Auckland Marathon 2009: The Marathon that was not meant to be

I was thinking since last year I wanted to visit New Zealand that year but It just did not materialize to some reason. And I thought maybe this year 2009 I can wing it if I plan early. I wanted to go beacuse it is just near Australia and i have relatives their and cousins staying there. Until a good opportunity came when fares to NZ came half the price so I thought maybe I should go. I looked at the running calendar and thought maybe I can run the Auckland Marathon at the same time and schedule my flights at that time. Checked my work schedule and I did not have any concrete assignment on the week of the Marathon weekend. Yet when I went to the Auckland Marathon’s website entries for Marathon and Half Marathon is already closed. But then in Coolrunning website, I saw Lee Baker, a runner mate saying entries are still open for international runners. So I emailed the event organizer if I can register for the Marathon on November 2, 2009 as an International runner. Immediately I was replied by them saying It is still open but fast closing. This is less than 5 months before November. I registered and I applied for a Visa. An which I was required to already book my tickets, which I did and went back on my Visa application. Came back 2 days after to receive multiple entries to New Zealand for a year. Which I am glad. It has been a month after the 2nd marathon I have done, and I thought November is just enough for me to recover and train for the next Marathon. I was excited. In June, two consecutive weekends after each other in Dolls Point and Hunter Valley Half Marathon I got ITBS. I was still having high hopes of recovering before November. I slowed down my training and picked up again starting on the week of City to Surf. I wasn’t quite recovered, ButI was still running races but just for fun. My original injury of ITBS in my right leg was recovered totally yet my left leg came next. It was frustrating. a months and a Half very frustratingly I know I will not be able to catch up on training in a month and a half for a marathon. I did have to pull out, and decided to downgrade to half marathon. It was already too late to back out I paid my tickets and registration so I might as well just go. Terry who was keen in doing his first half marathon said he will run and come with me to NZ. I know I would be able to run a half marathon. I emailed the organizer again telling them I got injured and I would like to request to downgrade to half marathon. Rules was clearly stated Marathon Runners can not downgrade to half marathon but Half Marathon registrants can upgrade to full marathon. Yet they were so accomodating and excused me sinec I was an international runner, not even have to tell them I already booked my flights, that they would arrange my registration to half marathon. From that time on, revolting but I had to move on and train for a half marathon distance. It was not easy as the ITBS was still there, work schedule was getting out of hand that the week I was suppose to do my long runs I wasn’t able to due to working day and nights. It was frustrating and I was wisihing I would be able to get a finish time of 1:50.

Event expo

Arrived in Auckland on the 30th of October and Picked our bibs on the 1st. Instead of getting finisher medals we get adidas, who is the major sponsor of the event, shirts. It is a little bit big for me but it was ok. Had a little lookaround of the city that day and went back to the hotel for an early rest.

Woke up at 400 as we need to walk to the Ferry terminals that will take us to the start in Devonport which is 15 minutes ferry ride from the city. Also an unexpected thing happened but which usually does whenever I have big race, the red flag came up! bugger and it was cold and I was having cramps which is not really great.

Got in Devornport at 530. We start at 6:45. While i was on queue to the dunnies, I saw a runner with a Philippine flag sticker stuck on his shirt and I said Hi. His name is Leo Vidallon I did not get his last name and he was running the alf marathon.

At Devonport, Auckland city in the backdrop

It is my first time to visit New Zealand, we read that weather before heading to the country and prepared for long sleeved shirts. It was a winter weather when we arrived there. I wanted still to wear my bra top and my shorts in the race. Yet I did have to wear my leggings and long sleeved shirt. Until 40 minutes before the start we decided to shed off our clothing. Toilet queues were long that we needed to find and be resourceful and take a leak somewhere!

We dropped our bags in the cages, which the NZ post does take the bags to the finish line, we proceeded to the start line and huddled amongst the people which is helpful and kept as warmer. And at 6:45 we were off. almost 3 minutes we were just standing there after the gunstart before the crowd really started to move and run.

We ran amongst the residential area of Devonport and the roads were partially closed. I had 4 GUs in my pocket and took a V shot before the race.

Wow the route was hilly. Undulating small hills after another. We were told by Michelle Warren, a fellow Woodstock, that the course is hilly when you reach the climb to the harbor bridge. It wasn’t. Even before the bridge, there were already hills!

I was running okey not until we reached the bridge where I had to walk and run twice and Terry decided to take off ahead of me. It caught up with the few runners who overtook me when I did my walks and just kept on running. At the turn around underthe bridge, I saw a runner with a YMCA singlet and I paced with him and he was being a good motivator to the runners, encouraging the walkers to run and finish the run. He went ahead by 18th Kilometer. I started encouarging walkers too and at the 19th kilometer I can feel my quads cramping. I wanted to walk and I thought it is embarassing to do so after having encouraging runners to run!

I kept on running carrying my legs, i mean dragging maybe. We saw the markers the day before wehn we picked the race pack and I know the finish was almost here but the route just kept on going! I was buggered and tired. I know i am already beyond 1:50.

Finally I can see the Finish line I tried to run quickly looking at the clock 1:55:30 … crossed the mat at 1:55:35. taking 3 minutes out, more or less I would have made it at 1:52 minutes.

I was very frustrated at my run being it slow. Then at the end of the day I am happy, It was faster than my first half marathon time and far faster than my worst half marathon in hunter valley.

Warming down at the Recovery area

I was glad I wasn’t running the marathon as it was hilly. I do not know if I would run the full Marathon here one day, who knows.

Event: Adidas Auckland Marathon 2009
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Distance: 21.1 Km
Time: 1:52:17

Results

Interested bout the travel to NZ? read here

A Dozen Woodstock in World Masters Games 2009

Write up will be updated of results every now and then if possible and availability
Athletics Results found here

Twelve from Woodstock Runners and Walkers will participate and compete at the World Master’s Games 2009 that will be held here in Sydney.  The World Master’s Games is held on October 10-18 that is participated by more than 28, 000 competitors around 95 countries competing in 28 sports events.

The 12 club members are:

Lorraine Spanton – 10k and Half Marathon
One of the Best 2009 performance: 1.43.55 21.1 KM Gold Coast Marathon 2009
Age category: 55-59

Rick Collins -  10k (11/10/2009:46:02) and Half Marathon (18/10/2009 1:48:10)
Latest best performance:  147:27, 21.1 KM Sydney Marathon 2009
Age Category: 60-69
More about Rick

Linda Barwick - 10k (11/10/2009: 52:26 6thW55)
Best latest performance:  Sydney Striders, Lane Cove 10 KM 51:58 5:12
Age category: 55-59
More about Linda

Dot Siepmann – 800m(3:37:38 3rd W65), 5000m (26:14 3rd W65), 8k cross country(44.29 (2nd W65)), 10k (53:01 update 11/10/2009-Silver) and Half Marathon (18/10/2009 2:04:16 2nd W65)
Best latest performance: 10 KM Australian Masters Championships 53:16
Age Category: 60-69
Watch out! She has finished a Marathon at 3:28:17!
Age category: 60-69
More about Dot

Deidre Stewart 10k and Half Marathon
Best latest performance: 21.1 KM Gold Coast Marathon 1:47:13
Age category: 45-54

Jeff Morunga – Half Marathon (18/10/2009 2:13:35)
Latest best performance: Fishers Ghost Fun run 10KM 52:08
Age category: 50-55
Trivia: 51 Marathons

Brian Ogilwy – 10k and Half Marathon
Latest best performance:  48:42 Sydney Striders 10Km series, Homebush
Age Category: 65-69

John Murray – swimming events
Latest best performance: Sydney Corporate Cup, 6Km 26:05
Age Category: 40-49

Kazuaki Takahashi – 10KM (11/10/2009: 37.52 (5th M55)) and Half Marathon (18/10/2009 1:23:51)
Latest Best performance: 14 Km City to Surf 52:57 (best 49:xx!!)
Age Category: 55-59

Kerry Bray – 5000m(26:11 2nd W65), 8k cross country, 10k (11/10/2009: 61.06 (8th W65)) and Half Marathon
Latest best performance: 2:09:21 Sydney Marathon 21.1 Km
Age Category: 65-69

Luana Ferrara 10k (11/10/2009: 59.36)
Latest performance: Great Nosh 15 Km 2:07:21

Susan Murray- 10K (43.45 (5th W45)), 8K Cross Country(34.56 (2nd W45)), Cycling Time Trial
Latest best performance: Bay run 7Km 31:17
Watch out! 14th Age category World Triathlon 2009 Gold coast

The games theme is “fit, fun and forever young”.

Kerry, on our latest Woodstock rundown wrote an article about the World masters 2009, click here for more.

I did try to search for fellow Filipino on the games amongst the 28, 000 list in the 170 pages of competitors, unfortunately I am not able to find one .  Thinking bout it its bit dear 220 plus accomodation and plane ride .

This event is worth watching.  The oldest competitor would be 101 Years old! and master athletes who competed in past olympics re-visting their games.  Note that the games showcase almost all Olympic games!

More information about the 2009 World Master’s games can be found here.

Good luck to the Woodstock and to all the competitors and hoping for good results!

Woodstock Off to Commonwealth World Championships

Tomorrow, 15th of September 2009, one of our best mates in Woodstock, Brendan Davies is off to Keswick, Cumbria, England to represent Australia on the Commonwealth World Championships.

He will be running the 100KM event of this sporting event.

Brendan has been chosen to run this event by the Australia Ultra Running Association (AURA) when he won his 1st 100KM overnighter at Narabeen last January 10, 2009 with a time of 8:07:16.

The Woodstock Running Club is very proud to have such a dedicated runner like him who is there just not to win for himself but by emcouraging and motivating other runners in improving their times and getting out to get fit.

Two weeks ago, the Woodstock Runners – organized by Thalia Anthony, held a Pizza Fund Raiser night for Brendan’s trip to England.  Which was very much participated by his Family and friends.  Also his trip was sponsored by the Woodstock and funds raised by the chocolates by Tristan Iseli, another Woodstock mate.

In Brendan’s thank you email on the fundraiser night, he said: “When I received the phone call from AURA that I had been selected, the honour of representing my country was the last thing really on my mind. That’s not why I run, not for recognition or anything like that, it’s because it’s something I enjoy doing and something that I enjoy pushing myself to achieve in, a bit like a personal challenge. Yet since I’ve told people about it, you have made me realise that in fact it is an real honour and privilege to be selected and it is the opportunity of a lifetime. So thank you for that. I hope along the way, and I know I have tried, to be as encouraging and supportive in your pursuits, whether they be running or anything else in your  life as well….
:
:
I wlll be doing my absolute best in England, I have trained well, put time into preparation, and am tweaking my strategy so I stick to it! I can honestly say I am the fittest I have ever been so all going well,  I will hopefully put in a good performance. But one thing I can honestly say is that when it hurts, when the kilometres are taking more and more time to complete, when my body is aching and crying out to stop and the chair is the temptation, I will have plenty of memories to spur me on; your kind words and thoughts replaying in my mind to motivate me and keep me positive and strong. This is the real support. I know it is real because I felt it and will be calling on it when I reach the 75km mark no doubt!“

For the record, Woodstock is proud to send two runners for the event.  Brendan will be joined by our newly joined Woodstock member Tim Cochrane on the same distance event.

We can follow the race which will be held on the 19^th starting at 8am English time, (5pm on Saturday GMT+10).

The official website is http://www.cumbriacommonwealthchampionships.org/index.htm

The Coolrunning thread where there may be some discussion and updates is here: http://www.coolrunning.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=24510&hl=commonwealth

Tristan and Tami giving Brendan Goodluck hugs after the Bridge to bridge, Brendan won 3rd outright

Go Woodstockers! Bring home the Gold!

R4yL June’July Issue Philippines

June and July period is almost over and I haven’t published this blog yet!

Now I can say I am bludging and able to get this done.  And the August September Issue is out of the magazine I was wanting to write about.

First time I heard from Brendan that the Australian Running Magazine, Run 4 Your Life featured Philippines as a running destination I was excited to read the article and get a copy of the magazine.  I was looking around but I can’t get one.  I contacted Brendan a few times If i can borrow his copy but Either he or me forgets about it.
write about.

Finally 3 weeks ago, I am able to get hold of one.  And well because i have been busy It is just now that I am able to share the delight to see that my country was featured on a foreign running mag!  Here it is (Click on the 2nd and 3rd image to read the article):

Also surprised that they referred to bullrunner’s link on the King of The Road event.

This is good publicity.  Although I find Boracay overrated.  It is a nice place to go, but There are a lot more than just Boracay to Philippines.  Its 7107 islands! and there are a lot of running routes that can be done here.

Lawler Partners Winery Running Festival

The Woodstock mates and I arrived at Cessnok Friday evening where we were picked up at Central Coast.  We arrived earlier compared to the road trip we had at Mcleay River.  So we had enough rest before the our respective races on Sunday.

Madison WInery- Settler's cottage, The Woodstock Shack

The Lawler Partners Winery Running Festival running event is organized by H Events and is held at Australia’s famous Wineries in Hunter Valley.  This idea was derived from a similar event in France the organizers read and they thought it is a good idea to have one in Australia.

The group is well spread on the different events of the festival.  We were participating in the 6.25 walk/run event, Sissi, 10KM, Martin and Terry, Half Marathon, Bronwyn, Michelle, and Me and Marathon, Brendan and Anthony.

Event Expo at the Gardens

After a half a day wine tasting on some of the wineries, a cheese stop and a barbi lunch at the cottage we rented, we headed back to the Gardens to collect our race packs.  We saw Michelle, running the half marathon and  Anna, running the marathon and Tom at the event expo.

mm the Vineyards!

Everybody was happy except for a lil glitch in Bronwyn and my race packs.  Since we were running the 2-man Marathon team, we did not have any shirts in our pack so I did have to tell one of the desks about it.  We registered early and I even corrected the race organizer for lacking two fields for the team form online for shirt size for the 2nd memebr of the team.

He acknowledged the correction and phoned me and told me its all sorted out.  Yet when we inquired about it they said we registered late the reason we did not have shirt which is not the case.  It was not big a deal about the event shirt its just they should have been more organized, specially if the organizer has personally phoned me.  A bit irritated the lady at the desk says come back tomorrow as we might have free extra shirts after.  After doing the right instructions I think being treated that way is not fair, its a good thing the organizer Paul was there personally and heard the lil commottion and we explained and remembered the team Woodstock and he easily arranged it.

We had early night dinner of carbs for the race preparation.  Pasta, bread, salad, chips, cheese, wine, beer.  We were joined by Michelle who was staying on a different hotel and Phil and his family.  It was a wonderful dinner, then retired to bed early at 11.  Race starts at 8am for the marathon and we are just 10 minutes drive away from the start.  All were all discplined and made sure that there is no getting drunk on that night before.  And made sure we were all hydrated.

The marathon men, Brendan and Anthony went ahead as we, the shorter distance runners left the cottage later enough time to watch the marathon take off from the start.

Marathon Runners

Bronwyn drove the rest of the team at the start area, and we were already 1/4 away from the cottage i remembered that I forgot my Voltaren and my GUs!!! Of course I did not say this until we got into the race start, not the Voltaren at least.  I kept mum about the GU hoping I will pull through without it.  I did a warm up jog after hitting the portaloos to look for the first aid tent for voltaren, however there is none.  Sweeped the tents too for energy gels however there is none too! just my luck.  I never learn about preparation.

At 800 the Marathon participants started, and at 830 the half marathon started.  I kept reminding myself to run at my won pace and look after myself after that knee pains from last weekend’s race at Sri Chinmoy.  I knew this weekend I wasnt 100 percent in running form.  However I did not want to let my team and my team mate down.  I think I would be able to pull up and finish it, at least a sub 1 hour 50 mins was still ambitiuos.

I was doing well not until a few more meters after the “The Pepper” Winery, where the one big hill is found.  A long hill that makes you thank the marathon gods you are not running the full marathon.  At that last few meters of that hill I started to run, I can feel my calves burning and my knee niggle starting to act up (I drunk 3 tablets of pain reliever before we left the cottage too)! That was just about 5th Km marker of the race.  I felt upset but I know there is no turning back, I made sure my walk should not be longer than a minute.  A walk-run-walk-run routine was done.

Running through the vinyards, on the dirt, on the bitumen on grass, in between vinyards, was enjoyable with nice sunny weather despite my walking.  Not until I felt real pain on my right knees on the 11th KM approximately.  I knew that the pain relievers were wearing off.  I was really going slow, I saw the marathon runners on their way to finish their first lap.  I was waiting for Bronwyn to pass, no sign of Bronwyn.  I was looking and counting bibs that of the same color as mine, there’s not much.

The route

At last the the turn around point going to the last 10++Kms.  It was loose dirt road.  And inclines till the end of the stretch.  The inclines are making me more suffer.  And strong cold head win coming towards the runners.  I did not like it, It is making me more cramp the cold winds, and my knees are now really killing me.  I started to walk longer. And I run when someone passes me trying to at least keep up, but it is too paindful I was grunting and moaning in pain! I know by tha time my team mate have already have finished her run.

My Team mate-Speed Bronbon

I started to feel really bad that this is the slowest run I had when you see unfit participants going past me and I know I can do better than this!! I was passed by Rachel of Coolrunning who uses me as benchmark in some run.  At 7 Km I was thinking 1 more bay run that is not too long to finish.  I decided I will never make it sub 1:50 so I hope to make at least a sub 2 hours or run walk run walk.  At last 4th KM I was walking, then Sydney Strider Joyce Lam, cheered me “Go Woodstock Runner” which I think help me as she “picked me up” along the way.  So I told my self keep up running with them and jog till the finish, still I can not.  This is ridiculous.

And on our way back, we can hear the announcements, up the Broke road with one last bit of a hill to the finish, I was running yet the pain just worsens on climbing and going down hills.  Few more meters of the hill and I was on top, I can see the finish!

downhill really did not help the pain!

Last few hundered meters and take the pain, which I did, tried to speed on the last bit to the finish chute, unluckily I did not make my sub 2 hours, although I am still happy it was over a minute over of two hours and having been in pain and finished the race.

Painful finish! - 2:00:17

I was asked, did I ever thought of pulling out? The option was there but I never thought of doing it.  The only thing in my mind when I wanted to finish the race is not to disappoint my team mate Bronwyn.

After meeting with the gang and few warm-down stretches, we headed back to the chute, greeted Brendan who finished thrid and a PB on a tough course, and went to the 1st aid tent for ice.

Then we were happy to see too for Anna Pilinger, Tristan and Tami’s friend finish 1st on female category on the marathon with a time of 3:24:xx. (I wish I can do a fast time like her!!)

Anna from England

Half of us had a bad run so I am glad I wasn’t being a whimp.  So with my team mate, she did not like the run herself.

Okey, I will stop being hard on myself, not bad time for a knee pain and no GU on a tough course.

I’m such a stubborn runner.  I am committing myself to recovery, this is not ITB I know as it doesn’t hurt anywhere else.  I will recover, pass 2 races, as I wanted to do better times.  Do a faster c2s, 3 weekends to go.

Distance: 21.1 Km
Time: 2:00:17
Location: Cessnock, NSW
Team mate: Bronwyn Hager: 1:38.26
Place: 3:38.40; 1st, Women team, 2 man marathon

Results
42.125 KM
21.1 KM
10 KM
6.25 KM

The group is well spread on the different events of the festival.  We were participating in the 6.25 walk/run event, Sissi, 10KM, Martin and Terry, Half Marathon, Bronwyn, Michelle, and Me and Marathon, Brendan and Anthony.

After a half a day wine tasting on some of the wineries, a cheese stop and a barbi lunch at the cottage we rented, we headed back to the Gardens to collect our race packs.  We saw Michelle, running the half marathon and  Anna, running the marathon and Tom at the event expo.

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Bondi Barefoot Softsand: more than just Conquering my DNF

Last year I swore I will never run in the sand again because I realized I am not made to run in the sand.  I registered a 10KMs and did a DNF.

This year, weeks before the run, with a better attitude I thought of conquering the sands again, and run a route that thought it won its victory over me.  I did register to do this run but of the shorter distance, 4KM over a choice with the Sydney Marathon Clinic at Smithfield.  Thinking I shoudl go back and beat that DNF, and at least try, quitters are never winner you see.  And I am not a quitter, be it in running or in real life.  It is not kind of perfectly battling my DNF since I am doing a shorter distance, at least I’d still go and finish a race on the same course.

Start

This race too, I went alone.  No Woodies as everyone decided to run in Smithfield, and no supporters.   Its is like going to a battle alone, braving something that beat me before! ok stop, its getting too cheesy.  After 3 transfers of public transpo, I arrived early at 815 at the registration.  I got my singlet, white and blue different from the red and black for the 10KM runners, got marked just how they do it with triathletes, however just on the arm instead of bibs and I was 107.

I did my stretching, and warm up jog on the promenade. 10 minutes before the gunshot, i walked to the start as we were starting ahead of the 10KM runners.  As usual, I positioned myself at the end bit of the pack.  I just came here to finish a race and not win it isnt it?

Towards the turn-around

Gunshot.

Mental note: Run on youor own pace, run on the footprints of the runner ahead of you to make it easier.

I am running on barefoot this time.  Last year I did run with my Nike Free part of the distance and on barefoot.  Running with shoes is harder and damages your foot with blisters from sand rubbing against your feet.

5 minutes later or so, I found myself puffed already.  Like running on a hill continously.  Some think that running on sand at the beach is easy.  Nope, not this one.  Its not where the water meets the sand part.  Its the sand closest to the promenade.  The soft powdery, cold, uncompacted sand.  Where your steps sink to the sand.  It has been raining the past week but i am surprised to see that the sand is still dry and uneroded.  I did pass number of runners ahead of me at least.   I was feeling tired and sweaty already from running it seem foever reaching each end point of the the track.

Female Bolters

Then I stuffed.  4 Kms says 4 laps.  So I was on my 2.5rd lap, 27.14 minutes later, lap in terms of how I understand road running.  there’d always be a turnaround point which is not a lap but a lap is when you come back from the start and do another loop. I realized they mean lap in different terms here in the beach.  I saw myself who is only running in white and blue singlet and another one, amongst the red and black.  I looked from my shoulder back, and saw all of the white and blue singlet runners are already done and finished in the race! *swear, beep, beep, &^*@!*

Now I did not want to embarass myself, confuse the offiating volunteers by running against the flow of teh runners, so i told myself run the whole lot and deal with it later.  I was already frustrated and mentally disappointed with myself for having a different thinking of “lap” I could already have finished the race, I’m tired.  To cut the epic short, I crossed the finish line after 6 KMs at 40:59 minutes.  Gawd! because of that it made me look like I am the second slowest runner for a 4 KMs! I did more than what the race is, and I wasn’t willing to do the 10 Kms.

After all the 10Km runners were done running the bolt was held.  This is 70m sprints on the same soft sand course.  I entered myself. Never have done this before.  Well nothing is lost when i loose as there is no extra fee to join.  Its not even humiliating myself, well at least I tried!  So there were 24 female runners on the sprints.  We were divided 12 per go. I was eliminated on the first amongst other 5 runners.  It was fun.  I finished the female’s bolt and went back to the city.

By the way, the money raised in this event is for the use of the Bondi Life saver’s.  Where Bondi is one of the beaches where big number of people get drowned every year in NSW.

Monday, I emailed the secretariat and the organizer on stuffing up my times for my confusion.  I knew, they would know the splits since they had the timing mats whenever we do cross the mats, so it could not even be called cheating.  Plus as a well versed runner will say, in running the only competitor you have is yourself.  I knew it was my mistake for running more but i also know that they could have been a record. (Yes I sound desperate for wanting to have my 4KM time recorded on their sheets! not my 6KM which makes me look bloody sloooow).

However, I am not sure why, but none of them replied to my email. Not even a courtesy email of confirmation reply or a reply of negativity to say it is not possible that they do not know how to fiddle with IT and data so they’ll leave the results as it is and leave my time slow as it remains.   I called the secretariat’s number, no answer so i emailed the event’s organizer of the North Bondi Surf Club today hoping at least he replies.  I’ll give up if he doesn’t.  I’ll take that as No they do not know how to make that happen.  Its a first time to get such reaction to a organized running event.  Compared to a big marathon event like Canberra which I emailed a few times on my registration who emailed me back in hours time, to a Sri Chinmoy Event for not able to run because of an injury and they did refund/carry my payment over the next race, which I think are more bigger events, and last week a mate, Brendan, emailing the SMH organizers for stuffing up the mixed team winners which put Woodstock mix in 4th instead of 2nd instead.

Pros: Difficulty-8, scenery-9, enough water, enough medical standby, lots of free fitness magazines
Cons: No baggage area, Not enough instructions/volunteers, expensive

Anyway, I am done with my ranting, Life is not always a PB , but then at least I am not scared of the sand anymore.  I probably do one again, i doubt doing a Bondi again since I am disapointed with how the organizers react to my email, (I’ll edit this comment not until they email me back!! – okey they emailed me a day after explaining that they are doing their work as voluntary so the are using their spare time to reply).  Maybe I’ll do the Manly instead.  Manly Soft sand will be on June 7, wich is a 1.6, 9 and a half marathon event.  I swear the half marathon would feel like a full marathon! But not this year, as a group of Woodstock will be driving up South West Rocks on that weekend for the River Mcleay Marathon running festival.  Its the Queen’s birthday, and its a long weekend.  I hope it not flooded anymore after two weeks.

Event: Bondi Barefoot Soft sand
Distance: 4Km
Time: 27.11 (5th age category), 40.59 6KM time
Resolved 4KM results
Location: North Bondi, NSW, Australia

Winners
10 KM Results
4 KM Results
Bolt Results

Part 2: Canberra Marathon

On our way to Canberra I remembered I forgot to pack and print the course map, to print my pace splits and breakfast since the Hotel’s kitchen wouldn’t be open yet until later that Sunday, of course.  Before retiring to the room, it has been useful to ask the reception would they know where to get early breakfast as I would need it before this long run tomorrow.  Unfortunately it was already late and the convinience store is on the other side of the bridge that I could not bother to go as i needed to rest.  And the Receptionist remembered he can give me cereals and I got cookies too and that will do for me as that is my normal breakfast anyway.  So its all sorted out and went to bed at 10pm after drinking glasses of water.

Woke up: Set my alarm at 430am calculating it would be enough time for my food to get digested, and enough time for me to go to the loo before the race.  I instead snoozed my alarm and woke up 5 minutes before 5, drank water and ate my breakfast and coffee, showered, applied bencourub on my legs and shoulders and glutes (as the left side still been acting up and I was actually worried) .  I was also worried of getting upset stomach since I was having my period (sorry I needed to post this- it just shows how male and female differ isnt it? I was glad it did come early as scheduled or it would have been on the race day!!). Anyway, I decided to wear my shorts even If I brought my Skin tights with me I thought even if it was cold I will warm up during the run.  Packed 2 GU gels and 1 Gu RocTane in the arm pouch and same number of each in my shorts pockets and 1 tucked in the bra top.  Applied enough Body glide on myself and vaseline on my arms to keep me warm from the cold weather.

Wore my Nike Lunars, they were still soiled and dirty from the last 30KM race I did last month, I did not want to wash them as I am afraid it will wash the good luck on it.  And also wore my 2xU calf compression which I just got a week ago and wore them only once during my taper week.  My polar watch side by side by the white band strip of splits for a 4 hour target.  By 615 we walked towards the event area while started drinking a can of V and we arrived there looking for my fellow Woodstock but they are not there yet not until I saw Brendan, then Martin and Anthony then Thalia.  My support team has my belt bag of bencorub, Panadol, 1 sachets of GU gels as it won’t fit my pockets and the body glide.

Start: We had our own warm ups and stretches and 10 minutes to start we queued to the Start mats.  I was not feeling nervous as I was told to just think of it as another day of long training run with plenty other runners doing it with me.  No pressure.  Gun start exactly at 7am and off we go.  I should be running at this splits as a tip from Stephen Laws, a fellow Woodstock and morning run buddy – “First 10 K should be about 59 Minutes. 30 min first and second 29 min 5 K.  Then average 28 min for the rest which is :    5 K-30 min, 10 K-59 min, 15 K- 1:27 min, 20 K – 1:55 min, 21.1 K -2:01 min (this is a very dangerous distance. If you feel good. Don’t speed up!), 25 K -2:23 min, 30 K -2:51 min, 35 K – 3:19 min (at this point you only have a Bay run to go. This is were you speed up a little or just hang-on!), 40 K 3:47 min, 42.2 3:59 min.  I wrote down the times beside the times in my pace band since the one I got from the expo is a bit faster and Steve’s more conservative, I’d be running my own pace in between their splits as long as I don’t go slower as what Steve gave I will be alright and I know I will make it at 4:00 hour finish.

Before the Start

I also took mental note I should be in between the 3:45 pacer who was wearing a blue balloon and the 4:00 pacer who was wearing a white balloon which I managed to position myself easily after the gun start as I was behind the 400hr pacer.

Runners leaving after the gun start

On the first 800 meters I was running beside this male in Super man costume (super Marathon Man) and we were chatting.  I was suprised for him to know I was running my debut marathon and I said yes and he said you will be alright.  I told him, maybe I might need a lift later on if you fly and he told me it might get the other way around.  In the first two kilometers I was having light stitches on my right which I just kept on massaging and breathing deeply to easen it after the 2nd kilometer I am glad it was gone.

Super Marathon Man

5-10Km: First 5 and 10 Kms was good, slow paced trying not to speed up as recommended and having learned this a lot of times from experience anyway, so I am taking it easy talking to other runners saying Hi and Good mornings while I run beside them.  Funny enough 3 male runners I run with and run past recognized me from running the Sydney Marathon Clinic’s long races last February and March.  It is very appreciated how they’d say you do run well you’ll be fine.

Rick Collins caught up with me too saying Hi and how are you and left telling me, “you’ll see me again later.”  He was aiming for a 4:30 finish.  The weather was good and perfect. cold, fair weather, few northerly winds to keep us cool, glad did not get the head wind the faster runners get.  I was talking to myself, as I did not drive or seen the course before prior the run, and it was not FLAT as they say.  Went up twice the new Parliament house twice and that was a bit of a hill a ramp going up, going up a small bridge and the hill towards and out the foot of Black mountain.  Yes I did not like the sound of the mountain’s name, I’m glad it was a turn around point before the decent.  We did two loops on that course to the mountain where the Half Marathon marker is and same route on the 30th++Kms so you get a preview of what’s coming on the hardest part when you hit the “wall.”

In between I was not getting bored with all the expectator and the scenery and every now and then contniuosly my litany of the Rosary!

Half Marathon Marker: At that first half, Rachael McKinney of Cool Running caught up with me who was aiming for a 3:49 finish and also doing her debut.  That period it was also good to see Brendan then Martin going the other way already and I was cheering their name as they went past by and waved at Thalia who was very well concentrated on her run then Rick and as we did the loop I saw Jeff.  Just after the half Mara marker up the small hill Rachel dropped her lip balm and have to go back for it, I was waiting for her as I know I shouldn’t be running faster than her as she has a faster prediction time as I do.  We ran for a while then suddenly she dropped off, not sure what happened as I was still waiting the whole time even until the last kilometer to just sped up and go past ahead of me but I did not see her.

Before or after the half Marathon marker, Sissi and Martin calling my name out wondering who called out my name!

Cheerers, expectators, supporters:It was amazing running appreciating the crowd and expectators and cheerers around the course which was well scattered which does not make it a dull moment.  It was touching that most of them even if they do not know you would cheer and shout.  I was saying thank you everytime not until in the last few kilometers at 30th plus kilometer I was just sounding my appreciation through my lips because of exhaustion.  There was this lady who wore clothes and have loony music in her sound box telling us we are lunatics which is amusing.  The Cool running community have a very energetic team of cheerers with bells, clappers, pompoms led by Linda Barwick, it kept me smiling everytime I ran past them 4 x.  The Woodstock team who are very well scatterred, Caroline and Bronwyn who kept on walking all through most of the course, Mark O and Mark M with David and Brian, Kerry and her Family and Dot and Terry, Sissi and Martin.  (Wow! It is just now that I realized we did have such a number of support.)  They did really well and I bet it is different when there’s no one to cheer you and call your name in the crowd.

27 Km: Around the 27th Km the third time to see Terry, Sissi and Martin I remembered to get the 1 remaning gel I stuffed in the bag just in case I ran out and feel weak so I stopped and got it from them.

25Th Km, Brian taking a pic of me

Again at 25th KM pic by Brian

27thKM

30Km: I was running alright at the half, and waiting to get into the 30KM as that is where I placed my first personal refreshment of Propel labelled with my bib number and a purple ribbon.  I got there had my drink even I was holding two water sachets in my hand I stuffed the sachets in my Bra top while drinking and jogging.  It was too much to drink and I feel its a waste to throw it and I might need it some time.  It was  heavy so i did have to make a decision of tossing it to the ground after drinking almost half of the contents.

35Km: Next pit stop is the 35 Kms which is somewhere soon that was the route towads the Black mountain for the 2nd time.  On the 32 Km I was waiting for the wall to hit me.  I was still okey.  I was waiting 33, 34, …37 nothing.  In the 35th Km I got my 2nd and last personal drink and grabbed a sachet of water I passed Rick who started to walk by then.  I called out to him and he said he’ll catch up.  I tossed my refreshment bottle still half full as I was plodding with its weight.  At the 38th Km, a few meters before the incline to the bridge I decided to get ready with my next gel took it out of my shorts to stuff it in my bra top and I dropped it!  I did have to go back for it, bend and pick it up.  That hurts! The 3 male runners I ran past passed me while i pick the gel up and slowly pick my pace and my calf started to stiffin my soles stiffin and this can not be! It was painful nearly cramping on both legs.  Psyched my self-and tried to relax, slowly jogged as it was going up the incline, Overtook the 3 runners and gained my old position back, and running side by side with another male runner and by the top of the hill he just stopped.  And I encouraged him to run and he just did not run and started walking.  From the 35Km there more runners who were already started to walk.  Runners who were ahead of me.  I felt I was already jogging but I wasnt walking yet.

38KM: At that 38th KM I was already going down at 6:48 min/Km pace and I am suppose to speed up at this distance imagining the bay run for 4 more kilometers to go.   I already thought I would be way off my 4 hours target at this 6 plus pace.  But it did not bother me, I am few more kilometers to finishing, that is important.   It was becoming more painful in the calf,  hard as brick as i NEEDED to walk and stop.  I did walk and stop 4 x.  Brisk walk if i can which i do not feel it was a brisk enough.  2nd to the last walk was before I saw Sissi and the team and Terry handing me V and jelly babies, that was 1 more kilometer to go.  I declined I was already too full of liquid not thirsty but the legs were in pain but still tolerable that i was still jog-running.  i can see and hear the cool running team calling out for my name and I told myself I could not afford to walk in front of the cheerers, as I tried my best to run and smile and say thank you, 800 more meters 1 last walk about to really walk towards the finish and i was running with few others and If i can remember 3 other females with me, 1 with bike support 1 went ahead while I was walking.

a V and jelly babies on 1 more kilometer to go

Finish: I can see the finish line, the path where I did my warm up jog, few more meters but I do not know how much time I got left.  Then there’s this man, its the senior male runner I always go equal at fun runs who I saw ran yesterday’s 10Km cheering and walking telling the runners “be constant in your pace, you are a few more meters to the finish … you will do a sub 4 hours.”  That woke me up, I am still under 4 hours?!? I will make it so I speeded a bit with pain but at the straight path I can see the finish chute, but the clock was fuzzy, is that 3:58.. or 59? 200 more meters its 3:56:2x then heard the Woodstock called my name that gave my spirit more buzz and sprinted (not really) towards the chute.

Towads the finish chute, funny running form ...

I felt fullfilled after.  Very happy I made it 2-3 minutes before my target time.  The run was offered to HIM, who I owe my life and strength, this isn’t my run.  It was HIS.  I was high and happy to walk even with slight pains.  We were driven back to the hotel we chcked out and showered.  Headed for lunch where I just had chips, beer and water.  Headed to the after party Race at Rydges hotel met few debutants and left for the 5pm flight to Sydney. I’m on high.  the beers numbed my legs I feel great. I’d defenitely run one again soon, don’t know when.  Happy enough that my time gets me qualified to do the gruelling 6 foot Track and the Boston marathon.  Who knows, maybe one day …

Made it!

Event: Canberra Marathon
Location: Canberra, ACT, Australia
Net Time: 3:46:05
Gun Time: 3:46:49 (645th out of 1167 finishers, 28th Category place)
Distance: 42.2 Kms
Results: Marathon, Ultra-Marathon

Note: Consumed 1 can of V pre race, cup of energy drink, lots of water sachets, sips from the Propel isotonic drink, 6 Gu Gels out of 8.   From Polar Max pace was 4:57, avg at 6:04.
Splits (the polar became unreliable as it only measure 38.xx kilometers): 5:43.9, 5:46.1,5:50.9,5:57.9, 6:10.0, 5:55.1, 5:43.1, 5:49.9, 5:47.0, 5:43.1, 5:47.8, 5:53.3, 5:48.7, 5:54.1, 5:44.0, 5:54.0, 5:44.8, 5:58.3, 5:47.8, 5:57.0, 6:14.0, 6:08.9, 6:01.2, 6:04.9, 6:08.0, 6:07.9, 5:58.0, 6:03.2, 6:09.0, 6:14.8, 6:18.0, 6:28.2, 6:12.9, 6:30.2, 6:47.9, 6:37.8, 6:41.0, 6:41.1, 5:48.4.

The 4 hour split tape

My mates who ran below.  Not able to get their pictures (Brendan Davies-2:51:14/3:30:41-ultra, Martin Amy- 3:01:25, Rick Collins 4:06:24, Jeff Marounga – 4:32:30/5:40:45 Ultra)

Anthony Robinson, debut-3:27:05

Vass Vassilou - 3:32:08

Thalia Anthony- debut - 3:54:04

The Event was won by by runners from New South wales:  Male David Criniti  – 2:26:09; female: Magda Karimali-Poulos – 2:43:19; Ultra Marathon: Male: David Criniti – 2:57:42; Female: Verity Tolhurst – 3:39:00.  There were 893 males, 310 females who registered and 1167 finishers.

Thanks God I finished alive .

Part 1: Canberra Marathon

By Thursday night, I already started packing my things for the weekend, knowing myself I always forget something everytime I travel.  I did actually have time to pack since its the last week of taper and I ran 9KM++ in the morning which is the last run for the week and a good remedial massage.

By Saturday at 9amish, Sissi rang me and they are already at my area to pick us up.  Sissi and Martin were very nice enough to have offered us a ride to Canberra so I agreed as it was more fun to have rode with them than in a bus, comfort aside, but at least good company to travel with. (Thanks Martin for driving!!)

After a few minutes of dwiddling and arguing with the tomtom how to get to Canberra we managed to go to M5 and started our travel smoothly.    I was a bit sad that a friend and a Woodstock runner John Dawlings sent me an sms when we were almost getting past Goulborn that his car broke down.  He was travelling with his son and son’s friend.  And I was suppose to baby sit the kids while he does the 10KMs but apparently the car was unfixable and not able to make it for his race.  We arrived at the City and had a cheap decent and not so bad pub lunch in the city circle, even I was tempted to drink a glass of beer but I did not.

We were dropped off at our hotel/apartment at Forrest Hotel and Apartments. Which just 10 minutes walk to the event expo, and start and finish and 4 minutes walk and the pre and post race party at Rydges hotel.

After checking-in, we proceeded to the Event expo to get Terry registered for his 5KM, but apparently it started at 3Pm and its already 10 mins past the race and he decided last minute to do the 10KM which he havent done in his life and he only have done a few 5 -7 Kms for a few weeks ago and that’s it.  I was scared for him I just did not tell him as it was his choice and I bet he will finish by 55Mins.

While waiting for 4Pm for the race to start, we got into the Telopea School Gym where the Rego and race pack collection is and collected my race pack, got 2 more GUs and grabbed one of those 4 hour pace bands from Runner’s World Magazine stand.

By 3:30, met the Woodstock who were staked on the sidelines of the finish line to support the 10Km runners.  Met Brendan and Dottie at First then the rest of the gang Martin, Caroline, Anthony, Bronwyn – who was doing the 10Kms, then Mark O’Donnell-10Kms, Thalia Anthony, and Mark Mercieca-10Kms. The Woodies had the Woodstock runner banner draped off the race fence with all the participating runners name on it, I thought it was sweet and thoughtful.

Support group for the 10Km, Anthony Robinson, Martin Amy, Caroline Owen and fast Bronwyn Hager

I never have been a part of cheering for the club and not participating on the event so it was also fun cheering watching the team pass by for 5 laps for the 10Kms.  And below are pictures of the 10Km race.

10KM Start Line

Dorothy Siepmann

Kerry Bray who also is a Jury Panel of the Event

Mark Mercieca

Bronwyn Hager

Male Winner for the 10KM

Female 10KM winner

After the race, we waited for the raffle and Terry got his bib number picked and got an Asics dry fit cap.  We then went to the pre-race pasta dinner party which was graced by the guest Speaker, Steven Jackson who just finished the Marathon De-Sables in Sahara Dessert in Morroco.  His words about not doing a DNF was echoing in my mind until the race.  The dinner menu has so much food. Pasta, bread, soup, salad and desert.

last minute carbo-loading

One of our Woodie mates, Jeff Marounga was celebrating his birthday that night so he had the crowd’s greetings for his 50th birthday and running his 42nd Marathon, very appropriate for a 42 KMs distance on the day after.

Retired to bed early to prepare for the big day.

Pre-Race Post: Canberra Marathon

Its just 4 more sleeps to go, 5 more days and its The Canberra Marathon.

I’m a first timer you see. A marathon virgin. Never did a race of distance at 42.125 Kms yet in my life.  Now on Sunday is the day I am going to do it.  Its been 2 weeks that I am feeling nervous so bad that I dream about it.  This is the last taper week and finishing my last few kilometers tomorrow until the race.  Maybe an easy stationary bike and lots of streteches on Friday and Saturday that comes with the hydration and carboloading.

I am hoping to at least finish at 4 hours time.  3:59:59 would be great! (and a no walk and finish with dignity, and not a DNF!)  I did a semi dress rehearsal earlier and will do final one again tomorrow.  Shoes and attire.

Travel arrangements have already been made 2 weeks ago.  Was suppose to go by public transpo, ride a bus and take a plane going home.  Booked a hotel near the start and finish, not to worry bout how to get to start and crawling back in pain after.  I’m so pleased that a project manager/friend Sissi and Martin are coming for support and a good time to see Canberra as they haven’t been there yet.  They offered us a ride. So I ditched the bus. yey!

A number of my Woodstock mates (John Dawlings, Kerry Bray,  Peta Bray, Dot Siepman, Bronwyn Hager, Mark O’Donnell, Mark Mercieca, Brian Ogilwy,Linda Barwick,..) will be doing the shorter distance fun run the night before, so with my friend Terry who I guess I converted to do running.  We’ll be there to be cheering each other while they’ll keep our spirits up the day after for us doing the longer run (Brendan Davies (will do 50KMs), Martin Amy, Anthony Robinson-First Timer, Thalia Anthony-First timer too!, Rick Collins, Jeff Marounga (will do 50KMs), Vass Vasilou-will do the 50Kms).

Here is the Marathon’s map and terrain topography from Vurt of Coolrunning. Its going to be mostly flat of slight inclines.  Bit different as this is of higher altitude than Sydney so runners will be breathing thin air.

I will be doing my last minute shopping of gels tomorrow and I decided to bring my own drinks for kilometers 30 and 35 for sugar rush and electrolyte replenishment and asked friends to stake out at 32nd kilometer to remind me that only 10 Kms more to run.  I know its going to be tough.  Last month when I did my 30Kms which is the longest race i did it was a big difference compared to running the 25KMs.  It was like when I started from 5 KMs how much different it is running a 10Km.  Challenging yet I was hooked!

We were told that temperature will be at 4-21degrees on that day, predicted slight rain.  It will be a perfect weather of running.  I hope I finish before the sun shines too much.

Help me God!