A Revival of Suffering

The last 18months to two years has been pretty rough. Stomach issues, enough to want to quit running (this is not said lightly…I have seriously considered quitting running over the last year or so it has got so bad) causing a few DNFs/death marches, mental breaks, a lack in desire to race and generally not knowing where I fit in the running space anymore. The start of 2025 saw a number of big changes. I brought my coach back on board to regain some specificity to my training and also control the ridiculous volume I have been doing inflicting on myself for the last five years. I started actually practicing my nutrition in training with race specific purpose to get my gut up to speed. Also, I am back in the gym, lifting and loving it. This all occurred about two-two and a half months out from Noosa Ultra Trail 100k, so whilst not a long time to notice the changes, it should give some good indications as to where I am headed.

I went into the race tapered and with the thought of running around 12hrs. I said the day before that I wanted to have a good, positive day with some good old fashioned suffering! I got my wish! After some catch ups and reminiscing we were into it. It was pretty clear about an hour into the race though that things were not going to go to plan. It was hot and ridiculously humid. Like oppressively humid. These factors, along with some family stuff weighing heavy on my mind and soul saw my head (and body) completely sucked of all energy. Like someone pulled out the plug. I had no go. None. I quit a million times in my mind before the first aid station where I saw my crew. With a nice 2-3k easy downhill into the aid though, I was feeling slightly more positive upon arrival. So many mixed emotions.

I normally don’t sit in races but I needed a minute at all the crewed stations to regather my thoughts and refuel some. At the 40k mark I sat next to a guy and was explaining to Tegs that I was on the verge of cramping but never usually have these issues. She asked if I had anything other than electrolytes (which I didn’t) to which the guy next to me held out a bag of salt tablets offering them to me. I said I would just take a couple but he said he was DNF’ing and that I could take the bag. I was incredibly grateful (and solved all signs of cramps from then on!) and my spirits were lifted even more when he explained that about 10yrs ago at Down Under 135 we shared a bunch of k’s in a river bed where he ran out of food and I gave him a bunch. So, the salt tablets were a payback, or delayed karma if you will for my kindness. Far out. The trail community is beautiful.

During this next section I got chatting to a lady Sarah who I would leapfrog back and forth with from then for the rest of the race. She was a super lovely lady, so kind and chill. A real positive light to share some time with. As I continued on for the next many hours I was super dehydrated and although I was taking on double to triple my usual fluids I just could not get on top. On the up, my food intake was on point and I was still moving. Slowly, but moving.

As the k’s drew on and I passed half way, a marathon to go, less than 30k to go, and the day grew marginally cooler (marginally), my mental space and physical being improved ever so slightly. With about 20k to go, the diesel engine began kicking in. I was running with more ease, still drinking and eating well and things started ‘coming back’.

Although my goal was to finish without a headlamp, the day presented something different and before long I was in the comforting sphere of my torches glow. Passing by the last water stop, I was moving well and pushing for the finish. I ran well to the line and crossed in 13hrs 30min. A long way from my goal but as mentioned on Strava….it wasn’t the race I wanted but the finish I so badly needed. Tired, carrying some blisters and completely dried out I was very content to have gotten the job done.

I really needed that finish. I think mentally I would have fallen in a heap if I would have quit and I am so so glad I persevered. There were many lessons learnt from this one but one of the massive positives is that I had NO stomach issues, even in that heat. So. I don’t know if it was dropping gluten at the start of the year, practicing my nutrition or a combination of the two but even in that heat I was able to stick to my plan and have no issues GI wise. Bloody awesome!

So. Thats that. Another Noosa done! A massive congrats to all my friends who raced, thank you to Luca my coach, the organizers and volunteers, my sponsors, Tegs and Corle for crewing for me and all the new and old friends I saw out there. Such a rad weekend.

Now. Moving forward. A recovery week this week and back to full blown training next. Well be lifting heavy and ripping into the k’s prepping for UTA100miler in seven weeks! Not far away!

Thanks for the love yall and cant wait for the next one! Peace, Consistency+Commitment.