Willy to Billy 2008

Before I signed up for Trailwalker, the Mt Wilson to Bilpin 35k was a goal race and I was targeting under 3 hours. After joining my TW team I abandoned that plan, but the girls were all planning to do it, so we agreed that we would do it but take it easy.

I car-pooled with Keith, Simone, Geoff and Jocie. We left Balmain at 6.45am but after a scenic detour through Rooty Hill, we only arrived at Bilpin in time for the last bus to Mt Wilson. Fortunately there was still time to eat some of the famous scones. I've stared tapering for TW and had 2 complete rest days on Thurs and Fri last week, so I was feeling fresh on the start line. I also felt like a celebrity because we had our ACZD Girls team t-shirts on and got lots of photos.

I started out running alone and trying really hard to run "easy" - a bit of a contradiction. I didn't feel very comfortable for the first bit, I guess just trying to settle into a pace. Then I ran with Danielle for a while and that was good - we chatted and I started to relax a bit. There are lots of little ups and downs in the first half and it felt good to run and stretch everything and get rid of some nervous energy. At 22k there is a long gentle descent and here I was very conscious of going gently and not pounding the legs too much. It still felt fantastic to be running and the scenery was very nice. Then came the 6k gentle climb. I ran the whole way but I didn’t push. Just before the top I put on a bit of surge and then I ran steady along the road to the finish. It felt great to finish strong with plenty left in the tank. My finish time was 3.03. I am sure I could have gone under 3 if I had raced it, but I don't know by how much. Next time.

Keith had a blinder and finished in 2.41 in 11th place. Geoff, Jocie and Simone were nursing various injuries but ran together, had a nice social day and still did a good time. The other ACZD Girls all had very good days too. The organisation by the Rural Fire Service was amazing, including blankets and personal drink givers at the finish, wonderful hot showers and even towels provided!

On the nutrition side, I was not as regular with gels as I normally am, because I was not concentrating on it properly. But I had 3 in 3 hours, which is enough, and I stopped for water or sports drink and jelly beans at every aid station. On Sunday I was a bit sore but nothing serious. Tom and I went for a gentle walk at Kurnell and it felt good to be moving.

Now its 4 days till TW. My taper plan is pretty simple. I do nothing and sleep as much as possible. A swim or two and lots of stretching, that’s it. I don't see the point in trying to 'sharpen up', especially for 100k. I am really, really excited. I think we are a great team. Everyone has worked hard and is very dedicated. We have the same goals and intentions. No one is injured. We have done all the planning and have a great support crew. We are as ready as we can be.

City to Surf 2008

This is a quick report for City 2 Surf, so I remember it for next time. In 2007 my time was 71 mins, which I remember I was disappointed with and came off not much training. This year I wanted a big improvement, close to 60mins. But in the end I was not expecting a good time due to Trailwaker training (70k run the weekend before) and no speed work. I was hoping for under 65 mins but thinking it might be slower.

In the Red group Tom and I tried to get a good start position and lined up more than an hour before the gun. After an hour I was busting for the toilet but decided not to go. It only took a minute or so to get over the start line. It was pretty congested through the tunnel, but no walking at all unlike in previous years. I had planned to go easy till Heartbreak Hill, then try and run up hard. But I found myself running pretty quick for the first few k. Its hard not to with all the excitement and other runners. After 5k I knew I had to stop for the toilet. I found a port-a-loo right by the road with no line, so the whole thing was probably done in 30 secs to a minute. I felt much better after that and set out to try and make up the time I lost. I didn't feel strong on HBH (who was I kidding about that?) and just slogged it out along with everyone else. From the top of HBH I felt better and seemed to be passing people. I flew down the hill as hard as I could - I love that section of the course when you can see and smell the ocean. I died a bit in the last kilometre to the finish and I didn’t manage to hold my pace. But looking at my watch I realised I was going to be closer to 60 than 65, so I didn’t really care. So I finished with 61.xx gun and 60.40 chip time. I was pleased and surprised with this. And wondering how much better I could have gone with a more dedicated preparation. Now I at least want to go under 60 mins next year.