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NEWS Sep 11 2004

Coach Jenny & The Penguin offer information and inspiration at Waterfront Clinic

Photos by Inge Johnson—click here for more

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The dynamic duo, Coach and the Penguin, thrilled their fans at the pre-Waterfront Clinic at the Harbourfront Centre on Saturday morning.

The Penguin led off, in fine form, with a series of stories around the theme "we back-of-the-packers are different", that had the crowd in stitches (not from running at this point!).

"we never have to worry about the course," regaled JB, "there's always a crowd to follow"

"race strategy?—I aim to finish the day I start and before they take the clock down!"

"pre-race food?—I don't worry about it too much as I always carry money with me for the race, and plan to stop a time or two for breakfast or lunch. At London this year, I got to the Docklands around 18 miles and some friends had coffee and chocolates for me at the side of the road."

"post race food?—for the first couple of years I didn't know what this was, as there was never any left when I finished."

The Penguin concluded with the following advice:

"We're definitely different. And the most important thing is to have the best time and the most fun you possibly can. We're changing our lives with our own two feet."

Coach Jenny then followed with some last-minute tips for Waterfront Marathoners, Half-marathoners and 5K-ers.

  1. In the last two weeks of the "taper" in your training programme, try to stay relaxed, and not too nervous. Look back over your training log, and encourage yourself by seeing how far you have come. Get lots of sleep.
  2. What to eat and drink? There is no magic food. Gradually increase carbos—carbos are good for you—and gradually increase fluids for hydration—but gradually and moderately are the key words...nothing to excess and definitely don't try anything new or different these last 2 weeks. Utilise water, and Gatorade, and PowerGels on the course on race-day.
  3. Race-day "Pacing"? You'll be tapered, well rested and pumped...be careful, don't go out too fast or you'll pay later. Try to be like Deena Kastor and run even, or negative splits (second-half faster than the first-half).
  4. Rough patches in the race? Try to think positive thoughts, slow down and re-group. Try to segment the course into shorter sections in your mind (1k at a time in the 5K, or every 5k in the marathon), or familiarize yourself with landmarks and run from one to the next... That will make it seem less daunting a total distance and task.
  5. Have fun. Enjoy your Waterfront Marathon. To do this, you may need to let go of some of your expectations—you CAN have a lot of fun, even if you're not fast.
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"Time" is NOT the only measure of marathoning success today (as it was 20 years ago). Run marathons for fun, for an excuse to travel, run for others by running for Team in Training or another favourite charity, run for the great medals or t-shirts at the Waterfront.

And with that, Coach and the Penguin took off along the Waterfront with their fans for an easy jog and walk. (see photos).

If you missed them this weekend, never fear, they'll be back for the Waterfront Weekend.

Confirmed Coach & The Penguin appearances on race weekend:

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