Saturday, 26 June 2021

Kangaroo Island Marathon – 2021

Kangaroo Island Marathon – 2021

Kangaroo Island Marathon – May 1st 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 20th from lightning strikes. On December 30th, there were more lightning strikes, just north of Flinders Chase National Park. By January 2nd, 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 21st that the fires were contained and February 6th 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 AlertShe 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.

Monday, 3 May 2021

Sri Chinmoy Yarra Trail Half Marathon – 2021

Sri Chinmoy: Yarra Trail, Burnley 2021 Half Marathon (3 laps), 14km & 7km Run 

Date: February 21st 2021

Start/Finish: Loys Paddock Reserve, Yarra Trail, BURNLEY

Terrain: well-established, easy paths with a few small undulations (130 metres elevation in total) but overall this is a relatively fast, flat course.


Pre-race – 

My third event post-lockdown 2020! This year I’ve run Two Bays 28km (Jan), Kilcunda HM (Feb) and now… Yarra Trail 21km (Feb). 2021 is a year of no expectations… due to lack of trust in the world courtesy of COVID-19. I want to enter events but I don’t want to risk loss of money, and hope. I ran Two Bays with Brad but we took it easy. Kilcunda wasn’t on the list but I’m so glad I did it. It’s a great course and I’d love to go back and actually give it a proper red-hot go! Sri Chinmoy was suggested by a friend and I figured, “Why not?” There isn’t much else to say about the pre-race. I want to take part in events again, have some fun, set some goals and spend time with friends. 

 

Race day –

I arrived in plenty of time and quickly found my friends. We collected our bibs and organised ourselves. The weather was perfect for running, about 18 degrees with a slight breeze. The course was easy to follow, and I wasn’t nervous about anything. After being in lockdown for so long, I had no idea where my fitness levels could take me. I’d become a ‘relaxed’ runner and hadn’t tested myself in a long time. I planned on running to the best of my abilities and seeing what time I could achieve for a half marathon (post-lockdown). 

The group went out fast and I knew there were some good runners in the mix. My first 5-kilometres were steady, and I clocked under 25min. I was happy with that and confident I could maintain the pace. My heart rate hovered around 170 from the beginning. I was pushing but I turned on my music and tried to tune out mentally, while keeping pace physically.

At 10km (50min), I had a gel and drank my 32Gi electrolyte mix. It’s interesting to see how this kilometre was 5:30min, about 20 seconds slower than previous splits. Fishing around in my Flipbelt and trying to open a gel packet takes effort when running. Although from 10-15km my pace started to drop anyway, so maybe I was just getting tired. At 16km, Strava clocked a 6min-kilometre but it also shows I ran across the river! In other words, I’m putting that down to a glitch. I’m writing this report weeks after the event, but I can recall I kept a steady pace and I didn't jump in the river! 

The track/trail has a city feel with the Freeway, traffic and bridges in plain sight. However, there is also plenty of nature including tall, old trees (leaves rustling in the wind) and birdlife to see and hear. The Yarra River is next to the track and it is common to see rowers on the water. There were plenty of people walking their dogs and I could smell someone cooking a BBQ breakfast. (Or was it lunch? How long had I been running for exactly?) I enjoyed the distraction of onlookers and people enjoying their Sunday downtime. Apparently, Loys were the family who started Loy's soft drinks and their horses lived on the paddocks next to the Yarra River. Which is the reason it is called Loys Paddock.



I reached 18km in 1hr 33min (5:10 pace) and I held on for the last 3km. I crossed the line in 1hr 46min. I was glad to be done and dusted for the day.

 

Post race 

Sri Chinmoy Yarra Trail Half Marathon, gave me a chance to assess my running fitness, and all things considered, I’m happy to be able to maintain 5:10min/km pace. My focus for 2021 is probably more about distance (Kangaroo Island Marathon on May 1st), followed by hill work (hopefully Point to Pinnacle in November). As a side effect, my speed should improve and my HM time will decrease. It’s good to have goals again, feel the fire in my legs and lungs and desire in my heart. I’ve missed running events. Thank you to Sri Chinmoy and volunteers for a satisfying morning out!  

Friday, 12 February 2021

Kilcunda Half Marathon 2021

Kilcunda Half Marathon – 2021 

https://www.runningwild.net.au/coastal-runs/kilcunda-george-bass-coastal-trail-run.html


Kilcunda Half Marathon, George Bass 17 and 8 km Coastal Run

Victoria’s Bass Coast offers fantastic trail running for people wanting to experience coastal trail running at its best. Located only 90 minutes from Melbourne on the Bass Highway, Kilcunda offers access to Philip Island, Inverloch, Wonthaggi and a host of other destinations to explore after the run.

Date: February 2021

Start/Finish: Foreshore car park adjacent to the caravan park.

Registration: From 6:00 A.M. at the foreshore car park adjacent to the caravan park. Look for the Running Wild flags. At registration you will receive your race bib.

Start time: 7 A.M. for 17/21 km

Navigation: This is a marked course on an out and back track.

Equipment: All runners in all distances must carry as a minimum: 500 ml water bottle and Pressure snake bandage (rolled ankle/snake bite). Highly recommended to wear or carry: sunscreen, sun hat and mobile phone

Terrain: this is a flat to undulating course on a well-groomed grassy trail including beach running, rail trail, and single track.

Other users: Please show consideration to other users of the trails as well as other runners. In some places the trail is very narrow. Please give way to downhill runners.

Rubbish: Rubbish bags will be located at the start/finish and Punchbowl Rd. Please do not discard wrappers/gels on the track.

Snakes: are present in the area and are often seen on the track or on the side of the track. In most conditions they will move away from you. Please treat them with caution, wait for them to move away or go around them, alert other runners if you see a snake. Treat all snakes as poisonous.

Pre-race – 

There isn’t much to say about pre-race. I ran Two Bays 28km a few weeks prior, but I’d taken it easy. I ran with Brad and we’d enjoyed being on the trail again. I pulled up really well, better than expected. When I read about Kilcunda, it sounded like fun. I’d never been there before, and the gallery photos looked amazing. I wanted to make the most of the opportunity to travel, explore & run. 

 

Race day –

My alarm sounded at 4:40am. I rolled out of bed and snuck into the lounge room, so I didn’t wake anyone. As I dressed, I could hear the wind and rain outside. I’m not sure whether I was happy for the potential adventure or put off by the untamed elements. I guess it all depends on your perspective. I decided to be happy for the potential adventure! Life (and running) is all about adventures!

 

I drove an hour until I reached Kilcunda. It was still dark, so I pulled over and looked up where to park. It was easy to find once I spotted the Running Wild flags. After I collected my race bib, I went back to the car and organised my gear. I wore a Flipbelt to carry fuel, my phone and snack bandage. I stayed in the car, out of the wind, until the last possible minute. The start line was staggered into two parts – Bib numbers 0-100 and 100 plus. I was a late entry, so I was in the second group. While we waited for our turn, the rain started to fall more heavily, and we huddled together in an attempt to stay warm. 

 

Once I was running, the rain didn’t bother me. The first couple of kilometres were flat and easy, running away from the start line with the ocean view on our right. After about 2km the course double-backed (with the water on our left). We continued past the start line and along the beach side track. My first 8km were great (took about 42 minutes) and I felt good. I was in good spirits and although I’d entered the event saying I would cruise, endorphins took over and I admit I pushed pace a little. My heart rate always sits high but 170 is higher than usual (more than a training run)! After 8km, the undulations really started to kick in, and I began walking the hills. I fully expected to walk sections. I made the most of the walking parts and chatted to a couple of friendly faces (Annette and later, Bill… both fellow runners I know). I had a gel and drank my 32Gi electrolyte mix. I took in the view and made the most of the wind when it was behind me. I held onto my sunnies because I suspected if I left them on my head, the wind would steal them away.

 

From 8-18km, my pace dropped due to the rolling hills, sandy sections and exposed tree roots. It didn’t seem overly difficult, but it was enough to slow me down. I enjoyed it all though. My only negative thought (and it was minor) was my lack of fitness. I knew if I was fitter, I could’ve had a real crack at it! But I wasn’t disappointed in the event or my efforts. I crossed the finish line in 2 hours 9 mins (I think I was 17th female). It would be great to have another go and finish under 2 hours. Once I finished, I waited for Annette and said congratulations. I then headed to the undercover area for some post-race snacks… two fruits in juice! Great idea! I took a few photos but quickly headed back to the car and began the drive home. If it was sunny, I would’ve stayed and had brunch. That might have to wait until next year.



Post race 

Once again, I recovered well, better than expected. This tells me that I need to keep working on cardiovascular fitness (post Covid-lockdown) and I should, in theory, continue to improve. I had a great time, and I’d highly recommend this event to other runners. It was easy to follow, well-marked, fantastic variety of post-run snacks and despite the weather, the coastline scenery was beautiful. I love running anywhere near water! It has a great variety of grass, boardwalks and sand, without being overly technical or difficult. It’s perfect for runners of all fitness and skill levels. Thank you to Running Wild event organisers and volunteers for a great event!

 

Monday, 8 February 2021

Two Bays 28km 2021

Two Bays 28km – 2021

http://www.twobaystrailrun.com/index.html

The website covers all possibilities and provides light humour for your reading entertainment! 

“Run 28km across Mornington Peninsula from Dromana to Cape Schanck. Two Bays Trail Run is on Sunday 17th January 2021 at 7am. The steep rise from sea level up to Arthurs Seat (elevation 1,000ft) provides breathtaking views across the bay to Melbourne. The trail is well marked by a blue wren bird symbol on all signs. The middle of the track passes through mostly undulating national park and forest.”

From Dromana information centre go along Point Nepean Hwy (bay on your right)turn left onto Latrobe Pde and continue up hill and across the bridge over the freewayturn left onto Bunurong Track. Climb to the top of Arthurs Seatfollow the sign towards Seawindsexcept the last sign which reads Seawinds 0.3km. At this sign you should go right and follow the signs to McLarens Dam. At the end of this section, turn right at Waterfall Gully Rd and left at Goolgowie Rd. Turn left at Avalon Dr then sharp right 10m in. Run through the reserve on the boards past the playground and out onto Yambil Ave where you turn right. At the roundabout turn left along Duells Rd until Gardens Rd and go right (wipe your feet on the mats provided). Cross over Browns Rd, into Hyslops Rd on the other side. Hyslops Rd stretches out to a track straight ahead. Follow the sign to Greens Bush and in about 50m look for the blue wren. Make sure you’re following the signs to Boneo Rd or Cape Schanck. When you get to Boneo Rd watch for traffic (5.4km to the Cape). Continue towards Bushrangers Bay and follow the track to the Cape (small sections are sandy). Eventually you’ll rise up a small undulation and see the lighthouse. The finish is the Bus Lane at Cape Schanck.

 

Pre-race – 

2014, I ran Two Bays 28km (2hrs 32min)

2015, I entered 56km but had to DNS 3 days before 

2016, I volunteered at Boneo Rd (best vollie station ever)

2017, I ran Two Bays 56km (6hrs 14min)

*Then (2018) I had a trauma injury from my dog, (2019) I ran Hobart marathon, (2020) I had a hysterectomy and that leads to… NOW!

 

Race day –

Brad and I made the decision to enter the 28km after a year of Covid-19/Lockdown syndrome (not an actual syndrome but I’m sure most Melburnians can relate). We both secured a qualifier and entry into the original direction – Dromana to Cape Schanck. We arrived in plenty of time for a visit to the loo and said hello to friends like Chris O’Brien!

The start line was staggered to adhere to Covid-19 restrictions however Brad and I were in different groups. I decided to start back with Brad in group 7. The start line ran smoothly, and Rohan (RD) checked all runners were standing on their designated cross. I was surprised how perfect everything seemed. I thought it might be a little more chaotic, but it was flawless (from a participant’s viewpoint).

 

I managed to run (OK… shuffle) up Latrobe Parade onto the official start of the Two Bays trail. Brad and I walked the steps to the top of Arthurs Seat. The view from the top never gets old. If you’ve never been there, do yourself a favour (as Molly would say)… check it out! Both Brad and I know the track quite well, so we knew when to run and when to walk. We continued moving at a relatively good pace along the single-track section, carefully navigating exposed tree roots, stairs, occasional boardwalks and fellow runners. We arrived at the opening at the top of the damn hill (see what I did there?) feeling fresh and happy (Brad might disagree). 

This is usually where local kangaroos congregate but they were in-hiding. As well as plant life, there is an abundance of animals like kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, lizards, snakes and birds (all of which I have seen on training runs). Having a close encounter with wildlife is part of the Two Bays experience. On race day, there is more noise and action. A combination of factors resulted in no wildlife sightings this time.

As we began our descent, we chatted to another runner about the logistics of going downhill. Brad often tells me to slow down and use the decline as an opportunity to recover, but I love leaning into the hill and letting gravity gently push me along. I mucked around by putting my arms straight out like a plane and zigzagged effortlessly (like skiing down a snow mountain). A photographer was situated about half way down and captured our comical attempt at a jump shot! 

Once at the bottom, we continued past the dam and overtook a few more runners. By the time we reached Waterfall Gully Rd, we were amongst runners at a similar pace. The next section (on road) provided us with a little boost of encouragement. The locals were sitting or standing on their front lawns cheering and clapping. They were so lovely! Two Bays always has an amazing community-feel. The runners, the supporters, the race organisers and the volunteers are the BEST! Maybe I’d forgotten or perhaps I wasn’t expecting it due to Covid-19 turning so many people into hermit crabs, but it was so heart-warming to see and hear the residents of Goolgowie Rd. Thank you!

After our moment of glory, we quickly returned to bushland, running along boardwalks and brushing past green leafy fernery. We ran Yambill Avenue to the roundabout and started walking up the dirt road towards the next aid station. Both Brad and I had our first gel and some electrolytes. The next part of the track requires runners to wipe their feet… “Some of the native plants of Greens Bush are dying because microscopic fungus, Cinnamon Fungus or Phytophthora cinnamon. People can unwittingly transmit the fungus by going through infected areas and picking up spores on their shoes…”

 

At this stage, we had been running for about an hour and my recollection of events is a little hazy (plus I’m writing this three weeks later). I remember Brad starting to get tired somewhere between 8-11km. There were some small but sharp hills, and Brad had been battling some injuries for a few months prior. He told me to run ahead without him, but I was happy to stay together and make the most of the scenery and experience. A week prior, we’d entered Portsea Twilight (another local favourite) but I hadn’t been well enough to run it. As much as my heart craved the trails, my head knew the smart choice was to wait a week. So, I was determined to have enough fun for the two of us! The most logical thing to do was… start taking photos!



*Note: when we reached Browns Rd aid station, I encountered the best volunteers I’ve ever met (Jennie, Alex and Katrina)! You guys were the bomb! Thanks for the trail love 

Once we crossed Browns Rd, we hit Hyslops Rd. It’s 2km long and 60m elevation (not much but consistent enough). We ran and walked until we reached Limestone Rd aid station. The next section was short, slightly downhill and sandy, but easy to run. We went through a chicane and continued along a dirt road to Greens Bush. Some people say how much they like Greens Bush. It is green and pretty, and there are boardwalks, stairs, grass, sand, turns and flat sections. It has variety and I can see the appeal. But I find it tough because it seems to last forever. In 2017 (I ran Two Bays 56km) and I didn’t like Greens Bush. However, this time I didn’t mind the endless, mind-numbing trail! Maybe it’s because I was too busy taking photos! We also spent time chatting to a couple of runners who asked if we’d run Two Bays before. We reassured them that the hardest part was over (only those pesky stairs left). Shhhhhh! 

Boneo Road aid station signified the home stretch and 5km to go. It was slow and sandy. Those dreaded stairs appeared, and the female counterpart of our new running besties said she didn’t think we could be friends anymore. We laughed exhaustedly as we marched onwards. Soon after, I heard the sweet sound of waves crashing against the rocks and the smell of salt air indicating the finish line. The view of Bushrangers Bay is pretty epic! It always makes me smile. You have to see it to understand the feeling. With less than a kilometre to go, Brad’s legs started cramping but he pushed through until the end. We did it!

 

Post race 

We crossed the line and Brad rested in a nearby chair. I grabbed us a drink and an apple to assist with our recovery. We chatted to a few other runners before jumping on a bus back to the start line at Dromana Information Centre. Our results: Two Bays 28km in 3hrs 10min (according to Strava).



Race feedback – 

I’m writing this report, three weeks after the event and I’m still full of love; for my Two Bays friends and family. And thank you hubby, for running my first event post Covid-19/Lockdown! Love it love it love it!

2023 (Part 1)… It’s been a year!    Busselton Marathon 2023 February 11 th , 2023  https://www.busseltonrunnersclub.org.au/brc-bay-run   Bus...