Monday, April 10, 2006
Canberra Marathon Weekend
8/4/06
Arrived at the Expo to register for the Ultra and the Marathon Eve 5km. It was great to see a few Cool Runners when we got there. You could feel a real buzz around the place. To those of you who haven't experienced it, I strongly recommend it as it the closest thing to a Cool Running Convention you are ever going to get, with Cool Runners from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane getting together in very large numbers.
First race of the weekend was the Marathon Eve 5km with Tim. The course wasn't the easiest with a few uphills and a headwind to run into on different parts of the course. Tim wasn't having the best of runs as he was experiencing a bit of lower back pain. Despite this, he pushed on and was thrilled to get some cheers of encouragement from all the Cool Runners in the crowd. He put on his customary burst at the finish to stop the clock at 46:31. As this was his first 5km event, it was a PB.
This was a great way to start the weekend and was the ideal prelude to running the 50km Ultra Marathon with Luckylegs the next day.
9/4/06
We were greeted by a beautiful crisp clear day which was ideal for running. This just set up the perfect backdrop for what turned out to be my most memorable day of running and one that will stay with me forever.
The day just got better and better the longer it went. Luckylegs went on to smash her 50km PB by over 23 minutes and create a W75 Australian Record for both the Marathon and the 50km Distance. For a 76 year old woman to run 50km is an achievement on its own. But to run a 23 minutes PB is something that I will hold on to for the rest of my life.
Wombatface devised a run/walk plan which estimated a 6:35 finish but to witness first hand the will and desire of somebody to not let go of that plan no matter how much she was hurting and suffering was something else. We got a 3 minute buffer in the first 10km and were able to hold onto that buffer for the rest of the race.
The support we got out on the course from both runners and spectators was amazing. I lost count of the times somebody stopped Luckylegs and told her what an inspiration she is to them. But the Guard of Honour that was formed for us as we neared the Finish Line was truly very special.
Like Luckylegs, April 9 2006 is a day that I will never forget.
And that is because I was privileged to share such a fantastic day with a true Australian Running Icon!
Arrived at the Expo to register for the Ultra and the Marathon Eve 5km. It was great to see a few Cool Runners when we got there. You could feel a real buzz around the place. To those of you who haven't experienced it, I strongly recommend it as it the closest thing to a Cool Running Convention you are ever going to get, with Cool Runners from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane getting together in very large numbers.
First race of the weekend was the Marathon Eve 5km with Tim. The course wasn't the easiest with a few uphills and a headwind to run into on different parts of the course. Tim wasn't having the best of runs as he was experiencing a bit of lower back pain. Despite this, he pushed on and was thrilled to get some cheers of encouragement from all the Cool Runners in the crowd. He put on his customary burst at the finish to stop the clock at 46:31. As this was his first 5km event, it was a PB.
This was a great way to start the weekend and was the ideal prelude to running the 50km Ultra Marathon with Luckylegs the next day.
9/4/06
We were greeted by a beautiful crisp clear day which was ideal for running. This just set up the perfect backdrop for what turned out to be my most memorable day of running and one that will stay with me forever.
The day just got better and better the longer it went. Luckylegs went on to smash her 50km PB by over 23 minutes and create a W75 Australian Record for both the Marathon and the 50km Distance. For a 76 year old woman to run 50km is an achievement on its own. But to run a 23 minutes PB is something that I will hold on to for the rest of my life.
Wombatface devised a run/walk plan which estimated a 6:35 finish but to witness first hand the will and desire of somebody to not let go of that plan no matter how much she was hurting and suffering was something else. We got a 3 minute buffer in the first 10km and were able to hold onto that buffer for the rest of the race.
The support we got out on the course from both runners and spectators was amazing. I lost count of the times somebody stopped Luckylegs and told her what an inspiration she is to them. But the Guard of Honour that was formed for us as we neared the Finish Line was truly very special.
Like Luckylegs, April 9 2006 is a day that I will never forget.
And that is because I was privileged to share such a fantastic day with a true Australian Running Icon!
Comments:
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It was great to see you both out there. She is an amazing lady. I think it is really fantastic that you helped her achieve her goals and I'm sure LL is over the moon. It was a very generous thing for you to do.
Horrie, your enthusiasm and committment beyond the normal "self" centered PB running paradigm is inspirational.
I truly admire your contribution to the running community.
As Ali G would say "Respect"! :)
I truly admire your contribution to the running community.
As Ali G would say "Respect"! :)
Horrie, once again you've shown what a top bloke you are, well done mate.I'm sure the experience was very rewarding.
Horrie, great job mate. I'll never forget that weekend.
CB said I took a video on her phone by mistake with you counting down the walking break.
The reception at the finish - how good was that!
CB said I took a video on her phone by mistake with you counting down the walking break.
The reception at the finish - how good was that!
Fantastic job Horrie to help keep Dame LL on track this year. Great effort by Tim to get a PB. Somebody has to in the Horrie household. I guess this would be your 50k PB then? Looking forward to 'running' with you soon mate. All the best!
thanks for the comment on my blog, it was really great to see you & LL out on the course sunday...great effort from Tim too, i'm sure i gave you guys a CR cheer as i ran past in the 10k...
First up congrats to Timbo - what a great run! I love his sprint finishes. I want to know his secret ... is it beating his dad :-)
It was great to catch up with the lovely Belinda. I must keep reminding myself of her positive attitude toward her comeback from injury.
As you say Horrie LL is a true Aussie Running Icon. But I reckon you are fast becoming a bit of an icon yourself. We are all so proud of what you did over the weekend. Well done!
It was great to catch up with the lovely Belinda. I must keep reminding myself of her positive attitude toward her comeback from injury.
As you say Horrie LL is a true Aussie Running Icon. But I reckon you are fast becoming a bit of an icon yourself. We are all so proud of what you did over the weekend. Well done!
Congratulations Tim - great PB - now you have a time to beat next time you run a 5k.
Horrie great job mate - I guess it proves that what goes around comes around - you gave up your race and got a lasting memory.
Fantastic stuff ;-)
Horrie great job mate - I guess it proves that what goes around comes around - you gave up your race and got a lasting memory.
Fantastic stuff ;-)
I love what 2P said, Horrie : "You gave up your race"...can anyone, runner or not, be more selfless than that? The memory will be with me always.
Very much typical of you Horrie. We could all learn something from your selfless attitude. I am sory I couldnt join you down there to witness it all.
There is nothing greater than anyone can do than to put aside their own goals and help someone else achieve these. You da man Horrie :-)
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