RACE REPORT

This event was a first for me. Entering a 12 hour track event would have never been on my radar in the past.  I could never understand why someone would want to run in circles for such a long period of time. I had no idea how I would mentally prepare myself for such an event. But the time had come in my journey that I felt I needed to take up the challenge. The CBR.48hr Race in Canberra on the AIS track offered that opportunity to explore the unknown. Also knowing that many of the Elite Ultra Endurance Australian athletes were also going to be on the same track attempting record times soon turned my hesitation into excitement. Not knowing what the surface was going to be like along with the fact it also involves a 400m track (circles) was a bit daunting. I had only a short period of recovery time between events. Tarawera 100k Trail in New Zealand only weeks prior was tough and taxing on the body, so backing up with a track race was going to be a challenge. I was prepared for any outcome. Listening to my body and prevention of any injury resulting in a long recovery was my primary race plan. My intention was to obtain a good qualifying 100k time, but with many unknowns knew this may not happen and would then run the 12 hour event out.

Leaving home early Friday morning I felt prepared and positive. Disaster hit on arriving into Canberra to be informed that our baggage had not followed us on our connecting flights. It had already been a long day, a storm was approaching and both myself and support crew Sharon Kearney were not prepared for the cooler wet weather with all our warmer clothing including ALL my running items being in the missing baggage. My excitement immediately turned to anxiety, stress and all the “What if’s, Maybe’s, and How’s” came into play. Our accommodation was also minimal and a good walk to the track side. With the day hours ending and no means of transport we had only one option and that was to wait. So to bed I headed in the same clothes I had on from 4:30am. No toiletries, tired, drained and obviously overwhelmed. Sharon fought endlessly throughout the evening to locate and demand our baggage and finally at 11pm we received the phone call that our baggage will be couriered to us. So midnight PreRace day I was showering and getting warm and comfortable in an attempt to at least gain 5 hours of quality sleep.

RACE MORNING the excitement feeling did not appear until the race briefing. I remained focused on how I was going to run out the race. Once on the track the adrenaline kicked in. Joining the 48 and 24 hr runners was an honor. These guys and ladies had already been running for many hours in rain, cold and through the previous night, but still smiling and their determination and endurance was amazing. Sharing the track for 12 hours was brief in their eyes. The support on track side was unbelievable. Circles soon become just that. The day turned warm and long, athletes fatigued quickly along with myself. 4 hours in I had to face knowing that my 100k race time was not going to be possible but I felt strong and knew I had the endurance to hold out the 12 hour event. So dropped and settled into a comfortable pace and focused on building up the kilometers. As the 48 hour and 24 hour athletes reached milestones their commitment was just inspiring. Being encouraged  by Ultra legends Mick Thwaites and Nickki Wynd along with running along side Torill Fonn and Barry McBride amongst many others felt amazing. As the night fell the 100k qualifiers had left the track leaving only a few 12 hour competitors who had survived the afternoon to battle out the final 12 hour event. I quickly became determined to pick up some kilometers and into the evening was surprised to see my ranking slowly but quickly appear into 2nd place and holding first place female. The 12 hours came to an end and the realization set in. 1st female 271 laps with 109km’s behind 1st male Francesco Ciancio 312 laps with 125km’s, he was just amazing to watch pumping out the final laps at an amazing pace.

Standing on the top of the 2000 Olympic Podium was the most amazing feeling. I had accomplished something I never thought I would attempt. Being apart of such an amazing event, being watched by the Australian Selectors and running along side some amazing athletes was worth every 400 meters. Watching Natasha Fraser accomplish a national qualifying 100k time was a privilege. Her strength and determination showed on each lap, she will be one to keep a watch on. My support crew Sharon came up against many challenges. Her task of limiting my stress and resolving issues we came up against before and during the event was just as challenging as my 12 hours of running in circles.

I learned so much from this event. 1.Your running gear never leaves your side 2. Check location and facilities when booking accommodation.(2.5k is not called close even being an Ultra runner) 3. Your check list, requirements and requests as a runner can never be in too much detail for your crew and everything needs to be written down. They can not read your mind. 🙂 4. I can not change the past but my experiences can be priceless.

Race Organiser Billy Pearce put on an amazing inaugural event along with his team of volunteers. Without these people we would not have these awesome opportunities. Billy’s smile never left his face. This event will be on many runners calendars for the coming year.

I know what you are all thinking… Will this Ultra runner do circles again. Well, I will never say never as I certainly enjoyed it, but the open trail will always remain my passion.

Love My Running. :-).