125 replies to this topic

[Baldric]

Coming soon, one of the great events on the calendar :

https://sites.google...e/maroondah-dam

[Whippet Man]

Never miss it. Up for my 10th. I think they call that the DecaDam. Only Kelvin and Kevin Cassidy have one so I will be in good company.

[Campbell]

Are there any elevation / profile charts around for each distance? What is the total ascent in each? Thanks.

[Tony123]

Campbell, on 06 January 2012 - 08:17 AM, said:

Are there any elevation / profile charts around for each distance? What is the total ascent in each? Thanks.

I ran the 30km last year, Garmin profile attached.  It gets quite steep in a couple of spots, especially going up and over Mt St Leonard at about the 19km mark.  the steep parts are where I started walking, you can see my pace drops right off at these points.

http://connect.garmi...player/69130535

[harro]

I am in for the 50. Brining two newbies for the 50, Kristy and Kate. They are up to 4hr bush trail runs now and with a couple of 4hr runs to go should do OK. Planning to all run together so I reckon about 7hr30min, maybe a bit less. Would be nice to make it in for the presentations at 3 though!

[Espress0]

Keen to do the 30km as a follow on from 2 Bays.  From what I've heard, Maroondah sounds like a great race.  Looking forward to it.

[Tony123]

Espress0, on 06 January 2012 - 02:29 PM, said:

Keen to do the 30km as a follow on from 2 Bays.  From what I've heard, Maroondah sounds like a great race.  Looking forward to it.

Good luck.  I did both runs last year, the Maroondah run is a bit harder than 2 Bays.  I took 25mins longer on the Maroondah compared with 2 Bays, and I had a better run at Maroondah.  Cramped badly at 2 Bays over the last 4-5km.
Both run are a lot of fun, you will enjoy them.

[qwen]

Campbell, on 06 January 2012 - 08:17 AM, said:

Are there any elevation / profile charts around for each distance? What is the total ascent in each? Thanks.

Here's a GPX of the 50km from last year. Don't think I went too far off course

Attached Files

•  maroondag_dam_2011.gpx   735.59K   40 downloads

[rohan]

hey Cam,
it's not just elevation you have to think about if doing the 50.  Vegetation changes have made the first section of the 50 really variable.  Fire and recovery related.  First time post fire, heaps of trees down to climb over under. Most recent edition heaps of wicked grass stuff that cut up your legs.  Lots of blood.

[cjr]

I am keen to have a crack at the 50 this year, although I have not done much at all since the Marysville 50.

I did the 30 last year after 2 Bays half - I found Maroondah to be quite a bit tougher and slower than 2 Bays

Biggest concern for me will be the potential for a hot day as I am not acclimatised to the heat at all - I tried some midday runs in Perth last week and found it hard going. Then again there is nothing one can do about the weather on the day other than suck it up...

[Whippet Man]

I see entries are open:  Maroondah Dam

Great innovation with a series entry and cumulative point system with serious prize money on offer.

Great work Brettsrun.

[qwen]

I'm in for the Ultra Series.

[Pasty]

Do you ever take a day off Brett?  
Nice work on getting the entries open and Karen and I will be there along with qwen.

[RMC]

Whippet Man, on 05 January 2012 - 10:42 PM, said:

Never miss it. Up for my 10th. I think they call that the DecaDam. Only Kelvin and Kevin Cassidy have one so I will be in good company.

I'm a few behind you there Whippet having missed last year. There have been 347 finishes in the 50k since 1995.

I've attached a pdf of ALL 50k finishers from 1995 to 2011 along with the most frequent 50k finishers list (3 or more) from 1995 to 2011 ..

 MDAM50k-all-finishers-1995to2011.pdf   58.29K   36 downloads
 MDAM50k-most-freq-finishers-1995to2011.pdf   21.23K   21 downloads

[DianeE]

Campbell, on 06 January 2012 - 08:17 AM, said:

Are there any elevation / profile charts around for each distance? What is the total ascent in each? Thanks.

Oh, if this is the 'Campbell' I think it is, I would love to see how quick you could do either the 50k or 30k! (2:3x marathon & 3:31 Six Foot)

[sorry if I'm wrong!]

D.

Edited by DianeE, 11 January 2012 - 06:07 PM.

[JohnLindsay]

Nice work with the runner lists, RMC. Hope to see you there - I'm also going for my 7th.
John

[Whippet Man]

Be good to see you both there. But not during the race: I am combining running with sweeping so you don't want to be back with me!

[brettsrun]

THOUGH NOT THE OFFICIAL MAROONDAH THREAD THOUGHT I WOULD POST HERE FOR NOW
YES MAROONDAH DAM 2012 and THE VICTORIAN TRAIL RUNNNG CHAMPIONSHIPS IS UNDERWAY

THERE ARE A SEVERAL WAYS YOU CAN PARTICIPATE THIS YEAR RANGING FROM
SHORT SERIES 6-16km MEDIUM SERIES 30km LONG SERIES 50km ULTRA Series 50km-100km
OR YOU CAN SIMPLY ENTER THE INDIVIDUAL RACES AS NORMAL

A GREAT PRIZE POOL IS ON OFFER ACROSS THE SERIES THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF Highly Tuned Athletes

SPOTS ARE STRICTLY LIMITED IN KEEPING WITH MANAGING THE TRAILS AND NOT OVERLOADING THEM
NO LATE OR ONSITE ENTRIES ARE AVAILABLE AND IN MOST CASES ENTRIES WILL CLOSE WELL BEFORE RACE DAY

CURRENT TRENDS SUGGEST I MAY HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO SORT THE ENTRANT LISTS AS IT IS FILLING FAST


VOLUNTEERS - IF YOU ARE NOT UP RUNNING THIS EVENT  I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU COME ALONG AND HELP OUT AT AN AID STATION
LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE AVAILABLE TO ASSIST IN ANYWAY

WHO WILL BE CROWNED THE INAUGURAL VICTORIAN TRAIL CHAMPION?

                                            WILL IT BE YOU ?

Edited by brettsrun, 12 January 2012 - 02:14 AM.

[Campbell]

DianeE, on 11 January 2012 - 06:06 PM, said:

Oh, if this is the 'Campbell' I think it is, I would love to see how quick you could do either the 50k or 30k! (2:3x marathon & 3:31 Six Foot)

[sorry if I'm wrong!]

D.

It is the same 'Campbell'!!! This would be a good lead-up race for Six Foot...just contemplating between 30 or 50k event.

Hope you are going well...haven't seen you on One Tree Hill yet this summer...

[DianeE]

Campbell, on 12 January 2012 - 08:05 AM, said:

This would be a good lead-up race for Six Foot...just contemplating between 30 or 50k event.

IMO, 3 weeks out from Six Foot running a hard 30k race at Maroondah is great.  It's actually about 32k and a really tough run on your legs - especially the constant downhill in the second half.

Take heed of Rohan's comments re the vegetation for the first 20k too.

[KCtorq]

harro, on 06 January 2012 - 10:40 AM, said:

I am in for the 50. Brining two newbies for the 50, Kristy and Kate. They are up to 4hr bush trail runs now and with a couple of 4hr runs to go should do OK. Planning to all run together so I reckon about 7hr30min, maybe a bit less. Would be nice to make it in for the presentations at 3 though!

We will do our best but....  registering this morning was a bit frightening...! .. holy moly..!

[Whippet Man]

DianeE, on 12 January 2012 - 09:26 AM, said:

IMO, 3 weeks out from Six Foot running a hard 30k race at Maroondah is great.  It's actually about 32k and a really tough run on your legs - especially the constant downhill in the second half.

Take heed of Rohan's comments re the vegetation for the first 20k too.

Agreed. If you want to race 6' you should only do the 30. The 50 will leave your legs wanting at 6'.

[cjr]

brettsrun, on 12 January 2012 - 02:12 AM, said:

                                            WILL IT BE YOU ?

Well I can confidently say that unless you get extra points for style it won't be me, but in a moment of compulsiveness have entered the 50 nonetheless.

So much for having a break over the summer...time to do some training now

[brettsrun]

cjr, on 19 January 2012 - 10:30 AM, said:

Well I can confidently say that unless you get extra points for style it won't be me, but in a moment of compulsiveness have entered the 50 nonetheless.

So much for having a break over the summer...time to do some training now

Hey CJR, you never know,
like in many points competitions consistency can see you through

or there is always the "bradbury method" all others fall

see you in the mountains soon

not many spots left now so I'm looking forward to a relaxed approach not having to worry to much about admin stuff right up to the days before
unless I grovel to get some extra places added, but doubt I will, I prefer the relaxed option sitting around the fish pond pool soaking my sore legs

[realmenrun]

I'm another newbie to this event, just signed up for the 30. This has been my first summer of trail races having done Marysville half and Two Bays 28.
Cant wait for this one but am a bit nervous about how difficult its gonna be given that everyone says it harder than two bays. But i reckon the harder the better and some nice warm weather should present a challenge i have not had to face yet.
Look Forward to seeing you all there.
C.F.

[Tabatha]

Does this run cover much territory that was destroyed on Black Saturday?

[Kathymac]

Tabatha, on 02 February 2012 - 06:34 PM, said:

Does this run cover much territory that was destroyed on Black Saturday?

Yep, you get to see some charred trees on this run.

Having said that, it wasn't really 'destroyed' by the fires and has bounced back really well. I went on a training run from Healesville over the top of Mt St Leonard and onto Tanglefoot Track a couple of weeks ago and it all looks really good - very green and healthy, lots of wildlife, etc. I admit I dont really notice any more that it has been burnt.

But if you did want to do some sightseeing and have entered the 50k, there was a scenic detour that a couple of geographically-challenged runners tried out last year and they ended up in a fire-affected town called Narbethong...

[harro]

Was going to laugh at the lost people mentioned above but then i thought . . . Ooohhh . . .maybe i will hold off on that for the moment. :-)

[buzzlightyear]

I am fortunate enough to have known the Trails+ people for a long time but timing was never right to support (by I mean participate) , until now.

Have put my name into the hat and will be making the trip to Victoria. A few request for any  Victorian CR

Is there anyone whom I can car share for the morning to race start and back (to and from City) or the night prior to the camp site?

I don't do karoke in the car and my level of flatulence isn't as much as other people claim (except when I run)   Quite a happy camper and have energy level as high as buzzlightyear.

Keen on making this a budget trip (was a compromise I made to the Mrs for being away that weekend) In-return, I would be happy to recipocrate and do the reverse when you make the trip to NSW  and participate in any of our runningwild events (Don't forget the Mt Solitary Ultra!!!!)

(yup, we Sydneysiders are a friendly bunch too)

Me Mrs makes an amazing pot of stew. If timing works out well and if we do host you, I promise we will up the alcohol level in her amazing guinness lamb stew...

And yes, I will contribute to fuel cost and any misc cost...


Buzz

Edited by buzzlightyear, 03 February 2012 - 10:32 AM.

[Whippet Man]

Great to hear you are venturing down south Buzz. It is a great course with a few little hills to test you out.

Can't really help with the transport as I will be heading up early the day before to help mark the course.

[KevinCassidy]

Whippet Man, on 05 January 2012 - 10:42 PM, said:

Never miss it. Up for my 10th. I think they call that the DecaDam. Only Kelvin and Kevin Cassidy have one so I will be in good company.

Well done, Whippy. A third member of the "club" will be most welcome.  Sadly, I have no idea when or if I will ever add to my 13 finishes.  I was glad to be back on the trail for the 30 last year but will only be making up the numbers in the 6km fun run in 2012!!!......but never say never!

[harro]

13 sleeps . . . . .

[buzzlightyear]

Whippet Man, on 03 February 2012 - 12:42 PM, said:

  a few little hills to test you out.

I just saw the elevation profile...Its going to be ...erm...an interesting run..(I meant lots of power hike)

Whippet Man, on 03 February 2012 - 12:42 PM, said:

Can't really help with the transport as I will be heading up early the day before to help mark the course.

Mr Strong-than-the-steel-frame-of-the-car  (aka Robhall) is helpin me with transport. Will be in Melb City and staying in a backpackers so its all cool!!!

Going into this run un-tapered. It's going to hurt.

[rohan]

buzzlightyear, on 06 February 2012 - 08:46 AM, said:

Mr Strong-than-the-steel-frame-of-the-car  (aka Robhall) is helpin me with transport.

You have noticed that cars don't have a frame/chassis these days?... just sayin'...

[harro]

12 sleeps :-)

[qwen]

harro, on 07 February 2012 - 06:03 PM, said:

12 sleeps :-)

10 Sleeps and 1 very disturbed night with a very early start

[harro]

ha ha . . Agreed :-)

[RMC]

buzzlightyear, on 06 February 2012 - 08:46 AM, said:

Going into this run un-tapered. It's going to hurt.

Yep it's a tough one Buzz. That last 14k off Mt St Leonard is a real quad thrasher. Anyone run any of the course lately? Just wondering how those ferns are in that first 7k? Hope I can get there this year and see Whippet finish his decaDam.

[brettsrun]

RACE FULL AND CLOSED
A couple of spots available for the series only, contact me on how to enter

Just on a week to go,
as always way to much to do still, will spend most of next week finalising everything needed

STILL IN NEED OF A COUPLE OF AID STATION VOLUNTEERS IF ANYONE LOOKING FOR A DAY IN THE MOUNTAINS
email me at trailsplus@gmail.com if you would like to get involved

A HUGE THANK YOU to ROB GRINTER and HIGHLY TUNED ATHLETES for the fantastic support of the event
Rob's support of trail running is second to none, whilst he offers support and advice on heart rate and gps watches and many other gadgets during the week
Rob can equally be seen out on the trails supporting runners volunteering at events on weekends, plus setting up and packing up the events for many hours.

Thanks to DRYMAX SOCKS (DEREK) for supporting the series also, if you haven't got yourself some drymax socks, do your self a favour and get in a pair, your feet will be most grateful
2XU continue to offer support of trailsplus events, you wont see me running in anything else :-)

NOW for the mad final week, bring it on, see you all there

PS - newsletter will be emailed to all soon with all the latest news and info you need for the event

[harro]

7 1/2 sleeps . .  eased right off now and feel fat and lazy as always . . Hate the last 2 weeks with a passion :-)

[KevM]

brettsrun, on 11 February 2012 - 07:28 AM, said:

Just on a week to go,
as always way to much to do still, will spend most of next week finalising everything needed

Great work Brett, full again.
Looking forward to it.
I was surprised last year (my 1st MD) at the difficulty of this course (esp. the first 39 k's) but hoping the 2nd time will be easier.

Harro, I'm up for one more decent run tomorrow then I'll join you on the fat and lazy taper till next Sunday.

Enjoy the easy week in training,
Kev

[cjr]

harro, on 11 February 2012 - 08:30 AM, said:

7 1/2 sleeps . .  eased right off now and feel fat and lazy as always . . Hate the last 2 weeks with a passion :-)

I love the last week - the only time I get to be a complete slob without feeling guilty!

[qwen]

Last long run yesterday on the Roller Coaster run course. Some really good hill work which will hopefully help for next Sunday.

Just some gentle 10km runs this week to keep the average weekly milage about 100km.

[realmenrun]

Hey folks,
I'm doing the 30, can anyone advise as to whether or not to wear hydration pack. Or is it ok to rely on aid stations.
What do all the cool kids wear??
6 days out the forecast for Coldstream is 12-28 and sunny- sounds perfect.

[qwen]

realmenrun, on 13 February 2012 - 08:17 PM, said:

Hey folks,
I'm doing the 30, can anyone advise as to whether or not to wear hydration pack. Or is it ok to rely on aid stations.
What do all the cool kids wear??
6 days out the forecast for Coldstream is 12-28 and sunny- sounds perfect.

For the 30km the aid stations are at about the 5, 10, 15 and 25km marks. So it might be a bit long to go without drinks.

[Kathymac]

realmenrun, on 13 February 2012 - 08:17 PM, said:

Hey folks,
I'm doing the 30, can anyone advise as to whether or not to wear hydration pack. Or is it ok to rely on aid stations.
What do all the cool kids wear??
6 days out the forecast for Coldstream is 12-28 and sunny- sounds perfect.

Given it will be warmish I think it is safer to carry some water on you. Either a light hydration pack or a handheld would be fine.

I'm taking a handheld (disclaimer - I am not a cool kid!)

[brettsrun]

Working on a newsletter with the latest info required, you can check out the link to the rego page  (miniweb) which has a lot of detail, but new website coming soon where all can be found.
Plenty of food and drinks every 5km, even one halfway down mt st leonard proving trees dont block the road like last year, remember the weather can change, last year we had hot and cold and wet, come prepared for all sorts
The trail early on is generally ok, but my advice is to were protection, just in case. Oh and there were the odd leech out and about looking for a drink on my last trip there :-)
back to newsletter.., I have a couple of folks looking for a ride from CBD area if anyone is starting or passing through the city, let me know and I will pass on the details.

CU all Sunday

[harro]

realmenrun, on 13 February 2012 - 08:17 PM, said:

Hey folks,
I'm doing the 30, can anyone advise as to whether or not to wear hydration pack. Or is it ok to rely on aid stations.
What do all the cool kids wear??
6 days out the forecast for Coldstream is 12-28 and sunny- sounds perfect.

Hey Realmenrun,
I did the 30 a few years ago and got into a lot of trouble as I didnt take in enough fluid and the day was warm. I used a 1.5 litre camel back but at that time I had not worked out how many sips per hour I needed to take in what I need (600-700ml). BIG mistake. After that run I worked it all out so I know how many sips to take every 15 min etc.... Since then I have changed to using the bum bag type bottle holders. This allows me to know excactly how much fluid is going in. On the 50 on Sunday I will have a 600ml botlle of Gatorade at every station and simply pour it in my bottle that I carry. I will esure that at least 600ml goes in per hour and more if its hot.
So....my recomendation to you is to ensure you take in at least the same fluid as you do on your long training runs. Take note of the advice from Kathymac and Qwen (very experienced runners) and be self sufficient to a degree and put a bit at the aid stations as well I reckon. This saves you from potentialy standing in line to top up your bottle or camel back from the large containers at the stations. If you use a camel back make sure you know how much you are taking in!!!!!!!.
PS...if you are not sure how to calibrate your camelback PM me and I will describe a method.....Good Luck....

Harro

[ChildeRolandToTheDarkTowerCame]

harro, on 15 February 2012 - 07:52 AM, said:

On the 50 on Sunday I will have a 600ml bottle of Gatorade at every station and simply pour it in my bottle that I carry.
Harro

I wasn't aware that you could leave your own bottles at aid stations - how do you organise this?

[cjr]

I am also undecided on what (if anything) to carry in the 50. Last year I carried a camelback for the 30, but from memory the aid stations were quite far apart (and there were 1 or 2 that didn't end up happening). From Brett's message it looks like there will be one every 5km, which will be fine for me to not carry anything if that is the case.
The problem is that I hate running with anything (eg camelback, handheld, waist belt - have tried them all and they all annoy) so will only do so if I have to