Run 55. 1977 VFL Grounds: Part 9. Kardinia Park. 23/11/2019.
In 1977, Geelong was the long road trip of the VFL. Not a good year for the Cats finishing 8th (out of 12) winning more times in Melbourne than at the Cattery. Maybe the long 76km trip wasn’t that daunting to the travelling teams?
Too far to run from Kardinia Park to Melbourne but an almost perfect distance to Torquay. Got dropped off by my daughter (Camille) on her way through to the beach.
Very simple course, quick lap of GMHBA stadium before crossing the Barwon river and cutting through Belmont and onto Horseshoe Bend road. It was mainly downhill for the first part and that meant extra speed without feeling the effort. Felt sure this was going to be a good time. But as they say, what goes down must go up and I eventually had to give back that early advantage. The funny thing about Horseshoe Bend road is apart from one small bend in the middle, it’s basically a 13km straight road with little happening. That is accept for the road works in the middle of nowhere. Despite there being no traffic and no work because it was a Saturday – the road was closed. But by closed it meant open to local traffic or anyone else, as there was no one manning the closure. So I just ran through, making me happy and upsetting no one.
Was cool when I left home but warmer when I started and getting hot at the finish. Mixed bag today – good start, ordinary middle and slow finish. 1:51:22 reflected the heat a bit.
My Three Learnings
Long straight runs are boring.
Road works not confined to the city.
Downhill starts raise expectations of a fast time.