Run 1 – City Circle Tram #35 29/04/2019
This is the first of 100 half Marathons to identify the best course, conditions and all parameters that will most likely lead to a sub one hour half marathon. Feels like Abraham Kiptum’s world record of 58:18 is unlikely, so will settle for anything under the hour.
Started with a course that incorporates the city circle tram. Many fast 10,000 m races held on circular courses so makes sense to try one in Melbourne. Turns out the traffic at peak hour tends to slow things down with people on the streets and the city council refusing to shut down the roads whilst I run my trial.
Headed into the city but encountered 7 sets of pedestrian lights at the Montague / Westgate freeway interchange. Start / stop / start / stop etc, not good for the legs.
Harbour Esplanade wasn’t too bad but La Trobe St and Spring St busy. Turned onto Flinders St and immediately knew the sub hour wasn’t going to happen – people everywhere. Zigzagged through most gaps but occasionally got snookered. Walked at one stage as I had nowhere to go – got a feeling that the walking hurt my time.
Finally got to Montague St and after another 7 sets of pedestrian lights – headed out of the CBD towards Middle Park.
Got the advantage of following another runner from the city and down into St Kilda. Tried to get into his slip stream but it was difficult given he was on the other side of the road.
Finally home after a few detours to add to the distance to make up the 21.1 km and solid first effort of 1:55:58 leaves room for improvement.
My three learnings
Big intersections have lots of lights that slow you down.
Walking slows you down.
Drafting is not effective if the distance is large.