Daniel Fraser

Challenge complete!

Tuesday 29th Oct

Last night I’d psyched myself up thinking I’d run my quickest rep out of the 10 days; as a homage of sorts to Nedd who’d run a sub 3-hour marathon in his final day of his 50 marathons in 50 days challenge back in 2020.

However, it wasn’t meant to be. I woke up feeling about as flat as I had all week. I wasn’t feeling any discomfort, or really any muscle soreness at all; I just felt flat. Getting up and spending the best part of 90 minutes running each morning before work had taken its toll.

I was so lucky to have my brother, James join me again for the final run, taking the total he’d run with me up to 80.5km. I told him as we set off, today is about just finishing the job.

As it turns out, it was the most mid run ever. Smack in the middle in regard to pace (5:15 minute / km), but with a lower HR than previous days. My body has become fitter over the 10 days, or more likely has conditioned itself to doing the 10 miles daily. The pace today was identical to the pace from day 4, yet today I completed with an average heartrate 6% lower.

I crossed the line and expected to feel something. After I completed each of the two marathons I’ve done to date, I’ve broken down in tears after crossing the line, overwhelmed with emotion. But today was no different to how i’d felt at the end of each of the 9 days prior. I reckon it’s because the task became so mundane by this point. After day 3 I knew it was in the bag. Maybe I should have picked a harder challenge.

Reflecting today, I think I’m okay with this reaction; at the end of the day, this challenge was always more than just challenging myself physically; it was an opportunity to partner with We are mobilise and raise crucial money to help those in need. And in that regard we’ve almost doubled my initial goal of $1600. I think once the Atlassian matched donations come through it’ll be close to $4000 AU which is incredible.

Thanks to all those who’ve followed along with this blog post! I've had a blast, and have really enjoyed the reflection process of blogging about the runs.

Take care everyone, and thanks again!

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Day # 9, ONE DAY TO GO!

Monday 28th Oct

My last solo run. Today was a grind, I was slow getting out the door and slower in the pace. I had decided to bring some inspiration along today, and put on the Nedd Brockmann episode of the Imperfects podcast which just so happens to go for pretty well exactly the same time as my daily runs take.

Listening to the lads banter and hear Nedd speak from his heart about the trials and unmentionable dark places he had to go to will himself, whilst injured, across the breadth of Australia from Cottesloe Beach to Bondi over 46 and a half days was incredibly motivating. It’s obviously wildly unfair to compare my efforts with Nedds; but just knowing that he was able to pick himself up, and back up his 100km efforts daily, for 40 something days, helped me get the job done on day 9.

Nedd is grit personified. He may not be the world's best athlete, he’s just a regular, salt of the earth dude, out there trying to test what his body is capable of and at the same time use his platform to raise awareness for those less fortunate than him. The episode is definitely worth a listen, resilience is a superpower, and Nedd certainly has it in spades. It’s probably the thing I admire most about him, well that and his glorious mullet.

About an hour in I saw my wife, Courtney running towards me with my daughter Max in the running pram. Getting to run with my daughter is amazing; she just sits there taking in the nature, wind blowing against her hair. It’s a happy place for me and her (for the most part) and that was just what I needed to get me to the end of day 9.

Just. One. More. Day.

Side note: I’m now the proud local legend of the wildly popular “Felixstow 1k TT anti clockwise” segment on Strava (https://www.strava.com/segments/20045253/local-legend). I’d like my medal please /s

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Day # 8 complete!

Monday 28th Oct

My brother, James joined me bright and early Sunday morning, a week on from starting the challenge. I’d told James that morning that today was going to be a slower day; I wasn’t feeling sore or cardiovascularly tired, but just wanted a slightly easier day to break it up. At the end of the day 16 km is 16 km whether you’re running, jogging or crawling.

However, that idea was short-lived as we ran into my dad in the first km, who’d extended his Sunday morning long run by a couple of clicks to come join for our first lap of Felixstow reserve. He’d already locked in a fierce pace by this stage (some 15 km into his run running around 5:00 minute km pace), so we matched his pace for our shared lap around the loop. Dad then peeled off and continued on home to finish his 15 mile run, as he kicks off his training for the Cadbury Marathon in 11 weeks.

Shortly after, we were joined by Matt, one of my best mates who came out and joined us for the next hour. We did take that hour a bit easier, mostly driven by my lethargy. But it was a welcome change, we chatted and had a great time in today's 15 laps. Company was just so good on days like this.

I think deep down I thought I’d kinda finished the challenge; the days, although arduous, were becoming physically easier. This was not something I’d expected coming into this challenge. I’d expected to be niggly, sore or even injured by this stage; instead, I’m feeling fresher and more recovered than I had before starting day 2. I’d also flagrantly disregarded the old running adage of not increasing your week-to-week load by more than 10%. I’d increased my average weekly load by something like 250%.

I’ve also been trying to alternate directions of the run each day to keep things fresh. However at the conclusion of Saturday's run, I had noticed that I was within reach of the Strava local legend for one of the directions of travel for the Felixstow reserve track I’ve been running 15 times a day.

Clockwise, the 90-day local legend had completed 126 laps, which if I’d done all of my running in the same direction, I’d have beaten by ~24 laps. However, anti-clockwise, the current holder had only completed 90 reps. I’d decided that I might as well focus my energy on the last 3 days to get that title and run the remaining runs in the anti-clockwise direction. 

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Day # 7 complete - 3 to go!

Saturday 26th Oct

Today's run felt like a slog, although that’s not overtly visible from the HR or pace. Maybe it's the mental side of the challenge rearing its head.

I once again joined by my Dad, whose company was probably the only reason my pace didn't significantly dip today. Maybe it was the weather (overcast and a bit dreary) which aligns with how I felt. It's been a big week. I'm so glad to have ticked off the 7 days, and today I passed both the 100 km and 110 km mark.

I was reminded yesterday, when looking at one of my mates on Strava, that this challenge wouldn't be uncomfortable for some. I have a friend who's been averaging 140-150 km a week during the peak of his marathon training. My weekly distance sees me finish 30 km less than that for the week. However, over the couple of years I’ve been running I’ve found it’s best not to compare yourself to anyone. Limit yourself to comparing yourself to your past self.

If not for this challenge, I'd have run probably 60 km less this week. If not for this challenge, I'd have not known that I was capable of a 100 km week. If not for this challenge, I wouldn’t have known my body could handle the 7 back-to-back runs.

I’ve learnt that my body is more capable than I gave it credit. I was surprised to notice, over the past few days, that my body seems to be finding it easier each day. My average heart rate is lower, and the pace has been quicker. The human body is amazing, and it's really sad that a lot of us (me included) only scratch the surface of our potential.

I thought I had set a physically challenging target, but the way my body has responded seems to disprove that a bit. To even be able to say that is immensely gratifying, I’m so proud of my efforts, but know it’s not finished yet. Also to have crossed over the $2,500 AU target for We are mobilise is phenomenal, thanks so much to those who've followed along the past 7 days and reached into your pockets to give so generously.

Only 3 more runs. Let's go!

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Day # 6 complete!

Friday 25th Oct

Slept way better last night, and Fridays always feel good. The weekend is close, and because I’m past halfway, it’s all downhill from here, time to finish strong!

Vibes were high today. I was lucky to be joined by my brother James again, this is his 3rd appearance on these runs, and it’s just so nice to have company. Courtney also brought out Max for 20 minutes around 45 minutes in, so I got some daddy-daughter time running along with her in the Thule running pram, with the dulcet tones of Peter Combe blaring from my phone. Courtney ran in the opposing direction, running her own set of intervals as she continued her return to running programme, post Max’s birth.

Weather was gorgeous today clear blue skies, cool temperatures and the sun made this a very enjoyable day. The next update will likely not be until after I’ve completed day 9. Tomorrow should be a good day, i’ll tick over the km and complete the week of running.

Also, thanks to Courtney's social media prowess, got a like on my IG story from the big man himself!

Song of the run: Juicy Juicy Green Grass - Peter Combe

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Day # 5 complete, halfway there!

Thursday 24th Oct

Woke up feeling terrible this morning; our daughter Max had a bad night. I had a sub 60 sleep score, and my right quad was feeling really tight, I was very lethargic getting out the door.

However, once I got going things quickly changed for the better. Despite how I felt in the minutes leading up to starting, the actual run today felt easy. The first 5km breezed by, and the pace was good. And then settled into a nice groove, with music on running solo.

Weather was crisp and fresh, and once the sun came out from behind the clouds it was glorious. I’m halfway done with the challenge, and as of this minute are up to $2,419.00 AU. It’s been amazing seeing everyone rallying behind this and donating. I really, really appreciate your generosity

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Day # 4 complete!

Wednesday 23rd Oct

Day 4 started off well. I managed to get out the door well before 7:15 am this morning. This was mainly because my dad came to run with me this morning, and he’s certainly not as tardy as I am.

Because of the company (my dad is an insanely fit old man) the pace was QUICK to start with, which my body didn’t love. I ran 5 of the quickest km I’ve done in the challenge so far. I eventually settled into a decent rhythm about 7 km in, and ended up with the last 4 km at a pace consistent with the previous 3 days. Legs felt a bit heavy this morning, especially my right quad; hopefully just some built-up lactic.

Garmin says that my recovery time is 72 hours again, maybe that’s the maximum it can say, but I’m taking it as a positive knowing it’s not increasing each day.

Today’s run crossed over the “100km to go” mark, and I celebrated with another Nedds Choccy milk!

Was 8 minutes late to stand-up today, as I took too long in the shower. I definitely wasn’t contemplating why I thought this challenge was a good idea :o

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Day # 3 complete!

Tuesday 22nd Oct

Day 3 of trying to start running at 7:15 am, still missed it by a minute. Legs felt pretty good, definitely could tell that I had run the past two days, but not overly stiff, just mild heaviness. However, effort felt harder, reflected in the +3 BPM average heart rate. Weather was overcast and a nice cool breeze again.

My brother, James, came out with me again, and so we ran anti-clockwise to keep the loop “fresh” for him. Having someone to eat the kms up with definitely helps keep morale up. Ticked over the marathon distance today which was cool and technically my third quickest marathon.

Pace was more or less consistent with the first two days; however, I felt I had to work harder to keep under that 5:20 pace. Tomorrow should be interesting.

Garmin is saying that recovery time is 72 hours, but it said that after day 1 and 2, so I take this with a grain of salt. Also on the plus side, made it to stand-up on time today.

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Day # 2 complete!

Monday 21st Oct Back out before things heat up again, and before work. Headed out solo (for the most part) with headphones on. Weather was lovely again today, cool breeze and slightly overcast. My wife brought my 8-month-old daughter, Max, out halfway through in the running pram. Which meant I had Max’s company for ~5 km from km 8 to km 13. Running with a running pram feels about 5% harder than running without, but running with your child makes you feel at least 10 percent better, so It’s definitely worth the tradeoff. Pace was consistent with yesterday's effort. Celebrated the end of run 2, with a cold bottle of Nedds Choccy milk, and was only 5 minutes late. Share

Day # 1 complete!

Sunday 20th Oct Beautiful weather, great company. 144.9km to go... Share

Course located!

Saturday 12th Oct I'll be running the majority of my runs at a nearby running loop in Felixstow. Went out to test the course today, I've not run at midday for a while 🥵 Share