So yesterday was YUM 2016. An adapted course to accommodate all the wash outs, rockfalls and such from the previous weeks heavy rain and flooding, so a few deviations from the official Yurrebilla trail, but with similar distance and elevation.
The previous day was wet, which made staying inside and not running a little easier. However, it did have me pondering gear a little, but as the rain passed and went away, I backed my original thoughts and made no last minute changes.
A photo posted by Iconic Trails Project (@iconictrails) on
Up for an early start on the day, I had the joy of scraping some frost from the car windscreen. However, the cooler temps forecast were preferable for running in! Last year, I helped to de-mark the course. I remember running in singlet and being glad I'd got a section with plenty of tall trees for shade, and thinking how some runners would be feeling it, going across Black Hill, with less shade, in the full sun, at that time.
I have to admit, I don't have too many pics from on course. I took a few for my 'story' over on instagram, but didn't save many of them. I tried to run the race 'in the moment' (yeah, I know...) and consequently, just took it as it came, without too much reference to electronics. I ate and drank on the bits I couldn't run, had a bit of banter for the others on the trail, and just listened to my body about whether to run or walk. The weather mostly co-operated, with some light drizzle early, then sun, but not too much heat in the arvo.
The supporters, volunteers and other runners made the day. The race committee work hard all year and do a great job, especially after the course wash-outs this year, so close to the event, but the on course presence is what makes the run fun. My personal highlight was the fella playing the didgeridoo and drum atop Coach Road. So cool... this is a (very!!) tiny clip, but I wanted to keep moving.
The 'sting in the tail' re-route at the end of the course was aptly named. I knew what to expect as I'd run the (ridiculously) steep trails over on this side of the park before, and the train of folks visible crawling up the hill on Boobook Track was not surprising. Listening to Majell B (of Salomon/Suunto) encourage everyone along was great to see. So often the elites disappear off the line first, finish first, and go home first. At YUM, the fastest wave start last and pass through the field; both Majell and Lucy Bartholomew did a great job of taking on the 'Ambassador' roles, and gee-ing up all of us punters along the course.
Anyway, I had a good day. My goals were; A) Finish B) Finish under 8:30 C) (have the run of my life!) Finish under 7hours. With course changes, I was unsure even these were still realistic, but with no way of really gauging it, I stuck to these. I managed 7:20 something moving time and just under 8 all up. Can't grumble about that!
So, what did I learn for next time?
Fuel.
This went well, little and often, mix of savoury and sweet. Didn't 'bonk' at all.
Hydration.
This was ok. I probably needed to get the electrolytes in sooner (they work for me). I started a bit over the 30km mark, should've started sooner. Didn't dehydrate though.
Gear.
Vest, shoes, clothes, etc. all went well. No rubbing, chafing, blisters etc. Warm enough at start, not too warm to overheat in the sun and covered enough to not get any sunburn. Wins on this front.
Training.
This is always tough... I ran enough. Back to back 'bigger' days and minimal 'junk miles' rather than one long run/week and midweek shuffling definitely worked for me. Lungs didn't have issues, legs kept turning over ok. Hill reps saw to no fade out on hills (not that they weren't tough).
Strength though, let me down. I was too inconsistent with this training. And on the day, my quads suffered on the later descents due to this. Given I'm generally a strong downhill runner, this really slowed me as I lost a key strength.