Run 27 – Route 12 Tram. 3/08/2019.
Back to chasing trams on a Saturday morning. The tram runs are logistically a little more complex. Drove to Elsternwick and caught the train to Parliament Station, then caught the 109 tram to stop 24. This is the end of the line for the number 12 tram.
Still trying to protect my body, so started with a steady pace, but then without speeding up I was suddenly running faster splits. Now I have already learnt that the GPS tracking is not accurate in the CBD, but this is the first time it has lost me outside that area. I followed the #12 tram down Collins St but my Garmin tracked me going down Bourke St. Maybe the tram took a wrong turn?
Arrived at Southern Cross station which proved I really was on Collins St. Headed into South Melbourne and finally the splits suggested that the GPS was back to normal.
Reached a fork in the road (tram tracks) at Danks St Mills St corner – must be redundant track towards the beach. Finally finished the tram route at Fitzroy St and headed back to Elsternwick station to get my car.
Ran around the Elsternwick area to ensure I ran the full 21.1km, but that resulted in me running into a dead-end trying to cross back over the rail line. No choice but to go up and over the footbridge. Steps at the end of the run not that helpful.
Ended up running 1:47:12 but not an accurate measure given the GPS problems at the start. But I’ll always take a faster time if it is on offer.
My Three Learnings
The IOC and IAAF will never use a Garmin to measure the official distance of a marathon.
Stairs (both up and down) slow you down.
Hard to pace yourself with inaccurate data. (But it does make you faster)