Robbie-T @ ATB 2011 #6

[Robbie-T]

This was ATB #6, 1 bronze, 2 Silver and 2 Gold, this year my goal was another goal, which I wasn't very confident about. Training wasn't bad this year just very different for me, lots of tread-milling in February.

Lots of life happening in the past couple months, and I have lots of excuses, but I did have a great run today, and 2:00 for 30k isn't bad at all for a weekend warrior.

Cold day with some wind and decided to go with shorts, short sleeve tech, long sleeve tech and singlet, turned out to be a perfect decision for me, I was comfortable for most of the race. The race plan was just stay below 4:00 pace for 20k, get through the hills then hammer it home.

I was feeling OK through 9k, nothing special and went through 10k 39:48 right on pace. Was feeling good, passed the 2 hour bunny and started leading the pack and pushing through the wind. Going through 15k right on track 59:43. My stomach started acting up, and I start belching, and didn't want to take in any more fluids. Once I hit the hills I was hoping my body would react and I'd be on track again, but I was feeling a bit rough and it never really went away, I didn't have the same hop going through the hills and the bunny passed me. I went through 20k 1:19:43 still on track but now I need to be able to have some kick to stay on track that I felt was already missing. I finally got out of the sub division and headed down the valley trying to pick up some time before the hill but I wasn't able to find the gear. Tried to conserve a bit going up the hill and not attack it so that I good go hard for the final 4k. I eventually caught the 2:00 bunny with 2k to go and left him behind, I knew I was running late and it was going to be very close. I just couldn't get the extra speed at the end that I needed. I rolled into Copps, looked for the timer and it it had already rolled over to 2:00:10. A couple good frustration yells, that no one heard with thanks to all the loud noise from the stadium and announcer. Of course disappointed, but still very happy with a solid run, and a great day of happy man racing.

The past 3 years 1:59:57, 1:58:18, 2:00:22 - pretty consistent really, I'm very happy with that.

I got a gift 2 years ago just beating the timer, this year was pay backs I guess.

[Jwolf]

Nice race, Rob.
It must be tough to have just missed the gold, but it's always tough when you're just skirting the edge like that. Still, a solid run after a slightly different season of training. Now you know what works.

[ian]

I got a gift 2 years ago just beating the timer, this year was pay backs I guess.

25 seconds is a negligible difference in any other context and it sounds like you really used your experience to run your best race today.

[HCcD]

Congratulations, on another stellar race, Robbie ..

It was great meeting up with you again today, after the race in Copps ...

[casual-runner]

Amazing performance as usual. Congratulations this is a great result, it is amazing how consistent you are despite life events happening around..

[West Grey Runner]

Amazing results as is usual. I am sure there is more Gold in your future.

[Darth Tater]

Really good run out there Robbie! You'll get another gold next year.

[b_squared]

2:00 for 30k isn't bad at all for a weekend warrior.

Still true and still an inspiring run!

[SteveF]

The more I hear about this race, the more I respect it. Its a tough course and mother nature usually comes out to play as well. The fact you have nailed it as many times as you have speaks to your racing "guts". Well done again!

[Doonst]

That's a great time and fine running! You be proud!

[Double Bellybuster]

Awesome job Robbie!

[JSmitty]

[quote="SteveF"]The more I hear about this race, the more I respect it. Its a tough course and mother nature usually comes out to play as well. The fact you have nailed it as many times as you have speaks to your racing "guts". Well done again![/quote\

What Steve said Robbie, but I love your honesty. You are still up at the top.

[Mark.AU]

Maybe not exactly what you wanted but as others have said, still a really well executed race and a great result, congratulations Rob.

[Jo-Jo]

That's a great time and fine running! You be proud!

Yep...what he said!

I wish I could have been there to cheer!

[Mid_Packer]

I know you're disappointed but that's an awesome result none the less.
Robbie finished 92 overall in a race of about 6,000.

I have to smile when I see there is a bunny for the 2:00 group. I think of bunnies as pacers for the rest of us in the middle and back of the pack.
I don't recall seeing any bunny sign for anything bewteen 2:00 and 2:30.

Dave

[orleansrunner1962]

Well done, despite not feeling 100% -- great result -- your experience kicked in!!

[Tori]

You should be very proud! That was a great race.

[La]

I got a gift 2 years ago just beating the timer, this year was pay backs I guess.

25 seconds is a negligible difference in any other context and it sounds like you really used your experience to run your best race today.

That's what I was thinking. 2 hours is just an arbitrary marker.

You're still my hero!

[gnu]

That's a great time and fine running! You be proud!

This.

[purdy65]

Fine running indeed! I was actually thinking of you yesterday when I was going up and down hills wondering how it must feel to be heading down the ramp into the stadium already! What a great feeling!

Congrats!

Lisa

[DougG]

2:00 for 30k isn't bad at all for a weekend warrior.

Yeah, well it's ok I guess.

Well done Robbie, another great race.

[trixiee]

I got a gift 2 years ago just beating the timer, this year was pay backs I guess.

25 seconds is a negligible difference in any other context and it sounds like you really used your experience to run your best race today.

That's what I was thinking. 2 hours is just an arbitrary marker.

You're still my hero!

+1!!!!!

[Robinandamelia]

Simply amazing...congratulations!

[Annelizabeth]

When I saw the 2 hour pace bunny I actually thought it was a joke.. cause you guys/ girls up there are so elite you don't need bunnys.
Good day out there.

[PinkLady]

Congrats on a strong race, yet again!