In my last blog entry whilst running around Mt Glorious, I spoke about
the pandemic with unease at the unknown that we were about to find ourselves
within. In hindsight looking back at the year so far, I am incredibly thankful
and fortunate to find myself living in South-East Queensland, Australia.
Although we've had periods of restrictions; races and other events have been
cancelled, we have not suffered at all in comparison to other countries around
the world, or even Victoria.
I had two main races planned for 2020; the Brisbane Marathon in June and
the Blackall100 in October. I had booked and paid for them both in February,
just before the pandemic took hold. It would soon become apparent that
the Brisbane Marathon would be cancelled or postponed, but Blackall was still
far enough away for it not to be affected.
I had already started training for the marathon, as it was supposed to
be a warm up race in preparation for Blackall training. I never thought I would
call a marathon a warm up race, that's for sure! I decided early on that I would
continue training and run anyway on the original date of the Brisbane Marathon.
I'm glad I did, the marathon turned out to be a very special run. Several friends ran as well, a few others joined in along the way as pacers making it even more fun. A great day, but a story for another time.
I ended up running 3hrs 59mins, which was a 25min improvement on the Gold Coast Marathon last year!! However, the downside was I had managed to give myself a nasty ITB injury to my left knee, leaving me in significant pain for a few days afterwards.
Fortunately, I had planned in a 3-week break before ramping up training
for Blackall. This gave my knee some well needed rest from running, while I
planned some rehab. I decided not to see a physio, as I knew from having ITB
issues on my right knee that I needed to strengthen my hips and glutes. I had
also gotten lazy with my running technique, so decided that once I was back running,
I would need to work on that.
I found a hip and glute strengthening program online, which I followed
religiously for 2 weeks before I started running again and ended up using all
the way through the Blackall training block.
Details of the Strength building program for ITB are here:
By early August, I was ready to try to run. I had decided to only run 2
or 3 times a week for the first few weeks and supplement the rest of the
training with cycling. I have had success with this approach before, so it definitely
could do no harm.
The only issue was the running would ramp up pretty quickly into running
trails with significant elevation based on the plan that I was using. I was
concerned that my knee would not cope.
The plan I used was the 100km Generic Training Plan by Hanny Allston. I
had heard good things about this plan, and fortunately didn't have massive
weekly kms compared to other plans I had read. her plan is usually 24 weeks,
but I condensed it into 16 weeks. I figured my fitness from marathon training would carry through.
My first run back was a 30min easy flat run, which went well with no
pain. The second was a slow jobg around Enoggera Reservoir, my knee did hurt towards
the end of the run, but I managed to pull through ok. I cycled the next day and
had no pain. The following day I ran some intervals, there was some pain
towards the end but less than earlier in the week. Things were improving, and
all the while I was continuing the strengthening.
On the first Saturday I had my first "mission". Hanny
Allston's missions are the longer runs specific to race distance and
included using race day nutrition and equipment. These were 3 weeks apart and
time rather distance based. The mission was 3 hours. By the end of 3
hours around the trails of Mt Coo-tha my knee was burning, I was struggling to
make it downhill. Although on the uphills I was stronger than usual. I was concerned
but would re-evaluate in a few days.
I took 2 days off and ran again the following Tuesday. I ran 10km around
Ironbark trails, although my knee hurt a little by the end of the run it was
not burning and uncomfortable. This was promising.
The cycling cross-training was helping, I was able to ride quite far and
hard and had absolutely no pain at all in my knee, my arse on the other hand!!! I was also doing some
bouldering, which was helping strengthen my upper body. In combination with the
hip and glute work, the cycling and bouldering, I was definitely getting
stronger and fitter.
This pattern continued through to my next mission, this time 4 hours
around Mt Coo-tha. I finished 29km of running with zero knee pain. The reals
tests were coming though, I had a 6-hour followed by an 8-hour run over the
next 6 weeks.
I ran the 6-hour mission around Bunyaville trails. The idea behind this
was to run for a long time on trails without a huge amount of elevation in order to
preserve the knee as much as possible. The day was a success. I managed to run
45km, with zero pain. My confidence was really building.
3 weeks later, I had an 8-hour mission. But this time I incorporated
over 2000 metres of elevation into the run, in order to really test my fitness
and ability to cope while tired. I ran from Gap Creek Road near Mt Coo-tha up
to Jolly's Lookout near Mt Nebo on some of the hardest, technical trails I
could find. By the end of the day I had run 8 hours 45 mins and just under
59km! However, I could hardly walk. It was a tough day out, and I had lost all
the skin underneath one of my toes. I ended up needing 3 days rest before I
could do anything again, so I changed the next workout for a cycle.
The 8-hour mission was the longest run of the plan, there were 6 weeks
left to race day at Blackall. The hardest work had been done and I was
recovering well.
One of things I really tried to work on this time was elevation. I was
averaging 1500 metres per week, with some weeks going well over 2000. I think
this really helped build significant strength in legs, which really helped with
long hours on my feet.
With 3 weeks to go to race day I had my last mission. I did
exactly the same course as the previous 4-hour mission as I wanted to compare
myself to earlier in the training block. I managed to cover the same distance
but 25mins quicker! My confidence was really boosted, I felt as ready as I
could be to face 100km!
Although my confidence was high due to my knee recovery and fitness, I
was getting very anxious due to the logistics of organising myself and my
family for the race. I have run the 50km twice at Blackall before, which
did take a fair bit of organisation and planning, however planning for a 100km
race was on another level! I was getting stressed worrying about arrival time at
Mapleton, ensuring I had all the right gear, forgetting head torches, pace
plans, nutrition plans and changes of clothes mid race!
I was not sleeping at all well in the week leading up to the race, which
made me worry more. I was concerned I would get sick with worry!
Fortunately, I did not get sick and before I knew it, we were on our way
to Mapleton on Friday afternoon 16th October.
My lovely wife Maureen and her sister Therese had agreed to be my
support crew for the race. I was not sure how much I would need them during the
day, but they turned out to be absolutely essential. In previous years, the
checkpoint (CP) volunteers were able to give runners assistance in changing
water bottles, providing drinks, chairs and other assistance. But due to the
COVID-safe plan they were unable to do as much this year, which meant relying on
a crew. I did not realise this until well into the race, once I started needing
help.
We checked in on Friday night and treated the race briefing, which I
always enjoy. Uncle Al from the Jinibara people welcomed us to country on the
lawns at the Mapleton QCCC, a wonderful experience.
I managed to catch up with a few running friends, which helped settle
the nerves and soon enough it was time for bed.
I managed a few hours’ sleep but was awake at 3am. I got up and started
getting my gear organised for the day ahead. We had stayed at the QCCC this
year, my room was only 50 metres to the start line!
I ate breakfast with the rest of the runners at 4:30am, went to the
toilet a few times and took some Imodium. At 5:30am I woke my family who wanted
to see me start. I wandered outside, found a few Brisbane Trail Runners (BTR)
to chat to and waited for the start at 6am. It was an absolutely stunning day,
blue skies and a freshness in the air. However, the forecast for the middle of
the day was hot!
My original plan was to try and finish under 18 hours, during training I
really thought that I could push that to sub 16. However, if I could
finish anywhere in that window, I would have been very happy. After all, just
finishing a 100km race is an achievement, even finishing just within the 24hour
cut off!
At 6am sharp, there was a 3....2....1......GO from the PA system and we
were slowly on our way. My family were cheering form the side just past the
start line, I gave them a quick high-5 and I was on my way.
Start to CP1 - 7.8km - 53mins 25secs
Under the Blackall100 banner and over the blue timing mat we crossed,
slowly making our way through the many cheers of friends, family and volunteers
to start one hell of a journey through country.
This first section was incredibly easy, as it should be. We left the Mapleton QCCC, turning right onto Obi Obi Road and right again onto Wandoo and then Wilga Ct before hitting the Montville Mapleton Road heading south towards Flaxton and Kondallila Falls. Running along the road was unusual for a trail race but expected for the first 7km or so before we hit the Kondallila Falls loop. Although it was road, the views to our left were stunning. It was a clear day with no haze, I had stop to take in the view and sneak a quick photo.
I was running with Steve, a chap I've met over the last couple of years at various BTR events. We were casually chatting about all sorts of random stuff towards the back of the field, slowly letting the early kilometres roll by.
My plan had been to do this section at a pace of around 7mins/km. This is incredibly slow on road; it was quite difficult to keep to that pace, but I knew I had to go so slow in order to be able to make it through the whole day.
By the time we ran through Flaxton and onto the turnoff to Kondallila falls, I was slightly faster than planned but nothing to worry about. The next section would definitely slow me down.
CP1 to CP1 Kondallila Falls Loop - 4.4km - 42mins 32secs
The Kondallila Falls loop was spectacular. The views into the falls and
through the trees down into steep gullies were breathtaking. The pace had
slowed down considerably, as there were so many runners, I had no choice but to
slow down and be patient with those in front.
There was a fair bit of elevation loss and gain in this section -
roughly 450metres. I was averaging around 9:30mim/km in this section, which was
nice and easy. It also meant I could take in my surroundings and enjoy the
view.
It was great to chat to fellow runners, discussing our plans for the day
and what we hoped to get out of it. Lac joined Steve and I during this
section, it was great to hear each other’s experiences.
CP1 to CP2 Back to the Start Line - 10.3km - 1hr 25mins 40secs
The road from Kondallila Falls back up to the main coast road was fairly
steep so I decided to just enjoy the walk up like everyone else. I met a fellow
called Alec on this section, a Mountain Goat runner from Brisbane, who I would
later meet at the finish line some 15 or so hours later, a really nice
guy!
Although I was extremely relaxed running a very easy pace, something
weird happened. My nose started bleeding! It started dripping down my face onto
the floor, I desperately tried to stop it and wipe it up with my shirt. Fortunately,
the shirt was red! I still have no idea why this happened, I have never had a nosebleed
on any run or race before today. It is so true that in ultra-running you must
prepare for the completely unexpected at any time during a race.
We turned left onto the coast road again retracing our steps for about 1km before we took another left turn down Flaxton Mill Road heading towards Baxter Creek Falls. This road had a gentle descent which made for a very easy few kms, this section was really relaxing and shortly we would head into the trails and switchbacks towards the creek. At the bottom of the descent we reached the creek and we were met by a troll guarding a suspension bridge, which we could only cross 2 at a time. A photographer greeted us over the other side, just before we climbed back up towards Obi Obi Road.
I was not expecting this section at all. I honestly did not realise
there would a climb like this so early into the race, yet here we were. Steve
was convinced he couldn't remember this climb from last year, I wondered if he
had deliberately blocked it from his memory! It was not too difficult, but it
was long and quite unexpected.
Eventually, we reached the top and were met by the Grim Reaper wanting a
password to get through his gate. Surely, I wasn't hallucinating so early into
this? No, everyone saw him and shouted how much they loved him and he let us
pass.
I was a little behind my planned pace at this point, but it was only 2km
to go to CP2 where I would see my family for the first
time. We hit Obi Obi Road and I opened up a bit down the hill towards the QCCC.
I managed a 5:40min/km at this point which got my pace back on track. I swung
into the lane where we had left just under 3 hours ago and headed towards the
CP. I found my family and my drop bags and went about replenishing my
fluids.
My nutrition plan was much more complex than when racing 50km last year.
I had worried incessantly about this in the week beforehand but was now confident
that I had everything under control. Between the start and CP2 I had used 1.5
litres of Tailwind in my Salomon bladder. For the next section I would add
500ml to the bladder as well as picking up 2 500ml pre-filled soft flasks. My
usual nutrition load is 500ml per hour, so I had more than enough to get me to
CP3.
It was fantastic to see my family/crew so early on, Maureen helped me
with the bladder, Therese with the soft flasks. They also helped clean my face
from the nosebleed earlier on. I topped up with sunscreen, let off a massive
fart much to my daughter's amusement, grabbed half a banana from a volunteer
and was off within 3 mins of arriving. It was now on to CP3, a section I knew
well from the last 2 years of the 50km race.
CP2 to CP3 Sam Kelly Road - 19.3km - 2hrs 43mins 58secs
I left CP3 by myself, I had lost both Steve and Lac on the way into the
CP but decided to push on at my own pace. I was still feeling fresh and
in good spirits. I just needed to watch my pace in this next section as there
was more descent than ascent, the real tests were yet to come.
I passed a lot of other runners coming back into CP2 on this section
heading towards Mapleton Falls National Park. There was a lot of cheering and
shouting, but no high-5s! We still managed to social distance as much as was
possible!
I kept moving and some came across the 3 folks proudly proclaiming last
place for the 50km! I wished them well but was concerned. They would have only
been 12km into their race and they would have already been moving for over 4
hours, I wondered if they managed to finish - I really hoped so.
2km from the CP after another riverbed crossing, the trail
turned into a dirt road, so I was able to pick up my pace a little. I arrived
at CP3 bang on time and waiting for me were my awesome crew!
I had been running for 5 hours and 45 mins at this stage so decided to
take a longer break than the last CP. Maureen gave me a chair to sit in,
Therese massaged my shoulders as they had begun to hurt. My kids asked non-stop
questions, while they and their cousin refilled my soft flasks and bladder.
I put another litre into the bladder and took 2 more 500ml soft flasks,
2 litres of tailwind for 4 hours running. The next section was going to be hard
- 22km until CP4 in the middle of the day with around 1km of elevation!!
CP3 to CP4 Gherulla Bluff - 22km - 3hrs 49mins
I left CP3 just before 12pm, 6 hours or 41km in. I had almost run a marathon
but had another 60km to go. Right ahead of me I had the infamous Gherulla
Bluff, notorious in crushing some runners’ spirits and this year was no
different.
This section of the course had been changed from last year, an extra 4
km section had been added to remove a later 4km for the 50 km runners so there
would be less congestion at CP4. However, the extra 4km incorporated extra
hills that were unexpected and not particularly pleasant in the middle of the
day.
The Bluff is relentless, when you think you must be done you are only
halfway up. Fortunately, it is not a steep climb, it just seems to last
forever. I met Karl from BTR on this section, we kept each other company (well
I followed him) until we reached the photographer at the top. We took a few
snaps and I moved on. Karl stayed for a chat, that was
the last I saw of him until the final 5km.
I knew that the new section at the top of the Bluff would be upon me
soon, but I didn't know what to expect. The Bluff I was used to was flat and
mostly runnable. Soon though there was a sign to turn right and I was descending
steeply downwards. This only meant one thing, there would be more
climbing. Sadistic race directors!!!
I rounded a corner on the bottom of this descent, fortunately it only
dropped around 100 metres and lo and behold the trail climbed up again. There
were several 50km runners at this point, but they looked like they were really
struggling. One poor lady took a step in front of me and proceeded to vomit.
Moving swiftly on, I managed to overtake the runners wishing them all the best
and continued to climb.
At the top of this section I reached Delicia Road, I had been running
for almost 50km but was still feeling ok. There was a water station at the exit
of the trail onto the road, but it was really busy. There were a few runners
hanging around drinking water and recuperating from the climbs, I later found
out that several runners had dropped out at this station. The climbs and the
heat had really affected some people, fortunately I was not one of them.
Onwards I went, running down Delicia Road towards the entry back onto the
trails.
Around halfway up the climb I saw sign reading 60km! This was now the
furthest I had ever run, so I was in unknown territory. I was feeling ok, so I
just kept moving. The only real issue at this stage was a fair amount of chafe
between my legs mostly due to salt loss through sweat. I remembered to bring my
body glide, so I gave myself a quick covering while no one was looking.
I stopped for a drink of water at the Ubajee Walker's camp water
station, I soaked my legionnaire’s cap to cool my neck, had a quick chat to the
volunteers and soldiered on. Although I had plenty of fluids on me, the water
was needed as I was getting tired from the sweet and salty tailwind taste. The
good thing though was I had no gastric problems all day, my only issue was
getting sick of the taste of berry flavoured drink!
I was only 3km now from CP4, where I would be able to replenish my
fluids and have my spirits lifted by the volunteers and crew.
I arrived at CP4 after running for a total of 63km in 9hours and 35mins,
I was getting tired now. I was desperate for a sit down, a change of clothes
and another shoulder massage.
CP4 is run by the wonderful BTR mob, they always give everyone a very warm welcome when arriving into the CP and this year was no different. However, due to COVID restrictions they were unable to be as hands on as usual. In previous years I had been given a chair, been helped with drinks and even filled my soft flasks. Even though there were restrictions, they still did everything they could and even showed massive concern over the amount of salt that had accumulated on my clothes, I might have been dehydrated. This did mean that I had to rely on my crew even more, which every other runner seemed to be doing as well. CP4 was more crowded than usual with support, I had to dodge quite a few people to get to my chair.
This was my longest break at a CP, I think I was at CP4 for
around 15mins. I'm glad I stopped and rested as it had been a long hot day
already. I put to bed thinking I could get under 16 hours and focused on
finishing strong, within my original plan of sub 18 hours. I refuelled and
managed a full change of clothes. I had stashed a pack of pork scratchings for
this CP, I was glad I did. After the concern over my salt loss, getting
stuck into some pork fat was just what I needed. I downed half the pack and
asked Maureen to take it with her to CP5, I would need some more salt again!
Whilst changing my socks, I noticed a couple of huge blisters forming on
the tops of my toes. They didn't hurt, but I quickly put the clean socks on and
decided to deal with them later! My crew were fantastic, they helped with my
bottles and clothes, making sure I had everything I needed for the next leg.
The change of clothes worked like magic, I felt refreshed and ready to
push on. Fortunately, the next leg would only be 10km, I would see my crew
again very soon.
CP4 to CP5 Cooloolabin Dam 10.2km - 1hr 59mins 57secs
There were a few short but steep hills in this section, but the bush was still very pretty, and it had begun to cool down. Although the fatigue was setting in, it was very pleasant to run, actually, walk through this section. We had to cross some rocks at the base of Kureelpa Falls before making our way up another steep climb towards Baronga Road.
I turned left onto Baronga Road knowing that it was only 2km until CP5.
Although a dirt road, it was runnable, and I was able to move fairly well along
this stretch. There was one final gentle climb (although at the time it felt
like Everest!) before I left the road and headed into the Cooloolabin Dam Day
Use area and CP5.
This CP was run by the Noosa Ultra and Trail Runners (NUTRs) who
were having a disco party. The atmosphere was fantastic and the view over the
Dam wall into the reservoir was spectacular. It was also much less crowded than
CP4, due mainly to no 50km runners coming this way, plus the 100km field had
thinned out.
I was dowsed in water by a guy handling a very large sponge,
grabbed a coke in my trusty collapsible cup, was handed my drop bag and led to
my crew!
Again, led by Maureen and Therese and ably helped by Reuben, Katie and
Clara I was incredibly well looked after. They made sure all my bottles were
filled, my hi-vis shirt on for the road sections and my head torch ready for
the night-time stretch ahead.
I didn't want to hang around for long at CP5 as it was now approaching 6pm, I had been on course for nearly 12 hours and the sun had begun to set. The next leg from CP5 back to CP4 was long; another 18km and I was itching to get going. There was still a very long way to go.
CP5 to CP4 Back to Mapleton Forest Day Use Area - 18km - 3hrs 29mins
44secs
I was 74km into the race and had 26km to go as I left CP5. I was feeling
ok, my legs were hurting but I was still able to break into a very gentle run.
I was running along the Cooloolabin Dam wall, the view over the reservoir was
beautiful as the sun was setting. It felt incredibly peaceful, until I heard a
car horn to my left! "Do you want your sunglasses???" It was Therese
bellowing from Maureen's car. My crew had caught me up on their way back to
CP4. "No thanks!" was my reply, the sun was setting after all. I gave
them a hearty wave, which was returned by them all and off they drove, the dust
from the dirt road billowing behind them.
Halfway down the descent was another water station, it was good to see
some people as I had been on my own again for another hour or so. I was 84km so
I knew it was only another 8km to the CP, on I went run/walking for the
next 2.5km until I hit the lowest point of the trail, which by now had turned
into Mapleton Forest Road. The climb began.
On and on it went, not steep but relentless. The climb lasted on and off
for nearly 6km, almost the distance back to the CP. It was at this
point where I my legs felt finished, my quads were burning, I could hardly lift
my feet off the ground. I worried that I would catch my foot on a rock or root,
fall flat on my face and not get back up. But I kept moving, one foot in front
of the other up and up the climb until I saw a sign - 2.4km to Mapleton Forest
Day Use area, I was close to the CP. Just after that point, a sign led
us off the road back onto single track. Another sign, this time 2.5km back to
the Day Use area, what???
Through the single track I walked, slowly. Eventually, I could see some
twinkling ahead - it was the CP. I had made it to 92km, and my family
were waiting there cheering me on.
CP4 to QCCC the last stretch - 8km - 1hr 55mins
I had spent longer at the CP than I had anticipated, probably
around 10mins. My concern was that I had cooled down quite a lot, I was
shivering as I was leaving and had to force myself to run even just a little to
try and warm up. Fortunately, the path out of CP4 is flat so I was able to move
well for just under a km. Once warm though I resorted to walking, I was so
close to finishing I just had to make sure I did. One foot in front of the other
now, come on!
My watch beeped at me, it only had 10% charge left! That was
disappointing, it wouldn't last the whole race. These things happen though,
deal with it when it happens.
I turned into the Mapleton Falls National Park section and just kept
moving, it is a tricky section and I kept wondering if I was on the right
trail, the course markings were quite far apart. I was ok though; I didn't get
lost once all day. Karl who I earlier walked with up Gherulla Bluff, breezed passed me at this point leaving me for dead. Good on him for still moving so well at this late stage!
I crossed Delicia Road and up towards the last section of trail, 96km in
according to my watch when it abruptly died. I took out my phone and got the
Strava app going to record the final few kms, I had no idea what time it was or
how long I had been going or had left. I couldn't concentrate on times or numbers;
it was just one foot in front of the other. I saw a sign for 4km to go.
I came out of the National Park onto the road
leading out of the car park. This section was uphill, and I could barely walk.
It was so incredibly peaceful. I really enjoyed walking on the path heading
back towards Obi Obi Road. I even managed to break into a run at times as the
path flattened out.
Once onto Obi Obi Road I knew I was almost home,
only 2km to go now and I just had to keep moving. After another 500 metres the
road started to descend and I was able to break into a run, I kept running, I
could see the entrance to the QCCC ahead of me. I started to get emotional.
I turned into the QCCC and only had a few hundred
metres left to go. Katie, Reuben and Therese were waiting for me along the
driveway and started to run with me either side. Absolutely awesome! I couldn't
keep up with them. I could hear the MC call out my name that I was approaching
the finish. Who knows what I was thinking, I broke into a sprint! The last
hundred metres I was flying, with Reuben and Katie sticking with me. I saw
Maureen wave to me as I turned right and headed into the hall to the many
cheers and claps of previous finishers and volunteers. I crossed the line and
headed straight for the Blackall Bell. I rang it with everything I had left! I
had completed the Blackall100!!
Finish 100km - 16hrs 59mins 16secs - 10:59pm
Maureen hugged me as I met her inside the hall
after ringing the bell. She led me outside where I could sit down and take in
what had just been achieved. I quickly changed my shirt into something dry and
put on a warm fleece.
I got hold of a peperoni pizza and a can of red
bull and proceeded to devour them both! Great recovery food!
I was pleased with my time; I had no idea on the
finishing straight that I would get under 17 hours. All I knew is that if I finished,
I would beat my original sub 18 hours plan. Due to heat and extra hills this
year, sub 16 was too ambitious for me, but that was ok. After all, just
finishing a 100km race is something to celebrate!
Once I had inhaled the pizza, Reuben escorted me to
the showers where I cleaned myself up and changed clothes. He watched over me
to make sure I didn't pass out in the shower. I have a history of blood
pressure plummeting after long races, so we wanted to make sure that didn't
happen.
Having successfully not passed out, I decided to go
back out to the finish line to see if I could spot any other runners come in. I
saw Alec finish, who I had chatted to briefly, we gave each other a massive
hug! Then I saw Steve finish, who'd had a tough day with cramping but had not
given up!
I made my way back to my room at around 12:30am got
into bed and slept very badly until I woke at 5am. I got up gingerly, got
dressed and went to the toilet. The sun was up so I decided to try and stretch
my legs and see if there were any more finishers, the cut-off was at 6am.
I wandered down the driveway of the QCCC and lo and
behold, just after 5:30am a runner staggering along approached me. There was no
one around, so I gave him a clap and a cheer and wished him well. Who knows
what sort of a day and night he'd experienced; I was impressed he was still
going and running it in to the finish line.
About 20mins later my way back up the drive another
runner was approaching. It was 5:50am and fast approaching the cut off!
Again, I was taken aback by the courage of this chap to keep pushing even right
up to the cut off time. I later found out it was the last placed runner. One of
the race directors approached him, told him to check his watch and joked that
it was after 6am! He sidled alongside and ran with him and a few others the
last 200metres into the fall for him to ring the bell. I'm glad I got to see
the last runner, I had finished nearly 7 hours earlier, but his finish was just
as impressive!
The 100km race is an achievement that will have my name against it. However, looking back there is no way I could have completed it without the love, support and awesome crewing skills of my wife Maureen, her sister Therese, my kids Katie and Reuben, and niece Clara. They made the day extra special and I am deeply thankful and grateful they gave up their weekend to support me achieving my goals.
A brilliant honest and informative account of your extraordinary journey and achievement on foot. A great encouragement to all with Crohn's and any health disadvantage! Well done indeed!
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