Six foot track 2018

Arrived at Katoomba about 5pm after stressful afternoon. Picked up bib at the Carrington and went to find a campsite on the Radiata Plateau.

I found a wonderful rocky outcrop that overlooked Nellies Glen. There were sharping grooves all over it. No tent I simply lay down on my thermorest and slept.

I was woken up at about 5.30 next morning by the first announcements of the PA at the start line. I packed up And jogged the short distance to the start.

It was a great atmosphere at the start and I had a chat with many old friends. 

I started at 7.15 in wave 3 and I felt good if a little lethargic. I reached the river in about 90mins and then started up the Mini Mini saddle. I did the slow and steady jog and soon I was on top. The downhill is my weaknes and I went down to Alum creek dead slow and was overtaken by all the runners I passed going uphill. 

Through the half way point and up the Pluviometer I felt pretty good. I ran the whole thing and arrived on top just after 3hours.

The Black Range was endless and a steady stream of runners overtook me, but I kept running. Approaching the deviation at 4hours I felt the first twinges of cramps in my adductors. I have never had a cramp there before. 

The deviation was torture as the inner thighs keep cramping and I had to wal and stretch. A lot of runners went past. 

Finally on the descent to the Caves and I had to go down dead slow. Finally crossed the line in 5.28. Not fast but apart from the cramps I felt great.

I got the bus back to Katoomba and had a good chat to a lady called Danielle from Heathcote. Then walked back to Radiata Plateau and camped on the rock platform again.

Bounced up in the morning to a brilliant dawn without any clouds. But shortly afterwards fog came pouring over the cliffs and filled the valleys. Very spectacular.

Hopped on the xl250 and rode to Jenolan to meet Bruce for the ride to Wombeyan over the Boyd plateau. A great weekend.