Climbing Mt Ruapehu
Auckland Half Marathon Results.
Still awaiting official results but according to my stopwatch 1:38:36 (update: Official Net Time = 1:38:35)
Weather conditions were awesome, although traffic and a niggly calf made a less than perfect set off. Then the hills and waves of people passing me (incl the 1:40 pace clown) sunk my spirits a bit I still passed through the 5km mark in 23:00 and 10km mark in under 46 minutes which was pleasing. That clown was running too quick.
Then a nasty little hill and climb over the harbour bridge but I felt ok and kept the pace efficient and easy ascending and did ok down too. After the bridge one more naughty hill and it was all flat to the finish which is where I switched on the speed, passing people everywhere and headed into the finish with a good sprint.
Felt great near the finish coulda run a 3/4 marathon with ease i think. So under 1:40 which I didn't expect on this course given the trouble I had with a training performance slump a month or two ago.
So, long distance is off the menu for me for 4 months now as I turn to my hiking and working on 5km speed. I will choose one half marathon only next year and put a plan together to knock of 1:35. I look at both my races this year and really they were pretty unprofessionally run. I made mistakes in both. I need to learn how to "race". I also need to work on my top end speed and strength (steep hiking will help that!). My aerobic fitness has been good.
If I get a good half marathon course on a good day I know I can go under 1:35, maybe even under 1:33...so there is a long term goal.
Also today knocked off my 1000 mile target for the year with 2 months to spare :-)
So off for a shower, lunch and a nice vino out of the cellar for a job well done.
Personal Race Records:
M 3:52:48 (Auckland 2011), HM 1:38:16 (Taupo 2010), 10km 45:05 (Sir Barry 2010), 5km 20:21 (How Pak 5km 2010)
2012 Goals:Run the 75km Hillary Trail in a day (done 10/3/2012)
Loves the outdoors
Congratulations! Sounds like you ran a great race. The Auckland half marathon sounds like it is a great race.
One day I decided I wanted to become a runner, so I did.
LPH
"Today I broke my record for most consecutive days lived!"
makes me wonder..... I did 1:38 at taupo on a flatter course but the 2nd half had a strong headwind. I wonder how much that took out of me...maybe i do this course next year and hope for a better day and 1:35/36 may be on the cards.
but i just have to learn to race, to be more clinical, stronger and more determined. i get too soft in the head at times