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.

What's Occurin? (dont want the G)

Some interesting discussions on the BMMC lower mt chapter run this morning. Spent the morning with W.E.S and the Prince looping backwards around the Australia Day Fatass course till we got to the turn off to Piscar Rock were we promptly turned right then ran back home via Oaks rather than wrestling with Mt Bikers on the single track in peak flow time.

Whilst the run, as all runs are up here in the blue wilderness, was supreme in its visual and auditory stimulus. It was in fact a number of the discussion points that take due notice this morning:

1. Salary cap issues. It is understood that there are circulating rumours that BMMC has been Stormesck in it's operations and are in breach of the very tight salary cap rules associated with running associations in NSW and Australia. People questioning how we could hold a stable including Sleep Train, Gottagofasta, The Prince, Shogun, Whippet Girl and Sprinter yet still have the funds to attract out of area members such as Spud and Rodthehornet. Whilst continuing to fill the roster with notable performers like W.E.S, Dr Phil, Fat Kiwi, vstaR, Terry the Woodchopper and still be chasing known performers like Ms Vernon, Rob Spilling, Tom Richardson and anyone with the surname Baldacchino. Lady's and gentlemen people just want to run for us bring your auditors there are no storms in our coffee cups.
2. What constitutes a daily run? W.E.S was some what confused today as to what constitutes a daily run. His statement that if we can just maintain the 6hour runs or 50km runs each week then before anyone knows it it will be just like we are running 50kms everyday. Some might question this line of thought as Tom Foolery (for Tom as we know was surely given the title of fool). However if one considers his Celtic brotherhood of knowledge, that wealth of grey matter development that comes with years of tribal story telling then I think his belief that a weekly run equates to daily experience has something for us all.
3. More confusion was clarified when a person on the run (not wanting to be quoted) lets just classify him as not from Australia originally gave us more great insight. For we now know that if we run from Glenbrook to Woodford and back to Glenbrook we get the benefits of both ways. Not only this it was clearly stated that in fact by running up we get the benefits of running up then when we run down we get the benefits of (don't try and guess here) running down. To think that in point 2 some people were questioning said wisdom.

So a great day of running and in sharing of wisdom was had by all. For me the legs are real heavy, following big Saturdays through the last month including 3weeks of 6hrs or more and the fourth week in the mix being sick yet still clocking in a touch over 4hrs. Today I felt everyone of those minutes, the difference between having done these long runs for years and my measly 9 months I guess. Starting to tapper now so hopefully the results in 2 weeks will land on the positive side of things.

Looking For A Solid Week

A combination of the 6hr plus runs and organisation for Gnomes Zone Cross Country today have seemed to result in a net loss of weekly training distance this past couple of weeks. It hasn't worried me too much as I think the extended time on Saturdays runs (even the 4hrs when sick) has been the priority. Last attempt at a 100km run was a disaster in which I am sure Shogun had no idea he would be on the course so long keeping our then team together. This for me I am sure was largely due to not focusing on individual run distance and leaving it at weekly distance as a focus.

Now however with the Gnomes Zone carnival all done bar collating team results and the major long runs out of the way I hope to hit a solid week from Tuesday arvo on. No specific plans other than the normal Thur morning run, but an attempt to hit AM & PM through to Sat, with the possibility of significant time on feet with the Gnomes at Penriths Relay for Life 2am to 6am.

Tuesday 27th April
Got the process started with a 44min 19sec jaunt with the animal from his kennel in the dying light of the evening. Headed directly to Lennox Bridge and up into Knapsack with the aim of doubling the purpose of the run to ensure all signs of the days Cross Country were clear. By the time we hit the arterial trail the light determined we would not hit the side tracks. However not a skerrick of rubbish could be found. I love working with the Gnomes at times like this. Felt good even though the body is still a bit run down. Happy to be running in the crisp Autumn air once again.

Wednesday 28th April
Got out of bed a little later than planned and cut back on the run to 32mins 32secs in the crisp mountain air. Dragged out the beanie for the first run since last winter but still managed short sleeves and skins. A lap of the home trails to Gnarls Barkley a nice way to start the day.

Copped out in the arvo feeling stuffed energy wise and real tight through the hami's and adductors. Solid is turning to semi slush. But that's better than hot air.

Thursday 29th April
AM from the mansion on marshall with W.E.S, vstaR and the megaphone. Had expected a local coach of some renown to make an appearance but I believe rumours of the hill on this run had the second thought occurring (just got to use occurring more now). A steady pace with slightly extended stretch at the lookout had us around right on 1hr 10mins 5secs.

PM again from the mansion on marshall following mansionesck discussions with benthebuilder. W.E.S joined the fun and a brief pause in the Aussie Pyrenees had us unloaded and on our way again. All up a lap under dark round the black trails of the lower blue. Down and round the lagoon through past Lapo and pool then back via Blaxland station and Borea (turrets free today). 42mins 13secs including unloading time.

Friday 30th April
Ignored the alarm this morning and spent an extended period enjoying coffee at Morgan's on the way to work. This most likely wont help me in 2 weeks BUT it was good. In the arvo bummed around the schools ever developing Mt Bike track with the Gnomes for 1hr 30mins.

BMMC TNF TR2

Had a great day out in the lower-upper to mid-upper regions of the Blue Mts yesterday. Pleased to find King Donges, Cedric, Justdidit, W.E.S and Brad from MT Colah ready to joint the fun of what was roughly speaking the first half of section one (plus an addendum to Echo Pt), section five (;ess 1-2km from the ovals) and section six.

The trails across to Echo Pt were spectacular. With a breeze through the trees adding another sensory element to visual surrounds of Jamison valley to our left. Justdidit being very bullanty in his popping in and out of every lookout we past. Providing opportunity to get excellent conceptual images of the path through from giant staircase to Jamison Creek.

An emergency detour to Echo Pt to enjoy the public facilities and an early departure pt for our up to now guide through twists and turns in Cedric. Turns out he had already knocked over 40km the night before with vstaR and for some reason was feeling a bit tired.

At the bottom of giant staircase ran into two gentlemen in fluro budgie smugglers and sneakers seeking the wisdom of local on the location of which way to run in order to drop into a stream for a swim along the way. Some concerned walkers came past here uncertain of how to respond to so much lycra and skin. If I hadn't seen one of these runners complete Port Ironman a few weeks earlier I may have been as unsettled as some others.

Through Jamison Valley across Leura Creek and Jamison Creek is stunning and glad to have seen this section with day light. Quite confident now on tackling this section on the day knowing with suitable pacing most of this is runnable. As opposed to Kedumba.

Got to the gate on top (I find if you just mention the start and finish it seems much easier) regrouped and wound our way though section six. I can now see why we spent longer waiting for finishers last year over this last section then we had expected. This section will bring people undone, and I can only recommend anyone who can access it should get a look and feel for this section in daylight. Or take a few extra dollars and grab a coffee at Conservation Hut on the day to break it up.

A great days running with excellent company all round for 6hours 21 minutes. Followed by excellent coffee and food at Prince Donges Cafe. Now two weeks of long runs that have contributed positive aspects to the confidence as the run approaches. To just get in some descent mid week training this week and then to the tapper. Current target time 14 to 15 hours.

A Fat Ass Has My Confidence Up Again

Certainly a most enjoyable section of the Mountains to head out for a run, matched equally on this day for the weather provided. Drove up with Shogun and Mr G for the original 8am start out of the camp ground (will offer multitudes of praise to anyone who can persuade Mr G that an early start is a good idea). An empty seat a constant reminder that on W.E.S was not with us for his belief that activities other than joining the BMMC on such an auspicious occasion were more suited to his mental and physical aptitude.

After a stuttering start attempt, attempt, attempt Shogun and Justdidit soon departed our company as they shot out in front heading up insult hill. Whilst SallyL et al started as they would for the remainder  of the day floating behind and in front, in front and behind and generally amongst our general vicinity. At times some were even in front but behind failing taking the time to check out extra parts of Kanangra Rd.

The run along the creek to the old camp site at Jenolan was quite calming. very timely given the sudden nature of the non-trail-ridge line climb that starts IMEDIATELY after the gate having crossed the creek. Both sections however providing sufficient surroundings to take the mind off running and centering it into an environment joyful to be amongst (now I seem to be writing for new age runner, must remedy this)

A brief moment of co-clarification along Bloody Filly Fire Trail of a tight left turn lead to a moment of perplexion. As a floating head appeared from behind a log reassuring us that it was in fact the right way and that having completed his nap he too would rejoin the run in that very direction.

Through all this spent a most enjoyable 4hrs and a bit talking to Mr G as we made our way round to the start of the descent to Jenolan River. The surrounding ridge lines and gully's made this a remarkable section, with Mr G pointing out the incredible nature of the gorge given it's creation through wear and tear applied by the little creek we had seen 3hrs earlier just out of Jenolan Caves.

Paced it individually to the creek were I found Martin contemplating the suitability of the river side for lunch. Joined him in digestion as I briefly awaited Mr G and having regrouped settled into a phase of Vstar inspired walk with purpose back out of the gorge. Two more regroups and shortly back onto the black range for the final section home.

Following the disaster of the Black Range in 6ft I mentioned to Mr G I may run a bit. To be met with the most enlightened reply of "ok you go ahead I might just think about things a bit". Happy to have redeemed myself along here managing a comfortable run all the way back to the cars. Then my happiness was multiplied ten fold as I meat an associate of W.E.S who reinstated our already defined believe in his lack of fortitude at having not made the run given her state of warming down with a walk along 6ft post 800km Spanish escapade.

Very happy with the day out for both the nature of the course and the confidence of a descent long run after a couple of off weeks. Learnt masses about pacing early thanks to Mr G and am now filled with story's of Ultra courses the world over. Also glad Shogun only spent 20mins to find the stashed keys as my 6hrs 53mins would have had him sitting around for a long time cold in wet clothing.