final big training run

With Sally up at her folks and me alone in Sydney, and with three weeks to the marathon it was a perfect opportunity to have my final big run before the big day. I left the dogs somewhat bemused "er, hello, Saturday is swim day!" and headed off towards the city to pick up the event course which I would follow plenty of, as closely as I could

The weather was perfect; cool and clear with hardly a breath of wind. I added a km or so more than I had planned when, as I went East over Pyrmont bridge it swung open. Rather than stop and wait I headed around Darling Harbour and then out towards Anzac Bridge. On my return, as I came back over Pyrmont Bridge the bloody thing opened again, so I once again took a detour around Darling Harbour and ended up with a run of a litle over 39km.

I was very, very tempted to push on and complete the full marathon distance. I was averaging sub 4;5min kms and was on target to beat my best for the distance. But, knowing my luck, I'd probably blow up so I decided to leave a litle in the tank and wait the three weeks to see what I can do with a chip on my shoe.

For the record, I ran for 3hr 07min 22s, so was on track for the 42-and-a-bit in about 3:21. Including a stop to play with a couple of cocker spaniel puppies in Centenniel Park, and a stop to buy a bottle of drink. Let's see what September brings. Looking forward to a three week taper to get some oomph back into my legs.

Well chuffed by today, I have scampered off of the wagon in celebration, a pint of Guinness at lunch (surely a better way to recover than Gatorade?) and am now having a vino. Back onto the wagon in the morning..