The Hounslow Classic 25km Trail Run

I completed the Hounslow Classic Trail Run in the Blue Mountains on 11/10/15! Wow what a run! If you are after a mentally challenging physically exhausting BRUTAL run than this one is for you!

This run for me was not about the result, the placing or how my body felt, it was just about completing it and getting back onto the trails.

I am now 4 1/2 months post my first baby and this was the challenge that I set myself when I was 5 months pregnant. Although I did a lot of training to build the strength in my core/legs and cardio, I am pretty certain that nothing I could of done would of prepared me for the final ascent! (check it out in the map below!)

The initial part of the run was an out and back trail to an absolutely spectacular  view over the Grose Valley and Horseshoe Falls to a turn around point at Pulpit Rock, this part was undulating but having the sun rising over the mountains and the views the first 9km went past very quickly.

A quick pitstop to grab some sugar ( I would of grabbed more if I had known this was the last stop before the finish line!) 

From Govett’s Leap we headed along the Clifftop Track to Evans Lookout, taking a diversion to Neates Glen Track and through the Grand Canyon. I than found myself in some of the oldest rainforest setting in the Blue Mountains. The descent into the Grose Valley – past Beauchamp Falls and on to Junction Rock was one of the most spectacular runs I have ever done. The huge palms and ferns, the cascading water, all the while running through what felt like the purest air on earth.

From Junction Rock, we begun the ascent of Rodriguez Pass. 

The ascent was the most brutal mental challenge I have ever exeprienced, moments of immense fatigue, self doubt, mind over matter I pushed through, starting by setting small challenges, "5 more steps" "to that tree", going from 200m to 100m oh so finally I crossed the finish line!

If your after a BRUTAL challenge I cannot recommend the Hounslow Classic enough, the staff, organisers, volunteers, were all fantastic, the crowd, participants were fun and caring and overall AMAZING race!! I hope to do it again next year!

http://www.hounslowclassic.com.au/