Canberra Marathon

Been a bit slack re writing up my post but here goes.

Got a bit of a scare earlier in the week when I strained my plantaris muscle(3rd muscle of the calf) and was quite concerened that I may not get to do the race. Hastily booked into the physio and then had some ultrasound done and for the rest of the week was using my tens machine as well as continuously applying flexall or tiger balm for heat.


Fri pm 6km jog, plantaris feeling quite a bit better, more confident I could now run Sun.

Caught up with Trace, Craig, Henry and family for dinner Sat night.

Ran 3.14 with splits of 1.36 and 1.38, so very happy in that both Craig and myself met our goals which was to do under 3.15.59 and qualify for Boston 2009. Also happy that I finished pretty well and felt reasonably comfortable throughout.

The race itself began in rain and it rained constantly throughout the first 2 hours. The calf held up pretty well and the normal nemesis of the right hammy and left groin reared its head fairly early on was annoying but manageable.

Unfortunately lost Craig at the start and I started a bit quicker than I expected, although I think that may have been in part to trying to find him. He ended up behind us and caught me at around the 10k mark at approx 45 min and then we slowed the pace a bit and back to our goal pace. At that point the 3.15 pacer passeed us and disappeared into the distance, although we both mentioned he was going quite a bit quicker than pace required and was obviously trying to allow for a reasonable fadeout later on.

At half way point, we were spot on with our pre race goal of 1.36 which gave us 1.39.59 to finish to meet the target and we were feeling comfortable. The next 10-15k were just consolidating our pace and ensuring enough fluids, gels or snakes etc were taken. We were closing in on the 3.15 pacer and then passed him with about 4-5k to go. Really enjoyed the last couple of k's knowing that the goal was going to be met and saw Trace just before the finish line as she yelled out and took a photo.

Felt pretty good afterwards, legs were sore, suprisingly quads were really sore after stopping but other than that was in pretty good shape. Had a quick bath and then went out for lunch with Trace.

Mon was spent at the war memorial which was pretty touching and then flew home Mon night.

Congrats to Craig for running a huge pb, it was great running with him and certainly made the race a lot easier.

Also big congrats to Henry for also running a big pb, glad to hear the knee held up pretty well.

Now for easier couple of weeks and then focus turns to Perth, hopefully can run a good one there.