Willy to Billy 2008

Before I signed up for Trailwalker, the Mt Wilson to Bilpin 35k was a goal race and I was targeting under 3 hours. After joining my TW team I abandoned that plan, but the girls were all planning to do it, so we agreed that we would do it but take it easy.

I car-pooled with Keith, Simone, Geoff and Jocie. We left Balmain at 6.45am but after a scenic detour through Rooty Hill, we only arrived at Bilpin in time for the last bus to Mt Wilson. Fortunately there was still time to eat some of the famous scones. I've stared tapering for TW and had 2 complete rest days on Thurs and Fri last week, so I was feeling fresh on the start line. I also felt like a celebrity because we had our ACZD Girls team t-shirts on and got lots of photos.

I started out running alone and trying really hard to run "easy" - a bit of a contradiction. I didn't feel very comfortable for the first bit, I guess just trying to settle into a pace. Then I ran with Danielle for a while and that was good - we chatted and I started to relax a bit. There are lots of little ups and downs in the first half and it felt good to run and stretch everything and get rid of some nervous energy. At 22k there is a long gentle descent and here I was very conscious of going gently and not pounding the legs too much. It still felt fantastic to be running and the scenery was very nice. Then came the 6k gentle climb. I ran the whole way but I didn’t push. Just before the top I put on a bit of surge and then I ran steady along the road to the finish. It felt great to finish strong with plenty left in the tank. My finish time was 3.03. I am sure I could have gone under 3 if I had raced it, but I don't know by how much. Next time.

Keith had a blinder and finished in 2.41 in 11th place. Geoff, Jocie and Simone were nursing various injuries but ran together, had a nice social day and still did a good time. The other ACZD Girls all had very good days too. The organisation by the Rural Fire Service was amazing, including blankets and personal drink givers at the finish, wonderful hot showers and even towels provided!

On the nutrition side, I was not as regular with gels as I normally am, because I was not concentrating on it properly. But I had 3 in 3 hours, which is enough, and I stopped for water or sports drink and jelly beans at every aid station. On Sunday I was a bit sore but nothing serious. Tom and I went for a gentle walk at Kurnell and it felt good to be moving.

Now its 4 days till TW. My taper plan is pretty simple. I do nothing and sleep as much as possible. A swim or two and lots of stretching, that’s it. I don't see the point in trying to 'sharpen up', especially for 100k. I am really, really excited. I think we are a great team. Everyone has worked hard and is very dedicated. We have the same goals and intentions. No one is injured. We have done all the planning and have a great support crew. We are as ready as we can be.