WITH only 65 days until the ninth annual Surf Coast Century, ambitious runners are setting their sights on the iconic 100km track and training extensively in preparation.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s rookie ambassador Jess Douglas, a three-time world mountain bike champion and threetime Australian mountain bike champion, participated in the trail marathon on Saturday June 29.<\/p>\n
Runners took off from Torquay\u2019s Salty Dog Caf\u00e9 in wet conditions before embarking on the 42km journey.<\/p>\n
\u201c(It was) 42km of non-stop rain, wet feet and cool conditions. I was stoked to finish with a huge smile and happy legs,\u201d Jess, 45, said in her rookie update.<\/p>\n
\u201cI planned to run this with a friend, and we stuck together for four hours and 47 minutes. We took it easy \u2013 Tiffo was struggling in the slippery mud with her shoes and a cautious approach ended up paying dividends.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jess said settling into a 5:30km pace was comfortable and chatty, allowing her to prevail despite the unfavourable climate.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur pacing ended up being a perfect tester for the Surf Coast Century, which would allow me to achieve a sub 12-hour race time,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy goal was never to get under this pace. The hardest job was wondering if to put a rain jacket on or not. Being wet was a great thermal regulator.\u201d<\/p>\n
Though the trail marathon is 58km less than the SCC ultra-marathon, Jess said the longevity of the big race is more exciting than it is frightening.<\/p>\n
She also said once she achieved the 42km distance, she pondered whether or not she would be able to replicate or better her timing once more. She answered, yes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf someone told me that I had to go back and repeat the 42km I would have no drama. The next day my legs were great, so I rode my bike 60km for recovery,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA marathon is not long enough, especially pacing it like I did. I reckon I got the effort level spot on; walking some ups, taking it easy, stopping for food and refilling water.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am not scared of the 100km as to me it\u2019s just a series of processes. I just need to stay focused.\u201d For the month of July, Jess will compete in a 18km race at Smiths Gully as well as a 50km distance for the Young Yangs Trail Running Festival.<\/p>\n
She will also compete in three road cycling competitions over the coming weekends.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
WITH only 65 days until the ninth annual Surf Coast Century, ambitious runners are setting their sights on the iconic 100km track and training extensively in preparation. This year\u2019s rookie ambassador Jess Douglas, a three-time world mountain bike champion and threetime Australian mountain bike champion, participated in the trail marathon on Saturday June 29. Runners […]<\/p>\n