The Ulladulla RATS were challenged last Sunday on their chosen run up Little Forest Road. The group had decided late in the week that they should still remain close to town as a result of the recent rain and the continued possibility of falling trees on the bush tracks.
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Seventeen runners and walkers grouped at the bottom end of the road early in the morning when it was still reasonably cool and low in humidity. The aim was to run to the H Ranch at the top of the road and a bit beyond to the private gate.
Depending on who you spoke to at the beginning of the run, it was either 7km, 8km or 10km up and back. It was either flat for the first 5km or rather hilly. It was either easier going up or coming down! No-one could really agree!
However, by the end of the run we all knew was that there were some absolutely enormous, long drawn out hills starting approximately 3/4 of the way up and that they were nearly as challenging on the journey down. We also knew that the total distance was in fact 14km and thankfully not the 20km as some had suggested.
For all of the runners and walkers however it was a beautiful sight to see dams full of water, paddocks covered in lush, green grass and the start of new growth on the hundreds of badly burnt trees.
Even the happy, shaggy dog who joined us for a couple of kilometres (we are sure without the permission of his owner!) had made the most of the wet grass and flowing water and looked almost like a wet but friendly mop!
Coffee at Duke's finished off a great start to the day.
RATS in the field: Two RATS had a road trip to Goondiwindi last weekend, February 8-9. The purpose was for Nicole Rattenbury to compete in the gruelling Hell of The West Triathlon - an event that has been in Nicole's mind for some time, knowing it has a reputation of being a hard race - and a challenge! Perfect!
The race consists of a 2klm swim in murky waters, an 80km cycle, followed by a 20km run. All expected in 40-degree heat! However, for the first time in the history of its 29 years, the swim was cancelled due to poor water quality and the heat was only about 30 degrees! Fortunately for Goondiwindi they'd had torrential rain in the lead up and it helped to "cool" things a little.
So, the swim became a 3km run, not in Nic's favour due to a hamstring problem, however she completed it all, walking for the 20km to avoid further injury. Well done Nic AND you qualified for the next gruelling race in Alpe d'Huez, France!
Gay Shearman went along for the ride and competed in the 5km run on the Saturday, following it up with a mini triathlon for fun! By chance someone needed a runner for the triathlon on Sunday, so she put her hand up to run the 20km as part of a team.
A weekend well spent!
Next Sunday's Run - February 23: Porters Creek Dam run. Meet in the "car park" at the bottom of Porters Creek road just off the Princes Highway at 6.30am. Car pool to the top.
Regular Running Training:
Tuesday: 6am, meet at Narrawallee Inlet carpark, for flat interval training. Suitable for beginners and serious athletes, distances from 1.7km.
Wednesday: 6am, meet at Macca's car park, up to 10km.
Friday: 6am, meet at Mollymook Surf Club car park, up to 10km.
Saturday: 8am, Batemans Bay or Huskisson parkrun, 5km, is always on option.
All Welcome:
The Ulladulla RATS welcome guests, visitors and potential new members to join them, for any of their runs or rides. All standards catered for. If you choose to continue individual members contribute $15 per year or $20 per family. You are not obliged to run, walk, or ride the full distance and can turn back at any stage. For further information: ring or text Kim on 0431 767376.
For more information:
Search Ulladulla RATS on Facebook, or visit the RATS web page at: http://ulladullarats.com On STRAVA search Ulladulla RATS (Runners).
