SYDNEY STRIDERS ROAD RUNNERS’ CLUB AUSTRALIA

EDITION No 107

J A N - APRIL 2009

Maestro musters magnificent mile mastery

he club’s open results don’t show it but Keith of the struggle to break the 4 minute mile. The 1500 only Bateman is effectively Striders’ top runner. World reduced in importance as popularity arose for the 100 Masters (An association for athletes over 35 years metres when getting through the 10 second barrier T th of age) ranked Keith 1st for 1500m, 13 for 5000m and became an issue. But today, there is no shortage of good 7th for 10000m last year. Those are World rankings, folks. older runners lining up for the old mile equivalent given This is no mean achievement especially given that the that they all lived through the times of the mile greats. 1500 replaced the former one mile distance, one that And today, with the 3¾ laps of the track taking 4minutes carried glamour and mystique from the 1950’s because 11 seconds, our Keith can beat them all!

Having The 1500 has always had its champions completed and their names are unforgettable: the “out Bannister, Landy, Elliot, Snell, Bayi, Walker, and back” Cram, Ovett and more latterly the great El Marathon Garouj. These were the main ones. There course in were more. record time, Keith Although 3000m is more usually a felt obliged to steeplechase distance, it seems to be do several Keith’s preferred running distance. He has laps of broken the Australian mark twice since honour. first knocking off Ron Peters’ record last year. Peters still holds several other Australian records but Keith is not far behind. He is now National record holder in his age group for the 3000m, a distance that really has his name written all over it. He has hammered it with regularity for 3 years, gradually bringing his time down until the huge breakthrough on 31 January where he took a massive 10 seconds off the old (his own) record! Continued on page 2 INSIDE BLISTER 107

Wise words on World Masters Athletics 100 days ways pays, Rob says Parisian chaps punctuate cheery chill Swish Skort seems set to suspend pants Horrie’s feat: sorry, sleet!

Sharon stays the 100k’s Orlsortsa uthastuff

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009 Club Phone Contacts

President Jim Moody 0411 258 589 Vice President Brian Ogilvy 0410 694 875 Secretary Blister Printing Blister Contributions to: Ross McCarty 0403 557 127 Paper Tiger Printing [email protected] At Chippendale Or Striders PO Box Treasurer Charles King 9816 5593 Website manager Acknowledgements Linda Barwick Lorraine Spanton, Andrew Smith, Darryl Chrisp (Research) Brian Ogilwy, Cool Running (photography) Jess Baker, Amanda Underwood (Puzzles) Database Manager TBA About the Blister Results Manager Chris Graham 0419 162 538 Quarterly journal of Sydney striders Road Runner’s Club, Inc. (Founded 1980). PO Box R1227, Royal Exchange, Sydney NSW 1225, Australia. Blister Editor Opinions published in this journal, whether expressed by members or non-member, Dennis Wylie 0404 898 661 do not neccessarily represent the official policy of the club. 10k Series Director Advertising rate: $100 per edition, per page ½ page $50, ¼ page $25. Prefferd Barbara Becker 0402 967 697 suppliers listings, $45 for a whole year. Circulation approx 600 + on line 150

10k Timing & Results Copy Preferences James Moody 0411 258 589 Adam Moody 0410 766 5866 How many words? As a guide, 1300 words anda picture makes 2 pages. Smaller Paul Hannell 0412 042 950 items and letters are most welcome How to send? Email to [email protected] 6 Foot Track Manager Write in a Word document and send as an attachment to your email TBA 6 Foot Track Run Manager Font: Cambria 10pt James Moody 0411 258 589 Photos: If posting, it’s best not to send your only copy. Send as a separate jpg file when emailing your stories Super Series John Van Yzendorn 9874 6927

ANSW Liaison Continued from cover Glenn Guzzo 0407 453 649 He also holds several other State Masters records (see Simon Butler-White’s Dale Thompson 0418 114 067 article within). MTG Co-ordinator Phil Skurrie 0411 066 348 Back in November last year, Keith was given the honour by his fellow team STaR Maps mates of being last runner in our 200+relay team that broke a State record for Tony Kellner 0409 463 861 4x1500m. When you break a record, you beat all comers over all time; not just the ones you are up against on the day. Uniforms Managers Samantha Isbell 0404 913 800 Last year Keith had the highest, single occasion, age and gender points for the Social Functions year, in the club. Everyone in the club gets them for every race, so, on his best Chris Truscott 0402 464 047 performance for the year he beat the best performance of anyone else for the Jo Cowan 0410 594 189 whole year. Internal Events Fran Boorer 0421 985 328 Putting Keith’s 1500 performance in another way, it is possible through the use of calculators (available from Masters) to determine how Keith, now 53, would Volunteer Co-ordinator Liz Woodhams 0412 396 881 be performing if he were a younger runner. If he were 25 again (he can only hope), Keith’s 1500 time (4minutes 11 seconds last year) would be New Members’ Liaison approximately 3minutes 41 seconds. He would miss out on Olympic B selection Pauline Evans 0400 392 976 by two seconds and Olympic A qual by 5 seconds. He could overcome this by Calendar either: disguising himself as a woman and entering as a female, probably Rob Chalmers 0410 933 140 winning but subsequently failing the sex test, or: insure a B Qualifier by just running a bit harder ( he needs half a second per lap). I reckon you’d opt for the Mailout Manager Tina Campbell 0488 774 744 latter if you were that close to Olympic selection. Having said that, if we moved back in time and Keith was running as a 25 year old and running as well as he is Sergeant-at-arms now, on present results he probably would have gone to the Olympics because Denise Wilson 0417 693 350 the qualifying standard would have been lower back then.

2 BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

By SHARON CALLISTER NOVEMBER 8TH 2008 ITALY

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ULTRA RUNNERS

100km W orld Cup Wow ….100km Race Training road race, it’s a tough gig and Training for not for the faint 2008 Comrades hearted! So why and Trailwalker did I do it? had given me a How did I get fantastic base selected? How fitness and did I train…and strength, what was the however doing experience like? both of these Those events within questions and the space of 10 more are weeks had answered Shy Sharon requested that the lights be dimmed so that the ever present paparazzi really taken it’s below. could not film her trademark cartwheel across the finish line. Such pictures are only for toll on my sale from her website. ageing (47 year old) body. Why did I want to be part of this event? There was approximately another 10 week gap between Trailwalker and the World Cup, so I decided to do a Apart from sheer stupidity and or insanity as so many of maintenance program but to also try to add a bit of speed my friends thought, there were some very good reasons into the schedule. This is where my troubles began as for wanting to be part of this race. Firstly it was a great every time I tried to put the work in I seemed to get opportunity for me to represent Australia. A few years injured. ago I never would have thought such an opportunity would come my way, so when it did, I jumped (or ran) at I look back now and it is clear my body was in need of a it. The second reason was that in my two previous ultra rest but of course I had other ideas, just one more race road races, Comrades 2007 and 2008, I felt I had for 2008! So, in the space of eight weeks I had two calf underperformed, so I wanted to use this opportunity to strains, bilateral planter fasciitis and a suspected tibial improve on those results. Thirdly I can’t resist a stress fracture. Three weeks before we left for Rome I challenge and this one was huge. had a bone scan which thankfully showed all clear. Now I know you probably think I am crazy for pushing on, but How did I get selected? given the money we had invested in this (did I say there is little sponsorship) and the appeal of running for my The Australian Ultra Runners Association or AURA, as it country, I felt I had to give this a shot. I probably would is better known, is responsible for selecting the never be in this position again. Australian Team for the World Cup. All hopeful athletes apply for selection and the qualifying event was held in So for my pre race preparation I had to be mostly July 2008, the Gold Coast 100km. You must also be a satisfied with rest (and, of course, worry from not member of AURA to be selected, something I would training!). By the time we got on the plane to Rome, you recommend regardless of whether you do this distance could say I was absolutely terrified about what I had to or shorter ones; it’s a great association and complements do on so little training, I definitely do not recommend what Sydney Striders provides to its members. this but, as you now know, I had no alternative.

As I did not run the Gold Coast event, I used my The World Cup Experience Comrades times and my 42.2 km marathon time in my application. It’s not hard to describe the joy and For me, these words sum it up…. awesome, incredible, excitement of being advised I was on/ in the team. My brilliant. Every bit of hardship, injury, stress and family thought I’d gone nuts, however once the difficulty was worth it. It was an amazing time and I am excitement wore off, anxiety about this awesome so thankful I had this rare opportunity. challenge set in and remained with me until I had finished the race. However, I don’t want to mislead you that it was all

3

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009 terrific either as much of the event did not go to plan and without generalising too much, the Italians, Match the Facts By Jess Baker or at least their organising How well do you know your fellow Striders? The names on the left do NOT committee, were disorganised and match the FACTS on the right. See if you can match them correctly. just not up to the challenge of putting this event together. NAME FACT Some of the more experienced Michael Key Has 4 adopted siblings (and a couple of show-downs on trains)! team members, who had done this event over a number of years made it quite clear that this year’s George Lisson Was a commercial pilot who enjoyed landing planes on Mount organisation was not typical of Tarawera's 1400m peak to the sounds of his passengers' what you can expect, so for all frightened screams - and used to own and fly a gyrocopter those of you now planning on being selected for 2009 in Belgium, don’t worry; things will be more Allison Lilley Has had an out-of-body experience, a pierced nipple organised for you, I am assured. and broken at least 14 bones!

There are also a lot of positives I Dennis Wylie Saved a train crash! can recall about being in Italy for this event and a key one that come Brian Ogilwy Cycled from Broome, all the way across Australia to Sydney, to mind is that it’s arguably the best timing his arrival perfectly for Christmas eve. place in the world for carbo loading. Oh yes, I ate and ate and ate for three days on delicious win the event he was right up there with the fastest of pasta, risotto, pizza, you name it. I even snuck in a few them. He was closely followed by team captain Jo Blake, Vino’s - usually a big no-no for me pre race. Tim Cochrane, Magnus Michelsson and David Eadie. Darren Benson was in touch with the race leaders until The pre race opening ceremony saw the 33 competing 42kms, where he experienced respiratory distress and an teams come together. I found this very moving and is asthma attack, which had him spend the next hour in the now firmly etched in my memory. The Australian team medical tent. Whilst disappointed with this, he was had 10 members, six male and four females. philosophical about the need to actually be able to

The race started in the town of Tuscania and finished in breathe properly before you can do anything else!

Tarquinia, both towns just over an hour out of Rome. The The girls performed extremely well with Kerrie Bremmer course was a 37km “straightway”, four laps of a 14km just missing a sub 9 hour finish; she was closely followed circuit and then a final 7km to the finish. It was supposed by Susannah Harvey- Jamieson, then Viv Kartsounnis and to be a flat course but the first 37 kms did resemble in finally yours truly. My time of 10 hrs 54 mins, whilst slow part, an “up” year at Comrades, although some would by international standards was, in my book, sensational. I argue that. Race start was at 10am so for the slower cannot believe I had the strength and endurance to get runners, like me, it meant we finished in the dark. this result, which, by the way, I’m happy to say, blew my

So there I was standing on the start line, after putting on Comrades times away. a good few kilos carbo loading and totally freaked out One beautiful and lasting memory is that of my last few about what I had to do on this day especially in the world hours of the run, when the sun had gone down and the class company around me. Well I was determined to have road was lit by large candles on either side of the road a good day and I am pleased to tell you, I had a fantastic about a metre apart, I have rarely seen a more beautiful day. site.

I started out conservatively and kept a steady pace So if you ever get the opportunity to do something like throughout. One thing that really helped keep me this, I would encourage you to take up the challenge, but focussed was that in doing four loops I got to see most of maybe do a few less events than I did on the lead up. the team at least once and all our support crew regularly. All of whom performed outstandingly. In particular, our team manager Nick Drayton did a brilliant job and, APOLOGY In the last blister, in the 5 years ago section, Steve Urwin somehow, got our team organised and ready. My husband Euan was also brilliant, even if I did shout at was recorded as having completed the Marathon de him for not having my drinks ready when I passed by. Sables in over 70 hours. In fact, that time must have included his warm down run back to the start where he’d The first Australian home was Dean Cooke in a left his keys. He actually did it in 31 hrs 02 minutes sensational time of 7 hrs and 48 mins, while he did not

4

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

REPRINTED FROM Hobart MERCURY January 05, 2009 series leader, made her debut at the distance last year to win her first major fun run. SYDNEY runner David Criniti lead home one of Yesterday's time of 1hr23min11sec was some eight minutes the largest fields to compete in the Cadbury faster than her first effort. Christie Harris, from Hobart, was second, ahead of Julia Marathon. Davies who took third.

Criniti's time of 2hr29min55sec was the fastest since 2000 and a great start to the year for the ultra-running dynamo. STRIDER His form had been strong, with second placings at the RESULTS Canberra and fifth in the Melbourne marathons last year. The Parramatta athlete was the one to beat heading into Distance Place Strider Time the race and was kept company by Darren Moyle, of 42.2km 1 David Criniti 2.29.55 Sydney, early on before opening up an ever-increasing lead 42.2km 5 Darren Moyle 2.47.04 on his way to victory. 42.2km 30 Jess Baker 3.16.58 42.2km 91 John Palmer 4.09.27 "It was a fantastic way to kick off 2009 and it's exciting to be 42.2km 105 Chantel De Abreu 4.34.20 in that good a form and hopefully, in 2010, I can give the 42.2km 106 Shaun Blankfield 4.34.21 legendary Colin Oliver's course record a shake," Criniti said. 21.1km 46 Bruce Horsburgh 1.31.57 The last time Liz Bennett, of Canberra, ran a marathon was in 2008. 21.1km 63 Lisa-Anne Carey 1.35.32 Her time of 3hr16min14sec yesterday was faster than her 21.1km 93 Melissa Selby 1.39.56 winning effort of five years ago and will provide the confidence she needs as her next challenge will be ultra marathon runs this year. The race for the minor placings in the men's marathon turned into the battle for the Tasmanian championship, between defending champion Jarrod Shaw and former Athletics Tasmania staffer Daniel Smee. The pair are regular training partners and only four seconds separated them. Smee gained the upper hand at the top of the hill coming into the Cadbury Estate, to bolt to the finish and claim second overall. In 1984, Robyn Wallace won the Cadbury Marathon and returned yesterday to come second, 25 years later. Wallace had been living in Queensland, having only just moved back to her former state, where she is now the state champion. Jess Baker, of New South Wales, was third only seven seconds behind Wallace. A record field of 352 lined up in the half marathon. The men's race was won by Launceston's David Thomas in 1hr10min59sec ahead of local athletes Jason Allie and Damon Court. The women's half marathon was dominated by This time the organizers were well prepared for Dave’s anticipated defending champion Angela Grimmond, of Hobart. sudden desire to tunelessly belt out “Old Man River” and rushed In 2008, the Tasmanian Distance Runner of the Year forward with a large roll of muffling tape.

Darryl Chrisp has two motivational quotes, he says, both or emerge mid-race (over and over and taking turn): 2. "Gee I feel awful. I think I need to stop and walk. I am 1. "Gee I feel awful. I think I need to stop and walk. Is that never doing this event again. But at least, everybody else somebody not far ahead? I think I can catch them." feels as bad as I do."

5

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

By SIMON BUTLER-WHITE

Masters Athletics

Fancy breaking a state record? Joining the New South Wales Masters Athletics Association not only offers Striders extra competition but the chance to hold a State record too

New South Wales Masters Athletics (NSWMA) is the state Women 30-34 association that caters for athletes above the age of 30. 1500m: 4.42.7 – Kerry Bray, 1995. It’s based in Sydney and is affiliated to Athletics New 3000m: 10.42.26 – Alison Rothwell, Campbelltown, 2006 South Wales, the body that administers Open athletics. 5000m: 17.03.13 – Billinda Schipp, Blacktown, 2008 10,000m: 35.07.4 – Billinda Schipp, Blacktown, 2008 10km road race: 43.16 – Desie Joannides, ACT, 1993 NSWMA’s aim is to provide the advice, structure and Half marathon: 1.28.49 – Alison Rothwell, Sydney, 2006 organisation for athletes to compete in the full range of Marathon: No record currently exists. track and field events, as well as walks and distance running. Competition is held in five-year age groups, Women 35-39 starting from 30. At world level, competition starts from 1500m: 4.43.6 – Anne Forbes, Sydney, 1996. age 35. 3000m: 11.33.78 – Cristine Suffolk, New Zealand, 2007. 5000m: 17.18.4 – Fiona Wick, 1993. Joining NSWMA gives Striders members the opportunity 10,000m: 37.27 – Carol Horn, Homebush, 1996. to compete at all Masters events, including the NSW State 10km road race: 41.27 – Cristine Suffolk, Homebush, 2008 Titles and at the annual Australian National Half marathon: 1.50.26 – Desie Joannides, Sydney, 2001. Marathon: 2.40.13 – Joanne Cowan, ACT, 1994. Championships; be eligible to win medals and awards; and to set NSW State records. There are no qualifying Women 40-44 standards – the emphasis in Masters Athletics is on 1500m: 4.42.01 – Anne Forbes, Brisbane, 1998. participation. 3000m: 12.20.5 – Caroline Yarnell, Homebush, 2005. 5000m: 17.00.65 – Joanne Cowan, Homebush, 1998. Sydney Striders members who have competed 10,000m: 38.51.0 – Maria Guano, Homebush, 1996. successfully in Masters events in recent seasons include 10km road race: 36.16 – Joanne Cowan, ACT, 1996. Ray Wareham, Ron Schwebel, Caroline Yarnell, Dennis Half marathon: 1.55.59 – Desie Joannides, Sydney, 2005. Wylie and Keith Bateman, who holds a clutch of NSW Marathon: 2.41.48 – Joanne Cowan, 1995. State records, including the M45 half marathon (1.17.03, set in 2005) record and the M50 1500m (4.15.25; 2006), Women 45-49 3000m (9.10.03; 2006), 10,000m (33.20; 2005) and half 1500m: 4.52.81 – Judy Bandiera, Japan, 1993. 3000m: 11.14.37 – Margaret Beardslee, Homebush, 2005. marathon (1.17.25; 2005) records. 5000m: 18.16.57 – Joanne Cowan, Bankstown, 2001.

10,000m: 39.22.0 – Norma Ducker, Adelaide, 1986. There are many State distance-running records that may 10km road race: 37.54 – Joanne Cowan, ACT, 2002. be within the grasp of Striders athletes once they’re Half marathon: 1.22.46 – Joanne Cowan, Sydney, 2001. registered with NSWMA. Over some distances, no Marathon: 3.45.40 – Dorothy Siepmann, Eugene, Oregon, 1989. records have yet been set. Women 50-54 The 2009 NSW State track and field titles will be held at 1500m: 5.18.30 – Beth Stanford, 1994. The Crest athletics track, Bankstown, on March 28-29. A 3000m: No record currently exists. draft program of events can be viewed at 5000m: 19.45.58 – Beth Stanford, Homebush, 1994. www.nswmastersathletics.org.au. 10,000m: 42.40.42 – C. McCardle, Hobart, 1992. 10km road race: 51.58 – Dianne Hillsdon, ACT, 1999. The 2009 Australian Masters Athletics National Half marathon: 1.41.40 – Caroline Yarnell. Championships will be held from April 10 to 13 in Marathon: No record currently exists. Adelaide. For more information, go to Women 55-59 www.samastersathletics.org.au 1500m: 5.42.7 – Norma Barwick, 1991. 3000m: No record currently exists. Membership of the NSWMA costs just $35 a year. To join, 5000m: 21.38.9 – J. Cox, Canberra, 1991. and for more information about NSWMA, go to 10,000m: 46.05.77 – Judith Joyce. www.nswmastersathletics.org.au 10km road race: No record currently exists. Half marathon: 2.00.46 – Dorothy Siepmann, Sydney, 2002. Following is a list of current NSW State Masters records. Marathon: No record currently exists. 6

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

M30-34 Half marathon: 1.17.03 – Keith Bateman, Canberra, 2005 1500m: 3.41.48 – Glenn Ritchie, Sydney, 2008 Marathon: 2.25.51 – Bill Raimond, 1982 3000m: 8.33.70 – David Lewis, Randwick, 1990 5000m: 14.51.80 – David Lewis, Randwick, 1989 M50-54 10,000m: 31.06.50 – Glenn Ritchie, Sydney, 1995 1500m: 4.15.25 – Keith Bateman, Homebush, 2006 10km road race: No record currently exists. 3000m: 8.59.62 – Keith Bateman, Sydney, 2009 Half marathon: No record currently exists. 5000m: 16.02.20 – Jim Seymon, Melbourne, 1987 Marathon: 3.02.13 – Peter Spehr, Canberra, 1995. 10,000m: 33.20.30 – Keith Bateman, Sydney, 2005 10km road race: 33.56 – Jim Seymon, Eugene, 1989 M35-39 Half marathon: 1.14.32 – Keith Bateman, Sydney, 2008 1500m: 3.54.64 – Glenn Ritchie, Sydney, 2000 Marathon: 2.36.30 – Tony Larkum, 1991 3000m: No record currently exists. 5000m: 14.58.20 – Horst Wegner, 1982 M55-59 10,000m: 31.30.0 – Horst Wegner, 1984 1500m: 4.30.70 – John Warren, 2008 10km road race: 56.56 – David Smith, Gold Coast, 2006 3000m: 10.27.00 – Dennis Wylie, Sydney, 2008 Half marathon: 1.18.06 – Roscoe McDonnell-Sorr, Melbourne, 5000m: 15.57.00 – George McGrath, 1986 1995 10,000m: 34.28.17 – Adolf Blonner, Turku, Finland, 1991 Marathon: 2.56.08 – Marty Weston, Canberra, 2008 10km road race: 35.55 – Dennis Wylie, Sydney 2008 Half marathon: 1.22.08 – Dennis Wylie, Sydney, 2008 M40-44 Marathon: 3.00.23 – Richard Magee, Canberra, 2007 1500m: 3.55.40 – Glenn Ritchie, Homebush, 2002 3000m: 10.21.01 – Garry Womsley, Homebush, 2005 M60-64 5000m: 14.50.08 – Albie Thomas, 1975 1500m: 4.38.69 – John Warren, Brisbane, 2001 10,000m: 31.17.06 – Horst Wegner, Melbourne, 1987 3000m: No record currently exists. 10km road race: 36.36 – Col Condon, Melbourne, 1995 5000m: 17.31.35 – Adolf Blonner, Buffalo, 1995 Half marathon: 1.27.11 – Garry Womsley, Sydney, 2004 10,000m: 36.22.77 – Adolf Blonner, 1995 Marathon: 2.29.08 – Horst Wegner, Melbourne, 1987 10km road race: 40.47 – Roger Hillsdon, Canberra, 2004 Half marathon: 1.25.11 – Ian Graves, Sydney, 2004 M45-49 Marathon: 3.01.45 – Richard Magee, Sydney, 2004 1500m: 4.09.09 – Ian Melrose, Melbourne, 1987 3000m: 8.56.34 – Jamie Harrison, Sydney, 2009 N.B. For the sake of brevity, records for women 60 years and over 5000m: 15.23.6 – Dave Power, 1980 and men over 65 have been culled from this article. You will 10,000m: 31.49.20 – Dave Power, 1981 have to go to the website to see them. Did you spot 10km road race: 40.41 – Jeff Newey, Eugene, 1989 the Striders above?

Who am I?

1. In the last 12 months I have set new PBs for City to Surf (1.01.10) and half marathon (1.35.04).

2. I won a silver medal in the men’s 35 – 39 y.o. 10000m track race in February 2009.

3. My favourite events are the 800m and 10km on road or track.

4. My least favourite events are Mt Wilson to Bilpin and Woodford to Glenbrook but I race them both every year

to test my endurance.

5. In 2008, I won the following medals in ANSW events: 3 gold medals – 800m and two team medals; 2 silver medals – 10000m and 10km team 35+;

1 bronze medal – 400m plus Australian masters 10000m. By Amanda Underwood 6. So far, in 2009 I have won 2 silver medals – in pentathlon and 10000m.

7. I share my birthday with Glenn McGrath – 9 February . However, I am one year younger, having been born in 1971.

8. I’m aiming to do my one and ONLY marathon in Sydney in September 2010.

9. I am known for my sprint start in races, and like to lead the front runners out.

10. I’m a Tigers supporter, but I have always supported the Maroons at State of Origin.

7

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

EMAIL INVITATION - Jeremey Horne’s 4th place in the State 10km champs - EJ Davie, winner of a silver for his age group in the Pasta party Pentathlon.

Hello Striders, With a few events to go including, the Master Track this email may be of interest to you if you are going to be in championships from10-13 April. The season leads into Canberra for the Marathon on the weekend of 18th/19th Winter, with our own 10k in May being the first event. April. The winter season is a season in which the Striders have The MTG traditionally organise a pasta party for the Sydney a history of performing well, and a number of teams Striders and their friends and families. It's a great time to looking to backup to win premier status again and some discuss race day strategy with other Striders. to improve on last year’s efforts. Come join in the fun of Note that this is a SEPARATE pasta party to the Canberra competing against other clubs and don’t be afraid. Marathon-arranged party. No, you shouldn't pay for the pasta party on your entry Men contact: Glenn Guzzo form for the Canberra Marathon (apologies to those who Women contact: Dale Thompson have as refunds are not usually provided). Juniors contact: Caroline Yarnell

This year's pasta party will be at the same venue as previous years: Cafe Pronto 14 Lonsdale St Braddon Date: Saturday 18th April Time: 6:00pm start (early start as we have a little running to do Sunday morning!) RSVP: to Phil Skurrie by 1st April Cost: $27.00 payable on the night. Includes pizza, pasta, breads & salad (carbs, carbs, carbs & Striders’ mascot not-carbs) Did you know that Striders sponsors a Cheetah at Friends and family welcome. Taronga Zoo? We also donate to the friends of Lane Cove Please RSVP as it is a reasonably small venue and having 10 Park because it is where we have many of our races. We people show up unannounced on the night will cause have donated to other causes in the past. problems.

Thanks, and see you there. Phil Skurrie

By GLENN GUZZO ANSW Report

The summer season is almost gone, and the track has been a place of reckoning for some Striders as they push on for glory.

Some of the highlights include: - Keith Bateman's wiping 9 seconds of his own National 3000m record for 50+, under 9 minutes - Melinda Vernon's 2nd place in the State 3km & 5km - Melinda and Marnie Ponton's effort (4th and 7th place) on a warm day at the Mt.Stromlo Cross Country selection trials & Melinda's subsequent selection to represent Australia in the World Cross Country Champs in Amman, Jordan on 28th March - 3 Strider team golds with 1 State record broken for Male 200+ in the State Relay championships

8

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

By MARGARET KREMPFF

C ourir le monde

Back in late November last year I had the pleasure of spending a week in Paris with my 16 year old daughter who was on a student exchange in Brittany over Christmas. I had lived in France for three years a long time ago and visited several times over the years and know it well. I wanted to see it again, show it to Sheena in all it's glory and experience it from the perspective of a runner. very civilised 9am after a heart-starting short black I did some searching on the internet and came across the coffee at Place de la Nation. It was a run that I will never group Courir le Monde, or translated, Run the World. forget, looping around the centre of Paris and taking in What a find this turned out to be. I sent off an initial many well known sights and exploring hidden corners message to the site, stating the dates I would be in Paris full of surprises. Jean-Claude turned out to be the most and expressing my desire to explore the city with some informative guide imaginable. He has lived in Paris all his French runners. Over the following weeks, I could not life and at 58 has run many, many marathons. I can't believe the enthusiasm with which the group responded express how beautiful it was to run through the quiet to my enquiry. wintery streets of Paris, empty of crowds, along with other keen runners. It is, as we all know, a brilliant way My first contact was with a guy who lives in Cannes, to discover a city. At the end of the run, one of the group Henri, who started the group a few years ago. It's a gave me his running cap, or buff, and I was really France-based organisation that seeks to promote touched. These guys had never met or spoken to me distance running, and most of it's members seem to have before yet turned out and made my day spectacular. I run, or are aiming to run, a marathon. Many run several a was overwhelmed. year. There are about 2,000 members, not all living in France, but all communication on the site is in French. As if that wasn't enough, prior to the Sunday run Jean- Claude emailed me on my arrival in Paris to say that he To access the forums on the site and participate in the and a friend were running in Paris one night to see the discussions generally you need to sign in and establish Christmas lights that had just gone on. Would my “un pseudo” to use. I'm “aussierunner”...for obvious daughter and I like to join them? I explained that Sheena reasons. You can browse the site as a visitor without wasn't a runner and the response was, “No problem, she signing up. It's an incredible resource for running in can ride my bike”. So that's what we did. 20k through the France and Europe. I don't know how many marathons city by night was magic, and a highlight of Sheena's 2 and ultras there are in France each year, but it must be months away. Looking down over the city from hundreds. These are detailed on the site as RDVs, rendez- Monmartre was magical. vous. Anyone intending to run in a particular event puts their name down in that RDV and so it's easy to see who's I would thoroughly recommend that anyone heading to running where and when at any time. Each member also France make contact with CLM. If the idea of putting has a profile giving information about what they've run together a few lines in French fills you with dread, I in the past and their plans for future events. It's an would always be happy to translate. Many of the guys I incredibly efficient way of staying informed about a vast met actually spoke good English, so once you're there it's number of runners and races all over Europe, so if you less of an issue. If you’re curious about the run I did, you want to run with someone, it's very easy to make contact can go into the photos on the CLM site and see it in and get together. pictures under, again, Une Australienne a Paris.

Getting back to my experience in Paris, over a period of All this is to say that running is a brilliant way to connect several weeks before I left Sydney, a forum was set up with people where ever you are. It's an activity that called Une Australienne a Paris. Instead of the usual seems to bring out the best in people. And there's weekend long run in the Bois de Vincennes, a Parisian something about the pace of running, especially the way runner, Jean-Claude, took it upon himself to organise a the slower runners amongst us do it, that gives you 30k scenic tour of Paris that I ran, along with a group of plenty of time to take in your surroundings and local runners, on a snowy Sunday morning. We met at a appreciate all that's around you. 9

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009 developing cataracts compared to the least-fit men. A second study found that running appeared to reduce the Researched By LORRAINE SPANTON risk of age-related macular degeneration. In the study, 152

men and women reported being diagnosed with the Vigorous Exercise May Help disease. Compared to people who ran less than 1.2 miles Prevent Vision Loss per day, people who averaged between 1.2 and 2.4 miles per day had a 19 percent lower risk for the disease, and people who ran more than 2.4 miles per day had between There’s another reason to dust off those 42 percent and 54 percent lower risk of the disease. “These findings are compelling because of the large size of running shoes. Vigorous exercise may help the study, and the fact that we are looking at something prevent vision loss, according to a pair of that is fairly well defined: vigorous exercise, as opposed to more moderate exercise,” says Williams. studies from the U.S. Department of Most of the runners in the study exceeded the current Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National public health recommendations for physical activity, which Laboratory. The studies tracked is at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activities such as brisk walking five days a week, or smaller doses of more approximately 41,000 runners for more vigorous exercise such as running. It is unclear whether than seven years, and found that running people might also lower their risk for cataracts and age- related macular degeneration by walking. reduced the risk of both cataracts and age- “We know there are important health benefits to walking, related macular degeneration. including lowering heart disease risk,” says Williams. “It is quite likely that the studies’ results might apply to a lesser extent to smaller doses of more moderate exercise.” The research, which is among the first to suggest that Williams also adds that further research is needed to vigorous exercise may help prevent vision loss, offers hope explore why there is a link between vigorous exercise and a for people seeking to fend off the onset of eye disease. decreased risk for eye disease. “In addition to obtaining regular eye exams, people can take “We know some of the physiological benefits of exercise, a more active role in preserving their vision,” says Paul and we know about the physiological background of these Williams, an epidemiologist in Berkeley Lab’s Life Sciences diseases, so we need to better understand where there’s an Division who conducted the research. “The studies suggest overlap,” says Williams. that people can perhaps lessen their risk for these diseases The studies are published in the January 2009 issue of by taking part in a fitness regimen that includes vigorous Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. They were exercise.” supported in part by grants from the National Heart Lung A cataract, which is a cloudy opacity of the eye lens, is the and Blood Institute. leading cause of blindness. More than one-half of people in the U.S. over the age of 65 suffer from some form of ScienceDaily (Feb. 14, 2009) — Adapted from materials cataracts. Age-related macular degeneration, which is provided by DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. damage to the retina, is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in older white Americans, affecting 28 percent of people aged 75 and older. The diseases have several known risk factors, such as sunlight exposure and diabetes in the case of cataracts, but Email from GEORGINA MOORE few interventions. Now, it appears that vigorous cardiovascular exercise may be one way to derail the HI Dennis, diseases. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyiApzjIuzw&feature=P To conduct the research, Williams analyzed data collected layList&p=8F3FEB2FC75D63FE&playnext=1&index=3 in the National Runners’ Health Study, which he established The above link is the one I was telling you about on Sunday. in 1991 to determine the health benefits of running. In this case, he followed approximately 29,000 male runners It is an incredible story of a man who completes marathons, and 12,000 female runners for more than seven years. Of triathlons and iron men with his son, who is quadriplegic. In these people, 733 men reported being diagnosed with the triathlons & ironman competitions, the father swims cataracts on a questionnaire filled out at the end of the with his son lying in a rubber boat tied to his back, then study. Too few women reported cataracts to track. carries him to a specially designed bike so he can ride him Men who ran more than 5.7 miles per day had a 35 percent through the cycle leg, then transfers his son to a specially lower risk of developing cataracts than men who ran less designed wheel-chair and pushes him the entire way than 1.4 miles per day. The study also analyzed men’s 10- through the final leg of each race. For anyone with a heart, kilometer race performances, which is a good indicator of you will need a box of tissues to watch this - but the impact overall fitness. The fittest men boasted one-half the risk of of this 10min clip is incredible.

10

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

Awards Brunch AWARDS PRESENTED AT END OF YEAR - 2008

Equalizer Cross Country Award Winner Time Runner up Time

Open Male David Criniti 0.53.54 Tony Fattorini 0.54.47 Open Female Jenny Wickham 1.00.59 Suzanne Kelly 1.04.30

Internal Handicap Half Marathon Award Sharyn Hill 1.49.17 Michael Key 2.24.29

10k Series Points Points Handicap Alex Douglas 599 Kevin O'Kane 542 Age and Gender Adjusted Dennis Wylie 6791 Chris Truscott 6666 Open Male Chris Truscott 883 David Criniti 881 Open Female Joanne Cowan 806 Lisa-Anne Carey 790 PreVet Male David Criniti 884 Chris Truscott 883 PreVet Female Lisa-Anne Carey 819 Zoe Cameron 797 Veteran Male David Burgess 851 Martin Lord 790 Veteran Female Lisa Carroli 804 Karen Canfell 755 Masters Male Stephen Jackson 905 Dennis Wylie 900 Masters Female Joanne Cowan 937 Mary Stringer 876 Seniors Male Ray Doran 896 Robert Connors 867 Seniors Female Tina Campbell 700 Helen Wilson 210 Super Senior Male Manfred Fiedler 800 Frank Dearn 695 Legends Male Ron Daly 2 00

Fastest 10k Male Jeremy Horne 0:31:18 Chris Truscott 0:31:52 Fastest 10km Female Melinda Vernon 0:34:48 Jenny Wickham 0:35:24

The Super Series Age and Gender Adjusted Dennis Wylie 6432 Stephen Jackson 6047 Open Male Shaun Atchison 730 Dennis Wylie 686 Open Female Lisa-Anne Carey 773 Lisa Carroli 731 PreVet Male Shaun Atchison 348 Tim Cochrane 326 PreVet Female Lisa-Anne Carey 401 Zoe Cameron 333 Veteran Male Peter Hibberd 354 Glenn Lockwood 333 Veteran Female Lisa Carroli 376 Danielle McCormack 337 Masters Male Dennis Wylie 403 Stephen Jackson 391 Masters Female Mary Stringer 410 Pauline Evans 334 Seniors Male Luigi Criniti 428 Graham Osborn 377 Seniors Female Tina Campbell 262 Helen Wilson 113 Super Senior Male Manfred Fiedler 369 Frank Dearn 295 Best Age and Gender Keith Bateman 929 Jeremey Horne 892 City to Surf City to Surf

Half Marathon Awards Winner Time Runner up Time Open Male Jeremey Horne 1.08.55 SMH Chris Truscott 1.10.20 Gold Coast Open Female Jenny Wickham 1.18.03 Sydney Danielle Langsworth 1.25.50 SMH

Veteran Male Richard Palmer 1.18.08 SMH Greg Donovan 1.18.59 SMH Veteran Female Danielle Langsworth 1.25.50 SMH Kathryn Holloway 1.27.59 SMH

Masters Male Keith Bateman 1.14.32 SMH Christopher Dwyer 1.21.38 Gold Coast Masters Female Joanne Cowan 1.31.10 SMH Mary Stringer 1.35.36 Sydney

Senior Male Ray Doran 1.36.40 SMH Darryl Chrisp 1.36.58 Striders Internal Senior Female Tina Campbell 1.54.22 SMH Helen Wilson 2.04.27 SMH

Super Senior Male Manfred Fiedler 1.55.12 SMH Frank Dearn 2.45.58 SMH

Legends Male Ron Daly 2.24.44 SMH

11

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

“Core B limey” WHAT IS CORE STABILITY, AND SHOULD RUNNERS BE DOING IT??

The personal trainer screaming out in a somewhat from your pelvic floor at the same time. Practising this contrived American accent “come on, contract your core, movement will train these muscles. Importantly, everybody!” is a refrain that reverberates around many contracting the core muscles is not “bracing” the tummy, of the gyms (and parklands) of Sydney. Physios, Pilates it is not “sucking your tummy in” and it is not “tightening instructors and yoga teachers are frequently talking to your buttocks”, all of which are frequently evident when their patients/clients about the merits of “having a better people think they are doing it correctly. It appears that core”. Well, what is the “core”, what does it mean to be when people undergo specific retraining to contract stable and is it beneficial for runners? these muscles, building the contractions into everyday life, they go on to get less back pain in the future. So, if The word “core” does not commonly exist in credible you are asked to “contract your core” in one of those scientific research. In its strictest sense, it is a term that exercise classes, at least try to do what I have described has been coined to refer to muscles of the trunk that here. would appear to work in quite a unique way. Whereas we normally think of muscles as “motors” that move our Interestingly, what I have said so far is all that the body parts, it seems that the core muscles are not really scientific research has comprehensively shown. There involved in moving us from point A to point B. Research are lots of other claims made about stabilising exercises, dating back to the mid 1990s found that but there is very little good quality certain deep abdominal and back muscles research evidence supporting these (called the Tranversus Abdominis and Author of this article, claims. For example, there is no evidence Deep Multifidus respectively) were active that practising these muscle contractions no matter whether you were bending Timothy Austin, before you get back pain will prevent back forward, bending backwards or raising is a long time pain episodes. There is no evidence that your arm to the front or back. Therefore, Sydney Strider, and runners get less injuries anywhere in the those muscles were considered not to be Principal spine or legs or run faster (!) by practising “moving” muscles, but “stabilising” such movements. muscles. Perhaps you could say that the Physiotherapist at stabilising muscles held your spine in a Camperdown In more recent times, the role of the controlled position while your moving Physiotherapy buttock muscles as other “core” muscles muscles moved you from one place to has gained prominence. The simplest way another. to think about this is to picture a skeleton, with the pelvis having two legs descending Core stability exercises were developed from attempts to from it (at the hip joints). If you stand on one leg, help people overcome low back pain. The research went obviously the pelvis is going to fall towards the side that on to demonstrate that the brain actually turned on the no longer has a leg to support it. Well, that is what would stabilising muscles one-fiftieth of a second before the happen if you didn’t have buttock muscles keeping you moving muscles. Therefore, it is assumed that the brain upright!! Obviously, it is a little more complicated when is trying to ensure that the spine is stable before the body you are running, but the same concept holds. That is, the starts to move. Interestingly, people who have low back buttock muscles of the leg that strikes the ground when pain have been shown to lose this earlier contraction of you run need to work powerfully enough to stop your the stabilising muscles, potentially a reason why they pelvis “flopping about”. Clearly, if your pelvis lacks suffer an injury. control, there is potential for all sorts of lumbar spine, hip and knee injuries. Again, there are not a lot of quality So, how are these stabilising muscles contracted? There research papers demonstrating the effect of buttock is actually a very precise way of learning to contract stabilising exercises, but I have seen numerous people these muscles, and my experience tells me that most who have had their injuries resolve with a precise people are not doing it correctly (probably due to poor program that retrains their gluteal muscles. teaching). It is a little hard to teach you through the Blister, but I’ll give it a go, and you can try it in the quiet Now, whilst it might seem that I, your humble physio, am of your own bedroom. Put simply, firstly you must start a sceptic about core stability, I’m actually a big fan of it. with a relaxed abdomen – that’s right, let your tummy However, I believe that there are exorbitant claims being hang out! Then, gently draw the lower part of your made about the necessity and advantage of core tummy (below your belly button) inwards towards your exercises. Core stability programs have gained cult spine. It often feels that you are muscularly pulling up status, whereas the precise benefit of stabilising

12

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009 exercises is somewhat of an enigma, and the perfect running injuries around your back/hips/buttocks/knees, prescription of the regime is elusive. investigating whether your stabilising muscles could work better may be helpful. However, I do not believe that every runner needs to do core stability exercises as a My advice is that evaluation of the stabilising muscles is maintenance approach. Finally, beware the advice an integral part of any good physio treatment following (direct or implied) that stabilising will fix any problem any episode of back pain. Also, if you have had recurrent you have.

By SUE LOGIN Running in aS kirt

Ed, obviously puzzled by the recent phenomenon of gals running in skirts, requested a bit of an article on what was going on so I’ll spill all now …… there is no mystery - you either like it or you don’t…. a bit like running (right, left, right, left).

I heard about the “skort”, as it is called, and didn’t know what all the fuss was about but thought I’d give it a go. Since donning the aforementioned item I have been asked about it by the chaps, the gals usually asking if they can feel it. My response, whilst running up the hill on the black stump run was very short, so I will explain in a few more words here. My reason d’etre was that it would look more appropriate at the cafes after my run - nothing to do with speed or comfort! In fact the skort is really comfortable, incorporating a pair of shorts in a thinner material under the skirt and this means they are cooler and more breathable, a point noted by Ed when I informed him. In fact, so taken was he with this that I think we should have uni-skorts for men and women. They could be a bit like the unisex top! Now that I’m on the subject, what is unisex and average for a man and a woman? A one-breasted Amazon? Hence the uni. Sorry, rant over. But perhaps we will see the uni-skort for both sexes. I am an ardent fan of the kilt, something to do with my Scottish ancestors or the fact that any man looks great in one. Even Jean Paul Gautier tried to bring in the man skirt in the early 90’s. Perhaps we will see a striders version with a cheetah leaping across the back, maybe a Drizabone version for the wet winters. But, for me, based on my current training, I will probably look for a nice tweed version for the winter which I will wear with a warm pair of boots as I have a long brunch instead of running.

Next issue, read Sue’s follow up article, “Running in a long Skirt” 13

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

By ZOE CAMERON Tri Tri Try

The Sri Chinmoy Triple Triathlon is a 9-leg multisport event of 3 off-road triathlons back to back, held in Canberra each November. Every leg is different and the course includes 9 mountains, 3 lakes and miles of scenic trails.

I first took part in this event in 2004 in a team of 9. Back worried about cramping. The day was warming up and it then completing just 1 swim leg was a challenge for me. felt nice to be in the water and resting my legs. At one My team was disqualified for failing to make a cut-off, but point I got a nasty cramp and hung on to the kayak - this I was hooked. I completed 2 legs in 2005 and 3 legs in is allowed as long as the kayak is not moving forward at 2006. So, what next? In 2008 I decided to go solo. the time. The cramp passed after a gel and a drink, and I assured Dad I was fine and pushed on. I was excited to Leg 1 - 1.5km swim finish the big swim with no real problems and looking The 3 female and 4 male soloists gathered on the bank of forward to the next ride. Lake Ginninderra at 5.30 am. The race briefing was Leg time: 1:12 Cumulative: 5:57 succinct: "You all know where you are going and what you are doing, right?" and the race director said "Go". I Leg 5 - 40km mountain bike was surprised how quickly the males disappeared but This leg feels pretty mammoth, as you ride over some not too worried. I left the water in front of the other 2 decent hills - down to Coppins Crossing and up Mt girls but I lost time in transition and they both got on the Stromlo. I felt good as I rode around the lake and even bike ahead of me. passed some team riders. I also caught up to a male solo, Leg time: 29:07 my friend Steve and we chatted for a while. The climb up Mt Stromlo was long and hard but I kept plugging away Leg 2 - 35km mountain bike and got there eventually to cheers and a kind offer of The 3 girls rode together for the first kilometres of the being 'sponged'! The trip down Mt Stromlo is on some ride and we had a nice chat. We all agreed that our fun single track, so I enjoyed that. But I soon started to primary goal was to finish. It was a beautiful morning feel sick and bloated. I was aware that I hadn’t eaten for and I rode along feeling great until the infamous ‘push awhile but I didn't want anything – highly unusual for bike hill’ up Black Mountain, when I did as the name me. Despite this I enjoyed the final section of the ride suggests. After a technical rocky descent it was a lovely around the back of the suburbs of Duffy and Chapman. It ride over ridges, paddocks, bike path and single track and is very scenic and easy riding, but with reminders of the I arrived at transition 2 feeling good and ready to run. devastation that the Canberra bushfires brought there. Leg time: 2:16 Cumulative: 2:45 Leg time: 2:40 Cumulative: 8:37

Leg 3 - 20km run Leg 6 - 12k run The first and longest run leg is wonderful - straight up As I started this run a friend encouraged me and said this and over Mt Majura and Mt Ainslie then down to Lake was leg was "the hard one". I hadn't run it before and Burley Griffin. I walked some steeper sections but ran naively thought – “it’s 12km, how bad can it be?” Well, most of the way and was soon at the top of Mt Majura. I the start goes straight up Mt Taylor and I was quickly ran down on the road cautiously as I didn't want to reduced to walking and feeling awful. Once I got over the antagonise a dodgy knee. The course then passes through top and started down I could run, but my stomach hurt some single track which is fun to run, like being on a and running made it worse. I decided to make myself rollercoaster. I happily ran along the trails and was soon vomit, having heard of this being a cure for tummy near the top of Mt Ainslie. I took in the views and started troubles. I stuck a finger down my throat, but to no avail. slowly back down the steep paved descent. I wanted to So I plodded on and soon a solo woman caught me and go faster but I was cautious, knowing I had to look after said hello. This woke me up and I tried to keep up with my knee and quads to get through the next 2 triathlons. I her. Down the mountain we went together, and along a was passed by a lot of team runners all having a blast. mercifully flat bike path towards our third lake. In Leg time: 2:00 Cumulative: 4:45 transition I stressed about what and whether to eat because I still felt sick and now I had to swim again. But I Leg 4 - 3.5km swim was through 2 triathlons and starting to feel that I was Solo competitors are allowed to have a kayak with them going to make it, so that cheered me up. and I had recruited my Dad for this task because I was Leg time: 1:19 Cumulative: 9:56 14

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

Leg 7 - 1.2k swim was probably my quickest transition of the day because I I don't think I have ever swum so slowly in my life. I felt was so keen to get running. like I was going in slow motion. I couldn't kick for fear of Leg time: 1:59 Cumulative: 12:29 cramps and had to concentrate on keeping my legs relaxed. Fortunately I had my Dad paddling again, though Leg 9 - 13km run at one point it looked like he was having to paddle It just wouldn't be right if this leg was too easy, so there backwards to keep near me. I kept at it and knew I would were still some decent climbs to complete. I ran, walked get there ... eventually. The ladder at the end out of the and shuffled over the hills. I felt very tired and thought I water was a big challenge, but fortunately my legs and could easily lie down and sleep. A bus stop bench looked arms were working just enough to get me up it. In particularly inviting. But the last 5 or so kilometres are transition I think I managed to eat a bit more but my flat, lovely bike path and I can honestly say I enjoyed it tummy was still sore. immensely. I was able to run and I felt remarkably good. Leg time: 30:04 Cumulative: 10:30 The crowd at the finish was small but very appreciative and I felt like a star being cheered by my family and friends. As I crossed the line I unexpectedly started Leg 8 - 25k mountain bike crying - really happy and really exhausted. The first part of this leg was a long, flat bike path, into a Leg time: 1:31 headwind. I now concede that it probably wasn't quite gale-force, as I thought at the time. There are fantastic My total time was 13 hours, 59 minutes and 17 seconds views on this leg but you have to climb some nasty hills and I was 2nd of the 3 girls. It was a bonus to finish while to get to them. It is all a bit of a blur, but I do remember it was still light and with time for a shower before the at one stage I was pushing my bike 1 or 2 steps, stopping, presentation started. gathering all my strength, taking another 1 or 2 steps, etc. I was veeerry tired and still feeling sick, but I think the The presentation is one of the best parts of the Triple Tri. problem was I had lost it mentally. I wasn't even trying to They put on a big spread of vegetarian pasta, curry, rice go at any sort of decent pace. At one stage I saw my pudding, fruit, hot chocolate, etc - heaven! They also have support crew and I could tell from their worried faces each solo finisher make a little speech, which makes it that I looked bad. special. I never dreamed that one day I would be one of those "crazy" people and I really enjoyed my moment. Finally I reached the little tunnel, which is one of the Once you have done it you know it’s not that hard, but coolest parts of the course, rode it successfully and the uninitiated don't know that and they think you are emerged into the transition to the final leg. Yippee! This nuts.

As soon as it was over I started thinking about how much I want to do it again and how I could improve. I highly recommend the Triple Tri solo experience to anyone who loves going long and being off-road. If I can do it, you can too. Alternatively it would make a great day out for a team of adventurous Striders.

By SALLE-ANN EHMS

How I came to be a Strider

was out of Sydney for the week when a call from my also participating in the very same Trailwalker. Monday husband announced that a package from the Striders evenings were interesting as my husband and I traded I had arrived. Once home and the obligatory try-on of stories; his relayed from chat over morning tea at work the singlet was over, I sat down to reading my very own and mine from my team’s Sunday training. On many Blister and recalled that it was September 2008, when I points the teams were diametrically opposed, our team decided that the time had arrived to officially join the goal was to simply finish within 48 hours, theirs’ was to Striders. win!

However, my journey to this point started back in 2005 With great eagerness and many fond memories I have as a participant in the Oxfam Trailwalker event. read in the Blister of subsequent Strider teams and their Ironically, the team of which I was a member was named travails as they trained for and participated in the event. I “Only Run When Chased”. At that time, coincidently, a can relate so readily to the joy and delight experienced at work colleague of my husband’s was a Strider who was not only finishing but also those highs felt during the

15

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009 run/ walk. Much of my Trailwalker experience was spent someone who honestly believes themselves to have not in a state of exhilaration, so much so that at times I just one skerrick of competitive spirit in their body! wanted to RUN. The real clincher was attending a conference at the Gold Which brings me to post Trailwalker. With the burning Coast in September 2008 and afterwards visiting a friend down of St Barnabas Church in 2006, and my daughter’s from my nurse training days who lives on a farm near associating with Barneys, I decided with some other Toowoomba. As you will know, this is just prior to the running enthusiasts from the church that I would run the Blackmore’s Running Festival. The previous year I had a Blackmores Half Marathon to raise money for the church shocker – the course runs practically past our house and rebuilding. My great plans of sponsorship did not come on the return leg near Rozelle Bay I felt that I could just to fruition but I did finish my first long distance race in as easily divert to home and return later to pick up my 02:11:56, four seconds under my anticipated ‘best time’. clothes. So, I was keen to do better in 2008. The Good old Protestant guilt also saw me make a personal conference and seeing Anne and her family, whom I had donation to the church building fund. not met previously, was not going to hinder my preparation. When I warned them that on Sunday By this time the work colleague had coerced my husband morning I would be up early and gone for a couple of into joining Striders and eventually I tagged along with hours, they couldn’t believe it! him (my husband, not the work colleague) to the Strider Annual Awards. Although not yet calling myself a runner, Anyway, as I ran along I started composing an article for I did have an appreciation of running and could show the Blister describing this glorious country run I was earnest interest in others’ achievements! At the first experiencing (I always avidly read my husband’s copy Awards night when kind people suggested signing up when it arrived). The likeness of the countryside to with the club, I felt that I was just too slow a runner to Arthur Streeton’s renown paintings, jumping at the contemplate joining. By the second Awards night I sound of rustling grass (my host had told a story the secretly felt that if I could consistently run the club previous night of a neighbour who had been bitten by a standard of 10k in 60 minutes then I might consider snake only to die at the doctor’s surgery because he took joining. I had improved my half marathon time and we the time to return to the homestead, shower, and get were planning a Queensland holiday around both of us himself into presentable clothes before going to the GP), participating in the Gold Coast Half Marathon. By the three young people in an old Hillman (obviously just third Awards night I decided that I was being a bit returning home) tooting, waving and encouraging me up stubborn, that the ‘real runners’ (i.e. anyone faster than what was to be a long and protracted hill…. sighting me) were generous enough in their acceptance of my Neighbour Hood Watch signs and realising that in an (in)abilities and, although still finding the 2hour mark for attempt to save myself about fifteen minutes of running my half marathon elusive, I had now run six half in the Queensland heat and humidity, I had left my car on marathons. I decided that I could at least try a first the roadside at the start of their driveway, about 1km Saturday of the month 10k race. from the homestead. Parked but not locked. (Didn’t that hurry me up and put some thoughts into my mind about And so, I did a couple of the 10k series and, although very the assumed honesty of country folk?) much at the tail end of the runners really had a blast being cheered on by those I had come to know and other unknown but friendly faces, finding myself on each That was when I decided that I should join Sydney occasion in final sprints to the tape. And this from Striders.

I have heard several different stories about why people joined Striders instead of another club or, even why they took up running. If you have one such story, drop me a line. Email: [email protected] Ed.

Hatches, matches, dispatches

On august 11 last year, (somehow mysteriously missing Lake Te Anau. He was in no fit state to get down on one from last issue) Jacqueline and Andrew Ramsay had a knee and even less likely to get back up again, but beautiful daughter weighing in at 3.69kg (8 pounds 1 Amanda said yes. ounce) Lisa Gallate ( member of 10 years) gave birth on 10/1/09 Tony Fattorini heroically carried the ring (carefully at 11 to a beautiful baby girl, Kyra Zoie (3.4 kg). pinned inside his running shorts pocket) for 5 hours over Lisa, Hubby Ben, and Kyra are all doing well. Lisa will be the Kepler Track before proposing whilst soaking legs in back running within 2 months. 16

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

By KEVIN O’KANE

STaR T reks Throughout the history of the Club, the central plank in our training programs has been the long Sunday training run, oddly called the “StaR”. Over almost 30 years, many interesting, scenic and occasionally challenging courses have been developed, each with its own name and its own charms. And we even get a hosted breakfast at the end!

BOBBIN HEAD REVISITED

The hosts As I am the host of this run, I am only a little biased. My co-hosts are Ian Whitfield, the Sausage King, the much too social Frank Dearn, Carol Taylor, Gillian Klevansky and (when the twins permit) Tracey Love. With all that personpower (rivalled only by Ben McSweeney and the River Run crew), we can guarantee at least you will be well fed. We even provided dancing girls at the last StaR, but that is another story.

History While I’ve been around long enough to remember Mosman before it Frank’s ubiquitous Can-Can-do attitude enables both dance was Reversed by and sausage flipping training in one alarming package. Alan Phillips, I can’t recall a time we meet the heart and soul of this run, the descent to before Bobbin Bobbin Head and the climb out. Until recently, this was Head was on the road. However, the recent tendency of hordes of Revisited. Sunday cyclists to hunt in packs at 80kms/hr has forced Twenty plus some of this section off-road, and the magnificent years ago, Dr. Irwin Light hosted this run from Barra Brui Kuringai National Park bush and waterway more than Oval in suburban St. Ives. compensates for this change. Exiting the Park at Asquith Golf Course, we bypass most of Hornsby through a little The Venue bush section until, sooner than we realise, we cruise over Sharing the all weather Rotunda start/finish with the the Freeway towards the welcoming Wahroonga Park Wahroonga Wobble, runners have a leafy park venue once more. with all facilities, even a railway station nearby. The Course (short version) The Course (long version) Ratings Hill 4 Bush 10 This StaR is a hilly trip through Wahroonga, Warrawee Runners take off from Wahroonga Park and immediately and Turramurra before doubling back through St. Ives to head south, past exclusive Warrawee before climbing North Turramurra. From cruising Bobbin Head Road, the into Turramurra. From there, the course is more run follows bush tracks down to a Marina, then through challenging as we head through Turramurra, St. Ives Bobbin Head before again going bush for a few more ks. Village and then St. Ives proper, and into my home The back of the run is broken by then, and the last suburb of North Turramurra by way of occasionally quite section through Hornsby and Wahroonga presents few severe climbs. After a flat respite on Bobbin Head Road, challenges, at least compared to what has gone before! 17

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

Runners’ Energy Bars Want an alternative to those dry old muesli bars? Want to make an energy bar using quality ingredients of your own choosing? If you do, try this recipe:

Dry ingredients: Melt liquid ingredients by heating, stirring 1. (5) crushed weetbix constantly with wooden spoon (should take no 2. 1 cup of rice bubbles more than 5 minutes). 3. 1 cup of rolled oats 4. 1 cup of crushed nuts (Alternatively, coconut, Make a well in dry ingredients, then blend sunflower seeds or sesame seeds.) liquid and dry ingredients thoroughly. 5. 1 cup of fruit medley Spoon into flat glass dish; press firmly. Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Cover and put into the fridge for about ½ Liquid ingredients: hour. Cut into small sections before 1. 125g of unsalted butter (or margarine) completely hard and then return to fridge 2. ½ cup of brown sugar for further 2 hours until set. 3. ½ cup of crunchy peanut butter (or tahini) 4. ½ cup of honey (or golden syrup or rice syrup) Enjoy!!! Sent in by Alan Wareham

$

By CHARLES KING

Treasurers report

Please find following a copy of: added to that collected from members at the Star on the 12th December 2008 for the Jane McGrath Cancer the Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2008 (with Foundation (total donation $750 – Club contribution $199 comparisons to prior years) to round up to $750) along with $1,000 for Kerryn McCann.. Profit & Loss statement for the 12 months ended 31 December 2008. – (with comparison to the 2007 The Club is financially strong and we invite members to budget, with variance depicted along with the budget come onto the committee to participate in reviewing the numbers for the 12 months ended 31 December 2009) opportunities available from this strength – to the benefit of Profit and loss comparison between the numbers for all members. the 12 months ended 31 December 2008 vs the equivalent 2007 numbers The Committee is budgeting for the Club to achieve a surplus of $2,570 for the year ended 31 December 2009. Financially the year has been a good one for the Club, with income exceeding expenses by $3,896. The Committee is budgeting for:

Membership numbers for the Club have continued at record 3 x Blisters for the year levels. The continuance of the high level of membership Support for registered athletes of $7,500 renewals and the surplus derived from the 10k series are Tents for participants at the Canberra, Gold Coast and the foundation for the result for the year and the current Sydney Marathons strong financial position of the Club. Club costs were higher than budget – with a larger With regard to the Club’s custodianship of the “Six Foot contribution to the Club’s functions, support for the Club’s Track” Marathon – the financials are completely separate Athletics NSW Registered athletes, write-off some clothing from those of the Club – (separate bank account and books stock uniform items, higher Blister and “Star” cost, larger of account). donations / sponsorship and investment in 10k series equipment. The following accounting numbers do not include the receipts and expenses for the Six Foot Track event. For the With regard to Donations made – the same amount as information of members the 2008 SFT provided total recent years ($1,000) – went to the Friends of Lane Cove donations of $25,000 – ($22,500 to the Rural Fire Service Park – (from the 10k charity race), along with a contribution and $2,500 to the Six Foot Track Heritage Trust.) 18

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

Sydney Striders P&L comparison 12 months ended 31/12/08 vs 31/12/07

Actuals Actuals Change Change 31/12/2008 31/12/2007 $'s % Income Membership fees 33,230 29,890 3,340 11% Interest 3,169 3,245 (76) -2% Advertising 185 50 135 270% 10km series 39,177 33,137 6,040 18% Other income -1,522 -814 (708) -

Total income 74,240 65,508 8,732 13%

Expenses Awards functions 11,304 9,777 (1,527) 16% Trophies 2,067 2,342 275 -12% Bank fees & card costs 1,491 1,574 83 -5% Insurance 2,723 3,791 1,068 -28% Internet 562 591 29 -5% Meetings 1,279 814 (465) 57% Athletics NSW 7,243 5,501 (1,742) 32% Sponsorship 900 - - - Super series & MTG 540 130 (410) 315% Loss on gear 2,081 2,812 731 -26% Donations 2,199 1,000 (1,199) 120% Marathon - Tent Hire 1,046 302 (744) 246% 10km series Other 15,554 10,809 (4,745) 44% Blister Postage 2,620 1,507 (1,113) 74% Printing 12,170 5,264 (6,906) 131% Calendars Postage 1,410 512 (898) 175% Printing 945 321 (624) 194% General admin Telephone 90 - (90) (90) Postage 740 318 (422) 133% Printing & stationery 2,175 374 (1,801) 482% Lodgement fees 186 43 (143) 333% Notices Postage 397 827 430 -52% Printing 623 977 354 -36% Distribution 0 - - -

70,344 49,585 -19,859 -40% Net result $3,896 $15,923 ($11,127) -70%

19

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

Sydney Striders budget 12 months ended 31/12/08

Budget Actuals Variance to Budget 12 me 12/08 31/12/2008 31/12/2008 12 me 12/09 Income Membership fees 30,000 33,230 3,230 33,000 Interest 3,500 3,169 (331) 2,500 Advertising 50 185 135 150 10km series 33,500 39,177 5,677 39,000 Other income -500 -1,522 (1,022) -500 Total income 66,550 74,240 7,690 74,150

Expenses Awards functions 8,000 11,304 (3,304) 8,000 Trophies 2,500 2,067 433 2,500 Bank fees & card costs 2,000 1,491 509 2,000 Insurance 4,500 2,723 1,777 3,500 Internet 1,000 562 438 1,000 Meetings 1,000 1,279 (279) 1,500 Athletics NSW 6,000 7,243 (1,243) 7,500 Sponsorship - 900 (900) 1,000 Super series & MTG 500 540 (40) 500 Loss on gear 1,000 2,081 (1,081) 1,000 Donations 1,000 2,199 (1,199) 2,000 Marathon - Tent Hire 3,000 1,046 1,954 3,000 10km series Other 14,000 15,554 (1,554) 15,000 Blister Postage 2,000 2,620 (620) 3,000 Printing 6,500 12,170 (5,670) 12,500 Distribution 300 0 300 300 Calendars Postage 900 1,410 (510) 1,500 Printing 600 945 (345) 1,000 Distribution 250 0 250 0 General admin Telephone 50 90 (40) 90 Postage 700 740 (40) 750 Printing & stationery 1,500 2,175 (675) 2,200 Lodgement fees 130 186 (56) 200 Subscriptions 140 0 140 140 Notices Postage 1,000 397 603 650 Printing 1,200 623 577 750 Distribution 150 0 150 0 59,920 70,344 (10,424) 71,580

Net result $6,630 $3,896 ($2,734) $2,570

20

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

Six Foot Track Marathon Rumour Account for the financial year 1 January to 31 December 2008 has it...

Income Value Striders had a lot of trouble finding a replacement for Race entry 70,290.00 Kevin Tiller to

Fees incl bus tix, merchandise 32,810.00 organise next

Donations RFS (incl sponsorships) 4,625.00 year’s Six Foot Donations Six Foot Heritage Trust 2,300.00 Track race. The Interest on bank balance (paid approx quarterly) 175.96 person we had been looking for Total Income $ 110,200.96 not only had to be a great organiser but also had to be Expenditure Value considerably less than six feet tall Entry Forms - Photocopying - information book etc 1,799.96 themselves, and Entry Forms - Envelopes, stationery, pens, plastic bags 392.37 have receding Entry Forms - Postage 1,635.70 ginger hair cut Merchandise Purchases 29,867.75 very short and an English accent. Public Liability Insurance & Results deal with AURA 2,200.00 Advertising Runners World Advertising 748.00 throughout the

Event Timing & finish line commentary 3,670.21 Western World, a Trophies - Age group & prizes - Sarina Art & engraving 4,495.21 massive media Awards - Finisher Medals 7,664.80 campaign and huge Awards - Jackets, belts, buckles 1,172.71 salary had failed to Race Numbers 940.50 flush out a likely Pearce’s Bus & minibus hire 7,791.09 candidate. In light of this, rather than Aid Stations - Snakes, Coke, cups, fruit, vaseline, food gloves etc 5,631.06 have the race not Water Barriers & traffic management, Portaloos toilet rolls and soap 10,474.64 go ahead, we had First Aid - NSW Ambulance 500.00 decided to cut it First Aid - St John’s Ambulance incl RFS replenishment 750.00 short. It would be First Aid - M*A*S*H Unit (Jonathan King) 3,180.00 called the “Three RFS Catering (start line breakfast) 341.56 Foot Track” and a Credit card processing fees 3,169.63 singlet, marking the occasion, was being designed. Total Expenditure $ 86,425.19 The new race constituted a quick Donations Value run down Nelly’s Glen and back up Total Donation to Blue Mountains RFS 22,500.00 again. At the bottom you would Total Donation to Six Foot Track Heritage Trust 2,500.00 be given a stamp Total Donation to AURA - on your hand to Total Donation to Aboriginal Trust - prove you went all Total Donation to Jenolan Caves Trust - the way. Things finally changed Total Donations $ 25,000.00 when we found a replacement for Kevin Tiller. Final result for year $ (1,224.23)

Even when you think you are well prepared for it, sometimes, completing a race requires dragging something up from deep within but once you’ve got rid of it, you feel much better. Ed

21

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

By ROB PARTRIDGE PART 1

S treaking

hat do you do when you haven’t been running you never know, you might lose those extra kilos at the for a month or more? You dream of lofty goals. same time. W You sit back and imagine that you’ll enter another marathon and this time, this time, you’ll break 4 So I signed myself up and, thinking I might need to have a hours, or perhaps do even better. Who’s to say that you few runs in hand in case of accidents, I started my streak couldn’t squeeze out a 3:45 or maybe a 3:30? Of course early on the 29th Dec. The first few days went well as far you can, because in your mind your body is strong and as runs go. I got the bare minimum 30 mins in each day healthy, and your running form so good it feels like you getting around 5ks each time. I didn’t feel too bad except are flying down the road instead of plodding. And then I immediately felt it in my shins and legs. Not surprising you’ll feel so good afterwards that doing another after such a poor lead in to the challenge. Will I be able to marathon a few weeks later will seem easy. You read continue the streak if I give myself shin splints? I set about ultra events and imagine that you could tackle one about taking things easy and adding in lots of stretching of those, because this time, this time, you’ll get the before and after each run to try to reduce the possibility. training and nutrition right I apologize to and be perfectly prepared Not content with one challenge I tentatively booked for the event. myself to do a few races during and after the 100 days. The first was the Glasshouse Hare and Hounds 10k on anyone suffering So you get your running gear 11th Jan. Then a few more 5-20k runs throughout Feb, on, which feels and maybe the Twilight half marathon in early April. I the sweaty spray unaccountably tighter than it was hoping to run the Gold Coast marathon in July so used to, and go out for a run would need to slowly ramp up a distance run at the same to test your legs. That’s when time. flicking off my you quickly discover that you can’t hold a 6:30 pace, The first issue I came across was one of the heat and arms as I flailed let alone 6mins. You feel humidity. I moved up to QLD some 6 months ago and exhausted after the shortest now that Summer was here it was getting uncomfortably my way through distance, wondering how warm to run in. Even in the middle of night it didn’t cool that flat track you used to down too much. I live in a modern estate build of asphalt, run has somehow grown concrete, brick veneer and tiled roofs. Despite a few each run into a hill, and you let your parks around, the streets get and remain uncomfortably dreams waft away in the hot on sunny days. But it was the humidity that made it wind. And yet sometimes… tough to run. Every 10% extra humidity seems to sap 10 Sometimes you hear about something, an event, a seconds from my pace. And I seem to have lost my ability challenge, that grabs you and won’t let go. It was in this to get up at sparrows to run. I needed to find an state that I heard about the 100/30 challenge late last alternative. year. I had logged 4 runs in September, none at all in October, 5 runs in November and 5 in December, none of I had a quick look around at the local gym options and which were longer than 10k and all of them were slow found four. There’s one virtually at the end of my road slow slow. I’d lost my running mojo and didn’t think I’d which looked initially promising, but had massively ever find it again. What’s worse was that I’d found 4-5 inadequate air-conditioning. What’s the point of running kilos. One day there they were, wobbling in front of my like a hamster on a wheel if you have to suffer the same eyes, accusing me of indolence. climate as outside? Shame, as it was cheap. There was another gym on the other side of town with the same The 100/30 challenge seemed simple. Just run at least 30 issue. Who builds a gym and then doesn’t vent off the mins of every day for the first 100 days of the year sweaty atmosphere? This one was worse as it had the starting Jan 1st. Absurd, I thought, no rest days? Surely treadmills in front of a plate glass window. Great for that’s a recipe for shin splints, repetitive strain injuries view, but like a greenhouse in Summer. QLD truly is the and who knows what else. What if you got sick? What smart state. My third option was the local PCYC. Very about training for events? How could I work in distance cheap and useable. They’d used the Christmas holidays to training at the same time as maintaining the streak paint the walls so it was off-gassing like crazy, but it was without succumbing to sickness or injury? The longest a possibility. The last option was the fancy schmancy gym streak I’d ever had was 4 or 5 days. And yet, something just opening in the centre of town. This was more like it. about the sheer bloody-mindedness of it appealed to me. Machines like instruments of torture lining the walls, a You want to run? This will get you going for sure. And massive cardio space, rooms for classes, modern 22

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009 facilities. Yes this would do. Unfortunately it didn’t open minimum 30 mins in air conditioned comfort to try to until the 14th Jan so in the meantime I used the PCYC on keep my temperature down. I apologize to anyone the worst days. suffering the sweaty spray flicking off my arms as I flailed my way through each run. Every run took me further into The first couple of weeks of the challenge were hard. My the streak and closer to my goal. I was starting to feel legs felt sore and tired, I had to ignominiously walk up a stronger and able to add time or pace to each run for few hills and my pace dropped to a slow plod. By day 7 variety. my shins were definitely rebelling. A couple of days I resorted to cold showers, baths, strapping them up and By Jan 27 I had run 100 miles (160k), probably the applying ice. With that, and some additional stretches longest century run ever. I’d definitely run longer in 27 targeting my calves and shins, they held up OK. consecutive days before, when in the last stages of marathon training for example, but never so consistently, I got a summer cold on day 8 which was the icing on the and never without some rest days mixed in. cake. Not only was it hot and humid, but now I was glowing with my own internal combustion. I’m sure most I hit 200km on Feb 3rd in 1234 mins, and 300km by Feb of us have at one time or another run when running a 16th in 1831mins, just over 6min pace on average and temperature, just to fit in that essential training run. Daft dropping steadily week by week. Certainly the last few isn’t it. I had the 10k race coming up in a few days and weeks have been run faster, longer and more wanted to be able to run that. But most of all, I’d got 8 days running in my streak, the longest I’d been without a Photo of Mt Tibrogargan courtesy of break, and I didn’t want to end it yet. The streak was http://www.ourbrisbane.com/photos/260826.mt-tibrogargan- taking on a momentum of its own. If we went out at the glasshouse-mountains weekend I took some running gear with me in case I could slope off for a quick run. All the Have I taken a time we were out I’d be thinking about when wrong turn... I I’d manage to fit it in. A few occasions I’d been seem very forced to run in the evening or at night because high up? we’d been busy until late, or it was just too hot during the day.

We headed for the Glasshouse Mountains on day 10 and stayed at the Ecolodge near Mt Tibrogargan. Most of the mountains have trails on them and around them of various lengths and difficulties, perfect for hiking or trail running. I opted for a late run around Mount Tibrogargan as Saturday’s warm up for the 10k run the next day. It’s a 3.4k trail of undulating terrain that starts 600m from the Ecolodge. Because of the precipitous nature of the mountains, trails around the cones are pretty short. comfortably than the previous three. As a way to get me Despite feeling tired from the drive and still a little cold- moving again this challenge has been successful, and I bound I felt great on this run, and wished I lived nearer feel like a runner again. The best part is I’ve started to to such great trails. lose those kilos again. Since January I’ve lost four of them

and look set to lose more in the coming weeks. The 10k ‘race’ itself was as I expected it to be, a slow training run. I didn’t really care about time to finish (just So maybe the body doesn’t need rest? Time will tell if I as well as I finished in about 70mins, about 23mins can build distance and maintain frequency. My training slower than my PB), just wanted to have a great time. for the Gold Coast Marathon starts today. Maybe you can And I did. The event was organised well, trails were well learn to rest while running at an easy pace? And maybe, marked, other runners friendly, there was a barbeque at just maybe, my 4 hour marathon is possible after all. Or the end included in the price. The race started and maybe 3:45… finished at Woodford pool, which is a lovely way to finish a run. Afterwards I was feeling pretty awful from the Totals Mins Distance (km) Ave Pace cold, but managed to take the family around Australia Wk 1 1-4 Jan 143 24 6:05 Zoo before heading home. Wk 2 5-11 Jan 265 42 6:17 Wk 3 12-18 Jan 239 38 6:12 The following couple of weeks were more of the same. I Wk 4 19-25 Jan 216 36 6:00 continued to run through the tail end of the cold, Wk 5 26 Jan-1 Feb 342 55 6:07 bumping my pace up to the 6:30s in the process. The new Wk 6 2-8 Feb 277 45 6:04 gym had opened so I opted to slog my way through the Wk 7 9-15 Feb 320 53 6:02 23

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

Interview By ANDREW SMITH

How long have you been running and when did you marathon in Noumea – it wasn’t a fast time but they join the Striders? I started running 10 years ago just treated us like royalty. My 2:49 at the Gold Coast in 2006 doing half an hour a day, then did a few fun runs, then the not long after Holly was born gave a big sense of Striders 10ks and decided to join – that was 6 or 7 years achievement as I wasn’t expecting to run as quickly. I ago – 2002. I was running about 40 minutes for the 10k enjoy the Pub-to-Pub race (5 time winner) – it’s a local and hadn’t really run much further – one half-marathon run, I know the track, it’s laid back, lots of friends go and in 90 mins. it’s quite social. Did you do other sports? Netball, touch football. I’m a Disappointment? Canberra last year doing my 2:48 PB. I PE teacher so I think I did every sport under the sun, all was certain I was in better form but faded in the last few encouraged by five big brothers. kms and was overtaken to finish 3rd. It was ridiculous – people were saying ‘Good run’ and I was saying it was Little Aths? On and off – I did a bit of everything, not too really bad. It has changed the way I approach running. I serious about any one sport. had my heart set on a time and I was disappointed that it Does being a PE teacher help or hinder your running didn’t pan out the way it should have done. Now I am not – on your feet rather than behind a desk or on your so focused on a time and will just enjoy the run. At feet too much? It helps – although I was organising an Melbourne I had a goal of 2:45, did 2:50, but there were athletics carnival just before my Canberra marathon and reasons and the great time will come when it’s supposed running around when I needed to be resting. I’d go crazy to come. at a desk. I do 3 full days as a PE teacher and look after What were you doing right in your high achieving Gemma, 9, Sophie, 7, and Holly, 3. They all do Little Aths years? In 2003 I had a big car accident and was told I (Holly in Tiny Tots) – they do all sports which is good fun wouldn’t run again which was a spur to get me running but takes a lot of time. and it was rewarded in 2004. In 2005 I had Holly and the What’s your training program? I run every morning last couple of years have been getting steadily better and and then a 40 minute jog 3 or 4 nights a week and a better. longer run (25km – Any bush races? No, but 36km) at the weekend. I I’d like to do Six Foot do a mid-week 20-25km Track. Last year I didn’t run. On my morning Personal Profile – Jenny Wickham want to do it as it was runs I do 2 or 3 speed just before Canberra. I sessions a week, the other mornings are recovery runs. wanted to try Six Foot this year with the Melbourne Sean Williams writes my programs but I can’t train with marathon behind me but I had some illness before him – with kids I get out when I can get out. Christmas so won’t be ready. My only bush race is the Equaliser but I’m hopeless on downhills (Jenny has the Do you believe in stretching? I believe in stretching, it female record from one run). would be beneficial but I don’t get enough time...I’m getting breakfast for children as soon as I get back from Do you do track? A little but I don’t like it as much as my morning run. Hopefully one day I’ll have time to roads. Over summer I prefer to give myself some ‘cruise stretch before and after. time’ where I’m not training for anything. Presumably no training partners? Once in a blue Goals? - a couple of minutes off both marathon and half moon my husband (Nigel) comes out with me but times. I haven’t worked out plans for this year. I’d like to training partners don’t fit in and I’m used to running on do some different runs – a 50km, the Great Ocean Road. my own. I find it’s my time and I can enjoy my thoughts. I’d like to do some overseas big marathons but it’s I’ve converted my sprinter husband to trying long difficult with the kids so that’s a long-term goal. distance, he ran his first Half this year and I’ve given him Inspirations ? - Kerryn McCann – her passing away had a goal to run a marathon. a big effect on me. What’s your best distance? I like Marathon best and Injuries? – In 2007 I had a whole year of injuries – feet also Half. and knees which all came down to a change in shoe You’ve been getting some challenges at 10k.... Melinda design but it took 4 – 6 months to identify the cause. Vernon has some good times, so hopefully we’ll have a The PBs good Striders team for the winter series events. 10k –35:24 2008 (2007-36:21, 2004-36:46, 2002-39:14) Do you take vitamins or supplements? No, just try and Half – 1:18:03 2008 (2007–1:18:29, 2006 – 1:20:38, eat healthily, iron every now and then – I’m a basic 2004 – 1:23:06) runner – all I do is run. Marathon – 2:48:46 2008 (2006 - 2:49:22, 2004 – 3:04:01) Your greatest success? Winning the Sydney Marathon C2S – 50:54 2008 Festival Half for the last two years. Also running a Equalizer – 1:00:59 2008 24

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

By RICK COLLINS OCEAN SWIMMING RACE

Cole Classic Shelly B each to Manly Beach WHAT AN ADRENALINE RUSH washing machine – absolute chaos but WHAT A RIDE what an exhilarating adrenaline rush – it beats any ride at Seaworld. You come out WHAT GREAT CROSS TRAINING at the other end exhausted, confused & WHAT A CHALLENGE ! disorientated and with the timing chip strapped to your ankle and goggles It is difficult to find words to describe raised, you try and find your land legs as competing in an ocean swimming race. I ventured you stagger up the beach to the timing mat and to into this formerly unknown world of ocean racing the cheers of the huge crowd of onlookers. This on 1 February when I entered into the Cole Classic particular swim was meant to finish at Manly Beach Shelly Beach to Manly Beach 1K ocean race. No however due to the rough conditions it ended back amount of swimming in neat, tidy pool lanes where on Shelly Beach – a last minute change by the you can see the bottom, see the lane markers and organizers. It is an annual event divided into age easily see where you are going can prepare you for groups and the back of the pack group. There is a 1k ocean racing. Pool training for ocean racing is like & a 2K race. The swim starts at 9am. and the various training for the 6’ track by running laps around an groups then hit the water at about 5 minute oval. In the ocean you suddenly realize how spoilt intervals apart. As you can imagine the ocean is you have been training in your own lane, with flat, alive with a steady stream of swimmers all working still water with no other swimmers around you. their way through the swell. I came 846 out of 1359 When the starting gun fired I was suddenly thrown finishers in a time of 25.56 into a chaotic whirlpool of well over 1300 minutes. The $35.00 entry fee swimmers all trying to get past each other while includes a souvenir swimming battling a big swell, choppy water, currents & cap that all swimmers have to anything else mother nature wishes to throw at you. wear in the event. I was constantly flanked by swimmers to the left, swimmers to the right, hundreds of swimmers If you are looking for some good hard cross training ahead and hundreds of swimmers behind. I felt sure and the ride of your life look up that we were generating enough collective power www.oceanswims.com and go for the plunge. If you and energy to light up a city building. The swim want to see some good swim reports also go to itself was a real surprise - like swimming in a www.oceanswims.com - click on the LOOK INSIDE left hand button then scroll down to the reports for each swim. Photos below courtesy of oceanswims.com

A bunch of ordinary beachgoers go nuts when the Shark siren is heard. All of a sudden they stampede into the surf and attempt to kill the beast with their bare hands. “Seawater is for humans”, is their war cry.

25

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

By DENNIS WYLIE Ron and Dennis’ E xcellent Adventure

ne of the things I like about Ron Schwebel is his Catering was of a standard you come to expect of mobile love of gadgets. I saw him wearing two Garmins, caterers. They asked how I’d like my steak. I hesitantly O once. Wasting no time and while still driving, he replied, “medium-rare?” To the girl beside me I said, somehow got out his computer and his phone (loaded “What are my chances?” The question was answered a with a GPS programme) and alternating between them, millennium later. Everyone had finished when I finally calculated that, in spite of leaving late, we would reach got back to the table. To their quizzical looks I replied, Mt Stromlo with half an hour to spare. This had to be “They took a while to catch the cow.” Upon inspection, it recalculated after we experienced a blow out on the was apparent that they’d cooked the steak medium-rare Federal Highway. We would get there with 5 minutes to alright but it was medium on one side and rare on the spare. other. It might have been better if we hadn’t tried Ron’s special Later they disappointed me with a weak espresso coffee technique for quick-jacking the car up. This involved that came out of a machine but tasted like instant. It was driving the ruined wheel up onto the spare - to save some kind of magic trick and I couldn’t work out how effort jacking it up! It was effective in rapidly raising the they did it. flatty but we couldn’t spin the wheel brace because the We self-catered for breakfast and lunch. There was a bit spare tyre was in the way, the process of communal effort and it worked well of getting the nuts off was slowed and it and cheaply. From early in the morning was hard to get the spare out again. They all wore tights “Lone Ranger” was offering beers to Next time, we vowed, when using the everyone. I think he regarded it as an same method, to place the spare further to save being important part of his training. Carbo- in. The idea was sound but it required a scratched as they loading. practise run. Ron didn’t disappoint with his set up: We wanted to arrive on time so we shot through two tents (one for him, one for gear) could go for a welcome “pack run” with undergrowth at and a large gazebo for everyone to sit Deek. We made it in time but after we’d amazing speed. I saw under, a table, chairs, esky - a far cry registered for the weekend’s activities, from me and my equilateral (but not we ended up taking off for the welcome girls jumping down square) tent. Lucky I came with him! run well behind the pack and it took 20 foot cliffs We boiled water and filled thermos about 4k to catch up. Deek is a friendly, flasks so we could have tea during the down to earth bloke and chatted all the fearlessly. day but on one occasion Ron’s stove time with anyone who had anything to blew up. Luckily no one was near. This say. was a second explosion for Ron! Paul The inaugural Stromlo Running Festival was ready to Every came to the rescue with an ancient device that ran cater for a larger number so there were plenty of seats on meths. for dinner and entertainment (bands) in the evenings. We had a crack at Orienteering. I got a bit lost and ended During the day there were reminiscences and question up going to about 10 extra plot points before realizing and answer sessions by ex Olympians. There were talks they were for the pro’s. We novices were meant to be on by industry people on shoe design, nutrition, core another course. Still, it gave me the opportunity to see stability and injury. the pro’s in action and I was mightily impressed with On the first morning I was up fresh and early for the their speed and gung-ho attitude. They all wore tights to 10.5k run. Ron poked his head out and then went back to save being scratched as they shot through undergrowth bed. I put it down to the 2 bottles of red that had been at amazing speed. I saw girls jumping down 20 foot cliffs consumed the night before, largely between just Ron and fearlessly. We novices, who didn’t take the easy route, “Wombat out of hell” but he denied this and said it was just got scratched! his knee. Who am I to argue? I spoke to Andrew Lloyd (Commonwealth Games Gold We camped with the Cool Runners. Lorna (the Owl) medal for 5000m and 3 times City to Surf winner) who amused us with re-enactments of You Tube material. A has just turned 50. He wanted to know about Keith fair bit of beer was consumed and my new tent had a Bateman and Stephen Jackson and seemed pleased I wardrobe malfunction and ended up not being square, wasn’t in his age group. I felt flattered. That’s the great necessitating sleeping diagonally the first night. The thing about this event. These guys whom you think ground was so hard, tent pegs less that 5mm in diameter mightn’t care to know you, are just regular blokes and would bend. Girls got blisters trying to hammer them in. they’re just hanging out like you are. It was clear you couldn’t rely on them. I had to hammer One night, Deek unselfconsciously danced with his small my own in or they would use up all the band aids. daughter or all to see. Our group of non dancers did it’s 26

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009 best to keep the brewing industry gainfully employed. surface, perfect for bare foot running. The 2k circuit Pat Carol is a cheeky bugger with a huge personality. He loops around a gradually sloping terrain providing “easy” told us about running nude (so those following would up and downhills. This course is used for national and have to see his arse). He trains people to do Marathons international events. on minimal training. He thinks the most important thing On the last day a lot of people left early. There were only is the weekly long run. I agree. about 100 left for the prize giving. Both Ron and I got Ron and I entered the cross country. Both 4 and 8k races something. I got a trophy and Ron got a complete outfit started together. I just did the 4k and came 6th overall. from K-Swiss, a brand we will see more of in future. Ron made a decision to keep going and do the 8k when Some people stayed in Hotels in Canberra but if you do he saw how many finished at 4k. Good choice because he this event next year, I’d recommend doing it the way we won the age and gender category. The cross country did, except for the being late, the flat tyre, exploding course, unlike the British model, is a soft, groomed-grass camp stove and poorly pitched tent.

By JOHN BOWE 28th DECEMBER 2008 The Baldy Man Beach R un, Tramore, Ireland

hen I left Ireland to come live in Australia on or serious race. Nonetheless, I was determined!! 15th December 1989, friends and family would My opportunity for a triumphant return! Mentally I W have described me as anything and everything rehearsed my quote for “The Munster Express” (the local .... but never a “Sportsman” or an “Athlete”! newspaper), which would appear under the banner This, despite a family heritage which included breeding headline: “Shock upset. Dark horse from Sydney, first past and training of thoroughbred racehorses, four great- the post!” So having beaten all of the 20 year old upstart Uncles who were Jockeys, one of whom rode to victory in local athletes, I would say “It was the freezing cold that the 1895 Grand National (we have a long memory in our did it .... I am used to the Sydney heat, so I simply had to put family!); my father and younger brother, who both had in an extra fast run to keep warm .....” good runs playing rugby union; and more recently my But brothers are there to bring you back to earth: “Well first cousins son, has been representing Ireland in Rugby the “Baldy Man” run is very appropriate, isn’t it. You will Union (I live vicariously through the achievements of my feel right at home!” (Baldy Man being the name of the relatives!). landmark sand dune at the half way point, not the criteria So rather than trying to compete, I avoided any sport at for entry!) My brother seemed genuinely amused that his all during my youth! bald, ‘non-athletic’ older brother would be silly enough.... Up until 2 years ago, then aged 43, I had not run So it was with great trepidation, nervousness, and anywhere (except perhaps to catch the bus) since Junior numbness that I turned up at the very Irish start time of School sports, where I had won a cup for coming first in 11 am. It was still only 4 degrees, but the sun was, at the ‘Chariot Race’ (...Jockey heritage, light, sat up on the least, meekly shining through the gaps in the clouds! back of another school kid, with two others doing the There were about 300 friendly faces (well about 25 of running), and a medal for coming third in the Sack Race them were a more serious intimidating looking group, (May have cheated, not realising that both legs were who had clearly forsaken the Christmas Pudding and supposed to be in the sack...). I had tried out mountain Guinness, in favour of the run). The remaining 270 odd biking, but that had landed me in hospital with head and had turned up I think primarily for the pub bragging hand injuries, some arguing I clearly have not yet fully rights of having started their New Year’s resolutions recovered ... early. In any event I was going to give it a go. If I could So 2 years ago, to encourage my 13 year old daughter hang even to the coat tails of the front group, I might prepare for City2 Surf, I joined her running for the first arrive home with some honour intact! time. She ran a great first run over the 14 kms and I The bald head (mine) had its aerodynamic advantages, as caught the bug. Since then I have been making up for 30 we ran into a very chilly head wind; the freezing cold sedentary years, having run three half marathons, two providing the necessary motivation to reach home marathons, and numerous other shorter runs in the last faster. I did finish at the head of the pack of 270, and on two years! the coat-tails of the front 25! So in Ireland at Christmas to visit family, I came across a 9 kms, aged 45, hard and soft sand, some rocks, 26th notice for a 9 km Beach Run on 28th December 2008, on home, 37 mins 05 secs! Not bad! the beach of my childhood: Tramore, County Waterford. No journalists, no headlines, no quotes, but the small Yes: ‘beach’, ‘mid winter’, ‘rain’, ‘Ireland’, ‘wet weather’, pleasure of having my much more athletic and far more ‘cold’, and all of this 3 days post Christmas dinner and competitive little brother exclaim: “You did it in what lots of Guinness; seemed unlikely to add up to a very fast time??” 27

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

By KEVIN O’KANE Marathon T rendsetters

Whether we know it or not, we’re all trendsetters, every time we step out in our running shoes. What we do and what we don’t makes us part of one trend or another. Since the Running Boom started in the 1970s, the marathon running population has ebbed and flowed in multiple trends, some lasting and some not. For this article, I’ve tried to investigate some of the trends in marathon running, particularly in Australia, over the years. The statistics I have are not always scientific or complete, but they do give some sort of a picture as to what has occurred.

The Second Running Boom is happening More women are running The Running Boom was an exciting time for Australian There is one trend in marathons which has continued runners as we travelled through the late seventies and universally for my entire running life. Each year, more of into the eighties. Fun runs by the hundred, marathons the fairer sex are running marathons. It was commonly proliferating and, with Rob de Castella, Lisa Martin accepted for most of the 20th century that women were (Ondieki) and Steve Monaghetti, some of the world’s best not suited to long distance running. No women ran the marathon runners were Australian. On our television screens we could watch live telecasts of not only our Where Race Female Male own major marathons, but also London, Chicago and Sydney 1985 Wang Australian 5.4% 94.6% New York. Sydney Striders organised Sydney’s best 2000 Host City Marathon 18.6% 81.4% Half Marathon, entries growing to over 2,000 runners 2008 Sydney Running Festival 25.2% 74.6% by the mid 1980s. It seemed like it would go on Gold Coast 2002 Gold Coast Marathon 26.0% 74.0% 2008 Gold Coast Marathon 33.7% 66.3% forever. But it didn’t. Ten years later, it really looked Melbourne 2001 Melbourne Marathon 19.8% 80.2% like marathon running in Australia was headed for 2008 Melbourne Marathon 24.6% 75.4$ oblivion. Sydney could not support a viable Canberra 1978 Canberra Marathon 4.7% 95.3% marathon – I even had to organise my own for the 1988 Canberra Marathon 6.6% 93.4% MTG in 1997 when the advertised Sydney Marathon 1998 Canberra Marathon 9.9% 90.1% was cancelled on short notice. The NSW State 2008 Canberra Marathon 27.8% 72.2% Marathon Championships even had to be held in USA 1997 Chicago Marathon 33.3% 66.7% Canberra several times in the nineties. 2008 Chicago Marathon 43.6% 56.4% France 2003 Paris Marathon 14.2% 85.8%‘ Possibly the best example of the trend was in that 2008 Paris Marathon 16.5% 83.5% Striders favourite, the Canberra Marathon. The England 2003 London Marathon 19.2% 80.8% number of finishers in Canberra increased each year 2008 London Marathon 31.2% 68.8% bar one from 1976 to 1984, culminating in 1984 with 1,754 finishers That number fell rapidly to its low point first New York City Marathon, and women were not even of 335 finishers in 1997. What this meant can be seen by permitted to run the Boston Marathon until 1972. The considering that, in 1984, a hundred more runners had first woman to break 3 hours was Adrienne Beames of finishing times under 3 hours in the Canberra Marathon Australia, in 1971. The first woman to finish the than finished there at all in 1997. Canberra Marathon, in its third year, was Strider Sue Hill in 1978. There was no women’s Olympic running event But with the Sydney Olympics approaching, the sleeping longer than 1500 metres until Joan Benoit’s 1984 Los giant slowly began to stir. After a large field in the Angeles Marathon. This all seems like, and is now, Olympic Trial Marathon in 2000, which was to be ancient history. expected, the level of interest in Sydney began to show signs of life. In Sydney, the level of support has, after a This trend has been going since the Running Boom few years of consolidation, resulted in finishers in started, and continues today everywhere marathons are Sydney’s big Marathon increasing in the last 5 years from run. I have not seen one statistic anywhere indicating 1165 to 1936. In the same period, finishers in Melbourne that this trend has run its course. The future might be have increased by around 400, and Gold Coast by 1,800. seen by looking at the City to Surf. In its first year, the The number of finishers in Canberra has increased each race had less than 2% women. Thirty five years later, in year since 1997, and reached 1041 last year. If that’s not 2006, more women than men entered the race. a Boom, I don’t know what is.

28

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

The Standard of Performance is dropping But even in marathons like the Gold Coast, where it is flatter, and Canberra, where it is cooler, the same trend is Perhaps the most intriguing trend, unaffected by the apparent, to a lesser extent. What are the other reasons? Second Running Boom, is that the standard of distance I don’t know, to be honest, but I would guess that they running in Australia is falling, and has been consistently would include the following factors: doing so for many years. The fastest marathon time ever Runners, like everyone else in society, are far more Marathon % beating my PB time poor than they once were. Consequently, many Sydney 1985 26.2% 2000 11.2% 2008 6.8% are undertrained for a long road race. Melbourne 2001 14.1% 2005 12.2% 2008 6.8% Triathlons and ultras have become far more Gold Coast 2002 14.4% 2008 8.4% mainstream than they once were, and many who Canberra 1985 34.8% 1999 29.7% 2008 14.9% would otherwise have been aiming all their training at marathons no longer do so. in Australia was run in 1982, and Rob de Castella’s Runners in general no longer train as hard for Australian record is now 23 years old, even though world marathons as they once did (probably time again). marathon times have come down a long way. It is much Whereas once the enemy was unnecessary “junk the same with the women. The women’s winner of the miles”, there is now perhaps an overemphasis on major Sydney Marathon in 1985 ran almost 10 minutes speed and gym sessions at the expense of including faster than the winner in 2008, and the fastest Australian sufficient mid-week runs needed to run your best time was run in 1991. It is the same for those behind the possible time. The best way to train for a running winners, with the depth of results continuing to fall away race is, strangely, to run. In the eighties, most dramatically. By way of illustration I have done runners toughened up on the fun run circuit before calculations using my very modest 1985 PB (don’t ask). moving up in distance. Even the average runner’s When I ran my PB, 26.2% of the field was in front of me. long runs now are often too fast – in this time Only 11.2% of the field was in front of my time in the deprived world, runners seem to have forgotten that Host City Marathon in 2000, and in last year’s the longest run should generally be the slowest of Blackmore’s only 6.8% beat my time. the week, and turn their long runs into races.

This is not just because there are more slow runners The Big get Bigger and the Small ………Die pushing out the average. A comparison of the 100th Thirty years ago, road running in Australia was very placed finishers in three different cities a quarter of a much a grass roots activity. Track athletic clubs did not century apart shows the same drastic reduction in regard road runners as real athletes, and so numerous quality. small groups and clubs sprang up to provide a base for

the new activity. Races were generally fairly small locally th Although Marathon 100 place time or club based affairs, and they were every weekend and the trend is Sydney 1985 2.44 2008 3.11 in every area. Even if the organisation was not quite undeniable, Canberra 1983 2.29 2008 2.47 professional, fun runs were always friendly and centred the causes New York 1983 2.14 2008 2.22 on the connection between runners and their are well community. And they were, by current standards, dirt hidden. I believe that one cause, although probably not cheap. It was several years after I started running before the main one, is that Australian marathoners, particularly I even heard of an entry fee as high as $10.00. Half in Sydney, are having to deal with more difficult courses, Marathons and Marathons began to appear and were an and weather which is much too hot for marathons. Each extension of the fun run movement, still run by local year the Sydney course has more hills, twists and turns, groups for the runners. Sydney Striders’ own Half all of which result in slower times. There has been much Marathon proudly stated that it was run “by runners for research showing that performance drops off runners”. The local Councils and Police, as well as most significantly with every degree the temperature rises Government departments were all part of the mix to over about 15 degrees. When I ran my PB in 1985, spread the health and fitness message. The Federal Sydney’s major marathon was in June, when it should be. Government even brought us Norm and the “Life Be In It” You can see from the above table how much stronger the campaign to encourage participation. depth is in Canberra, where the weather is kinder to marathoners. Late September marathons in Sydney are Inevitably it occurred to some that there might be money usually much too hot for good performance. Disaster to be made in all of this. Sydney’s first BIG run was the was narrowly averted last year when the temperature City to Surf, which was televised live and attracted 2,107 was 34 degrees the day before the 2008 Sydney event! It entrants. As its numbers grew, other newspapers and is obvious that organisers are unable to give Sydney television stations jumped on the bandwagon. Business marathoners a fast, cool event. Basically, the car is God in interests entered the running movement and followed Sydney. Even with a couple of thousand runners in the the Boom with differing degrees of commercial success. Marathon, it is only possible to have road closures if the Police and Government Authorities began to view every numbers (and coffers) are swelled by associated events activity as a “user pays” opportunity. Unable to compete over shorter distances, in which warmer weather doesn’t with the budgets and organisational resources of the much matter. commercial events, particularly as participation began to 29

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009 wane, many of the local runs simply ceased to exist, and 1990s that this trend, irrevocably connected to the they were not replaced. And then, when the Boom ageing of the Baby Boomer marathoners, would continue. petered out, most of the commercially run events did too. Guess what? This trend has reversed! Fields everywhere There wasn’t a lot left. When I was trying to select a few in Australia have been getting younger each year for the local and community type events for Striders to support last decade. with the Super Series, I found that there were not all that many to choose from, and some of the events we did Where Race % Over 40 include have now disappeared (although perhaps the Sydney 1985 Wang Australian 29.4% Woodford to Glenbrook is one race we helped to save 2000 Host City Marathon 52.4% with the Super Series – we provided half the field for a 2008 Sydney Running Festival 36.7% while). Gold Coast 1998 Gold Coast Marathon 53.0% 2008 Gold Coast Marathon 45.9% With the coming of the Second Running Boom, it is now Melbourne 2001 Melbourne Marathon 45.1% the time of the BIG BIG event. Last year, Sydney’s 2 2008 Melbourne Marathon 40.0% biggest road races, the Sydney Morning Herald Half Canberra 1998 Canberra Marathon 64.0% Marathon and the City to Surf both closed entries before 2008 Canberra Marathon 52.4% the day, as they couldn’t handle any more runners. The same has happened this year with the Six Foot Track Why this has occurred is another matter for conjecture. Marathon. The numbers in the Blackmores Running It is not that there are more first time marathoners. That Festival continue to soar. Even Sydney Striders have trend has barely changed. In the 2 biggest marathons I noticed this, with huge increases in the number of could find results for, in Sydney in 1985 and 2000, both entrants in the 10k series in the last decade. At the same showed that debut marathoners occupied 36% of the time, and notwithstanding the Second Running Boom, field, and experienced ones 64%. For Canberra this year, there has been no re-emergence of the small community the latest list of entrants at the time of writing showed supported runs, whose number has continued to shrink. 34% debutants and 66% experienced. Maybe it is the There have certainly been no new marathons in Sydney sign that Generations X and Y are finally pushing the for many years. At the present rate, there will soon only Baby Boomers aside. be a few public races in Sydney each year, but they will be big ones. The Very Young Why is it so? One trend in long distance running in the 1980s which Contemporary Australian society does not have time has well and truly passed into history has been largely for events all the time. The Melbourne Cup attracts forgotten – the very young marathoners. In 1982, I was a massive crowd, while numbers at ordinary race passed several times in the Harbord Diggers Marathon by meetings are in rapid decline, and State cricketers a 7-year-old boy. He eventually “faded” to finish in 3.37. play before empty grounds while tickets for an His 11-year-old brother ran 3.43. There were 13 Ashes Test or a 20/20 international sell out months finishers out of 398 who were 18 years old and under, in advance. but only 9 women finishers in total. The boy backed up in the following year’s marathon and ran 3.28, aged 8. It is too costly and there are too many layers of Even an event as tough as the Six Foot Track Marathon bureaucracy to organise smaller runs these days. was no exception. One young runner in the 1980s ran it The same forked tongued politicians who cry three time between the ages of 15 and 17, with a best crocodile tears over the obesity epidemic and falling finish of 5th and a “worst” finish of 11th, in 3 hours 58! It fitness standards preside over bureaucracies which couldn’t happen these days. And in Canberra, one young appear to exist just to collect their pieces of silver girl ran the Marathon at the ages of 10, 11 and 12, and have their forms completed in quadruplicate. finishing with a time under 3.20 in her third year. They give their help – and support – to the mega events (for a fee) but not to smaller fry. A race with Striders trends 200 runners cannot possibly afford to pay for Police, Sydney Striders have, in the main, reflected the general a Council or two, the RTA, Ambulance Service, trend concerning the proportion of women, although, as National Parks etc. etc. Ask any race organiser. the figures below show, the trend since 2000 has not followed the general increase. Public liability insurance premiums for small events can be quite prohibitive. And this even when almost In the mid 1980s, almost half of the Club was composed all of the risk has been legislated away years ago. of men in their thirties, reflecting the strength of the Baby Boomers. Although I don’t have the figures, I recall Runners are getting older. Or are they? that someone did the figures a decade or more ago, For many years it has been a truism that marathon which showed that, at that point, Striders were gradually runners were getting older and older. It was clear to any ageing at a consistent rate each year. In the last ten of the remaining old fossils (like myself) that this was years, this trend has stopped, but not reversed. The happening, and it was pretty obvious up until the late percentage of Striders aged 40+ has remained constant, 30

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

Year M F Joined last 5 years U30 30-39 40-49 50+ Secret men’s and 1985 83.3% 16.7% 11.0% 47.8% 30.9% 10.3% 1991 199 16.0% 56.6% (1992) women’s business 2000 72.5% 27.5% 62.8% 8.0% 32.2% 29.2% 30.6% 2005 76.7% 23.3% 67.2% 11.9% 28.7% 30.7% 28.7% Creepy! We’ve all gone right past 2009 72.5% 27.5% 67% 12.5% 29.9% 31.8% 27.4% something several times without while the only real change has been an increase in the knowing it was there! Didn’t we want to look? If we knew it percentage of the under 30s, at the expense of the 30-40 was there and we didn’t look, we didn’t go in?! If we didn’t group. I suspect that this is directly related to the go in we didn’t know what we missed. Only those who went increase in competitors in the 10k series. in, saw. Some just probably looked – and saw tunnels and

big guns! Some probably had a coffee. Some enjoyed the In a Club focussing on long distance running, which view. Some had a picnic. Some became informed by a requires quite a time commitment, and is not for guide. everyone anyway, it is inevitable that there will be a continual turnover of membership. In the early nineties, 56.6% of members had joined within the previous 5 So, what am I talking about? I don’t know. I haven’t done it years. This has increased to 67% now. While it could be myself. I haven’t been in. But I’m going to, now I know it’s said that such a high turnover might be a weakness, I there. You can too. It’s the North Fort Military Museum and believe just the opposite. If you look at many other it’s conveniently right near the start and finish of our 10k distance running Clubs and groups in Sydney, a race at North Head, so it couldn’t be easier to go in and find “fossilisation” is very apparent. The ultimate result of out what the big secret is. Hey! Let’s do it, Yeah!!! Look! this must be the shrinking and eventual disappearance of Here’s a site for it: http://www.northfort.org.au/ those bodies. The strong continuing turnover of Striders membership, bringing in new blood each year, is a protection against this happening to us.

Predictions No matter what has happened in the past, the one thing Sydney Striders which is that certain is that any attempt to make predictions for the future of running in Australia will be proved embarrassingly wrong. But I’ll make some Annual Awards Dinner anyway (don’t keep this issue). Friday 29th May 2009 1. The percentage of women in marathons will continue to increase at a slower rate, until the trend stabilises at a little under 50%. Guest Speaker – DEEK 2. The Second Running Boom is probably near its peak now, and will peter out like the first, but marathon fields will not fall to the level of the mid-1990s. 3. Sydney will not get a top class marathon in the next Yes that’s right, Rob De Castella – 4 20 years. 4. Big events like the City to Surf, Sydney Half Marathon time Australian Olympic marathon and Six Foot Track will continue to fill up. Smaller runs will continue to die, with very few runs with representative and still the current under 500 runners surviving as public runs. holder of the Australian Marathon 5. The standard of Australian marathon running will not significantly improve from its present poor state. record will join us for the evening. 6. As the Baby Boomers age, the age of marathoners will continue to fall for some time yet. 7. The Striders 10k series in its present form will Don’t be one of the few that miss become too difficult to organise, forcing Striders to concentrate on hosting a smaller number of, but the opportunity to listen to the bigger, events. This might include a big 10k or two (like last year’s Homebush run) and, heaven forbid, marathon legend himself, share his even a possible return to an annual Striders Half story of a truly remarkable running Marathon (possibly in conjunction with other shorter event/s). career, and life since. 8. I will continue to get slower.

Stay tuned for more details soon.

Impressive work. Kevin. Ed (these will be emailed in the next few weeks) 31

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

La Galleria

Manal Garcia and Lorraine Spanton have been offered a huge retainer by Striders (see Profit and Loss statement in this issue) to smile at new members and make them feel welcome. Men, desirous of this treatment have to form orderly queues at our events as they wait to be smiled at but they often become impatient and fights break out. Even the Editor, when early and the only one in the queue broke out into a fight with himself.

Having taken their final buckets of sand up, for the day, Keith Bateman leads everyone back to the start. They expect to finish the man made hill in 20 years.

Pram City: Last year the world pram record was broken at a Striders 10k. Cameron Arnold pushes a double seater! Only Karen stands between our bets and Cam doing the triple seater in future.

32

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

While visiting her hometown of Barcelona, Leonor Lawler entered a race and came 4th in her age group.

Doctors examining Zoe Cameron realized that she had one leg shorter than the other. This accounted for her running in circles.

Craig: “Please, after you, Scott”. Scott: “No, you first, Craig”. Craig: No, I couldn’t, really, after you, I insist!” Scott: Alright, if you insist but next time it’s your turn.... I mean it!

The Bay is lined with women 10 deep for the annual Sluggo’s Run which raises money for charity at Christmas.

33

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

By AMANDA UNDERWOOD THE PEOPLE THAT WE MEET L izzy Hawker

Lizzy Hawker has been described as England’s top female endurance and ultra runner. She has twice won the prestigious (and arduous) North Face Tour du Mont Blanc race in Switzerland, is the joint holder of the record for running from Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu and won gold at the 2006 100km World Championships in Korea, representing Great Britain, to become World Champion for that year. She is also a close friend of the Fattorini family and was kind enough to tolerate my many questions when I met her recently at a Fattorini family event.

How old were you when you started running competitively What do you consider to be your most important and what prompted you to start? strengths, both physically and mentally?

It’s hard now to remember a time when I wasn’t running. Perhaps simply endurance and the will to keep going? With I’ve always run - but it was only ever for myself. In the the longer distances it is as much in the head as in the legs. beginning it was just a way to be outside - an antidote to It is important for me in any race or challenge that the not living in the hills or mountains - a means of retaining feeling is right, that it is right for me to be there. If then some modicum of fitness. I only entered my first race (the mind and body are strong together, much can become London Marathon) when I was 24. But it wasn’t really until possible. For all of us it is important always to run with 2005 (when I was 29) that I started running longer heart and soul as well as the head and the legs. distances. That year I competed in my first 100km race (the UK 100km Championship) and my first mountain trail race What is a typical training week for you? (The North Face Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc - 155km). It has all happened more by chance than by design - and at a Hard to say specifically since it varies so much depending on relatively late age. I just found it felt natural to run the long whether I’m focusing on an ultra, a road marathon or distances. mountain running, how much I’m racing, and how much mountaineering, ski-alpinism or langlauf I am also doing! So What appeals to you about mountain running? for me ‘flexibility’ is the key. When training for an ultra, it is important just to get a lot of ‘time on my feet’ - long days I just love being in the mountains. There is a certain mountaineering or fast hiking in addition to the running are enthrallment in journeying on a trail or through the great! For me, I run because I love to be outside, so the mountains very simply and under your own steam; leaving hardest running for me is in a gym. I do also try to keep up a nothing but your footprints, but at the same time practice of yoga - not so much just as ‘exercise’ but perhaps challenging yourself to the ‘edge’ physically and mentally. more for the mental focus and philosophical aspects as well as the strength and flexibility. What is your favourite race distance? Do you follow a tailored program or have a coach? Marathon and beyond … My training varies during the year - I find periods of more What PB's or race results are most significant to you and structured training and then periods of more relaxed ‘as I why? feel’ training works the best for me. Until now running has always been just something I’ve done alone and for myself. For me the motivation is always just to do the very best that However, now I am keen to learn to draw out my potential I know I can do at that time - on that day - whatever that and train with more specific focus in order to see what is means with regards to position in a race (men or women). possible. When I’m aiming for a specific ultra or marathon Sometimes this means being disappointed with 1st position, then I do need to try to keep to a more specific training if for me I felt I could have run better, and yet at other schedule. And into this I need to incorporate some proper times perhaps being happy with not such good position, if sessions on the track, and a few sessions with other for me I ran the best race I could. runners, in order to work on my speed. However when I’m

34

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009 focusing on mountain running, and especially when I’m in a What goals are you focusing on at the moment? period of frequent races, I find I tend towards ‘as I feel’ training. Sadly for the 2008 100km World Championships I was injured and had to withdraw. For 2009 my plans are only Do you follow a specific diet or nutrition plan? provisional but at the moment I will focus the winter towards some ski-alpinism races and then a spring road I am vegetarian, but I have been since the age of five - as a marathon. Beyond that I hope to race in an ultra - either child, once I realized what meat was I didn’t want to eat it Comrades in South Africa or the 100km of Biel in and it has always just felt natural to me to keep to a Switzerland. For the summer I will focus on mountain vegetarian diet. I do tend to eat a lot of fresh fruit and running including (I hope!) the Zermatt Marathon, World vegetables, very little processed food. But of course, treats Trail Challenge (68km), Swiss Alpine Davos 78km, and the are allowed! My favourite meal is probably home made Ultra Trail Tour du Mont Blanc. But perhaps I’m being too bread, good mountain cheese, a bunch of grapes and a glass hopeful? of local red wine.

One of my favourite quotes is ‘Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it’ (Goethe). Life is short. So be bold - begin to explore one of your dreams. Because sometimes - just sometimes - dreams come true.

4 Striders make World Rankings PREFERRED SUPPLIERS Aura has released 2008 World rankings for long distance running. Over 50k, David Criniti is second fastest in the Want a quick, cheap ad for your business in this World! magazine? We have over 700 members. Reaching them Read the remarkable story here: may reach their friends and family too. Many Striders keep back-issues for years. To join this list, provide your http://www.canberramarathon.com.au/index.php?pageid= business name and no more than 30 words description. 118 $45 for a year. Include telephone number or email.

ABILITY HEALTHCARE Aged care, Mobility & Disabled equipment specialists Mobility Scooters, Wheelchairs, Walkers And as for the shorter distance stuff, World Masters Grab rails, Crutches, Lift Chairs Athletics have released rankings for 2008 Hospital beds & Mattresses, Shower chairs www.abilityhealthcare.net 1500m 115 Silverwater Rd Silverwater Ph 9648 1888 Keith Bateman,1st 50-54 year old Collie Kinsela 107

5000m FEET ON THE MOVE Keith Bateman,13th 50-54 year old Heidi Jones Podiatrist 248 Bondi Rd, Bondi 2026. 10,000m (10k) 9389 8525 Ray Wareham, 36th 40-45 year old 0417663187 Keith Bateman, 7th 50-54 year old Mondays and Fridays. 107 Dennis Wylie, 16th 55-59 year old BABYGOODS DISTRIBUTORS - BABYLAND Showroom 53, Hume H’way, Chullora. New baby goods & a good clean range of used baby goods. Price check & All other World rankings are available for perusal here: ask for the Striders special price. Delivery service, major credit cards. http://www.mastersathletics.net/fileadmin/html/Rankings/ Mon to Fri 9.15 to 5.30 Rankings_2008/200810000metres.htm Tel 9642 7788 107

35

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

t had finally arrived, the event that I had lived and Cathcart is open for the first time in 5 years and to cap it breathed for a year. Surprisingly, I was very relaxed, off, there is a toilet there as well. True gold! My crew I knowing that I was going to be tested to my absolute have a surprise for me here, a golden gaytime. I have a limits. Although, as it turned out, I didn't realise how great laugh when Belinda passes me this. I immediately absolute they were. Probably a good thing! think of Tim and Whippet and wonder how far they have got ahead of me since they re-passed me while I was Here we are at Boydtown Beach with the clock having lunch. The ipod goes on as I leave Allison and approaching 5.30 and before we know it we are off on Marie behind and chase after Hermie. Then when I get to our journey to the top of Australia. I am surprised by the the Monaro Highway, my crew have another surprise for uphills in the first trail section but happy enough to find me. Timmeister has found 2 unopened cans of VB there. myself walking with Lisa Spink. We chat a bit about They must have been left over after a wild party there. Glasshouse and before we know it, we are hitting the haha. I immediately open one and start drinking it and it road where our crews are waiting for us for the first of gives me a nice boost at the 50 mile mark. A third of the many times. The first kms tick away nicely and Lisa race over and still on my target. I catch up to Hermie as moves ahead. We start to hit some downhills and we turn off the highway as he is having a gear change. We Whippet flies past. I am used to this as he loves to show run together for a while and discuss how good it will be off his downhill running ability and he is soon out of to catch Tim and Whippet. My 3 person crew are getting sight. I go through the marathon point in 4:52 which is toey and ask if I would like one of them to run with me around my target time but I am surprised that it has been for a while to give them a break from sitting in the van, tougher than what I thought it should be. Hermie and which they have been doing for over 10 hours. I happily Tim go past me around this point and run off into the accept the offer and GraeGrae joins me. He is surprised distance together. Not long later Allison and Marie cruise how relaxed the pace is and instinctively lifts it a notch. I past me together and they start to move off into the am happy to go with him as he has been waiting all day distance. I am having my first bad patch and realise I for this moment. We start to ease away from Hermie and must do something to bring me out of my malaise. not much longer we have Tim and Whippet in sight. The only problem is they see the I discuss this with my crew and Horriemobile and lift their then Belinda hands me my ipod, tempo as well. So we play cat a can of V and a sandwich. By GLENN LOCKWOOD and mouse with them for a Before I know it, I have got a bit while and by the time I reach of zip back in my legs. I soon the dead tree, they have not realise that I am catching Allison long left. I am happy to let them and Marie and stay with them go while I change into my night for a little while before moving Horrie’s orror gear. By the time I do this, ahead of them just in time to see H Hermie reaches the tree as well. Colin, Sailaway and SMC42km doing their thing with the manequins. After a bit of I run onto the turnoff point to Dalgety where I have banter, I am off soon to be climbing Big Jack Mountain. At Schultzy ready for a pacing stint. Hermie now has the base I see T-Bone walking with Vegie Girl and he Boonarga running with him and he is starting to take doesn't look happy. I turn my ipod off and try to talk to distance off me and soon passes me. At this point, him but he is in a shitty mood and isn't interested in Schultzy tells me this is such a long race, that Hermie and talking to me and just powers off ahead. So I turn my I could end up 3 hours apart. As it turned out, it ended up ipod on and stay 10-20 metres behind him singing at the being over 5 hours. Well run Hermie, you are such a top of my voice. That should teach him to snob me like tough bugger. Not long later, there is a mix up with my that. Then half way up I notice Whippet join him so I crew and I go almost an hour without food. I feel fatigue catch back up to them and again try to talk to them. The setting in and it is now dark and with that my mood conversation lasted a few sentences longer this time but darkens. Belinda takes over pacing duties from Schultzy same result, they just increase the tempo of their walk so not long later and she is great and has a great calming I have no option other than to put my ipod in walk hard influence on me. She makes sure I am eating and drinking to keep them in sight. I notice I am catching them on the regularly again and my mood and pace picks up. Paul and flatter bits so I take the opportunity to pass them as I Diane are soon doing their drive through the field giving know I have already scheduled a lunch break at the top of us a weather report for tomorrow. It sounds like it is on Big Jack Mountain where a freshly cooked chicken burger the improve. I should know by now not to trust weather will be waiting for me. reports. He tells me I am looking good and should probably catch a few people as there are a few ahead After lunch is eaten and shirt changed, I notice Hermie, having problems. This keeps my mood and pace up and Allison and Marie leaving. This is my cue to get going Belinda decides to keep running with me until Dalgety. again. Hermie goes ahead then Marie follows then Allison and then me, all spaced out 100m apart on our way into When we reach Dalgety, Billy Pearce the race medic asks Cathcart. I catch up to Allison and we run into Cathcart me a few questions to assess my condition. I tell him the together. Everybody is excited that the infamous store at only problem I have is a few blisters but nothing that is

36

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009 going to stop me. He then tells me he will see me at GraeGrae at Thredbo River and we are soon climbing Charlottes Pass. Schultzy tells me Whippet is having again. Timmeister is very happy to be out on the road problems and Tim has left without him. I realise that this with me and tells me he is glad he doesn't have to do the is probably the beginning of the end for Whippet. I feel climb to Kosciuzko with me. He stays on the road for a for him but he has had such a stellar year, I am sure he 3km stint with me. It is great to have him out there with will get over it. I also realise that this will make catching me and I draw a lot of inspiration from how he deals with Tim that much harder. GraeGrae takes over pacing duties his problems. Not long later Mr G pulls up in a car and from Dalgety until the 100 mile mark, which I reach in says G'day, I am shocked to see the Big Fella, Virtual get 23:51. I realise my pace has dropped but am happy to out of the car and ask me if I want some company for a reach this mark in under 24 hours. Belinda joins me on while. I soon forget the problems I have been having with the road again and leads me up through Beloka Range. my stomach and my feet and am making good progress. She gets me to chi walk it and this helps immensely and I We are soon passed by RB and family in a car. He steps seem to go up effortlessly. She runs with me for a few out to tell us that he hasn't pulled out but he is struggling more kms but then I decide I just want to run in my own and just wants to drive ahead to assess the conditions company for a while so the ipod goes back in and I keep before making his mind up. I soon start to get this uneasy shuffling along. Marie has gone past me after I must have feeling that conditions must be really bad and when we seen her husband at least 10 times throughout the night. are greeted by each runner who has finished on their She has now left Allison way back down, the behind. Then as I run a messages become more long downhill, I notice and more serious and that my blistered fearful. Colin is almost second toe on my right white and I can see the foot has got a lot worse fear in his eyes as he as when it pushes talks about what it is against the toe of my like. I can feel he is shoe, it no longer feels really worried about like a toe but more like me. Virtual combats mush. I realise I have to this by telling me to stop at the next crew stay positive and just stop and deal with it. deal with whatever is While getting my toe thrown at me. Belinda patched up, Paul and is also great and tells Diane drive through me no matter how bad the field to tell us that it is, it hasn't stopped the finish is now at them and they have all Charlottes Pass. Their finished. RB soon calm manner does not reappears from his car make us realise how on the way back down bad the weather is up and declares that he there. has quit. I feel for him. He got to within 60km I am very lucky to have of the finish last year a nurse for a wife and and 30km this year and crew member and the still no akubra. I know toe is soon patched up he will be back for and feels a lot better so I head off into Jindabyne with another shot next year. GraeGrae. He tries to encourage me to push a bit harder on the downhills but I have got nothing. We soon hit the By the time we see Hermie and Tim on their way back bike path and as neither of us have been on it before, we down, the weather is getting a lot worse and the winds have no idea where it ends. I know it rejoins the road at a are getting stronger and driving rain into your face and service station but we walk around like headless chooks the temperature is dropping. I am so thankful that I for a while until we eventually find it. Our crew also have bought a new jacket especially for this event and that we problems finding this service station but we are all now packed Tim's ski gloves amongst our gear. I just reach on course again. As we hit the road again, Allison and one into the car and shake Hermie's hand as he tells me the of her crew Barbara catch up to us. They go past us but weather only gets worse from here. When we see Tim we manage to keep them in sight until Guthega turnoff and Whippet's crew car the only word that I can come up where we stop to put extra wet weather gear on. with is insane. Tim just lets out a 'maaaaaaaaate, wait until you get to Perisher'. As we head down the hill to Since we have hit Jindabyne, we realise the strength of Perisher, the landscape is unrecognisable. Belinda thinks the wind and it is getting stronger with each passing km. she sees the road flooded and wonders how the Belinda and Timmeister take over pacing duties from Horriemobile is going to get through. I tell her she is

37

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009 mistaken and tell her it is a lake. When we get there, it is on the spot with her arms moving and encourages me to a car park and is not flooded at all. Tim is not wrong and do the same. We are now making some headway and we the weather here is absolutely abominable. We are arrive at the van in 18 minutes. As the previous 2km took getting smashed from every angle and I don't think I can an hour, that is a hell of an improvement. I am buoyed by take much more. I am hardly moving forward and am this and we soon realise that when there is a slight break having trouble staying on my feet. I get my crew to drive in the winds, we must take advantage of it so we are now the van ultra slowly and think I can walk either behind or playing games with the winds. When a gust picks up and at the side of the van to protect me from these smashes us, we just link arms and stand our ground and monsoonal conditions. We do this for a while until as it eases off, we start to shuffle. The next km is done in Schultzy tells me we will run out of petrol before we get 17 minutes. I am getting quicker and am now gaining to Charlottes Pass if we keep doing this. Up until this hope for the first time in a long time. Belinda tells me we point, the only thing that has kept me going is knowing are doing 1km reps and we only have 7 left. The next one that when it is over I can climb into the van and be back goes well and we get through that in 14 minutes. The in a warm bed within an hour. He also tells me that at the next km is a bit of a downhill and we are aided by some pace I am now moving at, it is going to take 4 hours to do changes in the wind direction so we take advantage of the last 9km. Belinda tells me she can't take another 4 getting smashed in the back by a 100km/hr tailwind and hours of this and I know I surely can't. fly through that km in 11 minutes. It is now only 5km to go and I know I will be finished in a little over an hour. So I decide that I just have to suck it up and get my arse The kms start to get slower again but we are happy to moving. We send the van a km up the road and I tell keep the next 2 under 20 minutes. Somewhere towards Belinda to get me moving again. So we start swinging our the end of the 3rd last km, we think we hear a car behind arms with vigour and I slowly start to quicken up. Even us but the winds have been making us think this so many though it is turtle's pace, it's still a heck of a lot quicker times already. Then we hear voices and Belinda is sure than snail's pace. Belinda then asks me if I can start she is hallucinating. Then in his unmistakable deep voice, running. I think the weather has got to her and she has Mr G asks 'pies anybody?' We gladly accept the offer and lost her marbles. But as she says this, she starts jogging with food warming our stomachs and the knowledge that it is now only 2km to go, our spirits are lifted further. The winds are getting stronger again and visibility is getting poorer but we manage to reach the van just before 8.30pm with 1km to go. We link arms and just walk strongly until we can see car headlights. Our crew have driven to the finish and left the headlights on to alert us to where the finish is. As we approach, Grae Grae is out of the car and guiding us towards Paul and the finish line. We finally reach it 39 hours and 17 minutes since we left Eden and I have never been so glad to finish a race. We are whisked into the 5 star accommodation in the Charlottes Pass toilet block where Diane offers me a cup of hot water. I never realised hot water would taste so good. There were hugs and tears all round and several chants of Horrie led by Paul and Virtual. This was followed by a couple of cups of coffee and when we had got dry and warm, out came the bottle of french champagne we had saved for the finish. There we were in the Chateau de Toilette at Charlottes Pass drinking french champagne. It was a truly magical moment.

I cannot thank my crew enough. You could not contemplate doing an event like this without one. It was ably led by the love of my life, Belinda who always knew the right thing to say or do at the

38

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009 right time, even when I didn't like the sound of it. And much more than a race, it is a big family adventure and she showed in those last couple of hours out in you are our ever caring parents. The effort you go to treacherous conditions just how tough she is. Thank you make sure we all know what is going on and in turn you darling. I am so lucky to have found you so early in my are able to monitor things gives us all that extra feeling of life. I look forward to doing several more of these events comfort. The heartfelt love you show us when we finish is and the rest of our lives together. just unbelievable and I know you would love to see every starter finish. GraeGrae, you committed to crewing for me in January/February this year and never faltered. Just as Virtual, to see you pop out of the car just after Thredbo you did in the nearly 40 hours we were out on the road. River and walk with me for a couple of hours was You said you wanted to see first hand what we go priceless. It made me realise how I love having you through in doing these ultras. I think you got more than around and I can't wait for when you return to Australia you bargained for. to live, whenever that is. And those pies with just over 2km to go were absolutely sensational. Schultzy, to come in at the last minute and fit so well into the team just shows how committed you are. You never To the rest of the runners and their crews, thank you for missed a beat and also knew the right things to say at the sharing this journey. People are right when they say it is right time. I am so glad you realised the problem with the a family reunion and the friendships that are forming are fuel as I would have been mortified if we had to spend only going to get stronger. That post race breakfast any further time up in the high country. That's 2 out of 2 atmosphere is truly amazing and I wish I could take it for me with you by my side for a 100% success rate. with me wherever I go.

Paul and Diane, words cannot adequately express the Already looking forward to next year. feelings the competitors have for you guys. C2K is so

By CHRIS TRUSCOTT THE NEW W O N D E R DRUG Running

I work for a pharmaceutical company and amongst all the varying drugs that propose cures to the incurable, this tried and tested drug is by far the most convenient & effective.

What is RUNNING? for you. Most patients have the greatest success by taking RUNNING is one of a rare class of drugs that combines RUNNING at the same time every day. Patients with amphetamines and narcotics. It is used to treat one or asshole bosses, unloving spouses and otherwise more of the following conditions of modern life: lethargy, miserable lives often take RUNNING twice a day. overeating, sedentary employment, unsatisfying You may take RUNNING before or after, but preferably employment, unsatisfying relationships, existential angst, not during a meal. depression and screaming kids. RUNNING can also be used prophylactically to curb the urge to go on shooting Overdoses of RUNNING most typically occur in the first sprees. few years of treatment. With time, you will find the dosage of RUNNING that works best for you. How should I take RUNNING? It is important to take RUNNING regularly. Who should not take RUNNING? You should not start taking RUNNING if you are unable to Although you may experience some relief from your walk around the block. It is recommended that all symptoms in the first few days of RUNNING, most patients start at a low dose of GENERAL AEROBIC patients require at least four weeks of treatment with CONDITIONING before starting RUNNING. It is not RUNNING to notice significant change. recommended to go from no doses of RUNNING to 26.2 You may take RUNNING at whatever time of day is best miles of RUNNING in six months.

39

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

Can I take RUNNING with other medications? If you miss a dose of RUNNING: Although RUNNING is designed to relieve all of your Patients who miss a dose of RUNNING are advised to symptoms, it can be safely combined with most other make up for lost time by increasing their amount of medications. RUNNING on subsequent days until all feelings of guilt, remorse, self-repulsion, depression, loss of fitness and Some patients cannot tolerate a high enough dose of sudden doubling of bodyfat percentage have abated. RUNNING to gain all of the help they need. Depending on your symptoms, you might attain better results by Some patients can miss a dose of RUNNING without combining RUNNING with CYCLING, STAIRCLIMBING, experiencing the above withdrawal symptoms. Most YOGA, HIKING, CROSS COUNTRY SKIING and other patients hate them. ELLIPTICALLING. If you regularly miss doses of RUNNING but still report Although similar to RUNNING, there are slight chemical good physical and mental health, you are in denial and variations to WATER RUNNING and TREADMILL should resume treatment immediately. RUNNING. Most patients require a significantly higher dose of WATER RUNNING and TREADMILL RUNNING to What are the possible side effects of RUNNING? achieve the same results as their regular dose of RUNNING may produce side effects in some patients. In RUNNING. It is not recommended to attempt long-term clinical studies, the most common side effects with usage of WATER RUNNING and TREADMILL RUNNING. RUNNING included: obsession with shoes; obsession with numbers; waste of brain power on arcane statistics; Use extreme caution when RUNNING with scissors. insensitivity to clothes that smell like ammonia; searing hamstring pain while driving; black toenails; purple In no case should you combine RUNNING with toenails; no toenails; prepubescent biceps; loss of lateral SHOTPUTTING. movement; severe reduction in vertical leap; crow’s feet; smelly feet; antisociability; confusion about what The following interactions have been reported: constitutes an acceptable toilet; feelings of superiority • Long-time users of RUNNING reported social toward people who don’t take RUNNING; confusion ostracization and spousal disownment when DANCING. about how much others want to hear about RUNNING; potentially embarrassing public displays of appetite; • Patients on a high dose of RUNNING had trouble inability to recognize that RUNNING on television is staying afloat SWIMMING. boring; misperception about how much flesh should be shown in public; excessive time spent reading RUNNING • Patients who mixed RUNNING with BASKETBALL message boards; and extreme fatigue when spouse wants were laughed off the court. help around the house.

What are other important safety considerations with These side effects tend to increase, not decrease in direct RUNNING? relation to how long and how much you take RUNNING. RUNNING will increase the effects of alcohol. Use caution when using alcohol to counteract the drymouth that RUNNING can cause. RUNNING is best combined with Where can I learn more about RUNNING? alcohol by finishing your dose of RUNNING first. In a This page is only a brief summary of important study conducted at the Beer Mile World Championships, information about RUNNING. For more information, talk alcohol was found to lessen the efficiency of RUNNING. to just about anyone but your doctor.

Running is the habit of continuously putting one foot in front of the other, but fast. Ed

There are some early signs of success with the time taken Rumour has it... by Dr Plummer to hop the entire length of Northbourne Avenue reducing from 38 minutes to just 18 minutes. Residents of Canberra are becoming used to the sight of a Kim kibuche managed to run the distance in 13 minutes man hopping down Northbourne Avenue. The man, but is unlikely to improve. Plummer believes he will Doctor “Skip” Plummer, is a coach at the Australian break 13 minutes in about a year and, if he does so, the Institute of Sport and has made an across species study sceptics will no longer be able to scoff at his methods. into speed comparisons. A hopping Kangaroo is able to “Australia invented the fastest swim stroke in the World, travel at speeds up to 10kph greater than a man running known as the Australian crawl. Eventually, I expect it will at full speed. This led to a belief that, given sufficient be the same with running and I’m predicting Australians training, a man could travel at those speeds as well but it will be winning all the medals at international athletics would be necessary to develop the appropriate muscles. meets once hopping is allowed”. 40

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

By STEPHEN JACKSON

The new 2009 Age groups

What age group am I in? This question is asked many, many times, and unfortunately, the answer is not a simple one. In fact, it is possible for one person to be in two different age groups and score points in both in the same event depending on a couple of timing related factors. So, after much research, many long and robust discussions at Striders Committee Meetings, we hope that this article will explain and define age groups for the forseeable future.... that is, until someone else wants to join the committee and argue a different approach!

Striders Age Groups from 1st January 2009 now been replaced by the world standard of 5 year age Until Dec 2008, the age groups at Striders have been groups starting from 35. Therefore the age groups based on 10 year brackets with the exception of women Striders now adhere to are now: enjoying the Vets category from 35, whereas the men only qualified for Vets at 40. This was in line with the M35-39, W35-39, M40-44, W40-44, M45-49, W45-49, World Masters Association (WMA) rules, modified to M50-54, W50-54, M55-59, W55-59, M60-64, W60-64, allow for enough runners in each age group to provide a M65-69, W65-69, M70-74, W70-74, M75-79, W75-79, reasonable level of competition. M80-84, W80-84, M85-89, W85-89, M90-94, W90-94, M95-99, W95-99, M100+, and finally, W100+. In 2008, the WMA finally fixed the 35/40 anomaly and defined 5 year age groups from 35-39, 40-44, ad The old PreVets category was introduced to cover an nauseum through to 100+. Now that Striders has grown anomaly in the Striders results in that the Vets were to more than 700 members, there are enough runners dominating the events for a while and taking both Open across the various 5 year brackets to provide that and Vets prizes, leaving men under 40 and women under reasonable level of competition in each age group. 35 without any prizes! However, as the club population Therefore Striders has changed its age group rules to has both grown in size and gotten a lot faster, the match the WMA standard, bringing us into line with the anomaly exists no more, so it is time to revert to the rest of the world. world standard where those under the age groups can fend for themselves in Open competition. The new rules are based on the Worlds Masters Association rules detailed here: The Vets anomaly of men starting at 40 but women at 35 http://www.world-masters- has also been rectified with the introduction of the 35-39 athletics.org/laws_rules/rulesofcompetition.pdf age group for both sexes. Again in line with the latest international standards. in Section 4. But my birthday is.... They are recognised around the world as the international standard, and who are we to buck the Every year there are Striders moving from one age group global system? (Well, this particular one, anyway). to the next. This is where the difficulty arises for the various series and individual races. Therefore, in keeping The specifics are: with the adoption of the international standard, the following rules apply when working out what age group Sex: All age groups are split into Men and Women - at you are in when you run a particular race or series: least there is little argument about that split. Single events: This is fairly straight forward. Your age Open: All runners regardless of age are in this category. on race day defines your age group. This means whoever takes out the Open category will naturally also win their Age category as everyone is also Best performance during the year: Again, your age on in an Age Group. race day defines your age group. Theoretically, a member can run a best performance in 2 separate age Named Age Groups: The age groups of PreVet, Vet, groups during the year. This would occur when their Masters, Seniors, Super Seniors, and Legends have all birthday is between the events.

41

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

Club Championships: Same as Single events, age on race the day of the race, the Age and Gender adjusted scores day. are based on your age on race day, even within a series. No birth date on file: Some members are a little reticent 10k and Super Series: Previously, Striders adopted 30 to divulge their birth date, so they are assumed to be in June as the date of birth applicable for each series. Plum the Open category and score points as a 20 year old for in the middle of the year. However, the WMA the Age and Gender Adjusted points score. international standard that states that the age applicable for a series is your age on the first day of the championships, which in this case is the first race of the Age Group Records 10k or Super Series. So, for the 10k Series it is your age As all Striders results are not online, it would be a on the first Saturday in February, and for the Super mammoth task to load and recalculate all the ladders and Series it is the date of the Equaliser, usually a week later. age group records for the 28 years of Striders result. Therefore until all the results are automated (volunteers Age & Gender Adjusted: As this competition is not invited) the old records and ladders will stand, and new related to age groups in any way, and the data that is ladders and records will start from Jan 1, 2009 for all the used to calculate scores is specifically tied to your age on new age groups.

From the A rchives 10 YEARS AGO canoe. ‘Even Comrades was not as painful’. Warwick Selby and Steve Urwin did the running Striders turned out for the then annual first- legs in relay teams and were 2nd and 5th vets. race-of-the- year – the Palm Beach to Manly Steve Cornelius continued his spruiking of Age- (since shut down due to road safety concerns) . Graded tables and Blister printed a (cut-down) In 1999 first Striders were Grant Rankin in 2:02 table. (Any chance of getting these on the and Xandra Dunn in 2:21. Xandra and Tina website?). The tables were used for a new Campbell won age-group prizes. division in the (new) Super Series with Jonathan Still on Palm Beach–Manly, Michael Bailey Trope leading the way after two races. Jonathan anticipated the difficulty of opening ‘GUs’ with was also leading the open comp ahead of sweaty hands so carried a pair of scissors in his Richard Briscoe and Phil Boswell with the top pocket ! He still found his hands too sweaty to ladies Joanne Barton, Louise Walker and operate the scissors so engaged a spectator’s Rozanne Green. assistance. Awards Brunch took place at Middle Harbour John Preston reported from Thailand, giving us Yacht Club – Joanne Cowan and Chris Truscott more information than was required on Thai won Open Awards for both Half and Marathon, public loos as he fronted for the Bangkok Half with Jo winning Vets awards also. Chris Dwyer and the Phuket Triathlon. But, in Thailand, won Vets Marathon, Wayne Stanton - Vets Half, public loos are at least a safe subject. with Masters winners – Tina Campbell and Ray Steve Cornelius suggested the Striders should Doran (Half) and Joan Bolz and Jonathan Trope get a call-routing system, e.g. for information on (Marathon). Seniors awards went to Manfred the 10K Series press 10, repeat 10 times and Fiedler (Marathon) and Neil McPherson (Half). your best 8 attempts will be taken into account. Paula Whitehouse was our Triathlete of the Kevin O’Kane reported on the 19th National Year. Runners Week in Thredbo, including the S.W. Bag did not run the Pheneou Marathon. Crackenback Challenge 2k - straight up under the chair lift, fun runs of 1500m, 3km, 6km and a tennis comp – plus ‘pizza, red wine and good 5 YEARS AGO fun’. Charles Coville became the 2nd Strider to David Criniti recorded a 3rd best Australian 12 complete the JLW Challenge. Day 1 – 33km run, hour race performance at Gosford. 20k canoe paddle (rudderless in Charles’ case), A 16 year-old, now Olympian, Lachlan Renshaw 57km bike, Day 2 – 22km run, 75k bike, 28k ran 2nd in the NSW U-20 800m.

42

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

Jonathan Worswick, one of our ultra kings, Striders became fully affiliated to Athletics NSW advised on running at altitude based on reading and the first Striders NSW Aths teams were and some considerable personal experience in formed. American high elevation events from marathon Six Foot Track – Darren Benson was 5th in 3:42. to 100 miles. Joel Mackay juggled the whole way (OK maybe James Moody, then MTG Coordinator, reviewed not when crossing rivers), Frank Dearn was 2nd the progress of the group to their first marathon O-70. at Canberra- the rivalries, the training mistakes Kevin O’Kane ruminated on his knees – sorry, (a proud heritage of misdirection, overdosing about his knees, and convinced us that running on Gatorade and bright-red, non-colour –fast wouldn’t make us arthritis-prone - in fact up to caps) and the support – Steve Jackson’s speed 40km p/w it’s all positive against a sedentary sessions, advice sessions from Steve’s lifestyle and on mileage above that – no further chiropractor, pacing from senior Striders. improvement or decline. The big factor in Someone complained about too many pics of reducing cartilage–loss for runners was our genial, smiling, photogenic Pres – Stephen adequate rest between training sessions – Jackson, as if such a thing were possible ! which might mean a day off, and suitable

exercises/weight training through a gym or physio to target weak areas. Compiled By ANDREW SMITH

J

By IAIN MARTIN

Centennial Park Training Group Update

The Centennial Park group meets twice a week on Looking at the coming months a number of regular Wednesdays and Fridays for an hour of speed work. members will be lining up for 6 foot in March (some for Wednesdays alternate hill repeats and flat sprints while the first but hopefully not the last time) and then backing Fridays is always kilometre repeats. up for Canberra in May; while a number of the newer members are aiming to run their first half marathon at In the last year a solid group of 10 or so has developed the Herald half in May. with a further 10-15 occasional participants. The group is now fairly evenly made up of men and women with Anyone out there in the Eastern suburbs or inner West ages ranging from mid 20s through to late 50s and who is keen to improve their speed or just find a new speeds ranging from world class through to enthusiastic. bunch to train with should give me a call on 0413 183 It has been great having a large group of strong 063 or send me an email to committed women turning up on a regular basis to [email protected] balance out the testosterone, take the ego out of training and remind us that its meant to be fun. That said, there’s still plenty of competition for those who really want to work hard. Resident fast man Sam Green finished 6th in his first Equaliser and our founder Keith Bateman is living proof of the benefits of early morning speed training in Centennial Park.

43

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

President’s R eport

This year has been another successful one for the club, while we are a non profit organisation we have increased Striders 2006-2008 10 k races our asset value by just over $2,000.00 and have managed 250 to provide benefits to the membership along the way as 200 well as to the wider running community. Our 150 membership at the end of 2008 peaked in excess of 770 100 although that included a few early memberships for 50

2009. Attendance 0 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 During the year we have been involved in the 3 X 10k Races management of numerous events all of which have been Members Average Visitors Average spectacularly successful. We have managed the usual 10k guest speaker. Thanks are also due to Charles Coville for series, two Awards Functions, the 6ft Track, our in-house his assistance in arranging for Bruce to be available to us. Super Series and our Juniors are also out there The new venue for the Christmas Brunch also worked representing the club with a great deal of enthusiasm. well and I am sure all who attended enjoyed themselves. Striders have been seen all over the world competing in Both events were a great success mainly due to the work events from 5k to ultra marathons in places such as that Chris put in to make it all happen. Japan, New York, Boston, London, Paris, Scotland,

Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland and Mt Everest to name a few. Striders 2006-2008 10 k races

6Ft Track 500 A special mention must be made of Kevin Tiller and the 400 committee for their work at the 6ft Track which was 300 bigger and better and looks like being even bigger and 200

better this year. Last year the event provided a donation 100 Attendance of some $25,000.00 to the Rural Fire Service plus some 0 $4,000.00 to the 6ft Track Trust 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 3 X 10k Races 10 k series Members Visitors The 10k series has again increased in the number of those running. There was a total of 3,723 runners for the Finances year of which 1809 were members which represents I am sure Charles King will give greater detail about the roughly 48%. Interestingly, the difference in numbers club finances however there are a number of items that I between members and visitors is closing but relatively believe you should be aware of. slowly. The following graphs give an indication of what 1) During the year the committee approved has been occurring during the last 3 years. On behalf of expenditure for the Sponsorships of members of the all of us I would like to thank Jo Cowan for taking on the club who were selected to represent Australia at role of managing the 10k series during the last year. national and international events. Striders 2006-2008 10 k races 2) We have reconditioned our 10k timing system and upgraded and replaced some of the gear which after 700 5 years was starting to deteriorate. 600 3) We have again donated $1,000.00 to the FOLC 500 400 Park 300 4) We arranged for donations to the Jane McGrath 200 Foundation in memory of Kerynn McCann through 100 Attendance the 10k race contributions and some additional 0 funds from the club. 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 3 X 10k Races 5) We subsidised the May Awards night for those Total who attended what was a particularly well organised Total Average event and, due to it’s success, had subsequent cost Awards Events implications. Chris Truscott organised our special events during the ANSW year, this included the Awards Dinner in May where we Glenn Guzzo & Anna White looked after the ANSW team had the pleasure of the company of Bruce Fordyce as our who have also been very successful, Striders 44

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009 representation at Athletics NSW events raised our profile STaR Hosts in the running community not only by staging the State Our STaRs have continued under Robert Chalmers 10km champs at Homebush in May, the club also took out guidance with some new courses now being included 4 Premierships for the Winter season, a State Cross plus some existing ones being remodelled, we have had Country title to Marnie Ponton and a new National 50+ problems with the locals at a couple of the runs and are record by Keith Bateman on the track over 3000m. now starting from new locations, watch out for the run that will be starting from the Sydney Running Centre in Juniors the not too distant future. Please be aware of the locals Under Caroline Yarnell’s guidance the ANSW Juniors and keep noise to a minimum. team in 2008 expanded from 5 to 11 members. Not many, but they represented Striders by showing up to It was proposed to the committee that we make the the 6 winter races. As a result of this, the U14 boys were Sydney Marathon our Club Championship, after 5th club and the U12 girls 4th club in the state. This year discussions with the organisers as well as club members we had 3 Strider parents with juniors and currently have it was decided to retain Canberra, the decision was based interest from other parents to join Striders as family on the overall management of the event and their groups. performance last year.

Points System We had 26 people looking after us during the year and This year has seen the introduction of a new handicap we needed every one of them. To those of you who are and points score system similar to that used by the WMA, retiring; my own thanks for your support during the no more trying to remember if you are a Vet or a Master year. Sometimes it has been exceedingly hectic and an or similar with different age groups for men and women, enormous amount of hard work but always a pleasure to all you need to do is remember your age. There has been work with such wonderful people. a lot of work in putting this together and special thanks go to Stephen Jackson, Dennis Wylie and Adam Moody. On behalf of the club I would like to especially thank all of the members of the committee for their efforts to make Volunteers Sydney Striders the respected organisation that it is. The work by our Volunteers has again been exceptional, Everybody has put in an extraordinary amount of work at the 10k series we have about 45 to 50 support crew at during the year which has made my life so much easier. every event and at the 6ft Track Race we had the committee of 6 plus who assisted Kevin during the four A special word from me, I have been lucky to have Brian months prior to the event and another 50 on the day Ogilwy’s support during the year, Brian has the itself. Our volunteers have been active outside the club unenviable job of watching out for the things that I and during the year we provided the Pacers for the manage to lose track of plus more recently keeping up an Sydney Marathon, with some assistance from other clubs ongoing races directory. and this year Liz Woodhams is looking for Pacers for the Canberra Marathon and Sydney later on. I would also like to thank the members of the club for their patience when dealing with the committee and for Timing System the overwhelming support from our volunteers without The 10k timing system is working well although we have whom we could not exist. had some problems during the year. We have added another member to the committee to assist with this very important role. There is a new software program that will allow us to update handicaps and the new age groups quicker in future and we are also looking at ways of processing the members and visitors during the race which will allow us to publish the draft results earlier. Many thanks to Adam Moody for the work he has put into Busman's holiday writing this software. The Striders' award-winning Trailwalker team from Uniforms Melbourne 2006 & Sydney 2007, consisting of Jaap We had a new uniform manager join us midyear and the Bakker, Richard Green, Jonathon Worswick and Joel ladies now have access to somewhat more modest and MacKay, are having a busman's holiday in England by better fitting attire as well as a new range of crop tops competing in the inaugural Trailwalker in the Yorkshire thanks to Sam Isbell for her work with our members and Dales (known as Trailtrekker). Given that 3 of the team suppliers with kit available at races. lie within 10km of each other in Sydney, it is a rather long way to go for a pint but the planets were aligned for New Members them to do this. Their team is known as the Sydney New members totalled 218 last year, 135 men and 83 STARS. Prize for any correct guesses for what the team women were welcomed to the club by Pauline Evans. name stands for.

45

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

Word on CHRIS GRAHAM line for Trailwalker 2008. The night before the big race involved the old pasta loading - this time with Pizza and red wine, followed by Port, coffee, Sambucca and beer They should have just shot me 4 chasers. My stomach could take any punishment it was dealt. I was ready. After nearly failing to complete the 2006 and 2007 The big day came. All went well until the 60k mark when Trailwalker and for both times, nearly letting my team I first got to re-sample last night’s meal. I was quite ill. My down, I didn’t expect to be invited back again. But in wife, part of our support crew, called, “What do you 2008, it was forgotten. I was needed. I was determined want? ”Bucket!” I replied. Unfortunately, she thought I not to let the side down. This time I was going to toughen was swearing at her and left in a huff. We slowed a bit myself up like never before. Not just with harder training but not enough to prevent a recurrence. I knelt over the but with harder diet. I needed a cast iron stomach if I was remains of my dinner thinking, “I didn’t order Anchovies, to beat this thing. did I?” I decided to pull out of the event at 85k. With just I changed to a diet of sausages and chips for breakfast 15k to go, it was a case of ‘so beer and yet so far’. Worst before running. Lunch was insects and Pavlova. I washed thing was - our team was leading! it all down with home-made ginger beer. It paid off. Nothing could ever make me sick again, I was sure. I took They carted me off to a waiting ambulance but I reckon my well trained body and cast iron stomach to the start they should have just shot me.

Because we don’t have club rooms or a notice board and Were we aware, we we are largely an internet based club, we need to be able wouldn’t worry to contact you. We cannot contact people cheaply, en masse by any other means. The best, most convenient A lot of Striders do not receive club list emails as a matter way is through email. We want you to let us send you of personal choice. Some do not receive our emails information. Please update your details if they have because the email address registered in the database is changed, by sending an email to no longer valid or they have only registered an email [email protected] and ask to be put on the club address for private contact, not group or list email email list. contact. Some are concerned about excessive downloads, others are concerned about spam. No spam gets to Striders via our email list as it is 'moderated'. What does this mean? ALL emails sent to the list are reviewed by Look out Tiger! several Committee members. If it is SPAM, unrelated to the club or running, or inappropriate in any way it is According to State Media, the President of North Korea, manually deleted before being released to our members' Kim Jong Il, is the World’s greatest Sportsman. Every email. Before the moderators see the mail the automated time he plays golf he gets a hole in one at least 4 times! SPAM manager cleans obvious SPAM. For example: Fortunately for Tiger Woods, he is too busy dealing with 35,000 were removed in a one month period from mid the troublesome, accusatory American administration. February to mid March.

These Toes Were Made for Running

By Brandon Keim February 20, 2009 | 4:00:00 PMCategories: Anthropology

If you've ever wondered why humans don't have long, helped our savannah-dwelling ancestors chase their prehensile toes that would turn our feet into extra hands, prey. here's an answer: stubby toes may be custom-made for "Longer toes require muscles to do more work, and exert running. stronger forces to maintain stability, compared to shorter Biomechanical analysis shows that long toes require toes," said University of Calgary anthropologist Campbell more energy and generate more shock than short toes, Rolian. "So long as we were engaged in substantial making them one of many adaptations that may have amounts of running, natural selection would favour

46

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009 individuals with shorter toes." When his team analyzed force exerted by fifteen test Most primates — including our closest relative, the subjects running and walking on a pressure-sensitive chimpanzee — have proportionately longer toes than surface, they found that increasing toe length by just 20 humans. Our own are comparatively dwarfish and two- percent produced a doubling of motor force. This can be dimensional, capable only of extending and flexing. Most explained in terms known conversationally known from animals that run, however, also have extremely short the action of a see-saw: levering force is magnified by the toes. Some species, such as cats and dogs, have paws distance between pressure and a fulcrum. composed almost entirely by palms. This led Rolian's Rolian also observed that longer toes require an team to wonder if our foot's physiology could be additional energy investment when "braking," or using explained by running. them to guide the forward-falling motion that underlies The importance of running to early Homo is, of course, both running and walking. conjectural. But it does make sense: few other animals The additional work required by long toes, and a are capable of long-distance running, and none can do so resulting increase in muscle stress and damage, likely under a blazing sun. (Wolves and hyenas, for example, made them a victim of natural selection. The fossil require cold weather or nightfall for long-distance record, though spotty, provides a fitting narrative: the hunting; otherwise they overheat.) Endurance running toes of great apes are longer than those of might have set early humans apart from the pack. Australopithecus — the first bipedal hominid — which in According to study co-author and Harvard University turn are longer than the toes of Homo, the genus to which anthropologist Daniel Lieberman, many modern modern humans belong. anatomical features make sense in the context of Hawks notes that long-distance running is now savannah marathons. Achilles tendons act as springs to extremely rare, and "where it exists, it is supported by store energy. Our hind limbs have extra-large joints. Our very sophisticated cultural adaptations, including buttocks muscles are perfect for stabilization, as are tracking, water storage and staged transport of meat regions of the brain uniquely sensitive to the physical back to home bases. There is presently little or no pitching generated by the motion of running. evidence for these cultural adaptations in early Homo." Toes may belong to this class of adaptations. But Lieberman points out that early Homo and its "Humans are well-adapted for endurance running. That's descendants clearly ate large game, though the projectile much of what makes the human body what it is," said technologies ostensibly necessary to slay them were Lieberman. "We're actually terrible sprinters, but the invented just several thousand years ago. world's best long-distance runners." "How did our ancestors, those weak little primates, kill The long-runner hypothesis is not universally accepted. big animals? The answer is that we chased them. We "Walking and running use the same body parts," said made them gallop. They can't pant and gallop at the same University of Wisconsin paleoanthropologist John Hawks, time," said Lieberman. "We can run down a gazelle not who was not involved in the study. "It's hard to argue through speed, but through endurance." that these are specifically crafted for running" — and, to Of course, in the modern world of grocery stores and be even more specific, for long-distance running. restaurants, long-distance running is a recreational However, Rolian's study, published recently in the activity, and hard-soled shoes absorb much of the shock Journal of Experimental Biology, makes at least a felt by a bare foot. Freed from ancient evolutionary plausible case for the importance of toes for running. pressures, what will happen to our feet? During the moment of propulsion, when one foot is in the It's too soon to tell, and nothing at all may happen, but air and the other is on the ground, between one-half and "that's generally a question you could ask about many three-quarters of a body's weight falls squarely on the features of the human anatomy," said Rolian. Because it forefoot. isn't required to push off, he said, "There's talk about "When you're walking, before you push off to start the whether the pinkie toe is eventually going to disappear." next step, your other foot has already hit the ground. Citation: "Walking, running and the evolution of short toes You've transferred some of your body weight," said in humans." By Campbell Rolian, Daniel E. Lieberman, Rolian. "Your toes have to do much more work in Joseph Hamill, John W. Scott and William Werbel. Journal running, to push you." of Experimental Biology, Vol. 212, Issue 5. March 1, 2009.

47

BLISTER 107 JANUARY - APRIL 2009

Striders put 5 teams into the SMC 10k relays on 21 December. SMC events are well conducted and cheap at $5 for members and $10 for non members. Many Striders also have a membership with them.

Frank Zeichner, followed closely and ably assisted by his “pusher” saves energy all race long before he finally makes a move on a faster runner.

Ray Wareham gets his singlet out of mothballs, a cunning ploy to keep other runners away, and wins the Equalizer this year.

Tim Austin quickly dons the emergency boxing gloves he carries for just such occasions in a desperate attempt to deal with the impending threat of being beaten in a sprint finish.

48