2013 Kobe Marathon: Race Report

Have you ever slept better the night before a race than the night after?  Me neither, until now.

Why?  Couldn't tell you.

Maybe it's the fact that my mind kept racing (no pun intended) even after my body had finished.  So close.  So close.

On a positive note, the cloud of disappointment eventually broke up and a cloud of real, physical pain rolled in.  The pain probably relieved the disappointment as it was a sign that I really did push myself.

Anyway, on to the race.  It all started perfectly the evening before.  I laid my head down around 9.30pm, 15min of visualization and almost right to sleep.  

Popped out of bed at 5am, enjoyed a steaming bowl of rice and filet of mackerel before heading back to bed for 40mins.  I even fell asleep again!

Up again at 6.10am, quick coffee, shower, double check race kit and bag and out the door at 7.

Our local train was relatively empty with a few others heading downtown to run.  Then, we switched to the express.  Packed door-to-door with runners.  You could feel the energy.

We got to Sannomiya, Kobe's downtown, and it got crazier.

gorgeous morning

Natsuko and I had to split just after reaching Sannomiya because we were starting from different areas, so we said our good-byes, and began the race experience.  

As most things in Japan, the organization was great.  Plenty of signs to get to your starting area, find where to check your bag and even marked off areas for people to warm up.

bag check

I checked my bag around 8, went for a 10min warm-up jog and then my final bathroom break.  One problem, the lines for the toilets were insane.  

For a moment, I stood in a line of at least 100 people waiting to use one of 3 toilets.  Thankfully, a volunteer came over and told us there were shorter lines a few hundred meters away.  Okay, more warm-up jog.

Promptly at 8.45, I got into my corral and moved as close to the front as I could.  Nibbling on a banana and sipping on sports drink, those last minutes were agonizing.  'Just stay calm, focus on breathing.'

Finally, bang on 9am, we got a move on.  Kind of.

Because of the number of people and the relatively narrow road, the first k was REALLY slow.  Stop, start, stop, start.

My watch beeped, 5.27 first k, seriously!  'Don't panic, you knew this was coming, just ease into it.'

Second k, 4.30.  'This is ridiculous, 2 k in and already 1.20 off the pace!'  I continued to breathe deep and remind myself that a good friend who ran this a couple years ago warned me about this.

Not long after, I saw a friendly face.  A buddy from work, Gary, stood on the the sidelines shouting encouragement with a beaming smile.  Not sure if he knows it, but that was a huge boost.  Thanks!

From then, I was on pace, even a little below.

K by k, I was pulling back time, but I had to step in, 'you can't make it all up at once.  Stick to your pace, and if you've got it at the end, make it up then.'

And on we went.

Out past Nagata and Tetsujin 28-go, through Suma and out to the Akashi bridge.

Kobe Marathon map, www.kobe-marathon.net

Tetsujin 28-go, pic from madebysix.wordpress.com

The course is pretty flat, a LITTLE rolling from 9 to 26km but nothing that threw me too much off pace.  The flat k's were just under 4.20 while the slightly up k's were just over. 

Kobe Marathon topography, www.kobe-marathon.net

Halfway came at just over 1.32, a little above my target of 1.31.30 meaning I had pulled back nearly a whole minute from my slow start.

As promised, it was time to decide which goal time to go for.  The first half had come and gone so quickly.  I took a quick survey, 'still able to breathe comfortably through my nose, left leg giving a bit but generally feels strong, eating, drinking and salt tabs on course and mentally with it.'

Okay, stretch goal time it is.

Funnily enough, not too long after this decision, the first half started to creep up on me.  I focused on my mantras and breathing, and it went away.  It was off and on, but I was able to keep the negativity at bay more or less.

Then, somewhere around 30k, another friendly face!  My Japanese teacher appeared just where she said she would.  Thanks so much!

Around 32k is where things got interesting.

My pace was 4.24per k, exactly what I needed to go 3.04.59.  With 10k to go and 30 meters of climbing over 2k to top the bridge, I decided to push the gas. 

In races, I often think of my level of effort as driving a car.  Specifically, how hard you push the gas pedal.  The further into the race you go, the harder you have to push the gas to keep the same pace.  Hence, why I decided to push the gas.

Battling more mental ups and downs, and the beginning of a side-stitch, I roughly held the 4.24 per k.

pic from JanneM on www.flickr.com

Just after 35k, came the point I was waiting for.  I had specifically trained for.  I had spent time visualizing.  The bridge climb.

'Short quick turnover, breathe smoothly, don't try to catch anyone, just keep it steady.'

That's what I did, and it worked.  Two folks that I had been running behind for a long time unable to catch, slowly came back to me.  I was feeling physically rough, but mentally good.  I stayed as tight to the wall as possible to avoid the beaming sun.

To my surprise, there were volunteers cheering the whole 3k up and over the bridge.  There was also a parking structure close to the bridge where a group of enthusiasts were making a crazy amount of noise.  I'll get to the experience later, but needless to say, the support was incredible.

I came screaming down the opposite side of the bridge trying to maintain control so as not to push myself too much, but that's exactly what happened.

With the bridge only a few hundred meters behind me, my worst nightmare.  The side-stitch hit hard.  The pain, agonizing.

I managed a few hundred more meters before I relented to a walk.  'Just for a bit.  Deep breaths, hold your side and it'll recede enough to get moving again.'

Jog again and it worsened.  Again and again and again.  As I walked past the screaming supporters, with my goal time slipping right through my fingers, I couldn't believe it.

With 2k to go, 'alright, embrace the suck, you gotta wanna hurt.'  I told myself and started a light jog.

There was a gurgling in my stomach, I thought the Sports Yokan were coming back up and was almost encouraging it think it may help.  

'Jog to the next corner.  Jog to the next light.  Jog to the next cone.'  One landmark at a time before we rounded the corner for home.  Two things hit me, a slight let up in the pain and a light-headed dizziness.

Jogging one street lamp to the next, I finally got there.

pic from thomsontimes.com
okay, the pic is 2011, but the finish was the same

Initial feeling: dizziness

After 20mins: exhaustion

45mins: excitement to watch Natsuko

2hrs: mix, extreme hunger and stomach pain

3hrs: disappointment and hunger for the next one

2013 Kobe Marathon - 3.12.46

Post-marathon stream of consciousness.

finisher medals!

First, a huge congrats to Natsuko on her first marathon!  

I was able to watch her last couple k from the sideline, and she looked great.  

A couple minutes after the finish, she told me to ask her if she'd ever do it again.  So, I asked.  "Never," was her reply.

Understandable.

But, a few hours later, she mentioned wanting to improve her time and take a few years break before the next one.  At this rate, I figure we'll be signing up for another marathon by spring next year :)

I've failed over and over and over again in my life,

and that's why I succeed.

For me, a lot of good things came from today:

- lowered my PB by about 7min to 3.12.46

- no bathroom stops reinforcing my relatively new approach to nutrition

- pushed several k with a side stitch and then jogged the final k's despite it getting really bad

Despite all this, I feel an overwhelming sense of disappointment.  I didn't reach my goal time and when things got tough, I didn't commit and stick to my mantras and mental strategies.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not down in the dumps hanging my head and kicking dirt, just hungry for the next one.  Full race report to come, but I ran well through 38km and then blew up.  So close.  One day, I will succeed.

Weeks 19 & 20: Kobe Marathon

at the expo with the Kobe Marathon mascot 

You're body can do anything, 

it's just your brain that you have to convince.

Taper time and all is going great!  All of the niggles have melted away, I'm sleeping at least 7 and a half hours a night and regularly doing visualization.

The last couple of pace runs were excellent.  My legs felt really powerful.  Surprisingly powerful.

All signs looking good :)

goodie bag!

Goal Time - 3.08.59
If I hit this goal time, it'll be a personal best (PB) by about 10 minutes.  That may seem like a lot, but my last pure road marathon was New York City in 2009 before venturing into Ironman, ultra-marathons and adventure racing.

To be honest, 3.08.59 feels like a modest goal.  It won't be easy, but I feel I can run faster.  So, I'm going with a stretch goal time of 3.04.59.

Where do I come up with these times, you ask?  Well, 3.08.59 is the main goal as it's just under a Boston Marathon qualifying time.  Not that I'm planning to run Boston anytime soon, but I'd like to run the time.  The stretch goal is more competition.  My old training buddy, Alan, has a 3.05 PB, so I'd REALLY like to run under that.

As for strategy, I'm planning to go through half-way in 1.31.30 (4.20min km/ 7min miles).  At that point, I'll assess how I'm feeling and decide which time to go after.

map of the course

Mental Strategies
Following on from this post's quote and all the training, I know that I'm physically capable of running the stretch goal time.  But, it doesn't matter how much I believe this while sitting on my couch typing this post.  The only time it matters is from tomorrow's gun to the time I cross that finish line.  So, here are a few things I've done to prep.

> Running the course - I was lucky enough to get into a race in my home city.  So, I've run on the course 4 times feeling every last twist, turn and bump with my feet.  The first time didn't feel so great, but I have to say the next few times felt like the k's just flew by.  Hope that's a sign of things to come :)

> Mantras - "Embrace the suck." is a perfect quote from Chris McCormack about how to cope with those tough times in an endurance race.  Read more about McCormack's thoughts HERE.  For me, this is all about finding the mental strength to continue when your body and much of your brain wants to quit.

"You got to want to suffer." advice given to Luke McKenzie by Craig Alexander during last month's Ironman World Championship.  McKenzie was leading the race but in a low spot when he passed Alexander going the other way.  See McKenzie's post race interview HERE.

Sports Yokan, my race nutrition

Nutrition
I'll stick with what's worked in the past.  The week before the race, I limit my fiber intake, especially from two days before.  Also, I'll gradually start adding more carbs by switching my salad snack for fruit and increasing my carbs at meals for extra calories from the missing veg.

The night before is always pasta and tuna.  The sauce is usually just extra-virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.

The race starts at 9am, so I'll be up at 5am for my rice and fish breakfast, lay down for a bit longer before getting up for a quick shower.  Then, it's a weak cup of coffee to get my brain and stomach going and out the door.

30mins prior to the race, I'll have a banana if I'm hungry and sip on a sports drink every 5-10mins.  For this race, Sports Yokan is my food nutrition of choice.  Yokan is a popular sweet in Japan, and this product has been adapted for racing.  I used it in the Sahara and it was perfect: not much flavor, easy to eat on the run, settles well and has more calories than standard gels so I don't have to eat as often .


Thanks for listening everyone.

I guess all that's left to do is enjoy 42.2!

Racing, Racing!

Hey all, finally back in business!

I just found out that I got a place in the 2013 Kobe marathon!  The best part, Natsuko is running as well!  Her first marathon, very exciting.

Also, I've started running with a friend who's preparing for a 100k in Hong Kong.  He has a strong marathon background but hasn't run for years.  So, we're working together to bring back his running fitness.  A very nice project :)

In preparation for his 100k, we'll be running/ jogging/ walking the Rokko-Juso Trail Race, also in Kobe.  This is a 50k trail run through Mt. Rokko which sits just north of Kobe city (check the mountain in the picture above and trail below).

Funnily enough, Rokko-Juso is 6 days after the Kobe marathon, so needless to say, I don't have any dreams of pushing it hard, just take it as it comes.

Anyway, time to scheme up some training plans.  Be back soon with ideas.

UNICEF, Charity Stage: Marathon des Sables

Related Posts

From the dessert:  Check-in, Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5

Post-race report:  Pre-race, Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4 (1), Stage 4 (2), Stage 4 (3), Stage 5


UNICEF, Charity Stage: 7.7k, I'm walking this one!

tent 58, prepped for the UNICEF Stage
somehow, Meghan, tent mate and top woman!, got cut from the right

Disclaimer: 99% of the time I take a positive outlook, and generally, I don't want this blog to be 'political' but I feel strongly about this, so here we go.


New to this year's race is the UNICEF charity stage, a non-competitive 7.7k stage that doesn't count towards standings or time.  In the 27 previous years of the MdS, this day would have been competitive stage 6 and would cover a half marathon making the full race about 250km.

While I'm sure every competitor supports raising awareness for good causes (most people were probably raising money for some charity), I don't think the organization of this charity stage was the best approach.

Here are my thoughts on how it was handled/ could be handled better:

1 ) Poor Communication - Explain this when racers sign up and give them a chance to raise money/ awareness in advance.  The fact that there would be a non-competitive stage was not made clear when we signed up (click HERE for my initial thoughts when I first found out in March).  We were not made aware that the race format was changing nor were we given a chance to raise money/ awareness.

2) Why Non-Competitive? - Make this a competitive, charity stage.  At the end of stage 5, we cross the 'finish' line, are given medals and told 'congrats, you finished!'  This race is more mind than body, and once these things occur, your spirit all but shuts down.  All the little things that were suppressed, now become magnified.  This makes getting up and preparing the next day all the more difficult.

3) Give the Injured a Break - Offer transport to those in serious need.  Many people push themselves to the brink to finish this race.  Over the week, I saw feet, injuries and exhaustion the likes of which I never knew.  But, in the same breath that these people are told to kick back and relax because 'you did it!', they're reminded that they have to do it again tomorrow.

Please don't think I'm angry about this stage.  It was actually quite nice.  I spent the time walking and chatting with my tent mates.  I just think it should be handled differently.

Anyway, the 8k took us about 2hrs, and we were on buses back to a shower and a bed.

Stage 5: Marathon des Sables

Related Posts

From the dessert:  Check-in, Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5

Post-race report:  Pre-race, Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4 (1), Stage 4 (2), Stage 4 (3)

Stage 5 (marathon stage): 42.2k, more dunes!

Waking up on the last competitive day, I felt free.  Not sure if it was the completed long stage, the day of rest, the already covered 180k, the finisher's medal waiting at the end or the hot meal to come shortly after, but whatever it was, I was loose.

Morning, like clockwork.  Ready to go.

pic by Mark Gillett

 After the long-stage success, stuck to the run/ walk strategy with no anxiety this time.

To be honest, from start through CP2 is all a blur.  Not because I was running that fast, only because I was able to shut my brain off and just go.

Coming out of CP2 and looking at 4k of dunes, brain kicked in again.  Then, on a flat rocky patch, anxiety began to build, 'last day, don't leave anything out here.  Too early to let loose now?  Yeah, wait for CP3.'  Luckily, I did hold off a bit and would need that energy for another 3k of dunes ahead.

Around 31k, we exited the dunes to flat, and with CP3 not so far, it was time to get going.

Out of CP3, I was off to the races and heating up quickly.  I didn't care.  'Last 10k.  Keep it rolling.'

Passing through a cool (looking, not temp :) section of deep red ground, I lamented not being able to stop for pics, but there was business to take care of.

Finally, through a village that seemed all but abandoned, out the other end and flat, rocky trail to the finish.  'That's it, there it is!  Can't overheat now.  Keep pushing!'

6 days, 222k and an unmeasurable experience.

pic by Mark Gillett

I'm in the video at 17secs!

indescribable
pic by Mark Gillett

enjoying some time on our behinds!
Glenn (center) - good friend, saved me more than once
Steve (left) - tent mate, inspiration, finished 20th overall!
pic by Mark Gillett

In the spirit of the race, our shade time was short-lived.  We headed back into the sun to welcome home friends, tent mates, countrymen and total strangers.

Stage time:  5.19.31

Stage place:  147

Overall time:  32.48.33

Overall place:  167  (out of 970 finishers)

Stage 4 (Day 2): Marathon des Sables

Related Posts

From the dessert:  Check-in, Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5

Post-race report:  Pre-race, Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4 (1), Stage 4 (2), Stage 5

This video and the music sums up day 2 of the long stage.  It begins with triumph as racers victoriously emerge one by one.  Around 45secs into the video, the feeling and images pan to those of runners who finished on day 1: wander, rest, eat and sleep.

Tent 58 started our day welcoming home our last member.  It was a cool when we went together to greet him at the finish.  It's amazing that such bond can be formed in only a few days.  It reminds me of an excellent quote from Ken Chlouber, miner and creator of the Leadville 100:

"Make friends with pain, and you'll never be alone."

After we were all safe and sound, I spent the day stretching, lounging and eating.  Unfortunately, it wasn't an all-you-can-eat.  Far from it.  I took the idea from a tent mate and spread my food over the day, about 100cal per hour.  This way, I was never to far from a meal :)  Between "meals", I thought to myself, 'how amusing.  We all just ran 76k, 105k over three days before that, have a desert marathon tomorrow and we're scrounging for calories.'

what's with the massively long line?

Oh, and how could I forget, the can of Coke that the organization so gracioulsy bestowed on each runner at 4pm.  It was the talk of the day.  Simple pleasures.

Ahh, now I get it!

best Coke on the planet is in the Sahara,
just have to run 180k in 4 days to get it!!

Stage 4 (cont): Marathon des Sables

Related Posts

From the dessert:  Check-in, Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5

Post-race report:  Pre-race, Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4 (1), Stage 4 (3), Stage 5

... continued

CP4, standing in some shade, I could sense the gas tank was still full, 'keep it steady, bide time til the sun goes down.'

On the other side of 4 was more dunes.  YAY!  This time, however, would be more of a struggle.  Just past half of the 7k dune section, I began to think it would never end.  Then, luckily, I spotted that orange cut-off shirt I had come to know so well, 'Glenn!'

pic by Mark Gillett

It had been some time since I spoke to anyone, and this was a pleasant surprise.  We exchanged a couple stories, some motivational quotes and went our separate ways.

I reconnected with those Hoka footprints and followed them straight out of the dunes and onto solid ground.  Almost immediately, my legs began churning faster, 'this is what I've been waiting for!'

With 21k to go, shadows were getting longer, temp was hot but getting cooler and mostly hard ground from here, 'time to loosen up.'

The  run in the run/ walk was getting faster and longer.  Passing a lot of people, my confidence was building.  Running on flat, rocky terrain, I was flying into CP6 (relatively speaking).

BEST RUN OF MY LIFE

It wasn't dark, but getting there, so I dropped my pack in CP6, got rid of my buff and hat, put on the head lamp and fixed the mandatory glow-stick to my pack.  As I was doing so, the 5th and 6th elites came in.  They were quick to take off  and it dawned on me, 'following the other guy's tracks through the dunes worked superbly.  It's getting dark and sandy here, so follow these guys.'  Jumping to my feet, I locked my eyes on them and took off.

pic by Mark Gillett

Stride, stride, stride, 'breath deep, hold core, loosen legs.'  Leaving the walking behind, I was only thinking one thing, keep them in sight as long as possible.

After 2k, I noticed they hadn't pulled away.  'Wait, am I gaining on them?'

Another k, check my watch, 6min/k, 'not bad'.

Further along, I caught up to them, 'really?!?  What do I do?'  So, I did the only thing I wanted to do.  Ran right past them!

5k to go, racing between clumps of camel grass, lungs pounding and heart racing, I decided on one last walk break before pushing for the finish.

30 seconds and they passed again.  Of course, I went with them.

"Hey, there go a few of the elites," I heard from a group Brits as we passed.  Fully aware the men I was running with exist in a different stratosphere and had started 3 hours after me,  I knew the Brits had mistakenly included me in the comment, but that didn't make it any less cool :)

Another k down the road and now fully dark, I was running well but stumbling over rocks that I just couldn't see.  'Okay, this has been incredible, but unless you want to end up face down 4k from the finish, you better slow down.'  So, I did.

Down to 7min/ k, the real elites pulled away, and I was left to enjoy the darkness alone.

pic by Mark Gillett

FINISH

Continuing toward the white light on the horizon, it wasn't getting any closer.  Struggling a bit, I started a game to keep me engaged, 'you want to finish this stage top 100, right?  The guy in front of you is 99, you're 100.  Better get moving!'

This continued with each successive person until that white light began to get closer.  I couldn't believe it.

Just over 11.5hrs and my day was done.

Sweet Moroccan tea.  Elated.  Exhausted.  Tent.  Eat.  Drink.  Sleep.


Stage time:  11.31.16
Stage place:  107

Overall time:  27.28.59

Stage 4: Marathon des Sables

Related Posts

From the dessert:  Check-in, Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5

Post-race report:  Pre-race, Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4 (2), Stage 4 (3), Stage 5

Stage 4 (the long stage):  75.7km, lots of sand and dunes

The long stage is special for a lot of reasons.  For starters, there's two days to finish.  So, those who finish on the first day can take the second to rest.  "Just keep going.  No matter how, finish in the first day."  That's the recommendation from most race vets.  Unfortunately, those who don't finish on day one spend the night somewhere along the course, get up the next morning and press on.

Another unique aspect is the staged start.  Us mortals take off as normal around 8.30, while the top 50 overall and top 5 women let there nerves twitch until noon and head out under the mid-day sun (because being a top competitor isn't tough enough!).

pic by Mark Gillett

My day began with the same morning routine.  Only something was different.  I felt better than ever ;)

Following yesterday's success, it'd be crazy to change my approach, 'start at 1.5k run/ .5k walk, reduce through the heat, when the sun goes down, put it all out there.'

As I read the road book and pounded the day's strategy into my subconscious, our much faster tent mates continued to sleep.  They still had 6hrs to wait.

8.30-ish, and I was dying to get moving.

pic by Mark Gillett

Start to CP1 was the same as stage 3, 'Ahh, I'll finish last at this rate.'  'No, stick with it.  It's a long road ahead.'  Back and forth mentally and leap-frogging with some folks, it all eventually settled.

Out of CP1 and feeling good.  Then, the stomach struck, 'Ahh, really!?!  It's so early! Knew the extra dinner and breakfast were too much!' 

Alternating relatively flat sand and rock, I was into CP2 physically good but mentally deflated from 3 pit stops.  'This is going to take all day stopping every few k.'

With that, and full bottles of water, I pushed on.

The heat was turning up, and I had dropped to .5k/ .5k, except for some lengthy sand sections which were all walk.  As the course wound past an incredible mountain range, I wondered how long the mountains had been there.  Legs were going forward, but my brain was lost in the clouds trying to comprehend the enormity and history of this place.  Wow.

Up next, just before CP3, was a bush 'forest'.  It was odd that so much vegetation could survive in such a harsh climate.  Just another reminder of how amazingly diverse the desert really is.

CP3 came and while I was filling my bottles, the first elites came flying through.  'Wow, what took me 7hrs, they did in 4.'  

Straight out of CP3, I left my stomach problems behind (YAY!), picked up my spirit and went into the dunes.  As I trudged through, I noticed another elite pass about 5m to the left.  'Hmm, I'm following the same line as everyone else, except the elite guy.'  Saying this to myself, it dawned on me, he probably knows desert running a little better than the rest of us.  With that, I went 'off-course' and found some harder sand.

Honing in on his shoe prints (Hokas), I shut my brain off and just followed.  It took me where I never would have gone, up and down and zig-zagging, but all on harder sand saving some much needed energy.

5k of dunes and my most vivid memory is the sun.  So strong, I actually felt like my backside was on fire!  'Maybe black shorts were the wrong choice!'.

Eventually the dunes ended (phew!), and I hit CP4.  Standing in some shade, I could sense the gas tank was still full, 'keep it steady, bide time til the sun goes down.'

To be continued...

Stage 3: Marathon des Sables

Related Posts

From the dessert:  Check-in, Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5

Post-race report:  Pre-race, Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 4 (1), Stage 4 (2), Stage 4 (3), Stage 5

Stage 3: 38km, lots of sand, riverbed and a mountain

Surely I wasn't the only one, but Tue morning was rough.  I eventually recovered enough last night to get protein and dinner down, but my stomach was feeling weak, shoulders exhausted and attitude barely above sea level.  'Okay, nothing's working.  What to do?'

Luckily, some of the vets in our tent were tossing out advice, "It's going to be really hot today."  "Don't over-do it, the long stage is tomorrow."  These coupled with my desire to finish strong in at least one stage led to a run/ walk strategy, 'start 1.5k/.5k and shorten the run as the heat turns on.  Focus on breathing, engage core and relax shoulders and neck. If good at the end, let loose!'

After breakfast and prep, it was off to the start (stomach a mess).

pic by Mark Gillett

"Living easy, living free

season ticket on a one-way ride

asking nothing, leave me be

taking everything in my stride

don't need reason, don't need rhyme

aint nothing I'd rather do

going down, party time

my friends are gonna be there too, yeah

I'm on a highway to to hell

on the highway to hell..."

Run, run, run, and at 1.5k, I  pulled to the side.  The world began passing me by.  'Really?!?  Another k and you'll be in dead last!.'  But, I was determined to stick it out for at least one stage.

pic by Mark Gillett

Run, walk.  Run, walk.  Leap-frogging with the same people, anxiety began to settle.  More importantly, my stomach was also settling.

Into CP1 at 13k, and I had actually pulled away from my original leap-frog friends.  'This may actually work.'

CP1 to 2 felt slow.  A mountain pass (small by day 2's standards) meant single file for some time and after we came down, it was a lot of sand.  As frustrating as it was, I walked most of the sandy part, 'stick with it, don't be a hero today, tomorrow is what counts.'  During the walk, I came along a Frenchman who had lived in and traveled Asia.  We traded stories as the k's passed.  Once the ground was decent, I took off.

The final stretch to CP2 was dry river bed and my legs were desperate to run, '6k to the finish, let's let loose.'  With that, I came running out of CP2.  Still on walk/ run, but the run was really moving.  Passing folks left and right, my legs were getting lighter and looser with each step.  '3k to go, scratch the walk, run it in and carry positive energy into tomorrow.'

Across the line with an ear to ear grin and a hungry attitude.  'Finally raced my race.  Feels like the gas tank was barely used.  Bring on the long stage!'  

This was my lowest place and slowest time yet, but that didn't matter.  I had stuck to the plan and felt in control.  What a difference a day makes. 

Stage time:  5.33.14

Stage place:  296

Overall time:  15.57.43

Stage 2: Marathon des Sables

Related Posts

From the dessert:  Check-in, Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5

Post-race report:  Pre-race, Stage 1, Stage 3, Stage 4 (1), Stage 4 (2), Stage 4 (3), Stage 5

Stage 2: 30.7km, mountain, mountain, mountain

After a decent night of sleep, it was straight to the oats.  'Wow, running 40k sure makes it easier to sleep on rocks!'  Feeling okay, it was morning routine time: eat and organize while still in the sleeping bag, roll the bag, water pick-up, brush, pack, bathroom, water bottles and to the start.

Mentally, I was excited for the mountain stage.  On the road, I fancy myself a climber, so was hoping that may give me a leg up.  The only concern was never having done a proper off-road race and my overly cautious approach to anything remotely technical.  Was hoping the first would outweigh the second.

Anyway, AC/DC came calling and it was on.

pic by Mark Gillett

The first 7k were relatively flat, so plan was run to the first mountain, then walk the inclines and run where possible.  Shortly after the start, I was quickly realizing that flat in the desert, doesn't mean easy.  The road book said 'flat terrain with few stones' and 'some stones' which is interesting.  There was no space anywhere for a single flat footed step!  (somehow, secretly, this grows on you :)

Mountain 1, Hered Asfer Jebel - not difficult or technical, just long and beautiful.

excellent pic from Jean, new friend and fellow racer

Feeling okay after the first climb and descent, I jogged it into CP1, 12k.  Heading out, it was getting hot, so walk/ jog to take in food and make sure I was getting enough water.

Mountain 2, Joua Baba Ali Jebel 
Hit the second and this is where I began to realize I'm not equipped to race this race.  Getting up the mountain was a struggle almost falling backward at some points.  Once at the top, my core was aching.

A technical 2k on what seemed like a knife's edge (one of the best and hardest parts of the week).  That whole bit about climbing outweighing technical skills.  Forget it.

another pic from Jean

coming down the other side
CLICK FOR A BETTER VIEW!
pic by Mark Gillett

People either blowing by me or noticeably frustrated to be stuck behind a slug on a single track, I came off the second mountain tired and low on self-esteem.  Luckily, I happened upon Glenn who was nice enough to share a few macadamia nuts.  'So salty, these are awesome!'

Mountain 3, El Otfal Jebel, 25% avg gradient
CP2 was at 24k, just before the monster that everyone talks about.  This was one of the things I was looking forward to the most, and boy was I excited!

Looking at the mountain, I broke it into 3 sections: rocky start, sandy middle and rocky finish on all fours.

Rocky start was long, started with a low gradient and slowly built.

near switch from Rocky Start to Sandy Middle
click to see the trail of people back to CP2
pic from Glenn, cheers bud!

At the end of rocky start, I stopped for a few minutes to catch my breath and take in the scenery.  Then, it was time to churn my legs.

On reaching the start of the rocky finish, I stopped for another break.  Between hand holds, friendly chat, strains, awkward positions, more breaks, grunts and a few smiles, I got to the top.  Maybe one of the most difficult things I've ever done, and totally worth it.

pic from www.darboud.com

oh yeah, after all fours, there's a final push through sand to the summit
the sand's so fine and gradient so steep, they gave us a rope
pic by Mark Gillett

me at the top, view was awesome
pic by Mark Gillett

At the top.  Unreal.

Thinking the toughest part was behind me, I took one last glimpse and began to descend.  Unfortunately, the toll of the day was catching-up.  As the elevation lowered, so did my attitude.

On hitting the bottom, I had relegated myself to walking the final 3k.  Looking forward to flat walking, I soon realized what was ahead.

Any wind I had in my sails, officially blew out.  Looking every which way for some shade to take a break, there was nothing.  Stomach churning, legs weak, light-headed, 'this must be the last one.'  Reaching the top, 'uhhh, more to go.'  Trying to focus on my breathing, it reached a point I'd never experienced.  Eyes closing.  Hard to keep them open.  Falling asleep?!?

Reciting every last positive quote I could remember, eventually hit the flat.  'Okay, I can do this.  Just under a k.'  Better, but still struggling, a friendly face pulled up beside me, "Ahh, Glenn."  I didn't want to let on how bad I was, so I tried chatting, "Want to jog it in?"  'Really?!?'  I couldn't take it back, so we jogged.

Over the finish, and I was not good.  Queazy.  Fidgety.  'How will I carry 4.5l of water back to the tent?'  I plopped in a chair in the shade at the water tent.  After a while, I stammered to my feet, got my water and headed for the tent.

Once there, I greeted my tent mates with two things on my mind: 'don't let'm see you sweat' and rest.  Little talking, no recovery food, no stretching.  Music, lay down, close eyes.

Stage time:  5.16.11
Stage place: 293

Overall time: 10:24.29