Having wanted to do this for a few years, and finally being online when tickets went on sale, I nabbed the opportunity to grab one of these entries.
Logistically, a 400km drive down to the start, and camping onesite at the start line made the start super easy. Not really having time to organise myself, with a purchase of a cheap swag on the way down at the Grafton BCF (and gifted to a council worker on the way home), and dinner was provided by Subway at Grafton – simple but effective.
The start, was simple with a quick race brief, team Mountain Goat Trail Runners quick photo, and we were off. I held back at the 3/4 positioning of the field – behind the fast ones, and in front of the walkers…
The course started in spectacular rainforst with an incline that was undulating, then we dropped down a long nasty bitumen road, then re-entered the lovely rain forest again and started climbing again. No serious hills and perfect conditions under foot with no mud.
There were quite a few exposed sections where the sun seemed to come out in full force.
Actually ran to a plan of trying to start around 7 minute kilometers, then drop it back as needed with a target goal of under 7 hours. Not sure how I picked that time, but based it on comparing it to The Guzzler and my current level of fitness.
Was also great spending a few kms with Lauren (BTR) and some other friendly runners to pass through the kms.
Was certainly feeling the heat from 43-48km, which was open and exposed – but also suport happy to know the course was right on 50km and with the final 2kms I made sure I was under 7 hours in today (Official time was 6:56:34)
After the run, I shared a few stories and decided to head back to Grafton for the night in a proper bed and get an early start to the long drive home.
Was certainly good not having phone reception and having some time away from technology – albiet 24 hours.
Nutrition (every hour):
1 x 1500mg Precision Hydration Electrolytes (with 500ml of water)
2 x 30g Precision Hydration
Plus 500 ml of water
Topped up all the water at the aid stations, and glad to have the 2 litre of water between the 14 and 32km aid stations – it was certainly needed. All other aid stations
Ran im my trusty MGTR shirt, Lulumon Lined Shorts and Altras – Lone Peak 9
