228 replies to this topic

[walshy2]

I see that the Megalong Mega is scheduled for Sunday 7th Feb per attached http://www.coolrunni...e=Megalong_Mega

An obvious pre 6ft hit out

who's in?

walshy

[WallyGator]

I'm in.

But after doing nothing but eat and snorkel for the last 2 weeks, I am really scared about it.

[Rico]

I'm in  

Accomodation just booked and first experiment with carrying my own drinks will take place on tomorrow morning's long run.

[Jogger]

yes.

will be giving out free maps of the six foot track.
will have 2007/2008/2009 six foot clothing for sale, cheap. like approx $10.

[Hallac]

Planning to be there to see "them hills" for the first time.

How does this compare time wise compared to BTBS which I did in just over 4 hours?

Andy

[Wheats]

I'm in. This will be my first taste of the track so hopefully will settle some of the mind games that I will inevitably face on the 13th March.

I have had a quad injury over the past week, and haven't run, so now I'm getting a bit restless. Need to get back out and tackle hills, and some more hills!

[Katz]

I'm a hopeful starter.

[runhard]

Count me in!  Cant wait.  Seeing the track for the first time. looking forward to the taster.

[sfGnome]

Just remember, bring enough water! The number of people who ran out last year wasn't funny. When you think that you have enough, bring a bit more, 'cause that last stretch back up from the river is murder on a hot day.

[Owly]

sfGnome, on Jan 17 2010, 04:53 AM, said:

Just remember, bring enough water! The number of people who ran out last year wasn't funny. When you think that you have enough, bring a bit more, 'cause that last stretch back up from the river is murder on a hot day.

I second that!  Last year I took a two litre camelbak plus a couple of 600ml bottles I'd frozen the night before and left some frozen bottles in the car. I drunk the camelbak dry and started on one of the small bottles and gave the other bottle to someone who'd run out of water on the track.

Ill be there.

I'll bring my first aid kit again too. Last year there were a few walking wounded at the finish!

[Paul Every]

sfGnome, on Jan 17 2010, 07:53 PM, said:

Just remember, bring enough water! The number of people who ran out last year wasn't funny. When you think that you have enough, bring a bit more, 'cause that last stretch back up from the river is murder on a hot day.

It is worth noting that there is the watertank at Cox's River which you pass twice on the run. There is no excuse to run dry out there.

[rodthehornet]

Paul Every, on Jan 18 2010, 08:25 AM, said:

It is worth noting that there is the watertank at Cox's River which you pass twice on the run. There is no excuse to run dry out there.

Agree, but as we know, depending on rain levels can be unreliable.

One piece of advice for anyone heading out for the first time - do a bottle drop at/near the river.  Most problems occur with people running back between river and road.  A frozen bottle dropped in the shade near the river is a great pick me up and gives you that bit extra.  2-3L on your back, plus the frozen bottle drop will get you thru safely.

Edited by rodthehornet, 18 January 2010 - 07:44 AM.

[buzzlightyear]

After finishing our run last year, Greyhound and I raced out to check on two runners - One of them had a mini heat episode on the way back abd she certainly wasn't just tired from the run.

It's a two edge sword I say, carrying too much water, you are slow down by weight ; carry too little, you will be heat exhausted - At least I know which is worst.

My 2 cents to newbies on this course - If you are using this to 'qualify', run sufficiently to be in the cut off. With no water drop (unless you drive out 45 minutes prior to drop off at start of black range), safety is a lot more important than anything else. Other runners are just as tight on fluid so excessive is good!!

Owl - First aid kit sounds good. I will bring Space blanket and cans of coke in Esky

Edited by buzzlightyear, 18 January 2010 - 07:57 AM.

[Katz]

At Christmas time the tank at Cox's was low and the water coming out of it was a bit smelly and a bit slimy. Not sure how much water there has been there since though. The river wasn't running at the time either, although the creeks just after Alum were flowing.

[Animal]

I'm in, looking forward to it & see if i can run up this 'hill' everyone is talking about.

[cazzy1]

I'm in and can't wait to do it again after the schlacking I received last year in that incredible heat. I was one of the people who ran out of water so will definetly be better prepared this time round.

[sailaway]

A definite starter. Will also bring my first  aid kit and a 25ltr water container to the start/finish area.

Edit: will now bring a mate who has just been accepted as an entrant from the wait list.

Edited by sailaway, 27 January 2010 - 11:55 PM.

[FakePlasticTrees]

Hallac, on Jan 17 2010, 11:32 AM, said:

How does this compare time wise compared to BTBS which I did in just over 4 hours?

To answer your question. The year I did BTBS in 4hrs 20. I did Megalong Mega in 5hrs. I really could have done BTBS faster, just got lazy at the end. So I would say around 4hrs 50 for you.

[Rivz]

I plan on being there.   I also plan on camping the saturday night at Old Ford Reserve.

Cheers
Rivz

[Colin]

buzzlightyear, on Jan 18 2010, 08:55 AM, said:

My 2 cents to newbies on this course - If you are using this to 'qualify', run sufficiently to be in the cut off.

Although the qualifying time is currently 7hrs, that is soft compared to finishing 6FT in 7hrs...so I would say to newbies - to be sure, to be sure- if you want to be confident of finishing 6FT then you need  6hrs here.

As for BTBS to MM, my intention is to let my 'training partner' run sub 5hr after a 4:29 BTBS

Edited by Colin, 18 January 2010 - 12:27 PM.

[Bandanna]

I'll be there for the full monty.

And for newbies, can't re-iterate enough the "bring enough water" reminder....those 7 or so km from the river to the road seem to drag on forever.

A few years ago a runner at this event had to be hospitalised due to heat exhaustion.

Edited by Bandanna, 18 January 2010 - 04:11 PM.

[Jogger]

Quote

A few years ago a runner at this event had to be hospitalised due to heat exhaustion.

technically: A few years ago a runner at this event running the same route had to be hospitalised due to heat exhaustion.

Certainly the weather the last few years has been very hot. Last year there were heaps of people in very bad shape well before the end.

[Katz]

Solace, on Jan 17 2010, 01:42 PM, said:

I'm a hopeful starter.

Scratch this. I won't be running.

[Rock Doctor]

I hope to be a starter for the first time. Hoping for some cool weather, otherwise going for the 2 camelbak option for 4.4 litres of water.

[DiJ]

I'm in and think I need to buy a new Camelbak so I have more water.

[Koala1]

I'm in.

I got through about 5-6litres of water out there last year - had a 2L camelback, carried bottles to drop at the river AND re-filled at the cox's tanks.  It was HOT!!

Beware of snakes out there too - had a very close run in with a black snake about 1K up from the river just last week.  The hot weather has meant they are very active at the moment, so just be aware of your surroundings and what might be lurking on the trail side.  I will be very happy that the faster runners have been through first and cleared them all out of the way!

[Rico]

Wow I can't believe the focus on hydration!  I'd question whether it is a bit OTT except it is coming from experienced people who know what they are talking about.

I've been running 30km+ each Sunday, sometimes in mountainous terrain, throughout the Canberra summer and have never drunk more than 600ml during a run and have never had a hydration issue.

But I guess I will have to make some extra arrangements here.  Especially if, as is being suggested, the water that is usually available at 7km and 29km is not available this year.

[Martin Dugdale]

I would agree that if it is hot then assume you will need 1 litre per hour, that works for me on long trail runs.
I will probably start and finish at the tree. nothing like a hike up Nellies glen to finish off a run  

Edited by Martin Dugdale, 18 January 2010 - 08:16 PM.

[Owly]

buzzlightyear, on Jan 17 2010, 05:55 PM, said:

Owl - First aid kit sounds good. I will bring Space blanket and cans of coke in Esky

saline and wound dressings were the popular items last year. I carry a compression bandage for snake bite or sprain which I hope I wont have to use. In 5 years of running I've used one compression bandage for a twisted ankle after a Friend had a fall on a run.

Hmmm perhaps I should have been a nurse or an ambo. I'm way to interested in this stuff!

[Jogger]

Quote

Wow I can't believe the focus on hydration! I'd question whether it is a bit OTT

Last year, sixfoot had filled its quota just before Megalong Mega and people who had a spot did the run, THEN pulled out saying it was too hard ...

[Jane06]

I am a maybe.  Long Arms has put it in my program for February, with the instruction that I walk the big hills.  I don't think I could run them anyway.  

If the weather is looking like it will be over 30 degrees for the majority of the run, then I won't be there, just because I know I am rubbish in the heat.  

Between now and then I am going to have to practice running with a Camelback - I have managed with the Amphipod before, but from all the above warnings I will definitely need more water than 1.2L.

[HouseDad]

I came undone on this course last year. I had a Camelbak with 1.5-litres and did a drop off of two 800ml bottles, just after Cox's river. However, it still wasn't enough and I got really crook 500-metres from the line, as being newbies, we had no idea about that water tank at Cox's. I completely lost my mind, tried to wander off into the bush and couldn't remember my name. Thankfully my running buddy and Rags got me right after laying me in the shade for 5-minutes. So yeah, first timers, do heed the advice and carry/drop off lots and lots of water.

Being newbies that year too, the run was the best prep for the big race. Loved all but the last 500-metres  

House Dad.

[stoneman]

Did this prior to my first 6 foot last year, it was an ideal precurser and perfect timing from my perspective.

I actually found it harder than the 6 foot - perhaps a result of the unexpected (but more likely deciding to run downhill like a lunatic after peaking the Pluvi - it was ok though - the slow climb out and the heat put me back in my place as a beginner)

On the hydration front - with no drink stations I figured that a little too much was better than a little too little.

See you all there - just listen for the rustle of jelly beans.

Edited by stoneman, 04 February 2010 - 12:49 PM.

[trailpuddin]

Didn't think I was going to make the 6th Feb but now looks like a possibility - I will probably do 6am start from the tree.

[Martin Dugdale]

trailpuddin, on Jan 21 2010, 11:32 AM, said:

Didn't think I was going to make the 6th Feb but now looks like a possibility - I will probably do 6am start from the tree.

and are you going to finish back at the tree?  

[TFive]

I'm in  

[Brick]

With a very enjoyable run on Australia Day out at Glenbrook with friends would love to give this a go as well.
Same call as always.
Any chance of a lift from Pennant Hills and home again?

Cheers
Brick

[trailpuddin]

Martin Dugdale, on Jan 21 2010, 11:48 AM, said:

and are you going to finish back at the tree?  

...my sides are hurting from laughing so hard...I'll make it back to the tree if you make it to Pluvi...Fair deal?

[Martin Dugdale]

trailpuddin, on Jan 27 2010, 07:11 PM, said:

...my sides are hurting from laughing so hard...I'll make it back to the tree if you make it to Pluvi...Fair deal?

unfortunately I have to withdraw. After a long discussion with my GP yesterday I made the decision to pull out of 6ft this year and can not run on trails for at least the next six weeks.  
Have fun out there

[buzzlightyear]

We hear your agony and pain Martin. Rest well! 6 weeks for an extra  10 years of running career, Fair dinkum. Easy on your body and they will reward you later...Come back strong for GNW later the year.

Don't worry bout TrailPuddin. We will run together to keep each other honest!!  

[Hallac]

Brick, on Jan 27 2010, 09:59 AM, said:

With a very enjoyable run on Australia Day out at Glenbrook with friends would love to give this a go as well.
Same call as always.
Any chance of a lift from Pennant Hills and home again?

Cheers
Brick

A slight diversion is probably a worthwhile sacrifice to help a fellow runner and make sure I don't fall asleep on the way back.  Shouldn't be a problem unless the weather is predicting a scorcher - family not interested in getting up that early, no idea why, so I have an empty car.  Can make final arrangements later next week. Be prepared to wait around at the finish though as I'm not fast and not good on hills (or in the heat).
Andy

[trailpuddin]

Quote

unfortunately I have to withdraw. After a long discussion with my GP yesterday I made the decision to pull out of 6ft this year and can not run on trails for at least the next six weeks.  
Have fun out there

Bummer!! I guess that means surgery?  Best get it sorted.  It will make Hellgate even more special this year.  I promise to run all the way from the tree to pluvi and return...(can you see those fingers crossed behind my back?)

Quote

We hear your agony and pain Martin. Rest well! 6 weeks for an extra  10 years of running career, Fair dinkum. Easy on your body and they will reward you later...Come back strong for GNW later the year.

Don't worry bout TrailPuddin. We will run together to keep each other honest!!  

  ...another speed demon that I get to teach the toddle to. Are you sure you can go that slow BLY? Its a big challenge.

[vstaR]

Martin Dugdale, on Jan 28 2010, 12:52 PM, said:

unfortunately I have to withdraw. After a long discussion with my GP yesterday I made the decision to pull out of 6ft this year and can not run on trails for at least the next six weeks.  
Have fun out there

Martin, sorry to hear this news. But as Buzz says, if it means many more runs in future years then missing one race is a fair trade-off.

[Brick]

Martin Dugdale, on Jan 28 2010, 12:52 PM, said:

unfortunately I have to withdraw. After a long discussion with my GP yesterday I made the decision to pull out of 6ft this year and can not run on trails for at least the next six weeks.  
Have fun out there

Same from me mate, very sorry to hear you have pulled the plug.
Maybe a good think can concentrate on getting better and then back to running later in the year.

[Colin]

On a general note...will there be anyone stationed at the turn-around, so that runners names (qualifiers) can get ticked off?

[Coogee1979M]

Colin, on Jan 29 2010, 09:27 AM, said:

On a general note...will there be anyone stationed at the turn-around, so that runners names (qualifiers) can get ticked off?

Colin you might also want to consider some race 'officials' at checkpoints along the course, to make sure no one takes a shortcut

[Colin]

Coogee1979M, on Jan 29 2010, 11:45 AM, said:

Colin you might also want to consider some race 'officials' at checkpoints along the course, to make sure no one takes a shortcut

  
Don't think there are any shortcuts back from turn on this one.

Just to add to previous post. I am not the organiser of this run, just as I am not the organiser of W2B etc, and its probably the last time it will be used as  qualifier because it is just too hard to have the integrity of results without 'anyone' organising it.

But if there was someone's 'crew' or other interested party at turn point, that would help a lot.

[Mick]

Colin, on Jan 29 2010, 10:27 AM, said:

On a general note...will there be anyone stationed at the turn-around, so that runners names (qualifiers) can get ticked off?

Just a reliable witness who sees you in close proximity to the top should be good enough ?

They could just say "hey, I'm using this as a 6ft qualifier, can you please be my witness that I went to the top", etc.

I'd like to think that most runners are a trustworthy bunch.

[Rico]

Some of us would be able to provide our garmin records of the run.  But I guess that doesn't help everyone else.

[WallyGator]

Having not done this or 6ft before, how do we know when to turn around - if you want to do the full 36?