Some magical days the mind clears and Etsuko Yasunagafeels like she could run forever.
By Etsuko Yasunaga
THE weather was ideal. The horrendous north wind that had pushed up the temperature the previous day was gone. On Sunday March 19, the early morning air was absolutely still. “The perfect weather for running,” I thought. After a light breakfast I walked to The Glade in Inverloch, the starting place of The Run Bass Coast, part of an inaugural SBR Weekend organised by Elite Energy Events.
I saw many of my running friends were already gathering in the dark. I felt a touch of nervousness in my stomach. To tame my pre-race apprehension I chatted with Adam, Derek and a few others who were running the marathon. I may be biased but runners are really nice people who just want to enjoy a sense of well-being, health and vitality out in the open air.
THE weather was ideal. The horrendous north wind that had pushed up the temperature the previous day was gone. On Sunday March 19, the early morning air was absolutely still. “The perfect weather for running,” I thought. After a light breakfast I walked to The Glade in Inverloch, the starting place of The Run Bass Coast, part of an inaugural SBR Weekend organised by Elite Energy Events.
I saw many of my running friends were already gathering in the dark. I felt a touch of nervousness in my stomach. To tame my pre-race apprehension I chatted with Adam, Derek and a few others who were running the marathon. I may be biased but runners are really nice people who just want to enjoy a sense of well-being, health and vitality out in the open air.
Adam commended me for my perseverance with the training program I had followed so far, and said this matter-of-factly. “You know Ettie, with the way you train, I think you can run a marathon one day.” I was surprised but a little chuffed as well. However, I brought my mind back to the here and now. I had to focus on my half marathon for that day.
It was my fourth half marathon but the first official one under race conditions. Back in January when I decided to participate in The Run Bass Coast, I knew I had to prepare myself for the distance. A once-a-week 5km parkrun wouldn’t suffice.
The best way was to follow a training program targeting my distance. Straight away I found a coach and a training program in my sport watch app and off I went. It really didn’t bother me that the duration of the program was 17 weeks and The Run Bass Coast was happening in week 9. I wanted to start running with a structured training program I could commit to.
Oh how wonderful to have a clear set of goals every training session and strive to meet then exceed them! A singular focus followed by a sense of achievement propelled me forward. I enjoyed the variety in my training - cadence drills, speed & goal pace repeat, hill repeats, magic mile and a long easy run. Each week my running volume increased. Come rain, hail or shine, three times or more per week I continued with my training tenaciously. I had a goal time of 2 hours 22 minutes 22 seconds set for my race. The practice run 10 days prior indicated that I had a good chance of achieving my goal. I was so ready.
Regrettably I couldn’t achieve it on that day. I suffered severe cramps in both of my legs around half way and wasn’t sure I could finish it. Muscle cramps have happened before during my training so I had been taking magnesium tablets and made sure I was hydrated. I did everything to ease my agony: walking, shuffling and even running backwards. I was getting slower and slower, almost to the tail end of half marathon group.
Stopping was worse, thus I had to keep going despite my pain, one step at a time at an agonisingly slow pace. This was not what I imagined for my first official race. I was utterly disappointed but still wanted to finish my race no matter how slow my time was. I changed my focus to complete my run. My body failed in a way; however, my mind was fierce and stayed strong till the end. When I saw the official clock ticking away and realised I could still finish under two and a half hours, I dashed for it: 2:29:59. My time didn’t reflect my true potential and all the hard work I had put in, though. Fellow Wonthaggi Road Runners were all cheering me on and the atmosphere was magic. I just wished my time had been worthy of the celebration.
I rested for a few days and went straight back to my training. I had another eight weeks to train. There was no time to be wasted crying over spilt milk. I sometimes modified (often shortened) the distance but I never missed my training session. I put my disappointment behind and focused on the completion of the program. Sometimes, especially in the bad weather, it was hard to get motivated but once I was out running I was rewarded with a strong sense of satisfaction. I never regretted a run. For all intents and purposes I enjoyed every single session of my training.
It was my fourth half marathon but the first official one under race conditions. Back in January when I decided to participate in The Run Bass Coast, I knew I had to prepare myself for the distance. A once-a-week 5km parkrun wouldn’t suffice.
The best way was to follow a training program targeting my distance. Straight away I found a coach and a training program in my sport watch app and off I went. It really didn’t bother me that the duration of the program was 17 weeks and The Run Bass Coast was happening in week 9. I wanted to start running with a structured training program I could commit to.
Oh how wonderful to have a clear set of goals every training session and strive to meet then exceed them! A singular focus followed by a sense of achievement propelled me forward. I enjoyed the variety in my training - cadence drills, speed & goal pace repeat, hill repeats, magic mile and a long easy run. Each week my running volume increased. Come rain, hail or shine, three times or more per week I continued with my training tenaciously. I had a goal time of 2 hours 22 minutes 22 seconds set for my race. The practice run 10 days prior indicated that I had a good chance of achieving my goal. I was so ready.
Regrettably I couldn’t achieve it on that day. I suffered severe cramps in both of my legs around half way and wasn’t sure I could finish it. Muscle cramps have happened before during my training so I had been taking magnesium tablets and made sure I was hydrated. I did everything to ease my agony: walking, shuffling and even running backwards. I was getting slower and slower, almost to the tail end of half marathon group.
Stopping was worse, thus I had to keep going despite my pain, one step at a time at an agonisingly slow pace. This was not what I imagined for my first official race. I was utterly disappointed but still wanted to finish my race no matter how slow my time was. I changed my focus to complete my run. My body failed in a way; however, my mind was fierce and stayed strong till the end. When I saw the official clock ticking away and realised I could still finish under two and a half hours, I dashed for it: 2:29:59. My time didn’t reflect my true potential and all the hard work I had put in, though. Fellow Wonthaggi Road Runners were all cheering me on and the atmosphere was magic. I just wished my time had been worthy of the celebration.
I rested for a few days and went straight back to my training. I had another eight weeks to train. There was no time to be wasted crying over spilt milk. I sometimes modified (often shortened) the distance but I never missed my training session. I put my disappointment behind and focused on the completion of the program. Sometimes, especially in the bad weather, it was hard to get motivated but once I was out running I was rewarded with a strong sense of satisfaction. I never regretted a run. For all intents and purposes I enjoyed every single session of my training.
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” - C.S. Lewis
Recently I completed the program by running another half marathon. I went back to the Great Southern Rail Trail in Koonwarra and Meeniyan where I ran my first half marathon in 2020. Once again the weather was perfect. Being surrounded by beautiful autumn scenery, I focused on just a few things - the rhythmical sound of my feet hitting the gravel, and my breath, not laboured but a regular and steady breath. My mind was clear and focused on here and now. I could hear birdsongs and rustling of autumn leaves. I took it all in. I was part of the landscape I value so much. Nothing else mattered. I felt like I could run forever. I felt really good, strong and was determined to run a good half marathon. Surely I did. I well exceeded my goal time and ran my fastest.
I undeniably cherished the sense of triumph and euphoria that I couldn’t experience on March 19. Although I was alone, I could feel all my running friends cheering me on and celebrating with me on my accomplishment. I really treasure being part of the running community. We run because we find meaning in running. Running is joyful, uplifting and energising. I love the feeling of freedom that running brings, and I really can’t imagine my life without it.
I undeniably cherished the sense of triumph and euphoria that I couldn’t experience on March 19. Although I was alone, I could feel all my running friends cheering me on and celebrating with me on my accomplishment. I really treasure being part of the running community. We run because we find meaning in running. Running is joyful, uplifting and energising. I love the feeling of freedom that running brings, and I really can’t imagine my life without it.
Wonthaggi Road Runners celebrate after The Run Bass Coast.