Fast 5 with the legendary Jane Sturzaker
How did you get into running and why have you stayed in it?
I had a stressful job with long hours and felt that I needed a physical challenge. I started with 10km fun runs which were held nearly every weekend. I met a number of people who belonged to the Victorian Road Runners and the Veterans Athletics Club. They taught me what real running was.
How has the pandemic affected you and your running ambitions?
Pre COVID I had a plan to finish my quest for the 50 States of the US (I currently have 44) and also to complete 400 marathons by 2023. With the pandemic I have realized that the most important part of my running is not these ambitions but the social aspect. I have really missed participating in events and training with the friends that I have made over the years.
How do you keep interested in running and was there ever a time where you wanted to stop running for whatever reason?
In 2012 I needed surgery on my back. The pain I was had was something I had never experienced before. Prior to the surgery I thought that I may not be able to run again, that thought just terrified me. No – I have never wanted to stop running, with that scare all I wanted to do was to continue to run.
Tell us about your most bizarre/weirdest/toughest and favorite event!
The weirdest events would be in France. I have run both Medoc and Alsace Marathons. To run these if you are not in fancy dress you feel as though you are the one out of step. All the drink stations have wine as well as water. In the Alsace Marathon they have wine and food pairings. Each drink stop has a live band so you stop to eat, drink, dance, sing and continue. Everyone manages to do this and finish under 6 hours.
Alsace Marathon (Jane is second from the left)
Medoc Marathon
The toughest and most memorable would be the Comrades Ultra Marathon in Africa. The first time I did it in 27deg, it was the uphill year (they alternate the direction each year), 87kms and with an eleven hour cutoff time. The smallest medal for the biggest effort.
I did Two Oceans in 2012 with Merle, we ran that 56kms in probably the worst conditions I have ever run in. I have done a number of 7 marathons in 7 days event. They are not tough just a lot of fun, for a lot of days, with a lot of friends.
Merle and I finishing Two Oceans
What have you not achieved that you would like to?
I have a bucket list of marathons that I would still like to complete. That list is on the back burner now- I would just like to be able to do my favourites in Australia again. Perhaps another ANZAC sweep.
What are the common mistakes you see runners make/ what advice do you have?
The common mistakes that I see are people training hard and not smart. They train with quantity and not quality. In events they go out too fast and hard early, I am not fast and do walk/run and I pass a huge number of people in the last 10kms of most marathons I do. I hate seeing people struggling in marathons. I like to see runners smile at the spectators. If your body is hurting and you are showing this spectators will be worried and too scared to spur you on. If you smile they will cheer and give you overwhelming encouragement and energy.
How do you keep your body in shape to maintain your consistency?
Prior to COVID I was doing around 35 marathons a year. The great thing about that is that I didn’t need to do so much training. I now have a program with strength, balance and stretching to keep my body in shape to run. The training and advice from Coach Woolly is what we all need to follow to achieve our running goals. Don’t second guess him – just do it. (and enjoy it!)
