September 2009: 48, 49 …
By Joff Hulbert
This year I set a goal of completing my 50th marathon; that meant another year of 5 marathons; “idiot” I hear you say.
The trick was trying to find 5 to fit in and try and maintain some degree of sanity. So I contemplated Wellington as being number 48. I had done it twice before in what can only be described as appalling conditions. I figured it must be third time lucky. This year there was no organised group from the Club going down, so I decided to can it.
But a couple of weeks out I was asked to be in Wanganui on the Friday and Monday before and after the marathon, so thought “go on just do it”. So I entered late and then had serious reason to doubt my remaining sanity. The forecast was awful. Still the entry was in so no pulling out. I travelled to Wellington on the Saturday and the weather wasn’t too bad. Arriving in Wellington the weather improved.
So I picked up my race pack, went to Slow boat records, a favourite haunt, then met up with David Lonsdale from Race Walking NZ for a couple of beers and a natter.
Up at 5am, checked the conditions and looked good, though for some reason it was dark. Gulped down the mandatory cold creamed rice and banana and headed off to the Cake tin for the 6.30 start. The weather was calm and fine; most unexpected. Had a natter with some walking mates from Taranaki and elsewhere and then off we went.
I had decided to start a tad slower than usual, as my last 2 marathons had been memorable for the wrong reason. The slightly slower pace felt comfortable and I was able to maintain that pace. Something was wrong though, where was the forecast wind and rain oh and why not hail, sleet and the obligatory plague of locusts.
Half way I was very pleased with my pace and I was holding off my main rival from Taranaki. The return journey was very social, runners started to pass me, the locals had woken up and were very encouraging. Then at around 30km we merge in with the half marathoners. It’s quite a struggle wending your way through that gaggle. But my pace was holding ok.
At the 40km mark it’s onto cobble stones and then up the horrible ramp to the cake tin and the finish line. I lost about 2 minutes in the last 5km and went over the line in 4:31.
I was rapt. My best time in about 3 years. It was quite exhilarating knowing that after a few less than memorable marathons I could still get close to a PB.
I had to drive back to Wanganui after prize giving and hit the wind and torrential rain. It had held off for the race, thankfully. So thanks Stu and Mike for the good tips and well considered advice.
So it was time to plan for number 49, the HB marathon. First up I had to deal to a head cold. Then another diversion was a holiday in Cairns. The day we began our trip to Cairns I decided I had better do a time trial. I must have tweaked a muscle in my right leg as it felt very sore. Still boys tough these things out. I applied the anarka, the panacea of all such ailments and it seemed to clear up after a few days so began training again.
I found some interesting walks in Cairns. One was up behind the botanical gardens; I found a sign which said a 5km loop; piece of cake methinks, bit hilly off road should be 40 or so minutes. First km was almost 30 minutes!!! Hundreds of rocky steps and watch the tree roots; hmm are there snakes here and you blithering idiot no one knows where you are. The 5km took about 1 ½ hours but was, I thought a good test for the leg.
Get back to Napier (a brrr 4 degrees) and find the marathon is a week earlier than I had planned. Yes boys can be idiots and of course we don’t ask directions.
Had a few twinges over the next week or so, but put that down to pre race nerves, bit like phantom colds in race week. Forecast for the marathon looked good, but I knew I was tad under prepared so was going to have to rely a bit on memory.
Race day was perfect conditions, but accepting I was a bit undercooked I decided on a slower pace (it worked in Wellington might work here too). At around 8km the leg issue registered in my jaded brain. I knew it was going to be a matter of not grinning but bearing it.
I was aware I was losing my style and becoming a bent lawyer. Where was Robyn Wolfsbauer? John Holschier had insisted I had to finish ahead of her as otherwise we would not hear the end of it. I saw Robyn on the last dog leg and realised we were both struggling. Cor, that last hill at around 40 km seems to go forever. Then the finish line and the mud bath.
Again, a very well organised event, a credit to Wendy and the excellent team of helpers. Superb conditions, too bad I was unable to make the most of such conditions. Back to the anarka and I will get into the gym (with my spot prize) and do some back exercises. I was glad I ignored the advice from Stu and Mike and didn’t wear gumboots.
So then for number 50, the aim is Wanganui in December!!!! No, I have no ambition for the 100. I’ll get back to maybe 2 a year,
but is that a Tui Billboard???
