Take It There

Melbourne, Spring: plastic wrap from building sites flutter like orphaned kites in the trees on King Street, discarded coffee cups and detritus swirl in eddies in the endless laneways and alleys, and everyone huddles deeper into hooded overcoats to escape the lazy wind. It is supposed to be warming up, the earth resuming its tilt northwards again, yet the season reminds us that winter is not yet finished in this part of the world.

View on the way back to Anglesea from the south
(Photo courtesy of Surf Coast Century)

With this in mind, we make our way south towards Anglesea for Surf Coast Century 2017 (SCC), the talk invariably steers towards the weather. The rain of the week leading up has churned the trails up. Normally reliably dry well-drained tracks will be muddy, a section of a muddy 4WD track is not looked on with much favouritism at all (indeed organisers divert the course after deeming it too rough and unsafe). SCC in early September is not exactly zinc cream and boardies, but it shouldn't be thick beanies, fluffy hooded coats and thermals either.

I finally ran here last year after 2 previous aborted attempts (both through injury, both from rolled ankles, predictably on both feet), being the second half of a team with Chrissy and I running our first ultras. (read here). Schedule and course change for the solo 50 this year made it very enticing indeed to return. A respectable 10:00am start, and on the same course as legs 3 & 4 where the 100k runners also go through. Added bonus meant that because of the mass start at Anglesea, we didn't have to crawl under the bridge on the Great Ocean Road like the 100k and teams runners (apologies to those, did it last year, know how undignified it really is). Being injured and not running at the start of the year meant that it was going to be a close run thing to get myself prepared for the 50. Through good planning, a comprehensive rehab programme, some astute decision making re running returns and good ol lady luck, I managed to get myself to the start line at Maroondah Dam in April for the first race in the 30k Mountain series. It was an ugly and tough start, my body not really fit and strong enough to cope with the climbing and descending. I was battered and mentally a bit fragile afterwards, but knew it was all part of the journey of the comeback.

Armed with a strength and conditioning plan from my gym at work, and a more targeted running programme to deal with my longer working days, I set about pushing forward to SCC. A month out from the race (and a fortnight out from my lead-up at Wonderland) I ran in the Dandenongs, tacking on another few k to the group run to help prepare me. A run with Vic Ultra Runners from Warburton to Lilydale in early July had also been crucial in getting my endurance back up to scratch. All in all, I thought I was ready. Cue winter head cold the day after Dandies run. Always inevitable this time of year. It wasn't particularly bad, I could run, up to the point it went to my chest, but was never floored by it. Nevertheless, it impacted my training, my health and fitness, and arrested the momentum I had building up to the race, as well as denting the mental positives. Undeterred, I felt I was still in good shape and looked forward to the race.

Things went pear shaped fairly early, as they do. I'm not going to blame the cold, lingering but pretty much gone by race day, or any other issues, other than it just wasn't happening on the day. The following is a bit of a rough guide to my race;

Amanda, myself and Belle yaking before the start
(Photo credit: Samantha Wilson)

Race Day

Alarm set for 7 (how luxurious is that for an ultra start?). Turned phone on and immediately get a notification of a missed call only 5 minutes earlier from friend Caz running the first leg in a relay team. Thinking, “Oh shit, what's happened”, I calmly text back enquiring if everything's okay. Within a minute Caz calls back “Fucking hate this sand, fucking hate these slippery rocks, fucking hate being held up behind runners!!” Pause…. “Just wanted to vent, see ya” And terminates the phone call. People unfamiliar with Caz may think this was a bit wrong, but it made me laugh knowing her as I do. I also probably thought it's nice to know my day might not be that bad. Whoops...

Despite the relaxed start, I was late getting to the start and getting dressed/prepared/focused. Shit, shit, and double shit. Nothing like a bit of mild stress beforehand. Met Chris Spano, who was going to crew for me, and his mate Nick before we headed down to the beach for the start.

Bumped into 4 friends, 3 of whom were all running their first ultras, Michelle Acorn, Michelle Harris, Amanda Lacey the first timers, and the battle hardened Hoka evangelist Belle Campbell, a fave and inspirational trail running friend of mine. Hugs, greetings, a bit of banter with them and a number of others before the countdown and then we were off.

Race Start

Beach start in bright sunshine and a brisk breeze, run 100m to a flag then back through the start arch with the public lined up the cheer us through. Always gets the adrenaline pumping. Within 400 metres though we had to cross an inlet to get to the northern side and the path. My plan was just to barrel through, as it was for 90% of the field. Several others opted to stop, peel off shoes and socks, wade through only to redress on the other side. Each to their own I thought, although considering my shoes and socks were dry within several k's wondered at that wisdom. (And there was more mud and water further on)

Annette and Michelle Harris at the start.
(Photo credit: Samantha Wilson)

First few k's uneventful. Passed eventual women's 100k winner Kylee Woods about 2k in. Poor thing having to trot uphill as the main pack of 50's streamed past. The 100k started at 5:30 am, Kylee, having been running for just over 4 and a half hours, but still looking good (she would eventually catch and pass me when my troubles started).

The first section of the course is a mixture of road and trail, the really sweet single trail not starting until after the 10k mark. Passed a fellow Lysterfield Trail Runner (LTR) Lee Edison as he was walking up the first major climb. Polite enquiry revealed he was not going well. Just said to him to hang in there, still enough time for things to come good, and I continued on.

Along one of the trails had a peek behind to see Belle not that far behind on a climb, thinking she was going to have a good day. Amanda was not too far behind with the Michelles just behind her.

The trails along here were resplendent in floral blooms of Common Heath, aka Epacris impressa. The red bell shaped flowers were in full display as we ran past. Interestingly, it was proclaimed the floral emblem of Victoria on 11 November 1958, the state being the first in Australia to give official recognition to such an emblem. See, you can learn things reading my blog. It's not all fart jokes and pop culture references!

Approaching the 3k climb to (?), I started to notice my heart rate spiking and the slow loss of energy in my body. I was expecting this, but not until at least somewhere near the 40k mark. Immediately stopped, had a gel, ate some food and that helped, but pretty soon I was feeling fatigued again.
Was passed by a huge group of 50k runners, and some team relay runners on the climb up to the trig point, a few of whom I followed into the first aid station.

Distillery Creek

The place was buzzing. Met Chris, time on my watch about 2:20, 10 or 15 behind where I expected to be, but I wasn't worried unduly. Although Chris asked me how I was and my reply elicited his reply of “that's not comforting!” Clearly, my mood and demeanour were written all over my face.

Yuckkkk, clean those bottles out Les!
(Photo credit: Chris Spano)

The section between Distillery and Moggs is my least favourite. Last year I struggled badly on this section, this year no different. It climbs quite a bit from the dam on the creek. It was here that Kylee passed me back, powering up hills that I was walking. Such an unassuming person, she was just getting the job done, was great to see. Not long after Lee came passed me. Seems a heated phone call with his wife as to which aid station to meet him at was just the tonic to spur him on! I have since been offered her phone number. Reluctant to take up that offer…

Moggs Creek (Party Central)

Coming into Moggs Creek we could hear the aid station from nearly 2k out. When you are really feeling the heat, that sound is the best. And I should have known it would be noisy being staffed by good friend Ali and her husband Jamie, it was the party central of SCC 2017! A huge hug from Ali, questions about my health, how I was going and what food I needed. All was going well until I handed over my squeezy drink bottle for a refill and she spied the black mould growing in the tube. The attached photo is priceless.

Saw Chris again, didn't change shoes as I thought my trails were doing fine. A few quick words, check my watch, 30 minutes off the pace but thoughts of a time were far, far gone by this point. It was survival pace and get it finished.

Heading out of Moggs, the trail once again climbs. This section surprised me last year, didn't quite expect this climb here. By now there are quite a few teams relay runners streaming through, very fresh and energetic having just left the aid station. Friend Drew came flying past on his leg 4 run, quick hello as we crossed paths. Closely followed by eventual 2nd place woman Nicole Paton, pushing well up the hills, but our brief discussion revealed she was REALLY looking forward to seeing the end of them! Weren't we all.

Some friends came to crew and cheer The Michelles and
Annette along. I missed all of this!
(Photo credit: Samantha Wilson)

I found this section the hardest. It was where I really started to cramp in places, it climbs, descends, climbs again, then has a fairly steep (but mercifully short) descent just before Aireys. It was along one of the climbs near the water treatment works that my hammy and my glute both cramped, not hard but it made my leg do weird things. Rather than swing directly through its normal arc, it wanted to veer wildly to the left. Several steps later it subsided, but left me wondering whether it was proving Newtons 2nd law, or making a mockery of it. The final steep descent to Aireys was where my right hammy cramped so hard I came to a shuddering stop. Full stretch on the side of the road, then off again. Final hill on the way to Aireys, another stunning cramp, this time calf… You know things aren't going great when you start talking to major muscle groups!

Above and beyond the normal call of vollies.
A well-timed hug from Vanessa at Aireys
(Photo credit: Bich Jennings)

The climb under the bridge at Aireys is not as legendary as at Anglesea, but for 100k runners it is probably the final straw. Bouldering sideways, trying desperately not to cramp and fall back into the shallow water really gets the adrenalin going. Followed 2 runners under here, all 3 of us laughing nervously, geeing one another along. A steep climb to the footpath, then run into the aid station. Footpath follows the main road, a car driving past has people hanging cow bells out the window, people yelling my name. Didn't recognise the car, or see who it was, but it helped lift me as I ran in.

Aireys Inlet

Never have I been so relieved to get to an aid station. I was travelling okay, could have been a lot worse, but I needed to see friends and get replacement electrolytes into my system. Friends Vanessa and Bich were volunteering here (after sweeping leg 1 in the morning, hats off ladies), and I received the biggest hugs from both. Was a bit overwhelmed, asking what I wanted, telling me I was doing fine etc. etc. A quick chat with Chris, I didn't need anything else, I was struggling, but still going okay. Drink bottle refilled, hug from friend Caz who had appeared out of nowhere (or so it seemed, she and friend Kirsten were in the car ringing cow bells!) and off I went again.

The section along here to the finish is about 14k, give or take a few hundred metres, mostly undulating, but with spectacular views. I walked to the top at the base of the lighthouse, shedding a silent tear, as much from my emotions going into overdrive after being at the aid station. So grateful to have such wonderful friends keep me going. Most of the trail here was a blur to me, most of my endearing memories are of trying to keep pace with other runners, stopping to massage out cramps, ignoring the pleas of the photographer on the uphill to 'run for the photo' (yeah, whatever….), and generally getting my mental state positive.

And for this last one, I just remembered that there were friends of mine not running today, actually unable to run at all at the moment. Chrissy and Chris Langmead, both on the long and torturous road of rehab, Chris well underway, Chrissy just starting. So the mantra started, “Chrissy and Chris”. Whenever things got low, I just repeated this, helped me pick it up and get moving again. 

Around the 45k mark the trail meanders through Mellaluca forest, saplings close to the side cut off about 10 cm above the ground, just the right height for a swinging foot to collect and set off the most electrifying of cramps in my left calf. Sweet mother of God that hurt. I could see the calf pulsing as it contorted, relaxed, contorted again. Spent about a minute massaging, then slowly walking before it behaved itself again.

Dropped down to Urqhuarts Beach at the 45k mark. Along here is 3 1/2k of sand. High tide was at 2:00pm, and I was along here at around 3:45. The sand was soft and spongy in places, but the worst is you can see right the way along to the get-off point, the full horror of the next 20+ minutes revealed in alls its leg shattering reality.

A couple of 100k runners came behind, trying to gee me up and run with them, but all I could do along here was run as far as possible, walk when the cramps hit, count a minute on the watch and then run again. As tough as it was getting, I was okay mentally. Probably relishing the internal mental battle I was having, as well as knowing I was nearing Anglesea where icy cold beer awaited me.

Eventual 4th place women Cecile climbed up the stairs off the beach with me. She was proposed to by her boyfriend at the finish line, that being the 2nd best feeling of the day. #1 probably being getting off that sodding beach! Then a long slow grind up a dirt road. By now we are getting glimpses of houses on the outskirts of Anglesea and there is a steady stream of runners coming through.

One last climb, then down we run past the surf club, and onto the beach where we first started over 6 hours ago. Running along the beach, Trish Yates screaming out my name, giving me a hi 5 before I turned back towards the finish line. As I approached the finish, crowds were lining both sides of the path, clapping and cheering; I felt like a rock star. If only I hadn't cramped 50 metres out, I might have actually looked like one...

Anglesea, and the finish line

Finally, after 6 hours and 24 minutes, I crossed the finish line, a rueful smile on my face thinking about the day I'd just had. Greeted by friends, medal draped over my neck, I was in pain from the effort and cramping, but I was glad I'd stuck it out when it got really tough.

It only took me a few minutes to realise how cold it was. Shivering and feeling very uncomfortable I found my gear bag and started to get changed into something warm. It took me several goes as first Belle finished, then Amanda, then Michelle Acorn. I kept getting up to great them, go back and get another item Belle had spent most of the race battling gamely with ITB issues, surely some of the worst pain to deal with in a race. Amanda had been ill, cramped and nearly pulled out at Moggs, but continued on like me and toughed it out. Michelle Acorn had the run of her life. Finally dispelling all the mental demons and putting together a perfectly executed race, finishing in 7 hrs.

Michelle Acorn and I at the finish. So proud and happy for her after a great run.

Post Race, the wash-up

So, first time cramping in 2 years. What does it tell me? Probably time to rethink nutrition and hydration for these events. I've been using Tailwind and occasional supplement with gels, but recently have felt the taste of the Tailwind has prevented me getting enough in during an event. I had a cold the month leading up, whilst not bad, it may have had some bearing, but I'm not willing to admit that completely. It was warmer than I anticipated. Showering that night I was horrified at the amount of sweat that came out of my hair, and although I'm a 'healthy' sweater, this was slightly out of the ordinary.

Will I come back? Halfway through the race I was “Never doing another ultra again”, “Stuff this for a joke” etc. After a few days, I'm already plotting a return campaign for next year! But the day wasn't a complete loss. It is still my fastest 50k time, mentally I was able to use strategies to keep going, and every time I complete one of these I improve from the one before. It's all a learning path, we never truly know it all, never truly find our upper limits. Indeed, as I type this on my laptop on a Wednesday afternoon on the train home, a friend is two-thirds through a 320km running odyssey in France, with 24000 metres of climbing thrown in. He's been running since late Sunday our time, still with 100k to go. The mind is truly a beautiful thing if it can help sustain a physical entity through such a journey.

Finally, well done to all who ran 100, 50, teams, crewed, volunteered, and organised Surf Coast Century 2017. It was a wonderful event. I would particularly like to thank Chris Spano for following me around at all the check points, Ali Moxham, Vanessa Hueser and Bich Jennings for the personalised support at the aid stations, Chris J and his family for having me at the most excellent of digs for the weekend with Ash, and Caz for friendship, entertainment and banter. Finally to my wife Nicky for having to put up with my borderline obsession with running, thank so much xx

Winners are grinners! And check who's already got post race beverage in hand 😀

Until next time...