Still far from recovered, but improving and learning to take it easy. After the last training session I had my doubts about how to approach today's 10k. This time I arrived nicely on time and did a lot of warmup exercises to loosen joints and muscles. Not so much running, more swinging and rotation. To force myself to start slowly I lined up in the middle of the pack. This race is very much a popular race and the atmosphere is really fun!!! A older man was telling everybody how cold it was, he might be well over seventy years old!!! But since it was both a 10k and a 5k mixed many people of the neighbourhood signed up. Some raindrops fell down, but it was really some astray drops, no rain luckily, because that would indeed have made it a cold morning.
At nine o'clock we were shot away and slowly I picked up pace. The first kilometer this time was in 4m30 which was a much more reasonable pace for my condition at the moment. The next kilometers we winded through narrow streets and went up and down to go passed the finish area after a first 5k in just over 21m30. The first round was very crowded but the second round with all the 5k runners done was much better to just run your own pace. After the 7k marker I more or less saturated both breath wise and right underleg wise. This time it was my calcaneus (lowest part of the heel) that was unhappy but I worked hard on maintaining pace and running form and after 43m31 I crossed the finish line in much better shape then some weeks ago.
On to the next race, though I am not sure yet when that will be!!!
Sunday 16 December 2018
Sunday 25 November 2018
Jean Bouin - 10k
Though not completely recovered from the last ultra I very much wanted to do a 10k run through Barcelona and the first opportunity I could schedule was today's Jean Bouin. I got up early as always and prepared the few things you need for a 10k and left for the nearby metro station. When already waiting for the first train to arrive I noticed I forgot to put on the timing chip. It has been a long time I did not run 10k's!!! So I headed back home, fetched my chip and still managed to get to the starting area well on time. Though it was cold this morning, the running back home had warmed me up and I took off the long sleeve thermal T-shirt and went with a regular running T-shirt to do some gentle warm-up. My right achilles tendon is still somewhat tender from the long ultra race a month ago and maybe I shouldn't even be here running, but I know I want to do this.
At nine o'clock we are shot away after a surprise countdown from 5 to go!!!! The first meters involve some pushing and running carefully in order to not trip or be tripped and soon I try to settle for an easy pace. Much to my surprise the first time I see my kilometer time at 2k I am at under 4m/k pace, which ofcourse was not my plan, but the moment made me run faster. Up to the 5k marker all went quite well and I passed under 21 minutes. After that my achilles was signalling it was enough for today so the second 5k I just tried to balance between pace and pain. I knew it was nothing really bad and I could still finish with a smile just under 45 minutes which I am more than happy with. I know that with the injury fixed form and speed is still there, so time for ice, massage and rehabilitation to get there soon!!!
At nine o'clock we are shot away after a surprise countdown from 5 to go!!!! The first meters involve some pushing and running carefully in order to not trip or be tripped and soon I try to settle for an easy pace. Much to my surprise the first time I see my kilometer time at 2k I am at under 4m/k pace, which ofcourse was not my plan, but the moment made me run faster. Up to the 5k marker all went quite well and I passed under 21 minutes. After that my achilles was signalling it was enough for today so the second 5k I just tried to balance between pace and pain. I knew it was nothing really bad and I could still finish with a smile just under 45 minutes which I am more than happy with. I know that with the injury fixed form and speed is still there, so time for ice, massage and rehabilitation to get there soon!!!
Friday 2 November 2018
Roures Extreme - 100k
In the race description is says... a leg-breaker... and between that and having Extreme in its name I guess that says it all.. oh wait!!! double that with bad weather. Last saturday at 6 am I went for what I thought would be "just another ultra", 100k and some 6500 D+, the weather forecast said, some rain in the morning and half way the afternoon and cold at night. After a good night sleep in the apartment we rented I got up early and it was already raining outside. So dressed up for rain I arrived at the start area in the church at the St. Francesc. Some ten minutes before I left the shelter and passed the material check and at six we were whispered away and off we went into the silent dark drizzling morning. The first kilometers we run on wide paths so it was easy to go at your own pace. The rain from time to time falls harder but never becomes uncomfortable. With the sight partially blocked by my capuchon I miss some changes of direction several times, along with other runners, loosing time that in the end became critical. In other races those changes were marked more clearly, but also my head was still with work and things that happened last week. Just before 30k we run into a very steep downhill on a rock slide. Up until then I thought I could make it near 6 hours for the marathon though I was behind on scheme but that downhill was really slow stepping carefully down from rock to rock. Not too long after we had to do the same upwards climbing a rock slide which is slightly more easy but slow nonetheless. And thus, after almost 8 hours we returned to civilization shortly to the village Capafons where I met up with my family who had been waiting there in the cold and rain.
They soon left in order to find some warm place to eat and I quickly devoured some delicious pasta and refilled all fluids and then set of again on my way to the Live Bag Check point 20 kilometers away from there. Those 20 kilometers mainly were two long climbs up and a two long descents afterwards with a river crossing in between. Just before the river crossing we had our first rappel down along a very slippery rock but I made it safe down and without hesitation stepped into the cold water. Little did I know of what was to come later that night. During this section the sun comes out a bit and from time to time we have incredible views of the surroundings of this area. Endless hills and endless forests with steep rocky crests towering above. Due to the rain of this morning and the past weeks in general the atmosphere is very humid and there were incredible many mushrooms in all varieties. Around 19h00 I arrived at Pinetell. It was still warmer than I expected so I did not yet change into much warmer clothes. I put on dry socks and had some more pasta and then prepared for the night to come.
It was dark soon, and after an easy winding path down we crossed the river at a point that by day must be incredible. The water is thundering here and we cross by tibetan bridges. At the other side I only see one marker but no more so it took me a while to check the area and understand that there was only one path leading out there. Minutes afterwards there is another marker. This part is rather easy though the rain has made the path very muddy and slippery so I do not advance as fast as I would like to. After a last very slippery downhill we arrive at Refugi els Masets. The volunteers ask us several times if we are sure that we want to continue. It had started to rain again and they warned us the next part, though only 3,5km long, was very difficult and we had to feel well and prepared for that to continue. This is a bit paradoxal since we already did 70km, so it feels like, "Yeah, I have come this far for the organization to tell me not to continue?" Together with a Norwegian runner I decide to continue (ofcourse :D) and the difficult part we tackle between the two of us, where he was leading since he had more pure mountaineering experience. It was mainly some sort of path in between piles of rocks and many places where you had go up and down jumps of more than one meter, and quite a few times rappeling up or down with a rope, all wet and muddy. The last part down is incredibly slippery and I fall a few times here, without really hurting myself. Also the promised cold wave is finally arriving, but I decide to wait until being at the next aid station to change into warmer clothes. I was happy when I finally got there, but forgot to do that change. Those 3,5km went by in almost 3 hours and I had to start and worry of the 26 hours you could finish the 100k in. The rain was still coming down steadily and any more muddy paths downhill would surely keep me from finishing on time. In spite of indications of the people at the small aid station I could not easily find my way in La Riba. The only crucial marker in the village had stuck on the pole of a lantern being all wet and you could not see it at a distance and the village had 2 entrances, so more delay. The next part according to the people at the aid station was easy, but soon I found myself in the mist looking for markers nowhere to be found on a rocky crest wading through bushes that torn my skin apart. Soon it starts to be really cold and at some place sheltered from the wind I quickly change clothes and continue. After what seemed an eternity I reach the highest point. The next part down is one long dangerous muddy slide where many times I just sit down and slide on my bottom to advance without falling. Once again my pace average was horribly slow when I arrived at Vilaverd. It was very likely I would need more than 26 hours to finish now, but with only 17km to go, at least I wanted to do just that, finish and get it done. Apart from a very steep climb just before Montblanc the rest was just a matter keep going and after 26:19:37 I crossed the finish line with Montse and Jordi waiting for me there. Since the idea was to gather 5 ITRA points for the UTMB with this ultra, the wait is now for finding out if I will get those points.
I think that with better markers at certain points I would have finished on time. I am now just hoping I will get my points!!! Many thanks to my family for being there to take pictures and cheer me on!!! And also many thanks to the organization and volunteers!!! The Roures Extreme honours its name in many aspects and dips into the adventure beyond trailrunning, which, though not at all easy in the moment makes for a great challenging experience.
Some weeks later: 5 ITRA points confirmed :D !!!
My family waiting in the cold and rain in Capafons (Foto by Enric Camps)
Entering Capafons (Foto by Enric Camps)
Near the aid station (Foto by Enric Camps)
Downhill means cuadriceps!!! (Foto by Jordi Molevelt)
A quick hello and good bye (Foto by Montse Camps)
They soon left in order to find some warm place to eat and I quickly devoured some delicious pasta and refilled all fluids and then set of again on my way to the Live Bag Check point 20 kilometers away from there. Those 20 kilometers mainly were two long climbs up and a two long descents afterwards with a river crossing in between. Just before the river crossing we had our first rappel down along a very slippery rock but I made it safe down and without hesitation stepped into the cold water. Little did I know of what was to come later that night. During this section the sun comes out a bit and from time to time we have incredible views of the surroundings of this area. Endless hills and endless forests with steep rocky crests towering above. Due to the rain of this morning and the past weeks in general the atmosphere is very humid and there were incredible many mushrooms in all varieties. Around 19h00 I arrived at Pinetell. It was still warmer than I expected so I did not yet change into much warmer clothes. I put on dry socks and had some more pasta and then prepared for the night to come.
It was dark soon, and after an easy winding path down we crossed the river at a point that by day must be incredible. The water is thundering here and we cross by tibetan bridges. At the other side I only see one marker but no more so it took me a while to check the area and understand that there was only one path leading out there. Minutes afterwards there is another marker. This part is rather easy though the rain has made the path very muddy and slippery so I do not advance as fast as I would like to. After a last very slippery downhill we arrive at Refugi els Masets. The volunteers ask us several times if we are sure that we want to continue. It had started to rain again and they warned us the next part, though only 3,5km long, was very difficult and we had to feel well and prepared for that to continue. This is a bit paradoxal since we already did 70km, so it feels like, "Yeah, I have come this far for the organization to tell me not to continue?" Together with a Norwegian runner I decide to continue (ofcourse :D) and the difficult part we tackle between the two of us, where he was leading since he had more pure mountaineering experience. It was mainly some sort of path in between piles of rocks and many places where you had go up and down jumps of more than one meter, and quite a few times rappeling up or down with a rope, all wet and muddy. The last part down is incredibly slippery and I fall a few times here, without really hurting myself. Also the promised cold wave is finally arriving, but I decide to wait until being at the next aid station to change into warmer clothes. I was happy when I finally got there, but forgot to do that change. Those 3,5km went by in almost 3 hours and I had to start and worry of the 26 hours you could finish the 100k in. The rain was still coming down steadily and any more muddy paths downhill would surely keep me from finishing on time. In spite of indications of the people at the small aid station I could not easily find my way in La Riba. The only crucial marker in the village had stuck on the pole of a lantern being all wet and you could not see it at a distance and the village had 2 entrances, so more delay. The next part according to the people at the aid station was easy, but soon I found myself in the mist looking for markers nowhere to be found on a rocky crest wading through bushes that torn my skin apart. Soon it starts to be really cold and at some place sheltered from the wind I quickly change clothes and continue. After what seemed an eternity I reach the highest point. The next part down is one long dangerous muddy slide where many times I just sit down and slide on my bottom to advance without falling. Once again my pace average was horribly slow when I arrived at Vilaverd. It was very likely I would need more than 26 hours to finish now, but with only 17km to go, at least I wanted to do just that, finish and get it done. Apart from a very steep climb just before Montblanc the rest was just a matter keep going and after 26:19:37 I crossed the finish line with Montse and Jordi waiting for me there. Since the idea was to gather 5 ITRA points for the UTMB with this ultra, the wait is now for finding out if I will get those points.
Entering Montblanc (Foto by Jordi Molevelt)
Almost there... (Foto by Montse Camps)
Look at all the mud!!! (Foto by Montse Camps)
I have never finished this dirty!!! (Foto by Montse Camps)
Some weeks later: 5 ITRA points confirmed :D !!!
Sunday 16 September 2018
Rialp Matxicots 2018 - 83k
Ultratrail time!!! After once again months leading upto the event with not too many training sessions for many many reasons it was time to go out for a run.
We arrived friday and tried to go and sleep as early as possible. Still, having breakfast at 3h30 in the morning makes for restless sleeping, always alert for the alarm to go off. After breakfast I went back to lay down and rest some more and just before 5 o'clock a did the last preparations and left for the start area near the hotel. Different from last year, in spite of the early hour it is not at all cold and waiting to be shot away at 5h30 am is no problem this time. The last month leading up this Rialp Matxicots I had problems with my calves and lower back and I did not do any really long runs. The last test run on monday went ok, so I decided to start very slow and do the first 2000 meter climb at a pace I felt really easy with.
Surprisingly my time at Coll Triador just past half way the first climb was about the same as last year, but this time I felt ok and after a quick fill of bottles and eating some fruit I continued meanwhile enjoying the ever changing views with clouds and shards of mist coming and going.
I arrive at the first top, Montsent de Pallars in good shape and after a short photo session I continue onto the next top that is nearby.
After the second top, the Montoroio a fun steep downhill folows. We already did this last year so I new what it was going to be like. In general I felt better on the downhills than last year, though it still is not my strongest.
After the downhill we soon arrive at Pas de la Mainera. I start to feel tired. All week long I had been uncomfortable in my stomach and this continued during the race. I could eat, but not as much as I should. The next steep uphill is endless. When we finally come to the point where the Marathon goes right and the longer Trail route goes left I am glad to have a slightly less steep part and catch my breath a bit. When reaching the highest point we recieve a detailed explanation of a race oficial for the coming more tricky part, once again very steep and with loose rolling stones. I manage to get passed that part without falling and soon we are heading for the newly added climb of this year. Once again very steep, though this time I manage slightly better to get to the top to start a very tricky downhill all the way to Espot Esqui. When I arrive there, some 30 minutes later than last year, which is still good since we did one extra climb I feel very very tired and I have problems eating. I don't stay to long in order to don't get stiff muscles and I know the next 17 kilometers I should run as much as possible, but also I feel really tired, so I take the first short uphill easy and then mix up walking and running. Finally I arrive in Carregue where my family is waiting for me.
I take some time here to chat and rest, but not too long, once again, in order to not get stiff muscles. After a quick glance of the last climb that comes after a not too steep downhill I say goodbye and set off for the last 2 hours of walking and running of today. Somewhat more than 11 kilometers and a climb and downhill on a narrow trail with loose stones lie ahead.
The climb once again seemed to take forever, but the downhill actually went quite fast and sooner than expected I am back in Rialp. After eating and drinking and a shower we have a really nice family dinner and afterwards it is time for preparing tomorrow and sleep.
Somehow I thought the next stage of 23 kilometers would start at 8h30 am. Luckily I left the hotel early and when coming near the start area I heard the speaker say "2 minutes... " so I hurried to get there and was just in time to start, but was way in the back of the pack.
The first few meters through the streets of Rialp felt awkward and when we finally turn onto the main road for a second I am the last runner. Soon I start to feel better and since I knew that the first part in the woods was on a very narrow trail I seriously picked up my pace to avoid as many slower runners as possible.
Compared to the first stage the second stage is very easy. The first uphill and downhill are rather steep but I have recovered well and arrive in just over an hour in Sort and hardly stop since I still have plenty of liquids and food. The rest of the race I just maintain good pace and run all runnable parts. Only the last uphill, though much shorter than the last uphill yesterday, I have to slow down, but on the downhill I feel ok and I am only a little bit slower than last year, which I am very happy with!!!
Once again thanks to my family, Montse, Emma and Jordi for cheering me on and make photos and thanks to the organization and volunteers for a great experience!!
Total time over the 2 stages: 18:56:16
We arrived friday and tried to go and sleep as early as possible. Still, having breakfast at 3h30 in the morning makes for restless sleeping, always alert for the alarm to go off. After breakfast I went back to lay down and rest some more and just before 5 o'clock a did the last preparations and left for the start area near the hotel. Different from last year, in spite of the early hour it is not at all cold and waiting to be shot away at 5h30 am is no problem this time. The last month leading up this Rialp Matxicots I had problems with my calves and lower back and I did not do any really long runs. The last test run on monday went ok, so I decided to start very slow and do the first 2000 meter climb at a pace I felt really easy with.
Surprisingly my time at Coll Triador just past half way the first climb was about the same as last year, but this time I felt ok and after a quick fill of bottles and eating some fruit I continued meanwhile enjoying the ever changing views with clouds and shards of mist coming and going.
Monsent de Pallars, the highest peak of the race
Check Point Coll Triador
The last very steep part of the Montsent de Pallars (foto by Olga Bergua)
(foto by Olga Bergua)
I arrive at the first top, Montsent de Pallars in good shape and after a short photo session I continue onto the next top that is nearby.
Each year different, every time amazing views
In between Montsent de Pallars en Montoroio (foto by Helena Santacana)
After the second top, the Montoroio a fun steep downhill folows. We already did this last year so I new what it was going to be like. In general I felt better on the downhills than last year, though it still is not my strongest.
Very steep downhill on loose stones (foto by Jaume Vallespin)
(foto by Jaume Vallespin)
After the downhill we soon arrive at Pas de la Mainera. I start to feel tired. All week long I had been uncomfortable in my stomach and this continued during the race. I could eat, but not as much as I should. The next steep uphill is endless. When we finally come to the point where the Marathon goes right and the longer Trail route goes left I am glad to have a slightly less steep part and catch my breath a bit. When reaching the highest point we recieve a detailed explanation of a race oficial for the coming more tricky part, once again very steep and with loose rolling stones. I manage to get passed that part without falling and soon we are heading for the newly added climb of this year. Once again very steep, though this time I manage slightly better to get to the top to start a very tricky downhill all the way to Espot Esqui. When I arrive there, some 30 minutes later than last year, which is still good since we did one extra climb I feel very very tired and I have problems eating. I don't stay to long in order to don't get stiff muscles and I know the next 17 kilometers I should run as much as possible, but also I feel really tired, so I take the first short uphill easy and then mix up walking and running. Finally I arrive in Carregue where my family is waiting for me.
In Carregue, Emma, a tired dad, and Jordi (foto by Montse Camps 😊)
I take some time here to chat and rest, but not too long, once again, in order to not get stiff muscles. After a quick glance of the last climb that comes after a not too steep downhill I say goodbye and set off for the last 2 hours of walking and running of today. Somewhat more than 11 kilometers and a climb and downhill on a narrow trail with loose stones lie ahead.
The road ahead (foto by Montse Camps 😊)
The climb once again seemed to take forever, but the downhill actually went quite fast and sooner than expected I am back in Rialp. After eating and drinking and a shower we have a really nice family dinner and afterwards it is time for preparing tomorrow and sleep.
Somehow I thought the next stage of 23 kilometers would start at 8h30 am. Luckily I left the hotel early and when coming near the start area I heard the speaker say "2 minutes... " so I hurried to get there and was just in time to start, but was way in the back of the pack.
Start of the second day (foto by Xevi Guinovart)
Start of the second day (foto by Xevi Guinovart)
The first few meters through the streets of Rialp felt awkward and when we finally turn onto the main road for a second I am the last runner. Soon I start to feel better and since I knew that the first part in the woods was on a very narrow trail I seriously picked up my pace to avoid as many slower runners as possible.
Leaving Rialp (foto by Xevi Guinovart)
Compared to the first stage the second stage is very easy. The first uphill and downhill are rather steep but I have recovered well and arrive in just over an hour in Sort and hardly stop since I still have plenty of liquids and food. The rest of the race I just maintain good pace and run all runnable parts. Only the last uphill, though much shorter than the last uphill yesterday, I have to slow down, but on the downhill I feel ok and I am only a little bit slower than last year, which I am very happy with!!!
And back at the finish 4 hours and 21 minutes later
Cheers!!!
Once again thanks to my family, Montse, Emma and Jordi for cheering me on and make photos and thanks to the organization and volunteers for a great experience!!
Total time over the 2 stages: 18:56:16
Tuesday 15 May 2018
Running in progress
Last Saturday I went for a long run in the hills just north of Barcelona, el Parc de Collserola. Since we still have bad weather it was a rather foggy experience but enjoyable nonetheless. The good news is, that after many months of doing recovery excercises and running uncomfortably with "unwilling" glute muscles and a very tight and sensitive Biceps Femoralis (thigh, behind on the right ;D ) , I now slowly start to enjoy running again. I know I am not "there" yet, but after months of no signs of progress I now do feel somewhat better. Anyway, some pictures from rainy misty and snowy Barcelona (well ... snow in the Pyrenees, though we did have some earlier this year).
Near Observatori Fabra
The tree in the center of the Tibidabo central square
Highest point of most of my training routes, the entrance square in front of the church of the Tibidado
St. Medir
Viaducte de Can Ribes
Sunday 8 April 2018
Cursa del Corte Inglés - 10k+
I have been running and training all these months, but not comfortable enough still in my hip and biceps femoral to run a real race. Today "La Cursa del Corte Inglés" was on our schedule, a popular race that since quite some years now I run with Jordi and/or Emma. This time with Jordi only, since Emma is preparing for exams at the university.
The race organizers already warned that it might rain so we went well prepared this unusually cold and grey sunday morning. Only minuts before the start at 9 o'clock it started to rain seriously indeed, so we quickly put on rain-coats. With all the ultra running I am very comfortable with a running backpack, and those days that is very handy.
The race was celebrating it's 40th edition and they had handed out balloons and red clowns noses in relation with the various NGOs they are supporting. When passing the start line we release our gas-filled balloons and some time after that we take of the red clowns noses which is somewhat uncomfortable to run with.
We settle for a 5 min/km pace and it is starting to rain harder and harder. Barcelona is built on hilly terrain and soon there is water streaming everywhere, but the runners cheer eachother on and run along with a smile.
After some three kilometers Jordi starts to have knee pain. This happens to him from time to time and from then on we alternate running with walking all the way to the finish, ofcourse much slower than last year, but still great to have done it again and 1h13m13s is still quite a good time. The finish-foto was made by Montse who had been enduring cold, wind and rain for over half an hour to wait for us!!!! Thanks a lot!!!!
We settle for a 5 min/km pace and it is starting to rain harder and harder. Barcelona is built on hilly terrain and soon there is water streaming everywhere, but the runners cheer eachother on and run along with a smile.
In the Olympic Stadium at Montjuic
Cold, windy, rainy and only 100 meters to go!!!
After some three kilometers Jordi starts to have knee pain. This happens to him from time to time and from then on we alternate running with walking all the way to the finish, ofcourse much slower than last year, but still great to have done it again and 1h13m13s is still quite a good time. The finish-foto was made by Montse who had been enduring cold, wind and rain for over half an hour to wait for us!!!! Thanks a lot!!!!
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