133 replies to this topic

[EverReadyBunny]

If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there does it make a sound.

Trailpudding has decided the only way to celebrate her 40th birthday is to  have a big adventure and run the Great North Walk trail from Newcastle to Sydney. Of course it is !

By the way Trailpudding you still turn the big 4 0 even if you are in the bush and there are only frogs and leeches around you.

Dutchy and myself have decided to join her for as long as she can put up with my singing. That will probably be about 15kms.

Buzz and Koala1 have offered to throw us the occasional crust and maybe some salt which we can alternatively swallow or sprinkle on our shoes depending on if it is hot or wet.

Various Coolrunners are currently proposing to join us at various stages.

We start this thursday - we finish when we get there.

[undercover brother]

best of luck ladies.
and happy upcoming 40th TP!

[Beaver]

good luck - if you beat 66:36 then I guess I know how Darrel will celebrate his 50th.

[EverReadyBunny]

Beaver we will be lucky if we beat Trailpudding's 41st birthday.

[Beaver]

Don't sell yourselves short.

Spud and Whippet were on track in November to break the record and that was with running extra distance and running in hot conditions.

I've said before I think there is plenty of room for that record to drop quite considerably.

If you can average 4km/hr then the record is there for the taking, and I reckon the three of you can do that.

[trailpuddin]

Beaver, on 28 March 2011 - 03:39 PM, said:

If you can average 4km/hr then the record is there for the taking, and I reckon the three of you can do that.

Yeah Lilley afterall I've been to a Sean Williams training camp. (Sean rolls around on the ground laughing.)

You almost had our bluff there Beaver until you made a comparison with Spud and Whippet, then we knew you were being tongue in cheek.

The only thing I do at 4km / hr is make chocolate cakes but thanks for the encouragement none the less.

Edited by trailpuddin, 28 March 2011 - 05:00 PM.

[Spud]

Sub 60 girls, it's there for the taking
Have fun, will you be Spot Tracking or providing progress updates, look forward to following.

Multi-day fast packs are the new craze!

Giddyup!

[otisr]

Good luck and happy trail running.  Nothing beats the GNW, especially this time of year. My favourite run.

I would love to do the 250GNW, but my next celebration is for my 52nd, so you young ones better move it along.

If you need any nutrition dropped off, support or whatever, i live at Charlestown on the GNW and can provide any essentials, even a pizza if you need one.  Will come out and cheer you on - if you can keep us updated with times, etc.

Good luck.

With all this rain, the rainforest section after the Gap is a little slippery - be careful.  God speed.

Otisr

Edited by otisr, 28 March 2011 - 07:01 PM.

[trailpuddin]

Spud, on 28 March 2011 - 04:46 PM, said:

Sub 60 girls, it's there for the taking
Have fun, will you be Spot Tracking or providing progress updates, look forward to following.

Multi-day fast packs are the new craze!

Giddyup!

Yes I would most love to get there before my 60th birthday Spud.  

We will have a spot on us. The public page will be here hopefully!

I swear this run is the world's worst kept secret.

[Spud]

Accountability will spur you on TP.
Nice one, I dips me lid.

[Twopennys]

Yes - good luck TP - enjoy the celebration

[plu]

Yes have a great run - there is something iconic about this course.

[Beaver]

Let's not forget this hero;

Quote

He (Peter Treseder) started in Newcastle in May 1990, swam the Hawkesbury from Patonga to Brooklyn, then when he got to Woolwich he kayaked across the Harbour to Circular Quay, then walked up to Macquarie Place where the trail officially starts, elapsed time was 32.38. Apparently his run was documented by John Eggleston from the Lands Department, who would periodically turn up and photograph him on the run.

[Whippet Man]

All the best ladies.
I agree with Spud, factor in nap time, it will pay for itself.
Enjoy.

[GraeGrae]

Go for it girls.

I will be watching your progress from the comfort of my office.  (Not sure how much work I will get done)

[cliffold]

Go girls

Have lots of fun, you have all the attributes for a successful venture

[Lynda]

Go for it girls! Happy Birthday Mother Duck!
Happy trails ERB & Dutchy.

[Chelbub]

Good luck TP, ERB and Dutchie - I look forward to meeting ERB and Dutchie tomorrow morning at 5.00am, Queens Wharf!!!  Very much looking forward to running the first leg with the girls - I will aim for 25km....and then will be eagerly following the progress!  

To Kirrily,  my dear friend for many years.....imagine what we would have said if we knew back in Primary School that this was going to happen!   Whilst I am not up to the whole hog, I will be with you in spirit and ERB I am sure there will be plenty of singing from Kirrily as well.  You have an amazing spirit Kirrily and this is an adventure to be celebrated!

Otisr - we are coming through Charlestown tomorrow morning - will try and estimate the time for you as I am sure any cheers along the way will be most welcome!  

Rach

PS: I am getting nervous typing this and I am only attempting the first 25km, let only 250+km...

[EverReadyBunny]

Hi Chelbub,

It will be lovely to have a local joining us and can keep us on track for that first section.

Am looking forward to starting and running with Our Mother Duck- Sprint Princess Trailpudding and the unstoppable Dutchy. Also looking foward to seeing our brilliant crew Buzz, Koala and Mr Dutchy. They should keep us on track !

Thanks everyone for your well wishes and if a bunch of girls can do it. Anyone can

Hopefully Spot will be on line and people can follow our progress and Whippet yep I agree we will probably need a few naps to get us through. It's a long time no matter which way you look at it.

[Spud]

Do you have a rough schedule ERB? I know you are 'winging it', was just wondering. Might see you Sunday morning, BRW corp tri in the city.

[trailpuddin]

chelbub - Who'd a thunk when we sat together in 4th class that we'd still be friends all these years later and still sharing our passion for sport.  Can't wait to see you tomorrow morning!


Now lets see...

The best friends a girl could ask for - check
250km of trail - check
Shoes - check
Ipod full of 80's chick anthems to keep ERB distracted - check
Walking sticks for Granny Dutchy - check (opps actually they're for me)
Food - check
Food - check
Food - check

That means it must be time to go jump in the car and head off on this adventure.  

It seems a little bit shorthand to just say thanks for the support everyone.  There's no way I'd be contemplating this without the passionate encouragement, advice and help from an entire community of runners, family and friends.  

We pay homage to the runners who have gone before us - the three amigos of ultra168 (the holders of the GNW human record, that Treseder guy was clearly bionic), spud and whippet - who, in the greatest spirit of the sport, have shared all they know about surviving the trail with all its beauty and brutality.

Thanks to our crew - Buzz, Koala1 and Karl.  It was Buzz's never-die energy that propelled all of this from being a silly idea into a reality.  Karl has been the brains and experience behind all the scheduling and logistics and Koala the rock of confidence and thinker of finer details.

Now ERB and Dutchy lets get those bags packed up and hit the road we've got some good times to have.

Who knows what is going to happen.  We're going to give it a crack, put one foot in front of the other and take it from there.

There are a few things guaranteed - there will be a lot of eating, jaw-flapping and some time on Sunday we will be sitting on the steps of the Opera House munching on birthday cake.  Come down and join us.  A sport this good deserves to be celebrated.  

See you on the other side of 250km.

Kirrily

[Martin Dugdale]

have lots of fun ladies,  we will meet on the trail. you will probably be much sweatier and rather more tired so eyes open  at Crosslands. see you there

[Beaver]

Look after each other, eat and have fun.

See you over the weekend somewhere.

[Anne Victor]

Good luck, Girls! You can do it - that record is there for the taking. You also have a fine crew helping you along the way. Buzz - don't forget the iPad for CR updates. Have a great run and I hope the gods provide you with good weather. Happy Birthday TP - that birthday cake will taste wonderful at the end.
Kind regards,
AV

[buzzlightyear]

OK, let me make this REALLLLLLLLLLY clear and upfront - It is NOT MY FAULT that should the Girls got get lost!!!!!

yup, will be updating on CR via my apple.  I wonder if there is anyone I can email the pictures to be loaded onto the same forum topic?
My ipad takes 2 years to upload one picture via FB or CR. Best is to email it to someone. Any volunteers?? Please PM Me! I promise it will only be pictures of the girls running! Nothing of them sleeping, eating or looking grumpy - It will only be smiling face!!

Edited by buzzlightyear, 30 March 2011 - 03:10 PM.

[buzzlightyear]

trailpuddin, on 30 March 2011 - 10:45 AM, said:

..250km of trail - check
Shoes - check
Ipod full of 80's chick anthems to keep ERB distracted - check
Walking sticks for Granny Dutchy - check (opps actually they're for me)
Food - check
Food - check
Food - check

Cupcakes?
Telephone number for Pizzas outlets  that serve central coast, patonga and Lane Cove?
Nearest 24hrs Maccas along GNW?
a 4 bed campervan with LCD TV as crew car


Lack of any of the above means a no-show from me and Koala1. Karl might be tempted with Cupcakes only

[otisr]

Chelbub, on 30 March 2011 - 09:00 AM, said:

Otisr - we are coming through Charlestown tomorrow morning - will try and estimate the time for you as I am sure any cheers along the way will be most welcome!  

Rach

PS: I am getting nervous typing this and I am only attempting the first 25km, let only 250+km...

Crikey - three ladies on the loose at 0500 in Newey ! Ouch.  I estimate a nice easy first section to the beach at Merewether, Burwood beach and then my favourite training ground after that on the trail to Charlestown.  I will set the alarm and say hi somewhere out there.

Be careful on the rock section after Merewether - high tide is at 0716 tomorrow.

[Bert]

buzz
Remind the girls that the GNW officially ends at the MacQuarie obelisk in Macquarie place, about ten minutes walk from Circular Quay. Not being nit-picking,just want to avoid any future quibbles about whether they actually finished it or not.

[Chelbub]

otisr, on 30 March 2011 - 04:43 PM, said:

Crikey - three ladies on the loose at 0500 in Newey ! Ouch.  I estimate a nice easy first section to the beach at Merewether, Burwood beach and then my favourite training ground after that on the trail to Charlestown.  I will set the alarm and say hi somewhere out there.

Be careful on the rock section after Merewether - high tide is at 0716 tomorrow.

thanks Otis, will keep that high tide in mind and let the girls know - see you out there hopefully!

Rach

[Spud]

Bert, on 30 March 2011 - 05:30 PM, said:

buzz
Remind the girls that the GNW officially ends at the MacQuarie obelisk in Macquarie place, about ten minutes walk from Circular Quay. Not being nit-picking,just want to avoid any future quibbles about whether they actually finished it or not.

...and starts at Queens Wharf Tower in Newcastle and not the Obelisk.

Have an amazing few days and nights ladies!

[Koala1]

buzzlightyear, on 30 March 2011 - 03:07 PM, said:

I promise it will only be pictures of the girls running! Nothing of them sleeping, eating or looking grumpy - It will only be smiling face!!

I on the other hand will be taking all the pictures of the girls looking everything other than smiling.  I'm good at that (as TP knows only too well)  

Bert, on 30 March 2011 - 05:30 PM, said:

buzz
Remind the girls that the GNW officially ends at the MacQuarie obelisk in Macquarie place, about ten minutes walk from Circular Quay. Not being nit-picking,just want to avoid any future quibbles about whether they actually finished it or not.

No worries Bert - Karl has already has that under control.

Buzz and I will post progress as much as we can, but we might also send SMS's to willing volunteers to post up progress too.  Let us know if you can help with posting up SMS reports.  I've actually bad memories of my phone on the GNW and its poor reception, but hopefully as we get closer to Sydney, it will all be OK.

[TropicThunder]

Any help I can offer on course - let me know.

Also i'm off to otford v early on Sunday morn - by this point the girls might want a left into town  

[buzzlightyear]

AND they are off..........

last report - They are OK!

[Koala1]

Yes, from the GPS coords we just got, they've made Teralba.

[buzzlightyear]

For those who are following, heres the link of their run.

(Whao...TrailPuddin Flew to the start

Edited by buzzlightyear, 31 March 2011 - 09:44 AM.

[Spud]

Spot linky?

[buzzlightyear]

Spud, on 31 March 2011 - 09:44 AM, said:

Spot linky?

Here

[Spud]

Thanks Keith, I posted same time as your previous link. They are moving along quite nicely.

[buzzlightyear]

Sadly, wouldn't we all wish we are out there with them having a jolly good time?

Anyone joining "us" for any leg? If you are PM me and I will forward you my number to call. Koala1 and I will be with them from tomorrow morning until...erm...they finish really.

Edited by buzzlightyear, 31 March 2011 - 11:09 AM.

[Chelbub]

Hi all,

Well...the girls are certainly off and running.  I joined them at Queens Wharf - yes, they started at the 'Official Start' so no probs there but, we also ensured there were photos at the Obelisk.

I have to say it was an honour to be amongst such company and I was like the big kid amongst her heros!   Kirrily's parents waved us off and whilst we headed up Shepherd's Hill, I suspect they were sensible and went back to bed!  

We reached the Obelisk to find, much to our surprise, a camper in a little tent...not sure if that is regular, but we woke him (unintentionally)as we took photos etc....and then headed on our way.  Thanks Otis for the heads up on the tide issues, it was certainly starting to come in when we got to Merewether and around to Burwood beach, any later and we would have been swimming across.  After a bit of searching in the dark we found the next stage of the GNW (after a minor diversion by the local (me) who thought she knew the way!) and from that point on I handed over navigation duties to Kirrly!  I am still amazed that such a beautiful track and area is right in the middle of Newcastle..... It was starting to lighten up a bit which we welcomed as we made our way through Glenrock and onto the Charlestown area (my home turf) crossed the Pacific Hwy, and it wasn't long before we were back in the bush.  I was little concerned how we were going to cross the Charlestown by-pass which is four or five lanes of 'freeway' type conditions and fenced but, the ever sensible Kirrily, suggested the track might go under and indeed it did.  It was at this point that 'spot' started to play up a bit and didn't really work correctly until Teralba when Kirrily's other half, Martin, fixed it.  Anyhow before we knew it we were at Warners Bay and heading around to Terabla in no time at all.  I had become chief spider web catcher and GNW signpost/pole tagger, and decided that since I was only running a tenth of the distance I needed to do a bit extra.  I bravely took on many spider webs which were often covered in miniscule bugs..urrghh....and had a new running accessory for a while...'black bugs and spider web coveralls' but, it was for the team, so I hardened up and took them on!  We encountered a small amount of light, rain and wind but this eased off and we arrived at Teralba in one piece and slightly ahead of schedule, where the girls took on fuel and water and headed off on the next leg of their journey whilst I waved them on.....not before handing over GNW Postpole tagging to Clare "Dutchie", the aim, apart from finishing, was to tag/touch every sign along the way...(okay,  so that was my aim!)

I thoroughly enjoyed the run and thrilled to experience a small amount of 'ultra' running that only ignites the desire for more...

I was lovely to meet "Ever Ready Bunny", Alison, and "Dutchie", Clare.

I thank Kirrily, and the girls, for allowing me the opportunity to run with them in this setting.   They are a force to be reckoned with and I know they will continue their journey and there will be many stories to come of it...I look forward to hearing more of their journey and  lookout sydney cause here they come!


Rach..

PS:  Kirrily a great way to celebrate your 40th...

Edited by Chelbub, 31 March 2011 - 12:18 PM.

[cazzy1]

Chelbub, on 31 March 2011 - 12:15 PM, said:

PS:  Kirrily a great way to celebrate your 40th...

Thanks for the update Chelbub !! Would have been great to be at the start of the epic journey !

[buzzlightyear]

UPDATE

3.58pm -" We r tracking ok. First Rain Forest bit pretty Wet but coming up to GNW checkpoint one "

[buzzlightyear]

UPDATE
5.20

Bang on target and looking fresh Trailpudding, ERB and Dutchie arrive for some much earned sustenance and a thorough de-leaching.  And the winner was............

Kirrily with 33 leaches on just one shoe (Martin did the other and lost count).  Clare was a distant second at 22 the pair and Allison miraculously seemed to have none at all!.  All good no first aid issues but feet and shirts wet so a couple of changes to try and keep things dry.   Had plenty to eat at the CP with a couple of cups of 2 min noodles down the hatch.   Next stop Congewai Rd about 2030 for some dinner, then the dreaded climb up to the Communication tower.  At least it will be dark and nice and cool and opposed to the normal mid arvo sun of race day.  

Weather today is overcast with the odd light shower and 18C

Edited by buzzlightyear, 31 March 2011 - 04:26 PM.

[Chelbub]

buzzlightyear, on 31 March 2011 - 04:20 PM, said:

UPDATE
5.20

Bang on target and looking fresh Trailpudding, ERB and Dutchie arrive for some much earned sustenance and a thorough de-leaching.  And the winner was............

Kirrily with 33 leaches on just one shoe (Martin did the other and lost count).  Clare was a distant second at 22 the pair and Allison miraculously seemed to have none at all!.  All good no first aid issues but feet and shirts wet so a couple of changes to try and keep things dry.   Had plenty to eat at the CP with a couple of cups of 2 min noodles down the hatch.   Next stop Congewai Rd about 2030 for some dinner, then the dreaded climb up to the Communication tower.  At least it will be dark and nice and cool and opposed to the normal mid arvo sun of race day.  

Weather today is overcast with the odd light shower and 18C

okay so bugs and spider webs are nothing....

33 leeches..that is incredible!

[Dirty]

KickAss - Go Puddin'. And remember, if it's still flying it's not food - Great North bug vomit rematch!

Nice trekkin pink skirt brigade, should be great reports to read when your brains plug back in. Good luck & stayHTFUed.

[otisr]

Chelbub, on 31 March 2011 - 07:51 PM, said:

okay so bugs and spider webs are nothing....

33 leeches..that is incredible!

Well done girls - good weather tonight , hope you travel well.

Went out this morning to cheer you on at Kahibah - but you came through before me - good time , must have felt good.

Great work Chelbub - that is a good 25km effort.

[Brick]

Chelbub, on 31 March 2011 - 07:51 PM, said:

33 leeches..that is incredible!

On one foot.

[Martin Dugdale]

Just spoke to K1
The girls are running about one hour behind schedule and all is well

[Bert]

Just realised that the BRW Corporate Triathlon is on in Sydney that day and will be staged around lower Macquarie Street and the Opera House. I am sure that they will be setting up from at least very early Sunday morning, so this might present difficulties for an Opera House finish. Perhaps the celebrations might have to be at the obelisk anyway.
Go well girls and crew.

[Beaver]

Report from Buzz and Helen

10:00am Friday - 29 hours in at Yarramalong and 120km down almost half way.  Perfect running conditions.