Run 31. Grand Prix Track. 17/08/2019.
I decided today was the day to run a bit faster and check my progress, so headed to Albert Park Lake to do a lap of the Grand Prix track. Whilst I didn’t go “flat out”, I did complete a lap in around 26 mins, only 24 mins and 40 seconds slower than Lewis Hamilton (in his car). His top speed of 320 km/hr was about 24 times faster than mine. Because of the Saturday morning traffic I was occasionally forced to run on the rumble strips on the edge of the track which are known to slow you down, so that may have impacted my time a bit.
Visited a sports dietician during the week to get some tips on fuel and hydration and whilst she wasn’t that convinced about my beer and duck pies as the ideal pre race meal strategy, she did acknowledge that the carbs and protein components were necessary. The biggest ah ha moment for me was that I need better hydration both pre and during my runs and that increased salt might help retain that hydration. Time to consider shifting from gin and tonic to tequila with lemon and salt. (I think this is what she was suggesting?)
Run felt good on a nice morning and finished with a 1:48:59. Noted that at the speed that Lewis Hamilton averaged for his fastest lap – that would result in a half marathon time of 5 mins and 18 seconds. But to be honest, I couldn’t be bothered going for a run if it only lasted that long.
My Three Learnings.
Toast and Vegemite appears to be my best pre run breakfast.
Grand Prix rumble strips not so good for the ankles.
Nice weather has a positive effect on your mindset at the start.