Reflections

Thought I might put pen to paper (or fingers to keys) before this blog can be accused of being misnamed. For one called "This Runners' Life", there hasn't been much running done lately... My time taken up with studying ankle anatomy, conversing with physios and specialists, getting an MRI done, and generally trying to work out if, not when, I will run again. Such are the thoughts going through my head in the darkest hours of an endless cycle of rehab.

And the last 5 weeks have thrown up new challenges to my mental state. On again, off again comebacks, false dawns of hope, and just the general despair that follows any athlete attempting a comeback after a severe injury. Support of some friends and family through this have been crucial, we all need those people that we can lean on at times.

So where does this leave me now? Already having pulled out of 3 major races this year, contemplating on bailing on another, I have already pulled out of Two Bays trail race early next year. After that I am entered for Roller Coaster Run in mid March, and even that must now be under consideration, the longer this goes on.

Essentially I am at the stage of just focusing on the following (and in order);

1. Regain full mobility of ankle without pain, or discomfort.
2. Start rehab running again,
3. Increase distance,
4. Resume full training, and
5. Plan race schedule.

There is no timeline planned, just progress through steps 1 to 5 as I pass each phase. Probably been guilty of focusing point 5, rather than the process to get there, and rushed a few times. Result? Often failure. Currently still on number 1....

But, in all fairness, it is a first world problem. Children in Syria still get bombed, Gaza Strip is still a nightmare, people are still dying in poverty in this country, etc. etc. A sense of perspective must be kept.

Other Matters

Melbourne Marathon

Long since done and dusted (October 12th), it has taken me a while to put my thoughts down re this race. Most readers of this blog will be aware of the significance/importance of this race for me. Leading up to the day I was feeling okay. I had 6 weeks to get used to the idea I wan't running, 6 weeks to get behind a number of other runners, and 6 weeks to make sure I was going to get through the day without some sort of emotional breakdown. Probably didn't use those 6 weeks very well.

Started out okay. Following a number of runners along the way  I was energised, excited at how they were going. Soon realised that the online tracker was WAY out. Too fast, everybody was apparently running times 35-40% faster than expected. Then I started messaging with a friend, Chrissy, also injured and unable to run at Melbourne, and we both got a bit emotional. We had both got a bit pigheaded and didn't want to go anywhere near the race, but when it came down to it, we thought we were missing out on everything... A tearful phone call later, we both had a shoulder to lean on.

Amidst all this, my friend Narelle, was running using my bib. She had dedicated her run to me the night before (another teary moment, was losing control of my emotions somewhat), and I was really interested to see how she went. 3:31 with change, and would probably have been quicker if she hadn't run a 50k ultra a month before, and it hadn't been as hot on the day. I have some work to do to beat that next year!

parkrun

Inverloch parkrun is currently a good focus, and a diversion from injury issues. Now up to event #13, and apart from a couple of minor issues to deal with (2 blokes having a punch-up near the finish line was a highlight), it has run very smoothly and been roundly accepted by the local community. One thing going for an event like this in a country/regional area, is that it doesn't have to manufacture a sense of community. One already exists, this merely provides an outlet for that community.

Has been a good way for many locally to take up a regular form of exercise. Not everyone is a gym junkie. A pleasant offshoot of this, is that it is starting to encourage more people to run in my local area. That can only be a good thing!

Until next time...

Standing On The Outside

Usually as a runner, not being able to run and going to a race is hard, very hard, especially when you are injured. But the weekend of the 13th and 14th of September was spent in and around Anglesea crewing for a team and a solo runner at the Surf Coast Century 100. And it was a fabulous weekend.

A massively sprained ankle 4 weeks previous at the Salomon Race 3 in Olinda had cruelled my short to mid term race plans (including my crack at Melbourne Marathon), as well as my running a relay leg of the 100km race here. In the days leading up I was a bit apprehensive as a small cloud of gloom hovered over my head. I really wanted to be running and sharing in the fun of this event, but it wasn't to be. I resolved to crew for the Dandenongs Trail Runners (DTR) team, and help out Peter Mitchell in his effort to run the event solo. It was one of my better decisions in recent weeks!

A group of us from DTR had hired a house for the weekend in Anglesea. Peter running the 100km solo, Chris, Lauren, Cheryl, and Andre running the 100km as a 4 person relay, with Chris, Lorraine, Nicky, Cheryl, and Andre all running in one of the Salomon Series Race 4 events the following day. What a busy weekend.

Race Start

Saturday was a dark and early start. I wanted to get up and see Chris and Peter off. It was cold at the start line, but great watching as the runners commenced with a faint twilight slowly appearing on the horizon.

First 20+k's along the beach and rocks. Runners treated to a spectacular sunrise as they headed towards Torquay.
(Photo credit: Chris Langmead)

The runners headed up the beach for a kilometre or 2, then headed back towards the start line, to pass through on their way to Torquay. Managed to find Chris's wife Lorraine, and got a lift back to the house, had breakfast whilst updating Cheryl and Nicky about the morning, then Lauren and Andy gave me a lift out to check point 2 at Torquay. This was the end of the beach section at about 21k's. The final section climbed up a concrete ramp, giving us all a good view of the runners.

Chris, coming up the concrete ramp
at the end of his relay leg.

Check point 2 (21k)

Narelle waiting for her runner to come in.

It was here that I caught up with a few running friends that I would see throughout the day. First up John Claridge (a runner from Launceston) came through. A quick shout out to him, a high 5, and he was into the transition area. Johnno was running the 50k, his partner Amy was running the 100k. Next was Andy Turner. Constantly amazed at what this guy can do, 100k solo right up his street in terms of a challenge. Another shout out, another high 5 with Andy, before Amy came through. She was second woman in the 100k at this check point, looking good, and gave me a beaming smile as I shouted out a hello to her. Yet another high 5 and she was in to the transition area. Very soon Peter Mitchell came up the ramp, looking fine, but ready for water and food. Andy helped Peter with food and water, then he headed off again. Chris was not too far behind and transitioned to Lauren who was running the 28k 2nd leg back to Anglesea.

Lauren's partner, Andy, was in the same boat as me. A sprained ankle 3 weeks ago made him miss his part in the team, and it was here we were having a discussion about our injuries, and peoples reactions/comments. Basically we agreed that this was the way people would broach the subject;
Firstly, comment about the weather ("Bloody cold this morning", etc.)
Secondly, comment about the race ("How is <insert runners name> going?")
Thirdly, "How's the ankle?"
At one stage though I thought my last name was "how's the ankle". Really nice of people to be concerned. For the record, it is healing, slowly...

Check point 4 (50k)

Peter loading up on food and drink,
check point 4.

Jumped back in the car to head back to the house to grab Cheryl, Nicky, and Jordan, and head down to the start/finish area. This was the busiest check point of the day. As well as the halfway mark of the 100, it was also the finish of the 50k event. We waited around for awhile for the first runners to appear, catching up with some of the runners who would be doing the 3rd (and hardest) leg of the relay. Friend, Narelle, was nervously waiting on her runner to come in. Even resorting to calling him at one point to see where he was! No pressure. Eventually the runners started appearing. As with check point 2, I knew several runners and yelled out lots of encouragement to them, whether they ran a relay leg, or the whole 50k. Pretty soon Amy appeared and I yelled out to her and once again got a smile and a high 5. Someone behind me commented, "Is there anyone you don't know?". It seemed that race officials didn't know Amy's name, as I was immediately asked who it was. Thankfully Johnno had just finished the 50k and was able to tell them, cause I had a complete mental blank!

James Sketchley (@sketrcher)
getting ready to take off in his debut ultra.

Whilst catching up in the transition area, Lauren ran in and handed off to Cheryl. Little did we know how Cheryl's race was going to go! Around 11;00am Peter arrived (11? felt more like early afternoon), looking tired, but still keen to keep going. Andy got his water seen to, and several of us steered him towards the food. After several minutes, watered and fed, he made his way out of the check point, on to the hard 3rd leg. Next in was Narelle's runner Ben, looking absolutely spent with the effort. a quick changeover and Narelle headed off. Caught up with James Sketchley before he went off, and offered a few well chosen words of advice (apparently, it helped!). After that there wasn't much else to do, so we retired back to the house, this time for lunch.

Check Point 6 (77k)

Cheryl: I'm so, so sorry!
Andre: Where the hell have you been?

It wasn't until we were driving out to check point 6 (77k mark) that we realised how long it was to get there. Driving was long enough, let alone running it. It was here that the true nature of an ultra became evident. Andy, Lauren, Chris, Lorraine, Andre and myself arrived as the first of the solo 100k runners were coming through. They looked in good shape, obviously a little fatigued having run 77k at a good clip, but looking no worse than I would at the end of a 20k Sunday run. (Truth be told they looked better!). Also the first teams looked quite good. Andy Turner came and went without fuss, Amy arrived 2 minutes ahead of Kellie Emmerson, obviously Amy having put in a good 3rd leg, and worked hard on the hills. She looked fairly done over though, and Johnno said she was pretty well stuffed, just hoping to hang on to Anglesea. No high 5 from Amy this time, her look said it all, just want to get this done! After a brief period Cheryl finally arrived, and only in manner Cheryl could pull off! Waiting for her was Andre. As she ran in to the check point, she spotted Andre, ran up and started apologising, profusely! Apparently, less than a k into the run, she had taken a wrong turn after clambering under the road bridge! Added 2k's to an already tough 28, still ran 2:45 though! Consensus amongst DTR, is that Chez is a high risk runner; on her day super fast, but subject to course indecision! (We love you Cheryl, we are going to club together to send you on a navigation course!)

Amy grabbing food at check point 6.

After about 30 minutes the next wave of solo runners came in, looking not so good. Tired, some limping slightly, dishevelled, they stopped, took longer over water replenishment and food intake, then continued on the last 23k's looking like the mind was outwitting the body. Cheryl hung around for awhile, then decided she'd like to go back and have a shower. I stayed with Lauren and Andy waiting for Peter to come in. We witnessed a lot of team runners come and go, some standing around for several minutes (one notable for nearly half an hour), waiting for team mates to turn up for relay legs! Went to call Nicky to let her know where I was and realised the battery on the phone was nearly flat. Then realised I had no signal, and rued the day the blonde with the low cut dress sold me an Optus mobile!

After awhile, we started to wonder where Peter had got to. Had he pulled out? James came in and I headed over to see how he was going. Tired, but focused was the summation. He also told me he'd run/walked with Peter for an extended period, and that he wasn't looking crash hot. In fact Peter had indicated that he was seriously thinking of pulling out as his ankle was really sore (an old injury that never healed properly). I went back and told Andy, and Lauren. Andy rang Pete's mobile, and thankfully he answered. Still running, and probably about 5k away. Went back and had a chat with James, when Lauren came over with a proposition. One of us needs to go up the track and run in with Peter, partly to assess him, partly to just have a friendly face on the trail. Problem was we all had either injuries, or stuffed legs after a run. Long story short, I was the least injured, I was the 'one of us'! So, dressed in jeans, jumper and a pair of Brooks Defiance with over 2200k's on them, I started jogging up the trail, against the flow of runners coming down, and very aware that my knackered ankle should, in no way, be running on this trail.

Andy Turner refuelling, 23k's to go.

Not sure how far I went, no more than a kilometre I suspect, before I saw the (soon to be) familiar sight of the DTR singlet and red cap coming down a hill. A wry smile from Peter and a "Ah, hello Les", then we started running together back to check point 6. Luckily for me Peter was running about 6:00/6:30 min k's here, I would have struggled to stay with him otherwise! Had a chat, he seemed fine although confirmed that he'd considered pulling out. When I asked why he didn't he just said, "I'm nearly there, better to keep on going!". Got into the check point, Andy and Lauren grabbed him and organised water and food and we asked him whether we was going to continue. His reply was, "Well, I've already rung Jenny (his wife) from the 70k mark and told her I was pulling out there". Which didn't exactly answer the question for Lauren and I! Eventually it was obvious that he was going on. The next available check point was at Aireys Inlet, 8k's away. We decided to drive there and wait for him. Was also a good excuse to grab food and drink.

Aireys Inlet (86k)

Whilst sitting in the cafe, and having a view of the path the runners were passing us on, a runner went past wearing a red cap and had a blue shirt, much like Peter. We bolted from the cafe, only to realise it was someone else. Then we joked with each other that at his current pace there was no way we would have been here so soon. Seeing how the day unfolded, re Peters run, we should not have doubted his capacity to find pace in those legs! Meanwhile back at the finish, Amy was overtaken by Kellie, but both girls ran faster than the previous record. Brendan Davies and David Eadie both ran over the line together, a tie for the solo men! Andre finished with a trademark jump, the team finishing in under 10 hours, a great effort.

After a a fairly lengthy delay waiting for Peter, I decided once again to head up the track to catch him for the run into Aireys. I had to cross the highway to get to the trail, noticing that the runners actually went under the road bridge. Didn't give it much thought at the time, should have when I realised how dangerous it was going underneath. Once again bumped into James running along the gravel road beside the inlet. He looked reasonably tired, but was plugging on at a nice steady rate. I was waiting at the bottom of a bitumen road (s'posed to be a trail race?) when, once again, the familiar sight of the DTR top and red cap came into view. It had been nearly an hour and a quarter since we left him at CP6, and he'd travelled 8k's! We ran back to the highway, and it was here that my better judgement deserted me. Instead of ushering him over the highway (reasonably risky given the amount of traffic that uses the Great Ocean Road at the best of times), we followed the 'official' path under the bridge. Well bugger me, how freaking dangerous was that. Tide was up, so it was a clamber, rock bouldering scramble across the 45 degree incline that was the bridge support. At one stage Peter nearly got his hydration pack caught on one of the bridge beams. I could only think what might happen to a runner, exhausted at the 86k mark of a race, missing a handhold and tumbling into the cold water. Instant cramp, struggling to get back out of the water, thankful they didn't hit their head on the way down!

Made it to the check point at Aireys Inlet, Andy and Lauren once again looking after food and water. This time Peter seemed in better spirits, calculating how much time he had to get to the finish and the coveted under 12 hours beer stein! 2 hours to run 14k's, lots of it on sand. We thought he had a chance, but if fatigue, or his ankle had a say, maybe not quite. Once again headed back to the house. It was now 4;00pm, I was tired, but realised that runners had been on the go for 10 hours. Felt humbled. Back at the house we opened up biscuits, dips, and a few drinks and made a plan to head back down to the start line for about 5:45.

He can still smile, despite none of us being there to witness him finish.
We will never live that down!

Finish Line (100k)

Everybody bundled into cars and arrived at the finish area at 5:50. No sign of Pete. No problems. We milled around the finish waiting for him. Watched as the race clock ticked towards the 12 hour mark, then witnessed with slight alarm as the race director counted down the final seconds to 12 hours. So disappointed that Peter had missed the cut-off for the time he so badly wanted. The members of the relay (Team name was Pete's Disciples, take note of that!) started taking funny photos using a Commonwealth games baton Cheryl had brought back from Glasgow. Just as we were in the middle of doing all this a voice from behind us goes, "So here you are!". And yes, there we were... Seems our esteemed leader had grown wings on the final 14k's and come in 20 minutes before the 12 hour cut-off. There he was, shivering, clutching his stein with the finishers certificate inside, looking like he needed to have a good lie down! To say we were suitably chastised by our tardiness was an understatement. Quick photo with everybody, drape a coat over his shoulders and bundle him into the car and back to a warm house. Final indignity of the day when the gas ran out, and the hot water failed, leaving Pete with a cold shower. But he had his stein, and his achievement.

Sorry Peter, the best we could do was get a finishers photo with you,
25 minutes after the event! (Photo credit: Cheryl Martin)

As the loss of gas also meant the stove top wasn't working, a hastily arranged meal of fish and chips was delivered back at the digs, wine was opened, stories were told, yet another ankle came in for medical attention (now 3 of us in the house had knackered ankles, a trend we are keen not to promote!) and plans were made for the future, all of us having been suitably inspired by not just Peter, but all the runners who went solo.

Belle looking bloody happy finishing with friends
and family on hand.

Whilst we were having dinner, Narelle messaged me to find out where her jumper had got to. She'd thrown it to me when leaving the 50k mark, and now needed it after having an ice bath! She also told me that our friend Belle was expected in at around 8:00pm, 14 hours on the trail! Chris and I decided to go down and see her come in. The irony of us witnessing Belle finish, but not Peter, wasn't lost on any of us! Thankfully we got down in time to see her and Andrew Shaw come up the finish line in 14:09. It's a pretty emotional moment watching someone finish an event that would normally defeat the rest of us; the tears, the laughs, the absolute thrill of finishing is rolled into one.

The Wash Up

Crewing for an event like this is full-on. Most runners have family or friends doing it, and it is a big commitment. You spend most, if not all of the day, following your team and/or runner around trying to not be late, but at the same time having to spend a lot of time waiting patiently for them to arrive at a check point. We noticed some runners (most likely from interstate) had no support crew, just relied on bag drops. One thing Andy, Lauren, and I agreed, is that many trail runners not competing would be happy to crew for an interstate runner, that is just what we'd do.

As for me? It was the perfect antidote to not being able to run. A real blast watching runners of all levels compete in a seriously tough event. Am I inspired to run a 100? Not sure, but there are plans afoot to do something of significance next year. Stay tuned. And to share the day with friends from DTR was just brilliant.

Hope everybody is still awake if you've read this far. Rather a long blog about a long and epic day!

Until next time...

What's the Frequency, Kenneth?

A note from the older Les, to the younger Les, asking why he ever got into this running thing...

What was going through your mind when you entered that sweat-box of a flat in Brisbane, late on a stiflingly hot afternoon in 1985, and decided to go for a run?
Was it the "condition" you carried, the need to remove yourself from the extravagant weekend alcohol binges that was, laughingly, your social life?
Changing into the cotton rugby shorts, the cotton T-shirt with 'death before disco' emblazoned on the front, lacing up the Dunlop KT26's, teethed clamped on a cigarette, whilst trying to avoid the smoke curling up into the left eye. Must have been the heat, nothing else could explain the sudden change in lifestyle.

Lace the other shoe, squint the right eye. Didn't you stop to think how ridiculously incongruous that scene must present to anyone?
Was it the confines of the flat and the neighbours having sex 24/7 that drove you outside on that afternoon?
Stub out the cigarette, a couple of stretches (might have read about those in a men's health magazine) then depart the flat, heading north. To Stafford Heights. Not called that for a reason. Stop to wonder why it is called "Heights"?
First run is not flat, it climbs, it is blindingly hot, everything is chaffing because of the sweat. Some wanker leans out of a car less than a kilometre in and asks you if you need help. Piss... off...

Didn't you realise that 7 years later you would be treading in water about to start an Ironman race? Not just shitting bricks, but cinder blocks? What were you thinking?
The endless hours of training, swimming, riding, running in Brisbane summer heat. Joking that work was just an interruption to your training schedule (boss didn't laugh at that one at the Christmas party), falling asleep at lunch time, one step removed from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome....
Couldn't you have at least taken up a nice easy sport, fishing perhaps? But no, you had to go and do the hard shit, never one to take an easy option in life...

You gave up on the endless summers of triathlons to take up running only. The diets, the endless books on training, amino acids (anyone else remember that 80's fad?), the neon coloured clothing, the short shorts, the really short shorts, the longer shorts, the short-lived experiments with one piece tri-suits? The insane early morning wake ups, with the long drive to yet another race? The training plans, the re-drafted training plans, the "stuff it, just wing it" training plans, the high mileage training plans, the low mileage/high intensity training plans? You couldn't make this stuff up!
What was the point, you were never going to win a race, not even in your age group?

Your friends mocked you. Well the ones who stuck by you long enough to ignore the only things you excelled at; talking about training, and steering the conversation around to talking about training. The injuries, the insecurities (I haven't done enough miles, I've done too many, and tired etc. etc.), the weight loss, the weight gain, the sunburn from the long runs, mucus freezing in the nose in winter, the endless race T-shirts you never wore?
Was it the paper thin walls and the metronomic squeak of the bed of the couple from hell next door that drove you to this point?

Halfway through your first 5k run, you realise you might be a bit unfit. Well hallo understatement!!! Nice dose of reality there, pal. Didn't stop to think that years later you would start religiously measuring each run, record times, and log the bloody lot of it in journals, only to later leave them all behind at one of the many houses you lived in? Then someone invented the GPS watch, and at that point, all hope was lost.

You've have thought it would get easier with time, the shambling uncoordinated shuffle turning into a gait that was smooth and effortless. But no, there you are, post run, face beetroot red, sweat pouring out of every pore, trying not to look the woman from next door in the eyes as she engages you in idle chit-chat.

Did you not think ahead to the family you had not yet started? Clearly not, or you would have pursued softer options. You were compelled, weren't you? It wasn't your fault, or so you kept telling yourself. And now, at age 51, injured yet again, you ask your older self to ask the younger self, why? The fame, the fortune (clearly not), the lifestyle? Well, maybe the lifestyle.

When you think back to the friends you have made, the runs you have shared, the coffee, the cake, the wine, the laughs (and sometimes the tears), the experiences, the successes, the failures (or so you thought they were, they weren't really), the camaraderie, it is easy to understand the allure, and why you kept doing it, year after year after year. Running is tough, but rewarding, and despite a few absences away, you came back for more; each time getting a bit faster, and running longer.

Were there any regrets? I reckon not, seeing as you are currently planning your next race/training plan.
So, no regrets then. Except one...
Maybe you shouldn't have offered the couple next door a can of WD40.

Until next time.

I Know it's Over

Well, trip to the physio on Thursday last week resulted in the confirmation of the news that I thought was most likely; no marathon at Melbourne in 2014 for me this year. Given that this whole blog was set up to chart my (hopefully triumphant) return, it now has to deal with the disappointment that I feel that I can no longer make it. Given the effort I had put in during the first 6 months of the year, I should be really shattered about not going. And given that only 7 days ago I was talking up my chances about hitting the start line, and possibly running with friends, it has suddenly become plain to me that it just won't happen. And yes, I feel gutted, sad and just a bit empty, but I've had a few days to contemplate this now, and once I overcame the initial raw feeling, I settled down to a quiet resignation.

Initial diagnosis was grade 1. Think it was more like grade 2. 

At least now I am not in some mad rush of rehab, pushing the envelope of recovery to get myself to the start line in some form or another. With the decision made, I can concentrate on getting myself 100% and looking towards future goals. Will I tackle the marathon again? Never say never, but I must admit it is not just any marathon, it is Melbourne that has got me hooked. Can't quite explain why, just seems to be the race that I'm compelled to nail as a marathon. Many tell me there are other, better races to run, but Melbourne is the one I want to come back to. Oh well, see what the future brings....

Interestingly, it was the physio who was talking up my prospects of getting to Melbourne. And I was the one going, "Nah, don't think so". See a few days before, I started doing the maths; how many days and sessions I had missed, how many I was still going to miss, how soon before the race was I going to be back to some sort of level of fitness etc. It looked like some crazy hi-octane, drug-fuelled Vegas gambling long shot; replete with high stakes win, or financial ruin, but minus the statuesque blonde and George Clooney in a supporting Oscar nominated role. The more I crunched the numbers, the less likely it was I was going to have good odds, or any odds worth laying money on. Despite the continual improvement in the injury (yes, some days are better than others, the full roller coaster ride of rehab), the fact is I am still not sure when I can resume running of any nature. Could be next week, could be 3 weeks, could be longer. (Potentially up to 6!)

Not mine, but it looked very similar!

Once the physiotherapist accepted that I wasn't pushing any more for October 12 for the marathon, he suggested I drop back and do the half (teeth grind here, must call it a 21k race!). Another friend also suggested the same. And my answer to both was the same. It was always about the full, not the half. All the preparation, the long races, the trail runs and races were aimed at preparing for the full. But, as I alluded to in my last post, tying my fortunes to one race is dangerous. But, this race has got its hooks into me. Can't explain it. My wife commented, "so now you want to do another one?!". Well, yes, but I haven't done this one!

In the interim, I am on the organising committee for the new Inverloch parkrun, essentially as one of the Run Directors. It will keep me occupied, as well as serve to remind me of what I am missing. Gives me a great incentive to keep pushing for a return. So where does this leave this blog? Well, I still have a marathon to nail (somewhere, hopefully Melbourne), and there is the lure of doing an ultra next year. Haven't decided on a course/distance yet, but there are several candidates being lined up. Mostly though, the short to medium term is about rehabbing and returning to running. Long term race plans can then be made. And rather than this blog turn into one giant injury rehab report, I intend to report on what some of my friends are up to running wise. Haven't got rid of me just yet!

Andersons Inlet, the view from the finish line at Inverloch parkrun.

Until next time....

A Day in the Life

7 weeks out from Melbourne Marathon and I should be in the middle of my biggest training weeks, not sitting in front of the TV with my ankle swollen, and painful, watching a Doctor Who special. As each day goes by, and the improvement in the injury (grade 1 tear of an ankle ligament) improves ever so slowly, I am mentally ticking off firstly target times, then actually fronting the race at all. The latter being the worst case scenario, but sometimes it is good to prepare yourself for every possible case.

The last time I was injured (and simultaneously complaining about it, then alluding to the fact that there were far worse issues in the world to deal with), a good friend reminded me that what is personal to us, is what we miss the most, and rate the most. And yes, I am not at my best at present. Trying to deal with the possible, or probable, disappointment is a part of life, as it is a part of running. But I am thankful for many things; my family, my friends, I have a job, a roof over my head etc. Sometimes we invest far too much energy in something that is not the most important thing in life. And I have been a bit guilty of tying my fortunes to a race that I have wanted to come back and nail for the last 10 months.

Now, the title of this post, whilst also being the title to a famous song, is also a nod to what this post is about.Saturday 23rd August, was different than what I would call a normal Saturday, mainly due to me not running, or not having my day organised around running. It is a common fact among runners that we plan our weekend runs first, then fit in all the other activities after it! Not quite, but the priority of a run seems to have it thought of as the one mandatory activity for a day. It survives, where some others don't. So today I did a few things that I might not have done on a Saturday. Got the motorbike out and rode it to Inverloch (after having to clutch start it, result of in-operation for too long and a dead battery) to catch up with another running friend (Cameron) who also is not running due to injury. Rather than having a chat as we are huffing and puffing along a trail somewhere, we were able to do so over a coffee, and also whilst he pushed his daughters on a swing in the local playground. I took the dog for a longer than normal walk, to areas of Leongatha that I rarely get to see (hilarious when you think what size the town is; Pop. 5000, estimate)

In a nutshell, there is life after running! Don't get me wrong, I haven't given up. I just have had to realise that maybe if I don't achieve my goal for this year, there either maybe next year, or it might be a different goal. And reconciling these issues has made me calm down a bit, take a deep breath and look beyond my current predicament. Running friends have helped with this, enormously. They, more than others, understand the thought process that goes through a runners head when they are driven towards a goal, and might not make it.

Roll forward to Monday, and what is becoming a semi-regular catch up over coffee with friends Nigel and Chrissy, reveals an epiphany of sorts. Okay, so I cannot reach the goals I originally set for the marathon. 3:30 long since sailed away, 3:40 next in sight, but also may be a victim of the stormy seas I am in (love a good nautical analogy!), and next stop is 3:40/3:45. Beyond that is the horizon of the dreaded DNS (Did Not Start...). A realisation that not only is the pace unachievable, but a good chance I won't make the distance without breaking down again, a chance I'm not willing to take.

So, in discussion with Nigel and Chrissy, I have decided that should I be able to toe the start line, and capable of running near enough to 3:45, I will start with them both (and potentially anyone else I know who thinks they are a chance for this time), run with them, enjoy the day, and if possible pace a few of them to their goal times. A bit like Run Melbourne, except that pacing over this distance is also a step into the unknown for me!

Until next time...

Back on the Borderline

After 3 weeks of injury plagued running, I have finally turned a corner. Massage yesterday afternoon has made the legs feel 100%, only up a meagre 90% from last week! A skiing accident the day after Run Melbourne effectively ruined any gains I had made the 3 weeks before. The only positive I can find is that I haven't completely written off my marathon attempt, but where I was aiming for (and conceivably getting to) is now currently under review (as they say in the boardrooms of this country).

21k trail race over tough terrain, and some serious elevation profile on Sunday will determine whether I have gained, lost, or stayed static. Hopefully, at worst, stayed static, as it means that I have only lost about 2 to 3 weeks worth of gains. More than the physical loss, it is the loss of the confidence that follows me with consistent training. Leading up to You Yangs, and Run Melbourne, I was running well and extremely confident of hitting specific targets when training. Those two races alone let me know that I was exactly where I wanted to be at this stage of training. Running, like life, has it's ups and downs.

So, Sundays race. Race 3 of the Salomon Series at Olinda. New course this year, although I am told it covers many tracks and trails used for last years Silvan Dam course. Last year this race was going to be my one and only target race leading up to Melbourne, and I fell sick the Friday night before. Hence I hit the marathon on October 13th, with NO lead-up races in the previous 20 weeks! Not making that mistake this year. The target time is around 2 hours. I will be living on the edge getting that in, given the last 8 k's of the run climb from 265 metres, to about 580 metres (with a number of undulations in between!). The finish is a surreal 200 metre 'sprint' across an abandoned golf course. Seemed like a good idea when I signed up...

Until next time...

Half a World Away

As part of my marathon training plan, I had included a few half marathon races to test my speed and endurance. Run Melbourne came up as a good race, but was only 7 days after a 30k trail race I intended to do. Decision time, which one do I race, which one do I just pace through? As I was mulling this over a comment by a runner in the Melbourne Marathon Facebook group alluded to her desire to run a new PB (her current one being 1:48) and thinking she could go 1:45. On a complete whim I offered to pace her. It was the perfect opportunity to race at You Yangs (my 30k trail race) and run evenly but slower than what I would normally the week after. The side benefit is I have gained a new and lovely friend! On such whims do our lives take the most unusual turns!

Federation Square at 6 in the morning. Our meeting point.
The Melbourne CBD providing a colourful backdrop.

The friend in question, Chrissy, was someone I had encountered in the FB group before. Always up for a yak and very friendly. For about 6 weeks we discussed, bantered, and planned the run. Another chance conversation with a fellow trail runner Chris, also revealed that he was looking for a PB at Run Melbourne. Chris was chasing a similar time as Chrissy, so I offered to pace him as well. We all follow each other on Strava, so I was able to assess both of them for training and pace, and they could see that I was putting the effort in to make sure I had enough pace and endurance to do the job. Nothing worse than the pacer falling to pieces under pressure on the day!

Leading up to the Day

The Sunday before I had a day out at You Yangs, literally. Ran a controlled and paced race and finished high up in a good solid time. Felt good Monday then went downhill on Tuesday as delayed calf muscle stiffness turned into a potential injury. Wednesday massage only served to flare it even further, I was more than a little worried. On Thursday it appeared to be much better, so in the afternoon I attempted a 10k run to assess exactly where I was at. Painful during the run, I was still able to do a good pace with a fast finish. I vowed no more running before Sunday. I lied, I'd forgotten about a reccy for the Inverloch parkrun I was helping to organise! So, another 5k on the Friday evening, pretty much run like the 10k the afternoon before and I knew I was ready.

Race Day

Myself, Chrissy and Chris, 20 minutes before the start.

Run Melbourne is probably only second to Melbourne Marathon festival in terms of participant numbers. With this in mind Chris, Chrissy, and another friend Michelle had agreed to meet near the stage/big screen in Federation Square. So did about 400 other people! Luckily we all bumped into one another, more by chance than good planning. Also bumped into Regan Welburn, fresh from a storming 50k race at You Yangs last week, and then a 5k PB the day before. He wasn't running, and offered to hang on to my sacrificial jumper which I had grown attached to! Top guy. A couple of photos then we headed off to the start line, several hundred metres down the road.

Looking towards the start line, 10 minutes to go!

 We lined up in the start shute and then spent the next 15 minutes wishing the race would just bloody well start. Got to be the worst part of any race, the waiting around. Thankfully everything went on time. It was quite beautiful watching the sky lighten (it was 7:00am in winter) against the backdrop of the Melbourne CBD, and it made for a fairly good vibe before we took off. Whilst we were hanging around in the start shute, a guy walks up to me a says, "You're Les Corson?". Didn't recognise him, said yes, and he introduced himself as Martin from the Two Bays Facebook group. He said, "You're on Facebook a lot! I recognised you!". Nah, not me, must be someone else...

Because of the sheer numbers of runners there were wave starts. First was the priority placing; elites, and faster than 1:30 runners. Next was 1:30 to 1:40, then 1:40 to 1:45 etc. Waves went off every minute or so. Last minute discussion about how we were going to run the race. The plan was to go out slow, 5:20min/k pace or slower if needed. The nature of the course meant many runners in a narrow avenue only 1 or 2k's after the start, potential for congestion/carnage was high and I wanted all of us to stay out of trouble.

The view behind us at the start line.

Our wave moved up to the start line. We had an official pacer ahead of us with a 1:45 balloon tied to her waist, and another behind us. I was confident we had stood in the correct spot. I was later to question that assertion!

The Start

The first couple of k's were your typical big city marathon start; crowded, lots of runners seeding themselves in the wrong positions, and plenty of runners bursting out of the blocks like Usain Bolt at the Olympics! Conscious of the early pace of others I held back, quite a lot as it seems. All 3 of us were chatting away, which was good, helps us to hold back, and quell any nerves present at the start. As we trooped down Flinders Street past the railway station and it's late Victorian façade, I suddenly became aware of music. Not blasting away from a shop, or a street side sound system, but that slightly tinny noise you associate with earphones and people on trains. Just about to launch into a tirade about runners and mp3 players, when I realised it was the phone strapped to my arm. Seemed Spotify had decided to fire up at random, and I was greeted with a classic 80's song by Squeeze; "Tempted" to be exact. What followed was me delicately extracting the phone from the holder, whilst dodging other runners, and trying to work out how to stop it! Eventually worked it out. By now we have turned back towards St. Kilda Road and running along the pavement at Southbank.

2k's in, and we are all together, even in step (if you look closely). Yarra River on photo right, this is beside Alexandria Gardens. (Photo by www.supersportimages.com)

The Crowd Thins Out

Beyond here it gets narrow, lots of jostling and dodging and weaving to get past slower runners. We ran under the road, into Alexandria Gardens, then turned to get back on to St. Kilda Rd. to head towards the Domain. Along here the crowds were lined on either side of the road, lots of support and encouragement. I was wearing a Two Bays race tee, and it attracted a fair amount of comment. Started to up the pace along here, as it was much easier to run, and we needed to start getting nearer to race pace. We entered The Tan (The Botanic gardens in Melbourne, affectionately know as The Tan), and in here my Two Bays shirt attracted some more attention. Rohan Day, Race Director extraordinaire of the Two Bays Race, was marshalling at an intersection, spotted me and gave me a rev and a half! "Come on Les, get a move on, don't slacken off....". I tried to high five him; he would have nothing of it! Just tried to push me along even faster! Professional to the core!

Out of The Tan and then some back streets to finally turn back to Domain and climb back up again. The course had more twists and turns than a John Le Carre novel, but it was interesting all the same. There was plenty of support on the course; at various points bands or DJ's were playing music, there was a definite carnival atmosphere in places. The steepest climb was on Anderson Street at the back of The Tan. Once over there (and negotiating the drinks station) it was nicely downhill to Alexandria Parade and the kilometre out and back leg. By now we have got the pace back to under 5min/k and on track for sub 1:45. It was along here that I was trying to assess how far apart the official pacers were, and found out they seemed to be all over the place.

Approaching Halfway

Over the Morell Bridge, and they had bubble machines going. As we ran through a field of bubbles, I relived with Chris the glory days at Upton Park (it was an exceedingly short conversation!), sang a line or two of 'Bubbles' (West Ham theme song), then turned onto Bunton Avenue. Another out and back leg, with the turn around point being where Nova FM had a marquee set up. The bloke on the PA was screaming his tits off like it was a 100 metre sprint, not the halfway mark of a 21k race! Trust he didn't keep that up all race! At this point I noticed that Chrissy was lagging behind a little bit. I wasn't concerned as every time I turned round to spot her, she gave me a thumbs and a smile to let me know all was okay.

Climbing up Wellington Parade South. There is a pacer (orange balloons)
behind us, and Chrissy can be seen in the distance directly under the balloon.
Chris would have been on my right hand side along here.
(Photo www.supersportimages.com)

We crossed the footbridge to the MCG, through the park ending up on Jolimont Street and the climb back onto Wellington Parade South. By now we are on 1:43 pace and I am holding back to make sure we don't overcook with 9k's to go! It was along this section that Chris and I caught up with one of the official pacers. Trying not to get carried away thinking that we had caught the 1:40 pacer, I noted that absolutely no-one was running with him, not a soul. As we got close enough I read 1:50 on the balloon; what on earth was going on here? Everybody was passing him, he was definitely running at slower than 5min/k pace and drifting back through the pack of runners. It momentarily put me off. A quick check of my watch, showing overall pace, proved that we were on target. Put it out of my mind and pushed on up the hill. Chrissy continued to drift back and I was conscious of us just getting back onto Flinders Street with the crowds on the footpath giving us all a lift.

Coming back along Flinders Street, Chris on my right, Chrissy
behind us (obscured by other runners)
(Photo credit: Regan Welburn)

Second Loop, and we split up

Back down St. Kilda Road (another guy on a PA calling out runners names) and then for the second time climb back into the Tan. I have at this point told Chris to push on. He was running strongly and not even looking like falling behind! As we climbed up Birdwood Avenue I started to fall back to run with Chrissy, who by this time was looking like she was digging deep. We had caught up with a 1:45 pacer (I was utterly confused by now with the pacing), and I wanted to get her on the back of the pack to give her some encouragement and reassurance that she was still on track.

Concentrating on a keeping a steady pace for
Chrissy. Outbound on Alexandria Ave.,
18k mark.
(Photo www.supersportimages.com)

No Soldier is Left behind!

The remainder of the course was essentially a repeat of the first loop. Which meant that once again I passed Rohan Day in the Tan (and once again got a rev up, even greater this time as I was still slowing to allow Chrissy to catch me!). She caught up as we turned down Domain Rd. and immediately told me to push on up ahead! My turn to tell her that I was not having a bar of it. I was pacing her, and if that meant sacrificing a time, well so be it! We pushed on, retracing our steps back to Domain Rd., and Anderson Street. The pacer was about 50 metres ahead, and I tried to slowly increase the pace, but the climb up Anderson was proving hard for her. A quick stop at the drink station there (only my second for the day), and then back onto Alexandria Avenue for the last time.

Along here we passed Chris going the other way, already 1 and half to 2 minutes ahead of us and looking strong. I stuck right by Chrissy's shoulder and kept an eye on her. She was going fine but was really now having to focus on pushing forward. What was heartening though, was that we were steadily picking up and passing runners; starting slow and finishing strong has many benefits! Turned around and headed back, only to see another 1:45 pacer behind us... Hmmm. By now I have calculated that we have run about 16/17k's (was actually 18!). I don't have the distance run display on my watch as it distracts me; I mean, you just start and run till you finish, right? Crossed over Morell Bridge again and then the final section along Bunton Avenue.

Going for Broke

Running to the finish line. I am shouting out
to Chrissy, who is on my left (out of shot).
(Photo www.supersportimages.com)

Running along here we both started to pick up the pace. I suspect Chrissy had worked out that we had only about a kilometre to go, and lots of people around us we struggling, or working really hard. Passed under the 20k marker and I made sure that she saw it. With less than a kilometre to go we came off the path next to Bunton Avenue, and ran on the road itself. Back past the Nova FM site (still going off his head!) and then turn left, the final 100 metres to the finish line. We were both pushing around 4:45min/k approaching here, now we just pushed it to 4:30 pace. I kept looking around to make sure she was okay, she was, and I kept up a bit of a commentary of encouragement, motivation etc. as we headed for the finish shute. Managed to get across to be beside her and we crossed the line together. Quick peak at the watch revealed 1:44:30, sub 1:45 nailed! Happy days!

Post Finish

First person we saw was Chris. He had run himself to 1:42, and a massive 10 minute PB! And he was bloody happy. Chrissy was hunched over sucking in lungfuls of air, and collecting herself after the fast finish. I was very happy, and doubly so thinking that the run had been deceptively easy and that I had heaps of energy left at the end. Felt like I could have pushed on for a number of k's. Met a friend Josie who was waiting for her daughter, Chelsea, to finish her first half marathon. Ironically Josie had told me she'd be there and look out for me (after having smashed out a 1:32 herself!), and sure enough, she was there and easy to spot.

Selfie at the finish line. All of us very happy with the days
 racing.

Stood around having a quick chat, and just as we were about to head off, Chelsea arrived, and we were treated to a wonderful scene of mother embracing daughter as she crossed the line. A terrific moment. It was then that Chrissy, Chris and I decided that breakfast was urgently required, and a suitable cafe was found, serving lashings of hot coffee, and bacon and eggs. Debrief, Facebook catch up, and generally take in the good vibes a good race will give you.

Postscript: Nicky was competing in the 10k event, which didn't start until half an hour after I finished! Consequently I had a leisurely breakfast/brunch before heading back to Federation Square to meet up with her. She had run well, but not got the PB she was looking for. All the same, very happy with her day, we went off in search of more coffee (can never have enough), and breaky for Nic.

Nicky showing off her finishers medal. Southbank, coffee time!

Further postscript: Later on, once I had uploaded the GPS plot of the run, I discovered that we had all run a negative split. For the non-runner, a negative split means that you have run the second half of a race faster than the first. In our case, Chrissy and I were about 30 seconds faster, Chris 2:30. It is the runners Holy Grail, if you like. And a pause for thought, the pace we ran was almost the identical pace I need for Melbourne Marathon; just need to run double the distance, no sweat!

Further, further postscript: Call it insane, call it brave, but I went downhill skiing the day after Run Melbourne. 15 minute into the day, with son and heir giving me grief about wanting all of us to ski as a family, we decided to hop straight on a blue run. Big mistake. Trying to avoid another skier, I stacked, and very badly, twisting my right knee, and tearing a muscle on the bottom of my rib cage! On a positive note, I was able to walk away from the crash. On a negative note, 5 days later, and I am still battling to overcome the injuries sustained that day. Note to self: No more skiing during marathon training programmes, or keep it real, and do not succumb to pressure from others. We live and learn.

Until next time...

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...