Race Report: Bent & Broken by Sue Robertson

Irrational south 100 miler

8 may 2024

heysen trail, sa

contributed by sue robertson, autra member

Image supplied

This section last year had us going in and out of the creek bed, due to the GPS signal. This year with the flagging, we knew just to follow the creek, until we got to the flagging, which took us to a track where we found the water drop, and the opening out on to the road. After the creek bed, you think the road would be nice, but it really wasn’t! Anyway we were looking forward to seeing Robbie and having some hot food. We made it here just before dark, and planned to stop for 30 mins or so. Nicola went and was looked after by her crew, but we all planned to restart together. Hot noodles with sausages, a cup of tea, and a chair, we were well looked after. We put on some warmer clothes, our headlamps, refilled bottles, and took some extra food. It was a big section without an aid station, only a water drop, so 23 kms to the water drop, and another 15 kms to Patacoona Aid station. This was the section where the weather turned on us last year, and we also got very lost, going round in circles.

This year we knew to follow the fence line, even though the fence disappears at times as it is broken, it was much easier to follow with the extra flagging. As we left Hawker we picked up Nicola, and another lady called Christine who was happy to join our little band. It is a decent hike up Jarvis Hill, about 6kms, and this year crew could meet us at the top, and there was also a water drop, and some chips and lollies for us to take, before we went on and found the fence. It was great to have new friends to chat with, and it certainly helps make the kilometres tick over. The terrain was undulating once we left Jarvis Hill, lots of rocky paddocks, styles to climb over, and as I said follow that fence line. Eventually you are on a limestone road which takes you to the water drop, and then on to Patacoona. We took a photo at the sign, where last year we were wrapped in emergency blankets.

Robbie had everything set out for us, and we sat down and were wrapped in blankets, it was cold. A few of the 200 milers here sleeping, Scott was medic and looking after peoples feet, so we asked for him to check ours too. Frank and Jill were here looking after runners, and we had a couple of delicious toasted sandwiches, and cups of tea. Scott dealt with a blister I had on my heel, and also looked after Biancas blisters too. Eventually it was time to leave, it was about 2.00am. We collected Nicola and Christine and headed out, only to see a runner coming towards us after a few minutes, a 200 miler, who was not sure he was going the correct way. We were sure we were heading the right direction so he joined our little bus, only to realise a bit later we had gone the wrong way. We checked the map, and worked out we could go along a creek bed, and meet the original path we should be on. We got a phone call from the Race Director a few minutes later, to say we were wrong, we could either go back and find the correct course, or take a 1 hour penalty.

Images supplied

We decided to take the 1 hour penalty, as it would have probably taken longer to go back and redo. So we carried on, and eventually found the correct trail. We were quite happy hiking along, chatting, and enjoying the trail, it was a bit undulating, some small rocky trails. I was following Bianca, and the others behind me, until, wham, I tripped on a rock and fell forward and smashed my left shoulder down on a rock. Bugger, I couldn’t get up, I had rolled on to my back, but I couldn’t get up. I felt we were on a slope, and needed help to get on my feet. My shoulder was quite painful, hoping it would ease off, we started walking again. I did take some Panadol, and we did end up putting my arm in a sling. Bugger, I was so cross. At least I could walk, that was something, but we did call ahead to see if a medic could meet us at the next aid station. We did have a lovely surprise in the sky though, Bianca noticed the pink sky, and we realised it was the aurora, and it was beautiful, and easily seen with the naked eye. What a treat that was. Daylight eventually came, and also so did the style to climb over, and the track to take us to the aid station. Carey, the medic, met us at the style, and spoke to me, asking if I wanted a lift to the aid, but I wanted to wait until we got to the aid station to be assessed. She was happy to follow us. Also Ben drove out to meet us, he was RD, just checking I was ok. Once there, I was pretty sure the medics would probably not let me continue, but they assessed me, and decided to let me continue. I had Panadol osteo to help the pain, and I had Bianca. We toasted our next leg with a shot of peanut butter whisky with Michelle, for medicinal purposes only, and after a rest and some food, Bianca and I headed off on what was going to be a long tough section, with one arm and one pole!

This next section had creek bed, Mt Arden and Warren gorge, and was going to be tough. I had Shaun’s words ringing in my ear from the race briefing, if you don’t think you will make the next aid station, don’t leave! I knew it was going to take a long time, it was around 22kms, and the most amount of vert! We set off in good spirits though, and I was determined to do this. The pain level in my shoulder was minimal, amazingly, so the Panadol was working. Eventually we were climbing over boulders up the creek bed, and I was grateful everything was dry, and managed to negotiate most without Bianca having to help too much. Until we got to a dry waterfall, about 2 metres high!! Hmm there was only a couple of spots to put your foot to climb up, this was going to be a challenge! Somehow I got up with Bianca pushing me, but then I was stuck. Almost laying down, at the top, but I couldn’t move anything! Bianca had to climb up over the top of me, and somehow managed to pull my good arm enough so I could get up from my crouched position and use my legs! Hmm that was challenging.

Finally out of the rocks and we now were out on the ridge, heading to Mt Arden in the distance. With only one arm and one pole my ascents and descents were slow, but was making forward progress, and the views were incredible up there. Finally after many smaller summits we made it to the top of Mt Arden, it was very windy up there, and quite cool. We also had service up there and I was able to call my husband, and fill him in with what had happened with my arm. So finally we were on the long descent down towards Warren gorge, I took it very carefully, I didn’t want to slip and land on my shoulder, but we made it down safely. Warren gorge was beautiful, but we seemed to be in there for ever, again lots of rocks and boulders, and I was glad nothing was slippery, and this time nothing that I couldn’t get over or around. 

Images supplied

Once out of the gorge it was some simple tracks that finally led us to the aid station, where Robbie was waiting for us. It had taken us nearly 10 hours to do this section, and I was very relieved to get it done. As we got to the aid station our new buddy Nicola, was just about to leave, she had done well. 

Carey, our medic checked me over, and then switched shift with Kath who took over. While here, we ate, had our feet checked, Kath checked my arm, we changed some clothes, put warmer clothes on, as it was getting dark, and I had a short nap. When we left it had cooled right down and was now dark. This next section was mostly along the side of the road, flat and not technical, thank goodness, but it was nearly 18kms to Dutchmen’s Stern, our next aid station. It was an uneventful section, until we were blessed with the aurora again in the sky. Early this time, it was about 9pm, but oh so beautiful, how lucky were we to see it a second time. Eventually we came to the gravel road that was the turn off towards the aid station, and couldn’t wait until we finally saw the glow of lights. Our friend Melissa was running this aid station, and we were excited to see her, but once there found she was having a well-deserved sleep. Robbie was there with all our gear, and we decided to have a quick stop, have some soup, and get on our way to do the 10km loop around and back to the aid station, and then have a longer rest.

I was very cautious, the trail was quite technical and narrow, and there were a number of switch backs. I was slow, so Bianca would go ahead, and then stop, sit down and rest her sore feet, while waiting for me. This section is supposed to be beautiful with stunning views, but in the dark, we just saw the occasional lights in the distance. A couple of times my foot slipped, and it would jar my arm, but again I was coping, the pain level still bearable. I was so happy when we got back to the aid station, Mel had lovely comfy laid back chairs, and warm rugs to wrap us in. Robbie sorted out our water bottles etc, and went and napped in the car. It was freezing! I fell asleep almost straight away, it was so cosy and warm. We decided to wait until daylight in the hope that it would warm up, and start our last section, woo hoo. It was about 12 kms to the finish line, and for some reason we thought it was going to be an easy section, our thoughts were flattish, and mostly gravel road.

But, just before we left Ben, one of the RDs, came and spoke to us, firstly to see how I was doing, and also mentioned there were some hilly, and technical parts. Hmm didn’t expect that! Anyway, we left the aid station, after a shot of fireball to warm us up, and headed out to find the track to the paddocks. First problem encountered was a locked gate which I had no chance of climbing over, fortunately Bianca managed to prise open some wires in the fence to enable me to get through. The next few kilometres were following a fence line through paddocks that were hilly, which was fine until we came to a steeper ascent that had loose rock on the surface!

I knew I would struggle, Bianca raced up like a mountain goat, and I tried holding on to a loose fence wire, but also had my pole in the same hand, A few metres up and my foot slipped, and I face planted in to the ground, and my shoulder hit the ground, ouch! Now I am stuck, and Bianca has to now come down and rescue me! As she waltzes down, I hear her say, “I didn’t sign up for this”! The only way back down was sliding on my bum, picking up dirt, rocks, leaves on the way! Finally back on flat land we had to go about 100 metres and find a goat trail that would take me up and back to the fence. I was so relieved to get up that section. Two ladies also in the race took the goat track up too, it was challenging for some with 2 arms, let alone one broken one! Finally we hit the gravel road, and we were well on the way to the last 2 or 3kms to the finish line. My lean had really developed by now, so I was not a pretty sight, but, still moving forward knowing I would make it to the finish line.

We could see the silos near where the finish line was, but it did seem to take a long time to get there! As we got closer to the finish line on the main street, I was quite emotional, I couldn’t believe we had made it to the finish line, my arm in a sling, and leaning to the right over my pole, but so very happy! A quick stop and hug with Bianca to say thank you for getting me to the finish line, and we could see and hear the bunch of friends all shouting and cheering as we left the foot path to walk along the grass and under the finish line chute!

We could hear Shaun calling our names as we crossed underneath the chute, and there were hugs everywhere, Robbie who had so selflessly looked after us, Shaun, Scott, and friends came over and gave us hugs, it was a very special finish line. 

A quick halt to festivities as Scott, dear friend and medic, says now off to ED at Port Augusta hospital now, to get an x-ray. No arguing, Robbie drove us straight to the hospital, where x ray was done, and doctor announced I had fractured my humerus head. Bugger, so arm in a sling for a while, and see your GP for assessment and referral to fracture clinic when you return to Perth.

The good news, we would make it back to the presentations and after party in Quorn, we just needed to have a shower and change of clothes. Bianca who was also exhausted, now has to look after me, but we did make the party, and enjoyed a few glasses of bubbles, and a delicious roast meal while all the presentations went on. So good to catch up with all the other runners, and our WA friends, and a great night was had.

A tough and challenging event, but so happy to have seen some amazing scenery in the beautiful Flinders Ranges. Thank you to Shaun, all the event team, RDs and medics, all the wonderful aid station volleys, and to our crewman Robbie.

PS Three weeks later I finally got in to a specialist, and x-ray showed bones not healing correctly, so surgery and a plate and screws in, and 6 weeks in a sling. I can’t wait to have my arm back!