You Could Feel The Sky

A Short History of why….

So, 4 years ago this blog came into existence after what was, for me, a failed marathon effort. Several days after marathon #3, and the emotions have subsided somewhat, I have had time to reflect on what took place Sunday. Fair to say I had a great day out, couldn't have wished for a better result.
But Sunday was more than just the day itself. At the start of the year, I was dealing with an injury, the runners' nightmare that can be Plantar Faciatis. After getting through rehab (mid-February), and then return to running programme (late February to early March), I was then back into training. A long layoff though meant it was a gradual build-up from a very low base. Getting to Surf Coast Century (my A-list race for 2017) meant a very sensible and trouble free training block from April right through to September. The fact that I made it to SCC was as much good management as it was good fortune. The only real disappointment was that SCC didn't go to plan. Low energy and eventually cramps meant a bloody long day and a tough grind to the finish line.

Last minute burst of inspiration!

Melbourne Marathon was never really on the cards. Earlier in the year, I thought it was a big ask, but as training continued well, and I gained fitness and strength, I considered it a remote possibility. But as it drew closer, and the cost of entry increased, the value for money decreased and I was giving up on the idea. Lo and behold, I win a freebie through Devil Bend Running Festival and there was never any thought other than doing the marathon. It is my Everest. Yes, I've run longer. But a road marathon is defined by the fact that it's hard to hide on the roads. A bad day cannot be disguised as it can be on a trail. So all I had to do was work out if I'd switch training for it, and how it would fit in with racing a 50k trail 5 weeks prior. This is how it all panned out.

Taper

Marathon taper in the past has been about 2 weeks, give or take a few days. Essentially, my last run over 20k, then a structured programme of runs that keep the legs ticking over, the mind focused on the job ahead (pace run usually at or slightly faster than target marathon pace), then a few days of rest before race day. This year was unconventionally different. Several months prior to even signing up for Melbourne, we had discussed going bushwalking in North Queensland on Hinchinbrook Island. As the time approached I was silently concerned what this might do to mara prep but decided to go with the flow and just not worry about it.
In hindsight, it was an inspired choice of activities. Yes it was hot and humid, yes it was tough hauling a fully laden backpack on rough and hilly terrain for the week, and sleep was not great due to the overnight temps and my back refusing to accept the 20mm of sleeping mat between it and the ground! But it was 5 days without social media or anything to do with the outside world. It let me pass a week without thinking too much about the race, and I was relaxed and (inadvertently), adjusted to warmer temperatures. Arriving back in Melbourne the Monday of race week, I was ready to go.
Another piece of my preparation was to go caffeine free. No coffee, no tea, no chocolate for 2 weeks before the race. Reason being that using caffeinated gels, or any product designed to boost energy seems to have a negligible effect. I was hoping that by allowing the system to adapt to no caffeine when it enters my system on race day, it would be to greater effect. There is a body of study and evidence that this works, but ideally, it should be trialled in training first. I hadn't had that luxury.

Race Eve

Saturday morning walking at parkrun in Warragul, chatting with Colin who was also running the marathon. Home to get final pack done, then on the train to Melbourne. Arrived at the expo to pick up my bib, grab my race kit freebie, and drop my personal drinks bottles off.

Melbourne Marathon bib #3.

Pretty much all races of any major size will supply drinks and other foods for runners. But in a marathon, you need to make sure the supplied products work, and better still can be stomached. Not having used Endura gels or Hydralite sports drink, I decided to use my own. The plan was to carry 3 gels in a pocket, and have a drink and gel to pick up at 24k mark, and a double shot coffee pick up at the 36k mark (remember that point about trying things in training first? Yep, another one here…). If my target time of 3:45 was on track, the gels and drinks would get me there, just. Any longer and it was going to be on a wing and a prayer.
Caught up with a few friends at the expo, resisted the urge to get the credit card out and smash it big time, then went to find my accommodation in Melbourne. Did some shopping along the way for dinner, as well as a 6 pack of beer (2 for Saturday night, the rest for Sunday!). Apart from managing to smash a beer bottle on the floor in the kitchenette, the night was uneventful. (unit stank of beer for the rest of the weekend though…)

Race Day

Day started at 1:00am. No, I hadn't set my alarm ridiculously early. A door slammed in the next unit, a mans voice at the door, greeted by a woman who then proceeded to walk around the units wooden floors in what sounded like high heels. Various noises and more doors opened and closed at various intervals throughout the rest of the night lead me to believe one thing: prostitute.
At about 4:00am I gave up on sleep, got on the phone and Facebooked for a period. At 4:30 I put the phone back down and rested up for a bit waiting for the alarm at 4:45. So, when I suddenly sat bolt upright at 5:05 wondering why I hadn't heard the alarm, I tried not to panic too much.

Early morning light. Fed Square looking over towards The G.

After a shower, coffee, bowl of muesli and some toast and a final check of my bag with its change of clothes, I was off to the MCG. A 2k walk, it was a nice warm-up. The dawn sky was appearing as I turned at Federation Square and followed the ever increasing lines of people heading in the same direction as I was. I was anxious, but the nerves were at bay. I felt confident that I was prepared, and that if I followed my race and pacing plan I would be fine.
Bag drop area was the subject of a heavy security presence. Thankfully not held up too much here. Inside I organised myself, sunscreen on as the day was forecast clear and sunny, heart rate strap fitted, new VUR THIE folded and placed on my head. Drop my bag, then head towards the start line. This is where my nerves usually kick in, and today was no different.
Bumped into friend Amanda on the bridge to Rod Laver Arena. We had planned to run together at the start, so organised to meet with the 3:40 pace group where our friend Chris Johnstone (CJ) was pacing. Knew there would be heaps of friends hanging around.

The following is a combined race report from Amanda and myself. Nice to see both points of view for what we both agree was our race for 2017.

Race Start T-20 minutes

Okay, quite nervy now. Just want to get it done. The day before at the expo I had bought a bottle of CrampFix and now was the time to neck 20mls. After SCC and the cramping issues, I was keen to try Pickle Juice, a product a number of my friends swear by. Fellow ultra runner Donald Bailey had recommended CrampFix to me when I had trouble sourcing Pickle Juice. He said it tasted like poison, and I couldn't fault him on that as my mouth instantly got a screaming case of the 'tingling all over' variety. But 10 seconds later that feeling was gone. I was supposed to take another 20+ ml at the halfway point, then as needed if cramps appeared. If any left at the end, finish it off to help prevent post-race cramping.

All smiles at the start. The 3:40 pace group, Wayne, Connie, Glenn, Andrea
(obscured), me, CJ and Majid (obscured). (Photo credit Chris Johnstone)

The National anthem was sung. Nice to see everyone stay quiet, although we still as a collective don't know the words! We are 3 minutes away from start, photos, selfies, wishing everyone luck, trying not to jump out of your skin. This is truly the worst part, give me the pain of the last 10k of a mara any day. Want me to confess to being the second gunman, make me stand at the start of a marathon for several hours…
By now I realise Amanda hasn't appeared. Hoped she was okay. Then, we were off. Took me 55 seconds to cross the start line after the gun, where I proceeded to make possibly my only mistake of the day. I always start my watch when the gun goes off. Official time for a marathon is gun time, not nett time measured when you cross the start line and the timing system records you as started. It's also what the pace groups work off, so if you are following one, you have to take that into account. As we cross the start line, there is a cacophony of beeps as everyone starts their watch. I went to change my display and may have actually hit the wrong button and stopped it. Doh. Took me until Fed Square, just under a kilometre, to realise and restart it. Consequently, it was out for the rest of the race in comparison to the kilometre markers. (But then so is everybody else's watches 😂😂)

Amanda: After a quick hello to Les on the bridge I told him I would seek him out at the start line with CJ’s pacing group. That was before I realised my nerves and those of my friend Danielle who was running her first marathon would play a part in not being able to find the warm clothing drop off! We must have passed those steps 3 times before we realised where to go. After the obligatory pre-race pit stop we walked to the start line, taking photos on our way. At the start line the crowd had built up and I could not get any further forward than the 4hr 10 pacers. The race started, I wished Danielle luck and felt bad that I left her immediately! I knew I would have to do some weaving in the first few kms to find Les and it took me about 2 minutes to get through the start line.

0 → 5 Kilometres

The plan here was to stay out of trouble, run to heart rate rather than pace, and keep CJ's pace group in sight for as long as I could, but to let them go ahead if my pace wasn't good enough. It wasn't, but I didn't stress. It was a beautiful morning, sunny and clear as forecast and St. Kilda Road had lots of spectators lining the paths as we ran south towards Albert Park. I was cruising here, not even looking at pace, only my HR showing on the watch, making sure I was still in my aerobic zone. I felt good, and apart from the occasional bit of jostling as we passed slower runners, it was a smooth trip down the road.
A few weeks before, chatting with friend Andrea, she teased me that if she caught me along the way she was going to pinch me on the arse. Sure enough, 2k in and arse rudely pinched! I tried to look round with concern and surprise, rather than the casual “Oh it's just you” that I might normally have done. Almost at the same time, Amanda caught up with me. She'd been further back at the start and had to work hard to catch me. But now she was there she settled into a pace along with me and we chatted about the run and what lay ahead for us.
The plan was to drink water at every stop having not drunk 90 minutes before the race. Missed the first aid station, it was pure chaos but got to the 2nd one okay. Noticed that Amanda stopped and deliberately downed her water, I grabbed mine and jogged through whereupon she would catch me after a few hundred metres. This pattern would continue for as long as we ran together.

In Albert Park, a sea of runners
(Photo credit: Amanda Lacey)

Amanda: I weaved in and out of the crowds at a much faster pace than planned, looking at everyone I passed hoping I would eventually see Les as I knew he was planning to start the first few kms at around 5.20 pace. I yelled to Sammi as I passed him spectating and generally felt good, the pace felt easy and I was enjoying the buzz of the event. I spotted a couple of DTR tops ahead and recognised Les’ tall frame and VUR Thir, so upped the pace to catch him. I said “I bet you didn’t think you would be seeing me” or words to that effect!
I don’t usually drink water at the first couple of aid stations, but I wanted to be smart after my dehydration disaster at SCC50 so took water from the first aid station and every one after. I couldn’t master the gulp and jog so took my time to stop, walk and drink. I think this tactic saved me as I wearied later in the race. I was happy to have caught Les, I knew I could now settle into a steady pace and see what would happen.

6 → 10 Kilometres

Turned into Albert Park, and the road widens, as well as the runners start running at different paces so that it thins out considerably. Somewhere along St. Kilda Road, Andrea must have passed me, so I slowly glided up behind her and pinched back! Man tucked in behind her immediately yells out, “wasn't me!”, much to our amusement.
Looking ahead, seeing the conga line of runners snaking their way through Albert Park was just brilliant. By now we have left the cover and enclosed feel of St. Kilda Road, and into the wide open space that is the park. The sun is slightly higher, the temperature whilst still cool is starting to warm up, and the first signs of sweat appear.
My first gel is consumed at the aid station 9k in. Vfuel Maple bacon flavour (unfortunately now discontinued…). This was roughly at 52 minutes by my watch, just a tad over the 45 minute intervals I had planned. Through the aid station, Amanda catches me again and we continue on our way. Caught a glimpse of the 3:40 pace group flags up ahead and was a bit surprised that they were within sight. Had fully prepared myself that we would not see them until onto Beaconsfield Parade.

Sneaky little pic Amanda took as we went through
Albert Park. (Photo credit: Amanda Lacey)

The course twists and turns and winds back on itself, so we were treated to the sight of all the faster runners in front, coming back past us. And then all the runners behind us when we turned. Amanda was in good spirits through here, chatting occasionally with me or others we knew along the way. We hadn't made any real plans other than run and see what happened, and through here we just ran at a comfortable pace, kept an eye on pace and effort, and genuinely enjoyed ourselves. I remember a sound system pumping out House of Pain's Jump Around as we ran past, and she ran with one hand in the air, swivelling the hips and singing along! Fab entertainment, making the journey very enjoyable.

Amanda: I always enjoy running around Albert Park Lake and tried to take a few photos as I was running, even getting a sneaky one of Les. I was about to take a selfie but it was affecting my pace, so it was back to business. I really enjoyed seeing everyone loop around ahead of me and behind me and kept looking for my friend Danielle. I missed her on the first loop but she yelled out to me on the second and looked to be travelling really well. It was so much fun yelling encouragement and exhausting on the lungs! I did love the music pumping and had a total compulsion to get into the moment and mini dance to Jump Around!!

11 → 15 Kilometres

My enduring memory of this section was the number of runners ducking off behind the first available bush/large tree or the one small toilet block at the back of Lakeside stadium! Streams of runners heading towards the said toilet, streams coming back out re-joining the throng. I'd taken on board some advice from a very experienced marathoner not to drink for 90 minutes before the race, and use every aid station to drink water. That alone prevented the mid-race urgent pee stop.
11k aid station was the usual chaotic free-for-all. Managed to grab a cup of water, avoid slamming into (or be slammed into), and got out as soon as I could.
Last hairpin turn at about the 12k mark was where we realised that CJ and group were only about 70 odd metres in front of us. We turned and ran back past the 11k aid station (was on the way past), and slowly reeled them in. Just as we ran under the banner marking our departure from Albert Park, we found ourselves as new members of the famed 3:40 bus. This was the cool kids' bus!
Turn into Fitzroy Street, crowds lined down all the way to Beaconsfield Parade, and then head right towards Bay Street and the turnaround.

Amanda: I took my first half of a GU gel and a swig of water about an hour in even though I didn’t feel I needed anything at that stage and I forced myself to repeat this every half hour and take a sip of the electrolyte I carried in my pack. We were still running well, it almost felt like we were cruising so it was a surprise when we found ourselves approaching CJ’s 3.40 pace group. Les said he was going to tuck in behind them for a while and I was happy to do the same.

16 → 20 Kilometres

I can safely say this was one of the best sections of the run for me. Relaxed, running easily at 5:10 pace, chatting with CJ, Amanda and some others in the pace group, it felt like you could run forever. Normally I have hated this section, and down to Elwood, as the long straight stretches of road play with you mentally. And previously, 2013 and 2015, I have had my meltdown along here. The remaining trudge back to the finish line nailing the lid on the coffin that was my race…
Lots of shout outs from friends along here, those in front, and after our turn at Bay Street, those behind. Every call gave you a lift, cut 10 seconds off your time!
Along here it was apparent how large the packs of runners were. You truly got the perspective of how large this race is.
Returning to St. Kilda was smooth sailing. CJ and his fellow pacer were marshalling the group well, the pace was spot on, and there were plenty of us following them. Periodically Amanda and I would drift apart, run 20 or so metres ahead of each other, but we were never more than that distance apart at any time.

Amanda: This was an awesome part of the race. We shared a great bit of banter with CJ and his popular pace group and it was nice chatting to Wayne and see that we were all travelling well. I was still running with Les at times and when one of us did drift ahead I knew he was never far away at this stage.

21 → 25 Kilometres

Approaching the halfway mark on Beaconsfield, and it was time to take stock of how I was going. HR was approaching 155 (slightly higher than I'd like, but not alarmingly so), legs felt good, no aches or pains in hip/lower back/feet etc. The sun was out, there was still plenty of chatter and enthusiasm.
21.1k banner approaches and passes. HALFWAY baby!!! Amanda immediately breaks out into Bon Jovi's Livin on a Prayer (Woah, we're halfway there, woah livin on a prayer...). Thanks, mate. Spent the next 3k ridding myself of that from the endless loop that was my brain. Back into St. Kilda and big crowds here, certainly bigger than the 2 previous times I've run this event. Things were going great, or so it seemed!
Just as we were climbing the slight rise adjacent to the pier, Amanda hit the deck! A runner, trying to get past her, moving right to left behind her to pass on the left clipped her heels and that was that. Thankfully he had the good grace to come back and help her get back up. I was a little way behind, so caught up as she was back on her feet and moving off again. A quick check of her hand and knees revealed all was okay and not to worry. So thankful that there was no damage.
It was once over this rise and bound for Elwood that I felt the effort to maintain proximity with the pace group was too early in the race. 23K's in, that is a comment that 4+ years ago would have made me laugh uproariously. Not so now, it was a calm and rational decision knowing there was still 19k to go, and a theoretical halfway point of a marathon is about the 34/35k mark, such is the difficulty the last 7k's present. I never mentioned to Amanda that I was throttling back. As we passed the next aid station, she caught up with me and we stayed together along here. Runners were thinning out, already some were walking, or stretching out tight calves/hammies/whatever.
Picked up my last gel, and a drink at the 24k aid station. I still had 1 in my back pocket from the stash I had from the start.

Amanda: Sorry, I could not resist breaking into song at the halfway mark. It had to be done! I’m not even a Bon Jovi fan haha!! Surprisingly all the serious runners around me didn’t seem to share my enthusiasm.
Les: No shit Sherlock! 😀
Amanda: This was one thing I noticed in this marathon compared to the first one I did at Melbourne, the faster pace group seemed a lot more serious to me. I loved running by the beach but the group got very closed in at this point. I was almost feeling claustrophobic and did all I could to create some space, which meant losing sight of my running buddies including Les for a time. I remember at a particularly crowded point I leaned my head down to drink some electrolyte when my heel got clipped and I flew superman-like to the ground. Luckily my hands took the brunt of it and just a little bang to my hip, but I was more worried about getting trampled, there were runners everywhere. The guy who tripped me came back and helped me up apologising. I accepted his apology begrudgingly, shaking from the shock, all the while thinking this could ruin my pace! I was surprised to see Les come up behind me, I was sure he was ahead and I’d lost him. Seeing him stopped me sooking and I got back to work. This is where the work really started and as Les stopped to pick up his gel I forged on knowing he would catch me soon. I remember I started counting at this stage just to keep my legs moving and any negative thoughts out. Whenever I saw someone I knew I’d cheer then start again 1,2,3…. I’d heard others do this and I was surprised that it worked, it kept me in the zone.

26 → 30 Kilometres

Turn at Elwood, the intersection of St. Kilda Street. This is where it starts to get tough for us. In many years past, the wind along here has been ferocious. Today, just a light zephyr. Enough to cool us in the warm morning air. By now we have been running for 2 hours 20, and in full sunlight and although it is getting warmer, it is still near perfect running conditions.
By now the 3:40 pace group is just a brief hint of a red flag in the distance. But Amanda and I are still chugging along. At various times we are 20, 30, 40 metres apart. Sometimes we are side-by-side. Not much chat now, just use oxygen for inflating the lungs powering the muscles.
My memories are a bit vague along here, other than noticing that people in front of me were already walking. Some stretching out cramps, others just looking like they'd gone out too hard and were now paying the price for that decision. It is often a rookie mistake, and one only learnt through bitter experience; I know, I've been there twice before.
Approaching St. Kilda, Amanda and I drew back together as we climbed past the pier again. Friend Christos Piplios was there, cycling around and supporting us. Nice to see a familiar face, and along here I had a few shout-outs for my DTR shirt. Don't know who you were, but thank you.

Amanda: Just like Les, I dug deep and just kept moving trying to maintain a good pace. Things started to feel better as we approached St Kilda and saw Christos, I was ready for a change of scenery.

31 → 35 Kilometres

Turn off Marine Parade, into Fitzroy Street, and the first climb back up towards the finish. Fitzroy always comes as a 'surprise' after the dead flat bay run. And it serves as a reminder that the fun is about to begin. At the aid station at the top of Fitzroy, bumped into Glenn from LTR. Knew he was having difficulties as I'd been slowly catching him since the 27k mark. Tap on the shoulder, a word of encouragement to keep him moving. Must have worked, he passed me back on The Tan.

So glad we got at least 1 photo together. 30k in, coming back up
Fitzroy Street looking focused and determined. 

Once again Amanda and I did our usual, she stopping to drink, me jogging through. She caught me soon after along St. Kilda Road and we shared the road for the next 2k's.
But soon after, it would be the last I would see of her until the finish line. The road climbs here, ever so gradually, but enough you know that it is not flat. She was clearly stronger. And although I was still running, and holding some sort of decent pace, it was no match for Amanda. I watched her slowly edge away from me. There was a brief moment of despair where I was sad that I couldn't stick with her, but in reality, we were 33k in, we'd set ourselves up for a great run and now it was just up to us to get it done.
St. Kilda Road has always represented my 'Hearts of Darkness' moment (the horror, the horror…), and it was along here that my thoughts threatened to turn negative. But each step still running kept me positive. It's horrible to take delight in passing others who are struggling up here, but the shoe was on the other foot previously and it was nice to be moving through the pack. Andrea came past me along here, not that much faster, but enough to leave me behind. We always play cat and mouse on our runs; never the same pace for much, just back and forth!
I had my first sign of cramp here. Right lower quad started to get tight, that crampy feeling increasing. Grabbed the Crampfix from the back pocket (Another tip, leave short pockets partially unzipped. Not enough for things to fall out, enough to get your fingers in to pick items out without having to find the zip and move it mid-run) and took 20ml. The feeling subsided, thankfully.
Metro trams trundled past, tempting many (and some considering the DQ's uncovered by race organisers) as we approached the Arts Centre. Turning at the Arts Centre is always a challenge as we merge with the half-marathoners, and the jostling with the different speeds becomes an issue. Not sure how the organisers are going to deal with this, but every year it is an issue.

Amanda: This is where I was most grateful to be running with Les, I was starting to tire and I know my pace would have slowed down if I’d been on my own. I pushed through to stay with him and I was ready for my walking break at the aid station. It gave me the reset I needed for the rest of the race. I started enjoying the run up St Kilda Road. I remember how much I loved this section in my first marathon with all the crowds supporting and also running with the half marathoners. I was looking around cheering on familiar faces, giving encouragement to those who looked like they were struggling, I had found a new spring in my step. At some point, I looked around to talk to Les but I couldn’t see him. I felt sad about this but I knew I just had to keep moving and would just have to rely on my own motivation. I did this by thinking about my Comrades goal next year and that finishing this in a good time would give me a better starting point for that gun time race.

36 → 40 Kilometres

Under St. Kilda Road and heading for The Tan. This is where the MCG is in view, but we are turned back to run a few climbs. First timers are dealt a blow, you think you are just heading for home, only to realise there is still more to do.
My final personal drinks pick up was a bit unusual, and a bit of a last minute piece of inspiration. A double shot black coffee, necked on the spot at the 36k aid station on the lower section of Birdwood Avenue. Physically it didn't do a lot, but mentally it sharpened me up for the final push home. I was also still in good spirits knowing that I had two lovely and close friends waiting at the top of The Tan handing out Zooper Doopers to runners. Chrissy and Michelle had volunteered to do this, neither running (Chrissy still in rehab), but loving being on course, close to the runners.
As I approached Domain Road, I could hear Chrissy's voice, rounded the corner and saw her beaming smile as she spotted me. Huge hug, a few words exchanged, hug Michelle then push on. It was fantastic seeing them, raised the spirits even more.
Down Domain, then we were turned back into The Tan again as Domain Road was closed due to Metro tunnel works. Another brief climb (okay, had enough now…), then we were finally descending back to St. Kilda Road for one last time. Plenty of runners coming up in the opposite direction, many doing it tough. I was running down thinking that all my hill work in the Dandenongs had actually paid off.
And then finally, finally back onto St. Kilda Road

Back on Flinders Street, and doing it tough.

Amanda: This was struggle time for me. I knew it was coming, it was no surprise and I knew I would see Chrissy and Michelle around here, it just seemed to take forever to get to them! I actually had to stop short here feeling faint, so took some gel, water and electrolyte then got moving again. Someone I had chatted to earlier in the race who had run SCC100 checked I was ok (sorry I can’t recall your name Les: Jonathon Ennis-King) and we played a little tag team for a while before he went on ahead. He said the 100km race had helped him with endurance but he was running a bit slower than in previous marathons and he was happy with that. Seeing him so comfortable reminded me how much of this is a mind game and I pushed on, in a much happier place by the time I saw Chrissy and Michelle, grabbing my zooper dooper and giving them sweaty hugs (sorry!) before heading off to the fun part.

Home Sweet Home!

By now, my pace has bled back to high 5, nearly 6 minute/k. I'm passing runners, but just as many are passing me. Big crowds again at Fed Square, the sun shining, photographers aplenty on Flinders Street. The final climb (as such, it's really gentle) and I just gritted the teeth and got it down.
Worst was turning down Wellington. Quads were on fire and running felt ungainly. Probably looked it as well!

Okay, not that tough if I can smile and thumbs up!

Ran through the last aid station, at 41k mark I couldn't see the point really… Turn into Jolimont, then Bunton Avenue, the G looming larger than life, crowds lining the roads cheering yelling encouragement. Saw a few friends along here, gave me a lift, and geez I needed it.
And then turn to head into the G.
It's a cavernous stadium, in reality. And such a long friggin way round to the finish line. For the past couple of k's I'd been trying to estimate my finish time, given I'd stuffed up my watch, I really was only guessing. Knowing that 3:45 had passed me by, I was thinking 3:48/3:49. I was close. As I approached, 3:50 ticked over, then 3:51. I could hear loud voices behind me, and suddenly realised the 3:50 pace group was bearing down on me. Picked it up, and pushed hard to get over the line.
Gun time 3:51:06. Later I was to find out my net time was 3:50:14. But I was very happy. Strong run, all the way, no massive crash and burn and the long run/walk odyssey that follows this year.
Staggered around for a bit. Physically spent, mentally right out of it. I had a brief moment of low blood pressure; light-headedness, tingly feeling in hands and legs. It passed thankfully. Then I spotted Andrea and Amanda. Huge hug with Amanda, I was so pleased to hear she had smashed her PB. A bit of an emotional moment, we'd shared the road for so long, kept each other honest, run great races, and most importantly we had thoroughly enjoyed it.
What a day!

Amanda powering to the finish line on Jolimont.
(Photo credit: Amanda Lacey)

Amanda: I absolutely loved this part, I was passing lots of runners again and was happy to have a passing chat with a man wearing a Comrades top – he was full of enthusiasm telling me what a special race it is. I was excited to see Connie pass me, I didn’t recognise her immediately then we had brief chat before she took off looking so strong. My legs were moving well, though heavy and not quite as fast as I’d have liked. It was brilliant seeing friends to my left, to my right, hearing my name and seeing Matty and Tiana, Dee and Alex, Shaun and the VUR crew and a high five from Nicole, so many people and then we were running into the MCG. I hadn’t got to finish my first marathon here so I was so excited. It was definitely not a sprint finish but I finished strongly, I noticed the clock said 3:48:29 but I knew my net time was less - 3:46:42, an 11 minute PB! I hung around the finish line, trying to stop the wobbles and waiting for Les to come in. I was also hoping to also see Danielle finish. Shared congratulatory hugs with CJ and LTR friends. I missed Danielle finishing but was happy when I saw she had finished her first marathon soon after in a great time. I gave Les a big hug as he finished, we were both so happy to have run such a good race, it was a great team effort and I will always be so grateful.

Danielle and Amanda. (Photo credit: Amanda Lacey)

Post Race Get Together

Walk ungainly down the ramp to collect the medal with Amanda. Bumped into Glen from Lysty, pleased to hear he'd picked it up and finished. It was down here I bumped into another Lysty runner Connie. She looked at me and then grimaced, pointing at my shirt. I had the ol bleeding nipple! Just one side, but I'd not felt a thing… finish line photos were going to be interesting then.
Necked the rest of the Crampfix and hoped that was all I needed. Happy to report, no cramps after the race. Makes a nice change.
Met friend Josie, she'd paced the 1:50 half-marathon group. We'd organised to meet for coffee afterwards and thoughts were to get out of there asap.
Amanda and I grabbed a selfie, bubbling over with excitement and happiness after the race. Emotions in overdrive.
The final inglorious bastard act was the ramp up out of the carpark from the bag drop area, then the stairs up to the pedestrian ramp over to Rod Laver Arena. Took an eternity.

What worked, What Didn't

2013, the meltdown really starts at 26k 

2015, the meltdown actually starts at 15k, but hits death zone levels at 32k.

2017, no meltdown. Just the gradual slowdown after 33k.

Looking at the 3 images above, the comparison between my 3 attempts at Melbourne is quite clear. Ignoring the difference in the Y-axis (pace), the consistent line for this year up to the 32/33k mark is very heartening. As much to do with starting slow, having Amanda beside me, then slotting casually in behind CJ's pace group, all had a bearing. Moral of the story, start slow and build.
This year I had a specific hydration and plan and really, more importantly, I followed it. 4 Vfuel gels, sports drink at 24, and the coffee at 36 all worked. Going caffeine free worked too, and I will look at using this in future events (not just the marathon).
Running with a friend. Now that is something I've never really done before. Always tended to run my own race, my own pace. I'll use runners ahead of me to assess how I'm going, and if possible catch them. But then I'll pass and move onto the next one. But having someone close by to chat, and shoot the shit, so to speak, was invaluable in keeping me grounded and focused. And Amanda was genuinely great company.
Not much I can think of that didn't work, other than using something to hold my gels and CrampFix. Back pocket felt like it was bulging, and got annoying around the 20k mark. Other than that, all went well.

Nice to catch up with Chrissy and Michelle after the run.
(Photo credit: Chrissy Good)

Next race, Eureka Climb. Nothing else for 2017, then Two Bays 56k in January 2018.

Until next time...