Port Stanley Run - Aimed for 34 kilometres, did 28.7 km...

Today we did our first of 3 Port Stanley runs this marathon training season. Bernie, John DePutter, Marc Labreche, Brian ____ and I took off from the Saturn dealership at Wharncliffe and Southdale at 7:35. By the time I was two miles into the run, I already knew I was going to have a tough time of it near the end as I was already starting to heat up.

By the time we got to the split in the road at St. Thomas 21 kilometres in, I knew that I wouldn't be able to finish it today. Just too hot. So I pulled the plug. Chris Lanooy and his wife Ellen were manning that water stop so they agreed to drive me to the finish line. But after about 5 minutes into our car ride back (with all windows open), the cool breeze cooled me down very quickly and I actually felt okay. So they dropped me at a hydration stop 7.5 kilometres from the finish and I waited there for Jenny to come along. I joined her (and barely managed to keep up) -- but got in a total of 28.7 kilometres -- so I salvaged what would have been a very disappointing run.

Here are my splits:

5:51
5:11
5:16
5:18
5:23
5:13
5:18
5:09
5:18
5:11
5:09
5:07
5:17
5:15
5:14
5:13
5:15
5:13
5:16
5:22
5:03
5:25 (Joined Jenny)
5:23
5:23
5:17
5:23
5:19
5:06
4:49 (pace for 670 m.)

The average pace was 5:16 per kilometre -- so pretty acceptable pace for what was to be an easy run. And, other than the over-heating part, my pace was actually quite comfortable.

The only other challenge was a bit of cramping in my calves and left hamstring. The strategy of eating a dried apricot for each kilometre worked quite well (and was about the right amount).

Next time, I want to complete the 22.7 miles (34 k) -- and if the weather is cooler, I should be able to do it.