Run 48. Kyoto Japan. 29/10/2019.
Time to take this challenge international. It seems most world class times are run in the northern hemisphere so, whilst on a cycling holiday in Japan, decided to test the theory. First up a flat run in Kyoto. And to further learn from the world record holder, I also had the opportunity to have two different pacing runners assist me.
The first half (of the half) I had an imported runner from Brisbane run with me (Thanks Harry). The second half of the run I was joined by my wife (Thanks Mez). She even got to be in my selfie outside the Kyoto train station.
But the pacers didn’t really work as I tended to run beside them and chat rather than behind them and run fast – new learning for me. Also noted that I got incredibly wet and that resulted in me carrying a few extra kilos of water that I couldn’t drink.
Additionally running in a city of 2 million people and not being able to read the street signs or speak the language makes you a bit timid in exploring widely. So lots of left hand turns whilst trying to keep a red tower in sight for bearings – this also doesn’t make you go faster.
Nevertheless another educational run and in a time of 1:54:05. Not fast but within the learning band. Lots of pedestrians towards the end of the run also slowed me down.Given Kyoto was founded in the year 794, I probably should have run my half marathon in that year as there would have been less traffic lights and cars.
My Three Learnings.
Pacers don’t work if you can’t run fast enough in the first place.
Two hours of rain doesn’t help you run faster.
Northern hemisphere doesn’t appear to be faster than the southern hemisphere. (To be confirmed.)