My first taste of the Ultra Marathon World – not counting the 44 km Great Ocean Road Marathon 😉 Runners chatting casually, Hawaiian shirts scatted through the field and absolutely no urgency to commence. I don’t think I’ve ever been so relaxed at the start line of an event. 

I headed to the bathroom just prior to the start with my worst nightmare to be confirmed. Out of toilet paper. Note to self, always carry tissues for emergencies such as these – fortunately I had some. That could have been messy. 

This is me walking to the start line after the race had already begun. Late to the start but not late to the end hopefully!

Starting slowly, there were a few bottlenecks for the first couple of kms. A good opportunity to get sorted, settle down and not go out too fast. I was just taking it all in. The amazing cliffs and tree life, people around me, the gear that people were wearing. This was different from any of the other races I had entered. As it was still largely single file at this point. People were walking the inclines. Something that I had anticipated but not so early in the race. Smart. 

Don’t go too hard too soon.

It was such a thrill running past the spectators and aid stations – they gave me such a lift. I knew my wife, Whitney wouldn’t be at the first road crossing, but it didn’t matter – I would see her soon. I don’t think spectators realise the power that they have to encourage and lift those that are running past, no matter how they are struggling. A small grin or a wave from the tired runner might be the only acknowledgement they receive in return. Internally, runners’ insides are dancing and can feel like they’re on top of the world.

The Greens Bush bypass section gave the opportunity to stretch the legs and get into a bit of a rhythm. Probably the least scenic part of the race, and along a 4WD track for much of it I just concentrated on the running. Still a lot of kms to go!

Run the kilometer you’re in.

My wife, Whitney, was cheering at the Browns road intersection which gave me a much-needed boost. I had given her a primitive version of the Race Day Planner to anticipate my arrival times into the spectator areas. After the first viewing point, where I was slower than expected due to several bottlenecks, I was spot on the expected race pace and estimated arrival times. This made it much easier for her to arrange a mandatory flat white in between viewing points.

Moving into the Rosebud South Street section I was able to have a chat with a few of the other runners. As I started toward the back at the start line, I was still trying to find my crew – runners around a similar pace to me that would help set my pace. I figured that this would help motivate me when I was struggling later on. Run when they run, walk when they walk. Hopefully, I would find some soon. Lucy Bartholomew was cheering for us all with gusto as we were entering Dromana – an impressive Ultra Runner herself. 

Coming up the back of Arthurs Seat was a bit of taste of the things to come. Yes, I had done hill training, but I don’t think anything could have prepared me for Arthurs Seat. I did wonder how I would go with my Asics Sonoma’s. I had experienced some blisters with some of my vert training, but I think the Injinji toe socks and bodyglide on the heels did the trick. Not a blister in sight! I knew I had a change of shoes waiting at Dromana, but it turns out I didn’t need them.

Running down the hill into Dromana was a welcome relief. I tried to load up on a bit of nutrition (Clif bar) and work out what I would need and need to ditch at the halfway point. Whitney met me just after I rang the bell signalling I had reached halfway. I was pleased with what I’d achieved so far, but it was starting to sink in that I had a lot of race left to run! I got rid of a sandwich that was soggy (might not carry those for long periods in the future) and got some more Science In Sport (SIS) Gels.

It was also at this point that I started to notice the volunteers a little more. They saw me coming and asked me what I needed – filled both of my Salomon Speed Flasks up (which can be a little tricky getting the lids on, so I was quite impressed when they did it on the first try). Throughout the race I used water and Tailwind for my hydration, which I found to be the perfect combo. I also snuck in some Coca Cola toward the end as a bit of a treat.

Heading back up and over Arthurs seat was where I walked the most. Still a lot of race left to run. I had now started to settle in with my people – those of a similar pace. Mostly when those around me would walk, I would too and picked up the pace when they did also. Coming down the hill before McLarens Dam were some of the toughest parts of the race. I really hadn’t trained for slow descents on tired legs and this was crazy steep! Tougher going down than up. 

Hyslops road on the return was slow. I was starting to get tired and was hovering around the 8 min/km mark – the slowest part of the race. There was still 15-16km to go and I had to pace myself. Just get through. I tried to take my mind off my tired body and check out the properties and farms we ran past. How strange must we look streaming past these homes in our brightly coloured race gear. Seeing Whitney for the final time before the finish, gave me the boost I needed to continue.

As I entered Green’s bush for the final time I felt invigorated, however I was getting a bit sore in my legs. I stopped briefly to stretch and cramped up almost instantly. I had not been drinking enough and was probably a little dehydrated. I had never used them before, but some people were using salt tablets, which could be something to use in future – I made a mental note. I had never had a problem with cramps before, but distances of this length were always going to stretch my ability and capacity! A couple of runners racing past asked if I was ok, which I appreciated. This is something I also try to do if I see others that may require assistance. After all, by this stage all fellow runners felt like my family – I wanted to help them get there!

Green’s bush on the return was the most enjoyable part of the run. The scenery, plant life and the single track was so much fun. I was sore, tired but so internally joyful at being to run and enjoy this amazing creation. I ran with three or so others for much of this section, which spurred each of us on. I found that I was recognising people of a similar pace by the colour of their shoes and socks. I tried to look up as much as possible, but the narrow single track required a bit of focus on my footing. I wasn’t going to hit my head on the lower branches if I could help it!

Crossing Boneo Rd, I knew I was nearing the end. Only 1 Parkrun to go! I had been warned about the steps toward the finish. I was glad to be aware of them but had no difficulty. I was pumped; energised at the prospect of finishing. It was getting hot as it was just after 1 in the afternoon, and as I rounded each corner with less and less shade I was ready to finish.

The finish line came not a moment too soon. I had done it. Ran the longest race of my life. Months of training had culminated in triumph. There was pain, but overwhelming joy at what had been achieved. A euphoric atmosphere greeted us all and I was awarded a race medal for my trouble.

As I wandered around the finishes area, enjoying my cold lemonade, I enjoyed seeing other athletes come in. We had run together and finished together. We were a family that had battled with adversity on the track and had prevailed.

I was impressed by the event. I would certainly run it again, although on the day I told my wife differently. It’s easy to forget the pain of the day and I’m left with the enjoyable moments. The volunteers were spectacular and such an integral part to the Two Bays experience. It was an amazing opportunity cross the Mornington Peninsula (and not at the narrow part).

I was also happy when my wife offered to drive home, and the burger on the way topped off a perfect day.

Stats

Marathon No.: 3rd Event

Distance: 55.93 km 

Elapsed Time: 6:37:10 

Pace: 7:06 /km

Weather: Overcast, 18°C 

Nutrition/Hydration: Clif Bars, SIS Gels, Water, Tailwind, Clif Bloks, Watermelon, Coke. 

Gear: Ciele Cap, Goodr Sunnies, THIR, Garmin Forerunner 235, Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 5 Set Backpack, Patagonia Strider Pro, 2XU Compression Shorts, Injinji Crew Toe Socks, Asics Sonoma’s.

Finished: Position 218 out of 379

Strava Activity Found Here