Warwick Pentath Run blogger + Gold Coast Important stuff!

Warwick Pentath Run

Guest Blogger : Bridget talking about the 10km race that just went up and up and up! 

10km ascent

After running over 30kms for the first time it would have been nice to sleep in, rest up and revel in that achievement on Sunday.  That however wasn’t going to happen, as the Pentath organisers had scheduled the toughest race of the weekend for first thing Sunday morning and us BRSers (gluttons for punishment as we are) had all decided to tackle the 10k ascent to Queen Mary Falls.

We headed out to the start line, about 30 minutes away in the town of Killarney, where the crisp country air, rolling green hills and morning sunshine were enough to put anyone in a good mood.  Thankfully the weather was warm by Warwick standards, a balmy 10 degrees (it had been -2 degrees a few years ago) and the five of us warmed up and psyched up for the run ahead.

Having run quite a few 10k races in recent months you think I’d be feeling pretty confident, but this wasn’t any 10k race. I had heard enough from previous competitors to know that this was likely going to be the most challenging 10k I had run to date. They weren’t wrong.  After a short downhill run from the starting line the next 4kms consisted entirely of gentle rolling hills that seemed to have more ups than downs.  That said the scenery was beautiful and once again there were supporters in cars and vans cheering us along the way.  It was about the 5k mark where things got tough.  Imagine running up Kurilpa Bridge or Highgate Hill- and then continuing to run up and up and up without a flat or downhill section for about 4ks and you’ll have some idea of what this part of the race was like.  Winding up the mountain, it certainly wasn’t a course to achieve any P.Bs, so instead I challenged myself to settle into a steady pace and just focussed on getting to the top without walking. It was satisfying to see all those many sessions of BRS hill training paying off, and I let out a silent cheer (and thankyou to the BRS coaches) each time I passed a fading runner uphill.  Thankfully, at 9ks the race finished with a fairly flat section at the top before a quick downhill to the finish line were we were rewarded with a free breakfast in a wonderful rainforest setting.I’m pleased to say that we all made it to the top in very respectable times, with Matt even taking 3^rd place in the Men’s event. 

Personally, I was happy that I came in under the hour and even scraped a Top 10 age group finish.  This was by far the hardest 10k race I’ve run, but at the same time also the most scenic and definitely the most rewarding. The race elevation graph from my GPS is pictured below- just don’t let it scare you away from next year’s race! 

BRS Birthday Bash & Goodbye Party

BIg thanks to everybody who joined us for the quarterly BRS birthday dinner at the Ship Inn last night. 

We were also wish two of our favourite BRSers, Nichole and Aoife good luck for their moves to Sydney. Your regular smiling faces will be missed :-(

and A MASSIVE THANK-YOU to our star baker Nichole for her amazing Mizuno Sayonaras cake!! We certainly had a flashy celebration and you have set the bar very high!!

Gold Coast Marathon - Important stuff!

1. race pack collection

We will be collecting your race pack this Saturday if you entered and paid as part of the BRS Team (i.e. you received the 10% discount). 

Please attend training on Monday and/or Wednesday next week to collect your pack. 

If not, we will have the extras at the BRS Tent Saturday and Sunday morning. 

2. BRS Tent

Yes as always, we will have our awesome BRS Tent at the event. We will post the location on facebook on Friday 3rd once we have put it up. 

Please feel free to leave your bags there, as there is always somebody hanging at the tent!

3. AFTER PARTY

Similar to last year, we are keen to stay near the finish line to cheer the final marathoners in!

So this year the party is at/behind/near the TENT!!

What: a chance to celebrate Gold Coast achivements and have  a debrief!

When: Sunday 5th July

Time: 11am - food arriving at 11:30am

Where: the Tent - near the corner of North Street and Gold Coast HIghway

Food/drinks: lets celebrate with Pizza Capers new Rustico Thin Base on their yummy traditional pizzas!  (options: ham & mushrooms, bacon/hawaiian, chicken and vego)

Cost: $14.00 (includes soft drinks and juice)

          $ 5.00 (kids under 10)

BYO: alcoholic drinks and a plate! 

RSVP: Please RSVP and pay your $14.00 at training or deposit it into the BRS account

Bank: Credit Union Australia

BSB: 814 282

Account: 31099466
Please use your name as the transaction.

Saturday Session

When:  Saturday 27 June

Time:  6am -7:30am
           
Where: Meet on the steps of the Southbank Surf Club at Streets Beach, Southbank

What: With only 1 week until Gold Coast, this is a final opportunity for a 10-15km run regardless of your distance, but if you are keen for a shorter run...plenty of options.......

• You could even do a 1 hour run, followed by some stretching and chatting, 
• Use the full 1 hour 30 min  run
• 55min run followed by parkrun 5km to help you push yourself for that last 5km!**NOTE: Parkrun meeting point has moved to the green opposite the River Quay. **

Breaky: followed by Breaky and Coffee!

Cost: $2

Happy Running

Renae & Matt