284 replies to this topic

[superflake]

Any reports and results of your race put them here.
Hope everyone had a good race today and wants to do it again.

[lauraaa111]

The experience of my first ever half marathon was SOOOO unbelievable words can not describe it, but I'll do my very best to.

Last night I had my dream meal planned a nice lean steak and pasta, the steak was cooked and waiting on the bench while I was adding a little cheese on top of my pasta, I turned my head and found my cat on the bench with my steak in it's mouth. Great start. I still live at home and the rest of the family were having veal- my most hated meat. I ended up whinging saying that of course when my meal is very important I have to eat veal that I hate. I end up going to a friends house for a while to distance myself from my family because they were annoying me beyond belief.

I came home at 9:30 with plans for an early night and people kept on messaging me wishing me good luck and I decided to turn my phone on silent at 10pm because I needed the alarm. I fall asleep just before 11 and then I'm woken up at 11:01pm due to the vibration of a message from a friend wishing me good luck. I got SO frustrated and angry at her for sending a message at that hour when she knew I had to be up at 5am and spent the next hour smacking my legs around, changing cds trying to relax myself and seeing if I can fall asleep with the tv on. I then had a honey sandwich and an apple and lay in bed trying to fall asleep again, no such luck through my head I was freaking myself out saying that I have run the distance but I go up hill in the beginning and the rest is downhill so I've really only done 10km hahaha. I then was at loss what to do so I put on that free nose thing we got in the kit and BANG asleep within a minute.

My alarm went off at 5am, I jump up have weetbix then some muesli and a banana. Quickly put on a bit of make up (got to look good whiel crossing the line  ) and brushed my teeth. Got to the station and stood infront of the ticket machine having a blank at where I'm going, the runner behind me gave me a nice "Milsons point" and I thanked him and bought my ticket. As I walked away he then asked if he could borrow 40 cents which I of course gave him, imagine if I hadn't and he couldn't run today!!

I sit down and put on a bit more make up (vanity or distraction you decide) and then my friend meets me. We hop on the train and he keeps on saying "Don't be scared you'll be fine" which of course makes it worse, we have a nice chat with another guy telling me that my first will be the best.

Then once we arrive we wait for one of his friends who never shows and then I walk around for a bit give my bag in and regretfully take off my jumper. Standing in line I have the fearful "Oh my god I can only run 10km" thoughts again and I tell Nic and he laughs and says I'm well prepared. Off goes the gun and I don't believe it's really it because no ones moving! As we finally get to the line I turn and say to Nic 'Oh god this means I have to start running doesn't it" we start off at a 5km pace and I'm enjoying it, I'm loving running across the bridge and I'm in the zone. This continues for about the next 7 or 8km until we reach that dreaded area where everything looks the same and then I see the first half marathoner coming around again and I get frustrated. I want to be him, I want to jump over and be where he is!! I start getting stroppy, Nic keeps on asking how I am and I tell him to shut up and stop asking and that I"m fine. I down a GU chocolate flavour yum! Not only do I enjoy it I also get the kick that i need and can keep on going, still regretfully looking at those that have already turned. This was definitely the worst point for me the same scenery and seeing others much further ahead. Finally after what I feel like forever I start turning and am happy for a while after some more Gu further along and some water stops I'm going well, Nic keeps on telling me I'm looking strong and I am feeling strong too. I like the way you get a downhill after most of the ups to give your legs a rest. No pain whatsoever in my ITB and my breathing and heart rate are perfect, I didn't wear my band because I get distracted but I had my watch and I picked up some interesting heart rates along the way like a very puffing and painful 210 for a solid male.

Once I have some nice scenery I'm happy again and keep pushing on, I can't remember much around here I was happy and that's all that matters. Then I realise there's only about 5km to go!!! I keep telling myself "You've done the training, you've done the hard part and you're loving it" the image of a big white glove pushing me along which I read in a post on here keeps coming to mind and it really helps me along. Suddenly there are only 3km to go, I'm struggling quite a bit and down another GU. Nic turns to me and tells me that I've got 3km to go and that we're going to 'pick up the pace now" I tell him in an angry voice "I'LL DO WHAT I WANT WHEN I WANT SHUT THE f**k UP"   Oh and another comment he made trying to be funny with a hill ahead is "There's a hill coming up do you want to grab my belt and I'll pull you along" I didn't see the humour and just said "No I'm doing this by myself"

I keep on pushing for a while and slowly see people dropping to either side in pain and that scares me but I realise my body is strong and prepared. Then before I know it I see the Opera house and I'm absolutely covered in goosebumps, the feeling is unbelieve !! I'm almost there and I've trained so hard. I push and then I see a photographer, I wave both hands quickly needing to get proof of this amazing feeling. The photographer laughs and makes sure he gets a shot of the moment! Then I keep on going, it seems like the Opera house is so close yet so far then in about the last 250 metres I sprint, I don't know where it came from but I sprinted so fast and slammed the finish line at 1 hr 53 minutes and feel invinsible!!! My first half marathon most definitely is one of the most amazing experiences of my life, so when's the next  

[Hamburglar]

88:02 for me today (a 80 sec PB) and I am wrapped. I printed out a wrist band with splits of 4:10 that would have given me a 87:55 and I (nearly) stuck to it the whole way. Having done very few runs over 10k recently made the last few k's extremely difficult however the CR cheerspaud at MCA gave me a real lift. I really enjoyed the course and the day.

As I was running across the Bridge at 6:30am, it was already warm and muggy and my thoughts went out to the marathons who would be in for a tough day later on. I will be interested to hear some of there reports.

BTW - Great to see Uncle Dave running well and Vurt smash 90 mins. Well done!

[mgi11a]

Lauraaa111 congratulations on a fantastic 1st 1/2, a great time to boot.

Thanks for the great report as well, savor the moment it will be one you will remember for a long time.

Also I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but veal is just baby beef, there the little tiny poddy calfs. mmmmm meat.

Cheers

mgilla

[Professor]

How are you meant to pace someone who needs three toilet breaks! (and we're talking no. 2's here!) Actually I was trying to get two friends across in 95, friend 1 was doing it easy at 14k's so I let him go, friend 2 was struggling with her tummy problems, so I stuck with her. We threw the splits away at 18k's after toilet stop 3, and enjoyed the run home. Way off target though. Friend 1 fell apart at 17k's and struggled home in 97, two minutes off. So rack me up for a pacing disaster!

Beautiful day for a run - I just love running on closed city streets. It was great to see lots of familiar faces again after an average winter season...O'Runner, sorry, Dave was in town and thought I was stalking him by continually going past him, then slowing up again. That was a laugh!

Nice to be back running, look out '09, I've got some big plans for next year!!

Prof

[thomo]

http://www.smh.com.a...1935423982.html

Quote

Kenyan takes out Sydney marathon
September 21, 2008 - 10:55AM

Soaring spring temperatures greeted 25,000 runners and walkers in Sydney's running festival, with two Kenyans leading the marathon to the finish.

Not many personal bests were broken in today's temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius but marathon winner Julius Maritim told reporters at the end of the 42.195km race that he felt "fine, not bad".

He said his win - in two hours 19 minutes and one second - down to "my good training".

Mr Maritim, a marathon veteran, said Sydney was a great city for a running race.

"It is a perfect city, a beautiful country."

But, he still had to work to earn his win.

"The last almost seven kilometres on the hill were hard but I had to keep on my best.

"The bridge was wonderful and I realised that it was some of the best.

"With God-given help I will be back next year."

The running festival - whose full course ran from Milsons Point to the steps of the Opera House - also included a half marathon, a nine-kilometre bridge run and four-kilometre family walk, raised $1.3 million for charity.

The first woman across the marathon's finish line was Coolongatta-based Lisa Flint who ran a time of two hours 47 minutes and 43 seconds.

She described the race as "pretty good, but pretty windy and pretty hot. But I beat my personal best by two minutes, so that's great.

"The best parts were the running through the city, all the streets closed off, it was awesome."

[zombiedude]

Hi Cool Runners

Long time lurker, first time poster so here goes. Firstly congrats to Hamburglar on the PB and Lauraaa111 for the first 1/2 - great to hear it was such a happy experience for you. The downside is that it probably  means you are now hopelessly addicted to distance running like the rest of us poor wretches.

Anyway my race report. 1:44:19 (Big PB) although it could have been better. I stuffed up the pacing by committing the classic error of going too fast in the first 10K's and paying for it at the end. The last 5K's weren't so much a triumphant dash to the finish line  as a tired runner hanging on for grim death. On the bright side the course was interesting especially the Harbour Bridge start and Opera House finish -  will definitely be back next year for another crack at it.

Agree with Hamburger re warm and muggy weather. Watching some of the marathoners on the way home I couldn't help but think that it could get a little ugly for some of the 4hr+ folks.

Now back to the post race recovery - mmmm, fresh brains for dinner.

Cheers

Zombiedude  

[Fossil]

Wooha!
Happy, happy, happy old Fossil :-))
1 min PB in the Bridge Run for me [ 29:47 on my watch] and from what I have heard so far a pretty good day for the Sean William squad - Lara Tamsett caught me at 4.5Km, passed me just after 5Km and put about 20/30 seconds on me to win the Ladies race in what must be a record time. Ben St L hasn't been feeling so well later I hear but came second to Ryan Gregson (about 26:10/26:16)? with young Harry Summers 3rd in about 27:05. I heard in the Marathon that Chris Truscott was just behind Jeremy Horne at half way with Dimitri in 7th place and all looking good. Heard later from Dimitri that he was on 2:40 pace with 1Km to go and got bad cramps and had to stop, finishing in 2:47.

I planned 3:20 all the way - I am not sure all the markers were correct - from memory I have
1Km 3:19, 2Km 6:33 (started to panic at this point), 3Km 9:38 (was getting really worried here), 4Km ??, 5Km 16:40 (bang on pace), 6km/7km (forgotten) - On the edge all the way - I woke up sniffling and felt sick just before the start - thought I was sick - obviously not! Pass another glass of the Moet please!

I wait the rest of the news ... Hope everyone else had a great day :-)

Don't tell the sponsors but I found a great use for the Skins headband (how retro is that?) as there was one in the loo and no paper  

Edited by Fossil, 21 September 2008 - 12:52 PM.

[Vurt]

i had a great run in the half and managed to break the 90 minute mark for the first time. Extremely happy with he result

We then backed up for cheering duties which was a lot of fun. It is the first time i have ever watched the end of a marathon from the 1st place until about the 5hr mark. Everyone hurts the same no mater if they are fast, slow or in between.

[Ellie80]

I had an awesome day out today. This was my first half marathon two years ago so I was a bit nostalgic to come back again after watching last year. The brief was to go as hard as I could while feeling strong and in control and not likely to get hurt. I certainly did that.

The highlights were running over the bridge (of course), some lovely company on the last half of the course (thanks Fred and mini-Bandanna!) and superb runs by some of my fave people (speedy Vurt, super shufflin sam and lovely Pasc just for starters!).

Fred and I came home in 2.24 and I was pretty pleased to finish! (thanks for the company Fred - it was great to get to know you a bit better!)

The cheer squad were actually louder than I can remember - was great to join and cheer the marathoners!

[WhiffyFuzzball]

A bit of a disappointment for me - aimed for 4h, did 4h18m. Was never on the pace, was about 2 mins down by 10k, managed to pull it back to 20s by half way (1:55) but fell apart not long after that and ground out 2:23 for the second half. I only really managed that by pacing myself with a tall slim blonde lady (if she wasn't swedish, I'll be surprised) - I said congratulations and thanks at the end and I think she had no idea what I was on about.

I've run much faster in training in multiple 30k - 37k runs and could blame the cold I got this week and never shook off, or the heat, but I know I just peaked too early (about 4 - 6 weeks ago) and slacked on the training since then so can only blame myself. And I will, a lot

Oh well, 4h will have to wait for another day. Back to triathlons for me, Noosa is in 6 weeks.

[WhiffyFuzzball]

Vurt, on Sep 21 2008, 01:57 PM, said:

i had a great run in the half and managed to break the 90 minute mark for the first time. Extremely happy with he result

We then backed up for cheering duties which was a lot of fun. It is the first time i have ever watched the end of a marathon from the 1st place until about the 5hr mark. Everyone hurts the same no mater if they are fast, slow or in between.

The cheer squad was a HUGE lift for me, even as a non-CR kit wearer. Thanks to you all.

[Johnbo]

My targets today for my second marathon were (in order of priority!)

1. smile on face at end (felt cheated at end of canberra as i felt awful)
2. PB better than 3:32:34 run in Canberra / sub 3:30
3. I was optimistically pacing for target 3:15 and on pace up to 30 Kms, and then remembered my first and second priorities and sensibly pegged back on the insufferably hot last leg.

Finished in about 3:25 so very happy.

The last 400 metres were two of us attempting to help another runner whose legs fell from under him to get across the line, but he was seriously distressed and medical team came to rescue and he left on back of vehicle 150 metres from the line. i am hoping he is ok, so if anyone knows would appreciate any update.

Well done everyone.

Johnbo

[ChookLegsMonkeyBoy]

Not a great day for me, either.
I had planned on coming in under 3:40 for the marathon, but from the first kilometer, I knew I was in trouble. Just couldn't get into any rhythm and wasn't anywhere near my goal pace at any stage. I thought about quitting a number of times, but decided to tough it out. Walked and shuffled much of the last 15 or so km, and finally crossed the finish line in something like 3:57 or so.
This was probably the most painful of my marathons so far, but at least I can chalk up another sub-4 hr despite the difficulties, so it wasn't a complete disaster.
Thanks to the CR squad and all the CRs out on the course - if it wasn't for the regular "Go CoolRunner" shouts, I probably would have quit.
Cheers to all.

[runninghard]

Second Blackmore's half - I was pretty sure I wasn't going to break last year's 112.23 as I'd had a chest infection all week and a cold on top ... at 55 years old it slows you down a bit! 115.00 was the target - anything faster a bonus. Started well and looking at the splits on my watch after the race was within 30 secs of last year after 7km  then I just kind of hit a mini-wall as the cold and air temperature hit in. That stretch down City West to Norton St and onto the turn was very hot - last year it was nice and cold (about 10C colder, i think) - and I never enjoy the heat. Have to say I was thinking this was going to be hell for the marathoners - how do they do it?!!!. Anyway, thought 'okay, just keep plugging away' and went through 11km in 56.26, about 74 secs down on last year. Not bad though. Then disaster: had an absolute shocker at drink station at 12km - had to wait 40 secs to get a drink I really needed!!!! Grrrrr. That's bad organisation. By 18km was 162 secs down on last year but the clouds had come over and the breeze had come up a bit and I began to lift - been doing a lot of long runs on the hills through Neutral Bay, Kirribilli and Blues Pt - and pick up pace; was slowed again at the drink station at 19km (I think) but eventually ran the last 3.1km 31 secs faster than last year to finish in 114.34, well inside the 115.00 I set myself. It would have been a minute faster if not for the drink station foul-ups so I was really proud of the run. Really gritted it out.  To the lady who went down with exhaustion with 400km to go -  apologies for not stopping but I'd just managed to stay upright after tripping coming round the bend into the final sprint up the Quay and my heart was doing about 230bpm and I also noticed some spectators and another runner coming to your assistance.
Gripes: the drink stations were terrible compared with last year ... i reckon I would have lost 20 secs max last year, this year around 80 secs all up. Also, and maybe this was just me, but the kilometre marker flags - from and including 10km on seemed either not existent or hard to find: I didn't see 10km, 13km, 14km, 16km, 19km and 20km. When you are trying to work out how you are going that's frustrating! The loo problems at the start were an annoyance for many apparently but it didn't affect me as I live nearby.
Overall, most satisfied with my effort and will, of course, be back again next year.

[sook54]

Great report Lauraaa, you will remember that run always I bet!

I didn't get off to a great start - missed the 5:08 train from Ashfield! but luckily remembered that there was a 5:09 to Strathfield that would get me on a Lindfield train, so I hopped on - it was a bit frustrating going away from where I wanted to be I must say, but the alternative was waiting another 30 mins.

Got to Milson's Point at 5:38, dropped off my bag, and then spent the next 30 mins in a queue for the toilets! Finally got clear with 2 mins to spare, so didn't get a chance to find the 2-hour pacers who were supposed to keep me honest in the first 5km. I honestly thought I was running 5'30" kms but I saw 4'52"ish twice. Despite my physio's recent ban on hills and speedwork I managed pretty well on the hills - gave Mr Sook a quick kiss at Norton St, but other than that I was pretty much on pace the whole way, though walked through a few water stations (some I had to wait).

Conditions weren't really ideal - apart from the heat, it was crowded right up to the end of the race! I was rather worried when about 2km out I spotted one of the 2hr pacers ahead of me - put on a bit of a sprint to overtake him and a few others just before I passed the CR cheersquad - you gave me goosebumps, guys, thanks so much! I started my sprint to the finish a bit early and ran out of legs about 100m out, so crossed the line at 2:00:09 (gun time) but shortly received an SMS informing me that my chip time was 1:56'26". Very happy with that considering my recent niggles and the congestion on the course.

Afterwards spent a happy couple of hours with the CR cheer squad, had a nice chat to CR Matt and cheered myself hoarse (and my hands are bruised). Unfortunately I couldn't go to the pub because of needing to pack for NZ (leaving tomorrow).

Was great to see so many fantastic runs. Crabby woohoo! Woodstocker Martin Amy going sub-3 was another highlight. I won't forget today in a hurry!

Tonight I'm having my delayed birthday dinner with some birthday champers  

[ICanDoIt]

Congratulations to all of you who have run the Festival today and a big thanks to all the volunteers!

My first ever half marathon and only 2nd race ever after C2S in August! What a feeling at the finish line !!!

I was so enthusiastic the first week after the City2Surf that I trained too hard and ended up with a really badly hurting calf muscle. Have only had a 10k and a 15k since mid of August and after what I thought was a light interval training on Tuesday, my right calf was hurting again! Last night I thought it would be irresponsible to run this morning and I would have bet you 80:20 that I wont make it past the 10k line. But this morning I put all my hopes on to Voltaren's magic powers and off I went ...

Due to the lack of training I targeted 2:10 and was worried right from the start that my leg would hurt again. I tried hard to stop focusing on my calf and once we had passed the harbour bridge, things were lightening up. At the half way mark I was a happy jolly fellow and stopped worrying: I had to get back anyway, might as well run home ... I spotted the 120 pacemaker (thanks Striders !!!) and stuck with him for a while. I had never run for more than 16.5 k before and once I had passed that mark, huge amounts of adrenaline were set free. I got goosebumps all over and started running at a pace of under 5min/k.

I was flying through The Rocks (well, for my standards anyway ...) but the last 500m along Circular Quay were tough. Made it to the finish line in 1:56:37 (according to my watch) and couldn't be happier about the race !

I have learned from my mistakes and will take it easy next week, but I am hooked and am looking forward to the next race.

[Uncle Dave]

71.08 for me in the half today. Not too shabby, but it doesn't fill me with confidence for a pb in the Melb Mara.

Started off ok, settling in on my own a little way behind Colin Johnston and a group of fast foreign friends. I could hear a couple people gaining on me as I crossed over Darling Harbour, and as we were going under the Anzac Bridge it turned out to be Tom Crasti and Anthony Farrugia who pulled up alongside. Tom and I took turns in the lead and gradually pulled away from Anthony somewhere near the turnaround, though he was only a few footsteps behind for a few k after that.

Not long after we'd finally put a reasonable gap on him, nature called (it always does at the most inconvenient times) and I had to leave Tom to answer said call. Got back on track just behind Anthony but surged past him wanting to not get into a drawn-out battle. Got space back on him pretty quickly and was slowly making some (read: minimal) progress on Tom as we passed back over Darling Harbour, but cramped calves and a bit of a stitch turned it from a battle to try and catch him, to a battle to stay ahead of Anthony.

Thought he was going to get me as we went under the Harbour Bridge, but after a couple k's of easing off the throttle slightly, the stitch and calves gave me enough for a decent last k to keep him at Bay. Ended up in 6th.

Good day for the Striders out there with Jenny Wickham taking out the womens' half and 2008 recruit Jeremy Horne getting a podium in the mara. Good to catch up with a few of them at the Striders tent also too while waiting for dad to come in, which he did in just under 3.45. Not bad for an old fella!  

Anyway, after a 4am start it's time for a siesta methinks!

Unc

[Sprinter]

Well done everyone who ran today.

  Today half marathon, didn't go the way I was hoping, as soon the race started my legs just didn't wantn't to run, I was averaging 3.55 a K. after about 10k I legs started to get moving but by then it was to late to achieve my goal of 75mins. Instead I ended up with a 79.13. Which about 3 mins slower then the SMH
  Last year I got close to the same time, and manage to come second in my age so I hoping for another success.

  Well done to all the winners.
It now time for the Track season.

[qed]

What a great day, and great weather. It was my first run in this festival, and it shouldn't have even been mine.... (thanks to my dearest being sick, I ran the 9k in her place).
I wasn't sure how I'd fare, I was still recovering from a 10k pb last weekend in the Canberra 10k (52:44).
Very happy with my time too, 46:35 which is inching closer to my 50min 10k goal.
Afterwards, I spent about 30mins with the cheer squad too...
Maybe next year I'll enter the half and then get sick, so Kylie can run it for me...

Oh.. does anyone know the actual distance? My polar measured 9.23k and the running ahead map is the same. Did anyone with a Garmin measure it? I'd love to know!

[Crunchie]

My first ever half marathon and while my time wasn't amazing (2.22) I was thrilled just to finish.  The first 9km or so were fine and I passed the half-way point after just over an hour, but my legs were really hurting.  I think I ran too fast too soon because my thighs and butt felt really stiff, and after a while this extended to my lower back.  I alternated walking with running during the second half which was a little disappointing because I wanted to be able to run the whole thing, but I made it to the finish line in one piece.  

Big thanks to the CR cheer squad, you gave me a massive lift!

[Fossil]

qed, on Sep 21 2008, 03:29 PM, said:

What a great day, and great weather. It was my first run in this festival, and it shouldn't have even been mine.... (thanks to my dearest being sick, I ran the 9k in her place).
I wasn't sure how I'd fare, I was still recovering from a 10k pb last weekend in the Canberra 10k (52:44).
Very happy with my time too, 46:35 which is inching closer to my 50min 10k goal.
Afterwards, I spent about 30mins with the cheer squad too...
Maybe next year I'll enter the half and then get sick, so Kylie can run it for me...

Oh.. does anyone know the actual distance? My polar measured 9.23k and the running ahead map is the same. Did anyone with a Garmin measure it? I'd love to know!

It's around 8.8K me thinks

[The Sloth]

An unearned sense of confidence has been my comfort and inspiration for the past few days. I have, once again, lived up to my handle by being 'lazy' with the amount of training (actually, it really isn't lazyiness, but conflicting priorities, but The Sloth sounds better than The Conflicted One). The reasons for the confidence were a good 10k @ Marathon Pace on Monday, and a good Yasso 800's session on Thursday (2:48, 2:48, 2:48, 2:50). Two runs don't make a marathon, however, so I think I always knew that the back end of the run would be tough.
I set out aiming to sit just off the front of the 3hr pack, who were running splits of 4:10 for the first half. I successfully managed to hold roughly a 40 second buffer on 4:10 pace all the way through to 30 odd k. Even pacing was not helped by a couple of k markers that were out (the 6k one must have been at least 100m further than it ought). I had Gels at 14, 24 and 33k. Mainly water, but some electrolyte at the aid stations. My legs never felt 'fresh' the whole run, but I wasn't too perturbed as long as I kept the even pacing. I could tell right from the start that the heat would be a factor today, and made sure I doused my head and hands with water at each aid stop.
Coming through Pyrmont I was surprised by how many turns and hills there were, I hadn't had that much concern for that part of the course before the run. I thought to myself that that would be interesting on the return journey.
The part of the course that I was concerned about was the city west link. Past years here is where the wheels have fallen off or gotten decidedly shakey. This time, in my race strategy I planned that after the Glebe island bridge, if I still felt OK, I would try to 'pull the trigger' so to speak and attack this section. The better to get it out of the road quickly. I felt OK, so executed the race plan. The result of 'pulling the trigger' was a drop in pace by between 10 to 20 seconds per k. Oh well. Just think what it would have been if I had just tried to cruise.
In my heart of hearts I knew that the run home would be tough, and so it proved, but I kept telling myself 'This is a Marathon. It is supposed to hurt, idjet'.
I was glad to count down the ks, but the last few were a right of for pacing as my Garmin had lost the plot at about 37k and the 40 and 41k markers were either not there or sneakily hiding from me just as I went past. The Circular Quay finish was again spectacular, and the cool running cheer squad - Un-Be-Lievable. I gave some fist pumps - Massive boost. So glad I wore the cap. Thank you so much.
My wife was waitng further around the key with my son, to provide more incentive before a massive sprint to the line and a finish in 2:58:24 on the watch. Surprised a bit on the time - 1. I thought I was a little quicker, just shows how much I slowed in the last 10k and 2. I was hugely satisfied at coming in under sub-3 to meet running goal #2 for the year Canberra, GC and Sydney Marathons all sub 3.
So The Sloth does it again, just enough work to get the result. Who knows what I could do if I actually followed my training plan for once.

Edit: Spelling

Edited by The Sloth, 21 September 2008 - 03:46 PM.

[Nealo]

Johnbo, on Sep 21 2008, 02:37 PM, said:

The last 400 metres were two of us attempting to help another runner whose legs fell from under him to get across the line, but he was seriously distressed and medical team came to rescue and he left on back of vehicle 150 metres from the line. i am hoping he is ok, so if anyone knows would appreciate any update.

Is this you?

[Johnbo]

Nealo, on Sep 21 2008, 03:45 PM, said:

Is this you?

Thanks Sloth for that.

Yes on the left.... I felt a bit concerned afterwards. We initially thought he simply needed assistance, and relaised progressively that he was not in a great state / the medical team came up behind.

If anyone knows the outcome would appreciate a PM.

Johnbo

[Fossil]

Provisional Results are up http://res.championc...ult.asp?id=1235

[tamaelia]

Johnbo, on Sep 21 2008, 03:49 PM, said:

Thanks Sloth for that.

Yes on the left.... I felt a bit concerned afterwards. We initially thought he simply needed assistance, and relaised progressively that he was not in a great state / the medical team came up behind.

If anyone knows the outcome would appreciate a PM.

Johnbo

My mum and I were both cheering the marathon runners on when we saw you two helping that man. I saw him go down and you managed to help him back to his feet. It bought humbling tears to my eyes to watch you both do your best to help him. I hope he is recovering ok from what must have been a traumatic end to such a long run. My deepest regards to you all for the effort you put in to try and get him home, so close to the line.

/salute

I am sure everyone else who got to run across the coathanger had lots of fun today. If you will all indulge me just a little bit, I will give my best effort at a race report.

I got myself dressed, had regular breakfast etc. Got down to the train station to the announcer saying my train was delayed by 20 minutes. *grumbles* I figure that wont be too bad though given I had a 10 minute changeover at Hornsby. Followed the throngs of people out of Milson's Point station and down to the marshalling area. (Was glad I stopped at the Hornsby station toilets.) I chatted with afew folks that were standing by me as we filtered into the starting areas. Seemed like a gazillion people. I found the 1.00-1.15 sign and figured that was a good a place as any to start from.

I had my Podrunner interval thing running in one ear with it playing 5 minute runs and 1 minute walks. The second run lined up perfectly with the the pylons to the bridge so I ran across its whole length. Next walk was down Cahill Expressway, which I am glad of as it was quite steep and I wouldn't have liked to jar my knee that early on. 2km down, I rang my mum and my hubby from above the Ferry terminal to let them know how I was going.

It was abit disconcerting going up Macquarie St to see heaps of people running the other way. I recalled Knoddie's words of advice and kept it slow up the hill. As we passed the 4km sign I thought to myself.. this all new from here. Furthest I have ever gone.

Into the Botanic Gardens down to Lady Macquarie's Chair was lovely, it was cool and a light breeze. I felt good. I had taken my own water bottle so I didn't need to find any drink stations. Past Boy Charlton Pool, and that steepish pinch up towards the Cathedral really stung. Then I saw the 7km sign (don't know what happened to 6 LOL ) so I just slowed it down abit until my heart rate settled back down to its regular gallop.

What a welcome sight was the top of Macquarie St, there was a lovely breeze coming up off the Harbour and I just felt great. It was hard to resist the urge to just stretch out and run fast. I am glad I didn't though as I am sure I would have lasted only 100 metres and gone splat.

As the Bridge Run path converged with the Marathon path near the Opera House, I heard this huge cheer, which apparently I gather the first of the marathon runners was coming in just as I was. So I pretended they were cheering for me anyway, and smiled big as I could manage as I ran under the timing thinger.

I checked my watch, it said 1:14:38. The timing page lists me at 1:13:55!!! I Can't believe I made it in that time. I rang my hubby right away to gloat, errrr... celebrate my huge success! If my maths is right, that means I was doing 8.22mins per km. Sounds so slow compared to the folks that finished in 30mins and less. But I finished! And now I have a time to beat next year! I am so happy I did this, I don't feel too achy and we are going out to dinner tonight with some family to celebrate my efforts.

It was an extra bonus to be able to shout out afew Go CoolRunner!! to the marathon runners as they came round Circular Quay, I saw one of the pacers and explained to mum about how they set a pace for other runners to use as a guide and she was blown away at your efforts. I think it was the 3:30 pacer, so whoever that was... yay you! Mum and I think you guys rock!

Edited by tamaelia, 21 September 2008 - 04:24 PM.

[Nealo]

Well my first (will it be my only?) Marathon is done and gone.

OUCH!

Stuck either ahead of or behind Spud and Rod the Hornet on the 3:45 bus but at to get off at quite few stops early. The hill just before the 33km mark at the turnaround got me. I then walked/run the next few 5km's before hearing a call from the crowd that "this last part is all mental". I then decided I didn't care what the legs thought an decided to run to the end now matter what.

The cheers (not necessarily for me) from the Cool Runners at the Rocks gave me goose bumps all over. Absolutely sensational!

So I missed my 3:45 but got 3:50:18.

Was great to share with my family afterwards and was very rewarding.

[Nealo]

Johnbo, on Sep 21 2008, 03:49 PM, said:

Thanks Sloth for that.

Yes on the left.... I felt a bit concerned afterwards. We initially thought he simply needed assistance, and relaised progressively that he was not in a great state / the medical team came up behind.

If anyone knows the outcome would appreciate a PM.

Johnbo

My wife took that shot because she loved the fact you guy's stopped to help that guy. (I just informed her it was you and she said "well I think he's a very nice man")

[Action]

Right up front, a HUGE THANK YOU to the CR Cheer Squad at Circular Quay... I apologise for my lack of response, I wan't exactly firing on all cylinders at that point, but the deafening noise and incredible support was a great lift.  HUGE.  Noice.  Excellent.

Now, back to my marathon.  2:57 which appears to be a 16 year PB, and first time under 3 hrs since Auckland nearly as long ago.... Yep, good result.
87/90 splits, only passed by 2 after half way.  Started up the front, planned to run with Cam (Luke Skyrunner) but he took off, so just ticked off the kms at 4:00-4:10 without getting too upset if I dropped some time here or there. The main game was sub 3.  Ran with the Sloth for quite a while, and was running scared of AndrewT and his pacing of the 3hr group.  

Was about 1:40 behind Cam at half way, but was making ground (slowing less?) and caught him after that Mt Everest, aka Norton St turn.  Ran and suffered in lockstep for another 6 or 7 ks, and here I was thinking "good on him for waiting to pace me to 3hrs".  Apparently he was thinking "how can I drop the bugger".  So, he kicked away on Hickson Rd, I followed suit with a resulting zero change of my pace!  Isn't Hickson a dead zone?  Hard work.  Anyway, he put 20 secs into me, as mentioned I loved the CR squad, and then the finish - as I said last year, the best finish of any international marathon around the world.  

So, home in one (bruised and battered and sunburnt) piece.  A long time PB.  What is not to be happy with?

PS - that damn Flake kept popping up all over the palce - talk about a nightmare on Anzac Pde.  Always smiling, always happy, always encouraging.... jeez, I wish I felt half as good as he continually told be I looked!  Thanks Flake, I don't care what the others say about you, I think you are a half decent human being  

[The Sloth]

Johnbo, on Sep 21 2008, 03:49 PM, said:

Thanks Sloth for that.

I think you meant Nealo.

[hidalgo]

Woo first marathon done!      I optimistically thought that I'd start with the 4.15 pacers, but the last couple of weeks haven't been ideal with patella femoral pain and being out of action with a cold this week so I ditched my race plan and figured I'd run it by effort and not worry about pace since anything would be a pb.  My knee started giving me minor grief by the end of the bridge but luckily it settled down when everything else started to hurt.  I met slowmo around Mrs Macquarie's Chair gliding along effortlessly and what a champ he is, giving so much encouragement when I was already wilting in the heat!  

I went through halfway at around 2.15 and all those deserted stretches of Anzac Parade had me wishing I had either brought an ipod or was faster so there'd be more company - I guess all the other races I've done have been a bit (a lot) more crowded so it got a fairly lonely without spectators or many fellow runners shuffling through at my pace, so I resorted to trying to sing my favourite running tracks in my head but that was too hard so I just counted from 1 to 4, over and over again.  

I'm a major wuss when it comes to heat, being a night runner and at 23km I was veering off my economical straight line like a wonky shopping trolley but a blast from the hose had me upright again.  By the time we were back on Pitt/Liverpool St in the city I'd already run from home to uni and to work, and still had to go out to Leichardt.  BAH!  Going over the old Glebe Island Bridge I saw the 4.30 flag bobbing in the distance which confused me because I was fairly certain I was way off that by that stage, and when I got closer I saw that the pacer was walking so I shelved my brief visions of beating Oprah's marathon time and shuffled on.  

By around 30km I had stopped looking for the km markers and just concentrated on keeping moving since my right quad, left calf and left hammie (sprained last year) were all cramping up.  And then I learned the meaning of all the sayings about the marathon, that the last 10km are all about mental toughness.  And boy howdy was it tough.  All the encouragement from everyone else was such a huge help even when I was running slower than people were walking.  

Coming around Hickson Road I met Ewoksta soldiering on through crampcity (who overtook me after the MCA), and as soon as I turned the corner under the bridge I could hear the cheering from the Opera House which put a spring in my step and big smile on my face for the photographer who said "the pain is showing!" so I guess my smile was more of a grimace.  

And then I was at the MCA!  The CR cheer squad was bigger than anything I'd expected and the cheers started as soon as I was in view, and it was absolutely spine-chillingly uplifting and I showboated for all I was worth, punching the air and high-fiving everyone within arm span.  It was seriously amazing, and a HUGE thank you to everyone who made the final km so much fun.   My workmates (half and bridge run) gave me a rousing homecoming down the finishers' chute and I crossed the finish line in 4.56 by my watch - a new pb!  And something to work on for next year...

Overall I thought the race was well organised, the volunteers manning the drink stations and marshalling did great keeping up energy levels for the back of the pack.  I did get confused about where the recovery village was and by the time I collected my bag I wasn't really in any shape to walk up that hill to see what was there, so I let it be.  

Sorry for the long post but couldn't resist for my first marathon!  Thanks again to all the CRs out on the course, especially the ones that I got to have a chat to and the fantastic cheer squad!  I gave out as many 'Go CRs' as I could and hopefully next year I'll be fast enough to join in the cheering before the course closes.  

[The Sloth]

Action, on Sep 21 2008, 04:20 PM, said:

Ran with the Sloth for quite a while, and was running scared of AndrewT and his pacing of the 3hr group.

Good running, Action. I knew you had the speed, but didn't know if you had the endurance. I kept hoping that I would catch you after I 'pulled the trigger', but didn't see you all the way home. I thought you were a likely taker for #1 in your category, but there was another bloke who ran 2:48 flat.

Action, on Sep 21 2008, 04:20 PM, said:

PS - that damn Flake kept popping up all over the palce - talk about a nightmare on Anzac Pde.  Always smiling, always happy, always encouraging.... jeez, I wish I felt half as good as he continually told be I looked!  Thanks Flake, I don't care what the others say about you, I think you are a half decent human being  

I thought I was having de-ja-vu!

[Tim 2]

Action, on Sep 21 2008, 12:20 AM, said:

and was running scared of AndrewT and his pacing of the 3hr group.

You would have copped it big time if we had of cought you mate.

Good effort

Tim

[sook54]

A few pix of the cheersquad
http://coolrunning.s...376791148_wKdHm

[TehAxe]

Nealo, on Sep 21 2008, 04:00 PM, said:

My wife took that shot because she loved the fact you guy's stopped to help that guy. (I just informed her it was you and she said "well I think he's a very nice man")

Nealo, I must have been just to the right of you judging by that shot.

Johnbo, that was truly inspirational what you & the other guy did to help that man across the line. You did a great thing today, and there wasn't a dry eye in my group.

[yondi]

tamaelia, on Sep 21 2008, 03:56 PM, said:

I checked my watch, it said 1:14:38. The timing page lists me at 1:13:55!!! I Can't believe I made it in that time. I rang my hubby right away to gloat, errrr... celebrate my huge success! If my maths is right, that means I was doing 8.22mins per km. Sounds so slow compared to the folks that finished in 30mins and less. But I finished! And now I have a time to beat next year! I am so happy I did this, I don't feel too achy and we are going out to dinner tonight with some family to celebrate my efforts.

Good job Tamaelia

I replyed to your post on another forum where you were unsure whether or not to do this run.I knew you could do it and you should be really proud of yourself.

YONDI

[Strikalite]

Had hoped to do the half again this year, but I really didn't train enough after the City to Surf, so I entered the Bridge Run instead.

The start was a shocker - most of the walkers had self-seeded to the back, but some were in front of the runners, and they seemed to be all the badly-behaved ones! I spent the first 3km dodging around people either walking five abreast or stopping to take group photos (yes, in the middle of the course, and in pretty big groups too.)

Leaving the bridge a guy in the crowd tried to motivate us, by shouting the usual faster-you-lazy-bastards line. It worked at first but got tiring after about the fifth time (and if you can shout like that, you're not going hard enough either...)

Next couple of k's were uneventful, but encountered a runner on the ground near the 6k mark and as an off-duty St Johnnie all time goals went straight out the window. I started running again, (what felt like) 15 minutes later on some very stiff legs, but with no time to worry about I was able to take it easy for the last few k's. I was actually smiling at the finish line for once! Not sure if I made the cutoff for an official time though - am about to check that out now.


EDIT: Official net time of 1:13:02. I either underestimated the time on first aid or was really, really slow today I thought there was a 70 minute cutoff, but I'm not complaining!

Edited by Strikalite, 21 September 2008 - 05:00 PM.

[SouthAustralian]

These race reports are so amazing....thank you for taking the time to write them up!

The stories are inspirational and motivating.

We had our City to Bay 12k run this morning, which was great, but to be able to read your stories and results increases the enjoyment that we had in SA this morning.

For all the first timers in the Marathon....I salute you. Whether you were successful or not....doesn't matter. It is better to have loved (run) and lost (DFN) than to have never loved at all (or to have stayed on your lazy ars*).

Congratulations to all participants, and especially those those who stopped and helped another bloke. Thats what true running is about, just as much as gaining a PB.

Please keep the reports coming....Im loving it sitting here in SA!
Cheers
Frank in SA

[djwilson303]

What a special day for me :-) my first 42.195

I started this morning not knowing if I would even run under 4h but to my surprise I felt great and was able to archive my under 100m mark goal that I could not do in the SMH 1/2...

I felt very strong and had a great support crew until 32km... BONK big time went from a 4:45 pace (ish) to almost 6min pace.. and it stayed at that having people run past me at a alarming rate. One fellow runner was great and had some great words of encouragement. I put my head down and worked... and worked. coming back into the city I was passed by both the 3:30 pace runners, I did my best to keep up with the first and managed a KM but he was going way faster than a 3:30 marathon pace so when the next 4:30 pacer went past I basically slowed to a walk. and went to a very bad place with my peripheral vision going and my legs starting to fail on me.

Then came "fix you" on the Ipod and I started a jog again till almost under the carhill expressway where I saw my darling wife Kate. Then it was on.. lots of yelling at myself and a few more friends on the course made me run and run fast again to finish my first (of many more) Marathon with a time of 3:33:26 coming 54th in my category. a 2 year dream in the making all the training well worth it.

Dannie

[Arf]

Ran the Bridge Run for the first time today - have run Sydney Marathon 3 times before - so felt a little more relaxed at today's start. Thrilled with my run - 41.52 net - was hoping for 43.30 am so happy with this. Hubby came in 71.38 (for the Bridge Run) and he also enjoyed his run. I am concentrating on short races now after doing GCM in July and just enjoying being able to run in September as the last two years have had to have surgery on each leg for ITB release. Well done to all the marathoners enjoy wearing your finishers shirts today!!

[wombatoutofhell]

I'm with Frank here-I've been sitting here, enjoying the race reports from both this event and the Adelaide one.  Some truly inspiring reports, great runs and of course a great show of unselfishness and camaraderie from Johnbo and the other runner who helped the poor bloke who was finished finish in the right place.  I hope he's ok.
Keep them coming-you're inspiring me to have a crack next year!

[Fossil]

Nealo, on Sep 21 2008, 03:45 PM, said:

Is this you?

# Bib Name Town/City Place 1st Half 2nd Half Finish Time Net Time Gender Gender Place Category Cat Place
1 06392 NICK PERRY SYDNEY    01:40:40          MALE    M18-24

[TehAxe]

Tim 2, on Sep 21 2008, 04:31 PM, said:

You would have copped it big time if we had of cought you mate.

Good effort

Tim

a special shout out for the 3hr pacers.

I think it was you Tim 2 who stopped at the end to nurse a delirious, stumbling runner the last few hundred metres. Bloody stirring stuff.
and if Andrew T hadn't guts'ed it out & powered home, you may not have been able to do that
shows the value of having a 'team' of pacers

my first time watching a marathon, amazing how moving it is watching people you don't even know finishing

[run to the hills]

Ran with a mate trying for a sub 3:30 but ended up with 3:36.

Tough day at the office.

[HouseDad]

Up until mid-week I hadn't entered any of the events, due to an ITB injury that has seen me only run a hand full of times in the last three-months. But I knew that I'd be a pain in the arse for my family if I didn't run one of the events today, knowing that all my running buddies would be out there. So it was that I found myself jogging the half marathon this morning, with no finish time, or any other type of goal in mind, except to have fun and finish without the ITB flaring up.

On the way out of the station I met ShufflingSam (I think I have that right) for the first time, which was nice and got some smiles/nods from other CoolRunners.

During the run I just made sure not to go hard or do anything silly and it was quite refreshing. I got a great lift from a "Go HouseDad" from Gnome as he passed me and again on the turnaround. Thanks Gnome   Then a "Go Lee" from Sook54, all of which convinced me that it was a good thing to run today. The biggest lift though, came from the CR Cheer Squad who I high-fived as I ran by. Thanks guys, you are all legends. I also pulled some Fugly Race Faces for my Facebook Group, which I just know that I'm going to regret when they go up on the Marathonpics site.

So yeah, I came in at 01:55, which although is 10-minutes off my PB, has given me such an amazing lift and encouragement to get back into my running. 99% of that high though, is due to meeting other CoolRunners like Sam, Gnome, Ellie, Fred and Fossil. So thank you to ALL Coolrunners for helping me get my passion back again.

Lee

[Loco66]

Ill start off by thanking The CHEER SQUAD for spurring me on to break the 2 hour mark at my first go...hello to all those i met later and those who i didnt..good to faces to names

  ! As for the race i got caught up in all the xcitement of my firat attempt and couldn find the 2 hour pacer so set off thinking just take your time run 6 min kms and be strong at the finish....how wrong when looking at my watch i was 5mins ahead at the 8 km mark but felt good....up and over the norton st hill more water and a gel all going to plan....back down the hill then that little incline up onto the glebe issland bridge i started to pay for earlier efforts....i thought  8 x 6mi km would get me 2 hours but watching a lady fallover with exhaustion on the hill up onto freeway made me feel worse then i  was....down hickson rd and  i couldnt find the km markers....just soidered on round past the MCA and the  CHEER squad( thanks again)  and on to the finish line were 2 friends had arrived with sign for me..

Across the line   1.59.44...

congrats to everyone on there runs..

Now where do i run next??

  Todd

Edited by Loco66, 21 September 2008 - 05:31 PM.

[RobL]

First time running the 9km Bridge Run. Not sure I was going to run it due to hip injury.
Decided to run it anyway, but take it easy and enjoy the atmosphere.
Had a great time and finished in 44:19.

Well done to everyone finishing, especially the first time marathon runners!!

Also big thumbs up to the two guys helping that poor across the finish line, very cool
thing to do.

See you at the next race!

[wombatoutofhell]

Loco66, on Sep 21 2008, 05:29 PM, said:

Now where do i run next??

  Todd

Melbourne in 3 weeks!

[Tim 2]

TehAxe, on Sep 21 2008, 01:14 AM, said:

a special shout out for the 3hr pacers.

I think it was you Tim 2 who stopped at the end to nurse a delirious, stumbling runner the last few hundred metres. Bloody stirring stuff.
and if Andrew T hadn't guts'ed it out & powered home, you may not have been able to do that
shows the value of having a 'team' of pacers

my first time watching a marathon, amazing how moving it is watching people you don't even know finishing

Delirious- he was doing boxing moves, punching and ducking and weaving.  Nothing directed at me fortunately.
Definitely in need of a IV drip and a lie down.

Tim

Edited by Tim 2, 21 September 2008 - 05:39 PM.