South Pine Striders

This run was held on 4 February 2012. It’s organised by TRAQ or at least the details of the run can be found there as can many other trail running events. It was run from Cedar Flats on the other side of Mt Glorious and run on fire trails up to Mt Glorious itself. There were a total of about 150 runners on this day which represents a full field for events like this. Numbers are limited due to National Parks restrictions but more importantly for the safety of competitors. It was a fun run in great conditions with some honest hills in it. I would encourage all to have a browse of the TRAQ website, pick an event and go and do it. There is less pressure on time and absolutely no disgarce in walking sections. Especially some of the hills. Well, that’s it. Just a quick blurb and hopefully it will convince more of you into the bush. Remember, you can take the man out of the bush but not the bush out of the man. Happy running!

On the 5^th February 2012 eight Striders took the long road trip out to Goondiwindi to take part in the ‘Hell of the West’ a 2km swim, 80km ride and a 20km run.

With the recent flooding in Western Queensland the swim was moved from the river to the local botanical gardens duck pond!

The competition between the Striders was in full swing the night before with Starkie taking it to another level bringing out his full aero, aka sperm helmet to give him that 40sec advantage.

The race got underway at 5:00am (still dark) in the duck pond with 3 laps and a short 3.5km run back to transition.  The Striders then got onto their bikes for the 80km dead flat ride. Jerrod’s recent training shone through with a powerful ride with Starkie hot on his tail.

With the shortened run it was off the bike to complete the final 16.5km run as the sun really started to heat up. The run was made up off 3 laps and gave everyone the chance to have a good look at each other.

Abigail (I haven’t done much training) Griffin blitzed the field and smoked home in 1^st place amongst the Striders, showing that she is a true endurance athlete and the boys still can’t catch her.

Michael Stark proved that he is well suited to Triathlon and came home 29sec behind Abi to finish 2^nd. The new TT bike on order will see a different result next year.

Jerrod Smith came home 3^rd and showed that all his training is paying off with a power display of riding and looks to be well on his way to completing his first Ironman.

Megan Watterston was next across the line taking out 3^rd place in her age group, an excellent effort overcoming a back injury leading up to the race.

Duncan Price had a tough day in the office after realizing runners legs don’t really do much on a bike. He struggled home and learnt some very valuable lessons along the way.

Mary Jackson show everyone how it is done completing another magnificent race crossing the line with her normal bounce and smile, more concerned on how everyone else went.

Fabian Gonzalez somehow managed to complete the race with a solid effort after 3 months on holiday and limited training. 

The event was fanatics, well organized and supported by the local community. Mother Nature was very kind to us with no extreme temperatures or headwinds; it was a great day for racing.

Lessons were learnt by all with the majority of Striders competing in their first 5hr+ endurance event.

The healthy competition is spurring everyone on with the competition being taking to the next level with a Half Ironman being held at Yeppoon on the 19^th August 2012.

Written timeously by Duncan but posted way late by me. Thanks and apologies Duncan