If you’re looking for an unforgettable running experience, the Great Ocean Road Running Festival is a must. Having completed this event four times in various distances, I can confidently say it’s one of the highlights of my running calendar.
This year, I decided to revisit the 14km Paradise event, a course I last ran two years ago. My goal was simple: to set a new personal best (PB). I didn't care if this was 2 seconds or 5 minutes.
One of the things I love most about the 14km Paradise event is the course itself. Unlike the main Great Ocean Road stretch, this run winds through a picturesque section of bushland, complete with ferns and a flowing river. The out-and-back style means you're constantly surrounded by other runners, creating a fun and supportive atmosphere. The course is challenging, with a gradual uphill climb that tests your endurance and strength. It ticks all the boxes for a slightly longer challenge than a typical 10km event.
In typical Jenna style, my preparation hit a snag when I woke up on Friday with severe allergies. A quick COVID test (negative, thankfully) and a trip to the chemist got me back on track and a pretty determined mindset meant I could push through with my plan. Don't let hurdles that are out of your control hold you back!
The Great Ocean Road Running Festival is excellently timetabled, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in a variety of events. The day begins with the 1.5km Kids' Gallop, a fantastic way for young runners to experience the joy of the festival and for families to share in the excitement. Following this, the 6km event kicks off, providing a more challenging course for those looking to push their limits a bit further. With these events scheduled sequentially, I was able to not only participate in the 1.5km Kids Gallop with my 5 year old, and watch the 6km runners, but also participate in the 14km Paradise run later in the day. This thoughtful scheduling creates a seamless flow of activity and observation, making for a wonderfully engaging and active day for all involved.
This year was particularly special as, aside from my personal goals, I had also coached three runners for this event. Staying with friends in Apollo Bay meant I could soak up the event atmosphere all weekend, participate and also see my clients through with their training. Watching two of them cross the finish line of their first 6km event with smiles on their faces was incredibly rewarding. Their dedication and hard work over the past few months paid off, and seeing their joy made all the effort worthwhile.
I’m thrilled to report that I finished the 14km Paradise Run, two minutes faster than my previous time. My success was due to focused training tailored to the specifics of the event, proper fueling, and an effective tapering period. Tapering before a race is crucial, and self-awareness plays a vital role in this process. Knowing when to scale back on training to allow your body to recover is key. It's about finding that balance between maintaining fitness and avoiding burnout or injury. Listening to your body’s signals ensures you hit the start line feeling fresh and ready to perform at your best.
Post-race, I enjoyed a well-deserved seafood dinner and a good night's sleep. On Sunday, I took to the streets with my kids to cheer on the half marathon and marathon runners. Despite the rainy and windy conditions, the atmosphere was electric. The runners appreciated the encouragement, especially from my enthusiastic five-year-old. I was also there to support Sharon as she powered through the final leg of her 23km half marathon. She did an amazing job!
If you haven't participated in the Great Ocean Road Running Festival yet, consider making it a part of your running journey. The event sold out this year, so make sure to get on the waitlist for next year.
Whether you're aiming for a PB or just looking to enjoy a run-cation, this festival offers something for every runner. I hope to see you there next year!
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