115 replies to this topic

[sammo72]

Anyone know if the kits will be sent out or do we collect them on the day.

[JohnH]

sammo72, on Jul 23 2010, 09:32 PM, said:

Anyone know if the kits will be sent out or do we collect them on the day.

Chest numbers are being posted out. A newsletter is being emailed and other race updates will be on the website. T shirt orders will be collected from registration.

[Chickenlegs69]

Hi All
This is my first post on CoolRunning. I live 250m from part of the course and its a pretty smooth dirt road the whole way. I'm doing the 10k and hope to do it all barefoot. I ran 8k barefoot last week so another 2 shouldn't be too bad, I'll be carrying my Vibram Five Fingers to wear if my feet get too tender.
I only hope its not too wet.

Cheers

[Eagle]

Chickenlegs69, on Jul 24 2010, 08:01 PM, said:

Hi All
This is my first post on CoolRunning. I live 250m from part of the course and its a pretty smooth dirt road the whole way. I'm doing the 10k and hope to do it all barefoot. I ran 8k barefoot last week so another 2 shouldn't be too bad, I'll be carrying my Vibram Five Fingers to wear if my feet get too tender.
I only hope its not too wet.

Cheers

Welcome

Barefoot    Good luck.

I am also an early marathon starter as I need to be back in Sydney for a function. THa means very very early start in Sydney. I hope there is not too much fog on the way down.

[sharth]

This is my first post too!  

Looks like there is some race info here: http://www.mountainr...m...News&id=176

I've signed up for the 16km, looking forward to it!

[sammo72]

Just back from my last hit-out before the 25k run on Saturday. 10ks of nice muddy undulating trails on the hills.

But i think my legs have forgotten how to run up-hill..

Cant wait for Saturday and looking forward to a nice muddy track, so at least I will look the part when I finish covered in mud.

Wishing other CR's a good final week of training.

[bmac]

Sammo72, not sure you are going to have an excuse for that mud...A few showers forecast this week, but we had heavy rain a couple of weeks ago and the track help up really well.  Ran on the section only the 42 & 60k do yesterday and it is great (was fine running by headtorch, nothing to slow you down).

Dont worry too much about the hills, these are nice easy ones compared to the usual courses that JohnH sets!!  You might need to come back to Canberra later in the year for 3 Peaks or Deep Space (now that is hill climbing)!  

See you at the start!

[sammo72]

Well my good luck has ended. Managed to slip over during the weekend club trail run and strained by groin.

And to make matters worse, I cant get in to the physio until Wednesday.

Should I just have the week off, no more running or jump on the stationary bike until race day.

I am relatively happy with my fitness (for me anyway) for this event, so not sure how much will be undone if I dont run this week.

[CCor]

sammo72, on Jul 26 2010, 05:37 PM, said:

Well my good luck has ended. Managed to slip over during the weekend club trail run and strained by groin.

And to make matters worse, I cant get in to the physio until Wednesday.

Should I just have the week off, no more running or jump on the stationary bike until race day.

I am relatively happy with my fitness (for me anyway) for this event, so not sure how much will be undone if I dont run this week.

That sucks!
Rest up and run on the weekend. Ialways seem to get fluie before a race. So far im all good for this one, but its only Monday.
Hope you feel better by the weekend

[bear]

Doing the 60k. It will be the longest I've ever run by 10k, but after the Hunter Valley I feel pretty good about it

[JohnH]

bear, on Jul 26 2010, 09:36 PM, said:

Doing the 60k. It will be the longest I've ever run by 10k, but after the Hunter Valley I feel pretty good about it

The last 5 years of Bush Capital Bush Marathon Festivals have enjoyed fantastic sunny winter weather. A bit of frost at the start then steadily getting warmer. So great conditions for running the marathon and ultra.

This Saturday's forecast is not looking good.

Thursday     Rain periods.                     Min 5    Max 14
Friday       Windy, showers.                   Min 7    Max 14
Saturday     Windy, showers.                   Min 5    Max 14
Sunday       Windy. Shower or two.             Min 2    Max 12

The only blessing is that in Canberra showers tend to be in short bursts of 5 to 15 minutes then pass over. However, I did the Canberra 6 hour metro rogaine earlier in the year where you stayed warm if you kept moving, even though drenched.

[Eagle]

I agree JohnH the weather has always been very kind. The morning are crisp and fresh but bythe first drink station it is glorious running conditions.

An early start for me in the marathon as I have to be back in Sydney ASAP. However I will run with Seris and we should finsih before sunset  .

[sammo72]

I am likely to be one of the few who are praying for rain for this event.

Being a 'heavy' runner, I find running in the rain great to keep me cool. Sorry.

[bear]

JohnH, on Jul 26 2010, 01:36 PM, said:

This Saturday's forecast is not looking good.

Thursday     Rain periods.                     Min 5    Max 14
Friday       Windy, showers.                   Min 7    Max 14
Saturday     Windy, showers.                   Min 5    Max 14
Sunday       Windy. Shower or two.             Min 2    Max 12

Well I guess we take the good with the bad

[flyingemu]

Very much looking forward this race. Running 60km only one week after a small pb at M7 last weekend, it should be great training for glasshouse. I'll be happy with anything under 7 hrs.

[RunBare]

Chickenlegs69, on Jul 24 2010, 08:01 PM, said:

This is my first post on CoolRunning. I live 250m from part of the course and its a pretty smooth dirt road the whole way. I'm doing the 10k and hope to do it all barefoot. I ran 8k barefoot last week so another 2 shouldn't be too bad, I'll be carrying my Vibram Five Fingers to wear if my feet get too tender.
I only hope its not too wet.

Wow, you're keen!  It's too damn cold for me to run barefoot here.  I'm sworn off it till the warmer weather returns.

Enjoy, glad it's not going to be a -5 morning for you

[JohnH]

bear, on Jul 27 2010, 12:33 PM, said:

Well I guess we take the good with the bad

When you are organising a big event out in the open, you want all the good weather you can get so it is not miserable for all the volunteer helpers.
The forecast has fortunately improved from 'windy, showers' to 'possible shower, windy'.

[sammo72]

Here's praying that the wind is blowing behind us up the steep hills between the 6k and 9k mark and not smack into our faces.

Can I please place my order in for a strong southerly...

http://www.mapmyrun....127949408762497

Edit: Just checked and it appears to be a NNW to W wind, bugger.

Edited by sammo72, 28 July 2010 - 11:52 AM.

[CCor]

got my number- 373.

Feeling good and healthy for the 25k. I live in Canberra but have only once ran in this area, its very pretty. I cant wait
Am a little concerned about the week after (C2S).  Would it be smart to not run all week after this? I know it depends on how I feel, but i often get it wrong!

[sammo72]

just got my number - 331.

also entered the 25km event and hoping it does not kill my quads and calves like the W2G did.

looks like there is no turning back now.

see you all on saturday and good luck to the other cr's...

[bear]

got my number today. Number 13! gulp!

[enduro]

#9 I think thats the lowest Number I've had on any run. Goodluck everyone and see you on Saturday

[Ultraphil]

Those doing the ultra on Saturday, I shall see you on the drink station on Mulligans Flat Road.

[JohnH]

enduro, on Jul 29 2010, 07:07 PM, said:

#9 I think thats the lowest Number I've had on any run. Goodluck everyone and see you on Saturday

The ultra runners are always allocated the low numbers in recognition of the effort they are putting in.

[sammo72]

Great idea John, maybe next year I might aim for a low number also.  

How is the track looking mate, you guys had much rain ???

I intend to have a recci Friday afternoon.

Edited by sammo72, 29 July 2010 - 09:42 PM.

[Eagle]

No number yet  

Not prepared at all but looking forward to it. I expect about 4.30 as Seris and I plan to take in all the scenery and for once enjoy the run.  

[seris]

Eagle, on Jul 30 2010, 06:45 AM, said:

No number yet  
Not prepared at all but looking forward to it. I expect about 4.30 as Seris and I plan to take in all the scenery and for once enjoy the run.

I'm #466
This will be a stroll as I conserve my energy for hosting 80 kids at my daughter's 21st that night. I may have bitten off more than I can chew tomorrow
See you at 3.45am Ray

[Emma100]

I'm 452. I'm also amazingly slow, so I'll be out there a while.

Staying at Olim's, will be have some pasta in the bar there tonight, and will have some refreshments after the marathon as well. I'll wear my CR hat, if you see me, I'd be delighted it you say Hello.

[Eagle]

Okay number has arrived. #465. I will be starting early and am aware that if you are a 'quick' early starter it maybe self catering for most of the aid stations. Thats fine - it will be BYO on this one for most of the journey.

[Lindyk]

Good luck & good running everybody.

Hope it's cool but not cold.

Thank you John for encouraging tortoises to be involved.
I would love to be out there & think I could do it OK but
I will be patient & follow my doctor's advice & wait until October.

Go Coolrunners!

Lindy

[bmac]

Thank you JohnH and your wonderful group of volunteers for yet another great event.  Well signposted, clear km signs and you even managed good weather (except that brief rain shower).

I really enjoyed the 25k run (2:00:3x) with about a 30min pb for me (from 5yrs ago & pre kids).  Lovely to see so many out running, and lots of friendly comments along the way.

Also, great long cutoffs for all the events encouraging all levels to enter, my sister did 16k bush walk today, further than she has ever walked & while slow was still well inside cutoff and because of the staggering of events had others around her over the final 5k stretch.

Strongly recommend any of the AMRA events to those looking at them, always well run, friendly events.  Although will add I think this is definitely the easiest of the events (John is great and finding mountains to run up).

[JohnH]

bbren, on Jul 31 2010, 03:59 PM, said:

Thank you JohnH and your wonderful group of volunteers for yet another great event.  Well signposted, clear km signs and you even managed good weather (except that brief rain shower).

I really enjoyed the 25k run (2:00:3x) with about a 30min pb for me (from 5yrs ago & pre kids).  Lovely to see so many out running, and lots of friendly comments along the way.

Also, great long cutoffs for all the events encouraging all levels to enter, my sister did 16k bush walk today, further than she has ever walked & while slow was still well inside cutoff and because of the staggering of events had others around her over the final 5k stretch.

Strongly recommend any of the AMRA events to those looking at them, always well run, friendly events.  Although will add I think this is definitely the easiest of the events (John is great and finding mountains to run up).

Congratulations on the great 2nd place in the women's 25k and for your sister's gutsy 4 hour effort to complete the 16k walk. Coolrunner Emma was an exhuberant finisher of her second ever marathon; not a hill runner, she couldn't stop talking about how she successfully completed the challnge of many hills compared with her previous marathon at the somewhat flat Gold Coast.

Fortunately the weather Gods smiled on the 520 participants and the threatening rain held off, although I was told some other parts of Canberra experienced short deluges. And tomorrow the forecast is for snow from Antartica to make its way to the Brindabellas and drive Canberra's maximum down to 9 degrees. A bit chilly even for the runners who performed barefoot today!

[Nellielonglegs]

Congratulations to Bear....MAMMOTH EFFORT in 5hrs 8mins - 3rd overall

[PeterPlodder]

Great day, with the rain holding off and cool (not cold) conditions. Just right for me.

My goal was 4:30, but Iwas mainly wanting to do better than last year's 4:55, when I blew up towards the end.

I ended up doing surprisingly well, still feeling in reasonable condition at the 30k mark and still running up (most of) the hills. I was pretty worn out at the end, but in the final 50m or so I heard someone closing in, and found enough energy for a genuine sprint finish. But he had a bit more than me and so beat me by 1 second. Actually, by 1 hour and 1 second, as I had taken the early start.

Very happy with my time of 4:25. That's even a qualifier for the Deep Space Mountain Marathon, although I can't run it this year.

I ran the Gold Coast marathon earlier this month. It was a bit of a shocker, with my legs feeling dead by the halfway mark and having a fairly painful final 15k. My time there was 4:26 - It's a bit surprising that I actually got a better time in the Bush Capital marathon.

Big thanks to the volunteers (and I liked the chips at the drink stations!). And a particularly big thank you to John Harding, who puts an amazing amount of effort into these events.

[damyanos]

Another great day for the Bush Marathon Festival.With the large number of staggered starts and out and back sections,there is always someone to say g'day to.
I did the 60k and ran with an 18yo for the first 30k.We were running first and second that whole time.A great kid with mountains of enthusiasm but with his previous longest run a HM,he was treating this the same,charging up hills and racing through drink stations.As we ran shoulder to shoulder,I must have advised him four times to drop back and conserve some energy for later.He was convinced I was trying to do away with the competition
I was able to lead the rest of the way but could never relax,knowing David Baldwin and Darren ? were probably closing in.Those hundreds of small dips and rises I didn't notice on the way out were magnified a hundred times on the return.It was amusing (not at the time)shuffling on my last legs with 3k to go and watching the 10k race front runners fly by on fresh legs.I remember having those nearly 5hrs earlier.
Thankyou John and all of your volunteers for another excellent event and will see you again next year.

[Chickenlegs69]

Thanks to the organisers for a great job.
I did the 10k barefoot and was really happy with a time of just under 50mins. It was my first running race in about 20 years (have been cycling and swimming).
The weather was perfect and the rain earlier softened up the track nicely. It wasn't cold on my feet at all until I stopped.
Couldn't have wished for a better event for my first barefoot race.

Cheers

Chris    

Edited by Chickenlegs69, 01 August 2010 - 08:26 AM.

[Ultraphil]

Enjoyed doing the drink station on the intersection of Dukes Rd and Mulligans Flat Road yesterday. Good to meet a few people.   Always good to help but would rather have been competing ( next year). Congrats to JohnH for a well organised event! Even the supplies and extras for the drink station were well appreciated by the runners!

[sammo72]

Wow, what a great course. Thanks to John and the other organisers for putting on a great day.

I managed to complete only my second 25km bush run and was happy with my time of 2hr 36min. Although I did hit the wall badly at 22ks, which resulted in more walking then running. I guess I need to get my fluids/fuel sorted out as I had absolutely no energy. The brain wanted to run, but the legs did not. A massive blister under my big toe that burst and bleed did not help things, but not making excuses. I wanted so badly to get it seen to at the end, but as I was walking to the first-aid centre, I remembered that my girls had painted my toe nails the night before as a good luck charm.

Met a heap of fellow CR's both at the start and during the event, which is great. It is amazing the lift seeing and speaking to other CR's gives you. We seem to be everywhere....

Special thanks to Wagga Don for a great pre and post chat, you are a top bloke mate. See you in Wagga in a fortnights time.

Also, Emma100, you are a truely inspirational runner. I was glad to have seen you off at the start of the full marathon and pleased to see you made it home inside the cut-off. Although I did feel bad whilst relaxing in the bath after my 25, thinking that you were still on the track somewhere. You looked as bad as I felt during brekky, hope the legs have come back. You are bloody awesome and all the best in England. See you in Melbourne when you get back.

Thanks to several other CR's, who's names escape me right now. It was nice to run with you and get the 'Go CR' during the out-and-back sections of the run.  

Anyway, well done to all fellow CR's in all the events. It was a great day and I will be back next year to improve on my time.

[JohnH]

damyanos, on Aug 1 2010, 07:41 AM, said:

Another great day for the Bush Marathon Festival.With the large number of staggered starts and out and back sections,there is always someone to say g'day to.
I did the 60k and ran with an 18yo for the first 30k.We were running first and second that whole time.A great kid with mountains of enthusiasm but with his previous longest run a HM,he was treating this the same,charging up hills and racing through drink stations.As we ran shoulder to shoulder,I must have advised him four times to drop back and conserve some energy for later.He was convinced I was trying to do away with the competition
I was able to lead the rest of the way but could never relax,knowing David Baldwin and Darren ? were probably closing in.Those hundreds of small dips and rises I didn't notice on the way out were magnified a hundred times on the return.It was amusing (not at the time)shuffling on my last legs with 3k to go and watching the 10k race front runners fly by on fresh legs.I remember having those nearly 5hrs earlier.
Thankyou John and all of your volunteers for another excellent event and will see you again next year.

Congratulations on a truly mighty performance to go one better than last year and take out this year's 60k, much tougher than last year because 8k of flat road was replaced with 8k of very hilly National Bicentennial Trail within Mulligans Flat nature reserve.
Multiple world rogaining champion Julie Quinn was also amazing as fastest female. To train for her next 24 hour rogaine, she ran all the way with a heavy backpack containing 3 litres of water.

[JohnH]

PeterPlodder, on Jul 31 2010, 09:15 PM, said:

Great day, with the rain holding off and cool (not cold) conditions. Just right for me.

My goal was 4:30, but Iwas mainly wanting to do better than last year's 4:55, when I blew up towards the end.

I ended up doing surprisingly well, still feeling in reasonable condition at the 30k mark and still running up (most of) the hills. I was pretty worn out at the end, but in the final 50m or so I heard someone closing in, and found enough energy for a genuine sprint finish. But he had a bit more than me and so beat me by 1 second. Actually, by 1 hour and 1 second, as I had taken the early start.

Very happy with my time of 4:25. That's even a qualifier for the Deep Space Mountain Marathon, although I can't run it this year.

I ran the Gold Coast marathon earlier this month. It was a bit of a shocker, with my legs feeling dead by the halfway mark and having a fairly painful final 15k. My time there was 4:26 - It's a bit surprising that I actually got a better time in the Bush Capital marathon.


Big thanks to the volunteers (and I liked the chips at the drink stations!). And a particularly big thank you to John Harding, who puts an amazing amount of effort into these events.

Sounds like Gold Coast might have given your fitness a turbo boost and now you are on a roll with your big Bush Marathon run!
Just make sure you recover well from yesterday.

[Emma100]

Race report! I'm back home, here near the Murray. I have gone and looked at my local 15m tall hill, and told it I have no fear of it. (15m climb over 500m.)

I ran the marathon. This was my second marathon, and the first was the Gold Coast (2009). When I say I live in a flat area: I think there are hills on the Gold Coast Marathon course. The Canberra Bush Marathon has hills that other people can see.

I've set myself the goal of running a marathon in every state and territory by the time I'm 40. This year, I planned to cross the ACT and Victoria off the list.  In January, I finally admitted a sore muscle wasn't coming good, and saw a physio. Torn Quad, so my marathon training was put on hold. Then,  I got the opportunity to go back to uni, full time in the UK. Giving myself a 18 week training program: this weekend was it. If I didn't run a marathon this weekend, I wasn't going to run a marathon this year in Australia. As much as I hate to say it, 40 is getting closer, I will have to run two states some years, and taking a year out will not be an option.

So, as luck would have it, I selected the Canberra bush marathon. Excellent race, well organised, friendly volunteers. The race organiser even listened to my post race verbal twittering! (Sorry John. I'm sure you had already figured out that your course was hillier than the Gold coast.)

I did find the hills challenging. We don't have any around here, you see. I did make a point of training on trails (which are dead flat) and on our hill (15m tall! Go you hilly thing!). When the first 500m has a hill bigger than the one you train on, you realise "Oh, dear, this is going to get interesting.

I found 7 - 9km really bloody tough. I don't think I'm alone there. I enjoyed the early start, and the long cut-off. I was shooting for 7 hours, and I'm happy with 7hours, 8 minutes. I gave it all I had. I recognise that long cut-offs are hard on the volunteers and race infrastructure, road closures and the rest of it, and I am grateful to the race organisers for doing this.  I am a passionate runner, I love this sport, I'm just really slow. With time I am improving, and I will get faster. I appreciate races that are inclusive of people like me.

I found the course hard. Again, I don't think I'm alone. The weather was perfect for me, so well done there. I lost the ability to run uphill around 24km (and how much did I love the turn around being further than half-way? It was great. I had the huge boost of knowing it was only 18km to get to the end. I can do 18km.) At 36km, I lost the ability to run, so I walked as hard as I could for the last 6km. Not thrilled with that, but I was still upright and moving.

I had only run one trail race before (Marysville 2009), so this was a big learning experience. I'm in love with the marathon. I love having a body that can move 42.2km. I really enjoy the company of other runners, and a big thank you to everyone who encouraged me, had a chat, laughed at my t-shirt and were part of the day.

[bear]

What a race! This was the longest I have ever run in my life. I did the 10k last yr and was the first male to finish. This race I wasn't too sure what to expect & what I had been told there wern't many massive hills to worry about.....ahem......well I guess a course change can change that. I just ran my own race but did notice I was closing in on 1st & 2nd & by the turn around about 33.5k I was 200m behind Damien & almost caught up to the 18yr old 2nd guy. Still feeling pretty good I caught 2nd soon after & thought I might get Damien. By the time I got to 50k I then really sowed down. Legs went lead I could only manage a shuffle. 4k to go Dave Baldwin caught me & just flew past. By now I just wanted to finish this thing. I think the last 2k was the longest 2k of my life! Made it to the end in  5hrs8min feeling like death!
Quite amazed how good my legs felt the day after though!
Great event & I'll be back yr.
Thanks John Harding !

Edited by bear, 01 August 2010 - 06:50 PM.

[sammo72]

Great run Bear.
Do you know where the '18 yr old' came in.
I met him at dinner before the event and was amazed at his confidence and enthusiasm at his first attempt. I think we might be seeing more of him if he gets the right guidance in the running scene.

[alisonjc]

Emma100, on Aug 1 2010, 01:28 AM, said:

Race report! I'm back home, here near the Murray. I have gone and looked at my local 15m tall hill, and told it I have no fear of it. (15m climb over 500m.)

I ran the marathon. This was my second marathon, and the first was the Gold Coast (2009). When I say I live in a flat area: I think there are hills on the Gold Coast Marathon course. The Canberra Bush Marathon has hills that other people can see.

I've set myself the goal of running a marathon in every state and territory by the time I'm 40. This year, I planned to cross the ACT and Victoria off the list.  In January, I finally admitted a sore muscle wasn't coming good, and saw a physio. Torn Quad, so my marathon training was put on hold. Then,  I got the opportunity to go back to uni, full time in the UK. Giving myself a 18 week training program: this weekend was it. If I didn't run a marathon this weekend, I wasn't going to run a marathon this year in Australia. As much as I hate to say it, 40 is getting closer, I will have to run two states some years, and taking a year out will not be an option.

So, as luck would have it, I selected the Canberra bush marathon. Excellent race, well organised, friendly volunteers. The race organiser even listened to my post race verbal twittering! (Sorry John. I'm sure you had already figured out that your course was hillier than the Gold coast.)

I did find the hills challenging. We don't have any around here, you see. I did make a point of training on trails (which are dead flat) and on our hill (15m tall! Go you hilly thing!). When the first 500m has a hill bigger than the one you train on, you realise "Oh, dear, this is going to get interesting.

I found 7 - 9km really bloody tough. I don't think I'm alone there. I enjoyed the early start, and the long cut-off. I was shooting for 7 hours, and I'm happy with 7hours, 8 minutes. I gave it all I had. I recognise that long cut-offs are hard on the volunteers and race infrastructure, road closures and the rest of it, and I am grateful to the race organisers for doing this.  I am a passionate runner, I love this sport, I'm just really slow. With time I am improving, and I will get faster. I appreciate races that are inclusive of people like me.

I found the course hard. Again, I don't think I'm alone. The weather was perfect for me, so well done there. I lost the ability to run uphill around 24km (and how much did I love the turn around being further than half-way? It was great. I had the huge boost of knowing it was only 18km to get to the end. I can do 18km.) At 36km, I lost the ability to run, so I walked as hard as I could for the last 6km. Not thrilled with that, but I was still upright and moving.

I had only run one trail race before (Marysville 2009), so this was a big learning experience. I'm in love with the marathon. I love having a body that can move 42.2km. I really enjoy the company of other runners, and a big thank you to everyone who encouraged me, had a chat, laughed at my t-shirt and were part of the day.

WELL DONE EMMA!!! SO PROUD OF YOU!

[bear]

sammo72, on Aug 1 2010, 08:58 AM, said:

Great run Bear.
Do you know where the '18 yr old' came in.
I met him at dinner before the event and was amazed at his confidence and enthusiasm at his first attempt. I think we might be seeing more of him if he gets the right guidance in the running scene.

I think he came in 4th but not sure. I did see him finish but I went back to the car to get warm clothes straight after I finished then saw him SPRINT across the finish line when I got back. (it did take me awhile to walk to the car & back!) I think once he works out how to pace himself do some extra long runs get a few marathons under his belt he will turn into a good ultra runner. Just not sure if at 18 it should be his focus. I think 1/2 marathons now then marathons in a couple of yrs then switch to ultra's after that.
But thats just what I reckon.
I see you are doing Wagga half Sammo. I'll see you there. I'm going to have a go at the marathon
Also well done to Gogirl! July we have done Goldcoast marathon where I paced her in 3hrs21min then 2weeks later we do Hunter valley marathon where I get 3rd place in 3:01 & she gets 3rd female in a training run in 3:28 & for completing 60k ultra yesterday!
What a month!

And well done to Emma. I saw you there and wanted to say "go Emma!" when I saw your shirt but was too stuffed to talk! Keep going because what your doing is outstanding and the more you do the better you will get and you will be surrounded by like minded postive people!

Edited by bear, 01 August 2010 - 07:57 PM.

[Khat]

Great day, congrats to organisers and volunteers on a great job.

I did the 16km not sure of my time yet as my watch played up, roughly 83mins. Went too hard for first 7km and although I dont think you can hit the wall in 7km but I pretty well died and was only saved by the long downhills that kept my pace reasonable. Very pleased with my time considering I have never run more then 13km and only ever raced once before in a 10km, will definatly up the training miles as I think that was my downfall.

[rawns]

I started with the early group (0730h) with the goal of completing my first ever ultra. My goal time was sub 6 hours but was not too focussed on time, rather finishing and running strong. I have been training in my Vibrams all year and with strong training runs, a thorough nutrition plan and  strong mental approach, I 'thought' I was good to go. I felt awesome for the first 1.5 km when I slightly dorsiflexed my left foot and felt a pinch in my mid - fore foot. I had experienced much worse than this while conditioning my feet over the past 6 - 8 months and had no problems. I kept going and over the course of the next 3.5 km, the pain scale increased from 2 - 8/10. I stopped momentarily at the first aid station to inspect my foot and noticed some swelling. At this stage I was over taken by second place and after sitting on 5min/km for the first 5 km, I was reduced to a walk/limp. At this stage I was convinced it was a fracture and my aspirations of finishing were a distant memory.

As the rest of the early group passed me, every single person took the time to ask what was wrong and see if they could be of assistance. Thanks to all those people and apologies if I was abrupt in my response but my level of frustration and self disappointment were unmeasurable at that stage.

I continued to limp for the next 6 km until a local insisted on driving me back to the start point. I managed to drive using my heel to the medical centre where I was sent to Calvary hospital for x-rays.

Diagnosis - a fracture through the base of the 2nd metatarsal in my left foot. 4-6 weeks in a moon boot and approx 6-8 weeks full recovery.

Summary - I am devastated, frustrated and feel a great sense of self failure. Watching people run past me was bitter sweet. It was awesome to see people committed to the challenge ahead of them but crushing for myself to be in the lead and then limping like a cripple at the rear.

Thanks again to all those supportive people and well done to all the finishers.

[enduro]

Thanks John and all the volunteers for putting on a great event.

Enjoyed running the 60km, great trails with some stunning views of Canberra and surrounds. The aid stations were well stocked I probably ate more than my share of the fruit cake. Will be back again next year.

[Prachar]

Canberra running at its best.  With all the controversy surrounding other events that may or may not be taking place in Canberra, John Harding – who by the way staged Canberra's first ever competitive marathon way back when – continues to offer superlative events with everything a runner wants and needs: a clearly marked, challenging course; the serenity, beauty and inspiration of a bush setting; ample aid stations; friendly care and encouragement before, during and after.  Runners know and appreciate the enormous labour of love that goes into staging such an event.  Surely this Festival will continue to flourish and prosper as a flagship event for our Bush Capital. Having lived within a minute of various parts of this course for about 25 years, I was thrilled to be able to participate this year, and look forward to returning to these much-loved trails again and again.  Bravo, and sincere thanks to all involved...

[stoneman]

Turned up to complete my first ultra, after experiencing my first DNF earlier in the year at the TNF100.

Took a friends advice and left the Garmin behind and just went out and enjoyed the run, a goal of finishing in good shape and wanting more.

Some great views of the ACT on some of the higher points, a threat of rain and some cool winds while running through some great scrub like bush on undulating track.
Drink stations at the right points and a nice assortment of nibbles - did feel a bit sorry for solo volunteers on a cold day if you aren't moving around, but something great about a smaller event with a dedicated group of volunteers

To "Rawns" who broke  his foot on the way and had to pull out - Good luck with the recovery and just harness the frustration and focus it and we'll see you on the track somewhere in no time at all...

Really enjoyed it, came in just over 7 hours, off of the early start, legs great the next day - a light trot and shopping with Mrs stoneman!

Thanks to volunteers, organisers and competitors alike....

Edited by stoneman, 02 August 2010 - 05:40 AM.