Getting out of bed at 4:45am is a tough task at the best of times but when I spent the night previous being awoken by howling wind and driving rain it proved even more difficult. Despite this there was just no way I was going to miss this run as I had been looking forward to it for a quite a while. The original plan saw to mates driving to my house before a quick stop at Penrith to pick up a fourht runner but the rain whittled us down to three. As we approached the base of the mountains the rain was little more than heavy mist so I was optimistic of favourable running conditions.
At the start line there was plenty of time for registration and a quick chat with the eventual race winner who spends his spare time training referees. The race kicked off at about 7:30am and headed straight down a steep hill and across the causeway. The three of us watched as the field stretched out down the hill and eventually only about 4 or 5 of the 100+ strong field remained behind us. A lady at this point commented that three of us "looked" as though we should be further toward the front.
Once across the causeway those who were somewhat adveturous down hill runners slowed to a walk on the first hill and our group of three steadily made our way through the field. Despite a very relaxed pace according to the watch the steep grade ensured that I felt as though I was pushing a little harder than I had anticpated over the early kilometres.
As the asphalt turned to fire trail the grade eased and we chatted and continued to pick up a few runners. I commented to the others that with the cold and rain that it would have been a difficult day to be running alone and I am hoping that I can hook at least one other person in to each of the races.
A left hand turn took us down a steep hill into Euroka clearing where one of our three made a short stop at the toilets. We slowed a little allowing others to pass as he caught up. Some nice single trail and bush stairs took us around the clearing before a sharp right up a very steep and slippery hill. Again the more experienced people slowed to a walk using their hands to push down on their quads knowing that they would lose little time by doing so. I on the other hand was determined to run the whole 16.5km so our group of 3 huffed and puffed our way to the summit.
This took us to about half way where we skirted a waterhole, and passed an aid station. Considering I have sworn of sugary drinks it was a relief to grab some orange slices and a piece of banana. The lead runners passed us on their return from the look out meanign they were a good 3-4km ahead of us at about the 1hr mark. A steep climb saw us pass a small handful of runners who were walking up the hills before the gradual ascent to Mt Portal lookout. It was a specatacular view which we took in all too briefly. With 11.25km under our belts we were all feeling pretty good and head for the finish. A gradual climb, a steep descent, saw us onto to a brief flat section of track before a right hand turn took us down more single track and bush stairs.
The final kilometre took us back onto asphalt and down to the causeway before the brutal steep climb home. The final 500m took me almost 4 and a half minutes but I didn't walk.
Final time was 1 hr 37mins which is just under the 6min/km pace. I have to say running, chatting and taking in the view was a great way to run the race. Surprisingly I pulled feeling really good and did not feel stiff or sore until I begain runnign the final hill. I think the variance in ground surface, slope, obstacles etc forces you to adopt a lot of different stride lengths and speeds. You therefore avoid the repetitive stress of a flat road run... perhaps? All I know I never thought 16.5km would be that easy.
We finished morning with a bacon and egg roll and a dry change of clothes and head back home in what was now very heavy rain. Wearing the Merrells for their first hit out on the trail was a complete success and despite the fact my feet got wet and muddy fairly early there were zero problems with rubbing or blisters. I chose to go sockless which I think was a good choice.
