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
