Mona finishing in 3rd behind the 2 Tanzanians.Had a good chance of PBing here, perfect weather, 2 laps of an out & back course, & prior knowledge (last year 84.20).
Started well, settled in behind Mona & the Tanzanians, doing it easy for the first 30 metres. Inexorably they pulled away as did the PCRG triumvirate - Pete, Stef & Dave looking to break 80 mins.
Close to the 2k mark I was looking for my official photographer. Passing the apartment I looked up to see the sliding door opening & a bleary-eyed Cec stepping out. Still, she managed to get some good shots (see above) & one of my elbow as I strode out to the finish...
So things were on track time wise as I went thru' the 5.5k turn-around. 1k splits were slower than I was hoping - 3.55ish. Momentarily confused the HM & 10k signs & thought I'd blown out but delighted to see the correct 10k marker come into view & passed it in 39.27.
The finish was on the main road this year & quite well attended by spectators. Got a little blast of adrenaline here for the first half turn-around but shortly thereafter I was running on my own & heading out for another 10.5. Pyschologically I was a bit spent, physically felt a bit flat - hungry even. Damn, I should've carbo-loaded...
Noticed my ks were suddenly post-4s. Couldn't seem to latch onto anyone & felt unable to go faster. At the 14k mark (2/3rds in) the 1.24 pacer overtook me. And not just gradually but decisively & demoralisingly...Finished 84.49.
