Heading back to The Bay! Via Lorne and a 44 km run along the Great Ocean Road, how could we miss it!

The event failed to go ahead in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, so there were more people than ever wanting to take part. I had run this race before and was keen for a repeat.

Making the trek down to Apollo Bay, I was very nervous. In my lead up to the GOR marathon, I was focused on preparation with a good training block. However, due to a severely injured ankle during the Razorback Run, this cut down my mileage significantly. With some difficulty, I managed to find a balance between building my training load and risking injury vs not doing enough and being under prepared. In addition, two weeks prior to the marathon, I was diagnosed with a chest infection and on antibiotics. I took some time off, rested up and remained hopeful that I could still compete. I decided to give it a crack even if I just took it a little easier. I didn’t want to miss out!

There were a dozen or so of our local parkrun crew that were also taking part. Between us we were running the 6 km, the half marathon and the full marathon distance. 

The events began on Saturday morning. We wandered down to the race expo, coffee in hand. It was a little different this year with a bub but we managed. My wife Whitney and a couple of others ran the 6km and did amazingly well. After chatting to some work colleagues and other friends we were surprised to see, we all headed to the Apollo Bay Gin Distillery for lunch and post race drinks. Definitely not our last visit for the weekend.

Being able to spend time together in Apollo Bay in the later part of the afternoon was wonderful. A big bowl of pasta for dinner, a Harry Potter movie and an early bedtime was the recipe for the night before the big race. Although this was to be my fourth marathon, I always get a little nervous the night before. 

Arising VERY early, Matt and I got ourselves sorted and headed to the buses. Matt was to run the half marathon which began at Kennett River. It was the first time I had used the bus network which takes runners to the race starts. I was very impressed and would definitely use it again in future. 

I arrived in Lorne, but had failed to anticipate how cold it would be. I was freezing! I was wearing warm clothes but not nearly enough of them. I made a mental note to take warmer clothes for the start line next year. Tip: Get to the Op Shop in the days beforehand and get something warm to wear that can be left at the start line and donated.

I found my mate Lachie who would be aiming for a sub 3 hr finish. We went for a light jog just to loosen things up. We were both nervous but super excited about the big task ahead. The amazing sunrise was the perfect distraction. 

We congregated around the start line. There were larger spaces between runners than usual, with COVID spacing awareness at the forefront of people’s minds. Just like that we were away. The front runners raced off as those toward the rear (yours truly!) walked to the start line before finally beginning an easy jog then a run. 

Careful not to go too hard too soon, we ran toward the Lorne pier to the cheer of the adoring crowd. The weather was perfect, sun pouring through the trees’ branches. I continued on.

My race plan was to go out fairly easily, keep my heart rate low and don’t push it. Then, after the final big hills at the 27 km mark, see how I’m feeling. If I’m up to it, put the foot down and race to the end. 

Early on in the race, I felt good. I was running well and passing some slower runners I had started behind. I took on a little water at each aid station. They also offered a sports drink mix but I stuck with water until later in the race. In the past, I had become dehydrated toward the end of my run. I was determined not to let this happen again.

I moved through 10 km, faced with the first big uphill stretch. I was managing well, getting up the hill without too much difficulty. I had started out quicker than I had planned, hovering around 4:50 min/km pace. I hoped it wouldn’t hurt me in the latter stages.

At 15 km into the race, I was getting a little concerned about my heart rate levels. Although I am able to run for an increased length of time at a relatively high heart rate, I can’t do it forever. After all, I still had almost 30 km to go. In addition, my legs were becoming tired. This was much earlier than I had anticipated.

I ran through the townships of Separation Creek, Wye River and reached Kennett River, the halfway point and the start of the half marathon section. Although I was beginning to struggle, I had the bush on one side and the ocean on the other. An excellent distraction. A small crowd had gathered at Kennett River and I appreciated the cheers and encouragement. My form got a little better as I ran past them.

I had been running for 2 hours. I was starting to experience some tightness in my legs. I wasn’t cramping at this stage but I could feel it coming along. I wondered if it was due to running down some of the hills a little fast early on in the race. At 27 km, I managed to make it up the final major hill of the course, reaching Cape Patton Lookout Point and the first glimpse of Apollo Bay. It still looked a long way away. 

I was beginning to cramp up. My legs were tight and moving was difficult. At 35 km, I ran past some friends that were staying on The Great Ocean Road. It was extra motivation knowing that I had a cheer squad waiting for me. I was really starting to struggle. My pace had dropped considerably. Fortunately, the final 10 km were much flatter than the rest of the course. I forced myself to keep moving.

“It never always gets worse!”

With 4 km left in the race, my average pace was sitting at 5:20 min/km. It had started to rain and the weather deteriorated quickly. All I could manage at this point was walking for 100 metres, running for 500 metres. It worked but it was far from easy. I was only 2 km from the marathon distance finish line and even with my legs not holding up, I was actually very close to getting a Personal Best (PB)! I tried to push but it wasn’t coming back.

At 42 km I crossed the makeshift finish line. I had missed my PB by a minute but I pushed that out of my mind. I needed to finish the event. The worst thing about the Great Ocean Road Marathon is the 2.5 km after the official distance finish that you still need to run to bring you to the race finish. There were lots of people walking but it wasn’t over yet!

I ran with another guy that was also struggling with cramps. We chatted and pushed each other for a few hundred metres. It definitely helped. The finish line approached. I ran past my wife and baby girl, pushing through the pain and toward the end. Not fast but still moving. 

Finished. I crossed the line, exhausted and relieved. This marathon had hurt more than any others I had finished. I collected my medal, thanked the volunteer and moved along to the finishing area. 

It hurt. It hurt a lot. I’ll be back.

Check out my 2021 Upcoming Race Schedule to see what I have planned for 2021 and beyond.

Tips for those considering the event:

• The bus network worked amazingly well. Use it!
• Stay in Apollo Bay on the Sunday night (or leave late) if you’re doing the Ultra, Marathon or Half Marathon. It takes a long time to get out with the roads closed and the additional traffic afterward.
• Take warmer clothes for the start line than you think. I was freezing! Get to the Op Shop and get something warm to leave at the start line to be donated.
• Run with a phone or camera for photos.
• The Great Ocean Road Marathon is 2.5 km longer than the official marathon distance.
• It’s a hilly course. Study the profile and train for some hills!
• Still a long way to the finish even after you can see Apollo Bay!

Stats

Marathon No.: 4th

Distance: 44.64 km 

Elapsed Time: 4:05:36 

Pace: 5:31 min/km

Weather: Sunny, 18°C then Rainy

Nutrition/Hydration: GU Gels, Water, Sis Electrolyte drink. 

Gear: Ciele Cap, Goodr OG’s Sunglasses, Garmin Forerunner 235, Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts, Salomon Agile Running Shirt, 2XU Compression Shorts, Steigen Crew Length Socks, Asics GlideRide, GoPro Hero9 Black, Miggo Splat Tripod.

Finished: Position 316 out of 972

Strava: Check it out Here