Dubbo Stampede & The Edgell Jog 2013

Dubbo Stampede 2013

I went over to Dubbo for the Stampede Half Marathon on Father's Day weekend.  We travelled up on the Saturday morning and visited the zoo that afternoon.  I had a good time with Kel and the boys and my parents arrived in the evening in time for us to venture out to dinner.

The Sunday morning dawned and it was time to head over to the zoo for the start.  I was hoping of running well but the signs had been there all week that it was going to be a battle.  I was still recovering from Mudgee the week before, I felt sick and was unable to train well in the week leading up to Dubbo.  I was hoping for a 77min time but really was hoping for sub 80min, this I felt was achievable.

In what was a fast field I settled into the front of the start and waited for the gun.  Off we went and out the gate of the zoo, I sat in about 7th or so and felt comfortable at a quickish pace.  I was aware there was an issue after 3km or so, I couldn't maintain a steady pace and was all over the place mentally, it was going to be a stretch to finish strongly.

I think at 37min I had run 10km and was really struggling, it was as though I couldn't get out of third gear and had to back off every time I went a little faster.  This feeling stayed with me until the end, every little incline, and I highlight the little, felt terrible and when ever I attempted to push on I had to recover shortly after.

I entered back into the zoo and was really struggling, being passed easily and generally feeling quite dejected.  I was in pain and for the first part of the last 5km loop of the zoo I just ran aimlessly until a group of 10km runners who were battling for positions came up on me.  I switched back into gear and basically fartleked my way to the end pushing 400-500m then recovering for a while, this was tough but I nearly caught the two runners in front of me as a result.

I had stopped checking my watch a while back and when I hit the line it read a very disappointing 82.20.  Well below par and a sign of overreaching that gives me plenty to think about in the future when it comes to racing and training.  I came 13th and was really disappointed with how it went, but in the end thats all I had in me and I did my best, bad results come with good results, thats why its a competition.

Kel ran in feeling much the same, she had struggled after a brilliant weekend at Mudgee the week before and ultimately we both took a lot from our toughest and what felt like our longest half marathons.  Luckily for us it was Fathers Day and we had the boys to take our mind from the mornings run.  We finished off the parts of the zoo we hadn't seen yesterday and had an ice cream with the boys and my parents before heading back home.  I will be back for this one, it was a beautiful course and great atmosphere, it also becomes the redemption race similar to the Glow Worm Half of 2012.

I believe a picture tells a thousands words, and I also believe without disappointment happiness would not be as profound.

The Edgell Jog 2013

My local event and a welcome sleep in on race day, while not a realistic chance or winning I place a considerable amount of importance on this race.  It always has around 1500 entrants and is a real community fun run.  Sunday was my third attempt in what was my first ever race, I was aiming for a PB, down grading from a sub 26min time after my prolonged recovery from Mudgee, and finishing as highly as possible, top 10 with a chance of a top 5 depending on who showed up.

Race morning was relaxed, I had a hot bath and stretch then made my way to the start area on Kings Parade.  I was able to knock out a very decent warmup and was throughly ready, confident my legs had a quick 7.5km in them.  As it was hot it was a race for a spot not a time, my goal was to run well and finish strongly.

The madness of the start

The start line is always a mess, kids as young a 6 lining up with the faster adults is always a recipe for disaster, hopefully one day they sort this out as someone will get hurt as the numbers grow.  So I lined up around the middle and we were started on our way, there was a little push and shove but I managed to get a clear run after about 20m or so.  The first few blocks is always a mad rush and I was aiming to be conservative, but I was running way too fast so I backed it off and settled into my race.

I was running in a small group, I wasn't really paying attention to who but was aware I was in a race with Nic Zawadski and a few other locals.  I was feeling good and ran a solid pace up the first two hills and pushed hard on the descents, my flat speed was far more balanced so I was happy.  I wasn't in the same league as the leaders, but I was much closer than in previous years so all is pointing towards a podium in the future if I continue to improve.

It wasn't until around 2km to go I started to test the waters around me.  I had ran relatively intrinsically until that point and was now seeing what others had in response to changes in pace, hills and so on.  Coming into the last long downhill I gave two surges, the second was before the turn into Seymour St. lasting for far longer.  I put it out there then, I went to the front of the group and pushed on, by listening to the other runners footsteps I could tell I was starting to open a gap.  At the turn into the finish straight I couldn't hear anyone behind me and I knew I had to hold on with a tough uphill finish coming up.

I ran past the usual St Pats Hockey crowd at the Family Hotel, they were celebrating a comp win, and give all runners an encouraging cheer.  I was not only holding my spot but catching 5th and 4th respectively, I closed the gap on the female winner to only 20sec which at times had gotten out to 1min or so.  I gave another surge and ran into the finish line strongly, crossing in 27.52, 6th overall and 5th male, all goals achieved with the bonus of being 1st Bathurst local home giving me the half/jog double for 2013.

My finish captured by Sean of Mountain Sports, who travelled up with Mel, promoting the Lithgow Tri and offering their support on the day. Thanks guys!

Hurting home in 27.52
(pain = bad form!)

I waited to see Kel come across the line 33min, a new PB and 5th place overall in the women's field.  She had also crossed as 3rd Bathurst Female and run a strong race taking over 3min of her time from last year.  Our combined results also gave us the Husband and Wife prize for the second year running so we were very pleased with how the day went.  It was a good morning especially after the disappointing trip to Dubbo 7 days before.

With the Jog done and dusted it is now onto the Sri Chinoy Canberrra 100km event on the 21 September.  I'm on full taper and will be running short meaningful sessions, reading up on running and preparing for a new year once Canberra and Kanangra are finished.  I plan on training and developing further over the Summer, working to a thoughtful plan using my past experiences to improve my running.

Mudgee Running Festival 2013

Mudgee Running Festival 2013

I arrived at Mudgee for the 5km race on Saturday. We parked and made our way to the rego area to collect our race packs for the weekend. From here we headed back to the car so I could get ready on the way I noticed Mitch Williamson from Orange was warming up, yay a race against a real speedster awaited!

I completed my warmup and ventured to the start/finish line for race brief. We were told the 5km would start 1 minute after the 10km, crazy and odd, but that's the way they ran it. We lined up and quickly it was obvious it was a race of 3, Mitch, Brent Harris and myself, well actually it was going to be how far Mitch won by.

The 10km went away we waited for our start. We were set off and I went out hard, feeling good and out in front I began weaving, crossing and dodging the back pack, middle pack and front pack of the 10km race, all inside of a km! I had gone out too hard, split 3.10, yep way too hard!

I felt good still but my pace was sliding, I then started feeling bad, my pace varied and I was in and out of threshold, big problems. I maintained effort and hoped that I could recover, I have been training well in my intervals and was hoping this would assist here, it did but it took much longer than needed.

At around 3.5km I felt ok again, I was in 3rd and roughly 200m from 2nd spot. I was witnessing 3.38 and 3.40 splits so I was aware I could increase my pace to close the gap, but very mindful of what tomorrow had in store. To blow up twice in a 5km would be very silly. I may have went out hard, a rookie mistake yes, but I do learn from my runs and I was happy to cruise in to the finish. I arrived in 17.50, not what I had hoped for, but in 3rd place, another podium and a good lesson learnt. I'll take a lot from the race into other races and can work on my weaknesses in training to improve them come race day.

The pesky cough that I have battled on and off for the last few months arrived shortly after the 5km and lingered into the night. I had a beautiful meal with Kel, kid free and very enjoyable and we were able to relax before our marathons the following morning. We got back to our accommodation, had a stretch and went over the last minute things, and then it was off to bed.

We woke to a cool but not freezing morning, a good sign and a relief as the T shirt would do from the start. The start line at every race is the same, people sizing each other up, nervous energy, chatter, stretching, porta loos and the now familiar coffee van.  We had a quick race brief and then made our way up to the bridge for the start.

Just before the start of the Marathon

I had a small warm up and readied myself for what would my first road marathon, hopefully close to 2.50 but mostly a sub 3.  Dani Andres was opposite me, and I noticed he had a marathon bib on and Nick Zawadski, also a Bathurst boy, had registered in the marathon.  It would be a challenge to do well as both had sub 3 efforts to their names and were far more experienced than me at the distance. I was going to run my race nonetheless and the rest would sort itself out.

Kel was nervous but she had prepared very well, only weeks before she had ran the distance in training, in a time a only few minutes slower than my first training marathon. She is fit and can run well and with more racing, long runs and confidence could really become a tough person to beat in long races, I truly feel that a sub 3 marathon is within her reach if she keeps at it.  I gave her a kiss and the start gun went, it would be the last time I'd see her for 3 hr 45 minutes.

Nick went out hard, getting to the front quickly. I was happy with my start and I just slid into pace and assessed my feeling, breathing, rhythm, tempo, etc. I had no idea who was in what race and Dani was just off my shoulder running in a similar way.  After 5km I was on target for a low 2.40, too quick but I knew the hills would balance things out and I had planned my pace to run 19 minute 5 km splits. I approached the half turn in 3rd just behind Nic and Dani feeling great, I even took a sneaky look back and it appeared to be daylight to 4th.

The next section was where I ran well, I picked off Nic at 10km, running the gradual climb efficiently, I also closed the gap to Dani and by the start of the climb I was only 100m behind him. I kept my cadence and pushed up the steeper section of the climb and I was now running side by side with Dani and feeling good, we turned into the out and back section and shot down the hill very quickly.  Nick was 2 or 3 minutes behind at the turn and we made our way back up again, both overtaking the lead bike on the climb.

Dani shot away on the next descent and that gap was never closed, I bloody tried and got close but never regained contact.  I had him in sight, sometimes he was closer, other times he was further away, but I knew if I could up the pace or he blew up I could grab the win. The next 10km or so we ran up a gradual hill and descended back towards Mudgee and the back end of the half course that I ran last year, which I remembered had one longish hill and a few rolling hills and then it was down into a flat final 2km.

1st in 30-39 yrs

If I was going to move it was now on the hills, I could not wait to the end and had to push it then. I ran up the long dirt rise that lead to the 2nd last aid station at a good pace and the guy informed me I was 1 minute 20 back from Dani, I had closed slightly but still had plenty of work to do. I ran the first couple of hills ok but on the last hill I busted, my pace blew out and I struggled to get going again, Dani had now distanced himself from my sight and was running away to a well earnt victory.

The Mens Podium 3rd, 1st & 2nd

I had 5km to run, I was in pain but I knew I had to finish and wanted the sub 3 finish. I was battling cramps in my hamstrings again, similar to the Bush Capital Race last month, so I was adjusting my stride and gait as well as eating endrolytes like lollies. I even chewed one up to get it into my blood quicker, something I'd discussed doing the weekend before, I don't recommend it, but as bad as it tasted, it worked!

So I toughed it out, and the last 5km cost me 2 minutes and a low 2:50 time but I pushed on and got my sub 3 and very close to the par of 2:55 that I'd set before the race. I finished, ran the whole thing and held a sub 4 min pace for 35km, topping it off I came 2nd, so I was very happy when I crossed the line. It was a great feeling running down the path to the finish, the crowd cheered and I was finally at the end, time to stop and get my legs feeling normal again! The first thing I did was congratulate Dani on his victory, it was an experience racing someone so far into a long run, an experience I'd only had in shorter races previously.

Sub - 3!

Nick crossed the line not too far back and in sub 3 fashion, a great result! He recovered well after a typical fast start to get a pb and a good confidence boost before the next couple of weeks where we will go head to head again.  I know I'll have to run well if I'm to stay out in front in Dubbo and Bathurst.

I had a bit of time to sort myself before Kel finished. I caught up with Shelley Hanrahan, who had just won the half in 88 minutes (Shelley took an incredible 8 minutes off her previous Half Marathon that she ran in Bathurst 3 months ago – what an achievement!). I also caught up with Tom Hanrahan who is also from Bathurst.  Both Shelley and Tom (No relation I think) had run very well over the weekend. Tom came in 4th in the 5km and cracked the 90 in the Half, quote "without having much of a go" and Shelley had a massive weekend not only winning the half but also placing 3rd in the 5km, much deserved after the hard work and training she has put in.  It was also great to meet Bathurst Runner Geoff Lynch who also put in 2 great performances in the 5k and the Half.

3rd in 30-39 yrs

I had a feeling Kel was near and moved into a spot to be able to cheer her on for as much of the last stretch as I could.  I saw her come up from below the bridge, a sharp up that had nearly made me cry earlier, and she was running well, relaxed and in control. She ran toward the end and I cheered her to the finish, I even managed to trot to get to the end to take a picture of her maiden marathon finish.  I was so proud, not just because she had finished, but because of the work she had put in the lead up and I knew what it meant to her.  I don't always say it and at times I obsess over my running but how Kel is progressing and the effort she puts in means so much to me and I can't wait to see her get going even stronger with more km's in the bank.  Kel finished in 20th overall, 10th female in 3:46:20, a time that would have top 5’d in most marathons.  She also picked up a trophy for her age group, not bad for a first timer!

Results

                              Kel approaching the finish and crossing the line

So there we were, both finished close to our goals, and in the top 20. A bloody good effort if you ask me.  Last year I ran the half at Mudgee in 88:30 came 11th and Kel said she would've laughed if you told her she would be running the marathon in 2013.  Now its onwards towards Dubbo, the Edgell Job and ultimately the Kanangra Trail Ultra in October.

Spoils of the weekend

I have also accepted an entry into the Sri Chimney Canberra Centenary 100km Trail Run in September, thank you to Hammer Nutrition for the entry and the opportunity to make my 100km debut. I am very excited, nervous and keen to get out there come race day. More on this run to come in the next few weeks.

Mudgee Running Festival 2013

This weekend I'll be driving to Mudgee with Kel to run in the Mudgee Running Festival.  I am entered in the 5km on Saturday and the 42km on Sunday, Kel is in for the Marathon as well.  It will be our first attempts at racing these distances and we both have be using this event as a testing point for the  Kanangra 50km in October.

I am on a mini taper, down to 50km for the week before Saturday and I feel really good, slightly on edge but ready to run.  I am keen to set it down with a fast 5km time on Saturday, my goal is sub 16.45 and whatever comes of the race will be interesting.  I have certainly been focusing on my speed of late and it seems to be paying off in training.

The marathon however will be a real test of endurance.  I am ready, I know I can run the distance, it's just a matter of getting the pace right and holding on.  I'm a believer of the theory that you can't save energy early on in long races, nor can you make up time early, both can leave you behind, whether it be through popping the lid or leaving your run too late.  I have goal times and I'll will be focusing 5km at a time, looking at rough 20min splits and the potential of running home strongly, if feel up to it.  Mudgee is a tough course and it will be a stretch to crack the 2.50 barrier but I am aiming for this, with plan b being 2.55 and then a sub 3 if it isn't going as well.

I am excited and a little anxious, which is weird as it isn't a big race but I feel an opportunity to get a good weekend of racing is awaiting.  I have been racing a little of late, finishing 4th in the STS Race 3 last weekend, giving me another 2nd overall in the Series (I was lightyears behind Andy Lee), but I have been able to get some good training weeks in and feel it is coming together nicely.

I am also finalising an opportunity to run the Canberra Centnerary 100km in September (yes 5 weeks).  I am ready to finish but as for time goals, this race will just be an experience if it goes ahead.  More to come on this very soon!

Good luck to Kel, she has worked so hard and I'm positive she will run well and meet her expectations.  No matter what I'll be super proud to see her cross the finish line.

Anyway, here is to good weekend of racing in beautiful Mudgee.

Bush Capital Marathon - My First Win!???....Wait 2nd again!

Well how will I sum up my first interstate race, which happened to also be my first marathon and the first race that I crossed the line before everyone else.  It was a tough course, challenging conditions and a bit of a debark-al!

I went to the race in Canberra with Brendan for the Bush Capital Weekend and we crashed at his sister and brother in laws place on the Saturday.  This allowed us a decent nights sleep and time to get ready before we started on the Sunday.  A front had just come across and the weather was cold, wet and windy, when we woke the peaks surrounding town were dusted in snow, so it was thermals and wind jackets all round.

Steve-o joined us for the morning, assisting with his go-pro, offering support and cheering us on, this was awesome as it was a pretty dreary old morning.  Brendan and the ultra race started at 7.30am and I set off in the marathon at 8.30am.  I was quickly into the lead and held that position the entire race.

After 1k I was on my own, so I settled into my race taking it fairly easy hoping to run a negative split, I knew if I finished I would win so it became a good personal challenge.  I ran the first loop well, uphills were good and my pace was fast on the flats and downs, I had no issues with the flu that has been lingering so it was all going to plan.  

Out in front with the lead bike

By halfway I had a 2k or 8 minute lead and was feeling great.  This was how I felt until around 34km in, this is when I began to fatigue/cramp in the hamstrings on the uphill, this was an issue as there was 3km of uphill running in front of me.  I changed my stride and slowed down, I was on track for a 3hr run but this wasn't going to happen now.  At the out and back section, which was tougher the second time due to a headwind picking up, I still had a huge lead.  

I was lucky enough to be able to stop and drink at aid stations without rushing and spilling water all over me

I ran the last 4.5km into the finish quite slowly but confidently as I had done the hard work and put myself in a comfortable winning position. My second loop was slow, very slow, partly because of fatigue and partly due to my position in the race, I probably was taking it too easily.  I ran into the last km quite happy and enjoyed the experience of my first race win, I got the trophy, announced as the winner and even had a photo.  This was quickly taken away!

2nd in the Marathon and 1st in the Ultra

The 1st place was awarded to a runner who at the marathon distance turn-around had withdrawn from the ultra, setting a time 2 minutes and 2 seconds quicker than mine.  He had done this an hour earlier and ran in different conditions in a different race, even starting at a different time, but as confusing and odd as it seems he was not only awarded a time (fair enough) but given a place in a race he did not run.  So I came second, finished first but had the second fastest time, or in reality 3rd fastest, as Brendan ran sub 3hrs and was the quickest on the day. 

Anyway, it turned out to be a real let down, one that I had to deal with in as sporting way as possible. I did not protest or complain, rather accept it and move on, there is always next year and another race and if I keep at it I'll get my first win soon.

Glow Worm Tunnel Trail Running Weekend

This was my first ever trail race last year and I was out to prove to myself that I could run well in Newnes.  It was also my first real test against the best in the Mystery Mountain Challenge.  The weekend included many activities, events and was a relaxed family event.

Saturday began with the trip to Newnes after morning swimming lessons.  We arrived early to allow the boys to get stuck into the Treasure Hunt, which they did with eager enthusiasm.  While the boys sought their treasure, I was able to warm-up for my event, the Mystery Mountain Dash, a 1km vertical sky racing style event taking in 350m of elevation gain.

What a view from the top

We ran in pairs starting at 1 minute intervals, I was paired with Brendan Davies and we were first cab of the rank.  A short sprint along the firetrail followed by a hard left onto a single trail that twisted, turned and rose up the spur that lead up to a cliff that adorned the Wolgan Valley. The trail is steep, technical and littered with many obstacles such as roots, rocks and loose dirt.  It runs up towards a gap in the cliffs and the last 400m or so is tough going, requiring rock climbing, hiking and scrambling skills.

Words that describe the 800m from the firetrail to the top - lung busting, crazy, amazing and well worth it. I ended up 6th in 13.42 min, roughly 1.30 min behind Fats, who was absolutely unbelievable on the climb a real highlight watching the man destroy the mountain.  It was a nice chilled atmosphere at the top with beautiful views, friendly encouragement and plenty of talk of lactic acid.  When Sean arrived at the top we took a group photo and made the descent back down to the event hub.

Group photo!

In the 6km Ted English Bolt I was able to relax, looking after the boys, chatting to other runners, enjoying the fire and a beer.  Kel took it upon herself to run and she did a good job, cruising into the finish line around 7^th overall and 1^st female home, her first career win.  This is a symbol of where her running is going and how much she has improved in the last few months.

The trip home was magnificent, the darkness shrouding the cliff line with the fading light behind was indescribable.  We were able to get home and sorted, ready for another big day of racing.

 

Yep...amazing!

Sunday was a late 10.30am start, a nice opportunity for a sleep in (rarely taken on a Sunday!).  We drove down and assembled at the front of the Newnes Hotel on the camping ground, which was now full and a buzz of energy.  The marathon had started and the lead runners were approaching quickly, so quickly that I missed the planned stop with Brendan.  He pushed on chasing the Fatman who was leading the way as he had done the day before.

After our warm-up it was time to race, I had caught up with an old uni mate Dave, who was running his first trail race, dejavu. At the start line I placed myself front and centre, knowing what would be required to get to the stepping stones that cross the river before the mass of 300 odd runners.

Kel came in 6th in the female field and 38th overall

The start went to plan, I put the hammer down and arrived at the river crossing in 2^nd position.  From there I continued to motor, testing the field to see who followed, Adrian Bailey was behind me and Mark Lee was next to me.  On the approach into the start of the single trail I slipped into the lead, where I aimed at keeping the pace up and the racing fast.

We flew along the following single track, faster than I expected and I was hoping to drop my rivals but to their credit they ran with me stride for stride.  The course has several wash out sections with stairs that I knew would slow the pace and I tried to use these to push off and away, but as we came into the first noticeable climb, Mark shot away impressively.

Adrian and I ran together for a while and he moved away while I recovered for a few hundred metres.  I kept him in sight right up to the tunnel, I was now moving well after going through a rougher patch.  I knew I had a break in the tunnel and used this opportunity to get my heart rate down, breathing controlled and nutrition sorted.  I was feeling good and the tunnel allowed me to compose myself, I knew I’d have to fly to catch up and hold of 4^th place who was now breathing down my neck.

The section from the tunnel to the junction went to plan.  I ran well over the ridge and smashed the downhill as hard as I could, I knew if I was going to make up time it would be here.  I arrived at the junction and hadn’t caught a glimpse of 1^st or 2^nd, so I focused on the plan to run the last 7km sub 30min. 

The downhill was fast and I passed many runners making their way back up the track and some that were finishing the marathon.  I offered encouragement and the sense of sportsmanship and spirit was really high amongst everyone, no matter how they were travelling. 

I had 4^th behind me and decided to put on one last effort.  I ran the last 4km in sub 3.50 pace and flirted with “blowing up”, as I had all race.  Moving into the last 2km I knew I was safely in 3^rd and was now pushing into the finish hoping to catch one of the lead runners.

As I crossed the stones I kept the hammer down to the finish, I ran past Fats and Mick Donges, who were cooling down after their top performances in the marathon, and at this point the look on my face said how I was travelling.  I ran into the finish and crossed the line 3^rd overall in 93.09 (which was over 9 minutes quicker than the old course record), redemption, well this was 35 minutes and 27 places better than last year, so yes this chapter is closed.

After I finished I was joined by the boys and chatted to others about the run, everyone was of the same opinion, amazing.  Brendan and I were eagerly waiting for Kel to finish, which she did strongly, running 2:03 placing 6^th female and 38^th overall, another excellent performance.  I can’t wait to see her progress further in the coming months.

Finally the beers flowed, it was good to be able to have a beer or two, relax and enjoy the environment, and Newnes in the Wolgan Valley of NSW is a pretty good place to do it.  The preso was as usual a prize fest, I cleaned up two 6 packs and Kel a Hammer pack, so no complaining here.  It was also good to see Sean and Mel of Mountain Sports enjoying what they have created and what I believe will become an iconic Australian trail event each year The Glow Worm Tunnel Trail Running Weekend in June.

Beer, a trophy that doesn't require dusting

I am also pleased to announce that as of this weekend, I am an ambassador for Mountain Sports.  I am proud to be involved with the team and will be promoting trail running and being active with them as much as I possibly can.

http://www.mountainsports.com.au/