From Hilda Coulsey…
A super route starting by running over the Harbour bridge to finishing in front of the Opera House via the various Harbours, quays and wharfs, historic and new parts of the city and various cricket, rugby league and NFL stadia.
Sydney hopes to be recognised and included as the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major and this, hosting the world marathon championship alongside its usual race, was the last real test/ trial. There is no doubt about having an inspirational and fun city to draw masses of runners to, and hence sponsors I suppose, the course though whilst scenic has lots of ups and downs and turns hence it will never post fastest times.
I was invited to participate in the world championships, qualifying in London last year with 4:23. There were about 100 F70s qualified across the world however less than 40 ran. I understand that around 1800 runners who qualified across the age bands actually took up their places. Their times are awesome. My decision thought process was it’s a long way on the negative side and why not on the positive – it’s a great city, a privilege to qualify and surely it’ll be a wonderful experience! A harbour cruise at sunset on Friday and a party in the evening after the race were included and various bits of extra stash.
My preparation took a knock though at the part in the training cycle where runs beyond 13,15 miles appear. I tore my calf (going up stairs!) 7 weeks prior to the start. Whilst I continued to cycle and walk (but not steep hills or any activity which might stretch it), running 30 mins on a treadmill before boredom set in and a few 25 mins jog intervals were the extent of my specific training. Also whilst the tear appeared to have healed my calf and ankle were still swollen and of course I was looking forward (not) to sitting in airplanes for a very long time.
I therefore had the cut off time to beat to get the attendance tick and the medal. I planned run/ walk Jeffing and hoped the leg would behave. Reading Matthew Kennedy’s recent L2L canal race where he ran for 25 mins and walked for 5 enabling food and other admin in relative calm I aimed to follow suit. Of course this worked more or less for the half distance and probably anything would, it was the second half where the lack of training would lead into the unknown. It was particularly hard, the course undulations didn’t help, run times shortened but walking times did too.
The day temperature was ideal for running. Start time is 6am, sunrise, and was very cold for waiting. Rain was forecast but didn’t arrive however there was a bitterly cold, blustery, strong wind whipping across exposed headlands and road junctions. Public transport in the city was efficient and free for runners.
The calf held, quads seemed to suffer more and I made it, I presume on reasonable general fitness. The lesson is that incorporating long runs in training is important to achieve the times you are capable of and to significantly improve the race experience! I suppose my next challenge is to use this as my first long run in training for my next marathon!
I’d definitely recommend the Sydney marathon, it was a super experience and well managed, combined with a holiday which I can now relax into.
1. 2:06:19 Brimin Kipkorire Misoi, Kenya
1F 2:21:41 Workenesh Edesi Gurmisa, Ethiopia
1 F70 3:43:57 Grace Wasielewski, USA
5:41:32 Hilda Coulsey