Bogong to Hotham… Ultra-hurt-a-thon!‏

In 2010 I tried and failed, but I was determined to come back to use that failure as experience to help me complete my first ultra marathon.

Running is a relatively new activity for me, having spent so much time cycling. But a few years ago I found out that my bone density was a bit on the low side (common for cyclists), so I started running for weight bearing activity. After randomly deciding to go running off road with a friend… I had found another love!

The ‘Bogong to Hotham’ is a 64km foot race from the base of Mt. Bogong, across the high plains to the summit of Mt. Hotham. If the distance isn’t enough, the trails are rough, and there is 3500 vertical meters of mountainous terrain between start and finish.

A 5.30 start, just as dawn is breaking, the outlines of trees and surrounding mountains are made visible. A mass of runners mill around the start area anxious to get under way. There is a strange feeling, a quiet, as the runners minds are trying to prepare for the race.

It’s hard to describe the effort that is required to undertake such an event, hence most would say that you need to find out for yourself.
The anticipation is building, everyone just wants to get on with the race, the sooner they start the sooner they can tackle the many physical and mental challenges that lay ahead.

3.. 2.. 1.. GO!

On my back I have a small pack, two hydration bladders, one with water, the other with electrolyte. I also carry an assortment of food (bars, gels), mandatory safety gear (map, compass, whistle, space blanket, jacket, thermal), plus some other essentials. All up about 4-5kg, but I don’t even notice that it’s on my back.

As everyone scampers up the first section of trail there is only the sound of footsteps and breathing. I think everyone was thinking the same as me.. “What have you got yourself into here!?”.

Before long the trail turns and the first climb of the day begins, Mt. Bogong: 5.1km of single track with 1400m of vertical gain. By the time most reach the summit, 2 hours have past, yet only 8.1km’s have been covered, which on the flat would take me about 32mins!

A quick moment to enjoy the view from the highest mountain in Victoria, then it’s along the ridge, winding through some of the most amazing parts of the high country, and then making a long steep descent down to Big River (18km check point). The river is fresh, and you enjoy the feeling on your legs as you wade through.

This respite is soon forgotten as the second climb of the day starts up to the Bogong high plains, another brutal ascent of 1100m vertical at 20%. When you reach the Ropers hut check point, you have gained 2500m vertically and covered 23km… Only 41km’s, a regular marathon, to go! It had taken me 4.5hours to get this far… It was going to be a long day!

A relatively flat run across the high plains takes you past the half way mark, and to the first major check point, Langfords gap. 35km done, this check point is the first place your support crew can meet their runners. A good friend of mine, Sooze, was ready and waiting with supplies and plenty of encouragement. It’s quite funny that you can be powered for hours by just a few words!

A short section of 6km takes you to the Bogong high plains road check point, the point of no return, and the last time your crew will see you before the finish. Last year this was the point at which I could go not further, but this year all was going to plan. A matter of fact food and water stop, a quick chat to Sooze, and then back to it.

 

At different points along the trail you spend time running with other competitors, chatting, sharing stories, and encouraging each other. It’s the chunks of time that you spend alone, hurting, pushing yourself, managing food, hydration, mental state, and effort.
At the 45km point I started cracking. It wasn’t just the lack of energy, but the level of continued concentration as well. The trail between 41km and 53km’s is extremely rough, with a mixture of alpine bog, volcanic rock, and tufts of tough grass… A really inconsistent and very draining section. During times like those you question “why am I doing this?” and make rash statements of “I’m never entering another event of any type ever again!”. But of course this is just coping mechanisms your brain employs to allow you to get through the self inflicted pain and distress.

The final 12km’s consists of a steep descent, yet another nasty 20% climb up Swindlers spur, a total of 1000m vertical up and around the ski resort of Mt. Hotham, to its summit. This section I shared with a few other runners, all of us walking, with short sections of running, pushing each other to keep moving. This was by far the most pain that I have endured during physical activity.

The final 4km’s are something that I will never forget, and will inspire me to challenge myself again. I used every thing I had left to push myself to the summit.

The feeling of reaching that summit was like nothing else I have every experienced…

Special thanks to Sooze for crewing, Eliza for maintaining my body, my training buddies, and everyone that gave me support, encouragement, and that I got to run with that day. truly fantastic!

11hours, 64km, 3275m vertical gain, 8977kcals burnt, 153bpm average heart rate, massive amounts of pain, unbelievable satisfaction.