Suprise: W2G

I remember sitting in a car trying to stay in front of Rob Spilling as we 4WD it through the early washed out stages of the Woodford to Glenbrook and then manning a drink station at Tobby's Glen thinking how far it was for these runner to go, some time early in the 80's when one of my mates Dads was helping organise this one. This was of course pre Mt Bike era and as an event it seemed to capture aspects of running I was only just beginning to recognise as being the direction I most wished to follow for my own enjoyment.


Having entered as a form of motivation to shake myself out of the not really doing anything phase I found myself in post B2H, 6ft & TNF100, ie the world of the longest acronym. It was with startling surprise that I seemed to find my legs, which often helps when trying to run, for the first time in a long while. Leading to a surprising 1:47 for me at around 28th over all. By far my best run in years. Seems taking a month off planned training sessions has done the world of good, though I would have been super happy to find the finish moved to the gate as you start Bennetts Ridge round the half marathon distance.

Began with the plan of cruising the early hills with the intentions of winding it up through the steeper down hill from the helipad to the gate. then trying to hold the pace through to Bennetts Ridge and the finish line. I had this noring inc-ling that I might push it harder but tried to convince myself this was not a good idea given the focus on relaxation over the past month n a bit.

Started with Wayne Gillard next to, a bit behind, a bit in front for the first 10km. Along with a couple of striders who generally seemed to descend better than I but eased up on the climbs. Felt fatigued climbing but reassured by making ground on most around me at the same time. Hit the 10km right on 45mins, 5mins ahead of the anticipated 5min kms. Surprised but happy and running strong.

By the helipad was confident low 1:50's would be in order and begun the wind up planned for this section. Soon found myself pacing faster than those around me and was pleased to hear a 28th and 29th call from a Mt Biker cruising back up the trail. Hauled in a couple of runners over the next few km and figured I must be around 25th or so.

I was ticking off the geographical landmarks and thinking this was slightly ridiculous in terms of pace when the first negative thought began to take control on the final bends leading into the top gate. It was also around here that the first runner to go past me for some time cruised through followed by Craig who not so much cruised through but whipped mast at a rate of knots (most likely a double Windsor I would say). Fought my mind for the section from the gate to Bennett's Ridge turn off. Basically maintaining pace and passing as many as had passed me to generally maintain my place.

Bennett's Ridge, as already stated, was where the negative mind won and the body gave in a little. I was assured that at 5 minute kms over the final 4k's I would hit the 1:50 achieving the peak of my aims. So with this in mind I let a couple of runners go by without a fight. A slowed pace and the feeling that the more subtle co-ordination was gone dominated this last section and I was hugely relieved to see the left turn and side walking track to the river indicating the clearing was near by. A final runner past me here as we ran on to the grass (Luke from Emu Plains and a Panthers Tri Club member it turned out). However I was happy to be heading for sub 1:50. The last stretch as always felt good and I was pumped to hit the 1:47 as I ran up the final incline to the line. A time as I said earlier that represent my best run for many years.

For BMMC news it was brilliant to see Sprinter and Whipetgal take out the outright men's and women's races, with gottagofasta 4th and Sleep Train returning from injury in 8th. It appears BMMC has taken out the teams and BMMC Femme Squad the female teams (finishing 4th team outright). A prelude to 6ft 2011 I am assured.

Now to de-smash the quads and get back amoungst it for W2B and Running Wild series.