166 replies to this topic

[maryclaire]

that's a good idea - or possibly Sandy station which would make it just a touch less than 21.1 km - but we could play around with it - maybe run out to meet the marathoners at Black Rock and then return back to the city (have yet to map it out so am just guessing).  Either way, as it is not an official race I am not fussed myself if I run 21.1 or a few k more or less.  I'll just fit in with whatever the group decision is.

[M12]

We could run with a couple of options.... many could use it as a training run and join us along the way

Frankston - 42.2km
Aspendale - 30.xkm (Mordialloc 28km)
Black Rock - 19.xkm (Haydens Road/Beach Road intersection ~21.1km)
Sandringham - 16.4km (Small St north of Hampton Street ~15km)
Bay Street, North Brighton - 10km
St Kilda Station - 5km

[SlimDJ]

I'd be keen to Join in Aspendale and have it for my last long run before goldcoast.

[M12]

Well tomorrow (today by the time a majority of you read this) marks one month to go until Old Melbourne.

Considering I've been unable to run freely, I'll probably not be able to run 42km. Maybe half or 15... we'll see, but I'll still be around.

Is everyone still keen?

What I plan to do is, for those running the full distance, is to drive 5km up ahead with drinks/snakes/beer /whatever, stop and wait for the runners to come through, grab drinks and whatever and drive further up. I'll be able to (depending on what car I've got) ferry (taxi) runners between Frankston station car park and the start line.

I guess those running shorter distances can join in along the way. I'm looking at this more as a run than a race, should I be looking at it like this?

[pb]

M12

I am a late-comer to this thread and am interested in taking part. There's been no mention of proposed start time yet, but I recall a big part of the atmosphere of the Melbourne Marathon in those days was the mass of runners catching the train down to the start. If I recall it was a special "race train" at that time of the day.

Crikey, the smell of liniment is still in my nostrils from those days (I was young and impressionable!) Perhaps the train ride down with a walk from Kananook/Frankston (they seemed to have both variants) is an option. That way you can park near the finish and just ride down to the start ready to go.

Also, is it planned as a group run (at what kind of pace) or just run at your own pace?

Cheers, PB

[maryclaire]

are we still talking 9am June 7th?  An earlier start would suit me due to commitments later in the day but obviously I will go with the majority.

I am still hoping to do the 1/2 but haven't run much for a month now due to stress injury in the foot.  Whatever - I'll be happy to assist in any way for the part(s) that I'm not running.

[maryclaire]

pb, on May 7 2009, 12:59 AM, said:

Also, is it planned as a group run (at what kind of pace) or just run at your own pace?

Cheers, PB

I wuold assume it would be more af a group run than an individual thing - logistically it would be easier to offer support to runners if they are in a group; and I would imagine possibly safety of an unorganised run along some of the big roads would make it better if we ran together.  This is not a "race" - my understanding is WOOH's original intention was to re-enact an old Melbourne icon just so we late-bloomers (in the running sense) can have an idea of what the Big M days were like.

[pb]

maryclaire, on May 7 2009, 09:35 AM, said:

... - my understanding is WOOH's original intention was to re-enact an old Melbourne icon just so we late-bloomers (in the running sense) can have an idea of what the Big M days were like.

Thanks maryclaire

My first marathon in 1987 at the age of 19 was the first "Budget" Melbourne Marathon which followed many years of the "Big M" Melbourne Marathon. So even I will be keen to see what the Big M days were like ... mostly if, as I recall, the finishers medals are presented by the 'Big M girls' like they were in those days.

Cheers, PB (eschewing all political correctness for this post)

[luckyguy]

pb, on May 7 2009, 02:14 PM, said:

Thanks maryclaire

My first marathon in 1987 at the age of 19 was the first "Budget" Melbourne Marathon which followed many years of the "Big M" Melbourne Marathon. So even I will be keen to see what the Big M days were like ... mostly if, as I recall, the finishers medals are presented by the 'Big M girls' like they were in those days.

Cheers, PB (eschewing all political correctness for this post)

In the 1980's I was fortunate to be able to run 5 of the 'old course' Frankston to Melbourne marathons (the 1st in '84 and in that year there was a slightly different route to the one described by WOOH) but to be perfectly honest I prefer the F to M course to the modern day one of finishing at the MCG (though no real gripes with it, as it is still a world class and impressive route).

A couple things come to mind of why I liked it. The impressive nature (to my friends and family at least) of running all the way from Frankston to the city, gave the uninitiated a true perspective of how far it is to run and bragging rights to those who finished. Also as you passed through each suburb, Seaford, Chelsea through to Mordialloc and along the beach front, St.kilda and into the city, there would be an overwhelming number of people cheering you on. And then at the end of the run it was just a short stroll across the road to fare like activities in the gardens (and yes PB the Big M girls did present the medals, that even in my exhausted state I was able to be  notably 'impressed' by - but I guess this would be sexist by todays guidelines. Also, I think you'll find that 'Budget' took over in '86, forgive my correction).

Anyway, I may be interested in tagging along with you guys. My concern is getting back to Frankston without warm clothing and what is to become of potential stragglers or those who can't finish?

Cheers, Michael

[maryclaire]

pb, on May 7 2009, 02:14 PM, said:

the finishers medals are presented by the 'Big M girls' like they were in those days.

my husband did the 1980 F - M marathon and has never once mentioned the Big M girls.  hmm.....

Actually, the only thing he really remember from his one and only marathon was the hill along St Kilda Rd up towards Inkerman St.  Every time I drive it now I think what a killer it must have been.

Luyckyguy - in relation to your concerns:
1.  why the need to return to Frankston?  I would like to finish in Melbourne with some form of refreshments and then head home
2.  Therefore, the problem remains of having warm clothes at the finish, as well as stragglers/those who can't finish.  ideally there would be a support car carrying clothing and providing a lift to anyone who needs it.  For example, M12 is talking of running 1/2 way and supporting the 1st 1/2.  Perhaps I could run the 1st 1/2 and then take over the support for the 2nd 1/2???  Altho' it would be a shame to miss the final run into Melbourne.  Alternatively, we could arrange to meet in the city, set up a drop-off point for bags, and then head to Frankston by train altogether, in time to start at 9am.  Any other ideas?

Edited by maryclaire, 07 May 2009 - 07:49 PM.

[M12]

Well Frankston to Melbourne sounds a lot further than City to Sandringham and back..... especially when you get to St Kilda and Middle Brighton look more like 20k's away!

Yeh, I'd be supporting the first half up until whenever I feel like running (depending on how my leg is then). So yeh, at the start park at Frankston station car park, wear your CR cap (because I don't have one) or look like a runner so I know who I'm looking for! Dump your drinks, jumpers, clothes, whatever, in the back of the car and every 5k's (or thereabouts I'll meet ya's with your drinks).  If anyone feels they can't continue, jump in the car and I suppose I could drive you to a train station on the Frankston line or you could watch till the end at Arts Centre.

The plan is to have a BBQ in the Botanic Gardens for lunch/almost dinner.....

If we leave Frankston at 9am.........I'm thinking running at about 4hr15min pace (or whatever comfortable to everyone). That way its  sorta at training pace and also, not over-extending yourselves on what is essentially a group run.

So if thats the case, we'll be at the following points at these times (roughly):

9.00am Frankston - 42.2km -
10:10am Aspendale - 30.xkm (Mordialloc 28km)
11.00am Black Rock - 19.xkm (Haydens Road/Beach Road intersection ~21.1km)
11:35am Sandringham - 16.4km (Small St north of Hampton Street ~15km)
12:10pm Bay Street, North Brighton - 10km
12:40pm St Kilda Station - 5km
1:15pm Arts Centre finish

Not set in stone, but I guess its some sort of guide.....

Man, I should really do this assignment instead of posting on here......

[M12]

This is a few weeks away. Might be a good idea to see who actually is running...... I don't think I will be, so I'll be there with supplies.

[wombatoutofhell]

I wasn't going to but my trainings going pretty well so I think I'll at least run some of it.  I have a 33km long run scheduled for that weekend so I'll do that and see how I feel.  Mrs Wombat has volunteered for a support role.
Have we decided on the exact details yet?

[maryclaire]

I'm in for 1/2 at a VERY easy pace (or crawl).

As stated earlier, I am happy to support the half that I'm not running, and jnot really fussed if I run the 1st 1/2 or 2nd, so let me know what is best logistically.  If M12 is supporting the whole way and I'm not needed for that role, then that is fine too.

[M12]

What do we reckon..... we'll start at 9. Start ferrying runners from station to start line at about 8.30. BBQ at 1.30-2pm when everyones done.

I suppose it depends on how many are running as to how many we need on support. I might try run the last 15km or so, depending on how my body holds up. My car only has four other seats (as do most cars) and the boot will be full of an esky and lollies (though they may be eaten before the first drink stop!)

What do we reckon?

[M12]

18 would be somewhere between Sandringham and Black Rock......

[supersam]

I don't know why I haven't spotted this thread before     I'll have to have a look to see if I have anything on, but either the full or 30km option might be a go.  I'll plan to start a bit earlier to hopefully catch up to a few runners and have a run with them
So tentative at the moment.  Anyone else looking to do the full?

[maryclaire]

Where exactly is the start line?

I am thinking I will leave my people mover at Mentone Station and catch the train to Frankston.  I will then run the almost-20km back along the route, turning off to collect the car at Mentone Station.  From there I will catch up with runners and act as support crew.  

With a large car, I can offer lifts to anyone who  needs them, as well as carry any supplies.

At this stage it seems that no one will be running the full distance other than possibly Supersam.  The beauty of this run is that people can "cherry pick" the parts they would like - even get in and out of a car and run several times if they wish.

[wombatoutofhell]

I never said I wasn't running the full-i said I'm scheduled for 33km.  If I feel ok then I'll go for it!
We really need to know numbers though-it has to be asked if it's worth it for only a few runners.

[luckyguy]

As mentioned in an earlier post, I'm still very interested in running the full distance. Even though my longest run at present is 30 k's but I think with a bit of company I should be OK (for an easy plod).

Unfortunately, I can't confirm my participation until later next week. Otherwise, I am as keen as mustard and have dragged out my old 'Big M' and 'Budget' mags for your perusal when we catch up.

So Sunday, June 7th for a 9.00 am start, sounds OK to me.

[M12]

Hmmm. BBQ and Big M's afterwards?

I'll go through a list of some sort later tonight.

[wombatoutofhell]

I just mapped this on map my run with a start at Frankston Station (for convenience) and a finish at the arts centre.  This is about 2km long-44.2km.  Should we leave it at that or move either the start or finish?

[walker1st]

so again, the marathon will get longer, the royals wanna watch the start from the station ?

I need a long walk, so this can work, it is along the train line so can pack it up anytime.

I have to check the train table, I am suspicious, that I would not be able to get by train from Boronia to city and than to Frankston by 9am, and do not want to take family car for the whole day, perhaps I can take a sleep from saturday night at Frankston strip club, thats what runners do for F2P I imagine.

[supersam]

Sorry all, I'm going to have to pull out of this one.  The mountain running championship falls on the same day which I'll be helping to setup.

[Andolate]

So jealous guys,

Wish i was down there running but we have a full house here at the holiday villas and just cant make it happen.

The downside of living here in the bush is that I am in the bush. Not so easy to be able to join fellow CR's for these things.

[M12]

wombatoutofhell, on May 27 2009, 08:40 AM, said:

I just mapped this on map my run with a start at Frankston Station (for convenience) and a finish at the arts centre.  This is about 2km long-44.2km.  Should we leave it at that or move either the start or finish?

I suppose you can start there if you like.

Maryclaire, if you want to run the first section to Mentone, I'll run the second half - just throw the keys over.

I suppose we might need some concrete details

Sunday June 7
9.00am Frankston Station
Running at what (4hrs 15- 4hrs 30 marathon pace?).... join in along the way!
Finishing a little after 1pm at Arts Centre
1:30pm BBQ lunch across the street somewhere!

[M12]

Well, I don't plan on leaving anyone behind.........

[wombatoutofhell]

Pace sounds good.  The station was just a suggestion to make transport easy.  To be honest I'd rather start where the original started.

[maryclaire]

staypuff, on May 27 2009, 09:02 PM, said:

i can run that pace so long as noone leaves me when we hav eto cross nepeans etc

No one gets left behind.  We can be like the 3 muskateers - all for one and one for all.

M12 - am I right then in thinking that I drive to the start where you will take my car as support to Mentone, at which point I take the car?  (just need to be clear or it might all be a monumental stuff up)

walker1st, on May 27 2009, 09:00 AM, said:

perhaps I can take a sleep from saturday night at Frankston strip club

is that what people do at those places?

[walker1st]

maryclaire, on May 28 2009, 08:38 AM, said:

is that what people do at those places?

I think so, I was told by our scaut leader, that strip club is a sleeping club, it just has a nickname
since You strip off the clothes before puting jamas on.

[M12]

Ummm.... yeh..... is that easy for you?

Am told the girls aren't great at said strip club......

[luckyguy]

wombatoutofhell, on May 27 2009, 10:51 PM, said:

Pace sounds good.  The station was just a suggestion to make transport easy.  To be honest I'd rather start where the original started.

If my memory serves me right, wooh, the 3,000 + runners would gather at an assembly point, at what used to be a large car park area in Frankston (now a shopping complex) and then Marshall's would walk the runners the 1 1/2 k's to the starting line at one mile bridge. So to be truly authentic to the spirit of the 'Big M', we could do likewise (but meet up at the train station, as you suggested, perhaps around 8 am).

[walker1st]

does anybody knows, what time is the first sunday train :
what time is departing Flinders and what time it gets to Frankston ?

[thomo]

walker1st, on May 28 2009, 10:49 AM, said:

does anybody knows, what time is the first sunday train :
what time is departing Flinders and what time it gets to Frankston ?

Edited because I can't use Melbourne timetables properly.

Flinders St 5: 10am

Franston 6:08am

No, I am not coming down to run, even though I like chocolate milk

Edited by thomo, 28 May 2009 - 11:13 AM.

[luckyguy]

walker1st, on May 28 2009, 10:49 AM, said:

does anybody knows, what time is the first sunday train :
what time is departing Flinders and what time it gets to Frankston ?

Try here, W1 http://www.connexmel...index.php?id=68

[walker1st]

OK guys, thanks got it

first sunday train passes Richmond station 8:01

and gets to Frankston at 8:59

now I see why 9am start from station was wisely choosen


Thomo You probably got the working days times

[maryclaire]

Why don't we meet at station at 9 as planned and I can drive everyone to start point?  I think we can all fit in the one trip.

[wombatoutofhell]

Here you are W1-2 options but both take the same time.
Train/Bus
Train/Train
I like that idea MC-and Mrs Wombat might be able to ferry a few as well.  Depends on numbers-looks like a smallish crowd.

[luckyguy]

wombatoutofhell, on May 20 2009, 04:48 PM, said:

......................... We really need to know numbers though-it has to be asked if it's worth it for only a few runners.

Well, we seem to be making progress.

We all meet at Frankston train station at 9am.
Then ferried to the start at one mile bridge.
Clothes and other items will also be ferried to the city.
At approx. 1/2 way there is the option to continue or pull out.
Victory meal/BBQ in the city??????

I think we have 6 starters :-

WOOH
Maryclaire
Staypuff
Walker 1st
M12
Luckyguy

[walker1st]

wombatoutofhell, on May 28 2009, 03:06 PM, said:

Here you are W1-2 options but both take the same time.
Train/Bus
Train/Train

the links do not work - session expired, but thats OK,

I now know the train from Boronia to Richmond and conection to Frankston to get there 8.59

[M12]

luckyguy, on May 28 2009, 04:16 PM, said:

Well, we seem to be making progress.

We all meet at Frankston train station at 9am.
Then ferried to the start at one mile bridge.
Clothes and other items will also be ferried to the city.
At approx. 1/2 way there is the option to continue or pull out.
Victory meal/BBQ in the city??????

I think we have 6 starters :-

WOOH
Maryclaire
Staypuff
Walker 1st
M12
Luckyguy

That makes more sense (to start at 9am or whenever that train decides to pull in).
Though, people can join in and pull out throughout.....
BBQ and Big M's afterwards......


My plan in supporting the first half is to move 5km up the road, however if anyone needs me earlier, let me know as the case may be.
If someone gets injured, I think the best way to deal with it is if someone runs up ahead to the car to let me know and I can try help them (Although I am not a doctor....)

[wombatoutofhell]

M12, on May 28 2009, 09:40 PM, said:

My plan in supporting the first half is to move 5km up the road, however if anyone needs me earlier, let me know as the case may be.
If someone gets injured, I think the best way to deal with it is if someone runs up ahead to the car to let me know and I can try help them (Although I am not a doctor....)

Probably easier to exchange phone numbers and call you.  I'll be carrying my phone.

[M12]

Well..... that was my first idea..... i wasn't sure how keen some people are on giving out there numbers....