My Final 2015 Salomon Trail Series race - Race Four, Anglesea

‘Righto, and just make sure you listen to Grandma and Grandpa’. These are the famous last words of a parent leaving the kids behind on their way to Race Four and the final race of the Salomon Trail Series down at Anglesea on Victoria’s majestic surf coast. 

Kid free!

After catching up and checking in with Coach Bec and the Generation Run crew, Emma and I made our way down to the starting line down on the main beach. One final happy snap was taken before our warm up started in earnest. At the moment, I can’t think of a better place to do my pre-race run throughs than along a surf beach. Sure the sand can make it a bit tough but then we were about to start a trail race…

Could I beat Steve? Is David here and will I place ahead of him? These were my final musings as the race began. We took off down the beach on the 200m out and back and the pace was pretty hot. I was content to let the top of the field do their thing and I settled into a good rhythm. We soon hit the steps and began the run alongside the caravan park and up to the trail. The pace was a comfortable 4:25 for the 1^st km and we soon hit the real trail.

Easing into a slightly quicker pace I enjoyed the little ups and downs of the 2^nd km and was able to slowly reel in some of the fast starters who were now starting to feel the pinch and slow down on the hills.  As we navigated the first of the single trail and hit the track that started the big climb I had my eyes set on those who were around me. Mr Red top and Young Waverly Aths lad were running well, there were a couple of ladies and Mr Ironman all within a couple of hundred meters. This 2^nd km was a quicker 4:18.

Finally the track broke open and over the road for a short blast be launching up the steps that took us up the long, winding hill behind the footy oval and to the high point of the course. This trail rose and rose, fell and twisted and rose some more. I was able to reel in Mr Red and one of the girls quite quickly while the others ran on. With each rise and turn they seemed a little closer and as the girls broke into a power hike I was able to move past them and focus on Ironman and Young Waverly. This was a gruelling km at a slower 5:46 pace, (But according to Strava the Grade Adjusted Pace was 4:23 min km) so I knew we were pushing it.

On the final rise I caught and passed Ironman, and put in a little spurt before he caught me again just before we hit the flat, winding, fast and fun section of single trail that lead us to the open land near the look out. Just as we broke out of the trail I passed Ironman for a final time and dug deep on the flat. In the distance I could see and reel in another runner and Young Waverly Aths lad was not too much further ahead. This 4^th km was a solid 4:21 pace through the trails.

Uh, your f$#@&!g kidding was all I could say as we hit the stairs that started the decent down and the Suicide sorry, Suunto Sprint down the rocky ‘stairs’. Waverly Aths and I hit the stairs together and I made my move, trying to use the side of the track as opposed to the rocks of death. He was hot on my heels and all I could think was that I hope he knows what he’s doing. It was also a little buzz running past the small group that had gathered there to watch the sprint. Km 5 was done in 4:46.

Right now was the time to dig deep, and I spent the next 2kms chasing Steve down, catching a glimpse of him at each rise or round the bends before losing him as the trail turned or dropped. Even though the trail was a steady drop towards the beach, you still had to make your own pace and I was nearing my limits. Every time I felt I had him covered, he seemed to pull away, it was a real cat and mouse race to the finish. #These last two kms were covered in 4:03 and 4:01 and before I knew it I was hitting the sand for one last time.

A smile through the pain

Try as I might, I couldn’t reel him in and damn, did that soft sand hurt. It was all I could do to keep pushing through to the finish, and when I finally hit the firm sand again just 200m from the finish I could let it all go. I was thrilled to cross the line in 35:21, almost a minute quicker than last year, and to run 6^th over the line was a rewarding finish to my winter training and the series.

As I regained my breath and waited for Em to finish I really got to enjoy the company and support of the Gen Run crew and to watch Em smash her goal time and finish in the top 40, and 8^th female gave me an immense feeling of pride and joy. The smile on her face is what running is all about.

So, while I didn’t quite pull off the two placings ahead of David that I needed to secure 3^rd for the series overall and divisional I loved every minute of the series and to finish 4th was a brilliant achievement. Thankfully the last race of the series was on the coast, in full sunshine and 20 degrees C weather. Gotta be happy with that! 

Series gear check:

Inov-8 f-lite 252, x-talon 190

Skins A400 compression tights, powershorts

Generation Run singlet

Suunto Ambit 3 HR 

Thanks again to Erica and Rapid Ascent for putting on the series and Baden @ Royal Bay Australia for the onsupport. 

2015 Salomon Trail Series - Race 2, Plenty Gorge

-3 degrees C. That was the lowest we saw on the trip to Lower Plenty Gorge on the way to Race two of the Salomon Trail Series. The kids were fascinated by all of the frost on the ground and cars, I got excited when we arrived and it had warmed up to plain ol 0 degrees C.

So if race one started on the coldest Melbourne morning in 10 years, and race two started on the coldest morning in twenty years, I'm tipping snow and the 100 year freeze for race three at Silvan....

Back to the race recap. Of all the mornings to forget a long sleeve top, this morning was not the one to do so. At least it was a great reason to proudly break out the Generation Run singlet that I'd been so keen to race in If you've followed my posts you'll know how much of an inspiration Bex and Steve, the team behind Gen Run are to me, my friends and my family.

After catching up with Bex and Steve, and Colette McShane, AKA The Hiit Mum for some happy snaps and pre-race banter it was time to strip down and warm up.

This time I made sure I was well prepared and commenced my warm up about 20 minutes before the race start. It was some gentle jogs along the car park, followed by squats and lunges and repeat. The jog intensity slowly increased each time.

Phase One:

At 9:12 we were off. My goal was another top ten finish, so my first km was ran at a speed where I pushed down the road to keep the lead runners in sight, but not so fast that I'd fade near the end of the race. Although the graph shows a fairly neutral elevation gain, the severity of the ups and down meant that finding a regular pace was proving to be a challenge. The sharp left hander here just before we hit level ground was a real pinch.

Rocking #GenRun and the Skins A400 #equipmentnotclothing

Phase Two:

We dashed across the plain and as we reached the end of the first real rise the trail flattened out into that beautiful single trail that I enjoyed so much last year. We were ducking and weaving through the trees at a steady pace. Entering the 2nd km took us into my favourite section of this race, a free-flowing single/double trail through some beautiful old and young Aussie gum trees. Although the gradient and trail continued to climb, the pace continued to be hot and the field slowly spread. I played cat and mouse with a few of the other runners for a while before I made a move on the last brief dip down into the gully, and the following climb allowed me to break free from the pack and placed me just behind Mr Skins and Mr Green Fluro. I now had the rest of the race to slowly try and real them in.

Phase Three:

At this point we broke through the trees and continued to slowly climb alongside a wide open field. Everytime I thought I was making up ground, the gap between me and Mr Skins and Mr Fluro widened a touch before I reeled it in again. This was the section that perhaps allowed them to play to their strengths in the straight, I'd catch them on the next hill. Speaking of which, the wide open section you can see was a lovely, steep section of at least -12%. Here I bent the knees a little, increased my cadence and lightly danced down to the turning point. I though I was quick, however Strava's GAP suggests I should have gone faster!

Phase Four:

According to Strava, this is where I lost ground. The GAP compares your actual pace (if it were flat) to their algorithms on how inclines and declines should slow you down or speed you up. If your GAP is lower than your actual time, you are running strongly. If it's higher, you could have potentially been going faster. They do also state that it doesn't take into account terrain. This is good because this section was quite narrow and full of twists and turns - great fun! Maybe I wasn't so slow as I had managed to bridge the distance between myself and Mr Fluro Green and Mr Skins to about 20 - 50m.

Phase 5:

The 5th km was a tough one. The double trail we had been running soon came to an end and we took a sharp turn over a creek and onto a very slippery single trail that gradually rose and rose. It was one of those trails where you felt that one wrong step and you's slide down the gully and into the drink. I pushed as hard as I dared, and had my men in my sights. Through all the twists and turns, rises and falls of the cut backs I had them within 20m as we the trail plateaued and we merged with the long course runners. On a slower day this would have been wicked fun.

Here is where I made my mistake. I should have dug that little harder and pulled in behind them. I knew their was a long single trail section to come that followed the river, but I was hoping to nab them in the final 400m uphill Suunto Sprint. I had however underestimated the number of long course runners and my two marks were lost in the crowd.

Phase 6:

Before we started the fast and furious dash along side the river, we had one last, long descent to tackle. With the sun finally burning through the clouds and hitting you in the face, the narrow track dominated by loose gravel and tree roots, this was where you needed to be a mountain lion. Light on your feet and poised. 

I did pretty well, passing a few runners, hopefully aided by my 'Short course passing' war cry. We changed trails slightly onto a dirt track that was only just single trail, there was no room to pass and I had no idea where Mr Fluro and Mr Skins had got too. I was hoping they'd also got caught up in the mix. Finally the trail bottomed out and widened up again and I was able to pick up the pace heading up the gradual climb before the last little side track I call 'peek-a-boo' rise. 

This is where a number of runners came to a halt, catching a breath before hiking the hill. There was no way I was going to stop and I needed all sorts of high cadence, sidestepping trickery to keep moving past. At the top of peek-a-boo rise you seem to just pop up onto the road that we started on, and the long course runners turn left and the short and medium course runners start the final 400m 'Suunto sprint' up, and up, and up the hill to the finish line.  

Final phase:

The picture above looks a lot longer than 400m, and it felt it. This last climb was gruelling, and after being pinged at the post last year I was not going to slow down. I dug deep and headed for home. No one was catching me, but I think I'd past Mr Fluro Green at the bottom of Peek-a-boo rise, would I see Mr Skins before the last timing mat?

As I surged up the last of the road and turned across the flat to the finish line I saw Mr Skins gasping for air just beyond the finish, perhaps having finished 20 - 50m ahead of me.

I crossed the line in 30:30, good enough to see me finish 6th, 5th male and again, 4th in the huge 20-39yrs division. Bec had run and amazing 28:30ish, just behind the winner and Steve was 4th, also under 29:30. I was stoked to be within minutes of them.

Did you race the Gorge? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the race and how you handled the cold and slippery conditions.

Till next time, Thisfish   ThisFishCanRun@Facebook 

2015 Salomon Trail Series - Race 1, Kew

Zero. At 7 o’clock am when we left for Race One of the Salomon Trail Series at Studley Park in Kew, the temperature gauge said zero. On the way in we got excited when we saw it reach two degrees! That was about as warm as it got.

My #SalomonSelfie

Fast forward to 8:55 and I almost miscalculated the starting time. The long course runners had left and the short course competitors were cramming into the starting line. Everyone was finishing the warm up and I was still putting my shoes back on after stripping off the beanie, vest, jumper and trackie pants.

The crowd was huge and the vibe was great, and after a quick pose with my in-laws, and damn good runners Bec and Steve the 3-2-1 countdown was over and we were off.

Almost the podium order?

The first 400m – 800m was along the road, and gradually rose along what was probably the longest and most deceiving incline of the race. The pace was hot, a little quicker than last year’s start and I had to push harder than I wanted just to keep the top 10 – 15 in sight.  About 800m in the field settled and we deviated slightly on to the gravel walking path and raced our way to the first turn-off point. I was sitting happily in about 12^th or 13^th and breathing hard to keep my pace. A glance at the Suunto told me I was pushing 170 BPM and roughly 3:40 pace. This was a little harder than I wanted, and I eased slightly as we raced along the fence line before following the trail down a little hill and alongside the river.

Remembering where we were as we entered the 2^nd km, I stole a quick glance at the Yarra River – it was a still as I’d ever seen it and continued along the trail. As the trail twisted through the towering river gums I finally settled into my rhythm and took control of my breathing and running. This section was picture perfect.

In the distance I could see Mr in Blue and Mr in White perhaps 200- 300m ahead. At roughly 2.5km in I decided now was the time to dig a little deeper and make a little surge. I was averaging 3:55 pace now and I slowly began to close the gap.

As we left the river for a moment and ran back up the path towards the road I managed to reel in Mr in Blue. 3kms in and the slight rise in elevation seemed to catch people out, and this is where my strength has been in the past. Just before we hit the ‘u’ turn to head along some free-flowing single track back along the river I passed Mr in White.

I enjoyed this section of the trail but a glance at the clock showed I had slowed to just on 4:00 pace, slower than anticipated but considering it was possibly just three degrees I was very happy with my positioning. My HR was hitting 172 -175 BPM, the upper limit of where I wanted to be. We ran along more flowing single/double trail by the river, among the trees and by the rowers and kyakers. This race had it all now. Ahead was another Mr in Dark Blue and just ahead of him was another Mr in White. Could I reel them in?

The trail narrowed and as we commenced the 4^th km I was averaging 4:00 pace. We ran past the Studley Park boathouse (opposite side of the river) and by the bluestone wall before turning right over the swing bridge. We had all felt like drunks crossing this on the way to the registration tent, but with fewer people on it now it was straight over. At the far end of the bridge was Mrs Fish and the kids, and their smiles and cheers were what I needed. I was closing the gap on Mr in Dark Blue and we turned for the last 1200m. This was the true trail section of the race – through the trees and scrub on a narrow walking track. My playground! Within a few hundred metres I had caught and passed Mr Dark Blue and it was time to dig deep.

We raced through the trees, and I could see some of the lead runners picking their way along the river, back to the finish. As we hit the turning point I made a split second decision to slow and take the stairs, rather than hitting the slope and riding the angle and taking out the corner.

On the final stretch it was all bets off and time to let the running beast come out to play, the running machine had controlled the HR, focussed on form and guided me through the first 4kms. Now it was upto the beast to run free and get me through to the finish.

The track rose and fell, there was twists and turns and a couple of little jumps to navigate as I slowly reeled in Mr in White. About 400m from the finish was a lovely little sign – photographer ahead. This time there was no sky larking around and mid-air heel kicks – I had to finish!

200m to go I could hear the crowd and had Mr in White in my sights. Digging deep the HR flew into the 180s and my pace dropped to sub 3:20 as I gave it all.

With 100m to go I hit the Suunto Sprint timing mat and reached for home. Mr in White was just ahead and with each step I was drawing him in.

#determination

50m, left he was 10 paces ahead, 20m to go it was 5m. Mr in White crossed the line just in front, did he know I was there? The clock would show 1 second between him in 8^th and 3^rd divisionally and me 9^th, and 4^th in the Mens 20-39 division.

Could it have finished any other way? Just maybe had I taken a risk at the 600m to go turning point and shaved off those stairs.

Was I happy? Yes I was. I took 12 seconds off last years time and finished in the top 10. I had ran the race I wanted - I knew my limits and worked with them on the day. Being full of cold the week before certainly doesn't help. Oh, and I'm incredibly proud of Bec and Steve, who smashed the woman's field and finished 2nd in their divisions respectively.  

In a month we get to do it all again at Lower Plenty. You better get your single trail and hill training in, this next ones a lot harder…. All the more fun!

Cheers for now, Lachie

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2014 Salomon Trail Series - My reflection

     Well, 4 months of training and dedication all came to an end today at the last of Salomon Trail Series races at Anglesea. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect and to top it all off, I had the whole family there to support me, Bex and Steve who were also running albeit in the medium course.

     This blog could go on about the race and the atmosphere and finishing in an overall third in my age division, but I want to step back and reflect on my series. I want to reflect on my training and mind set, and if it paid off.

     Way back in May, when I entered the series, I made the decision to drop my long runs over the weekend and turn them into shorter runs and to push myself closer to my threshold. So, did it work?

Early in race 1

     Race 1 was the 5ks at Kew. Secretly I had set myself the ambition of finishing the series in the top 10. I entered the run with an open mind, placing no pressure on myself to perform, only to go out and push myself as hard as I could yet still being able to enjoy the run. My concern was who else was going to show up and how fast they would be. Enjoy the run I did. I was able to run the early stages of the race at a steady pace early and held my position to the end. To finish just outside the top 10 was a surprise, and to be 5^th in my division a real buzz. I felt I had the early speed and enough to finish strong.

     Race 2 at Lower Plenty was my run. It was my favourite course from last year and the terrain that best suited my strengths. My mindset was in the right place. I still felt strong from my summer into autumn running and I was on a confidence high from race 1. I went out fast and with the leading pack and ran to my threshold. I was able to keep just behind the pace setters for the first couple of ks before they turned on the afterburners and did their thing. Throughout the run I felt strong, and ran to my strengths through the single trails and up the hills. When I was pipped at the post in the Suunto sprint I knew I had given it my all. I was absolutely stoked to finish 5^th  over the line and 4^th in the division. A top 10 series finish was looking quite likely.

     Between Lower Plenty and Olinda I found myself in the company of a lovely little cold. I felt a little flat and I think my training suffered. I had been able to keep to my shorter, harder weekend runs and enjoyed them, but found that I wanted to be hitting the hills with my mates from the DTR for those 20k plus weekend runs. But, I’d made my decision to alter my training and I was going to stick to it.

     Race 3 at Olinda was fun. I’d run some of the course in the previous weeks and I was looking forward to it. I still had a touch of the cold but my lungs were clearer than they’d be in the weeks since Lower Plenty and I had ambitions. Hey, the series could be run and won from these results. My race strategy was to go out hard and fast on that epic downhill start and see how well everyone else could run uphill. Well, I did just that. I went out fast, and it was thrilling. Smashing it out down those hills was so much fun, and for the next couple of ks through the moderate climb I was going ok. 

Just before the cartwheels...

About 4k in I was reeled in by the eventual winners and try as I might, I didn’t quite have the stamina to stick with them. As the course climbed up I reverted to a power walk up the hills, as in doing so I could keep the runners ahead of me just in sight. Why this strategy? In many of my training runs with the DTR group I’d often only just crept ahead by running the hills when those beside me got their power stride going. It did help me conserve some energy and I was able to run the last km home and finish well, but I was starting to feel the pinch of my illness and not getting in enough training ks in the build-up. I finished 8^th over the line and 7^th in my division and after the results were updated, I was 99% sure that I had secured third place for the series in my division. This was a result beyond my wildest ambitions.

     Between Olinda and Anglesea I did have the weekends spare to do a couple of 12-15k runs in the ‘nongs and although I wasn’t running them as strongly as I had previously I enjoyed running the extra distance again. It was nothing as fast as I was able to, but it felt good to know that I could still do it.

Chilled at the start

     That brings us to today. In perfect conditions I drew the line in the sand at Anglesea and made the decision to just run this one and enjoy it. So with that 99% certainty behind me I took off at a more moderate pace this time. I enjoyed the start, took in the single track up and beyond the football club, whereas last year I was pushing myself to try and secure a top 10 finish for the series. I was more concerned about catching the next runner or being overtaken to really enjoy it. Today I wasn’t going to let that get the better of me. With that mindset the first 4-5ks seemed to be over all too quickly, and as we ran up towards the scout camp I was able to reel in a few runners ahead of me and pick up a few placing’s. I felt strong and was prepared for the finish. As we navigated the stones and steps of doom on the trail along the cliffs and hit the boardwalks I was able to turn on the afterburners myself and run down those ahead and pick up a few more placing’s. Last year I wasn’t sure about this course, but with todays strategy I was able to take in the twists and turns of the bush, the views of the oceans and the atmosphere of the run.

      Hooting down the track to the beach and onto the sand I was greeted not only by my family, but my extended family as well, which was a great surprise.

Loving the almost 'Pose' form.

Hitting the Suunto Sprint for one last time I finished the series the way I started it in Kew, nailing my final sprint. Finishing only minutes behind me was Bex, winning the medium course and Steve wasn’t far behind her. Sharing this day was the icing on the cake. I was also more than happy to finish in 12th and round out my divisional placing in 6th. 

      What I also loved about the series this year was how the Dandenong Trail Runners group has grown from a few regular weekend hill warriors into a close knit family. It was great to have the support of those who’d finished the relays, 50k and 100k events yesterday. Being able to catch up with them and to cheer on home the medium and long course runners added to the thrill. Hearing so many of our names called out for race placing’s and series wins today topped it all off.

      Finally that 99% certainty I had of finishing the series in 3^rd? After patiently waiting for our division to be presented and the nerves growing, my name was called and I finally got to stand on the podium as the 3^rd place finisher in the Men’s 20-39 year old division.

     So where to next? Yes, I’ll be signing up again next year. I’ll continue to fine tune my training, although I think I underestimated the importance of the weekly long run and getting the right amount of ks under your belt. I also missed running with my mates in the hills.

     Till next time, enjoy your running where ever that may be and wherever it takes you.

     Lachie, AKA the ‘fishthatcanrun!’

2014 Salomon Trail Series - Race 2 Lower Plenty - Ambitions

     This race write up is a little more personal, a reflection on what I’ve been able to achieve.

     If you’ve found me on twitter or Instagram (My links are at the end of this post) you’ll know that I went into this race with some ambitions. 

     After my strong placing at Race 1 at Studley Park, and having loved this course last year I readjusted my race goal to what I hoped and dreamed was something achievable. This picture might let you in on what I was set out to achieve at Race 2 of the Salomon Trail series:

     I had followed a similar training schedule to last month, tweaking it to spend more time in the Dandenong’s with my friends in the Dandenong Trail Runners. I also felt I had lost a little stamina by sacrificing my long runs for more intense sessions on the trails. By spending the last two Sundays in the hills I regained that belief that I could pull away on the hills and run strong from go to woah.

     So, how did it pan out for me?

Race 2 was a tough race. I knew the initial part of the run would be flat to slightly downhill before the little rise up into the open plain. I set out with the field leaders, running the first kilometre at a quick but maintainable pace. It was a little difficult to get my rhythm over the terrain but I felt comfortable with my breathing and place in the field, roughly 6^th or 7^th. As we hit the plain I was inspired by Adam, who joked that this time he wasn’t going to spend the race looking at my back. He pushed on ahead and I made the move to go with him. As we turned towards the bush track I was able to pick past him and another and was sitting in 6^th.

     Although I really enjoyed running through the trees and scrub, I was at that point where my breathing was getting laboured and I could feel my quads feeling a little heavy. I was starting to have just a little bit of doubt creep in, and regret for hitting the treadmill so hard on Thursday.

     As we reached the end of this section and hit the rise before the descent down the grassy hill I was ready for that relief, and also rather happy that I’d chosen to wear my inov-8 X-Talons. The grip they gave me in the grass and muck was brilliant, as it was here that the first of the slips and slides started to occur.

     When we turned up the hill and into the next section of track I felt this was make or break time and began to push the pace from the comfortable to the unpleasant. My breathing was laboured and I had to drop to a 2-1 breathing pattern to keep on top of things.

We cleared this section and started our last downhill section into the small valley. Here I was able to find the balance between using gravity to help push the pace and ease my breathing and heart rate a little and managed to make a jump on the runner in front of me. I now had a feeling I was in 4^th or 5^th and I wasn’t going to give it up.

     Again as we entered a new section of single trail that ran alongside the hill, I was glad to have the additional grip of my Talons, as I could hear those behind me battling with the twists and turns. Me, I was able to bite into the ground and push off with confidence. The meandering trail again made a turn upwards and I was starting to feel the pinch. What kept me going was hearing and seeing the frustration or slight fear (sorry if you’re reading this – but it got me going!) of my fellow runner as we started to climb again.

     My return to the long hill runs in the Dandenongs had given me the confidence to know that even though I may have slowed fractionally, I was going to smash the last of these hills. It was the moment of self-belief that I needed and I know that I was able to put some distance between us.

     Just as the demons of doubt were starting to gnaw away again, we merged with the long course runners and I was able to shake them off and kick on.

     The last 2ks or so were tough. The course was undulating with rises and drops and twists and cutbacks that needed sure footing and confidence. I was really feeling it at this point; heavy legs and laboured breathing ad a little bit of hope were going to get me over the line. As we ran along the riverside I remembered that little rise from last year and I was ready for it, no turning left for this little fish. I scrabbled up the last of the trail, up and over the ridge and steadied myself for the final surge. This last few hundred meters seemed to go forever, and I was nearing my limit. In previous runs this is where I’ve been at my strongest. This time I was spent, having finally pushed myself into that next zone.

     I heard the kids on the cow bells and then I saw the Suunto mat and told myself that this was it. As I hit the mat, I was hit from behind (not literally thank goodness) as another short course runner came from nowhere. We hit the sprint and I told him and myself it wasn’t going to happen. Not this time.

     Well, it did. In the final sprint I was pipped at the post. Hundredths of a second split us. I was totalled, physically spent having finally pushed myself into that zone of self-belief, that zone where you dare to dream a little and hold nothing back.

My kids came running over and just about cleaned me up. I was breathing so hard you could have knocked me over with a feather, so two little kids were almost more than I could take.

So this race was about dreams, hopes and aspirations. After my hard work at Race 1 I finally had the confidence to really believe that I could hit my goals. I finally had that taste of success that is needed to push you out of your comfort zone and into the unknown. Yes, it hurts and pushes your limits but it’s an amazing feeling when you finally nail it.

     So what was my aim? Certainly top 10, and that podium is tantalisingly close. To finish 5^th over the line and 4^th in my division is what I dared to dream. To have 3^rd snatched away in the last moments is devastating, but it won’t happen again.

     If your reading this and keen to see what the hills of Olinda have in store for you, please follow along on my Facebook feed. I’m hoping to hit up the hills of Mt Dandenong over the next few Sundays for some fun 10-15k runs.

Cheers again, This Fish

     

You can find me on Twitter and Instagram as ThisFishCanRun

2014 Salomon Trail Series - Race 1 Studley Park

Standing at the start, race 1 of the #SalomonTrailSeries. I was toeing the line, my heart was pumping. The morning chill kept us in check, the perfect testing ground for my STRYDA compression

The hooter went and we took off. I settled into a quick rhythmic stride and worked my way into the lead pack. What was my pace? Earlier in the week I had made the choice to run ‘nude’ no gps, no foot pod and no heart rate monitor. Pure running, feeling my way with each step.

#bitumenisboring - but you gotta get to the trail!

RUnning quickly, we found our stride and shook off the last of the #bitumenisboring before hitting the gravel path. We were soon to find out that sometimes you have to just trust your own course knowledge...

Don’t always follow the marshals lead, as a dud steer lost the leaders precious seconds they were directed straight on as we took the first left around the ovals. ‘Run fair!’ was the cry, and those that trusted our own navigation slowed the pace and let the pre ‘glitch’ order return. From here though, it was game on.

Legs feeling great, I pushed the pace and played a little game of cat and mouse as we ran past the river along the first of the trails.

wE returned to the road before a quick right hander lead us along a double trail/ well-worn track back upto the swing bridge. At this stage I was feeling great and pushed the pace a little.

Yikes! The sway of the bridge and dodging the foot traffic added to the thrill and sent the heart rate racing. One sharp left and we were onto the real trails – these were the twists and turns that I had signed up for.

Passing one or two more runners, I was feeling the pinch and slowed just enough to keep on the tail of those in front. The pace was slowly building as the finish line drew closer.

As we neared the final switchback, the lead runner seemed to be only a few hundred meters ahead. I had to ask myself, ‘would I be able to reel them in?’ I pushed on, daring to dream a little dream.

A Right onto another variation of the trail and under bridge, you could hear the #SuuntoSprint timers buzzing away. I flicked the switch and made my

move, one final burst.

My cheeky #SalomonSelfie

Kicking into sprint mode I passed two more and powered home, almost coming unstuck on some slippery grass. With the final surge I crossed the line in a 5k PB of 19:04 and in 11^th position. I’d later find out I had the 10^th quickest #SuuntoSprint for the day and come 5th in my age category.

So, time to hit the hills and fine tune things before race two at Lower Plenty. If you're keen to come for a run in the Dandenongs, look me up on Facebook and say hello.

Till next time, The Fish

http://www.stryda.com.au/