The race would not be on the Ultra-Trail World Tour list if it was not meant to be a tough run. Though this year the runners had it tougher. With not just a change in course to assist in breaking up the field by adding an additional big sucker of a hill. With much of the event on single trail. We were also faced with the consistent rain falling for the entire event. The trail soon become a challenge of slip and sliding in deep mud to slippery on accents and descents. Though I had the rain in my race plan I had not calculated the 24 hours of rainfall on the trail prior to the event. This making it a challenge from the start.

  By the 60k mark I was in complete survival mode. Many had already pulled out due to injury or just were totally spent. On passing the 60k finishing line I watched exhausted 100k entrants surrendering to the first welcoming finishing line. Further down the trail I over heard others contemplating if they were to complete the 100 or happy to surrender with surviving the 85k option. This was not going to be an option for me. I came here to do the 100 & that was what finishing line I was going to cross. Also I had to make the mental decision after falling back in the field to take my eye of my time & go into mentally focusing on just getting through without injury.

The consistent falling rain was unforgiving and at times pounded the body. My husband (Phil) at each check point could feel my pain but consistently encouraged me to the next checkpoint. To see him there was my life line. His support and encouragement was truly amazing. Not once did he lose faith in me and drew me out of my darkness. Along with spending many hours in the rain himself and being unable to take photographs of what we know is such beautiful place on a sunny day.

After nearly losing a shoe in the mud I tightened my laces and still have the lace makings on my feet.😄 Also due to the heavy rain the shrubs and tree fronds fell low many sharp but after 60k this was the least of my concerns. Tarawera Falls was beautiful even through the misty rain. With my shoes consistently wet I soon decided that running through large puddles crossing roads & paths was just as easy than opting to try to find an alternative.

“The loop of despair” at 85k was the most mental challenging part of the race and only in the 100k course. Straight up & straight down but by this stage in the race I had either caught up or others caught up with me. We all knew what we were in for and with much of the course running solo I enjoyed the company and the encouragement of other runners battling the challenge. We all know as runners a loop back to a checkpoint is challenging in itself.

In the last 10ks of the race I felt that finishing feeling. I was over being wet and 10ks was nothing mentally. It was wet but flat (finally) and I wanted that finishing line feeling so badly. Crossing that line was amazing as always. I was completely satisfied that I gave all I had and more. Sitting in the recovery tent waiting for the all clear I got time to speak to other runners. Their stories gave me the insurance I needed. It was tough and many completing in hours behind they race plan but like myself was happy with what they could give on the day.

On the race presentation and closing many told similar stories. But we can not have power of what Mother Nature is going to deliver. I can say that the race director and organiser Paul and Tim put on one amazing event. With nothing left out from amazing checkpoint supplies, happy encouraging volunteers and supporters regardless of the weather conditions. It was without doubt the best ran and organised event I have attended to date. I would encourage anyone to put this one on their bucket list.

Yes I have some war wounds and obviously have a few sore muscles, but survived without injury under extreme conditions. Would I do this all over again..yep stupid question. Without doubt, I learned so much and as always love the challenge.

I still have not looked at my splits or where I came in the field but know I am happy with what I delivered on the day. I crossed another finishing line with nothing left in the tank and not disappointed by any means.

Love My Running 😊