PETER GIDDY.: SUNSHINE COAST TRAIL RUN SPRINGMOUNT 2013

IF YOU LOOK VERY CARFULLY YOU WILL SEE PETER AND ANDRE ON THE POSTER USED FOR THIS YEARS TRAIL RUN.

SUNSHINE COAST TRAILRUN SPRINGMOUNT 2013

Claire Breedske
Robyn Steyn
Sian and Sheena
Dallas and Jane

Sunday 8 September 2013
It is a perfect morning. There is a Westerly blowing but more of a cooling off wind rather than obstructive. Slightly overcast. In fact a great morning for a run. Barbara is still in Canada and returns tomorrow.

THIS MORNING I MET NOMFUNDO WHO IS DOING THIS EVENT FOR THE THIRD TIME

MICHELLE AND CLAIRE SHARE A STORY

CLAIRE IS QUITE INTENSE AS DALLAS GIVES THE BRIEFING

BONE VALLEY. THIS IS THE ENTRANCE TO THE DREADED DUNE VALLEY

BONES OF BONE VALLEY

AFTER YOU PASS THE BONES YOU THEN HAVE AN"ALL FOURS" CLIMB TO THE START OF THE DUNES SECTION OF THE COURSE

THE DUNES AT THE TOP HAVE A STRANGE ZEBRA EFFECT. THE WIND HAS RIPPLED THE SAND SO AS TO DISORIENTATE YOU.
AS WE STARTED TO DESCEND. WE SHOULD HAVE TAKEN A RIGHT TURN BUT INSTEAD CARRIED ON TO THE LEFT AS IT APPEARS TO BE THE EASIER ROUTE. BUT THIS IS AN ILLUSION. YOU MUST TURN TO THE RIGHT FOR THE BEST SOLUTION TO CONQUERIN THESE SAND DUNES

I had arranged to meet Claire and Robyn at Claire's house. 7:30am. Ally had to be at Save a Pet for her community service project, LENE would pick her up later and then take her to Water Polo at Pearson. Meanwhile Digby had run away twice yesterday. First time Anne Morris had picked him up and given him to Dale Watsonq who had put him back in the yard. Then Digby had escaped again and was picked up and given to the vet. LENE collected him from the Vet this morning.

We left for Springmount in good time and had a leisurely drive. I took the turn off at Kinklebos Stasie. We were certainly not first there but as I had collected our numbers the previous afternoon we were quite relaxed. As we waited for the start we mingled with familiar faces, catching up and chatting about running and similar stuff. There was a solid family atmosphere. There was a safe area for children with a trampoline. These events are put together by Dallas and Jane, and Sheena and Sian.

Dallas gave us a short explanation, the course would be the same as 2012. The roar of a shotgun set us off a Lillie after 9am. I was with Claire, Michelle, Robyn and Letitia. This went well for a short while until I heard Robyn says: "We had better catch up to Michelle". I knew that I would not be able to stay with the young ladies. I tried to maintain a steady pace and found myself in the vicinity of Nomfundo, Letita, Eidie (AD), Lisa-Marie and Katherine.

LISE MARIE CLIMBS OVER THE FENCE.

This first section had a number of slow tough climbs, the pathways are not easy with rough under foot and while I tried to maintain a jog, I did walk from time to time. Finally after a bit of running through bushes, we came to a clearing and then some downhill. From the top here we are able to see across the fields and down to the dunes and ocean. I meet Nomfundo who has also run this all three times and we run together up to the water station.

ROBYN ON THE TRAIL RUN. THIS WAS EARLY WHEN I WAS STILL ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH
HER.

THIS EVENT IS DIFFERENT DUE TO THE DUNES. AT STAGES THEY SEEM ENDLESS. ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU TAKE A WRONG TURN AND GO OVER THE SOFTEST SECTIONS OF DUNES WITH YOUR FEET SINKING INTO THE SAND

EARLY STAGES BE FORE THE DUNE FIELD. LOOKING QUITE CHIRPY

THIS IS NOMFUNDO'S THIRD SUNSHINE COAST EVENT

LETITIA JUST DOES EVERY THING

We run down and climb over the fence, cross the farm road and then down to the sloot. The views are magnificent from anywhere along this section of the run. A short steep descent, through a quick bit of narrow valley and then we run to where the only refreshment table is located. I take my backpack as I like to have constant sips of water. We have a drink and then climb up towards the dunes, Bone Valley awaits us! There is a short section of grassy paths before we are down in the dunes. After Bone Valley we climb a steep dune. Sian is waiting with his camera.

From the top we can see across this vast plain of sand dunes. A Scottish Flag points the way: and now comes the super doff part for me. Two years ago I had suggested to Andre that we take a short cut. It was a stupid idea as we went up and down soft sand, sinking up to our ankles and struggling while the rest of the runners had an easy firm path. Last year we took the correct route and realised how much easier it was. I know all of this, but still follow the runners in front, who I know are on the wrong (more difficult) route. And for the second time struggle through these tough ups and downs and soft sand. Doff!

Finally at the bottom I take off my shoes and socks and empty the sand and shale. Now I am on my own. I can see Lisa Maria and Katherine ahead of me. AD and Letitia are a short distance behind me, taking pictures and enjoying the dunes. I make my way along the beach; with the wind behind us this is fairly easy. Turn left where the fishermen are parked and then climb up and up the dunes again. Dune climbing is slow and arduous. The track takes runners to a pathway and finally out of the soft sand to "The Dairy". When I see this sign I know it is not far to the refreshment station.

LOOKING FRESH BUT THIS IS FALSE. CLIMBING DOWN THE DUNE FIELD IS REALLY QUITE TOUGH AS THE SAND GETS INTO YOUR SHOES AND YOU SINK WITH EACH STEP

CLIMBING BACK UP THE DUNES

Sian is there to capture more pics of us suffering. I grab a drink at the refreshment table manned by Rotarians, and press on over the final 4k of hills. There is one hill which is particularly steep. I walk this one but manage to walk run the rest of the way to the finish. Claire has finished around 5mns ahead of me while Robyn was probably 15 minutes in front of Claire.

I have no idea what my time is, probably around 3 hours. This is a particularly tough event. I am not sure of the distance but roughly 20k. What makes it so tough is the uneven footing at the start, short and steep hills and then the Dune section makes the run really difficult. Fortunately it was overcast with a breeze to cool us off.

I put on fresh clothes. I heard that there were showers but the prize giving takes place as we arrive. Each year I am so sad as i miss the Guitarist who plays such relaxing music to the finishers. I will have to run a lot quicker, do the shorter distance or the cycle. this year for the first time there was a MTB event as well. We have a beer and relax on the grass. Claire wins a prize. And we pack up and leave for home.

This has been a good outing. After this event you know that you have had a morning of exersize. I have some time at home for an afternoon nap before I fetch Ally at school from Polo. Later we attend church. It is a confirmation service.

Monday morning it is raining so I am happy to stay in bed. Barbara arrives home from Canada today.