Merapoh, Malaysia: The Magnificent Merapoh Trail

Merapoh, Malaysia.

 

Some months ago, Razif, an old running buddy, we met at the first North Face Thailand in 2012, asked me if I could join TMMT: The Magnificient Merapoh Trail. It is 60k run organized by Razif, Khairi and Running Project Malaysia. Merapoh is a village surrounded by limestones hills with caves. Most of them are undiscovered. Only 12 are opened to public. As development goes, this area is targeted by cement companies which would like to set up factories. As a results, villagers and environmentalists have no other alternative than showing local authorities that development is not bind to cement factories but can comes with tourism. Their starting point: a trail race that brings runners to the hills and in the caves with a couple of river crossing in between.

On the day before, we all meet up in KL for a bus taking us to Merapoh, the occasion to see again Cheryl from Philippines and start to talk with Jerry and P'Pok from Thailand. Merapoh is very beautiful area: nice and quiet.

The race starts with some km on road and dust road across farms. At the start, we are mixed between 30k and 60k. We are taking off fast. I try to keep with the lead in order to see how it can go after nearly no run since Mt Rinjani and my injury. In the dark, we are waking up a group of 50 cows which too surprise or worry start to run across our way in between runners. No one knows who are the most scared.

We are hoping accross some farms and get lost time to time due to comfy breeze which is blowing the markers. As the sun starts to rise, we arrive to the technical part of the course some single tracks with a lot of roots and a more than welcome river cross/walk. I am back with lead  boys who were going too fast for me on the flat roads. We stay in the river bed for about 300m before climbing back on the trails. It is so nice to be forced to cool down in a river.

As we come out of the water, we cannot see any markers or Marshall. Starts a good 20min when we, approximately 10 runners, try to find the correct way. There is no clear path. Fortunately, some runners spot a marshall who is coming on our way. We stay on some nice single trail before reaching a beautiful wet cave where Khairi and the team are waiting for us.

Before k30 with scooter escort

T

hen, we arrive to a checkpoint with a banner 30k Finish and Ray greeting everybody. All my running buddies stop and I am kind of lost in translation: no idea if there is anybody up front or if I went out too fast. After eating a coconut and thanking everybody, i take off. Now, I have new buddies: 4 guys on 2 motorbikes are following. At the next village, some kids are waiting and start to shout “You very good, Number 1, Number 1”. It is quite surprising but revigorating.

 

Around k40 and pit stop to change socks, I am smashed and snails are running faster. My buddies are gone. A motorcycle comes to me and then make a u turn. My mind tells me that they are checking how far I am from the second runner and it is not really a good sign. If I want to keep this hot spot, I better turn off my brain telling me that tank is empty and run faster. At the next checkpoint, in addition to many smiling faces, 3 scouters and a quad are waiting for me. I am opening the trails and my escort  is closely following. At some point, they tell me to take a left turn and for the next k we follow some trails until we figured out that it’s been a long time since we saw the last marker. Hop we make u turn, everybody is laughing because we are all thinking the same: “No matter it is only difficult for this stupid runner". We catch up a dust road. My buddies go ahead, stop, light a cigarette while waiting for me. And it is going on and on. Just before the next checkpoint, a nice single track descent is waiting. One guy comes with me and we are having a lot of fun as he is sliding all along the way to the checkpoint. After this checkpoint, legs are empty and burning but they are driven by the fear of seeing somebody coming back. The last 10k are very difficult, lack of training and heat are easy to feel. Fortunately, everybody is happy and smiling. I can’t stop to thank my unexpected buddies.

 

On the right, the best motorcycle buddy.
He, continuously, followed me for 30k

Finish is there, I am so relieved and happy to see Ray, Khairi and the team at the finish.We go for many pictures of the winning team: scooter boys and running boy, the quad left a couple of km ago.

For the next hours, I stay at the finish line trying to stretch and greeting runners coming in. Soreness, tiredness can’t remove this naive smile from my face similar to a kid who open his presents on Christmas day

Result is 58k in 6h25. Happily surprised to hold on a good pace in these circumstances.

TMMT is very nice run and a good way to start trail running  because there are beautiful trails but not too technical. Organizing team is great and it was superb to see so many smiling faces in all the villages we crossed.

Now, i need to get ready to spend more times in rivers and caves for the TMMT new 100k course.

Indonesia, Lombok, Mt Rinjani

Lombok, Indonesia.

This year, our vacations mixed with running were taking us to Lombok, Indonesia. The plan was to run Mount Rinjani Ultra. A run, I had in my mind for the last 2 years. It follows the trekking route up to Mt Rinjani with 52k with approximately 5200m up and 5200m down.

Sun is slowly coming out on the way up to Mt Rinjani

Ten days prior to the run, with Sai, we set off to Lombok. As soon as we landed, we drove to Mt Rinjani foothills, Senaru. Sai never experienced big mountains so I thought it could be a good way to show her how nice it is to spend long days in beautiful surroundings. As expected, it was not an easy journey but she surprised me in many ways, keeping calm, digging deep and invoking a free access to Cat Café, I could not say no. 

  

Rinjani is a magical place which offers beautiful views, sunrise and sunset. The only downside is the respect of the nature. Trails are amazingly polluted, trekking are luxurious (super comfortable, lot of food) and it generates waste which are not carried down by nearly all trekking companies. After 3 days of superb trekking, we carried our heavy legs for some rest on Gili Islands and Senggigi. Basically doing nothing apart from enjoying the beaches and quietness. On the race day, I met up with Regis, a French runner I first met at UTMF and TMBT. Starting time was at 10pm but we had to register at 10am. We killed the time talking with other runners, reading, trying to sleep (I could not) and going to Senaru waterfalls.

The North Face Thailand 100 in 2012, first meet up with Ray

Before starting, I met some old buddies, Razif and Alvin that I had the chance to pace at UTCM 2015, a 3 days run between Chiang Mai and Chiang Dao. To my surprise, there are also Thai runners, easily recognizable with their Thai flagged wooden sticks who were surprised as well to see a foreigner coming and greeting them in Thai.

The race starts with 10k of climb passing from jungle trail (600m) to open space trails (2600m). I try to push hard on the first 3k which are runnable in order to not be stuck in the traffic. Very quickly, I can feel the heat in the legs. Scenery when we are coming out of the jungle is fabulous. Open space with hundred stars. Headlamp is nearly useless. I can spot 4 small lighthouses above me trying to make their way up the first rim.

Maybe too enchanted by the trails, I don't notice the markers and follow some trails straight up the mountain instead of taking a turn to follow the ridge. With an Indonesian runner, we continue our climb until some porters awaken by our lights tell us to go back down. In the process, 4/5 runners, including Regis, followed us on the wrong way. At least, it permits me to start talking with Ullas, an Indian runner, that I saw at North Face Thailand. After sometimes, we finally managed to find our way to the first check point which marks the start of a super technical descent to the lake: 600m in 3k. We are small group trying to run. One after each other, we slip, fall but fortunately nobody get a bad one. When we reach the lake, there is a 3k window for running. I have some strange pain in the legs and can't cruise as I wanted. This lead us to 2k climb back to 2600m for one of the hardest section of the course. I stick with Regis. We are both suffering a lot. Time to time, I am lying on the ground in foetus position due to stomach cramps. We are relieved when we arrive at the second rim, base camp prior to start final ascend to Mt Rinjani. We are out since 5h and I have run/walk/crawl only 17k. We can see the trails enlightened by Trekkers lamps. They are already on their way up the first section. Trails are congested but it is not a bad news because it make it easier for us to push because steps are already imprinted in the sand. Somebody already struggled before... At the end of the first section, I find myself alone. The climb is really fun as we are mixed with surprised trekker who cheer us or question us. A good way to keep life in my sleepy body.

Before the start the final section, I see 2 runners flying down (1h30 ahead of me). The last hundred meters are very tough as we are opening the trail. Rinjani catch phrase is completely making sense in this situation: one step up, two steps down. To my surprise, there is no check at the top, only 3 American trekkers who started very early. It is 5am.

Sunrise at Sembalun Rim while refuelling

No time to wait for the sunrise, the way down is super fun: running / sliding in between Trekkers. Not sure, they enjoyed the dusty cloud created. I also have a chance to meet Ray on his way up. At the rim, I take some time for refill and make the next downhill with Regis and Ullas. 

Unfortunately, on the way down,I am having a bad jump reception. Ankle went off and is really painful. At the checkpoint, I let Ullas and Regis go ahead. Race is finished for me, now it is just a matter 'get this done'. In the coming uphill, I catch up with Ullas. Many runners coming down cannot continue the race, injured or broken by the climbs. They are on their way to Sembalun, closest village, in order to get on the back of a truck. This is one of the race specificity, if anything happens, you are on your own, and have to get down to the next village. Back to the rim, a Hong Kongese runner joins us. We will make most of our journey back together. We are smashed and move at snail pace. After refilling at Senaru rim, we start walking the last 10k downhill. As I just want to finish as soon as possible, I leave my companions and run the downhill. My ankle takes off a second time. Finally after 16h25, I cross the line, 6th. This run is not really a race but more a journey. I am glad I spent this journey with nice guys.

It was very tough for the body, I had the impression to be on the edge all day. Having stomach issues did not make it easier. I had the impression to run on an empty tank no matter how much food I was eating.

Rinjani is definitely a run I want to do again. It is a must for anyone who like big mountains.

April 2014: UTMF

This trip has been so awaited during the past months. Training has not been really fantastic or efficient due to a lack of time and sleep. Anyway, we are taking off to Osaka 2 weeks prior UTMF: 2 peaceful weeks without running only sightseeing and rest. 

It leads us to Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan, Tokyo and Mt Fuji. This country is really beautiful and it is amazing how strong are the traditions and respect for the nature in such a modern environment.

Kyoto run

In Kyoto, I could not resist to go for an early rainy run in the old city. Streets were still quietly sleeping: an amazing run.

Two days before the run, we arrive at Kawaguchiko. The lake with Mt Fuji on the back ground is an amazing scenery. Peacefully, we are enjoying some easy bike ride around the lake while top runners from North Face Team and Buff Team are training hard...

The day before the run Sai had to fly back to Thailand. Fortunately, Patrice, a french runner, organized a meet up with all the french runners. Everybody have many stories to tell and all are really impressive. I feel really inexperienced compared to them. After while, we are all going to the press conference. It is quite late and we can clearly see that all Top Runners are eager to get back to their room and get some rest. Anyhow, it is nice to see these guys that we usely see in beautiful videos on Youtube.  Of course, we cannot miss the pictures with Francois d'Haene, Sebastien Chaigneau, Nathalie Mauclair and Tsuyoshi Kaburaki.

The night and hours before are passing by very slowly. I am really stressed out and eager to see how far I can go. 
Before the start, we manage to catch up with Robyn, running mate from Manaslu Race but we don't manage to find our other Manaslu buddy, George. It is always good to see again happy faces and friendly persons. 

Kawagushiko-Fujiyoshida K18.2:

At some points, it is time to start. I am in the back of back pack and we are moving slowly. I take it very easy. This first section is not technical. We are running on road and then we start climbing on forest road. There is no need to try running, road is still too congested to run, a steady walk is sufficient to bring us up to the first climb with an amazing view on Kawagushiko Lake. The sun is desperately trying to come back but the rain doesn't let it go. 

Lake Kawagushiko

We come down on the road before entering on some single track. As expected, there is trail traffic jam and patience is required. We still have a long way to go.  Arriving at Fujiyoshida is really fun as there are lot of people cheering us in the streets. After 2h39min, everything seems to be fine.

Still looking fresh but not for long

Fujiyoshida - Niju Magari K33.4:

This section profile look very tough. After some nice Km on the road and forest trails, night is surrounding us. We are constantly climbing. We are now on technical single track trails. It is completely packed and we are nearly not moving in this section where it is required to scramble up and use ropes to climb down. Nobody is taking any risk to fall and get injured. Unfortunately, it starts to be very cold and windy and there is no possibility to get warm. I feel relieved when we finish this section and start to run again on some nice ridge trails in the forest. Quietness in the forest is very impressive like if we were just phantoms crossing it. Nobody dares to speak, everybody is focus, digging deep in their mind. After 3h30min, I finally arrive at the Aid Station which is located in the middle of nowhere. I try to not lose too much time because cut off time is not far behind.

Niju Magari - Yamanakako K39.3:

This section is very nice: a short uphill and then long downhill to Yamanakako along a slippery single track trail. Arrived in the village, it is 10pm but there is still many people on the side of the road pushing us as much as they can. It is really providing extra strength. 1h

Yamanakako - Subashiri K55.7:

It is very similar to the previous section up and down in the forest. Trails are slippery so I take it very easy and enjoy the silence and views on the villages located on each side of the ridge. It is nearly 1 am when I reach Aid Station. I feel very cold, tiredness is knocking at the door. Local soup are more than welcome to try to awake my sleepy mind. 2h40min

Subashiri - Tarobo K65.6:

When I was preparing for this run, I identify this part as a good section to take very easy: a long and constant climb to the next Aid Station. Plan was to forget about running and just walk fast, recover and get a lot food in to be ready for the next more runnable sections. Unfortunately, things are not always going according to plan. Tiredness completely took over and I was walking at snail pace, not really knowing where I was. I started to fill nauseous, impossible to eat anything and the first hallucinations started. I thought there were motorbikes riding on the trails with us. All this got me really worried, we had only done 60K and it was only 2am in the first night. Doubts were overwhelming. I had no idea if I could finish. Arrived at Tarabo, I managed to get in some Miso soup and Onigiri. It was sure not enough but i could not swallow any bar or gel. At this point, I decide to forget thinking further than next Aid Station. I will just have fun without thinking if I should keep some energy in stock or whatever.  2h of strolling along the trail 

Tarobo - Mizugatsuka K71.5:

With this new mindset and some very good music (General Lee and Cult of Luna), i enjoyed this road run. When I left Mizugatsuka, the sun was rising over Mt Fuji, a pure moment of Happiness. 40min









Mizugatsuka - Kodomo-No-Kuni K80.5:

Half way in the run, This section is really fun . We are on some technical single track. My brain is turned off, I am running like if I was an easy footing at home. We, finally, reach some forest roads. Sun is now back with us At this aid station, our drop bag is waiting for us. For me, it revealed to be useless as I did not eat much since the beginning, no refueling required. Miso soup is still the only thing I can eat. Mt Fuji is offering us a lot of energy, view is amazing and make me forget about everything. 1h15min

Kodomo-No-Kuni - Awakura K94.9:

This section was a nearly flat forest road. Kind of part which looks easy to run but which is also mind destroyer because it is endless and straight. I catch up with Eric, a french runner, I met the day before. It is good to share the feelings and actually to speak after remaining silent for almost 17 hours. To my surprise, tiredness is not accompanying me. 1h50

Awakura - Nishi-Fuji K104.4:

We are on our way to the tough section of this run. I try to keep up with Eric and enjoy the downhill to Nishi-Fuji. It seems that we are on ski slope with the forest open on our side. I try to get some food but nausea is still preventing anything to get in. We can see the dramatic Tenshi Mountains in the foreground who are wisely waiting for us. 1h30

Nishi-Fuji - Fumoto K123.3:

At this Aid station, Eric and I discuss on how to survive to Tenshi Mountains and how long we are going to spend on this 20K without any water supply and a lot of vertical climbs and downhills. He starts a little bit ahead of me and we just think that we will catch up later but in fact, I will never see him again until the end of the run. Nishi-Fuji is the shifting point of the run for me. From a very tough but doable run, it turned to be a survival run. Being reluctant to admit that a short nap was required at this point was a big mistake. 

Mt Fuji on the way to Fumoto

2K after leaving Aid Station, tiredness was hammering me. I just sat in a bush on the side of the road, set the alarm to 15 min later and start to sleep. Several times, some runners stopped by and woke me up thinking that I was unconscious. Of course, I did not hear the alarm and slept 30 min. The first climb in the Tenshis' was nice and tough vertical K (700m up in 3k). Passing a lot of runners was feeding the mind but stomach was still refusing any help. At the end of second climb out of 5, I take another short nap. It will appear to be the standard for the last 60k get a nap at each summit no matter how long or big was the climb. It is pretty hot and sunny and I start to run out of water. Downhill are even more complicated. Due to rain in the past days, trails are very slippery and even at snail/sleepy pace, using trees and ropes on the side is required to avoid falling down every steps. Knees are rusty and painful. I am so relieved when I reach Fumoto after 7h of wandering in the mountain. So happy and tired that I miscalculate how far I am from the end: 3 more section to go but my mind imagines only 2 sections need to be overcome. 
This Aid section is very impressive. There is more than 200 persons waiting for their friends, relatives, husband or wife to come. Seeing all this joy when somebody awaited arrives is very beautiful but also increase loneliness feelings deep inside.

Fumoto - Motosuko K138.6:

Sun is now going down, we are entering in the second night out in the nature. Landscape are beautiful and very familiar, I have the impression to be at home. Trails is easy and flat. Fresh runners from STY are passing us. They are literally flying compared to us, old tortoises. After a 10min nap far from the trail to avoid being woke up, a big climb starts and i am passing people that will pass me in the downhill later. Knees are crying and I am falling very often. Trails are a little bit snowy and frozen. We arrived on road around a lake. All the villages around look beautiful. Finally, I figure out that that there is still 30Km to go and instead of the 15Km, I hoped. It is demoralizing as I quickly understand that with my snail pace and lamenting knees, I will spend another full night out.  My hotel room with a shower and hot bed is calling. Temptation tried stick to my mind but is very quickly evacuated.
Motosuko aid station is also completely packed up. People cry and cheer each other. I try to get on mattress for a sleep but there is no place. I sat and sleep with my head on my knees for 30min.  3h20min

Motosuko - Narusawa K157.9:

We directly climb up above the aid station. Legs feels ok but tiredness is still overwhelming. I play cat and mouse with many runners: passing them, pacing them for little while until they slow down and then let them pass again due to nap on the side of the trail. It is weird every 15min, I just sit down for 2min nap. After a couple of climb, we are back down in the valley. I am freezing cold, and shivering while trying to walk. My mind doesn't understand that shivering is not related to cold but lack of sleep. I take off my survival blanket desperately thinking it will help. I try to persuade my self to go on, keep looking at my arm where I wrote names of some Key Persons; without them I won't be the same guy. At some point, we are talking together. I am not on a road in Japan but somewhere  else in the world with them. But I don't know  where. Discussion is endless and refortifying. I start feeling some slaps on my shoulder and come back to reality. A Japanese Runner tries to speak to me: "Aid station, 1 mile". I, then, realized that I am speaking to a wooden barrier on the side of the pavement. This scary feeling that I am a stranger in this body and there is no control pushes me to the next checkpoint. There is no other option left than sleeping. I stay there for approximately 1h; sleeping like baby even though I am directly lying on a parking trying to cope with the cold of fresh morning next to Mt Fuji.
After this nap, i still can't eat anything but boosted only 12K to go and I want to enjoy them.
Crazy time: 6h40min for 20k!?

Walk of the dead after a nap

Narusawa - Kawakuchiko K169:

For the first time, the idea of finishing the run is popping up in my mind. Energy is very low but happiness is full. The last climb is not easy and it is even worse for the downhill. But no matter, I take it like a morning jog, no need to think just enjoy and of course fall (a lot) on these technical trails. The last 3K or so around Lake Kawaguchiko are amazing. It is hard to describe all feelings running around my head. It is also impressive to see how many people are waiting for some known faces and how there are cheering all runners/crawlers arriving. Race director is also waiting for all runners at the finish line. He must be more tired than me to congratulate everybody.
Right after arriving, it is quite fun. A guy is coming to ask questions about the run and record everything with his microphone. I don't know what he is really doing. I don't really remember what I told him apart the answer to the question: "Will you do it again?" Yes, I have too.
2h

simple thing that make everything possible

Total: 40h56min 396/730 finshers and 1206 at the starting line

This experience was more than a simple run. It was long and deep introspection, trying to find resource when there is nothing left. Being out in the nature for more than 40h without eating for nearly 30h was something I did not expect. Energy depletion is a very impressive and unbeatable phenomenon.
There is so much to learn from such a journey.

Kyoto run

Kyoto run

Starting line

Mt Fuji from Fujiyoshida 

2014, January: Columbia Trail Master 50k and The North Face Thailand 100k

After the last run for 2014 and more than a year without writing anything, it is maybe time to put some words on this busy year. 
Running wise, everything started in November 2013 when I got into Ultra Trail Mt Fuji (168k 9xxxm ascent and 9xxxm descent), a good way to combine holiday and crazy stupid run. I just wanted to finish this race in one piece. In order to get ready for the challenge, I planned to run Columbia Master Trail, Khao Mai Keow, in January (50k and some up & down) and The North Face Thailand, Khao Yai, in February (100k and 2xxxm up and 2xxxm down). It is surely not the most adapted training: too hot and too flat but we will see.

1st Loop, still fresh

Khao Mai Keow is approaching very fast and I haven't really trained at all. Just spent most of the time preparing our wedding and the trip for my family. This run is 2 x 25k loop, so I decide to push it a little on the first loop to see how are the legs and then take it easy during the second loop to not feel too tired afterward. The run starts very fast. I recognize a couple of fast guns, many runners try to follow their rhythm. I am really surprise and just let it go. After less than 2k, my back starts to be completely wet and something is dripping along my legs. My bladder just blew up, releasing all the electrolyte and destroying my plastic bag with electrolyte powder. So, it will be only water for today. The rest of the run is not going to bad. First loop is quickly done in a little less than 2h30. The second loop is more complicated. Legs start to be sore and heat is taking its toll. With my snail pace, I catch up with some runners who had pushed it too hard too early. The run ends in little bit less than 6h (I have no idea about the exact time) and 9th position. It is a surprise as I thought I will completely blow up in the second loop.

One month later, North Face Thailand is already knocking at the door. It is a pleasant way to catch up with some good running mates, Tarmo and Vlad.
TNF is falling the same weekend than my company "team building" weekend in Khao Yai. So I spend Friday night with my colleagues, trying to not be tempted by beers. It is 3h in morning, my room mate comes to sleep after a few many beers. He starts to apologize for all the noise and we laugh like stupid guys when I tell him that it doesn't matter as I am leaving to the run in less than an hour. Good way to start a day!
TNF is a 2 x 50k loop, very flat and straight. Kind of runs that look more easy than there really are. From the past year experience, I planned to run hard until the sun is high in the sky and it starts to beat us. When it starts to get hot, my mind will be forced take over from my legs no matter how tired they are.

Happy Morning

50K and 100K runners start in the same time. It is still dark and people are literally flying out. I am caught up in this flow and go too fast. After 20k mark, pace is slowing down and I start to catch up many runners. Surprisingly, the course is quite different from last year. Some more short up & down. We even have 2 single track sections (not too technical but fun enough). The end of the loop is always fun as we catch up 25k and 10k runners. It always makes me happy and full of energy when you can see people who are pushing it and are smiling when you cheer them.
At the end of the loop, I ask how far are Vlad and Tarmo. There are 1st and 4th and I feel really happy for them. Volunteers tell me that I should also be happy for myself as I am 8th. This is big surprise as I have no expectation at all. After refueling, I take off for another loop with big smile. The pleasant time is quickly vanishing, same my water does. I hardly made it to the next aid station where I met a Finnish runner who is already back from the small 3k loop we have to do. He is also struggling with heat but still look strong, It is better to not try to catch him up. During the loop, I feel better on these 'shady' trails. On the way back , I start to get worry as I see 4 runners on their way in the loop. They are really close and my pace is way to slow to feel confident. No matter, it is time to have fun in the technical part of the course. This trail is sending us back to a very long stretch on dirt road. I have nearly no water and I impatiently wait for the water station which is supposed to be close. Surprisingly, it has been closed after so no more water for the next 6k or 7k. It pushes me into very dark spot. Until the end, it is a big struggle made of slow running and fast walk. After 85k, 3 runners catch me. With Remi, one of them, we stay together for while before I take off. We were more focusing on our discussion than finishing the run and were walking too slow. After 13h25min, the run is finally finished. 9th position, this is again really surprising.
It was a good run with no injury which is good sign. Nevertheless, it is really frustrating to be so easily beaten up by the heat. 
There is still long way to go and to train before I could eventually imagine finishing UTMF.

Struggling afternoon

TMBT Ultra Trail, Borneo

TMBT Ultra trail, Borneo
  Cette course a lieu dans la province de Sabah (plus connue sous le nom de Borneo), Malaisie. Elle nous donne le droit pendant 50km ou 100km de courir autour du Mont Kinabalu, à travers des champs de riz et autres légumes et la jungle.

Depuis le Manaslu Mountain Trail Race, j'avais vraiment envie de replonger dans une course 'dure' contrairement aux 'Ultras' en Thaïlande qui privilégient surement trop le nombre d'entrées au fun run et 10km/20km pour pouvoir proposer de véritables challenges. Du coup en Février dernier me voilà embarquer pour le TMBT 100k et ces 5200m de dénivelé positif et 4000m de descente.  Entre Février et Septembre, la préparation a été plutôt bordélique, sans véritable ligne de conduite. Le temps et les montagnes/collines me manquent vraiment. Cela s'avèrera finalement fatal le jour J. 4 courses jalonnent le parcours vers le TMBT: le North Face Thailand (100k sur des trails plutôt faciles où la chaleur est le principal adversaire, 13h38), Relentless Chiang Mai (une course de 12h sur un parcours de 4km, pour laquelle je m'étais inscrit pour 12h mais au bout de 5h le sommeil s'est immiscé violemment et j'ai préféré arrêter après 52km en 5h40, Columbia Trail Master (le meilleur trail en Thaïlande agrémenté d'un gros orage juste avant la course, 50k en 6h34) et enfin Bangkok Ultra Trail (50k en 5h40 en répétant 7 fois le même parcours, relativement ennuyeux mais bon entrainement à la chaleur).
Avant la course, l'inquiétude est grande. La fatigue accumulée au boulot et le manque flagrant d'ascension risquent de rendre la course encore plus dure qu'elle ne l'est déjà.

Premiere riviere

Il est déjà temps d'embarquer dans le bus qui nous amène au point de départ.
A cause du retard accumulé, les organisateurs font partir les 800 participants en même temps sur les mono traces... Après un premier pont suspendu congestionné, nous voilà face à la première difficulté (typique de la course) une montée sèche (100m de grimpette en moins de 500m)  sur de pierres humides et racines. La première rivière à traverser est déjà là, un courant fort, de l'eau jusqu'au bassin la couleur est annoncée (50min pour arriver au premier ravito situe a seulement 5km du départ). Nous suivons  la rivière jusqu'au ravito 2 dans une sorte de plat Népalais humide. Les vraies difficultés commencent juste après ce ravitaillement: 950m de montée et 585m de descente sur 12km. Après une énorme montée, nous nous retrouvons à jouer aux montagnes russes sur une crête entourée de champs d'ananas et de rizières avec une vue fabuleuse sur la base du Kinabalu et ces nombreuses cascades. Le rythme est relativement élevé et je commence à avoir des crampes (je ne comprends toujours pas d'où cela vient). Par la suite nous quittons les crêtes pour une longue boucle dans la jungle. A plusieurs reprises, je chute et n'arrive pas à me relever, les crampes en profitant pour me venir me déranger. Mes compagnons de course s'éloignent. Puis une énième chute me met à terre pendant plus 5min ce qui est relativement long quand on est seul dans la jungle et incapable de bouger.

A la fin de cette boucle exotique, je croise Jagjit, un compagnon de course au Népal, à presque 1h30 derrière après seulement 20km de course (et moi qui ai peur du nombre d'heure que je vais passer sur les chemins).  La descente jusqu'au 3^eme ravito est vraiment belle, la vallée et les crêtes s'offrent à nos yeux.

Le 3eme ravito, où certains coureurs du 100k sont déjà en train d'attendre un bus après avoir abandonné est le début d'un très long épisode pluvieux ou plus précisément d'une tempête qui durera environ 5h. 5h durant lesquelles je suis arrivé à faire seulement 18 petits km: de très grosses montées sur des routes oscillant entre 10% et 20% et une partie mono trace qui est désormais un petit torrent. Je suis entièrement détrempé et espère arriver rapidement au 50k pour pouvoir me changer.  Cependant, de nombreuses chutes associées aux crampes et au fait que je suis complètement seul depuis longtemps (seul un Anglais navigue a +/- 5min au grès de nos arrêts respectifs), détruisent le peu d'optimisme qu'il me reste.  Je verrai au 50km  s’il est raisonnable de passer encore 10h sur les chemins de nuits.

Cretes

Malheureusement après une session de glisse dans une descente ultra boueuse, toute trace de volonté s'est évanouie. L'hôtel au 50km sera la fin de ma course. J'appréhende trop de passer la nuit complétement seul avec les crampes qui vont et viennent.
Il m'aura fallu 11:00 pour faire 50km! Le plus étonnant est que j'ai abonné en étant 37 sur plus de 200 cent bornards et que seulement 49 personnes sur 500 (coureurs du 100k et 50k) étaient déjà passés....
Cette course malgré tous les aléas était vraiment bien. Dans chaque village, beaucoup de gens curieux à la vue de ces tortues venaient à notre rencontre et cela permettait d'avoir un sourire figé sur nos visages (peut-être pas tout le temps quand même) et les paysages étaient vraiment fabuleux notamment sur les crêtes au début ou vers le milieu de la course quand la brume s'est échappée pour laisser place à une étendue de collines verdoyantes. TMBT est vraiment une course que je devrais refaire et finir.

Maintenant, place à un peu de repos/entrainement jusqu'au Columbia Trail Master en janvier et North Face 100 en Février, avant certainement une nouvelle grosse aventure encore indéterminée.