67 replies to this topic

[frankie17]

I have missed this for various reasons but wish to do part or all of it next year.

I think it is an up year.  This means Sydney to Gosford, yes?

Also, will the date be Saturday 28 May 2011?

Edited by frankie17, 26 October 2010 - 03:47 PM.

[Spud]

Up year, yes frankie, usually the second Sat in June so I would guess 11th June 2011.
More info here

[Jogger]

I am considering chucking my hat in the ring also...

[tone]

i will give this a crack as I definitely can't afford to go back to comrades next year

[Frode]

This is something I will make a goal!

First, I need to get (a lot) fitter, so if I make this a goal for 2013, it should be fairly achievable..
Which means I'll need to aim for a marathon in 2012 and a half marathon in 2011.

Am I realistic, given I'm not even finished with the "Couch to 5k" plan yet?
I love the idea of ultras, so it's just a matter of whipping myself into shape! Right?

[wombatoutofhell]

Frode, on Dec 27 2010, 10:22 PM, said:

This is something I will make a goal!

First, I need to get (a lot) fitter, so if I make this a goal for 2013, it should be fairly achievable..
Which means I'll need to aim for a marathon in 2012 and a half marathon in 2011.

Am I realistic, given I'm not even finished with the "Couch to 5k" plan yet?
I love the idea of ultras, so it's just a matter of whipping myself into shape! Right?

Anything's possible!  There's a bit more to an ultra-there's the running obviously, but there's also nutrition, more planning (when to run, when to walk for example), a support crew on many of them, have to make sure you don't start to fast-there's a few considerations.  Then there's also the danger of over training-I've done this alot just with marathon training.  Still I started running in January 2007, first 10km in March, first 1/2 in June, first marathon in April 2008, first ultra (50km) in July 2009.  I'm yet to do a 100km though-that's a really big step.  I see no reason why you can't do it in your time frame though as long as you are sensible about it.  Have a look at some of the ultra training threads, google ultra training, talk to some of the ultra runners and get some good advice.
Good Luck!

[Frode]

wombatoutofhell, on Dec 27 2010, 10:31 PM, said:

Anything's possible!  There's a bit more to an ultra-there's the running obviously, but there's also nutrition, more planning (when to run, when to walk for example), a support crew on many of them, have to make sure you don't start to fast-there's a few considerations.  Then there's also the danger of over training-I've done this alot just with marathon training.  Still I started running in January 2007, first 10km in March, first 1/2 in June, first marathon in April 2008, first ultra (50km) in July 2009.  I'm yet to do a 100km though-that's a really big step.  I see no reason why you can't do it in your time frame though as long as you are sensible about it.  Have a look at some of the ultra training threads, google ultra training, talk to some of the ultra runners and get some good advice.
Good Luck!

Thanks for the words of encouragement (and warning).
Glad that my timetable seems realistic to someone other than myself!
I plan to learn a lot during my build-up - I know I'll definitely need loads of advice! Really happy that this forum seems to be filled with folks that are both knowledgeable and helpful to newbies!
As you can see, I've added my goals to my sig.

[paddorunner]

Jogger, on 26 October 2010 - 06:55 PM, said:

I am considering chucking my hat in the ring also...

Kevin, any confirmation on the date?

[iangallagher16]

as long as i recover much better than i did in last years TNF100 then ill be keen.

[RawAussieAthlete]

I'm in for certain!
Who could have thought a road race could win my heart over...

[stephenJ]

I am interested, whats the route like - roads / trails? did a date get confirmed...

edited to say, yikes - 100% road, might have to have a good think about this!

Edited by stephenJ, 21 May 2011 - 08:54 PM.

[wadaye]

I'm in.

[Horrie]

I'm in for this for the first time in 5 years. Have we locked a date in yet?

[Spud]

Sadly no PMC for me this year I'll be in California, enjoy all.

[RawAussieAthlete]

Who's going to update the Poor Mans Comrades page with the following official start details?

     Start time: 7am Sat 11th June, 2011
     Direction: Up year
     Start location: Opera House
     Finish location: Gosford train station

The page also needs the 2010 results added, which can be found in last year's Poor Mans Comrades forum.
The "All time results" need updating too.

I can see that Jogger (Kevin), Hamburglar, Spud and Plu have all updated the page in the past.
I'm not sure who else is in the "Users" group that has edit permission. Unfortunately I'm not...

Edited by RawAussieAthlete, 29 May 2011 - 09:54 PM.

[plu]

Hi all,

I just tried to log on and cannot remember the password.

Given I did the down course in 16 hours in 2009  I might try what I did in 2008 which was starting soon after midnight so I can get to in daylight Gosford.

This way if I make it that far I am not in the dark o the old Pacific Highway for 4 hours in the dark.  Anyone else interested in an earlier start? Contact me off line or pop over to Facebook or twitter.

cheers Plu

[iangallagher16]

i should be ok for this. i live on pacific highway in greenwich so i'll be able to leave water out for everyone running. admittedly its only about 7km from the start but it all helps

[Koala1]

Still really want to do PMC one year, but it won't be this year.  I'd like to do it first on a "down" year, as I reckon it would be far more special to finish at the Opera House. Thats just my preference though - I'm sure its still a great run going the other way too

[RawAussieAthlete]

I've only done the "up" years previously (3 times).
I'm looking forward to having fresh legs going through Bobbin Head

[Graham Wye]

Looking forward to it once again this year, with not many takers so far perhaps I'll qualify for a preferred start!

[nite_time_runner]

Same as you Koala1 - some mates and I want to do it, but only on down - something about the finish at Gosford not an incentive enough to keep us motivated when it gets tough!  This was the reason we did our own 100km run ( Fatass run Three Headed Monster ) in 2009, and 2010.

Good luck PMC runners!!! You are a very special bunch!!

[TrailTrash]

nite_time_runner, on 31 May 2011 - 03:20 PM, said:

I want to do it, but only on down - something about the finish at Gosford not an incentive enough to keep us motivated when it gets tough!  This was the reason we did our own 100km run ( Fatass run Three Headed Monster ) in 2009, and 2010.

I dont understand.
2009 and 2010 were both down years that finished at the opera house.

[EverReadyBunny]

Ok put me down as %100 there unless of course I get a better offer

[nite_time_runner]

TrailTrash, on 31 May 2011 - 04:12 PM, said:

I dont understand.
2009 and 2010 were both down years that finished at the opera house.

Gee..its all such a blur now!  Our 3 Headed Monster run was conceived two mates and I at the tail-end (oxygen deprived end) of a long run, when it was an up year...must have been 2008   , and it took us a year to get our acts together!!!  Once we did our first 3HM, we wanted to keep doing our annual 100km pilgrimage together around Sydney.

PMC is still on my list! Good luck runners!

[EverReadyBunny]

Running this one a couple of years ago it was nice to finish it the city.

I particularly recall running across the Harbour Bridge with Sportsman after been dropped by Trailtrash. Gosh it felt good to be near to the end, the city lighting festival Vivid must have been on. It was the last night of the festival. The Opera House was all lit up and people were lined along the harbour bridge to see it. It felt so bizarre to run into the populace after been out in the nothing and then the burbs for so long.

Can't wait to see what Gosford puts on for the finish.

Also currently in negotiations with Baxters owner so he might come along for a party pooper option. Most likely Pie in the sky through to Mt White.

Edited by EverReadyBunny, 07 June 2011 - 10:16 AM.

[Horrie]

I have only done the up run. Hate to tell you ERB but there is nothing going on at Gosford Railway station. How is everybody getting back to Sydney after the run?

[Paul Every]

EverReadyBunny, on 07 June 2011 - 10:15 AM, said:

I particularly recall running across the Harbour Bridge with Sportsman after been dropped by Trailtrash. Gosh it felt good to be near to the end, the city lighting festival Vivid must have been on. It was the last night of the festival. The Opera House was all lit up and people were lined along the harbour bridge to see it.........

No. They were there to see you!

[Paul Every]

EverReadyBunny, on 07 June 2011 - 10:15 AM, said:

Can't wait to see what Gosford puts on for the finish.

No matter what time you finish, expect a few drunken 15 year old girls, ciggies dangling from their lips, setting a wonderful example for their kids.

Horrie, how can you say nothing goes on at Gosford railway station? You do the place such a disservice.

Edited by Paul Every, 07 June 2011 - 07:35 PM.

[Rivz]

Just wanted to make sure you are all aware that due to track work buses will be replacing trains between Gosford and Wynyard.  The published timetable for the buses has one leaving Gosford every 15mins on average.  However, my experience of similar trackwork on the NS line is that the bus drivers have not been informed of the timetable   ...so you just have to take whatyou get!!!

Good luck all

I hope to tag along with a few of you from Pymble to Pie in the Sky...watch out for me loitering around the corner of Bobbin Head Road.

Cheers
Rivz

[djbleakman]

TrailTrash, on 31 May 2011 - 04:12 PM, said:

I dont understand.
2009 and 2010 were both down years that finished at the opera house.

It follows the lead from the official Comrades.. which had 2 'down' years in 09 and 10... cant remember why now... must have been a hugging and congratulation year or something.

[Rivz]

djbleakman, on 08 June 2011 - 01:57 PM, said:

It follows the lead from the official Comrades.. which had 2 'down' years in 09 and 10... cant remember why now... must have been a hugging and congratulation year or something.

djb - I think it was because in 2010 they wanted to Finish in Duban as part of the lead up to the 2010 World cup.  

I think what  Trailtrash was refering to when he said he did not understand was that nite_time_runner said the reason why he and he mates did not run PMC last year or the year before was becase they wanted to finish at the Opera house....and both those years were DOWN years and so they DID finish at the Opera house...

[SMCRoadRaceSeries]

djbleakman, on 08 June 2011 - 01:57 PM, said:

It follows the lead from the official Comrades.. which had 2 'down' years in 09 and 10... cant remember why now... must have been a hugging and congratulation year or something.

Sorry to burst the bubble, but PMC neither takes the lead from nor resembles anything like Comrades.

Neither direction is 'up' or 'down' they follow the coast whereas Comrades is akin to Penrith-Mt Victoria
It does not have a cut off
It is not on the same day, nor close to it.
etc etc

NTR's 3 headed monster could probably qualify too

Rivz, on 08 June 2011 - 04:08 PM, said:

djb - I think it was because in 2010 they wanted to Finish in Duban as part of the lead up to the 2010 World cup.  

2010 was the 85th anniversary which is why publicity was boosted and the finish was in Durban. The WC only kicked off three weeks later.

[Horrie]

Colin, lighten up. It is called Poor Man's Comrades. It is a similar distance with a few big hills thrown in. I don't think we are saying it is Comrades. Everybody knows it couldn't be as good as SA. You have told us often enough.

[Rivz]

SMCRoadRaceSeries, on 08 June 2011 - 05:52 PM, said:

2010 was the 85th anniversary which is why publicity was boosted and the finish was in Durban. The WC only kicked off three weeks later.

I stand corrected...the date was changed for the World Cup not the direction.
...my sincere apologies to anyone who was deeply offended by such blasphemy  

[SMCRoadRaceSeries]

Gee I didn't think this race training run was so iconic and precious to get the usual Horrie defensiveness. I just made the points of difference in relation to "the direction is the same as the real Comrades"..what direction??

Geez, I pat anyone on the back who runs 96km in winter for no particular reason other than training But calling it PMC with all congratulatory stuff doesn't make it better than someone else's training run.

Just curious to the 'Comrades' association. It is like calling a low key 16km fun run in the back blocks of some other country "the poor man's city to surf"..."no one is saying it is the real CtS, but it is a 'similar' distance"...although everything else is different.

[djbleakman]

Nee Nor Nee Nor... the fun police are out. Don't worry everyone, I'll change the title of the thread to:

"Not the Poor Man's Comrades, just something vaguely resembling but in no way taking the lead from the Official Comrades, as this one is run by the coast, doesn't have an official cut off, and is not on the same day as the almighty and gracious Comrades where you too can feel like you've achieved something by coming 9,604th out of 12,753 other fun runners and say you've completed the toughest footrace on the planet... possibly - the end"

Edited by djbleakman, 09 June 2011 - 10:59 AM.

[Graham Wye]

So Dan, can we expect to see you at the steps of the Opera House on Saturday? Hopefully we can get more than 4 or 5 runners.

[djbleakman]

Graham Wye, on 09 June 2011 - 11:04 AM, said:

So Dan, can we expect to see you at the steps of the Opera House on Saturday? Hopefully we can get more than 4 or 5 runners.

I'm afraid not Graham as much as I'd like to say I've completed something resembling to 'The Official Comrades'... I'll be yomping around NZ this weekend. I've entered a race in Wanaka, I'm the only one running it and I set the course, and when I've finished I can give myself a big pat on the back and claim another 'lucky' trail ultra win.

I might even get a medal done for myself too, plus the obligatory T-shirt, with 'Wanaka Winner' on the back... just waiting for a photo from Colin so I can get that placed on there too. I jest... good luck to all you wannabe Comrades runners out there, and just remember, its only a training run, and it's not 'official'....

[EverReadyBunny]

Dang it you lot !! Does that mean there is no prize money ?  
Really must read find the entry form next time.

[Spud]

I will miss the PMC this year, my one and only favouritist road run.
Way better than that silly rip off run held in Seth afrika.
Enjoy all..

Edited by Spud, 09 June 2011 - 01:45 PM.

[Paul Every]

SMCRoadRaceSeries, on 08 June 2011 - 05:52 PM, said:

Neither direction is 'up' or 'down' .......

When you grow up Down Under, you are habituated to think of south as "down".

Colin, you must have a real problem when listening to Men at Work.  

[Horrie]

Thanks to Colin for clarifying that this is a training run that is in no way connected to the greatest race on Earth in South Africa.

I would really like someone to answer how they intend on getting back to Sydney after our training run. Otherwise I might have to run a Rosie Ruiz option of turning around at some point and heading back to the Opera House. This would make my run called the Rosie Ruiz version of the Poor Man's Comrades.  

[Graham Wye]

Horrie, I plan to finish at the railway station at Gosford and then hop onto a bus back to Sydney from Faunce Street near the station (Trackwork bus). I understand they will be leaving every 10 minutes. The bus trip to Chatswood should take about an hour and a half.
Type in Faunce Street Gosford into the Trip Planner for departure times.

http://www.131500.co...13609&x=60&y=16

Edited by Graham Wye, 09 June 2011 - 07:40 PM.

[Graham Wye]

Graham Wye, on 09 June 2011 - 07:32 PM, said:

Horrie, I plan to finish at the railway station at Gosford and then hop onto a bus back to Sydney from Faunce Street near the station (Trackwork bus). I understand they will be leaving every 10 minutes. The bus trip to Chatswood should take about an hour and a half.
Type in Faunce Street Gosford into the Trip Planner for departure times.

http://www.131500.co...13609&x=60&y=16

Here is an updated pdf with more accurate distances.

Attached Files

•  PMC Up.pdf   19.61K   40 downloads

[RawAussieAthlete]

Horrie, on 09 June 2011 - 07:13 PM, said:

I would really like someone to answer how they intend on getting back to Sydney after our training run.

I actually get to run towards home this year! After the race training run, I'll be getting a trackwork bus from Gosford to Wyong. They leave about every 15 minutes until late at night. Too easy!

Edited by RawAussieAthlete, 10 June 2011 - 11:01 AM.

[EverReadyBunny]

Horrie I will also be jumping on the Sydney express bus after of course watching all that Gosford train station has to offer. That should take all of about 5 minutes

Marie Doke is also planning to run this one. I think the full distance. Will be nice to see a few on the start as we head off out into the boondocks.

[Unlikelyrunner]

Good luck this weekend guys, I look forward to hearing how you get on.

I cannot imagine running 87km without being driven by the wonderful crowd support the South African event gets, stay strong!!

[SMCRoadRaceSeries]

Have a good run guys...so sorry that my comments were taken out of context.

My post was merely a response to why a certain direction...why the heck bother about that when it isn't even "up" nor "down" (altitude Paul,,, altitude...you know C2K is "up" just in case you forgot), or even follows any other of the 'real' event rules.
As usual some ultra guys are ultra sensitive...or is it just Dan and Horrie, gee they must be glad they got someone else to pick on besides each others' throats

But it is still 96km and still a hard day in office and kudos for doing it in Sydney's cold weather (edit..as UR says without any support too)...I enjoyed hammering out nearly 50km on the course between Berowra-Mt White and back in 2007 (about 3:50).... as I said to another 2012 Comrades prospect that we would be getting to know that road well in preparation next year. Good long downhills followed by the same up, can't think of a better more convenient training run for it.

But this run itself would have more potential than just the usual 10 or so rocking up every year, if it is promoted as a race in its own right rather than a poor cousin of something else, even if it remains a fat ass. What's wrong with Gosford to Sydney? There is enough in this course in its own right, with a finish over the bridge to Opera House, to get more interested ...just my 2 cents (sensitive guys need not respond), but of course that means organisation...and no one wants that, right?

cheers and good luck

Edited by SMCRoadRaceSeries, 10 June 2011 - 11:54 AM.

[TrailTrash]

Have a great run guys. I am not running this year.

I will however be out offering support on the Mt Kuring gai - Cowan stretch.

See you all in the morning.
Gav

[EverReadyBunny]

Will be nice to see you out there Trailtrash.

So who are our list of starters.

Wadaye
RawAussieAthlete
GrahamWye
Horrie
IanGallagher
ERB
Marie

Is Plu still doing his early early start ?

Have heard a central coast athlete who ran well in C2K may also grace us.

I hope to come in the top 3 females.