Another 10k PB

Ok, it's been awhile since I blogged, time to dust some cobwebs away and revive it a little. I admit, I have lost the interest of blogging, but I am still determined to write my yearly update on the start of a new year. And it's not too far now, the new year. So, to save some time, I thought I should at least make it a point to write about my races so I do not take a long time when it comes to the new year.

More than just a race report...

Sydney Harbour 10k - 13 July 2014

Did this race back in 2012 and set a PB then. This year, the goal was to set another PB. But to make it even more challenging, I was determined to get it under 45 minutes. I only decided to run this race roughly 1.5 months prior to the race.

Since December of last year, I set myself a task - which is to wake up 2-3 times during the week before work and run. Be it a long or short run, sprints or recovery run. I just had to do it. Reason being I started putting on weight since dragonboat. With all the paddling and land training with weights, and neglecting running, I've gained weight. Yes, it's muscle weight, but I'm pretty sure I still have fat to burn. Why am I afraid of gaining the weight? Well, a heavier me means I need to be pulling more in the boat. And a heavier me means I have to carry more weight on me when I run.

And I have to say, I have been rather consistent. Yes, there were some off weeks where I was injured, or sick. But gradually, the habit of waking up and run started to grow into me. And because of that, I thought, maybe I should put all this running into good use. I had a goal, to run 5km in a 4:30 pace. At the same time, I remembered that I doubted myself running 10 km under 48 mins back in 2012. So, I decided to achieve this goal, and to put that doubt aside.

On top of that, I have this desire to complete the Six Foot Track Marathon in March 2015. However, you need to meet the entry criteria. The most achievable one would be do complete a road marathon under 4 hour 20 mins. This means I need to do another marathon before I can do this particular one. As I recalled, I struggled so much during the Auckland Marathon 2 years ago and I didn't want to do anymore marathons after that. However, I think I have recovered from that fear. And so, two running goals were set:

1. Run 10 km under 45 mins
2. Complete a full marathon under 4 hours 20 mins

I started to run with a set plan for each session. It wasn't just "Oh, I will run 6 km today and try to finish it as fast as I can" or "I'll just do some hill sprints today" or "I'll fit in some fartleks during my run". Each session had it's warm up and cool down phase. I had to force myself to run slow, and tell myself, it's a warm up or a cool down. And for the main sets, there were tempo runs, intervals, hills etc and also a target pace for each component. Be it faster than race pace, slower than race pace or at race pace. I started reading running articles. I learnt that recovery is just as important as training.

I got a runner's guide for a half marathon and tweaked it to suit me, so I can build up to the 10 km race and at the same time, train for the dreaded, but must-do full marathon in September.

A week before the 10 km race, I was rather nervous. I actually never felt this nervous for a race before. It's only 10 km for goodness sake! But I had doubts, doubts of doing it under 45 mins. It's something I really wanted but not sure at all if I can achieve it. You see, normally when I set my goals, I usually know that I will be able to achieve it 90% of the time. But this time, it was a 50-50 chance.

Come race day, I felt good. No crazy carb loading the day before, no energy drink this time. I told myself, just eat what you normally would eat before a training run. So I had my regular cup of coffee, and added a banana and some Belvita biscuits. Nothing too fancy.

It was rather chilly that morning. Mid winter, what can you expect? Wore my Vibrams as I felt faster running in them compared to my Brooks during my training runs. I knew my calves were gonna pay for it after the run but I just had to if I want to increase my chances of doing it under 45 mins.

Race start. The adrenaline was pumping. Did the 1st km in 4:04. Told myself to hold back a little. It was a very fast and flat course. I don't remember most of it except at the 6-7 km mark up the Pyrmont Bridge, where there was a tiny slope and I struggled a bit there because the legs were so used to the flat course that a tiny change in incline made it feel like such a big difference. I could then feel my calves started to burn. If I stop now, it will cramp up. And so, I said to myself "Push through!". I looked at my watch and I was cutting it close. But I knew, it was gonna be all flat from the bridge. There's no slowing down now.

Came the last 500m or so, my watch lost its GPS signal. Had no idea if I will make it, wasn't sure if I can just take it easy or should I just go all out. And so, I took a big gulp of air, and sprinted. Crossed the finishing line and looked down at my watch.... 44:27!!! Phew!! A huge sigh of relief and satisfaction ... All that training and reading actually paid off.

One mission down, one more to go for the year.

3 more weeks to go!!!