Chamonix as usual was buzzing and there was no getting away from the pre-race build-up. We were staying in le Praz and everyone in the chalet was doing one or other of the races. There was Kenichi Yamamoto, Hiroko Suzuki, and Chiharu Watanabe from Japan all running for Vasque, Stewart from the UK and another 4 guys and girls from Austria. The Japanese guys were subject to loads of press interest and Ken was even on a special pre-race diet prepared by his trainer...serious stuff. It was also good to meet up again with Krissy Moehl the evening before the race - we first met two years ago before the Hardrock 100 race in Colorado (see http://blog.vasque.com/ for more)
So on Friday evening we saw the main race depart from Chamonix, seeing lots of friends from the UK and giving thenm a big cheer. Then off for a pre-race meal and off to bed although the alarm would be going off at 3:30am ready for the 5:00am start.
Looking nervous at the start of the TDS
We woke up to rain and drizzle which was a bit of a surprise, but the forecast was for the rain and mist to clear. The advantage of starting so early was that the pre-race speeches were short! I was feeling nervous and really had no idea about schedule but had a 24 hour schedule and a hopelessly optimistic 20 hour one too. With only 700 runners the trot to Les Houches went quickly and with fewer "pole in the eye" moments!
The smell of freshly baking bread in Les Houches was delicious, and fortified me for the first climb to to Col de Voza, where it ws a change to see a sun-rise over Mont Blanc rather than sunset. It was then headtorches off and down to the first Aid station in St Nicholas Veroce just outside St Gervais. This was 23km in, so a welcome chance to have a bite to eat and drink before the monster 1400m climb to to Mont Joly. I had my climbing legs on and managed to ascend at a respectable pace and then not lose too much ground along the ridge, which was still shrouded in mist that hid the sheer drops on either side. By the time I descended, and could see the aid station, it was clear that the mist was going to clear and the sun would shine on us.
The smell of freshly baking bread in Les Houches was delicious, and fortified me for the first climb to to Col de Voza, where it ws a change to see a sun-rise over Mont Blanc rather than sunset. It was then headtorches off and down to the first Aid station in St Nicholas Veroce just outside St Gervais. This was 23km in, so a welcome chance to have a bite to eat and drink before the monster 1400m climb to to Mont Joly. I had my climbing legs on and managed to ascend at a respectable pace and then not lose too much ground along the ridge, which was still shrouded in mist that hid the sheer drops on either side. By the time I descended, and could see the aid station, it was clear that the mist was going to clear and the sun would shine on us.
Descending Mont JolyIt was good to see Martin at the aid station and after a brief re-fuelling it was off up again towards Col du Bonhomme by a completely new route. I had always been here in the dark but today the views were stunning and after a brief 300 m descent, then 300m ascent to Col de la Sauce and then 300m descent, the next aid station at Cormet de Roseland came into view. I had one of those encounters with a lady and her son which went "Bravo" and then "merci" until her son saw the flag on my number and we could greet each other in English! Martin had taken the road route over many of the passes in this years Tour de France and unfortunately missed me although he had an exciting drive!
The next bit was not marked with any paths on the IGN map and involved an ascent of the Passeur de Pralognon which looked extremely gnarly on the approach But after a warm, energy sapping 600m climb the pass was reached where there were friendly marshals and moutain rescue guys there to greet us. I downed a gel and knew that once at Col del la Forclaz the going would theoretically get easier. However, what I had failed to realise that to get to Bourg St Maurice, elevation 830m, from my current position at 2567m, involved a 1700m descent all in one go! It was a long, long way down and my knees just knew it although I was pleased to only get overtaken by a few people.
Alas, there was no time for retail therapy in Bourg St Maurice although we did run down the main street to the aid station. One of the helpers offered me soup and then a lovely cup of tea! I took a look at my schedule and was well up on the 24h but I really knew I could not keep up the pace for 20h. Having said goodbye to Martin it was up, up, up again to Col du petit St Bernard. It was quite gentle but long! St Bernard eventually hove into view as the heat and light was going out of the day, but unfortunatly there was another 1km to go to reach the aid station and I was frozen when I got there. Struggling to undo my rucksack clips, I managed to put a whole load of kit on and downed a welcome cup of something warm and sweet...tea I think!
The next bit was not marked with any paths on the IGN map and involved an ascent of the Passeur de Pralognon which looked extremely gnarly on the approach But after a warm, energy sapping 600m climb the pass was reached where there were friendly marshals and moutain rescue guys there to greet us. I downed a gel and knew that once at Col del la Forclaz the going would theoretically get easier. However, what I had failed to realise that to get to Bourg St Maurice, elevation 830m, from my current position at 2567m, involved a 1700m descent all in one go! It was a long, long way down and my knees just knew it although I was pleased to only get overtaken by a few people.
Alas, there was no time for retail therapy in Bourg St Maurice although we did run down the main street to the aid station. One of the helpers offered me soup and then a lovely cup of tea! I took a look at my schedule and was well up on the 24h but I really knew I could not keep up the pace for 20h. Having said goodbye to Martin it was up, up, up again to Col du petit St Bernard. It was quite gentle but long! St Bernard eventually hove into view as the heat and light was going out of the day, but unfortunatly there was another 1km to go to reach the aid station and I was frozen when I got there. Struggling to undo my rucksack clips, I managed to put a whole load of kit on and downed a welcome cup of something warm and sweet...tea I think!
I had spent longer than planned at the col, and the light had gone with darkness falling quickly. Having climbed really well, I was then cold and clumsy on the descent and turned my ankle ending up in a heap on the tussocks. Cursing, I walked on and gradually the pain eased and I knew it was OK to carry on, although my pace had slowed dramatically. After a few more trips and stumbles the 800m descent was over and I reached civilisation and a great welcome at La Thuile which was a surprisingly big place. Only 16km to go but another 800m descent which did go on forever, at a fairly gentle gradient, but where I seemed to make no progress. 5 guys in front of me made it seem much easier and although I eventually caught them again, I tripped and almost came a serious cropper.
At Pre Saint Didier, I had a the briefest of stops and knew that there was only 6km to do and it was gently uphill...ideal! The guy at the aid station also surprised me saying that I was 9th femme but also first in my category. At first I did not believe him but he showed me on the computer, so it must have correct! I resolutely strode off determined to try and keep my placing and finish in less than 21 hours. The scenery was creepy as I approached Courmayeur first, seeing the silhouette of the great motorway bridges to the tunnel and then running near a raging torrent far below me. At last I could see the lights of the town and a supporter said only 1km to go along a circuitous road route to the finish. I was determined to run now and even jogged down the steps and up the ramp to the finish! Not quite a UTMB Chamonix finish but a great feeling of achievement. A big hug from Martin, another cup of tea and a finish in less than 21 hours. After a mixed season I was really pleased to finish 9th lady and first old woman!
At Pre Saint Didier, I had a the briefest of stops and knew that there was only 6km to do and it was gently uphill...ideal! The guy at the aid station also surprised me saying that I was 9th femme but also first in my category. At first I did not believe him but he showed me on the computer, so it must have correct! I resolutely strode off determined to try and keep my placing and finish in less than 21 hours. The scenery was creepy as I approached Courmayeur first, seeing the silhouette of the great motorway bridges to the tunnel and then running near a raging torrent far below me. At last I could see the lights of the town and a supporter said only 1km to go along a circuitous road route to the finish. I was determined to run now and even jogged down the steps and up the ramp to the finish! Not quite a UTMB Chamonix finish but a great feeling of achievement. A big hug from Martin, another cup of tea and a finish in less than 21 hours. After a mixed season I was really pleased to finish 9th lady and first old woman!
Through the tunnel and we eventually made it into bed at about 3:25am. Martin reminded me to switch off the alarm....although it was only 5 minutes until it was due to go off!
After a late breakfast it was then off to Chamonix to see Catherine finish and the prize giving. I am the proud owner of another cow-bell which would come in handy for supporting my rowing crew later in the week.
After a late breakfast it was then off to Chamonix to see Catherine finish and the prize giving. I am the proud owner of another cow-bell which would come in handy for supporting my rowing crew later in the week.
Cowbells for Vets!On Tuesday we set off on a long train journey from Geneva to Vienna, 800km all for 45 euros! What a bargain! We reached Vienna late in the evening and crashed out immediately in preparation for meeting up with my UK Gold rowing crew the next day.
We were rowing on the new Danube and predictably the course was buzzing with crews from all over the world, rigging boats and preparing for the competion that would start on the Thursday. It was disconcerting to see so many wind turbines in close proximity to the course, but not as disconcerting as the numerous nude sunbathers on the bank and swimmers in the water. Our cox was quite phased for a brief moment!
So competition started on Thursday and we were well beaten in our Eight by the Estonians. A great disappointment as we still felt them beatable. However we were rowing in a younger age group than our years and tomorrow was another day, when we would be rowing in our real age category. But despite a much better row, we were still beaten into second place. So it was now down to our coxless four, which had been unbeaten over the past few years in our age category, but this year we had decided to take on the youngsters too. And at last, later that day a victory, albeit there were only three to beat in the youngest age group.
The real test then came in the next day, when the Danube looked like the North Sea with waves and a horrendous headwind. We got aligned on the stakeboats and we were off, not the fastest start, but we were in the pack. Our push after 250m was solid and the crew to beat were the Hungarians on our strokeside. By 500m it was still too close to call, but I just had the feeling that we could still take it up, by using our experience to keep calm and strong. We began to make our move and at 250m to go, we heard Martin ringing the cowbell, time to push for the line and with slightly calmer water we took up the rate and yes there was almost clear water between us and the Hungarians. Yes, definitely one of our good wins.
So two down and one to go. The water had calmed a little by the late afternoon and we had grown in confidence and were not going to lose this last race. We knew it was won by 500m, so even when we heard the cowbell we did not need to go for home. Probably just as well as my legs were beginning to feel tired after the past couple of weeks' exertions. But it had all been worth it and we could now enjoy a beer! Despite the disappointment of our eight we knew that we had beaten allcomers in the four and posted the fastest time too.
All Smiles with medals and cowbell!
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