Run 16 – The 606 Buss. 22/06/2019.
No, that’s not a spelling error. That is how I spell my nickname. Having run all the train stations and working my way through all the tram lines, I thought I would have a go at a bus route. But it turned out even harder than following tram tracks simply because buses don’t have clearly defined paths.
The 606 from Elsternwick station to Port Melbourne is my bus to get to work on the days I run. I have concluded, to date, that around 10 degrees is ideal for running so at 6 degrees and showers, clearly not the day to break an hour. About 3 kilometers into the run and my feet were cold and my new running shoes no longer new.
But once I got into my zone everything started to feel comfortable again, except I forgot to turn into Armstrong St. A quick backtrack to pick up the 606 route and back into the zone. Then I missed the transition from Richardson St to Liardet St just before the turn into Dow St that turns into Esplanade West. What the hell – buses are too hard to follow.
Finally got to my drop off point and that meant I could turn around and head home. Easier to follow the route the second time but decided to detour back down Acland St as it is more entertaining. Also noted that they have set up an ice rink at the end of Acland St – how appropriate for a day like today.
Ran a bit faster towards the end just to get out of the weather, but in the end my time of 1:47:14 wasn’t bad given the conditions and my poor navigational skills.
My Three Learnings.
Bus routes are too hard to follow.
Cold wet feet certainly don’t make you faster.
Six degrees is too cold to set a record time, even on a Saturday.