Trailology - Brewsters Beer Run
March 19th 2016
Starting and ending at the iconic Pig and Whistle Tavern on Arthurs
Seat, Trailology proudly presents a 10km and 21km premium trail
running event in celebration of the sacred bond
between mankind, trails, running, and beer.
Choose a 10k meander through the beautiful state park, perfect
for those new to trail running or wanting to simply enjoy the spectacular
scenery and soak up the silliness that only this event can provide.
Or... take
on the 21km course which not only adds a little distance but also some
difficulty in terms of climbing and falling (I mean descending) to the route.
Start either run with a carb loaded liquid energy drink (beer) at the start
line before heading off to enhance your connection with the land, or skip the
pre-run imbibing and wait until you cross the finish line to reward your
reward-worthy effort.
Aid stations:
1 – Seawinds Gardens @ 5km / 17km
2 – Waterfall Gully Rd @ approx. 10km
3 – Kings Falls Circuit @ approx. 15km
Pre-race -
The reason I decided to enter Trailology - Brewsters Beer
Run was simple… I’m friends with Deb Sharp (Trailology owner and Race Director), and I've led some small running groups for Brewsters Running before. I knew how much work Deb had put into setting up Trailology and organising the event. There was no way I could say “no” to this one! Besides it sounded like fun. The
course started in Main Ridge (at the brewery), ran up Purves Rd, then down (and
UP) the Two Bays track. I’d missed out on Two Bays in January (I volunteered
but I was still building up my distance after surgery) so I was looking forward
to running part of the iconic Arthurs Seat track. I wasn’t too fussed about the
beer aspect (novel idea), although I’d never say “no” to a wine. (Breweries serve wine right?)
The night before, I began getting organised
with my 4-bottle Nathan belt (2 electrolytes, 2 water), gels, calf-compressions,
clothes & Garmin. This would be the last run in my current pair of Asics
Nimbus (a tad excited at the thought of cracking open my new box of runners). This
would be my first half marathon and trail event since August 2015. I knew the
elevation was roughly 700m, which made me nervous. I wasn’t concerned about the
distance but I had doubts about my hip, on the hills. For those of you who know
the trail, I was worried about running up from McLaren Dam to Seawinds carpark.
I knew I’d have to walk it (lets be honest, I’d walk it regardless of my hip).
In addition, Brad had withdrawn (due to his persistent plantar fascia issues)
so I was on my own. Plus the weather in the days leading up to the race had
resembled a mini-cyclone! The trail would be muddy and covered in debris. I’m
not precious, I’ve fallen over before on the TB trail but again, I wasn’t too
keen on a slippery slope with a weak hip. And I thought I might get lost (one
of my not-so-hidden talents).
I decided not to run with my pack because my
belt is comfortable and I figured it would take about 2 hours 15 minutes (so I
didn’t really need a pack). I went to sleep reminding myself that this event was about fun, supporting others, trails, socialising and beer (wine).
I’d already entered Canberra half marathon in 3
weeks time so this event was not about racing. My goal was sub 2:15 and perhaps
top 10 female (but considering I didn’t know who was running, I was guessing).
Race day -
I woke relatively early and practiced my hip
mobility routine (Joe DeFranco’s Limber 11). I sucked back my asthma meds
(rainy weather and trails, not such a good mix) and said goodbye to the
kiddies. Mum agreed to mind the boys, which meant Brad could come with me as
support (what would we do without family).
The half marathon didn’t start until 10:30am
(because the brewery didn’t open until 10am and the concept allowed/encouraged
people to have a beer before they ran). When we arrived, car parking was easy
and there were already people buzzing around. There were a few stands,
including the Wings for Life World Run marquee, and the registration tent where
I collected my bib and sticker. It was cold, so I stayed warm with my windbreaker, and caught
up with friends. There were a few big name runners, but the best part was
talking to friends and locals. I love local events! They have a different vibe
to big city runs… more intimate, friendly and relaxed.
Before I knew it, the start was upon on. Shaun
Brewster gave us a race briefing and explained the course, including orange
markers and red arrows. As the beer sculling competition captured people’s
attention, I dashed to the loo! I made it back in time to start my Garmin and
run.
There were just over 100 runners in the half
marathon, plus 10km runners (started an hour after us). I began carefully,
knowing the ground was wet and slippery. Initially I thought we might be
running along the road edge (Purves Rd). Instead we ran on the trail, set back
from the road. There were branches, tree roots and everything else you would
expect on a trail run. I sat back for the first kilometre and clocked 5:46min
split. The second kilometre was uphill slightly (5:54 pace), third kilometre
(5:35 pace) and then I started to find my way. The next section seemed to
cruise slightly downhill and I was pretty happy with my 5:03min split (even if
Kirstin Bull flew past me like the blue and red blur… I wondered why she was
behind me, I thought Deb gave her a 20min handicap but later discovered she’d
missed a turn-off early on).
The next section was fairly consistent and I
found myself enjoying the trail ride. I was steady and comfortable for the
first 8km. I saw a friendly face at the top of the hill the leads down to
McLaren Dam (forgive me if I don’t know correct names of landmarks. I’m
terrible at directions and recounting where I ran, so maybe not the ideal
person for a race report but this is more about my experience and emotional attachment
to the event). Anyway, Les was at the top of the hill and sent words of praise
my way. I ran the downhill better than expected (4:37min split)… And then the
fun began!
Me and Bec Howe
Around the 8km mark, I started chatting to a
guy next to me (because that’s what trail runners do). I wouldn’t classify
myself a trail runner and the guy in question told me he wasn’t a runner. His
sister ran with TXR and encouraged him to entered Brewsters Beer Run. He did a
great impersonation of a runner.
We talked as we ran downhill (obviously no
sprinting or racing was involved) and encouraged each other uphill. We both
needed the help when we hit a crazy-steep, short-sharp hill, around 10km (that was mean)!
I knew as soon as I walked, my pace would drop.
Not just because I walked that particular section, but my mindset would change.
It took me awhile to embrace the ways of trail running… the acceptance of
walking uphill (or walking at all). I was used to road running and not stopping
until I crossed the finish line. I didn’t slow for drink stations or hills. I
just ran from Point A to Point B. My first trail run was Two Bays 28km in 2014
and I ran as much as I could (there were ‘unrunnable’ sections for me). Soon
after, I embraced the trail running philosophy… Enjoy the scenery, walk uphill
and get to know your fellow runners. I have met runners who are dedicated to roads
and others who are in-love with mountains. I love both. And I was loving
Trailology's Beer Run!
After crawling up the crazy-steep, short-sharp
hill… I decided to have a gel (Endura Vanilla) and water. Then I ran, walked
and talked my way along the path until I reached the aid-station (I didn’t take
anything from the aid station but I rarely do). I have some vague memory of the
trail continuing down, and around and climbing back uphill after McLaren Dam. I
had to stop a few times because one drink bottle repeatedly flew out of my
belt. It has never happened before. After the third time of momentarily
stopping to find my bottle in the bushes, I attempted to run with it like a
handheld. Handhelds don’t work for me, I end up swinging my arm across my body.
I put it back in my belt and slowed down. My following few kilometres were
8:20, 6:27, 6:56 and 7:22min splits… all the way up, then right… a few more
windy kilometres 6:33, 6:16 and 6:21min splits until I finally reached Seawinds
carpark!
At one stage, I thought I imagined hearing my
name and turned the corner to see Katee Gray (photographer, amongst other
things) waiting at the top of the steps. And yes Katee, you were right… waiting
to take my photo at the top of the stairs made me run.
Not long after, I saw my favourite husband! Brad had become a last-minute volunteer because the 10km and 21km runners
needed direction. We chatted a little, I told him about my dodgy belt as I
handed it to him. I gave up my water and second gel (I wasn’t pushing pace
enough to need them). Despite my wardrobe malfunction, I felt good. I reached
the peak of the race and I had energy in reserve (more importantly my hip was
good).
My last few kilometres were 5:32, 5:14 and
4:54min splits. I ran back towards Purves Rd and veered right on the inside of
the fence (I should have turned on the outside of the fence). I take full
responsibility for that. I’m a self-confessed hack with directions. It wasn’t a
big deal, I had to jump the fence at one point but the marshal said I wasn’t
the only one (which made me feel like less of a hack). I weaved around the 10km runners and attempted to pick up the
pace a little. I crossed the finish line feeling strong and happy.
Post race -
As soon as I crossed the line, Ali Moxham (aka. beer can) handed me my bling. I
was greeted by a running client, who conquered the 10km, and a few other
friendly faces. I grabbed some water and waited for Brad to arrive.
When Brad returned, I rewarded myself with a
glass of vino and we mingled with fellow runners. I chatted to Tim Crosbie and
watched the presentations, some great results with familiar faces on the
podium.
The distance was a little longer than anticipated. I
clocked 21.9km in 2 hours 12 minutes (I finished 9th female). I was happy enough with my result and even
happier knowing I finished strong and pain free.
My
hip continues to surprise me (in a good way). Pre-op, I never thought my hip
was that bad and going into theatre I almost told them to stop. Six months
later, I’m grateful I decided to have the surgery. In my case, it worked. My
hip and foot feel better than ever. My biomechanics have improved and the pain
is finally settling. I’m not strong on hills or fast, but I am pain free.
Lessons -
1. I’m not sure if there was a lesson in this
race! And that would be a first.
I managed not to get white-line fever, I ran
according to effort and enjoyed everything on offer. I had a slight wardrobe
malfunction but there wasn’t much I could do about that. I was cold afterwards
and lost feeling in my hands, but again… I can’t control the weather. I
finished happy, socialised, drank my wine and pulled up well the
following day. All good!
Race feedback and will there be a
next time -
I would highly recommend Trailology - Sharpy's Beer Run to
everyone. Brewsters had naming rights in 2016. In 2017, the event will be Sharpy's Beer Run (aka. Deb Sharp).
Positives: smaller, local events with friendly people. Great
atmosphere before, during and after the race. Scenic trails with some
challenges but not too technical or overwhelming. Great test run for Two Bays
(if interested). The course markings were very clear. And the bling was cool.
Deb... you did a great job of setting up a brand new, trail run and should be really proud!
Deb... you did a great job of setting up a brand new, trail run and should be really proud!
