Trail Running

My first TRAQ event in a long time. This local one looked different to my usual Mt Coot-tha circuit so I definitely wanted to give it a go. PreRace: On Wednesday, was in Perth and couldn't resist doing the 10km Swan River loop, probably one of the best inner city runs outside of Brisbane! Also on Friday, I went Paddleboarding for a session. Feeling a bit sore on the Friday night and Saturday morning... Saturday 6am, caught the bus from The Gap school, and ventured out to Mt Glorious (via Ipswich? - as the bus wasn't able to decent down the steep section from the Mt Nebo side of the road). We arrived at the start point with about 15 mins to spare so all good there. Food: 3 liter bladder water, 3 gels, 2 Carmens bars. Race: The 3 waves took off (5 mins apart). I quite happily went in the 3rd wave, and straight into shin deep water! Love it. Soggy shoes and then in the first of the big hills. After the first of the hills, it was a steady rolling decent to about 10km, where the 2nd creek crossing (not wet) and a drinks station. Refilled another 3 liters, and some glucose lollies, and kept going. Good support from the guys at this transition. From the 10-19km, it was a gradual grind up. Long and steady with a few flat breaks, but overall the obvious tough section. From 19-22km, a lovely rainforest cooler environment, with some some great scenic views and an easy run to the finish line, where there was great support at the end! Post Race: Not many flat sections at all through the event! Probably why they called it a mountain race! Fantastic work by the organises, and great food selection at the end! Heaps of Subway / fruit / sweets and drinks to cool down until the bus came at 11.30 (via Mt Nebo), and home at The Gap by 12.50pm. The main issue I had was with the heat, but managed to stay well hydrated and ensured that I took it easy when required. Also, just saw the preliminary results. No DNF! great job everyone! My official time was: 3.07.15 (as I forgot to turn off my garmin at the end) My Garmin: