32 replies to this topic

[ScamBullant]

After what appeared to be a well received event in 2009. The BMMC would once again like to invite all and any who would be interested in running the Woodford to Glenbrook trails under the natural light supplied by the first full moon of Spring. Or that being the nearest Friday evening to the first full moon.

This would then make the running of W2G by night, Friday 24th September 2010. By coincidence the weekend of the first Running Wild trail race. So why not make a weekend of it running the sensational trails we have to offer in the lower bits of the Blue Mts National Park.

A quick glance at the City Rail timetable suggests a train that arrives at Woodford 9.44pm for the start-start, and an earlier train that arrives at Woodford by 8.47pm for the prestart-start. The timings of these trains being

1. Central 8.09pm - Glenbrook 9.13pm - Woodford 9.44pm
2. Central 7.06pm - Glenbrook 8.16pm - Woodford 8.47pm

The aim being for people to finish in and around mid-night to 12.30am with a plentiful bounty supplied for all at the gate following the drag up from the causeway.

I certainly had a great time last year and felt many others did too. Hope to see a similar response from those in attendance for 2010. Dont let story's of the Black Panther creep into your mind, just dont be last one in your pack.

[Lugs]

i think that would be fantastic to do! how many people normally do it?

[vstaR]

Count me in. I should be back to some level of fitness by then.

[ScamBullant]

Lugs, on Aug 3 2010, 07:28 PM, said:

i think that would be fantastic to do! how many people normally do it?

Last year was the first year as a FatAss run (as far as i know) and from memory between the three starting groups in 2009 we prob had about 30 people. Seemed like a large group when we got to the gate and everyone was hanging around having a quiet drink and snack.

Have run once prior in organised run, with the dormant FULL MOON CLUB and that also attracted around 30 people. More would be great but in both instances 30 semed to provide enough for everyone to have another to talk to for most of the run.

[Jogger]

I would love to run - it was great last year. However am still injured, and unfortunately it clashes with another great run:
http://www.coastalclassic.com.au

[sailaway]

I will try to be there but might start at glenbrook a bit earlier on and meet all at woodford before the run back.  Love my night time running.

[ScamBullant]

JoggerK, on Aug 3 2010, 11:43 PM, said:

I would love to run - it was great last year. However am still injured, and unfortunately it clashes with another great run:
http://www.coastalclassic.com.au

This sounds like it shaping up to be the perfect weekend of trail running:

1. Fri night W2G by night 25km
2. Sat morn Coastal run 29km
3. Sun  morn Running Wild race 1: Mt Portal Trail Race 18km

Perhaps there should be an unoffical combined time cattegory. Just hope legs pull up OK post Syd Marathon the weekend prior.

On another note, some kind person listed this on last years FatAss runs calendar for me. If a person with access and knowledge woud not mind doing the same this year it would be much appreciated.

[Sir Runalot]

Last night of the school term. What a way to celebrate - it's in the diary.

I love a night time run in the wilderness too and the G2W2G idea has merit Sailaway, might just join you if you promise not to crack the whip like you did in the 'Cities'.

Edited by Sir Runalot, 04 August 2010 - 08:14 PM.

[sailaway]

Sir Runalot, on Aug 4 2010, 09:13 PM, said:

Last night of the school term. What a way to celebrate - it's in the diary.
  
  I love a night time run in the wilderness too and the G2W2G idea has merit Sailaway, might just join you if you promise not to crack the whip like you did in the 'Cities'.

  
  
   Aaah no cracking whips here..............just a good solid training run for the rest of the ultras and your company is most welcome.

[Fred]

I'm in for this - last year was heaps of fun, especially when we all hid in the bushes and jumped out at Stella.

We had a little group of early starters last year for people not quite as fast, any one else like to start a little earlier with me so we all reach the causeway at the bewitching hour?

[Koala1]

Fred, on Aug 21 2010, 12:32 PM, said:

I'm in for this - last year was heaps of fun, especially when we all hid in the bushes and jumped out at Stella.

We had a little group of early starters last year for people not quite as fast, any one else like to start a little earlier with me so we all reach the causeway at the bewitching hour?

If I'm in good shape after Sydney Marathon the week before, then I'll join your band of merry early starters Fred.  Will also be doing the Running Wild event on the sunday too, so might need to keep some energy for that somehow.....

Oooh this run must mean Spring is almost here

[ScamBullant]

Despite the crowded weekend of events a number of us are still planning on running this one and would welcome any interested party's to join us. Not sure of any looking at running all three listed trail options over the weekend. However a number looking hitting at least two of them.

Train times as far as i know are still as listed up top. Hope to see you by the first full moon of Spring (or near enough to it to make it a Friday).

[rodthehornet]

Likely to go out and back from Glenbrook.  Probably aim to leave at 7:15pm to give ample time to do the run up, then hopefully cruise back.

[kolya]

ScamBullant, on Sep 18 2010, 01:59 PM, said:

Despite the crowded weekend of events a number of us are still planning on running this one and would welcome any interested party's to join us. Not sure of any looking at running all three listed trail options over the weekend. However a number looking hitting at least two of them.

Train times as far as i know are still as listed up top. Hope to see you by the first full moon of Spring (or near enough to it to make it a Friday).

I'll be there with one or two others. We'll be starting around 9pm (catching the earlier train).

See you on the trail!
Kolya

[Mister G]

Maybe.

[vstaR]

Leave pass granted!

Will be leaving from Glenbrook before 7pm so I can stroll leisurely up to Woodford before running back downhill a little quicker.

I'm sure Rod, Sailaway etc will pick me up along the way.

[photogirl]

Sounds like this would be a lot of fun but alas it's the night of my birthday and while I would be happy to run W2G in the dark to celebrate! - others seem to have different ideas. I will have to pencil this in for next year.

[Nickelass]

Had a great time last year - looking forward to it.

I'll be driving to Glenbrook from Chatswood if anybody wants a lift.

[ScamBullant]

For those on the early train another teacher and gnome will be starting with the early group. Could you please keep an eye out for them and make them feel welcome. Both new to Fat Ass running and a little uncertain on what to expect.

Thanks in advance.

[Whippet gal]

Never run on trails at night before. What do we need?

[rodthehornet]

Whippet,

A hand held torch will work fine.  Pick up one that takes 3 x AAA and it will be okay.  Find someone to pair up with on the run and between the two of you, end up with stacks of light.  Headlamps are fun, but if you dont have one, dont panic.  Most likely wont need one with the full moon.

[Mister G]

Last year Cedric and I ran quite a few Ks with no light, the moon did the job. Almost half the course perhaps.

[sailaway]

Looks to be clear skies and a mild night. Should be a great night of moonlight running.

[Fred]

Whippet gal, on Sep 22 2010, 09:55 PM, said:

Never run on trails at night before. What do we need?

knee pads!!

[snickpreview]

Fred, on Sep 23 2010, 12:23 PM, said:

knee pads!!

I definitely concur with that after seeing Fred's epic skid. I still have the photos of the aftermath...

[Sir Runalot]

Whippet gal, on Sep 22 2010, 09:55 PM, said:

Never run on trails at night before. What do we need?

I'll bring a spare head lamp if anyone would like to borrow it. I will probably just run with a hand held.


Was running out in the bush last night, absolutely glorious evening, still and clear. Moon made visibility excellent, if it's like that on Friday we'll be in for a real treat. A torch or headlamp will be necessary where the trees block out the moonlight. 

Really looking forward to this one. SR

[Brick]

Sir Runalot, on Sep 23 2010, 01:42 PM, said:

I'll bring a spare head lamp if anyone would like to borrow it. I will probably just run with a hand held.


Was running out in the bush last night, absolutely glorious evening, still and clear. Moon made visibility excellent, if it's like that on Friday we'll be in for a real treat. A torch or headlamp will be necessary where the trees block out the moonlight. 

Really looking forward to this one. SR

Yep should be good fun managed to get a leave pass from the boss and a lift from Nickelass so all good.

[vstaR]

Hardly a cloud in the sky so could be running by moonlight instead of lamplight, and it's still quite warm so I'm not expecting to need gloves, beanie etc for tonight's run. Can't wait!

Edited by vstaR, 24 September 2010 - 04:41 PM.

[Koala1]

Have fun out there - I'm not quite ready for running this one after the marathon last week and want to have something in the tank for the Running Wild run on sunday.

Enjoy - although I know you all will  

[Sir Runalot]

Had a great time last night. It's a shame that things didn't go quite according to plan for those training it up to Woodford. A glorious clear still night made for perfect conditions on what is generally a great piece of trail.

For the record I finished up with 51.5km in 5:18, 2:45 up and 2:33 back. A negative split over 50km is certainly satisfying. Thanks to sailaway, rodthehornet and vstaR for the company along the way.

It was pleasing to see the crowd around the fire at the end. The lift home was much appreciated Nickelass. Brick, your sage advice for GNW definitely had an impact, I will heed it well.

'Till Sunday & Mt Portal. SR

Edited by Sir Runalot, 25 September 2010 - 07:59 PM.

[rodthehornet]

Struggled big time last night.  Perfect night for running, just that my legs didnt realise it.  From about 20k onwards it sucked the life out of me.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have to employ a walk/run strategy on the Oaks Highway.  Thanks for the company guys, particularly vstar who persisted with me acting as an anchor.  Was good to see the BMMC deep in discussion at their AGM when we finished.  I could have bet a stack of money there would be no beers when we finished.

50k is nice in the bank regardless of the outcome.  Just hope I dont feel the same in 3 weeks otherwise it will be a nasty little race.

Hornet

[ScamBullant]

It can be strange how some times things just don't pan out the way you expect.

W2G 2010 began as expected, with numbers slightly down on last year due to mammoth amounts of trail runs on offer over the weekend, on Glenbrook Station waiting for the train in the once more crystal clear and balmy skies of a mid spring evening. The car was at the gate with post run bev's and 'all' that was required was the simplicity of a train ride to Woodford and a casual jaunt back to claim the prize on ice.

As the train pulled into Springwood we found ourselves seated in the heart land of the Upper-Lower Mts for longer than expected, to eventually be informed we would need to wait some time due to complications with the freight train just ahead of us. The next message providing the added detail that someone had had an 'accident' with the train and the stop would be indefinite. Before finally the guard made it known indefinite means "why are you all still sitting here expecting the train to start moving again?".

A quick discussion with 'BMMC animal', 'WES', 'Brick' and 'Nickelass' and the plan was hatched to take a BMMC tour of the Lower Mts back to Glenbrook rather than wait for the unknown. All in consideration that Rodthehornets much desired red cordial refuel was in our possession and an inability to get through to those running the up-down 50 option would undoubtedly be facing extreme states of confusion at the lack of runners waiting for the return journey. After offering red cordial to all present the vast majority was donated to Springwood Station and the tour was set to commence.

The initial concerns over Springwoods readiness for 5 men in tights running through main street was soon put to rest as a joyous local of perhaps 16yrs made all feel welcome with offers of Piiiizaaa, ya want some piiizaaa? A sharp left over GWH and along the cycle way to Singles Ridge Rd (otherwise known as TM's driveway). Down the way another right at Long Angle Gully and at last the much desired trails sat in front. All be it post group liquidation of tree's.

Long Angle brings with it some of the most calming trail in the lower Mts. Once descended the initial hill it is fire trail surrounded by majestic gums on the valley floor for some distance to the creek crossing. Before the long climb to 5 ways and the rolling Hills to the exit that is not there and a short period of single track to arrive just short of the most inhabited runners street in the Blue Mts 'The High Rd' East Blaxland.

It was some where along this trail, just past 5 ways that at last we found communication with the up-back 50 crew. Who, after a brief tutorial on mobile phone usage for Brick (on his own phone), informed us that they were waiting for us at Woodford eager for the Red Cordial now running through old chip packets and half read newspapers on Springwood Station. The tourists decided time was a plenty and a brief re hatch of our plans enabled the linking of the Tuesday trails with the Thursday trails for an extended run back to the gate.

A short link on hard black track soon had us at Mitchells Pass and back onto the single track, otherwise known as 'Lovers walk' by BMCC maps, in Knapsack reserve. This single track soon brings you out to Marges and Elizabeth Lookout. Were time was taken to turn off all lights and take in the outlook of the extended low lands before us. A view seemingly enjoyed by those unaccustomed to such things. the lights of Sydney a blaze before us.

Soon we were back on our way, then back on our way corrected for the short run through to Glenbrrok town centre and on to the gate. Around 22km or so and a more than satisfactory alternative to the plan as first laid out.

At the gate on Sleep train was located as was the Good Dr Phil enjoying the night lights by the warmth of the fire (completely ouside the National Park of course) and as early train runners returned in 'the 3 Peaks Mistress' and my recruited Gnome and Gnome Trainer from gnome Central it was decided the best thing to do would be to enjoy the refreshments on ice in waiting for the return of the up-back 50 crew.

And enjoy we did, I even feel safe to mention that there were in fact chips at one point, however they seem to have gone missing by the time the up-back 50 crew arrived. A sensational time talking was had again as with edition 2009 untill all had returned plus some time and as I lay my head to sleep come 3am I was once again pleased that W2G by night had occured.

Hope to find the first full moon of Spring falling on a less crowded weekend in 2011 and spending the evening with many trail enthusiast.  

[rodthehornet]

ScamBullant, on Sep 27 2010, 11:43 AM, said:

All in consideration that Rodthehornets much desired red cordial refuel was in our possession and an inability to get through to those running the up-down 50 option would undoubtedly be facing extreme states of confusion at the lack of runners waiting for the return journey. After offering red cordial to all present the vast majority was donated to Springwood Station and the tour was set to commence.

IMO cordial is the go fast fuel for any trail runner.  I have colour coded my fluid intake according to what is in front of me:

Green Cordial - icy cold is beautiful on early morning road runs.  
Lemon Cordial - freeze it up and it melts slightly.  Shake the bottle and you have an instant slurpie.  Great on a warm morning.
Orange Cordial - not bad for winter.  Not a fan in the summer months.
Apple and Blackcurrant / Ribena cordial - Sekrit stash.  Freeze a bottle and always positioned strategically at the base of a climb.  On the return leg bottle is activated similar to the Lemon cordial with a shake and enjoyed on the hill climb.
Red Cordial - this is the racing fuel.  Only used in big races and when I am running with faster runners.  Be careful as overuse can result in a flameout.

You can shove the isotonic, carbo loaded, sweat replacement, fancy drinks.  Nothing beats Golden Circle Raspberry.  At all costs avoid coola and stick to lime.


Hornet