Great Southern Endurance Run (GSER)

November 16th 2019

The GSER was the most challenging race I have endured to date…
I trekked over 50 miles (88ish km) through mountainous terrain, fire trails, single tracks, asphalt road and dense bush land.

I went into this race feeling burnt out from the abundance of events this year and doubt clouding my mind about my training in the lead up to the GSER.
Acknowledging these factors, the night prior I spent significant time within my mind meditating and reflecting, to realign my focus on the reasons why I run and committing to finish.

Challenges

1. Managing heat stroke and dehydration
A few kms after the first checkpoint (21km) I faced the first twin. This mountain is a monster of a climb with steep gradients and no clear trail, it was a challenge to navigate. My energy plummeted soon after the first twin, my head began to spin and my eyes were loosing focus on the challenging marked trail.
I slowed down to walk/hike. I could feel my heart beating out of my head and quickly realised that i was feeling terrible. I drank little bits of water and electrolytes, and gulped down a spring energy gel.
I continued walking and sipping small amounts of liquid until I felt slightly better to pick my pace up and stroll into the second checkpoint.

2. Mental desperation
Throughout the dehydration and at other points of this race I felt a sense of hopelessness and questioning whether I am good enough for running, for life and for other aspects.
I began self sabotaging, rationalising different scenarios of how I could pull out of this race. “Your foot hurts, it could be something serious. No one will think less of you for keeping your body safe”. These thoughts consumed me.
This has happened to me previously. I know my body, I know my mind, and they can take one hell of a beating.
So each time these thoughts consumed me, I made a conscious decision to put a positive spin on them.
“Your foot hurts, so what, this is your body acknowledging its weaknesses.”
“Through this you are becoming faster, sharper, stronger. Push past the 40%.”

Wins

1. I completed the GSER 50miles for the first time.
The accomplishment I felt from this race was enormous.

2. I met Burty Burt and Thomas Dade.
Burty is a legend. His appearance is one of a lumberjack and is mostly noticeable by running shirtless regardless of the weather.
Tom is made of pure grit. With only a few years of ultra running under his belt Tom is evidence of how the mind can push the body to insane feats.

Highlights

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