Getting Delirious by Sue Robertson

delirious west - 7 february 2024 - bibbulmun track, western australia

contributed by sue robertson, aura member (noranda, wa)

We arrived at Conspicuous Cliffs just before 10.00pm, so 3 hours to get here, great to be in front. Charles and his wife Tamala were at this aid station, so lovely to see them, and we were given a hot toastie, Nick filled up our water bottles, and within 10 minutes we were back out on our way to Peaceful Bay, with Julia and Reid. A short section along the beach, and then up over the dunes. Plenty of elevation, steps, sand, I had given us another 4 hours to get through this section. We now had our poles with us for this bit, and actually for the rest of the race, and I was very grateful for them. There was only a crescent moon, so we were grateful for our good head torches. I don’t remember much of this section, except we were feeling good, we were just in front of Reid and Julia, so it was quiet, and we just enjoyed the serenity of the dark, the sound of the waves, and looking forward to finally seeing the lights that would lead us off the beach up some stairs and into the Peaceful Bay Caravan Park. Nick met us at the steps off the beach, and we enjoyed a quick 10 minute sit, while he filled up our packs with water, trail brew, and electrolytes. I had a bacon and egg toastie, I think Bj had pancakes, and we both used the bathroom facilities.

We had arrived by 1.30am, my program had 3.00am, so we were 1.5 hours in front of schedule. We left again with Julia and Reid, and were headed towards non crew aid station Boat Harbour, one of the favourites, with Simone and Heath manning this one. It was a long section along the beach, but the sand was firm, and we really got a wriggle on here. We were heading toward the light on the beach which was where the jetski was, to get us across the inlet. As we walked along this section we both agree this was our happy place, the night sky was stunning, and we kept stopping to turn off our lights just to really enjoy the sight of the stars and the milky way.

When we arrived at the jetski area, we had to pay the ferryman, with an object from our home town, we both had postcards. Unfortunately the tide was going right out at this point, and Bianca got the last jet ski ride, and I got taken across in the canoe, which unfortunately meant I got wet feet when I got out, but oh well!!! This section was 18kms and once off the beach is mainly single track, around lots of headlands, and you truly feel like you will never get to the aid station. It was beautiful scenery though, and we finally got to see the orange glow of the morning light coming over the horizon, it was just beautiful. Reminding us of why we do what we do!!! Finally we got to see the sparkle of the aid station in the distance, and only a couple more kms to get there.

On arrival, big hugs with both Simone and Heath, then a comfy chair. Heath helped filled up all our bottles, and Simone fed us the most yummy risotto, and finally I could have the cup of tea that Bianca had promised me. The plan had been to get as much done in the night before the heat the next day, so in and out of aid stations, but we could sit here a bit longer. I had us scheduled to come in at 8.00am, and it was only 6.00. There were a few people here also being looked after, but they eventually all left, and we eventually joined the procession along the beach, after taking a quick photo.

The next section was shorter, about 10.6 kms to Parry Beach, again sand, dunes, single track, some elevation, but now it was daylight. We enjoyed this section, we were travelling at a decent hiking pace, although mindful of the sun coming up. Making sure we kept our fluids up, nibbled occasionally on either a muesli bar, or had an energy chew, baby food, just something to keep our energy levels up. Finally we were coming in to the caravan park at Parry Beach, and we got to see Nick again. Thinking he had been able to sleep a few hours, only to find he had left one of our boxes of stuff at Peaceful Bay, and had to drive back to get it!!!  Another lovely aid station, Nick filled up our bladders etc, we were fed pancakes, and used the bathroom facilities, having a quick wipe down, which certainly makes you feel a bit better. We were still 2 hours in front of schedule, it was 9.00am, so it was good to get out along the section of beach which is just over 7kms before the sun got too hot!!!

Saying good bye to Nick for what we knew would be a few hours, hoping he might sleep, we had 17.5kms to do to Monkey Rock Aid station. 7.2kms along the beach, and then up off the beach and an undulating track for the next 10 kms. The wind had picked up, and was a head wind, but for us it was cooling, and we were grateful. We got a good pace up along here, staying on the firm sand at the edge of the water. Much nicer than last time, when I was trying to catch up with Bianca in the middle of the night, on soft sand, and my back started to go!!!

We passed brother and sister team, Alex and Imogen, who were chatting away along the beach, we would see them again very shortly. Eventually we got the “steps” and the rope that would take us off the beach, and that was easier to get up than last year!!! There was more up than I remembered on the first part of the track that would lead to Monkey Rock, plenty of sand, and plenty of sun, so we were hugging the shade at the side of the path. We got confused at one of the Bibulman signs that sent us down a track that then told us we were off course on our watch, so back tracked, and caught up with Alex and Imogen. 

After some discussion we went back and found another track and eventually we were back on track, it was a bit strange though. Eventually we found ourselves on the bitumen for a bit, that was part of the WOW trail, and eventually single track which took us over 2 styles and to the aid station. I managed the styles a lot better this year!!!

Nick met us at the aid station, and again filled up our bladders, checking levels of everything, telling me to drink more water. I can’t remember what we ate here at all, but just as we left Charles and Tamala turned up to take over from the guy who was manning the aid station alone. Nice to see them, if only briefly. We left with another guy Mark who had come in while we were there, although he did get ahead eventually as I was slower climbing up!!! So this is known as Monkey Rock, a reasonably steepish climb up, around several enormous boulders, granite outcrops, downhill single track, more boulders to climb up and around, a hand rail to launch you up one of the boulders, and then a descent with plenty of rocks etc. Finally you hit the flat ground, a quick sit and a photo at Jimmy’s chair, and it is a meander through the back streets of Denmark, and alongside the river to eventually come across the Recreation Centre.

We had originally scheduled to come in here at 7.30pm, with hopefully the possibility of getting the shuttle car at 8.00pm, but we were nice and early, it was 4.45pm, and we planned to get the 6.00pm shuttle bus out. Plenty of time to eat, clean ourselves, reset everything and sort our feet out. Nick had met us almost out the front with coffee, which was truly welcomed. As soon as we arrived at the aid station we were offered burgers, and orange juice, just delicious. I went and had a quick wet wipe clean, and changed all my clothes, so very good, as we stank!!! When it came to sorting out our feet, Nick looked after Biancas, and as no medics were around, long time friends Ron and Gabi, came over, and Ron was given the delicious task of sorting out my feet. Some lovely surprises here, hubby turned up which I didn’t expect, but he had come to collect our friends Natalie and Alan, who had pulled stumps in the event, but after a very good effort. So good to see them all. Also Rebecca and Chris turned up after their day at work. It was a real buzz to see everyone. Before we knew it , it was 5 to 6, and time to get on the bus, joined by several other runners including our friend Alexis. Lovely surprise to have another friend Sally who was driving the bus. It was a pretty quiet journey as we all tried to close our eyes, and get some kind of rest on the 40 or so minute journey. Thankyou Sally for our safe delivery to Nulaki jetty, where we now had 22.2kms to Lowlands aid station, where I had to DNF last year. Quick photo with us all, and we were on our way. Bianca and I at the back end of the train, as the others all ran off.

It is a long section with the first parts alongside the river, very snakey looking, then up on to the road until, finally a right turn onto pleasant trail. It now started to get dark, so hi vis vests came on, and headlights lit up. WE really quite enjoyed this bit, although on one of the climbs I felt my back start to niggle, quick reminder from Bianca to put my shoulders back and stand up straighter, ended up with the pain going away. It seems to take forever to get to this aid station, we stopped and looked at the stars, the milkyway, the planets, so very beautiful. Finally 5 hours later we see the lights of the aid station, always looking forward to this one, we knew Debby was here, she is a gem. We both got fed delicious roast potatoes, I had a toastie as well. Nick sorted out our packs, and we decided to have a sleep here for about 20 mins.

Debby kindly sorted Bianca’s feet, mine seemed ok, I got covered in blankets in the recliner chair, and then Bianca went to the van. Chailee was also at this aid station, her running partner, Ashley, had decided he had had enough, and was stopping there. She decided to wait for us as we napped, so that we could all leave together, a very good idea. Nick woke me, and handed over another delicious toastie, although full, I managed to eat half of it. So our two, became three on the trail, on the long section, 17kms to Shelley Beach. It was nice to chat along the way, but it didn’t last long, as we were all a bit tired, I started to feel a bit yukky, and my tummy decided to have a turn!! One foot in front of the other, this section was another that took about 5 hours. The best bit was to eventually see the sky change to orange as the sun started to come over the horizon, and finally we were on the down hill section to the aid station, a beautiful spot, but crap to get to. Here the lovely Renee was to greet us. A couple of others there, and some were sleeping in the beds. We had decided we would have another sleep here, once the beds were free, before tackling a full day in the heat. A cup of tea, and the most delicious gnocchi, it wasn’t long before Renee tucked us all up in to beds, and we were out like lights!!! 20 mins later, she woke us all up, we sure could have stayed there, but we all felt better for a short nap. We had broken the back of the race, and knew now we were on the “run” home. We sorted our packs out, and made sure we were all organized, Renee took a photo of us with the beautiful beach in the back ground, and then with her partner kicked us out, and up the hill!!

Slowly I followed Chailee and Bianca up the hill, before we hit the single track to Cosy Corner. I do like this section, and it was still the cool part of the day, so able to enjoy the views. It was only 7.8kms to the next aid station, so relatively nice and short. Nick met us here, the previous one was a no crew aid, and he kindly sorted out our packs for us all. We were offered Zuper Doopers, which went down a treat, and then pancakes followed by a cup of tea. Chailee considered staying at the aid station for another sleep, but with a little bit of persuasion, decided to come with us.

The next aid station at Mutton bird, had been pulled out prior to the event, but we were advised our crew could go there. As the day was hotting up, we were very relieved to hear this, and it definitely improved our mental state knowing this. It was straight out on to the beach for this section, just over 6kms, and fortunately still not over bearingly hot. The sand was reasonably firm, and we all quite enjoyed the pace along here. A few 4 wheel drives on the beach, it was busy, and a whole lot of vehicles towards the stairs at the end of the beach where we had to climb out. Busting for facilities I really had to almost run up the stairs, but fortunately made it in time. So good to see Nick there, and also Rob and Rachel, who helped look after Chailee. Delicous cold ginger beer, a fruit cup, a cold towel filled with ice, all the things to help cool us down, as now it was getting very hot!!!

Hard to leave our spot in the shade, but desperately needing to get out there and get this section done. The piece of the puzzle I have been desperate to complete, along side the wind farm to Sandpatch, and then the final section to the finish line. But, it was sooo very hot. We kept stopping in the shade, I knew eventually we would be alongside the coast, but it seemed like we were going to take ages to get there. Chailee started doubting herself, but we all said if we could going slowly, keep our fluids up, take salt tablets, energy chews, anything to keep one foot in front of the other. We went off the track to one of the huts to use the water tank to wet all our hats, buffs etc, even thought it was about 400m down the track, I still think it was worth doing that, I could occasionally wipe my face with my cold wet buff, and immediately felt better. In the end Chailee was doing better than me, I was wallowing at the back, frequently stopping, Bianca was still full of energy!!! Finally we were closer to the coast, getting a tiny breeze before the path dipped back down and inwards in to the under growth. We reckon the temperature in this area was around 40 degrees!!! Finally we were next to the first wind turbine, we were going to get this done, albeit slowly.

This section was about 13kms, and took us a good 5 hours. Eventually we were quite spread out, Bianca out in front with Chailee a couple of hundred metres behind, and me bringing up the rear. Eventually I saw Nick way ahead and he was waving, and I knew we were close to the aid station. He waited for me as the others went past him to the aid station, and we got to witness sharks schooling fish below us, quite amazing, why didn’t I take a photo??? A very welcome sight to get to the aid station, but I was very warm!!! The offer to lie in Nicks van with the aircon on for 30 mins was too good to pass up!! My feet were burning, but I managed to just lie down and close my eyes, and cool down.

I was hungry but didn’t know what I wanted to eat either. I decided to change my socks and shoes, check my feet, before we set out again. Nelli, a friends mum, was at this aid station, and she kindly cleaned my feet, and we got my new socks on, after adding a bit of fixomul to one of my blisters, I decided to go back to my old shoes, which in hind sight I shouldn’t have done, but done now. It was bush chook time, and although I didn’t want mine, we took the mandatory photo with the three of us, and after hugs with all, Chailee, Bianca and I headed off on the last stretch of the course, 9.3kms to go, but still very hot out there!!! I had us scheduled for around 7.30 pm to finish, but we were clearly going to be earlier than that. We left Sandpatch around 3.00 pm, and with approximately 3kms an hour, we were going to be in by 6.00pm J. I have done this section a couple of times, but it seemed to take forever to get to the wider sandy trail which heads down towards Albany, to then hit a beautiful single track section where you can see the harbor, and look over to Albany townsite.

Eventually you hit the bitumen at the bottom of the hill, and we wind ourselves along a cycle path where we met Nick, and head towards the finish line. Plenty of emotions, we were just so relieved to know we had made it. Fantastic effort by Chailee on her first 100 miler, Bianca taking it all in her stride, and I had finally got the finish I wanted. We finally were in ear shot of the finish line with Shaun shouting that 3^rd place was up for grabs, and who was going to sprint the finish, as they decided we couldn’t share it. We all decided to stick together and take the finish line together, such a special moment. Literally as we came down the finish line, I saw Robbo driving in, he made it, just. Hugs from RDs Susan, Michelle, Shaun, and with each other, so special. Bianca gave me the biggest hug, saying “We did it “, so bloody amazing, so proud. Hubby turned up, with Alan and Natalie, who had decided to stay down in Albany, so lovely to see them.

Wow!!!! What a finish, what a race, equal 3 rd place podium for the three of us, very special. Congratulations Chailee, and Bianca.

In total we did just over 170kms in 47 hours, about 1.5 hours quicker than I had scheduled. We had 2 x 20 mins naps, and I had an extra rest for about 30 mins in the air con van.

Congratulations to everyone who raced, whether they finished or not, it is still an awesome achievement to get to the start line. Special kudos to Kelli, who completed her first 100 miler, so very proud of your grit and determination to get this beast done, congratulations 2^nd daughter!!.

A part from a nasty blister, my body held up well. I did get a mouth ulcer, probably from low immune system after the race, definitely the most painful bit!!

My thanks must go to Bianca, who without her I would not do this stuff, Nick who kindly crewed for us both, my hubby who is so very supportive despite thinking we are all crazy.

To all the Ultra Series staff, RDs, medics, volunteers, and everyone else who makes these events possible, many thanks.

To my coach Glen Smetheren, from Consistent Running, who believes in what I do, and gets me doing what I need to do, thankyou so much. 

Photos by Astrid Volzke and Bianca Harding.