Here’s a few runs that I’ve run in 2019 that are a repeat of events I’ve participated in previously.
Wings for Life World Run (Melbourne) 2019
Event details… See previous posts
Wings for Life is an international not-for-profit spinal cord research foundation. Our mission is to find a cure for spinal cord injury. We fund world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe aimed at healing the injured spinal cord.100% of your entry fee goes to life-changing research projects aimed at healing the injured spinal cord. All administrative costs of the event and foundation are covered by Red Bull.
Pre-race–
This is the fifth year I’ve participated in Wings for Life World Run (Melbourne) and fourth year I’ve been an ambassador. This year Brad and I decided to stay in St. Kilda and we offered to run with a client of mine (Adam). His goal was to make 16km.
Race day–
Brad and I arrived at the race hub about 7pm and met the rest of Team 360 Wellness and Running, which included:
Me, Brad, Sarah Franks, Adam Scharer, Talaylin Zeppa, Shayne Edwards, Aaron White, Anna Schurink, Danni Fitzgerald, Alisson Bolden, Rebecca de Bruyn, Jacinta Hanscamp, Maddison Allan and Kara Costello.
We had some photos and stayed warm while we waited for the race to begin. It was clear and calm but there was a definite Melbourne chill in the air. Much like previous years, we marched down the ramp and joined in the pre-race festivities. The run started and hundreds of people in fluro-yellow tops began running for those who can’t! Brad, Adam and I stuck together the entire time. Adam ran quietly but he was strong. We stopped at a couple of aid stations for water and Red Bull, and continued on with a distinct goal in mind.
After we reached the 16km goal (set by Adam) we continued running and Adam seemed even stronger moving forwards. We hit 17km, 18km and not long afterwards, we heard whispers of the Catcher Car behind us. We continued pushing, one foot in front of the other and just before we reached 19km we saw the car. I encouraged Adam to keep running. As the car approached us, we surpassed the 19km mark! How awesome! Adam smashed his goal! We continued walking for another 1-2km until we found the next bus, stocked with water and waiting to take us home. We climbed aboard and sank into our seats. The road back was relatively swift and easy. Once arriving back at the race hub, we all disappeared pretty quickly. On the way back to our hotel, I checked in with the other 360 Wellness and Running team members. I was so impressed (and grateful) for so many people joining in for a worthy and much needed cause.
Well done 360 Wellness and Running!
For more information about the Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation, follow this link; http://www.wingsforlife.com/en/
Princess Park 50km 2019
Event details… See previous posts
Welcome and thank you for supporting the 3rd running of the Princes Park Running Festival, this year consisting of 24hr – 12hr – 6hr events on Saturday and 2.5km, 5km, 10km, 1/2Marathon, Marathon, 50km and 100km Events on Sunday. I hope you are all looking forward to the great day as you complete your laps around the fast flat course. As always events that Trailsplus conduct support young people living with cancer. This is by donations paid to Canteen at the completion of each race. We are excited to have CanTeen onsite with us for this race to help support the runners.
The Course
The Princes Park loop will be run on the gravel trail. The 2.5km loop will be used. All Sunday events will be run in a anticlockwise direction.
Pre-race–
The reason for running Princess Park again was simple…a great training run for Comrades 2019! My rough plan or race strategy was 1 lap easy, 1 lap fast, 1 lap easy, 1 lap fast, 1 lap easy and repeat four times. The course is completely flat and it is very easy to schedule food or drink breaks. I packed an entire picnic to choose from (and made a conscious decision to avoid gels, after reacting badly to them at Brimbank 50km).
Race day–
I woke up at stupid o’clock 4:45am. The temperature was perfect for running, but I still dressed in shorts. I wore calf-compressions, singlet, long-sleeve top and gloves. I took my iPod (with my new audiobook). I arrived at Princess Park around 6am, and found a car park easily. After a short race briefing, the run began promptly at 7am. I implemented my race strategy perfectly until the wheels began to fall off at 30km! I was tired and my training load had been pretty heavy with Brimbank 50km and Frankston to Portsea 55km. Regardless, my mental capacity to push on remained strong. After countless laps, I crossed the finish line in 4hrs 43min. In comparison Brimbank was well over 5hrs.
Post-race–
After I crossed the line, I received my medal (1stfemale podium-getter). I thanked the volunteers and photographer. I reluctantly ran/walked another 10km, to tick-off the box on my training program. Once completed, I thanked Brett for another well-organised event.
The Tan 50km 2019
Event details… See previous posts
The Tan Ultra
This urban park trail run is held on the TAN walking and running track around the Melbourne botanic gardens. This beautiful part of our garden city is a great place for spectators to enjoy a morning around the gardens, the Myer Music Bowl and along the Yarra River. Across the road, by the river are BBQ facilities for those who would like to enjoy a picnic. The ability to continue holding the Tan Trail Run very much depends on how we, as users, conduct ourselves on the course. It is highly likely that you will come across many obstacles including runners and walkers. Please be respectful and make your way around them as they have equal rights to the public park. There will be dogs on long leads too and we understand it can be frustrating, but it is imperative that we do not say or do anything that could bring about a complaint from the public. Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.
Pre-race–
This year I’ve run Portsea Twilight 8km, Hobart Marathon, Roller Coaster 43km, Brimbank 50km, Wings for Life (19km), Princess Park 50km, Frankston to Portsea 55km, MS 5km run, Comrades 87km and now The Tan 50km… Wowsers I’m tired!
In 2016 and 2018, I ran The Tan marathon. This time, I hoped to run The Tan 50km as a “recovery run” after Comrades. The only reason I turned up was because I entered the series (Trailsplus 50km series). I still wasn’t recovered from Comrades and I was also getting over a flu, so my plan was simple: walk every single Anderson St. hill. Despite everything, my body pulled up quite well after Comrades but my left hip was whispering. I hadn’t come this far to risk everything, so I knew I needed to be mindful of my hips.
Race day–
I woke friggin’ early at 5:10am and sorted my breakfast and gear quietly (so not to wake anyone else). My father-in-law arrived at 5:45am so Brad and I could leave in time. Brad agreed to be my support and keep me company. We arrived with 30 minutes to spare, just enough time to collect my bib and visit the toilets.
I was nervous about the state of my body (and slightly doubtful about my mental conviction). However, I wanted to give it a go.
The clock struck 7am and we ran 350 metres out and back. From there, my thirteen laps of The Tan (and Anderson St. hill) began.
As I said in my last Tan report, there’s not much to say about the course because it’s loops. Anderson St. hill is a relatively small climb followed by a gentle downhill. I glanced at my Garmin each time it struck 10km… roughly went something like this… 58min, 57min, 1hr 8min (loo stop), 65min and 62min.
To be honest, I’m surprised I lasted the whole 50km. At 15km, I was ready to pull the pin. My body was tired, my left hip was a little achy but most of all, my heart wasn’t in it. There was no incentive or reason to put myself through another 50km. I told Brad I might stop and he replied, “You’re doing great.” It was actually the best response because there’s no point trying to negotiate with an irrational person. And I was clearly letting my emotions rule. I told myself it was time to get out of my own head and get the job done. I focused on what I had to look forward to. I decided I would allow myself to listen to an audiobook at 25km and have a can of Coke at 30km. As usual, I packed a picnic with bread rolls, chocolate, coke, At One bar, chips, electrolytes and more. I had plenty to choose from and keep my mind distracted.
Surprisingly, I managed to stick my plan of walking every Anderson St. hill and running (slowly) every other step. My Garmin spazzed out after 40km and indicated I ran to the MGC and stood still for an hour… very strange. This new Garmin Fenix5 hasn’t impressed me so far. (After running for 5hrs 7min, it dropped to 35% battery life. It’s supposed to last for 11 hours.) Anyway, I crossed the finish line in fourth place (about 200 metres behind 3rdfemale). I was really proud of myself for persevering. It was a tough mental game but I ticked the box and completed my 25thmarathon/ultra-marathon. Not bad for an old duck!
Post-race–
Spa with the family, wine and my left hip ached like a bitch! I need REST now! Thanks again to Trailsplus, volunteers and my super husband.
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