126 replies to this topic

[Horrie]

Always a great way to see in the new year. I enjoyed a good solid run for a nice PB. Just gotta keep working on the 6 Foot Beer Bet handicapper to move some of those faster stallions out of the silver stubbie event.  

[OurDogScruff]

First BTBS for me, and first trail run.

It went something like this....Ratdog and I decided we'd do this about 22:30 last night.  Immediately stopped drinking.

First 8k I thought...You know what I'm a party pooper.  But with the ferry arriving, we jumped on and I felt ok.  Got off the ferry, didn't feel ok.  And struggled from there.

I didn't have anything in the tank and we weren't even half way.  Ratdog sorted me out, waited for me, encouraged me, and ignored my shouts of...I'll never make it....and....this is all your fault for getting me involved in this madness.  He did those things all day

Got back to the ferry eventually.  Got a couple of life giving cokes, well...Ratty ran ahead to get them, thanks mate.  Thought I was going to stop and give up, but carried on.  That 'hill', 'slope', 'mountain' coming back is just damn right silly

Got sprayed by 'random hose lady', thank you.  Stopped in the bottle shop for a couple more life giving cokes.  Barely had any energy for the road section.

I think we made it back in 5.01.  But I don't really care...We made it.  I owe you big time RatDog for helping me and keeping me going.  No way in the world I could have done it without you.  Thank you.

Conclusions are that trail running is very, very, very different from road running.  That is the hardest physical thing I've ever done in my life, marathon was easier.  And I quite probably owe my life to Mr Coke.  Did I enjoy it....I think so.

Well done everyone.  Thank you so much for the drinks out there.  Good to see a few faces I knew, and meet some new people.

Did I mention the heat and humidity?  Where's my bed...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[photogirl]

First BTBS for me too - and I am very glad I chose to be a Party Pooper. I was going home with two people doing the Full Monty so knew I had plenty of time and took it easy. The run to the Ferry was superb and I momentarily contemplated catching the ferry and doing a few extra kms....thank heavens I listened to the inner voice that cautioned me against making decisions like that while running downhill in the shade! I stopped at ferry for a couple of minutes and even took a few photos on the way up the hill. It seemed a shame not to take advantage of those views.

The run/walk/climb/scramble out was a lot of fun but bloody hard work and the esky at the top of the hill was like a heaven sent mirage. Jan you are a legend (or perhaps as Dave suggested a Saint) for supplying that. It was the best can of coke I've ever had  

Thanks to 'hose lady' and her daughter - that blast of cold water was a welcome relief and I found all the locals I encountered to be so friendly...I had other offers of a hose to cool down from some ladies walking their dogs. Thank you.

Thanks to Mooo and Mr Mooo for the lift there and the encouragement. I will try for the Full Monty next year as I really enjoyed this.

[MISWEN]

WOW!!!

My first B.T.B.S and definitely not my last despite it almost killing me

Mikey and I were waiting for a friend and she was a little late from Newcastle so we all headed off about 7.20ish..

I found the first 9ks or so to the Ferry ok (we were only ever doing the party pooper option).. We crossed the ferry with our friend to have a ride on the ferry and to see her off the other side. Missed the ferry both ways... But we were only heading out to enjoy this event for the first time and start the new year off on the right foot - never had any fast times in mind:)

The 4k climb after that was just pure torture! I have not made friends with hills yet letalone mountains..All good though.. Got to the top without needing any emergency rescue mission

One of the best things about the run was that magical esky at the top filled with icy cold goodness! I wanted to hug my little can of lemonade as it was the biggest lifesaver to get me through..

A slow plod along the road back to the start..
Garmin has moving time at about 2 hours 30mins.. Plus an hour of "fluff around - take photo's - ferry ride time".

Loved it.. Loved it.. Hated it.. Loved it..

I will be back for more! Over the past month this trail running thingy has me hooked!
Looking forward to another Nosh!
May even attempt this 16k again in a month or so just to see if I can beat that ridiculous part after the ferry..

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Great to see so many people enjoying the start of the year on a fitness high

[photogirl]

OurDogSruff - you chose to start trail running at the 'top' with a long, hard event. I hope it doesn't put you off  - I am new to trail running but my conclusion so far - it is magic.

Edited by photogirl, 01 January 2011 - 07:14 PM.

[Gento]

frankie17, on Jan 1 2011, 02:43 PM, said:

Had a good time and  it was a hot one as usual....also "as usual" the sight of the indefatigable Les Bryce encouraging some stragglers to get home.

Jogger, on Jan 1 2011, 03:39 PM, said:

yes Les was playing the great role of Tail-end Charlie. He was with the last runner home approx 2pm.
VERY HOT.

Les serves as an inspiration to us all, to not give up and to achieve.

TFive, on Jan 1 2011, 04:59 PM, said:

Wish I taken the earlier option. Did the full monty in an embarrassingly slow time which meant I caught the brunt of the heat arrived home very sunburnt , but had a great time

The "embarrassingly slow" time would've been because I held you up at the ferry and once again on the otherside. Thank you for that

All in all, a 6min pb of 5hr42mins and not stone dead last this year. heat being the crucial factor. Today had it all - anything from laughter, fun, catching up with friends, to cramping, dehydration, headspins and blood rushes.

[Spud]

I love the magic of this run, it has a certain mystique, the history of the castle, the superb trails, the almost certain new years heat and the craziness of running early am on the first day of the year. Nice to see some old regulars out there too including  founder Jogger. a perfect last hitout before some alpine magic next weekend at bogong 2 hotham. Thanks for the very welcome drinks Jan.

[runhard]

The toughest run I have ever done. Last year was much easier. The heat was relentless. Now I know why I get up at 3am to do my long runs!!!

A great day and thankyou for all the concerned runners who offered help and assistance when I died after the crossing on the way back.

A special and HUGE thankyou to the lady (Claire I think) who drove around with the water. She was a god send. I would not have made it back without her. She poured water over me and refilled my camelbak. Also let me sit in her seat for 5minutes whilst I prepared for the last 3km.

It was great seeing all the CR's out there.

I ran with hatless at the start to the crossing then with Billybob until it was all too much. Great to see Photogirl, Ourdogscruff, Horrie, Ratdog, and many others.

Happy New Year to all.

RH

[sfGnome]

Tough ol' day, and I was one of the wimps (I prefer super-intelligent) who went off at 6am. Ran most of the way with Scotsman which passed the time very nicely, and then suffered up that $&^%$# cliff with Innes.

I thought that the cramp bear only lived on the 6ft track, but it seems that he has some cousins in Berowra that were chewing on me the whole way up. Thought I was gone for all money, and then discovered this afternoon that when the ferry times were equalised, I matched my pb from a few years ago?? Bizarre.

Totally stuffed afterwards, but nothing that a nana-nap (and a pile of housework) couldn't fix.  

[OurDogScruff]

photogirl, on Jan 1 2011, 07:05 PM, said:

OurDogSruff - you choose to start trail running at the 'top' with a long, hard event. I hope it doesn't put you off  - I am new to trail running but my conclusion so far - it is magic.

Thanks PhotoGirl.  As each hour passes by since the finish, the more I think I enjoyed it.  It was bloody hard.  And on the day I just didn't have much to give.  Huge respect for everyone out there running those trails.  I'm astounded that people can cover that ground as fast as they do.

Wish I could have spent more time looking at the views instead of at my feet though!  Would love to see your photos.

[EverReadyBunny]

Yes always a lovely run and guaranteed heat and humidity. Sweat ! I couldn't sweat anymore.

I took off early at 6.30am with Mr Dutchy and we jogged happily to the ferry underneath the rising crescendo of cicada singing. It got sooooooo loud we couldn't hear ourselves think. Pretty sure they were shouting happy new year.

Made it to the ferry ahead of the fasties. Ok perhaps the first one that caught us did the gentleman thing and could have possibly outsprinted us to the ferry but we shall never know. It also put paid to my belief that the fasties arrive at the ferry fast and furious. They actually arrive exactly like us slowies. Chatting and looking pretty suave and no sweatier than the rest of us. Damn !! Soon after Dave Criniti caught us on the long slow uphill and then the mob continued to go past, with Beth the first girl.

Tried hard not to get caught up in it, as saving ours legs for the 1000km cycle to Coffs Harbour starting tomorrow and succeeded fairly well.

Missed the ferry on the way back. Arghhh. Knew I should have belted down that hill. Quite a few others on the same ferry who dropped me on the first hill. Climbed and reeled back in Spaghetti legs and partner and finally the refreshing drinks at the top. Thanks Jan. You are both a legend and an angel.

Running along the end road section that just goes on and on I reeled another runner in before been caught by Mel. Pretty happy with end time of 4.35. Never gets any easier but lovely  to see loads of familiar and new faces out there getting their fix of trail running so early in the new year. Stayed around long enough to chat and see a few more come in. Was pleased to see Kevin T founding runner back in.

[Ourimbah]

Great morning.Nice to catch up and have a chat.

Really don't know what is going on with Brick's chest hair but I presume he has been watching to many swimmers shave down..

Good luck and best wishes to all the girls and Carl on their 1,000 km bike odyssey tomorrow.I am sure you will eat it up.

[gogirl]

Ourimbah, on Dec 31 2010, 08:03 PM, said:

Coming,it will be nice to start the new year off with some km's,some icy poles & a chat.

Thanks for the icy-poles Darrel, they were great! Had a great run with Nando and Rags and various others on the way. Ran a bit of a longer version of the party pooper today with Narrabeen in mind for next weekend but took in the hill after the ferry so it was a good run up there and back.

Lovely to catch up with everyone afterwards as usual.

[fatboyslim]

OurDogScruff, on Jan 1 2011, 05:23 PM, said:

First BTBS for me, and first trail run.

First 8k I thought...You know what I'm a party pooper.  But with the ferry arriving, we jumped on and I felt ok.  Got off the ferry, didn't feel ok.  And struggled from there.

I think we made it back in 5.01.  But I don't really care...We made it.  I owe you big time RatDog for helping me and keeping me going.  No way in the world I could have done it without you.  Thank you.

Conclusions are that trail running is very, very, very different from road running.  That is the hardest physical thing I've ever done in my life, marathon was easier.

Congratulations on the run today. Well done on finishing. I did the Glenbrook 34 as my first trail run and it nearly killed me. Runhard told me that today was alot harder. Great description on the run. Cant wait till next year. I was going to do it this year but unfortunately i am out due to an injury.

[rodthehornet]

Nice run today.  Havent rolled an ankle in years, but succeeded in doing a good one.  Many thanks Jan for the icy cold cans.  Also Ourimbah for the icy poles - too funny when Spud and I were relaying the story to Hamburglar and Jo Be that we got icy poles 2 years ago and around the next corner the icy poles arrived.

Always good to hang in the carpark and check out the finishers.  I am thinking of starting at 5:30am next year, just to make sure Greyhound doesnt catch me.  Will check with Caleb if it is okay after he comes out of the foetal position in the carpark.

[Sir Runalot]

Happy New Year All. Great hit out today - the heat brought back vivid memories of the recent GNW100's. All set for B2H.

For the record I was home in about 3:35 with 14 min ferry time. Great to see so many familiar faces out there.

It wasn't me who put the esky at the top of the climb Dave C, (I already have a knighthood) but reassuring to have it there Jan. Thanks.

The girl with the hose on Turner Rd was a Berowra Bush Runner watching to see her friends come by, having finished due to the early start I went back to watch everyone take a good hosing.

For those who enjoyed the experience (and even if you didn't and just want to torture yourself again) we, the Berowra Bush Runners run these trails weekly. Why not come along on a Sunday morning some time this year, there's always someone up for a run. PM me if you want details.

[kolya]

So - just to add my .02

The run was hot - and humid! Getting out at 6am was definitely worth it... we even had some early fog to help out.

Thanks Anthony for pushing me at the start, and all the other runners I passed who made positive comments - it all helps!

Special thanks to Jan for the drinks, and Darrel for the icypole! What a treat (and how that helped is amazing).

Here's my run log from runkeeper - http://runkeeper.com...tivity/21847824 - I did pause the gps on the ferry - so a not-including-ferry time of 4:13 is a real PB for me. Very pleased.

Happy New Year runners - and stay strong and injury free for 2011!

Kolya

[Kaos]

I went out today with hopes of a 5 hour finish, but quickly decided survival was more important. My first time, and I had no idea the stretch down to the castle would be so torturous..

I was a bit delirious by the time I hit the ferry on the way back, but a nice cold coke, a bladder extraction then a (different) bladder fill up helped.

OMFG the insane climb out of Berowra waters! It was really starting to heat up by now and I was deciding between pushing on (I was heading for the 5 hour time I wanted), and taking it easy as I had been all day. My mind was made up when I found another runner who wasn't happy. I don't think he was in trouble but I made my decision to bugger the time and help someone who obviously had a lot more experience than me. And we had a great chat!

I'm really starting to love this bush running lark. Loads of interesting people to talk to, and a lovely community spirit.
Thanks to those who set up aid even though we were told not to expect it. Awesome.

Best story of the day? The Strider who bought 2 mars bars and asked me to deliver them to another strider further up the track as he was cutting it short. You really trusted this slobbering mess to follow an instruction longer than 'run up that hill, bargeass?'

There is a happy ending- I found the correct recipient for the mars bars....... and they weren't melted! I think a 6am start for me next year

Fatass, I think I love you.

Edited by Kaos, 01 January 2011 - 09:46 PM.

[fatcattango]

My first attempt at this and found it's a lot tougher than I expected! It was just about OK back down to the ferry, but went quickly pear-shaped from there!

I know it's not strictly in the spirit of the concept, but I wouldn't have finished it without the water and ice. Thanks very much!  

[Irvaky]

My first Fat Ass run and consequently my first BTBS run. OMG 10km beach runs, 22km bush runs and still nothing prepared me for this! My goal .... Under 5 hrs, made it by about 3 mins   I have to do this again, great to meet new people the locals were a God's send with hoses at the ready, I knew by the first 10kms that A.) I was going to die & B.) I was having the time of my life! Keep it up Fat Ass!

Edited by Irvaky, 02 January 2011 - 08:35 AM.

[Brick]

Great way to start the New Year even of it was far too hot for me.
Bad time for me 4:21, I did say I suffered in the heat.

The lady with the hose was superb.
Ourimbah with the Ice poles at the start of the road, thanks mate.

But mostly to Jan you are a Saint, thanks so  much for putting out the water and cold drinks.

[spaghetti legs]

Amazing to see so many runners out on New Years morning for this very challenging run.  Tough conditions and a very tough course.  Last time I ran this event was in 2008.  I remember it being a difficult run but I had forgotten just how difficult.  I recall being close to tears    climbing out from Berowra Waters but this time I was too tired and dehydrated to cry so just started to lose the will to live.... this must have been when Ever Ready Bunny bounced past me looking fresh (I don't believe you sweat, Bunny).

Many thanks to Clare Holland for water and ice at various points along the course and to the person (Jan) for the soft drinks in the esky. An icy cold lemonade has never tasted so good and gave me the energy to finish off the final 5k or so of the run.

Time was 4.08.  This was a bit slower than my time in 2008 (4.02) so I have some work to do before 6 foot track.

[caleb]

rodthehornet, on Jan 1 2011, 04:57 AM, said:

.  Will check with Caleb if it is okay after he comes out of the foetal position in the carpark.

..Actually my foetal position was just to show the boys how one can get comfortable in the back of a small 3 door hatch and grab 40 winks..and tropic thunder only walked me to the gents as he wanted to see if my chest was as hairy as his back...It had nothing to do with the heat..I'm going to start at 8am next year..might break 330 then..if its hot enough..

[Auswomble]

Yesterday - why, why why, why?
Today - that was OK, actually, not *that* bad...
It slaughtered me; good to see a few faces I knew and run a few k with Milov, Brick and TropicThunder; should have had an ice pole; respect to water gods; loved the hosing; kind of staggered off at the end in a blur; 3:38ish with a couple of ferry waits. Needed those waits...
Never again.
See you next year.

Bit of a blog here http://auswomble.blo...lack-stump.html

[mooo]

Thanks Fat Ass! A great run, yes it was hot, humid and deafening (thanks to the cicadas). I ran most of this myself but managed to have a chat to some others along the way. Was happy with my first attempt with moving time of 4:10 min. Thanks for the esky, ice, water and support, it was a godsend. A great run and also great to meet other CR and chat at the end. The best way to spend New Years Day!

As an aside went to get in the car Sunday morning and after having 4 sweaty runners, lets just say nothing could have lived in that car overnight and i drove to terry Hills with all 4 windows down to get some fresh air in!

[photogirl]

mooo, on Jan 3 2011, 05:28 PM, said:

Thanks Fat Ass! A great run, yes it was hot, humid and deafening (thanks to the cicadas). I ran most of this myself but managed to have a chat to some others along the way. Was happy with my first attempt with moving time of 4:10 min. Thanks for the esky, ice, water and support, it was a godsend. A great run and also great to meet other CR and chat at the end. The best way to spend New Years Day!

As an aside went to get in the car Sunday morning and after having 4 sweaty runners, lets just say nothing could have lived in that car overnight and i drove to terry Hills with all 4 windows down to get some fresh air in!

As a contributor to that stench - SORRY!!!!!

[Martin Dugdale]

thanks very much for the ride and now you know what trail runners smell like, sorry Mooo

Quote

As an aside went to get in the car Sunday morning and after having 4 sweaty runners, lets just say nothing could have lived in that car overnight and i drove to terry Hills with all 4 windows down to get some fresh air in!