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

Games

With the Olympic's on till midnight it makes it hard to be in top shape the next morning for long runs. The runs were slower and shorter last week and this won't change this week with the games in full swing.
Got a first pre-view of the MdS 2008 DVD - some great shots and happy to say that my "hand" made it a couple of times into the coverage as well!
Currently running regularly with "Marathon Man" when training - Trent is preparing a possible run around Australia in 2009 - this is a huge project and in planning stage at this moment. I am sure we will hear more about this in the future.
So - have to run, the Woman's marathon is on TV :-)
Save running

14km - C2S in 73min

Did my City to Surf on Saturday and ran 14km in just over 73min. Happy to have a day off today and having enjoyed a run yesterday without 70'000 other runners competing for space on the road. http://city2surf.sunherald.com.au/home2.php
My training really suffered a bit lately - less then 40km a week but I have signed up with a new gym near my new work place and from tomorrow onwards it will be back on track - only 6 weeks to go till Fitzroy Falls Marathon and I need to clock up some more km's each week.
Bring it on...

Slow but steady

The last 2 weeks after our Hunter Valley 1/2 marathon were slow - I started a new job and just could not find the time to run more. Still clocking 50 km a week, so hopefully that will be enough for the next 8 weeks until Fitzroy Falls Marathon http://www.fitzroyfallsmarathon.com/. Just found out that the race is 2 weeks earlier then last year, so I need to squeeze in a few more runs between now and end of September.

Bought two new pairs of shoes and was able to give all my 'old'

shoes to a friend who takes them to South Africa, where

runners will happily use them for another few years!

I will probably find some of my shoes running The Comrades in 2010 against me :-)

Recently I am getting quite a few emails from fellow Aussies preparing for the Marathon des Sables 2009 and 2010 asking me for advise. Makes me all jealous to see them getting ready for next year - I am missing the desert, the excitement of preparing for that great race and I can't wait for my next big adventure....

Happy and save running