With thanks to Joan for this race report, all the way from sunny Sydney!
Martin signed us up for the Manly Dam 12km on Sunday, 20th March, which was his comeback run after getting injured at the Boyne 10km in Drogheda last May (you’ll remember that one Angela E and Antoinette for the torrential downpours from the start!) I was immediately concerned (for his health as much as for my own!) as this was a trail run, the last of 3 in the Sydney Summer Series and I suspected it wouldn’t be a gentle jaunt in the park. The on-line brochure promised “a scenic start/finish area on the shores of Manly Dam plus a mix of technical single trails, waterfalls, fire trails and lovely dam views”. The $45 AUD (30 euro) fee would include “chip timing, a fully marked course, First Aid, aid stations on the course with water, fruit, lollies (sweets), post-race fruit, water and hot breakfast”. That’s a lot of mentions of aid, I thought!
The 5.30am alarm call was a rude awakening for a Sunday morning. Got there in plenty of time (i.e. 2 hours early!) for the 8am start for the 12km run. Kept ourselves entertained by cheering on the hard-core 21km and 30km brigades who were starting ahead of us. It was a lovely day for a run, with temperatures up around 20 degrees (not too hot thankfully) and no wind or rain to speak of. I was excited and daunted in equal measure – “the Cowpark feeling” I call it – there wasn’t a bother on Martin! We made our way with around 200 others through the trails, climbing up rocks, down through the shingles, over the stepping stones to cross ravines, dodging the tree roots along the way. I was glad to have Martin’s company (although in truth he waited for me, as I got stuck behind two people on a single trail). Once I got over my initial fears, I started to really enjoy the challenge of the different terrains. Arrived at the finish line with a sense of achievement, and more importantly, both of us injury-free! Ironically, I fell when out road running 3 days later on the Sydney pavement close to our house, busting my hand, elbow, knees and pride – nothing that won’t heal with time! Back to the trails, we didn’t have time to sample the brekkie of hot bacon and egg rolls from the barbie, as we were meeting friends in Coogee with the kids!
Enjoyed our first trail run, respect to the DAC Trail runners who always make this look easy. Would definitely want to try this when we go home, along the Wicklow Way and other such lovely spots!
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the Clonee 10km race when we’re home for a visit end June. Meanwhile, best of luck to everyone involved in running, volunteering and helping out at the Dunboyne 4 Mile Road Race.
Loving our Aussie adventure, while missing our friends and the special spirit of DAC!
