17th January 2021
To say I was excited about my first race of 2021 is an understatment…
Great big smiles lined my face as the car rolled into the Wamboin Rural Fire Brigade carpark and positive energy gathered within me for the injury free run I was about to start.
Since an injury I suffered late September 2020 I have gruelingly built back to running pain free. All thanks to my unyielding perseverance, Kristy Janszen from Pioneer Training and John Whinsbury from Cadence physiotherapy.
Our count down ticks over as all the runners stand at the start line. I send out my battle cry, yelling “Woooooooo!”, signifying to other runners I am here and reminding myself it is amazing to be alive.
Fueled by all the energy I push out fast, which promptly faded as I remembered this race is a test to see how well my body has recovered and grown since my injury.
It is not a race for me to go all out, I do not want to push so hard I injure my body again and therefore cannot run pain free.
The course has a little over 1km of road which allows runners to spread out before hitting single track. I felt great running along the single track with a great sense of connection to the land I was running on. Earlier in the week I assisted the race owners Pam and Jenny in altering the course to mitigate the emerging hazards and clearing foliage caused by a storm.
The sense of connection to the single track was short lived as the fire trail slides under my heavy foot strikes. This sets off thoughts of running sustainability and I make an effort to have light and smooth feet. Through the next 6km of fire trails I focus on keeping my heart rate below 170bpm checking my Coros Vertix watch regularly.
I turn entering the pine forest continuing to follow the marked trail and soon see the sign “You are now entering the rollercoaster”, an undulating part of the course I really enjoy. I pass one runner on this stretch of the course then check my anticipated timing and notice I am one minute under what I planned.
As I approach 16km I know the Amungula hill is coming up, I make a switchback to the right and there it stands taunting me to give it everything I have. I know this is not the day to unleash everything so I hold back and power hike Amungula.
I hear a loud “Wooooooo, go Justin!” from behind, I clearly recognise the voice as William Barlow’s. Will and others had planned to meet up here and cheer on passing runners. Hearing those words boosted me up Amungula.
The run after Amungula was grueling and difficult, it followed the same course we took to get out here and I was in a constant battle about pushing too hard or not enough.
Eventually I hit the single track again feeling the same sense of connection I quickened my pace, upon leaving the single track John Whinsbury was waiting and gave me a loud cheer.
I open the gates and let the fire burn as I charged down the last of the fire trail.
I hit the road fast running a 3:30/km pace flying all the way through the finish line.
Challenges
1. This being my first race back since injury, my head was full on uncertainty and worry whether my body will hold together.
2. Feeling the reduced levels of hill fitness from my time off running.
Wins
1. Running (injury) pain free
This is something I am extremely happy with! I have worked my ass off with consistent strengthening exercises and want to reduce the chance of injury as much as possible.
Highlights
In the week leading up to the race I met with the two owners of Kowen Trail Run,
Pam Muston and Jenny.
A storm passed through the previous day knocking over trees and scattering debris on the trails. Together the three of us spent over four hours moving trees and making small alterations to the course. These alterations were mandatory as officials would not let the race go ahead with the possibility of falling trees during the race.
I am immensely grateful for these two amazing ladies and the, effort and time they put aside to make this race happen.
Thank you Pam and Jenny
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