They tell us that "time flies when you're having fun" but as I sit here on my bed in the dark, listening the the wind whipping through the trees outside I am also very aware that enjoyment is not the only factor that seems to minimize the passing of time.
Sure there have been some good times in the past five months since I wrapped up a very successful race season, but I find it hard to believe that almost a half year has ticked by already!
This coming Sunday brings with it my first scheduled event of the new season - The Sandy Point Marathon. The full distance race is a new inclusion to the event this year and it also means there is a new venue to host it. To find enough road, the organizers have reversed the direction of the out-and-back loop, and shifted it further out. The course incorporates probably 10km of the Melbourne IronMan run leg for the should provide an opportunity to test the legs on this track, Also, the small change of location means the majority of the difficult terrain is covered (twice) - it should be a good hit out!
Whilst using cliches, here's another one - "Control the controllables"
I have focused on building my run volume over the last couple of months in order to prepare for this weekend - Check.
My diet has been good, I've lost at least five of the off-season kilos and reduced my waist by an equal number of cm - Check
I am still ensuring I run with my compression calf guards so as to not aggravate my existing injuries and to allow the muscles to heal. So far, no breakdowns - Check
With the above boxes all ticked and the knowledge that I've also been holding a descent pace throughout my long weekend runs things are looking good.
That is until you look at the forecast for race day - currently the bureau of meteorology is predicting Sunday to have an 80% chance of rain and winds of 35 to 40km/h - Yikes!
When you then consider the entire course follows Beach Road with much open directly to the bay we are likely to be in for some tough going.
Oh well, it is was it is and I do enjoy a challenge.
Hopefully I'll have some legs left after crossing the finish line as I'd like to be able to support a mate of mine as he completes his big challenge sometime Sunday afternoon.
Most find running 42.195km is quite a test of stamina, riding 230km around the bay is equally difficult. Running that course is a whole new level and is awe inspiring and that's just what Shane Hutton is undertaking.
Jump onto the below link to for a little background
and here to follow his progress via facebook updates
Good luck mate!
