Two Bays Trail Marathon

The race start for the majority of competitors taking on the 28km course was first away from 7am before the 56km and second wave 28km start group that was to get away fifteen minutes later.

The start of the course was a steep climb of over 2km on a winding road up to the start of the Two Bays Trail with the climb continuing on the trail to the very top of Arthurs Seat. The weather conditions were perfect for running as it was overcast and cool for the first 5 hours.

In the approach to the half way mark or the finish line for many there were a number runners hot footing it behind me making it a little unnerving and it was at this time that I was to take a pretty bad fall at the 24km mark.

A little ruffled I continued on and was even more conscious to keep my eyes firmly fixed on the ground so as to not lose my footing again when - "smack" a low lying tree that had fallen across the track came into contact with my head. WOW! Did this hurt ... Not only did I have a headache for a little while after this but my favourite Rudy Project sunglasses that were resting nicely on my cap were completely smashed!

I continued on to the 28km with many runners continuing to the finish and with some runners on the way back very nice in passing on support and a few others who were more interested in smashing past you ... This poor form really is not appreciated guys! I seriously understand what it is like to be in the zone though sometimes you have to really wonder. It was great to make it to the half way point under the 3:30 target arriving in just over 3:20 before heading back to the start.

There were a number of magic times along the return course when surrounded by butterflies to keep me company. With the terrain challenging and the weather heating up, I did get a little dehydrated as I had been relying primarily on a hydration pack to see me home without taking any time to stop at the drink stations. Mistake!

I was powering along at the 7km to go mark and swept past two competitors who made the drinks stop only to charge across and then slow to a crawl at the start of the more than 1km climb straight up a crazy mountain that would zap any last remaining power. After the seemingly never ending climb and the concentrated downwards focus I found myself having arrived in the middle of the forest with no track markers in sight - after a few cooees and attempting another track I was clearly out of my mind and not thinking straight. I eventually made a call to the Race Director Rohan Day and was soon back on track. It was not too much longer before I missed another turn and a couple running behind me reassured me I was going in the right direction before a crew member then directed us all back on track. It was later to be discovered that the two key areas on the return leg were also missed by a number of competitors. Maybe a good reason to have these two key turns crewed next year as it is pretty challenging to have to think more than putting one foot in front of the other at this stage of the adventure.

It was great relief to finally kiss the Two Bays Trail goodbye and start the run home downhill towards the finish line with the orange fluro flags replaced by orange fluro cones along the road. The sight of the ocean was beautiful and the finish line even sweeter. On crossing the line I was soon on my way back to Melbourne Airport to be ready for returning to work the next morning. The 56km course may well have ended up closer to 60km in the end although it was a great adventure for my first ultra marathon in Victoria.

2011 - Marathon Man Race Plans

Well here we go again all ready to embark on another exciting year ahead.

In preparation for the adventures ahead I am now looking at the following confirmed race plans for 2011:

January 2011
Two Bays Trail Marathon
Mornington Peninsula

March 2011
Siz Foot Track Marathon
Blue Mountains

April 2011
Canberra Times Marathon
Canberra

July 2011
Gold Coast Marathon
Gold Coast

September 2011
Sydney Marathon
Sydney

October 2011
Melbourne Marathon
Melbourne

Auckland Marathon
Auckland

This schedule is likely to change with one major ultra marathon project planned for the year and a number of other exciting events set to spring up - Watch this space for further news!

It would be awesome to meet up with you during the year ahead.

All the best for a very happy, healthy and successful year.

Happy running in 2011 :-)

Hello 2011 - New Years Day Run

It was a great start to the year following a magic New Year's Eve at the Sydney Opera House and there could be no better way to celebrate the start of a new decade than by embarking on a 30km run from Centennial Park to Manly Beach!

There were still a number of people working hard to bring down the security barriers and structures mid morning around the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Sydney Opera House from the largest night of the year.

It was no great surprise to see a number of people walking a little slower taking in the incredible scenery. This did prove a little challenging to pass safely across the Harbour Bridge with people lined across the walkway.

The weather proved to be increasingly warm and energy sapping between the Milsons Point and Military Road with no coastal breeze. It was the perfect beach weather and the enticement of the eventual lunch and swim planned for Palm Beach later in the day made the run to the beach a little easier.

It was great to arrive at Manly Beach and see thousands of people taking advantage of the beautiful day. Following a very rewarding journey it was time to enjoy a relaxing afternoon picnic on Palm Beach and a swim.

Hello 2011 - Live Life to the Fullest Every Day!