Had intended this race to be a 'training race' - an opportunity to see where I was at pace and endurance-wise with only 4 weeks to the Gold Coast Marathon. Also to try out the Cliff Shot Blocks nutrition strategy for the first time (worked perfectly).

Felt strong the whole way and had very even pacing which was pleasing. No fade out towards the end. Was expecting 1hr 45min to 1hr 50min but did 1:40:22 in the end and relatively untroubled even at elevated HR (>170 average) over the final 45 mins.

The FIRST training programme seems to have made me better prepared than any other plan I've used and is helping keeping the niggly Achilles tendon's under control.

Apart from not having a URI during the week not much.

Banana, protein drink in car on way home. Lots of rice later!


Not much on the day. Was recovering from a URI but that is a little hard to control!


New course this year from Deagon Racecourse out to Sandgate then up the waterfront to the Ted Snout Bridge and then returning back down the cycle path next to the freeway to the Racecourse.

Very scenic with the sun rising over Moreton Bay.

This was so much better than the old course which basically did two laps of the industrial estate at Pinkenba.