A pre-dawn 16 miler

I got up bright and early this morning and while I didn’t actually get out of the door by 5am it was still dark. It’s been really hot and humid here in Auckland the last week or so, so it’s definitely a good idea to get the running done earlier rather than later.

I headed out and decided that I would incorporate my next half marathon’s route in my long run today. As such, I first headed up Paratai Drive. This street has some of the most expensive properties in Auckland on it and it was quite nice having a nosey at how the other half live as I ran along. This is the view from the top of the cliff:

I then ran along through suburbia until I got back to the coastline. By this time the sun had just come up and the view out towards Rangitoto Island was rather nice:

This is the view along the running track I was using:

I’m really fortunate to have such a great place to run along. It really helps to keep the motivation up I reckon.  I then ran along Tamaki Drive all the way to the Hilton Hotel in the actual city itself.  I then turned around and ran back. :)

It was a great run:

I’m definitely not going to be breaking any speed records anytime soon but I did do my longest run ever (only just) at 26.17 km in 2:51:17.  That works out to about a 6:35 min/km pace which is definitely my easy pace.  My average heart rate was only 132 so I probably could have pushed it a lot more and still kept my heart rate low but to be honest I’m just out there running to enjoy myself and build my distance so speed be damned.  I’ll save speed for my races. :)

A great start to the day indeed.

41rporqcul_sl160_In other news I’m busy reading What I talk about when I talk about running : a memoir by Haruki Murakami and although I’m only about 2 chapters in I’m finding that what he writes really resonates with me.

I heard about this book on Andrew’s blog as one of his favourite quotes

“In long-distance running the only opponent you have to beat is yourself, the way you used to be.”

is actually from the book.  I’ve always loved that quote and so I’m very pleased that I’ve finally managed to get my hands on a copy of the book.

One of the thoughts he expressed in the first chapter is that sometimes to other people his runs may be boring and everyday type of things but they are all special to him.  I feel like that a lot actually.  I’ve stopped reporting on every run I do as I’m running 5 times a week now and sometimes there is nothing particularly wondrous about my runs but they are still extremely special to me.

I’m sure I’ll find other gems in the book as I progress through it. :)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
February 8, 2009 | Filed Under fitness 

Comments

22 Responses to “A pre-dawn 16 miler”

  1. ChrisNo Gravatar on February 8th, 2009 10:32 am

    I agree about not reporting everything…I started doing this as well. It is really just of interest to me. Most people I actually know are just interested in the “digest” version of how things are going for me, which is fair enough.

    And I guess personally, while ever run is important to me, it really is the “special” ones you remember…personal bests, races, etc.

    Chriss last blog post..Human body is a mystery

  2. PipNo Gravatar on February 8th, 2009 11:14 am

    That really is a nice running route! I’ve never run it but I remember the area from when I lived in Auckland. Nowdays I live in Wellington, which has some pretty nice routes as well.

    I wouldn’t worry about your long run pace being so ‘easy’. That’s how it’s meant to be! 15km for me today though I wasn’t smart enough to leave so early, so a 6 to 6.30 pace was fast enough in this heat! Plus I had a Wellington Northerly headwind to contend with, though it did help keep me cool I guess.

  3. david h.No Gravatar on February 8th, 2009 12:27 pm

    Sounds like you had a great run. I love it when long runs work out the way they should — slow, steady and peaceful!

    david h.s last blog post..Give me a five plus a peace sign
    Twitter:

  4. PaulNo Gravatar on February 8th, 2009 1:34 pm

    Impressive run! It looks like you have great scenery, too.

    Pauls last blog post..Tragic!
    Twitter:

  5. CammyNo Gravatar on February 8th, 2009 2:36 pm

    I’ll be glad when the weather warms up here so I can get back to early morning walks. I love waking up with the world. :)

    Cammys last blog post..Red Friday Wrap-up
    Twitter:

  6. TB--MilwaukeeNo Gravatar on February 8th, 2009 3:13 pm

    Glad you had a good run, we are having awesome weather too for this time of year.

    TB–Milwaukees last blog post..We All Have a Story

  7. GregNo Gravatar on February 8th, 2009 4:56 pm

    Yet more beautiful photos. You really have some wonderful places to run. Got to be great for the motivation.

    Also, you’re obviously VERY motivated to get up pre-dawn for a long run. Very cool.

    Gregs last blog post..Are You The Type To Burn Out Or Fade Away?
    Twitter:

  8. Scott Keeps RunningNo Gravatar on February 8th, 2009 5:10 pm

    I love early morning runs before the sun comes up. Those are some beautiful shots along your route.

    Scott Keeps Runnings last blog post..Melting Snow and Aching Legs

  9. Spartan7No Gravatar on February 8th, 2009 10:31 pm

    I absolutely enjoy the pictures of your routes. The area you are from is amazing. I grew up near the Pacific Ocean and when I get the chance to run near piers and beaches, It always motivates me, too.

    As far as what the book says, that is very true about the runs. It’s amazing how much I remeber about the runs, but as far as reporting about every single run, I guess many would start to sound the same.

    Great run, Andrew! Your right, save the speed for some other day and enjoy the run you’re on.

    Spartan7s last blog post..2009 Callaway Gardens Marathon; RR and Grade Card

  10. SabsNo Gravatar on February 9th, 2009 12:13 am

    I am not a runner, but sometimes your pics make me feel like running too!

    Sabss last blog post..Changes

  11. John's Weight Loss BlogNo Gravatar on February 9th, 2009 2:43 am

    I love how you so easily just toss out “16-miler” now – that’s just crazy!!

    John’s Weight Loss Blogs last blog post..Music Infused Headband by i360
    Twitter:

  12. RobNo Gravatar on February 9th, 2009 7:29 am

    Now you call running a 16 miler, slacking off :-) I think your doing awesome. The views that you have on your run are amazing. I am so envious of the great scenery you have around your area. if I had that I’d be running a bit slower just to take in the beauty of it all.

    Robs last blog post..For me.. A New theme Song

  13. Quote: Your Only Opponent — Turtle Progress on February 9th, 2009 9:24 am

    [...] to be.” I think this same philosophy holds true in many other pursuits as well. Thanks to Andrew Is Getting Fit and Andrews Blog for bringing this quote to my [...]

  14. Andrew ScottNo Gravatar on February 9th, 2009 9:56 am

    Hi Andrew, I went for a 22 minute run last week for the first time in 7 years and I almost collapsed! ha ha :-)

    Take care,
    Andrew

    Andrew Scotts last blog post..I Could Make A Tent Out Of This Shirt Now!

  15. BruceNo Gravatar on February 9th, 2009 8:44 pm

    You just keep logging those long runs. You’ll do great in the half.

    Bruces last blog post..2009 Training Log

  16. Andrew(AJH)No Gravatar on February 9th, 2009 10:14 pm

    I’m glad you’re enjoying the Murakami!

    Andrew(AJH)s last blog post..Heroes

  17. MizFitNo Gravatar on February 9th, 2009 10:59 pm

    BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS.
    I have that book here.
    wrapped.
    birthday gift for a running friend.
    I was thisclose to ripping into it last night :)

    MizFits last blog post..Monday Facetime: Softening the Self-Definition.

  18. KateNo Gravatar on February 10th, 2009 1:11 am

    Wow! What an impressive run Andrew! I’m so jealous of your 16 miles….my longest yet is 8!

    Kates last blog post..

  19. VavaNo Gravatar on February 10th, 2009 3:26 am

    Great job on this long long long run Andrew! From what I’ve gathered, LSD runs like this one are supposed to be done easy so I think your HR and pace are right on. Since you run 5 days a week I’m sure you get some good speedy runs in there that will pay off on race day for sure.

    As far as not reporting on every run, I only can manage 3 runs per week but can’t see not reporting on all my runs going forward. I use my blog to check back on myself and really like that aspect of blogging. Perhaps when I get into running more every week my running reports will simply become how far, how much time it took, and average heart rate and that will be enough for the majority with details only for the more unique runs.

    Also, thanks for the pictures! Do you take these while on the move, or do you stop for every shot?

    Vavas last blog post..A Long Run – At least for me…

  20. MegNo Gravatar on February 10th, 2009 4:01 am

    Wow, those are some amazing views! I hope to get to the point where running is just an everyday activity, and not an all out slog to make it to 30 minutes! I am inspired by your run of over two hours!

    Megs last blog post..A successful weekend

  21. DaveNo Gravatar on February 11th, 2009 7:33 pm

    Holey moley! 26 K and your avgHR in the 130′s.
    You are in great shape! Great job on the new milestone.
    Everytime you post new pics, it makes me want to visit your country even more. Of course LOTR started it all!

    Daves last blog post..Just Sayin

  22. Jeff HoneycuttNo Gravatar on February 12th, 2009 3:57 am

    That book sounds like a good read, I’ll have to look it up. I feel the same about my runs, too. I still get excited to tell everyone the new route I ran but have felt at times it should just stay in my head (where it’s truly cherished). With that, it’s hard not to say how excited I am to break the double digit barrier on my runs…I should be up to that in a few more weeks.

    Thanks for posting some pictures…it’s hard to imagine what NZ looks like up here in Washington State:)

    Jeff Honeycutts last blog post..Sweatin’ to the Yogi’s

  • RoadID

  • A message from my sponsors:

    Read reviews about Apidexin online before you buy.