Both the other half and I are keen on giving this one a go this year. We are both (barring hiccups) going to do the Melbourne Marathon a month beforehand. Just curious to find out from seasoned point to pinnaclers about the little hill called "Mt Wellington" that you need to scoot up!
I am also worried there is not enough of a decent recovery time between Melbourne and the PtP. What do people reckon?
1
Point to Pinnacle 2012
Started by
jenjams
, Jun 25 2012 07:38 AM
3 replies to this topic
#1
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CoolRunner
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Posted 25 June 2012 - 07:38 AM
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#2
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Newbie
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Posted 25 June 2012 - 08:22 AM
I reckon the answer to the decent recovery question is a personal one that will vary for every single runner. A less experienced marathon runner is going to need more recovery time, as will someone who runs Melbourne very hard, pushing their boundaries. Whereas a seasoned marathoner who ticks it off as another run complete, or someone who runs it to complete not compete, might find they recover quicker. Then there is all the extra stuff about nutrition, rest, what you do for a job, what exercise you do in the weeks after the event...
I ran P2P last year, my first half marathon (I had only been running for about 2 months at that stage). I blew up at the 16k mark and had to walk the last 5k with crippling cramps (the horizontal snow didn't make that any more enjoyable either). I was really disappointed in myself as 2 weeks earlier I ran the course (to big bend anyway, as ranger turned me around there saying my dog wasn't welcome) at a steady heart beat and did that in 2:30. So to finish the actual race day in 2:57 was demoralising. The International Beer Festival the day before is partially to blame, as was my stupidity in forgetting to put salt in my juice bottle like I always do for long runs. Anyway, others will no doubt share plenty of info about P2P with you. My description is it is a deceivingly wicked race, started at sea level in often fine conditions, ever so slight incline run from Casino to the base of the mountain, with the amazing scenery of Hobart and the Derwent River forever increasing in it's size and beauty as you climb. A steadier incline from there up to Fern Tree, Fern Tree to 'The Springs' is steadier again but kind of easier as you are well and truly 'on the mountain' by then so the morale and focus amongst the group lifts. Once you hit The Springs things get really steep in parts and the real game/challenge takes over...between there and Big Bend is in my opinion (and that of many others I have spoken to) the hardest part and where all the soul searching happens. From Big Bend you can see the pinnacle (if the rain or snow or cloud isn't too thick) and adrenaline helps you to the finish line.
As for running it after a marathon, I can't say/help, as I am yet to do a full. I have my first coming up in September! (Ross -Tassie) I am then doing Melbourne full in October (so to answer your question, I hope one month IS enough to recover) and am planning P2P in November, Bruny Island Ultra in December and Cadbury Marathon in January. 5 in 5 months, probably overdoing it for a newcomer but unfortunately I am a bit obsessive compulsive like that with hobbies... Also, I am generally running with a complete not compete philosophy, although I will be quietly aiming to PB myself each event.
So, in summary, P2P is a very unique event with limited entries in an amazing location. It is a fantastic challenge for the legs, the body (weather conditions are almost totally unpredictable and traditionally do change regularly throughout the event) and of course the soul and spirit. The sense of achievement, joy and comradery amongst the runners at the end is really quite special. As for whether or not you should/could do it a month after a full marathon, that'll largely be for you to know/decide based on your past experiences and what your body is telling you, but I am certainly going to give it a crack and if you and I find it was a bad decision, hey, we can always keep each other company and have a good yarn as we walk/crawl through the remaining kilometres!
I ran P2P last year, my first half marathon (I had only been running for about 2 months at that stage). I blew up at the 16k mark and had to walk the last 5k with crippling cramps (the horizontal snow didn't make that any more enjoyable either). I was really disappointed in myself as 2 weeks earlier I ran the course (to big bend anyway, as ranger turned me around there saying my dog wasn't welcome) at a steady heart beat and did that in 2:30. So to finish the actual race day in 2:57 was demoralising. The International Beer Festival the day before is partially to blame, as was my stupidity in forgetting to put salt in my juice bottle like I always do for long runs. Anyway, others will no doubt share plenty of info about P2P with you. My description is it is a deceivingly wicked race, started at sea level in often fine conditions, ever so slight incline run from Casino to the base of the mountain, with the amazing scenery of Hobart and the Derwent River forever increasing in it's size and beauty as you climb. A steadier incline from there up to Fern Tree, Fern Tree to 'The Springs' is steadier again but kind of easier as you are well and truly 'on the mountain' by then so the morale and focus amongst the group lifts. Once you hit The Springs things get really steep in parts and the real game/challenge takes over...between there and Big Bend is in my opinion (and that of many others I have spoken to) the hardest part and where all the soul searching happens. From Big Bend you can see the pinnacle (if the rain or snow or cloud isn't too thick) and adrenaline helps you to the finish line.
As for running it after a marathon, I can't say/help, as I am yet to do a full. I have my first coming up in September! (Ross -Tassie) I am then doing Melbourne full in October (so to answer your question, I hope one month IS enough to recover) and am planning P2P in November, Bruny Island Ultra in December and Cadbury Marathon in January. 5 in 5 months, probably overdoing it for a newcomer but unfortunately I am a bit obsessive compulsive like that with hobbies... Also, I am generally running with a complete not compete philosophy, although I will be quietly aiming to PB myself each event.
So, in summary, P2P is a very unique event with limited entries in an amazing location. It is a fantastic challenge for the legs, the body (weather conditions are almost totally unpredictable and traditionally do change regularly throughout the event) and of course the soul and spirit. The sense of achievement, joy and comradery amongst the runners at the end is really quite special. As for whether or not you should/could do it a month after a full marathon, that'll largely be for you to know/decide based on your past experiences and what your body is telling you, but I am certainly going to give it a crack and if you and I find it was a bad decision, hey, we can always keep each other company and have a good yarn as we walk/crawl through the remaining kilometres!
#3
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veryCoolRunner
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Posted 20 August 2012 - 07:41 AM
Entries opened 7am this morning. Normally fills up well before the closing date.
#4
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Posted 22 September 2012 - 06:10 AM
Anyone else from Brissy heading south for this event. My first time and I'm keen as!
I've entered and will be training at Mt Coot-tha.
Gibbo.
I've entered and will be training at Mt Coot-tha.
Gibbo.
