Blackmores 1/2

Took Friday and Saturday off as I wanted to be well rested. Line up at start feeling pretty hot after a sweaty, humid warm-up with Vat.
Never a big fan of humidity so wasn't pleased to be feeling warm before even starting the race, but as you can see from the photos, it soon cooled down.
(Thanks Plu for the photos, mate.) What a contrast in weather - same spot different directions about 15 minutes apart. Finished in 85.48 about 30 secs outside P.B. But I rated today's run better than the SMH 1/2 in May. Felt really strong, kept a good even pace and finished well.

Bloody tough course and a lack of depth in the field meant I was running single file from the turn-a-round back to the city as you can see in the second photo. Finished in about 75th position compared to SMH 1/2 where I finished about 250th for a similar time.

Even though the course was tough I really enjoyed today.

Was tossing up whether to wear trainers or racing flats - chose the flats but when it was pouring it was a bit hairy trying to get any traction. The advantage was that as soon as it stopped raining the shoes dried out instantly.

Well, I said in my earlier post that the hills in the Rocks weren't to bad but I lied ! They were probably the difference between a P.B. and not.

If I was to run this again, I would say that this is a course to positive split on as there were some favourable downhills for the first 6-7k but after that it just got tougher with the last few hills at 19k forcing everyone to slow considerably.

Thanks to everyone who left comments on the blog !

Edit: Official results out, I finished 71st in 85.48. (13th in age group o/40 men) in a National Half Marathon championships.