Six Foot 2013 March 9th 2013

This year I had a great time at the Six Foot Track. I travelled to Blackheath with Michele, Serena and Ed and stayed at a motel. We had a great meal at the Italian across the road and then an early night.
Next morning Ed gave me a lift to the start we I caught up briefly with Mike. It was a cool, clear morning. Perfect conditions.

4.39

Before the start I had a 2k warm-up, a gel and an Up and Go. I felt pretty good.
I decided to try and match my times from 2009 when I ran my PB of 4.39. I really didn't know how I would go not having done a competitive run for at least six months.
I deliberately stood in the middle of the pack because I did not want to be part of the stair crush.
There was a big queue at the stairs and we mostly walked down them.
Started jogging easily down to the road. I was enjoying the cool forest and realising that I wasn't suffering. No ankle issues. But I could feel the need to visit a loo.
Going down to the river I was mostly by myself. I overtook a few and was overtaken by a few.
I felt very happy. The river was running strongly and the rope was needed.
I crossed the mat at 86 mins.
I had to make a visit here to the camp ground loo. What a relief.
I had second gel here. Also tried to keep a lolly in my mouth all the time.
So up the Mini Mini saddle I go. I notice immediately that no one seems to be running. I settle in too a slow and steady jog. I made the top without walking at 2 hours. I overtook a lot of people. Satisfying.
Then down to Alum creek at a steady jog. The many creeks were refreshing to slosh through. Then the Pluvi, how far could I run? I ran up the first third then walk ran the rest. On top at 2.47.
The Black Range was enjoyable. Especially as I realised that I didn't feel very tired. I just jogged along enjoying a few chats and concentrating on an efficient stride.
Arriving at the Camp Ground feeling fresh was satisfying. I ran all the Deviation except the last mega hill. I made it about half way up and felt the pinch and the start of cramps in my quads. I caught up again with Brick at the top who was having a great run. We traded places numerous times after that.
We ran together to the cabins where I pulled ahead up the hill. I was suffering a bit now but still running evenly. I think I was there at 4.15.
Finally reached the downhill. I was overtaken here by several people including Brick who had the down hill technique perfected. Good luck to them I thought.
Finally down the stairs and across the line in 4.39. Exactly equal to my PB.
Just felt pleased with my run and having no injuries. Went back up to the top of Mt George to come down with Mike.

Mike coming down Mt George

We had a pleasant cold beer afterwards and then Michele, Serena, Ed and I drove up to Boyd River camp ground and ate a big dinner of sausages, eggs, potatoes and cous cous. Yum. Ed and I also went for a walk though the swamp and cut our feet up on sedge grass. D"oh.
All in all a happy day