The Setting: The Mornington peninsula in Victoria, Australia
The race: 56k ultra marathon trail race
The field: Around 220 runners
The time: 7.10am on Sunday 12th January 2014
The vibe: Happy hawaiian beachy
When your alarm goes off at 5am on a Sunday morning you're a little shocked. But then the race reality sets in & it's all systems go, eat bananas, dress up like a real runner, drink water & electrolytes, fill hydration pack, eat bliss balls, go toilet, get in car to go & get nervous. I love all the ritual & my routine is so smooth as a good pinot noir =)
My friend Charlotte drove me to the start (thank u my beautiful angel friend) & I got to Cape Shanck lighthouse at the start of this fabulously organised event. A chilly sea breeze cooling the air, overcast skies, the perfect weather for an ultra mega run. I collected my race no. & chilled out chatting to the congregating running crowd, a caring community of good hearted strong willed athletes, fit folk & hot blokes!!!
There was a hawaiian theme fancy dress at which I felt under dressed & very jealous of a pink hula skirt spotted in the crowd of muscular toned legs. & then all the legs were on the move, we were running the two bays 56k.
As the pace rolled out on a single track I felt a little stifled but went with the flow until I could break out into a pace that I could roll with on the undulating sandy trails. With the ocean to our left & sweeping hills to our right, fresh air & pink hair I felt great from the start.
The trail took us through forest & until we hit a big uphill I had ran all the way. Reaching the top with around 4k to go to the half way point I was wobbling & then the first guys were on the return leg - divine incredible creatures.
It was all delicious descent to the the half way point & I remembered my friends advice of relaxing into your downhill running & I ran fast k's all the way feeling like I was flying. Flippin amazin.
& with all the runners around me supporting one another, chatting along the course & high 5ing the sense of being a part of something special was strong. Like all the legs & willpower beheld by my comrades everyone heros & heroines.
Charlotte joined me on the reverse ascent to the top of 'Arthur's seat' it was good to have her company & chats to take my mind off the hill (pretty massive hill). I remember discussing the way to lose weight. Not eat. Which became a hot topic between the runners around us. All in agreement. But it's so hard to not eat. I luv food. & I luv eating. Lots. All in agreement.
Before long though I was off on my lonesome on the long path back. With water stations stocked with very wonderful volunteers I broke up the run into 5k's to help me through. It was around 44k that I wished the k's away. A second wind got me through to 52k. The last 2k I wanted to die. But thankfully I didn't & crossed the sunny finish line in 6 hours 32 mins.
On the natural high that only that significant distance & the determination needed to complete it can bring. & the 61/2 hour meditation brings serenity for days after. & with no tightness in my muscles, a light jog & weight training today I'm dreaming of my next trail.....
Good night xox
My friend Charlotte drove me to the start (thank u my beautiful angel friend) & I got to Cape Shanck lighthouse at the start of this fabulously organised event. A chilly sea breeze cooling the air, overcast skies, the perfect weather for an ultra mega run. I collected my race no. & chilled out chatting to the congregating running crowd, a caring community of good hearted strong willed athletes, fit folk & hot blokes!!!
There was a hawaiian theme fancy dress at which I felt under dressed & very jealous of a pink hula skirt spotted in the crowd of muscular toned legs. & then all the legs were on the move, we were running the two bays 56k.
As the pace rolled out on a single track I felt a little stifled but went with the flow until I could break out into a pace that I could roll with on the undulating sandy trails. With the ocean to our left & sweeping hills to our right, fresh air & pink hair I felt great from the start.
The trail took us through forest & until we hit a big uphill I had ran all the way. Reaching the top with around 4k to go to the half way point I was wobbling & then the first guys were on the return leg - divine incredible creatures.
It was all delicious descent to the the half way point & I remembered my friends advice of relaxing into your downhill running & I ran fast k's all the way feeling like I was flying. Flippin amazin.
& with all the runners around me supporting one another, chatting along the course & high 5ing the sense of being a part of something special was strong. Like all the legs & willpower beheld by my comrades everyone heros & heroines.
Charlotte joined me on the reverse ascent to the top of 'Arthur's seat' it was good to have her company & chats to take my mind off the hill (pretty massive hill). I remember discussing the way to lose weight. Not eat. Which became a hot topic between the runners around us. All in agreement. But it's so hard to not eat. I luv food. & I luv eating. Lots. All in agreement.
Before long though I was off on my lonesome on the long path back. With water stations stocked with very wonderful volunteers I broke up the run into 5k's to help me through. It was around 44k that I wished the k's away. A second wind got me through to 52k. The last 2k I wanted to die. But thankfully I didn't & crossed the sunny finish line in 6 hours 32 mins.
On the natural high that only that significant distance & the determination needed to complete it can bring. & the 61/2 hour meditation brings serenity for days after. & with no tightness in my muscles, a light jog & weight training today I'm dreaming of my next trail.....
Good night xox
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