Feral Postcards
Date: Sunday, 26 July 2009
From: Sarah
From Sarah…………..at the Gold Coast Marathon (I only did the 10 km race)
My morning jog on Sunday the 5th of July was somewhat different in contrast to a leisurely run along one of the rocky and dusty tracks on Scenic Hill. Firstly my jog was alongside five-and-a-half thousand other people, and secondly it was through the streets of Surfers Paradise. Despite the coastal location, I had to brave the crisp 10 degree conditions that the Gold Coast put on for the kick-off of the 10 km run at 6.45 am. The gun sounded and all of a sudden Surfers Paradise became ‘Runners Paradise’ with a sea of keen joggers flooding the streets. Highlights of the run included the unique beach views, running on a totally flat track and crossing the line in approx. 44 mins for my first competitive 10 km run. It was also fantastic cheering for the leading marathon runners as they passed once I had finished my race. Here are some embarrassing finish line shots of me on the run.
(editor: Sarah did ask that I not put up all the photos, but I think they are great. As for embarrassing, I think the guy in the yellow shirt has more to be worried about than our Sarah). and, is that Chris O'Neill behind Sarah in the third photo?
Date: Sunday, 31 May 2009
From: Jennifer
from the Gales ... Gold Coast Chapter of the Ferals
I can’t believe it has been a year and a half since we moved to The Gold Coast and what a journey it has been. We have been busy and find it hard to fit everything in that we want to do.
Jen did the Gold Coast half marathon last year; she then went on to compete in the Gatorade triathlon series. She was able to compete in four and went from 38th in her first race to fifth in her forth race. Last weekend she went to Noosa and swam in the 2km ocean swim which she was not than keen to do as she is not a big fan of swimming in the ocean.
Chris has also been busy with his karate and now holds the state title for non contact and runner up state title for full contact.
Taylor and Mitchell have been trying their hand at a few different things and even had a go at the Kool Kids triathlon and both did really well.
We are all planning to have surf lesson when it warms up again and we are all looking forward to the triathlon series to start up again in October.
We live about 10kms from Dream World and have annual passes so we hang out there a bit on weekends as well.
We are all enjoying the new experiences and if you guys are up this way give us a call.
Chris, Jennifer, Taylor and Mitchell Gale
Date: Sunday, 10 May 2009
From: Simon
Simon in Queenstown
A photo from Simon in Queenstown New Zealand:
Date: Friday, 1 May 2009
From: Helen
From Helen Roach - one time feral is still racing competitively at recent ITU World Championships:
I actually had a really good prep for the worlds, probably first time ever I went into a major race with no illness or injury. I was using the aquathon as a hit-out before the main event, but at the same time I thought I was probably a better chance of doing well in that given my lack of cycling ability. As expected, the first run was very fast and I had no idea of my age group placing because all the women started together. The swim felt horrible, it was like I was in slow motion and couldn’t go any faster. But I was passing a few people on the way back and when I started the second run the crowd was a bit thinner. In the back of my mind I was thinking about Saturday and was tempted to save something, but then I thought “$#^$* it, this is a world championship too” and kept hammering. It was a good thing I did because 3rd and 4th places were only 6 and 10 seconds behind me, so if I’d eased up I would have been out of the medals. Pretty happy with the silver.
Now as you know, I’m not 24 any more. Consequently I was very stiff and sore for the next few days and was dreading having to back up on Saturday. Another 24 hours would have been nice. Anyway, I swam ok (not great) and came out of the water with one of my main aussie rivals. The two of us rode hard but legal the whole way, until she dropped off a bit in the last 5km. Absolutely flogged myself, and when I came into transition the commentator said I was first in my age group. I knew I wasn’t, because I had watched one ride away from us at the start and I thought there were probably more up the road. But I was right up there. Then I started running and immediately knew it was going to be a hard slog. I could still feel the effects of Wednesday’s aquathon, combined with a hard bike. I ran OK considering, but several women in my age group ran past and I couldn’t do anything about it. Finished 8th.
I still have the long course worlds in Perth in 5 weeks, so that should suit me better. 3km swim, 80km bike, 20km run is right up my alley. Back on the bike today for a 100km ride, felt like hard work after all the short stuff I’ve been doing lately.
Cheers
H
PS Caught up with Jackie Hallam at the race, her hubby was racing in the sprint tri. Her little girl is full of beans, I wonder where she gets that from ;-) And Dellis Egan (formerly of Griffith, used to do tris when she lived in wagga) came to watch as well. So there were a few familiar faces around.
Date: Monday, 16 February 2009
From: Neil
Waving from New Zealand
We saw the bottom half of lots of hills, had some stiff southerlies as we rode, er, south and saw lots of farming country with sheep and cows. There were days with a bit of sunshine. We spent one such day at Curio Bay. Yellow eyed Penguins, Hector's Dolphins and New Zealand Fur Seals. Camping in amongst the flax. There was nowhere to sit for dinner so we sat at the tables for the shop overlooking the bay. We watched, enchanted, as the fur seal came up the steps and ramp to the grassed area, although watchful that he wanted to share our meal. We should be so lucky! As he sauntered off further into the camping area, Neil followed. Five minutes later he was back saying "You should go and have a look, but you wont be happy". He was right.