I ran a fast 21km last night, and clocked about 1 hour 46 minutes. It was my first long run since the 70.3 World Championships. Since that race a fortnight ago, I have been resting up, opting to put on some body mass. My race weight was about 75kg at a body fat measure of 7.3 percent. I suspected my loss of 3kg bodyweight before the race cost me significant power on my riding (I had performed better in 2008). It was a vicious compromise: lose weight and run faster, but lose out on speed on the bike. I would have to review my tapering schedule for Aviva Singapore 70.3 Triathlon and Ironman New Zealand in March next year.
I was not alone, and saw many runners clocking their mileage, probably investing in their last long run as part of their taper to the Big Race on 6 December. Some couples ran in tandem, with the lady leading the run. A couple of mature runners ran opposite me and gave me the nod; I overtook a few, plodding on when I could to simulate race conditions.
At intervals of 3-4km, I drank copiously at the public tap. This consumed about a minute as I ensured hydration, or my energy would surely wane; I also took a power-gel at the 11km mark. I had curious stares from runners who had finished their run; I suspected they also wondered who I was since I was in my triathlon gear. Could he be preparing for Ironman Western Australia? I just feel more comfortable in my racing tights and top.
I believe that these runners showed their dedication or was it their desperation? There is dedication in desperation. It should be interesting to observe the packs of runners this weekend.
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