or
alternatively titled
"How to run 13.2km's with a hangover."It was an ordinary start on Sunday. My daughter had her 10
th birthday party the night before and in usual
children's party tradition it was an excuse for the adults to have a few drinks.
The plan was to be in bed by midnight. A glass of water between every Bourbon and Diet Coke and I would be fit for the morning. Unfortunately bed didn't happen till 2am and the water drinking didn't happen till it was way too late.
I had told myself that hell or high water I was racing a train in the morning. In my
inebriated state I felt like that if I 'Did Not Start' it would signal the end to this running caper.
So with 6 hours recovery time I was up again getting ready for my first Great Train Race.
As a child I was raised in the
Dandenongs and knew the layout of
Belgrave fairly well. I had a secret sneaky place planned to park and was a little surprised to find everyone else seemed to know of my spot. I parked a little way out of town and took the 10 minute walk to the starting area.
After dropping my bag off I searched out and found some other
Coolrunners. Eat 'Em, Wobbly Man,
Tigerboy and
Chilliman (sounds like a gathering of the
Justice League of America) were gathered together talking race
strategy. I also caught up with
Blkbox,
Sekhmet and
Deege at the start line. I think
Morseyruns freaked me out and said hello when I didn't know who she was (Spark Driver is written on the back of my
Coolrunning hat). As always there was other
CR's that I have forgotten with my most humble apologies.
The event started pretty much on time but I was situated fairly well back in the crowd It wasn't much more than a shuffle for the first kilometre and a half.
The route is very scenic and apart for a nagging need for No. 1 toilet I enjoyed the first half of the race very much.
I hear groans from many but I have come to realize that I do enjoy running hills. Maybe it is my body design of short legs/long torso that helps or my semi-regular hilly training routes but I find I can power up moderate hills when many around are slowing down or walking.
At Menzies Creek I had a quick, toilet detour then buckled down to finish off the race.
The
Garminator announced that I had run 9
km's in 50 minutes and I knew I was way down on my best pace but I was still happy to be out running.
Travelling through Emerald I could hear the whistle of the second train behind me and
was determined to finish in front of it. I upped the intensity to a sub 5 minute pace.
The last two kilometres I could hear the whistle of the 2
nd 'Ladies' train draw closer and closer and at one point I thought I could even hear the chug chug of the engine.
The last kilometre was almost a sprint with a 4:37 split and I was pleased to cross the finish line in
Garmin time of 70:44.
The 2
nd train eventually finished in 75.56.
I picked up the Number 11 spot prize of a pair of Brooks socks and headed over to catch the first train departing back to
Belgrave.
On the trip back I spent a lot of time thinking of my throbbing ankle and reflecting what running means to me.
Since starting running nearly two years ago I have achieved so much.
5km ,10 km, a Half and the Melbourne Marathon events to name a few. It has had many highs and a few lows.
The
Bellarine 34km rail trail in August '06 at a 93 kilo weight was the highlight. This current ankle injury would have to be the low.
As I sat in the train, currently weighing a very
disappointing 100 kilo's, I decided that running is something I still enjoy and want to continue.
I need to fix this
Achilles problem and I need to break that 93 kilo barrier.
Next year I not only have to beat the 2
nd train I also need to beat the 1st one (57.54 this year)!
Since Sunday I have taken the first step and booked an
appointment with a Podiatrist. The earliest time available was this Friday morning and apart from a couple 30 minutes sessions on a treadmill I have been taking it easy.
Drop back during the weekend sometime and I will fill you in on the latest.
I will blog off for now. It is time to catch up on my friends that I have
neglected lately and read all their running news.