runningbeast

Well I did it. The Hillary Trail Double which my phone clocked at 148.8km, in a time of 29 and a half hours.

The last leg from Huia to Arataki really nailed me - probably more mentally as it was a muddy bog hole! Draining the energy and slowing things down. So close to the finish but it was taking so long My legs still felt okay up the last big hill.

Then I finished at Arataki to a loud cheer from a bunch of supporters and family. It was amazing! (more on these great people later).

I was stoked to finish, although to those there it might not have seemed it as I’m pretty sure my body started going into shutdown….Shaun is logging off. From one instant striding out up a munty hill to hardly being able to walk and I felt sick and shaky.

I couldn’t eat or drink so my lovely wife piled me into the car while the awesome Richard who supported the whole way packed up my gear (despite probably feeling just as whacked). Got home and tried to shower (quite hard to clean muddy legs when you can hardly bend down past you shoulders!) and fell into bed. Scoffed 2 kebabs that Madeleine had got me and fell into a deep sleep.

What blew me was that the body had been fine all the way until it had done it’s job and then it was instantly sore. Sore like you feel two days after a massive run!

Anyway. Just woke at 7.30am (thanks to my lovely rowdy daughters), checked all the awesome support on Facebook etc while having breakfast and draining Auckland water reservoirs of liquid. Now I need to sleep again.

A proper post mission report will be filled later.