77 replies to this topic

[Digger]

I have just:

-Entered
-Booked Accommodation
-Booked Flights

So it looks like I'm doing it.

As is my Friend Andy from New Jersey.

This will be Andy's 636th 42.2km Marathon, and the last of his goal to run the 6 States and 2 Territory's of Australia.

Which will sit well with his 7 Continents(Twice), and 50+US States(3 times)

[TheRuns]

I was keen to do this. I am going to be away from the ACT which will be fortunate as I have hurt my ITB. The enforced rest will do me good, I hope.
Good on you Digger and well done Andy. Best of luck to you both.

[Shredder1]

I am torn between this one and the M7!

[JohnH]

Shredder1, on 07 July 2011 - 08:51 PM, said:

I am torn between this one and the M7!

I draw your attention to the news announcement on the Australian Mountain Running Association website www.mountainrunning.coolrunning.com.au and to the updated event information and maps on the Bush Capital Bush Marathon website http://www.mountainr.../2011/index.php
Following discussions with ACT Parks and Roads authorities, the courses are now fully off road to avoid a previous kilometre on road and crossing of Gungahlin's Horsepark Drive which now has dangerous levels of traffic at 80 kph. The danger would have been managed the same as in the past, by waiting until the crossing point marshall said it was safe to cross. However, this would have resulted in some runners not having to wait to cross and others having to wait up to 2 minutes for a stream of traffic to pass. Not a fair situation.

The Festival's 2k, 5k, 10k, 16k and 25k courses in Mt Ainslie and Mt Majura nature reserves are unchanged. Marathon runners do the 25k course plus an additional out and back 7.2kms in Majura pine forest and 10k out and back to Nullabor Avenue, Harrison. Of this 5km route 2.5kms is along a flat grass equestrian trail and other 2.5kms along the dirt Wells Station trail.
Photos of the two new out and back sections can be seen at

http://hardingjohn.s...hon-new-routes/

[Eagle]

Shredder1, on 07 July 2011 - 08:51 PM, said:

I am torn between this one and the M7!

Run both  

[Eagle]

Digger you will enjoy the low key local event. The scenery is great although there is a new course but some of the old course is still included. With a bit of luck there will be plenty of Kangaroos out early in the run.

I am amazed at not only the number of marathons Andy has run but the sets he has run. 7 continents twice - now that takes some serious dedication and planning.

The pictures of the new sectoin of the course remind me of parts of Glasshouse in the Eastern sections - with wide dirt roads running through tall pine forests. It will be exciting to have a change. I will miss the section that has been left out.

[Skat]

Shredder1, on 07 July 2011 - 08:51 PM, said:

I am torn between this one and the M7!

This is a no contest for mine - Bush trails with wildlife and views or M7 with concrete and traffic. I wish my training was up to a marathon now but the Bush Capital is definetly on the 2012 list.

[Digger]

Eagle, on 18 July 2011 - 03:37 PM, said:

I am amazed at not only the number of marathons Andy has run but the sets he has run. 7 continents twice - now that takes some serious dedication and planning.

We are staying at Olim's both Friday and Saturday Night, and anybody is welcome to come and met and talk with Andy(You will find him quiet, but inspirational). and the following week, we both will be at Townsville.

Andy will be there from Wednesday Lunch time(If you live in Canberra and want to show him around, email me), but I don't land until 6PM on Friday, so I won't be there till about 7PM.

[pacman]

In view of the changes to the course for the 60km (ie - do the marathon course, go out for another 9km, then come back) I have
moved to the 42.2.

Digger, your mate sounds amazing.  Out of interest, how many marathons a year does Andy do, and for how many years?

[Digger]

pacman, on 19 July 2011 - 07:12 PM, said:

Digger, your mate sounds amazing.  Out of interest, how many marathons a year does Andy do, and for how many years?

When he was younger(he is now 72 yo), he did a 2-36, and quite regularly ran Sub 2-45.

I think  he has done up to 50/year.

Where he lives in NJ, there are over 200 marathons/year with in a 4 to 5 hour drive.

Nowadays, he only does 12 to 15, but he has run in 81 different countries.

He can still run about 4hrs 30+mins, and last month he did SW Rocks/Perth on consecative week-ends, the 1st time since 2003, and he will be doubling Bush Capital/Townsville.

Until he got sick in 2001 in Moscow, and was bedriddden, he had run a minimum of 6 miles/day for over 26 years.

[Emma100]

I can heartily recommend this race. As a slower runner, I was made welcome, and was well supported. The race director even listened to me burble at the end of the race. (I shared the marvellous insight that the course was hillier than the Gold Coast Marathon.)

It's not an easy course, by any stretch, and it represents my personal worst time, but it was fun.

Just for curiosity, how do the new parts compare to the "flats"? I didn't enjoy crossing the road, so I'm glad it is gone.

Only being in the UK is stopping me from coming back for a shorter distance. (Not doubling up any marathon until I reach my goal of a marathon in every state and territory.)

[JohnH]

Emma100, on 20 July 2011 - 03:33 AM, said:

I can heartily recommend this race. As a slower runner, I was made welcome, and was well supported. The race director even listened to me burble at the end of the race. (I shared the marvellous insight that the course was hillier than the Gold Coast Marathon.)

It's not an easy course, by any stretch, and it represents my personal worst time, but it was fun.

Just for curiosity, how do the new parts compare to the "flats"? I didn't enjoy crossing the road, so I'm glad it is gone.

Only being in the UK is stopping me from coming back for a shorter distance. (Not doubling up any marathon until I reach my goal of a marathon in every state and territory.)

Emma, how is the running going in the UK? You have smorgasbord of events to choose from.

[JohnH]

KevH, on 18 July 2011 - 04:04 PM, said:

This is a no contest for mine - Bush trails with wildlife and views or M7 with concrete and traffic. I wish my training was up to a marathon now but the Bush Capital is definetly on the 2012 list.

The Canberra weather forecast for the next week and for next Saturday is very good, with race day forecast to reach 16 degrees. http://www.bom.gov.a.../canberra.shtml

[Eagle]

JohnH, on 23 July 2011 - 08:53 PM, said:

The Canberra weather forecast for the next week and for next Saturday is very good, with race day forecast to reach 16 degrees. http://www.bom.gov.a.../canberra.shtml

Half time  with the Wallabies !!!

John I am more interested in the minimum. I hope it is not -4  

[JohnH]

Eagle, on 23 July 2011 - 09:07 PM, said:

Half time  with the Wallabies !!!

John I am more interested in the minimum. I hope it is not -4  

Actually sub-zero winter days in Canberra have by far the best weather. They become sunny with no wind. A day with a minimum of a few degrees and wind can have an icy windchill temperature.

[pacman]

Current Forecast (as at Monday) for Saturday is 1 to 15, possible showers.

Minimum is 5 degrees better than for Friday

[Emma100]

JohnH, on 23 July 2011 - 08:37 PM, said:

Emma, how is the running going in the UK? You have smorgasbord of events to choose from.

Really good: took 19 minutes off my marathon personal best, which I'm most chuffed with. I'm studying, so I can't commit to too many races, but I've done a few (Swindon Half, Bath Half, London 10km, Paris Marathon and edinburgh marathon.) There's some interesting differences in races: water is in factory sealed bottles. The London race had "Brian". Brian ran behind the last racer, and kept an eye on them. Sort of a mobile cheer squad, and emotional support for the slower runners. Interesting idea.

Back soon, in time for Melbourne (third state/territory!)

EDIT: To keep vaguely on topic, Good luck to the runners, wish I was there!

Also, did you know the PT officers at ADFA don't make the defence blokes run up the hill we ran up? They reckon it's too hard!

Edited by Emma100, 25 July 2011 - 08:32 PM.

[Ultraphil]

See everyone at the Majura Rd turnaround / drink station for the marathon and ultra!

Phil

[Digger]

Mmmmmmmmmmm, This looks really inviting for a boy from the Tropical North:

Quote

Bush Capital Bush Marathon Festival newsletter 2: 25 July 2011

1.       Weather update
The weather forecast for Saturday has been changing over the last few days but is currently as follows:
Friday: Fine with frost. Min -4, max 14
Saturday: 90% chance of a shower or two. Min 1, max 15. Winds averaging 15kph to 25kph. 1 to 5 mm of rain.
Sunday: A little rain. Min 3, max 14.
See http://www.bom.gov.a...ct/act/canberra
The implications of this forecast of probable cold, wet and windy conditions for those doing the longer courses in particular are that there is a significant risk of hypothermia if you do not stay warm. It is therefore strongly recommended that you bring protective clothing to wear during the event and a towel and warm clothes to change into after you finish. Protective clothing during the event would include a lightweight waterproof windcheater, gloves and a hat or beanie to keep the head warm. Skins or tights for the legs may also be advantageous.
The forecast is similar to what happened at last year’s event where the sun would come out for 15 minutes then a shower of light rain would fall for 5 minutes, then it would fine up again and the cycle would be repeated. The wind created significant wind chill.
Course drink stations and marshal officials have been instructed to tell any competitor showing signs of hypothermia or significant dehydration or other physical distress that they must withdraw from race.
If it is raining on the day, the Bush Capital Bush Marathon Festival will still be going ahead. However, if there is a period of very heavy rain, the start times may be delayed until the storm passes over.

If I thought it was FFFFFFFFRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEZZZZZZZZZIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGG  at Ross last year, this will get my attention.

But then again, I did survive Traralgon in 1979 in a mesh top, so I will be OK.

[pacman]

Digger, on 26 July 2011 - 07:16 AM, said:

Mmmmmmmmmmm, This looks really inviting for a boy from the Tropical North:




If I thought it was FFFFFFFFRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEZZZZZZZZZIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGG  at Ross last year, this will get my attention.

But then again, I did survive Traralgon in 1979 in a mesh top, so I will be OK.

Guess there are no 'home conditions' advantages for you now.

[Digger]

pacman, on 26 July 2011 - 07:21 AM, said:

Guess there are no 'home conditions' advantages for you now.

I'm not sure whether all the gear I need can fit into legal hand luggage, I might have to check a bag or 2.

[JohnH]

An update on the weather and late entries for the Bush Capital Bush Marathon Festival is at http://www.mountainr...ule=News&id=256

[Bunyip]

-8 degrees this morning, coldest morning in 17 years. Should be a bit warmer tomorrow though.

[Digger]

Bunyip, on 29 July 2011 - 11:48 AM, said:

-8 degrees this morning, coldest morning in 17 years. Should be a bit warmer tomorrow though.

Yep,

Is only going to be -2ºC, Click Here.

But can we trust a government who forecast -2º this morning?

[Bunyip]

Digger, on 29 July 2011 - 12:11 PM, said:

Yep,

Is only going to be -2ºC, Click Here.

But can we trust a government who forecast -2º this morning?

The news last night had -5, so only 3 degrees out. Not easy considering there can be a vast difference in temperature from north to south Canberra on occasion.

[Eagle]

I think after zero it is just palin freezing. I will be well rugged up without any doubt. I don't move quick enough to warm up in the event

[Bunyip]

Eagle, on 29 July 2011 - 02:46 PM, said:

I think after zero it is just palin freezing. I will be well rugged up without any doubt. I don't move quick enough to warm up in the event

I tend to move quicker in the cold, however should be all warmed up before the hour mark.

[yogz]

It is back to -5 forecast now. http://www.bom.gov.a.../canberra.shtml going to be bloody freezing and bit windy too.

[Bunyip]

Insanely cold this morning!

[Ultraphil]

Couldnt agree more Bunyip.

I just got back from looking after Ice Station Zebra ( Drink station 3) on Majura Rd.  Was minus 6 when I first got there this morning.  Nice to see a couple of familiar faces.  Digger went through from the Tropics ( well BrisVegas) and there was a Gent from the States there as well.  Oh well, time for me to get ready and racewalk 12km this afternoon!

[Bunyip]

Ultraphil, on 30 July 2011 - 11:41 AM, said:

Couldnt agree more Bunyip.

I just got back from looking after Ice Station Zebra ( Drink station 3) on Majura Rd.  Was minus 6 when I first got there this morning.  Nice to see a couple of familiar faces.  Digger went through from the Tropics ( well BrisVegas) and there was a Gent from the States there as well.  Oh well, time for me to get ready and racewalk 12km this afternoon!

Great job you guys did today, always seem to be plenty of food and drinks out.

[Eagle]

A great day in the Nation'a Capital. It started of with a pleasant drive with my closest running buddies.

It was cold at the start with lots of frost. It was sunny, still and blue sky - really just perfect for running.  I was well rugged up and really didn't feel the cold. Within an hour the gloves were off as well as the beanie.

The changes to the marathon course were 'interesting'. I am not sure if it was more or less difficult. It did however save us from having to dodge cars traveling at 80k and having to cross a four lane road.

I ran steady for the whole marathon with not much slow down near the end. Did manage about 25 minutes faster than last year   . I agree the aid stations were well stocked, It seemed to me this event has grown significantly in numbers over all of the distances over the years. Well worth the effort.

Edited by Eagle, 30 July 2011 - 08:19 PM.

[pacman]

I used to think that -4 was cold, but at the 8.30 start it didnt seem that bad.
Great race, well run, good scenery, didnt really enjoy the 'across the grass paddock'
bit that much, but, it was part of the experience.

Happy with my time, got to run with some great people.

And, a mug is a bit more useful to me than a medal.

Congratulations to the organisers.  Will be back next year.

[Salt]

Just like to echo Pacman's comments. Think I might have been chatting with you along some of the run.

Realy enjoyed the race as it was not the usual road stuff. It was great to do a Marathon 'off road'

Drink stations were fantastic - plenty of drinks and lollies - even cookies and mars bars!

Thanks again to the organisers

Cheers

Salt

[Digger]

Salt, on 31 July 2011 - 05:34 PM, said:

Just like to echo Pacman's comments. Think I might have been chatting with you along some of the run.

Realy enjoyed the race as it was not the usual road stuff. It was great to do a Marathon 'off road'

Drink stations were fantastic - plenty of drinks and lollies - even cookies and mars bars!

Thanks again to the organisers

Cheers

Salt

This was really great. I'll be back, but not sure when, but its nice to do a race organised for runners, by runners, where the extra bits are done.

(A bonfire at the start and finish might have been useful,)

Click here for my Garmin plot.

Quote

And, a mug is a bit more useful to me than a medal.

Mug?,  What Mug?

[SallyL]

Hey Digger, it was awesome to meet you and Andy at the race/hotel Still blown away by how many marathons Andy has done
I didnt get my mug either. During the run I was joking with my friend how if we finished I would drink 'all' beverages out of it for the rest of our trip. I think I was so excited to get a trophy in the 60k I totally forgot about it! I will definitely be back next year.

[nursenicky]

I finished the 16km - the furthest I've ever run! It was a great race, and even though there was a cold start the morning sun soon warmed me up.  I think I may have to try my hand at a half marathon next, maybe...!

Highlight of the day was seeing my boyfriend finish second in the marathon, despite running an extra 1.5km as he missed a turn :-)

Thanks to the organisers, we'll def make the journey to Canberra again next year!

[couldhavebeen]

nursenicky, on 01 August 2011 - 09:26 AM, said:

I finished the 16km - the furthest I've ever run! It was a great race, and even though there was a cold start the morning sun soon warmed me up.  I think I may have to try my hand at a half marathon next, maybe...!

Highlight of the day was seeing my boyfriend finish second in the marathon, despite running an extra 1.5km as he missed a turn :-)

Thanks to the organisers, we'll def make the journey to Canberra again next year!

I reckon more running is the only way you'll see more of your BF Nicky!

[PeterPlodder]

It was a good day for running - a bit chilly early on but it soon warmed up.

The new course was interesting. A bit sad to lose the bit that was cut out, but happy to miss that major road crossing.

I too found the grass paddock a bit heavy going - it felt a bit like running on sand.

My time was a bit slower than last year, but I suppose it's still a PB for the course. Something to shoot for next year.

Oh, and I'll second (third?) the thanks for the organization and the volunteers. The aid stations were well stocked - that fruit cake was very welcome on the way back!

[enduro]

Thanks to the volunteers who spent a cold morning standing in those sub zero tempratures. Enjoyed running the 60km for the second year in a row. Found the course very easy to follow and aid stations very well stocked with fruit cake ETC. Will be back next year for sure

[seris]

Running was almost as much fun as the road trip with Dog, Bernie and Eagle. Good to have the gang back together. Spent most of the marathon with Digger just cruising along having a chat. Took it pretty easy with M7 the next day and finished 5 mins ahead of my time two years ago when I did the double weekend. Plenty of fuel left in the tank for Sunday's run. Love the event, vollies and course. Will be back again for sure.

[JohnH]

seris, on 01 August 2011 - 07:48 PM, said:

Running was almost as much fun as the road trip with Dog, Bernie and Eagle. Good to have the gang back together. Spent most of the marathon with Digger just cruising along having a chat. Took it pretty easy with M7 the next day and finished 5 mins ahead of my time two years ago when I did the double weekend. Plenty of fuel left in the tank for Sunday's run. Love the event, vollies and course. Will be back again for sure.

Full results and photogallery are in the news announcements on www.mountainrunning.coolrunning.com.au
Next year's Bush Capital Bush Marathon Festival is on Saturday 28 July 2012.

[nursenicky]

Has this race been confirmed for 2012?  Can't find a 2012 website.  thanks.

[allrounder]

nursenicky, JohnH is the organiser and in the post above yours stated it will be on 28 July!

[Eagle]

I have run this for the 4/5 years and it always a pleasant morning in the Canberra Bush. The bck half of the marathon changed last year to avoid crossing that major road. I suppose they will do something the same this year. As usual it is a nice taper for the M7 Marathon the next day.

[42junkie]

I am hoping the website will be updated soon ......nudge, nudge John! I am looking forward to this one again.

[backofthepack]

Well the 2012 version of this event might be 7 or so weeks away - or not. For an 'out of state' runner very keen in running the event, the total lack of information, even on the AMRA website is frustrating - because of accommodation and travel arrangements  for either this event or an alternative one, info is required pretty damn quick.

[Reddog]

backofthepack, on 05 June 2012 - 12:50 PM, said:

Well the 2012 version of this event might be 7 or so weeks away - or not. For an 'out of state' runner very keen in running the event, the total lack of information, even on the AMRA website is frustrating - because of accommodation and travel arrangements  for either this event or an alternative one, info is required pretty damn quick.

I emailed John Harding some time ago and he advised there could be a change with shorter events on the Saturday and longer on the Sunday awaiting approvals so stay tuned

[kene]

YMCA Canberra Runners Club will conduct a half marathon over this course on Sat 23rd June starting at 8am. Enter on day at Start area Federal Highway end of Horse Park Drive, Gungahlin. Free to YCRC members and just a one day memberships for all others. Kene

[Eagle]

I emailed John Harding some time ago and he advised there could be a change with shorter events on the Saturday and longer on the Sunday awaiting approvals so stay tuned


Sunday will clash with the M7 in Sydney