Dark times atop of Black Mountain!

Sri Chinmoy Canberra Centenary 100km Trail Run

5.40pm on Saturday 21^st September 2013 I crossed the line after running 100km in the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Centenary 100km Trail Run.  That moment is one I will always remember and take with me into the future.  In 11 hours 39 minutes and 42 seconds I experienced highs, lows and personal battles that I had not previously experienced in any way whilst competing in any sport.  Ultimately while my performance fell away at stages I walked away satisfied and proud of my first ever 100km race. 

Gear Check.

Rewind! - Kellie and I arrived in Canberra armed with a GPS and the race directors briefing notes where we started our recon of the checkpoints in preparation for the following day.  It became apparent at this point that the summits were going to be relentless throughout the 100km as the mountains dwarfed their surrounds.  From here we made our way to Kellie’s cousin Mat and his wife Claire’s house who kindly hosted us for the weekend.  I then went over to the registration dinner in Dickson and the reality of what was ahead of me was really starting to sink in.  That night I began to show the usual nervous behaviour but managed to get a good 6 hours sleep. 

When we arrived at Lake Burleigh Griffin I checked in and readied myself for the start at 6am.  Some last minute chatter with other runners, novelty photos and embrace with Kel was followed by race briefing and a low key start.  We were off on my first 100km journey!

Start to CP1 (23.7km)

The first leg was largely uneventful.  I began running with Paul Cuthbert, which was great because he knew where he was going and I didn’t.  We were shortly after joined by Tom and Damo at the base of Red Hill, the first of the 3 climbs within that stage.  Throughout we exchanged positions and I ran very conservatively to my plan.  As we approached Mt Taylor I was climbing strongly and feeling good.  On the decent towards CP1 I again ran carefully on the steep fire trail saving my legs for the last 30km. I arrived at CP1 in the lead group and met Kel for a very fast bottle changeover and off I went.

CP1-CP2 (30.4km)

Paul and I approaching Parliament House about 2km in.

At the start of this leg, Paul, Tom and I had put some time into Damo and we were running quite well up to the next climb Mt Arawang.  We all climbed together, however, on the descent Tom managed to gain a small lead.  During the next 10km we ran toward Mt Stromlo within close proximity of each other.  It was about this point that I had a brief moment where I dropped my pace and Paul and Tom managed to get away from me.  I ran into Stromlo park up Mt Stromlo to the Observatory feeling good. 

Shortly after CP1.

At this point my watch showed 50km which I had covered in 4 hours 42 minutes.  It was from this moment I began to struggle to run, it was as though my brain had lost connection with my legs.  I wasn’t overly sore or hurting but unable to manage to run and was reduced to walk on parts of the trail that I felt were runnable.  The 3km into the Arboretum were slow and painful, when I reached CP2 I felt very much as though I may not be able to finish the race.  The time at CP2 was much longer and I used the moment to try and compose my thoughts which were becoming more and more negative.  Kellie was concerned but we decided that I should push on taking it easy and walking where I needed to.

                                    

CP2-CP3 (23.5km)

Approaching CP2 - Bad times ahead!

Walking was what I did, about 9km in fact, taking approximately 1 hour 50 mins to get to the summit of Black Mountain.  During that time I had been in conversation with Kel on the phone and I was having some serious self doubts about whether I would continue from the next aid station at Black Mountain where Kel was to meet me.  I had expected to have bad times, what I did not expect was that they would last the best part of 2 hours, in which I only covered around 12km.  I was really struggling to run and walking quite aimlessly when Dave and Andrew came past, they slowed down to see how I was doing. I decided to run with them in an effort to get started again, this lasted about 600m.  As they ran away they yelled at me “make it to Dickson” the next checkpoint.  

As I climbed Black Mountain I had given up, I called Kel to tell her that I would be withdrawing at the next aid station and I let Phil Essam who was marshaling know that I was withdrawing and he contacted the Race Director to advise of my withdrawal.  I then casually walked along the beautiful single track that meandered around the mountain towards the next aid station.  It was here I met Kel and the battle began!  The next 45 minutes involved lots of stubbornness, self doubt, positive reinforcement and discussion about the decision I had made.  

One of the many phone calls to Kel
 I was mentally broken.

At that point I had been doing the numbers and knew that it would take me another 7 hours at that pace.  I seriously doubted that I could get running again.  During this time Kel was joined by Sean and Mel and another runner’s wife Rebekah and as a team they began to try and get me back in the race.  Kellie had been talking to me for about 20 minutes about how she felt I would regret withdrawing and knew that I could go on.  Rebekah came over and assisted Kellie at this point and they both said physically I could continue and that I just needed to get over the mental barrier.  They went and got their cars which were full of supplies shortly after Sean and Mel turned up.  It was at this point when Sean said that if I was to withdraw from this race that in my next 100km race when the bad times began they would be even harder to overcome.  This advice combined with Kellie’s belief in my physical ability and her understanding of me as a person began to eliminate the dark thoughts that clouded my mind at the top of Black Mountain.  It was also around this point that I went to undo my shoelaces, but I stopped and within 5 minutes was kitted back up, had re-entered to race, had my legs rubbed down with Voltaren and was asked by Kellie to give her 5km to the next drink station.  I replied if I am going to start running again you might as well meet me at Dickson which was about another 14km on.  

I gave Kel who now had a huge smile on her face a kiss, then stepped out and nearly got run over by a car almost giving her and Rebekah a heart attack!  As I made my way off Black Mountain I was running freely and felt great, I started overtaking other runners and by the next aid station I was moving freely again.  From that point my mental state was reflective of all the positive things that my crew had said and done at the top of that Bloody mountain!  The plan began to be followed again, running the flats, hiking the steep ups and running the downhills, holding consistent and steady splits across to Checkpoint 3.

CP3 a much better stop.

CP3 – Finish (23.5km)

Approaching CP3, feeling good.

I approached this checkpoint, tired, but no more tired than I had expected, it was my mind that had returned.  At that aid station it was business as usual, Kel had my things together and we briefly chatted.  Kel, Sean and Mel encouraged me to keep it up.  I started on the approach to Mt Madjura and Mt Ainsley knowing that I had run about 10km of the same trail earlier in the year.  I was running the way I had planned and upon reaching the base of Mt Madjura I began hiking purposefully, passing many but only being overtaken by a few of the relay runners.  At the top of Mt Madjura, the highest point of the day, I knew I would finish and was confident that I would do so strongly.  I ran the descents well and was rattling off the km’s overtaking tiring runners who were reduced to the same state that I had been in 30km earlier.  

On my way down
 to the finish.

Summitting the last
Mountain after 95km.

At the base of Mt Ainsley I knew that after 1 more climb it would be a downhill run to the finish.  On the climb up Mt Ainsley I was able to run significant parts of the steep ascent, giving big bursts followed by shorter walking breaks in the last 700m before the summit.  At the summit I was greeted by an excited and massively supportive crew who I challenged to a race to the finish.  This race was briefly disrupted by the idiot who had removed the course markings, causing me to take the wrong trail for 150m or so.  On the steep and stair filled downhill off the last mountain, I was running as though I had stolen something!  The majority of the course markings had been removed which would prove to be very difficult for the runners coming through at night.  It is disappointing that people feel that they need to interfere for no apparent reason.  As this descent was quite steep, I was being very careful, however as it flattened out towards the War Memorial I began to run quicker enjoying the soft grass underfoot that led towards Lake Burleigh Griffin.  

During this time I reflected on what had occurred and was satisfied that whilst I had had a bad period in the middle of the race, I had mostly run according to plan and was about to achieve my goal of completing a 100km run.  When I got onto the path that led towards the finish I noticed 2 runners in front of me, the competitor inside me urged me to pass them, I did so completing that last 5km in 25 minutes.  As I turned up the steep bank, yes, an uphill finish! I noticed I wasn’t the only one bolting towards the finish as it turns out Kellie and I had a tie in our race from Mt Ainsley to the finish, she unfortunately had to park about 1km from the finish line and bolt whilst carrying all my gear to the end.  Nonetheless she made it to the end and so did I, that moment where I hugged Kellie is one I will remember for the rest of my life.  While I was immensely relieved to cross the finish I was also indebted to those I had shared that moment with.  

A great moment!

With my wife and
best bud - Kel

If it wasn’t for Kellie who has always supported me and was my rock on the day, Sean and Mel of MountainSports who have been supporting me sincerely since the start of the year and our new friend Rebekah Markey I still would have been on top of Black Mountain all dressed up with nowhere to run.

I had finished 100km in 11 hours 39 minutes coming in 8th male home.

In 100km I had experienced a lot but in the short time since the race I have also realised a lot.  I know I have a long way to go, my mind can be both strong and weak (of which is my choice), that running 100km is hard but rewarding, that ‘racing’ 100km will be even harder, that I have an amazing wife who will support me no matter how crazy my idea seems to be, that I have gained true friends in Sean and Mel and that with people like Rebekah in trail running, it will continue to be the best sport I have been involved in.

A relieved finisher!

I would like to thank Hammer Nutrition for providing me with the opportunity to run my first 100km race.  Hammer Nutrition are very supportive of trail running and very generous when it comes to supporting both runners and events alike.  I would love to have the opportunity to work with Hammer again and will continue to use their products as long as I keep on running.  With this in mind my focus now turns to my recovery and preparation for the Kanangra 50km Trail Ultra on the 19^th October.  This event was my first ever Ultra in 2012 and has been my main motivation throughout 2013.  And after Saturday I will be using my newly acquired experience to ensure that I perform well there.  My goal is sub 4 hours for the 50km, a big ask but a question I am willing to ask of myself.

Gear - Inov8 Trailroc 245, Garmin 110 and 610, Hammer Race Ready Singlet and Shorts, Hammer Headsweats Visor, Nathan 4 Bottle Belt and Dual SpiBelt.

Nutrition - Hammer Perpetuem Caffe Latte 6 to 7 Scoops, 3 Espresso Gels, 2 Montana Huckle Berry Gels, 1/2 a scoop of Heed at each CP and loads of Endurolytes. I also had some pasta and Coke when I was at the Black Mountain Aid Station. I have had plenty of Recoverite in the days since.

The organisors of the event should be proud of their efforts, it was well marked, the aid stations stocked and manned well and the support on the course very uplifting, making it an enjoyed and fun day.

A special mention must go to my coach and friend, Brendan Davies, who has been a major part in getting me to where I am today.  

Sri Chinmoy Canberra Centenary 100 km Trail Run

On Saturday the 21st of September I will be attempting my debut 100km race.  This is a major milestone for me as a runner and will give me an insight of myself not yet seen.  Is see the challenge as a stepping stone to my greater goals, running the TNF100 and completing a 100 mile race.  But for now it is Canberra and the Sri Chinmoy race that is also on debut.

I'll never be too far from the centre of Canberra

I have been preparing for the Kanangra Trail 50km event in October so I am conditioned to run long distances, averaging well over 100km and 8hrs of running each week.  I have been focusing on speed a bit of late but have still knocked out several 40km+ runs, with my big few weeks occurring 10 weeks before the event,  proving to be a lucky coincidence.  I have been a little sick and found that my chest infection from late Winter has lead to a temporary case of exercise induced asthma, which explains my persistent cough, that should pass.  I also found that my heart was very strong and my blood pressure 118 over 68 with a hr of 58, so I can say I have a clean bill of health.

The opportunity to compete in the race came from Hammer Nutrition, I have been given an entry and will use this opportunity to see what I have when it comes to the long stuff.  I am pleased to be working with Hammer at this race as I have been using their products successfully all year and believe strongly in both their products and the company.  I hope that this may lead to further opportunities to work with them in the future.

I will travel down on Friday with Kel, who will be my support and pacer(if needed) during the race.  I am so lucky that she will be with me on the day and I know her support will be massive.  I hope to do her proud and trust her judgement when it comes to on the go decision making that maybe required.

My plan for the race is;

Race Kit

• Start slow and build as the race progresses.
• Run the flats, hike the steep ups and carefully run the downs.
• Drink regularly and use a sponge at aid stations.
• Don't race, this is a challenge for me, I only want to finish. Time goals are not being set, only time guidelines for checkpoints.
• Stick to my plan, don't get carried away and be disciplined.
• Nutrition - 1 scoop of Caffe Latte Perpetuem per 250ml lasting roughly 90min, 1 Endurolyte every 20min, 1-2 Perpetuem solids every hour, half a Espresso Gel (may switch to Montana Huckleberry for leg 3) every 30min or so. At aid stations I will have around half a scoop of Heed to 300ml of water and some Coke.
• Gear - Inov8 Trailroc 245, Injinji No Show Socks, Nathan 4 Bottle Fuel Belt, Garmin 610, Pink Garmin 110 (thanks Kel) and Dual Spi Belt.  Hammer have also been kind enough to provide a visor, singlet and shorts for race day. 

In just over a week and I'll embark on my first 100km run, I'm pretty excited and keen to see how I go.

Also something big happened for me last week and was announced yesterday, the Buffalo Stampede.  I'm lucky enough to be part of the Mountain Sports Team for this amazing event in 2014.  I can't wait to get stuck into training and test myself against the mountains.

Buffalo Stampede Ultramarathon 2014 - 75km of FUN

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.