Sub 1:30 Half Marathon in 2018 (Read 704 times)

Piwi - I noticed that actually, there was one runner who was in a slow bracket but clearly just decided he was going to smash that to win a free entry to next year's race haha.  He was actually faster than Oska Baynes who ended up winning the half but I guess if you've had a cruisy 14km warm up that's to be expected.

Steve - I have three different approaches I use for long runs on warm days:

1. Plan my route around water fountains (there's a few go-to's both in town and near home that I can plan my route around)

2. Take some money and stop and buy a water bottle (on the plus side the water is guaranteed to be nice and cold out of the fridge haha)

3. Take a small bottle with a wrist strap (I have a Camelbak one that works OK, but I tend to avoid using it unless options 1 and 2 aren't available because frankly carrying the thing annoys the bejesus out of me).

A very good 5k today. 18:34, best time in 2 years. Cold was never a factor, weather was nearly perfect with dry 4 degrees Celsius and no wind. Note to muricans: 0C is the point where water freezes, 100C is the point where water boils, as God intended.

5k was a small race with only 50 runners as most ran the 10k or the main race the half marathon (Süderelbe Halbmaraton).

I ended up in 5th place but the podium only had 3 places haha, so no prize for me.

I tried to run with 2nd 3rd and 4th as long as I could and that was for 2km, then I lost contact mostly due to the pace being too hot for me. From then on it was a survival game to the finish line, especially the last 800m where I had to ward off a challenge but ended up ahead by 9 seconds. I'm quite happy about it though you can clearly see I was going for a PR.

Flavio thats a very fast time especially on limited training.

Mick to be fair I do normally average closer to 5 min/km but my calf niggle forced me to run slow last week.

Mark you do form a bond during races with other runners. Like a shared experience. Bonus if they are hot and want a hug 

Classic I know that spot Steve it's down in Westhaven (the Auckland Marathon actually goes right through there, except in the other direction and on the road rather than the walkway).

Flavio - well done on the 5km race.  Gotta admit I'm looking forward to my 5km race in a couple weeks.  Haven't done any shorter races since last year's Corporate Challenge so will be fun to go for a bit of a blast.

JMac, I've run that Auckland route on the treadmill many times, I think there's a Wellington one too?  Having said that, I don't miss my treadmill days.

I have a pain in the ball of my left foot too.  First time I've had it, I'm putting it down to my shoes being 5 months old.  I have a new pair arriving in the mail today hopefully.

And um, appreciating an athlete is okay isn't it?

Flavio, great race, that is quick.  Mark, I have the 5km in 9 days and I think I'm looking forward to it although I'm expecting to suffer.  We actually haven't entered a team yet because I'm the only one to sign up.  I guess I'll do it if I'm the only one, we do have a Wellington office competing too and it's a bit of a grudge match.  Wellington has had the first finisher for the past few years so I've been told I need to bring it home...that time was 20:45 so assuming there's no great improvement up north I would hope I can do it.  And I understand there's something about a Gaga outfit if I don't.

I once ran with the lead lady in a half marathon. i wasnt a gentleman like Mark and i out kicked her to the finish.

Thats her getting interviewed by radio and me grovelling on my haunches against the fence 

Omg I am in tears. Thank you Piwi, this is golden!!!!

Piwi  That's awesome... Great to wake up to that this morning!