Testimonials

You are very clever at what you do and when I listen to how other people prepare I can say you’ve pretty much got it over most of them. Getting people where they want to be in a shorter space of time without too many really long runs and the faster efforts chucked in seems to get the same result in a lot less time. 

I’m very grateful to you and you are a great man doing great things. It’s one thing to achieve for yourself but to share your knowledge and help lift others to greater heights is an even better thing to do in my opinion. 

Patricia Poole
online client
22/Sep/2009

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Today, I did something that not long ago I would never imagined to have been possible.

a/. Run a marathon.
b/. Crack four hours - 3:57.

Thank you so much for your plan. I was very loyal to it and it was very loyal to me. I feel indebted to your experience and wisdom. Thank you for helping me achieve my personal goal. 

Andrew Holman
Adelaide Marathon
24/August/2008
3hrs 57min

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Firstly I would just like to say thankyou for your support over the past 10 weeks, your program delivered some great challengers that gave me the results I was looking for. It just shows that you really know your stuff.  

I stuck to the plan and it felt like I ran the last 3k’s as tough as I ran the 3k time trial on Wednesday, I gave it everything I had. I finished with a time of 47:44. I’m wrapped! Thanks again Pat. 

Thanks Pat, it’s been great.

Stuart Cassidy
online client
29/July/2008

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Thank-YOU so much - I'm absolutely stoked about that time (3.44.46)!!  I gotta say, last Sunday was one of the biggest highlights in my life so far, I absolutely enjoyed every step.

More from Fiona Paul (online client) here
Gold Coast Airport Marathon
6/July/2008

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Just to let you know I did 38 min 25 secs for the Striders 10k - over a minute PB, really happy. With 1500m to go I was stuffed, but your words were in my head saying stay strong and be positive so I got there. I didn't wear a watch on purpose and asked people the time at 4 different parts in the race. Really happy mate, your training is really working. Thanks again for all your help it is much appreciated. 

Anthony Whitty
online client
6/May/2008

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That's actually my second fastest time EVER!!!!  Only 10sec off my PB.  I"m so gonna smash it this year!!  I'm just sooo happy, I had to share it with you!  And it's ALL thanks to YOU!!!!  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!  I cannot wait to see what else I can achieve this year :) 
 
I'm one happy client!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING SO FAR!!

SW
(preferred to remain anonymous)
Online Client
18/March/2008

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Mate, I was so happy this morning when I crossed the line on my last effort and looked at the time. There was no way that I thought I had that time in me on that last effort. Yesterday I read the commitment and motivation articles on your website and on that last km all I was trying to do was shut out the pain and think about banking the session… So thank you. 

Anthony Gilbertson
Online Client
1/March/2008

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I've been very diligent. I got home late from work (had a huge day) and I went out for my run...I would have never gone if I didn't have to report back and if I didn't have the program! 

Sonja
Online Client
26/Feb/2008

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Thanks again Pat. I have honestly never enjoyed training this much before, I am totally hooked and loving it.

Nick Sommerlad
online client
Director
Think Digital Imaging Solutions
26/Feb/2008

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Still loving the focus though, it's great! Ha ha - there were a couple of times that the thought of having to email you my times kept my pace going when I thought I'd sooner stop!!!!!

Diane Soffe
online client
West Papua
18/Feb/2008

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The simple task of running to your plan and goal times really do take me completely out of my comfort zone and something that cannot be achieved with other other training routines I've tried - really appreciating your support Pat!

                                                          Paul Rushworth
                                                                                                       Online Client
                                                                                                     13/Feb/2008

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I really thank you for giving me a training structure that is achievable but challenging, and varied, yet allows 'habits'. I also very much appreciate your flexibility, as I have come across some races quite last minute and you always accommodate them. Case in point, Saturday's 10k and look at the result (40.24).  

Since running became a part of my life I've always felt better because of it. In the last 2 1/2 years you have added so much focus, and in turn self-confidence to my running, and I feel it spills over to other parts of life.  

So thank you again, and I look forward to 2008.  

Margreet Dietz
Online client
             17/Dec/2007 

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What works very well for me is to have you as my coach, who simply puts in "2:20 relaxed run" as the goal. On most days, that is enough stimulus to finish the 2:20 as I do not want to report "got bored after 1:30" or so.

So, the fact that SOMEBODY ELSE sets the challenge helps me a lot. Of course, also knowing that that somebody else knows what I am doing is a huge incentive in itself.

                                                                                                   Dr Victor Allis
                                                                                                      Online client
                                                                                                       CEO Quintiq
                                                                                                      Netherlands
                                                                                                   03/Dec/2007

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I just wanted to update you on yesterday’s Singapore Marathon. Had a great run and although the official times are yet to come out, I timed myself at 3:58:00, so you can imagine I’m pretty stoked with that result.

In the end, I felt pretty strong throughout, my first quarter was a bit slow and I was probably heading for a 4.10 or 4.15, but then the next two quarters I picked up the pace and really kicked on.   

I’m happy for you to include my comments on your web site and to add that I wouldn’t have been able to finish so strong without the help of your training programme.

Thanks for all your help!

Ed Larkin
Online client
Singapore
02/Dec/2007

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I would like to say a HUGE thankyou for your guidance this season with my running, I have thoroughly enjoyed your sessions and believe you take a very sensible and measured approach to training, one that includes hard sessions, with plenty of well needed recovery built into the program (something that I am not finding with my tri training program at the moment). I have raced 2 tri's this season already and won both of them, with the fastest run splits in the woman's field on both occasions - so you must be doing something right!!! 

You will definitely be hearing from me again when next years running season commences!! - I'm looking forward to it already.

Rebecca Wilson
Online Coaching Client
27/Oct/2007

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I just wanted to say thank you for all the help you provided in helping me achieve my goal of running my first marathon at Rottnest.

I was expecting this race to hurt, and hurt badly. Isn’t that what marathons are supposed to be about?

As every kilometer passed by I was waiting for the pain to come on, it never did. Over that last 10km or so I ran past many who had slowed to a walk…they hurt, why didn’t I? 

I can only put it down to the great training program you put together for me. I must say that when I first received it I was a little skeptical, as there weren’t as many kilometers as other plans as I had seen. The proof is in the pudding though…it worked! 

The other thing that made a real difference was having a realistic goal pace set by you to follow. The goal time of between 4:15 and 4:25 was right on the money. Thanks again!

Rob Donkersloot
Rottnest Marathon (Perth)
4hrs 20min
21/Oct/2007

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Thanks for all your help over the past 6 months, you definitely gave another element to my training that I would not have incorporated otherwise without your experience there to guide me. I'll definitely enlist your services again for my next marathon and we can aim at that sub 3:00 mark!!

Daniel Pinne 11/Oct/2007
Gold Coast Half Marathon 1.27.07 (previous pb 1.40)
Run to the G 10K 40.27
Melbourne Marathon 1.30.06 (previous pb 3.36.00)
 

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Pat, your training has shaved 10 minutes off my past marathon time, it gave me endurance to the end, well….almost to the end. It’s given me the ability to believe I can do better in my time next marathon.

Once again, thankyou for your help and support.

David Stevens
Melbourne Marathon
7/Oct/07
3.42.39

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Your program was great, challenging enough to make me work hard, but not so challenging that it was unachievable.

Caroline (2.02.55)
Melbourne Half Marathon
7/Oct/2007
Previous best 2.19
 

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Well, I have now finished my first Half Marathon and am thrilled to bits! Sore as sore can be this morning and feel great for it though. Makes it all worth while. 

Apart from not being able to get to my family for around 20 minutes after, as the finish line was bedlam, and we were dodging walkers in the final 2km, which one doesn't need at that stage of the race, it was a great day.

Great sunshine and a good mood all round, I finished going by my watch in 1h54m51s. Pretty much spot on  5.27/km, thank you again so much for your help and professionalism.

Sav Papadopoulos
Melbourne Half Marathon
7/Oct/2007

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Goal achieved – 66 mins for City to Surf 2007! An improvement by nearly 6 minutes over my first go last year and I reckon there’s room to get it lower for next year. 

It’s wonderful just what you’ve been able to coax out of this 55 yr old body. Your program completely changed the way I’ve trained and run. Many thanks. I’ll be back for a half marathon after a break away.

Barry Morwood
Online Client
13/08/2007

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I am certainly hooked and looking forward to doing another half in the near future. All said and done I feel like a runner again, and that was my goal from the beginning. 

Thank you for helping me get there, your program, goal setting and encouragement has guided me along this journey.   

I know this won’t be the last time we chat as I am keen to employ your services in the future as my goals become bigger and better! 

Thanks again Pat 

Karey Corrie
Online Client
Townsville Half Marathon 05/08/2007
1.59.14

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Anyone that has a major affect on achieving an important personal goal becomes a very special person in your life.  I hope you realize how much I appreciate everything you have done to help me achieve my goal.

More from Helen Bruce here....
posted 26/07/2007

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I just want to thank you for all your fantastic help.  To improve my time by >30 minutes is fantastic, and your wise counsel I cannot thank you enough for.  

Pat - I sincerely thank you for all your assistance over the last 4 months, I couldn't have made this improvement without all your guidance and support.

Mark Scatena
online client
Perth Marathon
8/July/2007
3.44.50

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Thanks for all your encouragement and sharing of your vast running experiences Pat. Such things are beyond monetary value.

More from Craig Rowley here.....
posted 06/07/2007

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To the best mentor ever! Thanks Pat, love your stuff and dedicate a big thanks for getting us to the line of the 2007 Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

More from Margaret & Michelle Williams here.....
posted 06/07/2007
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I turned 42 early this year and always wanted to complete a marathon. Due to work and family commitments – I knew that I would have to do most of the training by myself. Not knowing what to do – I turned to you to be my online training coach. Best thing I ever did.

Your program was able to cater for my needs and you were always was on hand to answer the many questions that I sent you (sorry). 

Well I finally achieved something I set out to do back in February this year – and that was to complete my very first Marathon – the Gold Coast Marathon. 

I ran all the way. Over the final 10k – I kept thinking of the text message you sent to me a couple of days prior to the event  - Sweat and sacrifice means success. 

I managed a time of 4 hrs 8 min – 7 min ahead of the goal you set me. Not bad hey. Thanks heaps Pat. Talk to you soon about my next goal.

Dave Keatinge
online client
Gold Coast Airport Marathon
02/July/2007

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Many thanks again for getting home in 3:47:52  on what was my 6th marathon and first sub-4 time.  Totally enjoyed the the Canberra experience, quite different from some of the other marathons I have been lucky enough to experience around the world.

More from Martin Ryan here.....

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What a fantastic weekend it was for the marathon.  I was feeling great going into the Marathon, confident with the knowledge that I was fully prepared and fit, and was then just hoping everything would fall into place on Sunday.  It did!  I was surprised how easy the km's were ticking by and was passing a lot of people, but still knew the dreaded 35/36km mark would be the test.  I survived and ran a huge pb, 3.14.28 - smashed 10mins from my previous best.

Thanks for all your assistance and encouragement.

Sharon Kirkman
Canberra Marathon
15 April 2007

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Feedback from Anna Bligh
(Qld Deputy Premier)

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This year I sought the advice and wisdom from Pat as I endeavoured to finish a marathon well and in a personal best tim.

I had started in 2 previously and finished one in 3:56:58 (Gold Coast 06), the other I didn't finish. Pats program and service was a really enjoyable process. The speed sessions took me back 20 years, made me feel a lot younger, loving every session.

As a result of his direction and advice I was able to pull off this year's Melbourne Marathon in 3:36:38, a fabulous outcome for me.

More from Peter Fossey here
Melbourne Marathon
8-10-2006

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I really do want to thank you for such a great training program - I've made a huge improvement in my speed and also my body has never been as well conditioned as it is at the moment. I don't think I've ever felt as good as what I do now!!!!  I'm very pleased I joined the program.  I will take a mini break over summer from running as I like to do the triathlon season and open water swims.

However, I must admit, now that I've worked so hard to get my fitness and my body conditioning to where it is with running - I don't want to let it go!! So I will definitely be in touch early next year to plan for running events in 2007.

Fiona Paul
Melbourne Half Marathon Oct 8 2006
1.43.32
(previous pb 2.02.06)

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Can you believe I ran 3hrs 35mins 53secs at Loch Ness last Sunday?? I am so over the moon, and I felt great the whole way round. I had plenty left coming into the last 8k and picked up the pace a bit - even
managed what felt like a sprint to the finish (although I'm sure it looked nothing like a sprint). I felt like I could have kept running
forever and enjoyed every second of it.  Great day, didn't see the Loch Ness monster, in fact couldn't even see the Loch the rain was so heavy! 

So thank you Pat.  I never thought I would run a sub 3:40 marathon and wouldn't have without your training.  Your next task is to get me sub 3:30 next year!  I'm going to take a few weeks off training and decide which races and goals I'll set for next year ... but Loch Ness will definitely be in my plans again!  Back soon.  And thank you again!

Elaine Mulcahy
Loch Ness Marathon Oct 1/2006
3.35.53

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I am very pleased to have run a 2:39:39! I felt strong throughout the entire race. I was just outside the top 20 spots at 9 miles. I reeled-in runners at 17, 22, 24 mile marks to finish 15th or 16th. Even between mile 26 and the finish, I caught a guy! I worked hard, but it was the most controlled marathon I've ever run.

Thanks for all your help. Couldn't have done another PB (shaving well over 3 min off Boston six months ago) without you.

John Thornell
Portland Marathon (USA)
2.39.39

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I want to thank you for your training plans and feedback over the past months.  You have been an intrinsic part of this success and when I look back on the past few months it has seen new PBs at 10k and half marathon and now a marathon debut that has blown me away not just because of the time,  but because of how much I enjoyed the run. 

This has been the most unexpected and pleasing elements of the weekend - that is far and away the most pleasurable experience of running I have had.

Jeremy McDonald
Gold Coast 2006
      2.48.46    
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For those who would like to run a marathon or have run one before and would like to improve I found the training programmes developed by Pat Carroll to be a fantastic guide and one which will get you to the start line in great shape.

Alternatively, I have always found Pat to be very approachable and will tell you what you need to know and not what you want to hear (there is a difference).

More from Glenn Woodrow here.....

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I want to take this opportunity to thank you Pat as my coach for preparing me for my first marathon at the Gold Coast (3.02.50) in a very short program (8 weeks).  Not only did you set me a program to follow, you offered me your advice and wisdom that you have obtained through your years of experience.  But most of all you gave me the motivation I needed not to just get me to the finish line, but to the starting line as well.  I look forward to our future goals as I have renewed my on line coaching program with you. 

Yours thankfully

Brendon Gray
(online client)
3-July-2006

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I want to thank you for your training plans and feedback over the past months.  You have been an intrinsic part of this success and when I look back on the past few months it has seen new PBs at 10k and half marathon and now a marathon debut that has blown me away (2.48.46) not just because of the time,  but because of how much I enjoyed the run.  This has been the most unexpected and pleasing elements of the weekend - that is far and away the most pleasurable experience of running I have had.

                                                              Jeremy McDonald
                                                                    (online client)
                                                                        3-July-2006

 
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I kept to the right pace and felt good all the way. I lost a bit of time on the one and only hill around the 5-6km mark. Pushed on and did the last km as hard as I could. Just missed out on the 42.30 by 10 seconds but it was still my best ever time of 42.40. 

This time is with your help Pat and without your planning and information I just can't imagine the race improvements I have made would have taken place. If I can keep it together and stick with my race plan at the Perth Marathon I am really excited about the possible time I can manage. 

Mark Bullard
(online client)
29-May-2006

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I just wanted to let you know how I went on Sunday, what a spectacular morning!! 

I finished in 2hr 14min, and enjoyed myself thoroughly; put me down for next year!! 

I was so proud of myself, I struggled through the last km after Argyle st, and burst into tears when I saw my support crew cheering me on at the finish.  

I felt great all the way through the race and enjoyed every moment. I still can't wipe the smile from my face. 

Thank you for your support and encouragement and I will definitely be doing this again, and will contact you when I have chosen another race. 

  Sam Jeffries 
Smh Half Marathon
21 May 2006

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Feedback from John Thornell:
(online client)
Boston Marathon 2006

Since we started working together, I think I've shaved 15 minutes off my marathon time. It's great to have another PB. It's even sweeter to have a PB at Boston.

                                  Read more here......

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Feedback from Steve Grace - PCRG:
15/04/06

Just another "over the moon" group member.

When you said that my goal for the Easter 10km run was sub 48.00, I thought you must be kidding. 4 months ago the same distance would have taken me 60.00. I was happy to give it my best shot regardless of the challenge.

                                  Read more here.....

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I just wanted to say big thanks for your online coaching and support over the past 3months. I had a great day yesterday and I am really happy with my time of 3:11:01 at Canberra. This is a PB by more than 11 minutes from last year. I think the combination of goal based speed work and your regular words of encouragement have made all the difference to my times and made me a more confident runner too. I couldn't have achieved this without your guidance. I ran a pretty even pace throughout (slowing a bit in the last 10K's or so) but I felt really happy that I had control over my pacing. I feel I've still got some more potential, with a lot more hard work of course.

Cath Swindles
10/4/2006
(online client)
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Thanks for all your help and advice it has been fantastic and I guess despite what happens on Sunday I know thanks to you that I have made definite improvements in my running capacity and ability to go faster (even at my level). Your training scheduled has instilled in me a level of confidence and self belief that I have done the work and put in the commitment and so there is no reason why I shouldn't achieve my goals. For that I thank you.

Margot McGinness
4/4/2006
(online client)
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Feedback from Andy Steele - PCRG:
28/03/2006

I needed that session this morning, after being off crook for a few days it was a great tonic to get back to the group - I believe it's impossible to have a bad day after a PCRG session to start. Well done!

Read more here.....

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Thanks for your all your encouragement! Your feedback, goal setting and your program, all have been extremely motivational and inspiring!

                                                                                                      Natalie Chan
                                                                                                      16/02/2006
                                                                                                    (online client)
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Thanks again for your inspirational words, your coaching and especially the speed work subscribed by yourself. It all seems to really agree with me.

I have just resigned with you and I am really looking forward to working with you over the next four weeks.

You have really spurred me on again Pat, I was starting to lose my motivation before I signed up. Thank you!!!

But now I really enjoy just getting out and running, speed sessions are very hard but I feel like I am really putting something into my training and I am sure that this hard work will pay off in four weeks time on the Six Foot track.

Thank you very much

                                                          Andrew O'Neill
                                                                                                    14/2/2006         _____________________________________

Pat Van Dyk paid 12 weeks ($155) in advance and I provided Pat with his initial 4 week training block along with an overview of his campaign leading up to the Canberra Marathon. Unfortunately Pat injured himself in the first week and had to abandon his Marathon dream. As a result I provided Pat with a full refund.

This is what Pat had to say when I advised I would refund him in full:

That's very kind, much appreciated.  I'm certainly happy to recommend you to others, because your service has been excellent. 

Pat Van Dyk

30/1/2006

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38:31 - got to be happy with that,oh yeah,oh yeah. I calculate that to be about 4.49/km pace, a pb by 3.22!!!!! Thanks sooooo much Pat - I love it!!!!

Margot McGinness
2006 Australia Day Fun Run
 (online client)    _________________________________

Feedback from Keith Sullivan:

Read more here.......   _________________________________

It is amazing to realize that I have done already two three-month programs with you.  

As you know, I love your programs but I also like the way you give your feedback. You are always focusing on the positive, which is really great. I especially appreciate it because I know from experience that isn't what every coach does.  

                                 Margreet Dietz Dec 2005

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Just a quick note from New York. I finished the marathon in 3:11:57.  I was really happy with the day.  I was running under 3:10 until around the 25km mark and then I started losing a bit of time.  Overall, I had a great day.
Thank you for all your help with my training.  I have been on holiday for the last week and am returning to Sydney on Sunday so will let you know what my plans are re future races and programs.  I would really like to focus on trying to get closer to the 3 hour mark.

                                      Rebecca Wolfe   Nov 05
                                                            (previous pb 3.18) 

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Well, I did cross the finish line so that's the main thing! My time ended up being 4 hours 13. I felt fantastic up until about 35km and then just hit the wall. I think in the last 7km I probably ended up walking about 2km of it.

In the last 5km I swore I would never do another marathon (meanwhile swearing I hated everyone cheering us on and everyone else generally!), nevertheless, the agony is pretty much forgotten now and I'm quite keen to do the Gold Coast Marathon in July (call me mad!).

Thank you so much for all your help Pat, I absolutely could not have done it without you!!!

                                            Jane O Callaghan
                                     Melbourne Marathon (Oct 2005)

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I ran 42:03 for the 10K event yesterday which I am really happy about. I could not possibly have run that time 6 weeks ago so the benefits of your training program and ongoing guidance are compelling and much appreciated. Pulled up well today and am getting excited about the main challenge ahead.

                                           Mark McDonald
                                                                          26/09/05

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