I had a “moment” on the final climb at the 18km mark, this was the toughest ascent of them all. I ate a Hammer energy bar on the descent of Mt Sterling (never had one before), this didn’t agree with me, I started to feel nauseous by the time I reached the base and began the final climb home. To make it worse, as it was so hot, there were flies everywhere, including large nasty biting March flies, as I began the climb one flew into my mouth and I swallowed it, I tried to wash it down with a drink but couldn’t prevent a prolonged gagging reflex which ended up with me projectile vomiting … twice … it was like a scene out of “The Exorcist”. The good news was that it got rid of the fly and the Hammer bar and I immediately felt a lot better, the bad news was that it must have also got rid of some of my hydration and electrolytes, which I paid the price for after the race was finished, I felt terrible for about 20mins at the end of the race. So I’m thinking Hammer energy bars and March flies are definitely off the menu for Six Foot Track.
It was amazing finally crossing the finishing line back at the Mt Buller alpine village, everyone there including all the finished runners applaud you across the line, very nice. I think I ended up in 14th place out of maybe 20 odd participants (more girls than boys, a first for the race), no results published yet though. I’m in awe of those runners able to complete the 45k event through those mountains, just incredible. Overall it was a fantastic experience (fly incident excepted) and one I’d highly recommend, it’s a wonderful area to spend a few days in with family and friends, and the small trail running community feel of the event was very enjoyable. It is also great preparation for the Six Foot Track.
