Week 14: 5-9 May 2026 : Never try new shoes close to the race

The week in cartoon

In January, the journey started, a runner I became,

With Brisbane in my sights and a finish line to claim.

The training went well, the stats I was proud to see,

But this week brought a "complaining" hip that didn’t sit with me.

I tried some shoes all shiny and new, but they felt a bit too "chunky",

My gait was off, my stride was stiff, and I felt a little funky.

So I turned back to my "Old Faithfuls," the NB 860 tried and true,

With 170km already done, they knew just what to do.

Mid-week I did a reset walk, a 4.22 km test,

At 13.32 min per km, I gave the hip a rest.

The urge to run was very strong to "pretty up" the screen,

But common sense won out today to keep the damage lean.

The back was stiff, the shoulder "bad," the bed-side was the "wrong" one,

But Saturday I laced up tight to get the long run.

The Rail Corridor was muddy, so the pavement was a squeeze,

Between HillV2 and Bkt Panjang in the morning breeze.

The mind was blank, the pace was set, a "happy hip" my goal,

At 10.36 min per km, I kept it in control.

A steady 5.78 (in km/hr) was the flow,

With a slight forward tilt to keep the body on the go.

One hour and forty-six—I made it!—well within the limit,

A fourteen-minute buffer now, I’m ready to begin it.

So bring on Brisbane’s Story Bridge and Pat’s DSLR lens,

I’m ready for the atmosphere with my "Old Faithful" friends.

No dirt upon the sneakers and no "pivots" for the pain,

Just soya milk for recovery and a flight to catch again.

From zero runs to 10.01 km, the upgrade is complete,

I'm heading for the finish line on two very happy feet!