From the moment I signed up I had mixed thoughts that lasted until we were off and running on February 19, 2020. I had significant doubts that I often expressed to my running coach Glen Smetherham and my Floggerer PT Clinton Strauch, and some of my amazing Goosers.
I consider myself so lucky to have had Glen and Clinton on my side with training and my incredible band of Goosers: Kylie, Melinda and Stefan who volunteered to crew for me; Kerri who jumped at the chance to pace me and Louise who wonderfully agreed to pace me also and Joanne – a complete stranger who agreed to also crew for me.
Hubby (Greg) despite being completely clueless about ultra running, crewing or understanding the concept of being at an aid station for your runner was fantastic but I think my crew had a different experience managing him than I did.
My lead up to Delirious W.E.S.T was not as great as I had hoped: I had a breast cancer scare with a lump that luckily turned out to be scar tissue; blood issues that also turned out to be okay – but these took up brain space and emotional energy. Kerri and I were devastated that she was not able to pace me.
I settled once I got down to Northcliffe and Natalie V and I had a ball with the couple at the caravan park who were horrified to learn that two women who met that day were very happy to share a bed…..it was hilarious and put me at ease.
Seeing my crew on the Tuesday was simply magic and the confidence boost I needed. Seeing all my Goosers dressed in their shirts (thank you so much OC Clothing and Shannon and Justin for the incredible design) on Wednesday morning was the magic bullet I needed to feel confident and supported; the start line was electric and I could feel all the good nerves getting me pumped up – then I saw Kylie near the start line, we hugged and I burst into tears, again wondering what the flippin’ heck I was doing!
Once I started running, I found my groove, my happy place and my zen spot. I got worried when I overtook Amy Glen as I hardly ever overtake anyone and I expected to be Tail End Charlie the whole way, but she was clearly in pain, so we stayed together for a while. However, once I realised that she was not doing well, but that she was in the safe hands of the sweeper, I ran ahead as I was very conscious of my ‘tortoise runner’ self and I wanted to get some ‘credit in the bank’.
Getting to the first aid station was a great stepping stone and it was then onto the next one where I got to see my crew – just amazing seeing Melinda, Kylie, and Joanne. Rosa asked if we could run together because she’s a scaredy cat at night (just like me heh heh); I am so glad that we ran together because I was a little terrified at the deep darkness of the bush and the shifting shadows but we had an absolute blast although I think we scared each other more than we should have done.
Reaching Simone and Heath’s aid station was like entering into Santa’s toy room at Christmas!
The food, company and support was wonderful and I felt fueled up to charge ahead. Actually, Rosa and I were just on a massive sugar high from too many peanut butter chocolate cups and the subsequent downer was brutal, swift and painful.
The last few kms into Brooke Inlet Road aid station were horrific and I fell into a massive sookie la la puddle as soon as I arrived. My ankles and lower legs were on fire from a horrible heat rash and I felt exhausted and my Poisoned Parrot was screaming at me to quit. To cut a long story short, the treatment from Heather and the first aider was exemplary as well as the magnificent care I got from Kylie and Stefan who washed my feet, gave me tea and food and the support I needed and I managed to flick the Parrot away.
I had to have a complete clothing change and wash, and I remember being mostly stark naked, but I didn’t care who saw what bits of mine by that time, or what anyone thought of my bits either. Hubby was great and gave me a lovely hug and carried me to the back of the car for a sleep. I woke up after two hours feeling like Wonder Woman and the next leg started with Beck for company as sweep.
Seeing the sun come up and talking to Beck was just what I needed; I again felt strong and we powered into Mandalay Beach Road aid station. My magic Goosers were there with food, drinks, more feet washing, and plenty of emotional support. Hubby told me that several runners had DNF’d which shocked me as I didn’t think that anyone would DNF before me (the Parrot again), but I also felt a sense of elation and optimism that I had not DNF’d and I was still in the run. I was sad however, to learn that Amy had had to withdraw.
The next section was absolutely awful – in the sun, no shade, strong wind and just too much damn sand with so many ups! But I was so blessed to have the double team of Nick and Evy the whole way. I was aware by now of a pattern with my moods – I left each aid station feeling strong and optimistic but the last few kms into the next aid station were filled with doubt, pain with my Poisoned Parrot squawking away about how stupid I was to try this blah blah blah.
Mandalay Beach onwards was a very tough leg and I was getting worried about making it to Walpole as my timings had seriously blown out. While we were trying to locate the Mt Clare Aid Station, I gratefully received two very gentle reminders from Stefan and Kylie to essentially move my ass at the speed of sound or not make Walpole. Coming into Mt Clare was fantastic – that dahl of Jimmy’s was the elixir of the Gods, along with Louse’s ginger beer and more food. Stefan gently whispering into my ear that ‘Julia you need to MOVE’ was the kick I needed and Nick and Evy set a fierce pace – they were determined to get me into Walpole by cutoff so off we went.
I couldn’t believe at one point that I was still running but I had to, and it felt comfortable! Kerri was not there in person, but she was in spirit and hearing her voice saying ‘little jog’ was like an energizer bunny giving me a much-needed zap from afar. Evy and Nick were incredible and together we made it to Walpole with ten minutes to spare. A hug from Heather, Melanee and my beautiful Goosers and Hubby, (plus the quickest toilet stop in history) and seeing Louise ready to go as my pacer was electric and off we went with I think one minute to get out of Walpole. Plenty of time ha ha ha and I was ecstatic to make the cutoff but I was sad to say goodbye to Nick and Evy. I was getting used to connecting quickly to the super sweepers who became my friends, prodders and supporters.
Vinnie was the next sweeper and together with Louise we had a great, crazy terrific time – the scenery was beautiful with gorgeous tall trees looming out of the darkness to wave us through and on our way. Stefan was waiting for me at Giant Tingle Tree with food, drinks and a bed set up in the back of the car – incredible!! I ate, drank and slept like the dead for an hour before being woken by Stefan’s dulcet tones telling me to essentially get my ass back out on the trail ASAP! Vinnie and Louise were outstanding – Louise powered along up front setting the pace and Vinnie encouraged me from the back – and the side and the front sometimes, always gently telling me that ‘we’ needed to up the pace a bit on the flats and downhills so that I could slow up for the hills. I had a fall and tripped over a few rocks, twigs etc but luckily no major damage was done. The potty mouth came out quite a few times though.
I felt amazing coming into Tree Top Walk aid station and getting a hug from a certain Mr K in a Kangaroo suit was stunning – hearing Shaun say how proud he was of me and how he had such faith in me was a Godsend and so special. I had forgotten about the walk around the trees, but it was lovely to see more beautiful giants, twinkling lights and the unexpected comfort of a porcelain seat for another pit stop. Shaun’s coffee, Joanne’s magic ham and cheese sandwiches and more words of comfort from my Goosers was all I needed to power off and onto the next leg. I was warmed by heartfelt hugs and words of encouragement but the gentle reminder about the cut off for Peaceful Bay lay like a lump of rancid lard deep inside me. I pushed it to one side, said a fond goodbye to Vinnie and a welcome hallo to Julie.
I started out well and felt good, but my shitty Parrot was in fine form and it swooped swiftly in much sooner than expected. I was tired and kept tripping over and just wanted to close my eyes. Louise was amazing, she stayed close by my side and went above and beyond – holding my hand while I took pit stop after pit stop but my legs were pushing back at squatting and it was getting very uncomfortable.
As the sun came up, on Thursday I knew that I was not doing well – I had a huge, painful blister under my left foot, I was starting to fall asleep as I walked along and I was noticing some, ahem, uncomfortable ‘plumbing’ problems.
The last two kms into Conspicuous Beach were probably the toughest I have ever encountered in any run I have done but Louise was magnificent and she was by my side the whole way. I kept wondering how I could keep going, but sleep at the same time, and still get into Peaceful Bay before cut off. The realisation that this wasn’t going to happen was devastating and all I could think about was that I had let my Goosers down.
Seeing Ashley at the bottom of the wooden stairs was so darn good but, sadly, I knew I was done. Then I saw Melinda and I just burst into tears. The photo of her holding me up and leading me to the aid station still brings tears to my eyes. My adorable, gorgeous Goosers were there and they made it crystal clear that I hadn’t let anyone down and they were so proud of me. More tears. Once again, I was fed, watered, cleaned, supported, validated and loved. Even more tears.
So, my Delirious W.E.S.Tjourney ended after 190 kms but I am so dang proud of myself for achieving my longest run ever! I am so genuinely and forever thankful to my spectacular Goosers, my love – Hubby, my sensational sweepers, amazing aid station folk, magic medics, all remarkable volunteers, my fantastic friends and supporters at home, coach/trainers Glen and Clinton, as well as trainers Chelsea and Ben, for helping me achieve what I never thought possible.
A final heartfelt thank you to Shaun for having the faith in me to give Delirious W.E.S.T a red-hot go. My love to you all.
