(Kurt Vonnegut)
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Have you ever been there?
"I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all kinds of things you can't see from the centre."
Monday, May 17, 2010
My TNF 100 (kilometres) race report
Warning concepts portrayed in this story may not be comprehensible to some readers.
"Running through paradise, hurting like hell and having the time of my life". Is how I would describe the TNF 100 in the Blue Mountains.
But let's start at the beginning. We, that is my wife, my two kids (9 and 11) and I arrived in Katoomba on Friday morning from Brisbane. We stayed in a cabin at the Katoomba Falls caravan park, which is perfectly located right beside check point 4.
To loosen up, I did a couple of short walks with the family, before we registered for the race at the Fairmont Resort.
The combination of the race anticipation and the spectacular country that we would run through had me chomping at the bit. I opted for a large spaghetti dinner with my awesome support crew, rather than the carb loading at the resort.
On race day I had a double portion of oats for breakfast and we headed off to the start. The race briefing was good, especially the "Welcome to Country" from the local aborigine.
I planned to start from the back and let the main crowd race off and try to settle into my steady rhythm (although all I felt like doing is run). This seemed to work well until we hit the first single track and there was a bit of a wait. This is how it was going to be for quite some time. Every time we hit some steps we would all stop. I couldn't settle into a good pace and started to get a bit frustrated. If I would have known what laid ahead, I wouldn't have worried and just relaxed.
By the time I got to checkpoint one I was about 20 minutes behind my anticipated time and I had my first taste of the thousands of steps to come. I now realised that my training was way off the mark and I was well under trained. Ah well, the mind would just have to take over to get me there. Because I am doing this as part of the Queensland Cancer Council Cancer Free Challenge (in memory of a friend that passed away due to cancer) and I was sponsored by a lot of people I was determined to finish this race even if I had to crawl (I didn't realise then how close to that I would come).
The checkpoints throughout the whole event were perfect, with lots of food, drinks and superb volunteers. I drank about 4 cups of Endura, grabbed two large muesli cookies and was off again, eating on the way.
The scenery was just awesome and running through it was uplifting, I literally felt like being in a higher place.
I got to the ladder, which was a perfect set up and I only had to wait for three minutes (perfect time to eat some more). I started to feel the constant incline and decline but was still going strong by the time I got to check point two. I had some more Endura, wolfed down a coffee and grabbed a gel and muesli cookie. I once again was about 20 minutes slower than anticipated.
In hindsight I think this is where I started my biggest mistake of not forcing enough food down.
At about 40 km I the cramps began and used my Cramp Stop spray for the first time, which worked wonders (to start off with anyway).
By now I was well aware that I under estimated the course that is referred to as the hardest 100 km trail run in the world.
In a matter of 30 minutes I managed to get three rocks (on separate occasions) in my shoes. It was getting extremely difficult to clean out my shoes due to cramps and the Cramp Stop was starting to lose its effect.
With my rock problems behind me, I settled into a nice pace and got to check point three, where my support crew took care of me. The kids had made up banners and all three fussed about me. It was a real moral booster. I ate some chips (for the salt), coffee (for my addiction), lots of Endura, a banana and a fruit bun. But in hindsight not enough.
By now it was well and truly dark and I was gaining some speed towards check point four, where I knew my super crew was waiting.
At check point four I plonked down in my chair and started munching away on some pasta (provided by my totally cool wife). I tried to drink as much Endura as possible, but my stomach didn't want anything. My super kids kept me warm with blankets and wiped my face down with a cold face washer. Life came back into the old bones and I was ready to move on as soon as I would change my wet shirt and jumper. As I took off my gear I went into convulsions (probably a combination between exhaustion and the cold). I managed to get my dry cloths on and only my teeth were left chattering. I was still in good spirit as I knew that my sub 20 hour goal was still achievable.
A little further I was wondering why my sunglasses were fogging up, only to remember that it was, first of all night time and secondly, I didn't were sunglasses during the whole event. I was glad that this was sorted out, and had to smile because the guy yelling at the hill was not the only one going bonkers.
After 18 hours and 42 minutes the feeling of achievement was overwhelming and although I was nearly broken, I never felt better in my life than crossing that finish line.
My family managed to get me back into the warmth of the resort, where I nearly was sick again but after a little while I managed to eat a couple of sausages.
I consider this run (stumble) one of the greatest events. All the competitors were the most supportive and sportsman like that is rare now days. The best example is of the two winners and the group of last people crossing the finish line together. There were no losers that day, only winners. Even the people that had to pull out had the guts to attempt something special.
The organisers and volunteers are just amazing. Thank you to all the sponsors as well, as they make events like this possible.
But most of all I want to say thanks to my family that supported me through all the months of training and at the event. Your concerned looks about me made me realise how much we mean to each other.
I believe that the support crews are the unsung heroes of these events, they never have the satisfaction of finishing, they have to put up with us sweaty, smelly and somewhat incoherent competitors and they always smile and encourage us. So have a drink on all the support crews and as ACDC would say “We salute you!”.
Overall the TNF 100 gave me a sense of achievement that I haven't felt in a long time and has left me a changed person. It has opened up my mind to things that were always there but I never saw. Things in life that I considered problems suddenly seem trivial.
For anyone who ever thought about it. Just do it!!!
"Running through paradise, hurting like hell and having the time of my life". Is how I would describe the TNF 100 in the Blue Mountains.
But let's start at the beginning. We, that is my wife, my two kids (9 and 11) and I arrived in Katoomba on Friday morning from Brisbane. We stayed in a cabin at the Katoomba Falls caravan park, which is perfectly located right beside check point 4.
To loosen up, I did a couple of short walks with the family, before we registered for the race at the Fairmont Resort.
The combination of the race anticipation and the spectacular country that we would run through had me chomping at the bit. I opted for a large spaghetti dinner with my awesome support crew, rather than the carb loading at the resort.
On race day I had a double portion of oats for breakfast and we headed off to the start. The race briefing was good, especially the "Welcome to Country" from the local aborigine.
I planned to start from the back and let the main crowd race off and try to settle into my steady rhythm (although all I felt like doing is run). This seemed to work well until we hit the first single track and there was a bit of a wait. This is how it was going to be for quite some time. Every time we hit some steps we would all stop. I couldn't settle into a good pace and started to get a bit frustrated. If I would have known what laid ahead, I wouldn't have worried and just relaxed.
By the time I got to checkpoint one I was about 20 minutes behind my anticipated time and I had my first taste of the thousands of steps to come. I now realised that my training was way off the mark and I was well under trained. Ah well, the mind would just have to take over to get me there. Because I am doing this as part of the Queensland Cancer Council Cancer Free Challenge (in memory of a friend that passed away due to cancer) and I was sponsored by a lot of people I was determined to finish this race even if I had to crawl (I didn't realise then how close to that I would come).
The checkpoints throughout the whole event were perfect, with lots of food, drinks and superb volunteers. I drank about 4 cups of Endura, grabbed two large muesli cookies and was off again, eating on the way.
The scenery was just awesome and running through it was uplifting, I literally felt like being in a higher place.
I got to the ladder, which was a perfect set up and I only had to wait for three minutes (perfect time to eat some more). I started to feel the constant incline and decline but was still going strong by the time I got to check point two. I had some more Endura, wolfed down a coffee and grabbed a gel and muesli cookie. I once again was about 20 minutes slower than anticipated.
In hindsight I think this is where I started my biggest mistake of not forcing enough food down.
At about 40 km I the cramps began and used my Cramp Stop spray for the first time, which worked wonders (to start off with anyway).
By now I was well aware that I under estimated the course that is referred to as the hardest 100 km trail run in the world.
In a matter of 30 minutes I managed to get three rocks (on separate occasions) in my shoes. It was getting extremely difficult to clean out my shoes due to cramps and the Cramp Stop was starting to lose its effect.
With my rock problems behind me, I settled into a nice pace and got to check point three, where my support crew took care of me. The kids had made up banners and all three fussed about me. It was a real moral booster. I ate some chips (for the salt), coffee (for my addiction), lots of Endura, a banana and a fruit bun. But in hindsight not enough.
By now it was well and truly dark and I was gaining some speed towards check point four, where I knew my super crew was waiting.
At check point four I plonked down in my chair and started munching away on some pasta (provided by my totally cool wife). I tried to drink as much Endura as possible, but my stomach didn't want anything. My super kids kept me warm with blankets and wiped my face down with a cold face washer. Life came back into the old bones and I was ready to move on as soon as I would change my wet shirt and jumper. As I took off my gear I went into convulsions (probably a combination between exhaustion and the cold). I managed to get my dry cloths on and only my teeth were left chattering. I was still in good spirit as I knew that my sub 20 hour goal was still achievable.
A little further I was wondering why my sunglasses were fogging up, only to remember that it was, first of all night time and secondly, I didn't were sunglasses during the whole event. I was glad that this was sorted out, and had to smile because the guy yelling at the hill was not the only one going bonkers.
After 18 hours and 42 minutes the feeling of achievement was overwhelming and although I was nearly broken, I never felt better in my life than crossing that finish line.
My family managed to get me back into the warmth of the resort, where I nearly was sick again but after a little while I managed to eat a couple of sausages.
I consider this run (stumble) one of the greatest events. All the competitors were the most supportive and sportsman like that is rare now days. The best example is of the two winners and the group of last people crossing the finish line together. There were no losers that day, only winners. Even the people that had to pull out had the guts to attempt something special.
The organisers and volunteers are just amazing. Thank you to all the sponsors as well, as they make events like this possible.
But most of all I want to say thanks to my family that supported me through all the months of training and at the event. Your concerned looks about me made me realise how much we mean to each other.
I believe that the support crews are the unsung heroes of these events, they never have the satisfaction of finishing, they have to put up with us sweaty, smelly and somewhat incoherent competitors and they always smile and encourage us. So have a drink on all the support crews and as ACDC would say “We salute you!”.
Overall the TNF 100 gave me a sense of achievement that I haven't felt in a long time and has left me a changed person. It has opened up my mind to things that were always there but I never saw. Things in life that I considered problems suddenly seem trivial.
For anyone who ever thought about it. Just do it!!!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
The final preparation run
I just finished my final preparation run. It was just a leisurely 15 km road run. I can't believe that it is nearly there. With six days to go I feel ready to rock n roll. I maybe didn't train as hard as I should have, but taking into account the balance of family, work and training I didn't do too bad. I just want to say a big thanks to my family who have supported me all the way and put up with my ramblings and training that ate into our family time. I really appreciate it as well as the support that I know I will get from them during the race.
Everything is ready (my pack with 3 litres of water and mandatory gear is 5.1 kg) and my tendinitis in my foot is not too bad. Like my daughter would say HUP (Harden Up Princess).
So all the best to everyone else doing the race or any other race.
Everything is ready (my pack with 3 litres of water and mandatory gear is 5.1 kg) and my tendinitis in my foot is not too bad. Like my daughter would say HUP (Harden Up Princess).
So all the best to everyone else doing the race or any other race.
Yippy
I once had a little buddy who was a best mate.
His kind is shunned by society but I don't know why.
He was gentle and loving by nature and caring out of sight.
He was jolly, never demanding and thankful for the smallest pat or hug.
He would give you assurance and love of the purest kind.
He did not have possessions nor greed and was grateful for just being, right to the end.
Although he was little he left a big hole and I learnt a lot of lessons from a creature so small.
I'll miss you my friend Yippy.
His kind is shunned by society but I don't know why.
He was gentle and loving by nature and caring out of sight.
He was jolly, never demanding and thankful for the smallest pat or hug.
He would give you assurance and love of the purest kind.
He did not have possessions nor greed and was grateful for just being, right to the end.
Although he was little he left a big hole and I learnt a lot of lessons from a creature so small.
I'll miss you my friend Yippy.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Last long run before the race
I went for a 64km test run yesterday. It all went pretty good although it was a flat course I learnt a bit more on how to tackle the TNF100. It took me about 7 hours and 40 minutes. My tendinitis in my foot held up OK although my legs got a good pounding on the concrete and bitumen. I think the trick is to go out slow and don't be pressured into too fast a pace by other competitors and the excitement. Although I was not 100% with my time yesterday I still had energy left to keep on going.
Another thing I worked out is what sort of food I am going to carry. I have decided on a mix of sweet energy bars and salty/savoury snacks such as pretzels. For drinking I will just carry water and have energy drinks at the checkpoints. At the manned checkpoints I will fill up with coffee and coke.
So now I am in training wrap up mode with some medium length runs this week and next and then just some small workouts in the last week.
I have all my equipment now and can fit it quite easily in my M.U.L.E., which has a 10 litre carrying capacity + 3 litres of water.
Another thing I worked out is what sort of food I am going to carry. I have decided on a mix of sweet energy bars and salty/savoury snacks such as pretzels. For drinking I will just carry water and have energy drinks at the checkpoints. At the manned checkpoints I will fill up with coffee and coke.
So now I am in training wrap up mode with some medium length runs this week and next and then just some small workouts in the last week.
I have all my equipment now and can fit it quite easily in my M.U.L.E., which has a 10 litre carrying capacity + 3 litres of water.
Friday, April 16, 2010
The misconception that cyclists should pay registration
Every now and then (becoming more frequent) there are articles in the local papers that argue for cyclists having to pay registration in order to use the roads. There is a huge misconception that the vehicle registration actually funds the roads in Brisbane. I am amazed that whenever these claims are made that politicians don't set the record straight. Therefore I was pleasantly surprised when our Lord Mayor wrote the following in the Bmag that is distributed locally:
“...Some people think cyclists should have to pay rego if they want to use the roads. That is a bit of a furphy because car registration is paid to the State Government and there are less than 300kms of state funded roads in Brisbane, mostly major highways. The remainder of the 6000kms of Brisbane roads are funded by Brisbane City Council, which means that they are funded by people paying rates, rather than taxes. That means cyclists are entitled to user our roads, particularly the ratepayers. I personally think there is room for everyone on the roads and with a few manners and a bit of respect we can all co-exist...”
(Ref: BMag 13 April 2010: Campbell Newmann)
I believe that motorists have to be made aware of the benefits of cycling, not just for the cyclist, but also for the motorists. Fact sheets like the CPF information sheet “Bicycles belong on the road” should be distributed as part of an education campaign.
Unfortunately there is a big divide between cyclists and motorists in Australia compared to other countries. I am not saying that motorists are the only ones at fault as there are many cyclists who do the wrong thing as well. But it is important that we all recognise the advantages of cycling and that we all become more tolerant of each other. Like Campbell Newman I also think that if we respect each other we can both exist on the roads.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Over one hurdle, here comes the next!!
On Monday our family went for a bush walk along a section of the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk. I decided to give my foot a good workout by running back along the trail to pick up the car. The trail consisted of a lot of steps and gave my foot a good workout. It held up fine and I was over the moon.
The aim was to get up early on Tuesday and go for a 3 hour run. But this was not to be. Both Kerrie and I didn't catch much sleep as we both came down with a throat infection. I am starting to get very frustrated as now is the time that I really need to be training. I took it easy for the day and this morning my throat seems a bit better with mainly the ear aches left.
I am trying to get some more rest today and get back into it tomorrow. I am sure that I will get there eventually.
The aim was to get up early on Tuesday and go for a 3 hour run. But this was not to be. Both Kerrie and I didn't catch much sleep as we both came down with a throat infection. I am starting to get very frustrated as now is the time that I really need to be training. I took it easy for the day and this morning my throat seems a bit better with mainly the ear aches left.
I am trying to get some more rest today and get back into it tomorrow. I am sure that I will get there eventually.
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