Many aspire to running a marathon but some never make it. My BT Gold Coast spoke to Trudy Grahame about her first ever Gold Coast Marathon and how it was a launching pad to reaching ironman status.
Q: When was your first Gold Coast Marathon and how did you prepare for it?
A: I entered my first Gold Coast marathon in 2013. It was my first marathon. My preparation included following a training plan set by a running coach and doing the Gold Coast Half Marathon in 2012. It also helped to have other people to run/train with for motivation. I was lucky enough that my good friend Jan Graham had decided to run the GC marathon with me. It was also my husband’s first marathon, so he did the training with us.
Q: What was the toughest part of the course and how did you handle it?
A: The toughest part of the event was around the 30km mark. My body felt tired and my mind was telling me I couldn’t run anymore. I saw my coach at that point in the race, and told him that I was struggling. He gave me the encouragement that I needed to keep going. Having my husband by my side also gave me the impetus to keep going. Finally, the GC marathon includes ‘Motivators’, at the far end of the course. One of them ran 5kms with us. He chatted to us about whom he had run with that day and kept my mind off how sore and tired I was. I can’t imagine how many km’s he ran that day.
Q: How does the atmosphere of the event compare to other marathons you have done?
A: The Gold Coast Marathon has a wonderful atmosphere, and although I have run the iconic New York marathon with its extraordinary atmosphere, the Gold Coast marathon, to me, ranks as one of the premier running events.
For me, the GC marathon is a local marathon. There are a lot of people I know running it and we all encourage each other; this can make a good marathon great.
It is also worth mentioning that the GC marathon is great for spectating. The locals set up along the course and offer food, refreshments and a spray with the hose if needed.
Q: You have achieved Ironman status recently. Are there still challenges for you in running ‘just a marathon’?
A: Running a standalone marathon is different to running a marathon in an Ironman. Your first marathon is usually all about completing the course and having fun. However in subsequent marathons, you push yourself harder to achieve your goals and are often running at your target pace for the event and this is incredibly challenging.
In an Ironman, with so many variables outside of your control, there is often less pressure to hit a time, so you pace yourself slower from the start; it is often just about finishing.
The training for the two events is also very different. Training for the three disciplines of the Ironman is more time consuming than training for a running event. I had a fantastic triathlon training group and coach in Standing Start Triathlon who supported and guided me with the Ironman. There a many more challenges out there that you dream about attempting and improving my marathon times and conquering marathon courses is still high on my agenda.
Q: How would you describe the feeling of crossing the finishing line at the Gold Coast Marathon?
A: Being my first marathon, I was over joyed to cross that finish line. The culmination of the training and the emotional rollercoaster during the event made it a very special occasion. I even shed a few tears of joy.
If you are fortunate enough to run a marathon with good friends then your feelings are amplified.
The memories don’t even need to stop at the finish line. I have another personal post-race celebration with my friends, where I indulge in a glass or two of champagne, which I like to call ‘tradition’.
Q: What kind of support does it take to run a marathon and how has that support helped you?
A: The more support you can have to run a marathon, especially your first marathon, the more enjoyable the experience.
I am very fortunate to have the support of my husband. He trained with me and we also ran our first marathon, the GC Marathon, together. I also had the support of my running club and my close friend Jan.
Training for and running a marathon does not have to be a lonely experience. Marathon’s are tough, and although some people are strong enough to accomplish them on their own, I like the support and encouragement of like-minded people.
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