The North Face 100km 2010



Wow. I was not expecting that. Leading up to the event I had the usual thoughts; “have I trained enough”, “will I be able to finish”, “how cold will it be”, etc…

Looking at the entrants list I was a bit intimidated by the strength of the field. I guessed that I was probably ranked 4th and a repeat of last years podium finish would be a tough challenge.

At the start line I wanted to stay near the front to avoid being shuffled back too far on the first road section down to the narrow section of walking trail. As the countdown to the start began my heart started to beat faster and harder, and then we were off. As I predicted I got overtaken by all the ‘road runners’ and as we entered the first bit of dirt everyone continued to move pretty well.

I ran most of the first leg with Julie Quinn close behind. I knew that if I stayed with her then I was sure to have a solid race. I had no idea that we would spend the rest of the race seesawing in each others shadow. It was good to spend some time running and chatting with (Little) Terry along Narrow Neck. At the end of Narrow Neck is the part of the race I like best, the ladders. It is such a unique part of the event. I could have spent all day going up and down them, maybe not.

Iron Pot has to be the worst section of the course. I can’t think of anything I like about it, but I couldn’t imagine the race without it. Spud helped to take my mind off the worst part of Iron Pot.

Going up Nellies I stopped off for my ritual drink of mountain water from the third creek up. There is something about the earthy taste of the water that I really enjoy.

As Julie and I descended the Giant Stair we passed Angela, who looked like she was struggling. At this point we moved into 1st and 2nd place. Running through Jamison Valley I was surprised to still be with Julie. I had no concept of time (not running with a watch again) so didn’t know if she was running fast or slow. Being in the positions that we were I knew it couldn’t have been too bad. Going up Kedumba I started to put some distance between the two of us. Having participated in the NSW Mountiain Running Champinship up this part of the course a few weeks earlier, I knew what it was like to go all out up this climb and had a rough idea of how I would feel at the top. I got up to the concrete pipes at the top of the climb before I had to turn the headlight on.

When nearing the hospital I kept looking over my shoulder searching for Julie's headlight. I must have gone through that checkpoint pretty fast as my timing chip failed to register a time (thank goodness for the manual backup). Along the last leg I put everything I had into it. I no longer cared about having dry shoes and I don’t think I managed to miss one puddle.

Crossing the finish was a great relief. I was really shocked to see the race clock. It was the first time throughout the race that I really put any thought towards a finishing time. In reflection, I wish I had, because I could have got closer to the record.

This being the third year that I have turned up to compete in TNF100, it is good to see that AROC has stepped up their management of the event as the numbers have continued to grow. The future of this event appears to be in good hands!

• 
• 
• 

Bogong To Hotham 2010



The Roof Top Run was definitely worth the trip down from Sydney! I had tried to do as much research as I could into the run and the more I read the more intimidated I became. Everyone seemed to have a lot of respect for the course.

On race morning I was feeling a little uneasy not knowing what was ahead for the rest of the day. I was glad to hear that there would be a single group start. It meant that I was able to stick with Sir Runalot who has a similar uphill pace as mine. On the ascent I was amazed at how fast the other female runner in front of me was tackling the climb. She seemed to do it with such ease. My sense of distance and direction was thrown out the door and highlighted to SR when going down the decent to Big River how much further to Cleve Cole Hut. At lease I put a smile on his face, even though it was a serious question.

When I arrived at Langford Gap I was feeling fresh and completely distracted by the beauty around me. My crew (B1orB2 and my parents) informed me that I was the second female into the checkpoint, but would be the first female going onto Mt Hotham. Also by this point I was a few minutes ahead of SR, who usually leaves me trailing behind him, which concerned me because I had no idea if I was going out to hard. It was still early in the day and I know the forecast was for hot conditions.

I really enjoyed the second stage of the run. At one point I slowed to watch a herd of brumbies and a fowl. As I neared they ran across the trail in front of me to join an even bigger herd a little lower down. A real highlight for the day.

As I neared the top of Mt Hotham I was surprised to see B1orB2 come running up from the carpark below. Apparently the crew had only just arrived having left shortly after leaving SR at Omeo Rd. I reached the finish in 9hrs flat. My fault really as I don’t run with a watch. It wouldn’t have mattered much, but at least I have a PB for the course. It was good to have a chat with all the other runners at the finish and to just stand still and take in some of the awesome scenery on a perfect cloudless day.



Thanks SR for keeping me company in the first half, and well done for the sub 10hrs. I know next year you will be a lot quicker. There should have been a special award for Mick. It was a pleasure to run with you earlier in the race. Your determination to carry on and finish in the time and state you were in was courageous.

For sure I will be back next year, maybe even with a watch.

Thanks B1orB2 and SR for changing my photo. I will now have to change my password.

Sydney Trailwalker 2009



Team Report: Berowra Bush Runners (from a girls perspective)

As the latest addition to the team I knew that I had a lot to live up to. On paper I was by far the slowest member of the team under 50km, and unlike the clubs previous win (with the slowest ever winning Sydney Trailwalker time) I knew that our target of 13:30 was a realistic target for us and would have to leave it up to fate to determine how well this would compare against the other teams.

The days plans were thrown into dissaray when out of the blue a team manager came over to us and comandeared one of our crew members, as she was short one runner for her team. Off Chris went into the admin tent, only to appear shortly after with a race number and the biggest cheekiest grin. At least Shaun was able to make it to at least one team training event, which also happened to be the day of the event.



At the start line team members were admitting that they had suffered recent injuries. One of the boys rolled up the leg of their pants to revail a nasty looking shaving injury to their shin. Very unfortunate but the quality of shave over the rest of the area was quite good (for a bloke).

As the gun went the day started in earnest, and the first hill kept everyone honest. Having walked the hill the week before I was glad that no one was attempting to run to the top. We quickly fell into a comfortable stride as we traversed familiar territory and found ourselves towards the front nestled between the first and third teams. This proved to the be the theme for most of the day.



As we arrived at the checkpoints we were informed of our position (as well as how strong the leading team looked) and reminded of that seemingly impossible 5min gap to first place. Our tactic was still to keep the same splits as planned as anything can happen in a long team event such as this one.

Conversation along the trail had been off and on, but by Davidson Park the concensus amongst us was that we do have more than one girl in the team (name with held). It appeared that there is a strong corrilation between the distance covered and the female side of the boys. Little did we know however that things were about to change.



Just before the fire trail leading to the natural bridge we happened upon team ACTrun who were suffering difficulties. As we passed them the boys from our team knew exactly how they felt; they had been there last year in a similar situation. Our arrival at Ararat Oval was announced by Dave's two girls screaming excitedly accross the oval. This sent our support crew into action (and delight) without their usual 5min warning provided buy the leading team. Our stop at the checkpoint was brief, if not non existant. Everyone was not going to let this opportunity pass.

Crossing the finish line was a sence of relief. For others in the team it was mission accomplished. I am glad to have been up there mixing it with the boys all day long.

Having been part of a team in '07 who finished in 33:30 and 20:18 in '08 I can confidently say that the faster you cover the distance the easier it gets.

I would like to thank the boys in the team for looking out for me. You really showed your team spirit.

Also a big thanks to our support crew. Without our precision we would have spent more time at the check points sitting down, talking, eating, drinking, waisting time.