We’ve all heard the cliché about how running is ‘all in the mind’. At first glance this doesn’t appear true because we all know to our cost that the body is involved. At a deeper level though this does ring true for long distance runners. Mastering the mindset of distance running is critical in order to enjoy success, which I take to be achieving your potential. Athleticism and genetics can only get you so far. Until such time as you master the mindset you won’t achieve your potential. Continue reading “Mastering the Mindset – how the most important distance for a runner is between their ears”
Category: Races
Run When You Can, Walk When You Must – Comrades 2018 Race Report
Entering an ultra-marathon always seems like a great idea until the peak training arrives and you are starting your weekend long runs at 3:30am in the morning. Continue reading “Run When You Can, Walk When You Must – Comrades 2018 Race Report”
Brisbane Marathon Festival – Race Report
On Sunday the 3rd of August a small but dedicated group of Striders lined up for this year’s Brisbane Running Festival in a variety of events. The group entailed Paul Dack, Laurence Younger, Alison Exton, the unstoppable Jenny Cawood and myself. A modest troop, but not surprising with the number of events to choose from and many runners still recovering from the Gold Coast Marathon and gearing up for events later in the year. Continue reading “Brisbane Marathon Festival – Race Report”
My First Marathon – A Dream Come True
It was just over two years ago that I started running seriously. My dream was to do a half marathon. At that stage I couldn’t even run around the block without stopping. The thought of me doing a full marathon was laughable! However, that year I did 3 half marathons and I achieved the goal time I had set for myself. I proved to myself that if I set myself a massive goal and if I worked hard enough, I could achieve anything! Continue reading “My First Marathon – A Dream Come True”
Comrades Marathon – Tales Of A First Timers Pilgrimage
It’s the morning of 1 June 2014. Hard to believe that I am finally in front of the town hall, in the small town of Pietermaritzburg in the KwaZulu Natal province of South Africa, surrounded by over 14,000 other runners at the start of the 2014 Comrades Marathon. This is one of the biggest events on the South African sporting calendar with 12 hours of live national TV coverage , 1.5 million spectators and is arguably the most iconic ultra marathon in the world. Continue reading “Comrades Marathon – Tales Of A First Timers Pilgrimage”
Comrades Marathon 2014 Race Report
Comrades Marathon 2014 was always going to be a memorable race for me. This was the first time the sacred green and white of the South Pine Striders race kit would be worn by more than one runner in this historic race. It was an important milestone for our club from my perspective that we had multiple representatives in a foreign race, especially the historically significant Comrades which began in 1921. Continue reading “Comrades Marathon 2014 Race Report”
Striders Sparkle At Twilight
This year’s 6th Twilight running festival attracted a contingent of keen Striders. The events kicked off in very uncomfortable 30 degree heat and oppressive humidity making the going tough for everyone participating.
Despite the heat there were some very impressive results and PB’s achieved. The course was slightly altered this year but is still a scenic run along and over the river and through the leafy suburbs that line it. Continue reading “Striders Sparkle At Twilight”
Mt Glorious Trail Run
Well done to Enda Cotter, Paul Dack, Nicole van Gurp and Jerrod Smith on completing a tough trail run on Saturday morning of 22 February 2014. Here are some pictures from the day. This is also the first airing of our partner/sponsor banner kindly supplied by Brendale Community Bank® Branch of Bendigo Bank with the joint male first place finishers being awarded their trophies. Well done to all. Continue reading “Mt Glorious Trail Run”
Comrades Marathon 2014 – Striders On Tour
I’m inviting expressions of interest for Striders to take on The Ultimate Human Race: The Comrades Marathon 2014. This iconic race has been held since 1921 and is between the cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban. 2014 is a downhill run, which means of the 90km 54km is purely downhill so its fast! (it may also be painful…). It is a truly wonderful day of sensory overload, 1,5 million mad supporters along the way cheering you all the way to Durban in a rich display of South Africa’s cultural diversity. There are plenty of honoured traditions from the spine tingling Chariots of Fire at the start and the famed cock crow before the gun, the singing of the traditional African working song Shosholoza and many more. Continue reading “Comrades Marathon 2014 – Striders On Tour”
South Pine Striders Club Champs 2013
Here’s the format for the SPS club champs for 2013. It comes with certain restrictions and warnings which carry dire consequences if not adhered to… The purpose is to encourage participation in events, encourage support of local events, have fun and celebrate and assist in providing a friendly, safe and competitive environment. Continue reading “South Pine Striders Club Champs 2013”