Two Bays Trail Run First Time

It has been a daunting task preparing for the Two Bays Trail Run. As a road runner the trail has been a revelation; a joy and a tough task master. Reading ‘Born To Run’, while a fantastic book and a much appreciated birthday present, in the lead up probably didn’t help. There I was, planning my first trail run, a weenie 28k, while reading about the madness and the beauty of the ultra long distance runner was almost overwhelming. Kinda made me want to pack up my kit and forget all this trail running nonsense.

I didn’t. I took my doubts by the throat and shook then hard till they gasped a last breathe and I stood at the start line trying to think of nothing. Like zen meditation I was determined to be only in that moment, that step and to be amazed when the next moment came and I was taking another step – running slowly and steadily enjoying the trail and the people.

Sneaked from the Two Bays website!!!

Damn it’s hilly - right from the start. Rude really! But the climb has to be done in order to enjoy the views, which are pretty spectacular. There is always talking at the beginning of a race, even road races. It keeps your mind off the difficultly of warming up and the trail was no different. I had to smile as I listened to other runners asking each other about the previous year, the next race, the best fuel belt, preferred hydration… Everyone is feeling fresh and it’s a great distraction.

The last wave to leave the start line was the 56k runners. At about 20 minutes in, the faster runners caught up with up us plodders as we struggled up the narrow and never ending climb to Arthur’s Seat. I could only envy them as they flowed passed. Everyone made room; everyone polite, shouting thank you as we shrank away from the speedy gods of the trail!

There have been a few people who have avoided eye contact with me recently. It might have someone to do with the expression of enjoyment and the phrase “three hour run”. The thing I hadn’t expected from the trail running, being a complete novice, was how much the terrain improved the experience of running. Trees, creeks, mud, dirt, birds, scampering wee beasties in the bush, it adds up to a great way to entertain yourself on a long run. So I really didn’t notice the first 10k. The next five was pretty nice too; I had great company for most of this time. Love a chat and run moment. Even the next five was feeling ok, I had to be careful of pace at this point.

The terrain had started to change and it got harder to stay upright. I was also solo now and chasing a little too hard. Had to slow down to survive. Desperate for the next aid station and the toilet, food, drink… Suddenly everyone was tripping. 20k was taking its toll on tired legs. Three people went down in a short space of time, then I almost hit the track myself soon after. But a stumble is nothing so onward and upward we all went.

Thanks to Katrina for sharing this pic on her FaceBook page

I don’t know who it was at the last aid station, but a lovely chirpy, cheery volunteer reassured me it was all easy going from here. All open trails and a few steps. STEPS!!!!! I had heard about the steps and could  see through her lies! But after a thinly veiled threat to track her down after the race, she admitted her flexible us of the term steps. HELL, really awful tiring mind bending steps. It took the wind out of so many of us at that point.

Struggled the last two km. Really had to dig deep to keep the feet going at only just a touch over a walk (or at least that’s how it felt). Then to have so many of the 56k runners heading back for the return journey was inspiring, many of them with energy enough to be wishing us good luck and shouting encouragement. Someone told a guy in front of me that there were only two bends left before the finish. Can’t tell you how much I needed to hear that. Kicked up the pace to just over turtle break neck speed and YAHHHHHH! The end, large and red and oh so welcome. Oh so tired but oh so damn chuffed!

Happy to sit down and take my shoes off.... ahhhhhhh

Have to congratulate the trail runners for being who they are and the Two Bay’s Trail organisers for putting together an awesome event. It surprised me to see km markers along the track. I have been so used to road events where the organisation is so appalling they can’t manage markers even on the smooth and easy bitumen! Thumbs up, volunteers and organisers.

Already planning next year. Will do better for sure, but for now I am going to bask in my own glory.