September 12-13 2015 The GNW !

Great North Walk100s (GNW) : 175km (108.7 miles), 12-13 September 2015

Well, two weeks elapsed since the Southern Highlands Challenge (SHC) trail race of 50km and now it was time for the big one. The one where the training was aimed at on a physical but most importantly the mental level.

Let’s take a backward step briefly why I entered this event – put simply, a beer at the pub with my good pal Rocco who was entering the 100miler for unfinished business, a check of the date of the event that worked for me and suddenly I was in a handshake that meant I was in.  Yes, that group again, the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) group.  It didn’t take long for the good word to spread around the station and soon there were people within Northside Running Group (NRG) falling over themselves to enter.  

 

Back to the weekend.  In total NRG had 14 runners competing in either the 100miler (lets get it straight, its 108.7miles and those last 8.7 miles are some of the toughest I will ever experience) or the 100km (actually 104km).  Hopefully I have all current NRG members covered here but we had Kath Carty and Ann Preston in the 100km sprint as some call it, whilst in the miler there was Rocco, Chantelle, Tim, Robyn, Geoff, Joe, Adam D, Marty, Jen, Dave Madden, Tanya and myself lined up for the event at 6am on the Saturday morning. To my knowledge all mentioned stayed overnight the Friday near the start line at Teralba on Lake Macquarie to make transportation and sleep (if you could manage more than say 4 hours out of pure nerves and excitement) easier and the hauling of checkpoint bags to the start line.

The miler course ends at beautiful Patonga Beach with a cut off time of 36 hours so that meant a strict 6pm Sunday finish was required for a well-earned medal.  A time under 30 hours got you a silver medal, for the insanely fast people a gold medal awaits for a sub 24-hour time.  Lets put it into perspective, we are talking about some of the toughest terrain out there for trails with an elevation profile of over 6,000m climbing and 6,000m descending (many of it technical).

We all lined up in a horizontal line across the park with out high viz vests on covering our running packs (we were about to run on road for a good 6km) and the bell rang to signal the start of an amazing adventure.  Tall Geoff took an early lead for memory down the park straight and a few of us settled back in the field chatting to one another half scared, half excited of the many hours ahead.

I managed to run with Tim for the first few kms, with Rocco and Chantelle a tiny gap in front of us then with Robyn slightly ahead of them.  Melissa Robertson who was gunning for a record female GNW time was within 5m of Robyn it seemed for that first road section so it was interesting watching the early games take shape. 

Personally, I didn’t have time goals. I wanted to finish the event within cut-off (to perhaps qualify for something special), had NO race plan going into this whatsoever (perhaps that helped) so I wasn’t sure where I should be in the field at the early stages of the race as I know the ‘kids’ as I call them (Rocco, Tim, Robyn and Chantelle) had set time goals and plans and splits and worked out Pythagoras Theorem pre-race as they lived and breathed GNW training on course for 4 months now.

It turned out by the time we hit the trail section of mixed single track and fire trail undulations that the kids and I were grouped together and a quality runner by the name of Dave Graham happened to be running near us and provided some words of wisdom on the early pacing and boy was he right in the end!

We got to the Heaton Gap BP service station at around 15.7km I think to find the water tap and fully load up the water storage in our packs.  I was carrying a 1.5L capacity on the back and 2x500ml on the front.  In went the endurolyte tablets into the front water holders for salt and magnesium supplies and I was off crossing the road ready for the climb of the Heaton Gap hill that I had heard so much about but never had done before.  At this point we saw tall Geoff still out near the front-runners and Kath Carty alongside dominating the 100k early. We also saw Rob Mattingly here and he has completed 3 milers previously.

The climb was tough but not brutal even though the sun was getting higher in the sky, enough to make you go for that extra sip of liquid.  Post climb done and time for some gradual ascending fire trail before the downhill fire trail section for a few kms.  At this stage Robyn and I were marginally in front of Rocco, Tim and Chantelle, but once we hit the technical down single track, I as expected dropped back a little that allowed the dynamic couple of T&L to run together, then I, with R&C close behind as I could hear their chatter right through the forest.  Wonderful forest too, technical, did I say slippery (well for me anyway as people will know green rocks and myself make an entertaining time together) trail winding and undulating for many kms.  R&C soon went past me and then I knew the race was taking shape as planned for these four runners as they had the time goals set.

Once the technical trail bit finished I was so relieved as I am so slow at it, more so through lack of confidence and past experiences of nasty falls.  I try and use it to my advantage however as it stores up energy for the flatter sections of the course. Once the fire trail section came up again, I managed to catch R&C (but I think they were holding back and waiting for me a little I must say) and the three of us ran into CP1 where Sally the crew superstar had everything ready and was filling our water bottles and offering assistance.

Chantelle left CP1 first then Rocco then I.  Rocco said I would catch up with him in a few minutes basing his theory on Tarawera (NZ) fire trail history, but today was not to be and that was the last time I was within 50m on the proper course order. CP1 to CP2 goes on and on for runnable fire trail but certainly has ups and downs. Tim and Rocco kept saying I was going to eat up this section but in my mind staying within a comfort zone was crucial at this part of the event as it was going to get hot soon in the more exposed areas to come. So I kept my sizeable distance behind all these kids of at least a km or two (maybe even 3 or 4) but I note after looking at the Strava software post run today, Miss Chantelle took a wrong turn and had to do a sizeable out and back to rejoin the course proper. The order stayed the same for a long time before Robyn went ahead then from what I can analyse, Rocco caught Tim and ran with him for a while and then past him eventually.  

The fire trail was ending and about to join single track when I could feel the heat beginning and also my old pal the adductor cramps decided to make an appearance.  It occurred every time I got to some steps where you had to climb over wire fences. They started instantly. I then saw two ladies run past me and I am sure one of them was Susan Keith who ended up winning the ladies miler event. A bloke by the name of Phil who finished a few minutes ahead of me at SHC 50km two weeks ago caught up to me and we ran a good few kms together.  We took a small wrong turn around a campsite but it looped back around so we figured we didn’t lose too much ground there and the trail then turned to more single track where a tree had fallen across the path and we were a little unsure of where to go but found our direction eventually.  At about this time, I realised I had lost my sunglasses that were perched on my cap.  Every now and then I would take off my cap, squirt some water from my hand held bottle on my head and neck to cool down, but something must have went silly in my brain not realising my sunnies would go flying off each time I did that. Anyway, it meant many hours ahead in bright conditions without eye protection, oh well, it happens! 

Chantelle then had caught up to me and went flying past as we headed for Congewai Rd (a hard packed, exposed and light coloured dirt road that seemed to go for ages in the heat). High viz vests went back on here as per the rules and I managed to pick up the pace as per usual on road or anything not technical and caught two runners and then Chantelle as I poured water on her head a little to cool her down.  Eventually I was just about into CP2 when I saw Rocco and Robyn come down the hill and heading in the direction towards me as they had already been and gone from CP2. They were looking comfy and Tim was apparently just in CP2 at that moment.  It was so hot at this stage and I called for ice and anything to cool me down. I took a seat for a good 15-20 mins, Sally did everything for me with the help of Ali and Kathy Madden too. Thanks so much! I refueled fluids and tried to eat something although it was hard in the heat, took an extra 500ml of water + the hand held for cooling heads and body temps for the trip ahead. Sally got my gear checked and Tim and I went, although I probably delayed Tim a few minutes whilst I laboured around to make sure I had everything ready.

Tim started to feel the heat quickly as we set off and was not feeling his normal self. We saw Joe and then Adam D as we were about 800m out of CP2.  The sun was blazing now; no wind and plenty of exposed wide road and fire trail sections.  Tim and I were slowing somewhat as we thought let’s just take it easy in the heat and don’t cook ourselves here. Whilst I was feeling a lot better than Tim, I started getting cramps on and off. I kept taking (actually chewing, as swallowing was not happening for me in the heat) salt tablets each 40 mins but it was not helping the cramps.  So we were both sort of nursing each other in this early section from CP2 to CP3.  My cramps then disappeared for a while and it was sort of lucky as it meant I could keep a watchful eye on Tim as he looked a bit pale and really wasn’t enjoying the section here with the massive climb up the communications tower hill. It is a beast and in the heat its torture. Tim sat down to rest a few times and we were trying to cool the body temp down with water on head and neck and staying hydrated where we could with rationing water as this section was over 30km without water in the hottest part of the day with a fair bit of elevation to tackle. Once we climbed to the top we rested for a bit and saw Ann fly past looking so cheerful and elated to finish that climb it appeared.

The fire trail section that followed was certainly runnable but Tim was in no condition to run all of it so we kept the shuffle on and walk on procedure for many kms. Again this tactic might have helped us both in the long run as it was the heat of the day and going too hard here would mean disaster. Water supplies were beginning to drop away for me anyway so it was by luck that a rainwater tank on the side of the fire trail further on still had water left in it.  Some say not to drink it as it may have unclean supply but I tested it quickly and it was cold and fresh enough so I cooled the body temp down first then restocked my hand held as it could be used for tipping on my head and I added to my front pack supplies by about 500ml worth just incase it was not totally safe to drink all of it. Strange theory, but my brain may have not been functioning at all levels by now.

The big descent was next through a farm yard (with cows in the paddock) and then the massive climb up past where the old unmanned official water stop would have been about 65km into the race (although I swear it was 70km+ on both our Garmins!).  It was again tough for both of us but we got to the top and onto to some fire trails although Tim was still nowhere near 100% but by this stage it was at least cooling down and all of a sudden I saw the familiar figure of Chantelle up ahead waving out and yelling something at me. It appeared she again went the wrong way and stayed on the main fire trail road instead of cutting in diagonally right.  So a quick hello and she was off yet again ahead of us. 

Tim began chatting a bit and I could tell perhaps the cooler weather was helping him and the pace picked up.  We kept up a good rate all the way towards the CP3 Basin really when it was getting dark and head torches were almost required and it was right on 5:30pm, so that meant 11hrs 30 mins on the course so far.  He drank water from the creek although I wasn’t having a crack at that, as I doubted the purity of said water. We then saw Rocco heading towards us so he was well and truly out of CP3 beginning the next stage.  We were heading into CP3 (out and back) with about 2km still to cover before a rest and restock. Rocco said Robyn must have got lost as she was not in the checkpoint yet and he tried calling her but the lack of signal prevented that. So that created some worry amongst us all.  Tim and I saw Chantelle just as we were coming into CP3 and we also saw Ann travelling well.

The super crew were at it again and there was warm pumpkin soup on offer. This recharged us to a certain degree and I was managing to eat more here as it was much cooler and headlights were required now.  Adam D came in not long after so he was going really well and he literally spent 3-5 mins against our 20mins in the CP. We left together and then saw Joe as he was coming in and then a wonderful moment when we saw Robyn come in and it was great to see her after hearing how many extra lonely kms off the course she had done.  Tim was great supporting here and encouragement was given to keep forging on and I think we all knew that she would be catching up with all of us very soon! 

This out and back section was good because we saw a few other familiar faces coming towards us, Dave, Ngaire and Rob again. I was feeling comfortable still and knew the next section of the course from a past training run (thanks Geoff on the training organising this year – champion effort) so the tempo was nice through the technical and fire trail sections.  Eventually the main fire trail bit ended and Tim and I entered the last technical section before the 10km of road into Yarramalong.  I had discussed with Tim all along in the last few sections that I would attempt to run this road section hard to give me some breathing space at the checkpoint for a longer break and to even have a head start for the technical down sections coming up that is so obviously a weakness for me.  

As it turns out, my Garmin appeared to be playing up (we had a charger on our Garmins now from CP3 to CP4 but they were in our running packs and not on the wrists.  But all I know is that road section I ran hard for a good 8km-9km at a decent pace.  I know you think you are running fast but perhaps blinded by the fact you have already run 94km, but yes I had no doubt that I was putting the foot down.  I passed quite a few people here and they all said I was dashing for the finish in the 100km but no; it was my dash for the CP4 break and make up time.  Whilst I was in CP3 and on the road section my mind amazingly could calculate what I could achieve here if I was smart about it.  A sub 32 hour and dare I say it, a sub 30 hour was possible even after what Tim and I went through from CP2 to 94km.  So I got into CP4 (saw Chantelle and Ruthie briefly as they were 500m already out heading towards the CP5 direction) and sat down. It was like head quarters here with the finisher banner for the 100km up and people everywhere and photos being taken.  Kathy Carty had blitzed the female field in the 100km. Super runner you are Kath! Ann had gotten 4^th, what a sensational result for her!  All pacers were here for the NRG 100 miler runners. Gillian my pacer was ready to go but I wanted a good 20mins here to restock my pack, take out contact lenses, put on glasses, buff, eat, drink and be ready for the unknown.  She reminded me not to spend too long here and get cold.  Wise words.

108km was the furthest I had done before (on a 400m running track, not trail), so records ere about to be shattered by this GNW.  Off we went, freezing at first, looking for gloves in my pack, contemplating thermal gear, but we trotted some and then walked up the road hill and went right onto the Bumble Hill track.  It was shuffle on, walk fast off for a long while here, getting used to the conditions again after a good break at CP4.  We both had done this part of the course before at night so navigation was generally good with no wrong turns even though there were doubtful moments as always.  Always trust your pacer, especially when you are 16hrs into your race.  Speaking of which, I originally told Gillian to be ready to run at perhaps 10:30pm so that meant a 104km in 16hr30mins so it turned out I was in CP4 an hour early, which was a bonus.  A 10:30pm start meant I had ample time to make 36 hours and the cut off.

After the foggy dirt road sections and previous single track we made the first big climb up, then Dead Horse Creek, Ourimbah Creek and then the descent down on technical trails. My left knee on the inner part was in some pain with all the descending causing serious pressure.  It slowed me down to a walk all the way through this section.  The lights and noise of Tim, Sam Rossington (his pacer), Robyn (yes she made an amazing comeback as predicted) and her pacer Luke Nuttall descended upon us and they jumped ahead and were walking quickly through the technical bits. I tried to keep up; it was a struggle on the downs but ok on the flats and good on the climbs as the pressure on the knee was not as hard.  We got out of the last big climb up and finally onto my preferred terrain at the time, road with some incline.  So I think I may have been a little unsocial here but I didn’t really stick with our newly found 4 NRG members on the course and decided to take advantage of this runnable section when it wasn’t painful to do so. Gillian kept the pace going too so we sped into CP5 at Somersby.  A reasonably quick stop here at 3am in the morning (yes that last section was 5hrs I think) and off we went, getting the speed early on the road section before the technical trail started again.  This time I went a little quicker on the trail knowing the course before and perhaps getting confidence again.  We heard voices behind and saw the lights so we knew that Tim and Robyn were close again.  So I decided to push harder on the trail now.  I was constantly working out what I needed to be sub 30 hours.  If I got to CP6 by 6:45am I should have enough as it was my thinking that you could even walk the last 25km from CP6 to finish in 5 hours.  Lucky I didn’t rely on that false research and thoughts, as you will read on.

So pushing harder on more technical bits I got confidence and I passed Chantelle and Ruthie mid-way through the section I think.  I really was trying hard here to get as much time on the runners behind me now as I heard how technical CP6 could be and both Gillian and I had never set foot on that last 25km.  So the 6:45am target suddenly became 5:45am as I pushed and pushed.  Gillian was still powering through loving it all I think!  My head light battery blinked out and I quickly replaced it and off we went.  I got to the famous Mooney Mooney Creek crossing where I have slipped and fallen in 3 out of 3 times.  The creek was very dry but Gillian did her best attempt to get me to fall again telling me to go all the way around the left only to not sight a trail on the other side so I was forced to go all the way right over more moss laden rocks. Anyway, I survived the crossing and didn’t fall, in fact I can proudly say I didn’t have one complete fall all race.  Can you believe that?

Into CP6 we arrived and for memory the time was 5:45am. Dawn time. Yawn time too. Like the feeling of partying all night and getting home when everyone is waking up for the day. Facilities break required (and another on course to follow, too much information I know), contact lenses back in (after 4 attempts using the car rear vision mirror to see), more soup, food and coke this time and change of singlet into NRG colours, visor and off we go. It was about 6:02am when we left. During the break the NRG team of T&R then Chantelle came in. Orla took over pacing for Ruthie and Robyn was away first followed by myself then Tim and Chantelle.  It didn't take more than 3km for me to be overtaken by all. Technical trails had started and I was running like a zombie. Tiredness setting in. Energy depleted but still moving I grimaced at each rock ascent and descent, the knee really in pain.

This continued for so long. The sun was out and warning up with no wind. Exposing rocks to move across and it was getting uncomfortable. This is where Gillian became brilliant and kept me on track with my new goal of sub 30hrs.  I was getting quiet, perhaps a little grumpy. I ate a little had some caffeine but it wasn’t helping.  I began questioning the course, why are we climbing more when the beach is at sea level. But Gillian kept to the maps, the advice and directed me like a General.

I was looking forward to anything flat as I could at least shuffle. Fire trails that were previously runnable became a slow jog and a walk uphill.  The technical rocks up and down were nothing faster than a crawl.  So I kept an eye on the Garmin and was trying to work out if 30hrs was possible still and I know Gillian was a little concerned too about that so we pushed in areas where we could to make up for the walking time.  Eventually we crossed Patonga Rd and civilisation then the road up to the Trigg Rock and it was all downhill technical from here.  I could hear the bell ring on the beach every few minutes meaning someone had just finished.  I could see the sand and water lapping the beach and began to get a little teary inside I must admit. Finishing this event was just about to occur, something extraordinary.  We ran across the sand creek, zig zagged across the car park back onto the beach area before the cheers of the NRG crew could be heard. Again just an emotional time. I kissed the post in 29hrs 15mins so had plenty of time in the end.  Silver medal was placed around my neck by Dave the race Director and now I am member of the GNW miler club.

Some massive results for NRG in the miler. Rocco was 7^th overall in sub 26hrs. Brilliant run and dedication paid off with his disciplined training. Well deserved.  Tim and Robyn well under 29hrs. Tim produced an amazing comeback from where he was at 55km.  Robyn was 2^nd female and considering the lost time and extra kms covered, which is amazing. World class. Chantelle 3^rd female not that far behind Robyn and not forgetting she got lost twice!

Geoff was next in after Chantelle then myself then Adam Darwin who had a 3hr+ PB. Great result.  Joe got lost too and covered many extra kms and finished strongly.  Dave Madden also well within cut-off.  Jen and Marty finished together both with or had recent injuries on limited training leading up to this weekend.  Such determination and strength within.  Tanya called it a day at CP5 but to be fair had been suffering with illness prior race and during race and I heard was going to race the 100km rather than the miler. She had nothing to prove having already completed the gruelling UTMB in France last year.

To conclude, a massive thanks to the support crew as mentioned, the volunteers at checkpoints, the NRG crowd support that turned up at Patonga on Sunday morning, to Gillian for the awesome pacing effort and to all the NRG pacers, your efforts are really appreciated by all the runners.

So what next……Coast to Kosci sounds nice, Adam C, you still need a pacer ?

Most of the NRG crew a few minutes before race start.