Ticked a Box

Over the summer I made the decision to do some sort of event[s] that required a physical challenge. Something like a Biathlon or Triathlon.

As I don't own a bike, the Triathlon would be a bridge too far and I wanted to start with simple tasks and build to those bigger events.

The reason for this was to align the new job challenge I have taken on, with some personal goals. Remembering how good it was to cross the line in that 59km, 5 and a half hour mountain bike ride a couple of years ago and how it gave me a sense that I have achieved something, I wanted to do that again.

So I entered a running race called the Sydney Trail Series that runs a series of events that go through the summer. It specialises in bush trails and this one was around Manly Dam. There was 30km, 20km, 10km and 8km races. I registered for the 10km.

A couple of weeks ago I failed in my first challenge. A 1.5km ocean swim at Freshwater. Just before halfway I failed mentally and put my hand up to stop and the support crew came and got me and took me back to shore. I wasn't happy as I had done a whole summer of swimming and felt ready. What I wasn't prepared for was swimming in the ocean with people all around me,  swimming literally over the top of me. I haven't failed at much sport wise but I did that day.

The race started at 8am Sunday 22nd of March and the weather was about 20c and overcast.

I had gone for a 6km walk around the trails earlier in the week just to get a feel for it and this is what it looked like.

We arrived about 30 minutes before the start and I collected my bib. Behind the bib was a small tag which was a timer that was connected to GPS software that would capture the time of the run.

Running bib

I admit I was nervous after failing the swim and that was Rachel's worry too after how I felt having to quit that challenge. But we knew that I could always stop and walk as finishing was the goal.

Looking at the track map I thought the first section was running along the Dam car park which is about a 1km road, nice easy start to get the body warmed up. Well that didn't turn out to be correct.

Me and the girls

Pre race smiles

Check out those legs

All smiles .... now

The support crew

Just before 8am we all made our way to the start line and the team got their camera's at the ready so see my hurtle off the start line and power to the front of the pack.

Start line

The races went off in waves. The 30km and 20km races had already started and here I was for the 10km start.

Here I am

Why am I doing this?

Turning left

You will note that in that last picture and video we are heading off to the left. Now in the reconnaissance mission earlier in the week and looking at the maps I thought we started in the smooth road for about a 1km or so i.e. turning to the right, I was very wrong. We took that left hand turn and after about 100 metres we started with about 1km of climbing on single track and up and over rock and fallen trees. The climb was about 100 metres in altitude.

For the 10km runners they sent us off in different waves, I chose to go off in the last wave after my experience getting swum on top of in the ocean swim. In our group of about 30 I was happy to sit right at the back as we climbed. So that first smooth road section I thought would happen turned into a brutal start and a shock to the system. Doubts were creeping in as the pain in my legs was increasing by the step. My asthma and breathing was all okay which encouraged me. It was the power to weight ratio disadvantage in my legs vs my size that was the issue.

During this time I was considering changing to the 8km course. I knew from my mid week assessment, that the difference was another steep climb to get up to the Aquatic Centre and then across to join the back half of the trail. So with that in mind and my slow pace and I chose at the halfway mark to change to the 8km course. No ego's here.

My punishment though was that the next section was a very steep climb from the creek floor to the highest point. Served me right. Many others joined me in walking up this section. 

Just one foot in front of the other, just one foot in front of the other, trust your training. I had done 6km up to 8km runs in training but none this technical and steep, the legs were screaming but I didn't want to fail again.

I think i can, I think I can

How's the hair? All okay ? Good, push on.

The climbing and continued and with about 3km to go there was a station with water and watermelon. I stopped and engulfed a piece, splashed some water on my face. I am sure to those around it looked like this guy was not gonna make it but to me the water splash in my mind was in slow motion like in the movies, my hair [!!!] flowing side to side with some sort of Rocky music in the background. Delirium must have been kicking in. 

3km's to go I thought that's around 25 minutes....I can do that. 

Or could I ??? 

The last 3km's was essentially down hill with a few short steep climbs up trails and rocks. But whilst going down would suggest an easier run you had to make sure of your feet and not slip. Not many out there could have carried me should an ankle have been twisted.

The girls were at the start/finish line watching the ducks, geese and other water birds splash around.

Abbi photography 

Will Dad finish ???

I sent text messages ahead to tell Rach of progress. The responding messages were sharp and clear; "...you finish this race or else...". I thought there would have been more encouraging words written from the my girl.

I was monitoring how far I had gone with an APP on my phone, I knew I was getting close. The last section was running across the actual DAM wall from where the girls could see me from across the water. Descending the rickety wet moss covered wooden stairs with care, I pounced onto the DAM wall, I put on a sprint !!!! I suggest my pace increased about .025/km. 

Coming off the wall and turning for home with whip in hand as they say on horse races, I rode for dear life. Looking up in sight of the  finish line I could see Abbi right behind the line cheering me through with camera in hand. Chloe was videoing and I could see Rachel's smile from a long way out. 

I crossed the line in 73 minutes and 25 seconds

Aaaahhhhhhh

Team Jackett - We did it

Climbing and climbing

The big sprint finish

Having de-brief with Abbi

The official timing results had me 45th out of 61 of the 8km race runners. A mere 33 minutes behind the 8km finisher.

In my age division of Males 40-49 I was 8th out of 8 runners....last by 14 minutes to 7th place finisher and 31 minutes behind the winner of the division.

Official results

Well that's job done for now. 

Why? Well its better than sitting on the couch eating chips. 

After we went to Manly for breakfast. I was headed for the Steyne Hotel for a couple but was quickly scolded by Rachel. "We have the kids with us and you ain't going in there at 10.30am without me !!!" .

The next challenge I hear you ask in fear.

Maybe a 12km run around Bobbin Head called 'The Jabulani Challenge' on April 18th. After my efforts yesterday I have a lot of work to do as the next one will be steeper and is longer.

http://jabulanichallenge.com.au/

I will post my pre-conference on You Tube should any official announcement be forthcoming.

Yours at the age of 43

Phillip