Posts Tagged ‘marathon’

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: 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

Athelete: Rob Fowler

Well done all fellow NSRG on some great achievements.

The inaugural City to surf marathon is done and dusted, I thought I would add the lows and work to the highs. No kilometer markers were not nice, for people without GPS technology. Running into the 12k runners/walkers at 34-35k mark was frustrating, fighting people for a drink of water at the drink station, not really individuals fault but organizers should have looked a little harder at this part. Last ***** was no water at the end, got a wonderful goodies bag, nice medal free this free that, but not a drop of water in the marathon recovery area.

So many from NSRG had wonderful runs, Sean Cooper Coops took line honors for the club in the marathon. His time of 3h18m30s was a great 12minute plus PB he ran virtually the whole race at 4m40 pace and was so focused from the word go. He was in good company with Andy Land and Mark O’Gara not much more than a minute or so behind and all finishing in the top 100 of one of the tougher marathons I’ve done. Mark also got a 6 minute PB and had put into practice what he learnt at the WAMC marathon 8 weeks previous. Andy our favorite jogger (runner) just a couple of minutes outside his own PB and is improving with every marathon.

Mr. Chris Kowalski the back bone of most of our training locations and motivation was on target with another quality marathon also backing up from Perth. He may not give himself any pats on the back but for mine he is as strong as he was when I first met him, his legs are 10 years older than they were back then but I’ll be happy to have his times when I’m his age. I am always amazed at his passion for seeing other people do well but his congratulations always makes me feel good no matter how I’ve done. How good were Lee and Julie both finishing their first marathon and what a tough one to choose many of us can relate to the feeling of our first but not on such a hilly course? Bruce again took on the marathon only to disappoint himself after such a good preparation, but a few weeks of a rotten flu/cold which didn’t help his cause slowed him in the last half but he has had a good year with the 2 oceans and done more than he has done in a few years. Graeme Uren, my running idol, proved how well he knows his own body so well, not pushing himself to much in training as it would have only given him an extra 10 minutes off what was a respectable time.

Always liking to prove experts wrong he wore his new shoe’s first time on the day, only to show me his gorgeous crimson blood blister on his toe, but the shoes are well and truly broken in. Our other NSRG motivator and coordinator Allie again ploughed thru another marathon in respectable time and only some 10 weeks after completing her second Comrades and as with Chris just at home seeing all of us do well as we are with each other. Mick form Mindarie managed his second backing up from the Perth and another respectable effort.

Our long distance ultra man Rob D enjoyed the moment even if some poor soul wanted Rob to drag him under 4hours, Rob sent him on his way and got on with his own race. Also I managed to pry from him he had done 20k’s the day before while the rest of us stayed on the couch conserving energy. I didn’t see any ½ marathoners and 12k runners at the finish but I hope they all had good runs. I reflected with a few of my fellow runners at the Break water on Sunday afternoon.

The group has motivated a lot of people in the past 12 months or so and I really enjoy the individuals achieving goals they either set out to get or didn’t think they were capable of. To some up my day out was a good one another consistent marathon and made all better by the achievements around me, thanks for the laughs during training and the people who turned up when they said they would. Bring on the heat, midges, extra daylight and hot sweaty runs, ohh and all the good looking girls and boys.

Cheers
Rob F

Athlete: Sean Cooper

This is my not so quick story, you can distribute it if you feel it is worthy

At Easter this year I was running from near Margaret River to a camp site and was on a dirt track in the middle of nowhere. It was hot, I had nothing with me except the clothes I was wearing and was running in a place I didn’t know. Quite suddenly, my left calf went from a oh no that’s not right to a loud explosion which popped. I fell and couldn’t move. Luckily I fell near a small stream and thought ok, I’m in trouble here but someone will be along soon. If not, I should still be OK, the campers I’m staying with will miss me and come and find me, maybe. Unable to move I was lucky as a 4wd came along and took me to the campsite. Lesson learnt!

I was soon to discover that I had done my gastro nemus and it took several days for an expensive surgeon to decide he didn’t want to operate, and would let my calf re attach itself to my leg all by itself. On crutches I was frustrated, but this became a lot worse when one week later I developed a 5cm blood clot near the calf due to the trauma from it. Another week on crutches and I threw them away after that in frustration. We had booked a family holiday in Singapore and Malaysia and I was booked in to run the Sundown Midnight Marathon at Singapore. This looked out the window now.

I went from walking to slow jogging to running again in a painfully slow process. We went to Singapore and the longest I had after injury run was 5k. It sounds stupid but I went in the Sundown Marathon, managed to jog the first 30’s then walked the rest. My training kicked off from there to get back up to where I wanted to be.

I learnt valuable lessons when I hurt my leg and had the opportunity to study and learn how to prevent injuries like that, and become stronger. For the first time I also followed a running program leading up to the C2S. Magically, this fitted in perfectly with the NSRG running timetables. I was able to set a goal of beating my marathon pb of 3.31.55, and was confident that I would be just under the magical 3.30.

My training with Rob, Bruce, Bob, Andy, Mark, Mick, Eulalia (who unfortunately also suffered an injury after blowing out a couple of 1.30 halfs) Chris, Rob D and everyone else at NSRG and Kevin’s pancake mob went well. I just tried to keep up with them all, listened to them and learnt a lot. I couldn’t stick it with Rob, he is just too powerful, so come race day I thought I would try and stick with him for as long as I could.

C2S race day and I met up with my mate Gunner, his mate Geoffa and together with Rob we formed our 4.40 pace bus. We had a few good laughs before the start but I lost Andy and Mark in the crowd. We were not far behind the Kenyans, Ethiopians and Epi who was to run his first sub 3. About 900 m in, we went past TB, and I shook his hand as he had the faster runners covered for the first 3 metres of that 900. You have got to wonder, don’t you.

We kept our 4.40’s up but I was worried about what had happened to Andy and Mark. I believed they would catch up if they were behind, but maybe they were in front, I couldn’t tell. At the first turn around I saw them on the way back, not far behind. They looked like they were doing it easy and I felt comforted that they would be with us soon.

One of the great things about our group is we are so easy to recognise on the road. It impresses other runners, as i know later on i had a runner ask me how many of us there was, he thought there was 50!

We saw the leaders returning through the Uni and estimated that at the pace they were at, they would finish 1 hour ahead of us. Incredible to see. On the way back to the city Rob and I ducked into the bushes for a quick splash of the trees. This almost turned to tragedy as i went to take off out of the trees and tripped as my shoelace was wrapped around a branch. Rob and i ran at around 4 minute k pace to catch up with Gunner and Geoffa. We shared the lead into town as there was a slight head wind. Was great to see all the people in the city as we turned, Dullsville wasn’t so dull after all.

Rob hung with me till the bottom of Kings Park. From there I was on my own till Gunner caught me at where the Marathon was overpowered by the 12k walkers. Stayed strong till about the 39 k mark when I slowed considerably. A few words of encouragement and I was back up to near 4.40’s again, but struggling. Once the finish line was in view I was right and it was great to see people I knew just prior to the finish to cheer me on.

Through the finish where i was a bit emotional and gave Gunner a hug. Unclasped my arms from Gunners smelly sweaty body to find Andy right behind me and Mark just behind him. What a great sight it would have been for all the spectators to see some of the NSRG guys together through the finish. 3.18.39 for me, a pb by over 13 minutes. I honestly never thought I could do that, now guys like Andy and Mark are pushing for us all to go quicker.

The highlight of the race for me was every time someone recognised us in our NSRG tops, or we recognised them. Clearly other runners were impressed by this. The work that Alli and Chris and others do for our group is outstanding. This group is dear to my heart and fast becoming my second family. The journey to this point has been long, had a few hurdles, but worth every step.

As for what’s next, I’m keen to help Andy qualify for Boston and London and he’s really close to it. He’s on holidays soon so Rotto is next on the calendar. Its a great weekend, very social and friendly, just like our great group of runners.

See you out there,
Coops