Autumn holidays in southern Europe, and the possibility to participate for the first time at festival_des_templiers (thank you Laurent for the help!). My distance of choice was "Marathon des Causses" 36K/1600 m+, which turned out ot be (more than) enough for me...
The weather conditions were really pleasant, even warmer than expected. Coming directly from the north, I hadn`t adapted to the conditions, and even if I tried my best to avoid it, I could feel that I was dehydrated already before the race. Rehydrating while racing in +20-25 degrees was a new kind of challenge for me.
It started out pretty well, I managed to keep up with the leaders in the first climb. But then, after the descent, about 12K into the race, my both legs were stiff as timber logs and I had nothing more to give in the following uphill. I decided to let go but still finish the race, as a good training session. After some energy intake and a few kilometers on the flat, runnable part of the course, I regained some energy and could increase the speed again. Slowly but steadily I
was approaching the runners ahead of me, and at the final climb with only 5 km left, I was in 4th position. The climb in the slope facing south, with the intense sunshine, could be the longest 3 kilometers I have ever run, barely moving forward at the hardest points. I was probably not far from a heatstroke, but luckily I survived and could make it down to the finish line keeping my position.
Far from satisfied with the performance, still convinced that I did my very best. And a big bonus to meet role models ockelbomaffian and idanilssi there! Well fouught out there, hope to see you at some race soon again! Until then I also know it takes more training in mountains and warm conditions...
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