BENT, NOT BROKEN

Contributed by Sue Robertson, AURA member (NORANDA, WA)

DELIRIOUS WEST 200 & 100 MILER, SOUTH WEST WA, 8-12 February 2023

Delirious West 2023, back for the double plugger, or so I hoped!

Training had gone well throughout the year, but a couple of months out from February, things went a bit off track. Family health, family visiting(finally), Covid etc all came in to play, but with the wishes of all, I did make the start line with Bianca. I finally let the excitement start to build a week out, and managed to get everything prepared, so much stuff!!! Bianca and I were being crewed/paced by good friends Mark Hoffman, Allison Ratcliffe and Bianca’s partner Nick O Neil, and his girls. All were coming in on different stages of the race.

We headed to Northcliffe on Monday with Andrew and Suzi Poli, and enjoyed a pleasant drive through Bunbury along the way for coffee and lunch, arriving in Northcliffe mid-afternoon. Party time in the evening to celebrate Mel’s 60th birthday, and also enjoyed the company of several interstaters who had made the trip over, including RDs Ian Lilburne and Michelle Hanlin, who we had met previously in SA.

Tuesday we enjoyed a stroll around the block in cool, damp conditions, and watched the incredible organisation of everything coming together for this epic event. We sorted our drop bags, collected our t shirts, picked up bibs, and generally got ourselves in some kind of order for the event start on Wednesday 7am. At 5pm the Bogan run began, a tough little run for crews, volunteers etc, involving spinning around a keg, drinking beer and running! I think I would rather run 200 miles!

In the evening it was the race briefing, where we were introduced to all the RDs, and the amazing medics, and listened to all the advice, tips, rules etc. An early dinner and a little drink we hit the beds early, in the hope of a good night’s sleep.

Up at 4.45am, to have breakfast, cup of tea, get dressed, fill up water etc in our vests, pack some food, and before long we were milling around the starting arch, collecting our spot trackers, and having photos taken.

A major part of this even this year was to remember Jeff Hansen, one of the RDs from previous years, and good friend and runner, who was supposed to be doing this event, and sadly passed away during the year. His dear wife Jodie was to do the count down for the start of the event, and a pair of Jeff’s shoes, being carried by various runners, was to make it across the finish line. What a fitting tribute for a great man.

On our way, the first 3kms is an out and back, that is not even part of the course, due to runners going the wrong way 5 years ago!!! Anyway eventually on course and away, Bianca and I had decided to do 5 mins run/ 3 mins walk as much as possible on the first day. We were joined by Jutta, and also leap frogged with the Heath train, which was carrying Eve, Georgia, and Heath and Reid. It’s a long way to the first aid station, approx 27kms and I was trying not to run too fast, as feeling good, but Jutta stayed back with me a bit, and Bianca was slightly ahead, enough that Jutta and I missed the turn just a couple of hundred metres before the aid station, quickly back on track, we reached it and Karin and Ben were there. My valve had come off my soft drink bottle, just before the aid station, and I was saved by Karin who had a spare one, thankyou Karin! Refilled bottles, and avocado and vegemite sandwich in hand we left the aid station , feeling good. Just under 18 kms to the next aid station, and we were all together with the Heath train for a while, stopping to take a group photo by the water, and then moving along. We reached Aid 2, and I remember filling bottles, seeing Michelle and Scott RDs, and eating a peanut butter sandwich, and something sweet. Making sure we had all we needed, this was a short leg, just under 12kms to Dog Road, where we were met by Harmony and Sophee. Spoilt with a delicious ham, cheese, and chutney sandwich in hand, a quick refill of hydration, this is a long, boring section to Pingarup Aid station, wide fire trail, even footing with a slightly rolling elevation.

We were hiking really well along this section, it was now getting towards dusk, and we passed a few runners along the way. We reached the aid station just on dark, and were welcomed by Steve and Peggy, and medic Matt. Totally spoilt, cups of tea, risotto, sweet stuff, Matt checked Bianca’s feet, and we were just leaving when the Heath train came in along with some other runners. We got out of the way to let them have the chairs etc. Big hug to Eve, who wasn’t feeling her best at this time, but she came good.

Next section in the dark, very overgrown in parts, very damp, and narrow trails, it was 16kms to Broke Inlet where we planned to sleep for a while. Avoiding spiders, and trying not to let the prickle bushes get us, we were moving well through here. Once we arrived at the aid station, we sorted our stuff to be charged, and said we would like to sleep. Treated like royalty by Charles and Trevor, and Caleb Boswald, we were given 2 recliners that were moved out of the aid station, swaddled in sleeping bags, and left to sleep with a 90 mins wakeup call. I am not sure I actually slept but definitely rested and went in to doze mode, it came around too quickly when we were woken. The guys took our order for food, and then came back to help us get our shoes back on, and refill our packs etc. The toasted sandwich was absolutely first class. We left feeling rejuvenated, and ready to tackle the next section through to Mandalay Beach, 21.8 kms, and finally seeing the coast, it would be light once we arrived there.

Quiet at this aid station with only 2 other people there who were unfortunately waiting to be picked up. We had delicious egg sandwich, some coca cola, a couple of sweet things, a refill of hydration, and grab some stuff to take with us, it’s a tough section from here to Mt Clare, 20.6kms, of sand and rolling dunes, and steps, lots of them. Astrid, the amazing photographer was here, and took some beautiful photos of us along the beach, it was so nice to see her. We left her and started the climb up and over the dunes! We were still going well, and although it is a long section, we did enjoy this bit, Chemie caught us at one stage near the only bench on the route, and we had a photo together before he ran off.

Eventually we came across the suspension bridge, I managed this much more easily this year, and then it was the climb up Mt Clare. We found the toilet at the top, but couldn’t work out the direction of the track from here. Saved by another runner, Mark, who showed us the way to go, and then bolted down the hill! Bianca followed close behind, but I took my time, no need to overdo it! Our friend Tim was at the aid station at the bottom, and fed us another sandwich, can’t remember what it was, but we weren’t here long, as it was a short hop to Walpole, 10.9kms, where we would pick up our crew. It is a relatively easy section, but quite exposed when the sun is out, as it was.

On entering Walpole at the rec centre, Mark and Allison, and another friend Charles who lives there, were all there. We weren’t going to sleep, but a nice hot shower and some clean clothes, and feet fixed by Heather the medic, all went down well. Renee at the aid station, had a delicious menu, but I just fancied the apple crumble and custard, and a soft drink, it was perfect. I had a short nap in a chair while Bianca was getting her feet sorted. We left in good spirits with a short section 9.8kms to Tingle Tree Aid station. Allison was now pacing us until we got to Peaceful Bay, approximately 60 kms, and Mark would crew us through the next 2 aid stations, before getting some sleep himself. Reid left with us as well, we had a nice little band.

It’s a beautiful section, firstly by the water and then up the trails and into the forest overlooked by magnificent trees. We kept up a good hiking pace, and it was nice to have Alli for company. We took some photos once we were near the aid station, the girth and height of some of the trees is impressive! Frank and Jill Kaesler were here to look after us at the aid station, we refilled bottles, I can’t remember what I ate, but I did have a cup of tea. Our charging system hadn’t worked properly at Walpole, so we did a quick recharge of phones, and battery packs. It was a big section just over 22kms to Tree Top Walk, the next aid station, where we got to do the walk in the trees. We were planning to sleep here for a bit before the section down to Conspicuous Cliffs. It seems to take an age to get to this one, but we had each other, and Reid for company, and it was just one foot in front of the other. Nick surprised us by being at the aid station, he was due the next day, so was lovely to see him. Melanee and Linda were looking after us, it was getting mighty chilly, so I was given a recliner chair and a blanket and tried to sleep. Bianca had issues with her feet hurting, and tried to sleep, Alli had found a chair and a blanket, and Mark went and slept in his car. After about 30 mins we woke up, and I had soup, used the real bathroom, and refilled everything, before doing the tree walk with Alli and Mark. Bianca had done it when she came in just before me with Nick. Reid left just before us to get on his way.

The next section was nice, 15.8kms, and after the first couple of hills, it was a fair bit of downhill. The sky broke while we were in this section, a beautiful dark orange, just stunning. We also had a couple of dirt naps along this bit, and were passed a couple of times by Libby, who was also dirt napping along the way. I have only done this section in the dark before, so it was nice to see it in daylight, and it really is quite lovely. Nice single track with soft footing, and not too overgrown. We passed Reid about a kilometre out from the aid station, and sadly his back had seized up, and it looked like his 3rd attempt at this event was also not going to be finished. Just felt so gutted for him. We eventually hit the boardwalk and steps which led us to the aid station. The lovely lady from Find Your Feet, was manning this aid station, and spoilt us with delicious toasted sandwich and coffee! We refilled everything and I recharged my watch which had dipped quite low in battery. Reid came in while we were there, and so very crushed, knowing he would have to get a lift out, so sorry Reid. Libby also came in just as we were leaving, so we passed over the comfy chairs and left to head to Peaceful Bay with a 1.00 pm cut off, I have no idea what the time was when we left. I had only done this section once in the dark when pacing Darlene, so honestly had no idea what was ahead, except a section along the beach. The beach was quite nice, but once we got off the beach it was more sand and hills. Bianca was moving well, and Libby came in behind us, I definitely think I pushed a bit too hard on this section, I was worried about the cut off for sure. It was tough and it was hot! There were a few rocks to manoeuvre around, and some stunning water that you just wanted to jump in to, but one foot in the front of the other we needed to get to Peaceful Bay. Bianca suddenly shouting in front, there were Jeff’s shoes in the bag ready for her to take on to Peaceful Bay, and she took off with them, and ran him in to PB. She arrived a good 20 minutes in front of me, and was getting organised , Heather doing her feet, and Nick sorting out stuff.

We had about an hour, so I decided to make the most of a shower and some clean clothes. I had hugs and tears with Eve and Aimie, Georgia looked amazing, and Heath too. Definitely felt better with clean stuff on, Heather sorted my feet too, and Jill and Frank who were manning the aid station gave me gnocchi, and ginger beer which was amazing. We had to say goodbye and a big thankyou to Allison who now was heading back to Busselton for the Half marathon and the

Jetty Swim, thank you for all your time and encouragement Alli. Mark was joining us for this next section. Peaceful Bay to Boat Harbour (no crew), and on to Parry Beach. A new route to start with this year, along the beach and taken across the inlet by jetski, and then along the beach for another 5 kms before heading up in to the sandy trails . We were blessed with a tail wind along this section, thank goodness, a headwind would be awful!!! Bianca and I took our shoes off, and walked in our socks for ages, it felt so nice. Boat Harbour takes forever to get to as you go around a couple of headlands even after you have seen it before you get there. Finally we hit the little beach that took us to Steve and Peggy, and we were able to stop just for a bit. Mark, another runner who was a gem, was just leaving so I was able to have his recliner, and Bianca and I took about a 30 mins nap here, before having a delicious cup of tea, and lamingtons!! Re-fueled and rested we now had a shorter section to get to Parry Beach. I was sure this was a nice section, but maybe it is when you don’t have 3 days of running/walking in your legs. It pushed me a bit and the lean starting to come in with my back. It took way longer than I thought it would to get to Parry Beach!! It was dark once there and we struggled to find the aid station, but we did find Kelli. Mark had made a call to her, and they had organised for the medic to be there to look at my back. Also there was Charles and son Caleb. Charles took my shoes off and washed my feet in warm soapy water, it was heaven. Mark, our pacer made me the best pot of noodles, and eventually Matt had a go with my back, using Michelle’s massage gun. I could have laid on the ground for hours, but Bianca was up and ready to go. Nick decided he would sleep this section, so we left without him, but had Libby and another Matt leave with us. Bianca had lost her poles, and figured they were in the van with Nick. Mark was heading to Denmark to have a sleep and we would see him there tomorrow. I have never done this section, it was 7kms of soft sand and then up on to hilly track! Within minutes Bianca was walking away with Matt, and I was walking much slower with Libby. I tried to keep up, but it was tough on my back and the soft sand. Suddenly Nick comes flying past with BJs poles, and he eventually catches them up. I push forward knowing they will wait for me at the exit of the beach, but I definitely was much slower. Disappointed and frustrated I started to leave Libby behind, I could see the head lamps in front where they had gone off the beach. Eventually I got to them, and they helped me up the rope off the beach, thank goodness! The next section nearly killed me, I was hurting, it was sandy, I was tired, and I was too damn slow!!! Bianca stopped at one stage, and we had a 7 mins dirt nap, that was heaven. Nick had waited for us somewhere to show us the amazing stars and planets. Still not sure how or what, but there was a line of stars in the sky, and above us I thought were fire flies or bubbles, moving around. It was incredible, still not quite sure what we saw! Eventually nearly bent over double, we arrived at Monkey rock Aid station, and Jenny gave me a big hug, more tears. Chris and Jenny looked after us so well, beautiful hot fritters, a cup of tea, a chair and a blanket. I knew I needed to send Bianca on over Monkey rock with Nick, as I had no idea how I would go, and didn’t want to hold her up. Once the lovely Darlene had left the recliner chair I jumped in, and rested, Bianca had her feet massaged by Jenny. I am not sure what time she left with Nick, but I managed to get hold of Mark, and ask him to come back and take me over Monkey Rock to Denmark. As we left George and Kirk came in, and Libby, so said our goodbyes. Greg came with us, but soon had to send him on ahead. I was slow but still moving not too bad, considering the terrain, and was pretty happy with progress. Mark very patient as I manoeuvred my way over, up, and around rocks. Eventually we were on the trail, then the road in to Denmark, but it’s about another 7kms or so. I was getting tired, so kept wanting to stop and nap, stopped and had a stretch of my back at Jimmy’s Bench, then another stop and lie down on a lovely grassy lawn. I was checked on by George who came past while I was sleeping. Kirk also went past in this section. Along a trail we met up with a man and his dog, I was hoping he was a witch doctor and could fix my back as I was quite bent over again no, ironically he was a doctor, but he didn’t have anything to help me!!! I couldn’t wait to get to Denmark Rec Centre, and somehow we missed the turn in to there and ended up by the caravan park, so it took another km or so to get there. Charles was there again, and everyone was busy looking after runners. I was going to have a sleep here, and was hoping to get the 2.00 bus. The last bus and cut-off was 3pm. They decided to work on my back first, and try and rub some cream in, and help it settle. There was food, but we decided to do this first, and then decided to put me to bed. Frank had come in and was asleep too. At 1.30pm they woke me to say they wanted me to have another hour and catch the 3pm, I didn’t argue!

2.30pm came, and then it was full steam ahead to get everything ready, I had some watermelon, grabbed all the hydration stuff, all my recharged stuff, and just before 3.00, Frank, Lucia ( the sweeper), Mark, and I were in the car to be driven around 35 mins to the jetty for our next section to Lowlands. I felt ok in the car, my back seemed to have settled for now. We had photos before heading off along the track. Mark and I were in front, and to start I thought I was ok. Then my back started niggling, so I called to see if a medic could come and tape it maybe, but not possible. As Lucia came behind us with Frank, I asked if she could tape with what tape I had with me, so she did what she could. I just felt it needed some support. Another 15 mins or so, and it was really starting to niggle. We had to detour around past a poor big kangaroo that was injured, and climbing over logs didn’t help me, that’s for sure. I had my first melt down after this, I didn’t want to go on, I was tired and I was hurting. Some persuasion from Lucia and Mark, did I really want to quit, had me continue. Once we got up on the road I wanted to lie down and stretch out my back, at the same time Allison called on Marks phone to see how I was. I spoke to her in tears, I was hurting, and I had had enough. But I got back up, and on we went, back felt better again after that stretch. We continued along the road, and then pick up a lovely trail alongside the road before it heads off in to the wilderness. Just before then Scott, (RD) turns up in his car, Lucia speaks to him, and tells me to carry on with Mark, I am doing ok, until I wasn’t. This next section about 10kms, was going to take us about 5 hours! I wanted to lie down and stretch my back and rest about every 10/15 minutes, I cried, and I went in to a place I have never been. Mark and Lucia were so very patient, and encouraging, I must have driven them mad. Once I had laid down I was good to go for about 10 minutes, but gradually that time got shorter. I thought we were never going to get to the aid station!! I have loved this section each time I have done it, but this time I hated it. Crossing over some of the 4 wheel tracks of soft sand, all I could see was a soft fluffy mattress to lie on, but was encouraged to keep going. Lucia started counting to 100, I am not sure how many times she did that, count to 100, rest for 10, sometimes I could only get to

40 and I needed to stop and bend. Luckily although extremely fatigued it was not an intense pain, unless I tripped on a step or a rock, but I was concerned that my back would seize up completely and that I wouldn’t be able to move at all. Eventually we saw the distant lights of the aid station, thank goodness, but they were still about an hour away. I knew this would be the end of the road for me, I couldn’t do any more, I was totally fatigued, and gutted, but couldn’t risk getting caught out on the next section. I have never been happier to sit in a recliner chair, with a blanket and a cup of tea. So lovely to see Kelly, Debby, Karin, Bruce and the medic Mark, I was enveloped in love and hugs. They let me sleep while they sorted out the aid stuff, and saw Frank leave again with the sweep, well done Frank. Eventually Kelly came and I was escorted to her car, where she kindly drove me to the finish line. It was 2.00am! Once there I was put on a stretcher and cocooned in blankets and left to sleep, heaven.

The Finish Line

It was not for me, but for so many others, the pinnacle of such an epic event, is to run down that finish line and get a special hug from a super special someone. Families and friends, and crews all waiting for their own person. My person, my beautiful daughter, Bianca, literally wooped it down that finish line, so strong, so happy, what a wonderful feeling, to hug her and cry and hug some more, so bloody proud. I was so grateful I could stand up and be there, and was no worse for wear, for doing the event. Congratulations Bianca, you are my hero.

Jeff’s Finish Line

His shoes had made it all the way to Albany from Northcliffe, and now with a kilometre to go, Jodie, his wife, picked up the shoes and bought them through the finish line to an applause from many of his friends, it was certainly a very touching moment. There is a tree over the road from the finish line, and there is now a memorial rock for Jeff, and we each got to place a pair of running shoes, preferably from this run, and place them across the branches, so Jeff will always be remembered. A fitting tribute for a wonderful man.

Thanks to Shaun, I now have 7 weeks to recover, and build up some strength, to head out to the Flinders Ranges, and be at the start line of Irrational 200 miler in April. On the second day out, it will be my 65thbirthday, what a way to celebrate.

Featured Image: Bianca Harding and Sue Robertson at the 2023 Delirious WEST. Photograph – Astrid Volzke.