MAN ALIVE! Get Started WORDS OF ADVICE Preparing for a is more MARATHON ESSENTIAL BUYS difficult than the event itself. The Preparation is the key to surviving the marathon. marathon is the execution of all your TRAINING tips epic two- and three-hour training Take stock of your current PAT CARROLL shows you where to start runs, not to mention the sessions that 1 “running” fitness. Fitness from non The long haul If you don’t mind carrying a tad Think you could run a marathon? PAT CARROLL add variety and improve speed. The weight-bearing sports such as cycling and Energy Gel Packs Fuel Belt marathon is the day where everything swimming will not help your ability to A convenient energy top-up extra weight you’ll find a fuel belt beneficial No pain, no gain:Pat finally comes together. absorb a high volume of running. A green when you’re running for long when drink stops are hard to find. From$49.95 tells how to push the limit and live to tell the tale runner with a red level of enthusiasm is a Carroll welcomed the How long do you need to prepare periods of time as well as pre for a dual-bottle belt. Go to www.fuelbelt.com chance to push his body to recipe for disaster. Too much running too and post work-out. They’re hen I went to watch completed a marathon you are a was all I could manage. I had stared the for a marathon? You can never start for info and www.cassons.com.au to buy. the limit. Each to his own. soon will almost certainly lead to a major available in numerous the start of the 1982 member of a very exclusive club. marathon in the face and milked my soon enough. It’s not the hours, weeks injury that can sideline you for months. flavours so make sure you This is why I love it. It’s an event body for all it was worth. I was living. or months that make the difference. Visit a sports physiotherapist to lock in your favourite marathon I was very where talent alone isn’t enough. My unorthodox entrance to the A few years ago I stayed at the Consistent training over many years, discover if there are any muscle prior to race day. GU Wmuch a novice runner, my CV Shorter races are achievable off marathon as a fun runner let me finish line of the Gold Coast Airport designed to hone speed and improve 2 groups that need to be loosened. Energy Gels are good, $3 consisting of a single 2hr 48min a limited campaign but not the experience it from a non-elite (2hrs marathon until the last runner endurance, will return the greatest A poor hip alignment will need to be each or $65 for a box of 24. marathon I had run only a month marathon. It needs a long preparation 48mins) and an elite (2hrs 9mins finished. It was a memorable reward. The last 10km is where most addressed before you increase your earlier. For me, everything changed involving a high level of commitment 39secs) perspective. In both cases I can experience because the runner was runners with a limited preparation will weekly kays. Runners By far the most important Shirt The Nike Men’s Race singlet is a during that race when I witnessed and dedication and you need to be still recall my finish-line emotions. My disabled and covered the entire naturally run out of energy stores. A Lock in a regular sports massage, decision to make is what to wear on your feet lightweight, breathable shirt. It has that Rob de Castella win his epic duel very aware of the pace you are capable debut marathon was the only time I distance on crutches. There were long and healthy preparation improves 3perhaps every couple of weeks. for all those kays. I’ve found Mizuno shoes moisture management with Tanzania’s Juma Ikangaa. of maintaining. shed tears of joy. a dozen or so of us waiting and we a runner’s ability to store energy and “Dri Fit” technology, Run on soft surfaces as much as and apparel to be first-class but make sure you I was inspired. I ran in the Gold Coast Airport My later role as a coach and mentor created a man-made tunnel for him. it’s the final quarter where all of the go to a proper which keeps you drier, 4 possible. Grass and dirt trails will cooler and much more Marathon numerous times and the to non-elite runners reinforced what We made his day and he certainly banked kays are called on. reduce the stress on your body. runners’ outlet WHY I LOVE support I received from fellow runners I already knew – that the reward is made ours. Once again I was proud to I really enjoyed being in marathon and find the comfortable from Run in a pleasant environment, Distance running events attract more and bystanders was amazing. My the same for everyone. Completing be associated with the marathon. campaign mode. I welcomed the right shoes the start of your even if it involves driving to a venue. run to the finish. competitors than any other sport and breakthrough race came in 1988. I a debut marathon or breaking The marathon has a proud history, challenge and the opportunity to 5 for you. Follow A structured and Yes, all the way. events domestically and internationally can still feel the lift I received from the through the next goal barrier is just is well respected and is one of the best achieve a personal best and possibly It’s almost continue to pull record numbers. Half crowd when I was two minutes clear at as rewarding as being first across the challenges life has to offer. What are even a win. I welcomed the fact that 6 manageable training program and lock in short-term goals. You cheating. $60 marathons and 10km races are often the 25km mark. As the race progressed finish line. you waiting for? I was placing months and years of need to confidently run one or two half used as stepping stones towards the my body was crying out to stop but preparation on the line. There was no marathons before you tackle a marathon. 42.195km Holy Grail. Completing my training and the race day adrenalin Once you have completed a marathon you are backing up the following week for any distance event can bring great helped me through. Once I crossed another try if I failed because two or Join a running group. Two weekly group runs and two solo runs is a Your epic training runs will Baseline satisfaction but the marathon carries the line with a win and a personal best a member of a very exclusive club. It’s an event three marathons a year is all your 7 Sunglasses Watch healthy combination. be far more pleasurable with eye protection. Timex watches are the most prestige. Once you have my body shut down and a slow walk where talent alone isn’t enough. body can handle. Adidas sunglasses are comfortable and affordable and offer extremely light. Adidas Supernova , $289.95 everything that a novice marathon runner requires. To record your splits throughout the race you’ll probably need an Ironman 50 Lap Seek , $130

OnlineSCHOOL’S coaching Online coaching will provide OUT you with a structured, manageable program that will keep you motivated and focused on your goal. Try coaching from the man himself: www.patcarrollonline.com Clubs Sydney Striders holds a 10km race series on the first Saturday of every month at various locations, as well as regular group training runs. www.sydneystriders.org.au Sean Williams is doing a great job with his squad (Centennial Park, Sydney) and caters for runners of all abilities. www.sweatsydney.com.au PCRG (Brisbane) is one of Australia’s most supportive community running groups. Sessions cater for runners of all abilities and the annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon is the group’s main focus. www.patcarrollonline.com/group-runs.htm More information Anything that’s ever been discussed about running will be found at CoolRunning Australia with previous discussions archived into relevant categories. A great source of information and the latest news. www.coolrunning.com.au A relatively new player on the internet scene, The Runner’s Tribe is building a strong following. With a healthy collection of running videos as well as interviews with running legends. www.runnerstribe.com

• RACEThe Gold Coast Airport Marathon DAYS • The Harbour Bridge, (July 5, pictured right) is Australia’s Mrs Macquarie’s premier marathon. The course is Chair, Centennial Park fast, weather is ideal and the and the Opera House. scenery is picturesque. The Sydney Marathon www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au (Sep 20) takes in all lex carter (inset). carter lex A • Unlike other marathons, the famous landmarks and is a city and finish in the MCG,

hil hillyard (main); scott scott (main); hillyard hil Canberra (April 19) doesn’t have truly memorable experience. which is absolutely priceless. P any supporting events apart from www.sydneymarathon.org www.melbournemarathon.com.au a 10km race the previous evening. • The Marathon • The Mudgee Marathon (Aug Only 42km to go: The 2008 It’s a pure marathon that continues (Oct 11) is one of Australia’s 22 and 23) is perfect for first Olympics men’s marathon gets to attract a large field. oldest marathons and the only timers. Nice country air as well. campbell (carroll); (carroll); campbell photography: photography: underway in Tiananmen Square. www.canberramarathon.com.au one where you start out of the www.mudgeetriclub.hwy.com.au 66 67