Epilogue to Against all Odds
Val Muskett is used to encountering problems on her way through life (See Against all Odds) but has still managed to do pretty well.
Representing New Zealand seven times makes her one of the country’s most reliable ultra athletes. Running through illness makes her one of the most durable.
October saw the two Musketts, Val the athlete and husband John ‘pit crew’ departing for Seoul, South Korea to take part in the World 24-Hour championships. Val had qualified a year earlier in Canada covering 200.478km and finished 11th lady in the world.
This year the Olympics, quite understandably, swallowed all Athletics New Zealand’s meagre finances; so the trip was to be totally self-funded, even down to the kit Val had to run in. The timing of the selection meant that attempts at sponsorship were almost impossible and if it hadn’t have been for the support of New Zealand companies (food supplements, massage oils, chaffing creams and cap lights) plus financial assistance from the Skeggs Foundation Otago, the Muskett budget would have blown out past the $5,500 they had to spend on travel and accommodation.
They knew the journey would be tiring and hard, and again true to form, everything that could go wrong did go wrong, but when efforts were made to rectify the problems the results were better than could have been hoped for. Cancelled flights meant change of check-in which meant baggage booked through to Seoul from Christchurch – no Auckland pick-up. Quick check-in at Auckland saw Val and John given four seats – plenty of sleep for Val. A 4:40am arrival at Seoul meant an official came and collected the Kiwi pair from the airport and delivered them to the hotel. All other teams were left stranded and had to organise and pay for their own transport across Seoul.
A check-in time of 2pm was changed to 10:20 as the pair arrived at the desk as there was a change of receptionist – other teams had to wait until 2pm and the Canadians were given rooms with no beds.
A chance encounter with the English officials meant John and Val were tipped off about a local steakhouse – vital as all food provided by the hotel was Korean and Val needs her fish and chips before a big race.
The hotel was utilitarian and adequate and only 1.5km away from the course, which was a good thing as on the day of the race the competitors and crews had to walk to the start and the finish.
On the day of the race Seoul’s smog never appeared instead clear blue skies greeted the 162 runners who were representing 26 countries.
They gathered in the middle of the 923 metre course to listen to the officials tell them they outnumbered the athletes who competed in the world half marathon championships, while wondering how they were all going to fit on the narrow short course.
The race began; the human caterpillar took to the track, winding its way around the eight tight left-hand turns that made up the course. One lap around the concrete running track, out of the gate and around the cobbled perimeter of the sports field to return to the track – time after time after time.
Val settled into her running. The marathon came and went in 4hr 12min. The temperature was now 26C in the shade – if there had been any.
Liquid supplements were being taken on every three laps but the heat was beginning to take its toll.
Ice cubes, sponges and wet handkerchiefs were applied to keep Val’s temperature down.
Seven hours gone and the first toilet stop. Climb three steps to an Asian-style Portaloo and hope there was no one already inside.
Stomach problems were becoming a problem; hourly toilet stops became half hourly.
The 100km mark achieved in less than 11 hours but the toilet was not only taking time from Val, it was also stripping her of energy.
The ultra running camaraderie came to the Kiwi’s aid; Dr Andy of Team USA produced two ginger pills.
‘Take one now and one again in six hours if no improvement,’ were the doctor’s orders.
Twelve hours gone, the temperature dropped dramatically, on with a singlet and then a polyprop, no time lost and Val was beginning to look good. Stomach settled and the heat of the day forgotten.
Fourteen hours and the far side of the track echoed to the cheers of expat Kiwis who had come to cheer Val on. A quick conversation and the Kiwis were together supporting and feeding Val the potato and gravy she needed.
Sixteen hours the track was plunged into darkness the floodlights went out. After 150 laps Val knew the course with her eyes shut so the lack of light was less of a problem for her than it was her crew, however, a cap light meant that laps were logged and food was delivered.
Seventeen hours and the lights returned, Val consolidated her lap times and was preparing for her final assault on the 200km mark.
Just before 19 hours the 100 miles was achieved the 200km was possible, but the pace couldn’t slacken. There was no need to worry, the pace increased, seven-minute laps became 6:30 as Val (16th) put in a massive effort to catch the four girls who were just in front of her and leave the four chasing girls in her wake.
Four hours to go and only time for Coke and ice cubes. Val was now cutting through the field, as the others slowed and walked Val was moving like a well oiled machine; each lap 6:30 or quicker.
Twenty-eight minutes to go and could she complete four more laps and reach the coveted 205km?
Why wonder? With true grit Val powered on, through the flags, past the waving crowds, pushing through the cameras with dogged determination Val crossed the start-finish line with 1:02 minutes to go, another 130 metres to add to the total. The count down to the drum that marked the end, then Val had to stand and wait on the track until the official put the chalk mark behind her feet and it was all over, time for a sit down and a rest.
With 222 laps completed and a total of 205.140km covered. Val finished 11th in the world and first in the Commonwealth, not bad for a 54-year-old mother of three.
What awaited her after this monumental achievement? The 1.5km walk back to the hotel for a shower and a lie down and a very gentle massage of her tired legs.
Story by John Muskett
Val has now qualified to run in the World Championships in Italy in May but would prefer to compete in the inaugural Commonwealth Championships in England in September. Again funding may be an issue; it won’t stop her.
In the past Val has received ongoing assistance from EAS, Horleys, Balance, Neat 3B, Dul-x, and Manuka Health Honey, Energiser Batteries and The Skeggs Foundation of Otago.
Any further help would be appreciated. Please contact jmuskett@xtra.co.nz