After starting a post on Coolrunning (www.coolrunning.com.au) about trail running I felt obliged to partake when one was organised for the 29th December at the start of my holidays.
No training up my sleeve aside from the running I had done for Kurrawa and my usual running. But I didn't think it would be an issue as I believed I was more than capable to do a 20km run with some hills.
Headed out just after 3am to meet up with Kato and drive to the top to drop off my car. Jumped in with Kato & travelled down to the start line.
Karisma and Run67 were pulling up in front of us were the first to arrive.
I wasn't actually nervous but when I saw some damn fit men turn up and start talking about their 50km training runs for this event I was sweating already. Damn! Couldn't I have slept in or something...?
Tesso and Liz arrived with Glen and took some photos at the beginning of the race. I was already needing to go to the toilet after drinking so much since waking up but there was no where around so I told the bladder to hold off.
We walked to near the trail start and when Tesso said 'Is this a run or a walk?' the boys started jogging and the run had begun.
When the trail started I got very excited. This was great a nice path - wider than a road almost - and not rocky or too loose a surface. Damn this is what trail running is all about.
Then came the hill.
It was almost a mountain leading up to the mountain.
Then came another one.
Then another.
I looked around for Kato to kill but was distracted by - you guessed it - another hill!
My legs were aching and it was only the first 2km. The girls had fallen behind into a group and let the men push their testosterone ahead of us. This was the opportunity I needed. I politely advised everyone I needed a break and disappeared only to find they were all standing there waiting for me making sure none of the boys looked back. Don't you just love being one of the girls!
We travelled a bit further up the mountain and I was really starting to feel the run when Tess referred to her garmin and told us all that we had covered 3km. Only 3!!! It was at this stage that I looked around for a snake to walk on so I could excuse myself whilst I got treated for snakebite....anyway they were all sleeping so I pushed on.
Glad I did as it got better. Over the next hill there were a few downhills and we were all talking and laughing. Then we came to the first arrow the boys had left for us and were chuffed that they had bothered (and secretly glad as we had no idea really when we saw the fork in the road). Plus it was a good photo opportunity!
After about an hour of up and down the mountain Glen met up with us and was heading back to his car. Tess and Liz went with him but promised to meet us at the top for a coffee. Karisma and I plodded on for the next half. Whilst we were told it was a 2 hr run up to the top it turned out to be a 3hr run for Karisma and I.
We got to a fork in the road with an arrow going left for us (thanks boys) but instead followed another runners advice who was on his way back down on a bike who said to go right to get to the carpark. We went down a very very steep and long valley to get to a stream and then had to make our way back up again. We came out on a road and i thought we were just around the corner. But just around the corner proved to be 4 more kilometres away. My legs were dead but Karisma was going strong and pushed on ahead and out of my sight.
I got to the carpark at 3hrs and 3 mins. Karisma had missed the turnoff so I was first there. Tess, Kato, Glen and Liz were all waiting (I had the carkeys - so poor Kato was a bit thirsty and hungry...). We had just got in the car to go looking for Karisma when she turned up and we could all start celebrating our run.
The coffee shop was closed so we just said goodbye and went our own way.
I was driving home and so elated. I had run a very very very hilly course and lasted the 3 hours. I was proud of my achievement and was also looking forward to a big night followed by a well deserved sleep in.
I got home in time to shower quickly, stretch a bit more, eat loads of food and jump in the car to go to Dreamworld with the kids. A big day out. We got there at 10.45 and walked around going on all the rides etc until it closed at 5.30pm. I slept the way home but got up the next morning all refreshed and with good legs.
Next big run I do I will make a point of walking and being active all day rather than resting as I would usually do.
Oh yeah and I found out that you didn't have to have a fatass to run. Fatboy explained to me what a Fatass run actually meant. Glad we cleared that up....
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Lost our Don!!
Turned up for speed session this morning - glad to see good numbers still despite it being holidays for most people.
Don from Canberra - Tunggerong Don - pulled off the track for a pit stop and got left behind. We did not realise until we got to the start of the speed session after our 3/4km warmup. Not being a regular with the group he would not have known where we were headed and would have gone to the Gardens were he ran with us last week.
So Tess and I volunteered to give up our 8x 500m and 1 x 1km speed session to go and look for him. It took a lot of persuading to do this (Yeah Right!!!).
We split up and both went over diff bridges and met up just outside the gardens and split up again....still no sign of him. Running around the garden and calling his name still didn't locate poor Don. So we headed back to Pat's group just in time to start the cool down run.
By the end of it we had done more than 10km - with two speed runs amongst it where Tess and I were trying to race each other. She beat me but I wasn't too far behind - but any more and I would have been left for dead.
Another great run but the nerves are building for tomorrows long run. Have never ran a 20km+ trail before...
Don from Canberra - Tunggerong Don - pulled off the track for a pit stop and got left behind. We did not realise until we got to the start of the speed session after our 3/4km warmup. Not being a regular with the group he would not have known where we were headed and would have gone to the Gardens were he ran with us last week.
So Tess and I volunteered to give up our 8x 500m and 1 x 1km speed session to go and look for him. It took a lot of persuading to do this (Yeah Right!!!).
We split up and both went over diff bridges and met up just outside the gardens and split up again....still no sign of him. Running around the garden and calling his name still didn't locate poor Don. So we headed back to Pat's group just in time to start the cool down run.
By the end of it we had done more than 10km - with two speed runs amongst it where Tess and I were trying to race each other. She beat me but I wasn't too far behind - but any more and I would have been left for dead.
Another great run but the nerves are building for tomorrows long run. Have never ran a 20km+ trail before...
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Christmas Day
What a wonderful way to start the day.
Up early and woke my two girls - Jordie and Shae my neice.
We headed out to UQ a bit early as I was not sure what oval we were meeting at. Found the athletics track straight away so assumed this was the right one. Then waited around for the others to turn up. Did a lap with Shae whilst I was waiting. The girls were just so excited it was Christmas.
Once we were all there (quite a few of us turned up) we headed out for a 3km warmup. This was followed by a set of 6x 2.5minutes at the track. Run around as fast as you can go and you rest for as long until 2.5 mins comes up. Then time to do it all again.
Great fun. I really enjoyed running on the track. You can see everyone in front of you and you also know exactly how far you have left to go. Coming home on the straight stretch was fun to try and go as hard as I could.
I did a few laps to cool down and then had a glass of champers with Tess, Liz, Kumi, Chris, Jo, Scotty, Manuel, Rob, John and others before heading off to go home and open our Chrissy presents and wake the other 9 people up for a big breaky.
Definitely doing this again next year!
Up early and woke my two girls - Jordie and Shae my neice.
We headed out to UQ a bit early as I was not sure what oval we were meeting at. Found the athletics track straight away so assumed this was the right one. Then waited around for the others to turn up. Did a lap with Shae whilst I was waiting. The girls were just so excited it was Christmas.
Once we were all there (quite a few of us turned up) we headed out for a 3km warmup. This was followed by a set of 6x 2.5minutes at the track. Run around as fast as you can go and you rest for as long until 2.5 mins comes up. Then time to do it all again.
Great fun. I really enjoyed running on the track. You can see everyone in front of you and you also know exactly how far you have left to go. Coming home on the straight stretch was fun to try and go as hard as I could.
I did a few laps to cool down and then had a glass of champers with Tess, Liz, Kumi, Chris, Jo, Scotty, Manuel, Rob, John and others before heading off to go home and open our Chrissy presents and wake the other 9 people up for a big breaky.
Definitely doing this again next year!
Friday, December 24, 2004
Fast and Faster
Running almost killed me after a shocking nights sleep, actually that's not true, I slept like a baby, I just only had 4 hours of it!
Took the teenage girls shopping last night at about 11pm then decided to do the food shopping then instead of today. Got home and into bed after 1am (so I guess I did it today after all!). Up at 5am to go to the Regatta Runners.
Headed out with the Regatta guys whilst talking to Glenda (VERY FAST RUNNER) and focussed on maintaining pace with her and hence the lead group all the way.
Wow I thought I was such a good runner....striding it out with the lead pack and feeling good all the way. Felt like Christmas.
Not sure what happened at the turnaround point (4km) but I certainly didn't hear a gun go off. However everyone else must have - I was left for dead. Glenda took off and so did all the blokes. I was left dreaming that I had even been running with anyone.
Soon after some other Regatta Runners caught up to me so I felt a bit better (ie..wasn't last) but then the damned shoe lace came undone and my shoe almost came off as I was trying to ignore it until the finish. So I stopped at the water fountain and tied it back up - triple decker knot!
Got back to the start in complete exhaustion. I think I had tired legs from yesterdays' speed session as well as it being so bloody hot!!! I had striped off my singlet and ran the last 3km in my bra so I knew it was a stinker of a day to come.
Probably the xmas hat didn't help in cooling me down any.
I wish I had my watch on today but purposely left it off to just run relaxed but I am sure I did a PB for that course. Even tired and hot I felt strong running - just knew I couldnt sustain it for much longer.
Looking forward to Boxing Day so I can have a much desired day off. In the meantime will be fun to do tomorrows Christmas speed session at the Uni.
Took the teenage girls shopping last night at about 11pm then decided to do the food shopping then instead of today. Got home and into bed after 1am (so I guess I did it today after all!). Up at 5am to go to the Regatta Runners.
Headed out with the Regatta guys whilst talking to Glenda (VERY FAST RUNNER) and focussed on maintaining pace with her and hence the lead group all the way.
Wow I thought I was such a good runner....striding it out with the lead pack and feeling good all the way. Felt like Christmas.
Not sure what happened at the turnaround point (4km) but I certainly didn't hear a gun go off. However everyone else must have - I was left for dead. Glenda took off and so did all the blokes. I was left dreaming that I had even been running with anyone.
Soon after some other Regatta Runners caught up to me so I felt a bit better (ie..wasn't last) but then the damned shoe lace came undone and my shoe almost came off as I was trying to ignore it until the finish. So I stopped at the water fountain and tied it back up - triple decker knot!
Got back to the start in complete exhaustion. I think I had tired legs from yesterdays' speed session as well as it being so bloody hot!!! I had striped off my singlet and ran the last 3km in my bra so I knew it was a stinker of a day to come.
Probably the xmas hat didn't help in cooling me down any.
I wish I had my watch on today but purposely left it off to just run relaxed but I am sure I did a PB for that course. Even tired and hot I felt strong running - just knew I couldnt sustain it for much longer.
Looking forward to Boxing Day so I can have a much desired day off. In the meantime will be fun to do tomorrows Christmas speed session at the Uni.
Thursday, December 23, 2004
SPEED SPEED SPEED SPEED SPEED
At last....able to run fast.
Hard session this morning, not sure if it was the weather or what but even on the warm up I was struggling with the decision to quit or plod on...I'M NOT QUITTER so on I trotted. And very glad I did too!
Into the Jungle (Botanical Gardens) for two 5min surges. Run 2.5min as hard and far as you can then turn around and go further than the start. 1min rest then do it again.
This was followed up by lots and lots of reps up a grass hill. I ran these but did not sprint like others were doing. Didn't want to push the foot - which incidently was DOING MARVELLOUSLY -must be fully recovered now.
Then thought we were heading home but did another 4 hill reps on the Goodwill bridge. Managed to catch and run with Tess which was good. It really pushed me and afterwards I felt better for trying that little bit harder. Very motivating to catch someone faster than you and run with them.
The cool down was greatly welcomed to ease out all the twitching muscles.
Showered and sitting at my desk - boss has just bought in Bacon and Egg sandwiches for everyone. Must be Christmas :)
Hard session this morning, not sure if it was the weather or what but even on the warm up I was struggling with the decision to quit or plod on...I'M NOT QUITTER so on I trotted. And very glad I did too!
Into the Jungle (Botanical Gardens) for two 5min surges. Run 2.5min as hard and far as you can then turn around and go further than the start. 1min rest then do it again.
This was followed up by lots and lots of reps up a grass hill. I ran these but did not sprint like others were doing. Didn't want to push the foot - which incidently was DOING MARVELLOUSLY -must be fully recovered now.
Then thought we were heading home but did another 4 hill reps on the Goodwill bridge. Managed to catch and run with Tess which was good. It really pushed me and afterwards I felt better for trying that little bit harder. Very motivating to catch someone faster than you and run with them.
The cool down was greatly welcomed to ease out all the twitching muscles.
Showered and sitting at my desk - boss has just bought in Bacon and Egg sandwiches for everyone. Must be Christmas :)
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Tuesday Speed - Christmas Themed
What a laugh. How much fun do you think you can have at a speed session...I mean really have fun.
Pat turned up with his own little Santa (son Tim) dressed up in costume including full red sleigh (red BMX) and sack of pressies.
The pressies turned out to be hats and outfits for runners to wear!
Unfortunately being near the front I got handed one of the large joker hats with bells with big letters - Merry Christmas' written on the front. On it went just hiding my Coolrunning cap. Had to keep it on the whole way.
As I wasn't doing any speed I managed to keep it on and had a good laugh at those who were trying to be serious and running hard (everyone but me) running past with hats and outfits on.
One poor bugger had to wear a dress. Damn he looked good it in too! Sure some of the blokes were going to see their psychiatrist afterwards...
I hope to see the photo soon of puntermatt, Pat and Runner in the Hills all wearing their matching macho Mr Clause outfits. They looked a scream. Also being the fastest they led the way and home again screaming at any nearby person "Merry Christmas".
Everyone put in a hard effort, well except for me as I have a few more days of NO speed or hills, and after finishing up all met up at the local cafe for a hearty breakfast. The kids are on holidays and work is winding down but it wasn't until this mornings run that it really hit home - Christmas is coming.
I am so excited now. What a rush...........Merry Christmas Blogger readers.
Pat turned up with his own little Santa (son Tim) dressed up in costume including full red sleigh (red BMX) and sack of pressies.
The pressies turned out to be hats and outfits for runners to wear!
Unfortunately being near the front I got handed one of the large joker hats with bells with big letters - Merry Christmas' written on the front. On it went just hiding my Coolrunning cap. Had to keep it on the whole way.
As I wasn't doing any speed I managed to keep it on and had a good laugh at those who were trying to be serious and running hard (everyone but me) running past with hats and outfits on.
One poor bugger had to wear a dress. Damn he looked good it in too! Sure some of the blokes were going to see their psychiatrist afterwards...
I hope to see the photo soon of puntermatt, Pat and Runner in the Hills all wearing their matching macho Mr Clause outfits. They looked a scream. Also being the fastest they led the way and home again screaming at any nearby person "Merry Christmas".
Everyone put in a hard effort, well except for me as I have a few more days of NO speed or hills, and after finishing up all met up at the local cafe for a hearty breakfast. The kids are on holidays and work is winding down but it wasn't until this mornings run that it really hit home - Christmas is coming.
I am so excited now. What a rush...........Merry Christmas Blogger readers.
NEW YEAR GOALS
My goals for 2005 as posted on Cool Running:
*Be Injury free
*Sub 45min 10km
*Sub 1.45min at Gold Coast half
*Sub 2:10 at Kurrawa in Dec 2005
*Be consistent with training
*Continue to love running and my fellow runners
--------------------
2006 - Marathon Year!
*Be Injury free
*Sub 45min 10km
*Sub 1.45min at Gold Coast half
*Sub 2:10 at Kurrawa in Dec 2005
*Be consistent with training
*Continue to love running and my fellow runners
--------------------
2006 - Marathon Year!
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Saturday Mini Long Run
So as to not aggravate the foot - today was just a walk around the park. Well not literally but it was short.
Ran from the Regatta down to Goodwill bridge and back - approx 10km. Not too quick but faster than my usual long run pace coming home.
Maybe it was because I had left everyone at the bridge to turn around whilst they kept going on for a 21 or 30km Saturday run. To feel a bit better about it I cranked it up a little. Stopped off at a drink spot to stretch the calves and take some water then reached the Regatta feeling good and comfortable.
So used to wasting myself with the long run that it was a pleasant suprise to sit and have a cup of coffee waiting for the runners to come in and feeling quite refreshed instead of tired and achy.
When I run for more than 20km I get sleepy later in the day after showering and eating so normally have a quick 20min nap. Not today. Was energised and spring cleaned the whole house.
Still can't wait for my next long run - 23km up Mount Nebo on Wednesday week.
Ran from the Regatta down to Goodwill bridge and back - approx 10km. Not too quick but faster than my usual long run pace coming home.
Maybe it was because I had left everyone at the bridge to turn around whilst they kept going on for a 21 or 30km Saturday run. To feel a bit better about it I cranked it up a little. Stopped off at a drink spot to stretch the calves and take some water then reached the Regatta feeling good and comfortable.
So used to wasting myself with the long run that it was a pleasant suprise to sit and have a cup of coffee waiting for the runners to come in and feeling quite refreshed instead of tired and achy.
When I run for more than 20km I get sleepy later in the day after showering and eating so normally have a quick 20min nap. Not today. Was energised and spring cleaned the whole house.
Still can't wait for my next long run - 23km up Mount Nebo on Wednesday week.
Friday, December 17, 2004
Cruzin Clairie
After such a dreadful moment yesterday (thought I was going to have to give up running for a while) I am back on track.
Went to see The Footman, who quickly diagnosed me and put in the direction of required treatment. So no tears today - just smiles.
Headed out this morning for an easy 5km, caught up with Tesso who had just finished her speed session and started on the Regatta Run.
Felt like cheating to turn around early but thought it best to follow Dr's orders.
Can you believe it is just one week to Christmas??? Not much running time left in this year so must make the most of it. Have to keep the 5km up for next week with no hills or speed so just a cruisy few days coming up....
Went to see The Footman, who quickly diagnosed me and put in the direction of required treatment. So no tears today - just smiles.
Headed out this morning for an easy 5km, caught up with Tesso who had just finished her speed session and started on the Regatta Run.
Felt like cheating to turn around early but thought it best to follow Dr's orders.
Can you believe it is just one week to Christmas??? Not much running time left in this year so must make the most of it. Have to keep the 5km up for next week with no hills or speed so just a cruisy few days coming up....
Thursday, December 16, 2004
DNF
First training session this morning since Kurrawa run on Sunday and I could not finish.
Got about 1.5km up the road and could not go a step further. Every step felt like a piece of glass in my foot as it hit the pavement. PAIN!!! I could walk fine but the minute I jogged it was there again. Told Scotty I was out and turned around for home.
Damn bloody foot...rushed home in tears and called the Footman for an appointment.
*Had family block of chocolate for lunch.
*Considering hot chips for dinner washed down by case of red wine....
nothing else to do :((
Got about 1.5km up the road and could not go a step further. Every step felt like a piece of glass in my foot as it hit the pavement. PAIN!!! I could walk fine but the minute I jogged it was there again. Told Scotty I was out and turned around for home.
Damn bloody foot...rushed home in tears and called the Footman for an appointment.
*Had family block of chocolate for lunch.
*Considering hot chips for dinner washed down by case of red wine....
nothing else to do :((
Monday, December 13, 2004
THE BIG RACE
Race day dawned. Actually it was a relief to finally be here after waking up every half hour during the night to see if the alarm was still working.
At 3.30am I decided to get up and get ready. I was awake anyhow. The carbo loading the night before (in fact the whole week before) must have done the trick. I felt good but knew eating was out of the question. Bad case of race nerves!
Loffy rocked up at 4.15am to pick me up from the hotel and off we set on our big adventure.
At 4.30am there was already a good gathering signing up and getting their numbers. The race is a regional run attracting runners from all walks of life - locals and far-awayers.
Everyone looked so fit and able at the start I was getting terrified. With the likes of RITH, Kelvin, RUN67 and Fat Bloke not to mention Tess and Karisma running - I was just hoping I would finish before they packed away the BBQ!
The Gold Coast Running Club did a good job, with so many late entrants and payments on the day the 5am start was only delayed about 6mins.
Off they went - those doing the full 50km and also those doing the 25km first leg starting together. First leg is from Kurrawa surf club up to Point Danger (my kids were fascinated when I told them the run was from QLD to NSW but they didn't believe me!!) and then it turns around and comes home again.
After the race start most of the second leggers in the relay moved out to meet their partner at a water stop and provide support.
This was the most fun of the day - driving 5km then jumping out and yelling at everyone and taking photos and hoping back in the car and doing it all again. Hooting as you went past....
Tesso got all the supporters to do the mexican wave as the runners came over the bridge and down a yukky hill and this seemed to bring out the most smiles! One poor lass who we all clapped and cheered on got so confused as she came down the hill - she was just out for a jog and not part of the race. Doh!
Too soon it was time to head to the halfway point - or the start/finish for the relay members. I think I did a record 7 toilet stops before I started I was so nervous! I had been waiting for this for many weeks.
Got down there and waited for Loffy to come in. Hubby and kids could see that I was nervous and kept their distance so they headed up the hill to get an action shot of my race start.
The worst part of the whole day was the waiting - not being able to go when others were heading out.
Then quite quickly Loffy came over the hill and I got all pumped up and ready to go, slapped his hand and off I took...who the hell's idea was it to put a big hill right there? I ran 500m and was stuffed! I only had 24.5km to go.
After a week of rain and storms the clouds moved aside to let the beaming sun burn our skins. I have lovely red marks on my legs where the leggins ended. Glad I didn't wear my shorts.
Yet as humid and hot as it was, I coped well and really had lots of fun. You could tell how hot it was by the water stations having two attendants - one that gave you water to drink and the other that hosed you down! I was keen to stop at all the water stations - but mainly to get directions. I was terrified of getting lost.
I got very excited when I ran down a couple of runners but it turned out they were doing the 50km so I felt a bit like a cheat running past them all fresh whilst they shuffled along. Still it consumed some time to get their heads into view then slowly hunt them down and pass them, only to look ahead for another head.
Hubby and kids (support crew) got lost and were waiting for me to arrive at a designated drink point but I had gone past it already as they had detoured via McDonalds for breaky. I wasn't too fussed.
The next drink stop was empty of water though and not wanting to stop and wait I kept going. It was now nearly 8km without water and very hot. Loffy and Mrs Loffy cruised past in their car and cheered and clapped but I managed to convince them I was not smiling but grimacing for water. They met me 500m up and handed me water and then stuck with me each 5km to the do same. Unfortunately they got caught with a good water supply so most runners got a drink or a drenching - whatever they needed as they went past.
Soon enough I had hobbled down the stairs from Nobby's Point and was on Hedges Ave.
It was the longest road in the world to run yesterday - you could not see the end of it but you knew by the cramps and knee pain that it had to end soon.
I caught a few more runners here. I think knowing this part of the course really helped psych me up for a strong finish. I dug in hard and told myself to get my poor battered body home. At this stage this was the longest and furtherest I had ever run..but I was still smiling . Went past Kurrawa Surf Club and looked for the finish line. I think I heard it before I saw it! Tesso and Loffy and Karisma and many other coolrunners and fellow racers were all cheering the finishers to the line. It was such a great feeling. You would have thought I was the winner the way they were carrying on.
Did the distance in 2:14 and felt like a winner. Still smiling - still sore and stiff mind you, some sunburn but a damn good day. Great BBQ and great friends new and old. They presented all the finishers with a trophy glass as a momento.
Hard to believe the man that won the race did the full 50km and broke the record by 13mins - doing a negative split with the two 25km legs. That is tough!
I will definitely be fronting up for next years run. Determined to cut it down to sub 2:10.
Tess was amazing. She took a wrong turn down one street but quickly corrected, still managing to finish in 2:00:22. I am sure she will be chasing that sub 2hrs next year! The most supportive person of the race award goes to her. She cheered everyone on in the first half then after finishing cheered and clapped all the finishers as they came in. She even collected their momentos for those who had to leave early. I know that without her constant encouragement at the various groups that we run together in, I would not have had the motivation to do all the training and to push myself when I least felt like it. It was great to have someone you could talk to about the run as well and share your training secrets (though I'm sure she's got some more up her sleeve...will just have to keep running with her).
Now to keep the feet up for a few days whilst they try recover. Feeling quite good aside from the left foot - which was sore prerace anyhow.
The best start to Christmas ever - now I can say I have run from NSW to QLD. That's Cool!
At 3.30am I decided to get up and get ready. I was awake anyhow. The carbo loading the night before (in fact the whole week before) must have done the trick. I felt good but knew eating was out of the question. Bad case of race nerves!
Loffy rocked up at 4.15am to pick me up from the hotel and off we set on our big adventure.
At 4.30am there was already a good gathering signing up and getting their numbers. The race is a regional run attracting runners from all walks of life - locals and far-awayers.
Everyone looked so fit and able at the start I was getting terrified. With the likes of RITH, Kelvin, RUN67 and Fat Bloke not to mention Tess and Karisma running - I was just hoping I would finish before they packed away the BBQ!
The Gold Coast Running Club did a good job, with so many late entrants and payments on the day the 5am start was only delayed about 6mins.
Off they went - those doing the full 50km and also those doing the 25km first leg starting together. First leg is from Kurrawa surf club up to Point Danger (my kids were fascinated when I told them the run was from QLD to NSW but they didn't believe me!!) and then it turns around and comes home again.
After the race start most of the second leggers in the relay moved out to meet their partner at a water stop and provide support.
This was the most fun of the day - driving 5km then jumping out and yelling at everyone and taking photos and hoping back in the car and doing it all again. Hooting as you went past....
Tesso got all the supporters to do the mexican wave as the runners came over the bridge and down a yukky hill and this seemed to bring out the most smiles! One poor lass who we all clapped and cheered on got so confused as she came down the hill - she was just out for a jog and not part of the race. Doh!
Too soon it was time to head to the halfway point - or the start/finish for the relay members. I think I did a record 7 toilet stops before I started I was so nervous! I had been waiting for this for many weeks.
Got down there and waited for Loffy to come in. Hubby and kids could see that I was nervous and kept their distance so they headed up the hill to get an action shot of my race start.
The worst part of the whole day was the waiting - not being able to go when others were heading out.
Then quite quickly Loffy came over the hill and I got all pumped up and ready to go, slapped his hand and off I took...who the hell's idea was it to put a big hill right there? I ran 500m and was stuffed! I only had 24.5km to go.
After a week of rain and storms the clouds moved aside to let the beaming sun burn our skins. I have lovely red marks on my legs where the leggins ended. Glad I didn't wear my shorts.
Yet as humid and hot as it was, I coped well and really had lots of fun. You could tell how hot it was by the water stations having two attendants - one that gave you water to drink and the other that hosed you down! I was keen to stop at all the water stations - but mainly to get directions. I was terrified of getting lost.
I got very excited when I ran down a couple of runners but it turned out they were doing the 50km so I felt a bit like a cheat running past them all fresh whilst they shuffled along. Still it consumed some time to get their heads into view then slowly hunt them down and pass them, only to look ahead for another head.
Hubby and kids (support crew) got lost and were waiting for me to arrive at a designated drink point but I had gone past it already as they had detoured via McDonalds for breaky. I wasn't too fussed.
The next drink stop was empty of water though and not wanting to stop and wait I kept going. It was now nearly 8km without water and very hot. Loffy and Mrs Loffy cruised past in their car and cheered and clapped but I managed to convince them I was not smiling but grimacing for water. They met me 500m up and handed me water and then stuck with me each 5km to the do same. Unfortunately they got caught with a good water supply so most runners got a drink or a drenching - whatever they needed as they went past.
Soon enough I had hobbled down the stairs from Nobby's Point and was on Hedges Ave.
It was the longest road in the world to run yesterday - you could not see the end of it but you knew by the cramps and knee pain that it had to end soon.
I caught a few more runners here. I think knowing this part of the course really helped psych me up for a strong finish. I dug in hard and told myself to get my poor battered body home. At this stage this was the longest and furtherest I had ever run..but I was still smiling . Went past Kurrawa Surf Club and looked for the finish line. I think I heard it before I saw it! Tesso and Loffy and Karisma and many other coolrunners and fellow racers were all cheering the finishers to the line. It was such a great feeling. You would have thought I was the winner the way they were carrying on.
Did the distance in 2:14 and felt like a winner. Still smiling - still sore and stiff mind you, some sunburn but a damn good day. Great BBQ and great friends new and old. They presented all the finishers with a trophy glass as a momento.
Hard to believe the man that won the race did the full 50km and broke the record by 13mins - doing a negative split with the two 25km legs. That is tough!
I will definitely be fronting up for next years run. Determined to cut it down to sub 2:10.
Tess was amazing. She took a wrong turn down one street but quickly corrected, still managing to finish in 2:00:22. I am sure she will be chasing that sub 2hrs next year! The most supportive person of the race award goes to her. She cheered everyone on in the first half then after finishing cheered and clapped all the finishers as they came in. She even collected their momentos for those who had to leave early. I know that without her constant encouragement at the various groups that we run together in, I would not have had the motivation to do all the training and to push myself when I least felt like it. It was great to have someone you could talk to about the run as well and share your training secrets (though I'm sure she's got some more up her sleeve...will just have to keep running with her).
Now to keep the feet up for a few days whilst they try recover. Feeling quite good aside from the left foot - which was sore prerace anyhow.
The best start to Christmas ever - now I can say I have run from NSW to QLD. That's Cool!
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Athlete of the Month
Woo Hoo Athlete of the Month at Pat Carrolls running group. Very happy about that!!
Despite getting a PB in the time trial - I still came in last in the group on the day so did not even consider I was in the running.
Won myself a pair of shoes from RUN ON DOWN store. Fantastic Chrissy present for me.
mmmm...hope I don't have to run in the lead pack now... ha!
Despite getting a PB in the time trial - I still came in last in the group on the day so did not even consider I was in the running.
Won myself a pair of shoes from RUN ON DOWN store. Fantastic Chrissy present for me.
mmmm...hope I don't have to run in the lead pack now... ha!
Big Effort Speed Session
I hate todays speed session - with a passion!
It is always hard. Yes it is getting easier but still it's hard.
4km warm up run (I was ready to go home then!) followed by some strides to get the blood flowing. Then Pat takes the lead and heads off a sprint. He puts his hand up when we can slow the pace and then puts his hand up when we have to dig deep for a faster pace.
You never know if you are going to be doing a 30sec effort or a 2min effort and it is hard to run at a pace you don't know if you can sustain...then when you do get a slow pace you don't know if this is going to be 10sec or 30sec.
The final run (2mins either way) is without a recovery and all the way up the street and back to the start. This is topped off with the 4km run back to the bridge.
The rain was held at bay for most of the morning but the humidity was out there in full force..YUK! Still it's much much better than winter running.
It is always hard. Yes it is getting easier but still it's hard.
4km warm up run (I was ready to go home then!) followed by some strides to get the blood flowing. Then Pat takes the lead and heads off a sprint. He puts his hand up when we can slow the pace and then puts his hand up when we have to dig deep for a faster pace.
You never know if you are going to be doing a 30sec effort or a 2min effort and it is hard to run at a pace you don't know if you can sustain...then when you do get a slow pace you don't know if this is going to be 10sec or 30sec.
The final run (2mins either way) is without a recovery and all the way up the street and back to the start. This is topped off with the 4km run back to the bridge.
The rain was held at bay for most of the morning but the humidity was out there in full force..YUK! Still it's much much better than winter running.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
3K Time Trial
That dreaded time trial comes around so quickly each month. With the recent weather being warmer and warmer I thought today would be a scorcher but thankfully the rain kept most of the heat away. Unfortunately the wet weather did nothing to assist running!
Last week I told Pat I would bring the group water to the Time Trial so I parked my car where the race ends, then jogged to the meeting point. Then we ran our warm up to the start - so already I was soaking wet and buggered! That was before the race!
Just as Pat yelled GO the sky opened up and it poured down. Really hard rain. My shoes were like lead and I could hardly see in front of me. Suprising how fast you can run when you are trying to hold up your leggings! I was sure they would fall down as they were so heavy and wet but realised if I kept running fast with the knees up they were safe.
Nonetheless I pressed on. Before the end of the first 1Km I was the last in the group...I hate being last....where were all the slow people?
I started running hard with 500m to go and ended up pulling a PB - my fastest ever 3km (well since I've been recording) 00:13:18.
2005 Goal is 13mins even.
At the finish of the race everyone was keen to press on back home and were all waiting for me to finish (having done their TT somewhere between 00:09:30 and 00:12:30. The last thing those wet runners wanted was water to drink! However I was lucky enough to have my car there so packed up the water and copped out on the warm down.
Feeling dry and pretty good about the run now. Bring on 2005......
Last week I told Pat I would bring the group water to the Time Trial so I parked my car where the race ends, then jogged to the meeting point. Then we ran our warm up to the start - so already I was soaking wet and buggered! That was before the race!
Just as Pat yelled GO the sky opened up and it poured down. Really hard rain. My shoes were like lead and I could hardly see in front of me. Suprising how fast you can run when you are trying to hold up your leggings! I was sure they would fall down as they were so heavy and wet but realised if I kept running fast with the knees up they were safe.
Nonetheless I pressed on. Before the end of the first 1Km I was the last in the group...I hate being last....where were all the slow people?
I started running hard with 500m to go and ended up pulling a PB - my fastest ever 3km (well since I've been recording) 00:13:18.
2005 Goal is 13mins even.
At the finish of the race everyone was keen to press on back home and were all waiting for me to finish (having done their TT somewhere between 00:09:30 and 00:12:30. The last thing those wet runners wanted was water to drink! However I was lucky enough to have my car there so packed up the water and copped out on the warm down.
Feeling dry and pretty good about the run now. Bring on 2005......
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Group Running
One of the best things I like about the weekend long run is heading out with a group and catching up on the weeks runs and how everyone is doing.
Started out at St Lucia golf club carpark. Got there and saw about 30 runners all warming up. Turned out that the Running Buddies were meeting at the same time as the Hash House runners.
A couple of us Running Buddies headed out for a quick 30mins before returning to meet up with the 6am group. Then went out again for about an hour. Nothing too long. A good size - only 7 of us so nice and intimate and we all stayed together.
Most of us were exhausted from the heat and training during the week. Also I think as a number of us are running in Kurrawa next week we were keen to not go too far today.
The run itself was a bit undulating with one reasonable hill close to home. Tesso and Scotty were keen to take us out to a hilly run later in Dec or early next year. Will be a long run so might do it closer to the training leading up to Canberra Marathon - not that I am running in it but I will do the training.
Started out at St Lucia golf club carpark. Got there and saw about 30 runners all warming up. Turned out that the Running Buddies were meeting at the same time as the Hash House runners.
A couple of us Running Buddies headed out for a quick 30mins before returning to meet up with the 6am group. Then went out again for about an hour. Nothing too long. A good size - only 7 of us so nice and intimate and we all stayed together.
Most of us were exhausted from the heat and training during the week. Also I think as a number of us are running in Kurrawa next week we were keen to not go too far today.
The run itself was a bit undulating with one reasonable hill close to home. Tesso and Scotty were keen to take us out to a hilly run later in Dec or early next year. Will be a long run so might do it closer to the training leading up to Canberra Marathon - not that I am running in it but I will do the training.
Friday, December 03, 2004
Hot, Sweaty and Fast.....
Thats how the run was this morning.
Jumped out of the car just in time to make the 6am start in my new Regatta Runners dress (i think it was meant to be a singlet but is way too long/big.
Headed out just behind the lead group and caught up to Tess who was doing her camera thing. Had a quick chat before realising today was not going to be a talking day. All energy was needed to put one foot in front of the other and stay upright. Something to do with 3hrs sleep and wine last night....but the Eagles concert was worth it all :)
Got to the turn around and found myself drafting behind three guys. Kept that up until they burned for home. Hung on with the final 'leader' determined to finish the run as soon as I could to get some sustanence into me. Got back to the start at just over 36mins - best time ever for that course. Legs are burning now but not as bad as the eyes. Soooo tired. Be interesting to see how Tess's photos turn out.
Jumped out of the car just in time to make the 6am start in my new Regatta Runners dress (i think it was meant to be a singlet but is way too long/big.
Headed out just behind the lead group and caught up to Tess who was doing her camera thing. Had a quick chat before realising today was not going to be a talking day. All energy was needed to put one foot in front of the other and stay upright. Something to do with 3hrs sleep and wine last night....but the Eagles concert was worth it all :)
Got to the turn around and found myself drafting behind three guys. Kept that up until they burned for home. Hung on with the final 'leader' determined to finish the run as soon as I could to get some sustanence into me. Got back to the start at just over 36mins - best time ever for that course. Legs are burning now but not as bad as the eyes. Soooo tired. Be interesting to see how Tess's photos turn out.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Secret Heat Training
Anyone reading this will think I am truly crazy. Not quite but getting there....
I used to live in Darwin for many years and was accustomed to the humidity and breathing thick air. So now that I am acclimatised to the cooler Brissy weather I thought I would remind myself of Darwin in preparation for my run at Kurrawa.
To do this I have turned off the aircon in my car.
Sounds like nothing but when it has been in the sun at the shopping centre or clients office and you hop in - it is stifling - especially in 35oC+.
Whilst driving I have a bottle of water (important to stay hydrated) and leave the windows up. It is like a sauna. Hubby thinks I am crazy but I am truly adjusting really well to the summer already. The 40min drive home usually requires me to turn the fan on - but not the aircon. I am soaking wet when I get home and feel like I have had a workout. Getting out of the car is a relief - like slipping in the pool after a sauna.
Not recommended for everyone - need to pay attention to your vision and staying hydrated when you are driving - but I feel it is doing me some good with maintaining my energy levels in the heat.
I used to live in Darwin for many years and was accustomed to the humidity and breathing thick air. So now that I am acclimatised to the cooler Brissy weather I thought I would remind myself of Darwin in preparation for my run at Kurrawa.
To do this I have turned off the aircon in my car.
Sounds like nothing but when it has been in the sun at the shopping centre or clients office and you hop in - it is stifling - especially in 35oC+.
Whilst driving I have a bottle of water (important to stay hydrated) and leave the windows up. It is like a sauna. Hubby thinks I am crazy but I am truly adjusting really well to the summer already. The 40min drive home usually requires me to turn the fan on - but not the aircon. I am soaking wet when I get home and feel like I have had a workout. Getting out of the car is a relief - like slipping in the pool after a sauna.
Not recommended for everyone - need to pay attention to your vision and staying hydrated when you are driving - but I feel it is doing me some good with maintaining my energy levels in the heat.
Pat's Session
Groan! Another speed session.
Hard to get up after a late night at a client Chrissy party (pizza and wine for several hours...)
An initial warm up of 2.5km then 2km/1km/500m/500m/1km reps the faster runners finished with a 2km instead of the 1km but I had nothing left in the tank.
We had a standing recovery after each sprint but 60/90sec hardly counts.
After the speedwork I noticed all the girls had left early for work or other reasons, so I thought I would just walk back but then I fell into pace with Eddie. Well Eddie's pace is slightly faster than mine so I needed another cooldown after the cooldown!
Just over 10km and I am still feeling it now. The heat certainly makes a difference.
Hard to get up after a late night at a client Chrissy party (pizza and wine for several hours...)
An initial warm up of 2.5km then 2km/1km/500m/500m/1km reps the faster runners finished with a 2km instead of the 1km but I had nothing left in the tank.
We had a standing recovery after each sprint but 60/90sec hardly counts.
After the speedwork I noticed all the girls had left early for work or other reasons, so I thought I would just walk back but then I fell into pace with Eddie. Well Eddie's pace is slightly faster than mine so I needed another cooldown after the cooldown!
Just over 10km and I am still feeling it now. The heat certainly makes a difference.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)