Six Foot 2007 Post-race Reports Options

[scurry711]

A tale of woe – please indulge me while I vent. I am sorry for the length but don’t have a blog.


After 5 months of training and many hours spent talking tactics, siphoning advice from vets and dreaming, I lined up near the front of wave 4 for my first 6 foot track. I wasn’t nervous, I knew I had done the training and the distance would not worry me. It was a matter of how hard I pushed myself to the top of pluvi as to whether I obtained my goal of a sub 5:30 or even my secret goal of 5:15. I knew the pitfalls of the first dash to the stairs but at every party, there always has to be “one” as the saying goes.

Just prior to the start a runner snuck in front of me and as the gun went we took off. The man who had strategically snuck himself in the front row in front of me was actually running at a snail’s pace so I decided I would have to go around him. I made a quick sideways movement to get around him and as I did my right foot rolled over on an unseen rock almost causing me to fall over and I felt immediate pain in my ligaments. I have rolled my ankle before but usually with no lasting injury and I know from past experience that while I am warm I suffer no ill effects. However I secretly knew that this was much worse than I had ever done before. Still I put it out of my mind and got to the stairs somewhere around 20th or so. As I reached the flat there was mild discomfort but I ignored it. I caught Ine and told her about my ankle so it must have been playing on my mind but it certainly wasn’t impeding my performance at this stage.

I had a great run to Megalong Rd and most of the way to Cox’s but got caught in a conga line for the last 3 km’s or so but I remained patient. I got to the river right on my target time of 90 mins. As soon as I crossed the river my ankle really started to ache and deep down I knew I was in trouble, but I was still in denial. I went to the first aid tent and asked the firies if they had any neurofen or panadol. They said they didn’t and from their reaction to my question I figured that they were not permitted to give out any medication even if they had it, so from that point on I never asked for any assistance even though others on this thread appear to have received pain relief. I told the medic that I had rolled my ankle. Prophetically he said, “Keep an eye on it, you will probably be ok up hill but down hill it will be worse”. How right he was.

Heading up Mini Mini the ankle started playing up but still did not really impede me and I was doing my best to ignore it. My strengths are as a down hill runner and I had a specific plan for the downhill from mini mini to the start of Pluvi, that was to attack it. As soon as I got to the downhill I could hardly run, there was too much discomfort in my right ankle and it felt weak. Halfway down I finally decided I would look at the ankle and I saw it was double its size. I decided to loosen the laces to give it some room to swell and this did relieve some discomfort. I shut it out and hobbled to the start of Pluvi. I had a range of emotions prior to the bottom of Pluvi, mostly denial but at the start of Pluvi I just got really, really angry. Walking up hill did not hurt much and I absolutely flew up Pluvi like a man possessed. I think I overtook about 50 or more runners up that hill and I was only overtaken by one person. I got to the top in 3.10. My target time was 3 hours so the ankle had cost me ten minutes. I knew 5.15 was gone but I remained on target to break 5.30, I had 2 hours 20 minutes to run the last 19k.

I continued on running and for the first time ever I looked forward to the hills as this was where I had least discomfort. Any downhill or uneven surface was painful. I ran with some runners for a time encouraging them and myself to aim for 5:30. I caught 2P and went past him for a while but the ankle began to deteriorate and my left leg really started to ache because it was doing all the work. I would run for a while then have to stop because of the pain. 2P went past and then so did many of the runners I had passed since leaving Pluvi. I got to Caves Road somehow still contemplating a sub 5:30.

As soon as I crossed the road I hit some stairs and I was in dire straits. Everyone I had passed up Pluvi now began to overtake me and I had to move to the side to let what seemed like hundreds of runners get past. I was limping badly and every time I took a step it felt like someone was hammering a nail into my ankle. Without about 2 or 3 kilometres to go Ine went past. By that time I was mostly walking. I was in extreme pain and going through every conceivable emotion all at the same time: depression, anger, frustration, pain, determination and many others. I actually felt very alone. A few runners asked me how I was going and offered encouragement but most just went by. I wasn’t expecting anything from them but I do remember this feeling of loneliness and thinking that they all thought I was a quitter or hadn’t trained hard enough because they had no idea of the pain I was in.

I got to the final 2k’s. There was a man standing at the top of the last descent offering encouragement to the runners, letting them know how long was left. I am sorry if he reads this or if someone knows him, but as I went limping by in agony he made a bit of a joke out of me to some other runners. At that point I could have smashed him and was close to taking out my frustrations on him (verbally) but I’m not like that I collected myself and took the plunge down the hill. I can only describe the last 2 kilometres as murder. I could put no weight on the ankle and my left leg and hip was screaming at me. I think I could almost feel the tear ducts filling up as a result of the massive emotional and physical ride I was on but I quickly moved on from that. I made it across the line just under 6 hours. I think the last 2k’s took me about 30 minutes. I must admit that prior to the finish I took off my CR cap and put it in my pocket. I felt I didn’t deserve the CR cheer squad that I knew was at the end and I just wanted to get across that line anonymously. It was pure depression. I was wheel chaired by St Johns Ambulance to the sick bay where my ankle proceeded to double in size again. I received excellent care from the ambo’s and a doctor. Rod the Hornet and family drove me home and I am so thankful I did not have to get the bus.

Mrs Scurry insisted I go to the hospital to get X-Rays even though I knew I would be there all night I relented. I left the hospital at midnight, no fracture but possible ligament tear and on crutches. I proudly wore my 6 foot t-shirt to the hospital. Needless to say the wife and medical staff weren’t too impressed when I told them I had run for 6 hours and 45 kilometres on the injured ankle. I didn’t see the problem! My whole foot is the size of a football still today (Monday) but was it worth it? Of course it was.

I never once contemplated a DNF. You could call it stupidity, my wife calls it obsessive. There was no way I was going to waste 5 months of training. There was no way I was going to run 7 races to get my buckle. If the Canberra marathon was out then I would make it to the finish line here. No one was going to call me a quitter. I prefer to call it mind over matter.

Thanks to the organizers for a great event. Thanks to the medical staff at the end. Thanks for the concern from fellow runners including Milov at the end. Just having someone check after you is a big lift. Thanks to Rod for looking after me on the ride home. Thanks to my wife for nursing me that night and trying to understand me. I will be back next year to take revenge on the track!

Finally congratulations to Ine on smashing 6 hours. I know time was not important to you but I am proud of your effort. Despite what happened to me I will say now that this run is my favourite and beats any other I have ever done. Anyway, does this make me a 6 foot sicko? Or is that reserved only for a man who dedicates his whole year to organizing this top event? See you next year.

PS Here is the ankle after getting home. It actually looks a lot worse now.



 simons_ankles_005.jpg ( 1.34MB ) Number of downloads: 70

[Vurt]

jebus.... gutsy effort Scurry. Congratulations on finishing and earning your buckle.

[scurry711]

jebus.... gutsy effort Scurry. Congratulations on finishing and earning your buckle.

No buckle mate, first timer. Just want to run 6 times to get the buckle, not 7!

[DianeE]

I believe I ran into you when you were just getting up from the chair at this point. I think you were wearing some red. I was in striders singlet and CR cap and mentioned 14ks 80 mins no problem.

I almost made it running 82mins from that point to the finish. I finished in 5:02. Next year you can do it.

Yes! I think I said "on a normal day its too easy - but today is not a normal day!"

[wombatface]

I wrote something different, and shorter, on my blog - 'The 2P Crown Affair', but Trev wanted reports for ACTrun, so here it is...

Before starting, I'd like to invite Kevin Tiller to step forward and take a bow. Well done Kev! I can only begin to imagine the late nights spent getting 6" to the point where it's the best off-road race in Australia, if not the southern hemisphere. How I wish I'd listened to Malcolm Satchell when we used to run in the mid-80s at Lane Cove Park. He said there's this "bush run" I should do up in the Blue Mountains!

Anyway, I eventually got around to "doing it" in 2004. This year was my fourth 6" in a row. I blame the altitude sickness of Black Range for making me forget the pain. This is a damn tough run. Especially for a slow wombat who doesn't like running for more than 3 hours or "uphill bits". I began doing the long training runs in January, more or less with Steve Appleby's group. Probably "less" as they ran too fast. I'd just do bits with them and find short-cuts. Did six runs of around 30k and some others in the mid-20s. Longest by time was 3 hours 45 minutes. As the race drew closer, I started wimping out on the hilly runs, as I wanted to run, not walk.

I drove up to Katoomba on Friday with John and Anita, fairly confident (if it wasn't too hot) of finishing in around six hours. My PB was 6:18:10. Saturday morning was nice and cool, so my spirits were up. Arrived early enough to chat to my training partners, a few from Gramp's Army and fellow CoolRunners. Scoffed down some damper and black tea - bloody beautiful! Watched the early waves go, then lined up with the virgins and other slow animals at the back of wave 4. Not sure why, but my progress down the steps was a bit slower than last year - hit the fire trail in 29:43, compared to about 25 minutes last year.

I ran for a kilometre or so with Jen_runs from Sydney before striding out a bit, as I wanted to get to Cox's in 1:50-55. Caught a small group at the first creek past the stile that Stu mentioned and ran straight through, passing a chap who was trying to keep dry - ha ha - very funny! Really enjoyed the single track to Cox's, only having two stumbles, and managing to pass about 8 runners. Walked slowly through the water near the rope and carefully over the sand, feeling quite smug about not getting any gravel in the shoes. Hit the timing mat in 1:57:01, so, a bit slower than planned. Last year I was 1:40, but thought that was too fast.

The walk up to the Cattle Yards went well. The grip was good as recent rain has washed the loose top layer away. Caught 7-hour pacer ORunner, not long after Mini Mini, so I was on 6:45 pace. Ran fairly quick down to Alum Creek with the legs feeling good. One of the officials was calling out the places, and I heard "720". Enjoyed ploughing straight through the cool water of the creeks before the walk up Pluvi. I had a plan of not trying to walk hard, in the hope of saving the legs for the last 19k. Didn't quite work! I was caught again by ORunner just before the top of Pluvi, but I think he was going a bit quick. My time at the top was 3:47. Pretty happy, as in 2005 I did the last 19k in 2:12, so, still on target for 6 hours.

After the first rocky bit, I started running the Black Range as planned. Went quite well for 2 or 3k, but tiredness tempted me to walk on the 'up bits' of Black Range. Then, when I started running again, it wasn't at my previous 6:45/km pace, but much slower. In hindsight, I'm annoyed at being such a wimp along here and the Deviation. I was damn tired, but had no cramping problems, and even a slow shuffle would have been a couple of minutes per km faster than my walking pace. Didn't enjoy the single track after Caves Road, which was annoying, as I usually like this bit. At this stage I was walking and being regularly overtaken. I was really hanging out for the Binda Cabins.

Once past the cabins I calculated a rough chance of breaking 6:30 if I started running. Got going on the flat bits and didn't feel too bad! This just made me annoyed at being so wimpy and slow along the Black Range. Got to the last down and really let the fur fly. My low centre of gravity was working a treat as I overtook a dozen runners, including 3 on the concrete path. Reached the finish in 6:24:55 - fairly happy, but thinking already about how I could do it better next year!

So... I was the last finisher in Gramp's Army, but hey, someone has to watch out for attacks from the rear! Congrats to the other ACTrunners. An awesome team, and very proud to be part of it. Sorry this was so giggle-free Trev! Did you hear the one about the Aussie mountain running rep who got cramps on the Deviation? Very funny! ha ha ha... (sorry Stu). See you back at the tree on 8 March 2008!

[moh]

Scurry, great effort mate. Sounds like you did it tough, but like you said, mind over matter. I saw you come through the finish line and cheered you on - IMHO, anyone that can get through the track deserves the applause - not just the ppl that PB or run well, but especially the ones that struggle and prevail, against the odds.

Well done mate - hope the ankle heals well and hope to see you out on a training run soon.

Cheers
moh

[Tuttle]

I'd echo all that has been said in praise of Kevin Tiller, the firies, and all the other volunteers and supporters who help to make this such a special event. After a very interrupted training program, which had restricted me to just one run of over 30ks since September, I was stoked to finish in 5.10. The Newcastle contingent had a good day at the office, with several of us recording pbs. In particular, we're all feeling very proud of Jenni, who made her marathon debut in Sydney last year (3 hrs and 58 mins) but who blitzed Saturday's run to finish in 4.40.28 - 11th woman home.

As always, it was terrific to catch up with the Coolrunning Contingent!

Cheers,
Chris

[Wriggler]

Hi Folks

After reading many great reports and hearing some of the fabulous individual results I thought I wanted to post my 2 cents worth.

I thought a lot about Fats' great result yesterday and today.
I think I would rate it IMHO in the top 3 results I have seen in the almost 5 years I have been folowing this great site.

The others being Dave's ironman marathon effort a few years back and Jo Blake's fabulous 100km run in the world champs
(last year I think).

I know there are countless others, Emma Murrays runs and Barry keems races just to name a few. And of course Guz's reults too .
I am sure other people have other opinions, thats fine, the world is a big place.



But what made fat's effort such a superb one for me was the quality of the runners that he beat and the fact is that he is fitting all his training in holding down a full time job like we all are.

Occasionally on this site some people like to tell us about the good old days and how running is in such poor shape.
Well I say to those people that in fact it isnt in such bad shape after all.
A new race record is proof enough. Look at the people who have contested this race in the past.


To fat's

Cheers

This post has been edited by Wriggler: Mar 12 2007, 08:01 PM

[Sir Runalot]

It’s been great to read all the other posts, very inspiring. Congratulations to all finishers.
Like many other competitors I found the conditions very conducive to a quick time with a 28 min PB. This was my second time on the course and it definitely made a huge difference knowing what to expect. My training was targeted at the hills with many a Sunday morning spent on the Quarry Rd hills and this certainly paid off with a quick KOM time. I was determined to run every step to the Pluviometer and managed to meet this objective. With sub 75 min to Cox’s I was in good shape to run 4:15 – my target. I managed to run most of the range only walking briefly at aid stations and on two of the hills before Caves Rd. I was feeling very confident at the 40km mark.
On the final descent into Jenolan Caves I hit the wall in a big way and with less than two km’s to go I began to stagger and cramp, my race suddenly went pear shaped. I had to stop and lie down, fearing that I was going to pass out. A couple of runners passed as I took a break, all of them asking if I was OK (this was much appreciated). The damp cold rock I was lying on seemed surprisingly comfortable, it would’ve been very easy to just stay there and wait for help. I could clearly hear the race call down the hill and eventually found the energy to get up and start walking, eventually shuffling to the finish line. I estimate I took about 12 min to run the final km. I think I ate about half a watermelon after crossing the line, it tasted sensational!
My desired finish time had been within my grasp but there was nothing I could do to stop it slipping away. I now know that a lack of fuel intake after the Pluviometer was the cause of my downfall and I will return next year with this in mind, determined to get closer to the 4 hour mark.
Thanks to all those who contributed to the organisation of the event, it was once again superbly put together and implemented. I’m hooked, can’t wait ‘till March 2008 and hopefully a place in the first wave.

[Ultraphil]

Congrats to everyone. some great stories and soem great achievements.

[Mood Man]

Hey congrates to all who competed, a big pat on the back from me

Thanks to Whippet man who chatted to me at various times throughout the race, until the cramp bears got me just after the cabins (40.4klms) i could still see ya.

I love this race, makes running all year worth it.

Finished with a PB of 4.45 so I'm stoked.

A big thanks to Kevin, RFS and the striders a great event.

[chonky]

had a great day spectating, there are so many fantastic efforts out there
good to see the black wiggle back and running a pb.

scurry
i did see one guy at the finish sitting in a wheel chair
with what looked like a tennis ball under the skin in his ankle.
i now know that was you , how you could get through with an ankle like that.
that was a gutsy effort, hope your back on the road soon.
regards chonky

This post has been edited by chonky: Mar 12 2007, 08:16 PM

[Whippet Man]

Hey congrates to all who competed, a big pat on the back from me

Thanks to Whippet man who chatted to me at various times throughout the race, until the cramp bears got me just after the cabins (40.4klms) i could still see ya.

I love this race, makes running all year worth it.

Finished with a PB of 4.45 so I'm stoked.

A big thanks to Kevin, RFS and the striders a great event.

Ahh, "Mood Man" thanks. I couldn't remember your CR handle but knew full well you were close behind me as your enthusiastic support crew seemed to be cheering you on all along the course. Congrats on a great PB.

[CWDNN]

[quote name='scurry711' date='Mar 12 2007, 07:27 PM' post='221272']
I went to the first aid tent and asked the firies if they had any neurofen or panadol. They said they didn’t and from their reaction to my question I figured that they were not permitted to give out any medication even if they had it, so from that point on I never asked for any assistance even though others on this thread appear to have received pain relief. I told the medic that I had rolled my ankle. Prophetically he said, “Keep an eye on it, you will probably be ok up hill but down hill it will be worse”. How right he was.

Heading up Mini Mini the ankle started playing up but still did not really impede me and I was doing my best to ignore it. My strengths are as a down hill runner and I had a specific plan for the downhill from mini mini to the start of Pluvi, that was to attack it. As soon as I got to the downhill I could hardly run, there was too much discomfort in my right ankle and it felt weak. Halfway down I finally decided I would look at the ankle and I saw it was double its size. I decided to loosen the laces to give it some room to swell and this did relieve some discomfort. I shut it out and hobbled to the start of Pluvi. I had a range of emotions prior to the bottom of Pluvi, mostly denial but at the start of Pluvi I just got really, really angry. Walking up hill did not hurt much and I absolutely flew up Pluvi like a man possessed. I think I overtook about 50 or more runners up that hill and I was only overtaken by one person. I got to the top in 3.10. My target time was 3 hours so the ankle had cost me ten minutes. I knew 5.15 was gone but I remained on target to break 5.30, I had 2 hours 20 minutes to run the last 19k.



HI Scurry - I am so sorry I didn't have any pain killers when you asked me - I guess I might next year but I still can't believe what you went through - I thought you had a headache the way you were going - In future I will also carry a bandage I guess just in case I can help anybody - but what with you and Tim !! perhaps I'll need two

I guess your Pluvio climb proved that elevation is good for torn ankles - but I suspect it missed out on the rest, ice and compression
and I guess you won't find that funny for a few weeks

but I am totally in awe of you as I did mention earlier

congratulations and heal quick and heal well

David

This post has been edited by david newborn: Mar 12 2007, 09:17 PM

[Black Wiggle...]

Great to come back to do battle with the monster after two years absence.Felt very confident on start line after some good training sessions with Judo & Lovie and felt I had a good plan in place.I'd have to say I ran my most controled six-foot ever and only had to walk once when I had a bad patch for about fifteen minutes just after caves road to bindi cabins and that was only for about ninty seconds to try and clear the fog out of my head.Without planning it linked up with judo at about the cattle yards and raced together to just after caves road crossing where I had to let him go while I was having my only bad patch.This made the race the most enjoyable ever for me as even though we were going for it we kept on encouraging each other to keep fighting, so thanks for the company Adam.


I got plenty of positives after such a controled run I now fully believe that my all-time target of something in the 3.40s is a definate reallity,and have set myself a two-year goal acheve this.


Lovely to see all those beautiful people there,my two beautiful daughters,(the stunning blonde in the red dress was my daughter)and I now know that I will be doing this sport 'till the day I stop breathing.

[JoggerK]

Report from the 7 marathons on 7 continents guy:
http://7continentsmarathons.blogspot.com/2...k-marathon.html

[Sub50]

I have never written a race report before but where better to start than with the 6 Foot Track.

First a couple of congratulations.

Spud awesome run, never looked like you were even hurting for the time I was with you and a 10 min PB is a great result in anyones books.
Hamburglar another great first time effort – well done.
Simon – 4:05 from group 4, a running machine
Actionman – heard about the leg, gutsy to make it through to the finish. You will smash it next year.
KOM – you started the Masia Tribe and without that I probably would not have run this awesome race. Looking forward to your virgin year on the track!

Ok so I was lucky enough as a six foot virgin to have the combined experience of Spud and Virtual, so coming into the race I was feeling prepared. I had backed away from my original goal of 4:30 and was hoping for a sub 5hr finish. Taper went well, felt a bit flat at the Striders 10km the week before but nothing a week off would not fix.

Race day – plenty of nerves met up with Spud and Hamburlar and settle into the front of wave 2. Dashed off the line and was just hoping not to break anything at this stage and managed to stay just behind Spud. Won’t repeat what he has already but we made good progress down to the river.

At this stage I had to duck off for a couple of minutes and attend to some business but was soon back on the track and aiming to pick Spud back up. Made contact at the cattle yards but was feeling the pinch and struggled to keep the pace.

On the down hill to Alum was feeling OK and made up the ground before Pluvio. Started to struggle and soon there was a gap. Was not to worried at this stage, I wanted plenty left in the tank at the top.

Hit the top of Pluvio in about 2:47 which had me on track for a sub 5hr finish but at this stage was now feeling the pinch. Took on some coke and as much fluid as I could before starting off.

The next 5km or so were tough and somewhere in this time the right quad was attached by the cramp bears. Nothing serious but was getting tighter and tighter. This started to spread to the hamstrings as well. I was now forced to run and bit and then stop. The frustrating thing about this is when I was able to stride out a bit this really helped, just could not keep it up!

Went through 35km in 3:37 and was beginning to feel better. Legs had great energy in them but the cramps were holding me back. Managed to pick up a number of people over the last 10km but the highlight has to be those last 2 km of so. Hearing the crowd and the announcer was magic.

I had heard about all the people coming off the steps and cramping, sure enough after pelting down the stairs I turned the corner for home and bang there goes the calf! Still I had made it….what a buzz.

Unfortunately I had to be in the Hunter Valley for a wedding, so after a shower I was off, but next year I will be there to the end to enjoy the feeling.

Thanks to all the Fire service volunteers and of course to Kevin, what a race .

Sub 50
ps thanks to all the others who have put up their reports, some very inspiring tales, well done all

[Zed]

I sent this to Peter Fitzsimons yesterday, reading it now it seems a bit gushy, anyway, my reflections on a special day out.

"I thought I should send Peter Fitzsimons a note to say that he might give the Six Foot Track Marathon Director, Kevin Tiller, a call and then write a few lines about the race in the Fitz Files next Saturday. A few lines about a uniquely Australian sporting experience and include every participant in that extraordinary race in his Team of the Week. Then I thought, as perhaps Peter himself might, “Bugger it, I’ll write it myself”.

So with a measure of trepidation, given the reverence that an event with such a proud tradition deserves, I set out to record a few personal observations of what was a truly memorable day.

I should first take you back a few years to 2003 when I was lying naked in a pile of kitty litter. Fitz, I bet I have your attention now. Indulge me with my explanation. There is a bit of a read before you get to the “me-in-the-kitty-litter part”, but please press on. I think I write for many people who participated on Saturday, pardon the presumption.

I am not an exceptional runner, I run perhaps because I am not an exceptional sportsman at all. I can kick a football, sell a dummy, bowl a ball, swing a club, and serve a double fault. None of which I have ever done at representative level, unless a school 4th XV or XI or a Sunday soccer comp counts as representative.

So mainly I ran. After all if you can walk you can probably run. It requires no co-ordination and no genetic advantage unless you want to go to the Olympics that is.

And once I started running, which was a very deliberate decision and was apparently not innate, I discovered I have the running-bug-gene. I think that’s what it is, either you get it or you don’t. And I am so tired of comments like: “Doing the Six Foot mate, what for, why don’t you just walk six feet from here to the bar and buy me a beer, her her her her…?” or “Yeah I ran round the block this morning and then kicked it back under the bed, her her her...”

I also wanted to run because Emil Zatopek and I share the first and last letters of our surnames and because I saw a book on my father’s bookshelf by Percy Cerutty which I totally misread as saying that jogging was a sport.

Anyway, not being especially athletic I had to go further if I couldn’t go faster. As I got older I sought out half marathons, full marathons and even the occasional ultra.

Over time I managed to clock up some respectable road times but also got lazy and let things slip... and mainly ended up playing park soccer for about 4 years. An unimaginably long time in retrospect.

Then one day I end up with a cast on my left foot for about eight weeks thanks to an Achilles rupture. One morning walking to the shower on my crutches I contrived to slip on the floor, lose my towel and land in the cat shit outside the bathroom door. The missus came to inspect. She spared me further indignity by spinning on her heels leaving me to extricate myself from the mess. We have never spoken of that moment since.

Lying there feeling bloody sorry for myself I then realised how lucky I am to be able to run, irrespective of the times and the distances and the places in the races (with apologies to Dr Seuss) and I decided that I will be lazy no more.

So all of this really tells you that I really love running and I decided I was going to run again. I sought out that run, that singular event a la Comrades (I know I’ve only done 2) or 2 Oceans (where I have 5 medals) that has a magical sense of community that makes you feel that all the work is worthwhile and somehow pulls you back for more.

The web searches began, the anecdotal evidence was collected and eventually I found that run.

Six Foot Track is that race. 45km, 100% off road from the Explorers Tree at Katoomba, down Nellies Glen, across Cox’ river, up to Mini-Mini saddle, down to Alum Creek, up and up to the Pluviometer, beside the Murdering Range, along the Black Ranges Road, through the Deviation, crossing Caves Road and eventually plunging down to the Jenolan Caves. Its Kiplingesque.

It became a holy grail. I entered the Cool Running message boards as one might a private country club, wanting to be a member but not sure whether one can get in. There are rankings for the number of posts, there are PB’s listed, there is some derision for those at the back of the field and this all bred uncertainty and dashed confidence.

There are names – nay legends – GU Boy, Spaghetti Legs, Action, Horrie, Plu, O Runner, MPH, Colin, 2P, Fats (Fitz try and get hold of him as well, its worth finding out why) and thousands of others. And there are pages and pages of history, advice, recommendations, warnings, tips and the like, all of which was overwhelming and intimidating. But through all of this there was the golden thread of Kevin Tiller. So I paid closer attention to what KT had to say and clearly his was a more welcome yet cautious tone.

And so the preparation began. My basic training regime was based on LSD, no quality, few hills, Coogee oval at 5 mins per k every now and then, and a few stairs. Not ideal, but enough to get by and build a base. Slowly but surely the nous increased, ran King of the Mountain, got down to Bulli for the Kembla Joggers mountain series (meet some fantastic people, Stalky and co). Ran up that bloody Rixon’s pass. Met Genevieve Dennis whom I will never catch, the closest I got was about 5 minutes and that was only because she got lost and ran 2 k extra. I saw occasional flashes of Tony Fatorini (this is the Fats I’m referring to Fitz) flying down as I am walking up. I joined Striders, got lost in the northern suburbs bush. I even ventured out on the Track once and got a taste of the road to Camelot and learned respect for Mini-Mini and Pluvi.

I soaked up as much as I could from a remarkable community of runners who have done it before.

But for about 3 years it all remained mythical until Saturday morning when I started that slippery descent down Nellies Glen.

Now, two days later the clarity of recall of just about every landmark and footfall is tempting the clichés off my keyboard, but I’ll spare you the pain. Save to say that we truly ran through God’s country on Saturday.

I guess because I am older now, have children, have mates who have died of cancer, have mates who are battling in all sorts of other ways as well, and can sort of see the bigger picture, that I am a tad more emotional than before, and so I shed a tear when I crossed the finish line on Saturday afternoon.

I cried with relief that I had conquered the distance but more importantly because I had the privilege of traversing that formidable track with 800 other amazing people.

Its not only about the running, its also about the people and I wonder whether its really true to speak about the loneliness of the long distance runner?"

[Run 2 Become]

Top post Zed!

[clairie]

Gosh Zed that had goose pimples on me!! Great post.

[inekuips]

OK - I am inspired by everyone's stories, so decided to add my own, although with no fall, injuries or cramps, it is FAR less action packed than some others!

My race went exactly according to my race plan. Of course, my only plan was to get to the front of Wave 4 because I am fast down the stairs and didn't want to get caught in the conga line. Unlike Scurry, this went exceedingly well, and Rodthehornet and I charged off and were some of the first runners in our wave down the hill.

I then just ran easily to Cox's making it in 1.33 saving time at aid stations by carrying my trusty Camelbak. I headed up Mini running some of the flatter bits and walking the rest. After a quick run down the hill and through Alum, I walked up Pluvi (with lots of advice from my new 'coach' picked up along the way - Charlie - on running the little flats) and made it to Blacks Range feeling quite good. Along here I was met by my moblie support team (MST) - Mr Kuips & Phil - on their MTBs. They were great company and fed me sports drink and took my Camelbak for me.

I left them at Deviation and headed around for my first look at the cliff (Sophie - how did Ranger Bob EVER get your car up there? ) and then across and along Caves road, feeling very dissappointed there were very few downhill sections ! I was surprised at the Cabins when someone started running alongside me offering me snakes (blue ones of course). It turned out to be the MST back for some more cheering before riding down to Caves House.

I passed Scurry along here and checked on how he was going. I could have cried for him - his training was going so well and he was on track for a FAB time if not for the ankle.

Anyway, I hit the downhill and was off. I must have overtaken 30 people along the narrow 'technical' section and ripped in to the finish (I could hear the CR cheer squad from way out - thanks you lot!) in an AMAZING 5.41 . An unbelievavle time for me. I was not looking for a time - this was my first marathon and I only qualified at Black Stump - but I trained hard over the last few months, and it was great that it paid off.

Most of all though, I want to thank every CR who helped and encouraged me along the way. Boys (plus Jen & Go Girl) it was great meeting you all. Thanks for all the training runs - to mention a few... 2P, Scurry, Rodthehornet, Terry, Moh, Rodo, Milov, Sophie, R2B, Actionman, Vurt, Mikeyboy... the list goes on with too many to mention, but seriously, the CR team has been the highlight of my 6 Foot campaign. It was great to have you guys to support (and be supported by) at the start, the finish and along the way.

I am looking forward to seeing you all around this year on some runs (especially the NEW trailrunning series!) and I expect us all to do PB's next year if we can get together again for some more training!

ine xxx

[Twopennys]

LOL Zed - nice post but I'm no legend - just a back of the pack plodder with 6ft dependency issues - I'd hate to think I am intimidating or unwelcoming.

Cheers, 2P

[Jo Blake]

It seems each year I feel humbled that people list me as a chance to win this race, and whilst that would be a dream result, I always set myself to simply run as well as I can and the placings will be what they will be. I know I am not in the league of runners like Paul Arthur, Tim Sloan and Don Wallace to name just three so whenever I see their names in the start list my expectations of placing are not high. This year I told my wife that I thought Fats might be the man after seeing his form in the mountain series and at Kepler, and then there's also plenty of unknowns to be tossed up together with a few debutants from Canberra who I thought would be in the mix. The name Tony Fattorini however is the one that can now be added to the list of legends on the start list above. He ran the perfect race.

After a solid effort down to the river which was about 30secs slower than last year, and the ploughing across the river, it wasn't long before Fats quietly cruised past and commented on what a fantastic day it was, little did he know at that stage just HOW fantastic it would be. I'm not a big hill runner, and didn't do any extra hill work in preparation (aside form the hills you naturally encounter running from Neutral Bay and Illawong), so my plan was to run as strongly as I could up to Pluvi and then try to step things up over the last 19kms to the finish. Sub 60mins was solid and I ran it in a pretty good rhythm and got to Pluvi in 5th place, just behind Matt Robbie. He took off soon after and wasn't to be seen again as I focused on trying to get moving freely again after the grinding hills, and whilst I kept the pressure on, it took about 5kms to really get back into it, but form that point I felt great again. I was in 5th all along the Black Range and so no runners the whole way once Matt had disapeared. I was running strongly though, and knew a strong last 10kms would get me a good time and possibly a few places. With about 9kms to go I saw Paul Arthur up ahead and that gave me another burst of strength. It then wasn't until 4kms to go that I spied Sleep Train up ahead who'd passed me just after Cox's River. I took him at speed with the hope of blowing him away and went on with the job rattling down the final descent. At 3hr 24mins into the race I heard some excitment from the finish echoing up and assumed something pretty special had just happened. I'm never sure how long it takes to the finish form there but kept up a strong pace knwoing a good time was on the cards. It all went very quickly, onto the path, and soon enough racing around to the finish and under the clock in 3:30:34. I was over the moon, to take 6 minutes off my PB at the age of 41, and to do it in the Buckle run is something special and shows that the new training regime is working well. I'm thrilled to have been a part of the race when Fats took the record, and with Matt Robbie only 22 you just have to wonder what is possible. This is the race of the year and every year it seems to throw up new names. Interestingly in the last 5 years I've now come 3rd on 4 occasions and 4th the other year, and Daniel Green and Paul Arthur are the only ones to be ahead of me twice, so no one has been able to consistently dominate this race year after year. Maybe Fats and Matt Robbie might be the two guys to really dominate this race over the next 5 or 6 years. My sneaking suspicion however is that new names will appear, and that Uncle Dave might just decide to have a serious tilt.

Congrats to everyone who was involved with the race; those who ran and experienced the special moments this race has to offer; the race committee from Striders who obviously played a huge role in making Kevin's job a bit easier; the Firies who mean we can start this race with empty pockets and no special drinks out there because there are so many stations that are all so well stocked; and lastly Kevin, it's been said plenty of times, but can't be said enough, you are a legend!

I now look forward to training without feeling guilty about not going searching for more miserable hills.....

Jo

PS: Without any doubt, I can say that the most painfull thing I do all year is to run downhill on the days after the 6 Foot. It's like a hangover though, you know it will go away in timer and just try to keep going through it.

[Zed]

LOL Zed - nice post but I'm no legend - just a back of the pack plodder with 6ft dependency issues - I'd hate to think I am intimidating or unwelcoming.

Cheers, 2P

2P

All legends as far as I am concerned.

And, I know better now.

Zed

[SoLucky]

Cramp Bears………4
SoLucky…………………1
My fifth Six Foot since I started this nonsense in 2001, it was not my fastest but it was certainly the most enjoyable, I finally won my own personal battle against the dreaded muscle cramps that have previously hit me so hard from about the Deviation through to Caves House.
In November I had suffered an ankle injury and found it necessary to reduce both the distance and speed of my training. Hill walking was used as a partial substitute, but my total training only averaged 7 hours per week for the last 3 months. For the 2 weeks before the race I had a 25 min daily session on a rowing machine, no running.

Strategy for 2007 Six Foot:
To run the first section super easy; just push steadily, not hard, up to Pluvi and then to try and come home strongly. Hopefully, to better the course age group record of 6:16 held by Ludwig Herpich, to whom I had run second in 2006.

Tactics:
Protect my ankle by having a physio support tape it on the Friday.
Run in the first (early starters) group, so there would be less chance of unwanted duelling with other participants.
Run the first section to the river at the pace I might use if it was going to be 60k to the finish, not 45k.
Start taking Succeed Caps as soon as the temperature raise caused perspiration to become apparent, then to take 1 every 45 minutes.
Keep my kilojoule intake up to 600 per hour.
Drink early and often.
Walk and run the climb to Pluvi endeavouring to keep something in reserve.
From Pluvi increase the effort, but not to wring myself out.
From the Deviation, to use everything I could find.

Outcomes:
No problems with ankle, 100% good.
The early start was stress free and I ran quietly to Megalong Road enjoying the almost solo running. The 57 minutes on my watch gave me some concern as it is usually closer to 50 at that point, however, my plan was firm and I continued through to Coxs at similar pace, clambering out of the water at about 1:53, making it 13 minutes slower than usual to the river.
On the climbs up to Pluvi I felt good pushing just a bit harder and was agreeably surprised to clear the top at 3:37, my second best time for the Coxs to Pluvi section.
On the Black Range, I continued at the same effort level, certainly walked more than I should, but again had a pleasant surprise to see the pine trees at the Deviation.
My watch showed 4:50:52, the sub 6:16 finish was in sight, now to see if there was a bit left in the legs.
Just before the start of that next climb, I felt the initial twinge of cramp in my right quad. It wasn’t severe, and when I walked the hill deliberately pushing heels down (I’ve found that sometimes stretches the muscles effectively), the cramping stopped.
From Deviation to Caves House I ran my best ever time for the section, though I nearly got run over by MrG, and I had another couple of visits from the bear, but each time managed to walk through it.
My time at the finish was 6:12, I had achieved my target and had an excellent run.
Once I had settled down and drunk my Sustagen Sport I ambled down to check the results. My nemesis had again outperformed me. Ludwig had set a new age group record of 5:53. How good was that?
Regardless of finishing positions, I regard it as a great day when I do what I plan to do, particularly feeling so good at the finish.

Summary:
Could I have done better? Possibly.
Could I have beaten Ludwig? On the day, definitely not.
Will I have another go? Yep.
Could I have had a more enjoyable event? No.

[scurry711]

Just wondering how much was raised for the firies this year?

[JoggerK]

Many thanks for all the back-slaps and nice words about me. It would be unfair of me to just accept them all without question.

In my mind the success of this race is due to a number of things, clearly the RFS who also got a good wrap. I should say that those people who made short speeches at the awards and gave the RFS a mention were stars as the RFS commented that they felt so appreciated and loved.

Ian Hutchison was a guiding force in the history of Six Foot and was race director for a number of years before sharing the load with Big Chris Stephenson. Big Chris was RD for many years by himself. His passion each year made the event the success it is today and the only reason I got involved in organising in the first place (I would have been happeir to keep running, I think this would have been my 14th year!)

He doesn't post on CR but I still see him fairly often, and he hangs around with his tri-mates here:
http://forums.transitions.org.au/index.php?showforum=2

Transitions have their own 6ft 2007 thread here btw:
http://forums.transitions.org.au/index.php?showtopic=20476

Clearly the Sydney Striders (of which I am a proud member) have been a big help this year, maybe 40 or 50 members had some kinds of hand in the race, some more than others but trust me it wouldn't have proceeded as smoothly without them. Obviously all the people at the Edge, Catalina Park, and at the finish were all Striders as were all the pacers and sweeps.

The biggest question I had on the day was when I would run again. I would love to run but I strongly believe that the race director of the day can't run. I have promised Striders I would RD in 2007 and 2008 so I won't be running next year either. Next year Striders will help with more tasks so that the RD job is more manageable and then maybe we will think about a new RD. Or maybe I might continue. I ahev always said I will stop when we get 1000 runners - not sure if that's entrants or 1000 under 7hrs. Whatever - the race is waaay too big for one person to organise and with Striders there is the best chance that in 20 years the race will still be the superb event it has always been. Three cheers for Striders, hip hip horray.

[JoggerK]

Just wondering how much was raised for the firies this year?

We haven't got all the bills in yet, but there is no obvious reason why it should be less than $30,000 again (last year was $31,000). We also plan on donating approx $7,000 to the Six Foot Track Heritage Trust and (new this year) $1000 to the traditional aboriginal owners of Catalina Park.

Last year we didn't wrap up until October due to late 2nd batch of clothing but this year there is no reason why it won't be wrapped up by May.

We might hold some funds in reserve as we plan to install a trophy cabinet at Jenolan Caves House to hold our trophies and have a permanent race display.

[Simmo]

RMC - That was me! Sorry I didn't recognise you at the time - I was rather pre-occupied If I recall correctly you actually called me back because I hadn't realised I'd lost it.

Twopennys, what are you going to tell Big Al about this one?

[DianeE]

I ran from the steps to Megalong with two guys - Greg & Nick - both who were looking for around 5hr finishes. I went ahead down to Cox's but saw Nick again while I was feeding my face at the Cox's aid station.

If you boys are CR posters I would love to know how you went.

Diane

[Boy_1_der]

Knowing how technologically advanced all you folks are, I was just wondering if anybody had their GPS recording the whole length of the Six Foot Track course and has a created a Google Earth file?
I would like to get hold of one.

regards,
Boy1der

[Bernie G]

2007 did not go to plan for me, but there were a few notable performances.

* Blue Dog always inspirational.
* Paul Arthur who has my deepest respect.
* Kit you had a blinder. It was no surprise to me.
* Fats, what can I say
* Amjan and Sarge who just get better each year.

[Dave]

Knowing how technologically advanced all you folks are, I was just wondering if anybody had their GPS recording the whole length of the Six Foot Track course and has a created a Google Earth file?
I would like to get hold of one.

Boy_1_der, I can send you one, tried to add as an attachment to this post but the upload failed. Drop me an email or PM of you have not already been sent one (assuming you want a .kmz file?)

[Vurt]

Knowing how technologically advanced all you folks are, I was just wondering if anybody had their GPS recording the whole length of the Six Foot Track course and has a created a Google Earth file?

http://www.killben.net/running/gps/Vurt-Sixfoot.kml
there you go.

[Twopennys]

:

I left them at Deviation and headed around for my first look at the cliff (Sophie - how did Ranger Bob EVER get your car up there? )

So you can understand why I reported I was a little tense sitting in the Mondeo whilst it was being winched!

[old-newbie]

congratulations to all the finishers, and especially all those involved in pulling the race together. Sensational job - and how the bloody hell you run sub 3.5hr on that course is mindblowing.

Also thanks to those who provided advise to this virgin over the lasst 2 weeks, much appreciated.

sub 6 hr was the goal.

For me - i had a careful start, having not seen the first section at all, and being warned to not avoid falling, or hitting out to soon. pretty much slow marched to the bottom, then off jogging. Must admit that even at this point i didn't feel had had my 'run legs' with me. (I'm not sure, but perhaps getting down the steps/trail from the start to the bottom took its toll on this virgin). Had scheduled to be at the river around 1.35-1.45, and crossd in 1.43 after running in a conga line of perhaps 25-30 people for what seemed forever. So was happy enough.

fast walked most of the 2 big uphills with some occasional jogging. Topped Pluv in around 3.19 (schedule was 3.25-3.35), so was very happy with that. But i was certainly feeling the effort - and like what seems quite a few others i had some gut probs - not to the point of throwing up, just very uncomfortable/bloated. (I use carbo gels,and have trained and raced triathlon on High 5 before, and in recent trg and taken it at the intervals i've been regularly using - with no probs at all. So its still troubling me as to what cuased the discomfort - could it be just the 'toughness' of the course?)

Anyway, across the top i had hoped to 'bring it home' but a combo of gut and legs that were more tired than planned/hoped meant i found myself walking far more than i'd hoped. In fact i felt i was struggling for quite a few Ks. Gave away the idea of more Gels, and decided Coke and water would do. whilst not 'coming good' i did in fact feel slightly better, about aat the road crossing (i also saw that red/white Toadstool - reminded me of the character out of my daughter Mario Bros game from years ago!).

Jogged the rest of the way home, and even found a spring in my step on the last long downhill - crossed in 5hr42m. Certainly happy with the time - especially given how i felt most of the day - BUT (there is often one of those after a race, eh!) can't help by wonder how much time i left on the course with the walking over the top.

Question is, do i want to find out next year?

[Action]

Knowing how technologically advanced all you folks are, I was just wondering if anybody had their GPS recording the whole length of the Six Foot Track course and has a created a Google Earth file?
I would like to get hold of one.

regards,
Boy1der

Something like this?

Attached File(s)

 SixFoot07.gpx ( 656.96K ) Number of downloads: 93

 

[Ultraphil]

Well done to Kev and the Sydney Striders for organising a great event!

[RawAussieAthlete]

Better late than never...my race report.

I slept at least 9 hrs each night for the 3 nights leading up to the race.

The day before the race I ate:
Breakfast: honeydew
Lunch: Avocado, fresh corn, red capsicum
Dinner: Loads of rockmelon smoothies!!!

The night before the race, I charged up with a quick ocean swim and the vibe of some good friends.
Prepared my race food the night before...all whole, fresh, ripe, raw, organic plant food of course!!! Yum!
- Electrolyte drink: Filled my camelbak with 1.5 litres of water vitamixed with 20 medjool dates
- Sodium to prevent cramping: 1.4 litres of celery vitamixed with about 150ml water (half to drink immediately before race, half to drink after)
- Rocket fuel: 11 cavendish bananas (3 for breakfast, 8 for the race)
- Local water is readily available from the numerous drink stations every 3-4 kms of the race.

Drove from Sydney to Blue Mountains arriving about 11:30pm.
I slept in the reclined driver seat of my car in the carpark where the buses leave in the morning to take you to the race start.
They say the night's sleep before a race doesn't affect your race too much. The nights prior to that matter a lot!
I usually have a restless night before a race anyway due to the excitement mounting.
Started out in shorts and tshirt with window down for fresh air.
By midnight the window went up...a little too fresh.
By 3am I got the sleeping bag out...freezing cold!
Awoke from a broken night of only 6-7 hrs sleep feeling surprisingly refreshed, but parked in by the buses...oops!

Being a Six Foot virgin, I started in Wave 4.
Based on other races I've done, I was certain I could finish in under 6 hrs and thought I was being very optimistic at hoping to go under 5 hrs 30 mins.
I deliberately ran without my watch as I wanted run to run by how I felt...in touch with my body...running smart...and running with my heart.
I was in a positive mental state for almost the entire race. I had no shortage of positive inspiration to draw from.
I had one tough patch around the 34km mark for 1 or 2km (presumably where my body switched to burning fat) but a couple of bananas, positive thoughts and pulling out a smile got me through that.
Every race I've done over 30km I always cramp between 30km and 35km, but not this time which I think was because of the blended celery before the race.
With around 8-9km Dr John King came by on his mountain bike. That gave me a great lift as I know how interested he is in observing results of marathon racing and there aren't many raw vegans to observe. I had good results to show in this race.

Although excellent checkpoint food compared to other races, I didn't touch it as I was totally satisfied with the ripe organic food I chose to carry.

The blended water with dates was magic during the race. A true electrolyte drink which took minutes to give me a boost.
I was also amazed how the energy levels rose around 5 mins after eating each and every banana through the race.
During the race I think my nutrition was perfect and I drank enough water that I never felt dry (except for the last 4.4km section where I didn't stop to drink being close to the finish and had an empty camelbak).
I had no idea the finish would be so punishing. An unrelenting rocky downhill path for about a km beats up your quads while the cardio is cruising along.
I had a hint of a calf cramp for the first time in the race with only about 400m to go as soon as I hit the flat section.
Then the calf cramp set in for the final 10m...couldn't bear to walk over the finish line or stop and stretch so I ran with the cramp...not recommended.

I came in at 5 hrs 6 mins!!! I'm still supremely amazed! Placed 224th out of 763 starters. That is such a massive improvement for me. Around 18 months ago I would have come about 500th.
Race results show that I reached Cox's River in 1hr 31min and the Pluviometer in 2hrs 59min.
I got no blisters at all. I was worried with all the river crossings and no change of shoes or socks, but the feet are in perfect shape!

I ate A LOT of food after the race (as much fruit as I cared for...mostly peaches/nectarines), had a massage highlighting my tight calf and glutes, drove back to Sydney, quick night swim at Coogee Beach (my equivalent of a radox bath), ate very light in the evening allowing for optimal recovery during my slept/rest of 13 hours on Sat night.

I'm still astounded that I did 5hrs 6. I'm hooked on this race. Pretty sure I'll be a repeat offender.

Morning after the race I jogged 2 soft sand laps of Coogee Beach, swam 2 laps in lovely choppy conditions...no water sucked down the throat is always a bonus!
Followed that by 2 more soft sand laps, the last lap being a solid run getting the heart rate pretty high. Love the fast recovery of a healthy raw lifestyle!
Lunch time on the same day I went for a run as an active recovery for my beaten quads. I ended up going for 1 hr 15 mins including a climb up the 200m+ altitude gain of Mount Ainslie!!! I amazed myself. I'd set out for a gentle recovery run but felt so good that I ran faster and stronger up the mountain than my normal pace!

This post has been edited by Thrax: Mar 13 2007, 09:00 PM

[Hamburglar]

Something like this?

Stupid question. How do you open the file? In Google earth? In sportstracks? It keeps giving me errors.

[Sir Runalot]

Loved your approach to the race Thrax. Don't know about the sleeping in the car bit but your nutrition plan obviously worked a treat. I'll definitely try the celery juice at some stage in the future. I sent a copy of your report to some vegan friends of mine, hope you don't mind, it might just inspire them to start running.......

[Leftie]

Enjoyed my first 6 Foot experience helping out and handing out medals at the end.

I got a great feel of why there is such a buzz about this race, although I suspect running it would increase that tenfold. I had the perfect vantage point to see how the course affects those who take it on and there was certainly a gamut of emotions on show. Loved the arena of Jenolan Caves too with the growing excitement as we watched runners make their way down the track.

So many outstanding performances, but the ease with which Fats finished, and his magnanimity afterwards, were both extraordinary. Plenty of other great efforts out there among the later finishers too - it sounds like a very tough place to be for 6 or 7 hours.

The other particularly special performance I saw was Kevin Tiller's. His ceaseless activity and attention to detail ensured the event ran so smoothly. He is a credit to his sport.

Looking forward to seeing the whole track next year and sharing some of the emotions I saw on Saturday.

[Vurt]

Stupid question. How do you open the file? In Google earth? In sportstracks? It keeps giving me errors.

.gpx and .kml files you can import into Google earth. Unfortunately there are no high res maps for the Blue Mountains.

[Twopennys]

Hmmm the field seems to be getting quicker - not only did we see a race record but:

2006/2007

4 hours = 23rd/27th
5 hours = 132nd/194th
6 hours = 423rd/534th

In my own case I ran 2 minutes faster this year and dropped exactly 100 places.

Cheers, 2P

[CWDNN]

Ian Hutchison was a guiding force in the history of Six Foot and was race director for a number of years before sharing the load with Big Chris Stephenson. Big Chris was RD for many years by himself. His passion each year made the event the success it is today and the only reason I got involved in organising in the first place (I would have been happeir to keep running, I think this would have been my 14th year!)

The biggest question I had on the day was when I would run again. I would love to run but I strongly believe that the race director of the day can't run. I have promised Striders I would RD in 2007 and 2008 so I won't be running next year either. Next year Striders will help with more tasks so that the RD job is more manageable and then maybe we will think about a new RD. Or maybe I might continue.

Is there anyone else who thinks that like the dispensation for sweepers that being RD should count for the purposes of the longtime achievement awards?

David

[JoggerK]

David - thanks for thinking about me, but six foot is all about running - you can't get awards for poncing around with a microphone!

[Vurt]

Do you think that the times had something to do with the conditions ? A mild day and water on the track in the preceeding days making the running fast etc ?

[scurry711]

Vurt, having done 3 previous training runs on the track over the past few months (that being my only history of the track and on which I make this comparison) I would say that race day was the best of the conditions. It was very mild compared to some other days we were out there and made it a much more pleasant experience. I have heard that previous years have been hot so I would guess that yes it was favourable for faster times...

[Kelvin]

As always a thoroughly enjoyable event and one of my running highlights of the year. Having arrived early to man the Expo on Friday morning certainly got to see some of the hard work put on behind the scenes to make it all work like clockwork, good time also to catch up with some of the other runners (and at that time could virtually have a chat with each one picking their number up as there was only a trickle at that point good way to spend the morning .
Have to admit the fog, which didnt clear till 1 and drizzle made me a little worried about what the conditions would be, but on the other hand i'd often seen Katoomba like this the day before and the Saturday has been perfect.
Arrived at Jenolan Caves around 3, and had a wander around the area before the remainder of my Mountain Lodge cabin arrived, RB, RMC & Paul Ban (don't know his CR name) having left Melbourne that morning.
6:30 sitting for dinner appeared to be ideal for dinner, however every time i got to the all you can eat pasta it was almost empty so it was pretty much leftovers, still three plateloads later reckon i was ready for the big day.
Early to bed (after trying unsuccessfully to play my Trans Gaule DVD on my lap top actually later than i wanted to be - so frustrating), as i'd set the alarm for 4:15, and then off to the bus. Uneventful trip other than a sudden stop to let a Quoll past but for some reason i was more tired when i got out than when i left so was hoping i'd be more fired up after seeing the 7:00 wave and having some damper and chat.
An hour later we were off, not sure if it's my memory or whether the first wave this year was more suicidal but even usually nerveless me was a bit worried in the mad dash to the stairs (and probably only mid pack).
Finally down to Nellies Glen and a chance to get some rhythm and really be able to run, was behind a group for quite a while and all seemed to be falling into place, followed the fellows in front of me across Cox's River as they avoided the rope (that area appeared to be waist deep and frankly i was worried i'd get my succeed capsules in the back pocket of my shorts wet), and went through knee deep.
Was starting to feel good then and enjoying the downhill winding part of the course and then simply got carried away and took one downhill corner too fast, most times (i'd say 99 out of 100) i can stay on my feet or at least save myself from a fall with my hands but this time i was out of luck (having had a fall when almost bowled over by a kangaroo earlier this year maybe this isn't my lucky year ). Crashed right on the point of the Tibia on the right leg as well as a big scrape on the left knee and both arms, definitely my worst ever race fall (had a worse fall running to work years ago knee blew up instantly and cut right to bone on elbow), and to say it winded me would be a massive understatement.
Took the rest of the downhill very gingerly and was happy to see we'd hit the Pluviometer climb (damned hard to fall up !), had certainly been passed by a number of runners and in my mind this race had PW written all over it.
Finally to Black Range and start passing a few runners, but then the knee pretty much seized up and i'd be walking again, this went on all the way to the deviation sometimes running, sometimes walking. At one point was running with Fit PT but he was asking what time i was looking for, had to get away at that point i really didnt want to know how long we were out there (didn't mean to ignore you but time was not something i was wanting to think about at that point).
Normally the downhill run on the deviation is something i look forward to, but i pretty much knew that if i fell a second time i was a DNF, but soon realised it was harder to hold back on the downhills than to go with the flow, as usual on this stretch i had a few cramp problems (although i'd had 8 Succeed Caps so far and plenty of fluids at the aid stations), but by the time i'd hit Caves Road was running pretty much as usual chasing down a bloke.
Only passed 4 runners in the last stretch (normally i'd guarantee at least 6), but was running hard simply ignoring the pain in the knee (more intrigued by the quantity of blood i'd let go - seemed like litres !), and finally off the steps and rather shocked i was still under 4:30, 4:24:05 my fastest time since 2001, absolutely rapt (my guess post fall was closer to 6 hours as i'd assumed at some point i'd pick up Six Foot Legend Max Bogenhuber doing his 24th and starting at 7 and he beat me in).
First stop was St Johns ambulance which at that point had no customers, lady got me to go and have a shower so they could see the cuts instead of blood (and thankfully got her son to get my bag for me), 10 minutes in the shower i was feeling like a new man, scarred but happy.
Still had St Johns to myself when i returned and had the right knee bandaged as that was the one with really deep cuts (anyone who thinks i don't feel pain obviously wasn't listening when i was having things done to that knee ).
Rest of the day was spent socialising, certainly won't name all the runners (Coolrunners and others), as well as having some very good pain killing beers, was thankful RB had brought his barbecue and snags for dinner that night.
Best said an interesting nights sleep, every time i woke up i swore it was either moving the knee or the very scarred left arm, so possibly not the ideal sleep for anyone (but at least i wasn't desperate to get back in any time).
Realised as soon as i got up that the accelerator leg wasn't going to take mcuh on the drive back, so it was a unsealed road drive (with virtually no traffic) all the way to Harden where i stayed the night, not sure how many Lyrebirds there are around the caves but admit i was surprised to have one cross the road in front of me at 10:30 probably my days only highlight.
Well i write this report a few days later and my initial thought is that it was probably the best running conditions weatherwise that i can remember, cool at the start and mild throughout, certainly the day did warm up later but i wasn't out there then !!!.
A big thanks to Owl & Cirque and the CR Cheersquad and to the St Johns Ambulance people (Cynthia) for putting me back together.
Overall a great day and certainly be back next year (as i type this and the knee aches maybe that'll be my next start ??? - Hope not !).
Couple of highlights to me:
Jen Runs incredible performance, just such an emotional time when you went through the finish line in sub 7
Fats performance, never saw any of it but to run that time blows me away
Virtuals 12 Ft track, absolutely dead on his feet when i saw him at the end, but what an effort
I'm sure there are many other efforts worthy of praise but these are the ones that come to mind as i type.
Anyway folks, see you all same time next year,

Kelvin
P.S. for those wondering what was behind those knee bandages, look here if game (you have been warned for strong stomachs only though be thankful it doesn't show the depth of the bottom cut !)

This post has been edited by Kelvin: Mar 14 2007, 01:32 PM

[scurry711]

Kelvin
P.S. for those wondering what was behind those knee bandages, look here if game (you have been warned for strong stomachs only though be thankful it doesn't show the depth of the bottom cut !)

Nice one Kelvin