Cathy's Debut 100km Run at 58yrs old

Debut Ultra 100km Run

by Cathy Rowney 4th August 2021

The idea of running a 100km in one go came to me after running 80km last October where I raised funds for ovarian cancer. I work as a specialist nurse in Gynaecology / Oncology in clinics and ward settings at the Royal Hospital for Women Randwick. I have worked here for close to 17 years and have a passion for women’s health. My extra motivation to run the 80km last year also stemmed from my beautiful mother in law Veronica Rowney who had been undergoing treatment for stage 4 ovarian cancer throughout last year.

Mother in law veronica with Cathy rowney

I had two big motivators to attempt a 100km in 2021. I am a breast cancer survivor and this year is my 10 year survival year and what a challenge this would be to kick cancers butt. Then there was the 1000 miles to light for reach out organised by Pat Farmer with my coach Greta Truscott with two others to make the Aussie team and run against a team from the USA. They were running for Reach out who are there for youths struggling with mental health. Also Pat Farmer was raising awareness for a dear running friend who lost his battle to depression last year. He was a friend of mine too and always supported me in my running and swimming adventures. I decided to do a fund raiser with Beyond Blue for Steven Garamy our dearly departed friend, and raised over $3,000. I was hoping to run the 100km whilst they were running but mixed up my dates and took time off the wrong week at work . So my date was then scheduled for 4th August. {Cathy incredibly backed up with a 1000 Miles to Light virtual marathon 42.2km (with ~2,700 other virtual runners via Running Heroes) on August 14th Day 1 of the event and donated generously to the cause. Cathy you are amazing and so very much appreciated in every way].

steven garamy far right next to coach greta & Jaden at Pat farmers 2019 quicksand maroubra where we ran marathon relays on the sand

cathy ran a marathon virtually with 1000 miles to light & donated to reach out after doing her 100km!! huge huge kudos & thanks cathy

Unfortunately Veronicas cancer came back with a vengeance early July this year and she sadly passed away 28th July. Her funeral was scheduled for 6th August. It meant I could just put the 100km on the backburner or just have a go. I had trained so hard for much of this year with loads of long runs and back up long distances on consecutive days. I decided to go ahead on the 4th August starting at 4.30am.

Cathy and her biggest supporter janine Tenille

I created a Whats App group and had massive support from the Rejoov runners , Gilbert from Striders, family and friends. Started from home with Fran Boorer around Botany then headed off towards Janine Tenille (my biggest supporter) in Alexandria. Felt fabulous and Janine stayed with me till I reached 20kms. Had plenty of music to chill along with till I met Lisa Sherman just pass Kyeemagh. Lisa stayed with me till the 44km mark after out and back to Taren Point Bridge . Had some time on my own till the 55km mark at Ramsgate where the lovely Emma Trehy and Penny Johnston joined me, playing tag as to keep just two runners together due to covid restrictions. They left me at 60km at Kyeemagh A change of socks undies a freshen up , Panadol and magnesium cream on the legs and glutes and some food prepared me so much better for the final 40km (great tip from Nayda Caminer)

Plenty of good music (Stevie Nicks live) kept me going till I headed back towards Mascot, saw my Mum and Sis at the 70km mark. Ran into Fran again at Wentworth Ave with her daughter Bronte at the 75km mark. Was feeling really good, I just kept moving along and enjoying all the messages coming through on Whats App. Hit Malabar to a support crew, Greta, Susan, Edel, Kat with her beautiful pooches Bruce and Kevin holding up a sign with Go Cathy (so sweet). Caught Chris Truscott Malabar beach and hit the 80km. Was a whole new challenge now. Furthest I’ve ever ran.

Susan kept me company till we met with Andrea Maroubra Junction followed by Bea, Michelle and Debbie Neville. Andrea continued till Kingsford just before 90km mark and the other lovely ladies stayed with me till the finish. It was getting darker now and the girls kept me upbeat. I ran walked ,then ran some more till we got to the 99km mark near my home in Banksmeadow. The going was tough after 95km but I pushed and knew I could do this even if I crawled the rest of the way. With 1km to go picked up the pace and ran it home. Thanks to these gorgeous girls and so many support messages I completed my first 100Km.

Cant thank everyone enough for helping me achieve this goal Greta my awesome coach and her awesome hubby Chris who gave me great advice to keep that fuel going from the start, made a huge difference, never felt weak dizzy or nauseated like the 80km. Rejoov buddies, family and friends. My strength drawn from Veronica who I felt was with me the whole way keeping me going. Love you all. Thankyou with all my heart

Cathy Rowney