UTA100
Ten years ago, as one of our first big ultramarathons, Dad and I ran The North Face 100 (now UTA100). We were fresh faced and completely out of our depths but ran with youthful exuberance, together with our friend Lee. It was a great experience and set us on a path of adventure and many ultra-marthons in the process. This year, a decade on, both families road tripped down for another chop at the monster. 100k of running is hard enough but throw in 4500m of climbing, a billion stairs and it becomes a beast! Lets GO!
My preparation was good and I was super confident going into the race. You just never know what the trail may hand you on any given day though! Our road trip was super nice, I was relaxed and ready to rumble. The biggest factor upon arriving was the cold. It was wild man and the forecast for race day 4(with wind chill to -1 0r-2) to a top of 9. Not great for a kid who doesn't like the cold! But, control the controllable!
My goal for the race was sub 14hours. A very tough goal on that course but, I was up for the challenge. I got to the start line and was jackhammering (uncontrollable shivering) but was soon off in wave 2, seven minutes after wave 1. With about 3ish km on the road to start, getting the legs rolling, I got into a groove soon enough. The start was nice. Up and downs, incredible trails and good times as usual at the start of any event. Always good vibes till it start getting real!
I rolled along nicely, meeting some cool folk and making pretty good time. But man, I felt pretty darn average. We hit all the landmarks, Narrowneck, the ladders (which I went around) and some solid running. Before long, we were out to the first crewed aid station just over 45k. I felt rubbish! That first 5hr 30min was freaking rough. My mind wasn't great, I had little energy, my legs felt like concrete, my eyes were sore from the wind, I was a bit light headed and I honestly thought I was going to be walking it in later on. I tried to get some food in, was super stoked to see the girls, tried to go to the bathroom and before long was off again.
At this point, things began to turn around for me. I don't know if it was seeing the family, getting some nice fruit in me and easing back on the gels or what but I started to feel some flow. I cruised pretty strongly and before long we were at a big climb Nellys Glen. Even though it was cold, I did my old trick of washing my face in the streams and wetting the back of my neck on the way up. Even though it was cold, it was worth it cause I felt good! Before long I was at the second crew check point and I was frothing! A quick re-stock, kiss and I was out charging again.
At this point, heading around Echo Point and some exposed ridgelines the wind was heinous! Like, it literally nearly blew me over! It also started to SLEET which was cool. Funnily enough, I wasn't cold and was really charging now. After that wild weather eased, we got in some sheltered sections and I distinctly remember the sun coming out! It was like being plugged into a power socket and being recharged. The energy I drew from it was amazing! A number of k’s and a few more massive climbs and I was at the non-crewed water point. Things are still a little hazy here but I was still running so well and happy. The pinches were tough but I took them as they came and got through them well.
I got out to the last crewed check point at about 79k late afternoon. Still in great spirits, I was told this section was integral if I was going to make the magic 14hour mark. A long gradual and steep decent for 8-9km lay ahead and whilst this may sound nice, by this point of the day and with as much climbing/descending that I had already done it toasted my quads proper. It started to get dark here too and to be honest, I was happy for some uphill! With some solid undulating ups and downs we finally reached the bottom and last water station. After a quick top up, I was out of there.
I was a little nervous about the Kudumba climb but I put my head down and got into it. It actually passed pretty quickly and then we were into the final stages of Leura Forest. My legs were pretty toast by this stage but I shuffled when I could, hiked as hard as I could when I couldn't run and worked my way through.
I have never watched my watch so much in a race before. I was so cognisant of the times I needed to be hitting to meet the 14hour mark and was nervous I hadn’t left myself enough breathing room for the final massive stair climb in the oh so cruel 1km. It was touch and go all day which is actually quite stressful! However as the last kilometres were counting down, I got to the climb and realised I would make it. BUT….what a way to finish a race! Those stairs were BRUTAL! 951 of them and STEEP at that! I was using two hands on the handrail to pull myself up and after I don't know how many gruelling minutes, I was at the top! I had made it. I came to the finish shoot, pulled the kids over the guard rail and ran it in, emotional that I had finished.
I have never had to work so hard, for the entirety of a race to meet my goal. I tried my best to stay present and in the moment but I always had the clock in the back of my mind. I am so so proud of what I achieved at this race. It was brutal, savage and a monster. I earned that silver buckle, finishing in 13hrs 41min, crushing my goal by 19minutes. Spent. Goal. Crushed.
Much thanks to my dear wife and kids for crewing me. Unfortunately, they don't get to as many races these days but man it is uplifting when they do. It was so awesome seeing them at aid stations and having them lift me up mentally. Thanks to my sponsors Altra and Fractal and everyone who has sent super kind words in the lead up and after the event. It means the world. Lastly, massive congrats to all the people who ran, finished or gave it their best crack. What an effort.
I am so proud of this one. All the hard work I have put in paid off ten fold. I love the Blue Mountains and all the suffering it handed me Saturday. But now, I recover, chill and get ready for another big undertaking, 100miles at Rail Trail in six weeks. Good times.
Thanks again friends, keep setting them goals, chase them hard and kick your own goals. Until next week, peace.