Paul Petch

Wharfedale Trail Run

Jane and I headed to the Wharfedale track today and opted for the Saddle return or 3hrs- which ever came first. It felt odd being on foot as I’ve only ever been there on bike- but once warmed up the tracks gradient was very pleasant. There was snow along most parts towards the saddle and characteristically the track was wet, technical and slippy from the onset. Running at endurance pace (being able to talk comfortably) it was great to finally run with Jane socially and “talk ultra training” as we zipped up and through the wet rooty goodness.

Jane and I first met at last years Crater Rim run on our way to the Kepler. We then crossed paths on the finishing straight (300m?!!) at the Kepler to cross the line together! What I did not know until recently is that Jane went on from the 2009 Kepler Challenge to then run the 100km Tarawera Ultra and then as part of a team walked the  Oxfam 100KM weeks later! For this year Jane has two of Mal’s 7in7 runs on her radar – more specifically the Greenstone- Mavora Walkway and the Kepler Challenge. These runs equate to 112KM over two days! And then come March there is talk of a 160KM ultra…..in one sitting. Now that’s dedication!

The track had a fair bit of tree fall on route, but we were there at the saddle in under 2 hours. I was trying out some new food today to0, in the form of Mule bars and they were damn yummy and offered me bags of energy. I also  opted for my 10yr old Deuter pack to add more weight and to also take advantage of its really supportive waist band. I’m really over carrying 5+ KG of gear in a pack that sits into my shoulders. Aside from the weight….it was outstanding and will do the trick just fine until I find a replacement.

The climb to the saddle has always been a favorite of mine on bike and it was jut as much fun on foot! I’ve seen this section flooding with rushing water to bone baking dry. Today it was all about mud :D The Face Ultra GTX XCR’s were just plain awesome all day and in particular through the wet, muddy and slushy stuff. While Jane talked of wet cold feet- mine were toasty dry and sticking to everything. Sure footed? Hell yeah! I may have found my ultimate trail shoe here ;) After a quick feed and photo shenanigans, we were heading back to the hire car. The pace picked up slightly from here as we headed downwards skipping through the technical singletrack. I chose risky lines because I could with the GTX’s while Jane worked her magic of more suitable line choices.

Splashing though stream crossings, negotiating rocks, roots and the generally uneven tracks was a total buzz as the tempo sat at a comfy- but “trucking” pace. We slipped a few times- discovered “hidden” rocks in the scrub and giggled when our comfort zone was pushed some. What’s great about running with Jane is that our “training” pace is very similar….and it’s just great to learn from such a seasoned athlete with her years of experience. Jane actually ran for 2.5hrs the previous day too..at pace and that’s just how I like it……best to tire her out a “little” before this donkey hits the dirt :D Talking of dirt, this track is super soft and comfy on the legs…and offered the best trail running surface I’ve run on so far. We got back to the car five minutes short of 3hrs…so perfect timing! What a sweet wee run!

We are planning on training a fair bit together this season and this was a great way to kick it off. I was not sure how I would fare to be honest as I’ve not really “trained” as such. But to say that I’m “super stoked” at where I’m at with my running after 3hrs of technical trails today would be an under statement! I’m still hesitant to call it “training” though….lol. Jane spoke of a future hut return…which I’m super keen on…but in a month or so when I have a few more KM’s under my feet. I also have to sit and work out a training plan (shudders!) this week so we will talk more about it then.

The Wharfedale once again did not disappoint, it’s lush, green and some how totally different on foot. More magical actually. Thanks for the run Jane and we’ll do it again soon.

Related posts:

1. Trail running in the Port Hills – lessons learnt
2. Port Hills Crater Rim 30KM trail run
3. Half marathon to ultra trail in 6 months
4. Back in the Porthills….endurance training
5. Vulcanizer trail at Mt. Vulcan

This entry was posted on Monday, July 19th, 2010 at 8:36 am and is filed under Runs & Walks and tagged with jane manthorpe, North Face Ultra GTX XCR, trail running, wharfedale track. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.