Wednesday, April 05, 2006

April 3 - Nike Training Run

Well tonight was my final training run for the Run for the Kids. Going from the Prince Pat in Collingwood, the course does a lap of Fitzroy Gardens, zig zags through Jolimont Park, around the MCG, over the tennis centre bridge, through Birrarung Marr, and then over the footbridge alongside the MCG and a final lap of Fitzroy Gardens.

I had a new toy to play with this evening, finally got my Timex Speed & Distance watch. It's a GPS device that records how far and how quickly I am running. This is something that I need when I do solo runs, as I can become a bit of a bludger. Anyway the watch worked very well. It takes 3-4 minutes to locate the satellite, but once locked on to a satellite it stays with it. The pace reading was pretty accurate, a few times it became unrealistic but quickly returned to normality. The total distance read 10.01km, which was pretty much spot on, and the average speed etc. was great.

The run itself was with a very good group, about seven of us around the same standard, well led by Clarkey. Felt very good for the whole run, practiced my hill running. Shortened the stride going up the hill, increased the tempo and leaned forward. Then let the hill do the work on the way down. We completed the course in about 55mins which is reasonable given the amount of hills. Will miss these runs as it allowed me to meet different people, and I find group running much better than running alone.

Anyway will do an easy 6 or so km's Thursday and then rest up before Sunday.