I did an 800m race in the vets league last night (will add details at the bottom), which completely destroyed me, so took it “easy” today with the buggy.
Slightly concerning to hear the megaphone at 8:55 as we were walking up the hill, but fortunately got there in plenty of time.
There is a hot air balloon festival on the park which started yesterday, so down the first straight there were vehicles parked on the grass either side, and there was an interesting aroma from various fires.
Needless to say despite trying to take it easy, it didn’t feel particularly slow and I was drenched in sweat and had it running into my eyes, despite a pleasant cooling drizzle, for 23:19.
800m race was only my second of the season. Last one was a disappointing 2:23, so was hopeful of a fair bit better but not near my PB (2:12).
Went off hard from the gun and found myself in 4th on the shoulder of 3rd, and moved into 3rd after the first bend (though technically 2nd as it was A and B from the same team ahead). Kind of recognised one of the guys just ahead and knew I was probably going too hard as he could do a mid 2:0x.
Was still close behind at the bell, a glance at the watch showed 64s, and had mixed emotions, worried about a capitulation and excited that a very unlikely PB was on. Just about held it together to 600m at which point 1st and 2nd pulled away easily (I think the B string took the win), just about held it together round the bend, but at the start of the final 100m knew I was in trouble. I had nothing and felt like I was barely at a walking pace. Fortunately only 1 person overtook me.
Watch has 2:16, so not too bad, I’d have taken that at the start. But by god it destroyed me, not sure I’ve ever felt so bad after a race.
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