Run 83. Tram route 19. 7/3/2020.
Another train ride and short run to get to the start of the route 19 tram. Just like my last run this would contain both the majority downhill and going through the CBD, and if you have read some of my earlier run blogs you know that sets up a good time. Unfortunately it was self sabotaged. Less than 2km into the run I stopped for a quick toilet stop and forgot to pause my watch. Now I know that the stopwatch keeps going in Olympic events but this is my challenge and I make the rules. Nevertheless, having a 6 minutes plus one km split hasn’t happened to me since I got stuck on the beach near Anglesea and it certainly meant that a record was gone for today.
With the pressure off and having a nice cool morning to deal with, I started to enjoy the run a bit more. Even the run through the city was pleasant although the weekends are typically less populated than peak hour on a weekday. I have learnt that lesson too many times already.
From there it was a simple run down St Kilda Rd and towards Elwood. I believe I could run this section with my eyes closed as I have run it so many times before. Nearly all the stations in the north had me travel down this road. I did close my eyes for a second but very quickly realised that was not a good idea. Isn’t it strange what you think is possible as you become tired. 1:43:33 wasn’t bad but in my mind I blew a big opportunity to break the hour.
My Three Learnings
Not pausing your watch at a toilet stop results in at least one slow kilometer split.
Cool mornings are more pleasant and faster than hot days.
Saturdays are better than weekdays to run through the CBD.