T4 Run

Topics, posts, book reviews, research, training, where to start, marathons and a heap of other information will be featured in this section.  Barefoot Sean will ensure you are up to date with everything running!  This dude is nuts about running, check his profile out!

New PB in "Gods Country"

40km down, 2.2km to go. I was in the shadow of the G and knew that 4hrs had just ticked past, but I was finishing strong for a new PB. I pushed as hard as I could, passing heaps of Marathoners and Half runners on the entry to the G. One runner was near death, receiving aid from paramedics on the road, too axed to even get on a stretcher. "I've been there" I thought to myself.

Here we GO!! Entry into the MCG is amazing - sure it didn't have 100 000 people in there, but the place is breathtaking. Massive grandstands and two huge screens at either end, I could just imagine Warney here taking his 700th verse the Poms.

I pushed harder, passing more people on the green mat, running past a few others as I rounded the bend approaching the finish - carefully positioning myself for the finishers photos and coming up to the end of the marathon, closer to the finish just enough energy left for my trademark JUMP!

It started earlier - much earlier, 4.30am Queensland time to be exact. Walking to the MCG with the sun coming up was amazing. Weather was perfect, cold and windless. I spoke with an ultra runner from Newcastle, on my warm up. He had run 6 foot earlier in the year and was keen to push himself at a road race. I found Dennis Lillee - with them my sister Mon and Coach Roger. We headed down to the start. Roger was going to pace me to the 4hr mark, stick with me he kept saying. We will take it easy. 

Take it easy....yeah right, we were cruising well under the 5.40 pace I thought we were going to run at. 5.20, 5.15, 5.20 - kilometers 10, 11, 12 ticked by. Sure my heart rate was up as we weaved through the other runners - but I felt good. No CRAMPS - those powerades yesterday have done their job. 18km was upon us, and I knew we were going well. Well on pace for 4hrs.

21km zipped by, Coach said - don't get carried away. How could I not increase my pace for a couple of minutes. Through the half in 1.55 and feeling good. We had somehow banked 5 minutes. Gee 6minute k's from here and I have my 4hrs. I grabbed a drink and a toilet break at 23km and never saw Coach again. The old fella runs on the smell of an oily rag and didn't need powerade like me....he kept going, mentally a little piece of me broke off.

26km passed, I started to slow. I realised that a few runners were going past me for the first time, still on track - I wasn't too concerned. Heading back up St Kilder road is where we met. Oh I remember you from my first Marathon in 09. The Wall is a Bitch. I hit her at exactly the 33km mark. No powerade at that aid station, I just couldn't turn my legs any more. I grabbed two waters and just walked. Then someone yelled out "jelly beans!" - just what I needed. I grabbed 5 and scoffed them down. I took off feeling heaps better - but was never really able to shake of the feeling of having nothing left. I walked and ran the last 9km. The run through the gardens made me angry - I hate going back where I just came from....I was 15 minutes behind my goal time when I last looked.

Finishing my 3rd Marathon with a new PB of 4hrs 17mins is pretty satisfying. Sure I didn't run well enough to break 4hrs, but I finished my running year off with a PB and injury free. I cut 20 minutes off my Marathon best and bettered my half marathon time from 2hrs in March to 1.42 in June. Applying SMART goals to my training has allowed me to keep running and not break myself. Something I really learnt from last year.

Thanks to the T4 Crew for looking after Haydos whilst I was running - well done Monica, Julia, J-Boy for running great halves. Somehow I passed Roger at some stage - he finished with a strong 4.21 - I recon he did an extra lap of the G!

Whats next on the running wish list? Any suggestions?

Melbourne Marathon Countdown - Less than 24hrs

OK - I am having one of those pre-race moments where you sort of wish it was all over. Since Gold Coast I have been up and down, with post Marathon injuries, a tough Half Marathon at Rydges and a true runners high at the end of a 30km run.

Tomorrow I will again attempt to break 4hrs. This is the second time this year I have been trying to crack the 4hr mark. Having already run a 1.42 half this year, I am quietly confident I can do it - but 42.195km is such a long race, anything can happen.

This race will be extra special, as we get to finish on the MCG. A special place for all Australians. Host of the 1956 Olympics, 2006 Commonwealth Games, Bradmans 270 v England, Warne's 700th wicket and hat-trick, and of course place of many great AFL Grand Finals. The place has a special aura - I am hoping that it will assist me in getting up for the occasion.

I am getting to run the Marathon with Coach Roger - Marathon legend, who has run over 70 marathons. He is going to assist me to stay on pace, not get too excited so the both of us can break the 4hr mark. My sister Mon is shooting for a sub 2hr half marathon - lets hope we all have a great day and weather gods are kind.

So 4hrs awaits, 5.40 pace for the Marathon is well within my capabilities - stay tuned for the post Marathon Race Report.

Be safe on the roads

barefoot Sean

Melbourne Marathon Countdown - 5 Days

Its a real "calm before the storm" moment. I have had a couple of these in the time I have been running - today's was even more momentous.

Sunrise has gradually met my 5.30am Tuesday and Thursday running time, and after the last few weeks of wet weather this morning I was greeted with the most glorious sunrise. It was really quiet and still. One of those moments where it seems like you are the only one on the planet.

This morning I felt tired from a massive weekend and a few late nights - but as soon as I caught sight of the sunrise over Mt Archer as I was lacing up my shoes - it evaporated. You know the feeling, the week of the taper you have a million thoughts, success, failure and everything in between.

Oh and I have convinced myself of some type of injury, my leg feels funny and my knee has issues....I have never had a knee problem in my life, so I know the niggles are in my head. Probably forming some thought of justification to stop at the 31km mark on Sunday...although this time I won't be listening.

My sister Monica is in great shape, so looking forward to her having a red hot crack at the 2hr Half Marathon. She is an inspiration to everyone she meets, so upbeat and friendly. Running has changed her life for the better - that's for sure.

I have completed my on-line check in with Tiger....not much left to do now, just wait for Saturday to come around! Can not wait!

Be safe on the roads

barefoot Sean


Melbourne Marathon Countdown - 7 Days

Its funny how running gets in the way of life sometimes. Yesterday was my running partner Jason's wedding, a beautiful day which ended with me being honoured with the duty of Master of Ceremonies at his reception. (That's me on the far right)

The day started at 4.30am as I bounced out of bed for my last long run before Melbourne. An easy 15km run is something to really look forward to at the end of the 12 week training program I have been on. The early start is OK when you get to have a power nap at lunch, but with the Wedding on - that wasn't an option yesterday.

After the speeches and a moving song by the Best Man Rick, I was axed....ordinarily leaving the wedding before the married couple would be a embarrassing, not with your running buddies. He knew I needed some rest, and didn't need a full stomach of free beer a week out from Melbourne.

I also got some great news yesterday that Coach Roger won his age group at the skirt chaser in Brisbane, great to see that he is in shape for Melbourne also.

My preparation can't be questioned, the battle for me in my quest to break the dreaded 4hrs will be not with my body, but with my mind. I surely am looking forward to meeting that moment where my brain tells me to take a walk break, and for me to reject that thought and push through. Coach Rog states that PBs are made in the last 12km...I get the luxury of having him run me to the MCG - 7 days I cannot wait.

barefoot Sean