Melb Half '05

Where do I start with this one?

I had a great lead up with this race and tapered pretty well. I am not so sure that I should have done the track work quite so hard on Thursaday (yes Tim - I should have listened to your advice more closely).

Slept surprisingly well - almost too well, and had to rush a bit to get to the start line on time which is all of 2.5 kms away!

I started well, albeit by myself, and at the first km mark I was up on time by about 30secs and starting to settle into a good rythm. I soon reealised I had messed up my watch settings and couldn' t get splits or cumulative totals. I found myself following a blondish ponytail (with short red shorts) which was keeping my pace a little fast and by Brighton Bathes (half way) I was about 1:30 mins up on my expected half way time. A big hooray from the Lost boys was received at about the 16k mark- thanks Ian and Sue! I took my one and only gel at the 14km mark and hoped for the best knowing that I was likely to struggle soon. By the 18km mark I took a short walk break. Once I hit St. Kilda Rd - I was wondering how far it was to go and had forgotten what the last km mark was so I just kept trying to maintain a pace that kept me with the runners around me. Once I "rounded" the shrine I upped my pace and finished with very little left in my tank.

The run down St Kilda Rd was great. The atmosphere towards the line was awesome and I well to a 1:51:03.

Catching a few CR's finishing their halves was great then Greybeard pointed me toward the baggage collection - a quick change, followed by a coffee and muffin (intertwined with capsicum spray) and we headed toward the finish line to see the 3:30-4:00hr runners finish. Those marathon finishers have my absolute respect.

Transpot was open by this stage so we headed over with Blue boy and family for a rehydration session. I had a birthday party drinks session to head to and to be honest if I had another schooner I was likely to fall over, so it was onto the train with Greybeard and Cato for a train ride home.

It was a great day for me (second fastest 1/2 mara) and one that reminds me why it is that I get up early to do my training runs! Thanks to all who yelled and supported me along the way- you lot are awesome.

To all the (too many to mention individually) interstate CR's who made it down - you guys rock! Most it seemed had a good run and I look forward to seing you at Canberra or Gold Coast next year!