Too Fast for Me

Long time friends, and long time readers of this blog will no doubt be aware of my social media presence. It might come as a surprise that I was dragged on to Facebook by a very good friend who said that I'd love it. Cynical as I was, I thought "why not, if I don't like it I can always opt out at a later date!". Okay, I'll wait for everyone to stop laughing before I continue...

Race Day Looms Big...

As has happened over the years I have built up a healthy friend list based around running. A number are still people that I have only ever talked with through social media.
So, it was with this in mind that I ventured to You Yangs National Park on Sunday 20th July to take part in the You Yangs Running Festival. This being another Trails+ organised event. Memories of the tougher than tough 30k event I did at Macedon were still clear in my mind, but many other runners agreed this was easier. This festival had distances for all levels. Starting at 5, then a 15, 30 (my event), a 50k, a 50 miler (aka 80k), and finally for the hardcore, a 100 miler (yep, 160 kilometres)!
The miler had started on the Saturday, race winners finishing before I arrived on the Sunday morning at 8:15, but the majority of the field were still lapping as I was getting ready to run. A multi-loop course, 8 times around a 20k circuit. Multi-loop course for these races are for safety, as much as anything else. Constantly monitored by medical staff, support crew, and race marshals, it makes for a gruelling, yet compelling event.
I entered the 30k only about 3 weeks ago, weighing up whether it would be a good idea to run here, and do Run Melbourne (21.1k, half marathon distance) 7 days later. Given the amount and quality of my recent runs, I reckoned I would be fine, so long as I didn't trash myself. Good in theory, as they say!
I had stayed the night before in Melbourne with a running friend, Richard Matison, and his lovely wife and family. The first surprise of the weekend occurred when I turned up for dinner. The night before I had been messaging with Richard re ETA, race plans etc. We were discussing pre-race meals and the usual spag bol versus something a little different. I mentioned that I had recently started eating Salmon, cous cous and green salads for a pre-race meal. The last part of my message said, "not that I'm pitching for this...". Lo and behold what was presented to me for dinner! Lovely people. Coupled with a bottle of wine, we had a great night, eventually off to bed around 11.
Sunday, up early for breakfast, final check that I had all my gear packed, then Richard and I headed off across town to the You Yangs. As you approach the You Yangs, you cannot help but marvel at such a prominent feature sitting in the middle of an exceedingly flat landscape. The Youies (as they are affectionately known) are worth a visit. Some lovely bushwalks, scenic views from Flinders Peak, and plenty of tracks for mountain bikers. And I might just mention a bit more about those bikes later on. Actually quite a bit, probably go on a bit if I'm really honest.

Social Media meets Trail Race

Arrived at the park at about quarter past 8 (race time was 9:30) and caught the shuttle bus to the start/finish line. It was at this point that my social side of the day started. As we arrived, the 50k race was about to start. All the runners assembled at the start line chute and I immediately spotted several friends. Regan Welburn and Jacqui Carter stepping up for their ultra debuts, Kirra Balmanno, standing one row back from the front, ready to race. I went and quickly said hello to them as they departed at 8:30.
Off to registration (meet a runner from Berwick Springs parkrun), get my Tech tee I ordered months ago, and mingle around the fire in the cut down 44 gallon drum (so Australian that!). To say I was relaxed before the start of this race was an understatement. 15 minutes before we were ready to go, Olivia (another Berwick Springs parkrun runner) inquired if I was in fact running, seeing as I was still in jeans, jumper and my Ross Marathons beanie! Finally I suited up and attended the race brief from Race Director Brett Saxon, and very soon we were ready to go.

Race brief for the 30k event by Brett Saxon, Race Director for the You Yangs Running Festival.
Main take away advice, you don't need drugs to run, not even Ibuprofen! Good to hear.

Pushed towards the start of the group, feeling a bit confident of my chances and bumped into Dan Langelaan, fresh from a great Gold Coast marathon race. Said hello to Dan, Richard and I exchanged good lucks, and then we were off. Both Richard and I had talked about starting conservatively, and glad we did. Clearly it was a personal conversation that no-one else was privy to, as everybody took off like kids on red cordial. Looked down at my watch as I'm being passed repeatedly and see 4:25 flash on the screen. Whoa, slow down boy!

Start to the Saddle

Kris (l), and Cam (r), 2 guys I travelled the trail with at Macedon.
We talked about racing at You Yangs, and we did.
Photo credits: Bin Wong.

The first 4 k's were pretty uneventful, after everyone slowed up from the bums rush start! The track was actually a road that steadily climbed to a saddle past the first aid station (one I would pass 3 times during the race). Passed a runner that I had met at Macedon, Kris Harris, and we had a little chat as I pushed on. Kris was struggling with a recent head cold and was just aiming to finish in one piece. One notable starter in my race was Lucy Bartholomew, recently crowned junior world sky running champion after racing the Mont Blanc Marathon. Obviously still feeling the after effects of such a gruelling race, she was back in the field near me and struggling up some of the climbs.

Saddle to Eastern Boundary

From the top of the saddle (236 metres), we dropped down on the loveliest piece of track for the whole race. Single track, mainly black dirt, but with enough pieces of granite and tree roots sticking out to make it reasonably technical. By this stage I have moved ahead of a number of runners, but have Lucy behind me for company as we descend to winding track. Now, it is not often that I run in the company of world champions, and although she was well off her normal race pace, I couldn't help but feel privileged to be 'pushed' down the hill! Consequently I might have hammered a little hard down here... Off the track and on to a road that followed the eastern boundary of the park, we were now at the lowest point of the run (45 metres) and about to start climbing ever so gently as we turned back westward. 

Return to the Saddle

Venassa: "I have 50 to go", consults watch, "actually 47.5".
I am humbled only doing 30! Photo credit: Bin Wong.

We ran on a new section of track along the southern part of the course, complete with little wooden bridges, neatly mounded gravel path and very clear vision through the bush to runners ahead of us. By this stage Lucy was in front and I think she is going to disappear, but as we turn and start to climb a bit more she slows up and I come up beside her. I finally passed her on another road section and look ahead to see a runner with a bright orange shirt, Cameron White, the other half of the two runners I ran with at Macedon (the other being Kris). As we turned off the road again, the elevation climbed yet again. We are back at 110 metres and heading back to the saddle. Along this section we started to come across 80k runners as they made their way back to the start/finish line. Along here I met Vanessa Bolton, someone who's name crops up in running circles all the time here, and who has quite a large following on Strava. I walked up a section here having a nice little chat with her before it flattened out and I started running again. Mugged for the photographer just before the saddle (he called me a cheeky boy) and then I strode out on the downhill section.

Saddle to Start/Finish Line

Myself & Michelle (@supershelley) Great to catch up
 mid -race with this lovely person. Photo credit: Bin Wong

Still passing 80k runners I came up behind one who turned round to look at me when I was about 20 metres away and yelled out "LES!". It was Michelle Shannon, someone I have met through Twitter and Instagram. I was as delighted to meet her as she to meet me. She held out her hand for a greeting and I went for the handshake, AND the gentle hug around the shoulder. Try doing that when you are running downhill, lucky we didn't go arse over on the trail! Thankfully we stayed upright, had a brief chat about how we were both going and then parted ways as her path went to the right, mine back to the left.
By now I have run about 12k's in 65 minutes and was feeling pretty good. Ran past the aid station (not even remotely hungry) and concentrated on keeping a good effort and pace on the way back to the start/finish line. About a kilometre out from there, head down, focused and with race face firmly on I get another shout of "LES!". This time from Dani running towards me in the 50k. Never having met, I was momentarily confused until she told me who she was, DOH! By now we are almost side-by-side and attempting the most impossible of high 5's. We managed a brush of the fingertips, all the while managing to keep moving and not falling over!

Dani (@running_changedmylife) debuting in the 50k.
Our fingertip high 5, the stuff of legends!
Photo credit: Bin Wong

Flinders Peak

Finally the start/finish area appeared and I ran through to turn sharp left and start the climb to Flinders Peak. Not sure what I envisaged here, but the imagined moderate to steep dirt track was in reality a series of stone steps, the initial 40 or so steps being some of the steepest. Tried to run as much as I could, but spent various times just doing a fast walk, running when it flattened out, only to walk again when the heart rate red-zoned! Passed another competitor who I swear was wearing a Jackie Howe, and King Gee pants; maybe I was hallucinating, who knows....
Along this section I started to see the leaders of my race, nicely spread out and flying as they were coming back down. After what seemed like an eternity (well, 13 minutes) I arrived at the top (360 metres) to the scenic lookout, and some stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding country (all billiard table flat, ironically!). Quick photo opportunity, then start heading back down. Conscious of the effect of hammering down the steps, and hammering the quads in the process, I took it at a steady, if unspectacular, pace (only 9 minutes return). At the bottom, Cam caught up and gave me some instructions of what lay ahead on the track. Good to have local knowledge from a Geelong boy!

Descent to Aid Station @ 23k mark

Back out on to the road after a minor detour to avoid going under the gantry and timing pads, Cam and I pushed along on the undulating road, before turning left to head out on to the western loop of our race. By now, runners of all events are passing us, or we are overtaking them. It was hellishly confusing at times! just before we crossed a picnic area To Big rock, I met Sue and Andrew O'Brien, heading back on their last loop of the 100 miler race! Said a quick hello as I went barrelling past.

Lucy and Kerry, it is a fun run, hence the smiles.
Photo credit: Bin Wong

The next 4k's dropped down to the 23k aid station, on a well prepared track. Entering the forest below, I couldn't help but notice that the trees were all tall and healthy, but the under story vegetation was cropped to a uniform bowling green height. It was the start of what was, for me, the most mentally challenging section of the race. Cam started to push slightly ahead, but I was holding on, using him as incentive to keep the pace up. As we approached the 23k aid station I caught up with another friend, Kerry Clapham, running the 50k and taking a friend (Lucy) through for her debut ultra. Stopped at this aid station (first aid stop of the day), scoffed a small piece of chocolate and fruit cake, then had a chat with Kerry and Lucy. Eating finished, I said farewell to Kerry and took off after Cam, who had disappeared into the distance.

The Blair Witch Project section

If I had have studied the elevation profile a bit closer, I would have realised that from here to the finish was basically uphill, all the way. Very gentle at first, k's 23 to 26 were no more than about 25/30 metres per kilometre. That in itself at this point of the run is telling. But it was as much the vegetation type, and the track we eventually ran on, that did my head in here. Firstly the vegetation type; tallish stands of very straight eucalypt forest, absolutely no understorey coupled with a windy track, meant that you would run for periods then suddenly see flashes of bright colour in your peripheral vision! Just runners that appeared to be only 50 metres ahead; in reality they were probably 400+ by the trail! It was decidedly creepy running through here during the day, I cannot begin to imagine what it was like for the milers running through here in the wee hours, armed only with a head torch. (Hence the Blair Witch connection...)

DTR girls, doing us proud. Jacqui, and Kirra (50k), and Vanessa (80k).
Photo credits: Bin Wong.

And just as the elevation started to increase subtly, did the realisation that we were running on mountain bike tracks. The race brief notes had warned us about this, they had also indicated that the cyclists would be loath to give way. Theory met with practical demonstrations on at least 2 occasions for me. Cyclists in packs of 3 or more would come hurtling down, the lead rider approaching me would yell out "RUNNER!", only to alert his (or her) mates, then they would feather the brakes as they whistled past me; with me, at this point, leaping some 4 metres off the track!
In the middle of all this the lead 50k runners were approaching. Even worse for them, the bikes would approach from behind. Passing the other way was Andy Turner, a runner I had shared the trail with briefly at Roller Coaster Run. A quick shout out to to each other and we continued on our way. Closely followed by Kirra flying down and making it look deceptively easy. I could only marvel at their fitness and application.
We finally left the forest, turned on to another road, and headed up to the last (for me) aid station.

A few of the DTR guys competing at You Yangs. Nigel Fox (80k), Richard Matison and myself (30k).
Photo credits: Bin Wong

Last Aid Station to the Finish Line

A quick stop at this aid station to grab another piece of chocolate and fruit cake (the no added sugar diet being conveniently forgotten, just for now!), I re-focused for the final 2+k's home. By now I was running on the same section of track for the 3rd time, but now the stragglers in the 15k race were also travelling on it. Saw Cam ahead (note to Cam, don't wear bright orange, easy to spot!) and started to push the effort. By now I could really feel the pace bleeding away as fatigue set in. I was comforted in the knowledge that I only had several k's to go, but the body was not playing the game.
I'd been passed for the first time since Cam caught me at the 17k mark, and I was determined not to let anyone else pass me. Lasted all of, oh, 200 metres as another runner came flying through. At first I thought he must have been a 15k runner, but no, 30k entrant coming home with a wet sail! With about a k to go the final steep hill got me and I walked briefly to the top. One final surge and then thankfully a downhill finish. Crossed the line, arms raised in celebration then hunched over, hands on knees, sucking in lungfuls of air.
At this point as I stopped the watch I was aware of the time, 15 minutes quicker than I had estimated. I was more than a little stunned, having estimated about 3 hours given the trail condition, and the elevation profile.

There were a number of other runners I knew running on the day. A selection of photos I could find of Trish , Dani, Manish, Regan, and Simon. Photo credits: Bin Wong.

Recovery, Eat, Debrief, Eat, Banter

Found Richard, he had run 5 minutes faster, but was seemingly more impressed with my time than his. Checked for results from across town as we had friends running at Plenty Gorge. 2 friends Cheryl, and Narelle came 1st and 4th in the long course event. Plenty of others had fantastic runs there, and many others were also running the Sri Chinmoy at Princes Park. A great days racing all round.
We hung around for a while, picking at food from one of the aid stations then decided to head home. In the car on the way back we recounted some of the more memorable moments of the race, agreeing that if it wasn't for some of the more difficult parts, it wouldn't be worth doing. I mean, we could have run 30 on the same day at Princess Park, but not the same really! A junk food binge back at Richard's, and after getting my gear together, rode home on the bike back to South Gippsland.
A great day, and a tough but rewarding race.

Next up, Sunday 27th, Run Melbourne. A half marathon on the flat, pacing a couple of friends to (hopefully) personal bests. Stay tuned for that one.

Postscript

I knew 4 people, doing the 100 miler over the weekend. A massive congratulations to all 4 for beating mental and physical hurdles to finish within the cut-off time. Running/walking throughout the night takes some special skills. Kudos to you all.

100 miler legends.
Left to right: George Milhalakellis, Sue and Andrew O'Brien, and Grace Bailey.
Photo credits: Siqi Wi

And a big thank you to Bin Wong and all the photographers out and about on the day. And also once again, thanks to RD Brett Saxon and his team, all the volunteers manning the aid stations and start/finish area, and all the other competitors. You help make these events worth doing.

Until next time...

Weather With You

The Forecast is Not Good

Many years ago, when faced with a career change, I investigated working for the Bureau of Meteorology. I've always been fascinated by weather, studying charts, watching with interest as the summer storms would roll into Brisbane with monotonous regularity etc. My dream soon bit the dust when I realised the entrance requirements for study. You might be wondering what this has to do with a running blog; be patient, I will get there.

Apart from the vaguely European look,
this was the foggy scene that greeted us at the top of
Mt. Dandenong.

Clouds Gathering

A while ago, a few of us were discussing our plans for marathon training, and Peter Mitchell, our Dandenongs Trail Runners head honcho, advised that he knew some good testing runs that were just perfect for this. 16 weeks out from Melbourne and he organised a 25k trail run that included a 5 and a half kilometre climb after the first kilometre! The gradient average of 6% meant it was going to be runnable all the way to the top. To make sure that the benefits of the run were maximised, the run was advertised as being "ideal for those who want to run a 3:00 to 3:30 for the MM". I read it twice before accepting the event invite. Long time readers of this blog will be well aware of my travails at last years Melbourne Marathon (in fact, the very reason this blog exists is to document my return), so will understand that when 3:30 is mentioned, I would be a little bit hesitant!

Storm Approaching

The last week of June in Victoria will be remembered as the week that Winter descended. Previous to this we had been having mild temperatures, good enough for running without having to rug up like Arctic explorers. It all changed in the blink of an eye. No fewer than 7 cold fronts in 6 days hit southern Victoria; high wind, power cuts, heavy rain, and copious amounts of snow in the high country. Tales of runners braving some pretty horrendous conditions to get that all important training session in were repeated with much gusto. 

It was with this week of weather almost behind us that the weekend approached for our organised, paced trail run. The forecast for Sunday was varying between awful and horrendous, with horrendous being the highly backed favourite! The day before, the banter started. Suggestions of bringing goggles, scuba gear, fur-lined knickers (seriously, get them on www.wiggle.co.uk!) were bandied around as we all joked in a slightly nervy way. With one eye on the forecast, we all went to sleep wondering what the morning would bring.

Yet another low system approaches through Bass Strait!

And now, the weather for Victoria

I woke up with a start at about 3:30, a good hour and a half before I needed to get up. The rain was bucketing down, so hard I could hear it running in the gutters and downpipes. Not a good sound when contemplating any outdoor activities. The dog had been scratching at the laundry door to get out to go and hide under the house. Not sure if that woke me up, or the distant sound of thunder. Not being able to sleep, I got up and watched the World Cup football. About 4:30 the rain stopped; "Great", I thought. Then the wind picked up, howling through the trees and under the eaves of the house. It was pretty much storm force where I was, 30 kilometres from the Bass Coast. 10 minutes after, the rain came back, this time with thunder and lightening.

I posted on the events page on Facebook a weather report that I hoped would illicit a reply that all was well in the Dandenongs, 1 and a half hours drive away. All I succeeded in doing was scaring the hell out of one of my running buddies! I was immediately messaged by Cheryl to ask what I was going to do. The worst appeared to be over here, but it was hard to tell what was happening where we were going. Considering there is elevation on our run, and running through forest, there was an element of risk attached. I said I'd head in and bail out if conditions didn't improve. She was coming in from the CBD, but decided it wasn't worth the risk. I was okay with that decision, whilst missing a run with one of my fave running friends, I would never put pressure on them to run when they considered conditions were too bad. And that, I thought, was the end of that!

Lightening would not be appreciated during a trail run.

Storm Breaks

At 5:45 I left Leongatha and headed up the highway to Melbourne. At first it was just steady, but light rain falling. That was until I was 40 minutes into the drive and the heavens opened up, and I was reduced to driving at 75 km/h. Thankfully it was brief, and the weather improved the more I drove. I stopped off on the Princess Highway for a quick break, and proceeded to read all the messages on Facebook trying to get Cheryl to reconsider; the weather, apparently, was just fine!

Arrived at The Basin Theatre just on 7:30, to a chorus of jibes, insults and recriminations! Seemed I was, once again, the butt of all jokes. The weather was indeed good. I felt like Chicken Little.... After a bit of organisation, and meeting some new runners, we took off on our run. Peter, David, Chris, Kirra, Nigel, Mike, Marc, Oliver, and myself were the speedy group. There were a couple of other groups also running different distances and pace.

Last weeks elevation profile not being enough,
this is the proposed course of next weeks run!

More Like a Zephyr

The first past of the run was fine. Climbed the Basin-Olinda Road to the top, all 5.5k's of incline, setting a reasonable pace along the way. Weather was cool, but no rain. That all changed at the top. Very soon, the rain started. The temperature plummeted and we got soaked, very quickly. Chris, who less than 24 hours before had arrived back on an international flight, succumbed to a cold he'd picked up in the last week. After a bit of weaving around, Peter directed him to a track (or several) that would get him quickly back to the car park. We all stood around listening to the increasingly detailed directions that Peter was giving him, taking bets on whether we would beat him back, ready to alert the authorities! (Disclaimer: No Poms were lost in the running of this course!)

Because of the weather conditions, the original course had been changed, and we spent a good hour zig zagging across the top of Mt. Dandenong. The pace was on. Unlike previous runs through here where we had run steadily with some long stops to re-group, this one was much faster. Small group, pretty evenly paced, we pushed along at a good clip, with short stops to re-group. Eventually we started to descend back to the car park (Looking for Chris!), and we picked up the pace even more. Consequently my total time for the run was far quicker than any other trail run (or race) I have done before. Certainly a great training session for a marathon.

A debrief over coffee in a warm cafe in The Basin was a welcome end to a great day in the hills. It was during here that it was suggested that we make this a monthly event in an effort to allow runners of all abilities to run in the appropriate paced group.

My pot of gold is a good marathon time, well it is mine!

Over The Rainbow

So, what is the wash-up?

• Trail running, and particularly where there is significant elevation gains and losses, really strengthens the legs. It will be good to run this again at a later date to chart any improvement.
• Running with others who are at your pace, or slightly faster, really pushes you along and makes you work. It took me a while after the run to really appreciate this.
• I suck as a weather forecaster/reporter! Bang goes the plum job on Sunrise!

Next race is You Yangs 30k trail. It's a week before Run Melbourne (21.1k), so I need to see how my training and recovery is going before deciding on how hard I attack the course. 

Other Matters

Marathon Training

Currently at the start of my marathon training programme. After Traralgon a few weeks back, Peter offered to 'tweak' my training programme (his words). What has resulted feels less like a tweak, and more like a Labor party 'Root and Branch' review! Chucked out more than we kept, but it was meant that I now have a plan that targets my weakness, pacing for an extended distance. It seems my 5 and 10k times don't bear relation to my 21 and 42k times. Specifically, I fade significantly the longer the distance. So now I have more tempo runs, longer runs on hills doing short intense bursts (leg strength benefits), and now targeting pace and effort on long runs and the mid-week long run. Overall plan distances haven't changed, just rearranged to be more specific.

parkrun

There are moves afoot to start up a parkrun event in Inverloch, 20 minutes from my home. parkrun is a worldwide phenomenon; a weekly, timed, free, 5 kilometre run, usually in a park or reserve area. It is a great event for everyone from rank beginners to elite athletes. Just recently the proposal was floated by another runner I train with, as much a fishing exercise to gauge support. Very quickly we found we had enough support to form a rough collective of race directors, and a meeting with the local council there has provided in principal support, and an offer of assistance for fundraising. We hope to get it up and running by September. Stay tuned.

Until next time.....

Halfway Gone

Sunday 15th June has a special significance for me. Firstly, it marked my first race during my marathon training programme, and secondly it marked exactly 1 year since I arrived in Victoria. Yep, 365 days ago, I rode my heavily laden motorbike out of the bowels of the Spirit of Tasmania ferry onto the dark, wet streets of Port Melbourne. It was a momentous occasion, highlighting the end of a frenetic month of packing and moving, and facing the uncertainty of a move that had (and still has) the element of high risk about it. So much has happened in that last year; settling in to a new community, races, meeting new friends (and racing them!) etc. So it was fitting that I found myself at the start line at Traralgon Half marathon surrounded by many people that I had met and become friends with during the last year.

Also, Traralgon is a 'local' race, well only an hour from where I live. Nicky and I got up at 5:30 for breakfast and a drive up in the dark and fog. Arriving in there at 7:00am with plenty of time to pick up our race bibs and to catch up with a few friends, it was good to be settled and confident before the race. As has been the case recently, it was not just me racing today, Nicky also running her second 10k event. She would see me off, then be gone herself 15 minutes later.

Bumped in to a number of runners that I have known through Facebook, but have never met. Was also a pleasant surprise to catch up with Paul Wright, a marathoner and ultra runner that I know from Tasmania. Several times he remarked on how fit I looked, clearly the last few months of hard work are paying off! Said good luck to Nicky and took off for a quick warm-up 15 minutes before the race started.

Funny moment before the start when the the guy on the PA, trying to whip up some pre-race enthusiasm, asks if anyone is from interstate (a few hands go up), then goes one better...
Announcer: "Anyone here from overseas?"
Man (directly behind me): "Germany."
Announcer: "Birmingham?"
Man (with extra Teutonic delivery): Germany!!!!
Maybe there is a German quarter in Birmingham, buggered if I know...
Must admit, the guy on the PA reminded me of those early morning FM announcers. You know the "I might not be on drugs, but by God I will give every indication that I am", type of manic delivery. When he handed over to the race director for the race brief/safety talk, he made him sound like a shy 14 year old reading bad poetry at a school awards night.

Finally after a bit more fluffing around and some milking of the sense of anticipation before the race (someone yelled out "get on with it", could have been me...), we got our 10 second countdown and off we went. I had deliberately seeded myself back in the field to avoid the white line fever, bull at a gate start that has dogged some of my recent road races. Needn't have bothered, 4:28 first k, 4:24 for the second! Thing is, I felt good, in control, the breathing was fine and I felt no need to throttle back thinking that by the 3 and 4 k's I would have settled down to my expected 4:40 pace. 3k @ 4:25, 4th @ 4:31.... Bloody hell, every time I looked up I saw the back of fellow Melbourne Marathoner Michael Dale, with his daughter Rebecca a bit of distance ahead. Knowing that Rebecca would be running significantly faster than me, I knew I had to slow down. Put my eyes down and stared at the road, whilst concentrating on holding back. Seemed to work until I lifted my eyes back up and found myself exactly where I was several minutes ago. Ah stuff it, just run at this pace and see where it gets me!

The 4k mark heralded a short rise to the Traralgon-Maffra Road and where most of us had to work to hold the pace. Turn left, then we had a 4.8k section along the Maffra road. This is where I finally slowed up and let the small pack in front of me get slightly ahead. Once they were 20+ metres away I was able to run at my own pace, the next 5 splits were all around the 4:40 pace, and I felt quite comfortable holding this. The turn-off saw us head on to a gravel road for the nearly 2k run to the turn around point. You wouldn't think that a gravel road would present too much difficulty to me having taking up trail running in recent times, but it was tough going trying to maintain my pace along here. A nasty camber, potholes and rocks poking up made it a bit more difficult that I would like for a road run! I wasn't the only one to find it hard along here. One final turn and 100 or so metres up the road was the turn around point for the half marathoners. The marathoners had started with us, so as we approached a Marshall would call out, "straight ahead", or "turn around". Really great to hear "turn around" as I approached!

This was a great part of the race as all runners got to see each other as some headed out, and others headed back. Saw Michael heading back, about a minute in front by my calculations. Really good to have a few shout outs from friends along here. Now on the return leg on the gravel and I was really struggling along here. I was a bit worried that I had really overcooked it, but when I turned left onto the Maffra road again, and the return of the bitumen, I felt my speed pick up and some fluency return to my stride. A k and a half up the road was the last aid station/water stop. I ran through having only had water at the 5 and 10.5k marks, and no carbohydrate gels at all. This was a deliberate ploy, I want to run Melbourne without any reliance on sports drinks, gels etc., feeling that my training prior to the event, and the food in the days before, will carry me through. It was good to test it today.

Approaching the 15k mark, friend Regan Welburn came past me at quite a good clip. He'd followed me to the turnaround and was now disappearing into the distance. It was along this stretch of road that I realised that I was having to dig deep to keep moving at a good pace. I didn't realise at the time, but my speed was slipping considerably. Not long later and I noticed a number of runners passing me, a sure sign that I had started too fast and was now paying the price. At the 17k mark we had a small climb to the intersection where we turned off the Maffra road. It resulted in my slowest split time of the day, and a real workout for my cardiovascular system! I was bloody glad to turn and head back downhill to the flat 4k's to the finish.

By now I am really feeling the fatigue in the legs and watching as a potential half marathon PB slowly disappears into history. I was bloody annoyed with myself for failing to follow my race plan, but for the time being had to just grit the teeth and get home. By now we had met up with the walkers in the 10k event. Although they were supposed to be giving us plenty of room, not many did. A number of us had to run around groups of walkers. It might have been more obvious if I'd ploughed straight through them, but even approaching the end of a tough race, I felt it wise not to act like a complete idiot!

The final corner and the run beside the tennis courts appeared. By now I can hear the guy on the PA yelling out runners names as they cross the line, probably the same Berserk Warrior on the PA from the start! One final runner passes me and we turn to head back into the Tennis Centre and the finish line. I can honestly say that was the worse shape I have finished a race since the marathon last year! I was rooted, to use a technical running term, and the final run up to the finishing shute was more on memory than anything else. The final inglorious action came when the volunteer tried to drape the medal over my neck and only managed to get it caught up on my ears! Now I know they stick out a bit, but that just made it so obvious. The poor girl was desperately trying to right a wrong and not get her hands anywhere near my ears. Eventually sorted, I thanked her, grabbed a bottle of water and got the hell out of the finish area before I threw up, I felt that ill.

So good to finish. Felt in worse shape at the end of this race, than I did at any other race this year.
(Photo credit: Nicole Walsh)

It was only a minute later, as I am hunched over, trying to recover, that Nicky bounds over, all cock a hoop over her run.She had run a PB and more importantly, run the entire race. I was absolutely thrilled for her, even if I didn't look very gracious just at that point in time! Each time she runs a race, she improves by a significant amount. I am more than a little impressed by her ability to apply herself to training and racing. Pretty soon I had recovered enough to walk around and catch up with some other people. First up to Regan who smashed his half PB by a massive 12 minutes, a massive effort, and he was very proud. A number of people had stellar performances, the weather and conditions helped enormously.

Caught up with Michael Dale, who had pretty much an identical race to me. Too hard at the start, then struggling to hang on during the return journey. We both had a bit of a laugh with each other over our stupidity, considering our relative experiences as runners. Never too old to learn (or make mistakes!). His daughter Rebecca, had run a sizzling 1:32, a wonderful performance.

Rebecca Dale, Ashley Bennett, me, Michael Dale, and Danny Burgess; all having finished the half marathon.
Yes we could smile now.... (Photo credit: Nicole Walsh)

So what did I take away from today. Firstly, despite the disappointment at missing a PB, I was satisfied that I had given it a good crack. Once again early pacing was the key. In fact I ran the first 5k in 22:08 (what I would consider as an average 5k race time), and the first 10k in 45:32 (pretty close to what I would expect to run a 10k race). So I have pace in my legs, even if the endurance needs some work. But the way I held on when it got seriously tough in the last 6k's gave me confidence that I am stronger and tougher.

Next race is potentially 30k trail race at You Yangs. The week after is Run Melbourne, where I will be pacing a couple of friends to (hopefully) some PB's. I will definitely have to make sure that I am running well there to cope with the demands of assisting others. A great challenge that I am really looking forward to.

Footnote: When I was packing up in Tasmania last year, I had a quick look at the Victorian Racing Calendar, and spied the Traralgon Marathon and half. Thinking it was as close to a local race for Leongatha as I would get, I kept a mental note to look at doing it. I also worked out that I would arrive in Victoria the morning it was on, and wondered if I could ride up there and maybe do the 10, before heading on to South Gippsland. When I mentioned this to Nicky a couple of weeks ago, it was met with a withering stare. Pretty much glad I made the right decision there... On such small decisions do successful partnerships succeed (or fail)!

Until next time...

Hold on to your Friends

Friday

Any runner will tell you that you have to take the good with the bad. It's maxim that translates to any sporting activity where the physical ability of the body is required for the task. At age 50, I am well aware of the frailties of the human body, especially mine.

So, it is with some concern that I sit here at week 1 of a 20 week training plan for Melbourne Marathon, with ice strapped to my right calf. It is a sensation that I am all to familiar with, having suffered the exact same injury to the left calf in 2008. That time I was out of running for nearly 14 months. (I needn't have been, but a series of miss diagnoses, incorrect advice, and too much caution from me spread a 4 to 6 week injury out to 14+ months.)

So, short term, no running at all. Medium to long-term, trip to physiotherapist on Monday will determine the extent of the injury. My self-diagnosis is grade 2 tear at the Achilles/Soleus transition. A sod of a place to treat. I know; as I've said before, I've been there. So now I have a race against time, and initial expectations of potential times for Melbourne will have to be re-assessed. 

How did it happen? Doing one-legged uneven weight arm swings for core strength, and to correct my arm swing, which is across the body rather than front-to-back. Over-balanced, and rather than just putting my other foot down, I tried to maintain balance and ended up twisting on my lower leg. Never felt anything 'go', just woke up on Friday morning with a sore spot that got worse as the day progressed.

But as bad as that news is for me personally, it pales into insignificance the rest of my week. Bad news piled on bad news, culminating in a friend of 20+ years telling me she has breast cancer. 2 operations, and with chemotherapy to come, her struggles are potentially life-threatening. Makes my week seem insignificant. Such an insidious and indiscriminate disease is cancer.

So at the end of a particularly shitty week I was in a mood that ranged from foul to downright morose. Normally I am pretty well up all the time (occasional bouts of running self-doubt notwithstanding), so it was from this normal high that I crashed to a low that I am not familiar with. Not being able to run only compounded the sense of despair; running is therapy, therapy clears my head, with head cleared I can confront most of what life throws my way. I struggled to contain my bleak mode from my wife and son, not wanting to burden them with what was mostly very personal stuff.

Saturday

Dinner with friends, the best tonic after a crappy week.
Note how the restaurant has cleared out!
 We stayed a bit late.

Mood hadn't lifted much in the morning and I was faced with a decision. A dinner had been organised with a group of trail running friends who I have met since moving to Victoria. They are great company; positive, friendly and good to be around. But such was my mood, I didn't want to go and be in a bad mood all night. Nicky urged me to go, said it would do me good. Probably wanted me out of the house, such a ray of sunshine that I was!

Thankfully another friend also weighed in, wanting me to go as well. I am very grateful to both as it was a great night! So easy to just blend in, have many different conversations with everyone and forget about troubles beyond the walls of the restaurant. I feel very fortunate to have fallen in with such a great crowd of people, just made me realise how much I enjoy my time with them.

Monday

Work got off to a far better start, even if it was just the fact that it wasn't last week! Trip to physio revealed that the injury wasn't as bad as first feared. As much to do with my aggressive application of ice, strapping, massage, and Nurofen to reduce the swelling. What had, at the time, seemed like a potential month or two on the sidelines, had now turned into a week to 10 days. I was one very relieved runner. It would have been a very shitty way to have ended my return to Melbourne.

Epilogue

So now it is Wednesday night and things seemed to have settled down again. Sorry about the personal blog this time. Needed to not just deal with the highs, the lows are also part of a runners lot to deal with. The fact that it coincided with a number of personal issues just compounded it. The good thing to come out of Saturday night was that a number of us are going to compete in relay teams at the Surf Coast Century run in September. Even better than racing trail races?, doing it as part of a team!

Postscript

Thursday: trip to the physio. brings good news, I can run tomorrow.

Until next time...

Ground on Down

TrailsPlus Mountain Trail Series - Race 2 (Macedon)

My third trail race. And they just get harder, and harder! To work out why I was toeing the start line on a cold, but brilliantly clear May day, I have to backtrack a little bit. As a long time (on and off since 1985) road runner, my recent conversion to the trail has come with somewhat of a evangelical zeal. Having finished Roller Coaster Run in a pretty decent time, and flushed with success, I cast my eye around for something else to do. A running friend, Cheryl, had been told that Macedon was a good test and one for her abilities (read tough) and maybe she should have a go at it. She mentioned it to me, and for a while we dithered around until we had sorted out our respective racing calendars for the next couple of months. Then we signed up.

It wasn't until we had signed up that we both suddenly realised how bloody hard this race was going to be. Talking to fellow trail runners, words like, "horrendous", "awful", "muddy", "relentless", "bloody awful" etc., were thrown around with gusto. Shit, what had we got ourselves in for? Some hastily organised runs with Dandenong Trail Runners (elevation please?), only served to leave us with the impression that we may have overreached. Leading up to the race, I found as many steep hills in my local area, and ran them repeatedly leading up to race day. Unfortunately I also went and had a look at the elevation profile. Still not sure if that was a good idea.

Macedon 30k Trail Race elevation profile. Note the canyon like section at the 11-12k mark! And the steep drop at the 18k mark! And the relentless climb from the 19 to 23k mark! Total elevation gain for the 30k race is 1170 metres. Elevation plots never show mud or rocks though. Mind you, the 50k elevation plot is completely bonkers!

Anyway, the weekend got of to a flyer when, at 11:15 on the Saturday morning, Nicky and I are just about to get some last minute supplies. The phone rings; did we know we were supposed to have the dog at the kennel before 12:00 closing time? Err, no. Major panic, the kennel is over an hour away. Some pleading with the staff lands us an extra half hour. By the time we got back home, packed very quickly, and ushered son and dog to the car, we were so late all we could do was start driving and ring them back to say "sorry, but we can't get there on time"! Drove through Melbourne enroute to Gisborne having left a message with the accommodation owners asking if it was okay to keep the dog there the night. They never called us back, so we drove up on a wing and a prayer.

Got to the cottage at 4 to find the owners were okay with the dog. Phew. Too much stress, too soon! Actually I'd been very calm all week, even as we drove up and I caught my first glimpse of the Macedon Ranges, I was still quite calm. Before Melbourne Marathon I was bricking it for at least a few days! As per usual, I get all my race kit out and meticulously go through it the night before; I hate race day surprises! Race day dawned clear and cold, but the weather looked absolutely perfect. Time to get this thing started.

The drive up is through the beautiful township of Mt. Macedon, in full autumnal blush. Low cloud/fog added atmosphere to the scenery. It was a very calm and measured start for the day. Arrived at the race start with just under an hour before the race, plenty of time to register and prepare (or so I thought...). Bumped into a few people that I had only ever met online (Facebook and Strava), which is always nice to finally do. Also caught up with Fiso and Chris, trail runners I have met along the way in Victoria, before the start. None of us having done this, and not sure what to expect either. Pre-race brief was the usual warnings and pleadings to take care on certain sections of track, pay attention to track markers and, most of all, "enjoy yourselves". Always love that one before a long distance race!

Milling around just before race start.
Weather cold, but clear - perfect racing conditions.

About 3 minutes before the race was due to start, I suddenly realised that my relaxed attitude to race preparation was not working; I needed to get a move on. Made it to the start line with a minute to spare, quick photo for Instagram (do I never learn anything, refer to Two Bays race report for what could go wrong taking photos just before a race!), then we were off.

The first 4 kilometres gave an indication of the track ahead, ground rocky and a little slippery underfoot after recent rain. I started out at a steady, but slow pace, trying not to take off like a number of other runners were doing. Made sure the breathing was controlled, the feet moving nicely, and being careful not to tread on rocks or tree roots. At about the 3k mark I ran up behind Fiso and Chris. This wasn't what I expected. As I drew up beside them I voiced the thought in my head, "Have I gone out too fast?". The reply was worse than I expected, Chris had rolled his ankle 2k's into the race, on one of the rocks on the path. They were running together to get him to the next aid station where he would retire. Crappy start to the day. I continued on knowing that Fiso would catch up and pass me.

Just as the watch beeped for the 4k mark we started the first climb to Camels Hump. At this point I was still in touch with the leaders as the flew past on their way back down. Fiso, as expected, passed me on the way up. It was a relief to get to the top, briefly take in the outstanding view, then the exhilarating descent back down on the path. We turned further downhill and dropped down before climbing back out towards the Mount Macedon Road. Along this section I suddenly thought I had taken a wrong turn. The main track went right, but a smaller track went left. There were no markers, on the ground or on stakes, no ribbons hanging from branches etc. I stopped and pulled out the printed map I was carrying in my pack, and was just about to admit that I had no idea where I was, when 2 runners came up behind me. Either they were also lost, or as it turned out, we were all on the correct track.

Crossed the road then headed along an undulating track that wasn't too bad to run on; not many rocks or tree roots to worry about. Came out at a picnic area, so some lovely manicured grass to run across before we re-entered the forest on a very clean, formed gravel track. I was running on my own, but had runners in front and behind me all the time. Came out at a junction where we completed a 400 metre loop around the old Sanatorium site, through elm trees that were dropping tons of leaves on the track, and back to the junction again. Down Baringo Road past the 8k aid station, turn left onto another road for about half a k, then turn off back onto some more tracks. This eventually lead us to the steepest descent of the day, and the most slippery section of the race. A fire trail, gradient going down somewhere between 15 to 30%, with no real easy path to traverse. Mud on the wheel tracks, slippery muddy rocks in the centre, and slippery muddy bracken ferns on either side. I saw some very impressive slide marks where runners had clearly gone too fast and tried to apply the brakes!

Carried this map in my pack for reference. Needn't have bothered, I was flummoxed by the 8k mark!

Just as I finished descending this, I climbed equally as steeply out on another road where if you slipped, you grabbed anything in your hands you could find to arrest the slide. Thankfully the new Salomon S-Lab XT6 (plug, plug!) trail shoes I bought several weeks before were just brilliant getting up here. No need to use handholds, I just trusted the grip they gave me. As I climbed I saw lots of other competitors struggling up here. Managed to catch up with a few and finally, after what seemed like ages, we breasted the hill and climbed out towards the road at the 13k aid station. Very enthusiastic vollies here, lots of yummy food (fruit cake, bananas etc.) so I briefly stopped and got some food into me.

The next section took us through 'The Pines'. Yep, a pine forest, pinus radiata to be exact. Normally I associate these forests with damp, dark conditions ideal for breeding mosquitoes with no under-storey due to the poisonous pine needles killing everything underneath. I wasn't disappointed. And it was a hard slog of a climb to get to the top, only to almost retrace your steps to the bottom. The exciting part though, was to avoid the BMX jumps located along the path on the twisting descent. Try and jump one of these and calamity would most likely happen. We then had to climb (again) back out onto a road which doubled back round to what was now the 15k aid station (actually the 13k, just second time around). I must say, I was hopelessly out of touch with where I was on the map. Best not to look at it again!

Beyond here the race became 'interesting' (read technical, hard etc.) Just past the 15k aid station, we turned off the road and bush-bashed for a couple of k's. I'm serious, the track was ill-defined, overgrown and steep going down. There were lots of little drop-offs that had you thinking major air time, but to trip here would be disastrous. As it was, my previously infallible shoes, good on soft ground, were found wanting when I stepped on to either a rock, or a log covered by undergrowth. My foot slipped, then gripped just as I about to go around a largish tree. All I could do was cannon into the tree at pace, putting my arms out in front to act as a slowing piston. I stopped with both hands on the trunk, and my nose mere centimetres away! It could have been very ugly. (about 5k's later I discovered that my right hand was black from the charcoal of the burnt bark.) A minute later someone came hurtling past me, obviously more sure footed than I was. Finally the track ended after a 100 metre elevation drop, on to a road; but not before you had to leap off a large drop to get on to the road.

3D profile of the 30k course on Mt. Macedon. Far too much orange, red, blue, and black on the right-hand side there!
(Image coutrtesy of veloviewer.com)

Having lost all that elevation we climbed (Really, again?) back up the road for a long steady climb towards Mt Towrong. This was all road, muddy and with puddles after recent rain. I caught up with the runner that passed me in the bush and together we caught another runner who had been ahead of us. The 3 of us stayed fairly close together along the road, having the occasional walk on the steeper sections. By now we have covered over half the distance (about 17 to 18k's). Just when it felt like we couldn't climb any higher, we turned left off the road on to another section of single track. This was rocky and uneven and along here I got in front of the other 2 runners and pushed on. As I was running I spotted a wombat poo, perfectly balanced on a piece of tree root, 5 or so centimetres off the ground. A: how do they do that, and B: why do they do that there, rather than the ground? Are they just showing off? A minute later the trees parted and we were presented with a glorious view of Mt. Macedon township, all the trees in full autumnal colour. This also preceded the really tricky section. It was rocky, exceedingly so, and still wet after the morning dew and fog. To run down successfully we had to step side-to-side very quickly, keeping a keen eye on where the feet landed. It reminded me of a performance artist playing the piano, with their feet! Or a frenetic game of hopscotch. Still we dropped down. The rocks gave way to steps cut into the ground; very slippery if shoe hit wood. My quads were aching and I was feeling the first real signs of fatigue in my legs.

Finally the last set of stairs was spotted and we dropped on to Anzac Drive. I was deliriously happy to stop descending, until I realised that we now had to climb back up over the next 4.5 kilometres. Good feeling gone! Another aid station (19k mark), but I didn't stop as I had enough water in my back pack, and food tucked into pockets. By now there was only 1 other runner with me, and I slowly drew away from him heading up towards the reservoir. Started passing 50k runners (they had a 1 hour head start and did our 30k course, with another 20 tacked on the back; legends) and headed up towards the Zig Zag track.

There had been 2 runners ahead of me from about the 3k mark that I'd kept seeing throughout the race. One wearing an orange coloured shirt, the other in red. Heading up Anzac Drive I spied them ahead of me by about 2 to 300 metres. I made a point of trying to see if I could catch them. Took me about 2k's, but I finally caught up going round one of the twists on the Zig Zag track. I didn't necessarily need to run with anyone else, nor speak to them, but it was just good to have someone else close by to measure my effort and performance. As you do, we struck up conversation ("how %$#@* tough is this", "Have you done this before", "How many trail races have you done", etc. etc.) and we discovered that we had all run Roller Coaster, and run fairly similar times. So, for the next couple for kilometres, we climbed up, running parts, walking others as we pushed on to the next aid station, occasionally chatting to while away the time.

Finishers medal: pretty much one of the hardest ones I have
ever received.

Finally we emerged back on to Baringo Road and the 22k aid station. This was also the 8k one we had encountered 14k's earlier, one and three quarter hours of up and down later. With still 8k's to go I grabbed some snacks and chocolate and carried on homewards. Another loop through the Sanatorium and then the undulating and rocky trail back to the finish line. The track was now basically retracing our steps from this morning, but buggered if I could remember much of it! We entered the picnic area on Lions Head Road for for the 2nd time that day and then as we entered the forest again I took the lead for the rolling track back to the Mount Macedon Road crossing. Even though I felt pretty stuffed at this point, I was still able to keep up a reasonable pace. It helped having 2 runners on my tail, kept me honest, and we all travelled in good time to the road crossing. By the time we got there though we were all puffing like steam trains! We were very relieved to have to stop as a car approached; the volunteer a bit slow in getting it to stop. He apologised, but we thanked him all the same!

We now had 5k's to go, and it was becoming a real battle to run anything that climbed beyond 5%! Even that was an issue. We passed the turn-off to Camels Hump, thankfully not having to climb it a second time, and headed on along the track. The sun was back out again, although it was still cool to cold under the canopy of trees. The general trend of the track had been mainly level since the 22k mark, now it started to climb again, another 4k's still from the finish. And it would continue to do so all the way in. Along this section the other 2 runners started to pull away as I spent more time recovering on the uphill sections. Eventually though, one of them decided to push on, and I caught up with the other who was really starting to struggle. I passed him just as we crossed the track where the 50k runners were running back out. We were close to the end.

Finishing and paying homage to my football team ,the crossed arms thingy!
(Photo credit: Yvonne Teo)

Passed more 50k runners still travelling back to the start/finish area and they all seemed cheerful enough (you'd have to be, knowing there was still 20k to go!). After what seemed like an interminable time, I spied the communications towers in the overflow car-park, less than 500 metres to go! There was no-one close behind me so I composed myself, summoned the energy for one last push and ran towards the finish line. As I was hammering towards it (downhill finish, thank you very much Brett Saxon, race director!), I got a low 5 and a gee up from a friend, Dan, on the way down. I saw the finish chute and headed towards it, amazed at the time it was showing. My expectations before the race were for a finish, and somewhere under 4 hours. 3:31 was never a realistic goal, but I arrived in that time and bloody happy with my race.

I was stuffed. Almost wandered out of the finish area without collecting my medal, then looked for an area to recover. Fiso and Chris were standing there, so I went over to congratulate Fiso (9th in 3:18:05), and commiserate with Chris, his ankle not looking good. Nicky and Jordan weren't around (I had said I would be in between 3:30 and 4 hours, and they had taken me literally), but they turned up about 10 minutes later astonished to see me already there. A quick lunch break, then get in the car for the 3 hour drive back to Leongatha; stiff, tired, but happy with the days efforts.

Being congratulated by Trails+ Race Director, Brett Saxon, after finishing. Funny thing is, I don't remember any of this other than him draping the medal around my neck! Note: Fiso calmly Facebooking in the background! It's what we do first thing post-race. (Photo credit: Yvonne Teo)

The wash-up

Definitely the hardest trail race I've done, but not impossible. The trick I find is to run anything remotely doable, and walk hard on the other sections. Walking still allows a recovery from running. It ends up being a serious of hard efforts, separated by walking recovery sections. Completely different to road racing where it is usually a constant pace for the whole race.
Whilst running trails is not particularly good for road running pace, there can be no doubt they make you tougher and stronger. As I write this final chapter, 6 days after finishing, I have already run another 38k's in training. An unprecedented amount when previously I probably wouldn't have been walking properly 3 days afterwards. Definitely getting stronger, and recovering faster. Now to get back on the road and work on the pace again.
And now I find myself 2 weeks out for the start of my marathon programme. The following races will lead me to October 12;

• Traralgon Half, June 15th,
• Run Melbourne Half. July 27th,
• Rapid Ascents 21k Race 3 Olinda, August 15th, and 
• Ross Marathon Festival Half (Tasmania) 7th September.

There will probably be some parkruns in between there and also a few longer trail runs to mix up the training, but for the most part this race schedule won't change.

Postscript

There was a distinct lack of Scottish running friend. Sadly Cheryl injured herself in a training run in the Dandenongs and although not serious, she decided that this race was not the type to test it out on! Sorely missed, but she'll be back next year.

Until next time...

Driver 8

33rd Puffing Billy Great Train Race.

Promo shot of Puffing Billy (All photos courtesy of The Friends of Puffing Billy, except where noted)

Setting the Scene

Climbing up to near the 10k mark of the race and the legs are fatiguing, lungs and heart are working overtime, and I'm desperately searching for the forth and final rail crossing. Somewhere behind me the train whistle peeps, but I have no idea how far back it is as the sound echoes through the hills. The road continues to climb (will it ever flatten out) and most of us are really struggling to maintain the pace we had started the climb with. The train whistle blows again, closer and more urgent. Just as I was about to admit defeat that I was not going to beat the train to the crossing, I round a corner and spy the signs ahead, 250 metres away. Whistle blows again, closer this time. Give us a break!

By now officials and supporters are jogging up the road towards us screaming encouragement, imploring us to dig deep and beat the train. Whistle blows again and I summon one last reserve of energy for the sprint towards the crossing. I'm followed by several other runners, all of us intent on beating that bloody train to the finish!

Exciting stuff, hey! Let's just calm down a bit and go back to were it all started.

In the Beginning (Ticket to Ride)

Being a 9:30 race start (very civilised) it was a leisurely breakfast and pack up at the place I was staying in Ferntree Gully, before heading up to the Metro train station to catch the train to Belgrave. Thanks to the modern marvel that is Victorian Public transport train ticketing, there was no romantic farewell on the platform with my wife; she wasn't allowed on there! Thank you very much, Myki! ...pricks...

Train arrived loaded with runners, a bit of pre-race banter, then we arrived at Belgrave and the race start. The usual pre-race chaos was in place, not helped by the threat of inclement weather, and the crowded streets and surrounds.

It was cool, bordering on cold, and I left it till the very last moment to strip down to race gear and drop off my gear bag for delivery to the finish line. Bumped into a couple of other Dandenong Trail Runners (Narelle and Belle), had a quick chat and then headed down to the start line. As I was waiting around, I met up with another runner who had a red coloured race bib, and we were both worried that as 1st wave seeded runners we had bitten off more than we could chew. Needn't have worried! Also bumped into Ash from TXR runners; he was buzzing and hyper, very ready to run!

Race Start (Leaving the Station)

Race start: cue the madness as everyone pushes for a good position.

We finally were marshalled around the corner to the start line; promo shots, short speeches, introduction to the train driver (to a chorus of boos!), sing (mumble) the national anthem, then we were ready to go. In keeping with the general train theme, the start was heralded not by a siren or start gun, but by a whistle (Casey Jones, indeed...). This was the first time I have witnessed real confusion at the start of a race. Starters whistle blows, and 4 or 5 runners bolt immediately; the rest of us hesitate ever so slightly before someone behind me yells "Just Go!", and off we all went.

First rail crossing, beautiful trestle bridge on Belgrave-Gembrook Road

Cue some carnage. Camera crew had positioned themselves 50 metres beyond the start line, and INSIDE the line of the runners. So, sprinting at the start (I was 5th row back), runners to my left suddenly veered right without warning. A runner beside suddenly tripped and went down rapidly. All I could do was vault him and hope that I didn't clip his elbow with my feet, and that the runners behind me didn't trample him. Hope he was alright.

The first kilometre was madness. Runners surging past, some in front already slowing up, and lots of jostling for position. We passed under the trestle bridge, the first point where the rail meets the road, then continued along the Belgrave-Gembrook road. Overnight rain made the road wet and a bit slippery in places, then it started to spit rain as we hauled ourselves up the first of the climbs. I was breathing hard early and worried that I had gone out too hard, resisting the urge to look at my GPS watch and see pace and/or heart rate. By the 3k mark I was running alongside similarly paced runners and was able to settle into a rhythm. The road undulated, so you went from hard work on the hills, to recovery down the other side.

First crossing on Selby-Aura Road where runners can get caught. No too many people looking upset. I'd be climbing the walls!

The Major Climb (I Think I Can)

Just as things are going well we turned into the gravel section of Selby-Aura Road at the 5k mark and started a 2k climb that would really test our reserves of energy. It was along this road I spotted Matty Morris of TXR runners, only about 30 metres ahead and toyed with the idea of trying to slowly catch up. Running beside a friendly face is always good policy. But I couldn't catch him. Towards the top, a spectator yelled out encouragement, "Just 250 metres to the top guys. Well done!". Actually it was a soul destroying 400+! Oh well, nice sentiments. Finally breasted the hill and I grabbed my first drink at the the second drink station. Previous drink station was best avoided.
Back out onto the bitumen, and by now we have crossed 3 level crossings. Periodically during that time a whistle blast would be heard, signalling the train, but you never knew exactly where it was, just that the driver was playing mind games with us! The hardest of the climbs behind us, we rejoined the Belgrave-Gembrook road for the final climb to Emerald and the all-important 4th level crossing. Beat the train through here, and you have a great chance of beating it to the finish. Which leads me back to the start of this story....

The Real Race

With 75 metres to the crossing, train blowing his whistle behind me (and by now I can hear the steam coming from the pistons), I put my head down and charged forward. Several runners came with me and we crossed the railway line amidst a number of officials looking like they were about to close the barrier, and a large group of spectators yelling encouragement. Adrenalin and energy spent, I turned right into Emerald station trying hard to ignore the fact that I was cooked. Past another aid station, and some people stopped or walking, looking the worse for wear, and then back on to Heroes Road (how ironic!) for the final 'jelly legs' 3k downhill finish.

Just before the descent, a vision of purple appeared off my left shoulder; Narelle Lagergren, one tough runner, who was pushing to beat the train. Upon seeing me she commenced a rev-up/pep talk/motivational speech reminiscent of my old rugby coach! Although he had a gut, smoked roll-ups, and carried his greyhounds in the back of his ute, shadowing us for those insane 15k pre-season runs we used to do in Brisbane summer heat. And he never wore purple. Okay, not sure where that analogy was going....

Anyway, we started the descent. Narelle yelling behind her that if we were close at the finish, we should cross together. Sounded good in theory! I tucked in behind her and we let the decline do the work for us. By now I was no longer recovering on the downhills. I was working as hard as I had at any time during the race. The sound of the train was almost constant now as the driver gave it his all. We pushed on, all runners around us had no thought other than putting in to beat the sod. I was still behind Narelle, but struggling to stay close enough and thought I was going to lose her altogether.

The road levelled out and we steered right on to as gravel track for the last 2k's to the finish. Narelle suddenly stopped off the track to tie up a shoelace (double knots, mate) and I ploughed on knowing she would catch up. The path met back up with the railway and by now the train was right behind us. I didn't need to look, I just knew by the sound and the shouts of the passengers. Narelle caught and passed me, and I caught my first sight of the train for the whole race. I was absolutely spent, and many others runners were now streaming past in a last ditch effort to beat it.

Good to see workplace health and safety haven't cottoned on to this! Passengers would hang out of the side of the train yelling encouragement to the runners (At least I think that was what they were yelling!).

The Finish (Arrive at the Station)

I was close, but how close to the finish? I wouldn't look at my watch; I didn't want to know. But, people were telling us we only had several hundred metres to go (which could be anywhere between 200 and 500!), and I just needed to put in a maximal effort and hope that it was enough. The train had got in front of me, then the final nail in the coffin was where we hit the bottom end of Emerald Lake. In previous years the route turned left and there was a 200 metre uphill finish. Recent rain meant that track was washed out, so instead we headed to the right for another 400 metre section. And that is where I finally knew that I was beaten! Soooo close.

I pushed on, a good time was still in the offering, and climbed the final 100 metres to the finish line. The finish straight was lined with spectators, all cheering and clapping, it was a great way to finish. Stopped the watch and spotted Narelle. She came up and we high 10'ed (none of that 5 bullshit!) and hugged each other on a job well done. Neither of us had beaten the train, but we'd run significant personal bests in doing so.

Not close enough to finish with Narelle, but still managed to get in the selfie! (photo credit: Narelle Lagergren)

The finish was just as chaotic as the start. Runners everywhere, many needing medical attention (it was that sort of race), and being a crowded finish line it was impossible to see any of my friends. Nevertheless, still managed to bump into Josie (she'd threatened to run me down, but didn't quite) as we queued for Gatorade and drink bottles.

Race finish at Emerald Lake. Sun was out, finally.

The Wash-Up

Now started the process of finding my wife and son who had been up at Emerald Lake since before 9:30! After bumping in to a few other friends, I finally checked my watch to see the time; 1:01:38 on the watch (1:01:35 officially) for a km pace of 4:36. Very happy with that.
So, what do I take away from Sundays race?

• Despite not doing too much speed work over the last couple of months, I haven't lost too much at all. 
• The hill work that I have substituted has more than compensated for the lack of speed work. And that has probably been a good thing in that it has boosted my aerobic capacity, and not stressed the legs like flat hard runs can do. 
• My strength has increased also due to the hill work. Whilst I slowed down on the hills, I ran a consistent pace up them (particularly Selby-Aura, the 2k climb).
• My pacing was spot on (it helped knowing the elevation profile), and consistent throughout.
• Current training regime is working, no need to shake it up just yet.

A great day, and a great race. Definitely back to do it again next year, and this time I will book Nicky and Jordan on the train. Added incentive to beat it! 

Next week: Macedon 30 (aka The Dirty 30!).

Until next time...