"I'd rather be seen on my bicycle than on a park run" - Quote from the dark side

Tuesday 18 October 2011

2011 Soutgate 15km Race Report

This past Sunday I ran the Southgate 15km race. I like to support this race as it is one of the few close to home races for me every year. I always try to support the local running clubs.

I ran this race as a training run at the end of a fairly hard training week to end the week on a total of 89.7km (55.7miles), so time or pace did not matter at all.

The race started at 6:30 and I was glad it was only a short drive.

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Waiting at the start.

It was a beautiful morning and I knew it was going to be a warm day. The early start was appreciated by everyone. After a short chat with some friends at the start we were on our way.

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On our way!

I did a 22.5km trail run the day before and was keen to see what my legs would feel like. I was happy that they weren’t sore in any way and just a little tired on the hills.

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Beautiful morning in the suburbs.

The route goes through all the areas where I grew up and that is another reason why I like to run this race. Many parts of it runs on roads that were my training routes many years ago.

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I was baptised in this church 48 years ago. Nice to run here!

The first 7km of the race is flat with some downhill. From here to about 11km is a steady climb with one or two hills testing runners a bit. I was feeling good but could certainly feel the week’s training on the hills. I never looked at my watch during the race and just ran comfortably all the way. Soon I reached 11km and the hills were something of the past.

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11km done and the hills behind us.

I felt good but knew I was running quite slow. I guessed my pace at about 6:30min/km. Overall I was happy that I had no problems or niggles anywhere after a week of solid training. I was happy with my run and just cruised over the last 3km.

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A last little bump over a bridge.

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Then over the finish line.

I was a little slower than I thought 6:32min/km and finished in 1:38. I guessed I would finish in 1:36. The legs were probably a little more tired from the trails I did on Saturday. I still love that I am able to run a race without ever looking at my watch. Overall I’m pleased and feel training and running is going well for me. We received a carry bag and medal for the effort. All was good and I was back home at 08:45 again.

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Bag and medal to show off.

I only saw later when I logged this race that I reached a mini milestone on the day. This was my 350th 15km race and my total number of races now stand at 1358.

Thanks for reading! Run well my friends!

23 comments:

Jerry Smallwood said...

I have got to hand it to you for running a race at the end of such a heavy week of training. I managed 79.2 km last week and was running very consistantly towards the end of the long run but not racing like you...well done.

I also love the fact you did it without a watch showing experience wins over technology :-)

Teamarcia said...

Nicely done Johann! Holy cow you are a racing machine!

Kate Geisen said...

I love running those races where I have no expectation for myself other than just going out and running. And races that are close to home are such a nice change from getting up even earlier.

Funny how your weather is warming up as ours is cooling off. :)

Anne said...

You amaze me as always...so many kms and races...wow! Great job Johann!

Christina said...

Nice job! It's cool to see the pic where you were baptized.

Lauren said...

How lovely to be able to race through the area you grew up! I noticed that the church you were baptised in looks very modern compared to the churches around So. Cal. (at least in my parts). Congrats on your milestone and new medal to add to your collection.

A Prelude To... said...

1358? You amaze me!

Liz said...

You do race a lot! How nice to do a local race like that. Congrats on you 350th 15k (a distance I have never raced)!

Ewa said...

In case you did not know that already, your record is amazingly impressive. Congrats on a good (305!!! 15k) race and after a long run the day before too. Seems you have nailed your training program.
So are you ready for the BIG one? I am impatiently looking forward to your report. Good luck.

Robin said...

Congrats on another great race... I can't believe you've run that many 15K's. That's incredible!

Mike said...

It's always fun to run the hometown races.

Jill said...

You are an animal! Congratulations on reaching the 350 15k and 1358 race mark! Such an amazing accomplishment. Wonder what the record is for most races ever run?? You should find that out and plan to beat it! :)

ajh said...

I'll say it again. You are amazing! Congratulations!

Char said...

That was a pretty accurate guess of your pace. I so admire the mileage that you rack up every week. Well done!

HappyTrails said...

I'm only about 1348 behind you - guess catching up is not an option ;-) Glad you had a good run out there Johann!

Molly said...

seriously Johann, the number of races that you've done is amazing!

Amy said...

Wow - you have run a lot of races! And I wouldn't call you slow at all - that's about spot on for me!

Giorgio said...

Congrats on another good race, Johann ... although 15 km is a short distance for you :)
Are you ready for the bigger race (27 + 27 + 17)? I'm curious to follow that adventure through your blog!

Michael said...

1358 races!! Wow, that's amazing!

Looks like another fun one.

I love the medal. Simple, but cool!

Tara said...

Sounds like a great day to me when you can go out and do a fun race and still be home by 8:45 and have your WHOLE DAY still wide open.

Congrats to you on your race and your milestone!

Lindsay said...

that's the best thing about local races - easy race day logistics and running "in your backyard" :)

congrats! that's a huge church!

Abby @ Have Dental Floss, Will Travel said...

I love how you use races are training runs. I never really think to do this, and I know it can much such a difference for your Goals Race.

Black Knight said...

1358^ race?!? You are a super-runner. 15 km for you are nothing even if this race was the day after a long trail run.
I follow your same plan, using the races as training runs.
Well done!