Great Ocean Walk 100s 2009, October 10-11, 2009 Options

[Baz777]

Massive congrats to all. This sounds like it would be a great challenge, albeit a tough one, but then I guess there's no such thing as an easy 100km or 100mile. Special well done to Duckgirl & EatEm. You two are frickin nuts! Hope the next few weeks all go really well for you both & I look forward to catching you again soon.

[RobHall]

firefly, you are on a roll, first the tan now the 100k GOW, you shall be known as 'Golden Girl'. I didn't realise you took out the event. Huge congrats.

[gingerfox]

Got to agree with pretty much everything that's been said here. It was a tough but great run. Beautiful scenery. And the organisation and support was fantastic. Considering it's the first year I was amazed by how smoothly it all went. The guys clearly put in an enormous amount of effort and huge thanks to all the organisers and volunteers for that.

It was my first 100km, my previous longest run being the yurrebilla two weeks earlier. All went well and I felt pretty good for most of the race really. I know that stretch leading into moonlight head was the toughest stretch, but for me...I hated that long, slow plod along Johanna beach. I'm definitely not built for the marathon des sables. Not sure of my official time, I think I got in some time between 10.30 and 11pm.

It was great to meet some other cool runners out there too. Timbo, I was the Paul you're on about - you had a great run. To keep on plugging away with the knee troubles you had was a fantastic effort.

It was also good to do most of the final stretch with skin and bone and have a good old chat about north east (england) football. Bloody mackems.

[Crewbie]

Congratulations to the organisers. Great event! For the first one that I was involved in (crewing only!) it was a great experience. Looking forward to next year already.

[leese72]

Well considering I only made it around 10km into the run before spraining my ankle I had a great time. So disapointed I had to pull out as I had been really looking forward to it. Was such a well organised event and the scenery (what I saw of it) was stunning. Great job and can't wait till next year. The live updates were fantastic too! Congrats to everyone who finished, Kate you're a legend, and the 100 milers you guys are amazing. Brett can you thank Robyn again for driving me all the way back to my motel. Again you all did an amazing job and hope to see you at the next event ....... I'll be the one with the ankles well taped up!!!!

[Phibes]

Congratulations to all on your fine efforts, particularly those making a distance stretch goal over this sort of terrain. I wish I had been recovered enough to do this one but the course looks like it demands respect.

I am delighted to see the Dog and Spud with the gold medals- I like your work gentlemen!

cheers

Phibes

[firefly]

p.s
i found a small black cover for an mp3 player or mini ipod type gadget when i was running on one of the beaches(cant remember which one) . happy to post it back to whoever owns it, just pm me with your details.

thanks

FF

[djbleakman]

What a wonderful weekend. I think like GNW, this race has a lot of potential to get very popular - in terms of scenery and just pure spectacular running it takes 1st prize in the Grand Slam. It's amazing that we have these races and that each one of them has something special about it. Be it the 5 star catering at Glasshouse and community spirit that envelops the whole weekend, or the sheer brutality of GNW. This race just makes you want to stop at each hill or cliff face and take in the breath-taking views all around you? Are we really this lucky?

For me, a good day at the office. I was surprised at just how runnable a lot of the course was, especially the first 25 and last 25kms. The middle 50km is a good test too and that 9kms before the Moonlight Head CP, is just great single file running and climbing, something for everyone. I guess one of the biggest challenges is trying to stop yourself from heading out too quick in the first 25kms and making sure you have plenty left for later in the race. Having made that huge mistake up at Glasshouse a month earlier I was determined to have a good showing here, and was delighted to podium in the 100km event, if not a little shocked too as I regard myself as very much a middle of the pack person who tends to go out way too quick before smashing myself to a delirious halt around 60kms

I have huge respect for those who turned around at the 12 Apostles for another dose. I felt amazingly good as I approached the 12 Apostles, and a thought did go through my mind to turn around and go back, but only for a brief second

As usual great mateship and cammeradery on the course between all runners which is what makes these events so special - just a group of guys and girls who enjoy putting themselves through some of Australia's finest trails and wishing each other all the best in the process. I was gutted to not be around at the finish line for the 100 milers, and in particular seeing Jane come in for a very gutsy effort. I was up at 5am Sunday morning to see the missus finish for a well-deserved PB in the Melbourne half marathon, a commitment I just had to keep no matter what.

Walking into the MCG, it was like another world. The atmosphere didn't feel right and was seemingly ugly, with people on fixated on one goal, that of the clock and nothing else. No care for other runners and how they were getting on, it all seemed a bit selfish and I just wanted to be back at Apollo Bay, cheering on those heros coming home for 100 miles. Even the missus said it was wierd and that she wanted to run where there were just a few people enjoying themselves (cue a Mrs. B entry in trail running hopefully!)

Well done to all who came and ran... already looking forward to next year.

[BlueBel]

Apart from the organising committee there are a lot of people to uphold and thank who worked behind the scenes to ensure people's needs were met over the weekend. Robyn Saxon, Mel Greenhill, Kevin Cassidy, RMC, Pastyboy and assistant and Scott and very personally Mrs Ourimbah (kim), Garath and Mrs Timbo76(kate), thankyou, your efforts and help were noticed and appreciated.

My plans to pace Horrie for the last 100k's as training for GNW soon dissipated when he had to pull out.
This was very unexpected but i needed to keep my focus so after a bit of a chat he said he didn't mind if i still ran,i asked Seris at Joanna Beach check point if she need a pacer?. This was perhaps the wrong word to use as i realise myself when one is focused on single mindedly running an event the addition of another person in your space can sometimes not be exactly what your expecting but Seris graciously accepted and i said i would meet her at The 12 Apostles.

As it turned out what Seris said next, became very pertinent when i think of what happened a few hours later.Seris said maybe you'll want to think about starting at Moonlight Head C.P as I will need your help later in the race. I kept to my original plan and began running with her from the Pacer start point- The 12 Apostles. We estimated she would be there about 10.30 p.m. After dinner with Mrs Timbo76, Horrie and our son Tim we drove to the C.P as Kate was waiting for Timbo76 to finish the 100k's , i got changed in my night gear and headlamp settled Tim to sleep with Horrie and a few seconds later Seris arrived 15 min early. Time 10 pm - Hermie was at the C.P as well and had decided to run with Seris as well we set off... what was to follow was one of the most amazing experiences since starting running.
I was witness to the most awesome drive , determination, power and force of a person on a mission to achieve.Seris remained focused, calm and in control despite the obstacles which happened on the way.
We met Lynda, Psycochicken and Anna on the road to Princetown.Arrived at Moonlight Head C.P and then saw a beautiful sunrise on the way to Joanna Beach C.P on the second day .Then it was awesome walking along the beach in the early morning on the way to Aire River Campground, back in the bush but it seemed so long and Seris couldn't remember it taking this amount of time so we thought we were a bit lost, some German tourists said the bridge was only 500 m away so we turned around and made it. Although Seris was very focused i knew it was important for me to remain positive in my outlook to prevent any slumps in mood for Seris. This didn't happen anyway. At Aire River i filled up my bladder with electrolyte from the tub, it seemed a bit strong but to save weight i didn't add more water- a fatal mistake.
I had had about 4 pee's overnight- very unusual for me. As we climbed the sand hills out of Aire River on our way to Blanket Bay C.P the sun from that beautiful sunrise began to beat down on us-
We transverse the sandy tracks and rocky platforms on the way to Cape Otway lighthouse up, up ,up again tourists appeared at the right time to ensure our destination was imminent. We got to the lighthouse carpark and continued on to Blanket Bay. I was beginning to fall behind , by the time Seris and i crossed the creek and began to mount another hill with Whippet behind us I began to loose touch with Seris , she powered up the hill and i thought if i could just get my night gear off i might feel better , not that i stripped off, i did, have cool clothes under , but i had to take my shoes off to remove the long skins. Well then whippet asked me how i was and i said no good, it was then i realised i wouldn't be able to make the next 20 k's - i had been cooked on Cape Otway and worn out by the ferociousness of Seris . I hadn't had a chance to let her know how i felt because it seemed to come on all of a sudden but i did expect her to keep going and was very shocked to learn after, she had waited 20 min for me @Blanket Bay C.P. What a pain, not something your wanting at 175 k's... so you see the earlier suggestion to begin at Moonlight Head was a good one. What followed next for me was ridiculous, 3 hrs to walk 4k's. Dehydration and heat stress, not a pretty sight or feeling... you lose all your pride on these ultra's. Thanks to whippet who played, Doctor, Nurse and friend, Garath and Horrie for picking me up and Ourimbah and Kim for the loan of their car.
A very eventful training run for GNW . But you know i learn't so much and after having experienced and been witness to the running of the first female winner of The GOW 100'S , i hope i will be a better runner .
Congratulations Seris, you are capable of ANYTHING and the Grand slam awaits you.

This post has been edited by BlueBel: Oct 12 2009, 11:05 PM

[seris]

My weekend would have been very different if it wasn’t for Brett Saxon ........ for someone who I first met on Friday night, I thank you so very (tears welling in the eyes as I write this...) much for finding me on Sunday at 7.40pm and running me in the right direction to Apollo Bay. To have me running the last 3.5kms in 5 min kms to finish under the cut is even unbelievable to me. When you should have been enjoying your birthday, you were selflessly running with some crazy to an Anchor in a park.
Ok, now for the filler....
Happy to get to the 12 Apostles (95kms for us 100 milers plus or minus a few kms) in 16 hours. Fantastic views along the coast and so many great people to run with.
Too many runners to mention that spent some time on the trail with me.... but Hermie. He kept me amused and always upbeat all night. Was a pleasure running with you mate.
I pretty much managed to get to the turn around without any navigational issues (thanks to Hermie for the ups on Cliff beach turn)
Picked up Bluebel at the 12 Apostles as a pacer after Horrie had to withdraw and made good time with Hermie still pushing the pace. For the whole of Sunday I was very concerned about the 38hr cut after seeing the first 100kms. I encouraged Hermie to leave us between Johanna and Aire River as he was looking great.
I started to doubt my navigational talent just before Aire River when we thought the turn should have outed itself and hadn’t.... The doubt was there again for the next section up to the lighthouse and added probably 4 kms to the section. All good for the trip to Blanket Bay... there really is no way of losing the course there. Unfortunately Belinda wasn’t feeling great and I had to leave her ... I knew Whippet was behind us to help her but really hated doing it. The cut off time was too close.
Everything was fine, running well.... until 12 kms into the last section, my mind was not prepared to trust itself to believe the course. My Nathan mouthpiece had stopped working, wasn’t able to drink more than a trickle at a time, been awake for over 40 hours and every leaf was an animal, stick was a snake and bright green grass a GOW marker ........ The only thing on my mind was getting to Apollo Bay. I made it almost to Shelly Beach, then what should have been the last 8kms and seen me back at Apollo Bay by 19.15 turned into 15kms of where the faaa@#$#@@#&*k is Apollo Bay.....I went up and down from the beaches to the higher tracks numerous times on track that I definitely hadn't done the day before.... and then there was Brett.
Blue Dog was driving along next to us in his car saying warm fuzzy thoughts to me (NOT) like “ Small.. you are going to have to pick up the pace, 3.5 kms to go (blah blah)” Brett was running just in front of me saying “only 2 kms to go” All I knew was that whatever I was doing was faster than my marathon pace, I had been up for over 40 hours, done more than 200kms and that no matter what, I was going to get to that anchor before 8pm. I felt a blister burst in my shoe and thought...”great, one less to pop”
Couldn’t script that finish better. To get to that anchor in Apollo Bay with the people waiting was definitely the best part of the run. Some I know well, others I only just met. But you all made the moment.... like family. Sorry you had to wait for me to get in before the Presentation in the wind and cold.
Eat em and Duck girl, thanks for the blanket... hope to meet you again soon when I am not slurring my words and so totally exhausted. Gareth, the chair was a really good idea, thank you.
Dog, good job... Sorry you missed a good meal to get me back to shower and get warm.... I was totally spent. Wished I’d felt more like partying.
Congrats to all that finished Dog, Darrel, Hermie, Brick and Milov... I have no problem coming last with you guys. Spud, congrats on your 100km win, that distance may do me next year.
Robyn and kids Saxon, Mel, Kevin, RMC, the guys at Blanket (Pasty and Scott?) and Aire (and all the support .... wish I could put all the names here)
I am so thankful that there are a few guys out there that got this run together. Whippet, you are one great guy. I really appreciate everything you have done to get this race up and happening.. and then to play driver, sweep, checkpoint crew and mentor. Thank you so much.
Paul thanks for answering your phone when I was lost near Shelly........ great to get sent in the right direction!
Brett, well no need to tell you how I feel. 6 mins ......... all would have gone to shit. A finish is a finish......... how differently would I feel with a DNF after 38 hours? It was close, but thanks to you I was always going to finish... mind over matter....

This post has been edited by seris: Oct 13 2009, 07:41 AM

[Bandanna]

Awesome report Seris!

Congratulations, that is one friggin huge achievement.

[Spud]

Woops...that was unexpected.
What a great trail, thanks to Whippet, Spoonie, Brett and Maggot plus all the volunteers for enabling it. I'm sure this will kick on and become a must do run for any trail enthusiast out there. Spectacular views from the cliff tops, mixed with some very pleasant forestry singletrack...delicious!

I surprised myself on the day. Started off as planned very conservatively, then after making up the extra distance (2x2.5km loops for the 100kers) I was running alongside Michael Tong enjoying the company. We soon began to catch a few of the tailender 100 milers and were informed we were the leading 100kers? What da? I was sure there was a bunch of 100kers ahead, surely? And so it eventuated, ended up feeling way too good on the day and with the well stocked CP's was well fueled all the way too. Magic place to finish, sunset over the 12 Apostles, but must say I was content to stop there and then.
Kudos to the 100 milers, takes a fair bit of ticker to turn around and do it all again in the dark.
Congrats Dog on the win, well deserved mate. Darrel, you are scarily good, another big improver, watch out GNW.
Brick, Milov, Hermie and the goddess Seris, great stuff guys.

For what it's worth I got just shy of 3000mtrs ascent and 3000mtrs descent for 101.5kms. So close to 6km vertical gain for the 195km? Early comments suggest it may be the toughest 100 miler too!?

[Crewbie]

Apart from the organising committee there are a lot of people to uphold and thank who worked behind the scenes to ensure people's needs were met over the weekend. Robyn Saxon, Mel Greenhill, Kevin Cassidy, RMC, Pastyboy and assistant and Scott and very personally Mrs Ourimbah (kim), Garath and Mrs Timbo76(kate), thankyou, your efforts and help were noticed and appreciated.

Bluebel, it was my pleasure to help and get to know you guys over dinner! I think I'm hooked now (as is evidenced by the fact I've signed up to cool runnings!). What an amazing thing to be a part of! I have the utmost respect for all of you guys and girls and can't wait to meet some of you again. Just have to convince Timbo to keep running. Although I don't think it's going to take too much convincing.

[GraeGrae]

Well done to Spud, Blue Dog and everyone who finished ... or not finished. Amazing feats by all.

seris, your courage and determination is amazing. I don't know if I could have coped.

And BlueBel. Just along as a pacer. What an amazing effort.

Horrie, if that was only your first DNF, well done. No matter how strong the mind is, if the body is not up to it - that's it!

[phYx]

What a tough course this was! Stupid sand, steep hills and mud, but made up for with absolutely stunning scenery, lots of wildlife out and perfect weather Many thanks to all the organisers and all the fantastic volunteers at the aid stops. You guys really made my day! This was the most fantabulously organised race ever and so great to experience it. It was great chatting to people, meeting new ppl and enjoying the trail.

I was surprised at how tough it was and did a lot more walking than planned. Unfortunately after Moonlight Head I took a wrong turn and went in a circle for about an hour. Bumped into Lynda who told me I was going the wrong way so after a moment pondering what to do I took off running faster than I had all day only to end up on an animal track that Firefly described. I think I wasted a lot of time there though because I was crawling through trees for quite a while before I decided it was not right. Finally got back on track and stumbled in an hour after cutoff. Doesn't bother me though - it was my first 100k and I finished even if it was too late.

Congrats everyone on such an awesome job esp the girls Seris and Firefly. I seem to have forgotten the pain so I'm happy to say I'll be back next year

[SlowManiac]

Well what a weekend!
Some awesome runs, watching the 100 milers (more like 125 milers) trickle in all day was awesome. Stand out moments for me were Darrel placing second and Seris dicing with the cut.

I think the organisers deserve a MASSIVE round of applause - I think its hard to comprehend the amount of effort they all put in. Just to take whippet for example he picked us up from the airport, then was sorting out mountains of gear and food, manning checkpoints and making us cups of tea and soup then doing 12hrs of sweeping, then drove us back to the airport and lots more besides. All of the organisers had similarly crazy schedules and we didn't even see the months of preparation and planning than went in to make the event such a success. The logistics of the race were complex and everything went off without a hitch. I reckon they all got less than a few hours sleep the entire weekend!

Its a stunning run and I am priveledged to have been a part of the inaugral event. For me I love the fact that we got to make a weekend of it and spending so much time with the Ultra family was really fun.

This post has been edited by SlowManiac: Oct 13 2009, 02:00 PM

[KevinCassidy]

Great to see so many faces turn out for this. All the usual underworld suspects were running, of course, as well as numerous others doing their first ultras. The looks of satisfaction and contentment on so many faces at the pub on Sunday night is what makes these events so special.

Spending the night at Johanna in rather chilly conditions was never boring as most of my time was spent trying to chase away a hungry fox who never gave up trying to raid the aid station supplies!! If only I had a shot gun!!

Brett, Spoonie, Maggot and Whippet worked their proverbial rings off to ensure all went well on the day. Without them, the event just wouldn't have happened.

Great to meet Blue Dog for the first time.

[cameron]

Blue Dog... what was that pack that you were wearing it looked pretty funky.

[Bert]

Reading these posts has been incredibly motivating. We can only say to the organisers, congratulations on what must have been a great event! Also congratulations to Blue Dog. We knew it had to happen soon, also Seris for a marvelous effort. To all the other finishers also, great going. To all those who DNF'd, condolences, especially Horrie, Lynda and Runbare. We feel for you. Enjoy the recovery now, before you start preparing for the next one.
Lotsahare & Bert.

[undercover broth...]

i first heard about this race about 18 months ago.
we had just had the pre-race briefing for the alpine 100 miler.
spoonie said to me 'hey do you want to see some photos of a new run we're planning'.
i figured we both had bigger concerns at the time (eg death by hypothermia) and that this was either a fantastic bloody run or spoonie was a little crazy or maybe both.
anyway sat down and had a look at a gizzilion photos.
had suprmised at the time that this was a more scenic version of 'the prom' and it certainly turned out to be the case.

for starters this is THE most scenic ultra in australia.
just such a variety of terrain and flora/fauna.
was expecting the beautiful coastline views but the greenest of green cow-speckled pastures, the bog around elliot ridge and 'rainforesty' sections were all a pleasant surprise.
and how good were those views down to aire river and johanna beach?

have to echo SMs comment re organisation.
certianly the most impressive ultra website i have seen especially the video.
lots of talk about the planning being good for an inaugural event.
the organisation was fantastic full stop.
just great to see all those trail legends out there at CPs assisting little old me.

on a personal note did the 100km in 16.21 or thereabouts.
and after my 2nd 100kmer in 4 weeks; after 18 months of SFA can consider myself well and truly back into it.
will post more ramblings on the blog later.

just amazed by those even attempting the (?)120 miler.
deepest respect for the 6 finshers.
have to make mention of mister g who did his first ultra in 3 years.
3 years is a bloody long time mate and it pleased me no end to see your grunting hulking mass sitting under the heater at the finishline slowly freezing to death.
also great to see PC finish her first 100kmer.
final special thanks to the 'crewie' (and fishie) who grabbed my hat for me after it ended up in aire river

This post has been edited by undercover brother: Oct 13 2009, 04:30 PM

[RunBare]

Question: Was it possible the this BOP'er to back up after Glasshouse and do another 100k run within cut off?

Simple answer: No

But I wouldn't have missed it for quids! The scenery has to be seen to be believed, I was overwhelmed with how beautiful this country is. The diversity of the area, rainforests, bleaches, headlands... what a thrill to run/walk/stagger through it all.

To be included in the start list was a real priveledge. Having Scott run with me again, fantastic. He is such an encouraging, positive, upbeat person. At one stage I caught him just in front of me, bent over. I yelled out to find out the problem was. "I broke my toe I think" was the reply. His course of action? Just keep running, slightly faster than before No complaints, no problems, no hassles, just fun. thanks mate.

I pushed every cut off to the limit. 3 minutes, 10 minutes, 1 minute and 5 minutes. I have a way to go yet before I can bang out 100kers month afer month like the pros. But it will come.

The organisers deserve every accolade afforded them. A superb job! Thanks to you all for such a memorable experience. A top class event, though only its first year. Andrew, Mal, Spoonie, Brett and Kath... your hard work and passion has paid huge dividends.

It was great spending time with some quality people. Sharene and Scott who had been moving so solidly, unfortunately left with no choice but to bail out at Moonlight Head with injury flare-ups. A real pity, mentally you were both strong.

A huge thanks to you Mal for staying with us for so long, encouraging us to keep moving and not once suggesting our race was over. It became apparent though, after leaving Moonlight Head, that we would be a long while after the cut before finishing. We were both shuffling at best, Scott with sore shins, me with the old hip flexor flare up. Mal was still supportive of our effort to finish, thanks for your positive outlook. The decision to pull out was made easier knowing we could go back to the checkpoint and eat some more of that fantastic soup! Who made that?

So, this rates as my best DNF ever I'm not left feeling flat and hopeless, but rather excited about the possibilities, knowing I've come a fair way to even be able to start this event. And feeling I have so much further to go.

[littleblackpug]

So, this rates as my best DNF ever I'm not left feeling flat and hopeless, but rather excited about the possibilities, knowing I've come a fair way to even be able to start this event. And feeling I have so much further to go.

That there says it all about why you are such an awesome runner (and person) RunBare

[Ourimbah]

Thanks to Paul,Brett,Whippet and Malcom what a great effort to arrange an amazing run.

It was great to spend some time with Brick,Hermie and Skin & Bone in the first 2 sections.The views were fantastic.In the last 2 setions to the 12 Apostles I ran with Nick,who was telling me some of his adventures,we arrived to a nice warm Pizza.As I was going back I hit one of those low lying branches.Now I know why you wear a reflective vest they make good bandages.

The last 2 CP's I was following Blue Dog's tracks to see when he was running and when he was walking, suddenly I couldn't find any so I had to go back and check if I was on the right track.I later found out later that he started running on the grass so we couldn't follow his trail.
I would run into these random bush walkers,asking if they had seen a runner some would go yeh 10minutes ahead,some told me 3 hours ahead.

My Garmin read approx 99+ out and 102+ back.I think I got off light some of the others managed an extra 5-10 km's..The real distance I reckon is approx 197-198 km's.

The only down side to the run was I couldn't talk my wife in stopping Blue Dog and giving him a 23 minute foot massage.

Congrats to everyone it was a great weekend.Thanks once again to all the people who helped out and to the 4 that orgainised the run.

Darrel

[kathmandu]

whippet, spoonie, brett - you guys did above and beyond. i feel really guilty having my name on the organisers page as all i did was write a management plan over a couple of days a few months back. Knowing how much you put into this, particularly over the past month and then during the weekend, i can see it was so much more than just organising a run. you guys really gave it everything you had. and i hope you feel rewarded by the outcome, you really deserve to.

i cant even begin to describe my race, so i wont even try. it was my first and i made it and i think i have developed a lovely new set of smile wrinkles.

to all those i ran with and chatted to and the cp helpers, thankyou, you all really helped me. duck girl - you are way cool. Hermie thanks so much for that advise about going over the steel rail at the top of the hill even if it doesnt look right.

[Bloodnut]

First,

Thanks to Andrew, Spoonie, Bret, and all who made this run happen.

I thank you all for the time that you put in, and all the things you had to give up to give everyone such a GREAT weekend and a FANTASTIC run.

This will go down now as one of the best places I've seen, it was beautiful and breathtaking.

I had my first DNF, I very happy that I made it to this race, since I only ran the GH 4 weeks ago and
started running Dec last year. My body is showing me all the weakest links this year . Starting with hip flexors then quads , its, nowa new spot this weekend tenden at the bottom of my shin muscil. But sooner rather than later the weak links will be strong links. Then I can give things a real bash,(sis you better be fighting fit then).

It was great talking to people that I saw that the GH a few weeks ago, that now I can put names to.
And to meet new people, everyone is so friendly, it isn't hard to get to know people thanks everyone.

My race,
IT went to plan, to stick with my sis and have fun no matter what , this is what I did.
What a great time I had , I was so glad to see that the trail was single track for most of the way this is what I love. The climbs I loved to, I used to hate hillls now Im starting to like them. My legs still had plenty left in them, so my legs are starting to like them now to,(thats good), and i didnt hit any walls. So I felt great all race. sharene said to me at one stage you need to go and run your race, but I was running my race with you sis , the only way I was leaving you was if the sweepers got you but you kept in front. So I had a ball and I know my body will be stronger next year, so hopefully I will get in next year.

Congrats to all the finishers of the 100k,
To the DNFs of the 100k congrats I think you can learn more on a DNF than a finish. Well thats what Im sticking to since I was a DNF.

To the 100m'ers you guys and girl rock,

That was in inspiring, Blue Dog unreal 200plus ks in 31hrs you do ROCK!

Seris, all I can say is you are one person that realy motivats me, you are such a nice person and you dont look left or right when there is somethine to be done no matter how hard, you can do it, anything you put your mind to is done, for example to run 5min ks at the end of 200plus ks.Go the grand slam and the 50 before 50 you can do ANYTHING!!!


It is a plesure to have been apart of this weekend with all you people just to name a few above.
Thanks again and see you at the next big one


Scott

[Hermie]

Well I have to admit that the organisation of an event like this would be beyond me.Don't think I've got the focus of the Directors.

Can't begin to imagine how much time they had to have put in.Just the four days from Friday to Monday would have been constant effort.

Thoroughly enjoyed the trip down and back in the Whippet bus and the backpacker accommodation was better than I had imagined.

As has been said this was one hell of a race.The weather was perfect, the scenery magnificent and the course unrelenting.Especially on the return.

There's not much I can add that hasn't been said but I'll chuck in a few random thoughts.

Felt bad for the lady with the sprained ankle when I came across her.Gave some encouragement but figured if it was as she described then it was already over.How disappointing!
As I was belting down the long loose sandy hill into Aire River I was already dreading the climb back out.
Towards Johanna Beach I was attacked by Kenny the killer koala.I swear this is true.The track was narrow and here he was.Took out the phone to photograph him and then went to pass and he rose up,bared his big claws and growled.I backed up.He followed.More backing.More following.I trotted back slowly he kept following.I stopped and tried again to pass.He growls and shows me those claws again.Not happy.This is a race.There was no way to pass him.Now three more runners approach.Whats going on they ask.We continue backwards.Nopthing to throw at him.Nothing to menace him with.He has no interest in leaving the track.A bit of a gaps lets me jump past.See you later suckers and I 'm gone.The faster 100k runners take a bit to catch me.
The slog on the beach,about 1.5ks of slow trudge in soft sand to Johanna.The lovely cold salt water we wade through.Couple of wimps take off their shoes and socks.
Theres a long climb from Johanna with a magnificent green valley to our right.This is the colour the word verdant was made for.
Wrong turn.Long uphill slog to bitumen Old Ocean Road.Wrong way.Bugger.
Outlook on cliff face to the east.The head in the distance shows Otway lighthouse about 45ks away I reckon.Sooooo far.
Amazed Seris catches me at Moonlight.We have a companionable trudge to the Apostles.Push her a bit to run more.Mantra..run when you can,walk when you have to.
We leave Apostles with Belinda.I push a couple of minutes in front to moon light but have big despondancy approaching.Don't think I have the drive.Consider dropping.
Seris arrives.Come with us.Feeling leaves.Long night together.Seris and I are probably going steady but she's a married woman.It wouldn't work out Drop her later.
Arrive Johanna a bit after seven.Really surprised Milov is still there.
Back along that beach we figure for a four to five pm finish.Seris has been stressing about the cut for hours but I reckon we've got it covered easily.
Across to Aire I drop the girls.Feeling really good.
Really amazing beaches all the way.Lovely surf and really a surfers dreams everywher.Beatiful visions all the way of left and right breaks with the offshore breeze blowing the spray back over the top.
After Aire river I miss the turn back up thet hill.I follow footprints in the sand but I know this isn't right.I backtrack and still cant find an alternate track.Go to return back along the track and lucily catch the small arrow and track up the hill.Every bit as hard as i imagined it would be.
Hot and sandy all the way to Otway lighthouse.
I reckon I pass 100 miles out here about 281/2 hrs and GNW170ks about 301/2 hrs.People have tried to compare the two.I did GNW in 31 last year.
Not eating eating or drinking enough I trudge along feeling guilty about the girls.
About 4 ks to Blanket is my first hallucination.I hear voices.I really slowed here and the cutoff is looking later.Much later.I hear voices in the distance behind.It's Milov's voice and I reckon he and the girls have caught me Run strongly all the way to blanket but I hear them approaching and after looking back,also catch a glimpse.
Arriving Blanket beach I say they are just behind and pack up time is nigh.They dont appear.


Trudging up the long climb from Blanket,more hallucinations.Have dropped to a trudging walk and can't run for anything.The cut looks furthur away.Starting to doubt getting there.Can't run a step.Sore feet Blisters.
Milov catches me,talks a bit then runs off as fresh as a daisy and is quickly gone.
More trudging,on and on,no running.
Eventually running slowly and the ks roll by and the cutoff and my time are closer.
Coming off the last beach I see Whippet and Maggot.Think wow,a pacer for me and one for Jane.Look back and Whippet sheltering behind a large rock and Maggot has disappeared.Then Whippet disappears.More visions.
Sight Apollo (not) and it is so far.
A local runner passes me and tells me I'm on the right track and just keep trudging.
Crawl into Apollo with Mel (Skizzik).Gees she's bossy.
Don't really care.I've made the cut.
Sadly the sense of exhileration I have felt at other finishes is missing.It comes later but I'm just glad to stop.
Thank you to all at the finish.To be standing there in the cold waiting for me was outstanding ans something completely unexpected.I thought everyone would be in the pub with some poor soul sent out to record the finish.Typical of these people who frequent these races.Words aren't enough here.Tis ultra caper is just that bit left of right out there.
Can't begin to imagine doing this in the wet.

Really really happy that Seris got there.Someone said she had phoned at some place and I though that place was so far she could never make it.Guts and determination and the drive to make this race another where only blokes dnf.

Thank you to the kind soul who drove me home to shower.Unfortunately missed the presentation but a belated thank you to the organisers for the accidental presentation of the gold buckle.Possession is nine tenths etc.

That's as hard as anything I've done.
C2k the full monty 38ish hours.GOW 38 hours.GNW 31 hours and 32 hours.

And to Tbone and ucb well done.Also Tim,a few haunches of beef will make GNW that much easier vegie boy.

Sorry to ramble. There's more I can say probably but it's just chatter.

[jan]

Hello,

And congratulations to everyone - the starters, the finishers, the organisers, and the crews. Impressive performances over a massive distance! Very happy for the winners - awesome efforts and well deserved!

Sadly, I couldn't make the inaugural event. Sounds like a course that has it all - challenging terrain and beautiful scenery. I hope I'll be able to see it for myself some day...

Cheers,

Jan

[Mister G]

Well, that was an interesting weekend.

My first run longer than 45km since Glasshouse 100mi in September 2006. Since then, not much training at all, apart from my annual Six Foot Track pilgrimage. I'd had abortive buildups to TNF100 and 12FT this year which came to grief due to illness or injury; I'd done some good running during those times but nothing over 32K or so. The Mt Wilson-Bilpin 35K trail race in August was a very ugly experience and since then I'd run about 5 times a week and a couple of RPM classes; fairly consistent but nothing over 2 hours. To complete 100Km over unknown terrain would take good pacing and excellent nutrition.

On the day, I was very conservative from the start; after the Eliot Ridge loop the only runners I spent any time with all day were Cameron, Eat Em and DuckGirl. It was quite cool and breezy to begin with; I started off wearing 2XU tights, an Upper Murray Challenge tritop with Golite Ether jacket over that, and Windstopper Gloves. The Ether jacket I discarded at Blanket Bay. After Moonlight Head when it was cold, dark and windy I donned an Outdoor Research Zealot jacket over the tritop which worked very well.

I got grumpy three times, all of them due to the approach to a checkpoint taking longer than expected. First there was the "desert" section in the open sun between Cape Otway and Airlie River which was loose sand winding round and around and never ending; the long and unexpected slog along Johanna Beach (which would have been okay but for the Garmin saying I had gone far enough to already be in the next checkpoint); plus ascending the long ridge which had been visible on the horizon all day which I assumed was Moonlight Head, only to find Spoonie telling me I still had another climb to come.

On the upside there was the splendid Mountain Ash forest after the Eliot Ridge loop, the sublime singletrack between Blanket Bay and Parker Inlet, and the leg from Melanesia Beach to Moonlight Head (which I had been dreading all day after Spoonie's description on Friday night) was actually quite pleasant and not so difficult after all.

My energy levels were very consistent all day, no sugar lows to speak of. I stuck to unprocessed foods pretty much all the way; lots of bananas and apples, some bean-and-avocado wraps, a few pickle and cheese sandwiches, plus a small hand bottle of Coke which I used as a Gu more or less; a mouthful whenever I needed a pick-me-up. My progress was pretty steady until the last 15K or so, when my feet started to blister under their taping (they had gotten wet fairly early on). Just after midnight I walked round a corner to see the finish line toilet block in sight and very gratefully stopped the watch in 18.17 to mark, perhaps, the "start of the comeback". Very satisfying.

Total distance on the Garmin was 102K. Moonlight Head was 5K past where the notes said it would be, but the last section proved to be 3K shorter than was indicated so in the end it worked out fairly well.

The organisers did a sterling job and the "100 mile" (read:200K) runners showed plenty of guts. Mel had a fun time working the Moonlight Head checkpoint and seems genuinely puzzled (but also chuffed) that everyone acclaimed her checkpoint to be the best.

It was nice to put some faces to some new CR names as well. A great weekend.

[Whippet Man]

Thanks guys for all the kind words. And it is great to read the reports. I missed a lot because I was busy so it is good to see how people went.

Runingbare, the soup at all the CP's except Moonlight Heads (where Brett's wife cooked it) was made by Mrs Whippet. She did the zucchini slice as well.

Spoonie is still in a sleep deprived coma and when he awakens the rest of the result will go up.

While most reports are flattering, we are always looking for ways to improve so if you have any particular comments feel free to use our GOW100 email. No promises but it is always good to get feedback.

Beyond that I would like to really thank all the volunteers who gave up so much time to help man the aid stations and even some of the runners who helped me sort through and pack stuff before and after the event.

And a big thanks to Spoonie for getting this off the ground and Brett for picking up the baton when it was needed. There is no way this one would have got off the ground with anyone trying alone so I think having 3 race directors made it all possible.

And for the record, yes, it is harder to direct than to run one of these things.

And Victorians will attest, as Maggot said today: we dodged a bullet with the weather. It has been horrific the last couple of days.

[Hermie]

Whippet...... I'm missing a drop bag which has lots of goodies in it.It is a blue shopping bag with four snap clips to close.Should have a tag attached with my name.

I was just to tired Monday morning to check even though I think I kew it was missing.

It should have come from Johanna Beach.Hopefully it wasn't eaten by the fox.

This post has been edited by Hermie: Oct 14 2009, 08:12 AM

[RMC]

That's as hard as anything I've done.
C2k the full monty 38ish hours.GOW 38 hours.GNW 31 hours and 32 hours.

So is GOW (out and back) harder than GNW? Will be interested to hear Bluedog's and Brick's view.

And just think the weather was good on the weekend. It's been blowing a gale down here and wet the last day or so.

[Brick]

So is GOW (out and back) harder than GNW? Will be interested to hear Bluedog's and Brick's view.

And just think the weather was good on the weekend. It's been blowing a gale down here and wet the last day or so.

Very very busy at work at the moment but I will answer this question now and do report later.

GOW100 as it is in my opinion is harder than GNW100.
It is longer has lost and lots of sand which saps your energy and it is far far from flat.

It has been proven by a couple of people at least that you can finish within cutoff at GNW100 and walk most if not all of the course, I do not think this is posssible at GOW100.
I might be wrong about the last point, only time will tell Jan/Bill will need to give it a go and prove me wrong but 38 hrs for 192-200kms is not as long as you think.

The most scenic course I have ever done bar none I will be back again next year for sure and hopefully not go wrong the 5 times I managed to this year.
I can guarantee you do not need to add 14-15kms to this run to make it bloody hard which is what I did.

Thanks to the organisers is was a superb race.
You need to add more signs for the way back in my opinion.
But maybe not I have made enough mistakes this year to know them now so keep it as it is and see who goes wrong again next year better for the people who did the return trip this year.
It looks very different in the dark coming back I can guarantee you, and I think easier to get lost than GNW100 on the return trip.

Race report later.

This post has been edited by Brick: Oct 14 2009, 08:49 AM

[MRX]

Well done everyone. love reading the reports, wish we could have been there , sounds like an awesome adventure.

[fitzy]

What a wonderful weekend. I think like GNW, this race has a lot of potential to get very popular - in terms of scenery and just pure spectacular running it takes 1st prize in the Grand Slam. It's amazing that we have these races and that each one of them has something special about it. Be it the 5 star catering at Glasshouse and community spirit that envelops the whole weekend, or the sheer brutality of GNW. This race just makes you want to stop at each hill or cliff face and take in the breath-taking views all around you? Are we really this lucky?

For me, a good day at the office. I was surprised at just how runnable a lot of the course was, especially the first 25 and last 25kms. The middle 50km is a good test too and that 9kms before the Moonlight Head CP, is just great single file running and climbing, something for everyone. I guess one of the biggest challenges is trying to stop yourself from heading out too quick in the first 25kms and making sure you have plenty left for later in the race. Having made that huge mistake up at Glasshouse a month earlier I was determined to have a good showing here, and was delighted to podium in the 100km event, if not a little shocked too as I regard myself as very much a middle of the pack person who tends to go out way too quick before smashing myself to a delirious halt around 60kms

I have huge respect for those who turned around at the 12 Apostles for another dose. I felt amazingly good as I approached the 12 Apostles, and a thought did go through my mind to turn around and go back, but only for a brief second

As usual great mateship and cammeradery on the course between all runners which is what makes these events so special - just a group of guys and girls who enjoy putting themselves through some of Australia's finest trails and wishing each other all the best in the process. I was gutted to not be around at the finish line for the 100 milers, and in particular seeing Jane come in for a very gutsy effort. I was up at 5am Sunday morning to see the missus finish for a well-deserved PB in the Melbourne half marathon, a commitment I just had to keep no matter what.

Walking into the MCG, it was like another world. The atmosphere didn't feel right and was seemingly ugly, with people on fixated on one goal, that of the clock and nothing else. No care for other runners and how they were getting on, it all seemed a bit selfish and I just wanted to be back at Apollo Bay, cheering on those heros coming home for 100 miles. Even the missus said it was wierd and that she wanted to run where there were just a few people enjoying themselves (cue a Mrs. B entry in trail running hopefully!)

Well done to all who came and ran... already looking forward to next year.

Nice one Dan. Very happy for you. Great to see you bounce back after a couple of tough events.
Looks like an event i will have to commit to in the future...

[MattO]

Wonderful reports and truly inspiring stories.

Just completed my first marathon Sunday but on reading through each of your personal journeys I find myself dreaming of completing the GOW next year.

Thanks for sharing and congrats to all involved, participants and organisers.

[cameron]

Wonderful reports and truly inspiring stories.

Just completed my first marathon Sunday but on reading through each of your personal journeys I find myself dreaming of completing the GOW next year.

Thanks for sharing and congrats to all involved, participants and organisers.

Nice one MattO. You have gotta dream BIG

Hope to see you there.

[djbleakman]

Wonderful reports and truly inspiring stories.

Just completed my first marathon Sunday but on reading through each of your personal journeys I find myself dreaming of completing the GOW next year.

Thanks for sharing and congrats to all involved, participants and organisers.

It's extremely achieveable mate. I ran my first marathon at Canberra last year. All you need is some application to train hard, a strong will and to throw yourself in at the deep end and believe in yourself.

[Lynda]

I just wanted to say what a fantastic event GOW100 was, with breath taking scenery.

I want to thank the race organisers firstly for their passion (to ultra running and to this event) and secondly for the hard work and committment required to get an event like this to happen. All so that we can come out and play.

Thanks to Paul for being the sweeper extrordonnaire from the start to Johanna, and Mal for being the same from Johanna to the 12 Apostles. Thanks to Brett for being the voice on the end of the phone when I find myself lost and alone in the middle of the night. Thanks to the volunteers at the checkpoints for giving up your time. Thanks to Whippet for making us do that hill in the first leg twice (only kidding).

Although my race didn't go to plan, I had an amazing adventure.

Start to CP1 (Blanket Bay): I played leap frog with Runbare and Bloodnut, with the sweeper always just behind somewhere. I had to push myself just to get to CP1 on the cutoff time. Runbare and Bloodnut had crew and left first. I was now the last runner.
CP1 to CP2 (Aire River): I struggled in this section, and after the lighthouse, I thought the next cut off was 11am (it was 11:30) and I that I wouldn't make 11am and would be cut at CP2. I kept going anyway. I saw 3 snakes in this section (nearly stepping on the second one. I yelled and the snake got as much of a shock as me!) I waited a few minutes for the sweeper (Paul) and he assured me that they weren't really snakes (too small). I was a bit freaked never the less. He tried to reassure me as we went along by telling me of a couple of his near death experiences with some snakes. I got a bit emotional coming into CP2 (I had never been cut from a run before or DNFed. I kept telling myself not to be a sooky girl and cry (I didn't). Once I got cut, I would go an and volunteer at a CP if they needed me. As it turned out, I wasn't cut. I course was over distance and I was still in. So a quick change of mental attitude and off I went.
CP2 to CP3 (Johanna Beach): I loved this section. My race wasn't over. I saw an echidna. It seemed a bit cooler and there were ups and downs (terrain), the sweeper caught me intermittently and pushed me along. There was the most beautful section of track (near Rotten Point) - full of black boy ferns, just breath taking stuff. Life is very, very good. Eventually we came out on Johanna Beach and I had made up some time and caught sight of Runbare and Bloodnut. The beach was beautiful, but a real slog. No where could you find any firm sand. I got wet feet and legs (very refreshing), but I should have tried to keep those shoes and feet dry. At the CP I fixed some blisters and changed my socks.
CP3 to CP4 (Moonlight Head): Off I went, a bit sad to have lost my sweeper. It had been reassuring to know he was behind me somewhere. Up and up over the green grassy fields, the roads and eventually the new sweeper Mal caught me just before Milanesia Beach. Onto the beach then the swiggly bits of the course (up and down around some headlands). I love this terrain. I caught Runbare/Bloodnut and went ahead. It was getting darker. There was a magic time at dusk flowing through some glorious patches of rain forest. A song came on my ipod that suited my mood perfectly. It was a perfect moment alone in the bush. Just before full dark I stopped and put on my thermal/headlamp/reflective vest. The others caught me and we leap frogged into the CP. Mel gave me some great vege soup and hot potatoes, and after a quick pit stop I was on my way. The final cut seemed unobtainable, but I wasn't about to give up.
CP4 to the end of my run: It soon became apparent that the terrain was a lot less technical and more runnable and that I could make up time. Maybe the final cut was within reach. Brett was at the last CP and had told us to look out for 100 milers coming from the other direction. Blue Dog was in the lead. After a while I spotted someone. It was a 100k runner Anna. I told her she was going the wrong way. She stopped to look at her map, then sped off down the track in the right direction. Blue Dog appeared and gave me some encouragement. Congratulations Blue Dog - what a fantastic win! A few ks on and I took a wrong turn and ended up on Wreck Beach (scaring one very large kangaroo along the way down). There was a sign stating that there was an inland route and to take it - so I realised I had taken a wrong turn. I tried my phone, but no signal on the beach, so up the hill I trudged (thinking what an idiot I was to get lost!) Back at the next junction I rang Brett. After a few phone calls, I had back tracked and found the correct route. Any chance of making the final cut now gone due to my stupidity. I tried to ring Brett to tell him that I was fine and continuing on, but my phone was now dead. On I went and along came another 100 miler Hermie. He pulled out his iphone and tried to ring Brett for me, but no reception, so off he went. Next, my headlamp died. No warning, one minute fine, the next minute dead. I tried to find my backup light but couldn't. So I completely unloaded the pack in the pitch dark. Along came Seris and Bluebel. Bluebel offered my her spare torch, but luckily I found mine at the very bottom of my pack. They continued on. I changed my headlamp batteries, re-packed my pack and off I went. I was starting to think that maybe I wasn't meant to finish this run. The sweeper Mal caught me and stayed with me along the sand track, all the way till the road, where Paul cut me from the run (maybe 5-10k from the finish). I wasn't sad. I expected to be cut after getting lost. I had had a fantastic time. Paul gave me a lift to the finish where I got a lift back to Apollo Bay with Anna and her crew. Thanks Anna's crew!
After & Presentation: Sunday afternoon I watched a few 100 milers come in (Milov, Hermie, Seris) - just amazing! What an acheivement! Then the presentation. I didn't realise how hard it would be. There is nothing like DNFing a run and watching others receive buckles and recognition when you have failed, to provide that extra bit of motivation for next year.

Still I look on the positive side. I made it a lot further than CP2. I got lost, then found and didn't panic. I went a little way to getting over my fear of snakes. I met some amazing like-minded people and I ran in some spectacular places.

I cant wait until next year!

[EverReadyBunny]

Great story Lynda. You would have made it if it wasn't for that extra diversion. Don't worry you can fix that next year

I love that you were able to describe the highs and the lows of the experience for you.

[brettsrun]

Hi All GOWer's
I hope you are all feeling well after an amazing weekend.
Congratulations to everyone who came and ran the event and thank you all for supporting us.
Here is a link to the Photos I took, hope they bring good memories
cheers Brett

PHOTOS TEMPORARILY REMOVED
WILL APPEAR ON GOW100 SITE
OVER THE WEEKEND

This post has been edited by brettsrun: Oct 16 2009, 07:30 AM

[chilliman]

Have enjoyed catching up on all the reports from a very special event, top effort all !
Even if you didn't make it to the finish line or helped out in the middle of nowhere, you were still part of the inaugural, of hope what will be many to come.

Thanks for the photo link Brett.

A special congrats to the first timers over the distance, specially Eat`Em who only ran his first Ultra this year and has now run what 5 or 6 ? You're hooked mate.
Great to see you back on the trail Cameron after that bout of injuries.

Well done to all the out of towners, making the trek way down south into the unknown.

Job well done Whippet, Spoonie, Brett, Maggot and PC.


Is spoonie awake yet ?

Ed:Sp.

This post has been edited by chilliman: Oct 15 2009, 09:57 AM

[Spud]

Great photos Brett, thanks for sharing.
If that dodgy leg of yours doesn't come good, we might see you out on the trails with camera in hand a bit more often.

Cheers

[RMC]

Just looking at the results in the out and back race. TimC's Johanna checkpoint split should read 6.00 (midday). Currently shows 6.40.

[Bernie G]

Great photos Brett. The course looks as pretty as the description I have been given.

[cameron]

Can someone with who had a Garmin for the 100km please post the export file from the run?? I have gotta get this run in ST!!

Thanks

[Spud]

Done cameron

 GOW100km.gpx ( 1.26MB ) Number of downloads: 23



 GOW100km.jpg ( 90.55K ) Number of downloads: 40


This post has been edited by Spud: Oct 15 2009, 12:45 PM

[Blue Dog]

Just looking at the results in the out and back race. TimC's Johanna checkpoint split should read 6.00 (midday). Currently shows 6.40.

Yeah, my halfway split at Twelve Apostles reads 14:43 ....... it should be 12:43.

Cheers, Blue Dog.

PS - Great photos Brett !

This post has been edited by Blue Dog: Oct 15 2009, 01:35 PM

[cameron]

Your a champ - thanks Spud

[RunBare]

Can someone with who had a Garmin for the 100km please post the export file from the run?? I have gotta get this run in ST!!

Done cameron

Thanks for that Spud (mine was 20k short somehow??)

Did you get a total elevation gain/loss for the 100k? My 310 seems to be way out. I had 4800m gain 4700m loss in that 80k, according to ST.

[SlowManiac]

My elevation gain/loss was about 3000m.