Disclaimer: We carry no insurance. All participants are warned that they run at their own risk                               

UPDATED 16TH OF JULY 2009

GOLD COAST MARATHON 2009 with the Red Man Runners

         .com

This page is a work in progress. Stacks more photos and reports to come.

  Thank you Elf, Justin and Tanya, Rob and Karla, Janelle and Kathryn (so far) for the photos.

  Rob and Karla's pics from the race. LINK

  All of your Marathon splits LINK compiled by Andrew.

  Half Marathon Results

                   Time              Overall finish                Gender Finish          Cat Finish

  Tony D       1.33.32          608/6949                       510/3766                 (45-49) 139/397

  Mark C       1.29.54          432                                366                          (40-44) 50/526

  Rob           1.16.14           57                                 52                           (25-29) 15/487 � 97.13%

  Karla          1.28.44          346                               47/3183                    (30-34) 15/574 � 97.56%

  Rachael       1.45.21         1806                             373/3183                   (30-34) 84/574

  Carol          2.24.20          6246                            2690                          (55-59) 69/112

  Judy           2.20.09          6070                            2570                          (50-54) 117/176

  Peter          1.48.28          2538                            1896/3766                  (50-54) 117/280

  Kerry Injured

  Gethin        1.28.54          356                              306                            (40-44) 41/526

  Kellie          1.35.00          1224                            1007                           (25-29) 25/586 � 95.90%

  Nathan       1.45.33          1959                            1534                           (25-29) 229/487

  Clare D       1.41.53          1454                            278                             (40-44) 44/453

  Heidi  5 km    58.55          3720                            2694                                       292/326 

  Rob with a view from the Gold Coast Half Marathon:

  It never sounds nearly as impressive when you tell someone that you just did a half marathon on the weekend, in response to them asking   "why are you hobbling around like an old man"?

  To the uninitiated I guess it must demonstrate an inability to go the distance, or maybe half the effort required. No big deal. Whatever it   may be, my legs tell me that I have worked as hard as I could. Only having recently moved back to Australia, and even more recently moving   to Brisbane it was always going to be tough to fit ourselves in with new groups, new routines and a new married life. One of the first things   we did in Brisbane was to go for a run and scope out the areas of interest. This is where we stumbled upon the redman group.

  I know that I speak on behalf of Karla and myself when I say that this was the best way to acquaint ourselves with the city and the   wonderful people within it. With our Ironman the main focus of the year in December the Gold Coast half marathon was a perfect focus in   which to start off the racing season. Each week (after injuries had subsided) we made an effort to channel our efforts into running strong   and starting our 5 month preparation for the Ironman with a strong race. While we didn't have the pace runners (or Judy running us in) on   race day the support we were given on the day was far and beyond what we were expecting.

  Sitting at the pointy end has its benefits, but it also is mentally draining by yourself. On the way back after the turn around I was shouted   support countless times from people running their own races, as was Karla. Like the rest of our time with the group it was those little things   that spurred us on. After training sessions I am always passed on some interesting facts and figures from Karla who obediently listens to   Brisbane tourist guide 'Paul', or I have a new joke that I can relay to Karla courtesy of the Chris team up front. Whether it is the jokes, the   stories, the talking, or Judy telling me to slow down, all these things shaped both Karla and my races into personal best half marathons. A   1:28:44 for Karla and a 1:16:14 for myself. The little things making a difference.

  When we had both finished our race and found out our times we were exhilarated. What could be better? I tell you what is.......Getting a PB   in the same race as your wife and arriving at a tent of friends that genuinely share the same joy as we do after our efforts. The support on   the day made it complete and I enjoyed every part of the experience from the clothes handler, to the AMAZING food, the cheers on the final   stretch, and the camaraderie shared amongst a group of people who ranged in a abilities across different distances.

  I know that day nobody put in half an effort whether racing or supporting. It was a great day to be a Red Man.Will we ever find a group   quite like the redman? Half our luck.

  Liz.J  Here is how I saw the Gold Coast Marathon.

  Lying awake on Sunday morning waiting for the alarm to go off to let me know that the big day had finally arrived, I thanked Judy for the   advice to make sure I had a good nights sleep on Friday night. I got dressed & grabbed my water bottle with the distinct feeling I was   forgetting something. After a complete check of what I was wearing & carrying I decided that it was my imagination, so I set off for the walk   to the start. (About 1.5km's).

  It was very chilly and I was thankful for my jumper. I took a while to cross over the Gold Coast Highway as there were so many people and   the Half Marathoners were lining up for their start. I located the Redman Runners bright red tent and joined the other Redman Runners   getting ready for the Marathon. Before I knew it was a quick dash for the loo & then we were heading for the Start where I bumped into a   friend of mine (Louise) also heading for the start, she was also lining up for her debut marathon - little did Louise & I know but our lovely   husbands had a thing going on the side to see who would have the best wife's debut marathon....

  Once at the start I instantly need to go to the loo again - funny what nerves does to you. I lined up near Andreas who was pacing the 4   hour group and tried to get ready for the little run we were about to undertake. Apparently the gun went (Neither Andreas or I heard it)   and we were off - It took about 2 minutes to get to the actual start line. I was feeling comfortable at about the 10km mark where I heard   Judy, Liz D & Michael K cheering for me (Thanks Guys). Judy & Liz D soon caught up with me and gave me some more encouragement & a   pat on the back. (Thanks again). I was still running with Andreas & the 4 hour pace group at the 15km mark, but I decided that this was   just a little bit too fast for what I wanted to do - so I slowed down just a bit & let them get away from me. Heading back up towards   Surfers paradise I came across Judy & Liz D Again - they had more words of encouragement for me. (Thanks).

  I came upon my Husband (Bruce) at about the 26km mark and he decided that he would keep me company for a while - yes my pace picked   up slightly. It was at this point that my quads started to cramp, but what can you do but keep going. Bruce encouraged me with words of   wisdom like "Move that but of yours". I then saw another friendly face in the crowed at the 30km mark - Mary Ashton who also gave me   some words of encouragement like "You're looking good" - Hummm I think she must have been delirious as I do not think that I was looking   very good at that moment... Then at about the 31km mark I heard this big cheer from the side line - Yes I ran past the Redman Runners   Tent (Thanks for the cheer) and noticed that John D had already finished his marathon - Good running JD. Bruce then headed off to check   out of the Hotel and catch up with some other people.

  So here I was heading away from the finish area alone again, wishing that I was heading the other way, when I came across Louise (My   friend I mentioned earlier). She had blown up and was struggling with Matt (Her husband) riding his bike along side her. I was quite   surprised as she is a better runner than I am, but I must have had my pace right. I gave her a few words of encouragement & kept to my   pace as best as I could - My legs were getting very sore by now. I went to have my Gu at the 37.5km Drink Stop BUT they had run out of   water and were trying to get some more, so I ended up missing out on my Gu.

  Heading out to the turn at Runaway Bay I saw a few other Redman Runners & gave them a Cheer & got cheered in return (Thanks). At the   Turn I came across Denis and we started to head back to the finish line (Thank Heavens). I made a bad mistake at the 40km Drink stop - I   stopped to make sure that I got some fluid into me as I missed the last drink stop & my legs really cramped up and it took a while to get   them going again. But I did and once they were going again I was not going to stop until I crossed that finish line. On the home stretch at   last & yes another big cheer as I passed the Redman Runners tent (Thanks) and it was around the corner to the finish. Yes! I finished & I   beat Louise so Bruce had the bragging rights over Matt!!

  Thanks to all of you who cheered for me. Thanks to all the lovely ladies who organized the Brunch and looked after our bags. Thanks to   Judy for all her help and advise Thanks to all the Redman Runners for being such a great bunch of people and supportive of everyone no   matter how fast or slow they may be.

  Judy looks back on the greatest day in the history of our little running group:

  RUN REPORT FOR GOLD COAST MARATHON

  To quote a song Liz Dooley and I heard while running along Hedges Avenue “It’s a beautiful day etc etc “You know the words, it’s by my   favourite group U2.  What an omen.  It turned out to be a fantastic day for everyone in Redman Runners.
  The final week of taper can often throw a few curved balls to be dodged and this week was no different. Some in the group had to face the   injury demons, others were fighting bugs and other nasties and everyone was touched by the sad passing of Tony “Boydy”, in particular,   Gary Pettiford, Dave Shortt, Dennis Geraghty, Brian Peckham, “Demo” Dempsey and Chris Davy.
  Sunday dawned bright, cool (No change that to COLD) and clear. Our Fashion Commentator (Alan Barber) always manages to be spot on   with his weather forecasting. He was right again – a perfect day to run a few ks with your mates.  The level of excitement at the Redman   Tent was infectious.  Even in the early morning gloom, smiles were evident everywhere.  Was it nerves? Was it “Oh bugger, I should have   done more training” or as I heard from a few “Sh....... I’ve left my GUs at home” 
  Our red tent (thanks Adidas) looked brilliant as did our very own Redman dressed in his red Adidas polo shirt. Mel had done a great job in   organising an area for bags, food, drinks and she and Jo were providing some motherly support for those who were struggling to get   themselves dressed and ready to go. We all need a “Mum” to help us get ready.
  Regardless, we managed to get the Half Marathoners to the start line on time.  Elfman was busy taking happy snaps of everyone.
  The location of our tent was unbeatable. We were able to watch all the Halfers run past and send them on their way with a few good sledges   ringing in their ears.  The Redman uniforms made it easy to spot our people in the crowd.  Rob, Mark Carroll, Karla, Gethin Kellie and Tony   Tomato were right up the pointy end with everyone else well placed for a great run.  Rachel, Dave, Peter Harber, Chris Daly,Clare Dooley and   Kerry were all smiles as they ran past. Although Carol Kinne and Judy Tayt looked to be having way too much fun laughing and chatting   happily as they ran past the group.  Patti Wilson was out to run a pb after her great effort at the Great Ocean Road run earlier in the year.
  It was now time for the Marathoners to get organised.  Our Pace Runners were making last minute checks on Garmins and watches.  Jase   was roaming around with a big smile on his face (as usual),  Garry Holt was doing his usual “Cool Dude” thing. The girls were getting   excited; Carly could not keep the smile off her face.  Sarah was struggling with her virus and poor Trudy was still deciding whether to start   or not.  Thankfully she started the race in order to stop her head driving her nuts for the next twelve months. “Elite” was quietly wondering   what the hell he had got himself into, Paul Ross was his usual calm self, Jess was excited (family was watching today),  Andrew was in a   mischievous mood until I made sure he was attached to “Ant Man” Canfell so he would run sensibly and achieve his goal time.
  Alan Barber got his pace group organised and was laying down the law for k splits, Ian Hall was listening carefully.  Thanks to Michael Kinne   for spotting a whole row of vacant porta-loos.  For the nonrunners, you don’t know how good this is – nothing worse than having to queue   for a loo just before the start and you are BUSTING and there is only 10 minutes to go and you can’t find your sunnies and you have lost   your GUs and (the list goes on).
  Gary P, Demo, Dave, Dennis and Brian were all set to go with Boss Man Gary making sure they were all organised and “Boydy” along for the   ride with his name in bold letters on each of their arms. Liz Jones was decked out in red and white – might as well look good if you are going   to run well.  I hope Alan  noticed that Michael Kinne was not only brand co-ordinated but also had socks to match his Adistar shoes.
  We made our way to the start and dropped everyone off at their respective startng points.  Andreas was there with his balloons ready to   take off in the light breeze and was busy sorting the troops at the 4hr mark.  Making our way further forward, the beeps of Garmins being   set was almost as loud as “Uncle Phil Hungerford’s” voice on the loudspeaker.  One last check of everyone and we were off.  I believe Alan B   had two problem kids in his group – Brian and Gary Holt were trying to break world records.  Note to Brian “Set your Garmin before the   race starts”.
  The first few ks went by very quickly.  Everyone was in sight and on pace – What a relief  Heading out to the 10k mark and GU stop we met   up with AB who informed me that everyone in his group was behaving (yes even Gary and Brian) and were on pace. We checked on   everyone else and all looked good. I must thank Liz Dooley and Michael Kinne for joining me to help keep an eye on everyone. We spotted   the Dooley clan waving from their balcony at Burleigh and were tempted to stop for cake and a coffee. 
  After turning around at Burleigh we were able to spot Liz D, Demo and Dave still enjoying themselves and trotting along nicely.  The guy in   the superman kit was looking very unsuperman at this point. To take our minds off the run, we got on to the topic of Roger Federer.  The   ks just flew by.
  The run back to Southport was very pleasant although the road camber was causing a few problems for some – Gary Pettiford’s calf didn’t   like this section at all.  AB rejoined his group and the excitement was building – everyone was on target to run PBS.  The music along the   way was awesome.  At Kurrawa, Liz D and I were thinking of stopping for a bit of a dance but Michael wasn’t that keen. 
  Back at the finish and it was time to enjoy the results. The air of excitement in the Redman Tent was high. The Halfers were all raving about   PBS and reliving their run and they were busy enjoying the food fest.  All our supporters had the best view of the finish; everyone had to   run past our tent to get to the finish line. It was a case of “suck it up and look good” in front of your mates or it will get mentioned on the   website.
  Johnny D led the Redman Marathoners home in a fantastic time of 2hr 52 for his first marathon.  I feel Johnny has many faster ones in his   legs. Jase was looking for a 3hr 5 finish but Hit the Wall Big Time a few meters from the finish.  For Redman records we will credit Jase with   a finish time of 3hr 7m. The officials gave him his tee shirt and medal too.  Paul Ross, Sarah, Andrew, Ian, Chris Buckley, Chris Garrard,   Carly, Brian, Garry Holt, Jess, Hugh and Richard all made their way home in Pb time with smiles as wide as Jason’s.  They were soon followed   by Elite Geoff, and Gary Pettiford.  4 hours passed and Liz Jones was soon in our sights.  What a great first run Liz.  Dennis was hot on her   heels with Stewart and Dave Shortt in sight around the bend. The cry went up “Where is Demo?”  In a gutsy effort, Demo soon turned the   bend at the 40k mark and was in the home straight.  To a rousing cheer from everyone, Demo put on a smile and was able to high five   everyone on the way past to the finish line.  All Redman runners were home.
  Everyone arrived back at the tent ready to relive their race to anyone who would listen. Medals were hung around necks and worn with   pride.  Elf was still busy snapping away and it took 20 minutes to get everyone settled enough to take a group photo.
  What a day!  It was obvious everyone was enjoying themselves as it was after 2pm when we finally packed away the last of the supplies and   hit the road for home.
  A big thanks to Mel Canfell, Jo Hicks, Tara Shippsides, Janelle, Kristy, Tara’s Mum, Tom, Anthon Canfell and everyone else who helped out   with setting up, catering, packing up (thanks Dave McKenna) and supporting during the day.  If you read Jason Lonnergan’s report on the   website, he sums up the fantastic group support nicely.
  Everyone gets the dreaded injury curse sometime in their life and it is particularly disappointing when this happens in the lead up to a big   race. It was so good to see the injured Redman Runners come along to support their mates: special thanks to Justin, Tanya, Ironman   Brett, Mocha, Peter Wilson, Megan Pettiford and Elfman.  Patrice and Janelle are forgiven as they are about to enjoy the arrival of some new   little runners.
  I am so glad everyone ran a Pb and had an enjoyable race be it the marathon, the half or the 10k.  This is a great result and due to the   support everyone receives in the group. We do have something very special at Redman.  With such a diverse group of people from such a   range of backgrounds and running abilities, we manage to be accepting of everyone and supportive of everyone.  This is such a big factor. If   you feel accepted in a group, it has a positive effect on performance.  We had times ranging from 2hr 52 out to 4hrs 40 yet everyone was   there cheering each other on. 
  This is one of the first big family and friends get-togethers we have had at Redman and it was a great success.  It is particularly rewarding   for every runner to get that big Well Done Welcome after a big race.  I hope everyone’s family and friends enjoyed the day too.
  Well done everyone – you rock. 
  Judy

   Anthony Paces Andrew:

  I hadn’t done the training miles for Gold Coast but have really enjoyed seeing people over the last couple of months doing the long runs   and preparing for the marathon. Actually I was getting a bit jealous, so when Judy mentioned that I could do pacing for part of it I thought   that it would be a great way to be part of the team.

  My job was to run with Andrew and Judy took me aside and said that my job was just to keep him under control, make sure he doesn’t run   too fast – he needs to stick with about 4:40-4:50km/h – and try and make sure he gets to 30km in good shape. So I held his hand for the   first bit of the run (we got some strange looks, but I guess that’s the price you pay), however straight away I realised that my charge was   going to be hard to manage.

  We did the first 5km at 4:30 pace, then the next at the same pace and the next. I was starting to get worried that we were going too fast   (not so much for Andrew whom I was convinced would hit the wall, but more for myself because I knew that I would be in trouble with Judy   for not holding him back).

  Both of us were feeling good through 20 and 25km although I was starting to getting sick of hearing myself telling Andrew that it ‘is a long   run and no matter how good you feel now it only really starts at 30km’ (actually I had no idea because I’d never actually run 30km, let alone   a marathon, but I had read this in a runners magazine and it sounded like a bit of sage advice).

  We had great support from Sue (Andrew’s wife), who seemed to just pop up in front of us about a dozen times all over the course. At   around 30km I ran out of legs and had to send Andrew on his way while I hobbled home. Andrew kept running well, managed to keep it   together through the desert and came home strong. I must say full credit to him for having the fitness, backing himself with a plan and   achieving it. It was an absolutely awesome run to complete his first marathon in 3:16.

  It was great watching everyone else complete their run. I found watching some of the end bits quite emotional – it was just amazing to see   everyone finish knowing that they each had their own personal story of achievement. I loved clapping people in – the commentary from   Brett was highly amusing as always and I think that the award for the most SUPPORTIVE team would have to go to the Red Man Runners. It   was a fantastic day all round and thanks of course to Judy for absolutely everything. Next year I’m hoping to give it a go myself.   Congratulations to everyone who ran. Cheers, Anthony

   How Andrew saw the day:

  Please modify if too wordy. Tried to be brief but how do you condense 42.2km and 8mths training! I had a good day. Finished my first   marathon. And I'm sore now! Can tick off that life goal. As with most things it's best to listen to those who had been there, done that,   instead of reinventing the wheel. So I followed the Red Man schedule for the marathon. The advice from Judy's seminars was great, not just   for me but for Sue as well. The taper was interesting. The doubt, the heavy legs, the aches. A holiday to southern NSW. Confidence   rebounded after looking at the training diary - I reminded myself of all the long runs through the summer heat, extra mid-week runs to   home or station at night, sometimes in the rain. The speed sessions and tempo runs. The Yassos. The long runs by myself when away from   Red Man on the weekend. Doing the sessions when you didn't feel like it. After running a few options through the Macmillan race predictor, I   could reasonably go for 3.20 with sub 3.15 for a 'pretty good' day. 3.10-3.15 was also our Yasso time + 5 to 10mins so I knew it was   achievable. My plan was to sit on 4.30 for the first 10km, 4.35 to 20km 4.40 to 35km then try to hold 4.45 for the final 7km. This was a   surprise to Anthony who was assigned to pacing me at about 4.50-5.00, but he went with my plan. Added to this was some advice from   Alan that in the marathon, very few of the starters finish with the pace group as most people don't run at even pace for the whole race. I'd   also heard that the pacers usually go a bit harder at the start to bank a bit of time. This is exactly what happened. I'd also quizzed Jason,   Mocha, Ian H, Paul and Alan about the last 12-10km. Lined up behind the 3.15 pace group with fellow Red Men - Jason, Trudy, Sara, Chris   B, Paul etc. Hey, these were the fast guys, maybe I should be further back. Stick with the plan, stay on pace. Drink every table; don't   double up Endura and gel. Gels at 12.5, 22.5, 32.5, 37.5. The balloons were out in front and stayed there. Not 4.37 pace. The Coolrunners   were right about the pacers. At 10km we stayed on 4.30 pace and feeling good; gel at 12.5km. The other Red Men were just in front.   Watch the lead runners head north. Saw John D with Chris G not far behind, both looking really good. We came up to halfway, crossing in   1.35. Another gel. Pace was slightly quicker than planned but only just and feeling comfortable. Anthony pulled me back after a few more   kms after the Endura gel with caffeine kicked in. Asked how I was feeling and said I was going well. The 25km mat didn't beep, not that   Anthony could tell in stealth pacer mode. Paul was steadily moving ahead. We stayed with the balloons. Anthony dropped off around   28.5km after doing a great job and I really appreciated the company. Maintained pace approaching 30km, slightly ahead of the balloons.   Soon I'll be passing the Red Man tent! Paul has gone. He's a strong runner. Great lift running past the crowd and all the Red Man   supporters. After 33km we entered the desert, as Alan calls it. The spectators evaporated as we ran past the eternal roadworks and canal   backblocks north of Southport. There's a sense of oppression. It's a different race now. A few runners stop to stretch calfs. Called out a   "c'mon keep going, everyone's hurting" as I passed Andrew (Brian's mate) who had stopped. Great to see Sue, Matthew and the In-laws   just after the bridge at Lands End. Tried to lift a bit but it's getting tough. Pace is dropping to 4.50-5.00. Planned for 4.45. Heart rate has   increased. There's not much left in the tank. Final turn and back to the finish. Picked up water off Sue on the way back. Last gel - I'm sick of   these. A guy drops to his knees and spews orange stuff. Maybe he should have chosen the green one. Dave McK cheers at the Grand Hotel.   I pass 40km. Had already decided just to finish than chase time as legs were tight. The 3.15 balloons go past. The guy beside me curses.   He's got about 10 runners with him, most who he'd picked up, like me. He'd even dropped his rear balloon pacer! I try to stay with him. My   calfs are tight! They slowly slip away. At about 40.5km I was surprised to see Chris B then Chris G with Sally only half a km further. Both   are fantastic runners and it was sad to see them struggling. Great to have Trudy run with me to the Red Man tent. Pity she had to pull out   at 10km. Says I'm doing really well and on 3.15 pace. I mumble something about the balloons being ahead. I'm not very coherent. I want to   finish. Concentrating on keeping the legs ticking over; nearly there! reached the turn in, it's only around the pool now. Crossed in 3.16.41   gun time (3.16.19 chip). Decided to go against Alan's advice and don't click the heels as I crossed the line. Surprised to find walking so   hard! Grabbed a few drinks and kept walking around. Judy was wrong. Its not taking the timing chip off that's so bad its getting out of the   chair! Looking around, I'm not the only one who's knees seem to have fused! I ask a guy how he went - 2.59; he's very happy but looks   like he's walking on his heels. Keep moving around. Don't go the massage, grab some water and off to the Red Man tent. Thanks for all the   support on the day, the tent and the food. That takes heaps of organising and effort and was very much appreciated. It's the little things   that make the group special, like Geoff R waiting for me at the toilet on my first long run with Red Man, or Alan encouraging me along the   final kms on a summer long run when I just wanted to stop. And Anthony pacing me for the first ~29kms. It's a great group and I'm happy   to be a part of it. A special thanks to Judy and Alan for their advice and encouragement leading up to this one. Judy will be happy for me to   stop annoying her! For now. Cheers, Andrew

    Ian Hall's day at the races:

   A big thankyou to Mel and her team on Sunday for looking after us , including Jo, Tara , Anthony, Judy and many others I'm sure. Thanks   to Alan who kept me company for 10k's while my talented running buddies slowly disappeared ahead of me after the halfway mark. It was   really appreciated and Alan certainly looked to be having a good time which was good for me. The crowd down there are so supportive   especially going past the redman tent. I was really elated to finish and beat my previous time. Monday I went 10 pin bowling with Mitch at   Surfer's mall with a no bend in the legs style, good fun but the ball lands with a bit of a thud...beat him by one point. Good to beat   somebody. Ian H.

   The Red Man Runners 3hr 25min pace group. (By Alan.B)

   During a long run a few weeks prior to the Gold Coast Marathon a plan was hatched. We were heading back along the board walk towards   New Farm Park when it was suggested that perhaps a number of the Red Man Runners should run together in the Marathon and pace each   other. I volunteered to take on the task of pacer for the first 10km to make sure they didn't go out too quickly and Jess, Ian.H and Brian   agreed. Poor misguided souls.

  The plan in detail was to go out calmly and try and settle at 4min 50secs per kilometre early on. This would put them on target for a 3hr   25min Marathon.

  Wind the clock forward to 7am July the 5th on the Gold Coast. A perfect morning for a Marathon and as a group we wondered down to the   starting area. Gary.H, Hugh and Carly had also decided to join our pace group. It's surprisingly easy to get to the exact spot in the starting   area where we want to be. Just in front of the 3hr 30min pace group. This is all going way too well. Hang on, we've lost Hugh ! No there he   is. Just had to stop off for a nervous wee. (I almost forgot to mention that Carly had left her GU's in the motel room and on her way to   race start on the bus had made an announcement. "Does anyone have any Gel's I could have?" "I've forgotten mine").

  In a few words I'll describe each member of our group while we waited for the starters gun. Ian.H; calm and happy (he always is). Jess;   nervous and excited. Carly; can't keep the grin off her face. Brian; 17kg lighter than 18 weeks earlier, excited and eager to go. Gary.H   quiet, prepared and smiling. Hugh; 'GREEN'. (His longest run prior to the Marathon had been 28km in training). Hugh also gets the pre-race   quote. "Phew, now it's starting to sink in - what we're about to do".

  Everyone who gets to the start line of a marathon has a story. Ian.H raced last year and was a little disappointed with 3hr 39mins. He was   back and determined to go quicker. Jess likewise was back for her second Marathon and keen not to go too fast too early and set a PB.   Carly was a first timer. Some how among her medical studies she had found time to train and her running had come along tremendously.   Hugh (boyfriend of Carly) 'perhaps' hadn't trained as much as he'd wanted to and he was keen to hang onto the group for at least 25km   and then see how he went. Brian had joined us 18 weeks ago with a plan. Run a marathon. He had shed 17kg since then and his running   improvement had surprised everyone. Gary.H had raced the difficult Toowoomba M his first attempt and was this time better trained and   prepared and keen to go much quicker.

  Where underway and our little group cruise out not worrying too much about our pace in the busy first couple of k's. But surprisingly we   find plenty of room and manage to stick pretty much together and where on 5 min k's before we know it. This is all going way too smoothly.   By kilometre 4 we are on 4min 55sec pace and enjoying a trot along Main Beach. Approaching 10 k's we discuss the fact that we have   averaged 4min 49sec since the start and will run through 10k's in about 47mins setting up the group to run a 3hr 25min marathon if they   stick with that pace. Hugh again, "Then I'm with the wrong group!" I have a sneaking suspicion that Hugh is traveling pretty well and predict   that his youth and background of touch football may see him stick for a long while in this race. I suggest if they feel good they don't go   quicker yet. We'll reassess after at least 20k's. A few other runners in the marathon had worked out our tactics and our pace group had   become a little bigger. The 'unofficial' 3:25 pace group.

  20 k's down and the group are still right on pace. I chat to each member of the group and it's Brian and Gary who look like they are ready   to go quicker. I drift back and chat to Jess. She is just cruising. Carly's still smiling and Hugh is chuffed still to be with them. It's Ian.H who   looks like his loosing contact. I speak to him and he tells me he's struggling a bit. We run together till kilometre 31 as we pass the   start/finish line and the other 5 run away from us. Ian hasn't lost the pace too much but we are drifting away. I tell Ian all sorts of stuff   about how well he's going and that we have plenty of time in the bank and that we have found a new rhythm and that he'll still run faster   than that PB of 3hr 39mins. I wonder if he believes me. I know I'm struggling to believe it.

  It turns out Brian is the one with the legs on the day and he moves off the front of the group. Hugh decides this isn't as hard as everyone   makes out and also moves away from the girls. The girls (no surprise) are sticking with the plan and will end up running tremendous races.   Gary.H is digging deep and is destined to SMASH his Toowoomba PB. Ian.H digs deeper and deeper.

  Back past the huge Red Man cheer squad Brian is the first of the group spotted. At his first attempt he will run a remarkable 3:23:19. The   girls run down Hugh and come past the tent just metres apart. Carly holds and records at her first attempt a sparkling 3:25:33. Jess is   literally the next person across the line in 3:25:37 smashing her PB of 3:40:23 set in her only other attempt last year. Hugh remarkably   only finish 100 metres behind the girls in 3:26:11 having run 14km further than he ever has before. Then there's Gary.H who's giving   them all a few years. (I'm sure he won't mind me saying that) He takes 26 minutes off his time from his only other attempt from at   Toowoomba in 2008 and stops the clock in 3:27:07. That is about 37 seconds per kilometre quicker than his last attempt !! And Ian.H....   somewhere out there in the last 11 kilometres he found plenty and really hung in tough. He beats that PB. In fact he takes it apart crossing   the line having used up just 3:33:10 ! Taking 6 minutes off last years effort.

  Six runners in our group. We aimed at running sub 3:30. Three first timers all got in comfortably under the time and the three who were off   on their second marathon adventures all set PBs! I'm delighted and a little humbled to have been invited along on their journeys and   absolutely blown away by how they all ran. Thank you guys it was an honour and a pleasure to be there to enjoy your magnificent efforts.

     Jason talks about his attention seeking finish to the 2009 Gold Coast Marathon:

      Just wanted to let those who know about my little episode yesterday that I am well and feel fully recovered. It was a very strange few       hours in recovery, not knowing what happened and the disappointment in not finishing...only 50m short damn it!

      I ended up sucking up 3lt of electrolytes and another 1.5lt of water and Powerade and still didn't need to pee (boy I was dry!) I was so       dehydrated and overheated as a result. I now know why this happened. I drank purely water for the 4 to 5 days leading up to the race       trying to hydrate as best I could. The problem with that is it dilutes your body sodium/ salts vital for body temp control etc. So I simply       ran out just within the last 2kms and began to struggle even though I was feeling great up to that point. Anyway a good lesson learnt.

      Thank you to everyone for looking out for me and for trying to visit. Sorry you could get into the tent but as you found out they were       strict on admittance. Thank you for all your phone calls and text messages, I really appreciated it. Being a part of the Red Man really       came home to my senses yesterday (after I came too) on how great our team of runners and runners partners are. For those who ran,       congrats on all your fantastic times. I can't believe how well everyone did. My time if I had finished was set for a 3:07 finish I think (based       on my splits) Boy it would have been good to have finished!

      Next time. Wishing you all a fine recovery and thanks again for everything. Be good :-) Jas  

     Red Man Runners entered in the 2009 Gold Coast events:

     MARATHON:   Andrew M, Jessica W, Carly S, Chris G, Chris.B, Paul.R, Richard.B, Hugh.E, Jason.L, Dennis.G, Brian.P, Gary.P, Trudy.S,      Ian.H, Paul.D, Garry.H, Liz.J, John.D, Geoff.J.R, David.S. (Pace runners Anthony.C, Alan.B, Judy.B, Michael.K, Liz.D)

    HALF MARATHON: Tony.D, Mark.C, Rob.W, Karla.V.K, Anthony.D, Jenny.H, Michael.R, Rachel.P, Carol.K, Judy.T, Peter.H, Kerry.P,      Gethin.T, Kellie.P.P, Chris.D. (Pace runner Clare.D)

     10k: Nathan.W, Heidi.K

       MARATHON SEMINAR BOOKLETS :

Seminar No.1 booklet now available to view and print

Seminar No.2 booklet now available to view and print

FINAL Seminar booklet now available to view and print

G'day Red Man Runners : I've heard some notable runners write poetry while running to while away the miles. This is an offering I presented to Demo, Gary and the boys yesterday. I thought you might get a laugh. Its very blokie naturally. Dennis.G.

A Month With No Beer (Sound File complete with music)

Well it’s lonesome out there on the roads day and night
You get chased by the dogs and give old ladies a fright
And our training is brutal, it’s mile after mile
Through the cold and the rain we plod on in style

We are Demo’s Runners, we had quite a group
There was Dave, Chris and Tony, and Mark flew the coop
While Demo’s our leader, Gary takes us in charge
He gees us all up and makes us train really hard.

We run from the Redman all over this town
We know every road, whether uphill or down
And the ladies all smile as Demo runs past
They say hidyhi and check out his arse

He calls me Young Fella, and that makes me grin
I’m not built for running, but running’s my thing
And Dave is a dark horse, he says he’s a geek
With Demo his sidekick they pound up the street

Now Brian’s a Kiwi, but don’t you be fooled
He can run like an emu, and talks a bit too
He bought a new Garmin, gets lost without it
He can party all night, but he’s still pretty quick

He loves a big brekkie after a run
We all sit and watch and have lots of fun
There’s only one thing that could bring a tear
What a hell of a time is a month without beer

We’ve given up drinking, we look really trim
We fill up on carbs, and go off to the gym
But there’s nothing so lonesome, morbid or drear
As an Origin night, when you can’t have a beer

Now Judy’s the General, we fall in behind
But Gary’s a rebel, he won’t toe the line
The rain it gets to him, but he’ll never drop
While he keeps an eye out for the next toilet stop

But we’ll all have our memories, I’m sure we’ll agree,
After 5th of July and that race by the sea
Though our knees are all dodgy, our goal it is clear

Marathon mates, what’s a month without beer?

 

WESTFIELD TOOMBUL

PHONE JUDY AND PHIL

3266 9204

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