As a group we had some great results. We also had some very disappointed athletes.

Times can be viewed here.

Patricia Baird (formerly of the Wellbeings Training Group) flew in from Scotland especially to take part in the 5 Dams ride! She was the 8th placed woman in a little over 9 1/2 hours.

There are numerous articles on the web but this one makes the most sense to me: Protect yourself from foot pain.

“We are victorious” he yelled (in Greek, of course) and then collapsed and died.

I know how he felt; after crossing my first marathon finish line yesterday I looked down the hill towards the recovery tent and said under my breath “you’ve got to be kidding me – down a hill?” (Throw in a few swear words for an accurate account). Note to the organisers – after running a long way your legs don’t like walking downhill. In fact, they protest furiously, sending out pain messages to every fibre on your being until you have to give in and sidestep down the hill as if you’re on the side of a snow covered mountain with skis on your feet.

Downhill details aside, yesterday’s marathon was, for me, another beautifully organised Perth sporting event, manned by amazing volunteers who gave endless encouragement every step of the way. My favourite volunteer is my lovely friend TP (you all know her as Tracy) who dished out such gems as “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m really feeling this hill in my legs” as she RODE up it, and “hey look, the 12km marker – only 30km to go”. TP also dished out treats like ibuprofen and mini-cokes as required and took happy snaps to remind me later that I really did do it and I looked like I enjoyed it. That kind of encouragement and support is what gets you across the line. That, and a great coach (cheers Carol) and friends like Cle who say “Tamz if you need to run early on Sunday because you have to get to work we can start at 6” That’s 6 AM everyone, on a Sunday. I’m just sayin’….thanks again to all of you for making a fuss this past week – several times yesterday I felt like a bit of a rock star, such was the volume of cheering as I ran by. At least, I hope it was for me, because I was waving and smiling/grimacing at everyone.

So I ran the first half at lovely 5 min 10 sec kms, feeling good and strong and very  comfortable, as was the plan. Then I hit heartbreak hill and my heart broke. It’s a big hill! Kings Park was tough and I slowed down more than I would have liked, but as I was going through Subi I worked out how slowly I could go (if I had to) and still get across the line in under four hours. Armed with that information, I stopped worrying and really just focussed on getting to the end.

It’s impossible not to be inspired by the marathon – such a pinnacle of human achievement. A small part of me has always wanted to be a part of that group of people who’ve run a marathon; it’s a cool club to be in. To know that I’m capable of doing it. To know that I’ve done it. Throughout my training, I also wanted to know that I could make a plan work out after the Half IM plan this year went awry. I didn’t really tell that to anyone until I told TP after the race yesterday. I wanted to know that if sub 4 hours was the plan I could make it happen. And I did, so there’s a lot of happiness and a little bit of redemption tied up in yesterday’s run.

I’ll leave you with this quote from Fred Lebow, co-founder of the NY Marathon, because I couldn’t have said it better myself –

“The marathon is a charismatic event. It has everything. It has drama. It has competition. It has camaraderie. It has heroism. Every jogger can’t dream of being an Olympic champion, but he can dream of finishing a marathon.”

Fees for attendance at training sessions

• 3 + sessions / week / month $85
• 2 sessions / week / month $65
• Casual 10 session pass $85

Ask about student and family rates.

Individual Program

• $50 / month

Provides you with:

• Personalised training plan based on your goals, your time schedule and your physiology.
• Coach Consultations: face to face, telephone or e-mail as you need.
• Personalized heart rate and power training zones.

Payment

• Monthly fees are payable at the start of the calendar month.
• The Casual Pass is to be paid for at the first session of the block of 10.

Preferred Method

Direct transfer to: Carol Hughes T/As Wellbeings
BSB: 036 306
Account Number: 175588
Always include your name in the transaction.

Please confirm any payment by e-mail to wellbeings@tpg.com.au

• Janet Ferguson was the stand out performance winning the 50 – 54 year age group and beating every one in the two age groups below her.
• Morgan Marsh performed brilliantly on a very interrupted preparation.
• Henrietta (PB by 10 mins), Jacqui and Alison all had to tough out the run leg because of injuries. Well done, girls.
• Yvonne had the perfect day. A PB and she enjoyed herself and has pulled up without any damage!
• Jacinta O’Connor a bit unlucky not to finish on the podium in the 40 – 44 year age group. A very talented athlete who has been either sick or injured (not my fault!) for many weeks now! Watch out for her next year.