196 replies to this topic

[lisa1979]

What a great day- thanks to all who turned up and made it a lovely social occasion.

I went off with ERB and Cliffold and decided not to kick on with them but to maintain a sustainable pace down to the ferry. Bugger it- I missed the ferry by a minute so had to wait! Fuelled up on a chocolate chip bun and some rice crackers on the ferry. Pushed on hard up the hill of doom, then enjoyed the ride down to the castle. Funny looking castle! Anyway, the climb back up was all about keeping up with a woman in front of me, who by all accounts was an accomplished trail runner. I passed her on the way back down the bitumen road to Berowra Waters, where I pushed on very hard and passed a lot of people. Unfortunately, and quite predictably, this extra effort was also in vain as once again I missed the ferry by a couple of minutes. Never mind! I would just have to thrash out the last section to maintain my position.

The last section was a complete bugger, but I knew this path well from trailwalker and loads of training runs. I managed to push up hard and get to the top of the trail ahead of the majority of my co-passengers of the ferry. My breathing became very laboured but I kept it to a rasping, gasping kind of breathing, just controlled enough to avoid going into a distressed state! When we hit the road I realised that I could do a decent enough time and decided to push hard. I passed a few people here, including the woman that I had been targeting since before the Castle. I was very pleased with that but also worried that I had pushed to soon. Fortunately, I managed to flog the pace out until we finally hit the park a couple of k's along the road.

2010 is my year to see what I am made of. This was a good start! 4:08 with crap ferries. Next week is the Narrabeen all-nighter. That will be a sterner test!

I very much enjoyed talking to everyone after the run. All the best to everyone in 2010.

[kb]

We didn't take the bottle but just placed it with the eskies where it would have been better left in the first place instead of thrown into the bush.

I'm not sure what her intentions were but it certainly didn't look like she intended to come back and get it - nor did it seem as though she was placing it for someone else.

I love these runs and and just can't bear to see rubbish left lying around in the bush.

Sorry if I have spoken out of line.

kb

[EverReadyBunny]

Huge turn out and a really enjoyable run.

I ran in a very pleasant congo line to the ferry and was one of the last ones to get aboard a packed ferry. Heading up the hill I soon fell to the back. On the return trip despite getting into my fastest cruising state I managed to miss the ferry by a smidge. That was a little frustrating. The hill climb after reminded me that my legs were still tired and I didn't romp in the the last road section but was happy enough. The company was great and everyone seemed to be in good spirits.

Lisa I must amend my time. I had no idea what time I did so I was trying to guess and I think I put down 4.11 but I was in ahead of you. Funny enough Marie looked up my time from last year but what I forget is that it was probably a guestimate as well. Time Smime. Impossible to compare with 2 ferry rides anyway

I should add the sorest thing at the moment is my arms from carrying an esky 1km in. Huge thanks to Brewer and Buzz for also carrying drinks in at Turner Rd and to Horrie, Bandanna for organising drinks for the other side and Plu what a fantastic aid station !!

Edited by EverReadyBunny, 01 January 2010 - 08:50 PM.

[Colin]

Great morning...little sleep, but well worth it. Trying to figure why I haven't done this before is not hard...party animals- and last night was hard.

We had guestimates of 4:15 to 4:30 and finished with 4:29 with 10min + 5min ferry waits....considering the cramping my running partner went through on way back from ferry, it was a pretty acceptable time...but more work to be done for her before the big one.
I was loaded like a sherpa though...the Scotsman thought I was on a hike..btw where did him and KiwiJohn go?

I found out that the RD won't be 'homeless' at Caves House so looking forward to the after party too.

Brewer lived up to his name...great drops again. I will have to pull finger next time on the brews.

Qualifier/debutantes mostly did well...one went down to the wire, but I am least worried about him...'old skool' ...he knows what to do and how to do it.

Beer betters were lots of huff and puff...I reckon there would be another real suprise on the day...there always is at 6FT isn't it?

Great running from the front runners too.

Thanks to Horrie for taking over RD today in the big man's absence, and turnpoint duties plus drinks. Special thanks to Plu for all those drinks at 13km...these guys (think Bandanna too) deserve a bit of compensation.

btw...after those Brewer beers and champagne with running partner in afternoon ...I stupidly fronted up for 5km at Twilight. Won't say more here about that.

cheers

[SydneyOlivia]

Just wanted to say thank you everyone that organised the event and took part!

I was really nervous heading out yesterday as it was my first group run but thanks to a few friendly people I was soon put at ease. Having walked the track a few weeks ago I knew what I was in for, especially the hill of death after the ferry on the way back. I finished in 4:32 which I am quite happy with as I have only been running for a few months.

Unfortunately I couldn't hang around at the end as I had to be back on the train to the city for my Lunch date at 12:45. I must say the run/walk to the train was the hardest part of the day for me, lol.

I am looking forward to seeing some familiar faces in future events this year.

Thanks again,
Olivia

[Coogee1979M]

I knew this run was popular, but I was still surprised to see over 100 people at the start line yesterday morning.  On the other hand, I wonder what the local residents / garbo truck drivers thought when they saw people running around their local quiet streets just after 7am.

Although I forgot to bring bananas with me, I had a great morning.  I particularly enjoyed running with (at various stages) TFive, Bandana, LBP, Gento, lisa1979, Rags, NTR, and I hope I haven't forgotten anyone.

I reached the castle at about 9.13am, give or take a few seconds.  Thanks to Horrie for transporting a secret drink formula of mine to the halfway point - very much appreciated.

Going back up the uphill the cramp monster set in, and I was pretty much done for the day.  Another runner going in the opposite direction (who I did not see) deliberately pushed me going back up from the castle, but on the bright side I didn't fall over and that shouldn't detract from the other 99% of runners.

Thanks to Rags / NTR / LBP who reminded me to eat on the way back up from the castle.  As Running Angel correctly predicted before the race, I had plenty of Carman's museli bars (2 As and Zero Es).  I also had a nice piece of cold toast at the corner Berowra Waters Road and Currawong Road.  Thanks to my whiz bang printer that I stalled on 31 December I actually had some maps, so I took the Berowra Waters Road route after the ferry.  And thanks to the Interwebs, I knew that the Coles on Turner Road was closed, but the good news is that the IGA was open.  It was there that I solved the lack of bananas problem.

Alas I was reminded of the importance of protecting your skin in five ways this summer, with some nice sunburn forming yesterday afternoon.  Note to self - don't fall into a false sense of security as a result of cloud cover and rain.

And just in case Ratdog reads this, thanks to my Mum and Dad, they've been like parents to me.

Edited by Coogee1979M, 02 January 2010 - 10:24 AM.

[ratdog]

Coogee1979M, on Jan 2 2010, 11:19 AM, said:

And just in case Ratdog reads this, thanks to my Mum and Dad, they've been like parents to me.

[lisa1979]

Never mind Coogee - you unwittingly pushed me hard for the last 18km of the run. I always thought you'd be right there ready to pounce. Thanks for the help and don't forget the bananas next time!

[superflake]

Fantastic turnout yesterday. I reckon about 120-130 would be more accurate. As the start time loomed Mister G and Dave and I wondered where Kev T was?
Someone decided we should go so off we went. I went near to the front as I kind of remembered we had stairs on the road section plus I knew the bush was single track in parts.

Let at least 15 pass me going to the ferry which was no problem as I was going short anyway. Reached the ferry in 53:04 and then rode over and back just for fun.
Came back via the bush. Thanks to Brewer for his drinks near Turner Rd.    They were fantastically cold. Sweated buckets as it was so humid yesterday.

With the ferry ride I managed a 2:03. Had to rush off after the race. Hope everyone had a great run and those running for Six Foot Qualifiers made the grade.

[Gento]

5hr 48mins and the last to finish
It was a run that caught me by suprise. The first part was quite simple but it was also too warm/humid to run in a long sleeve. Looking at the weather bureau the temperatures looked cool enough to run in a long sleeve. ended up overheating and having to walk after 25mins.
The 2nd suprise factor was that hill after the ferry! I forgot to convert miles into kms on mapmyrun and google point to point distance claculator so i thought it was only 2kms long. So pretty much burned out everything there and was halted to a walking pace for pretty much the rest of the day

Many thanks to the guys who supplied drinks and directions!

Next up, Hobart

[HouseDad]

I'm loving reading all the reports, of what sounds likes a fantastic day. I came ever so close to breaking my enforced break after Mick's words and several emails from the likes of Coogee1979M and Pink Skirt, but held firm. Funny though, as my morning unfolded, I'd look at my watch and think 'Ok, they'll be at the ferry now.' My Wife kept asking all morning why I kept doing this, didn't let on about my addiction/struggle   But yeah, well done everyone - See you nice and refreshed at the next FatAss,

House Dad.

ps. More reports please

[Coogee1979M]

Thanks Lisa, but I think you might be too generous with your thoughts regarding my ability to run distances longer than 21.1 Km, especially if it's not flat.

Then again, it could have been the fault of the banana shortage.

lisa1979, on Jan 2 2010, 02:02 PM, said:

Never mind Coogee - you unwittingly pushed me hard for the last 18km of the run. I always thought you'd be right there ready to pounce. Thanks for the help and don't forget the bananas next time!

[rodthehornet]

Not sure if this is already on the thread, but add it for future reference.  Elevation chart and google map from yesterday.

Attached Files

•  Black_stump_elevation_chart.jpg   80.64K   49 downloads
•  black_stump_map.jpg   103.05K   36 downloads

[seris]

Had a great time as usual. 3 hours sleep and then a slow 4.30 BTBS. Good to see so many at the start, especially 2 of my C2K crew, Lisa1979 and Sailaway. Always good to meet some new faces on a run, especially Matthew, Markmik and PinkSkirt.
Thanks to the water drop guys and Plu for the coke. Always fun to hang around at the end for a chat. A great way to start a new year.

[plu]

Quote

Special thanks to Plu for all those drinks at 13km...these guys (think Bandanna too) deserve a bit of compensation.

My pleasure  .....and not at all to compensation.  

I was just giving  something back to running and much less than it has given me.  


cheers  plu

[damyanos]

Another great time at BTBS.A tough,interesting course without the hype of certain other runs.
Like many I didn't get much sleep,sleeping in a tent wedged between two different parties.
My fourth go and have finally worked out how to run it properly.I really enjoyed running with you
Mr.D,we must have traded places atleast ten times.Well done to the winner,Prince.I've never
seen anyone clamber up rocks and boulders like you did.Congrats.
Thanks very much,Plu for the drinks.
Did anyone else parked in the lower carpark notice the four vans full of sleeping backpackers?They
were still sleeping when I left at 11 am.
Oh yeah,did petrol go up 16 cents/litre between Wednesday and and news years day or what?

[ScamBullant]

Part One: The Run

She Who Must Be Obeyed had a great run in what is definately still the infant stages of her budding running career. It has been reported to me by someone who is not putting themselves forward for the 6ft beer bet that she thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere supplied throughout this run. Particularly the freindly banter  and the "no you go infront, no you go infront no you go infront" politeness experienced on the single track descent to the river.

Took the short option one week out from Hotham from Bogong ( obviously referring to SWMBO in her role as support crew) and very grateful for the directions supplied by Mr G at the ferry, I mean SWMBO and her running friend were, meaning angry exchanges were not exchanged (exchange * exchange = inexchange I believe following the whole negative * negative thing) as some nonlocals might have attempted to push back up the track just run down on this 'out n back' run.

Having negotiate the actual climb out. Including dodging puddles of blood found CSI like by Princess Donga. Risked personal injury (the non beer bet runner that is) in acting as the good conscience one wispering 'you could just run this little bit' along the final roads. Particularly giving the 2nd row union playing background of SWMBO. 2hrs 23mins all up

Part Two: Micks Mishap
Having realised that Prince Donga infact had the keys to The Welsh Exchange Students car. Was most relieved to see the Prince running up to the finish as the rain began falling. The sense of relief was however soon overwhelmed by feelings of amusment bought on by the statement "did you get your car keys? I left them on the white post at the ferry and told the ferry man that a guy running in a white visor will pick them up". Good thing there were only a couple of runners and not too many of them sporting white visors I say.

The desire to laugh out loud at the shear genious of the concept was only restrained thanks to experience in self control gained over years of answering sex ed questions form year 9 boys. A quick lift to the ferry and a scrounge around found no trace of said keys. An inquisition of the ferry man provided some aid. In that he recalled the receipt of the vital message and feeling concerned for the safety of the keys had handed them to a runner. Which runner was not known and in fact upon questioning to try and work out if the runner was heading towards the castle or the finish at point of offload. A certain definative shrug of the shoulders suggested the happy ferry man had no recollection of it had been today or last month.

Minuscule levels of self belief lead us back to the finish at which point it was decided that Prince Donga should stand in the rain asking runners if they had the missing keys whilst the rest of us sat in SWMBO car laughing, pointing and taking photos of him. A short discussion on his levels of success lead to the suggestion his opening line possibly should not be 'Do you have car keys' to every runner and possibly the question should contain some resemblence of specificity to the situation.

In the end a well placed sign and bright red jacket saved the day. A massive thank you to the runner who carried the burden of the keys Frodo style back to the finish and an equally big thank you to all the runners who didn't openly insinuate insanity upon being asked if you have car key's by a random (all be it very fast) runner in the rain at the end of 3hrs running.

[flyingemu]

Flippin great course, loved the technical stuff. I say, cut out the road sections and put in more of the tuff stuff!
I'll be back for more, for sure.

[brewer]

ScamBullant, on Jan 2 2010, 10:03 PM, said:

... Prince Donga should stand in the rain asking runners if they had the missing keys ...

It was a day for car key mishaps, another chap had his go missing from where he'd hidden them.

[nite_time_runner]

That was my first BTBS run, and it really was a tough day in the office for me!!!  Deciding to go in only the day before really, I felt fine for the first few kms. Then started with stomach cramps and overheating a bit. I was walking and considering the PP option, when the legends Rags and SfGnome (who refuses to elbow the injured and trample on the dead to get a better time) graciously walked a bit with me, got me running a bit, and took my mind off things. And before in knew it, i was on the ferry.

A run walk strategy up all big/steep inclines worked well.  I was cramping ( or it kinda felt like that ) the whole way down the hill back to ferry, and Sfg kept me company as Rags flew down, overtaking cars and cyclists alike i think.  

The ferry had closed its gates, but waited for a group of us to sprint to it before it pulled away.( Not sure if that was a kind gesture or not by the ferry master!! I think it was - he was bewildered by all the runners, but i think we made his day more interesting! )

The slog up from the ferry was just that, a slog. Passed and got passed by Colin and his mysterious running partner a few times, sharing pain, maps and salt tablets. The fact that i walked almost the entire road back to the start sums up my day out from a suffering point of view.

But this pales into a sideline topic, compared to the tale of 4 hours running with mates in great scenery, seeing great efforts by runners suffering, runners blitzing it, runners helping by being one man aid stations, receiving so much food at the end from TA, and so forth.

I am feeling a bit sore today still (legs obviously, but shoulders too, just like i had after 6ft... ) - maybe a walk with Basil the Beagle in the rain will do the trick....

Happy New Year all - i am glad i got to spend it in your collective company.

Edited by nite_time_runner, 03 January 2010 - 10:18 AM.

[Mick]

ScamBullant, on Jan 2 2010, 10:03 PM, said:

Part One: The Run
<snip>

Part Two: Micks Mishap
<snip

Very entertaining, enjoyed the key story.

[Sportsman]

superflake, on Jan 2 2010, 03:13 PM, said:

Fantastic turnout yesterday. I reckon about 120-130 would be more accurate.

Had to rush off after the race.

I thought you must have snuck a look at the results sheet until I read all your thread.

125 times recorded, but plenty didn't put down their time.

I'll put them on a spreadsheet.......eventually.

[otisr]

ScamBullant, on Jan 2 2010, 10:03 PM, said:

A massive thank you to the runner who carried the burden of the keys Frodo style back to the finish.

Dear Mr. Scam,

A little story about your keys....

I have no idea what you just wrote in your post - can't understand a word of it! But as i did manage to carry the keys, Frodo style, all the way from the ferry to the castle and return, in my handheld pouch, i wish to request a 10 minute time waiver so that my 3:50 looks a little better.  But as i managed a 25 minute pb from last year, i suppose i should not complain.

Great run, good time by Mr.D and good day all round.  I travelled down from Newcastle, dropped in to the Berowra truck rest stop for a quick visit to the loo, and made it to start with a few minutes spare.  Put on camelback, attempted to grab handhed and realised i left it back at the truck stop.  A quick trip back, grab the handheld where i left it next to the "throne" and headed back.  Just made the gun start - or the Fatass equivalent - GO.  The Lords were watching your keys, as they ended up in the said handheld, and all was happy in the end.  Do not worry - the handheld was duly sanitised before the keys went in.

I took great joy in watching a few runners come in, and even ventured out a little onto Berowa Waters Road to cheer some more runners.  Great event this.  Wouldn't it be interesting if this was a "race".

Otisr

[DianeE]

Did everyone who was using this event as a Six Foot qualifier get through ok?  Whilst I am on the waiting list, I still wish everyone who wants to run 6FT every opp to qualify.

[Horrie]

DianeE, on Jan 3 2010, 08:50 PM, said:

Did everyone who was using this event as a Six Foot qualifier get through ok?  Whilst I am on the waiting list, I still wish everyone who wants to run 6FT every opp to qualify.

I was the marshall at Calabash Castle to ensure all those who were using it as a 6 Foot qualifier made it to that point and there were 3 runners who did not make themselves known to me at this point. They still have the Megalong Mega on 7/2/10 to qualify but based on their performances on New Years Day, I would say it would be unlikely.

[NatReilly]

Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who organised the run and provided refreshments. This was the first time I participated in a Fat Ass event and I thoroughly enjoyed run and was mighty impressed with the friendly atmosphere and just generally how nice everyone was. And I couldn't believe there were still lots of people at the finish point when I got there (it took me 5 hours as I somehow went the wrong way and ended up doing the steep climb twice!!) so to be cheered on the for the last few metres was just sensational!

I also wanted to extend my gratitude to those runners who stopped to make sure I was ok and provided me with tissues so I could clean up my face after I tripped and did a massive face-plant in the dirt!

I look forward to coming along to another Fat Ass event sometime soon ... you guys ROCK!

Thanks again,

Nat

[Colin]

DianeE, on Jan 3 2010, 08:50 PM, said:

Did everyone who was using this event as a Six Foot qualifier get through ok?  Whilst I am on the waiting list, I still wish everyone who wants to run 6FT every opp to qualify.

...don't think you should be worried too much...you were pretty early in the waitlist IIRC.

cheers

[judo]

This was my first FAT ASS as well and gee i enjoyed it. It was great to see and catch up with a lot of familiar faces . I dont get to see a lot of you guys as i live on the Central Coast. I had a cruisy run, i really enjoy getting off the road and running new trails. Didnt run my hardest but gee i still pulled up stiff and sore! I also want to thank the organisers and everyone who provided the drinks and lollies out of their own pockets, what a kind gesture. I dont think coke has ever tasted so good as at the top of that last climb before hitting the road. Thanks again and i will definately be back for more FAT ASS.

JUDO

[thomo]

Second run at BTBS, did Party Pooper in 2007. 1st time for the Full Monty. Very new to trail running. Also a novice to rockclimbing.

Had a game plan and had to quickly revise it in the first 200 mtrs. I had worn a pair of shorts with lots & lots of pockets. In the pockets I carried car keys, map, GUs, GU Chomps, two waters bottles. Problem, never ran with this much in the pockets, pockets flapped all over the shop. Impossible to run with all this. Result, stop at car and unload water bottles, now reliant on a small hand held drink bottle & map with location of taps and a quick prayer to the water / drink angels.

So once I restarted it was back up to my kindred spirits, the BOP. Still getting a handle on trail running / rockhopping. I am okay going along flat, slightly up and down hill. Steep downhills I get left behind. Gravity is my friend, however I am concerned about not being able to stop when there isn't an option not to.

As I was getting closer to the ferry I had lucked into running / walking, etc with thirteen time Six foot Track finisher in Les Bryce. We missed the ferry by a minute at most. Used this time to refuel several times with the drink bottle and wash down a GU.

Once on the ferry sat down, silly rookie mistake, should know better, lucky didn't have problem getting back up. Once out of the ferry it was a long grind up the hill. It was broken up watching bicycles, motor bikes, cars and 4WD hurtling down the hill. Didn't know if the hill would ever end. Once we turned into side street, I saw a white car in the distance & said to Les that is Plu, one of the good guys. We were, as we found out later on our return there was only one person behind us. There was Plu in the rain waiting till the last person would come through with refreshments.

Went down to the Castle and met Horrie. Exchanged lots of encouragement to all the runners coming up the hill on our way down. Some were looking a little and some a lot worse for wear. I upset one runner inadvertently and have made my amends. Coming back from the Castle wasn't too bad in comparison to what was to come after the ferry. We did meet up with the lady who had done the face plant and the double cliff face climb. She assured us she was okay. Met Plu again and he made sure that I drank plenty.

The run back down to the ferry was harsh on the legs. George had joined Les and I by this stage and we followed the tangents when available and safe. Just before the bottom we had a stalker in Horrie and Timmiester in their Horrie/ Bluebel/ Timmiester Muscle Machine.

Didn't have to wait as long this time for the Ferry I think was on the other side this time. We again met Horrie and Timmiester on the Ferry, . I am sure they locked the doors so we didn't sneak in. Les made sure that I didn't sit down this time, reminding me prior to getting on. Had a GU Chomp (yum) and washed them down with water

Once off the ferry I made sure I topped up my drink bottle. Then the adventure turned into a fight for survival. Scaling the what seemed like a mountainside, I got an almighty bite from the cramp bear on my left calf that wouldn't let go. I was stuck on a ledge and could see no way out of here up or down. Told Les and George to get going. Les goes not leaving you out here, not a chance. So here are all three of us stopped, only a few kilometres from suburbia. So I decide to start trying to go uphill backwards (for a short time). It seemed to do the trick in unlocking the cramp bear. But it did follow me all the way up the ridges and occasionally got a hold.

Once we reached the tarmac. Les gave us goals of running and walking. Once on the main drag I was spent, done and dusted. Les lead the way, walking briskly and I just tried to fall in. Not knowing how far I had left, I was resolved in missing my goal. I rounded the corner and down the street there was a group of people spilled out on the street. I thought that was strange, a New Year's Eve Party still going on. Then it suddenly dawned on me, that was the BTBS finish line and those people were our BTBS welcoming committee, some who were also interested in the elapsed time. Looked at my watch and realised I had a chance to make my goal. I sprinted, going flat chat. Overshoot the finish line and rounded the corner trying to regain my composure. Finished exhausted and elated. I had met my goal.

Thank you to Les for your wisdom and selflessness. Plu for your refreshments and encouragement. Others who gave their time and goods & services without thought of any real remuneration. NTR for good company & driving my car Home, with me inside trying to relax those pesky cramps.

Edited by thomo, 04 January 2010 - 04:50 PM.

[otisr]

Thomo,

That is a great report and a pretty gutsy effort.  I am pleased to read that you made your goal, and managed to see the lighter side of pain and cramps.

One of my first long trail runs was the BTBS a few years ago, and you reminded me how i felt.  Keep it up, and lets see you out on the trail again.  These runs are a good chance to see what others are drinking, wearing, eating, pacing, etc, so i am pleased to see you emptied your pockets.  I too have some similar shorts, but now no longer carry anything in them as i too hate the rattle and shakes the pockets have when full of gels, etc.

Great effort. Warm feeling too that Les and George stayed with you - it can be draining when running alone and in cramps and pain.

[Gento]

thomo, on Jan 4 2010, 05:45 PM, said:

Thank you to Les for your wisdom and selflessness. Plu for your refreshments and encouragement. Others who gave their time and goods & services without thought of any real remuneration. NTR for good company & driving my car Home, with me inside trying to relax those pesky cramps.

G'day Thomo how are your legs now?
Les definitely got us to the finish, and what a good feeling it was to finish

[runhard]

Thomo is a legend!! Well done  

[thomo]

Gento, on Jan 4 2010, 08:46 PM, said:

G'day Thomo how are your legs now?
Les definitely got us to the finish, and what a good feeling it was to finish

Legs getting better, hope yours are recovering. Thank you for waiting whilst I had my cramp dramas.

Agreed, Les was our guardian angel.

Yep, the finish was an unreal feeling .

runhard, on Jan 4 2010, 08:52 PM, said:

Thomo is a legend!! Well done  

Thanks mate. You are right on track, road and trail to exceed your goals this year.

[Colin]

So far less than half of those who qualified at BTBS have bothered to update their entries to 6FT.

We are not going to trawl results lists to see who has qualified or not. That is the personal responsibility of the entrant.
If it is not updated by the due date then those people will lose their spots which will be automatically offerred to next on waitlist. You will have wasted your $20 plus processing fee plus your run at BTBS.

cheers

[Aunty K]

kb, on Jan 1 2010, 07:02 PM, said:

Today was my very first BTBS - I did the party poopers option with hubby Helmet and the lovely Aunty Karin.

Ahhhh - thanks kb!  It was a pleasure to run with you on the day.

I can't remember how may of these i've done in the past.  I gotta say this was the most enjoyable one so far.  I got to hang out with kb as we jogged, walked, climbed, talked (& we talked some!) and a bit of running as well.  We enjoyed the time together & before we knew it we'd made our way to a cheering finish.

I love these type of events.  It sure makes me want to get out in the bush more & more.

2010 could just be the year I get my butt off my bike & onto the trails     .

Cheers!

ps. Sailaway - thanks heaps for the water bottle - it did come in very handy!

[Aunty K]

thomo, on Jan 4 2010, 05:45 PM, said:

Finished exhausted and elated. I had met my goal.

thomo - just read your report & that is AWESOME!! good on you for hanging in there   .

Cheers!

[MrD]

Boy this is a tought run/bushwalk, but I loved every minute of it!

After a quick pit stop in the ladies, (yes I was the lady with the beard), we were off. I didn't have a clue where we were going so made sure I ran with others within sight heading to the ferry. Plumber Damo from Nowra and I have always  had ding dong battles in the past, lately things have been in my favour, but he gave it to me today! You must have been a mountain goat in your previous life the way you fly down those rocky descents. We managed to get to the ferry to see it cruising back towards us, we had a bit of time so we filled up the packs and waited.

By the time the ferry left there would have been 20 or so going across, gave me a chance to catch up with Milov, Sportsman and a few others and talk ultras. Heading up the road from the ferry I felt at home on the tarmac. Don't get me wrong, I love trails and would run them over road anyday, except I seem to perform better on road. Was joined by the Prince in the section out to the castle and the 3 of us powered down to it thanks to the sustanance supplied by the legendary PLU at the top.

Heading back up, the Prince showed his form and skipped away up the  climbs and I struggled with the loose, uneven rocky climbs and dropped a bit of time. Was great to see mates coming the other way and able to give eachother some encouragement. The downhill to the ferry was awesome, just let gravity take over and finally a chance to open up and let it rip.

Caught the Prince just before the ferry wharf just as it was heading back in. Great timing, just 3 of us on it this time. The section after the ferry was not good for me, that type of 'bullanting' terrain is always my undoing; the heart rate just peaked out everytime I tried to run some of the stairs. Prince and moutain goat Damo powered on while I cursed this 'how do they call this a run..whinge whinge.. to myself. I feel for the guy I met out on this section who had turned left and on the Great North Walk and had done an extra massive climb before realising his mistake and coming back to the correct trail.

Got back in just under 3 hours, satisfied with a good day out. Great start for 6 foot training and thankfully no goat tracks in 6 foot to worry about! Good to meet Judo finally who was jogging with Matt Robbie. Definitely two to look out for at 6 foot.

Thanks again PLU and the organisers.

[Colin]

MrD, on Jan 6 2010, 02:25 PM, said:

Good to meet Judo finally who was jogging with Matt Robbie. Definitely two to look out for at 6 foot.

Will have to look hard...Matt actually withdrew recently due to a clash with a family member wedding.

[MrD]

Colin, on Jan 6 2010, 04:02 PM, said:

Will have to look hard...Matt actually withdrew recently due to a clash with a family member wedding.

No doubt some of the gun runners will be disappointed just as you must be Colin as RD...he is a great runner and the best always want the best to compete against

[Gento]

thomo, on Jan 4 2010, 09:04 PM, said:

Legs getting better, hope yours are recovering. Thank you for waiting whilst I had my cramp dramas.

Agreed, Les was our guardian angel.

Yep, the finish was an unreal feeling .

Definitely learnt many useful tips off Les

[Colin]

MrD, on Jan 6 2010, 08:38 PM, said:

No doubt some of the gun runners will be disappointed just as you must be Colin as RD...he is a great runner and the best always want the best to compete against

Yes I was disappointed, especially as the top 10 imo this year was probably the best its ever been.

I haven't actually cancelled his entry yet...hoping for a change of mind or a la Mister G a few years back when he told his brother to change the wedding day

[Sportsman]

I had an enjoyable run, considering I have been avoiding hills for 20 months or so.
I was pleased to finish well, as my legs felt really trashed at the top of the last hill/cliff/rockwall.
It's was good to see so many out on the New Year traditional run.
Thanks to the aiders, you really helped, and the ferry master for good timing.
Times that were recorded are here -  Blackstump_2010.xls   52K   247 downloads
I might put last years on the sheet if I get time.

Edited by Sportsman, 08 January 2010 - 01:10 PM.

[Wollemi]

On Wednesday 30th December, I walked into Penrith ARCBS at 5.15pm to donate blood.  At 8.00pm, I stepped off the train at Woodford to run/jog/walk The Oaks FT to my car at Glenbrook.  Finished the 27.4km exactly 4 hrs later.  It was the 5th time in 4 weeks I have run this, and still felt very sore at the finish, yet my recovery time was getting quicker each time.  
After lunch on Thursday 31st, I said yes to assist with delivery of a racing yacht from Hobart to Sydney, leaving early on the 2nd.  Distracted myself by gardening and landscaping to 8pm, and only then packed yachting gear and running gear.  Booked a flight at midnight due on-line issues.  

Went to bed at 3.30am; up at 4.30am.  Arrived with almost an hour to spare at Berowra.  Delighted by the ease of striking up conversations with others.  2h15m to the Castle ruins, and with an encouraging word from Horrie finished with 4h37m, seemingly after 90% of the runners had finished.  
I was under the impression, after citing this forum only a week before after years away from it, that I could now enter the Six-Foot marathon, but the race director gently told me there was already a waiting list of over 400. I acknowledge that I was probably a risk to myself and others while driving back to Sydney's NW, yet having a clutch is probably leg therapy.  Fine dining in Salamanca Markets that night blew me away; a day of positive contrasts, indeed!

Briefly wondered if my sea-sickness on day 1 of 6 at sea was due to donating blood, then exerting myself...

Edited by Wollemi, 08 January 2010 - 02:44 PM.

[Wollemi]

Say, Sportsman - thanks for your efforts, yet my name is not on that list even though I watched others write my name down half-way, and at the finish.

[Sportsman]

Wollemi, on Jan 8 2010, 02:49 PM, said:

Say, Sportsman - thanks for your efforts, yet my name is not on that list even though I watched others write my name down half-way, and at the finish.

No worries.

If anyone is missing, email me the details.
rschwebel@bigpond.com

[damyanos]

Thankyou Sportsman for the results
That would have taken my two finger typing method hours to do.

[Johnbo]

Sportsman, on Jan 8 2010, 07:02 PM, said:

No worries.

If anyone is missing, email me the details.
rschwebel@bigpond.com

Thanks Sportsman for co-ordinating results.

A minor correction: I did it in 3:34 not 4:34 (it was probably have been my scrawl!)

However for the purposes of the 6ft beer bet on another thread, important to maintain the integrity of the form guide!

Thanks

johnbo