2.57.....and what an experience...

Well without writing an essay, the New York from start to finish was an amazing experience. The organisation was top notch (from the expo, day of the race etc..).The crowd from mile 2 coming off the bridge were amazing (multiply C2S for 10).
From a race perspective, I really just wanted to get through it without wrecking my heal. My plantar was sore from the start and got progressively worse. In saying that, I don't want to whinge in any shape or form. I went out to run comfortably hard and basically see what pace i'd hit. Hit 4m/k pace for 5k, 10k, 15k, 20k, halfway....and to be quite honest felt very comfortable...at mile 16 things started to go haywire...it was a pretty big climb from mile 15 and my plantar didn't respond well and going down the other side of the bridge was even more painful. Suffice to say from then on in it was a case of just getting to the finish without damaging the foot. From then on in, I soaked up the atmosphere and loved high-fiving the crowd! From mile 16 I slowed up significantly from 4m/k to 4.45, I also tried to run on the tarmac...very little of it...as most of the road was concrete. Regardless of plantar issues or not, my view of the NY course is that it's quite hilly and suits a strength runner who has done the mileage which I had failed to do!
I struggled through central park but was amazed to see my Dad at 24 mile. He roared to the crowd 'that's my son'. Well that gave me a huge lift to the finish...got the medal and walked back to the hotel.
I think some of my running mates will think 2.57 is pretty soft, they are probably right but given the circumstances and the course I'm pretty happy the way it panned out. This blog was kicked off after coming back from injury 2007. I ran Tokyo in 2.52 in early 2008 and ended up having a great 2008. I see New York as a similar springboard for 2011....

New York New York...

Arrived safe and sound, actually slept for quite a bit of the journey and Timmy will be glad to hear I saw a few movies..Toy Story 3 which was a cut above the rest, Knight and Day and Salt were both average and really enjoyed 'the kids are alright'...!!!
The current Australian marathon holder 'Deek' was also on the plane, he's been coaching a few indigenous kids for the NY marathon. You'll be very surprised I didn't even chat to him...left him alone...I'm glad he didn't remember me after the Striders award dinner a few years back. Apparently I wouldn't let him out of my sight....!!
Hooked up a friend from home for a 40 mins easy on Tuesday, 45 mins Wed (20 min tempo in the middle) and 45 mins easy today. I've been struggling with the plantar but at this stage hopefully I will get through the race...On Tues, i spotted last years winner Meb going through his final paces and today Ryan Hall was running with wife.
In relation to a predicted time, I will approach it like Dubai and run comfortable until 5k and see what pace that is....I actually think if I chase a time I will set myself up for failure.
Given where I've come from in the last few months I'll be happy if I break 3hrs...really looking forward to it now...!!
Best of luck to Terence, Tim Craddock and Andy Heyden in the 100k at the weekend and I'll also be watching the 10k results from homebush and lane cove with interest...