No thoughts on running this week but please read my thoughts on Megalong Mega below as food for thought.
Monday 8th February
Gnomes go swimming today, so off early to get info up on school web site to confirm on (this is 3 wet years in a row I am sure I'm listed at the pool as put these guys on a wet day). A great day and made me feel good even though no run this morning.
Managed to get out for an easy lap of the espresso run. Even up high round Knapsack Reserve these tracks were flooded with large puddles everywhere that had to be run through (much fun). Felt strange running today not sure exactly what or why but just not normal (what ever that is).29mins 56sec at a strange but comfortable tempo. Humidity to match Friday nights rain.
Tuesday 9th February
AM and out from Sleep Trains (will neither confirm nor deny if he was running or not) but enjoyed the company of Fat Kiwi, Dr Phil and Jason to be known as the megaphone (I know PE teachers in the field for 20yrs who would love projection like that). Also saw Animal for a few seconds before he took off. A very wet lap with puddles and leaches. Have forgotten what dry running shoes feel like. 1hr 3mins 13secs for the lap.
PM journeyed deep into enemy beer bet territory to find a dry track this afternoon. Had the eyes peeled right through the session in case I was found out but think I got through with no opponents watching from the stands. Sorted the target splits after last weeks first track session back and hit 24 400's on the 2min 30sec cycle working to a 2:1 work to rest ratio. Was very pleased to sit just under the target work time and now need to build it 10mins a week. Fair to say I am a bit pumped after this one. By the way you can eat a lot of tiny teddy's on the drive home from Blacktown Athletics track to the Mts.
Wednesday 10th February
An AM early start from the Lucasville Resort with Whollie the Holiday maker. Think it was the same nondescript road circuit as last week. Will have to start paying attention to were we run on these ones in future. I know we were near the lagoon at some point and never on any trails. 55mins 2secs.
Thursday 11th February
Joined by the ever reliable Fat Kiwi and the Yellow Leaders Jersey (GC) for a lap around basic hill circuit. The overall time was a bit down on previous runs through this one but time was definitely not lost on the main climb. Must have been pretty casual early on. Still a lot of water hanging around the trails but whollies Fear was in surprisingly good condition after the storms last weekend. 1hr 10 mins 28sec.
Friday 12th February
Up early for a 5.30 from the Mansion on Marshall with Whollie the holiday maker. A lap of the Spurwood loop with traditional finish up the standard exit. Still heaps of water lying around making for a slow trip with total time 1hr 2secs. This must have been the most humid week of running I can recall. Thought about breaking out the goggles this morning.
Saturday 13th February
Joined a group of primarily beer bet runners at the tree for an out and back to the river. Was planning to start with the early departures but the Welsh Exchange Student is still working on Eastern no ones time. Eventually left with Rodthehornet, Animal (nonbmmc variety), Will and WXS at around 7.17am. It took about 10 steps onto the single track down Nellies to no longer be able to see any of the above mentioned runners bar WXS.
Sat at a comfortable pace through to the river maintaining conversation for all bar the bits that WXS dropped into some strange Gaelic dialect. With multiple bladder induced stops (4 in total a doctor may need to to be seen by one of us. . . ) 1hr 32mins to the river was a good sort of pace on heavy legs carrying a pack. Minor mental anguish when found no paper at the toilet and a quick regaining of physical control required to prepare for the return on full guts.
Following the advice of Rodthehornet ventured back via the swing bridge having never done this before to encounter the trap laid to wipe out those beer betters on run. Robthewasp (cousin of) took his toll on a number in attendance but most notably vstaR who copped 9 hits to the legs. Having ensured no one was going to do there best Veruca Salt impersonation and after some stuffing around finally got going again on the 2hr mark.
Steady paced running with a short stop at the road to collect stashed goods and walking from the Nellies sign to the gate saw the WXS and I back in 3hrs 50mins. take out around 30 to 35mins for stuffing around and a happy run at this point in training. did miss my post run coffee though and will need to ensure these double bookings are to be avoided at all costs in future.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Megalong Mega Just My Opinion But Please Consider Reflecting
Up early with She who Must Be Obeyed to head up the mountains to Megalong valley for the Megalong Mega. Had some concerns on the drive up based round the amount of rain we have had over the past couple of days and the reports posted on cool running’s from those who had run the same course on Saturday.
I fully recognise that on the day everyone had the right to make their own decision and I am truly grateful that anyone who might read this is able to say that they think I am wrong because everyone made it back OK on the day. It is my hope that some one will read this and reflect on the decision to cross flooded waters like these on future runs. Not to just join the line because everyone has started crossing without due thought and understanding.
This is not aimed at any individual and not in any way intended as a slur on any person just food for thought for any who would like to consider another point of view. For a discussion not an exposition.
When we arrived to the car park on the wrong side of the Old Ford Crossing it was obvious without having even gotten a look at the creek yet that things were not good. Upon a closer examination in my opinion it would be a mistake to attempt to cross the creek and I began discussions with a couple of people I knew about looking for alternative runs. My decision was based on a number of key points from my experiences living and growing up in the blue Mountains and through my association with teaching outdoor recreation for close to 15 years. To me the key points of concern basically come down to:
- Washed down debris has no schedule or warning signs. At any point a broken branch or small tree can come through and nothing a person could do would stop them from being knocked over in this circumstance.
- The height of the water could stay the same, drop or get higher by the return. Based on rainfall in areas we were not in. We had no ability to figure out what the height of the water would be latter in the day.
- Legs would be sore and tired after the run. Even if every other variable was constant on the return this alone was enough for me not to risk it.
- Any time we do decision making/problem solving activities with groups of adults or school students it is constantly reinforced that any attempt to find a solution to a problem that places you or others at risk is a poor option that should not be explored.
I had begun to think I was turning into a rather soft individual in terms of this situation. So I spent some time talking to the Head Teacher of Science today at School. A much more experienced Mountaineer than I and one of the most respected Rock Climbers in the Blue Mountains climbing community. He reinforced my beliefs with the statement that his Whitewater friends consider any moving water body above ankle deep a potentially dangerous environment. Specifically when it is a water body swelled beyond its normal capacity.
I fully recognise that on the day everyone had the right to make their own decision and I am truly grateful that anyone who might read this is able to say that they think I am wrong because everyone made it back OK on the day. It is my hope that some one will read this and reflect on the decision to cross flooded waters like these on future runs. Not to just join the line because everyone has started crossing without due thought and understanding.
This is not aimed at any individual and not in any way intended as a slur on any person just food for thought for any who would like to consider another point of view. For a discussion not an exposition.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Looking For Resilience
I took great pleasure watching Andy Murray turn his semi final around against Marin Cillic the other night and equally as much pleasure watching him never give up against the tennis freak Roger Federer. To me the key moment in which I took the most enjoyment was the point against Cillic though, in which Cillic after dominating the entire point lobs Murray only to watch him turn chase and pass him down the high side of the net.
I only wish I had this much fight in me. No doubts I will keep working on it but that sort of fight to that level is not just learnt. That comes from somewhere inside, grown early from some deeper place that I fear most of us don't even know exists let alone that people possess it.
Having thought a lot lately about what is the reason I want to run long on trails, I keep coming back to because most of the time I enjoy it and on these times it definitely relaxes me to do so. There are always however tough days that things don't feel so smooth, that the coordination just doesn't fit. These are the days I want 'Murray Determination'. For now I will just have to keep searching and keep the fingers crossed no one lobs me on a vital point.
Monday 1st February
A return to the first full weeks work following a half week yesterday. Off to a bad start missing the morning session as I had stayed up to watch the Open Tennis final last night. Not being a late night for the average Australian male I am sure but I am normally asleep either on the couch or in bed by 9.30pm. Some redemption in the afternoon, running solo from the Mansion on Marshall having got home from work round 6ish. Put in 35mins 1sec on a nondescript circuit largely made up of too busy roads but finishing through the back ally and out the standard exit. Felt way to uncomfortable for having had such a lazy few weeks. Big day tomorrow with hills in the morning and my first tracks session for some years in the PM. this may be the first lob shot I need to chase down already.
Tuesday 2nd February
Had a good day of it today. I think I will just accept that Mondays will always be the day I get the running back in my legs following the week prior and get on with it. Started the day back at Sleep Trains for the standard two hills loop after not running this one for a few weeks. Felt good early and taking it easy up the major climb out of Sun Valley felt good all the way back. 1hr 2mins 42secs.
Dragged my fearful backside to the track for the first time in some eight years (bar one anomaly some time in 2008). Managed to leave work 20mins late in an attempt to not have enough time but was unsuccessful in this ploy. the program (all be it plagiarised from another's) called for 20 400's at marathon pace working to a 2:1 work to rest ratio. Was pleasantly surprised by the splits and will need to reevaluate my timings next week as I ended way to far on the over rested side of things after each effort (keeping the planned total time in case I blew apart in the second half). I'm beginning to think my marathon times have all been a joke and that I need to get some ticker about myself in the longer runs. Need more reflection on this but the basic stats were:
Wednesday 3rd February
Up early for a run from the Lucasville Resort with Whollie the Holiday Maker. It was with some surprise that I was to be found huddled in my car at 5.30am as the door of the resort opened as I am not particularly well known for my running amongst precipitation. Having gotten over the shock of wetness (not at the point of waking but at the point of stepping out of the car) it was on with it for the standard winter circuit (all be it the middle of summer) in around 55mins 5secs. things are changing in the Mansion first a track session and now running in the rain. Might be something to with a list of names and personal best marathon times sitting above my computer stuck to the notice board. No one settles for silver we all want the gold (well I know one person that does anyway). Might be time to publish the final goal for BMMC at 6ft soon.
Just found this on youtube and I like it still so put it up:
Thursday 4th February
Woke up to more rain. Strange how things can change as I managed to drag myself out of bed and head out for my second wet morning in a row. A feat not considered possible to many local runners (ie me and rain that is). Found only the Fat Kiwi waiting outside Mansion on Marshall and it was decided that despite our preference for all things dirt we would stick to the hard black stuff today. another nondescript road circuit in and around the Blaxland, Glenbrook area for 55mins 43secs.
Friday 5th February
More rain and plenty of moisture in the air for those moments it wasn't actually falling. Whollie the Holiday Maker was very happy with another morning on the tar and another nondescript run around the roads was had. Closest thing to a hill was Borrea and no dirt leading to trail deprivation syndrome. 45mins on the dot.
Saturday 6th February
Nothing, had a bad day in the head today as I find I have on occasions. Just couldn't drag myself into running mode.
Sunday 7th February
Decided not to join the masses crossing the waters for the start of the Megalong Mega (as per Megalong Mega Post) and instead headed with the Welsh Exchange Student and She Who Must Be Obeyed to Narrow Neck for a touch of out and back on higher ground. In the end felt uncomfortable most of the way with a negative split 2hrs 1min 13secs return from the gate to the ladder and back. WXS smashed me on every one of the short sharp climbs on offer and very pleased he is not in the Beer Bet for 6ft. SWMBO again smashed it up and continues to show signs of addiction to exercise for her 1h 40min solo run.
I only wish I had this much fight in me. No doubts I will keep working on it but that sort of fight to that level is not just learnt. That comes from somewhere inside, grown early from some deeper place that I fear most of us don't even know exists let alone that people possess it.
Having thought a lot lately about what is the reason I want to run long on trails, I keep coming back to because most of the time I enjoy it and on these times it definitely relaxes me to do so. There are always however tough days that things don't feel so smooth, that the coordination just doesn't fit. These are the days I want 'Murray Determination'. For now I will just have to keep searching and keep the fingers crossed no one lobs me on a vital point.
Monday 1st February
A return to the first full weeks work following a half week yesterday. Off to a bad start missing the morning session as I had stayed up to watch the Open Tennis final last night. Not being a late night for the average Australian male I am sure but I am normally asleep either on the couch or in bed by 9.30pm. Some redemption in the afternoon, running solo from the Mansion on Marshall having got home from work round 6ish. Put in 35mins 1sec on a nondescript circuit largely made up of too busy roads but finishing through the back ally and out the standard exit. Felt way to uncomfortable for having had such a lazy few weeks. Big day tomorrow with hills in the morning and my first tracks session for some years in the PM. this may be the first lob shot I need to chase down already.
Tuesday 2nd February
Had a good day of it today. I think I will just accept that Mondays will always be the day I get the running back in my legs following the week prior and get on with it. Started the day back at Sleep Trains for the standard two hills loop after not running this one for a few weeks. Felt good early and taking it easy up the major climb out of Sun Valley felt good all the way back. 1hr 2mins 42secs.
Dragged my fearful backside to the track for the first time in some eight years (bar one anomaly some time in 2008). Managed to leave work 20mins late in an attempt to not have enough time but was unsuccessful in this ploy. the program (all be it plagiarised from another's) called for 20 400's at marathon pace working to a 2:1 work to rest ratio. Was pleasantly surprised by the splits and will need to reevaluate my timings next week as I ended way to far on the over rested side of things after each effort (keeping the planned total time in case I blew apart in the second half). I'm beginning to think my marathon times have all been a joke and that I need to get some ticker about myself in the longer runs. Need more reflection on this but the basic stats were:
- Best marathon 3hrs 42mins, so choose to work to 3hrs 30mins pace
- This equates to 2min 400's with 1min rest
- First 10 actually ran at 1min 35sec to 1min 37sec and second 10 1min 34sec to 1min 36sec
Wednesday 3rd February
Up early for a run from the Lucasville Resort with Whollie the Holiday Maker. It was with some surprise that I was to be found huddled in my car at 5.30am as the door of the resort opened as I am not particularly well known for my running amongst precipitation. Having gotten over the shock of wetness (not at the point of waking but at the point of stepping out of the car) it was on with it for the standard winter circuit (all be it the middle of summer) in around 55mins 5secs. things are changing in the Mansion first a track session and now running in the rain. Might be something to with a list of names and personal best marathon times sitting above my computer stuck to the notice board. No one settles for silver we all want the gold (well I know one person that does anyway). Might be time to publish the final goal for BMMC at 6ft soon.
Just found this on youtube and I like it still so put it up:
Thursday 4th February
Woke up to more rain. Strange how things can change as I managed to drag myself out of bed and head out for my second wet morning in a row. A feat not considered possible to many local runners (ie me and rain that is). Found only the Fat Kiwi waiting outside Mansion on Marshall and it was decided that despite our preference for all things dirt we would stick to the hard black stuff today. another nondescript road circuit in and around the Blaxland, Glenbrook area for 55mins 43secs.
Friday 5th February
More rain and plenty of moisture in the air for those moments it wasn't actually falling. Whollie the Holiday Maker was very happy with another morning on the tar and another nondescript run around the roads was had. Closest thing to a hill was Borrea and no dirt leading to trail deprivation syndrome. 45mins on the dot.
Saturday 6th February
Nothing, had a bad day in the head today as I find I have on occasions. Just couldn't drag myself into running mode.
Sunday 7th February
Decided not to join the masses crossing the waters for the start of the Megalong Mega (as per Megalong Mega Post) and instead headed with the Welsh Exchange Student and She Who Must Be Obeyed to Narrow Neck for a touch of out and back on higher ground. In the end felt uncomfortable most of the way with a negative split 2hrs 1min 13secs return from the gate to the ladder and back. WXS smashed me on every one of the short sharp climbs on offer and very pleased he is not in the Beer Bet for 6ft. SWMBO again smashed it up and continues to show signs of addiction to exercise for her 1h 40min solo run.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
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 ofexcuses 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 ofminimalist 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.
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
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
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.
Friday, January 15, 2010
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.
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.
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