Heading for the finish line after an effortless race. By Etsuko Yasunaga
THE summer just past seemed to never end. There were long spells of sunny days filled with outdoor pursuits, especially in the water. Each day merged into the next and I couldn’t tell exactly what day of the week it was. Distant hills became parched in the creamy hues of hay instead of the usual lush green, and my thirsty tomato plants required twice-a-day watering.
On Sunday 16th of March, it all changed. Heavy rain started the previous night and woke me up several times. I thought to myself ‘Oh well, it’s better than running in the extreme heat. We need plenty of rain.’ As usual there was an early start on race day and I was at The Glade by 6.15am to catch a bus to take us to Cape Paterson, the starting point of the 14km run. I couldn’t miss it.
THE summer just past seemed to never end. There were long spells of sunny days filled with outdoor pursuits, especially in the water. Each day merged into the next and I couldn’t tell exactly what day of the week it was. Distant hills became parched in the creamy hues of hay instead of the usual lush green, and my thirsty tomato plants required twice-a-day watering.
On Sunday 16th of March, it all changed. Heavy rain started the previous night and woke me up several times. I thought to myself ‘Oh well, it’s better than running in the extreme heat. We need plenty of rain.’ As usual there was an early start on race day and I was at The Glade by 6.15am to catch a bus to take us to Cape Paterson, the starting point of the 14km run. I couldn’t miss it.
Last year when I registered for this run, I had a few niggling injuries that I couldn’t get rid of. Nothing serious, but bothersome enough to prevent me from training hard. Running with pain is not enjoyable at all. Committing to a half marathon at the time of registration was overwhelming, so I chose a shorter distance. The beauty of the 14km course was that it was from point A to B, instead of a “there and back”. I would constantly see new scenery. Once I started, all I would have to focus on was to get to the finish line at The Glade in Inverloch. With the option to board a bus to the starting point, I was content with my decision.
In terms of training, I must admit I was not as diligent as for my half marathon two years ago. We were away a lot, Wandiligong in January and Tasmania in February. It’s hard to stick to your training schedule while you are travelling, especially if it involves long distances and hours. I kept up with my daily jog for at least one mile (that’s only 1.61km) while we were away. A weekly parkrun was a good indicator of how well or poorly I was progressing in my preparation. At one stage I was a little envious of my running friends’ Strava entries such as “W 8 Invy half 8k easy”, “Invy ½ prep day whatever”. They were the proof of structured and disciplined training runs and clearly showed progression and great improvement. I was very happy for everyone’s progress but felt something was missing in my training.
My life has been hectic last three months and surely I was time poor. I had to be innovative in my approach to the training. I incorporated hills and speed work to reap benefits from shorter sessions. I often ran up Albert Ruttle Drive and John Flag Rise for hill training and included 30, 20 or 10 seconds of sprints in my easy runs. In early February I bumped into my friend Jeff running up and down those hills. All I could manage back then was doing it just once. Jeff was training for his first marathon, and I was in awe when I learned that he repeated it four times. He even ran five times on one occasion. He inspired me to do the same one day.
The rain was persistent and there was no shelter. The 8am start was delayed due to a local fire in Cape Paterson. Nervous energy and excitement mixed together, it was a great atmosphere where I stood amongst all others. I could not wait any longer. At 8.12am we were off. I managed a couple of tiny hills with small steps due to a diversion. I wasn’t with the fast runners at the front by any means. I quickly found my own comfortable pace and maintained that the whole way. I felt strong. Oh, the rain! The beautiful soothing rain! How wonderful to run in the rain! It didn’t bother me at all. It was heavy periodically, and I had to shake the water off because my visor was getting rather heavy. My Wonthaggi Road Runners yellow top, shoes and socks were utterly saturated. Unlike the half marathon when I suffered severe cramps two years ago, I was injury free. My body was moving efficiently and effortlessly. My mind was clear, and I enjoyed magnificent water views along the course. I was completely immersed in the rhythm of running, and in the soaking rain. I aimed for 1 hour and 30 minutes for 14km and achieved it just four seconds under. I could have run another 5 or 6km easily. It was a splendid run and I loved every moment.
Towards the end of my run, I saw Jeff running alongside a 4.5 hour pacer. I gave him a wave and he smiled back. I knew he was injured. His sore foot obviously slowed him down. Marathon running is an epic feat of physical endurance. To run a marathon involves serious commitment, dedication and many long hours of training. He was running his first marathon with sustained discomfort and pain. I wanted to be there when he finished his first marathon. The 5 hour pacer came in. Still no sign of Jeff. As I talked to Clare and Brad near the finish line, Clare and I became so emotional just thinking about Jeff’s finish. Still no Jeff on the horizon. I got a little impatient so started to walk back towards where he might be. Then I saw his burgundy top near Pensioners Point. Yes, he was still running!
I ran towards him, and greeted him with a few words. I didn’t want to interfere with his running so just stayed with him for a few hundred metres. It was the most important part of his first marathon. The finish line was so close. Jeff had endured discomfort and pain for so long. He was not going to give up now. I watched him running with all his might into the last section of the funnel and the finish line. Emotions were so high. Jeff is such a talented and skilled runner. To finish with the injury on his first marathon really tells of his determination and fortitude of mind. I know he didn’t get the time he wanted but it was a sheer triumph on so many levels. To me, Jeff was the most inspiring runner in the Inverloch Running Festival this year.
In terms of training, I must admit I was not as diligent as for my half marathon two years ago. We were away a lot, Wandiligong in January and Tasmania in February. It’s hard to stick to your training schedule while you are travelling, especially if it involves long distances and hours. I kept up with my daily jog for at least one mile (that’s only 1.61km) while we were away. A weekly parkrun was a good indicator of how well or poorly I was progressing in my preparation. At one stage I was a little envious of my running friends’ Strava entries such as “W 8 Invy half 8k easy”, “Invy ½ prep day whatever”. They were the proof of structured and disciplined training runs and clearly showed progression and great improvement. I was very happy for everyone’s progress but felt something was missing in my training.
My life has been hectic last three months and surely I was time poor. I had to be innovative in my approach to the training. I incorporated hills and speed work to reap benefits from shorter sessions. I often ran up Albert Ruttle Drive and John Flag Rise for hill training and included 30, 20 or 10 seconds of sprints in my easy runs. In early February I bumped into my friend Jeff running up and down those hills. All I could manage back then was doing it just once. Jeff was training for his first marathon, and I was in awe when I learned that he repeated it four times. He even ran five times on one occasion. He inspired me to do the same one day.
The rain was persistent and there was no shelter. The 8am start was delayed due to a local fire in Cape Paterson. Nervous energy and excitement mixed together, it was a great atmosphere where I stood amongst all others. I could not wait any longer. At 8.12am we were off. I managed a couple of tiny hills with small steps due to a diversion. I wasn’t with the fast runners at the front by any means. I quickly found my own comfortable pace and maintained that the whole way. I felt strong. Oh, the rain! The beautiful soothing rain! How wonderful to run in the rain! It didn’t bother me at all. It was heavy periodically, and I had to shake the water off because my visor was getting rather heavy. My Wonthaggi Road Runners yellow top, shoes and socks were utterly saturated. Unlike the half marathon when I suffered severe cramps two years ago, I was injury free. My body was moving efficiently and effortlessly. My mind was clear, and I enjoyed magnificent water views along the course. I was completely immersed in the rhythm of running, and in the soaking rain. I aimed for 1 hour and 30 minutes for 14km and achieved it just four seconds under. I could have run another 5 or 6km easily. It was a splendid run and I loved every moment.
Towards the end of my run, I saw Jeff running alongside a 4.5 hour pacer. I gave him a wave and he smiled back. I knew he was injured. His sore foot obviously slowed him down. Marathon running is an epic feat of physical endurance. To run a marathon involves serious commitment, dedication and many long hours of training. He was running his first marathon with sustained discomfort and pain. I wanted to be there when he finished his first marathon. The 5 hour pacer came in. Still no sign of Jeff. As I talked to Clare and Brad near the finish line, Clare and I became so emotional just thinking about Jeff’s finish. Still no Jeff on the horizon. I got a little impatient so started to walk back towards where he might be. Then I saw his burgundy top near Pensioners Point. Yes, he was still running!
I ran towards him, and greeted him with a few words. I didn’t want to interfere with his running so just stayed with him for a few hundred metres. It was the most important part of his first marathon. The finish line was so close. Jeff had endured discomfort and pain for so long. He was not going to give up now. I watched him running with all his might into the last section of the funnel and the finish line. Emotions were so high. Jeff is such a talented and skilled runner. To finish with the injury on his first marathon really tells of his determination and fortitude of mind. I know he didn’t get the time he wanted but it was a sheer triumph on so many levels. To me, Jeff was the most inspiring runner in the Inverloch Running Festival this year.