2.41 bonked

Didn't quite follow the physio's recommendations: fronted up to Tuesday's speed session & it was for 'hills'. Is more a gentle rise at the Gardens - took it pretty easy. Turned up at the Ship Inn for a Wed long run & did the river loop with Pete, Scotty & Pat. Did the clockwise loop so Highgate Hill first. Attempted to 'float' up the hill, i.e. not push it. The expression doesn't quite cut it. After St Lucia the pace ramped up to 4.15s. Felt not too bad & managed to hold with Pete & Scot, finishing in 84.

Bought the new model shoes (2130s) also against recommendation. They feel pretty similar to the last model & I can't believe they're that different to run in to lead to damage. Took them for an easy 5 k on Thurs.

Fri at PCRG headed to West End for 4 mins, 30sec SR x 2; turn around & 2mins, 30 sec jog recovery x 2; 1min, 30sec JR x 2. Headed out conservatively but after 500m felt pretty good & moved up to keep Pete honest. Came back slower, Pete & Matty L moving away from me.

Had a follow-up session at the physio. Ended up with a bit of strapping around the knee & instructions to go for an easy run the next morning. It felt unusual & tight & my easy 4k run on Sat wasn't the best. Cut it off straight after.

Long run & the numbers were up to 14 (despite Glenda & Pat being in Sydney for the HM). Running 4.30s from the get-go. Felt tired early on (my 6th day in a row running) but also have been fighting off a cold. Couldn't get in an easy rhythm, a struggle to stay in touch. Also got hungry, must start to have a piece of toast after waking up. Also need to start the Gu thing. At the 2 hr turn-around I really needed one. Quickly lost contact with the remaining group (7). Managed an ok pace until under the Story Bridge (came back along Riverside).

Passed cafes serving large hot breakfasts to large people doing sensible Sunday morning activities. Started to day-dream about water as if in the Saharan marathon. Stopped in the Gardens twice & again at QUT to drink. Felt a bit delusional, could only manage a Cliff Young shuffle & gladly collapsed into a Ship Inn chair at 2.41 (meant to be 2.50). Pete ran past strongly saying he was going for another five. Came back holding up fingers for another 2.

Came home questioning my running ability. Hopefully its a one-off.