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...

Weather With You

The Forecast is Not Good

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

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

Clouds Gathering

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

Storm Approaching

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

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

Yet another low system approaches through Bass Strait!

And now, the weather for Victoria

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

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

Lightening would not be appreciated during a trail run.

Storm Breaks

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

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

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

More Like a Zephyr

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

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

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

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

Over The Rainbow

So, what is the wash-up?

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

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

Other Matters

Marathon Training

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

parkrun

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

Until next time.....

Halfway Gone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time...

Hold on to your Friends

Friday

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday

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

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

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

Monday

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

Epilogue

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

Postscript

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

Until next time...