RACE BRIEF-CHALLENGE THE MOUNTAIN 29TH SEPTEMBER 2015
KING & QUEEN OF MOUNTAIN (MOUNT ARCHER-ROCKHAMPTON)

Well it is never too late.. Yes it has been a week ago but only seems like yesterday. A massive weekend full of excitement, adrenaline & total fun, from the Friday night Q &A night with Steve Moneghettie & Glen Chadwick, who could ask for more knowledge from such elite athletes.
Backed up with a training session on the track with Steve on the Saturday morning, what a privilege to have such an opportunity. Then to finally race up the mountain with other awesome elite athletes, knowing Steve Moneghettie & Glen Chadwick where soon to pass you being the last in the field to start. What more could an athlete want than to have them chase you to that finishing line.
The event being the first held in the region combining cyclist & runners, it was great to be a part of it. This will be one that will appear on many more calendars in the coming years.

To line up at that start line along side elite cyclist Kate Giamarelos, both drawing the short straw for the 1st wave was an honor. Our adrenaline pumping both knowing what challenge we where facing in the next short 5 km climb. This was our training ground and we both knew it was one cruel sucker of a mountain to climb on foot or by cycle.
To hear Steve’s lungs working hard as he powered passed me just near the saddle (I think) was truly amazing. I am a chaser by nature but yes I decided he was not one to chase on this day. Lol
You do not take this challenge for granted. It takes both physical & mental toughness to reach the top. (A lot of training certainly helps)
With just coming back with only a week between from competing in a 100km Road event I had to mentally prepare what I was going to put my body through. I had trained and trained hard but on the day is what counts. I often get asked how do you just keep running. Well call it mental power or mind games whatever, for me it is all about running for those who can’t. I listen to my body yes but the mind does play the major part.
For all those who crossed that finishing line last Saturday, be PROUD.Silvia Smith you totally amaze me. Your smile when you crossed that finishing line knowing you had done a PB was so inspiring. Along with so many others who also did the same on the day. You all have a challenge for the coming year.
The race committee Sharon Kearney, Craig McCormack and team put on an amazing event. Bring on 2016…..
And of course I best not leave out my amazing adorable husband, Phil Austin who lives around my training program and event calendar. Who also arrange Rockhampton Photoghraphy Club to take some amazing photos and still paying the price for the Iphone pic I needed with Steve Moneghettie. (Thanks Wayne N Jen Clifford for freezing your rear off for a few more seconds to take the photo on your IPHONE..) Just kidding. I got the photo.
And of course my very, very, ever so patient & understanding coach Greg Rowsell, who keeps me on track and focused on my next challenge. So now I file away this event and in training for my first 100 mile The Alpine Challenge. Mt Archer you will be my friend for the weeks to come.
Love My Running!