Whitsunday rejoov camp 2019

Airlie beach view from our mantra boathouse accommodation

Fantastic start to our Whitsunday Rejoov running camp with fabulous runs along the coast and hitting the hills and trails. 

Staying at the majestic Mantra Boathouse apartments right on the water. Plenty of restaurants to choose from with hot breakfasts cooked up in house by Chris and Greta. 

Beautiful sunshine for swimming in the pool & beach and for a swim run session in Airlie beach lagoon. Awesome core strength session by Juny using special techniques and our body weight. 

Hitting up the Airlie beach park run by the water on a tricky course with 4 park run newbies, a Pb by Andrew and a course record by Chris 16.34. 

#rejoovrunnerscamp #whitsundays #running #swimming #corestrength#parkrun

Congrats to the winning trivia team Neil, Anne-Maree and Monty 👏🏻 in our signature camp trivia comp with 5 rounds of 8 challenging questions. Thanks @runnersshoprandwick for the gift vouchers. A fun, relaxing night before tomorrow’s Whitehaven beach run event. #rejoovrunnerscamp #whitsundays #trivianight #triviafun

The pinnacle of our Whitsunday rejoov camp was the @whitehavenbeachrun with gorgeous sunshine, luxurious white sand and crystal clear water. The stage was breathtaking for the half, 10k, 5k and kids running events. Chris and Greta won the half, Jaden the 500m, Juny 2nd in the 10k, @emmastarritt @missnadine_xoxo @jdarulova podiums age groups in the half / 10k. 

Results & highlights:

Half marathon: 
- CT 77mins win and course record by 7mins, backing up after a hard 5k the day before 
- G 92mins win and feeling strong, glad to hold up in heat, delighted for the whole experience  
- Neil the high fives, nearly taking coaches arm off 💪🏻
- Emma 3rd 40-49 AG happy with time, loved the scenery 
- Nadine 3rd in 30-39 AG, the race vibe, high fives, running collaterally past each other on the 5k+ beach 

10k: 
- Juny 2nd female overall 45.46 jumping in the water post race 
- Jana 2nd AG, loved the clear blue water and swimming post run 
- Sarah loved running as a team & the swim afterwards 
- Mitch getting son Monty to do the 10k and seeing the Truscott’s get the hat trick 
- Monty finishing and understands why everyone loves this sport and it’s great to see everyone’s compassion 
- Amo happy to run, longest in 6months cheering everyone, bum slap from Chris  
- Isabelle getting to the 8k mark and feeling great 
- Janine enjoying the whole experience 
- Suzi finishing, not able to run away so have to be present, being uncomfortable 

5k 
- Michaela soaking up the view and champagne post run 
- Saorla the swim afterwards and the trip together with the girls 

500m: 
- Jaden winning his first race, going out fast and leaving mum and dad in the dust after their half

It hurts now but one day.. by Jamie Broome

“It hurts now but one day it will be your warm-up.” Anon.

Blog by Jamie Broom

2018 was my inaugural year with Rejoov, and even though I’ve run races before, it was the first year when I grew to thoroughly relish my running. The gratification after a tough session on Paddo Hill, the community spirit of a Parkrun, or the mindfulness of a long Sunday effort have become perennial parts of my week.

I was delighted to make a shift from running a half marathon in the 5min/kms to well into the 4min/kms. 2018 taught me that I could convert those runs that hurt into my warm-up pace!

After taking an extended holiday through March, I embarked upon 2019’s running ambitions which included transforming the 2018 ‘hurts’ pace into a 2019 warm-up pace. The May line-up included a pass at a 5k, 10k and 21k.

My first focus was the Rejoov track 5k time trial. With only around 5 weeks from my holiday, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to better my 19:11 5k track debut in February. Arriving at ES Marks with the lights shining down like a Broadway theatre stage, there was a great Rejoov-hosted contingent ready to give it all for twelve and a half loops. My track experience is limited but Greta’s instruction of “90 seconds a lap” seemed simple enough. First lap. 83 seconds. Oops. Second lap. 83 seconds. Oops. I’ve gone too quick. Third lap. 89 seconds. Ok, I’m getting the hang of this. And for the following laps I managed to keep it steady at just under 90 seconds until the final straight where the magnetic force of the finish line gave me one big final pull. 18:34! A PB by 37 seconds!

Next up was the Sydney:10. Last year I managed 44:53 at the Sydney:10 and then went on to a 43:05 PB at the Sydney Harbour 10k. However, based on the recent 5k experience, I was aspiring for a sub-40 time.

My race effort started the night before with a good deal of self-control at the work end of year party! Race morning was perfect with the elegant blue Sydney autumn sky overhead. My plan was to go out at just under 4min/km and see if I could persist. As I made my way along Olympic Boulevard at the 2-3km mark I was feeling strong and spotting many other Rejoovers. The second lap began with the slight slope down from the stadium and being well on course in 18:53 at half way. I generally prefer out and back courses versus laps but I was feeling ready to attack the last few kms. At around 8-9km I saw Greta on course and was given a shout of encouragement to push for the end as we reversed back up the slight slope. A final, painful lap around the track and I crossed in 38:36. A 4:29 PB. I’d clearly made it look easy at the end as Chris’s post-race comment of “you looked like you were running with an injury on the final straight” shows! Note to self: save a bit more for the end next time.

The final part of my PB hat-trick attempt was the SMH half-marathon. In 2018 I managed a 98:05 time. This year my ambitious aim was sub-90. As luck would have it, we were blessed with another perfect blue Sydney morning. Fresh from Saturday’s news of the astonishing Rejoov UTA performances, I felt inspired. The 6:45am start made pre-race fuelling tricky and a 3:45am alarm the necessary investment for what was hopefully to come. As the excitement bubbled away in the start pen, and the legendary race announcer reminded everybody of his long-standing race record (again), I was visualising my race and the hills to come. We set off on Macquarie Street with the pack gliding down like a school of fish before the turn at Circular Quay where the first of around 15 hills began.

As we wiggled through the CBD, arced around Darling Harbour, and undulated in Pyrmont, I was sticking with the 85 min pacing group. I didn’t think it possible that I’d finish in this kind of time but I felt comfortable enough being pulled around with this pack so just held on. A wave from Grant and Michael just before 12km and I was still feeling ready for what was to come. As we were delivered back into the CBD by the Western Distributor, I started feeling the onset of a dreaded stomach cramp. I’d not had this for many months but it has ruined a couple of prior races. I tried some big breaths and after a few hundred metres it disappeared, just in time for the ascent to the Sydney Observatory. Phew! Why the cruel race planners ever thought it a good idea to take the participants from sea level to one of the highest points in Sydney around two-thirds into the run I’ll never know! However, it’s also the hill I’ve used with work colleagues (including one half of Team Zammie) many times. So I powered on up and picked 3 different runners to chase down until the top. After the oddly quiet journey over Circular Quay, I turned onto Macquarie Street again. In a moment of de ja vu I saw Greta on course and near the end, just like in the Sydney:10. Another big shout of encouragement and it was time for the smarting slingshot around Mrs Macquarie’s Chair before running only a few metres into Hyde Park and over the line. 87:36. A 21k PB by 3:36 and 10:29 quicker than last year. That’ll do.

So May went pretty well as far as converting running times which used to hurt into warm-up times. However, this is hopefully just the start as I aim to push on towards a 21k in the 3 min/kms (and I’m not getting ahead of myself, 3:59 will do!), get a sub-18min 5k and conquer the missing marathon distance at Sydney Blackmore in September. From Greta setting my program to the whole crew supporting all the way, running with Rejoov continues to be fulfilling and fun. For anyone who dislikes running and thinks it hurts, I will now be telling them to never give up and it may hurt now but one day it will be your warm-up.

Thanks,

Jamie Broom

Jamie 38.36 PB by 4.29 mins since last year, Sydney 10k 2019. Training paying off!!

Jamie (pb 87.36, 10.29mins quicker than last year) from far right with Neil, Steve, Greta & Hamish. smh half marathon 2019

Sydney 10k 2019 the gang!!

Debut UTA 22 Blue Mountains

Debut UTA 22 Blue Mountains 17th May 2019

by Cathy Rowney, Zebra rejoover

“I had trained for this trail run throughout the summer months and had also completed the Alpine Ascent Mount Kozciosko 25km trail run in March 2019. But nothing prepared me for how the UTA run panned out.

I had completed the course in training through rain and storms and had been eaten alive by leeches, firstly with the lovely Lisa Mintz. We drove home with our heels bleeding all the way. Second attempt was with Susan, Fran and Aoife on a very warm January day, although I nearly passed out on the Furber stairs in the heat. Third attempt, the unstoppable Fran took us up to the mountains on Easter Good Friday. Susan, Polina, Fran and myself made a very jolly team . The Furber stairs were closed for repairs so we had to climb up the Giant staircase, whoa , so hard! Never heard so many expletives from the Doctor (Susan). We did a great time though, under 3.15 and felt much more prepared for the big day in May.

Fast forward to day before , came down with non stop tummy problems, yes, the runs in a not so glamorous fashion. I was dehydrated and hungry as nothing stayed in long enough. I was lucky to stay with my cousins in Springwood who looked after me with some homemade chicken soup. My cousin Bruce is an old hand at Ultra Trails and had completed the 100 and 50kms a few times. I woke bright and early , tummy held on with some medication assistance. No breakfast though.

Arrived at Scenic World and met up with awesome running buddies Polina and Susan. Dave Stewart was supportive as always, volunteering that day as he was doing the 50km following day. Met up with Nadine (Nads) later at start line down at Wentworth Falls. The bus trip was fun and I sat next to a legend called Frank, who was turning 80 in August. He was taking it easier this year, but normally does the 100km. he told me his wife had a heart attack last year at the foot of the Furber Stairs, which was very encouraging.

So, we were off and running, flying down Kedumba! I did my fastest 5km ever and the quads didn't thank me later. Was running well and managed 16kms under 2 hours, hills and all. Thought all was well till a few more uphills and the legs were so fatigued. Got to the foot of the Furber stairs at time of 2.50, was stoked , then I started up the stairs. All energy went, I was nauseated, blacking out and felt quite unwell. I had beautiful support from fellow runners, they were amazing. I just had to keep stopping. I felt quite beaten and broken when I watched Frank sail past me without a strained breath, his wiry little legs had him flying up those stairs without a glance back. Way to go Frank!!! (I looked up his time later, under 3 hours).

Anyway, I made it to the top in 3.23, passed out at the finish line, helped on to the stretcher by our super hero Dave Stewart. I stopped the Garmin, was calling out "Don't tell Greta" and "do I still have my medal and finishers hat?" Susan, husband Julian, Polina and Nads were all with me in the medical tent and I was cleared quickly, the gatorade worked wonders.

Thank you to all my beautiful Rejoov buddies who put up with me. Thank you to coach Greta who forgave me after I was adamant in completing the SMH half marathon 2 days later.

Here’s to the 50km UTA next year”.

Congratulations Cathy debut UTA 22k 2019

Training Zebra buddies

Aoife Dave & Zac

Cathy Rowney smh half marathon 2 days post uta 22, supporting Running for premature babies with fundraising & 3 fingers salute across the finish line.

The smh half wasn’t on cathy’s program but it was very important to her. she survived breast cancer and has a determined attitude.

rejoov wishes cathy many happy & safe running experiences to come.