Otford 2 Bundeena 07

It has already occurred to me from the title of my post, that I think I might be running trails for a few years. I am still on a high, though I'm sore and have now got a killer dose of the flu.

The morning started at 5, when I was picked up by a good friend and often running buddy, Maurice. We drove to Sutherland station and caught the train down to Otford with some like-minded crazy folk.

The walk out from the station to the start line scared me! I was puffing up the hill wondering if I had made a serious mistake. (Funny, but it wouldn't be the first time).

The start area was crowded! Apparently over 90 people started, huge for a Fat Ass run. The first few km were slow walking mostly on uphill trails, as the faster runners made their way through. I get so excited at the start of a trail run, the smell of the bush air, and the dirt tracks reminds me of being a kid.

Plodded along happily for most of the run, the vibram sprints working like a charm, until I kicked a rock with my big toe. That hurt... be more careful. About 5 minutes later, same toe, different rock. OWWWW PLEASE be more careful. Apart from my laziness in not lifting my feet, I really loved the whole run in the vibrams. The run included dirt, rocks, grass flats, gravel, metal grating, sand, surf and road surfaces; all of which were fantastic. I ran through the water and surf at every chance, keeping my feet cool the whole time.

There were some steep uphill climbs and lovely downhill stretches, and I realised by the end that I am getting fitter. I still have a long way to go, but I think I might be able to do a whole lot more longer bush runs now that I have the shoe thing worked out.

Came across a couple of snakes out there today, it's been a while since I've seen such a huge black snake, but it sure made me run faster for a couple of km, with a massive adrenaline surge! I managed to step on a small green snake too (sorry) sunning itself on the path. I think my 'shoes' are so soft that I don't make the usual amount of noise to frighten them off the path... not sure but it sounds ok for now.

The end was wonderful, a nice cheer from all those finished and a chat with some friends, while waiting for the ferry to take us home.

I've learned some things today. Firstly I can go for a long run without needing to eat. I had a couple of lollies (3 snakes) over a 4.5 hour run and felt great. I wasn't hungry at the end and I got the fluids right too. Maybe, just maybe I can do some 100k runs next year ....

SMC November

It's almost CR SMC these days! I love going out here each month to catch up with everyone. I wish I could run faster, so I could chat to more people at the end.

Saw Belinda, Horrie and Tim before the start, as well as Johny Dark, Space Cowboy and others. Intoduced myself to Whippet gal at the start line, after double checking to make sure it was indeed her!

Caught up with Spud and sailaway briefly before the gun went off. There seemed to be so many in the half today, which is great for the series. It did mean however, more people to beat me to the line!! Caught up briefly with Blue Dog during and after the race. He was taking some photos out on the course, and as luck would have it, snapped me staggering up a hill. Shame I wasn't looking my usual 'magazine model' self ;)

Every second person passing me/lapping me seemed to be someone I know, which was great. What a fabulous community this is.


I came an inglorious last today. I started off ok, but by 10km I was feeling pretty shocking. The 75k from last weekend was biting me on the arse, unlike others who seem to be able to do this type of thing constantly! I guess I'll improve with time. Space Cowboy caught up with me before 2km, and very kindly ran/walked with me to the end. You are indeed a gracious person and a good friend.

By about 12/13k my knees began to protest the notion of holding me upright. I guess it was all the downhill pounding last weekend, but I'm not good at knowing when to throw the towel in, so carried on. Even when the SES guys offered me a lift with about 1km to go.... they don't understand about DNF I guess.

Finished feeling a bit less than brilliant, I don't think the sports drink agrees with me, but after some watermelon all returned to normal.

Both my girls ran today with Alana in the 5k and Sara in the 10k, having done 10k last weekend at Fishers Ghost. I am so proud of both of them. Sara is taking to the challenge of the longer races with enthusiasm and drive (and she tells me she wasn't last today hehehe) so she beat me. Two of the other competitors 'ran her' to the finish line when she was tiring, which was really awesome, she appreciated it a lot.

Awesome Race - Awesome People!

Nov 10-11 2007

What an incredible weekend! I have met some of the most talented and insane people you could ever hope to come across. People who run 100km, or 100miles and can still walk afterwards. Some of the most humble and unassuming athletes this country has to offer.

Tim asked me a while ago if I'd like to pace for him for the last 75km of the 100mile GNW. I've been reading about these type of runs for years, so I jumped at the opportunity. Scared that I wouldn't be able to keep up, let alone be a help to him, I trained more than ever and still I have so far to go.

I decided to go with the tried and tested old Nike Frees for this run, which proved perfect. I have no injuries and no blisters. If these shoes ever wear out, I'm in big trouble! Today I have totally trashed quads, but the rest of me is fine, meaning I must be getting fitter as the months roll by.

I waited at Yarramalong for a few hours as the finishers for the 100k race came in and the runners in the 100mile race came and went. It was amazing to watch... people who looked like they'd taken a walk in the park and others who looked like a truck had hit them.

Around 12ish Tim came in with Andrew (Whippet Man) and an American guy named Phil. They had a quick stop to refuel and we were off. It was great walking out into the dark, hearing the stories of the last 100km, knowing another 75k lay ahead. I admit to being slightly relieved when we walked for a while, as the first bit was mighty steep. The rest of it was a piece of cake...

Actually it was remarkably tough for the whole course. Tim was having trouble with his feet but just kept on going and going and going. Phil had some asthma issues, but managed it well. I got to know these 3 guys so well in the next 16 hours, all tremendous athletes and great guys.

We met up with a number of other Cool Runners and ended up with Ray (Eagle) as part of the group for most of the latter stages. So it was the 4 bald men and 1 blonde chick. We ran, walked, ran, walked ran some more. It was a much faster pace than I had anticipated and began to worry a little that I would slow them down. I decided that if I was lagging behind I'd pull out at one of the checkpoints, but I managed to stay with them til the end.

I loved the technical downhill runs and the uphills, but I struggle mostly on the flats where the pace was a little fast for my ability. Nothing like the notion of being lost in the bush on your own to make you see how far you can really push your body!!

We covered 75k in 15.56, much faster than I expected, but everyone in our group finished well. In August we did 100km in 35 hours, so this was a blinding pace for me! This race was trailwalker on steroids! Pain became a new friend after 60odd km, when my shin started to cramp going dowhill and my hip ached going uphill. But to complain in front of 4 men who had done 100k more than me would have been rude and pathetic. I realised at one stage that my longest run to date had been 42k, so this set a new benchmark for me.

It is a truly awe inspiring moment watching the runners cross the line after 175km... I cried. Next year I want it to be me crossing that line. I thought a lot about the finish today, and I cried a bit more (or was that when I tried to bend my legs???) For me this race crosses over from the physical and mental to a place where it touches your soul.

At this point I must thank Tim. Thank you for inviting me along, for believing that I could do it, and for the fabulous sense of humour you shared along the way. I have been reading for years about Tim and others doing Fat Ass runs and ultra runs and I have wanted to just meet them for so long. To run with Tim on the GNW has been the highlight of my running 'life' so far. To have run with Whippet Man and eagle as well.... priceless.

Watch this space same time next year to see if there is a longer post about my own attempt at this craziness......

Fitzroy Falls Oct 07

What a great day. I know I say that every time, but I love being able to get out and run for a few hours. Another marathon post about a marathon, so be warned......

Got a lift to the start line with a guy from Westies who has run over 80 marathons/ultras and heard some amazing stories on the trip down at 5am. We managed to get a 7am start (well Vic did, and helped me out there as well).

Decided on using the Nike Frees for today, as the Vibrams rub my heel badly after about 10-15k. About 10 or so started at 7am, and it was very very cool! In fact I had earache for the first few km due to the cold breeze. The start had me full of confidence for a 5.30 finish and an automatic qualifier for Six Foot 2008.

This kept up for about the first 15km when my back started to hurt a lot. I was concerned about hydration as I'd not felt that type of pain before. Then my hips began to hurt, as did my knees. This was more familiar territory now....Vic then summed it up "Are you sure it's not those shoes? You're not used to running in them". Bugger!! My whole 'line' was thrown out but on the trail I couldn't have run without something on my feet. I took them off for a couple of km, which eased up the back pain for a while, but then they had to go back on

At about 35k I felt that the 5.30 time was going to be a bit of problem, but Vic remained confident. He had run with me the whole way, and pushed me along patiently. I owe him a lot, as he gave up his chance at a good race time to stay with me. Walked the uphills and ran/shuffled the downs and flats. The 5.30 time went past at about 41km, and I admit to crying just a little. So close and yet so far.

I decided then that I might as well go as hard as I could, and get as close as possible to the magic mark. 5.37 it was. Disappointed but at the same time elated. Without Vic I wouldn't have done that well and it is only my second marathon.

Next task is to find SOMETHING I can run trails in Today my muscles feel good but my joints are shot. Haven't had that type of pain since before I took my shoes off about 12 months ago. I wondered why Trailwalker was ok in the Frees, but I think that was because it was mainly walking, not running. Still I know that all will be fine again in 48 hours or so.

So many CR's out on the trail and at the finish line, it was great to catch up with them and meet some new people. Hey PrinceOpera/???.... WELL DONE!! I knew you could do it. Now to train for Six Foot.

So cool to finally meet you Tim. Nice medal for the 5year club too. See you next month at some other crazy run!!

My strange coincidence for the day... 2nd marathon... second time handed Bib # 62! My last thought for this day. It occured to me as I staggered across the finish line.... where are the Falls????

Trailwalker August 07

NOT BAREFOOT!! (though parts of it I was tempted)

This would rate as the most incredible thing I've done. Truly spectacular bushland, tough trails, rain, mud... Doesn't get any better than this.

Our running club (Western District Joggers and Harriers) had 2 teams entered, and we mostly stayed together as we were sharing a support crew. Starting out I must admit I was mildly terrified, having never tried my body over this type of distance or terrain.

The first few checkpoints went by without much fuss, and we managed to avoid most of the rain. Our crew were awesome, having everything ready for us as we came into each rest stop. Hot food, doughnuts, drinks, lollies... fill up and move on.

The last 3 sections of the course were incredibly tough, with thousands of rock stairs and seemingly endless uphill sections. One of my team members summed it up profoundly with his theory of relativity "For every up, there is a down, and then another up".

The night walking/running was fun, and time seemed to fly by. Having the company of and odd bits of conversation with team members made for an enjoyable couple of days.

Having been running for so long barefoot prior to this event, I managed to avoid any blisters, as the skin on my feet was just too hard. I'm grateful for it now, though it wasn't planned. I wore Nike Frees for the whole trail, and ditched the socks after about half way, as I felt they were starting to squeeze my toes up too much.

Bring on 2008, I just can't wait to do it all again! The most fun I've had, the most challenging physically and mentally and the most rewarding experience. Twelve months ago, even a 10km left me hurting and tired, and now to finish this in good spirits was just a huge thrill for me.

First marathon July 07

Wow, what a day! I thought I'd wait a couple of day before writing about how I feel, so the high would wear off. It hasn't so far, so here's the whole story, mostly for my benefit...

It was freezing at the start, gloves long shirts and woolly hats a-plenty. My feet were frozen before I started, even though I had the Vibrams on. Fell into a good rythm at a comfortable pace right from the start, determined not to try to keep up with everyone else, but to do my own thing. With only 130 odd runners, this meant I was soon running pretty much on my own, with only a handful of runners behind me.

It stayed this way for most of the run, which is how I imagined it. Having said that, it was a very lonely marathon to do as a first timer. My wonderful family and friends drove up the motorway to meet me a certain points along the way and other friends from running club popped up here and there to cheer me on, which was a welcome break from the quietness of my own thoughts.

I felt great and ran well up to about 31km, when the stomach/abdominal cramps started. My body playing tricks on me because I was so nervous before the start that my usual 'routine' for such things just wouldnt happen!! I walked/hobbled to the nearest portaloo, which resulted in a huge 'weight off my mind' and a return to comfortable running, albeit at a much reduced pace. I found I just couldn't up the pace at this point.

My knee then became a bit dodgy and hurt on and off through to the end. I ditched the Vibrams at around 12km when the ground became warm enough for barefeet. This saw a much faster pace, as I finally felt like I was running properly. It also helped to amuse the volunteers at the drink stations... "Did you get mugged out there lady?"... "Did you forget your shoes this morning?" .... "Are you insane??"..... "You'll be sorry at the other end".

It was a huge thrill for me to be in the same run as the original Sydney barefoot runner, "barefoot" himself, Steve Mifsud. He inspired me to try running this way, and to have a like minded person out there was a boost for my confidence.

I finished in 5.19.xx, which in some ways was a slight disappointment, as I thought I was capable of about 4.45, but I have decades to improve on that time. More importantly, it was fun.

In all, it was easy to see where I can improve for next time. The last 8-10k were hard work, but still not horrible or overwhelming, so that was a huge positive. I wanted to finish enjoying it, and wanting to do another. Tick both of those.

So many people encouraged me when I set out to achieve this, and I'm grateful to the running community in general for supporting the slower amongst us... its such a buzz to run with the top guys and girls. Bring on the next one I say!

I'm doing City to surf and Trailwalker next month. The first will a slow barefoot run with both daughters in tow, and the second... NOT barefoot (my team isn't keen on that idea) and no kids. Then if I pull up ok from that, I'll be mighty tempted to have a go at the Sydney marathon in September. Am I crazy?

New to Blogging

Well here goes.... I've read lots of blogs and I'm inspired! Both in terms of everyones stories and also to track my own progress via this medium. I'm starting this a bit late, as my first marathon rolls around in about 2.5 weeks!!

I plan to run the Cities M7 and finish without crawling. This has been a huge feat for me, as the last few years have seen me not be able to compete in more than a half marathon a year due to constant injury. Running in pain is demoralising (no secret there) but this year has been amazing!!

I joined 2 clubs, Western District Joggers and Harriers and Bankstown Sports and have had nothing but encouragement from all involved at these places. Last year, when thinking about a marathon, I decided to do some reading about the injuries I had and how to deal with them. This lead to me to some research on barefoot running. Nothing else was working (motion control shoes, orthotics and taping constantly by the physio) so I kicked my shoes off and gave it a shot.

More research and hours of testing, with the result being a total change in my running style and no pain! The feeling of running without anything between my feet and ground is great, so I choose now, wherever possible to run without shoes.

I have run 85% of my training km's for the marathon completely barefoot, though a few runs have been in the newly acquired Vibram Fivefingers. Awesome footwear for the trails or these cold mornings.

So far this year I've completed the SMC Series 5km, SMH Half, Woodford to Glenbrook, NSW Cross Country and Road race series as a member of Bankstown club, and the 3.4km handicap series at WDJH. Also did my very first Fat Ass run in Heathcote (I wore shoes for that one)I wasn't sure I'd get this far and feel this good, so although it's not the true beginning, it seemed like a good time to start this record of what I do.

Forgive my long winded first attempt here, but it's been good to put these thoughts in black and white. I feel a bit more like a real runner now .