10.000m sub 32
The 10.000m track competition on last Tuesday in Lempäälä turned out to be a worthwhile trip. I clocked a 31:59,86 which was way faster than I expected. My aim was to go sub 33, which would have been a good test for a halfmarathon under 1:10h. Now I am quite confident that I can go under those 70minutes in the German championships. However, it is no self seller and the conditions might not be as perfect as in Lempäälä (around 17°C, no wind). On the other hand I ran the 10.000m in normal training shoes (Nike Air Pegasus) and without special preparation. In fact last week counted again 170-180km and also this week I am going to run around 170km.

The race itself was pretty nice. Negative was only that I had to run the second half on my own and the pace was not so steady (slowest km: 3:18min - fastest=last km: 3:04min). Aah yes, I was also a bit frustrated when Miika lapped me just 100m before he crossed the finish line - but at least he lapped me only once ;). It also motivated me for my last round - actually I was thinking I am on a 32:10 or 32:20 course (unfortunately there was no chronometer next to the track) and it was just 200m before the finish, when one guy cried: "31:25" that I realised I can make it sub 32. Then I really kicked hard the last 200m and indeed dipped under 32minutes.
The recovery from the race was also quite good. Now, two days after the race I am feeling ok and I am ready for some medium-fast runs.

The odometer is rotating
with less than 3 weeks to go to the main competition of this year (german championships in half-marathon) it's just the right time to set the peak mileage. Last weeks' mileage was between 170 and 180km. Some quality workouts and medium-fast runs give me the confidence I need. Next week I'm competing in a 10.000m track competition, which at the same time is the final test for the half-marathon. So far the summer-training was really good - especially the sufficient recovery made me feel fresh and avoided injuries or diseases.

In the university the new international students are arriving since August. I was a student tutor for a group of 3 guys (Erez from Israel, Kuba from Poland and Andrei from Romania) and 1 girl (Sviatlana from Belarus). I welcomed them after their arrival, showed them around on the campus and in the city and made some administrative things with them (student union registration, housing office, opening bank accounts etc). Some days were quite busy but at the same time it was nice and we had some fun.
I also have a new room-mate, Tahir from Pakistan. He is going to study in the same course as I do (Biology of Physical Activity) and he is a quiet and calm person so far.
My Master-project is also running well and the subjects are obviously improving their shape.