Jen’s Perspective (as a GGG and First Timer) of Warwick  Pentath-Run Weekend.

I made the commitment to myself earlier in the year that I would have a bash at participating (note, I say participating rather than competing!) in a few events at Warwick.

My main focus was to be the half marathon.  Well as the time drew closer I was becoming more and more apprehensive and realized I must not have been of sound mind at the time made my decision.

So, whilst wondering what the hell I had let myself in for, I arrived at Warwick on Friday afternoon.  Against Donna’s advice I drove the half marathon course that afternoon.  This did nothing to allay my fears as through the rain I could see a road that seemed to consist entirely of hills and never seemed to end.  Maybe I will listen to Donna next time!

7 o’ clock Saturday morning we were off and running.  With Betty and her husband Bruce running with me I had a most enjoyable run.  Both Bruce and Betty offered me support and encouragement the whole way with Bruce coaching me as we ran.  To them both I am most grateful as they got me over the line still feeling fine and I even managed a P.B. (Betty did have to work overtime on the encouragement to get me up the final hill!! ) But what a wonderful sense of achievement and confidence boost this provided.

The 4.6 k cross-country was held at midday.  Donna was the only GGG brave enough to enter this.  We cheered her on from the sideline as she crossed the finish line in a very respectable time.  It was fascinating to see all the different running styles and the range of ages that were competing.  Some of the fastest times over the weekend were coming from people well into their 50s and 60s.  Going to have to think of another excuse for myself though as obviously age is no barrier.

I had asked Colleen and Jo’s opinion earlier in the day if they thought it wise for me to have a go at the 5k.  They both said give it a shot, no reason not to, give it a go if you feel up to it.  At the time I did not place much significance on the fact that they were both smirking a little as they said this to me.

So 3pm saw Donna and me on the start line. Well less than 1k in I started to realize the significance of those smirks! It was bloody hard work after the half in the morning.  Donna who by this time had already run 25.7 k for the day stayed with me offering support and pointing out all the beautiful scenery. Quite frankly my eyes were desperately seeking an ambulance rather than a pretty view.  Can’t have been too bad though as we crossed the finish line in 30 minutes. 

A very pleasant, relaxed evening dining and socializing with fellow GGGs and their families was followed by an early night for all, as we had to be up early ready for the 10 k hill climb.

Our amazing support crew of Barry (Donna’s husband ) and Brad ( Jo’s Husband) drove us out to Killarney ready for a 7.15 very frosty and cold start for the 10 k hill climb.   Let me assure you it is not actually a hill it is a mountain!!  Was I intimidated? You bet I was, and then they announced that they had changed the course from last year to add in a few more hills.  A heartfelt thank you to the organisers for that one!! 

Whilst Jo and Colleen forged ahead, Donna and I stuck together.  Whilst I had to do a fair bit of walking once we got to the steeper areas Donna was able to keep on running.  Don’t be fooled by those blonde curls and ever present smile as they mask a gritty determination and a never say die attitude that is something to aspire to. Once again Donna’s support and encouragement was invaluable in getting me to the top and we finished in a time of 1:15 which I was thrilled with. 

In typical GGG fashion both Jo and Colleen who had finished several minutes earlier with excellent times, were there to cheer us on over the finish line and congratulate us on our time. 

The final event for the weekend is a 1500m run through the main streets.  We donned our GGG tu-tus and ran together at a very relaxed pace. After we had finished, the official photographer asked if he could take our photo with Steve Moneghetti.  After a hurried group consultation and giving this serious consideration we decided to grant this request and allow Steve to be photographed with the GGGs.

What an amazing and inspiring athlete he continues to be, winning every event easily. Whilst remaining very humble and graciously giving generously of himself to spend time mixing with other competitors and endlessly signing autographs.

As mentioned earlier, our weekend was made much easier because of the invaluable and selfless support provided by Barry and Brad.  Not only did they shuttle us all between events but provided back up on the courses with refueling water and enabling us to throw jackets, gloves etc. into the cars when we no longer needed them . Both Brad and Barry were a source of encouragement at all times. I can’t imagine it would be a lot of fun to spend several hours driving slowly and leap frogging us along the road but it was done tirelessly and cheerfully. Very much appreciated!!  Barry did lose a few brownie points with me though, when he refused my request about 6k into the ascent to drop me up the road a few k.  He just smiled and said “You’ll be right”.

Despite my initial misgivings I had a wonderful weekend and would whole-heartedly encourage other GGGs to head to Warwick for future pentath -runs.  It is an incredibly well organized and smoothly run event, with all races starting on time and courses clearly marked.  Each race started from a different venue and all were very scenic and enjoyable.

I am so pleased that I took up the challenge and participated as I brought much away from the weekend.  Firstly I discovered a newfound confidence in my ability as a runner, which I have always doubted.  I will never set the world on fire with my times but I now know that I can take on these challenges and come out the other side feeling stronger and filled with a great sense of personal pride and achievement.

Secondly, the weekend reiterated to me what an amazingly positive and supportive group of women the GGGs are.  Everyone celebrated and took great delight in the personal achievements of each other.  I came away with a feeling of great pride in being a GGG.

So to anyone of you thinking about this or other events in the future, I would say don’t think, just do.  You wont regret it,  you will gain from it and achieve far more than you imagine is possible.

Jen