It is now time to file away another event.  I finally had time to review my run and read lots of other runners blogs. Many describing the race as a “brutal, amazing, and an epic journey”. Yes that is for sure. The Rotorua Daily Post News titled their article “Brutal race deemed a Success”. Yes definitely. Though I must say when re reading the course map the words as quoted “Free draining volcanic soil NO MUD”. UM… I guess it was still draining. “Technical/uneven, Steep downhill NO MUD” UM… “Long Sweeping downhill NO MUD”UM… “arse-biting steep”, “with nice view” OK finally we are on the same page.  Yes MUD was the ultimate challenge on the day. I say that with a smile on my face and at times I just had to stop and soak up the beautiful scenery that surrounded me. For all my family and friends, here are the photo’s supplied free from the event organisers. How awesome. My results, I came 33rd Female, 156th overall and 12th in my category. In such a competitive field I am a winner crossing another awesome (102.7km) finishing line. Many Thanks to all who followed my journey and sent such encouraging messages of support before, during and after the race.

Love My Running :-).

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 😊

The time is near. Sharon Kearney you will be happy to know Phil has me organised :-). Race pack picked up, race briefing done and race plan set. As any Ultra runner knows we have to plan for any conditions. Well mine for this race is now enjoying most likely most of the 100km in the rain. A waterproof jacket has been set for our mandatory gear, so that sets the hydration pack option plan in place. I know my Saucony Trail shoes will be my best friend. They have done well in wet conditions in the past.

Now ready for a good nights rest ready for that start line. Many thanks to all the messages of best wishes from family and friends. There is lots of excitement in the air and the rain will not change that. Reminder, we are 3 hours in front of you all back home. So while you are still dreaming, I will be at the start line visualising the finishing line. I will be looking forward to the thermal pools at that finishing line.

Love My Running :-).

Only 2 more sleeps and I will be standing at another start line for 2016. Excitement setting in after recovering from the travelling. The disadvantage of living in a country town giving me the additional travel time.

Spending this morning checking out the start line and going for a good long walk through the beautiful scenic Rotorua Redwoods. Opting for a travel recovery day of a long walk and some site seeing rather than in running clothes, just the running shoes. Perfect weather conditions making it a perfect day for being a tourist still whilst stretching the legs. Spending the morning experiencing the historical culture at “The Living Maori Village” and appreciating the history behind the Geysers and Maori culture. Then an amazing afternoon walking the trails through “Waimangu Volcanic Valley”. So I believe I covered many kilometres feeling refreshed and pre race training session successful. :-).

 

Tomorrow between the expo, race pack pick up, race briefing and briefing my crew man (hubby Phil) of race plan and requirements it will be a full pre race day.  The race will have live tracking so even without internet for Facebook updating I won’t be able to hide. So with race bib number 95 you may track me down.

What ever the outcome I will cross that finishing line with a smile.

Love My Running 🙂

My first race for 2016 done and dusted, Hares and Hounds 52km Trail. As always it was great to be on the trail amongst some awesome people whether it be runners, volunteers or supporters. I came in 7th Female, 27th overall out of 48 starters. Far from disappointed with just on post 6weeks from the 100mile Alpine. I did set my expectations a bit high, and learnt from it. I felt strong and excited leading up to the event. Being back into training even under the tough weather conditions I felt prepared.

Leaving Rockhampton Saturday morning for my first long drive for the year. Which became extra long thanks to Mr TomTom not wanting to talk to me and giving me a detour of an extra hour to Woodford. Thankfully I was greeted by a smiley Trisha, Cameron and Liam Smith. Who also provided me with 4star accommodation at the start line.

Sunday morning 2am we were awoken by other runners arriving ready for the 3am start. The weather conditions were perfect. Prepared with light and hydration pack, I was ready to head into the dark for the first couple of hours. The field of runners were fresh on their legs and many took off strong and fast. I settled into my pace as the runners spread out quickly into the darkness. The course had changed from the previous year but I had intended to still finish within the same time. With an out and back course, thinking this would make it easier. That was until I realized the challenges I came up against. The course was tougher under foot, many sections uneven with lots of hidden pot holes along with some muddy sections. Oh and why not put some sand all amongst that as well for a bit of challenge in the dark.With a slight detour (again..) of an extra ‘K’ from making the ultimate error of judgement that every trail runner does at least once. By following the leader instead of focusing on the trail markings. Daybreak was a welcoming site. I still made the turnaround checkpoint in good time and was on target with my intending finishing time.

That was until the worse runners scenario occurred. Just into the 30+ k’s and BAMM my legs went from floating to lead. Lactic acid build up had hit the muscles fast and hard. I now only had one alternative slow the pace and in some cases walk it out. This was a first for me, believing I was invincible and could run through anything. I had to quickly review my situation. Ok, I am not injured, listen to my body, this is not my race. Sit back ride out the remainder of the kilometers as my body wants. With Tarawera 100k Ultra-Trail World Tour Race in New Zealand only 4 weeks out this was a training event for me. As I made my way back to the finish dropping many positions in the last 10 km’s, I did what any other runner on the trail would do. Encourage the other runners to stay strong and bring it home. This is what is so unique about trail running. The people who do them. Many quickly slowing to see if I was ok. I assured them I was just riding it out slowly and all was good. This was indeed the most crucial decision I had to make. I crossed the finishing line in 5hr:36min with heavy legs but with a smile and satisfied I had done the best I could have done on the day and enjoyed the journey. A very valuable lesson was learned. Anything can happen on the day but it is the bigger picture one needs to look at from the outcome. It was an amazing day, awesome challenge and I would not want to change it. That is what trail running is all about, enjoying the unpredictable and the awesome scenery the surrounds you.

Love My Running 🙂

Many Thanks to Trisha Smith for the photos. You always amaze me when you return to the finishing line with a smile along with photo evidence that you had ran the trail.

Time travels so fast and before you realize it your first run event for the year is here. Hares and Hounds 52k trail run, It was also my first for 2015 finishing 3rd female. I had an awesome start and an amazing finish last year. So it makes it hard to set goals. How much more is there to achieve? EVERYTHING regardless of the outcome.

This training week has been tough. We started off with rain followed by an extremely long hot humid week.  It is amazing how you can mentally deal with each situation. Monday I hit the road in pouring rain with our local Rookie Road Runner’s. Followed by our Deep Water Run, ‘Well since we were saturated and wet already’. These guys so keep me honest in my training. I love their passion to run and achieving goals. For the remainder of the week, regardless of the time of day the humidity was cruel. As I hit the roads and walking tracks with nearly no one in sight, sweat drips into my shoes and runs down my face.  The air is thick to breath, you dare not look at your watch as you know there is more time left or another hill to tackle. How do I do it..I think of all those Posts on Facebook and blogs I have read. The people I know who only wish they could be doing what I was doing right then.  Their written or verbal words inspire me to find that energy and passion to finish that run session.

The one thing my coach has taught me over the last year is not to get too caught up in a training session outcome. (Thank you Greg Rowsell) We can not change the conditions we train in only what we learn from them.

So the car is packed, my clothes may not match. But the check list is done. One of many long road trips for 2016 begins. With my USB stick downloaded with company to listen to for my first but not my last solo roadie for the year.

With a 3am gun start on Sunday morning at Woodford for the 10th 52K Hares and Hounds Trail run, it will be a big weekend. Regardless of what it brings it will be with a smile.

Love My Running 🙂