Getting ready for Bogong

Had some time in the last few days to start thinking a little more about Bogong.

I did my last long run on Boxing Day - about 28k in 2:45. The first 10k was done with Riz from CR. Looking at my mileage in the last 3 months (132, 169 and 241) doesn't fill me with great confidence for Bogong. On the up side, there was quite a bit of cycling and running in there as well. I have done 6 long runs (~30k) in the last 10 weeks (including the 50k) and 1 long cycle. I am feeling pretty fit and strong on the long runs, however I would have liked to do 1-2 more long runs around 50-60k.

My goal is to finish and I am quietly confident that I can, however if I don't make the cut, I won't be too disappointed. I considered pulling out due to lack of preparation, mainly because it is so far to go to DNF, however I am still going and will have fun regardless.

I have got a plan to make the cut. Whether this works is another matter. I will try and not go out too fast up Mt Bogong and try and keep the HR under control at least until the top of Duane Spur. Easier said than done and hopefully I can keep in contact with at least a couple of others. The proposed splits are below. If I can make the cut, I am sure I could get the last 23k done in 4.5 hours.

Mountain Creek	00:00	9k
Mt Bogong	2:05	9k	2:05
Cleve Cole Hut	2:35	4k	0:30
Roper Hut	4:50	10k	2:15
Warby Corner	5:20	3k	0:30
Langford Gap	6:25	9k	1:05
Omeo Rd	7:25	6k	1:00
Finish	12:00	23k	4:35

I still can't make up my mind what I am going to do with water. Initially I was going to take 2L in the camelbak and some gatorade in a handheld. This was before I realised how much water will be on the course and potentially quite a few aid stations. So, I don't know whether to flick the handheld and just go with water in camelbak and fill up when I can (I will need some kind of cup to scoop the water into camelbak) or take a small amount of water in camelbak and still take a handheld with Gatorade. I really want to make sure I get a lot of calories/electrolyte into me however it would be nice to carry as little as possible up Mt Bogong and ideally ditch the handheld. I will be eating gels and powerbars.

My spray jacket is annoying me too. It is a good one, but too bulky. To get a small lightweight one costs a bomb. I have been looking for a cheap crap one but I can't find one at all.

Even on my short journey to the top of Mt Bogong a few months ago, I noticed that the ground was really uneven and was starting to hurt my feet. I have been meaning to get some trail shoes but have just not had a chance. At Spud's suggestion, I bought some Asics Trabucco's. I tested them out yesterday around Manly Dam and now I know what all the fuss is about. I could run the downhills so much faster with much more confidence. Now all I need to do is keep running in them to minimise chance of blisters on race day.

I have bought an space blanket and a long sleeve thermal top, but still need to buy a whistle, elastic bandage, compass and some kind of tights. I don't really fancy forking out for $130 skins, but may have to.

Went out to Seven Hills yesterday and got a brand new Garmin for $120. I asked them to fix my old one/replace battery etc, however they came back in 5 mins with a brand new unit. Nothing like a brand new Garmin to brighten up your day!

I have asked my dad to come down for the ride. The plan is to stay with mother in law on Friday night (near Albury) and My Beauty on Sat night. We may stay back at mother in laws on Sunday night or just head home. Hopefully not with a DNF next to my name.