Noosa Ultra Trail

Saturday just gone was the inaugural running of the Noosa Ultra Trail. With a large contingency of runners from Bundy in attendance, it was sure to have some rad vibes. Given it was a first year event, I was a little nervous to see how the organisation, aid stations and course would be. Time would tell. We rolled into town Friday afternoon and picked up our race pack at the Marina (super nice venue), met some lovely volunteers and got a little psyched for the next day! Dad and I were doing the 100k, Kate and Kevi doing the 50k, Mick and James doing the 30k and Tegs and all her girl crew running the 25k. Let's do this.

After a decent sleep and early rise, we were down at the start line with no stress ready to roll. I said g’day to some friends, got some photos and then we were off! I didn’t really have any expectations for this race as the course was unknown, my fitness at a different level to normal (having done some speed work the previous four weeks) and no crew, I thought I could go under 12hrs but didn’t really know what the day would hold.

The first 20k went super chill. We were rolling along and hit that mark in 1hr 52min…..probably way too fast. It was what it was. It felt comfortable but if I went out too fast it would become evident later. First 20k, SUPER fun and great trail. We then head out to the first aid station and a 10k out and back section of trail. It was pretty hilly, technical trail and I started to battle a bit….not terribly but a touch. Before getting back to the aid station there were a couple young girls who had set up a water station at the front of their house. After a quick photo, drink and a massive thank you, I met up with running legend John Pearson and shared some k’s. Before long we were back to the aid station and I let John go. The battle begun.

The k’s from 45-65km were rough. Like, no energy, emotional, very hilly in parts and HOT! I could NOT cool down! I was dunking in every bit of running water I could find, wetting my hat and even my shirt at one point. I actually thought about quitting at one point but kept doing my best to remind myself to stay present, be patient and I would come through this misery.

Previous to this, I was looking at race positions, thinking about competing and focused on that. Through the self imposed doldrums, I moved my mindset to one of enjoying the day, using it as a solid training run and just doing my best to run light and move as quickly as I could, getting as much fluid and food in as I could. This really turned my day around. I slowly started to work through the muck and come good. Here, we go.

During this time I rung Tegan and asked her to meet me at the next aid station, Pomona with a fizzy drink and a smile/kiss from my girls. I got there, excited to see them and then got confused when people were talking about Coran……I then realised…..I sent the girls to the wrong station! I was in Coran NOT Pomona. After a quick phone call and running to the girls strong, I was hyped, my mood and focus had shifted and I was ready to rock! After some brief hellos then good by it was time to push for home.

The last 30k was rad. I was strong, ran with good form and apart from the blister under my right foot, I was powering. Before the ending, I knew the course was going to be long. Given how I was striving forward so well, I didn’t even care that much! I just kept pushing. Before long, I was at the finish and although I missed my goal time, I still managed to come in at 12hrs 34min. Still solid given the heat and 2500m of climbing.

Overall, I was super stoked and happy with the day. All the Bundy crew did SUPER well and crushed it. Very proud of you all. For a new race organiser and a first year event, I gotta say, they absolutely nailed it. A few days removed, I am still finding it hard to fault much at all about the race/organisation. It was fantastic. Massive props and congratulations to the organisers, volunteers and competitors alike.

Going forward, I am on a chill week. Some running but not heaps. It is coming though. I know it. One of the massive highlights of the weekend was meeting my coach, the legend Luca Turrini. I am so pumped he is on my team and can wait/am petrified for the training he has ahead. Lets do this.

Lastly, thanks to all of you for your kind words of support, love and cheers online and in person! You make all the madness that little bit more fun! Thanks guys! Until next week….. Consistency + Commitment

Thanks as always to Altra, Willpower Running and Fractal for all your love!