192 replies to this topic

[Running Nicho]

I was wondering whether I was up to the standard needed for the Beyond the Black Stump easy option in 2006.  I currently run about a 44min 10km and do a fair bit of off road training.  I have done the Great Nosh.

[Jogger]

I am surprised to see no reponses to this yet. There are quite a few people that have run this that are nowhere near 44min 10k shape. However, it requires a different way of looking at it - for the 33km option you are looking at 4hrs+ of bush running. If that sounds feasible then you will be ok. 5hrs if very slow.

For the 16km easier option, you will be fine. Certainly the first half of it, most people run together - more a training run than a race and its all downhill!

There is no entry criteria, no time limit, just a degree of self sufficiency.

[MPHinLondon]

Nic, if you've done the Nosh, then you should be fine with the 'easy' option. I actually ran the easy option on Sunday morning, and forgot just how tough that section was, there are some very steep sections, up and down heading down to the ferry. That first section is great training for the run down Nellies at Six Foot.

It's very easy to get lost too so I'd recommend you try and get somebody else to run with you, it's not a nice feeling getting lost in the bush when you’re buggered and it's 30 degree plus.

It is an awesome run though, I'll be back for the full again next year, anybody else running it?

[Bandanna]

Running Nicho, you will be just fine for the shorter option, no dramas there. Mainly undulating fire trail.

Indeed, depending on how you feel at the Berowra Water ferry, you may well consider doing the full option, which takes in the ferry ride and the climb to the "Castle". Well worth it. Quite scenic, and a bit of local history thrown in for good measure. As MPHaz said, an awesome run.

I did the full 30km option this year, running with Aunty K, Truckie and KT. Very warm conditions on the day (30C plus), so the bins filled with ice and soft drinks kindly provided by KT were welcomed by us all.

Seriously thinking of running again on 1/1/06, great preparation for 6 Foot Track.

[Aunty K]

Bandanna - you beat me to this reply.   ;)  

I will add that the reason I've not talked about this one is that we have plans for a big for New Years Eve this year... so no run on New Years Day for myself or Truckie.  Not to say we didn't enjoy it this year, I loved it.. it is great prep for Six Foot.

Kevin - I trust you will be putting out drinkies again for everyone, the drinks saved the day!  :)  

Nicho - if Aunty can run the long version, so can you!!  :D  

Cheers, AK

[Amjan]

I really like this run, and if I was going to be around I would definitely be doing it again. I have never been able to manage the champagne at the start though. I would second MPHaz' recommendation to run with someone else if you are doing the whole thing. And take lots of water.

[Blue Dog]

I'm thinking I'll be there. I may need a lift to the start.  B)

[Luckylegs]

I'm thinking I'd like to try this one!  I'm also thinking it might be too difficult??   :)  Thoughts anyone?    LL

[Running Nicho]

Thanks guys, it sounds like a great run.  I'm definitely up for the easy option if not the full if I can get the parents to let me do it.  

If I currently run about 70 odd km a week how many more kms do you reckon I'd need to do to complete the full length?  

The idea of running with someone seems a wise option.  Closer to the time I might try and find someone who is willing to do it with me.

[Horrie]

Belinda and I are hoping to be there.

That's if we survive NYE at Aunty K and Truckie's!  :D

[Horrie]

quote:

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Originally posted by Running Nicho:
If I currently run about 70 odd km a week how many more kms do you reckon I'd need to do to complete the full length?  

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RN, on 70km a week, you could do the full version.

[Spud]

I've made to this run the last 3 years, don't see any reason why I won't be there again next year. Fantastic way to start off the year.   :D

[MPHinLondon]

Nic, depends what kind of long runs you are doing to be honest, this run is tougher and will take around 20-40 minutes longer to run than a standard road marathon in my opinion.

The self sufficiency aspect is one of the key attraction points for me, but not everyone will find that appealing for such a tough run.

LL, an idea if you wanted to see if it's too tough would be to split the course up over a few weeks, i.e. run the first part and back (16K), then the week after run from the Ferry (you can park the car there) to the castle and back, then imagine running it all in one go.

[Luckylegs]

Is it a tougher course than 6Ft Track?  :)    LL

[Jogger]

I suspect its about the same degree of difficulty.

My reasoning is: its about 2/3rds the distance and it takes about 2/3rds the time of 6ft. approx. Don't forget its hot (1st Jan) and most unsupported.

Hence it is a great training run for six foot virgins to get some idea.

[Luckylegs]

Thanks Kevin...I'll have some idea after 6ft on Nov. 26th!!  B)    LL

[omni]

Nicho - I'd expect you to do the full length mate, I'm not up for that in my condition - nor January 1 after The Mariners Pummel Newcastle.

[Running Nicho]

Unfortunately it seems after work followed by a party the previous night getting up and dong 30 odd km might not be the wisest idea although i'll see if I can still manage.

[Luckylegs]

Now that 6Ft Track - the Slow Version is over    :D ,  I'm thinking I'd like to do this one!!  Would there be anyone likely to be doing something around my pace!!!!    I'd hate to get lost in the wild & die so young!  ;)     LL

[Jogger]

Luckylegs - I think this run would be a great adventure for you and I am quite sure you can make it all the way.

I would like to help you in planning this, but won't put my name down yet.

[Luckylegs]

Oh, thank you Kevin!  I know you've more than enough on your plate all of the time, so don't spend too much time on me!   If it happens, it happens...I'm learning patience!  B)    LL

[Blue Dog]

quote:

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Originally posted by Horrie:
Belinda and I are hoping to be there.

That's if we survive NYE at Aunty K and Truckie's!   :D  

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Horace,

Perfect!!! I'm also attending the same NYE bash!!

The party venue looks great for a spot of night fishing. You want me to bring a couple of bream rods and bait?

I'll pre-hydrate while watching the fireworks, then crash on the back seat of your car amongst my running gear. You guys can wake me up at the start of Black Stump. Belinda and yourself are such good mates. Thanks.

Perhaps we could pick Boof up on the way?

Failing to plan is like planning to fail.

Cheers, Blue Dog.   B)

[Aunty K]

quote:

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Originally posted by Luckylegs:
Now that 6Ft Track - the Slow Version is over     :D  ,  I'm thinking I'd like to do this one!!  Would there be anyone likely to be doing something around my pace!!!!    I'd hate to get lost in the wild & die so young!   ;)      LL

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LL - Check your email.

BlueDog - You can sleep on our floor if you like, i'm sure Truckie will find a comfy spot for you.  :D  

Cheers, AK  ;)

[vat]

quote:

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Originally posted by Luckylegs:
Is it a tougher course than 6Ft Track?   :)     LL

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There is some actual climbing involved, and the track is pretty wrecked as you approach the ruins - much of the smaller rock has washed away, leaving the bigger support stones exposed.  You wouldn't be driving it, I'll put it that way!

It's a great day out.  Despite my little, uh, 'incident' last year, I'm really glad I did this one.  It's worth it to see the Castle - you realise you're seeing a piece of Sydney history that very few other people will see, which is pretty cool

[langswm]

The langswms' are a definite chance for this. Will depend on what we do on NYE, but we do have the Mother-in-Law in town over Xmas, so have a built-in babysitter.

This does look like a perfect 6 Foot preparation, and I noticed there is no Star that day. Also looks like there is a small but very select bunch who do this event!

[Luckylegs]

From Aunty K :

  

quote:

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LL - Check your email.

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I did and......  Aunty K is going to  run it with me!  What a brave lady!  So I'm in for what the website describes as "...a bloody good bush run"!

Is there no end to this Cool Running folly!!       :D      LL

[Horrie]

I've just managed to catch up with all the shenanigans of this run.

Blue Dog, you are a lunatic. I think you will be more comfortable on Aunty K's floor than in the back seat of my car. And what's this about Boof? It would be a bit long for him, wouldn't it?

As for the matriarch of Cool Running, if Belinda and I manage to get there, we will be happy to join in with the Aunty K and Lucky Legs run Beyond the Black Stump. At least we won't get lost.

[Barney]

Hi all

Being a Sun run, and in a part of the world that I know well...I am hoping I'll be there. Looking forward to it already!

Chris

[Uncle Dave]

Could be a good way to kick off '06!   B)

[Luckylegs]

Any more names to be added to (or deleted from) this list? I just took the names of anyone who replied as either certain or uncertain. Let me know if I've made any mistakes!!          :rolleyes:          

Aunty K
Bandanna  
Barney
Belinda
Bernie G  
Blue Dog
Eagle
FakePlasticTrees
Fats
Gasher  
Horrie
Kincho
langswms'
Luckylegs
max payne
MPHaz
Myrtle the Turtle
O Runner
Professor  
Running Nicho
Sir Runalot  
Spud
Truckie
Uncle Dave

           B)                      :)                      B)

[Jogger]

I have had a bunch of people that I don't know email me to say they are coming - would be 5 or 6 now (I don't put them on a list).

Also a bunch of the "regular fat asses" are likely to show with no warning.

i imagine there will be 20-30 people easily out there!

[FakePlasticTrees]

Hmm. I thought I'd already put my name down for this but it doesn't look like it. Add me to the list please, I'll be out there to see this alleged castle.

[Luckylegs]

Done!  Sorry if I missed you FakePlasticTrees....wouldn't do that, not for all the world!!   LL

[Gasher]

Will be fronting up on Jan 1st & hoping for a sunny day so I can debut the  new hat. KT is gonna love it   ;)

[Luckylegs]

Done, Gasher, done! The hat???????  :)     LL

[Dave]

Highly likely I'll have a bash at this, even if the real Black Stump is out near Coolah.

[Fats]

Me and my hangover will be trying to show up for this. I've discovered soluble panadol & endura works wonders!

[Luckylegs]

O Runner & Fats (with a hangover or not!) : you're in!  :)    LL

[Luckylegs]

Eagle has been added to the list.  Any more names?  LL

[kincho]

Hi all,
This sounds like a great way to welcome the new year, although might have to try and limit the amber fluid the night before.  ;)    
I am a starter for this and look forward to sussing out the ruined castle...
Do we bring champagne?

cheers Matt  B)

[Jogger]

quote:

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Do we bring champagne?

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Feel free to bring champagne for the start and whatever you like for the finish. I am hoping that people hang around at the finish to cheer on the stragglers.

I am getting a few people email me also - looks like we are headed for the biggst year ever - may even top 30!

[Luckylegs]

Kincho, I've added you to the list!  And do as Kevin says : wait around for the stragglers to finish...there are a couple that I know of who would love to see some friendly faces at the end!!   :rolleyes:  

Champagne....now you're talking....while waiting for the stragglers!! I'll bring some for sure!  B)     LL

[Horrie]

It's great to see everybody getting into the festive season by doing some tough trail runs. Looks like we are going to have quite a large fatass run. A lot of us should be prepared for this one by doing Quarry Rd the week before.

[MPHinLondon]

Great to see so many people down for this run, it really is the best possible way to start a new year off.

For anybody that hasn't run this before, it is a very tough run, once you're back off the ferry for the 2nd time, there is a good hour or so where running is virtually impossible, a lot of hard steep up hills. Coupled with high temperatures, and the self sufficient nature of the run (read no aid stations), it is probably the hardest 33K you'll ever do, but also probably the best 33K as well, as I said before add 30-60 minutes to your standard marathon time.

When running on the track/trail, just keep a quick eye out up ahead for the next 20m or so, but don't take you’re eyes off the next 1-5m immediately in front of you, as sometimes you can't see where the track goes up ahead, but if you keep a watchful eye out right in front of you, you shouldn't get lost, this is especially prudent once you're off the ferry for the 2nd time heading back up hill.

Plenty of us got lost last year, so just keep a very watchful eye out and try not to run on your own. There are points to get water, just before and after the ferry, but the majority run with a Lobo or something similar. I ran last year with a 2L Lobo and just run out before the finish.

The track is pretty beat up at the moment as well, with a few tress down around the place and plenty of roughage on the track that smacks of a  rolled ankle or two, so be careful on the sharp descents, take a mobile if you can, there is coverage.

Sorry for the 'mum' sounding post, but I thought a few words were warranted for the first timers, but you will love it.

See you Jan 1, I'll bring an esky with the odd cold beer of two...   :)

[Luckylegs]

Thanks for that coverage, 'Mum'...ooops! Sorry!  I mean MPHaz!!  

It's good to know something about the course before venturing out for the first time; you've given me a fair idea of what to expect!  I've been practising with the Camelbak "Lobo" for the last 2 long Sunday runs (28km last Sunday).  I was thinking of a hand-held bottle (of champagne!) as well, as I'll be a straggler for sure!

Any other information/warnings appreciated.  One thing I know.....don't have a huge breakfast beforehand & then leave it somewhere on the track!! And I won't get lost because I'll have Aunty K, Horrie & Belinda with me...sigh of relief!!

Thanks again, MPHaz..it's going to be another tough day, & that's one of the reasons I'm so much looking forward to it!    B)       LL

[max payne]

Count me in for this one as well.

One question; how often does the ferry come??

[Luckylegs]

You're #22 on the list, max payne.   B)     I think the ferry comes about every 5 minutes.  LL

[Miss Gazelle]

I'll be there, all going well at home with the kids of course!

MtT

[Luckylegs]

MtT, I've added your name....the kids will be extra good for you on the first day of 2006!!  B)    LL

[Sir Runalot]

I'm one of the new runners on Kevin's list of 5 or 6. I've run all of the legs of this run at various times and look forward to stringing it all together. I'll be up for some 'bubbles' at the end too - if I'm still standing.