Run for the Kids 2011 Race Report

This is the first time I have done Run for the Kids and I enjoyed it.

My alarm went off at 6:15am I was out of bed quick breakie and a shower. I drove in and managed to get through the roads that were closed and parked at my old favorite place Southgate. It was not too hot nor too cold or windy just a perfect day for running.

I made my way down to the start line looking for some friends (Alana and Georg) but no sign until after the races. There was just a mass of people everywhere. We moved up to the start line from the marshaling areas. The horn sounded and away we went. Due to the my position behind the start line made it hard to get going early. There was just people all over the place, people who think they are quick but aren’t. I must say this gets my goat at every event I do. The event organizers setup lines for those who know they can finish the event in X time but people just simply don’t follow the run times or they think they are better than they are. So I really spent the first km ducking traffic (people) before I could get my speed going. My first km was at 5:32 pace after that it was 5:05 – 5:08 and I managed to get in a 4:58 and managed to finish in a time of 26m 28s for 5.2km. Which I was really happy with the course was fairly flat – no big hills, etc. my biggest issue was not being able to get my speed up early basically held back by people traffic. Oh well need to get closer to the start line.

After the event had finished I ran into Alana and we managed to bump into few people who we sort of know through Fitness First plus Daniella who I know from previous 2xu / Start to Finish Run Group for the Sandy Half Point while we waited for Georg (Alana’s other half) to finish the 14.38km course. I'm thinking about doing the 14.38km next year.

Next Race – Mother’s Day Classic in early May

Race Photo's to come

Tri Season in review/grade card

•  Swim - B ~ While my pool swimming is good my open water swimming has been poor. Part of the problem was how bad Port Phillip bay has been over summer. It been the worse I have seen for many years. Hence my open water swim training has suffered and it shows in my Tri’s. This is still without a doubt my weakest event, but I am already a better swimmer now than I was at the end of last season, so I am happy with that and I will work on to improve for next season. However this being said and done I loved the swim down at Mt Martha on Australia Day.

• Bike – A ~ I haven't missed a workout outside any weekend except for when it was really wet, then I did a spin class instead. It shows in the results I’m quick and strong. From time to time I realize I have backed off and not riding hard as I could. Bit more focus on this instead of checking out the views around while riding. Time for some Tri bars too.

• Run - B- ~ Like with the bike, I haven't missed a workout. That is really good and I am happy with that, considering where I was in September last year. At the end of Tri season I’m getting off the bike either not hurt or hurting and managing to put in runs without stopping or need fluids. It’s shaping up to be a great run season over winter. Already have a few races lined up.

• Social/Family/Balance - C ~ I think this is really important because the pull of family and friends often is in conflict with training. To my family and friends I’m sorry. Long days and training does take a toll on me but it’s really rewarding when I cross that line. I will take the time to smell the roses and spend more time with you over the winter months.

• Rest/Recovery - A- ~ I am a pretty good at taking days off as part of my schedule. A problem I have is that work often forces me to have a very non-restful day. It seems that I am on call 24/7 to work and family for this I do need to change to have a little more me time. Yes I know it’s selfish.

• Favorite Race - They are all fun but it would have to be St Kilda and Elwood (Elwood I have had a love hate relationship with. I have had good races and bad races there.

• Hated Race – Elwood and Sandringham, Elwood I was a coupld ov poor swims one with the water so bad you could not see past your hand. Sandringham, that bloody run from the beach to the transition area.

Someone has suggested Adventure Racing, starting to look into this. Might just give it a go.