On Sunday I competed in the Sydney: 10 running race out at Homebush (Sydney Olympic Park). It was an early start at 0745 in which I arrived at 0630 to ensure I registered and allowed for enough time for proper warm-up as the weather was fairly cool. This course is renowned for its fast times and flat profile as last year I had one of my best runs in the same race. The conditions were ideal, hardly a breath of wind and cool temperatures. It was another big turn out for the 10km run having just under 500 runners line up for the start. The course was 2 laps with 2 minor rises each lap and road all the way.
Bit of a hectic start having a line about 50m wide and 6 or so rows deep but was lucky to get a clean start to the race. The start pace was a bit more relaxed than usual no speedy guys trying to make a break early. After about a km the pack was spread out, the main group ahead of me consisted of about 15 guys and the pack I was with had roughly the same. I was feeling pretty comfortable and confident for a good race ahead. First lap was over and still feeling good, as I ran around the U-turn I noticed that I had done the first 5km in under 16:00min now wishing I had not gone out this hard as I may not be able to hold it. The group had spread out even more now, I was now running with a pack of 5 and the legs started to burn a bit. The slight incline did not help. Finally in the last km of the race, I started to put on the pace as I had one not too far in front so my goal was to catch him. We went off the main road towards the finishing straight, I was right behind him but he heard me coming and was just able to out sprint me.
Really happy with the race, placed 34th out of 498 competitors and 3rd in U20 with a time of 33:25. Definitely need to sort out my shoes as I finished the race with some nasty blisters that will take time to heal.
No comments:
Post a Comment