I was excited but a bit anxious about my first race of the year on Sunday. I had not raced since The North Face 50km in May last year due to ongoing foot problems. Therefore I took the approach to the race like I would first and foremost focus on enjoying the experience.

When choosing races, I like to pick different distances and locations for the majority of races I do and The Great Rail Run was no exception, I had not run down along the Bellarine Peninsula previously.

The Great Rail Run is a picturesque run along the Bellarine Rail Trail a 17km traverse between Queenscliff Railway Station to Drysdale Railway Station. The challenge for runners is to beat the steam train to Drysdale.

The conditions on the day were cool and overcast, perfect running conditions I say! The race route navigates through farmland and local native vegetation along the rail trail across the Bellarine Peninsula.

In the run I focused on consistent form and speed throughout the run with the course being a slight gradual incline all the way to Drysdale Railway Station.

I was happy with how my race went and learnt I need to focus and build some more speed sessions in my training to have some added kick during and in the later stages of the race.

I will definitely heading back to do some training or racing along the Bellarine Peninsula, a beautiful spot to race.

I didn’t beat the steam train but was a fun experience nonetheless.