Last race on an empty tank

Well, that's it for 2008! After a magic 7 days in the Moroccan Sahara running the famous Marathon des Sables I finished my racing year with the Fitzroy Falls Marathon. Last year, in prime shape, I finished this though race in 4 hrs. They say that a runner needs to add 30 min to his/hers normal marathon time - so was happy with last years result.
Today was a different story - with hardly any training done since Morocco I felt my legs missing a beat after about 28km and I was running like on an empty tank for the rest of the race. I had to let my buddy Denis go. The course layout came with a few out and back sections and I could see Denis fighting his way up those step hills - he really went for broke and his face got redder and redder each time I crossed him. Apparently his kids did not even recognise him at the finish....For the last 15 km I started walking the hills but continued running the rest and apart from one nice, young lady (which I was lucky enough to share the available bush shower after the race with ) nobody else overtook me and I hobbled into the finish in 4,5 hrs only 20 min after Denis.
So after my ice bath and some food I can now start reminiscing about the past, watching the just received DVD from Morocco and planning new adventure for 2009
Happy and save running
Markus

Hot out there

Today most of the people were running over the Sydney Harbour Bridge racing in the Sydney Marathon...I did my 25km going south into Botany Nat. Park - last longer run before my race next Saturday in Fitzroy Falls. It is getting hot and today most have been a killer for Marathon Man in his suit running the 42km. Can't wait to see the results from today and looking forward to my last big race of the year myself.

Finally some 'Moroccan' weather

What a nice day - sun was out and off I went with Marathon Man on a 35km run around the Eastern suburbs...only thing I forgot was the suntan lotion.
3hrs15min later I was back home with quite a red nose and shoulders but who cares - summer is coming! Was quite a change running in this weather after all the freezing cold days over the last few months. It will be an interesting Sydney and Fitzroy Falls Marathon the next two weekends if weather is getting warmer! Drinking is the main thing - keep those fluids in all the time to keep the engine running.
Decided on an additional challenge for next year - the 100km North Face in the Blue Mountains - http://www.thenorthface.com.au/100/ - just have to find out what dates in May next year. Just nicer to train in summer for such an event then during winter for the Oxfam 100km.
I started following the blogs of all the MdS runners for next years race and it makes me quite jealous - it is hard to keep training without such a big challenge to aim for...wish I could be there next year as well.

Run Phil Run

I know - have not been very busy on this blog lately and that is prove that my running has taken a back seat too....and there is still that Fitzroy Fall Marathon coming up in 2 weeks time. Wonder how I am going to survive that one with the minimal training done. Currently following a running buddy in the USA along Route 66 - Phil has started a few weeks ago on his epic run self-sufficiant accross the US of A - http://www.runphilrun.com/blog/. Check it out and contact Phil so you get his great reports from the road!
I am already thinking Highway 1 around Oz.....but don't tell my wife yet.
Safe running