This race holds a very special place
in my heart. This was where I completed my first ultra last year. I was using
this year’s race as training for the big one coming up later this month. I also
tested out my fuel strategy, poles and Salomon Advance Skin S-Lab 12 “Mark II”
at this year’s race. Here’s look at the “improvement” I made to the pack. The
idea is to be able to carry my poles in front for easy access.
 |
| Sewn on velcro on the water bottle pouches |
 |
| Poles fit nicely with minimal bounce |
This year, I set a target of sub
7hrs and I was quietly confident about it. I was directed to the lower car park
on arrival and caught the shuttle bus up to the Turntable car park. By now, the
sun is out, but it was still cold. Dropped off my bag and went on to
registration. Said hi to a few familiar faces and before I know it, we were
ready to start.
 |
| The tireless RD, Brett giving pre-race briefing |
First 15km
8:30am and we were off. I have been
“secretly” training with few of the Surf Coast Trail Runners here, especially Dion.
Managed to find him among the pack and we somehow decided to run together. His
target was to complete the race in 8hrs, but knowing how he has been training,
I “pushed” him to adjust his target to sub 7hrs.
I initially had my feed alert for
every 35min, but decided to adjust it to follow Dion’s every 40min instead. It
worked well as we kept each other in check with the feed.
 |
| Yes, we were having fun! |
This section was nice and we cruise
through it. Took us 1hr 45min and we are on track for sub 7hrs finish.
Next 15km
A quick refuel at the aid station
and off to our first climb to Flinders Peak. Managed to hi fives some of the
runners along the way and gave each other some encouragement. The trip is
around 3km return and it took us 30min to cover it. We will have to do this
climb again after 30km, while the 80km participants have to climb this peak 3
times.
The rest of the section was
manageable and we were comfortable with our pace. Total time 3hr 50min and the
target was still on track.
Last 20km
It was great to finally meet Liberty
(Dion’s better half) at the aid station and know that she had completed her
15km race better than her target time. This was very inspirational and it
provided some motivation for my second climb up Finders Peak.
It felt hard and slow this time
round. By now, the field was well spread and we did not see many runners during
this stretch. My knees were feeling it on the descent and had to slow down. Followed
Dion’s advice to slow down and get down to the aid station safely. This time round, it took us 33min.
Shortly after, we were faced with
the steep climb up Saddle back track. Dion and I were saying, one day, we will
run up this slope. But for now, we shall walk.
The next few km was on bike tracks
and they are fairly flat, which means lots of running... By now, fatigue had
set in. I have decided to adopt the run / walk strategy. Around 40km, I felt a
familiar pain on my left knee. Damn you ITB! For the next 2km, I tried to
change my footing a bit and stretch out the ITB, but at 42km and 5hr 46min into
the race, I decided not to risk it. Told Dion to keep going and get that sub7hr
while I walk the last 8km to Finish.
 |
| Me and Dion at the finish |
Dion eventually finished 6hr 55min (sub
7hrs yeh!!!) and I crossed the line 7hr 11min. I may be a little disappointed
with my results, but I am just as happy to be able to complete the race in 1
piece. And my "Mark II" worked brilliantly. Just the occasional rubbing of the velcro rubbed onto my arm when the poles were out. This went away after a small adjustment to the velcro. I was also happy with my discipline on the nutrition. It worked well.
Next step, making to the start of my next race...
 |
| Ultra-trail du Mont-Blanc - CCC |
