Heatwave

The weather forecast looked hot, so hot that they brought the start time forward twice! We woke up super early, as the sun was penetrating through the mist that had descended around us.

It was a 40min drive from the cottage to the race in Kangaroo Valley. We arrived, picked up our race pack, stood in the looong toilet line and got to the briefing just in time. At 7am, we were off. Within 500m we had begun the climb upwards and so had the temperature, it was probably around 30°C already!

The 200+m climb up Mt Scanzi was brutal and after running down the other side, I was worried about how I felt which was terrible and we had only run 4km to of the 23km!! 

The race was an out and back along Mt Scanzi Rd, a gravel single lane road. The escarpment views were interesting, the cicadas insanely loud and the wind hot. We descended into the cool gully and rock hopped across the Bugong Creek.  

As the 13km turn around point loomed in the distance, I told Cath I was struggling and was doubting that I'd be able to make another 10km. Cath didn't need much convincing, and so after a loo stop, we talked to the volunteer and let them know we were dropping down to the 13km run.

My decision was the right one, as a few kilometres later walking back up to the top of Mt Scanzi I began dry retching (sorry Cath). Not sure what was going on with me but I felt terrible. We eventually made it to the top and managed to break into a jog for the last few downhill kilometres to the finish. 

We recovered with water, coke and coffee at the end watching runners finish while the temperature continued to climb. A ute drove into the finish arena and unloaded an unconscious runner into the first aid tent. The poor guy was lifted out of the car and flopped down onto the stretcher like a rag doll - he looked in serious trouble and a short time later an ambulance arrived. Fingers crossed he recovered ok.

From the run, we drove through Berry to the coast where Andy, Ella, Katy and Aoife were at the beach. The day was a scorcher - with the beach sand burning everyone's feet! The water was cool but the waves no good for surfing.

The sun was intense and finally drove us from the beach. It was a short drive to Berry where we had lunch, ice cream and did a spot of shopping. All of which was uncomfortable in the now 40°C heat! Back at the cottage, it was time for a cool shower and a quiet afternoon trying to keep cool!

By late afternoon, we decided that another swim was necessary. This time, we drove to Culburra Beach in search of waves. After catching three waves in a row, Aoife declared this to be the best beach ever! Not sure anyone else agreed with this statement. It was great though to cool down once again.

Everyone knows when you go to the coast, you need to have fish n chips for dinner. It amazes me though with the lack of fish n chips takeaway shops available  / open. Unfortunately for us, Culburra Beach has two shops - one was closed (Saturday 7pm in summer?? really??) and the other was a sit down restaurant (fully booked) but also did do takeaway (45 min wait). We were devastated but needed to find plan C. Turns out frozen fish and chips from woolies cooked in the oven back at the cottage worked well!