I think I’m going around in circles.
On Sunday I headed once more into the hills around Wellington in the quest to build my body up so it can survive the next ultra marathon, and keep me going long enough and fast enough to get to the finish before everyone goes home. (something I haven’t managed yet)
So I headed out over Berhampore golf course on my usual route towards the Tip Track. But instead of grinding my way up the track, I continued on down the road a bit toward Owhiro Bay. It was then a nice flat beach run for a bit as I headed out to Red Rocks.
Once there, it was time to put the relaxed running techniques I’ve been playing with to the test running up a big long hill. The track from Red Rocks would take me all the way to the top of the Tip Track, about 5kms away.
The uphill worked out quite well. my legs were nice and relaxed and even though it was pretty hot, the sun was masked by a layer of low cloud, so at least I wasn’t running in direct sunlight. I ran up quite a bit faster than I thought I would, but even so I was happy to see the top of the Tip Track so I could start running downhill for a bit.
Having gained the bottom of the hill, I (foolishly) turned right and headed back down to Red Rocks for another turn.
As I suspected, I walked a bit more this time around, but still my pace was not terrible. This relaxed running thing seems to work.
At the end of the second circuit I decided (sensibly) not to do a third lap, and headed home for a well deserved beer.
By far the most interesting kilometre of the run was the last one. Normally at this stage of the game, I’m down to the little old man shuffle with my feet barely leaving the ground. But this time I was still running, not fast, but it was definitely something approximating a running pace.
I still have more work to do on improving my technique and stamina, but at least I know I’m heading in the right direction, and that’s very encouraging.
Run stats
- Time: 5:32
- Distance: 36:84
- Average pace: 9:02 min/km
- Elevation gain: 1861m
Check out my stories here on Steemit
Running Deer
Running Deer - part 1
Running Deer - How legends are born
Charlie Rabbit
Meet Charlie Rabbit
Charlie tides up
Charlie Rabbit and Margery Mouse
Charlie Rabbit and Margery Mouse make music
Little Peppers Adventures
Runaway Rabbit and the hungry fox
Maybe and the land of purple rainbows – A Little Peppers adventure
How Pappa Pepper and Monster Truck the Pepper got their wild hogs - a Little Peppers Adeventure
Dark Angel Regiment of the Space Marines - Mission Files
First Squad Sniper Elite - Zaresith mission
Other stories
Also don't forget to check out my Dad's blog
Who else can tell you stories about impersonating an officer, stealing a military aircraft to go on a booze run, or steal military aircraft and go on an unsanctioned bombing run - and that's all before he turned 18!
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