Tuesday 11 April 2006

Fly like an eagle, honk like a goose

Posted by speedygeoff on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 with
Canberra 50km result

54 Ruth Baussman 4:56.11
56 John Stoney 4:56.26
Brilliant!

Souvenir Race Program Excerpt

I must acknowledge the compliment Mary Silver gave me in page 12 in the 30th Canberra Marathon Souvenir Race Program. Mary trained very hard, ran longer training weeks than anyone else in the group at the time, raced brilliantly over half marathons and marathons, and was an inspiration to us all with her kindness and friendliness. Here is her entry in full.

Mary Silver 1990
Home: Canberra, ACT
Current work status: In 1990 I was employed as a graphic designer with the ACT Parks and Conservation Service. I then worked within the private sector before returning to study and completing a Bachelor of Design (Fashion) in 2004. I commenced my independent fashion label last year and love my new life as a self employed fashion designer. Distance training offered lots of creative thinking time and I always seemed to come up with my most successful ideas whilst running!
Current running status: I retired from running following my run at the Australian Marathon Championships in 1993. To keep fit I am currently involved in cycling, swimming, yoga and walking my beloved dachshund.
Commentary: In winning the 1990 Canberra Marathon came the realisation that anything is possible and to be prepared. Believe in one self and all the people that have supported you to reach that point in time. Visualise all the possibilities of the race and plan well in terms of pace. Good luck to all those involved with this year's race. I loved long distance training, the thrill of wearing new 'race' shoes, being super fit, the feeling of running on air and the elation of running through a ribbon! But what really kept me running was the sheer exhilaration of the marathon experience. Despite it being a considerable time since the race, special thanks to Geoff Moore, my coach for his unending inspiration, enthusiasm and support. His visualisation mantra to me before a marathon was always - "Fly like an Eagle." It ensured I travelled through the notorious 35km mark (where undoubtedly the marathon of the mind and body really begins) and on to the finish. It's something I will always remember. Many thanks also to Dave Cundy and co. for his superb organisation skills and a brilliant marathon course.

32 down, one to go

My Marathon Results over the years:
01 NSW Titles - Richmond NSW 13th 2:43.45 30.06.73
02 NSW Titles - Richmond NSW 26th 2:50.35 28.06.75
03 Vic Country - Benalla VIC 14th 2:44.25 15.08.76
04 Canberra Marathon - East Basin 9th 2:50.54 20.11.76
05 NSW Titles - Richmond NSW 8th 2:35.01 25.06.77

06 Australian - Cressy TAS 39th 2:41.06 06.08.77
07 ACT Championships - Telopea Park 1st 2:30.24 15.04.78
08 Com Games Trial - Point Cook VIC 9th 2:29.03 13.05.78
09 Australian - Caboolture QLD 7th 2:30.05 06.08.78
10 Canberra Marathon - Telopea Park 1st 2:26.58 05.11.78

11 Canberra Marathon - Telopea Park 6th 2:29.50 01.04.79
12 Griffith - Hanwood NSW 1st 2:47.25 29.07.79
13 Australian - Perth WA 22nd 2:30.26 12.08.79
14 Hamilton NZ 17th 2:27.42 20.10.79
15 Canberra Marathon - Telopea Park 7th 2:28.00 13.04.80

16 Australian - West Lakes SA 27th 2:34.12 27.07.80
17 Vic Country - Benalla VIC 4th 2:36.47 10.08.80
18 Traralgon VIC 2nd 2:35.44 13.09.80
19 Canberra Marathon - Telopea Park 18th 2:28.30 12.04.81
20 Australian - Werriby South VIC 30th 2:39.42 25.07.81

21 Festival City - Adelaide SA 18th 2:46.38 29.08.82
22 Canberra Marathon - Telopea Park 36th 2:36.25 10.04.83
23 Festival City - Adelaide SA 29th 2:38.08 26.08.84
24 Canberra Marathon - Telopea Park 17th 2:35.53 13.04.85
25 Canberra Marathon - Telopea Park 25th 2:41.30 13.04.86

26 Festival City - Adelaide SA 16th 2:38.42 31.08.86
27 Australian - Gold Coast QLD 29th 2:33.41 23.07.89
28 Canberra Marathon - Telopea Park 5th 2:32.50 08.04.90
29 Australian - Gold Coast QLD 42nd 2:36.29 22.07.90
30 Melbourne - Olympic Park VIC 2:59.05 06.06.93

31 Canberra Marathon - Telopea Park 111th 3:05.44 09.04.95
32 Canberra Marathon - Telopea Park 544th 3:58.38 09.04.06