1 year, a 1 year old & TNF100 – Part 5
Forgive me runners, for I have sinned. It has been some time since my last confession. You will be pleased to know though, that I am finally out on some real trails (the fence line at Centennial Park doesn’t count, even if you wear your trail running shoes and a camelback).
My first ‘trail’ run since growing up in Waterfall in The Shire was immensely enjoyable. Touted as a good intro run to more hard core trails, the Glenbrook fire trail has a good down/up combo to start and then onto a gradually climbing well groomed fire trail. The run home is the equivalent of having a strong tail breeze on a bike, as it is predominantly a subtle downhill (so I was pleased to see my average pace getting quicker on the way home rather than the expected decline). Having counted nearly every dreary km on my city runs, to be out in the bush with dirt rather than tarmac under my feet felt motivating and a good deal more comfortable! Woohoo!
I was introduced to the Glenbrook track by fellow trailies and running mentors Dave and Emma. (Is ‘trailies’ a word? There is definitely a subgroup of humanity that are excitable proponents of trail/sky/mountain running. I am not yet part of the hard-core-mega-enduro elite, but trailies do seem to be a very inclusive and welcoming bunch – not even a secret handshake required). Within approximately 15 seconds of getting started my erstwhile companions had scampered off into the distance like two bunnies on a dog track. Being more Labrador than Greyhound, I settled into my mum run pace and soaked up the ambiance of tall trees and unencumbered blue sky.
Having grown up on the edge of the Royal National Park down in God’s country, the potent mix of eucalyptus fragrance and thrumming cicadas gave me a good dose of nostalgia…..Once upon a time….when I was just a girl, I was actually my school cross country champion! (and before you ask, yes, there were others in the race). On baking hot summer afternoons I would race with other Waterfall street urchins through the bush to the local swimming hole. Oh for the days when running was eeeezzy! However, it was lucky for everyone else on the Glenbrook trail that I now run in more than just a pair of cossies.
Aside from my nostalgic reverie, running on a trail allowed a far more inspiring amble than my suburban adventures. Unhindered by traffic noise, traffic lights, hot exhaust fumes and the general frenetic stop/start of a city, the trail km’s trundled past far more easily than their city counterparts. Even if I didn’t have a goal on the horizon, the satisfaction of running in the bush is motivation enough to pull on the running gear (especially the shorts with built in undies – comfy and less washing!). I happily ran for 1 ½ hours and could still even walk the next day.
Last weekend I was introduced to the more challenging Narrow Neck track in Katoomba. Pottering along the undulating ridgeline I had something of a ‘moment’. The drudgery of pavement bashing around the Inner West had more recently been tending toward a chore like activity. Up in the mountains, with an omnipotent bank of clouds roosting above the escarpment, and a decent wind making the tree lined ridge sound like it was harbouring a secret waterfall, I was running for real ENJOYMENT! Hazzar!
Narrow Neck (Glenraphael drive) was more challenging than the Glenbrook fire trail, and although it stays on the ridgeline, has more distinct undulations. There are several good lung openers but the reward is an expansive view over the verdant Megalong Valley. I felt especially trailie as I had donned a fancy hydration back-pack-vest-device, and as I whizzed past some hikers lugging their cumbersome camouflage humpies, I just knew how envious they were of my mini goon bag with straps.
I have also invested in some new running shoes (no long socks yet) but I am considering taking them back as they don’t seem to be working. I had expected to be able to run as fast as my new flouro dude shoes look but alas, I am still unlikely to be confused for a real mountain goat. However, I am finally on some trails, and it’s making my weekend! Having recently returned to work after maternity leave, Saturdays are quickly becoming a sacred long run day. Complete with brunch and smoothies afterwards of course.
Next stop…the mythical Kedumba.