Sunday, 16 February 2014
Barcelona Half Marathon -21k
A month the hamstring injury. No training, just a few slow runs and today just trying out the body and see what half a marathon feels like. I ended in 1h37m27s, for me normally that would be very slow, but under circumstances I think first of all I am happy to have finished without any important aches and secondly I now know that the marathon in 4 weeks needs work and taking it easy during the actual event. Quite a challenge when used to always go for PB.
Sunday, 19 January 2014
Cursa de Sant Antoni - 1 mile
What should have been an attempt to once again break the 37 minute barrier turned out to be another lesson in how delicate it is to keep a balance.
The bottom line is that I am injured, pulled hamstring, and I am really hoping I can get back out there training soon, but also know that I have to have patience in order to not pull it again.
Meanwhile Jordi ran a one miler, with a friend from school and did pretty well. We have no official times yet, but counting on the video we shot they entered in the top 30 and not too far behind the first runners.
Jordi entered 26th in 7:04 (4:24 avg/k) and his friend Dima just behind him in 7:09.
The day started with rain and when we left home it was still raining, but looking at the sky it seemed that soon it would stop at least for a good while so we took the subway that took us close to the race area and walked the last part where we met Jordi's friend Dima and his parents and sister. By then it stopped raining indeed and the last runners of the 10k race were arriving. Jordi and Dima would start in the second group, so first around 11am we watched a group of somewhat younger children start at their 1-mile race. As soon as they left Jordi and Dima did some warmup exercises, but were actually to excited to do it in a concentrated way.
Some ten minutes later it was their turn and they entered the start area and both found positions in the front line. They were shot away and like always blasted through the first hundred meters like they had to do just that, run a 100, but there were still 1500m to go...
Less then 6 minutes later the first runner arrived and soon after Jordi and seconds behind him Dima arrived as well, Jordi with determination on his face pushing hard for the finish line.
For Dima it was the first time he ran this long and he arrived very tired, having run very very fast on the first few hundred meters. Experience will help him improve in the future.
After the finish they recieved a bag full of small presents and soon recovered from the run and ready for the rest of the day. Next up is the half marathon of Barcelona. I hope I recover well from my injury and will be able to run a 21k in good fashion.
For moving images you can go here.
The bottom line is that I am injured, pulled hamstring, and I am really hoping I can get back out there training soon, but also know that I have to have patience in order to not pull it again.
Meanwhile Jordi ran a one miler, with a friend from school and did pretty well. We have no official times yet, but counting on the video we shot they entered in the top 30 and not too far behind the first runners.
Jordi entered 26th in 7:04 (4:24 avg/k) and his friend Dima just behind him in 7:09.
The day started with rain and when we left home it was still raining, but looking at the sky it seemed that soon it would stop at least for a good while so we took the subway that took us close to the race area and walked the last part where we met Jordi's friend Dima and his parents and sister. By then it stopped raining indeed and the last runners of the 10k race were arriving. Jordi and Dima would start in the second group, so first around 11am we watched a group of somewhat younger children start at their 1-mile race. As soon as they left Jordi and Dima did some warmup exercises, but were actually to excited to do it in a concentrated way.
Some ten minutes later it was their turn and they entered the start area and both found positions in the front line. They were shot away and like always blasted through the first hundred meters like they had to do just that, run a 100, but there were still 1500m to go...
Less then 6 minutes later the first runner arrived and soon after Jordi and seconds behind him Dima arrived as well, Jordi with determination on his face pushing hard for the finish line.
For Dima it was the first time he ran this long and he arrived very tired, having run very very fast on the first few hundred meters. Experience will help him improve in the future.
After the finish they recieved a bag full of small presents and soon recovered from the run and ready for the rest of the day. Next up is the half marathon of Barcelona. I hope I recover well from my injury and will be able to run a 21k in good fashion.
For moving images you can go here.
Sunday, 22 December 2013
Cursa de l'Hospitalet - 5k + 1k
Once again a double event this weekend, with Jordi running a 1k first and afterwards my first official 5k for me. Both are fun but tough race including up and downhills that I wanted to know in more detail so I made a track of it in Wikiloc.
Track Cursa de l'Hospitalet 5k
I guess more than 100m up and down for sure, so not ideal for running any personal best, which explains the 18m34. Still knowing how other runners performed I am happy. I ran a very steady race in spite of all the climbs and had enough push to finish strong on the track.
Jordi also ran very well, finishing in 8th position in 4m19, the younger runners also had to go downhill first and come back uphill before entering the athletics track for the three quarter lap to the finish.
Track Cursa de l'Hospitalet 5k
I guess more than 100m up and down for sure, so not ideal for running any personal best, which explains the 18m34. Still knowing how other runners performed I am happy. I ran a very steady race in spite of all the climbs and had enough push to finish strong on the track.
Jordi also ran very well, finishing in 8th position in 4m19, the younger runners also had to go downhill first and come back uphill before entering the athletics track for the three quarter lap to the finish.
Sunday, 15 December 2013
Cursa de La Sagrera - 10k + 750m
Finally really happy and satisfied with a race, or both races I should say, since Jordi also ran today. For the first time since summer I had good legs untill the end and finished below 38 minutes in 37m49!!!! And Jordi also ran very very well, 2m55 and both starting very good, being upfront from the beginning and ending in the top 10 for sure!!!
Another sunday morning getting up early. It was cold today and after arriving nicely on time I first walked around the park right next to the starting area enjoying a "Rocky" moment with the sunrise and the cold and pre-race thoughts. Just before 9 o'clock I changed into shorts and t-shirt and quickly headed out for a fast toilet-stop and then warming up. Soon the park filled with runners and the parts where the sunlight could reach started to warm up a bit. Just before 9h30 I went to the start area and then we were shot away. The start was quick and clean, only some pushing while we try to avoid the parked cars in the first curves right after the start. Soon after there is a long straight and we can settle for a good pace and the pack stretches out. Once again, like last year, the front runners are not too far away when we cross the first kilometer mark, for me in 3m30 and then we go uphill a bit and start the more windy part just after passing 2k in 7m05. The 3rd kilometer was still going great and then I missed the 4th k marker to find myself doing the first lap in 18m45, but feeling good. On the long stretch of the 6th and partly 7th kilometer I concentrated on my form and breathing and started passing runners while and trying to keep up with runners passing me. I passed 7k in 26m40 and was still feeling good, which was a happy feeling since the race before this season I only felt good for about 4 kilometers. I passed 8k in 30m04 so I knew that I could finish under 38 minutes if I pushed the last 2 kilometers. The cold started to affect my breathing and I guess without that I would have run even better, but without going all out finishing in 37m49 was a great feeling.
Shortly after eleven o'clock Jordi lined up for his 750m race. After reuniting the family we explored the round he had to run and he decided to go alone, since it was short and easy. First the 10 to 15 year olds had to run and then it was Jordi's turn. It was starting to show that this was no longer a new thing for him and when they were fired away he was away with the first runners. He later explained that the whole time he ran along with another boy passing and being passed untill shortly before the last straigth where he arrived alone in sixth or seventh position, but we will never know, in a time of 2m55.
Another sunday morning getting up early. It was cold today and after arriving nicely on time I first walked around the park right next to the starting area enjoying a "Rocky" moment with the sunrise and the cold and pre-race thoughts. Just before 9 o'clock I changed into shorts and t-shirt and quickly headed out for a fast toilet-stop and then warming up. Soon the park filled with runners and the parts where the sunlight could reach started to warm up a bit. Just before 9h30 I went to the start area and then we were shot away. The start was quick and clean, only some pushing while we try to avoid the parked cars in the first curves right after the start. Soon after there is a long straight and we can settle for a good pace and the pack stretches out. Once again, like last year, the front runners are not too far away when we cross the first kilometer mark, for me in 3m30 and then we go uphill a bit and start the more windy part just after passing 2k in 7m05. The 3rd kilometer was still going great and then I missed the 4th k marker to find myself doing the first lap in 18m45, but feeling good. On the long stretch of the 6th and partly 7th kilometer I concentrated on my form and breathing and started passing runners while and trying to keep up with runners passing me. I passed 7k in 26m40 and was still feeling good, which was a happy feeling since the race before this season I only felt good for about 4 kilometers. I passed 8k in 30m04 so I knew that I could finish under 38 minutes if I pushed the last 2 kilometers. The cold started to affect my breathing and I guess without that I would have run even better, but without going all out finishing in 37m49 was a great feeling.
Shortly after eleven o'clock Jordi lined up for his 750m race. After reuniting the family we explored the round he had to run and he decided to go alone, since it was short and easy. First the 10 to 15 year olds had to run and then it was Jordi's turn. It was starting to show that this was no longer a new thing for him and when they were fired away he was away with the first runners. He later explained that the whole time he ran along with another boy passing and being passed untill shortly before the last straigth where he arrived alone in sixth or seventh position, but we will never know, in a time of 2m55.
Sunday, 24 November 2013
Cursa de Jean Bouin - 10k
After a month of slowly recovering from the Ultra Trail it was time to test the legs again. Training has not quite been as good as I would have liked, so I was not even sure about what pace I should try. The shorter series I felt good, but the during the long runs my muscles tied up and felt tired still and in the end the race went like that. Beginning good and ending, well, let's say not as good. All in all finishing in 39m52 is probably a good indicator of where I am in my general condition now.
It was a cold day, more or less sunny, and I arrived early and started a long warmup, since I had small aches and pains throughout the last weeks and the more slowly I prepared for the run the better. The organization slightly modified the course of the race, compared to last year, avoiding having to go around the magical fountain near the finish, still the long slightly uphill last 3 kilometers will be difficult. At 9am we were shot away and I missed the first k indication to learn at 2k that I was going at 37m pace exactly without too much effort. The next two kilometers I maintained that pace but onto the halfway marker I started to feel tired already and I passed 5k in 18m45 more or less. The next kilometers I just tried to maintain a just below 4 minutes pace, and did not even succeed in that. The last 2k I just held on and finished just below 40 minutes, running the second 5k in 21m07. The next race is in 3 weeks, hopefully my muscles are better recovered by then.
It was a cold day, more or less sunny, and I arrived early and started a long warmup, since I had small aches and pains throughout the last weeks and the more slowly I prepared for the run the better. The organization slightly modified the course of the race, compared to last year, avoiding having to go around the magical fountain near the finish, still the long slightly uphill last 3 kilometers will be difficult. At 9am we were shot away and I missed the first k indication to learn at 2k that I was going at 37m pace exactly without too much effort. The next two kilometers I maintained that pace but onto the halfway marker I started to feel tired already and I passed 5k in 18m45 more or less. The next kilometers I just tried to maintain a just below 4 minutes pace, and did not even succeed in that. The last 2k I just held on and finished just below 40 minutes, running the second 5k in 21m07. The next race is in 3 weeks, hopefully my muscles are better recovered by then.
Sunday, 3 November 2013
Cross de Sants - 3k
Today it was Jordi's time to run and he was on a mission. Last year in the Cross de Sants he had stitches and did not finish, so this year he was very much decided to do finish.
We arrived nicely on time to first see the youngest kids run and then Jordi lined up for his race.
While Jordi was waiting with Montse to be shot away I walked up to the 1k mark to make pictures and run along with him from there onwards.
As you can see in the picture the kids were really flying and Jordi was determined to keep the fast pace, so for the next pictures I really had to do a full out sprint to have time to turn around and push a button on time.
Soon we were in the last kilometer and on the last straight Jordi did have a little internal struggle but his experience from Chamonix had taught him he could fight that and continue, and soon he switched to sprinting away from me and once again I really had to run very hard to make the picture at the finish-line. Montse meanwhile was cheering Jordi on a few meters before the finish and made the next nice picture of Jordi in has last sprint.
The official time is 12m39s , which is really fast for a 3k!!!!
Well done Jordi!!! Mission accomplished!
A little massage and plenty of water and a good piece of cake helps to recover!!!
We arrived nicely on time to first see the youngest kids run and then Jordi lined up for his race.
While Jordi was waiting with Montse to be shot away I walked up to the 1k mark to make pictures and run along with him from there onwards.
As you can see in the picture the kids were really flying and Jordi was determined to keep the fast pace, so for the next pictures I really had to do a full out sprint to have time to turn around and push a button on time.
Soon we were in the last kilometer and on the last straight Jordi did have a little internal struggle but his experience from Chamonix had taught him he could fight that and continue, and soon he switched to sprinting away from me and once again I really had to run very hard to make the picture at the finish-line. Montse meanwhile was cheering Jordi on a few meters before the finish and made the next nice picture of Jordi in has last sprint.
The official time is 12m39s , which is really fast for a 3k!!!!
Well done Jordi!!! Mission accomplished!
A little massage and plenty of water and a good piece of cake helps to recover!!!
Sunday, 20 October 2013
Ultra Trail de Montsant 2013 - 100k
Don't ask me how, but I finished another Ultra Trail and now I have the race points necessary to enter next years draw for the UTMB. Up to the 75km I went very well, but then the lights went out for a while and I was thinking about abandoning the race. A lengthy rest made me change my mind and walking the last 20k with a more and more complaining left knee I was able to finish in 19h04m. Somewhat faster than 2 years ago (see UTSM 2011 for different pictures and other details).
I made a video of the first part of the race and continued with the pictures below:
Video UTSM 2013
The race started just a few minutes after 9 am and I was determined to start easy this time. I did place myself in the first pack in order to not get caught up in any traffic jams in the early stages. At the first control, Albarca, after about 7k we did have to stop for a few minutes since scanning our chips with the LiveTrail system was not going fluid there. After drinking some water I continued to the first climb. Once again, taking it easy just walking up and running the almost flat parts. So far it was warm but cloudy with the sun peeking through the clouds from time to time.
Once on the top we could enjoy a great part of the race that passes just along the edge of a mountain range and later on more on the crest, with a few easy climbs. And before we knew it the downhill onto the next timed control started. The last time I had a hard time on this steep stony trail, but this
time I went down easy and soon we were approaching Ulldemolins clocking about 2 hours for 18,6k, way faster than I expected. I took time to drink a lot of water since it was very humid and I was sweating quite heavily and also ate some pieces of banana.
From there to the next checkpoint is a really nice up and down trail through a narrow valley. Two years ago I had a hard time here and walked, but this year I could run almost all 20k and after 5 hours I arrived in Margalef, where I quickly refilled my water reserves. Even though it was still partially cloudy it was warm and hydrating was crucial today.
I continued more easy, walking for a while and eating and drinking. On to the next checkpoint, La Bisbal de Falset, was only 5k and I took it easy and did this part in 50 minutes knowing that afterwards a long climb would start.
The uphill has flatter runnable parts, but I still take it easy. After all we were only half way and I did not want to burn my self out. In the last part of the uphill to a point called Mas del Serrador a group formed and we continued together upto the highest point. We rested for 5 minutes and I talked to a runner called Victor exchanging experiences. The first part downhill is flat and I let the others go. Much to my suprise I catch up with them in the steeper part. I refill a bottle of water in a fountain near a small hermitage and from there onwards the downhill is on asphalt, which was more easy on the feet after many kilometers of stony trails.
After just over 8 hours I entered Cabacés, at 57k, where there was a lot to eat and drink. I took some more time here eating pasta and banana, drinking Coca Cola and refill my water reserves. Still,, afterwards, I think I did not drink enough here.
After a third call home I left this village enjoying the views under the late afternoon sun of the next village we had to go to high up the hills on the horizon. The first part went over wide rather easy trails, but I was getting tired and I did run, but slower with 30 second breaks every 5 minutes.
The last part goes uphill steeply, but is also very nice winding through the forest and once on top passing to the other side we can already see La Figuera being much more near now.
After being on the move for 9 hours and 40 minutes I arrived in La Figuera. I did not rest here, and walked the flat part to save energy for the steep downhill to come.
The downhill to Vilella Baja is going quite ok and soon I am entering this small village though the last uphill to the checkpoint crossing a nice old stone bridge was taking a lot of energy out of me.
I refill water here and struggle a bit with putting the waterbag back into my backpack. It was also time to put on the headlamp and the red backlight. And on we went. Just outside the village I tried to eat something and all of a sudden I had to throw up. I was not feeling too bad afterwards, but loosing all the liquids in my stomach was certainly not good. I could drink water, so I sipped small quantities often. Meanwhile walking onwards and entering Vilella Alta still feeling quite ok, eventhough the long and steep uphill leading up to the village was really draining for me. After the checkpoint I sat down for a while. The loss of liquids and lack of sugar was starting to take its toll. The next 5 kilometers to Escaladei I struggled a lot, walking slowed down to what felt like a crawl and the head was no longer in favor. Just before arriving at Escaladei, Victor catched up and I told him I was not at all feeling well and maybe had to abandon. He continued running at easy pace and I stumbled onwards and around 22h I phone home to explain how I was feeling and that I would take a long rest here to see how I recovered. Both my family and other runners cheered me up and encouraged me to take my time but continue. I had massage for my legs and after drinking and eating enough I continued my journey to the longest and at some part very steep uphill of the race.
During the uphill I walk along with Toni and Paco and while I could keep up in the beginning in the flatter part once on top my left knee starts to hurt a bit and every 5 minutes I have to run 20 meters to not fall behind. Since navigating here is a bit difficult at night, since it was rather misty here I forced myself to follow untill we started the downhill. The downhill to Morera de Montsant goes quite ok, but after a small break taking of my windjacket and just resting a bit I continued for the last 8km of several hills we had to go up and down approaching the finish. My left knee is slowing me down more and more but still I make it to improve on my time of 2 years ago and finish in 19h04m.
In the aftermath of the race I learned a lot, among others that have to learn to hydrate better and that going easy in the beginning will have to feel really easy otherwise I still run too fast.
I made a video of the first part of the race and continued with the pictures below:
Video UTSM 2013
The race started just a few minutes after 9 am and I was determined to start easy this time. I did place myself in the first pack in order to not get caught up in any traffic jams in the early stages. At the first control, Albarca, after about 7k we did have to stop for a few minutes since scanning our chips with the LiveTrail system was not going fluid there. After drinking some water I continued to the first climb. Once again, taking it easy just walking up and running the almost flat parts. So far it was warm but cloudy with the sun peeking through the clouds from time to time.
Last part of the first uphill
Cornudella de Montsant
Once on the top we could enjoy a great part of the race that passes just along the edge of a mountain range and later on more on the crest, with a few easy climbs. And before we knew it the downhill onto the next timed control started. The last time I had a hard time on this steep stony trail, but this
time I went down easy and soon we were approaching Ulldemolins clocking about 2 hours for 18,6k, way faster than I expected. I took time to drink a lot of water since it was very humid and I was sweating quite heavily and also ate some pieces of banana.
Checkpoint in Ulldemolins
From there to the next checkpoint is a really nice up and down trail through a narrow valley. Two years ago I had a hard time here and walked, but this year I could run almost all 20k and after 5 hours I arrived in Margalef, where I quickly refilled my water reserves. Even though it was still partially cloudy it was warm and hydrating was crucial today.
Margalef checkpoint seen from above
I continued more easy, walking for a while and eating and drinking. On to the next checkpoint, La Bisbal de Falset, was only 5k and I took it easy and did this part in 50 minutes knowing that afterwards a long climb would start.
La Bisbal de Falset
The uphill has flatter runnable parts, but I still take it easy. After all we were only half way and I did not want to burn my self out. In the last part of the uphill to a point called Mas del Serrador a group formed and we continued together upto the highest point. We rested for 5 minutes and I talked to a runner called Victor exchanging experiences. The first part downhill is flat and I let the others go. Much to my suprise I catch up with them in the steeper part. I refill a bottle of water in a fountain near a small hermitage and from there onwards the downhill is on asphalt, which was more easy on the feet after many kilometers of stony trails.
After just over 8 hours I entered Cabacés, at 57k, where there was a lot to eat and drink. I took some more time here eating pasta and banana, drinking Coca Cola and refill my water reserves. Still,, afterwards, I think I did not drink enough here.
Checkpoint Cabacés
After a third call home I left this village enjoying the views under the late afternoon sun of the next village we had to go to high up the hills on the horizon. The first part went over wide rather easy trails, but I was getting tired and I did run, but slower with 30 second breaks every 5 minutes.
The last part goes uphill steeply, but is also very nice winding through the forest and once on top passing to the other side we can already see La Figuera being much more near now.
La Figuera
Cabacés far away now
After being on the move for 9 hours and 40 minutes I arrived in La Figuera. I did not rest here, and walked the flat part to save energy for the steep downhill to come.
Evening sun on cemetery La Figuera
The downhill to Vilella Baja is going quite ok and soon I am entering this small village though the last uphill to the checkpoint crossing a nice old stone bridge was taking a lot of energy out of me.
Vilella Baixa and behind Vilella Alta
I refill water here and struggle a bit with putting the waterbag back into my backpack. It was also time to put on the headlamp and the red backlight. And on we went. Just outside the village I tried to eat something and all of a sudden I had to throw up. I was not feeling too bad afterwards, but loosing all the liquids in my stomach was certainly not good. I could drink water, so I sipped small quantities often. Meanwhile walking onwards and entering Vilella Alta still feeling quite ok, eventhough the long and steep uphill leading up to the village was really draining for me. After the checkpoint I sat down for a while. The loss of liquids and lack of sugar was starting to take its toll. The next 5 kilometers to Escaladei I struggled a lot, walking slowed down to what felt like a crawl and the head was no longer in favor. Just before arriving at Escaladei, Victor catched up and I told him I was not at all feeling well and maybe had to abandon. He continued running at easy pace and I stumbled onwards and around 22h I phone home to explain how I was feeling and that I would take a long rest here to see how I recovered. Both my family and other runners cheered me up and encouraged me to take my time but continue. I had massage for my legs and after drinking and eating enough I continued my journey to the longest and at some part very steep uphill of the race.
One of the narrow passes in between rocks
During the uphill I walk along with Toni and Paco and while I could keep up in the beginning in the flatter part once on top my left knee starts to hurt a bit and every 5 minutes I have to run 20 meters to not fall behind. Since navigating here is a bit difficult at night, since it was rather misty here I forced myself to follow untill we started the downhill. The downhill to Morera de Montsant goes quite ok, but after a small break taking of my windjacket and just resting a bit I continued for the last 8km of several hills we had to go up and down approaching the finish. My left knee is slowing me down more and more but still I make it to improve on my time of 2 years ago and finish in 19h04m.
In the aftermath of the race I learned a lot, among others that have to learn to hydrate better and that going easy in the beginning will have to feel really easy otherwise I still run too fast.
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