100 replies to this topic

[CoolwalkerDavid]

JoggerKev, on Jan 30 2008, 10:16 AM, said:

Woodenlegs - if you are there just after 6am and make it clear you are a 6ft runner or coolrunner then I believe so.
I would stand on the other side of the railway tracks ie not the great western highway side. A sign saying "megalong run" should work.

On a separate matter, I will be bringing some old 6ft clothing from 2006/2007 which we will sell for $5 per item. There is a mixture of caps, shirts, singlets in various sizes. Makes great training gear.

I have to get there - I have to get there - I have to get there !!!!

one item will pay for the petrol - now I just need a car that works

all the best  David

[Zed]

Woo hoo, for once my last minute changes to plans have worked in favour of a run.

So now I am going to have a hit out on Sunday.

Milo-Milov (it's like Bhoutros Boutros Ghali) I see you have lift.

Postman, FPT, anyone else on Randwick/Coogee side need a lift, let me know.

Thanks

Zed

[Paul Every]

Count me as a starter too.  

[Woodenlegs]

Hey guys don't forget if your heading up to do Megalong, keep a eye out for the lady standing at the Blackheath railway crossing looking for lift to the start. I'm getting worried about hanging out on the corner all alone.

[FakePlasticTrees]

Zed, on Feb 1 2008, 01:36 PM, said:

Postman, FPT, anyone else on Randwick/Coogee side need a lift, let me know.

Thanks Zed, I've managed to secure a lift up with Trifecta for sunday.

[portrunr]

I'm looking forward to this run on Sunday, which will be my first look at the track.

Does anyone know how the conditions are compared to the saturation described in the Explorers to Cox thread a couple of weeks ago?

[CoolwalkerDavid]

OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH - why was I thinking it was Saturday -------hmmmmmmmmm - oh well


another day to rest I suppose

Edited by Coolwalker David N N, 01 February 2008 - 03:03 PM.

[EverReadyBunny]

My friend I was meant to run with has cancelled out on me and I need a long run so count me in for the Megalong Massacre as well I have been to a couple of these and I tell you the people at the end do look like a bit like survivors of a massacre. Sorry Zed !!

Look forward to seeing you all there.

[Zed]

EverReadyBunny, on Feb 1 2008, 04:34 PM, said:

I have been to a couple of these and I tell you the people at the end do look like a bit like survivors of a massacre. Sorry Zed !!

Funny, Bunny. I live true to the old Nike tag line: "Run Ugly".

[EverReadyBunny]

Don't worry I count myself as a lucky survivor too

Just out of the valley by the skin of my teeth.

[milov]

I suspect that dehydration will not be so much an issue as over hydration, and dare I say it... mud


Team bunnylov is out of action, and will be replaced by team mibunny!

milov
(where's otis?)

[sailaway]

After not doing much more than the odd 21km over the last 6 months thought I might give the legs a wake up call rather than just turn up in March and give them the shock treatment. So I'll be there hoping that we get the odd shower. I just love running in the rain through the bush.

[ThePostman]

Zed, on Feb 1 2008, 01:36 PM, said:

Postman, FPT, anyone else on Randwick/Coogee side need a lift, let me know.

Thanks

Zed

Thanks a lot for the offer, Zed, but decided to go for the lazy/luxurious option: Will take the train on Saturday afternoon and spend the night in Blackheath. After what will hopefully be a good night sleep, I will be waiting along the road from around six...

A lift on the way back would be great, though!

Thanks again and see you all on Sunday!

[Zed]

G'n probleem Postman. I'll keep an eye out for you on Sunday.

[FakePlasticTrees]

ThePostman, on Feb 1 2008, 06:41 PM, said:

A lift on the way back would be great, though!

I think all the people in the car up with me are much better runners than me. So rather than hold them up at the finish I may request a lift back with someone around my speed. Unless they don't mind waiting.

[billsy]

Yep....I'll be there. will be looking to push for a 25km or so run.

Hoping for some nice cool weather with a few light showers. Still have the leech marks from the Explorers to Cox's run the other week. From the looks of the weather over the past few days it shouldnt be as bad as that....enough to keep it damp and add some additional fun tho!

See yas out there!

Billsy.

PS.....im coming from Parra if anyone wants a lift to keep me company/give me directions!   (PM me if interested)

[SlowManiac]

Myself and a non CR friend will be there. Looking forward to it.

[haza]

FakePlasticTrees, on Feb 1 2008, 11:15 PM, said:

I think all the people in the car up with me are much better runners than me. So rather than hold them up at the finish I may request a lift back with someone around my speed. Unless they don't mind waiting.

Maybe I'll be the man again to bring ya home(I know it is relative but I think you're not that slow).But will you wait for me?Cya manyana.

Zed, on Feb 1 2008, 10:47 PM, said:

G'n probleem Postman. I'll keep an eye out for you on Sunday.

Glad to read that your back(thought you were not going to make it).Cya tomorrow.

[littleblackpug]

Hi from sunny Blackheath from Ingrid and LBP!!!!!!

We have been relaxing for the afternoon and are just about to head off for a jog to turn the legs over.

It's a nice 20 degrees with a slight breeze, hopefully will be the same tomorrow!

[scurry711]

I'll keep a lookout for anyone at the level crossing at Blackheath. I have room for one in the car.

[sailaway]

Not a good idea to plan for a 35km training run up the mountains the morning after attending a mate's 60th.    Oh well, the good intentions were there.

Hope all had a good run in the rain

I'll have to make up for it some day this week.

[CoolwalkerDavid]

In case you guys wondered why I had pulled over at the top of megalong valley road - the car demister refused to work (it finally cleared by Winmallee) and I chickened out pulling across the road with no visibility and rolled back to be stopped by the lovely lady's car behind - no damage at all - but added to the wrong turning in Katoomba and the second wrong turning for the beautiful drive to an adjacent valley - all in all I know why I tend to try to get lifts with people.

No problem with the track after arriving somewhat late - however stomach problems meant I was not properly fueled and then I left the other food in the car - whoever that wonderful lady that gave me a Naytura Muesli bar - I owe you big time

Much like this time last year I blew up completely on the homestretch uphill pinches- stopping probably ten times - including a lovely rest to wait for the muesli bar to kick in. Of course if I had not gone down to Alum Creek and done the 24k option I might have been better off but the whole point is to mimic 6 foot and I really needed some more uphill - but definitely not pluvio at this stage of non training,

Great to see so many CR around - just sorry I missed the natter at the start.

all the best  David

oh - and I can also guarantee the swing bridge takes 90kg OK!! As I have no head for heights but was really worried about crossing the Cox with no rope - you can tell how scared I am of water - (being a Pom)

[scurry711]

Thanks for organising Kev. 3 Fatass runs in 3 weekends, beauty.  

[Martin Dugdale]

A great day out and thanks to Kev for organising, Brick for good company en route, Rags, Milo and Jane for company on the trail. I was a bit slower than I wanted to be but so it goes. Oh and thanks for the snake, Scotsman

[BasilBrush]

How wet was the track and/or did it rain as much as it did in Sydney?!

BB.

[BlueBel]

Thankyou to Kevin for organising another Fatass.

Also thankyou for running back to Megalong with me from the cox's this made it much more pleasurable and faster.
Enjoyed chatting to Dutchie, Ever Ready Bunny,Milo, Lynda, Susan, Coolwalker David, and the many others i said hello to.
I was able to get a birds eye view of the runners because having started late i saw everybody coming back the other way.
In addition to running went the wrong way at cox's so all in all did about 40 km today.

Unfortunately because the 6ft track does my head in i still feel like i have a lot of work to do to achieve my goals on race day.

[bear]

Wow! Tough run on the way back!
How hard were those stairs! Anyway really really happy with this run. I planned to go easy at the start then pick the pace up & thats what I did. Was stuffed at the end but feel pretty good now.
Managed to get to the drinks in just under 2hrs. Those snakes were wonderful!
Didn't think I'd go as fast as I did though. Finished in 3:43

[haggis basher]

Hi All
My friend John Lynch and I ran to the bottom of Pluv, all was well
untill the 8km back to Megalong...! Very glad that John was there,
for he stayed by my side, and coaxed me home. My 'quods' had packed in,
so I shuffled and staggered back.
Met some lovely people today, especially lady from Terrigal (forget Cool Running name)
Wish you all a fantastic run. Good turnout Kev.
Going to Tassie for holiday Tues 5th Feb.
Ps John is doing run.

See Ya All

Brian

Edited by haggis basher, 07 February 2008 - 09:39 AM.

[littleblackpug]

BasilBrush, on Feb 3 2008, 06:14 PM, said:

How wet was the track and/or did it rain as much as it did in Sydney?!

BB.

The river and creeks were wet, the track was nice and dry, and the weather was great, although very muggy. No rain for us!

All I can say is that I hope I'm a little fresher and faster in 5 weeks time  

Thanks again to Kev for the organization and water at the "new" turn-around point.

[MissZ]

This was my first time on the 6ft track and I think I am in love.

I loved running along the single track in a conga line, its so fun and reminds me of mountainbiking.
It was great crossing Cox's river (waist deep) and I worked out my crossing strategy for race day - shoes and socks off for the river to avoid sand, but I won't bother for the creeks as they are all rocky bottomed.  
I worked on my "power shuffle" (pat. pending) up the hills and I seemed to make good time. It was great to check out those hills and find they were not quite as steep as I had feared, but they were certainly loooooong.

I finished 37k in 4.40 and this was a great confidence booster for my first 6ft. While I was certainly shagged at the end, the thought of another 8k was not impossible.
Big thanks to Kevin for organising a great day out.

[Brick]

Had  a great day on 6' Track, thanks kev for organising it.
Thanks to Martin Dugdale for the lift nic chat up and back sure makes the time go quickly.

Started by myself and ran quiet quickly until I caught up a group with TallGeof at the front was behind Geof fr a while strated talking so ended up running the rest with him.
Thanks Geof for a very enjoyable run and chat on the flats and down hills.

Brick

[crazybrazilian]

littleblackpug, on Feb 3 2008, 06:39 PM, said:

The river and creeks were wet, the track was nice and dry, and the weather was great, although very muggy. No rain for us!

All I can say is that I hope I'm a little fresher and faster in 5 weeks time  

Thanks again to Kev for the organization and water at the "new" turn-around point.

Thanks Bethany for organising the weekend. I had a good time. Plus I think i did quite well on the track too. Im so excited for the race now...

[Zed]

I echo the thanks to Kevin for the organisation.

Apologies for not making the effort to go all the way to the water after Pluvi.

But I know that on my training and chicken legs I have to be conservative. As it turned out I was pretty knackered at the end, it's a long walk back from Cox's.

My downhill shuffle didn't do much to stop my quads getting a good thrashing and my beloved left ankle also swelled up in protest.

But it was - as always - a great day out and a timely reminder to keep the respect for the track.

Can whoever took that photo of me disappearing into a hole up to my neck on the Cox's return please let me know where you are posting them.

Thanks to Milo for keeping me awake on the drive home. Has anyone noticed that when Milo talks about his runs, he always starts by saying: "It was only...", as in: "It was only 60kms..." or "It was only 80kms...". At what point, I wonder, is it it no longer "only". Probably over 100kms at least?

[Toffy]

Just wanted to say a "Mega" thanks to Kevin for organising this excellent run!

My running buddy, Janelle and I left home with time to spare but didn't count on missing the left hand turn down into the lower reaches of Megalong Valley Road and after our "scenic diversion" [we had a couple of others in tow, too!] started half an hour late, but that worked out quite well as it gave us a chance to run down to Cox's with Kev and, among other things, thank him for all the hard work he puts in on behalf of runners.

Mucked around exploring 'rock hopping possibilities' at Cox's only to end up taking the 'wet ass' option, but our intention for the day was to use it as an opportunity to experiment with/sort out some strategies for race day, hence a few more stops along the way than usual.

What a pleasure to run in so much cooler conditions than last year, even if it was quite steamy on the return leg up from Cox's! Purposely taking it easy, we finished in better condition than we'd anticipated which was a great confidence boost for SFT, given our limited training - me due to a lingering calf injury since Xmas and Janelle due to an absurd workload over the last couple of months.

Many thanks to everyone for all the greetings and smiles as you sailed down Pluviometer on your way home while we were still slogging up it [serves us right getting there late!] and we hope you all had as much fun as we did.

See you race day!

Cheers
Chris and Janelle.

[Ellie80]

I took a few photos on the day of coolrunners and some striders - I have no idea how to use CR galleries so you can see them here

My favourite is the sprint finish that Inekuips and friend put on at the end!!!

[Jogger]

So we had approx 135 turn up for the run. There was no real rain during the run, just odd spot of drizzle after 5hrs+. It rained with gusto after we had all finished. I was last one back approx 2pm. I saw an echidna on the track and when he heard me he rolled into a ball until I'd gone. The drink stop couldn't have been more than 1km past pluvio (I'd said 1.8km) - there was a tree down that prevented me driving to pluvio. We had 120 litres of drink and 4 bags of lollies. All the lollies were gone when I got there and all the gatorade - although there was plenty of water left. I was surprised that so many people went short and didn't even go to pluvio. slackers.

A great day for running and I enjoyed all the chats with people.

Black Range in the afternoon was awash with loads of big puddles, may have gone by next weekend so my tip would be to drive to the Caves Rd crossing and run Caves Rd-Pluvio-return it will be a GREAT run.

[Vurt]

JoggerKev, on Feb 4 2008, 11:24 AM, said:

Black Range in the afternoon was awash with loads of big puddles, may have gone by next weekend so my tip would be to drive to the Caves Rd crossing and run Caves Rd-Pluvio-return it will be a GREAT run.

That sounds like a plan..... anyone else interested in Deviation to Pluvi ?

[Woodenlegs]

Thanks again Kevin for organising yet another great Fat Ass run.
This was my first adventure out as a 'coolrunner' and met some inspiring people. I picked Hagas Basher quickly when I heard the accent. Thanks Koala1 for the company and insite into the SFT and HAZA for holding my hand on the return trip across the Coxes. I fell in on the first crossing.

Admittedly I only walked the Pluvi but I did not find it as daunting as expected. But I found the return trip through Megalong a nightmare that seemed to take for ever. Must be due to lack of fitness I expect, a bit more training is required.
Hope to  see you all at SFT.

[CoolwalkerDavid]

It goes without saying that we all give immense thanks to Kev for a another wonderful experience  - but as it goes without saying I see I forgot to say it in my somewhat hurried post yesterday.

So in case I forget again

Thank you Kev - Thank you Kev - Thank you Kev - Thank you Kev

[BlueBel]

Thanks Ellie for the photo's.
Good to see the crowd at the begining.
Of course love the photo of Horrie and Tim.

[FakePlasticTrees]

Pretty good day for a run. Thanks to Trifecta and Dave for the lift up. Ran with Dave most of the way up to the top of pluvi and back down. Felt strong for the whole run and am pretty happy with it. Ended up with a time of 5:03 for the full thing out to the drinks stop and back.

Did anyone with a garmin do the same distance and time as me? I'd like an export from sportstrack that I can load into mine. My garmin is broke and won't be fixed for a while but I'd still like the export for my records.

[MissZ]

Ellie80, on Feb 4 2008, 10:47 AM, said:

I took a few photos on the day of coolrunners

Thanks Ellie. When I click on the link it goes straight to a picture of me - what service!

[Trifecta]

FakePlasticTrees..how good were those hamburgers ...could do that run
everyweek to eat those..ha ha

Still getting over that knobhead stealing the paintings from the Vinnies Bin..desperates!!

[TallGeoff]

Brick, on Feb 4 2008, 07:36 AM, said:

Had  a great day on 6' Track, thanks kev for organising it.
Thanks to Martin Dugdale for the lift nic chat up and back sure makes the time go quickly.

Started by myself and ran quiet quickly until I caught up a group with TallGeof at the front was behind Geof fr a while strated talking so ended up running the rest with him.
Thanks Geof for a very enjoyable run and chat on the flats and down hills.

Brick

Kevin,  Many thanks for all your hard work as ever.

Brick-Thanks for the company all the way.  Great pacing until Coxs to Megalong when I thought you were trying to give me a heart attack.  Dangerous running with you since you give me inspiration and encouragement for greater things.

Zoe and Keith-looking good for the big race.

Great day out in the bush.  Good to share it with so many.

TallGeoff

[buzzlightyear]

TallGeoff, on Feb 4 2008, 02:54 PM, said:

Kevin,  Many thanks for all your hard work as ever.

Brick-Thanks for the company all the way.  Great pacing until Coxs to Megalong when I thought you were trying to give me a heart attack.  Dangerous running with you since you give me inspiration and encouragement for greater things.

Zoe and Keith-looking good for the big race.

Great day out in the bush.  Good to share it with so many.

TallGeoff

Thanks Geoff - Looking good but perhaps without too much common sense yesterday

Embrassing to even mention but I ran the route and was on course, until the Cox river. Was paying too much attention looking down on the ground and went left, instead of keeping right down to Cox. Ended up running up some long hills and passing pass farm houses (and lots of Cow poos). Embrassingly, and stubbornly, i only recognised i was at the wrong place after 18km on route

Will try and be on time, at least there would be faster runners like you to keep me honest (and on track)

Opportunity lies ahead again this Sat - it is looking to be another cracky 40km, the NRG style!

Keith 'buzz' light year

p/s: Can some one PM or email the weather man to switch on Yesterday's weather for 8th march??

[EverReadyBunny]

This was without doubt the best Mega Long massacre I have attended.  The cooler weather made a huge difference. Previously I never quite made it up to Pluvy but this time I even made it the 1 km beyond to study the drinks. I didn't need any water but the empty lolly packets were examined thoroughly as was the blue jelly bean in the mud. It was a close call as there was enough water left to wash it off but I finally decided to leave that for a more desperate person and headed back.

Thanks to Slow maniac and his friend for the company from the river up to the top. I am sure you two will blitz it on the day.

Although I missed the start and left a little late it was like a spring fete out on course, meeting walkers and runners at various points on the way out and back. I really enjoyed seeing the faster runners heading back as well as my ultra buddies, fellows CR's and striders on course. Everyone seemed to be coping really well with the course although the hills managed to surprise some with their continuity.

Thanks so much Kevin for organising this run. It is great training in the lead up to Six foot.

Did anyone see a R4YL hat somewhere between Cox's river and the gate heading back to Megalong ? I had it when I went through the river but when I went to put it back on at the gate it was missing and as wimpish as it sounds I elected not to run back and look for it.

[Jogger]

Alison - I was tail end charlie and didn't see any hats, sorry.

[Koala1]

Thanks for organising this run again Kevin and even though I didn't use it, thanks for organising for the water/ gatorade drop at Pluvi.  Hope it wasn't too difficult getting back there through all those puddles to pick it up after the run.

Well, I enjoyed myself out on the track - always do every time I'm out there, but must admit, yesterday wasn't a good run for me.  I was feeling quite off form and my lack of energy was clearly showing through.  I decided that I should turn around at Alum River, but the stubborn streak in me took over and I persuaded myself to keep going.  I got most of the way up Pluvi, but then got worried that I wouldn't have enough energy to do the return trip out from the river, so turned around about 1k from the top.  

The way back was actually surprising, I ran more of the last stretch out from the river than on previous runs - perhaps I should've done those missed km's afterall! But it was probably better to play it safe.

Great to catch up with many CR's out there and to meet some new faces.  Hope to catch up with you all again soon and hope the rest of your training goes well!

[billsy]

Great to see so many people out there yesterday. My first megalong mega and it wont be my last. Still building a base i made out the Alum creek and for about 27km return in 4.31.xx although i walked most of the last bit back to megalong! next year will be different.

Cheers to Kev for organising and putting in the effort to get water out to the turn around point (not that i made it even close to that!). Great effort!

Thanks to Ellie for capturing my pain at the end (see 2nd last pic....hands on hips....says it all i think).

Cheers,
Billsy.

[milov]

Thanks Kevin for once again organising this great event!

Was running a little late, but I eventually met up with ERB at the Explorer's tree (the Pioneer's tree was closed for the season), and team bunnylov set off at a slow and steady pace down to the glen (it seemed fast but we realized how slow we were when a Sydney Strider came hurtling past us). But we did pick up our pace as soon as we found that there were leaches on the track   

Got to the valley long after the party had started and began a rather difficult day on the 6ft track. Not much speed in my legs at the moment and the ankles are still recovering from B2H. But enjoyed myself, and it was great to see so many faces out there even if most of them were flashing past me down the hills as I was plodding my way up.

Plenty of wet foot river crossings, but my dirty girl gaiters really did the trick in keeping the muck out of my shoes. It was interesting to see the attempts at filling in the deep ruts in the firetrails leading up to the saddle. I had noticed that they had filled them in with concrete when we ran 12ft in August. Much but not all of that work has come undone.

I really enjoyed socializing at the finish, wish I could have longer and chated more. Many thanks to trifecta for the lift up. Enjoy hearing about your race the planet experiences. Hope to catch up with you for some more runs.  And thanks also to Zed for the lift back. Moh, that can of coke was so so so appreciated!  

see ya'll next time

milov