2014 Districts Cross Country

So yesterday was the Districts round race. 4.8km of asphalt paths through Karkarook Park and one of my favourite courses. About 10 kids from Mckinnon were in the race so pretty rowdy start. The Starter said "on your marks", Tim shot off, then "go" and the rest of the field followed him. Tim was definitely flying the first 500m then slowed. Then Nick and I caught up and we settled into a lead pack of Josh, Chappo, Jonno, Harry, and 2 kids from different schools. Jonno and Chappo led setting a nice pace and we went through the first km in 3:22. Then we slowed back to 3:38 for the second just after a big surge was made by another kid, but we decided to let him go. He got about 10m ahead of us before he slowed, staying that distance in front. Then I decided to pick it up a bit, went past the others and reeled in the leader going through the 3rd km in 3:20. Nick and another bloke were right on my tail and I extended our lead. Hit the 4th km in 3:30 and then the race was on. Nick and I surged, but the bloke held on. 500m to go and he went by but I stuck by his side, he slowed and I kept going, we dropped him. 200m to go and Nick came flying by, his kick is truly magnificent and that is an area that I have actually improved on. Time was 16:18 and I am so happy with that. The race was only 4.8km long though, however the last 800m was run at 3 minute k pace. Nick finished in 16:12 and we also won the team event having 5 runners in the top 10.



This is me just in front of Nick just before the 3km mark.

Slack

No motivation tonight at running club. Did a 3km, 2km, 1km and just fell flat. Wasn't difficult but just couldn't be assed. Times were 10:48, 6:46 and 3:34. Racing on Thursday for the next round up from the school cross country.

Sunday

This morning, 13.4km in 1:05:42, it hurt a lot. Then had a soccer game and just couldn't be bothered. Exhausted now, rest tomorrow.

Sore Still

Did 9.3km today in 45:08, felt great at the start then became tired. Calves are a bit sore now, but nothing to worry about. Going to ferny creek again tomorrow, should be good.

Killer

Yesterday had a body pump class for PE up at the gym. Really tough actually and felt sore afterwards. Then got home and ran 7km which was pretty good, before cycling the 5km up to soccer practice and then had soccer practice. Absolutely killed me especially after the tough session the night before. Then this morning before school, got up early to go to school cross country training. I told myself I'd take it easy but Nick showed up so had to keep up with him. That killed me since it was less then 12 hours since I last did a lot of exercise. Not going to go to running club tonight because I am so dead.

Fast

Tuesday night, did 8 x 1km reps. Just Haftu and I but he did 6 because he is a bit younger. Times were 3:16, 3:11, 3:04, 3:06, 3:10, 3:05, 3:07 and 2:58. 3 minutes recovery and felt great the first 6. Running the last 2 by myself was tough and I considered not doing the last 1, but I finished it off and I am glad I did. 10.4km all up.

Ferny

Went up to Ferny yesterday with the squad to have another ping at the monster, bit quicker up the hill this time and kept within metres of Haftu. Did 10.28km in 1:02:04. Then some hill reps, couldn't speak for at least 12 hours after finishing them I was so dead. Same as a couple weeks back. Go at a solid pace until 75m to go then kick hard the rest of the way. But we did 5 instead of 3, lets hope its not 7 next time. They were quicker than last time as well which was great, in for a long session tomorrow though, should be a struggle.