Suwako Half
The global economic squeeze has meant that I’ve been making race entry decisions based on how easy, and more importantly, cheap it is to get to them. A while ago when considering the Suwako Half I was assured it was a day tripper. I signed up.
On closer inspection it seemed whilst a day trip was technically possible, staying the night before was the right way to do it. Still, I had the alarm clock primed and was psychologically prepared for the 4am start on race day when I received an urgent email from Namban Phil. A late cancellation meant there was a Super Azusa ticket and a room for me in a friend of a friends house.
The friend was a lovely Australian guy called Kim and his place was a spectacular wooden house, high in the hills overlooking the lake. It was 5-star treatment from arrival till leaving the following day. There was fine wine, craft beer, home-made bread and a pie made from zucchinis grown by the owners. I could get used to this …
Oh, yes yes, the race yes there was a race too.
A Half around the beautiful lake Suwa. Essentially flat, good surface. The weather was a little warm to begin with but cooled about halfway in for me. Others complained it was humid, something I’m normally pretty sensitive to, but the elite Watarase hot and humid half a month earlier must have conditioned me for it.
I wanted to run sub-1:25 at least. So did Cory (aka Beckham, according to a fan on the course), we jostled for position, till about 12k. I think we started a little fast, but then settled into 3:55/k pace till around 12k. Then I struggled a bit through the next 6-7k. He pulled out a lead that he held till the end. I was able to push a bit on the run home and with a sprint finish against an unknown adversary (who I beat!!!). I clocked 1:23:57.
A good satisfying run. Leg strength felt fine, don’t think I’ve done any damage. Thankfully my bastard calfs behaved themselves. Exactly four weeks till Ohtawara. Runners World race predictor suggests a 2:58 is possible for a Full, which I’d be very happy with given the last few disappointments.
In summary, a lovely trip, a fine race and a good effort from your man.
Here are the splits.
