Exposure

Er, here we go.
Having read plenty of blogs, it's my turn now, without being too self-conscious about it.
If I want to reach goals, I have to be willing to set them out in front of me.
Sunday's Half Marathon was a good experience even though I have been hurting since, although I expect to be fine tomorrow.
This morning's interval session was not too punishing after all and loosened me up, but I know I definitely have to do more speedwork to avoid having to spend too much time on any distance I want to tackle.
Going back to Sunday - after last year's HM at 1:45 I was looking at bettering that time and was hoping to do 1:40. I figured I'd do the first three ks at 5:00 and then increase speed to about 4:40 to end up with an average of 4:44 to get to 1:40 spot-on.
Anyway, best laid plans and so on.
Despite knowing about the hype and not pushing, I got entangled in the maelstrom at the start and did the first k at 4:22 - I don't think I've ever run that fast in my life! Then I tried to get slower, but just couldn't manage.
Anyway, I hovered around the 4:35 mark till about k15 when I started suffering - predictable, eh?! So the last 6 ks were agony and the pace dropped to 5:00 for a couple of ks. I managed to pick myself up for the last two and ended up with 1:37:xx (can't remember the seconds and they have not been posted yet - but who cares). I was stoked!
By the same token I was really annoyed with myself for having gone out way too fast. Ah and yes, I had my GU+ in my fuelbelt, but the raspberry one tasted like crap and the orange was ok but was too gooey and I couldn't suck any out of the bottle. So no wonder I hit the wall.
Nevertheless, the experience was good in the sense that I can now plan much better for the Marathon in 2.5 weeks.
What's the saying: first third you run with your head, the second with your heart and the third with your guts.
I'll have to remember the head bit!
So the plan is to do the Marathon in 3:30:00 - sorry, I'll take back.
Again, in order of priorities:

1. Get to the start;
2. Start;
3. Finish;
4. Finish sub 4h;
5. Finish sub 3:45;
6. Finish sub 3:30.

& oh yeah, somewhere in there also: survive.
Then the next race will be the City to Surf (27/8 I think), then the Perth Half (sometime in September) and then the Veni, Vidi, Vomi Rottnest Marathon on 21/10.
Despite the memories of puking last year, I am looking forward to this one as after all, the kids are going to come along!
So, tonight, I might stay up to watch the match Switzerland v France and tomorrow morning I might go for a swim at 6am.
Then to Court for the callover and after that, well, we'll see.