Run 80. WanganDaryl. 26/2/2020.
Back in Wangaratta and the chance to run to Wandandary where I was living during my secondary school life. I renamed it Wangandaryl by adding an L to the sign but it never took off and got changed back. Maybe if I break the hour mark for the half Marathon the name will change back to Wangandaryl. This was a “late in the day” run, so started a bit warm and cooled as I went.
I headed to my secondary school (Galen College) and then followed the route that I rode home with friends most nights of the week. Down Phillipson St and a right turn onto Williams Rd to head out of town. Past the turn off to the shops in Appin St where I would refuel with Maurice and Shane after school. No time for that today or I risk not breaking a record. In the 1970’s I only had to go a kilometer or so to be out of town, but Wangaratta is bigger now and it took a bit longer. Last drop off point for me was Maurice Goodear’s house where I spent a lot of time in my teens. Took a quick selfie and then headed off on the last part of my trip home along mostly dirt roads. Right turn onto Warby Range Rd and 3km of “dry weather only” road.
Quick phone call from my brother and then arrived at the old family farm where my family lived for about 40 years. Hadn’t changed that much. Loved running in remote areas with no one about, not to mention not a traffic light in sight. Was able to keep a nice steady tempo and built towards the end feeling good.
Nice time of 1:45:09 but probably should have stopped for the snacks as I got hungry towards the end.
My Three Learnings
Warby Range Rd hasn’t changed much since I first ran it 45 years ago.
Slowing up to avoid dust, at the request of a sign, may have affected my time.
There is a chance a small town could be renamed after me if I break the world record for the Half Marathon. At least in my mind.