The Social Constructs Of Not Training

A combination of factors over the past couple of weeks post Hotham from Bogong (episode 2010 now to be known as 2/3rds to Hotham from Bogong except for the fact that it is starting to take too much time to type all that in) seems to have knocked the consistency out of my training. In the end I did come down fairly heavily with a cold post race and found myself struggling with energy levels, eating only foods that were cold and soft because of my throat and blowing more holes in cheap tissues than the combined total of a rampant year 7 class in winter for a couple of days.

Having got past this 'deadly' head cold and found myself enjoying holidays. As I have previously encountered having more time due to not being at work often leads to decreased training kilometerage and next to no consistency in training. No matter how many times I might profess "holidays, I am practically a professional athlete for the next ## weeks. More often than not the lack of daily structure seems to leave too many holes in my training diary. Might be a problem given I'm a teacher and as SWMBO constantly points out I'm on holidays more than I'm at work.

Despite these dreadful afflictions of illness and having too much time to train, I did manage to play around in the hills of blue a little over the past few weeks. With the past weekend seeing a return to some real training over the lower to mid mountain regions.

Saturday (23rd Jan) was set as an easy paced run from Glenbrook to woodford to Springwood. A Sleep Train special leading up to 6ft. Joined Gottagofasta, Sleep Train and the Welsh Exchange Student at 5.30am Nat Pk gates and began our journey west (up). The pace seemed raised a little and found myself at the gate in a touch under 40mins. A stretch and comfort stop, the joining of our quartet by Shogun who had missed us at the beginning and the run continued up the Oaks. About 4 to 5 steps into it and I waved goodbye to everyone hoping to settle into a more comfortable pace. Definitely surprised by the increased gradient as having only run down had not previously noticed this bit as being steeper than the gate home.

Regrouped at the helipad (some very patient runners I must add) and on to the gate at Woodford. Needless to say I didn't see any other runners than The Welsh Exchange Student who kindly waited at Woodford until we reached the finish at Springwood. A particularly difficult day with a major mental breakdown 100m from Woodford Station that was thankfully put straight by The Welsh Exchange Student. A stop for fruit and drinks at Linden and a finishing time of 3hrs 50mins. Very sore, very hot and a reminder to myself that I am really not that fast when you try and run with people who are.

Lots of excuses social constructs working against me over the next couple of days so no running. However a 12hr day spent building the fortress of Gnomville in Glenbrook provided some physical exertion.

Australia day saw the first run for me in the Rodthehornet inspired fat ass Australia Day Fatathon. Joined by about 80 people in our backyard, including BMMC representatives Vstar, The Welsh Exchange Student, Scurry, Fred, Dr Phil, Animal, Ms Animal, Prince Donges, Princess Donges, The Fat Kiwi, Koala, Mr G, Whippett Girl and Mr Whippet (we will sort out the contract latter) and She Who Must Be Obeyed.

Began with intentions of hitting the trails for around 25km but thinking a trip down piscar ridge would be nice as I hadn't been down there for a couple of years. Settled into a nice paced train up the single track early talking to a friend of Fat Kiwis and soon found myself spat out at Red Hands Cave Track junction. The train reconfigured into a small bunch and as I looked around I realised I had inadvertently purchased a ticket on the beer bet express.

The group largely stayed together down to Nepean Lookout and back up to the car where we were rejoined by BMMC runners WXS, Dr Phil and Animal (who had caught us having slept in). The beer bet bus disintegrated here and I found myself running in the mid range action of the remnants. The trail down to the camp area on Piscar was very enjoyable and equally enjoyable on the way back out heading up the slope. Also providing a chance to see how far ahead the likes of Mr D,  Prince Donges and Whippet Girls group had already got ahead.

Another refuel at the car aid the four BMMC runner were joined by B1o B2 as she made her way back towards the Oaks. Some brief introductions then very quickly Animal and B1orB2 found themselves moving away from Dr Phil, WXS and I. It was in this section that plan A was hatched by Dr Phil and I. Reassuring WXS that he need only concern himself with plan B for now as we made our way down the Oaks and onto Bennets Ridge for the run into Euroka. The gradual down hill took there toll a little on the quads and hamis and as Rodthehornet came screaming past about 1km from Euroka I was beginning to feel the second long run in a couple of days following a brief period of minimalist training negatively impacted social constructs to training.

At Euroka refueled with the confidence raised slightly by the presence of Spud, Long Arms and Rodthehornet. Informed WXS of plan A and made our way up the goats track onto Portal Lookout trail and headed out to complete the full 42km course. At the base of the pre tunnel view climb had to stop for the first stretch of the hamis and say goodbye to WXS and Dr Phil.

On the approach to Nepean Lookout was surprised by how far these two had already got away from me but happy to still be running well all things considered with the occasional stretch of the hamis to hold of pre cramping feelings. Gottagofasta and family turned up at the lookout and had the unfortunate pleasure of watching me try to run down the ports Tunnel View Lookout hill with cramping quads. Stretch-run-stretch-run continued through to the single track and one of the lest coordinated runnings of this trail I think I have managed.

At the end however it was 4hrs 13mins 25sec back to the causeway for a great training run that has reinstated some confidence in my running after a largely disappointing January. Particularly happy with all but the last 5km and the way the body held up running around some runners I consider to be far more experienced over longer distances than I. Given it was a training day.

The year of learning about running long continues. Social constructs like returning to work and sore quads will keep me from training day 1 post Australia Day. However I am running out of excuses so back into the routine tomorrow.

Hotham From Bogong Smashes BMMC

Just back form a couple of days enjoying the wilderness of Victoria's Highlands post race. What a wonderful place to go and enjoy, if it was just up to me I think I would look to factor in a trip to this region at least once a year.

In terms of the race I have spent a lot of time thinking about if I am happy with myself or not and after nearly a week the only conclusion I have come up with is that I still don't know yet. A lot of factors contributed to this being a tough day out, however in the back of my mind is a small voice that keeps telling me I should have kept going.

The day started pretty well and I seemed to have largely thrown the sore throat that had hung around over the two days of travel down. Mister G and CB had been kind in their sharing of experiences all of the evening before and I was confident that whilst the day would undoubtedly hold ups and downs (emotive as well) I had enough training behind me to finish the first step in my plans to move into ultras.

The start was easy enough with 135 people sensibly finding there own pace and no push or shove found any where I could see (quite different from the swim start of a triathlon). I had been studying maps and elevation charts for weeks in trying to get a better understanding of these first few climbs. With the concept of "same distance as Kedumba with twice the elevation" sitting in my mind as the only point of clarification I could create. All this meant nothing however as I progressed up the initial climb of the Staircase. It was solid to say the least and I spent much of the climb fighting thoughts of being sick based on the sore throat of the past couple of days and using this as excuse for considering pulling out early some where on the course.

Was overwhelmed by the views to our left as we made the tree line and found the last few km to the summit truly spectacular. Summited in around 1hr 50mins and settled into what felt like a steady jog across the cleared plains up top.

My favourite section of the course was next in the gentle descent found initially into the tree line past the hut and over the gentle running stream that seemed to wind with us through the trees. My head definitely appreciated the chance to drop my hat into these cool waters with the cooling lasting for some time into the deep valley ahead.

As the steepness of the descent into Big River increased I found myself talking to a runner (I must get into the habit of asking names, but I do know he was from Shepperton) who had recently completed the C2K. I found his stories fascinating and the ability of an individual to move so quickly towards such an event quite inspiring. A slight detour somewhere on the way down saw the 2 of us become about 5 as we trudged to our left to rejoin the track we had some how misplaced for a minute or two.

A the river my quads were grateful for the coolness of the water as they had just started to complain of too many eccentric contractions as we found the camping area. A brief return to the original bank, having made it about halfway across the chain to retrieve a much missed stick for a fellow competitor and it was time to get straight into the second major climb.

I had in my mind one of two final pieces of information Mister G had passed on the previous night. That the climb started hard but it dropped halfway up before hitting the second (and harder) half. I was grateful for this information as I think I would have been very disappointed to start running down hill only to find the second half of this climb unawares. On the climb I continued to struggle eating and was begging to become a little concerned with how the energy levels would go through the second half of the run. Again battled mentally with concepts of being sick and self doubt.

At Ropers Hut took some time to fill up with my designated quantity of water and eat some of the fruit on offer. Had lost track of time checks by now and wasn't too sure on what sort of time I would need to get to the cut offs. Decided that all I could do was run at the pace I had and if I made it then so be it if not much the same.

For about a km or so I thought my guts were going to reject my body. In hindsight I think I may have eaten the fruit a touch quickly. So I spent a lot of the initial kms walking to get this sorted. As we came out of the trees into the open hill tops I was very fortunate to meet Blue Dog and this meeting proved to be a point of improved motivation for myself. Initially a general hello and the advice that I would need to run a bit to make the cut off at Langfords was much appreciated and off I set with the goal of running as I could in the hope the cut of was achievable.

A few kilometers further down the trail and Blue Dog moved up next to me again and began a process of encouragement and education on ultra running I will constantly be grateful for. Over the next hour and a bit (I guess didn't actually look at the watch much) the conversation and advice saw me find a much more positive mind set and by the down hill single track to the aqueduct I was confidant I would make it to Hotham. All this from a runner I had never met prior to this run and who was battling his own injuries at the same time.

Ran through into Langfords gap using the poles as targets (3 run 1 walk or the like dependant on the slope of the hills) as I had just been taught and found I had made it with around 40 minutes to spare (some confusion in my mind as to what the cuts were at this point as I hadn't listened very well the previous night. A teacher thing not listening to instructions). This with the 40 minutes between cut offs should be plenty of time. Minimising my time at Langfords (again advice just learnt but most grateful for) largely thanks to She Who Must Be Obeyed's willingness to help unpack and repack food stocks and (well beyond the call of duty) reapply sunscreen to a filthy sweaty body. It was off to make the next cut with about 1hr 20mins (again not exactly sure but guessing).

Maintained the poles strategy to keep me on track and to help with eating during the short walks (more valuable lessons taught earlier today). It is somewhere along this point however that I put myself out of contention. So focused on counting poles and maintaining the rhythm was I that as I glanced up and saw the arrow pointing right I turned and focused on the pole a short way up the climb ahead. As I approached a lovely grassy area with hut attached another arrow proclaiming marathon course only and pointing back from where I had come created some confusion. A voice from my left asked if I was searching for the marathon course and I replied no with a silence to follow. As i continued up the track a car park and road was found and only at this point did Mister G's second piece of advice with regards to the course resonate clearly in my mind. A quick check of the map confirmed my unnecessary exploration of Wallace Hut and associated car park. The clarity of the signs message and the fact that I had replied no to the marathon course question/answer being interpreted as I must be looking for an exit. All came together in a point of clarity at once.

Back down the trail, back past the hut down the hill and back to the original arrow. A second check and the clear words 'marathon only' shone like a beacon. My fault but now in trouble for the next cut off having lost at least 30 minutes on my detour. My mind was already starting to tell me that it was all over and that Bogong High Plains Rd would have to be it. I was strangely calm about it and progressed at the same steady rate I had been before the mistake.

As I climbed the short slope to the check point I could see two other runners making their way up as well. I hoped I would get some early indication from the response they got as to whether my day would continue or not. In my mind I began to tell myself it must be too late. As the runners ahead pulled up it was unclear but looked as though they were out. I too hit the check point looked at my watch and felt I was too slow by about 3 minutes. No one was going on. I sat down, took off my bag and took in the views around certain I had missed the cut.

At some point here the check point official approached were I was sitting, near to the two other competitors. "You have missed the cut but we can ask permission for you to go on if you like as it is only by a few minutes". My mind had already accepted the cut, the bag was off, I had blown it in my head due to not reading the sign properly. Too quickly I responded "no thanks". As quickly as I said it, as my own mind questioned my response the runner next to me, full of enthusiasm (I believe it was the riddler having now read others posts) was up and ready to go.

I think I learnt as much from this situation as any on the day. I had been weak here and taken the easy option out. No doubts it would have been a long day to go on and a much tougher recovery post run. However I had passed up the opportunity to complete the event and no one but myself was responsible for this. No external factors other than a moment of mental weakness on my part. I am quickly learning about the mental battles that go on in ultra runs. Most importantly I am now learning about the surprise angles you can be lifted and defeated from in these events.

I know next time I will be stronger for an instance like this. Experience of your own and the experience of others will make me a better runner. As the runs continue these courses will remain challenging but I believe I will get past them as I improve my knowledge of running long. For now my thoughts remain stranded at the mid point of the seesaw. Some good at having run 45kms (by the 41km cut off) in difficult conditions over monster hills, but equal quantities of bad as I didn't finish. I let my mind beat me. When as I sit here I am confident I should have finished.

I will wear the T-Shirt. As Mister G said afterwards over Pizza that night "It is OK to wear it as long as you intend to come back one day and right the wrongs".

I had intended initially to tell the story of the collective BMMC as finished off by this extraordinary course. However upon reflection it is no place of mine to tell others story's following an event like this. I will leave it up to each individual to tell or not tell as much as they want. Except to say congratulations to Prince Donges on his outstanding 4th place overall. I dont think anyone knows how good is is, not even you Sleep Train.

Tennis Would Be No Fun Without Two Players

My past week has been filled with amusement based on other peoples decisions and mistakes. Sad I know but when you sit at the bottom of the athletic pile from those you choose to train with then these little things make be feel like a bigger person. I'm sure a certain mental health lecturer of mine from uni would have a field day with this.

Most of these situations have come about due to a break down in communication. You know the whole message sent, message transmitted, message received model. For example as previously told in the case of the missing keys a message was sent but no transmission process existed for it to be received. that is The Prince and The Exchange Student were in actual fact some 100's of meters apart at point of message. Leading to a most amusing morning searching for the keys. Other examples play way to close to the marital fabric holding individuals bliss together, but honestly who does the run in that direction?

The whole communication thing has been playing on my mind for some time. With specific reference to why this mythical concept off the BMMC created largely through lack of entertaining conversation one long run has in fact developed into something that in some aspects appears to be generating success amongst those associated. My theory running along the lines of the old team coaches saying "the whole is stronger than the sum of its parts". This was reinforced for me at BTBS talking to MrD who had stated that he wished he had a similar set up in his local area (housing ain't that expensive up here in the right suburbs, even us teachers can afford it, I will have a singlet waiting).

With all this in mind I felt it was time to try and build on this informal collection of athletes and build a free communication hub for like minded athletes in the area to try and link in with others for training and events. No longer having the physical presence of the Warrimoo club house (aka Victoria's Restaurant) the web seemed the best option. So the bmmc website has been born. The aim simply being to provide an avenue for anyone to look up a date or event to see if anyone else has a similar training session planned and if not to post theirs so others might join them. Who knows no one may turn up to the site but I'm hoping it will work. Having seen some super talented athletes in Wollongong so busy trying to be the best in the gong when at uni that they missed the chance to build a unique and super strong squad I'm hoping the BMMC can in fact officially become an unofficial force.

For now though on with the final week of prep for Hotham from Bogong. I wish every week could be a taper.

Monday 4th January
An very relaxed jog with MR and Mrs Train through the back ally to singles ridge and back. 32mins to the climb out then a 5min walk on the hill and 3 minutes of stretching as Mr Train ran up to the gate and back followed by about 3#mins back. Total time 1hr 13mins 34secs.

Tuesday 5th January
The standard 6am Sleep Trains Loop with Sleep train and The Fat Kiwi. Very low on takers today thinking they are scared of my form having tapered a touch. I might have even hung on to them up the climbs this week if I pushed it. In the end a very relaxed 1hr 8mins 29sec with extra time spent particularly on the first stretch at 5 ways.