Notes
First half marathon since the ops. Very happy to have got a sub 90 - that was the goal.
Conditions were pretty poor - very windy, and seemingly into us the whole way, didn't feel it die down or assist us at all. I reckon it cost at least 30sec - 1min. Ran the first half pretty much by myself, although Aubs and Karl were in sight just ahead of me. From roughly half way (at the stadium) we joined and ran the rest of the way together. They did their best to shield me from the wind, but it was still tough going.
Was a strange ran by feel - felt a little heavy and sluggish the whole time. I kept looking down at my watch expecting to be going at 3:50 pace, only to be going at 4:10. My breathing was ok, and I felt strong up the hill, but the legs just didn't seem to want to turn over fast enough. I don't think I'll taper like I did again, nor carbo load to the extent I did (lots of pasta, rice and megaload).
Knee felt fine, but left calf was tight from the start, and the left hip / glute (right on the hip joint) was tight at the end of the race.
All in all though, for a first half back, I'm very happy with the time, especially considering the conditions.
PS - won the team prize for 1st senior team - R500! Thanks very much!