To Answer My Own Introduction (Up there above this)

It has taken a little over two years to take the second step into 100km races but at last I can temporarily sit in contentment and reflect on the experiences of preparation and participation that enable me to close chapter one in Scam Bullant V 100km.

For the final weeks leading into the North Face 100 my levels of anticipation jumped all over the place. At time reassured in the knowledge that the preparation had been worlds apart from that prior to Wild Endurance 2008. A number of 6hr plus training runs around aspects of the course and a very pleasant day out at Hell Gate Gorge all providing positives to a wondering mind. But in the background was the memories of a body falling apart rapidly over the second half of 100km holding up the team on that day and the physical and mental exhaustion that persisted into that night.

Conversations with like minded runners, particularly on Thursday nights BMMC preTNF dinner, did wonders. With the experience of hardened ultra runners providing the calming effect required when the food was all out and I had nothing left to distract me. A massive thanks to all that attended. The reality being this night was put on for purely selfish reasons of looking for reassurance and comfort.

On the start line at the Fairmont the anxiety was still present. Restricting my social skills to a grunt here and there as runners I have begun to come to know stood near by. Attempting not to seem rude in my response to their friendly greetings but unable to communicate effectively often leaves me in cloudy state in which at time I find myself trying to avoid contact. Only to feel like a rude prick and attempting to initiate a late recognition to the people around. Then the race began and everything was all right. 

It really was an amasing feeling of well being that came over me as we began running up the driveway. Instantaneous and encompassing. The plan was to get a good start to try and avoid too much congestion on the early single tracks and this was occurring with comfort as we made our way along the early streets of Leura.

The Welsh Exchange Student and I had loosely agreed to run together early in the day. With the desire to prevent each other from bringing the latter parts of the day unstuck due to over exuberance. As we made our way into the trails and down onto Federal Pass this seemed to be working well and as I took in the views around me and made excessive observational jokes I felt confident early today would be OK. Some point here as we past the 256th photographer it was noted that we possibly had enough evidence of our participation and if one happened to cut right and loop back through the streets who outside of the ultra running world would be any the wiser as we pulled out albums whilst wearing TNF 100 embossed t-shirt.

Over the landslide I began to get the feeling that our pace and me vaguely predetermined splits were a little dissimilar and made the decision to ease the pace and let a number of runners by. In the process loosing sight of W.E.S but more than happy to spend the majority of the day alone if it meant finishing strongly. Up Golden staircase it hurt, however as stairs are the thing that I find hardest this was hardly surprising. Took the time early to grab a squeeze bag of creamed rice as I figured if you have to slow down then I may as well be benefiting through eating.

Hit the top of the stairs and CP1 for a quick refueling of the bag with water and trying to minimise the time spent stationary was on my way out onto Narrow Neck as the clock ticked over 2hrs 21mins. Happy to see King Donges right behind me as I departed.

I had already decided that I would ease off a little along Narrow Neck as the start had been a touch faster than planned and felt that this was an area you could easily over cook yourself with the deceptive undulations provided along this trail. Settled into a pleasant pattern of running the flats and downish bits leaving the uppish sections (or those pieces currently referred to as scenic by in the know race directors) for refueling and walking. I Found this very difficult and went through a mental low here I think triggered by the act I was walking. Previous races this would mean I had to some degree given up and this put me into a slight mental hole. Even though I told myself it was planned and that the walk was not out of immediate necessity it was hard to convince myself that I was not already in trouble some 20km into a 100km run.

From the tower to the ladder things picked up and soon I was back in control of my mind for now. I particularly like this last section to the ladders with the three peaks in the distance looking over and beyond the Wild Dog Ranges. It is funny how this tremendous view can inflict such horrid agony when ventured into. The line at the ladders was non existent and the trip across the saddle along now well worn single track great fun. As we popped out at Medlow Gap all I was really aware of was that CP2 was not too far along the track and soon it would be two significant markers ticked off.

CP2 is a beautiful place, a place I must go back to and camp for a night or two. As you stumble down the slippery path the valley floor with its winding road falls immediately before you, distant mountain ridges climbing beyond. I am sure it is exactly the kind of environment that would have inspired the Dunphy's to protect this land in the first place. In terms of the CP once again minimal time spent but more food consumed, particularly the fruit that was going down a treat. Again refilling the bag with water and off via Ironpot Ridge to see my support crew for the first time today. Departed with an elapsed time of 5hrs 4mins having completed the previous section in 2hrs 43mins.

Ironpot ridge was my favourite section of the whole course. The whole bit. Working my way up the climb, along the top past the turn off to the turn around and back again to the turn off to head off it. There was something about the combination of the grey rocks, vegetation and views that combined to make this a stunning section of course for me. I also enjoyed bumping into numerous runners (B1/B2, King Donges, Brick and Sarge) on the out and back for those brief moments of socialising.

The down hill was tough, loose and hard to maintain control. The valley bellow a pleasure to run through with its winding creek and odd bits of farm land equipment scattered around. I was still moving well as we encountered Megalong Valey Rd and felt entirely in control as we climbed past the 50km marker. As we approached the top I was aware it was a nice down hill jaunt to CP3. A section I had been looking forward to as it should see me easing into the first crew aided pint of the day.

As I took my first stride down this descent a twinge suggested something was not quite as it should be. I had felt this before mainly when clocking up multiple days on the bike not so much running though. I knew it was a result of the tough down hill and the subsequent effort in the climb. Each step felt uncomfortable, bit if I ran it was more like a hot knife being driven into the side of my knee.

For a brief moment I contemplated this finishing my day. A CR came past (Exe according to the back of his hat) and checked if all was ok. Knowing it would sort it self a think I muttered something about have salt tablets and yes and would now like to thank him for showing interest in my well being at the time. Soon found that if I could stride with my leg in a slightly twisted position and reduced the amount of flexion on each stride I could gradually regain a basic running pattern that would see me through to CP3. However each up hill that bought the planned walk lead to a very strange choreographed stride pattern to ensure the pain in my knee remained to a minimum.

CP3 was an inspiration to me from the approach to the departure. To have so many people around reassured me that I was going well and that the day was still under control. I actually like the fact that support crew could not be found prior to this point as it added to the experience as they came into view down onto Old Ford crossing. From the Hooks in the creek to Dean as he managed the CP and the BMMC at the tent. Each person provided a motivation to keep moving.

I reminded myself of the experience in observing Port MacQuarie Ironman this year and the images I walked away with on peoples mental state. There is always a positive and always a negative. Strength comes from being able to make the positives your focus. This ideology would sit with me for the rest of the day with the mantra 'each step is a step forward'.

Having refueled reloaded and experienced the slightly off putting moment of being photographed by the BMMC paparazzi as I strides down applied voltaren to my knee. It was onto the section of course I had been fearing the most. elapsed time 7hrs 42mins, with 2hrs 37mins for section three. Nellies Glen takes less than 10mins to descend in 6ft but would I estimated take on 45mins from the Nellies sign to the gateway at the top. In the preliminary trails I was feeling good again having eaten well and with the voltaren taking effect the slight rise in trail suited my current state. The stair monster however would always play a part in this section for me and was not surprised to hear Sarge comment latter in the day that he thought they would be constructing a cross for me at the top as he screamed past mid way along this section of steps.

At the peak I was pleasantly surprised to feel OK given the climb and my love all  things stepish and found myself behind Brick, who like Sarge was moving much better than I at this point. A brief conversation on splits required at the oval for 15hrs and he was gone as my knee again restricted my stride down some steps around Bonnie Doon Falls and along Stuart Rd.

Into CP4 in generally good spirits now hitting my pre established timing almost to the minute. Though in hindsight having gone out faster this obviously meant I had slowed quite a bit. Was greeted by chief crew person She Who Must Be (Lovingly) Obeyed, Sleep Train and Action-man. All whom were sensational in their assistance, even if Sleep Train did give me 3/4 packet of chips when asked to put 'some in a zip lock bag. The Sausage sandwich I had though sounded revolting in the pre race briefing notes was exactly what I was after as was the three mouthfuls a of red bull I quickly swigged. Watched Sarge pull out as LL2 encouraged me to hurry so I could try and catch him in the valley (a task I might add that never eventuated). a change of socks, shoes, top with thermal. On with the lights and off again as the accumulated time hit  9hrs 53mins with a split of 2hrs 11mins for section four and the CP.

Again felt great and very comfortable in running the paths to Echo point on dusk. It was fabulous to see the three sisters in lights as the sun was almost gone over the horizon and the giant staircase approached. Chatted freely with another runner (who's name escapes me) on the descent and was a little surprised to see a young family beginning a 'walk' down the early parts of the stairs in the diminishing light.

Through Leura Forrest and Jamison Valley was a section I had anticipated making some time on knowing the gradual slop down to first Leura Creek and then Jamison Creek that lay in waiting. Unfortunately this would prove to be the section that provided the greatest loss of time in relation to my splits for the day. The stairs down reignited my knee pain and at time I found myself frustratingly having to walk down hills I had been saving myself to run throughout the day.

Once again I found myself looking for the transitional gait that could take me from not being able to run without pain to building into a gentle stride and utilising the down hill at least to some degree. I soon found If I could jog the last 20meters or so of an uppish bit it seemed to help a bit and if on the downhill I just had to try and keep my right leg extended through the step as much as possible. Helping me run a bit but creating a certain amount of jarring through the right side as a consequence.

I don't think I have ever been so happy to see Jamison Creek and the beginnings of Kedumba in my life. I knew this climb from regular training and also knew that I could break it down mentally into sections. Particularly once I hit the turn midway up and I could pretty much break it into event thirds with significant markers like the gate, the pile of dirt and the turn off before the Hospital to simplify the climb in my head.

Again I began with food intake as with each climb today using the walking time to fuel up and providing a distraction from the early steepish slopes. I had estimated it would take me about 50minutes to walk to the turn, so I was surprised to see the SES camp fire at a little over 40minutes of walking from the bottom. The new Ayup Lights were obviously working as the course marshall confessed he thought a plan was coming in to land as I was approaching (possibly a line used with a number of runners through the night but It helped me at the time and was appreciative of it). Filled with confidence I began increasing the tempo and found myself catching and passing a number of runners through the second half of the climb. All the time feeling my confidence grow.

The top came much quicker than I had anticipated, and despite the brief distraction of CP5's sounds as we detoured right and around the back of the Old Hospital found myself engrossed in positive thoughts. I knew I had lost about 45mins on the plan down through the valley floor but felt great and was looking forward to refueling for the final time and pushing on aiming for a time in the 15hr bracket.

Once again SWMBO and Action-man were in attendance at the CP along with my mother who had come up to see the finish of the race having been there 2yrs ago for the first sections of Wild Endurance. I have never enjoyed pizza so much and fear that no pizza from this point on shall ever meet the expectations set on a cold night at a deserted Hospital on Kings Tableland Rd. Having spent as little time as possible it was back off for what I knew was a tough final 11km with a current elapsed time of 13hrs 45mins having taken 3hrs 51mins to complete the last section and an aim of getting in before 11pm.

Those first few hundred meters out of CP5 must have been in a zone some 5-10 degrees colder than anywhere else on the course. I contemplated briefly going back to get my polar fleece but decided I would most likely warm up as I got going again. A walk up the hill soon became quite pacy and as I was now into the last stretch decided to blow the plan of walk the up bits and run as I felt able to.

The road was over before I knew it and the Rocket Point track seemed much more even under foot than I recalled allowing more running I had not expected at this point. Again knowing these trails was helping as I felt confident in ticking of subsections at a time breaking down the final km into achievable sections. I continued to find myself passing runners and this too added to my confidence.

As we passed the Wentworth Falls and began the Undercliff track I was beginning to no longer just think 11pm would be achievable but belief it. A strange concoction of walking and running as the terrain allowed. Almost a stride at a time variation flowed into the car park and into Short Cut track. Time seemed to be moving on my side and soon found myself at the Conservation Hut and moving past the 95km sign.

If I could maintain 10minute per km over the final 5km I would be in by 10.50pm and I began to think about taking more minutes from this. The nature Track gave me exactly 9min 30secs for km from 95 to 96 and 96 to 97. I knew the turn and its steps were coming and knew this bit would take it out of me so close to the end. As I turned and took the first step down it was the most muscular discomfort I had felt all day. Ignore it and lope along as best can be, don't take the risks so far you fall and injure yourself so close the end.

I had had in my mind that I wanted to stop and have a look down at the bridge into the valley below by the headlights at night. This thought crossed my mind as I stepped of the far side but not long enough to go back and do it. The first time today the destination became a bigger focus that an aspect of the journey. It was all up steps now and the knee problem was taken out of the equation. It was just about energy, mental awareness and the finish line.

From 97-98km took close to 15minutes and I had my doubts of the 11pm finish having moved so well for almost 10km. Another km reading over 10minutes to the 99km marker up the slight stairs had me in doubt. But I as we took that final right track and moved up towards the grass and the marked path through grass to the gardens and finish area a final thought of ignore any pain you must run this bit took over. A strange gaited run I am sure but pushing on I left the watch alone for the first time in over an hour and just ran.

I was happy to find myself between runners to be near others but alone in crossing the line. A strange response I know but one that dominated my thoughts for the last few steps. I could hear SWMBO but was not entirely sure of her exact location. I remembered the watch as I stepped across the line and hit the stop button for the first time today. The clock hadn't hit 11pm yet and the elapsed time read 15hrs 43mins 42sec. I had pushed through the final 11km in 1hr 58mins and felt great for it.

I am pretty pumped at this pint in proceedings. I am happy that at the end of chapter one of Scam Bullant v 100km I have taken over 4hrs off my time at Wild Endurance 2 years ago. I know it was a team event but if I am being honest I was clearly the weakest link for the majority of this day and the 19hrs 52mins was a reflection on my falling apart on that day with the others all capable of better times on that day. I am ecstatic that this event was such an enjoyable experience for me and whilst it was hard to say the least I can honestly say I had fun all day and loved being a part of this course and all it had to offer.

I don't know when the next chapter starts were it is going to or when it will conclude. A definite break is on order with no planned sessions rather a mix of movement is ahead as I feel day to day. Another 100km is there and more time will come off. I don't know if I could do this particular race every year. The preparation and mental exhaustion for me are fairly high. But I will be part of it as long as BMMC are involved and if not competing I wish to repay some of the support that was offered to me on this day.

And that is where I will leave this chapter. In thanking everyone who has helped in getting me from 19hrs 52mins to 15hrs 43min. Those who I have met through training and pre TNF100 events. This group of people is much larger than 2yrs ago and all of them have contributed in some way. I would like to thank everyone who played some support role for me on the day either at a check point or at the finish. In particular SWMBO for her patience in my preparation and in lugging my gear and a 19 week pregnancy all over the Mountains thanks.