Running
13.5Km in 1:08:37, average pace 5:05
Isn’t it great when an ordinary run is backed up by a fantastic run the following day 
Contact lenses firmly in place I was feeling much more secure this afternoon so thought I’d try returning to my mid-week long(ish) run, albeit a day late. Rather than trekking up along the path to MacRob’s bridge and back again I decided to try Albert Park for a change. Despite a bit of mucking around waiting to cross a few major arterials it was well worth it. I ran up The Tan past the war memorial, down Dallas Brooks Drive and Domain Road then over to the Lake.
I can’t believe I hadn’t ventured down that way before, the last time I ran Albert Park was my first proper fun run, The Queen of the Lake in August ‘05. I ran the 5km in 25:53, placed 10th in my age group and all off 30 to 40kms a week of treadmill running at the gym, not too bad, even if I do say so myself, It was that race that gave me the running bug, it was one of the first times I had run outdoors since high school X-C.
Anyway, I digress. Despite the famous Albert Park wind it was thoroughly enjoyable and as you can see from my overall average pace I used to nice flat track to pick the speed up for some sub 5 minute Kms. I’ll definitely be using that course again and adding an extra bit along The Tan and Yarra I could easily manage an 18km run. Previously my mid-week long runs were maxing out at 16Kms when I was training for the half marathons. So just like with the Sunday long run I’ll start building these up again week by week.
I have been asked if I was to help out as a run leader for the Run for the Kids training runs, I said yes. I really enjoyed these training sessions last year, the atmosphere was great and I got to meet alot of new buddies, it will be fun taking a group of runners out and helping them towards their goal of finishing the R4K.
Caved in a bought myself a Fuel Belt today, I have resisted but after close to 3 hours running in the Dandenongs on Sunday with no water or Gels I realised I needed one if I want to keep running trails. Anyway, I amused the sales staff at Paddy Palin today, jumping up and down on the spot and running up and down the store. It seemed pretty secure and non-bouncy, I’ll give it a go on Sunday, better be comfortable because they ‘aint cheap. I got one with 4 flasks, 1 for water, 2 for Endura and 1 for Brandy in case I get lost 
Ahhh, is anything better than a long weekend? I think not.
3 whole days to myself, no work, no stress, magic!
If the bottles have a ‘plastic’ taste, you might need flavoured water. If you lose any skin from the seams (not likely under 3 hours), tape over them with cloth tape
Good ‘longish’ run - that’s quick.
Comment by Ewen — January 25, 2007 @ 11:40 pm
Ewan is right on the money - water on its own tatse foul, try adding some Gatorade powder to the water, makes all the difference
Comment by blkbox — January 26, 2007 @ 7:22 am
The water does not taste “foul” as BB put it, but yes, the bottle do have that taste to begin with
The belts can be a hassle, but you really do need them this time of year
Great to see you joining the R4K training groups! I’m sure you’ll get heaps out of it (including some free Nike stuff???
)
Comment by Sekhmet — January 26, 2007 @ 8:22 am
I will definitely come along to a training session. I am always surprised that the tan is so busy and the lake is practically empty of runners- it is good and flat but even a bit of wind ruins it for me.
Comment by sara — January 26, 2007 @ 8:39 am
Yay Em, you’ll be a great run leader
Glad you were feeling so much better after yesterday’s unco run
it’ll be intereesting to see how the fuel belt trial goes, I’m quite glad none of my runs are that long so I don’t need one. I’d find it sooo hard to put up with extra stuff on my person 
I’m with Sekhmet - do you get lots of free goodies for helping out?
B.
Comment by Beakus — January 26, 2007 @ 8:49 am
Knew the next run would feel better - always does!
Great about R4K, will be a good experience I’m sure. Very cool.
The fuelbelt does take a bit of getting used to, but as with anything like that, after a while you do get used to it and tend to forget its there. Takes a while to find the “right” place to wear it - waist or hips - everyones different, but once you find where you like it and it feels most comfortable, you should find that its not so bad after all. Give it a few runs before you judge…!
MAR.
Comment by Vicky — January 26, 2007 @ 7:37 pm