Running memories

For over ten years, running was a huge part of my life.

Marathons, ultramarathons, early mornings, training blocks, race weekends, injuries, finish lines… for a long time, it was just what I did. It became such a normal part of who I was that I rarely stopped to think about how much of my identity was tied to it. Running gave me structure, purpose, space to think, and something that was mine no matter what else was happening in life.

I spent more than a decade chasing goals, pushing limits, and seeing what my mind and body were capable of. Some races were incredible, some were brutal, and some taught me more about myself than I expected. Running took me to so many places, physically and mentally, and shaped me in ways that are honestly hard to explain unless you’ve lived it. It wasn’t always about times or medals either. A lot of it was about proving to myself that I could keep going, even when things got uncomfortable.

My last marathon was Melbourne Marathon in 2024, my third time running it, and in a lot of ways that felt like the right one to finish on. There was no big dramatic decision to stop, no official retirement from running or anything like that, but after Melbourne, something changed.

These days, my focus is much more on my family, my career, and my marriage. Brad, the boys, work, home… all the things that matter deeply and deserve my energy. Running didn’t disappear, but it stopped being the centre of everything.

I still think about those years a lot though. More than people probably realise.

Sometimes I look back at photos from races, long runs, or random training days and remember exactly who I was in those moments. I remember how strong I felt, how tired I felt, how determined I was, and sometimes how completely ridiculous it all was too. Running gave me so much, and even though I’m not out there doing ultras anymore, that part of me doesn’t just vanish.

I still run regularly now, usually somewhere between 5 and 10 kilometres, and I genuinely love that. There’s less pressure, less obsession, and honestly… more balance. I run because it clears my head, because it keeps me grounded, because after all these years it still feels familiar. It reminds me of myself.

I’m probably in a different season now, and that’s okay. I’m not constantly chasing the next big race, but running will always be part of me. It helped shape the person I became, and even now, when life looks very different, it’s still there… quieter maybe, but still there.

MY PAST RUNS:

1. Canberra marathon 2014 (3:30) – ACT  

2. Melbourne marathon 2014 (3:23) – VIC  

3. Two Oceans 56km 2015, South Africa (5:13)

4. Great Ocean Road 44km 2015 (4:11) 

5. The Tan marathon 2016 (4:06) 

6. Marysville marathon 2016 (5hrs) 

7. Run for the Young 2016 (3:51) 

8. Two Bays 56km 2017 (6:24)

9. Wangaratta marathon 2017 (3:38) 

10. Brimbank 50km 2017 (5:12) 

11. Princess Park 50km 2017 (4:47)

12. Great Ocean Road 60km 2017 (5:52)

13. Surfcoast trail marathon 2017 (4:47) 

14. The Tan marathon 2018 (3:47) 

15. Brisbane marathon 2018 (4:07) – QLD  

16. Sydney marathon 2018 (3:36) – NSW  

17. Portland marathon 2018 (3:36) 

18. Queenstown marathon 2018, NZ (3:55) 

19. Hobart marathon 2019 (3:43) – TAS  

20. Rollercoaster 43km 2019 (6:36) 

21. Brimbank 50km 2019 (5:21)

22. Frankston to Portsea 55km 2019 (5:32)

23. Princes Park 50km 2019 (4:43)

24. Comrades 87km 2019, South Africa (9:52)

25. The Tan 50km 2019 (5:07)

26. Kangaroo Island marathon 2021 (4:30) – SA  

27. Brisbane marathon 2022 (4:39)

28. Outback marathon 2022 (4:26) – NT

29. Melbourne marathon 2022 (3:54)

30. Busselton marathon 2023 (4:12) – WA

31. Melbourne marathon 2023 (4.31)

32. The Hallora marathon 2023 (4.35)

33. Tokyo marathon 2024, Japan (4.13)

34. Melbourne marathon 2024 (4.41)

 

Tokyo Marathon 2024

TOKYO MARATHON

SUNDAY 3RD MARCH 2024

Distance: 42.195km
Official Time: 4hrs 13min

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Pre-race –

I entered Tokyo Marathon for a few reasons. First and most obviously… it’s Tokyo. A World Marathon Major. One of those bucket-list events that feels bigger than just another race entry. Second, it gave me the perfect excuse to combine running with something I value even more these days, travelling with my family. Brad and I took our two sons, Lucas (17) and Nate (15), and turned the marathon into a full family adventure.

To be honest, by the time Tokyo rolled around, I wasn’t going in with expectations of a PB or some huge performance breakthrough. Life, training, age, travel, and perspective have shifted the way I approach marathons. I still care, obviously. I always care. But this one felt different from the beginning. It wasn’t about obsessing over pace. It was about the experience, the atmosphere, and seeing what I could do on one of the biggest marathon stages in the world.

Leading into the event, my training had been solid enough but not perfect. I knew I had enough in me to get through strongly, but I also knew Tokyo wasn’t the race to go out like an idiot and pay for it later. I wanted to run smart, soak it all in, and respect both the course and the occasion.

Japan itself was incredible. From the moment we landed, everything felt exciting. Tokyo is busy in a way Melbourne could never be, but somehow it also feels cleaner, more organised, and strangely calm despite the chaos. We spent the days leading up to race day exploring as much as possible, which definitely meant a lot more walking than your standard marathon taper recommends. But honestly… no regrets. We navigated train stations, explored different districts, ate amazing food, and experienced Tokyo as a family rather than me hiding in a hotel room trying to “save my legs.”

The marathon expo was huge, polished, and incredibly well organised. Everything about Tokyo Marathon felt next level. Collecting my bib felt surreal. It’s one thing to sign up online, but standing there in person, surrounded by runners from all over the world, made it real. This was actually happening.

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Race day –

Race morning felt like a combination of nerves, adrenaline, and logistical precision.

Tokyo doesn’t do things casually, and neither does a World Marathon Major. There were people everywhere, runners moving in every direction, layers of organisation, and an energy that felt massive compared to smaller events I’ve done. Brad and the boys were incredible, supportive, excited, and probably slightly amused by my mixture of focus and anxiety.

Standing at the start line in Shinjuku was something special. The scale of it all is hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it. Thousands of runners, helicopters overhead, huge buildings surrounding you, and that strange awareness that you are one tiny part of something enormous.

My plan was simple… start conservatively and don’t get swept up in the adrenaline.

That’s easier said than done in Tokyo.

The crowds were unbelievable from the beginning. So much noise, encouragement, signs, cheers, and energy. It felt impossible not to get carried away. But I kept reminding myself that the marathon starts after 30km, not in the first 10.

The first half went well. I felt steady, controlled, and genuinely grateful to be there. Tokyo is an amazing city to run through. The course takes you past so many iconic areas, and there’s something surreal about moving through streets you’d normally associate with tourism, business, or pop culture while thousands of people cheer you on. I focused on staying comfortable, managing my fuel, and not doing anything reckless.

Weather-wise, conditions were pretty decent, though like any marathon, the real challenge eventually becomes less about weather and more about your own body.

By 25 to 30km, things started to feel like… a marathon.

My legs were getting heavier, the early adrenaline had worn off, and I had to start negotiating with myself more. Nothing dramatic, just the usual marathon conversation. Keep moving. Stay steady. Don’t overthink it. Keep eating. Keep drinking. Don’t spiral.

This is the part of the race where experience matters most. You know discomfort is coming, so when it arrives, it’s less of a shock and more of a question… “Okay, what now?”

What I was most proud of in Tokyo was that I stayed consistent mentally. I didn’t fall apart. I didn’t throw a tantrum. I didn’t let one rough patch define the rest of the race. I just kept moving forward.

The final stretch was tough, obviously, but also incredibly rewarding. Knowing Brad, Lucas, and Nate were somewhere out there in Tokyo, experiencing this whole thing alongside me, gave the day even more meaning. This wasn’t just my marathon. It felt like part of a bigger family memory.

Crossing that finish line in 4hrs 26min felt emotional in a way I hadn’t necessarily expected.

Was it my fastest? No.

Was it my strongest performance on paper? Probably not.

But did it matter?

Not really.

Because Tokyo was about more than numbers.

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Post-race and feedback –

After finishing, I felt tired, sore, proud, and very ready to eat everything. Tokyo Marathon is exceptionally organised, but like all marathons, once you stop running, your body suddenly has opinions about everything.

Seeing Brad and the boys afterwards was one of the best parts of the entire experience. There’s something special about finishing a marathon, then stepping straight back into family mode, sharing food, laughs, exhaustion, and stories from both sides. They had their Tokyo adventure while I had mine, and then it all came back together.

Looking back, Tokyo Marathon 2024 was one of the most memorable events I’ve ever done, not purely because of the race itself, but because of everything surrounding it.

It was travel. It was family. It was culture. It was perspective.

It reminded me that marathons can still be ambitious without being entirely about time goals. They can be about gratitude, opportunity, and recognising how lucky you are to be healthy enough, capable enough, and crazy enough to run 42.2km through one of the greatest cities in the world.

Tokyo challenged me, inspired me, and gave my family an unforgettable experience.

And yes… I’d absolutely do it again.

2023 (Part 1)… It’s been a year! 

 

Busselton Marathon 2023

February 11^th, 2023 

https://www.busseltonrunnersclub.org.au/brc-bay-run

 

Busselton Runners Club is excited to announce our much-loved February event has a new name. BRC Bay Run will still have the same great format and distances for you to choose from, tickets will be on sale 6am Tue 1 November until 3 February or until sold out. Following a review of last year’s event, we are happy to report we have increased the number of available tickets for the Half Marathon and 10km runs. 

There are four distances available; Marathon (42.2km), Half Marathon (21.1km), 10km run and 5km run. Walkers are welcome to participate at the back of the pack for the 10km and 5km distances.

 

Aid stations: three at approximately 3–3.5 km apart. Two on course and one at or near the turn point. Aid stations will have both water and electrolytes, and bananas. You are encouraged to carry your own particular food requirements.

 

Entry requirements: The field is limited to 200 runners. All runners must be able to complete the marathon in 4 ½ hours or less. If you are not confident that you can complete the marathon in this time, please consider registering for a shorter event instead.

 

Start time: At this point, start time will be 5:30am. This will be confirmed closer to the event.

 

Pre-race

This is last event to complete my goal of running a marathon in every state and territory in Australia. Here’s a short recap.

 

MARATHON IN EVERY STATE & TERRITORY IN AUSTRALIA

1.     ACT Canberra marathon 2014 (3:30) … Best first marathon experience ever!

2.     VIC Melbourne marathon 2014 (3:23) … Personal best.

3.     QLD Brisbane marathon 2018 (4:07) … Social marathon with a friend. 

4.     NSW Sydney marathon 2018 (3:36) … Comrades (South Africa) qualifier. 

5.     TAS Hobart marathon 2019 (3:43) …  Probably my most average/common marathon.

6.     SA Kangaroo Island marathon 2021 (4:30) … Most eventful marathon (see blogpost).

7.     NT Outback marathon 2022 (4:26) … Lots of red dirt.

8.     Busselton marathon 2023 … Read on!

 

In the months leading up to Busselton marathon I ran approximately 50km per week (in other words, not enough). In the October prior (2022), I ran Melbourne marathon in 3hrs 54min. Considering Melburnians had been in Covid lockdowns with no events for two years, I was pretty happy to break 4 hours. In January (2023), I ran Two Bays 28km in 3hrs 10min. I hoped Melbourne marathon and Two Bays might carry me through to Busselton marathon and I could run another sub-4 hours. That was my only goal.

 

Hubby (Brad) and I flew to Perth and drove two hours to Busselton. I had never been to Western Australia, so we booked a few extra days to explore the sights between Perth and Busselton. I was really looking forward to a grown-up holiday. I booked accommodation in Busselton, which was literally 200 metres from the race hub. Knowing it was a very early start, I didn’t want to ask my hubby to wake up too early to drive me to the start line. The day before the race, we made our way to the bib pick up area. Busselton is a small beachside, country town. It is beautiful and somewhere I could imagine having a holiday house or retiring. The coastline and water are a divinely clear, aqua colour. Busselton is a little taste of heaven.

 

Busselton Jetty is one of the most recognizable icons in Western Australia. It currently stands at 1841 metres in length making it the longest wooden piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. It is now used exclusively for tourism and recreation, but it has a colourful past as a working jetty. In the early years of European settlement in the Busselton/Vasse region, agriculture was the main commercial activity undertaken. Crops such as wheat, barley and oats were grown. Livestock such as sheep, pigs and cattle were also raised. Some of these were exported from the area as early as 1858. The timber industry was also underway with the government offering large concessions and special timber licenses in 1850. A light beacon was erected in 1836 as a navigational aid.

 

Race day

My alarm was set for 4.50am. After a very quick and concise preparation, I walked to the end of street and entered the race hub. There were approximately 75 runners in the full marathon distance, so it was a very small crowd compared to other marathons I have participated in. The weather was perfect for racing, fresh but a hint of warmth. I chose to run in shorts, a no-brand singlet top and my Flipbelt to carry fuel and my iPhone. 

 

I was excited but nervous to run Busselton marathon. It was the final marathon to successfully complete my goal of running a marathon in every state/territory in Australia. Plus, I had never been to Western Australia, so it was exciting and new. I was grateful to be travelling and racing again. On the flipside, I knew I was underdone. Ever since Covid-lockdowns, my running had been inconsistent. I had gained weight and lost motivation. 

 

The start line and gun sound reminded me of a country town event. The race director used his voice to count down and runners casually began their marathon journey. I started feeling positive and decided to listen to my favourite tunes on Spotify. Several months have passed since writing this report so I am not attempting to go into any details, however I do remember Brad meeting me on course around 14km. I was maintaining 5.20min/km pace and I was surprised by how good I felt. The weather was pleasant, and course was flat and comfortable. Life and running seemed relatively easy.

 

I maintained my position in the pack and took in the scenery as I continued to run along the foreshore path. There was minimal fanfare, but the marshals and volunteers involved were very friendly. I daydreamed happily until I reached about 29km. That elusive 30km wall hit hard! I seem to have a physical and mental block at 30km. I recall seeing Brad again somewhere between 32-34km. He asked how I was feeling and offered salt and vinegar chips. He knows my history of “3-hours sugar then I only want salt,” but I dismissed him. I was not happy. I had gone from feeling good to feeling completely f**ked! And that’s what you get for undertraining.

 

I tried to change my tactic by listening to an audiobook by David Goggins. I loved his previous book, “You Can’t Hurt Me” and I thought his most recent release, “Never Finished” would be perfect for my final Australian marathon finish. Listening to Goggins just made me mad. We can’t all be superheroes! I became defiant and ended up walking more than I ran. I simply gave up.  I crossed the finish line in 4 hours 12min (sub 6min/km pace). After two years of constant lockdowns and no events, I struggled; however, I still felt grateful for the location, event, community and the satisfaction that I achieved my goal to run a marathon in every state/territory in Australia. 

Post-race

Once back at the hotel, I showered and reflected on what went wrong. There was no denying it, it was my mind, not my body that gave up. It took me a little while to get over the disappointment in myself, yet I remained appreciative of the opportunity and experience.

 

Final thoughts

If you’re visiting Western Australia for the first time and you want a destination run, go to Busselton. It is such a beautiful part of the world and I would definitely return there. People are friendly, the race is low-key but well-organised, the scenery is spectacular and the water is divine. I am very grateful this was my final marathon destination run in Australia.

Melbourne Marathon 2022… 8 years since my Melbourne debut

Melbourne Marathon 2022

Sunday 2nd October 2022

https://melbournemarathon.com.au

 

Course

Start at Batman Avenue and head north, turn left into Flinders Street, left into Swanston Street, cross over to the service lane at Princes Bridge and head along St Kilda Road. Turn right into Fitzroy Street then right into Lakeside Drive and do an anti-clockwise lap of the Lake. Follow instructions onto Beaconsfield Parade, proceed north and make a U-turn just before Bay Street. At one point, runners veer right and head towards Elwood. Back on St Kilda Road for a few kilometres and then turn right up Linlithgow Avenue (slight incline). Turn into Domain Road, go right into Dallas Brooks Drive, go left into Birdwood Avenue, left into Government House Drive and right into St Kilda Road. Proceed along St Kilda Road and turn right into Flinders St. Veer right into Wellington Parade South, turn right into Brunton Ave then left into the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The best finish line ever… a final victory lap of the MCG!

 

Pre-race

*It’s been four months since I ran Melbourne Marathon and I had no plans to write a blogpost. I ran Melbourne back in 2014 which I wrote an extensive race report http://360running.blogspot.com/2014/10/melbourne-marathon-2014_12.html. Back in 2014, my goal was 3hrs 20min and I managed 3hrs 23min. Jump forward to 2022, my goal was under 4hrs (if you want to know the result, you’ll have to keep reading)… 

 

My goals around running have changed considerably for various reasons. I’m now 48 years old and I’ve had my share of injuries and health concerns. But honestly, the main reason for running becoming less of a priority is Covid-lockdowns. My running goals are often centred around a destination event. Events were cancelled and we weren’t allowed to travel. Also, Melbourne had 263 days in lockdown (151 days of 5km and 1-hour limit, 368 days of gym closures). https://lockdownstats.melbourne

Staying motivated or disciplined was very difficult.

 

Before Covid, I had an epic year of running (2019). I ran 5 Ultra-marathons (including Comrades http://360running.blogspot.com/2019/06/comrades-marathon-2019.html) and 2 marathons. My marathon time was about 3hrs 40min (consistent 5:15min/km pace). Nowadays, I’m closer to 5:45min/km and there’s nothing consistent about it. I start out 5:30min/km and when I hit 30km, I begin to slowly die (or at least that’s how it feels). This is usually a result of being undertrained! In 2020, I had a hysterectomy and took time to recover from my previously heavy training load. In 2021, we were lucky enough to sneak in a destination marathon to Kangaroo Island. In 2022, the borders opened, and I resumed my Australian Marathon Goal – to run a full marathon in every state/territory in Australia. I entered and completed the Australian Outback Marathon. So… my training load had gradually increased, and I went into Melbourne Marathon really wanting under 4hrs. The last time I’d broken 4hrs was Hobart marathon in 2019 (3hrs 43min). 

 

The night before the event, I stayed in the city, walking distance from the start line. I needed some quiet time and space to mentally prepare. I had a light dinner (chicken and rice) and ensured I hydrated properly. I had my outfit ready to roll and my race fuel prepared. 

 

Race day

On the day, I woke about 5:30am, had some oats, went to the loo about a dozen times (nerves) and grabbed my gear. I walked through Kings Domain, past The Shrine of Remembrance and Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Bag drop was somewhere underneath the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) but every time I asked a volunteer where to go, I was given the wrong information. I started stressing and decided to leave my bag on the back of the toilet door and hope it would still be there when I returned! Not an ideal way to start a race, but these things happen. I darted back across the bridge to the start line, which was near Rod Laver Arena. I tried to find my friend but there were literally thousands of runners huddled together and majority of them were taller than me. Melbourne Marathon is a big city event, with approximately 20,000 people running the full and half marathon. There are major road closures, spectators along the course and an upbeat, energetic vibe. I don’t always love big city events, but Melbourne is my hometown and we’re pretty awesome when it comes to putting on events and festivals. 

 

The start gun sounded, and we waited for the herd of cattle to start moooving (haha… see what I did there?). There’s no point explaining landmarks or moments when I felt good or bad, or trying to remember when I had a gel. It’s the same as any other report… I take gels (Endura) roughly every hour, but after 3hrs I struggle to stomach the sweetness, so I swap to savory (salt and vinegar chips are great). Sometimes I carry my own electrolytes (32Gi) and drink water on course, but I must stop to drink out of a cup. I’ve never mastered the art of walking and drinking at the same time (forget the idea of running and drinking). 

 

On this day, my Strava splits clearly show a consistent pace of 5:15min/km and I reached 21.1km in 1hr 49min. I was feeling good, but my heart rate was mid 160s (beats per minute) and that can be tiring for 4hrs. I was on track to break 4hrs, but I couldn’t hit 30km and give into the pain. I had to tap into that mental resilience I had before Covid-days. With 10km remaining (32.2km), the clock read 2hrs 51min. I had decreased my kilometre-splits from 5:15min to 5:30min. I was tired but I was NOT done. I just had to hold on!

My splits from 36-40km were 6:07, 6:14, 6:07 and 6:20min/km. I was struggling to get my speed up and I was concerned the course was slightly long (meaning I needed to run faster to reach my goal). With 2km to go, I clocked 3hrs 39min, and my internal dialogue said, “Even if you walk the last section, you’ll be OK.” But I hadn’t come this far just to quit so I told myself to shut up and move. Entering the MCG is such an amazing moment of awe, mixed with feelings of relief and pride for conquering the distance. It’s my absolute favourite finish line, and it gave me the kick I needed to pick up the pace and achieve my goal – 3hrs 54min. I was stoked!

Post-race

I waited for my friend on the sidelines (even though there was one marshal aggressively ushering people to keep moving through to bag collection). Once they arrived, we made our way through the sea of wounded people (physical wounded but mostly satisfied), and I went back to the toilets to find my bag was still there! Sub 4hr marathon and I get to keep my belongings… what a great result!

 

Australian Outback Marathon 2022

Australian Outback Marathon 2022

July 30th, 2022

https://australianoutbackmarathon.com

“The Australian Outback Marathon was conceived by Mari-Mar Walton, founder and Director of Travelling Fit, after visiting Uluru in 2004 with her husband. After six years of planning, gaining permissions and working out logistics, it began with 187 runners on 31st July 2010, growing to over 500 participants every year since 2017.” 

 

Pre-race

Back in 2014 I ran my first and second marathon, Canberra (ACT) and Melbourne (VIC) respectively. Soon after, I set myself a goal to run a full marathon in every state/territory in Australia. I went on to run Brisbane (QLD), Sydney (NSW) and Hobart (TAS). I planned on running Perth (WA) marathon in 2020 but the Covid-lockdown pandemic struck. 

In 2021, I ran Kangaroo Island marathon (SA) and immediately I set my sights on The Australian Outback Marathon (NT) for 2022. I secured my spot through Travelling Fit. I’ve travelled to South Africa through Travelling Fit, and they were flawless. It’s not cheap but my understanding is, there’s no other way to run The Australian Outback Marathon https://www.travellingfit.com/event/australian-outback-marathon/

I booked the second-cheapest accommodation – The Lost Camel. 

“The Lost Camel Hotel is a contemporary and fun, boutique-style hotel conveniently located in the heart of Ayers Rock Resort, only 20 minutes from Uluru. Soak up the sun by the pool, browse the shops or enjoy a casual meal at one of the cafés.” 

I organised my flights and although I’d recently started a new job, I made it clear I needed annual leave for a few days. My “Australian Marathon Goal” was non-negotiable. My husband was 100% supportive (as usual) and agreed to organise our teenage boys whilst I was away. *I could never have achieved this without the support and help of my family. 

 

The day before

“You will be up before dawn and escorted on a private coach to see the sunrise over Uluru. Once you have witnessed the sunrise you will start your self-guided tour of the base of Uluru. There is plenty of time to learn about the local culture and Anangu people, the traditional custodians of the land. At 5:00pm there is the mandatory Australian Outback Marathon Opening Ceremony and Race Briefing. At 6:30pm the traditional dinner will commence where you will get plenty of opportunity to mingle with fellow competitors.”https://australianoutbackmarathon.com

 

Race day

It was like Kangaroo Island all over again… It was in the early hours of the morning, and I woke to hear rustling near my bag. I turned on the light and the noise stopped. I turned off the light… “rustle, rustle, rustle.” I turned on the light and I swear, the bag of unopened popcorn (I’d bought the day before), jumped! I had a feeling of déjà vu from discovering a mouse in my bag the night before Kangaroo Island marathon. And if you’ve read my race report from Kangaroo Island, you’ll know that a mouse is NOT a good omen! I sat stunned for a few moments and then decided to do what I could to get rid of the mouse and return to my slumber. I grabbed my bags and lifted them up off the floor. I grabbed cushions and shoved them in the corners of the room behind the couch to block any sneaky entrances from outside. I sprayed some fly spray… surely that would keep the mice away? I left a light on low and managed to doze a little more.

 

My alarm sounded at 5am and I rose easily. I dressed in my shorts, calf compressions, no-name brand singlet, HOKA Cliftons (and a long-sleeve top for before the race). I wore my Garmin on my wrist and my buff and Goodr sunnies on my forehead. I’d already organised race fuel (gels and electrolytes) before leaving Melbourne and decided to store them in my Flipbelt. I walked across to the meeting area and waited with the crowd. Everyone was chatting and the banter continued on the bus, with people from all walks of life talking about The Australian Outback Marathon being a destination event and experience, rather than a race. We arrived at the start hub in the dark and cold. Thankfully there were gas heaters to help warm up, as we admired the field of light and waited for the sun to rise. 

“The critically acclaimed Field of Light Uluru by artist Bruce Munro is on display indefinitely. The exhibition, named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku or ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights’ is Munro’s largest work to date, covering more than seven football fields. It’s fantasy garden of 50,000 spindles of light, sways through a sympathetic desert of ochre, deep violet, blue and gentle white.”

 

https://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/experiences/field-of-light

The course

The following is information directly from the website because I’m writing this seven months later and I can’t remember anything but red dirt and sand!

 

“Setting off and turning left, you follow a graded and slightly corrugated track for approximately 1.5km before a right-hand turn leads you towards the Camel Farm and first drink station (positioned approximately 3km apart throughout the course). At 4km, you cross over Yulara Drive and then Lasseter Highway (for the first time). Look out for stunning views of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) on your left. The course then turns in a north-easterly direction for another 2km and the ground changes from a desert track back to an unsealed but graded road. After approximately 7km you hit one of the few sealed roads on the course, which takes you through Yulara. A left turn up Giles Road takes you onto graded tracks for 6km out and back. There are some sand dunes to navigate with spectacular views of Uluru awaiting you over almost every tiny bump in the road.” 

 

 

“The 21km mark crosses another section of the Lassiter Highway and then you head back into the bush. At 27km you take a left turn and start the trip home. The entire course is relatively flat from a topographical point of view but there are some little inclines here and there. A few sand dunes make an appearance and whilst they are not long or high they are challenging. The views at the top will certainly make the effort worthwhile.” https://australianoutbackmarathon.com

My experience

As mentioned, I participated in this event seven months ago and I don’t remember the details of my run. I know I wasn’t marathon-fit! Although I had run Kangaroo Island marathon in 2021 (also underdone), we’d gone back into lockdown after that. Constant lockdowns and cancelled events made it difficult to gain any traction with training. It also negatively affected my motivation. I went into The Australian Outback Marathon with a grateful heart… grateful to be travelling, for a supportive family, for legs that allow me to run (and walk when needed) and for the overall experience. I didn’t care about the finish time.

 

Strava tells me I ran consistently for about 10km (5:30min/km pace), then slowed down for the next 10km (crossed the 21km mark in 2 hours 2 minutes). Then I slowed further, taking more walk breaks and stopping at drink stations. The temperature climbed to 26 degrees, and I began feeling slightly dehydrated. The last 10km were easy (7min/km pace) and I kept my heart rate 160 beats/min or lower. My final time was 4 hours 24 minutes. 

 

The run itself was quiet and I felt alone majority of the time. There were approximately 140 people in the full marathon with a very generous 8-hour time limit. Even though I crossed the line 13^th female, there were only a handful of people waiting in hub and very little refuelling options (I can’t remember if it was pancakes or a sausage sizzle, but they literally packed up as a I crossed the finish line because they ran out of food). With little incentive to stay, I opted for an earlier bus back to my accommodation.

 

Post-race

Once back at the hotel, I showered and scrubbed vigorously to wash away the thick layer of red dust. In the afternoon (and in good spirits), I took myself for a walk to the local pub and introduced myself to some random runners. We shared a few drinks and great conversation. The next morning, I was up early, ready to head to fly home and see my family.

 

*My running destination of choice would usually involve a water view of sorts (ocean or lake), combination of made and unmade paths with some rolling hills (not too many). Plus, a vibe like music on the side of the road and a celebratory finish line. I wouldn’t usually choose a sandy, dusty, isolated marathon but it was part of my “Australian Marathon Goal” and this particular event is justifably iconic. I’m glad I ran it. I respect the history, connectedness, and spirituality of our Indigenous people. I enjoyed the extra-curricular activities like walks around Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

 

“Uluru and Kata Tjuta tell important stories from the beginning of time. According to Tjukurpa (creation stories) the park’s unique geological formations were created by ancestral beings that travelled across the land. Walks around the base of Uluru follow the tracks of the ancestral beings. The rock’s shapes and textures hold knowledge and stories that have been passed down through generations of Anangu and are still relevant today. The 36 steep-sided domes of Kata Tjuta lie 50 kilometres by road from Uluru. Kata Tjuta is a Pitjantjatjara word meaning many heads.” 

https://northernterritory.com/uluru-and-surrounds/destinations/uluru

 

Ayers Rock (Uluru) was declared a national park in 1950. In 1958, Ayers Rock and Mt Olga (Kata Tjuta) were excised from an Aboriginal reserve. In 1985, after more than 35 years of campaigning, Anangu were recognised as the Traditional Owners of the park and handed back the deeds to their land. The park was officially renamed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in 1993. Anangu own Uluru and Kata Tjuta and lease the land to the Australian Government. Parks Australia and Anangu work together as partners, jointly managing the national park using a mix of modern science and traditional knowledge. https://parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/discover/highlights/amazing-facts/

 

Final thoughts

If you’re visiting Australia or even if you’re visiting the Northern Territory for the first time and you want a destination run, this is your only choice. Travelling Fit and everyone involved in the event are highly organised, professional, friendly, and accommodating. I loved the trip away, time to explore, learn about our Indigenous culture and succeed in taking another step closer to my ultimate “Australian Marathon Goal.” Thank you!

Kangaroo Island Marathon – 2021

Kangaroo Island Marathon – 2021

Kangaroo Island Marathon – May 1^st 2021

https://www.kangarooislandmarathon.com

 

The marathon course is located in the south-west corner of Flinders Chase National Park. Runners will be inspired by deviating and undulating roads, an exposed coastal section with views of the powerful Southern Ocean, a loop that travels by historic landmarks such as Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, Admirals Arch, and a zig-zag boardwalk (boardwalk was destroyed in 2020 fires and are currently being rebuilt) leading to the iconic Remarkable Rocks. Our vision is to become one of the leading running destinations in the World. We’re proud to deliver a significant economic benefit to local tourism. Kangaroo Island Marathon was founded by Race Director Nate Godfrey, and is in partnership with SA Tourism Commission and Department of Environment and Water. Kangaroo Island has a 480km coastline. It is a bio-diverse hotspot; organic GMA free produce, rare flora and fauna, and picturesque beaches. 

 

Why did I decide on Kangaroo Island Marathon?

Kangaroo Island, like a large portion of Australia, is often impacted by bushfires in summer. But the fires of the summer of 2019-20 were unprecedented and detrimental. Fires began on the north coast on December 20^th from lightning strikes. On December 30^th, there were more lightning strikes, just north of Flinders Chase National Park. By January 2^nd, evacuations began. Fires continued to burn across the island for weeks, 2 people lost their lives, 96% of Flinders Chase National Park was destroyed, countless homes and businesses were damaged, and wildlife, livestock and habitat perished. Before the bushfires, about 50,000 koalas were estimated to live on the island. Now there’s 5,000-10,000. Other seriously affected wildlife were the dunnart (small, possum-like marsupial), Rosenberg’s goanna, short-beaked echidna, glossy black cockatoo, southern brown bandicoot and green carpenter bee. It wasn’t until January 21^st that the fires were contained and February 6^th before it was deemed safe to return. 211,000 hectares were burnt by the fires. KI Marathon was my way to support the locals and tourism of the island.

 

Pre-race – 

My first full marathon since The Tan 50km in 2019 due to Covid-19 and lockdowns! There were minimal events in Melbourne throughout 2020.

I’ve explained my reasons behind the decision to run Kangaroo Island Marathon. It was in my calendar since January 2020 fires and in the months prior to race day, I increased my training in preparation. I’d run a couple of 30km+ runs but they were flat. I live in a relatively hilly area, therefore some shorter runs incorporated rolling hills but nothing major.

Getting to Kangaroo Island proved more complicated than I anticipated but after weighing up the options, I booked a flight with Qantas that flew Melbourne-Adelaide, then Adelaide-Kingscote. It was a short car ride to my accommodation. The best word to describe Kingscote is peaceful. A charming, little, beachside town with a small strip of shops and restaurants. I had brunch at a lively and wholesome cafe called Cactus, and I bought some supplies from the one and only supermarket. 

Later in the day, I decided to drive the course and stopped at some of the famous landmarks on the way: The Remarkables, Admirals Arch and the lighthouse. The scenery was breathtaking and heartbreaking at the same time. Even though the fires went through the park 16 months ago, so many trees still looked burnt beyond repair (coated with an ashy colour… it almost looked like paint). Native plants like sedges and gahnias adapted to survive and began to regenerate only weeks after the devastating fires. Yaccas, hakeas and mallees grow quickly after fires, and this has helped turn the park green again. ‘The yacca flower can grow to a height of over 6 metres within 3-6 months. This makes them one of the most important nectar and pollen providers for creatures like lorikeets, pygmy possums and insects.’ When you look out over the endless fields of blackened branches, it can seem lifeless. However, if you look more closely you can see sugar gums, mallee trees and green shoots budding from the soil. This provides hope for plants, wildlife and human beings. (And hopefully marathon runners!)

As far as the marathon course was concerned… I was justifiably nervous (undulations my ass). The hills were real and persistent with approximately 850-metres elevation over the course. Also, the park ranger said to expect a strong headwind on the back end. Spoiler Alert: She wasn’t wrong!

Race day –

I’ve never had a wake-up call quite like the sound of a mouse rustling around in my bag! Apparently, Kingscote-Kangaroo Island was experiencing a mouse plague (along with rural NSW). I turned on the light and saw a little, grey mouse perched up in my case, playing, “If I stay still, you can’t see me.” But I could see him! We stared at each other for at least a minute until he scurried out of my bag and under the bed. I immediately moved my bag and stood there wondering what to do next. After a few minutes, I decided to go back to sleep. I woke again at 5am and hit the road by 5:45am. It is 100km from Kingscote-Flinders Chase National Park.

The weather was crisp and sunny, with a gentle breeze. It seemed like perfect running conditions, but I knew better. Firstly, if I’m not cold at the beginning of an event, chances are I’m going to be hot and bothered after about 10km. Secondly, the ‘gentle breeze’ would turn into powerful gusts of wind as soon as we were exposed to the ocean. Thirdly, bare trees provided no shelter and no place to hide from the elements. It was going to be interesting!

The start line was heartfelt with the race director giving a short but meaningful speech about the human spirit of the people of Kangaroo Island. There was a moment of silence, and I felt the significance of participating in the event. I felt privileged to be there. 

The first few kilometres were a tame introduction to the course, with a short out and back section along unmade roads. The pack started off strong and were back on the road within 15min. The undulations started soon after, but the views were stunning and offered a welcome distraction. As I looked at the rolling hills in front of me, I was reminded of Portland Marathon http://360running.blogspot.com/2018/11/portland-3-bays-marathon-2018.html

The rise and fall of the road was so similar, and much like Portland, I was enjoying the challenge and scenery. I held a steady pace, reaching 5km in 26min and 10km in under 53min. I was relatively happy considering the hills. My mind and body felt strong, I was comfortable. It was around the 10km mark when I looked up and saw my friend standing still with two other runners. I thought she was attending to them for some reason, but it was the other way around. My friend had fallen over, and hurt her arm. I caught up to them and ran/walked with my friend until we reached the aid station. I was hesitant to leave her, but I knew her husband wasn’t far behind and he would look after her… so I started to run again. 

I told myself that I’d see them both on one of the out and back sections, and I should keep going. The first out and back section was around 15km, after having climbed a decent hill. My watch showed 1hr 25min (my pace had dropped from 5:20min/km to 5:40min/km). I started the race with a goal to run sub 4 hours, but pace was no longer a factor. I just wanted to enjoy the course, cross the finish, make sure my friend was OK and celebrate together.

The road to The Remarkables was… remarkable! Sorry but it’s true! The vast and bushfire-stricken terrain stretched as far as the eye could see, with the contrast of the ocean on the horizon. The water and sky were bright, shiny blue. The temperature was beginning to rise, and strong gusts of wind blew across the road. However, this was my favourite section of the course. I could see The Remarkables in the distance and I was aware of the scenic gift that awaited us (having been there the day before).When I finally reached the rocks, I took a minute to breathe in the salty, ocean air and savour the moment. (This event was nearly two months ago, but that moment remains as clear in my mind as the sky was that day).

On the way back to the road, I stopped at the aid station and took in a few cups of electrolytes. I was starting to dehydrate. And I’d already finished my bottles of 32Gi electrolyte mix. I’d only consumed one gel. I grabbed a second gel, ready to take in as I walked uphill. As I began running again, I saw my friend's husband. He reassured me that she was fine but had withdrawn from the race. 

I reached 21km in about 1hr 58min, my body was tiring, and my head was spiraling. With a messy head and heavy legs, I pushed on. The second out and back section was relatively short and dusty (another unmade road). It was an easy segment and encouraging to see other runners. I reclaimed my pace, as the course took runners to the lighthouse, and down to the carpark area. 

‘Cape du Couedic Lighthouse was constructed between 1906–1909, consists of a tower built from 2,000 pieces of local stone, together with 3 cottages to house the head keeper and assistants. In the early years the site wasn’t accessible by land. Materials and equipment brought by boat were hauled up by a flying fox winching system powered by horses. Today the lighthouse is automated, and visitors can stay in the cottages. It is listed as state heritage.’

The turnaround point was 28km (2hrs 43min). The steepest part of the course was the climb up from the lighthouse carpark. It wasn’t long, but it was a reasonable hill. Like many others, I walked! Once back on top, I started running… by this stage, it was more like shuffling. My mind was elsewhere and my body was fatigued. On the return trip, the headwind was challenging, and the air was hot and dry. According to my Garmin the windspeed was 27km/hr (moderate) but after 30km of hills and drama, I had no energy to push (mentally or physically). Instead, I ran downhill, and I took photos and videos, as I walked uphill. I reached 32km in 3hrs 15min (6min/km pace). I don’t remember much about the last 10km, except it took a really, really long time… 1hr 15min (7:30min/km pace). 

I crossed the finish line in 4hrs 31min.

 

Post race –

Flinders Chase National Park is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. I highly recommend visiting Kangaroo Island and running the event. The adversity and diversity of the land is reflected by the ‘undulations’ of the roads. The fires of 2020 were detrimental to countless wildlife and livestock. But homes and businesses (boardwalks and phone towers) can be rebuilt. And regrowth of native plants and their ability to adapt, survive and regenerate provides hope! Thank you to Nate (Race Director) and volunteers of KI Marathon. It was the perfect post-lockdown event and my first marathon in almost two years. It was a privilege to run.