One Day To Go

Its only one day to go for the Brissy Marathon, Half and 10km. Intraining are running an EXPO today at Southbank, heaps of exhibitors down there, worth a visit.
I checked out the race route by MTB earlier this week, and it looks like a very cramped start on the Southern side of the river. Building work has affected the pathway in a few places creating what will be massive bottleneks.
My startegy will be to camp out at the start early and then sprint out the first km to get away from the hordes. The Half runners will run into the Marathoners just after the Goodwill Bridge on the northern side, but hopefully that won't cause too many issues. Race report will be posted on Sunday after I can be revived!

Five Finger update

Having read more, the shoes are not individually made. You can order them from the States for $US90 which is $AU92. Can you imagine wearing them to Chermy for Saturday morning shopping?! Yeah! For 92 bucks I'm there!
The shoes are designed to go in the washing machine. Chuck them in, add detergent and make sure its on cold wash and they are back to new again.

Personalised Running Shoes Anyone?

Whilst surfing through some running blogs the other night I came across these new concept shoes, which apparently are moulded to your specific foot, and need to be worn in incrementally, to get your feet used to walking then running in them. I reckon I'd be interested in using htem for beach running, but the cost would probably be prohibitice. The Nike shoe which is designed to replicate barefoot running would no doubt be cheaper.

The are called Vibram Five Fingers, and you can check the website out here

I think I will try melting my old wellington boots around my foot later on and see if I can get something like this going!

Cheap running gear from Aldi

Aldi is making some running gear available on sale from Thursday:
$39.99 heart rate monitor $39.99 running shoes$2.49/pair coolmax socks $9.99 running shorts $19.99 running tights $9.99 coolmax t shirts $19.99 water repellent running jacket
I know Aldi is a bit of a cheap rubbish kind of shop but Coolmax is Coolmax in anyone's language, and anyone's shop I reckon. I'll be there at opening time, and yes, I will have bought everything to resell at 5 times the price. If you don't have any luck, make me an offer!
Stan

Why not have your wedding during a marathon?

A BRITISH couple gave a new twist to the idea of running away together by competing in the London marathon in their wedding clothes and getting married halfway around the course.
Katie Austin and Gordon Fryer from Romsey in southern England ran the race with the bride's parents who gave her away at the ceremony in the Bridge Master's dining room on Tower Bridge.
The groom and his father-in-law wore traditional waistcoats, wing-collared shirts and cravats, but with long shorts instead of trousers.
The bride wore a full length ivory wedding dress with train above her running shoes - an outfit she conceded she had never run in before. Despite rain, the bride arrived at the bridge with her make-up and hair still in place. The 80-minute ceremony may have scuppered their chances of running a new personal best time, but the couple emerged beaming to a shower of confetti and cheers from guests and wellwishers. The newly-weds and the Austins then immediately got back onto the racecourse and continued running without speaking to waiting reporters.

Race Report: London Marathon [mens]

The race report on the official London Marathon site carries a blow by blow account of how the race unfolded. There are two things whcih emerage from this report which stand out:
Firstly, note the times that the runner's went through the respective marks at [5km, 10km, half marathon etc]. Absolutely phenomenal! Quite depressing actually!
However, there is hope. Limping over the line in an unexpected 9th position was the great Haile Gebrselassie who was suffering from, ...wait for it.........TIGHT CALVES AND CRAMPS!

Now that gives me hope that these guys are mortal after all, and that even the best of them suffer from the same problems we do in races.. Here's the London report:

Classic men's race thrills to the last stride
Probably the most talented field of marathon runners ever assembled sets off on the road to Westminster and No 925 grabs his not quite five minute of fame by an ill-advised spell at the front. The strike rate over the first two miles is less than required but a faster third mile takes the large leading pack through 3 miles in 14:21, a 4:36 section, and by 5km (14:52) the race is on schedule for a 2:05 finish.
Before the start, with puddles on the ground, Haile Gebrselassie (ETH) had tried out two pairs of shoes which seems a good move as rain starts to fall although further down the course the women's field are still dry.
By four miles the group splits into two with Baldini (ITA) the reigning Olympic champion backing off the pace which remains at 2:05 rate despite the wind and rain in the runners’ faces. At this stage ex-world record holder Khalid Khannouchi (USA) - out of action for two years - seems content to be in the front group despite requesting pace at a slower tempo before the race.
10km is reached in 29:39 with a smiling Gebrselassie fronting Felix Limo (KEN), Evans Rutto (KEN), Martin Lel (KEN) and Khannouchi behind the shelter of the pacemakers. The 2:05 pace continues through 15km and ten miles (47:45) and onto halfway which is reached in 1:03:33 as requested. At this stage the leading group numbers ten including four pacemakers.
Unknown to the others in the leading pack, Gebrselassie is having problems with his hamstrings and calves which are feeling tight and will eventually cramp up. However, at 14 miles (1:06:50) all of the principals appear, to the onlookers, very relaxed and they start to reel in the earlier starting women's championship field.
Designated pacemaker for the second group, Fabiano Joseph (TAN), does a spell in front but the main players are looking at each other and not interested in going for times - the pace drops to a 2:05:45 projected finish. Seven contenders, Rodgers Rop (KEN), Lel, Gebrselassie, Kannouchi, Rutto, Limo and Henrik Ramaala (RSA) - sporting a colourful headcloth - are left to battle out the last 7km, but Gebrselassie is no longer smiling.
As the front runners ease off the pace, Baldini, Hicham Chatt (MAR) and two-time World marathon champion Jouad Gharib (MAR) close to with 30 seconds. Just as it seems that they might be caught napping, the front group are drawn away again as Limo and Rop raise the tempo with Lel shortly joining them. Of the main group, Ramaala looks the most comfortable.
The decisive move comes at 24 miles with a big surge by Lel who is followed by Rop, Ramaala and Limo. Khannouchi struggles to stay in contact but the big surprise is Gebrselassie who drops away with no response and will play no further part in the closing stages.
Coming out of Blackfriars Underpass, Lel leads but glances over his shoulder. He is later to say that he was waiting for his friend Limo as he knows that together they can get away. And so it proves. Shoulder to shoulder the pair head towards Big Ben. At some stage in the second half of the race someone had thrown an egg at Limo - fortunately missing him - but he is remarkably unfazed by that someone's stupidity. Behind, Ramaala and Rop are having their own duel for the remaining medal.
The Kenyan duo continue running together into the closing stages and everything is set up for a classic finish down The Mall. The news comes through that Gebrselassie is 56 seconds down.
As Buckingham Palace comes into, view Lel inches in front and Limo waits. Turning the first of two corners Lel strides past the Palace but, as the pair turn the final bend, Limo Jumps to the front and stays strong, crossing the line in 2:06:39, the year's second fastest marathon. Two seconds later Lel finishes and removes 45 seconds from his PB.
Ramaala also runs faster than ever with his third place in 2:06:55. Strongman Khannouchi takes fourth and must now be looking at an autumn marathon to consolidate his return to form after an injury racked two years. Baldini, 5th in 2:07:22, set a life-time best as did Rodgers Rop (6th 2:07:34) and Hicham Chatt (7th 2:07:59).
Sad sight was Gebrselassie finishing 9th in 2:09:05 in what he says was his worst performance since 1991. "But," he says after the race, "If I can't accept this then I shouldn't accept my good performances." He then says he will look towards an autumn marathon and will do some track races in the summer.
Asked why he seems to run in big city marathons but not championships, 2006 Flora London Marathon winner, Felix Limo smiles and replies, "It's not me doing the selecting."

Anzac Day session cancelled

On Anzac Day I will not be present to host the usual morning run, due to involvement in a Dawn Service. Why not substitute your morning constitutional for a Dawn Service, and even take in the march in the City?

LEST WE FORGET

Striders Media Tart

It appears that the early running for the title of Striders Media Tart 2006 is being made by Mary Jackson, appearing no less than on the Brisbane Marathon entry form.
Early entries close today for the best running festival in Brissy this year. The marathon, half marathon and 10km will be run next weekend on Sunday at the Brisbane Riverside. For the online entry or printable entry form go to intraining.com.au
A few Striders will be going along, email me if you're interested at striders@southpinechurch.com

Pinnacles Classic Race Report II

The Search For A Lost Strider
Strangely enough, the marshalls at the waterpoint were telling the truth, most of the second half tended to be downhill except for a series of hills known as The Mother, The Mothers other, and some Mini Mums.
It was whilst shinning down the backside of one of these Mini Mums that Steve flew past a turn off, and didn't notice an arrow on the road followed by some white ribbons further down the turn-off. Steve and another runner headed off into the distance, and started what was to be a 35minute climb.
By this stage the rest of the field was making its way down the steep descent [ears popping] until a final sting in the tail: The March. A nasty twisting uphill climb just when you thought the pain was all over.
The finish line was a welcome sight, as was the bbq and drinks set up on the back of a ute.
After a while we began to get worried about Steve and the other missing runner and help was sent by way of a 4x4. The two lost runner's were eventually found and asked to be returned to the spot where they missed the turn off, and ran the rest of the way home, to a rousing welcome.
All credit to Steve for having a crack with his first run since stacking on his bike during a race 2 months ago and getting busted up bad. On top of his lack of fitness he did far more than the rest of the Striders crew.
My camera's batteries gave up the ghost so we can't bring you any pictures of the exhausted finishers.
$700 was raised for charity, and a good few stories were taken home too. Next year, same time, this time anti-clockwise, with all the vicious bits at the end!

Pinnacles Classis Race Report 1

On Saturday morning few hardy souls, and me, made the journey to Gold Creek Reservoir at Brookfield for surely the hardest half marathon in the known world. This year the race went clockwise, tackling the worst part of the course first.
There was mention of 17 hills in the first 8km, making an average of two hills per km. I lost count after the first 5 and it all seemed like a big hill to me. When I say hill, should I rather say 'ridiculously steep incline!'.

The route markers were white ribbons attached to trees and some chalk markings on the ground, which were difficult to see [we will get to that later]. Each of the hills or series of hills are named. Perhaps the names are indicative of the hill.
The first being The Randal, probably named after some poor bloke who got wrecked on that hill. It was a never ending hill, and the air started getting thin on the way up. When my ears popped I knew it was steep!

That was followed by The Brute, and aptly named it was. Talking about aptly named hills, The B******s were a series of hills that no parent would be proud of!
That was followed by the Double Whammy, which everyone found memorable. The halfway point arrived mercifully and the race helpers assured me that the rest of the way was downhill except for one hill. I know enough not to believe a single word they say to you at waterpoints. Each marshall is trained in psychological tricks to encourage you not to spit the dummy and chuck it all in! After a water refill and a few lollies, I set off to see if for once someone told me the truth. Well, the rest of the story will have to wait until I can get back to my PC.

Coming up:
SOS - The Search For Lost Steve

The difference between an adventure racer and a runner

Running quote of the day

Jogging is very beneficial. It's good for your legs and your feet. It's also very good for the ground. It makes it feel needed.

Peanuts

High Visibility Gear bargain

There is a sale on at KMart at the moment, and you can get a water bottle stuffed with some useful high vis gear for early morning or night running: high vis mesh vest, velcro ankle bands, shoe key holder, flashing light. All up for $16, its a bargain. Don't worry about looking good in the dark, worry about being seen!
Stan

Pinacles Classic update

There appears to be a few hardy souls willing to give this classic run a crack this Saturday morning, and the list is growing. The more the merrier I say. It's got to be better than staying at home, overdosing on chocolate! If you live in the South Pine region perhaps we can organise a ride so email striders@southpinechurch.com and let us know or call or SMS Stan on 0402019050

Attention all Females

Calling all girls and ladies (and those who like to wear dresses). Sunday May 14th there is a Fun Run /Walk called the Mothers Day Classic held at Southbank. You have a choice of 4 or 8km which you can either walk or run. I would love to see others come with me and have a great time together. Bring your friends and neighbours. You can even dress up if you like.

Thought: Remember ALL activity is good activity. Try and be active in as many little ways as possible this week. Aim for at least 30 mins of activity each day. This doesn't have to be all at once but it's a great goal to build up to.

Tip for the Day:
Conveniently lose the remote control so you have to get up and change the tv station, not only do you use your quads, but you use your abdo muscles when you get up and down.

Striders - the antidote to a growing epidemic

Let's face it, we as a nation are getting bigger and slacker and prone to certain ailments more than ever before. Obesity is causing a range of flow on effects. Check out the latest reports here:
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,18773034-37995,00.html

What better way to tackle the problem than participating in a regular Striders session? This morning I was joined by 4 others at Bullocky's Rest, Lake Samsonvale, for a beautiful walk/run around the peninsula, watching the sun rise, listening to the sounds of nature, looking across the still blue expanse of Lake, enjoying the green trees and undergrowth, and the company of others. All the while, my body was burning calories before breakfast.
Get Striding!
Stan

Last call for Pinacles Classic

This Saturday morning, a challenging but fun run at Gold Creek Reservoir:
Here's the details:

THE PINACLES CLASSIC
Distance: 20km. Event Time: 7:00 am. Location of race: end of gold creek creek road,Gold Creek Resvoir Brookfield. Race Address: Peter Holles 0429908339 Other details: Cost $25, All and I mean all proceeds to charity.A challenging course in the tradition of six foot track. Not held last year due to earth works at the dam wall. This year sees the course going clockwise with the downs now the ups and vice versa. Sorry about last year but we're back. contact: peter holles. email: paholles@hotmail.com.

I did this 2 years ago, and took some mates with. Just thought it would be a run around a dam, in other words: flat. Well, I couldn;t have been more wrong, and they hated me for it!!! The bloke who drove me there didn't want to talk to me all the way home. This one's not for wusses. It is a challenging track run, you need to watch your footing closely all the time, but the field ar a friendly bunch and the proceeds go to charity. No traffic to contend with, just you and nature and gravity!!!
I'm planning on going, let me know if you're interested and we can car pool to Brookfield.
Stan 0402019050

editors profiles #3

Steve Meharg>> married, competes in cycling and triathlons but his real love is cycling. Steve is a pastor at SPCC and a part time student.

Steve hosts our Wednesday morning road bike rides, to the Bay and back. Loves his Italian bikes and doesn't get much sleep during the Tour De France.

Editors profiles #2

Stan Fetting >> married with 4 girls, two times Comrades Marathon [90km] finisher and regular marathoner, pastor of SPCC and also a part time chaplain.
Co-ordinates Striders and hosts Tues morning run at Bullocky's Rest. Keen to help new runner's learn from his mistakes, set goals and achieve them. Always known to be complaining of one injury or another.

editors profiles - #1

This blog is currently edited by three people, who also host a Striders session:

Mary Jackson >> married mother of two girls, two times Ironman finisher, Comrades Marathon [90km] finisher, works in CF research with kids. Being an Ironman competitor, Mary has done plenty of swimming, riding and running. Last year Mary took on the Comrades Marathon in South Africa and conquered the course, helping others along the way. Mary hosts the Thursday morning run and is a mine of information, both athletic and medical.

Winning at all costs

The recent contrasting behaviour of Australian runners at the Commonwealth Games provides models for us to follow and reject. The 4x400m women's team protesting at England's gold medal when they had been clearly beaten by 10m was a low moment in Aussie running and sport for that matter. Craig Mottram got tripped up and lost out on a potential gold medal, but was able to write it off as part and parcel of racing. He shook the hands of the winner and other place getters and gave a philosophical interview after the race.
Good sport Craig, great attitude! Poor form to the 4x44m team!
The medals they have are a reminder to them of their bad sporting attitude.

The word is spreading

Striders has had a slow start in terms of numbers, but word is spreading and numbers are starting to build. We are open to adjusting our sessions times and locations if there is enough demand. Don't hesitate to contact us by phone 3264 5555 or email us at striders@southpinechurch.com if you have any queries.