93 replies to this topic

[Soph77]

Hope everyone had a great run! It's a very warm day, particularly for us southerners. I'm stoked with a 7 minute PB on great ocean road 6 weeks ago - 3.28.53. Very happy to go under the elusive 3.30 barrier. Had a great run, last 10km a struggle as always but stuck mostly to race plan and really held back at the start for once which seemed to really pay off.

[DonBob]

Gday All, No PB for me today 3:05:39 it ended up. Looks like the lack of speed work could of been a factor as I struggled to keep running the 4:15s after the 25k mark. I also struggled with the heat in the second half of the race a bit of cloud cover would of been nice Oh well maybe next time.
Look like its back to the drawing board for me train harder and faster and hopefully do sub 3 at Melbourne Marathon in October.
Another well organised event by the GCM well done this continues to be my favourite event and will be back next year for sure.
Well done all that competed.
Cheers
Don

Edited by DonBob, 01 July 2012 - 04:04 PM.

[thinkpink]

It was an awesome day, but unfortunately for me a tough one. I've never had a blister but at 10k something didn't feel right, burning under the balls of the feet. I told myself to suck it up and sat very comfortably with the excellent 4:15 pacer untill 25k, when my hips started to cane (this has happened before,) I thought if I pushed through it would maybe improve and I would pick the pace back up, I didn't feel a lack of energy or as if I'd blown it at this stage, thought I may walk it out.
At 32k I was happy to spot hubbie, 500 meters later I had a big stack whilst high fiving all the tiidly winks. People rushed in to help, I brushed them off saying I would be ok, that was until I tried to stand up, some kind people helped me back into the standing position and I continued in a forward direction. At 37k I saw a girl cramped at the side of the road and thought I'd pay back the kindness of others, offering her the magnesium that I then couldn't find in my spibelt It was a slow effort to the finish line, but I am proud that at no time did I let it get to me. The goal became enjoy the experience and finish the event. I did this in 4:40. (PB 4:23) Thankyou to all concerned.
I'll just have to aim for a PB at my next marathon, can't let it beat me.

Well done to everyone, look forward to hearing your race reports.

[InsaneRunner]

3hr53min.
Very hapy with that time.
One and only for me.  Back to halves and 10ks.
Was cruising along happily with the 3.45 pacerunner and blew up at 37k.
Nothing could prepare me for the pain I experienced in that last 4k.

[DigsQ6]

3h 26min (PB)
Tough day at the office! The heat in the last 10k really got the better of me. Didn't get the fuzzies at 37k like MM11, but just couldn't keep the leg speed up in the last 4k.

Was running with Magilla (im sure) through to 10k, felt really comfortable through to 15k where i stepped up the pace again. 21 to 29k was a dark place. Runners started pulling off to the left and right and the doubts for the last 12k started to creep in. Got a boost from the crowd at the cafe (on the left) just after 29k and I took a gel. To my surprise my GF jumped the fence and ran next to me for a bit through 31k, the support through that section was overwhelming, but after 35k I lost leg speed and hung on.

Went out in 1h40min and came home in 1h45min (plus change).

All in all an amazing experience, such a well run event.... gave Lyonsy a shout as he was powering through 18k!

Looking forward to hearing more tales over the next few days!

[mgi11a]

The sea turned angry today my friend.
It started out right on plan for the first half but then it got ugly. Finished with 3:43, my second slowest marathon but by far my toughest.
Was great to have the company of CR Greg and DigsQ6 for a while untill they kicked away.
1.43 - 2.00hr splits pretty much told the story.

[BostonCalling]

3:16:50 and a PB for me today. However, a fair way off 3:10 so no Boston Qualifier today.  Will go back and have a think about my prep. Didn't think I could have done any more. Heat got me somewhat as well. Next Marathon will be New York in November 2013. Then maybe Christchurch in 2014. I have heard it is fast and cool conditions.

[MiddleChild]

Well a good enough day - exactly as predicted but got there by unconventional means. Ran a 4:49 which was about an hour and a half off PB. Expected to go out slow and stay slow and ease it on home - but my runner's nature got the better of me and was pushing with the 4:00 hour pacers in the first half - then dropped back and back and back from 25k. Very glad to finish without injury, as this was the first time I pulled on the sneakers in three weeks and the first time I had run past 23kms in over 4 years.
It was completely worth to watch the Africans flying past at about half way - there is elite and then there is the next level. Just incredible. Hope everyone had a great day and got home safely.

[GSP]

Heh all,

Well done to those above who did well and Boston, there's many races so not this one but another one soon,

Me, I thought if I could get under 3.10 that would be good (actually thought 3.05 would be flash).   Ran with the 3.00 hour bus that Mona'sprovided (the guys a legend).  The trotters started hurting about the 20k mark but each hurt was run through until another hurt but still maintaining the pace.

31k in, feeling flash (despite above discomfort) and ran well for 4k or so then from then on it was hang on for dear life.  Mona's, did I say he was a legend kept egging on the pack.  He built a couple of minute buffer early but for friar tucks sake I needed it as the bus began to dwindle.  At 41k Mona's was still with me (did I say he was a legend for so many of us) before he must of done a uey and brought some more people home.  

Got home in 2.58 although the net time says 2.57.... Ok with 59 seconds.haha so stoked with that.  Crabbed my way way to Broadbeach, got on a flight and back in yucky Melbourne weather.

Look forward to hearing others stories!!

Have to say though, it was a fantastically well run event.  Top notch.

P.s Did I say Mona's is a gun!!  I thought he went fast early, maybe could have slowed a tad early for some, but kept loyal to the group that were with him for the day.  He's a Melbourne supporter so he'll pe pissed.

P.p.s. did I say I'm happy?

[Seano]

Good race reports.
Have enjoyed reading every one.

i had a tough day as well.
Bit off a fraction too much over the first part & really found it tough at about 34K mark onward.
Went through a water station at about this time & when i started to try & speed up again it was like, uh-oh. The difference was stark in effort required.
Battled the last 8K,slowing considerably, &  hung on to a 3.18.xx, which missed my  A goal, but it was a tough day & still a 6 minute PB.
I think it was a bit hotter & more humid that youd normally expect.
These reports seem to indicate this.

Congrats GSP.Breaking 3 hours is a massive achievement. I recall on course the 3 hour bus passing us going back to the finish line, & there seemed to be a real buzz in the crowd as you passed.

[plu]

Gold Coast Marathon 2012

On Friday night with an hour to go I entered the Gold Coast Marathon. The flights booked did not come in till 7:30 so Keith (Buzz) kindly offered to pick up my kit and I met him Saturday night to collect it.  I came up late just to make sure 19b got through his rugby match and he was to come up with Jenny following a night out after the game.

The late decision to run was based on my foot. Strangely I thought a slow 4-5 hours would be better than a fast half.  The other option was to not run at all.  With three months till the CP 50 I thought even if I trashed my foot I should have time to recover.  In the last week my foot has been sore and I have  not been running, so I thought what the heck - when in Rome do the Marathon that is on.  

Also on Friday I picked up a Salomon SLab and decided to run with it to see how it went.  Also it meant I could just go to the start and it have to bag my gear.  I packed it with one Gatorade, a couple of gels, water, salt tablets and a few bars for the run.  

Summary version.  The first half marathon went for ages and finally did it in 2:18.  I was just being very cautious with my foot.  I was running with a short stride and a higher cadence- when I could.  Also I tried to make sure my feet landed evenly on the ground no heel or forefoot first.  If anything I landed more towards my big toe.  Started to feel my foot at 30 km and at that stage I was doing 9 km per hour to 27 km. By the time I reached 35 km I had to revert to Plan B to get under 5 hours. 

 I did not have a plan until then.  It was hurting to walk rather than run but I needed to walk a bit to engage different muscles. I needed 8 minute km to do 5 hours.  So at 35 km I stopped and walked for 3 minutes then ran for 12 minutes.  As soon as I ran again I felt better.  Then I did another 12 minutes and walked again just after the final turnaround.  At this stage I had pegged back some time due to the walking.  

The sun was now behind me and I was focussing on my shadow in front of me and noticed I was running more freely.  For the first time I thought I might make it under 5 hours- but I was going to have to dig in a bit. 20 minutes earlier it was not going to happen - the plan was working but now I had no time for walking.  Anyway I made it.

4:57: 55 gun time 

4:23 to start
12:17 - 16:41
12:59 - 29:41
5:58 - 35:39 - 5km
5:57 - 41:36
6:01- 47:37
6:08 - 53:46
6:20- 1:07
6:20- 1:06:27 - 10 km
6:14- 1:12:41
6:13- 1:18:55
6:33- 1:25:28
6:07- 1:31:36
6:21- 1:37:57- 15km
7:06- 1:45:03
6:25- 1:51:29
6:12- 1:57:41
6:33- 2:04:15
7:10- 2:11:26- 20 km
7:10- 2:18:36 21 km
6:44- 2:31:56
7:12- 2:39:09
7:00-  2:46:10
8:00- 2:54:14 - 25 km
7:44- 3:01:58
7:03- 3:09:02
7:44- 3:16:47
7:35- 3:24:22 - 29 km
23:28- 3:47:51
7:51- 3:55:42
8:03- 4:03:46 
9:04- 4:12:51
8:42- 4:21:33
14:51- 4:36:23
7:05- 4:43:29
7:00- 4:50:29
6:18- 4:56:48
1:07- 4:57:56

Finished the race running harder than the time indicates but the last few km pulled back the time to get under 5 hours.  Spent an hour with my foot in ice at the finish talking to Sue S before heading to the club  catch up with friends.

Have pulled up well and will be fine for the next outing in three months time.  I am glad I went for it and did the run.  Pretty keen to get the foot fully recovered now.

Cheers Plu

[Isthisnametaken]

First of all excellent to all those that have done so well even if it was not a PB. it was for me as it was my first marathon.

Chrissy123 came over at the start line and said g'day. We ran together for about the first 28ks. It was funny that the friendly chat seemed to dwindle off the further went. Chrissy had a Garmin and was updating our pace every so often. We both had a 3:45 plan and for the first 30 or so kept just in front of the pace runners.

Once I hit 32 it started to go pear shaped. I needed to walk. Not sure why I started walking as I was not particularly sore but just had too. Coming past the crowds near the shopping centre I yelled at myself to c'mon!!!! Seemed to work for a bit. Tried slowing the pace right down just make sure I was not walking but running. Again not much success. A mate joined me at 40 and tried to inspire me along but not much joy. Down the main straight I had a smile on my face and started to cramp a little along the finishing chute

Time was 4:05. So why don't I feel proud of myself? I know marathon is a huge achievement but I am dissapointed that I had to walk so much. I put so much into the training side of things.

We were a little ahead of our split times for the first 30 but only by 10 secs or so. Tell me I am a sook, tell me to harden up. I am just trying to figure out if others felt like this on any of their races?

A BIG thanks to Chrissy. It was so goody to run with each other.

John

Edited by Isthisnametaken, 02 July 2012 - 08:35 AM.

[NKOTB]

Isthisnametaken, on 02 July 2012 - 08:30 AM, said:

it was for me as it was my first marathon.

We both had a 3:45 plan and for the first 30 or so kept just in front of the pace runners.

Once I hit 32 it started to go pear shaped. I needed to walk. Not sure why I started walking as I was not particularly sore but just had too. Coming past the crowds near the shopping centre I yelled at myself to c'mon!!!! Seemed to work for a bit. Tried slowing the pace right down just make sure I was not walking but running. Again not much success. A mate joined me at 40 and tried to inspire me along but not much joy. Down the main straight I had a smile on my face and started to cramp a little along the finishing chute

Time was 4:05. So why don't I feel proud of myself? I know marathon is a huge achievement but I am dissapointed that I had to walk so much. I put so much into the training side of things.

We were a little ahead of our split times for the first 30 but only by 10 secs or so. Tell me I am a sook, tell me to harden up. I am just trying to figure out if others felt like this on any of their races?

A BIG thanks to Chrissy. It was so goody to run with each other.

John

John,
   4:05 is still a very good time for a first marathon. You will be better for the experience and now can look forward to improving your time next time. The last few kms of the marathon is always demanding both physically and mentally, doesn't matter if you going well or struggling. Unless you have gone out really slow, and do a negative split i.e a faster second half.
   Don't be too hard on yourself with the walking, it is nothing wrong with that. You should be proud with yourself, now rest up for the next few weeks.

New_Kid

[Eagle]

I guess the day for the marathon went as I should have expected. I was thinking on a very good day to go close to 3.30 although that should have not been even thought about with a very hard 62k on the track the week before.

So I started of behind the 3.30 ballons but never focused on staying with them, I was pleased to run very even splits of just over 5 minute k's to 25k. Then the fatigue really set in and the running quickly changed from a light gilde to a heavy plod. The next 5k splits went 27/28/29 minutes and thet felt tough the running was like running with sticky honey on the soles of the shoes.

So with 1.46/1.56 splits for a 3.42.41 it was expeted. This run was not about even splits but pushing hard for a long as I could on fatigued legs and then pushing through the rapied decline. I assume others were suffering worst as at 25k I was in 1571 position and finished in 1257 position. It seems some 300 odd runners slowed more than me.

I ran fresh last year for 3.50 so a nice improvement. All goes well for the longer term goals for later in the year.

[Acidosis]

Well it is run and done ... congratulations to those who did well and for the rest of us there is always next time!!!

GSP sounds like you had a dream run .... all the pace runners I ran with (and I sampled a few during the day) were great!!!

My 42k race was in doubt as I hadn't done the 30k key sessions in the final 6 weeks due to ITB flare up.  However I had entered, accommodation was booked the family was coming ... so I pushed on.

On reflection pretty happy with the 4:25 I clocked for debut 42k, was sitting couple hundred metres behind the 4hr balloons for the first 25, then the ITB squawked and a few doubts emerged. Walked it out, stretched and shuffled on.

Had friends cheer me on at the 30k aid station and got into a really good rhythm - thanks to the anonymous girl who silently paced with me between 33 and 40k!!! At about 40k mark my energy was flat, globbed a Gu and waited for the aid station. The Gu took a while to kick in (about 800m walking) and I was off shuffling again. Finish chute was pain free, finished, what a relief !!!!

Today the left knee (ITB) has blown up .... strangely it was the right knee that gave me the most grief yesterday but it's looking good. Feet sore but the rest of me feels like I didn't really push it to the max (Bl%$#@dy ITBs)

Will I do another one? Yes

But I will sort out my ITBs before hitting out on more long runs

[twosheds]

Tough Day for me too. Never really fwlt comfortable from the outset- so just had the goal to finish in the 3;30s somewhere.
Managed a 3;38 but one of  my tougher marathons. Knew it was going to be tough when i was throwing water over my head at the first aid station.
Generally since I'm still on anitbiotics its not a bad result but would like to have felt more comfortable at least in the early stages. That lats 12 km was tough!/
Well done to everyone- they really should find a way to start the event earlier. im sure there would have been a  lot of faster times.
Twosheds

[BigT]

Well done everyone for having a crack yesterday.

Gold Coast Marathon Race report
Short story gun time: 5.29.13    net time: 5.25.40   ouch.
Long story

History: I have been running for just under 2 years now. I still remember my first day where I could not run for one minute without feeling exhausted. Since then I have done GC half 2011(2.04) and Melbourne marathon 2011(4.45). I am 36 male 195 cm 88kg.

Preparation: Training had gone well for me. I was doing my long runs with plenty left to give and felt good. About 25 days out from race day I was starting to really feel fatigued and decided to take 5 days off. After 4 days I became sick with a virus. This kept me in down for another 5 days were I started to feel better again. Unfortunately this turned into a secondary virus and again I was struck down. So in the last 25 days I would have only 3 small runs. I however would get to the start line healthy confident and ready to go. There would be no excuses.

Goal A-4.30 Goal B-PB Goal C-finish

Race day: What a perfect day. Blue skies, cool. On the starting line I was happy. I had made it to the start, the weather was good. As I ran across the Sundale Bridge I just kept thinking how lucky I was to be running and enjoying the day. The first km went past in 6:10.I wanted to do the first 5 in about 34 minutes and then start punching out 31 ish 5 km after this. However I felt good and even though I thought I had slowed I was running at that 6:10 pace per km.As we headed to Burleigh I was having a great time high fiving all the kids along the way and thanking the vollies at the drink stations. Got to the southern turn around and was feeling good and in control, I was right where I wanted to be. Got to half way in 2 hours 10, perfect. At about 22 km I felt things change slightly. My right calf tightened a little and my energy started to drop. I convinced myself this was because I was in “no man’s land” ,through half way but not near the finish. At 25 km was feeling a little bit worse so I stated setting small targets to keep myself going. I reached 30 km in 3.07 right on schedule but I knew now I was in trouble. I was really starting to hurt so revised my plan. This all changed again at about 32km when I came to a stop. I was walking. But I was struggling to walk even. I said to myself to have 5 minutes then keep going. I started to run again back up to pace but for only for 60 m or so before I would stop. I was in a world of trouble but somehow I was finding something positive to keep me going. Just run to that sign, one foot in front the other, anything to keep me moving forward. I really knew I was in trouble when other people walking were passing me. At 38 km I was feeling dizzy and wanted to lie down, I really thought I was going to pass out. Luckily I had my good mate Muz walking with me helping to go forward. Though 39km, 40km, 41km I have never felt pain like it. I got to about 800m to and decided to run/shuffle the rest. I made to the shute and down to the last 100m where my family were cheering me on. Gave high 5’s to my boys and had finished, completely depleted, I had nothing left; it was all out there on the course.I gave myself every chance to run goal A just wasn't there on the day.

Thanks to my support crew-Amanda, Archie, Evan, Mum, Dad, Anouska, Dave, Muz and Mick (who smashed out a 4.20).

My splits are below,1.10.10 between 35-40,ouch.

Five Kilometre Splits

5KM

00:30:59

00:30:59

   10KM

00:30:52

01:01:51



15KM

00:30:30

01:32:22

  20KM

00:30:32

02:02:54

  25KM

00:31:13

02:34:07


30KM

00:33:18

03:07:25

35KM

00:46:16

03:53:41

40KM

01:10:10

05:03:52

Half Way Splits

Half Way

02:09:39

Finish

03:16:00

  05:25:40

Edited by BigT, 02 July 2012 - 11:48 AM.

[Salt]

First up - congratulations to all debut marathoners who finished. You've now joined a pretty excusive club.

I must echo comments above - it was pretty brutal from about the 34km mark onwards. Up to then, I was travelling O.K. with pretty even splits. However, started to feel ill around the 35km mark and really struggled to keep the pace up. I was really just putting on foot in front of the other at this point. Picked it up in the last 2 k's to cross the line in 3.31.10, which, under the circumstances, pretty happy with.

It's up there with the toughest Marathons I've run - not sure if it was my prep, my pace time selected, the conditions or all these combined. I guess that's the beauty of Marathon running - you never know what's going to happen!

Really enjoyed the whole day though - brilliantly organised and facities were great. Even used the hot showers in the Southport pool, which was just what I needed after finishing.

Cheers

Salt

[Pegasusrunner]

Congratulations to everyone competing and finishing their marathons.

It was my debut marathon and it certainly lived up to expectations of both the challenge & the feel good factor of finishing.

I had aimed just to finish, thinking 5 hours was a doable time goal. I'd been freaking out on Thursday & Friday, repeating my mantra madly, trust the program, trust the program.

The excitement & positive buzz of the race registration expo charged me up & my nerves settled.

Starting at the back of the pack made sure I didn't let the occasion run away with my race plan and go out too fast. I was loving the atmosphere, the gorgeous views over the beach, the enthusiastic crowds. At halfway I was traveling a few minutes ahead of my goal, at 30 km saw the hubby, quick photo stop and off I ran into new territory!

I think I saw you BigT, I was only a couple of minutes behind you. Hope the leg is not paining you too much today.

I ran along, walking through the drink stations (throwing more water down my shirt than drinking it, it did get hot!) wondering if I was going to hit the legendary "wall". Fortunately a well timed Gu seemed to do the trick and keep me plodding along. Passing the 41km mark I was getting desperate for the finish line, finally turning the corner to the finish & the "370 metre to go" sign nearly broke my heart. It was less than one lap of a track but sounded too far. Tried hard for a finishing kick, raised my arms and finished!

I wanted that t-shirt so badly, it stood for 6 months of training and hard slog. I wore it proudly as I limped back to the car, exhausted but very happy with my time 4.46:24.

[gazman56]

I scored a 20 minute PB!  4:33 after my disastrous debut at M7 last year
This time I  was much better prepared than last year and had 2 minutes in the bank at 30k, looking for a sub 4:00
Then I cramped up badly and hobble/walked most of the way home.
It was carnage out there after 32kms!! Everyone was suffering
Still I must echo all the bouquets about this event. It was just a hoot from go to wo !
I was really charmed by all the kids high fives, and the chorus of "c'mon gazman" along the last section.
I wonder if the other gazman was there?

[af15]

Isthisnametaken, on 02 July 2012 - 08:30 AM, said:

First of all excellent to all those that have done so well even if it was not a PB. it was for me as it was my first marathon.

Once I hit 32 it started to go pear shaped. I needed to walk. Not sure why I started walking as I was not particularly sore but just had too. Coming past the crowds near the shopping centre I yelled at myself to c'mon!!!! Seemed to work for a bit. Tried slowing the pace right down just make sure I was not walking but running. Again not much success. A mate joined me at 40 and tried to inspire me along but not much joy. Down the main straight I had a smile on my face and started to cramp a little along the finishing chute

Unfortunately this could also have been the story of my race - which was also my first marathon. This story is so exact that I only finished one minute behind John!! (4:06:xx).

Up to 28km everything was going perfectly. My pace/km over each 5km section read (0-5km, 4:43/km), (5-10, 4:40/km), (10-15, 4:41/km), (15-25, 4:40/km), (20-25, 4:42/km). I don't have a Garmin and had no idea it was that precise.

Sadly from 28km I became just another marathon statistic / victim. Felt a slight twinge in my left calf at that point. I figured to try and run it off - which worked ok until about 31km...then it suddenly cramped up entirely. Just for extra fun, my right calf also blew up on the very next step!!

The last 11km was a sad story of "run 100m, calf seizes up, walk 100m" x repeat over and over.

Isthisnametaken, on 02 July 2012 - 08:30 AM, said:

So why don't I feel proud of myself? I know marathon is a huge achievement but I am dissapointed that I had to walk so much. I put so much into the training side of things.

Agree entirely.
I kept telling myself "come on now, first world problems here, get a grip"...but I was still radioactive with rage yesterday. I imagine I will keep simmering until I get that sub-3:30 that every sign from training and lead-up races was indicating.

But on to more important things! - the crowd support at this event is amazing. The citizens of GC really do come out and get behind their event. Especially when they see you struggling, the spectators really get on your case which is fantastic. When I was flat out on the ground in agony after both my calves went, two spectators appeared out of nowhere - almost before I finished hitting the ground! - and helped me stretch my calves out. A lady even dashed into her house to grab some magnesium tablets for me. Incredible.

Also, was great to meet the CR's in person before and after the race. Anth, Kaiser, Casper, MiddleChild who formed our little cluster at the pre-race dinner. Long may MiddleChild's saga of the missing dinner be told

Thanks also to Anth, Seris, Plu and friends who fixed up the thousand-yard stare and hangdog look I was wearing when I turned up at the SLSC after the race.

Ran into a CR at GC airport this morning who had to DNF from the marathon - so again, I really shouldn't complain. The one bright spot is, we can always say:
"See you at the next race!"


EDIT: Forgot to say - Thank you to CR RunningWhiz for picking up my race pack for me!

Edited by af15, 02 July 2012 - 09:06 PM.

[iangallagher16]

Such a well setup race. Volunteers were great. Will do this again.

My race report can be found here www.marathonandultrarunning.com

[aussy]

Great to here so many positive stories and P.B's!

Not such a great run for me.
Started in good shape, felt so strong, and on track for 3:20. started to cramp at 34ks. The only ever other time ive cramped was goldy last year.
By 38 the cramps became intense... and at times in both legs, dropping me to the tar.
At 40 the cramps tuned to spasams and pain ive never experienced anything like.
41 and couldnt string more then a couple of steps together.
So menatlly draining getting myself back up over and over but limped it home under 4 thanks to crowd support... amazing what the support of complete strangers can do for you!! oh and fellow runners!

Dont know what went wrong.. hydration was as good as, if not better then usual. magnesium tablets, plenty of gels. i guess just one of them days. Still trying to pull myself together.
And backing up for Hunter Valley marathon in a couple of weeks at the moment is sounding like a nightmare! haha. think i'll be taking it easy!

[BennyC]

Congratulations to everyone who ran in all the various events.

I echo many of the comments already posted regarding the heat on the back half, the wheels falling off and having to hang on for dear life. I didn't get my customary warm-up jog in when I was surprised with a start line further back than last year. I stood with the other runners hoping to run sub 3hrs.

The start was a little quick for me but I felt pretty good and just tried to remain relaxed and enjoy myself. My legs started getting very tight (in particular my right upper quad) and I just had to concentrate and keep pushing. The 3hr balloon was gone but I didn't try and chase it, just run my own race. Was going through the 5km points on target and caught the tail end of Mona's bus at about 18km.

At 25km I had drifted well back from the 3hr balloon and just wanted to walk but resisted the urge and kept pushing. At 32km I ran past my accommodation and wanted to walk but the crowds kept me going and I continued to push. I couldn't see Mona's balloon anymore and my kilometre splits were around 4:30, the 3hr target was going to be tough, continued to push.

At the 34km point I noticed many people dropping like flies in all sorts of pain and discomfort. I was struggling and knew that I would be over 3hrs but continued to push.

At 40km I thought I was going to be sick and grabbed a hold of a metal barrier until my stomach settled. I was not pushing now, I was using all my energy and concentration to keep going and knew that I was on the point of popping.

Finished my 8th marathon in 3:03:33 (net time, 3:03:43 gun time) which is a 9min improvement on last year. It was 5mins off my PB but I am still happy with my race and proud of myself for pushing and never giving up.

[iangallagher16]

Well done BennyC. Good to meet you at the start. Boy did we have a tough day in store!

[Curt]

What a day.

First Marathon for me. No surprises that it didn't quite go to plan. Ran too fast for the first 3 km (I know, I know) but realised and throttled back to try to limit the damage. Caught up with Lotsahare at about the 5k mark and we spent most of the first half talking- a little- and running together with Craig (4:00 pacer- who did an awesome job).

Also ran with Grizzly Bear and his friends for a while- thanks for the company.

Passed half at 1:57:xx- looked to be on target for a sub-4:00.

The push really started about the 30k mark, but managed to keep more or less on target until 35k. At that point I could no longer maintain the required pace for a sub-4. At that point the goal posts moved.

Don't walk.

By now I was hanging for each water station, taking 3 cups at each- tipping one over my head and trying to drink the other two.

Pace had dropped from 5:40s to 6:09 but I didn't care. Ran the rest of the way (sort of) and managed to hold my arms up over the line.

4:02:33 nett, missing my A target by 2 and a half minutes but super-stoked with having finished my first.

Thanks to all of the organisers- you put on an amazing event.

Thanks to all of the volunteers- we all had a hot day, but I can't imagine how hot it was for all of you out there in the heat as well, and I never saw anything but hard work and smiling faces from any of you.

And thanks to the marvellous people (especially the kids) of the Gold Coast. Your 'high fives' kept me going.

Finally- if you're reading this and wondering whether to do this or any other event here next year- give it a go. I'm glad I did.

Curt

[Ames43]

Well done everyone. Sounds like it was a tough day at the office for most. A special congratulations to those who completed their first. You learn so much from just doing it, use the experience for the next one. It'll still hurt, but you'll know what to expect and how to handle it.

Having only just run a marathon 5 weeks earlier and not running longer than 16kms since I wasn't sure how I was going to go. I would have been stoked with a PB or sub 3.35 but I really just wanted to make amends for last year's 4.05 on the course.

I had a dream run up until 32kms. My legs were incredibly fresh so found it hard to hold back at the start but went through the first 5km just under 26mins so was bang on target. Then I started to pick it up from there, running well and under 5min/kms and went through the 30km mark in 2.29.27 and thinking sub 3.30 could be a reality.

2km later though and BANG! The rubber band went and pulled me back. The difference between last year and this year was that I just kept going. Just had to dig deep and kept telling myself that my slowest run was faster than my fastest walk. It worked. It hurt, god I just wanted it to end. But there were LOTS of people out there suffering too so I knew I wasn't alone. I managed to make a mad dash to the finish line only to read '270m to go' and let out an audible f-word.

Interestingly, at the 30km mark I was in position 1025, at 35km 1226, then at 40km I was back in 1025 so all those people that passed me in my dark spot, I got them back during theirs!

I lost a bit of time over those the last 10km but not too much and came in at 3.37. 1 minute off my PB set 5 weeks earlier but a whopping 28min Gold Coast PB so I'm stoked.

My 5km splits were:
5km 25.54
10km 25.01
15km 24.42
20km 23.53
25km 24.30
30km 25.23
35km 27.42
40km 28.37
Finish 11.41

Twosheds, I reckon we were around the same mark throughout the race. People kept saying 'go Linda' to a woman in an intraining top so I assumed it was you...by the time I figured it out though I was in a dark place so couldn't find the energy to say hi, sorry! Glad you pulled through after a horrific week.

Well done again guys, have enjoyed reading your reports, look forward to reading many more!

[Casper84]

Congrats everybody on finishing.

I must echo the "tough day at the office" sentiments of many of you above.

Decided to start with the 3:15 pace group rather then hang back and to my own thing.  But once the race started I set of at comfortable pace which up to about 25km was 4:32 average, and the goal pace was 4:38.  At this point the legs were starting to hurt, but I think more tellingly the mind was starting to waver and as I passed the 25km and then 30km mark I noticed my "time in the bag" was shrinking and coming back towards 3:15 and beyond.  Still at 30km I was on track albeit starting to fade, about 31km mark passing the start I could hear the 3:15 pacer approaching from comments from the crowd he passed (surged past actually, trying to gee up the crowd).  I thought to myself stick with him, stick with him and it was as if there was an imaginary piece of string between the two of us which kept stretching out and coming back until it snapped at 33km.  At this point my body and now mind were gone and I was a bit shattered.  Walking for 2mins I then geed myself up for another go and managed another 2km or so at a slower 5:10ish pace and though to myself at 35 / 36km I could still PB this even if it's not 3:15.  Struggling and seeing people collapsed on the sides of the road, and for some reason my upper body / shoulders starting to ache I had to walk again and was getting a bit "filthy" with myself thinking I had blown the race but proudly I kept pushing on and walking for a min or 2 every few kilometers.  

I ended up finishing in 3:23:57 which was 9 minutes off my goal, but on the brighter side is my second fastest time out of 5 marathons.  Funny how I was proud as punch to finish my first marathon in 3:42:05 and can be so disappointed to finish this one in under 3:30.  I keep looking at the positives, second fastest time, almost top 500 out of 5000+ finishers, but feel that i have some unfinished business!  I know I can get this 3:15 and will give it a red hot go in Melbourne, having now decided I won't do the Sydney marathon.  Hard to say what went wrong, I don't think i went out too hard, the weather was a bit warmer then my PB run in canberra but not as hot as sydney and Uluru my first two marathons.  It just wasn't my day!  But hey like i said the positive is if 3:23:57 is a bad day, i'll take it!

The event itself was fantastic, with amazing crowd support, the nicknames work a charm with so many strangers yelling out "GO casper", kids enjoying the hi-5's and a fantastic lady giving me a jelly snake to kick onto the finish!!  The finish chute is awesome too

Good luck to all with future events.  Once my legs feel somewhat normal again it's time for Melbourne Training with the M7 half marathon, and city 2 surf races in between for me.

[twosheds]

That would have been me- Ames. Well done sounds like you had a  great day.  I wasn't doing too much socialising either-hahaha

[Chrissy123]

I too started well before it 'went bad'. Loved meeting & running with John (Isthisnametaken) and ran together for 28km. I started to struggle and in hindsight I don't think I really accounted for the heat and later start time but anyhow.First half in 1:50.  I asked John to run on as I didn't want to ruin his run. Hip pain and severe neck pain at 28km. Then the cramps started at 32km.

So I remembered another CR from here had said that walk/run breaks really help and could actually still finish faster than just continuous running so I did. Every water station after the 28km point I walked for a minute before I made myself run again to the next station. By 36km I was in so much pain. Both calves cramping, thigh pain, hamstring pain and the neck pain was unbearable. i couldn't actually turn my head to the left at all. I cried dry tears as no real ones would come. Then I laughed at myself through the pain took a spoonful of cement and kept going by reminding myself of the guy on crutches I saw doing the marathon earlier. Managed to come in at 3:56.  Crossed the line and literally collapsed through left calf cramp. The fabulous volunteers carried me to the side and took care of me.

A wonderful experience. Nothing prepared me for that pain. Thanks to everyone on here that shared the journey and a big thanks to John who made it all the more enjoyable and should learn not to be so hard on himself. I am personally so proud that I had the guts and determination to finish despite the pain.

[Unlikelyrunner]

I had the fortunate job of running with 7 or so of my training group in memory of a friend who passed away earlier this year so it was never going to be a PB race for me.

First lesson.  Don't race the 10k the day before a marathon. My calfs were sore before I started on Sunday.

Anyway,  things were going swimmingly till 25k till one of our runners almost stopped on the spot - her hips had seized up. So we decided to walk /shuffle /jog till 30k when it was 100% walk.  We managed to finish though,  with a lot of heartache and pain mind you!

Out - 2:12. Back - 3:36. Total - 5:48.

PW by 2 hrs but don't care. The person I ran with showed more guts than I ever have and I'd do it all again tomorrow if I had to!

Edited by Unlikelyrunner, 02 July 2012 - 09:30 PM.

[Emma100]

Congratulations to all that finished, I'm as jealous as anything.

I had a tough race at Melbourne, thanks to a mystery injury. (What diagnosis I did have is now in serious doubt, by the by. Now seeking a good sports doctor in NE Vic.) So, this was the race I was going to redeem myself. I've had a very solid preparation, got the training runs in, taken up yoga for flexibility and was prepared to tackle the beast for the 6th time.

What a great atmosphere. I shed a little tear at the pre-marathon talk, it was the best I'd ever heard.

I loved the first hour. I felt strong, and fit and all was good, and I was cruising along at a very comfortable pace. Second and third hour was ok, I was going the pace I needed to be going, but I was starting to struggle in the heat. At 30km, things were going pear-shaped (mystery injury appeared to return, somewhat unexpectedly) and I was put on the footpath, to try to make the cut-off on the bridge. This is fine. I was moving slowly, and the rules had been published. No arguments. Unfortunately, I then got startled by someone cheering me on inside my personal space bubble. Result,I fell over and then I was on the ground bleeding and winded. I had official attention before I had managed to sit up,  and they offered me a lift back to the finish line.

I decided that, since I had missed the cut off to continue, and was now sitting on the ground bleeding, there really wasn't a lot of  point in continuing. I got the cuts and grazes looked at (thankfully, my rugby training kicked in, and I fell well, protecting my head and wrists.) The medical tent was very busy, and I was glad that I was only getting grazes cleaned up.

Really wonderful things: the people in the coffee shops cheered me on. It helped.  When I left the medical tent, I went through the finisher's area to find my friends. The vollies offered me a t-shirt and bling and when I said why I couldn't take it, the lady gave me a hug while I cried. (SInce I was covered in my own blood, dirt, sweat and dried sports drink residue, I think touching me was over and above the call of duty. I would have said "There, there" from a safe distance of about 2m.) A cool-runner offered me the bling from around his neck when I asked to look at it. I said no, of course, because the bling is only special if you have moved every step of 42.2km, and I hadn't. But it was an act of kindness, and is deeply appreciated.

Minor note: water tables were being taken down well before the cut-off by my watch.

Thank you to everyone who offered a sympathetic ear at the pub. I know I'm not alone on this island, and it helped to have people know what it means to DNF the marathon. Huge thank you to Alisonjc, who played the role of support crew. This lady is a superstar, and I am proud to wear the words "Stupidly Determined" beside her.

I am gutted. I was planning to tackle the full at Melbourne, but I don't think that's a good idea anymore. After Sunday, I don't think my speed is up to it. I think I want to run shorter distances to work on speed, and then work my endurance back up to marathon levels. But, I am a marathoner, and I am damned if my last marathon is going to be a DNF.

[TassiePenguin]

Well done everyone, Emma sorry to hear, yu were looking good when i saw you early on.

I had al goals to go out with the 3.15 pacer, which I did, until abut the 1km sign, at which stage I felt pretty good, and continued on with al kms being sub 4.30.  Got to halfway in 1.33, feeling great, and continued on until about 26 when I started to drop below 4.30s.  Had family of friends holding a sign for me at 28 km, so made sure I was still looking good there.  Got through the 30km wal from last year, but struggled with the Endura Gel from about 33-37 km.  Should have done the old fingers down the throat and got it out of my system, and used my normal one that was pinned to my shorts.

Tried t stay ahead of the 3.15 pacer, but he went past me just after the nothern turn, which took a hge weight off my shoulders, as I knew that was no longer an option.  Managed to run the last 1.5 km non-stop and finished in net time of 3.21.32, so very hapy to be under the 3.30, especially considering the heat for the last 20 kms

[BostonCalling]

Photos are up.

[Isthisnametaken]

Emma100, on 02 July 2012 - 11:28 PM, said:

.
Really wonderful things: the people in the coffee shops cheered me on. It helped.  When I left the medical tent, I went through the finisher's area to find my friends. The vollies offered me a t-shirt and bling and when I said why I couldn't take it, the lady gave me a hug while I cried. (SInce I was covered in my own blood, dirt, sweat and dried sports drink residue, I think touching me was over and above the call of duty. I would have said "There, there" from a safe distance of about 2m.) A cool-runner offered me the bling from around his neck when I asked to look at it. I said no, of course, because the bling is only special if you have moved every step of 42.2km, and I hadn't. But it was an act of kindness, and is deeply appreciated.

After feeling a little sorry for myself and beating myself up over the time I managed, THIS post changed my outlook. I have read those that struggled at the 32-32k mark but continued on and finished and it provide some solace. But I still was not proud of myself.

Then I read Emma's post and the bit that is highlighted literaly reduced me to tears. The kind of tears and pride that I SHOULD have felt after crossing the finish line on Sunday.

Emma, you tried to guts out and did not make it to the end and I am so sorry for that but your determination to keep going and conquer the next event made me have a good look at myself and re-evalute my perception of my efforts. I reckon I did better than OK and the next one will be a much better result.

A couple of things I have learnt over the last few days

1. I AM a runner and I can consider myself as one - thanks to Chrissy123 for that one
2. I ran a marathon and although the last stages were not pretty, that means bugger all when I consider how hard I had to push to make it to the finish line. The time is not relevant, it is the effort that I put in that is important - thanks to Emma for that one
3. When I ask myself what I could have done better on the day the answer is NOTHING - I did the best I could have on the day. Does not mean that next time I might do it a little differently, but worry about next time, next time.

Thank you SO much Emma for posting your update and I hope that I get to meet you one day and give you a hug.

John

[KnockoutMouse]

First post here in a while after the madness that was the Boston Marathon this year. This was hopefully going to be a redemptive race where I could finally bag a sub-3. I wasn't sure how I'd go - I was running fast in training, but didn't have very many long runs in the bag.

Felt fantastic with low heart rate and good speed for the first 30km - I passed Mona and his group around 10km, and ran about 1:00 min in front of them most of the way.

Unfortunately some nasty abdominal muscle cramping stopped me in my tracks and I walked / jogged the final 10km. 3:07 in the end, missed my PB - and today not very sore as I couldn't give it my all for the whole race. Happy to run through that pain and finish though - can't stand DNFing.

Probably going to do what I did last year, and back up for the M7 in one month - I took 8 min off my PB by doing this last year. FIngers crossed it works again!

Well done to all finishers!!! Beautiful day out.

[CulturalStereotype]

what a great day sunday - i wonder if there is better weather anywhere for running than a sunny winter's day on the gold coast.  i was a few minutes off my 2010 pb but given my interrupted training and less-than-optimal weight, am delighted with 3:23.  and thanks to father time, another BQ (but i don't like my chances of beating the rush for the last few spots (if any).

i was lucky enough to bump into Mat Rogers yesterday and we had a brief chat about the run - such a nice bloke.  It was nice to see that he was hobbling around as much as i was!

[Dan1975]

Hi everyone,
thanks for your posts they have been rivetting and really emotional reading. I really feel for everyone who puts their guts on the line running this thing and for God knows, so many different reasons the goal can be elusive - regardless of the all the hard work and sacrafice.
the reports have really put it all into perspective.
My quick report.
great outcome for me - target was 3:08 - set off behind the 3:15 pacer to keep me in check and tried to stay at around 4:30 pace for the first 5 and reassess.  Felt great there and had to really consider how much courage I had to push on. I had a heap of support across the cours with the wife, kids inlaws and friends scatterer around and many of them (incl my wife who detests running) had shown the guts to run in the 10km and one in the half so I really tried to focus on control but putting it all on the line.  So picke dup the pace to the 16k turn around to be ticking off at 4:20s - i was hurting bit doing this with hips and foot pain but mostly that dispursed.  Long term plan was to try for a sub 3 at Melb but around this time (16km) I convinced myself to go for it on a course I know (this was the 3rd GCM) and with so much support - and the thought of trying to pull in Monas was a thrill - so too was the great looking bunch in the 3 hour bus as it flew past.  Upshot is I nearly talked myself into cramping out at 34km and the last 8km still feels like a groggy blur, there was great runners dropping everywhere and it really hurt mentally. I was struggling to do my sums but I just tried to keep a high cadence push on.  I did that just that and into the finish shoot (good grief the 270m sign was torture to read) and saw Monas screaming at people 60mtr shy of the line encouraging them to make the sub 3. I was one of the lucky one finished in 2:58:25 and I am thrilled and even more so for reading others stories.
For context and in the hope that for those that feel like they had a shocker that they cannot come back form - my first GCM (2010) was a 4:10:** finish with the last 12km being a cramping, agony filled nightmare that I was happy to survive, last year was a stronger finish but with all the carnage of the last 7km of this year but done in 3:40 - so I have busted out a 42min PB this year and I don't know if I have anything more to give but reading all these couragous stories just inspires me to get back into prep for Melb
Like others i agree - great crowd, great event and this year not only on this forum but also on the course I really apreciated great support from other runners geeing each other along - for such a solo support there is just magnaficent friendship - be proud everyone you would have inpsired so many people in your efforts on sunday regardless of times, finish lines or medals.  
Dan

[Emma100]

Quote

Thank you SO much Emma for posting your update and I hope that I get to meet you one day and give you a hug.

John

I'm so glad it helped. Mate, when it became inevitable that it was all over, I was (and am still) gutted. I wanted it so badly, and it didn't happen. I did the work, and it didn't come together.

One of my managers is a multiple marathoner, and I usually sms him at the end of a marathon to say I did it. I didn't this time. He knew I was racing, and when I saw him today he wanted to know how it went.

I had to tell him "I didn't make it. It was too big for me, boss." And he asked "Did you quit?" (with some surprise. He's seen me fail at things, but never seen me give up.)  I told him "Boss, I was on the ground, bleeding and dq'd." He said "Stuff like that happens to runners".

You finished. It's a huge achievement. While I'm not usually a hug person, you're on for a hug. I'll be the runner at many half marathons over the next six months. Current plan: Shep, Bairnsdale, Melb, Marysville, City 2 sea, Hobart (?), Tungamah 10.  I run with my name on my race shirt "Emma" and the words "Stupidly Determined", and I will want to see a pic of the Marathon Bling.

[Skin and Bone]

Great day at the office - went out for a toughish training run @ about 3:45.  Started out at just a tad under 5min Ks - feeling good just kept going and increased speed a little.  Couple of comfort stops aside kept up sub 5 m/k pace until about 30 then though what the heck - keep going.  Managed to keep this pace despite the increase in temp and humiditywith good folks all around needing attention, walking or standing.
First ever event with a negative split.  Great day to be out there, great support, great vollies - just bloody great day.  One improvement that I have wanted for a numbner of years - the marathin just has to start at 6:00am - it is not fair to those out for 4 or 5 hours to have to run in those conditions after all of that time busting a gut. Perhaps the half on Saturday and the 10k on Sunday would be an answer.

Congrats to all above for all of your efforts and the stories told here.
5KM 00:24:58
10KM 00:25:06
15KM 00:24:28  
   20KM 00:24:32  
   25KM 00:24:37  
   30KM 00:25:28  
   35KM 00:24:10  
   40KM 00:24:36  
   Finish 00:10:06   
Splits
Half Way 01:44:25

Finish 01:43:39

Edited by Skin and Bone, 03 July 2012 - 07:26 PM.

[Isthisnametaken]

Emma, here is the bling....

Attached Files

•  IMG_04091.JPG   157.18K   21 downloads

[giggy]

Completed my second Marathon on Sunday at Gold Coast and happy to say that while I didn't finish as strong as I wished to, I bettered my goal time by finishing in 3hrs 38min, bettering my debut time from last year by some 15mins. The last 3kms were the toughest as the ol wobbly legs syndrome came in to play, but it is amazing how the coming through the 'finishing chute' lifts one those last metres. My congratulations to the organisers who put on a world class event and to all the volunteers who manned the aid stations. Gold Coast Marathon truly has somthing unique that makes one keep coming back each year.

[2Tonne]

I am stoked to have completed my first marathon! Was a little overambitious and went with the 4 hour pacers, but managed to keep sub-4 hour pace until around the 30 km mark. Similar to what others have said, the heat really started to affect me around 32 km and I was toast shortly thereafter. Managed to get across the line in 4:25 with a smile of my face.

Awesome atmosphere and great race - had a ball, albeit a painful one for the last few km.

[BostonCalling]

Dan1975, on 03 July 2012 - 05:39 PM, said:

For context and in the hope that for those that feel like they had a shocker that they cannot come back form - my first GCM (2010) was a 4:10:** finish with the last 12km being a cramping, agony filled nightmare that I was happy to survive, last year was a stronger finish but with all the carnage of the last 7km of this year but done in 3:40 - so I have busted out a 42min PB this year and I don't know if I have anything more to give but reading all these couragous stories just inspires me to get back into prep for Melb

Well done Dan on a fantastic run. Really keen to find out what you did differently from 2010 to 2011 to 2012. To knock 42 minutes off your PB from last year is phenomenal. I wanted to find 10 minutes, but could only find 2.5mins from last year. Training, diet, etc. What were the key improvement factors?

Edited by BostonCalling, 04 July 2012 - 07:42 AM.

[TheRev]

af15, on 02 July 2012 - 04:24 PM, said:

Isthisnametaken, on 02 July 2012 - 08:30 AM, said:

So why don't I feel proud of myself? I know marathon is a huge achievement but I am dissapointed that I had to walk so much. I put so much into the training side of things.

Agree entirely.
I kept telling myself "come on now, first world problems here, get a grip"...but I was still radioactive with rage yesterday. I imagine I will keep simmering until I get that sub-3:30 that every sign from training and lead-up races was indicating.

First of all, apologies for posting on this thread when I didn't actually run on Sunday, but reading through all these comments brought back some powerful memories of running the GCM last year, and I feel saying thanks to everyone for some honest and unflinching reports is the least I should do.

When reading your reports, Isthisnametaken and af15, I felt my own disappointment at last year all over again - I went out for a 3:30 (training time said I should have been hitting a 3:20), was on target to the half way, and then just couldn't hold the pace and gradually slowed to miss my target time by almost 20 minutes. And it was ESPECIALLY frustrating knowing that I didn't really have anything to be devasted about, but I was anyway. When I looked at it logically, I enjoyed myself on course, I had run a marathon, and just about nobody would really know the difference in effort between a 3:20 or 3:50. And those that did (fellow runners) would be the last to judge us harshly for not hitting a goal time. But all the logic in the world couldn't make me feel any less crappy, which I suppose is a lesson that we really do run these things for ourselves, and we are not happy if we think we have "let ourselves down".

So I think once I realised I hadn't let myself down (i.e. I had given my best, I did enjoy myself - as much as possible), I started to feel better about my marathon, and hopefully you guys will too.

And I still remember still fuming and wandering around the recovery area a half an hour or so after the race and started chatting with another marathoner, and he asked me my time, and I told him and he could tell I was obviously not impressed. He then just casually mentioned he had run a 4:20 and that he was absolutely ecstatic - and his satisfation kind of rubbed off on me. Because after all, time is relative, right? Smart lot, these marathoners.

[thinkpink]

Hi Emma, Johns right, you put it all into context. Good to see the next few races are planned, We would be proud to see you running in Tassie.
Thanks everyone for some very enjoyable reading.
I look like a battered wife, but have pulled up ok due to lots of walking in the second half. Ross half in September, then Melbourne.

[KML]

Hi guys - just back from an extended stay on the Goldie.  you wouldn't believe how frigging cold it is NOW!!! So cruel after such a warm Sunday....

Anyway,  very emotional stories and journeys for lots of people.  Those who missed their goals and struggled on are so inspiring.  Many of my friends from Brisbane who ran had similar experiences and I am in awe of anyone who finished that race, esp in the face of missed goals and immense pain, discomfort and injury.  I loved my friends resilient approach, she has wanted to do 3:5* but did about 4:15 in a lot of pain.  She said from 30km her new goal was not to stop or walk and not to creep over 7min/kms!  So even though she jogged along at 6:59min/kms for a bit she stuck to her guns!  There is just no way anyone should feel disappointed about such achievements.

As it turns out I was one of the lucky ones, hit my goal time on the nose at 3:45:05 in half way splits of 1:55 and 1:49.  I stayed slow for the first 15km and then picked it up a tad each 5km after that.  At the last minute decided to run with my belt which I think was def the right decision as I doubt I would have taken on enough water relying on the stations.  Poured plenty over my head as well.  Had great support on the sidelines from various friends and hubby which was amazing.  Hubby also gave me a fresh bottle of water at 28km which I used to refill my water bottles.

Such an amazing experience, I keep replaying it in my head and definitely want to do more although I don't see how I could ever run it any faster and accept that I will more than likely have a nasty experience at some stage when things don't go to plan as that clearly happens to even the most experienced marathoners.  I guess that is part of the challenge and thrill - not knowing how it is going to play out each time you go out there!

So sorry not to have met any of you, caught up with family the rest of the weekend - kept my eyes out but couldn't identify any of you!

Rest up and enjoy your recovery, I am still eating like I am about to run a marathon!

XXKML

[slowlybutsurely]

I mainly lurked on the forum but want to share my story -
Well I can say that I've finished my first marathon!!! & I actually think I loved every bit of it! Finished in a time of 5:44:44.
The goal for me was always just 'to finish '. In the months leading up to GC I was looking at a possible finish time around 5 hours even. Then strained my groin muscle & had all sorts of glute, psoas issues 3 weeks prior to GC with a flare up the tuesdsy before the race, so then the goal for me was just to get to the start line & give it my best shot, not knowing how far the leg was going to last. I was heavily strapped up & anxious but felt good at the start. Went out comfortably & was looking good for a finish closer to the 5 hour mark at the 34km mark when my groin started to pull a bit. My good friend that I was running with & have shared this marathon journey with the whole way was also in a lot of trouble with hip pain (from birth). So she had to stop & walk & I shuffle ran beside her the final 5kms & managed to run properly into the finish line. That Runaway Bay stretch was definitly the hardest, hottest stretch! But coming back past the broadwater & into Southport was FANTASTIC!!
I am so happy to have finished, I have some great memories of the run & now some great pics of myself & my great friend crossing the finish line together!
The course, weather, the views, the people on the sidelines & all the organization & volunteers were just AWESOME!!! It was surreal & amazing to see the elite race by towards Burleigh. I love my finishers shirt & will wear it with pride!
I will come back to the Gold Coast for sure one year to do it again!!

Emma - I saw you & your shirt at the start line & kept an eye out for you along the course! I loved your shirt & it stuck in my mind :-) I wondered how you went & if you finished. I am sorry to hear that it wasn't to be on the day, but my friend & I admired your courage & determination on the day & I have no doubt that it will happen for you next time. Good on you!!!

Congrats to all!

[af15]

TheRev, on 04 July 2012 - 08:07 AM, said:

...reading through all these comments brought back some powerful memories of running the GCM last year, and I feel saying thanks to everyone for some honest and unflinching reports is the least I should do.

Rev, thanks for posting all that. As I've said before, the support, encouragement and advice one gets from fellow runners and CRs before, during and after the race is amazing and one of the things I love about this sport.

[mutk]

af15, on 02 July 2012 - 04:24 PM, said:

snipped..
Unfortunately this could also have been the story of my race - which was also my first marathon. This story is so exact that I only finished one minute behind John!! (4:06:xx).

Up to 28km everything was going perfectly. My pace/km over each 5km section read (0-5km, 4:43/km), (5-10, 4:40/km), (10-15, 4:41/km), (15-25, 4:40/km), (20-25, 4:42/km). I don't have a Garmin and had no idea it was that precise.

Sadly from 28km I became just another marathon statistic / victim. Felt a slight twinge in my left calf at that point. I figured to try and run it off - which worked ok until about 31km...then it suddenly cramped up entirely. Just for extra fun, my right calf also blew up on the very next step!!

The last 11km was a sad story of "run 100m, calf seizes up, walk 100m" x repeat over and over.
snipped

Hey af* I know one other runner who is far better than his GC Mara performances have been so far. He reports the same problems as you - Calf muscles twinging and cramping . In his case he rarely if ever experiences this in training runs and other marathon races. He tells me that he thinks its due to where he trains. Its in a relatively hilly, consistently undulating terrain. And rarely on roads like the GCM route takes, mostly walking tracks, paths etc.

He recons its due to the camber on the road at GC. His strategy is to do a month or so of road running incorporating similar camber, and long flat routes in the lead up to races that have a lot of cambered roads on the route. Worth a though?