Run 49. Nanao Japan 3/11/2019.
Still in Japan but this time in a much more remote location to avoid the crowds. Noto Island was the perfect isolated destination to run without the interference of people. But it did require crossing the 1080m long Notojima Bridge that included a reasonable climb. And then back across it again to return to the mainland.
This time I used my two pacing runners (Mary and Harry) together to double the advantage. But this tactic failed. I guess we should have stayed together? Having completed the first 14km the pacers peeled off for a shower and I decided to run back over the bridge to get a selfie. Over the bridge 3 times was not the ideal course for a fast half marathon – but it was a great view. Not the first time I have learnt that sight seeing is not helpful to a fast time.
Headed back through the city towards the train station (who doesn’t love train stations on a run) and then ran along the track that we arrived on the night before. Then turned back towards the hotel to complete the full 21.1km run. Beautiful morning.
And just like Eliud Kipchoge I ran the last part by myself. He seemed to pick-up the speed at the end, whereas I picked up a few more photo opportunities. The lack of rain and people was offset by my decision to cross the bridge 3 times but in the end the remote location was faster and I finished in 1:52:02.
My Three Learnings
Running over a big bridge slows you up.
Running over a big bridge twice slows you up more.
Running over a big bridge 3 times …. guess what?