Training Log Archive: NSW Stinger

Event: Cradle Mountain Run
 

Cradle Mountain Run.

Returning to Cradle Mountain Run is something I've wanted to do since I ran in 2006. I came down in 2008 but got sick the day before and didn't make the start line. Since Prong was working in Tassie he encouraged me to enter this year. In 2006 I thought I was a lot better ultra runner than I really was. Now with a few more years experience I'm probably better than I should be because I don't do nearly as much running as I used to. I went out with the aim to run 8hrs but limped home in 8hrs59mins thoroughly defeated by the course. This year I just hoped to beat that time but in the back of my mind was the hope I could beat Damon and Mounty's time of 8hrs38mins. Stu Gibson was racing and was always likely to win on recent form. But the field seemed open after that, at least there were no other big names.

It was forecast to be 30 degrees at Lake St Clair which was hardly good ultra conditions. But when I arrived in Launy on Friday I realised the strength of the direct sunlight was just brutal. It was pretty pleasant conditions for the 6am start. The climb up to Kitchen Hut was steeper than I remembered and my HR was higher than I liked. The sunrise was fantastic and I ran along with Prong and Oskar Booth enjoying the scenery.

After Waterfall Hut, Prong slowed to eat a banana and Oscar quickly disappeared. I was a bit surprised there was no water at Windermere hut so I had to fill out from a small pond out in the moors that looked like it was soon drying up. Coming down towards Frog Flats I took a big stack while eating some cashew nuts and banged my already sore left knee. It took a while before I felt like I was running smoothly again. Coming out of Frog Flats (exactly 3hrs) I realised we were a bit slower than expected and as Prong dropped off it was time to go solo. I reached New Pelion Hut CP in 3hrs26, 12 mins behind my previous effort. There was no water here either but I was told there was a creek just around the corner. Though I was a bit desperate and prematurely filled up in the first puddle I found. Only to finds a very nice stream a bit further on.
The climb up to Pelion Gap seemed very hard and I walked quite a lot. This is probably the best view to look back and see Cradle Mountain and it was getting very hot in the open sun. On the descent I started to feel better and put it into overdrive for the first time and moved from 6th to 4th. But just as I reached the bottom I suddenly fit really bad with a queasy stomach. I made it to Kia Ora Hut 4hrs26mins and had a pit stop and filled up at the tank. I'd planned to have my small coke can here and drank it while I walked out feeling terrible. Somehow got jogging again through the amazing beech forests near Du Cane Hut. The next climb was long but not as bad as I remembered and I didn't feel too bad by the top. I had been thinking of walking and waiting for Prong to catch up, or even the thought of catching the ferry at one point. And most races for the year had been scrubbed off the calendar as I couldn't remember why I would want to do anymore of these stupid races. But as I started to move faster again I reached Windy Ridge CP (50km) 5hrs42mins and was told 2nd was 10mins ahead and 3rd only 5mins.

The next section to Narcissus Hut is probably the easiest running with less rocks and tree roots. But it is also less forested and hotter. Surprisingly there were lots of flowing streams and I had quick stops at many to grab a drink or just wet my cap. The last few k's into Narcissus were bloody hot and started to drag on a bit but finally i got sight of lake St Clair and reached the 61km mark in 6hrs42mins.

A quick chat, cup of coke and a few pieces of watermelon and I headed off after Oskar. I knew if I ran really well it was still 2hrs to the finish so I'd better not push too hard. I kept drinking lots and even had a quick dip in one of the creeks which was great. Just before Echo point I caught a glimpse of Oscar and had a quick chat as I passed him. Now I decided to fully commit and chase hard for 2nd. I packed the iPod so I could concentrate properly. The track didn't seem as difficult as last time I was here but I could still understand why it is so hard after 60km. There is never more than a few straight, flat steps in a row, rather twisting through forest and up and down small climbs. Before I knew it I caught Ludovic from New Caledonia and moved into 2nd. I now had to decide whether to just run conservatively and hold my spot, or push for a better time but risk blowing up. Bugger it just keep pushing! I got a glimpse of the finish at Cynthia Bay and guessed it was no more than 4km away. I now thought my target time was a possibility and gave it everything to the finish. When I reached the end of the single track it was great to feel so fresh as I picked up the speed and made the finish line in 8hrs 28mins 56secs.

Stu Gibson won the race in just under 8hrs. While I was 29mins behind I had actually run a little faster over the last 50km, and 10mins faster over the last 20km. Pretty good evidence that saving some energy for the end of a race can really be a benefit. Having said that I'm sure I would have run faster at the start if I felt better. The Overland track through Cradle Mountain National Park is an amazing route with stunning scenery which changes constantly. To run it in a single day is one of the great challenges for any runner.

Nutrition
Gels 8 Shotz
1 endura gel
1 high 5 gel 20 carb 340kj
3 be natural trail bars
1 Shotz energy bar 37.9 carb 880kj
1 snack crunchie
200ml coke
100gm cashews

C • Top run!! 19

post night shift swim. one hour in a warm murky washingmachine

C • Good luck 3

Morning commute to work. Cracker sunrise, but its starting to rise a bit later now.