I enjoyed the event so much last year but was disappointed that we couldn’t summit due to inclement weather so had some unfinished business. To say I was excited to get the invite to race again this year is an understatement !

 

My running year wasn’t great due to broken ribs in April and a dose of covid just as I started running again in June. But I put in a decent 10 week block of training from Sept and arrived on the beach in Eden confident I could finish again.

 

The sunrise and welcome to country were inspiring and I set off in strong spirits for the first 24km unsupported leg. Once again I eased slowly into the race and enjoyed a few friendly chats with ultra legends Jenny Morris and Mark Avery. I went through 24 km in 15th and moved up to 11th by the 52kn mark whilst taking it very easy and being wary given the sunny day. I met with my crew car every 5km/30 mins for my next nutrition and every 4 hrs reapplied suncream and lube in the vital areas !

 

The first major challenge was a new section up Cow Bail Trail. The race needed a change because Big Jack Road was shut due to a landslide and so we swapped the sealed road climb with a trail. It was steeper and sketchy, particularly for a rookie trail runner. Risk-adverse as ever I took it slowly and was soon caught by a few other runners, despite some power walk coaching from Harry (pacers allowed on this section to carry food and drinks). Whilst the trail was tough, the scenery coming down the other side through a pine forest was awesome.

We went through the 70km mark and I was glad to be back on the road. Nutrition was going well, my awesome crew topping me up with bananas or protein balls and Tailwind every 30 mins plus a vegemite sandwich. On we went and the long day in the sun was wearing the runners down.

Past the famous Dead Tree at 100km and nice chat with Sarah Foster through that section. 12 hrs in and I had moved from 15th to 10th. As the sun set over the wind turbines, pacers were allowed to join their runners and I was joined by Martin for the push to Dalgety. Time for some noodles as the temp dropped down towards 11 degrees. 

 

All was going well, stomach and legs good but soon I felt a hotspot on my left heel amd stopped. Chris peeled back my sock and got a blister plaster on and taped it up and soon I was back running, luckily the pain soon disappeared and we had caught it in time.

We pushed on toward Jindy and caught up with a few more runners, slowly reeling in the red lights ahead. Nutrition was now a gel every 30 mins with water and the odd handful of peanuts or Pringles.  Legs still good and running more at this stage than I was last year. Into Jindy around 4:15am, 185km done and 7th place. We started the long climb up Kosciuszko Rd almost 40km more to Charlotte’s Pass. Sunrise was amazing but soon the heat was building. I was comfortable walking but when I tried to run an evening of gels left my stomach unhappy so I stuck to walking. No more gels and tried some flat coke and on to the chocolate and lollies ! Stomach still not settled so stick to the power walk.

 

Through Perisher in 27 hrs and up to Charlotte’s. Sun was out and we were on for a summit and holding 6th. Joined by Chris, Harry and Martin we headed out on the 9km summit path Banter amd spirits were good. We reached the snowy sections and caution took me over again. Easy does it. Just short of the summit and suddenly Allicia powers through and ahead. A quick photo at the cairn and we head back down and spot John  or far behind either. The boys convince me to fire up and get running. Allicia is around 300m ahead and on the run but we start the chase. 

 

Slowly my legs get turning over and the pace picks up (helped by gravity) my mind is just telling me not to trip. Once through the snow again the path very even and my confidence builds. My pace build. 6km to go. I start looking at the watch, my Km splits go from 9 mins to 8 to 7 and then a 6:20. I’m closing back in on 6th place. Suddenly I feel like a marathon runner again and push for the finish, next km in 4:37 and I pass Allicia Heron and hold a 4:41km back to the car park at Charlotte’s Pass. 

Race complete ! 32 hrs 29 mins and a summit finish complete  faster than last year and 6th overall. Tears, hugs, photos and then shivers so quickly into recovery mode and into the car.

Bloody loved it. Massive thanks again to Gary, Chris, Martin and Harry for all their support and time and Courtney Heyden as always for letting me follow my dreams and filling my 

Second finishers pin proudly added to the Akubra. 

And an additional mention to David Goggins for some inspirational quotes that we used during the race !