What a great Run!

All the charm of a country event (although I'm sure that Albury Wodonga is a legitimate city), with loads of community support and participation at all levels.

Arrived fairly early on Saturday afternoon, checked into my Motel room and changed into my cycling gear. Rode around Albury a bit, picking up a map at the visitors information centre, and discovering a nice network of bike paths along the parklands along the river. Lots of people out enjoying the weak autumn sunshine having picnics, kicking footballs (this is resolutely AFL territory) and cycling.

Met up with quite a few Canberrans who had treked down for the run, and were checking out the finish line / marshaling point and parts of the run. Saw the lime markings on the ground for the race, and rode over part of run before meeting up with Rad for a while. Although I would have liked to have done more, I had just got too cold, even arm warmers and a cap under my helmet, so headed back for a hot shower and a blast of the heater to warm up.

Slept really well, so up early, packing the car in readiness for the quick trip home after the event to attend a family dinner.

There had been light rain, so the cloud cover meant that it wasn't too cold, however between 8 and 9 am the chill set in and it got progressively colder. There was an air of excitement at the start line with nearly a thousand people collecting race numbers, catching up with friends and warming up. Here I spied a Cool Running Cap and introduced myself to Gronk, and met of his local mates.

At the slated start time, 10 am, we were off, although once again my decision to self seed at the middle of the pack was not too smart. After a kilometre of flat bitumen, the surface changed to gravel and the climb started. More and more people started walking, and although I can keep running I know that my strength on the hills still leaves a lot to be desired and I was very slow. Water stations at 2km and 4km were well utilised, although I didn't drink until the 7km mark. After the summit, the trail undulated considerably through what looked like pretty nice bush. Admittedly I didn't spend much time in taking this in! I had hoped for a sub-60 minute finish, although reached the 5km mark at 30:30 and wondered aloud to a fellow runner whether this was possible, and voiced my amazement at Moneghetti race record of 34:57.

A few killer descents began which enabled me to open up and pass quite a few runners as they watched their footing. In the distance I saw what looked like a Cool Running singlet on the hill ahead. This gave me another focus to chase to cheer 'Go Cool Runner' , however it passed in t of view over the rolling trails. On the descent from the War Memorial I finally caught up with 'A Wiseman' and puffed my encouragement. I had also reeled in quite a few women.

Onto the finish chute, which always seems so long over the final few hundred metres. A final time of 56:23 was within my own 1 hour cutoff, although a little slow. Despite the flat start, first kilometre was very slow; as I waited to move, waited to jog, tried to weave my way past those already walking and talking.
Note to Self: Get closer to the front at big events. You're not as bad as you think you are.




A great day, with good organisation and a T-Shirt included in the $12 entry fee. Rad did extremely well, easily beating his age (71 minutes for 77 years) and looking really comfortable at the finish. I feel very proud of him!

This is a course that would particularly benefit from some previous knowledge. I am one of many who would be pleased to be back next year.