20/05/2026
Imagine starting a car race before dawn and speeding your car around the track for 5 hours. You then limp around on idle late into the night after using the wrong fuel, collecting the wheels on a few kurbs as you splutter along. At about midnight you speed up and launch the car Evil Knievel style off a ramp to finish - that pretty much sums up how Saturday was on Phil's UTA 100km run 😅
The rest of this is a lot of a waffle by Phil, so read on if you dare. Maybe just know he's very grateful to the people who wished him well, and scroll on 😉
Taking on the UTA100 wasn't double the 50 with a bit more focus on nutrition and pacing. It turned out to be much more of a journey of mental resilience. Battles between positive and negative self-talk were common, while trying to suppress the constant nausea. Feelings of cold, utter depletion and with little will to go on could be flipped so quickly. Seeing familiar faces, hearing an excited cheer, or a quick sit down with some real food was so uplifting.
I'm known to be pretty stubborn at times, and as many of you know since buying the ticket, a few personal challenges forced me to back off the running. When I was able to get back to it the niggles crept in on schedule, and a bout of "man flu" a month out wasn't great. Strangely, in a fortunate way those life events proved valuable in changing the mindset when facing a problem.
This weekend highlighted that ultra running is so much more than just a running race. The comradery, mental skills learnt, and the benefits to daily life are great. It was fulfilling to prove to myself and the kids that whatever life brings, if you really want something, push on - you've got this!
Respect to all of you who made it to the start line. Just taking the challenge and making it there is an amazing achievement in itself. You're all winners 🏆
Shout outs:
Rachael, Jules, Fiona, and Josh - your support at the check points definitely made the difference between completion and a DNF! Thank you!
Supporters out on track - the timing of seeing you guys always came just at the right point. I'm so grateful you were there!
440 Glenbrook as well as my regular training buddies - the early starts and late nights are always better with company. Chatting in the weeks prior and hearing the tips and tricks was brilliant. Despite having a few big events under the belt, the 100 is an entirely different beast!
Springwood - the vest was on 🤟 see you tonight at 6pm!
Most importantly, Helen and the kids - taking on that challenge meant a huge sacrifice by you guys too, and I can't thank you enough. Arriving home in the small hours to see the "100" balloons while you were tucked up asleep meant the world. Love you guys more than you know
