Coast to Kosci (or C2K as it's affectionately known) is a 240km ultramarathon from Eden on the east coast of Australia to the summit of Australia's highest peak, Mount Kosciusko and returning to Charlotte's Pass to finish the run. Competitors have 46 hours to complete the course. We predicted a 32 hour finish for Kevin, but he far exceeded ours and his own expectations and finished in a time of 29:38:10. Amazing! And he finished in third place!
We had a few minor disasters along the way... the water tub tipped over in our Bongo Van and smashed to pieces and 20 litres of water went gushing out the door. Ooops! Then later during the night the handbrake got stuck. Fortunately we were in a mobile service area and could call in for assistance. Phew!
Crew brain set in from about midnight. I couldn't calculate, couldn't focus on more than one task at a time. I drove pretty much the whole way to Charlotte's Pass without a nap. I think that was the longest I've ever stayed awake - about 36 hours in total. It's funny how basic functions like calculations and remembering numbers becomes so hard when your brain is foggy from lack of sleep. But there was no way I was going to sleep. The night time was much too dramatic and exciting. We passed a bit of 'carnage' along the way as Kevin overtook quite a few struggling runners during the the night.
We leap frogged Kevin and the other crew members and runners every couple of kilometres until we didn't see any more crews for the last 8 hours or so. At first we stopped for Kevin about every 3-4km but during the night and the following morning, we stopped every 1-1.5km so we could keep a close eye on him and his fuel and hydration requirements. He had an army major run with him from Jindaybne, which was fantastic and saved us from worrying about him during the night, and also to accompany him for the last 18km up and down from Charlotte's Pass. I knew that even with 220km in his legs, Kevin would still outrun and outwalk me so I was very greatful to have Andrew there. And he would have outrun me, finishing the last 18km in 2:33 or thereabouts.
I really felt for the other runners and crew as we headed back to Jindabyne after the race. It was hot hot hot where Kevin had run through at 0 degrees overnight. We got to nap for a few hours before dinner while competitors were still slogging it up the mountain. And again we got a full nights sleep while others were still battling their way to the finish. My good friend Brett finished within five minutes of the cut off. I think his crew member George looked the most exhausted of anyone at the breakfast the following day.
34 competitors started and 29 finished. Remarkable, really. I'm so inspired by current race record holder Jo Blake who had stomach trouble throughout the event but didn't pull out - he and his crew soldiered on and finished in a respectable time. To me, that's what it's all about. Rather than pulling the pin because he wasn't having a great day and wasn't going to finish on the podium, he toughed it out. What a top sport :-)
The presentation the following morning was fantastic and Race Director Paul Every was funny and charming and very entertaining. He had personal comments for each and every competitor and interviewed the top three men and women. He talked to Kevin about the time he fell 25m down a cliff and broke his back in several places and shattered his arm etc. The doctor told Kev he'd be alright if he stayed fit and healthy... and he hasn't had a problem since, haha.
Here's a video Jo Blake's crew member made. It gives a bit of a visual insight into the event, the terrain etc.
In terms of my own adventures... no hiking as I recovered from the Great Ocean Walk, but my ankle has finally righted itself after my last osteo visit on the 17th of December. So it took about a month to recover fully from doing the Great Ocean Walk. I'd do it again in a heart beat, too.
There have been more team lunches and activities in the past two weeks than gym visits and the YMCA is currently closed until Monday. Eeek! However, I've taken over a gym membership at Fenix Fitness near home and intend to use that on weekends and maybe once per week on a weeknight to attend a Body Balance or Yoga class. I haven't been riding much, either, taking advantage of the clear roads during this holiday period - yup, I'm one of the saps working through Christmas and New Year. But I don't mind. I've had so much time off the past two months and because I'm a contractor, if I don't work, I don't get paid and the bank balance has taken a sad hit.
I'm still feeling inspired and strong and determined to work towards a healthier and fitter lifestyle in 2013.
