Very Average...

I just can't seem to get these long slow runs working very well.

I think I must be setting off too fast - being a bit too optimistic about my ability!

So the intention was to run for 1:30:00 at 5:30min/km pace. That would've been about 16kms I think.

The first 6kms went to plan. The weather was great. Not too hot but plenty of sunshine. But from 6km until the end, my pace dropped down to 5:46min/km AND I had to walk for about 1km up a not too steep hill.

So overall, I only managed 1:09:01 which got me 11.95km.

Obviously a long way to go to achieve the 1:50:00 time for the half marathon.

In other news: I've got a new project on at home. I'm going to build a DIY solar pool heater! A few lengths of 90mm diameter pipe cut in half length-ways, painted silver to act as reflectors and some 13mm diameter polycarbonate tubing to circulate water in front of the reflectors. Add in a solar powered pump to get the water moving and there you go!

Hopefully it'll encourage more use of the pool than last summer!