Official tri results, long run and Canberra Half Ironman

l-r Strewth, CJ, Kezza (photo courtesy of Strewth)


Official results - Saturday's mini tri
Time - 34.45min
Splits - 7.19min swim/ 19.02min cycle/ 8.24min run
Place - 24th overall (of 190 competitors); 1st in age group (of 12 competitors)

Marathon training update:
Week 1 of 18
Day 7 - long run

Stats:
Distance - 20km (12.43miles)
Time taken - 1hr 48.25min
Av pace - 5.25min/km
AHR - 150; MHR - 205
Calories - 1,114
Weather - warm, about 22*C (71.6*F)

I had it easy compared to the 800 or so competitors who were competing in the half Ironman - I was only doing a 20km run, they were swimming 1.9km, cycling 90km and running a half marathon. After watching Miners finish his swim leg and head off on his bike (he is the most laidback person I've ever encountered before the start of a triathlon event!), Strewth and I started our long run, planning on finishing before Miners got back from the bike leg.

I ran with Strewth until we had crossed Kings Avenue bridge, just to be sure that Strewth knew where she was going as we would soon be running separately. Had my trusty ipod for company and headed off around Lake Burley Griffin to the beat of Rogue Traders, Scissor Sisters, and the like. Glute and ankle aches and pains were noticeable and at one stage I was contemplating slowing to a walk because the ankle was giving me a lot of grief. However the ankle ache did settle down and I plodded along, drinking regularly and consuming 2 packets of GU at the 8km (4.97mi) and 17km (10.56mi) marks respectively.

About 4km from the end of my run the first Half Ironman competitor came running down 'Hospital Hill' - way way ahead of the next competitor. This was Leon Griffin who finished in 4hr 9min, 10min ahead of the guy who came second. I was to encounter him again near the end of my run (one way to get a bird's eye view of the event!) I had a good run - 100% better than the long run I did last Sunday.

After finishing the long run Strewth and I resumed cheering duties and kept an eye out for Miners - who managed to sneak in from the bike leg and head out on the run before we realised. However, it wasn't long before Miners appeared in view, looking strong on the run leg. managed to get a photo and cheer - I have to say its hard work cheering and trying to take photos! Aki joined us at this point and proved to be a vocal cheer squad supporter! We also managed to see Ironbee out on the run course - well, it was easy spotting the guy with antennas on his cap! The morning was starting to warm up - it was going to be a long hot morning for some competitors out on the course, particularly on those parts of the run course where there was absolutely no shade whatsoever.

PRB, Speedygeoff and Geoff B joined us at some stage - after Miners had finished I think. We also managed to cheer in our ex-coach Vicki who was smiling and looking pretty damn fresh for someone who had just completed a half ironman! We also met Highwayman and a couple of others whose names escape me. Miners finished in 5hr 6min but I'll let him tell his story - after all, it was his day! And from what I hear, he's qualified for Ironman 2006! Woohoo!

...and its got me thinking....hmmmmm, maybe I could do another half ironman next year....and then Ironman 2007! I really shouldn't watch these events - its not healthy!!!!