Press pause… And rewind

Press pause… And rewind

2020 – The “C” word 

I was on social media earlier this week and I had a couple of requests to join my 360 Running Facebook group. I’m a little surprised because I haven’t contributed much lately. I’m going to say it but only once… Are you listening? Covid-19! I said it! I said it once and I refuse to say it again! Like the rest of Victoria (Australia and most likely, the world), I’m over hearing about it. As James Hetfield says, “Nothing else matters.” It’s like nothing else exists.

Stage 4 Restrictions only permits us to leave the house for 60 minutes per day. This includes dog walks, taking our children out for a walk/scoot or bike ride, and our own runs. Plus, you can only run from home, stay within a 5km radius of home and you must carry a face mask. Thankfully, running is one of the only forms of exercise remaining that we are FREE to do… NO gyms, pools, Pilates, yoga, sports (including tennis or golf). The list goes on… 

However there are no running events (at least in Victoria) until further notice.

Since the world has pressed pause on everything, I’m pressing rewind and reminiscing about past events (Comment and add your most memorable events)!

 

Event	KM	Road Trail	Year	Memories – Good and Bad	Advice and thoughts
Portsea Twilight,  VIC	8km	Road/ path	2012-2020	Held on the first Saturday evening of the calendar year. It’s a small field, which is just the way I like it. A beautiful ocean view out to Point Nepean. My main memory is our traditional post-race dinner at The Rye Hotel!	If you live in Melbourne, try this one. You might want to train a few hills. It’s short enough to really have a crack!
The Great Train Race  (Puffing Billy),  VIC	13km	Road/ path	2017 and other years	Puffing Billy is an iconic Melbourne event, with fun for the whole family. The goal is to beat the trains (I’ve beaten the second but not the first). I love this event, even though it is a challenging, hilly run (and one I usually try to run fast). My most memorable moment was beating my friend Serena, (only time that’s ever happened) and riding the train back to the start.	All Melbourne runners should participate in this at least once! You’ll definitely need to train hills. Make sure you take a ride on Puffing Billy through the Dandenongs back to the start.
Two Bays  trail run,  VIC	28km 56km	Trail	2014 2017	Two Bays highlights everything positive about the trail running community. I’ve run both distances and volunteered. All three experiences will stay clear in my mind – 28km was my first trail run and I was stoked with my time, even with a decent face-plant towards the end. The 56km was slow and steady but I loved it! I was grateful to be in the bush, supported by family and friends.	Two Bays trail run has a reputation as the run to do! It is a beautiful course with a magnificent view at the top of Arthurs Seat. The run isn’t easy but the trail isn’t technical. It offers the best of everything!
Melbourne Marathon,  VIC	42.2km 21.1km	Road	2014 and other years	This is my hometown marathon and remains my personal best (3hrs 23min). There is fantastic crowd support and the course shows off Melbourne nicely. My most memorable moment was the epic finish line in the MCG and being able to share the experience with friends and family.	Well-organised, big city event with over 20,000 participants across all distances. Flat, and fast course (great chance for a PB).
Great  Ocean  Road,  VIC	23km 44km 60km	Road	2018 2015 2017	The GOR offers some of the prettiest views of Victorian coastline. I have mixed memories over the three distances. The road is harsh and there's limited access for supporters on the course. However, the vibe at the finish line (Apollo Bay) is fantastic.	Another great event for tourists. Don’t under-estimate the hills! Definitely make a weekend out of it and stay a night or two in Apollo Bay.
TrailsPlus The Tan Marathon, VIC	42.2km 50km	Path	2016 2018 2019	Most locals are familiar with The Tan track in Melbourne. The marathon is 11 laps (not usually something I'd recommend but loops do have their advantage). TrailsPlus events have a supportive, humble, community feel.	The track is pretty and relatively easy. Don’t let the idea of loops put you off. There are benefits of support crew every 4km.
TrailsPlus You Yangs,  VIC	30km	Trail	2014 2015 2017	You Yangs is one of my favourite trail events. The area so peaceful, calm and quiet. I have a special place in my heart for this event even though I’ve never cracked 3hrs (still believe I’m capable of that). Be warned… it’s cold! Spare a thought for milers who run through the night. Inspiring to see them on course.	South-West of Melbourne, You Yangs peaks are known for amazing views, wildlife, hikes and mountain biking. It is nature at its best. Go there!
Marysville marathon,  VIC (RD: Brett Saxon TrailsPlus)	42.2km	Trail	2016	Marysville will always remind me of Black Saturday (2009). Ultra-Runner and local doctor, Lachlan Fraser, created the running festival to bring tourists back. I found the trail quite challenging (rocky) and the climb to the top of Steavensons Falls was tough. My main memory is seeing how far and wide the fires damaged the land. If You Yangs has my heart, then Marysville has my soul. It makes my heart ache. I’d like to return to Marysville to run another distance and stay for a few days. I want to say more but I can’t quite find the words…	Marysville is a little slice of heaven that has been through hell. Without killing the town with kindness (meaning too many tourists), I would like to encourage everyone to visit and enjoy such a beautiful place in nature. The town’s slogan should read, “Good for your soul.”
Surfcoast trail marathon,  VIC	43km	Trail	2017	This was a big adventure. I wasn’t prepared but I’d heard great things so I decided to explore the unknown. The day was fun (and funny). We were showered (literally) with king tides and thigh deep river crossings. There are sand sections ranging from 300m to over 3km. I find soft sand difficult but the trail was runnable. My clearest memory is not being able to get off the stairs onto the sand because of the waves.	Surfcoast trail runs along the Surf Coast walk from Torquay to Fairhaven. Be prepared for sandy sections, unpredictable weather and tides. Ride the waves and have some fun!
Roller-coaster marathon,  VIC	43km	Trail	2019	Another adventure I was not prepared for, but again I heard it was a little crazy so thought I’d have a go! My memory says – Why did I sign up for this? I’m not going to be able to walk for a week (and I was right). My calves are going to explode. Why aren’t there any flat sections? The Dandies are gorgeous but I didn’t feel the same Zen as when I ran Marysville. Although it was awesome, I have no desire to run it again.	Rollercoaster is in the Dandenong Ranges, starting at Sky High on top of Mount Dandenong (with open views of Melbourne). The event is adequately named. My advice is to train ALL the hills!

 

*Other VIC Marathons or Ultramarathons I’ve run: Portland marathon (loved it), Wangaratta marathon (loved it), TrailsPlus Brimbank 50km (x2), Princess Park 50km (x2), Frankston to Portsea 55km (Fat Ass style) and Run for the Young marathon.

*Other VIC memorable runs: Wings for Life World Run ambassador (100% of entry fees goes to research for spinal cord damage), Bloody Long Walk 35km (Mitochondrial disease), MS Run/Walk (for Kim), My Mt. Eliza Run (Myeloma), De Castella 15km (Indigenous Marathon Foundation), Relay for Life (for Dad), Mother’s Day Classic, Carman’s Fun Run. And more…
*Other Interstate runs: Gold Coast HM, Canberra HM, City to Surf NSW

 

Canberra Marathon, ACT	42.2km 21.1km	Road	2014	This will always be memorable because it was my first marathon. I thought I’d only run one so I trained properly and finished in 3hrs 30min. There were 1,400 runners. The weather was cool, the course was undulating and there were plenty of Australian landmarks to see. Crossing the line was amazing… Runner’s high!	Great event, well-organised and the perfect way to see Canberra. I’d recommend it to Australians and tourists.
Brisbane marathon, QLD	42.2km	Road	2018	Brisbane is a beautiful, easy, relaxed and sunny event. I ran this with a friend (Serena) and the goal was to have fun. That’s exactly what we did. Great girls weekend away.	Another well-organised event. An easy course but be prepared for it to be a little warm.
Sydney marathon, NSW	42.2km	Road	2018	I ran Sydney as a qualifier for Comrades. All I wanted was under 3hrs 40min and I achieved it. My memory of Sydney was being focused about getting the job done. I also remember my family supporting me and getting to explore other attractions like the epic Blue Mountains afterwards.	Sydney is a busy city with lots of people.  Despite logistics, the event ran flawlessly. The course runs over the Harbour Bridge and finishes at the Opera House!
Hobart marathon, TAS	42.2km	Road	2019	Hobart is a small, unassuming city and the event is similar, with a small field of 300 runners in the marathon. It reminds me of country events in VIC (like Portland or Wangaratta). Memories include walking to the bus depot in the dark with nobody around (different to the buzz of Sydney or Melbourne), cold weather and friendly people.	Small event to match an easy-going community.  My advice is stay near the bus depot and take an extra layer of clothing for the start line. Stay a few days and see Hobart.

  

Comrades marathon,  Durban (South Africa)	87km	Road	2019	The most memorable and epic day in my running life. Everything from the expo, start line, crowd support, African people, landmarks and finish line. Plus I got to experience it all with my inspirational SIL (Carmen). I can’t describe how much I loved this experience and how happy it made me. One of the happiest days of my life.	See below for info on Comrades (the oldest and largest ultra in the world). My advice is DO IT! Especially in these crazy times… if you get the chance, don’t hesitate. DO IT!
Two Oceans,  CapeTown (South Africa)	56km	Road	2015	My first ultramarathon was “the most beautiful marathon in the world.” And my first time in South Africa! I loved every moment of my trip. I discovered the generosity of the locals, who handed out food (salted potatoes are the bomb), even though aid stations were every 2.5km. There were decent hills with beautiful views.	This is the perfect distance for a first ultra. And I have a love for South Africa (so I’m bias). I’m so grateful I ran this event. Thinking about it makes me smile!
Queens-town marathon,  New Zealand	42.2km	Road	2018	Flying into Queenstown gives you a taste of the beautiful snowy mountains surrounding the township. My memory of this event was beautiful scenic views, an interesting and varied course, and TBH, being exhausted from a crazy six months of racing and life in general. I’d love to run this again with my hubby.	A relatively easy course with some small hills and varied terrain. The scenery is amazing. This has my vote for prettiest marathon I’ve run.

 

Comrades Marathon is the oldest (began in 1921) and largest (25,000 participants) ultramarathon in the world (between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, South Africa). The direction of the race alternates between UP run (87 km) and DOWN run (90km). The race was the idea of veteran Vic Clapham, to commemorate the South African soldiers killed during the war. One of the goals of the event is to “celebrate mankind's spirit over adversity”. The spirit of Comrades is camaraderie, selflessness, dedication, perseverance and ubuntu. The famous big five set of hills are: Cowies hill, Fields hill, Botha’s hill, Inchanga and Polly Shortts. There is a strict 12-hour cut off and the finish line scenes are like nothing I’ve ever seen.