Unfortunately, the cramping just continued, but I just persevered, and somehow managed to stay on pace for my revised distance goal. I reached close to 70km and with just over 1 hour to go my cramps were getting worse. I was still running well but struggling more. During that 28th lap, I came up behind Kevin ‘BK’ Matthews who recognised my footsteps and turned to acknowledge me as he had done a few times earlier in my run, so I slowed and asked him what he did for cramps. He told me to stop at his gazebo and see Rob Collins who would be there and as a professional masseuse, BK told me he’d be able to help with some magnesium spray and a quick massage. So this got me excited at the thought of possible relief.
As I approached the aid station coral, I saw Rob and stopped to ask for his assistance. He was quick to satisfy my plea for help. I quickly circled up and around the start line to complete that lap before returning to let Rob weave his magic on my cramping calf. With a few squirts of magnesium oil and some manipulation to my tight calf it began to relax ever so slightly. Moments later I was feeling better and off running again.
Half way around that next lap and feeling more free in my stride, I cramped once again. Not as bad as I had been prior to Rob’s massage though and moments later it eased. I pushed on thinking to myself just 4 more laps, and with just under 1 hour to go I should be able to reach my initial goal of 80km. I thought to myself that it was enough and began to settle, that I’d just take it really easy for whatever time remained after that. But then I began thinking about the theme of Lighthorse once again and suddenly I decided not to settle, so I pushed on.
I became more determined as my cramping had eased a little more. Once I reached the 32nd lap and 80km goal, I still had about 20 minutes to spare. So I thought to myself one more lap to reach 82.5km and then I’d collect my bean bag for my final lap and see how far I could get around before the siren sounded to end the 6 hours. I finished the 33rd lap and collected my bean bag with 10 minutes to go, slowing slightly and telling Tatiana as I passed her at my aid station that this was my final lap and that I’d see how far I could go before the siren sounded. I said that I was gonna take it a little slower and just cruise and that I did. As I ran that last lap I began getting excited about the idea of finishing and suddenly began feeling really hungry, the prospect of being able to eat some real food and refuel became so appealing that I began thinking about what I might like to eat. Suddenly the finish siren sounded and I dropped my bean bag and then stopped my Garmin. I was done, 6 hours and 84.37km covered. I was completely satisfied with not only what distance I’d achieved, but with what was to me a great event, and a successful nutrition trial, despite my cramping issues.
Special thank you to my bride for taking such great care of me as always. To my coach Tony Smith for always having me trained and in great race condition. To the race directors Wayne McMurtrie, Emma Luscombe and all those who volunteered their time and energy into making another successful event for everyone in the Ultra Series WA tribe. To Sergio and Jordanna for letting us set up camp with them for the event, and for the many laughs and larrikin moments on course. To Shane Johnstone at Valetudo Health, who assisted me with a last minute call for help to alleviate some sudden race week hip soreness, and Rob for the mid race massage.
Last but certainly not least, to all the other runners who participated in the event, congratulations to you all and thank you to all those who yelled out words of encouragement to me during my run, those little words of encouragement really do make a difference.
Pictured: Michael Hooker making another lap at the 2021 Lighthorse Ultra. Photograph – Shannon Dale.
Pictured (Inset): Michael Hooker racing his 6hr at the 2021 Lighthorse Ultra. Photograph – Andrew Yeatman.
