Tuesday - 15km

I must confess that I’ve been getting carried away with times and paces over the past two or three weeks. What went from running ‘comfortably hard’ and enjoying it became a race to beat yesterday’s time. And I got away with it mostly, but yesterday it finally caught up with me. I got up, ready to run, but felt terrible - pretty much how I was feeling in my final days of speedwork. With much regret, I went back to bed - feeling terrible and kicking myself for the entire day. But in all honesty, it was exactly what I needed. I’ve had to readjust my mindset towards why I am running in the first place - I love it, I enjoy keeping fit, and it’s something I plan to do until the day I die. Trying to run faster and faster each day is simply unsustainable. I know this, I can tell this to anyone else, but when it comes to convincing yourself, sometimes it is extremely difficult to do. So that was the plan (or challenge might be the more appropriate term) this morning. And the good news is that I managed to do it very successfully, and really enjoyed it once again. The pace was comfortable as I ran the North Head loop. Temperatures were pleasant, but this was pretty much negated with strong south-westerly winds. Nothing too out of the ordinary to report. Not that it matters at all, but I was thinking I would get home between 57-58 minutes. I was wrong, finishing in 55:45 (3:42’s). I’m really happy with that, while despite being almost two minutes slower than last Tuesday, the pace was so much easier. And to put that into perspective, it was only about a month ago when that would have been my fastest time going at a much harder intensity. So what I’ve got to do now is to simply consolidate and maintain my current aerobic base over the next few months before deciding whether I want to race again next year. And more importantly, just relax and enjoy it once again!

Sunday - 30km

A tough humid morning out there today! I generally pull-up a bit sore after Saturday, so no surprises when I took off today and felt average. Like always, Sunday’s are simply about getting the 30km done. I just run this on feel, and intensity-wise it is always much easier than the other runs - although the duration well and truly makes up for the easier pace. It actually felt like a furnace around Cromer! Saw Darren starting his long run when I had about 300m to go. I don’t envy him in the slightest. Got back to Harris Farm in 1:55:21 (3:51’s), a whole three seconds quicker than last week! But in all honesty, it’s fair to say that today was much more impressive given the heat! A very slow walk back home, now I’m psyching myself up to jump into the ocean!

Saturday - Manly to Spit & return

If I usually feel like death on Saturday morning, today I felt I was six feet under! Why do I usually feel fine on Friday (rest day), but shocking today! Oh well, I’ll harden up! Manly to Spit today, and quite a bit warmer and very humid today, especially compared to the coolness of the past two Saturday’s. I knew from the outset that today would be the first Saturday where I won’t run faster than the previous Saturday (first of all, last Saturday was unbelievably quick, it was cold, and I felt super strong). So as always, I simply ran on feel. But it didn’t feel strong at all today, and this was particularly noticeable on the ascents (which surprisingly makes up most of the run)! There were actually times when I really wanted to stop (but of course I didn’t). I somehow managed to keep going, thinking a sub 86 (which was the norm up until last Saturday) would be a good result based on the conditions and how I felt. Of course it was better than that, finishing in a very respectable 85:13. Not as quick as last week, but much closer to the sub 85 of last Saturday than to the low 86 of the previous week. I’m quite surprised with that to be honest, as I honestly felt like a bit of a slug out there this morning. Nevertheless, happy to get it done - and even happier that I am still in good form and am managing the training load quite comfortably without killing myself. Looking forward to some nice weather, and perhaps a walk up to Queenscliff to checkout the first round of the Nutrigrain Ironman Series (although it’s now called the Ocean 6 Series). It’s just a shame that it has gone to pay TV (and a delayed broadcast), so unfortunately the athletes do not get the exposure and financial support that they deserve.

Thursday - 15km

I think today it had finally caught up with me a bit! Not surprising in the slightest, especially after yesterday’s effort. Coupled with overcast and humid conditions, today was never going to be anything amazing (although in saying that, if I cast my mind back even just over a week ago, I would have been over the moon with this morning’s time). The North Head loop was on the cards this morning. Actually, I felt better (as is often the case) once I started running. I felt that I had the strength like during Monday’s run. In all honesty, I think it was purely the humidity which held me back ever so slightly today. Got home in 54:20 (3:37’s), although probably an extra 10-15 seconds were added onto that as I had to detour around some council roadworks along Addison Rd on the way up and again on the way down. I’m happy enough with that, and even happier that another week is done and dusted - a very successful week in terms of running progress. Looking forward to a sleep in tomorrow, although based on recent form, I’ll probably be wide awake at 6am!

Wednesday - 15km

Another day, another 15km. A bit of cloud cover ensured a moderate increase in humidity following a couple of cooler mornings. Nevertheless, a nice 18 degrees is far from unbearable. I knew Justin and Darren had organised to meet at 6:45am at the lagoon, so I was anticipating seeing them along the way. Like clockwork, I ran past them at the very start somewhere between North Steyne and Queenscliff SLSC. A few seconds later, I heard some footsteps fast approaching from behind. Justin wanted to see what my pace felt like. As he is just getting back into it after a long lay off, he not surprisingly didn’t last very long (about 50m). That was about as social as this morning’s run got for me today, although I did see some familiar faces in Maria, Darrell, and Mel. It was the Shelly-Fairlight loop once again this morning. I got held up twice this morning - on the first time past Manly LSC (the usual B&B suspects taking up the entire path, not realising that there are other people in Manly who use that path), and then (surprisingly) on the third time past the construction works between Manly and Shelly Beach (surprising in that this is only the first time it has happened). Other than that, it was pretty uneventful. Actually, when I turned around with 800m to go, a guy was jogging with his dog off the leash. I ran past him and his dog took off, running in front of me. The guy kept yelling ‘Jessie,’ but the dog was having none of it. It continued to run just in front of me for about the next 600m or so. I’m not sure what happened after that. Anyway, I felt good again today, although I perhaps went out a bit harder than usual (no thanks to Justin’s tactics, which obviously spurred me on a bit more than anticipated). So I was massively surprised to cross the finish line outside North Steyne SLSC in a massive new benchmark of 53:25 (3:35’s - possibly even faster as the GPS slightly under-read this morning; 3:33’s according to Strava). Very happy with that, and am amazed that I am able to back up almost everyday and run this sort of pace. It bodes well moving forwards, but as always, I’m not actually training for anything other than enjoyment and keeping a sane mind as I commence the second half of my PhD. Whatever it is, it seems to be working, and I feel great!

Tuesday - 15km

I was pretty knackered during the day yesterday after the morning run around Manly. I even had a mild headache, and thought I was on the verge of getting a cold (which is currently going around again). So I stayed rugged up yesterday and last night in bed. I woke up this morning feeling quite good again, so, similarly to yesterday, I just went with it. Actually, in all honesty, I felt almost as good as yesterday - the only thing that was lacking was that sensation of power and strength in my legs that I had yesterday. That top edge was not there. Other than that, I was good. It was the North Head loop this morning. I’ve since come to the conclusion that I prefer this to the Shelly-Fairlight loop. It is harder due to the elevation, but the three advantages it has is that it is less crowded, you don’t have to overthink it (the route, that is, as it’s essentially out and back - apart from the first 800m), and lastly, the second half is easier than the first half as it’s back down to sea level (which of course means that the first half is much tougher, but psychologically that’s the ideal way around). Another amazing morning out there, cool-ish (or more correctly, not too hot), a very mild breeze that was insignificant for a headwind, and not a cloud in the sky. The ocean also looked magic! I got back home with a brand new benchmark of 53:49 (3:35’s)! So even faster than yesterday’s new benchmark on the faster Shelly-Fairlight loop! Once again, it felt great! Although, I didn’t go all out in the final two kilometers from the Boat House to home, so perhaps there is potential to run it faster. Although, that is not really the goal these days - it’s to just get out there, keep fit and enjoy it!

Monday - 15km

I woke up feeling like rubbish, but felt great once I started running. So I just went with it. Almost perfect conditions - sunny, a cool southerly and not too much humidity. Just the Shelly-Fairlight loop this morning. Had the power in my stride and stamina this morning, it actually felt faster than usual. This was despite feeling yesterday’s long run in my legs, as well as having to take evasive action at the crossing at the start of the run as the car didn’t bother slower down. Got home with a new benchmark of 53:57 (3:35’s), and first time under 54 minutes. Quite happy with that, and to top it off I made it home just in time for the final lap of the US Grand Prix (although the result was not good). It was great to catch up with Tom, Justin, Macca and Craig yesterday afternoon at 4Pines. It’s been ages since I’ve seen those guys! Hopefully they’ll all be back soon!

Sunday - 30km

Finally had a day where I felt average (not horrible, but nothing special)! Not really unexpected, especially after yesterday’s run. Out for a solo lap around the lake, again, with pretty much perfect conditions (overcast, cool, and a light southerly with no humidity). I simply stuck to my Sunday plan of just running on feel, the prime objective being to run for 30km - which is hard enough itself. The pace itself felt slow, but I think that that is just in comparison to my weekday 15km runs. I saw Ben running home when I was just passing Narrabeen SLSC - other than that, nothing too exciting. Got back to Harris Farm in 1:55:24 (3:51’s), only marginally slower than last week (19 seconds), but as I said, Sunday is just about getting it done - which I did.

Saturday - Manly to Spit & return

Surely my recent purple patch of form had past its expiry date? It appears not, with today being arguably the greatest demonstration of it! Like last week, I felt reasonably good for a Saturday morning. Although the temperature was perfect (15 degrees with no humidity thanks to a moderately strong south-westerly wind, which I was not sheltered from as much this week compared to last week), the trails were damp with quite a few puddles - especially between Forty Baskets and Tanya Park. This also made descending more conservative. Coupled with a higher tide on the way home, I had all the elements against me to running a super quick time. Strangely, there were also quite a lot of people on the trails this morning - some dressed rather properly for a trail walk! To make matters worse (actually, ‘annoying,’ not ‘worse’), my GPS really underread the distance by between 800-900m! Nevertheless, the timer worked fine, and I almost had to do a double check when I got home in 84:37! Almost two minutes quicker than last week! To put this into perspective, I have been chipping off approximately 15 seconds per week for the past month or so - so to take such a massive chunk off in one week is unheard of! I’m not complaining though! As always, I’ve just got to keep the passion there - and it still is there by simply doing what I am doing! It’s just nice to be able to go and run on feel every morning without being a slave to the GPS and having the pressure of trying to peak for races. Time for some more homemade granola! Best part of the week right now!

Thursday - 15km

In a mirror image of Tuesday, I woke up this morning feeling great! Must have been that big bowl of pho last night! Got out for loop of North Head. Another cracking morning out there, not a cloud in the sky, and once again a nice sea breeze to keep the humidity down (along the beachfront part of the run at least). Just felt strong the entire run! Got back home in my fastest time ever (that’s right, faster than even my fastest Shelly-Fairlight loop [i.e. the flatter route]) in 54:03 (3:36’s)! Pretty happy with that, especially for a Thursday. That caps off my best week of running since 2015 (I had an amazing week back then around mid-December). The funny thing this time is that I’m not training for anything, and to be honest, I couldn’t care less what pace I run - it’s just a bonus when I put a few good runs together!

Wednesday - 15km

I woke up feeling like death this morning. The past four days (& 31 years) had finally caught up to me. Motivation was low, but I dragged myself out (as you do). I was about to start when a car pulled over and told me to have a rest. It was Charlie. Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to say much, as the impatient driver behind started beeping their horn. So, “hello Charlie.” Speaking of Charlie, I’ve since learned that the goat I reported yesterday actually belongs to his neighbours, and it’s name is Honey. It also charges down any dog that tries to have a go at it, defying logic as to why you would walk it along a busy beachfront like Manly. You learn something everyday! Shelly-Fairlight loop this morning, and it was busy! People everywhere, to the point where I even did some steeplechasing at Manly LSC as the B&B swimmers were entering the water (and blocking the path, as they are so good at doing). Saw a number of people I knew including Christian, Justin, and Mike (who was doing B&B)! Like always, I really had to put the brakes on a few times today for fear of going too hard. Most notably at about the 4km mark, then along the west esplanade. A nice but firm northerly wind made the final mile cooler but tougher - the trade off being worth it as it was otherwise very humid around the harbour! Crossed the finish line in 54:06 (3:35’s), only a second slower than Monday! Without the steeplechasing, it would have been faster as well! So very happy with that, as it definitely didn’t feel like my morning this morning! Very tempting to jump in the water now, but I’m not falling for that again!

Tuesday - 15km

I had one of those rare moments where I woke up this morning feeling great! I was almost certain that I would have sacrificed today’s run after yesterday’s effort. I was happy to be proven wrong! Tuesday means North Head, and after my usual procrastinating, I hit the road at 6:47am. Moments after I ran past Darren and Ben with some regret, as they were cooling down as I was just starting. I had to do a double-take while running along the beachfront as I saw a person walking a goat (yes, a proper goat) among all the dog walkers! Had I gone too hard that I was hallucinating? My initial thoughts were confirmed on the run home when I ran past the goat and it’s owner again! Anyway, I was feeling good and strong, so I went with it. If anything, I purposely backed the pace off more purposely today compared to yesterday, so the actual intensity was somewhat easier (not much, but enough to notice, which is the way it should be). Got back in a huge new benchmark of 54:14 (3:36’s), my first time under 55 for North Head, and only 9 seconds slower than yesterday’s flatter 15km! I was confident that today was going to be quicker, but had no idea that it would be by that much! Good conditions, barely any wind, 17 degrees, overcast and mildly humid. Can’t complain with that!

Monday - 15km

An amazing morning out there today, not a cloud in the sky, a very light southerly wind, and although still humid, the top temperature was a very tolerable 16 degrees. Monday is hit and miss for me - I always have a weekend’s worth of running in my legs, but sometimes this works for me (while other times I suffer). Today was the former, although I arguably pushed the pace a bit harder than usual (but as always, tried to consciously slow it down throughout the run). The Shelly-Fairlight loop it was (I don’t know which one I prefer - this or North Head). Why is it taking the council so long to rebuild the toilets between Manly and Shelly? The path is narrow enough through there at the best of times. It’s been over two months now! Back to the running, I saw a few familiar faces out there this morning in Jamie, Macca and Laurent (the latter who I also bumped into a Hakan’s Cafe yesterday as well). As I said, I probably pushed this one a bit more intensity-wise, but got home in a new benchmark of 54:05 (3:36’s), so it was well worth it. Not far off a sub-54 now! Similarly to yesterday, today’s run was powered off last night’s gado-gado. I’ve got one more dinner leftover for it tonight! It is the food of champions!

Sunday - 30km

Out for a solo 30km run around the lake this morning. Feeling quite good this morning, must have been the home made gado-gado last night! A nice southerly made for less humidity, which is always welcomed. Didn’t look at my watch once throughout the run, as I really wanted to run this on feel, keeping it firm but comfortable the whole way. That I did, running a fairly even split 30km, with the last few kilometers slightly faster (which is extremely common, a combination of anticipation and downhill). Got back to Harris Farm in 1:55:05 (3:50’s), so nearly 30 seconds quicker than last week. I felt more relaxed and controlled this week, so this is encouraging (but to be honest, I couldn’t have cared if I was two minutes slower this morning). Ran into Justin and his family on the walk back home, so at least I’ve had a bit of a social outing this morning.

Saturday - Manly to Spit & return

Tough conditions out there this morning, but I actually felt slightly better than usual for a Saturday morning. This was negated, however, as soon as I took off - straight into a strong southerly! Luckily it didn’t last too long, as soon as I hit Fairlight it turned into more of a tailwind/crosswind. Once I hit the trails, I was relatively sheltered - minus a few random exposed bits here and there. As mentioned above, I felt strong, but I didn’t feel particularly fast. To be honest, I wasn’t concerned too much about the time this morning - just really running on feel (so obviously good times will come when I’m feeling good, and vice versa). The ordinary weather had the positive effect of keeping the trails relatively quite though, except for a few too many CanToo runners at the beginning. Quite surprised to get home quicker today than before, finishing in 86:15 (4:17’s, as the GPS read a more accurate distance of 20.16km this week), as I was almost positive I wouldn’t have gone under 87 (and was actually anticipating close to or above 88). So a nice little surprise. Avoiding the rain, although I am still yet to see it (and if anything, it looks less likely now than before). Time for some freshly baked granola!

Thursday - 15km

Back to my usual Thursday feeling of lethargy and fatigue (last week was an exception). Coupled with a humid 21 degrees, it was never going to be easy. The North Head loop this morning, I simply ran it at my usual intensity, not caring at all about the time. To be honest, I had no idea what time I would get back in. It felt very similar to Tuesday in terms of effort, so perhaps I was in for another surprise. Of course I wasn’t, getting home in 55:55 (3:43’s). I’ve had a few tougher runs this week with the humidity and wind, but still relatively consistent. I guess it’s that law of diminishing returns - each week you get progressively less faster, then you reach the point where you plateau and/or regress slightly. That’s where I am now. But other than that, still feeling good and just enjoying it!

Wednesday - 15km

Today I realised how good a run we’ve had in terms of weather. While not shocking by any means, today was a heavy dose of reality. A very light sprinkle towards the end, it was a howling north-easterly seabreeze that made my living hell this morning! From the get go, running towards Queenscliff straight into it set the tempo and the mood for what laid ahead. Wednesday is my usual Shelly-Fairlight loop. Heading to Manly LSC, I made the most of the tailwind. Then up to Shelly I was straight into it again! The back half around Fairlight was thankfull sheltered somewhat, allowing myself to recompose - although I knew my fate for the final few kilometers, which I was dreading. And dreading was right, as the final stretch from Manly to Queenscliff was hell! I reckon I lost about 20 seconds per kilometer on that final mile (well, not quite ‘final’ mile, as I turn around about 200m past the bridge and run back home to North Steyne). I completely reset my expectations this morning, thinking a sub-56 would be a great time. So to get home in 55:18 (3:41’s), despite being slower than my last few runs, would have to be one of my best runs so far given the conditions! Glad that one is over and done with. We’ve been blessed with such amazing weather (albeit humid lately) that I’ve actually become a weather-snob (along with concurrently being a coffee-snob, an ocean-snob, and a hummus-snob). Don’t know how I’d deal with living in the UK one day!

Tuesday - 15km

I have no idea where that came from this morning! Feeling only slightly better than yesterday, I resigned myself to the fact that this morning was going to be nothing special. The pace felt solid effort-wise, but not super fast. In fact, a number of times I really held it back telling myself to remain relaxed and comfortable. That I did. Up to North Head this morning, getting a bit of sprinkling at the start. A nice headwind on the way up dropped the humidity, so was very welcomed. Ended up crossing the line in 55 flat (once again), equaling my best time set last Thursday (3:39’s). Really happy with that, but kind of annoyed as if I had have known I was in for that time, I would have pushed the final few hundred metres to sneak under 55 for the first time for the North Head loop. But, as I have said all along, I don’t care what times and paces I’m holding - so who cares about that!

Monday - 15km

I really felt it this morning! Wasn’t keen at all to get out there. To make matters worse, it was bloody humid. Even the few drops of rain both at the beginning and end of the run offered no respite. I’m still dripping with sweat right now as I’m fighting this. Nevertheless, still got out and ran at my usual intensity. The Shelly-Fairlight loop it was this morning. Nothing out of the ordinary to report. Got home in 55:01 (3:40’s). Shows you how much my baseline has shifted over the past few weeks when I consider that time this morning very average (to be honest, it’s not too bad at all). Just happy to get that one done this morning.

Sunday - 30km

Out for a solo lap of the lake this morning. Felt very middle of the road - not horrible, but nothing special at all. As is always the case on Sunday, I try to keep the pace nice and comfortable the whole way - it is 30km after all. There were more than a few times in the first 10km where I had to really make an effort to slow the pace down (one of the consequences of running at a moderately hard pace every other day is that you get used to that same speed). Quite a nice morning for it, a great sunrise followed by an overcast morning (and rest of the day by the looks of things). Great temperature at about 14 degrees with not too much humidity. Saw Ben at the 2km mark (he was heading towards the beachfront), then funnily saw him again at the exact same spot (which was about 29.5km for me). We both ran long, but opposite directions. I assumed that he was running shorter given that he had just run a marathon and was not heading north. Anyway, much the same time as last week (slightly faster), finishing the 30km in 1:55:28 (3:51’s). Certainly don’t need to be running my long run any faster than that.

Saturday - Manly to Spit & return

My normal Saturday ritual, waking up feeling like death after a recovery day! Procrastinated more than usual this morning, only leaving home at 6:50am (despite waking up at 6:05am - I have no idea what I did for 45 minutes). I felt okay once I got going, so kept the pace firm but controlled the entire way. I keep saying to myself each Saturday that today is going to be the day that I finally run slower than the previous week. It hasn’t happened yet, and I was pretty sure today was going to the case. Especially with some of the timing I had this morning - I cross two roads there and two roads back. Because I leave early, I’ve never had to slow down and weave my way through the traffic. However, today I got caught out twice in the first kilometer, so not an ideal start. A few detours around small clusters of people (there weren’t as many out this morning, but my timing was off so when I did see people, they were all together), but a much more friendly vibe. I even had one guy (with his wife/partner) stop at the top of a set of stairs and wait for me to come past. He joked that he was enjoying watching me suffer up the stairs, so didn’t want to get in the way to give me an excuse to stop. What a legend! That’s the sort of friendly banter that’s generally missing out there today in a world otherwise filled with zombies walking with their headphones on/looking at their phones, or angry people who think they have right away at all times (or can’t tell the difference between left and right). Anyway, pushed the final kilometer, getting home 16 seconds quicker than last week in 86:32. The GPS was overly generous today, clocking in at 20.26km (4:16’s). I’d say that 4:18’s was more likely, but nevertheless I’m happy with that. It felt ‘comfortably hard/solid,’ just the way I like it. Great conditions, with a nice and cool headwind on the way out (more like a breeze) that killed the humidity.

Thursday - 15km

It’s been one of those weeks where everything has just ‘clicked.’ I woke up this morning feeling surprisingly decent for a Thursday (which is generally the worst day as it’s the last of six successive days of running). Went out and ran my normal North Head loop feeling reasonably strong (not as strong as Monday or Tuesday, but not horrible either). Actually, there were quite a few moments earlier one where I had to drop the intensity and pace a bit. Quite humid, but otherwise a stunning morning after the sun came out from behind the few clouds in the sky. Knowing I wasn’t running as fast as Tuesday, I thought I would be satisfied with a high-55 minute effort. Got back in 55:00 (3:40’s), my fastest ever for the North Head loop! Actually, it would have been a few seconds under 55 if the GPS hadn’t under-read, as it registered 15km about 10m past my standard finish line. So that was a massive surprise, especially considering it is Thursday, and the fact that it didn’t feel as if I was smashing myself either (not like yesterday where I pushed it harder than I should have). Looking forward to a nice sleep in tomorrow morning!

Wednesday - 15km

As predicted, I really felt it this morning. My level of perceived exertion was higher than usual, so I simply focused on getting through the run and finishing. Not surprising, however, given I’ve had four consecutive days of fantastic runs (PB’s), which is unusual in itself! Just the usual Wednesday morning Shelly-Fairlight loop, the highlight being seeing Justin back out there running - with a watch, which means it is official as it will be going on Strava! Exciting times ahead! Anyway, I got back in a much faster time than I had anticipated, finishing in my second quickest Shelly-Fairlight loop in 54:38 (3:38’s). I honestly thought I wouldn’t have even gone under 55 this morning, so that was a nice little bonus! A lot of activity going on outside Manly LSC including a JetSki, two ambulances and a helicopter. With the Bold & Beautiful having yet to complete there swim, my fingers are crossed that everyone and everything is okay!

Tuesday - 15km

Similar to yesterday, I was feeling good and strong again today. Tuesday can go either way I’ve found - if I ran fast on Monday, I usually suffer on Tuesday, and vice versa. So to feel strong today was a bonus. Cloudy and humid this morning, so not as perfect as the last few days. North Head this morning, which I actually think I enjoy more as there is no back tracking (apart from the first mile). Felt I could push today, but was sensible (most of the time). Overtook a cyclist running up to the stone arch, which is always a bonus (for me, not him)! Got back home in a 6 second PB, finishing in 55:06 (3:40’s). Happy with that, as although it was only 6 seconds faster than last Tuesday, it felt much easier and it was more humid this morning. Still loving it!

Monday - 15km

I don’t know why, but I felt great once I started running this morning. It’s not too dark getting up essentially an hour earlier, which is nice to know. Amazing conditions once again, made even better by the public holiday keeping the early crowds away. Monday means the Shelly-Fairlight loop. I had to keep holding the pace back as I was feeling strong and racy! Got back home in a new benchmark of 54:22 (20 seconds faster) in 3:36’s, which is great for a Monday morning! And, most importantly, I am still enjoying it!

Sunday - 30km

Up an hour earlier (unofficially) and out for a solo run around the lake. The conditions were perfect (12 degrees with a hint of chill in the air), much more pleasant than last Sunday’s 28 degrees with north westerly winds. My only complaint this morning was my GPS. It turned off just before the 5km mark, reset, then it was fine for the next two kilometers. After this it lost the plot, saying that I was running 7:00 min and min/km pace (which I am pretty sure was not the case). The good news was that I’ve been looking at the time when I start, and this morning kick-off was at 6:43am. So finishing outside Harris Farm at 8:38:30am gave me 1:55:30 for the 30km (3:51’s). Significantly faster than last week, which I already knew would happen based on the conditions alone. Even better was the fact that it felt completely comfortable and somewhat easy the whole way. Back at home now and I don’t feel sore or tired at all. As usual, a great start to the day, and now I’m looking forward to a massive breakfast and enjoying the long weekend!