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fat boy running

"A man must love a thing very much if he not only
practices it without any hope of fame and money, but
even practices it without any hope of doing it well."


Bogong to Hotham 2003

I was happily sailing along in my life thinking about Christmas and running modestly about 4 days a week. There was the 6 Foot Track coming but that was way off and I planned to get training in the new year.

Then an email arrived, my mate had finally got his wedding sorted and it was to be the 8 March, I was the best man. No 6 Foot! I was upset and had a whinge to my wife. Her solution was to find a run to do instead of the 6 Foot. Bogong looked to be the answer.

As I sat and thought of going to Victoria and running in the mountains I realised that this was all only 6 weeks away! I put together a training plan which had a few hills and some long runs but I feared 6 weeks was probably not enough training for a run going up the highest mountain in Victoria.

In preparation Tanya book a motel and I read everything on the web site, got all my gear and even bought a map and a compass for the event. We left Saturday morning, it was a nice drive down getting there in the afternoon. We booked in and then went to the local for a few beers. The pub sat in the shadow of Mt Bogong. Was I apprehensive? I was downright scared!

A very early rise and we were there with plenty of time. It was cold as I stood around and before long we were all at the start and getting instructions. The only thing I remember was something about we should all have a roll of bandage for snake bite!

We counted down and then it was off. I took it real slow not knowing what was ahead. After 2km we started the climb. It was long and hard but I felt ok. Once past the tree line the views were breath taking, I felt high, wow this was amazing. I got to the Cairn and 2 others were just moving down. I chatted with the fellow there and then rummaged around to find my phone to tell Tanya that I was at the top. No signal so I walked for a bit waiving my phone around but after a few minutes gave up and put my phone back. I looked at my watch and realised that I was right on time to make the cut. So off I went with purpose and really got some speed going. I hit Cleve Cole at speed and got a cheer from some campers who were having breakfast, I bolted through the middle of them seeing their cereal bowls on the bench. Then my mind put together what I saw, lolly snakes? “Oh No!” that was a check point. I continued feeling embarrassed but making good time. Came to a creek and remembered that most runners get lost around here so I pulled out my map. There was a sign to Howman Falls, my map seemed to have the trail right through it so off I went. When I got to the edge of a cliff I knew something was wrong and I searched in vain for a path. The penny dropped after a while, the creek! I ran back to see Flur running along the path I should have gone. Looked at my watch 2:50 in to the run, I could make up time on the down hill to Big River. I ran like a mad man only just staying in control. then a large brown fly went straight into my mouth. That moments loss of concentration was all it took to have me flying through the air to then land hard on my knee also knocking all the wind out of me. I laid in foetal position not being able to breath wondering how anyone could get to me if I could not get up. I finally got up and tentatively put weight on my leg. Seemed to work although painfully. On I went slowly and now I knew there would be no cut off. As I trudged up the hill after Big River I was not happy, and this made it all the harder. There were some dark moments on them thar hills. A hiker coming down the hill waited for me to pass. Seeing my labour he said “it certainly is honest”. I was at that. The hill eased and so did my mood and I started running again. At the top I felt better although the flies were a pain. Passed Ropers hut and thought if I can not make the cut I can take some photo’s and have a nice day. So that is what I did. There were quite a few hikers out some chatted others just said G’day. There was one kid who trudged up the hill I was going down with a bike helmet, further on was his bike. For a moment I contemplated how nice it would be to just jump on his bike and ride it down the hill.

I followed some red arrows onto a single track winding down a hill and then hit the aqua ducts. After about ten minutes I saw the cars and my lovely wife. I got a cheer and a handshake and a kiss from the appropriate people, there was even a nice looking backpack for my efforts. For me I did not make the cut but I had a great day and am happy with my efforts. I guess knowing what I do now am keen to try again next year.
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