Athlete: Chris Kowalski

The Six Foot Track Marathon follows the exact same path as the walking track from The Explorer’s Tree, Katoomba to Jenolan Caves. It is 45.0km. This is basically the same route as been followed since the days of the first European explorers to the area.

The course varies from narrow, rocky track near the start in Nellies Glen, to meadows, sandy gravel track, and dirt fire-trail road – of course with a number of hills (big and small) and rivers (big and small). The course climbs a total of 1,528m and drops a total 1,788m giving a net drop of 260m.

What a fantastic race to do and enjoyed by all of us (after we had finished) I now know why Jane Elton, Kate Summerfield & John Collins decided to go back this year and do the race again.

Alli, Phil Selfe, Kevin Johnson & I had decided to do the 6 ft Track Race after hearing to the stories about the 7hr time limit & the sweepers who are the official runners that are running at the 7 hr cut off time, if they catch you that is it you are out of the race ( to stop people being out there all day). Also we had all done the Comrades race and I think we had that desire to do something a bit different again. Race entries didn’t open until the 1st December 2009 at midnight Sydney time and were capped at 850 runners. Phil, Kevin & I managed to get in but Alli missed out due to waiting until the next morning to do her entry and being surprised that the race had filled in 10 hrs, last year it took a month to fill. Alli was put on the wait list at position 64 so she thought she had no chance of getting in the race. Phil & I were confident that Alli would get in only because last year they accepted up to 70 plus runners from the wait list.

Training started on the 28 November with a 20km run at Darlington and we all wondered how we were ever going to be able to do a Hilly 45km run in March 2010. We trained mostly with the WAMC Saturday morning group which meets at Darlington in the foothills east of Perth mainly to get used to running hills and also to try and find out as much about the race. We also did extra hills on a Tuesday night at interval & then did the group runs and other training runs with our NSRG running mates.3 months later we were ready. Alli & Phil were carrying knee injuries but managed to get through the training..

Alli had managed to get into the race mainly through people withdrawing or those unable to qualify in time. I remember the day that Alli had got the email to say she had got into the race she was so surprised we were all so happy that she was able to join us and her training wasn’t wasted.

Tory and I left Perth on the Thursday before the race and spent a day in Richmond west of Sydney.We used to live there 32 years earlier when I was in the Air force and our eldest daughter Belinda was born in nearby Windsor, it was nice catching up with the places we used to live & did a lot of reminiscing. On Friday we drove to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains and spent some time sight seeing at the 3 sisters lookout whick overlooks the run we would be doing.and catching up with the other runners from Perth and eventually drove to Jenolan caves which is where we were staying and where the race finished.

Race day was Saturday the 13/3/2010 so Friday night was the pasta loading party and we were all trying to eat as much as we could but only managed a plate and a half before I was done. We were all tempted by the great desserts and Simon & Tory had a good taste and Phil also had a huge plate. Because we were staying at the finish point of the race we had to be up early next morning to catch the bus to the start line so we all agreed to meet out the front of our accommodation at 5am.

After a very restless night thinking about the race and not failing to finish etc the alarm went off at 4.15 am and I was dressed and had some food and out the front Alli was standing there ready to go I think this was the first time ever she had been ready first. The bus rides was to take an hour and a quarter so we had lots of time to think and talk & get a bit more nervous. The bus had to make a unscheduled stop due to a toilet break for one runners, he got a clap when he got back on the bus. We finally arrived at the start point and the morning was very cool and misty, we headed for the toilet and a cup of tea and damper as we still had over an hour before our wave of runners started.

They have 4 waves of runners because the track is so narrow and after about 400 mtrs you go down 800 steps to the valley floor. After seeing a couple of waves start and giving them a big cheer it was our turn to line up and wish each other luck & then the gun fired and we were off. The first thing you notice is how rough the track is and once you go across the timing mat you are onto the sandy rocky track. Phil & I were together and we came to the steps and it was walking pace down

and being very careful not to slip and the steps were wet and muddy we heard and saw a few people slip and fall but luckily not hurt.

Finally at the valley floor we could finally start to stretch the legs out but had to look down the whole time as to not trip. We were checking our pace on our garmin watches and we were running at 5 min / km pace we both said too fast but do you think we would slow down. The terrain was starting to open up and finally we came to our first style over a fence and through a paddock. We knew the first major hurdle would be the river crossing at 15kms so I was not sure how deep the water was going to be but the rumour was that it would be up to our chest at the deepest point. As we were getting closer to the river we could hear the water and the trail got really narrow and technical and very much like the Eagle view trail that some of you have done. I really enjoyed that part and was loving the run. People were coming up behind but couldn’t pass because it was so narrow and rocky.

Finally we came to the Cox river crossing you were able to hold onto the rope across the river and the marshal said its deep in the middle so I took my carry belt off and I had my camera in my hand and then no spare hand to hang onto the rope luckily the current wasn’t too strong and kept the camera dry and only put my Garmin in the water once but it kept working I even managed to take a photo of Phil in front of me. Out of the water and there was the official photographer taking shots of us looking like a drowned rat.

Phil started to get away from me here and that was the last I was to see of him until the finish. I remember looking at the course profile during our training that the hills would start now but I wasn’t really ready for the constant climbing that was going to happen for the next 11 kms to the top of the Pluviometer hill at a height of 990m. During our training we were told not to smash your legs by trying to run the hills and save them for later. I thought in was a reasonable walker but I was being found out and lots were going past me and I thought what a long day this will be. I was starting to get a bit stressed about taking so long and at the halfway point it had taken me about 3hrs .15 mins

The next section to the caves road at 37 kms included more hills and longer sections of almost flattish sections with shorter hills included. I continued to walk run and tried to maintain some sort of reasonable pace but as soon as I came to a hill I was back walking. Being ever alert and not being able to take in the ever changing scenery because of the roughness of the track and soon saw a female runner in front of me stumble and fall heavily to the ground I thought she had broken her leg as it was tucked up under her but she said she was ok and we were told to keep going.

17 Drink station were located at strategic places on the course and manned by the volunteer fire brigade,each station had a mix of drinks available, water, coke, energy drinks and food, mainly fruit & sweets which was great. First aide was also on hand if required. They were also taking note of your race number and if someone was lost they would know that you had made it to the previous station but not the next so could cut down the search area if required. I remember one drink station was manned by people in fancy dress and a witch tried to give me poison.

I finally reached the caves road crossing at the highest point of the course 1215m. It had taken me 5hrs to this point and I knew I would be able to finish within the 7hr cutoff and possibly within the 6 hrs that I had hoped for . Only 7kms to go and the last 3 kms was down hill. I was so looking forward to not to be running up hills. Chatting to runners as I do they were warning me of the last 3kms and the steep decent & the slippery loose rock track and the pounding the quads would take. Just to add to the fun there was a big drop off at the edge of the track if you went over the edge you would end up wrapped around a tree. I really didn’t want anything bad to happen now to have done so much and not be able to finish. I made sure I kept my feet and kicked a few rocks and managed to keep upright. I continued to run and was passing lots who had reduced their run to a walk. I thought come on now is the time to keep running but carefully. All of a sudden I heard a runner coming up quickly behind me and he was trying to stop but the momentum was just pushing him on and I thought this is going to end up very ugly, somehow he managed to get under control and didn’t fall.

I could see the top of the caves House accommodation and was able to hear the PA address. Looking at my watch I saw that I still had 10 minutes to get under 6 hrs. The last section to the finish line is a zig zag path. Turning the last corner to the finish line I heard my name called out and saw Phil, John, & Kevin didn’t see Alli or Jane or Kate. I gave then all a hand slap and went through the finish line in 5hrs.54m.

Job done, what a hard long day, but worth it. I finally found Tory and gave her a kiss and then, It suddenly hit me what a tough day it really had been and how great it was too have finished such a tough race and then the happy tears started to flow.

We waited to see Alli & Jane come through the finish. not too long after me. Alli had a great big smile on her face and had done really well with her knee injury.Jane ran very strong and is in training for another Comrades run in May. Unlucky for Kate she didn’t make it to the end because of a fall early in the race but persisted until being caught by the sweepers at the Pulvometer hill. That’s 2 years in a row that Kate hasn’t finished, she is going back next year and will succeed I am sure.

Phil had a fantastic race and shows even a worn out knee could not stop him doing what he loves. John and Kevin had good runs also they seemed a little disappointed but that will be only temporary.

We all met up at the pub after refreshing and had a well deserved drink and talked about the run. We said it was like an off road version of the Comrades marathon only half the distance but made harder by the severity and length of the hills. Some said they would do it again. I definitely would. It was such an awesome race to do with everything I enjoy about running. Overall we had a fantastic trip away with great people and Caves House was a great place to stay and visit.

Athlete: Bruce

hi all

myself, rob.d and nigel have just completed the six inch marathon, from north dandalup to dwellingup.

first of all iwant to say how proud iam of the boys efforts,it was a great day ,got a bit hot towards end.

i was happy with my time and im sure rob and nigel where to,on the day everything went well , maybe acouple of wrong turns but no one got lost.i think the best way of looking at a run like this is the friends you are running with and the ability and efforts of each runner.i enjoyed my second ultra , and would like to thank rob and nigel for being out there.

bruce.

Athlete: Rob Donkersloot

Hi Chris

Here’s my race report for 6 Inch. Bruce is a man of few words, In his report I think he down played his effort and courage in Sunday’s race by more than just a little bit. Sorry about the length of this, but when it comes to writing stuff I’m a man of lots of words, and I’m on holidays with time on my hands.

The 6 Inch race is a 46km trail marathon from North Dandalup to Dwellingup. You can read more info about the race here: www.6inchtrailmarathon.com.

I think it was just after the Kep race in May that Nigel said to me he wanted to try and take part in the 6 Inch trail marathon this year. Most of us know Nigel had some health issues since then which seriously affected his running, and so I wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to make it to the start line. That given, we decided to start training for the race about 10 weeks ago, after I had recovered a bit from the 100 mile race. Bruce and Mick Hearn also put up their hand to give it a go, so we had a great little group going, training each weekend with a 30 to 40km trail run either on the 6 Inch course, or closer to home at Walyunga or on Eagle View. Bruce also joined me for 13km of hill training at Bold Park each Wednesday. Bruce and Mick had finished the City to Surf Marathon, so had a pretty good base, Nigel on the other hand hadn’t been able to do anything long for many months.

Training went well until our “double circumnavigation” attempt of Eagle View a month ago when Mick hurt his achilles. Unfortunately despite lots of physio, some rest, and a few attempts at long runs, the achilles just didn’t come good for Mick, so a week before the 6 Inch race he decided to pull out as a runner, but he offered his services as a volunteer instead.

We had all booked into the Dwellingup Caravan Park for Saturday night. I arrived about 2pm, but couldn’t find neither Bruce or Nigel. I finally ran into them at 6:30pm when they told me they had been doing some last minute carbo loading at the Dwellingup Hotel.

Sunday morning I was up at 2am for a pancake breakfast, and drove the 30km or so to the start line at North Dandalup, arriving there just before 4am, ready for the race briefing before a 4:30am race start. The start is at such an early hour because of the potential of hot weather at this time of the year, and with a forecast of 34 degrees, I was very glad this decision had been made. That given, Saturday had been hot also, and it hadn’t cooled down as much as I would have liked overnight.

I caught up with Bruce and Nigel as well as the other 17 competitors including Big Kev Matthews. I knew Nigel was planning to run with me during the race, however I didn’t know what Bruce’s plans were. I had asked him a couple of time in the preceding weeks, however he wasn’t sure what his tactics were going to be. I thought I would just leave it, and see what he chose to do on the day.

The race starts with an ascent of what is known as Gold Mine Hill. Think the hill on Sunday Kinross runs, where you leave the beach at Quinns Rocks to head up Quinns Road to Hester Avenue. Then make it a little steeper, and 3.5km long. Oh, and slippery gravel also. I had planned to run some of this, and walk some as it’s easy to burn yourself out here almost before the race has actually begun. Last year a lot of the competitors took this approach, but this year many had other thoughts, and it looked like they were racing for an imaginary prize to be the first to the top. Nigel plus another runner stayed with me has we got going, but Bruce was well ahead, and disappearing into the darkness of the very early morning.

At the top of Gold Mine Hill we joined the actual Munda Biddi trail, and saw Mick there directing us to turn left down a track, when I very well knew we had to turn right. My discussion with Mick the previous night about sending the other runners in the wrong direction had obviously been misinterpreted.

With the fast start up Gold Mine by so many, I knew Nigel, myself and another Rob who was running with us were close to the back of the field. There couldn’t be too many people behind us I thought. Once you have climbed to the top of the scarp, the trail flattens out quite a bit, allowing for some faster running at 5:20 to 6:00 pace. It was still relatively mild as the sun rose through the trees, and everything was going dandily until the other Rob who was running to my left said “did you see that snake I hadn’t spotted it but asked him what it was. He reckoned it was a 4 to 5 foot tiger snake lying on the trail itself. I was certainly a lot more careful about the twigs and branches I stepped on during the rest of the race.

At the 13km mark we came across Big Kev Matthews and his mate Brett, stopped at an intersection. Now Kev is a lot faster than I am so I knew something was up. Kev explained they had followed the trail, but ended up at the main road, so they had doubled back. I looked at my GPS and the map seemed to show the trail veering left, and instructed everyone to follow the track in that direction. After 50 metres or so the track became very overgrown, and it just didn’t look right, so I checked my GPS again, and discovered my screen had frozen. I refreshed it, and it quickly showed us that we were about 500 metres off track. We turned around to rejoin the right trail, cursing the bonus kilometre we had just added to our run…though nowhere near as loudly as Kev who wasn’t happy at all with the extra 4km he and Brett had run, turning their race from 46km to a round 50km event.

We arrived at the 23km half way mark aid station to be greeted by my wife Sue and my trail running buddy Bernadette. We tried to refill our water as quickly as possible, however Rob had a spare fuel belt here, so was out of there in seconds, while Nigel and I messed around with bottles and stuff. I found out Nigel and I were in 15th and 16th position, and I asked how far the next runner was ahead, expecting an answer of maybe a minute or two…the answer was a disappointing 9 minutes, well over a kilometre in front of us.

One thing that ultra running has taught me is you need to run at your own pace. Chasing others who are running faster is a quick recipe for disaster. That’s all well and good, but here was Nigel and I with just about all others (Bruce included) seemingly a long way ahead. I found out after the race that Bruce had gone through here 24 minutes ahead of us.

Not long after leaving the aid station Nigel turned to me and said he thought we weren’t going to be catching anyone ahead, as they were all fast runners. I replied I reckoned there was a big difference between the 23km mark and the 40km mark in a race, and that we would be sure to catch a number of guys who would have to start struggling sooner or later. As I said it, I wasn’t sure if I actually believed it. Nigel was right, the guys ahead were good runners, and 9 minutes was a lot to make up. Maybe they were just running a lot better than we were.

Within a couple of kilometres we caught the other Rob who had shot ahead at the aid station, and ran past him on a 3.5 kilometre dead straight, but up-hill section which runs parallel with the Alcoa conveyor belt. It was at this point I also noticed that the temperature was becoming very uncomfortable. The day was heating up, and it was only 7:30am.

Soon after the conveyor belt, you run towards Oakley Dam, and start a quite technical climb up some reasonably steep hills. It was at the end of this section that Nigel started to experience cramping in his legs. Nothing too serious at first, but it was a sign of things to come. Despite Nigel’s cramps we maintained a reasonable pace and I was surprised when at around the 32km mark we saw a runner ahead. He was walking, we were running and it didn’t take long for us to overtake him. A few hundred metres further there was another runner who we recognised as Aaron, another one of our training partners. As we ran past I asked Aaron how he was, and though he said he was fine, he certainly didn’t seem to say it with much conviction. My thoughts re some of the other runners having gone out too fast seemed to have been correct.

The next aid station was at 35km, and as we arrived there we saw Bruce sitting in a chair. My good friend Suzy who was running the aid station said Bruce had stated he couldn’t continue, though as an experienced ironman triathlete and ultra runner she didn’t take that as the end of the story, filling him up with Endura energy drink, water and electrolytes to see whether he would recover. Nigel and I refilled our hydration packs with water, and as I asked Nigel whether he was right to go, Bruce jumped up and said, I’m going too. And so the three of us set out for the last 11km section to Dwellingup, which included some of the very worst hills of the race in the next 4 kilometre section. By now it was getting seriously warm also.

After about a kilometre or so, Nigel and Bruce started to fall back a bit. I looked behind me and there was about a 50 metre gap. I was a little concerned for Bruce, and was starting to doubt the wisdom in his decision to continue. I kept running at my own pace, and was flabbergasted when all of a sudden I hear Bruce just behind me, with a full head of steam. Soon he was 100 metres ahead, and we kept this distance between us for some time. I slowly started making up the difference, with Bruce slowing slightly, but when I got to within 10 metres, he took off again. It was only with 1.5km to go to the finish line that I finally overtook Bruce for the final time. I finished in 5:13, with Bruce coming in just a couple of minutes later.

Nigel in the mean time had succumbed to his cramps, with them coming more often and becoming more serious, and this reducing him to a walk for a bit of the time. Nigel’s final time was 5:30.

Just an amazing effort by Bruce to recover and finish the way he did. Incredible. And for Nigel to have to fight leg cramps for the last 10km, but still to battle on and finish, outstanding.

Given the extra bonus kilometre and the hot conditions I was reasonably happy with 10th position out of 19 runners and with my race time of 5:13, which was 4 minutes slower than last year.

Our training partner Aaron also managed to finish, though he said he had suffered from some serious hallucinations, where he reckoned the leaves on the trail had turned into fish, and a Subaru Outback kept appearing about 200 metres ahead of him, and then disappearing again as he approached. It was a tough day at the office for everyone who ran this race.

A huge thanks to Nigel, Bruce and Mick, the last couple of months of trail runs have been great, really enjoyed your company.

5 months to Kep, where we can do it all again.

Rob

Athlete: Bob Edwards

Hi all

Thought I would try and put together a report for all to read about Ironman WA that I went to last Saturday. It was about 20 weeks ago that I signed up to participate in this year’s ironman WA held in Busselton. First thing that struck me was the $600.00 it was to enter, I thought this must be a combination of a rip off and to put people off who were only a bit interested. However I paid up and I was in.

Next, I found myself a 20 week programme, weighed myself at 89kg and then started swimming at obscene hours in the morning before work, sitting on an even more ridiculous uncomfortable bike seat for hours and running with what always seemed to be aching quads. The programme was based on 3 training sessions for each discipline a week, so 9 sessions a week. When I first read the programme I thought it must be wrong because 9 into 7 doesn’t work but you soon realise that with one rest day you have to train twice a day on 3 days of the week. The basis of the training was every week the hours would increase slightly to a maximum of 18 hours 4 weeks before the race, with every 4th week an easier rest week. In total over the 20 weeks I clocked up 115kms in the pool, 105 hours in the saddle and 72 hours on running.

I was happy that I stuck to the programme (give or take the odd beer and a missed early morning swim session) and headed down to Busselton last Thursday weighing 84kg. Registration was on the Thursday. Then on the Friday you had to rack your bike and take your 2 kit bags, one for the swim/bike transition and one for the bike/run. Then back to our unit for more pasta and an early night.

Race morning I got up at 4.00am, had my brekkie and headed down to the start with Deb at 5.00. Here I pumped my bike tyres put my drinks in the cages and did one final check of the bike. Then it was on with the wetsuit and down to the jetty for the start. At this point with 1250 competitors waiting for the start you can feel the anticipation in the air. It was a perfect morning and ocean was like glass. I positioned myself at the back and when the siren went I slowly walked out until the majority had gone and the started swimming. I am not a swimmer and I just wanted clear water all the way. I have recently learnt to swim bi lateral and started like this but after about 500m went into breathing on the one side as I found it more relaxing and comfortable. It didn’t seem to take too long to get to the end of the jetty (half way) and make the turnaround then I realised there was a current as it was definitely slower go back into shore. It is an amazing swim and you can see the bottom the entire way. I finally made it onto the beach and clocked a swim time of 1:27:28 which put me 998th overall but I was rapped.

Then it was into transition, drink, eat, change, toilet, rest, more drink, more rest and onto the bike. My transition time was 10:15 which I thought was not too bad but obviously not as I was now down to 1,059th position. The bike was flat but it didn’t take long for the winds to start pushing into your face. My first 60km lap on the bike was just over the 2 hours which was what I planned but then it started to warm up and I thought that would slow me down, however I seemed to keep a reasonable even pace and clocked a riding time of 6 hours and 15 minutes. This had pushed me back up the field a few places only to be thrown back towards the end of the field again following the next transition. If you thought the first transition was slow this one was 13:41. 8 hours had passed since the start and I was just having a bit of chill out time thinking about the marathon to follow when I heard the announcer calling the first pro over the finish line. Apparently he had run a 2:45 marathon. Obscene!

Running gear was on, one quick look at the watch which told me that if I could run close to a 5 hour marathon I would have a chance of getting under 13 hours which I have always said would be a bonus on top of finishing in one piece. As soon as I came out of the transition tent the first thing to hit you was the heat again. It seemed to bore straight into you. I was able to get into a bit of a rhythm and went through the first 14km loop in about 1 hour 25 mins. Then I hit a really bad patch feeling sick and like I was overheating. At this point I was seeing the casualties throwing up at the sides of the road and ambulances becoming more active. In a strange way It picked me up a bit knowing it was not just me suffering. I looked at my watch and at 18km I had been walking far too long and had just done a 9 minute km. I knew that I had to move faster or I would be there all night. Then I saw my two sons Bob and Harry who were cheering me and giving me as much encouragement possible. It was here I started running again somehow the sickness went and I was only left with the pain of running. From here I ran/jogged/shuffled to the end, walking through aid stations every 2km to fuel. I finally turned into the finish chute and clocked a 4:50:18 marathon and an overall time of 12 hours:57 minutes:46 seconds. I was so pleased to finish and to get under the 13 hours was even better.

This was an extremely tough event but an amazing experience that I would recommend if you want to try something different. If you do decide to give it a go a couple of tips are, make sure you have heaps of time. It may be 18 hours of training at the peak week but that doesn’t include the extra recovery time and the time you can’t socialise because you have to train next morning etc. Also you need a cash surplus as you will not get away with just the $600.00 entry fee, there is accommodation, possible new bike, new tyres, new tubes, new training clothes, nutrition etc. As for the $600.00 entry fee I have a complete different attitude to that now. Unless you do it you cannot see the organisation that goes into this event and the enormity of it and I have no problem with this fee now.

Finally the thankyou’s. The 1500 volunteers and the people of Busselton were amazing for the entire 4 days we were there. The support on the course from the North Coast Tri Club who I trained many hours with. Fiona, Julie, Ali and Simon who were popping up everywhere. Northern suburbs running group who are inspirational and are the reason why I still run after all these years (big thanks to Chris and Ali for all the years of dedication to the group.) My kids Bob, Rhiannon and Harry who came down and made it very special for me. And the biggest thanks to Deb who has helped me through the entire 20 weeks with nutrition advice, supplying me with the food and meals I need, encouraging me to train when you have the off day, putting up with me falling asleep on the sofa at 8.00pm on a Saturday night and for being at the finish chute on Saturday evening for me to hug and x before crossing the finish line.

Will I do another? I have too because I have to improve on the 24 minutes I spent in transition!

Regards,
Bob

Athlete: Rob Donkersloot

Well I thought I had let you all know how I went in my 100 mile race at Dwellingup this weekend.

The first 80km were pretty uneventful, it was a beautiful day, running along a superb trail. Life was great. All was going pretty well to plan, though the pace was slightly off on what I had hoped for.

At the 80k aid station I gave my little pouch of Succeed electrolyte capsules to my wife Sue to refill. About a minute after leaving the aid station I went to grab a capsule, as I was due to take one, and couldn’t find the pouch. I looked back at the aid station, but Sue had gone. The next time I was due to see her was 20km further on, and it would take me about three hours to get there. I take a Succeed cap every hour, so I knew there was likely to be some negative effects from missing taking three of them. Two hours later as the sun was setting I started to feel nauseous, which would ease if I walked rather than ran.

Got into the 100km aid station and saw Sue there, as well as Bernadette who was going to run as my pacer for the last 60km. Bernadette is far more experienced at trail running then I am, and when I told her of what had happened with the electrolytes she quickly gave me a couple of caps to take, I just hoped they would put things back in balance for me.

The next stage was 10km, and I felt a bit better just because I was running with someone to talk to. The nausea side of things wasn’t improving much though.

At the 110km aid station I refilled my back pack with food and water to tackle the next 15k stage. Half an hour later things were still manageable when Bernadette suggested I have another Gu gel…the effect of taking this was to make the nausea a lot worse, with now no let off during the walking breaks.

I was also getting quite woozy, and had a fall as I tripped on a rock. Things degenerated quite quickly from here, with me having difficulty walking in a straight line, let alone run in a straight line.

We walked in the last 12km or so to the 125km aid station, getting extremely cold in the process. Luckily we carried space blankets, and these definitely helped a lot.

At 2am, 21 hours and 125km into my 100 mile run I knew that was as far as I was going to go, and I decided to call it a day.

Bernadette agreed, and I knew if there was any chance of my going any further she would have squeezed it out of me. Not this time, race over.

I’m happy achieving the 125k, 22km further than ever before, however I know I will be back to have another shot at 100 miles some time next year.

The frustrating thing is not being 100% sure of what caused the problems. The electrolytes are a likely suspect, but it could be one of many more things, like not fuelling properly, my preparation not being 100% etc.

I don’t think it was the training though as now a day and a half later the legs feel pretty ok, and I could run if I had to.

Next time.

Athlete: Melissa Tyler

Hi all

I competed in the half marathon C2S yesterday. My 2nd half. (my first was the Perth Half 1hr 42mins) Having that in mind and knowing the C2S route my goal was to crack 1hr 45mins.
Too my disbelief I did a PB of 1hr & 38mins. I was stoked! I ran hard and was very focused, so very happy with my result!

Thank goodness the weather held out for us as I dont think I have run a city to surf that hasnt poured down with rain.

The only hiccup that I incurred was my timing chip came off my shoelace as I entered Kings Park, so I stopped, picked it up and didnt bother tying it back on, just ran with it in my hand. The rest of the way I was wondering if it would pick it up at the finish line. So I just held it close to the ground in my hand as I crossed. Checking the results on the website today, I realised it has not picked up my time, I can not even find my name on the website. :-( Ohh well…that will teach me to tie it on better next time. Just annoyed though as I have missed out on finding out what place I came etc.

All in all, I had a great run and felt good. I have pulled up very well today too! I think the organisation of the finish line and oval was a lot better this year, more people at the drink stations and it was a nice treat to get ushered into the skins tent to get a FREE masage!
I would like to see toilet paper in the toilets at Esplanade Oval next year and more KM signs. I think I saw one at 4km and then the next one was at 20km!!!!

Love to hear all your stories as the only person I bumped into was Bob.

Mel

Athlete: Andy Lane

What a fantastic inspiring group we are in. I loved reading all of your reports. I’ll try to keep mine quick.

Being my 1st ‘Big City’ Marathon this was my 3rd after Bunbury last & this year but I knew it would be slower than my 3.15PB. I planned to have fun and enjoy it and be quicker than 3.30.

- 0kms – Planned to run with Coops and Rob. Lost them at the start line. Doh.

- 9kms- Caught up with Mark. Chatted away. It was great to see everyone when we looped back on ourselves. Heaps of cheers and encouragement from NSRGroupies. Those singlets are a great promo tool.

- 19km – Needed to have a wee! So ran hard for a km or so to make up the lost time. (Oops, Didn’t wash my hands!)

- 21.1km- Running past all the 12k’ers was good, getting cheered. Nice scenery but bit hard to keep my mind on the job! 1.39.19 split

- 29km – Caught up with Rob. Said a quick G’day and told him of my plan to catch Coops.

-36km- Thought I must have been in Post Xmas Shop Sale as suddenly I was amongst thousands of people. “Get out of my way”

-38km- Finally saw Coops a few hundred metres up ahead when the ‘Shoppers’ turned right.

-39km- Phil on his bike pulled up next to me. Had a quick yarn while I was waiting for my legs to start to cramp – not yet.

-40km- Ran hard. My watch says I was running at 4min 17 pace. Still waiting for my legs to cramp.

-41km- Coops only a couple of hundred metres in front. Where is the finish?????

-42km- Wow, what a reception. Thousands of people cheering for me to catch Coops! Go Andy! (Well I needed something extra). It was fantastic to see so many friends, NSRGroupies and families of Groupies. That was the highlight of my City to Surf Marathon. Thanks to you all.

-42.2km- Finished 3.18.58. Wow. I must have run those hills quick. (Nearly the same split). 17 secs behind Coops and about that much in front of Mark. (I only wanted to catch Coops to run with him)

-42.2+-Recovery time, got a massage and caught up with many of you. Great to hear of your tales and times.

Well done to all especially the 1st timers and PB’ers.

What’s Next? Freo Half and then I’m on 3.5 months Long Service Leave travelling Australia, leaving October 1.

I’ll be running where I can and be wearing my NSRG singlet because I love to Run and I love our group.

Cheers
Andy

Athlete: Julie Carnelley

Hi All,

It has been fantastic reading all these emails, so I thought I would let you know how I went on.

This was my first marathon and I must agree with you all that told me beforehand that I picked a tough one to do as my first. I wasn’t really 100% confident at the start, but deep down knew my determination would get me to the finish line.

My plan was to go out steady and forget about everyone else, which I managed to stick with. I wanted to beat the 4 hour mark, but thought maybe 4h 10m was a more realistic time. I let Alli go off in the distance, knowing that I would be pushing it if I tried to keep up. I had put together my playlist for my ipod the night before and plugged myself in and away I went. I strategically placed on my ipod Vangelis Chariots of Fire around the 4h 10m mark as I knew this would inspire me if needed, but I finished well before, so didn’t need it. I did get The only way is up by Yazz conveniently on one of the many hills, so that made me chuckle a bit. The first hour was going well, I decided at the 1hour mark to take in a gel which I have practiced in training before, but just my luck in that I got a stitch immediately and had to run through it for about 15-20 minutes, and was very relieved when it finally went. I decided then to only take in powerade so I didn’t get another. As I was turning the corner onto st george’s terrace at the half way point, the gun went for the 12km race, so I suddenly had all these speedy runners flying past me. I tried to look out for some of our buddies, but only managed to see Louise, who wonderfully told me how great I was looking and what a fantastic job I was doing.

The second half of the course was tough, but I dug in and knew there was no way I was giving in. It was hard work dodging the walkers along underwood avenue, which as Rob said, wasn’t great planning by the organisers. The last 3 kms was very hard and my legs were starting to fade, but then seeing the big crowds I knew I was virtually there. As I am nearing the finish line, Fiona excitedly jumps out from the side to congratulate me and then I heard my husband shout me with the camera in hand and unusually managed to get a picture of me smiling. I didn’t quite beat 4 hours, but still came in at a respectable 4:00:43. I was so proud of myself that I got over the finish line and the achievements that I have made in the 2 years of being part of this amazing group of people. I did the half ironman in May this year and can honestly say, that the marathon was definitely harder. It was fantastic to see you all in the recovery area afterwards with all the hugs and proud smiling faces. I’m looking forward to many more years of running with the group.

Kind regards
Julie Carnelley

Athlete: Peter Pritchard

Chris,

I’ve enjoyed reading all the emails resulting from the NSRG crew, and I wanted to take the opportunity to share my personal experience with everyone. The Marathon is depicted as the ultimate accomplishment for the majority of the population, although for those of us lucky enough to be part of this club, we know that it’s the tip of the iceberg. There comes a moment in our minds were we transition from would like to to am going to. That point came for me on meeting you all on our Saturday and Sunday runs. Rob D and Ali (and many others) just made it seem like it was an achievable goal.

Personally for me, I’ve be thinking about it for some time (many years like 20 J). I’d run most of my life, but never to a program, so making it to the race day was my biggest accomplishment. I had a personal driver for this one and I wasn’t going to let it go without giving it my best. My father only ran one marathon before he was sadly taken. I intentionally didn’t look at his time, until only yesterday afternoon to see he ran a 3:39; 13min faster than me. I ran for him; every step of it, enduring the pain of the last 10kms, and the relief of seeing the final finishing line.

All of us have something special to take us to a new level. For a big chunk of my life it’s been my memories of dad. This one was for him.

A special thanks to you all for helping me through the journey, especially the friendly faces and encouragement from Mick, Chris, Phil (on the bike thanks mate), and Loui (taking photos at the end).

Peter.

Athlete: Lee Holland

Morning all

I competed in my first ever marathon at City to Surf, after weeks of training and 1 week of absolutely freaking out, i had a strange sense of calm come over me the day before, following my last training run with the group on Saturday. In the lead up to the run i was dodging anyone that looked remotely unwell including my youngest who was unwell in the week leading up to the big day. My pre race meal was… pasta?…..no a ton of pizza from Santa Lucia!!

On the drive in with Rob and Chris i was actually looking forward to getting on with it all, as this day had consumed the last few months of my life and to be honest i was ready to take a break from the training.

The plan was to pace, keep the heart rate comfortable, focus on the crowd, the other runners, the boats on the water, the cars passing by, the white lines on the road, basically anything other than think about how long i was going to be on the road for . I didn’t want to get too caught up in my time with the aim being just to make it to the finish line. I hadn’t monitored my pace during the training runs but figured i should be able to complete the run between 4 and 4.5 hours, i find that if i look at the watch too hard and try to figure out splits i start to lose the plot so it was a case of just listen to the body and adjust pace as required.

I could not have asked for a better day, the weather was perfect, i felt good physically and mentally and i enjoyed the loops in the run which allowed me to cheer on the front runners and those behind me on the way round, this all aided pass the time. I was so glad that there were so many drink stations, i think i hit all of them bar one, and towards the end i was having one of everything they were offering.

The first half of the marathon was dead flat and quite pleasant i remember one of the marshal’s shouting “half way” i looked at the watch which was showing 1.55min, i also noted that my legs were starting to feel a little heavy but not sore. The second half was tougher but i knew what to expect and paced myself accordingly, exiting Kings Park i could smell the finish line and hit a bit of a high that lasted until i reached the hill at Selby Street!! I had to do a bit of weaving past some of the 12k walkers but still felt good, i remember reaching the 39k mark looking at my watch and thinking hell i could break 4hrs so i put the head down and just kept going, i knew Teresa and my 2 little girls were waiting at the finish line and it gave me that last burst of energy, i almost had an emotional melt down when i saw their cheering faces and was a little overwhelmed with emotion, combination of achievement relief, pride my god i felt so alive.

I ended up finishing in 3.50.52 which i was absolutely ecstatic with for the remainder of the day and even all day yesterday and today i have been on a high, i feel like a million bucks and the legs don’t feel too bad.

Big thanks go out to all member of this wonderful group of runners, being a non runner 18months ago and only being an NSRG member for the last 8 months or so there is no way on earth i would ever have completed a marathon without the support i have received. To find such a group is a rare pleasure, i have been made feel welcome at all times by all member, always encouraged and supported so thank you. I have been inspired by so many of you and have a great deal of respect for all no matter what distance you run although special mention must go to you ultra runners, still can’t quite get my head around that. Although twelve months ago i would have said to anyone who ran a marathon that they were mad, but i know understand that special feeling you all referred to. The sense of achievement is like nothing else i have experienced.

In particular big thanks to the big chief Chris for all his support and advise.

Will i do another one not sure, think i may retire from marathon running as i don’t think i can feel any better than i do right now.

Please share your story with us, i do enjoy reading them, Well done to Melissa 1.38 is a great time hopefully your running buddy (my wifey) Teresa will be there next year to chase you round that 21k course and give you a run for your money!! Well done to Darren i noted he broke the 55min barrier, obviously both training hard congrats again.

Cheers
Lee Holland