I had chosen the last start group for this race mainly because I wanted to take it easy so that I can hopefully enjoy the stunning and breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains.
Participants will receive a silver buckle if they complete the race under 14hrs, a bronze buckle if it was completed under 20hrs. Given the amount of training (or lack of it) that I had, my realistic goal was for the bronze buckle.
Archer, Collin and Koon Wei (ACK) flown in from Singapore for this race. These guys are hardcore ultra runners. They have completed The North Face 100 Singapore in Oct-12 with me, and went on to complete Vibram Hong Kong 100 in Jan-13. We checked into No.14 and proceeded to Fairmont Resort for our registration. Caught a glimpse of the ultra stars on stage, providing us mortals with some insight of their success. After our registration, we headed back to the hostel after some fish and chips and packed for the big day ahead.
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| Elites sharing their race tips... |
With the help from KW, we had analysed past results and came out with the below timing target that we thought would be achievable for a sub 20hrs finish. This has a 1hr & 25mins buffer for any unforeseen circumstance. Ok, let me rephrase, there will definitely be unforeseen circumstances that will chew up this buffer. If we were able to match or better this timing, we should be able to get the bronze buckle.
Leg
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Distance
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Time-In
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Split
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Rest
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Time-Out
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Start
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7:11
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CP1 - at 18km
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18km
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10:01
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2:50
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0:10
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10:11
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CP2 - at 38km
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20km
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13:01
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2:50
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0:10
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13:11
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CP 3 - at 54km
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16km
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16:01
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2:50
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0:10
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16:11
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CP 4 - at 65km
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11km
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18:26
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2:15
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0:20
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18:46
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CP 5 - at 89km
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24km
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22:46
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4:00
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0:15
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23:01
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Finish 100km
|
11km
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1:46
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2:45
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Total time
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18:35
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These were my starting items besides the mandatory gears:
- running cap and sunnies;
- 2xu running t-shirt (free from completing the Hertz BRW 5km run);
- Arm warmers;
- 2xu full compression tights;
- Injinji toe socks as a base layer, covered with my trusted Drymax Trail socks;
- Salomon Speedcross 3 CS;
- black diamond pole (1 only because the other one was with Collin).
- 1litre of Gatorade in my pack;
- 6 x gels mixed with water in a 600ml bottle;
- 600ml of coke with chia seeds;
- 2 Winners energy bars;
- anti-fatigue and anti-cramps pills;
- pain killers.
Saturday 18-May-2013. The race briefing was at 6am and we got up at 4am to do our pre-race routine before making our way to Fairmont Resort. Parked our car along Fitzroy Street and took a short walk to the resort. ACK were shivering even though they were all wrapped up. I was actually enjoying the air and felt ok.
The briefing got underway at 6am and finished around 6:35am. Not much time for the first start group at 6:50am to do what they need to do before the race. Given that we are virgin to this course, the 4 of us elected to start in the last start group at 7:11am.
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| Race Director, Tom giving his pre-race briefing. |
Wave by wave, runners started their race. I could feel adrenaline all around me. 1mintue to start and Archer was nowhere in sight. He must be “stuck” in the toilet. Oh well, the timing only start when you cross the line. So it does not really matter if one was a bit late for the start. 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1... 7:11am, wished everyone the best of luck and we were off!
Leg 1 – 18km to Check Point (CP) 1
Time and time again, I made the mistake of going out too fast. This time round, my game plan was to maintain my heart rate at a comfortable zone that does not require me to pant. If I feel that my heart rate was about to spike or when I start to grasp for air, I will slow down.
The 4 of us were together for a while from the start, but knowing that we will hit single trail soon, Collin and KW decided to run ahead to beat the traffic while Archer and I stuck to our own relax pace. This was good because I can take more pics. ;p Whenever there was a traffic jam, I would take the opportunity to eat or drink something.
The Blue Mountains is truly magnificent and I would have taken more pictures if it was not for the “fear of falling off a cliff” factor. I will very much prefer to stay alive and complete the course as supposed to falling off a few hundred meters drop cliff.
Archer and I took 3hrs 5mins for this first 18km. Collin, 3hrs and KW 2hrs 54mins. Archer had some stomach issue and waved me on. This was to be a quick stop. Had watermelon, oranges and some water. Took 2 gels and a banana went on my way. Total time spent at CP 1 is less than 5mins.
Leg 2 – 20km to CP 2
Coming out of CP1 onto Narrow Neck, the trail was wide and traffic was more dispersed. As I was a little bit behind my target time, I picked up my pace a little, trying to get my target timing back on track. From past experience, time can so easily be lost and so damn bloody hard to gain it back, especially at the later stages of a race where the mind and body are exhausted. I was a little disappointed that I already had to use my planned buffer from Leg 1...
The air was still cold, but the open trail had the sun beaming on us. It was so nice to feel the sun’s warmth. I could also see runners probably 1km ahead around the bends.
At TNF Singapore, Collin gave up a good finish time and stuck by me for the last 10km where I was unable to run and had to walk to finish. Not wanting to let me down, Collin attempted a few times to run, but each time he had to stop just after a short distance. I could see the frustration in his face and told him that all I ask of him was to just keep walking with me. And he did just that.
There was quite a queue at the Tarros Ladders (28km). We decided not to wait and took the alternate path, Duncans Pass. Talking to runners later on confirmed that we made the right choice. Our alternate route had saved us at least 10mins.
With 1km left to CP2, I left Collin. The plan was for me to reach CP2 first and sort myself out before helping him with the food and water. Arrived at the CP and headed to the mandatory gear check. The check was fairly quick.
While I was replenishing my gels, Collin called out to me and told me that he had already refilled his bladder and was ready to roll after he through the gear check! Thought to myself “How can he be that fast?” He told me that he was actually not far behind me and the 2 poles helped him with the descent to CP2. I quickly refilled my water, took some fruits and continue on...
Similar to leg 1, this leg took me 3hrs and 5mins. Although 2km longer, this leg had more runnable downhills.
Leg 3 – 16km to CP 3
Not long after CP2, reached the climb to Ironpot Mountain. Damn it was steep. Both of my hands were used. Toughest climb so far. Took us at least 1/2hr to cover about 500m of climb.
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| Perfect music for the scene... |
This was an out and back section along Ironpot Ridge. The track was narrow and we have to give way to runners who had completed the loop and making their way down. The scenery in this section was magnificent. It was also pretty cool running on big boulders so near to the edge. The marshal at the turning point marked our numbers and we made our way back down on to Megalong Valley Road.
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| Stunning view. |
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| After our turnaround point at Ironpot Ridge. |
Megalong Valley Road is a dirt road. It felt easy on the legs and just as we thought that we were able to pick up some pace, we realised that we are once again going up. The road was not closed to traffic and although cars traveled at low speed, there was still dust cloud after they passed us.
A beep from my Garmin confirmed that we have crossed the halfway mark. Took us a little under 9hrs. Another 4km to CP3. We were very much looking forward to CP3 as this was the first CP where support crew was allowed.
This leg took us 3hrs 13mins. Arrived at CP3 and Jerry came out of his car was ever so ready to “serve” us. I had 1.5 cups of instant noodles and a bread roll. Didn’t replenish my food and water as CP4 was only 11km away. Our support crew consists of Jerry (CP3,4 & 5), May (CP4 & 5), Andrew, Therma, Lena & Angelena (CP4 only).
As it was about to turn dark, I changed into my thermal top layer up with another running top. Pulled out my torch, put on the buff and left my cap, sunnies and camera with Jerry. My knees were feeling it a bit, decided to pop 2 Nurofen to help me with the rest of the journey.
It was so good to see Jerry. Unfortunately, we cannot hang around too long and we continued with our race. Although we intend to only take a 15mins break at CP3, we were actually there for 25mins.
Leg 4 – 11km to CP 4
If you do not believe in second wind, you should. I have witness this time and time again with Collin. Coming out of CP3, the trails were wide and soft. Collin started running slowly, which made me think that we could still have a shot at the bronze buckle!
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| Last pic from my camera. Thanks to a fellow runner... |
This leg has the most dreaded Nellies Glen “death” climb. After 6km of gradual hills, we reached the foot of the 2km climb up with an elevation of about 300m. It was already dark and we had our head torch and hi-vis vest on.
These 2km was by far the hardest climb in my short “running career”. The steps were big and steep. Clearly the fella who designed it does not know anyone that has short legs. The trekking pole turned out to be life savers. While we have to take breaks along the way, we did also manage to overtake people on the climb.
3km after the climb, we reached CP4, Katoomba Aquatic Centre. 2hrs 4mins was what we took to complete this leg.
The crowd applauded when we entered CP4. Felt like a rock star! Looked around but couldn’t find Jerry or Andrew. Instead, we saw KW! He was hurting and was resting in CP4 for the past 1hr! He felt better and was about to head off when we arrived. Among us, he has the best chance of getting the bronze buckle. Told him to press on and not wait for us.
Gave Andrew a call and found out that he and Therma had stayed at CP3 to wait for Archer while Jerry, May, Lena and Angelena were about to reach CP4. Collin and I went on to replenish our supplies and tummies while we wait for their arrival.
We were almost ready to go when the guys arrived. It was so good to see Lena and Angelena. Having them around my arms for the brief moment gave me that bit more strength to carry on.
25mins in CP4 and we were back into the darkness of Blue Mounains.
Leg 5 – 24km to CP 5
This was the longest leg. It was pitch black. I was very happy with the performance of my Led Lenser head torch. One thing that annoyed me was the reflection of the hi-vis vest. I couldn’t go too near to the runner in front because my light will be reflected back into my eyes. I would have to dim my lights or give myself a bit of distance.
Collin was doing great and we were walking the ups and running the flats. We took the Giant Stairway descent with ease even though the stairs were steep and narrow. Our trekking poles helped stablise our footings, allowing us to descent faster.
After the stairs, the downhill went on and on. We caught up to KW around 81km and stuck together for the rest of the race. While pushing our pace up Kedumba Hill, my stomach started rumbling. It was like you wanted to throw up, but nothing could come out. I could only burp what smelled like the Red Bull drink that I took earlier.
I had to slow down. Collin and KW stuck with me even though I may have jeopardise the timing. Collin even “forcefully” removed my pack and carried it for a while. There was another mandatory gear check around 84km. Shortly after the check, the moment that I was waiting for finally came. I chucked! The stomach was cleared. Felt much better and press on to CP5.
We reached the CP5 after spending 4hr 9mins in this leg. Once again, Jerry and May were there proving us with undivided attention. Quick time check and we realised that we had about 3.5hrs for the final 11km. For the first time in this race, we believed that we have a real shot at the bronze buckle!
We were sitting on the floor instead of the chairs in the tent. Maybe that was why a friendly and concerned staff came over to us and asked if everything was ok. Told him we were all good, just didn’t want to get too comfortable before starting our final leg.
We gave ourselves 3hrs to complete the last 11km. Left CP5 after spending 27mins there.
Leg 6 – 11km to Finish
We hit the final leg filled with confidence. The trails continue to be technical and challenging. There was not much we can do to speed up. We figured that as long as we don’t stop, we should be able to meet our target.
Then before 95km, disaster struck! We took a wrong turn! As if 100km is not enough, we did a bit of sightseeing by adding another 2km to our race. We had missed a turn off. Instead of going to the right, we went left. After going on the wrong trail for a while, we felt something was not right. There were no markers and the trails were very narrow and tight. We should have back tracked by we chose to continue.
Lucky for us, the trail ended about 1km later at an open spot where the only option to continue was to jump off the cliff. We had no idea how much time we have lost, but we knew we have to go back and find the last seen marker. On our way back we bumped into another runner. Told him it was the wrong way and he back tracked with us. We found the last marker and were back on the right trail. We had wasted 38mins with this silly mistake.
We had switched from “cruise” mode to “panic” mode. The last 5km had a lot of single trails and it was slow climbing to the finish. Honestly, I was a bit frustrated by not being able to overtake at these sections. When allowed, the slower runners made way for us to pass. I was very appreciative of this because by allowing us to pass, they would finish just outside 20hrs and miss out on the bronze buckle.
There were distance markers for the last 5km counting down to the finish. Every time I passed one, I checked my time and my heart rate went up a notch. It was going to be bloody close! At 99km, time check, 19hrs 36mins. 24mins for the last km.
With a few hundred meters to go, we could see the lights from Fairmont Resort. Yes! Big load off the shoulder. Three of us crossed the line after an epic 19hrs and 46mins battle with the Blue Mountains. Although Archer missed out on the buckle, he did finish the race in 23hrs 14mins.
Weather: Sunny, 2 to 13 degrees... A bit cold in the morning and during the last leg. But, I would very much prefer this to rain.
Course: Tough... Never had I climb up and descent so may stairs in my life! The Blue Mountains is absolutely stunning and to be able to race on such a wonderful day, we were truly blessed. Course markings were very good. So not sure how we can miss a turn.
Check Points: Well stocked with gels, drinks, fruits, bread, noodles etc. Drop bags were easily accessible. Having support crew provided me with added motivation throughout the race. Although the drop bag service is sufficient, you can’t take away the emotion part of having someone there you know cheering you on.
Staff and Volunteers: Hats off to Tom and his army for putting up such a superb race. Thank you guys!!!
Nutrition: Other than the Red Bull saga, everything else seems to be working fine.
Pat on the back for those who completed the race, and also those who have the guts to try. It was tough and I was truly humbled by the Blue Mountains.
PS, there are a few more pictures from my race here.
