Hubert was my first marathon, and I'd wanted to come back and do it again as a more experienced runner. It was fantastic being back, camping with my kids and a friend, and knowing so many people in the running community now. If I had illusions of being a lot faster though, they were thoroughly shattered. I got served a big lesson in respecting the distance and the weather. As someone who trains in shady hills, I completely underestimated how hot low 20s is in full sun reflecting off rock. I had a fantastic first 18km, best run ever, but then heat stress set in. There is an aid station at about 23km where you're right by the campground and can easily pull out. I just grabbed watermelon and left asap so I wouldn't think about it. I drank and drank and drank and ate my watermelon up the outside track of St Mary's. When I reached the top and the cool air of Wilpena Pound hit me and I realised I was going to make it I cried with joy and relief. If you look at the shadow on the ground at 3:09 you can see me wiping my tears away. The third place woman then caught me, and I had to run my guts out to keep my 2nd place. I'll be honest, that there were only six women was a drawcard as I thought I might get a placing for the first time ever! The best bit though was that my kids, who have never been at the finish line of a big event, were there ready with hugs. xx While it wasn't the run I'd wanted, it became a run I am incredibly proud of.
I interviewed a runner from each distance (100miles, 100km, 50km, marathon) on my podcast. It ended up being a two parter, and you can listen to episode 1 here and episode 2 here. There's also a lead up interview with an experienced 100miler here.
There's not a lot of footage because I was dealing with heat stress then trying to hold 2nd, but here is my video recap.
I hope you enjoy,
Beck
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