Run 7 – 1977 VFL Grounds: Part 1. Victoria Park. 21/05/2019.
Let me declare this early – I am a Collingwood supporter. And so it only makes sense that I visit their original home – Victoria Park. Made another attempt to conquer the Montague St monster on my way into the city, this time on a Tuesday – nah, still the same issues.
Past Marvel Stadium with the press waiting for tribunal night to start and along La Trobe St. Got snookered trying to navigate the road / tunnel works near Elizabeth St – very runner unfriendly. Ended up in dead end facing an elevator which clearly isn’t on most fast half marathon courses around the world. Headed north and onto Smith St and finally at Victoria Park where I ran a lap of honour.
Worked my way back to Punt Rd and more road works at Swan St. Remember Arj Baker commenting on how good Melbourne was as a city – and how much better it will be when they finished building the roads – he was right.
Finally back into Elwood and took some smaller back roads to add some more distance, but couldn’t believe how dark it was. Not being able to see your feet is an awkward feeling and not one that makes you want to speed up. I fell over in a well lit area so this is just dumb.
Ran a respectable 1:52:19, still looking for that small advantage that will take 40 minutes off my time. Maybe time to change my shoes.
My three learnings
GPS tracking definitely not good in the CBD.
Punt Rd hill not part of an ideal half marathon course.
Running in pitch dark slows you up due to fear of everything.