It all started back in March 2017 when I was running my first Derby Half Marathon that was put on by Tassie Trail Fest. As I approached the last part of the run home I heard a voice resounding across the countryside, “Come on, Old Man”. And I’ve heard it many times since. Even on Saturday as I came to the halfway turn at Devonport parkrun, I heard it again. In fact, that term has stuck with me over the last five years. So much so, that when I ordered a singlet from Sole Mates and I had the option of having my name on the back, I chose “Old Man”. So, I guess that that title (or is it a term of endearment?) has stuck with me. I suppose that it is appropriate for someone of my youthfulness. 😄😄 It’s usually the case, for the events in which I participate, that I am the oldest (or close to the oldest) person entering.
But have I now gone too far? There is the possibility of a “Last One Standing” ultra-marathon taking place south of Hobart at the end of December and it has my interest. Ever since we discovered that our friend Phil Gore was running and winning this type of event, I longed for the opportunity to participate in one of them. So, when I heard about the possibility of such an event taking place in Tassie I immediately began my planning.
I’ve found a 6.71k loop around the Don River starting from the swimming pool and have begun doing multiple loops. As I was out running today (I did four such loops) I began to visualise my goals:
Goal 1: I do not want to be the first runner to pull out and be awarded a DNF.
Goal 2: I want to run blocks of 4 loops (that’s one 6.71k loop starting on the hour every hour with a bit of a rest after each loop for rest, refreshments or whatever is needed).
Goal 3: I want to break my record for the longest distance I have run to date, which is the Bruny Island Ultra of 64k set in December 2018.
Goal 4: I want to finally record a run of 100k. As much as I dream of being able to run 100 miles, I think that that is out of the realm of possibility.
Today (16th May, 2022) I ran 4 loops with the last loop in the dark. It was slower as my legs were tiring and feeling sore and I was more cautious in the dark, even with my headlamp.
So, am I a foolish “Old Man” dreaming an impossible dream or am I a foolish “Old Man” who forgets that he’ll be over 74 when the event takes place or am I an “Old Man” who’ll give it his best shot?
Today’s 4 loops were a reality check as it was the furthest that I have run by almost double since Gone Nuts in March 2021. The last loop was hard and my legs and shoulders are feeling it - and that was only 26.8k altogether.
I’ll keep training and preparing for this event and see what happens in the coming months before I commit myself. It’s not something that I can do alone. I will definitely depend upon the Lovely Lady to be my support crew and that will be very hard on her.