Yurrebilla Trail 56km Ultra 2009 Race Report by Peter “Chilliman” Mullins
What a truly inspirational trail run, I thought last year's was brilliant, but this year's exceeded all expectations.
Being 1 of 2 privileged interstaters to complete Yurrebilla last year, I was blown away by the trail, the stunning scenery, the support, the friendship and welcome I received. None of which was lost this year, plus I had the added bonus of a few of my Victorian fellow trail runners along for the ride, one of which being my regular long run running buddy Mark, accompanied by his partner Michelle.
We arrived at Belair with plenty of time to see Michelle off for the 7:00am start. Great to catch up with those I knew running in the first group. It was a special surprise to see Nick (Tan 100 RD), who'd come over unannounced to run the Yurrebilla at a leisurely pace to see how he was travelling. Nice to catch up with Sonya C again and we did miss you Simon!
I remember glancing at the watch at around 6:55 and removed the camera from my camelbak in readiness for the group photo. Not sure if we got side tracked or not, but next minute I looked around there were runners down on the stairs, I did think they were stretching or just looking around, but as I moved closer I realised some of them were actually starting to run the trail. I don't know if someone told them to start, or they just looked at their watches and come 7:00 they were off. Which I suppose was fair enough if the other groups were to leave on time at 7:45 and 8:30.
Said a quick goodbye to those I knew and as we were returning back towards the toilets saw a surprised Sonya coming towards us as we said they had started. I'm guessing a few others got caught out also.
We now had a 45 minute wait before our start in the middle group. No problems with placing our gear in the bus for the 3 drop points, 20k,35k, and finish line. However I was starting to shiver a bit from the cold so held onto my heavier jacket for as long as I could.
The middle group steadily arrived, and this time we did actually assemble for a group photo prior to the start, unfortunately though Mark missed out as he ducked over to the toilet. Funny when he returned after everyone had dispersed he called out "how about a photo get together", little did he know. Soon there was a count down and we were off on the Yurrebilla!
I had run the Belair section last Thursday and sure the trail was wet then, but there certainly was a lot more water now after the downpour and hail Friday night, and with 50 to 60 runners having already been through the trail, the decision to wear trail shoes was spot on, the question of whether I should have worn the gortex ones though went through my head near the flooded section near the lake.
We started to spread out nicely along the trail. Our plan all along being that Mark would hang-on on the downhill sections and he would catch and no doubt pass me on the ups being a stronger uphill runner than myself. We approached the tunnel just behind Glen, and could hear TerryC just in front, we stayed with them for a while with a couple of girls as the trail climbed and we walked the stairs. As the trail levelled out, I took my opportunity to pass on the old tree that was across the trail, remembering how someone had done the same trick to me on the high side last year.
Terry did say something to me as I passed about being the last time he would see me before the finish, but I was hoping he could have run with us to have another legendary tussle at the end, but sadly it was not to be this year, with most of his energy being directed towards putting on the event rather than in training and racing, it I felt.
Mark and I moved ahead on the next undulating section, I remember spotting the Rocker in just about the same place I took his alter ego's photo last year. Who would have guessed, well actually I would be interested if anyone did?
We left the park and passed Nina snapping photos on the first of many occasions, we also went straight past a few runners at the drink stop including the Rocker, keen to get a good run on the downhill single track to come. Passed David Close just before the downhill then the fun started! I love this section, it is a real hoot, but unfortunately doesn't go for long enough.
A huge thank you to all those runners that graciously moved out of the way on some of the tighter single track with some idiot in red bearing down on them, finding they were probably passing the said idiot in red as soon as the trail headed upwards. Sorry that's where I make up my time, and it's what keeps me on great trails such as this one. Passed April and a couple of guys just before the S's, also great fun through there before hitting the road.
Although it is a sealed road section (dead end) the Valley is beautiful with plenty to see, from the farmhouse with the observatory on the right, to the house like tree house in the huge tree up on the hill to the left. Mark caught me not long after and we were soon back on gravel trail again. We were reeled in by April looking strong on the flatter section just after the Manure pits. As the trail climbed, so did April and that was the last we were to see of her, well run April! We climbed to the 10k aid station, went through there exactly on an hour of run time. Happy with the time on probably the flattest 10k of the course. Our next goal was to beat the faster group to the 20k Cleland stop.
The next section was pretty non eventful, the single track winds around the hills, in and out of the valleys, with great views to the city. As we moved through the cow paddocks though Mark mentioned his foot was becoming numb from the toes upward toward the knee, he'd had a bit of flu or something during the week and I suggested it was maybe the drugs he was on, but that was just a wild guess having no medical background whatsoever. We emerged past the farm house to find Nina once again there to great us, and we headed up towards the Eagle on the Hill stop. Mark picked up a grey Nike glove along the way and we left it with the CP people if anyone is missing one. We also started passing a few runners here from the 7:00am start.
At the aid station Mark took off his shoes to reseat his orthotics, and loosened off his laces which seemed to help a little with the numbness. We took off again and were passed not long after by the Rocker on the ascent to the Cleland entrance. We ran this section with another runner (sorry didn't get your name) but you were telling us you preferred the flat road stuff, but you were running pretty well here, well I suppose it was road and only slightly uphill.
I was looking forward to the next section, the next downhill single track of the course, cleaned the shoes at the cleaning station then I was off. Passed a few runners here including the Rocker again, thanks for moving way I really do appreciate it and do reciprocate on the ups. Once again the downhill bit was way too short and we were soon climbing again towards waterfall gully. Not long after the Rocker caught me and passed with Mark in tow. Walked with Mark up to the Cleland 20k CP passing a number of 7am runners on the hill. Stopped for some refreshment and a toilet break, then departed as the sun shone through. Time on the Garmin for the 20.5k was 2hrs 27mins, and we made it before the first of the faster group arrived.
We cleaned the shoes again and just started on the wider trail when Mark decided he needed to do something about a blister developing on his heel. Soon as we stopped it started to rain quite heavily, and this was only a few minutes after the sun emerged. Stuck a band aid on, and we were off again, with Mark concerned as to why he'd picked up a blister only after 20k as he normally doesn't have blister issues. His other numb foot also still on his mind.
It was about this point in time Matt B flew past us, but alas we had no idea it was him until later. After another 5 minutes or so, a pack of about 5 or 6 runners including David S and Brett also passed. Asked Dave if he had seen Mal “Maggot” Gamble at all and he said "nope". Mark and I were then a bit concerned that he may not have even made the start, perhaps still driving around trying to find Belair, or being stuck in his "Minima" hotel room. At about the 23k mark as the trail started to climb again, probably another 5-10 minutes behind the pack, Maggot finally caught us on the ascent. We asked what kept him, and he told us he was just starting to warm up, in traditional fly larvae style. We wished him good luck and he disappeared into the distance straight up an ascent where we walked it.
We emerged at the exit of Cleland, once again to see Nina, just as we crossed the road, however I looked back and spotted a CR cap in pursuit. With the shadows I couldn't tell who it was until he hit the road, and then realised it was Zac “Zacman” Savage running strongly. We said a quick hello, then followed him up to the highest point on the course. At that stage he must have been only a few minutes behind Maggot. We ran down the little descent to Woods point road then ran along the muddy single trail beside the road with a tough camber. Glad I had trail shoes on here as it was difficult to run along as it was.
Headed up over the stye and then spotted Bronte “AlpineWalkingSticks” Gabb practising his downhill ramp technique on the steep roof of the house along there. Said a quick hello and told him he was going strong, thinking he'd had an extra early start, unbeknown to us he'd left at 7am, so a fantastic effort to get almost 26k on us with only a 45m head start. Passed the section around the radar station then hit Coach road. There was quite a crowd at the aid station and Mark and I discussed by-passing it as I was keen to get a clear run on one of my favourite sections of the trail down into Horsnell gully. Waved a quick hello to Sonya, sorry we didn't stop to chat, then continued down coach road.
It was along here last year that I ran the single track on the side, whilst most ran the road. To be honest I'd forgotten completely about it until we spotted Sue Worley up there making her way gingerly down the trail whilst we ran the road. We beckoned her to join us and think she was relieved to get off the rough bit. We soon parted company, as the downhill beckoned once again.
I was surprised when we hit the rougher stuff to come across a group of about 5 people stopped to talk, it appeared someone had fallen and was heading back up to the aid station. I stopped to check if they were ok and if there was anything I could do, but they assured me all was under control. I was off again on the real gnarly bit that snakes down towards the water crossing. Loved this section of trail, although it was a little wetter than when I ran through here the week before but no real problem. Passed a few people including a lady with walking poles who almost went for a tumble making way for me when her footing appeared to give way on the side of the trail.
On approaching the water I was preparing to leap across like I did last week, but with somewhat more water on Sunday I was forced to rock hop. Up the other side I prepared for the inevitable climb out of the valley as I passed the guy taking photographs. Ran along here as far as the ruins then started to walk whilst I ate a packet of chips and rehydrated whilst climbing up. No sign of Mark at this stage from behind, however I noticed the lady with the poles and another guy coming up behind me. At first the guy seemed to catch up to her and I could hear him talking, not realising that he was in fact talking to me. I could hear him say something about are you doing Yurrebilla or Trailblazer training. I then turned around and he was looking at me, so I said 'sorry were you taking to me?", he then replied "yes, we're married we don't talk to each other" gesturing towards his partner, who raised her poles in a threatening manner. Humour was flowing on the Yurrebilla!
It was about then I heard a cry of "are we there yet" booming up the valley, which heralded the arrival of Mark. The guy and the lady with the poles slowly moved ahead like there was a race on or something, whilst Mark and I just walked it to the top. The guy with the camera also caught us and passed without effort. There were a number of Trailblazer teams in training coming from the opposite direction, enough to keep us occupied in saying hello whilst detracting from the slow climb towards Woods Hill road. The trail started to level out and we were off and running again, although Mark mentioned he needed to readdress the issue with his blister at the next aid station which we did. We were passed by a number of runners here including Glen whilst we changed the dressing. I was feeling a bit flat, but the delicious watermelon did the trick at that aid station and picked me up whilst Mark retied his shoes.
The trail then dropped again down along Church road, and we progressed along the busy Lobethal road onto Crescent drive, busy with bike traffic too. I'd dragged out a GU along here thinking we still had 3k or so to go before the 35kish lunch stop, and was surprised to find that the same check point had been relocated to Norton Summit because of the weather. Mark and I discussed how a nice mug of hot soup would have gone down well at the pub too, before we realised the lunch stop had been moved from Morialta. I was more than happy to throw away my half sucked green apple gel for a piece of delicious pizza, the memories still there from last year. It really hit the spot. While I was eating Mark had his foot dressed by the pro's with some magical sticky bandage that did the trick for the remainder of the run, yet he still had issues with the numbness etc. 34.8km in 4hrs 21mins so far.
What a truly inspirational trail run, I thought last year's was brilliant, but this year's exceeded all expectations.
Being 1 of 2 privileged interstaters to complete Yurrebilla last year, I was blown away by the trail, the stunning scenery, the support, the friendship and welcome I received. None of which was lost this year, plus I had the added bonus of a few of my Victorian fellow trail runners along for the ride, one of which being my regular long run running buddy Mark, accompanied by his partner Michelle.
We arrived at Belair with plenty of time to see Michelle off for the 7:00am start. Great to catch up with those I knew running in the first group. It was a special surprise to see Nick (Tan 100 RD), who'd come over unannounced to run the Yurrebilla at a leisurely pace to see how he was travelling. Nice to catch up with Sonya C again and we did miss you Simon!
I remember glancing at the watch at around 6:55 and removed the camera from my camelbak in readiness for the group photo. Not sure if we got side tracked or not, but next minute I looked around there were runners down on the stairs, I did think they were stretching or just looking around, but as I moved closer I realised some of them were actually starting to run the trail. I don't know if someone told them to start, or they just looked at their watches and come 7:00 they were off. Which I suppose was fair enough if the other groups were to leave on time at 7:45 and 8:30.
Said a quick goodbye to those I knew and as we were returning back towards the toilets saw a surprised Sonya coming towards us as we said they had started. I'm guessing a few others got caught out also.
We now had a 45 minute wait before our start in the middle group. No problems with placing our gear in the bus for the 3 drop points, 20k,35k, and finish line. However I was starting to shiver a bit from the cold so held onto my heavier jacket for as long as I could.
The middle group steadily arrived, and this time we did actually assemble for a group photo prior to the start, unfortunately though Mark missed out as he ducked over to the toilet. Funny when he returned after everyone had dispersed he called out "how about a photo get together", little did he know. Soon there was a count down and we were off on the Yurrebilla!
I had run the Belair section last Thursday and sure the trail was wet then, but there certainly was a lot more water now after the downpour and hail Friday night, and with 50 to 60 runners having already been through the trail, the decision to wear trail shoes was spot on, the question of whether I should have worn the gortex ones though went through my head near the flooded section near the lake.
We started to spread out nicely along the trail. Our plan all along being that Mark would hang-on on the downhill sections and he would catch and no doubt pass me on the ups being a stronger uphill runner than myself. We approached the tunnel just behind Glen, and could hear TerryC just in front, we stayed with them for a while with a couple of girls as the trail climbed and we walked the stairs. As the trail levelled out, I took my opportunity to pass on the old tree that was across the trail, remembering how someone had done the same trick to me on the high side last year.
Terry did say something to me as I passed about being the last time he would see me before the finish, but I was hoping he could have run with us to have another legendary tussle at the end, but sadly it was not to be this year, with most of his energy being directed towards putting on the event rather than in training and racing, it I felt.
Mark and I moved ahead on the next undulating section, I remember spotting the Rocker in just about the same place I took his alter ego's photo last year. Who would have guessed, well actually I would be interested if anyone did?
We left the park and passed Nina snapping photos on the first of many occasions, we also went straight past a few runners at the drink stop including the Rocker, keen to get a good run on the downhill single track to come. Passed David Close just before the downhill then the fun started! I love this section, it is a real hoot, but unfortunately doesn't go for long enough.
A huge thank you to all those runners that graciously moved out of the way on some of the tighter single track with some idiot in red bearing down on them, finding they were probably passing the said idiot in red as soon as the trail headed upwards. Sorry that's where I make up my time, and it's what keeps me on great trails such as this one. Passed April and a couple of guys just before the S's, also great fun through there before hitting the road.
Although it is a sealed road section (dead end) the Valley is beautiful with plenty to see, from the farmhouse with the observatory on the right, to the house like tree house in the huge tree up on the hill to the left. Mark caught me not long after and we were soon back on gravel trail again. We were reeled in by April looking strong on the flatter section just after the Manure pits. As the trail climbed, so did April and that was the last we were to see of her, well run April! We climbed to the 10k aid station, went through there exactly on an hour of run time. Happy with the time on probably the flattest 10k of the course. Our next goal was to beat the faster group to the 20k Cleland stop.
The next section was pretty non eventful, the single track winds around the hills, in and out of the valleys, with great views to the city. As we moved through the cow paddocks though Mark mentioned his foot was becoming numb from the toes upward toward the knee, he'd had a bit of flu or something during the week and I suggested it was maybe the drugs he was on, but that was just a wild guess having no medical background whatsoever. We emerged past the farm house to find Nina once again there to great us, and we headed up towards the Eagle on the Hill stop. Mark picked up a grey Nike glove along the way and we left it with the CP people if anyone is missing one. We also started passing a few runners here from the 7:00am start.
At the aid station Mark took off his shoes to reseat his orthotics, and loosened off his laces which seemed to help a little with the numbness. We took off again and were passed not long after by the Rocker on the ascent to the Cleland entrance. We ran this section with another runner (sorry didn't get your name) but you were telling us you preferred the flat road stuff, but you were running pretty well here, well I suppose it was road and only slightly uphill.
I was looking forward to the next section, the next downhill single track of the course, cleaned the shoes at the cleaning station then I was off. Passed a few runners here including the Rocker again, thanks for moving way I really do appreciate it and do reciprocate on the ups. Once again the downhill bit was way too short and we were soon climbing again towards waterfall gully. Not long after the Rocker caught me and passed with Mark in tow. Walked with Mark up to the Cleland 20k CP passing a number of 7am runners on the hill. Stopped for some refreshment and a toilet break, then departed as the sun shone through. Time on the Garmin for the 20.5k was 2hrs 27mins, and we made it before the first of the faster group arrived.
We cleaned the shoes again and just started on the wider trail when Mark decided he needed to do something about a blister developing on his heel. Soon as we stopped it started to rain quite heavily, and this was only a few minutes after the sun emerged. Stuck a band aid on, and we were off again, with Mark concerned as to why he'd picked up a blister only after 20k as he normally doesn't have blister issues. His other numb foot also still on his mind.
It was about this point in time Matt B flew past us, but alas we had no idea it was him until later. After another 5 minutes or so, a pack of about 5 or 6 runners including David S and Brett also passed. Asked Dave if he had seen Mal “Maggot” Gamble at all and he said "nope". Mark and I were then a bit concerned that he may not have even made the start, perhaps still driving around trying to find Belair, or being stuck in his "Minima" hotel room. At about the 23k mark as the trail started to climb again, probably another 5-10 minutes behind the pack, Maggot finally caught us on the ascent. We asked what kept him, and he told us he was just starting to warm up, in traditional fly larvae style. We wished him good luck and he disappeared into the distance straight up an ascent where we walked it.
We emerged at the exit of Cleland, once again to see Nina, just as we crossed the road, however I looked back and spotted a CR cap in pursuit. With the shadows I couldn't tell who it was until he hit the road, and then realised it was Zac “Zacman” Savage running strongly. We said a quick hello, then followed him up to the highest point on the course. At that stage he must have been only a few minutes behind Maggot. We ran down the little descent to Woods point road then ran along the muddy single trail beside the road with a tough camber. Glad I had trail shoes on here as it was difficult to run along as it was.
Headed up over the stye and then spotted Bronte “AlpineWalkingSticks” Gabb practising his downhill ramp technique on the steep roof of the house along there. Said a quick hello and told him he was going strong, thinking he'd had an extra early start, unbeknown to us he'd left at 7am, so a fantastic effort to get almost 26k on us with only a 45m head start. Passed the section around the radar station then hit Coach road. There was quite a crowd at the aid station and Mark and I discussed by-passing it as I was keen to get a clear run on one of my favourite sections of the trail down into Horsnell gully. Waved a quick hello to Sonya, sorry we didn't stop to chat, then continued down coach road.
It was along here last year that I ran the single track on the side, whilst most ran the road. To be honest I'd forgotten completely about it until we spotted Sue Worley up there making her way gingerly down the trail whilst we ran the road. We beckoned her to join us and think she was relieved to get off the rough bit. We soon parted company, as the downhill beckoned once again.
I was surprised when we hit the rougher stuff to come across a group of about 5 people stopped to talk, it appeared someone had fallen and was heading back up to the aid station. I stopped to check if they were ok and if there was anything I could do, but they assured me all was under control. I was off again on the real gnarly bit that snakes down towards the water crossing. Loved this section of trail, although it was a little wetter than when I ran through here the week before but no real problem. Passed a few people including a lady with walking poles who almost went for a tumble making way for me when her footing appeared to give way on the side of the trail.
On approaching the water I was preparing to leap across like I did last week, but with somewhat more water on Sunday I was forced to rock hop. Up the other side I prepared for the inevitable climb out of the valley as I passed the guy taking photographs. Ran along here as far as the ruins then started to walk whilst I ate a packet of chips and rehydrated whilst climbing up. No sign of Mark at this stage from behind, however I noticed the lady with the poles and another guy coming up behind me. At first the guy seemed to catch up to her and I could hear him talking, not realising that he was in fact talking to me. I could hear him say something about are you doing Yurrebilla or Trailblazer training. I then turned around and he was looking at me, so I said 'sorry were you taking to me?", he then replied "yes, we're married we don't talk to each other" gesturing towards his partner, who raised her poles in a threatening manner. Humour was flowing on the Yurrebilla!
It was about then I heard a cry of "are we there yet" booming up the valley, which heralded the arrival of Mark. The guy and the lady with the poles slowly moved ahead like there was a race on or something, whilst Mark and I just walked it to the top. The guy with the camera also caught us and passed without effort. There were a number of Trailblazer teams in training coming from the opposite direction, enough to keep us occupied in saying hello whilst detracting from the slow climb towards Woods Hill road. The trail started to level out and we were off and running again, although Mark mentioned he needed to readdress the issue with his blister at the next aid station which we did. We were passed by a number of runners here including Glen whilst we changed the dressing. I was feeling a bit flat, but the delicious watermelon did the trick at that aid station and picked me up whilst Mark retied his shoes.
The trail then dropped again down along Church road, and we progressed along the busy Lobethal road onto Crescent drive, busy with bike traffic too. I'd dragged out a GU along here thinking we still had 3k or so to go before the 35kish lunch stop, and was surprised to find that the same check point had been relocated to Norton Summit because of the weather. Mark and I discussed how a nice mug of hot soup would have gone down well at the pub too, before we realised the lunch stop had been moved from Morialta. I was more than happy to throw away my half sucked green apple gel for a piece of delicious pizza, the memories still there from last year. It really hit the spot. While I was eating Mark had his foot dressed by the pro's with some magical sticky bandage that did the trick for the remainder of the run, yet he still had issues with the numbness etc. 34.8km in 4hrs 21mins so far.
Crossing the road towards the pub we once again were greeted by Nina and Kirska, and then hit the trail towards the old barns. We did call out "cheaters" to a couple of girls here who appeared to be taking a short cut across the field as we ran to the barns then swung back again down towards the road. We soon caught them and they happily held the gate open for us as we ran through, so we forgave them, but maybe Sue W would have had other thoughts if she knew... (don't read this bit Sue, they were only cheating themselves anyway).
Along the road now up towards Morialta cottage and was quite relieved to get off it back onto the trail. Another great section of trail to run. Last year I ran this section with Terry C and had commentary all the way, but this year it was more me providing the commentary to Mark. One thing that had changed from last year was the sound of the water in the creeks that followed the trails, seemed to be runoff coming from everywhere which was in complete contrast to last years dryness. I can't even remember seeing water in the creek last year. It was an extra special bonus, maybe a rarity for this event in future years to come.
Nice running through here, we walked the little ups, ran the rest, and took off on the downs. A fair bit of water at the first rock crossing this year, but nothing to stop us bounding across. The falls were spectacular once again, I’m only sorry that I didn't take the camera out like last year. I'd lugged it with me the whole way, but didn't take a single photo on the trail, I regret it now. We'd sent an SMS to Michelle to see where they were and placed the phone back in Mark's camelbak. We had heard a reply come back, but said to Mark that the Coke waiters wouldn't be far from where we were and we'd check the phone then. The 800m or so I thought to the waiters turned out to be a 2.5km uphill climb, with the section up the valley, funny I had forgotten about that bit from last year, Terry keeping me occupied with his spiel back then.
Going up the valley we called out to a couple of runners across the other side in the distance, guessing one was Glen and think the other Paul F. This was confirmed later when Glen mentioned he could hear us yakking the whole way through Morialta! Less talking and more running next year Mark. It was fantastic to see the waiters once again at the lookout, the cold coke went down a treat, thank you so much for being there, it really is a highlight of this run. Whilst we were drinking and resting for way too long, Seal and Paul B joined us and we let them go on ahead. Not long after we caught Paul F on the climb up to Rocky Hill track. Mark was finding he could run easier on the ups through here with his foot issues so I let him go and I'd catch him again on the downhill.
At one point I could feel the onset of a blister forming on the same spot I had issues with last year on the side of my big toe, so with the downhill coming on Moores track I pulled over to the side whilst Mark ran ahead on the down. Popped the shoe off and put some opsite dressing on, more for protection than anything else. Stan from the 8:30 group passed at this point and checked all was ok, to which I replied no problem. Back on the downhill again I passed Stan on one of the stepper sections then Mark nearing Fox Dam. I continued on ahead down here as I knew they would both catch me on the ascent up Black Hill.
Ran along the road on my own and caught a girl just near the famous Cow Bell checkpoint at the start of that feared hill. 6:06 run time and 49.4kms on the Garmin. Only 6kms to go, 3k up and 3k down. I ducked into the bushes to find our secret coke stash put there the night before, expecting it to have either been pinched or relocated by Michelle as she had threatened, but glad to find it was still there. It was a life saver. I guzzled it down as I climbed quarry road keeping a glancing eye on Montacute road below for signs of Mark.
Bit of a blur through here, but I remember seeing Glen and Paul F ahead on the uphill trail. Eventually heard the cry of 'are we there yet' coming from behind and it was Mark again joining me. I could feel the signs of cramp in my quads, eventually they kicked in as expected on the relentless uphill. I said to Mark it felt like someone had inserted a steel rod into each quad with a large nut at each end and they were being tightened just for extra pleasure. Everything else was fine, calves, hammy's etc which normally all go out together in unison with me, which is what caused my DNF at 6ft this year.
It came to a point where I had to stop and I urged Mark to continue on without me, but he hung around whilst I dived into the Camelback for the magical potion <http://www.flexall.com.au/?gclid=CLK5kePxoZ0CFZMwpAodiVZp3Q>. Applied the said potion to the quads and it was like instant relief. Brilliant stuff, I was walking again completely cramp free, with not a twinge. Stan passed us again at this point and he and Mark continued on and I said i'd try and catch him again on the downhill finish, if I could just get to the top without any further cramps. It was about this time that I noticed my Garmin battery had died, it's a 405 model and held about 8hs battery (using sat's) when new, but now it's only 6.5 to 7hrs after 14 months of use. I had left an external battery pack at the 20k drop point to collect and run with, charge the watch until 35k then drop the battery off there, but I forgot all about when we went through the stop. Ah well, will just have to run quicker next year.
So from here on until the end I had no idea of time, but as I mentioned to Mark before he took off, I looked out for the markers on the YB signs but remembering they finish at 54k, not the 55/56k length of the trail as measured. So the 49k marker indicated 5k to go.
I could hear Mark yell some sort of expletive as he rounded the corner ahead of me to sight the mesh section for the first time that just seems to go straight up. When I finally got there though, I could see him running off it at the top, last I’d see of him I thought. Struggled up through there with the cramps threatening to return and they kicked in again just as I hit the concrete section but not as bad this time. I was passed by the girl that I had passed at the CowBell stop, she was moving well unlike myself. Walked to the top of the steep concrete and spotted our cameraman friend there and I think I called him a sadist from memory. As the course levelled out I was relieved to run again, although I knew there were still a couple of further climbs to come. Struggled up through those bits and passed the summit turn off and eventually turned left at the water tanks to spot the first downhill, ran down through there, but the track cruelly kicks up again. On one of the longer flatter downhill sections I could see a fair bit of the trail ahead, not one runner in sight, not a hope of catching the boys now it seemed.
Finally I ran under the power lines and spotted the turnoff to the last 2k or so of downhill single track to the finish. My chance to make up for some lost time! Stripped off the jacket, drank the last of the coke and I was off like a runaway toboggan. I was so looking forward to this bit, it does make that trek up Black Hill all the worthwhile, just to run down here. I was amazed at the number of runners I passed, 8 in all from memory, and the legs were feeling great, I didn't want the trail to end. I was very surprised to catch Glen, thought he was well ahead, then not long after Mark and Stan. I beckoned them to come with me, but they declined my kind offer just before the slippery wet rock section where I took off again. Passed Paul F then John G from the 7am group just where the trail meets the Black Hill Challenge course, and ran the last little bit past the ruins remembering from last year that the trail finishes all too abruptly just around the corner.
Great to see so many cheering at the finish line and a nice high five from Michelle to see me home, noted my time on the clock at 6:21 which I thought was a bit odd, but my brain wasn't in any state to perform mathematical calculations at the time. Michelle did say though it was just on 3:14 as I ran through, which possibly got me under the 7:30 mark, but I forgot we had started at 7:44 so was not to be in the final results. Congratulated Michelle for beating Mark and I home, funny the day before we talked about what we would do whilst waiting for her to finish, you sure showed us up Michelle with you waiting for us. Cheered on the boys finishing, then we all headed down to the showers with a kind lift from Lynn.
The showers were great, and apparently made my purple lips return back to normal. We didn't really need to see the huge pool of dried blood on the floor though, most likely from a footy game the day before. As mentioned in other posts we hastily returned Kym W's bag back to the finish line in exchange for Michelle's and I waited at the line cheering in others including Sonya and Terry C, well run all! We were feeling the cold though and made our way back to the footy club for one of Mark's favourite post race foods in the form of hot chips, thanks to the mini bus driver once again for ferrying us. Unfortunately the kitchen was closed until 6pm so we had to settle for coke, beer and bags of chips instead. At least the footy club was warm and we sat there discussing the day’s events as others joined us. Eventually we were called in for dinner and had a great meal at that. No complaints from our table, and the place seemed packed, a great turnout!
The presentations followed to those that placed, nice to hear an almighty roar from the Victorian table for Maggot. I was somewhat honoured to receive a Yurrebilla mug for the very small part I played in trying to promote the event to all I could. Not hard when it is such a fantastic run with brilliant support, volunteers, and organisation behind it. The trail itself and the more than friendly mob running from the pointy end to the back of the pack just tops it all off. Sure there are a few little things that could be done better and improved upon, but it was the first year as a race, and this event has the underpinnings of a classic Aussie Ultra, well done everyone! It can only blossom from here and feed off it's own success and from the experience of those who have participated.
An extra special thanks to those behind the scenes that made it all happen, I won't list everyone as i know I will leave out half of you, but thank you all from the fruit cutteruperers to the volunteers at the road crossings and lugging all those full drink bottles up to the top of Morialta. Special thanks to Terry and David who went beyond the call of duty to tie all the bits together, top effort!
Postscript: The next morning as Mark and Michelle were packing the car to head back to Melbourne, Mark called me over to see what he had discovered in the bottom of his trail shoes under his orthotics. Not one (which is bad enough), but two pairs of inners were removed from each shoe. "I wondered what ever happened to those inners out of that other pair of road shoes" he laughed. Well done mate, sub 7 next year, and i'll be checking your shoes on the start line.
Peter “Chilliman” Mullins
More photo's can be viewed here
Along the road now up towards Morialta cottage and was quite relieved to get off it back onto the trail. Another great section of trail to run. Last year I ran this section with Terry C and had commentary all the way, but this year it was more me providing the commentary to Mark. One thing that had changed from last year was the sound of the water in the creeks that followed the trails, seemed to be runoff coming from everywhere which was in complete contrast to last years dryness. I can't even remember seeing water in the creek last year. It was an extra special bonus, maybe a rarity for this event in future years to come.
Nice running through here, we walked the little ups, ran the rest, and took off on the downs. A fair bit of water at the first rock crossing this year, but nothing to stop us bounding across. The falls were spectacular once again, I’m only sorry that I didn't take the camera out like last year. I'd lugged it with me the whole way, but didn't take a single photo on the trail, I regret it now. We'd sent an SMS to Michelle to see where they were and placed the phone back in Mark's camelbak. We had heard a reply come back, but said to Mark that the Coke waiters wouldn't be far from where we were and we'd check the phone then. The 800m or so I thought to the waiters turned out to be a 2.5km uphill climb, with the section up the valley, funny I had forgotten about that bit from last year, Terry keeping me occupied with his spiel back then.
Going up the valley we called out to a couple of runners across the other side in the distance, guessing one was Glen and think the other Paul F. This was confirmed later when Glen mentioned he could hear us yakking the whole way through Morialta! Less talking and more running next year Mark. It was fantastic to see the waiters once again at the lookout, the cold coke went down a treat, thank you so much for being there, it really is a highlight of this run. Whilst we were drinking and resting for way too long, Seal and Paul B joined us and we let them go on ahead. Not long after we caught Paul F on the climb up to Rocky Hill track. Mark was finding he could run easier on the ups through here with his foot issues so I let him go and I'd catch him again on the downhill.
At one point I could feel the onset of a blister forming on the same spot I had issues with last year on the side of my big toe, so with the downhill coming on Moores track I pulled over to the side whilst Mark ran ahead on the down. Popped the shoe off and put some opsite dressing on, more for protection than anything else. Stan from the 8:30 group passed at this point and checked all was ok, to which I replied no problem. Back on the downhill again I passed Stan on one of the stepper sections then Mark nearing Fox Dam. I continued on ahead down here as I knew they would both catch me on the ascent up Black Hill.
Ran along the road on my own and caught a girl just near the famous Cow Bell checkpoint at the start of that feared hill. 6:06 run time and 49.4kms on the Garmin. Only 6kms to go, 3k up and 3k down. I ducked into the bushes to find our secret coke stash put there the night before, expecting it to have either been pinched or relocated by Michelle as she had threatened, but glad to find it was still there. It was a life saver. I guzzled it down as I climbed quarry road keeping a glancing eye on Montacute road below for signs of Mark.
Bit of a blur through here, but I remember seeing Glen and Paul F ahead on the uphill trail. Eventually heard the cry of 'are we there yet' coming from behind and it was Mark again joining me. I could feel the signs of cramp in my quads, eventually they kicked in as expected on the relentless uphill. I said to Mark it felt like someone had inserted a steel rod into each quad with a large nut at each end and they were being tightened just for extra pleasure. Everything else was fine, calves, hammy's etc which normally all go out together in unison with me, which is what caused my DNF at 6ft this year.
It came to a point where I had to stop and I urged Mark to continue on without me, but he hung around whilst I dived into the Camelback for the magical potion <http://www.flexall.com.au/?gclid=CLK5kePxoZ0CFZMwpAodiVZp3Q>. Applied the said potion to the quads and it was like instant relief. Brilliant stuff, I was walking again completely cramp free, with not a twinge. Stan passed us again at this point and he and Mark continued on and I said i'd try and catch him again on the downhill finish, if I could just get to the top without any further cramps. It was about this time that I noticed my Garmin battery had died, it's a 405 model and held about 8hs battery (using sat's) when new, but now it's only 6.5 to 7hrs after 14 months of use. I had left an external battery pack at the 20k drop point to collect and run with, charge the watch until 35k then drop the battery off there, but I forgot all about when we went through the stop. Ah well, will just have to run quicker next year.
So from here on until the end I had no idea of time, but as I mentioned to Mark before he took off, I looked out for the markers on the YB signs but remembering they finish at 54k, not the 55/56k length of the trail as measured. So the 49k marker indicated 5k to go.
I could hear Mark yell some sort of expletive as he rounded the corner ahead of me to sight the mesh section for the first time that just seems to go straight up. When I finally got there though, I could see him running off it at the top, last I’d see of him I thought. Struggled up through there with the cramps threatening to return and they kicked in again just as I hit the concrete section but not as bad this time. I was passed by the girl that I had passed at the CowBell stop, she was moving well unlike myself. Walked to the top of the steep concrete and spotted our cameraman friend there and I think I called him a sadist from memory. As the course levelled out I was relieved to run again, although I knew there were still a couple of further climbs to come. Struggled up through those bits and passed the summit turn off and eventually turned left at the water tanks to spot the first downhill, ran down through there, but the track cruelly kicks up again. On one of the longer flatter downhill sections I could see a fair bit of the trail ahead, not one runner in sight, not a hope of catching the boys now it seemed.
Finally I ran under the power lines and spotted the turnoff to the last 2k or so of downhill single track to the finish. My chance to make up for some lost time! Stripped off the jacket, drank the last of the coke and I was off like a runaway toboggan. I was so looking forward to this bit, it does make that trek up Black Hill all the worthwhile, just to run down here. I was amazed at the number of runners I passed, 8 in all from memory, and the legs were feeling great, I didn't want the trail to end. I was very surprised to catch Glen, thought he was well ahead, then not long after Mark and Stan. I beckoned them to come with me, but they declined my kind offer just before the slippery wet rock section where I took off again. Passed Paul F then John G from the 7am group just where the trail meets the Black Hill Challenge course, and ran the last little bit past the ruins remembering from last year that the trail finishes all too abruptly just around the corner.
Great to see so many cheering at the finish line and a nice high five from Michelle to see me home, noted my time on the clock at 6:21 which I thought was a bit odd, but my brain wasn't in any state to perform mathematical calculations at the time. Michelle did say though it was just on 3:14 as I ran through, which possibly got me under the 7:30 mark, but I forgot we had started at 7:44 so was not to be in the final results. Congratulated Michelle for beating Mark and I home, funny the day before we talked about what we would do whilst waiting for her to finish, you sure showed us up Michelle with you waiting for us. Cheered on the boys finishing, then we all headed down to the showers with a kind lift from Lynn.
The showers were great, and apparently made my purple lips return back to normal. We didn't really need to see the huge pool of dried blood on the floor though, most likely from a footy game the day before. As mentioned in other posts we hastily returned Kym W's bag back to the finish line in exchange for Michelle's and I waited at the line cheering in others including Sonya and Terry C, well run all! We were feeling the cold though and made our way back to the footy club for one of Mark's favourite post race foods in the form of hot chips, thanks to the mini bus driver once again for ferrying us. Unfortunately the kitchen was closed until 6pm so we had to settle for coke, beer and bags of chips instead. At least the footy club was warm and we sat there discussing the day’s events as others joined us. Eventually we were called in for dinner and had a great meal at that. No complaints from our table, and the place seemed packed, a great turnout!
The presentations followed to those that placed, nice to hear an almighty roar from the Victorian table for Maggot. I was somewhat honoured to receive a Yurrebilla mug for the very small part I played in trying to promote the event to all I could. Not hard when it is such a fantastic run with brilliant support, volunteers, and organisation behind it. The trail itself and the more than friendly mob running from the pointy end to the back of the pack just tops it all off. Sure there are a few little things that could be done better and improved upon, but it was the first year as a race, and this event has the underpinnings of a classic Aussie Ultra, well done everyone! It can only blossom from here and feed off it's own success and from the experience of those who have participated.
An extra special thanks to those behind the scenes that made it all happen, I won't list everyone as i know I will leave out half of you, but thank you all from the fruit cutteruperers to the volunteers at the road crossings and lugging all those full drink bottles up to the top of Morialta. Special thanks to Terry and David who went beyond the call of duty to tie all the bits together, top effort!
Postscript: The next morning as Mark and Michelle were packing the car to head back to Melbourne, Mark called me over to see what he had discovered in the bottom of his trail shoes under his orthotics. Not one (which is bad enough), but two pairs of inners were removed from each shoe. "I wondered what ever happened to those inners out of that other pair of road shoes" he laughed. Well done mate, sub 7 next year, and i'll be checking your shoes on the start line.
Peter “Chilliman” Mullins
More photo's can be viewed here