The long 10km course at North Head this morning. Got 10.18km on my new GPS, which was pretty consistent amongst everyone else at the finish line. Took today's approach very differently, as I had a threshold run penciled in on the program, so essentially used this morning's race as a harder version. Did not back off at all training wise this week, neither with intensity nor mileage. So reached the starting line with over 150km in the legs. Looking around, the plan was to run with Alex Rogers, perhaps John Bartlett - but this plan went straight out the window as soon as the gun went, as both chased Dave Criniti. The pace was suicide, so I let them (along with a fourth guy in a red singlet) go. However, frustratingly once again, this left me solo in no mans land. The good thing with today is that I could always see the lead group throughout the race. Even better was seeing the group deconstruct, so I always had someone to chase. First of all was the guy in the red single (who in all honesty looked out of place at that pace, so no surprise to catch and pass him). Next up was Alex (who I was convinced had gone out too hard). I saw that he had just been dropped before the 5km turn around, which gave me a boost. Gradually wound him in, but not before he stopped by the side of the road to dry reach. Not sounding too good. Then it was simply hang on for the final 4km - seeing the two out in front on the long straights. The watch beeped at 10km indicating a 32:50, but the offical time was 33:27 another 180m up (yes, up) the road. Happy with a course PB, especially as I used the race as simply a training run. Got another nice singlet from Saucony for my efforts. Went for a cooldown lap with the others. Around 18km all up for the morning, followed by a nice breakfast and coffee (well, watched anyway due to being so full from last night's homemade goat curry) with Michael, Lorie, James and Renee. The former two came back for some homemade Bircher muesli. Hopefully it impressed! 8km easy recovery run planned for this afternoon.
8km easy this afternoon. Averaged 4:35 min/km pace, probably too fast but effort wise was fine!
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