8 replies to this topic

[Roadie]

Figured someone has to start the ball rolling for the 2004 event.

Am currently focusing on the ambitious target of doing the Gold Coast Marathon in under 3 hrs.  Figure if I state it publically that this will ensure that on those days when I don't feel like training (and yes- they will exist) that I will have an incentive to get out there so that on the 5th July 2004, I can post details of another goal successfully achieved (touch wood!).

Has anyone else set their eyes on this event?  Is there anyone who would like to offer any tips that relate to the Gold Coast Marathon - what makes this event better/harder than any other marathon?

  :)

[vat]

I'm planning on doing it, but haven't done the event before.  I'm doing Canberra, so I guess from a training point of view am probably counting on a good mileage base coming out of April!

A mate of mine ran it last year and said it's a flat course, with a couple of loops (not the most interesting 42km you'll ever run) - only real concern from a course point of view is potentially the heat.

[Laurie]

Yes, the Gold Coast is a flat and fast course.  If the weather is not too warm it is a good course to achieve a PB on.  I have done it for the last 3 years, of which two were PB's.  I ran a 2:57 last year, (my only sub-3 hour marathon), and this year I am hoping to go under 2:55.  

I have also done Canberra for the last 3 years, but this year I am training for the Forster Ironman instead.  How quickly I recover from that will determine how much quality training I get in before the Gold Coast.

[NoSeven]

I ran GCM last year as my first marathon. It is a flat course, heads south for 13k then turn around back to start and north for 8k, turn around to finish at start. Look at their  web site for course map.

I thought it was quite an interesting run, plenty to look at as you are on the coast for most of it heading south and through some canal estates heading north. It is good to spend a few days on the coast too, plenty to do and see down there.

A final tip, don't turn up on the 5th July, you will have to battle a bit too much traffic if you plan to run the course that day.  :)

[kazz]

If all goes well and I'm able to make it up there, I hope to run my first 1/2 marathon at the Gold Coast event.
I don't care much about the time I do, as long as I finish and enjoy the run I do.
I'm used to running hilly forestry trails so I guess I'd better do some suberbia training to get used to it.   ;)  

kazz.

[Jimboy]

Roadie,GC is a great total event.If you do crack the 3hrs you should be ok ,if much slower the rising sun/temp.can cause problems late in the full marathon.It is certainly a faster course than most,if weather is half reasonable.Good luck,I will be up there as every year having a go at the half or 10K.

[ALBERS]

I also have a similar goal (a sub 3hr first marathon) and started training for the 2004 GC last year, but developed patella tracking problems and stopped running for 8 weeks (just recently started again). Because of the loss of fitness related to the injury I've decided to start from scratch and build a base of easy-moderate aerobic running (2-3 months). After that, I think that the two crucial workouts will be the build up of the "long run" to almost race distance, and the inclusion of marathon-pace intervals (from say 3x2km to 5x4km @ 4:15/km pace with 2-3min floats). I assume if I don't injure myself I'll make 2004 GC and look forward to running with the sub-3hr pacing group (which last year was headed by Pat Carroll).

[Roadie]

Great to get all the responses from everybody.

I am currently building a base with the idea to start specific training in mid Feb.  Still reviewing and reading up on the various training programs that are recomended.  Body seems to respond to long slow miles better than loads of speedwork but recognise that need the speedwork if I am to stand a chance of breaking 3hrs.

It is interesting to see that many of the training schedules do not have the long runs going anywhere close to the distance of the marathon.  Thought this was surprising given that to run 30km is one thing, doing 4:15/km and for 42km is another thing.

Anyway - looking forward to hearing how everyone is progressing.

PS: NoSeven - the reference to 5 July was me making an allownance for the 24 hours that I am estimating that it will take me to crawl to a computer and get enough feeling back in my body to type a message.  Maybe I am being over-optimistic and I can aim for the 6th.  However the advantage of the additional traffic on the 5th is that there might be a greater chance of someone to throw me some "jelly snakes" in the latter stages!!!!!!

[Pabags]

Roadie

One thing that will help you in achieving your sub 3 hours run is that the GC marathon has pacers for both the full and half.
As Albers mentioned, last year the sub 3 hour runners were led by Pat Carroll.
For me the whole event is fantastic. i have done the GC half for the last 2 years and will be there again this year.
Good luck and I'm sure you will enjoy the whole day.

Ian C   :)