Into the Plains

Daily Miles: 40.53 | Total Miles: 8,379.57

Last night was a restless one — lots of waking up, a runny nose, and all hints of a cold. Still, at 6:30am I got up, made myself a hot coffee, and started packing all my gear.

The hydration plan for the next three days: 13 liters of water, 1 liter of milk, and 4 reduced-price cans of energy drink. For food, I had packed the plant-based schnitzel and chips from last night’s roadhouse dinner (I’d already eaten the salad), plus chickpeas and rice for my second dinner. For the run, I stocked up on Clif Bars, protein bars, orange slices, and cookies — and kept my protein powder sealed until I cross into Western Australia. I even bought chewing gum yesterday just in case I get that dry-mouth feeling again, but happily I didn’t need it today.

By the time I stepped out of my room, the sun was just rising in the east — perfect timing for a quick photo with the whale in front of the Nullarbor Roadhouse. My nose was still all clogged up, but I felt calm, confident, and just a little nervous as I headed out into the vast plains.

The sunrise painted the sky behind me in soft pinks and oranges, and for a long while it was just me, the quiet road, and the endless landscape on both sides. A little later I reached the Nullarbor Plain Western End sign — to my surprise, the treeless stretch was much shorter than I expected! The sky stayed overcast, and a cool breeze kept me comfortable as I ran, though pushing my heavy buggy uphill was no joke. Sometimes it truly felt like I was running in place.

Thankfully, the amazing food supplies I got yesterday from the Ride4Life ladies kept me fueled. I ate a Clif Bar every 10 miles, had orange slices around mile 20, and cracked open one of my energy drinks at mile 30. Still, there was a lot of uphill running today, and with my nose running nonstop, I had to blow it every two minutes whilst running.

At mile 40 — my target for the day — I looked for a place to camp. My body was tired and that cold feeling in my head told me it was time to stop. I found a big parking area with a garbage bin I can use tomorrow morning. Not the prettiest campsite, but practical. I set up my tent in the wind, grumbling a little (no one was there to hear it, and it felt oddly good).

Now I’m already in my sleeping bag. Dinner was cold schnitzel, chips, some cookies, and oranges for dessert. Simple, but enough. I’m ready to rest and get my strength back for tomorrow.

Thanks for checking in — and thanks for being here with me on this journey.