A sneeky peek at Mt Bogong

After Sydney Half I didn't do much running. I was tired mentally and physically from a tough period at work. I had one more week at work before a week of annual leave. I limped to the end of the week and I told myself that I would only train in he following week if I felt like it. Except for once or twice - I didn't feel like it. Instead I pottered around home and felt the weight of fatigue slowly being lifted from my shoulders - aaarrrrhhhhh.

We headed down to he family's farm near Albury for the long weekend. I took the opportunity to have a a look at the first part of the Bogong to Hotham course on Friday. I wanted to get a feel for the course and see if it was possible that I could do it. I was checking the ski resorts web cams all week and I figured that I would be able to make it to the top of Bogong without too much snow interfering.

Mt Beauty is about a 90 min drive to the farm. I slept in so didn't get to mountain creek camp ground till 10am. I applied some sunscreen, put on the camelbak and off I went. he first two k's of the trail are undulating but mostly flat, then you take a right hand turn and start climbing "The Staircase" a ridge that climbs all the way to Mt Bogong. I now know why they call it the staircase. Mt Bogong is a monster! It just goes up and up and up. The climb is 1400m over 6k, so over 20% gradient. I got to the top in 2:15 which shows I have a bit of work to do before January.

It was extremely hot and with the pack I sweated heaps. The views as I progressed up the hill just keeping getting better and better. As you rise above he tree line, you start to see the summit and some more magnificent views. There was quite a bit of snow on the top, but nothing to stop progress.

After stopping for a bite to eat, I continued along the ridge for 2-3k's. I turned to the west and saw some big dark clouds coming my way. It was quite chilly now and I didn't want to get caught in a storm, so I turned around and headed for home.

I filled my camelbak and handheld from the stream that had formed from the melting ice. The descent was long and my quads were glad to get the the bottom. It had been sprinkling most of the way down and it now began to rain. I was glad to be able to run at a good clip back to the camp ground and jump in the freezing creek. All up a very enjoyable 4.5 hours which gave me a feel for what to expect.

I headed into Mt Beauty for a look around and something to eat. I had a look at the Information centre which had a good model of the surrounding area. It was good to try and work out the route of the race.

The day left me both excited about January but also a little apprehensive. Looks like I need to step up the training if I am going to make the cut-off and get through to Hotham. The 64k will be long and hard but I can't wait.

I had a few more runs planned before I went back to work but my legs, hips, butt and stomach muscles were in a world of hurt for 3-4 days post the Mt Bogong visit.

From Mt Bogong with Staircase in background

Looking back to Mt Bogong from 2k along the ridge

A cross section view of Mt Bogong looking from Mt Beauty (doesn't LOOK too bad!)

The track on the way up

Bivouac Hut - designed for emergency refuge