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.
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.
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.
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 |
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 |
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.
.JPG) |
| Struggling afternoon |
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire