Next marathon on the 'bucket list' is the Cadbury Marathon in Hobart in mid-January 2017. This morning I did the last long run in the race simulation phase of my training plan - 37 kms in pretty testing conditions, with the first real burst of warm summer weather arriving in Melbourne today.
I set off in warm sunny conditions, wearing sunglasses for the first time this year, to run the Eastlink trail to Jells Park, with fully loaded with drink bottles and gels in the hydration belt. I had run this route many times and knew it was good for warmer weather conditions as there are a number of drinking taps along the route.
By the time I got to the bottom of Jells Park storm clouds had swept in, blocking out the direct sun, which gave some relief. Then the rain started, heavy at first and continuing lightly as I headed back along the Dandenong Creek trail. While the light rain was cooling, this pushed the humidity up, so even though I was drinking plenty of water, I was struggling with leg cramps in the last few kms of the run - coming up the Heathmont hill from HE Parker Reserve was a real bastard with my calves screaming!
Hopefully mid-January in Hobart won't be quite so warm and humid for the marathon, but post-Christmas taper should have me ready to line up at the Cadbury Factory on 15 January.
Trailing fueling on these long runs has been useful. Pre-run pikelets with jam and honey, and a banana, work well. Also little sachets of honey during the run are a nice alternative to gels, however the cherry flavoured GU gel was totally disgusting, tasting like horrid medicine! I'll save the Cadbury chocolate for post-run treats :-)
BBQ eggs and bacon was the post-long run "breakfast of champions" with the family, and I reckon I've earned a guilt-free serve of Christmas pudding with custard tomorrow!
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