Canberra half marathon
http://runningfestival.com.au/half-marathon
Pre-race –
* Long, pre-race story! Totally irrelevant to the actual event
but meaningful to me!
This was my first A-race for
2016! I took six months to start running properly again, after hip surgery in August
2015. I ran Portsea Twilight (8km) in January, Australia Day Run (10km) and
Trailology Beer Run (21km) in March. The Beer Run was a training run and I
loved it. But I wanted to race Canberra. I wasn’t expecting a personal best,
but I wanted to test my fitness and speed (post-op).
And I was running for Abbey. Abbey is the daughter of a running
friend of mine. Last year she was diagnosed with leukemia and has spent way too
much time in hospital, instead of being with her friends at school. Abbey is
the same age as my son, and she’s a beautiful little girl. Her chosen charity
was Make a Wish http://www.makeawish.org.au
As I’ve said before, running is my way to give back; by raising
awareness or funds for charities, causes or people that need our help.
Back to Canberra… In the weeks
before, I was training well with no hip or foot issues. I had some rib pain
(connected to hip and shoulder issues) but I planned on asking Brad (hubby) to
tape it.
On the Friday morning, I packed
my bags and went to say goodbye to our rabbits.
Without giving you graphic detail, we discovered our rabbits had
been attacked overnight. We found Lloyd with puncture marks around his neck and
Flash was hiding in a corner. We quickly wrapped up both bunnies and headed to
the vet. She treated Lloyd for shock and offered to keep both rabbits while we
rushed to the airport. Flash was ok, but we were worried about Lloyd. In the
car, we talked about what happened and the reality that Lloyd might not make
it. Just before we arrived, the vet called to say Lloyd died. I had to leave my
son howling, knowing that I was probably going to miss my flight anyway. It was
very upsetting. I couldn’t stop thinking about our poor, innocent little
bunnies, and my boys. It happened so quickly and I had no time to process
anything. The race was the last thing on my mind.
When I arrived in Canberra, I was
greeted by Kelly-Ann (RMA – Running Mums
Australia, amazing runner and friend). It was a great to see her. We had a
relaxed dinner with some wine and much needed cuddles from the family dog, Sam.
I rang Brad and he said Flash was doing well, snuggled on his lap. I went to
sleep feeling overwhelmed and thinking about Lloyd.
Saturday morning, Kelly and I
woke early. I decided to focus on my race and supporting others. We headed to
the start line of the 5km and 10km events to support fellow RMA. It was a
typical Autumn Canberra morning; blue skies but cold! The sunrise was beautiful.
Canberra has a special place in my heart. Two years ago (2014), I ran my first
marathon there. I loved it. My experience was perfect; blue skies and fresh air
(ideal running weather), I loved running by iconic Australian buildings like
Parliament House, the course was undulating, and there were only about 2,000
runners (not too congested). This time, I would be running the half marathon
and supporting others. It was great to be there and meet new RMA. I also met
Trent Morrow – Marathon Man
* World Record Holder for most marathons on 7
continents in 1 year
* Australian Record Holder for most marathons in a
year - 161 marathons in 2013
Just after the 5km and 10km crossed the start line, my phone
buzzed. It was Brad. He sounded upset and explained Flash died overnight (from
shock). The tears welled and I walked away from the crowd. I thought Flash was
going to make it. Our little family had lost both beautiful bunnies (in
a horrible, tragic way).
The rest of the day was clouded
by grief, confusion, excitement and gratitude... When we returned home, I went
for an easy, short run around the block to clear my head. That evening, Kelly
invited a few others around for dinner; Jenny (RMA and friend), Graham (Kelly’s
friend), Brendan (Kelly’s Coach and ultra runner http://www.brendandavies.com.au/p/bio-i-am-34-year-old-special-school.html)
and his family. Dinner was perfect; veggie options for me and a single glass of
vino, combined with great company. I retired for the night and listened to a
meditation on my phone. The meditation asked me to say YES. Whatever the
question, goal or request… say YES. I decided to set myself a goal of 1 hour 40
minutes for my half marathon in the morning (knowing that it was a big ask). I
said YES!
Lloyd and Flash
Race day –
I set my alarm for 4:30am… YIKES!
Yes Kelly likes to wake early… Crazy lady! Kelly, Jenny and I put pink ribbons
in our hair for Jenny’s niece (who has been very sick). Kelly was pacing Jenny
in the marathon (her goal was to get close to 3:30). And Graham was running his
debut marathon. We discussed race strategies; I said I should negative split (hahaha… never believe me when I say that, I
always go out hard!) And we had a light breakfast. We arrived in plenty of
time for the marathon start at 6:25am. I found my friend, Lynda who had
travelled up from Melbourne, and I managed to take a few photos. I watched the
ultra and marathon runners start (feeling
very envious) and I began to get organised for the half marathon start at
7:45am.
I decided to run with my
flipbelt, gels, iPod and a small water bottle. I ran in my Asics Nimbus,
shorts, calf compressions and RMA singlet. I’d never actually run in the
singlet before (but it seems to be
tradition for me to always do something new on race day! Any of my runners
reading this; do as I say and not as I do!)
I queued in the toilet line for
about twenty-minutes and made it to the start with a few minutes to spare. My
Garmin found satellites and we were off and racing. My goal was to sit
somewhere around 4:40-4:45min/km pace. And I was going to give it everything I
had!
The first 2km were perfect;
4:44min and 4:43min and that was with the hill up and around Parliament House. The
next few kilometres were on the quicker side; 4:26, 4:16, 4:26… I took
advantage of the downhill to pick up pace as I knew I would struggle towards
the end! I must have settled in about 8km because I unknowingly ran 5min/km
split (I was daydreaming and not watching my pace). The next 5min/km split
wasn’t until 17km… this was when I started feeling the pinch of fatigue! Up
until this point the run was great. The weather was perfect, course was pretty,
and support from the sidelines (especially RMA) was awesome. I took it all in.
I ran for my bunnies, my kids, for those who can’t run at all… I ran with
gratitude; for my hip feeling good, my health, my family, my friends and my
life.
Around the 10km mark, I took a
gel and some water. Other than that, I avoided drink stations and/or any stops. In
highsight, I should have taken in more water but I was pushing pace. Around
15km, my speed decreased from 4:45min/km to around 4:55min/km… I was tired. No
pain, but my legs were heavy and slowing down. I did my best to hold on but the
last five kilometres were; 5:03, 4:55, 5:04, 4:59 and 4:58 (And that was
tough!)
I worked hard to achieve my new
post-op personal best of 1 hour 42 minutes. And I was really happy with my
efforts!
Post-race –
There were 2,500 participants in
the half marathon (always the most popular distance). I finished in 1:42, I
came 386th overall, 62nd female and 23rd in my
category.
After the race, my left
shoulder/ribs seized a little but I was expecting that. My breathing was
laboured and that always sets off my shoulder/rib pain. I knew it would settle
eventually.
After I rehydrated, I joined
Nicole Bunyon (RMA founder) from the
sidelines and cheered on other runners. We were excitedly waiting to see Jenny
and Kelly come through! I knew the 3:30 time goal was drawing near… where were
they? Within a few minutes, we saw Jenny and Kelly looking strong and on track
to achieve their goal. They crossed the finish line in 3:29! It was fantastic
to see Jenny achieve her goal! Later I discovered that Graham ran his debut
marathon in 3:03… Amazing! Lynda came through in about 3:47, she wasn’t happy
with her time but satisfied with her efforts. Lynda had been unwell leading up
to Canberra.
Soon after everyone finished
their race, we regrouped and mingled with some other runners. We took our time
heading back home to shower before lunch with a group of runners who Kelly
knew. Brendan had achieved a personal best marathon time 2:32 and placed 3rd
overall! His brother-in-law had run his first ultra-marathon. The vibe at
lunch was positive and although there were a few people limping, everyone has
happy (and maybe a tad tipsy).
That night I slept well and woke
relatively early (not Kelly-early… that would be silly). Jenny and I went for
an easy recovery run to tick the legs over and eliminate lactic acid. I enjoyed
my time and I was grateful to the Varey family for allowing me to stay. I said
my goodbyes and headed to the airport. I was looking forward to seeing my boys.
Lessons -
1. Do not be afraid to set
yourself a really big goal! If you do your best, you will be happy. It doesn’t matter if you fall slightly short of your goal. We get so
caught up in what other people think, social media, comparisons and
expectations. Set a goal for YOU and GO FOR IT!
2. Do not limit water intake (it
only takes a few seconds to have a drink)
Race feedback and will there be a next time -
The race was great; pretty
course, scenic, undulating, organised and professional, awesome support, plenty
of drink stations, lively atmosphere, nice bling and a few merchandise tents.
Overall I rank this run a 9/10 and I would run it again however… Jenny and I
have made a pact that we will conquer the ultra-marathon next year! Bring on
2017!
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