Ultra-Trail Australia 22 – Adam Nash
From Pneumonia to the Mountains
Dear Flyers,
I thought I’d share a bit of a recap from my recent adventure at the UTA 22km in the Blue Mountains - a run that started 12 months ago with a questionable life decision and a set of lungs that weren’t quite cooperating.
I thought I’d share a bit of a recap from my recent adventure at the UTA 22km in the Blue Mountains - a run that started 12 months ago with a questionable life decision and a set of lungs that weren’t quite cooperating.
The Backstory (or: Why did I sign up for this?)
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This all began sitting on the Belmont waterfront with my brother Mike, booking race entries the moment they opened… while I was unknowingly battling pneumonia. At the time, walking 200 metres felt like an ultra, so signing up for a mountain trail race felt… ambitious.
Recovery took about three months, and to be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure I’d ever feel “normal” again. But fast forward 12 months—and thanks to some fantastic coaching from Adam (Up and Adam) and Lucas (Flowitri)—I genuinely lined up feeling stronger and more resilient than ever.
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Race Morning – Questionable Conditions
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4:30am start. Cold. Wet. Raining.
Classic “what am I doing here?” vibes. Mike (injured but still the ultimate support crew) dropped me off, and I made my way to the start at Wentworth Falls. Small wave start—maybe 50–60 runners—which kept things relaxed and friendly. After the usual band work and warm-up routine, it was game on. |
The Downhill – Controlled Chaos
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I went out steady… which quickly turned into “accidentally fast.”
The first section is downhill—usually my favourite—but the trail had other ideas. It was muddy, slippery, and my road shoes effectively became racing slicks. So instead of chasing fast lines, it became a game of “find the grip and stay upright.” Heart rate was bouncing around like a yo-yo as I tried to find rhythm, but overall, I felt strong and controlled heading down into the valley. |
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The Climbs – Where the Training Paid Off
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Once we hit the climbs… things got real.
But this is where the training kicked in. The hill “marching” strategy we’d practiced was a game changer. Instead of blowing up, I could keep my heart rate high but controlled—and started steadily passing people. Lots of people. That was a big confidence boost. |
Middle Section – Flow State Activated
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After crossing through rivers and mud (plenty of both), the course opened up into some incredible single track through forest. Massive trees, lush ferns—honestly felt like running through a prehistoric movie set.
This was my favourite section. Despite the conditions, I found a rhythm here—quick feet, flowing downhill, calling out “coming through!” as runners kindly stepped aside. Great camaraderie out there—everyone just trying to get through safely. |
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The Final Challenge – Furber Stairs
Then came the famous Furber Stairs… all 900+ of them.
There’s something humbling about seeing a sign that says, “Only 950 stairs to go.”
The plan:
It wasn’t easy, but compared to training, it actually felt manageable—which says a lot about how much strength work and preparation helps.
There’s something humbling about seeing a sign that says, “Only 950 stairs to go.”
The plan:
- Use the arms
- Keep moving
- Don’t cramp
It wasn’t easy, but compared to training, it actually felt manageable—which says a lot about how much strength work and preparation helps.
The Finish – Survival Mode
At the top, I had visions of sprinting down the finish chute like Gout Gout in a 200 metre sprint but …
Reality: tiny steps, cramp avoidance, controlled shuffle 😂
But crossing the line, seeing Mike there cheering—it was a pretty special moment.
Reality: tiny steps, cramp avoidance, controlled shuffle 😂
But crossing the line, seeing Mike there cheering—it was a pretty special moment.
Post Mortem
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Key Takeaways
- ✅ Hill training (especially marching) = absolute game changer, plus interval training and stair training, plus long runs.
- ✅ Strength work really matters
- ✅ Trail shoes would have helped… a lot (next time)
- ✅ Mental strength counts just as much as physical (body feel supported staying in a positive mental state, and Vica vera at different times of the run).
- ✅ Watermelon at aid stations = elite nutrition strategy (love that)
What’s Next?
Next stop: a flat 50km trail run in July (yes… flat sounds appealing right now). Trail shoes will definitely be making an appearance.
Thanks again to everyone for the support, training, and encouragement along the way. It’s been a huge journey from being so sick 12 months ago to getting this result.
Looking forward to seeing you all back out on the trails soon.
Happy Running… 😊
Cheers,
Nashy
Thanks again to everyone for the support, training, and encouragement along the way. It’s been a huge journey from being so sick 12 months ago to getting this result.
Looking forward to seeing you all back out on the trails soon.
Happy Running… 😊
Cheers,
Nashy
