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11.13km. That’s my official distance and well below the 15km that I aspired to and 400m less than I did last year after which I cried in frustration and refused to talk about it. How good does this year feel by comparison though? This was easily the hardest and most rewarding run that I have done and I would do it again in a heartbeat (Ken and Lisa, this could be one that appeals to you). Before you read this, check out the video if you missed it on Instagram (@sjsly).
I had all the right preparation coming in – Chris had given me a distinctly disapproving head tilt when I pulled up a tad too easily after a half marathon a couple of weeks back. Jimmy had stuck needles into my slightly sore knee because “I haven’t got an appointment straight away and you’re not in a hurry” (actually I was, but who’s going to argue with him?). I had slept well, breakfasted appropriately and had all of my kit as it should be. So why so short a distance and even more surprisingly, why am I not having a little meltdown as would be in keeping with my slightly obsessive personality? It was hot, it was hard and I did better than I thought that I was going to a few kilometres in.
Pre-race was so cool. I was mingling at the start – a much smaller run that we’re used to in Melbourne (just over 1,200) and I looked across and there was Carlos Sainz. Carlos Sainz, grand prix driver, posing for photos, getting ready to drive the slowest race of his life and yet still really chirpy. This pleased me. What also pleased me was being in the third starting group, one ahead of the great unwashed which made me feel like a real runner –the athletic equivalent of Pinnochio in my books.
At precisely 1pm local time the gun went off and the countdown started until Carlos could start after us in the chase car. I didn’t get carried away by adrenaline and went straight to my target pace of 6 minute kilometres. I remember feeling a little bit odd, a tad lightheaded, but I had just looked upon the greatness of a grand prix driver so what else could you expect? The course kicked off through the park that I had walked many times over the last few days and had done a 6km run in on Thursday. I settled well and felt instantly confident that 15km was in fact well within my grasp.
This state of blissful ignorance lasted about 4km at which point I started to notice how hot it was (it was 23 degrees) how rough the gravel was and how little shade there was along the path. Ok Mr White, at this point I am feeling unnecessarily sorry for myself. A few people were stopping, but I stuck it out. For a bit. Then I started to really slow down. Water stations were virtually non-existent and while I had a camel pack (Eideann I thanked you for that all the way along) I really needed to just pour some over me. At one point I thought I would try to use the pack to wet myself down, completely neglecting the law of physics that says that if you open the valve through which you have been sucking for the last hour, the water in the tube is going back up it, not out of it and I then had to suck out the air before I could get a drink again. Good plan darl. I felt really sorry for people when we reached the second water station, at the 10km mark and it was completely empty – no water, not even any Red Bull left.
Added to this, we ran out of park at about 8km. When I say we ran out of park, we actually ran out of everything. Next time I ran somewhere that I haven’t been before, remind me to check out Google Earth. It was surprisingly desolate. The ground was really uneven and we were surrounded by open ground – hard dirt and dust predominantly. Where were the parkland, olive groves and winding streets cooled by the shadows of 13th century towers that I had expected? Somewhere else apparently.
Anyway, every time I fell back to a walk I would remind myself that I didn’t come across the world to waste this and I would hear Chris telling me “Just go as slow as you want, but don’t walk” and off I’d go again. At one stage I thought there was a real chance that I wouldn’t even get to 10km, but I made it there and pushed it hard to get to 11. My little heart got to 190 beats a minute, about 10 more than it usually does and it did occur to me that there weren’t going to be any defibrillators on that dirt track.
I was happy to get as far as I did, relieved to see the very talented Mr Sainz pull up alongside me and I am pretty happy with my result. Only 30 women in my age group in Valencia and I was 11th and I came right in the middle of all the women, the vast majority of whom were younger (and more talented).
Afterwards I sat and watched until the Valencia winners finished. They were amazing and we also say the most amazing sportsmanship. The woman who won was well out on her won with about 6 men ahead, but noone near her. Towards the end (she did over 49km) she stopped a few times and a guy riding a bike with her, I presume her coach, gently encouraged her and let her know where Carlos was. Everyone watching was cheering for her and it was pleasing how much coverage she was given. There were two men leading, one in his 30s, the other in his 40s. At one point the older one faltered slightly and instead of charging ahead the other guy told him to keep running with him and so they continued for about 10km more. When the car caught them they raised their hands together and were jointly crowned winners. Yes, it makes me emotional :-).
I don’t normally ask for sponsorship when I run, but this is the only event that I am aware of where the sponsors cover all the costs. 100% of entry fees and donations go the Wings for Life foundation that is leading research into countering spinal injuries. Thanks to Erin for supporting them and if you are inclined to donate I will send you a copy of the Carlos Sainz photograph that I took utographed by someone that he nearly, but didn’t, drive over in Valencia. www.wingsforlife.com
- comments
Merryn Snare Well done Susan - a wonderful effort and something to be enormously proud of!
Liz Great stuff Susan.
Peter Mitchem great work Susan - congratulations on how you did & on not having a melt-down!
Liz Well done Susan. Great run.
Wayne Shaw Great effort Susan. I was tired reading about it at the 4K mark. Ok, the 1k mark. Now sit back and cruise through the rest of the trip.
Bev Johnson So proud of your effort. Great stuff Susan. There seems to be a family motto about doing your best. You have done that and more.
Dolores scally I'm impressed! good for you