Bittersweet

Was it going to be 3rd time lucky, or strike 3, you're out? Running is such a mental game. Many of my non-running friends think I'm mental! Actually that doesn't back up my comment. Confidence of your skills and abilities is maybe what I was talking about.

First, some history

12 months ago, cold, miserable, wrapped up in a St. Johns Ambulance blanket, I watched my friends finish their respective events at the Salomon Trail Race Series (STRS), Race 3 at Olinda. It was a dismal day; weather was foul, low cloud scudding across the start/finish area in the abandoned Olinda Golf Course. A rolled ankle (severe) at the 2k mark of the race was the reason I was watching everyone else finish, not struggling up to the finish myself, on what was a pretty brutal course. My mood was ranging somewhere between raw anger, and sad resignation, that;

1. My day was in tatters, and
2. My marathon plans for Melbourne, 8 weeks out, were in serious jeopardy.

Spending the next 6 months enduring rehab, struggling mentally with the thought that running may be restricted, if not at all, had me at times cursing this race, and then wishing that I could get the chance to redeem myself. Finally running and racing by March this year, I looked forward to being able to have another crack.

When race entries opened, I didn't jump in straight away. In fact I held right back, almost thinking that I should just let it be, move on and pick another race. But eventually it was just too good to resist, I signed up and focused on running a good race.

Lead in

Raced in the You Yangs (30k trail) and a few easy parkruns, but mainly it was consistent training. Melbourne Marathon being the A-list race. Ran a few times in the Dandenongs, and at least on one occasion, I covered most of the tracks that we would encounter in the major climb on the race. I felt I had prepared well, but as usual, pre-race doubts crept in. Was I over-training, was I in the same or better shape than last year, would I misjudge the climbs and bomb out on the 2nd half of the course. Sometimes these voices can be counter-productive, sometimes you can use them to focus on the job ahead of you. I chose the latter....

Race Day

Nicky and Jordan were also running in the short course, so it was an early start from South Gippsland for all of us. Drive up was uneventful, and we arrived at Silvan with plenty of time to spare (or so I thought...). Race central was already buzzing, guy on the PA giving lots of information, people milling around and starting to get ready. Met up with a few DTR's, Marc, David, Richard, Chris Burton, and Chris Piplios, and plenty of PTR's, LTR's and just generally all the trail runners I knew of in Victoria.

DTR personnel: Chris, Burton, Marc, Chris Piplios, David, and myself, 10 minutes before race time.
(Photo credit: Peter Mitchell)

Whilst the organisation of this event looked good, it wasn't until we went to put our bags in the bag drop, did we realise that was maybe not quite the case. A long line, that wasn't moving very fast, basically short staffed, and struggling. Finally got the bag checked in, and we started a bit of a warm-up. It was cold, so, having peeled off warm clothes and left in bag, there was nothing left to do but keep moving around. If nothing else, kept the nerves at bay! And that was a first for me, normally nerves are left for road races. Always calm before trail events, but this race had an added incentive for me.

Start of Race 3, long course.
(Photo credit: Peter Mitchell)

Before too long we were called up, the medium course (15k) runners going off 5 minutes before us. Usually I would have started my old GPS watch, and stood there frantically wishing it would pick up satellites. New Suunto Ambit 3, BOOM, 10 seconds to get both HR monitor, and satellites! Finally, I would be able to start a race without watch issues!

Start of Race 3, long course. Chris Burton with thumbs up
(Photo credit: Peter Mitchell)

So....., when I stuffed up starting my watch, I was to think back to that previous thought....
Started the watch, then about 100 metres up the road suddenly thought it wasn't going.
Running beside Marc Simpkins I said, ":How good is your eyesight?".
"Not bad" was the reply.
"Is my watch running?"
Marc looks at the watch face that I am holding up to his face, "F____ed if I know mate"
Ran another 50 or so metres, then decided that it was stopped. So, pressed the start button again. Annnddd, successfully stopped the watch..... Bloody dill. It wasn't until I had run another 200 metres did I decide that I should have another crack at getting it going. Hit start, hoped like hell that it was going, and decided to run on, not bothering whether it was going or not.

By now we are running through lots of single trail, doubling back towards the start/finish area, before peeling off, and coming out on Pipeline Track, effectively a narrow gravel road. By now the crowd of runners has thinned out. I spied a couple of DTR shirts up ahead, Richard and David, and made a mental note that I might be travelling a bit fast. Didn't feel it, was comfortable along here, pulling about 155 bpm, it wasn't flat out, but it wasn't idle either!

Jenny Mitchell, showing us all how to do it,
on the ludicrously named, "Suunto Sprint"!
(Photo credit: Peter Mitchell)

Just when we were settling into a nice fluid pace along Pipeline, we turned off onto the "Suunto Sprint" (My quotes...). This should be renamed the "Overwhelmingly Ironically Named Suunto Sprint". Terms like sprint, and run, conjure up images of well... running.... both feet off the ground at some part of the stride. Something like that, anyway. The "Sprint" was in fact a 300 metre slog up a muddy track with an elevation grade of about 20%! Sprint, it was not....
Passed David, who was struggling up here, and was catching Richard before we crested the hill and started running again. Pass a photographer, then a left onto Track 17, and a longish undulating section (that included Georges Track), for about 3k's before we started the climb up to Olinda.

This is where the fun started! Met the last 15k runner making her way steadily up the single track. My first thought; gunna be interesting with all the long course runners still to come! This section is not terribly steep, but it just goes, on and on and on... Lovely sweet single trail, winding it's way through tree ferns, the track was muddy and slippery in places, and presented some difficulties to those running in light lugged shoes, or road shoes. I was feeling strong here, and noticed that I was steadily picking up runners and passing them. Original plan was to run somewhere between a half and two thirds of the climb to the top at Olinda. As it was, I probably ran three quarters of it, doing a fast hike the rest of the time. Passed Marc Simpkins along here. Probably the only time I'm ever going to do this in a race, Marc on a comeback, of sorts!

3D plot of the course (complete with GPS stuff up, far right brown section)
(Image courtesy of www.veloviewer.com)

The climb to Olinda was broken into two parts, the middle section had a short downhill, slippery, muddy and THE section where I rolled my ankle last year. Yup, and just before I hit that fatal spot, Pitty McAdams from PTR (Peninsula Trail Runners) passed me. Pitty being one of the first persons to stop and give assistance last year, the irony of that coincidence was not lost on me!
As I turned on to Ginkgo Track, the sound of somebody singing Bubbles (West Ham United theme song) echoed through the crisp morning air! Johnny Horricks, another PTR runner (and the other person to stop with me last year) has spotted me and burst into song;

"I'm forever blowing bubbles,

Pretty bubbles in the air,

They fly so high,

Nearly reach the sky...."

Caught up with me, and we ran/walked the rest of the steep climb to the R J Harmer Arboretum (highest point of the climb). On the final climb, I finally caught and passed Richard Matison, surprising the hell out of him as I jumped onto his shoulder, then went smoothly past. He would catch me on the descent, being better at the downhill then me. Finally, having reached the summit, I ran conservatively for a period to get the HR down before we started the exhilarating run back down the mountain.

Smiling, must have been a good race!

By now we are passing loads of 15k runners. And I would like to take the time to thank all of them, not one issue with us faster long course runners getting past. Many stood to one side on the single track (Poplar, and Manna Gum), and most were very happy to give back the good wishes that I would give them as I went past. A race run in a very fine spirit by all, from my point of view. 

Some of the runners I had passed going uphill, now came back past me as my inadequate descending skills were laid to bare. Having said that, barrelling down Manna Gum chasing Johnny Horricks was an absolute highlight of the day. Not quite single track, but a very pretty section with good ground underneath your feet, and a steadily increasing decline. The idea here was to throw caution to the wind and let gravity take over. At the bottom, 2 strategically place fallen trees provided us with hurdling practice, yeah, just what we needed....

Jordan ran the whole way with hoodie,
and water bottle!

Back out onto Prices Road, and eventually to Georges Road, mainly wide gravel roads that had a few hills to test the cardiovascular capacity. Hit the aid station at the 16k mark in fairly good shape. Stopped, grabbed a drink of SOS (sponsors sports drink, not too bad), then put my head down for the final 5k (expected, but not quite as measured) distance to the finish line. Immediately spotted somebody running back up the road I'm running down, Peter Mitchell, DTR head honcho running back home after his wife run the short course event. A quick high 5 from Peter, and I continue on my way. 

I have noticed that the same group of runners are now constantly around me. Backwards and forwards we pass, getting passed as if connected by a horizontal bungee. I would get them on the ups, they would get me on the downs. Along here I was following another runner, similar height, slightly stronger build, that I would later find out was Marcus Pain, yet another DTR alumini. Off the bottom part of a run called The Undulator (no, not ironic...), we continued down to come back out onto the Silvan Road. 18 and a half k mark. I expected that we would have somewhere between one and a half, and two and a half k's to go. (I had seen distances listed as 20, and 21k for this race. Thought if mentally I prepared for 21, I would be okay)

Nicky, looking strong, despite a rolled ankle!

Silvan Road was getting busy. Lot's of 15k runners still heading for home, and a bit of vehicular traffic making it's way along the road. Suddenly I could hear the PA system from the finish line, thinking that the sound was travelling a long way on the forest. Pushing along down a gentle incline, my legs now starting to get the first indications of fatigue. Not sore, just feeling the energy drain somewhat. Photographer sitting on a stool in the middle of the road takes heaps of pictures as I run past, I was picking up the pace as another runner came up on my shoulder. We are directed off the road onto a single track. 
The PA quite loud now. Thinking that this is a deviation to make up the still required 1.5k's, I was very surprised when, after a short section, we exited onto an area just before the entrance back to the finish chute. Head down, focused, I push hard for home. Heard my name shouted out (cheers peeps), I crossed the line, not even bothering to look at the stop clock. Stopped the watched (yep, it had been going, and yes, I did stop it properly). Time said 1:43, thought that was a bit light on, but was very happy all the same.

Looked around the finish area, but couldn't see Nicky at all. Paused to catch breath, and congratulate fellow runners. Friend Chrissy found me, a huge grin on her face, high 10 and hug from her. She had run the short course as a comeback race, and was very pleased with her efforts. Still couldn't see Nicky. Finally Jordan catches up with me, Nicky had rolled her ankle 3k's in, completed the race, but was in a bit of pain and discomfort. Bugger, the SRTS race 3 curse rolls on! Found her at the coffee cart, waiting patiently for her flat white. She was down, but pragmatic enough to realise that trails have a way of doing this. So, as much as I was happy with my day, sad to see Nicky having to hobble around for a few days afterwards. Best news is, that it was nowhere near as bad as mine was.

Caught up with a few people, but left fairly rapidly, as I wanted to get Nicky home asap. Found out later, I was 2nd in my age group, and had missed out on a prize. Never mind, it was the time and race completion I was more happy with. Age group placings, whilst brilliant, are not what I aim for.
Post Script: Rapid Ascents contacted me, I will pick up prize at Anglesea, after Race #4

The Wash Up.

12 months ago, cold, miserable, and waiting patiently for my friends to finish their respective races, I watched as 2 friends finished the race, embraced, and celebrated a great result. It was an image that was burned into my memory as I went through the endless cycle of rehab. I used it as an incentive to get back, to experience that thrill of competition, and the sharing with friends. I have never told either person of their part in this story, I may never will. I have confided to only one person about what I saw, and how it made me feel. It was a very raw emotion at the time, and one that left a lasting impression.
Funnily enough, I didn't want to recreate that image (it was an impromptu one at that, hard to replicate without looking staged), and although it didn't happen, I didn't care. I had run a great race (my impression only), and survived! That was all that mattered in the aftermath.

Where to From Here

In the middle of a high training load for Melbourne Marathon. Managing the fatigue, and injury risk is now high on the agenda.Training has been going well, hitting targets, recovering well etc. But the first signs of subtle fatigue with training load have surfaced in the last week.
Upcoming races are;
30th August, Wonderland 36k trail,
19th & 20th September, Relay leg 28k of Surf Coast Century, and Race 4 STRS at Anglesea,
18th October, Melbourne Marathon.
Stop Press; potentially pacing 1:45 half at Mornington on 6th September. Awaiting confirmation for race organisers.

Until next time....

Feel the Pain

You Yangs Trail Running Festival

Background

You Yangs Trail Running Festival is one of the more complete, and full weekends you can have on the trails. Held around the You Yangs Regional Park near Little River in Victoria, it encompasses runs from 5k, right through to an old fashioned miler (yep 100 miles, or 160 kilometres, or 32 parkruns; take your pick!) All but the miler start on the Sunday morning, and follow similar courses that go through a common point at the start/finish line, at The Turntable. So, being a focal point for the 6 different events, gives it a real festival feel. Like a rock festival perhaps; except without the loud music, the mud, and the drugs...

You Yangs is the last in a 3 race series of Mountain Trails that the organisers, Trails+, put on each year. In terms of trail, and elevation profile, the 30, and 50k events are the easiest on theses courses. But don't be fooled, easier means less hiking/walking steep sections, and more running. Quick times over the 30 and 50k events are the order of the day. It was with this in mind, I ventured back, after having a stellar race in 2014. Fresh from a PB at Traralgon half 4 weeks previously, I was primed for another PB, Would I get it?

Adding to the mix was that I knew people running in every event (except the 5); social media has a lot to answer for!

Lead-in to the Race

Week after Traralgon, I took it easy. Easy paced runs, no target times, just make sure I recovered. That I did, then the next week was week 1 of a 16 week marathon plan heading towards Melbourne in October. Slight blip in week 2 of mara plan, went skiing at Falls Creek for the week, only managing 2 runs of 5k after dark around the town where I was staying, but the legs got a pretty good workout on the slopes! The following week (3rd week or plan) was race week. Depending on whether a race is going to be a target race or not, determines if I taper or not. Given the previous weeks drop in mileage, I decided to train through, only holding back my usual Thursday run for a shorter version.

Trying to nail down a parkrun PB! One way to do speed work,
 in prep for a race.

My wife was away for 2 weeks, with this weekend falling right in the middle. In preparation, I had asked my son if he wanted to stay over at a mates place on the Saturday night. He would be fine to leave at home for the day, although I was  slightly uneasy that I would be away most of the day. He never made plans, I decided I was racing anyway and threatened to get him up at 4:30 to come with me. 2 days out he suddenly thinks it's a great idea to stay overnight with a school mate! Problem solved....

Race Day

Early start, 4:30am. Quick breakfast and out of the door by 5:10. First thing I noticed was how cold it was. Sub zero in South Gippsland, I could only hope that it wasn't as cold at the You Yangs. Some of the milers would be still going, and having to have contended with that overnight. It was dark, all the way in to Highett, where I grabbed a list with fellow DTR, Cameron Baillie. Talk on the way up was invariably about the race, the milers (and specifically a friend, Oliver Mestdagh, and his progress) still plugging away whilst we slept overnight.

First glimpse of the You Yangs Regional Park from the car.
Sunny day, but bloody cold outside.

Arrived at 'Race Central' just after 8:30, missing the start of the 50k event. Event directors of Inverloch and Sale parkruns, Tony O'Connell and Bernie Larsen were heading off for their first ultras. Also there was Lysterfield Trail Runner buddy, David Boulton. David had rolled his ankle 7 weeks previously at Macedon 30, moving heaven and earth in an effort to get the ankle rehabilitated. Fitness being his only worry. Standing around the start line I met heaps of people (most of whom I've met through social media). I was, once again, very relaxed and very late getting warm clothes off, and race kit on!

!5k runners: Danny Burgess, Ali Moxham (yes hard to recognise by the handstand, NOT), and Susi Viete

Race brief from Brett Saxon (follow the markers, don't get lost etc., etc., and have a great day...). Final handshakes, pre-race mind games, then we were off. As like last year, some people treat this as a parkrun, like shots from a gun they fly up the first rise! I was running what I thought was a conservative 4:45 in the first 500 metres, and getting left for dead by heaps of runners. Having raced here last year, I knew what was on offer later on, time to hurt towards the end of the race, not in the first 5!

Still frost on the ground, at about the 2k mark we started passing 50k runners returning to Race Central. Not for the first time that day, my name was called out by a fellow runner, and it took me a long period of time to put a name to a runner. Apologies to anyone I might have appeared to be a bit vague with (probably half the field!).

The 30k runners: Top row -  Kris Harris, Kate Atkinson, Libby Williams, Mathieu Dore, and Cameron Baillie.
Bottom row - Steve Bullock, Chris and myself, Brett James, and Chris Spano.

The first 3k's climb up to the saddle, then is a long fast descent to to the eastern boundary. This is where I probably went a bit hard last year. Thus I thought that being a bit conservative would help later in the race. That was the theory. I even thought I had done as planned (until I looked back at the kilometre splits). If anything, k's 3 to 10 were faster than last year. Not by much, but enough to know that it was why I struggled once again beyond the 24k mark! They say live n learn, not learning much....

As with last Trails+ race at Macedon, Kris Harris and I ran together over the opening stages. As the first part was downhill, we had the chance to chat a bit; discussing parkrun (Kris is an event director at Churchill Island), fellow runners not joining us today, and plans for ultras in the future. Had a few other runners come past us, but in general we kept close to, and passed a few runners who had started out hard.

The 50k runners: Dylan Perera, Warwick King, David Boulton, Bernie Larsen, and Tony O'Connell.

As we headed along the eastern boundary, I knew it was slightly downhill, and let my legs and cardio feel the right pace. Caught one more runner before we turned north and headed back to the saddle. Returning up the Branding Yard Road, I spotted 3 runners ahead of me. One of them, Steve Bullock (Surf Coast Trail Runner), and 2 others, 1 I would become acquaintances with for the rest of the run.

Caught them as we turned off the road, onto a indistinct track (Branding yard Track). I make that observation, as several runners in my race would miss that turn, get lost and either run an extra 4 or so k's, or DNF! Poor bastards. Steve and I had a brief chat as we started the worst of the climb. This was the only section in the first 15 that walked last year, and was prepared to walk again. The woman who would eventually win our race, passed me here, running slowly, but efficiently up the steepest sections.

Crossed the saddle, and headed back to the start/finish line. Photographer alert: mug for the lens! By now, one of the 3 runners (who I later found out was called Chris), was running with me. chatting along the way, both worked out we were heading for Wonderland 36k in late August, and speculating on the difficulties that race presented compared to this one!

The hardcore 100 milers: Oliver Mestdagh, Simon Roberts, and Michelle Shannon.

15k runners were passing in the other direction, always good to get a shout out form a few friends. Entering the start/finish area was like entering as carnival, lots of people milling around, marshals etc., all giving us encouragement as we turned to head up to Flinders Peak. This climb is tough for several reasons. Firstly, the stone steps are not placed such that you can easily match them to your stride length. Secondly, it is hard packed, with stone, murder on the feet and lower legs. Lastly the descent is one you think you can make time on, but at risk of smashing your quads!

The 80k runners: Ashley Bennett, and
Stephen Rennick, 2 loops down, 2 to go.

At the bottom of Flinders I was joined by Chris again, having got away from him on the descent. Heading back out for the final 13 odd k's, we met another runner stooped at a track junction, asking us which was was our course. The mischievous bugger in me was tempted to go "right", when in fact it was left!, But, being a trail brethren, I just got him to follow us.

Kerry Clapham powers along to yet another ultra.

This part starts the downhill to Sandy Creek, and the 24 k mark, where we then climb slowly, but relentlessly to the finish line. It enters a section of forest, weird in the extreme. Tall straight eucalypt tress, zero under-storey, it really is Blair Witch Project territory. I kept a nice even pace down here, although the first signs of fatigue were creeping into the legs. Hit the aid station, bumped into a 50k runner and friend Kerry Clapham, and stopped for a quick chat (to be sociable, to recover the HR, and to down a few squares of chocolate, the first food of the run). By now there were 3 of us running together, chatting in between huffing n puffing as the trail started to climb back to the finish. The climb is minor in gradient terms, but is hard having pushed a pretty good pace from the start to here.

Blair Witch Project territory, if ever there was! Must have be fun at night....

Came up behind another runner in the 50k, David Boulton. David, despite keeping an eye on the cut-off, was not worried about a finishing time. Brief chat to see how each other was going, then I went on, trying to make up ground on my 2 running companions. Caught them at the start of the mtb zig zag tracks, a section designed to finish you off mentally. Steep cambers, mountain bikers flying downhill to meet you head-on, the feeling you were running for ages and making no progress, this section was just relentlessly tough on the confidence.

After what seemed like an age, we exited the mtb tracks, hit a road with yet another climb to get to the last aid station. Along here I had a 2nd walk with Chris, whilst our companion pushed on. Quick stop at the aid station, grab a final piece of choccy, then I took off for home. Last year I walked about 2 to 3 sections from here, the final 3k's. This year I made a pact to run the lot, regardless of how I felt. And run it, I did. The last finishers in the 15k race were also making their way to the finish line. Made a point of giving them as much encouragement as I could muster. I may have run further, I was fitter and stronger, but I wasn't hurting any more than they were. Hopefully I got a few of them over the line just a bit quicker than they had hoped!

Gotta give the punters something at the
finish line!

Final 50 metres is downhill to the finish line. Love a downhill finish; you can look semi-conscious, get the brain into gear, and perform for the finishing line photographer! Crossed the line, look at the watch, aaannndddd, sod it, same time as last year! Momentarily disappointed as I had grand plans of bettering last years time, but soon gave way to acknowledgement that last years time may well have been as fast as I can possibly go on this course. Still, thankful that I can run, many others still out with injury.

Caught up with the 2 other runners I had shared the final sections with. Tom in front of me; I was catching in the final k's but never quite got there. Chris had stopped at the final aid station, and cramped severely. I thought he was right behind me. If I had have known, I would have stopped to help him.

It took me a while to gather my senses after the finish, I had really put in over the final 6k's, and it had taken it's toll. managed to catch up with a few of the milers I knew, Michelle still to complete her final 20k's, Oliver having just finished his. Post race massage courtesy of Ross Kinsella from Freedom Sports Medicine (happy to plug, it was a freebie!), coffee, as much food as I could stuff down my throat, then Cam and I headed back to town.

Reflections

Training is going well, I am pretty much near, or exceeding, where I was this time last year. Marathon in October still the main prize, but these races along the way serve to remind me what racing is all about, and also provide a social context to my running, so great to meet so many wonderful runners of all abilities. Doing trail races as lead-up events is probably as unconventional a method as any, but it makes me tougher, and correspondingly, is fun! I genuinely enjoy the racing, and the camaraderie of the trails.

Race bib, and bling! The spoils of war....

Next race is Silvan Dam. This is the re-scheduled course for what is Race 3 of the Salomon Trails Series. Last years 'bastard' race where I rolled my ankle. This will be the 3rd attempt to finish (having a DNS, and a DNF previous 2 years here), and finish it I will!

Until next time...

History Never Repeats

Traralgon Half Marathon, 2015

History never repeats,

I tell myself before I go to sleep...

                Split Enz - History Never Repeats

Just over a year ago, I lined up for this race with high hopes of finally breaking a long-standing, and frustrating PB. "Weather good, track flat", as they may say in horse racing language, all the signs were good for a fast time. The only variable not factored in on that day was the object above the shoulders; having a race plan is one thing, executing it properly is another....

Lead Up

Having cocked up last year, I was determined to front up and atone this year, which also meant having to prepare physically and mentally. Hills, tempo work, more hills. Get those legs into shape. A few runs in the Dandenongs, a 30k trail race at Mt. Macedon, etc., etc. The main thing was to not only build up the mileage, but run it consistently, 50 and 60+ k weeks not unusual. For the most part I avoided pure speed work, one eye still on the main prize at the end of all this, the marathon. But saying that, I have been a regular at my local parkrun in Inverloch, and recently getting my 5k time down to 21 minutes with a bit of spare change. In a way it has changed my training, in that my normal 3k time trial has been replaced with the 5k sprint on a Saturday morning.
In the fortnight leading up to the race, my training started to show significant gains, I reckoned I was ready.

Race Day

Before the race

Marathon runners milling before the race start.

A group of us (Kate, Bill, Tony, and Jacqui) had organised to leave from my house early in the morning. 6:30, still dark, and cold, cold n dark..... Fog in the valleys, temperature was about 1 degree in Leongatha as we left, not the most inspiring start to the day. Felt better once we arrived in Traralgon, fog cleared, lots of blue sky (although still quite cold), and no wind. Conditions were absolutely ideal, no excuses for a good run.
Met up with a number of other runners (Melbourne
Marathon, and RIOT, Running is our Therapy) before the start of the marathon, and our race an hour later. Curiously, I was feeling quite calm. Usually before a trail race I am calm, but nervous as all buggery before a road race. Suspect it is because in a road race, there is nowhere to hide if it all goes pear-shaped! But on this day, I was calm, confident, but not cocky. I had done the work, I was happy with my preparation.

Race 0 - 5k

After what seemed like the longest race countdown in history (called to the start line nearly 12 minutes before we needed to go), we got to 10 seconds to go. Watch was on, satellites located (always a bit hit and miss with my Garmin), and I had warmed up my body and HR. Then we were off!

Ryan, myself, and Bill all smiles
before the race start.

Last year I started out too hard, 22:14 for the first 5k's, which is essentially a pretty handy parkrun time! Problem being, I usually don't have to run another 16k's afterwards.... So this year, start conservatively. That was the theory, the reality was quite different. First 5 was 21:53, not only faster, but way faster than had planned. I felt fine, but knew I had also felt that way last year. Eventually I just settled myself into what I though was a comfortable pace. The only hill of any note is at the 3k mark, gentle gradient, it is enough to make you know you are working, and drop a few seconds per k off your pace, but really is quite straightforward to run. Turn left onto the Maffra road, and gently drop down again. By now I am still running 4:25 or faster and spying a group of 10 runners ahead that I wanted to get on the back of.

Race 5k to turnaround

Realising the pace was a bit hot in that group, I held off, and watched as one-by-one runners peeled off, huffing and puffing as I passed them. The weather had warmed a bit, the road offers no shelter, but in the midst of a winters day, that is not an issue. After what seemed a very long time, we turned off the main road, and onto a gravel road. Thankfully this year, nowhere near as rutted, and potholed as previously. Tony and Bill were by now a few minutes in front of me, and I could only just make out their red singlets along this section of road. The first runners were returning, making a half marathon look like a Sunday morning social group run. Only conciliation, they were hurting as much as we were, just doing it faster....

Left turn, then a right turn towards the turnaround point. Glenn Sullivan (fellow Inverloch parkrun RD), had already passed me on his return, brief nod and a grunt from us both, we travelled on. One thing I noted this year, the turnaround seemed to be much further along this final section of road. More about that later.
Bill and Tony pass me heading back, I passed one final runner along this stretch (also saw another runner perfectly lob a half drunk cup of water across the road into a garbage bin, basketball style!), then hit the turnaround. Quick peep at the watch, still averaging 4:26 overall. Knew I wouldn't keep that up, but also felt quite happy that I wasn't struggling at all.

Race turnaround to 16k

As always happens when on an out and back course, white line fever hits and you suddenly put on a burst of speed. Slowed it a bit, and concentrated on form, cadence and my breathing. All seemed in good order. Last year I didn't enjoy the section on the gravel road, seemed to go on forever, and was hard to maintain a pace on. This year felt marginally better, but was still relieved to get back on the main road and the bitumen.

I was trying hard along here not to look at my watch, and just run. For the most part succeeded, but every now and then, I would look at the overall pace. hovering around 4:27 along the main road, I knew I was running better than last year. But also realised that at about the 13/14k mark last year, the energy just drained from my body, and along with it went any chance of a PB. Hit the 15k aid station, still running strong (and told that by a vollie. Thanks, whoever you were!) and started to line up the hill that would take us back to the side ride back to the finish line. Along here, I had spied a woman running in a yellow shirt, and was slowly pegging her back. Not actively trying to catch her, just realised that she may be flagging, and I was still running at a good pace. Mentally it helped me to focus on maintaining my forward progress.

Race 16k - 21.1k

As we approached the climb, the 10k runners and walkers were joining us on the road back to the finish. Hit the climb, tried to maintain as much pace as possible, but factored in that a 5 to 10 second per k drop-off here wouldn't be too bad. Just as I crested the climb a runner came flying past. Dion Finocchiaro, eventual winner of the marathon, made me look like I was standing still! Yes he is younger, but he also had another 21k's on me! Quick shout out to him, a waved acknowledgement, and I watched him mow down runners in both the 10 an the half on his way to a 3:31 finish.
Turned off the road, and hit the downhill. This was where I thought my race could potentially derail. Having put in the effort to climb up at a good pace, had I put too much effort in that would tip me over the anaerobic threshold, and burn me for the remainder? Seemingly not. Hit the bottom of the downhill, and just kept going. Difference was, that now to hold the same pace, the ease of effort was gone. I had to really push hard, it was starting to hurt, and the mental battle had begun; here the mind tries to outwit the body that it can do this. And I kept telling myself that I could do this; I just needed to keep running, the faster I ran, the sooner I finished... Simple really!

Michelle and I with our finishers medals, grinners and winners!

Weaved around a few 10k runners, then there was only myself and 3 other half marathoners heading for home. Started to feel the form drop here, hips rocking, shoulders slumped, my arms not swinging very well at all, but the mind was still pushing the body along. Focused on the runner ahead, realised I was catching him, and made a note to do just that. Caught him with less than a k to go. Mentally celebrated a little win, then watched as someone I had passed at the 9k mark, came back and passed me with less than 500 metres to go. Bugger...

Passed a photographer taking official shots (or so I thought, they have never seen the light of day. So glad I didn't do a jump for them!), then the final turn for home. Put on a final spurt, run up the finish chute and hear friends call out to me, and the announcer call my name, and that I was the 3rd in my age group! Didn't care about that, only cared about the time, 1:36:22 on the watch, PB!!!!!

Aftermath

Bling, very unexpected!

It took me a good 2 minutes to even breathe properly, let alone acknowledge my friends who were already at the finish line. I wasn't necessarily spent, but the raw emotion of running to plan (roughly!), getting the PB and just being able to run again after my injury lay-off, was suddenly very overwhelming. Went for a walk around the finish area, partly to clear the head, partly to loosen the legs up, and found a $10 note on the ground! Could the day get any better?
Stood around the finish line waiting for fellow runners to come in. One-by-one they came; Kate, Leah, Matthew, and Ryan from Inverloch parkrun, all running their first half marathons (well done all), and the two Michelles from RIOT (and LTR), both trying to get under 2 hours. Michelle Acorn did, and in doing so broke her PB significantly, Michelle Harris missing by 5 minutes after having a real struggle on the back half.

Getting my age group award.
(Photo credt: Michelle Harris)

Caught up with a number of RIOT people afterwards, group photo, then all I wanted to do was go find coffee and junk food. Jenna from RIOT reminded me that I should stay for the awards, having finished 3rd in my age group. Not sure about whether I would get anything, I hung around anyway. Lo and behold, 3 of us won awards, Glenn Sullivan, Ali Moxham (10k), and myself. Nothing like a bit of age group glory to cap off a great race.

Post-Race Analysis

After a few days, I sat down and compared GPS plots of this and last years races. Interestingly, my assertion that this years race was long, may only be part of the answer. Plots of both reveal a marked difference in lengths on the road at the turnaround. So, was this year long to make up for last years short course? May never know, but better a race to be fractionally long, than short.

So, was 2014 short, or 2015 long? Or both? Look at the final leg at the top of the course.

Time over the last 5k's tells the real story of the day. Last year, having run nearly 16k in 1:14, I took 25:46 to cover the last 5k's. This year, at the 16k mark in 1:11, then the last 5 in 23:09; quicker to get to that point, then negligible slowdown as I finished. Even better this year, no splits in the 5min/km.

But the overall impression of my race is that I won the all important mental battle on the day. Physically I should not have been in the same shape as last year, and leading in I had that in the back of the mind. But, I had prepared well, and was confident enough to have a go, knowing full well it could, once again, lead to a spectacular meltdown. Last 6k's I was just telling myself to keep going, was the only voice of many in my head that I paid attention to!

Members of RIOT (Running is our Therapy) at Traralgon. L to R, Michelle Harris, Michelle Acorn, me, Carly Williams, Jaye Chin-Dusting, and James Alexander (Photo credit: Jaye Chin-Dusting)

And Lastly....

Finish time, when plugged into a race calculator, gives me a time well within 3:30 for the marathon. This assumes applicable training for the event, something I have spent a bit of time making sure I will do.

Next event, You Yangs 30k trail race. Returning to chase last years time, mojo is back!

Until next time.....

Wave of Mutilation

Trails+ Macedon 30k trail race.

Background

I paid for the privilege of plodding through mud for 3 and a half hours to get a shiny finisher's medal, knackered legs, and filthy, wet, cold race kit. And I wouldn't have it any other way! And the fact that I shared those trails with over 200 runners in 3 separate races, added to the overall enjoyment, and achievement on the day. It takes truly atrocious conditions (coming from the sky, and on the ground) to make a memorable race. May 31st, 2015 for the running of the Macedon Trails+ races, was just one of those days.

I'd competed at the same event (same race even) the previous year. Recorded a time on a very tough course that I was immediately proud of, yet recognised that I could probably take 10 or so minutes off. That is, given specific training, and the runners holy grail of no injuries, good health, and a dose of good luck. Unfortunately, my good luck ran out with a major injury in August last year, so I was behind in where I expected to be coming into this race. Undeterred, I signed up. Given that I also needed to do a qualifier for Wonderland race in August, this seemed the perfect one to do. My rose tinted images of sunshine, balmy weather, and relatively dry trails was fresh in my mind in the weeks leading up to race day. On such grand visions, lie the crumbled ruins of a thousand runners dreams!

Lead-up

After a successful run at Roller Coaster, I was keen to capitalise on some good form and strong legs. In the 8 weeks between the 2 races I ran nearly 460 kilometres, and climbed 6000 metres in the process. Not huge compared to some people I train with, but certainly more than I would normally do. My ankle injury from last year, although healed, was never going to be 100% again. It was put to the test through this period and, for the most part, came through with flying colours.

2 weeks out from race day, I had decided I needed to get some serious hills back into my legs, cue a run in the Dandenongs. There is a route in the Dandenongs called Quadruple Bypass (4 major climbs, hence the quadruple bit...). 27k with about 1700 metres of vertical elevation thrown in for good measure, seemed like the perfect lead up! Happy to say I gave it a good crack, but recognised that after the 3rd climb that I was not going to achieve anything other than potential injury. So I bailed and trotted back to the car. Still resulted in a 21.5k run with 1300 metres, bigger than I have ever done before.

3D image of the Dandenongs run, The darker the colour (either end of the spectrum), the greater the gradient!
(Source: www.veloviewer.com)

Another 53k week, then into the race week where I once again didn't really taper, just throttled the pace, not the distance. Some hastily arranged accommodation in town with Chris Spano, and the weekend was upon us! A few beers at the local pub (relaxed!), a nice home cooked meal, then final gear check, and bed.

Race Day

Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,

Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,
                                    Wilfred Owen - Dulce Et Decorum Est
From the Poems of Wilfred Owen.

Forecast all week had predicted rain, and cold westerly winds. We knew conditions weren't going to be great, but were pleasantly surprised when we woke up and the streets were dry. Driving up the Calder Freeway, Chris and I remarked on how everything was dry; the roads, the grass on the lawns, the trees etc. We allowed ourselves the luxury of thinking that the trail was going to be in an okay condition, not too much rain in the last couple of weeks. As soon as we rounded a bend near Gisborne, and got our first look at the mountain shrouded in cloud, we realised that good feeling was well and truly gone.

Drive up through the township of Mount Macedon, roads wet, trees wet, no autumnal colours as the leaves were all on the ground, was a healthy dose of reality. Arrived at the start, low cloud pushing strongly across the car park, volunteers rugged up like Antarctic travellers; what had we got ourselves in for? Stood around in warm clothes as long as possible, greeting fellow runners, and friends alike, all of us with a look in our eyes somewhere between steely eyed determination and WTF! Race brief from Brett Saxon (RD), final strip off and into race kit, and a warm up jog to the start line.

Pre-race, rugged up against the Antarctic blast,
 in the dark light of morning. David, Chris, & I.

Worst part about having raced here before was;

1. A knew how brutal the course was,
2. Having set a time, there was a big temptation to try and break it, and
3. Not being in as good a fitness as this time last year, I was lacking in confidence.

Race starts, and after the usual hectic bull at a gate start, most of us settled into a nice easy rhythm. First part is gently downhill, but on a rough track, rocks, tree roots, and already a bit muddy in places. Struck out on a good steady pace, and soon found myself running alongside Kris Harris. I had met Kris (and his friend, Cam) here last year as we climbed up Anzac road (about 21k in), and struck up a friendship. A year later, we find ourselves back here again.

I won't go into a course description here, for a recount of last years race, see my race report. There was a slight deviation from last year, a section of single track was replaced with more running on a fire trail, otherwise business as usual. The one major difference; the track was wet in places, and the weather was much colder than last year. Initially it was fine running. I was in a thermal, and race tech tee, and felt quite comfortable. Sipping water at infrequent intervals, I never felt thirsty, and didn't push myself to drink more, trusting that I wouldn't get too thirsty, too soon.

Elevation profile of the 30k race.
Almost looks worse than it is, almost....

Kris and I ran together for the most part in the early stages, occasionally one of us getting ahead as the other lagged, or one of us surged, hard to tell really! Chatting away, we were enjoying the run. That was until we hit the first gnarly descent at the 11k mark. Very slippery mud, it was treacherous underfoot. Not worried about getting mud all over the clothes etc., worried about turning an ankle! It was at this point that I realised just how worse the trail condition was to last year. Any chance of getting near last years time was suddenly an optional extra.

Mid race selfie, Kris behind me.
Top of Barringo climb.

 At the bottom of this descent, we turned right, and headed right back up again. It was here that the advice of the RD about the folly of wearing road shoes hit home. Watched a few runners in front of me in road shoes spend nearly an extra 5 minutes climbing what should have been an 8 minute trip. Even my grippy Salomon Soft Ground shoes lost traction at one point. This was the climb up Barringo, a legendary part of the course. Up here I assumed a bent leg stance, trying to hold an even distribution of weight on each leg, hoping like hell not to go arse over tit! I started to look like a New Zealand rugby player, mid haka, complete with tongue out, and surprised look on my face. Really tough going up here. Eventually made it to the top, and the 12k aid station. Pre -race banter had Jon Lim supplying me a glass of scotch, and a bacon sandwich. Neither was on offer. Disappointed, I grabbed a few pieces of chocolate and continued on my way. Not really Jon, was great to have a friendly face at that point! And hats off to the vollies on this course, conditions were not great for us, must have been horrible standing around for hours in that. Made sure I thanked as many volunteers as I could, not always easy when hurting and focused.

Snaked around for 3k, then found ourselves back at the same aid station (now to be addressed as the 15k aid station!) By now Kris and I were back running together, down a nice steep bit of single track, out onto Hells Hole Track, and the climb up to Mt Towrong. We were still making steady progress, but as we neared the turn off to the lookout, the wind picked up, and conditions deteriorated very quickly. I stopped to put on my shell jacket thinking that I would just use it to get down to Anzac Road. Kris got ahead, and I thought that was the last I would see of him.

30k in the green, 50k was the 30, plus the red section.

The climb back up Anzac Road, is basically gentle, but long. And at the 19k mark, it seems harder than it should. Slowly pegged back Kris, wasn't trying to, just found that I could climb uphill marginally better. We ran/walked the length of this road to the next section called Zig Zag. About here I got past Kris, put 50 metres on him before he slowly pegged me back again! Clearly we were pushing one another, and just as one of us would falter, the other would push on, adding incentive. Finally Kris surged, and my HR was climbing into the horribly high zone. I made the decision to hold back, we still had at least 6 to 7 k's to go, most of that uphill.

Back out onto Barringo Road, and the 23k aid station (was the 8k on the way out), and the final push for home. By now the rain is coming down harder. Before this it was debatable whether it was water dripping off the trees, or light misty rain. Now it was just rain, and persistent. I still had my shell jacket on, as much for wind protection, as to keep as much of the rain out as I could (and getting cold, despite my exertions). Back around the Sanatorium, and then head back towards the finish line. Once we crossed The Mount Macedon Road, and climbed back towards Camel's Hump, the track got decidedly worse. By now, 3 races had run back and forth along here; it was chewed up, muddy, still with the rocks and tree roots to trip the unwary, or just plain fatigued. I got to within 30 metres of Kris, and the 2 runners he was shadowing, but that was as close as I got for the rest of the race. The next downhill they took off, and I had nothing left.

3D elevation profile, the ugly bits are on the right (Source: www.veloviewer.com)

The last 4k's I was travelling on my own. Alternatively running or walking the uphills, I was just trying to push for home as quickly as my body would allow. Passed a few of the 50k runners, slower than me, but pushing gamely forwards. After what seemed like an eternity, I came out on to a cleared section, next to the main road, and within sight of the communications tower next to the car park where Chris and I had parked nearly 4 hours previous. Home! Just as I ran up to the perimeter fence, a friend appeared, running the other way in the 50k event. Michelle Shannon (aka @supershelley) greeted me with a warm hug and a hello; we always only ever meet up at races! Great to see a familiar face, and massive kudos on heading back out for a further 20k in those conditions. Rounded the comms tower, then a short run downhill (thankfully) to the finish. So, so glad to finish. Quick look at the time, almost identical to last year. Even though the course was shorter fractionally, the trail conditions meant that, effectively, I had achieved a better result.

The Aftermath

Cold, wet, muddy, hungry; I was all of these and more. immediately bumped into Kris, congratulated him on a great race. He had gamely hung on to the 2 other runners, also finishing in a similar time to last year! Bumped into my friend Cheryl, only 2 days back in Australia after being OS for 4 weeks, jet-lagged and slightly ill, she had come in 4 minutes ahead, a sterling effort. Slowly, one-by-one, the rest of my fellow runners came in to the finish, also cold, wet, and muddy! But ultimately satisfied with their efforts. Get dressed, get warm, get coffee, and get the hell out of there! But not before I won a bottle of wine in a spot prize!

Some of the many runners I knew (inc. me...) running the Macedon 30 (Photo credit: Malcolm Gamble)

Postscript; just before we left, doing a headcount of DTR and LTR runners, and we realised that David Boulton hadn't appeared, After 4 and a half hours out on the course, he hobbled over the finish line. And I mean hobbled. Rolled ankle at the 2k mark, he gamely continued on! Having suffered the same injury last August, can only marvel at someone carrying on after that.

AusRunCon ambassadors, Ashley Raymond Bennett, and Cheryl Martin finishing the 50k and 30k respectively.
(Photo credits: Malcolm Gamble, and Simon Roberts)

50k winner, Dan Langelaan, and Michelle Shannon's finish victory jump! (Photo credit: Malcolm Gamble)

So, just what have we learnt?

Wine & bling!

So, looking purely at my time, I am at where I was this time last year. Given the trail conditions, I am certainly stronger and tougher, although maybe not faster. Given that I have spent the best part of 6 months trying to rehab a badly damaged ankle, I will take it that, at the very least, I can still compete in races like this. Still some way to go to regain complete strength and fitness, but at least I know I am on the right track. Aaannnnddd.... I won a bottle of wine!

Next race: Traralgon half marathon. Last year I missed a PB by 40 seconds, the result of a fast start that I could not sustain. Not this year.....

Until next time...

Without awesome vollies, races like this would  never get off the ground.
DTR runner Jacqui Carter, once again running sweep on a course.
(Photo credit: Brett Saxon)

PS, a special thank you to all the volunteers standing out in the awful conditions for hours on end, just to help us through the race. Very much appreciated by me, and all the other runners. And a thank you to Brett Saxon, for generous use of photos from his web page.
And lastly, a shout out to all the other runners. If ever there was a day that trail love was needed by all, you supplied it!

Jumping Someone Else's Train

Everyone's happy
They're finally all the same
'cause everyone's jumping
Everyone else's train
          The Cure - Jumping Someone Else's Train

So "Race the train", they said, then "Run back to the start", they said....
Seemed like a good idea at the time. Race Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Emerald, 13.4k road race with a lazy 255m of elevation gain thrown in, then turn around and run from Emerald back to Belgrave. It would be downhill, right? No, not quite. Try 235m of elevation gain.....

I had raced against Puffing Billy last year, under another runners bib, and missed beating the first train by around 40 seconds. Not deterred, I planned then to give it another crack in 2015. Hadn't quite factored in the 6 months with injury in between races, but I was still happy with my form leading into this years run. So, I was a little disappointed when my bib arrived and I found myself in the last wave of runners, with not a great chance of beating the first train (the one I had nominated at entry)
In the fortnight leading into the run, I decided not to taper as such for the race, but to train through, only backing off the mileage and pace a few days out. Then a friend, Chris Spano suggested he would like to run back to Belgrave, was there anybody crazy enough to join him? Answer: 7 of us decided we were, so the #craZycrew was born!

DTR's meeting outside the CFA at Belgrave. Narelle (pic right) our support crew, and chief cheerleader!
(Photo credit: Cameron Baillie)

The race itself was 'interesting' for me. Before the start a group of us had decided to meet outside the CFA in Belgrave. Great, as always, to meet up with a number of fellow runners that I only get to see every so often. I love the social aspect of running, as much as the running itself. We assembled into our respective wave groupings, but not after one of our crew swapped his blue (or was it green) bib for a red one! Sing of the national anthem, then after much anticipation, the flag dropped, and the runners were on their way. Well at least that is what happened at the head of the race. Meanwhile, back with cattle class, we remained stock still, chatting away as if in a queue for bus tickets! Took me over a full minute to cross the start line, I was struggling to contain my frustration.

The next 2k's was spent ducking and weaving, running along a gutter balancing like a ballerina (cue tutu jokes everybody), and generally trying to run myself into clear space. Kept spying other DTR members in shirts, either passing, or being passed. I bit of pre-race banter had me paying wine to those who passed me, and receiving wine from those I passed. Let's just call it a draw, shall we? I finally hit my straps at the 5k mark and the climb up Selby-Aura Road. This gravel road is 2 kilometres, at 5% gradient. Not insignificant if you don't train on hills, but as I do, I was prepared for the effort required. Plenty of people here walking, or shuffling just faster than walking pace.

At the top of this climb the run flattens out (Menzies Creek), and there is a short downhill section to the railway crossing. I was aware at this point that the train was ahead of me, no doubt because I couldn't hear it, and being a dry (read, no rain) day, chances are it was going faster than usual. Get to the railway crossing at the 8k mark, and a race officials calls out to us, "First train went past 7 minutes ago, you are still ahead of the second train". My first thought was, "Shit, driver is already parked at Emerald, and having his first ciggie!". Second thought was, "I can throttle back now... Race over." At this point I am thinking of the run back.

From Emerald station to the finish is 3k downhill, the last 2.5 inside the park, on a trail, and adjacent to the rail track. Running down here I started to speed up again, as other runners came barreling down the descent. I could faintly hear the 2nd train far behind me, but knew I could beat it into the finish. And finish I did, 1:06:46 on my watch, but knowing that at least a minute of that was trying to cross the start line. So, at least 5 minutes slower than last year. But considering that I could barely run a parkrun in early January, I took it as a win.

The finish line was the usual mixture of chaos, and well, chaos! 3000+ runners, with supporters and race officials crammed into a small area made for difficult times. My phone would only receive calls, no data, so social media was out of action.

6 of the 7 who would run back to Belgrave, the #craZycrew. Andre, Chrissy, me, Connie,
Chris (behind Connie), Brett, and Jonathan (only one here not crazy enough to run back with us!).
At Emerald Park, all smiles after the race. (Photo credit: Narelle Lagergren)

Briefly caught up with Nicky and Jordan who had come out on the second train. She'd had fun watching the runners as the train went past, something that her and Jordan hadn't been able to do last year. She offered to get me some food, but all that was on offer was an egg and bacon roll. Nice after a run, but the thought of having one sitting in the pit of the stomach for the return journey didn't thrill me at all.

Get back, get back,
Get back to where you once belonged
          The Beatles - Get Back

So now I had to start wrapping my head around running back to Belgrave. I was a little fatigued, but still on that runner's high, post race. Andre and I were standing in the bag drop area, grabbing mouthfuls of food, when Kellie Emerson, a local trail and ultra runner came up to see if we were running back. Seems word had got around.

After obligatory photos, we decided it was time to start heading back. 7 of us were making the trek back; Chris (the original ideas man!), Chrissy, Andre, Connie, Brett, Kellie, and myself. Trying to get out of the park was a logistical nightmare. By the time we worked it out and got on to the road leading to the entrance (had to avoid the trail in), time was a wasting, as they say. The downhill finish to the race now necessitated a long uphill haul out of the park; got the lungs and legs working hard from the first step! A quick detour along a road, then we found ourselves back on the race course, but heading back in the opposite direction.

Yeah baby, beat the train 'back' to Menzies Creek!
Stopped here to regroup, just as the first train 
returned to Belgrave from Emerald Park.
(Photo credit: Connie Schroeder)

Basically we knew that the majority of the run was going to be downhill, or so the elevation profile would lead us to believe. But the first 4k's seem to be a lot of uphill, not much flat, and very little downhill. One serious 'pinch' at the 4.5k mark had us walking, and wheezing, but after that it flattened out.

Stopped to regroup at Menzies Creek, just as the train returned on it's way back to Belgrave. Mandatory selfies (pictured), and stand and watch the people look back at us in bemusement. Then back onto the gravel road of Selby-Aura. Running down (now that was a nice change) we noted the houses, and gardens; details that we failed to take in during the race, unsurprisingly! Also noted the stunning view to the south-west, yet again details lost in the head down, totally focused zone you get into during a race. Talk down here lead to the different breathing styles of other runners; how some runners will be panting, and puffing, when you and others around you are breathing reasonably normally. Brett mentioned one guy who even called out "Oh God" at one point. Comment was made that even though we like running, it maybe is not THAT good! My comment that, "each to their own, whatever turns you on etc...", lead to a morass of innuendos. Geez we talk crap when we run sometimes! Sorry all, I'll keep my thoughts to myself next time.

At the bottom of Selby-Aura we returned to the bitumen, and the climb back up to the main road. Hadn't realised that this was a reasonable downhill section during the race. The second train returning to Belgrave passed us along here, clouds of diesel smoke hanging in the trees for our benefit (yep, big train, needed diesel!). The final section when we came back onto the Belgrave-Gembrook Road was the hardest. Narrow, almost non-existent shoulder, with normal Sunday traffic, made for a difficult last couple of k's. And, those k's were mostly up. My legs by now were very fatigued, result of a fair bit of mileage during the week.

Finally reached the end (what was the start line of the race) at Belgrave after nearly an hour and a half. Final regroup and congratulations, and goodbyes to everyone. I went off in search of Nicky, and Jordan. Found them at a bakery, one look at Nicky made me realise it was time to go home! It had been a long day for all of us!

So, a great day; race, then a run back. Total distance of 25k's, coupled with a beautiful Autumns day, made for a trip to remember. Although slower than last year, I wasn't that disappointed. Up to Sunday, I had run 50k for the week before the race, not my normal taper week by any stretch of the imagination. Time on the watch was 1:06:46, net time (time from crossing the start line, to crossing the finish line), was 1:04:53, a difference of 1:53.

Next race is Macedon 30, a hard trail race. It is (hopefully) my qualification race for Wonderland in August.

Footnote: After the return journey to Belgrave, my weekly total was 75k's, biggest weekly distance since August 2013. Happy with that.

Until next time...