Alpine reconnaissance mission

Hi friends, family and supporters,


People we have spoken with have said that we should provide a little more information about the actual trail... So this blog is about what we found.


Well the first major issue is that the whole trail is paved (in many places it is just compacted gravel, like the tan, but in many other parts it is asphalt paving or the like).  This is good in that it shows the trail is well maintained and easy to follow, but the negative to this is that it is harder on our legs than trail running, which is just cleared earth.  When your running long distances this can make a major difference.  But we will do things, such as run on the soft edges that are still cleared and gravel, but not paved, where possible.


The trail we are running is undulating with a gradual incline as Wangaratta is on the flat lands while Bright is in alpine country.  There is one killer hill to Taylors Gap.  This stage is about a five kilometers slow climb which ends in a sharp incline.  It is not just physically difficult, but mentally challenging.  The incline and its ongoing nature makes you have to keep mentally on top of things and not give up.

We enjoyed the ride and are looking forward to the run, because you can get a real sense of the differences in nature between the flat lands and the alpine area.  You get to see things, but also smell the vineyards, hops which grow along the trail and bush land... It allowed us to really feel the land around us and what people were doing with it (for instance, at vineyards).  When you drive through such amazing areas you can see things, but you often can't savor what it offers nor smell the world...


Overall, the trail is going to be a serious challenge.  But we are both looking forward to it.  And we know we can do it!  Our support crews are ready and final arrangements are being made.  This week we are tapering down our training, although we will be doing a conditioning session today and then two runs this week to keep things flowing.


One final things - our friend Sheryl sent an article about an American couple living life to the full (and they are no youngsters)... They are an inspiration of life, love and adventure.  We hope to never stop adventuring.  


ALSO - get those final donations in... We are not there yet!  But we can reach our goal together.


Speak to you soon, Mountain Katts.