Trailsplus Brimbank Park Urban Trail Run
Brimbank 50km – March 24th2019
All trailsplus events now adopt a paper cup free approach. #goinggreener
We prefer to see runners bringing their own drinking bottle or cup to use to fill up at our aid stations, but we also offer our environmentally friendly reusable silicone cups for sale on the day. Plain colour $2, Printed $2.5, remember no cup no drink, so please come prepared. It makes a significant difference to the amount of waste we are preventing going to landfill. #saveourtrees
Since 2007 Brett and Trailsplus events have been supporting Canteen, the organisation for young people living with Cancer. We have raised well over $40,000 for charities since 2007.
I have participated in several Trailsplus events. Their events are smaller than others, volunteers are helpful and friendly, and the vibe is inclusive and encouraging. All races raise money for Canteen. They encompass everything I love about running; enjoyment, no pressure, camaraderie and running
Pre-race –
I said I’d never run Brimbank again because two years ago it was 37 degrees and I was crazy heat-affected! Usually I don’t mind the heat but I sank into a very negative headspace and started doubting why I ever ran to begin with. This time I was ready for whatever Mother Nature threw at me. It was all part of a bigger picture… Comrades 2019! I’d run Hobart in January and Rollercoaster In February. This was the next step and the first 50km I’d run since Great Ocean Road 60km in 2017!
Race day –
My alarm was set for 5am, just enough time to organise my gear… shorts, Trailsplus singlet, calf compressions and Hoka Cliftons. I decided to carry my hydration pack after the last time! This year, the weather prediction originally said 26 degrees but as the week progressed, the temperature gauge rose… 28, 29… I didn’t trust Melbourne weather. It could be 15 degrees at 7am (when we started) and 30 degrees at 10am. I packed 4 Shotz gels (I hadn’t tried them before but I trusted it would be OK). My running buddy Chris, offered to drive me so after I collected my bags I waited outside until he arrived.
On the way, we chatted about runs, events, goals and strategies. We made it to Brimbank Park in plenty of time and collected our bibs. The park boasted plenty of hills and open range landscape. There were less runners in the 50km distance than last time but the caliber was higher, with an elite female triathlete and friends. I suspected I wouldn’t make podium this time. But my goal was simply to beat my previous time of 5hrs 12min. I felt confident (but I was slightly concerned about my energy levels due to prolonged PMT… poor Chris was subjected to my ‘hormonal’ talk on the way there). After we collected our bibs and organised ourselves, we chatted to other runners and listened to Brett give his race briefing. When the clock flicked over, I started conservatively and aimed to sit on 6min/km pace. My plan worked well initially. I reached 10km in just under an hour (gel), 20km in just under 2hrs (gel) and 30km in just under 3hrs (gel). The course had changed to an easier route since 2017 however the hills still made themselves known… 7km up… 9km, 12km, 14km up… In between there was respite with flats and downhill sections. As stated, after an hour I had my first gel and some electrolytes. I regularly sipped on electrolytes from my Katmandu pack and adhered to my plan of consuming a gel every 10km or hour (whichever came first). My headspace was relaxed, comfortable and positive! After about 90 minutes, I decided to listen to my latest audiobook by Deena Kastor https://deenakastor.com
Deena Kastor is an interesting character and it was a good read (or ‘listen’ in this case) but she’s unusually positive. I found it hard to relate! Regardless, I enjoyed zoning out as I ran. I listened to my audiobook and ticked my feet over like a hamster on a wheel. I could feel warmth from the increase temperature and I made a decision to drink extra when possible. I asked the volunteer at the following aid station for anti-chaff cream (due to a hot spot on my right arm) but the best he could offer was a band-aid (it was the next best thing and I was grateful). I continued running past the marathon turn-around point and back again (the vollies at the aid-station were very supportive and fun… they even took a photo of me at the picnic prop). I tackled some significant climbs… 31km… 34km… (Yes I should’ve written my race report sooner because I’ve forgotten all the details already)! 
The general idea goes something like this... There was a point (around 37km) where we ran uphill in a zigzag pattern. The surroundings were pretty and mostly green, but dry from our summer heat. There was no shade and I knew I was losing valuable electrolytes through sweat (unfortunately I started feeling sick and I didn’t want to drink or eat anymore sweet stuff). I stopped a few times to breathe and calm my nausea. I double-checked I was going in the right direction, and at the next aid station, I had a chat with the vollies. I ate some salt and vinegar chips (my favourite food for any run over 3 hours) and after getting my fix, I resumed running in the wrong direction! The volunteers panicked and yelled at me. I laughed it off and did a complete 180. Even though the salty chips were more agreeable than lollies or gels, I still felt sick. I hadn’t run more than a marathon in 2 years and my lessons in fuelling for an ultra marathon were still developing. I decided for Brimbank that I would attempt the recommended gel every 60min. It appears the typical “gel” advice is not one-fits-all. I should’ve known better because in the past, I couldn't tolerate more than 3 gels (no matter the distance). After that, I want savoury, and simply put... real food! It didn’t help that I was suffering from PMT and reflux, plus I experimented with a new gel brand! But even in previous events, my ‘gut’ (pardon the pun) told me not to rely on gels.
After way too much walking, I reached my marathon point (42.2km), around 4hrs 20min… (6:10min pace). I was hugely disappointed with my marathon split. I knew I’d make it to the finish line however the goal to beat 5hrs 12min was severely compromised. I stopped at every aid station remaining and procrastinated by eating watermelon and drinking Coke. I ran a little, walked a little and accepted that this time, Brimbank was ‘just’ a training run for Comrades 2019. I was ticking a box to run 50km. I crossed the finish line in 5hrs 20min and although I’m still frustrated with the numbers on the clock, I’m staying focused on the end game and appreciate the time on feet!
Post-race –
The next day I recovered well (except for my hurt pride). Much like You Yangs, I think I still have a score to settle with Brimbank 50km! My vow is to break 5hrs (one day) and I might as well make a second vow… to break 3hrs at You Yangs 30km (one day). Stay tuned…
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