July 19 - Watsonia to Meadow Heights
Tonight we had organised to visit a close friend in Meadow Heights, who had just had their first baby, and I really wanted to run so a bit of creativity was required. Dinner wasn't until 7pm, so that gave me a bit of time up my sleeve, but running from Ivanhoe was not really an option at this stage as it was about 35km's.So messing about with GMaps, the Melways and the Metlink website, the plan was to catch the train to Watsonia and run from there.
So I finished work at 4:30 and caught the train up to Watsonia Station. Began the run at 4:50pm and headed due north along Watsonia Road, which became Macorna Avenue, until I reached the Northern Ring Road. There were a few decent hills in this area, so I didn't exactly ease into the run unfortunately.
I had noticed a bike path that went along the ring road, so I joined up with that and began to follow that west. It wasn't too bad for the majority, very little other people and only in a few places could I notice the fumes from the traffic. I saw a mob of grey roos just near Dalton Road, couldn't believe how close to civilisation they were, real shame actually for them to have to put up with the encroaching industries.
Anyway, I had neglected to pack my radio, so no music or talkback for this little black duck, and while I didn't mind it, I don't particularly want to do it again on such a long run. My only other complaint was a lack of footbridges or underpasses over the cross roads, which caused about 7-8 minutes worth of delays.
I continued along the Ring Road until it crossed Mahoneys Road, which I then began following in a westerly direction. After I had crossed Sydney Road I stopped to grab a sports drink from a service station and some lollies (..for energy of course), and walked for a couple of minutes while I replenished the system, then it was continuing along Mahoneys/Camp Road.
Once I reached Pascoe Vale Road I headed north again until I reached Barry Road, for a short westerly surge, and finally through the streets of Meadow Heights to my friends house. All up I ran for 23.5km's in 123minutes at a pace of approximately 5.18. Had a nice lasagna dinner, a couple of beers, great catch up with friends and then home for a well deserved sleep.
posted by Chris @ 8:48 am
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