Glasshouse 100 Mile (GH100) Race Report 12 September 2015

The weeks leading into this 100mile race were full of ups and downs from feeling totally ready and excited to nervous, stressed and anxious. My Coach Brendan Davies had to set me back on the right track many times and it was only a week before the race that all of a sudden I felt totally at ease and the nerves disappeared. I had my gear and nutrition sorted and I was ready to hit the trails knowing it was going to be a very long day and night out in the bush. I was lucky to have such an amazing crew with Nathan, Nicole, Mick and Matt I was confident that they would get me through this epic race.

Nathan, Nicole and I drove down early Friday morning, a 7 hours drive to the Glasshouse Mountains gave us just enough time to check in at "Crookneck Retreat" and got some last minute groceries before registration. We all went to bed at around 8pm and to my surprise I fell asleep and did not wake up until 4am when the alarm went off. Even then I felt good about the run, not nervous, just excited to get out and start this adventure.

It was a 6am start with 38 starters and only 4 females. As usual I started at the back and I was happy staying there. I was positive that I was going to finish this run no matter how long it would take me, I would run my own race, at my pace. Walk the hills and run the downs and flats for as much as I could. Everyone was buzzing and chatting about anything and everything, already discussing what race we would run after this one, so that first loop went by with in no time.

The second section started with a nice climb up Mt Beerburrum. It's only a couple of k's but has an average of over 25% incline. After that we disappeared back onto the trail on our way to the next checkpoint. 

At that time I was running about 32nd overall and 3rd female, feeling pretty relaxed and happy. A couple more checkpoints went by and we covered some easy roads but also some technical trails including the Goat Track which is pretty tricky. Nathan and Nicole made sure that every time I left the checkpoints I was all topped with fluids, gels and something to snack on.

We had been very lucky with the weather as it was overcast most of the morning, and coming from a hot and humid Rockhampton this temperature was perfect. In the afternoon the sun started to come out and it warmed up especially in some sections where there wasn't a lot of shade. I was going through a lot of water and electrolytes in the afternoon and sometimes I had just enough to get me to the next checkpoint.

At around 60km I was ready for the 2 Bracalba loops, a nice easy downhill run for a few kilometers until you hit the bottom. After this the first loop just keeps going up and down very short steep hills which made even running down them difficult. After the big climb back out of the first loop I was in about 25th position and 2nd female. A quick re-fill and back down all the way to the bottom with a left turn this time. This loop was much easier and had some nice single trail which  I really enjoyed. When I arrived for the 3rd time at this checkpoint Matt had joined the crew. There were a lot of runners at this checkpoint who had either pulled out or had a long break. We had covered about 80km by this stage.

My plan always was to not spend too much time at the checkpoints, so again my crew checked all my gear and handed me my night light as I would most likely not be able to get to the next checkpoint before dark. I had a great run in this section and got to the checkpoint before dark. I was running on schedule. When I got to the next checkpoint Matt was waiting for me and Nathan and Nicole decided to take a break as they would do the early morning shift. I headed back out and just around the corner this guy jumps up.... It's Mick... awesome great surprise! It was amazing how much renewed energy you get every time you meet up with your crew.

It was getting pretty dark by now and I knew that if I just kept going every step would get me closer to that finish line. Another couple of checkpoints went by with some easy running and some tricky trail including the "Powerline" track. At Checkpoint 8 we heard that the next 5km was going to be super tough "The Dungeons", Oh yes they were right!!! Sliding down the steep hills, it was a very technical section which took a lot longer than expected but I got through. I was first female at checkpoint 9 and about 15th overall. It was still dark going through the loop at Swains Lookout and back through "The Dungeons", I will never forget this section!!! My crew were onto me as I wasn't drinking or eating and they were worried that I started dehydrating. Although I was hungry I struggled to eat.

Not far to go now, we had covered about 150km and the sun was coming up. Only 15km to the finish and one more checkpoint. I was amazed at how good I was feeling although my feet were very sore and I was tired I could still run some short distances. I checked my watch and noticed that if I could keep it together I would make it in just under 26 hours. I put my mind to it and blocked out the pain and ran for the finish.... Yes we did it!!! 1st Female and 12th overall. I'm super happy :-)




 

YES THE FINISH LINE!!!!!

25 hours 58 minutes and 5 seconds

1st Female / 12th Overall 

165 km

3,642 Elevation

 

Matt, Mick, Me, Nathan & Nicole

Presentation

I could not have done this without my amazing crew! Thank you so much for taking the time to help me get through this epic event. This was an adventure I will never forget!! I can't thank my crew enough and hopefully one day I can return the favour!

Thanks again Brendan for all your guidance, time and patience. I know I was not the easiest athlete to look after heading into this race. The training week in the Blue Mountains was very valuable and I can't wait to start planning for the next adventure!!

Also thanks everyone who sent messages before and during the race. I really appreciated your words of encouragement, the crew gave me updates during the race and they gave me a lot of motivation :-)

 

Strava Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/392408965

Funny Facts

Calories burnt: 13,072

Step Count: 192,782

 

http://www.upcoaching.com.au/

The North Face 100 (TNF100) Race Report 16 May 2015

Saturday morning 16th May, 4am the alarm goes off.... Straight away the house is full of energy while we are getting ready to hit the start line of TNF100. Garry, Nicole and I are packing our last mandatory items into our backpack while we are "enjoying" a big breakfast. We pack all our gear into the car and Nathan "The WaterBoy" takes us to the start line at Scenic World. We are a little early as I need to be there at 6am for a "warmup" and a last minute pep talk with the 100km UpCoaching crew. With some last minute advice from my coach Brendan Davies, I get ready for the wave 3 start. Garry & Nicole are running the TNF 50km together this year. We wished each other luck and promise to have a few drinks at the finish line.

Nicole, Gaz & me at start line. Aido you look worried!! 

6.30am the start of wave 3, super pumped it's going to be an epic day!!! It was a lot warmer than it has been in the last couple of days and I am happy that I decided to run just in a t-shirt with arm warmers and gloves. Before I know it I am on my way down Furber Steps to Federal Pass and climb my way over the rocks of the Landslide and back up the 'Golden Stairs' to Check Point 1. I cruise through CP1 as it has only been 10.5km.

Leg 2 has amazing scenery with a run over Narrow Neck which will lead us to the Tarros Ladders

Narrow Neck

There is a line up waiting to go down Tarros Ladders, which I expected as there are only three people allowed at a time on each ladder. There is way around the ladder but I decided to take the time and recover,  have a gel and take in the stunning scenery.

line up at Tarros Ladders

Tarros Ladders

It doesn't take long to go down and I continue on the trail to CP2 Dunphy's Camp. I fill up my water bottles, grab a blueberry muffin and a banana and prepare myself for leg 3.

Leg 3 - Last year I struggles in this leg and I am trying not to think about the Iron Pot Ridge climb and descent. The trail continues through someones property and a horse seems entertained by all the runners coming through his paddock. Ok here we go... Iron Pot Ridge, a nice climb up to the ridge and a quick out and back over the Ridge. Then the downhill "Tinpot Hill", narrow, slippery sandy and super steep, I slide down grabbing tree after tree, little quick steps. It was easier than last year but still is not my favourite part of the race. I try to get back into the zone and follow the trail to CP 3.

Nearly at Six Foot Track CP3

CP3 is at 46km, this is the first time crew support is allowed and it was great to see Nath who had been sitting there for a while listening to the band playing some tunes. Nathan filled my bottles, refueled my backpack with some more gels and hammer bars and gave me a few slices of raisin bread to eat on my way out of CP3.

Leg 4 - In the course description the highlight of this legs is the stair ascent up to the Six Foot Track "a hard but classic Blue Mountain trail". We gain 480m in elevation between here and Katoomba. All I can say is stairs, stairs and more stairs. 57km in the race I get to the Katoomba Aquatic Centre still feeling pretty good. Nath checks all my gear, food and water and within a few minutes I am back out the door for leg 5.

Stunning views at Elysian Rock

Leg 5 - Last year I spend most of this leg already in the dark and this year I was so excited to be able to enjoy the amazing scenery that the Blue Mountains has to offer.

Fern City Leura

The list of highlights in this leg includes Echo Point Lookout at the Three Sisters, numerous waterfalls, Leura Cascades, cliff top walks, bridges, pool of Siloam and plenty of lookouts. Definitely my most favourite leg of the race.

Bonnie Doon

Jamison View

The trail continues and it is now time to pull the headlight out of my backpack. I still have a long way to go. Although it is now dark, I am still feeling ok and am still enjoying the challenge of navigating my way to the next CP.

I get to CP5 in 12 hours and 31 min (Last year 15h37min) a massive 3 hours and 6min faster than last year. This is the point where I pulled out last year, my first DNF, but I am not pulling out this year even if I have to crawl to the finish line!!! Nath hands me some nice dry warm clothes and a change of socks. A cup of warm chicken noodles will be dinner for tonight. I am slightly tired but still feeling confident that I can finish this last leg and beat this beast of a race. Nath told me that Garry & Nicole finished the TNF50 earlier in an amazing time, I'm super proud of their team effort!!

Leg 6 – The last and most difficult leg for me. I am hoping to get to the finish line in about 4 hours from here. Not far after I have left the Checkpoint I SMASH my head into a narrow gateway... how did I not see that!!! I take a few more pills for the pain and I continue on. I love downhill running but the downhill at Kudumba test my toughness. Quads are starting to burn and I trip over something invisible. The first fall for the day, not bad compare to last year! My back a little out of whack but lucky Nath packed my trekking poles for the last leg. The last Aid station is at 91km and I take my backpack of for a little relief and stretch out. All I know is that I have to keep moving, one foot in front of the other and I will get there. I called Nath to let him know that I will be out here for a little bit longer than expected.

The next few hours are a bit of a blur, my body would not let me take any gels, food, electrolytes or water so I keep taking tiny sips of water to stay hydrated. I continue climbing towards the cliff line of the Three Sisters. After this it levels out for a bit but it doesn't get any easier with creek crossing and slippery rocks in the dark. Another fall on the slippery rocks, fatigue has definitely set in and it takes me a little while to figure out how to get up. I follow the Federal Pass till I get to the bottom of Furber Steps, the final climb which will take me back to the top of the cliffs. 860 stairs with 200m elevation, I have to dig deep for every step. I can already hear the crowd and music at the finish, still a few more stairs to go. When I got to the top I manage to run the last couple hundred meters.  

YES the finish line!!!!!! Best thing I have seen all day :-)

Nath, Garry & Nicole standing at the last corner before the finish line cheering me home.... Yes I did it!!!! Nath hands me a beer... Cheers to that!!!

There are many people I have to thank. Without their help I would not have been able to do this Ultra Running. A very special thanks to Nath "The WaterBoy" as always he is the best support crew every, getting all my gear, fluids and fuel sorted. Garry & Nicole, training partners and support, congratulations on the massive achievement you did together!!! A weekend we will never forget!!!!

A very special thanks to my coach Brendan Davies for preparing me for this epic race. With his coaching I was able to conquer the Blue Mountains this year. The journey continues and the next challenge has already been set :-)

http://www.upcoaching.com.au

Everyone of the UpCoaching crew for the motivation, tips and support. Congratulations to all runners no matter how long you were out there for, we all had to push ourselves to even get to the start line. Stuart, Kathryn, Nicole & Jerrod, Aido you are all amazing runners!!

Thanks again to Aroc Sport and The North Face Australia for an amazing event. Bring on 2016!! #TNF100RaceReport or #TNF50RaceReport https://thenorthface.com.au/product/women-s-adele-triclimate-jacket#C650Q9X

Tarawera Ultra Marathon (TUM100) Race Report 7 February 2015

100km from Rotorua to Kawerau + 2610m vertical gain – 2910m vertical loss

I was happy that we traveled to NZ on the Monday before the race as there is a 3 hour time difference between Queensland, Australia and NZ and it took me a couple of days to get used to it. A few people had told me about the rotten egg smell at Rotorua and yes they were right, the smell is from the geothermal activity in the region but it does get better the longer you stay :-)

 

Saturday morning 7th February, it was a 6am start, I was pumped!!! Almost a 1000 people gathered at the Red Woods car park in front of the starting gate. I had decided again to start at the back of the field so that I wouldn't get hyped up with the electric atmosphere and start way too fast. This was not a smart move! The first 12.5km to the Blue Lake Aid station were painfully slow. It was pretty much single trail all the way and there was not much room to pass. I also sprained my ankle in the first leg but it wasn't too painful (yet). My position through the Blue Lake aid station was 348th, I was behind on my schedule, I had some serious time to make up!

I dropped off my light and picked up my backpack at The Blue Lake Aid station as Nath "The Waterboy" would not be able to get to the Okareka Aid station and the Okataina Aid Station was about 25km away. It was a tough section, but the volunteers, supporters and other random people (Including someone playing the saxophone in the middle of nowhere) made the run very entertaining. A helicopter filming the Tarawera Ultra flew past, photographers everywhere and before I knew it I had made it to Okataina

I managed to pass a few people and picked up some time and I was in 290th position going through. The next leg to the Tarawera Falls was just spectacular! Cruising through a couple small checkpoints (Humphries Bay & Tarawera Outlet) I knew that once I got to the Tarawera Falls the hard part was done. This was also the finish for the 60km runners.

I was feeling pretty strong but I knew 40km was still a long way to go. Still slowly working my way forward in the field, consuming a few more SIS gels, Clif Bars and a couple banana's, I made it to the Titoki Aid Station. Now in 259th position and still a little behind on my time, the 80km runners turn left straight to the finish line but the 100km runners turn right for the Awaroa loop. 30km to go...

My plan was to take it steady up to 80km and give it my all in the last couple of legs. The 8km loop at Awaroa was harder than I expected. My heel started to get really painful and my knees had enough as well, especially when running down the rocky hills, they were screaming at me.

I made it to the Fishermans Bridge Aid station, I was in 238th position and pretty much running on time. The Kingaroy Nutters totally surprised me with this sign :-) It definitely was a pick-me-up moment. Thanks guys!! Only 10km to go, this was what I had trained for, getting out of bed before 5am almost every day of the week. I turned my music up, cruise control kicked in and off I went. I didn't stop at the checkpoint instead grabbed a gel from Nath and said that I didn't have time to stop. Passing 29 people in the last leg, I could hear the crowd at the finish from miles away, it felt like the longest couple of kilometers in the whole race. I can't explain how happy I was to see the finish line of this stunning epic run!!!

Official finishing time 13 hours, 44 min 

209th position, 48th female and 26th in my age division

 

A special thanks to Nath. I should really call him the hydration and gear specialist. I couldn't have done it without him.

Also a very special thanks to my coach Brendan Davies who helped me prepare for this race. It has been amazing to have Brendan as my coach!!! Only 13 weeks until The North Face 100km at the Blue Mountains NSW. With Brendan's help I hope to smash it this year!!

http://www.upcoaching.com.au/