaysia so until he gets back I will just grin and bear it. Its not sore enough to cause a limp but it does get sore after a run and even more so when going down hill. Robbie said I should avoid hills for a while. Anyone who has ever been to Launceston knows that this is not possible!!!!! And I have no intention of doing laps around the track just to avoid some discomfort. If I couldnt handle some discomfort then I wouldnt run would I???

Robbie and I get married in just under 2 weeks. Feb 7 is the big day followed by 10 days on the Gold Coast visiting numerous theme parks. I dont know who will enjoy them more, me or Jack!!!

I am trying to run everyday this year and hopefully I can get out the minimum 35 minutes everyday whilst up north. Wont be too concerned if I dont, it is our Honeymoon afterall!!

Cadbury Half Marathon

Well it has been run and won.

Whilst my time (76:20) and place (6th) were a little worse than I was hoping for, I am content knowing that on the day there is nothing more I could have done. I surged, covered surges and finished absolutely spent with cramp in both legs.

The plan was to go out at 3:30/km and hit 10km in 35 minutes. From there it was a matter of seeing how I felt and running accordingly.

Known splits were:

1km: 3:26
2km: 7:04
3km: 10:38
4km: 13:58
5km: 17:44
10km: 35:24
12km: 42:30 (I ran 42:06 @ Nat XC)

I spent the first 5k sitting about 30m off the back of the lead group which contained 9 guys. I toyed with the idea of making up the 30m and sitting in the group but decided to hang back and pick them off as they popped. The theory was that passing people would give me a lift each time so I hung back. Luckily it worked.

Just before the 10km mark I found myself in 5th spot feeling strong but knowing there was still plenty of work to do. Not long afterwards, I started to tighten up thru the hamstrings and calves and wasnt sure how far away the wall was!!!

Just after 15km, I was caught by another runner and we battled out to the finish. He finally got away in the last mile and put 30 seconds into me!!! We had both thrown in surges to try and get away during the last 5k, but to no avail. When he gapped me I gambled on being able to get him on the last hill and drop him going over the top with about 500m to go. Wrong!

Still, I enjoyed the run and despite the soreness afterwards and cant wait until next time.

The focus now is Run for the Kids on April 5. Before that however there is a little thing called a Wedding followed by the obligatory Honeymoon. Feb 7, is the big day and Gold Coast is the honeymoon destination.