Back to back...
Sunday just gone saw me pinning a race number on for the second week in a row! After next to no organised events last year, it sure has been nice to be able to take part in some organised runs. Last weekend Wild Horse 55k (100mile training week), this week, Basin to Lighthouse Half Marathon (100mile training week). Good times!
I was really looking forward to this run and had planned a 23k solo ‘warm up’ to make it a 44k day. The hours prior to the race were super chill, I took it easy and enjoyed the morning waking up. I arrived at the start line about 20min before go time, refilled my bottles, caught up with some buddies and got ready to roll.
It was a cracking morning and I head out with my buddy Mark and a few other Skin n Bones Crew. We chatted, laughed and enjoyed the ‘easy’ early miles and good company. We arrived at the turn around (out and back course) in good shape, slowly notching up the pace. By this stage Mark and I were on our own and starting to hunt. As we head back toward the finish and the pace got hotter. We reeled in runner after runner (passing maybe eight or more people in the second half of the race) but continued to feel comfortable, fresh and chatting.
By this stage I was SUPER stoked. I was in the high 30ks of my run, doing around 4min 30sec kms and feeling great! Given this was at the end of another big week of training, my performance at Wild Horse last weekend and UTA being four weeks away, my confidence and fitness is HIGH! I made the comment a couple of times this week that I believe I am the fittest I have ever been in my life currently. I finally am beginning to feel like a real runner and my eyes being opened to what might be actually possible for me as an ultra-endurance athlete. I am weary but feeling so damn good! Anyway, back to the race!
Mark and I came in hot! We were notching the speed up kilometre after kilometre and brought it home with a 4min 13sec one! I finished the training run/race, 44k, in 3hrs 50min and couldn't be happier. With two more 100mile weeks to complete before I taper and trip down to UTA, I am well and truly on track to execute a stella performance there. I have a massive goal of a silver buckle (sub 14hrs) and will be doing what I can to come home one. It certainly wont be for lack of training/focus.
So, another wonderful weekend and weeks work. Thanks to Bundy Road Runners and Bundy Tri Club for putting the event on. It is about time someone set a race on possibly the best part of Bundy’s Coast and I didn't talk to anyone who didn't have a great time. Well-done guys and thank you. I write this a very happy runner at this point of my training block. Things are moving very much in the right direction and I thank all of you for following my journey. Here’s to the next couple weeks, then taper and a bit more sleep before crushing at the Blue Mountains. Have a super week friends! Much love.