Training Log Archive: GraceE

The next section was another 7hr one, north and then west through more of the open spinifex complex terrain. Some of the early controls had good line features to follow including tracks and large dried riverbeds, but later on we had a few very tricky legs which took us a long while and we faffed in the circle a few times. We had caffeine tablets at 12 and 3 but I didn’t notice much improvement and I got progressively sleepy and my shuffling was often a fast power walk. I also had to change torch batteries three times and was very lucky to be able to borrow Shep’s spares at the last minute (Friday morning). My lowest point was around 6-6.30am near our last control before daybreak when I was SO sleepy, a bit dizzy and starting to dawdle.

As soon as it got light just before 7am, I felt wide awake as though I had just woken from 8hrs sleep, and felt not-too-bad physically. We topped up with water at the next water drop just after 7 (and had another caffeine tablet each) and then looked forward to the last 5hr loop through the north-western section of the map which offered fast terrain and ways to zig-zag around the hills instead of up and over. I was able to lift the pace by a couple of gears and soon we decided that we’d have enough time to grab an extra 60-pointer. We got that then continued on our loop of the last 5 controls, in a bit of a race with an adventure-racing type couple who were tied together by some rope. My knees were really sore, not unexpectedly, but I struggled on and we even had time for one more additional 30-pointer before heading to the finish back at the Ross River Resort campground. We actually had some time to spare but I think this was more due to an extra “fast” last loop rather than under planning.

We scored 3240 points and finished 2nd in Mixed Open and 11th overall, which we were extremely satisfied with. Matt and I worked well together and supported each other in the navigation. I had been really keen to do this 24hr event as a one-off and was so relieved that I made it round in one piece. Hopefully my knees will bounce back after a bit of rest :s As for my feet, I didn’t get any blisters because I put compeed patches on both feet before setting off, and they worked a treat!

The terrain was truly amazing and just so different to anywhere I’ve ever run before. I particularly liked the interesting rock formations/outcrops that we ran through in the new morning light near our final water drop. I will take away great memories from this weekend and it’s all thanks to an amazing team of volunteer organisers who made it such a great event.

Distance: 66km as per navlight straight-line, but add another 20-25% in reality.
Temperature: High of around 21 and a low of 9.

C • Well done guys! 6

World Rogaining Championships, Ross River (80km east of Alice Springs). In a team with Matt.

Got our maps at 9am and had chosen a route and marked up by about 10.20. It seemed to be about 72km measured loosely with a piece of string, with three water stops and the longest section before a water stop first up (in the heat of the day!). We also had a possible extension at the furthest end of the map if we were ahead of time around the halfway mark. The map was huge and the terrain looked very varied, steep, complex, and we were excited to get started.

I was wearing inov8 x-talons, a shoe that had not been recommended due to the penetrating spinifex plant, so before the start I added a layer of strapping tape to the outside of my shoes followed by a layer of gaffer tape and hoped it might stay on. I was fairly rushed before the start but got there just in time with everything I needed. At midday the siren sounded and we made our way south-east with lots of other teams. Some easy flat controls first up to get us into it, and at the third control I added more strapping tape to my shoes to hold on the gaffer tape. We passed through the green strip of “dense spinifex” and while it stung my knees, my shins we well covered by gaiters and my feet were fine.

We had a very steep climb onto the main ridge to the south, and picked our way along that getting controls and running whenever it was flattish and easy to do so. The views were spectacular. I got quite dehydrated after only a couple of hours and had to drink a fair bit of water (I was only carrying 1.8L but Matt had a bit extra). I had a salt tablet and felt better within minutes. By about 6pm we were heading north again, through the strip of green spinifex and toward the All Night Café which we reached at 7pm (it had been dark since about 6.30). We’d run out of water by now and I was very thirsty. Filled up with water and had a tea and a cheese toasty.

We then continued north into the large “open spinifex” section. It was tricky at night and we bumbled a little bit into a couple of controls, but avoided big mishaps. The gullies which we were often following had extra scrub and tangled plants which slowed us down. I was doing a lot of thinking about just how many more hours there were to go and losing motivation. I was also SO thirsty, guzzling water with no improvement and felt a bit sick, but had another salt tablet and again felt better within minutes. This was around 8-9pm.

We kept plugging away and got to the next water drop just before midnight, so a shorter section of less than 5hrs. We estimated we were on track for our original plan, so didn’t head further east looking for extra points, something I was secretly relieved about as was worried about how I would last.

Morning flights to Alice Springs via Sydney, after dropping Florence around at Jo and Dave's place before 7am. My first time to the NT since 1991!
We were lucky to make the early bus leaving Alice Springs airport, and got to Ross River mid-afternoon where we set up camp.

Late one on Farrer Ridge. Saw the possum again.

Lunchtime run with Michael - from work down to the lake, up Flynn Drive and around the back of Capital Hill on the cyclepath. We did 6 x 2mins (1min rec) which was quite a good session, and it was great to run with company!