This was the last 10k in the 10k.cat series of this season. I ran today just for points. Doing well enough hopefully for once again entering in the first 250 male runners of this competition.
It was very warm today and after the 2 mountain training sessions earlier this week I was mainly running to complete 10k in good fashion, but certainly had no hopes for a spectacular time.
This year we started inside the shopping mall that organizes this race. Very crowded and very narrow, though on the other hand it emphasizes the popular run spirit. I start easy and soon know that under 4 minutes pace today would be to fast. The course is going up and down a lot and between that and the heat I passed 5k well above 20 minutes, and a negative split was not in my mind. I just kept running as fast as I could without going really deep and finished in 41m41, what considering everything I am happy with.
Sunday 28 June 2015
Saturday 27 June 2015
Montserrat - training
Last week I visited Montserrat - a beautiful mountainous area near Barcelona - twice with my family to continue my training for longer mountain runs. Both started from the parking area near the hermitage "La Salut" in Collbató.
The first day we went walking, my wife Montse, Jordi and me, first along the edge of the mountains and then going up. I loaded my backpack with extra water and carried some 8kg extra weight to add a training component to the walk.
The second day I went with Emma running and scrambling. After initially not finding the right path we went up very steep and then I made a mistake taking the wrong path what cost us half an hour. Once back on the track we maintained good pace and soon the hermitage of St. Joan was close enough for a good picture.
After the hermitage St. Joan the road is easier. First we run down to the place where the funicular ends that goes up from the Montserrat monastery. And there we take the path to the highest mountain in the area, St. Jeroni. In the end I miss the indication that indicates the last climb to this top and we end up on the top just next to it, but for today reaching summit at 1200 high and doing more than 1000m climbing is enough and we leave that St. Jeroni summit for another day.
Going back down, now knowing the way went quickly though it was very very warm and we arrived at the village Collbató rather tired, but very happy with the experience.
The first day we went walking, my wife Montse, Jordi and me, first along the edge of the mountains and then going up. I loaded my backpack with extra water and carried some 8kg extra weight to add a training component to the walk.
Jordi balancing on a big flat rock
Time for "bocata" and drinking water
Going up
Here we are!!! And in the picture above as well ...
High enough to see most of Catalunya
Almost back in the village Collbató
The second day I went with Emma running and scrambling. After initially not finding the right path we went up very steep and then I made a mistake taking the wrong path what cost us half an hour. Once back on the track we maintained good pace and soon the hermitage of St. Joan was close enough for a good picture.
St. Joan
Emma in front of St. Joan
After the hermitage St. Joan the road is easier. First we run down to the place where the funicular ends that goes up from the Montserrat monastery. And there we take the path to the highest mountain in the area, St. Jeroni. In the end I miss the indication that indicates the last climb to this top and we end up on the top just next to it, but for today reaching summit at 1200 high and doing more than 1000m climbing is enough and we leave that St. Jeroni summit for another day.
Emma at the summit, behind her on the left the mountains near St. Joan
Amazing views up here
Going back down, now knowing the way went quickly though it was very very warm and we arrived at the village Collbató rather tired, but very happy with the experience.
Collbató
Friday 12 June 2015
Cursa dels Bombers - 10k
Running at night. Very warm. 40m14 unofficial time. Hopefully better next time.
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