Official Stats:
Distance: 6.7km but we were advised during the race briefing that it was actually over 7km
Elevation: 172m
Time: 1:56:29
Pre-Race
The day before the race I went to a morning hot flow yoga class. It was a great class and I really got a lot of it. Later in the evening I went to a Blues rugby game but being aware of our early start, we didn't hang around after the afterwards.After working out the logistics for getting to the race, we didn't have to get up too early and had plenty of time for a relaxed breakfast of porridge and coffee before we left the house at 8am.
Getting to the race was super easy, even if we hadn't used google maps the direction in the race email sent the day before and the Total Sport signage along the way made sure that we go to where we were going without any problems. Once we saw the huge line of parked cars along an otherwise empty country road, we knew we were in the right place and parked up. It was a very short walk to registration to pick up our bibs and chips.
After the last race where they ran out of safety pins, we decided just to bring our own this time. I think many other people did the same and there was no shortage of safety pins this time.
On The Course
The first kilometre was my fastest as we started running up a gravel road before turning off into the forest trail.
As soon as we entered the forest we were presented with mud and this set the tone for the rest of the race. I wasn't able to do much running as I kept sliding and often my legs go one way and my upper body in the opposite direction, arms flailing wildly trying to stay upright!
There were about 3 points that had vertical drops and whilst we managed to negotiate 2 of them staying upright, on one we had no choice but to bum slide down. I accidently stomped into a muddy puddle once and twice slid and fell over into the mud. I saw it happen to plenty of other people too so I know I was in good company!
The few times where we could pick up the pace we did but it was all very slow going. I finished with plenty of energy left - a real contrast to the last race! My inexperience with trails and in particular negotiating mud is really noticeable in my time.
I saw a couple of injuries on the course, and I heard one woman's Achilles snap which still makes me feel ill thinking about it.
Post-Race
Again we got a One Square Meal (apricot flavour this time), cooked onions on bread, and a Speight's summer ale.
Due to not have a change of clothes or towels, and certainly not wanting to get mud all over the car, we had to try and discretely remove our muddy clothes at the car and then drive home in our underwear and hoodies!
Here is my report for race 1 of the series: Race Report: Blackmores XTERRA Race 1 - Shakespear Regional Park
Wow, that was a muddy race!! I would have had a hard time navigating muddy trails and it really would have impacted my time, too. That is scary that there were some injuries out there. All in all it looks like you had a lot of fun, though!!
Yeah it was fun but too muddy! I hope the next one isn't muddy and that there aren't any injuries. Thanks for commenting!