Bilpin Bush Run (BBR) 32.7km

Sat 23-August-2014

This was the inaugural running of the BBR.  The Mt Wilson to Bilpin run (Willy2Billy) was a popular run on the racing calendar that began in 1995, an event everyone tells me that NRG had supported strongly in the past but was not held in 2012-13 due to landslips permanently closing the route.  The Bilpin Rural Fire Brigade, part of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), elected to take up the run organisation this year and mapped out a course with the guidance of NRG’s Steve Bruggeman and Gillian Russell. 

As described on the official run website http://www.bilpinbushrun.com.au , “the course winds its way through Bilpin, around Mt Tootie (that word makes me laugh) and into the Wollemi National Pk and includes both challenging terrain and stunning vistas.  As the course traverses private property it is ONLY accessible to runners on race day.”

The drive (thanks Gillian for taking Adam Connor and myself) up to Bilpin was about 1hr 15mins, so not overly long.  The recent rain had cleared but the weather was cool and reasonably cloudy so ideal for running in the mountains.  Runners started arriving and Adam commented that the ladies race will be interesting with Beth Cardelli (2012-13 AURA Female Runner of the year) up against Jess Baker (last year’s Ultra168 website female runner of the year and C2K record holder).  My money was on Beth, only because I hadn’t really seen Jess run and I know how quick Beth is.  For the guys, I couldn’t recognise anyone in the superfast category and I figured they were all unavailable due to OxFam Trailwalker or Glenbrook Trail Marathon being held this same weekend, and also our regular NRG trail racing guys like Sam, Matt, Az, Ian, Luke, Tim, Richard, and many others were not here to race.  James Matthews (a fried of Lucinda and Kristian – those two seem to know EVERYONE) was present on the day and based on what Lu had said of his 6ft track time this year, was my pick to take out the gents race.

The starter welcomed us all and we runners thanked the organisers for putting this race back on the map.  We were told to follow a blue line for a lot of the course and some witches hats/cones. My thoughts were “how in the world are we going to follow a blue painted line in the middle of bush and paddock?” but sure enough, there was a blue line present, even up those sapping short steep climbs. I reckon the cows in the paddocks are having their own hallucinations and rave parties amongst the blue lines right now!

As the starter let us go, the field didn’t seem to be in too much hurry and I casually made a start wishing fellow NRG runners the best of runs (and there were plenty of them, about 20% of the field, and it was so great to see all the White, Orange and Grey singlets populate the event).  I found my way to about the first 8 people after a short time and went past Beth and Jess for a brief moment (savour that, as it probably won’t happen again!).  The pace on the Garmin wasn’t too quick, but feeling fine I kept up the momentum until the end of the first big climb and as expected, Beth went flying by and Jess then went flying by not too far behind in an attempt to catch her on the next downhill.   That first section was a little uneven and soft underfoot running in a cleared fire break area, not exactly a fire trail, more like a bulldozer had been through the bush to make a clearing.  There was a fair bit of that terrain on the day so it did make your leg muscles work all over. 

The course then took us on a short burst of gravel road before some technical downhill rocks to scale down, then another gravel road passing the first 5km drink stop before we detoured off into what I called private land paddocks. With the recent rain, the ground was soft and the blue line wound its way over the hills of paddocks and it seemed you were running on an angle for a good 3-4kms.

The first of the tough hills was around the 7km mark and once you reached the drink station at the peak of Mt Tootie, you had earned refreshment that’s for sure.  There was a group of kids holding signs and screaming their heads off, good on you young ones, it certainly spurred you on hearing their voices when attempting the climb down at the bottom of the valley. Here, the handheld bottle was re-filled, Hammer Fizz Electrolyte inserted (Adam C why can’t I get a sponsor J) and gel consumed ready for the downhill for the next few kilometres.  The downhill was again paddock running, jumping and dodging the many cowpats and saying hello to a few cows along the way.  On the previous big climb, I managed to a pass two runners so I thought I was about 6^th overall. Then after the drink stop and my general weakness of downhill running compared to the ‘gun’ runners, I had allowed one or two of those runners to pass me. It gets frustrating when you do the work on the uphills only to see the work unfold on the downs, so that is an area for improvement and hopefully I can focus on.

After the downhills, some the firebreak areas continued and were boggy and slushy in areas, but having the trail shoes on, there was no point of tip toeing around, so it was hell or high water as I could feel and see the mud and water flying after running through the said areas.

Finally we reached a gate where a drink stop and fire trail was present.  This was the beginning of the out and back section.  A good 8km or more in total of fire trail running with undulations but not overly steep.  I think I managed to speed up here and suddenly caught two runners and then could see Jess in the distance.  Approaching the turn-around point, not actually sure how long it was in distance at the time (and where another drinks station was situated), I saw James out in front followed by another runner then Beth and another male runner coming back in the opposite direction. By my calcs, that meant I was in 6^th place overall and 4^th male and I was determined this time to keep my pace and run this race leaving nothing to spare in the tank.  After refilling the bottle again, I took off for the ’back’ section having 17.5km read on my Garmin so I know we were over half way completed now. Somehow I caught up and passed Jess and was feeling good, running the ascents consistently.

I then saw the familiar faces and colours of NRG coming up the ‘out’ section.  Chris Dawe was having a great run and was just ahead of Gillian, both in Top 20 positions by my rough calcs.  Apologies for the ordering, but I also saw Adam C, Leigh R, Kristian W, Dave Madden, Steve B, Fred P, Chris J, Gavin, Fiona P, Rosie, Jim, Gemma, Kathryn, Elizabeth, Pam, Linda and Brian from NRG and we all offered each other encouragement out there on the course which was great.  It was good to see our runners enjoying it all – well at least I hope they were.

After the fire trail section a brute of a hill had to be conquered and again following that blue line.  I had the 3^rd place guy in sights and was making ground on him with the climbs, but again when the downhills began, the gap widened.  After some quick gravel road running for a couple of kms, I felt the tempo was going well again ready for the return section of some short sharp rock climbs and fire break running on the uneven ground. Just as we were approaching the second last drink stop, I gained closer sight of the runner in front of me and managed to move past as we left the drink area.  I said to myself whatever happens just go hard as you can and that’s all you can ask.  So I did and felt satisfied I had done so.  I knew the runner wasn’t too far behind at one stage but by the last 1.5km I knew I had forged a larger gap and it remained so until I finished over the line with nothing left in reserve.  Was absolutely stoked to claim 3^rd male position in 2:52:02 (4^th overall as Beth simply blasted out a great run to finish 2^nd overall in 2:45:43).  Jess Baker must have absolutely stormed home because she was only about 80 seconds behind me to claim 2^nd female and 5^th overall.

James Matthews crossed the line in first place in a time of 2:38:59 and Michael Alperstein 2^nd male home in 2:48:51.

All the results can be seen in the link below

http://tiktok.biz/list/bilpinbushrun/2014/run/

Chris Dawe was busy collating the NRG results below:

Chris Dawe                                         3:18:30

Gillian Russell                                     3:20:29

Adam Connor                                    3:24:57

Chris Johnson                                    3:37:10

Stephen Bruggeman                        3:37:46

Kristian Wynn                                    3:42:45

David Madden                                  3:44:23

Fiona Phillipps                                   3:45:16

Fred Panzetta                                    3:47:10

Gavin Pilz                                             3:49:07

Rosie Mills                                           3:54:13

Leigh Reynolds                                  3:58:22

Jim Carter                                            4:05:40

Gemma Dawson                              4:05:40

Kathryn Anderson                           4:05:50

Pamela Carter                                   4:24:22

Elizabeth Adams                               4:24:23

Linda Kim                                             5:04:42

Brian Adams                                       5:14:12

The race acted as a 6ft track qualifier for those that need it (don’t think too many of us needed one here as many were already qualified) with a 4hr 15mins the cut off.

The BBQ and cake stall after the race looked good, but I was in no position to consume after a large Protein Accelerade Endurox Recovery Milk Drink followed by some Mountain Goat Beer (thanks Az). I even let Adam C woof down an extra sausage sandwich (that he paid for)!

Big thanks to Tony and Lucinda for support and many photos here.

In summary, get on this one next year.  Any RFS running event is superb in my view (it’s a real shame Fitzroy Falls was cancelled this year due to lack of a major sponsor) and runners are catered for extremely well both on and off the course.  You are providing much needed funds to the brave volunteers that make up the RFS.

Google Earth Map of the Course and Elevation of 872m in total for the 32.7kms.

Just checking my time gets recorded ;)  Great work by the RFS all day - superb !

The monster climb where the kids were providing support.

NRG Crew and runners. Thanks Tony for the snaps !

What's another 33km on top of a 285km week hey Adam ?

Andres has a future with flamingo Dave showing the way.

Has the race started yet ? Don't think Kristian has raised a sweat.

RFS organiser with Gillian and Steve who helped decide the course.

June 2014 : Wingello Trail Classic

June 29, 2014

Wingello Trail Classic 25km

This was the second year that this race was put on and after enjoying the course so much last year, I decided to enter again and spread the word amongst the NRG community to come along and have a go.  It is organised by young running gun and current Commonwealth games athlete in Harry Summers and supported by NSW Athletics and members of the Jim Owens Running Group based in Oatley.  All profits go to Cerebral Palsy Alliance.

Last year there were over 120 runners in the 25km event and this year the numbers were much lower perhaps due to the extreme cold or the Woodford to Glenbrook race that had been scheduled the same weekend.  Like last year, there was a 6km race mainly contested by more elite NSW Athletics runners (over 40 in total) and the designated trail race, the Wingello Trail Classic.

The aim for this race was to beat last years’ time and prepare for the sharper faster local fun run / road runs coming up in the next 2-3 months.  My interval times were probably lagging just a touch from 12 moths ago so I was not sure how it would pan out and apparently Ian Lochrin, Gillian Russell and I were testing a new ‘night before or pre-race experiment’ (that Ian had found on the web) with red wine and how it may improve running performance (readers, this is not medical advice and experiment at your own risk and enjoyment and risk of feeling crap the immediate next morning).  Suddenly the one bottle of red between the three of us during our nice pizza or pasta meal that was going to be politely consumed turned into a lot more with added supplies required before the local Bundanoon ‘bottle-o’ closed for the night on a freezing and gusty winter evening in the Southern Highlands.

A local stay meant the luxury of a 7am-ish wake up, unheard of on a race day really.  Most of the other NRG crew (except for Luke and Mel, who were scouring the course on mountain bikes on the Saturday), were braving the chilly Sunday morning and driving the near 2 hours down early from Sydney.  All up, we had a strong NRG presence (results are below in the link).

The temperature at the Wingello Forest clearing and camping site was 4-5 degrees, but according to the Bureau of Met site for Moss Vale (further north!), the apparent temp with wind-chill was actually -6.2 degrees.  Now picture that in combination with Ian only in running singlet and shorts – hence the need for Lucinda and Kristian’s lovely dog Ruby, keeping Ian warm as can be seen below, or was that the other way around. Poor Ruby…Poor Ian!

Runners quickly assembled and before we knew it (as the wind made it hard to hear anything said over the microphone), the starting gun had been fired and people were still setting their Garmin’s!

Perhaps the quick start caught some runners by surprise as after only 50m, there are red flags bending around to the right signalling the way to take, yet the leading 8-10 people veered left towards yellow and green markers (that signalled the 6km course). Perhaps it was the wine but for a split second I began following the said group before remembering from last year that ‘right’ was right and managed to keep on track.  Mark (the yoga/stretch guru that many of you know after Steve B’s Monday night interval sessions) commented that he was sticking close to me as I probably was the only one who knew the way around.  Well, unfortunately I am not as quick as Mark and that spelt trouble for him and Ian as you read on!  Ian and Mark forged ahead with Tim and Luke sitting a few metres behind me (I think!!).

A quick 800m of gentle up and down fire trail before the course takes you left into the forest with pure single track and it required you to make sure you had a good race position as the trail has lots of switchbacks and undulations.  I wrote about this feature in last year’s NRG newsletter report and it always remains vivid as a good selling point for this course.  Sensational part of trail running on these sections, letting go and focusing purely on the brilliant trail ahead of you. The single track goes on for a few kms before re-joining the fire trail. 

Tim as expected went past during one of the fire trail climbs at this point – the mountain goat that he is and then the big Diesel of Luke flew past in hot pursuit.  I then tried to catch up to Luke on one of the hill climbs but realised I would be burning all energy rockets early if I continued and also remembering that dehydration may be a later issue later given my overindulgence the night before.

At about the 5km mark, the fire trail reached an intersection where a marshall was standing with a table and a large water container.  The race has a no cup policy and rightly so in the forest, so it was mandatory to carry a water bottle or pack in order to carry at least 500ml of water. I chose the Nathan hand held wrap around bottle as per last year.  No time to stop for any water here and I don’t think anyone really did but already the leading pack (including Ian and Mark) were well ahead of my sight and the course turned left onto another fire trail for about 200m before quickly turning right onto single track.  This is where some confusion began.  I saw Luke and Tim up ahead by about 80m and noticed that Luke was signalling Tim to go right which was the correct way.   Lucky for Tim that Luke had ridden the course, the true navigator that he is.  If you didn’t go right here, you were continuing to head down a gentle slope on the open fire trail.  I did see one person a good 200m+ on this fire trail and I stopped for a few moments, trying to yell back at the marshal some 100m behind.  He must have eventually heard me as he pointed to the single track.  I then yelled out in vain to the runner down the fire trail but he simply could not hear me.  The wind direction probably wasn’t favourable either in hearing my shouts.  So that’s where I am assuming some of the leading runners (including Ian and Mark) were…..on the wrong course now.

I guess part of trail running involves navigating, but not to the extent of adventure racing or orienteering, so there was not much more I could do but to turn right into the single track and continue on the correct course and I think I was following the third placed female at the time so I continued on the switchback sections of this ferny forest – enjoying the course, just like last year. 

From about 8km point the course all came flooding back to me and the memory was working, as I knew the rest of the way.  The drink stop was around 10km but strangely this year, there was no one aiding the stop.  It was a table and large water container.  I still had enough water, so I forged passed the table and down into a valley briefly on fire trail before some sapping climbs back up.  Determined not to walk any (and luckily worked out that way during the entire course) I climbed back up before we entered “The Great Wall” signs which is a lovely forest area of single track with modest climbs interrupted by turns then more climbs.  Again, a wonderful trail. I managed to pass a couple of runners here and once back on the open fire trail, I saw the second placed girl (Sarah Carpenter – who happens to podium in many trail races) about 200m ahead.  

The race position for me stayed that way for some time, running solo, for a good 5km, as we went past two water points at 14km and 17km. Sadly there was a table set up at each station, but no water containers.  The 14km I could cop as I still had some rations left and one gel to take in a few more kms time.  The lack of water however at 17km annoyed me, as I had no water left, I had just consumed a gel some 100m before (expecting water to be there).  So at this point the course turned back into single trail switch backs and I had to get through the last 8km on no water.  Now I was sort of regretting the night before!  But perhaps the gel worked as energy levels picked up and I kept forging ahead.  

It was solo running again for some 3km before I spotted Sarah in pain and she had rolled her ankle and was sitting down on the trail.  I stopped to assist and gave her a hand lifting her up. She asked for painkillers but I didn’t have any and she said she would try to walk it off and insisted that I keep going, so off I did.

About another 1km further on, the single track continued upward climbing switchbacks and I spotted the bright top of Mark up ahead, but he seemed to be coming my way.  I was thinking,  “I don’t remember an out and back on this last year”.  He was with two other runners and it turned out they had taken the wrong course and so were heading back. He gave good encouragement though saying I was in 5^th position and Tim and Luke were ahead.  I wasn’t sure if he meant 5^th overall or 5^th male, but I decided to up the ante with some 3km-4km to go trying to push my limits.

The single track finally finished with a decent climb and I moved into 4^th.  Having knowledge of what was to remain on the last section I pushed even harder on the open forest fire trail now.  The wind was at our backs on the first straight but uphill section.  I managed to move into 3^rd by passing the leading female as we turned left with the wind now a strong cold cross chill.  Then I saw Chantelle up ahead and she looked back and said she must have missed out on a couple of kms so she was heading back via the final section.  (Turns out it was about 2km short but she had run a good time regardless).

So the last section I was burning all the fuel in hope of seeing Tim or Luke in the distance, but was not to be.  I crossed the line in 3^rd (first ever podium finish and beat last years time by 21 seconds) but I was still not completely sure what had happened, but the lads confirmed it that NRG had gotten 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd via Luke, Tim and I.  Awesome work team!  Ian was there at the finish, a little disappointed having taken the wrong course and he was in such good form that a podium finish was on the cards for him.  Mark too, would have given a good account of himself.

Robyn continues to rack up the silverware and scored 3^rd position in the ladies. Great result again.

Thanks for everyone who turned up from NRG battling the absolutely freezing conditions.   I hope you enjoyed the course (well some of us anyway).  Don’t think I have experienced a colder race than that (pre, during and post race).  

Thanks to Lucinda and Ruby too for supporting.  Photos courtesy of Lu, Chantelle, Robyn and Mark.

FULL RESULTS here:

http://www.wingellotrailclassic.com.au/document_uploads/Wingello Trail Classic 2014 25km Results.pdf

NRG Clean Sweep (Tim 2nd, Luke 1st, myself 3rd)

Ruby and Ian with Luke and Gillian looking on

Lucinda, Chantelle, Luke, Tim, Ian, myself and Mel - and Ruby !

All focus for Luke and Tim

Gemma and Kristian

Pauric crossing the line

Robyn finishing 3rd

Trying to keep warm at the finish line.

TNF 100 (May 2014)

The North Face 100 (TNF100)

Saturday May 17, 2014 Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia.

Preamble (skip to Race Day BELOW if you find boring !)

My last post was from Minervois (Languedoc-Roussillon wine region) in South West France, reporting on the satisfying Paris Road Marathon and managing to sneak into Boston Qualifying for next year if I am lucky enough to get an acceptance entry.  I was enjoying the countryside and local generosity with plenty of hiking, sightseeing but also the occasional trail running morning to keep up the fitness.  My NRG buddies back home in Oz were training up a storm in readiness for TNF100, whilst I was enjoying a much anticipated holiday and adventure.  I had entertained the idea of entering the ‘epic ultra’ a few times and Rocco and Tim’s constant prodding certainly was noticeable. I had packed my trail running gear in the luggage of course, as you do.

By about mid April I was beginning to perhaps warm to the idea of a 100km ‘joy’ run and by that I mean running not to race but to enjoy and even have a chat during the event with Rocco and whoever wanted to do so.  I kept up my training and I decided to tackle a run in the Pyrenees. The intention was to run about 30km with altitude to fast-forward the training somewhat.  Besides seeing the beautiful French mountains and an amazing chateau on a crisp spring morning, I also experienced a rather scary moment by seeing a wildcat in the form of panther or something similar and I quickly reversed tracks and took some alternative trails. An experience I won’t forget.

Some further runs in Switzerland and then the decision to sign up for TNF100 was done but with no expectations.  Perhaps it was FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).  As time was getting on, I knew I needed to train more to play catch up with others back home so I had arranged with my Uncle and Aunty in Scotland to take me to the West Coast for a few days.  Sightseeing of course, but also to twine in some mountain runs.  Ben Nevis (tallest mountain in UK) was attempted but deep snowlines cut the brutal and technical climb short. They actually race this in September each year to a limited field if you are ever interested.  The other major altitude run was in the Cairngorms where skiing was still going up the mountain.  The Glenmore National Park there is simply wonderful for trail running and I highly recommend it.  Other runs to complete during my trip were some runs up to Arthurs Seat in Edinburgh.  I flew back to Oz in the last few days of April, a long and tiring flight.

The following Saturday I re-joined the NRG TNF crew and tackled Quarry Rd in Hornsby for two laps or 29km. I must admit, my intentions were to just try and run and keep up with the others but I felt very good in terms of breathing and being relaxed, so perhaps the altitude training does actually have benefits and is true as I ran all the hills and still felt there was energy left. The cold weather that morning certainly helped, having recently experienced the cold harsh Scotland mountain weather!

The next two weeks were the usual NRG training week schedule of intervals, tempo and hills, getting back into the routine with an easy taper week leading into race day on 17 May. 

Some that may know a little about me already, I only have minor sight in my left eye, born with some complications.  Being born with that, you don’t know anything different so you get on with normal duties.  The Monday before race day however began with issues, as my minimal sight had suddenly after all these years, turned into no sight and to be brutally honest, I was fearing the worst and my fears have since turned out that way after full scans and surgeon examinations.  But, you can only play with the ‘hand you are dealt with’, so you have to move on with forward progress.  So here I was about to tackle the biggest running challenge of my life with the goalposts moved.

Race Day : Start Wave 3 for 6:38am

Energy levels were full after a pasta meal the night before with some of the NRG House mates and some Weet Bix and bananas in the morning.  Race bib, gels, nutrition, water, etc. was packed in the Salomon S-LAB 12litre pack and ready to roll.  New Garmin Fenix2 was powered up.  Waiting in the starting shute, I caught up with Rocco, Chantelle and Robyn.  Pat and Vanessa were wishing us luck on the sideline as they got ready for their TNF50.

The first CP was 10.5km at the 4WD gate on Narrow Neck.  The aim was to take it easy to there and Rocco, Chantelle and I stayed together that whole way. Robyn had already taken off into the wilderness and we knew there was no way we going to even try and catch her.  Something brings out the best in her on race days. Descent down Furber was comfortable and we kept discussing what it is going to be like coming up some 15 hours later in the dark on 99km weary legs, climbing 920+ stairs with a vertical ascent of over 200m.  We had briefly discussed times even though the three of us were not in race mode today.  15 hours was the ideal goal but really to beat 16 hours.  Something about getting a buckle if you did sub 16, at least that is what Chantelle thought (little did she know it was sub 20 hours that got the buckle!) Well played Rocco.

The difficult landslide section was done slowly as the single file became a fast walk in some sections. I was happy with that, as it is rather gnarly and injuries can occur (just ask the amazing UK runner Clare Walton and her fractured knee but still came 5^th!).  Then Golden Stairs were ascended still in our tight knit group and big/tall Geoff Evison and Michael McGrath joining in on the chatter.

Water filling occurred and CP1 as the next leg was 20.5km.  Hammer Endurolyte Fizz tablets were put in my front water bottles for the pack and away we went.  The next section is Narrow Neck fire trail and you can pick up the pace.  We were still in cruise mode though.  We expected Tim to come through by now but he had been stuck in the conga line through Leg 1 in Wave 4 and we heard him yell out through the Landslide, quite funny actually.

Eventually Tim caught up after 15km or so and somehow I got dragged forward with him as our pace increased.  My partners in crime Rocco and Chantelle were now behind and suddenly my plan to run the TNF100 with the chatter and fun had changed.  But I knew I couldn’t keep this new plan up and  with Tim being in great form that he is, moved a little ahead at around 21km as we just approached Tarro’s Ladders.  A small minute or so wait at the two descending temporary ladders meant that Rocco and Chantelle caught up again.  But after leaving the ladders, it was back to single trail, with Tim taking off then myself then Rocco and Chantelle still sticking in unison.  I then began thinking perhaps this is a good thing for me as I was almost certain to cramp during the event and by staying in front of the chatting duo, it could allow me some spare time to sort out my cramps whilst they caught up.

Some nice sections of single track followed and I began to comsume food (Clif Bar) and gel whilst taking in the Fizz Tabs to help prevent future cramps.  I knew Tim had scooted ahead further as my technical downhill running is a weakness for me, probably old legacy issues of having ruptured my Achilles a few years ago.  I began to get into a rhythm though when the single track met with the fire trail and headed for Dunphy’s Camp.  I put my Halo Headphones on with the iPod Shuffle (first time I have listened to music whilst running for a good year or so) and began upping the pace on the fire trail feeling very comfortable and relaxed.  The only thing that wasn’t relaxed was my new Garmin, as it was reading about 8km-10km more distance than it should have.  Something to do with the GPS settings I think.  (In the end the event registered 116.9km on my watch but I could not save the run as I tried to change the setting mid race. Caution: don’t change settings during a run!  Now my Strava page is simply a manual entry, showing no splits, no altitude – basically no run !!)

To my surprise I caught up to Tim at around 30km.  I knew I had put the pace on during the far less technical section of fire trails but I didn’t think I would be seeing him again that day.  I nudged up on the right of him and then said sorry, I can’t see on my left.  A small joke, but making light fun of a new but true situation.  We ran together to the CP2, and nearly slammed into the gate before the stairs that hopped over the fence as the downhill there was steep and I wasn’t getting traction on the TrailRocs at that specified time!

Water refilling and some fruit buns and lollies taken on board here and Aileen also managed to arrive in the checkpoint.  Tim headed out early, so again there was work for me to do to catch him again.  I applied the sunscreen and left a few minutes later and had a brief chat with Aileen about her sore foot (but she was battling on brilliantly) before I approached Iron Pot hill, a brutal steep section that was not going to see me even think about running it.  I saw Wes Gibson coming the opposite way and he told me he was pulling out due to injury.  He is a solid runner who trains with Brendan Davies and recently won a STS event but I think he had a hamstring injury cloud leading into the race here.

The next 4km-5km is very technical and I saw Brett and Tim on the out and back of Iron Pot.  They had a decent enough gap on me and I knew the technical sections would probably mean the gap would get bigger.  After reaching about 40km, the single trail turned to fire trail again but began with some steep inclines.  Bang! The first of the anticipated adductor cramps hit right on 40km.  A bit earlier than I wanted but I stopped for a moment, composed myself and walked up the hill backwards a little to break the muscle movement.  It worked and I turned back around and walked the rest of the hill.  Once the trail flattened, I began normal programming and things seemed good again.  So good that I was getting some sub 5min kms in and running the inclines again.  The fire trail then flattened and turned downhill and my pace quickened approaching 44km and I was feeling great.  The good times came to an end and all it took was those pesky stairs that sit on the fence walkovers and my cramps seized again.  This time I had to take a good few minutes to compose and walk out.  Momentum completely stopped as I felt like I was making up time. Frustrated the word, as energy levels were great.  A short km into CP3 and then there I could re-gather thoughts and rest for 10mins to relax the adductors.

First gear check at CP3 was high vis vest and thermal pants.  Too easy. Then on to get some hot chicken noodles and re-stock bladder and front water bottles.  Fizz tablets were being consumed again and no-dehydration issues.  Kath Carty and Joe Hedges were there crewing for Geoff and Adam Darwin but they also helped me out and provided great encouragement.  I got some Tiger Balm of Kath and put on the adductors to warm them up for the next leg that involved the perils of climbing Nellies Glen!  I stayed in CP3 for about 12 mins, a touch too long but I wanted to be fuelled up and allow legs to rest a touch.

Next section is mostly fire trail leading up to Nellies.  I knew this section well and had it earmarked as a ‘cramp metropolis’.  Fire trail section completed at a generous pace and onto the single-track climb before the steps of Nellies.  I began walking here in long strides to stretch ready for the torture ahead.  I got to the stairs section and began by climbing and approaching the stairs at an angle. Leading with the right leg diagonally for a few stairs and then changing to lead with the left leg for a few.   It was a slow process but I walked to the top of Nellies not cramping.  I only lost a few spots in the field here given the approach I was taking.  Happy!  Then the decline and small ascent back up into roads amongst Katoomba meant CP4 was nearby at the 57km mark.

Kath and Joe were again here to greet me and provide more Tiger Balm.  I had some food and needed to sit down to get out my Petzel Nao headlamp from the drop bag and change my sunglass lenses from day vision tints to the clear lenses. It was only 2:20pm or something like that, but I knew I needed the clear ones for the next section.  I also avoided carrying the fleece at CP4 as the cut off time was 4:30pm. Lucky because I only packed the fleece at CP5 some 21km away!

Time spent in CP4 a little longer than CP3 but I sorted out what I needed for the onslaught.  I was feeling fine. Energy levels A1, but legs could be better.  Always had that feeling that if I lifted the quads too much, the cramps would strike.  I was just about to leave when I saw Aileen come in to the CP4 looking relaxed and then Rocco and Chantelle cruised in with beaming smiles.  I mentioned that I had suffered some bad cramps and that I should head off now, as they would catch me soon.  Again sticking with that new plan.

Off I went, knowing what next was scaring me the most, stairs! Both up and down and what that meant for my adductors.  I decided to take it easy and keep the running pace on the slow side as I headed towards Prince Henry Cliff Walk and through to Echo Point and then to the Giant Staircase.  I stopped to compose at the top of the staircase.  Use the same technique as Nellies I said. Give it a go.  Voices in the back of the mind were now saying you’ve had enough, but I began the descent anyway, slowly, ever so slowly.  Holding onto rails where I could, leading with right foot almost sidewards, then leading with the left.  About 4 stairs each I was leading the same leg before switching back over.  A few people began passing, as my slow tempo allowed this.  I saw Jess Siegle go pass about two-thirds the way down, looking strong.  Got to the bottom! Yeah, first part over but the worst or hardest to come.  I asked the Marshall what time it was. 3:10pm the reply. Mmmm, the last Scenic Railway train is 4:50pm.  Decisions!  I knew the section going up would be brutal for me with the legs.  Then I saw Aileen coming down the stairs.  She gave me the encouragement I needed and I began to progress forward following her on the Dardanelles Track towards Federal Pass.  Aileen then moved a bit further forward as I reached the 60km-62km mark I think where I saw Stu Gibson (eventual race winner) and Andrew Tuckey (2^nd) head my way as they just climbed out of Kedumba and onto Federal Pass.  They were 1^st and 2^nd at that time and within 2 seconds of each other!  Here I was 35km behind and about to tackle thousands of stairs/rock climbs on ready to cramp legs. 

Steel springs I thought – like the sprinter played by Mark Lee in Gallipoli.  No pain.  So I again used the effective but slow techniques as before.  Walking up stairs sidewards and diagonally, alternating lead legs.  The difference now though was that there were SO MANY STAIRS to climb, I had to inject a new technique.  Walking backwards was that technique.  Slower, yes, but effective, yes.  A few comments by people behind me like “now you are showing off” raised some smiles but I got to the top of the most feared section (other than Furber Stairs) without really cramping.

Once I reached the Willoughby Rd and Sublime Point Rd sections, I felt comfortable again and the pace was increased.  I passed all people that passed me on the slowing stair climbing from before.  I felt alive again and started to have belief that this completion of 100km was possible.

The climb out of Leura up to Wentworth Falls Car Park was brutal and slow but again I had to use the same techniques that had proved successful before.  Cramps avoided again.  Backward walking stair count was increasing dramatically though. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t climbing the rock stairs backwards, it was the long metal staircases with the railings.  The rock stairs involved climbing at angles and alternating legs!

The headlamp was applied at the car park some 70km in.  I was beginning to really enjoy it all now.  I had run virtually solo for the last 40km and was coping well.  This section next was technical, so again I was careful not to stride out too much or go to fast to protect the adductors.  I walked up the Rocky Point section, darkness around and then began the sand running section towards Horden Rd.  Hi Vis Vest on and I upped the pace heading down Tablelands Rd.  Easily doing 4:50min kms.  Having run 75km + and doing that pace surprised me but I had plenty of energy in reserve after the slow walking sections from before and the legs wanted to run on the easy parts. Go figure!

CP5 saw Kath and Joe again rush over to help.  Tiger Balm, thermals came on, noodles, water bladder filled up and a quick rest ready for the final leg!  Again, a touch over 10mins here at CP5, but ready for the onslaught.  I knew the final section really well having run it many times before.  It was just the section of Federal and Furber that had concerns for reasons that I don’t really need to explain now do I?

Off I went after having some flat coke.  That did the trick. Feeling great.  I headed along the fire trail along Kedumba.  Picking up the pace.  Overtaking a few people here, music on, feeling sort of excited.  It’s dark (pitch black if you dare turn your light off for a second) and downhill.  I was careful not too let rip down here as that can ruin your race like it did for me in TNF50 last year.  Running 4:10minkm was not on the cards now here tonight.  It was low 6min kms or high to mid 5’s at best, easing down the descents.  I took this next 16km in segments.  Get to Jamison’s Creek, then climb to next section then down to Leura Creek, then climb, then 91km saddle water point.  I surprised myself by running some of these steep climbs, passing more runners.  I eased into the water stop with 9km to go.  Last water and Fizz tablets were put in the front bottles and some sugar treats and off I went.  The next section is steep climbing so I only ran the flatter bits. I began chatting with a few runners and then moved on to the next runners.  Finally we reached the end of the fire trail at the old Sewerage works where it goes into single track.  The climbing had begun again and technical sections ahead so caution in the dark.  I had a runner to group with now.  He was in Wave 6 but heading for sub 15 hours, so he was having a great event.  He did not know the way or what was ahead so I relaxed his mind and told him about how wonderful Furber stairs can be!

We got to the 3km to go sign. Walking quickly and breaking out into a trot where we could, I progressed knowing the end is near!  But what would be a good long trail run without some surprises.  Focusing my eyes on the ground in front, my light picked up some funnel web spiders in the middle of the track.  A quick jump over them and a warning to my runner partner behind for the last few kms and we were suddenly approaching Furber stairs.  I had 16 mins or so to get to the finish to break 15 hours.  It wasn’t a goal but the challenge was there.  I began climbing but felt the cramps once again so back to the good old techniques it was.  I managed somehow to maintain a good pace (well a quick walk) and had a break on the guy behind.  I then missed a turn left and headed in the wrong direction.  Must not have lifted the head enough for the lamp to pick up the signs.  Luckily the chap behind yelled out after seeing me down the wrong track.  Cost me some time but would not have mattered in the end.  Once back on the correct trail, I did the usual backward walking stairs as we headed nowhere but up and finally I reached the top.  I could hear the PA at Scenic World and the crowd cheering.  I got to the ramp and then the first bit of the crowd waiting for the runners.  The feeling was relief; one of emotion after the week just experienced and sheer joy.  I even stopped to do a brief jig and dance (some called it a twirl) before crossing the line in 15 hours, 2 mins and 10 seconds.  What an event! Epic, mentally and physically challenging but just so proud that I kept progressing and made it.

Thank you to Kath and Joe for crewing me. Thanks to Aileen for the encouragement.  Sorry Rocco and Chantelle that I didn’t run as per schedule, but I know you guys had a blast anyway.  Thanks for everyone’s kind words and support from everyone at NRG.  Event hosts were fantastic too. I recommend you enter and experience this one.

Some great performances all round and you all should be proud. Whether you finished or not, you gave it a good go.  That’s all you can do, play with the hand that you are dealt with.

Cheers!

Doug

Thanks to Joe Hedges for these photos. Love your work Joe !

Approaching the Finish Line for the 100km



A little dance and jig before crossing the line !

Back to normal programming

CP5 and Kath Carty helping out - Joe and Kath were brillant on the day.

CP3 Approach

Aileen and I at CP3



Chicken noodles - did the trick !

 



Chantelle, Rocco and I early on at around 4km