The Melbourne Marathon is one of my personal favourite runs! The race orgnaisers IMG continue to improve the event making it world class. The leadup to the event, the race start organisation and drink stations are well equipped with the water pouches making it so much easier than cups provided at other events.
There was no comparison in terms of how much healthier I felt the morning of the race compared to the most recent efforts in Sydney. The temperature was perfect race morning and it was great to see some familiar faces preparing to take on the ultimate marathon through Melbourne.
Rob de Castella was on the start line providing some special words of encouragement and one comment made really said it all ... "Anyone can run a half marathon - It is that marathon that really sets those apart!" Now this resonated with me due to the fact that I have often had a strategy of going very hard in the first half of the race and then struggling in the back half.
It was a magic experience running through the streets of Melbourne and feeling the energy of fellow competitors surging towards the front of the pack. It was almost relaxing running around Albert Park and meeting a fellow runner who mentioned that we had met in Hobart during the Cadbury Marathon earlier in the year.
It was important to pace myself and not attempt to keep up with the fellow runners surging after the 10km stage and I managed to hold my time for the next 11km to make the half way split in under 2 hours. The key was Deek mentioned earlier was to hold the back half of the run. Although the last half was not easy the constant change of scenery helped make the time go faster. In the end the back half was more than 30minutes down on the first half and the journey continues to improve this element of my progress towards being the best Marathon Man possible.
Distance Race Time Leg Time Position Cat Pos Gen Pos Distance
10km 58:03 58:03 1,785 326 1,506 10.5km
21km 1:56:27 58:23 2,429 427 2,007 21.2km
2nd Half 4:29:24 2:32:57 3,054 507 2,395 42.2km
The real highlight of the event was crossing the finish line where I was fortunate enough to be interviewed and had the opportuntity to thank fellow competitors and the supporters for helping to make the Melbourne Marathon such a incredible event on the Australian sporting calendar.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Sydney Marathon
Well following the last two weeks of being struck down with headaches and having flu like symptoms it was always going to be a massive call to simply turn up on the start line for the 2009 Sydney Marathon.
The Sydney Marathon in 2008 had been one of the toughest and hottest runs ever. Following discussions with Wayne Larden, the Race Director on the Tuesday prior to the Marathon it was commented that it would be mad for me to take on the run having spent close to two weeks in bed.
I was to then discover that after seeing a number of doctors that the actual cause of the headaches may have been due to the recent change in prescription in my new glasses. Making the immediate move back to contact lenses proved to be a real help and the chances of taking up my starting position was now within reach.
The remainder of the week was very low key as I adjusted to life without headaches. It was such a relief to ditch the new glasses and start feeling back in the game. The days ahead provided me with the confidence that I could make the start line. The question was would I make the distance ...
The race day provided perfect weather and with the street closures I was fortunate to be able to take some back streets to park then catch a taxi and train to take me to the start line. Although a little short on time I managed to drop my belongings and make the official start line - something that looked like a long shot only a matter of hours earlier.
Now the race itself was very tough ... The start was magic as is often the case with the morning run over the Sydney Harbour Bridge a highlight! The course then progressed down through the Botanic Gardens up Oxford Street and through Centennial Park. Although a little tight after little preparation leading into the race it was around the 15km stage that the pain really started to kick in. I was still feeling fine at the half way mark and knew that the toughest stage was in front of me.
The second stage of the Sydney Marathon is not my favourite with the journey across the Glebe Island Bridge and out to the inner west of Sydney not very pretty. It was even tougher seeing fellow runners passing out and dropping with exhaustion. This triggered me to pace it out and take it a little easier than normal to make sure that I would complete the distance.
Let's just say that the final 15km were up there with some of the more challenging stages for the Marathon Man and it was a great achievement to simply make it across the finish line to complete my second Sydney Marathon. The challenge remains to complete a Sydney Marathon with the best prepartion and achieve the results that I know are possible.
While the preparation is all important for the marathon it is also nice to know that with the right mental approach and belief in yourself that anything is possible. Today was all about setting a goal to complete the distance! Mission accomplished ...
The Sydney Marathon in 2008 had been one of the toughest and hottest runs ever. Following discussions with Wayne Larden, the Race Director on the Tuesday prior to the Marathon it was commented that it would be mad for me to take on the run having spent close to two weeks in bed.
I was to then discover that after seeing a number of doctors that the actual cause of the headaches may have been due to the recent change in prescription in my new glasses. Making the immediate move back to contact lenses proved to be a real help and the chances of taking up my starting position was now within reach.
The remainder of the week was very low key as I adjusted to life without headaches. It was such a relief to ditch the new glasses and start feeling back in the game. The days ahead provided me with the confidence that I could make the start line. The question was would I make the distance ...
The race day provided perfect weather and with the street closures I was fortunate to be able to take some back streets to park then catch a taxi and train to take me to the start line. Although a little short on time I managed to drop my belongings and make the official start line - something that looked like a long shot only a matter of hours earlier.
Now the race itself was very tough ... The start was magic as is often the case with the morning run over the Sydney Harbour Bridge a highlight! The course then progressed down through the Botanic Gardens up Oxford Street and through Centennial Park. Although a little tight after little preparation leading into the race it was around the 15km stage that the pain really started to kick in. I was still feeling fine at the half way mark and knew that the toughest stage was in front of me.
The second stage of the Sydney Marathon is not my favourite with the journey across the Glebe Island Bridge and out to the inner west of Sydney not very pretty. It was even tougher seeing fellow runners passing out and dropping with exhaustion. This triggered me to pace it out and take it a little easier than normal to make sure that I would complete the distance.
Let's just say that the final 15km were up there with some of the more challenging stages for the Marathon Man and it was a great achievement to simply make it across the finish line to complete my second Sydney Marathon. The challenge remains to complete a Sydney Marathon with the best prepartion and achieve the results that I know are possible.
While the preparation is all important for the marathon it is also nice to know that with the right mental approach and belief in yourself that anything is possible. Today was all about setting a goal to complete the distance! Mission accomplished ...
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Westlink M7 Cities Marathon
The Westlink M7 Cities Marathon is a point to point Marathon 42.195km with one turn around point. It is based in Sydney's Western Suburbs and travels through three different Local Government Areas namely Liverpool City, Fairfield City and Blacktown City.
This Marathon is particularly unique to others organised every year around Australia, with the race route on Westlink M7's shared pathway for an uninterrupted journey from Prestons to Rooty Hill. The race route is traffic free on a sealed surface. There is a gradual increase in elevation from 5km - 15km, however the hills are not too steep. There were 190 Marathon Runners that completed the Athletics Australia/IAAF Certified Accurate 42.195km course.
This was not up there with some of the more scenic marathon events in the world with the sights of freeways, factories and paddocks the backdrop for this event. The entire event was on the continuous pathways and with no support crowds on the course to add a little atmosphere.
The day was quite warm with many doing people taking on the half marathon relay and passing on to a partner to run the second half of the run. This explained why it was a little tough keeping pace with a few people over the 15-20km stage as they were clearly aiming for the finish line as as opposed to me taking on the full distance. It is fair to say when I realised that the new runner started at the half way point that there was little chance of keeping pace.
This was a "ugly event" for me and one that will not rate as one of my favourites. It is a great local event to promote running in the Greater West of Sydney!
This Marathon is particularly unique to others organised every year around Australia, with the race route on Westlink M7's shared pathway for an uninterrupted journey from Prestons to Rooty Hill. The race route is traffic free on a sealed surface. There is a gradual increase in elevation from 5km - 15km, however the hills are not too steep. There were 190 Marathon Runners that completed the Athletics Australia/IAAF Certified Accurate 42.195km course.
This was not up there with some of the more scenic marathon events in the world with the sights of freeways, factories and paddocks the backdrop for this event. The entire event was on the continuous pathways and with no support crowds on the course to add a little atmosphere.
The day was quite warm with many doing people taking on the half marathon relay and passing on to a partner to run the second half of the run. This explained why it was a little tough keeping pace with a few people over the 15-20km stage as they were clearly aiming for the finish line as as opposed to me taking on the full distance. It is fair to say when I realised that the new runner started at the half way point that there was little chance of keeping pace.
This was a "ugly event" for me and one that will not rate as one of my favourites. It is a great local event to promote running in the Greater West of Sydney!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Gold Coast Marathon
Having recently been struck down with a serious case of the flu where I was in bed for more than five days prior to the marathon - it really was a major ask to prepare for one of the premiere marathon events in Australia. Little did I realise that it would later turn out to be a battle to simply last the distance ...
The 2009 Gold Coast Airport Marathon stretched south to Burleigh Heads, adding a scenic and flat section to the internationally recognised event. The race started at the Southport Broadwater Parklands and stretched to a southern turnaround point at Burleigh Heads, rather than the previous turnaround at Miami.
I was pleased with the first half of the race and as per usual was caught up in the adrenalin rush from the start going out in around 5 minute per km pace for the opening 15km. At the 26km mark I could wait no longer and decided enough was enough and made the call to visit the toilets. After weighing up the decision to stop or not - it was a great relief to have taken more than 3 minutes out. It was soon after this when back on the course that the stomach cramps started to kick in! This was the time where I recognised that the recent course of Tamiflu medication was playing havoc with me and the back end of the race would be a real challenge. I did my best to keep going though found it challenging to get the right mix of fluids and food down.
In addition to the stomach dramas, I started having issues with my shoes being too tight, my mind closing down and not being totally focused on the job. It was a real test simply to stay upright by placing one foot in front of the other over the final 15km.
I recall seeing a fellow runner struggling on and limping home towards the final stages and put my hand out as a sign of encouragement to see it through to the end whereby he grabbed my hand briefly! It was a magic moment of camaraderie that only marathon runners can share ...
It was pleasing to finally see the finish line in sight. Mind you even when I thought the finish line was close and I made my final charge it turned out that the actual finish line was still a way off with the line another 500m away around the corner. I finished in physical pain all over with my left ankle injury flaring up. While it was a hard day in the office - my work for the day was done ...
Five Kilometre Splits
5KM 00:27:20 00:26:11 RUN 5.00 05:14
10KM 00:54:01 00:26:40 RUN 5.00 05:20
15KM 01:20:15 00:26:14 RUN 5.00 05:14
20KM 01:51:01 00:30:45 RUN 5.00 06:09
25KM 02:24:46 00:33:44 RUN 5.00 06:44
30KM 03:04:24 00:39:38 RUN 5.00 07:55
35KM 03:45:50 00:41:25 RUN 5.00 08:17
40KM 04:30:21 00:44:30 RUN 5.00 08:54
Finish 04:45:40 00:15:19 RUN 2.20 06:57
Half Way Splits
Half Way 01:58:06 01:56:57 RUN 21.10 05:32
Finish 04:45:40 02:47:33 RUN 21.10 07:56
I will be sure to return to the Gold Coast in 2010 to complete some unfinished business!
The 2009 Gold Coast Airport Marathon stretched south to Burleigh Heads, adding a scenic and flat section to the internationally recognised event. The race started at the Southport Broadwater Parklands and stretched to a southern turnaround point at Burleigh Heads, rather than the previous turnaround at Miami.
I was pleased with the first half of the race and as per usual was caught up in the adrenalin rush from the start going out in around 5 minute per km pace for the opening 15km. At the 26km mark I could wait no longer and decided enough was enough and made the call to visit the toilets. After weighing up the decision to stop or not - it was a great relief to have taken more than 3 minutes out. It was soon after this when back on the course that the stomach cramps started to kick in! This was the time where I recognised that the recent course of Tamiflu medication was playing havoc with me and the back end of the race would be a real challenge. I did my best to keep going though found it challenging to get the right mix of fluids and food down.
In addition to the stomach dramas, I started having issues with my shoes being too tight, my mind closing down and not being totally focused on the job. It was a real test simply to stay upright by placing one foot in front of the other over the final 15km.
I recall seeing a fellow runner struggling on and limping home towards the final stages and put my hand out as a sign of encouragement to see it through to the end whereby he grabbed my hand briefly! It was a magic moment of camaraderie that only marathon runners can share ...
It was pleasing to finally see the finish line in sight. Mind you even when I thought the finish line was close and I made my final charge it turned out that the actual finish line was still a way off with the line another 500m away around the corner. I finished in physical pain all over with my left ankle injury flaring up. While it was a hard day in the office - my work for the day was done ...
Five Kilometre Splits
5KM 00:27:20 00:26:11 RUN 5.00 05:14
10KM 00:54:01 00:26:40 RUN 5.00 05:20
15KM 01:20:15 00:26:14 RUN 5.00 05:14
20KM 01:51:01 00:30:45 RUN 5.00 06:09
25KM 02:24:46 00:33:44 RUN 5.00 06:44
30KM 03:04:24 00:39:38 RUN 5.00 07:55
35KM 03:45:50 00:41:25 RUN 5.00 08:17
40KM 04:30:21 00:44:30 RUN 5.00 08:54
Finish 04:45:40 00:15:19 RUN 2.20 06:57
Half Way Splits
Half Way 01:58:06 01:56:57 RUN 21.10 05:32
Finish 04:45:40 02:47:33 RUN 21.10 07:56
I will be sure to return to the Gold Coast in 2010 to complete some unfinished business!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Mini-Mos Marathon
The 27th edition of the Mini-Mos Marathon run through the streets of Mosman in Sydney's lower north shore welcomed a record field close to 2,500 to take on one of the most challenging 10km events.
There were a number of high profile people out for the Sunday morning run with the new Channel Seven recruit Mark Ferguson proving to be the fastest television news reader coming home in 45:41. The two fittest men in Federal parliament Pat Farmer and Tony Abbott set a great example for their colleagues with Pat finishing in 45:06 and Tony 49:28. The Mini-Mos Ambassador Melinda Gainsford-Taylor finished in 55:06. The event provides valuable support to the Starlight Foundation and Giant Steps charities.
The event certainly was one of the most challening short distance events with the damp conditions and steep hills proving to be a major factor for most. In the approach to the final stages I noticed Tony Abbott pass me on the inside and this provided just the motivation to step up and come home a little stronger to ensure bragging rights in a time of 49:17!
It was a great honour to represent "Team Footpoint" in this event as Footpoint is the leading Shoe Clinic in Mosman that provides free motion assessment using the brilliant t-r-a-c® system and provides a 30 day fit guarantee with freindly professional support.
There were a number of high profile people out for the Sunday morning run with the new Channel Seven recruit Mark Ferguson proving to be the fastest television news reader coming home in 45:41. The two fittest men in Federal parliament Pat Farmer and Tony Abbott set a great example for their colleagues with Pat finishing in 45:06 and Tony 49:28. The Mini-Mos Ambassador Melinda Gainsford-Taylor finished in 55:06. The event provides valuable support to the Starlight Foundation and Giant Steps charities.
The event certainly was one of the most challening short distance events with the damp conditions and steep hills proving to be a major factor for most. In the approach to the final stages I noticed Tony Abbott pass me on the inside and this provided just the motivation to step up and come home a little stronger to ensure bragging rights in a time of 49:17!
It was a great honour to represent "Team Footpoint" in this event as Footpoint is the leading Shoe Clinic in Mosman that provides free motion assessment using the brilliant t-r-a-c® system and provides a 30 day fit guarantee with freindly professional support.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Christchurch Marathon
On arrival into Christchurch Airport around midnight on Saturday after heading out straight after work it was a little disconcerting when the Customs Officer mentioned that there had been a weather warning issued to all runners competing in the Christchurch Marathon with a overnight southerly expected to bring bitterly cold weather with snow and frost bite conditions expected early Sunday morning.
Following a relaxing evening in The Hotel Grand Chancellor Christchurch, I met up with the New Zealand Marathon Champion Shireen Crumpton in the Hotel lift and on feeling the cool air outside lightly jogged to the start. This was a real buzz to share the journey with Shireen and discuss her plans for the Half Marathon. My congratulations to Shireen on coming home second in 01:15:45 behind the little Aussie pocket rocket Lisa Weightman with a magic time 01:12:28.
There were 4,731 entrants across 7 events with only 606 starters in the Marathon and 571 completing the distance. Having originally started the day out in my beanie, toe warmers and gloves in preparation for the bitterly cold conditions - I made the poor decision following the light run that it was nowhere near as cold as my previous races through Amsterdam, Dublin or New York. I then proceeded inside the registration areas to drop off my gear and warm up prior to making my way to the start. It was not until I was rushing to the start line and realised that it was freezing cold and the snow was falling that it seems like the gloves and beanie may have been a good plan!
The marathon course was a scenic run starting in the city and heading out around the Avon River and back into Hagley Park. There were more than 2,000 entrants in the half marathon with all competitors starting out at the same time ensuring the crowds and atmosphere was great for the first half of the race. On reaching the half way point, the majority of competitors finished the Half Marathon and the select few continued on through for another lap of the course to complete the marathon. This was tough mentally to see the finish line and realise that the mission was only half complete!
The remaining competitors taking on the full marathon then discovered the roads were deserted and there was little atmosphere with supporters wisely heading home to keep warm. The weather was bleak, wet and freezing and it really felt like my hands were going to get frost bite! The second half of the run was colder than any run in Europe and in the end the major motivator to complete the race was to simply get out of the cold. In the end I crossed the line in 04:18:50 and could not get back for a hot bath quick enough to start the recovery and defrost process ...
It was interesting to discover that there were ten superheroes competing in the marathon in an attempt to break the world record for the distance in a superhero costume, held by Ian Sharman from the United Kingdom at 02:49:50. This was most fascinating as I competed with Ian in the 2008 Marathon des Sables.
The superheroes were competing to raise funds for the "Life Education Trust of Canterbury", which provides education in mobile classrooms to teach children about healthy lifestyles, healthy choices, and taking care of and respecting their bodies. It is a not-for-profit organisation, which receives no government funding for its work, but visits approximately 12,000 children per year in Canterbury alone. I would like to extend my personal congratulations to the ten superheros with Nathan Aldridge dressed as Robin (Batman's sidekick) smashing the previous record with an incredible 02:43:35.
Following a relaxing evening in The Hotel Grand Chancellor Christchurch, I met up with the New Zealand Marathon Champion Shireen Crumpton in the Hotel lift and on feeling the cool air outside lightly jogged to the start. This was a real buzz to share the journey with Shireen and discuss her plans for the Half Marathon. My congratulations to Shireen on coming home second in 01:15:45 behind the little Aussie pocket rocket Lisa Weightman with a magic time 01:12:28.
There were 4,731 entrants across 7 events with only 606 starters in the Marathon and 571 completing the distance. Having originally started the day out in my beanie, toe warmers and gloves in preparation for the bitterly cold conditions - I made the poor decision following the light run that it was nowhere near as cold as my previous races through Amsterdam, Dublin or New York. I then proceeded inside the registration areas to drop off my gear and warm up prior to making my way to the start. It was not until I was rushing to the start line and realised that it was freezing cold and the snow was falling that it seems like the gloves and beanie may have been a good plan!
The marathon course was a scenic run starting in the city and heading out around the Avon River and back into Hagley Park. There were more than 2,000 entrants in the half marathon with all competitors starting out at the same time ensuring the crowds and atmosphere was great for the first half of the race. On reaching the half way point, the majority of competitors finished the Half Marathon and the select few continued on through for another lap of the course to complete the marathon. This was tough mentally to see the finish line and realise that the mission was only half complete!
The remaining competitors taking on the full marathon then discovered the roads were deserted and there was little atmosphere with supporters wisely heading home to keep warm. The weather was bleak, wet and freezing and it really felt like my hands were going to get frost bite! The second half of the run was colder than any run in Europe and in the end the major motivator to complete the race was to simply get out of the cold. In the end I crossed the line in 04:18:50 and could not get back for a hot bath quick enough to start the recovery and defrost process ...
It was interesting to discover that there were ten superheroes competing in the marathon in an attempt to break the world record for the distance in a superhero costume, held by Ian Sharman from the United Kingdom at 02:49:50. This was most fascinating as I competed with Ian in the 2008 Marathon des Sables.
The superheroes were competing to raise funds for the "Life Education Trust of Canterbury", which provides education in mobile classrooms to teach children about healthy lifestyles, healthy choices, and taking care of and respecting their bodies. It is a not-for-profit organisation, which receives no government funding for its work, but visits approximately 12,000 children per year in Canterbury alone. I would like to extend my personal congratulations to the ten superheros with Nathan Aldridge dressed as Robin (Batman's sidekick) smashing the previous record with an incredible 02:43:35.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Rotorua Marathon
Rotorua (from Māori: Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe, "The second great lake of Kahumatamomoe") is a city on the southern shores of the lake of the same name, in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island of New Zealand. Rotorua city is infamous for its "rotten eggs" smell, which is caused by the geothermal activity releasing hydrogen sulphide into the atmosphere. The high sulphur content in the air can irritate some people with respiratory problems and cause accelerated corrosion of metals and higher costs of maintenance - hopefully this would not present too many issues during the marathon!
Having made the 230km journey southeast from Auckland I arrived into Rotorua early Friday evening to make my way to the Rotorua Marathon Registration. The Marathon Registration was a little larger than expected and was extremely professional and very well organised. Following the pre-race pasta meal in a local restaurant that was a little less than filling it was time to head back and prepare for another big race. It was interesting to note that while Rotorua is a major destination for both domestic and international tourists, with the tourism industry being by far the largest industry in the district it was surprising how few people were in town.
The morning of the Rotorua Marathon was significant for more than one reason with Saturday May 2nd also my 36th birthday! What better way to celebrate my special day than running in another marathon through the scenic streets of Rotorua.
The morning was cool and overcast with more than 2,000 competitors lining up on the start line. Having studied the course it was clear that this event would be a real test with a number of steep hills to climb along the way. The plan was to set out with the 4:15 pace group though with only a 4:00 and 4:30 pace group I decided to start out with the 4:00 group. Following the traditional performance of the Māori haka the runners were released.
I started out strong and soon noticed there were issues with my shoes. I struggled through and were clear of the 4:00 pace group until the 19km mark. This was a significant stage of the journey as I was mindful of a steep incline prior to the half way point. Following successfully scaling the largest hill on the course I made the move to take some time out to adjust my shoes and relace my shoes in an attempt to improve circulation.
There were ongoing issues with the shoes and a general feeling of tightness that may well have been associated with the long drive from Auckland and the lack of proper stretching prior to setting out on the great NZ adventure.
I was looking to pace myself through the event and conserve as much energy as possible and this was made a little easier with the water stations having sports drink and water only available in cups making it challenging to keep running and maintain fluids! It was great to see competitors mention that they had seen me at previous events in Canberra and on the Gold Coast. The alarm bells rang when I spotted the 4:30 pace group surge past me around the 38km mark and I made an effort to keep the group in sight ...
As we approached the final stages there were a number of familiar faces in front that had been sighted throughout the race and fortunately the Rocky Balboa tunes on my iPod provided that little extra inspiration to come home strong and put the pain to one side. I made a strong sprint towards the finish line and crossed the tape in 4:28!
This sure was a great experience that proved the best results will be achieved with thorough training and preparation, muscular balance, race ready shoes, correct pre race and race nutrition and massive commitment and dedication ... In the end I was very pleased to have achieved another international marathon. It was now time to celebrate my Birthday :-)
Having made the 230km journey southeast from Auckland I arrived into Rotorua early Friday evening to make my way to the Rotorua Marathon Registration. The Marathon Registration was a little larger than expected and was extremely professional and very well organised. Following the pre-race pasta meal in a local restaurant that was a little less than filling it was time to head back and prepare for another big race. It was interesting to note that while Rotorua is a major destination for both domestic and international tourists, with the tourism industry being by far the largest industry in the district it was surprising how few people were in town.
The morning of the Rotorua Marathon was significant for more than one reason with Saturday May 2nd also my 36th birthday! What better way to celebrate my special day than running in another marathon through the scenic streets of Rotorua.
The morning was cool and overcast with more than 2,000 competitors lining up on the start line. Having studied the course it was clear that this event would be a real test with a number of steep hills to climb along the way. The plan was to set out with the 4:15 pace group though with only a 4:00 and 4:30 pace group I decided to start out with the 4:00 group. Following the traditional performance of the Māori haka the runners were released.
I started out strong and soon noticed there were issues with my shoes. I struggled through and were clear of the 4:00 pace group until the 19km mark. This was a significant stage of the journey as I was mindful of a steep incline prior to the half way point. Following successfully scaling the largest hill on the course I made the move to take some time out to adjust my shoes and relace my shoes in an attempt to improve circulation.
There were ongoing issues with the shoes and a general feeling of tightness that may well have been associated with the long drive from Auckland and the lack of proper stretching prior to setting out on the great NZ adventure.
I was looking to pace myself through the event and conserve as much energy as possible and this was made a little easier with the water stations having sports drink and water only available in cups making it challenging to keep running and maintain fluids! It was great to see competitors mention that they had seen me at previous events in Canberra and on the Gold Coast. The alarm bells rang when I spotted the 4:30 pace group surge past me around the 38km mark and I made an effort to keep the group in sight ...
As we approached the final stages there were a number of familiar faces in front that had been sighted throughout the race and fortunately the Rocky Balboa tunes on my iPod provided that little extra inspiration to come home strong and put the pain to one side. I made a strong sprint towards the finish line and crossed the tape in 4:28!
This sure was a great experience that proved the best results will be achieved with thorough training and preparation, muscular balance, race ready shoes, correct pre race and race nutrition and massive commitment and dedication ... In the end I was very pleased to have achieved another international marathon. It was now time to celebrate my Birthday :-)
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Canberra Marathon
Well following a limited training schedule over the last month that included a number of visits to the physiotherapist, sports massage sessions and the ongoing search for new runners.
Having tracked down the latest New Balance 850 runners with the assistance of Footpoint in Mosman I was very excited to be taking on my fourth marathon in four months in Canberra.
This would be the first marathon challenge in Canberra and would also be significant to return to a former home. I spent three formative years in the nations capital between 1991-1993 studying my first degree at the Australian National University.
I signed up for the Canberra Marathon late Saturday afternoon after a relaxing drive south from Sydney and then into Manuka for a pasta meal and early evening. The next morning I headed out for a early start to hit the streets of Canberra. It turned out to be a much larger field than expected with more than 1,100 competitors and many people clearly making the jounrney down from Sydney for the Sunday morning run.
I was conscious of the ankle injury sustained during the opening stages of the Six Foot Track Marathon and also very aware of the major marathon schedule ahead in May across Australia and New Zealand.
I spotted my good friend Stephen Jackson who managed to provide a little inspiration in the early stages where I pushed it a little harder to the point where I felt the left ankle so made the decision to not push it along too hard. I did start hard as ususal coming in under 55 minutes for the opening 10km. I then passed the 20km mark in just under 2 hours and it was not too long before the 4 hour pace group passed me.
The real pain had well and truly set in when the 4:15 group passed by and although the group leader attempted to raise my spirits and inspire me home around the 33km stage there was not much left in the tank to push along at the required speed. In the end there were a number of people going down with injuries and I was focused on seeing it through to the end.
As I approached the home stretch a friend Craig Bulmer ran side by side with me for around 500 metres to provide great support to see me take it home in 4:21:13. I woulls like to send out a big thank you to Kevin McCathy, New Balance, Andrew Taylor from Footpoint in Mosman and Susie Harrison ...
Now I will be focused on ensuring I have the right shoes and also working on the ankle recovery for the big month of May ahead with the Lion Foundation Rotorua Marathon on my birthday 2nd May, Sydney Half Marathon mid May and then Christchurch Marathon on 31st May. Hope to see you there :-)
Having tracked down the latest New Balance 850 runners with the assistance of Footpoint in Mosman I was very excited to be taking on my fourth marathon in four months in Canberra.
This would be the first marathon challenge in Canberra and would also be significant to return to a former home. I spent three formative years in the nations capital between 1991-1993 studying my first degree at the Australian National University.
I signed up for the Canberra Marathon late Saturday afternoon after a relaxing drive south from Sydney and then into Manuka for a pasta meal and early evening. The next morning I headed out for a early start to hit the streets of Canberra. It turned out to be a much larger field than expected with more than 1,100 competitors and many people clearly making the jounrney down from Sydney for the Sunday morning run.
I was conscious of the ankle injury sustained during the opening stages of the Six Foot Track Marathon and also very aware of the major marathon schedule ahead in May across Australia and New Zealand.
I spotted my good friend Stephen Jackson who managed to provide a little inspiration in the early stages where I pushed it a little harder to the point where I felt the left ankle so made the decision to not push it along too hard. I did start hard as ususal coming in under 55 minutes for the opening 10km. I then passed the 20km mark in just under 2 hours and it was not too long before the 4 hour pace group passed me.
The real pain had well and truly set in when the 4:15 group passed by and although the group leader attempted to raise my spirits and inspire me home around the 33km stage there was not much left in the tank to push along at the required speed. In the end there were a number of people going down with injuries and I was focused on seeing it through to the end.
As I approached the home stretch a friend Craig Bulmer ran side by side with me for around 500 metres to provide great support to see me take it home in 4:21:13. I woulls like to send out a big thank you to Kevin McCathy, New Balance, Andrew Taylor from Footpoint in Mosman and Susie Harrison ...
Now I will be focused on ensuring I have the right shoes and also working on the ankle recovery for the big month of May ahead with the Lion Foundation Rotorua Marathon on my birthday 2nd May, Sydney Half Marathon mid May and then Christchurch Marathon on 31st May. Hope to see you there :-)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Six Foot Track Marathon
The 26th Six Foot Track Marathon started with one of the largest fields in the history of the race with more than 850 competitors.
Set in the beautiful scenic Blue Mountains competitors lined up on the stat line in Katoomba. There were four wave starts and I was pleased to start out in the final wave.
There had been rain overnight and it was important to take it easy on the first kilometer as it was mostly down hill with many small steps and rocks to scale in the wet. Having successfully passed through the first downhill stage I went to overtake a lady in front who moved aside when my left ankle buckled under me and the pain was excruciating with only 1km down. I managed to keep running and hope to run it out when about eight or so runners hauled me in and I could hear them closely following in my footsteps at pace. As I pushed ahead the left ankle again went from under me and buckled badly and the pain was incredible with less than 2km down.
It was now more important than ever to take it easy and pace myself if I was going to survive the remaining 43km adventure. Having trained on much of the track previously I was prepared for much of what was ahead and paced it out with the goal now simply to make it home prior to the 7 hour cut off mark. The terrain was some of the toughest since the Sahara Desert almost a year ago with never ending steep mountains going straight up and down, creek crossings, large rocks, bushes and the rain making it even more slippery under foot!
The significant landmark of the water crossing presented a clear choice for runners to cross through the creek in water chest high or take the dry option over a fallen tree and across rocks. Having taken the dry option it was surprising to see the number of people crossing straight through the river! I reached the water crossing check point in 01:48:59.
I did not acknowledge the ankle at all and was making steady progress until around the 20km stage where I made the call to take my first salt tablet so as to help with potential cramping and hopefully this would enable me to stretch out a little! Having previously taken salt tablets that worked well for some reason today was like no other with the onset of cramping only starting after taking the salt tablets. Still no explanation for this new phenomenon!
I originally started out with my good mate Markus Schar and soon realised that I would not be seeing him again until crossing the finish line. I spent the entire race solo other than the rare moments briefly chatting at the drinking stations, walking side by side some competitors or making brief comments in passing traffic. It was clear I was in pain as the race continued with one runner offering salt tablets to help out and then another offering Panadol. Thankfully I remembered I had Panadol on me and I popped three tablets with 7km remaining to help me through the final moments.
The rain started coming down heavily over the final kilometers to increase the level of difficulty. It was such a massive relief to hear the crowds roar as we approached the finish line in the Jenolan Caves and to know that I had actually made it across the line in under 7 hours was a significant personal achievement and one to be immensely proud.
Finish time 06:49:21
Net time 06:49:07
Although a very painful test through the Blue Mountains - today had been a true test of character and a gutsy performance to remember for life!
The ankle blow up on the other hand was not pretty at all and with the x-rays thankfully clearing me of any more serious damage there is no doubt that it may be best to get a little well deserved rest and treatment prior to the next challenge ahead...
Set in the beautiful scenic Blue Mountains competitors lined up on the stat line in Katoomba. There were four wave starts and I was pleased to start out in the final wave.
There had been rain overnight and it was important to take it easy on the first kilometer as it was mostly down hill with many small steps and rocks to scale in the wet. Having successfully passed through the first downhill stage I went to overtake a lady in front who moved aside when my left ankle buckled under me and the pain was excruciating with only 1km down. I managed to keep running and hope to run it out when about eight or so runners hauled me in and I could hear them closely following in my footsteps at pace. As I pushed ahead the left ankle again went from under me and buckled badly and the pain was incredible with less than 2km down.
It was now more important than ever to take it easy and pace myself if I was going to survive the remaining 43km adventure. Having trained on much of the track previously I was prepared for much of what was ahead and paced it out with the goal now simply to make it home prior to the 7 hour cut off mark. The terrain was some of the toughest since the Sahara Desert almost a year ago with never ending steep mountains going straight up and down, creek crossings, large rocks, bushes and the rain making it even more slippery under foot!
The significant landmark of the water crossing presented a clear choice for runners to cross through the creek in water chest high or take the dry option over a fallen tree and across rocks. Having taken the dry option it was surprising to see the number of people crossing straight through the river! I reached the water crossing check point in 01:48:59.
I did not acknowledge the ankle at all and was making steady progress until around the 20km stage where I made the call to take my first salt tablet so as to help with potential cramping and hopefully this would enable me to stretch out a little! Having previously taken salt tablets that worked well for some reason today was like no other with the onset of cramping only starting after taking the salt tablets. Still no explanation for this new phenomenon!
I originally started out with my good mate Markus Schar and soon realised that I would not be seeing him again until crossing the finish line. I spent the entire race solo other than the rare moments briefly chatting at the drinking stations, walking side by side some competitors or making brief comments in passing traffic. It was clear I was in pain as the race continued with one runner offering salt tablets to help out and then another offering Panadol. Thankfully I remembered I had Panadol on me and I popped three tablets with 7km remaining to help me through the final moments.
The rain started coming down heavily over the final kilometers to increase the level of difficulty. It was such a massive relief to hear the crowds roar as we approached the finish line in the Jenolan Caves and to know that I had actually made it across the line in under 7 hours was a significant personal achievement and one to be immensely proud.
Finish time 06:49:21
Net time 06:49:07
Although a very painful test through the Blue Mountains - today had been a true test of character and a gutsy performance to remember for life!
The ankle blow up on the other hand was not pretty at all and with the x-rays thankfully clearing me of any more serious damage there is no doubt that it may be best to get a little well deserved rest and treatment prior to the next challenge ahead...
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Buller Gorge Marathon - New Zealand
The Buller Gorge Marathon was one of the most beautiful scenic courses in the world. There were thousands waiting to start the Half Marathon with the Marathon number much smaller and a number of people participating in a four team relay. This proved to be a great initiative with the relay runners and the support crew providing a little colour and extra motivtion.
With the race starting on the mountain I headed out of the gates way too fast after the start call was issued only a minute after joining the fellow runners on the line. The first 10km was way too fast completed in 43 mins and this set the tune for a tough race ahead with the temperatures increasing and no protection from the sun I continued to pick up a water bottle and sponge at every opportunity and only stretched out to run free in the final 2km to the line in Westport. There were times that I felt a little light headed due to the heat and the fast start so I was conscious to pace myself through this and come home as strong as possible.
In the end I managed a credible time of 4:03:53 with the course proving to be quite challenging with a number of inclines throughout. After congratulating a number of fellow runners across the line I was greeted by a reporter to be interviewed for a article with the race sponsors and then a live radio interview broadcast on Coast FM!
Following a quick shower, I headed out for the return four hour drive across the scenic Lewis Pass to Christchurch to find a motel and relax to watch the first Super 14 Rugby game of the season with the Waratahs defeating the Hurricanes in Wellington.
With the race starting on the mountain I headed out of the gates way too fast after the start call was issued only a minute after joining the fellow runners on the line. The first 10km was way too fast completed in 43 mins and this set the tune for a tough race ahead with the temperatures increasing and no protection from the sun I continued to pick up a water bottle and sponge at every opportunity and only stretched out to run free in the final 2km to the line in Westport. There were times that I felt a little light headed due to the heat and the fast start so I was conscious to pace myself through this and come home as strong as possible.
In the end I managed a credible time of 4:03:53 with the course proving to be quite challenging with a number of inclines throughout. After congratulating a number of fellow runners across the line I was greeted by a reporter to be interviewed for a article with the race sponsors and then a live radio interview broadcast on Coast FM!
Following a quick shower, I headed out for the return four hour drive across the scenic Lewis Pass to Christchurch to find a motel and relax to watch the first Super 14 Rugby game of the season with the Waratahs defeating the Hurricanes in Wellington.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Buller Gorge Marathon Preview
The next marathon event will see the Marathon Man once again continue the international adventures this time for the first time in New Zealand with the Buller Gorge Marathon.
Taking place on Valentines Day Saturday 14th February the Buller Gorge Marathon will be a great adventure with the drive across from Christchurch apparently some of the most incredible scenery in the world.
Wish me luck :-)
Taking place on Valentines Day Saturday 14th February the Buller Gorge Marathon will be a great adventure with the drive across from Christchurch apparently some of the most incredible scenery in the world.
Wish me luck :-)
Monday, January 5, 2009
Cadbury Hobart Marathon
The Cadbury Marathon in Hobart was the setting for the first marathon of the New Year. The morning was absolutely perfect with a beautiful 22 degree day and cool conditions!
Prior to the start of the Marathon I was interviewed by ABC News on my latest plans for 2009 with this to later to be featured on the ABC Tasmania News along with further running footage screened on WIN and Prime News.
The course was very scenic and there was a real country feel for this event with smoke billowing from the chimneys in the homes when passing by and the lake glistening in the morning sunlight.
The challenge faced by many marathon runners the world over proved to be in managing to control the urge to stop and head to the toilet early in the run. Fortunately this was not necessary ...
There really was a very friendly atmosphere amongst all runners with extra support provided by the Half Marathon runners on the first half of the course providing a little more motivation and encouragement. It was great to see the race favourite Dave Criniti from Sydney streaking away with the race and eventually finish up in front crossing the tape in 2:29.55.
The small field managed, race preparation, rest and the favourable course laid the foundation for me coming home to record a new Personal Best and the first sub 4 hour marathon time of 3:58:39! Yippee :-)
It was a real highlight handing out the medals at the end of the race to all the winners during the day! I would like to send a big thank you to Richard Welsh the race organiser who was very generous and extremely kind in going above and beyond to make the experience in Hobart first class ...
Following the marathon I returned to the motel to recover and prepare for a very early start the next morning to make the 6am flight and head straight back to the office in Sydney.
On arrival into Sydney Airport to start work early Monday morning, I was fortunate to have a radio interview with Tony Briscoe from Heart FM 107.3 following the article featured in the Mercury Newspaper.
Prior to the start of the Marathon I was interviewed by ABC News on my latest plans for 2009 with this to later to be featured on the ABC Tasmania News along with further running footage screened on WIN and Prime News.
The course was very scenic and there was a real country feel for this event with smoke billowing from the chimneys in the homes when passing by and the lake glistening in the morning sunlight.
The challenge faced by many marathon runners the world over proved to be in managing to control the urge to stop and head to the toilet early in the run. Fortunately this was not necessary ...
There really was a very friendly atmosphere amongst all runners with extra support provided by the Half Marathon runners on the first half of the course providing a little more motivation and encouragement. It was great to see the race favourite Dave Criniti from Sydney streaking away with the race and eventually finish up in front crossing the tape in 2:29.55.
The small field managed, race preparation, rest and the favourable course laid the foundation for me coming home to record a new Personal Best and the first sub 4 hour marathon time of 3:58:39! Yippee :-)
It was a real highlight handing out the medals at the end of the race to all the winners during the day! I would like to send a big thank you to Richard Welsh the race organiser who was very generous and extremely kind in going above and beyond to make the experience in Hobart first class ...
Following the marathon I returned to the motel to recover and prepare for a very early start the next morning to make the 6am flight and head straight back to the office in Sydney.
On arrival into Sydney Airport to start work early Monday morning, I was fortunate to have a radio interview with Tony Briscoe from Heart FM 107.3 following the article featured in the Mercury Newspaper.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Holiday Season Training
Seasons Greetings!
The Christmas Day magic run from Rose Bay to Bondi Beach and along the coast to Coogee was magic with dolphins sighted off the heads around Bondi Beach being a real highlight.
The next day was a light run and it is the little moments that really are to be appreciated with a little butterflies following me for what seemed like more than 500m on Boxing Day.
In preparation for a very exciting New Year, I decided to spend a quiet New Year's Eve watching "The Running Man" on DVD with the focus now well and truly on the first marathon for 2009 in Tasmania on January 4th. Bring it on ...
Let's make 2009 a awesome year filled with many magic moments, happiness and health!
The Christmas Day magic run from Rose Bay to Bondi Beach and along the coast to Coogee was magic with dolphins sighted off the heads around Bondi Beach being a real highlight.
The next day was a light run and it is the little moments that really are to be appreciated with a little butterflies following me for what seemed like more than 500m on Boxing Day.
In preparation for a very exciting New Year, I decided to spend a quiet New Year's Eve watching "The Running Man" on DVD with the focus now well and truly on the first marathon for 2009 in Tasmania on January 4th. Bring it on ...
Let's make 2009 a awesome year filled with many magic moments, happiness and health!
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