Marysville Marathon 2016

Marysville Marathon

Sunday 6^th November

http://marysvillemarathon.com.au

Brett Saxon from Trailsplus, is the Race Director of the RACV Marysville Marathon Festival.

History:

The Marysville Marathon Festival features running events of 4km, 10km, Half Marathon (21km), Marathon (42km) and Ultramarathon (50km) on scenic valley trails and forest tracks, bypassing sparkling rivers and waterfalls. The participants travel alongside the Steavenson River and Falls. The Marysville Marathon Festival was born from the ashes of the 2009 Black Saturday fires. Ultra Runner and Local GP, Dr. Lachlan Fraser, is passionate about his hometown Marysville and surrounding communities. His vision to create the Marysville Marathon Festival was about bringing people back to Marysville. He wanted to be sure the town and communities received the support they needed. He knew this wouldn’t happen overnight. The creation of Marysville Marathon Festival was never planned to be a once off event, it was to be here for the long haul.

The Neil McKern Marathon (1946 – 2014)

Dr. Neil McKern and his wife Carol lost their part-time home in Marysville in the 2009 fires, which they rebuilt in following years.  They joined in the community recovery, and Neil was instrumental in establishing the Marysville Marathon Festival.  Neil excelled at running in the late 1970s. In 1978, he came second in the Victorian Amateur Athletic Marathon Championships in 2hr 21min. He was an esteemed CSIRO scientist, accomplished musician and gardener, and a loving family man.

Pre-race - 

After running The Tan marathon in August, I secured my spot for Two Bays 56km in January 2017. My focus since then was hills! I started training at Lysterfield and on the Two Bays trail. I scheduled hill repeats and worked on leg strength. I entered Surfcoast Hell Run and Marysville. Marysville was an important run for me, but mostly it served a bigger purpose (preparation for Two Bays). The elevation for Marysville was 1600m (more than Two Bays) so I knew it was a good test! I trained hard on trails and hills during the weeks prior. I ran 35km on the Two Bays trail only two weeks before Marysville. I was prepared and excited! The other reason I wanted to run Marysville was the 2009 fires (as mentioned above). I remember Black Saturday very clearly. It was beyond heartbreaking. And once again, this would be a rewarding way to help a community in need.

My aim was to finish the marathon feeling good and strong (and take photos along the way). My injuries were generally OK, but both hips tend to seize from long, hilly runs. My left hip (operated one) was relatively good. However, my right hip had deteriorated significantly over recent months. I asked Brad to Rocktape both legs in an attempt to deactivate my hip flexors. I had no time goal but suspected I would finish somewhere between 5hrs – 5hrs 15min. Strangely, I wanted the extra time on feet so it was OK to go slow. My other goal was not to GET LOST! Somehow I managed to get lost at Surfcoast Hell Run and I was slightly paranoid about history repeating.

So, some of you might have seen on my 360 Running Facebook group, that I often surprise my husband (Brad) with race entries. It usually involves me suggesting a race that will help with another race… A couple of months earlier, Brad signed up for Two Bays 28km. All his idea! I suggested Marysville half marathon as a training run. It was an added bonus that we could drive up together and stay the night before in a local hotel. We booked The Black Spur – humble, country-style accommodation – and it was perfect. It was quiet and calm. I packed my hydration vest with gels, protein balls, rice bars, first aid kit (with snake bandage), space blanket, and dissolved a Nuun tablet in the bladder. I organised my compressive and Luluemon shorts, Trailsplus singlet, compression socks, sunnies, Garmin and Brooks Glycerin. I considered wearing trail shoes; I tested out my Saucony Peregrine a couple of weeks prior and they were OK. But my calves pulled up tight. I didn’t want to risk injury. I ran efficiently in Glycerin and decided to stick with what worked. The weather was the biggest factor when deciding on shoes. We’d experienced some rainfall, enough to soften the ground but hopefully not too much to make it slippery. Time would tell.

We had dinner in the restaurant but I started with stomach pain (I had some digestive issues from bad PMS again). I left dinner early and went back to the room to rest. Eventually I fell asleep.

Race day -

In the morning, I woke early with an uneasy stomach. The pain from the previous night had subsided but… lets just say I popped a few Gastro Stop! As mentioned in previous posts, I blame nerves (and PMS) for overactive digestion!

Once we got our shit together (pardon the pun)… We drove to the event registration area and arrived in plenty of time to organise our bibs, and mingle with fellow runners. The weather was fresh but surprisingly good for running. Before too long, we were called to the start line and misty rain began falling. Brett (Trailsplus) announced the countdown and we headed off to the right (and uphill).

The first 8km were a mixture of uphill and downhill with an easy, non-technical trail. I was relatively comfortable and maintained tempo.  The surroundings were green and Taggerty River was flowing freely on our left hand side. It was really pretty and I was happy! 

Around 9km, we hit Lady Talbot Drive (a loop) and started to climb. My pace dropped to over 6min per kilometre as I began to walk a little. I chatted to a fellow runner who was visiting from America. We talked about the fires, creepy crawlies, snakes and geography. The climbing continued without respite until the 16km mark… (Between 14-15km we covered over 130m elevation gain and my split was over 12min). From 17km until around 24km, we ran downhill. Now this is where I’ll stop and explain…

My memory is terrible and the run was over a month ago now (should’ve downloaded my thoughts straight away). So, I’m using Strava to jog my memory.

The downhill sections started as Lady Talbot Drive looped back around and were just as steep as the uphill. Steep downhills provide a different kind of challenge especially on a rocky trail. My mantra for this section was Concentrate – Concentrate – Concentrate! My brain hurt from analyzing every step. On these types of trails, foot placement is so important! About 21km we returned to the easier, less technical trail. I relaxed a little, soaked up the scenery again and took in some deep breaths.

Around 29km, we ran back through the start area and continued up the road towards our ascent to Steavenson Falls. The trail became single track and there were a few really tough kilometres… (Elevation gain was 90m, 119m, 95m and 120m and splits were 9min, 12min, 10min and 15min respectively).

Seriously people… It took me 15 minutes to cover 1-kilometre!

My mantra was God please help me – God please help me! After 30km, my legs were TIRED! I was strangely happy but tired. Along the way, I met another runner who wasn’t feeling great and I offered him a protein ball. I soldiered onwards and upwards until eventually I reached the lookout (and an aid station). HOORAY! I remember the aid stations along the way were more than adequate but I didn’t need anything. However when I saw the aid station at the lookout, I was so happy to see faces of support! I stopped and chatted, took photos and helped myself to some potato chips. I was feeling a little sick in the stomach (after 2 gels and a rice bar) and I needed something savory. I said thanks and returned to the single track. I ran about 100 metres and decided I wanted more chips so I ran back to the aid station (yes I’m a bit strange but damn those chips were good). I took another handful and with a spring in my step (or was it a limp), I started running again. Only 6km to go!

On the way down, I admired the greenery until I nearly tripped over a gutted wallaby! (Not a great sight for anyone, especially a vegetarian). I shook it off and continued twisting and weaving along the trail. I stopped to take more photos of the view (the damage from the fires remains so widespread). And a fellow runner caught up to me and said hello. We ended up continuing at a similar pace and practically running the last 5km together. I stopped a couple more times for photos (and a short video of the waterfall), and he would catch up. Then we would run together again.  We weren’t breaking any speed records (our splits averaged 6-6:30min) but the conversation was a great distraction. It was much easier to keep ticking my legs over. He told me Marysville was his first marathon (crazy but awesome)! As we came around the last bend, I saw Brad waiting to take some happy snaps. He encouraged me to keep pushing as we entered the race precinct. I was so happy to see the finish line! I crossed the line in 5 hours 11 seconds. I was happy and proud of my efforts.

Post race -

Soon as I finished, I congratulated my new running buddy (super job especially for a first marathon). I found Brad and he asked how I was feeling. My hips were sore and tired but otherwise I was OK. And I had some numbness and tingling in my left foot (nerve sensations from my hip/back) around 30km… (Yes something I need to manage better).

After hydrating (and purchasing an event top), I noticed some fellow RIOT friends. I knew sitting wasn’t a good idea (tight hip flexors) but I could lie down (prone) and still chat.

There were around 70 participants in the marathon; I finished 19^th overall and 5^th female. I was happy with my time and navigational skills (YAY I didn’t get lost)! 

Lessons -

1. Pack my own potato chips… they were the best!

2. Manage my hips better… I know what I need to do!  

Race feedback and will there be a next time -

The course was well-marked, and the race briefing and notes were thorough (as always from Brett). The aid stations and volunteers were great!

Marysville marathon is a tough course but the views, scenery and community make it worth running! I loved everything about it; the hills, waterfalls, people and more. I’m so happy I ran strong. I would highly recommend this event to others. I might have to return for the half marathon (or who knows maybe the 50km)!

Overall I rate this run 9.5/10.

Melbourne Half Marathon 2016

Melbourne Half Marathon 

Sunday 16^th October 2016

http://melbournemarathon.com.au/Events/Half-Marathon

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Click here to view the course map.

Start Batman Avenue, head south along St Kilda Road, then right into Lakeside Drive and do an anticlockwise lap of Albert Park Lake. At the Carousel carpark, runners proceed behind and around Pits Building before U-turning. LEFT back onto Fitzroy St. A few more turns until reaching Linlithgow Ave, right onto St Kilda Road. Turn right at Princes Walk, veer right onto the William Barak Bridge. Make a hairpin left turn onto Jolimont St, left onto Brunton Avenue before a final left into MCG and do the MCG loop to finish.

The event starts at 8am. There are drink/aid stations every few kilometres. Every participant receives a medal and all results are recorded by an electronic chip on the back of the race bib.

Pre-race - 

Melbourne half marathon is part of the Melbourne Marathon running festival. Last year I supported friends on their marathon journey (I wasn’t back running from hip surgery). The year before, I ran the marathon (still stands as my PB). This year I decided to enter the half marathon, more as a social event. I organised to stay in the city with two Running Mums Australia (RMA) friends from NSW – Jenny and Jody. And I was looking forward to having some fun! My other motivation was for a specific fundraising event!

Running is my way of helping friends and fellow runners, and contributing to society. In 2014, I ran Canberra Marathon for Epilepsy Foundation and I ran Melbourne Marathon for Very Special Kids (for Isa and I used to volunteer for them). In 2015, I ran Canberra HM for Make a Wish (Abbey) and Two Oceans for Mothers 2 Mothers (South African organisation). I’ve run for Vision Australia (I used to volunteer for them), Satellite Foundation, Australian Spinal Research Foundation, Mitochrondrial disease, Cancer and more. I’m a proud Wings for Life ambassador (Spinal Cord Research). In 2016, I ran Melbourne HM for Antonella and her daughter Indi (see below).

Antonella Marinucci is a friend and running client of mine. Nearly 10 years ago, Antonella had twin girls born at 26-weeks. Due to complications, Indiana developed a cyst (cystic leaukamalacia) on her brain that affects her motor skills. Doctors diagnosed her with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Indi needs surgery however they will not operate until she has the correct wheelchair to undergo recovery (which cost about $15,000). Every run I participate in from now until the end of the year, is for Antonella, Indiana and her family… #run4indi

Back to pre-race…

In the weeks leading up to race day, I trained on hilly trails. My focus race was Marysville (3-weeks after Melbourne). I scheduled a recovery week for Melbourne, which gave me a break from hills! I didn’t want to race Melbourne half marathon because it takes time to fully recover from a hard and fast 21km. However I wasn’t sure how to tackle it… Do I run tempo; 8/10 Rate of Perceived Exertion? Do I pace someone else? Do I aim to negative split? Do I run without my watch? I couldn’t decide. The night before, I was talking to Jenny and Jody about it (in amongst telling some hilarious jokes). Jenny was recovering from an injury and planned on pacing someone. Jody was going for a sub 1:40 (PB). I kept playing around with figures in my head. The weather forecast was a factor too; we were expecting strong head winds and possible rain. I decided I’d run 8/10 RPE and aim for a negative split (maybe).

The evening before the race, we met with another RMA (Kate) and had a quiet dinner. We were back in our room around 8:30pm and organised our gear for the morning. I was running in my new Lululemon shorts and RMA top (also compressions, Garmin, iPod, headband and Brooks Glycerin). I was taped from hip to toe on my left leg… typical left leg weakness resulted in some minor ITB issues. And I carried two gels. We were relaxed and happy (that’s when the jokes started). We had a fun night, managed to get some quality sleep and wake with plenty of time to walk to the race precinct.

Race day -

After we finished getting ready, we walked a few blocks from the hotel to the race area. The wind was blowing a gale as soon as we stepped outside. It didn’t bother me much because I wasn’t gunning for a PB (but I hoped it wouldn’t affect Jody). We dropped our bags at the MCG (endured a strict security check) and found the nearest toilets. The wind was cool but OK. I stopped and said hello to a few familiar faces (and a few unfamiliar ones too who gravitated towards our RMA singlets).

Once the earlier races begun, we made our way into the start area and I encouraged Jody to head up front. Melbourne half marathon has thousands of participants and the first few kilometres are very congested.

From the website… Number of competitors

More than 11,000 runners took part in Melbourne’s half marathon event last year and close to 10,000 runners entered the 10km event, swelling overall race entries to just over 34,000.

The countdown started and we began running with thousands of other runners. As usual, I went out quicker than planned. Seriously, why do I bother saying my goal is a negative split? Although I’m not competitive with other runners, I’m super competitive with my previous race times. I never negative split!

I watched Jody weave in and around other people and I stayed on her heels. I was quite happy to let her go, once we were in the clear. After the first kilometre, I noticed Jenny was on my heels. Jenny couldn’t find the person she was pacing, so she ran her own race instead. After a couple of kilometres, the road widened and I could sit back a little. I lost sight of Jody, however Jenny and I were practically running together. Jenny was listening her to iPod (mine was in my pocket but I chose not to use it). My first 5km was 23:49 (4:46 per km), which was 8/10 RPE. I was happy with everything (except mild asthma from the winds). We continued running along St. Kilda Road at a steady pace, and turned right into Albert Park. Immediately the winds picked up and I allowed my pace to decrease slightly. There were bugs and insects everywhere, and I inadvertently swallowed a few!

Despite the weather, supporters still lined the streets and cheered everyone on. Melbourne has a great atmosphere and allows spectators to see runners more than once along the course.

I continued running fairly comfortably and took a gel around 10km. My split was 48:45 (4:49 per km). Now… if there was no wind, I could probably say it was still 8/10 RPE but truthfully it probably tipped over the edge a little (maybe 8.5/10). Jenny was a little behind me and just as I was thinking about her, I saw Jody run onto the course from the left hand side. Jody should’ve been ahead of me…

Poor Jody was suffering from digestive issues and unfortunately it wasn’t the first time. Many of us know the pain of stomach troubles, either before or during a race. There are many theories about this… I blame nerves.

Jody is a great runner and an awesome person. My heart sank for her as her PB goal slipped away. I reassured her that everything would be OK. Run when you can, walk if you have to and crawl if you must… but just keep going. Jody was dehydrated and her legs were cramping. Her body was telling her to stop but we were going to cross that finish line… no doubt! We walked at random intervals and through drink stations. Jody apologised and told me to keep running. But the thought never crossed my mind. For the sake of a few minutes (and that's all it would've been), I would much rather help out my friend. Our 18km time was 1:29:43 (5:07 per km)… my pace had decreased but my focus remained the same… get Jody to the finish line. I liked the fact I could rehydrated and catch my breath. I wasn't complaining about slowing down a little ;-)

The last 3km were physically tough for Jody. I managed to take it all in; scenery, buildings, weather, runners, spectators, ambience… I was relaxed and thankful. We continued along, under the bridge, around more corners, up and over the walkway and along the outside of the MCG. Entering the MCG never gets old. I love it! I can only imagine how amazing it must feel to compete in a big arena. The buzz is electric! It fuels the last stage of the race and pushes you over the line. Jody and I crossed the line in 1:47 (not a bad effort considering the challenges she faced). I was happy we made it (and thankful for running half of the race with Jenny and the other half with Jody)! Jenny finished only a minute after us.

Post race -

After we wrangled our way through the crowds, collected our belongings and freshened up, I met with some friends. I waited for a few friends and clients to come in…. some achieved their goals and some missed out (the harsh reality of distance running is anything can happen on the day). Jenny and Jody had already walked back to the hotel. I ran back as a cool down. We chatted a little more before we headed off. It was a fun weekend catching up with Jenny and Jody. I can’t wait for the next one!

Lessons -

1. Not really a lesson but a reality check… I need to be honest about the possibility of a negative split and not go out too fast!

Race feedback and will there be a next time -

Melbourne marathon running festival is my home! The course is flat with some twists and turns. The weather is usually OK but Melbourne is notorious for four-seasons-in-one-day. Be prepared for anything. Race organisers, volunteers and supporters were fabulous. The atmosphere was great and finishing in the MGC is second to none. I will run there again.

I score this run 9/10.