Running Thread - Join our Strava Club!

[Running_Lifter86]

I have a half marathon coming up this Sunday, first race for the year. Back in February this year i had surgery to repair a hernia, so that had me off running for 2-3 weeks, then spent the following 6-7 weeks building up weekly volume. Through winter i trained for my own goal of a sub 4hr - 50km, which i just achieved. Since then weekly volume has dropped down a little to allow for more speedwork to run a PB in the half coming up this weekend.

Over the weekend i decided to test my 5km, was aiming for sub 19min, i ran 18:31 with a little effort left in the tank but was very happy with the result, looking for a 1:27:00 this weekend but it is a tricky run to pace with a notorious hill in the 3rd km with 60m elevation and then 70m drop over kms 6-8, the course is a 10.6km loop which you run twice.

 

[Willo_]

backing up Melbourne being part of a team doing the Shaka24 hour challenge this weekend, kicks off at 6pm tonight and my team need to have a member of the team running (or walking) at all times. Going to be interesting, haven't ran since the Mara. Will be very slow gentle pace I assume and the constant stop start and fatigue will be the killer.

I do have a little out that i will go home about 2am and get some sleep as I am needed for some stuff at home first thing in the morning, and when that is sorted i will be back on track mid morning to see through the end.

It is all for The Shaka Project that do great things for Mens mental health and suicide prevention. I don't know if Chief is ok with me sharing the link or mentioning it, but if anyone wanted to donate to the cause I can share a link via DM (if that is OK)

Amazing weekend, tough.. i was cooked and sore at the end. Thank god i got to leave for a bit, hardly slept at home but that little recharge helped, managed to get 63k done in the 14ish hours i was there... not staying the whole time likely has kept me able to walk today hahaha!

As someone who has done nothing but solo running the better part of the last 7 years, I have really enjoyed running with people this year, and then the team aspect on the weekend made it so fun, even the tough parts were still enjoyable

 

[Dan Moody]

Managed to get my hands on a pair of Vomero Premium's after missing the first colourway.
Went for a 9k run at Zone 3 pace. Very hard not to pick up the pace in these, very bouncy as you'd expect but found them stable also.
I was so focused on getting a pair of these after countless YouTube reviews that I didn't even research the heel drop of 10mm, which is higher than what I usually go for (b/w 6-8mm) and the reason my calves are sore this morning.
Have to say though, my knees are not sore in the slightest which is my problem area.
I'll use these for my extra long runs, in the cycle with the Mag-Max, SuperBlast and Glycerin Max

 

[Running_Lifter86]

I have a half marathon coming up this Sunday, first race for the year. Back in February this year i had surgery to repair a hernia, so that had me off running for 2-3 weeks, then spent the following 6-7 weeks building up weekly volume. Through winter i trained for my own goal of a sub 4hr - 50km, which i just achieved. Since then weekly volume has dropped down a little to allow for more speedwork to run a PB in the half coming up this weekend.

Over the weekend i decided to test my 5km, was aiming for sub 19min, i ran 18:31 with a little effort left in the tank but was very happy with the result, looking for a 1:27:00 this weekend but it is a tricky run to pace with a notorious hill in the 3rd km with 60m elevation and then 70m drop over kms 6-8, the course is a 10.6km loop which you run twice.

So went a little to quick on the first 10.6km loop particularly the hill at the 3km mark, ran a 1:31:03 and finished in 7th place which i was happy with.

Have a marathon in 4 weeks, another local race, again plenty of elevation in that one so will have to rely more on effort than time.

 

[jackn]

So went a little to quick on the first 10.6km loop particularly the hill at the 3km mark, ran a 1:31:03 and finished in 7th place which i was happy with.

Have a marathon in 4 weeks, another local race, again plenty of elevation in that one so will have to rely more on effort than time.

Was that the run for the firies?

 

[Running_Lifter86]

Was that the run for the firies?

yes it was.

 

[braddsey]

On Sunday I registered for the 2026 Ballarat Marathon (end of April). Will be my second mara after Melbourne this year. Completely forgot I put in for the Sydney ballot a few weeks back, and to my surprise I got a spot in Sydney Marathon too! Looks like my running plan is sorted for 2026.

 

[jackn]

yes it was.

My brother in law did that one. Looked like a tough race and he loves it.

I'm looking at doing a lot more trail runs next year and I'm after some decent trail shoes. I've got some Saucony xodus ultra 2 that I've used previously but don't love. Will always take a pair of non trail shoes and use them if conditions suit, but I'd like to get a pair of trail shoes I enjoy. Anyone know of stores that stock a decent range with treadmills to try them out (I know not the best way to try trail shoes probably). Been to running company previously but not sure if there's better for trails.

At the moment doing you yangs for new years (probably 10k) followed by 2 bays 28km January 11th. Either 22 or 27 at Warburton in early March and probably 20km at my buffalo end of March. Warburton not certain. Kilcunda in February another potential as I did it this year and enjoyed it.

Road I want to do Ballarat and Geelong half next year, plus either sunshine or gold coast marathon. Probably gold coast based on timing.

 

[MinerBoy]

I missed out in the Sydney Ballot while quite a few crew I went with this year got in. Shattered.

 

[darrenmorgan]

I missed out in the Sydney Ballot while quite a few crew I went with this year got in. Shattered.

You could do charity still..

 

[Wetdog]

I missed out in the Sydney Ballot while quite a few crew I went with this year got in. Shattered.

That’s shit. I suspect it will be hard to get into Sydney going forward.

Will you do Melbourne instead? I am thinking of signing up for it.

 

[Wetdog]

My brother in law did that one. Looked like a tough race and he loves it.

I'm looking at doing a lot more trail runs next year and I'm after some decent trail shoes. I've got some Saucony xodus ultra 2 that I've used previously but don't love. Will always take a pair of non trail shoes and use them if conditions suit, but I'd like to get a pair of trail shoes I enjoy. Anyone know of stores that stock a decent range with treadmills to try them out (I know not the best way to try trail shoes probably). Been to running company previously but not sure if there's better for trails.

At the moment doing you yangs for new years (probably 10k) followed by 2 bays 28km January 11th. Either 22 or 27 at Warburton in early March and probably 20km at my buffalo end of March. Warburton not certain. Kilcunda in February another potential as I did it this year and enjoyed it.

Road I want to do Ballarat and Geelong half next year, plus either sunshine or gold coast marathon. Probably gold coast based on timing.

That’s a great schedule.

If you’re looking for a trail run mid year, check out Forrest Trail (10km or 21km) run in June. It’s an awesome event.

 

[jackn]

That’s shit. I suspect it will be hard to get into Sydney going forward.

Will you do Melbourne instead? I am thinking of signing up for it.

Word is Melbourne marathon festival going to become 2 days which would hopefully make it a much better event. At the moment it's the worst run of the 3 I've done (Sydney, Ballarat, melb).

 

[darrenmorgan]

Word is Melbourne marathon festival going to become 2 days which would hopefully make it a much better event. At the moment it's the worst run of the 3 I've done (Sydney, Ballarat, melb).

I’ve never done Melb marathon despite living there and having run 11 fulls. The out and back section along beach road never inspired me, if they improved the course by removing that section. and having more inner city running (perhaps include the bolte and/or tunnel) it would be much more enticing (but run for the kids wouldn’t let it happen). They could have something similar to the Run Melb half for the first half and then just Albert park amdSt Kilda then back.
What is the theory behind a two day event?

 

[Wetdog]

Word is Melbourne marathon festival going to become 2 days which would hopefully make it a much better event. At the moment it's the worst run of the 3 I've done (Sydney, Ballarat, melb).

I thought Melbourne was better organised from a logistical point of view than Sydney.

Sydney was a nightmare to get to the start line and depart after the finish. I didn’t experience those problems in Melbourne. Although, I suspect that might have to do with the significantly higher number of participants.

Melbourne send you the bib; Sydney make you herd like cattle through a shopping centre full of materialistic crap. The Running Expo is a great event for those who want to be there but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

What was your experience?

 

[Wetdog]

I’ve never done Melb marathon despite living there and having run 11 fulls. The out and back section along beach road never inspired me, if they improved the course by removing that section. and having more inner city running (perhaps include the bolte and/or tunnel) it would be much more enticing (but run for the kids wouldn’t let it happen). They could have something similar to the Run Melb half for the first half and then just Albert park amdSt Kilda then back.
What is the theory behind a two day event?

You’d rather run through a tunnel and on freeways than down Beach Rd? I think that would put you in the minority.

It would be cool to run over the Bolte Bridge but the problem is you need to get there and that involves running on the freeway. I don’t know how many would be keen for this.

I do agree that you could have a better course but sheer numbers means you only have certain options because you need the infrastructure etc.

 

[Willo_]

I’ve never done Melb marathon despite living there and having run 11 fulls. The out and back section along beach road never inspired me, if they improved the course by removing that section. and having more inner city running (perhaps include the bolte and/or tunnel) it would be much more enticing (but run for the kids wouldn’t let it happen). They could have something similar to the Run Melb half for the first half and then just Albert park amdSt Kilda then back.
What is the theory behind a two day event?

I've gotta be honest the out and back along beach road isn't as bad as you'd expect. Generally decent support on the way out to Elwood as well.
I think the logic is to grow the event, and shift the half to the Saturday to both increase numbers AND get rid of the dreaded merge when the 2 races run into each other and traffic gets hectic and frustrating

 

[jackn]

I thought Melbourne was better organised from a logistical point of view than Sydney.

Sydney was a nightmare to get to the start line and depart after the finish. I didn’t experience those problems in Melbourne. Although, I suspect that might have to do with the significantly higher number of participants.

Melbourne send you the bib; Sydney make you herd like cattle through a shopping centre full of materialistic crap. The Running Expo is a great event for those who want to be there but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

What was your experience?

I found Sydney super easy to get around. Stayed in coogee so not exactly close to the starting point but had no trouble getting there. Loved their public transport. The only parts I didn't like was the herding around the footpath at the end and the herding into the pre starting pen area. Like you said though, 35k runners is a lot tougher than 10ish. Understand the not wanting to pick up bib but I enjoyed that part.

My issue with Melbourne is no form of starting waves I think is disgraceful for any event larger than a park run. Having said that, my local park run which averages 150 runners puts out cones for 20, 25 and 30 minutes to make it a little easier. Then last year pacers were running to gun time instead of bib time, meaning everyone wanted to be up front. Not sure if that changed this year.

Then the finish with the half and full merging with much different paced runners and that becoming half, full and 10k as you enter the G. This part is what I think the 2 days is intended to improve. Plus higher numbers will hopefully force a wave system to be implemented.

I wasn't saying it's overly bad, btw, just worst of the 3 I've done.

 

[darrenmorgan]

I found Sydney super easy to get around. Stayed in coogee so not exactly close to the starting point but had no trouble getting there. Loved their public transport. The only parts I didn't like was the herding around the footpath at the end and the herding into the pre starting pen area. Like you said though, 35k runners is a lot tougher than 10ish. Understand the not wanting to pick up bib but I enjoyed that part.

My issue with Melbourne is no form of starting waves I think is disgraceful for any event larger than a park run. Having said that, my local park run which averages 150 runners puts out cones for 20, 25 and 30 minutes to make it a little easier. Then last year pacers were running to gun time instead of bib time, meaning everyone wanted to be up front. Not sure if that changed this year.

Then the finish with the half and full merging with much different paced runners and that becoming half, full and 10k as you enter the G. This part is what I think the 2 days is intended to improve. Plus higher numbers will hopefully force a wave system to be implemented.

I wasn't saying it's overly bad, btw, just worst of the 3 I've done.

I thought Sydney was really good considering their first time as a major, having run a few of the really big marathons (NYC, Berlin, Chicago, MCM) it def held its own. getting out of the gardens and across Macquarie St at the end was real painful, they need more than the one pedestrian bridge (and those stairs are fairly brutal having just come off a hilly marathon! but there's no real way around that with the course finish as it is, which is a truly awesome final couple of kms). getting into the starting corals was a bit shit, they can improve that, but the corals themselves i thought worked incredibly well and the race immediately opened up, whereas Melbs it feels like sardines for the first km or 2 (that turn onto Flinders is always a shitshow). whilst turning Melb into 2 days will improve the merge ending, it might negate the atmosphere running into the G if the events are spread over 2 days and all finishing at different times. Mailing bib whilst i do like the convenience of it, it's costly and large scale to put on a major so i get they want the punters to go in person to the expo and see sponsors, spend $$ etc.

 

[darrenmorgan]

You’d rather run through a tunnel and on freeways than down Beach Rd? I think that would put you in the minority.

It would be cool to run over the Bolte Bridge but the problem is you need to get there and that involves running on the freeway. I don’t know how many would be keen for this.

I do agree that you could have a better course but sheer numbers means you only have certain options because you need the infrastructure etc.

yeah i like running on roads and places that you don't normally get to for these events. Run for the Kids is awesome b/c its along the freeway and Bolte, through tunnel etc, it makes it feel more of an experience. I just feel like the Melb course could showcase the city centre a bit more, you basically only start and finish there and then rest of the run is one big out and back (that's for both the half and the full). Some combo of the Run Melbs and Run for the kids courses for the first half, and then out to Albert Park/St Kilda and back via the Tan for the second half I reckon would showcase Melb much better and make for a far more interesting and enjoyable run.

 

[Wetdog]

yeah i like running on roads and places that you don't normally get to for these events. Run for the Kids is awesome b/c its along the freeway and Bolte, through tunnel etc, it makes it feel more of an experience. I just feel like the Melb course could showcase the city centre a bit more, you basically only start and finish there and then rest of the run is one big out and back (that's for both the half and the full). Some combo of the Run Melbs and Run for the kids courses for the first half, and then out to Albert Park/St Kilda and back via the Tan for the second half I reckon would showcase Melb much better and make for a far more interesting and enjoyable run.

Yeah fair enough, I definitely recon they could reduce the run along the water to strictly between Port Melbourne (Bay St) and St Kilda (Fitzroy St) and instead use that mileage to take runners through East Melb, Carlton, Fitzroy and then through the CBD proper.

It would be nice if they mixed it up a bit, but the above suggestion means a lot more roads closed, I suppose. But it would make for a better representation and more varied route.

 

[Wetdog]

I found Sydney super easy to get around. Stayed in coogee so not exactly close to the starting point but had no trouble getting there. Loved their public transport. The only parts I didn't like was the herding around the footpath at the end and the herding into the pre starting pen area. Like you said though, 35k runners is a lot tougher than 10ish. Understand the not wanting to pick up bib but I enjoyed that part.

My issue with Melbourne is no form of starting waves I think is disgraceful for any event larger than a park run. Having said that, my local park run which averages 150 runners puts out cones for 20, 25 and 30 minutes to make it a little easier. Then last year pacers were running to gun time instead of bib time, meaning everyone wanted to be up front. Not sure if that changed this year.

Then the finish with the half and full merging with much different paced runners and that becoming half, full and 10k as you enter the G. This part is what I think the 2 days is intended to improve. Plus higher numbers will hopefully force a wave system to be implemented.

I wasn't saying it's overly bad, btw, just worst of the 3 I've done.

I stayed in the CBD which meant 3 or 4 metro stops. The PT was perfect. I was more talking about the pre and post access to the course which you have described. Having said that, I had a great day and I would recommend Sydney to any runner. I enjoyed the course more than Melbourne.

Melbourne was a bit of a shit show at the end, I suppose. It was pretty frustrating having to dodge all the slow half marathoners at the end. It takes a lot of energy to do that and costs you seconds. At the time I thought it was marathoners hitting the wall. I didn’t realise it was the half marathoners.

 

[MinerBoy]

You could do charity still..

Thought about it but don't really have the energy for that. I don't like putting it on friends and family for local raffles let alone $3K worth of fundraising.

That’s shit. I suspect it will be hard to get into Sydney going forward.

Will you do Melbourne instead? I am thinking of signing up for it.

Ballarat and/or Gold Coast might be the plan for now, depending on whether I can get enough work in over cricket season.

 

[MinerBoy]

I’ve never done Melb marathon despite living there and having run 11 fulls. The out and back section along beach road never inspired me, if they improved the course by removing that section. and having more inner city running (perhaps include the bolte and/or tunnel) it would be much more enticing (but run for the kids wouldn’t let it happen). They could have something similar to the Run Melb half for the first half and then just Albert park amdSt Kilda then back.
What is the theory behind a two day event?

Beach Road is definitely a tough stretch, especially if you get a warm and windy day.

I've done Melbourne twice and not in a hurry to do it again.

 

[MinerBoy]

I thought Melbourne was better organised from a logistical point of view than Sydney.

Sydney was a nightmare to get to the start line and depart after the finish. I didn’t experience those problems in Melbourne. Although, I suspect that might have to do with the significantly higher number of participants.

Melbourne send you the bib; Sydney make you herd like cattle through a shopping centre full of materialistic crap. The Running Expo is a great event for those who want to be there but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

What was your experience?

Interesting. I loved Sydney and getting to start line on the train was as smooth as from where I was.

Departing though, definitely agree there. And see your point about the expo.